The man in the middle of the Minooka defense
By MARK JOHNSON
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mjohnson@morrisdailyherald.com
Of all the components that have contributed to the 8-2 showing by the Minooka Indians in 2009, coach Bert Kooi lists the play of his linebackers at the top of the list.
Starters Brandon Haase, Tim Meyer, Parker Parzych and Matt Powers have all made big plays at times, and have all carried out their roles successfully. But Haase, a three-year starter and senior captain, is the anchor and leader of the defense. He took some time out this week to answer a few questions from the Morris Daily Herald.
Q: Do you think the team is where it needs to be right now?
A: I think there is room for improvement. There is always room for improvement. I mean, we're doing good, but we could be doing better. We need to finish better and work on touching things up, on our crispness out there, I guess you could say. We need to make our team a little bit better as a whole by just finishing what we do. It's about getting everything tightened up."
Q: What was a highlight of the season?
A: Getting to the playoffs. We hadn't done that in six years, so that was probably the highlight. Other than that, the Oswego game was a turning point, and so was the Plainfield South game. That game, the Plainfield South game, is what really got our confidence up. That was the point where we thought to ourselves, 'OK, maybe we can really do something with our talent.'
Q: What was your personal favorite moment from this season?
A: Not really anything individually. Just playing with this team, playing with one of the best teams in Minooka and what I believe to be one of the best teams in the state. Being conference champs, and going 7-2 in the regular season was something I was happy with.
Q: How far do you feel your team can go, and why?
A: I think we can go all the way to the state finals, because we have a strong defense and our chemistry is as good as anyone's. We have some pretty big kids and talent on both sides of the ball. We want it more than anyone, and we have worked harder than anyone."
Q: What are the keys to your team's success?
A: Great coaching, hard work, motivation and our desire to win. For example, in the offseason, we had a workout we do called cross fit. We had to do it a certain amount of repetitions in a certain amount of time. Then we made it a competition, where the people that lost had to pay the piper. Basically the people that won got to make a workout for the ones that lost. I think this brought about a winning attitude, the fact that everything was a competition. It has carried over and help us win in the season.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the game of football?
A: The whole idea of it, just as a whole. I love the whole hard-hitting aspect. The fast speed, and everything about it. The big hits are my favorite part. I like the way you set up plays as a defense and try to figure out what the other team is doing, and then stop it. Overall I just like the whole smash mouth thing.
Q: What do you do with your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
A: Most of the time I hang out with friends. Sometimes I work on my truck. It's a 1989 Chevy Blazer.
Q: What are your favorite college and professional teams?
A: I like Illinois and Texas for college teams. I like the Bears, and for some reason, ever since I was a little kid, I've always liked the Falcons, too.
Q: What lessons has the game of football taught you?
A: Work hard, never give up, be a winner and succeed. Work well with other people. Being a good leader is a big one.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Probably go to college and try to play football. I want to be a high school football coach.
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