By Stuart Hoegh

The Atlantic Trojan football team will storm the field this fall under new leadership.  With changes at both the head coach and offensive coordinator positions, the 2012-13 season promises to be exciting.

According to AHS Athletic Director Josh Rasmussen, the athletic office interviewed two candidates for head coach before announcing Nick Ross as the new head coach in April.  Ross was the Trojan defensive coordinator last year and will still call the defense on game day.

The offensive coordinator is Drew Duff who took over from his position offensive line coach last year.  Coach Nick Hackman was the offensive coordinator last year but there is not news of whether he will come back next year at a different job.

Returning letterman Nick Olsen said, “It’s an interesting change, probably for the better.  Hopefully we can have a better season than last year.”

Also new to the Trojan coaching staff will be Bryan Woods. Woods will be joining the staff as a new assistant on the football team.  Woods is graduating from Wartburg College this year where he played receiver.  He will also be teaching biology classes at the high school.

Assistant coach Scott Yates will be back next season as quarterbacks and secondary coach.  Chase Roller worked with the offensive and defensive line as a volunteer last year, but Athletic Director Josh Rasmussen is not sure if he will be back next season.

Along with these changes the Trojans will have a different look with new jerseys and pants.  When asked what he thought of the jerseys, sophomore Jez Phippen said, “They’re sick.”

The team has a meeting Wednesday, May 8, to discuss the changes and expectations of the coming season.  Players and parents will meet with the new staff at 6 p.m. in the AHS gymnasium.