The first practice of the football season came with anticipation and excitement for Northwest Missouri State head coach John McMenamin, his staff and the Bearcat players, but the opening day of fall camp brought more than just optimism.
It also brought familiarity.
"That's such a pillar that made Northwest great — they had a lot of continuity in coaches," McMenamin said Wednesday morning at Bearcat Stadium, "and we have that.
Northwest posted a 9-3 mark and returned to the playoffs in McMenamin's first year back in Maryville leading his alma mater. Now he's expecting another big step with the full coaching staff intact and clear expectations outlined.
"The sense of familiarity, having one voice for these kids to hear over and over is very exciting for us. These kids are very confident, it's year two. They're playing a little bit faster, so I'm really anticipating these guys having a great fall camp."
The renewed dedication to the weight room and time in the off-season with strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin has a talented roster in shape physically.
The next three weeks will be about testing the team mentally leading up to an August 29 bout with Texas A&M Kingsville.
"That's what really excites me. I think we're way ahead of the curve compared to where we were last year, but now you have to find out where that grit is at. Knock them down and see how well we respond and bounce back. That will determine how well we do."
Northwest is opening with two days in helmets, then adding shoulder pads for two days. The Bearcats will be in full pads by the fifth practice.
Full audio from John McMenamin's conversation with us Wednesday morning is available above.
