The Laramie Plainsmen football program hosted a fun 7-on-7 event at War Memorial Stadium on Tuesday.
Organized by the Laramie Football Committee, the coaching staff and the LHS Football Booster Club, the event gave players the chance to have fun and play on the big stage where UW plays.
Plainsmen head coach Paul Ronga was very pleased with what he was seeing of his roster given the limited number available for this event.
“It’s always very difficult when you’re up against your own team because everyone knows what you’re doing, so the things we saw tonight (Tuesday) were incredible. In the sense that we’re up against a defense that knows exactly what we’re doing but is still able to execute it.”
Ronga said he’s tipping players because they appreciate what they’re doing offensively. He also felt that a year in the system has created better understanding which leads to better execution.
In the lineman portion of the competition, the white team defeated the maroon team 3-2.
For the backs, it was the chestnut over white, 35-21.
Ronga added that they see a difference in excitement with this group of players.
“The players are looking forward to playing football again and the players are looking forward to being part of this program again. They are excited about the direction we are taking and they look forward to moving forward with what we do.”
Ronga sees more confidence and hints at more off-season work, which translates into the previously mentioned understanding factor.
“As a result, we’re seeing better performances on the field and better performances in training.”
What’s next? Ronga said they’re continuing with what they’ve been doing this offseason, lifting weights and working out.
“We’re better than ever in the weight room. We hired a strength coach and we also have middle school players working with us.”
The team prepares for standard pre-season tests to help the coaching staff understand where a player is for evaluation and training. You’ll test in the weight room with bench presses, squats and deadlifts, as well as long jump, Kegel drills and more.
Ronga has created competition for awards with her training, saying, “It’s an extra layer of motivation.”
The next big summer offseason hunk is Plainsmen Camp on July 18-22, 2022. It’s aimed at anyone who wants to play football this fall and will be held in grades 9-12.
Ronga said: “We’re going to have our players with helmets and shoulder pads, and we’re going to push hard and go flat out.”
He believes this will give the coaching staff a barometer before the 2022 season begins.
It’s hard to believe but football season will be here before you know it. Training begins on Monday, August 8, 2022, just over seven weeks from now. The season debuts on Friday, August 26, 2022 at home against Natrona County at Deti Stadium.
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