As summer shifts into fall, the buzz around campus turns to Friday night lights and the roar of the student section. With the football season just around the corner, questions linger about how the team will perform, such as what students expect from the players. We sat down with Coach Wingert, the head coach of the Mustangs, to reflect on the past and look ahead at what’s to come in a season full of possibilities.
Reflecting on last year, Wingert acknowledged both the team’s talent and its challenges.
“We had a very talented team. Three of our players from last year are playing divisional football right now, and it’s rare for that to happen in high school football,” Wingert said. Still, the season wasn’t without complications. “Our overall schedule was tough, as we played many teams like De La Salle and Amador Valley often.”
From those experiences, Wingert believes his players walked away with a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed.
“The team learned the amount of preparation and dedication needed to win,” Wingert said. “During the off-season, it was important to turn it up a notch when conditioning. We have a good group of kids this year in terms of work ethic.”
As Wingert looks ahead, his goals extend beyond victories. “We want to be a part of the Monte Vista community. It’s not just about wins and losses,” he said. One tradition he hopes to continue is walking down with the band and cheerleaders before each game, but he also wants to expand school-wide support. “I have spoken with the leadership program to see if we can get athletes in sports programs to go to other games to support different sports teams.”
On the field, the coach is focused on refining fundamentals. “The big thing that we want to emphasize is to keep it simple. Make them drive 80 yards and just tackle well,” Wingert said. With that approach, he hopes to see consistent performance across tough matches this fall.
As for the players, several standouts are expected to lead the way. Team captain Lucas Luengo, three-year varsity veteran and offensive captain Torren Dunphy—who Wingert calls “the heart and soul of the team”—and Dakota Dickson, described as the “most talented player,” are names to watch this season. In addition, several underclassmen are expected to take on expanded roles, adding depth and energy to the youthful Mustang roster. We also had the opportunity to speak to one of Monte Vista’s young players, junior Brent Harrison. “SRV will be a very exciting matchup this year, and I am excited to play with this team”. Leadership, according to Wingert, starts with accountability. “First thing is to lead by example. It’s very difficult to bark at people when you’re not doing the right things yourself. Whether it’s doing your individual drills, weight room sessions, or playing your hardest at practice.”
With returning experience, talent, and a focus on community, Monte Vista football enters the season with high hopes and a clear vision of who they want to be, both on and off the field.
