Seton Catholic High School in Vancouver, Washington, has a unique approach to building its football team. The school encourages athletes from other sports to join the football program, creating a diverse and talented roster of players.
The Benefits of Multi-Sport Athletes
Seton Catholic’s football coach, Pete Wahlheim, believes that having multi-sport athletes on his team has many benefits. He says that playing different sports helps develop different skills, such as speed, agility, strength, and coordination. He also says that playing multiple sports prevents burnout and overuse injuries, and fosters a competitive spirit and a love for the game.
Wahlheim has been recruiting athletes from other sports since he took over the program in 2019. He says that he looks for athletes who are willing to learn, work hard, and have fun. He also says that he respects their primary sport and does not interfere with their commitments.
Some of the athletes who have joined the football team from other sports include:
- Carter Monda, a senior who plays baseball and basketball. He is the starting quarterback and a leader on the team.
- Xavian Rushing, a junior who runs track and cross country. He is a wide receiver and a defensive back, and one of the fastest players on the team.
- Luke Pitzer, a sophomore who plays soccer and basketball. He is a kicker and a punter, and has a strong leg and accuracy.
- Evan Sims, a freshman who plays soccer and basketball. He is a wide receiver and a defensive back, and has impressed the coaches with his athleticism and potential.
The Challenges of Multi-Sport Athletes
While having multi-sport athletes on the football team has many advantages, it also comes with some challenges. Wahlheim says that one of the biggest challenges is scheduling. He says that he has to coordinate with the other coaches and the athletic director to make sure that the athletes can balance their practices and games. He also says that he has to be flexible and understanding when the athletes have conflicts or need rest.
Another challenge is teaching the athletes the fundamentals and the schemes of football. Wahlheim says that some of the athletes have never played football before, or have not played since elementary school. He says that he has to start from scratch and teach them the basics, such as how to tackle, block, catch, and throw. He also says that he has to simplify the playbook and use terminology that the athletes can understand.
Wahlheim says that he and his staff are patient and supportive of the athletes, and that they try to make the learning process fun and enjoyable. He says that he is proud of how the athletes have adapted and improved, and that they have shown a lot of enthusiasm and dedication.
The Results of Multi-Sport Athletes
The results of having multi-sport athletes on the football team have been remarkable. Seton Catholic has gone from a winless season in 2018 to a district championship in 2021. The team has also qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in school history, and is ranked fourth in the state in the 1A division.
The athletes themselves have also benefited from playing football. They say that they have learned new skills, made new friends, and had a lot of fun. They also say that they have gained confidence, leadership, and teamwork, and that they have grown as athletes and as people.
Wahlheim says that he is grateful for the opportunity to coach such a diverse and talented group of athletes, and that he hopes to continue the tradition of multi-sport athletes on the football team. He says that he is excited for the future of the program, and that he believes that Seton Catholic can compete with anyone in the state.
