Wildcat football welcomes new leadership as Ray takes the reins

After a disappointing, 1-9 season last year, West administration recruited new head football coach, Joseph Ray. The experienced leader looks forward to joining Wildcat nation as he implements his core values and philosophies.

“I played football from the time I was four years old all the way through college,” he said. “When I graduated, I started coaching youth football in Sussex, and my first high school job was the following year at Grafton High School as the defense coordinator.”

Ray’s career at Hamilton Sussex was filled with success. His skills quickly became the talk of the town, which eventually caught the attention of Athletic Director Brad Jodarski.

“He was the Greater Metro Conference assistant coach of the year last year,” he said. “His defense did great things, and we expect him to do really great things here.”

The search for a new coach wasn't easy. Jodarski sought a candidate who would contribute more than wins- he wanted to find someone whose character was also a winner off the field.

“We were looking for an individual who would be a great leader and who had an excellent rapport with kids,” he said. “Someone who was a team player and was willing to put in the time and energy to do what it takes to help elevate our program. Somebody who was energetic, student-centered, and an all-around good person who wanted to be a part of something bigger than just one sport.”

Ray lives by the values of effort, discipline, grit, and energy- all of which he plans to install in his athletes. He believes the most important part of coaching is not seeing who can lift the most or run the fastest, but rather establishing a good character on and off the field. 

“Investing in the players as people first is the most important,” he said. “That includes getting to know them, supporting them in their life, giving them tools to be successful, holding them accountable, making the sport fun, and giving players say and ownership.”

As for old traditions, Ray intends to evaluate them and put what is best for the athletes first. 

“Some I know we will get rid of, others we will keep,” he said. “If it helps our team achieve, and is a great experience, we’ll keep it. If it’s a distraction or a threat to our program and what we are about, we will get rid of it.”

This switch won’t come without its challenges. Some players were unhappy with the removal of the previous coach, so questions surrounding the new hire were expected. Ray recognizes this and knows to focus on the most important aspects.

“I can’t control anything that’s happened with this program in the past,” he said. “My priority is controlling what I can and doing everything I can to provide the best possible experience for everyone. I’m focused on coaching our players to be the best possible human beings and football players they can be, regardless of what has happened.”

Jodarski likes what he hears of the buzz surrounding Ray’s entry. 

“I've only heard positive things,” he said. “He's getting to know lots of different people, and he’s working on connecting with other coaches to help build the staff.” 

Early conversations have been held to build camaraderie before the grueling hours of practice and games this upcoming fall.

“He had a parent-student meeting scheduled, and he's already met with the returning seniors,” Jodarski said. “I think he’ll put new ideas in that are based on his experiences coaching, as a student-athlete, and other connections that he has through his networking.” 

Some new ideas include a new brand and look for the program. Ray has a talent in leadership and defensive plays as well as marketing, which sets him above other candidates.  

“He's on the cutting edge of graphics and social media,” Jodarski said. “I think he'll take that a step further.”

Improvement is needed in many areas, and Ray sees that as an opportunity to grow companionship and come back stronger than ever.

“I’m excited more than anything,” he said. “There is a new opportunity, new challenge, and a new team. This team has a lot of areas that we can grow in. I look forward to seeing how we grow, and how our leaders lead our team.”

Flexibility is necessary from everyone involved during this adjustment. Even though it might take time, Jodarksi believes that the wait will be worth everyone's while.

“Like anything else, change is always challenging,” he said. “I think the sooner students have a chance to hear his message, they're going to like what he has to say.”

By Sophie Carlin

February 21 2023

Oshkosh West Index volume 119 Issue V