The varsity football team has flipped the switch on Friday night lights. After a tough season last year, they have stepped up their game with an overall record of eight wins to one loss.
Captain Kyle Armbruster has worked behind the scenes as the players have taken the season head on. It has taken dedication and persistence from each player.
“The aid to success is coming in with the same intensity and intent to get better every day at practice and just make each other better,” Armbruster said.
Pushing each other to improve is important, but what keeps the team ahead is their personal competition for playing time in the upcoming games. Head Coach Joe Drouin recognizes that the importance of hard work rather than experience or grade level has become a driving factor for the teams success.
“We will start anybody who’s working hard and showing that they want to do what it takes to win,” Drouin said. “And that attitude has really come through.”
Attitude is important especially to be in a winning mindset, but the key to staying motivated is working to be a close knit team which is easy for this outgoing group. As water boy Adam Ayrault follows the team throughout their victories, he sees their strong bond both on and off the field.
“The most enjoyable part of being with the team is definitely the brotherhood that this team has,” Ayrault said. “Everyone brings great energy to practice and everyone is just excited to be there and put in the work to get better.”
Their hard work has been paying off as they have won 8 out of 9 games. With these games won, the team has an audience rooting for them from the stands.
“I feel proud for the team and happy for all the students that get to finally witness our team winning because it feels good to win in front of our fans,” Armbruster said.
Despite their wins and achievements, the season has not been all smooth sailing, but the players have stayed determined.
“I think the way that these players are able to step up through adversity or change has really been a big part of the success,” Ayrault said. “With players getting hurt and the next guy in line able to step up to the plate and be successful really impacts the game.”
But the season is not over yet. The players will continue to push themselves and each other as they enter the playoffs for both themselves and the community. Ayrault believes that their work has and will positively impact everyone at GPN.
“To see them succeed boosts confidence of the players, coaches, students, and the rest of the Grosse Pointe North community,” Ayrault said.