Wildcat Boys Enjoy Family Atmosphere
By Jacob Leinen
Northwestern head boys’ basketball coach Anthony Redman and his three seniors help foster a family atmosphere in the program. Even though their season hasn’t been what they wanted, Coach Redman and his team have kept their heads up high. The Wildcat boys’ basketball team has posted a 2-12 start to the 2023-24 season after having to adjust to many injuries and a brand-new line up. But seniors Nathan Melius, Lincoln Woodring and Dawson Ward are staying optimistic and making the most of their senior year.
“(When I think of the seniors), I think of togetherness, wanting the other to do good, one of those guys have been great leaders, Lincoln Woodring has stepped up and been a great leader for us this season, Nathan Melius has been a great leader by setting the bar, coming in and getting shots up, Dawson Ward is setting a good example by doing the fundamentals right of taking charges and working hard. All of them have done great by being positive during this rough stretch, and hopefully they can take that with them in the future,” Redman said.
Staying positive and continuing to work hard has been a theme of this year’s basketball season.
“It’s been fun, the guys are working hard, it’s not going exactly planned but we have been showing up and working to get better each day,” Melius said.
Working together as teammates and as classmates remains a focus for the Wildcat boys’ basketball program.
“I just love how positive everyone is to one another, and Coach Redman and Coach Rozell both truly care about us, which means a lot to everyone on the team. We have a family here at Northwestern. Everyone cares about one another, and all we want is to see each other succeed. Being a small school, everyone on the team is friends with one another, and that makes every practice, game, and moment super enjoyable. I am grateful for my fellow seniors, underclassman, and coaches for the relationships they’ve allowed me to form with them,” Wooding said.
Being a family is what Coach Redman wants his players to get out of his program.
“I hope they learn to apply it to their lives and their families as they get older, even when they’re done, they can always come back and have coaches that they can rely on, and as a family, we will always be there for them,” Redman said.
While players like to join the program for many different reasons, Ward likes the rewards for his efforts.
“I like getting a steak dinner every time I take a charge!” Ward said.