A new era for the Fishers football team begins tonight, as a new coach will lead the Tigers to North Central for their season-opening game.
Curt Funk will coach his first game for Fishers, taking over from Rick Wimmer, the man who built the Tigers program from scratch and turned it into a powerhouse, winning a state championship and Hoosier Crossroads Conference titles.
Funk knows how to win as well, as he guided Mississinewa to winning seasons over the past nine years, including two sectional titles. He had to step into an unusual situation as new coach, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the pre-season and summer activities.
“I have been real proud of our players and coaches on how they have handled the change in routine this pre-season,” said Funk. “Our players are doing a good job of focusing on the game ahead and taking it day by day preparing for an outstanding North Central football team. We know it will be a challenge and our kids have taken a business-like approach to the game.”
Fishers graduated several key offensive players from last year’s 7-3 season, but it does have some experience on that side of the ball. Junior wide receiver Jeffrey Simmons is a player to watch, as he led the Tigers in receptions last year with 30 catches, including six for touchdowns.
Another wide receiver, senior Reggie Cook-Graham, helped out with 10 catches, two of them for TDs. Senior tight end Caleb Gates had eight catches last year, one for a touchdown.
The top returning rusher is senior running back Shaun Kim, who gained 235 yards last season. Junior Dominic Oliverio also saw varsity time as a running back last season, with sophomore Carson Dunn also a potential impact player in that position.
“Offensively, we have some experience coming back and we are excited to see what they can do,” said Funk. “The offense has done a nice job of picking up the new playbook and we think we can keep building as the season progresses.”
The defense will be filled with leaders. Senior linebacker Billy Reiter had 62 tackles during the regular season last year, while senior cornerback Shane Cole made 28 regular-season tackles. A number of other seniors are expected to contribute on defense, including safety Seth Dunnuck, defensive tackle/offensive guard Grant Stanley, offensive guard Maximus Kohn and offensive tackle/defensive tackle Jonah VanDer Kamp.
“Defensively, we have a good amount of seniors we will rely on to provide leadership,” said Funk. “Our defense has been working hard and we are excited about the energy they bring.”
After opening at North Central this week, the Tigers return home to host Pike next Friday. Fishers opens Hoosier Crossroads Conference play Sept. 4 by hosting Noblesville.
