Lions enter 2024 hungry for more

By Jacob Meikel

In 2023, St. Joseph Christian proved that the past is the past, and in 2024, it’ll try to not rest on its laurels.

Last season, the Lions broke through by going 7-4, but what they went through in the years prior is what makes the record stand out even more. Prior to last season, Christian won just one game in four years before finally demolishing its demons of years past. For the current seniors who had to endure down years their first two years as players, the breakthrough season their junior years was rewarding.

“We’ve lost a lot together, but last year, we finally got to reap what we sewed,” senior Peyton Hausman said. “Getting to see my brothers Christ and all that, I love coming out here playing for them, doing everything I can for them. That’s honestly what I love about it.”

The Lions will take to DeKalb on Friday to kick off their regular season against a Tigers team they demolished 54-12 last season. New head coach James Schoonover is familiar with the opponent given he was on the Christian staff as an assistant prior this season.

“I know they’ve got a great coach,” Schoonover said. “He does really good little scheme things that give them a good position. They’ve got a good balance between run and pass.”

Having been on the staff as an assistant before taking the head job, Schoonover has already built chemistry with his players. He especially is in favor of the senior class, who Schoonover says makes his job pretty easy when it comes to the senior players being the leaders on the field. Senior Levi Miller took note of Schoonover’s volunteering as an assistant on the football team prior, as well as his volunteering to coach the baseball team that Miller has been a part of.

“I love the guy and I can’t be more happy to be his player,” Miller said.

Roster numbers can be tricky for some teams trying to rotate in players on the field for rest, and that has been an issue for St. Joseph Christian in the past. Schoonover says the numbers are better this time around, which will allow them to play with physicality and more relentlessness.

“We got a little bit of depth, so we want to go hard every play and we’ll get your rest when you’re tired, so don’t hold anything back,” Schoonover said.

The Lions open their season on the road on Friday, but will have their next two games of the regular season at home against Stewartsville and Albany.