By Joshua Williams

Recently the De Armigeris staff had the chance to meet with the Junior Academy’s new head football coach Mr. Waite and ask him a few questions. The season has recently finished, and we wanted to hear his views on the first year of Knights junior high football.

“Football is like a game of chess,” Coach Waite said with a focused look in his eyes as he responded to our questions. He also commented about the team’s performance when it comes to penalties, telling us gladly, “We are the least penalized team in the league!” I asked Mr. Waite to define the goal of the football team. He said that the point of the team is “to have fun”.

“Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but what is important is the attitude”, Mr. Waite said. “What I love about the team is that even if we don’t win, teammates will still cheer for themselves. They’re getting that losing is a learning experience because we learn from our mistakes.”

In addition, Mr. Waite complimented the team on its spirit and teamwork. “Every week when people went weight lifting they always saw the same peers working out. Everyone on the team has bonded.” The teamwork has resulted from the hard work and determination that have defined the team this season.

The Tempe Prep Junior Academy’s first football season is over, and TPJA is proud because they represented the school well by always giving their best in practice and games.