The newly elected captains of the Foxes football team know they have a big task ahead of them this season, but seniors Troy Susnak, Ben DeMotte, and Mason Miles are up for the challenge. More than anything, they want to usher in a successful era under new head coach David Leasure.
“All three are unique in their leadership abilities, which is kind of rare, but all three are effective leaders,” says coach Leasure.
“Troy shows up every day and does his business the way it is meant to be done,” the coach says of his linebacker and tight end. “He does everything as hard as he can, and I think his teammates appreciate that type of leadership.”
Considered an approachable, accountable, and level-headed player, Troy’s goal is to be someone whom others can look up to both on and off the field.
“An effective leader should never get too high or fall too low but should remain even and motivate his team to do the same,” Troy says. “One thing I want to continue to do to inspire the team is show up every day and go 100%. Sometimes in order to inspire people, you don’t need to say a word, but rather set an example. In my opinion, working hard and going 100% is contagious on a football team due to the constant competition and desire to win in both practices and in games.”
Coach Leasure says quarterback Ben is the vocal leader of the team. “Being the quarterback, that type of leadership is pretty much a requirement. When the offense is on the field, Ben is expected to lead the unit, and you can’t do that quietly. At the same time, Ben knows how to lead vocally in a positive manner, which is just as critical.”
“We do have a big task ahead of us, but our job is to lead by example, and not just the three captains,” Ben says. “A lot of guys have been good leaders all summer and in the offseason. There haven’t been too many challenges so far, more like just trying to get everyone to understand that once heat acclimitization begins, it’s an all-in situation for the next three to four months.”
Ben is optimistic about what the team can achieve, saying, “Coach Leasure and the rest of the staff have really prepared us for this year, so I’m confident we’re going to go out and compete, and win football games. But the schedule is the same, we play some really good programs, and WPIAL 5A football is tough. The only real way we can answer to that is by performing 100% on the field.”
The other tri-captain, Mason, is an example of how persistence can pay off. There always are obstacles on the field, but perhaps his biggest one was fought while rehabilitating his knee after an injury last year.
“Mason’s greatest strength has been shown this summer, and that is his ability to persevere,” coach Leasure states. “Having his junior season cut short had to be difficult. However, Mason has worked tirelessly this summer to get that knee ready to go. We expect Mason to lead the defensive unit, just as Ben leads the offensive unit. His teammates obviously appreciate how hard he worked to get back to this point.”
Mason’s mindset is simple: “Stay focused and always come in with a win-win attitude.”
“If you are not in the game, then cheer for your teammates,” says Mason. “Always leave the game knowing you played your best. Everyone makes mistakes or has difficulties. The only thing that matters is what you do afterward.”
Based on the players’ previous week’s performances, a fourth captain will be named weekly by the coaching staff. Senior Isaac Jacobs will serve in that role through the preseason and the August 19 scrimmage against Hempfield.