Mater Dei experienced a significant moment of change when Coach Rollinson retired after 34 years. When new Head Coach, Frank McManus, came into play, the football team had to adjust to the changes. Fans and team members alike are eager to witness this new era of Monarch Football. The athletes are also experiencing a refreshed attitude towards this season and amplified morale.

As the team adjusts to these new practices and coaching strategies, the Mater Dei Football community can look forward to the emergence of a brand new chapter in the team’s history. This transition offers a unique opportunity for athletes, coaches and fans to embrace the change and build on the legacy left by Coach Rollinson, making sure that the spirit and excellence of Mater Dei Football flourishes and evolves for many more years to come. 

“Frank is more intense and fast paced, as if it’s a college practice, and Rollo’s practices were slower and quiet,” junior Abduall Sanders said. Sanders also shared that players are now allowed to keep their hair longer and that the freshmen can vote for their team captains. 

Prior to the beginning of the official season, the athletes trained with McManus during the summer. He had also helped lead the team alongside Rollinson for 16 years prior. The team seems to be adjusting quite well to McManus taking the reins.

“I am very excited for my next year with Coach Frank,” sophomore Brandon Garcia said. “We are more focused on the national championship than ever. Coach Frank wants the best for us and for the team.” 

One new change to tradition McManus has made is changing the pride drill conducted after a football game. Instead of the head coach yelling out the hits, a lower classmen captain is yelling out the hits.

“I thought for the pride drill to stay with Mater Dei, regardless of who the head coach was, it had to be player run,” McManus said. “So that way, it is consistently passed down from generation to generation. By incorporating it as part of the captain [duties] with one of the underclassmen captains running [the drill], it would get passed down from generation to generation.” 

McManus intends to keep the brotherhood strong this year, incorporating all levels of football in one practice. Rather than each team having separate practices, all grades stretch and practice together as well as incorporating the JV team into the pride drill. McManus did this with the goal of unifying the team as one, and we can expect to see this benefit the team as a whole. 

“[We need to] stay focused on what we have to do today to be successful, (…) and then everything will kind of take care of itself if we do that. So, that’s kind of the emphasis,” McManus says.  “As a new head coach, you have to try to get some of the timing, you have to (…) develop the program the way you want it, and you want to keep and maintain all the things that were really successful from the past.”

McManus has been making minor changes to the traditions of each game. His subtle changes throughout the season should benefit the players in terms of routine and unity. He has kept many of Rollinsons time-honored traditions for the team as well as the things that have worked best in previous years. The familiarity of previous routines, with the addition of some new ones, has helped the players adjust to the change smoothly. 

“This year I’m more vocal and trying to lead so we can become the best team possible,” junior Abduall Sanders said. 

Under Coach McManus’s guidance, the team is focusing on both immediate goals and the National Championship. This ambitious aspiration demonstrates the team’s strong determination and belief in their coach’s vision. As they adapt to the changes in coaching style and traditions, the Mater Dei Football team is poised to continue its journey of success while embracing the opportunities that this new era offers. With a dedicated coaching staff, passionate athletes, and a loyal fan base, the Monarchs are well-prepared for the challenges and achievements that lie ahead.