VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Fighting Indians football team held its second annual media day Wednesday morning at the Citrus Bowl after a 5:45 a.m. practice session. Head coach Lenny Jankowski said the early practice showed his teams level of commitment.
“We scheduled the early practice to test the waters. We wanted to see who would make it,” Jankowski said. “I was impressed with the turn out and the energy. The guys showed up on time and ready to practice. It was even better than I expected.”
Players and coaches participated in the team photo and interviews with members of the local media. Player also sported their new white Addidas Techfit away uniforms.
Senior defensive back Sean Paul said he is proud to wear the new uniform.
“These new uniforms are sweet,” he said. “The team looks great in them. It’s an honor to represent our school and we are lucky to have these.”
Offensive lineman Chris Flag is in a new uniform for a different reason, he transferred from St. Edwards.
“I have been welcomed to Vero Beach with open arms,” Flag said. “The level of competition is like night and day here at Vero and I hope I can contribute to the tradition.”
The Fighting Indians must fill the quarterback position after losing quarterback Nick Madden to graduation.
Madden also set the school record for most passing yards in a single season. Junior lefty Ryan Hiser and junior righty Brandon Stokes are competing for the open spot.
Hiser said there is no quarterback controversy at Vero.
“Brandon and I are friends and in the same grade,” he said. “We’ve known each other for years and we try to help each other with learning the offense.”
Regardless of who leads the offense this year, Coach Jankowski said it’s going to be another exciting season.
“We have started everyone from square one in regards to learning the offense. It creates a positive level of competition that is healthy for the old guys and the new guys,” Jankowski said. “The fans can expect the same exciting style of football that they saw last year.”