With the introduction of new head football coach Ben Wolfe, Park hopes that a new coaching style will transform into a winning season for the first time on the new turf.

Wolfe currently is a teacher at St. Louis Park Middle School and previously worked as the defensive coordinator for Washburn High School for the past five seasons.

“I have a lot of experience working with kids at the varsity football level,” Wolfe said, “I have what it takes to take the team to a winning level.”

The Orioles lost their first home game on Aug. 23 against Jackson County Central. Despite the loss, they consider it a close game with an end score of 21-7 and a 75 yard, 12 play drive that led to a touchdown.

Last season the team had a record of 1-7 in the regular season but according to senior Quinn Livdahl are working to improve this year with the help of Wolfe. Livdahl, the varsity quarterback is returning for his second year at the position.

“We’re pretty ambitious and we have a good shot at our first winning season in a long time,” Livdahl said.

This summer the team focused on bonding and building good relationships during practice. The team participated in the St. Cloud football training camp which allowed them work together before the season.

“We had some pretty good summer turnouts, we focused on building emotional, physical and mental toughness,” Wolfe said.

As a new coach with a new style of play, Wolfe brings varied benefits to his fellow coaches and players according to Livdahl.

“Wolfe brings a lot of intensity to the table and the coaching staff is there to put us in the best position possible,” Livdahl said.

Junior offensive tackle Duncan McIntyre has been able to see both coaches styles of play and said he believes that with the help of Wolfe, the team will have a new play style that will not only improve this year’s team but the ones to follow.

“With coach Wolfe we have a new dimension to the team,” McIntyre said.  “A new coaching style that’s more apt for high school.”