Mundelein has pursued a new head coach for the varsity football team this year. Former JV basketball and football coach John Cowhey has taken over the role of head coach for the Mustangs.
“It is super exciting to take on the role of varsity head coach. We have an awesome group of players this year and they are working so hard. I have enjoyed every minute of being their head coach so far,” Cowhey said.
Knowing players beyond football is important to Cowhey and he believes it is a very important activity. Cowhey shared, “The reason I think football is such a special activity is the lessons it teaches you beyond the game of football and that you can carry with you in life.”
Cowhey uses the term FAMILY (Forget About Me I Love You) to bring the team together and create a winning culture. Cowhey brought in a leadership counsel this season to help the players become better leaders on and off the field. Cowhey also works on his own mindset, as he finds himself more defensive minded, but is working hard to learn more offense this year.
Effort and coachability is what Cowhey looks for in players. Senior Jake Junia and Junior Logan Young, two players who possess both of those qualities, highlighted how intense practices have been. Young said, “Everything is 110% as that’s what it takes to get to the playoffs.”
Young, quarterback for the Mustangs, thinks of football like a second family to him. He enjoys all the memories he gets to make with friends and teammates. It is Young’s first year on varsity and his favorite memory is the home opener against Grant, but thinks it will change soon. Young hasn’t played football his whole life, but is very glad he decided to. He said, “The best part about football is playing in front of the students, parents and community.”
On the other hand Junia has been playing football since he was seven years old. He wanted to experience a more physical and faster game than soccer so he decided to try football.
Junia, who has played running back and linebacker since he began playing football, adapted to slot receiver and safety for the first three games of the Mustangs 3–0 start.Junia enjoys making big plays in key moments and never forgets to celebrate with teammates and coaches. He has been making key varsity plays since a sophomore. His favorite experience was getting the win for his team in his first varsity start.
Junia stated, “I would definitely like to continue playing football in college as it’s a huge part of my life. I have been pursuing this dream, and hoping to find the right fit for me soon.”
