Entering the program's third year of existence, the St. Frances' football team is, in a sense, starting over.
After the Panthers' first coach, Mike Clay, left the team with three games remaining in the 2009 season, the program needed a change in direction. So far, the hiring of Joseph Garner has accomplished that.
"He's very energetic, hard working and is building a rapport with the kids," St. Frances athletic director Nick Myles said. "He's a private-school alumni and he's an educator. We didn't just want someone with a football background."
Garner, who coached defensive backs at McDaniel College the past two seasons, welcomes the challenges of taking over a young program. But in his first year as a head coach, Garner said there are some adjustments to be made.
"It's like the birth of a child," Garner said. "You're not truly ready until you're doing it."
Garner started working with the Panthers in March, implementing a weight-training routine his players have followed into the summer. St. Frances is participating in a passing league two days a week this month in preparation for the season.
The real challenge for Garner will be teaching his players the basics of football. Putting in the time during the offseason, preparing for each game the same way and the feeling of playing under the lights on a Friday night are things many of his players haven't experienced. And at a school where football isn't the dominant sport, it makes the task even greater.
"The main thing that I'm stressing right now is how to be part of a football culture," Garner said. "Basketball is king and has been king at St. Frances … but these guys just need to understand what it means to be part of a football culture."
Though wins may difficult to come by this season, Garner believes the program has a bright future. He is excited about many of the younger players on his roster, including quarterback Malik Gilmore, lineman Bernard Whitaker and running back Tariq Abdul.
But even if wins aren't plentiful, Garner still expects a lot from his players.
"I just want these guys to show some dedication. That'll produce a positive attitude for us, and that'll produce wins," he said. "The problem before was a lack of commitment. These kids need to learn the commitment a football team needs."