Catoctin Goes Through 'Iron Man' Training
A roster of 28 players means little downtime, and hardly any reserves, for the Catoctin program, shown in a scrimmage against Frederick High.
(By Ricky Carioti -- The Washington Post)
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Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Compared to how thin its roster was a few years ago, when there were 18 varsity players, having a roster of 28 feels like a luxury at Catoctin High School. Still, it's one of the smaller rosters at an area public school.
"When we have 28 on our squad, that's actually a good number compared with the past," assistant coach Paul Dumars said.
For a school like Catoctin, a 1A program with an enrollment of approximately 850, so-called "iron-man football" is common. While similarly sized Brunswick has 100 players between its varsity and junior varsity rosters, players at Catoctin frequently play on both sides of the ball.
"They never come off the field," Dumars said.
It has helped that the Cougars have had some recent success, including a state playoff berth last year. Winning breeds interest, making it easier for coaches to recruit players from the school's hallways.
"Football's not easy. It's hard work. But the type of athletes we're dealing with has changed a little bit," Dumars said.
Not only do many players play on both sides of the football, they also play special teams. Breathers are a luxury.
"You get used to it," said senior wide receiver and defensive back Colten Eureka.
Eureka said the school's small enrollment isn't the sole reason for the limited amount of players. Many in Thurmont have other responsibilities.
"It's a rural town and a lot of people work, and that's why I think a lot of people don't come out," he said.
