FOOTBALL 2001

The Associated Press
Quarterback Chris Migliaccio provided a nice alternative to the Tigers' normal Wing-T attack, passing for more than 800 yards as Centralia just missed the playoffs last season.

Clemons

Staloch

Migliaccio

Wesen

Rejuvenated Wesen hopes to carry Tigers

Versatile player inspired by PLU's Westering

CHARLES DYE, THE OLYMPIAN

CENTRALIA -- An off-season shoulder injury may have been the best thing that's happened in Brycen Wesen's football career.

After missing his junior wrestling season with the injury, the Centralia running back and all-state linebacker went looking for perspective. He found it in a speech given by Pacific Lutheran University football coach Frosty Westering.

Westering led the Lutes to a Division III national championship in 1999, with playoff appearances in 1998 and 2000. He teaches young players that it is better to compete against self than opponent.

"I tore up my shoulder last wrestling season. I had to sit out and watch. It was hard, but I learned patience and teamwork," Wesen said. "Now I'm making a conscious effort to make sure all the guys on the sideline know they're important. And they're all important."

Wesen has taken Westering's philosophies to heart and hopes to lead Centralia to success in the Pac-9 League after finishing one game out of the playoffs last season.

Wesen is hoping the W's keep piling up for Centralia -- in the league standings.

"A lot of guys are starting to recognize it's important to be your competitive self, your best self," Wesen said. "This team is way tighter than a lot of guys' families out here. It's different from anything I've ever experienced."

Wesen, senior Kris Clemons and junior Chris Hamilton give Centralia three solid linebackers to anchor a 4-3 defense.

"They're quick, they're strong. They read really well. They don't miss tackles. Having three experienced linebackers back is huge," coach John Schultz said.

The question marks for Centralia will be at tailback and offensive line. The Tigers employ a conventional Wing-T and run the ball -- a lot.

"We're pretty straight with the Wing-T. We throw the ball a little bit, but we're basically a Wing-T team," Schultz said.

Wesen had more than 900 yards rushing last season, while quarterback Chris Migliaccio passed for more than 800 yards.

"Our guys are excited. They're playing hard. They're working hard. Obviously we have a long ways to go," Schultz said.

James Crawford and juniors Erik Krogness and KC Chilberg are competing for the top two spots at tailback.

"I think we're going to be pretty good," Migliaccio said. "We're hoping to have a better finish. At 5-4 last year, I think we could have won a couple of those games that were close."

With junior Matt Goff (6-2, 175) a key newcomer at receiver and senior Adam Staloch returning, no added pressure to keep Centralia in games should fall on the defense.

"I full-heartedly think our offense this year is clicking," Wesen said.

Wesen feels that his teammates have forgotten last season's all-state honors for his play at linebacker. For him, success is something to share with those around him.

"I just love to bring people up to a better level," Wesen said.

"Football is more about life than people think. A lot of these guys are learning that. This is the best experience a lot of these guys will have in their lives."

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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Centralia Tigers

-COACH: John Schultz (13th year).

-2000 RECORD: 6-4.

-RETURNING STARTERS: 6/7.

-OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SET: Wing-T; 4-3.

-KEY RETURNERS: Brycen Wesen, FB/LB, sr., 5-10, 185; Chris Migliaccio, QB, sr., 6-2, 175; Adam Staloch, WR/DB, sr., 6-1, 175; Vince McKinney, DB, jr., 6-1, 175; Kris Clemons, LB, sr., 5-10, 185; Chris Hamilton, LB, jr., 5-10, 205; James Crawford, TB/DE, sr., 6-2, 185.

-STRENGTHS: Three solid linebackers to anchor defense, including returning all-state selection Wesen.

-WEAKNESSES: Inexperience on the offensive line.

-WHAT TO EXPECT: Athletic ability at skill positions and on defense could keep Centralia in the playoff race after finishing one game out last year.

Schedule

Fri., Sept. 7 TIMBERLINE

Fri., Sept. 14 at Chehalis

Fri., Sept. 21 TUMWATER

Fri., Sept. 28 at Yelm

Fri., Oct. 5 RIVER RIDGE

Fri., Oct. 12 at Aberdeen

Fri., Oct. 19 PARKROSE, Ore.*

Fri., Oct. 26 BLACK HILLS

Thu., Nov. 1 at North Thurston

*non-league

Home games in CAPITALS.

All games at 7 p.m.