Sports

(VIDEO) Orioles Prep for Home Opener

The St. Louis Park football team is looking for a turnaround season under a new coach.

knows he might not have a state title contender, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for optimism.

The new St. Louis Park football coach said there are a lot of talented, hard-working kids on the squad, which went 2-7 last season. The Orioles, 1-0 this year after a , open their home season on Friday at 7 p.m. against Fridley.

"We're looking to improve every day and lay it all on the line," Varpness said. "As long as we get better every week, that's the only thing we're concerned with."

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Varpness said on the offensive side of the ball, senior quarterback Jacolbi Courington-Meier and punishing runner Desmon Martin are the key players. The coach said the defense is led by a strong linebacking corps.

"I think we've got the potential (for a good season)," Varpness added. "We have a lot of athleticism."

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What the team has in athleticism it may lack in overall strength, and Varpness said hitting the weight room will be key for the Orioles. But he added that this will be a multi-year process and will involve working with younger players as they develop.

In 2011, Varpness hopes to field a competitive squad—and hopes to get plenty of fans into the seats, too.

"The more the merrier for us," he said. "They're like the 12th man. They really help us out."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here