Sooner than expected, the NHS football program is entering a new era of leadership.

After announcing his plans to resign and taking a coaching offer at Ben Davis, the former coach Jason Simmons will be passing the torch to Justin Roden. While Simmons’ departure is bittersweet for several people at NHS, it is already having a huge impact on the football team.

“It was tough to say goodbye. He taught me a lot of skills on and off the field, such as how to be accountable and how to embrace work,” junior football player Jack Newcomer said.

Meanwhile, Roden is putting his focus into fulfilling his final duties at East Central High School.

“It was important to me to fulfill my obligations. I preach this to my players and wanted to model that upon my departure,” Roden said. Despite the loss of Simmons as a coach, Roden seems prepared to take on a new challenge.

“Roden has a winning tradition and a plan for success,” NHS Athletic Director Leah Wooldridge said.

Taking into account their new coach’s record and motivation, the players’ hopes for future football seasons are high.

“I am looking forward to seeing him spark up the team and hopefully ignite something special,” junior football player John Cook said.

However, Roden is also holding a strong hope that he will be able to help the team members not only as players, but as people.

“I want them to be better students in the classroom and to model a student athlete who excels on and off the field,” Roden said.

In terms of how he will handle practices and training, it appears as though Roden won’t be lacking in terms of efficiency come fall.

“Coach [Roden] believes in getting in and getting your work done early,” junior football player Sam Wertz said.

Despite having his own methods when it comes to coaching, Roden still desires to continue the legacy that Simmons left behind.

“The previous coach was a good man and very football smart. I want to take what he started over the course of two years and expand upon it,” Roden said.

However, Roden already has a plan in mind for how he will train the players when it’s time to get going.

“For me, this [plan] means doing some things a bit different and pushing the young men a bit outside of their normal comfort zones,” Roden said.

Additionally, Roden also wants the team to reflect the dedication of the Noblesville community.

“Noblesville is filled with hard-working people who take great pride in where they live. I want the football team to embody that during Friday’s games and to make the community proud because of that fact,” Roden said.

However, Roden is preparing to drive the team towards success as early as possible.

“I am very much looking forward to hitting the ground running this summer,” Roden said.