Russellville High School athletics are back and perhaps no team is more excited to get back to work than the RHS football team.

Last year was the Indians’ first season as a college football team. Although the team’s effort was strong, the results were disappointing. RHS ended their first football season with a 0-8 winless record and were outscored by opponents 419-114 in eight games.

The past offseason saw a change in leadership when Russellville hired former Chillicothe head coach Timothy Rulo as the new Indian head coach. In his first full season behind the wheel of the Indians, Rulo seeks to lead Russellville to a different storybook season.

Football is still a relatively new sport for Russellville as the Indians are only in their second season as a team. With many of his players still new to the sport, Rulo focused on the early days of football with his Indians.

“Because football is so new to so many players and families in Russellville, we just took care of the basics,” said Rulo. “The most important thing was our summer athletic improvement. On top of that, we spent time growing as a team through team social activities as well as learning soccer skills during our summer soccer camps.

Although he has yet to coach a game with his new team, Rulo said one of Russellville’s greatest strengths comes from the attitude and desire his team bring to the table.

“I was really impressed by the willingness of our players to work hard and be coachable. A coachable mind is so important, ”said Rulo. “These young men are committed to participating in weightlifting and football camps all summer long, all under the guidance of a new head coach they don’t really know. It means so much to me! This positive attitude and willingness to work hard is definitely a strength.

But like any other football team, Indians will face challenges, on and off the pitch. For Rulo, the biggest challenges of the 2021-22 season are staying healthy and bonding.

“With all football schedules, depth and potential injury can be a challenge,” said Rulo. “Ultimately, we want to build quality relationships with these players, have a positive impact on their lives, and help them prepare their minds and bodies for any challenges they may face during the season and through. life.”

When asked which players stand out as contributors or breakout players, Rulo said it’s not a few players that stand out from him, it’s all of his players.

“At the moment I have been very impressed with all the players,” said Rulo. “Anyone who wants to get into a new sport and try to play for a new coach is to be congratulated. I’m delighted to continue to get to know them better as youngsters as the season progresses. “

The season for the Russellville Indians begins August 27, when they travel to Mexico to face off against the Colonels of the Missouri Military Academy.