New leader, but same objective

New Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski comes from Wheaton Warrenville South, where he spent four years as defensive coordinator.
Jon Cunningham / Special to The Sun

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The Falcons begin the 2008 season under new leadership, hoping to gradually continuing clawing their way up in the DuPage Valley Conference standings.

The team finished 5-5 in 2007 and broke a four-year playoff drought.

"I think that we'd like to move into the top half of the conference," new Wheaton North coach Joel Wardynski said. "We understand that it takes time, though."

Ward-ynski replaces Matt Foster, who became an assistant coach at North Central College in Naperville. Foster was 53-47 in 10 years at Wheaton North.

Wardynski comes from across town having spent four years as Wheaton Warrenville South's defensive coordinator. He oversaw a defense that helped the Tigers win a state title in 2006 and place second last season.

He doesn't expect his new team necessarily to embrace his concepts just because he was part of a WW South program that earned double-digit victory totals during each season he was there.

"The fact that it's a rival school, it may even turn some kids off," Wardynski said. "I don't really think that they think about it too much one way or the other, though. They're living in the now."

This year's version of the Falcons will feature a spread offense and a 50 defense.

Northwestern-bound senior running back Mike Trumpy (6 feet 1 inch, 195 pounds) will once again get the majority of the carries. When the team gets in a throwing situation, look for junior quarterback Taylor Graham to find open teammates downfield.

"He's an arm-strength kid and a bright kid," Wardynski said. The 6-3, 190 Graham likely will adjust to any changes to the receiving corps smoothly, given his play-calling aptitude and ability to adjust on the fly.

The offensive line should be strong also, with senior Andrew Sorgatz (6-4, 260) a returning starter.

Defense, too, has the potential to be an area of strength for the Falcons this year.

Defensive back Jack DeAno is a senior who provides explosiveness few DVC athletes possess. Wardynski calls the 5-8, 170-pounder "Just a good, natural athlete. He's fast and he can jump."

Two linebackers expected for big contributions are seniors John Sambo (6-3, 220) and Jack Quinn (6-3, 185).

"They're physical kids who can move around well," Wardynski noted.

What will it take, then, for the Falcons to improve upon last season?

"The things that we've talked about the most are being coachable, giving a great effort in everything they do and being a great teammate," Wardynski said. "This is a good group of kids and they work hard."

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