East Bakersfield High welcomes in coach Kasey Tittlemier who comes from an assistant position at Centennial High School. Tittlemier who was hired in June is looking to capitalize on a Blades team that found success in league play (4-1) after a slow start to their season in 2018. And, he's hoping the quick transition turns into a longer impact.
"It's not fair to them sometimes when they've had so many up and downs with coaches,” Tittlemier said. “And, so I wanna be that guy who is going to be here for a while for them. And really get them to buy in to how I do things and the coaching staff as well."
His players are also adjusting to the major change on the coaching staff.
"It's different, we're gonna learn some new stuff, become a new team, and adapt to the way he coaches,” said senior linebacker Nathan Carr.
East went just 5-6 overall in 2018, but they hope that with a new coach comes a new culture and more wins. Tittlemier will start the season relying heavily on his returners to provide the right example for younger players.
"You know we just, we need more of that,” Tittlemier said. “Leadership's got to come within too, coaches are doing their part but it's also got to come within."
The Blades are looking at the new leadership as they take on another team taking on a new head coach, Golden Valley. East opens the season on the road on August 23.
Catch 23ABC Sports' "2-A-Days"segment previewing all Kern County high school football teams daily at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. leading up to the opening week of the 2019 season.
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