Dundee's football team is adapting to a new staff put together by Milan graduate and former Pinckney coach Jason Carpenter.
DUNDEE – “It’s a great day to have a great day.”
That mantra was heard over and over again last week as Dundee’s football team completed its first week of training camp under new coach Jason Carpenter.
The 1999 Milan graduate was the Southeastern Conference White Coach of the Year last season at Pinckney. He decided to leave that job to return closer to his roots. He grew up five miles from Dundee.
He brings a positive message to the new job.
“So far, so good,” he said before a workout on Wednesday, Aug. 13. “The guys have been working hard and learning. They are a little behind because we’re putting in a new offense and defense, but they will catch up.”
The players and coaches are getting to know each other.
“I think it’s coming along,” Carpenter said. “We’ve got a whole new staff – six guys from all over the place. (The players) are getting used to us and understanding the people coaching them.”
None of Carpenter’s former assistants made the move to Dundee with him. He had to build an entirely new staff which includes a former head coach from Melvindale and two assistants from Blissfield.
“Everyone is learning a new system,” Carpenter said. “The coaches are picking it up, too.”
Carpenter knew what to expect.
“It’s always tough when you switch schools,” he said. “Everyone is adapting really well.”
One thing the players had to adapt to was Carpenter’s plan of study before work.
The Vikings spent the first two hours of each day of training camp inside studying the offensive and defensive schemes and lifting weights.
“We always meet and lift first,” the new coach said. “We prepare mentally and physically before practice.”
That plan has gone over well with the players.
“I like it said senior wide receiver-cornerback Camden Fairchild. “It gets you ready to practice.”
“We’re getting pretty comfortable with it,” said senior lineman Logan Turner. “It’s been good. We’re connecting with the new coaches in meetings. It’s mainly bonding.”
Plenty of bonding has been going on during training camp.
The overarching message they players are getting is that the new coaches care about them.
“The new coaches are all about culture and intensity,” said senior linebacker-tight end Evan Bennett. “The sense of culture is different this year. They guys have bought in. Everyone is more focused.”
“The new coaches have definitely ramped up the intensity,” Turner added. “You can tell they care.”
The Vikings, who finished 2-7 last season, open the 2025 season at Adrian on Aug. 28.
TRAINING CAMPS
DUNDEE SCHEDULE
Aug. 28: at Adrian, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5: at Onsted, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: ADRIAN MADISON, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: at Clinton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: HILLSDATE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: at Hudson, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: IDA, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: BLISSFIELD, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: GROSSE ILE, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: High school football training camps: New Dundee coach seeks great days
Category: General Sports