Trojans start fall practice with first-year coach Joe Horeni
Downers Grove North senior Tom Ward experienced the rougher side of playing center during his freshman season.
![Three years later, Ward is a seasoned veteran, though he’s set for another challenge this season.
New Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni, a 2002 Downers Grove South graduate, played center in high school and at Illinois College. He was the starting center for South’s 2001 Class 8A state championship team.
So does Ward feel any extra pressure with his coach as a former center?
“Coach [Horeni] has been very helpful as a fellow center and is able to teach me a few tricks that he’s picked up over the years,” Ward said. “But there is a little extra pressure because he knows a lot and knows exactly what to look for.”](7bb45ce4-3bd2-41e4-9666-fb265c5ad21e/image-pv_web.jpg)
Three years later, Ward is a seasoned veteran, though he’s set for another challenge this season.
New Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni, a 2002 Downers Grove South graduate, played center in high school and at Illinois College. He was the starting center for South’s 2001 Class 8A state championship team.
So does Ward feel any extra pressure with his coach as a former center?
“Coach [Horeni] has been very helpful as a fellow center and is able to teach me a few tricks that he’s picked up over the years,” Ward said. “But there is a little extra pressure because he knows a lot and knows exactly what to look for.”
After coaching at Highland Park, Horeni accepted the head position at Downers Grove North when long-time coach John Wander stepped down after 16 seasons as the head coach. Horeni said Ward already has shown improvement this summer.
The Trojans joined teams from around the state in holding their first official fall practice on Aug. 6.
“I don’t coach the O-line, but I’m certainly there and involved in it,” Horeni said. “I probably demand more of that spot, though. Tommy has done a really good job. He’s more conscious of his footwork now and body position. He was a more straight forward guy before, but it’s the little things, like where his hips are that can be a big difference. He has to make a lot of adjustments on the line and is in a national leadership role.”
At 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, Ward welcomes the challenge of playing for a coach with a background at his position. Before high school, Ward said he had never played center. His main position was left tackle. Ward said his transition to a center wasn’t an easy one.
“It was a real challenge for me at first because I couldn’t shotgun snap and it was an adjustment to have someone right over me,” he said. “It was a nervous experience [starting] but the seniors at the time were very helpful in the process.”
Ward, a three-year starter, is one of two returning starters on the offensive line. Senior left tackle Nolan Bowerman, also a three-year starter, will anchor the line with Ward to help open holes and protect quarterback Drew Cassens.
Horeni said Ward’s development is crucial for the success of the offensive line.
“Tommy’s a kid with decent size and he has a nice mean streak which I like,” Horeni said. “He has the attention and the pulse of the team. He knows how to read situations and is real coachable and accepts criticism.”
Ward said he’s aiming to play in college, but understands his play this season will play a big factor in his future. Ward noted that leadership is a key factor in the Trojans’ quest to reach the playoffs again. The Trojans open the season at home against Buffalo Grove on Aug. 24.
“I think I’m changing as a player,” he said. “As a senior, I’m trying to become a better leader and trying to perfect technique to be the best I can be.”