Wyoming Wolves unite to end poor record

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Wyoming Park and Rogers high schools have battled for bragging rights in the Wyoming area for years. Now, the Golden Hawks are joining forces to play for the newly-consolidated Wyoming High School Wolves.

But teaching former rivals to work together may not be the biggest problem to solve this season.

For years, Wyoming football was defined by team colors and mascots.

"First time you get the schedule, you look to see when you're playing Wyoming Park, 'cause that's the game you're preparing for," explained player Jack Rozema.

The two schools were separated by only six blocks, but held a world of animosity for one another.

"There was never hate for each other off the football field, but once we got on the football field, we hated each other," said player Hunter Halas.

Now, those formerly bitter rivals will play as one team: The Wyoming Wolves.

"It hasn't been an issue for these kids," Head Coach Tom White told 24 Hour News 8. "'Cause they're so tired of getting beat on that they want to win. So they know they have to have each other."

White took over the two programs that have been less than impressive over the last 13 years. Rogers hadn't had a winning season since 1990. Combined, Rogers and Wyoming Park posted 54 wins and 182 losses since 1999.

"I know the history of Wyoming Park and Rogers. Good quality families. Good quality tradition. It's just something where we need to re-ignite the flame," said White.

But trying to start the fire is a tough job for anyone -- especially when the players have spent years practicing to beat up on one another.

"At first there was a little division," said Rozema. "The more we played with each other, the more we talked, the more we had practice together, the more we realized that we have to rely on each other to put a good product on the field."

The team members shook off their respective histories and focused on a fresh start.

"The past is the past. You've got to live in the here and now," said Rozema. "You've got to look forward to week one. Right now that's what we're looking forward to."

"Everything they do is going to be a school record," said White. "So you're going to be in the record book this year. You know, positive. Or not positive."

White said he named two team captains: one from each school. So far, the only real problem they've had is explaining to the kids why they work out and play at the school that used to be Rogers -- and the answer to that is simple because it's where the new Wyoming High School is located.

The Wolves kicks off their season Thursday night versus Union High School.

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The 2012 high school football season will kick off Thursday with the Football Frenzy crew covering 17 games:

Lowell at Rockford (spotlight game)
Catholic Central at East Grand Rapids (spotlight game)
Union at Wyoming (spotlight game)
Grand Ledge at East Kentwood
Traverse City West at Kenowa Hills
Three Rivers at Comstock
Dowagiac at Vicksburg
Edwardsburgh at Otsego
Coloma at Plainwell
Holt at Hudsonville
Unity Christian at Allendale
Reeths-Puffer at Fruitport
Montague at Orchard View
Wayland at Hopkins
Berrien Springs at Allegan
Ecorse at West Ottawa
Coopersville at Spring Lake

Then on Friday, the Frenzy crew will span the area for 20 more games:

Forest Hills Central at Zeeland West (spotlight game)
Battle Creek Central at Kalamazoo Central (spotlight game)
Orchard Lake St. Mary's at Muskegon (spotlight game)
Zeeland East at Holland Christian
Thornapple Kellogg at Hamilton
South Christian at Grand Rapids Christian
Oakridge at Forest Hills Eastern
Bath at North Pointe Christian
Forest Hills Northern at Comstock Park
Tri-County at Cedar Springs
Northview at Byron Center
Holland at Caledonia
Whitehall at Kelloggsville
Grandville at Jenison
Portage Northern at Loy Norrix
Traverse City Central at Grand Haven
Muskegon Catholic Central at Mona Shores
Calvin Christian at North Muskegon
Belding at Greenville
St. Joseph LMC at Tri-Unity Christian

Stay with 24 Hour News 8 and the Football Frenzy crew for all the action, updates and photos all the way through the championship games at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.