The Tomah High School football team’s black helmets looked a little different when the team hit the practice field for the first time on Tuesday.

Large, gold three-digit numbers graced the back of each player’s helmet, and the numbers on each helmet serve as a reminder and a tool that offseason training is an important part of success on the gridiron in the fall. The numbers signify each player’s combined bench press, squat and power clean lifts in the weight room this summer, and while some might find their new helmet decal to be a point of pride, others may find it as inspiration to put in the time in the weight room.

“The weight room is important, and a lot of our guys really got into it,” head coach Brad Plueger said.

This year was the first for the Timberwolves to do their weight training in the new fitness center. Plueger said that he spent many long days in the fitness center over the summer, and was happy to see a large number of football players spending time in the weight room. But for Plueger, and the players, they are excited to finally be back outside at practice.

“You can’t beat getting out here and preparing for a game,” Plueger said.

The Timberwolves returned for the 2008 season this week with high expectations after winning a Mississippi Valley Conference Championship in 2007. The Timberwolves were a perfect 6-0 in the MVC, and finished off an 8-1 regular season before beating Marshfield in the first round of the WIAA playoffs and falling to Lakeland in round two.

Tomah had seven first team all-conference selections a year ago, including defensive end John Van Gundy and MVC offensive player of the year Joel Sweeney. Both Sweeney, a junior, and Van Gundy, a senior, return for another year, and they are hoping to improve on their outstanding 2007 seasons.

“We want to move to the next level,” Van Gundy said. “We are just working hard to win games.”

Sweeney finished with 1,380 yards last season, and rushed for at least 121 yards against every MVC opponent the Timberwolves faced. He is excited for a new season, and said that the team's goals are to win the conference again and get into the playoffs.

“People will be gunning for us,” Sweeney said. “People are going to expect us to do something this year. We are just working to win conference again.”

Sweeney will be playing tailback this year, and Van Gundy will be playing defensive tackle. Sweeney also said the Timberwolves might do some work from the shotgun formation this year.

Nine defensive starters from a year ago were lost to graduation, including all five linebackers, but Plueger thinks that the roles have been filled nicely. He also said that senior Dustin Burkwalt will be the quarterback this fall after a working summer that involved participating in several camps. The receiving corps is looking solid as well, with Rhett Monroe back for another year. Plueger knows that repeating is always a challenge, but he believes the Timberwolves are up for it.

“We should still compete in the MVC every Friday night,” Plueger said. “Those are our goals; to compete in the MVC and make the playoffs.”