Media Day: Antlers Bearcats

The Antlers Bearcats are about to begin their second season under head coach Mike Zulkey, who is determined to turn the program around after a dismal 2-8 run last year.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:43 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 24, 2010 4:8 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Antlers Bearcats aren’t hanging their heads after a 2-8 year in 2009. Instead, the team is looking to head coach Mike Zulkey, who has big plans for the program.

Zulkey, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience, realizes the 2A-4 district, with exception to Davis, is wide open for the taking. He’s setting his goals for the Bearcats high.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that we have an opportunity to be in the playoffs,” Coach Zulkey said. “It’s fairly even. I think realistically, we could finish two, three or four.”

He’s putting a lot of that faith in tail back Colton Maynard, who rushed for 1,164 yards and recorded a team-high 95 tackles last season.

“He’s got quickness of course,” Zulkey said. “He’s one of those kids, that when he breaks into the open, they don’t seem to be able to catch him.”

Maynard attended several camps this summer to work on his running game, including the University of Oklahoma camp, Northeastern State University, Hugo High School camp and the Bearcats’ own football camp.

“I just want to be able to pull off another good season,” Maynard said.

Coach Zulkey’s already noticed an improvement in his ability to change directions. His teammate, starting quarterback Dillon Remington, said he’s much more comfortable this year.

“Shotgun’s my thing, I like it,” Remington said. “I’ve got a running back there that I can depend on, our linemen’s working. I’m comfortable back there.”

The team returns with some experience under their belts and Coach Zulkey believes this season is the year the Antlers program will turn around and have a better record than 2-8.

“These Antlers kids, they’re attitudes are great,” Zulkey said. “Why we haven’t done better, I don’t know, but I think we’re getting things turned around.”