After helping Augusta build momentum a season ago, senior Roman Bridwell is eager to make sure the Orioles keep moving in the right direction.
“I’m most excited to continue our success from last year and to have one last ride with my guys,” Bridwell said.
That mindset has fueled Augusta throughout the offseason as the Orioles look to build on last year’s accomplishments and continue establishing a winning culture. Bridwell said the team’s commitment has been evident long before the first kickoff of the season.
“As a team we’ve been lifting weights and conditioning every day at 6 in the morning to get us prepared for the season,” he said. “We had a football camp a couple of weeks ago where we installed the offense and new fronts for the defense, and to end camp we had a scrimmage with Wichita East.”
Bridwell will once again be a key contributor on both sides of the football, but his responsibilities are expected to expand this fall. After earning honorable mention All-League honors as a defensive back, he is preparing for a larger role in Augusta’s passing attack.
“I want to improve on being more of a threat offensively,” Bridwell said. “I’ll be stepping into a bigger role on offense as a receiver. I’ve been improving on this area by getting with my quarterback and running routes and practicing my releases.”
His production last season showed his versatility. Bridwell hauled in 24 receptions for 250 yards and a touchdown while making his biggest impact on defense with 65 tackles and a pick-six. Those numbers earned him all-league recognition and set the stage for an even bigger senior campaign.
With increased opportunities at receiver, Bridwell has set ambitious individual goals while keeping the team’s success at the forefront.
“My personal goals this year are to be first-team all-league as a receiver and as a defensive back,” he said. “My goal for the team this year is to continue the success from last year and to give Augusta a winning culture. Getting another plaque this year would be great.”
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