Jefferson City Jays start fresh through summer workouts
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City Jays are adjusting to a new face at the helm of the football program, as summer workouts continue at Adkins Stadium.
Back in January, the school district named Damon Wells as its new head football coach and athletic director. He comes to Mid-Missouri from Rifle, Colorado, where he coached for 13 years. Throughout Wells' time at Rifle High school, the Bears never had a losing season and appeared in three state title games, going 118-35 overall.
Although he is still building the foundation, Wells said he has a lot of positive vibes from his new program.
"We're still learning one another right now," he said. "I think it's hard fora kid to be successful if he can't identify what the expectations are and it's our job as adults, it's our job as coaches to articulate what those expectations might be. These kids have been through so much, so much turmoil. Everybody has their own set of beliefs and expectations, so we're learning one another right now."
Wells is the third coach to lead the Jays since 2017. Back in June of 2020, former head coach Terry Walker stepped down after a couple of years with the squad. Then, following one season with the Jays, Scott Bailey announced his resignation at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
Well said he hopes this group can leave its own legacy in a town with a lot of football history.
"I want to be here for these boys," he said. "Every group leaves their own legacy and our focus right now is on this, particular group leaving a legacy that can possibly be part of the one that already exists here."
