Jake Dickert is where he wants to be and where he was meant to be.
Dickert, 38, is the passionate leader and head coach of the Washington state soccer team, which faces central Michigan on Friday at 10 a.m. in the 88th Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
Dickert took over in October following the dismissal of Nick Rolovich, the man who had hired him, for failing to meet the state’s mandate on the COVID vaccine for state employees. He treated it like an interview and he helped guide the Cougars to a solid finish with wins over Arizona, Arizona State and Washington, the victory over the Huskies ended in a skid. seven games against their rival in the State.
Following: What you need to know about the Central Michigan football team
“Coach Dickert guided us through a difficult time when things could have turned out otherwise. He’s a positive person,” said WSU defensive back George Hicks III. “He’s a great person to play for and a great coach. He will do great things here in Washington State and he was the right person for the job.”
It’s a simple philosophy for Dickert, who signed a five-year contract to lead the Cougars program.
“Stay humble, stay hungry,” he said. “I love what I do, we have a great group of kids here, we are working to develop a great culture here. I love what I do, I’m passionate about what I do.”
Dickert has 14 years of college coaching experience and came to the WSU after working three seasons at the University of Wyoming (2017-19), including the 2019 campaign as a defensive coordinator while working with linebackers. and securities.
Following:Mid-Michigan heads to Sun Bowl to take on Washington State
He played football at Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 2002 to 2006, where he won All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) honors as a wide receiver in his senior season in 2006, and was named wide receiver. of his team’s year in both his junior and senior seasons.
It evolved in his career, which included a passage to the level of Division III.
“I played as a quarterback and wide receiver and thought that would be where I could coach, but the defense is more in line with my energy and my personality,” said Dickert. “I’ve learned so much over the years and being on both sides of the ball has helped me see the big picture.”
Washington State defensive back Armani Marsh said Dickert had a stabilizing influence in the program.
“Coach Dickert has a wealth of knowledge and he’s a very good coach,” said Marsh. “He’s helped us improve as a team and he’s a great leader.”
Preparations for Central begin
After the Cougars found out Central Michigan would be the opponent on Monday, they got down to work preparing that same night and on Tuesday began preparing at the training ground at Eastwood High School.
“Mid-Michigan will be physical and they’re a very good team,” said Dickert.
“We have to move everything quickly and focus on central Michigan,” Hicks III said. “We know they have a good offensive line, a good running back and we will have to prepare to be at our best.”
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl:Five things to know about Central Michigan football
Aaron Price in training
UTEP assistant football coach and former Hanks High School football coach Aaron Price visited Washington state practice on Tuesday. He was born in Pullman, Wash., Home of the Cougars, played at WSU and coached at WSU when his father, Mike, was the head coach.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at 915-546-6167; [email protected]; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.