Brusig made the announcement to the returning players about the changes occurring within the staff, including his new position as head coach.
Ybarra had served as head coach for the past three years, setting a plan in motion, according to Brusig, in preparation for when he would step down from his position.
“I’m glad that I was the one that they picked to take over this job,” said Brusig, a 2005 graduate of Aquinas.
He said he is particularly keen about keeping the sense of tradition that has been instilled in the Aquinas football program for the past decade, especially by his former coach, Josh Henderson.
“He taught me what it meant to have pride and respect for the program,” Coach Brusig said. “As players, my team and I had a lot of respect for one another and the sacrifices we put in.”
Camaraderie and shared commitment will continue to be important elements of the football program, he said.
“Aquinas football is a huge sacrifice and the time players put in is a sacrifice as well, but the reward for giving up their time in being a part of the program is what it’s all about,” said Brusig. “One of my biggest hopes for next season is to restore our winning ways, as well as the tradition and pride in Aquinas as a school and in the football program.”
Ybarra, who will no longer be a member of the coaching staff, has high hopes for the future of Aquinas football, and especially has confidence in the ability of Brusig’s coaching.
“The future is bright,” Ybarra said. “There’s a lot of returning players as well as good athletes who will work hard. It’s going to be just like every other year, where our players will work hard in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season. It’s going to be positive.”