By Randy Whalen

Tom Hart is a hard guy to miss.

Big, burly, and loveable, the Joliet Central football coach also has a bushy red beard that makes him stand out.

But he would gladly take off that beard if something happens this coming football season.

"If we can get in the playoffs, I'll shave my beard," Hart said. "I know we can be competitive. We're older this season and a lot more responsible for our training in the summer. We've had a solid 35-38 people here every day across all levels. It's nice. The guys have put in the work for it."

They have and while the summer camp ends this week, the improvement the Steelmen plan to take into this season was planted throughout.

"The summer has gone well," Joliet Central junior Jowel Maldonado said. "Everyone is showing up and putting in the work."

The past few years have been tough for the Steelmen. Their last win was 10-7 on October 18, 2019, at home against Plainfield Central. But they have dropped 31 straight since then. 

A big reason for the optimism this season is that there are many returners. That coupled with the good summer has brought a togetherness as well.

"We have to play all four quarters and everyone has to do their assignments and execute them," said Maldonado, who is expected to double at running back and also safety. "In the summer we're all bonding and everyone is feeling a real player-for-player connection."

Junior Paul Zavala, who plays defensive end and offensive tackle, believes a better attitude can go a long way this season.

"Honestly, it's a mentality thing," he said. "We're physically capable of doing it. We have great coaches. We just have to believe in ourselves. That's started in the summer, which has gone pretty well. 

"We have way more numbers and have put in the work. We've done some new stuff and we're adapting."

After a stretch during the previous four seasons, including a shortened three-game COVID slate in the spring of 2021, that saw the Steelmen struggle to score, that was not an issue last fall. Joliet Central scored 145 total points last year, which was more than the previous four seasons (143 points) combined.

A big reason for the play of quarterback Paul Slick. Now a senior and entering his third season as a starter, Slick plans to live up to his name on the field.

The guy that will be getting him the ball is Harrison Majerus, who will be in his fourth season starting at center. He's optimistic that his final high school season will be his best. 

"Our offense will be more explosive," Majerus said. "We have four returners on the offensive line and Paul will be good once again. Our scheme fits his skill set and our run game will be good with our interior line.

"Our defense has to step up but with our new coaches, they should be good. The difference is that a lot more people have bought in and are staying. It's a lot better."

The new coaches are Ryan King, a Joliet Central alumni, as defensive coordinator, and Kam Majerus as offensive coordinator. 

The Steelmen hope it all adds up to some success this season. More than just some as Hart would love nothing more than five wins and to shave off his longtime beard.

"We've got an influx of kids and they have continued to work," Hart said. "Our goal every season has been to get one win. But we want to shift the focus from that and show that Joliet Central is better than just good enough."