HARLINGEN — The Marine Military Academy’s school year is in full swing and so is its football team.
The Leathernecks are in their second week of football activity and are preparing for their season opener Sept. 1 at Santa Maria.
The Leathernecks went 2-6 last season and are under second-year head coach Ric Medill, who actually used to be Harlingen South’s girls basketball coach.
“It’s been encouraging. We have some newcomers like we do every year,” said Medill. “We have a good nucleus coming back from last year. Right now we’re getting the kids in shape and getting them ready for the season.”
MMA will return a good crop of talent from last season including Chase Tomlinson and Jack Kostelmik, who will lead the linebackers. Ryan Rackowitz also returns and will play both defensive end and wide receiver.
“It feels good coming back out and meeting new guys,” said Kostelmik. “Defensively, we will be strong. We have some guys back from last year and the coaches do a great job on coaching them up, and getting them ready. It’s a challenge getting new guys in but, again, our coaches do a great job on preparing us.”
Another returning member is center and defensive end Le Anh, who was born in Hanoi, Vietnam. Anh and his family moved to Houston when he was 4 and later moved to Harlingen where he has been a student at MMA for the past three years.
Prior to coming to Harlingen, Anh wasn’t sure what his future had in store for him, but he has now found his footing, and has his sights set on both the football field and life after football.
“When I was younger my dad played Division II ball and he taught me how to play,” said Anh. “When I first came to MMA, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but MMA has helped me become a better student and athlete, and now I’m looking into either LSU or the University of Houston.
“The coaches here taught me a lot of things, both on and off the field. I’m thankful for them and my teammates have helped me along the way.”
LEATHERNECKS AT A GLANCE:
Coach: Ric Medill (2nd season)
2016: 2-6 overall
Games to watch:
Sept. 1 at Santa Maria
Oct. 13 at Premont
Oct. 20 versus Brownsville St. Joseph
