Eagle River High School student-athletes trying out for this year's Wolves football program will be treated to a bit of Southern hospitality, compliments of incoming varsity coach Kenny Ray.

A longtime local resident with roots in the deep South, Ray is quick to use words and phrases that should turn the heads and helmets of his athletes.

Eagle River High School football coach Kenny Ray talks to Brandon Metzel during a football camp last month. The team's first practice is Monday. PHOTO by DAVID MORSE

He believes a positive attitude will be displayed by his coaching staff that will bring healthy returns to the program, which is seeing the third head coach in the school's five-year history.

Ray has a long history in the local football community, having been an assistant coach at Chugiak High School from 1992-2000, where both of his sons were all-state selections.

During his time at Chugiak the team won the 1996 state championship. That team included players Matt Patterson, Ryan McMurray and Joe Taylor, who are now a part of Ray's coaching staff at Eagle River.

The nine-member coach list also includes Eric White, an all-state defensive back from Chugiak, and University of Montana player Jason Payne. Ray said he is very pleased with those who have been chosen to help build a more competitive program.

"I'm hoping for 80 to 90 kids to come out," Ray said.

The program had 88 members as its high-water mark last year.

Ray said the program will be holding instructional clinics today and Friday, with an optional session Saturday, prior to the first day of official practice, Monday.

Instruction will be a big part of the plan, he said, with some players coming out for the sport for the first time.

"I've had kids come up to me in the hall and say, 'Sir, I'd like to play football for you but I've never played before,'" Ray said, quite, and sincere. "Come on out."

Ray had only 12 players attend the All-Alaska Football Camp held at Colony High last month.

"But we had several kids playing baseball, out on vacations, said the new coach.

One player, senior Ben Kozak was out of state attending two football camps, he said.

Ray is hoping to build the program from the bottom up, bolstered by a strong infusion of incoming freshman.

In two visits at Gruening Middle School last school year, the coach said he had as many as 42 eighth-grader express an interest in the program. If he gets 35, he'll be "happy as heck," he said

Top returnees to the program include quarterback Augie Ortiz, Brandon Metzel, Buron Bell, Darius Horton, Tony Jackson and Kozak.

Ray is particularly impressed with Metzel, tabbing the senior as an all-around player.

"I can put him anywhere we need him - and that's the attitude he shows as well," said the coach.

The season officially begins with two-a-day practices, running from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday.

"We're going to try to keep things positive and have a lot of fun," he said.

Reach the reporter at editor@alaskastar.com.