KJFM SPORTS — The Van-Far Indians football team will be under new leadership from a familiar face this fall.

The school board approved Joe Drebes as the new leader of the Indians team after serving the past two years as the defensive coordinator. Below is a copy of the statement Drebes released on the announcement of his promotion.

Van-Far Community,

I am extremely excited to announce that I have been selected as the new Head Varsity Football coach for the Van-Far School District. I have spent the last two years working for Van-Far as a PE/Science teacher while also serving as Defensive Coordinator for Varsity Football. During this time, I have made a lot of amazing connections with students, staff, and community members. My hope is to raise my community involvement even more over the coming months as a way to meet and socialize with even more of the amazing people that reside in Vandalia and Farber.

My goal is to bring pride for the football team back into the community. I’m going to do this by creating an active presence within the community consisting of public fundraiser which will also support local businesses simultaneously. I would also like to adopt a ‘Big Brother’ type of program in the near future as well. This would be dedicated time for the varsity players to spend with the Junior High Football Team and the Van-Far Youth Football Team as a way to solidify a bond that connects the entire football program.  

The philosophy that I will be injecting into the football program are the 3 A’s: Accountability, Attendance, Attitude. We will be accountable for each other and any/all communication as we operate as a family. Attendance will be treated as the way in which athletes show us how dedicated they are to our family and our goals. Our attitude will reflect our excitement and passion for the evolution of Van-Far Football as we turn it into a respectable program. Simply put, athletes will be held to high expectations which they can wear as a badge of honor knowing that they are fighting for a future which will be carried on long after they have completed their journey.

With the support of both the school district and the community members, I truly believe that the football program can become a staple of what it means to be a Van-Far Indian. The time has come for change to happen and I am beyond excited to be part of this transformation. Together as one, we can create a culture that encompasses what it means to truly be a family! #WeAreVAnFar

Stay tuned to Eagle 102 Sports and kjfmradio.com for more on area high school sports.