07/07/2025
Tradition-rich Evansville Mater Dei has a new sheriff in town at the helm of the Wildcat Football program. IHG was able to catch up with Coach Hess as he prepares for his first season at the helm.
1. Coach Hess, congratulations on being named the new coach for the EMD Wildcats! I am sure it will be tough to follow Coach Goebel after 28 years, but playing for him, as well as coaching under him, how can you simply "continue the tradition" of Evansville Mater Dei football as you enter year 1?
Thank you, I truly consider it a privilege to step into this role. Coach Goebel built something incredibly special here for over 28 years, and having played for him and coached alongside him, I’ve seen firsthand the values that define Mater Dei football, The toughness, discipline, and a team-first mentality is what we have always tried to instill in our players and get them to believe in themselves. Continuing that tradition means staying true to those core values while bringing positive energy to our team. We’ll honor our past by building on it every day with hard work, accountability, and a deep pride in wearing the red and gold.
2. How has the transition been so far? How are the Wildcats doing so far in the early summer?
The transition has been smooth, and that’s a credit to our coaching staff, our players, the support from the school, and help from Coach Goebel. I am fortunate to have many of the coaches still be part of our program. Everyone has bought into the process, and we’re seeing great energy, effort, and technique during our summer sessions. The guys have been working hard in the weight room, competing on the field, and growing together as a team. We’re focused on improving each day and just trying the best version of us right now.
3. You are in a tough Sectional #32 with several solid teams in the Evansville area. How does the regular season schedule prepare you to make a run in the 3A tournament?
Sectional #32 a very competitive group of teams. You have multiple state winning coaches and great teams to compete against. It will be tough. For us being in the SIAC, week in and week out, we face tough, physical teams that push us to be our best. There is no easy week for us, every week is a challenge. That kind of competition helps prepare us mentally and physically for the postseason. By the time we reach Sectionals, we hope to be ready to compete at the best of our ability.
4. Who are some impact players we should expect to hear about this coming season for the Wildcats?
We’ve got a great group of players who’ve stepped up as leaders this offseason. Without naming every one of them, I can say we’re excited about our returning seniors that have experience and want to help make this team be the best they can be. We also have some younger players who are hungry and ready to contribute. We hope to see a team that plays hard, plays fast, and plays for each other.
5. What are your goals for the program under your leadership? How do you plan to help continue to carry the tradition?
Our goal is to build men of character while competing on and off the field. We want to develop a culture where our players thrive as student athletes, teammates, and future leaders. We’re going to continue to emphasize fundamentals, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Mater Dei football has always been about more than wins. It's about pride, tradition, and the best community. My job is to keep that spirit alive while pushing us forward in all the right ways.
