After 60 years of consistency, head football coach Dirk Wedd made an unusual change in the lineup: the style of players’ attire.

The shipment of new black uniforms arrived early this summer. Previously, the team wore a white or red jersey with white pants — a look the Lion’s sported for “forever,” Wedd said.

“I like them a lot,” senior linebacker Price Morgan said. “It’s cool to finally get black uniforms because we’ve been talking about it since we got here freshman year.”

Senior running back J.D. Woods also approved of the change-up.

“New style, new look, we’ll play better,” he said.

Wedd took players’ requests, advice from recruiters and input from family and assistant coaches into account when deciding on the change. After his decision was made, he met with Principal Matt

Brungardt and athletic director Bill DeWitt to get his design approved.

Wedd and the team had, in previous years, earned money through fundraising for the purchase.
The team sold “gold cards,” booklets with discounts on local businesses, among other fundraising efforts.

The total cost for 85 full uniforms, along with a free set of practice jerseys, came out to be $14,000. This was covered with both the football teams’ funds and aid from the school.

Wedd said the season’s seniors earned the uniforms not only through fundraising but also through hard work. As sophomores, 11 players lettered and 18 of them started last season.

“[The new jerseys are] top of the line,” Wedd said. “It’s Adidas’ new streamline, real tight.”

The more flexible material and tighter fit gives players an advantage on the field.

“The materials are different,” Morgan explained. “They’re more compressed to your body and harder to get a hold of. Especially for running backs, it’s tougher to grab onto them. The offensive lineman can’t hold you when you’re trying to get off a block. It helps a lot.”

In addition, the team has to buy 10 to 12 new helmets every year to keep up with safety regulations and sizing. Each helmet costs $200 to $300. The design of the helmets, however, has stayed the same.

“I think if I went to a different helmet they’d probably tar and feather me down Mass Street or something.” Wedd smirked as he referred to LHS alumni.

The school’s football program is known for being built on tradition, but Wedd does not believe the new uniforms will change that reputation. Instead, thinks the uniforms will be a good change of pace and has high expectations for the team this season.

“This is their year, the year Lawrence High went to a different uniform,” he said. “It’ll be something to remember.”