SOUTH WAYNE - Whether it came to recording games, hanging out in the weight room before he could even do a chin-up, or running footballs out to a game official, Black Hawk High School junior Brody Milz has been by his father's side in the Warriors football program.
Cory Milz has served as the Black Hawk head coach for 15 years and Brody Milz has played a role for the Warriors for eight years. Brody was in third grade when he started serving as manager. He spent three years working as the team manager and then for two years traveled with the Warriors to film games.
"It's been a family affair since then," Cory Milz said.
In 2004, when Black Hawk had some coaching turnover, Cory Milz's two brothers-in-law, Todd Rood and Torrey Rood, joined the coaching staff as assistant coaches. Todd Rood has served on the coaching staff for 12 years, and Torrey stepped down after Black Hawk won the WIAA Division 7 state championship in 2013.
Brody, a first-team Six Rivers All-Conference linebacker last year, is taking his starting role as a running back head on this year for the Warriors (1-1).
Playing on the same prep football team his father coaches can bring some challenges, but Brody welcomes the opportunity under the lights every Friday night in the fall.
"It's a little intense," Brody said. "I like it. Every time I look over there and I get this look, and I know what he is thinking. Every time I get the ball I want to run very hard because it means so much to me."
Many eyes are on the son of a head coach the moment he enters high school. Brody manages the high expectations by staying determined to exceed.
"As a coach's son you have some pressure," Cory said. "At the same time I'm tougher on him than anyone else.
"One of the things we joke about as coaches is they (a coach's son) better be really good or really bad because if he's in between there will be some controversy if he's touching the ball."
It's not always easy managing expectations and letting the football talk go when Brody and Cory return home after practice or a game.
"Sometimes I have undue expectations of what he should know," Cory said. "We try to keep it in perspective as much as we can."
Brody started last year as quarterback for the Warriors. When Mike Flanagan stepped up as quarterback, Brody was shifted to tight end and played running back. This is his first year as a full-time running back, and he's off to a strong start. Brody has rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns in two games this season. He's averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
"I don't think quarterback was his best position," Cory said. "He played quarterback out of necessity last year. He's a very emotional and physical player. You need a cerebral guy at quarterback who stays calm."
Brody is gaining more confidence in the backfield as a running back in tandem with Colby Argall.
"I enjoy it," Brody said. "You get to hit a lot more. As I get faster, I will get better at it. I have to get my reps. I think it's a good change."
Cory Milz has served as the Black Hawk head coach for 15 years and Brody Milz has played a role for the Warriors for eight years. Brody was in third grade when he started serving as manager. He spent three years working as the team manager and then for two years traveled with the Warriors to film games.
"It's been a family affair since then," Cory Milz said.
In 2004, when Black Hawk had some coaching turnover, Cory Milz's two brothers-in-law, Todd Rood and Torrey Rood, joined the coaching staff as assistant coaches. Todd Rood has served on the coaching staff for 12 years, and Torrey stepped down after Black Hawk won the WIAA Division 7 state championship in 2013.
Brody, a first-team Six Rivers All-Conference linebacker last year, is taking his starting role as a running back head on this year for the Warriors (1-1).
Playing on the same prep football team his father coaches can bring some challenges, but Brody welcomes the opportunity under the lights every Friday night in the fall.
"It's a little intense," Brody said. "I like it. Every time I look over there and I get this look, and I know what he is thinking. Every time I get the ball I want to run very hard because it means so much to me."
Many eyes are on the son of a head coach the moment he enters high school. Brody manages the high expectations by staying determined to exceed.
"As a coach's son you have some pressure," Cory said. "At the same time I'm tougher on him than anyone else.
"One of the things we joke about as coaches is they (a coach's son) better be really good or really bad because if he's in between there will be some controversy if he's touching the ball."
It's not always easy managing expectations and letting the football talk go when Brody and Cory return home after practice or a game.
"Sometimes I have undue expectations of what he should know," Cory said. "We try to keep it in perspective as much as we can."
Brody started last year as quarterback for the Warriors. When Mike Flanagan stepped up as quarterback, Brody was shifted to tight end and played running back. This is his first year as a full-time running back, and he's off to a strong start. Brody has rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns in two games this season. He's averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
"I don't think quarterback was his best position," Cory said. "He played quarterback out of necessity last year. He's a very emotional and physical player. You need a cerebral guy at quarterback who stays calm."
Brody is gaining more confidence in the backfield as a running back in tandem with Colby Argall.
"I enjoy it," Brody said. "You get to hit a lot more. As I get faster, I will get better at it. I have to get my reps. I think it's a good change."
