High School Football Previews: Pius X new coach Michael Grindey bringing ‘energy’ to Thunderbolts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Pius X football has a new coaching manning the sidelines this fall.

Michael Grindey takes over as head coach of the Thunderbolts, and said it’s a gift to be leading the program.

“It really is (a gift),” Grindey said at Pius X Catholic High School during Wednesday’s practice. “God’s blessed this program. I’m appreciative to be apart of it. It’s an absolute blessing. I tell the boys this all the time, this game is a gift. I’m honored to be apart of this program, this Pius X family.”

He said one of the biggest things he’s wanted to bring to the program is compassion.

“I want these boys to know that they’re loved by the Lord,” Grindey said. “The fact they know that they’re loved and seen and heard, and taking that love from God and God’s mercy, and using that to fuel the passion, the excitement, the energy of the team.”

Senior guard and linebacker Martin Owens said it’s been a smooth transition having Grindey take over the program.

“It’s good. He has a lot of energy,” Owens said. “He’s great for this team and he just wants us all to do better, and we love that about him.”

Owens said he brings a lot of enthusiasm into the program.

“Whole new energy. It’s just so fun seeing our coach jump around on the sideline,” Owens said. “All of these new coaches are jumping around, you know, being happy for us and just wanting us to do our best.”

Grindey’s energy sparks the team at practice, Owens said.

“It’s so helpful,” Owens said. “Just knowing that they only want us to get better, they don’t care if we mess up. It’s just next play mentality and they’re really good about it.”

When asked what Grindey thinks it will be like to take the field with his team for the first time as head coach, he got chills, he said.

“I have goosebumps,” Grindey said. “I think Friday nights on Aldrich Field is a place for the community in Lincoln to come here, to cheer on our boys, to cheer on the band, to cheer on the student section, to cheer on the dance and cheer team. Aldrich Field on Friday nights is a special place because it brings the community together.”

The Thunderbolts begin their season on the road at Scottsbluff Aug. 28.