It’s a foreign field, foreign players, but an all too familiar game for new WHS football coach Todd Dodge.

“I come in with a huge respect for what’s gone on here in the past,” Dodge said. “There’s no doubt that as I’ve gone through my 27 year coaching career that there have been times that I’ve hoped this day would come.”

Dodge will lead the Chaps into a new season, but he has the end of spring training to whip his new team into shape.

“My job is to lead this place,” Dodge said. “The first thing I’m going to do is ask the to is focus in on the next 14 days. Lets not think about anything else past the next 14 days. Lets have an unbelievable spring.”

Dodge comes to WHS with four state titles and a successful college coaching career as well. However, he finds his players to be the most important part of his job.

“I’m going to present a plan to them, and ask them to jump aboard with me,” Dodge said. “When you have a deal like this, the seniors are the most important because it’s their last season and I want them to know that they’re very important to me.”

More than the players, or the sport, Dodge is excited to be a part of the Westlake family and to continue on with the tradition of excellence.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this tradition,” Dodge said. “I’m anxious to be caught up on everything that’s going on — there are lots of moving parts. I like being a part of places that have a history of success. Sometimes people shy away from places that have that reputation, but I’m excited to be a part of it. It brings pressure, but that’s OK.”

Dodge will bring his own spark to his father-in-law Ebbie Neptune’s field next season and the Chaps anxiously await the successes that are sure to come.

“This is where the Chaps play on Friday nights, so let’s get this place rocking,” Dodge said.