What does it mean to go into the storm?

For the Wright City football team, it’s not a question, it’s a guiding principle. This season, they are not running away from the storm.

Instead, they are charging straight into it.

“On the plains, you will find two different types of animals – a buffalo or a cow – so anytime a storm is coming in, the cow responds by running from the storm, whereas a buffalo turns its head to the storm and takes it head on,” head coach Tyler Rickard said.

Every year, Rickard introduces a new rallying cry to define the team's identity.

Last season, it was “Row the Boat” as a call for unity. However, the 2025 season brings a new challenge and Rickard knew the Wildcats needed something stronger.

As he looked over the schedule filled with powerhouse programs like Warrenton, South Shelby and Bowling Green – all final four contenders in 2024 – Rickard realized the road ahead was going to be tough, but not impossible. 

That idea of facing adversity head on has become the foundation for this year’s theme: “Into the Storm.”

And with it, a new mindset: “Be a Buffalo.”

“With us getting ready to take on the storm of this season, I think it’s important that we emphasize we’re going to turn our head into the storm and take it head on,” Rickard said. “We’re not going to back away from any challenge – we’re going to step to it.” 

The team has bought in completely. Into the Storm is more than a slogan – it is a part of its daily grind. 

From weight room sessions to on-field workouts, the Wildcats are living their mantra. Every summer practice ends with the team in a huddle and shouting the phrase in unison to conclude the day. 

“The guys have really embraced it and I think it’s perfect for this season,” Rickard said. 

Unity has also been a key component as nearly 85 percent of the roster is consistently present at workouts. 

“The guys have brought in a lot of energy and it’s been very refreshing as we’ve gotten back together and we’re picking up right where we left off,” Rickard said. “The camaraderie we create when everybody’s together is just completely different than out of season. It amplifies the energy, the camaraderie – it’s a lot of fun.” 

With a little over a month to go before the season starts, the storm is quickly approaching, but Wright City is not running away – they are welcoming it. Because this year, the Wildcats are not just playing football. 

They are learning to be buffaloes.