BY MIKE ECKERT
TRAVERSE CITY -- Things are falling into place for the Traverse City Wolves.
The roster is set and the depth chart is nearing completion. Most of the game day staff has been hired, a scoreboard has been ordered and jerseys are set to be unveiled in a couple of weeks.
Everything is on track for July 18, when the Wolves will travel to Ypsilanti for the organization's first semi-pro football game.
"It hasn't sunk in for a lot of us," TC owner/head coach Daniel Skibbe said. "We know in the organization it's a month away and we've had a year to set it up. Now, we just have to get it here. A lot of the players say they're going to have a sleepless night on the 17th."
The Wolves have been practicing in pads since May 19. Recently, the team named captains in tackle Don Labadie, linebackers Ted Mace and Tyler Alpers, and tight end Bryan Travis.
"It absolutely is (an honor)," Travis said. "The players and coaches had a lot to do with it, and I appreciate it. I look forward to representing the team with the other captains."
Preseason training is nothing new for Travis, who has worked with coach Joe Trudeau at Suttons Bay for nine seasons. However, actually being a player with the Wolves has added a new dynamic.
"Coaches tell their kids all the time that if they had the opportunity to suit up again, they'd do it," Travis said. "I'm just taking advantage of it."
Travis, 37, hasn't played football since graduating from Ferris State in 1993.
"Everyone (with the Wolves) starts at ground zero," Travis said. "We don't have upperclassmen teaching the underclassmen. Everyone is in the same boat in terms of learning experience. But that's been part of what makes it fun."
What's also been fun for Travis is playing on a team with Anthony Stewart and Eric Hernandez, two players he previously coached at Suttons Bay.
While Travis has settled into his role with the team, others are still battling for position.
Skibbe said the biggest battle is at quarterback where TC St. Francis alum Garrett Petterson and Onaway's Will Moran are vying for the starting job.
"Each has their own strength," Skibbe said. "But, both are able to put down a shoulder and lay a lick to a linebacker."
Skibbe said Moran has a "cannon for an arm" while Petterson has a little better touch.
"It doesn't allow either to relax," Skibbe said. "They both know they're in a spirited battle."
Like the roster, most of the staff for the Wolves is in place. At this point, Skibbe is only looking for people to work guest services and tickets for the five home dates.
Traverse City recently hired David Stone to broadcast the team's games on FM-99.3 and AM-1210. And, the scoring and announcing crew from Traverse City Central has been brought in for home games. Traverse City's home opener is with Chicago on July 25.
"I'm very pleased to have a crew instead of nine separate (individuals)," Skibbe said. "These guys have worked together for years. I'm very confident in their abilities."
