Gameday Magazine | Wolverines vs Bridgeprep by Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

“Once a Task” The Wolverine’s Roar

by Joaquin Salvade

Beforeevery game, a powerful chant thunders from within the locker rooms: “Once a task has begun, never quit until it’s done.” The athletes chant in a huddle, and this electrifying tradition has empowered and motivated players for years. It all started with Belen’s own Coach Richard Stuart. Coach Stuart led Belen football for 34 years and earned respect as the most successful coach in Miami-Dade County. Though he has since stepped down as head coach, his legacy lives on through the chant, inspiring every team that follows. When asked about the true meaning of the tradition, he shared:

“It’s a way to remind the players to give everything they’ve got toward that particular game, task, or opponent. To not have regrets when they’re on the field. As far as the origin, it’s hard to say. I started here as an assistant coach back in 1981. There was another coach who liked to give ‘rah-rah’ speeches before games, and he said something similar. I put my own spin on it, and it stuck ever since.”

The empowering chant motivates players to push themselves to their limits even off the field. Former

alumni often join in on the chant during game time. Even players who have long since put down their pads remember it by heart. Whether it’s the youngest player on the team or a former alumnus, the chant has personally affected everyone who has set foot on the field. Regarding the growth of the tradition, Coach Stuart explained:

“It’s very clear it affects the players’ passion for the sport. When some of the athletes get tired or sore, I can see them motivating themselves to push past it and fight harder. I have seen teams on the brink of defeat use every last ounce of their strength until the final whistle. It’s really a special thing, and it’s evident in every game of the season, win or lose.”

Whether it’s a quick boost of energy or a way to raise team morale, the “Once a task” chant has strengthened minds and ignited passion in every member of Belen’s football team.

Hearing it echo from the locker room before every game, it’s clear that the Wolverines aren’t just getting excited they’re getting stronger all the while.

Stand-Out Senior: Eddie Pulles

by Jason Vilberg

Senior running back Eddie Pulles knows a thing or two about football. Ever since he first strapped on pads in peewee ball, he has worked his way through the ranks to achieve what every young player dreams of becoming: a varsity starter. Now in his third year on varsity, Pulles has left his mark in countless ways whether it’s breaking tackles on a big run, flipping the field with a kickoff return, or hauling in a clutch first-down catch. His versatility may even explain how he managed to bounce back so quickly from adversity.

Last offseason, Pulles faced one of the toughest challenges of his life. On a fishing trip with friends, he slipped while climbing onto the roof of a boat and suffered a severe wound that required 200 stitches. At first, he wasn’t sure what the future would hold.

“That limited me from really working out in the offseason,” Pulles recalled. “It was February 1st last year when it happened. It was tough for me to

deal with because it limited my mobility, and it still hurts when I get hit there, so I just have to battle through it. But I came back from it thanks to my friends, family, God, and coaches especially Coach Kro. They all pushed me to be a better person. They made me the best I can be, the best version of myself.”

Even after the Wolverines’ rough start to the season, Pulles hasn’t lost faith. More than just a running back, he has embraced the role of leader. His charisma and relentless work ethic inspire teammates both on and off the field.

“I really enjoyed doing 110s in the summer and running with my boys,” Pulles said. “Everyone’s dying and throwing up, but you just keep going. You look to your left and your right you’re not gonna quit on them, and you know they’re not gonna quit on you. I’m also like the jokester on the team, so I’ll start messing around. I like posting funny photos of Coach O and showing them to him, just to lighten the mood. I do it because if you’re not having fun, what are you doing? It’s just high school football you should be enjoying it.”

For Pulles, football is about more than wins and losses. It’s about growth, resilience, and the lifelong bonds forged through shared struggle. Even in defeat, he focuses on progress whether it’s improved physicality on the field or stronger unity in the locker room.

“I think the rest of the season’s gonna be great,” Pulles said. “Win or lose, we’re having a great time and working hard. What Coach O is doing is really special. I’ve been in the program with Coach Chaney, and now I’m in it with Coach O, and it’s a huge night-and-day difference. Obviously, we’re not winning as much, but the way we’re building each other as men is crazy. I’m just really excited for what the program has to offer in the future and the rest of the season.

“We just came off a loss to Key West, but it doesn’t even feel like a loss because we played so well. We were one score away, but I was very happy with the physicality we showed and the fire too. Some minor mistakes happened, but there’s been a big improvement in the O-line since we had almost all our starters injured. I’m excited to see what I can do with a healthy group of guys all around me.”

That resilience, joy, and leadership are the true marks of a Wolverine.