NIANTIC, Ill. (WCIA) — Returning for the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade was a big confidence boost for SVTC.

The Storm finished last season with a 6-4 record, falling in the first round of the postseason at Vandalia.

According to fourth-year head coach Carl Spath, several factors have contributed to the team’s turnaround, including a strong commitment to team culture and significant community support.

After seeing on-field success last season, the seniors on this squad are confident in their ability to make another postseason bid.

“Seeing that my class and the senior class last year could achieve something that hasn’t been done in years was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that this year we can do the same thing feels like a great accomplishment,” senior fullback and linebacker Hunter Martin said.

“I’m excited for the season because I believe we can make it to the second round of playoffs again, 100%. We just need to set the tone in the first three games,” senior quarterback and linebacker Hill Muir said.

The Storm open the season at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond on August 29 at 7:00 p.m.