OLNEY – For the first time in four years, the Olney Cubs will have the same head coach leading their football team in back-to-back seasons. Dustin Altmiller will wear the headset again in 2026 after his team saw significant improvement in his first year.
The Cubs won one more game last season than they had in 2024, going from 2-8 to 3-7, but Altmiller saw improvements on all sides of the ball, including physical and mental growth.
“I feel like we were a lot more competitive,” said Altmiller. “We did a lot of things, just taking baby steps forward. One of the things we preached last last year was 1% better every day. And just trying to stack days on top of days and build.”
Olney’s defense saw a spike in production brought on by turnovers and a solid pass rush, while the offense was more well-rounded. Quarterback Tucker Cortinez completed his conversion from wide receiver and will start again for the Cubs this season.
“He’s gotten a lot better. He understands the offense a lot more. And you know he’s that field general. He’s what you want out there.”
Breakout running back Kyle Stewart has been working on strength training in the offseason, looking to build after being the Cubs leading back as a freshman.
The team will have to contend with a difficult district schedule, 6-2A Division I adding two-time defending state champion Muenster after realignment. But the Cubs will continue to focus on building momentum, most of their core returning from last season and only a few seniors on the roster heading into 2026.
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