Salary looks to build off Michigan City Wolves' success in 2025, go even further in 2026

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- It's a new era in Michigan City, as Charles Salary officially takes the reins as head coach of the Wolves. Salary came over from Calumet in northwest Indiana, and even with Thursday's practice being moved inside due to weather, it’s clear that he and his squad are fired up for Friday’s matchup against New Prairie.

Friday's game between New Prairie and Michigan City is technically going in the books as a scrimmage - but forgive Salary if it sounds more like he's going to go to war.

The former Michigan City assistant coach and Calumet head coach has had this matchup circled on his calendar.

"I've been blessed enough to be an assistant coach here before, so I kind of knew what I was getting myself into, and I taught this senior class in middle school, so I already had a relationship with a lot of these kids so it made the transition a lot easier," said Salary.

In 2025, Michigan City made their first trip to regionals since 2021.

Now, in his first season at the helm, it's Salary's responsibility to make sure the Wolves take that next step.

"Everything starts at square zero, it's a level playing field. Whatever you did the past year doesn't really matter, it's just about how you build up," said Salary.

Like many coaches at the high school level, Salary has been tasked with finding a new quarterback after Michigan City's 2025 signal caller graduated.

Junior Jaiden Baker will tell you why he's exactly who Salary wants under center.

"You don't know what I'm going to do, my feet, I can move, I'm faster than you think, give me one cut, I'm gone, and I can throw on the run too," said Baker.

"Just to watch the growth and see the growth since the spring to the summer, and now to fall camp, we're very excited about him, and just can't wait to see him cut it loose on game days," said Salary.

But offense will only take you so far.

Luckily, the Wolves have one of the best defenses in the region, barely giving up more than 21 points per game last year, including 5 games where their opponent scored less than 14 points.

"Sometimes in practice, you kind of figure why aren't we being successful for offense, sometimes it's execution but sometimes the defense is pretty good, so hopefully that just translates to the game time," said Salary.

After their game against New Prairie, Salary and the Wolves will flip the page to next Friday, August 21st, when they take on Hanover Central on the road.

That's the first of three away games to start the season for Michigan City.