NOAH FISHMAN, Special to The Denisonian—
With Denison’s fall sports season kicking off, senior football team captain and history major Kevin Stone reflected on the team’s recent track record.
“Last season was pretty good, but it wasn’t what we expected. We went 6-4. I think the standard on our team is to go 10-0 and make the playoffs.”
So 2021 did not bring the glory that the team had hoped, but this year provides a brand new opportunity for success. Rather than sulking in disappointment, the team has used last season as fuel moving forward: This year will be different, this year will be better.
“It was a little bit of a down year, but I think all in all it’s motivated a lot of guys to do better,” said Stone. “Our coach has been saying since day one, go 10-0, get a home playoff game, that’s our main goal right now.”
This positive rhetoric seems to be making a big difference, as Stone reports that a lot of people have improved in the weight room. Having won their first game on Sept. 3 with a score of 48 to 31 against Capital University, Big Red is off to a roaring start. Big Red Football built off that perfomance this past Saturday .
Traveling to Hamburg, NY, Denison made their trip worthwhile. They thrived on the road. Men’s Football obliterated opponent Hilbert College, posting a 63-0 shutout.
Excited to get the season rolling, Stone comments “We’re gonna win. I always have that confidence in me.”
In an effort to spread that confidence and comradery, the athletes make an effort to hang out beyond their team lifts and practices.
“Before game days the offensive line or the defensive line will get together and get something to eat,” explains Stone. The place varies depending on the day, but, according to Stone, Chipotle is a team favorite.
Knowing that this is his final year at Denison, Stone wants to play to his strengths, and use his platform as captain to inspire his fellow players.
“I’m not really big on speeches, I’d start stuttering or say something stupid,” Stone admits. But he does not let that stop him from being a role model for the rest of the team.
“I try to lead by example, setting the tone in the weight room and on the field, and just going hard. If it’s a down block, I try to push a guy back like ten to 20 yards.”
It’s been a great start for Big Red, so for now all the Denison community can do is hope that Stone and the rest of the team’s commitment pays off, and the rest of the season goes just as well.