By Morris Stephens | One can only imagine the pressure on an athlete playing a five game season with no guarantees of that happening. But to those who put everything they have into the sport they love, there are no excuses.
For Howard Payne’s University football team, this is the reality this spring.
Dylan Zeno, football corner and leadership council member, said he is not only grateful for the opportunity to step back on the field, but plans to make the most out of it along with his teammates.
“It’s a blessing to get to play the game right now. It was hard to get here with all the crazy things going on in our world right now. The expectation for this team is 5-0, nothing less,” said Zeno.
The HPU football team played its first game against Texas Lutheran University this Saturday, losing by one point in nail-biter.
The team, under the leadership of new head coach, Jason Bachtel, is working hard to build the program.
Bachtel said that his expectations for the team this upcoming season is bigger than just wins and losses.
“I think sometimes you can always get caught up in the wins and losses, let’s put all that aside because obviously we are here to win. I want to see a unified front; I want to see a brotherhood to where we are all united and we are all fighting for the same thing,” said Bachtel.
Bachtel also said that preparing for this season has been different than preparing for seasons in the past.
“You have to put into place some things that we are not used to doing not only in football but in all athletics. We have to do things a certain way this year, things that we did not have to do a year ago. I do think that this has opened the eyes of some issues not only in athletics, but in our world which will be beneficial going forward,” added Bachtel.
Preparing for something like this has been a different experience for everyone. James Jakubowski, HPU defensive lineman and leadership council member, does feel the difference but said the show must go on.
“No one is used to any of this. It is definitely very alien for everybody, but it is the new normal now so we have to keep going with everything and keep pushing on,” said Jakubowski.
Jakubowski isn’t the only leadership council member who is confident about the upcoming season. Defensive back and leadership council member, Kyle Bell, said that the team has done its part to stay safe from Covid and is eager to get out there.
“I feel like we’ve been taking a lot of precautionary measures to make sure we have masks on in the locker room, the weight room, and the field when we don’t have our helmets on,” said Bell.
During these times of uncertainty, it can be easy to lose hope in the things that are important, but HPU defensive back and leadership council member Jarret Brown has faith in his team no matter the circumstances they are in.
“We couldn’t really prepare how we wanted to but I feel like we’ve prepared enough to play. I feel confident and I believe in this coaching staff and my teammates. I think we are going to be just fine,” added Brown
In the meantime, Brown has a message to share with his fellow students on campus.
“To the people of HPU, I hope all of you come out and watch us play. Stay safe and be sure to support us,” said Brown.