The SBU Bearcats football team has started the 2009 campaign with a loss to a ranked Central Missouri team. Keith Allen, entering his 3rd year as the Bearcats Head Coach, talks about the upcoming season.
After game 1, how has your team changed or grown from the 2008 team? "Last year's team could have given up after giving up 13 unanswered points in the first few minutes of the game, but this year's team will never give up. Our kids know how hard they have worked and they understand that this hard work will pay off!"
What to you hope to accomplish with the 2009 season? "I want to see our kids play complete games, execute their assignments. This 2009 team will be a team that plays with enthusiam and effort every down. If we do those simple things, this will be a very successfull team with a winning record."
Who has stepped up in the leadership roles?"On offense- Steve Gachette, Johnnie King and Eric Mateos have been the leaders this fall, on defense- Tyrin Holt and Jarred Schumpert have really stepped up in the leadership role. This team has matured alot over the last 12 months and I am excited to see what the future holds for them. "
What's the biggest thing you want people to say about the SBU Bearcat football program? "It's not the same 'ole Bearcats anymore. I want opponents, when they see us on their schedule, to be saying this is the "oh crud" game, where they know that we are going to battle every play and give them everything we got and in turn they are going to have to battle as well. Right now we are still a few team's homecoming game and believe me, that will change!"
Any comments for the Bearcat fans and alumni out there in cyberspace? "Hope to see you Thursday night at 6:00 PM- It's black out night!
