Still on a mission to win their record 11th NCAA Division III Championship, the Mount Union football team returns for the 2012 season with fire. After a close loss against Whitewater in last year’s championship game, the Purple Raiders are ready to settle the score with a victory this time around. And with a remarkably large class of 35 returning seniors who have yet to witness a Stagg Bowl win, qualifying for and winning this year’s championship is of the utmost importance.
There is not much room for improvements however, because the Purple Raiders have proven themselves as quite a force to be reckoned with already, possessing two of the longest winning streaks in college football history. With a current run of 20 consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference Championships (1992-2011) and an experienced roster much like last year’s, the team is in a comfortable position to be able to pull off such a feat again. Also, by having a 27 year veteran on the sidelines as coach with more than 300 victories to his name, the chances of achieving a championship title appear even higher.
The Dynamo contacted head coach Larry Kehres to see if he had any new strategies in mind to improve the chances of the already successful team taking home a championship, but he could not be reached for any comments.
However, according to senior linebacker Daniel Allen (Mason, Mich./Mason), the team has been focusing on the Stagg Bowl since the off-season began by working exceptionally hard throughout the spring and summer and keeping the championship as their sole focus while they train.
“Seeing as it is our last year to win one, finally doing so would be the best possible send-off for this senior class,” Allen said.
Senior Quarterback Neal Seaman (Louisville/Louisville) seems to think that if the team focuses on getting better every day and staying healthy, it will ensure a better outcome in the post-season. He personally takes responsibility by improving his quarterback skills to further the odds in their favor.
“It’s a role I don’t take lightly,” Seaman said regarding his important position. “I realize that since the ball is in my hands every play, I have to make good decisions to help our team win.”
Seaman also shares the same opinion as Allen regarding the titleless senior class.
“Our class has been through a lot the last three years and for whatever reason, we have come up short. So my wish for the team is to finish and bring in a national championship to them and the university. I feel very proud to have the opportunity to play with such a great group of guys.”
This season will be one spent mostly on the road as The Raiders will host only four games at home. They kicked it all off on Sept. 1 against The Franklin College Grizzlies in Franklin, Ind. and won 45-7.
