Big Red Football is Back

A comeback for Big Red Football is long overdue. The first group of students to return to campus, the team was hard at work on and off the field this week. They tackled significant challenges during preseason, from three practices a day under torrential downpours to new coaching staff and a slew of new recruits. Nevertheless, the team exhibited relentless effort and has no intention of slowing down.Senior Gannon McCorckle put it simply when describing the team’s work so far. “This preseason has been electric,” he said. “From day one we have had huge leaps on the field as well as a great time bonding as teammates off the field.”Lower Curtis Chimer sensed a surge in energy, saying, “I’ve noticed a mood shift this preseason. Last year, people couldn’t wait for the practices to end and prayed for cancelations. This year everyone’s excited to get on the field and go to work.” Despite the tiring demands of practice, players were quick to point out the highlights of preseason. One player, new senior George Harrington, was a common thread among several of the players’ most memorable moments. “The best moment of preseason had to have been the group dance we had in the locker room after our practice was cancelled,” Shimer described. “George started break dancing and the whole team went crazy.”McCorckle credited Harrington as well, saying, “My favorite preseason moment has been one guy. George Harrington. This kid is [going to] run the school.”Of course, preseason was not all fun and games, and the team faced a few obstacles. “We had a full pads practice in the rain, which was pretty tough,” Brown said.A couple players suffered small injuries. Upper Owen Fox emphasized that during daily practices, “the whole team really came together and worked hard to make it through the week.” And yet, these moments were undoubtedly valuable, as they revealed the team’s strengths and possible weaknesses. “Our greatest strength is not only our talent, but our depth of talent. We have so many guys that can be successful in so many different spots—it’s very exciting. But a negative that comes along with this newfound talent is that we have to get used to how everyone plays,” McCorckle said, nonetheless sharing his confidence that the adjustment will not take long.The team is optimistic in their outlook for the season. “With Coach Glennon back and a strong contingent of seniors and PGs, I think we’re going to do very well,” Brown said. In the past, the team has faced serious adversity, and while many people on campus are hopeful about this season, there are still those who doubt the possibility of the team’s success. In response, Shimer said, “As a team we are focused, motivated and support each other regardless of age or skill. Everyone on the team recognizes the clear potential our team has, and can’t wait to prove doubters wrong.”McCorckle expressed similar confidence, and emphasized the need for support from the rest of campus to ensure the team’s success. “The school can look forward to a lot of wins. We have two big games; Taft [on Sep. 14], then Worcester [on Sep. 13] under the lights. We really hope the school can make an effort to support us—we promise we won’t disappoint.”He concluded, “Just know this team is different. We are starting a new chapter in this program’s history and we are ready to leave our mark.”