02/15/05
By Louis Gagliardi,
Contributor
On January 31, the football team at Seton Hill University (SHU) began its winter workouts.
That means they are working out four times a week, from Monday to Thursday. The workouts are held at the Westmoreland Athletic Club.
The study halls also began on January 31. These are to ensure that the players do
not fall behind in their classes.
“I really like the coaching staff. They are a big reason why I came here. They really seem to care, and they are here to help us with our studies if we need help with them,” said Ryan Bann, freshman.
There are currently 32 players on the roster.
Chris Snyder, head coach of the football team, said he is happy with the current size, but also said, “I wish I could get more before the beginning of spring training.”
The reasoning for this is to fill positions sooner. Snyder hopes to have 100 to 120 athletes by August 7.
"I am adapting to Seton Hill pretty well. I know a ton of people here already from classes, workstudy and sports. I don't feel like I'm by myself anymore like I did on the first day," said Brandon Stephenson, freshman.
All of the equipment is either ordered and ready to be used.
“The helmets, the pads, and the game uniforms are all ordered,” said Snyder. “We are just finishing the ordering of the field equipment.”
In 2005-2006, the SHU football team will play NAIA Division II, and Division III opponents.
In 2005, they will play mostly Division II and Division III teams. This will be a test to see if they are on the same level as those teams, and if they participate in the NCAA or remain in the NAIA.
Then in 2006, the Griffins get into their conference opponents.
“The football program definitely attracted me to come here. It is a new program; it’s a fresh start to something that will hopefully be great,” said Stephenson.
To view all articles by this writer Click here.