As the Taylor Trojans prepare for the upcoming football season, they have welcomed a number of new players and coaches to the team.
Senior outside linebacker T.J. Swore said the new coaches and players have given the team fresh energy, as they work towards having a successful season.
As of summer 2019, Taylor University gained three new defensive coaches: Mike Conway, Rick Fox and Jerome Grey.
Conway is the former head coach of North Park University’s football team.
Fox is the former football coach of Drake University; where he spent five of his 11-year tenure as head coach.
Grey is a 2018 graduate of Wheaton College; this is his first year coaching a college team.
Junior wide receiver Grant Gerig is excited for this season now that he has switched to a new slot receiver position after previous receivers graduated. Gerig said this is what he is looking forward to most about the upcoming season.
Fans should also be on the lookout for standout players. According to Gerig, junior Zac Saltzgaber is someone to watch this season. Gerig said Saltzgaber is an excellent quarterback and a great leader on and off the field.
Swore said his pick for a standout player was twofold: junior Mark Baker and senior Jackson Bronkema. Swore said Bronkema and Baker are exceptional leaders on and off the field by encouraging the team toward a better future.
With a new season comes new challenges — namely, challenging opponents.
While there are several ranked teams on Taylor's schedule, Swore said that every opponent is tough. The Trojans cannot let their guard down no matter who they face.
Swore also said the team would tackle each opponent as they come. Never looking too far into the future, the Trojans focus on the opponent at hand.
On Oct. 5, the Trojans will play at home against chief rival, IWU, as part of Taylor’s Homecoming and Family Weekend.
This year, the Trojans will have a chance for redemption after a previous 20 point loss when they play Saint Francis University on Nov. 9.
The Trojans’ first game will take place on Sep. 7 in Chicago, where they will go against the Eagles from Robert Morris University.
