New mindset serves Griffins well

The Seton Hill University (SHU) Griffins football team entered the 2008 season with the mindset that they were turning over a new leaf. So far, that mindset has served the Griffins and their new head coach Joel Dolinski, extremely well. The team posted a 3-0 record in their first three weeks of action, a symbol that a new era of SHU football has begun.

In their first game, the Griffins faced Slippery Rock University, a known National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II powerhouse, and arguably, a very formidable foe for the four year old Griffin football program to face. Down 17-13 at the half, the Griffins came out of the locker room after half time with a new sense of urgency and vigor. By the end of the game, the Griffins had defeated Slippery Rock in one of the most exciting victories in the team’s history.

By Steve Meredith

Senior Staff Writer

The Seton Hill University (SHU) Griffins football team entered the 2008 season with the mindset that they were turning over a new leaf. So far, that mindset has served the Griffins and their new head coach Joel Dolinski, extremely well. The team posted a 3-0 record in their first three weeks of action, a symbol that a new era of SHU football has begun.

In their first game, the Griffins faced Slippery Rock University, a known National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II powerhouse, and arguably, a very formidable foe for the four year old Griffin football program to face. Down 17-13 at the half, the Griffins came out of the locker room after half time with a new sense of urgency and vigor. By the end of the game, the Griffins had defeated Slippery Rock in one of the most exciting victories in the team’s history.

The Griffins continued their hot streak when they went into Geneva on September 6th, taking care of business and coming out winners by the score of 27-18. Running back Antwarn Jones looked polished, rushing for 138 yards and two scores, while the Griffins special teams also looked sharp, with Sammy Tranks running a punt back 75 yards for a score.

The Griffins seem to have a new sense of pride and duty this season that SHU fans have not seen in the previous three seasons of the program’s existence. First and foremost, is the Griffins’ dynamic turnaround from last season by posting a 3-0 record early in the season. Second is a new sense of confidence. Homecoming games are usually scheduled so that the home team can beat the visiting opponent, and that’s usually what happens.

It’s a great night for everyone involved and the fans leave the game happy and psyched about the team’s win. When the Griffins return to Offutt Field for their homecoming game, there will be plenty of festivities throughout the weekend, including a fireworks display.

This season, the Griffins will take on Shepard University in their homecoming matchup; the same Shepard University who is favored to win the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) title this year. What that tells me is that the Griffins are confident, and confidence can be the difference between victory and defeat in all sports.

Look for a close game during homecoming weekend, and if the Griffins keep the momentum from their hot start going, look for a win.