By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Wesleyan Titan football team is looking to recoil from an injury filled 2014 campaign.
The Titans ended 2014 with a 4-6 record. Speaking at media day Friday, Head Coach Norm Eash said much of last offseason was spent answering questions. With 24 players returning who started at least one game in 2014, the tone is different this season.
“It’s a whole different camp this year,” said Eash. “There’s less teaching kids and more improving of what we’re doing than ever before.”
Eash is entering his 29th season at IWU. He expected the team to get off to a great start this year.
“We have a tough game against Frankin which will be a tough challenge for us because they’re a top 25 team,” said Eash. “After that, win the non-conference schedule and that will prepare us for the CCIW.”
Junior linebacker Sean Garvey was an all-conference player in 2014 after leading the CCIW in tackles. He said having so many experienced players returning allows the defense to execute at a higher level.
“We might not be doing too much differently, but it allows us to do what we do better,” Garvey said.
Sophomore quarterback Jack Warner, who started five games as a freshman, said the offense needs to set up the run more this season.
“We didn’t do as well as we wanted last year,” said Warner. “So this year we definitely want to be able to set up the run (and) be confident that we can get a few yards every play.”
Eash added Warner has a great perception of what’s happening on the field.
“He’s a playmaker. He’s not a very big quarterback, but he still has great vision. That allowed him to see the field, get the ball to the right people,” said Eash. “This year it’s completely different. Jack has had a year of college football. He understands the game even more.”
The expectation, according to Garvey, is to win a conference championship.
“It’s just a matter of getting out every day and getting better because we’re all hungry. We’ve all got the same goal in mind,” Garvey said.
The Titans first game is set for Sep. 7 on the road against Franklin.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
