Tough Year for Reigning CIAA Champion

The Shaw University's Bears football team had a rocky year coming off a CIAA Championship win and finishing 9-2 to close out the season. With the final game of the season approaching fast against rivals St. Augustine's College (SAC) the season are 2-7. Going into the season, head coach, Darrell Asberry, was concerned about the team's chemistry and indiscipline, stating that with no discipline success would be elusive. He mentioned that he takes full responsibility for the team's performance. He is very disappointed in the season, despite it being a rebuilding year.

"I don't think I did a good job recruiting this year. And as a head coach I didn't get them prepared for the season like I should have," said a humble Asberry.

Junior, cornerback, Gerald Kennedy has missed most of the season after suffering from a Liz Franc dislocation during week 4 in the Elizabeth City State University game (ECSU). As a captain he is a leader on and off the field regardless of injury.

"I tried to lead by displaying good character," said Kennedy, an Accounting major.

Junior, offensive linemen, Jacques James feels that the offense struggled because they mostly were all young. According to Asberry, he recruited more players fresh out of high school instead of Division I transfers, like the past.

"Being young was, in my opinion the key problem. It was hard to learn the plays, we needed more than just the spring," said James, a political science major.

With a baffling season one can only help but to reflect on their mistakes. Kennedy said if he could change anything about the season he would have paid more attention to details in training camp. Asberry made it clear that he didn't feel sorry for himself about the season, only disappointed. He felt like he should have spent for time with hands on recruiting like in the past.

"I would change the way I prepared them for the season, I would go back to the old coach from the previous years," Asberry said with a grin.

In hope of the last game, the Bears feel the need to finish the season off with a win.

"I want us to come together and play as one, we got to do it for the seniors," Kennedy said.

The Bears will face the 4-5 SAC in Durham County Stadium at 1 o'clock, Saturday November 5.