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Tough Year for Reigning CIAA Champions

By Jacquelyn Fornville

On November 4, 2011

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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 Bears record is a dismal 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 so far, despite it being a rebuilding year. He says; "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, against Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). As a captain he has been a leader on and off the field regardless of injury.

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

According to Asberry, he recruited more players fresh out of high school instead of Division I transfers, as has been the case in the past. Junior, offensive linemen, Jacques James feels that the offense struggled because most were inexperienced on the field.

"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 that if he could change anything about the season, he would have paid more attention to details in the training camp.

Coach Asberry made it clear that he didn't feel sorry for himself about the season, only disappointed. He felt like he should have spent more time with hands on recruiting like in the past. "If 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 are determined 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.

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

UPDATES:

The Shaw Athletics twitter feed makes updates on the ground, Shaw won the game!