Kevin Parada
Staff Writer
Most athletic programs including La Verne’s football program go through ups and downs.
In 2010 the team won only one of its nine contests. In 2009 it failed to win any contests and in 2008 it won only two.
“Hopefully they can pick up where they left off,” said psychology student Lou Moran.
Although the Leopards have won three games in three years, there are always things to look forward to.
“The ULV football program is definitely not the best sports program on campus,” said alumna Denise Landeros. “I would love to see them win more and do better. I hope new strategies and ideas are being implemented and practiced in hopes of bettering the program and team.”
On March 2, head coach Chris Krich was hired to turn things around for the Leopard football program and hopefully his first stint as a head coach allows him to do just that.
“Maybe the new coach can help them win a game,” said David Stopani, a Pomona resident and La Verne football fan.
La Verne football fans have a lot to be excited about. The Leopards return the players responsible for 18 of their 23 touchdowns in 2010.
Junior running back Erek Brown rushed for 443 yards and four touchdowns, senior wide-out Allen Daniels earned 434 receiving yards and three touchdowns, senior receiver Matt Griffin finished with 727 yards and eight touchdowns and sophomore receiver Chad Lucas recorded 170 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
La Verne returns a lot of fire power but also looks forward to returning their top two defensive players of 2010. Senior linebacker Filip Marcelin finished with 56 tackles and junior safety Donald Mull added ß54.
With great returners and 50 new players competing for starting jobs, the Leopards seem to be in good shape as the start of the season rolls around.
Offensively, Krich looks to improve a solid foundation that rushed for a total of 1,061 yards. He also looks to add to a defense that lost three games by one touchdown or less last year.
The Leopards kick off the season at 6 p.m. Saturday against the NAIA Azusa Pacific Cougars in Azusa.
Kevin Parada can be reached at kevin.parada@laverne.edu.
