After 19 sessions of practice in 100 degree weather, Dixie State University has wrapped up its fall football camp.
This is the final season these coaches, players and staff members will be a part of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference before becoming members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2016. Head coach Scott Brumfield is in his sixth season coaching for the Red Storm.
This year brought in new athletes, staff and plays. Quarterback Tyler Newman said the team has big changes.
“Going in with a new coaching staff, we want all the players to know that they have the opportunity for playing time, and obviously the returners will get that first shot,” Brumfield said in a press release. “We feel that quarterback is one position that be successful for us.”
Following Coach Brumfield, Aaron Richards and Dustin Sobieraj are the assistant coaches this year.
DSU’s returnee, Jake Hardcastle, a senior communication major from Midway, said he has seen positive changes happen for the team like better equipment, funding and interest.
“This year brings the right coaches, the right backing from the university and athletic department, and we have the players coming together and being a better team,” Hardcastle said.
Myles Burton, a senior criminal justice major from Berkeley, California, is playing his fourth year of football for DSU. Burton said this year is different than the last three because of the mentality.
“Before, we second guessed ourselves and didn’t prepare to win,” Burton said. “Now, practices are a lot more competitive. And we’re doing everything necessary to win football games.”
Left guard Lucas Beddow, a sophomore computer science major from Honolulu, is in his second year playing for DSU. He said getting out of the “freshman funk” is a change for him this year. He said players go through the freshman funk because it’s their first year being on the team and juggling their homework, practices and social life.
“Any time you go into a new season you’re excited,” Brumfield said in a press release. “With this year, with new faces and a lot of new things in the program, this is probably the most excited I’ve been in a while just because the expectations are up and we’re excited to get it going.”
Throughout the past five years, the campus has provided a weight room and funding from the athletic department.
The first home game for the Red Storm is Sept. 5 against Colorado Mesa University. The opening game for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference will play out against Western Oregon Oct. 2. The team will then head to Azusa Pacific on Oct. 17, then South Dakota Mines on Oct. 31.
The team is hopeful for the new season after its preference last year. DSU has its season ticket packages available now for non-students.
