Season Preview: Football

The Trinity football team is coming off of a 2-5 season last year under the direction of head coach Eric Slivoskey. When looking back at the season the Lions went into the 2nd half with leads in four of those games. Although the roster numbers are not high the coaching staff is still high on expectations for this fall, as they return several key pieces off of last years roster.

On Offense the Lions will be returning their top to pass catching targets in Zach Marengo, and TJ Martinez. Along with that they will be bringing back two starting offensive linemen who helped open up holes for a team that averaged over 130 rushing yards per game, those being senior Jimmy King and sophomore Ben Harrell.

On Defense the strength of the Lions will be the linebacker core as they are returning all three starters from a year before and they were the three leading tacklers from last season as well. All-American David Steeves, Zach Marengo and Colten Hoots are all primed for big seasons this coming fall. The Lions will also be returning size and playmaking ability along the defensive line in senior Devontae Riley and sophomore Eli Christensen.

The third phase of the game should be making a major jump as well, with the edition of Coach Hess as the special teams coordinator. Incoming freshman Nick Howser will give the Lions a much need boost in the kicking game which has been lacking for Trinity in the past couple years. 

I had some questions for Coach Slivoskey, and here are his responses.

Coming off of a 2-5 season what is the next step for your football team?

Coming off a 2-5 season, our next steps for the program included getting the schedule back up to 9 games, building continuity within our coaching staff, continuing to strengthen the culture of our football team off the field, and improving our overall play on the field.

 How do you prepare for a schedule that has 5 new opponents on it?

 To prepare for 5 new opponents, we have to focus heavily on being fundamentally sound in our schemes and execution.  We must also watch lots of film to better understand and prepare for what these teams are trying to do out there on Saturdays.

 What will be the biggest difference between year 1 and year 2 for your program?

 The biggest difference will likely be that our returning players know more of what to expect in terms of how we go about our business and the expectations that are out there.  

 With a mix of upperclassmen and new players to the program what would be a successful season for the Lions this fall?

 Would define our success in terms of the impact and significance that we project in the classroom, in chapel, and out on the field.  We are doing our jobs if our student/athletes are graduating and becoming positive difference makers as future leaders out in society.  Every player should get better from learning and constantly being challenged.  The keys to maximizing this team's potential include sustaining our effort and Christ like attitudes over the span of the whole season.  If we can do that, we will achieve what we set out to do.  Along the way, I believe this team has the ability to really surprise some people.

 The Lions open up the season on August 25^th, at Bob Tatum Field against Culver-Stockton.

 Tanner Twigg, Trinity Bible College Sports Information Director