SAC Student-Athlete Insider: Football

With the start of SAC football closing in, Tusculum quarterback Bo Cordell and Wingate wide receiver James Holston discussed the upcoming season with theSAC.com.

What is the best part about being back on campus for the start of classes and practice?

Cordell: "The best part about being back is getting to be back with your teammates who have become very close friends over the years of college football. Lots of great experiences have been shared with my teammates and fellow classmates at Tusculum College."

Holston: "As a redshirt senior, I've come to the realization this will be me last go-round with both classes and football. I really want to focus and give both academics and football all I've got. I'm excited to get back from a long summer of working and training to seeing all of my teammates, friends, coaches and teachers. Wingate has changed so much over the past summer and I'm looking forward to seeing what this year holds."

What game are you most looking forward to this season?

Cordell: "I am looking forward to our week one matchup against Urbana. We have the belief as a team that we will go one game at a time, and not look forward past our next opponent. I was injured last season, so getting back on the field will be very exciting for me. I missed being out in the heat of battle with my teammates and closest friends." 

Holston: "I know the Bulldog players and coaches are looking forward to the start of our season and our first game versus Saint Augustine's. I believe our two biggest tests will be our second game versus Albany State and when we play Carson-Newman in a nationally-televised game under the lights. I know the stars will come out and shine in that match-up -- I couldn't be more excited."

How do you plan to serve as a leader on your team and on campus this season?

Cordell: "We have lots of good leadership at Tusculum that involves way more than just me. We have captains that are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that we will be successful on the field, in the classroom, and in social activities at Tusculum.  We feel that as a group we can help the rest of the Tusculum community grow as a family and also help us play better on the field as well. We realize that being a leader is more than just success on the field; it's doing the right things off the field as well."

Holston: "As a senior this year, I have had the opportunity to learn from previous Wingate greats. They've really made it easy for me to teach some of the younger guys the ways we do things at Wingate. I know all of the seniors on this team will do the same -- being accountable and being the example for the younger guys to follow."

What's something interesting people don't know about your team?

Cordell: "We had a teammate go through a tragedy this year, and God was able to help his family through our football team. A teammate's house burnt down, and was in need of some help. As a football team we put together a car wash which all of the proceeds went towards this teammate's family. This was an amazing team building activity. We were able to raise a good amount of money, but also were able let the football team and community know that we are there for them no matter what the situation." 

Holston: "This year's Wingate Bulldogs are going to have a new look. With a color change to the uniforms and helmets, I hope we see a recharged energy and excitement in the program. I know for a fact we'll being looking good, we just have to make sure our play reflects our wardrobe upgrade."

Did you do anything exciting this summer? 

Cordell: "This summer, about 10 teammates and I stayed on campus, got local jobs, and trained together. This will be extremely beneficial for our football team. I was blessed with an opportunity to work as a summer sales intern at Landair, which is a trucking company located in Greeneville, Tenn. The internship also gave me the opportunity to meet Peyton Manning. I will never forget the conversations that we had, and his genuine personality and willingness to talk to me."

Holston: "I got to do an internship with Jordan Lumber of Mount Gilead, N.C. This was an incredible opportunity. They do many things connected to land conservation and self-sustainable forestry. I got to learn so much about what it means to be a forester."