by Colton Rempel
After ending last season with a record of 2-9, the Bison look to charge their way back to the top of the league. The Bison dove right in with moving coaching staff around as well as adding some new leadership during the offseason.
“Tyler Roberts has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator,” said head coach Chris Jenson. “We have also added Mason Farquhar (QBs), Trey Odom (S), Kwesi Mashack (LBs), Stetson Harkness (RBs) and KJ Price (LB GA).”
Jensen said he believed these changes would add to the team dynamic.
“All coaches have worked well together and bring a high level of energy and a commitment to the expectations of the program,” he said.
When looking at who could be a standout player this season Jenson mentioned defensive back, Chase Whitebear.
“He has the attention of NFL scouts and has worked really hard in the off-season and pre-season,” said Jenson.
There are however, many more returning athletes and new additions who Jenson pointed out that “their work ethic and the energy they bring to practice every day.” He said this energy is what makes them stand out and is what will hopefully take the team to the next level.
One of the returning players is junior linebacker, Austin Vincent. Vincent is entering his third season with the Bison hopeful for the upcoming season.
“I’m excited because I’ve seen the most buy-in from the players since I have been here,” he said. “It is really promising to see everyone truly give everything they have for the team’s success and show the mindset of being selfless over selfish. I’m looking forward to seeing all that hard work and commitment pay off on the field,” said Vincent.
Vincent is looking to bring the best version of himself to the team this season. Going into his third season he hopes to show what it means to be a Christian athlete.
“My goal is to be the best version of myself, both on and off the field—mentally, spiritually, and physically. When I’m at my best, I can help my teammates reach their full potential. I believe success starts with each person doing their part, taking care of themselves, and staying committed—not in a selfish way, but so we can lift each other up and be our best as a team,” said Vincent.
Vincent said he is excited going into this season as they are a much more united group compared to the other seasons. Vincent hopes to help keep that unity and create a brotherhood within the team.
“I hope to bring everyone together to play as one team. We have had guys who were all about themselves in the past, and I want to change that culture here. Teams play best when they are playing for something bigger than themselves, and I want our guys to have that mindset,” said Vincent.
The Bison are coming into this season hoping to improve from last season, and a major part of that is figuring out a way to outplay opponents they have struggled against in the past seasons.
Henson said he was less focused on playing an individual team but rather focused on where they are collectively as a team against each of their opponents.
“We are focused on being our best and we look forward to every opportunity to see where we are in that pursuit,” said Jenson.
The Bison will open the season September 4 with a road game to face the Mule Riders of Southern Arkansas University.
Photos taken by Oklahoma Baptist University Athletics
