With the Samford football team having their worst start in 40 years only getting their first win in week eight, everyone is frustrated and disappointed. However, the people who are feeling it the most are the players.
“Being 0-6 is something I’ve never been in my life,” said senior quarterback Quincy Crittendon, “It’s hard being a loser.”
Avoiding outside commentary is nearly impossible today with social media and Fizz. Players understand where fans are coming from with their remarks but try not to dwell on it.
“At the end of the day, it’s not really the most important thing in the world. You know I get it, there’s a lot of frustration with the student body,” said junior quarterback Charlie Gilliam. “But I don’t think that’s something that hurts us in the locker room or gets to us.”
Players have not needed to focus on the outside critiques because they are already aware of the issues that have made fans disappointed.
“I will own up to it, I mean I haven’t played the best,” said Crittendon, “I don’t think anybody has played their best this season, but I’ll be the first to admit it. I mean, being a starter, being your last season playing football, of course you want it to be a story, but it doesn’t always go that way.”
Even though they can mostly block out the outside noise, the season has still taken a toll on players.
“I think this season, this year, has been just mentally frustrating all around.” said Crittendon, “And that’s why I keep saying I think everything happens for a reason. I think it is happening for a reason. I think God has a plan, and I just got to see it through.”
During this season, the team has come together to support one another and keep spirits high. The locker room has stayed positive and uplifting despite the record.
“I think our team’s morale and effort is so high because everyone is so close,” said Gilliam, “We all hang out. It doesn’t matter what age or position you play. That just brings the whole team closer.”
Good morale and camaraderie can help with the struggle of the season so far, but players are not just facing adversity on the field. This past summer, Crittendon’s father, Quincy Lamont Crittendon, passed away. Crittendon has had to balance leading his team and deal with the emotions of his final season, all while processing his grief.
“It’s not easy, not easy at all,” said Crittenden, “I just lean on my faith. I think that is the only thing that is keeping me going each and every day because I don’t know how I’m doing it on my own. But I’m not doing it on my own. I’ve got God on my side, and I think he’s the one that’s motivating me and pushing me.”
With the hardships on and off the field, Head Coach Chris Hatcher, is proud of how his players have responded.
“I’ve been really pleased with our team because they’ve shown up to work each week.” Said Hatcher, “One thing about athletics is you have got to forget about what happened the week before and go play the next play, and our team has been really good at handling that.”
The biggest encouragement for the team has been that everyone continues to show up.
“Every week we’ve shown up and we’ve continued to play,” said Gilliam, “And it definitely gets frustrating, like 0-6 is painful. It’s hard to go back and keep practicing, but I think that you’ve just got to show up cause it’s just a one-week season. That’s what Hatcher says, just keep looking at it like every game is the biggest game of the year because it’s the only game that week.”
Coach Hatcher has had one message to keep players focused and motivated this season.
“Just play the next play.” said Hatcher, “That’s the way we try to play each and every game. Just play the next game and improve in the areas you need to improve in.
Samford football did earn their first win of the season against Virgina Military Institute, winning 24-22 with new freshman quarterback Brady Stober in his first collegiate start.
Public Relations Manager
Fabulous article! So well written and the quotes from the QB and coach were encouraging! Proud of the players as they continue the struggle! Go Bulldogs!
This is a really good article, bringing out the fact that perseverance and character building are both important to a team, especially during a losing season. The personal stories of how God is working and quotes from the Coach and quarterback, show growth and hope for future success. The losses make the wins even sweeter!
Always cheering for the Bulldogs, and I’m so grateful to hear from the strong leaders on the team. Great article!
This is a such beautiful and compassionate article Miss Lola Marie Casey! You captured the true essence of a Godly perspective in the center of a very trying football season! Coach Hatcher and his players and our great university are all dear to our souls! Each of these warriors are in our hearts and in our prayers!!!
A well written article that captures the sentiment of team and staff during difficult times. We want to be winners in all endeavors, but as Quincy recognizes, God’s plan for each of us is unknown. There is a reason for this dilemma. Nonetheless, be strong, be persistent and Go Bulldogs!!! Good luck through the end of the season.
John Uskert
B.S. Pharmacy ‘76
J..D. ‘90