The DePauw football team is one week into Spring Ball which lasts throughout the month of April. The off-season training sessions consist of practices three times a week along with scheduled lifts.
“The goal of Spring Ball is for the team to come together as one unit,” sophomore Anthony Sansone said. “The coaches divide us into six different teams and it's ultimately about competing against one another and getting better as a whole.”
The competitiveness stretches from on the field and into the weight room. Teams must follow a point system that if a player misses a scheduled football event, then a team could forfeit a point.
“We are working out and practicing Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with film sessions and other activities incorporated in,” junior Matt Crupi said. “I think that just keeps us in shape mentally and physically.”
Crupi serves as the focal point of the defense at the middle linebacker position. Crupi led the team last season with 85 tackles, on a defense that returns 11 of its 12 starters for next season.
A key returner is junior wide receiver Andy Hunt, who returns to the team as the main threat on offense. Hunt received a second-team all North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honor last year after he tallied 45 catches for 850 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns.
“We need to get sharper all around as team. Whether that be by technique, strength or conditioning, we are just trying to ready for the season and ultimately win conference next year,” Hunt said.
DePauw finished last season with a final record of 8-2, with their only two losses coming to Wabash College and Wittenberg University. The team begins next season on at home against Central College on Sept. 8.
