MU Football Kicks Off Against Trine
Jared Hubbard
The Manchester Spartans football club look forward to having a promising season with their new young core.
Head Coach Nate Jensen went out this past off-season to recruit standout talent from across United States. He, along with his 110 combined players and coaching staff, have worked non-stop all summer to grow as a unit and make their dreams of winning a Division III championship a reality.
They’re ready for the challenge to rewrite the destiny of this team. The Spartans were projected to finish fifth in the HCAC preseason poll. They also had eight players selected as “Players to Watch’’ for the upcoming season. The Spartans have set the stage for the season, but will have to see if they can capitalize on the momentum set this past off-season.
The Spartans have brought in a group of talented first years. Rahmon Jones, a 6’4 327-pound left tackle from South Bend, IN, came to MU from a stellar high school career at Riley High School. He selected Manchester over Marian University and Indiana Wesleyan University. “I chose Manchester because it’s close to home,” he said. “I loved the homey environment and I just want my family to come and support me since it’s so close.’’
Jones also has goals in mind. “My expectations for this season are to come together as a team and win and to also be the best team that Manchester has ever had and has ever seen,” he said. “My goals are to just get better and learn from all of our mistakes as a whole and to learn. We don’t lose; we win or we learn.’’
Jones also said that the team is gelling pretty well as a unit. “We’ve been coming together, helping together,” he said. “When one messes up we all don’t put that one guy down; we surround him with open arms and watch film and come together collectively.”
What is Jones like off the field? “I’m a fun guy,” he said. “I’m kind of shy but at the same time when you learn me you’ll see how fun and unique I really am.”
Ethan Rinnert, a 6’2 185-pound quarterback from Davenport, FL, has one expectation for the season. “I want to win. Point. Blank. Period,” he said. “Especially with me coming off of this injury I have a lot to prove and to show, especially with my family watching and supporting me in Florida.
“It’s clear coming from Florida I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder,” he continued, “but I know that I can help bring a winning attitude to this school and team as a whole.’’
Off the field Rinnert sees himself as a “cool, calm and collected guy.” He loves music, and, as he says, “I try to be more versatile and to understand all parts of life for sure.’’