KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER
ALIVIA GILES
LAYOUT EDITOR
11/7/2022
Following a 30-10 victory against Adrian College on Nov. 5, the Alma College football team remains undefeated.
Coming back from their 5-5 record in the 2021 season, the Scots have won all nine of their games so far this year. This is the first time Alma College football has gone 9-0 in the program’s 128-year history.
If the Scots win their tenth game on Nov. 12 against Albion College, they will guarantee their spot in the MIAA Championship.
Jason Couch, Alma College head football coach, is happy to see his players’ and coaches’ hard work paying off.
“I think it means a lot, not only to our players but our alumni and campus community. For the players and coaches, it validates the countless hours of commitment they have given since our last game in 2021,” said Couch.
For Couch, their success this season extends past the Alma College community. “Gaining respect within the conference [is important] and our players do a great job motivating one another,” said Couch.
“There are days I’m tired but when I get out to practice and feel the energy of others I’m rejuvenated. Attitudes and energy are contagious and I love the atmosphere of our practices.”
Zachary Riepma, assistant coach – offensive coordinator is proud of how hard the team has worked toward their goal this season.
“It has never been about the destination, but the process and the journey of ‘climbing the mountain.’ CLIMB stands for Commitment, Leadership, Intensity, Maturity and Belief,” said Riepma.
Finishing his career as a Scot, William Hampton (’23) is excited to be a part of Alma College history.
“I can’t even begin to put in words what a MIAA Championship will mean to me, this program and this community,” said Hampton.
Hampton is proud of the Scots for surpassing expectations. “We were picked preseason to finish 6th in the conference. Alma football hasn’t won a conference championship in 18 years so it would be special,” said Hampton.
Hampton feels that the team owes a lot to Couch for their success this season. “Knowing that I was a part of Coach Couch’s first recruiting class and to get him a Conference Championship would mean the world to me,” said Couch.
“He’s a great coach but, an even better man that wants to see his players not only succeed on the field but as well as off the field,” said Couch. “This would mean so much to past, present and future Scots.”
Sage Kraai (’23) does feel a sense of pressure to finish the season strong, but uses this as motivation.
“Being undefeated is a lot of fun, but it places a large target on us. Everyone wants to beat us and is doing everything in their power to beat us,” said Kraai. “I don’t think it creates too much stress for us players. We like to have the chip on our shoulders. We have been preparing for this moment.”
