KSU’s club football team didn’t walk away with any trophies, or even an out-right victory this Fall. However, for a first year team, team president Danny Payne insists the season was successful in many other ways, including building a foundation for football in the future.
“Overall, we had a very successful season,” Payne said. “It didn’t translate to too much success on the field, but we are proud of our guys who were consistent and showed up all the time. We actually played six games in our inaugural season. So, that was a huge success right there. We are looking forward to the future.”
The Owls, who joined the National Club Football Association in the Spring, finished with a 1-5 record. That lone victory came in a forfeit from New Orleans. KSU still had some highlight moments, including a close game against Rollins College and a valiant effort against the Atlanta Sports Academy, which dressed over 60 players including three NFL sized lineman.
“It’s been a challenge,” Payne said. “But, I’m very optimistic this upcoming Spring and Fall seasons are going to be good and will be able to get those wins.”
Head coach Joseph Courson, who was hired just before the Owls’ last game against ASC, sees a bright future as well.
“Obviously our numbers are not where they need to be. We need to get more recognition of our team,” Courson said. “We have talent. We have a lot of people here at KSU. I believe the student population is more than Georgia Tech. That’s a big pool for me to choose from.”
KSU is no preparing for its Spring season, where it hopes to play at least three games against local NCFA members Macon State and Chattahoochee Tech, as well as another matchup against Atlanta Sports Academy.
Payne sees the Spring season as an opportunity to bring more attention to the program.
“One of our target markets for the team here is the student base. I feel like a lot of students here love the game of football. They enjoy watching it,” Payne said. “So, if we can have even just a small percentage of our students come out to the games, that will in turn bring more people out. Even people in the community.”
Aside from action on the field, one of the reasons Payne and Courson feel the team succeeded was in the community. The Owls volunteered to help staff Nicholson Elementary School’s Fall Festival, which could not have happened without outside volunteer support.
“That was my daughter’s school, and the principal was ecstatic,” Courson said.
“Unfortunately the schools aren’t funded like they used to, the school relies on a lot of volunteer work. The kids asked for autographs. My daughter is like the most popular kid in school now,” Courson laughed.
“The guys absolutely loved it,” Payne said. “They were superstars out there, wearing their jerseys, making the school look good and feeling proud about the football team.”
For more information on club football, visit KSU Club Football on Facebook or ncfafootball.org.
The Sentinel’s full interview with Payne and Courson can be viewed online at ksusentinel.com, or The Sentinel’s YouTube channel, KSUSentinelTV.
