Margaret BauerThe Washington University Bears entered this season with the hopes of attaining a University Athletic Association (UAA) conference title for the fourth year in a row. The Bears hope to continue in the tradition of excellence, a tradition that includes an eleven-year winning record. Head coach Larry Kindbom was enthusiastic. “I am excited about our football team-we’re undoubtedly a good football team,” he noted.
Coach Kindbom has been the mastermind behind the University’s dominant football program for the last fifteen years. The former four-lettered football player from Kalamazoo College in Michigan began his career here in 1983 as an assistant coach. Since he took over as head coach in 1989, the team has won seven UAA championships and appeared for the first time in the NCAA Division III tournament. On top of all that, Kindbom has been a positive influence in the St. Louis area, winning the Eddie Cochems Award for his contributions to amateur football leagues in the St. Louis area.
The Bears football team kicked off the 2004 season on Saturday at home against the No. 1-ranked Mount Union Raiders, who were riding a 55-game regular season winning streak from last season. Unfortunately for the Bears, the Raiders lived up to their pre-season billing, sending the Bears to a 38-0 defeat. The Bears put up a valiant effort against one of the best Division III teams in the country, despite falling in tough fashion. As Coach Kindbom said, “We competed well with their superior abilities, but we also made mistakes.”
While Mount Union won in what would appear to be dominating fashion, the Bears did show flashes of potential. They were unable to sustain that level of play consistently, however, mainly on account of careless mistakes. “The key battle for us is within ourselves,” said Kindbom, “We just need to play every play by every play.”
The key difference that led to the Raiders’ success over the Bears was in the run game. The Bears were unable to run the ball against the staunch Raiders run defense. The Bears ran the ball 33 times while gaining just five yards in total offense. On the other hand, the Raiders rushed for 305 yards on 43 carries for a gaudy 7.1 yards per attempt average. This huge difference on the ground made it easy for the Raiders to keep the Bears’ offense off the field, wear out the Bears’ defense, and score time and time again. Ultimately, the Raiders outgained the Bears 639 yards to 165 yards in total offense.
The Bears quickly lost control of the game with Mount Union scoring touchdowns on both of its first two possessions. The Raiders struck early with a 76-yard touchdown pass. The early going proved to be an adjustment period for the Bears, as they struggled with the fast-paced play, according to Kindbom. As Kindbom noted, “In retrospect, I still need to prepare them for the speed of the game.” By the end of the first half, the Bears were down 24-0.
On a positive note, the Bears’ play showcased their mental discipline, as they committed far fewer penalties than their opponent. The Bears gained just five penalties for a loss of 30 yards while Mount Union committed 12 penalties for 97 yards. Furthermore, the Bears’ quick passing attack, led by senior quarterback Adam Meranda and junior wide receiver Brad Duesing, showed signs of potential. Meranda went 12-25 for 125 yards for the day while throwing one interception. The game’s tally moved him into tenth place for all time at the University in passing yards with 2,068 total yards. Duesing made five catches for 43 yards in the game. On the defensive side, senior John Woock led the team in tackles with 17.
The atmosphere of the game was lively, as nearly 2,500 spectators from all over the area came to support the Bears in their opening game. As Kindbom noted, “The great thing about football is that now we get to come back and move on to the next game.”
The Bears will look to do just that when they return to action this Saturday at home against Westminster College at 1 p.m.