Yeomen Optimistic For Remaining Games Following Victory Over Wooster

Continued from page 16 much better team when the scoring is spread out and we can all contribute.”

Players and coaches recognize the historic impact of Saturday’s victory.

“It’s really, really special, and I’m happy for our guys and what it means for our season,” Senthil said. “Our guys have worked really hard, and I’m happy they got this result because they really deserve it.”

Okubo also appreciates the win and what it can do to motivate the team.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It’s huge for the program because it gives us confidence and the boost we need.”

The team’s 1–9 record in the NCAC going into the game may suggest that it is a rebuilding year. However, the victory over Wooster showed that Oberlin can compete with any team in the conference. This is not lost on Otašević.

“We worked hard, we believed, and we achieved something great,” he said. “However, we can’t be satisfied with this because we still have a lot to do to secure the conference playoffs spot and have a shot at the championship. With the win over Wooster we proved that we can play with anyone and we just need to keep improving from here on out.”

How do you envision football contributing to the Oberlin community?

I hope that this program will continue to bring in people who want to become world-changers. I think Oberlin College, by its very nature, attracts people from all over the world that want to help make the world a better place. I think our football program should be in line with that vision and identity.

Oberlin had a rough season this year with some close games. What are you working to improve on for the 2023 season?

It’s again just about getting to know the student athletes — who they are, what they do really well — and putting them in position to do those things. Basing our schemes around who our student athletes are and not necessarily trying to fit them into a playbook or a set of rules will help them feel as comfortable as possible. Hopefully, through doing those things, they’ll have more fun. When we have fun, know what we’re doing, and use our talents to the best of our abilities, I think we can be very successful on the field. Thankfully I’m certified in strength and conditioning, so I can be in the weight room with our team throughout the off season, help them develop, and get to know them.

Your grandfather, John Pont, has been a significant influence in your life. How has he and your family helped you in your journey to becoming a head coach?

My grandfather has always been one of my greatest role models in life. When he passed away, the line of people that came to visit and pay their respects went on for hours. So many of the people that I got a chance to talk to spoke to how great of a human he was and how great of an impact he had on their lives, far beyond the Xs and Os of football. As a young kid, I wanted to be a head coach because Grandpa was a head coach, and seeing the impact that he was able to have on people as a coach helped frame my mindset about it.

My grandfather’s brother, Rich Pont, was an assistant coach at Yale University for years and years. My parents both ended up coaching my high school as well. My dad coached football, field hockey, and women’s lacrosse, and my mom coached women’s lacrosse. They all have influenced me and always made me want to do the same for others.