For sports at all levels, especially football, coaching changes are often swift and inevitable.
Just weeks before the start of the 2015 season, the Capital University football program dismissed assistant coach Jon Spring. Spring served as the team’s strength coach, defensive line coach, and defensive run game coordinator for seven years.
During his time as a student at Capital, Spring was an all-star athlete, earning multiple awards and accolades. Graduating from the class of 2008, Spring earned several accolades including All-American and All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors. Playing an intricate role on the team all four years of college, Spring recorded 9.5 sacks and led the team in tackles during the 2007 season. Before graduating, Spring was invited to the 2008 Cleveland Browns’ free agent rookie camp, where he competed amongst other top-level athletes.
Spring’s football career did not end after graduation. In 2009, he signed a one-year contract with the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, a team in the German Football League. His talent was easily recognized as he recorded multiple sacks throughout the season.
The reason behind the release of Coach Spring is unclear.
“On the topic of Coach Spring, all that we can say is that it was a coaches’ decision as to his status with the team,” said Ryan Gasser, Sports Information Director.
Only time will tell how the decision to dismiss Spring will affect the team, specifically the defense, who struggled last season allowing 45.3 points per game and over 200 rush yards per game. With 29 new defensive recruits, the Capital football program hopes to build its depth on defense.
While last season did not meet expectations, the Crusaders are showing promise this year following a scrimmage against Denison University on Saturday, August 29. The defensive line was able to substantially limit Denison’s rush game while keeping constant pressure on their quarterback, with help from sophomore defensive lineman James Zamor, and junior defensive end Tyler Connor.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Crusaders ran the triple option effectively and continuously moved the ball up the field. Isaiah Lyle, a sophomore slot-bock, looked very impressive with multiple carries and a 20+ yard run.
The Crusaders hope to build off of this impressive performance as they face Wittenberg University at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 at Bernlohr Stadium. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2012, where the Crusaders suffered a 44-17 loss to Wittenberg.
