Southwestern opened up the 2000 season against TCU at home. Despite key injuries, losses of star players for the year, and inexperience from the young players on the team, the guys played a tough game. Zach Beaty and Matt Finley lead the team with there "never say die attitude". Pete Banzhaf did everything he could to help our defense out on the offensive side, and first year players Matt Siekielski, Dallas Dupre and Mark Jurica all played like seasoned veterans..

The defense played an exceptional game, and all of the freshmen made key contributions. This was a game in which Southwestern was just out-manned. TCU is a solid team with a lot of chemistry. We simply have not had the time for some of our new players, (almost half of the team is comprised of first year players), to mature to the level which they feel comfortable on the field.

Despite the loss, many positive things came out of the game. Our defense was exceptional at times, we committed no penalties the entire game, and everyone hustled till the final second of the game.

The first part of the season is the toughest part of our schedule. Because of key personnel losses and injuries, many of freshmen are being forced to contribute on the field immediately. If the game against TCU is any indication, I am encouraged about how well this team will be with a few games under their belts.

This week we travel to Lubbock to play Texas Tech, a team we defeated two years ago. Next week we return home to play our first conference game against Rice, a must win if we intend to make the playoffs this year.

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