Illinois Wesleyan JV football team went undefeated, 6-0, for the 2021 football season.
While their accomplishment does not have an effect on the primary football team’s record, it’s a win in more ways than one for the IWU football program. The 6-0 record runs deeper than just a set of skilled players on the field.
When it comes to sports, team success is all about a steady support system. The team needs to have a strong foundation to be able to withstand the obstacles that come with playing a collegiate level sport.
“Our JV roster is composed mainly of freshmen and a few sophomores that will make a big impact on the varsity roster in the future,” JV head coach, Reed Hoskins, said when asked what an undefeated season means for the future of Titan football.
The Titans secured the self-proclaimed title of JV National Champions in their home territory at Tucci Stadium on October 31, 2021 and celebrated the win by continuing their season-long tradition of chanting the Titan Fight Song with the crowd.
Beginning in September, the Titans brought home their first win at Rockford, leaving the Regents in the dust at 42-0. The Titans then returned home to Tucci Stadium where they narrowly toppled Monmouth 28-22.
Following the close game against Monmouth, the Titans traveled to Benedictine University where they secured their third consecutive win (20-0) against the BU Eagles.
“I think it’s a great sign for the future, even though unfortunately the varsity record doesn’t reflect how hard the program as a whole has worked,” sophomore quarterback Zach Burhans said.
The Titans opened October play at Sacred Heart Griffin High School for the fourth game of the JV season, where the Titans went head-to-head with Washington University Bears. Unlike their varsity teammates, the Titans took the 14-7 dub against WashU.
They headed back to Tucci Stadium for their second to last game of the season where they beat St. Ambrose University 42-14.
After the easy win against the Fighting Bees, the JV Titans stayed in Titan territory where they secured the sixth and final win against Midwestern Preparatory Academy that allowed them to claim that title of JV Natty Champs.
“We have a great collection of coaches, not only on our football staff but within our athletic department. Working with a group of motivated, talented and intelligent student-athletes makes it easy to come to the office every day,” said Hoskins.