New alumni network is helping football program rebuild

Kenyon's football program is showing promising signs of recovery. After recent problems with roster depth and two straight years of 1-9 records, the program is rebuilding, with an entirely new coaching staff and an exciting 2003 recruiting class--a class, in fact, that will nearly double the size of the team's entire 2002 roster.

A major factor in the healing process has been the creation of the Kenyon Football Alumni Network (KFAN). A brainchild of the Football Advisory Committee, KFAN was established as way for the football program to collaborate with alumni in searching for potential recruits. KFAN volunteers are asked to identify, contact, cultivate, and possibly bring to campus the types of student-athletes who can flourish both academically and athletically at Kenyon.

"The College is committed to providing a football program that exemplifies the quest for excellence," said Peter Smith, director of athletics, fitness, and recreation. "Through KFAN, we are able to pursue that goal by extending our resources through alumni, in an effort to reach a competitive level within the North Coast Athletic Conference."

Leading the new network, which consists primarily of football alumni, are Michael Gibbons '74, Charles Contrada '73, David Rose '81, and Jonathan Nicholson '98. Their efforts, combined with assistance from the coaching staff and the Office of Alumni and Parent Programs, have already produced impressive results. KFAN membership now includes more than sixty alumni, who have contributed to one of the College's largest football recruiting classes in recent years.

"The enthusiasm we've received from this group has been tremendous," says head football coach Ted Stanley. "Broadening our recruiting area through the help of KFAN members is a huge plus for this program. We've already followed up on leads that members have provided, and with their continued suggestions and participation, we are only going to get stronger."

If you wish to join KFAN or learn more about the group, contact head coach Ted Stanley at 740-427-5260 or Nikki Taylor in the College Relations Center at 740-427-5153.

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