The word “chemistry” might take one’s mind back to a high school science lab. For the Elon University football team, chemistry refers to getting all 11 players on both sides of the ball to play as one.
Following the team’s spring game, the Phoenix discussed how important the summer would be for team bonding and building strength through workouts. Now, with summer having come and gone, both players and coaches alike are already seeing the benefits of their hard work.
For head coach Jason Swepson, the journey began in the winter with former strength and conditioning coach Eric Cash.
“We finally had a winter conditioning program that was above par,” Swepson said. “This past winter was critical for this football program.”
Cash left the program in the spring and was replaced by Ted Perlak, who came to Elon from Fordham University.
“Perlak came in mid-May and hit the ground running,” Swepson said. “The kids bought in and he sold his summer program to them.”
At least 50 players at a time were on campus this summer for workouts, Swepson said. The logistics of keeping so many players at school for the summer provided a small hurdle, but it was easily overcome.
“We had a lot of guys make a sacrifice [and] sleep on couches,” Swepson said. “We talked to the parents to help their sons out and stay here in the summer.”
Senior defensive lineman Tony Thompson, one of the captains of the Phoenix in 2013, said Perlak’s program allowed the team to “develop chemistry in and out of the weight room.”
Coming off a disappointing 3-8 season, the goals were clear for the players during the offseason. Junior quarterback Mike Quinn identified personal strength as a weakness for the Phoenix last season, which was a major focus for the summer.
“We had more kids on campus this summer and I think that shows our commitment to this season,” Quinn said. “We have really made strides in becoming a stronger, faster team. This is going to help, especially in the second half of our games this year.”
Last season, the Phoenix was outscored 161-104 in the second halves of games. Elon did not post a single come-from-behind win. Without a playmaker such as former wide receiver Aaron Mellette, Elon knows overall team strength is a key to success in 2013.
The offseason experience has paid great dividends in the eyes of the coaching staff.
“It was invaluable,” said offensive coordinator Chris Pincince. “Every one of our members of our program — offense, defense, special teams guys — spent time here this summer.”
Swepson echoed the sentiments of his offensive coordinator.
“It really brought the team together,” he said. “They were able to handle adversity, work out in the heat and we grew as a team and the chemistry is at a high right now.”
Like Swepson and Pincince, defensive coordinator Brad Sherrod has seen the benefits of offseason work.
“What you do in the summer really determines what kind of fall you are going to have,” Sherrod said. “[The players] are here, they’re around each other, pushing each other and challenging each other. They’re committed to having a good season, so that was the first step.”
In the eyes of Quinn, the summer experience gives Elon vast potential for the 2013 season.
“We became closer as a team, spending time out in the hot summer sun, working for a common goal of a SoCon championship,” he said.