COLUMN: Give athletics teams time
The freshmen athletes at Central Michigan university are making an impact.
Each athletic team has freshmen contributing to its success.
Running back Anthony Garland and wide receivers Titus Davis and Courtney Williams were the offensive leaders statistically, carrying the football team at times.
Garland rushed for 399 yards and a touchdown in eight games, not playing a full season because of his redshirt status.
Davis had 40 catches for 751 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns in his first full season as a Chippewa. He scored twice Saturday in the 44-17 loss against Toledo.
The team finished 3-9, but at least the future looks bright.
Freshman guard Austin Keel has proven that he's a 3-point threat, shooting 57.1 percent from that range. Freshman point guard Austin McBroom cracked the starting lineup in his first game, being a distributer for an offense that wants to run.
Women's basketball head coach Sue Guevara started four freshmen in the 77-70 loss to Pittsburgh Sunday. Freshmen Crystal Bradford and Jas'Mine Bracey finished with 18 and 16 points respectively, leading the team.
Freshmen are taking the athletics department by storm.
Freshman outside hitter Kaitlyn McIntyre spiked her way into the NCAA Tournament as the Chippewas knocked off No. 1 Northern Illinois in five sets in the Mic-American Conference championship game Sunday. She has a team-leading 337 kills this season.
Her heroic performance was something to watch, as her and senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Schultz propelled the team to an unlikely bid after knocking out No. 3 Western Michigan, No. 2 Ohio and then the Huskies.
Six of the 28 goals scored for the women's soccer team were from freshmen. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Grace Labrecque allowed one goal, earning a 4-0-1 record this season.
Freshman forward Cayleigh Immelman led the field hockey team with 33 points, scoring 12 goals.
These athletes are making plays at the Division I level and have room to grow.
The football team has quality recruits joining the freshmen next season. Progress will be made.
The freshmen success makes an impact because of their class. Freshmen have three more years to help their teams contend.
Athletics might not be at its peak yet, but it certainly will be for years to come.
