After Saturday’s close-fought loss against Cornell College, Macalester Football finished the 2015-2016 season with an overall record of 4-6. Despite earning results that weren’t what they’d hope for, the team is excited to see what the future has in store.

Coming off of last year’s impressive debut in the Midwest Conference, players had to step up to replace a prolific class of graduating seniors. “There were a lot of holes to fill on our roster and as a really young team we spent a good portion of the season figuring out who we were as a team and trying to find our way,” said safety Trey Muraoka ’16.

Although new players stepped up across the field, the difficult transition was most notable in the quarterback position. The Scots struggled after the graduation of 2-year starter Samson Bialostok ’15. Benny Goldman ’16, Christian Adams ’18 and Alec Beatty ’19 shared the majority of snaps behind center, each bringing something different to the offense. Beatty proved himself a versatile player, contributing to the team in other positions as well.

Along with Beatty, many of the 25 first years had the opportunity to make their college football debut. “Even though a lot of guys did not necessarily start, a lot of them played significant and meaningful minutes which is good to see. The program is definitely going in the right direction,” said running back Zandy Stowell ’16, who earned all-conference honors this year.

“It was a challenging year in many aspects, but there were a lot of good flashes of talent and very positive things for the future,” Muraoka said.

Although the team’s goal is to win every game, the tight games that come down to the wire are the most memorable for players and coaches, win or lose. The last three games of the season, when the Scots played Carroll University, St. Norbert College and Cornell College respectively, all were close calls. “The Carroll game was one of the better ones we played all year. It was a great environment, the team was really excited for it and we definitely showed up to play that day. It was a close game with a lot on the line and that is what you want late in the season,” Muraoka said.

Ripon College proved one of Mac’s toughest games, and was the only time that all year that Mac did not put any points on the board. “It wasn’t that we could not play with them, but they were definitely a good team and they played better than us on that day. They deserved to win that game,” Stowell said.

The team is always seeking progress and improvement. In order to achieve this there is a healthy level of competition between offense and defense as they constantly challenge and motivate each other at practice. “Our goals have stayed pretty much the same [over the years]. Each position group wants to improve every day, every week and just do your job the best and trust the guy next to you to do his,” Stowell said.

The biggest change in the football program in recent years was undoubtedly joining the Midwest Conference. “Early on it was just playing for the love of the game and that does not change, but from week to week there is always something at stake when you are in a conference. Every game matters,” Stowell said.

Four years and 40 games later, the seniors are thankful for their time with the team. “For me, the relationships I have built and just realizing how big the Mac Football network is have been big. Every game there are alumni there. They come, they watch and they catch up with you,” Muraoka said.

“Even though we did not win as many games as I would have liked to, I still had a blast going out to practice everyday, hanging out with the guys and showing up and competing on Saturdays. I play football because I love football, not necessarily because I want to win,” Stowell said.