The Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) held its annual football media day yesterday at Saint Vincent College. Each of the 12 PAC teams were represented by their head coach and one player. Attending the event for Waynesburg University were first-year head coach Larry Wilson and graduate student offensive lineman Kory Ansell.

Each team took to the podium for a series of questions asked by PAC Associate Commissioner Brian Rose in front of a live audience.

Wilson, who has an offensive resume as a prior offensive coordinator at a few NCAA Division II schools in western Pennsylvania, shared what style of offense Waynesburg will be sporting this year. 

“We’re kind of like a west coast, air raid offense,” Wilson said. “When we get out of camp and see how the season goes, we are going to be about putting kids in the right positions. If we have to get under center, we’ll get under center if that gives us our best opportunity.”

Wilson took the time to credit some coaches on the defensive side of the ball, including defensive coordinator Matt Tobey, defensive backs coach Jaylin Kennedy, and defensive line coach Logan Danielson, all of whom are in their first season with Waynesburg as well. 

Wilson also mentioned upperclassmen Carson Shriver, Zayne Cawley, Isshak Adam, Tyler Curry, Ewing Jamison and Kevin Wills, along with Ansell, as players he looks for to set the tone and lead by example. 

In terms of expectations for this season, Wilson just wants to see growth. 

“I’m excited to see the growth and what it could potentially be,” Wilson said. “Other than that, I have no expectations. We are going to build some belief back into Waynesburg.”

With Ansell missing some time the last couple of seasons due to injuries, he said it helped him to become more of a leader in a way.

“Battling injuries have taught me how to be a vocal leader,” Ansell said. 

He also shared his belief in the program that Wilson is building.

“I can’t wait,” Ansell said. “I believe in everything he [Wilson] is talking about, and as long as we can win one day at a time, we’re going to be good.”

Preseason Poll

The PAC’s preseason poll was also released yesterday, voted on by head coaches, sports information directors and members of the media. With 222 points, Waynesburg was voted to finish 7th out of 11 teams. As Saint Francis University completes their transition to NCAA Division III, they were not a vote-eligible team and they are also ineligible for the PAC Championship.

Washington & Jefferson College led the poll with 497 total points. A full list can be found on pacathletics.org.

Waynesburg’s season opens up on Saturday, Sept. 5 with a home matchup against non-conference opponent Capital University.