With the energy of a new season on the horizon, Southern Nazarene University’s football team will take the field on April 17 for its annual spring game, giving fans a first look at what is to come this fall. With returning players, promising newcomers, and a fresh sense of momentum, the Crimson Storm is set to give students, alumni, and the Bethany community a reason to get excited. More than just a scrimmage, the spring game will showcase the team’s progress, chemistry, and competitive spirit as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.
For returning player Julian Campos, the spring game is more than just a scrimmage–it’s a checkpoint. “The game helps me know where I’m at progress-wise and helps me know what I need to correct in the summer,” Campos says. He emphasizes the strong team dynamics this season, saying, “I think we’re pretty close this year because we can all talk to each other easier.” As he looks ahead, Campos notes he plans to focus on sharpening his pass rush during the offseason.
Coach Love sees the spring game as a crucial evaluation tool for the coaching staff. “In the spring game, that is when, as coaches, we get to see everyone’s growth. It’s a good measuring stick of where the team stands going into the next season,” Love explains. What makes this year unique, he adds, is the presence of outside competition. “This year’s spring game is different because we get to compete against another team. Typically, spring games are played within the team. Having outside competition gives us a better look at where everyone stands.”
Coach West echoes the same sentiment, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of this year’s squad. “The biggest thing that I am looking to accomplish during the spring game is having guys compete and execute at a high rate,” he says. “This spring is a little different because I don’t have any returning starters. Going into the fall we have four guys with experience, and in previous years, I’ve had at least eight. So, there is a bit of a learning curve, but I’m excited that new guys who have worked hard will have a chance to make plays.”
Ben Rutherford, a player returning after a year off, is using the game as a way to reestablish himself. “I am getting back into the swing of things after being out for a year and trying to get faster and stronger.” He also points to the benefits of facing another team. “It gives us a live look at another team and a good understanding of where we are as a team. We’ve got good team chemistry, we just need to put it together on all three levels,” he concludes.
As the Crimson Storm prepares to take the field, the spring game stands as both a celebration of hard work and a preview of what lies ahead. With a new focus, players eager to step up, and strong team chemistry already in place, SNU’s football program is laying the groundwork for a promising fall season. Whether it’s refining individual skills, building trust among teammates, or adjusting to new roles, the lessons learned under the spring lights will echo well into the months to come. Come fill up the stands and show your support on Thursday, April 17th at the University of Central Oklahoma at 6 pm!
Photo by: Jeremy Alcorn