The 2013 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team really put on a show, didn’t they? When you talk about grit and determination, these athletes are exemplary. Coached by the seasoned Dean Hood, the Colonels made their mark on the gridiron, compelling us to take note during that intense college football season. Playing their games at the Roy Kidd Stadium, these collegiate warriors brought the fight right to our doorstep—proving once again that if you’ve got the heart and the hustle, Kentucky loves you!
Let’s open up the record books with this top ten style rundown because there's nothing quite like a play-by-play that makes history come alive.
1. Strong Backfield, Strong Team
The Colonels' offensive backfield was a force to be reckoned with. Leading rushers like Caleb Watkins had a knack for finding gaps and making the opposition pay dearly. It's a perfect blend of skill and spirit, proving that hard work on the farm gym translates to hard hits on the football field.
2. Leadership from the Top: Dean Hood’s Genius
Dean Hood, let’s talk about that name. He wasn’t just calling plays; he was crafting victories. With a coaching style that combines discipline with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Hood led his team to display strong performances that many did not anticipate.
3. Home Field Advantage At Roy Kidd
Playing at the Roy Kidd Stadium was like having a 12th man on the field. Have you ever been there during a game? The crowd roars, each cheer echoing across the field like a rallying cry. The impact was clear as the Colonels consistently raised their game to delight the home fans.
4. Quarterback Carousel: Opportunity Knocks
The Colonels did face quarterback rotations, but this wasn't a setback. Instead, it created resilience. Whether it was because of injuries or strategy shifts, multiple quarterbacks had their shot under the lights. Each play gave these athletes a chance to shine and express their unique skills.
5. Defense Win Games
What do you need when your offense falters? A defense that's tighter than a drum! The Colonels’ defense stepped up time and again, proving that there's no harm in being known for your defensive fortitude. After all, flashy offense might sell tickets, but it's teamwork and defense that clinches the victories.
6. A Mix of Veterans and Fresh Blood
College football is all about transitions—seeing promising new talent mesh with veterans. This Eastern Kentucky team blended those groups effortlessly. Seniors led by example while the younger players brought energy and fresh ambition to the field, shaking up strategies and bringing surprises.
7. Learning from Losses
Even the best teams stumble. But the Colonels took their losses and turned them into lessons. Instead of whining about adversities—like some others might—these athletes picked themselves up, adjusted, and fought back harder. This mentality is about as far from the soft-handed approach as you can get.
8. Balancing Academics with Athletics
In Eastern Kentucky, football players are expected to be scholars. This isn’t California's liberal coastlines where athletes might get an easier pass academically. No, here it’s about balancing commitments. These players train hard and study even harder because they know what truly being an athlete-student entails.
9. Rivals Take Note
Nothing sweetens victory more than hearing rivals mumble with respect. In 2013, the Colonels made sure their name was on everyone's lips, even when they weren’t playing Kentucky's biggest powerhouses.
10. Community Spirit
There’s something strong and stirring about the community that rallies behind a football team. The Colonels drew support from fans who knew the blood, sweat, and passion that went into each minute on the field. 2013 wasn’t just about players—it was about everyone who bled EKU maroon.
In essence, the 2013 Eastern Kentucky Colonels captured the real spirit of college football—not just wins and losses, but leadership, community, resilience, and heart. This was football Americana at its finest.