Image courtesy of SHU Athletics
Sacred Heart doesn’t plan on just easing into the CAA.
The Pioneers expect to compete in the program’s first season as a member of the conference. Head coach Mark Nofri and his squad have been living the rough independent life for the last two seasons after leaving the NEC.
That didn’t stop Nofri from making sure his program was still playing elite talent.
Last year, the Pios played several ranked teams while going 8-4, ultimately preparing them well for what now lies ahead.
“I think my kids are ready to go, they’re excited,” Nofri said during Sacred Heart’s first ever appearance on CAA Media Day Zoom sessions. Our team, our school, our administration worked hard to find us a home and not only did they find us a home, they found us a great home. It’s one of the best (conferences) in the country.
“I think our guys are ready for it. Obviously, last year being an independent, we played three teams that were already in the Top 10 in Lehigh, Villanova and Montana, so we kind of had an idea of what we’re going to be seeing week in and week out. The conference is strong from top to bottom and our players are looking forward to the challenge.”
Cornerback Kenny Selby and quarterback Jack “Poochie” Snyder were also on the call representing the program and echoed many of the same sentiments, while also talking about gelling this offseason.
“What we lost after last season, a senior-loaded class, we knew we were going to have to have a lot of guys step up,” said Snyder. “We only brought in one transfer…really building the chemistry. We’re spending a lot of time together. This summer, we’re really working out together and hanging out together at night, spending a lot of time together on and off the field. Even with the defensive guys, we were with them last night. Spending a lot of time talking football, talking everything together and it’s been really important.”
“Some of the few losses we had last year against the caliber of the teams we played, we knew we’re going to see that week in and week out. As a football player coming into this conference, like, what more could you want?” added Selby.
“To play the best…we’re really excited for it.”
One loss in particular blowout last season to a now conference rival might be one the Pioneers learn the most from heading into this new era of Sacred Heart football.
A 34-10 beatdown at the hands of Villanova – an eventual FCS semifinalist – in the regular season finale.
“I’ll tell ya flat out, obviously Villanova went to the semifinals last year and they were one of the better teams coming out of the CAA and the whole country,” he said. “I think our kids realized that’s what they’re going to see competition-wise in this league. We have to be prepared and we have to be ready to go every game for four quarters.
“That’s on us as a team and we’re going to have to figure it out. Coming out of preseason camp we need to be healthy, but we need to be ready to go.”