Optimism was high for the Florida A&M fall coaches press conference Tuesday afternoon.
Football, volleyball, men and women’s cross-country and women’s basketball coaches spoke highly of their programs in the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.
Head football coach Earl Holmes said he looked at the Ohio State University loss as an opportunity for his team.
“Money isn’t a factor,” Holmes said. “Guys can see how they fit on the next level.”
The coaching staff was missing pieces in recent weeks. Despite the fluidity, Holmes made note of his team’s chances late against Samford.
According to Holmes, his team beat the Buckeyes on special teams by “averaging the ball out to the 30.” Holmes said no team averaged a return more than 18 yards on the Buckeyes.
Likewise, Tanio Trifonov, head volleyball coach, said he sees his team in a similar situation.
“I feel good about heading into conference play,” Trifonov said.
Despite injuries, the team was able to win some key games, but Trifonov faces the challenge of replacing his go-to player, Scharae Steel.
Trifonov said it would take a team effort to move forward.
After winning its fourth consecutive Bethune-Cookman Invitational, the women’s cross-country team has high expectations for the rest of the season.
“We will have to use teamwork to win our meets,” head coach Darlene Moore said.
With a No. 12 ranking, the men’s cross-country team aims higher.
“We want to take down FSU and UF,” head cross-country coach Wayne Angel said.
Currently, FAMU is ranked No. 3 in Florida.
Both cross-country teams will get a chance to compete at Florida State University on October 11.
Erik Rashad, assistant women’s basketball coach, came to the press conference excited about guards Kimberly Sparkman and Jasmine Grice. Grice is close to breaking the FAMU women’s record in career points. Sparkman broke the women’s record for most three pointers made in a season.
Despite their performances, Rashad is worried about having too much on their shoulders.
The Lady Rattlers gained size with 6-foot-3 Miami Dade College transfer Ann Marie Harris. With the added size, they hope to have more rebounding around Sparkman and Grice.