Aaron Johnson – Sports Editor
It’s been a culmination of four years. Four years of blood, sweat, and tears playing with friends that have become like family.
The fall seasons are winding down at Southern and for the seniors it will be the final time many of them don the blue and white of the Owls. For senior football player A.J. Marsiglia, on the field this final season has not gone as well as he may have wanted, but even through the tough times, he said he has enjoyed this final season.
“This season has been very enjoyable,” Marsiglia said. “Everyone would think since our record has been terrible I would hate it. And don’t get me wrong it hurts, but I’ve met and played with some of the best men out there.”
The Southern football team has not had the best season in the program’s history by any means. The Owls have struggled this season under first year Head Coach Tom Godek, stumbling through the tough NE-10 conference to a 2-6 record.
Southern has been able to remain competitive despite their overall record, losing a handful of games by one score. Marsiglia said through the adversity of the season, the relationship that he has developed with his teammate during this final season has been something he will never forget.
Here’s the video from today’s @southernctcheer Senior Day ceremony: https://t.co/DI9XSZZRXl
— SCSU Athletics (@SCSU_Owls) November 1, 2014
“Dudes like Carlif Taylor, Brian Wilcox, Jack Cooper, Zach Williams the list goes on and on,” he said. “I’ve learned and grown into a focused adult and ready for whatever I’m faced with.” The Owls football team has only two more games remaining, but many of them will only play in front of family and friends on last time at Jess Dow Field. Fellow senior Carlif Taylor said getting ready for his final game against LIU Post will be something that is not only exciting but a completion of his college career.
“I’m really exciting,” he said. “Your visual and mental experience will create the conditions that allow affirmations to manifest. Remember you control you. So I know this isn’t the end of my football career.”
While other Owls are wrapping up their careers, Marsiglia and Taylor both understand the time they spent at Southern was important. Taylor said his four year Southern went from being foreign place to a second home away from home. “Southern is my home,” he said. “I came into here and was bred into a man amongst the years. Thanks to all the coaches and the alumni players ahead of me. They instilled in me Southern traditions and work ethic. And everything I worked for and gained is not only for me but for all of those who helped me get to where I’m at now.”
Here’s the @SoConnFootball Senior Day ceremony video: https://t.co/5cGWETMqVj
— SCSU Athletics (@SCSU_Owls) November 1, 2014
The Owls’ football team has 15 seniors this year, and while their on the field performance has not been up to par, the memories will still be there. Marsiglia said the coaching staff has been a part of his career at Southern that has been not only influential, but also has taught him about football and life.
“When I first got here Coach Cav was here,” he said. “He was just a legend. And he really instilled toughness and perseverance but having Cooper here and all the other coaches cause there still somewhat young we can kind of connect on a different level.”
The four years on the field is coming to an end, but the friendships and brotherhoods have not. Taylor, Marsiglia, and the rest of the graduating Owls will have these bonds for the rest of their lives.
