By: Samantha Heppel

HAMBURG, N.Y. –After three years of growing pains, Hilbert College Football is starting to finally catch onto some momentum. The team made its debut in 2022, where they struggled within their first few seasons without seeing a win and suffered roster instability. But within these last few years the team has started to make a shift thanks to new coaching philosophy, we are finally starting to see a team that believes in itself. “We talk about making good choices and having character and integrity, and the small details of paying attention to everything you do everyday, and to make sure that you give everything you’ve got.” says Coach Egger.

In the team’s most recent season, the Hawks have been working their way to achieve their goals. While the win column of the standings remains empty for the Hawks, their numbers are heading up in the right direction. The defense has cut opponents scoring by nearly 20% compared to last year, and the offense has almost doubled its average yards per game. Third down conversions which was once a sore spot for the team has also improved by 10%.
The team isn’t all stats though it’s also a combination of dedication and hard work from all of their players. But there are still the ones who were once the freshmen of a new program and are now entering their senior season and “Hungry” as Coach Egger described them, to reach their goal of a win. The team stresses the idea of
accountability and effort, knowing that working together and with the team’s interest in mind will help them to achieve their mission.

What was once a brand new program struggling to find its footing, is now a team who sees what’s in front of them and wants to take it, it’s no longer just a dream for the team but a target they are aiming for. Coach Egger stated “This team is very coachable. They’re working hard and doing all the things we ask them to do, and so it makes it fun for me. We’re excited about the direction we’re going.”