The Sacred Heart University football team is currently 2-8 on the season. Their eight losses are the most the team has had in a single season since 2012 when they had nine.
The team is hoping to finish the season on a more positive note after an in-conference win against Central Connecticut State University on Nov. 4. Senior Jaheem Knight highlighted the importance of winning these late-season games.
Source: @shufb_ on Instagram
Source: @shufb_ on Instagram
“Despite having a rough season, winning this home game was big. Our fans haven’t seen us win at home in a long time and they always come out and support no matter what, so getting them that win was really big for the culture,” said Knight.
Sacred Heart just announced that starting in the 2024-2025 athletic season, Sacred Heart is leaving the Northeast Conference (NEC) and will join the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).
The MAAC does not sponsor football, which raises questions as to what conference the football team will be part of next year. With the possibility that they would leave the NEC, this win was important as it could mark SHU’s last football win in this conference.
It was also especially important for the seniors on the team. For many of them, these last few games of the season may be the last time they get to suit up and play the game.
“Some of the seniors are never going to play football again, so this was really big for us to send them off the right way during our last home game of the season,” said Knight. Senior Day festivities were also held during this game for the football, cheerleading, and dance teams. Since coming to Sacred Heart, there have been highs and lows for Knight, but those
moments have all but made the experience and he is proud to call Sacred Heart home. “As I reflect on the last four years, it had really been a rollercoaster of emotions. From COVID to winning back-to-back championships. I wouldn’t want to spend my four years anywhere else,” said Knight.
Senior Nina Campos, a member of the Sacred Heart cheerleading team, said that she felt like the past four years went by too fast.
“Senior Day was a recognition of my last moments as a college cheerleader. Being able to walk out onto the field alongside my teammates was such a memorable moment I never thought would come so soon. It was also such a bittersweet moment since cheerleading has been such a huge part of my life and the thought of it coming to an end is emotional,” said Campos.
Senior Day reflected all the time and dedication that the athletes put into their craft and celebrated all that they have done for their respective teams.
“I would say it was a day to celebrate these past four years. The time spent in the gym for hours at night, along with supporting the athletic teams was something I celebrated on Senior Day,” said Campos.
Knight and the football team will look to win back-to-back games for the first time this season as they travel to Storrs, Conn. to face the University of Connecticut Huskies on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
