The Santa Monica College Football team is in preparation for the 2023-2024 season. After finishing 2-8 last year, Coach Kelly Ledwith worked hard to put together a strong full roster this year, that will hopefully compete for a chance to play in the American League Bowl.
"We spent the whole summer building the roster and the new recruits," Coach Kelly said. "90% of our recruits are from the greater LA area, we have a few out-of-state athletes as well." Coach Ledwith was referring to a couple of new players, who saw QB Forrest Brock, committing to Temple University. Coach Kelly is excited about this upcoming season. For the first time since 2019, they have a full roster to start the season with. "Starting the season with 90 players is healthy. More players than that, will result that players would not be able to maximize their development because of lack of personal coaching, and they won't get the care they deserve".
The guys are now getting ready to open the season with sizing day, and all other eligibility requirements. After completing the eligibility form meeting, equipment sizing, and physicals, the team is ready to start their season. "We're in a better position this year compared to last season since we managed to practice with pads this last spring, and managed to put together our offensive and defensive schemes. "We will have our "Blue & White" Scrimmage this Saturday (August 12, 2023), at 10:00 am, which will prepare us better for the season. In addition, we're having a shared practice/scrimmage with Moorpark College that will give us a chance to better prepare and the shared drills will give us a sense of what the roster will look like".
Last year the team did not finish with the best record. "We learned a lot and figured we need to improve specific things in our offense and defense. We manage to do that, and also utilized the strength and conditioning program to our favor". Coach Kelly mentioned that almost everyone had signed up for the weightlifting class. "It's great because the guys managing to build team comradery and accountability thanks to being together more often. The guys are putting in a lot of effort and hard work, looking good for the season, and most importantly, they're enjoying the whole package of being student-athletes."
The team is prepared to win this season with the great mental preparation by the football coaching staff. They want to win the American League division and play the American League Bowl. "I'm excited about the season and about the roster coming in. The returners from last year have definitely taken the leading roles and we have a few Freshmen who will add a lot to the success of the team. I'm excited to see them all".
The team will officially open their season on September 2nd, 2023 at 6:00 pm at home.