Western Michigan University Athletics

Post-game Quotes 9/15/2018 vs Delaware State:
HEAD COACH TIM LESTER - 
Coach Lester’s opening statement on 68-0 victory over Delaware State:  
“I thought we obviously came out well. It was the perfect start for us, we forced a three and out and then scored on the first play. We’ve been through two hard weeks and I feel like the team has gotten closer and tighter and we wanted to play for 60 minutes no matter who was in the game. I was proud of everybody that got in the game because I think they kept their intensity up and we played with an edge to us.”

“I really think that we grew a little bit and overall we got a lot better tonight. I was happy that they got to see success because of the hard work they put in.”

Lester on importance of practice leading up to game:
 “Like I said, I’m just proud of the way our team fought and I’m most proud of our Tuesday practice because it was the best of the year and Wednesday was an even better practice. They got after it and worked to play like that. We have to work the same way this week and we’re going to have to do that every week because there’s some good games coming up. I was proud of the way they’re starting to have confidence and seeing the fruits of their labor. I think they’re excited to get to the next game.”

Junior Tight End Giovanni Ricci –
Thoughts on the 68-0 win:
“We always say winning college football games is hard, and it’s always a bonus getting a win at home. We had a great week of practice and we were all excited to get out there in front of our home fans.”
On seven different Broncos getting into the end zone:
“It’s my first career touchdown as a Western Michigan Bronco and it’s a great feeling. We were all excited for all the guys getting into the end zone for the first time tonight.”
On coming out with a chip on their shoulder after last week’s game:
“We attacked each day of practice this week trying to get better, individually and as a team. We had a lot of fun out there as a team, attacking and tackling on defense.”
On passing game:
“Jon (Wassink) is an incredible quarterback and shows it week in and week out. It helps out when you have so many talented guys out there, if one guy isn’t open, another guy is going to get open.”
 
Junior Linebacker Drake Spears –
On defense shutting out Delaware State:
“We had a hard week of preparation and practice, and it feels great to come out and put up a goose egg on the defensive side.”
On bouncing back after last week:
“Losing never leaves a good taste in your mouth. Tuesdays and Wednesdays practices were both good and we just took it from there.”
On special teams play:
“It’s incredible when you can feel the energy and the intensity in the air, I love special teams and seeing my young guys out there doing their thing.”
On second string defense closing out the shutout:
“All week in practice they were learning and being coached, and tonight they were flying to the ball. I’m proud of my young guys.”
On moving forward:
“We have to keep preparing and making Tuesday and Wednesday practices the best we have had this year. We can’t take a team lightly, and on Saturdays we celebrate.”