The college football season is coming to an end and the countdown to the first-ever Hope Calvin football game has begun.
The game isn’t for a few months (Nov. 9 at Grand Rapids Christian), but the first in the rivalry makes this season something extra special that Hope’s players and coaches don’t take for granted.
“There’s certainly a different vibe, but I can’t think about it too much or wrap my head around it because we’re focused on our first game. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say we’re thinking about bringing one of the best rivalries in college sports to football,” Hope coach Peter Stuursma said.
Here is what some of the Hope players and Calvins had to say about the launch of The Rivalry:
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“The rivalry is new to me, but I want to beat them. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” – Sophomore quarterback Zach Trainor
“They’re already sold out. This is the first time that’s happened. We’re obviously worried about game one, but the Calvin game is up there in heaven somewhere.” – Senior Lineman Dylan Clem
“It’s exciting. It’s been fun to watch this rivalry between the other sports and it’s going to be exciting to be there and experience it.” – Junior quarterback Ben Wellman
“Coach Stuursma … he’s been a great ally when I started this program. But the rivalry is a real thing. Calvin is really excited about it, and our players are really excited about it. (The Hope-Calvin game) sold out in two and a half hours when the tickets went on sale. So people are excited about it.” – Trent Figg
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’[email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSportp.
