Staff writer
For the first time in its history, the Tabor College football team is ranked third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ coaches’ poll. And the season isn’t over yet.
The Bluejays’ latest victory came Saturday against Sterling, a game they won, 19-3. Sterling was first in the conference last year. Tabor remains undefeated, with a record of 2-0 in the conference and 4-0 overall.
Tabor leads the country in defense, is second in rush defense, and third in scoring.
Their previous highest ranking was sixth in 2005. They were ranked eighth at the end of last season, and finished with a record of 10-3.
Head coach Mike Gardner believes his team’s successes are due to their buying into the roles they play and understanding what they need to do to win.
He said what the players learn in football carries over into other aspects of their lives.
“They have more appreciation for things outside of football,” he said. “It often is a catalyst for success in other things.”
Gardner wasn’t willing to speculate about the rest of the season. He said every game would be tough.
“Winning is hard,” he said.
The Bluejays will play Southwestern Saturday at Winfield. Their next home game will be homecoming weekend, at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 against Friends University.