WNMU will try to improve on the 5 win season the Mustangs posted last season. It was the best record, 5-6, that Western had posted in 20 years. The record breaking offense returns a number of key players and the young defense has another year of experience in the system.
Mitch Glassman, in his senior year, will add to the record books as he looks to guide the offense to even bigger things this season. The Mustangs averaged 34 points per game last year and Glassman was in the top 10 nationally in almost every statistical category.
Reigning RMAC Freshman of the Year Marques Rodgers will return to the backfield where he averaged 117 yards a game despite being lightly used in the first 4 games of the season. He rushed for over 200 yards in 3 games last year.
A young offensive line will be anchored by Zachary Andrews Worline, an RMAC Honorable Mention selection at right tackle. All RMAC 2nd Team and Preseason selection Michael Coe will miss the season at left tackle due to injury.
Darius Guillory will return for his senior season at safety. Guillory was named not only to the RMAC team but several all region teams last season. He will be joined in the defensive backfield by several returning players including Juwan Sumpter and Alfonso Wilson.
The defensive line may be the best in the conference anchored by Anthony Avina who moves to defensive end from defensive tackle. Avina led the Mustangs with 5.5 sacks last year. Avery Crump and Dominic Barry saw lots of playing time last year and will bring needed experience to the line and line backer corp.
The Mustangs were tabbed to finish 7th in their final year in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in the coaches' poll. Defending national champions, Colorado State University - Pueblo was a unanimous selection to repeat as conference champs.
Western will open the season at home, the first time since 2011, hosting Arizona Christian at noon on Saturday. The game can be heard locally on KSCQ 92.9 FM beginning at 11:30 a.m.