Oakland City, IN – The addition of a new program to the Oakland City University Athletic Department is a big deal, coach Todd Miller is excited about how the team is coming along and can't wait for the first game of the season on September 16, against Bellarmine University.
The Oakland City sprint football team will be playing in the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL) and recently, the seven-game schedule was released. The season consists of four home games and three away games. Wood Memorial High School's football field will be serving as the home facility for coach Todd Miller and his squad.
Miller said he is pleased with how the schedule came out. "Obviously, every game we play in is the biggest one of the week! Based off last year's results I think our two biggest games will be Calumet College of St. Joseph and St Marys of the Woods college. Honestly, what I am looking forward to most is opening up in front of our home crowd in Oakland City September 16 against Bellarmine University."
It sounds like the people of Oakland City are excited about football coming to their town. "Every time I go in the IGA to get breakfast, either the lady checking me out in line or someone else will ask when football is coming or asking what exactly is sprint football?" Miller explains. "And it's like that at the part store in town, gas station, golf course… If I have a sprint football shirt on in town, I can guarantee somebody is going to ask when football starts." The addition of the sprint football program should be a good addition to the town of Oakland City, as well as the university's campus.
Miller already had a small group of players on campus in the Spring 2023 semester. During workouts, he has been pleased with the development of the players and the way the team is taking shape. "Where we started in January to where we are now, just football IQ wise I am very pleased with. We have found some leaders on and off the field this Spring and that was my goal for bringing these guys in January," Miller said.
Recently, the coaching staff saw a new addition, with the hiring of offensive coordinator Rhys Williams. The newest member of the Mighty Oaks coaching staff has experience coaching at the college level and coach Miller thinks that he will bring great knowledge on the offensive side of the ball.
While the season is creeping up on us, the coaching staff is not completed yet. "I am working through resumes this week to fill a few more positions in the next week or two. Doing the best I can to surround our athletes with coaches who are going to represent their self and the University in a positive light," Miller explained.
For as far as recruiting goes, the roster is currently sitting around sixty players. According to coach Miller there will be a good mix of junior college players and high school seniors coming in the Fall. He is still looking to add a couple more players, before the recruiting process starts for the 2024 school year.
Overall, the program is coming along nicely. "We have a group of guys that I am happy with and believe in. I know these guys are going to make the right choices on and off the field. They have done everything I asked them to do and more. I am excited for this group to blend in with the high school kids in the Fall!" Miller said.
Mighty Oaks Sprint Football Schedule:
| September 16 |
vs Bellarmine University |
| September 23 |
vs Quincy University |
| September 30 |
at Walsh University |
| October 7 |
vs Calumet College of St. Joseph |
| October 21 |
at Midway University |
| October 28 |
vs Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College |
| November 4 |
at Fontbonne College |
| November 11 |
MSFL Playoffs |
| November 18 |
MSFL Playoffs |
