What a Season!

Gambier, Ohio (November 15, 2005) Nail-biters, shockers, and thrillers--the Kenyon football team gave the campus extraordinary doses of drama this fall, producing its most successful season in years. The proud 2006 campaign ended on November 12 with an appropriate rush of adrenalin, as a last-second field goal lifted the Lords to a 45-42 triumph over conference rival Denison University.

"It was an absolutely perfect way to end the season," head coach Ted Stanley said. "After all the hard work these kids put in, they deserve it. Our players, especially our seniors, have been through so many highs and lows. I hope they enjoyed the season as much as I did and look upon it as a turning point in this program's development."

Just three years removed from back-to-back 1-9 seasons, the 2005 Lords registered a 6-4 overall mark and claimed second place in the North Coast Athletic Conference with a 6-1 conference record. The Lords' six-win season was their best since the 1990 team posted an identical mark, and their second-place finish was their loftiest standing since tying for the conference championship in 1989. The six wins also match the win total for the Lords' previous four seasons combined.

The 2005 schedule went from high to high. There was the remarkable midseason victory over the College of Wooster, which at the time was nationally ranked. There was an overtime win at Earlham College. And there were triumphs over both Allegheny College and Denison, teams the Lords had not defeated since the 1989 and 1998 seasons, respectively. Five of the six wins were by margins of three points or less.

Beyond the victories, the team amassed numbers that will be etched in the College's record books for some time. Collectively, the Lords generated new College single-season marks for total yards (4,003), rushing yards (2,298), first downs (221), rushing first downs (123), and rushing touchdowns (26).

"It was an unbelievable run," said Stanley. "There is no doubt Kenyon football is progressing, but we still have a way to go. With the continued support of fans, alums, parents, and administration, we will be able to keep moving forward."