The Emporia State University Hornets play their last home game of the season at Welch Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Coach Garin Higgins talks about his first year coaching the team, which has a 3-6 record.
Q What would you say to people who have yet to see a game this year to encourage them to come to Saturday’s game?
A We have a good group of kids. They play with a lot of effort and heart. Some of the outcomes have not been what we wanted them to be, but this is a team of good kids and they need all the support that they can get. When the kids see the community support in the stands, they feed off that. We have had some good crowd turnouts this year.
Q What makes this game on Saturday against Northwest Missouri State stand out?
A We are playing the No. 6 ranked team in the country and this is where we want to ultimately be. This game is a chance for us to see where we are at and see what we need to do to get there.
Q What stands out about this season and what has been challenging?
A There has not been one surprise. We knew as a coaching staff that this was going to be a process and that there were no quick fixes. We are pleased with the players and how they have responded. As a football program right now, we are not going to lose sight of what we are going to do. And we are not going to change the way we do things. We have a plan in place. We knew going into this we would face some adversity. But anyone that wants to have a successful program along the way will hit those bumps. Right now we are bouncing in the car. So the biggest thing is staying confident in one another as a football staff, football program and football team.
Q You have Emporia connections — ESU is your alma mater and your wife’s family are longtime Emporians. Has that placed more pressure on you in your first year?
A I don’t think it has placed any extra pressure. I grew up around football. My father was a football coach, so I understand what the profession is all about. But the biggest thing being at Emporia is I have a lot of pride in the university and the community. A lot of times, I will put pressure on myself because I don’t want to let anyone down. Everyone is giving their best effort and working hard.
Q As you have worked through the season, have you found that you are lacking any resources that the community can help with?
A Many times, coaches will use what they don’t have as an excuse for not winning.
We have the things we need here with the facilities and location and we have 36 scholarships like everyone else. We don’t like to dwell on what we don’t have.