Iowa Wesleyan football coach Todd McGhghy hopes the program take another step forward this season. The Tigers were 2-9 in 2004 but were much more competitive than during McGhyghy’s first season at the helm. He says they’re progressing as fast as he could expect. He says it takes time and patience at a small college to make progress. McGhghy says it is difficult to make strides by playing freshman every year and they have worked hard to keep players in the program. He says they want to develop kids to play in their senior year. He says until you win, it’s hard to retain the kids. McGhghy says they’ve improved the retention and he wants to keep improving. The Tigers were more competitive in 2004 because of an improved defense and McGhyghy looks for that to continue. He says they planned to load up on defense and try to win games on defense and with special teams. McGhgy coached the defense last year, but will move over and coach the offense this year.The Tigers should be improved this season but it is a tough climb in the Mid-States Football Association which has become an NAIA power. He says their goal is to winthe conference title. He says people tell him if that’s their goal in a tough conference, then they should shoot for winning the national title. McGhgy says that’s the truth although it sometimes doesn’t seem realistic. The Tigers open at home September third against Waldorf.
