Iowa Wesleyan football coach Jason Smelser hopes the foundation he has tried to build the last two years will start paying off with more victories. The Tigers have won just once in his first two seasons at the helm and suffered through an 0-11 season in 2007.

Smelser says there’s no where to go but up and it’s time to see some of the seeds they’ve planted and water show results. Thirteen starters return from last year and Smelser says it is an experienced and motivated group.

Smelser says 30 guys stayed around to work out this summer and stay focused on improving. He says they’ve never seen that type of commitment before. Smelser expects the defense to be vastly improved this year, led by a solid defensive line.

He says they feel good about the secondary and the linebackers are the most experienced group they’ve had. Iowa Wesleyan opens the season on September sixth at Waldorf College.