Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Selects Captains
8/21/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University's football team has voted seniors Pete Shepherd (Mount Pleasant) and Brian Leigeb (Midland) as captains for the 2000 season.
Shepherd has been CMU's starting quarterback the past two seasons while Leigeb returns for his fourth season as the starting free safety.
"Our returning players selected two outstanding seniors who have led in the past, in the present and will lead again in the future," CMU head coach Mike DeBord said. "We asked them to vote on two people who will be loyal to the university, their teammates and the coaching staff.
"It's a hard job but Pete and Brian have great character and I'm excited about working with them. They led a team meeting on Sunday night so they didn't waste much time in assuming their new duties."
While Shepherd and Leigeb are the captains elect, DeBord is counting on the entire 17-man senior class for leadership.
"This whole team has done everything we've asked this year and we need continued leadership not just from the captains but from all of the seniors," DeBord said.
NOTES--The Chippewa football team held its first big scrimmage of the fall on Saturday and DeBord was encouraged by the results.
"I thought the first team defense played aggressively," DeBord said. "It showed tremendous improvement in tackling and being physical.
"The first team offensive line blocked well and we ran the ball well - especially Vince Webber (Elgin, Ill./Larkin/So.). The passing game was good but still needs to get better."
DeBord had mixed reviews on the kicking game.
"Our punting with Brian Brandt was excellent, DeBord said. "But, I was dissatisfied with our kicking game. We've got a lot of work to do there."
Two-year starter Paul Savich (St. Clair Shores/Lakeview/Jr.) and Adam Clyne (New Baltimore/Anchor Bay/So.) are in a battle for the starting place-kicking chores.
CMU opens the season at Purdue on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. (EST). The Chipewas launch the home season on Saturday, Sept. 9, against Akron at 1 p.m. (EDT).
