The Muskingum University football team has taken preseason camp with a new kind of attitude.

After a few disappointing seasons strung together, new head coach Erik Ieuter is bringing an approach that puts the past behind the Fighting Muskies and a season full of potential fully into focus. Plus, the addition of new Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank, who arrived on campus in April, brings a former coach, player and member of communications for a Division I university to the forefront of the athletics department for Muskingum.

It’s too early to say what kind of impact the new staff can have or how well the Muskies can perform after a regime change, but the first day of full pads on Tuesday is an exciting time according to Ieuter.

“We want to see who the football players are, because we’ve been running around in helmets … that’s not football,” he said. “So, we’ve been playing real football and seeing who’s physical, see who can respond after we get knocked around a bit and (I’m) excited to see what we’ve got out there today.”

Senior linebacker Brandon Schon, who was sixth on the team last season in total tackles with 56, is taking on the task of filling the void left by the departure of Mick Fishel.

The Muskingum defense struggled mightily last season, allowing over 370 yards and 28 points per game to opponents. Pair that with an offense that only could manage 18.6 points per contest and it becomes clear where the team’s 2-8 record came from.

But, even with a lackluster past, Schon gave his input on what makes the Muskies feel like 2018 can be the season they buck the trend of sub-.500 records.

“There’s a bunch of energy,” Schon said. “We do competitions after every practice. You can see (the energy) in the coaches face(s) and the players face(s). There’s energy everywhere and everybody is excited for the season.”

That energy comes at a time when Muskingum found a leader in new starting quarterback Brody Hahn. As a freshman, Hahn rocketed to the front of multiple Muskie passing records.

With his quarterback poised for an even better year with a new playbook which is tailored made for an efficient passer, Ieuter said the team is starting to take shape at each position.

“We have guys stepping up in leadership roles, we have guys competing at different positions, battling,” Ieuter said. “Just overall, I really like the energy with our team right now.”

The first test of the newfound energy and leadership will come in less than three weeks. The Muskingum season begins Sep. 1 at Waynesburg.