The 2018 team captains named for the Muskingum University football team should come as no surprise.

Senior tight end Granger Long, senior defensive lineman Staci Wilson and senior linebacker Brandon Schon have earned their distinctions as team leaders, but sophomore quarterback Brody Hahn earned his status as captain after a record-breaking freshman season last year.

While the Fighting Muskies have failed to meet some fan’s expectations over the last few seasons, the will and determination of players like Long, Wilson and Schon to stick with the program could lead to better things this season with new coach Erik Ieuter.

Long will be looking to step up and fill a large hole in the Muskingum offense, after the leading receiver from last season, Damon Jones, graduated. While Long was second on the team with 361 receiving yards and three scores, he was nowhere near Jones’ 875 yards and seven touchdowns.

Wilson and Schon were integral parts of the defense last season, combing for 92 total tackles and three sacks. Wilson will be entering his fourth year having played in all season contests since his freshman year.

The Muskingum football season kicks off on Sep. 1 against Waynesburg at 1:30 p.m., which was the opening day win for the Muskies last season. Hahn led the way for the team’s first home-opening shutout since 1996.