Wednesday, August 21, 2013 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University
DAILY KENT STATER KSU SPORTS
Haynes, Flashes aim for another golden season in 2013
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Nick Shook • Daily Kent Stater
aul Haynes was standing near midfield, arms folded with a whistle hanging from his neck, watching intently. The Flashes’ new head football coach was focused on a group of defensive backs gathered in an individual drill 20 yards away during a sunny, morning practice at Dix Stadium. “Go get it,” Haynes barked to his players. “You’ve got to go up and get it.” Haynes was instructing his players on how to attack a pass as a defender. As a former standout safety at Kent State, he’s well aware of what it takes to succeed as a defensive back in the Mid-American Conference.
In his first preseason camp as head coach at his alma mater, he aims to prepare his Flashes for a season bearing unusual expectations. The Flashes enter 2013 after a historic 2012 campaign in which they finished 11-3, won the MAC East Division and reached their first bowl game in 40 years. But Haynes spent last season more than 800 miles away as defensive coordinator at Arkansas, and with 2012 now in the past and former head coach Darrell Hazell roaming the sidelines at Purdue, Haynes is presented with the challenge of repeating success in his first season at the helm.
SEE HAYNES, PAGE D4
Tailgating 101
The Rec
Football profiles
Sports breakdown
How to be a KSU sports fan
It has much more to offer than treadmills
Which players to watch this season
A look at our sports teams and where they rank
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