Oct. 30, 2001
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - In a large senior class full of leaders, two Lafayette student-athletes were chosen by their teammates and coaches to fulfill the honor of serving as the 2001 football team captains. For a class that has overcome so many obstacles, Jim Brown and Barrett Diefenderfer are perfect examples of how hard work and dedication serve as motivation to succeed.
Following a typically demanding preseason camp, Brown and Diefenderfer collected the most votes from their teammates and coaches to lead the 2001 squad as captains.
"Their names were announced and the whole team cheered," said head coach Frank Tavani. "These two gentlemen certainly deserve the honor and they have proven more than capable of leading this team."
Brown arrived at Lafayette after a successful career at Hollidaysburg High School and wasn't used to being on the losing end of a football game. A history major who was a member of the 2000 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, Brown started seven contests on the defensive line over the past two seasons and recorded 35 total tackles and one fumble recovery.
Brown's unselfish attitude has contributed to his success on the field. In his first three seasons at Lafayette, he emerged as a consistent performer on the defense. Before his senior season he was asked to move over to the offensive line. His example led others to realize the kind of sacrifices that are made to for the betterment of the team.
"Jim has such a great attitude for the game," Tavani said. "Off the field he is more quiet and intuitive. On the field he is a hard-nosed player that gets the job done."
A Government and Law major, Diefenderfer started all 11 contests last season at nose tackle and returned for his senior season after leading the Patriot League with three fumble recoveries in 2000. He finished his junior year 15th on the squad with 22 tackles, while also recording one sack and three pass break-ups. A relentless competitor, Diefenderfer has started all six contests at defensive tackle, making 18 tackles and a fumble recovery.
"Barrett has become an opportunistic-type player," Tavani said. "As a defense, our players expect and rely on each other to make the big plays and he has certainly done that for us a number of times this year."
The road in 2001 has been full of obstacles ranging from injuries to narrow losses as a result of a few key plays. At this point some players lose the drive to finish out the season, but that's not the case with this team.
"I credit the seniors and especially Jim and Barrett in leading the group and never giving up on themselves, each other, or the program," Tavani said. "They've been through a lot in four years, but they have come out as stronger individuals in the end."
Despite the last two contests that saw the Leopards lose by a total of 11 points, the attitude is one of determination for games to come.
"As a team we are disappointed because we could have come away with wins in either one of those three games (versus Towson, Bucknell and Holy Cross)," Diefenderfer said. "On the flip side we know that there is no other team in this league that we can't compete with and win against."
"Our motivation is driven by knowing we can win," Brown said. "We have the ability. It's just a matter of putting the pieces together."
"A credit to the team is that we've been able to put the hard things behind us and get prepared for the next game," Diefenderfer said. "We all realize we have half a season of football to play yet and we're ready for it."
These aren't the promises of a captain trained to remain positive, but rather the belief in and commitment to truly believe in their teammates to overcome all obstacles to conquer their goal - success in league play.
"It is interesting because you learn much more about people when things are rough, and these two gentlemen have never faltered," Tavani said. "They have constantly handled things in a positive manner."
As seniors, Brown and Diefenderfer have the chance to reflect on the progression of the past four years for the program as a whole.
"Coach Tavani has done and will continue to do what needs to be done to get this program back to a championship level," Diefenderfer said. "Everyone is on the right track right now and it sometimes makes me wish I were a freshman so I could be here to witness the inevitable success this program will have in the coming years."
"The coaches and staff are doing such a tremendous job with this program," Brown said. "Come back in a few years and you will see a team that is a reflection of all the hard work we have all put into this team. You will see closer games that will end up in our favor."
In the meantime, Lafayette has four Patriot League games to play this season. As for the captains, they admit the have a simple job ahead of them.
"Being a captain for this team has been an easy job because of the leadership qualities throughout the team and especially in the senior class," Diefenderfer said. "They realize they all have to step up and take responsibility for themselves which makes it a lot easier for Jim and me."
"Barrett and I don't have to make speeches after every play or every practice," Brown said. "The team has stood up as a unit to motivate each other."
Regardless of the outcome of the next four games, they have come away from the program learning much more than how to play football. They have left an impression on the younger athletes of just what it takes to succeed as leaders.
