Overview:
James Madison College Dukes (JMU) made historical past with their first-ever bowl sport win, defeating Western Kentucky College 27-17 on the Boca Raton Bowl. Haitian-American gamers Jobi Malary and Kalin Jean spoke to the Haitian Instances about their Haitian routes submit sport.
On December 18, James Madison College Dukes (JMU) defeated the Western Kentucky College Hilltoppers (WKU) within the Boca Raton Bowl sport 2024 at Flagler Credit score Union Stadium. The stands have been full of over 15,000 folks because the Dukes secured a 27 – 17 win over the Hilltoppers.
“Congratulations to James Madison we had our alternatives however we didn’t capitalize on them so hats off to them, preciate the bowl for one more nice bowl. Our guys actually loved it,” WKU’s head coach Tyson Helton, instructed reporters throughout a post-game press convention.
That is the primary Bowl sport victory within the faculty’s historical past. It took your complete group to work collectively as Chesney alluded to after the sport whereas absorbing a momentous win at his third bowl sport as JMU’s head coach.
The sport marks a serious milestone for James Madison College, a program that has steadily risen by way of the ranks of faculty soccer. Transitioning from the Soccer Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Soccer Bowl Subdivision (FBS) lately, JMU’s victory within the Boca Raton Bowl solidifies its place amongst top-tier packages. For followers, this historic win represents the end result of years of arduous work and dedication, showcasing the group’s potential to compete—and triumph—on a nationwide stage.
“I believe that these guys performed so arduous and effectively collectively, How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian child getting it carried out!” Chesney instructed The Haitian Instances because the group stormed the sphere to obtain their trophy shortly after the sport.
“How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian child getting it carried out!”
Bob Chesney, JMU Head Coach
No. 28 Jobi Malary, operating again for the James Madison Dukes, Malary is a switch from Portland State he performed for the Vikings for 4 seasons.
“I’m glad that Chesney gave me the chance to be part of this group and to be part of this trophy,” Malary mentioned.
Malary credit his dad who performed soccer at Bethune Cookman College for permitting him to play the sport on the age of eight years outdated.
The second Haitian American athlete to assist with the win was No. 39 Kalin Jean, nickelback, from Centerville, Virginia.
“Kalin? He’s carried out an amazing job! He provides us precisely what we’d like all week, he helps put together our guys extraordinarily effectively, he’s a troublesome competitor and he’s carried out a very good job!” Chesney mentioned,
This victory is very necessary for the James Madison College Dukes contemplating how they bought to play within the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl that will not rely even with their 11-1 report for the season; that sport resulted in a loss. Now a yr later the group celebrates a redemptive journey.
Jean is seeking to return to this system subsequent yr and has plans to have a one-on-one with Coach Chesney.
“I’ve one other yr of eligibility. I’m nonetheless going to speak to my head coach, we must always have an exit assembly so from there I’m simply going to take it daily.” Jean mentioned.
Western Kentucky is seeking to relaxation then head again in January to start out coaching and put together the group for subsequent yr.