Sept. 8, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - With the start of the 2010 sprint football season just days away, NavySports.com caught up with senior co-captains Mike Nolan and Tyler Terronez. Both Nolan and Terronez have been key contributors to the recent success of the Navy sprint football program. Having not lost a game through their first three seasons, the two seniors have justifiably high expectations for the season ahead.

With the success of the program, expectations for each season are extremely high. Talk about how you as captains help the team manage that.

Tyler: Expectations are high. We're on a three-year winning streak but we have to keep that in the back of our minds and go one game at a time. As a captain, you have to preach that to the team - go one at a time.

Mike: We have to make sure that we're not complacent. Just because we've been good in the past doesn't mean we're good now. Anything less than undefeated this year is an unsuccessful season.

Talk about your leadership roles, not only as seniors, but as team captains.

Tyler: It means more than anything. It's such a privilege to be looked up to by your teammates and it's definitely something I cherish. My No. 1 goal is to be a good leader to the guys on the team and promote the brotherhood that we have.

Mike: Something special that this program has is everyone is so close. My role isn't really any different than it is for any other senior on the team. Everyone pushes everyone else - I just try to work hard and lead by example.

When any team experiences a lot of success, there is always the risk of complacency. Talk about your approach to making sure the team doesn't become complacent.

Tyler: I think hard work and working harder than our opponents is something we've always prided ourselves in as a program. You also have to have a short memory from last season. It's okay to remember past successes, but it's more important to focus on the future.

Mike: There's no time for us to let up and think about what we've done in the past. From the time everyone gets back to the academy, we get right into it. It's also a matter of communicating that message to the new guys, and making sure we are all on the same page when it comes to our focus.

The team lost some key talent from last season, what have you seen so far from the younger guys that will be looked upon to step up this season.

Mike: Defensively, losing Tyler Hawkins (Navy's all-time leading tackler) was a huge. So far, we've had so many people step up. Defensively, Will Parker, Zzmarr Stone and Steve Meidus have looked great. That is what this program is all about - filling role and stepping up.

Tyler: Ever year, it's a similar conversation about how we are going to replace guys. It's always a concern, but guys always step up. JoJo Catrini will be a very good wide receiver. On the offensive line, we lost some key people, so it's going to be a committee of guys working hard to get the job done.

You've got a new coach in Maj. Maury and an entirely new staff this season. Talk about the adjustment to the new staff.

Mike: Coach Maury and coach Jenkins have different personalities. The transition isn't difficult at all - it's just different styles. We have all the confidence in the world in Maj. Maury.

Tyler: Since we have different assistant coaches every year, change is something we get used to. One thing that doesn't change is the attitude and demeanor of the team - it's the exact same.

Through your first three years, what is your single-best Navy sprint football memory?

Tyler: Beating Army 7-6 last season. Stats-wise, we were dominated, and we just had the will to pull it out in the end.

Mike: Same - beating Army last season. Army is such a good team. Not only are they our biggest rivals, but they're also our best competition. I was shocked when we came out of that game on top. I had never been a part of such a big game in my life. Army played so well and for us to put a drive together at the end of that game, and come out on top, was amazing.

What do you see yourselves doing in 10 years?

Tyler: I see myself at a critical decision point in 10 years - either staying in, or getting out of the military.

Mike: I see myself in the military and hope to have a family. Hopefully, I'll still be in the Marines then.

Do either of you have a dream job?

Tyler: To continue to be involved with football for the rest of our lives. Getting paid to be a part of football would be great.

Mike: Same - I just want to be involved with football. Whether it is coaching a kid's team, or at a higher level, it would be great to be a part of the game.

What's the best part of attending the Naval Academy?

Tyler: The people. The friends you surround yourselves with and the relationships you develop.

Mike: I couldn't agree more - just the quality of guys you become friends with. We all have so much in common. It's refreshing to know there are guys that think the same way as you do.

Do either of you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Mike: I might be the most superstitious guy on the team. I wear the same Mickey Mouse shirt for every game, listen to the same music, wear the same socks and always wear my San Francisco Giants hat on the bus. I also always sit next to Viet Vo on the bus.

Tyler: I do none of these things, but I make fun of him for it.

What is your favorite pregame meal?

Both: Carrabba's - we go there before every road game.

The Midshipmen open the 2010 season on Monday, Sept. 13 at Frostburg State. Kick-off is at 6 p.m.