On April 1, the Milligan Buffaloes signed Caleb Perhne as the first recruit for the inaugural season of the Milligan football team.

 

Perhne, a sophomore at Milligan, didn’t always see himself becoming an athlete, but cites an experience he had in the fall semester as changing his opinion.

 

“When Haley (Cox) took me through her workout last semester, as part of a Stampede story, I thought I was going to die,” said Perhne, “After the pain went away though, I felt better, and stronger. Ever since then, I’ve worked out every day. I never miss an opportunity to be in the gym.”

 

Perhne, perhaps better known around campus for his role in the school’s radio department than for his athletic prowess, is a sophomore here at Milligan. Standing at 6 feet, 3 inches, and weighing in at a lean 190 lbs, Perhne is excited to put his physical gifts to work on the football field.

 

“I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of football,” said Perhne. “It will be fun trying to put all the pieces together and figure the game out.”

 

Perhne will play quarterback for the Buffs next year under head coach Carrie Swanay, a communications professor who took the spring semester off to prepare for her new role as the head football coach.

 

“I think I’ll be ready for the challenge,” said Swanay. “I’ve done my homework, and I think I’ll be prepared for the challenge come next fall. The players better be ready for a brutal training camp.”

 

Many Milligan students and faculty were surprised by the hiring of Swanay over outside applicants who had more experience coaching football. Mark Fox has no doubts that he made the right decision on the matter though.

 

“Are you kidding me? Have you seen the way she runs the TV and radio stations?” said Fox. “I just feel sorry for the teams that have to play against her. I wouldn’t want to be the first coach that crosses her.”

 

The Milligan football team will play a full 11-game schedule in the fall of 2016, starting with Bluefield College on August 27. The game will be played at nearby high school Science Hill, as construction on the Milligan football field will not yet be finished.

 

“I’ve got the date circled on my calendar,” said Perhne. “I’m ready to lead the Buffs to a win, and hopefully bring back the football program in style.”