Overview:
James Madison College Dukes (JMU) made historical past with their first-ever bowl recreation win, defeating Western Kentucky College 27-17 on the Boca Raton Bowl. Haitian-American gamers Jobi Malary and Kalin Jean spoke to the Haitian Occasions about their Haitian routes submit recreation.
On December 18, James Madison College Dukes (JMU) defeated the Western Kentucky College Hilltoppers (WKU) within the Boca Raton Bowl recreation 2024 at Flagler Credit score Union Stadium. The stands have been stuffed with over 15,000 individuals 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 an additional nice bowl. Our guys actually loved it,” WKU’s head coach Tyson Helton, informed reporters throughout a post-game press convention.
That is the primary Bowl recreation victory within the college’s historical past. It took your complete crew to work collectively as Chesney alluded to after the sport whereas absorbing a momentous win at his third bowl recreation as JMU’s head coach.
The sport marks a serious milestone for James Madison College, a program that has steadily risen by means of the ranks of school 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 applications. For followers, this historic win represents the end result of years of onerous work and dedication, showcasing the crew’s means to compete—and triumph—on a nationwide stage.
“I feel that these guys performed so onerous and nicely collectively, How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian child getting it completed!” Chesney informed The Haitian Occasions because the crew stormed the sector to obtain their trophy shortly after the sport.
“How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian child getting it completed!”
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 crew 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his dad who performed soccer at Bethune Cookman College for permitting him to play the sport on the age of eight years outdated.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 completed an incredible job! He provides us precisely what we’d like all week, he helps put together our guys extraordinarily nicely, he’s a tricky competitor and he’s completed a very good job!” Chesney mentioned,
This victory is particularly necessary for the James Madison College Dukes contemplating how they acquired to play within the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl that will not depend even with their 11-1 document for the season; that recreation resulted in a loss. Now a yr later the crew 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 should 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 crew for subsequent yr.