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 Instances about their Haitian routes put up 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 had 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 one more nice bowl. Our guys actually loved it,” WKU’s head coach Tyson Helton, advised reporters throughout a post-game press convention.
That is the primary Bowl recreation victory within the college’s historical past. It took all the group 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 via 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 packages. For followers, this historic win represents the end result of years of exhausting work and dedication, showcasing the group’s potential to compete—and triumph—on a nationwide stage.
“I feel that these guys performed so exhausting and nicely collectively, How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian child getting it carried out!” Chesney advised The Haitian Instances because the group stormed the sector 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, working 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 stated.
Malary credit his dad who performed soccer at Bethune Cookman College for permitting him to play the sport on the age of eight years previous.
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 excellent job! He provides us precisely what we want all week, he helps put together our guys extraordinarily nicely, he’s a tricky competitor and he’s carried out a very good job!” Chesney stated,
This victory is particularly essential for the James Madison College Dukes contemplating how they bought to play within the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl that may not depend even with their 11-1 file for the season; that recreation resulted in a loss. Now a yr later the group celebrates a redemptive journey.
Jean is trying 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 day-to-day.” Jean stated.
Western Kentucky is trying to relaxation then head again in January to start out coaching and put together the group for subsequent yr.