WEST CALDWELL, N.J.- On a day of many firsts, the Caldwell University Sprint Football team kicked off its inaugural season on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars came up short of the program's first win with a 69-6 setback against the defending Collegiate Sprint Football League champions in the University of Pennsylvania.
 
The day started off on a positive note as Caldwell University President Dr. Nancy Blattner performed the ceremonial coin toss. The Cougars won the toss, marking the program's first coin toss win. Caldwell Head Coach Daryle Weiss led the Cougars through the program's first-ever game and his first as head coach.
 
"I'm so proud of our team and the effort they put in today," said Coach Weiss. "The players battled for 60 minutes and we got better as a team as the game progressed. We are a young team with over 40 freshmen and we will continue to grow as a unit throughout the season."
 
Caldwell marked many program milestones in its first game.

• First pass completion: Freshman quarterback Ryan Mondo (Belleville, N.J.) to freshman running back Carl Watson (Newark, N.J.) on their second possession in the first quarter for a two-yard gain.
• First defensive sack: Freshman Nathan Harris-Norton (Lindenwood, N.J.) recorded the first defensive sack late in the first quarter.
• First blocked kick: Freshman Colin Williams (East Orange, N.J.) blocked the extra point attempt on Penn's first touchdown of the game.

 
The program's first offensive touchdown came late in the third quarter as freshman Nysir Smith (Newark, N.J.) broke free down the sideline for a 43-yard rushing score.  Smith finished the day with 89 yards of total offense as he hauled in three receptions for 44 yards.
 
The day also featured the debut of the Caldwell University marching band, which performed their routine during the game and on the field at halftime.
 
On defense, Quintin Quartararo (Lakewood, N.J.) registered 13 tackles in the game. Freshman Sid Douglas (Westfield, N.J.) and Williams each finished with eight tackles in the game, with Douglas adding a pass-break up.
 
The Cougars hit the road for their first away contest in Week 2 of the 2017 season. Caldwell travels to Cornell University on Friday, September 22 for a 7 pm contest.