WORCESTER, Mass. - For the Holy Cross football team, competition is a way of life that's ingrained in their DNA.

Whether it's on the turf, in the weight room, in the classroom or on the scale, there is a winner and loser in everything they do, and that competition makes everyone better and helps them win on Saturdays. 

"We have such good internal competition," said linebacker Jake Dobbs. "Even out here on a simple Tuesday in the middle of the summer, I'm going against Sluka in agility drills just to try and rep open field tackles. I know he's one of the best in country at what he does, and if I can stay with him in the open field it's going to prepare me for September."

"Competition is the mainstay here," said wide receiver Jalen Coker. "I feel like every day, even if it's who can get water the fastest, who can get changed the quickest and get to lift, everything is a competition and that's what makes us great."

The Crusaders open up their season September 2 at home against Merrimack.