As part of Spectrum News 1's preview of the 2024 Holy Cross football season, Kevin Shea sat down with defensive coordinator Brian Vaganek and offensive coordinator Andrew Dresner.

Vaganek returns to the Crusaders' staff in a new role, having previously coached the linebackers. He says his defense has adapted well to the changes the new staff has brought this season.

"All the kids are really bought into Holy Cross. Our entire team in general," Vaganek said. "They're attentive. We have good kids here. They learn fast and they're very bought in."

As for offensive changes, Dresner says the players have adapted to his offensive philosophy.

"The learning capacity for this group was tremendous," Dresner said. "The retainment of information from practice to practice. The ability to continue to push the install and doing more and more every day. It was exciting to see what the end product looked like at the end of spring." 

Dresner added that it's very simple what makes Holy Cross a special program.

"I think it's the players," he said. "The dedication that these guys have on a daily basis to learn and want to get better and to compete. The culture is second to none here. To show up and to know that you're going to get the kid's very best on a daily basis is something that was really cool to see for my first six months on the job."

Holy Cross opens the 2024 season at the University of Rhode Island on Saturday, August 31 at 7 p.m. Spectrum News 1 will air three Holy Cross football games live this season, starting with New Hampshire on September 6 at 2 p.m.