DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Flyers are back on the gridiron after the 2020 season was cancelled due to health and safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What You Need To Know

  • Dayton football is preparing for its season opener against Robert Morris

  • QB Jack Cook is a returning fifth-year senior who opted to come back on extra eligibility

  • Cook is viewed by the program as a leader and a key component to success

  • Coach Chamberlin said Dayton strives to compete to win the PFL and is excited to see fans at games once again 

Coach Rick Chamberlin’s program is prepping to make a run at the Pioneer League Championship. 

“That’s our goal, here at Dayton, year after year,” Chamberlin said.  

To get there, the Flyers are going to have to lean on five "super seniors" who are returning for what they missed last year. 

Quarterback Jack Cook is one of those leaders. He said he was bummed when last season was cancelled, but he and the guys wouldn’t let that break them. 

“Had to roll with the punches,” Cook said. "I mean, as a team we just had to control what you can control.” 

The Pittsburgh-area native, who is 22 years old and now a fifth-year senior, said he had no hesitation in deciding to come back to UD.

“I knew when we got cancelled that I was coming back, because I wanted to leave this place with a championship,” he said. “Leave this place better than when I found it.” 

Dayton’s football program is non-scholarship, so each player had to weigh the cost and time commitment that comes with returning, which is why Chamberlin said his super seniors are invaluable. 

“It’s a tremendous team because it’s our players' team,” Chamberlin said. “It’s not the coaches' team. It’s not Rick Chamberlin’s team, it’s those players team. And they take ownership of it to be the best that they can.” 

Cook said the team is ready to finally play against a real opponent. 

“Just excited to get back out and hit somebody that’s not in our uniform,” Cook said. 

University of Dayton Vice President and Athletic Director Neil Sullivan said UD expects to host fans back at full capacity.

“We plan to be open here as normal,” Sullivan said. “I think as we’ll continue, I think as the first home game gets closer we’ll figure out any protocols that have to be instituted to keep everyone safe. We’ll make sure that we communicate with fans any requirements or mitigation things that we have to do. But, right now we hope to see Flyer fans here, out in full force, in an outdoor venue that we feel will be adequately safe.” 

Sullivan said the majority of the team is vaccinated, but all COVID-19 protocols will be followed to protect the health of the team through the season. 

Chamberlin said he’s excited for the team to play in front of a live crowd once again. 

“That’s a special time to play in front of the Flyer faithful,” he said. “Plus we got new uniforms, they want to show that to the crowd. So that first home game, first game of the season will be spectacular.”

Cook plans to leave it all out there this season. 

“This season means everything to me,” Cook said. “I mean, I don’t know if this is the last time putting on a helmet and shoulder pads. So I mean I’m just living day-by-day. Not taking anything for granted. 

Dayton opens the season Sept. 4 against Robert Morris. For the full schedule visit the Flyers website.