Mobile, Al. (KAIT) – The Arkansas State Red Wolves traded in the gridiron for a five-iron Tuesday, Dec. 24, as they enjoyed brunch at Top Golf in Mobile.

Players and staff enjoyed hitting golf balls and spending time together. A-State offensive lineman Makilan Thomas said taking time away from the field is great.

“A lot of camaraderie, just the guys getting together, doing a lot of events together, just being around each other and having fun,” Thomas said.

Running Back Coach Marquase Lovings and linebacker Dane Motley said it was a fun way for the team to spend time with each other on Christmas Eve.

“We just get to spend our time with our football team just one more time, and God gave that opportunity,” Lovings said. “Our guys are really excited. One of our things is connection, and we’re really connected right now.”

“I was happy. This is my last year, so I saw it as a chance to be with my team and a longer time to play football with my guys,” Motley said.

Some of the players were better than others at driving the golf ball.

“I’m a little rusty right now,” Motley said. “I’ve hit a few balls in the ditch, but hey, I’m learning; I’m getting better with each swing.”

The players and coaches also talked about what it would mean to bring back a bowl victory and an eighth win to Jonesboro.

The last time A-State had eight wins, Motley was a freshman.

“It’s kind of like a storybook ending for me to get eight wins again and leave this program in the spot where I came in with,” Motley said.

“We’re trying to win eight games, something that hasn’t been done in Jonesboro in a long time,” Lovings said. “Get guys to play just together one more time. And that’s the message, right? One play, one more time together, that’s what we’re trying to get done.”

On Christmas Day, the Red Wolves will have a walkthrough practice and then kick back to enjoy some Christmas movies.

Arkansas State will take on Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Hancock-Whitney Stadium.

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