Lions tasked with keeping up success amid pandemic and other challenges

By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter

bnimmons@thepccourier.com

CENTRAL — The Daniel Lions have seen plenty of ups and downs during the tenure of head coach Jeff Fruster.

After the Lions managed to go just 8-13 in his first two seasons at the helm, Fruster has taken Daniel to a combined 22-3 record, an Upper State championship appearance and a region title since 2018.

Now, Fruster faces what could possibly be his biggest challenge yet — replacing star quarterback Tyler Venables and nine other starters after the longest, strangest offseason he has ever seen due to the COVID-19 virus.

Set to kick off the season this Friday at rival Seneca, the Lions are taking COVID-19 very seriously and following all the various suggestions recommended by the S.C. High School League, according to Fruster. He also said the team had yet to see a positive case as of last week and commended the attitude shown by his players to the necessary changes.

“I told the kids way back in the summer that we’re going to have to remain very flexible this year, and I think the kids have done a very good job with that,” Fruster said. “I know it’s not ideal and it goes against the very nature of everything they’ve done in this sport, but they have had a positive attitude if this is what it takes to play.”

Despite the challenges with COVID-19, the Lions have plenty to look forward to this season. Daniel boasts its

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