Chris Quarles to Serve as Western New England Football Captain in 2018

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 15, 2018) – Western New England University head football coach Keith Emery announced on Thursday that rising senior safety Chris Quarles (Naugatuck, Conn.) will serve as the Golden Bears' team captain for the 2018 campaign.

Quarles will be Western New England's lone captain next fall, continuing a tradition started by Emery in 2014.

"Chris made an immediate impression on this program the day he arrived on campus," Emery said. "He earned early playing time and was named a position group captain in the spring of his freshman year. Working with the Klein Group has really improved his leadership skills over the last two seasons as well."

Quarles has appeared in 31 games during his first three seasons with the Golden Bears. The Naugatuck High School product has recorded 100 career tackles (57 solo) with four interceptions and six pass breakups.

This past fall, Quarles posted a season-high nine tackles and one pass breakup in Western New England's 35-26 victory over Salve Regina on October 28. The following Saturday, he intercepted Curry senior quarterback Alex Corvese late in the fourth quarter to help seal the Golden Bears' 42-28, CCC-title clinching triumph over the Colonels.

"I am excited to see how Chris continues to grow with this new level of responsibility," Emery explained. "He has been well prepared for this leadership role."

Western New England opens its 2018 campaign on the road at crosstown rival Springfield College on Friday, August 31 at 7 p.m. as the Golden Bears and Pride battle in the sixth annual Pynchon SAW Game. 

WNE Team Captains Since 2014
2018 - Chris Quarles
2017 - Sam Edouard
2016 - Nick Connell
2015 - Dean Soucie
2014 - Kevin Cook