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James Madison Dukes win first bowl game, two players salute Haitian roots

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James Madison Dukes win first bowl game, two players salute Haitian roots
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On December 18, James Madison University Dukes (JMU) defeated the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (WKU) in the Boca Raton Bowl game 2024 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. The stands were filled with over 15,000 people as the Dukes secured a 27 – 17 win over the Hilltoppers. 

Joint head coaches press conference at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium ahead of the bowl game. Photo by Stan Beaubrun for The Haitian Times.

“Congratulations to James Madison we had our opportunities but we didn’t capitalize on them so hats off to them, preciate the bowl for another great bowl. Our guys really enjoyed it,” WKU’s head coach Tyson Helton, told reporters during a post-game press conference.

Left to right: No. 11 Billy Atkins(QB), No. 32 DJ Barksdale(Nickel), No. 12 JC Evans(QB), No. 48 Ryan Hanson(P), Head coach Bob Chesney Boca Raton Bowl 2024 post-game press conference, Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Stan Beaubrun for The Haitian Times.

This is the first Bowl game victory in the school’s history. It took the entire team to work together as Chesney alluded to after the game while soaking up a momentous win at his third bowl game as JMU’s head coach. 

The game marks a major milestone for James Madison University, a program that has steadily risen through the ranks of college football. Transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in recent years, JMU’s victory in the Boca Raton Bowl solidifies its place among top-tier programs. For fans, this historic win represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, showcasing the team’s ability to compete—and triumph—on a national stage.

“I think that these guys played so hard and well together, How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian kid getting it done!” Chesney told The Haitian Times as the team stormed the field to receive their trophy shortly after the game. 

“How about Jobi Malary? Our Haitian kid getting it done!”

Bob Chesney, JMU Head Coach

No. 28 Jobi Malary, running back for the James Madison Dukes, Malary is a transfer from Portland State he played for the Vikings for four seasons.

“I’m glad that Chesney gave me the opportunity to be a part of this team and to be a part of this trophy,” Malary said.

Malary credits his dad who played football at Bethune Cookman University for allowing him to play the game at the age of eight years old.

No. 39 Kalin Jean(Nickel), showing a tattoo of the coat of arms on the Haitian flag. Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Stan Beaubrun for The Haitian Times.

The second Haitian American athlete to help with the win was No. 39 Kalin Jean, nickelback, from Centerville, Virginia.

“Kalin? He’s done a great job! He gives us exactly what we need all week, he helps prepare our guys extremely well, he’s a tough competitor and he’s done a really good job!” Chesney said, 

This victory is especially important for the James Madison University Dukes considering how they got to play in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl that would not count even with their 11-1 record for the season; that game resulted in a loss. Now a year later the team celebrates a redemptive journey. 

Jean is looking to return to the program next year and has plans to have a one-on-one with Coach Chesney. 

“I have another year of eligibility. I’m still going to talk to my head coach, we should have an exit meeting so from there I’m just going to take it day by day.” Jean said. 

Western Kentucky is looking to rest then head back in January to start training and prepare the team for next year. 

The post James Madison Dukes win first bowl game, two players salute Haitian roots appeared first on The Haitian Times.


James Madison Dukes win first bowl game, two players salute Haitian roots was first posted on December 20, 2024 at 3:22 pm.

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