From left are former Navy Seal Lt. Commander Corey Clark, former Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Nathan McKoy (54), Jayden Giles (60), Karon Kirk (51), Noah Jackson (55) and Triton coach Ben Penny.

The Triton football team got some inspiration Thursday ahead of its game tonight (Friday, September 10) at Bunn as former Navy Seal Lt. Commander Corey Clark and former Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele spoke to the Hawks.

“It was a great day,” said Triton coach Ben Penny, whose wife, Meghan, is Steele’s niece. “Anytime you have one legend and one hero come and speak, you’re going to create a lifelong memory. I hope the guys take something from it. They went back and forth with Lt. Commander Clark’s experience with the Seals and Coach Steele’s experience as a coach.

“Although it was two totally different levels and scenarios, they had the same messages. It was a good day.

“Kevin went into coach mode towards the end and gave one memorable ‘locker room’ speech to the guys. I think the adults in the room were ready to run through a brick wall with the kids.”

Steele and Clark were scheduled to speak to the team at East Carolina after their visit at Triton. Steele’s brother, Dale, is director of football administration at ECU. The Pirates are home to take on East Carolina on Saturday at noon.

Triton offensive coordinator David Weathersby previously coached at Bunn., which is 1-1 this season.

The Hawks (0-2) are coming off a 37-28 loss to Sanderson in which several injuries were a factor for host Triton, which led 21-10 at halftime.