[NU Sports] Is this the Walker legacy? (fwd)

[BSchooler at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/30/2005 12:27:44 AM Central Standard Time, 
nolan at romaine.tssi.com writes:

> >He appears to be well-respected by his players.
> 
> I did not get that impression in the two seasons following Wheeler's death.
> If that's changed, that's very good news, if it stays that way.  
> 

This is a critical point Mike has made. If most of the players have a good 
experience playing for Walker and Northwestern, then I'm essentially pleased 
with the job Walker is doing. If most of the players do not have a good 
experience playing for Walker and Northwestern, then Walker may not be a good fit in 
Evanston. As posted previously, Mark Murphy said when he was hired that this is 
as important as wins and losses in evaluating a coach's performance.

Northwestern has the chance to be solid for years to come. We have a lot of 
young players who are already contributing. A first year QB will probably hold 
us back next year, but the 2007 season could be a very good one. That is, IF 
we don't get the extraordinary number of kids who quit the team which is, 
unfortunately, another Walker legacy. It would also be nice if we could just once 
begin a season with a team that is healthy; not beaten up. And no, the 
extraordinary number of defections and injuries do NOT happen at every school on 
yearly basis.

Bob Schooler