[NU Sports] Comments on Fitz--The "Buzz" is all Good

[NEONRye at aol.com]

>From Fitz' revised bio on the NU Sports web site (Click on Football, then  
Roster, then on Fitz [now identified as the Head Coach; it was updated today]  
for his bio):
 
 
What They're Saying About Pat Fitzgerald  
Tammy Walker
"This would have been Randy's choice. The connection  of Pat, from his days 
of playing on championship teams at Northwestern, then  coaching with Randy for 
the last five years during that success, and now  becoming the head coach 
will really keep all of the positive things at NU going  in the same direction.  
"As sad as I am right now, I am so happy for Pat and the choice of him to  
succeed Randy as head coach. I know Randy would be, too. Pat is such a special  
guy. He and Stacy will do a great job."  
Gary Barnett, former Northwestern head coach (1992-98)
Gary Barnett was  Northwestern's head coach when Pat Fitzgerald was named 
Defensive Player of the  Year twice and hired him as a defensive graduate 
assistant at Colorado in  1999.
"Pat personifies Northwestern football. The honors he received as a  player, 
the way he handled himself as a student-athlete and the name he has made  for 
himself in the college football world, makes it a real natural fit for  
Northwestern. Pat loves Northwestern; he will be a guy that the Northwestern  
community can count on to represent them for years and years. I think it's a  great 
move for everybody."  
Tom Cable, Atlanta Falcons, offensive line coach
Tom Cable was Idaho's  head football coach and hired Pat as a full-time 
assistant coach in 2000, his  first full-time position.
"Northwestern is very fortunate to have one of  their own leading them into 
the future. Pat Fitzgerald will provide a tremendous  passion for those players 
and the entire Northwestern family. His integrity and  vision will no doubt 
lead them on this journey."  
Ron Vanderlinden, Penn State University, linebacker coach
Ron  Vanderlinden was Northwestern's linebacker coach during Pat's playing 
days at  Northwestern.
"When Pat was a player it was easy to see that he was  special far beyond his 
outstanding football ability. Pat was a natural leader.  He had tremendous 
confidence, determination, and a passion for success at  everything he does. As 
I have watched Pat grow as a coach, I see these same  qualities in Pat and the 
players he coaches. Pat is a fun person to be around,  committed to his 
family, and grounded in his faith. Pat Fitzgerald is a winner,  and a great choice 
to lead the Northwestern Football program."  
Gregg Brandon, Bowling Green University, head coach
Gregg Brandon was  Northwestern's wide receivers coach during Pat's playing 
days
"Being a  member of the Northwestern family gives him a tremendous advantage 
in keeping  the Wildcats competitive year in and year out. He had a great 
career there and  embodies all of the qualities that Northwestern University 
stands for. I think  it is a great move for them and I wish Pat and his family all 
the best."  
Frank Lenti, Mt. Carmel High School, head coach
"The hiring of Pat  Fitzgerald is well deserved. I've had the opportunity to 
talk with Pat and Adam  Cushing (Northwestern tight ends/h-backs coach) 
recently and hoped this would be  the direction Northwestern decided to go. The 
thing I think people are going to  talk about is his age, but 31 is just a number. 
Pat is the stereotypical  up-and-comer. What he accomplished on the field as 
a player transitioned into  becoming a great coach and he did all that at 
Northwestern. He has  talked-the-talk and walked-the-walk at NU and I look forward 
to what he will  accomplish in Evanston."  
Rob Johnson
Teammate and co-captain of 1995 Big Ten Championship  team
"I am excited for Pat, his family and incredibly excited for the  future of 
Northwestern football with Pat at the helm."  
Justin Chabot
Teammate and co-captain of 1996 Big Ten Championship  team, former director 
of football operations under Coach Walker
"I am  excited that Pat will follow Randy and continue his work ethic and 
integrity.  His experiences both as a player and coach will enable him to build 
upon the  things that Gary Barnett and Randy Walker have accomplished at NU and 
Pat will  be able to take the program even further."