[NU Sports] Re: Thoughts on the New Coach - Trust The Plan

[DPENDERG at aol.com]

Coach Walker spoke often about not taking a "play off" and he would  say the 
same of the team. No seasons off.  No  transitions.  If we are going to play 
football in the Big Ten, we  expect competitive performance every year 
regardless of our academic standards  or we might as well join the Ivy League with 
similar academic  institutions.  I thought we gave up the "low expectations" 
game.   Let's not go back to that era again.  Please.
 
Some of us questioned whether someone with minimal coaching experience (and  
nothing at the head or unit coach level) could manage at the top D-IA  level.  
Bienen/Murphy thought otherwise and I accept their decision,  especially 
because they saw seamless continuity in what Randy Walker  started.  I don't 
realistically expect us this year to beat OSU or UM, but  it is not "demanding" 
with our talent level to project victories over at  least six teams on our 
schedule.  
 
 
In a message dated 7/14/2006 2:09:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, NEON Rye  
writes:

This is exactly the kind of post I was hoping I wouldn't see for at least  a 
year or two.  This is a sports program and a team of student athletes  that is 
in deep shock and mourning for the loss of their leader.  For  alumni to be 
demanding winning seasons--with an inexperienced HC stepping into  a void 
caused by tragic circumstances--is, quite frankly, incredible (I could  use a more 
telling adjective, but we're "among friends" here.).  
 
Messrs. Bienen and Murphy have made what most of us believe was the best  
choice they could have in a very unfavorable setting.  As I said in a  post a few 
weeks back--they--and Fitz--are entitled to a decent "honeymoon"  and 
transition period, where everyone steps back and lets the new Head Coach,  his staff, 
and the players grieve, bond and move forward.  The best  thing all of us can 
do is stand with them, whether in victory or defeat, as  long as they all are 
giving their best efforts on the field (and in the  classroom)--and with 
Fitz, I expect 150% effort from everyone, which is why I  think he will ultimately 
be a highly successful HC.    That is  how we can honor Coach Walker's memory 
and help them build on his  legacy.   
 
Paul Levinson