[NU Sports] The Big Picture - 1995 - 2008

[Neil Kaplan]

 After being a list member for 13 years and a Cats fan for 20, I can say that I may be more optimistic for the future of the program on this day than almost any other day since my arrival on campus in 1988.

While we all bask in the glory of 95 and 96, do not forget that our long term view was tempered by the where's Gary soap operas that were tiresome on their best days.  

The Walker era was characterized by incredible excitement - some of the best games we will ever see - but, in retrospect,  we never were a team that excelled in all phases of the game.

As many have pointed out, this year profile was more of a stellar defense which improved week after week and the depth and character to overcome myriad injuries.  The last two games were some of the best defensive work in our program's history.

We have a young, exciting coach - with no plans to leave - and a position that most D1 teams would be glad to be in coming off of a 9-3 year.  Our recruiting should be great and we really have the opportunity to turn this year's performance into one that sets the stage for consistency.   All of this in a program that we can all be proud of as fans and alums.

We should have a list get together in December to celebrate the new era.

Go Cats!

Neil