December 4, 2006
Schiano staying at Rutgers
Despite reports that talks between Miami AD Paul Dee and Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano were moving forward, Schiano said today he will be staying at Rutgers.
"This is where I want to be. This is the job I want to have," Schiano said Monday.Schiano, who was Miami's defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2000, said he spoke with the Hurricanes' athletic director Sunday night.
"We're just scratching the surface here at Rutgers," Schiano said. "The sky's the limit. We're going to do great things here. We haven't done it yet."
It is now expected the Miami will turn its focus to West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez and current Hurricanes Defensive Coordinator Randy Shannon.
Comments:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:23 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
Spoken like a true Florida fan, gatorhippy. That said, I don't want to see Schiano back at UM either. :)
Mags said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:28 PM — 12.176.164.100 — link — abuse?
I'm sure I'm gonna get sh!t for this but.....Schiano is making the right choice. If he continues to recruit the way he has and pull this team together, he could be the JoePa of Rutgers. He would be a living legend....who wouldn't want that?
T said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:37 PM — 65.87.105.6 — link — abuse?
I went to the University of Florida, love the gators, went to all the games and still watch all the games follow the team like it is my child. I do not understand why you hate the University of Miami, we do not even play them, only twice in the last 15 years, why the hate?
WestCoast said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:51 PM — 66.215.143.98 — link — abuse?
Imagine that, "The U" getting told "No" by the Rutgers HC. Next you'll be telling me Wake Forest is in a BCS game. Oh, that's right, they are. Good choice to stay for him, not as much pressure, and recruiting has to be better when the facilities are far superior to those of Miami's. Hey all you "The U" alums out there, how about building a new stadium and maybe you'll begin to compete with Rutgers over the years.
gatorhippy said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:52 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
Actually, K-Hue...
I don't really care who's at Miami since we only play them every few years as our cycle of OOC patsies runs out...
I just think he has a great thing going at a deep pocketed school that's willing to work with him while his fan base doesn't expect MNC's every year...
Like I said on the other thread...
At Miami 9-3 will put you on the hot seat while it wins you laurels at Rutgers...
gatorhippy said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:59 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
cane_nation:
Relax, dude...
Read post #7, take a breath, then listen...
I have no hate whatsoever for the Canes...
Only much respect and the hope that one day the Gators will be knocking at what the Canes accomplished through last 25 years (this year aside)...
Again, just relax before you have a heart attack and can't make the trip to Boise...
Cane_Nation said:
posted on December 4, 2006 4:18 PM — 205.166.218.38 — link — abuse?
Gatorhippy:
Don't worry, the heart's fine. Just like talking a little trash with Gator fans. We'll be alright. If need be, I think Randy Shannon will be a nice head coach. And I like the rumor of him hiring Mike Shula as O.C.Good luck in Glendale, I see y'all doing to OSU what they did to us in '02.
Zac said:
posted on December 4, 2006 4:23 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
I honestly thought he would stay. (I think there was a certain Italian influence in his decision making.) Seriously, though, my worry is he really wants to be around for WV visiting Piscataway next year. As for Miami getting Coach Rod, it ain’t gonna happen neither. He’s already been quoted in a dozen different ways; he’ll be staying in Morgantown next year. However, the jury is still out on the FSU job.
volstrike3 said:
posted on December 4, 2006 5:01 PM — 216.103.178.34 — link — abuse?
Good for him. In a year or two he can call Pat Hill at Fresno State and they can reminisce about how they almost made it to a BCS bowl and all of the high profile jobs they turned down. Some people are not comfortable stepping up into the big leagues. It is easier to stay under the radar.
It is very difficult to build a football program that can compete on a national level from the ground up. You may luck out and get a great group of players at one time or another but you will never be able compete year in and year out. He may get the occasional blue chip athlete to say home and play for him but Rutgers will never regularly win head to head recruiting battles against the top programs. I have been through the recruiting process as a player and if you can choose between USC, Miami, Notre Dame, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and Rutgers. Rutgers will never, I repeat never, be able to compete for that player. Players from the football hotbeds of Florida, California, Texas, Ohio, etc are not going to Rutgers if they have another option closer to home. On the other hand, a great player from New Jersey or New York will go to a national power in a warm weather state in a heartbeat.
Charlie said:
posted on December 4, 2006 5:55 PM — 71.203.164.64 — link — abuse?
Man walks into a bar in Gainesville with his dog following him.
Bartender says, "Sorry pal, no dogs allowed."
Looking over the UF coeds in the place, the guy finds that odd. But he says to the bartender, "This dog is special, he does tricks."
Bartender says, "Oh yeah, what's he do?"
Guy turns to his dog and says, "Max, the Hurricanes beat the Gators." Whereupon the dog gets up on his back feet, dances in circles, and howls.
Bartender, not impressed, says, "Great, but what's he do when you tell him the Gators beat the Hurricanes?"
"I don't know", says the guy, "he's only twenty."
C-DOGG said:
posted on December 4, 2006 7:26 PM — 76.188.148.131 — link — abuse?
Hey Westcoast,
Re: post#6,You shouldn't believe all the bad pub from the media concerning Miami's supposed bad facilities. They sure look o.K. for the NFL pro bowl squad at allcanes.com/blog (scroll 3/4 of the way down the page).
Also, this part is not for Westcoast. Schiano baffles me because he will never get enough bluechip recruits to go there to build a major program. I believe that he can not even get the best kids from his state to go there once Syracuse gets their act together like years past. No I am not geographically retarded, I know that Syracuse & Rutgers are in different states (but the same recruiting wars).
Albert said:
posted on December 5, 2006 12:12 AM — 67.84.108.76 — link — abuse?
Hey Volstrike,
your post is incorrect... USC is in a slum, way too far away. Miami is a retirement village, Notre Dame is in the middle of nowhere, Florida is literally in a swamp, Tennessee is not very good, Oklahoma-not even sure there is a real school there, that leaves only Texas and Rutgers. I heard Austin was a great place.you said "Rutgers will never, I repeat never, be able to compete for that player." are you crazy? In the New York City Market? Jersey players are dying to stay here, and not go to the boondocks of the midwest, or the hicks of the south... the chance to stay home has never even been a possibility historically, and now it is. finally. There is a destination that is worth staying home for. A Real University with books and degrees (imagine that). An attitude of NJ that you would not understand, so close to the city, and all that comes with being sucessful in NYC. Rutgers vs Louisville was the 2nd highest rated game ever on thursday night... that's New York. That's why they are staying home to play, that's why they are flying here from south florida to play here at Rutgers. Once it is built, it will redefine what a successful program is.
Come to a game next year, I'll buy you a cold one.
Chris said:
posted on December 5, 2006 12:59 AM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?
Schiano needs to stay put. He has a chance at turning Rutgers into a decent program. Great start and he's only beginning.
It's funny to listen to all the rumor mills about the Canes and my Tide. The two WORST job positions available.
Imagine having to go to work everyday and know that you have to be bigger than two people the office is named after "Bryant-Denny" stadium. "Hey great job today coach we won a good game....win next week or your fired."
Alabama has expectations that are going to be hard to meet.Or
Miami. Somebody should talk to R. Lee Ermey (Gny. Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket) Maybe a set of stones like his would set this team back to it's swagger and ease out soem of the thug life drama that is going on. People should have been booted after the UCF game.
So stay put Schiano. No need to take a job as a prison warden or a fall guy. Rutgers likes you just the way you are.
Sooner_guy said:
posted on December 5, 2006 1:18 PM — 216.180.124.89 — link — abuse?
I seriously think Rodriguez will bolt WVU for Alabama. They'll pay more than The U and Alabama's facilities make Miami's look like a sanitation dump. No offense to the Miami people, just saying Alabama is a more attractive job. They just upgraded their stadium capacity to 92,000 and have some of the most die hard fans there is. I have only good things to say about Bama. When they came to Norman a few years ago, it was like an invasion with all the motor homes and Bama fans everywhere.
I wish we played Alabama every year. Well.. now that they're off probation and getting a top notch coach, it's probably better that we don't :)
Cane_Nation said:
posted on December 5, 2006 2:14 PM — 205.166.218.38 — link — abuse?
Sooner Guy:
Our facilities look really good to a recruit when he looks across the room and sees Clinton Portis, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, Ray Lewis, Jonathon Vilma, D.J. Williams, Willis McGahee, Warren Sapp, Ken Dorsey, Frank Gore, Vince Wilfork, Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, Antrell Rolle, Dan Morgan, Najeh Davenport, Michael Irvin, Etc., Etc.
These are the same facilities that recruited the above mentioned player, who still use the facilities instead of the NFL teams' gym. As an elite program, you want the type of players who go into a bare bones gym workout 'til their hands bleed. How much good has Oregon's day spa done for their recruits?
Facilities are not the problem, getting the right head coach is.
Zac said:
posted on December 6, 2006 10:36 AM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
I just threw a thought at the Bama faithful. Perhaps the Canes might consider the same thought. How about Terry Bowden? Yes, I know; he's another Bowden: The only Bowden to go into a sagging and buried under NCAA sanction Auburn, and coach them to an undefeated season. Isn't that just the pick-me-up the Canes need? And, they're not under NCAA sanctions. He's a strong fundamentalist, he's got a solid mind for offense AND defense. Why not give him a shot? OR, is it he who's expected to take over the reigns at FSU after his dad retires?
Cape Cod Tom said:
posted on December 6, 2006 6:41 PM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Hey all you hillbillies out there:
I live on Cape Code, lived in Boston for ten years, went to grad school in Georgia, worked in Germany for three years, been all over the world visiting 35 countries, and grew up in Piscataway NJ, home of Rutgers University. Let me tell you something son, I've enjoyed all of those places, but Central Jersey is also a nice place to live and it is very wealthy. It doesn't surprise me at all that Schiano wants to stay.
Rutgers is a quality school with a great academic and social offering. Rutgers will get the blue chip players and they will become a powerhouse in the Big East. Ultimately, the Big East will become the first or second best conference in the nation. All the coaches in the Big East already know this, which is why none are willing to leave, not even for an opportunity in the SEC. Who is dumb enough to leave a million dollar salary and risk everything, when they are already holding a winning hand? The answer is...nobody.
The reason for this is simple: one, NJ is hungry for a winning team and the fans are very welcoming; and two, there's a ton of money in NYC, Philly, and Jersey. In addition, all the talent we need is in our backyard. You better believe that these kids will stay in Jersey so their folks can watch them play.
I believe more and more talent will come to Rutgers from Pennsyltucky, Florida, and upstate New York. The door is open now for talent nation wide to come Rutgers where the eyes of the NYC media will be upon them. I know what you're thinking...but I'm not crazy. Many athletes who will sit the bench at Penn State (for what ever reason) would rather play as a starter at Rutgers. There are tons of excellent athletes ripe for the job. Rutgers will get them and win with them.
Trust me on this one.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on December 6, 2006 7:09 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Cape Code Tom:
You can't even spell your own handle. What are you doin' puttin' down my hillbilly brothers when you can't even spell your own home town. I'll bet that any one of them "muskrat eaters" could spell their own hometown's name at least. Heck, they aren't that much different than Cape Code: places like Whiskey Holler, Bullfrog Glen and, of course, Terra.
Before you start pumpin' up what Rutgers has to offer in New Jersey, you might want to check on the academic end of it, cause it seems as if some folks up in the "elite NE" can't even spell their own name. If your havin' trouble - just use "X". I did before I graduated from kindergarten. Surely, they have some of those finer institutions in the "Garten State".Tommie T
VOLPIMP said:
posted on December 6, 2006 7:30 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
Cape Code Tom, Tennessee will get all the recruits from that area we can handle as soon as they get a load of our catfish chowder. Gets them everytime. T Mac whats up cuz? I'm contemplating going to Tampa for the Outback, what you think our chances are for a win?
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on December 6, 2006 7:41 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Rutgerrrrrssss! Didn't I tell you we'd get one of these guys next? I knew it. Cape Code, if your "new" and I'm sure that you are a "rookie" - then the rules are that you can't talk any "smack" until you've won a conference title or a "Major BCS Bowl Game". That means you'll be serving an apprenticeship for some time. It's a good time in your life. It's kinda like the young QB goin' off to college. He's gonna ride the ol' pine for a time, all the while, getting an outstanding education. So for awhile just read away and learn the game - and for everybody's best interest's - keep quiet! We've all just been through a really brutal year figurin' out who the two best teams are - and we've all come to the conclusion that Rutgers isn't one of them!
Tommie T
T-Mac said:
posted on December 6, 2006 9:00 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
VOLPIMP, what's up my man? You holdin it down bro? I think you should go ahead and get your plans to go to Tampa in order. Ainge should have that ankle back at 100% by then. Plenty of healing time to get some other starters back as well. Ainge throws for 300 in this one. This is one bowl game that could potentially get ugly in a hurry! VOLPIMP, let's just say that I don't think Coach Paterno will be very happy with the outcome. Tennessee wins big. T-Mac
Cape Cod Tom RU '84 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 12:11 AM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Tommie T:
You are joking...right? I mean, it is Cape Cod and not Cape Code, like Zip Code...right? Try to sound it out next time. I tell that to my 5 year old son alot. he gets the point, I'm sure you will too.
Perhaps you should retract your blog #24.
It makes you look like an idiot. Sorry!Cape Cod Tom RU '84 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 12:23 AM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Volpimp: I got catfish on ice in the frig, but if you ment that RU can't get guys from Tenn. to play in Jersey, I'd have to agree. But we don't need them anyway.
T-Mac: I like Cape Cod, but it's the most expensive place on the planet. We've got the ocean and the weather is great. You got to have money to live here though, catfish won't cut it Volpimp.
Peace!
Tommy Trojan said:
posted on December 7, 2006 9:15 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Cape Code Tom:
Check out your blog #23 - read it very carefully - then tell me who is the idiot? You state,"I live in Cape Code", all the while talkin' trash about hillbillies. I know that you can't spell, but now, I'm findin' out that you can't read either. I suggest the "Dr. Suess" beginner reader sets. They have helped my kids enormously. This could work for you also.
Tommie T
volstrike3 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 7:56 PM — 71.155.146.93 — link — abuse?
Albert,
Your just flat out wrong. I played football and baseball at Tennessee and was recruited by the who's who of CFB. You have no idea what a show the top programs in the country can put on. When a high school kid has Peyton Manning, Sean Alexander or Larry Johnson call their house, it is a big deal. Rutgers can't do that. Rutgers is a .500 team over since Schiano has been there. This year they got a soft schedule along with some good "diamond in the rough" players. They will never be a national contender. As far as saying Tennessee is not good. Rutgers has played in one big game in the history of the school, they won and then Sh&t the bed against Cincinatti. Rutgers hasn't even won a conference title. You should lower your sights a little bit.
Cape Cod Tom,
You better hope that Rutgers can win with the type of kids that are warming the bench at Penn State. That is about what you will have to work with.
VOLPIMP said:
posted on December 7, 2006 8:02 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
Tom I definitely think you guys could pull recruits from Tenn, we are notorious for losing in state talent. I was commenting more on UT pulling recruits from up North. Rutgers will have a tough time recruiting against the usual Big Boys from that region, throw in the UT's and other schools and the picking will get slim. UT currently has guys from OH, VA, NJ, DC and PA on the roster. MOST, not all, but most kids are going to go to an established program over an upstart, it's just a safe call. I give Rutgers all the props in the world, doing what they've done with what they have says tons about Schiano and the way he gets the most out of his players.Trust me on the catfish thing though man, they are truly shit eaters but somehow it comes out tasty. Personally, I love winter and snow, so the Cape might be a good spot for an orange blooded pimp to retire. T-Mac, I kind of feel like you on the Outback, on paper it looks good for UT, but that doesn't mean alot as we all know.Hope things are good with you playboy.
Cap Cod Tom '84 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 8:50 PM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Hey TommieT:
Do you recognize the text below. Yes, it's your skillful work. Happen is spelled with double p in my world, but I guess not in yours. Can you spell hippocrate?
May I suggest you take a bit of your own advice and attend the "Dr. Suess" class with me? Or are you above all of this?
Anyone can make a type-O Tommie, including you. We can go back and forth all day, but what will that proove?
I have a brainstorm...you write about things that interest you and I'll write about what interests me. We'll treat each other with respect and let bygones be.
Can you dig it?
_________________________________________________
Comment #51: Pertaining to Coach Rod...
Tommie Trojan says:
posted on December 7, 2006 11:54 AM — IP: 64.32.153.19 — linkBorolet:
I'm with you on this one. It's not gonna hapen. I hate to even mention this...but: Alabama has neve
Cap Cod Tom '84 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 9:43 PM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Volpimp:
I lived in Georgia for a spell and attended grad school there. I met alot of Tennessee folk there. They were very, very, nice...but a little crazy about their football. I am very glad to have met them. Hell, I even kissed some of those sweet peaches and magnolias too! Migh-T-fine!
I did notice that although it snows somewhat in the south, it ain't nothin' like what we get up here in The Great White North. I think this will hurt our recruiting southern talent. Most Southern boys can't hack the snow let alone play in it. This holds true for pro teams aswell.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on December 7, 2006 10:25 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Cap Code Tom:
Yep! I was wonderin' when you'd get around to that. After I got all finished baggin' on your spelling - I noticed that I had mispelled about 500 words myself. Well, at least we know you got a pulse.
Tommie T
T-Mac said:
posted on December 7, 2006 10:27 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Cap Cod Tom says "Most Southern boys can't hack the snow let alone play in it". Hey, CC Tom, a little question for ya bro. You ever been in two-a days in August in the deep south when the humidity hovers around 85% with a temp and heat index of around 102-105 degrees??? Get back with me on that before you start with the what Southern boys can hack.
Cap Cod Tom '84 said:
posted on December 7, 2006 10:43 PM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
T-Mac;
My first experience in Georgia was at the end of August. I got off the plane and badda-bing, the heat hit me like a sledge hammer. I couldn't beleve it. One could actually fry an egg on the hood of the car. I told everyone at home it was like breathing a blowdryer.
I must admit, hackin' the heat is much, much harder than the cold. One can always fight off the cold with gear, but the same isn't true for heat.
You're right, Bro. Plus you Southern boys fought like mad dogs in the uncivil war. You've already earned our respect, you know, for a bunch of hillbillies.
T-Mac said:
posted on December 7, 2006 11:04 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Cap Cod Tom, I have no idea what you are talking about using the term "uncivil war". War is never good man. I didn't fight in the Civil War. I did 12 months in Belaid Ruiz though. I'm not a hillbilly either. I'm a black man, a War Veteran, and a professional football player. You calling southern people hillbillies is just as bad as the word N*gga in my book.
BTW-The Canadian Football League is where I'm at right now so you can put the cold temperatures to rest. Be sure who your talkin to before you post. T-Mac
Tomcat said:
posted on December 8, 2006 12:35 AM — 69.153.81.120 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac # 40 thanks your right.# 38 ya I remember two a days in southcentral Texas.It was only 85 in the middle of the night after it cooled off.We had coaches that would have made Paul Bryant proud.
Good luck in your future at the CFL
P.S. I have a 12yr old son that has never seen snow Hookem-Horns Go OwlsT-Mac said:
posted on December 8, 2006 1:27 AM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Cap Cod Tom, I play tailback in the CFL. I would prefer to keep my identity private. Nothing personal Tom, just that I'd like it to stay that way for now. I've played football for about half my life bro.
Tomcat, what's shakin my man? Thanks a lot. I appreciate that very much. It means a lot bro. Question. Is your son playing football? If he isn't, that's all good. They gotta keep those grades up. I really would like to start a family. Where I am right now though it is hard to tell who you can trust. This lifestyle is fast. Sometimes I question why I'm doing it. I'm not tryin to come off like a punk, but it does get lonely when the booty call is over. Don't get me wrong though. They are great, but having a real woman supporting you seems nice. Hell, I don't know. I'm not DR Phil. Joking. Tomcat, spend all the time you can with your son. He will remember it when he gets older. Family is everything. T-Mac
Tomcat said:
posted on December 8, 2006 2:24 AM — 69.153.81.120 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac Yes He played his first year of Football and your right about the grades.Watching the practices when I could,I saw that they kept moving him around. I told him hes going to have to win a position on the team.I was kinda surprized that he made the A-team and played both ways.He hardly got off the feild.The first game of the season the boys got whupped purty bad.
He started off the first game at running back the first game on offense and the poor guy couldnt break lose and fumbled the ball one time.
He did real well on special teams and defense and ran down a man from behind, getting a good solo tackle saving a touchdown.
Its really alot of fun to watch and to these guys every game is real exciting.
He played linbacker on defense and moved around on offense ending up a tight end. That was purty cool because in seventh grade ball here in Texas they dont throw it too much.When they do throw it the Tight end is usually wide open.
The last game I saw he caught the ball in the end Zone for a two point converesion.
Now its basketball,They have only had one game and I had to work and didnt see it.He told me he got to play which kinda surprized me because hes never played basketball before.
Hey T-Mac dont freeze your nuts off up there in the great white north Adios Tomcat
P.S. Coach Schiano got coach of the year and he deserved it, outstanding seasonTomcat said:
posted on December 8, 2006 4:45 AM — 69.153.81.120 — link — abuse?
Hey Cape Cope RU 84 Where is Cape Cod?
T-Mac is from Ga not TX
Yes there are some hills in Texas, but the only billies there are mountain goats.Out west there are a few small hills like El Capitan and Elephant Mountain only 6 or 7 thousand feet.
If you are a RU grad congrats on yalls great season.I saw a couple of yalls games the North Carolina and Louisville. That was purty cool when those scarlet Knight fans stormed the feild.
Kinda reminded me of a bunch of fireants
Hookem-Horns Go Owls OU SuxTommie Trojan said:
posted on December 8, 2006 12:06 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Cope Cad Tom:
Massoftwoshits can't be the only place where they keep the "vault" is it? Can't they transfer funds to some other state from there, or do the Kennedy's have the banks "buttoned down" so hard, that htey won't let any money escape? Otherwise, you could move on back down to Georgia and become a rootin' tootin' stone cold BullDawg fan. I think it'll work out better in the long run, as Schiano will probably move on to Penn State after JoePa retires, and Rutgers will again return to challenging Temple year after year for "worst team in America" honors.
Tommie T
Cap Cod Tom '84 Rutgers said:
posted on December 10, 2006 11:37 PM — 24.218.208.81 — link — abuse?
Hello there;
I'd like to thank both Coach Schiano and Coach Rod for sticking to the Big Beast. I'd like to explain why...
I'm a Jersey guy. In fact, I was raised in Piscataway, no more than one mile away from the old Rutgers stadium. In the sixties, my dad would take my brother and I to the games every Saturday. RU played: Army, Navy, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, Bucknell, Lehigh, Lafayette, Columbia, and Colgate. I remember those days like it was yesterday. I collected every flag from each school and hung them in my room. The Scarlet Knights were a small time football concern in those days.
I grew up at Rutgers. It was my playground, cacoon, party mecca, and educational forum. Dad would tell me stories of how in the fifties, Professor Albert Einstein would be at the Princeton games walking around eating hot dogs and cheering on the Tigers. Princeton would only play Rutgers at home. They were a tough team to beat. The rivalry was fierce. Jersey was a two school state, no other place mattered.
The years went by. Today, I tell my sons how I used to sneak into the games by climbing over the ladies room roof, right at the front entrence of the stadium. What a rush it was for a 14 year old boy! My elementary school would have class trips to the stadium, which was tiny at that time. Seating may have been 20,000 or less. My gradpa even helped in the construction of the stands.
As kids we'd go into the stadium with my dog Spike. We'd play on the track or jump on the pole vault cushion, or climb up the scoreboard. The amazing thing about it was the grounds keepers never gave us a hard time. They let us play. As for my playmates, all of their folks were professors at the university or in some fashion employed by the school, my parents were no exception.
This is what Rutgers means to me. Yeah, heavy spiritual, soulful stuff. You get the picture? These are things that will never occur again and yet no one knows it ever happened.
Rutgers...the birthplace of football. Hell, we invented the sport! The world loves it and makes money off it, yet Rutgers, the founding father of the sport, couldn't win a game in the mid-eighties. That was when Rutgers entered a new era, leaving Princeton behind and picking up BC and VT. I call it the "Flutie years". It was a terrible time in our history. Everything was closely tied to the football team, including the scholastic reputation of the university itself. Ironical isn't it? Football defines academic quality. It sounds insane, but the world believed.
So what's the point, right? It starts with history, roots, loyalty, Jersey; that's what it's all about.
So, how does all this tie into the likes of Coach Rod (WVU) and Coach Schiano? It's Simple. Rutgers means more to me than any amount of money. It's in my blood, it defines me, it's who I am. I care very much about what happens to it. When a relatively no name coach comes along and accepts the responsibility of leading that team and is paid millions of dollars to do so, the standard that this person is bound to is high. The expectations are understood...RU will give you a shot, and if you succeed, you stay. I know that doesn't sound fair, but million dollar jobs come with strings attached. It's not about YOU, Mr. Coach, it's about the school and the fans. It's our herritage, it's Jersey. Don't blow this opportunity and don't mess with the fans, because there will be hell to pay. That's the deal.
I imagine, that's what the administration of Rutgers' and WVU had in mind when they chose those men to coach.
This is just one man's story. There are thousands who share a similar experience. What holds true at our schools applies to others aswell.
Again, million dollar jobs come with strings attached. Big, fat, heavy strings that mustn't be broken.
Sports fans: Can you dig it?
Zac said:
posted on December 11, 2006 7:17 PM — 65.31.228.13 — link — abuse?
T-Mac: Your identity is safe with me...cause I don't know it. I don't care that you play pro-ball. Good for you. I do care that you placed yourself in harms way by serving our country. For that, I am especially grateful. Thank you!!!
Zac said:
posted on December 24, 2006 12:45 PM — 65.31.228.13 — link — abuse?
This one goes out to coaches Jim Leavitt, Bobby Petrino, Rich Rodriguez, Greg Schiano, and their families. No matter what your motivation or who may have contacted any of you, thanks for listening to the fans, as opposed to succumbing to the allure of "greener pastures." The Big East needs you, not to mention, the rest of the fine coaches throughout the league. While I offer a hearty, "Best of luck", to new MI St Head Coach, Mark Dantonio, I offer an even heartier welcome to new Cincinnati Coach, Brian Kelly and his family. May your stay in the Big East be long and rewarding. And, so, to all the Big East coaches and their families, blessings throughout the holidays & the coming New Year!!!
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gatorhippy said:
posted on December 4, 2006 3:09 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?Good choice, Greg...