A quick thought to begin today:
Did anyone think Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski looked old or tired last night?
Good, because he's 68.
Our new Head Coach Al Bagnoli is 62 and he's as energized and strong as ever.
The coming years for Columbia football could go further than just dispel and debunk coaching ageism.
For me, and for all of us who have spent the past decades shouting from the rooftops that Columbia football's woes are not unique and impossible to overcome, the next few seasons of Lion football will be an important vindication.
More than the losing, more than the wasted efforts of talented players, the thing that has saddened and angered me the most are the Columbia administrators and alums who insisted that we could never really win and the administration and previous coaches were doing the best they could... or doing much more than people were giving them credit for despite all the winless seasons.
Baloney. There is simply no problem that can't be overcome by better human management and skill. And I simply never trust the people who say otherwise.
There are already too many examples of better management in the program to list here, but I am particularly happy to see the open door policy at spring practice that goes beyond the door being open; many alums have already been personally invited to attend practices.
As Coach Bear Bryant always preached: "it don't cost nothing to be nice." And in this case, being nice will reap large benefits as bringing in an enormous number of disillusioned alumni will be a big help to the program in a lot of ways.
The list of remaining practices is below, note there will be full team scrimmages with officials on the 19th and the 26th:
Wednesday, April 8, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 12, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
4 comments:
Bo Ryan is also 67 or 68. And as previously noted the two best coaches in the NFL were each 62 when they squared off against each other in the last Super Bowl. In any event Al Bagnoli looks like he's in great shape.
Jake,
I don't want to put the jinx on the UConn ladies, but when you talk about outstanding managers Gino A. has to be one of the all time best. Even the color analysts say they have never seen a coach run a practice like he does.
The best are always prepared well before game day. I think we will see the makings of
those off the field preparations in the spring practices.
Everything you say parallels what so many of us have been saying as well. A hell of a lot more loudly over the past 2 years. It took a half century, but we finally reached our tipping point, and maybe (this is nuts) we have PM to thank for it. Were it not for his blatant failure, there's a decent chance Murphy would have stuck around. So maybe you really have to get to rock bottom before you start rising. We truly needed a housecleaning.
The changes so far are breath taking. Not for any "guarantees" of success, but because they are logical and competitive and intelligent, and what any of us would have done given the necessary insights, etc. The only guarantee is that we will now start seeing better teams, better play and finally some pride.
Coach K looks like a very healthy 68. I always wonder about coaches because they tend to look like their blood is boiling while watching the action. Not so with Coach K. It's so important to find balance, eat right and be aware of blood pressure as wlel as other medical stuff. Easier said than done in any profession.
Post a Comment