By Staff
I was very pleased to hear that the mighty Chieftains bounced back this week and snatched a victory from Three Rivers. Congratulations to coach (Mike) Stanger and all the young men in Orange and Black!
As I sit here less than 36 hours from the start of the first game of my Michigan State coaching career, I can't help but reflect back to 1987. That year, I enjoyed going to many Spartan games while I was being recruited by the eventual Big Ten champs.
I sat on the field as we beat Indiana to earn the Rose Bowl berth. I remember being at the Judds, watching Michigan State win that bowl game on Jan. 1, 1988, but the opportunity never came for me to wear the Green and White, as I fell under their recruiting radar.
Life is funny with its opportunities that lie waiting for those who pursue them. One never knows when blessings will be granted. Nor does one know at what point in time the blessings will be bestowed.
Our current student-athletes have been preparing with great resolve this preseason. They have done everything that we have asked of them. We will be excited to line up against different colored jerseys this Saturday.
I sense a hunger in our young men – a hunger to prove that the Spartans are a team that will stand up and play with great discipline and toughness. A team that once again will make our alumni proud.
I can tell you this, being a member of the 2007 Spartan football team brings to me tremendous pride and determination. We (the entire team) are working hard to restore the toughness and fortitude that was present in great Spartan teams of the past.
Saturday versus UAB (University of Alabama-Birmingham) is the first step in what is a long Spartan journey. A journey that allows our seniors the opportunity to show their leadership capabilities, and their mission is to bring back the pride in the green jersey.
A pride that has bubbled in me since I first walked onto the Spartan Stadium playing field in 1987.