Follow the Leader!

Today I was intrigued and elated as I watched the Phil Fulmer press conference in Tennessee.  For the most part the words that were said were normal political statements reserved for these usually boring necessities.  But as Coach Fulmer worked his way through a tearful explanation for his reasons for leaving after the season, the football players in the room showed their support for the beloved coach by applauding him as he struggled to find some of the words.  Then the players took their turns at the microphone describing their team as a family and that they will continue to play for the man wo brought them there.  This is what I love about college football.  Since it is not, or atleast less of, a business than the NFL we say more of an allegiance to the Coach.  In the NFL when a coach gets fired the players say things that will not get them fined like "Well this is best for the organization blah blah blah."  But even some of the players said that they were mad that Fulmer seemed to be forced into this position.  Fulmer has been at Tennessee for more than 35 years as a player, asst, and head coach.  His players love him.  And this is the case in most college atmospheres.  Within hours of Lute Olsen retiring from Arizona atleast three of the top recruits verbally commited to the program withdrew those commitments.  Lloyd Carr of MIchigan was pushed out after his inability to beat Ohio State and his players not only stepped up and beat a more talented Michigan team in their bowl game but they also carried him off the field in a moment so powerful that it will be forever one of my favorite sports memories.  And finally one of the most dis-heartening moments was when James Davis, running back at Clemson, struggled through tears to find the words to describe how he felt about Coach Bowdens midseason departure.  We have to remember that these are kids, young men struggling to find their way in life and they view their coaches as mentors guiding through this crazy path.  It is the magic of college football that draws me to it.  I want to say to all the HIgh School and College coaches please keep doing your best to mold quality young men, because although only a small part of them will be professional football players, and an even smaller part stars,  all of them will be men in America so help them accordingly.

By the time most of you all read this we will have a new President elect.  I hope that you all did what you felt neccessary today.  I hope that whoever wins will stop being a politician and begin to be a leader.  I am proud of my country and hope that she can bounce back from these tough times.  Live like no one is watching and support local high school football.