Today I'm sad. Not because IU football lost it's best coach that it's probably ever had, but because a personal friend has to give up one thing he truly loves, and that's coaching Indiana University football. Football is secondary at this point, when it comes to a person's health, and when that activity takes what little energy you have, then you have to step away.
Terry's condition isn't improving, in fact, it's getting worse. I finally got more information this morning and Terry's in Stage 3. His condition is serious, and it just made sense for him to step down and allow the current staff to step up and continue what they have started. Bill and Billy Lynch, as well as Matt Canada have been doing a fabulous job with recruiting and they will continue to do that. I honestly don't see this effecting recruiting much, because assistant coaches are the ones that build the relationships and get the kids comfortable.
I will use today as a springboard, because that's what my friend Terry would want me to do. He wants this program to succeed more than anyone involved. His efforts have laid a foundation that we will build the future of this program on. Greenspan will not allow this program to fall, as he's proven he wants winners, and one of his biggest missions when he came to IU was rebuilding the program.
There are only 2 things we as fans can do now. The first is to continue to pray and lift up Terry and his wife and his family through this trying and difficult time in their lives. The second thing we can do is support the heck out of this football program, it's coaches, and the kids. Especially, the kids, because they are just kids. However, this program is blessed with some major leaders, and I have no doubt that the kids will prevail from this and be better people and players because of it. They are excited about this season and a pending bowl game. They have the talent, the schemes are there, as is the motivation. All they have to do is go execute.
Next year and beyond is just that, and we as fans cannot look beyond this season. Sure, there will be bumps in the road, but in all honesty, we as fans can make or break this. If we complain, whine about Coach Lynch, and what not on the boards, this season will be a long one. But, if we are positive, take the good with the bad, and support the players, we'll be okay.
Sometimes life throws up a curve ball that we were not expecting and it stinks, but IU football will go on. The program isn't made of one man, it's made up of many, and though several will need to step up, things will be okay.
Today, I'm sad, not because of what happened to IU football, but because my friend is sick.
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3 comments:
I'd like to see these comments published in every hometown Indiana newspaper. Inspiring, but sad.
As an Illinois fan, the riverly is fun. However, football always comes second to people. Coach Terry is a great human being and I wish him the best.
Blessings & Prayers from this Illini fan.
Mac
Thank you for your insightful and caring update.
I have several wonderful friends in Michigan and have encountered many nice and ardent fans of the Maize and Blue.
However, the post from michwolv demostrates that there is a fine line between a rabid fan of a traditional rival and mental illness. This poster vividly illustrates the side of the line where mental illness begins. Hopefully, this poster will be helped before passing from this earth.
Don't let the vulgarity of the posted aberrational comment faze you in any way.
Blessings to you for your service to us!
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