http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081209/OPINION02/812090359/1002/SPORTS
Not optimistic
To paraphrase Yogi Berra, sometimes people tell us the most just by talking. I have no reason to believe that Coach Steve Kragthorpe is anything but a good man, but it just isn't working. Twice in the past 10 days, within the context of C-J interviews about his disappointment with the team record, he has used the phrase "If I were a U of L fan. ..." In my opinion, that's the problem. We need a coach who actually is a U of L fan and will have the same passion for the program as those of us who have been flash-frozen in Liberty Bowl games and drenched by torrential rains at the Florida State upset.
Kragthorpe came to the U of L program with great credentials, and I have no doubt that he knows the sport. Since Tom Jurich has assured us that the coach will continue in his position, I sincerely hope that it begins to click immediately. However, as I look at the 2009 schedule and the prospective recruiting class, I just don't see it getting any better. I've never wanted to be so wrong in my life.
JIM DECKER
Louisville 40245
Fan base problem
The problem with the University of Louisville's football program is not the coach, the coordinators, the players or the athletics director. The problem is the fans, and I speak from experience and as a fan myself. I understand Tom Jurich's support for Steve Kragthorpe and the rest of the coaching staff, but I don't understand the absolute hate the fan base has shown Kragthorpe since he arrived from Tulsa.
Perhaps, the fan base is still disgruntled by the disappearing act Bobby Petrino pulled on us. Perhaps, the fan base is hard-headed and runs away from change instead of embracing it. Perhaps, the fan base is ignorant of college football ways since we are traditionally a basketball school.
I may be cursed and hated among my fellow fans for saying this, but I believe in Kragthorpe and what he is doing with the football program. You can't start building a program back up without tearing it down first. You have to hit your low before you can hit your high, and you can see that progressing all throughout college football.
Louisville can rise to the top again, but it needs a supportive fan base that is willing to trust Kragthorpe until his contract has ended. Again, a football program cannot get better without getting worse. I know it's hard, but that is the way it is. That is why I will continue to be out at every game -- painted up, screaming my heart out and supporting my team, because that is the only way players, coaches, coordinators and our football team will get back to prominence.
SCOTT BEARD
Louisville 40208
Posts
2 comments:
These guys are tools...The problem is the coach with a lifetime .500 record.
I believe U of L fans should face the facts, U of L is not an elite program. They went 12-1 one time, big deal. Look at Ball State this year. I would almost bet $100 Ball State goes 6-5 next year. U of L since the mid 1980's have been great one season and then okay the next follwed by a losing record. If U of L fans belived their Cards were on the same page as Florida, USC or Texas, they are fools to say the least.
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