golfinggopher
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- Jan 9, 2009
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Just wanted to pass on my experience of being able to watch the Gophers practice a couple of times over the last few weeks. Many on here talk about how Brew is a recruiter and can't coach em' and how he isn't able to get the best out of his guys etc....I think people need to realize that there just isn't a lot of talent in the Jr. and Sr. classes, although I am very proud of this group as they are working their tails of and in my mind they are overachieving--especially on the defensive side of the ball. Now, we can debate the offensive struggles over and over but I think we'll see a MUCH improved team on that side next year and the years to come. I really expect a big performance out of the "O" come New Years Eve....
While at practice, I was basically free to roam wherever and I took the time to watch almost all of the position coaches as well as Fisch, Brew, Cosgrove, Lee etc...These coaches work their tail off and zip through drill after drill in a very organized manner that was really impressive to watch. I am an asst. coach at a smaller metro school and was able to pick up a ton of useful stuff that I will use with my team. Watching the coaches made me realize that I need to pick up my intensity to get the best out of my players. The players were working their tails off and also were able to have a little fun and there was a lot of hootin and hollerin after a big defensive play or an offensive catch or run. The student athletes were intense but seemed to be really enjoying each other. The team's attitude seemed really upbeat and they are excited to play in the bowl game IMO.
While watching, it was pretty easy to see that most of our more impressive athletes were Freshmen and sophmores. Hageman, Gray, McNight, Stoudamire, Cooper, KGM, Allen and many more are all imposing looking athletes and watching them go through their drills got me really excited about the future. These kids are all athletically gifted and I give kudos to Brewster to have the nuts to allow these guys a year to redshirt and develop their strength and to learn what it takes to be a Big Ten player.
I know many on here have never coached before and I really don't think that I have more knowledge than most just because I coach H.S. football but, for those of you who think Brew can't coach em up, you need to realize that Brew has hired good assistants (Yes Gophergod that includes Cosgrove) and once our talented underclassmen hit the field we will be a much improved team next year and the year after. A little example for you to clarify my point. Two years ago, I had a group of great kids in one of our program's JV teams. Worked their tails off but didn't have much talent. We went 4-4 and I was proud as heck of them and it was a great year. This year, I had a group of really good athletes who also happened to work hard and we went 8-0. Was I a better coach? Heck no! But it sure was rewarding to field a great team on the field. Those of you who hate Brew, don't trust him, think he's just a salesman etc...-give the guy some time. After all, we are all Gopher supporters aren't we? I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised next year and for the years to come--our talent has improved and MAGICALLY we'll win more games!
BTW, all the coaches were friendly and came around and shook my hand and personally thanked me and other coaches for showing up. I've had the pleasure of meeting Brew and Cosgrove a couple of times and they really come off as genuine and passionate coaches and I can't wait for the whole staff to show all the doubters what good coaches they really are. Go Gophs!
While at practice, I was basically free to roam wherever and I took the time to watch almost all of the position coaches as well as Fisch, Brew, Cosgrove, Lee etc...These coaches work their tail off and zip through drill after drill in a very organized manner that was really impressive to watch. I am an asst. coach at a smaller metro school and was able to pick up a ton of useful stuff that I will use with my team. Watching the coaches made me realize that I need to pick up my intensity to get the best out of my players. The players were working their tails off and also were able to have a little fun and there was a lot of hootin and hollerin after a big defensive play or an offensive catch or run. The student athletes were intense but seemed to be really enjoying each other. The team's attitude seemed really upbeat and they are excited to play in the bowl game IMO.
While watching, it was pretty easy to see that most of our more impressive athletes were Freshmen and sophmores. Hageman, Gray, McNight, Stoudamire, Cooper, KGM, Allen and many more are all imposing looking athletes and watching them go through their drills got me really excited about the future. These kids are all athletically gifted and I give kudos to Brewster to have the nuts to allow these guys a year to redshirt and develop their strength and to learn what it takes to be a Big Ten player.
I know many on here have never coached before and I really don't think that I have more knowledge than most just because I coach H.S. football but, for those of you who think Brew can't coach em up, you need to realize that Brew has hired good assistants (Yes Gophergod that includes Cosgrove) and once our talented underclassmen hit the field we will be a much improved team next year and the year after. A little example for you to clarify my point. Two years ago, I had a group of great kids in one of our program's JV teams. Worked their tails off but didn't have much talent. We went 4-4 and I was proud as heck of them and it was a great year. This year, I had a group of really good athletes who also happened to work hard and we went 8-0. Was I a better coach? Heck no! But it sure was rewarding to field a great team on the field. Those of you who hate Brew, don't trust him, think he's just a salesman etc...-give the guy some time. After all, we are all Gopher supporters aren't we? I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised next year and for the years to come--our talent has improved and MAGICALLY we'll win more games!
BTW, all the coaches were friendly and came around and shook my hand and personally thanked me and other coaches for showing up. I've had the pleasure of meeting Brew and Cosgrove a couple of times and they really come off as genuine and passionate coaches and I can't wait for the whole staff to show all the doubters what good coaches they really are. Go Gophs!