I already like the way he Fleck say's SKI U MAH and the enthusiasm. This program has needed some enthusiasm and excitement. Looking forward to the process, and enjoying this ride. Yes a lot of hard working people did a lot for Gopher football including Coach Mason former AD Maturi, and especially Coach Kill (fund raising and pushing people in that direction) in helping start the push for the athletes village, re-branding the name to "Center if Excellence for Athletics" or whatever corporate name and "Elite" go together. Lastly coach Claeys, you held things together through a difficult time and made the team and program a brotherhood and you were a voice for a group of players that didn't need to be branded with hatred or tied to the scandal to those selfish one's that added the tarnish. For that I thank you and wish you the best in your future.
It will be an interesting process how the new things and the Gopher football program will continue evolve. I like SKI U MAH because it is a simple message and battle cry, Victory U of M. Win at what you are doing, win the day, and be proud of where you come from.
I like the enthusiasm so far Fleck is showing us, hard to know if it is real but so far he seems to be genuine about what he is saying, at least the cliches and speeches do seem heartfelt.
Now if we could find a way to make the campus culture more fun and excited about football, make the game day a day long experience that would be the elite change we need. To many people want to show up last minute and leave before the games are over. The U and the University have not done a good job of making College football a fun and happening thing. We definitely need a huge dose of enthusiasm and a culture change to our game day, it doesn't have to be forced, but we need a way to show people a good time and keep them engaged and coming back. I'm hopeful that coach Fleck can excite the state of Minnesota about Gopher football and make them care about and connect with this team. That is part of the culture that needs to change the most, if we build the elite culture of SKI-U-MAH, those student athletes that are the best will want to come here and be apart of this team and this University.