Interesting article, and why is ESPN touting SC?
Pete might have had his issues, but I can vouch for his salesmanship and vision. Shortly after Pete was named coach, I was by myself at the Sports Arena for a Trojan basketball game; it was halftime, and I was working one too many brews as Pete came by. As most, I was skeptical of the hire, but I said hi, congratulations, and I thought that was the end of it, like a prior encounter with the previous coach who will not be named. Pete didn't say hi, he proceeded to chat me up for 10 minutes or so. It felt like 15, but was maybe only 3, but he left me so geeked for the upcoming season I couldn't believe it.
I was sold, got my season tickets, and was still happy when we were 1-4 to start the season because "I knew" we were headed to greatness. It was really kind of magical. I hope Lincoln can repeat it and make it last longer.
Big difference, Pete could recruit. 162 is getting his ass kicked on the recruiting trail.
Pfft. Fawk Pete, he couldn’t check his ego and got distracted with coeds and innercity gang projects.
Then ge bailed on us when he saw the shit coming from the NCAA. Chickenshet move. And we got stuck with Fade, Cutty and Dough because of it.
NCs are extremely difficult to come by, but I’ve often wondered if the two NCs were worth all the drama, bad press and shit football the past decade plus.
GOOD ARTICLE !
Good story, I had two similar experiences. Me and the ball and chain went to a Preseason booster event, before Pete’s first season. We parked and started walking towards the hotel conference room. Walking right in front of us was Pete. I said , “ hello coach”. He said hi but then kept walking with us chatting all along. i figured he would politely drop us but no, he kept walking and talking like we were some mega booster or something. I was thinking, wtf? He stayed with us all the way to to the conference room. It was almost awkward.
fast forward a few years, Pete has things buzzing. I took my son to a spring practice, Pete was running up and down the field working. He spots me and my son standing by ourselves on the sidelines and stares at us like, “ like do I know these two?” My son was in high school and kind of a tall kid. Maybe he thought he was a recruit. He runs over, about a good 30 yards and says hello. Stayed for minute or two, then said bye and continued his business. A special dude, with special human skills. i Enjoyed the heck out of that run he took us on. That first Orange Bowl, post game, watching the band march on the field and the players celebrating was surreal. As I predicted the day he quit, and some morons celebrated, the good times were over. Lincoln Riley will take us in another run but matching Pete’s magical run will be hard.
Good post RGF.