I was blessed to be able to see this one up close as I flew with the team and watched from the sideline and I have to say, that was the greatest win I have ever witnessed from the Herd. Sure the first 1AA against Youngstown was amazing and nothing can top the Xavier win but this was my favorite. Here are my observations;
Coach Huff is special. He knows how to win and it shows. He and his staff operated like professionals from the time we boarded the plane heading to ND till he hugged each player at the top of the ramp and shook all of the supporters hands as we boarded after the game. He has brought the Alabama way of preparing for a season and a game to Huntington and its starting to show results. The level of preparedness is unreal right down to the smallest detail.
Thoughts and observations in no particular order;
*Ben Ashford Director of sports performance should get a game ball. Its because of him that the Herd was able to close that game out. They didn't wilt down the stretch and a lot of that is because of the work he has put them through as well as his game day coaching.
*Sharrod Everett football chief of staff keeps things moving in the right direction, organized and on time. Frees coach huff up from worrying about the little things.
*Mike Bartram is a valuable piece of the puzzle (as well as Doug Chapman). He was very active on the sideline talking with players and coaching/supporting when and where it was needed. In fact, all of the coaching staff does a great job getting these guys ready to play.
*Steve Cotton is a treasure and does a great job for Marshall. The entire athletic department, Big Green, QB Club, Learfield Sports as well as Rodney that shoots all of the great highlight clips and pictures posted on Marshall social media all contribute to the football team representing the university and the state in a professional 1st class manner.
* We are lucky to have Brad Smith as our president. You can tell, he loves this University, not just because he is getting a pay check but he is one of us. Christian Spears has also brought a breath of fresh air to the athletic department with his "why cant we do it like the big boy" way of operating.
*That stadium and environment is everything I expected. From the 30 minute walk through on Friday to get the guys accumulated by allowing them (and us to) to just walk the field and take in an empty stadium before the game to the game day environment. Touchdown Jesus, the Gold Dome ,Grotto Of our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are all something to see. I hate to say it but that place drips college football history and the traditions and unlike anywhere else.
*The fans were very gracious. We were never screamed at from the stands like other stadiums or abused as we walked the campus. Classy all the way even in defeat.
*Our Fans Are The Best. To look up and see over 5,000 MU fans sitting together (with more through out the stadium) and making so much noise and supporting the team made my heart swell with pride. It seemed like MU fans were everywhere all day but especially when it mattered most during the Game. To hear the WE ARE MARSHALL chant wash down over the field gave me chills.
*Upon landing at Tri State there were probably 30 people with signs standing outside the gate to the field where the charter planes land, but upon arriving at the stadium, WOW> to see a couple hundred fans waiting with flags and signs late at night just shows you what a special place MU and Huntington is. The bond with the fans is truly unique and the support was greatly appreciated by the players.
*We got a surprise phone call from the Governor right before we took off which they played over the speakers congratulating the team. This wasn't your typical political calculation rather you could hear the emotions and pride in his voice being a son of Marshall.
What a Great Day to be a Son/Daughter Of Marshall!!!
Coach Huff is special. He knows how to win and it shows. He and his staff operated like professionals from the time we boarded the plane heading to ND till he hugged each player at the top of the ramp and shook all of the supporters hands as we boarded after the game. He has brought the Alabama way of preparing for a season and a game to Huntington and its starting to show results. The level of preparedness is unreal right down to the smallest detail.
Thoughts and observations in no particular order;
*Ben Ashford Director of sports performance should get a game ball. Its because of him that the Herd was able to close that game out. They didn't wilt down the stretch and a lot of that is because of the work he has put them through as well as his game day coaching.
*Sharrod Everett football chief of staff keeps things moving in the right direction, organized and on time. Frees coach huff up from worrying about the little things.
*Mike Bartram is a valuable piece of the puzzle (as well as Doug Chapman). He was very active on the sideline talking with players and coaching/supporting when and where it was needed. In fact, all of the coaching staff does a great job getting these guys ready to play.
*Steve Cotton is a treasure and does a great job for Marshall. The entire athletic department, Big Green, QB Club, Learfield Sports as well as Rodney that shoots all of the great highlight clips and pictures posted on Marshall social media all contribute to the football team representing the university and the state in a professional 1st class manner.
* We are lucky to have Brad Smith as our president. You can tell, he loves this University, not just because he is getting a pay check but he is one of us. Christian Spears has also brought a breath of fresh air to the athletic department with his "why cant we do it like the big boy" way of operating.
*That stadium and environment is everything I expected. From the 30 minute walk through on Friday to get the guys accumulated by allowing them (and us to) to just walk the field and take in an empty stadium before the game to the game day environment. Touchdown Jesus, the Gold Dome ,Grotto Of our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are all something to see. I hate to say it but that place drips college football history and the traditions and unlike anywhere else.
*The fans were very gracious. We were never screamed at from the stands like other stadiums or abused as we walked the campus. Classy all the way even in defeat.
*Our Fans Are The Best. To look up and see over 5,000 MU fans sitting together (with more through out the stadium) and making so much noise and supporting the team made my heart swell with pride. It seemed like MU fans were everywhere all day but especially when it mattered most during the Game. To hear the WE ARE MARSHALL chant wash down over the field gave me chills.
*Upon landing at Tri State there were probably 30 people with signs standing outside the gate to the field where the charter planes land, but upon arriving at the stadium, WOW> to see a couple hundred fans waiting with flags and signs late at night just shows you what a special place MU and Huntington is. The bond with the fans is truly unique and the support was greatly appreciated by the players.
*We got a surprise phone call from the Governor right before we took off which they played over the speakers congratulating the team. This wasn't your typical political calculation rather you could hear the emotions and pride in his voice being a son of Marshall.
What a Great Day to be a Son/Daughter Of Marshall!!!
Last edited:
