Yesterday was a great day to be a Toledo Rocket. It will be a day to remember for many reasons. Yes, I would love to forget the final score but the day is deeper than the score. You see it was the day that it became very clear to many that we belong.

Our Toledo Rocket football team arrived in Buckeye land with one thing on their mind…to win. It was so very evident that from the moment they took the field in pre-game warms ups that they were not overwhelmed by the stage or the opponent. I have been around teams that clearly give you the impression that they “were just happy to be here”. Not this Rocket squad. Our marching band gave you the feeling that they certainly belong as well. And our fan base was great…very loud and proud. Led by the cheerleaders and of course Rocky.

This “belonging” feeling is the result of many key things. It starts with Mike O’Brien and the expectations and goals he sets for our Athletics Program. Remember who schedules these opponents…Boise State at the Glass Bowl Friday. I can’t tell how people have said to me “Really!” And ESPN. This is part of the plan…and it’s working.

Next is the selection of the right Coaches…and Mike sets the standards based on each person and their “make up”. Tim Beckman is first and foremost a good man, a husband and a father…who happens to believe in winning with integrity. As I like to say…”taking the high road”.

Next are the players. Take a close look at this Rocket team around campus. They are engaged, polite, in class and succeeding. I have had several football players in my class…they are in the first row, participating and learning.

This is all part of belonging on the national stage…and we are there. Now, YOU belong. You belong at the Glass Bowl on Friday night to help show the nation and the world UT has indeed arrived.

Thanks for listening.

 Regards, Larry.

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 11th, 2011 at 5:25 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
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