My observation is that as Red promised, the compete level is there. Just about every shift, all game long so far. It's clear we don't have the talent of other teams, but hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. That's our motto this season.
Honestly, I wish we has those St.Lawrence games back. I think we would have at least split.
I just love that we seem to be giving up the Jeckyl and Hyde persona this team has had for so long.
Best regards,
Matt Dewkett
I didn't get to see this weekend's game (I was following some friends on Facebook and Twitter to keep up), but I got to see some earlier games (the series against UMass that wasn't league play) and I have to agree. For me, the biggest difference is the feeling of effort. A lot of the things the team did under Whitehead (like the constant dump and chase and the lack of consistent pressure) spoke to a team that wasn't pushing hard, wasn't conditioned and wasn't putting in the required effort all the time. What we've seen so far - whether they are winning or not - is that the effort from the kids is always there.
I'm sure it will still take some time, but I am hopeful that the right values and the right approach are being instilled in these kids. A huge part of the long term success is going to be Red translating the changes and his approach to new recruits who can continue to help improve the program.