03-13-2014, 08:30 PM
The coach makes a good argument. They only get 15 full sessions and not only do they not make money off the Spring game, nothing gets done in terms of better preparing the team for Fall and they risk injuries. The administration is organizing other events for fans to interact with the program.
Pitt cancels 2014 Spring game
Pitt cancels 2014 Spring game
Quote:"The thought behind [the decision], honestly, is to get one more good work day out of them," Chryst explained, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Most, if not every spring game I've been a part of, you really end up sacrificing a lot. It sounds crazy, but just being locked into a place, bad weather. ... You're kind of locked into that day. These days are really valuable for us."
The school will organize new opportunities for fan interaction this spring in place of the spring game. Panthers fans can expect details on those events in the coming weeks.
"It's a little bit selfish doing what's best for the program," Chryst said. "You appreciate [the fans]. You don't want it to come off as not being appreciative. It's not the intent. But there is real conviction that for this group of guys, the guys in the building ... you feel really good that this is the right thing. You hope the people appreciate that."