CSNbbs

Ok guys , I know I have been very vocal against negative comments about players and coaches. As stated before, I have coached for along time and know how difficult it is to get 50-60 hs kids on same page. It amazes me the commitment college football requires of those involved. Therefore, I guess my attitude became cemented on the entire program when I personally saw how sincere and caring this program is as humans. I was blessed to witness first hand and second hand from two parents as to how special these players and coaches are. A young man who is a Toledo fan had been in the hospital for awhile in Toledo. Players [at least 4] made one or multiple stops in to see him. A couple of them spent allot of time with him. Some, if not all of the coaches became aware that this was happening. This was not part of any player requirement and was just something they wanted and decided to do unsolicited. When the season started a player or players [not sure how many] and staff [not sure exactly who initially, got together and decided to offer the chance for this child to be part of the team events on Friday and opportunity to attend the Saturday game and be on the field during pregame with Coach C's blessing. The Friday night events were amazing for him and allowed his parents to spend time alone knowing he was in good hands. They really appreciated his chance to be with the bro's without mom or dad which is difficult to do due to health. On Saturday, GAME DAY, his family was given the chance to take him on the field for 30 minutes or so pregame. As he went on the field, he looked at me and said, " I'm on the field". It caught me off guard because he knew it was going to happen but still had that look of disbelief and excitement as he arrived. The best part happened next as 3-4 coaches, including Campbell, and a half dozen players or so stopped briefly to say something to him. This is get ready and become focused time, but they saw something near them more important---a human who didn't have the chances they have had. But, he was now a Rocket and they wanted him to feel like one though a simple fist bump, high five, or quick comment. Its probably the longest and shortest 30 minutes I ever experienced as I tried to temper my excitement and keep the tear ducts closed. The Rockets gave this young man an experience that ...........I don't have the words to describe but was obvious when I looked into his eyes. Therefore, as we move on, I will always defend any of these Rockets to the hilt, even more sometimes than probably needed. The bottom line, they gave this kid his Orange Bowl. The season couldn't of been any better. GO ROCKETS

Thanks for that.

But even without that, the guys are true Rockets and are amateurs. They aren't NFL players and they aren't gladiators. One thing that has separated this board from others in the past is that we treated our own players [and for the most part, own posters] with respect. These kids are out there doing their best and being amateurs, they do make mistakes. Hopefully everyone can keep everything in the right context next season and not attack any Rocket player individually. I feel bad for the parents and especially those players that read this board when we do. In the end, win or lose, the players chose this University because they love it as much as we do and most of them represent the University with the utmost class and we should represent them the same.

Great story, tolbfn. I have some of my own with another UT coach, Ms. Cullop. I've seen win at all cost coaches and I've seen ones who played to win but worked in a lot of other stuff like character building, academic success, etc. which, IMO, help a team win. Glad to say these guys are ours. Coach Campbell not only had a remarkable first year for such a young guy but he is going to win over a lot of the community with that attitude.