Coach Optimistic on Big East

[Apis Bull]

Coach Optimistic on Big East

Coach Optimistic on Big East

By CHRISTOPHER S. NASH

WHEELING - A wide range of speakers have addressed the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner over the past decade. However, it's unlikely any had the effect West Virginia University head football coach Rich Rodriguez had on the crowd Wednesday at Wheeling Park's White Palace.

Rodriguez, the keynote speaker for the event, kept the capacity crowd laughing and cheering, telling stories of his journey to WVU and about his time as coach of the Mountaineers.

"My wife told me if (Kellen) Winslow had dropped that pass at Miami, she would have burned our couch," Rodriguez said of the team's narrow loss to the Hurricanes last season.

Not only did the third-year coach reflect on seasons past, he also spoke about the future of his program.

"I think we are a little ahead of where we wanted to be at this point," Rodriguez said in response to a question from the crowd. "We always expect to win the conference title and go to a bowl, but we didn't think by year three we would have lost just two conference games in two years."

Rodriguez also took the time for an interview to explain the importance of speaking to the fans.

"We try to make a presence in all corners of the state," said Rodriguez. "With all the loyal supporters we have in the Wheeling area, it is important to let everyone here know they are part of the program.

"It is also important to speak in these types of events to get people interested in WVU. We are a state-funded school, but our athletic department is self-sufficient.

"All of our funds are from private funding - ticket sales, booster donations, and those kinds of things. We have to have success on the field and make people know they are part of that success."

As part of the private funding, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of ticket sales.

"My goal is to have 40,000 season ticket sales," said Rodriguez. "I know we can do it. We have taken 40,000 people with us to our last two bowl games, and we have about 30,000 season ticket holders now.

"It also helps our players when they come out of the tunnel and see a packed house, it gives them that extra juice."

Rodriguez was very optimistic about the future of the Big East conference.

"We think that stuff is behind us now," Rodriguez said of the conference's realignment. "We have kept our TV contracts and our BCS spot. We also have three quality teams coming in - South Florida, Louisville and Cincinnati - and they are going to get better in the new conference.

"It hurts losing a marquee team like Miami from the schedule, but we are looking to find a team that can replace them."

Rodriguez explained that the team doesn't have an opening in the schedule until 2008 and 2009, and the school is looking at an SEC or Big 10 team close enough for the Mountaineer fans to travel.

Rodriguez also commented on quarterback recruit Pat White. White, a WVU signee who is considered one of the top athletic quarterbacks in the country, was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Anaheim Angels.

"He actually met with the Angels this afternoon," said Rodriguez. "They are making their sales pitch, and it will come down to what they offer.

"Pat is a great athlete and I hope he chooses to come to Morgantown. I know he will have a great career with us," Rodriguez said.

[bulls96go]

this guy is sharp

fans are important, wow!

[smazza]

fans are vital