Well, I have to admit, you guys are fun.

Gomer... "The School of Higher Learning"... I know you meant that as a slam but, I like it!! When I read it, I was, like.. No WAY! Gomer, Totally did not just SAY that! 

And, I may come off like a valley girl in print (just trying to be humble and acquiesce when I'm a guest on a board). However, my husband is thankful I have no experience playing football. The truth is, I DO know academics and I recognize a rebuilding effort when I see one. Thanks mac_grad for reading my intentions... and congrats to Coach Sweeney and his boys for scoring in the double-digits. I wish I could have been there to cheer them on.

See you all soon... but, of course, it won't be in the locker room.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen!! I really love reading your posts when you are making predictions and talking about football. When your claws come out, it... well, you look silly.

Who is the Mac Coach? Kyle Sweeney... does he know Mac football? Yes... he's the head coach. If you want to know more about what he knows... call him. Go to a game and talk to him afterwards... visit him on campus. Sweeney knows Mac football better than any person posting here today because he's not living in the good ole' days or in the future. He's there every day and every night working alongside his assistant coaches and players; they are all sweating it out together. I can't speak for Coach, but when I see him interact with the players, none of them look like they are having a "sad year". They are one of the strongest freshman classes academically that I've seen in a long time... and Coach Sweeney is coaching them on and off the field.

Good things take time... and young people need encouragement. So... advice from LP like, "Think about transferring..." is obviously advice coming from a young man who went to college to play football, period (and I never met him, but I'm wondering if he's not a little bitter?) 

And... Why is Rucker a bit upset? Because he is there at Mac in the here and now too. He doesn't agree with the perspective of people who are attempting to tear down the spirit of the players, coaches, adm... it's one thing to evaluate a team's ability... it's another thing to be mean-spirited about it. Didn't your momma's teach you better than that?

Success isn't always spelled out on the score board. I know... go ahead and attack me... I'm a girl, so what do I know? I know MacMurray players have heart and everyone there is working together and having a great year. Say what you will, but you can't touch them. They are learning and growing... things are improving... the administration is phenomenal... And... ohmygosh... some of the freshman football players are the best of their academic class. Imagine that! Students going to college to earn a degree. Wow.

I hope your teams win... but more than that I hope your young men play safely and with integrity this weekend. Meanwhile, I'm still holding out for the young MacMurray Highlanders team and their new coaching staff.   

FYI...

MacMurray Names New Director of Public Relations

MacMurray College President Colleen Hester announced the appointment of Mike Underwood, a 22-year news and media relations veteran, as the college's new public relations director. Underwood will oversee all media and public relations, publications and sports information for MacMurray, a growing liberal arts institution in West-Central Illinois. "I enthusiastically welcome Mike Underwood to the MacMurray College
community. We are confident that his extensive background in public relations will effectively communicate news about the many ways in which MacMurray College is thriving and transforming students' lives."
Underwood spent the last 8 years working for Illinois state government as a public information officer, outreach coordinator and graphic designer for Healthcare and Family Services. He has also served as a South Jacksonville Trustee, business owner and has been involved in many community based organizations in Jacksonville. Prior to his public service, Underwood served as a United States Air Force Officer with two tours in Desert Storm. Underwood holds a master's degree from Central Michigan University and is a 1985 graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a degree in communications Underwood and his wife, Jo Ellen, reside in Jacksonville with their two children,
Michael, 18 and Matthew, 13.

I agree with Rucker... I am not surprised by Mac's loss, especially since they were playing one of the best D3 teams in the nation their first time on the field this season. I am HOPEFUL, like the new Coach (re-read his quote... Sweeney wasn't being over-confident, he was sending out a positive message for his players) that they will be a winning team this year.

Gentlemen, from what I see on the inside, MacMurray's team is primed for a Renaissance experience. The new Coach is young, vibrant and smart. The players have heart and determination... the new President and administration are standing behind them all. My vote is, you won't recognize this team or their record by the end of the season. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I plan to from my bird's eye view...