While there are probably after-shocks yet to hit and who knows what else to come out in the media as all of us in Griz Nation we find ourselves emerging from today's news shell-shocked, numb, angry, and wondering about the future.
Of the modern Griz football era... today is our day of days.
I still find myself in disbelief that such an action would take place with not only the firing of Robin Pflugrad but Jim O'Day as well. Over the years I've had opportunities to get to know both of these men. Robin I've observed work with the team over the last two years as head coach, he was always energetic, passionate about his job, and a strong defender of the kids on his team. Robin would always greet people with a smile and loved to talk Griz football. With the people that I talked to they really respected Robin's honest approach and how forthcoming he was/is. Jim I've gotten to know and have a ton of respect for as well, he's always been incredibly honest and forthcoming and has been a major pillar of the continued success of the athletics program. If you wanted to know just about anything about Griz athletics... just ask him, and he'll tell you. Jim was about as transparent as they come. Additionally, in uncertain economic times he steered the ship and put forth efforts all the time to advance all Grizzly athletics.
I refuse right now to speculate... was it a just firing or not? I don't know. On the surface, from what I just see as a Griz fan my heart says no. But with anything around athletics as I've learned over the years there's sides to the story that we, as fans on this board, just don't know. So until (or if) the real facts come out, I'll reserve my overall judgement. The emotional side of me screams this is BS and even the most for the firing of Jim O'Day. Part of me almost wants to hear news that can uphold those feelings so I can justify how I feel. In time I suppose, my heart and mind may change.
But now while we climb out of this bomb crater that is the after-effects of our athletics program we need to look to the road ahead. Should we give up?
I felt like it for a few minutes today around 12:30 as I was walking into the business building, I contemplated the personal and financial efforts I've put into this program. Then I crossed paths with a few current and now graduating players on the team. They looked like they'd just had a family member pass away, sad, angry, confused. After some quick "how are you holding up" kind of chats I reflected quickly, think about the commitment each of these young men on our football team have put into this program. They hardly get a break between seasons, after the SHSU game they had about 4 weeks before "winter condo" set it. These young men sacrifice their bodies, their time, and pump every last bit of energy and passion into this program.
We cheer these kids on at games and on the surface have no clue of the overall commitment these men put into this program. It's blood, sweat, tears, surgeries, lost friendships/relationships, affected classtime - something I'd say is a fulltime and a half job. The men I saw today I couldn't help but wonder if they're reflecting upon all their efforts and casting a few doubts out about it.
These men deserve better and deserve our support.
Tomorrow the sun will come up, Griz Nation will continue on it's new path and while I'm sure there are more dark days ahead, I sincerely hope that our new path leads to times much better than this. The PRIDE of the Griz lives on with the kids that all will continue to suit up and wear MONTANA across their chests. The TRADITION of the Griz will fight on and it's tarnish of today will fade with the will and resolve of those that continue this fight and are willing to rise above everything else and prove the the University of Montana and Griz Nation can overcome and will succeed.
God bless the players and staff on this team. I can't imagine the personal feelings, conflict, and questioning they're going through right now. I hope that as the days go on this team can come together, support each other, and move forward collectively.
As fan, I will always support the GRIZ and the players, staff, and administration that is a part of this fine program.
GO GRIZ
Of the modern Griz football era... today is our day of days.
I still find myself in disbelief that such an action would take place with not only the firing of Robin Pflugrad but Jim O'Day as well. Over the years I've had opportunities to get to know both of these men. Robin I've observed work with the team over the last two years as head coach, he was always energetic, passionate about his job, and a strong defender of the kids on his team. Robin would always greet people with a smile and loved to talk Griz football. With the people that I talked to they really respected Robin's honest approach and how forthcoming he was/is. Jim I've gotten to know and have a ton of respect for as well, he's always been incredibly honest and forthcoming and has been a major pillar of the continued success of the athletics program. If you wanted to know just about anything about Griz athletics... just ask him, and he'll tell you. Jim was about as transparent as they come. Additionally, in uncertain economic times he steered the ship and put forth efforts all the time to advance all Grizzly athletics.
I refuse right now to speculate... was it a just firing or not? I don't know. On the surface, from what I just see as a Griz fan my heart says no. But with anything around athletics as I've learned over the years there's sides to the story that we, as fans on this board, just don't know. So until (or if) the real facts come out, I'll reserve my overall judgement. The emotional side of me screams this is BS and even the most for the firing of Jim O'Day. Part of me almost wants to hear news that can uphold those feelings so I can justify how I feel. In time I suppose, my heart and mind may change.
But now while we climb out of this bomb crater that is the after-effects of our athletics program we need to look to the road ahead. Should we give up?
I felt like it for a few minutes today around 12:30 as I was walking into the business building, I contemplated the personal and financial efforts I've put into this program. Then I crossed paths with a few current and now graduating players on the team. They looked like they'd just had a family member pass away, sad, angry, confused. After some quick "how are you holding up" kind of chats I reflected quickly, think about the commitment each of these young men on our football team have put into this program. They hardly get a break between seasons, after the SHSU game they had about 4 weeks before "winter condo" set it. These young men sacrifice their bodies, their time, and pump every last bit of energy and passion into this program.
We cheer these kids on at games and on the surface have no clue of the overall commitment these men put into this program. It's blood, sweat, tears, surgeries, lost friendships/relationships, affected classtime - something I'd say is a fulltime and a half job. The men I saw today I couldn't help but wonder if they're reflecting upon all their efforts and casting a few doubts out about it.
These men deserve better and deserve our support.
Tomorrow the sun will come up, Griz Nation will continue on it's new path and while I'm sure there are more dark days ahead, I sincerely hope that our new path leads to times much better than this. The PRIDE of the Griz lives on with the kids that all will continue to suit up and wear MONTANA across their chests. The TRADITION of the Griz will fight on and it's tarnish of today will fade with the will and resolve of those that continue this fight and are willing to rise above everything else and prove the the University of Montana and Griz Nation can overcome and will succeed.
God bless the players and staff on this team. I can't imagine the personal feelings, conflict, and questioning they're going through right now. I hope that as the days go on this team can come together, support each other, and move forward collectively.
As fan, I will always support the GRIZ and the players, staff, and administration that is a part of this fine program.
GO GRIZ
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