By Chris O’Grady
The Dec. 31 men’s basketball game against the University of Kentucky will cap off the 2010 calendar year for Cardinal sports. But forgive Cardinal fans if their gaze goes a bit beyond that time frame. Things are looking bright on the front of the University of Louisville sports. And we’ve got one man, Tom Jurich, and a slew of impressive hires, to thank for it.
Since Jurich took over the athletic department in 2007, U of L has transformed itself from a school that had great basketball success to one thriving in nearly every sport, something exceptionally rare today. As a whole, U of L’s coaches are undoubtedly the best in the nation. Here are program-by-program insights that have led me to this bold conclusion:
Ken Lolla – men’s soccer. Sure, most schools don’t hold their men’s soccer coach as the crown jewel, but the head man for Cardinal soccer has won the hearts of Cardinal Nation throughout the team’s run to the NCAA Final Four. Since the beginning of the season, players heralded Lolla as the best coach in college soccer. I’ve become a believer – and not just because the team is undefeated. His coaching prowess is demonstrated by the way his players have bought into his system and trust in his judgments. His emphasis on visualization uses the most advanced sport psychology, showing his utilization of available resources in making his team great. A man who always seems to have time for everyone – even now that his team is successful – and who never fails to thank those who support his team, Lolla is a great leader for Cardinal soccer.
Rick Pitino – men’s basketball. The most obvious of Jurich’s hires, Pitino is the big name and talent the Cards needed to get back to the big stage. And this year we are seeing the coach’s best work, perhaps even more impressive even than the 2005 Final Four or the 2009 No. 1 overall seed. Pitino is working without a star and has completely changed the mindset of players like Mike Marra, Peyton Siva and Terrence Jennings, after the early departure of Samardo Samuels. Not only has the performance of these players improved, their demeanor has. Jennings, who was soft-spoken and somewhat of a misfit in the locker room last year, is more confident in the way he carries himself and goes about his work. The same is true for Marra, Siva and Rakeem Buckles. All somewhat shy as freshmen, they have taken on leadership roles that tell you a lot about their progress. The Mike Marra of last season wouldn’t have ever thought to be a leader on a team. Win or lose against UK, there is a lot of success in store for this team.
Charlie Strong – football. Every fan’s darling this fall, Strong not only revitalized a dead team, he instilled courage and discipline in the team. Jurich showed a lot dedication to success in replacing close friend Kragthorpe, and Charlie Strong was a perfect fit. Players who were loose cannons last season have harnessed their strengths under a tougher staff. But they can believe in him, too. The fourth-and-inches call in the game on Nov. 13 against the University of South Florida spoke volumes to how much Strong cares about his players. He is willing to risk his reputation for his team’s. This move, though it lost the game, will pay huge dividends down the line, in terms of recruits who see a courageous coach who will stand behind them.
Jeff Walz – women’s basketball. Anyone who saw the Lady Cards beat UK on Saturday, Dec. 5 saw a team that was motivated, talented and prepared to play. A young coach, who is as friendly and diplomatic as any in the game, has won praise from his peers, including the legendary Pat Summitt. The Cards will be back to the top after a down season last year.
Dan McDonnell – baseball. Three-time defending Big East champion baseball is under the guidance of another masterful coach in McDonnell. A lot like Lolla in his approach, he has taken another smaller-market program and turned it into one of the most fun and successful college baseball programs. Few coaches can say they built something as quickly as McDonnell has here. Leading with humility and commitment, McDonnell also has time for anyone and reaches out to the community in many ways, above and beyond the call of duty.
Leonid Yelin and Pam Bustin – volleyball and field hockey. Two of the best, most experienced coaches in their respective sports.
Without recounting each of U of L’s 18 coaches, all but a few who were hired by Jurich, it would be an understatement to say he has put Cardinal athletics in a tremendous place. He has emphasized the right things and put great men and women of character in place to lead the individual programs, with more concern for how things are done. Possibility City has never had so many possibilities for greatness.
