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Dispatch
3/10
RUMBLINGS
Friday, March 10, 2006
BOB HUNTER
<!--PHOTOS-->
Is Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel working part time as a Marshall University fundraiser?
Well, not officially. But he is going to be the featured speaker at the school’s 28 th annual Big Green Scholarship Foundation Dinner on April 25, and proceeds from the banquet go to support athletics scholarships at the school.
It is obviously not just another speaking appearance for Tressel. Marshall coach Mark Snyder served on Tressel’s Youngstown State staff from 1991 to 1996 and on his Ohio State staff from 2001 to 2004, the last year as defensive coordinator. Tressel’s Youngstown State teams defeated Marshall twice in Division I-AA championship games, 25-17 in 1991 and 17-5 in 1993. The Thundering Herd beat the Penguins 31-28 in 1992 for the first of its two national titles.
Marshall athletics director Bob Marcum said Tressel’s "stature on the national level is equal to any speaker we’ve ever had," which apparently explains the $2,000 price for corporate tables seating eight people that include special gifts and a "private reception" with Tressel. Individual tickets are $75 per person.
3/10
RUMBLINGS
Friday, March 10, 2006
BOB HUNTER
<!--PHOTOS-->
Is Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel working part time as a Marshall University fundraiser?
Well, not officially. But he is going to be the featured speaker at the school’s 28 th annual Big Green Scholarship Foundation Dinner on April 25, and proceeds from the banquet go to support athletics scholarships at the school.
It is obviously not just another speaking appearance for Tressel. Marshall coach Mark Snyder served on Tressel’s Youngstown State staff from 1991 to 1996 and on his Ohio State staff from 2001 to 2004, the last year as defensive coordinator. Tressel’s Youngstown State teams defeated Marshall twice in Division I-AA championship games, 25-17 in 1991 and 17-5 in 1993. The Thundering Herd beat the Penguins 31-28 in 1992 for the first of its two national titles.
Marshall athletics director Bob Marcum said Tressel’s "stature on the national level is equal to any speaker we’ve ever had," which apparently explains the $2,000 price for corporate tables seating eight people that include special gifts and a "private reception" with Tressel. Individual tickets are $75 per person.
Upvote
0
ABJ
3/13
Tressel in his element as Mr. Savvy
By Tom Reed
<!-- begin body-content --> Jim Tressel helped sing Happy Birthday to 103-year-old Massillon resident Ralph Cornell on Monday afternoon at the Four Winds Restaurant.
Then, one of college football's best recruiters decided to play matchmaker.
Seems the Ohio State football coach knows a 102-year-old Buckeyes fan named Opal who has sent photos of herself and of her home to Tressel.
``I could see there were two pictures hanging up in her room,'' Tressel told a packed house at the weekly Pro Football Hall of Fame Club Luncheon. ``One was of me and the other might have been of you, Ralph.''
The room convulsed in laughter.
Like Sinatra playing the Copa Room or Springsteen at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, Tressel is in his element when he makes his annual appearance at one of the nation's best sports luncheon clubs.
If that makes him sound like a performer, the reference is not totally unintended. All big-time college coaches realize ``working a room'' is part of the job. But watching Tressel in this environment gives you a glimpse of what makes the man such a terrific recruiter and coach.
Tressel is organized, good with people and his mind is quicker than Ted Ginn Jr. in the open field.
The coach asked Buckeyes offensive lineman and GlenOak graduate T.J. Downing to address the room of 361 patrons. After Downing delivered a prospectus on the Buckeyes offensive line, Tressel quizzed him on the number of days remaining until the next OSU-Michigan game.
Downing responded 167. Tressel said 250.
``At least T.J. will be ready early,'' Tressel deadpanned.
The coach at one point stood directly behind the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Downing so as to purposely eclipse himself from the crowd. More laughter.
This is an older, sports savvy audience that, after a good meal, feels no shame in nodding off if the speaker can't hold its attention. Tressel talked for 45 minutes. The spectators were locked in. Three-hundred-and-sixty-one pairs of eyes never losing focus on the nattily-attired coach with hair as perfect as the Werewolf of London that Warren Zevon describes sipping a pina colada at Trader Vic's.
Someone asked Tressel when he was going to coach the Browns.
``The Browns are in great hands with Romeo Crennel,'' Tressel said without hesitation. ``And now they have the best center in the NFL in LeCharles Bentley (a former OSU standout and St. Ignatius graduate).''
Tressel is at the apex of his power. He delivered a 2002 national championship in his second season. He survived the Maurice Clarett scandal that hurt his reputation and called into question his integrity.
He is 4-1 against Michigan. He is 4-1 in bowl games, including three BCS bids. He is worshipped by Buckeye Nation despite his penchant for conservative play calling and leniency in dealing with player disciplinary issues.
Tressel is so popular because he continues to win and make whistle stops like this one. He said Monday's appearance marked his 20th at the luncheon club. He was a big draw even as the likable coach winning Division I-AA national titles at Youngstown State.
Ohio is his passion and it's reflected in Tressel's recruitment of our region. Dustin Fox. Justin Zwick. Rob Sims. Mike Kudla. Tyler Everett. Antonio Pittman. Chris Wells. Downing. Kurt Barton... Every time the coach cited a local player Monday he made sure to mention his high school.
Such attention to detail is a Tressel hallmark. More than 40 minutes after singing Happy Birthday, the coach said he had to cut short his talk because Cornell needed time to drive to Columbus ``for his date with Opal.''
Reached by phone, Cornell said he could be swayed if Tressel sweetened the offer.
``We'd need tickets to the (Michigan) game,'' Cornell said.
3/13
Tressel in his element as Mr. Savvy
By Tom Reed
<!-- begin body-content --> Jim Tressel helped sing Happy Birthday to 103-year-old Massillon resident Ralph Cornell on Monday afternoon at the Four Winds Restaurant.
Then, one of college football's best recruiters decided to play matchmaker.
Seems the Ohio State football coach knows a 102-year-old Buckeyes fan named Opal who has sent photos of herself and of her home to Tressel.
``I could see there were two pictures hanging up in her room,'' Tressel told a packed house at the weekly Pro Football Hall of Fame Club Luncheon. ``One was of me and the other might have been of you, Ralph.''
The room convulsed in laughter.
Like Sinatra playing the Copa Room or Springsteen at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, Tressel is in his element when he makes his annual appearance at one of the nation's best sports luncheon clubs.
If that makes him sound like a performer, the reference is not totally unintended. All big-time college coaches realize ``working a room'' is part of the job. But watching Tressel in this environment gives you a glimpse of what makes the man such a terrific recruiter and coach.
Tressel is organized, good with people and his mind is quicker than Ted Ginn Jr. in the open field.
The coach asked Buckeyes offensive lineman and GlenOak graduate T.J. Downing to address the room of 361 patrons. After Downing delivered a prospectus on the Buckeyes offensive line, Tressel quizzed him on the number of days remaining until the next OSU-Michigan game.
Downing responded 167. Tressel said 250.
``At least T.J. will be ready early,'' Tressel deadpanned.
The coach at one point stood directly behind the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Downing so as to purposely eclipse himself from the crowd. More laughter.
This is an older, sports savvy audience that, after a good meal, feels no shame in nodding off if the speaker can't hold its attention. Tressel talked for 45 minutes. The spectators were locked in. Three-hundred-and-sixty-one pairs of eyes never losing focus on the nattily-attired coach with hair as perfect as the Werewolf of London that Warren Zevon describes sipping a pina colada at Trader Vic's.
Someone asked Tressel when he was going to coach the Browns.
``The Browns are in great hands with Romeo Crennel,'' Tressel said without hesitation. ``And now they have the best center in the NFL in LeCharles Bentley (a former OSU standout and St. Ignatius graduate).''
Tressel is at the apex of his power. He delivered a 2002 national championship in his second season. He survived the Maurice Clarett scandal that hurt his reputation and called into question his integrity.
He is 4-1 against Michigan. He is 4-1 in bowl games, including three BCS bids. He is worshipped by Buckeye Nation despite his penchant for conservative play calling and leniency in dealing with player disciplinary issues.
Tressel is so popular because he continues to win and make whistle stops like this one. He said Monday's appearance marked his 20th at the luncheon club. He was a big draw even as the likable coach winning Division I-AA national titles at Youngstown State.
Ohio is his passion and it's reflected in Tressel's recruitment of our region. Dustin Fox. Justin Zwick. Rob Sims. Mike Kudla. Tyler Everett. Antonio Pittman. Chris Wells. Downing. Kurt Barton... Every time the coach cited a local player Monday he made sure to mention his high school.
Such attention to detail is a Tressel hallmark. More than 40 minutes after singing Happy Birthday, the coach said he had to cut short his talk because Cornell needed time to drive to Columbus ``for his date with Opal.''
Reached by phone, Cornell said he could be swayed if Tressel sweetened the offer.
``We'd need tickets to the (Michigan) game,'' Cornell said.
Upvote
0
Canton Rep
3/14
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tressel feels right at home right here[/FONT]
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 <table style="margin: 10px -3px 15px 5px; position: relative;" align="right" border="0" width="300"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td>
Ohio State head football Coach Jim Tressel spoke Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club’s weekly meeting. Tressel has been a featured speaker since he was a coach at Youngstown State.
Repository Michael S. Balash
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> CANTON TWP. - The short, tan man doesn’t command a presence.
Undoubtedly, though, he has one. As soon as Jim Tressel walked through the doors for his 20th annual visit in front of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, he received a loud ovation. As he passed each table, a new group began to applaud.
The standing ovation was reserved for his official introduction, as if he needed one with this group. They’re practically family.
Tressel can work a room. He helped Ralph Cornell celebrate his 103rd birthday during a ceremony honoring Cornell as the oldest club member. Tressel sang “Happy Birthday” loud and proud along with 360 others to Cornell, who was presented a cake by 23-year-old Shane Conwell, the club’s youngest member.
And then Tressel offered to play matchmaker.
“You know, Ralph,” Tressel said. “I got a letter from Opal McAllister, and she’s 102. Her birthday is Nov. 16 and ... Ralph, I’ve got her phone number and address.”
Cornell, dressed in an Ohio State jacket and tie, just may take up the offer. If the two centenarians meet at an Ohio State game, it could mean something.
Tressel, at least Monday, seemed to be half Opie Taylor, half John F. Kennedy. His speech has annually drawn the largest crowd since he became Ohio State’s head coach. A five-year, 50-13 record — with a combined 8-2 against Michigan and bowl opponents — and three BCS wins will do that.
BIG EXPECTATIONS
When the 2005 college football season ended, few would disagree the Buckeyes were one of the best teams in the country.
But the Buckeyes head coach is pretty indifferent to what people think in March of his 2006 team. Ohio State is expected to be a preseason top five pick, and Las Vegas oddsmakers have installed them as the favorite to win the national title.
“It’s irrelevant what everybody is saying at the beginning,” Tressel said. “The only thing that’s remembered is what they say about you at the end.”
EXPERIENCE ON OFFENSE
Tressel is counting on a veteran group to stay grounded and not float on the media rankings of teams who haven’t played a game.
Ohio State will have 18 fifth-year seniors and 12 fourth-year juniors next season. Tressel also is counting on quarterback Troy Smith to improve on his lofty play of a year ago.
“He has to take it to the next level,” Tressel said. “Offensively, we have a chance, but we’re going to have to be more physical than we’ve ever been, and we’re going to have to handle the ball better than we ever have.”
Smith got off to a slow start last season but finished strong. Against Michigan and Notre Dame, he completed 46-of-65 passes for 642 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. The Glenville High School graduate threw for 2,282 yards, 16 TDs and four interceptions as a junior. He also ran for 611 yards and 11 TDs.
“Troy has done an excellent job growing into the position,” Tressel said. “The barometer for a quarterback is how much better does his decision making get?”
Ohio State has to replace two starters on the offensive line and wide receiver Santonio Holmes. “The key in my mind is just how physical can we be up front?” Tressel said.
holes to fill on defense
Defense is another story. Ohio State loses nine starters, including All-America linebacker A.J. Hawk. Much of spring practice, which begins March 30, will be devoted to weeding out the contenders for nine openings. Carrollton’s Chad Hoobler is a candidate at linebacker, and North Canton’s Curt Lukens is a possibility at safety.
“Over the last four or five years at Ohio State, (high rankings) is nothing unusual,” said right guard T.J. Downing, a GlenOak graduate who attended Monday with Tressel. “The hardest part is getting a group of guys not to believe the hype. Jim Thome had a license plate, ‘DBTH.’ Don’t Believe The Hype. Wherever you are at with rankings, we have to put that aside and play the schedule. That’s when you find out what you’re about.”
Next week’s speaker is former University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins.
Reach Repository sports writer Todd Porter at (330) 580-8340 or e-mail: [email protected]
3/14
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tressel feels right at home right here[/FONT]
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 <table style="margin: 10px -3px 15px 5px; position: relative;" align="right" border="0" width="300"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td>
Ohio State head football Coach Jim Tressel spoke Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club’s weekly meeting. Tressel has been a featured speaker since he was a coach at Youngstown State.
Repository Michael S. Balash
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> CANTON TWP. - The short, tan man doesn’t command a presence.
Undoubtedly, though, he has one. As soon as Jim Tressel walked through the doors for his 20th annual visit in front of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, he received a loud ovation. As he passed each table, a new group began to applaud.
The standing ovation was reserved for his official introduction, as if he needed one with this group. They’re practically family.
Tressel can work a room. He helped Ralph Cornell celebrate his 103rd birthday during a ceremony honoring Cornell as the oldest club member. Tressel sang “Happy Birthday” loud and proud along with 360 others to Cornell, who was presented a cake by 23-year-old Shane Conwell, the club’s youngest member.
And then Tressel offered to play matchmaker.
“You know, Ralph,” Tressel said. “I got a letter from Opal McAllister, and she’s 102. Her birthday is Nov. 16 and ... Ralph, I’ve got her phone number and address.”
Cornell, dressed in an Ohio State jacket and tie, just may take up the offer. If the two centenarians meet at an Ohio State game, it could mean something.
Tressel, at least Monday, seemed to be half Opie Taylor, half John F. Kennedy. His speech has annually drawn the largest crowd since he became Ohio State’s head coach. A five-year, 50-13 record — with a combined 8-2 against Michigan and bowl opponents — and three BCS wins will do that.
BIG EXPECTATIONS
When the 2005 college football season ended, few would disagree the Buckeyes were one of the best teams in the country.
But the Buckeyes head coach is pretty indifferent to what people think in March of his 2006 team. Ohio State is expected to be a preseason top five pick, and Las Vegas oddsmakers have installed them as the favorite to win the national title.
“It’s irrelevant what everybody is saying at the beginning,” Tressel said. “The only thing that’s remembered is what they say about you at the end.”
EXPERIENCE ON OFFENSE
Tressel is counting on a veteran group to stay grounded and not float on the media rankings of teams who haven’t played a game.
Ohio State will have 18 fifth-year seniors and 12 fourth-year juniors next season. Tressel also is counting on quarterback Troy Smith to improve on his lofty play of a year ago.
“He has to take it to the next level,” Tressel said. “Offensively, we have a chance, but we’re going to have to be more physical than we’ve ever been, and we’re going to have to handle the ball better than we ever have.”
Smith got off to a slow start last season but finished strong. Against Michigan and Notre Dame, he completed 46-of-65 passes for 642 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. The Glenville High School graduate threw for 2,282 yards, 16 TDs and four interceptions as a junior. He also ran for 611 yards and 11 TDs.
“Troy has done an excellent job growing into the position,” Tressel said. “The barometer for a quarterback is how much better does his decision making get?”
Ohio State has to replace two starters on the offensive line and wide receiver Santonio Holmes. “The key in my mind is just how physical can we be up front?” Tressel said.
holes to fill on defense
Defense is another story. Ohio State loses nine starters, including All-America linebacker A.J. Hawk. Much of spring practice, which begins March 30, will be devoted to weeding out the contenders for nine openings. Carrollton’s Chad Hoobler is a candidate at linebacker, and North Canton’s Curt Lukens is a possibility at safety.
“Over the last four or five years at Ohio State, (high rankings) is nothing unusual,” said right guard T.J. Downing, a GlenOak graduate who attended Monday with Tressel. “The hardest part is getting a group of guys not to believe the hype. Jim Thome had a license plate, ‘DBTH.’ Don’t Believe The Hype. Wherever you are at with rankings, we have to put that aside and play the schedule. That’s when you find out what you’re about.”
Next week’s speaker is former University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins.
Reach Repository sports writer Todd Porter at (330) 580-8340 or e-mail: [email protected]
Upvote
0
ABJ
3/14
Ohio State football notebook
Local talent makes difference
Tressel praises Browns' recent signings, doesn't discount possible all-Akron backfield for OSU
By Tom Reed
Beacon Journal sportswriter
<!-- begin body-content --> CANTON - Jim Tressel places special emphasis on recruiting his home state.
You might not think that's important in the professional ranks, but the Ohio State coach believes the right homegrown players can make a difference.
That's why he likes the free-agent acquisitions the Browns are making. The Browns have acquired offensive lineman and former Buckeyes standout LeCharles Bentley, receiver Joe Jurevicius and punter Dave Zastudil -- all Cleveland-area products.
Tressel thinks each is a quality player and raves about the talent and potential of Bentley, who played for him in 2001.
``One day I think (Bentley) will be thought of as the best center in the NFL,'' Tressel said Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Club Luncheon at the Four Winds Restaurant. Bentley, 26, has earned Pro Bowl honors as a center and guard. The Cleveland native was considered by some as the best available free agent at any position.
``LeCharles lives and dies Cleveland Browns. That's the first thing he brings -- he wants to be there bad,'' Tressel said. ``Secondly, he will bring a physical nature to the center of their football team... It starts up front in the trenches and LeCharles is physical.''
Tressel also is keen on Jurevicius, a Mentor Lake Catholic graduate who has appeared in three Super Bowls.
``Jurevicius is special, he is one of those winners,'' the coach said.
All-Akron backfield
In responding to a question from the audience, Tressel said he could envision a backfield that included both junior Antonio Pittman (Buchtel) and incoming freshman Chris Wells (Garfield). Tressel said the Buckeyes want to cultivate Pittman's pass-catching abilities. Pittman also rushed for 1,331 yards. Tressel tempered talk of an all-Akron backfield next season in a meeting with reporters.
``We are a long way from making plans from that standpoint,'' he said. ``We want to play some football first.''
Draft watch
Tressel said he believes as many as 11 or 12 Buckeyes will be drafted next month. The NFL selected a school-record 14 OSU players in the 2004 draft.
Praise for Butch
Tressel said the addition of Akron's Butch Reynolds to the team's strength and conditioning staff already is having an impact. The former OSU track standout and three-time Olympian is working with current players and ones preparing for the NFL Draft. Tressel said the draft-eligible players who worked out with Reynolds performed better at the NFL combine and OSU's ``pro day'' workouts.
Gearing up
OSU spring practice begins March 30. Tressel said the obvious emphasis will be replacing nine starters on the defense. One of the most intriguing newcomers is linebacker Larry Grant (6-3, 225) a junior-college transfer from City College of San Francisco. Grant was the 2005 national junior college player of the year. Tressel believes Grant will bring maturity along with considerable ability.
More improvement
Troy Smith is now the established starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. Tressel said this season the challenge will be more mental than physcial.
``Troy has done an excellent job growing into the position,'' Tressel said. ``We want to see him continue to improve his decision making. Can he take that next step?''
Popular draw
The Ohio State coach is annually one of the biggest luncheon club draws, and Tressel's popularity only adds to it. Officials said 361 spectators packed the Four Winds banquet room. Every spectator received a piece of white sheet cake and each piece had ``OSU'' inscribed on it in red icing.
3/14
Ohio State football notebook
Local talent makes difference
Tressel praises Browns' recent signings, doesn't discount possible all-Akron backfield for OSU
By Tom Reed
Beacon Journal sportswriter
<!-- begin body-content --> CANTON - Jim Tressel places special emphasis on recruiting his home state.
You might not think that's important in the professional ranks, but the Ohio State coach believes the right homegrown players can make a difference.
That's why he likes the free-agent acquisitions the Browns are making. The Browns have acquired offensive lineman and former Buckeyes standout LeCharles Bentley, receiver Joe Jurevicius and punter Dave Zastudil -- all Cleveland-area products.
Tressel thinks each is a quality player and raves about the talent and potential of Bentley, who played for him in 2001.
``One day I think (Bentley) will be thought of as the best center in the NFL,'' Tressel said Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Club Luncheon at the Four Winds Restaurant. Bentley, 26, has earned Pro Bowl honors as a center and guard. The Cleveland native was considered by some as the best available free agent at any position.
``LeCharles lives and dies Cleveland Browns. That's the first thing he brings -- he wants to be there bad,'' Tressel said. ``Secondly, he will bring a physical nature to the center of their football team... It starts up front in the trenches and LeCharles is physical.''
Tressel also is keen on Jurevicius, a Mentor Lake Catholic graduate who has appeared in three Super Bowls.
``Jurevicius is special, he is one of those winners,'' the coach said.
All-Akron backfield
In responding to a question from the audience, Tressel said he could envision a backfield that included both junior Antonio Pittman (Buchtel) and incoming freshman Chris Wells (Garfield). Tressel said the Buckeyes want to cultivate Pittman's pass-catching abilities. Pittman also rushed for 1,331 yards. Tressel tempered talk of an all-Akron backfield next season in a meeting with reporters.
``We are a long way from making plans from that standpoint,'' he said. ``We want to play some football first.''
Draft watch
Tressel said he believes as many as 11 or 12 Buckeyes will be drafted next month. The NFL selected a school-record 14 OSU players in the 2004 draft.
Praise for Butch
Tressel said the addition of Akron's Butch Reynolds to the team's strength and conditioning staff already is having an impact. The former OSU track standout and three-time Olympian is working with current players and ones preparing for the NFL Draft. Tressel said the draft-eligible players who worked out with Reynolds performed better at the NFL combine and OSU's ``pro day'' workouts.
Gearing up
OSU spring practice begins March 30. Tressel said the obvious emphasis will be replacing nine starters on the defense. One of the most intriguing newcomers is linebacker Larry Grant (6-3, 225) a junior-college transfer from City College of San Francisco. Grant was the 2005 national junior college player of the year. Tressel believes Grant will bring maturity along with considerable ability.
More improvement
Troy Smith is now the established starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. Tressel said this season the challenge will be more mental than physcial.
``Troy has done an excellent job growing into the position,'' Tressel said. ``We want to see him continue to improve his decision making. Can he take that next step?''
Popular draw
The Ohio State coach is annually one of the biggest luncheon club draws, and Tressel's popularity only adds to it. Officials said 361 spectators packed the Four Winds banquet room. Every spectator received a piece of white sheet cake and each piece had ``OSU'' inscribed on it in red icing.
Upvote
0
For anyone who has never dealt with a team or guiding kids, Tressel does come off as lenient. However, anyone who has been in that situation understands that what seems like such a simple choice for a coach carries a massive weight of impact on a kid's life.
Upvote
0
kippy1040
Hall of Fame
After leaving Youngstown State, I thought for sure Coach Tressel would change alittle but he has not. Ohio State has had to hurdle many obstacles
since the onslaught of ESPN alligations and many others, since 2003. He certainly has proven himself as a leader of men in his many difficult times and decisions. A/D Gene Smith should be overjoyed to have a man of his quality, sharing some of the responsibilitys.
Upvote
0
Link
4/26
Tressel speaks at Big Green dinner<!-- ARTICLE BODY TEXT --> <!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT--> [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]By DAVID WALSH
The Herald-Dispatch[/FONT]
<script language="JavaScript"> s_prop1 = "By_DAVID_WALSH-The_Herald-Dispatch"; </script> HUNTINGTON -- Flashback and fast forward. Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel went in both directions Monday night as he addressed the media prior to Marshall's sold out Big Green Scholarship Foundation Dinner at Cam Henderson Center.
Tressel talked about his relationship with Mark Snyder, a former assistant under him with the Buckeyes and Youngstown State who is entering his second season as head coach of the Thundering Herd. Marshall finished 4-7 in Snyder's first season at his alma mater.
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"> <tbody><tr> <td><script language="JavaScript">OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1'); </script>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Tressel also recalled the days Marshall and Youngstown State hooked up in football. At the time, Tressel was head coach of the Penguins. There even was a time when Tressel could've been the Herd's head coach.
The 2006 NFL Draft is this weekend and Ohio State could have as many as six players taken in the first round. Those players helped the Buckeyes go 11-2 in 2005 and finish No. 4 in the final polls. At the same time, graduation took a hit on the Buckeyes meaning there's work to be done because the Scarlet and Gray surely will be voted high in the 2006 preseason polls.
"I don't know how I'll be able to help him (Snyder)," said Tressel, who visited Washington, D.C., earlier in the day and rainy weather in the Tri-State led to a late arrival here. "This is home for him. This is what he dreamed about his whole life. He played for coach (George) Chaump. He was an assistant coach. He loves this place."
Having an assistant move on to become a head coach makes any former boss feel good.
"It's exciting. It's what you wish for," Tressel said. "You see players go into the NFL, business and life. It's the next stage. He cares about his players and about this town. It's fun to talk to him and he listens. Programs go through various stages. You put your imprint on it. He'll handle it great."
In five seasons at Ohio State, Tressel's overall record is 50-13. He's won one national championship and two co-championships in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have been to five bowls, are 3-0 in BCS bowl games and have finished in the top five in the polls three times.
"The goal is to view the big picture," said Tressel, who's been voted national coach of the year once. "It's not just standing at the board drawing or watching video. It's much larger than that. It's about the community and the impact you have on kids."
Two years ago, the Buckeyes needed a 55-yard field goal by Mike Nugent to edge Marshall, 24-21, at Ohio Stadium. Several players from that team who had big years in 2005 figure to be first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Names include wide receiver Santonio Holmes, linebackers A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, center Nick Mangold, safety Donte Whitner and corner Ashton Youboty.
"That's a good group. We'll miss them badly," Tressell said, adding Snyder coached Hawk and Carpenter while he was at Ohio State.
Ohio State wrapped up spring practice last Saturday. The Scarlet blanked the Gray, 12-0, in front of 63,649 fans who attended the spring game.
"At Ohio State, expectations are high all the time," Tressel said. "You lose the best receiver and the best linebacker and fans still expect the moon from us. It could mislead you. We have plenty of work to do."
Before going to Ohio State, Tressel enjoyed a successful run at Division I-AA Youngstown State. He won four national titles and made the playoffs 10 teams. The Penguins beat Marshall twice in title games -- 25-17 in Statesboro, Ga., in 1991 and 17-5 at Marshall Stadium (Joan C. Edwards Stadium) in 1993. In 1992, the Herd edged the Penguins, 31-28, at Marshall Stadium for the first of two national crowns.
On the way in Tuesday, Tressel and Snyder drove past Marshall's stadium.
"So many memories," Tressel said. "Coach Chaump and coach (Jim) Donnan. It was an exciting time."
Lee Moon, athletic director at Marshall at that time, did have conversations with Tressel about the Marshall job.
"Things usually happen for the best," Tressel said. "It worked out best for all. No one can argue about the record they had."
Tressel knows football means as much to the Herd faithful as it does to Youngstown fans. Marshall had the tragic plane crash on Nov. 14, 1970 that nearly wiped out the program. Youngstown, once a proud steel town, has seen that industry take hit after hit over the years.
"That's the neat thing about football in Huntington, West Virginia and Youngstown, Ohio," Tressel said. "Football did a lot to raise Youngstown back up, improve the self esteem. The same thing with Huntington. Football's always been there. There'll always be that constant comparison. There's many things for both cities to cherish."
4/26
Tressel speaks at Big Green dinner<!-- ARTICLE BODY TEXT --> <!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT--> [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]By DAVID WALSH
The Herald-Dispatch[/FONT]
<script language="JavaScript"> s_prop1 = "By_DAVID_WALSH-The_Herald-Dispatch"; </script> HUNTINGTON -- Flashback and fast forward. Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel went in both directions Monday night as he addressed the media prior to Marshall's sold out Big Green Scholarship Foundation Dinner at Cam Henderson Center.
Tressel talked about his relationship with Mark Snyder, a former assistant under him with the Buckeyes and Youngstown State who is entering his second season as head coach of the Thundering Herd. Marshall finished 4-7 in Snyder's first season at his alma mater.
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</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Tressel also recalled the days Marshall and Youngstown State hooked up in football. At the time, Tressel was head coach of the Penguins. There even was a time when Tressel could've been the Herd's head coach.
The 2006 NFL Draft is this weekend and Ohio State could have as many as six players taken in the first round. Those players helped the Buckeyes go 11-2 in 2005 and finish No. 4 in the final polls. At the same time, graduation took a hit on the Buckeyes meaning there's work to be done because the Scarlet and Gray surely will be voted high in the 2006 preseason polls.
"I don't know how I'll be able to help him (Snyder)," said Tressel, who visited Washington, D.C., earlier in the day and rainy weather in the Tri-State led to a late arrival here. "This is home for him. This is what he dreamed about his whole life. He played for coach (George) Chaump. He was an assistant coach. He loves this place."
Having an assistant move on to become a head coach makes any former boss feel good.
"It's exciting. It's what you wish for," Tressel said. "You see players go into the NFL, business and life. It's the next stage. He cares about his players and about this town. It's fun to talk to him and he listens. Programs go through various stages. You put your imprint on it. He'll handle it great."
In five seasons at Ohio State, Tressel's overall record is 50-13. He's won one national championship and two co-championships in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have been to five bowls, are 3-0 in BCS bowl games and have finished in the top five in the polls three times.
"The goal is to view the big picture," said Tressel, who's been voted national coach of the year once. "It's not just standing at the board drawing or watching video. It's much larger than that. It's about the community and the impact you have on kids."
Two years ago, the Buckeyes needed a 55-yard field goal by Mike Nugent to edge Marshall, 24-21, at Ohio Stadium. Several players from that team who had big years in 2005 figure to be first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Names include wide receiver Santonio Holmes, linebackers A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, center Nick Mangold, safety Donte Whitner and corner Ashton Youboty.
"That's a good group. We'll miss them badly," Tressell said, adding Snyder coached Hawk and Carpenter while he was at Ohio State.
Ohio State wrapped up spring practice last Saturday. The Scarlet blanked the Gray, 12-0, in front of 63,649 fans who attended the spring game.
"At Ohio State, expectations are high all the time," Tressel said. "You lose the best receiver and the best linebacker and fans still expect the moon from us. It could mislead you. We have plenty of work to do."
Before going to Ohio State, Tressel enjoyed a successful run at Division I-AA Youngstown State. He won four national titles and made the playoffs 10 teams. The Penguins beat Marshall twice in title games -- 25-17 in Statesboro, Ga., in 1991 and 17-5 at Marshall Stadium (Joan C. Edwards Stadium) in 1993. In 1992, the Herd edged the Penguins, 31-28, at Marshall Stadium for the first of two national crowns.
On the way in Tuesday, Tressel and Snyder drove past Marshall's stadium.
"So many memories," Tressel said. "Coach Chaump and coach (Jim) Donnan. It was an exciting time."
Lee Moon, athletic director at Marshall at that time, did have conversations with Tressel about the Marshall job.
"Things usually happen for the best," Tressel said. "It worked out best for all. No one can argue about the record they had."
Tressel knows football means as much to the Herd faithful as it does to Youngstown fans. Marshall had the tragic plane crash on Nov. 14, 1970 that nearly wiped out the program. Youngstown, once a proud steel town, has seen that industry take hit after hit over the years.
"That's the neat thing about football in Huntington, West Virginia and Youngstown, Ohio," Tressel said. "Football did a lot to raise Youngstown back up, improve the self esteem. The same thing with Huntington. Football's always been there. There'll always be that constant comparison. There's many things for both cities to cherish."
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What some people characterize as leniency, I would call mature realism. Tressel managed discipline for the longer term. He motivates the players to want to make right choices. If you heard that interview with Santonio Holmes, and considered where he was a few years ago, you can see how Tressel achieves results.
Avoiding punishments that are unlikely to influence a mature kid to make healthy choices is not leniency. It is maturity, realism, and leadership. Jim Tressel is all that.
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I'm going to an Alumni luncheon today in about 3 hours (11:30, but I'll have to get outta here by 11:00) where Coach T is the speaker. I'm assuming he'll be taking questions...anyone have anything burning in the back of their mind they want me to try and get answered?
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Well, they didn't really have a Q&A session, but coach hit on a variey of people and topics of interest:
AJ Hawk: For only speaking to us about an hour, a considerable time was spent talking about Hawk, and Coach T couldn't say enough good about him. Said he's talked to so many Coaches, GMs, etc. about AJ and as much good as they have to say about him and as much good as Coach has to say about him to them, he still says whoever is fortuneate enough to draft AJ only knows the half of who and what they are really getting as a player and person. He said that AJ has been traveling considerable to different cities at teams' requests to do personal workouts and interviews, but when invited AJ always tells the team that he will be glad to visit as long as it doesn't interfere with two things: his class schedule and his workout schedule...and coach said this has prompted AJ at least "8 or 9 times" to schedule 4:30 a.m. workouts with the strength and conditioning coaches a tOSU (to which Coach proposed that the Strength staff is as excited as AJ and his Family for draft day to get here for that reason). He kept heaping on the praise regarding his work ethic, character, etc. saying, "That's just the kind of guy he is..."
He said he saw Santonio Holmes do an interview (he thinks it was The Best Damn Sports Show) where someone suggested that according to some mock dafts Santonio will be selected by the Eagles, and that since they just lost TO and Eagles fans are used to endzone celebrations that he should consider what his TD celebration might be to which Santonio responded something o the affect of, "I went to Ohio State...we just hand the ball to the ref after we score." Coach seemed very pleased with the response and said he hoped since it was caught on tape that he stuck by that philosophy throughout his NFL career.
He said he's excited to get to watch the draft since the Spring Game doesn't fall on the same day as the Draft this year, and that his wife has an 11:20 tee time so she won't be around to have him do household chores. Says he's excited for all the Buckeyes in the draft and he recalled seeing a stat somewhere that to this point Ohio State is tied with Michigan for second (he said USC was #1) as the number of first round draft choices put in the NFL, and he was happy that the tie would be broken quite soundly with Saturday's selections. (I had thought Miami, FL & FSU were high up there...never heard about the tie with Mich.)
He said he's been reading all the talk about this year's team and how the Offense is predicted to be so stellar and the Defense is going to need time to adjust, but he said he believes both squas are actually much closer to each other in where they are at right now than most might think. Talked about losing the best center in the nation, possible the first WR taken in the draft, a 3rd/4th round OG, and that he believes the D is going to step up sooner than we might think (well at least than we thought before the Spring Game). But he also said when the coaches asked incoming Seniors what they thought this year's Team's biggest challenge was Quinn Pitcock gave what he thought was the most accurate answer: "For the Offense not to get over confident, and for the Defense to believe in themselves." If both sides of the ball can do that, Coach felt that the team would achieve all their goals this coming season with the players they have at each position.
The team has 44 players with a 3.0 cum or better, another 12 with a GPA of betwen 2.91 ad 2.99, and overall the whole team has a 2.85 average GPA....he said the eventual gal is to be a 3.0 football team, but that the team was a 2.4 GPA team 5 years ago.
He's very confident that our kicking game has the players available to keep the Special Teams strong...mentioned he didn't know who would start at K, but both Pretorius and Pettrey were capable, and that Thoma was going "toe to toe" (pun intended) with Trapasso in the kick scrimage.
He expects the WHAC renovations to be partially complete by July (meeting rooms and locker room) and fully completed by December. Said he was very grateful for the work that AG had done to upgrade all the OSU facilities, athletic and otherwise (gave a brief description of what the WHAC would be like and it sounds sick-awesome!, that tOSU would be #1 top of the class in the country when it comes to facility and equipment, etc. once the renovation is complete), and that he is equally impressed with Gene Smith and believes he is the perfect fit to lead OSU Athletics into this next era.
It was a great time! Always gets me more pumped than before about the upcoming season, if that's possible.
:osu:
AJ Hawk: For only speaking to us about an hour, a considerable time was spent talking about Hawk, and Coach T couldn't say enough good about him. Said he's talked to so many Coaches, GMs, etc. about AJ and as much good as they have to say about him and as much good as Coach has to say about him to them, he still says whoever is fortuneate enough to draft AJ only knows the half of who and what they are really getting as a player and person. He said that AJ has been traveling considerable to different cities at teams' requests to do personal workouts and interviews, but when invited AJ always tells the team that he will be glad to visit as long as it doesn't interfere with two things: his class schedule and his workout schedule...and coach said this has prompted AJ at least "8 or 9 times" to schedule 4:30 a.m. workouts with the strength and conditioning coaches a tOSU (to which Coach proposed that the Strength staff is as excited as AJ and his Family for draft day to get here for that reason). He kept heaping on the praise regarding his work ethic, character, etc. saying, "That's just the kind of guy he is..."
He said he saw Santonio Holmes do an interview (he thinks it was The Best Damn Sports Show) where someone suggested that according to some mock dafts Santonio will be selected by the Eagles, and that since they just lost TO and Eagles fans are used to endzone celebrations that he should consider what his TD celebration might be to which Santonio responded something o the affect of, "I went to Ohio State...we just hand the ball to the ref after we score." Coach seemed very pleased with the response and said he hoped since it was caught on tape that he stuck by that philosophy throughout his NFL career.
He said he's excited to get to watch the draft since the Spring Game doesn't fall on the same day as the Draft this year, and that his wife has an 11:20 tee time so she won't be around to have him do household chores. Says he's excited for all the Buckeyes in the draft and he recalled seeing a stat somewhere that to this point Ohio State is tied with Michigan for second (he said USC was #1) as the number of first round draft choices put in the NFL, and he was happy that the tie would be broken quite soundly with Saturday's selections. (I had thought Miami, FL & FSU were high up there...never heard about the tie with Mich.)
He said he's been reading all the talk about this year's team and how the Offense is predicted to be so stellar and the Defense is going to need time to adjust, but he said he believes both squas are actually much closer to each other in where they are at right now than most might think. Talked about losing the best center in the nation, possible the first WR taken in the draft, a 3rd/4th round OG, and that he believes the D is going to step up sooner than we might think (well at least than we thought before the Spring Game). But he also said when the coaches asked incoming Seniors what they thought this year's Team's biggest challenge was Quinn Pitcock gave what he thought was the most accurate answer: "For the Offense not to get over confident, and for the Defense to believe in themselves." If both sides of the ball can do that, Coach felt that the team would achieve all their goals this coming season with the players they have at each position.
The team has 44 players with a 3.0 cum or better, another 12 with a GPA of betwen 2.91 ad 2.99, and overall the whole team has a 2.85 average GPA....he said the eventual gal is to be a 3.0 football team, but that the team was a 2.4 GPA team 5 years ago.
He's very confident that our kicking game has the players available to keep the Special Teams strong...mentioned he didn't know who would start at K, but both Pretorius and Pettrey were capable, and that Thoma was going "toe to toe" (pun intended) with Trapasso in the kick scrimage.
He expects the WHAC renovations to be partially complete by July (meeting rooms and locker room) and fully completed by December. Said he was very grateful for the work that AG had done to upgrade all the OSU facilities, athletic and otherwise (gave a brief description of what the WHAC would be like and it sounds sick-awesome!, that tOSU would be #1 top of the class in the country when it comes to facility and equipment, etc. once the renovation is complete), and that he is equally impressed with Gene Smith and believes he is the perfect fit to lead OSU Athletics into this next era.
It was a great time! Always gets me more pumped than before about the upcoming season, if that's possible.
:osu:
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Uh ... we talking about the same Santonio here?
Hell, every other time he caught the ball it was 6 points and 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff!
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Uh ... we talking about the same Santonio here?
Hell, every other time he caught the ball it was 6 points and 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff!
Maybe that's what coach T was trying to allude to when he said he hopes Santonio sticks to that philosophy thru his NFL career
.
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