Those of us on the respective reunion class committees for the upcoming homecoming were invited to join in with Coach Fitzgerald on a Zoom meeting. Coach Fitzgerald himself will be celebrating his 25th Northwestern Alumni Reunion along with the rest of us commemorating our reunions. The final question from "Willy" in the concluding Q and A portion was how Coach treats the Reunion game. He acknowledged that it is special and that he does keep in mind that for many returning alums it may be the only game that they get to see in person. He accepts that as a challenge to go all out in encouraging the best performance possible from the players.
Many of the preceding questions had to do with some of the challenges the team faced last year and what steps have been taken to course correct. He didn't give away any inside information but it was apparent that he does not expect this year to be a repeat. He spoke highly of both quarterbacks without revealing which might have the edge. Speaking about edges, his opening statement about this year's team was, "We have got our edge back." Adding to that he stated, "I feel really good about this team."
As to specifics he spoke highly of the Offensive Line and the Tight Ends. He used the term deep in describing the running backs and receivers. Significantly he seemed excited in his praise of the special teams transfers who have joined the team referencing both the added kicker and punter.
In the discussion he provided some insight as to the game ahead in Dublin noting that for 70% of the players this will be the first time they have left the country. He commented on how it has been a logistical challenge getting passports and all the other requisites just for the travel. He addressed the specific day to day scheduling and practices that will lead up to the game. He also noted that while Nebraska will have to fly back immediately after the game that since we do not play the following week that the day after the game has been scheduled to allow the players a chance to experience Ireland and they will then fly out on Monday with Tuesday an open day upon return. The one specific pregame event he mentioned was an authentic Irish Caberet on Wednesday night preceding the Thursday practice. He mentioned he would be at Friday's Pep Rally hoping to join in person those in the meeting who would be coming to Dublin.
As expected he said that this is "a business trip". and that this is no exhibition game as the Cats are playing a West opponent against whom we have been 50-50 under his tenure and are going there to win so the Wildcats can start the season 1 and 0.
Many of the preceding questions had to do with some of the challenges the team faced last year and what steps have been taken to course correct. He didn't give away any inside information but it was apparent that he does not expect this year to be a repeat. He spoke highly of both quarterbacks without revealing which might have the edge. Speaking about edges, his opening statement about this year's team was, "We have got our edge back." Adding to that he stated, "I feel really good about this team."
As to specifics he spoke highly of the Offensive Line and the Tight Ends. He used the term deep in describing the running backs and receivers. Significantly he seemed excited in his praise of the special teams transfers who have joined the team referencing both the added kicker and punter.
In the discussion he provided some insight as to the game ahead in Dublin noting that for 70% of the players this will be the first time they have left the country. He commented on how it has been a logistical challenge getting passports and all the other requisites just for the travel. He addressed the specific day to day scheduling and practices that will lead up to the game. He also noted that while Nebraska will have to fly back immediately after the game that since we do not play the following week that the day after the game has been scheduled to allow the players a chance to experience Ireland and they will then fly out on Monday with Tuesday an open day upon return. The one specific pregame event he mentioned was an authentic Irish Caberet on Wednesday night preceding the Thursday practice. He mentioned he would be at Friday's Pep Rally hoping to join in person those in the meeting who would be coming to Dublin.
As expected he said that this is "a business trip". and that this is no exhibition game as the Cats are playing a West opponent against whom we have been 50-50 under his tenure and are going there to win so the Wildcats can start the season 1 and 0.
