University of Virginia Library

Don Lawrence Appointed
New Head Football Coach

By Rob Pritchard
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

University President Edgar F.
Shannon, upon the recommendation of
E. F. Corrigan, Jr., who recently assumed
his duties as Director of the University's
athletic programs., approved on
December 19 the selection of Don
Lawrence as the University's new head
football coach.

Mr. Lawrence, who has been a
successful defensive coordinator of the
University's staff for the past four years,
will replace George Blackburn who was
informed December 1 he would not be
offered a contract for the 1971 season.

In a prepared statement Mr. Lawrence
said, "I believed the University of Virginia
is at a crossroad in its football program, and
with enthusiasm, hard work, and support, there
is no question we will make the right turn."

Excellence In Athletics

He went on to say, "The University of
Virginia, its students, faculty, alumni, fans and
the Virginia Press deserve a winner. We have
excellence in academics and we should have
excellence in athletics. They go hand in hand."

Mr. Corrigan, who assumed the duties of
Director of University Athletic Programs on
January 1, said that he had personally
interviewed nine other coaches from around the
country, five assistants and four head coaches,
during the past four weeks. These were selected
from an original list of 50 candidates.

"Don Lawrence has been selected not so
much because of his excellent credentials as a
defensive coordinator the past four years,"
stated Mr. Corrigan, "but because it was felt
that he has the ingredients to be a great head
coach and to provide the leadership and
organization necessary to raise the Virginia
Football Program to the top of the Atlantic
Coast Conference.

Defensive Success

"Among other things, a new head football
coach must be a man of excellent character,
have the respect of the young men he will be so
deeply involved with, have a broad background
and knowledge of football and give every
reason that success will be the result of his
efforts."

During his four years as defensive
coordinator, the Cavaliers have never ranked
less than second in the Atlantic Coast
Conference in total defense. His 1967 and 1969

passing defense was the best in the conference
and the former ranked second nationally and
the latter seventh.

Despite the Cavaliers record of 0-6 in the
conference for the 1970 season, his rushing,
passing and total defense each ranked second in
the ACC. His 1969 total defense was first in the
conference and ranked 10th nationally.

Mr. Lawrence said he planned to put more
emphasis on in-state recruiting. "Our goal is to
get 20 of the top 30 football players in the
state."

Regarding his general outlook, Lawrence

said, "I have three obligations as a football
coach. First, give our boys the best opportunity
to play. Second, give them the best opportunity
to win. Third, give them the best opportunity
to get an education."

'Tough Schedule'

At the conclusion of Mr. Lawrence's
statement he added, "We have a tough schedule
next year. Our goal is to beat Navy." Other
than six ACC foes Lawrence and his staff will
have to prepare their athletes for Navy,
Michigan, Vanderbilt, Army and Virginia
Polytechnic Institute & State University.