University of Virginia Library

Sports At Virginia

Team
Spirit
And The
Coaches

By Ernest Dempsey

II WAS CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN ENJOYABLE to sit
in Scott Stadium on Homecoming Saturday and view Virginia's
third consecutive football setback. That 27-7 trouncing by
Wake Forest set many students' football minds in motion,
bringing out into the open several critical analyses of the loss
itself and of the team in general.

NEEDLESS TO SAY, the general Cavalier weakness is
considered to be the offense. Specifically, the dismal showing
against the Deacons has been attributed to Quarterback Larry
Albert's injury, an inadequate running attack, generally sloppy
play, and in addition, the tragic death of former assistant coach
Ben Wilson in the Wichita State airplane accident. The idea of
spirit, or lack thereof, has been mentioned but not elaborated
upon.

WITHIN THE GUIDELINES of a football team, spirit can be
defined in a number of ways including the "rah-rah" spirit from
the stands, an individual player or line's incensed "kill" spirit, as
well as a team's determination; in other words, the desire for
victory. Let's for a moment look at the latter in relation to
Cavalier football.

IN OUR EVALUATION, it is interesting to note the
difference between Virginia's offensive and defensive squads. In
the four games played thus far, of the two squads, the defense
has obviously been more determined, more unified, and in lieu
of numerous offensive mistakes, has fared quite well.

WHERE DOES THE DIFFERENCE between the two squads
lie? Certainly, both the offense and defense have had capable
field leaders, the latter in co-captain Paul Reid and defensive
tackle Randy Lestyk, the former in co-captain Dan Ryczek and
Albert. Player leadership is indeed adequate, but how is it along
the coaching lines?

IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEAD COACH, George Blackburn
must command a great deal of respect and at the same time
have a decent rapport with his players. I watched Mr. Blackburn
during the Wake Forest game and he displayed neither of the
above. An offensive specialist, Mr. Blackburn seemed more
interested in his toes than in the Virginia effort.

ON THE OTHER HAND, defensive coach Don Lawrence
was constantly in motion, whether commending his squad,
advising it of a mistake, or just shouting an encouraging
message.

HOPEFULLY, MR. BLACKBURN'S LACKADAISICAL
appearance during the Wake Forest game does not reflect the
head coach's attitude towards the team, particularly the
dormant offense. Understandably, Mr. Blackburn was saddened
by the loss of his former assistant, in whose memory the game
was played. Nevertheless, it would have been gratifying to win
this tribute to Ben Wilson, an inspiration in itself.

SO, MR. BLACKBURN, acquire some of Mr. Lawrence's
spirit. Be more concerned with your offense when it blunders
and exercise your vocal cords when it is out on the field. If the
offense receives a bit of encouragement, or even hell, from its
coach, it may decide to function as a determined, unified squad.