MAY 19, 1961
Coaches Tell All
If you follow the sports pages very closely, you begin to notice that an important part of most stories is the statement from the coach. This is usually about the approaching season, the last few games, or something along this line. It's important because it tells the reader what the coach thinks about the team ...Or does it? Sometimes don't you feel that the coach isn't telling what he'd like to say? Of course. So here, to help you tell what coaches really mean, are some common statements and their translations:
"Looking ahead to the coming season, we may have a little difficulty. The other teams are going to be tough, and our own team is still somewhat of a question mark." (We'll be lucky to break even.)
"We have a lot of new, untried talent with a good deal of potential. It isn't always experience that counts. The ambition and drive of new boys is also very important." (We've only got one returning letterman this year.)
"I'm happy to say that we have the one real essential for a championship team-experience." (Eleven lettermen are returning.)
"We've had a little difficulty in the outfield so far." (The clods I've got out there now couldn't catch a cold.)
"We face the state champs next, but I'm not giving up on that one. In this game, anything can happen." (With luck we'll be rained out.)
"There was a disputed play in our last game which I felt may have been important..." (That ref was blind!)
"Our offense has improved a great deal lately." (We finally scored in the last game.)
"I admit things don't look too good right now, but we have some boys who have been showing a great deal of promise lately." (The frosh team just won a couple of games.)
"We did have a disappointing season in some respects, but I'm confident that the team will go all the way next year." (We ended up 0-15, but I'm not going to be around next season anyhow.)