I thought it was incredible on many levels that he was there in Columbus today. Go Cats!
How cool was it that Fitz was at the game?
- Thread starter Skolcat
- Start date
I've got to say that the culture of NU athletics is very, very good. And impressive. Quite cool for Fitz to be there in Columbus today.
Also, I was at the TCU vs NU men's tennis match on Friday night. TCU (#7 national ranking) vs NU (#13 national ranking) and an excellent 4-2 win for NU. I was very pleased to see good attendance. Of course, support from the women's tennis team and coach but also none other than Clayton Thorson and a couple of those fb guys. I will say that I don't always like some of the Dr. Jim decisions on things but he is a GREAT AD and is a big part of why the culture is the way it is. The athletes are very much a part of the school community as a whole and they are wonderful representatives of NU. Really good for Dr. Jim and his hiring and, of course, Collins is becoming a very good coach and a great leader for NU. Would that all of college sports would look more the way it does at NU. Sadly, far from the case.
Also, I was at the TCU vs NU men's tennis match on Friday night. TCU (#7 national ranking) vs NU (#13 national ranking) and an excellent 4-2 win for NU. I was very pleased to see good attendance. Of course, support from the women's tennis team and coach but also none other than Clayton Thorson and a couple of those fb guys. I will say that I don't always like some of the Dr. Jim decisions on things but he is a GREAT AD and is a big part of why the culture is the way it is. The athletes are very much a part of the school community as a whole and they are wonderful representatives of NU. Really good for Dr. Jim and his hiring and, of course, Collins is becoming a very good coach and a great leader for NU. Would that all of college sports would look more the way it does at NU. Sadly, far from the case.
It was nice to hear CC say he and Fitz were becoming good friends. On the one hand , why shouldn't they? On the other hand; they are both really busy, they compete for $, they compete for team recognition, they are totally obsessed with different sports. They compete for facility space. If one succeeds it puts pressure on the other. If one fails it's bad for the whole schools athletic reputation. Their schedules probably never align well. Both guys are really competitive and could feel that between them.
It would be easy for some people to not bother.
It would be easy for some people to not bother.
Sorry, but I don't think they compete at all. Both guys are getting more dollars than any NU coach has ever gotten. Collins is getting $110M worth of stadium renovation, Fitz and many other non-revenue sports $260M in Taj Fitz. So I think the administration is supporting both revenue coaches as well as possible.
It's funny that Dr. Jim wears a blazer with his white shirt and purple tie for indoor events (like basketball) but is always sans blazer at football games, even when the temp is frigid.
It's funny that Dr. Jim wears a blazer with his white shirt and purple tie for indoor events (like basketball) but is always sans blazer at football games, even when the temp is frigid.
Good point!!!!!
I was thinking about this as Fitz was bear hugging Collins after the game. The guy bleeds purple, and he was there as a fan more than anything. What other college football coach would do that at a road basketball game? Very cool.
Well, they have a lot in common - being around the same age, having played at the highest level for academic schools, both being Chicago boys (and both having homes in the Northshore).
And besides, don't they take recruits to a FB game or vice versa from time to time (when it's a big game)?
Having both programs be good and exciting can only help the other.
Returning the favor?
It was equally appreciated seeing Coach Collins at a road game in distant California supporting Fitz and the Football program.
Last edited:
As someone else mentioned, I was also wondering if Fitz was on a recruiting trip in the area. Still is support of Collins and the BB team looked good.