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Mid-season report from Mike Sherman

The football team needs your support now more than ever.

By: Mike Sherman

Issue date: 10/17/08 Section: Opinion
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Media Credit: Battalion Admin
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Since I have always considered this football team an extension of the student body at Texas A&M, I want to give you a mid-season update of your team.

Whether you are a football fan or not, the reality is that Aggie football has been a big part of Texas A&M history and tradition for a long time. A lot of you came to Aggieland not only because of great professors and academics, but also because of the people and traditions that exist - traditions that are unique to Texas A&M. It goes without saying that football has been part of that history and responsible for many of its traditions.

With that said, I want you to know I feel a huge responsibility to you, the students, to make sure you can take great interest, pride and ownership of this football team. I do not take that responsibility lightly. You deserve a team that represents you and this University with class, character and a competitive spirit. I fully understand many of you are disappointed with the way things have gone so far this season, as you should be.

To say I am disappointed with this season would be an understatement, but I want you to know I am far from discouraged.

On the contrary, I must say I am extremely encouraged by the evolving culture, attitude and accountability of our team. No one is making excuses for our lack of success to this point, and no one is pointing fingers blaming others. We got ourselves into this and only we can get us out.

It is because of total accountability both on and off the field that I believe this team is heading in the right direction, despite its disappointments. It isn't until you become totally honest with yourself and those around you that you can begin to fix what needs to be fixed and then begin to take steps forward. That is where we are as a team and that is a positive.

I have told our team time and time again, even as we have endured much adversity this season, that there is something special out there for us. I have told them that the adversity we are facing as a team and how we handle it internally will not only define us now but for years to come.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 30

Dennis Garrett

posted 10/17/08 @ 6:21 AM CST

Thank you Coach Sherman for delivering a fantastic outlook for our Aggie football team. It has been a long time since I have heard anyone recognize our team in this manner. (Continued…)

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

Michael Gorney

posted 10/17/08 @ 7:53 AM CST

Thank you Coach,

I choose to be optimistic about this team. Certainly, everyone knew we were not going to be going to the National Championship this year (except maybe Miller58). (Continued…)

David McCulley

posted 10/17/08 @ 8:52 AM CST

Coach Sherman, when you came back to Texas A&M just months ago, you made a personal commitment to reintegrate the players and the pride of our football program into the student body and pride of Texas A&M. (Continued…)

Jason Garrett

posted 10/17/08 @ 8:56 AM CST

Wait, wait, wait. 5 years of mediocracy? Since WHEN did a very likely 2-10 get lumped into a "mediocre" category?

That's in a completely different column all its own, and the title is vulgar enough to comlpetely leave off this website. (Continued…)

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

Chuck Hinton '76

posted 10/17/08 @ 9:40 AM CST

My freshman year, 1972, we had a brand new coach named Emory Bellard. That first year was tough and we did not get to throw the Yell Leaders in the Fish Pond very often since the football team went 3-8. (Continued…)

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

lmesa92

posted 10/17/08 @ 10:10 AM CST

I agree with the optimism and the comment regarding Miller58. Since when have Aggies turned against Aggies. "We are the Aggies, the Aggies are WE" is what I remember from my days as an undergrad at Texas A&M. (Continued…)

Christina '03

posted 10/17/08 @ 11:12 AM CST

I love Aggie football and cannot imagine the fall without it - even when they are losing. What is great about this University is the support and tradition that goes along with this great sport. (Continued…)

Michael E. Caudle '69

posted 10/17/08 @ 11:22 AM CST

Last week at the A&M vs. KSU game, I watched in amazement as the maroon clad student body kept filing out of the stadium in the second half until finally there were more Corps of Cadets members remaining than the other students on all three East-side decks combined. (Continued…)

(2 replies)   Details   Reply to this comment

DB22

posted 10/17/08 @ 12:03 PM CST

This really made my day. I know that even though we might not win, this is Aggieland and I'll be there the whole game no matter what. I support Coach Sherman and the team and I just know this will all make sense down the road. (Continued…)

Dick Denney

posted 10/17/08 @ 12:15 PM CST

Jason, you need to get your numbers correct. There are many times three in our office that read the Batt today. The team may not be winning but I have yet to see lack of effort. (Continued…)

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