YSU

YSU

Unrealistic expectations
lead to Heacock criticism

Fanfare,

It’s funny how quick people are to criticize Jon Heacock for the season he is having this year.

Now, I am not saying that Coach Heacock is perfect, but let’s put this is perspective here, people. Jim Tressel is an aberration; he developed a championship program at a university that really had no business winning titles!

Let’s not forget, however, that Tressel’s first year came with a 2-9 record. What happened over the next decade is nothing short of remarkable: four national championships, nine playoff appearances, and a record of 135-57-2 before moving on to Ohio State.

But guess what? Jon Heacock was there for the majority of YSU’s successes.

UIn 1991, YSU finished 12-3 and won a national championship. Heacock was defensive backs coach.

UFrom 1993-1996, YSU reached four consecutive national championship games, winning two. Heacock was defensive coordinator.

He left for Indiana for four years and then returned again as defensive coordinator in 2000, when the Penguins went 9-3.

Clearly, Heacock knows what he’s doing.

When he took over in 2000, it was a lose/lose situation. If he wins, it’s because Tressel laid the foundation. If he loses, it’s because he’s an incompetent coach.

Get real. Athletes aren’t exactly clamoring to come to Youngstown, Ohio, when schools in California, Texas, and Florida beckon. Yet, somehow, YSU remains competitive.

If you haven’t been watching, college football is enjoying a balance that has never been seen before. More and more I-AA schools are luring players that previously would have played in the Big Ten, Big East, or MAC.

This is the competition YSU faces, and they’re winning!

Furthermore, the first few years of a new coach’s career should be taken with a grain of salt. He’s never been in that situation — it takes time to develop a comfort level and the right coaching staff. After that, it’s getting the recruits to win. Coach Heacock is right on schedule for where is in his career.

By the way, NIU is dominant at home, ranked No. 1 in the country and undefeated.

I’d say that YSU is more than “trying to survive.”

Get the facts right before you criticize the team and the coach — for being on the biggest stage against the best team, they did pretty well. As for a “struggling I-AA team” having no business playing big time schools, tell that to Appy State. Or, better yet, tell that to Michigan.

Tom Sweeney

Poland