A Success, by Any Measure

It's been three weeks off since our semi-final playoff loss to the Vermont Ravens and I've finally been able to reflect on the entire season. It's been hard to take in all of the ups and downs of a grueling first season, especially when there are gameplans to prepare and practices to plan and execute. But now that it's over, I can truly say that the inaugural season has been a huge success by any standard.

It all started on such tenuous footing. An eleventh-hour mandate by the Risk Management Department that we purchase an extremely cost-prohibitive insurance policy almost meant delaying the season for a whole year. And then there was the late arrival of our equipment and uniforms which meant we played our first game in our practice jerseys.

But it all came together quickly on the field; to the tune of a 5-1 start. There were a lot of close games in the first six, but this young football team worked hard and found ways to win games. Injuries then finally took their toll as key starters and backups went down to nagging injuries and we finished 1-3. But a first round playoff win and a 6-4 overall record is definitely something to build our program on.

Add to the on-field success, the overwhelming support of the local community, alumni, and students. Close to 6,000 fans attended our five home games and the visiting teams were in awe of our supporters. The UVM alums who were members of varsity teams past, welcomed the new Catamounts with open arms into the UVM football family. High school players across Vermont are excited to hear that they can stay close to home and continue to play football in and for Vermont.

The Northeast Independent Football League selected ten Catamounts to be members of the Western Division All-Star team and our own Tim Snow was the game's Most Valuable Player. Doug DeLuca was also named to the All-NIFL team; the only Catamount to be so honored. And finally, our coaching staff was named Coaching Staff of the Year; an honor I am especially proud of.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone that made the season possible and also who made it the great success that it was:

* To Doug DeLuca for his tireless efforts in getting the whole thing started. I don't know how he does it, but I am forever grateful.
* To the players who came together as a family and played their hearts out each and every week.
* To the generous donations of our sponsors and University without whom none of this would have been possible.
* To Chris, John, and Rich at ESPN Radio WCAT 1390 who kept our supporters across the country, including my family in Louisiana and Alabama, in touch with the team.
* To the NIFL's Best Coaching Staff: Jay Haraden, Dave Motherway, Ian Stroud, and Sam Wolcott - thanks for all of your help and support; I could not have done it alone.
* To my wife Betsy: We did it, Mrs. Coach! I love you!

With this season as a benchmark, and with only two starters graduating this Spring, the 2008 outlook is very bright for us. Regardless of our record, I've had the honor of being associated with a great University and an outstanding group of young men. I hope to lead both to even greater heights next season.