All Entries Tagged With: "Louisville football"
Papa John’s Stadium Expansion Update
Some surprises awaited the observer during his Tuesday evening stop by Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Something new, not included in the architectural renderings, is being added to the new second level. Extending from the top of the stadium addition is the beginning of a series of beams.
They will elicit discussion, no doubt about it. Are they to provide shelter for a limited number of patrons? Aesthetic purposes? Trellis for ivy? Safety reasons? What?
Good to see quarterbacks and wide receivers from the University of Louisville football team getting in some work on the field. Rumor had it Coach Charlie Strong wasn’t going to let players near the field for a while. So much for that one.
Jurich, Strong Discussed Louisville Job In October
New U of L Football Coach Wows Churchill Downs Crowd
By Paul Sykes
University of Louisville football coach Charlie Strong held an overflow crowd of Churchill Downs Turf Club members and guests in the palm of his hand during a three-hour meet and greet Wednesday evening.
Accompanied by his wife, Strong was greeted with a rock star ovation and literally had to fight his way to the stage to speak to the raucous and appreciative crowd.
Strong was introduced by Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich, who told the crowd:
- The plan to replace Steve Kragthorpe as football coach intensified after former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy repeatedly confirmed Jurich’s beliefs about Strong as the ideal candidate to take over Cardinal football.
- U of L maintained contact with Strong during his final season as Florida defensive coordinator. Strong told Jurich after the Florida vs. Arkansas game in October, “There comes a time when you have to make a change in your life and Louisville is the place I want to be.”
Strong told the crowd returning players are on a strict conditioning and workout routine under the guidance of strength coach Pat Moore, who was also in attendance. He guaranteed to the crowd “we will play hard. I can’t tell you how many games we will win our first year..but we will play hard in each and every one of them.”
Strong also went on to say that “I have never been anywhere where I have been so welcome. My family and me. People are honestly thankful I am here and that’s an incredible feeling.”
After his remarks, Strong worked the crowd, shaking hands, posing for photos and signing autographs. He was still hard at work when this attendee left at 9 p.m.
My minute of fame with Charlie tonight? A vigorous handshake and discussion of the fun appearance he had at the Parrish House on signing day. He will be back there this fall for a preseason analysis of how the team is doing in fall practice.
His words for me to share with our Card Game followers:
“Paul, tell them that I want them in the seats. Loud and crazy.”
Four Star Tackle Commits To Louisville
Charlie Strong never quits angling for recruits, and he goes for big ones.
His latest catch is De’Antre Rhodes, a four-star defensive tackle. He has signed a letter of intent with the University of Louisville and will be eligible to play during the 2010 football season.
De'Antre Rhodes
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound native of Richmond, Va., visited the Louisville football facilities earlier this week and attended the U of L-Notre Dame basketball game. He made his commitment Friday morning.
A one-time Virginia Tech commitment, he was rated the No.11 high school recruit in the country in his class, and was third-ranked among defensive defensive tackle in the country.
The word is the Louisville football coach still has another spot to fill. Stay tuned.
New Digs For Steve Kragthorpe
Texas A&M is making Steve Kragthorpe the team’s new passing game coordinator, pending the approval of the Board of Regents.
He previously served as the Aggies’ offensive coordinator for two years (1998-2000), with A&M winning the Big 12 in his first season.
Passing game coordinator? Have to will wish him well but the dramatic decline in the University of Louisville’s passing game during his tenure is still top of mind. But hey, Texas fans know football.
Louisville Announces 2010 Football Schedule
Seven home games, including Friday night encounters with Cincinnati and Rutgers.
U of L Ticket Manager Brad Barber reports that ticket sales have been brisk for the new upper level seating in the expanded stadium, with between 150 and 200 seats being purchased daily over the past two weeks.
