As I sit on my laptop in Mayor Glenn Johnson’s Broadcast Management class, I can’t help but feel excited about the direction of WSU athletics. I just returned from Leach’s well-publicized press conference in the CUB Senior Ballroom, where the atmosphere was electric (as far as press conferences go). Butch, the WSU marching band and the Crimson Girls 🙂 were there to welcome a bona fide celebrity to Pullman. To learn my thoughts on Leach’s initial statements and my early impression of the WSU basketball team, click on the jump.
For Cougar fans out there who don’t put there entire life on hold for the introduction of a new coach, I’ll provide you with a few breakdowns of notable Leach quotes from his first presser. However, before going in-depth into his comments, I must say Leach was everything you’ve seen from his Youtube clips and more. He was energetic, funny and a little eccentric. Leach also appeared confident that he could quickly turn the Cougars into a team that consistently reaches bowl games.
Now, on to the quotes!
Statement: When asked by the media if he would forsake Pullman for greener pastures, Leach scoffed at the notion, saying he didn’t want to leave Texas Tech after a decade. He said Pullman is where he wants to be right now, and that Washington State is a place he can win at.
Reaction: Wulff supporters adamantly argued Wulff was the best fit for the position because “he would always want to coach in Pullman.” I honestly don’t think Leach would jump at the first huge offer from another BCS school considering he spent 10 years happy in Lubbock, Texas. Say what you want about Pullman, but Lubbock, as the 87th biggest market in the U.S., isn’t exactly a “destination” city. As long as he continues his winning tradition, I see Leach coaching at WSU for a VERY long time. Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports tweeted shortly after the news conference that he thought Leach would stay in Pullman for the rest of his coaching career.
Statement: When asked about his fascination with pirates, Leach explained the story Michael Lewis wrote about him in the New York Times six years ago. Like pirates, he wants his team to avoid “castes,” and execute his offense with the precision that a pirate swings his sword. Leach then demonstrated swift “air” sword thrusts to get his point across.
Reaction: The whole pirate fascination is pretty cool, and I know the WSU fanbase will run with it. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Leach captaining the Black Pearl across the Snake River this summer when I head to Boyer Park.
Statement: Leach said he had to hold back from ripping into people who would ask him, “Why Washington State?” He said he is generally excited to work under AD Bill Moos because he is one of the most respected athletic directors in the country. He also thanked every coach dating back to Jim Walden.
Reaction: Classy move by Leach to thank a guy who has totally ripped his hiring. Time for Leach to lock Jimbo in a shed for a while while he leads us to the Holiday Bowl next year.
All for now, Go Cougs!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
