Northwestern University Athletics
Coach Fitzgerald Answers Questions From Wildcat Fans!
2/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 11, 2008
Coach Fitzgerald selected seven questions from the numerous questions he receives from fans throughout the year. Fans submitted questions at home football games, Pregames with Pat and online at NUsports.com. All fans whose questions are answered below will receive a Wildcat bucket hat! If you would like to submit a question for Coach Fitzgerald, click here!.
Ask Fitz 2007
1) In recruiting, how do you evaluate a players' desire? (Submitted by Tom Kelly)
In recruiting, we spend a significant amount of time talking to multiple sources about every student athlete we recruit. We spend time on the phone and in person with the Coaches, Teachers and Counselors in the school. In addition, we get to know the player and his family well. Throughout that process, there are several different coaches on our staff involved. We have weekly meetings about the recruits and discuss each one at length. If we feel they are a great fit, we work very hard to make them a Wildcat.
2) Why did you choose NU for your college football experience? (Submitted by Christopher Markos)
I think Big Ten football is among the best in the country. It was always a goal of mine to play in this conference and go to the Rose Bowl. Although I had opportunities to play at other Big Ten Universities, I chose Northwestern because of its unique mix of outstanding academics, proximity to the great city of Chicago, and the great quality of football. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
3) I am six years old and I want to know if I can play football for you someday? Thanks. (Submitted by Aaron Powers)
Absolutely! My best advice to you would be to focus on school first! Study hard and do you're very best to achieve the best grades possible. As long as you are getting the school work done well, then start to mix some football in and focus on the fundamentals. Football is a long process of developing your knowledge and ability, so be patient, concentrate on getting one day better.
4) Do you prefer a natural grass field or artificial turf for football and why? (Submitted by James Browder)
We are lucky to have both at Northwestern! We practice on field turf, and play our games on natural grass. I believe it is important to practice primarily on the field turf because we use it so much, and want to make sure the surface is always safe for our players. Throughout the grind of the season, and if we have any bad weather days, we never need to worry about the field. However, I love to have our games on the natural grass, it just feels to me like that is the way football should be. But on game day our team is so fired up we would play in the parking lot if we needed to!
5) Why do you practice in the morning? (Submitted by Dave Olson)
There are several reasons we practice in the morning. Primarily, it is because it works out with our player's schedules much better. They can come in early, have their meetings, go out to practice and get to class by 11 am. If they have time after class and homework, many of them like to come back in the evening to watch more film on their own too. The players loved the schedule this season, so did the coaches and their families.
6) Who do you talk to on the headset during the game and what do you learn? (Submitted by Jeff Smith)
Our entire coaching staff is on the headset during the game, the offense is on one channel and the defense is on another. We have several coaches on the field, and a few others in the press box. The headsets allow those in the box to communicate to those of us on the field. In addition, when I need to find a coach on the sideline, I don't have to look, I just talk to them. We discuss every situation from play calls, to injuries, to whether or not we should go for it on forth down or kick the field goal. The only rule is, one person talk at a time (that rule isn't always followed)!
7) Do you have a pregame routine? (Submitted by Bernice Valantinat)
My favorite part of my pregame routine is leading the team through the fans, cheerleaders and band down Walker Way. My Wife Stacy, and my two boys Jack and Ryan are always waiting at the end for me with big smiles and a hug, seeing them always gets me ready to work!
