Mailbag Question: Barwis and loyalty

Eroc and Coach,

Really, enjoy your website. Afraid to say I tripped over it accidentally and now go there everyday...keep up the good work.

Those of us alums who now live outside of Michigan do not get the feel of being close to what is going on in Ann Arbor as we used to. Of course, the Internet has helped with that a lot. My wife and daughters went to the Woman's Football Academy about 3 years ago (Grady's first year) and because we drove up from North Carolina, they let me be a "gopher" for the day. That was great fun.

I have read much about Coach Barwis but two things I have not heard him talk about. He always talks about his loyalty to Coach Rodriguez but so far, I have not heard him talk about any loyalty to Michigan. Is that something that will just take time to grow or is he simply so focused on Coach Rod that it does not go any further than that? Secondly, I have not felt any appreciation from him for the $1million Michigan spent to upgrade his facilities. From my side of the dollar sign ($) that seems like a lot of dollars to throw at the Strength and Conditioning program all in one year and I'd sure being thanking the Athletic Department regularly for providing such a facility for my programs.

Thanks again,

Bob

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Thanks for the question. Coach Barwis talked with great appreciation of Michigan upgrades. In addition, of great appreciation of those who have helped with those upgrades! He has gone out of his way to show off Michigan new facilities. The upgraded facilities are a great recruiting tool. Over last few years, a number of athletes who went elsewhere mentioned outdated facilities.

Most assistant coaches are loyal to their head coach. Two thirds of new staff followed Coach Rod from West Virginia to Michigan. That includes S & C directors. Being loyal to Michigan comes from time spent at school. I am more concerned with how they mesh with players then loyalty to Michigan.

From all indications, Barwis and Michigan athletes have already developed a mutual respect and admiration. In addition, all assistants and coaches are about winning. They only keep employment if they are successful.

If you want to learn, more about Barwis go through some of the archives back in April about the coach’s clinic that CoachBt and I attended. In addition, we have made more comments about Barwis in other months in the archive section. Another place if you have access is to GBW board and on the front page under “extras” there is a 11 part video interview with Barwis and Sam Webb.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

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