New Orange head football coach Greg Robinson and his wife, Laura, received a warm welcome Tuesday night at the Dome.
Robinson Meets Orange Squad and Then Enjoys First Hoops Game in the Dome
1/18/2005 11:49:58 PM | Football
New Orange football head coach Greg Robinson met with his team for the first time Tuesday afternoon on the opening day of the 2005 Spring semester before visiting the Carrier Dome to watch the SU men's basketball team beat Georgetown in overtime on Tuesday night. At halftime of the basketball game Robinson addressed the hometown crowd after he and his wife, Laura, received a warm welcome.
Spirits were high for Robinson and the team after the meeting. Four seniors provided their thoughts and reflections on the first day of the Robinson era.
Kellen Pruitt, Senior, Linebacker
On the team’s attitude:
“I think everybody is pretty excited for the chance to come out next year and get the job done. And we will re-establish the goals we set and just win games.”
On Coach Robinson’s message to the team:
“Basically, that we are going to do what we do and give 100% all the time. Even though he is a new guy, he understands the tradition of the program.”
On how he feels after the meeting with the coaches:
“I think the whole team seems to be motivated and excited for the future. I think with a change comes challenge. I think the players and coaches will embrace the challenge and make the best of it.”
Joe Kowalewski, Senior, Tight EndOn his first impression of Coach Robinson:
“He is a good guy. He has a positive outlook on everything. I really liked what he had to say with an attacking offense and an attacking defense. I think he wants to make things fun for us. He has a really good energy and presence about him. He has great credentials and he coached in the pros.”
On his feeling going into the meeting:
“I was excited. I think a lot of guys were excited to see what the coach was all about and what he was going to do. We have 22 seniors coming back and we just want to win so bad and make things right.”
On what he was happy to hear from Coach Robinson:
“He wants to win this year and he said this year was not rebuilding. That is great and he told the seniors, ‘You guys are going to lead this team. I am not coming in to rebuild, I am coming into win.’ I am so pumped up and everybody is so pumped up. Everyone was smiling, it was great.”
On if there was anger on the team because of what happened with Coach P:
“I don’t think there was any of that. We are all mature and we understand that this kind of stuff happens in college football. It is a shame that coaches got fired, but our main goal is to win this year. I think the team will come together under the new leadership and we are pointed in the right direction.”
Anthony Smith, Senior, Free Safety
On his feelings of Coach Robinson:
“I feel really good, he is bringing a lot of positive energy around. He has goals set for us that I think we can achieve. His main focus is just getting everyone on the same page and having the same vision. I think that is really good.”
On Coach Robinson’s meeting with the team:
“He is bringing in a lot of high energy people and he expects us to respond in a similar manner. We should be the same way and have a lot of intensity, be really enthusiastic and just run around with a lot of energy and have fun.”
Damien Rhodes, Senior, Running Back
On what Coach Robinson said in the meeting:
“He just said we have to have a vision. We can’t all have a different vision of what we want to do. We are a team and a family and I think as long as we are all on the same page and have the same goals, we will be fine.”
On his coaching staff so far:
“They are energetic, that is one of the big words. Everyone seems really energetic and it seems like we are going to go out there and have a lot of fun. They are young, but also very experienced. It is good. They are fresh and young so they know how we are feeling as young adults.”
On feeling of the team:
“All we are thinking about is winning next year. There are still some things that need to be done. The more we get a feel for him and the team starts to gel, then I think the sky is the limit for this team.”
On the transition from Coach Pasqualoni to Coach Robinson:
“We were, obviously, sad to see Coach P go and we are all going to miss him. But we know that this kind of stuff can happen and it happens all over the country. I think as long as we bounce back from it and get on the same page, then we will be great.”
On if he feels extra pressure to lead the team:
“Yes. It is kind of like that, but I don’t mind the pressure – I like it. I want people to look at me and feel that I am a leader. I like that kind of pressure and that kind of role. I will do whatever it takes for our team to gel.”
Postgame Press Conference vs. SMU - ACC 1st Round
Tuesday, March 10
Highlights | Syracuse vs. SMU - ACC 1st Round
Tuesday, March 10
Stanchion to Stanchion | Kiyan Anthony
Monday, March 09
Adrian Autry postgame vs. Pittsburgh
Sunday, March 08
