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Coaches Take Lessons From Iraq Troops

Mideast trip inspires grid bosses from Notre Dame, Auburn, Miami

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2008 5:38 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Five big-name college football coaches toured the Middle East for five days, but it was they who came away star-struck by the troops—particularly the teamwork they witnessed among kids the same age as their own players. "We put signs up saying, 'Leave your egos at the door,'" Charlie Weis told ESPN. "If you get your team to live that creed the way these soldiers do, you'll be OK."

Military training builds a stronger team, but that's not all, according to Yale's Jack Siedlecki: "The maturity level is different. Some of them are 19, 20, 21. You don't see that in college kids. ... I see a maturity and a loss of innocence."

Georgia coach Mark Richt, right, was struck by the courage and teamwork exhibited by US troops he met while touring the Middle East.
Georgia coach Mark Richt, right, was struck by the courage and teamwork exhibited by US troops he met while touring the Middle East.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville was also on the Middle East tour, and came away feeling that US service personnel are well equipped to do their jobs.
Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville was also on the Middle East tour, and came away feeling that US service personnel are well equipped to do their jobs.   (AP Photo/John Amis)
Miami head coach Randy Shannon was one of five college coaches who rode along with US troops on a five-day trip to the Middle East.
Miami head coach Randy Shannon was one of five college coaches who rode along with US troops on a five-day trip to the Middle East.   (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis applauds during the annual Blue-Gold football game Saturday, April 19, 2008, in South Bend, Ind. He just returned from a motivational tour to Iraq.
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis applauds during the annual Blue-Gold football game Saturday, April 19, 2008, in South Bend, Ind. He just returned from a motivational tour to Iraq.   (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
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Georgia's Richt calls trip 'incredible'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Auburn's Tuberville amazed by troops' courage
al.com (Ala.)

Sports • US

 
Yale University • NCAA football • US military • Charlie Weis • Randy Shannon • Notre Dame Fighting Irish • Auburn Tigers • Georgia Bulldogs • Mark Richt • Miami Hurricanes

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