RT gets ragged on here on a regular basis for his tenure. First, it should be noted that he took the worst UI football team I have ever seen 1997 to the Sugar Bowl in 4 years. 1999 UI scored 62(?) in another bowl game. Yes, the end was bad, but that is not my point.
I recall shortly after Turner was fired that he showed up with his whole family, all wearing Illini apparel, cheering on the basketball team in the NCAA tournament. A few people stopped to say hello, but he was largely ignored.How many coaches who were just fired come back to show their loyalty to a program that just fired him?
Fast forward to the last 3 weeks. It is well known that the prime person, other than Whitman, in getting this done was Turner. Lovie called him. He could have bashed UI (if he read the forum, he would see how many people speak ill of him). Instead, he convinced Smith that he could win at UI. He spoke highly of the school, from academics to athletics. Lovie has cited that conversation as the turning point in his decision.
I may be in the minority, but I want to express my gratitude to RT for being a classy guy, and for speaking so highly of our school. It takes real class to do this, and RT has as much class as anyone in CFB in my book.
I took the time to email him and let him know how much I admired and appreciated him. He took the time to write back a heart-felt response, ending with "Go Illini"
Ron Turner, all I can think of to say is thank you and to wish him and his family the best in future. He deserves no less in my book.
I recall shortly after Turner was fired that he showed up with his whole family, all wearing Illini apparel, cheering on the basketball team in the NCAA tournament. A few people stopped to say hello, but he was largely ignored.How many coaches who were just fired come back to show their loyalty to a program that just fired him?
Fast forward to the last 3 weeks. It is well known that the prime person, other than Whitman, in getting this done was Turner. Lovie called him. He could have bashed UI (if he read the forum, he would see how many people speak ill of him). Instead, he convinced Smith that he could win at UI. He spoke highly of the school, from academics to athletics. Lovie has cited that conversation as the turning point in his decision.
I may be in the minority, but I want to express my gratitude to RT for being a classy guy, and for speaking so highly of our school. It takes real class to do this, and RT has as much class as anyone in CFB in my book.
I took the time to email him and let him know how much I admired and appreciated him. He took the time to write back a heart-felt response, ending with "Go Illini"
Ron Turner, all I can think of to say is thank you and to wish him and his family the best in future. He deserves no less in my book.
