Big Ralph bites off a little less
Posted Jul31, 2006 at 03:23 PM
Coach Ralph Friedgen knows he is the face of the Maryland football program, but fans shouldn't be surprised if they see a little less of him this season.
After back-to-back 5-6 seasons, the man they call "The Fridge" is drifting away from public relations and getting back to basics.
"When I went to Maryland, I kind of knew what had to be done there," said Friedgen, who is entering his sixth season with the Terps. "I think we had to improve our fan base, we had to improve our fundraising, we had to improve our facilities. I think I’ve done all that. Now it’s time to get back to winning football games."
Friedgen set a lofty standard at Maryland by winning 10 games in each of his first two seasons and claiming the 2001 ACC title. The fans have bought into the program -- the Terps averaged more than 52,000 per home game last year to set an attendance record -- but Friedgen thinks it will take nothing less than a bowl bid this season, and preferably more, to keep them interested.
He accepts that -- as long as they're willing to accept seeing a little less of him.
"I’m out of the fund-raising business," Friedgen said. "I used to do a breakfast the Friday before every home game. I think I’m only going to do three of those this year. I just can’t do everything. I’m going to cut back and focused on winning football now.”
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