University of Evansville - LinC Yearbook (Evansville, IN)

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Rodgers Tackles Many Assignments As Aces Head Coach by Craig Bonhert No one said it would be easy, but the task of rebuilding the University of Evansville ' s football team into a winning program entails a staggering amount of work, which most people would not think of undertaking. Randy Rogers is not most people. Inheriting a program whose losing seasons far outweight the winning ones, Rodgers took on the job of trying to piece together a winning football team. To do that, he needed talent, student support, and community support through contributions and backing at games. Considering the situa- tion, one out of three isn ' t bad. He ' s got the talent. This year his team was in the nation ' s top ten in passing offense. During the spring, he and his staff recruited outstanding players from the area, including a speedster tailback that would give the Aces the one dimension they need — a running game. The defense solidified toward the end of the year, and the team proved they could play within the conference and with others outside the league. What rewards were given Rodgers? Minimal attention from the news media and talk from the administration of moving the football program back to division III, a move Rodgers violently opposes. Hired to build a respectable Division II program, he was given only one year before the specter of Division III was pulled out to the closet, with its connotations of a dwindling interest in the sport from the powers at UE. What was perhaps more painful for Rodgers was the lack of respose from the student body and the Evansville community. Total reaction of both bodies wouldn ' t have registered on the most sensitive of meters, if there are meters that measure apathy. But Rodgers didn ' t roll over and play dead, as has been done in the past. Instead, he hit the bricks in an effort to drum up the support he needs. Whether or not he will be successful will be seen with time, but if he gets anything for enthusiasm and hard work, there will be no doubt to the outcome. One of the reasons Rodgers likes the passing game is that the team who uses it is never out of a contest. That philoso- phy seems to permeate Rodgers ' line both on and off the field. Even with his back to the goalline and pressure being put on, Rodgers is still in the game and won ' t stop fighting until the final gun goes off. That ' s the kind of coach that will put UE on the football map, given half a chance.