I think that overstates what Hesburgh did.....

I think that overstates what Hesburgh did.....
by BIGSKYND (2006-02-22 12:59:45)

In reply to: Question about Fr. Hesburgh's treatment of the football program. posted by CMC Irish

at the risk of inciting rebellion here, there is good reason to believe Hesburgh helped ease Leahy out the door and in turn had good reason to do so. Leahy had arrogated to himself a certain independence from the CSC administration that was probably unhealthy and inappropriate. There are, for example, stories which probably have some truth to them about the 35-year-old Hesburgh, new to the presidency, inviting Leahy to meetings, only to have one of Frank's assistants appear. In addition, some of Leahy's actions on the football field (e.g., the Varricheone fake injury incident) were counter-productive to the gigantic task Hesburgh had taken on of significantly improving ND's academic standing, which was in turn highly dependent on how the school was perceived by potential donors. That said, the later decisions (Brennan, Kuharich) which people have labelled as "de-emphasis" likely were not. Instead, they were just bad personnel decisions. Kuharich, for example, came from the NFL so his hiring could hardly be characterized as de-emphasizing. He just turned out to be a bad coach. Even throughout his reign, ND still was turning out a lot of NFL talent. Meanwhile, Hesburgh raised tons of money and drove ND's ascension to a much loftier academic status.

Give Hesburgh his due.

I agree that Hesburgh's decision to ease Leahy out was more personal than a decision to deemphasize football. Hesburgh enjoyed the football team and used football success to great advantage for the University as a whole. Yes, the Brennan and Kuharich hires ended up poorly, but they were made with high hopes. Hesburgh was steering the ship when Ara was brought in, and Ara could have stayed as long as he wanted. The subsequesnt hires, including Holtz, were approved by Ted the Head, and were made with the goal of football success at the highest level.

Just so you know.....

I happen to lump Hesburgh in with Sorin. I give him his due whenever and wherever possible. Nobody singlehandedly elevates a school to elite status, but TMH came closer than anybody I've ever seen to willing it himself....