Bill is on a mission

The new (and former) Kansas State coach just stopped here at Jabara Airport, and Bill Snyder’s prevailing theme was encouraging the fans to come back out and support the Wildcats. He hammered the point home, which was received well by the 125 or so fans in attendance.

Of course, there was also the obligatory shot at the media. Asked about his coaching staff, Snyder said it was two-thirds done and because of extended contracts for assistants, it’s more difficult than in the past to simply hire away quality people. But when it’s finished, he said, a release would be circulated.

Until then, Snyder said, “anything else isn’t accurate.”

He also said he’s been busy on the recruiting path, saying he spent Monday evening here as well. Well – and apologies for perhaps “burying the lead” – Bryce Brown, the heralded East running back, confirmed Tuesday that he met with the K-State coach last night. Brown is committed to Miami, but he is still listening to schools, and he liked what he heard from Snyder.

“It went really well,” Brown said via text message. “I enjoyed his company.”

Let me just say this – Snyder, without assessing blame or pointing a finger, is on a mission to rectify EVERYTHING that went wrong during his three-year absence. Don’t be surprised if a few of the kids the previous regime missed out on suddenly resurface in Manhattan, realizing a couple of things: 1) It’s a privilege to play close to home, 2) it’d be a privilege to play for perhaps one of the most accomplished college coaches of all-time, and 3) it’d be a privilege to help restore the K-State program – once again under Snyder – to the heights it once knew.

14 Comments

  1. Posted December 2, 2008 at 12:11 pm | Permalink

    Is that a Harper/Arthur reference?

  2. BigErn
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 12:49 pm | Permalink

    Excellent. I don’t know how long it will take to rebuild the bridges with the local coaches, but it seems that is his mission.

    This is exactly what I wanted to hear.

  3. lifelongcat02
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 12:50 pm | Permalink

    I doubt it takes long for him to rebuild bridges. Its not like he is new to the area or school, all the coaches know him from before and either have a favorable opinion of him or not. I like Bryces comments because it sounds like Snyder could still sway him. we need a running back BAD!!

  4. GP76
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:10 pm | Permalink

    Jeff,
    Finally, something we can ruminate about.
    Dave

  5. pissclams
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:14 pm | Permalink

    i hadn’t realized that Bill Snyder was known for taking shots at the media, let alone those of the obligatory type.

  6. GP76
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:24 pm | Permalink

    Pissclams,
    Seems like Jeff has a love-hate relationship with all the coaches he follows, Prince/Martin/Snyder.

  7. icecoldchickenwing
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:35 pm | Permalink

    Chills. Thanks, Jeff.

  8. sys
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:39 pm | Permalink

    hey jeffrey, i believe it is basketball season. just an imo.

  9. Posted December 2, 2008 at 2:16 pm | Permalink

    Couple of things – I really, really like Bill. I understand why he maintains a frosty relationship with the media. I get it. But if you give, you should be able to get as well, no? And I have no problems whatsoever with Frank. Yes, sys, it is basketball season. Not sure what you’d like to see, but since I’m volunteering, let me know. What’s on your mind?

  10. BeerBrewer
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 5:42 pm | Permalink

    I don’t blame Coach one bit for taking shots at the media here and there. And in this instance, I really don’t see the ’shot’. He’s simply saying that his staff is not complete yet, and he’ll let everyone know when it is. If we hear anything other than that…it’s not accurate. I don’t read that as a ’shot’…I read it as a matter of fact.

  11. elkwc
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 6:28 pm | Permalink

    I think he maybe pointing that at one journalist who likes to run with stories without confirming. Would be my thought. JMart you know who I mean and it isn’t you. I’m talking about a man who don’t know the ethics of journalism after 15 years or so. Very good and encouraging story.

  12. PettMB
    Posted December 3, 2008 at 12:03 pm | Permalink

    “3) it’d be a privilege to help restore the K-State program – once again under Snyder – to the heights it once knew.”

    -This is the biggest one in my opinion. Don’t these Kansas recruits want to help their in-state school return to the glory years? They basically would be celebrities in the state of Kansas if they helped us do so.

  13. SunTzu
    Posted December 4, 2008 at 12:43 am | Permalink

    Go Snyder go!!!

  14. SunTzu
    Posted December 4, 2008 at 12:44 am | Permalink

    Any word or speculation on what Josh thinks of Snyder as HC?