Spring football is just around the corner for Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies and, thankfully, Fisch is fully committed to making this time of year truly enjoyable for UW football fans. And while it may seem odd that I think that’s a good thing, it’s not an indictment on Fisch or UW or anything along those lines.
It’s because some of Fisch’s contemporaries are doing silly things.
While there are some college football programs that are, for one reason or another, intent on making it more difficult for fans to be able to enjoy their favorite team, it seems like Jedd Fisch totally understands why spring games are important. And he’s apparently fully committed to giving Washington Husky fans access to the UW football program throughout the spring.
I’m here for it. This rocks.
Again, the likes of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Texas Longhorns, North Carolina State Wolfpack, USC Trojans are moving away from spring games. Teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ole Miss Rebels are moving towards modified spring games, which is fine, I guess.
MEANWHILE, Washington’s very own Jedd Fisch is interested in having fans involved and supporting the Huskies this spring.
I, for one, greatly appreciate a coach who understands that fans are putting a lot of time, energy, and money into supporting their favorite team. And I deeply respect Jedd Fisch for focusing in on giving fans opportunities to support the Huskies.
Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch rocks and I’m all for a coach who wants Washington Husky fans at their spring game
As Heather Dinich and ESPN report, Fisch doesn’t get why some programs are moving away from this longtime football tradition. I don’t either, for what it’s worth.
“It’s a marketing tool for the program. We don't need to worry about selling tickets here, but we've got 350 alumni coming back,” Fisch said, according to ESPN. “We've got activities throughout the weekend. We make it fun for our students. We want our players to be able to play in a game on the field in front of their families.”
He’s right. On all accounts there. This is a great way for the UW football program to connect with alumni of the team (and alumni of the university) along with fans, players, and their families. There’s very little that is “bad” about a spring game. This is such a good way to build momentum and excitement about a football team.
And he continued to have more good points! As Fisch notes, this is such a remarkably good opportunity for players who may not get playing time during a season to go out and enjoy themselves after all the work they’ve put in to get to this point. They deserve that reward.
“There's some players that will never be able to play a game in front of people. It's a chance for them to do that,” Washington’s head coach explained, according to the Worldwide Leader in Sports. “It gives our coaches chances to be in different roles. I've never not wanted to have a spring game. It's never even crossed my mind."
I love that. I love that Fisch gets it. This is important for just about everyone who is even remotely connected to the Washington Husky football program.
Washington Husky head coach Jedd Fisch is a man of the people and gets it right when talking about spring games
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Chris Vannini over at The Athletic also chatted with Fisch about some of this during a podcast and, as he points out, Fisch really wants this to be something that UW football fans are able to enjoy. One huge reason? The significant amount of money that Washington Husky fans are pouring into the program.
“We’re asking these people to come out of their pockets to help our kids,” Fisch said, according to Vannini. “The least we could do is give them access to these kids the best we can.”
I really feel like there aren’t enough football fans who are considering things from this perspective. I greatly appreciate and respect the fact that Fisch is. College football is expensive to enjoy, especially if you want to attend a game. This sport has become difficult for a lot of folks to keep up with. And here Fisch is, making sure that there are as many opportunities as possible so that fans can get there.
I’m here for it. Kudos to Fisch for getting this absolutely right. He deserves a ton of credit for his stance on this one.