Storyline: LaVell Edwards had extraordinary success as head football coach at Brigham Young University.
Courtesy: KUTV.com
One of America’s greatest college football coaches passed away last week. LaVell Edwards coached at Brigham Young University for 29 successful years.
Edwards was known for producing outstanding quarterbacks. The list includes Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, and Steve Sarkisian. Others stand out, too. Robbie Bosco took the Cougars to a 13-0 season and No. 1 ranking in 1984. Ty Detmer, the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner, threw for 121 touchdowns in his B.Y.U. career.
Edwards compiled a incredible record of 257-101-3. In addition to that perfect season in 1984, he won 18 Western Athletic Conference titles, the 1999 Mountain West title in the league’s inaugural season, and 22 bowl games. A two-time national coach of the year, in 2004 Edwards was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
LaVell was an inspiration to me and other football fans across America. Here are my favorite quotes from Coach Edwards:
LaVell Edwards (photo, WRAL.com)
Potential does not always ensure success. The greatest players have not always been the most endowed.
I just feel that you reach a point when its time to move on.
We can have the greatest will to do well. But unless we have prepared, it is of little use.
I suspect that these traits–desire, commitment, and good work habits–are important in all facets of our lives.
I do know that those who succeed have been able to recognize within themselves the potential to do something well.
The ability we have to handle adversity will determine the degree of success that we will have in life.
Football coaches, players, and fans–all of us–can learn from Edwards’ observations about how to succeed in football and, more so, in life
