Taking Names and Keeping Score
Taking another step
Charlie Anderson
Approximately a year ago I reported to you on a significant change that was taking place at the University of West Alabama including a wave of enthusiasm that was sweeping over the campus, the community and throughout the entire area. It all stemmed from the hiring of Bobby Wallace as the Head Football Coach at the University.

At that time I shared important information about Coach Wallace including a recap of his 30 year collegiate coaching career that included stops as an assistant at such places as Auburn, East Carolina, Illinois, Mississippi State and Wyoming and head coaching stints at the University of North Alabama and Temple University. I also recounted how during his ten years at North Alabama his teams posted and incredible 86 - 36 - 1 record and won an unprecedented three consecutive Division II National Championships while accumulating a 41 - 1 record during the same three year period.

In the same article I talked about the enthusiasm and high energy level that Coach Wallace was bringing to the program as he anticipated the beginning of the 2006 season and a new phase of his career. I further made a point of talking about the hunger the Alumni and friends of the University had for the football program to return to the glory days once experienced in the 1960's and 1970's.

Like the proverbial building of Rome I also suggested that although some progress might be expected in 2006, it would be unreasonable to believe that a complete turnaround could be achieved in one season and that it would take time for the program to reach the levels hoped for by the Alumni and friends and expected by Coach Wallace and his staff.

Well I am here to tell you that indeed Coach Bobby Wallace, his staff, and the young men that wore the West Alabama uniform did make progress in 2006, posting a 6 - 5 record which constituted the first winning season for the University in 14 years. In the process they brought a new attitude and excitement to the campus and community that has translated into better attendance at the games and greater overall support for the program.

Getting back on the winning trail has also afforded Coach Wallace and his staff a chance to attract a good class of recruits to the program this year and the opportunity to have a bigger impact on the recruiting of quality athletes to the university for years to come.

As the 2007 season gets underway, being able to count on fifteen returning starters including both kicking specialists, six offensive starters and seven defensive starters gives the University of West Alabama a head start on where they were a year ago at this time. When you figure in some of the new talent that has been brought into the program during the off season there seems to be potential for a mix that can not only hold the ground made in 2006 but take another step toward the putting the program on a plane where consistency in winning can be expected.

That's not to say it will be an easy task especially with schools like Samford University and North Carolina Central being added to the schedule to replace Lambuth and Webber International. Add in the fact that all the other schools in the Gulf South Conference are expected to be stronger in 2007 and the road to another winning campaign certainly has some potential pot holes.

But, with that said, it is my opinion that the positive attitude and belief in their system that Coach Wallace and his staff have brought to the West Alabama Football program have the kids in the program not only expecting to win but believing in their ability to play for a championship.

Look for the West Alabama Tigers to take another positive step in 2007on the road restoring the program to a level of success that everyone would be proud of.

Until next time…..be safe!

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