Nevada football coach Chris Ault took out an ad in the Reno Gazette-Journal today. The ad will also appear in Sunday's edition (Jan. 16). Below is the text of his letter to the Wolf Pack Nation. Click on the picture to enlarge the actual ad that appeared in the paper.
TO: THE WOLF PACK NATION
Most coaches rely on the media to express their thoughts, actions and reactions. There are times when the translations of an interview direct attention to an area that wasn’t intended to be highlighted. In San Francisco, I was teasing one of the reporters on this subject when I told him that I never expect a 16x20 idea to be celebrated by a 3x5 mind…he cracked up.
Anyway, I think most people would acknowledge that longevity has its privileges and drawbacks, and over the years I have experienced both. But I felt this would be an opportune time for me to take advantage of my longevity at this university. I purchased this space so the editing is unfiltered, with no twists to a phrase and no other bias.
I always tell our players and coaches that no one rises to low expectations. I’m proud to say that the 2010 football team met all my expectations and then some. There is no question that the successes of this season have been well documented. However, in my mind the real success story is about a team that brought our university, community, alumni and all loyal Wolf Pack supporters throughout the country together for a common cause. It single-handedly ignited a pride in our university that at one time may have only been seen as a dream.
That is why I took the liberty of naming this team “The Dream Team.” It really has nothing to do with the on-field success or some fairytale vision. Timing is everything and this team came at a time when everybody associated with the Pack could, if for only a short time, forget about their troubles and cheer as one. Where the word “WE” became a sense of ownership, where smiles were never ending and last, but not least, where in some subtle way dreams of grandeur became reality.
As a coach on game day you’re either teaching or learning but on January 9, 2011 I witnessed a third dimension to game day coaching: The sea of Silver and Blue at THE UNION SQUARE RALLY AND AT&T PARK served as a distinctive reminder that there is strength in numbers. It was one of the most awesome sights I have witnessed. The energy, excitement and pride of being NEVADA have never been more prominent.
Our history reflects some great teams of the past but I can’t think of any special events prior to the Union Square Rally and Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl where the future of Nevada football was more illuminated.
One of the bowl challenges to the team was: How do you want to be remembered? Thanks to oneness, Nevadatude, pride or whatever adjective that best reflects the moment, those memories of a team and its fans have left an indelible mark on the lives of ALL who were involved.
I know I speak for my staff and players when I say thank you for being a part of history. This Wolf Pack is on a full-speed mission with a renewed energy that will remind everybody that “the strength of the Pack is the Wolf and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” We are one.
Chris Ault
Head Football Coach
Nevada Alum, 1968
