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Former Marshall coach speaks to kids

Posted July 09, 2007 11:00 pm

JACQUELINE KOCH

When people approach Jack Lengyel, they rarely ask how he's doing.

Instead they wonder if he can get Matthew McConaughey's autograph for their wives.

"That was a burden for me," joked Lengyel, the former Marshall University head football coach, whom McConaughey portrayed in the film "We Are Marshall."

In town Tuesday to speak with the Caterpillar Inc. Global Mining Division, Lengyel also shared his message of perseverance with area youth.

"One of the greatest lessons of athletics is when you're face down, to get up on your feet and move toward success," he told more than 100 community members gathered at the RiverPlex. "The only one who can stop you is yourself."

Lengyel emphasized "rap," which he said stood for respect, attitude and a plan for success.

"You are the driving force," he said. "Don't let other people control your personal feelings."

He also shared his thoughts on rebuilding the Marshall football program after a plane crash killed 75 players, coaches, administrators and boosters in November 1970.

Not only the program needed rebuilding - Lengyel faced the daunting task of helping a university and the community of Huntington, W.Va., cope. Many struggled with the pain of the crash that occurred when pilots clipped the top of a mountain, 10 seconds before landing. Two coaches turned down the job prior to Lengyel's hiring.

"When I took the position at Marshall, my core values were faith, hope, perseverance and a little sense of humor," he said. "I thought I could help. I thought, 'Here's my opportunity to pass on what I love and my passion.'"

The pivotal moment of the 1971 season came when Lengyel led the Thundering Herd to a 15-13 victory over Xavier.

"They called it a miracle game," said Lengyel, whose team captured the win with a touchdown on the game's final play. "I just played a small role. I said, 'We may not win many games, but we'll be laying the foundation.'"

Lengyel, who lives in Phoenix and is vice president of a technology company, remained at the helm of the Marshall program and sported a 9-33 record through 1974, when he took a job in the private sector. He later served as athletic director at Fresno State, Missouri and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Marshall became the winningest college football program in the country in the 1990s and won the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA championship.

The audience at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center listened attentively to his message and some received autographed photos, even though some said they didn't know his significance.

Jamiya Smith, 12, of Peoria said she realized the importance of never giving up.

"No matter how many people you lose in life, you're still supposed to go on," she said.

Cal Archibald, also 12, of Peoria said Lengyel's message resonated with him.

"He talked about how to act, how to make good choices," Archibald said. "It's a good message on what to do in life."

Jacqueline Koch can be reached at (309) 686-3251 or jkoch@pjstar.com.

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