2008 Woodie Awards
Football Coach Caruso quits Mac for neighborhood rival St. Thomas
By: Nate Wilson-Traisman, Associate Sports Editor
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Sports
"It seems like he had his mind made up before the season had even started when a lot of the freshmen were making up their minds to come here," quarterback Trevor Miehe '11 said. "It seems like when we were deciding to come here he was making up his mind to leave."
Others expressed resentment that Caruso not only left, but also that he took a job in such close proximity to Macalester.
"It hurts worse because he moved so close," McDonnell said.
Caruso was quick to note that he never sought out the St. Thomas job, and he remained adamant about his initial plans to remain at Macalester for the long-term.
"The intention was not to only be there for two years in any way, shape or form," Caruso said. "That was not the plan going in but it is the way it worked out."
McDonnell displayed some understanding for the move although he was admittedly upset. He mentioned that St. Thomas' larger roster and higher acceptance rate create an easier environment for recruitment.
"My first feeling was anger that he ditched us, but now I respect the decision,"
McDonnell said. "It's almost a good thing that he's gone because it gives our team something to rally around."
Macalester will play next season's first game at St. Thomas, a game that will undoubtedly be packed with passion for both squads.
"It's going to be very emotional," Miehe said. "Hopefully we actually come out and make a statement."
Caruso also acknowledged that strong sentiments should be apparent come next season's opener.
"No matter what happens at 1:00 on September 6, I think there's going to be a little piece of me that's gonna feel sad in some way, but that's the nature of the beast," Caruso said.
He went on to say that despite how individuals may interpret his departure, he still cherishes his stint at Macalester.
"I want to give a very sincere thank you to the players on the Mac team because even though they may not understand this now, I do value our relationship," Caruso said. "I'm one way or another gonna take a lot of pride in their future success over the coming years."
Regardless, Macalester coaches and players alike expect little change for the future. With Jennison still on staff, defensive schemes and play calling should remain exactly the same.
"Nothing will change on the defensive side of the ball," linebacker Jeff Wankel '08 said.
Additionally, it is clear that despite whatever resentment Caruso's exit may have caused, the football program is ready to pick up where Caruso left off. With their 4-5 finish in 2007, the Scots are coming off their best season since 2002.
"Our coaches and players have made a conscious decision to keep moving forward," Jennison said. "And that's really a testament to their character and their belief in one another."
Others expressed resentment that Caruso not only left, but also that he took a job in such close proximity to Macalester.
"It hurts worse because he moved so close," McDonnell said.
Caruso was quick to note that he never sought out the St. Thomas job, and he remained adamant about his initial plans to remain at Macalester for the long-term.
"The intention was not to only be there for two years in any way, shape or form," Caruso said. "That was not the plan going in but it is the way it worked out."
McDonnell displayed some understanding for the move although he was admittedly upset. He mentioned that St. Thomas' larger roster and higher acceptance rate create an easier environment for recruitment.
"My first feeling was anger that he ditched us, but now I respect the decision,"
McDonnell said. "It's almost a good thing that he's gone because it gives our team something to rally around."
Macalester will play next season's first game at St. Thomas, a game that will undoubtedly be packed with passion for both squads.
"It's going to be very emotional," Miehe said. "Hopefully we actually come out and make a statement."
Caruso also acknowledged that strong sentiments should be apparent come next season's opener.
"No matter what happens at 1:00 on September 6, I think there's going to be a little piece of me that's gonna feel sad in some way, but that's the nature of the beast," Caruso said.
He went on to say that despite how individuals may interpret his departure, he still cherishes his stint at Macalester.
"I want to give a very sincere thank you to the players on the Mac team because even though they may not understand this now, I do value our relationship," Caruso said. "I'm one way or another gonna take a lot of pride in their future success over the coming years."
Regardless, Macalester coaches and players alike expect little change for the future. With Jennison still on staff, defensive schemes and play calling should remain exactly the same.
"Nothing will change on the defensive side of the ball," linebacker Jeff Wankel '08 said.
Additionally, it is clear that despite whatever resentment Caruso's exit may have caused, the football program is ready to pick up where Caruso left off. With their 4-5 finish in 2007, the Scots are coming off their best season since 2002.
"Our coaches and players have made a conscious decision to keep moving forward," Jennison said. "And that's really a testament to their character and their belief in one another."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Andy Traisman
posted 2/01/08 @ 6:26 PM CST
Strange doings indeed. It sounds like it's as much the process as anything that leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Caruso also doesn't seem to offer a compelling reason for why he left. (Continued…)
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