New 'Berg Coach Creates A Vibe Of Excitement

The Heidelberg College Athletic Band set the stage, and then, the college's new head football coach made a bold prediction: "We’re going to shock the Ohio Athletic Conference and the rest of the country."

Those were the energized words of Mike Hallett as he addressed football alumni, trustees and others who were on campus Friday to celebrate his arrival at a Meet the Coach dinner. Hired in December, Hallett inherits a football program that is winless in its last 36 games. But he vows that will change.

On campus for about a month, Hallett said "something very special" is happening already - a vibe of excitement and energy is buzzing around campus, and it centers on the football program.

Hallett's goal is to help his student-athletes reach their full potential not only on the field but in the weight room, the classroom and the community. "Guys have really responded," he said. "The coaches are working hard, the players are seeing a different way to go about things - a systematic way that is going to allow them to reach their potential ... and understand that there is a process to winning."

Reflecting back on Heidelberg’s proud football tradition and looking ahead, Hallett, a member of the 1993 Mount Union College national championship team, said he and his team plan to give the college "something you can all be very proud of."

Players from Heidelberg's glory days in football attended the dinner, and the new coach said their presence will serve as an inspiration to him. "No question the strength and history and tradition and vision of our program are built around its people," said Hallett, who came to Heidelberg after having served as the head coach at Thomas More College in Kentucky. "It’s been an awesome opportunity to be in the room with these legends."

His fervor and energy - and his optimism - Friday night were infectious. "The enthusiasm and passion he brings to our football program already has the campus excited," said Athletic Director Jerry McDonald. "We can’t wait to see where he goes from here."

Trustee and alumnus Paul M. Brown, class of '69, echoed McDonald's excitement. "When I first encountered Mike, I was ready to suit up all the way from my home in Atlanta," Brown said. "Maybe I still have a year of eligibility left!"

He also issued a challenge: "These young men deserve a chance to win. We have to do everything we can to ensure their success. We have to be supportive with our voices, our presence and our pocketbooks," Brown said. "If we do our part, Heidelberg will be back on the top of the charts."

With this strong measure of support, maybe Hallett’s prediction isn’t so bold after all.