The Cox Communications Building was not nearly as full as a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, but the admiration and applause for coach Les Miles filled the room nonetheless.
A handful of students showed up Wednesday night to welcome the new coach and had the opportunity to ask questions. Miles has spent the week with several interviews but penciled in the LSU community for the third time this week. In addition to this week’s visit with students, Miles plans on participating in such talks three to five times a year with students and/or student organizations.
“I am glad to be given the opportunity to come out,” Miles said. “I enjoy being in the dorm, seeing the library and being allowed to [take part in the campus]. I would like my kids to see college guys and gals going to class. I think it is a great example for them. I am real proud of your school.”
Miles appeared as coach in full LSU windsuit gear, but his first priority is being a dad. He lightened his load to just two of his four children in his care during last night’s Q & A session. The eldest Manny and youngest Macy took the spotlight from dad a few times, including a bare-footed Macy presenting her dad-turned-coach with her tiny Nikes.
Only 10 months old, she looked up at her father smiling proudly. The look of admiration described the feeling that every student in the crowd had. With no games under his belt, Miles still has managed to capture the LSU community. However, Miles gives credit to his players.
“This team is probably as talented as 20 to 25 teams in the country, but the difference is the character of the man who wears the uniform,” Miles said. “The fact that we become Southeastern Conference champions or National Champions will come from the quality of our men underneath the helmet — not necessarily the talent they possess. I think our football team has a real strong number of quality men and I look forward to the season.”
With so much confidence in his players, Miles left the responsibility of picking captains up to the players. The players in return picked around fifty players who Miles believes holds the caliber of being great leaders. The term leader holds a unique label on certain players, but Miles said he finds something special in all his players.
“To be a student athlete in an institution with the degree of your choice, pursue athletics at his highest level, win championships and get your degree — it takes a tremendous commitment.
“I just think it happens many times in an athlete’s life right here in college. I think it happens as well in a student’s life in college because they have the same issues.”
Miles concluded with a few pressing questions from the audience pertaining to the quarterback situation, kicking improvement and this season’s schedule. Students seemed as anxious to get their questions answered as Miles is to experience his first game in Death Valley — including Saturday’s scrimmage.
“I don’t think nervous is the word. I am a little anxious,” Miles said. “It will be a little difficult with all the construction but I am excited and invite everyone to come out.”