Spartan Football Coach Enjoys Perfect Day
12/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 23, 2003
SAN ANTONIO - In his own words, Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith experienced a "perfect day" on Tuesday, Dec. 23, taking a ride on an Air Force jet and conducting football practice.
At 7:30 a.m., Smith arrived at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, for a courtesy visit with Maj. Gen. Sandy Sandstrom, Commander of the 19th Air Force. He reported to the 560th Flying Training Squadron at 8:15 a.m. to prepare for his orientation flight in a T-38 Talon. Lt. Col. Ben Stagg, Director of Operations at the 560th Flying Training Squadron, conducted a brief tour of the facility. After receiving medical clearance, Smith attended life support and aerospace physiology briefings and went over the flight plan with Lt. Col. Steve Guzek, a 1983 Penn State graduate.
At 10:25 a.m., Smith and Lt. Col. Guzek proceeded to the aircraft where they posed for photographs before boarding for takeoff. After an hour flight, the T-38 Talon returned to Randolph Air Force Base where Col. Mark Graper, Commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing, greeted the two-man crew. Col. Graper presented Smith with a framed "hero" photograph, saying, "Coach, I think you missed your calling as a pilot."
"Wow, that flight was awesome," Smith said. "I'd like to thank Lt. Col. Guzek and the Air Force for providing me with the thrill of a lifetime. These guys are amazing pilots. I can't believe some of the maneuvers he did, including about 10 barrel rolls next to another T-38. The planes couldn't have been further than 3 feet apart.
"I've had some adrenaline rushes in the past, from running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, to sky diving from 14,000 feet, but nothing can compare to this experience. That flight was really intense."
Gen. Donald Cook, Commander of Air Education and Training Command, extended invitations to participate in orientation flights to both Smith and Nebraska interim head coach Bo Pelini, who declined the offer due to scheduling conflicts. Gen. Cook graduated from Michigan State in 1969.
 Tight end Jason Randall and his teammates went through a two-hour workout at Alamo Heights High School.  | |
After changing into his civilian clothes, Smith left Randolph Air Force Base at 11:55 a.m. and drove to Alamo Heights High School where the Spartans continued preparation for the Dec. 29 MasterCard Alamo Bowl against No. 22 Nebraska (9-3, 5-3 Big 12). With temperatures in the mid-60s, Smith sent his team through a two-hour workout in full pads.
"We had a better practice today than yesterday," Smith said. "The scouts did a better job providing a 'live' look at Nebraska. We still have a long way to go before game day. We need some productive workdays.
"We've already completed the installation of the game plan, so now we focus our attention on repetition, repetition, repetition. We must execute the game plan in all three phases of the game. We've reached the polishing stage of preparation."
 During the Youth Clinic, Matt Trannon works with a wide receiver prospect. | |
Following Tuesday's practice, the Spartan coaching staff and players held an hour-long Youth Clinic.
"The entire San Antonio community has embraced and backed the bowl game," Smith said. "The Youth Clinic is our way to repay the community for supporting the bowl. It's important for our student-athletes to interact with the youth because our players are blessed in so many ways. They need to realize that they do have the responsibility to be a positive influence in the community."
"The kids had a great time, participating in the various stations. I honestly think our players enjoyed the clinic even more than the children did."
"The Youth Clinic really hits home to me because I remember back to when I was young and looked up to players like Joe Montana," senior quarterback Jeff Smoker said. "I really enjoy interacting with the children and teaching them the fundamentals of football. The greatest reward is seeing a smile on a child's face."
The Michigan State coaching staff joined Nebraska's coaches at a welcome dinner at The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum Tuesday night while Spartan players attended the San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Clippers basketball game.
The Spartans have another two-hour workout scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 12:15-2:15 p.m. at Alamo Heights High School.
