A fitting touch to the program from the 2nd annual UConn Football Awards Show

The fans and media were skeptical in 2014; who is this guy coming in talking about peace, love and harmony? After displaying confidence and belief in the program he was taking over on day one at his introductory press conference, stating that, ‘this was not a rebuilding job,’ head coach Bob Diaco diverted from that ledge and began to talk about starting over.

Things were ‘bad’ he would say, foundations needed to be laid, habits changed and winning learned. This began immediately. There were stories told of winning in the dining hall, the classroom, in meeting rooms and in everyday life. For all outsiders who were not able to see firsthand, to witness the change in attitudes across the board, it was clear things were moving in the right direction, quicker than you would expect.

And so here we are, preparations concluding for the flight to Florida on Sunday, as the first bowl game in five years is quickly approaching. For the ones who lived it, the players, coaches and their families, last Friday was the culmination as the program put on the 2nd annual UConn Football Awards Show at the Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts in Storrs.

There were two moments that emphasized the family aspect of the program. Diaco first honored a group that are behind the scenes, but have an impact on each member of the staff, every single day.

 I know there’s a lot of joy in this and a lot of satisfaction, particularly when the team wins, but it always isn’t like that. We miss a lot of stuff, we miss a lot of plays, we miss a lot of soccer games, we miss a lot of track events, we miss a lot of moments in the lives of our families. They are so special, they wear it with us all the time. They are our biggest fans and they also get a lot of the pain that we feel. I want to specifically recognize them all collectively, if they could stand for a round of applause, all the staff’s spouses and children.”

– Head Coach Bob Diaco

The second group had a major impact in the success of the program in 2015, on the field. From captains Julian Campenni and Marquise Vann to Graham Stewart and Tyler Samra, the entire senior class for the Huskies received a fitting tribute that saw the majority of attendees wipe tears from their eyes when it was over.

Creatively, secretly, the staff found a way to honor those who will play their final game in a UConn uniform in St. Pete with an extended highlight video that featured the parents of each player.

There was comedic relief including a 7-year old future offensive lineman performing an N’Sync dance routine on video. Imagine the response that received from his teammates.

There was time for reflection, including Graham Stewart’s parents reminding him that he can achieve anything he puts his mind to. And there were the sentimental moments, the ‘I love you’s’ and ‘good luck in the future’s,’ from those that helped raise children into men.

Each one received a DVD’d copy, as well as their helmet to take with them. For the recruits in attendance, they were able to see firsthand the type of program Diaco has been building and the results of the weekend speak for themselves, four commits.

As the Huskies prepare for the final stretch before taking the field in postseason play for the first time since Arizona on New Year’s Day in 2011, it’s clear which direction the program is headed in. How’s that for peace, love and harmony?