August 24, 2009

BSU football gets some motivation

By DOUG ZALESKI
dzaleski@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE -- Ball State women's basketball coach Kelly Packard talks often with her players about putting themselves in positions that are uncomfortable because they help them mature.

Packard took her own advice recently when she stood in front of more than 100 of the Cardinals' football players and coaches and delivered her thoughts on how coach Stan Parrish's team could become better this season.

"I had never spoken to a Division I football team, but I wanted to go for it," Packard said. "I valued the fact Stan would even ask me."

Packard and Butler men's basketball coach Brad Stevens both spoke to Ball State's football players on separate days this month at the invitation of Parrish.

The players didn't know either basketball coach was going to address them until they walked into the team's main meeting room with a video introduction touting their success in their own programs.

Packard directed the greatest season in Ball State women's basketball history last year, winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the first time and knocking off perennial power Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament.

Stevens led Butler to a 30-4 record in 2007-08 and one win in the NCAA Tournament. He followed that with a 26-6 mark and another NCAA appearance last season.

"They're both winners, and we want winners talking to us about winning," Parrish said of the invitations to Packard and Stevens. "Both had a great message, and it was the same kind of message about what it takes to win."

Ball State tight end Madaris Grant said there's a stronger correlation between football and basketball than most people think. The main thread is about mental preparation, he said.

"You have to know what you're doing, you have to decide to do it, and make the commitment so you can go out and play full speed," he said. "That's basically what they talked about, making the commitment to your team and to your program, and learn what you have to do to win."

Stevens had never met Parrish before, and was surprised to get the call to speak to the Cardinals. Stevens talked about his experiences in dealing with athletes and how they might apply to football.

"You're trying to achieve something on a daily basis that ultimately leads to bigger results," Stevens said.

Stevens said he enjoys watching football, and he has paid attention to the Cardinals' success on the gridiron the past two seasons.

Parrish especially wanted to have Stevens talk to Ball State's players about what to expect this year. Few outside of Butler's program last year predicted another NCAA Tournament appearance after it suffered heavy graduation losses the year before, but the Bulldogs maintained their high level of proficiency.

The Cardinals are in a similar position after losing many key players from last year's team that was 12-2.

"When I read an article last spring about (Stevens') team, I saw our team this year," Parrish said. "I saw the transition, having to integrate so many young players, and yet having a belief that you are going to win."