I didn't write "amazing coach" for a reason. This article shows how lucky we are to have him here at RU. I wish every recruit and their parents got to know the man not just the coach.
Pike is an amazing man
- Thread starter RC1978
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As a band alumni (Marching and Pep) it’s just another reason to admire Pike! Believe me, his appreciation by the band doesn’t go unnoticed.
The other coach who was appreciative was Coach Grentz. Her favorite song was Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree… we’d play it for her every game. And she’d always wave and sometimes put her hands on her heart.
A few years later when I was starting out in the airlines at the Continental ticket counter she actually came to my position (that part was coincidence.). I said, “hi Coach Grentz!” Before she could tell me who she was or where she was going. We had a great chat after I told her I was in the Pep Band… I even told her she’d be the Olympic coach (the news had just come out that she was a candidate) and she was humble about only having a chance…I told her she’d get it! I doubt she remembered the skinny band geek telling her when she DID get it but the point is how impactful being courteous to all students is.
I have zero doubt Pike would, and obviously is, any different!
The other coach who was appreciative was Coach Grentz. Her favorite song was Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree… we’d play it for her every game. And she’d always wave and sometimes put her hands on her heart.
A few years later when I was starting out in the airlines at the Continental ticket counter she actually came to my position (that part was coincidence.). I said, “hi Coach Grentz!” Before she could tell me who she was or where she was going. We had a great chat after I told her I was in the Pep Band… I even told her she’d be the Olympic coach (the news had just come out that she was a candidate) and she was humble about only having a chance…I told her she’d get it! I doubt she remembered the skinny band geek telling her when she DID get it but the point is how impactful being courteous to all students is.
I have zero doubt Pike would, and obviously is, any different!
I've said on many occasions that all my interactions with coach have been a pleasure. He's a genuinely good guy and Rutgers is blessed to have him.
Wouldn't trade him for anybody out there. True Jersey guy.
Amen to that. I was talking over the weekend to a football coach/staffer who Schiano let go a while ago. (No I will not reveal the name). He was very bitter about the way he was treated by Greg, but was effusive in his praise for Pikiell. He said Pike is just a great guy. Would always go out of his way to help any sport at RU or anyone associated with RU athletics. In fact, Pike still stays in touch with this guy and texts him to see how he's doing. A rare breed indeed.
Wonderful man. Darn good coach. You root so hard for him and his kids. Like he told Hobbs in the interview, "You'll be able to sleep at night with me as the coach. So down to earth and a tremendous people person who wins and does it the right way. I would love to see the day when he can walk onto the court as a Final Four coach.
How can you not love this guy on every level? We are SOOOOO lucky to have him!
Agree..........You just love it when such a good man like Pikiell also has success. You can clearly see how parents and recruits are drawn to him. If we get Harper Jr. i'm sure outside of his coaching abilities the quality of the man will ultimately be the thing that was the deciding factor.