The football team's year-end meeting had been planned for quite some time. The players and coaches knew they would gather at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon to officially wrap up their season. They didn't know, however, that they would witness the end of a career as well.
Although they all had heard the information from one source or another, head coach Bill Lynch told the players that he was fired late Sunday evening at that meeting. While most fans will not argue with the decision, Lynch's players, assistant coaches and friends will silently stand by their coach.
Every player has a different memory of Lynch. Freshman wide receiver Dante Ridgeway says he will be indebted to the former head coach for a long time. Lynch was the only coach from a Division I school to offer Ridgeway a scholarship. The receiver thanked his coach by leading the team with 44 receptions, 556 yards and four touchdowns. He says that is not enough thanks, though.
"I want to get a chance to talk to him because I want to thank him for that (opportunity)," Ridgeway said. "I wish him good luck in anything he does, any university he goes to. And I'll try to keep in contact with him."
Talmadge Hill was removed from his position as starting quarterback five games into this season. The junior said he doesn't hold any grudges against the coach, though. Hill said he understands the coach was thinking of the team's best interest. Hill said he admires Lynch for his consistency and his honesty.
"He's the same guy he was when he recruited me," Hill said. "He hasn't changed at all."
Lynch reworked Hill back into the lineup as a wide receiver later in the season.
Fifth-year senior tailback Marcus Merriweather has played under Lynch his entire record-breaking career. He simply referred to Lynch as a "great coach" and a "great person to be around."
"It's sad to hear about coach going," Merriweather said. "It's been a pleasure playing with him."
Notice that Merriweather used the word "with," not "for." Merriweather implied that playing under Lynch didn't feel like a job, but more like recreation, which is what college sports should be. Offensive coordinator Rich Spisak didn't just imply that. He flat-out said it.
"We've had some tough times here," Spisak said, "but he's never ever been hard to work for."
On page 38 of the Ball State media guide, Lynch sums up his coaching philosophy in one sentence.
"It is a player's game," he said. "This is where the players and coaches can go out and face those challenges, earn degrees, win championships and live the college experience."
Lynch has only one act of duty left with the Ball State Cardinals: Sunday's senior banquet. As usual, Lynch says he won't use that night for himself. Lynch won't let this move bring the senior's night down. He said it would be "a joyous affair."
Typical Bill Lynch.
"I don't think they can find anybody better," Spisak said. "Maybe as good, but not better."
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