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London era begins against former team Date published: 9/4/2010
BY TAFT COGHILL JR. CHARLOTTESVILLE --Mike London knew he had to be a salesman as well as a coach when he was hired in December to direct Virginia's football program.The Cavaliers (3-9 in 2009) were coming off their worst season since 1982. Fans were apathetic and relationships with high schools in Virginia weren't pristine. So London immediately began a public relations campaign to get Virginia back on the minds of recruits and football fans in the state. "I make the joke that I've spoken to the Boys Club, the Girls Club, to Rotary clubs, to the Hair Club for Men," London said. "I've done all those things from Rhode Island to Florida. But that's necessary when there's change." London can now focus on football. The first game in his Virginia tenure is tonight at Scott Stadium at 6 p.m. against Richmond--his alma mater and the team he coached to the 2008 FCS national title. That year was London's first season guiding the Spiders. He opened the 2008 campaign against Virginia after a second stint as an assistant coach under Al Groh. London recalls the emotions of that 16-0 loss two seasons ago. He said he got a "chilly" reception from the Cavaliers' coaches before the game, but afterward, it was all handshakes, hugs and smiles. He expects emotions to be running high tonight, too. "I would not be human if I sat here and said it's another game," London said. London's "human" side is what has endeared him to Virginia's players. His door is always open for conversations. He and his players share stories about their personal lives. Players said that family aspect was sometimes missing under Groh. Senior quarterback Marc Verica said London isn't an untouchable figure, detached from the team. "Everybody is accounting for each other, just loving each other," senior cornerback Ras-I Dowling added. "Everybody's encouraging each other. They're making sure everybody's going to class, getting good grades, working hard. That's one thing that's going well with the team right now." It remains to be seen if that translates to the field. The Cavaliers will get a glimpse tonight. They haven't won a season opener since a 31-19 victory over Western Michigan in 2005. They were embarrassed last season when they opened with a 26-14 home loss to William & Mary.
Date published: 9/4/2010
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