Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/99573
Tom Campbell Purdue has seen its attendance drop each year since 2008 and it will be one of Coach Darrell Hazell's toughest challenges to stem the slide. sons under Jim Tressel — could be expected, but the depth to which they expressed their admiration was above and beyond. "He's got a way with connecting with kids like no other coach I've been around," said Brian Robiskie, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions who spent four seasons under Hazell at Ohio State. "That's in college and in the pros. He develops special relationships with all of his guys." Recruits seemed to have been taken by Hazell. Not one who remained as part of the 2013 class on the day he was hired has since reneged on his commitment. And Purdue's current players have responded positively after only brief meetings this month. "As he gets around, you can hear the intensity and the passion," Burke said at the introductory press conference Dec. 5, after Hazell had a meeting with the Boilermakers. "I watched him work the crowd. He literally went and shook every single player's hands, and it wasn't one of these 'How are you doing?' and moving on to the next person. There was a genuine eye contact. "Kids connect with him, and I will tell GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com you that based upon his press conference as he was leaving (Kent State's) team, kids have a certain passion for him. When kids have passion for the program and the same goals you aspire to, they play hard. They play hard and fans come into the stadium." Hazell has a good formula for bringing fans back. "(With) good play, that's how," he said. "I'll go out throughout campus and try to get them going that way, but if you watch teams play, the energy they play with, the consistency, that will excite the fan base." Purdue needs that to happen. Ticket revenue from the football program helps to fund it and other athletic programs. "We know that 95 percent of our revenue comes from two revenue streams," Burke said, speaking of football and men's basketball. "So it supports the opportunities for 580 young men and women (student-athletes), and I think the point is we're doubling down. We're not going to sit here and be status quo. And we've made that decision that we're going to move into a new orbit, and that's kind of what Purdue does. We're going to shoot the rockets and get going." j I've got service, yes I do ... Trent B Johnson, Agent 249 E State Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Bus: 765-743-9595 trentismyagent.com And I am ready to prove it. Call me for your insurance needs and see how it feels to be on a #1 team. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ® P097275.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL GOLD & BLACK ILLUSTRATED • VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 • 19