Kansas State coach Chris Klieman has shared numerous inspiring messages with his team throughout the rough start to the season.
But his latest before TCU was perhaps his most motivational thus far. He talked about riding the ship and shifting the Wildcats' direction as the head coach.
"I’m the leader of this whole thing, and leadership is unifying people," Klieman said in his pregame interview. "It’s not how much we can tear people down, and it's not always sunny and 70. It’s a struggle. Those kids want to win. We’ve seen the last two weeks how much we’ve improved and how we’re doing things with more energy and physicality. It doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives us an opportunity to be successful. I saw a different road team at Baylor that I saw at Arizona, and that gives me some belief and confidence that we’re doing things the right way."
Klieman wants to be the backbone of this Wildcats squad, especially up against another formidable opponent.
"I’ve gotta be the rock for this team, and I’ll I’ll take all the hits and the bullets because that’s my job," Klieman said. "If those kids keep laying it on the line, I’ll live with the results. I know the results are going to change. I know it’s gonna continue to get better. But for me to come in here and be sulky, that ain't getting it done. I tell the guys all the time, whether we’re 11-0, 8-4, or 2-4, I can’t change as a leader of this operation."
Moreover, he tied it into the bigger picture of life, explaining how this will translate into the individual adversities the players face.
"When these kids are dads and husbands, fighting for their own jobs in life, if I don’t put up a good front, how can I expect those guys to do the same in 10-15 years when adversity's really hard? I’m as mad as anybody, but it’s a friggin football game. There are a lot worse things going on in life. I need to be that face to say, 'Guys, we’re gonna fight through this.' We’re gonna get through this together because adversity makes cowards of us all, and we’re not gonna be cowards on this," Klieman said.
Wow, I feel like just running through a wall hearing that message.