Bringing About A Culture Change
by Nestor on Mar 31, 2009 5:29 AM PDT
in Football
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PrintSo as mentioned in the round up below Dohn and the Daily News staff recently spent a day with Mike Linn and the UCLA football program. The result is a through and detailed report on UCLA's off season conditioning program that started in January and some telling description re. the efforts of our coaches and players on trying to break the culture of laziness and mediocrity left behind by Karl Dorrell:
"In the past, I know guys were asked to do six reps, and they would do four," Linn said. "That cheats themselves, and it cheats the whole team. If I'm asking for eight reps, it's going to be eight reps."
The first dividends of the offseason workout regimen should be noticeable Thursday, when the Bruins begin their 15-session spring practice. How much further the Bruins need to go should be better known after the April 25 spring game, but lack of strength was the primary reason UCLA was unable to run the football last season.
More on all the lollygagging going on under Dorrell:
Several players and former players, who asked not to be identified, said they were given autonomy in the weight room under Linn's predecessor, E.J. "Doc" Kreis, who was hired by former coach Karl Dorrell. Not only did players cut weight-lifting reps short, they bypassed certain lifting exercises they felt were not instrumental to their position, or exercises they disliked. [...]
Dorrell did away with training table, which is team-only dining in which the nutritional staff can tailor meals to suit an individual.
Players, being college kids, often filled up on fast food. Neuheisel re-instituted training table, and Linn said each player has his caloric and carbohydrate intake monitored.
Obviously things have changed:
For UCLA, the offseason began in early January. The day started before daylight. The first group met at 6 a.m. on Spaulding Field, and the other groups followed in 90 minute intervals. Stretching and footwork drills kicked off the activity. After 20 to 30 minutes, the players were sent to the weight room, and for those feeling the need to jog, Linn and a few of his assistants were on hand to make sure the jogging lasted a nanosecond or so. While Neuheisel and his staff didn't bring many wins in the first season of the rebuilding project, the change in practice tempo was noticeable, and that same approach is now part of the offseason program. "I want the proper form and range of motion, and you can see the tempo of practice," Linn said. "We want guys moving from one station to another with tempo. There has to be an internal sense of urgency." Of course none of this should be a big surprise to the regulars here on BN. It shouldn't be a surprise that there was so much emphasis on S&C this off season. We already got a glimpse of the ongoing culture change via reports on KTLA that tele blogged about in November. Moreover,CRN told us last December that this was going to be a "vastly different" off-season during which the "biggest change" would take place in the weight room.Some of the results are noticeable heading into Thursday: The change, in some instances, has been dramatic. Reserve linebacker Donovan Carter went from 227 to 255 pounds. Projected starting right tackle Nate Chandler added 30 pounds, and is now at 290, and projected strongside linebacker Akeem Ayers is at 255, up 17 pounds. "There's not a whole lot different with the program this year as last year, but guys now understand what we are asking from them," said Linn, who was hired by Neuheisel. "We don't have to deal with terminology and talk about the proper form because they already know it, so we can get more weight on the bar." However, we still should be careful in tempering our expectations: The idea is the offseason program should merely put the team in position to compete on the field. "I'm not sure if we'll be there next year, but eventually we will," Rick Neuheisel said. I know quoted Dohn's piece heavily but you should read the whole piece by going here. GO BRUINS.
The team was split into three groups, with position and class schedule taken into account. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, they were early risers for workouts.
[C]oach Rick Neuheisel acknowledges it is not a panacea for fixing all that ailed the Bruins last season.
It will take at least couple of years for through transformation of this program's mindset from the previous regime. But the results so far are encouraging and it certainly has me cautiously optimistic about a season that will show incremental but discernible improvement from CRN's first year at UCLA.
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The right direction
“i’m not sure if we’ll be there next year, but eventually we will”
Players are getting bigger,stronger, better disciplined. Little everyday things like this are adding up. Apply this to the better talent that the staff is recruiting, and things will be better, and our patience will pay off.
I sure am glad it’s CRN and crew running the show. It’s sad to think how lazy the culture had gotten before.
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
Stark reality
lack of strength was the primary reason UCLA was unable to run the football last season.
A great and beautiful thing about football, and sports in general, is that it teaches clarity of reality. And personal responsibility.
The world could use more of that stuff.
Why was the training table actually eliminated under KD?
Was it strictly (more) laziness or were there financial implications? I find that piece of the article the craziest given how obviously important it is for junk-food eating college students.
Yes
Why would Dorrell do away with training table!?!? It makes absolutely no sense! Did he think the players would get bigger and stronger off their fill of ice cream and cakes at Covell? This really gets my blood boiling. Diet is just as important as getting the work done in the weight room for gaining size, strength, and power if you ask me.
Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.
Offseason
the weight room is where champions are made…I’ve seen an 0-10 team go 9-1 and win a league title because of culture changes and commitment in the offseason. Games are won or lost from january-may.
I would love to see the Basketball team join spring training.
This is not meant as a slight or insult. I would like to see both teams become much more visibly supportive of each other. For example, seeing the basketball team in the stands at football games and vice versa. I took tremendous pride in meeting Tracy Murray and Toby Bailey at last year’s game vs Tennessee. I think turning the athletes into fans one day a week would make them much more passionate (if that’s possible) Bruins.
I think having the BB team join the guys for spring training would not only shock their bodies and provide a different kind of workout, it would instill a whole new appreciation for their football brethren.
Maybe I’m just crazy.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
If we can find a QB that is actually competent
I don’t think a significant improvement on last season is out of the question.
More dirt under the rug
I can’t believe how much evidence of laziness and apathy is surfacing about Dorrell’s regime. I guess it showed on the field, but it is simply despicable. For someone who supposedly prided himself on discipline, he ran a ridiculously loosey goosey program. Man that pisses me off!
It’s going to be so nice to finally see a team on the field that knows what it’s doing and doesn’t look shrimpy or lost.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Maybe a leftover from the pros?
Not that I’m defending CTS, but his previous job was a position coach in the NFL. Most NFL players (by virtue of having the drive to get that far in the first place) don’t need a coach watching over their workouts, esp in the offseason. Maybe he didn’t expect to have to do that (further proof he was unprepared for the postiion?)
Having suggested that, either he never realized it, or when he did realize it, he didn’t respond. Either option confirms he didn’t belong.
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
Still Unconscionable
College is a totally different kind of animal in terms of psychology and getting players prepared. He should never have been hired to coach a college team.
Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.
so lavin-esque
we heard the same kinda crap about lavin running the basketball program in a similar fashion, ugh…
Across The Face
dohns a joke
the resaon this all seems “new” to everyone is because he was too much of a hack writer to show up to any of the off season workouts in previous years. ill belive all this hype come fall. im not a dorrelista and im not a nue-basher. im leary of these off season pump up articles. because guess what they dont mean anything. go off of results. dohn do a little more research next time and show their new maxes, not just their new weight. i can gain 17 lbs in the off season too!
going back and saying how lazy the old players were is crap. the players then ALL got up at six in the morning. they ALL showed up for summer workouts, even though it wasn’t mandatory. im sure they ALL didn’t give 110 percent, just as im sure they arent ALL giving 110 percent now.
also this bit on not competing is complete hogwash. every off season doc kreis divided the team up into smaller teams and they competed throughout the offseason in all types of strength and conditioning programs. he even went as far as to have an award ceremony and trophies. where was dohn to report any of that?
And yet
no one seemed to be getting bigger, faster or stronger…
You’re right, we’ll have to see the results on the field. But there’s a difference when you’re working out with a plan, when coaches know what they want out of you, vs. working out just because you’re supposed to. I think the important thing is that the players seem to know what is expected of them now, and the repercussions of not performing are far more significant than under CTS.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Mar 31, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
true, but...
i completely agree. the repercussions are far greater now, because we have a coach that can actually recruit and there is competion for starting roles. something that cts always preached, but really never happened.
but getting back to off season workouts. the players ALWAYS knew what was expected of them under kreis. i dont know where you are getting that idea from. but every morning the players were given their specific workout sheet. it had their daily workout plan with the exact exercises, repetitions, and weights they were suppose to do for the whole day. all geared upon their specific position and targeted towards their personal maxes. so they knew to the “T” what was expected of them.
again im exctatic about the new coaching change, but to go back and call previous players lazy is uncalled for.
It's OK
give Linn a chance. He is a hard ass, but you’ll warm up to him. I work with the guy on certain projects and he is great. Doc was the man too and Dohn is a johnny come lately, but from what i’ve seen this year Linn has really pushed the right buttons so far.
Bruin-4-Life!!!
I meant
the players didn’t know what CTS was expecting from them. There was no vision, no plan. Neuheisel brings that, and it just feels like there is a goal in mind, rather than just “executing” plays. I’m sure Doc was a find coach but his work was made aimless by the inept coach at the top.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
I took a tour of the work out facilities
in 2006 which was led by Doc Kreis and I was most unimpressed. While he might have put down on paper what was expected of each player in terms of exercises, sets, and reps, it didn’t appear to me that he had any set schedule in place of when the players were supposed to complete these plans. His attitude seemed to be that they could come in any time they wanted, do what they could, and then if they didn’t finish they could come in later in the week to complete their assignment. It just struck me as a very disorganized way to run a weight room, as rest if also a very important part of gaining strength and size.
Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.
Completely Agree beeru.
These are nice articles, getting people pumped up about the program and about all the “changes.” But we really don’t know squat until the season comes around.
The bottom line is, I actually remember articles during KD’s tenure which described how “this or that off season was different”, or how “players are really training differently” in this or that year. In fact, we see these articles in almost every sport, in almost every off-season that comes after a disappointing year. Changes are made—and the coaches publicize them so that everyone will think that things are now going to get better. It’s marketing, period. And—regardless of changes—things don’t always get better. We just don’t know.
I’m psyched that some BNers think that things are moving in the right direction, and that big changes have occurred. I don’t know whether that’s the case (because there really isn’t good evidence for it on the field as far as I’m concerned), but its better that some are convinced so that some can be positive. But I just won’t believe it till the program is winning games, playing tough, and playing stronger.
And, I’m personally not going to give credit to CRN (who I support and like) for changing the off-season attitude and workouts. Because (a) I don’t really know if these stories are true or not, and (b) regardless, I consider quality off-season work to be a basic task that every coach needs to accomplish—it’s not commendable, it’s the job.
Like I’ve said many times around here: I genuinely hope there is a culture change, and I hope CRN is the guy to do it. But, call me cynical, I won’t declare a culture victory by relying on CRN or other coaches or even the players’s comments. They have too big an incentive to believe there is change to be reliable. Change will come on the field, with victores and toughness (but that is just me). Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to declare cultural victory for a few years—but, culture wars aren’t won overnight.
I support CRN, but he will have to earn my accolades just like any other coach. (see, Ben Howland).
There is a difference
in getting excited about articles in a coach’s second season which has reports of players actually getting bigger v. reading same recycled stuff in a coach’s 5th season when his record made it clear that he wasn’t getting it done.
I understand the need for being realistic. We do that here on BN. I specifically ended the post throwing up a note of caution using RN’s quotes. But your post comes across as someone being skeptical or doing some concern trolling for the sake of concern trolling.
There is nothing wrong with being excited about a coach … who so far at least in the way he has managed the program through recruiting, handling public relations have done a better job than his predecessors at UCLA.
We don’t need lectures on needing to hold RN accountable if the program hasn’t showed discernible improvement in next couple of years. We will do it ourselves.
The difference is qualitative and quantitative
Under CTS, we heard things like “I really thought we had a good practice, the guys were really buying into the program, and we’re turning the corner.” Now, we hear things like “John Doe has gained 30 pounds, we are doing all the reps we’re supposed to do, we’re adding weight, and we’re being strictly attentive to our diet regimen.” Whereas we used to hear platitudes (which could be applied with equal accuracy to a chem lab), now we’re hearing specifics.
I guess another way of putting it is that we now have a staff which collectively knows what it is doing versus a previous staft that had no concept of what was happening.
We still have to play the games, of course, and having guys who are muscular and eating right won’t help all that much if they don’t line up and beat the man across from them. But I sure like where we are on March 31 2009 better than I liked things a few years ago on this date.
I noticed that too, Fox...
I actually went back on BN to try to see any old articles or comments about Kreis. I only saw maybe 6 or 7 Stories where he was mentioned, but I also noticed that there weren’t any numbers thrown around.
But, shoot, when is the alst time we ever heard about one of our LINEBACKERS weighing more than 240 — and now we have one at 255 lbs.?
As long as our guys are doing it the right way — with proper diet, hard work, and specifically-planned weight-training programs to help them add mass and strength without screwing up their health — then more power to Mike Linn and the rest of the staff.
Two-fitty at the LB spot? DAYUM.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Mike Linn
wanted these guys in the Acosta center the week after the season ended (before Christmas) last year. CRN let ‘em have a break until after New Years. Mike wasn’t happy about that, but has them working hard since. I want everyone to know that he has been unbelievable at getting money flowing from boosters and has transformed the weight room into a state of the art facility. It’s amazing how much work ML puts in with the lack of sleep he gets. He’s in there opening the doors at 5am and is normally there till late at night. He has also been reaching out to Bruins who play professional sports and has invited them to come work out with our student-athletes to show them how professionals work, and to create a culture where our former athletes train here in their off-seasons. (similar to Miami)
Bruin-4-Life!!!
I'm not sure what concern trolling is
But if it means I’m hesistant to put too much stock in these kinds of stories, I guess that is true.
And I don’t lecture, I just give my point of view – isn’t that what everyone is doing? If there are some lecturing out there, point them out, cause I certainly won’t tolerate being told to espouse some kind of company line to promote UCLA athletics. And who is this “we” anyway, (i.e. – “we don’t need lectures”). Are there some special individuals entitled to exhaulted status around here that I was unaware of? And are they the people who are lecturing?
Anyway, I don’t think we are that far apart when it comes down to it. We are both excited about CRN and hope that with him comes great success for UCLA. I am just leery about putting stock in culture change stories—which is why I posted my point of view to begin with, because it wasn’t as reflected in the comments.
Actually
yes, there are individuals here with exhaulted status. They are the people who run the blog and spend precious time putting together sensible stories. You are a guest here, and they don’t run the blog for you. This is not a news site or a community message board.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
I agree with most of this.
But no one could suggest I think I’m the center of the board (ha!), or that I don’t appreciate the hard work of those who run the board. But you know that. Anyway, if you mean, by exhaulted status, that those who run the board deserve our thanks and respect, well I agree with that.
If, on the other hand, you mean, some people’s points of view are more valid than others’—well then we disagree.
Yeah
“We” would be people who have been around here long enough to know and talk about what changes are real and what changes aren’t. If you don’t think there is a difference in the culture of UCLA football under Rick Neuehisel in the way he has put together his staff, lit up recruiting with what Dorrell did then you are beyond cynical. You sound like a concern troll. And your post did came across as lecturing to a community that has a pretty good idea on who is a good coach and who isn’t. Save that for somewhere else. Thanks.
I love this site
Ha – it took me a short period of time to truly appreciate and acclimate myself to the particular dynamics of the BN “culture” – but now that I understand the various roles that the moderators, veteran community members, and persons in leadership positions play on this website – I am genuinely impressed with how efficiently, professionally, and classy this site is run. There have been a few times that I have felt a little uncomfortable with how a new member has been admonished, scolded, and/or punished – but every good community has a way of helping new members understand what is and isn’t appropriate in a particular community. It’s this basic structure that empowers a community to thrive (or spiral into chaos if the necessary leadership is absent).
Seriously, I read as much information as I can on various Bruin related websites – and even subscribe to a particular UCLA affiliated recruiting website – and none of the other sites run as smoothly as this one. Nor is the information and concomitant discussions percolating throughout the community as consistently positive, constructive, and sophisticated as it here at BN. Honestly, I am ashamed of the drivel that a bunch of puerile ninnies that claim to be UCLA alums and fans spout off on other Bruin related websites. Many of the posts seem to be intentionally incendiary and overly dramatic. Community members regularly attack UCLA coaches and players on other websites. I do my best to avoid the most egregious offenders on these websites – but occasionally I feel that someone has crossed a line in their attacks and I attempt to admonish their behaviors in hopes of limiting future attacks. Recently, I have noticed that other community members on these websites appear to be sick of the constant stream of negativity and have begun to collectively stand up for their Bruin players and coaches. These community members are trying to restore order on a site that has lost it – and it will be tough for them to reclaim their site so that it can offer them what I imagine they were looking for when they became members (good information about UCLA athletics and a community of fans that they can cheer with). So, thanks Nestor and everyone else that makes this site so great – I guess I mean – thanks oh exalted ones!
As far as your cynicism regarding CRN – honestly I don’t care – and I don’t feel that CRN owes me anything. I get your cynicism comes from (years of KD football can do that to the best of fans) – but it seems unnecessary and unwarranted when considering how things have changed and are continuing to evolve with the football program. There is undoubtedly a cultural revolution that is taking place with the football program. I have consistently read columns from recruiting experts that indicate that CRN is recruiting at a level not seen by the KD staff. His relentless energy, optimism, charisma, work ethic, and enthusiasm are positively impacting every component of our football program. I believe that CRN has an excellent vision for this program and has hired the right personnel to help him carry his vision out. The players have made comments suggesting that things are different – and that this is a program on the rise (which top level recruits are saying as well – and I don’t recall them saying that with the previous staff). I just think that the cynicism is unproductive and unnecessary. We are excited about the direction that CRN is taking his program – and he deserves our support.
Perhaps the cultural change that your most cynical about is your allegiance to UCLA athletics. These types of radical – broad sweeping changes need to start on the individual level – and then move out to the community. We can be a part of this change by infecting the people that we work with, our families, neighbors, strangers, etc – with the relentless optimism that our leader consistently demonstrates. So, yeah – your post does seem at least mildly pedantic. I feel like it’s a nervous nelly (I swear I have never written that phrase before) response – like a mother who wants to warn us that bad things can happen. Here at BN – I have learned that optimism, constructive responses, maturity, respect, honor, and related characteristics are valued and expected.
by freudianslip on Apr 1, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice post ...
I have to say, what struck me is how on all the so-called fan message boards all you read throughout the Dorrell era was how the players had bought into Doc Kreis’ program and how yoked everyone was and all that.
It was all bull.
I don’t know if that says more about Dorrell or about message board posters.
Go Bruins
Just so we're clear ...
I’m making a distinction between message board posters and bloggers and a distinction between Bruins Nation and some of the UCLA message boards.
I do read them, btw. But I like this more.
Go Bruins
There are sins of commission and omission
I understand KD not being competent or engaged enough to demand a high standard for the team, but way pray tell could be the reason for taking action to remove the training table? Why would you go out of your way to get rid of it?
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Mar 31, 2009 2:56 PM PDT reply actions
I'm curious about this as well
I can’t think of a single reason why this specific action would be a good thing.
No
but I bet there are going to be many Breaking The Wall days!
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
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