Former Marshall University coach talks to students, business executives

Jack Lengyel remembers the evening of Nov. 14, 1970, well.

The head coach of the College of Wooster football team at the time, Lengyel watched as news came in that a plane carrying most of Marshall University's football team and coaching staff crashed just short of its destination.

In the ensuing months, Lengyel watched as the community recovered and the school administration struggled with the fate of the football program. In March 1971, he was named the head football coach of Marshall University after expressing interest in the position.

"I thought I could help," Lengyel told high school students and other members of the community Wednesday morning at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. "I was their third and probably their last choice as well."

Lengyel's visit to Cape Girardeau included his morning speech at the Career and Technology Center, a meeting with Nordenia USA executives and a reception with members of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Since his retirement as athletic director of the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001, Lengyel has delivered motivational messages to companies and schools throughout the country. Lengyel was portrayed in the story of the plane crash and the resurgence of the football team in the 2006 movie "We Are Marshall."

While he touched on some of his experiences at Marshall University, a majority of Lengyel's speech focused on students developing a plan of success. Using the acronym RAPP, Lengyel -- who once served as athletics director at the University of Missouri -- said students must have respect, the right attitude, a plan for success and perseverance. He advised them to create a plan at an early age, write down six to seven goals on a note card and read it for two minutes each morning.

"It all starts with self-respect," Lengyel said. "Avoid negative self-talk and negative people. You become what you think about.

"Put down your core values," he said. "When you get those particular goals you state affirmations as if it already happened. And you keep at it."

Lengyel also recounted memorable moments at Marshall University, such as winning the first home game of the season against Xavier University 15-13 and taking his players to a cemetery near the school where six players killed in the crash are buried.

Lengyel said most events portrayed in the movie were accurate, though he said cheering "We Are Marshall" in the cemetery never happened and Matthew McConaughey -- who portrayed him in the film -- was more animated on the sidelines.

"But Matthew did a good job," Lengyel said. "I was pleased with the movie."

Patrick Kaelin, vice president of operations at Nordenia USA and sponsor of Lengyel's visit to Cape Girardeau, said his appearance was part of the company's annual seminar for its management team. Forty-five people from the company's management team attended a viewing of the movie followed by Lengyel's presentation.

"The company is trying to focus with all the employees on leadership," Kaelin said. "Given the challenging economic times it's important that everyone works as a team."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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