Mac attack — McBride's return ignites enthusiasm at Weber State

OGDEN — By now everyone has heard of Ron McBride the football coach. Did you also know he was sort of an architect?

In the nine months since McBride took over the Wildcats' program, he has laid out a solid foundation for the future with a very experienced coaching staff, several talented recruits — and he's ignited the city of Ogden with excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Not bad for a 65-year-old.

"What else am I going to do?" McBride asked at his press conference.

With McBride's infectious smile and quick wit, he's ushered in a new era of Wildcat football. It's been said that there hasn't been a buzz around Weber State like this since former coach Mike Price brought the "West Coast Offense" to town and lit up the scoreboard in 1981.

While the coach and everyone associated with the program will tell you everything is on track for the home opener on Sept. 3 with Western State, a few questions remain to be answered.

Can Weber State forget the losing frustrations of 2004? In addition to the numerous recruits, McBride inherited a team with 35 returning lettermen and 17 starters from a year of 1-10. McBride says the 2005 season carries a clean slate.

"I don't worry about the past. I'm just here to focus on what my team is doing now," McBride said.

Texas Tech senior transfer Sione Havili likes the returning core of players and believes the program can erase the past and win immediately.

"We're all excited. We have some high expectations. The most important thing is we want to win that first game, not looking too far ahead," Havili said.

WILDCATS' STRENGTHS: The backfield is key to McBride's offensive scheme, thus it is among the deepest positions. Weber State has eight running backs on the depth chart at tailback or fullback, and the 'Cats will use them to run the ball down opponents' throats.

Quarterback Ian Pizarro was impressed with his backfield's performance in Thursday's scrimmage.

"It doesn't matter which back it is, every one of them wanted to put the ball in the end zone," Pizarro said. "We ran the ball really well. It makes my job a lot easier."