Ralph Friedgen releases statement urging Terps to move forward, then looks back

From the beginning our approach was to engage everyone – it was a football family.  We would always tell folks that we had 3 daughters and 120 sons.  Recruit parents would ask us to “take care of their sons” and we did so with discipline and caring. Our family was involved in making senior scrapbooks with love and passion for these young men who worked so hard on and off the field.  The MGN members and fans were extended family. We cared as much about the small donor as the larger one.  We brought lettermen back in numbers as never before.  We were here ourselves in the late 60’s, early 70’s, mid 80’s and for the ten-year stretch starting in 2001. 

It has always been my philosophy that college football isn't just about teaching young men the X’s and O’s - it's about preparing them for life – a philosophy from which I have never wavered - with an understanding of

• The long term rewards of hard work and preparation;
• The importance of being able to rely on your teammates and their ability to rely on you;
• The knowledge that with faith and perseverance no obstacle is insurmountable;
• The preciousness of family, teammates and friends whose support never wavers; and
• The irreplaceable worth of believing in yourself and your abilities despite doubt and criticism from outsiders.

My only regret was to not have the opportunity to coach the fine young men of the 2011 team to the end of their college careers – men, who I can tell you without a doubt in my mind, are not only great students of this game, but who had already demonstrated these qualities that I hold dear.  These young men have been like sons to me and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their willingness to give me everything they have, both on and off the field.  I wish them nothing but success now and throughout their lives.  It has been my honor to be their coach and I could not be prouder of them.

Finally, our family invested time, talent and treasure in the University at large and in the football program.  We would appreciate the current administration looking forward to the future and dedicating their energies to continue to forge ahead as a world class University and successful football program without demeaning the accomplishments of those who came before.