Luginbill Is Lauded for Building Program

After reading some of the controversial stories about Al Luginbill and his handling of the San Diego State football staff, I like to think of all the good things he has done: Bringing the Aztec football program to national prominence with quality student-athletes that are good citizens; being totally committed to the football program, so much so that he sold tickets during the off-season; and having the courage and foresight to play the perrenial powers of college football instead of the Long Beach States of the world.

A good example of Luginbill’s foresight was displayed at the first weekly booster luncheon before the season opener of 1991. Coach Luginbill did not specifically mention any players in his 10-minute talk. After concluding his speech, Luginbill started to walk off the stage, then suddenly caught himself, stepped back to the microphone and said, “Oh yes, one thing I forgot to mention. We have this kid named Marshall Faulk. You don’t know who he is right now, but by the end of the season, you will.”

JOEL H. BRYDEN

San Diego