Pulling the Sled: Lyle McCombs, Sr. (2/2)

How does your son perceive the social atmosphere at UConn?

Due the schools ethnic makeup he had some difficulty fitting in his freshman year.
But he eventually found his way, and felt more comfortable.  He still feels it’s boring sometime.
To be expected when you go from NYC to CONN.

How did he find his way to feeling comfortable?

I felt his adjustment came when school activity was over, on weekends and breaks.
He couldn’t find a barbershop, a park, or place to hang out that felt like home.
He eventually found a mixed group he felt comfortable with off the team.
He found a girlfriend his Sophmore year.

Can you please elaborate on ethnic make up?

We knew before hand that the majority of the student body was Caucasian, nothing he wasn’t used to.
His High School was less than 10% non Caucasian with a student body of about 3500.

Does he receive any pressure regarding playing from fellow students?

Pressure, I would say no, he was the BMOC in high school.

Your thoughts on your son’s past seasons at UConn?

I think his Redsirt Fr. year was his most rewarding to him, the team was playing well and he was enjoying school and football.
The last two season have been tough on him, he hates to lose.

Your thoughts on his future role in the program?

To be an example to future and current students, be and upstanding citizen.
To show that UCONN produces educated, real world ready men.

How do you perceive the social atmosphere at UConn?

I really can’t comment on that, I haven’t spent that much time on campus.
I really think a on campus football stadium would help me have a better idea of this.

How has your time been with the fans?

The fans have been great, some knew who Lyle was and some of his backround when he started playing his redshirt Fr. year.
I find that most fans are very positive about the players and the program as a whole.
Even after Randy Edsall left the program there was still a positive vibe, but Coach Pasqualoni quickly rubbed to fans the wrong way.

Any suggestions for improvements in anything?

The game day atmosphere has to change, it’s very bland.
There is nothing to get the fans in the stadium before kickoff.
Start by allowing the fans in the parking lot more that 4 hours before game time.

What are some of your best experiences with the fans?

There are a lot good times, I mean a lot.
My first was Nike’s freshman year I’m behind the red line talking to a few team parents, and
a guy with his son is sitting in front. I guess he over heard us screaming, cheering and high 5ing,
and asks if my son played on the team. I told him he was a redshirt, McCombs, the guy knew his first name and where he was from.
He mentioned his recruit highlight tape and that he couldn’t wait to see him play.

Another was Nike’s redshirt Fr. year against Fordham, it was a big game for me, because I had two of my nephews with me.
They’re first time seeing Nike play at the Rent, also a high school teammate of Lyle was on the Rams.
My nephews and I are standing behind the red line on the broadcast booth side of the field enjoying the game as the Huskies are playing well.
Again a guy is walking past us from his seat, and he hears us talking about Nike and how one of my nephews used to play against each other in Pop Warner.
He asks who we are cheering for, we say #43, my son and their cousin.
The guy calls his buddies over and introduces us, they give a high 5, and they stay with us.
We’re all taking when Nike rips off a 50yd (maybe 60) run over the right side, and we’re all screaming and hugging like family.

Meeting up with Joe Griff and his wife Pat, they gave me a Husky HQ button and said you hang out with us from now on at the parent tailgate.

All the parents who have moved on and have come back because they are fans too, also the fans(too many names) who don’t have anybody playing but love the Huskies.

The guys who organize the parent tailgate, just the best Dave, Ryan, and Scott, they get there early to set up, cook and clean up. MY DUDES!!

And two guys who are great fans and harsh critics, never partial JB & Jimmy

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