Western Michigan completed a perfect regular season Friday.
The team was projected to win the Mid-American Conference in pre-season projections, but nobody could have predicted that the Broncos would have beaten two Big 10 teams, and ran through the MAC to finished undefeated.
Nobody could have predicted this undefeated season, especially after the Broncos finished just 1-11 three seasons ago.
Coach P.J. Fleck credits the turnaround to his players, not him and his staff.
“We were the worst coaches in the country year one,” Fleck said. “And all of a sudden we’ve grown to be the best in three years? I don’t know.”
The city of Kalamazoo has gotten behind Western Michigan in its quest for an undefeated season.
The city has embraced Fleck’s mantra of “Row the Boat,” with oars made in different colors to represent different causes, such as pink oars for breast cancer awareness, or purple oars for pancreatic cancer awareness.
"Row the Boat" has been placed on helmets and jerseys, the locker room entrance, and apparel for the entire team. It, along with Fleck, earned national recognition when the Broncos were featured on College GameDay two weeks ago, against Buffalo.
One reason the city has gotten behind the team so much is Fleck’s insistence on his team giving back to the community by doing service such as helping at shelters and volunteering at football camps.
“We wanted our players to serve and give, and understand one day we will be champions, and when that happens — watch this place take off,” Fleck said. “But until then, let’s serve and give and connect ourselves to the community even before we win. Let’s show that we are very real, that it’s not just about winning.”
The players have bought into Fleck’s system.
Fleck always says that he is “doing elite.” Apparently, Fleck’s “eliteness” has rubbed off on his players.
Wide receiver Corey Davis and quarterback Zach Terrell, probably the two best players on the team, are always out giving back to the community.
“I’ve always been taught to treat others the way I want to be treated,” Terrell said. “But, I think this program has done a lot to pull that out of me, because once you get away from home, you kind of have to become your own man. This program has given me opportunities and different avenues to serve and give.”
The dream-like turnaround of the program has been big for the city, and the teachings of Fleck have been a huge part of it.
“I remember it like it was yesterday, coach Fleck would always tell us ‘those who stay will be champions,’ ” Davis said. “Me, Zach (Terrell) and all the guys believe it, and stayed. We’re not champions yet, but we’re one step closer.”
