The day has finally arrived, the day when Tom Jurich is welcomed back to the University of Louisville campus. To be loved, celebrated and thanked for all he did for the school’s athletic program. Transformed the program from a distant also-ran to national prominence and greatness during his 20-year tenure.
The buzz from the crowd greets one after opening the door in the parking garage. Lots of friendly faces under the tent across the street at Lenny Lyles Plaza. Among them such benefactors as Dr. Mark Lynn, Jim Patterson and Steve Trager and many others from the speed donor dial list. The Cardinal Bird, coaches, former coaches, players, alumni, faculty, students, longtime fans, families ready to reunite with Tom.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is eager to join the well wishers, to rename the UofL segments of Floyd Street to Tom Jurich Way. Turns out Greenberg’s father was one of the first people to meet with Jurich in 1997. Greenberg enjoying every minute, leading the crowd in a booming C-A-R-D-S cheer at one point.
“Today’s event would never have happened without so many great individuals who all agree that now was the time to honor Tom,” said Greenberg. “I want to thank all of my colleagues in city government who helped make this happen. Also, I especially want to thank Dr. Gerry Bradley (UofL President) and Josh Heird (current UofL Athletic Director) and their teams at UofL and UofL athletics. It is so wonderful to host this homecoming for you, Tom and Terrilynn, and your entire family.”
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell can’t make it but is represented by aid Robin Taylor with a proclamation from Mitch. “As a UofL sports fan, Saturday, June 28th is a memorable day for me. My good friend and Louisville legend Tom Jurich will receive a long overdue honor. During his career he built an athletic department that was among the best in the country. I wish I could be there in person to celebrate my friend but I know that he and his family and all those that love him will cherish the memories that he helped create at the University of Louisville … Tom, thanks for transforming UofL athletics.”
UofL President Gerry Bradley is next, acknowledging that “today is a great day for the University of Louisville being able to welcome Tom and his family back to campus and celebrating the great success he has had. Seeing so many great UofL fans is so uplifting to the campus and the community. What a wonderful day. Tom, I hope you know how important you are to the history of UofL What you did to heighten awareness, increase interest and bring success is beyond compare .. Thanks to you and your family for all you’ve done to build this campus. We’re glad you’re here, we’re glad you’re home and we’re glad you’ve always been true to the Cardinals.”
Josh Heird adds his appreciation, noting that Jurich turned down numerous opportunities from rival universities during his UofL career. “I sincerely believe your most lasting impact was securing an invitation to the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference. It changed the trajectory of the athletic department and this institution. Getting into the ACC was a result of your vision, the hiring of great staff, great coaches, getting them the resources to be successful, your unrelenting support of women’s athletics, building tremendous facilities and fostering relationships with world class brands like Adidas and Gatorade. Lastly on a personal note, I want to thank you for giving me my first opportunity in college athletics. You put up with a lot of mistakes in my 10 years of working for you … It will always be an honor to drive down Tom Jurich Way and be reminded of your impact on our great university.”
Other speakers include former Associate Athletic Director Julie Hermann and Baseball Coach Dan McDonnell with insightful and heartwarming stories on their interactions with Tom. Further confirmations of a supportive boss who always had their best interests in mind.
Last up is Tom. But first he has to wait between five and 10 minutes for a standing ovation from an estimated crowd of 2,500 people. They can’t show enough appreciation, having waited for 10 years. No doubt they will continue to praise him long into the future.
Fighting back tears numerous times, Jurich is emotional, saying this is a place he dearly loves. He says one of his favorite memories was the 2013 Sugar Bowl game against Florida in New Orleans. “I walked into that place and the whole place was red. We were playing the No. 2 team in the nation. That win and our crowd support put a stamp on this program.”
He also has high praise for new UofL President Gerry Bradley and AD Josh Heird. “Mr. President I’ve heard so many great things about you.UofL has much to look forward to under your leadership. You have a great team, you and Josh Heird. College athletics is a crazy place right now and Josh has a tough job in front of him. He’s not only going to make it but he’s going to achieve greatness.”
Tom is back. For him, the University of Louisville was never going to be just another stopover for coaches and players, it would be a destination. The Tom Jurich Way signs will be a beacon to all visitors from here on out.
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On a personal note, imagine my elation when following the ceremony, Tom Jurich makes his way over to me. He thanks me for helping make the homecoming possible.
“Thank you, Charlie, for your efforts,” he says. I am so surprised that all I can manage in reply is a meek “Thank you, Tom.”
He is referring to a Card Game post I made back June 26, 2023 in which I made a case for the university to welcome him back to the campus. Whether that was the difference maker, I will never know for certain. However, the post did get a lot of readership and a personal note from his daughter Lacey.
