Bearcat Fans Roaring in Support of Tjeerdsma's Return
By: Robert Lowrey
Updated: March 21, 2013
(MARYVILLE, Mo.) A clear sky on a bright, sunny day could not have been a better setting for the return of a Bearcat legend.
The energy at Wednesday's press conference reached beyond the ears of the people at the Mel Tjeerdsma's return to Maryville,
It had fans of the Bearcats roaring across the city.
"We are super excited. It's awesome," said Hilarie Todd, assistant manager at Jock's Nitch. "Northwest football is here because of Mel Tjeerdsma."
Even those who played before Tjeerdsma's tenure in the 90's recollect the struggles that came before the glories.
"He started that first season 0-11," said Tom Lancaster. "And then it just took off from there. Six-and-five was the next year and then everything was 8, 9, 10, 11 wins every year."
As the saying goes in Maryville, once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.
Never more true as Tjeerdsma returns to a university he took to three national titles.
The energy was felt in all corners of the community.
"I'm thrilled that he's coming back," said Darren White, sheriff of Nodaway County. "Because of his success, he's been able to bring things to Northwest that we probably otherwise wouldn't have had there."
His legacy lingers in Maryville since his retirement in 2010.
Playoff appearances, apparel, and a "Coach 'T'" bobblehead are reminders of what he brought to Northwest football.
WIth his return, fans are hoping he can help continue Northwest's winning ways.
"He's going to work. And he's going to be there and do it all," said Lancaster. "I don't think they could have picked a better guy."
The energy at Wednesday's press conference reached beyond the ears of the people at the Mel Tjeerdsma's return to Maryville,
It had fans of the Bearcats roaring across the city.
"We are super excited. It's awesome," said Hilarie Todd, assistant manager at Jock's Nitch. "Northwest football is here because of Mel Tjeerdsma."
Even those who played before Tjeerdsma's tenure in the 90's recollect the struggles that came before the glories.
"He started that first season 0-11," said Tom Lancaster. "And then it just took off from there. Six-and-five was the next year and then everything was 8, 9, 10, 11 wins every year."
As the saying goes in Maryville, once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.
Never more true as Tjeerdsma returns to a university he took to three national titles.
The energy was felt in all corners of the community.
"I'm thrilled that he's coming back," said Darren White, sheriff of Nodaway County. "Because of his success, he's been able to bring things to Northwest that we probably otherwise wouldn't have had there."
His legacy lingers in Maryville since his retirement in 2010.
Playoff appearances, apparel, and a "Coach 'T'" bobblehead are reminders of what he brought to Northwest football.
WIth his return, fans are hoping he can help continue Northwest's winning ways.
"He's going to work. And he's going to be there and do it all," said Lancaster. "I don't think they could have picked a better guy."
