Turpin Time

The Joys and Heartbreaks of The Journey

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Thursday, October 30, 2008 4:12 PM

     When our three kids were growing up, my wife and I loved packing them into the station wagon and taking off on another journey.

     We had great expectations when planning these journeys.  We will go here, we will go there, we will see this, we will see that - you will love it, kids!!   And, we'll be doing it as a family!!  So, get in the wagon, be quiet, and don't ask, "Are we there yet?"

     Admittedly, the rewards far outweighed the problems.  What's a flat tire or two, or a back-seat fight, or a bout with car-sickness when you can remember sitting together - wrapped in blankets- watching a glorious Easter sunrise at the Grand Canyon!!  God was there, too, you know.

     When the University of Illinois decided to let the Big Ten Network have complete access to coaches, players, and other personnel for a weekly close-up of all things Illini - a program to be called "The Journey" - it seemed like such a good idea.

     This journey would show Illini fans, friends, alumni, and especially recruits a behind the scenes look at what the Illini football program was all about.   Viewers would learn about game preparation, listen to coaches bark out instructions, get to see and hear Illini players during a year of collegiate experiences - both on the field and off.

     But, what if the  pre-season high expectations were not met? What if the team couldn't quite get it together?  What if the Illini lost games that they should have won?   What if watching The Journey became the reality show to end all reality shows?

     What if it rained on Easter Sunday at the Grand Canyon?

     There is still time for The Journey to have a happy ending.  Four games to go.  Getting a shot at the Hawkeyes and the Buckeyes in Memorial Stadium.   Western Michigan and Northwestern on the road.   Getting to a bowl game.

     But, time is running out.  Expectations of Illini fans are growing dimmer.  Loren Tate and I spoke at a civic club luncheon this week and when I asked the room full of fans how many thought this team would wind up in a bowl game - six people raised their hands.  This past summer - at another civic club function - the same question was asked and everyone in the room raised their hands high.

     When you take a Journey - and invite everyone to go with you - beware of a road so bumpy that you may wish you had stayed at home.

    

    

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