Evening star., 1961-02-06
SPOTLIGHT
ON
SPORTS
A Rumor Led to q Raise
BY MERRELL WHITTLEsEY

ALMOST EVERYBODY complaining about hang
Ing around the house over the week end except Tom
Nugent.
The Maryland football coach didn't object to his
Snow-enforced confinement because it the first time
in months that he had entire week end at home No
football games, no meetings no speeches.
He also had a three-year extension Of his present
contract which made for happy reflections. Plus what
was tantamoun to the promise of raise when his boss
DR.. Wilson ElknS said: II would assume in the overall
budget picture, that Nugent will get an increase"
The Board Of Regents unanimous approval of the
three-year extension gives Nugent fve-year con-
tract This was brought about by reSuts-whch included
the Terps first winning season in five years-and by
rumors that Tom was being eyed by other teams.
A"AH
WHEN THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES and the Red
skins obviously were looking for new coaches toward the
end Of the season. Nugent mentioned connection
with both Jobs. There something to the Philadelphia
story Tom is good friend Of Vince Mentally, the Eagles
general manager.
Tom was saying how the Redskins rumor was printed
despite his efforts to tell the truth
II talking to George Marshall on the phone about
attending one Of the Redskins games, and told him
had q problem because Of my television show mmedi-
atey after the game.
HE suggested use his private parking place where
could make quick exit before the game We
probably talked several minutes" Nugent said
An hour so later a reporter called and told Nugent
he understood he had been talking to Marshall Tom
said yes and attempted to tell the fellow the subject Of
the conversation.
The next day Nugent read that he was being con-
sidered as Mike Nixon's successor.
THIS WILL BE NUGENTS third year at Maryland,
and he's hoping for faster start. If the Terps can
win two out Of three against Southern Methodist Clemson
and Syracuse he figures they might win eight
for the season.
When Tom took over two years ago he inherited
good football players but not enough Of them compete
with bowl-bound teams like Texas and Syracuse.
Last year he had more players but so many Of them
sophomores that earyseason mistakes defense
inevitable The Terps five Of their last six as
the sophs caught on
When the Maryland squad reports for spring practice
on April the coach expects at least IS in uniform
mot all Of them scholarship" Tom hastily added
"but wen have the nucleus Of good squad"
Only So turned out for his first spring practice Last
year had "a.
"This year the boys will know our teaching ideas
and philosophy" Nugent said. I'VE won't have to
spend so much time on installing system 1t should
pay off with quicker start"
The Maryland coach is justifiably proud of the tutor
ing system which has enabled his staff to keep great
majority Of the football players despite raised academic
standards
OUTSIDERS BELIEVE NUGENTs 1861 problems
center around quarterback but the coach dsages He
believes Richie Novak will regain his confidence, and
that Novak will produce with boys he has been with
year or two.
And there's Dick Sinner last years freshman quarter
back, who throw for distance. "He throw long,
and he throws fireba" Nugent said "Well probably
have different style Of play when Sinner is the quarter
back"
Maryland has its first bona-fide All-Amerca posi-
bity in several in End Gary Collins but the end
situation still could the most trouble.
Joe Hrezo, who was playing guard last season, may
be the first player to shift to end and probably therew
be Others
Tom is pleased with the accent Maryland and
District football talent his freshman and sopho
more squads which is one Of Dr. Elkins aims.
OF course, the he wants the most is Mike Curtis,
the Richard Montgomery fuback but Mike apparently
Is headed for the Naval Academy But fellow can't
expect few days with his family new contract and
Mike Curtis in snowy week end.