In the conference room at Michigan State, the last bars of Def Leppard and Phil Collins flicker as a staff member signals for perfect attendance. The words “Unity Meeting & Name Game Prep” light up on a large screen, accompanied by an image of an ancient soldier studying a scroll. Jonathan Smith, the team’s new coach, is relying on team spirit and a sense of responsibility. In the first team exercise of the day, the players are asked to answer important questions in groups – from their name and origins to their favorite musician or film. These personal details serve as the basis for a 90-second group game that requires humor and creativity. The key terms for the team’s success are defined together and evaluated over three days – much to the delight of Smith, who declared: “Great thing, we’ll keep it that way.” Despite the challenges of recent years, Smith is relying on principles and stability that he already successfully applied at Oregon State. The team, which consists of 61 new players, is reorganizing and trying to move on from the scandals of the past. Smith, known for his calm and calculated manner, avoids grandiose words, an approach that his colleague Joe Rossi also appreciates. The focus on community and discipline runs like a thread through the program. Group leaders present the characteristics of successful teams: discipline, killer instinct, perseverance. This discussion lasts just 11 minutes, an expression of Smith’s efficient meeting culture. Mark Dantonio, the team’s former successful coach, speaks positively about Smith: “He is down to earth. When bad things happen, he doesn’t overreact.” The goal is clear: Michigan State should find its way back to its former strength, with a coach who leaves mistrust and scandals behind and relies on hard work and community. In the end, Smith’s motto “Low ego, high output” remains the guiding principle for the new season. The players should rely on each other and find the way to the top together. The past may be a burden, but the outlook is optimistic.
