The Brown & White

An interview with Lehigh head coach Andy Coen

Q: What do you remember about your first Lehigh/Lafayette game as a coach?

A: 1994 was my first game in the rivalry. We played in Easton with the championship on the line and they hammered us. But my first game as a head coach was 2006, where we played them close for most of the game and they pulled away in the 4th quarter. Neither one of those are great first memories.

Q: What was the most entertaining game or moment in the rivalry?

A: In 1995 we beat Lafayette in double-overtime. Brian Klingerman made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone to win the game. We were down by a few scores early in the game and that one was unforgettable for most people.

Q: What does this game mean to Lehigh's student body?

A: I notice a big difference in our campus. From the minute you walk onto the campus as a freshman you get indoctrinated into the rivalry. All week long we have events around campus to keep the students involved and it works.

Q: How does the close proximity of the two schools change the feel of the game?

A: We just go over in the morning before the game. In years past before Lafayette had the beautiful new Fisher Stadium, we would go over dressed almost like teams did in high school, but this year we will go over there and use the beautiful new space they have.

Q: Describe the difference between the rivalry 20 years ago versus what it has evolved into today?

A: They no longer allow the tearing down of goal posts. There had been riots on the field after the game, behavior like that has stopped. But as far as the kids playing in the game or coaching, it hasn't changed at all. It is still Lehigh vs. Lafayette.

Q: What are the main differences between the teams this year?

A: This year we just haven't found a way to win the close games. They have had a little more success than we have this season, but regardless of records, both teams want to win this game every year.

Q: How do the teams differ on a historical or traditional level?

A: Both teams have similar defenses, we both recruit a lot of the same players, same style, both like to blitz and get after the quarterback. Traditionally they are a more run-first team and have had a lot of great tailbacks over the years.

Q: Lehigh has not won the game since 2003. Who will win this year?

A: Last year was the first class since 1950 to not beat Lafayette once and we've got a senior class this year who is at risk of never beating Lafayette. We are going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen again.

---
An interview with Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani

Q: What do you remember about your first Lehigh/Lafayette game as a coach?


A: The last game at Taylor Stadium, late, late in the game; I call it the Tundra Game. It was bitterly cold out there and the wind chill must have been below zero. I remember how the upper deck of the stadium hung out, almost over the field it seemed. People always tried to tell me what it was like, but until you experience one of those games, you can't really understand what they mean.



Q: What was the most entertaining game or moment in the rivalry?

AYou always remember the first one. But my first win as a coach, we utilized a fake field goal and that one felt great.


Q: What does this game mean to Lafayette's student body?

A: A huge amount of pride goes into the whole week. Students who don't usually pay attention to football at all during the year come out and support the team. It's a great thing for the student body. The students are pouring with enthusiasm. The atmosphere that all those fans make creates so much energy for the team.


Q: How does the close proximity of the two schools change the feel of the game?

A: It sets everything up beautifully. Two schools so close in proximity, both taking tremendous pride in their football programs, makes for such an event every year.


Q: Describe the difference between the rivalry 20 years ago versus what it has evolved into today?

A: The biggest difference is the fan violence has stopped. We don't put up the temporary goal posts anymore and the unfortunate behavior we saw years ago has cleared up for the most part. People still have a heck of a good time, but Lehigh students in the past had a tendency to over-serve themselves before the game started, no matter how early or how cold it was.

Q: What are the main differences between the teams this year?

A: This season the injury bug hit us a little bit and Lehigh has had a couple of hard loses in close games. The only difference between these two teams this year is a few bounces of the football. Coach Coen has his team ready every week and I expect the same this week when they come to town.


Q: How do the teams differ on a historical or traditional level?

A: They are very similar teams historically. They might have a more potent air attack, we tend to grind the ball on the ground, but both schools have the same academic reputation and the reputation of producing outstanding individuals, not just football players.


Q: Lehigh has not won the game since 2003. Who will win this year?

A: I don't make predictions. I think it's a toss up regardless of records every year. The two are very equally matched and I know the game will come down to the fourth quarter and who can make the most plays.