Chicago Football Classic Ripped By Coach
"The worst experience of my life." That's how Mississippi Valley State head football coach Kendrick Wade described his time in the Windy City as the Delta Devils took on Central State in a Week 1 matchup.
Wade alluded to the logistical challenges he and his team faced during the SWAC weekly coaches call, saying that they "endured a lot, had to deal with a lot," and that there were "some things that weren't necessarily ideal or conducive to going out and being successful." But the first-year head coach was asked at the end of his session about his experience at the Chicago Football Classic, and he gave a candid answer.
"I've been coaching 14 years, and it was probably the worst experience of my life," Wade told the media. "As far as logistics and how things were set up, meals, the hotel, the constant changes of the itinerary. There were a lot of things that weren't really conducive to going out and being successful.
"But I assured my players that as long as I was the head coach, they'll never have to go through that again."
Wade added that the experience taught him to do his due diligence regarding classics and ensure that his players will be treated as such. He credited his players for fighting through the adversity and Central State and head coach Kevin Porter for a well-earned victory, but doesn't see Mississippi Valley State returning to Chicago.
"As long as I'm the head coach of Mississippi Valley, I have no intention of going back," Wade said. "Nothing against it, but it didn't work well for us."