Virginia wrapped up their worst season since 1986 with a 42-13 loss to Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers were down 14-13 at halftime only to end up getting outscored 28-0 in the second half with Ryan Williams running for four official touchdowns. The loss culminated a six game losing streak to end the year during which the team got outscored 204-87. Things really never turned following a season-opening loss to William & Mary so the reality that Al Groh was going to be axed after the final game had been accepted by everyone involved in the program, Groh included. In fact, he even had a statement prepared for the media after the bludgeoning — he elected to recite “The Guy in the Glass” by Dale Wimbrow:
“When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Then go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that guy has to say.“For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he’s with you clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.“You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum,
And think you¹re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you¹re only a bum,
If you can¹t look him straight in the eye.“You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.”
Groh then continued with his own words: “When I visited the guy in the glass, I saw that he’s a guy of commitment, of integrity, of dependability and accountability. He’s loyal. His spirit is indomitable. And he is caring and loving. I’m sure I will always call the guy in the glass a friend.”
The program may have sunk to lows they never wanted to endure but at least Groh is walking out with his head held high and a feeling of integrity. I now have a lot more empathy and respect for the man. The question is does he hang up the whistle now or return to the NFL despite being 65-years-old. I don’t know what Groh’s next step will be but I’m guessing UVA’s will be hiring former Groh assistant and current Temple coach, Al Golden as their new man. They need some new, young blood in there.
