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UVA football coach Bronco Mendenhall: ‘I only know winning football’

Chris Graham

bronco mendenhallNew Virginia football coach Bronco Mendenhall was introduced to the UVA fan base Wednesday night at halftime of the fifth-ranked Cavs’ win over Oakland.

Mendenhall, 99-43 in 11 years at BYU before signing on earlier this month to take over the ‘Hoos football program, made a memorable first impression.

“Tonight I’m going to get a quick glimpse into who you are, how you play and what the result is going to be. Wait ‘til you see football,” Mendenhall said to wild applause from the John Paul Jones Arena crowd.

The line of the night: “I only know winning football.” This to a fan base that has had to endure eight losing seasons in the last 10 years.

As you can imagine, yeah, there was even wilder applause at this point.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be home for the holidays,” Mendenhall said. “Bowl games happen with this program. And so if the past is any indication, 11 years as a head coach, 11 straight bowl games. Why not start making it 12 next season?”

– Story by Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].