Offered the chance to fly with the Blue Angels at the Prairie Air Show in Peoria in April, Illinois coach Ron Zook learned later that he wouldn't be able to take the ride. Zook had to pass on the invitation, since he already flew with the Blue Angels years ago. According to military policy, that's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I had to call coach and eat some crow,'' said Navy Cmdr. Steven Cincotta, the regional recruiting supervisor for much of Illinois. "I had invited him, then I had to un-invite him. So I asked, 'Coach, how can I make this up to you? What else would you like to do?' '' Zook didn't hesitate. The aviation buff wanted to land on an aircraft carrier. Zook got his wish in May, when a two-day trip to the USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific provided Zook a working example in teamwork, mental toughness, discipline and focus. Even the ship's slogan -- Look Ahead -- is a catch phrase for the Illini, who heard plenty about Zook's latest visit with the Navy. Lt. John Black, a pilot stationed on the Stennis, arrived at Camp Rantoul on Wednesday evening and will speak to the Illini on Thursday. The teaching points are relevant, Zook said, for a team that's attempting to build upon a 9-4 record overall and a 6-2 mark in the Big Ten Conference last season. Zook's latest dream vacation put him on the flight deck of the carrier, watching the precision between the flight crew and the Navy pilots. Zook saw the jet ...
Anytime
Offered the chance to fly with the Blue Angels at the Prairie Air Show in Peoria in April, Illinois coach Ron Zook learned later that he wouldn't be able to take the ride. Zook had to pass on the invitation, since he already flew with the Blue Angels years ago. According to military policy, that's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I had to call coach and eat some crow,'' said Navy Cmdr. Steven Cincotta, the regional recruiting supervisor for much of Illinois. "I had invited him, then I had to un-invite him. So I asked, 'Coach, how can I make this up to you? What else would you like to do?' '' Zook didn't hesitate. The aviation buff wanted to land on an aircraft carrier. Zook got his wish in May, when a two-day trip to the USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific provided Zook a working example in teamwork, mental toughness, discipline and focus. Even the ship's slogan -- Look Ahead -- is a catch phrase for the Illini, who heard plenty about Zook's latest visit with the Navy. Lt. John Black, a pilot stationed on the Stennis, arrived at Camp Rantoul on Wednesday evening and will speak to the Illini on Thursday. The teaching points are relevant, Zook said, for a team that's attempting to build upon a 9-4 record overall and a 6-2 mark in the Big Ten Conference last season. Zook's latest dream vacation put him on the flight deck of the carrier, watching the precision between the flight crew and the Navy pilots. Zook saw the jet ...