RTI Journey is a new season-long series on VUCommodores.com written by Vanderbilt head football coach Derek Mason. Check back for a new entry every other week from Coach Mason.
The Framework of #RTI
When I arrived at Vanderbilt University in January of 2014, Commodore Football was in the midst of its most productive stretch of program success in the Post War era. The Dores were fresh off bowl appearances in the 2008 Music City Bowl, 2011 Liberty Bowl, 2012 Music City Bowl and the 2014 BBVA Compass Bowl, a tremendous accomplishment given that Commodore football had only reached three bowl games from 1955 to 2007 (1955 Gator Bowl, 1974 Peach Bowl, and the 1982 Hall of Fame Classic).
Many great coaches, players and teams have worn the Black & Gold into battle over the last century, but few outside this family truly understand the unique qualities and characteristics a “Vanderbilt Man” will gain on his journey as a student-athlete at one of the world’s most academically challenging institutions. Add in the physical demands of playing in the best college football conference in the country, and you begin to wonder how these student-athletes compete in this environment, where first-round draft picks are everyday adversaries in the classroom and on the football field.
This arena is where a Relentless, Tough & Intelligent lifestyle has to be the norm. This is where #RTI began.
Derek Mason
Vanderbilt Football Head Coach
RELENTLESS | TOUGH | INTELLIGENT