Coach's Corner: Glenview's MacPherson a big part of Northwestern's football success

As college football fans are well aware, our very own Northwestern Wildcat football team is having one of its best seasons ever. Despite a heartbreaking loss last week to Michigan State, the 'Cats are still challenging for a Big Ten championship. Rare air, indeed.

As one who has bled purple for many years (I still have, as a prized possession from my high school days, my personalized rejection letter from Northwestern), I am particularly excited about the season so far.

More to the point, though, is that right smack in the middle of it all - and a huge part of the reason for that success - is Glenview resident Matt MacPherson, associate head coach for the Wildcats and in charge of their defensive backs.

His defense, and his defensive backs in particular, have been among the best in the country so far. They are a confident, savvy, intelligent and absolutely fearless group. They cover, they tackle, they are aggressive - but rarely get penalized - and mentally they are sound as can be, never caught out of position.

Oh, and more thing. They also specialize in the big play, creating turnovers at an alarming (at least for opponents) rate.

"We pride ourselves in that," says MacPherson. "We are always looking for the potential turnover. Last year was tough, the ball just didn't bounce our way, but this year it is and our kids our capitalizing."

Speaking of last year, it was no question a tough one for Coach Mac and the Wildcats as they went 3-9 in a rare down year. But the turnaround this season has been dramatic.

"I had a pretty good feeling about our defense coming into this year," he said. "We had guys returning with experience and talent, and, really, last year we played pretty solid defense despite the record. I knew we had a chance to be good."

Good would not describe it thus far. Great is a much better description.

His four starters in the backfield, Cam Ruiz, Greg Newsome, JR Pace and freshman Brandon Joseph, along with young future stars AJ Hampton and Cameron Mitchell have shut down all comers so far, and are now being recognized among the top groups in the country.

Heady stuff for the sometimes perpetually underrated Wildcats.

MacPherson's Glenview roots are actually not that deep (they have lived here five years now), but the other half of "home MacPherson" is a different story. Wife Pam (Gottfred back in the day) grew up in Glenview and was a 1998 graduate of Glenbrook South High School starring in volleyball, good enough to gain a scholarship offer to play at Duke collegiately.

Her brother Brad, a 1993 GBS graduate, excelled on the football field for the Titans.

"We lived in Evanston for awhile, but Pam really wanted to move back to Glenview," MacPherson said. "She always said what a wonderful community it is, and I have discovered that for sure in the time I have been here. Great people, great community and the schools, parks and facilities are all top notch."

While MacPherson has become familiar with Glenview, he does get frustrated sometimes that he can't get more involved.

"Because of recruiting and traveling in the off-season and game preparation during the season, it does limit how much I can get involved in the community," he said. "Frustrating sometimes, because I miss some of the games and activities that our kids are involved in."

One of those activities, not surprisingly, is Glenview Jr. Titan Football. Sophomore son Tommy and current eighth-grader Drew both played in the program and have had positive experiences.

"The program is very well run," MacPherson said. "Both boys have really enjoyed it. I particularly respect and appreciate the adults that are out there coaching who do not have kids in the program. The ones who put all that time and effort in even though they have no children playing. I think that is really impressive."

MacPherson did come and give a talk to the program players a few years ago, but, for the most part, he has stayed clear of becoming too hands on.

"I prefer to leave the coaching and instruction to their coaches. I don't want to interfere. And usually when I do make suggestions or advice, my kids don't want to hear from their dad anyway."

Yeah, welcome to parenting since the beginning of time, Matt.

I asked if sixth-grade daughter Emily might break the barrier and join the few and the proud of females that have played in the Jr. Titan program. Coach laughed and said, "No, I don't think that is going to happen. Emily is more into art and dance, and she is very good at both."

Thought it was worth a try, anyway.

So, can MacPherson and the Wildcats keep the winning season going? This weekend is a big game against archrival and improving Minnesota.

"It sounds old and cliché to say, but we are not looking ahead. One game at a time, and that is our sole focus," MacPherson said.

The only worry now for our Glenview community is that, with the success he is having this year, it might take him away. Other colleges may come calling in the steppingstone world that is college football coaching.

" I love it at Northwestern," MacPherson said. "The kids are great. They are quality people, and easy to motivate, which makes it a pleasure to coach. The coaches and the administrative staff are all a pleasure to work with as well."

Sounds good. Stay right here in Glenview coach.

Oh, and one more thing, Go 'Cats!

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan.