Curt Cignetti seems to like communicating with the IU student body.
And so do his players, who ran over to the opposite side of the field after Indiana’s 42-28 win Saturday to thank the student section in person.
That gesture came after the students made a strong showing at the game despite poor weather conditions.
Cignetti chose a more classical form of communication, writing a second letter in as many days to the entire student body, via e-mail.
Here’s what Cignetti said to IU students just hours after leading his team to a 5-0 start:
“On behalf of the entire IU Football program, I have two words for the IU student body,” Cignetti wrote. “Thank you.
“Today, we picked up a huge win over Maryland to improve to 5-0 on the season. The weather wasn’t great, the football wasn’t perfect, but you were.
“Yesterday, I asked you to come out and deal with the elements and to put your weekend events on hold and be there for us for four quarters. You did it. We felt your energy, and you had a big impact on us winning this football game.
“Like I also said yesterday, this isn’t the end. This is just the beginning. We’re going to have a lot of afternoons like this moving forward, and I want you to be a part of it. We look forward to seeing you again on Oct. 19 when we host Nebraska for Homecoming, as well as at our other three home games this fall.
“In the meantime, go out tonight, have fun, and celebrate a big-time win for our football program.”
In his Friday letter, Cignetti told the students not even schoolwork should be prioritized over attendance at the football game.
So he ended his latest message with a reminder to hit the books.
“And, of course, don’t forget to study.”
The fan interactions come after both Cignetti and the players expressed frustration with empty seats in the second halves of the first three home games.
Indiana reported attendance of more than 48,000 on Saturday.
IU linebacker Aiden Fisher credited the fans, and his coach’s writing skills, for the win.
“The fans really made this a great atmosphere for us,” Fisher said. “I guess they got Coach Cig’s e-mail.”
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