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Want
to know John Bunting? On Bash Day Michael was dressed in a Ronald Curry No. 1 Carolina jersey signed by most of the football team. He had a day full of thrills for an eight year-old. He got his jersey signed by a lot of the players. He discussed the finer points of being an undersized center with Adam Metts. His primo jersey autograph was by Julius Peppers, right below the dedication from Ronald Curry from last year's Fan Appreciation Day. He regaled Bash attendees with his football exploits as a 67-pound center, plans to attend the Naval Academy, future career as a Navy fighter pilot or SEAL, how mean he is treated by his brother and sister, and his views generally on any topic anyone would listen to. But the highlight of his day turned out to be Coach John Bunting. We had talked about how Bunting had played when I was at Carolina, how he had played with the Eagles, and coached in the Super Bowl. At the game, we had also discussed how the defensive players stripped the ball from the ball carrier. Although we saw Coach Bunting at the autograph signing after the game, Michael decided not to wait in line to get his autograph at Kenan, because he would be at the Bash later. As Michael said, "We'll have more time to talk." We were waiting in the barbecue line when Coach Bunting came into HNH. Food was forgotten. Michael was off like a shot to Bunting. He was one of the first two or three people to meet the Coach when he came in. Michael quickly got Coach's attention and started to explain what he had learned about stripping the ball. Coach Bunting listened, then bent down and showed Michael some pointers on linebacking techniques, and the proper ways to strip the ball. For those few minutes they were the only two people in the world. If you have seen pictures of our coaches demonstrating techniques to players, it was exactly like that, except the player was 4'6 instead of 6'4. Four hundred eager Clavens waited while John Bunting took the time to show one young man how to be a better football player. Well, Michael thought he had died and gone to heaven. He did come back and eat with me, but as soon as he was done, he announced that he was "going to find the Coach." Then he attached himself to Coach Bunting for the rest of the Bash. You can see him in most of the pictures next to Coach or Mrs. Bunting on the balcony at HNH (dark-haired boy in Carolina jersey and beige shorts). Mrs. Bunting took his picture with the Coach. Michael did have the good manners not to go up on the stage, but he planted himself right in front of the stage and took in Coach Bunting's every word. I believe the Buntings were finally able to slip out without considering adoption while Michael was scouring the crowd for a permanent marker for Coach Bunting to autograph his jersey. I don't know if John Bunting will be a great coach. I like what I see and expect great things. But at least one young Carolina fan thinks he is Bear Bryant, Vince Lombardi, and Robert E. Lee all rolled into one. ___________________________________________________________________________________ When I read this message board post at The Tar Pit, I was moved. This story speaks volumes about our coach, John Bunting. He's a man of heart, number 1. And he's not afraid to bend down to the shortest Carolina fan to make him feel like the tallest member of the Carolina Family. Yo Beast, I salute you! But it also tells a deeper story. This a man who will cover all the bases. He will teach the players great technique - any time, any place, and give them more motivation than they thought they needed. He has a vested interested in our university dating back to the early 70's, and will not leave any stone unturned. He will prove to be a great recruiter, whether it's in his back yard, or during a trip to Canada. No stone will be unturned. He is unrelenting in his pursuit of greatness... at the Great University of North Carolina! I know John Bunting will be a great coach!
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