This past week the air has been a little cooler, students are moving back into the dorms and fall is on the horizon. For avid sports fans this also means that football and basketball season will be here soon. Louisville fans are anticipating a new sports year that will welcome in a lot of change and new beginnings.

For the last three or four years Cardinal fans have relished in the consistency of our athletic programs. We have had the privilege of watching some great players who became legendary. They left their mark on the program by being champions on the court, and field. And they were athletes that also set the right example academically, socially, and spiritually. Guys like Teddy Bridgewater, and Russ Smith became a staple for their respective sports and you knew when they played that they were going to do so with a sense of pride and purpose. Those guys weren’t playing for the name on the back of their jerseys.

There have been many guys and gals over the years who have cared enough to give their very best and the Louisville athletic programs are rich and vibrant because of that. I could name them all here, but you know who they are. And that’s not the point of this article.

Every three or four years there is a symbolic passing of the torch and in successful programs like at the University of Louisville tradition never graduates. As we transition into a new era we will officially say good-bye to the past. Not forgetting, but pouring our passion and support out to the guys and gals who will take that symbolic torch and write their own chapters in the Cardinal history books.

You might have ask yourself over the course of this past year what athlete could possibly evoke the feelings of support and admiration that Teddy and Russ did. And you may be wondering if it’s possible to replicate the overall success these guys had. In an attempt to answer those questions I say where there’s a WILL, there’s a WAYNE.

In my opinion there are two guys who will be vital to their team’s success during the upcoming season. Two guys, who will be expected to step up, accept their role as leaders, challenge themselves and their teammates to be great, and set the tone for a successful season. In my opinion Will Gardner and Wayne Blackshear are ready.

Will and Wayne have followed similar paths in their athletic backgrounds:

Will Gardner was considered the best quarterback in the state of Georgia in the class of 2012, and was one of the top prospects in the country at his position. He was named one of Tom Lemmings Top 25 combo QB’s. He had scouts singing his praises for his ability on the football field, and his pedigree is that of a champion. When he committed to Charlie Strong and the Cardinals he turned down the likes of Alabama and other top programs. He was considered one of Strong’s best recruiting grabs. During his senior season in high school Gardner tore his ACL causing him to miss most of his senior campaign. To make things worse, when he got to Louisville he had another setback, reinjuring his knee in practice. Teddy ultimately became the starter and Gardner embraced the back-up role, rehabilitating and waiting for his time.

It is now Will Gardner’s time. He had a great summer and has already impressed coach Petrino with his height, arm strength, and poise in the pocket. He was sharp and in control, completing 32-37 passes for 542 yards and four touchdowns in the Spring Game.
“It was good to see Will in command of the offense, I liked the way he carried himself, I like the way he took charge in the huddle,” coach Bobby Petrino said. “He looked comfortable in delivering the football and for the most part, he was very accurate with his throws.”

Wayne Blackshear was considered the best basketball player in the state of Illinois in the class of 2011, and was one of the top prospects in the country at his position. He was named Chicago’s Player of the Year, and was an All-American. He had scouts singing his praises for his ability on the basketball court, and his pedigree is that of a champion. When he committed to Rick Pitino and the Cardinals he turned down the likes of Kansas and other top programs. He is considered one of Pitino’s best recruiting grabs. During the end of his High School career he suffered an injury to his left shoulder, had surgery to repair it, and had spent the summer rehabilitating. To make things worse, when he got to Louisville he had another setback, reinjuring his shoulder in practice causing him to miss his entire freshman season. This injury has nagged him for the last 2 seasons leaving him waiting for his time.

It is now Wayne Blackshear’s time. Fully healed for the first time in his Cardinal career he had a great summer of workouts. Coach Pitino challenged him to finally step up and put in the work required to be the player that he wants to be. Coach Pitino has raved about Wayne’s improvement calling him the “biggest surprise” this summer.
“The most noticeable change, when he said, ‘I’m tired of this,’ and that’s Wayne Blackshear,” Pitino said. “He’s been working twice a day, every single day, since school ended. He’s the biggest surprise and the biggest change. I don’t want to get too excited because we’re not in July yet, but he’s everything I hoped would change.”

There are many players during the upcoming football, and basketball seasons who will be vital to the team’s success. The two most important players are guys who have had their fair share of tough luck. These are two great guys who have carried themselves with integrity and pride during those struggles waiting for their moment. If the football team and basketball team have the success we all have come to expect Will Gardner and Wayne Blackshear will be the biggest reason why. It is their time and where there’s a WILL, there’s a WAYNE.