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Bret Bielema's route to triumph centers around the mothers of the Illinois football players

Football coach Bret Bielema of Illinois shares a player who encourages his team's progress, empowered by the presence of their mothers.

Bret Bielema's approach to triumph relies on the involvement of mothers of Illinois players
Bret Bielema's approach to triumph relies on the involvement of mothers of Illinois players

Bret Bielema's route to triumph centers around the mothers of the Illinois football players

Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema Maintains Strong Connection with Players' Mothers

Bret Bielema, the coach of No. 9 Illinois football team, has confirmed that he will continue hosting the 'mothers' practice' in the future. This unique initiative, where players' mothers take part in drills, is an important aspect of Bielema's approach to recruiting.

According to Rachel Bachman of the Wall Street Journal, Bielema relies heavily on the mothers in the realm of recruiting and retention. This personal touch in his communication makes the mothers feel valued and appreciated, as expressed by Jennifer Feagin, Kaden's mother.

This weekend, Illinois (3-0) will take on No. 19 Indiana (3-0) in a Big 10 showdown and a potential gold mine for recruiting. If Illinois wins and makes an impression on recruits and their mothers, they would be more likely to consider joining the team.

Bielema's connection with the players' families, especially their mothers, started during his time as an assistant coach at Wisconsin, where he set up a football clinic to raise money for breast cancer awareness. His personal experiences are also reflected in his work, as his mother, Marilyn, passed away in 2022, and he still mentions her, often getting choked up.

Paula Henry, the mother of Illinois linebacker Gabe Jacas, felt a connection with Bielema during a recruiting visit to her Florida home. She appreciates Bielema's personal touch in his communication, making her feel like she's the only one in the conversation.

Bielema keeps the mothers of his players updated, even in difficult situations. For instance, when running back Kaden Feigan missed a full season due to a hip injury, Bielema made sure to keep his mother informed.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer finds the mothers' practice to be the biggest joy of his college experience. He enjoys the opportunity to spend quality time with his mother during the practice sessions.

The upcoming game against Indiana presents an opportunity for Illinois to make a strong impression on recruits and their mothers. Bielema's approach to recruiting involves considering all aspects of a potential player's life, including their family. By maintaining a strong connection with the players' mothers, Bielema is not just recruiting the players, but also their families.

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