The Duke community normally embraces its school's tradition of "outrageous ambitions," but even Blue Devil fans were unsure about some of David Cutcliffe's bold predictions when he became football coach in early 2008.
He proclaimed the team would not only win games, but might qualify for a bowl, even though it had only a combined four wins in the previous four seasons. But Cutcliffe was true to his word, guiding the team to a 4-8 record against the nation's second-most difficult schedule. If not for a few plays, the team could have won two or three more of its games.
Cutcliffe also promised to bring excitement -- and more fans - to Wallace Wade Stadium. His salesmanship and the team's improved play led to a 60 percent increase in season ticket sales; four home games attracted crowds of more than 30,000 fans.
Cutcliffe also stated he wanted the Blue Devils to be not only Duke's team, but Durham's team as well. Given his track record so far, who would doubt him?
To achieve that last goal, Cutcliffe and his team have been regular visitors to places throughout Durham. In late July, for instance, the entire team paid a Sunday afternoon visit to the Durham Rescue Mission, which provides a number of resources, including safe shelter, to women and their children.
Team members ate lunch with the kids, tossed footballs with them and talked about the importance of school and the opportunities that come with academic success.
Afterwards, Cutcliffe spoke about the annual visit, which began when Ted Roof coached the team from 2003-2007.
"When we come out here there is no question who benefits the most: We do," Cutcliffe said. "This is an uplifting experience for our players and certainly I see the children thrilled, their moms thrilled. This is an event we will continue to do every year."
Starting quarterback Thaddeus Lewis understands better than most why such visits are important.
"I grew up in a Boys and Girls Club, and had people come out and talk to me," Lewis said. "You know, these kids are less fortunate. Just to give these kids an opportunity that other kids have, that means a whole lot."
The Rev. Rob Tart, chief operating officer of the Durham Rescue Mission, agreed the visit is important to everyone at the mission, particularly the children.
"When you think of a football team at a major college like Duke, you sometimes think they are a little above the rest of the crowd," Tart said. "Then they come out and play with the kids, show them that they are real; it gives these kids something to aspire to. Who knows, maybe some day one of them will play at Duke."
James Mitchell, director of football development, said being a part of the Durham community "goes back to what Coach Cutcliffe calls his four Fs: faith, family, future and football. The objectives that go into ‘family' are not just for the people you live with at home, but the community you live in."
One of Mitchell's responsibilities is to involve Duke players in the larger community, whether it is reading to and tutoring Durham students, visiting churches and schools, or organizing leadership programs for the seniors.
"Coach Cutcliffe wants to saturate the Durham community with Duke football. Whether you're black, green, yellow or white makes no difference. He just wants the community to know our people."
Duke opens its season at home Sept. 5 against Richmond, but many local fans have Sept. 26 circled on their calendars. That evening, Duke will play North Carolina Central University in the "Bull City Gridiron Classic" as part of Duke's Homecoming weekend. Activities planned around the game include a community pep rally, a joint Habitat for Humanity project and a basketball clinic led by former Duke All-American Jason Williams.
"It'll be a great thing," Cutcliffe said. "Everywhere I go in Durham, the Central fans are telling me we are going to get beat.
"It's amazing that the two have finally got together, and I think it is going to be a lot of fun. I really pray that Wallace Wade doesn't have enough seats."
As for becoming Durham's team, Cutcliffe said there's a lot to like about Duke football, including reasonable ticket prices (see sidebar) and stadium improvements.
"My thought is if we can continue to get our players out in the community, people will grow to love our kids just like I have. We have the finest young men around and I want people to realize they are pulling for a bunch of great young men who are a positive part of that community."