Lindsay Meggs enters his sixth season as the head coach at Washington. He guided one of the top turnarounds in the country last year. The Huskies were 24-32 in 2013 before posting an overall record of 41-17-1 this past season and finishing 21-9 in the Pac-12, good for second place. UW earned an NCAA Regional bid and Meggs was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year.

UW resides in the same city as one of the Super Bowl participants. In anticipation of Sunday's Big Game, Meggs talks about the Seattle Seahawks as well as his Huskies.
 

First Inning – How long have you been a Seahawks fan? Who has been your favorite player to watch?

I go all the way back to high school with the Seahawks (1980). I was a quarterback in high school and I met Jim Zorn my senior year. I’ve been pulling for the Hawks ever since.

Second Inning – Through the off-season and regular season, what are the challenges for a team to repeat as a champion?

Once a team reaches the top of the mountain, the challenge for every coaching staff is finding new and creative ways to keep their attention. In order to repeat the success you had a season ago, I believe you have to get personal with your guys and challenge them in ways that push them to the limit.

Third Inning – In your opinion, what makes Pete Carroll such a successful head coach?

Pete is every bit the person you see on television. I have been a guest of his at practice and his energy level is off the charts. However, a lot of guys have energy. What sets Pete apart is his ability to communicate with every player on the roster. It’s personal, and it’s sincere.

Fourth Inning – Which Seattle player most impresses you?

I’m a Russell Wilson fan. In my opinion, he may be the most team-oriented guy I have ever seen.

Fifth Inning – Who on your team would make the best Seahawk and what position would he play?

We have two guys on our roster that would make good Seahawks. Our centerfielder Braden Bishop and my son Jack were both good high school football players who give off that Seahawk vibe. They are both good leaders and they make their teammates better.

Sixth Inning – Who is the biggest Seattle fan on your team/staff?

With the exception of a few of our California guys who are die hard Niners fans, our entire roster pulls for the Seahawks.

Seventh Inning – Which player from the Patriots most concerns you?

Tom Brady scares me to death. If you don’t put pressure on him, the floodgates will open up pretty quick.

Eighth Inning – Why will the Seahawks win?

I think the Seahawks have a chance to win because they can do it a few different ways. They can control the ball with their running game, they can suffocate you with that defense and they can make plays on special teams. And just when you think you have Russell Wilson contained, he gets out of the pocket and makes a game changing play. Going to be a great game.

Ninth Inning – What is your prediction on the final score?

27 – 24 Hawks.

Extra Innings – What were the biggest factors for UW's turnaround from 2013 to 2014 and what should we expect from the Huskies this season?

We were successful last year because we had a veteran group on the field that was talented, smart and played very hard. We had a 3.0 team GPA, we reached the Regional final at Ole Miss, and we sent nine players into professional baseball. Our goals for this year will not change. Husky Baseball is about being relentless in the classroom, player development, and the Road to Omaha. We are excited.