Curt Cignetti Warns Players: ‘Slack Off in Spring, Ride the Bench in Fall!’
In a shocking display of intensity, head coach Curt Cignetti has issued a stern warning to his players as spring practice approaches: “Slack off in spring, ride the bench in fall.” This no-nonsense message is a clear sign that Cignetti is done tolerating complacency, and he expects his team to come into spring drills with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment.
Spring practice is often seen as an opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the upcoming season. However, Cignetti’s warning makes it clear that this period is far from a break or a leisurely tune-up. In his eyes, every practice, every rep, and every moment is critical. His demand for a “great sense of urgency” is a reflection of the cutthroat environment he’s fostering in his program, where mediocrity won’t be tolerated.
The message isn’t just about physical performance—it’s about mentality. Cignetti understands that the foundation of success is built during the offseason. If players don’t approach spring practice with the right mindset, they risk falling behind, and with it, the potential to lose their starting spots come the fall season. With competition ramping up, this warning serves as a stark reminder that the road to the starting lineup is earned, not given.
For many, the spring is a time to get in shape, work on individual skills, and establish chemistry with teammates. But for Cignetti, it’s a time for players to prove they have the mental toughness to go the distance. He has made it clear that those who fail to meet his high standards will have no room on the field come fall.
This tough-love approach might ruffle some feathers, but it’s exactly what Cignetti believes is necessary to build a winning culture. If his players don’t heed his warning, they may find themselves sidelined when the season begins—fighting for their spot, rather than earning it through hard work and dedication. For those serious about their future with the program, the message couldn’t be clearer: spring practice is no joke, and mediocrity will not be tolerated.
