By Michael Buck (@Hornsnation)
As North Carolina and Miami prepare to battle for the Season 23 CFSL National Championship, four former title-winning Athletic Directors – Frosty (Oregon), NLars (Clemson), TheNoleFather (Florida State), and Wookie (Notre Dame) – offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the league.
From the nerves of championship week to the pressure of game prep and the emotional payoff of victory, these ADs shared their mindset, strategies, and advice for this year’s finalists. Their experiences, spanning nearly a decade of CFSL history, reveal one constant: winning it all requires more than just a strong roster. It takes vision, discipline, and poise under pressure.
Frosty – Oregon (Season 11 Champion)
Coming into Season 11, Frosty knew he had the best team he’d ever assembled at Oregon. But being surrounded by other semifinalists and title contenders at CFSL Hangout weekend brought new levels of pressure – and unexpected clarity.
“I was confident but nervous. Being around the other ADs at Hangout distracted me just enough to keep from overthinking and making drastic changes. My coaches were huge in managing our emotions and keeping us focused on bringing the title back to Eugene.”
Preparation was all about familiarity and trust.
“We stuck with what we knew. Our offensive numbers had been tested all year, and we had run the same defensive settings for two seasons. We felt fully in sync.”
Frosty’s advice to current championship contenders?
“Just be yourself. You know your team and what works – don’t get cute trying to surprise the other side. Stick to your strengths. R-E-L-A-X.”
His favorite moment wasn’t the final whistle, but the experience itself.
“Celebrating at Hangout with some of the Oregon players who made the trip – that was everything. Sharing that moment with others who had put in the same kind of work was unforgettable.”
And if he could do one thing differently?
“Honestly, I’d just try to relax more before the game. The nerves were through the roof. But all the work we put in, not just that year but over multiple seasons—it made that final moment worth everything.”
NLars – Clemson (Season 4 Champion)
For NLars, the opportunity came early – just his second year as an AD – and he approached it with quiet confidence.
“It was a pretty cool feeling. You know your roster, your playbook, and you’ve put in the work. At that point, you just have to trust your settings and not overthink.”
Clemson’s preparation focused on consistency and player engagement.
“We stuck with what worked and kept everyone excited about the chance to win a title. We had an incredible season, and I knew we were capable of finishing the job.”
His advice echoes that simplicity:
“Enjoy it. You never know when you’ll get this opportunity again. A championship run depends on so many things aligning just right. Be proud of how far you’ve come.”
And the moment that made it all real?
“The reaction in the locker room when the clock hit 0:00. We did it. We were the last team standing.”
Asked if he’d change anything, his answer is brief and telling:
“Nothing. We stuck with our go-to settings, played our game, and made it happen.”
TheNoleFather – Florida State (Season 14 Champion)
Florida State’s Season 14 run was built on resilience. After suffering their only loss of the year to Miami, TheNoleFather and his team flipped a switch – and never looked back.
“The emotions were insane, but we knew we had a great team and unfinished business. We just had to put in the work.”
Preparation became an obsession.
“We watched every game of the team we were facing. Once that was done, it was just about locking in the game plan.”
His advice to current title hopefuls is rooted in perspective.
“Soak it in and have fun. It’s a grind to get here – enjoy it while you can.”
And the turning point of the season?
“That Miami game. After that loss, we stopped holding back. We dominated every game on our way to the championship.”
Looking back, he wouldn’t change the plan, but he would change the pace.
“I wish I had soaked it in more. I’d gone through a lot personally that season, and winning made it easier. I just wish I had slowed down to appreciate it.”
Wookie – Notre Dame (Seasons 12 & 13 Champion)
Wookie’s Notre Dame teams didn’t just win – they controlled eras. With back-to-back titles and a 17-game win streak at one point, the Irish were the standard. But even dominance brought challenges.
“I felt super confident, as did the team. We just felt like we were the team to beat.”
His strategy was simple, sharp, and effective.
“I’m an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ guy. For both title games, I focused on scouting and putting our personnel in the right matchups. It was all about exploiting mismatches.”
His message to those under the spotlight now?
“Have fun with it. Don’t overthink. These teams are about as even as it gets. Just enjoy the game, and whether you win or lose, appreciate the season you had.”
For Wookie, the most defining moment came from redemption.
“Season 13 – we had won 17 straight, then Wisconsin absolutely blew us out. But then we got matched up with them in the first round of the playoffs, and we avenged the loss. I knew after that the championship was ours again.”
If he could go back?
“I’d just enjoy it more. I stressed too much. It’s so hard to get to that moment, and I think I took it for granted at the time.”
Final Word
From early-season adversity to pregame nerves, from veteran calm to emotional release, each of these championship ADs carried their teams through a season of battles to reach the mountaintop. And while each path was different, the common threads remain: trust your team, stick to your strengths, prepare with discipline, and don’t forget to enjoy the moment.
As Miami and North Carolina prepare to write the next chapter in CFSL history, they’ll do so with the wisdom – and the warning – of champions who’ve been there before.
