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Nothing to fear:
Story URL: http://utahstate.scout.com/2/168631.html

Kurt Kragthorpe
ScoutUState.com

Aug 15, 2003

Logically, this move should have frightened Dave Kotulski. He's in charge of a Utah State defense that ranked 111th in the country last season, will have to deal with offenses from Utah, Nebraska and Arizona State in the first three weeks of the season and has joined a program that Sports Illustrated listed last in Division I-A football. No problem.

    "This is a game," Kotulski said. "This is fun."
    He can say that, knowing that nothing that happens in Logan can match what he experienced last season.
    Try dealing with your best friend's illness, trying to take his place, watching him wither away and losing your job.
    "It was a roller-coaster emotionally . . . not one of those things that you want to go through again," Kotulski said.
    Out of work as he approached his 50th birthday, Kotulski sought advice from former Utah coach Ron McBride. He learned of the opening at USU, where Kraig Paulson was fired as defensive coordinator after the Aggies allowed 471 yards and 39 points a game during a 4-7 season.
    Aggie coach Mick Dennehy never had met Kotulski, but was "blown away" by his energy during an interview. Eight months later, Kotulski seems to have the same effect on USU's defensive players.
    "He's a fun guy; he's brought a lot more enthusiasm to the defense," said safety Derrek Shank. "He's a breath of fresh air."

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