An earlier post on this issue opened the window a tad. I know some are more uncomfortable than others in discussing this. No need to be uncomfortable.
In hanging around the Dantonio family for some years, I can say that their faith is deep and sincere. Mark does not wear it on his sleeves...but he is extremely comfortable living his faith. Many families of recruits and players know that.
The following is extracted from a USA Today story about 18 months ago. This is about as far as Mark will take it publicly.
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When they (Mark and Becky) listen to music, it's usually country or Christian. And that signifies another important part of Dantonio's life and football program.
"He puts God first," MSU freshman running back Delton Williams said of Dantonio in the euphoric locker room after the win against Ohio State "And we put God first. Why do you think we're doing this?"
'Is it smoke or is it real?'
Dantonio was born and raised Catholic. He quotes scripture often, and several MSU players have said his openness about religion helped make their decisions to play for the Spartans.
"It was a big factor for me," MSU junior defensive end Marcus Rush said. "I think it gives recruits and their parents confidence that he's actually a legit, good guy. You can tell he's not just throwing it out there."
Dantonio said he isn't using it as a recruiting pitch — but he isn't hiding it, either.
"You can talk about your faith or you can live your faith," he said. "You can talk about this program's culture, or you can be in this culture, live this culture. There's a difference there. Is it smoke or is it real?
Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio. (Photo: Andrew Webe, USA TODAY Sports)
"And I do want people to feel comfortable that, if faith is a part of their life … I want them to feel they can come here and express themselves. I don't care. I'm not here to convert people."
Religion, discipline, attention to detail — all were instilled in the four Dantonio boys by parents Justin and Maryan. Frank is a tax lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. John is the retired owner of a building supply company in Virginia. Mike is a vice president for American Eagle Outfitters in New York.
Justin, who died in 2011 at age 86, served as a crew chief on B-29 bombers on the South Pacific island ofTinian during World War II. After the war, he played basketball for Salem (W.Va.) University, then moved to El Paso for a teaching job and met Maryan there.
In hanging around the Dantonio family for some years, I can say that their faith is deep and sincere. Mark does not wear it on his sleeves...but he is extremely comfortable living his faith. Many families of recruits and players know that.
The following is extracted from a USA Today story about 18 months ago. This is about as far as Mark will take it publicly.
//////
When they (Mark and Becky) listen to music, it's usually country or Christian. And that signifies another important part of Dantonio's life and football program.
"He puts God first," MSU freshman running back Delton Williams said of Dantonio in the euphoric locker room after the win against Ohio State "And we put God first. Why do you think we're doing this?"
'Is it smoke or is it real?'
Dantonio was born and raised Catholic. He quotes scripture often, and several MSU players have said his openness about religion helped make their decisions to play for the Spartans.
"It was a big factor for me," MSU junior defensive end Marcus Rush said. "I think it gives recruits and their parents confidence that he's actually a legit, good guy. You can tell he's not just throwing it out there."
Dantonio said he isn't using it as a recruiting pitch — but he isn't hiding it, either.
"You can talk about your faith or you can live your faith," he said. "You can talk about this program's culture, or you can be in this culture, live this culture. There's a difference there. Is it smoke or is it real?
Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio. (Photo: Andrew Webe, USA TODAY Sports)
"And I do want people to feel comfortable that, if faith is a part of their life … I want them to feel they can come here and express themselves. I don't care. I'm not here to convert people."
Religion, discipline, attention to detail — all were instilled in the four Dantonio boys by parents Justin and Maryan. Frank is a tax lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. John is the retired owner of a building supply company in Virginia. Mike is a vice president for American Eagle Outfitters in New York.
Justin, who died in 2011 at age 86, served as a crew chief on B-29 bombers on the South Pacific island ofTinian during World War II. After the war, he played basketball for Salem (W.Va.) University, then moved to El Paso for a teaching job and met Maryan there.
