Wonderful evening that at first looked as if it might be spoiled by many rolling storm clouds overhead but alas they past and a magnificent sunlit sky opened up. Rock is right we have since moved from the pizza to chicken piccatta and a whole host of assorted side dishes including a nice chocolate layer cake for dessert.
The whole event was quite relaxed and enjoyable and it was wonderful to catch up with so many fellow Friars who moved about freely talking to coaches, athletes and many others such as the cheerleaders and dance team – Ed Cooley could not take three steps without being stopped for pictures, handshakes and ‘confidential’ words of advice from the many – told him he wasn’t half the man he used to be but that was a good thing…he is amazingly slender compared to his past large self.
Teams were all there the hockey guys hanging around looking very loose along with Coach Leaman who stopped by our table for an earful of “whatevers” – he is very pleased with the support and the hockey season ticket base has grown significantly (approaching 1100).
Missed all the speeches save for John Rooke’s Intro and Bob “It’s a Great Day to be a Friar” Driscoll’s short pitch. Moments of silence were solemn and very well done. Crow d was largest I have ever seen as the Slavin Lawn was full…
Schmoozing around I found out we are in good shape with the clearing house still waiting on 1.1 players (do NOT have the names) – otherwise we should be all set.
Sense is team is very young but filled with lot of potential; 2 guard issue still in the mind’s eye – we will play BIG and Rajay Bullock may even see some time at the 2…Tyree Chambers was the late season pick-up – he is 20, has experience and is seen as a good addition – he had actually been at PC in June, was evaluated and there you go…
Kris Dunn hung at our table as his family was there with us. He is fine health wise, quite relaxed and having fun – he will obviously key this team. He too is no longer a young ‘um as Kris is somehow “suddenly” 20.
Some random tidbits then:
Chukwu will need to bulk up his weight reported in and around 210 so…but per his peers, he is a ‘playa’.
Chatted briefly with Bullock who seems very happy to finally have his chance to play D1 ball at PC – he is a very nice and approachable young man.
Bentil who wears glasses is a large young man and described as ready and very strong – he sure looks like it.
Told Ladontae this is “his time” and he sure seems to have matured and said he is ready to be a leader on this team…
Was told Junior would surprise as his skill sets have c developed nicely and he is much more than a defensive player…
Lindsey is recovering well from his mono and will not be rushed. He is slender and young but again the phrase talent and potential was the ‘word’.
Teddy Bancroft broke his collarbone by crashing into his roommate Lee Goldsborough earlier this summer during one of strength coach Kenny White’s intense workout sessions…he is recovering and will be with the team to provide leadership and stability for a team with 6 kids who have yet to play a minute of actual college ball.
Group of us missed the speeches as we had great face time with Shamgodd who was very high on this group as previously mentioned. He will be finished in Decemeber with his degree and sure is a great addition to our program.