 A journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first stepI think
that is a famous quote by some famous person. If it isn't, it ought
to be. Well, for us it started at Midway in Chicago. The first
person we saw was former Illini great Stephen Bardo. We were
surprised to see him flying ultra cut-rate, super discount, just
like us. He did say some things that Illinois fans might be
interested in. He said that he thinks the Illini are on the rise and
that the future is very bright on the horizon. Since I've heard the
pundits argue both sides of that issue, it is nice to hear such a
positive take. I know he is a former player, but some players can't
cheer on the future players. Bardo can, and that makes him even
greater to me. He also said he was just going to Detroit to have
some fun this week. That could explain his travel plans -- surely
the great ESPN treats their workers better than that!
We got to the Motor City in time to check in and get downtown
before the 5 o'clock whistle. Why was this important? you ask.
Because we needed to register for the NABC coaches convention before
it closed. Included in the packet is a ticket to the annual welcome
banquet, which means one critically important thing -- FREE food. I
hate to admit it, but we'll do about anything for complimentary
anything! Needless to say ... we got our tickets. We slowly advanced
(mostly because we rarely catch on quickly to how the process is
supposed to work) to the beautiful Gem Theater downtown to eat our
delicious meal.
The first person we ran into there was University of Alaska coach
Rusty Osborn (of the Great Alaskan Shootout fame), and he invited us
to eat with him. We always have fun with him and his family. He told
us about his recruiting adventures and how his schedule looks for
next season. Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith motored by our table
and was hounded for photos from the other coaches. Osborn also
invited us to the Shootout banquet that is held each year on the day
between games. The entrees include crab legs, caviar and Alaska
salmon, just to name a few. Now some of you may eat that stuff more
regularly, but for us it is a really nice treat. The featured guest
speaker is Dick Vitale. I would rather hear Brad Neal, Deron Powell
or Chris Coyne, and I would come away much more informed if I did!
Truer words were never spoke!!!
A visit to hockey town
No trip to Detroit is complete without a visit to Joe Louis
Arena, home of arguably one of the greatest hockey franchises of all
time, the Detroit Red Wings. I just happened to glance and see that
the St. Louis Blues just happened to be in town. For whatever reason
(you are free to imagine one), most professional franchises are not
all that excited to give the LDN press passes. However, we did meet
a lady outside who offered us two tickets for the price of one (have
you heard this joke before?). Really, she gave us two for one on the
mezzanine level right above the goal, but the first period was
already half over.
But the game was still scoreless when we arrived at our seats.
From that point on we saw not only one of the most entertaining
hockey matches that I have ever viewed, but one of the greatest
games in ANY sport that I have ever witnessed.
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With the St. Louis Blues fighting for a playoff spot, they entered
The Joe not having beaten the vaunted Red Wings in that building
since March of last year! However, they displayed one of the most
gritty, gutsy performances you could imagine. Their resilience,
hustle and relentlessness showed a team that cared and really wants
to reward its fans. David Backes scored not once or twice, but four
times, leading the Blues to a dramatic 5-4 victory over their
longtime nemesis! Other players played well, as it was a total team
effort, but the goaltending of Chris Mason was superb. From our
seats, the Blues don't win this game or even sniff the playoffs
without Mason's stingy performance!
You may wonder what hockey has to do with the Final Four, but
Craig and I have always entered every Final Four trip striving to
experience as much of a city or culture as we possibly can. And
hockey in Detroit is king. But at least for one night, the Blues
showed a glimmer of hope to extend their season!
What's on tap?
Friday at the Final Four is always a big day for the fans. You
could see all four teams practice at Ford Field for free. That is
followed by a college all-star game featuring some of the nation's
best seniors ... also, free. We'll try to report on all that later.
We also hope to visit a very important historical site with huge
Lincoln, Ill., implications and maybe check out some of the auto
facilities. We hope to hit some of the other sites, visit a couple
of local churches and chat with some of the coaching friends we've
made in over 20 years of doing this.
As far as the games go ... I really think that any of these four
teams could string together two good games to win this thing. But if
you made me put it down on paper ... I'd say Carolina and UConn for
all the marbles.
A parting shot
One thing the LDN prides itself on, at least in the sports
department, is never saying, "I told you so!" You may recall a
recent article I wrote where I disparaged those who would take
umbrage with the Big Ten's hoops credentials this season. I also
offered up a little warning. Well, here we are a few weeks later and
we have a Big Ten champion in the NIT ... thank you, Penn State ...
and another Big Ten team in the Final Four ... thank you, Michigan
State. There is only one way that I could possibly communicate my
thoughts to all of the detractors...
I told you so!
Hear me roar!
Have a great weekend, everybody, and we'll try to check in once
or twice in the days ahead to give you a little something...
[By JEFF MAYFIELD]
Respond to the writer at
jeffmayfield@centralwired.com.
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