Before I pass along some tidbits I want to note that this event was not meant to replace MM Madness (students) or an elite camp (recruits).
Those are separate functions and the Hall not having them, which is a MAJOR mistake in my opinion, has little to do with how this past Saturday was handled.
Now with that said I want to note my only criticism this weekend was how the practice started. Yes, Willard should have taken the mike but in truth I was pretty sure he wouldn't. It's just not in his nature. That's not an excuse, it's a fact. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy and for better or worse that's not changing.
Knowing that someone like John Fanta could have easily revved up the fans who attended by doing his thing and introducing the players individually. But for whatever reason it didn't happen.
Now, the rest of what we saw and what occurred was top notch in my opinion but because of what transpired beforehand it's being ignored.
32 minutes of real game action with 3 (paid) refs was more than any of us could have asked for. I really enjoyed comparing those minutes to the practice I saw just 10 days prior. Later in another thread I'll post my thoughts on that.
Following the practice the Rec Center event was fine as far as I am concerned.
The food was average as it always is when you have to feed so many people for free. Remember, there was also salad, desert, ice cream and beverages with no limit per person.
The players, both men and women walked through the Rec Center engaging the fans at the tables and then set up an area where every single person young and old had a chance talk to or get their autographs.
Both coaching staffs and our AD worked the room and were easily accessible. As was Isaiah Whitehead who was surrounded everywhere he went.
Those are separate functions and the Hall not having them, which is a MAJOR mistake in my opinion, has little to do with how this past Saturday was handled.
Now with that said I want to note my only criticism this weekend was how the practice started. Yes, Willard should have taken the mike but in truth I was pretty sure he wouldn't. It's just not in his nature. That's not an excuse, it's a fact. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy and for better or worse that's not changing.
Knowing that someone like John Fanta could have easily revved up the fans who attended by doing his thing and introducing the players individually. But for whatever reason it didn't happen.
Now, the rest of what we saw and what occurred was top notch in my opinion but because of what transpired beforehand it's being ignored.
32 minutes of real game action with 3 (paid) refs was more than any of us could have asked for. I really enjoyed comparing those minutes to the practice I saw just 10 days prior. Later in another thread I'll post my thoughts on that.
Following the practice the Rec Center event was fine as far as I am concerned.
The food was average as it always is when you have to feed so many people for free. Remember, there was also salad, desert, ice cream and beverages with no limit per person.
The players, both men and women walked through the Rec Center engaging the fans at the tables and then set up an area where every single person young and old had a chance talk to or get their autographs.
Both coaching staffs and our AD worked the room and were easily accessible. As was Isaiah Whitehead who was surrounded everywhere he went.
