When I say an athlete is a "Purdue Guy", do you know what I mean? My definition is pretty easy to understand- They're typically hard-working, talented (yet a bit under the radar) and always respectful and respectable as they represent the university.
This year's trio of Seniors on Matty's squad are pretty good representations.
For the football team, Keith Smith, Craig Terrell, Rosie Colvin and the Ambassador- Drew Brees come to mind right away. There are others.
But, possibly the most-decorated "Purdue Guy" in recent memory, Ryan Kerrigan helps personify my definition.
First off, he's a great athlete. His teammates know it, his opponents know it...even the media and coaches know it. But it hasn't always been that way...he worked hard to become the lovable monster we became accustomed to expecting big things from, by his Junior season.
He was recruited out of Muncie, with his best offer, outside of Purdue, from Cincinnati. He was a 3-star player- solid...but by no means was he the talk of the nation or the apple of powerhouses in the nation, but he became one of the best players in the nation.
After being recognized by everyone because of his abilities, he decided to publicly-recognize those who had helped him get to where he is today via a note to the Starpress. He thanked the city of Muncie, the people who supported him, his coaches and his High School.
Hats off to Ryan Kerrigan for being a guy that's easy to wish success upon...and for being one of the good guys to do big things! Can't wait to see what he does at the next level.
Afternoon Delight
If you've looked at Purdue's upcoming schedule, you might have noticed an oddity.
Our Boilers will be playing at Michigan in the BT opener in a rare, non-weekend, non-holiday, 2:00 pm game. I think this is a real positive for our Boilers as the students will already be out of town for Christmas break and much of the fanbase will have to work on that Tuesday. Maybe it's just working stiffs like me who have to work the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, but I doubt it. Hopefully this one has the feel of a neutral court.
New York State of Mind
Coach Keady made it official that he has moved on from his time living in West Lafayette by hosting an auction of some of his "prized" possessions. There's some interesting stuff in here...but there's some stuff that looks like it was taken from my grandma's house as well.
Who wouldn't want a green velvet chair? I know the answer to that question.
Perfect last-minute gift
If you're interested in giving one of the greatest t-shirts ever produced to a loved one for Christmas, there's still time...but barely. If you want to have a Mission Houston shirt by Christmas, order quickly...we'll get it in the mail as soon as we receive the order. If you're in the Midwest, you probably have until Monday...outside of there, I wouldn't gamble with the USPS' delivery guarantee- order today.
6 comments:
Crisler Arena is supposed to be one of the quietest in the Big Ten anyway, and with Michigan's reasonable goal being an NIT bid, I don't think there's going to be a decent crowd in Ann Arbor for that game.
Umm, a (well used) facial tanning lamp anyone?
Sadly, most of that stuff looks like total junk rather than memorabilia. Two 20 year old CRT TVs? Sign me up!
I already bought all the stuff you mentioned Nate...so there's nothing cool left.
UM's student section isn't too bad- sure, that's a small percentage of the arena, but they're down low, so they make a difference.
The Paint Crew is planning a trip to Chrysler for the game. I'm not sure how much of a difference 70 students will make yelling from the rafters, but it should help Matty and the boys.
I went to Ann Arbor with the Gene pool in 04/05 (Lost at the last second on a Brandon McKnight jumper). If the Paint Crew is indeed going I'm sure they'll have a helpful impact.
Based on my experience in Chicago earlier this year, the Paint Crew sending 70 students will be more effective than the 1 or 2 thousand "adults" that were in Chicago at the Sears Centre Arena. I only found about 5 or 6 other students in Chicago, but we were all spread out - each wearing this year's PC shirt, though - if that counts for anything. Students crammed into the same space makes a big difference, even if it's just 20 or 30 of them. We can be loud and obnoxious, just the way we are meant to be. (And sometimes "respectfully" loud and obnoxious.)
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