After the thrill is gone --MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 WITH CARDS SOFTBALL SEASON OVER, WE GO INTO THE VOID FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. 

It was Glenn Frey and Don Henley who wrote the Eagles classic "After The Thrill Is Gone" Although a song about a relationship (or sexual affair) ending...it can easily be about the end of Louisville Softball and Cardinals women's spring sports fading into the hills. 

After TheThrill Is Gone

We will still find things to write about here at Cardinal Couple. We always have... and despite it being just Case and I now. He is a talented and creative writer and I am the old fart that is still doing this. I am no longer allowed to contact or interview Louisville coaches or players...(I envision this "wanted" poster of me hanging in locker rooms and entrances to Cardinals sports venues ) but, we have consistently tried to report on the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics and remind the new "guard" down there to beware of the old dog on the porch. I do have a following. I know "stuff". 

We'll keep an eye on many things. Transfers and recruiting and prospects. ACC news, too. when it affects what is going on with the Cardinals.

What they fail to realize is that I was there way back in the mid seventies when it was a kinder, gentler and most friendly scenario. The days of the Cards in the Missouri Valley Conference. Before the foibles of internet accounts...and them being hacked and a paranoid staff in Louisville athletics. When you could actually go in and talk to a coach and discuss things that are off-base now. 

I have had some good teachers in journalism and some great writers here. I had a very successful radio show. I've also covered some pretty rough and program changing things. I guess all journalists go through the peaks and valleys of writing. It is encouraging to know that several of the previous coaches still follow me and offer the occasional encouragement or point-of-order corrections, ideas and suggestions. My days of covering events in person are done, and my photographer was bullied into ceasing his relationship with me in order to retain his media pass.  Things aren't always "Brady Bunch" happy and smooth sailing down on Floyd Street, y'all.

But, I am an alumni and continue to cover my school. I will, until the senility or health issues take those abilities away from me. A former, long time reader was surprised to see I was still "at it" with the site and sent me a interesting e-mail. She reminded me about a night at a conference basketball tournament when a certain someone engaged in a bit too much spirits and passed out in my room and on my bed. She told me that that person had recently had a debilitating stroke and she was now in a nursing home. She reminded me that the person was only three years older than me.  

Life is funny sometimes. But, as my daddy used to tell me...do the best you can, and settle for the results or look for a way to improve them. The sun will rise in the morning and you can't please everyone. Maybe try pleasing yourself now and then....you might just like it. 

Softball will regroup and recruit and go through the transfer bruhaha that now envelopes the sport. In watching the NCAA Tournament, it is eye-opening to see the former Cardinals shining on other teams. They have a solid nucleus returning (so far) and a great coach to guide them. A coach I had some great interviews with. Back when I wasn't deemed to be a "persona non-grata" on campus by some, who influenced a lot of others.  

Life is funny sometimes. 

paulie

paulie