CAPACITY CROWD PACKS GALT HOUSE GRAND BALLROOM FOR WBB TIPOFF LUNCHEON
For me, there is one event each year that signfies to me women's college basketball is right around the corner...and it was held yesterday. UofL WBB tip-off lucheon, at the Galt House Grand Ballroom iin downtown Louisville again this year is that yearly chance to see old, friendly and familiar faces again, to talk shop with other fans on what to expect and hope for this season and to hear from the coaches, players, administrators and even get a lunch in the process.
Sonya and I made the journey for yet another one of these, We have been going to them since their inception. and been to several different locales for them. Hampered by a kidney' flare up, I wasn't my usual bright and cheerful self to start, but still was able to greet friends and fans before we went to the media tables to dine and listen. That may have been the only slight disappointment at the event, the "press" didn't roll out for this one...we were the only ones at our table..sitting.beside our temporarily assigned liasion of fan communiations -- Tom Nolan. The other media table was just half-full. But,the paying crowd was capacity and ready to hear about the Cards.
The pep band was blaring prior to Nick Curran's opening remarks. A Nick that was on the DL, with a voice that was reflecting the high pollen count in the area as of late. Allergies had him on the ropes, but he gallantly struggleed through.
As Nick's opening address, AD Josh Heird also welcomed the crowd and it was time to meet the team. As in past years, the squad and coaches were dressed to kill and looking fine. In keeping with a years-old tradition at this event, I ate my dessert right after my salad. A nice chocolate mousse.
Jadya Curry delivered the invocation pre-meal and did a great job with it.
A little question and answer session was held o stage with two of the returnees...Olivia Cochran and Merissah Russell, whic was informative and comical at times. Then, as we dined on breaded chicken, mashed potatoes and asparagus, it was time for the main event. Jeff Walz went to the podium for his words.
UofL WBB Tipoff Luncheon(Thanks to WDRB for th hightlight clip)
And Walz made it clear, as he has several times this preseason...this group is going to be fun to watch. They love to get after it in the gym, they ae a bunch that has each other's back and they don't have to be told to practice, they love to practice..and that is huge.
But the are young, the eight freshmen and one transfer will undoubted oly like it some nights. But a veteran crew of Cochran, Russell, Curry, and Elif istanbullouglu are back..so Walz has his options.
So, after a few Curran closing remarks, it was over. There was no post-luncheon chance to go interview the players individully...they were off to practice. I missed o my old traditional post-luncheon interview with Sam Purcell, too.
The crowd, estimated at over 500, was hanging on every word. And long after the lunch had concluded, they were still walking up to Walz and and chatting. I hobbled back down the long hallway to where the elevators awaited to take me to parking and was waiting on my wife when Coach Walz walked by me, headed to the elevators.
"I gotta get to practice, Paulie" he smiled, waved and mentioned as he walked by me.
He walked with a purposeful stride, a man on a mission. Going into his 18th year as the Cards skipper, one thing is abudantly clear..Win. This was Godzilla, seeking his next challenge after capturing the crowd on the banks of the Ohio. A benign Godzilla, seeking to destroy the enemy that is known as Kentucky. And UCLA . And UConn. And the ACC and Notre Dame. After a 26-12 season last year and the stunning defeat to MTSU in the NCAA Tournament, two weeks after Notre Dame eliminated the Cards from the ACC Conference Tournament. Cards fans are hungry for wins, too.
Are you ready, dear readers? it's almost here...2024 Louisville women's basketball begins in a month, over in Paris, France...against UCLA. Jouer a un jeu.
(Photos by Paulie)
paulie
