Dec. 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
12:34 AM -
The other KB back to wrap things up for tonight. Just completed my post-game duties after an exciting, if not nerve-racking, win at Rider. Was able to trade stats with Kansas before my battery died on the ride back from Lawrenceville and just posted my game story and updated the stats on the web.
Special thanks to Michelle Serabian in the Athletic Communications office, who in addition to attending the game as a fan, helped me out by posting a quick story and score on the web.
I know the players and coaches are looking forward to playing the #1 team in the nation. Count me in with them. I'm hoping to have the task of maximizing our exposure after a nationally-televised win over the best team in the country on Saturday night. Going to do my best to prepare for that outcome tomorrow in the office - one day is a short turnaround time for notes, but I was able to get some research done on La Salle's history versus #1 teams earlier this week.
In case you were wondering, the last time the Explorers played a number one team was on February 15, 1996 vs. Massachusetts.
Off to bed for me. My 16-month old son won't care that it was a late night when he's up bright and early tommorrow. I look forward to when he can join me at games to cheer on the Explorers. We are already working on his ball-handling skills in the hope that he can be Coach Giannini's point guard in 2026.
Looking forward to a fun day of game notes tomorrow and preparing to knock off Kansas. We'll be back on Friday morning with the next episode of the Travel Blog.
11:27 PM -
This is Kale, we just got back into town and I am sitting down in my house. Long day that started when I left here at 7:30 AM - but it ended with a "W" so, all is well.
Kevin, Phil and I listened to the Villanova-St. Joe's game on the way home and stopped at Sonic in Bensalem for a bite since the food in the Rider media room was . . . less . . . than . . . substantial.
Sorry for the brief blog but as I got to the gym, I realized that SOMEONE had borrowed my laptop power chords and that SOMEONE didn't give them back. Therefore, I was out of battery by the first media timeout. Sorry, we will make up for it in Kansas.
For anyone making the trip please join us at Raglan Road Irish Pub for a La Salle Happy Hour from 7-10 on Friday. I am looking forward to a great turnout of alumni and friends and hope to shake up the world on Saturday!
One last thing - big props to our fans and alumni who made the trip to Lawrenceville. We were well represented - great job Explorers!
OK - ONE more thing. Two watch parties in effect this weekend: 1) Gola Arena 2) The Ugly Moose - this will be an actual head-to-head competition wioth a few of the Kansas people that watch games at the Moose as well - so don't let us down!
6:21 PM -
This is Kevin Bonner making my blog debut here courtside at Alumni Gymnasium at Rider. It's a small, cozy place, and people here tell me there won't be a seat available come game time.
Had a chance to chat with the hospitable Rider SID staff of Bud Focht and Brian Solomon. I've worked with both of them throughout the years but haven't been up to Rider in a while, so it was nice to reconnect. Brian actually coached against me during my high school baseball playing days. I reminded him that we rallied from an 11-2 deficit after one inning to win 14-13 to advance to the South Jersey finals, and being a good SID like he is, he remembered every detail.
One of my favorite things about being an SID is getting to the arena early. Our caravan pulled up before 5 PM and the gym was empty except for the Rider women's basketball team finishing up practice. Tonight we even beat the Explorers to the gym since we traveled separately.
One of my most important jobs pre-game is to talk to the radio (and TV when applicable) staff to make sure they are ok with pronunciations. There aren't too many difficult names, and even "eve Meh-KUN-go" looks harder than it really is.
Kale wanted me to let you know of his interesting vantage point for tonight on the baseline. Like I said it is a quaint little place, but I can imagine it will be rocking in about 30 minutes.
My seat is next to the La Salle bench and the Rider radio crew. Will be intersting to hear a different perspective on the game from the Broncs folks. Like everyone else here, they are good people.
I'll try to check back in during the game. Be sure to follow the live Twitter feed where I'll do my best to keep everyone updated of interesting notes throughout the contest.
Go Explorers!
- Kevin
4:33 PM -
We are on the road trucking down the PA Turnpike with Phil Telan at the wheel, Kevin Bonner protecting the radio gear and me . . . at the laptop.
There was surprisingly little traffic on the road and we are about to turn north on Rte. 1/95.
We are expecting a good crowd at the game again tonight as many people have reached out and indicated that they were getting together.
One of our alums, Dennis Forte, is even getting people together pre-game in Trenton at a place called Rossi's.
Tonight's halftime guest will be Joe Ugras the Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Joe will be at the game with former walk-on basketball player Kurt Simmons. He brought Kurt down to Sunday's game against Hartford as well.
12:16 PM
We thought that with Facebook and Twitter rolling along that this maybe obsolete but it seems like there is a demand for it - so here we go.
Because my job has changed and I won't always be with the team as much as when I was the Director of Athletic Communications, we are going to make this a team effort. I will post when I have some info to share but look out for the new Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Promotions (S.I.D.) Kevin Bonner to also frequently check in. We may even enlist the help of others to give as well-rounded of a perspective from the road as possible.
The team left for Rider later last night but Kevin and myself opted to stay back to take care of some office and personal work today. We are going to rendezvous with Phil Telan and perhaps some of our student-workers/fans at a central location and car pool to the game later today. With things to get done back here it didn't make sense to book another hotel room when we can get more done and then make the short drive today.
I was able to spend the morning with one of the University's consultants and had a great discussion - I think you will be hearing more about that in the near future but we will leave it at that for now.
I am looking forward to the ride with Kevin, Phil and whoever else jumps in. One of the best parts of working in athletics is the camaraderie and, while I really don't like being away from the team as much as I will be now, I really love hitting the road with co-workers and friends of the program and spending time on the way to the game - getting to the game - winning - and then talking about it on the way home. First step: let's get to the game.
As always, if you have questions for the blog - feel free to submit them but we won't guarantee all of them will be posted. Send questions and inquiries to: lasallesid1@aol.com - Kale
