JOURNAL

JOURNAL ARCHIVE

Sept. 28, 2007

What a fun time I had Friday night with my family as we attended the University of South Florida/West Virginia football game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. USF Athletic Director, Doug Woolard. was so kind to invite my family in his suite to watch the game. The hospitality that he and his entire staff provided us was incredible. The game was filled with excitement, as USF upset top ten ranked West Virginia. A BIG time win for USF and for a program that did not even have a football team ten years ago. The coaches there have done an amazing job and it certainly is great for this area.

I also had a great time talking with former Yankee superstar, Tino Martinez, and former Buc Hall of Famer, Leroy Selmon, who were both also watching the game in the suite. Two great guys!

 

Sept. 21-22,2007

I had a great time visiting Notre Dame this past weekend, despite another loss for the Fighting Irish.  The weather was great and we had a lot of fun walking around the beautiful campus and stopping at all of my favorite sites, such as the Grotto, The Sacred Heart Basilica and of course, the Golden Dome. 

This time I went up with my daughter, Terri, who is a “Double Domer” having graduated in both 1994 and with her MBA in 1995 and my son-in-law, Chris Sforzo, who graduated in 1994.  The brought their children (my grandchildren), Sydney and Ryan.  We also were joined by our friends and neighbors, Keith and Rochelle Reeves.  The Reeves are big Ohio State fans, but they were helping us cheer for the Irish on during their first trip to South Bend, Indiana.

We had a lot of fun at the pep rally, where Regis Philbin shared some words with the players, students and fans.  Afterwards, we met up with my buddy, Digger Phelps at Parisi’s Italian restaurant. 

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly having a chance to see someone whom I admire greatly, Ara Parseghian. 

During the Notre Dame / Michigan State weekend, Ara was being honored with a gorgeous statue that the University will have permanently displayed on campus near the stadium commemorating his Cotton Bowl victory.  The statue is of Coach Paraseghian being carried off the field by his players after an exciting win for the Irish.  Ara was a tremendous coach, but most impressively, he is a tremendous, caring individual.

Unfortunately, the Irish have continued to struggle and have yet to win their first game this season, but for me, going to Notre Dame is always special regardless of the outcome of the game.

 

 

Sept. 8-11, 2007

Well, I have had a great and busy few days! My wife and a few of her girlfriends planned a weeklong trip to France to see the beautiful countryside of Provence. She has looked forward to this trip for a longtime so I am glad she is getting opportunity to go. While she was away, my longtime friend, Fred Barakat (former executive with the ACC) flew to Sarasota to begin a guys sports journey for 3 days. Fred, myself, Bob Neville , and Kevin Brafford flew on Saturday the 8th to College Station, PA for the ND/Penn State football game. It was so exciting to see the “white out” in Happy Valley. The students were electrifying and the enthusiasm was terrific. During the game, I met up with my colleague and good friend, Mike Patrick. He brought me up to the booth in the 3rd quarter for an interview. It is always great talking to him – a true professional and a great guy! Athletic Director of Notre Dame, Kevin White, invited us to watch the game in his box. The Irish have a long way to go this year, but we are still optimistic fior the future! Everyone in Happy Valley was super and it was a terrific experience.

After the football game, we flew to Atlanta, GA. There we went to Turner Field to watch the Braves. Before the game we were in the locker room and I got a chance to spend some time with Chipper Jones and John Smoltz, two great guys. Turner Field is a gorgeous ballpark, and once again, the people could not have been any nicer. After the ballgame we flew to South Beach where we attended the Marlins/Nationals game.

 

We enjoyed some time people watching on Ocean Drive and taking in the crazy scene that is South Beach!

After Miami, Fred flew back to Sarasota with me and we played some great rounds of golf! It was terrific to spend some quality time with my buddies and to enjoy a few days of sports! However, I am looking forward to my wife coming home on Friday!