First, the Panther Spring Game Draft has been completed and here is a set of photos proving that even a .500 ball team can still have fun. Also, here is the front page of The Pitt Live Wire Blog which has more tweets and stuff about said draft. Apparently there is some wagering going on between the people involved. From Jerry Dipaola…
Then the Trib follows up with Marty Stewart writing a nice article on DB Dennis Briggs.
Sam Werner of the P-G chips in with another Spring Game overview.
Time to get serious if we want to try to meet other Blatherites at the Spring Game. I’m driving up from MD for it and will have media credentials that will allow me to roam the sidelines during the scrimmage. With that I will be assigned parking in the West Lot probably closest to the stadium. I’ll park there but will wander to wherever anyone wants to meet and I really want to get together if possible beforehand.
I’ll be driving a silver Prius Wagon (I know… but at 45 miles to the gallon I’ll take the jokes) and will be the tall (6’6″) guy with a mustache and wearing blue “Coast Guard” ballcap.
Here is the venue website and here is an overhead view of the stadium and parking lots. They are advertising taking 4,000 fans into the stadium. I’m not sure how but the place holds 3,500 seats. I also am wondering if we’ll really pull 3500 fans into the stadium for the game. I hope so and there does seem to be a uptick in interest and energy among fans. Apparently the stadium lots will open up at 11:30
Lets do try to arrange something – I’ll chip in $$$ for beer/booze and provide sparkling, even if politically incorrect, conversation. Someone take charge and arrange something. I’m the writer not the party planner. If we miss each other before the game then let’s pick a bar to go to afterward.
(BTW — anyone who lives in the tri-state area and doesn’t go to the game isn’t a real fan. Seriously, you’re not.)
6′-6″ in a Prius? Do you drive with your head out the sun roof? 🙂
As to your comment – it will be very interesting to see who leaves the program between Saturday evening and the beginning of Fall Camp in early August. There may be some kids who don’t want to face the increased tempo and stress this staff is laying on.
Of course there will also be the kids Narduzzi gently pushes out the door by arranging transfers for them because they won’t see playing time.
Some freshmen will earn playing time especially on D and I guarantee that a freshman wide receiver plays and makes an impact this year.
And, I drive an Audi A4 wagon with 99932 miles on it. So, I am in no position to make any comments about your Prius.
H2Prius
Have a great time guys. I have hit the TCU Spring Game. Hope turnout is good and no rain for ya’ll.
Me and my dad are still going down. Kinda playing are pre gaming by ear so if any blatherites are tailgating or hitting up a local establishment just say where. I’m still guessing if attendance exceeds 4,000 they will start turning people away. Wish there was a way to reserve a seat, but I have not heard anything
I’ve always felt that “high 5” is what propelled TD to win the Heisman Trophy and National Championship that year!! :>)
Enjoy yourselves, look forward to seeing Reed’s report and all of your reports.
HTP
My wife and I will be at the game. Vintage script blue tee shirt, Pitt (non-script, alas) lid.
We too have a Prius, one of the best ever.
Could you see — through EJ — whether the Athletic Dept is filming the game (so non-attendees can see it on YouTube)?
Thanks.
Free ‘Team AD’ or ‘Team Fritz’ to the first 4000. Gates open at 11:30.
I just got a press release regarding a call-in press conference with NFL Draft analyst Mike Mayock on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM ET… so you can probably watch a replay sometime this afternoon or this evening.
Apparently he has TJ Clemmings rated pretty highly and in the Top Five OT prospects.
Here is some more info on the NFL network covering the draft. We PITT fans need to watch and keep our eyes open for Ray Vinopal to be the surprise of the draft now that Chas has ‘outed’ Vinopal’s latent talent.
“NFL Network provides live coverage of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft from Chicago Thursday, April 30 at 8:00 PM ET, followed by Rounds 2-3 Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM ET and Rounds 4-7 Saturday, May 2 at 12 Noon ET.
On Wednesday, April 29 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network, Mayock unveils his first – and only – mock draft of the year in a one-hour special, Mayock’s 2015 Mock Draft. On the eve of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mayock, joined by Chris Rose, predicts how the first round of the draft will unfold and provides full analysis of each selection.”
Your Rangers are odds on favorites to take it all.
As for the Pens, I’ll quote or para-phrase the
Emperor Chas Noll………..
“we have problems, and they are many.”
After the game action is finished… regular rules, refs and 12 minute quarters BTW… we segue into the Post-Action Plan and will advance toward Bar Louie for a wet rendezvous, stopping first at the Sheraton to pick up stragglers and rest the feet. Once at the final destination of Bar Louie we will have many drinks. tell many lies and engage in wild speculation about how great the defense is going to be and how, really, Conner should be at DE.
After that someone can carry me to the casino. Here is the map for the Stadium, Sheraton and the Bar Louie.
It would be really great if a bunch of us can bond over PITT’s glorious football history of 1920-1930.
Gallagher: “So Reed, what did you think about Dave Wannstedt’s tenure at PITT?”
Me: “Pat, funny you should ask…”
Pre & Post Game in one of the nicer bars in Station Square. (quite a few to pick from)
Wish I was up there to go and coordinate the post game activities, ie. buy the drinks.
Hoping that at last we have leadership
in PN and his staff. Would love to see
PN win 8 or 9 games including a decent
bowl TY. PN might be our Chuck Noll?
So cool about your cousin marrying Jackie Sherrill.
Are they still married.
Answer to your question regarding if there was a Johnny Majors TV show.
~ Dan-o
Yes it started with the Johnny Majors Show and continued with the Jackie Sherrill Show.
What was also great about those shows besides showing all the highlites of Pitt wins in those great years, was the background music they used during the highlites, that the coaches spoke over.
They always used music of The Crusaders. So I always equate the last great era in Pitt football with The Crusaders albums of the 70’s and early 80’s. Which were also great.
Comment by Emel 04.16.15 @ 2:05 pm
Co-founder of the above mentioned Crusaders.
Joe wrote the music to the Crusaders iconic song.
link to youtube.com
Guy was my favorite pianist/keyboard player.
Here is a another taste to enjoy…
Where is at Louie’s ?? Hopefully close
Besides his phenomenal solo work, co-founder of the Crusaders and before that the Jazz Crusaders.
He was the keyboardist on Steely Dan’s great song Aja and played the Clavinet on Black Cow.
Was the keyboardist on Pittsburgher Michael Frank’s classic album…The Art of Tea, along with Larry Carlton & fellow Crusader, Wilton Felder.
And played with countless others including Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, B. B. King, Joe Cocker, Minnie Riperton, Al Jarreau and Anita Baker. Both live and as a studio musician.
One of my favorite all-time Joe Sample songs off of Spellbound. Grammy award nominee 1990
FWIW, I knew the girl (actually knew who she was) who Michael Franks wrote about on ‘Popsicle Toes’
240 W Station Square Dr
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 394-0500
From the map it looks like it is about two blocks east of the eastern parking lots of Riverhound stadium; walking you would pass The Gateway Clipper Fleet (owned by which PITT LB’s Father?), then past the Sheraton where we will refuel, then one more block to Bar Louie’s. It looks to be on the waterfront and hard to miss.
I probably won’t hang out on the field after the game for the interview so I think if we all meet at the corner of West Station Square Dr. and the entrance to the Gateway Clipper place (where the sidewalks looks to be red brick) right after the game ends then we’ll muster and go from there.
Again, here is the Google Map of where we will be after the game.
She was the best kept secret in Pittsburgh sports – also probably like Upittbaseball.
Go Pitt.
My wife thinks I have a girl friend I spend so much time on this blog!
Major Majors Woman’s Basketball doesn’t count. I would prefer a 72 straight course taught by Steve Pederson’s on rebranding than watch a WNBA game.
The Crusaders!!! Right!!!
My Dad and my brothers and I would catch heat from my Mom, whenever there was some event coming up, (wedding, baptism, birthday) where they would be, we used to go around the house for a few days before, in I guess something like the Riddlers voice saying
Darryl Sherrill?? Darryl Sherrill?? Darryl Sherrill??
LOL
Like I said, met him many, many times at these functions, but more often than not he would not be there!!
Imagine me getting conned into going to some baptism, because Darryl and Jackie Sherrill would be there, only to get there and find out only Darryl was there.
“wtf is Jackie Sherrill. Mom where is Jackie??”
“well, go say hi to your cousin Darryl”.
“f Darryl, where’s Pitt’s coach???”
LOL
Darryl Favro Sherrill was absolutely smokin’!!!
At 12 or 13, I’m sure I noticed, but hadn’t turned the corner yet, and was still more interested in
Pitt’s football coach!!
LOL
Believe they divorced after Texas A&M. Pretty sure she went there, remember there being some stink about “poor Darryl” has to move.
Ah, what the hell, 35 frickin’ years ago already, wow!
Rob Harley on Narduzzi, “I know how demanding he can be,” Harley said. “This is an environment that’s not for everybody. And that’s not to say it’s bad. It’s just not for everybody. It’s demanding. It’s tough. It’s tough on the coaches, it’s tough on the players. It’s an atmosphere that is intense at all times. So there is no honeymoon here…”
Entire article: link to espn.go.com