The Chief Perspective

Glory Days (old Chief video)

My friend Mike Mondelli (and former assistant) send me this link to a YouTube video of my last home men's basketball performance in 1993.  Wow, I couldn't believe it!  Someone actually remember taping it!  I don't even have a performance of myself from that far back (remember, e-mail just started back then for us...)

Anyway, I found myself moving once again to the beat and critique my performance.  And, as I've said in my mind many times, but proved correct again....I nailed my split jump.

Take a journey back to memory lane. Yikes, I didn't realize the big hair and bad clothes.

Extra, Extra....for a Big Ten Network commercial!

Thanks to my friend Keri at the Big Ten Network, I'm an extra on an upcoming Big Ten Network promo they are currently filming in River Forest near a church.  I've just downloaded Typepad on to my blackberry and will be uploading shots throughout the day on what I'm seeing.

The B10 is represented by fans/band members of all the schools.  The Wisconsin drum major is here, the Purdue Drum is outside and the Northwestern twirler is sitting at the next table.  I feel like I'm in the lunch room at ESPN.

I've been here since 7:00 am and should be here most of the day.  Illinois is definitely the most represented, but there are others.  However, I'm at the Ohio State table where there is no one, Indiana is deserted and Michigan didn't show up.  Hmm... I wonder if that is a sign of things to come.

Ah, the joys of getting free food and a $50 stipend to be on a commerical for no more than 2 seconds.

Oh, did I mention, I can't wear anything with the Chief on it.  However, I have some things up my sleeves... :)

Go Illini!  Watch for updates!

Deron Williams makes US Olympic Team

I can't say how excited I am to learn former Illini Deron Williams has made the 2008 US Olympic Team.

As one who watched up close the team two years ago, this is a great choice.  I think he'll contribute greatly and surprise a lot of people, even with Kobe, Dwayne and Lebron on the team!

Congrats Deron!

Goodnight to an incredible Illini...

I'm a bit behind the times, but I wanted to celebrate the life of former Illini and retired NFL player Mel Agee.  Mel played at Illinois from 1987-1990, right when I was at Illinois and I remember how great a player he was.  Oh the days....

Unfortunately, Mel passed away after an apparent heart attack a week ago in Georgia.

Agee is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Mel Agee III; daughter, Miranda; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mel Agee of Chicago. Services will be in Atlanta.

I hope you will join me to celebrate his life of a great Illini.

Michael Jordan Illini Link - Purposeful or Coincidence?

I was up in Elkheart Wisconsin for the AMA Superbike event at Road America for a couple of days meeting up with some riders and teams for work.

If you didn't know, Michael Jordan owns his own AMA Superbike Team called 23racing.com and was present at the Road America event on June 5-8. 

One of the great things about AMA events is that you can get up close and personal with the teams, riders and at times, even the bikes....

I happened to be walking up to the Jordan Suzuki team trailer to see what they had.  Since money is no object to Jordan, his trailer was pretty sweet.  Everything was top notch and his team color is Carolina Blue.  I got to see some of the bikes and while faking that I knew everything from exhaust systems to 1500CC engines, I noticed something funny under the back of the bike.

It says 13@ILL.  It's on every on of his bikes.  Could it be a nod to his son Jeffrey, who's number is #13 on the Illini or just something else?

I'll let you decide, but my mind is made up!

If only he could have a couple of bikes in orange and blue instead, I'd be in heaven... :)

Go Illini!

Party like it's 1983!

 

This past Saturday night, I had the honor of presenting a new Chief regalia to Logan Ponce, the new Chief Illiniwek at the Honor the Chief Society dinner in Champaign!

After giving back the orignal regalia to the University last year, the Council of Chiefs have been in contact with a Native American company who was happy to help create an exact replica of the Frank's Fools Crow outfit for our keeping.

Our ultimate goal is to have a regalia for our history, but if for some chance down the road there is an opportunity, we wanted to be ready if the Chief dances again.  Please note, there are many steps between now and that day, but the good part is that we are no longer held hostage by the University if we so choose to do so.

The regalia itself is stunning and is by most means exactly like the original regalia.  The gauntlets and the headress didn't make it in time, but everything else looked incredible.  The beadwork looked great and almost exactly like the original.  I felt like I was transported back in time to 1983 when the original regalia was given to us by Frank's Fools Crow.

Overall, it was a great night and everyone was excited about the new regalia.  Congrats to Logan and Rob, the new Chief and Assistant Chief, who I know will do a great job!  Also, thanks to Roger, Jean and all the people with the HTCS, who put on a great night!

I'll post photos in the photo library in a little bit, hopefully with pixs of the headdress and gauntlets when they come in.

Go Illini and Hail to the Chief!

Illini Day and a childhood friend!

My wife and I got tickets to Illini Day at Wrigley Field a couple of weeks back and went today with the hope of accomplishing three things, which we did. 

First, we wanted a win and the Cubs were able to deliver, sweeping the Rockies with a 5-3 win this afternoon.

Second, we got to hear (I think that was him) coach Zook sing "Take me out to the ball game" at the 7th inning stretch.  We were literally sitting in the last row of our section, which ended up being just fine as I sat a couple of seats over from Jerry Hester, Lucas Johnson and Robert Archibald.  Behind us was Clark street.  It was cold, but we had a blast just watching the game.  BTW, shout out to Frank Lenti, who sat by us for the first couple of innings!

Third and finally, I was able to reconnect with a childhood friend, Matt Herges, who pitches for the Colorado Rockies.  Matt and I went to grade school together and played every sport available at the time.  I've known him and his family for a good 30 years, so when I found out that the Cubs were playing the Rockies, I sent a message to him through a family member that I'd try to come and see him.

If you can imagine, the Cubs crack security staff had heard the same story about "knowing someone on the team" just to get better tickets, but luckily Matt spotted me quickly and were able to catch up some before the start of the game.  Matt hasn't changed since grade school and I'm glad for that.  He's still the humble and very gracious guy that I know.  I got to introduce him to my wife Steph and trade some stories, but I wanted to let him get back to his "day" job! :)

For the rest of the game, it was hard to root for the Cubs knowing it directly impacted my friend Matt, but I know he understands. 

Go Illini! and Go Matt!

Go J Go...

Got this great photo of J in his shiny new Vikings helmet from the family.  He's also wearing #49.  It's all good!  Go J!

Say it ain't so...Joe MLB!

The MLB is now cracking down on illegal reproduction of uniforms for the little ballplayers: Mom and Pop stores that outfit the little tykes who want to grow up to wear the Cubs uniform or Sox or Yankees I dare say, can't.

MLB is sending out cease and desist orders to all of these companies and since the MLB is the 800 pound marketing gorilla, little Bobby is not able to become the Hometown Giant's player that he has been able to before.

Wait, you can get "authentic" MLB jerseys from their official supplier, but of course, that mean licensing costs that make it unaffordable to the millions of youth who just want to become the next Mickey Mantle.

While I'm all for protecting one's mark, I wish that the MLB could work to create a win-win solution, instead of damaging their brand to those kids who

I've been Zooked!

I was able to be one of the 500 lucky Illini fans who reserved a space for the Ron Zook/Weber/Hardin tour on Monday, May, 12 at a Lisle Hotel.  I must say that the lines to get signatures from Zook and Weber started at 6:15 and we didn't get started until almost 8:00pm. 

Normally, I'd be upset, but it was pretty apparent that this was for the fans, so they made sure everyone got a chance to get something signed by them.  I passed on getting something signed, but my wife got one signed for her and I got one signed for my brother in law.  Then, I took a picture. :)

I've met Zook a number of times, but I know he wouldn't remember me, so I just acted as a fan.  No need to try to get him to spend time trying while 150 people behind me are more anxious to spend time with him.

Also, since i've seen Bruce a number of times recently, I ended up not waiting in line and spending time getting caught up with Kurt Kittner, who was the MC for the evening and a couple of my fraternity brothers who I hadn't seen in years.  YITB!  There were a couple of other friends in the room, so I had some time to eat and get a good seat in the second row.

The presentation that evening was really well done.  Don Hardin was great and funny, Ron Zook gushed about the team and the future.  My wife Steph even asked a question about the kicking game, which I was impressed to hear her ask.  Finally, Bruce got up and talked about the basketball team.  There was a lot of information shared, but I'll let you goto one of the online board to read all about it. 

For me, the best part of the night was when Don Hardin talked about how Volleyball has always been looked as equal at Illinois, including the fact that the Chief danced at the games, which made the crowd go wild.  I just sat and smiled...

As I walked out, I spent a little time with Cassie Arner and thanked her for all of the great signing day activites that she does.  My wife and I are big fans.

Well, that was it, but if you still have a chance to go, do it.  I think it'll be worth your while...

Go Illini!