There were plenty of games last weekend to make me forget or whine about not doing an NFL playoff game.
The Sugar Creek Classic provided plenty of boys action and I got to cover a couple girls games.
I also made a trip to Indy to take in an IUPUI game and write a report on how Macee Williams is doing.
If you read the story, she is doing just fine. More that fine actually, as she and her teammates are having a good year and she is having another fantastic season.
Her roommates wouldn’t drop any dirt on her, so props to them.
They play in the gym that is attached to the Natatorium. It has been a long time since I went to a game there. Been to plenty of swimming on the other side of the hallway, but the last time I was in that gym it was part of media headquarters for the Pan Am Games.
The entire media operations for Pan Am was on campus. The hotel housed the main press center, but the gym was used for work space and other needed duties. I remember going to campus a lot of times during that two-week period.
But they have changed things around a bit outside! I had to make a couple laps around to find what looked like a secure parking lot.
By secure I meant that I wouldn’t get towed if I parked there. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the lot was sparsely populated, so there I stopped. Of course I can always park in one of the large garages, but a guy always has to try and find a free spot first...
There have also been a couple Pacers games, which is nothing newsy. I have gotten very good at finding the quickest way to Bankers Life (and back). I have been oh so very grateful that this winter has been pleasant (so far) and that I have not had more than normal weather or traffic issues.
The slowdown in travel is short-lived, however.
I do have to report that my trip to San Francisco this weekend for an NFL playoff game got cut by the budget staff. Can’t argue much with the people that write the checks. The crew I was going to work with is none too happy, but again, they had no vote.
I am on the road next Monday, no matter where I start from.
Instead of San Fran, it’s Indy to Houston. I have XFL practice games next Tuesday. I’m doing TV games for Fox when the new network starts play in early February, and the announcing crews and production teams are going to roll all the bells and whistles together.
I fly back on Wednesday in time to drive straight to Greencastle for the Wabash — DePauw basketball game.
Oh yes, there is this week to finish. I had a Butler game last night, head to Riverton Parke tonight and it’s back to Indy for a Pacers game Friday. I’ll stay in town for the Little Giants game Saturday afternoon. It looks like I will get to watch both NFL games on Sunday instead of hitting the road.
Gotta keep the dance card full...
Last thing before we go.
Today is the first anniversary of my father’s passing. I again want to thank the so many of you wonderful folks who read these notes for your very thoughtful comments, not just last January, but through the year. Sadly, I have seen a lot of folks lose dads, or moms, or other special people this past year. I know it is part of life, but it is sure the saddest part. One of my best friends in the world lost his brother last week, which brings another whole aspect into growing older.
Anyway, thanks again to everyone.
Safe travels.
Jeff Nelson works in national television. His column appears each Thursday in the Journal Review.
