Welcome back ‘Cat fans! Much has gone on since my last update, including two practices, a D-Squad Bowl, a visit from the leader of our state, a team lunch to promote the Outback Bowl, and a huge win by our men’s basketball team. While I’ve mentioned all the great opportunities and experiences we’ve had while preparing for the bowl, it’s not all fun and games. Our team is very focused on winning Northwestern’s first bowl game in 60 years come January 1st. Watching film daily with the D-line can become a nuisance and boring, but it is essential in order to be as prepared as we can for the game. As Coach Hank likes to say, “The will to prepare must be greater than the will to win.” Ending Monday, we will have had five very tough practices in seven days. There was a lot we needed to get done this past week before heading our different ways to celebrate the holidays.
After practice yesterday was a neat opportunity to meet the leader of our state. Governor Quinn made a surprise visit to our practice and took a few minutes to speak with us. He let us know how big of a fan he is of our program (a law school graduate) and how proud he is of all our accomplishments. He even mentioned he might be taking in the bowl game down in Tampa. After we serenaded him with the fight song, we were off to the showers to clean up before our team lunch. After practice, we headed for a team lunch with a few Outback Bowl representatives and some of the media. I cannot name the restaurant because that would be an NCAA violation and I would lose my eligibility, but if you use your imagination, I’m sure you can figure it out. After our steak, chicken, and mashed potatoes we received a few of our gifts from the bowl, a watch and gift card.
After another grueling practice this afternoon, we had our last installment of the D-Squad Bowl. The offense started quickly, with Evan Watkins hitting a streaking Brendan Barber on the first play for a touchdown. The defense, led by linebackers Damien Proby and Roderick Goodlow, responded by forcing a three-and-out. After a questionable call by our referee (Fitz) on the next drive, the offense drove into the red zone, where fellow Wisconsinite Jeff Budzien hit a chip shot to cap off the scrimmage.
After practice, a few guys and I headed over to catch the second half of the men’s basketball game against Stanford. After taking the lead on the first possession of the second half, Northwestern never looked back, cruising to a 70-62 victory. John Shurna led the ‘Cats with 22 points and 8 rebounds. I encourage everyone to get out and support our ‘Cats on the court, as they are off to their best start in over 15 years. I’m off to finish up my Christmas shopping. Catch you soon.
‘Go Cats!–Adam
