Day and Night

Seattle University played its first exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran University who was once in the same conference years ago when a few of us where sitting in the sparse Connelley Center bleachers ( I will reiterate 'few") and now have the opportunity to play again in Key Arena - which is now home to the Redhawks with a 101 - 53 win as SU  embarks on there final year of transformation from NAIA , Division III to Division II to Division I! Entering into the elite 378 schools of competition.  Now you know this rabid alumnus does not take this with the faint of heart.  Tireless, as an 86' graduate and hoopaholic from childhood I for one keep a keen eye and my ears to the ground in constant analysis to the progress to the program.  I have been called the 'Charles Burkowski' of sports or the 'Hunter S Thompson" to SU for yes I am smoking a cigarette and and having a late night cocktail as I write (I am sure this is not helping my job hunt by the way.)

The 2011 team is like night and day from the past years and brings child hood thoughts of attending the games of the 70's against the UW with Clint Richardson et all.  Witnessing the game tonight, albeit a Division III team against the rising Division I Redhawks was like a transformation from owning a 1990 Toyota Corolla to a 750 BMW.  Sleek, smooth, easy ride with all the bells and whistles - this team has no 'attitude' just to only to prove the engine is what it is- fast and furious and can go from zero to 60 in nano seconds.  I didn't need to see dunks - I wanted to see steals, quick rotation, hard charges to the boards for a second lay up and aggressive, selfish play - I saw it all and so did my guest courtside who commented that - "Wow!  I'm impressed. I'm from Florida but I'll be following the Redhawks now."

The season has just begun and pulling into the Key Arena Garage and walking into my seats gives hope to the great energy Seattle University is on the correct path to wins, fan excitement and educating the young men into future leaders.  Watch out WAC here come the Redhawks!