Not too many years ago one could take his time getting to the Cardinal Caravan at Captain’s Quarters, find a place to park close to the door, and casually find a seat. Those days are gone.
Weather warnings are being issued, the cell phone chirping away. Thick black clouds hanging over the area, seemingly targeting the event as the observer drives down River Road. The air is tight, awaiting mother nature’s electricity. But the parking lot is full, cars parked back out to the highway.
The observer will walk a quarter of a mile to arrive, dozens of other fans speedwalking all around. Almost all of the 1,600 people who RSVPed are here despite the threatening weather. A storm is coming, but they will not be deterred, needing a fix, wanting to see their University of Louisville athletes.
Stopping by the concession stand, the observer will order a brat, only to be assaulted by a flurry of Dixie cups from a blast of wind, his money sailing in different directions. Thanks to fellow fans, all $15 is retrieved.
All the tables on the patio are occupied, the steep hillside beside the river packed with fans, every other person with a camera. Difficult to get around, so many fans in such a compact area. The Louisville event may be outgrowing Captain’s Quarters, even without Rick Pitino and Charlie Strong on hand.
Backup quarterback Will Stein and offensive lineman Alex Kupper are looking around at the skies. Gorgui Dieng, Chane Behanan, Russ Smith and Mike Marra of the basketball team are marveling at the crowd, wondering if they can accommodate all the autograph seekers.
Dan McDonnell and Zak Wasserman of the baseball team are talking about Omaha. Sandy Piearsall is talking about her softball team’s returning experience. Ann Kordes of the volleyball team is lauding the schedule. Tia Gibbs marveling about record crowds for women’s basketball, and Karen Ferguson, the women’s soccer coach, is talking about recruiting.
The crowd hanging on every word, not intimidated by the continuing drumbeat of thunder, competing with the pep band for atmospherics. The rain will hold off just long enough, starting to sprinkle as the observer makes his way back to the car hoping to beat the downpour.
U of L fans have their fix, and a healthy dose of optimism that the long hot summer will soon be over.
I can live with the Big East, if a 13-0 or 12-1 Louisville can really get into the 4 tram playoff.
Its great to see the fan support. But this bad news, Today Jurich was quoted by Eric Crawford as saying:
“We can’t control our options,” Jurich said. “There’s no movement right now. Everything has settled. So we’ve just got to stand back and judge what are the best options for us if they do become available. And if they don’t, the Big East is a pretty damn good landing for us.”
This is bad news, really bad news.
The darkest hour is just before dawn, Wilkie. It’s a big game with some people, toying with conferences and schools. This changes from day to day, sometimes hour to hour, up, down, up down. Who knows what to believe?
Sorry I could not make it. I was ~10 miles downriver playing at Shawnee. But, thanks to your excellent description, I now feel like I was there with everyone.
P.S. Those clouds were ominous. We packed it in after playing 7 of 9.
Amazing how far U of L has come in such a short time, Tom, and thanks. Inspirational to see so many people despite the ugly weather.