About half way through a boosters meeting late Wednesday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Charlie Strong sent a message to the fans assembled in the PNC Club on the third level.
The message, delivered by stadium manager K. C. Scull, was for the fans not to go near the showcase windows overlooking the field. “The coach is running some special plays and requests that no one look at the field,” said Scull.
Following the announcement, there was a lot of nervous laughter as chairs were moved into positions to block access to the viewing area. This, of course, only made fans want to see what was happening on the field. But they respected the coach’s wishes and didn’t go near the windows.
The event was the summer meeting of the Central Cardinal Club, one of UofL’s largest booster groups, consisting of loyal Cardinal fans, people whose lives revolve around Cardinal sports. They were there for updates on UofL athletics, including the outlook for the offense from coordinator Shawn Watson.
The head coach is obviously taking nothing for granted, taking no chances, probably based on past experience, knowing how easily game plans can be foiled by wandering eyes and loose lips.
Second time in the last few days that the coach has risked offending major segments of the fan base. The other instance was his decision not to allow autographs at Fan Day on Sunday, instead inviting the fans to attend an open scrimmage.
The coach will be forgiven, of course, because he’s a winner, dedicating himself to UofL football, returning respect to the program, making Louisville a national contender again in three short seasons.
Anything you say, coach. Just keep things moving in the right direction.
Hooray! Thanks, Charlie.
The word from the stadium manager is that beer will be sold.
My crew and I are looking forward to attending the open scrimmage on Sunday. Do you know if concessions will be available? And by concessions, I’m mostly referring to beer.