Happy Thanksgiving U of L Fans
by Sonja Sykes
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this time of year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many things for which University of Louisville fans can be thankful. Here is a brief list of the things that give us reason:
- Jeff Walz and the Lady Cards. A trip to the final four, the excellent play of Angel McCoughtry and the encouraging start to the 2009-10 season. The electric atmosphere in Freedom Hall for games is something you need to experience.
- Rick Pitino and the men’s team. A trip to the regional finals and good times in Indy. A new team that has 10 guys that may not have the NBA draft status of T-Will and Earl, will give Cardinal fans plenty to get excited about in the upcoming season. An exciting mix of the new and old, and a coach that can get it done.
- Dan McDonnell and the baseball team. The fun involved with watching Chris Dominguez, the tight pitching staff and another run at Omaha is a blessing and another dynasty in Cardinal athletics is evident.
- Tom Jurich for the coaches he has hired, the wise decision making he has displayed and the patience to make a studied and informed decision on the future of a particular program that needs some changes.
- A football team that produced and developed some exciting playmakers. Trent Guy, Scott Long, Vic Anderson, Darius Ashley and my defensive heroes gave me a reason to go and cheer, despite the dismal season results.
- Leonard Yelin and the overachieving volleyball team. Learning and growing as the season progressed, they were the best in the Big East tournament and will play in the NCAA Championships.
- Ken Lolla and the men’s soccer team. Another Big East trophy to put in the showcase and the promise of more things to be grateful about next year.
- Pam Bustin and the field hockey team. Perennial top 10 rankings and a stellar performance from a young and rebuilding squad. Another sport you need to go out and watch life. You’ll be thankful that you did.
- Sandy Pearsall and women’s softball. The Lady Bat Cards are building a roster that is second to none in the Big East and play in the best facilities in the Big East, if not the nation.
- Track and field, women’s soccer, swimming, golf, all nationally competitive, too. Lacrosse coming on. That’s what happens when you start a list, wow.
Finally, a thank you to all those involved with this site. Whether a contributor, observer or occasional guest, you make the show here and we thank you for your wise council, excellent columns and comments and discussion that far outshine any other Cardinal sports site on the Internet.
May the joy of the Thanksgiving season, time with friends and family and reflection on all the things we can truly give thanks for fill your heart with happiness and cheer your hours during this holiday season.
About the Author: Sonja Sykes is an avid fan of University of Louisville athletics, especially the women's basketball team.
Great article, Sonja. But, let’s make sure we get Sandy Pearsall matched up with softball. This woman has built a monster program in a relatively short time. Amazing success with the most promising season of all yet to come this spring. Although, I will personally miss watching the beautiful Miss Stanfill. Happy Turkey Day all Cards fans.
Done. Thanks Robb. Have a good one.
Charlie and gang:
Here’s a little Thanksgiving treat before you snooze off full of turkey.
I posted this last season after a particularly nasty series of dunks by T-Will in a game. Frenzied debate immediately welled up in Card Land as to who rightfully deserved the title of THE greatest dunker in U of L history.
So…I rounded up video of the main candidates for the title. You make your choice…
http://hellinthehall.com/2009/11/26/the-greatest-dunkers-in-u-of-l-history/
Griff’s dunk against St. John’s is the number one dunk of all time. I still remember the announcer screaming “He can’t do that! That can’t be legal!”
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone a part of Card Game! Thanks for Charlie, Paul, Sonja, Tom and all you posters for making me feel I am in the Ville. Let’s hope this Thanksgiving weekend is filled with Cardinal successes on the field and on the court.
Joe, great to have you as a part of this site. Thanks for staying loyal and for all of your contributions. Give us the name of your bar again in Gatlinburg. I couldn’t think of it the other day when I was trying to give you a plug to a friend.
It’s the Fox and Parrott Tavern, located off Glades Road on the south side of Gatlinburg back in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts community.
Stop in, show something UofL related and your first pint is half price, compliments of the old fox himself. Available for you is a fine selection of drafts, imports and domestics. Cocktails available also. Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week. Make sure and try the Bangers and Mash! Large screen TV’s, dart boards and pool tables, too. Live entertainment on Fri. and Saturday night. Once a month, a traditional Irish band that comes in from Chattanooga and they usually fill the place up. The intent is to simulate an authentic British pub and it usually comes off pretty well.
The Gatlinburg Cardinal Fan Club meets for all televised UofL games…or heads to Knoxville and gets together with the West Knoxville Fan Club.
Cardinal fan or not, stop by…hoist a few and make your trip to the Smokies a pleasurable one.
HIs Griffness, no doubt, was the greatest dunker in Louisville history. The one dunk they used to show on NBC when ballyhooing the tournament, where he had to duck his head in mid-air to avoid hitting it on the rim, was absolutely amazing. Dr. Dunkentstein forever!
Speaking of Griff it should be noted he graduated and did it in the no longer normal four years.