He was a University of Louisville fan before he was born.
As a two-year-old, he was lifted high in the air by his dad after U of L scored a touchdown in his first U of L football game ever, at the old Fairgrounds Stadium, the dangling binoculars striking his old man squarely in the nose.
The first U of L basketball game he remembers attending was an 72-69 win over Duke in the NCAA Championship at Dallas in 1986. No wonder he has such high expectations for the Cards.
His first dunk came from a strong assist from Darrell Griffith at Male where his mom, Barbara, was teaching summer school.
He hyperventilated when Everick Sullivan hit a three-point shot at the last second to give the Cards a win over Florida State.
He remembers the basket brawl against South Carolina, U of L winning the game in overtime after trailing by 14 points with just over a minute to go.
He read Denny Crum’s mind, calling the play before Brian Kiser hit the winning shot over UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.
He traded U of L baseball caps with Howard Schnellenberger, the coach grabbing his own cap and sticking it on his admirer’s head at a weekly coach’s show.
He endured the frigid rain at U of L’s first Liberty Bowl win, with Jeff Brohm calling the signals against Michigan State.
He enrolled in college, but his head wasn’t in his studies. He became a dad, another U of L fan was born. He postponed his education.
Some time between the Michigan State win and a later frigid loss to Colorado State, in the the same Liberty Bowl, he matured and became a man.
He re-enrolled in college again eight years later, this time fully committed to the process. Made straight A’s his first semester. Stayed on the Dean’s List much of his four years. He graduated cum laude this weekend.
He is Stephen Springer, son of Charlie Springer, and Steve is this week’s U of L Fan of the Week.
Jesse, thanks for the info. Of course, it was 72-69. Sometimes the typing fingers have a mind of their own. Fixed, thanks.
Great read! Wasn’t the 86 championship game 72-69?
That’s funny!! Thanks Joe and family!
Steve,
You know we are very proud of you and wish you the best.
Since we’re telling stories; Steve was supposed to baby sit for us when he was sixteen, but was a no show when he discovered GIRLS!! He never came back!!
We love you any way!!
Thanks Andy!! Good to hear from you. I still have some of those transformers believe it or not. my son plays with them nowadays. Dad says you are doing well. That is good to hear. Things are going pretty well in my neck of the woods. I just graduated Saturday and am getting married to a wonderful woman in July on the beach in Florida. Take care and thanks for supporting Card Game!!
… and congratulations on your graduation!
Steve – I didn’t know you could dunk! I haven’t seen you since 5th grade, I think, but you look the same in the photo above. Your dad forgot to mention that you had the world’s largest collection of Transformers and were a pretty mean nerf-basketball player as well.
Andy
Sounds like a great guy – chip off the ole’ block. Many gudos for job well done. Go Cards !
What a great tribute to both guys. Bet we hear more about that grandson later!
Congratulations to your son (and his Dad)!