Big Ten Network Kickoff Luncheon

What a special day Tuesday was for someone that was born and raised a Big Ten fan. I attended my first Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago courtesy of my selection to the Big Ten Network Fan Council. We had our first of two meetings during a one year service term as the eyes and ears of public opinion for the network. While the 2+ hour meeting was insightful and productive including a visit from Mark Silverman, Big Ten Network Pres, the day was stolen by the sights and sounds of the event. The lobby was filled with local and national media members such as Pat Forde, Jeff Dickerson, Teddy Greenstein, and a host of Big Ten Network personalities. Robbie Gould was the marquee name at the Bears/Big Ten Alumni area along with the League Championship Trophy. The autograph session opened with players and coaches seated at team themed stations. Juice Williams and Regis Benn were the first stop on my tour and they definitely won the best dressed tandem with Juice in a pearl white suit. All of the players were very cordial and representative of the league. I was able to talk revenge with a few of the PSU players as they have their sights set on a rematch with Iowa. I then made it over to the Iowa table to remind AJ Edds that he should have been a Boiler because we knew he should never try tight end. I also congratulated Tony Moeaki as the only remaining member of that famed '04 signing class out of this great state. Meeting Pat Fitzgerald was one of the highlights of the day as he is a class act. I congratulated him on his recent induction into the college football hall of fame, then we debated the merits of bringing back the half jerseys. All the while Corey Wootten was blocking out our light at 6'8" and plenty of poundage to go with it. The Boiler table was pretty low traffic so I was able to talk with each of the player reps about getting the program back on track. Coach Hope was quite a riot as I had a few moments to chat with him and when I told him I am from Morris, he immediately mentioned that it's Dan Darlington territory. He said I'm alright with him after surviving some coaching from that tough SOB. The Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan State tables were pretty dull. Ohio State was inpenetrable from their caravan of fans, and I refused to partake in anything Indiana/Michigan. I came away with player signed posters from all those teams, random goodie bags including a Purdue car flag, Pat Fitzgerald NU mini helmet, and a Juice/Regis U of I mini helmet. As the coaches and players made their way to the photo session I began to wander as new arrivals trickled in like a Wayne Larrivee and respective school ADs, but off in the distance I saw quite a bit more interesting arrival. Quite possibly the greatest Purdue football player of all time and newly minted HOFer Rod Woodson. I was able to snap a photo, get a signed mini helmet, and talk for a brief moment with the legend about our alma mater and his upcoming ceremony. We had center cut seats for the entire 2.5 hour program and all the coaches did a great job at the mic. JoePa always pleases the crowd.

The luncheon came to a close and as we trickled out I made my way through the hotel in stride with two time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin. The meeting lasted for awhile after that, then we took a shuttle to the Big Ten Network Studios. The place is pretty unremarkable other than their single set for tapings. We got the full tour, even more free stuff like mugs and sweatshirts, then they offered up free food and beers downstairs. We had the opportunity to talk and hang out with the Big Ten Network studio hosts. For all my fellow Purdue grads, I finally let Mike Hall have it for calling us Purdon't on the air. Dave Revsine gave me a personal highlight by spending time to talk sports, college days, real estate, and everything in between for the better part of twenty minutes. He's certainly a big part of why the Big Ten Network is successful after his long run at ESPN. That my friends was a fantastic day. I recommend applying for the fan council next summer and attending the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon whenever you get a chance. I'll put up a few good snapshots, but feel free to check out my facebook page for the full rundown.