|
March 15, 2005
Behind Closed Doors - Initial Shrine Bowl Meeting |
|
| Arnold Solomon NCPreps.com Senior Editor |
  |
Behind Closed Doors
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scene at the initial Shrine Bowl Coaches Weekend each year?
|
I was welcomed as a guest by the Shrine Bowl Staff. Let me say that this is one group of outstanding individuals as well as citizens of their community.
One would have to search far and long to find the caliber of people represented within this group. The Chairman, Board of Governors is Bucky Walker, a former football player with the University of South Carolina. Being from the state of North Carolina, I will not hold that against him. Bucky is always jovial, caring and friendly to those he meets. One would think he was their dad or brother. In my case he would be my dad. Just kidding Bucky.
Others that have outgoing personalities, and would give you the shirt off of their back, are Connie Altman, General Game Chairman; Lindley Ivey, Vice Chairman of Game; and French Harvey, Shrine Bowl Executive Administrator.
Others that I met for the first time, but have had no close relationship as of yet, include Ron Long, Athletic Director; Bob Rodgers, Vice Chairman of Game; Elton Hawley, and Representative of the Training Staff. I am sure they would have to be equal to the others, because it runs in the veins of the Shrine Bowl community.
These professionals turn handshakes into hugs as everyone becomes ONE within their cooperative spirit.
The meeting began at 12:00 noon at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Rock Hill (Carrowinds area). The first item of business began quite appropriately – LUNCH. This allowed people and personalities to meet for one of the coach's favorite pastimes, eating. I was not bashful as I allowed myself to a second helping of some very delicious cooking. It was served buffet style and there were many morsels to choose from. I was actually dwarfed in size with the attendance of several 400 plus pound gigantic titans out of the Winston-Salem and Fayetteville area. My 260 pounds looked microscopic compared to them (until after I ate).
At 1:00 pm the business session actually began. Opening remarks were provided by Ron Long, the Athletic Director of the Shrine Bowl. Bucky Walker, Chairman of the Board, then followed with introductions of the Shrine Bowl Staff and Committee Chairman. Connie Altman, Game Chairman, provided a Shrine presentation.
During the introductions we met all the Shrine Bowl coaches along with some of the wives.
South Carolina coaches were represented by Head Coach John Abercrombie, and assistant coaches Ron Blackmon, Dean Boyd, Doc Davis, Mike Doolittle, Doug Hinson, Admin Assistant David Reese, and Adult Trainer Hank Mason.
The North Carolina coaches and their schools were identified as follows: Bennie McMurray- E.E. Waddell, DeAngelo Bell – WS Parkland, Tim Bennett – Roanoke Rapids, Milton Butts – Fayetteville Smith, Mike Houston – Waynesville Tuscola – and Donnie Kiefer – East Carteret. Others recognized were Administrative Assistant Wally Burke, and Adult Trainer Larry Carpenter.
Other agenda for the evening and times:
1:30 pm Report on Spartanburg and Wofford College – Connie Altman
2:00 pm Discuss on NC Combines – Coach Jim Bob Bryant
2:30 pm Weekly agenda and practice Field – Ron Long
3:00 pm Break
3:15 pm Paperwork (bios, tickets, banquet, hotel charges, bar charges, dress code, address updates) – Lindley Ivey – Vice Chairman
3:45 pm Game Rules – Ron Long
4:30 pm Open discussion (valuables, country store, TV's, phones, video games, Blazer Presentations, player jersey presentations, and player selection weekend on October 15th)
5:30 pm Adjourn
7:00 pm Dinner – wives invited
On Sunday a 9:00 am meeting was provided so that coaches could submit additional questions if desired.
12:00 noon was designated as closing for this initial meeting.
Look for this year's Shrine Bowl events to be outstanding. And don't forget – Strong legs run so that weak legs may walk!