Baseball Home Run Derby. Softball Alumni Game. High school cross country invitational. Opening of preseason basketball practice. A golf scramble involving teammates and friends treasuring the memory of a legendary Demon football player.
And the main course, a home, televised football game against an old in-state rival.
There’s plenty to choose from, or sample, today on campus. We’re counting down to kickoff now at Turpin Stadium, and a lot of the action is already in the books.
The Home Run Derby was entertaining and exciting. Justin O’Neal, junior outfielder/first baseman, was the top slugger, ripping out five. Right on his heels, surprisingly, was rail-thin outfielder Johnnie Santangelo, who poked out four. So did last year’s slugging champ, senior outfielder Dylan Libadisos.
Not to say that Voice of the Demons Patrick Netherton wasn’t top notch duing the public address for the Derby, but the most lively element of the morning’s activities had to be the flowing public address commentary at the Demon Diamond by head softball coach Becky McMurtry. To say that she was heckling the softball alumni does not do her justice.
Meanwhile, on the field, the former players – and quite an all-star lineup it was, with many of the great names in NSU history and everyone on the alumni team bringing a great love and appreciation for their days at NSU – were enjoying a spirited game against the current day softball team.
It was more along the lines of a neighborhood pickup game than an intensely competitive contest, but it was a great experience for both sides. There were even alumni umpires. Really.
Good buzz coming out of Prather Coliseum from folks who watched both workouts. Lots of signs that this winter will be a fun one to pull for our people in purple.
Back with some football notes in a bit.
Doug Ireland, SID
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