In my 20 years as SID, never before has a player given me a thank you card on his Senior Day.
Deividas Petravicius did today. The Demons' favorite foreigner gifted me and athletic director Greg Burke, at least, with thank you notes before tipoff of today's game in Prather Coliseum.
Burke and I compared notes, literally, after the game and the Graduate N Club ceremonies, which were typically moving (more tomorrow on that).
We were both touched by the kindness of the lanky Lithuanian.
I was also impressed with the classy crowd reaction when coach Mike McConathy pulled his three seniors in the final minute with the outcome settled. As Petravicius, Keithan Hancock and Kalem Porterie left the court, they did so to a standing ovation from the 1,403 fans.
That's one reason why Demon basketball will be back soon. I can't wait 'til next year.
But I just wish Deividas, the one senior who never did get to experience the fullest impact of March Madness although he was part of the SLC Finalist team last year, could be back to make another run at the NCAA Tournament. I just have a sneaky feeling about 2010...
Doug Ireland, Sports Information Director
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Football news
Got a call today from Jeff Ireland, who is not a relative but is general manager of the Miami Dolphins. He was asking about Demon receiver Dudley Guice, who had a very impressive workout Tuesday at NSU's Pro Day.
Guice and Robert Weeks, the record-shattering kicker, were among the 2008 seniors impressing a handful of pro scouts. Around 20, including the legendary C.O. Brocato of the Tennessee Titans, are expected back for another workout day later this month ...
... former Demon football assistant coach Art Kaufman has taken a job as linebackers coach at North Carolina. He was at Southern Mississippi last year ...
... former Demon head coach Scott Stoker is the new defensive coordinator at Sam Houston State. He visited with NSU basketball coach Mike McConathy, a good friend, before Wednesday night's NSU game at SHSU.
Guice and Robert Weeks, the record-shattering kicker, were among the 2008 seniors impressing a handful of pro scouts. Around 20, including the legendary C.O. Brocato of the Tennessee Titans, are expected back for another workout day later this month ...
... former Demon football assistant coach Art Kaufman has taken a job as linebackers coach at North Carolina. He was at Southern Mississippi last year ...
... former Demon head coach Scott Stoker is the new defensive coordinator at Sam Houston State. He visited with NSU basketball coach Mike McConathy, a good friend, before Wednesday night's NSU game at SHSU.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
A pro present on NSU's Pro Day
This afternoon, 2008 Demon football seniors with professional football aspirations are working out for pro scouts at Turpin Stadium.
A Demon great who has been in the NFL for the last three years is joining them.
Cornerback David Pittman, a third-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, will be taking part in the passing drills to provide a high caliber of coverage against receiving hopefuls Dudley Guice Jr., tight end Kedrin Seastrunk and any other players, from NSU or other schools, who take part.
Pittman was let go at the outset of the regular season last fall by Baltimore. He was signed by New Orleans and spent a few weeks in Saints camp during the season, then was a late season pickup by the Houston Texans.
He is working out in Dallas under the direction of former Olympic sprinter Jon Drummond. Pitt, who graduated with a business degree from NSU in May 2006, says in his perfect world, NFL teams would first add players from their market areas. He grew up within an hour of New Orleans in Gramercy, and played at Lutcher, and would LOVE to play for the Saints. But it is a business, as he fully understands. He's looking for the right fit for him next season.
A Demon great who has been in the NFL for the last three years is joining them.
Cornerback David Pittman, a third-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, will be taking part in the passing drills to provide a high caliber of coverage against receiving hopefuls Dudley Guice Jr., tight end Kedrin Seastrunk and any other players, from NSU or other schools, who take part.
Pittman was let go at the outset of the regular season last fall by Baltimore. He was signed by New Orleans and spent a few weeks in Saints camp during the season, then was a late season pickup by the Houston Texans.
He is working out in Dallas under the direction of former Olympic sprinter Jon Drummond. Pitt, who graduated with a business degree from NSU in May 2006, says in his perfect world, NFL teams would first add players from their market areas. He grew up within an hour of New Orleans in Gramercy, and played at Lutcher, and would LOVE to play for the Saints. But it is a business, as he fully understands. He's looking for the right fit for him next season.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Unsung but not unappreciated
One of the great strengths of Northwestern State athletics is the incredible support provided by people who just love NSU. Two of those are parents of former athletes, Natchitoches residents Layne Miller and Hunter Mullican.
Layne's daughter Lauren (softball) and Hunter's son Klent (baseball) played for NSU briefly, but their parents were long before avidly supportive of all Demon and Lady Demon sports. Layne and Hunter -- who by the way was a safety on the football team at Stephen F. Austin back in his day -- are among those most likely to be manning a grill cooking for a team or at an NSU event.
This weekend, they were using their carpentry skill to the benefit of the softball program. They are building a left field pavillion for the Outfield Club to replace the 10-year-old stands that stood just inside the left field foul pole.
If you didn't notice, it's been a bit cold this weekend. But Layne showed up Sunday in shorts and a sweatshirt while normal humans were wearing parka-like jackets and other winter gear.
"I'll be warm enough in a little bit," he said, chuckling.
They don't come any finer than Layne Miller and Hunter Mullican. Just ask any NSU coach and most NSU student-athletes past and present.
Layne's daughter Lauren (softball) and Hunter's son Klent (baseball) played for NSU briefly, but their parents were long before avidly supportive of all Demon and Lady Demon sports. Layne and Hunter -- who by the way was a safety on the football team at Stephen F. Austin back in his day -- are among those most likely to be manning a grill cooking for a team or at an NSU event.
This weekend, they were using their carpentry skill to the benefit of the softball program. They are building a left field pavillion for the Outfield Club to replace the 10-year-old stands that stood just inside the left field foul pole.
If you didn't notice, it's been a bit cold this weekend. But Layne showed up Sunday in shorts and a sweatshirt while normal humans were wearing parka-like jackets and other winter gear.
"I'll be warm enough in a little bit," he said, chuckling.
They don't come any finer than Layne Miller and Hunter Mullican. Just ask any NSU coach and most NSU student-athletes past and present.
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