Waiting for my dream girl

[a9127]

Took a while to find these. From some of my previous posts you probably realize that I don’t always look back on my college career all that fondly. Sure that I would have been better off had we stayed in Michigan. My high school team was awesome almost winning a state title. That was when it was still fun.

Our locker room. November 9, 2002. We played Ohio State. What a mess… One of those is mine.

A surprisingly close game, Ohio State would end up winning 10-6 eventually going on to win the National Championship. ABC broadcast the game. Because of Ohio State I’m sure--not us…

Most schools have “inspirational” slogans like “Play like a Champion Today” or “Strength and Honor.” This was our slogan… well duh! It also helps if your team is awesome.

“Beat Ohio State.” Now that does get one fired up as they head out onto the field. Given Ohio State’s dominance that year maybe it should have said “Just don’t get your fuckin’ ass kicked.”

But I won’t leave out the best part of college football. This IS my “Dream Girl” thread after all. My girlfriend during this time had actually been a cheerleader at Indiana University, our main rival. Six years older than me, we were married not long after this.

Looking at this picture, my only question is why is our “mascot” ugly AF? And he’s lost his helmet. Nice hair. He is supposed to be a “Boilermaker.” Why does he look instead like a cross between the “Walking Dead” and Super Dork?

(The cheerleader picture is more recent. However "Purdue Pete" still looks the same. And the team may be even worse today. Last year Purdue got slaughtered 63-14 in the "Music City Bowl" in Nashville. No wonder our students started tossing around an inflatable dick during games. )

[a9127]

OK. One more then I gotta go workout. Warning: Some of these may keep you up at night.

From 1969. Sorry dude you're not getting any...

Creepy AF. Wonder where they store these? I won't sleep tonight.

From the 40's or 50's. Is that supposed to put fear into your opponent? Weird.

I've got shot glasses with this "classic" design on them. At least they are put to good use.

When "Sponge Bob" thinks he's creepy...

Ooops. Sorry. Wrong team. This is the Oakland Raiders of the NFL. Now that's how to do it!

[a9127]

This is supposed to be a "Dream Girls" thread so here you go. These are the "Goldusters." Purdue's dance team. They are nationally ranked and perform worldwide as well as at games and the Indy 500.

(Much better than the creepy "mascot." He must be related to those "evil clowns." For a university that prides itself on academics and is known for its Science and Engineering programs as well as it's most famous alumni: Neil Armstrong, I'm amazed that they would have such a representative for athletics. "Purdue Pete" always looked to me like he suffered one concussion too many. )

[a9127]

After my earlier post, I figured someone was bound to discover it. So I thought I’d better go find it first. The highlights are on YouTube. Damned Internet! ESPN Classic no less. I forgot how bad it actually was. Fortunately the footage is old and grainy. Was it that long ago?

I still did not play very much as a Sophomore. On one of the videos you can catch a quick glimpse of me towards the end getting taken out of a play (Jesus… ), and on special teams. They scored on 4th and 1 to win. God, how fucking embarrassing. Too bad they didn’t burn this video. Ohio State would go on to win the National Championship that year. Their #71 weighed 325 lbs.

Interesting looking back 17 years later. I have never seen this footage before. Of course I had an entirely different perspective down on the field. To this day I have no regrets. Overall, playing college ball was mostly fun (other than the injuries) and it could have been worse. We know a lot more about concussions now. I was lucky although my wife who is a nurse thinks I show signs of CTE. Returning to finish my degree, I ended up getting a doctorate. I’ve had a very successful career and I credit football with teaching leadership, developing confidence, facing adversity, and instilling good work habits. I made many friendships and business connections as well. And my dedication to fitness has paid off as I progress into my 30’s. I sure as hell don’t feel old. Other than the occasional aches and pains getting out of bed sometimes.

(That's why I find the "Beat Ohio State" sign over the door so funny. I actually don't even remember it. Wasn't paying attention. Your mind is elsewhere. That sign is so "matter of fact" it might as well say "watch your step". I would rather see something like "Tonight we dine in hell." or "There is no tomorrow for you and that makes you very dangerous.")

[a9127]

I have however from time to time thought that one day I would make a return to collegiate athletics. I have a lot of experience. And of course ties to Purdue.

Maybe as a coach?

[a9127]

You knew it wouldn't take me very long to find someone I liked. Wonder what it would be like to coach my “future wife.” Can you tell which one she is in the picture above? She looks like a “leader” to me and clearly stands out from the others. Her name is Blake and she’s 6’2”. She’s also a Management major so I could always help her with her homework. I'm sure we've had some of the same professors.

Found out that she’s a “redshirt” Senior so that means she’s about the age of Dove Cameron. Not really THAT much younger than me…

My only regret is that she didn’t go to Purdue in the “mid-2000’s.” Would have rather dated her than my “ex.” Bet stuff would have worked out. I would think we’d have a lot in common. Except it looks like she’s doing way better than I did in football.

[a9127]

Got serious work to do this afternoon but those creepy “heads” have been bothering me for days. Did some research and found out they store them in the basement of Mackey Arena (basketball). Apparently Purdue “keeps” all the old heads (an unpleasant thought ). Some early ones weigh as much as 50 lbs (23kg). Shit, a guy who’s strong enough to carry around 50 lbs supported just by his neck needs to be out on the field playing not wearing some stupid costume.

The second pic is an old “unofficial” t-shirt from the ‘80s. Purdue fans have always imagined a “rivalry” with Notre Dame where none exists (it’s with Indiana University if anybody). However in most Purdue/ND matchups it’s usually the “Boilermakers” who end up getting “fucked.”

In the meantime Purdue Women’s Volleyball is off to a good start. Too bad they don’t get more recognition. Blake and her teammates are already 5-1. Personally I’d rather follow them.

[Boner]

[QUOTE=a9127;274872]You knew it wouldn't take me very long to find someone I liked. Wonder what it would be like to coach my “future wife.” Can you tell which one she is in the picture above? She looks like a “leader” to me and clearly stands out from the others. Her name is Blake and she’s 6’2”. She’s also a Management major so I could always help her with her homework. I'm sure we've had some of the same professors.

"Six foot two blonde and blue"is how Bob describe's Najila on his site "Bob's T-Girls". Najila was one of his earlier models and is still one of the most beautiful women he's photographed over the past twenty years. She's just stunning- definitely a dream girl"!