It was a nice event. Pretty much packed Balch.
Kiesau and Collins each diagrammed a play and then showed film on how what's drawn up translates to the field against different looks. I thought it was cool, but I think it may have been a bit too technical for the crowd. Collins did say that they've got to be better than last year and that they've been working their tails off to make that happen. I've been hard on the guy, but I do believe he is accountable and cares deeply. I just don't think he's got what it takes.
Bohn went out of his way to compliment Benson, DiStefano and the Regents. He even went so far as to deflect any personal credit for the Pac-12 move and give them all the credit. Class move and great political move. Good job, Bohn! He also extended the olive branch to Hawkins, saying that he made some important changes to staff and practice schedule, among other things, to get this going in the right direction this year.
Bohn also brought up the important relationship between CU athletics and the Boudler Chamber, which was a sponsor of the event. Bohn said that Boulder downtown restaurants got a 40% bump when the Pearl Street Stampede is held.
Bohn has really done a great job there and on moving the coach's show to Boulder in order to enhance community relations. It's paying off. When Bohn was introduced, the construction project at the CEC, the Pac-12 move and some other highlights were brought up. He got the biggest ovation of the day. Bohn's definitely popular with the Buff Club, Buff Belles and Boulder Chamber.
Hawkins was more understated, but in a good way. Still some typical Hawkins stuff about bringing in a group that climbed Everest and having them address the team. How to get to the summit, it's a step-by-step process of climbing up, then being forced to backtrack, going in stages until you get there. He said that the Buffs will summit this year. He was actually pretty intense about saying that we will like our team this year. He seems legitimately confident this year. Not "rah-rah" confidence. Definitely the matter-of-fact type of confidence that comes across as much more sincere and has me believing.
Jalil Brown finished up. He talked about his years at CU, his development as a player and person, and how this is the most talented team they have had. On defense, he did compare with the 2007 team. Specifically mentioned Jimmy Smith and Michael Sipili. Talked about how matching up with Patterson, Scotty, Toney, Speedy and Tyler every day is a challenge and that he wouldn't want to have to play the Buffs this year.
All in all a good time. Glad I went. I'll probably do the weekly coaches lunches this year. Anyone else go to those?