Never thought I'd start a thread with this title, but boy does it fit. I have no idea where to start..maybe my first-ever meeting with Bobcat Love is a good starting point?
While sipping on lord knows what number beer I was on at the Bobcat Bash, Pete C. came over to our table and we had a really good conversation. After getting the low-down on the Nashville experience, I realized that I was surrounded by Bobcat Attackers. Unfortunately, I had never met 99.8% of them in person. I've only been able to attend a few random road games in recent years. The OHIO/Kansas O'Shea debacle in K-C...the 30 point loss at Pitt..etc. Yeah..I know how to pick them! Luckily, the best thing that happened in Pittsburgh was that I got to meet Bornacat. I can talk hoops with that guy any time!
Back to the Bobcat Bash. After taking some award-winning photos of Pete C. in front of the Arch on the 42nd floor, he finally took me over to the Love's table. There he was, B-Love decked out in his famous green jacket. If Billy Payne was in the room, he would have invited the LOVE to join him at Augusta National's member-guest tournament. I was really looking forward to this unplanned meeting because B-Love tells it like it is and holds nothing back on this board. I think I've probably agreed with 99.99% of his posts. You can agree or disagree, but you can't question the man's passion for OHIO and its teams. He also predicted that OHIO would make the Sweet 16...back in the pre-season! Much respect.
Pete C. handled the introduction. Bobcat Love...FearLeon....FearLeon...Bobcat Love. No secret handshake was involved, but I quickly informed B-Love that my real name isn't FearLeon. Something told me that he already knew this. Also at the table was Mrs. Bobcat Love. This was an added bonus for me because she is one of the most underrated posters on this board. Hint..hint...you need to post more Mrs. B-Love! I chatted with the Loves for several minutes before the great Leon Harris stole the show. Heck, we were all mesmerized. Mrs B-Love had a nice conversation with our famous anchor and I was able to sneak in a photo with him as well. Never in a million years did I think I'd be spending time in the same circle as Leon Harris and the Loves. Spielberg could not have scripted this any better. I thought I died and gone to Bobcat Attack heaven.
After spending quality time with the LOVES, Pete C asked if I would like to meet Monroe Slavin CPA? I thought to myself, "Can this bash get any better?" I'm about to meet Mr. Big Manz himself! I mean, what's next....is Walter Luckett going to make an appearance? Pete C. handled the introduction and it went something like this. Monroe Slavin...FearLeon...FearLeon...Monroe Slavin. We shook hands and chatted for a bit. Monroe was holding court with Bornacat and it was great to talk hoops with these guys. In a span of 15 minutes, I met 3 Bobcat Attack Hall of Famers...special. Actually 4, I'm putting Mrs. B-Love in this category as well.
Did somebody mention Walter Luckett??? How awesome was it to have the Sports Illustrated cover boy at the Bobcat Bash? I wasn't going to miss out on this opportunity and got a great photo with him. After the 110 did its thing, the group I was with decided it would be best to get on the elevator before the mass exit began. Game time was quickly approaching. As President McDavis was winding down his speech, our group headed for the elevator. Who did we ride down and walk to the game with? Jim Schaus. I thanked him for everything he's done and our group got a photo with him as well. Very classy guy and I'm glad he's running the show inside the Convocation Center.
Attending the Bobcat Bash was worth every penny I spent to get to St. Louis for the game. I met some fantastic, loyal die-hard OHIO fans. I ran into some friends that I hadn't seen in 15...16...17 years. There is no other fan base like Bobcatnation. Do you think North Carolina fans rented out space in a downtown St. Louis building for alumni to gather? Heck, no!
We are OHIO and I'm damn proud to be a Bobcat!
Last Edited: 3/26/2012 11:05:28 AM by FearLeon