Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
SPORTSWISE
Patrick: First off, a big Thank You to Roger Uy in the DePaul University Athletics department. Roger, via the Marketing & Community Outreach, has blessed us here at StreetWise, with the opportunity to see the DePaul Blue Demons men’s basketball team live versus the Red Storm of St. John’s. Although I was unable to make it, a number of our vendors did, including a couple of the SportsWise team members. Fellas, what do you got? Donald: Well, the buzz in the lobby was enough to get me pumped. We had to show our proof of vaccination, but that was okay. Shoot, I had my nephew with me, who’s a huge basketball fan and an even bigger DePaul Blue Demons fan, and we were ready, man. We had good seats behind the backboard and could hear dang near everything on the court even when the sound equipment wasn’t entertaining! The coaches shouting encouragement— and curses—the cheerleaders twisting and stomping rhythmically; I could even hear my neighbors’ chewing the heck out of their popcorn. Crazy, man. Russ: And DePaul won! Patrick: So you’re saying it was more than just popcorn and cheerleaders and shouting going on? Russ: Yes!
Donald: Man, y’all silly. John: Unfortunately, I didn’t make it either, but I watched it on TV and was thoroughly impressed with the way DePaul managed to keep the lead for so long. Usually, whenever there’s a push by the favorite, which was St. John’s in this case, often the underdog will bend and break to the stronger team’s will—not the case this Sunday. Russ: Well, it’d been a while for me to see a game live, so I was excited to check it out. Now, while the game was a very good one, I don’t believe the team, itself, will make many waves in the tournament—assuming they make the NCAA tourney or the NIT—but they’re still my team…and, today, they won as an underdog. Donald: A well-earned victory.
Russ: Agreed. Now, one of the best things about this game was the crowd. The fans were outstanding and engaged and that only helped to get me hyped and eager for the clash. Patrick: Word on the street is that both you and Don are big fans of the women’s Blue Demons team. Do the men compare? Russ: I’ll let Don speak on that as well, but, for myself, the women are doing a bit better than the fellas are at the moment. Winning championships and upping the nearfuture goals over at DePaul, and for us in the city of Chicago. Donald: Well, you know I feel the same for the most part in regard to the women’s basketball team; however, for me, it’s more. It’s the morerhythmic appeal of the women’s game. The guys are more
aggressive with it, a lil’bit stronger with the ball and the moves, etc. But, I’ll tell you, the game somewhat brought me back to what’s good about all youthful sports: these young adults are “becoming:” they’re growing into who they’ll eventually be. It’s cool to help guide them into being good players and people. That’s why I enjoyed the very-little booing from the crowd. These kids are too young to have to deal with rejection—especially rejection when they’re out there trying their best to make it happen. John: Donald, I’d never thought about it in that way. Patrick: Me, too, Don. You’re going to make me reconsider sending out the “boos” at these college games; I’m just gonna boost my cheers to balance it all out. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
