The Pitt Center at SHU was jammed with a basketball-hungry crowd, and we got what we came for. The opening drills earned cheers as our team passed, shot, and ran in high-energy Husky fashion. We were seated front row, behind the press and admired the team's speed and confidence. The scrimmage that followed showed us that we can expect the season to be exciting and more. Returnees have not lost their edge, and newcomers, especially Kelis (fast, fast), Serah (polished, strong), and Kayleigh (aggressive, quick) did not disappoint.
Then came the "meet and greet," designed to be brief and to tax on the team as little possible. The Huskies were arranged in groups of four, and each fan unit (individual or group) got one camera or phone, worked by an assigned camera hand. We moved across the team, with a swift handshake, hug, or exchange of pleasantries, then a burst of exposures.
Despite a tiring practice, the players were smiling and welcoming, and I got to greet my longterm favorites and to celebrate a few determined returnees. Ashlyn met my adulation with a charming smile. KK charged our little group of four senior citizens with a grin that lit up the room. Finally I threw my arm around Ice's powerful shoulder and got to say, "You are my favorite rock," and Caroline agreed, "Mine, too."