An overheard conversation while walking into the luncheon:

“Here’s what I think is going to happen. When do we play West Virginia?”

“Late. In November.”

“Right. Okay. Stein is going to be the starter through that game. They’ll bring Bridgewater along. Then Stein’s going to get hurt in that game. Bridgewater is going to come in and lead U of L to victory.”

“Like Pat White did to us when he was a freshman.”

“Exactly.”

The rehashing of which conversation is to confirm, if any such confirmation is necessary, that these pre-season pep rallies are for die hard fans only. Plus the occasional hanger on from the Trust Department, who is looking to get out of the office for a free steak lunch.

* * * * * *

Charlie Strong once again emphasized the need for team leaders to emerge. He named names.

Josh Bellamy. Mr. Hardhat, Strong called him. “He talks a lot, but he backs it up.”

Josh Chichester. The Anchor. The guy you want next to you in the foxhole. Strong did relate this incident. “I was at one of the Cardinal Caravans. A lady got up and said ‘Please teach Josh Chichester how to catch the ball.’”

Greg Scruggs. Mr. Reliable. About whom, Strong told this story. “I walked into the back of a classroom. The professor said, ‘We have a special guest. Coach Strong, would you like to address the class?’ ‘No, I just wanted to make sure that guy in the gray sweats is in the front row.’”

Vic Anderson. The Face of the Program. “He graduated in three years and one summer.”

* * * * *

On the importance of getting it done, Strong told this story.

“At Oregon State, we were down 28-7. Before the offense took the field, I called them together. ‘We’ve got to get it done. Either give me the effort now, or after we get off the plane in Louisville. It doesn’t matter to me.’ The team marched down the field and scored. Then I said the same thing to the defense.”

* * * * *

For those U of L fans fearful of losing Strong to a bigger program if he succeeds here, this observation.

Strong started out his speech this way: “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tom Jurich for giving me this opportunity.”

When introducing his wife, he said, “She loves it here.”

He finished with three more heartfelt thank youa to the fans for their support.

* * * * *

There are a couple of newcomers which several knowing observers believe will contribute significantly this season. Redshirt freshman OL, Jake Smith. Real frosh WR, DeVante Parker.

– Seedy K