| |
|
|
The Third Annual Meet-the-Team Dinner
From the First Meeting to the Last Auction Item, HU Fans Support the Foresters
 |
|
THE TRADITION BEGINS
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a night when the fans who don’t golf could get together and meet the HU players before the season starts?” That idea to the Third Annual “Meet-the-Team Night” has been quite a ride.
Beginning with the concept and hoping to get 150-175 out to a dinner (we had 320 the first year); it has grown to another packed house this year. Who thought it would go as it has? It shows the great support of HU fans.
AN OUTSTANDING EVENT
While the evening may get a little loooooong, it’s enjoyed by the fans and players alike. From the youngsters to long-time fans (notice how the word “old” was not used here), the camaraderie and the opportunity to meet these fine young men who represent the HU Basketball program is a real hit.
As a fan, I think it’s good to be able to match faces with a bit of the personalities that go with them. It provides a greater sense of personal involvement in the program.
The players may seem a little nervous and uncomfortable at first, especially the freshmen, but as the night wears on they relax and begin to enjoy the evening with everyone else. Hopefully, they get a taste of the true pride and excitement that Forester Fans share in Huntington basketball.
|
|
THE BIG NIGHT ARRIVES
Finally, it’s Meet-the-Team night, but there’s a sense of uneasiness. Will it go okay? Did the auction items show up? What nonsense will Ness get me involved in this year? But once it begins, the fears disappear.
The place looks great; the people show up; you meet “old” friends; you meet the basketball team; everything is good. When you see the end result, you know it’s worth every bit of the effort that's involved.
While the auction provides a big financial boost for the program, one should never feel any less important by not participating in that part of the night. The crowd that shows up and the enthusiasm that is shown (not to mention $60 a plate) is a huge benefit. I know Coach Platt and his team appreciate everyone who is there.
IT'S A GREAT HU NATION
Another Meet-the-Team Night has come and gone and, again, it was a big success. But the results of the night are just beginning. Without the support of this Great HU Nation, Coach Platt would find it more difficult to recruit the fine young men he goes after. So, as you watch the team play this year, give yourself a little pat on the back for a job well done. We all had a part in supporting the successful program known as HU Basketball.
- by Les Chafin ('76)
|
| |
|
|
PLANNING MAKES IT HAPPEN
A night like this doesn’t just "happen" of course; it takes a lot of time, planning and commitment from a lot of people. It begins in August, when a few of us meet with Coach Platt at the Ness Bros offices in Huntington.
The meeting is supposed to be about the fall dinner, but the early time is spent badgering Coach with questions about his new recruits and the upcoming season. In other words, we are actually getting the initial installment of our basketball fix for the new season.
After the first meeting finally gets things rolling, bi-weekly meetings are held where the Meet-the-Team night begins to take shape. I’m amazed every year at the generosity of the Forester Fans and their commitment to the first class program that Coach Platt and his staff have put together.
I also must mention the special commitment of Steve Ness. He is the driving force behind making this night the huge success it is.
|
|
Refs: Kyle Ness, Steve Ness, Kurt Ness, Andy Eckert, Tim Ness, Les Chafin
|
|
|
