Milli
appreciate the kind words about the signing and past signings. went very smoothly<O:p></O:p> I think. I like to think we do things a little different then most. We prefer to put the players into a low stress, relaxed setting. While there is a job to be done and money is changing hands, none of us are there without the game and I think the athletes & fans take something different away than the norm.
we do allow photos, no charge. Everyone does things there own way. I think it enhances the exprience.
Josh was correct in stating that this atmosphere lets the players inner beauty emerge. To listen to the players speak about their childhood, their HS & OSU careers, their families, their memories, their future, their goals; its a rare opportunity. It's not soundbites for the tv, 5 minutes on Buckeye replay, or a feature story in the paper, its the real person live smack and in front of your face. 60 minutes plus and no commercials. Most of time I find myself wishing they were still Buckeyes because I know I would pull for them a little harder after getting to know them better. You get to see the person not just the football player.
a tidbit or a measure of pride, but everyone we have worked with in the last two years has a clear plan for graduation w/in the next two years. That is a marked difference from another era and a testament to the character of the student athlete and direction that Coach Tressel has taken the program. They are not just talking the talking, they are hitting the books and getting the job done.
This year we delayed booking others as we watched the date with the linebackers switch twice before being split up. it was not for a lack of effort, contact, or timing. we we wish we had more notice and lead time to take everyone public, but circumstance, linebackers and opportunity delayed this. When presented with opportunity to have the first signings with Ashton, Donte & Nate this year, we did not hestitate and schedueled vs. first available date. Just as in the past, we consider it an honor and a privelage for us to have the first signing with someone. Right now we would like to get through each player in the fastest & most efficient manner albeit public vs private and will look to comeback later with a public for those we miss the first time through.
In reading through a few previous posts, as far as public vs. private. many promoters or stores rely on their public gate to pay for the materials, advertising & costs of a signing and make 65-80% of their money that night. As a wholesale distributor and online retailer, we do not rely on the public gate to do a signing. We have done at least one public signing w/ 80-85% of the NC Bucks. Traditionally we have done a number of privates to accomodate the players schedules as well as our own. When we are able to save money this way, we try to pass the savings onto the fans. At the same time, when we have more individual time with a player, we are able to do a wide variety of photos with a greater diversity of players.
One last sidebar, my personal linebacker item this year is a signed & inscribed Pat Tillman ASU jersey by AJ, Bobby, & Anthony. I am shadowboxing w/ autograph 8x10's of the four players and a script Ohio from Sun Devil Stadium. It will be a family heirloom.
Go Bucks
