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Nov. 9, 2008

(Written by Greg Harris of G. Allan Inc., Sponsor of NCCU Athletics)

Saturday November 8th:

It's game day and the mood of the staff and players has changed. Everyone is more focused on the game this afternoon. There isn't as much talking or milling around. After breakfast there was a brief walk thru and then everyone headed back to their rooms to prepare for Cal Poly. There was a chapel service offered for those who wanted to attend, about 20 people came and heard a word from a local Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative.

We arrived at the stadium around 2:15 p.m. for a 4:05 p.m. kick off. The team basically gets dressed and warms up, Coach Rison and the staff exchanged pleasantries with the coaches from Cal Poly and then went to the locker room for one final word with the team. I have to share with you that during the warm-ups one player really impresses you. He is Ramses Barden #11 for Cal Poly. He is wide receiver about 6' 6" 230 pounds and is a high-skilled athlete. Barden is the biggest guy in the stadium he looked like an NFL player and played like one too. He is by far the best looking athlete NCCU has played against in many years. Expect to see him drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round of the NFL draft. He is rated the #1 NFL prospect in small college football.

The final score was 49 - 3. The guys continued to compete until the final whistle. The Cal Poly students were really into the game and they were very loud. The student section was right behind the NCCU bench and they yelled at, heckled and teased our players the entire game. They would pick one and serenade him by singing his first name. Our kicking game was the lone bright spot tonight with the highlight being Brandon Gilbert's 38-yard field goal, which was from the right hash mark and he absolutely drilled the ball which split the middle of the uprights. BG, as he is affectionately known, is not only a big-time kicker, he is a great person and a joy to be around. He will have a very successful future no matter what line of work he pursues.

Cal Poly gave us a good gauge on where we are in the transition to D-1. Their roster had approximately 50 out of 90 players who had been red-shirted. The advantage of a red-shirt year is that it gives young guys time to develop their bodies and get acclimated to the program. These advantages are evident as these student-athletes become juniors and seniors. The opportunity to play Cal Poly (and James Madison) and see what it takes to compete at a championship level is invaluable no matter the score. The players now know the speed, strength, discipline and intellectual level they must achieve as Coach Rison builds toward an elite level. I expect they will look at themselves and each other and pull as a team in pursuit of this goal. However, this dedication from coaches and players has to be met with the dedication of the university to provide the facilities and support that allow Coach Rison to compete on the field and in the recruiting battles. Whether it is practice fields, weight room, office space or equipment, the rise to D-1 football is a true commitment from the entire university community and sponsors. I'm committed to the cause, are you?

In closing, this entire trip has been a great experience for the student-athletes. They have handled themselves extremely well everywhere we have been. Several of the local residents have commented on how gracious and mannerable they were to open doors, shake hands and say kind words to the people that have crossed their paths. I'm really impressed with Coach Rison and his unique approach to today's student-athlete. He doesn't have many rules, but he expects you to conduct yourself properly at all times. Coach is always asking his staff and those around him how they are doing and how is their family. He has a genuine concern for his players and staff and it shows each time I'm around him. Today's game may not have gone our way, but my view from the inside of the program this weekend shows me that we are on the right track with the right guy leading us. We are a very young team with some talented players. Yes, we have some holes to fill and players to develop, but we do have a base of talent from which to build.

We have a long day tomorrow, as the buses leave at 2 a.m. for the ride back to LA to catch the 7 a.m. flight. We'll be home by 7:15 p.m. and arrive back on campus around 9 p.m. Thanks for reading and give me your feedback at gregory@imwithg.net.

Go Eagles,

G.