A few personal stories from the last 2 days in Spain.

[Golden puppies]

After a well played game at Albacete the players boarded the bus and were greeted with applause and high fives from the JPC members. At the game the players all got requests from the townspeople to pose for pics. Some adults and many children surrounded them. The townspeople and even the opposing players were living the dream! They were thrilled to be standing next to our players. One little boy tugged at one of our players jersey. I am not supposed to say who, but he wears #14 and he is from Carmel. . #14 felt sorry for the little tyke and gave him his elbow sleeve. The little boy skipped off and was as thrilled as if he had won gold! Eventually two jerseys and a pair of shoes were pilfered from an open bag by a troop of little kids who ran away with their stolen treasure. My wife Kathy continues to be impressed by the outstanding young men who Coach Painter, Coach Owens, Coach Gary and Coach Brantley have recruited to represent Purdue with class and pride. All have been treated to the sight of Cathedrals from 13th, 14th, and 17th centuries. After a half day of touring today the team got some much needed R and R. They enjoyed an afternoon on Playa beach. Beautiful white sand. After the game at Albacete the entire team serenaded the bus with tenor and baritone voices. Kathy thought they had the glee club on the bus! They were very good!! One particularly poignant moment came when the team entered the Bacilica of The Virgin Mary. Each player, and Kathy stressed EVERY player entered respectfully and with reverence removed their caps, and some bowed in prayer. They studied the fresco on the ceiling, the rose window, and the ornate sculptures that adorned the walls and hallways. One more thing.....besides the players representing our school with class, our coaches have a tremendously professional staff. An observer would be amazed by the managers efficiency. These folks do a rapid and thorough job. They each know their job and do it with a smile. The guys (I think Nick and Chris) work hard to get the games videotaped and streaming, usually for hours after the rest have gone to bed. Finally, Elliott Bloom is an amazing guy to keep a trip like this going. He is the glue guy. The problem solver.

 

[tjreese]

After a well played game at Albacete the players boarded the bus and were greeted with applause and high fives from the JPC members. At the game the players all got requests from the townspeople to pose for pics. Some adults and many children surrounded them. The townspeople and even the opposing players were living the dream! They were thrilled to be standing next to our players. One little boy tugged at one of our players jersey. I am not supposed to say who, but he wears #14 and he is from Carmel. . #14 felt sorry for the little tyke and gave him his elbow sleeve. The little boy skipped off and was as thrilled as if he had won gold! Eventually two jerseys and a pair of shoes were pilfered from an open bag by a troop of little kids who ran away with their stolen treasure. My wife Kathy continues to be impressed by the outstanding young men who Coach Painter, Coach Owens, Coach Gary and Coach Brantley have recruited to represent Purdue with class and pride. All have been treated to the sight of Cathedrals from 13th, 14th, and 17th centuries. After a half day of touring today the team got some much needed R and R. They enjoyed an afternoon on Playa beach. Beautiful white sand. After the game at Albacete the entire team serenaded the bus with tenor and baritone voices. Kathy thought they had the glee club on the bus! They were very good!! One particularly poignant moment came when the team entered the Bacilica of The Virgin Mary. Each player, and Kathy stressed EVERY player entered respectfully and with reverence removed their caps, and some bowed in prayer. They studied the fresco on the ceiling, the rose window, and the ornate sculptures that adorned the walls and hallways. One more thing.....besides the players representing our school with class, our coaches have a tremendously professional staff. An observer would be amazed by the managers efficiency. These folks do a rapid and thorough job. They each know their job and do it with a smile. The guys (I think Nick and Chris) work hard to get the games videotaped and streaming, usually for hours after the rest have gone to bed. Finally, Elliott Bloom is an amazing guy to keep a trip like this going. He is the glue guy. The problem solver.

much appreciated!

 

[PU52Chevy]

Elliott Bloom is an amazing man....so glad he left Duke and came back to Purdue.

I agree he is the glue guy.....wish I could have heard what he told Coach K why he was leaving Duke to come to Purdue.....

Just glad he is at Purdue and I know Coach Painter glad he is too......

I hope we can keep Nick T and Chris F around awhile as well...best in the business.

Boiler Up!

 

[Do Dah Day]

After a well played game at Albacete the players boarded the bus and were greeted with applause and high fives from the JPC members. At the game the players all got requests from the townspeople to pose for pics. Some adults and many children surrounded them. The townspeople and even the opposing players were living the dream! They were thrilled to be standing next to our players. One little boy tugged at one of our players jersey. I am not supposed to say who, but he wears #14 and he is from Carmel. . #14 felt sorry for the little tyke and gave him his elbow sleeve. The little boy skipped off and was as thrilled as if he had won gold! Eventually two jerseys and a pair of shoes were pilfered from an open bag by a troop of little kids who ran away with their stolen treasure. My wife Kathy continues to be impressed by the outstanding young men who Coach Painter, Coach Owens, Coach Gary and Coach Brantley have recruited to represent Purdue with class and pride. All have been treated to the sight of Cathedrals from 13th, 14th, and 17th centuries. After a half day of touring today the team got some much needed R and R. They enjoyed an afternoon on Playa beach. Beautiful white sand. After the game at Albacete the entire team serenaded the bus with tenor and baritone voices. Kathy thought they had the glee club on the bus! They were very good!! One particularly poignant moment came when the team entered the Bacilica of The Virgin Mary. Each player, and Kathy stressed EVERY player entered respectfully and with reverence removed their caps, and some bowed in prayer. They studied the fresco on the ceiling, the rose window, and the ornate sculptures that adorned the walls and hallways. One more thing.....besides the players representing our school with class, our coaches have a tremendously professional staff. An observer would be amazed by the managers efficiency. These folks do a rapid and thorough job. They each know their job and do it with a smile. The guys (I think Nick and Chris) work hard to get the games videotaped and streaming, usually for hours after the rest have gone to bed. Finally, Elliott Bloom is an amazing guy to keep a trip like this going. He is the glue guy. The problem solver.

I deeply appreciate your writing style and your highlighting the character of those who wear black and gold. A few weeks ago a poster suggested that Coach painter had done nothing for Hammons. I replied that he was wrong as witnessed by the maturation and character development of AJ from his freshman year. There is so much that those on this board don't see. I roam the halls of Mackey, Brees, and Mollenkopf almost daily ... there is so very much happening "off the court" ... there is a pride for those times that may not always translate itself on the court ...

 

[Mandeville LA]

Yes, these types of stories are a breath of fresh air. I have been to Spain several times. For me it is just a great place to see and enjoy. Our guys don't get paid, but its trips like this one that have to make it all worth while. If it doesn't now it will in the future when they look back at there time at Purdue

 

[punaj]

It's things like this that make you proud to be a Boilermaker! Thanks for sharing.