if I could sit for one game with a Cougar from the past, famous or infamous, dead or alive, who would it be? I thought of creating a poll, but I'd prefer responses to be open-ended. What would the conversation be about? Who would buy the concessions? Would we argue? High five? Would we heckle sponge and Ed? Would he/she buy me a beer after the game and where?
I'm going to completely twist the intent of the poll and turn it into a full season (this season), just because there are several I want to have the conversation with and don't want to pick.
Game 1, San Jose State: Tyler Hilinski. One topic: WTF? I'm going to need a few beers by the end of the conversation, but I'll have to buy my own.
Game 2, EWU: Ryan Leaf. Not so much because I desperately want the conversation, but because I want a first-hand look at whether he's turned the corner. I'll buy him popcorn, anything else might be addictive, and I'm not going to have that on my conscience. I'll probably point out to him what a dumbass he was, just to see how he reacts. I don't expect we'll be pals.
Game 3, Utah: Keith Jackson. Because who doesn't want to listen to his play by play? And imagine the stories that could come out during the breaks. I'll buy, Keith...just keep talking.
Game 4, Oregon: Bill Doba. Because both of my grandpas died when I was 13, and he seems like a reasonable stand-in for an afternoon...but with more football stories.
Game 5, Cal: Mel Hein. Seriously Mel...honest opinion - could you and your teammates play today?
Game 6, Arizona: Duke Washington. Tell the stories, Duke. Don't gloss over the parts that make us all look bad. Make sure my kids hear every word.
Game 7, UW: Mike Leach. First, let me explain to you why this isn't just another game. After that, just start talking and we'll see where it goes. I'll buy the Martin Stadium hot chocolate. You don't have to blow on it, because it's actually just slightly warm chocolate. I'll get him some M&Ms too. No hot dogs, I've seen him eat a banana, and I don't want mustard spilled on my seats.
Several mentioned Bobo. I spent a year working for athletic maintenance, and used to do setup for baseball. In that process, I spent a little time talking to Bobo, and more time in proximity. I've worked farms and construction, and am not shy about bad language (using or hearing), but let me warn you - Bobo could make a sailor's ears burn.
