BirdFans4Ever Podcast

Hamdonger

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It's a good idea.

I don't know that it warrants an entire board, though maybe. Maybe a topic under the general ISU talk?
You're the current Godfather so it's up to you. All I know is there are about 1000 good stories to be heard that will create a memory ripple effect for the respective reader.
 
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Hamdonger

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We have a current student for Red Alert on the podcast

I don't even know if employees would be allowed but Cindy Harris, compliance aficionado for ISU and former stud athlete, would be a good one just from the standpoint of today's athlete vs 1999 when she started in compliance for ISU. There are so many things not known (for the mainstream public) in this new NIL and transfer world. She would be an excellent resource to help explain the current rules and landscape. That is, if allowed.

A big decision just came down recently regarding transfer-ship.

Just from the standpoint of a previous athlete, she would be an excellent interview. Give her a question and dudes, she can give you 30 minutes.

This podcast is a wonderful resource for a more in-depth look into the athletic experience at ISU. Thanks fellas!!!
 

Hamdonger

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BTW ... we do try and take everyone's feedback. I know Dan B spoke about the altercation after the Creighton game but we talked with the players and are working on a recording in a couple of weeks with full disclosures ... I believe you requested that Humdinger
I did ask about that. However...

Certain things happen in the locker room that maybe should stay in the locker room. Sacred stuff. Especially considering this appears to be what turned the season around.

If we never hear the details I'm good with that. Yet I'd love to hear a play-by-play.😉

I would really enjoy the '89-90 players' take on the differences in the Donewald regime and Bender's...and their reaction when Donewald was fired. People forget - but that was a national story in the sports world. It was kept EXTREMELY incognito (before-hand) even to the point of announcing it in a short and simple press release on a SUNDAY evening!
 

Redbird222

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We got a great Episode with Mike VandeGarde. Mike was one of those players that stood out in the game because he did whatever it took. He was clutch, resourceful, and had great hair to boot. It was awesome to hear some of rhe reactions Mike received around the league. He is definitely a player you were glad he was on your side and not the opposing team.

We hope you enjoy rhis episode and we welcome your feedback.
 

DannyCooksey

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We got a great Episode with Mike VandeGarde. Mike was one of those players that stood out in the game because he did whatever it took. He was clutch, resourceful, and had great hair to boot. It was awesome to hear some of rhe reactions Mike received around the league. He is definitely a player you were glad he was on your side and not the opposing team.

We hope you enjoy rhis episode and we welcome your feedback.

Loved Vandegarde. He was a fun guy to watch. Great episode!
 

Hamdonger

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It was rare, his last 3 years, when VandeGarde wasn't the headiest player on the floor for ether team. He was a damn good ballplayer and without question gave the fans (on both sides!) their money's worth...and frustrated coaches everywhere...including his own!

ISU went up to Northwestern for a December game in '93-94 and VandeGarde put 30 on the board in a close game against a good NW team. NW was no slouch that year...only had 4 games where they lost by 10 pts or more.

You put together a 15 man all-time ISU team, and simply because of his mental game VandeGarde has to be considered. From an entertainment standpoint he might be first team...or better yet given Mike's on-court personality, the 6th man. Cause ya know, there's just something about an effective 6th man. (btw Mike was our 6th man his sophomore year)

Thanks for reeling in these RedbirdRingers, Team4'Evers!!
 

Hamdonger

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The VandeGarde charge in O.T. vs. Bradley @ Redbird:
The thing that wasn't made clear in this...BRADLEY was taking out the ball from the baseline. It was a dead ball foul. End of the game, overtime in fact. The ball didn't even get in-bounded. A Braves player made a cut towards the inbounder (it was between half court and free throw line), VandeGarde snuck in behind him, and as BU player turned around blindly to charge downcourt, guess who was waiting just over his shoulder??

MinnesotaMulletMan. I swear somebody tipped off a referee before the inbounds. For real. Mike sold the charge, and I mean SOLD IT...got the call...the crowd erupted...Molinari erupted...Mike made 2 free throws...we win the game. Literally that play was the game right there.

PS. It probably was a bull$hit call at that point in the game. IMO it wasn't a charge or should have been a no-call. But Mikey had that knack for making something happen. It was absolutely friggin' BRILLIANT.
 

Hamdonger

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POST-GAME, VandeGarde charge:
I'm in the guts of Redbird, after Molinari takes his turn in press room (he was NOT happy), and I find myself running into Coach Molinari on his way back to the locker room deep in the south tunnel. He is pissed and totally beaten. His body language is BLEEP YOU and get me the BLEEP out of this BLEEPING place right BLEEPING NOW.

As I'm avoiding eye contact, some yahoo couple in the tunnel (no idea who or why or where they came from) run up to Molinari. I'm talking 10 seconds after he walks out of a very tough press conference. They're all smiles and happy and giddy, exclaiming "Hey Coach, remember we met you this one time and it's great to see you and hey remember that one time and remember this one time and...and...and..."

They go on for a minute. Being the classy gentleman I am...instead of disappearing I don't move an inch because I'm not missing this one! Well, the couple, despite being utterly tone DEAF, wraps up. But...in the middle of it all, Molinari (in probably the toughest BU loss in an overall $hitty year on a total Home crowd bullsht call) changes his tone, completely engages them, never loses focus with them, gives them total attention and respect...and smiles, too...shakes their hands heartily and briefly watches them walk away.

In the next moment, Coach Molinari is totally beaten again...having gotten his ass kicked by not only ISU, but by some alien couple from who knows where...and practically crawls back to the locker room.

I was disgusted by the couple and ASTONISHED at Coach Mo's kindness, grace, and humanity in the face of what must have felt like 1000 lbs of pressure. I was blown away. MUCHO RESPECTO.

I IMMEDIATELY became a fan of Jim Molinari and I knew, in that moment, he was destined to be a champion. Scratch that. He was - and is - a champion.

But I sure was glad to have Mike VandeGarde playing for us.
 

Redbird222

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Every ISU team needs a Mike VandeGarde-like player on it. A player that is clutch and annoys the crap of the opponents. Imagine VandeGarde on the 2017 team ... Shaq Morris would have been on the bench in foul trouble during the MVC tournament game versus our players.

Triple G would have been spitting fire at the Mullet and distracted.

The only question would have been who would have a better flop ... VandeGarde or Baker!!
 

Phantom

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Another great episode. Loved watching Mike back in the day. Those teams were fun.
 

Baltimore Bird

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I saw one photo with Vandy standing next to Chad Klein from Bradley. He was also a champion at drawing a charge with little to no contact
 

Redbird222

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Great show
Thanks. We are so lucky to have had great guests that are so articulate and caring about Redbird basketball.

I loved how Scott described that season changing moment.

We had a blast with the game winning tip against Drake ... before and during the recording.
 

Hamdonger

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Thanks guys.💪 I really appreciate the inside look from folks who...were...there.

I did not appreciate Scott Fowler back in the day like I should have. Big wide guys and long lanky guys, imo and jmo, are the hardest to play against. It never occured to me but Scott was both...wide and long arms. Who knew he'd be the primary take-a-charge genie!! As I reflect back, I realize we get beat in Mar of 1990, in front of the most electric and biggest crowd in Redbird history, if not for Scott Fowler. I was so lucky to be there and so were you...whoever you are! Wish I could have been there with ya in Horton!

I wouldn't have guessed he was the one in the locker room. Considering the two gentleman he challenged...that kid had leadership skills to which I was blind. Sounds crazy but well done, Scott!!
 
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