My first initial thought after the Sunday night victory by the Indianapolis Colts over the Philadelphia Eagles — we really need to outlaw Sunday night games!

Once the caffeine kicked in Monday morning, however, I did realize what an interesting Wabash connection the evening presented.

If you watched Sunday evening's win by the Colts, you probably saw the injury to tight end Dallas Clark. If you looked very carefully, the gentleman tending to Clark's injury on the field was none other than Don Shelbourne '72. Dr. Shelbourne not only takes care of the Indianapolis Colts players, but you can find Don and his partner at the Shelbourne Clinic, Dr. Scott Urch, tending to the injuries of Wabash athletes on a regular basis.

One other interesting Wabash connection to Dallas Clark — he was a student of Wabash history professor Yvonne Pitts while both were at the University of Iowa.

Of course, no Colts game wrapup†would be complete without mentioning former Wabash player and current Colts offensive quality control coach Pete Metzelaars. I ran into Pete (almost literally) stepping out of the elevator at the RCA Dome last night after the game. He still looks like he could put the pads on and step into the Colts' offensive scheme today after his 16 years in the NFL and third season as an assistant to Head Coach Tony Dungy.

So while you're watching this Sunday's game at Tennessee (thankfully much earlier than last night's 8:21 p.m. kickoff), keep your eyes peeled for these two Wabash men who have a hand in the 10-1 start and soon-to-be fourth-straight AFC South title.

†

Posted by Brent Harris at 08:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 113th Monon Bell is over.

If there was any doubt, I stopped by the office Sunday morning to get a couple of items and make certain the press box was packed away and ready for the 2007 track and field season. Hard to believe less than 24 hours earlier it was packed with people from one end to the other. Four radio stations, five different newspapers, game officials, my staff, and†TV technicians all crammed into our big steel box. Frighteningly it didn't seem that crowded and the kerosene heaters were still cranking out warm air at 7 p.m. when I finally shut things down Saturday night.

Today will be spent figuring out what didn't get taken care of during Monon Bell week. I learned a long time ago to not try and kid myself and think I could work on other projects the week of the Bell game. Now I try and get things to a good stopping place and let them sit during Bell week. Today they projects are now waiting for the resumption of effort.

And this blog was at the top of the list.

The good news - I get a couple of days to just catch up on life. I'll reward myself with a little poker Wednesday night. Theta Delta Chi is sponsoring a poker tournament with all the proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. So it's the best of both worlds. I get to teach some folks how to play the game (no, I'm not cocky regarding my poker playing skills!) and will help raise some money to battle cancer. Everyone wins (until they have to go all-in against me anyway!).

If you came to the Bell game, I hope you enjoyed it. If you watched on HDNet, I know you must have liked the coverage. What a good group to work with. Reminds me of my days working with some of the ESPN gang. And if you listened on the radio, I hope you enjoyed listening to the announcers no matter what broadcast you caught.

Well, the short breather is over. On to the next project, and we start basketball in less than five days.

Posted by Brent Harris at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's that time of year. I've already warned friends that I get really grumpy at this time.

It's Monon Bell Week.

You see, the players and coaches can't look past Denison. They have to stay focused on a strong finish, try to earn a share of the conference title, and become a part of history as they take the field for the 1,000th time in Wabash football history.

It doesn't work that way for me, Jim Amidon, or anyone working behind the scenes of the 113th Monon Bell.

There have been phone calls, planning meetings, discussions, and the ever-popular ticket questions all week long. Sprinkled into those calls and questions are inquiries about the 1,000th game at Denison and our playoff chances.

But it all comes back to the Bell.

It should be a great game, but then again it's tough to find the bad Bell games (unless you consider the perspective as to whether Wabash won or lost). I must confess, I'm a big fan of the rivalry. Don't get me wrong, I want Wabash to win first and foremost. But I appreciate a good Bell game. As great as the finish of the 2001 game was, last year's contest was fantastic. It took a big play from Kyle Piazza to put the game away. Just another Monon Bell hero from the same mold that cast former heroes Chris Ings, Alex Costa, Joe Bevelhimer, David Kogan, and so many others.

Who will be the next Monon Bell hero? Why not find out with me! Tickets still remain for the 113th meeting next Saturday. You can order tickets online at the Bookstore's web site.

Can't make it to the game next Saturday? Then you can catch it on HDNet or at one of over 50 telecast parties throughout the US.

Posted by Brent Harris at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)