The Boilermakers enter 2010 with a head of steam gained by winning 4 of their last 5 including victories against OSU, Michigan and of course IU. I really believe that Danny Hope has this program pointed in the right direction and the Boilermakers are going to surprise a few people this year. In parusing some of the national media previews, there are some who tend to agree with me.
While the defensive backfield will be a work in progress, the front seven appears to be top notch. Jason Werner did receive a medical waiver from the NCAA so he will be leading the defense in this his sixth year on campus.
On the offensive side of the ball new starting quarterback Robert Marve is receiving a lot of attention from the national media and seems to be the "real deal." The Boilermakers are as deep at Wide Receiver as any time in the last 13 years, but do have questions on the Offensive Line and RB positions owing to graduations and injuries. Losing RB Ralph Bolden to and ACL injury in spring practice could prove costly. Hope is an Offensive Line guru however, so I expect that unit to do well.
The home schedule this year is highlighted by visits from in state rival Ball State, Minnesota (Homecoming), Wisconsin, and Michigan. The last game of the season is where it all comes together though; the Bucket Game 2010. That game is slated for kickoff the Saturday AFTER Thanksgiving this year and promises to be an entertaining affair.
The Stone Cold Tailgating Club is planning our usual assortment of fun and delicious tailgates. The "club pricing" remains the same for this year; pay one price and it covers you for the season. There are also the lower membership levels as listed in the table below.
I really hope to continue doing some charity type events related to the tailgates this year. Last year we were able to donate 5 coats for "coats for kids," two full boxes of canned goods to a local food pantry, and $300 worth of toys for "toys for tots." In addition the SCTC was well represented in the Cancer Research Institutes Race for The Cure in April. Keep up the good work and please help us to continue to reach out to the community in 2010!
We will be doing some of our old favorites, including Mexican (an homage to the SCTC official vacation to Cozumel last May), Oktoberfest, and the ever popular Pizza Tailgate. For Homecoming this year we plan to try something a little different, we are going to be doing a "Pub Theme" tailgate complete with all your English favorites.
We will be parked in the W lot again this year as we have for the last 3 seasons. As most everyone knows by now we have the Ambulance and do not plan any "vehicle" changes this year. The one difference is that we have finally gotten our "SCTC" official tailgate flag. (Thanks Mom and Dad, GREAT gift idea!)
In addition to the tailgating package there is also a lodging package available. There are now two options for lodging as Jim and Sue Franklin have also purchased a home in Lafayette, IN for future use as their retirement home.
Why Lafayette you ask? Why not we always ask?! One reason is this will put them closer to Chicago (in addition to Paula and me being there, my niece is likely moving there with her family in 2011). I would also like to think that they decided to retire in the one place on earth that they knew their eldest son would be sure to visit 15 times a year.
With two locations I am going to leave it up to everyone to arrange their lodging each weekend by contacting Brendan and Dawn or Jim and Sue to make reservations. Please contact me if you need an e-mail address for either party. I think at this point everyone knows where The Fall House is, you'll receive directions to "The Stone Cold Lodge 1814" when you reserve with Jim and Sue.
The Lodging Package is detailed below and any revenues are put towards house upkeep, utilities, and improvement work. Each location will have a "bucket" for you to make your donations in to.
With a slate of good games this year, we look forward to a wonderful fall with everyone in West Lafayette! I really think that by October we will be discussing this year's SCTC Bowl Trip.
GO BOILERS!
