Thursday,
June 10, 2005
Club Level Members Get
First Look at Their 05' Lions
By Deb Jackson
TLF Staff
Writer
I am
now a true believer in the phrase, “The early bird gets the worm.”
When
my club seats invoice came knocking on my door a few months back, I unknowingly,
being the organized person I am, sent in my deposit ASAP; along with about a
hundred others who felt the need to get going into the 2005 football season.
The
reward for doing this was a special invitation to Total Access 2005, held at the
Detroit Lions Allen Park facility. I, along with one guest, would be able to
watch a true practice session, including warm-ups, drills, and play-running;
after which players would be available to sign autographs. We would then enjoy a
picnic lunch beside the practice field.
I
jumped at this opportunity, picked up my cell to RSVP and call the one person I
knew had to be there with me, Dan. After explaining the day’s events, we made
plans to meet at the facility early on that morning.
The
day brought hot, sunny, if not perfect weather.
Being early again was a great idea; giving us a good selection of seating at a
variety of tables under a huge pitched tent.
I
led us to a front table that would give us prime location next to the doors from
where the players would emerge.
A
few minutes before ten, the murmurings traveled thru the crowd as fan favorite
kicker Jason Hanson came into site along with punter Nick Harris, who was
sporting a newly shaved head. When I later asked him about it, noting he had
done this last season also, he responded it was much cooler. “Besides,” he told
me with a smile, “it doesn’t really matter anymore, I don’t have to worry about
picking up women.” He and wife, Heather, have a son who recently turned one.
As
more players emerged for practice, it was hard to follow the rules; which
included do NOT call out to players. But, it still happened, if somewhat
quietly. Cory Schlesinger was greeted with applause and encouragement, which was
met with a grin and nod towards the crowd. Folks were telling him to have a
great season; which led to him trotting off to practice with the smile of a
youngster receiving encouragement from his Dad.
Practice was run like a well-oiled machine. It began with the usual warm-ups,
with each position breaking off to different parts of the field. The running
backs did running drills in front of us; cutting back and forth with Rathman
yelling at them the whole time. At times cones would be knocked over from the
too close cut, which would lead to a groan from the player and a yell of “cut
and plant” from Rathman
As I
scanned the practice, observing each positional group of players with their
individual coaches, my eyes were drawn to the middle of the field. There, in a
non-descript tan outfit, was a man in constant motion. Always turning, stopping
briefly to put his hands on his knees as he intently studied a group of linemen,
or quarterbacks throwing balls, pacing back and forth, I could feel his
intensity as much as I could feel the 90 degree sun. Coach Mariucci is total
energy.
The
morning continued as whistles blew players into a team. Scrimmage was turnstile
as each of the four quarterbacks, young and old, seasoned vet and rookie were
given opportunities to run plays. Passes were thrown; some dropped. Happily,
most were caught; a couple were intercepted and a running game was most
noticeably in place.
As
practice came to a halt, everyone began to step as close to the white rope as
possible; the only thing keeping us from our beloved Lions. The team huddled at
the fifty, and then broke.
Some
stopped to mingle with excited fans, while others headed for a shower, fresh
clothes, and food. While this was disappointing, it was understandable. There
were a few who stayed out talking and laughing with us like old friends, taking
pictures and signing as many items as they were handed. Some of the club members
left the event before the players!
We
were treated to a really nice catered lunch. It consisted of grilled hamburgers,
hot dogs, brats (though I mentioned these were no where near what Eric
(FischinMich) serves at TLF tailgates) potato salad, potato chips, pasta salads,
relish, vegetable, and fruit platters, and four different types of cookies.
Hungry yet? We weren’t when we began to eat and we certainly weren’t when our
plates were clean. It was very hard to enjoy this food, having access to so many
NFL players and a magnetic head coach.
We
left with a camera full of pictures, a head full of thoughts and a heart beating
wildly at what this season could actually bring. Stay tuned…it’s going to be a
good one.
Next up: stand outs of the day; passes, picks and kicks
