A Magical Time

Photos from the reception, including the beautiful naked wedding cake above. The time passed so quickly, and was so much fun. After the ceremony and pictures and getting the car to ferry my parents and taking the car back, I felt like I was one of the last to arrive at the reception. Thank God it was just a few yards away.

Both before and after the wedding party was introduced and made their entrance I circulated to talk to as many guests as possible - an almost impossible task. People helped by taking their seats at their assigned tables. The wedding party, parents, and grandparents were allowed to go through the buffet first. I helped my mother get her plate, circulated some more, and finally went through the line with David Hurt.

Hurt joked about taking the large decorative plate through the line. Denise Hanson believed him.

Tiny bags of coffee beans were handed out. I ate with Ceil, Lennie, Corrine, and Tom. Regina was circulating as well. The menu: turkey, ham, pork, beef, squash casserole, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and breads. Coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider, tea, lemonade, and water were served.

Maid of honor and sister of the bride Anna Gilbert gave a sweet toast. When she finished best man Joel quickly grabbed the nearest glass (of water) and rushed it to her. I handed Joel my glass of wine, which he gave to Anna. Then I gave Joel the next glass of wine given to me as well.

Joel then gave his hilarious toast, harkening back to his helpless existence before meeting Will (when he was five months old). At some point Will and MC cut the wedding cake, but I never got a piece.

Tom dances with Mary-Clayton while lennie, Corrine, and Regina look on.

Then Will and Ceil danced, while Tom and Mary-Clayton watched. After the married couples danced, the floor was opened for everyone. This gave most of us older people more time to talk, though it was hard to hear over the music.
Finally we made our way outside to line the street. So many people had stayed, but the time had seemed to pass so quickly. Sparklers were lit. Eventually Mary-Clayton and will came out, not exactly sure where they were headed. As they neared the getaway car they hugged us parents one last time, then roared off.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Last week Ceil and I had driven somewhere in our CRV and the low tire pressure indicator came on, so I stopped at QT for air. It was cold and I was bundled up. I checked the air on the side nearest the air stand, then stretched the hose around the front of the car over to the other side. I noticed a guy in his car in front of us. Ceil was checking her phone, but you'd think she'd see me in her peripheral vision. As I was pulling the hose backing up I tripped over the curb.

As I began to fall I realized there was no way I could catch myself, so I resigned myself to hitting the pavement. I didn't stretch out my arms to break my fall because I was holding onto the hose. I hit the ground with a thud. Luckily my head didn't snap back and hit the pavement. I pulled myself up and looked inside our car, but Ceil hadn't seen me disappear from view. I began to laugh. Since then my neck has been a little sore, but not too bad.

Mary-Clayton and Will have their first dance as a married couple. More reception photos to come.

  

Tuesday: down two pounds after the first day of my diet, but I know I've gotta hang in for the long haul. Lunch meeting was catered by Willys but I only had chicken and salsa on lettuce. Had some chicken later that afternoon, and baked sweet potato strips and air-popped popcorn at home. Also some cereal. Drank lots more than usual. Didn't meet my steps goal but I did climb ten flights of stairs. Brought Matthew a Moe's burrito and he gobbled it down.

 

It was pretty good the Whitakers got to sit in the family section. Someone mentioned that the room they sat in during the reception was where all the older people were seated (including family). All the younger adults were sitting in the other room. Not sure what the deal was - maybe they thought when the music started playing it would be easier to talk where the older people were. By the end of the evening my voice was hoarse.

 

Worked until 6:30 and made some stops on the way home. Had to pick up M in Alpharetta at nine. Picked him up some Taco Bell and ate two bites myself. One Jimmy Johns sandwich for lunch. No chips or cookie. PM ate some cereal and taco meat, no fixings. With the cold and busyness at work, my exercise program is getting off to a slow start.

 

I’m starting to dig through all the mail, receipts, and other paperwork that piled up between December 30 and January 10. Just reviewed Reid’s Destin Dining Detail as well as the NOLA tourney he handed me at the wedding. I was hanging up my sportcoat on Sunday and felt the paper in my pocket, and pulled it out. Sometimes I like to keep papers like that (or church bulletins or funeral notices) in the pocket where it was, so the next time I wear my jacket I can have a memory of the last time I wore that garment.  

 

Wednesday: one team member is in the hospital and another off today, and I’m still trying to catch up from being off last week. Hard to write wedding recaps without knowing many names, and I can’t find one of the bulletins.

 

Rough day at work Thursday. People are quick to talk and slow to listen – even when they don’t know many of the details of the situation.

 

Left work at 4:10 to fight traffic 60 miles to Cassville GA. So stressed from work that I couldn’t pay attention to my book on CD. Made it to the 75/285 Cobb Cloverleaf in 30 minutes, then fought traffic north on I-75. Made it to my exit at 5:35 and gassed up the Civic before arriving at the Gilberts 15 minutes before C and M. Had a nice time of recounting the wedding. Will and Regina made grilled cheese sandwiches to go with hearty ham soup. After dinner W&MC opened wedding presents, then we viewed about 400 photos from the wedding weekend. Dr. Tom made it home from his rounds as we were finishing up. Left at 11:20 and made it the 43 miles home shortly after midnight.

 

In Destin they: grilled out steaks. Monday they got a massage. Last night they ate at Dewey Destins and loved it. They shared grouper, shrimp on grits, and praline cheesecake. Also scallops. They worked a puzzle and took chilly walks on the beach. Tuesday they drove to Seaside, biked 12 miles, drank coffee, and ate tacos and ice cream. On the way back they picked up a Mellow Mushroom pizza. They enjoyed the roses in the condo.

 

Read that recently Tim Duncan was held scoreless for the first time in his career – 1359 straight games scoring at least one point, a record to start a career. Duncan shot 0-3 from the field in 14 minutes of play. Also a good article on Joey Crawford. I did not know he was the son of MLB umpire Shag Crawford. By the way Marvin Hudson said he tries to focus even harder during blowouts, because that’s when people have the tendency to ease up.

 

Based on John Wooden’s coaching records, UCLA went undefeated in 63-64, 66-67, 71-72, and 72-73. Between 1966 and 1973 UCLA’s record was 205 wins and 5 losses. As I recall either Lew Alcindor or Bill Walton spent their entire college career at UCLA and only lost one game.

 

Scott and Robin Condra were at the national championship game. Stuart Condra told everyone that Scott has attended winning national championship games at the four major bowl game sites: Rose, Orange, Sugar, and Fiesta. Scott must have a connection there at Coke.

Stuart wrote an essay about the game with 16 takeaways about the game. I didn’t know he was a writer. His comment about most college football fans never seeing their team win at least one championship is only true because “most” means more than 50%. If 35 teams win in 50 years, that means 65 teams don’t win. So many teams have won in my lifetime: GA, GT, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Bama, Miami, Texas, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, off the top of my head. Plus all the winners in the smaller divisions, like Georgia Southern.

Reception

Will and Mary-Clayton make their entrance at the reception.

Weekend to Remember

 

My thoughts on the wedding? The weekend exceeded my most grand expectations. I cannot stop thinking about it. Wonderful. Sweet. Spectacular. Fun. Mary-Clayton was beautiful and looked perfect in every picture. Will looked great as well. The music was simple, meaningful, timeless, unique, and well-orchestrated – performed by close friends. The OU singers added so much to the wedding, rehearsal, and all the other gatherings. It was great to share the moments with Mary-Clayton, Will, Tom, and Regina.

Will and MC pose in front of the chapel (above) - photobombed by my mother!

At first I was skeptical of the distant Indigo Falls location, but the place could not have been more beautiful. The staff bent over backwards to meet every need, and the facilities were purposely set up with a place for everything. Indigo employees moved the wedding party’s possessions from the chapel dressing areas to the reception hall, so people wouldn’t have to backtrack.  

 

At the reception I was asked a couple of times how I was holding up. I’m not sure how I looked, but I was having the time of my life. The day was long, but fatigue was the furthest thing on my mind. I didn’t want the night to end.

Sure there were imperfections, big and small. An entire section of the ceremony was left out (Pastor Kevin’s charge to the groom), rendering useless hours and days of planning and preparation. Those affected didn’t wave their arms drawing attention to the mistake, stop the proceedings, and start over. As the saying goes, the show must go on.

 

On my blog I am judicious about adding numerous categories, but it has become apparent that I need to add a Mary-Clayton category.

The Wedding Begins

On Saturday all the wedding activity started early. The girls had their hair done, and picture taking started at one. When I arrived at two the guys were downstairs lounging in the groom’s room. Ceil and I and Tom and Regina had our pictures taken. Some of the locations had to be changed so early-arriving guests walking the grounds wouldn't show up in the background.

Later the immediate families had their pictures taken out front. The guests were starting to arrive, so we made our way back downstairs. Joel presented Will with a gift from the groomsmen: a tool kit complete with hatchet. Unmarried, Kevin Brock mused that it might come in handy later that night. I thought they’d use it to kill the spider they found.  

 

The roving minstrels and other musicians practiced upstairs. They also took time to pose for more pictures. Later they were allowed downstairs to greet Mary-Clayton. The groomsmen cast lots to see which would go upstairs to usher in the guests. After walking the premises with his wife, Pastor Kevin came in to speak with Will and pray with the men. Dr. Tom paced. We discussed whether we’d be able to handle this emotionally. His answer: think about the Chicago Bears. I suggested we hit shoulders like football players before the game. I made a couple of trips upstairs to see who had arrived.

 

Wedding director Myra kept in contact with the Indigo Falls team, keeping apprised of the flow of guests from on the parking lot on the shuttles. Since we weren’t in a hurry, it was decided to delay the wedding so the shuttles could bring more guests. Finally, it was time.

 

Walking upstairs, the reality hit Ceil: her mother was not there. She cried, but composed herself in time for Matthew to escort her down the aisle. I was handed a program to carry under my jacket, but when I forgot about it, it fell to the floor. I wound up carrying it down the aisle. Walking to the front I felt like a goof, smiling at friends along the way. I forgot to shake Matthew’s hand. Sitting down, things started to happen fast. Pastor Kevin, Will, and Joel entered from a side door I hadn’t noticed. Ceil whispered, reminding me that we would be going to the front for a time of prayer. Having missed the rehearsal, this was certainly news to me. I would take my cue from Tom.  

   

Rehearsal Dinner

Due to the busy day and rush hour traffic and the shuttle bus, I was an hour late to the Friday rehearsal. The sun had set and Indigo Falls was lit for the occasion, giving it a magical wintery feel as the shuttle took me to the chapel. I had missed a special time, so I tried to enjoy and soak up all the remaining moments. Plus I had to figure out what was going on, to rehearse. I had no idea about what the service would be like. The music sounded great and the roving minstrels added energy to the occasion. Watching the bridesmaids and groomsmen process made me finally realize what we had all so long awaited was finally upon us.

 

Eventually we all took the shuttle back up the hill to the rehearsal dinner. All the guests had arrived: the wedding party, those helping with the wedding, given showers, and family and guests who'd traveled in from out of town (Alabama, Canada, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and of course Oklahoma, to name a few). There were 96 guests, and there wasn't room for several who had helped out so much with the wedding. At the last minute tables were assigned, not knowing exactly where in the room the tables would be. Mine turned out to be in the corner.

 

When the food was ready and everyone seated, I welcomed everyone, blessed the food and weekend, and gave directions for the buffet. While I had long known I would have this responsibility, for weeks and even months I had writer's block. I just didn't know what to say. Some would say this was fortunate. Throughout the busy day I tried to focus and prayed for words to say. God granted me a few thoughts and themes and lines, but that was about it. I was thankful for Mary-Clayton and Will, for all the friends and family surrounding us, and for the fun time and special moments we were about to share. That's what I wanted to express. Now later I'm not exactly sure what I actually did say.

 

The food was delicious: brisket, spicy cornbread muffins and other breads, salad, cole slaw, baked potatoes, and all kinds of fixins. Later the efficient and friendly staff brought out ice cream and two kinds of cobblers: peach and blueberry. I was so busy talking that I never was able to get a dish. There were so many people there I wanted and needed to speak to, not just because I was the official host of the evening but also because I hadn't seen some in months or years. I wasn't able to speak to everyone, which was unfortunate. Hopefully no one thought I was ignoring them, as that certainly wasn't the case. I spent more time away from my assigned seat next to Ceil than in it.

 

After the meal MC's brother Thomas introduced a slideshow of Will and MC's life. Before Christmas we had sent over dozens of photos of Will from the ones we had at the house, taking care to include as many family members as possible. Thomas picked out the ones he wanted and organized them chronologically to display. He had a time getting it going, and with so much going on I knew my fleeting idea of an after-dinner talent show would've been logistically prohibitive and taken much away from the specialness of the evening.

 

Then maid of honor Anna Gilbert and best man Joel Norman stood to offer the first toasts/tributes/stories. Most came from their friends with a few grown-ups mixed in. Joel shared a personal yet hilarious story about when they were eight years old. Katie and a couple other bridesmaids and minstrels spoke – some on the couple's obvious love and dedication despite the 900 miles of separation, and how their leadership and commitment to purity stood out. Groomsman Chandler gave Will a bit of advice gleaned from his eleven long months of marriage.

MC's parents shared about the couple's courtship from their perspective, and had Will roll out the new welcome home banner with his name printed instead of written in. Talking about our friendship, Dr. Tom inadvertently and hilariously spoke the line of the night: "I slept with Mr. Murphy at the zoo." Later we'd have to explain what he meant.

Will ended the evening sharing before closing in prayer. One of the staff servers had stopped cleaning off the tables to listen, and was almost moved to tears by what he said.

It was a very special and memorable evening. If anyone made any pictures or videos it sure would be nice if they'd share them with me. 

 

After dinner the groomsmen returned to sleep at the Gilberts' house in Cartersville. The bridesmaids were staying on site at Indigo Falls. I drove my parents back to the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw, the official hotel of the wedding. I had taken all my wedding clothes to the hotel but forgot the sport coat I meant to wear to the rehearsal. Since the Friday tie didn't match my Saturday jacket I wound up wearing my wedding outfit to the Friday rehearsal. Ceil thought it looked good and made me wear the same thing to the wedding.

 

I had to run home to pick up several forgotten items, so I slept there to be able to let out Barney that night and in the morning. While I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the incredibly long day, I was so tired that I slept like a baby.

 

Over the evening Ceil's mother had grown weaker and sicker. In the morning Ceil had to leave for Indigo Falls without her, while Teresa, Corrine, and Lennie took care of her. The white dress shirt and black slacks I was to wear to the wedding were in Joan's hotel room, so I just wore others from home.

At the hotel lobby I collected my thoughts and spoke with wedding-goers as they came and went - including Dr. Tom, still driving the van with the "Team Bride" sticker. Shortly after one I left with my parents for Indigo Falls. It was time to have us a wedding!

Roving Minstrels

Mary-Clayton's fellow University of Oklahoma Musical Theater majors traveled halfway across the country to sing in the wedding. Before the wedding they took time to pose outside the Indigo Falls Chapel.

More wedding photos and details coming up all week. Indigo Falls info here: http://www.indigofallsevents.com/ 

Wedding Day

Newlyweds Mary-Clayton and Will make their entrance to the Indigo Falls Reception Hall.

Wedding video clips:
1. The Wedding Teaser:  https://www.instagram.com/p/BAX1YYWFJw3/
2. Congregational singing: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAV7E26QWGt/ 
3. Our small group quite clumsily holding hands and "dancing" in an ever-widening circle: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAVznuBQWHk/
4. Dancing us old folks did not take part in:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAVv8guwWPw/
5. Frontman Isaac, drummer Harry, and the roving minstrels rehearse: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAX1YYWFJw3/ 

The day was so wonderful that the hours zipped by. We arrived at Indigo Falls at two for the wedding that started after four, and drove away after 9:30. The reception lasted well over three hours, but it seemed to be over in a flash. Had it been twice as long I could've easily visited with family and friends the whole time.

Rehearsal Friday

With the Tech Tower behind her, the bride sits among the wedding party, all wearing paper Varsity hats. MC was obviously wondering just what I was taking a picture of.

Friday was a long but wonderful day. I was on the road with my parents from Macon at 6:30 am. Hitting Atlanta's rush hour traffic was a certainty, but we made it up 400 to East Cobb shortly after nine. Ceil headed to Indigo Falls with Molly to decorate, and I was off to get Matthew's hair cut. We left Ceil's mom upstairs to get ready.

After the haircut we headed downtown to meet the wedding party. Will and his groomsmen were at the new Midtown TopGolf. I shot this video of them all hitting shots: Harry, Kevin, Matthew, Thomas, Chandler, Joel, and Will. Chandler (above) was a beast. Kevin (below) held his own.

Dr. Gilbert drove the bridesmaids and the roving Oklahoma minstrels to the World of Coke. The minstrels sang beautifully at the wedding, enlivened all the festivities, and made the most of every photo op (below). 

Afterward we all met for lunch at the Varsity.

Minstrels above and groomsmen below.

On the way home we stopped by Kroger, Chickfila, and the seamstress to get Ceil's dress. It was past 2 pm when both Ceil and I made it home. Joan was weak. We all packed up and drove to the hotel in Kennesaw, then another hour in rush hour traffic west of Dallas to Indigo Falls.
More on the rehearsal later this week.

Another link to the golf video: https://www.instagram.com/p/BASestzD2vX/ 

Get Acquainted Dinner

Thursday morning Will drove to the airport to pick up MC's friend Jordan, who would be singing in the wedding. I drove M to school in the morning and picked him up after school. After picking up his wedding outfit at the Avenue East Cobb we met most of the wedding party at the Barrett Parkway Chuys.

After chatting and eating Abby divided everyone into groups to play a spirited wedding game.

At the table behind us groomsman Chandler clowns with the table full of roving minstrels.
We didn't get home until 11 pm. Then I drove down to Macon to pick up my parents. Didn't get to bed until well after 1 am, which was earlier than the Gilberts, who were up past 3:30.

New Year, New Immortals

Tonight Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza were voted into the baseball Hall of Fame. Both played for several teams and it will be interesting to see which cap each wears - though both could solve the problem the same way. Junior's distinctive look was the backwards cap, and catcher Piazza could appear with a backwards helmet (all the previous catchers inducted into the hall all wear caps with team logos).

Like Greg Maddux, Griffey was not an unanimous inductee. Three voters inexplicably left hIm off their ballots.

December 30: Worked til 5:30 then came home and cleaned until 10 pm. Will and MC and her brother came over to spend the night. Ceil and Anna were out shopping.

Busy New Year's Eve. Left at 6:30 am to take MC to the airport. Had to drive from East Cobb to SW Cobb twice, then to Norcross to fetch M. With Oklahoma losing Will is in a crappy mood. Worse than crappy actually.

C cooked burgers and fries. W brought Thomas and Joel over for dinner, so we had 7 at the table.

New Year's Day I watched football, including TCU's big comeback and the Rose Bowl. Will was woodworking in the garage then he burned a bunch of excess wood. Later he went to pick up MC at the airport. Anna and M picked up PaPaJohns for dinner.

Busy Saturday morning getting by Civic recall done as well as taking a load to the dump. Stopped by chickfila on the way. Missed the start of the Georgia game but watched the rest. W&MC went to the airport to pick up a bridesmaid.

JFBC on Sunday morning. Will and MC also went there. W and C went shopping and later A and M went to Grace Midtown, so I watched the Falcons and the movie Regarding Henry.

Monday I took M to school, met with the principal, and stopped by Pine Straw Plaza. Picked up M while C and W got haircuts and met with the caterers. I still have a bunch to do.

Monday night W&MC packed. Pork tenderloin for supper, though earlier I had cooked myself two bacon and cheese sandwiches. Watched The Middle and Last Man Standing. Later Will, now the big Oklahoma fan, raced into the room at 10:55 and said "turn it to ESPN!" We watched the last 3 minutes of the game and the first two overtones. Kansas got the last shot all three times. When they went to the third overtime I went to bed. Durned EST!

Destin would be peaceful. It's great to just look out the window at the water. Makes it hard to watch TV. 

Started reading Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly. Finished Johnny Carson, which was educational.

Took M to school Tuesday morning and stopped by Chickfila. W and C went to work with the caterers. Tuesday night Ceil cooked chili. I was starved. Today MC took two of her bridesmaids (and Will) to Moxie Burger). M had CFA for lunch and McDonald's for breakfast.

Wedding driving me crazy. Met with M's principal today. Tire low on air. Anna had a meeting so I had to finish the tree. And laundry. And dishes. Ceil and Will were busy with other stuff. Then Will burned the tree, so there will be that mess to clean up. Now my new phone keeps cutting off.

Good column by Dave O'Brien about Bobby Dews, the best tribute so far. Do you remember when Dews played basketball and baseball at Tech?
 
I haven't been as productive as I've needed to be but I have been getting a little done.

Over the weekend Will's cousin called to say he couldn't serve as a groomsman in the wedding, since he'd be working on the sidelines at the national championship game. Understandable since it's his job, though everyone should've known a month ago that should Clemson beat Oklahoma he wouldn't be able to make the wedding (though owning up to this and admitting as much would've been tough). His family is spending a lot of money on Orange Bowl and National Championship Game tickets and hotel rooms and four airline tickets, so another roundtrip airline ticket would've been tough - even if he had been able to get away. As hurt as Will was, he was able to quickly and easily line up a replacement groomsman.

Groomsmen: I had Ceil's brother and two cousins, my brother, David Hurt, and my best friend from high school Don Lott. Five of those six will be at Will's wedding. Jeff Yearwood sang. I probably should've picked Don Head and roommate Tom Leuze.

Joel is Will's best man. I'm glad W picked high school pal Kevin Brock, who is no longer dating Haley Hurt. also Matthew and MC's brother Thomas. The rest are college buddies. You can get the scoop at www.maryclaytonandwill.com

DOB on BD

The AJC's David O'Brien gives a wonderful tribute to the late Bobby Dews:

Remembering Dewsy: When Bobby Dews died last week, tributes and praise for the former player, minor league manager and longtime Braves coach came from all over, spanning generations of iconic Braves including players such as Dale Murphy and Chipper Jones and Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox. They absolutely loved him. Everyone who met him did. Seriously, I never met anyone who had a bad word to say about Bobby Dews.

What I’ll remember most about Dewsy, even more than seeing him hit fungoes with his batting gloves on, or watching a then 60-something Dews catch an inning for the Braves in the Hall of Fame game at Cooperstown one summer, were the conversations I’d have with him on the field, away from others.

We’d talk about music, women, alcoholism and recovery, writing – he was a damn fine writer and poet – and, yes, occasionally about baseball. He loved baseball as much as anyone I’ve never known. But at the same time, he made me feel like baseball was not nearly as important as living, learning, surviving our mistakes and trying to become better people.

Dewsy was gold. He was a a beautiful person. They never made a movie about his life, but someone should. Then again, he’d never have agreed to that if he was alive. Getting praise or attention was so far from what Bobby Dews was about.

He was one of those people you had to meet to fully appreciate. And if you met him, you were enriched. Whatever I or anyone else has said about him, trust me, it can’t even begin to convey how special he was. I feel extremely fortunate to have gotten to know him.

I was at my parents’ house in North Carolina last week for Christmas when I heard the news of his death. Even though I’d known he had serious recent health problems, the news still came as a shock and brought deep sadness for all who knew him. It always does when we lose someone so real, so genuine, so good.

The day I got home from N.C., I went out to pick up some branches that had fallen from an old oak tree in my yard. I didn’t take my phone, and when I got back inside there was a voicemail from Scott Boras. Yes, that Scott Boras. And it had nothing to do with a free agent or one of his clients. It was about Bobby Dews.

Boras, who lives in Newport Beach, Calif., had just heard of Dews’ death. I’ve never heard Boras speak in the quiet tone he had throughout the voicemail he left me. Here’s part of what he said about Dews.

“He was my first pro manager in the Cardinal organization,” said Boras, a former minor league infielder who made it to the Double-A level in the 1970s. “He and George Kissell were two amazing mentors to have. He was a uniquely skilled communicator and just had great influence in my life.
“I wanted you to know what a committed and devoted man (Dews) was. He would get up every morning early and give you extra ground balls, pay special attention to you, say things to you that were so important to a young player. He was really unique.”

Rest in peace, Dewsy. You’ll never be forgotten by anyone who knew you.

http://atlantabraves.blog.ajc.com/2016/01/04/on-braves-rotation-and-remembering-bobby-dews/

Gurley > Bo

When Auburn fans try to compare Bo Jackson to other great SEC running backs, Bo’s numbers fall far short. While he was an exciting player who broke off several long runs, fact is there are several other far more productive SEC backs.

As a collegian Bo cannot be compared to Herschel. In fact a better comparison is Todd Gurley. Both he and Bo were slowed by injuries. Still, Gurley was almost as productive though Bo played in 50% more games. Gurley averaged 35 more combined yards per game than Jackson.

G.tot yd.TD.rush.avg.yr

14 3736 29 2775 267 2 Fournette

33 5749 52 5259 174 3 Herschel
38 5881 44 4590 133 3 McFadden

30 4322 44 3285 144 3 Gurley

19 2539 24 2294 134 2 Chubb

45 4892 45 4303 108 4 Jackson

37 3649 40 3358 099 3 D. Henry

Average rushing yards per game and number of games played:

198.2 14 Fournette

159.4 33 Herschel

120.7 19 Nick Chubb
120.7 38 Darren McFadden

109.5 30 Todd Gurley

095.6 45 Bo Jackson

090.8 37 Derrick Henry

While Fournette has the highest average rushing yards per game number, he is still far behind Herschel’s record pace, even in the first two years of their college careers. In both rushing numbers and SEC Championships the LSU star will be unable to match Walker’s lofty numbers.  Also doubtful Fournette can match Herschel's NFL and professional totals.

Kickers in the Hall?

In the same way the game has changed over the years for NFL quarterbacks (higher, more efficient stats) and running backs (fewer carries and yards), so has the kicking game evolved. Kickers have become so accurate that the rules are being changed to make things harder for them. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has nominated five kickers and one punter for induction this year: Morten Andersen, Gary Anderson, John Carney, Jason Elam, Nick Lowrey, and Sean Landeta. All six are worthy, at least compared to the lone full-time kicker and punter currently enshrined, though at best only one specialist will be fortunate enough to be elected in any year.

All five kickers are statistically superior to both Jan Stenerud, who stood out in the first wave of soccer-style kickers changing the game in the mid-1960’s, as well as ageless kicker/quarterback George Blanda (below), who was the first in NFL history to surpass the two thousand point barrier. Blanda’s record of 26 seasons played still stands. Stenerud was so good he was once sent in to attempt a one hundred yard field goal. Yet almost four decades later kickers are all the more accurate, even from distances greater than 50 yards.

Morten Andersen elevated the kicking game even further and retired as the all-time leading scorer in NFL history, as well as the all-time leading scorer for both the Saints and Falcons. Gary Anderson battled Morten for the league scoring mark, making every field goal he attempted during the 1998 regular season. John Carney set marks for accuracy. Elam piled up great numbers and tied Tom Dempsey’s record 63 yard field goal. Lowrey’s marks fall short of his four fellow nominees but exceed those of fellow Chief Stenerud.  

Even the five nominee’s days are numbered. The next generation of kickers are reaching retirement age with even loftier numbers than their immediate predecessors. Adam Vinatieri won two Super Bowls. His numbers already exceed Carney and Elam, as does longtime Lion Jason Hanson (above). Like many of his contemporaries, current Falcon kicker Matt Bryant is even more accurate.

  

yr.games.FG…%...PAT...%....points

25.382..566..79.7%.849..98.8%.2544.MA

23.353..538..80.1%.820..99.2%.2434.GA

23.302..478..82.4%.628..98.4%.2062.JC

17.263..436..80.7%.675..99.4%.1983.JE

18.260..383..80.0%.562..98.9%.1711.NL

19.263..373..66.8%.580..96.5%.1699.JS

26.340..335..52.4%.943..98.3%.2002.GB

20.304..499..84.0%.738..98.4%.2237.AV

21.327..495..82.4%.665..98.8%.2150.JH

14.190..300..85.0%.429..99.1%.1329.MB

My guess? If anyone gets in this year it will be Morten, though the fact he spent his career in New Orleans and Atlanta works against him. In fact only Landeta spent most of his career on a major market. Landeta’s punting stats overshadow the great Ray Guy. The former Jet and Giant averaged almost a full yard more than Guy, even though Landeta’s career was 50% longer than Guy’s. In comparison, the great Sammy Baugh’s career punting average is almost two yards greater than Landeta.    

YR.# punts..yards..long..blk..avg..name.value

13…0338…15245…85…9…45.1…SB

14…1049…44493…77…3…42.4…RG…44

21…1401…60707…74…6…43.3…SL.…50

Amazing but true: according to this article Jason Hanson's long run in Detroit was made possible by the Dallas/Minnesota Herschel Walker trade.

Herschel's College Career

Herschel Walker’s game by game stats at Georgia. His consistency and excellence set a standard that after 24 years has yet to be equaled, rushing for at least 111 yards in 27 of his final 31 regular season games.
 

Attempts, yards, avg per carry, TDs, & longest run.

 

 

1980 freshman season

24   084   3.5   2   16 at Tennessee

21   145   6.9   3   76 Texas A&M

23   121   5.3   0   20 Clemson

09   069   7.7   0   41 TCU

11   044   4.0   0   25 Ole Miss

23   283 12.3   3   60 Vandy

31   131   4.2   1   18 at Kentucky

43   219   5.1   1   76 South Carolina

37   238   6.4   1   72 Florida

27   077   2.9   1   18 at Auburn

25   205   8.2   3   65 Georgia Tech

274 1616 5.9 15  76 total 146.9 yd/game

1981 sophomore season

30   161   5.4   1   22 Tennessee

35   167   4.8   0   21 California

28   111   4.0   0   21 at Clemson

36   176   4.9   2   16 South Carolina

41   265   6.5   1   32 at Ole Miss

39   188   4.8   2   17 at Vanderbilt

33   129   4.0   1   15 Kentucky

23   112   4.9   4   14 Temple

47   192   4.1   4   18 Florida

37   165   4.5   1   19 Auburn

36   225   6.3   4   20 at Georgia Tech

385 1891 4.9 20  32 total 171.9 yd/game

 

 

1982 junior season

11   020   1.8   0   10 Clemson

31   124   4.0   1   23 BYU

32   143   4.5   1   14 at South Carolina

39   215   5.5   1   21 at Mississippi State

24   149   6.2   3   19 Ole Miss

38   172   4.5   1   26 Vanderbilt

34   152   4.5   1   64 at Kentucky

33   219   6.6   2   21 Memphis State

35   219   6.3   3   30 Florida

31   177   5.7   2   47 at Auburn

27   162   6.0   2   59 Georgia Tech

335 1752 5.2 17  59 total 159.3 yd/game

 

 

994 5259 5.3 52 76 career 159.4 yd/game

 

 

Herschel played the first 3 games of his junior season with a cast on his hand. Clemson fans boast that Herschel never scored a touchdown against the Tigers. No, but he did rush for 252 yards. Eleven of his runs gained first downs, and he had 9 runs longer than 10 yards.

 

 

11 NCAA Records:

1616 most yards rushing by a freshman

1891 most yards rushing by a sophomore

5259 most yards rushing in three seasons

11 most 100 yard rushing games in a season

4 most 200 yard rushing games in a season

146.9 average yards per game by a freshman

994 most carries in 3 seasons

1805 most all-purpose yards gained as a freshman

5749 most all-purpose yards gained in 3 seasons

3 most seasons gaining 1500 or more yards

15 most touchdowns scored by a freshman

 

 

16 SEC Records

Season

1891 most yards rushing

385 most carries

35.0 most carries per game

171.9 average yards per game

120 most points scored

20 most touchdowns scored

 

 

Game

47 most carries

6.5 average gain per rush (min 40 rushes)

 

 

Career

5259 most yards rushing

5749 most all-purpose yards

994 most carries

30.1 most carries per game

159.4 average yards per game

5.3 average gain per rush (min 800 rushes)

314 point scored

52 most touchdowns

 

 

41 UGA Records
 

2016 Goals

Arrive at work before 7 am every day.
Climb steps 10 times per day.
Drink more water.
Exercise 6 days per week.
Give.
Go to bed early.
Go to church every Sunday.
Good attitude.
Less TV, social media, & thrift store purchases.
Lift weights 3 times per week.
Lose 50 pounds.
Love Ceil.
No bread, rice, potatoes, sugar, or fast food. 
Post one bobblehead for sale 5 days/week.
Post one new item to eBay 5 days/week.
Post to blog every day.
Pray.
Read at least 20 books.
Read one Sports Illustrated article every weekday.
Run 3 times per week.
Smile.
10000 steps per day minimum.
Text WAM every day.
Track goals on calendar.
Unsubscribe from one email per day.
Walk or bike every evening.