Pizza Palooza
Some of the men's basketball players (not sure what the whole mustache thing is about) 😛
Wednesday night was the 2nd Annual Pizza Palooza hosted at the Phi Mu house to fundraise for the Children’s Miracle Network. The special guests of the night were Baker’s new head basketball coach Brett Ballard along with several of the players. This event lasted from 8pm to midnight and was filled with all the pizza you can eat, pied faces, and raffle drawings and prizes. Fellow blogger Skylar Gotte was also in attendance and everybody got a good laugh out of Andre Strozier pieing fellow teammate Sebastian Randolph. See pictures below.
Andre trying to calm down the crowd.
If only sound effects could be heard through pictures...
Men’s Basketball Coach: Brett Ballard
Brett Ballard giving a speech at his press conference.
I attended his press conference yesterday to hear his acceptance speech and be able to say I witnessed the beginning of a new legacy. It was evident through his words that this was indeed a passionate man with a strong desire to win games and represent the NAIA Champions of Character attitude. With a warm sense of humor and animated responses to questions, there’s no doubt in my mind that Coach Ballard will not only fit right in with this community, but enjoy every minute of it as well.
Trying to lighten the mood, I nervously, but bravely stood up and asked “since KU is so big on traditions, and I’m sure we’re all aware of the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant, do you think you can start a Baker chant…maybe?” and ended my question with a shrug and sat down. As expected, he kind of just laughed it off, which I guess means no, but that’s okay.. maybe I’ll take it upon myself to start one – I can’t guarantee Grammy-nominated lyrics though.
With Baker already being a campus of widespread KU lovers (figures) I can only imagine the unconditional support and love that will be shown for Mr. Ballard upon his arrival and job debut. As anybody would be, I’m sure he is probably nervous and maybe anxious to start his new job as a Head Coach (and having much more responsibility) so as a community, let’s do our part by giving him a warm welcome when he starts.
Whether that is shooting him a friendly wave as you cross his path, or making a better effort to support the men’s basketball program this coming season, take it upon yourself to let him know his presence is felt.
Coach Brett Ballard, from the Baker community and beyond, we welcome you.
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