The Falcon Nest: Falcons beat Bonner 69-49. Move to Semi-Finals

Maybe today being Valentine’s Day had something to do with it, but there weren’t nearly as many people at this quarter-final game as there was last year when the Falcons beat LaSalle, to reach the Semi-Finals. But, certainly were a lot of people at this game, as the Falcons dismantled the Friars to become the only remaining team still in the playoffs from last season’s semi-final round.

Did You Notice……
…..that North was the home team, yet sat on the traditional away side of the court?
…..that even though it was a home game, we didn’t have Taylor Rand sing the National Anthem before the game.
…..that Gloria was selling tickets at the door. Gloria, who has been selling tickets for North basketball, football games, as well as North wrestling matches for like forever, told one of our staffers a couple of years ago that she was retiring. Every time she thinks she’s out, they pull her back in. It was nice seeing her smiling face at the door today.

…..that Mike Kaiser ‘71, our regular home announcer, was in the house and called on to do the announcing duties. I sometimes get on Mike about his announcing, but he is one of the better announcers in the league. And when he can’t make a game, his son, Mike Jr, takes over for dad.
….that the smell of hotdogs was filling the gym in the second half…….Or, was that just me?
….that soccer assistant, Tom Crossett, seemed to be making amends for failing to call Tim Murphy for the soccer banquet. It’s good to see that they are still on good terms. (Here's a picture of Murph with all of his friends.)

Faces in the Crowd……
There were a lot of people at this game, so we’ll just try to hit the highlights.
…..From the class of 1970, John Connors, was taking in the game from the north bleachers.

…..Also in the north bleachers, and hanging out with NC Athletic Director, was John “Cutty” Cutsavage ’71.
…..Holding up the bottom row on the east bleacher was football coach, Chalie Szydlik, along with his son, and assistant football coach, CJ Syzdlik (photo below).

….Next to the coaches were the contingency from AOH Division 87, Bob Murph, his buddy John, and Bob’s brother, Tim (below Tim, Bob, John to the left of CJ Szydlik),
….Having the night off and enjoying the game was Will Puchalski, who is usually working the scoreboard at North games.
….Also in the house was former North teacher and long time AD, Fran Dougherty ’59......Also in the house were Brian Smith '82, Ed White '55, Mike McBride '81 and Gene Bryan '81. (sorry, no pics)

Where in the world was Drew Colfer??? One person who was noticeably missing from the game was Drew Colfer. For anyone who has attended a home game, you had to have noticed the little guy, with the #12 jersey, who takes to the floor before each game and during halftime to shoot some hoops. Well, Drew had a conflict today. He had Flyers’ tickets and couldn’t make it to the basketball game. We’re told that he was very happy to be at the Flyers game, but was just as upset that he couldn’t see his beloved Falcons play in this playoff game. Even Woody Redding, Drew’s favorite Falcon player, stopped by to chat with Drew, as he does almost every game. Woody was told why Drew couldn’t be there, but he was assured that he would make it to the semi-final game on Wednesday night. Seems that the nest wasn’t the only people who missed little Drew.