Ramblings and Ruminations for January 2017


  • January 22, 2017
  • /   David Calametti
  • /   articles,email
II'S JANUARY... 
and that means we have a slight break between our two major holiday seasons (Christmas, and - of course - Mardi Gras). This isn't to say that our schedule is empty, but we do get a little breather before the Carnival madness explodes.
 
This being the last week of January, our attention is drawn to the final event of the
college football year - the Senior Bowl - which, in true Alabama Coasting fashion, 
is as much party as football game. While the players are all here for the most
important job interviews of their careers, the town is set to celebrate - welcoming
coaches, scouts, families, and fans. Players and coaching staffs arrive on Monday
and immediately get to work, but the rest of us get serious about playing.
Whether its scoring tickets to the Welcome Reception or Seafood Jubilee, both
held at the Battle House, scouting practices to find the next star for your favorite
team (real or fantasy), or celebrity spotting at our best restaurants and drinking
establishments, the football party spirit is contagious. To find your spot at the party, or get the full roster of all of the Senior Bowl events, follow the link at left:
 
 "EVERY PLAYER HAS A STORY..."
 
Each year, one of the "unofficial" traditions of Senior Bowl Week is the game's Executive Director, Phil Savage's appearance at the Sunrise Rotary Club. Yes, there is the obligatory post season review of the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the focus is ultimately all on the Senior Bowl. After sharing highlights and stats of the game as a whole, Phil turned to the Seniors coming to showcase their talents. When asked "Who stands the benefit the most?", his response was "anyone that takes advantage of the opportunity", but he did share one of the stories that exemplifies the unique aspect presented by the Senior Bowl format. A friend and alumni of Tiffin University, sent Phil a tape on unheralded, dual-threat, quarterback Antonio Pipken. Only three NFL scouts had been to see Pipken play, but his talent potential was undeniable - and he became the first ever Tiffin Dragon and only third NCAA Divsion 2 quarterback to garner a Senior Bowl invitation. For more stories on the game and its players follow this link:  http://www.seniorbowl.com/news-highlights.php
 
 
 
 FOOD AND SPORT...
 
Nothing quite captures the "Alabama Coasting" spirit then the combination of great food and great competition - and each year, our good friend, Bob Baumhower, gets Senior Bowl Saturday started right with the Baumhower's Tailgate Challenge. Taking   place in the Ladd Stadium parking lot (where else?), a team of celebrity judges will make the rounds beginning at 930. 
Awards are given to the best in the following categories: Alabama Seafood Gumbo; Alabama Seafood Entree; Wings; BBQ Entree; Reese's Dessert; and Tailgate Party.  Alabama Coasting will be on hand reporting "live" (yes, tough duty once again).  
 
 
Look forward to seeing you all in and around Mobile for Senior Bowl Week 2017!