Cal Comes to Princeton

So here we go...

The Cal Bears came East! Yes, the Women's Basketball team is on a swing through Princeton and Rutgers over the next three days. Tonight, it was the Princeton Tigers who made a game of it in the first half but ultimately were blown away by the bigger, taller and more talented Bears. This was my first live view of this Bears team and they were quite impressive. Aside from the first half turnovers and poor foul shooting, they had game! Final score 68-42.

Tonight's game was a surreal, but good, experience on several levels. First, as an employee of Princeton University and second cheering for a live, not televised Cal team. Cal fans seemed to outnumber and definitely out root the home team fans. I actually like this Princeton team. They play hard, have a few skilled players (Meg Cowher being the first and foremost) and are a very likable group. I had been to one previous game and saw their first win of the season. The typical turnout to these games is sad given the level of competition. The women seem to play a truly ego-less game. In some ways, purer than the male version. Just an observation...

So, in attendance tonight were several dignitaries: Sandy Barbour, Cal's Athletic Director was sitting just in front of us. Had a nice conversation with her about future East coast Cal sporting events and the stadium project. Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, a frequent sight at many Cal sporting events. Had a nice conversation with him about the future of the recording industry and their upcoming album and tour. Bill Cowher watching his daughter. Didn't talk to him.

After the game, about 50-60 of us Cal fans (including friends and family of team members and the coaching staff) hung around to meet the players and the coaches. It was great to hear how much our presence was appreciated. The feeling was certainly mutual!

Anyway, a very special evening indeed. Can't wait until Monday at Rutgers. Should be an awesome event.