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The Kenny Parker Effect
Much has been made about how important Chris Ash felt bringing Kenny Parker on board as the Strength & Conditioning coach was critical to his and Rutgers' success. And we've seen all sorts of videos and stories about it, including one from our own Griffin Whitmer. But perhaps this tweet from RB Robert Martin says it all in regard to Parker's impact.
Damn I really played two seasons in the big ten around 195. Now I'm weighing in at 208. Strength staff getting us right.. ✊ ⚔
— RMIII (@RobMartin_7) July 13, 2016
Yeah, Robert, you did. Payback time.
New unis comin' in
The new logo, the cleaner look, RED unifiorms. It's that time of year.
85 boxes from @usnikefootball today! #timetogettowork #knightswag pic.twitter.com/Q1vjSxw8hD
— Rutgers Equipment (@RutgersFB_EQ) July 12, 2016
Facilities: build we must for a greater Rutgers
The Fred Hill Baseball/Softball Training Center is going up across the street from the RAC on Hospital Road (yes, that's the street's name). Baseball coach Joe Litterio is excited about the progress and we update it even further.
Fred Hill Training Complex Update:
— Joe Litterio (@JoeLitterioRU) July 5, 2016
The steel is going up!! pic.twitter.com/7E7HPLjU8f
Since that tweet, construction has proceeded and the frame is now getting covered. By the way, you're viewing an "unauthorized" photo since I was told by an anonymous worker that I wasn't allowed to take photos of the site. Not even if I stood in the middle of the street.
Now, what was that Jim Croce song?
For those too young to know who Croce was, the song is "You don't mess around with Jim" (1972, about 30 years before most of you were born!). Anyway, the chorus goes,
You don't tug on superman's cape
You don't spit into the wind
You don't pull the mask off that old lone ranger
And you don't mess around with Jim
My suggestion is you don't do that with 6'6", 319-pound linemen, either. Ash & Co. have been pushing better nutrition, and enjoying it. So the nutrition folks posted this tweet:
Lineman @Chris_Muller70 loves sneaking veggies into his PB shake! #spinach #antiinflammation @RFootball pic.twitter.com/RGbaUwYI3Y
— RU Sports Nutrition (@RUfueledup) June 28, 2016
No problem here. I like spinach; I put it in my protein shakes...just like Chris. But some people apparently view that as, uhh, less than manly.
Turn in your mancard when you get the chance @PardonMyTake https://t.co/JNOZda5DrP
— Barstool Rutgers (@BarstoolRU) June 29, 2016
Really, dude? Well, Muller was not amused.
@BarstoolRU @tonypaffy @PardonMyTake @RFootball come and take it from me pal
— Chris Muller (@Chris_Muller70) July 1, 2016
To which macho boy on the barstool wrote:
I'll swing by your zumba class tomorrow morning and pick it up. https://t.co/mCew8N5spd
— Barstool Rutgers (@BarstoolRU) July 1, 2016
Muller, at this point realizing there was little gained from verbally dueling with a gnat, let it go. Big and smart. That's how we like'em.
Speaking of who has the clout....
So apparently we need a generator....and a step-by-step guide of what to do when your wife isn't home and something is wrong.
— Doreen Ash (@DoreenAsh14) July 19, 2016
No doubt who is in charge at the Hale Center....or at home.
Spreading the love, R Style
Part of "building the brand" is showing up at various other events around the state. Like the Somerset Patriots baseball games.
.@RUScarletKnight found some of his friends at the @SOMPatriots game! pic.twitter.com/FwOASeWZBO
— Rutgers Athletics (@RUAthletics) July 1, 2016
Gotta get Sparky to a Rutgers game now.
And this....just because....
#bELieve pic.twitter.com/BUHNBYsFbJ
— Prove People Wrong™ (@ProvePplWrong) July 2, 2016
Four months away....Battle at the Birthplace
Rutgers is finally "getting it" in terms of promotion. Those of us who have been around for a while understand that; we just didn't market at all, let alone well. Not any more. Got your tickets? Good, take a minute and watch thed promo video.
From the College Ave. Gym to HPSS. Four months to the hour until #RUWR and Princeton "Battle at the Birthplace."https://t.co/UtfK5NoPg5
— Rutgers Wrestling (@RUWrestling) July 19, 2016
The more you know....
Costs are going up, and tuition at Rutgers is a long way from the $400 per year I paid. (Really...it was $400 when I started. I complained to Colonel Rutgers directly about the cost!) But the fact of the matter is, Rutgers is still a great deal and your long term gains from "investing" in a Rutgers education is proven with facts.
#Rutgers made the list of top ROI schools in the nation! https://t.co/casfStuMIP
— Rutgers University (@RutgersU) July 8, 2016
Speaking of investing....
I'm a class agent. That means I try to lead my classmates in donating to Alma Mater. And I'm carrying that role over to here. So, let's open the checkbooks....or take out the credit card.
I have always given back. I received an Alumni Scholarship when I got here. I believed I should give back, since someone before me helped me. So, first off, if you're an alum, give to Rutgers. Your department, your school, a program or institute. There are lots of places to help.
If you're a sports fan - and you know where this is going - we have the R B1G Build. I'll even give you the link. Easy-Peasy.
My work here is through.