[NU Sports] Spring FB game

[Jim Bendat]

I don't think anyone else posted anything about NU's spring game, but 
I'll throw in a few words.  I was there, in town visiting my daughter, 
and taking in a beautiful day at the stadium.  They gave out free Lou 
Malnati's pizza and free Big Ten Network T-shirts.  It was very 
difficult to judge what kind of a team we'll have, but there were some 
memorable plays -- particularly, a diving TD catch by Andrew Brewer and 
a couple of crushing hits by Deante Battle.

I also got a chance to speak with Darnell Autry.  I reminded him of the 
one other time we had met.  It was in December 1995, a few days before 
the Rose Bowl, at Universal Studios Hollywood.  My two young boys and I 
were there with the team, going around the amusement park.  It was time 
to go on a ride, only I couldn't join in because I have a bad back.  
Darnell then took my place on the ride, watching my two guys for me.  I 
reminded him of that afternoon, and his eyes lit up.  Because it was 
sort of a unique incident, I believe him when he said he remembered it.  
He asked me how the kids are now doing, and I asked him about himself.  
He told me he got his degree in June and is now working toward his 
masters and also doing some counseling for the athletic department.

Go Cats! -- Jim B.