Honoring Denise Van De Walle at the Stroh

[Bubba Bo Bob Brain]

This past Saturday Denise Van De Walle was honored at the Stroh.
How? As professionally as we can expect from BGSU Athletics Department.
- quotes from her peers were displayed on the screen. Unfortunately, the quotations were not up as long as the ads, so only the speed readers in the crowd could actually read them.
- it was announced that due to technical difficulties, the prepared video could not be shown that day.
- it was announced that we could come down to the court and greet Denise. Many of us were willing to do that, but the security had already pulled the straps across the access step, implying that we were not going to go down on the court. Associate Athletics Director of Sports Administration/SWA Lesley Irvine motioned for us to come on down. Members of the crowd pointed to the closed access straps. To the best of my knowledge Ms. Irvine went and had "a little chat" with someone, and then the accesses were opened.

Those of us who were still around and interested were, then, permitted to go onto the floor, greet Coach Van De Walle, congratulate her for her 29 years, and wish her well.

I do not mean to sound like I am complaining. However, one tires of reading and hearing about all the things being done at BGSU Athletics to appear more professional while seeing so much to the contrary, an apparent lack of communication still being at the top of the list.

Personally, I'd like to thank Lesley Irvine for allowing us to greet Denise.
Additionally, I must say that the sound system sounded fine - announcing and music included.

Mostly, I want to say again, CONGRATULATIONS to you, Denise Van De Walle, and thank you for 29 years of work on and off the court, with the team and with FCA. The statistics and records really only tell a small part of the story, and can't begin to say how you've touched and influenced so many lives over the years.

[transfer2BGSU]

- it was announced that we could come down to the court and greet Denise.

And those that wanted to go down onto the floor to congratulate Coach were instructed to do so by entering from the student section. The gates were open at the top.

You are right. The sound system worked extremely well that day, because I clearly heard those instructions.

But I also agree that SWA Lesley Irvine should be thanked for allowing folks to enter from the stands without having to go up top, walk around to the student section, and then walk down to the court. She provided a secondary means for people to be able to congratulate Coach VanDeWalle.

[Falconfreak90]

Looking forward to getting over to Akron Sat at 5 when the Falcons play the Zips. I couldn't make it this past Sat so I hope to get a chance to thank Coach for her efforts after the match Sat.

GO BG!