Brian’s
“feelings” towards the University of Dayton are well known and will be
dissected by fans and scholars for years to come. He was one of Xavier University’s biggest
fans and his nom de guerre on the XU message boards was “Pablo.” Brian loved beating UD. He especially delighted in irritating the “Flyer
Faithful” whenever possible and they absolutely despised “Pablo.” Brian pushed – and exceeded – normal fan boundaries
through his numerous “provocative” posts, his epic live rant on WHIO 1290 “Flyer
Feedback” and making watermelons forever associated with the University of
Dayton.
We
decided not to hold a fund raiser for Brian’s memorial fund at XU prior to the
UD game this year as the game was on a Wednesday and at 9 PM. This is the first time since 2008 we have not
held an event. (I understand many of
Brian’s buddies are going to Dana’s at noon on 2/23/13 prior to the 2 PM VCU
game. We are not conducting a fund
raiser at that time and are contemplating new ways to honor Brian and raise
more jack. All are welcome and people may still donate directly to XU in his
name at anytime. I encourage anyone who
knew Brian to seek me out as you will be “rewarded!”)
The
McCormick’s went to Dana’s prior to the UD game to have “Pablo’s cheesy tater
tots, a burger and beer. Though we did
not discuss it, it was also partly to think of Brian, honor him in our own way
and think of him as we know he would be exactly at this spot if he was
physically with us.
As
I have discussed before, Brian seems to make his presence known to us in
mysterious ways. Some may call them coincidences
- I call it “really cool.” Case in point,
while we were at dinner Susan received an email from Barnum & Bailey circus
addressed to Brian McCormick. Brian took
Patrick, Susan and I to the circus at the UD Arena when Patrick was five. What are the odds that Susan would get an
email addressed to Brian, while at Dana’s an hour before the XU/UD game?
Here is another example; the game was really
close and there was less than a minute to play.
I silently prayed to Brian “c’mon Brian, help your boys out. They really need some help.” Take a look at the video below. Number 15 shot a deep three. It went a close as possible to going in and
then suddenly it popped out. XU got the
rebound, got fouled/made some free throws and the game was over. This video does not do this shot
justice. Our seats are right in line
with the basket and I absolutely thought that three-pointer was in
and yet it was not. Many people said it was "divine influence." Brian was not divine - but he could and did "influence" many people and things! Maybe even this shot?
http://www.daytondailynews.com/videos/news/final-seconds-of-ud-xavier/vpbNn/
One
day I will ask Brian did he do this stuff.
Knowing Brian, he will take complete credit and even make up some things
too. Either way, both experiences made
us feel that Brian is with us. Lastly,
thanks Pablo! It is so sweet to beat
UD!
