THE T-MOBILE ARENA GRAND OPENING EVENT—A PILGRIMAGE
This is a story of the Grand Opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas NV on 4/6/16. Initially, my plans were to attend this ‘Historic Event’ as a spectator. However, forces created an opportunity for me to share with you my ‘Pilgrimage’.
This ‘Pilgrimage’ as compared to my College Football Pilgrimages was not as long. It was also local. As a Grand Opening, it would be ‘Historical’. Though originally announced in 2015, inner callings had me purchase two tickets in January of 2016.
The second ticket purchased, had no one particular in mind at the time. Options were considered, but nothing concrete. When making plans, including ‘Life Plans’,
I always adhere to the words of Coach Jack Laraway.
Coach Laraway and I crossed paths my senior year in high school. He was God sent to me. Coach Jack was hired to be the Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach during my final season at Aliquippa High School. We also shared the same birth-date, years apart.
His resume included: he was a Starter and Letter Winner at Purdue University. His line-backing skills, paved his way for a short stint in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. Coach Jack’s strategy and coaching skills elevated my game to higher levels.
Ours was a relationship, with no guarantees. However, it did produce results. This relationship assisted me in attaining a ‘Dream’ that was announced to the world when I was 12. As newspaper boy of the month for the Beaver Valley Times, my picture and my ‘Dream’ was printed for all to see and read.
My 12-year-old dream was to “Attend College on a football scholarship and to become a teacher”. Coach Jack along with other coaches provided me the guidance, encouragement, and wisdom for me, so that I was able to PLAYIN MY DREAMS at Pitt University.
Most ‘Good Coaches’ provide you with the knowledge to assist you both on and off the field. It was after my senior high school football season was completed, Coach Jack opened his door for my senior teammates to visit. FOSS would take him up on his offer when opportunity knocked.