Indiana Basketball Progess

Opening up gifts on Christmas day, I received some nice IU gear and wondered about our basketball Hoosiers.  The season at that point had me asking many questions.  Questions about the defense, questions about team chemistry, and questions about the overall direction of the basketball program.

So, less than a month later, I find myself reflecting on those same questions, but with a different perspective given the Hoosiers 6-0 start to Big Ten play.  I know, the schedule has been very friendly to the Hoosiers!  The questions I asked at Christmas time have seemed to be temporarily answered in the positive.

We have noticed a much improved effort and attitude toward playing defense.  We have seen a lot more emotion from the players.  This team is starting to forge an identity, an identity of toughness.  The credit must go to both the coaching staff and the players.  It seemed as though they had lost each other over the holiday season.

There is still a lot to correct, especially as the opponents get much tougher.  Turnovers have been way out of control.  The loss of James Blackmon has allowed teams to defend differently and adjustments must be constant as the season progresses.

The view from the tailgate lot is a good one for the basketball Hoosiers at this point.  There will be some bumps in the road, some losses and poor play.  However, this team looks like it could make a decent run in the conference and be a “tough out” in the NCAA tournament.

At Christmas time the Hoosiers were tough to watch and hard to enjoy.  The new year has coincided with Hoosier basketball being enjoyable again.  Let's hope the changes are more permanent and recent late season swoons do not happen this year.

Good job, Hoosiers!  Keep it up!

Indiana Basketball

Driving two hours on a work week to attend a college basketball game? Yes. Why? It's Indiana.

Driving two hours home on a work week from a college basketball game? Yes. Why? It's Indiana.

I'm 49 years old and have been an Indiana basketball fan most of my life.  I was eight years old when my father, Norm Tonsoni, sat me down in front of our television and introduced me to the Indiana basketball program.  Thanks to The Farm Bureau Insurance network, my Dad and I would always tune in early to see Martha the Mop Lady sing the fight song on TV before each game.

I was nine years old in 1976 when my father shared with me why the Hoosiers epitomized the concept of team.  He taught me to watch Quinn Buckner defend and play unselfishly.  He helped me appreciate the skill of Scott May, the athleticism of Bobby Wilkerson, the role playing of Tom Abernathy.  I remember watching many games during that year and rejoicing with my father when the Hoosiers defeated Michigan for the National Championship. The greatest team ever.  The last undefeated team in NCAA history.

I was sold on Hoosier basketball.  It was what my dad and I did during the winter.  We watched and talked Hoosier basketball.  As an eighth grader, I watched IU defeat North Carolina for the championship while trying to comprehend why someone would try to assassinate the President. I was in high school and on a team bus when the chair was thrown. When it came time to select a college, I was going to IU, simply because of Indiana basketball.

My freshman year was 1985-86.  Walking into Assembly Hall for the very first time was one of the best memories of my sports fandom.  It was a dream come true to watch the Hoosiers live in Assembly Hall.  As a sophomore, I was fortunate to witness another National Championship.  That Monday evening of the championship game I received a phone call from my father.  He asked if I had milk and cookies ready for the game as we had a tradition of snacking on sweets during the championship games.  I had never lied to my father and so I had to admit that we just placed a "keg" of beverage on ice.  On Tuesday he phoned again and asked for me to share how it felt to be on campus. "Dad. it's the best natural high I have ever had.  The celebration ended around 4:00 am."  I could sense his smile through the phone line.

Since the last National Championship, I have been blessed with a great marriage, two wonderful sons, a couple of final four trips for the Hoosiers and sadly the passing of my father in 2004.  What has been consistent is our family's love of Hoosier basketball.  Attending games in Assembly Hall with the family has been memorable over the years.  In 2014, my oldest son decided to attend Indiana for college.  He is currently a manager for the basketball team.  On Sunday, I will be attending another Hoosier game with my youngest son, and we will be watching his brother rebound for the Hoosiers during pregame.  From sitting in my living room as a eight year old to watching my own son work on the court in Assembly Hall, Indiana Basketball has been huge part of my life.

Indiana Basketball is tradition.  Indiana Basketball is about relationships.  Indiana Basketball is more than one team, player or coach.  Indiana Basketball is something to cherish.

Driving two hours to watch a game where the 1976 NCAA champions were to be honored?  The last undefeated team?  The team and players that set the tone for what Indiana basketball is and should always be for years?  Yes - no doubt!

I drove to Bloomington by myself on Tuesday, but I was not alone.  "Hey. Dad, We get to see the greatest team ever again.  Thanks for the introduction."

2015 Indiana Football review from the tailgate lot

2015 Indiana Football was quite the roller coaster event.  Winning four non conference games then losing first six conference games followed by winning last two games.  In the end, the Hoosiers were bowl eligible and the season was a success.

There is a long way to go for the Hoosiers as a program, but it seems like the first phase of program building is complete.  Coach Wilson has brought a style of play that is fun to watch.  The program is at a level where fans should support tremendously.  

As a fan base, we have wondered if the football Hoosiers were headed in the right path.  The big plays, the late 4th quarter losses, the defense all may have had us doubting if Indiana football could ever be relevant again.  Well, from the view I have from the tailgate lot, I believe we have begun to turn the corner.

The key word is consistency of play and improvement in areas of weakness. No question the defense must improve.  Next season is a huge season for the Hoosiers.  The ability to put back to back winning seasons together is very important.  I believe that we will go to a bowl game again next year.

One thing is certain, the tailgate spot was a hopping place again this year.  Many of the games were late afternoon starts which afforded us tailgaters with plenty of time to pregame.  Breakfast burritos and thematic food were had by all. The best was the Cuban snadwiche for the Florida International game.  It is always fun to entertain in the Purple lot.

Already looking ahead to next year for some great football and another excellent season of tailgating.  Plan ahead to join us I the Purple Lot next year....or for baseball season.

It's been far too long

After posting for several consecutive weeks, I have failed to keep up with this blog that I so enjoy.  My writing has followed my fandom, up and down.  Let me catch up!

Indiana vs Penn St-

Amy, Brent and I drive out to Happy Valley for the game.  During the weekend, Brent and I are at odds because of the Cubs vs Cardinals playoff games.  We did not talk to each other very much other than at the tailgate and game.

Game:  IU stays competitive despite not playing with the starting QB or RB.  A disappointed result because we could definitely could have won this game if healthy.

Due to the late arrival home, I miss my first blog update of the season.  Then the MLB playoffs distract me during the week.

Indiana vs Rutgers:

Awesome homecoming tailgate. Love the late starts as it provides plenty of time for food and beverage.

Game:  IU loses a 25 point lead in the 2nd half and everyone is in shock.  I had no motivation to blog and started to doubt my Hoosiers (boo on me)

Indiana v Michigan St-  first game of the year we did not attend.  We watched the game at Buffalouies restaurant in Bloomington before heading into Hoosier Hysteria.

Bye week:  Four straight weeks of non- blogging.... boo on me.

Indiana v Iowa:  Great tailgating once again.  Love hosting the IU basketball managers for food and also some mild entertainment.

Game:  IU hangs tough but once again another loss in the 2nd half.  Brent's last game of the year and last game living at home.  Sadness all around.

Indiana v Michigan:  Epic night out with friends on Friday night, led to a low key tailgate on Saturday.  Low attendance of the year at less than 10.

Game:  Outstanding perfomance by the Hoosier only to come up short in double overtime.

I watched the last two games at home and was very happy with the results.  Two wins, the bucket in Bloomington and bowl eligible.

An up and down season for the football Hoosiers.  A great season of fun at the tailgate.  Lesson learned.... never get to high and never get too low.  Appreciate the effort and results will take care of themselves.

I often am too invested in my Hoosiers.  I should enjoy every opportunity to watch our Indiana Hoosiers play!

I will share a blog post with updated pictures from this season.  9 games attended, 4-5 record, great memories.

Let's Go Hoosiers!

College Football atmosphere in Bloomington

College football is big time crowds and big time atmosphere.  The best teams and schools have this every Saturday.  Lesser programs get this every once and awhile.  It is the hope of every administrator in a football program to reach big time status.  This weekend in Bloomington was big time as the Hoosiers welcomed the #1 ranked Buckeyes of Ohio State.  The tailgating started Friday night and again in the early morning hours on Saturday.  Dan Dakich held his own gameday and fans prepared for the game by cooking out, playing corn hole and dancing to music.

Friday night campfire

Friday night we drove to Bloomington to make sure we had our spot secure.  We battled a little rain with a nice campfire and some wings from Buffalouies.  Watching the RVs start to file in, we got the sense that this was an important game.

Brent, his friend Jared and myself somehow managed to get some sleep in the back of our van. Three 6-4 guys in one van... big time game!
We woke up at 6 am and set up for the game.

Buffalouie's delivery driver- brings us wings

     

Saturday morning was quite brisk but there was something in the air.  That something was that big time atmosphere.  It was beginning.  People were driving in and the tailgate setups were popping up as the sun rose over the parking lot.

Big game, yes indeed, it's Channel 6 news pulling up near us.  Eric Cox, a journalist, stepped out and asked if he could interview us for the morning show.  Now this was a first. He was every nice and the interview went well.

Channel 6 Eric Cox for the morning show

OK. this is a big game.  Never had a live interview at 8 am at our tailgate before.  We started out the day with oatmeal, coffee and hot chocolate.  Later on it was breakfast burritos, chili and hot dogs. As usual we had many people stop by to say hello.  We always get a few newcomers who like to stop by and take a seat at the bar.  Saturday, we welcomed Dr. Galen Clavio of the IU media school to stop by for some chili.  It was great to talk to him about the direction of the media school.  So proud of the university for what they do for education as well as athletics.

A toast to the Hoosiers with some new friends

Dr. Galen Clavio & his wife and child

We love it when old friends stop by like the Kinnamans from Cincinnati and the Liberatores from LaPorte.  It is also  nice to see our younger friends...the engaged ones and the recently dating ones!

Liberatore Family

Kinnaman family

Engaged ones on left, recentlty dating on right

We also had a visit from our wonderful niece and nephew from Cromwell, IN.  They are two outstanding young people.  Grace is a high school senior who will be playing D1 basketball at Valpo next year and Elijah is a high school freshman who will be playing varsity basketball.

Amy, Elijah, B-rent, Grace and me

The game lived up to the big time pregaming.  The stadium was full of fans, the student section was rocking all day.  In fact they broke several bleachers jumping up and down.  The crowd roared all game long and often shut down the hated cheer from our opponents.

Indiana played an outstanding game from the start.  At one point the Hoosiers led Ohio State 10-0 and the halftime score was 10-6 in favor of IU.  Many of us were not sure how this game would play out, but we found ourselves in a competitive game.  Ohio State played more like the #1 team in the second half and put some points on the board, but could never shake the Hoosiers.  IU was playing without their starting QB and RB during the 2nd half and yet the game came down to the last play, a 4th and goal from the 10.  As the pass fell incomplete, the game was over, we all fell back into our seats.  So close to an EPIC win! After the disappointment faded, we realized that our Indiana Hoosiers just put a huge scare into the Ohio State Buckeyes.  We stand at 4-1, but have improved our play each week.  So, bring on Penn State, bring on the rest of the season.  Our goal is two more wins for bowl eligibility.

Please, please people, let's keep the big time atmosphere for this program.  The guys deserve it, the fans deserve it, the program deserves it.  Big time football in Bloomington! YES!

That's my take from the tailgate lot!

It's a Long Way to Winston Salem

"Hey Brent...do you want to go to Wake Forest or Penn State for this years long road trip?"  Brent answered "BOTH!"

We have gone to several road games over the years and as many 4 road trips a year.  We decided to scale back this year until I asked the question.  I knew better than to ask, but yet I still did.  See Brent is even more crazy about tailgating than I am.  He never goes outside for fun or work while at home, but drive a few hours and party in a parking lot and he is on board. So we headed out for Winston Salem on Friday morning!

We stopped in Bloomington to pick up the other son, Brandon.  From there we had a nine hour trip to our hotel.

Man its a long way to Winston Salem!

We drove through Mountains....literally, and over them as well.  We drove in sunshine and we drove in rain.  We simply drove and drove and drove.

B-Rent & Brandon at Applebee's

Friday night in Winston Salem,we met up with Sammy Jacobs from Hoosier Huddle and had dinner at Applebee's. When on the road, it is always enjoyable for people to ask where you are from and what brings you to town. Wearing our Indiana gear, we were asked this a few times. An early wake up call on Saturday morning was needed so we could head out for the game bright and early.

We were the second vehicle in the lots and parked near the Indiana Alumni Association of Charlotte group outing.  They really brought a crowd.  It was estimated that over 300 Hoosier fans were in this section of the parking lot.  The pregame festivities were some of the best in recent memories.

Mom Reed

Dads--- McCray & Feeney

   

Hoosier Great Anthony Thompson 

One of the benefits of having a tailgate bar, is that it draws a lot of attention.  This past Saturday was no exception.  We were blessed with parents of Hoosier players, journalists, alumni from Charlotte, Charleston, S.C., and Atlanta along with Hoosier great Anthony Thompson.  The best part of tailgating is the people you meet.

New friends Kyle and Bailey Chase
From Charleston, S.C.

Saturday was simply an outstanding pregame, followed by another victory! How sweet it is.  Until that wake up call at 5:30 on Sunday morning for that long drive home.  We made it.... by 5:00 pm back home to Delphi.

Man, its a long way home!


GAME RECAP

Indiana played an outstanding game for three and a half quarters.  Building up a 31-10 lead with under 10 minutes to go, had us relaxed.  Uh Oh!  After two Wake Forest touchdowns and an onside kick recovery we were facing defeat out of nowhere.  Fortunately, the defense was able to hold the Deacons at bay and preserve the victory.

Saturday night and the drive home were much more fun after a victory!  Indiana is 4-0.  Indiana made a push to get ESPN College GameDay to come to Bloomington.  It is a lot of fun to feel good about Hoosier Football.  It's a long season and not saying we are a great team, but we are winning games that we have lost in the past.  WE ARE 4-0!

a plea not answered

That's my View from the Tailgate Lot!

Just Win Baby!

A father and a son, bound together by birth, often share common interests.  These bonds allow for a mutual understanding and for great fellowship.  For the Tonsoni men, Indiana University athletics is a huge source of happiness.  We are usually happy to just be in attendance, however, winning always makes these sporting events special.

Brandon, the oldest, is the calmest fan of the three Tonsoni men.  He roots hard for the teams, but takes each game in stride.  Brent, the youngest, is the most heavily invested in the Hoosiers and gets very emotional with every win and loss.   Brent is also the eternal optimist who believes in his teams no matter what. Dad, I am like Brent with anger issues.  Been known to cast doubt (putting it lightly), to leave my seats, and to promise I may never come back.

Brent, Dad, Brandon-  Tailgate posing

Three different Tonsoni men all of which love the Indiana Hoosiers!  We love it when they win, are down with each loss and we keep on coming back regardless of result or reaction.

So, on Saturday, our football Hoosiers won their third game of the season.  The third second half comeback.  The 38-35 victory was hard fought and was secured with a great all around half of play.  This was much needed as the Hoosiers fell behind early.  Opportunistic defense and an offense that put up over 600 yards were the reasons for the victory.  As the clock ran out, Brent turned to me and said, "It doesn't matter how we do it, just win baby!"

Section 11 Ushers Kathy and Kevin- best in the biz!

Tailgate update:

 A morning full of hard rain and wind delayed the start of our festivities.  The rain eventually subsided and we were able to enjoy the pregame.  The surprise of the tailgate was a visit from Indiana Athletic Director Fred Glass.  He drove his golf cart out to the purple lot to find our tailgate.  We had a nice discussion on the history and set up of our tailgate.  We all were shocked but very appreciative.  He had read the blog and wanted to meet us!  So cool.

Me, Athletic Director Fred Glass, Tim Shrewsbury

I had shared the blog with a member of the athletic department as part of the fan experience board that I am a part of this year.  So far we have had visits from Jeremy Gray and Fred Glass of the athletic department.

We also have media members joining us.  Our sponsor, Sammy Jacobs of Hoosier Huddle is a regular, but this week we were joined by Ken Bikoff, host of the Peegs.com podcast.  We really appreciate these guys for sharing their thoughts and for stopping by our tailgate.

Brent, Brian White (claims he is my 3rd son), Dad