Sunday, August 16, 2015
THE LUNCH BUNCH
One of the best things about working at Pepperdine was not the work but the play! There was a stable core of noon-time basketball players, and I tried to make it to as many lunch-bunch gatherings as possible. Summertime was particularly good because our gang was not competing with the Division I basketball and volleyball teams for court time at Firestone Field House. The "regulars" included Johnny, Aaron, James, Dennis, Rod, John, Mike, Vince, Kevin, Marcus, Lane, Ray and Barry, with a host of others who would sometimes join the fun - like Scott Wong, former star volleyball player at Pepperdine and a pretty good b-ball player as well . We enjoyed playing so much that sometimes when the Field House was occupied, we would head to the outdoor courts to get our noon-time b-ball fix. Just a few notes on the players - Johnny was known for his cagey inside moves; Aaron for his long range bombs; James for his very athletic game; Dennis for his incredible shooting; Rod for his determined hustle; John for his day-in day-out consistency; Mike for his Tasmanian Devil approach to the game; Vince for his strong play; Kevin for his patented turn-around jumper, Marcus for his Division I level skills, Lane for his all-around game, Ray for his smooth play, and Barry - well Barry is very tall and uses it well. In addition to the regulars and semi-regulars, we were often joined by some more well-know locals - I got to play with fellows such as David Duchovny, Taye Diggs, Downtown Scotty Brown and Flea. Word was that Adam Sandler would come and play now and then, but never did when I was there. Summer time also brought around some pro players - they did not play with the lunch bunch - but I did rebound for Reggie Miller for about an hour!! Here is a day in the life of our motley crew!!
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13 comments:
If you want 50 comments, post something about Trump. Lol!
Bizzy - you are likely correct...unfortunately!! :-)
Your lunch hours seem tame compared to those at some of the places I've worked where a couple may return late from a one hour lunch with clothes disheveled and crap eating grins on their faces.
And who could forget Scotty's signature "Chicken Wing" move?!!!!
I miss those days, Pepperdine, and you guys!! I loved my job and time at the Dine! Hey! Let's not forget Daniel Stern of home along and David and Marilyn of The X Files. Much love and the blesings of the Lord on you guys!! Bishop Johnny Jones
Reverend Johnny - thanks for checking in and leaving a comment. Yes, we loved our jobs and loved our Lunch Bunch colleagues!!! One of my favorite stories that I tell involves you - we were heading off the court, and Reggie Miller was shooting at one of the baskets. You said "Hello Reg" and we kept walking toward the locker room. Then you stopped and said "We need to go back and pray for Reggie." Reggie had injured his ankle and was on the cusp of either signing for another year or retiring. So, you, Aaron, James and I went back, and you said "Reggie, we want to pray with you." Reg said sure, so we joined hands and stood in a circle as you asked for blessings and guidance for Reggie in an uncertain time. Reggie was thankful, and we moved along. Within two weeks, Reggie was back to 100% and signed for another year with the Pacers - his farewell year I think. I wish I had a picture of this, but it is well recorded in my mind. Thanks Johnny.
Thanks good stuff. I miss those days!
Best,
Scotty Brown
I had forgotten about that! That was the leading of the Holy Spirit. Thanks! You have a good memory! I pray the blessing of the Lord, remain in your life and home! If you ever come to Vegas, hit me up 702-275-4778? Much love!!
What about Doug's game. He would start his 3-point shot while his back was to the basket. Didn't seem like it had a prayer....but it had a nasty habit of going in - especially when I was guarding him! Thanks for bringing back such great memories of some of my absolute best and blessed times at Pepperdine.
Johnny - thanks for your comment and invite - we just might take you up on that sometime!! Also, send me your new email address to swartzendruber46@gmail.com
Take care
D Lowe - I will completely agree about 'some of the absolute best and blessed times at Pepperdine" - guess that just proves we are truly basketball junkies!! Now about that 3..... :-)
Did you invite Ken Starr?
S3 - I invited Ken to come and speak at one of our Natural Science Division meetings, but decided that he did not look like the lunch bunch basketball type. He is a very convivial fellow, even during disagreements.
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