Both Greg and I about fell down laughing. I could just imagine how that conversation would go. I envisioned being fifty and her taking my debit card and car keys away.
Rather than discuss it, I would let Greg set his wife straight. Caryn had caught my eye to tell me that we needed to get started. Jeff Delahey saw me head towards the stage, and his cameraman caught up to me.
“I’d like to wire you for sound, so I don’t have to be in your face the whole time.”
I would have to remember I had this on, or I might end up saying something that I didn’t want to be recorded. Grabbing a house microphone, I turned it on and stepped up on stage.
“If you could start to find your seats, we’ll get this started.”
We’d set up three big round tables that each held twelve for Tim, Wolf, and me, and all our guests. Then there were smaller tables set up towards the back for everyone else. At my table were my mom and dad, Uncle John, Grandma Dawson, Coaches Hope and Mason, Brook, and Tracy. There were two that I was surprised were invited to sit at my table: Duane Morris, my sports attorney from Woodford & Morris, and Jeff, the reporter shooting the documentary.
The staff from Kentucky included Coach Styles; Don Berta, their recruiting coordinator; Coach Braun, their offensive coordinator and quarterback coach; and Coach Erickson, their defensive coordinator. Coach Styles and Don Berta joined us at my table. Coach Braun was seated at Wolf’s table, and Tim had Coach Erickson at his.
I’d invited Ty, but he wanted to go his own way for recruiting. He did plan to join us on our trip to Michigan. They were one of his five official visits. He also planned to go to Wisconsin, Iowa, Louisville, and Western Michigan.
We’d set it up so we would have a buffet. Mary Dole had put it together, and everything looked great. Once everyone had food, they played a video about the University of Kentucky and their football program.
When the video ended, Don Berta stepped up onto the stage.
“When I first met David during his freshman year, I knew he was someone I wanted to come to the University of Kentucky. Even then, you could tell he was a leader. We offered him based on that and crossed our fingers that he would turn out to be able to play,” he said, and everyone laughed.
“I wasn’t surprised when his in-home visit wasn’t typical. I got a chance to talk to his uncle, and he shared with me the concept of ‘circles of trust’ and that it was something David was working on. David wants to let you all know that he respects you and wants your input on this decision.
“I look out across the room at the diverse group he has put together, and all I know is I want that at the University of Kentucky. Of course, we want David, Tim, and Wolf to play football for us, but I can see they bring more than that; they bring a sense of family.
“We at the University of Kentucky take family seriously. We understand that you’re trusting us to help guide and shape your young men. Coach Styles stresses that our number-one job is to turn young men into adults. That means getting them a good education and helping them learn what it takes to be a man so they can make their way in the world after football ends.
“I asked Coach Styles for the opportunity to address you all. I want to show you that it’s not only the head coach who believes in our responsibility. It’s the whole coaching and support staff, and the University of Kentucky,” Don said, and then paused.
He got a weak smile on his face.
“Let’s address the elephant in the room. I know that you have more trips planned to outstanding football programs, some that have played in National Championship games in the last few years. I also know that you agreed to have us as a test run of sorts. We’re fine with that if it gives us the opportunity to talk to all of you. You ask ‘why not us?’ on your social media. Let me turn it around on you. Why not the University of Kentucky?
“We legitimately want all three of you to play for us. We were excited to see how well Tim moves after his knee surgery. You can tell he’s matured, gotten stronger, and plays the kind of defense we need in the SEC. I can see him playing Saturdays as our starting middle linebacker once he figures it all out.
“I’ve talked to our coaches, and Wolf could either play tight end or be a big receiver for us. Something I’m sure of is that if you have bigger, faster athletes than your competition, you’re more likely to win. Coach Braun gave me my marching orders to find him bigger receivers. He feels that it will provide us with an advantage that defenses don’t really have an answer to. I honestly think that with the right opportunity, Wolf could be playing on Sunday, someday.
“Finally, what can you say about David, the number-one recruit in the land? With the help of Tim, Wolf, and his teammates at the University of Kentucky, he has the opportunity to be something special. Wherever he goes, expectations will be high. At some programs, he could get lost in the shuffle with other great quarterbacks. The day he steps onto our campus, he will be the man.
“I’m sure you’re all aware of what an exceptional talent you have among you. I watched the game film of your last game, and I can only name a handful of players who could have pulled that game out. Coach Erickson about had kittens when he saw David cause the fumble that saved the game. I watched as the rest of the team gave up chasing the running back. David just showed why everyone is talking about him.
“There might be a player who throws a better ball or runs faster. I’ve yet to see anyone who’s a better gamer, period. There’s no one I would rather see under center with the game on the line.
“To wrap up, why not us? That’s not exactly right. We know why you should pick the University of Kentucky. You should choose to join us because we want the three of you to join our football family. With you three on our team, I’m not worried about wins and losses. That will take care of itself. If you come to Kentucky, it’s so much more than playing football. You will be part of a family that will be there for you for the rest of your lives.
“It’s time you get serious about the next step, and I think if you look at it, the solution is obvious. The University of Kentucky is where you belong,” Don said to end his speech.
Tim and Wolf looked over at me, and both were smiling. I turned to Coach Styles.
“You made a good choice in letting Don give the talk if the looks Tim and Wolf are shooting at me mean anything,” I said.
“May I make a suggestion?” Coach Mason asked.
“Of course. I invited you because I want your input,” I said.
“It’s obvious that you have a real connection with Kentucky. I understand that they were the first ones to offer you and that it’s a great university. If it weren’t, they wouldn’t attract the basketball talent they do. You owe it to yourself and your teammates to fully explore your options. This is too big a decision to make in the heat of the moment,” Coach Mason advised.
“Are you saying that Kentucky isn’t a good landing place for me?” I asked.
“Not in the least. I recommend you take your visits as you have planned. Since you’re not making your decision until spring, you can consider making a trip to Kentucky after the football season.”
I looked at Coach Styles to get his input.
“I think you should pull the trigger tonight, but I’m biased. If you were my son, I’d give you the same advice Coach Mason just gave you. If you decide you like another program, that’s fine. I honestly want what’s best for you, Wolf, and Tim. I know you’d be happy at Kentucky, but you need to decide what’s right for you,” Coach Styles said, taking the stress off me.
“Thanks, Coach. On another subject, I need all your advice on something else. I was wondering if you could come back to the house after this, and we could talk,” I said. I pointed to Coaches Hope, Mason, and Styles, and also nodded to Duane Morris, my attorney.