1/31/2024 0 Comments Alex gordon game logGuys like Foster, Byars, Ross Neltner, and Alan Metcalfe fed off his energy, which carried over to the home crowd. His attitude fit perfectly amongst a team of players with something to prove. Ogilvy may have gotten more publicity, but Gordon was the anchor that gave the team license to soar. Guys like Shan Foster, Derrick Byars, and A.J. Gordon carried himself with the swagger that would drive the Commodores to new heights. Like in pro wrestling, a new persona was born. Gordon was gone. Gordon loved the recognition from the Memorial Maniacs, and this admiration led down an entirely awesome path. The freshman who had worked his way into a starting role was the wave of the future for the team, and the Vanderbilt faithful let him know it. On that night, a monster was born.įans at Memorial Gym loved the speedy guard who could hit a shot from anywhere on the court. Only a few months into his NCAA career, Gordon poured in 30 points in his first home game against Tennessee. The six-foot tall (according to a generous Vandy media guide) guard came to the Commodores as a Rivals 150 recruit in an era where such players were rare for Kevin Stallings. He once popped his jersey so hard after a dagger-shot that he ripped it right off his own back, then proceeded to dance with it like Rick Rude back in 1980s WWF.* He shot threes without discretion and occasionally with his eyes closed. He yelled at players, coaches, fans, mascots, and referees. He exemplified the Commodore spirit that turned Vanderbilt from a SEC also-ran into a perennial contender. I'm Matt Freije." But none of these players could live up to the boldness of a diminutive combo guard named "Red."Īlex Gordon invented the term "Swagger Guard" in his four years on campus. Matt Freije perfected the can't miss pick-up line "Hey. Will Perdue left his mark on campus by becoming Vandy's first and only Lottery pick. Clyde Lee was the first superstar to call Memorial Gym home. “And I got to meet Alex Gordon, and that was fun.Vanderbilt basketball has seen a lot of bold players pass through its ranks. ![]() Somewhere around that 10- or 11,000 mark.”Ĭole Gissler, an 11-year-old baseball player from Louisville, wore a smile while running around with his friends and teammates at the ceremony. Probably going to be, I am guessing, 300-500 more than 2019 so we are excited about that. Our numbers are tracking almost dead-even with 2019. “We’re actually having a great bounce-back year. “We didn’t know what to expect, frankly, but we are very happy with what is going on,” Ash said. The State Games are just one event enjoying a return to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a competition that thrives on in-person interaction to shift to a virtual show.Īfter 2020, Ash said there was uncertainty surrounding participation levels this summer. Most events kick off Saturday, though events like pickleball and volleyball began Friday. New this year are eSports and craft axe throwing. The extensive list includes some of the usual suspects – baseball, softball, fishing – and also boasts unique events such as Ninja Warrior, Adventure Race and fencing. ![]() Thousands of competitors from across the state paraded around Seacrest Field as skydivers and mascots entertained the crowd.įriday’s ceremony ushers in two weeks of competition in more than 60 events. Gordon officially began the State Games by lighting the cauldron, which gave way to a dazzling fireworks display Friday at Seacrest Field. “We’ve had Alex on our radar for a long time and we had a commitment from him a while ago that when his time came, he would do it.” “It’s always tough getting those guys that play Major League Baseball and other summer-type sports to be able to participate in something like this,” Ash said. He’s also a three-time All-Star.īut, with Gordon, a former Husker, announcing his retirement from baseball in September, the timing was finally right, says State Games director of operations Scott Ash. ![]() He’s reached legendary status in Kansas City as a front man for a run of success that culminated in a World Series title in 2015. Professional baseball has filled Gordon’s past 17 summers. But, well, he’s usually busy this time of year. Alex Gordon has long been on the radar of Cornhusker State Games officials.
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