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Fashion Fair – The 'Excellent Eight'
By Angela LentoCLICK HERE FOR FIRST ROUND RESULTS
When we left off the catwalk following the opening round we had 16 assistants moving on to the ‘Sexy Sixteen.’ For the most part the action on the catwalk went off without incident.
For the most part!
THE EAST
Hmmm -- I wonder if Jeff Ruland (pictured) is still waiting for coach Magarity?
The Iona coach was bothered by the fact that none of his assistants had advanced to the field of 32. Furthermore, he was outraged that Marist had two entries in the field.
Ruland and his staff stormed into the East Regional and demanded reevaluation. The presence of the Gaels coaching staff shook up Marist assistant Eugene Burroughs who would fall to Hofstra’s Tom Pecora.
As the crowd began empty, Ruland made it clear that he was going nowhere. He vowed to wait for Magarity to return. He also announced that he would be holding a press conference prior to the start of the action on the runway on Friday.
As Marist’s Steve Sauers prepared to take the stage for his ‘Sexy Sixteen’ matchup with Pecora, Ruland stepped up to the podium and took control.
“First of all I want to say that it is a joke that ‘Mr. Tan’ is considered one of the best-dressers in the nation. That is one of the worst three-piece suits I have ever seen. I mean come on. His vest is way too short. It looks like a belly shirt. He should have been in that movie ‘Coyote Ugly.’ This poster boy for ‘Sears’ has no business advancing this far.”
So was this just going to be a Steve Sauers bashing?
“While I am appalled that Sauers has gotten this far my real reason for calling this press conference is to announce the unfortunate circumstances surrounding today’s scheduled showdown on the runway. I have learned that Hofstra’s Tom Pecora will not be able to attend. It’s really a shame. Apparently something happened to his entire wardrobe last night. However, we are fortunate to have a very deserving replacement that happened to be in the neighborhood. Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to, Steve Sauers opponent today, Rob O’Driscoll. Does anyone have any objections?”
The Hofstra contingent was obviously disturbed, but nobody stepped up to challenge Ruland’s ruling. Instead, the Hofstra fans filed out and headed back to Hempstead, New York for the America East title game against Delaware.
As O’Driscoll stepped onto the stage to face Sauers there was still no sign of Magarity.
“Magarity won’t show up,” barked Ruland. “He’s out somewhere working out. Dave is a great guy, but he is a little chubby.”
Hmmm -- I wonder where coach Magarity is?
We will return to the runway action in the East a little later.
THE WEST
In the West Region things were a little more subdued.
Baylor’s Brian O’Neill, fresh off an upset of Texas A&M’s Lew Hill, had his hands full with Portland State’s Brian Loyd (pictured).
O’Neill showed the versatility in his game by confusing Loyd with various looks. He managed to get within a tie’s length, but Loyd had a little more in his closet arsenal and pulled away down the catwalk.
“It was a great run,” said O’Neill. “It was great to be part of the field and I hope to be back next season.”
You couldn’t blame O’Neill who spent all of his time preparing for Baylor’s quarterfinal contest in the Big 12 tournament, after the Bears knocked off Colorado in round one.
Loyd’s opponent in the ‘Excellent Eight’ would be UCLA’s Michael Holton who stormed back to upend Georgetown’s Ronny Thompson.
“I’m excited,” said Loyd. “Facing UCLA is a great opportunity. I wish we were still playing on the court and I am working hard on the recruiting trail, but while I am looking for players I will see if I can land a big-time suit as well.”
THE EAST
Still no sign of Magarity.
THE MIDWEST
It was over early in the opening act of the ‘Sexy Sixteen.’ Southeast Missouri State’s Tom Schuberth (pictured) got 36 from Armani and strolled right past Xavier’s Jeff Battle.
The Fashion Fair has really been great and a lot of fun,” Schuberth said in the post runway press conference. “I want to thank Angela and Jackie for allowing us coaches to have some fun in a hectic time of year. I should have known that two lovely Italian ladies would know all about fashion.”
Hmmm -- Do you think Mr. Schuberth is saying all the right things or what? It’s not ‘coach speak’ it’s ‘chic speak.’
Schuberth settled in to see who his opponent would be, as Oakland’s Jennifer Johnston and Sam Houston State’s Darby Rich stepped into the spotlight.
Talk about a contrast in styles.
The crowd was clearly divided. The men applauded loudly as coach Johnson finished up her walk on the stage and the women were in a frenzy as dashing Darby struck a pose.
When the announcement of the winner was made the women stormed the stage in approval. It was a wild scene and Darby was forced to skip the press conference and scramble out of the building.
While Darby was being chased, Johnson addressed the media.
“It’s been a lot of fun. I was teased quite a bit throughout the season, but it was worth it. This was quite an honor. In this business it’s very important to look professional and carry yourself as a professional. The way you present yourself is very important.”
The very attractive and classy coach Johnson will undoubtedly be back to challenge the men again next season.
THE EAST
Sources close to Magarity have indicated that he is on his way to the arena, but we have not yet been able to confirm that.
THE SOUTH
Quite a crowd gathered for the action on the catwalk. St. Joseph’s assistant Monte Ross, who was beaten in the opening round by UMES assistant James Wilhelmi, was on hand to support the coach who had beaten him.
"I have to thank my tailor, Victor at Wayne Edwards,” said Ross. “He is busy making me some ‘special’ suits, which will guarantee a spot in the final FPI."
Ross grabbed a seat for the opening catwalk contest between Wilhelmi and Tennessee’s Byron Samuels. As Samuels got ready to step onto the stage there was an outburst from the front row.
“What’s this,” yelled Wofford head coach Richard Johnson. “He’s got no business being here. Byron buys his clothes at the mall. You have got to be kidding.”
Johnson was asked to refrain from further heckles until after the event was over.
Samuels wasn’t disturbed at all by the comments and put on quite a display. He earned bonus points for not be distracted despite the flurry of signs being held up by Johnson and others, which read ‘Buys his suits in the mall.’
Wilhelmi, a real emerging star, had the support of the crowd, but it wasn’t enough as Samuels was literally one step ahead at the end of the runway.
Next up, Wofford assistant Mike Young and George Mason’s Mike Gillian (pictured above).
Gillian looked sporty and confident, but like Samuels, had to endure the wrath of Richard Johnson.
Gillian did a nice job of stepping past the remarks being fired off by Johnson. His sporty look wowed the judges and he built an early lead. Young fought back with some impressive threads, but continued to trail just a few strides from the end of the catwalk.
It looked as though one of the biggest upsets on the runway was imminent, but Young switched to a spiffy new pair of shoes, giving him that extra step and he caught Gillian at the end of catwalk.
It was the first contest to go to overtime.
Gillian switched it up with the forest green shirt, matching tie and black suit. Johnson signaled for a tidy timeout to confer with his assistant who was starting to look a little wrinkled.
The timeout strategy worked. Young had literally ironed out the problems. The two contestants were headed to a second overtime.
In the second extra walk off, Young unleashed a barrage of ties and Gillian struggled to find an answer. It was a valiant effort, but Young’s closet proved to be much deeper. An exhausted Gillian stepped off the stage and congratulated his opponent. Mike Young had survived.
“There was never any doubt in my mind,” said Johnson. “I knew Mike would prevail. Mike pays particular attention to his appearance and is committed to the pursuit of excellence.”
Gillian thanked the George Mason fans for supporting him all season and vowed to return in 2002 with a vengeance.
For Young, it was onto the ‘Excellent Eight’ and a matchup with Byron Samuels.
“For Byron to beat Mike would be an upset of unimaginable proportions,” said a confident Johnson. “It would be like the All-Americans of the 1950's competing with the star performers of today. They would have no shot and neither does Byron. Heck, Byron isn't even the best-dressed guy on his own staff. It will be no contest.”
Even the usually reserved Samuels could not resist the temptation to fire back.
“I know that I am a much better dresser than Mike. It’s been a nice run for him, but it is about to come to an end.”
Byron had some support from fellow coaches as well. East Tennessee State assistant Tom Conrad chimed in.
“Mike Young? Come on! He isn't dressed for the FPI. He looks like he's dressed for the FBI. All he needs is an earpiece and some shades. All those guys at Wofford like that yuppie look.”
Young responded in true style.
“I am honored and elated. My appearance and clothing have always been very important to me. To be recognized by College Insider is truly an honor.”
THE EAST
Still no Magarity. The East Regional action has been put on hold until later today. Steve Sauers, Rob O’Driscoll, Stephanie Ready and Mike Jarvis II will return to the stage on Friday evening.
Here is the schedule of events and the updated brackets:
March 9: The East Regional will get underway at approximately 4:00 (EST)
March 20: Field reduced to ‘Fancy Four’
March 22: Field reduced to ‘Trendy Two’
March 26: Best-Dressed Assistant Coach is announced.
EAST
Contests to be decided later today. Note that Hofstra's Tom Pecora has been replaced Iona's Rob O'Driscoll.
Steve Sauers (Marist) vs. Tom Pecora (Hofstra)
Mike Jarvis II (St. John’s) vs. Stephanie Ready (Coppin State)
Steve Sauers (Marist) defeated Keith Bike (Sacred Heart)
Tom Pecora (Hofstra) defeated Eugene Burroughs (Marist)
Stephanie Ready (Coppin State) defeated Bobby Collins (Hampton)
Mike Jarvis II (St. John’s) defeated Garland Mance (Kent State)
WEST
Michael Holton (UCLA) vs. Brian Loyd (Portland State)
Michael Holton (UCLA) defeated Ronny Thompson (Georgetown)
Brian Loyd (Portland State) defeated Brian O’Neill (Baylor)
Ronny Thompson (Georgetown) defeated Rob Jeter (UW-Milwaukee)
Michael Holton (UCLA) defeated Cameron Dollar (Saint Louis)
Brian O’Neill (Baylor) defeated Lew Hill (Texas A&M)
Brian Loyd (Portland State) defeated Bobby Kummer (Texas A&M)
MIDWEST
Tom Schuberth (SE Missouri State) vs. Darby Rich (Sam Houston State)
Tom Schuberth (SE Missouri State) defeated Jeff Battle (Xavier)
Darby Rich (Sam Houston State) defeated Jennifer Johnston (Oakland)
Tom Schuberth (SE Missouri State) defeated James Stafford (Duquesne)
Jeff Battle (Xavier) defeated Keith LeGree (Cincinnati)
Jennifer Johnston (Oakland) defeated Scott Drew (Valparaiso)
Darby Rich (Sam Houston State) defeated Darren Savino (New Mexico)
SOUTH
Mike Young (Wofford) vs. Byron Samuels (Tennessee)
Mike Young (Wofford) defeated Mike Gillian (George Mason)
Byron Samuels (Tennessee) defeated James Wilhelmi (Maryland-E.S.)
Mike Young (Wofford) defeated Jay Hickson (Campbell)
Mike Gillian (George Mason) defeated Rodney Terry (NC-Wilmington)
James Wilhelmi (Maryland-E.S.) defeated Monte Ross (St. Joseph’s)
Byron Samuels (Tennessee) defeated Alvin Williamson (Tulane)
Note: The 32-Assistant Coach field was selected among the 100 plus under studies, which were nominated by their head coach or sports information director. In order to be considered an assistant MUST have met that criteria.
(Head Coach: 3-8-2002) 1. Bruiser Flint
2. John Calipari
3. Gary Waters
4. Willis Wilson
5. Jay Wright
6. Paul Graham
7. Tubby Smith
8. Rick Pitino
9. Melvin Watkins
10.Mike JarvisPlaying Catch with Satchel Paige
The Captivating Conference Champions
Coach Brent Encourages Players to Build Professional Look
The Renaissance Man and Wrestling Alligators
Coaches Give Fashion Statements on Coaches
A Look at New Jersey's Stylish Coaches
Feb 4 FPI: John Calipari Remains No. 1
Sideline Style Poll is Clothes Call
Being No. 1 Suits Rutgers' Gary Waters Just Fine
Jan 21 FPI: John Calipari Tops Fashion Power Index
Carter, Felton, Lutz and Scruggs Combine Coaching and Style
Terry Gets Rave Reviews in North Carolina
Jan 7 FPI: Gary Waters Tops Fashion Power Index
Though Styles Differ, Smith and Pitino at Top of Their Game
December FPI: Georgetown and Drexel Top The Lists
Jesse "The Body" Ventura and a Kid at Delaware
Musical Talent in Kansas and Wyoming
The FPI, The Natural and a 7-Footer from Wal-Mart
Pennsylvania: America’s Most Stylish State
In Search of Bigfoot with Dale Brown
Auctioning off Auburn coach Cliff Ellis
UCLA's Steve Lavin Talks Fashion
John Feinstein Plugs Fashionable Four
(Assistant: 3-8-2002) 1. Wayne Brent
2. Gary Stewart
3. Steve Sauers
4. Ronny Thompson
5. Tony Jones
6. Patrick Sellers
7. Reggie Hanson
8. Lew Hill
9. Tom Schuberth
10.Jennifer Johnston
AMERICA EAST:
Tom Brennan
ATLANTIC COAST:
Skip Prosser
ATLANTIC SUN:
Don Maestri
ATLANTIC 10:
Bob Hill
BIG EAST:
Gary Waters
BIG SKY:
Joel Sobotka
BIG SOUTH:
Pete Strickland
BIG TEN:
Jerry Dunn
BIG 12:
Melvin Watkins
BIG WEST:
Kevin Bromley
COLONIAL:
Bruiser Flint
CONFERENCE-USA:
John Calipari
HORIZON:
Ed Schilling
IVY LEAGUE:
James Jones
METRO ATLANTIC:
Don Harnum
MID-AMERICAN:
Stan Joplin
MID-CONTINENT:
Homer Drew
MID-EASTERN:
Cy Alexander
MISSOURI VALLEY:
Barry Hinson
MOUNTAIN WEST:
Charlie Spoonhour
NORTHEAST:
Bobby Jones
OHIO VALLEY:
Kyle Macy
PACIFIC-10:
Paul Graham
PATRIOT LEAGUE:
Sal Mentesana
SOUTHEASTERN:
Tubby Smith
SOUTHERN:
Bob McKillop
SOUHTLAND:
Mike Deane
SOUTHWESTERN:
Lafayette Stribbling
SUN BELT:
Dennis Felton
WEST COAST:
Michael Holton
WESTERN ATHLETIC
Willis Wilson
Take a stroll down last season's Runway to the Fashionable Four
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