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It’s Down to the Fancy Four
By Angela LentoCLICK HERE FOR EARLIER RESULTS
The day begins with eight very stylish understudies, but by day’s end there would be only four -- The Fancy Four.
THE WEST
The action began in the West region where Portland State’s Brian Loyd was getting last-minute alterations before taking the stage.
“I’m not worried at all,” said Loyd. “My gear is all fly. I just reach into my closet and pull something out. Whatever I grab will look better than Michael’s attire.”
Loyd was referring to his opponent in the ‘Excellent Eight’ UCLA’s Michael Holton.
“We’re good friends, but all that goes out the window now,” said Loyd.
The Portland State community was still buzzing following Monday’s style shocker, which saw PSU head coach Joel Sobotka knock off in-state rival Ernie Kent (Oregon).
“It was a great win,” said Sobotka. “Now I am focusing on getting to the ‘Sensational Sixteen.’ We continue to push forward to make a statement on the basketball court, but there is no question we have already made a big fashion statement in the past few weeks.”
It began with Brian Loyd cracking the assistant coach’s FPI. Soon after Joel was crowned the best-dressed coach in Big Sky. Three weeks later, Joel is poised for a run at the ‘Sensational Sixteen’ and Loyd in on the verge of a berth in the ‘Fancy Four.’
“Wins against the Pac-10 are big, but a victory today would be huge,” said Sobotka. “We’re confident that Brian will prevail.”
The contest began with Holton’s attacking style being tough for Loyd to handle. The UCLA assistant used a full-catwalk press to build a sizeable early advantage. Loyd tried to break Holton’s stride by using numerous ‘tailor timeouts.’
Holton’s classic elegance was the difference in the first half as the two coaches headed off to their respective dressing rooms. Fashion assistant Jackie Bracco caught up with Loyd as he stepped off the stage.
“It looked like he threw a few wrinkles at you in the first half,” questioned Bracco. “Do you think you can iron things out in the dressing room?”
“There is still a long ways to go,” said Loyd. “I have my tailor here so we’ll make some adjustments and come out strong in the second half.”
Whatever the tailor did sure worked well. Loyd looked sharp and quickly got right back into the contest. As the clock ticked down, Holton called timeout to re-group. The majestic momentum was definitely with Loyd.
Just a few strides from the end of the runway, Loyd stepped past Holton. The Bruins’ assistant made one last push, but it wasn’t enough. By a tie’s length, Loyd was into the ‘Fancy Four.’
THE MIDWEST
Without question, Sam Houston State’s Darby Rich has become the most popular assistant coach in America, at least in the fashion circles.
So would that be enough to get him into the ‘Fancy Four?’
Well, consider the competition. Southeast Missouri State’s Tom Schuberth has a closet that most women would be jealous of, let alone other coaches. With 70+ suits, over 35 being Armani’s, to go along with a tremendous collection of shoes, this coach is impeccable.
“Darby has had a lot of fun with the fashion power index,” said Sam Houston State head coach Bob Marlin. “He is as sharp as they come.”
Marlin, like PSU’s Sobotka, was fresh off an upset in the head coach’s field. Marlin knocked off Fordham’s Bob Hill in the opening round of ‘The Runway to the Fashionable Four.’
“The final result was even a surprise to me,” said Marlin. “Anytime you knock off an NBA guy you have to feel good.”
Sobotka’s catwalk success brought good things to the assistant’s tournament for his understudy. So would Marlin’s magic help propel Darby?
Well, Darby looked very good in the early going, matching Schuberth stride for stride. The two went deep into the second the second half with the contest still up for grabs.
The Sam Houston State camp looked concerned because despite the close score, Schuberth had yet to go deep into the closet.
As the two took the stage for the final walk, Schuberth confused Darby with a variety of different looks. He pulled out all the stops.
Darby looked super fine, but Schuberth’s closet proved to be too much.
“It was his depth that beat us,” said Marlin. “Darby had one hell of a year and no doubt he will be back.”
THE SOUTH
The mood in the South wasn’t nearly as upbeat as the other regions. The news out of Knoxville, Tennessee dampened the spirits, which was evident when Jackie Bracco caught up with one of the contestant’s head coach.
“It is really a shame to see Jerry Green have to go out like that,” said Wofford head coach Richard Johnson. “I feel bad for Byron [Samuels]. He is a excellent coach.”
“Well, it’s nice to see coaches looking out for one another,” Bracco interjected.
“Yeah, it’s too bad that now he is going to get beat by Mike Young,” barked Johnson. “Come on, Byron buys his stuff off the racks in the mall. Do you really think he can hang with the style of Mike Young? You have got to be kidding.”
Despite the circumstances, Samuels wasn’t lacking with replies.
“First of all, Richard Johnson has no business handing out fashion tips,” said Samuels. “Secondly, fine fashion in Spartanburg means having matching socks. You look sharp if your shirt doesn’t have a stain. Their idea of a gourmet dinner is the salad bar at Wendy’s.”
Ouch!
“What do you think coach Johnson,” asked Bracco.
“Think is a word that belongs to Byron,” he replied. “He ‘thinks’ he can dress well and he ‘thinks’ he has a chance to beat Mike Young. He can keep thinking, but I ‘know’ what’s going to happen on that runway and it won’t be pretty for Byron.”
Where there’s smoke there’s fire and the stage was burning up with Byron’s early game plan. Samuels dazzled the crowd and the judges and took the early lead.
But Young would not be out-done. He quickly made up the deficit and jumped into the lead.
It remained close throughout with Samuels continuing to apply the pressure, but Young was equal to every challenge. No question that Samuels was well suited for this event, but on this day Young simply had more answers.
“There hasn’t been a doubt in my mind since this tournament began that Mike Young would be a part of the Fancy Four,” said a subdued Johnson. “Byron was simply out-classed.”
And as for the victor.
“I am honored and elated,” said Young. “To be recognized by College Insider is quite a thrill.”
THE EAST
Three spots were reserved in the ‘Fancy Four’ and Marist’s Steve Sauers and Coppin State’s Stephanie Ready would hit the stage to determine the final participant.
All the stars were out led by Marist head coach Dave Magarity who was beaming with confidence following his opening round win on the head coach’s stage.
“I am very handsome,” said Magarity. “My beauty just dominated the stage, putting on quite a show. I fully expect Steve to put on quite a display today as well.”
Even Dave’s archrival Jeff Ruland showed up to give his support.
“We are adversaries, but Steve is still a fellow MAAC coach,” said Ruland. “As for Magarity, well he has no shot at moving forward on the other stage. I, on the other hand, am looking forward to my matchup with my good friend Tim Welsh. It will be tough, but I will put my wardrobe against him any day. Somebody should just tell Dave to be happy with his one win.”
And Dave’s response?
“Tell Ruland to meet me in the dressing room. Close the door and we’ll see who comes out unscathed. I’ll rip the shark-skinned suit right off his back.”
Needless to say, the Marist corner wasn’t lacking with confidence. In the other corner, the usually flamboyant and quotable Fang Mitchell was rather quiet as his assistant prepared for her runway performance.
Interestingly enough, among the notables in the Coppin State crowd was College Insider.Com’s Editor & Chief Joe Dwyer.
“I am a little disappointed to see Joey openly supporting Stephanie Ready,” said Magarity. “I have always thought of Joey as being a solid guy, but this puzzles me. I thought the College Insider brass wasn’t going to show favoritism. I am appalled.”
Dwyer, Fang and the rest of the Coppin State contingent applauded as Stephanie wowed the crowd with her skirt and blouse approach. The entire crowd quickly sided with coach Ready.
Sauers went with to the vest-look to close the gap, but Ready left the stage, at the halfway point, with the lead.
“How do you feel coach,” asked Bracco.
“I feel great,” replied Sauers. “I have the powerful force of coach Magarity behind me so we will make some adjustments and come out strong in the second half.”
In the second half, coach Ready continued to go with different looks, which kept Sauers off balance. With time winding down, Ready had a seemingly insurmountable lead. That’s when Magarity called timeout, on Steve’s behalf.
But rather than confer with Sauers he strolled over the Coppin State camp and struck up a conversation with Dwyer. After a brief exchange, Magarity returned to his corner and gave Sauers thumbs up.
Whatever Magarity said worked.
Sauers stormed back to take the lead and Fang leaped up calling for a ‘tailor timeout.’ Only a few strides remained on the runway. Only a few strides separated Sauers from a berth in the ‘Fancy Four.’
As Fang conferred with his lovely assistant, Magarity peered over to Dwyer as if to reinforce their previous conversation.
Whatever it was, it worked.
Sauers came out of the break and finished off in style, edging the Coppin State assistant.
“Coach Magarity, what did you say to Dwyer? It seemed to change the events on the runway,” questioned Bracco.
“I just went over and said hello,” replied Magarity.
“So you didn’t influence his opinion?”
“Not at all,” he said. “I am just as shocked as everyone else as to the outcome.”
Bracco caught up with Dwyer as he was leaving.
“Second to Angela Lento, coach Ready is the best-looking woman in college basketball,” said Dwyer.
“What did coach Magarity say to you,” asked Bracco.
“Oh, he mumbled something about size and girth,” laughed Dwyer. “I don’t get involved in the fashion frenzy created by Angela, but with coach Ready and Jennifer Johnston (Oakland) being among the competitors I took interest. The final decisions lie with Angela. I simply expressed my opinion.”
The ‘Fancy Four’ is set. Brian Loyd (Portland State), Steve Sauers (Marist), Tom Schuberth (Southeast Missouri State) and Mike Young (Wofford) would hit the catwalk again on March 22nd.
March 22: Field reduced to ‘Trendy Two’
March 26: Best-Dressed Assistant Coach is announced.
EAST
Steve Sauers (Marist) defeated Stephanie Ready (Coppin State)Note that Hofstra's Tom Pecora has been replaced Iona's Rob O'Driscoll.
Steve Sauers (Marist) defeated Rob O'Driscoll (Iona)
Stephanie Ready (Coppin State) defeated Mike Jarvis II (St. John’s)
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
Brian Loyd (Portland State) defeated Michael Holton (UCLA)
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) defeated 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) defeated 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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