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America’s Best-Dressed Coach
By Angela LentoWhat a year it has been for all the stylish coaches. The fashion craze has been picked up by dozens of media outlets across the country. Newspapers from ‘The Dallas Morning News’ to ‘The Village Voice’ covered the action. ESPN and Fox Sports Net gave it run on the tube, while countless sports talk shows discussed ‘The Runway to the Fashionable Four’ throughout the season.
What began last November would come to an end on this evening and everyone was interested to see who would be crowned America’s Best-Dressed coach.
ESPN’s Rece Davis was on hand and was very happy to see that Alabama’s Mark Gottfried had gotten so much attention this season.
“His tailor emailed me to make sure I knew that Mark [Gottfried] was moving up in the FPI,” said Davis. “This was a great idea. I had a lot of fun following it.”
Fox Sports’ Kevin Frazier was busy with his Final Four duties, but was still interested to see the final results.
“I spoke to a few coaches about College Insider fashion craze, during the season, and I couldn’t believe how much interest they had taken in the project,” said Frazier. “It was a great concept. I have really enjoyed it.”
While Davis was sporting ‘Brooks Brothers’ attire, Frazier was decked out in ‘Valentino’ apparel. Frazier’s personal tailor was even in attendance for the grand finale.
“I am a custom suit designer that travels to the home or office for the busy professional,” said Gail Lawson of Brisk Wind Designs. “My specialty is my ability to satisfy the everyday professional that does not have time to visit a tailor shop or boutique. At all times I carry 100% wool fabric swatches and measure for a nice fitting custom made suit.”
Former Wagner coach Tim Capstraw, who is now also a member of the media, was glad to see what he started four years ago had grown to such grand proportions.
“Coaches love it,” said Capstraw who brainstormed the best-dressed coach concept four years ago.
Following his brief statement, Capstraw strolled off to chat with Jackie Bracco and the Editor & Chief.
MAAC Assistant Commissioner Shawn Brennan was also among the notables.
“Everyone in the MAAC office had a blast with the fashion power index,” said Brennan. “I spoke with [Dave] Magarity the other day and he told me that he was doing a photo shoot for ‘L.L. Bean’ so it’s created opportunities for coaches.”
And of course, Magarity had a few words regarding the event.
“Obviously it should be me that is competing in this best-dressed championship match,” he said. “Next season I am going to lobby for a separate division for big men. We can’t compete with stylish guys like Melvin Watkins and pretty boys like Bruiser. If we create a separate bracket for men of size and girth, there is no question that I would make it through to the fashionable four.”
Maine’s John Giannini, who lost to Texas A&M’s Melvin Watkins was clearly pulling for the stylish Aggie.
“If he wins then I can say I lost to the eventual champion,” said Giannini who looked very sporty. “I love Bruiser, but there is something to be said for losing to the champ.”
The crowd continued to grow with the fashion finale getting ready to begin. East Tennessee State’s Tom Conrad was holding court near the ‘Miller Genuine Draft’ tent, while Cincinnati’s Bob Huggins was talking shop with the Editor & Chief Joe Dwyer.
“Joe knows who should be No. 1,” said Huggins who lost to Bruiser in the semi-finals.
Campbell’s Billy Lee, who stunned Tubby Smith to advance to the ‘Sensational Sixteen,’ offered up some thoughts as well.
“I found Tubby on the elevator and reminded him that I had knocked him off the runway,” he said. “I told him that the more stylish guy won.”
So what about the two finalists?
“Melvin and Bruiser are two pretty nifty guys,” said Lee. “I’d be hard pressed to pick a winner.”
But others did make predictions.
“Bru has to be the favorite,” said Wright State’s Ed Schilling who lost to Flint in the East Regional Final. “I mean look at him. He looks good when he is out for a jog. There can’t be a more classy dresser in America than Bru.”
Schilling was right. Bruiser had strutted in earlier in a cashmere coat.
“Melvin is a pretty stylish guy,” said Rice coach Willis Wilson who lost to Watkins in the semi-finals. “He’s going to be tough to beat.”
Sam Houston State assistant Darby Rich agreed.
“Melvin has a great wardrobe,” Rich said. “He always looks sharp, but Bruiser is always looking trendy too. It’s going to be one hell of a contest.”
“I agree with Darby,” said Southeast Missouri State assistant Tom Schuberth. “Both guys have a great line of clothing. I am looking forward to seeing who wins.”
So who would be crowned as America’s Best-Dressed coach? Well, lets get to the introductions.
“First of all, I’d like to say that I should be competing on this stage today,” said master of ceremonies Dave Magarity. “As for the two finalists, first let me introduce the former head coach at UMass Bruiser Flint. His opponent, the head coach at Texas A&M Melvin Watkins. Let the competition begin.”
Thank you Dave.
As the curtain opened, Watkins went with his patent four-point handkerchief, which made him the runaway winner in the Big 12.
Flint, who was all smiles at the thought of a free weekend in New York City, countered with a variety of very trendy sport coats. His wide range of colors broke the thread lock and put him into the lead.
Watkins countered with a very elegant suit and tie approach, but, once again, Flint was up to the task with a very chic ‘Canali’ suit.
At the half, Flint led Watkins by an inseam.
“I’m halfway there,” said Flint. “I am gonna break out everything today. There is no tomorrow so I’ll sport it all.”
During the intermission, coaches searched for better seating, while the ‘MGD’ crew stepped up to one of the many mock bars in the lobby of the Minneapolis Hilton.
Fang Mitchell and John Chaney wandered in to catch of view of the second half.
“Bruiser’s looking good,” said Fang. “He should. My wife taught him everything he knows about fashion.”
Coach Chaney had some comments as well, but the seven-second delay wasn’t functioning so we were unable to use his quotes.
Kent State’s Gary Waters talked baseball with the Editor & Chief. Gary was of the opinion that the Boston Red Sox looked good for 2001, but Dwyer laughed and said ‘we’ll wait and see.’
Baylor assistant Brian O’Neill popped his head to say hello and thanks for all the attention he had gotten from the FPI during the season. That was awful nice of coach O’Neill. Too bad the same couldn’t be said for Portland State understudy Brian Loyd who did not even bother to return Jackie’s call. Shame on you coach!
Loyd’s boss, Joel Sobotka looked very chic. The Portland State head coach was among the best dressed for the event.
“I want to build on my success from this year’s runway,” said Joel. “Making the ‘Sensational Sixteen’ was tremendous.”
The combination of Sobotka and Loyd notched more victories on the runway than any other tandem this season, with Sobotka getting to the ‘Sensational Sixteen’ and Loyd making it to the ‘Fancy Four’ for assistant coaches.
Like Loyd, the champion of the understudy class was also a no-show. Wofford’s Mike Young had promised to make an appearance for the fashion finale, but was nowhere to be found. Rumor has it he was shopping at the ‘Mall of America.’
Somewhere, among the four levels of the mall, Young may have bumped into Bruiser Flint, who did some pre-fashionable final purchasing. He was evasive when asked about what he picked up, but it was clear from his first half performance that he made some good buys.
But despite his spending spree, Flint’s lead was not secure by any stretch.
“All of the attention has been great,” said Watkins as he emerged from his dressing room. “It’s not going to be easy, but I will give it my best shot.”
Watkins opened the second half sporting a classic and elegant look. He quickly gained points with the judges. Flint looked as though he would offset Watkins move with a few of his own, but the former UMass coach committed a fashion foul.
The usually meticulous Flint, uncharacteristically forgot to tie one of his shoes. Perhaps he was feeling the pressure.
Watkins seized the opportunity to jump to the lead.
The two exchanged striking poses on the catwalk, but Watkins continued to maintain the lead. Just two strolls down the runway remained and Watkins was looking awful good.
Flint opted for his final tailor timeout. Ed Schilling and Memphis coach John Calipari joined the huddle to give him some advice.
Watkins had to be cautiously optimistic because Flint had yet to sport his fly blue Canali suit.
The Aggie mentor had to be looking for Bru to go blue, out of the timeout, but Flint crossed him up and broke out a brown Canali instead.
Watkins wasn’t prepared for this, but he also got some help during the timeout from a fashion maven.
Defending National Champion Sal Metesana had dished an assist to Watkins, letting him borrow his classic cashmere socks.
Watkins waited until they were just a few paces from the end of the runway before he tugged at his pants to display the legendary socks.
It appeared all, but over as the two fashion finalists took their final steps.
As the Aggie supporters rose to their feet in celebration, Flint showed off his terrific smile and caught Watkins at the end of the runway.
Overtime.
Or was it?
Flint’s smile began to light up the room as he struck his final pose. He gave a tug on his trousers and a tug on his sport coat exposing his own cashmere socks and a stylish set of cuff links.
And then he spoke.
“Forget about Disney World, I’m going to the Big Apple,” said Flint.
James “Bruiser Flint” had captured the crown of America’s Best-Dressed Coach, for 2001.
Be sure to listen to Angela Lento talk fashion on the 'Adam Paul Show' at 2:30 (EST) every Friday.
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(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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