I can’t begin to tell you how honored I was to be on the USS Carl Vinson last weekend to broadcast North Carolina versus Michigan State in the Carrier Classic on Westwood One Sports. Just walking up the four flights of stairs to the flight deck was an experience. I guess I never realized the massiveness of an aircraft carrier.
What I also didn’t anticipate was the rush I would get walking out on the deck to the sounds of the Navy Band and listening to the tribute paid to the troops by President Obama. I’ve seen many flags lowered, but when they interrupted the game, with the sun setting on the bay and the troops at attention, the moment was very special.
I was not only in awe of all the day provided, but also extremely proud of the community pulling off such an amazing event. Coach Izzo said it best when he said, “I’m not only playing the top team in the country, but I’m involved with the top team in the world,” in reference to the U.S. Military.
And how about Tom Izzo? He starts the season in San Diego and then heads to Madison Square Garden to play Duke. Izzo has never been afraid to play the best and has developed an elite program as a result.
Speaking of Duke, congratulations to Coach K for making history. Does anyone remember that he started out 13-29 in the ACC in his first three years at Duke? Good thing the administration hung with the future Hall of Famer.
– Bill Frieder
Bill Frieder is an analyst for Westwood One’s coverage of NCAA Basketball. In his weekly blog Boxed Out, Bill scours the box scores to bring you interesting stories from the world of college basketball.
More From the Carrier Classic
Postgame Interviews: Coaches Thad Matta and Buzz Williams and more
After the cancellation of the 2012 Carrier Classic game between Marquette and Ohio State, due to condensation on the court, our Debbie Antonelli had a chance to speak with Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta and Golden Eagles… Read More »
PHOTO GALLERY: The 2012 Carrier Classic
[nggallery id=14] Check out these images from the 2012 Carrier Classic. Read More »
Carrier Classic Highlights: Notre Dame 57 – Ohio State 51
CHARLESTON, SC — In the first women’s college basketball game ever played on an aircraft carrier, Notre Dame defeated Ohio State 57-51 aboard the USS Yorktown. Natalie Achonwa scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Irish, while Kayla McBride added 16 points in the victory. Tayler Hill led… Read More »
Danielle Green’s Interview with Debbie Antonelli
CHARLESTON, SC — Former Notre Dame basketball player Danielle Green, who lost part of her left arm in a combat injury in 2004 while on duty in Iraq, was on hand at Friday’s Carrier Classic. At halftime of the game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, our Debbie Antonelli had… Read More »
Carrier Classic Interviews: Thad Matta and Buzz Williams with Bill Frieder
Ohio State and Marquette tip off the 2012 NCAA Basketball season tonight on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown in Charleston, South Carolina in the 2012 Carrier Classic. Ahead of the game, our Bill Frieder had a chance to speak with the head coaches of the Buckeyes and the… Read More »
PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Carrier Classic Practices
[nggallery id=13] Check out these images from practice day at the 2012 Carrier Classic. Read More »
Full Interview: President Obama at the Carrier Classic
The President discussed the Penn State scandal, Veterans Day, payment to NCAA student-athletes and much more...
Boxed Out: Bill Frieder on the Carrier Classic and Coach K
I can’t begin to tell you how honored I was to be on the USS Carl Vinson last weekend to broadcast North Carolina versus Michigan State in the Carrier Classic on Westwood One Sports. Just walking up the four flights of stairs to the flight deck was an experience. I… Read More »
