Dean's List - Fractured Fairy Tales from Bobcat History

It's been a minute, but we are back. We have managed to pull the legendary Dean Alexander off of the golf course long enough to wax poetic about one of the great traditions in college football -- The Money Game. From the joys of the State Patrol leading the team busses through the throngs of Gator fans to the famed swamp, to the puzzling experience of the State Patrol leading the team busses through the completely empty streets of Lawrence, Kansas, Deano and I chat about some of the all time beauties agains the so-called big boys...But The Money Game knife cuts both ways, so if Danny Woodhead's name still triggers horrible nightmares, or you happened to suit up for the Eastern Oregon Mounties back in the day, you've been warned. 

We appreciate your patience as we have been working to get back in the flow of things, and are glad to be back in the saddle. So enjoy some memories, and I'll leave it for you to decide if Dean was hurt more by Earle Bruce big-timing him in Ft. Collins, or Gary Peterson replacing him with a more talented accomplice in Hawaii.

ka

The year was 1980. Or maybe 1981. It's a bit blurry to be honest. 

But it seemed like the perfect time to pack 26 sportswriters, television reporters, and radio broadcasters on to a semi-retired Convair 440 for a whirlwind tour of Big Sky Conference spring football camps. With stops in Flagstaff, Ogden, Pocatello, Moscow, Bozeman, Missoula, Boise and a grand finale - kind of - in Reno, the itinerary promised adventure, excitement and unfettered access to players and coaches. 

Unfortunately, reality came with a barf bag. This is the short but glorious tale of the singular Big Sky Conference Sky Writers' Tour, as told by Dean Alexander. So buckle up. Stow away your tray tables and return your seat backs to their original upright and locked positions.

Then sit back and enjoy an unforgettable ride on the Vomit Comet...

KA 

After a bit of delay, it's storytime again with Hall of Fame broadcaster Dean Alexander. With the voice of an angel, but the mustache of an '80s TV cop, Deano makes takes us on a spirited trip through his history as a baskeball recruiter, including checking out some prospects already committed to play for Uncle Sam. 

With spring practice on hold, you can get your Bobcat football fix with tales of Blue/Gold games that literally shut down the highway. And if spring football isn't your bag, can I interest you in an Alumni Football Game? Don't miss a Nevada-Reno spring squad talented enough to finish runner up to itself, and an introduction to the legandary Vomit Comet...

Thanks, as always, and stay safe.

ka

As we all shelter indoors, Deano reminds us that staying in the house is probably still cozier than cramming into a rented 1974 station wagon with an entire basketball team, their luggage, and Hank Anderson's nickel cigars. 

In Episode 3 we discuss a long line of Bobcat basketball coaches, as well as revisit some of the sideline luminaries who got their start in the Big Sky. Dean gives us a front-row seat for some of the league's finest sideline tantrums, and a memorable night for a Portland opera diva.

By request we discuss some of the finest hairstyles in Bobcat hoops history, Dr. Doom's sweet ride, and Jeff Riggs' pet pig. Download for the Yakov Smirnoff cameo, and stick around to hear about my nearly 80-year old dad beating up a rock star.

Dean and I appreciate every download, and if you have half as much fun listening to it as we do recording it then it will have been well worth your while.

Stay safe...

ka

Dean and I are incredibly grateful that so many of you took the time to download and (hopefully) enjoy our debut episode, and are more than happy to help fill the void as we all adjust to this new reality without any live sporting events. We can carry you for 45 minutes, but the other 23 hours and 15 minutes you are on your own.

This week Dean runs down his many broadcast partners through the years, has a far more productive recruiting visit with Craig Kilborn than he did with Krysco, and details some of the wildest places he ever called a game. We have trap doors in Moscow, New Year's Eve with The Coasters, Bethel Debman joining the Idaho State band, and Harry Heinekin making friends in Flagstaff.

Oh, and at the end of the conversations we are reminded that Dean's career nearly ended in a knife fight. At practice.

So wash your hands and take your mind off of everything you're dealing with for 45 minutes of prime Deano storytelling.

And, again, thank you from both of us.

KA

In 1973 three things arrived in Bozeman, Montana: Dean Alexander, a months-old Kris Atteberry, and Reno H. Sales Stadium. One has had some work done and looks better than ever, one is an icon, and the otheris struggling to figure out how to work these interwebs. You can figure out which one is which. Hopefully.  

Inspired by the recent Hall of Fame induction at Montana State and the upcoming Big Sky Conference Tournament in Boise, we cover every thing from the early days of the tournament to Larry Krystowiak's Bobcat recruiting visit. Low-flying aircraft, to the Cats losing in Portland, but one of them winning a Bowflex machine. Come for the surpise trip to the Palouse Empire Mall, but stay for the Streisand tunes.  And once and for all, find out what the Boise State student section really thought of Jeff Epperly...

Deano is a treasure. I've been priveleged to share conversations like this with him for years, and I'm thrilled to finally put them in a permanent archive. We hope you enjoy...

KA