I recently vacationed in Colorado and had a great time at the Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado.
I had a chance to spend a lot of time with the assistant coaching staff at both schools. What a treat it was for both my wife and I! It was amazing to see these beautiful campuses. Boulder, Colorado is a special place and I can see why my buddies Chris Fowler and Jay Rothman speak so highly of their time spent there.
Head basketball coach Tad Boyle was on the road, so we were given a tour of the Buffs' facilities by assistant coach Tom Abatemarco and other members of the Colorado staff. Boyle was out working diligently on recruiting, which starts this week. Assistant coaches start some of their work later so they were able to show us around and it was a great time.
Down at the Air Force Academy, assistants Dave Pilipovich, Drew Long and Captain Tom Bellairs did a terrific job, taking us on a tour of a beautiful campus where there was so much pride. I saw a big picture of one of their past stars; a future Hall of Famer named Gregg Popovich.
There was also an opportunity to meet with Lt. General Michael C. Gould, the superintendent of the academy. He couldn't be nicer as he invited my wife and I back to the school to attend a football game. There was so much pride at the Air Force Academy. I met a number of people who have served missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. My friends, these are true winners in the game of life, helping to protect and serve our great nation.
It was great meeting people at both places. You could feel the passion over the job they are doing. Abatemarco has done a super job, working relentlessly to recruit the blue chippers out in Colorado. They are excited about the eligibility of transfer Carlon Brown, who came over from Utah. He averaged over 14 points per game last season and will be able to play right away.
Colorado has also brought in a number of impact newcomers as the team begins play in the Pac-12. I ran into a Falcon player named Taylor Stewart from Lexington, Kentucky. That's right, Big Blue Country, baby! I am telling you, I was so impressed by the pride factor in Colorado Springs.
I also got a chance to share time with Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun and he is excited about the upcoming season. The Falcons won nine games last year and there is good reason for enthusiasm.
At Boulder, I also saw new football coach Jon Embree, a former NFL player and assistant coach. Embree said that he is excited to take over at his alma mater. Calhoun and Embree are back at their old schools with a great sense of passion. Their goal is to bring honor.
I had the time of my life during those two busy days in Colorado.