TOMMY TOWN

There are times when you're headed to a press conference hoping you can ask a question of merit and the person(s) at the podium will respond with content worthy of sharing with even the least interested of fans. We all have a job to do and we don't always bring our A game if our honest self takes over. And then you have someone at the mic you consider the blueprint. I am happy to nominate Tommy Tuberville without hesitation. One question in his direction yields ample content for daily, weekly and season long usage. Ask a direct question get a direct answer; even more if you listen. Want to know about expectations, players, stadium, supporters? Stick around because Coach Tubervile will oblige and complete with no short curt answers either. He is affable, honest and sincere; I don't recall someone at a press conference delaying his start to accommodate a late arriving media team so they can set up their equipment ensuring they don't miss. If I never give another example that surely speaks loudly enough to quiet any critic.

I don't know if it comes from time spent in a mega conference like the SEC, or it's just his persona and comfort level that allows him to understands everyone's role in this process. Go to the original Montgomery Inn for his coaches show and there he is speaking to nearly everyone in attendance and as Tom Gregory says: As good as anyone we've ever had come through here when it comes to interacting with our customers.

All I can say is he gets it. His role as coach and ambassador is one in the same; if you stick around long enough he will thank you. Somewhere on the landscape of Bearcat Football, he is convinced you're a part of their success or given a chance you soon will be. How's that for a sound bite?

NIPPERT ON STERIODS
I had a chance to view the final touches being put on Nippert Stadium and it is so well done I can hardly remember how it used to look but I'll never forget the cramped feeling. UC has really presented Nippert as a major college worthy stadium with these upgrades and the boxes, press room and club seat areas are really up to date and offer great site lines. I was standing in a suite area near the ten yard line and it was fantastic. As I've said before when you're watching football you want a view from on high to see formation and all 22 players moving in unison creating one play after another. So no matter where you buy a seat, you will be happy at that level when you combine the view and amenities.

THE BEST IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
One additional sports reward you have for living in Greater Cincinnati is High School Football. We are not only home to national and perennial powers like Moeller, Highlands and St. X but over the years teams like Colerain, Elder, Princeton and others have made represented us well come playoff time. The number of players who have ascended to division one college teams is staggering and yes we have plenty who made it the to summit of football, the NFL and played very well. What is the secret to the success of High School Football? I say competition, coaching and legacy. While Princeton is certainly rebuilding and others are regrouping there is still no denying that college coaches know every road that leads to Cincinnati because when you find a player here, you find someone who typically can compete at the next level no matter the competition. It you ever need proof just stick around for signing days and you'll agree that while Texas, California, Florida and Pennsylvania are considered hot beds, Ohio has Heisman Trophy Winners, All Pros and Hall of Famers. And yes to just rub it in, the Pro Football Hall of Fame resides here too; I mean Football and Ohio are synonymous in the eyes of many; too many to name. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller