So – I have been subconsciously avoiding posting an article on this experience, because it will make me look like a complete fool. But, I figure – if my embarrassment can bring you a laugh or two… then its worth my humiliation. And for those who know, love, and accept me for me – you will appreciate this typical “Christen” story.
Picture this: I am boarding a flight from Denver to Indianapolis and as I am waiting to step onto the plane, I overhear the two guys in front of me discussing basketball recruits in Indiana. They were talking about how the best basketball recruits keep coming from Indiana – and you can go to other states, but the last few #1 and #2 recruits have come from Indiana. (GO HOOSIERS!) So – at this point, I am thinking… well, this guy must be the Basketball Coach for either IU or Purdue. So, I sit down at 7E and notice that one of the two guys that was boarding the plane in front of me is now sitting across the aisle from me in 7C. I think to myself: “If this guy is @ IU or Purdue, I just have to get him to write a little note to my brother who is the BIGGEST PURDUE FAN I know… and if not, well, oh well. So I scoot over a seat and kindly ask the woman in between us: “Do you mind if I talk over you for a minute?” After she agrees and sits back a few inches, I lean over and say: “Excuse me, but did I hear correctly that you are a basketball coach at IU?” He gives me a blank look. “At Purdue?” To which he responds, “Yes, I am.” Hesitantly, I continue: “Well, my brother graduated from Purdue and is a HUGE FAN, in fact, he and his wife drove two weekends in a row from HOUSTON, TX to see two Purdue Football games! Would you mind writing a short note to him, I just think he’ll get a kick out of the fact that I met you.” He agrees and takes the piece of paper that I gave him. He returns a note to my brother, I politely say “Thank you SO much! And, do you have any advice for my 14 yr. old cousin who is really into Basketball and having a rough season?” My new friend Joe replies: “Tell him to keep on keeping on.” “Thanks again,” I say as I awkwardly move back to my seat and hide my embarrassment in the book “Same Kind of Different as Me.” I inconspicuously read the note that says: “Nate, a TRUE BOILERMAKER – BOILER UP! -Joe Tiller” Now, when I finally see the name Joe Tiller, I think to myself: ” That sounds like the name of the football coach, but he didn’t correct me when I asked him if he was the Purdue basketball coach.” Puzzled, I disregard this familiar name association and continue reading my book – excited to tell my big brother that I met Joe Tiller.
When getting off the plane, I find myself again, walking side by side Joe and his wife as we are heading to the luggage claim area. Joe gives me a little wink and smile, and that’s all the encouragement I need to try again with a little more conversation: “So, do you get much free time?” He said: ” I will get A LOT of free time now.” I then say to him: ” I am going to put Purdue in the Final Four this year, I have a hunch this is their year.” He says: “Yep, they are supposed to be pretty good.” I asked: ” A lot of strong freshman and sophomores, right?” He says: “Yep.” I have replayed this next comment over and over, regretting and wishing so badly that I could take it back but instead I say: “It will be great for them to have a good season because football has been a real heart breaker!” (The little bit I do know about Purdue football is that there have been a few rough seasons the last few years) We part ways, I say ‘have a good night’ – and continue on to meet my Uncle Mike and my Mom at the arrival gate.
I am walking back to the car with them, telling them who I met on the plane – and my Uncle Mike refers to the football head coach, and I am like “OH NO!!!!!” I replay every comment I made in a new light – and with complete humiliation – share my ignorant comments! *Disclaimer: The only reason I put myself out there without full knowledge of who I was talking to was the hopes that I could humor my brother on a weekend that was very rough for our family due to the death of my Grandfather.*
I cannot believe how much I unknowingly disrespected the Purdue Football Head Coach in two brief conversations. I apologize to all passionate Purdue Football fans who would have had a much more intelligent conversation with someone so esteemed as Joe Tiller. That’s what I get for moving to Michigan after high school, attending Hope College, and following Notre Dame college football. sigh.
