Curry roasts players at banquet

By Greg Doddridge
Staff Writer

The Purdue Women's Basketball Tipoff Dinner had the appearance of a New York Friars' Club Roast when coach Kristy Curry individually introduced the 11 Boilermakers on this year's roster.

Curry would announce a player who would then come up onto the stage. Then she would offer up an anecdote about the player, often humorous, for the crowd of 500 to enjoy. Curry gave evidence of sophomore guard Beth Jones being in the best shape of her life.

"She was seen in the summer chasing a Lafayette garbage truck down Main street right there in front of the courthouse, in flip-flops," said Curry.

Jones was actually chasing Scooby, former player Katie Douglas' dog, down the street. Curry said everybody ended up being OK.

Curry also joked that senior Kelly Komara is a carbohydrate junky.

"Check her pockets, she could possibly have some rolls in them because she loves bread," said Curry.

Sophomore guard Erika Valek received praise from her coach for her culinary skills.

"Anything with tuna, she can cook," said Curry.

And Valek also has a very clean room.

"She has the most immaculate room of anyone I have ever known," said Curry. "Her room is so organized and straight."

Freshman Emily Heikes was not immune from Curry's humorous wrath. Curry said Heikes' nickname is "Curby" because she can't parallel park.

While the dinner was full of light humor throughout, there were also several serious messages delivered during the evening.

The dinner opened with an introduction from Tim Newton, the play-by-play announcer for Purdue women's basketball. After Newton's introduction, the crowd sang along to "God Bless America" while a pianist played the chorus. And Jones gave the invocation prior to the meal.

After dinner, Patty Jischke, wife of Purdue president Martin Jischke, addressed the crowd about the fan base and referees.

Jischke wants to increase the fan base this season by increasing the attendance and volume at Mackey Arena. She instructed those present at the dinner to give their friends a schedule for this season's team. And she wants the fans to be loud when Purdue is on defense and quiet when the team is on offense.

Jischke also wants the fans to be critical of the referees.

"Let the referees know when they make a bad call," she said.

Then Roger Blalock, an associate athletic director, took the stage to give a few words. His goal is for Mackey Arena to average 10,000 fans per game for women's basketball this season.

Purdue opens its exhibition season on Nov. 4 in Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers’ first official game is Nov. 11, when they will take on Oklahoma in the State Farm Women’s Tip-Off Classic in Durham, N.C.

After Blalock, Curry hit the stage to personally introduce the players, thank several people involved with women's basketball and offer a few closing remarks courtesy of sophomore Shereka Wright.

"She said, 'I want a national championship; I can win a national championship and I will win a national championship,'" said Curry.

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