University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
True Blue Celebration 2007
May 03, 2007 | Bruin Athletics
Reflections on TBC 2006
 |
 Rafer & Josh Johnson |
The True Blue Celebration was simply fantastic from beginning to end. It was a great experience catching up with old Bruin friends at the silent auction, and meeting great people involved with Bruin Athletics throughout the night. As I browsed the auction items and looked around the venue with my mom in hand, I couldn't help but smile with tremendous Bruin pride. Little did I know that later in the evening I would be filled with an even greater pride. My father occupied a familiar role in the evening as a keynote speaker; a role that I have seen him fill many times before. As always, I expected to hear a good speech with recognizable elements. However, once he got started I realized that this was no ordinary speech. Filled with vignettes and poignant observations as a Bruin, my dad's speech quieted the room and had everybody focused on him in anticipation of his next words. When he finished, the crowd applauded, looking at him with pride in the fact that he is a fellow Bruin. I looked at him with pride as well, as a son to a father. As I left the event, I thought to myself how lucky I am; for most people it's a rare occurrence to hear their heroes speak.
- Josh Johnson
Son of UCLA Alumni Rafer Johnson
I just wanted to let you know that yesterday my son, Ryan, and I went to the Bruin baseball game where Ryan got to spend a "Day in the Life of a Bruin" - an auction item we won at the TBC last June. Wow, what a great day! Coach Savage, Coach Shaw and all the players really treated Ryan great and made him immediately feel like part of the team. He got to take part in the team's meetings, scouting reports, he took BP and some grounders, shagged balls at BP, served as batboy, and even got to be the guest PA Announcer for the bottom of the 5th inning. Needless to say, he had a GREAT day and it was all I could do to keep up with the video and still camera, follow the game, and keep an eye on him. A fantastic game, too, with seven lead changes. The Bruins won 9-7, on an 8th inning, 2-out, opposite field grand slam by Brandon Crawford. Add in a Bruin win in Tucson and it was just about a perfect day for these two Bruins!
This was a great auction item and allowed Ryan to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that he will NEVER forget. I think any and all sports should consider offering such a package for this year's TBC. It really costs them very little other than the added responsibility of looking out for a youngster for several hours and the good will it brings - both from the participant(s) and other fans - is undeniable. Today definitely has completely cemented my son as a "Bruin for Life," thanks to Coach Savage and his first class staff and players. Not that he wasn't a Bruin for Life already ;-) You just don't want to leave anything to chance with such a thing, however :-)
Anyway, just wanted to share that with you
- Jim Cosgrove
