A late afternoon start for the Boilermakers meant I wasn't going to be able to stay for the entire game on Saturday. Fortunately, this week I didn't miss much after I left at halftime. But with the help of some gear from Andy Hancock, I was able to capture a remote shot that I've been meaning to get all season.
Purdue faced ACC foe Virginia Tech Saturday afternoon. The Boilermakers kept the Hokies in check with several defensive plays and a score, making the score tied 14-14 at the half. After there the wheels became of come off the track for Purdue, giving up numerous big plays and returns. I had to leave the game in the 3rd quarter; but hopefully next week when Purdue takes on Bowling Green there will be a different final result.
Saturday afternoon, I planned on heading over to Natalie's Second Chance Dog Shelter to continue the photo essay I've been working on for the past few weeks. At the same time, the Purdue Club Lacrosse team was going to be facing Iowa at a local high school. It had almost been since I was in high school, that I saw a live lacrosse match so I decided to head over and take some photos. Purdue won by a score of 18-10.
Last week was a bit hectic for me, but in the middle of it I had the opportunity to photograph Purdue alumnus, Herman Cain. Most people know Cain for his presidential campaign during the 2012 election, and for his "9-9-9" economic plan which was a focus of his platform. I was able to get some personal time with him, and the opportunity to take his portrait before he gave his lecture.
One detail that stood out to me after he commented on a colleague's Purdue lapel pin, was that his pin included the New Hampshire state flag. Being from the state, I had to speak up and ask why. Like many people, he said it was because of our state motto, "Live Free or Die."
I throughly enjoyed the chance to meet Mr. Cain, and during his speech he gave one piece of advice that his former grade school teacher once gave him that will definitely stay with me for a long time to come. He said...
"You can be whatever you want to be, but you may have to work a little harder and a little longer."
Saturday marked Senior Day for Purdue's basketball team, and would be the last Purdue game I covered this season in Mackey Arena. I've compiled some of my best shots from this season.
The night before the Boilermakers and the Hoosiers met in Mackey, another rivalry game took place. Both team's managers competed on Keady Court in front of a small crowd of Paint Crew members.
Last Spring, a Purdue student was shot and killed on campus. Today marks that it has been a year since the tragedy. At noon, a moment of silence was held in memory of Andrew Boldt. It was amazing to see how the Purdue community pulled together in support of one another, after suffering such hardship.
In memory of Andrew, here are a few photos of the moment of silence and the vigil held the night of his murder.
