Another Great Banquet!
Domenik Hixon-Guest Speaker
Glenn, Carolynn, Domenik and recipient of this year's
Ron Anderson "Big Guy" Award, Bryan Andrade.
Domenik Hixon speaks to members at this
year's Annual Banquet March 21st.
By Rich Rooney
Today started out as an all out push, to not forget any of the important items needed for our 26th Major Fan Club event. After packing the truck and getting started off right, with a piping hot cup of coffee I was on my way. And what a beautiful day, with the temperature warming and the sun brightly shining; I arrived at Lombardo’s about 9:45AM and Dave Stearns was already set up with his many NY Giants sports collectables and paraphernalia. John Berti our spiritual guide for the event, was in place with his facts/figures and many highlights and stories on our special guest WR Domenik Dixon.
The day started out hectic with plenty to do and many questions from many people. The table was set up our front, after clearing some space from the Spelling Bee folks. The instructions were given to the wait staff, management and bar attendant. Tim Donovan had arrived with his many sports items and he was busy setting up his area; and John Berti was also busy figuring out his “Silent Auction” for the autographed Team Ball. The snacks/munchies were in place and guests began to arrive.
I was busy greeting guests and talking about another year gone by and how we got “Jobbed” in the playoffs and how we were destined to go all the way. Also catching up with many members about memorable moments for this year, and what family and friends had been up to since the season was over and what major changes had happened this spring. All were waiting for Domenik Dixon, and he had trouble with directions and was caught slightly behind.
Once Domenik had arrived and went over items with John Berti, he came in and made the rounds with our many fans. John Berti got up and did his usual; with announcements/admin business matters. We were called to the buffet tables and began to file patiently to the food/buffet. During the meal John was up several times to keep us all informed and then proceeded to inform us about Domenik and what a spectacular career he had in college and his many accomplishments and how he’s finally arrived. The introductions were made and Domenik arrived at the microphone and then proceeded to tell his story.
Domenik began to tell about his living in Germany while his folks were stationed there (is fluent in German) and how they changed their career/living plans because of his predilection to be a pro athlete, at 11 years old. They came back to the states and settled in Ohio and Domenik talked about his early experiences with football and how in High School he brought home a less than stellar report card, and was made to sit out the next year of football. This taught Domenik a valuable less about doing what’s right and how sports fits into a young person’s life. He went on and talked about being part of a team and about how important it is being part of something bigger than yourself, and about team goals vs. personal goals. Domenik really enjoyed college and thought the experiences really helped him grow as a person and a player.
Domenik was drafted by Denver Broncos in the 4th round and played until a foot injury sidelined him and the next year he was placed on waivers to give others a chance and was grabbed by the NY Giants. He also mentioned what a big difference it was coming to the NY Giants especially the coaches and how training/teaching young players was a prominent part of the regimen. He was most surprised about what he had heard about Coach Coughlin and what a pleasant surprise it was to meet him and work for him. Domenik also took great pains to talk about his last two years playing for New York and how different each year was. He mentioned that the Super Bowl was so energetic and how the players really came together to do what it took to come up with the supreme effort, going down the stretch and how special it was.
This year although was also special, was much different because of the player changes and the injuries that struck in the middle part of the season and talked about what it was like being a wide receiver on this team. Also what a great coaching staff they have and how much he has enjoyed the players and his stay in New York and how he would like to make his stay in New York a long one.
There were many questions during the question and answer phase, and Domenik was quite impressed with our group and how knowledgeable they were on the NY Giants and football in general. Domenik was a memorable part of our raffle and stayed quite awhile until all had their sports items and photos autographed. In leaving Domenik mentioned what a great day he had, and would definitely love to come back again and do another banquet in the future.
Domenik Hixon Player Profile
Banquet -2008
A SUPER PERFECT BANQUET!
View Our 2008 Banquet Slide Show
Guest speaker Zak DeOssie with
this years recipients of the
Ronnie Anderson "Big Guy" Award, Steve Giza and Lee Schofield.
Zak DeOssie speaks to members at our 25th Annual Banquet in March.
BY RICH ROONEY
MARCH 29. The day started very early for me, and as I remember back to previous Banquets, the weather was always great and today was cloudy and overcast. I arrived at Lombardo’s early and had many things to unpack from my car, because this was our 25th, we had ordered more memorabilia to give away at our raffle, than ever before. After getting inside and talking with Lombardo Management, I got right to work. Our friend and fellow member, Dave Stearns was already here and of course took up the prime location for his traveling memorabilia show and as always brought with him a young female assistant.
Well we got right to work setting up the Discotheque, which is a much different space than we usually get, but with Wedding season upon us, all rooms are filled at Lombardo’s. Zak DeOssie arrived early and tried to take advantage of the facilities, but we had many guests who also arrived early and he was mobbed from the beginning and was a huge success with all the members.
Because of the early arrivals our set up time was cut down, and we made due as we always do. John Berti was busy with his notes and what he wanted to say for greetings to both members and Zak DeOssie. I was pretty much busy with behind the scenes and Lombardo Management making sure all was running smoothly and greeting folks and wishing them a great banquet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both my wife Helena and son Sean for coming and volunteering for the past four years; to assist in greeting and getting all signed in and welcomed.
Barry Belotti was also heavily involved and together with myself, Steve Giza and Lee Schofield were setting up the raffle ticket area, unpacking the new Club T-Shirts for sale and also the many purchased items for the raffle. We hung our many banners and other Club identifiers. We announced the Banquet was officially started, made sure the pre meal food was available for consumption; and the bartender was at his perch, and making sure all had the libation of their choice. We have many new members this year and I had my list of those that needed special greetings and made to feel comfortable and part of our ever expanding “family”.
We sat down to eat, but unfortunately some folks weren’t finished with Zak. We finally sat down ate and John Berti did the honors of highlighting and honoring Zak and his accomplishments and for that matter, the whole team and what a miracle year they had. Zak went up and told of his first beginnings through college and his combine experience. His talk continued right through training camp, where he had to sing and do other goodhearted, but at times demeaning task; as part of the rookie hazing process. After about 40 minutes of talk he opened up the floor to questions. I noted from this time that when he called on folks, it was always “Sir” or Ma’am”, very polite and proper and came to the event dressed in a nice suit with matching tie. Also from being around him, when he talked to the members; once he spoke with someone, he remembered their names and when called on used the name, if he new it. Zak was a pleasure to be around and was very entertaining and I don’t think I spoke to anyone that had a complaint or bad thing to say about our guest. And dare I say, will go down, as one of the best speakers we have ever had.
We continued on with the presentation of our “Big Guy” awards; in honor of our founder and leader for many years until his demise back in 2005, Ronnie Anderson. Both Steve Giza and Lee Schofield were presented the awards by Barry Belotti after firing up the crowd with a NY GIANTS Cheer! Both Steve and Lee were dumbfounded, but especially Steve who couldn’t believe he was selected; and still has a hard time talking about his award. He’s so proud of the award and his role in our club.
We completed the day’s activities with our raffle and because we had so many items took some time to complete. My thanks go out to both John and Barry for another successful banquet. This was the most members we had a function since Coach Fassel came, back in 2004. Whenever you win the Super Bowl, our club really turns out in celebration of our team. We are so lucky and here’s hoping we continue to support and cheer on the best damn football team in the world, The New York Football Giants, World Champs!
