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.
March 21st, 2009
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.
GO GIANTS!
2008 Banquet Zak DeOssie (Super Bowl Champs)
2007 Banquet Barry Cofield
2006 Banquet Sean O'Hara
2005 Banquet Dave Gettleman
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