The forecast was cloudy with the occasional shower, but just like every other opponent, Mother Nature was no match for the 2010 Women’s Basketball National Championship Connecticut Huskies. The sun broke through as the parade began and peeked in and out of the thick clouds for the entire event.
An enthusiastic crowd lined the streets, 5-10 deep at the start and at least 2-3 deep throughout the parade route.
With the occasional U-C-O-N-N cheer, led by a small group with large white letters, along with the “UCONN-HUSKIES-UCONN-HUSKIES-HUSKIES-UCONN-WHOO” cheer, the crowd was warming up nicely in spite of temps that only reached the mid-fifties.
Once the parade began, the cheering really started. Showing their appreciation for a wonderful season, the fans showered everyone participating in the parade with enthusiastic applause. They even cheered this guy on stilts dribbling a basketball colored beach ball wearing a Tennessee orange tee shirt…I still can’t figure that one out.
It’s always fun to see the Governor’s Foot Guards, although I think some of them had marched in the Lindbergh parade. And I miss the horses…Along with the guys with the brooms following them.
And speaking of needing the guys with the brooms, politicians, always pressing the flesh with the voters, smiled as they walked along the parade route. The bulge in Mayor Perez’s ankle was not that noticeable. Governor Rell, AG Blumenthal and several others also took advantage of being seen with winners.
UConn president Michael Hogan was there and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him in the past. A true gentleman, he has done a great job at UConn. Much beleaguered Athletic Director, Jeff Hathaway smiled broadly and I am very happy that he is still at UConn.
Special kudos to the Signal Corp, dressed in full revolutionary war garb and scaring the heck 
out of me more than one time with the firing of the musket. And I just loved the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club with several beautiful huskies in tow.
It was great to see the Tin Drum group filling a flat bed…they really got the crowd going. Following them was a delightful group of 8thgraders from the Jumoke Academy on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford, playing drums and dancing.
The crowd erupted when the two–tier Peter Pan bus containing the players and coaching staff turned the corner. Caroline Doty was holding tight to the championship trophy, and the team looked to be enjoying every moment of what was happening.
After the parade many of the estimated 25,000 fans gathered for a rally on the Capitol steps to hear a few words from Geno and Maya. Oh yeah, and the Governor too.
Geno encouraged the crowd to live in the moment and he implored the fans to “enjoy this a little bit longer.”
“You can’t wait until tomorrow when you’re young,” Auriemma said. “You always think tomorrow’s going to be better than today. Now that I get to be 56, I’m not that anxious for tomorrow to come. I want to slow time down a bit.”
Boy, I can relate to that, being slightly older than Geno.
Maya Moore added “I think we loved it so much last year, we said we’ve got to come back here and do it again,” getting a huge response from those in attendance.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable parade, an appropriate ending for an amazing season. Although it didn’t add anything to the win column, it was one more victory for the UConn women.
From the soapbox- As noted above, the groups that participated in the parade were great, and the crowd was receptive, cheering as each group went by. However, in the past, corporations would encourage their employees to walk in the parade representing the company by holding signs and wearing tee shirts. There was exactly ONE large corporation represented in the parade. CL&P. They deserve kudos for the 50+ employees in matching blue tee shirts engaging the crowd. The cynical side says it was to soften the blow for another rate increase, but at least they were there. Where were The Hartford, Aetna, CIGNA and Travelers? I’m sure there are others. Maybe after another 39-0 season, they will start to pay attention.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The stilt walkers shirt said UCON. It doesn't matter what the color was, thats an official Uconn shirt. I have one.
Thanks Don, I didn't notice the UConn on the shirt. I was blinded by the bright orange!
sry to nit pik but its
UConn…Huskies!
UConn…Huskies!
UConn…Huskies!
Huskies…UConn! Woof!
Asa long as you read the article, I don't mind being corrected!
Great article! Creative, Intelligent and bursting with UCONN Pride and Spirit!!!!!!