Home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team	Retractable Roof -But Not in December in IN :)

It had been almost 4 years, since I was last at an NFL Game.  So as an early gift for my birthday, my parents gave Grace and I theirseason tix for Sunday's Colts game against the Detroit Lions, what a gift it was! Grace and I have always wanted to go see the new Lucas Oil Stadium home of where the Indianapolis Colts play, so off to Indy we went at 8:30 Sunday morning, as it is about a 2 hour drive from Valparaiso.

Team gets Ready To Run on Field Thru Tunnel	Cheerleaders Perform - Game Starting Flame!

As we entered the Stadium, I was in awe at just how enormous the facility is! Very art-deco decor in the concourses, which were so wide, that even with over 70,000 people walking around, there was plenty of room! Variety of Food and Beverage concessions stands Galore... like every 4 feet, it was sweet. Televisions on the outer concourse at every position possible, so you miss nothing when leaving your seat to buy refreshments!

No Recession noted inside the Dome :)	Alot to see and Do along the concourse!

Entering the field area. one word described my first thought, WOW! There are 7 levels to this stadium, with many private suites. As we looked to our left there was a huge all glass window with the Indianapolis Skyline behind it. The stadium is awesome! A SEA of BLUE loyal Colts fans, most wearing numbered team jerseys filled the seats.

Touchdown Colts!	Kick is good!

Sitting just 15 rows up from the playing field, you get a real feel just how HUGE these athletes are! We had great views, since the seats were very close to where the Colts run out on the field.

FUMBLE....	Ref reviews the calls :)

Now to the game...The Colts sure decided to let the Lions stick around for 59:00 minutes and never put them away. Until, with 48 seconds left, after the Colts were trying to run out the clock, they fumble the ball right in front of us and the melee for recovering the ball began. One ref signaled Detroit ball another came running in with held up the fist indicating 4th Down Colts!?! I saw the entire play come to life in front of me, and so I knew, no doubt, the Colts had indeed recovered the ball! Field Goal then kicked to leave the Colts up WINNING  by 10pts - GAME OVER. All the scoring except for 7 points was right in front of Grace and I so that made this day even more enjoyable:)

Ah here's the TV view we usually watch at home :)	Gigantic Screens in the Stadium provide closeups

It was not the Stadium, Nor the Colts 31-21 win, that was the most memorable event of this game. It was How the Colts and their Coaching Staff acted after the game!!!   Now, I can see why the Indianapolis Colts have the reputation of being one of the CLASSIEST Organizations in this league. After the game, Grace and I stayed, as did many other fans in the entire stadium to show their appreciation towards this team.  Players such as Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Caito June, Jeff Saturday, Peyton Manning + Head Coach Tony Dungy and many others who slowly left the field looked up into the stands and made purposefully contact with the fan...they : raised their hands, or waived, or gave a thumbs ups sign n one even pumped his fist to the crowd showing just how appreciative they are for support. A few even stopped to pose briefly for fans to snap photos. Their interaction with the crowd was something I have never seen pro athletes do in today's sports world. It was refreshing to see just how humble this team is!

Editorial by Jeff Safrin

Colts Players Connect With Fans at game End!	Jeff & Grace Safrin - "Spouses Selling Houses" -F.C.Tucker - Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company

-----------------------------

 Jeff & Grace Safrin - REAL Estate Brokers - F.C.Tucker Advantage Realty

Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW Indiana

Visit our website for properties for sale.

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.  

Come out and support our Local team ! Click Here for Schedule of Games and Ticket Info	V.U. Students & Super Fans dressed as Elves :) Crusader's Dance Team await Half-Time to perform.

Everyone I talked with after the first few season games said Valpo was gonna be OK this year. I have played basketball since I was 5 years old, and even coached some, so I knew better. Now, my concern become real after watching the Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball Team lose to Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne - IPFW Mastodons, 63-46 Wednesday evening at the ARC.

I looked at the season schedule and thought this would be the telling game for the Crusaders and it was. It is gonna be a tough, long & challenging seasonfor the young Valpo Men's Basketball Team.

IPFW is coached by Dane Fife, yes, the same Fife that played under Hall of Fame Coach - Bob Knight at the University of Indiana,and some of the same principals were displayed in Wednesady nights game:

 1. INTENSE Man to Man Defense 

2. Aggressive Animated Coaching 

IPFW played hard! The team played intense for 40 minutes and played a style of man to man D that would make any Coach proud.

Sometimes stats don't tell the game, these stats did:

Valpo Shot - 19 for 61 from the field - they MISSED 42 Shots - yes 42,  many were from inside the paint that is 31.1% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 21 from behind the arch - that is 17 missed and a whopping 19% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 12 from the Charity Stripe - that is 8 missed and 33.3% for the game.

  There was a 1 hour delay of the game even starting due to the Valparaiso University Girls Basketball Game (which I must say was exciting -VU Crusader Girls UPSET No. 21 Purdue Boilermakers in a great game!.

It does not get any easier in the next 2 weeks as on Saturday 12/13/08 the Crusaders travel to play the Redhawks of Miami of Ohio . Then a week from Saturday on 12/20/08 at the United Center in Chicago, IL- Are you ready .........The Tar Heels of North Carolina - yes the Number 1 Ranked Team in the Country will play Valpo. I really only have 2 words for that upcoming game OH BOY!                                        

 

I am an optimist, but, it is going to be a trying year for our Valpo Crusaders. Don't get me wrong, this team will be competitive, but need to develop consistency. I have only seen one player this year so far, Howard Little, show game in and game out consistency. Freshman standout Erik Buggs, shows promise, but still is learning and lacks some judgment..... Like trying to drive to the basket and beat 6'9" Post Players :)In time, I'm sure that will all change. Valpo so far this year, has shown they have no threat from anyone beyond the 3 point line. That will be an issue as the season goes on. IF, they can get some perimeter shooting- it will open the inside play to Igbavoda, Rogers & Little. The Crusaders have played all their games this year without standout Senior Guard Brandon McPherson and do they need him NOW !

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

________________________

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

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NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.                     

Welcome to The Athletics Recreation Center @ V.U.	Fast Paced Action & Heart filled efforts by the Players!

The Valparaiso Crusaders Men's Basketball Team began the 2008-2009 Season with a decisive win against Marian College of Indianapolis, IN - Final Score 87-56. The outcome of the game was really not in question from the opening tip-off. The Crusader's shot 51.4% in the first half and 61.3% in the second half from the field. That was a blistering shooting performance albeit the Crusader's scored 52 points,  yes 52 points inside the paint to 16 that Marian had. Valpo had more size and quickness than Marian and it showed in the final stats!

Will he make this shot ?	Student Super Fans dress the part of CRUSADERS !

Valpo led by Michael Rogers' 23 points : 11-14 from the field. Following Rogers was Cameron Witt whose inside the paint play gave him 16 points and 8 of 11 from the field. This was a mediocre test for the Crusader's as the "real" test" will start this Tuesday, November 18th  at the ARC when Central Florida comes to town. The Golden Knights are a very good Conference USA Team and have a standout guard Jermaine Taylor that is a projected 2nd round pick in the NBA Draft this year! They are a well coached/disciplined team that will test the Crusaders on both ends of the court! Come join us & see -> click here for Ticket Information.

Editorial by Jeff Safrin

 

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.                       

Crusader Mascot & Fans !	Set it Up !

 

This year for the Valparaiso University Crusaders is going to be nothing short of ... challenging ? There are many adjectives that may describe Homer Drew's team this year! There are only 3 Seniors returning from last years team and if the Crusader's are planning on any post season run, ALL 3 will need to produce in every game this year! The 3 returning Seniors are Jake Diebler, Brandon McPherson and Urule Igbavboa.

Saturday night, the Crusaders hosted Division III Blue Jays of Elmhurst College, at the ARC in an exhibition game. A game to just see what and who has the best chemistry,and for the first 20 minutes the answer was clear... no one had the chemistry Just yet:) The kids from Elmhurst showed guts and heart as they hung with the Crusader's!  Ahead by just two at the half, the Crusaders stormed out of the locker room in the second half with a 23-4 entertaining run and cruised from there, finishing the night with an 85-63 victory!

Great Free Throws !	Student Super Fans!

I was impresed by how the Crusaders played in the second half.. Igbavboa finished with 18pts - 7 Rebounds and 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. Igbavoda is gonna need these numbers game in and game outfor the Crusaders to have success this year. Alebit, Valpo did play the game without Senior Guard Brandon McPherson who is out with an injury. Howard Little,once again, showed his defensive skills with his tenacious play, play that will be needed.  Newbies Benjamon Fumey and De' Andre Haskins were absolutely impressive. Fumey finished the night with 13pts and 4 Boards and Haskins finished the evening wtih 15pts and 2 for 2 from the line! Freshman Erik Buggs, who I will name "Lightning" looked great at some moments and out of control at others:) One thing is certain, as the season goes on, this kid is gonna be GOOD! He is extremely quick on defense and his ball handling and penetration to free up others was awesome to see. The Blue Jays were lead by Brent Ruch who finished with 19pts followed by Ryan Burks who finished with 17pts. 

The final statswere indicative of the final outcome.. The Crusaders finished the night shooting 51.7% from the field - 35.7% from behind the 3pt arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. Elmhurst finished shooting 36.2% from the field - 33.3% from downtown and 69.6% from the charity Line. Valpo will need to take care of the leather in their next game as they did commit 15 turnovers.

Time Out	Fast Action - Come Join Us! CLICK For TICKETS

 

So, the exhibition games are over and it is now on to the "real deal" regular season as the Crusader's host Marian College of Indianapolis on Saturday, November 15th with a 7:30p, tip-off. It will be an "interesting" season for this young team. As long as everyone stays healthy and the role players show up every night it very well can be a successful 2008-2009 Valparaiso University Crusader Men's Basketball Team!

Editorial by Jeff Safrin

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate

Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.                        

   The VALPO Crusaders posted a great comeback win last Saturday against Davidson Wildcats in their Homecoming Game in front of over 4300 fans. It started out horrible for the Crusader's as they fell behind early and found themselves down 21-6 at half...But,

 

Leave it to Coach Stacy to motivate the team for the second half.  What a 2nd half it was, as the Crusaders forced overtime and eventually beat Davidson College 35-29. The Crusaders rushed for an impressive 351 yards, compared to Davidson's 151, and that was the difference. Ross Wiemer of the Crusaders rushed for 170 yards and 3 TD's!

So now it is on to Saturday, October 18, 2008 when the Butler Bulldogs take I 65 North 145 miles to visit Brown Field at 1pm for the "in state" rivalry for the HOOSIER HELMET....it should be a great game!    

Dedication Ceremony Newly rennovated Brown Field	National Anthem

          

We are Full Time, Full Service, REALTORS with Indiana's Largest Realty Company.

We are Internet Savvy!

Homes Are Selling in NorthWest Indiana!

Talk To  Jeff & GraceSafrin "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

 Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN. 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

 NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

 Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.                              

 Last Weekend, we had the opportunity to watch Jeff's Nephew participate in

Kohl's FALL "BEST OF THE MIDWEST" Soccer Tournaments

held at the

 Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex

located @

2105 E 181st Ave Hebron, IN 46341

Besides perfect Indian Summer weather, the grass and conditions of the many fields (over 120 acres dedicated to the game of soccer to be developed in phases) was impeccable.

 

Located off Interstate 65 In Lake County ,Northwest Indiana (State Road 2 exit West toward Lowell, IN ) the 120 acres of land dedicated entirely to soccer fields will be developed in phases.

 

Saturday's drive from Valparaiso was only about 20 minutes to the dozens of fields nestled in a rural setting among Indiana farmlands.

Pulling into park, we were amazed to see many license plates from all around the Midwest of families attending this Indiana hosted event including : Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska.

Scheduling of the games was well planned and spaced and allowed us to visit the various tents which housed various food and beverage concessions, sporting goods sales, vendors and exhibitors!

You could even lease a demo SONY high speed sports action camera for free and take home a DVD with your child's game action shots!

 Although our Nephew's team lost their morning game, after a recess for a big lunch at Merrillville, IN Portillos/Barnelli's Pasta Bowl they came back in the afternoon to not only win, but shut out the opposing team! .......

I told my brother-in-law - you have to feed them lots of food before each game :) 

Soccer Sponsors included both the Chicago Magic and Indiana Magic Soccer Clubs.

 With developing facilities such as this, NorthWest Indiana is a place to consider if you are relocating and your children are avid about playing the sport of soccer!

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 - we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper & Newton Counties in NW IN.

Jeff & Grace Safrin REALTORS -

"Spouses Selling Houses' TM

F.C. Tucker Advantage Reaty

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...>

www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!

We are Your Local Expertsfor NW Indiana Real Estate.

    Call us @ 219-405-1232 or email us for a RELOCATION Package Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided. 

 Last Week we attended one of the

Northern League playoff games for the

LOCAL Northwest Indiana

 Gary SouthShore Railcats Baseball Team. 

It was an unseasonably cool and windy evening after a weekend of post hurricaine IKE rains here in NW Indiana, but a fun time still.

With easy access via expressways and tollroad

to this new ballpark,

 plus reasonable ticket costs and only $1 for a Hot dog...

this Northwest Indiana Attraction makes for an affordable outing for the entire family!

                                                                        

 See you Next Season!

 

Jeff & Grace Safrin REALTORS - "Spouses Selling Houses' TM

F.C. Tucker Advantage Reaty

 

Looking to find out more about Life in Northwest Indiana ?

- the Housing Market

- Local Community Information, Events and Sports .....  check out our Local BLOG...> www.NorthWestIndianaRealEstateBlog.Com

Please feel free to Contact us @ 219-405-1232 or, click the below to read / subscribe to our email newsletter with valuable Relocation Information.

NW INDIANA remains a Great REAL ESTATE MARKET check our past---> SOLD HOMES !

Thanks for Visiting!  We hope to add your story to our client testimonials!