SWC -- a personal reminiscence ... | Page 3 | Syracusefan.com

SWC -- a personal reminiscence ...

BillOrange shared the sad news with me earlier. SWC was a legend.

Even though I first showed up shortly after the migration here (wow, that’s a long time ago!) I've not been around here for the past few years. Life, right? I’ve made some true and genuine friends here and will forever be grateful to this community.

SWC was a stealth mensch- disguised as a numbers guy and historian, he was truly a good human.
Twenty years ago when I was diagnosed with a serious cancer Steve was one of the many on this board who stepped in (along with cto, tomcat, BillOrange, the Bees, the Jakes, and the Cherihoops among others). At a time when I was floundering he took it upon himself and helped me navigate the SS system, which was invaluable.

Axe’s article ended with Steve’s final post. I’ve read it a few times. There aren’t many people filled with that much grace.
 
IthacaMatt said:
He was an Internet Troll before there was even such a thing.
He got a big kick out of yanking people's chains on this board and its several predecessors.

When we were on AOL and I was the first moderator, I must have banned him a half dozen times before learning, years later, that he had been my high school football coach. He was always encouraging young players to transfer, and that used to really set me off. LOL
Expand...

Oh man, I recall still to this day, being subject to such "chain yanking" as you referred to it. I then was under the handle of Jimmy Lee (AOL days) my favorite player as a youth. I had engaged with him, and I carelessly erred writing "weather" vs. "whether" in a debate. Man, he had a field day going off on me, calling me stupid and the like. I was still so caught up in the excitement of this place I stumbled upon where we can discuss, debate, etc. our incredible fandom of SU sports, I wasn't focused at all on exercising proper punctuation, grammar, etc. during those infancy stages of the board, not to mention being such a greenhorn on this deal referred to as the Information Super Higway. :)

In any event, I recall you basically telling him to cool it, etc. or else. I appreciated it then, and I appreciate you now. :)

PS. Good luck and best wishes to you in your continued journey through these days...
 
orangecuse said:
Oh man, I recall still to this day, being subject to such "chain yanking" as you referred to it. I then was under the handle of Jimmy Lee (AOL days) my favorite player as a youth. I had engaged with him, and I carelessly erred writing "weather" vs. "whether" in a debate. Man, he had a field day going off on me, calling me stupid and the like. I was still so caught up in the excitement of this place I stumbled upon where we can discuss, debate, etc. our incredible fandom of SU sports, I wasn't focused at all on exercising proper punctuation, grammar, etc. during those infancy stages of the board, not to mention being such a greenhorn on this deal referred to as the Information Super Higway. :)

In any event, I recall you basically telling him to cool it, etc. or else. I appreciated it then, and I appreciate you now. :)

PS. Good luck and best wishes to you in your continued journey through these days...
Expand...

Yeah, he was an English teacher, and a truly eccentric character.
I remember when he was my football coach, he had his own unique language.

Everyone who ever played football, starting in the 50s, 60s or 70s knew "down, set, hike (or hut)", and you might make multiple "hut" calls, if the play was to start on 2 or 3, as you called it in the huddle. You learned this watching on the black-and-white TV with your pop as a kid. That's what they say in Pop Warner, Middle School, etc.

Just like in baseball, 1 finger is the universal signal for a fast ball, 2 is a curve, and 3 is the change up. These are kind of universal ways of communicating in these sports, right?

Except of course, he had different names for everything.

"Down, ready, cut", instead of "down, set, hut", and there were so many more.

My favorite was when you were on defense, if you saw the QB drop back, yell out "Pass". When he released the ball, yell out "Ball", and if someone intercepted, "Oskiwawa". Yes, "Oskiwawa". LOL. It probably has some deep alternate meeting from native American or Japanese culture, and he probably knew what the hell he meant by it. But let's just say that he was "an original". LOL

And he would physically throw himself around as a coach, acting out how he wanted you to play, or how the opponent would come after you. I'll tell you, though, nobody ever taught the screen pass as well as he did! The way he acted out play fakes for a young shrimpy (but fast as hell) QB was just great. I learned more from him as a coach than any of the coaches I ever had in any sport, to be honest, in the 13 years that I played organized sports in school and college.

Thank you for the kind wishes. It's always great to see and hear from so many people who have been hanging out with variations of this group for 30 years. It's pretty remarkable, really, and I'm grateful to everyone who helps make up this community.

Over the years, we've sometimes had a reputation, as a group, of being tough on newcomers. I don't think that's fair, personally. I always looked at this place like we were all in Tom's bar outside the Garden, at our table in the back, talking smack to each other. If you cant take a little shtt talk, stay home. LOL
 
TOL22 said:
BillOrange shared the sad news with me earlier. SWC was a legend.

Even though I first showed up shortly after the migration here (wow, that’s a long time ago!) I've not been around here for the past few years. Life, right? I’ve made some true and genuine friends here and will forever be grateful to this community.

SWC was a stealth mensch- disguised as a numbers guy and historian, he was truly a good human.
Twenty years ago when I was diagnosed with a serious cancer Steve was one of the many on this board who stepped in (along with cto, tomcat, BillOrange, the Bees, the Jakes, and the Cherihoops among others). At a time when I was floundering he took it upon himself and helped me navigate the SS system, which was invaluable.

Axe’s article ended with Steve’s final post. I’ve read it a few times. There aren’t many people filled with that much grace.
Expand...

TOL, we miss you! Glad to see you back, even if under such sad circumstances.
Please don't be a stranger!
 
IthacaMatt said:
Yeah, he was an English teacher, and a truly eccentric character.
I remember when he was my football coach, he had his own unique language.

Everyone who ever played football, starting in the 50s, 60s or 70s knew "down, set, hike (or hut)", and you might make multiple "hut" calls, if the play was to start on 2 or 3, as you called it in the huddle. You learned this watching on the black-and-white TV with your pop as a kid. That's what they say in Pop Warner, Middle School, etc.

Just like in baseball, 1 finger is the universal signal for a fast ball, 2 is a curve, and 3 is the change up. These are kind of universal ways of communicating in these sports, right?

Except of course, he had different names for everything.

"Down, ready, cut", instead of "down, set, hut", and there were so many more.

My favorite was when you were on defense, if you saw the QB drop back, yell out "Pass". When he released the ball, yell out "Ball", and if someone intercepted, "Oskiwawa". Yes, "Oskiwawa". LOL. It probably has some deep alternate meeting from native American or Japanese culture, and he probably knew what the hell he meant by it. But let's just say that he was "an original". LOL

And he would physically throw himself around as a coach, acting out how he wanted you to play, or how the opponent would come after you. I'll tell you, though, nobody ever taught the screen pass as well as he did! The way he acted out play fakes for a young shrimpy (but fast as hell) QB was just great. I learned more from him as a coach than any of the coaches I ever had in any sport, to be honest, in the 13 years that I played organized sports in school and college.

Thank you for the kind wishes. It's always great to see and hear from so many people who have been hanging out with variations of this group for 30 years. It's pretty remarkable, really, and I'm grateful to everyone who helps make up this community.

Over the years, we've sometimes had a reputation, as a group, of being tough on newcomers. I don't think that's fair, personally. I always looked at this place like we were all in Tom's bar outside the Garden, at our table in the back, talking smack to each other. If you cant take a little shtt talk, stay home. LOL
Expand...

OMG, I just tried to look up "Oskiwawa" to see where he came up with it.

Turns out the phrase was "Oskee Wow Wow", and it was the official fight song of the University of Illinois, written in 1910. LOL
 
bballbeadle said:
Did people get a chance to read Brent’s tribute? It was very well done and Brent wrote about his relationship with Steve over the years. I thought it was wonderful.

search.app

Axe: Syracuse’s most familiar sports radio caller has died and I’ll never forget him

Steven Chappell, a passionate Syracuse University sports fan known for his consistent presence on local sports radio, has died.
search.app search.app
Expand...
Very well done. Really captured the essence of SWC. A toast to Brent and a toast to Steve.
 
OttoinGrotto said:
Wait, hang on, does this mean that back when SWC talked about going to games with Hooper he was talking about bringing a puppet, and I'm just now realizing this?
Expand...

Wow. Great observation. I remember Hooper, but never figured it to be his version of Wilson the volleyball from that castaway movie with Tom Hanks.
 
bballbeadle said:
Did people get a chance to read Brent’s tribute? It was very well done and Brent wrote about his relationship with Steve over the years. I thought it was wonderful.

search.app

Axe: Syracuse’s most familiar sports radio caller has died and I’ll never forget him

Steven Chappell, a passionate Syracuse University sports fan known for his consistent presence on local sports radio, has died.
search.app search.app
Expand...
It is sad an article about Steve and his unique fandom was written after his death, meaning Steve never got a chance to read it. Chris Carlson had wanted to do a feature piece about Steve's uniqueness a few weeks ago when he was still very verbal (an article mentioning he was ill, but not saying he was dying), but Steve turned down the opportunity to talk to Chris. Chris and I then agreed there was no point in doing an article without Steve's participation because it would have sounded like a tribute-filled obituary ... rather than a story about about Steve in his own words.
 
Last edited:
cto said:
Also, please don't forget Igor (or Bonn, or the many other handles he used over the years). He was the ultimate curmudgeon who annoyed and angered many people with his incessant "tavern-league" posts, but he was a big part of the fabric here. And, believe it or not, he was a really nice guy in person.
Expand...
Igor, Boca, & Orangeyes were 3 of my favorites. I met Orangeyes in person quite a number of times. Boca & I chatted a lot in DMs, mostly about whomever I was having a postoff with at the moment. Loved Igor bc he took everyone on. Always wanted to meet him.

Never got to know SWC. He seemed adverse to my online personality. Cannot blame him. I enjoyed his upside posts after especially brutal losses. I'd wonder how he'd manufacture chx salad out of the chx you know what we just watched. Definitely a board legend. Glad he at least got to experience a good football season one last time.

I recall finding the community in 96 or so. From the syr dot com forums to like yahoo or AOL to the uconn thing to this.
 
knicks07 said:
One of my best friends invented Hooper. Haven’t seen one around in a while. Have one tucked away in a closet.
Expand...
Now that I think about it, the poster you all know as Cuseregular is also friends w my buddy that made Hooper. We all played on an over 30 hoop team together. Both Mike and my buddy Tom are great people. Besides Hooper I believe there were SU football, Bills and Crunch versions of the puppet.
 
Yikes I remember SUTomcat’s old blog and a few of us also were on prodigy back when we were still listening to cassette tapes , anyone else remember that so long ago?
 
Cheriehoop said:
Yikes I remember SUTomcat’s old blog and a few of us also were on prodigy back when we were still listening to cassette tapes , anyone else remember that so long ago?
Expand...

Yep. I remember prodigy. There were only a handful of us. That’s when Tomcat and I decided to meet at Gino and Joes.
 
bballbeadle said:
Did people get a chance to read Brent’s tribute? It was very well done and Brent wrote about his relationship with Steve over the years. I thought it was wonderful.

search.app

Axe: Syracuse’s most familiar sports radio caller has died and I’ll never forget him

Steven Chappell, a passionate Syracuse University sports fan known for his consistent presence on local sports radio, has died.
search.app search.app
Expand...
Brent really did a great job with that piece.

Steve was a sports talk radio host's dream caller, as he always had something interesting to say that would take the discussion to the next level. Those hosts will have to work that much harder now without Steve's contributions.

RIP, SWC75.
 
Ragman2000 said:
I'm really sad about the loss of SWC. So many of our board legends are gone and I miss them. Orangeyes, SWC, CaliCuse...

This community that you created cto has brought me so much joy and belonging for 25+ years, and the friends we've made here are something I will cherish.
Expand...
CTO, thanks for this forum. It is one of my joys in life. I can’t count the number of times I’ve laughed at the postings I read. Somebody always has some photo to lighten up a topic.
You’re the best!
 
cto said:
It is sad an article about Steve and his unique fandom was written after his death, meaning Steve never got a chance to read it. Chris Carlson had wanted to do a feature piece about Steve's uniqueness a few weeks ago when he was still very verbal (an article mentioning he was ill, but not saying he was dying), but Steve turned down the opportunity to talk to Chris. Chris and I then agreed there was no point in doing an article without Steve's participation because it would have sounded like a tribute-filled obituary ... rather than a story about about Steve in his own words.
Expand...
Steve was such an introvert and then being sick on top of it, I don’t know what kind of interview he would have given. And it is a shame. He didn’t seem comfortable with accolades. When I read him tributes from our board he had his back to me but he did listen and a couple times chuckled. The last thing he said to me was “No memorial service.” But the people left behind do dearly love to read about the dearly departed and so all of these stories are really for us.
 
sutomcat said:
I get the trepidation. it is natural and expected to be uncomfortable joining a big group,of people who mostly are good friends.

I would just say, for anyone who is thinking of going to a tailgate or other board gathering, especially forthe first time, to please not be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, give your handle and ask who they are.

I think you will find people are friendly, and warm, calm and welcoming.

Speaking only for myself, I really enjoy meeting other posters for the first time. I am always sad when I find out a poster attended an event, and I didn’t get a chance to meet them. When I found out, you came to a tailgate Franco and we didn’t get a chance to meet, I was sad. Genuinely.

Take a chance, come to an event, and say hello to the gang. We would love to meet you. Even if you are a ljerker who has never made a post!
Expand...
Totally agree and maybe to amplify your point- I’ve never attended a Fine Mess tailgate in Syracuse but have joined this group at road game tailgates (UNC, NC State, FSU etc)….everyone I’ve met was friendly and engaging. Even the friends I brought with me (who are not on this forum) raved about how nice everyone was.

If anyone is on the fence- go to a tailgate. You’ll meet great people from all walks of life who share your passion for Syracuse athletics.
 
bballbeadle said:
Steve was such an introvert and then being sick on top of it, I don’t know what kind of interview he would have given. And it is a shame. He didn’t seem comfortable with accolades. When I read him tributes from our board he had his back to me but he did listen and a couple times chuckled. The last thing he said to me was “No memorial service.” But the people left behind do dearly love to read about the dearly departed and so all of these stories are really for us.
Expand...
Well, once again I have to give you the accolades you don't want. You didn't know SWC. Yet, you immediately started contacting people to get JB to give Steve a call. Then, you visited him at Hospice. And once again, all done behind the scenes. Not looking to make yourself the story. Thank you for being you bballbeadle.
 
dasher said:
Well, once again I have to give you the accolades you don't want. You didn't know SWC. Yet, you immediately started contacting people to get JB to give Steve a call. Then, you visited him at Hospice. And once again, all done behind the scenes. Not looking to make yourself the story. Thank you for being you bballbeadle.
Expand...
Agreed. The best way to judge character is to see what a person does when nobody is looking.
 
MSOrange said:
Here's a couple more posts SWC made where he referenced working for Social Security. He did have a pretty funny sense of humor that he snuck in his posts sometimes

syracusefan.com

Then and Now Part 7: the Kicking Game and Summary

Then: As a freshman, Andre Szmyt, (‘Schmidt’), kicked 30 of 34 field goals and all 61 extra points for 151 points, second in the country and won the Lou Groza award as the nation’s outstanding place kicker for our 10-3 team of 2018. The next year, a 5-7 team didn’t give him as many opportunities...
syracusefan.com syracusefan.com

syracusefan.com

Why Syracuse Will Win

- Because we are Syracuse and they are Colgate and we haven’t lost to Colgate since 1950. The last nine games have gone like this: 61-7, 34-6, 47-0, 71-0, 46-6, 51-8, 47-24, 49-15, 42-7, the last being the game in which Nate Eachus ran for 147 yards in 35 carries. - Dino Babers has been...
syracusefan.com syracusefan.com
Expand...
Everyone on this board felt a connection of some sort to SWC. Mine is that i work at SSA too. I'm sure he was a dedicated Civil Servant and I hope he wasn't really aware of what's being done to our hardworking Agency .
 
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