Uniform part deux

Today I covered my first fashion show. I did MC a prom fashion show in high school once -- looked great in that tux -- but got yelled at for cracking a joke about old people dying. Right then and there I decided that fashion wasn't my thing. My wife and my wardrobe consultant at Men's Wearhouse also agree.

So, as a journalist, today was a new experience for me. Sad to say it wasn't exactly the Victoria Secrets fashion show. We talked about color combinations and patterns as well as the front of the uniform being too busy (not a mention of Connecticut on the entire uniform. Just a block C).

Here is the video of the occasion.

Of course as all fashionistas know the material is ultra important (it is?). This thing is made out of some type of material that hugs the body and collects sweat off the skin. I swear it makes you faster. That's the extent of my textile knowledge. It isn't cotton or polyester, which is all I wear anyhow. No idea how to wash it. Just throw it in the machine, then throw it in the dryer.

As far the aesthetics of the uniform?

I don't know. I can read the numbers and that's a start. It isn't lime green or see-through, so it's a win-win in my book.

In perhaps the most awkward moment of their careers (and mine), UConn's four captains acted as models for the event. Reggie McCalin took a pirouette (corners have to have quick feet) for the assembled media.

Scott Lutrus played the part of Sunday newspaper circular cover boy. When Lutrus' NFL career is done perhaps he can model for the JC Penny catalogue. Anthony Sherman looked like he couldn't wait to get it dirty. Kid was intense up there.

And, then there is every one's favorite Desi Cullen. Right now he is already the most quoted punter in college football history, and no one can explain how a uniform fits like Desi.

"It's like punting naked."

Desi did his best Derek Zoolander impression for the TV cameras. He was a divas diva. He complained there was no runway, and he wouldn't strut unless there was a camera.

As far as my professional opinion?

The uniform is spectacular in its simplicity. Less is certainly more with the small block C at the top of the sternum replacing the over-busy Connecticut across the chest. In place is the traditional navy blue and white with the iconic block "C" helmet that has its roots back to Red O'Neil and the Storrs Agricultural gridiron club of 1924. Footwear will be solid black cleats.

It's a simple, elegant and goes well with the look of the program.

Notes:

* In all seriousness the Huskies first approached Nike last August to replace the uniform. The material is the key for the Huskies.

This one is light and collects sweat while the last uniform got pretty heavy. Scott Lutrus said he would have to go back to the locker room at the half and he could ring the moisture out. Offensive lineman are going to love it. I am not qualified to give my aesthetic opinion, though I like simple combinations. It isn't flashy, and it looks like UConn decided to make the helmet its icon.

It isn't the mid 1980s Astros or the worst uniform of all-time, the White Sox shorts. It isn't the Yankees pinstripes either.

*Workouts are going well according to Cullen and Lutrus. They are getting four days in of workouts with Wednesday's as an off day. Cullen is headed out to punting camp in Michigan soon (I think). He will tutor some high school kids and there will be pros there for him to get some tips too. Desi hated the old uniforms because they were restrictive for kickers. They use to cut them up.

*Will be back blogging more once high school season ends. It's been non-stop since January for our sports staff.