MEMPHIS — Add Roy Williams to a list that includes Oprah Winfrey, Emeril Lagasse, Joan Collins, Molly Ringwald, Chris Matthews, Paula Deen, Larry King and Kevin Bacon.
After Thursday, all have been official Honorary Duckmasters at the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis.
North Carolina’s basketball coach led the Peabody Marching Ducks on their 11 a.m. stroll through the hotel lobby to their indoor fountain. The ceremony, a Memphis must-see, takes place twice daily, the second at 5 p.m.
The tradition has been in place for more than 50 years, but its roots actually date to 1933.
"It was neat," Williams said. "I'd always heard about it, but I'd never seen it, and then they asked me to lead 'em out. I said sure thing. I'm corny as all get out, but it really was neat ... The ducks were very coachable. They went where I told them to."
Five ducks — North American mallards — make the daily rounds.
By the way, duck dishes are not served anywhere in the hotel.
Comments
nothing like
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 21:55 — gvillegatrdrinking a Heineken at the bar and watching the ducks get off the elevator and into their little pool. who'd a thunk it!?
Somewhat ironic?
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 15:36 — JPDOhioRoy walks the ducks and, tomorrow, Ty Lawson goes through Zag's D like you-know-what thru a goose.
I'm feeling good about this game...
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 15:23 — UNC1998Sure Gonzaga has scorers, but UNC does, too! Carolina's running game is unmatched. The Zags are going to see that live and in person Friday night. Go Heels!!!
Roy
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 13:47 — heelsno1Once through walking the Ducks, Roy needs to leash the Gonzaga Bulldogs and run them out of the gym late Friday night.