It all began ten years ago.  I was sitting in a restaurant near the Verizon Center waiting to attend a Mystics game and in walked Helen and Ed Pickens and several other Rebounders.  We chatted for a bit and then Helen raised her eyebrows and said, “Marilyn, how about if you run for President of the Rebounders.  We really need someone and you won’t have to do a thing.” 

Reluctantly, but proudly, I accepted the offer and began my presidency.  The first two years went smoothly and Helen was correct.  I really didn’t have to do too much except talk a new Rebounder Doris Gossett into being the Secretary/Treasurer.  Then I was re-elected for another two years.   Not long after, Coach Chris Weller announced her retirement and things began to happen.  There were gifts to buy and speeches to make and events to attend.  All of a sudden, I was a very busy president.   

Then Coach Frese and her staff arrived and there were welcomes to make and friendships to form and rough spots to smooth out.  We moved into Comcast Center and there were all kinds of questions about seating and handicap access.  I was extremely busy. 

At the end of my second term, I turned over the job to Helen and Darlene Lehr.  They took over for the next two years and Obie was elected Vice-President.  

In 2005 Obie was elected President and is now at the end of his second term.  Doris had continued on as an officer, but had to leave her position mid-year.  Obie called Sharma Wright and asked her to step in as Secretary.  He told her, “There really isn’t that much to do.”  In the background I rolled my eyes.  

As it’s turned out, serving as an officer of the Rebounder organization is a demanding, although rewarding, position. Just ask Obie.  Or Sharma.  Or Todd.  Or Steve.  They work very hard to make things run smoothly---and their efforts have paid off.   

Former Maryland Coach Jeff Walz, now at Louisville, wants to form a booster club and model it after the Rebounders.  Our club is the largest it has ever been---and growing.  The Rebounders now have wonderful events (like the crab feast and Comcast Center tailgates) and a website that is the best to be found (thanks to Sharma).  Fourteen Rebounders volunteer to create a four-year scrapbook for each player.  Our relationship with Jen Elkonoh, the coaches, the support staff, and the players is friendly and helpful.

Obie may be a lame duck, but he is as proud as a peacock about being the president of the best boosters in the NCAA.