UConn men’s basketball is almost back, with the Huskies ready to tip off their exhibition against Syracuse at Mohegan Sun Arena on October 13. For superfan Henry Blethen, better known as “Little Red,” this isn’t just a game; it’s a full-on pilgrimage, and he’s planned an absolutely insane 62-mile trek to get there, kicking off Year 9 of the Dan Hurley era in legendary style.
This Year, He’s Going Bigger
Get this: Blethen is planning to walk the entire 62 miles from Bloomfield straight to the Uncasville arena. He’s not messing around either; this is happening over two days, a smart move after last year’s monumental effort. This isn’t just for kicks, though. It’s all about supporting the Husky Ticket Project, an organization dedicated to getting young UConn fans into sporting events and building that future generation of fandom. He posted on X about it, saying he’s “building off the incredible success of last year’s walk,” and he’s “going even bigger this year.” That 62 miles? It absolutely blows away his 44-mile walk to Storrs last season. Every single mile helps the mission, which is just pure gold.
More Than Just Miles: A Goal To Hit
Little Red isn’t just putting one foot in front of the other; he’s got a serious goal in mind. Last year, his walk, also in partnership with the Husky Ticket Project, pulled in over $12,000. This season, he’s shooting for an even bigger target: a massive $15,000 on GoFundMe. You gotta love that ambition! What sparked this whole thing? Last year’s walk was a bit spontaneous. Coach Hurley had been critical of the UConn crowd at Gampel Pavilion after the Huskies barely snagged a 79-75 victory over Georgetown on February 14. Blethen heard that, and he responded with his feet! His commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Former UConn stars like Ryan Boatwright and Donovan Clingan were among the biggest donors to his GoFundMe, and ESPN’s SC+ program even featured him on a morning broadcast. Talk about making an impact!
Learning From the Grind
Last year’s 44-mile trek was intense. Blethen made it all the way to Ted’s Bar in one go, a truly remarkable feat, but it left him in “physical disrepair” on the UConn campus. That’s why this year, he’s tackling the 62-mile distance over two days. Smart move, right? The Enfield High School graduate is a known quantity, driving all over the country to bring his vocal support to the UConn men’s basketball team’s road games. This guy eats, sleeps, and breathes Huskies basketball, and he’s proving it once again with this insane, inspiring journey.
So, as October 13 approaches and the Huskies get ready to face Syracuse at Mohegan Sun Arena, keep an eye on “Little Red.” Can he hit that $15,000 donation target for the Husky Ticket Project? Can he make it those 62 miles? You know he’s gonna give it everything he’s got, setting the tone for what promises to be another wild season of UConn hoops.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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