Let It Fly Takeaways: Episode Five

The Bearcats' docuseries came to a fitting finale on Thursday.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Sep 2, 2022 10:00 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — The UC football season is one day away and the offseason is all but wrapped up, meaning it's time for the finale of another run on Let It Fly.

Let's dive into some takeaways from the series finale, including a look at linebacker Wilson Huber, punter Mason Fletcher, and the new on-field suites.

Huber Family Affair

The Bearcats' main man in the middle this season is getting his first taste of starting-level defensive snaps in his career. Huber has been at UC for over half a decade and now gets his chance to be a full-fledged star in front of sold-out Nippert Stadium crowds.

His father, Daryl, played tight end at UC from 1985-88. The Bearcats never had a winning season (or crowd's like today) during his tenure, but he was elected a team captain during his senior year.

"I stayed out of the recruiting process," Daryl said. "He chose Cincinnati, you know deep down I was very excited, but you know this is his journey, this is his time. He made it his own, but he's got lifelong friends."

Wil is grateful for the foundation his dad helped build at UC in a time when they struggle to sell out a home game.

"He did not have the success that we did," Wil said. "Did not have the facilities or the support. I think he said there was never a sold-out crowd like we've had. Like we have going on in the future. So the experiences are different, but I don't think he'd trade his (experience) for the world. And I wouldn't trade my experience."

Now, the younger Huber has a chance to cement his UC legacy in style with a great 2022 season.

Aussie, Aussie

The Fletcher Family may have the best weekend of anyone attending Saturday's game against Arkansas. UC punter Mason Fletcher and his punting brother Max, who plays for Arkansas as a freshman, are matching up against each other on Saturday.

Kicking is engrained in the family as the brother's father, Dustin, played 23 years of Australian rules football in the Australian Football League, playing his whole career for Essendon Football Club and representing Australia in international competitions.

"It still feels pretty surreal," Fletcher said about the opening contest. "Firstly, it's going to be such a big game, and then secondly just for them (The Fletcher's) to be in the stands, and be able to watch not only me play, but my little brother as well. I think it's something we've always dreamed of."

Both are results of the ProKick Australia program and haven't seen one another in two-plus years. The international family gets reunited on Saturday, but only one brother can notch bragging rights.

Suite Life

The UC athletic department in a partnership with Revel is building on-field suites for fans to watch games right on the field.

"We have to give the Ritz Carlton-type experience," deputy athletic director of external relations Anthony Di Fino said. "We have to continue to add pieces that make the experience top notch."

Fans lucky enough to see the games with their feet on the turf get the closest seat possible to touchdowns in the north end zone, and the drum bangs afterward.

"Yeah, this is going to be a really exciting experience," general manager of tailgating Tommy Easley said. "They'll be right next to the tunnel, in the endzone. And so they'll be there for every touchdown, every first down, every third-down stop."

The seating installation started last week, and 8-20 seat sections are available to fans this season.

Make sure you bookmark All Bearcats for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

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