For starters, here's the new helmet, plus a couple of versions of "game day" caps

Crowd was enthusiastic, nice sized -- but there could've been more there.  So why not sign up?

During dinner, attendees watched as the sign crew mounted the top elements of the new Jumbotron

Members get a chuckle from Brett Wagner, who's  at the podium, auctioning off sideline passes

Rice linebacking crew were guests of honor, and Owl DC Paul Randolph was there to introduce them -- if you're looking for Brandon King, he's at chemistry lab

Many of the attendees got to meet new Rice Athletic Director Chris Del Conte for the first time

Rice's new AD is a dynamic speaker, and quickly has adapted to the Rice way of doing things, while adding extra energy and innovation of his own

For purposes of future identification, that's new Rice SID Chuck Pool -- the hirsute fellow to the right of Larry George

Coach Randolph tries to make a point about tackling, but had attendees wondering if he had any eligibility left

Frankie B. Mandola (L) served State-Grille quality victuals to those who attended -- here, he's kicking it up a notch for Bob Schlanger

Coach Graham appeared cool, calm and collected

Kyle Frazier (L) chats with Owl Club head fundraiser Paul Sutera during the pre-dinner mixer

(PTH photos)