The movie "The Bucket List" comes out today. It is the story of two terminally ill cancer patients who devise a list of things they want to do before they die. Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, "The Bucket List" looks like one I would like to cross off my list and see.
The Sports Wife and I got to cross one off our list a couple weeks ago as we ventured up to Lawrence for our first Kansas basketball game at fabled Allen Fieldhouse. We had been to AFH last season for Late Night at the Phog which opens the practice season.
Getting to actually attend a game was one of the highlights of our Christmas season. We were guests of the Stewart family of Lawrence through one of my wife's co-workers. They were most gracious and friendly hosts and we are forever grateful for the opportunity.
We arrived at the Phog at 5:30- 1 1/2 hours before game time which allowed us to watch both teams warm up. Of course, KU was playing Yale that night so we really weren't much interested in watching the visitors, although a side note, the Bulldogs have a set of twins from Olathe playing which gave the game a nice local flavor for the team from New Haven, CT.
Warm-ups included assistant coaches, Danny Manning, Joe Dooley, and graduate assistant Michael Lee working with the different groups of players for about 30 minutes. It was pretty neat to see the assistants out in there t-shirts and shorts.
As for the players, it's really eye-opening when you actually see the talent of a top-tier program going through their warm-ups. Every player makes it look so easy and effortless, even the walk-ons. I think if I hadn't been so enthralled with the fieldhouse itself, I would have been even more impressed.
Of course KU went on to beat Yale by 30 that night, but the game somehow took a backseat to the whole ambience of the arena and the history surrounding it. It really hits you when they roll through a 90-second video of the history of KU basketball during player introductions. I had chills running up my spine during that part of the festivities. (Ok, I know, I should probably be committed).
The KU band keeps things pretty lively throughout as well. It's entertaining to watch the student sections on either end of the fieldhouse. I wouldn't want to have to shoot free throws against that backdrop.
I was able to stroll through the Booth Hall of Athletics in the front of AFH during halftime. It definitely deserves more than 10-15 minutes, but I was able to see the '88 National Championship trophy and net along with a ball signed by all of the players. Next to the trophy was Wayne Simien's world championship ring from his rookie season with the Miami Heat that he donated last year.
As a basketball fan and a rabid KU fan, the experience was tremendous. I hope to be able to attend another game at Allen Fieldhouse in the future, but I doubt it will ever equal our first experience.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Hawks Flyin' High
A belated Merry Christmas and hopes for a Happy New Year to all who stop by and read my blog.
It has been well documented that I am a crazed KU fan. I love the Jayhawks but don't really get into "hating on" KSU or Mizzou like lots of KU folks do. I suppose that is due to the fact that I am just a sports fan.
As the New Year arrives shortly, I am stoked about KU being front and center in, not only hoops, (ranked #3 nationally) but playing in a BCS Bowl for the first time. What a shot in the arm this season has been for coach Mark Mangenious and the 'Hawks.
Many have said that KU's success is a result of an easy schedule, (no Texas or OU on the slate), but the Hawks (11-1) did have some tough games, especially on the road (K-State, Texas A&M & Colorado).
The Jayhawks will have their hands full in the Orange Bowl next week against Virginia Tech out of the ACC. The Hokies (11-2) lost only to LSU, early in the season, and Boston College but avenged the loss to BC in the ACC championship game.
Kansas has a chance to build something special off of their success this year through recruiting and opportunities to play more high profile games on television next season. Texas and OU will still be the standard bearers next year. Kansas will have a chance to show the nation how far it has come with games against those two powerhouses in '08.
Kansas basketball, so far, is what everyone expected. With the exception of 3 tough non-conference games against Arizona, Southern Cal, and Georgia Tech, the Jayhawks have cruised through the first 12 games. The non-con schedule has been a bit soft in my opinion, and may effect seedings down the line in the NCAA tournament.
KU has everyone back and healthy after working through injuries to Brandon Rush and Sherron Collins. If the Jayhawks can stay healthy, with their experience and athleticism, they could make a deep run in the NCAA's come March and April.
Closer to home, I have been covering hoops for Dexter and South Haven again this winter. It's great to see the Dexter boys having some success this year after the past couple seasons. Coach Dennis Bryant has done a great job motivating the Fightin' Cardinals. They are a young team with only 2 seniors so the future looks bright for coach Bryant and the Dexter boys.
Dexter's girls squad is undefeated heading into the semester break and continues to improve every game. They were pretty good last year and with seniors dominating the lineup and some surprising underclassman coming on this year, they could make some noise in the SCBL and possibly further come state tourney time.
South Haven's boys will look to be more consistent after the break. It has been tough for the Cardinals with the postponements and the fact that they didn't get much practice time early due to the run they made in the 8-Man football playoffs. I think once they get back into a routine, coach Darren McDorman will have his kids ready for a run at the SCBL title this year.
South Haven's girls, with only one loss on the season, will definitely be in the mix in the SCBL along with some pretty good teams in Caldwell, Dexter, and Argonia. The Lady Cardinals have good senior leadership in Beth Davidson and Tina Clausen. Coach David Hughes' coaching style breeds success based on fundamentals and defense.
I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things once school starts back up next week.
Finally, the sports wife and I are heading to Lawrence and Kansas City this week to see, not only KU vs Yale on Saturday night, but to welcome a new addition into the family. Levi Michael Joseph was born on December 12 coming in at just over 10 lbs. Mama (Katy) and Pops (Chris) are adjusting to parenthood very nicely.
Will definitely have something to blog about on our return.
It has been well documented that I am a crazed KU fan. I love the Jayhawks but don't really get into "hating on" KSU or Mizzou like lots of KU folks do. I suppose that is due to the fact that I am just a sports fan.
As the New Year arrives shortly, I am stoked about KU being front and center in, not only hoops, (ranked #3 nationally) but playing in a BCS Bowl for the first time. What a shot in the arm this season has been for coach Mark Mangenious and the 'Hawks.
Many have said that KU's success is a result of an easy schedule, (no Texas or OU on the slate), but the Hawks (11-1) did have some tough games, especially on the road (K-State, Texas A&M & Colorado).
The Jayhawks will have their hands full in the Orange Bowl next week against Virginia Tech out of the ACC. The Hokies (11-2) lost only to LSU, early in the season, and Boston College but avenged the loss to BC in the ACC championship game.
Kansas has a chance to build something special off of their success this year through recruiting and opportunities to play more high profile games on television next season. Texas and OU will still be the standard bearers next year. Kansas will have a chance to show the nation how far it has come with games against those two powerhouses in '08.
Kansas basketball, so far, is what everyone expected. With the exception of 3 tough non-conference games against Arizona, Southern Cal, and Georgia Tech, the Jayhawks have cruised through the first 12 games. The non-con schedule has been a bit soft in my opinion, and may effect seedings down the line in the NCAA tournament.
KU has everyone back and healthy after working through injuries to Brandon Rush and Sherron Collins. If the Jayhawks can stay healthy, with their experience and athleticism, they could make a deep run in the NCAA's come March and April.
Closer to home, I have been covering hoops for Dexter and South Haven again this winter. It's great to see the Dexter boys having some success this year after the past couple seasons. Coach Dennis Bryant has done a great job motivating the Fightin' Cardinals. They are a young team with only 2 seniors so the future looks bright for coach Bryant and the Dexter boys.
Dexter's girls squad is undefeated heading into the semester break and continues to improve every game. They were pretty good last year and with seniors dominating the lineup and some surprising underclassman coming on this year, they could make some noise in the SCBL and possibly further come state tourney time.
South Haven's boys will look to be more consistent after the break. It has been tough for the Cardinals with the postponements and the fact that they didn't get much practice time early due to the run they made in the 8-Man football playoffs. I think once they get back into a routine, coach Darren McDorman will have his kids ready for a run at the SCBL title this year.
South Haven's girls, with only one loss on the season, will definitely be in the mix in the SCBL along with some pretty good teams in Caldwell, Dexter, and Argonia. The Lady Cardinals have good senior leadership in Beth Davidson and Tina Clausen. Coach David Hughes' coaching style breeds success based on fundamentals and defense.
I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things once school starts back up next week.
Finally, the sports wife and I are heading to Lawrence and Kansas City this week to see, not only KU vs Yale on Saturday night, but to welcome a new addition into the family. Levi Michael Joseph was born on December 12 coming in at just over 10 lbs. Mama (Katy) and Pops (Chris) are adjusting to parenthood very nicely.
Will definitely have something to blog about on our return.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Bits & Pieces and All About the Money
Seems the Yankees have taken the hard stance and told Alex Rodriguez that they would only negotiate with him and not with his agent, Scott Boras. Boras, in my opinion, is destroying sports with his heavy-handed negotiating style. We all know that Boras talked Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks into signing A-Rod to that 252-million deal back in 2000. Hicks has been on the hook for over 21-million per year of the contract since shipping Rodriguez off to New York 4 years ago.
When A-Rod opted out of his contract during the World Series, it relieved Hicks of his responsibility in the contract. Hicks had to be doing cartwheels upon hearing that news. Now, it's not like we should feel sorry for Hicks. He, of course, leveraged his whole organization with the A-Rod deal and since, hasn't been able to put a competitive team on the field.
Back to the Yankees and their negotiations with A-Rod. After thinking about it, New York was the only place Rodriguez had a chance of securing the type of money he, and his agent, wanted. No other team in baseball has the ablility to pay the money A-Rod is worth and still be able to put a competitive team around him. Even though it will be a staggering amount, (some sources say 10-years at 300-million), the Yankees will be able to compete at the highest level, and won't settle for the first round exits they have suffered the past few seasons under Joe Torre.
The sons of Steinbrenner, Hank and Hal, are chips off the old block (George) and will do whatever is possible to bring championships back to New York. Like the old Who song, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..."
Around the area, kudos to the Cowley women's volleyball squad making it back for another shot at a National Championship this week in Arizona.
South Haven's Cardinal football team taking on Sharon Springs for the 8-man Division II championship this Saturday at Newton. I have been contemplating heading up to watch this game against staying home to watch KU vs Iowa State. I think I am leaning toward going to Newton. These games don't happen very often in our part of the world. I think this could be a real close game as both teams come in ranked #1 and #2. Good luck Cardinals!!
In basketball, KU and K-State are starting out strong this season. KU lost leading scorer and point guard, Sherron Collins with a stress fracture in his left foot. On the plus side, Brandon Rush is set to return, following ligament surgery earlier this summer. A couple of freshman, guard Tyrel Reed from Burlington, and center Cole Aldrich from Minnesota, have looked good so far in the early going.
Over in Manhattan, get ready for the Michael Beasley era. Beasley averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) in the first two games for the Wildcats, including a monster 32-24 effort in the first game. Beasley could be the second coming of Kevin Durant this season if he keeps that up. Unfortunately, we will probably only get to experience this kid for one season. If he stays healthy, he will be getting paid to play next year in the Association.
When A-Rod opted out of his contract during the World Series, it relieved Hicks of his responsibility in the contract. Hicks had to be doing cartwheels upon hearing that news. Now, it's not like we should feel sorry for Hicks. He, of course, leveraged his whole organization with the A-Rod deal and since, hasn't been able to put a competitive team on the field.
Back to the Yankees and their negotiations with A-Rod. After thinking about it, New York was the only place Rodriguez had a chance of securing the type of money he, and his agent, wanted. No other team in baseball has the ablility to pay the money A-Rod is worth and still be able to put a competitive team around him. Even though it will be a staggering amount, (some sources say 10-years at 300-million), the Yankees will be able to compete at the highest level, and won't settle for the first round exits they have suffered the past few seasons under Joe Torre.
The sons of Steinbrenner, Hank and Hal, are chips off the old block (George) and will do whatever is possible to bring championships back to New York. Like the old Who song, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..."
Around the area, kudos to the Cowley women's volleyball squad making it back for another shot at a National Championship this week in Arizona.
South Haven's Cardinal football team taking on Sharon Springs for the 8-man Division II championship this Saturday at Newton. I have been contemplating heading up to watch this game against staying home to watch KU vs Iowa State. I think I am leaning toward going to Newton. These games don't happen very often in our part of the world. I think this could be a real close game as both teams come in ranked #1 and #2. Good luck Cardinals!!
In basketball, KU and K-State are starting out strong this season. KU lost leading scorer and point guard, Sherron Collins with a stress fracture in his left foot. On the plus side, Brandon Rush is set to return, following ligament surgery earlier this summer. A couple of freshman, guard Tyrel Reed from Burlington, and center Cole Aldrich from Minnesota, have looked good so far in the early going.
Over in Manhattan, get ready for the Michael Beasley era. Beasley averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) in the first two games for the Wildcats, including a monster 32-24 effort in the first game. Beasley could be the second coming of Kevin Durant this season if he keeps that up. Unfortunately, we will probably only get to experience this kid for one season. If he stays healthy, he will be getting paid to play next year in the Association.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Pursuit of Perfection
Back just in time for the weekend looking forward to a healthy plate full of sports viewing the next couple days.
It has certainly been a refreshing football season, with two teams that I have invested time with this season. Writing for the Traveler as a corrospondent, covering the two small high schools in our area, both Dexter and South Haven, I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Dexter has experienced some lean times in football the past few years with injuries and lack of participation taking their toll.
The South Haven Cardinals ran the table in the SCBL this season and advaced through the first two rounds of the state tournament unscathed. They face a Hope team tonight that has a great deal of tradition and experience in these games on it's side. Hope has played in the semi-finals 5 of the past 6 seasons. The Cardinals were tested last week, trailing 14-6 heading into the second half before pulling away 42-22 behind Jake Davidson's 200-plus rushing performance. Let's hope last week's adversity works as an advantage for South Haven in their contest tonight.
Davidson said publically that he wants to put the team on his back and I have no doubt that Jake will do everything in his power to lead this team into next week's championship game. Moving Davidson to tailback was a stroke of genius by coach David Hughes as it can help free the quicker Derrick Spencer on mis-direction plays from the fullback position. A great strategy with starting tailback Cass Myers out for the rest of the season with the broken leg.
Hughes has quite the winning streak going when you consider that his teams have not lost since late October last year. When you combine the South Haven girls undefeated State Championship team at 28-0 and this year's football team at 11-0 and counting, with basketball right around the corner, it will be interesting to see how far the streak will go.
Also of interest this weekend will be college football in Kansas as KU at #4 in the latest BCS poll travels to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State. A little concerned with the Jayhawk defense this week against the Cowboys, especially pass defense. The 'Hawks gave up 39 points against Nebraska a week ago, even though all the talk was about the Huskers giving up 76. OSU has one of the better passing attacks with Adarius Bowman at receiver and quarterback Zac Robinson throwing for almost 2000-yards on the season.
KU needs to take care of business this week and next against Iowa State with the Border Showdown against Mizzou looming in two weeks. It's almost inconceivable but possible that the Jayhawks could play for a National Championship this season.....IN FOOTBALL!!!
K-State has a chance to get well and make up for the stinker they laid against Iowa State last week. The Wildcats can drive the final nails in the coaching coffin of Bill Callahan if they can beat Nebraska in Lincoln tomorrow afternoon. It's almost surreal to think that both Kansas teams could beat Nebraska in the same year after the Husker dominance that I grew up with.
Will return Monday with a follow-up on the results of this weekend
It has certainly been a refreshing football season, with two teams that I have invested time with this season. Writing for the Traveler as a corrospondent, covering the two small high schools in our area, both Dexter and South Haven, I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Dexter has experienced some lean times in football the past few years with injuries and lack of participation taking their toll.
The South Haven Cardinals ran the table in the SCBL this season and advaced through the first two rounds of the state tournament unscathed. They face a Hope team tonight that has a great deal of tradition and experience in these games on it's side. Hope has played in the semi-finals 5 of the past 6 seasons. The Cardinals were tested last week, trailing 14-6 heading into the second half before pulling away 42-22 behind Jake Davidson's 200-plus rushing performance. Let's hope last week's adversity works as an advantage for South Haven in their contest tonight.
Davidson said publically that he wants to put the team on his back and I have no doubt that Jake will do everything in his power to lead this team into next week's championship game. Moving Davidson to tailback was a stroke of genius by coach David Hughes as it can help free the quicker Derrick Spencer on mis-direction plays from the fullback position. A great strategy with starting tailback Cass Myers out for the rest of the season with the broken leg.
Hughes has quite the winning streak going when you consider that his teams have not lost since late October last year. When you combine the South Haven girls undefeated State Championship team at 28-0 and this year's football team at 11-0 and counting, with basketball right around the corner, it will be interesting to see how far the streak will go.
Also of interest this weekend will be college football in Kansas as KU at #4 in the latest BCS poll travels to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State. A little concerned with the Jayhawk defense this week against the Cowboys, especially pass defense. The 'Hawks gave up 39 points against Nebraska a week ago, even though all the talk was about the Huskers giving up 76. OSU has one of the better passing attacks with Adarius Bowman at receiver and quarterback Zac Robinson throwing for almost 2000-yards on the season.
KU needs to take care of business this week and next against Iowa State with the Border Showdown against Mizzou looming in two weeks. It's almost inconceivable but possible that the Jayhawks could play for a National Championship this season.....IN FOOTBALL!!!
K-State has a chance to get well and make up for the stinker they laid against Iowa State last week. The Wildcats can drive the final nails in the coaching coffin of Bill Callahan if they can beat Nebraska in Lincoln tomorrow afternoon. It's almost surreal to think that both Kansas teams could beat Nebraska in the same year after the Husker dominance that I grew up with.
Will return Monday with a follow-up on the results of this weekend
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sports Feast
With November staring us in the face, I thought it a good time to point out that this time of year is one of the best for sports fans.
Baseball just wrapped up with the Red Sox sweeping the Rockies Sunday night. Boston was just so impressive on so many levels. Pitching, clutch hitting, good defense. The Red Sox are the trendy pick to repeat next year even though they will probably lose Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell to free agency. Don't be surprised to see Lowell joining former Sox (and Royal) Johnny Damon on the Yankees next season since A-Rod decided to opt out of his contract.
Speaking of A-Rod, nice job by his agent, Scott Boras, of announcing that Rodriguez was opting out of his contract during the final game of the series. Nothing says class like trying to upstage baseball's grandest event by calling a Fox sports columnist and giving him the go-ahead to tell the world that your meal ticket decided he has had enough playing in New York.
The best part of the story came out Monday, when Boras was quoted as saying that A-Rod chose to opt-out because he was unsure if "his" catcher (Jorge Posada), "his" best reliever (Mariana Rivera), and "his" front line pitcher (Andy Pettitte) would re-sign with the Yanks. EXCUSE ME?!?!?!... When did he take part ownership in the team?? And where was George Steinbrenner when all this went down? The more I read about A-Rod, the more I realize that he is always going to be a stat-stuffer during the regular season, but an under-achiever when it comes to postseason pressure, and it all revolves around the money and the huge contract that he will most likely get from some idiot owner looking to put butts in the seats. A-Rod is everything that is wrong with the game today, with the exception of the steroid and HGH problems.
College football has been thrilling this year with parity shifting the axis of power in the game. It's nice to have KU and K-State showing signs of success this season after some lean years. Both schools are solid defensively and if the coaching staffs stay consistent at both, maybe the Big XII North will reverse the fortunes or misfortunes of the past few years in it's struggle to be competitive with the south teams.
Would sure love to see the Jayhawks undefeated going into the final weekend against Mizzou, but they have some tough games ahead before that clash. This weekend at home against Nebraska will be a test, even though the Huskers are in a free-fall over the past month. Like a wounded dog, I wouldn't want to take Nebraska lightly at this point. The following week is a road game against Oklahoma State that won't be a cake-walk either. Iowa State, at home, on the 17th should be a nice tune-up for the Missouri game, which hopefully will decide who gets to play Oklahoma for the Big XII championship.
College hoops begins tomorrow night with KU hosting Pitt State in an exhibition game at Allen Fieldhouse. KU is going on the 20th anniversary of the last National Championship. This could be the year if everything falls in place as the Hawks are preseason top five.
I would encourage high school football fans to head over to South Haven this Saturday if you want to see football the way it's suppose to be played. It's 8-man, it's fast-paced and exciting, and in a lot of ways, it's a step back in time. It almost has a "Hoosiers" feel to it. Hard to explain unless you've experienced it. The Cardinals are 10-0 and ranked #2 in the Wichita Eagle football poll.
Like the South Haven girls basketball team that won the State title last spring, this Cardinal football team has a special feel about it. Coaches Hughes and Gressel have the kids focused and if they can get through this regional round, who knows what might be in store for that little village 19 miles to the west.
Good Luck Cardinals!!
Baseball just wrapped up with the Red Sox sweeping the Rockies Sunday night. Boston was just so impressive on so many levels. Pitching, clutch hitting, good defense. The Red Sox are the trendy pick to repeat next year even though they will probably lose Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell to free agency. Don't be surprised to see Lowell joining former Sox (and Royal) Johnny Damon on the Yankees next season since A-Rod decided to opt out of his contract.
Speaking of A-Rod, nice job by his agent, Scott Boras, of announcing that Rodriguez was opting out of his contract during the final game of the series. Nothing says class like trying to upstage baseball's grandest event by calling a Fox sports columnist and giving him the go-ahead to tell the world that your meal ticket decided he has had enough playing in New York.
The best part of the story came out Monday, when Boras was quoted as saying that A-Rod chose to opt-out because he was unsure if "his" catcher (Jorge Posada), "his" best reliever (Mariana Rivera), and "his" front line pitcher (Andy Pettitte) would re-sign with the Yanks. EXCUSE ME?!?!?!... When did he take part ownership in the team?? And where was George Steinbrenner when all this went down? The more I read about A-Rod, the more I realize that he is always going to be a stat-stuffer during the regular season, but an under-achiever when it comes to postseason pressure, and it all revolves around the money and the huge contract that he will most likely get from some idiot owner looking to put butts in the seats. A-Rod is everything that is wrong with the game today, with the exception of the steroid and HGH problems.
College football has been thrilling this year with parity shifting the axis of power in the game. It's nice to have KU and K-State showing signs of success this season after some lean years. Both schools are solid defensively and if the coaching staffs stay consistent at both, maybe the Big XII North will reverse the fortunes or misfortunes of the past few years in it's struggle to be competitive with the south teams.
Would sure love to see the Jayhawks undefeated going into the final weekend against Mizzou, but they have some tough games ahead before that clash. This weekend at home against Nebraska will be a test, even though the Huskers are in a free-fall over the past month. Like a wounded dog, I wouldn't want to take Nebraska lightly at this point. The following week is a road game against Oklahoma State that won't be a cake-walk either. Iowa State, at home, on the 17th should be a nice tune-up for the Missouri game, which hopefully will decide who gets to play Oklahoma for the Big XII championship.
College hoops begins tomorrow night with KU hosting Pitt State in an exhibition game at Allen Fieldhouse. KU is going on the 20th anniversary of the last National Championship. This could be the year if everything falls in place as the Hawks are preseason top five.
I would encourage high school football fans to head over to South Haven this Saturday if you want to see football the way it's suppose to be played. It's 8-man, it's fast-paced and exciting, and in a lot of ways, it's a step back in time. It almost has a "Hoosiers" feel to it. Hard to explain unless you've experienced it. The Cardinals are 10-0 and ranked #2 in the Wichita Eagle football poll.
Like the South Haven girls basketball team that won the State title last spring, this Cardinal football team has a special feel about it. Coaches Hughes and Gressel have the kids focused and if they can get through this regional round, who knows what might be in store for that little village 19 miles to the west.
Good Luck Cardinals!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sports Heaven---Beantown
Two games into the World Series and everything is coming up (red) roses for the Red Sox. First, there was the dismantling 13-1 blowout in game one in which the Sox reduced the Rockies to pebbles. Then last night, Colorado was ground into sand as Boston slipped past the Rocks 2-1 behind stellar pitching by Curt Schilling, Hideki Okajima, and Riverdance king, Jonathan Papelbon.
That's not to take away from the gem that Boston ace Josh Beckett threw in game one. Beckett was dominating from the start with a consistent 95-97 mph fastball and a sick breaking ball that had the Rockies shaking their heads all evening.
With the scene shifting to Denver for the weekend, you really get the feeling that Boston could close this series out in four straight, but it remains to be seen. Maybe Colorado will be able to break through against Dice-K in game three.
There has to be a euphoric feeling in New England these days with the Red Sox gunning for their second championship in four years, not to mention the Patriots putting together their own little dynasty over the past several seasons and undefeated so far this year in a very weak AFC East.
And then you have the Boston College Eagles, ranked #2 in the college football BCS polls and cementing that position with a 14-10 win at #8 Virginia Tech last night.
Not to be outdone, the Celtics made some moves over the summer to bring themselves back into post season consideration. The C's traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to compliment their star forward and former KU alum Paul Pierce. Most experts pick Boston to at least make the conference finals with a chance to go to the NBA finals next June.
They say nothing beats the fall foliage in New England and, at least these days, nobody is beating the Boston sports scene either.
That's not to take away from the gem that Boston ace Josh Beckett threw in game one. Beckett was dominating from the start with a consistent 95-97 mph fastball and a sick breaking ball that had the Rockies shaking their heads all evening.
With the scene shifting to Denver for the weekend, you really get the feeling that Boston could close this series out in four straight, but it remains to be seen. Maybe Colorado will be able to break through against Dice-K in game three.
There has to be a euphoric feeling in New England these days with the Red Sox gunning for their second championship in four years, not to mention the Patriots putting together their own little dynasty over the past several seasons and undefeated so far this year in a very weak AFC East.
And then you have the Boston College Eagles, ranked #2 in the college football BCS polls and cementing that position with a 14-10 win at #8 Virginia Tech last night.
Not to be outdone, the Celtics made some moves over the summer to bring themselves back into post season consideration. The C's traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to compliment their star forward and former KU alum Paul Pierce. Most experts pick Boston to at least make the conference finals with a chance to go to the NBA finals next June.
They say nothing beats the fall foliage in New England and, at least these days, nobody is beating the Boston sports scene either.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sports-A-Plenty
WOW!!
You gotta love it anytime there is a game 7. Regardless of the sport, game sevens are the pinnacle of excitement. Win and move on. Lose and go home. Everything you did previous is out the window and it all culminates with this one game.
As a baseball fan, I was super-glued to the ALCS the entire way. I had a feeling that Boston would come back from the 3-1 deficit against Cleveland. There was something, a feeling if you will, that you can't really describe, but you just knew that the Red Sox were on the verge of doing something special in this series. Maybe it's the swagger and confidence the Red Sox players seem to have. Maybe the fact that they came back from a 3-0 against the Yankees in 2004, they knew what it would take to rally back.
On to the World Series.
Both teams are riding serious waves of confidence. Colorado, winners of 20 of their last 21 and 7-0 in the playoffs thus far, have been referred to as "Destiny's Darlings" and are a formidable opponent for the Red Sox.
I hope this series is as exciting as the ALCS and predict that it will also go seven games with ??? being crowned World Champions.
Just a brief comment about college football. KU sporting the sparkling 7-0 record and getting a sniff of the BCS rankings has been pretty exciting. I will hold to my comments earlier in the year about the Jayhawks loading their schedule with cremepuffs, but they have been impressive so far in Big XII play, especially against K-State and Colorado. Texas A & M looms as the biggest test so far for KU this Saturday and then it only gets tougher with Nebraska (I know, the Huskers are down) OSU, who slipped past the Wildcats, Iowa State, who gave the Sooners all they wanted, and Missouri, who have been extremely impressive this year.
Hope it all comes down to KU vs Mizzou in KC for the right to play OU in the Big XII championship with a BCS bowl on the line.
Closer to home, the South Haven Cardinals are still undefeated (8-0) and ranked #2 in Class 8-man II with Argonia next on the schedule this Thursday night at South Haven. David Hughes has assembled yet another special team this season on the heels of South Haven's girls basketball champions of last year. Coach Hughes is a great motivator and gets the best out of every one of the kids on his roster. The Argonia game will decide the SCBL champion and determine pairings for the Bi-Districts coming up next week. Good luck Cardinals and coaches Hughes and Gressel and staff.
You gotta love it anytime there is a game 7. Regardless of the sport, game sevens are the pinnacle of excitement. Win and move on. Lose and go home. Everything you did previous is out the window and it all culminates with this one game.
As a baseball fan, I was super-glued to the ALCS the entire way. I had a feeling that Boston would come back from the 3-1 deficit against Cleveland. There was something, a feeling if you will, that you can't really describe, but you just knew that the Red Sox were on the verge of doing something special in this series. Maybe it's the swagger and confidence the Red Sox players seem to have. Maybe the fact that they came back from a 3-0 against the Yankees in 2004, they knew what it would take to rally back.
On to the World Series.
Both teams are riding serious waves of confidence. Colorado, winners of 20 of their last 21 and 7-0 in the playoffs thus far, have been referred to as "Destiny's Darlings" and are a formidable opponent for the Red Sox.
I hope this series is as exciting as the ALCS and predict that it will also go seven games with ??? being crowned World Champions.
Just a brief comment about college football. KU sporting the sparkling 7-0 record and getting a sniff of the BCS rankings has been pretty exciting. I will hold to my comments earlier in the year about the Jayhawks loading their schedule with cremepuffs, but they have been impressive so far in Big XII play, especially against K-State and Colorado. Texas A & M looms as the biggest test so far for KU this Saturday and then it only gets tougher with Nebraska (I know, the Huskers are down) OSU, who slipped past the Wildcats, Iowa State, who gave the Sooners all they wanted, and Missouri, who have been extremely impressive this year.
Hope it all comes down to KU vs Mizzou in KC for the right to play OU in the Big XII championship with a BCS bowl on the line.
Closer to home, the South Haven Cardinals are still undefeated (8-0) and ranked #2 in Class 8-man II with Argonia next on the schedule this Thursday night at South Haven. David Hughes has assembled yet another special team this season on the heels of South Haven's girls basketball champions of last year. Coach Hughes is a great motivator and gets the best out of every one of the kids on his roster. The Argonia game will decide the SCBL champion and determine pairings for the Bi-Districts coming up next week. Good luck Cardinals and coaches Hughes and Gressel and staff.
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