Renee Montgomery is outscoring Hartford 20-16 at half and UConn is winning 49-16.
I think that Lorin Dixon and Meghan Gardler played well. Meghan was very active on defense and got a lot of boards. Lorin continued to play with confidence.
Player of the Game was Renee Montgomery. Her first half was amazing.
Tahirah Williams is now 4 pts shy of tying her career high single season scoring mark.
On an entirely different subject,
6 football players and my cousin graduated during winter commencement. The football players were Tony Ciaravino, Steve Brouse, Daruis Butler, Julius Williams, Tyler Lorenzen and Rob Lunn.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I have effected one person
One person's life has been made better because of my blog and that makes my day. Many posts ago I mentioned the WPSL, something I learned about through surfing the Web at about 2 or 3 am on a school night. I had a 9am I think. I stayed awake though. Anyway my friend Brian Callahan is applying for sports internships and he contacted two WPSL teams.
I am so proud that the information that I post, which at times is so useless, has actually been of use to someone. So proud that I am writing about it.
I am so proud that the information that I post, which at times is so useless, has actually been of use to someone. So proud that I am writing about it.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Meghan Schnur
So somehow I was surfing the internet and found some interesting stories on former UConn Women's Soccer player Meghan Schnur.
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid7068.aspx
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid6720.aspx
Schnur is one of a handful of athletes that I never actually saw play in a meaningful game at UConn. I regret that I never saw her or Shannon Burke play. I'd say almost the same thing about Julius James. I did see a couple of men's soccer games that he was in but I had no idea who he was and didn't pay much attention to him. In Burke's case I saw her score a goal in the lacrosse alumni game. I skipped Lip-Sync to catch a glimpse of that and then head over to the women's soccer game. (Yes I LOVE SPORTS that MUCH) In Schnur's case, I never saw her play.
I saw Schnur a couple of times around campus this year, (This year I could identify her from a hole in a wall) She was studying once by the co-op and I think she was wearing soccer gear too. I was impressed, I past by there a couple times in an hour and she was still studying. I also remember seeing her run around campus in the rain when the women's soccer team was traveling and was a little surprised to see her because I knew she was an assistant coach for them. (Because she isn't an "official assistant coach" I don't think she traveled with the team. Not exactly sure on that one though) Seeing her go for a run in the rain impressed me. I like work ethic like that, and I like having proof that I'm not the only crazy person on this earth. I also remember being impressed that she was running around campus with soccer cleats and a soccer ball on either a cold or rainy day or both, I just remember that it was a bad day weather wise. I have no idea where she was coming from though. She was headed towards Gampel from Fairfield Way. Maybe she played around the Hawley Armory (Which I believe was the first home for UConn Huskies Basketball) I love people who put in that much effort into their craft. A person with that kind of work ethic is someone that I enjoy rooting for and will regret not being able to see her play.
One of the articles that I posted links to talks about her practicing in the rain for the WPS (Womens Professional Soccer) combine. I hope Schnur makes it and I hope I do get a chance to watch her play. She's won a lot of accolades at UConn, it's too bad I never saw why. I think those two articles are pretty good and worth the read. The Lord also knows that Graham Hays is a much better writer than I am.
I have to say that most people don't take the time to appreciate the sports other than basketball and football at UConn and I think that's a shame. I don't think I realized that until four things happened, my roommate Errol Watson was on the track team, Lauren Lamberti and Rebecca Murray added me on facebook, so I watched some Volleyball; my roommate Josh Kanter got me to watch Men's Soccer and Ryan Grace has got me to watch a lot of different sports. I will be forever grateful to them for getting me to watch and care about sports other than Football, Basketball and Baseball. (Don't get me wrong those 3 Sports are sports that Ryan and I deeply care about. It's just that we care about other ones too) Without those people I would not be writing about Meghan Schnur right now. I never would have known who Micah Truax, Dominique Thibault, Pierre LePage or Jennifer Kleinhans were. Worst of all without Ryan Grace I probably would never have seen Cory Bildstein's amazing goal or know that there are great athletes on this campus like Meghan Cunningham. (I wrote about her and 3 other two sport athletes. Cunningham also participated in a women's soccer league over the summer too) I must say that most UConn students are really missing out on a lot. Senior Day should be a big deal for every team and everyone on campus because every year amazing people play their final games for UConn.
I hope to watch all UConn teams play before I graduate. I think I have 6 or 8 teams left. I know that Golf will be tough, but maybe seeing them in Bradley Airport before I went to North Carolina in late March last year is good enough. And Let's be honest there aren't too many people that know that Dave Pezzino is the Head Golf Coach at UConn.
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid7068.aspx
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid6720.aspx
Schnur is one of a handful of athletes that I never actually saw play in a meaningful game at UConn. I regret that I never saw her or Shannon Burke play. I'd say almost the same thing about Julius James. I did see a couple of men's soccer games that he was in but I had no idea who he was and didn't pay much attention to him. In Burke's case I saw her score a goal in the lacrosse alumni game. I skipped Lip-Sync to catch a glimpse of that and then head over to the women's soccer game. (Yes I LOVE SPORTS that MUCH) In Schnur's case, I never saw her play.
I saw Schnur a couple of times around campus this year, (This year I could identify her from a hole in a wall) She was studying once by the co-op and I think she was wearing soccer gear too. I was impressed, I past by there a couple times in an hour and she was still studying. I also remember seeing her run around campus in the rain when the women's soccer team was traveling and was a little surprised to see her because I knew she was an assistant coach for them. (Because she isn't an "official assistant coach" I don't think she traveled with the team. Not exactly sure on that one though) Seeing her go for a run in the rain impressed me. I like work ethic like that, and I like having proof that I'm not the only crazy person on this earth. I also remember being impressed that she was running around campus with soccer cleats and a soccer ball on either a cold or rainy day or both, I just remember that it was a bad day weather wise. I have no idea where she was coming from though. She was headed towards Gampel from Fairfield Way. Maybe she played around the Hawley Armory (Which I believe was the first home for UConn Huskies Basketball) I love people who put in that much effort into their craft. A person with that kind of work ethic is someone that I enjoy rooting for and will regret not being able to see her play.
One of the articles that I posted links to talks about her practicing in the rain for the WPS (Womens Professional Soccer) combine. I hope Schnur makes it and I hope I do get a chance to watch her play. She's won a lot of accolades at UConn, it's too bad I never saw why. I think those two articles are pretty good and worth the read. The Lord also knows that Graham Hays is a much better writer than I am.
I have to say that most people don't take the time to appreciate the sports other than basketball and football at UConn and I think that's a shame. I don't think I realized that until four things happened, my roommate Errol Watson was on the track team, Lauren Lamberti and Rebecca Murray added me on facebook, so I watched some Volleyball; my roommate Josh Kanter got me to watch Men's Soccer and Ryan Grace has got me to watch a lot of different sports. I will be forever grateful to them for getting me to watch and care about sports other than Football, Basketball and Baseball. (Don't get me wrong those 3 Sports are sports that Ryan and I deeply care about. It's just that we care about other ones too) Without those people I would not be writing about Meghan Schnur right now. I never would have known who Micah Truax, Dominique Thibault, Pierre LePage or Jennifer Kleinhans were. Worst of all without Ryan Grace I probably would never have seen Cory Bildstein's amazing goal or know that there are great athletes on this campus like Meghan Cunningham. (I wrote about her and 3 other two sport athletes. Cunningham also participated in a women's soccer league over the summer too) I must say that most UConn students are really missing out on a lot. Senior Day should be a big deal for every team and everyone on campus because every year amazing people play their final games for UConn.
I hope to watch all UConn teams play before I graduate. I think I have 6 or 8 teams left. I know that Golf will be tough, but maybe seeing them in Bradley Airport before I went to North Carolina in late March last year is good enough. And Let's be honest there aren't too many people that know that Dave Pezzino is the Head Golf Coach at UConn.
Watching TV
I hate when there are no live sporting events on TV. I happened to flip around TV after my run and see Aston Villa and Arsenal playing soccer. I know nothing about the Barclay Premier league other than that Manchester United is in it. As a matter of fact I didn't even know about Barclay Premier League until I bought FIFA 09. (Who says you can't learn something from a video game) And as far as I understand it Manchester United are the Yankees of soccer so I decided to watch a little soccer. It looked like Aston Villa was dominating considering they were always attacking. However, The Arsenal somehow scored a goal. Anyway the thing I thought was impressive was that some guy bicycle kicked the ball out of the net when the goal keeper was out of the net. Nice Defense, That was mad impressive. It was by some dude named Sagna.
Monday, December 29, 2008
CONTRACT EXTENSION
NEW BEDFORD, Massachusetts --
The Tree Hill Ravens have announced that head Volleyball Captain Ryan Grace will have his contract renewed for two more seasons. Grace has helped lead the Ravens on the court with his impressive knowledge of the game. An un-named member of the Block Party had this to say about Grace's knowledge of Volleyball "Ryan knows so much about Volleyball that at times he seems to know more about the game then the referees do. He probably spends 5 minutes at every game speaking to the refs about calls. His knowledge is comforting and I'm sure it helps him prepare his team for the challenge of UConn Intramural Volleyball." Grace is also said to be very talkative on the court which helps direct the positioning of his teammates.
Grace played High School Volleyball for the New Bedford High School Whalers and learned some of the fundamentals of the game from coaching greats such as Tim O'Brien and Steve DeRossi. Grace loves the 6-2 formation that was used under DeRossi. Grace was the setter and Co-Captain of his Volleyball team in his senior season. A team that went 18-0 in the regular season. One of the most meaningful wins in Grace's career was New Bedford's 3-2 victory over Catholic Memorial, the undefeated and top seeded team in the MIAA Division 1 Sectional final. Catholic jumped out to a 2-0 lead but New Bedford won the final 3 games to take the match. This game has impacted Grace's leadership style, a style that proclaims "never say die." His team dominated in Big 3 play, in his senior year winning the teams 18th straight Big 3 title. Grace's Legacy has ultimately been the "saving Grace" for the Tree Hill Ravens. Despite some trials and tribulations in his contract year Tree Hill played well enough to lead Intramural Volleyball in Attendance. Under Grace's leadership the team also was serenaded with a slow clap whenever they were at a game point by the Guyer Gymnasium faithful.
The terms of the contract have not fully been disclosed but it is rumored to be a deal for 2 seasons and reportedly 50 flex passes. Should Grace have a winning record he is entitled to one-quarter of one month's flex passes as a bonus and for winning an Intramural Championship he is entitled to one half month of flex passes as a bonus. Should the team lead the league in attendance he will receive one month's pay of flex passes as a bonus. Should Ryan Grace achieve all of his goals he could get 60 flex passes when the 2 seasons are all said and done. Grace is now the highest paid Volleyball Captain in UConn Intramural Volleyball history. Grace's incentives reportedly include a membership to the Softball Club, Season Tickets to Softball and Lacrosse and Softball and Lacrosse T-shirts. Grace will receive 4 court side seats for friends and family and an additional courtside seat for an unnamed Tree Hill Raven super-fan. 2 additional courtside seats will be made available for Jack Nicholson and Spike Lee should they follow in her footsteps. He will receive 4 Women's Soccer Media Guides and will get a 150 mile yearly biking credit for transportation. Grace is said to be privately celebrating with family and friends and will resume speaking to the media in the New Year.
The Tree Hill Ravens have announced that head Volleyball Captain Ryan Grace will have his contract renewed for two more seasons. Grace has helped lead the Ravens on the court with his impressive knowledge of the game. An un-named member of the Block Party had this to say about Grace's knowledge of Volleyball "Ryan knows so much about Volleyball that at times he seems to know more about the game then the referees do. He probably spends 5 minutes at every game speaking to the refs about calls. His knowledge is comforting and I'm sure it helps him prepare his team for the challenge of UConn Intramural Volleyball." Grace is also said to be very talkative on the court which helps direct the positioning of his teammates.
Grace played High School Volleyball for the New Bedford High School Whalers and learned some of the fundamentals of the game from coaching greats such as Tim O'Brien and Steve DeRossi. Grace loves the 6-2 formation that was used under DeRossi. Grace was the setter and Co-Captain of his Volleyball team in his senior season. A team that went 18-0 in the regular season. One of the most meaningful wins in Grace's career was New Bedford's 3-2 victory over Catholic Memorial, the undefeated and top seeded team in the MIAA Division 1 Sectional final. Catholic jumped out to a 2-0 lead but New Bedford won the final 3 games to take the match. This game has impacted Grace's leadership style, a style that proclaims "never say die." His team dominated in Big 3 play, in his senior year winning the teams 18th straight Big 3 title. Grace's Legacy has ultimately been the "saving Grace" for the Tree Hill Ravens. Despite some trials and tribulations in his contract year Tree Hill played well enough to lead Intramural Volleyball in Attendance. Under Grace's leadership the team also was serenaded with a slow clap whenever they were at a game point by the Guyer Gymnasium faithful.
The terms of the contract have not fully been disclosed but it is rumored to be a deal for 2 seasons and reportedly 50 flex passes. Should Grace have a winning record he is entitled to one-quarter of one month's flex passes as a bonus and for winning an Intramural Championship he is entitled to one half month of flex passes as a bonus. Should the team lead the league in attendance he will receive one month's pay of flex passes as a bonus. Should Ryan Grace achieve all of his goals he could get 60 flex passes when the 2 seasons are all said and done. Grace is now the highest paid Volleyball Captain in UConn Intramural Volleyball history. Grace's incentives reportedly include a membership to the Softball Club, Season Tickets to Softball and Lacrosse and Softball and Lacrosse T-shirts. Grace will receive 4 court side seats for friends and family and an additional courtside seat for an unnamed Tree Hill Raven super-fan. 2 additional courtside seats will be made available for Jack Nicholson and Spike Lee should they follow in her footsteps. He will receive 4 Women's Soccer Media Guides and will get a 150 mile yearly biking credit for transportation. Grace is said to be privately celebrating with family and friends and will resume speaking to the media in the New Year.
Embarassing
I don't know what else to say. This team has a lot of work to do. Quick and Simple.
And I hope you know what team I'm talking about.
And I hope you know what team I'm talking about.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Players of the game
So yeah I couldn't watch either of the last two basketball games because I was in Ashburnham so going by that stats I'd give them to Jeff Adrien and Tina Charles. Going by stats is a dangerous thing but its better than nothing.
A list of Bowl Game gifts
Thought this was interesting.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=893028
Also want to congratulate the Lions. At least they can go into next season knowing that they can't get any worse.
You know I should tie this into UConn right.
I just find it hilarious that there is a girl on the women's soccer team from Michigan who lists her favorite teams as the Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers in the media guide. (all the Detroit teams except....) She didn't give any love to the Lions.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=893028
Also want to congratulate the Lions. At least they can go into next season knowing that they can't get any worse.
You know I should tie this into UConn right.
I just find it hilarious that there is a girl on the women's soccer team from Michigan who lists her favorite teams as the Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers in the media guide. (all the Detroit teams except....) She didn't give any love to the Lions.
Yes I am a Dallas Cowboys fan
Right about now if I say "Dallas Cowboys" you are probably going to start laughing. I'm glad that I am making your day better.
As for my team, or I as I like to call it, "the most talented collection of individual people ever." Somehow that collection doesn't equal a team. I still maintain that the Cowboys are the most talented team in the NFL except in reality they aren't really a team. Someone needs to be a leader on that team Someone needs to step up and be a leader. It should be DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten and Tony Romo. Terrell Owens is a great football players and I want him on the team. I believe a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be a great 1-2 combo next year. I also like Martellus Bennett. Dallas has all the parts to be really successful next year if they can learn to be a TEAM.
I do not buy the argument that the Cowboys can't win big games. Especially that Tony Romo can't win big games. To me that's all a load of B.S. At one point or another I think half of the great NFL quarterbacks couldn't win the big games according to the experts. At one point Peyton Manning couldn't, and neither could John Elway. They say the same thing about so many athletes who at one point or another ended up proving everyone wrong.
The Cowboys are talented but they will never be able to win without a leader and the ability to put their individual talents together to accomplish TEAM goals. The Cowboys lack this notion of TEAM.
The most impressive thing about Coach Auriemma is his ability to find and recruit the most talented and unselfish basketball players to his program. That is why they always win. The Cowboys need to work on getting more "unselfish players" and "winners." That's why I think that Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells are so successful. They can win anywhere because they can find talent and players who can play well on a team.
Anyway atleast I will have a lot of free time this winter because I won't be tied down to NFL playoff games.
Isn't it funny how my two favorite teams the Dallas Cowboys and New York Mets play great until the last game of the regular season. Mets have been eliminated the last two years on the last day of the season and the Cowboys are 0-9 in their last 9 last regular season game of the year.
As for my team, or I as I like to call it, "the most talented collection of individual people ever." Somehow that collection doesn't equal a team. I still maintain that the Cowboys are the most talented team in the NFL except in reality they aren't really a team. Someone needs to be a leader on that team Someone needs to step up and be a leader. It should be DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten and Tony Romo. Terrell Owens is a great football players and I want him on the team. I believe a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be a great 1-2 combo next year. I also like Martellus Bennett. Dallas has all the parts to be really successful next year if they can learn to be a TEAM.
I do not buy the argument that the Cowboys can't win big games. Especially that Tony Romo can't win big games. To me that's all a load of B.S. At one point or another I think half of the great NFL quarterbacks couldn't win the big games according to the experts. At one point Peyton Manning couldn't, and neither could John Elway. They say the same thing about so many athletes who at one point or another ended up proving everyone wrong.
The Cowboys are talented but they will never be able to win without a leader and the ability to put their individual talents together to accomplish TEAM goals. The Cowboys lack this notion of TEAM.
The most impressive thing about Coach Auriemma is his ability to find and recruit the most talented and unselfish basketball players to his program. That is why they always win. The Cowboys need to work on getting more "unselfish players" and "winners." That's why I think that Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells are so successful. They can win anywhere because they can find talent and players who can play well on a team.
Anyway atleast I will have a lot of free time this winter because I won't be tied down to NFL playoff games.
Isn't it funny how my two favorite teams the Dallas Cowboys and New York Mets play great until the last game of the regular season. Mets have been eliminated the last two years on the last day of the season and the Cowboys are 0-9 in their last 9 last regular season game of the year.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Ryan Graceisms
This list will surely be added on to. Always check back for updates. But I started thinking about Ryan Graceisms while I was running or biking. I think it was while I was running though. I was going over a pot hole when I started to think about it. Seriously thats how good my memory is. I remember where I was when I saw Rey Ordonez hit a grand slam.
As a side note, its good for an athlete's memory to be good enough to remember how to do something and bad enough not to remember when they screwed up.
So here are some Ryan Graceisms
"Put the ball in the biscuit" This has been said thousands of times at soccer.
“Word Life”
"The Setter is leaving early" (While the rest of Gampel is silent and the block party feels awkward)
"I’m just trying to get down with the get downs"
I think there is something about a "Soup Sandwich" It's a New Bedford thing
"Dirty Berti" (the nickname for Lauuuren Lamberrtiiii)
"I am from the struggle"
"New Bedford, the unsolved murder capital of the world"
Some volleyball players are "Phonebooth's" too
"Homey G" was another one.
"The HEARTBEAT" aka Hartford
"I like Thabeet down low down low"
"_____________ would do that"
Debbie Downer is not exactly a Ryan Graceism. It's maybe half of one maybe we should call it a Rygraism. He does say it a lot, but he doesn't get credit for starting it.
Thanks to Matt Huang for helping me out on this one.
As a side note, its good for an athlete's memory to be good enough to remember how to do something and bad enough not to remember when they screwed up.
So here are some Ryan Graceisms
"Put the ball in the biscuit" This has been said thousands of times at soccer.
“Word Life”
"The Setter is leaving early" (While the rest of Gampel is silent and the block party feels awkward)
"I’m just trying to get down with the get downs"
I think there is something about a "Soup Sandwich" It's a New Bedford thing
"Dirty Berti" (the nickname for Lauuuren Lamberrtiiii)
"I am from the struggle"
"New Bedford, the unsolved murder capital of the world"
Some volleyball players are "Phonebooth's" too
"Homey G" was another one.
"The HEARTBEAT" aka Hartford
"I like Thabeet down low down low"
"_____________ would do that"
Debbie Downer is not exactly a Ryan Graceism. It's maybe half of one maybe we should call it a Rygraism. He does say it a lot, but he doesn't get credit for starting it.
Thanks to Matt Huang for helping me out on this one.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Deep River keeps everyone in their Prayers
Last January, around Martin Luther King Day my family got together to celebrate my grandma’s 85th birthday. It was not too long after Mel Thomas tore her ACL. Isn’t pathetic that I remember my own life’s events through the dates of sporting events? She is an active member of her church so we thought that it would be appropriate to have her family surprise her during a service. It went really well, she was surprised when the pastor announced that she had special guests to celebrate her birthday with her in the back of the church. What surprised me were the prayer requests.
This took place at the Deep River Congregational Church in Deep River, CT. I’m Catholic and I really am not used to Congregational services, even though they aren’t all that different from Catholic ones. One thing that was different was a part of the mass where people could say who they were keeping in their prayers. The first person wanted the congregation to keep a person who was undergoing surgery in everyone’s thoughts. Then I think it may have been a prayer for a family who lost a loved one. The pastor then says “any last prayers?” An old man raises his hand and says “You know those lady huskies have been struggling lately so can we say a prayer for them!” [The UConn Women’s Basketball team was undefeated at that point, he was referring to the ACL injuries to Kalana Greene and Mel Thomas] Truthfully I wasn’t shocked at all by that. Many other people were. It’s that passion for the women’s team that makes me love reporting on them. This wasn’t the last time we heard about the basketball team during that mass. The Pastor briefly mentioned the team when he tied in their troubles with life lessons.
I loved that mass because it gave me something to talk about. I remember at a media practice telling Geno that a church in Deep River said a prayer for his team right before the Notre Dame game. I don’t remember exactly what I said but it had something to do with negating the spiritual effect of playing Notre Dame. I also told Renee Montgomery about it and she was happy to hear that and thought that it was cool. I also told Mel Thomas about it. Even though the man didn’t mention her by name it was pretty obvious that he was referring to her. UConn’s only struggles to that point were ACL tears to Kalana Greene and Mel Thomas. Considering this was only days after Thomas’s injuries I was pretty sure he was referring to her. Mel gave me this “Awwweee” response to that. It was pretty clear that she appreciated the thoughts.
Many of the players on the women’s basketball team aren’t shy about their faith in god and, to be honest, as someone who does attend church it’s really nice to know. Many of my own friends at college don’t understand why I go to church. I happen to believe it makes me a better person.
As a side note Mel Thomas did the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in the middle of a basketball game. Cute is not a word that is normally in my vocabulary. But I can make exceptions. Against West Virginia last year there was a bad foul called against her. Rather than argue the call Mel just smiled and went “Awe.” The first thing that came to my mind was, “that was cute.” I’d never ever ever ever ever ever thought about something cute in the middle of a sporting event before.
This took place at the Deep River Congregational Church in Deep River, CT. I’m Catholic and I really am not used to Congregational services, even though they aren’t all that different from Catholic ones. One thing that was different was a part of the mass where people could say who they were keeping in their prayers. The first person wanted the congregation to keep a person who was undergoing surgery in everyone’s thoughts. Then I think it may have been a prayer for a family who lost a loved one. The pastor then says “any last prayers?” An old man raises his hand and says “You know those lady huskies have been struggling lately so can we say a prayer for them!” [The UConn Women’s Basketball team was undefeated at that point, he was referring to the ACL injuries to Kalana Greene and Mel Thomas] Truthfully I wasn’t shocked at all by that. Many other people were. It’s that passion for the women’s team that makes me love reporting on them. This wasn’t the last time we heard about the basketball team during that mass. The Pastor briefly mentioned the team when he tied in their troubles with life lessons.
I loved that mass because it gave me something to talk about. I remember at a media practice telling Geno that a church in Deep River said a prayer for his team right before the Notre Dame game. I don’t remember exactly what I said but it had something to do with negating the spiritual effect of playing Notre Dame. I also told Renee Montgomery about it and she was happy to hear that and thought that it was cool. I also told Mel Thomas about it. Even though the man didn’t mention her by name it was pretty obvious that he was referring to her. UConn’s only struggles to that point were ACL tears to Kalana Greene and Mel Thomas. Considering this was only days after Thomas’s injuries I was pretty sure he was referring to her. Mel gave me this “Awwweee” response to that. It was pretty clear that she appreciated the thoughts.
Many of the players on the women’s basketball team aren’t shy about their faith in god and, to be honest, as someone who does attend church it’s really nice to know. Many of my own friends at college don’t understand why I go to church. I happen to believe it makes me a better person.
As a side note Mel Thomas did the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in the middle of a basketball game. Cute is not a word that is normally in my vocabulary. But I can make exceptions. Against West Virginia last year there was a bad foul called against her. Rather than argue the call Mel just smiled and went “Awe.” The first thing that came to my mind was, “that was cute.” I’d never ever ever ever ever ever thought about something cute in the middle of a sporting event before.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Well I no longer believe in Santa Claus. I'm never writing to him again. I didn't get that 3 musketeers bar that I wanted. And I thought I was nice this year.
I did get myself a new Ipod, my old one was dead. I also got a new wallet which was badly needed.
Yes I was very disappointed in Hawaii last night. And actually somewhat impressed with Notre Dame, especially that kid named Tate.
I actually watched an entire NBA game for the first time since Jordan left I think. I am a Celtics fan now. I love KG, always have. Ray Allen went to UConn. Rajon Rando is quite a point guard. I love watching him play. And I've met Doc Rivers a couple of times because I went to his basketball camp. I remember really thinking that Doc was a good guy after being in his camp.
I'm off to my Lake House for a couple of days and will be back in Stamford on the 28th or 29th. Hopefully I can bike and run by then. I hope my street finally melts all the ice off the road!!!!!!!
I did get myself a new Ipod, my old one was dead. I also got a new wallet which was badly needed.
Yes I was very disappointed in Hawaii last night. And actually somewhat impressed with Notre Dame, especially that kid named Tate.
I actually watched an entire NBA game for the first time since Jordan left I think. I am a Celtics fan now. I love KG, always have. Ray Allen went to UConn. Rajon Rando is quite a point guard. I love watching him play. And I've met Doc Rivers a couple of times because I went to his basketball camp. I remember really thinking that Doc was a good guy after being in his camp.
I'm off to my Lake House for a couple of days and will be back in Stamford on the 28th or 29th. Hopefully I can bike and run by then. I hope my street finally melts all the ice off the road!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Did you know Dec 23
Rather than sit and hope that Santa brings me a game used Sarah Stanczyk 3 musketeers bar I decided to do something really productive. Like inform you on all of the important facts that you don't know.
The Candy Cane was originally all white. It first came to be in 1670 in Germany. The red swirl was added sometime in the early 1900's.
Volleyball
Not one UConn Volleyball player comes from Connecticut.
The official state dance of Kentucky and official state folk dance of North Carolina is Clogging. Last Year UConn Volleyball had a player from each state, Jessica Isaac from Kentucky and Julie Pickard of North Carolina. (as a matter of fact my aunt from North Carolina always has car trouble in Pickard's hometown [if you only remember one thing from this post remember that]) Clogging is also what Volleyball player Margot Demere did during a game when Cotton Eye Joe was played over the loud speakers. She was really good at it.
Also its Dem-er-ray.... Don't get it twisted...like my sociology teacher did when he handed back Margot a test. Hearing that name mispronounced was the worst thing that ever happened in that class. He's really lucky that I didn't deduct anything on his evaluations.
clog dancing
The official state dance of Illinois and Connecticut is the Square Dance. Finally I understand why Annie Luhrsen decided to come to UConn.
I would not be offended if you stopped reading now. But if you insist I can always come up with more.
3 UConn Volleyball players are listed as under 6 feet tall. (For your information it's amazing how often 5-11 and 1/100" becomes 6 feet)
Louisville at UConn had higher attendance then Louisville at St. Johns in 2008 for Volleyball. the previous year Louisville and St. Johns were co-Big East champions.
In case you missed it UConn played really well vs Louisville and almost were able to force a 5th set. It was an amazing game and for awhile I thought we were going to pull it off. There was some real energy in the stands for that game. The Women's Soccer team also gets some love for trying to distract a player on one of the serves for Louisville.
If you haven't been to the Block Party then go to it.
Jessica Isaac has 1529 Digs, exactly 200 behind UConn's all-time leader Heather Sokol. She is currently 3rd place in UConn history in Digs and should set the record as a senior next year.
These facts are for Ryan Grace. UConn volleyball individual match records.
The record for assists in a match by a UConn player is 79 by Maria Shaker vs Providence
Most Service Aces is 8 by Jamie Hadenfeldt vs Holy Cross
The most kills is 31 done by two different UConn players.
The most Digs is 37 also done by two different UConn players. (All of those are as of 2007..I don't think they changed though)
UConn Volleyball has won two Big East Regular Championships. One was a co-championship. They were 1994 and 1998.
UConn has a lot of talent returning and they should be very good in the next couple of years. They showed a lot of progress this year.
Field Hockey
UConn field Hockey has won 21 Big East Championships. They were the only fall team to win a Big East Championship this year. They were regular season Tri-Champions.
I've never heard of Tri-Champions before.
The Field Hockey team defeated Old Dominion on their way to their two National Championships in 1981 and 1985. Each time they they scored 3 goals vs Old Dominion.
Overall UConn is 10-23 vs Old Dominion in Field Hockey
Lauren Henderson is the all-time UConn field hockey point leader at 213.
In 2007 there were more Field Hockey Players from Africa then from Connecticut.
Jennifer Kleinhans was named Big East Defensive Player of the year 3 years in a row.
Lauren Aird lead UConn in game winners in 2007 and 2008.
Somewhere there is a mistake in the records. According to the media guide in 2005 Aird had 3 game winners and plaed in 23 games. According to the 2005 stats online she had 0 game winners and played in 17 games.
I am the first loser to ever notice that.
Remember I am only as good as the information that I am given
UConn is 26-0 vs Yale in Field Hockey
Women's Soccer
UConn Women's soccer had 6,070 people watch them play Syracuse on 9/26/99. At the time it was the largest Regular Season attendance in NCAA Women's Soccer History.
General admission season tickets for adults for Women's Soccer cost $44
Len Tsantiris is 2nd in NCAA Women's Soccer Active Coaching Wins list.
It is illegal to ask a goalie if they are cold at a women's soccer game. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT.
There are 4 pages dedicated to Coach Tsantiris in the teams media guide. He has swag.
Annie Yi was the leading goal scorer in 2007 and 2008 for women's soccer.
Numbers 5,32,33,35,45 and 95 have only been worn by one UConn player. 5 and 8 have been retired at UConn.
The only number 32 or above that has been worn by a UConn player more than once is 77. Two players have worn it.
The most points by a freshman is 65 by Mary Frances Monroe. The most points by a sophomore, junior and senior are all less than 65.
UConn women's soccer scored 13 goals against Bryant in 1979. That is a record for most team single game goals. They had 21 assists against WVU in 1996, for the record for most assists in a single game for a UConn team.
The largest margin of defeat for UConn is 6 goals, both times against Powerhouse North Carolina who once again won the Women's Soccer Championship (Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly went there) Kristine Lilly is from Wilton I think, the same town where my Uncle is a priest. I think she came into my gym class once. I wish I knew how great she was at the time.
Stephanie Labbe has been a Canadian National Team member since 2003.
Robert Kaufman (Bob's discount furniture) Came on down to the UConn school of business to get a degree.
Mark Freitas also graduated from the UConn school of business.
The Men's Basketball team has only won National Championships when the teams starting center was a business major.
I hope to become a Sports Management major.
I am very sorry to tell you that none of the information that you just read will ever even be an answer to a question on Jeopardy.
Nor has it increased your IQ
But it's probably given you a headache. Happy Holidays.
The Candy Cane was originally all white. It first came to be in 1670 in Germany. The red swirl was added sometime in the early 1900's.
Volleyball
Not one UConn Volleyball player comes from Connecticut.
The official state dance of Kentucky and official state folk dance of North Carolina is Clogging. Last Year UConn Volleyball had a player from each state, Jessica Isaac from Kentucky and Julie Pickard of North Carolina. (as a matter of fact my aunt from North Carolina always has car trouble in Pickard's hometown [if you only remember one thing from this post remember that]) Clogging is also what Volleyball player Margot Demere did during a game when Cotton Eye Joe was played over the loud speakers. She was really good at it.
Also its Dem-er-ray.... Don't get it twisted...like my sociology teacher did when he handed back Margot a test. Hearing that name mispronounced was the worst thing that ever happened in that class. He's really lucky that I didn't deduct anything on his evaluations.
clog dancing
The official state dance of Illinois and Connecticut is the Square Dance. Finally I understand why Annie Luhrsen decided to come to UConn.
I would not be offended if you stopped reading now. But if you insist I can always come up with more.
3 UConn Volleyball players are listed as under 6 feet tall. (For your information it's amazing how often 5-11 and 1/100" becomes 6 feet)
Louisville at UConn had higher attendance then Louisville at St. Johns in 2008 for Volleyball. the previous year Louisville and St. Johns were co-Big East champions.
In case you missed it UConn played really well vs Louisville and almost were able to force a 5th set. It was an amazing game and for awhile I thought we were going to pull it off. There was some real energy in the stands for that game. The Women's Soccer team also gets some love for trying to distract a player on one of the serves for Louisville.
If you haven't been to the Block Party then go to it.
Jessica Isaac has 1529 Digs, exactly 200 behind UConn's all-time leader Heather Sokol. She is currently 3rd place in UConn history in Digs and should set the record as a senior next year.
These facts are for Ryan Grace. UConn volleyball individual match records.
The record for assists in a match by a UConn player is 79 by Maria Shaker vs Providence
Most Service Aces is 8 by Jamie Hadenfeldt vs Holy Cross
The most kills is 31 done by two different UConn players.
The most Digs is 37 also done by two different UConn players. (All of those are as of 2007..I don't think they changed though)
UConn Volleyball has won two Big East Regular Championships. One was a co-championship. They were 1994 and 1998.
UConn has a lot of talent returning and they should be very good in the next couple of years. They showed a lot of progress this year.
Field Hockey
UConn field Hockey has won 21 Big East Championships. They were the only fall team to win a Big East Championship this year. They were regular season Tri-Champions.
I've never heard of Tri-Champions before.
The Field Hockey team defeated Old Dominion on their way to their two National Championships in 1981 and 1985. Each time they they scored 3 goals vs Old Dominion.
Overall UConn is 10-23 vs Old Dominion in Field Hockey
Lauren Henderson is the all-time UConn field hockey point leader at 213.
In 2007 there were more Field Hockey Players from Africa then from Connecticut.
Jennifer Kleinhans was named Big East Defensive Player of the year 3 years in a row.
Lauren Aird lead UConn in game winners in 2007 and 2008.
Somewhere there is a mistake in the records. According to the media guide in 2005 Aird had 3 game winners and plaed in 23 games. According to the 2005 stats online she had 0 game winners and played in 17 games.
I am the first loser to ever notice that.
Remember I am only as good as the information that I am given
UConn is 26-0 vs Yale in Field Hockey
Women's Soccer
UConn Women's soccer had 6,070 people watch them play Syracuse on 9/26/99. At the time it was the largest Regular Season attendance in NCAA Women's Soccer History.
General admission season tickets for adults for Women's Soccer cost $44
Len Tsantiris is 2nd in NCAA Women's Soccer Active Coaching Wins list.
It is illegal to ask a goalie if they are cold at a women's soccer game. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT.
There are 4 pages dedicated to Coach Tsantiris in the teams media guide. He has swag.
Annie Yi was the leading goal scorer in 2007 and 2008 for women's soccer.
Numbers 5,32,33,35,45 and 95 have only been worn by one UConn player. 5 and 8 have been retired at UConn.
The only number 32 or above that has been worn by a UConn player more than once is 77. Two players have worn it.
The most points by a freshman is 65 by Mary Frances Monroe. The most points by a sophomore, junior and senior are all less than 65.
UConn women's soccer scored 13 goals against Bryant in 1979. That is a record for most team single game goals. They had 21 assists against WVU in 1996, for the record for most assists in a single game for a UConn team.
The largest margin of defeat for UConn is 6 goals, both times against Powerhouse North Carolina who once again won the Women's Soccer Championship (Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly went there) Kristine Lilly is from Wilton I think, the same town where my Uncle is a priest. I think she came into my gym class once. I wish I knew how great she was at the time.
Stephanie Labbe has been a Canadian National Team member since 2003.
Robert Kaufman (Bob's discount furniture) Came on down to the UConn school of business to get a degree.
Mark Freitas also graduated from the UConn school of business.
The Men's Basketball team has only won National Championships when the teams starting center was a business major.
I hope to become a Sports Management major.
I am very sorry to tell you that none of the information that you just read will ever even be an answer to a question on Jeopardy.
Nor has it increased your IQ
But it's probably given you a headache. Happy Holidays.
180 million more reasons not to like the Yankees
At a time when many people are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meat, The Yankees are continuing to spend ridiculous amounts of money on free agents. They spent $180 million on Mark Texiera. I'm sorry but I really can't root for a team who spent $400 million on 3 players this offseason. I hope it turns into a big waste of money. Go Mets, Go Twins, Go Rays, Go Red Sox. Anyone but the Yankees. I really don't like the idea of buying championships. (even though lately they haven't won any) The Yankees have spent so much money that they even just paid $26.9 million in a luxury tax to MLB.
Atleast you can still watch good cheap baseball in the minor leagues, cape cod leagues and at the college level.
Atleast you can still watch good cheap baseball in the minor leagues, cape cod leagues and at the college level.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Old School UConn athlete
I really want to talk about an old-school UConn athlete. Not Walt Dropo, Ray Allen, Kara Wolters, or Art Quimby. I want to talk about a graduate of last year. Museveni Akanno.
As I've already said I've been to tons of UConn sporting events and that would include the 2006-2007 UConn Indoor track Blue and White meet. I really enjoyed it. Seriously. I love track and field because its probably the most pure sport. It is the sport that most accurately measures a human's speed, strength and flexibility. I like to think hard work has a lot to do with those three things too. There are judges/rules in the events but its not like there is a bad call that will cost someone in a 400 meter race. It's more cut and dry than most sports.
I first saw Museveni at the blue-white event and I was amazed with his intensity after his long jumps and triple jumps. He was so focused. It absolutely amazed me. He seemed like he was in a completely other world and I loved his passion and intensity after his jumps. He stood out from everyone else in the gym with his intensity. My roommate Errol was on the track team and Museveni was the one guy on the track team that I asked him about. When I described his intensity Errol knew right away that I was talking about Muse.
Once again at last years 2nd track event I eagerly went over to watch the long jump and triple jump to watch him. He was so impressive to watch. He was co-captain of the track team last year and I am really glad that I have that track poster with him on it, up in my game room. Last year he long jumped 23 feet 11 and 3/4 inches. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching him. It's just that his intensity and mind were in a place that you rarely see in a human being. He was as close to an animal as possible. He always looked ready, motivated and up for a challenge. Just like any football player would be before the Super Bowl or Muhammad Ali in any of his fights. I don't know how many people truly know about him, but I must say he was really fun to watch.
He was a four year letter winner and is currently an assistant coach for the UConn Men's Track and Field program.
As for other alumni news, former Lacrosse player Shannon Burke returned for the Alumni game this year and scored an amazing/nasty goal.
As I've already said I've been to tons of UConn sporting events and that would include the 2006-2007 UConn Indoor track Blue and White meet. I really enjoyed it. Seriously. I love track and field because its probably the most pure sport. It is the sport that most accurately measures a human's speed, strength and flexibility. I like to think hard work has a lot to do with those three things too. There are judges/rules in the events but its not like there is a bad call that will cost someone in a 400 meter race. It's more cut and dry than most sports.
I first saw Museveni at the blue-white event and I was amazed with his intensity after his long jumps and triple jumps. He was so focused. It absolutely amazed me. He seemed like he was in a completely other world and I loved his passion and intensity after his jumps. He stood out from everyone else in the gym with his intensity. My roommate Errol was on the track team and Museveni was the one guy on the track team that I asked him about. When I described his intensity Errol knew right away that I was talking about Muse.
Once again at last years 2nd track event I eagerly went over to watch the long jump and triple jump to watch him. He was so impressive to watch. He was co-captain of the track team last year and I am really glad that I have that track poster with him on it, up in my game room. Last year he long jumped 23 feet 11 and 3/4 inches. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching him. It's just that his intensity and mind were in a place that you rarely see in a human being. He was as close to an animal as possible. He always looked ready, motivated and up for a challenge. Just like any football player would be before the Super Bowl or Muhammad Ali in any of his fights. I don't know how many people truly know about him, but I must say he was really fun to watch.
He was a four year letter winner and is currently an assistant coach for the UConn Men's Track and Field program.
As for other alumni news, former Lacrosse player Shannon Burke returned for the Alumni game this year and scored an amazing/nasty goal.
I think I promised a field hockey story a long time ago
So I won't disappoint.
Do you know how many people read a Field Hockey media guide? Not that many. BTW UConn Field Hockey is really good and it would be nice to see more people support them. We won national championships in 1981 and 1985 and we continue to be a top 5 program in the country. Our Field Hockey coach is also in her sports hall of fame, just like Calhoun and Auriemma.
I went to get a media guide before I worked a field hockey game because I didn’t know much about the team. (well as much as I felt I should if I was to work a game and talk about them) As I left the communications office in Gampel Pavilion I was followed by Lindsay Leck. A senior who was a really important part of the field hockey team. She is featured on the cover of the media guide I was holding. I was so disappointed when she passed me and didn’t even ask me why I had a field hockey media guide. I bet she noticed, but was way too shocked to say anything to me. Or she was creeped out that some guy was reading a field hockey media guide.
That reminds me I should look through that and come up with more interesting facts for all 3 of my readers.
One of the highlights of UConn’s 3-2 overtime victory over 17th ranked Princeton was that Melissa Gonzalez had her skirt on backwards (or Nike put their swoosh in the wrong spot) and she changed her number from 9 to 30 at half time. The game was really good too. Gonzalez did an amazing job matriculating the ball down the field. Lindsay Leck scored two goals, both times to tie the game at 1-1 and 2-2. After a scoreless first over-time senior Lauren Aird got free and got a great shot on goal that went in and delivered the win for UConn. The emotion of the win was easily seen on the field. Aird jumped up into the air with tons of enthusiasm and the team poored onto the field. It was really a cool thing to witness.
Aird actually scored the game winning overtime goal in 3 straight UConn games. She scored the game winner in the next game except that game didn’t require Overtime. For the season she scored 10 of UConn’s 17 game winners.
Speaking of Field Hockey I need to tell you that the greatest field hockey player never to play college field hockey was Erin Corcoran.
Wynne Hammerman also sarcastically told me that the fact that she won a field hockey state championship at my high school, Stamford High, makes her "such a big deal."
She's right. She is a big deal.
Do you know how many people read a Field Hockey media guide? Not that many. BTW UConn Field Hockey is really good and it would be nice to see more people support them. We won national championships in 1981 and 1985 and we continue to be a top 5 program in the country. Our Field Hockey coach is also in her sports hall of fame, just like Calhoun and Auriemma.
I went to get a media guide before I worked a field hockey game because I didn’t know much about the team. (well as much as I felt I should if I was to work a game and talk about them) As I left the communications office in Gampel Pavilion I was followed by Lindsay Leck. A senior who was a really important part of the field hockey team. She is featured on the cover of the media guide I was holding. I was so disappointed when she passed me and didn’t even ask me why I had a field hockey media guide. I bet she noticed, but was way too shocked to say anything to me. Or she was creeped out that some guy was reading a field hockey media guide.
That reminds me I should look through that and come up with more interesting facts for all 3 of my readers.
One of the highlights of UConn’s 3-2 overtime victory over 17th ranked Princeton was that Melissa Gonzalez had her skirt on backwards (or Nike put their swoosh in the wrong spot) and she changed her number from 9 to 30 at half time. The game was really good too. Gonzalez did an amazing job matriculating the ball down the field. Lindsay Leck scored two goals, both times to tie the game at 1-1 and 2-2. After a scoreless first over-time senior Lauren Aird got free and got a great shot on goal that went in and delivered the win for UConn. The emotion of the win was easily seen on the field. Aird jumped up into the air with tons of enthusiasm and the team poored onto the field. It was really a cool thing to witness.
Aird actually scored the game winning overtime goal in 3 straight UConn games. She scored the game winner in the next game except that game didn’t require Overtime. For the season she scored 10 of UConn’s 17 game winners.
Speaking of Field Hockey I need to tell you that the greatest field hockey player never to play college field hockey was Erin Corcoran.
Wynne Hammerman also sarcastically told me that the fact that she won a field hockey state championship at my high school, Stamford High, makes her "such a big deal."
She's right. She is a big deal.
A real winter accomplishment
The best part about living on top of a hill in the Northeast during the winter is the challenge of getting your car up the driveway. It takes some skill...seriously. I saved my car from doing a 180 once a couple of years ago. Today I failed in my first attempt to get up the driveway but I succeeded in my 2nd. You got to get a fast moving start, make a sharp but not too sharp turn (so you don't spin out)stay as straight as possible, keep your momentum going oh and um pray.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Track and Field
I was just reminded about a conversation I had with someone on the track team and he mentioned that distance runners on track usually run at least 40 miles a week. The two elite guys on the team usually run between 50-60 miles a week.
A. Thats a lot of running
B. Thats a lot of shoes from the cage
C. Thats a lot of hardwork that goes unnoticed by too many.
I know someone who stopped running track. She said she ran about 3 or 4 miles non-stop and felt so out of shape. Doesn't everyone wish they could say that? BTW I am dying to go for a run with her.
If you think running a mile a week is too much then just think about how they do 60 a week...
A. Thats a lot of running
B. Thats a lot of shoes from the cage
C. Thats a lot of hardwork that goes unnoticed by too many.
I know someone who stopped running track. She said she ran about 3 or 4 miles non-stop and felt so out of shape. Doesn't everyone wish they could say that? BTW I am dying to go for a run with her.
If you think running a mile a week is too much then just think about how they do 60 a week...
WBB FSU
Kaili McLaren had a great game. She is the best post passer that I have ever seen. She also has a really nice mid range jump shot for a post player. It was one of the best games that I have seen Kaili play at UConn. I think She had 10 pts and 7 assists. There was one point early in the game where she had a great post move, made a jumper and than got an assist. Again her passing really impresses me. It's a lot of fun too watch
I love Caroline Doty banking a 3.
Renee Montgomery was player of the game. Kaili played well but Renee was on fire. She was the difference maker vs FSU.
The unselfishness of the Women's Basketball team is amazing. If you want to watch beautiful basketball than watch them. I can't use any other adjective other than beautiful to describe the extra passes. If you want to learn how to play good basketball watch them.
Team manager of the game was Greg M. See the post below for reasons why. AKA his amazing spin move.
Precious was in the building.
I love Caroline Doty banking a 3.
Renee Montgomery was player of the game. Kaili played well but Renee was on fire. She was the difference maker vs FSU.
The unselfishness of the Women's Basketball team is amazing. If you want to watch beautiful basketball than watch them. I can't use any other adjective other than beautiful to describe the extra passes. If you want to learn how to play good basketball watch them.
Team manager of the game was Greg M. See the post below for reasons why. AKA his amazing spin move.
Precious was in the building.
The Spin Move
Greg M just had an amazing spin move at the last media timeout. A hand clap, then stood up, put a spin move on the end chair and got over behind the bench before the camera left to sell me on a nice UConn mug. What a spin by Greg. I cant wait to see him play soccer for the Tree Hill Ravens this year. It's also gonna take a big time performance by another team manager in order for their to be a team manager of the game not named Greg M.
Kaili just had a great post move for two and a nice touch from the outside.
Kaili just had a great post move for two and a nice touch from the outside.
Men's soccer vs Fairfield
If you had told me in high school that I was going to watch one full soccer game ever in my life I would have laughed at you. If you had told me that I was going to watch an entire soccer game in 25 degree weather and delay my trip home for Thanksgiving break because of soccer I would have recommended that you be sent to see a psychiatrist. It is at UConn that I developed my love of soccer. Before I got there I laughed at soccer. I didn’t understand it and didn’t want to understand it. The Men’s Soccer team at UConn doesn’t allow people not to like soccer. The two model programs at UConn are the Women’s Basketball program and the Men’s soccer program. Two very classy, and successful programs.
It was the first round of the NCAA tournament and UConn had been struggling compared to the 20-3-1 year before. We were still ranked for most of the year and had the reigning MAC Hermann award winner O’Brian White on the team. Unfortunately O’B injured his knee and had to get surgery so he was out for most of the second half of the season. The second best player on the team, Akeem Priestley, was also out with a hamstring injury for a good month. Akeem at least returned for the 1st round game. Finally he was back, because I missed watching him play. Boogie as he is also referred to, reminds me of a puppeteer. He seems to be able to make his defenders go for his fakes so easily. I am amazed by his ability to move a soccer ball around in confined spaces. Boogie was back for this game, and considering that he always says hello to me, and is such a great player, it meant so much to me to see him back on the field.
We were playing Fairfield, the University that is probably closest to my home. It is a small private school and I had attended probably 5 or 6 of their men’s basketball games when I was young. I was a huge Darren Phillips and Deng Gai fan. Both of them were nasty defenders and rebounders. Deng’s cousin Ajou Deng, transferred from UConn to Fairfield to play basketball. Needless to say, I was always a huge UConn fan. UConn always came before Fairfield but it was interesting to root against Fairfield for the first time I remember that I hated Bobby Gonzalez and his Manhatten Jaspers when they came to Fairfield to play Tim O’ Toole’s Stags. I was definitely a fan of Fairfield in the world famous Jasper-Stag rivalry.
Fairfield got on my nerve quickly. They sent their band up for the soccer game.
Two years ago Fairfield came into Morrone Stadium and beat UConn in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Fairfield referred to that as “The biggest win in the history of Fairfield Athletics.” I was unhappy that Fairfield thought that they owned Morrone stadium, because they didn’t. I was not about to miss this game and I was as loud as I’ve ever been for a soccer game. I was even willing to hold the Jamaican flag poster that was made for Akeem and O’B. It was so cold at halftime that we went to the Hockey arena and caught some of the hockey game from the lobby. I just thought it was funny to hold up the Jamaican Flag at a Hockey game.
Now to the game. Fairfield had these two annoying fans that never shut up behind the goal patrol. I wish I could say that their band sucked, but it didn’t because the band never played. I also wish I could say that UConn put the ball in the net, but we didn’t. We almost did, several times. Tony Cascio could have probably had a hat trick. Fairfield’s goalie also did make an amazing save and what I believe was an Akeem Priestley shot, but I could be wrong about who took the shot. Instead after a header by Toni Stahl, Fairfield knocked the ball into their own net early in the first half for the only goal of the game. That was another game that UConn won because someone scored on themselves. They beat Stony Brook on an own goal. After the own goal by Fairfield I had fun watching Boogie, watching UConn almost scoring and drinking some hot chocolate courtesy of the soccer team. As I said, they are a classy team. They really treat their fans well.
I promised goalie Josh Ford that I’d be at the game. He was appreciative of my support when I spoke to him when I gave him his student T-shirt for basketball tickets. The Fairfield game was the 2nd men’s soccer game that I changed travel plans for so I could attend the game. I made it back in time on Labor Day weekend to watch UConn beat Stony Brook and left late for Thanksgiving break so I could watch them beat Fairfield. Interestingly both games were won by UConn 1-0 on own goals.
While on Thanksgiving break I also logged in to watch UConn play Creighton in the NCAA’s. I could only catch the 1st half at my lake house before I had to go somewhere. (Believe me I tried to get out of it) I saw Tony Cascio score in the first half and was thrilled that we took the lead. Unfortunately I heard we couldn’t keep it. However that men’s soccer game was the first soccer game that I had seen at my lake house and it may have even been the first UConn game that I had seen at my Lake House.
It was the first round of the NCAA tournament and UConn had been struggling compared to the 20-3-1 year before. We were still ranked for most of the year and had the reigning MAC Hermann award winner O’Brian White on the team. Unfortunately O’B injured his knee and had to get surgery so he was out for most of the second half of the season. The second best player on the team, Akeem Priestley, was also out with a hamstring injury for a good month. Akeem at least returned for the 1st round game. Finally he was back, because I missed watching him play. Boogie as he is also referred to, reminds me of a puppeteer. He seems to be able to make his defenders go for his fakes so easily. I am amazed by his ability to move a soccer ball around in confined spaces. Boogie was back for this game, and considering that he always says hello to me, and is such a great player, it meant so much to me to see him back on the field.
We were playing Fairfield, the University that is probably closest to my home. It is a small private school and I had attended probably 5 or 6 of their men’s basketball games when I was young. I was a huge Darren Phillips and Deng Gai fan. Both of them were nasty defenders and rebounders. Deng’s cousin Ajou Deng, transferred from UConn to Fairfield to play basketball. Needless to say, I was always a huge UConn fan. UConn always came before Fairfield but it was interesting to root against Fairfield for the first time I remember that I hated Bobby Gonzalez and his Manhatten Jaspers when they came to Fairfield to play Tim O’ Toole’s Stags. I was definitely a fan of Fairfield in the world famous Jasper-Stag rivalry.
Fairfield got on my nerve quickly. They sent their band up for the soccer game.
Two years ago Fairfield came into Morrone Stadium and beat UConn in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Fairfield referred to that as “The biggest win in the history of Fairfield Athletics.” I was unhappy that Fairfield thought that they owned Morrone stadium, because they didn’t. I was not about to miss this game and I was as loud as I’ve ever been for a soccer game. I was even willing to hold the Jamaican flag poster that was made for Akeem and O’B. It was so cold at halftime that we went to the Hockey arena and caught some of the hockey game from the lobby. I just thought it was funny to hold up the Jamaican Flag at a Hockey game.
Now to the game. Fairfield had these two annoying fans that never shut up behind the goal patrol. I wish I could say that their band sucked, but it didn’t because the band never played. I also wish I could say that UConn put the ball in the net, but we didn’t. We almost did, several times. Tony Cascio could have probably had a hat trick. Fairfield’s goalie also did make an amazing save and what I believe was an Akeem Priestley shot, but I could be wrong about who took the shot. Instead after a header by Toni Stahl, Fairfield knocked the ball into their own net early in the first half for the only goal of the game. That was another game that UConn won because someone scored on themselves. They beat Stony Brook on an own goal. After the own goal by Fairfield I had fun watching Boogie, watching UConn almost scoring and drinking some hot chocolate courtesy of the soccer team. As I said, they are a classy team. They really treat their fans well.
I promised goalie Josh Ford that I’d be at the game. He was appreciative of my support when I spoke to him when I gave him his student T-shirt for basketball tickets. The Fairfield game was the 2nd men’s soccer game that I changed travel plans for so I could attend the game. I made it back in time on Labor Day weekend to watch UConn beat Stony Brook and left late for Thanksgiving break so I could watch them beat Fairfield. Interestingly both games were won by UConn 1-0 on own goals.
While on Thanksgiving break I also logged in to watch UConn play Creighton in the NCAA’s. I could only catch the 1st half at my lake house before I had to go somewhere. (Believe me I tried to get out of it) I saw Tony Cascio score in the first half and was thrilled that we took the lead. Unfortunately I heard we couldn’t keep it. However that men’s soccer game was the first soccer game that I had seen at my lake house and it may have even been the first UConn game that I had seen at my Lake House.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
MBB (Gonzaga)
Well I thought that this was the best men's game that I have watched while being a UConn student.
I didn't think that the post play was as good as it could be. I thought that Jerome Dyson and A.J. Price were incredible during today's game.
I'm glad that that technical foul didn't end up affecting the game. Still don't quite understand that one...
There were parts of this game especially in the early run that I thought that UConn was playing like a final four team.
Player of the Game. I don't want to give Co-Player of the games. I wish I could but no. It goes to A.J. Price.
Dyson and Price were equally important. A.J. got the game to OT. Dyson's dagger to make it 84-77 sealed the game
And A.J. looks like he's back to 100%
The men's basketball team managers don't appear to be on their game. I saw A.J. drinking out of Scottie Haralson's water bottle. The women's team needs to give them some lessons.
I didn't think that the post play was as good as it could be. I thought that Jerome Dyson and A.J. Price were incredible during today's game.
I'm glad that that technical foul didn't end up affecting the game. Still don't quite understand that one...
There were parts of this game especially in the early run that I thought that UConn was playing like a final four team.
Player of the Game. I don't want to give Co-Player of the games. I wish I could but no. It goes to A.J. Price.
Dyson and Price were equally important. A.J. got the game to OT. Dyson's dagger to make it 84-77 sealed the game
And A.J. looks like he's back to 100%
The men's basketball team managers don't appear to be on their game. I saw A.J. drinking out of Scottie Haralson's water bottle. The women's team needs to give them some lessons.
More Fifa
Ineptitude no more
3-2 win with two more goals for Boogie and another by 0-B
1-0 win with some guy Ralston scoring
6-2 win with O-B chipping in 5 goals and Boogie with 1
3-2 win with two more goals for Boogie and another by 0-B
1-0 win with some guy Ralston scoring
6-2 win with O-B chipping in 5 goals and Boogie with 1
Christmas randoms
In case you don't know the best Christmas movie isn't the one with somebody shooting an eye out, and not even "It's a Wonderful Life" (although that is a classic, maybe it's #2) The best Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I'd be shocked if you don't find it funny or can't relate to it.
The best Christmas song is Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby followed by Baby It's Cold Outside followed by anything by Bing Crosby
I am addicted to Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sour Milk Cake, Irish Mashed Potatoes, Filet Mignon and my mom's rolls at this point of the year.
I am officially allergic to the cold. Seriously, like sometimes I try and make people laugh. This time I'm not. If I don't stay warm I will get a reaction to the cold. You might think it sucks considering I live in CT and have a house 4 miles south of NH but I really need to do is stay warm. I hope I outgrow this one. But I do think its the best allergy to have. There is always an excuse to visit Florida and Hawaii and you always will win the "it's too cold" argument.
The best Christmas song is Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby followed by Baby It's Cold Outside followed by anything by Bing Crosby
I am addicted to Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sour Milk Cake, Irish Mashed Potatoes, Filet Mignon and my mom's rolls at this point of the year.
I am officially allergic to the cold. Seriously, like sometimes I try and make people laugh. This time I'm not. If I don't stay warm I will get a reaction to the cold. You might think it sucks considering I live in CT and have a house 4 miles south of NH but I really need to do is stay warm. I hope I outgrow this one. But I do think its the best allergy to have. There is always an excuse to visit Florida and Hawaii and you always will win the "it's too cold" argument.
Oliver Perez
Please resign him. I don't want Derek Lowe or Randy Wolf or Tim Redding or Freddy Garcia. Perez has the most upside. Please resign him Omar Minaya.
Fifa 09
I wanted to update you on my ineptitude in FIFA 09. I finally scored a goal and finally picked up a win. Akeem Priestley scored for the New England Revolution in a 1-0 win. I am so proud of myself.
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Christmas gifts to myself
I bought some things for myself for Christmas. One I won't tell you about yet the other I will.
I got FIFA 09...and I know nothing about soccer. So far I've been Toronto FC because of Julius James. I created O'B on Toronto too. I think I will create Akeem too and will then trade them all to the New England Revolution and just be them.
Maybe I should create Airin Clark as a joke. I bet a programmer is in her fan club and has made that a cheat code that allows me to win every game I play.
Isn't that proof that I am insane?
I should create Spider too. Maybe the entire senior class at UConn too. We'll see. Busy playing with my other christmas gift for myself so that it's working at 100% on Christmas.
Casey Chartier thinks I'd be perfect for CPTV for raising money. Maybe when I'm old I'll volunteer.
It would be nice to see Soccer on CPTV too. I like what they do for women's basketball and high school sports. It would be great for soccer too.
I got FIFA 09...and I know nothing about soccer. So far I've been Toronto FC because of Julius James. I created O'B on Toronto too. I think I will create Akeem too and will then trade them all to the New England Revolution and just be them.
Maybe I should create Airin Clark as a joke. I bet a programmer is in her fan club and has made that a cheat code that allows me to win every game I play.
Isn't that proof that I am insane?
I should create Spider too. Maybe the entire senior class at UConn too. We'll see. Busy playing with my other christmas gift for myself so that it's working at 100% on Christmas.
Casey Chartier thinks I'd be perfect for CPTV for raising money. Maybe when I'm old I'll volunteer.
It would be nice to see Soccer on CPTV too. I like what they do for women's basketball and high school sports. It would be great for soccer too.
WBB vs Northern Colorado
BIG NEWS, Caroline Doty's father made a pledge to CPTV.
I think Ms. Mihailides should call CPTV and make a donation. Greg deserves to have a shout out on Connecticut Public Television.
My mom is thinking about calling CPTV and making a pledge and telling them about me. Don't think they will care.
Lorin Dixon has looked really confident. She took a couple of drives to the hoop tonight and made a great shot against 3 defenders.
Tiffany Hayes looks like she's gaining confidence. I wish I got to see her 10 pt game yesterday. She's starting to drive to the basket more.
I am happy for Tahirah Williams, again she is playing really well and making good contributions from the bench. I believe Her career High for a season is 50 pts. If my memory serves me correct she has added 14 points in the last two games and is now at 49 points. I'll update that if I am off later.
Maya Moore was the player of the game.
I wish I knew what Geno said to Meghan Gardler after the game that made them both laugh. I also liked seeing the casual UConn polo look for the entire team.
Looks like everyone is getting some sun.
Team Manager of the game. For a while Matt Gade had it. I was concerned that Greg M was getting distracted by the buffet line but in the end I think he took some initiative and got the job done. His strong second half performance will not go unnoticed. So Greg M wins team manager of the game.
I think Ms. Mihailides should call CPTV and make a donation. Greg deserves to have a shout out on Connecticut Public Television.
My mom is thinking about calling CPTV and making a pledge and telling them about me. Don't think they will care.
Lorin Dixon has looked really confident. She took a couple of drives to the hoop tonight and made a great shot against 3 defenders.
Tiffany Hayes looks like she's gaining confidence. I wish I got to see her 10 pt game yesterday. She's starting to drive to the basket more.
I am happy for Tahirah Williams, again she is playing really well and making good contributions from the bench. I believe Her career High for a season is 50 pts. If my memory serves me correct she has added 14 points in the last two games and is now at 49 points. I'll update that if I am off later.
Maya Moore was the player of the game.
I wish I knew what Geno said to Meghan Gardler after the game that made them both laugh. I also liked seeing the casual UConn polo look for the entire team.
Looks like everyone is getting some sun.
Team Manager of the game. For a while Matt Gade had it. I was concerned that Greg M was getting distracted by the buffet line but in the end I think he took some initiative and got the job done. His strong second half performance will not go unnoticed. So Greg M wins team manager of the game.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The best jersey numbers to wear
So The Tree Hill Ravens got me thinking, well Greg Mihailides got me thinking. He wore New School Meghan Gardler #22 for the first game of a double header and then old school #14 in the second game. When it comes to choosing a number as a freshman at UConn or for an intramural team what numbers should you look for? Here is my list of the top 10 jersey numbers to wear at UConn. (based on current Huskies) It should be interesting since 1,2,3,6,12, were all really good but not good enough. Plus it's supposed to snow tomorrow, (Well unless your on vacation in Cancun...I mean work in Cancun) and I feel like I should give you something to chew on and think about and argue about.
10. #4 Jeff Adrien is one of my favorite basketball players because of his emotion. He has been a leader at UConn for a while now. He’s contributed to the best shot blocking team in the nation, is currently 3rd on the team in scoring average and is almost averaging a double -double. He just recorded his 36th career double double vs Stony Brook and has over 1,000 points in his UConn career. Tyler Lorenzen, for all his troubles this year, has been an improvement at quarterback for UConn. I think the Pitt game was just a bad game and he will recover from it. He helped lead the team last year to its first conference championship with solid play at QB. DT Twyon Martin has impressed me (Isn’t it weird having two players on the same team with the same number?) He has 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 3.5 TFL. Kate Seabaugh has been solid for the Volleyball team in her 3 seasons at UConn. Jessica Diakun has also been solid for the women’s soccer defense. She injured her knee as a senior and redshirted and will hopefully be back next season. In her junior year she was second on her team in minutes played. Jillian Cerar also changed her number to 4 from last year. She was 5th on her team in goals scored as a freshman. Jody Sydor of women’s Ice Hockey also wears 4. She was named to the Hockey East Mission All Rookie Team and was voted team rookie of the year. 2007 Big East Academic All-Star Anna Easty and Chris Waterstradt also wear 4.
9. #32 Kalana Greene is extremely underrated on the women’s basketball team. Plays great Defense and would have changed the outcome of last year had she been healthy. Scott Lutrus is an excellent linebacker who may become the face of the football team in the future. Was named a Freshman all-American by the Sporting news. Jonathan Mandeldove is everyone’s facebook friend and Jennie Bellonio also wears 32.
8. #15 Kemba Walker looks nasty. I have been impressed with his play. He will only get better with experience. I love how he pushes the ball up the court. Brittany Tegeler scored against St. Johns which is more than enough to make 15 a great jersey number. She also was 2nd team Big East this year and was honored by NEWISA. (I’ve mentioned this like 100 times I think…I believe it’s the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association) Rachael Crossin is a pretty good pitcher on the softball team. She won a Big East Pitcher of the week award last year and her e.r.a. was in the low 2’s. Toni Stahl is one of every UConn soccer fans favorites. Stahl was a 2008 all Northeast region first team selection and he was First team all Big East in 2007 and 2008. Men’s Hockey Captain Sean Erickson wears 15 proudly too. Hannah Corell, Sami Evelyn, Ashley Mitchelides and Jerome Junior also sport 15.
7. #7 I can’t believe O’Brian White’s number is so low on this list. It almost seems too low. He was the best college soccer player in the country in 2007. He has racked up so many awards that I can’t even begin to list them all. He would have won more had it not been for a knee injury that ended his 2008 season prematurely. He was still named Big East offensive player of the year though. He will certainly be selected in the MLS draft. Annie Yi is another great soccer player. She kicked in the game winner vs Yale, scored in the Big East tournament against West Virginia and was a Big East 3rd team selection in 2007 and 2008. Softball 2nd baseman Julie Towers had a solid year even with injuries. Sam also thinks highly of her and that’s good enough for me. She’s got a solid bat and could be key in the 2 hole this season. Margot Demere of the volleyball team wears 7 too. She’s really nice and she has the greatest name ever. More on her later. Harold Brantley Jr. earned a starting spot in center field last year for the baseball team. Kim Krzyk, Glen Mourning, Meghan Bohns, Michael Coppola, and Justine Cigna also wear 7.
6. #5 Caroline Doty has been pretty good so far for UConn. She hit 10 straight 3’s at one point and is averaging double figures as a freshman. Most importantly Micah Truax wears number 5. She is the Two-time Big East softball player of the year. She has such a sweet swing. Karl Schilling was solid for men’s soccer. He started 57 of 64 career games. Annie Luhrsen had an amazing freshman year for the volleyball team. She was the AVCA regional freshman of the year. Katie Littlejohn, Carly Curran Blidi Wreh Wilson, Brendan Oliynk, and Joe Pavone also wear 5.
5. #9 Melissa Gonzalez makes this number good at UConn. She was featured in Sports Illustrated’s faces in the crowd, 3rd team all-American as a sophomore, was Big East first team this year, and played for US in Pan Am Junior Championships. Whitney Michele lead the Lacrosse team in points last year. Rebecca Murray is nasty for the Volleyball team, Hard Hittin Lindsay Witten (Ryan Grace gets credit for that) is great, just gets overshadowed by Cody Brown and Julius Williams. Witten has 5 sacks so far this season. Pierre LePage lead the baseball team in runs and hits and tied for steals and doubles as a freshman. Amy Vaughn, Brianna Gray, Justin Hernandez, Nicole Camardo, and Andrew McKie also wear 9.
4. #11 Akeem Priestley is so much fun to watch, he will be in the MLS next year and was named All Big East 2nd team for the 2nd year in arrow. Katy Ryan was the leading goal scorer for the lacrosse team. Jessica Shufelt played for the women’s soccer team as a freshman. Most people probably think of Jerome Dyson when you think of 11. He is a great athlete who can do unbelievable things on the court. He leads the Men’s basketball team in scoring right now. Melissa Lucas lead the softball team in batting average last season and lead the team in triples. One of her teammates has raved about her athletic talent. She may become the face of the team after this years seniors graduate. Allie Nickel, Ally Blankmeyer, Brian Parker, Brian Maguire, and Jaclyn Camardo also sport #11
3. #20 Everyone forgets about Renee Montgomery. Seriously she had a career game, 30 pts, 13 assists against the 4th ranked team in the country and she didn’t make the front cover of the Daily Campus. She is the best point guard in the country and the leader of the women’s basketball team. Dori Arad had 4 goals this year and all were game winners. Melissa Busque is one of my favorite women’s soccer players because she always seems to be in the middle of everything on the field. Jillian Ortega is a great softball player. She plays the game with great hustle and intensity. She has been All Big East 1st team the past two seasons. Terry Baltimore is great on special teams and should prove important next year at defensive back. Lauren Duffy, Will Musson Bethany Semlear, and Marcello Ranello also wear 20.
2. #23 Someone beat Maya Moore? How could that be? By herself she makes 23 the 2nd best number. Add to that Jordan Todman, maybe the fastest player ever in Connecticut Football, and then Kacey Richards who has won numerous awards for her play in soccer. She was named to Big East 3rd team as a freshman and second team as sophomore. Jill Kleeblad, Marco Zanfardino and Andrew Olson also wear 23.
1. #34 Well two of the most recognizable Huskies wear 34, Donald Brown and Hasheem Thabeet. One lead the NCAA in rushing, the other will be a lottery pick in the NBA draft. Not bad things to aspire to.
10. #4 Jeff Adrien is one of my favorite basketball players because of his emotion. He has been a leader at UConn for a while now. He’s contributed to the best shot blocking team in the nation, is currently 3rd on the team in scoring average and is almost averaging a double -double. He just recorded his 36th career double double vs Stony Brook and has over 1,000 points in his UConn career. Tyler Lorenzen, for all his troubles this year, has been an improvement at quarterback for UConn. I think the Pitt game was just a bad game and he will recover from it. He helped lead the team last year to its first conference championship with solid play at QB. DT Twyon Martin has impressed me (Isn’t it weird having two players on the same team with the same number?) He has 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 3.5 TFL. Kate Seabaugh has been solid for the Volleyball team in her 3 seasons at UConn. Jessica Diakun has also been solid for the women’s soccer defense. She injured her knee as a senior and redshirted and will hopefully be back next season. In her junior year she was second on her team in minutes played. Jillian Cerar also changed her number to 4 from last year. She was 5th on her team in goals scored as a freshman. Jody Sydor of women’s Ice Hockey also wears 4. She was named to the Hockey East Mission All Rookie Team and was voted team rookie of the year. 2007 Big East Academic All-Star Anna Easty and Chris Waterstradt also wear 4.
9. #32 Kalana Greene is extremely underrated on the women’s basketball team. Plays great Defense and would have changed the outcome of last year had she been healthy. Scott Lutrus is an excellent linebacker who may become the face of the football team in the future. Was named a Freshman all-American by the Sporting news. Jonathan Mandeldove is everyone’s facebook friend and Jennie Bellonio also wears 32.
8. #15 Kemba Walker looks nasty. I have been impressed with his play. He will only get better with experience. I love how he pushes the ball up the court. Brittany Tegeler scored against St. Johns which is more than enough to make 15 a great jersey number. She also was 2nd team Big East this year and was honored by NEWISA. (I’ve mentioned this like 100 times I think…I believe it’s the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association) Rachael Crossin is a pretty good pitcher on the softball team. She won a Big East Pitcher of the week award last year and her e.r.a. was in the low 2’s. Toni Stahl is one of every UConn soccer fans favorites. Stahl was a 2008 all Northeast region first team selection and he was First team all Big East in 2007 and 2008. Men’s Hockey Captain Sean Erickson wears 15 proudly too. Hannah Corell, Sami Evelyn, Ashley Mitchelides and Jerome Junior also sport 15.
7. #7 I can’t believe O’Brian White’s number is so low on this list. It almost seems too low. He was the best college soccer player in the country in 2007. He has racked up so many awards that I can’t even begin to list them all. He would have won more had it not been for a knee injury that ended his 2008 season prematurely. He was still named Big East offensive player of the year though. He will certainly be selected in the MLS draft. Annie Yi is another great soccer player. She kicked in the game winner vs Yale, scored in the Big East tournament against West Virginia and was a Big East 3rd team selection in 2007 and 2008. Softball 2nd baseman Julie Towers had a solid year even with injuries. Sam also thinks highly of her and that’s good enough for me. She’s got a solid bat and could be key in the 2 hole this season. Margot Demere of the volleyball team wears 7 too. She’s really nice and she has the greatest name ever. More on her later. Harold Brantley Jr. earned a starting spot in center field last year for the baseball team. Kim Krzyk, Glen Mourning, Meghan Bohns, Michael Coppola, and Justine Cigna also wear 7.
6. #5 Caroline Doty has been pretty good so far for UConn. She hit 10 straight 3’s at one point and is averaging double figures as a freshman. Most importantly Micah Truax wears number 5. She is the Two-time Big East softball player of the year. She has such a sweet swing. Karl Schilling was solid for men’s soccer. He started 57 of 64 career games. Annie Luhrsen had an amazing freshman year for the volleyball team. She was the AVCA regional freshman of the year. Katie Littlejohn, Carly Curran Blidi Wreh Wilson, Brendan Oliynk, and Joe Pavone also wear 5.
5. #9 Melissa Gonzalez makes this number good at UConn. She was featured in Sports Illustrated’s faces in the crowd, 3rd team all-American as a sophomore, was Big East first team this year, and played for US in Pan Am Junior Championships. Whitney Michele lead the Lacrosse team in points last year. Rebecca Murray is nasty for the Volleyball team, Hard Hittin Lindsay Witten (Ryan Grace gets credit for that) is great, just gets overshadowed by Cody Brown and Julius Williams. Witten has 5 sacks so far this season. Pierre LePage lead the baseball team in runs and hits and tied for steals and doubles as a freshman. Amy Vaughn, Brianna Gray, Justin Hernandez, Nicole Camardo, and Andrew McKie also wear 9.
4. #11 Akeem Priestley is so much fun to watch, he will be in the MLS next year and was named All Big East 2nd team for the 2nd year in arrow. Katy Ryan was the leading goal scorer for the lacrosse team. Jessica Shufelt played for the women’s soccer team as a freshman. Most people probably think of Jerome Dyson when you think of 11. He is a great athlete who can do unbelievable things on the court. He leads the Men’s basketball team in scoring right now. Melissa Lucas lead the softball team in batting average last season and lead the team in triples. One of her teammates has raved about her athletic talent. She may become the face of the team after this years seniors graduate. Allie Nickel, Ally Blankmeyer, Brian Parker, Brian Maguire, and Jaclyn Camardo also sport #11
3. #20 Everyone forgets about Renee Montgomery. Seriously she had a career game, 30 pts, 13 assists against the 4th ranked team in the country and she didn’t make the front cover of the Daily Campus. She is the best point guard in the country and the leader of the women’s basketball team. Dori Arad had 4 goals this year and all were game winners. Melissa Busque is one of my favorite women’s soccer players because she always seems to be in the middle of everything on the field. Jillian Ortega is a great softball player. She plays the game with great hustle and intensity. She has been All Big East 1st team the past two seasons. Terry Baltimore is great on special teams and should prove important next year at defensive back. Lauren Duffy, Will Musson Bethany Semlear, and Marcello Ranello also wear 20.
2. #23 Someone beat Maya Moore? How could that be? By herself she makes 23 the 2nd best number. Add to that Jordan Todman, maybe the fastest player ever in Connecticut Football, and then Kacey Richards who has won numerous awards for her play in soccer. She was named to Big East 3rd team as a freshman and second team as sophomore. Jill Kleeblad, Marco Zanfardino and Andrew Olson also wear 23.
1. #34 Well two of the most recognizable Huskies wear 34, Donald Brown and Hasheem Thabeet. One lead the NCAA in rushing, the other will be a lottery pick in the NBA draft. Not bad things to aspire to.
Great Movie
I love several movies, Airplane and Fargo top my list. Love 3:10 to Yuma and National Lampoon's Vacation movies with Chevy Chase. I also love the movie Crash. I saw different things each of the times I watched it.
Tina Charles would be player of the game vs Washington...From the sound of it (game wasn't on TV) she was dominant.
Tahirah Williams once again played well as did Kaili McLaren according to the stat sheet
oh and Maya was Maya
Tina Charles would be player of the game vs Washington...From the sound of it (game wasn't on TV) she was dominant.
Tahirah Williams once again played well as did Kaili McLaren according to the stat sheet
oh and Maya was Maya
The list of sports events that I have been to
I’ve been to UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, Field Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Women’s Lacrosse, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball
Also seen Club equestrian competition, Club cycling too…as a matter of fact I raced once. I would have done a lot better had I understood my new bike. I finished in the middle of the crowd, but I rode the race in the wrong gears…At that time I didn’t understand the importance of changing gears.
I’ve been to a Tractor Pull, Rodeo, NASCAR Race and Qualifying, IRL Race, SCCA race, MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL games, outrigger canoe race, and minor league baseball
Does the former mayor shooting for turkey in your back yard count for hunting? That’s for you to determine.
I should get around to seeing golf and tennis and then beach volleyball.
I’ve been to the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL Hall of Fames. Major Venues: Olympic Stadium (Montreal), SkyDome ”Rogers Centre” (Toronto), Yankee Stadium (NY), Shea Stadium (NY), Hubert H Humphrey Metordome (Minnesota), Comerica Park (Detroit), Giants Stadium (NJ), Madison Square Garden (NY), Continental Airlines Arena (NJ), St. Pete Times Forum (FL), Pro Player Stadium “Dolphins Stadium” (FL), New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS), Homestead Miami Speedway (FL), Lime Rock Park (CT), Pocono Speedway (PA), Greensboro Coloseium (NC), Arena at Harbor Yard (CT), XL Center (CT), Gampel Pavilion (CT), Rentschler Field (CT)
I must get to Fenway soon.
My favorite was Shea because I love My Mets. Most comfortable outdoor stadium was Comerica Park in Detroit. I was really impressed with that stadium…I hope Citi Field can be as nice as that was…Comerica Park is where I saw my first major league Grand Slam….a Grand Slam by Dean Palmer. The best Indoor Stadium is the Sky Dome…It has a hotel in it…I saw my second grand slam at a game there…it was by Jorge Posada.
Also seen Club equestrian competition, Club cycling too…as a matter of fact I raced once. I would have done a lot better had I understood my new bike. I finished in the middle of the crowd, but I rode the race in the wrong gears…At that time I didn’t understand the importance of changing gears.
I’ve been to a Tractor Pull, Rodeo, NASCAR Race and Qualifying, IRL Race, SCCA race, MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL games, outrigger canoe race, and minor league baseball
Does the former mayor shooting for turkey in your back yard count for hunting? That’s for you to determine.
I should get around to seeing golf and tennis and then beach volleyball.
I’ve been to the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL Hall of Fames. Major Venues: Olympic Stadium (Montreal), SkyDome ”Rogers Centre” (Toronto), Yankee Stadium (NY), Shea Stadium (NY), Hubert H Humphrey Metordome (Minnesota), Comerica Park (Detroit), Giants Stadium (NJ), Madison Square Garden (NY), Continental Airlines Arena (NJ), St. Pete Times Forum (FL), Pro Player Stadium “Dolphins Stadium” (FL), New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS), Homestead Miami Speedway (FL), Lime Rock Park (CT), Pocono Speedway (PA), Greensboro Coloseium (NC), Arena at Harbor Yard (CT), XL Center (CT), Gampel Pavilion (CT), Rentschler Field (CT)
I must get to Fenway soon.
My favorite was Shea because I love My Mets. Most comfortable outdoor stadium was Comerica Park in Detroit. I was really impressed with that stadium…I hope Citi Field can be as nice as that was…Comerica Park is where I saw my first major league Grand Slam….a Grand Slam by Dean Palmer. The best Indoor Stadium is the Sky Dome…It has a hotel in it…I saw my second grand slam at a game there…it was by Jorge Posada.
Describing a winter bike ride
Most people wonder how I can bike when it's really hot out and its really cold out. The answer in reality is that I want to. It feels good, its a stress reliever and it keeps me strong and healthy. That doesn't mean that I like to bike in the cold. As a matter of fact the perfect weather as far as I am concerned for cycling is 100 with 100% humidity. I'll drink a lot of fluids but in the end I love cycling when it's hot. People don't realize that the speed that I am going usually compensates for the heat and it cools me off. The opposite is true in the winter. I'm cold and going faster makes me colder. In the summer I drink more water when I cycle and it takes me less time to get going. It's easier to want to bike when the weather is nice. I kind of have to pump myself up when it gets really cold. It's more of a process in the winter. I have to really get dressed for the cold, where as in the summer I can just go with pretty much whatever I want. The first mile or two of cycling in the cold is pretty brutal on the face. I wonder what the wind chill is when you combine the cold with about 20mph. After a couple of miles the core of your body warms up. Your face doesn't really ever warm up and the hard part of winter cycling is the need to blow your nose every 4 miles. By about mile 20 my toes begin to tell me that they are really cold. If it's below freezing I'll wear two pairs of socks. I will not ride my current bike in the rain or snow or if there is a lot of sand and salt on the street. I also won't go if I think it is too cold. Sometimes it feels ok if its 28 and sometimes it doesn't. If it was 45 and then the next day it's 28, that 28 feels really cold. If it was 16 and then 28 that 28 might feel fine. If it's too cold or if theirs bad weather I either take a day off, go for a run or cycle inside.
I go 22 miles on my current route. I don't usually shorten it unless of weather or if there is some place that I have to be. Over time I've lengthened my route from 7 to 11 to 16 to 22 miles as I've gotten older and faster.
I love riding in the summer because the faster you go the more comfortable it gets with the wind going into your face. Summer riding is by far my favorite.
People often ask me if I enjoy going in laps, or how could I enjoy going in laps. To be truthful most of the time I don't know or don't care, I just pedal forward. I don't usually ride to take in the scenery. However, After going so often on my neighborhood streets I could probably tell you where every crack in the road is.
Thats a tough thing for motorists to understand. Every little crack in the road is a danger point for me, or might give me a flat tire. Often when I am on the wrong side of the road it is because I am avoiding a hazard. There are certain points on my neighborhood roads where there is only a thin strip of pavement that I can use. At some points its so bumpy that I cannot wave if I pass people by, otherwise I'll fall off.
I try to stop and say hello to people when I can or if I haven't seen them in a while or want to tell them how much I can't stand St. Johns soccer, but sometimes I really have somewhere to go and I may not be able to talk because I want to get all 22 miles in.
Speed limits are something that I love to break when I'm on my bike, and I've done it before, although not by too much. I think the last time I did it was up near Storrs. If I got a ticket for cycling too fast I'd pay it and keep the ticket as a sort of trophy.
I also love it when people stop in their cars to tell me how fast I'm going. It's kind of funny because I already have a speedometer so I know how fast I'm going. I also never go as fast as I think I am. Everything is in slow motion for me when I bike. I never think I am going fast. I always think I am going too slow. I also love passing traffic or people driving. Usually its older people checking out the neighborhood but still I love doing it. It happens usually once or twice a month.
I actually have run over squirrels and chipmunks before. I've killed a chipmunk I think. That's a stat that I think all cyclists should keep. Maybe paint a chipmunk on my bike for every one I run over. I don't actually intentionally try to run over them, but it happens. Speaking of wild life it was kind of funny to turn a corner and see a big deer with antlers in my way.
I also notice that for some reason I go almost a half a mile to mile an hour faster on average in the summer. I've yet to quite figure that one out yet. My guess is that I weigh a little bit more in the winter with the extra gear on. I really don't know though.
My advice though when it comes to preparing for cycling, run, weightlifting, homework or work is to take a nap before you do it if your tired. You will feel so much better and will perform much better by taking a 20-30 minute nap.
PC
I go 22 miles on my current route. I don't usually shorten it unless of weather or if there is some place that I have to be. Over time I've lengthened my route from 7 to 11 to 16 to 22 miles as I've gotten older and faster.
I love riding in the summer because the faster you go the more comfortable it gets with the wind going into your face. Summer riding is by far my favorite.
People often ask me if I enjoy going in laps, or how could I enjoy going in laps. To be truthful most of the time I don't know or don't care, I just pedal forward. I don't usually ride to take in the scenery. However, After going so often on my neighborhood streets I could probably tell you where every crack in the road is.
Thats a tough thing for motorists to understand. Every little crack in the road is a danger point for me, or might give me a flat tire. Often when I am on the wrong side of the road it is because I am avoiding a hazard. There are certain points on my neighborhood roads where there is only a thin strip of pavement that I can use. At some points its so bumpy that I cannot wave if I pass people by, otherwise I'll fall off.
I try to stop and say hello to people when I can or if I haven't seen them in a while or want to tell them how much I can't stand St. Johns soccer, but sometimes I really have somewhere to go and I may not be able to talk because I want to get all 22 miles in.
Speed limits are something that I love to break when I'm on my bike, and I've done it before, although not by too much. I think the last time I did it was up near Storrs. If I got a ticket for cycling too fast I'd pay it and keep the ticket as a sort of trophy.
I also love it when people stop in their cars to tell me how fast I'm going. It's kind of funny because I already have a speedometer so I know how fast I'm going. I also never go as fast as I think I am. Everything is in slow motion for me when I bike. I never think I am going fast. I always think I am going too slow. I also love passing traffic or people driving. Usually its older people checking out the neighborhood but still I love doing it. It happens usually once or twice a month.
I actually have run over squirrels and chipmunks before. I've killed a chipmunk I think. That's a stat that I think all cyclists should keep. Maybe paint a chipmunk on my bike for every one I run over. I don't actually intentionally try to run over them, but it happens. Speaking of wild life it was kind of funny to turn a corner and see a big deer with antlers in my way.
I also notice that for some reason I go almost a half a mile to mile an hour faster on average in the summer. I've yet to quite figure that one out yet. My guess is that I weigh a little bit more in the winter with the extra gear on. I really don't know though.
My advice though when it comes to preparing for cycling, run, weightlifting, homework or work is to take a nap before you do it if your tired. You will feel so much better and will perform much better by taking a 20-30 minute nap.
PC
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
GO VOTE
http://www.thatshiphop.com/voting/vote.php?g=monstermash3
then go down and find Friday Da 13th-Magic and vote for them.
Tell everyone to go vote for them
then go down and find Friday Da 13th-Magic and vote for them.
Tell everyone to go vote for them
Finally some respect for UConn football
Donald Brown was actually named a FIRST team ALL AMERICAN. Thank you Sporting News. They also named offensive lineman Moe Petrus to the all freshman team. Again thank you Sporting News for showing some respect.
5 women's soccer players won honors from NEWISA. They were Elizabeth Eng, Brittany Tegeler, Stephanie Labbe, Lauren Ebert and Kacey Richards.
I still want to know who the person was who hustled for that ball against Yale. I better know that before they put me in my grave.
Dori Arad scored 4 goals this season. All 4 of the goals were game winners.
I am of the belief that the UConn Women's Basketball team would have won the national championship had Kalana Greene been healthy.
Go Celtics. Go Big East in bowl season.
5 women's soccer players won honors from NEWISA. They were Elizabeth Eng, Brittany Tegeler, Stephanie Labbe, Lauren Ebert and Kacey Richards.
I still want to know who the person was who hustled for that ball against Yale. I better know that before they put me in my grave.
Dori Arad scored 4 goals this season. All 4 of the goals were game winners.
I am of the belief that the UConn Women's Basketball team would have won the national championship had Kalana Greene been healthy.
Go Celtics. Go Big East in bowl season.
So I'm watching the MLB network
The first time I saw David Ortiz play was in Minnesota when he was on the Twins. (Yes I've been to the Metrodome) He went 0-4 with 3k's. My first impressions of David Ortiz were that he sucked.
I'm not a die hard Red Sox fan even though I have a house in Red Sox nation. But I am turning into more of one when I watch the 2004 ALCS. That was one hell of a series. That might be the best series in the history of baseball. Atleast that I have seen.
I also went wild when the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees, because I hate the Yankees in game 7 of the World Series. Ditto for the Marlins in 2003 because I predicted from the beginning of the playoffs that they would win it.
But I love my Mets. I've gone wild because of them many times...and never seen them win a World Series.
I still remember sitting on my couch and watching Rey Ordonez hit a grand slam against the Phillies in 1999. Same thing when the Mets came back against the Braves with an 8 run inning I think.
And of course I remember Robin Ventura's grand slam single
And Endy Chavez's catch in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.
And the Mets coming back against the Cubs in 2007 with 4 or 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th
Or Marlon Anderson's inside the part home run.
Here are some of my favorite Baseball players
C. Joe Mauer, 1B John Olerud, Mo Vaughn, Carlos Delgado 2B Edgardo Alfonzo, 3B David Wright, SS Jose Reyes, Derek Jeter OF Carl Crawford, Matt Lawton, Ken Griffey Jr., Vladimir Guerrero, Kirby Puckett, Torri Hunter, Rickey Henderson, Butch Huskey , Melvin Mora, Lance Johnson, Bobby Bonilla DH David Ortiz, Bench/Util Joe McEwing, LENNY HARRIS Jorge Toca, Benny Agbayani, Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Desi Relaford, Luis Lopez, Tony Tarasco, Ty Wigginton SP Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Orel Hersheiser, El Duque RP Turk Wendell, Dennis Cook, Graeme Lloyd
I'm not a die hard Red Sox fan even though I have a house in Red Sox nation. But I am turning into more of one when I watch the 2004 ALCS. That was one hell of a series. That might be the best series in the history of baseball. Atleast that I have seen.
I also went wild when the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees, because I hate the Yankees in game 7 of the World Series. Ditto for the Marlins in 2003 because I predicted from the beginning of the playoffs that they would win it.
But I love my Mets. I've gone wild because of them many times...and never seen them win a World Series.
I still remember sitting on my couch and watching Rey Ordonez hit a grand slam against the Phillies in 1999. Same thing when the Mets came back against the Braves with an 8 run inning I think.
And of course I remember Robin Ventura's grand slam single
And Endy Chavez's catch in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.
And the Mets coming back against the Cubs in 2007 with 4 or 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th
Or Marlon Anderson's inside the part home run.
Here are some of my favorite Baseball players
C. Joe Mauer, 1B John Olerud, Mo Vaughn, Carlos Delgado 2B Edgardo Alfonzo, 3B David Wright, SS Jose Reyes, Derek Jeter OF Carl Crawford, Matt Lawton, Ken Griffey Jr., Vladimir Guerrero, Kirby Puckett, Torri Hunter, Rickey Henderson, Butch Huskey , Melvin Mora, Lance Johnson, Bobby Bonilla DH David Ortiz, Bench/Util Joe McEwing, LENNY HARRIS Jorge Toca, Benny Agbayani, Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Desi Relaford, Luis Lopez, Tony Tarasco, Ty Wigginton SP Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Orel Hersheiser, El Duque RP Turk Wendell, Dennis Cook, Graeme Lloyd
UConn Interesting Facts
Thursday's women's basketball game vs. Washington is the first game in 316 games not to be televised. The last game not to be televised was January 29th, 2000
Friday and Sunday's games will be on CPTV
Caroline Doty is hitting .515 from 3pt land as of now.
UConn Women are 200-11 when they are ranked 1 in the country
The women's basketball team hasn't lost back to back road games since February of 1993.
The Women are 131 and 53 against top 25 teams in program history
Right now the women lead the country in scoring per game, assists per game, assist/turnover ratio and field goal percentage.
Renee Montgomery needs 10 assists to have sole possession of 7th place in the UConn career assist category. She has 470 now. Diana Taurasi leads the program with 648
GREAT NEWS FOR UCONN FANS. COACH AURIEMMA HAS THE HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE OF ALL WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES right now. Geno is at .845, Pat Summitt is at .843
Since 1993-94 UConn is 268-11 at home in Women's Basketball.
UConn Women's Basketball has all-time losing records against LaSalle, Fordham, District of Columbia, Cortland State, Brooklyn, UMass, Monmouth, Montclair State, New Hampshire, UNC, Queens, Rhode Island, Southern Connecticut, Springfield, Stanford, Temple, U.S. International, and Worcester State.
No I am not lying to you. However we played those teams, and lost to most of those teams before Geno ever got to UConn. We haven't played many of those teams since the early 80's. (With the exception of UNC, Stanford and Rhode Island) Rhode Island hasn't beaten UConn since 1984-85
Does anyone remember when O'B accidentally kicked an opponent in the stomach. That must have really really really really hurt.
Speaking of pain one of the weirdest things I've ever seen happened for the softball team last year at the Big East tournament. UConn's Allie Genderon hit a line drive off of the DePaul's pitcher's head and was caught by the shortstop for an out, who threw it to 2nd base for a double play to end the inning. The DePaul pitcher also came back in to pitch the rest of the game with a melon on her head.
Men's soccer didn't have a winning season in their first 12 seasons (1928-1939) They went 2-2 in 1928. First winning season was in 1940.
The first win in Men's Soccer program history was over Stafford. The first game ever was an 8-0 loss to Clark. The first home game in program history was a win over Stafford 4-1, on 11-9-28
UConn made up for the loss to Clark, We are now 12-5-1 against Clark. I've never heard of that school.
The first coach in men's soccer was Roy Guyer. He went 2-2.
The record for most points in a game for UConn Men's soccer is 9, by Frank Innocent in 1972 vs Hofstra. 4 goals and an assist.
The worst coach record wise in Men's Soccer history was Billie Darrow. in 1930-31 he managed to go 1-12-2. An all time worst win percentage of .133
In 2007 UConn mens soccer went undefeated on Wednesdays and in November.
Between 10-29-37 and 11-12-38 Men's soccer lost 10 consecutive games.
The first captain in Men's soccer history was Alf Anderson. I just like the first name of Alf.
The Omar Coffee Company was a friend of soccer in 2007-2008.
19 former Huskies have played in the MLS...will be at least 21 after O'B and Akeem
Todd Krygier played for UConn in college and played 9 years in the NHL.
Bryan Krygier has the record for most goals in a season for UConn with 38 between 1991 and 1992. At the D1 level the record is held by Matt Scherer with 22.
Before this season UConn actually had an all time winning record in men's hockey. Before this season started UConn was 285-283-55. This year they are 4-11.
UConn Women's Hockey is 101-126-30 all-time. This year they beat New Hampshire and are 11-6-2. They haven't had a losing record in the last two seasons. They went 22-8-5 in 07-08
The most wins for Men's hockey in a season is 22 in 91-92. At the D1 level its 20, in 98-99
Friday and Sunday's games will be on CPTV
Caroline Doty is hitting .515 from 3pt land as of now.
UConn Women are 200-11 when they are ranked 1 in the country
The women's basketball team hasn't lost back to back road games since February of 1993.
The Women are 131 and 53 against top 25 teams in program history
Right now the women lead the country in scoring per game, assists per game, assist/turnover ratio and field goal percentage.
Renee Montgomery needs 10 assists to have sole possession of 7th place in the UConn career assist category. She has 470 now. Diana Taurasi leads the program with 648
GREAT NEWS FOR UCONN FANS. COACH AURIEMMA HAS THE HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE OF ALL WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES right now. Geno is at .845, Pat Summitt is at .843
Since 1993-94 UConn is 268-11 at home in Women's Basketball.
UConn Women's Basketball has all-time losing records against LaSalle, Fordham, District of Columbia, Cortland State, Brooklyn, UMass, Monmouth, Montclair State, New Hampshire, UNC, Queens, Rhode Island, Southern Connecticut, Springfield, Stanford, Temple, U.S. International, and Worcester State.
No I am not lying to you. However we played those teams, and lost to most of those teams before Geno ever got to UConn. We haven't played many of those teams since the early 80's. (With the exception of UNC, Stanford and Rhode Island) Rhode Island hasn't beaten UConn since 1984-85
Does anyone remember when O'B accidentally kicked an opponent in the stomach. That must have really really really really hurt.
Speaking of pain one of the weirdest things I've ever seen happened for the softball team last year at the Big East tournament. UConn's Allie Genderon hit a line drive off of the DePaul's pitcher's head and was caught by the shortstop for an out, who threw it to 2nd base for a double play to end the inning. The DePaul pitcher also came back in to pitch the rest of the game with a melon on her head.
Men's soccer didn't have a winning season in their first 12 seasons (1928-1939) They went 2-2 in 1928. First winning season was in 1940.
The first win in Men's Soccer program history was over Stafford. The first game ever was an 8-0 loss to Clark. The first home game in program history was a win over Stafford 4-1, on 11-9-28
UConn made up for the loss to Clark, We are now 12-5-1 against Clark. I've never heard of that school.
The first coach in men's soccer was Roy Guyer. He went 2-2.
The record for most points in a game for UConn Men's soccer is 9, by Frank Innocent in 1972 vs Hofstra. 4 goals and an assist.
The worst coach record wise in Men's Soccer history was Billie Darrow. in 1930-31 he managed to go 1-12-2. An all time worst win percentage of .133
In 2007 UConn mens soccer went undefeated on Wednesdays and in November.
Between 10-29-37 and 11-12-38 Men's soccer lost 10 consecutive games.
The first captain in Men's soccer history was Alf Anderson. I just like the first name of Alf.
The Omar Coffee Company was a friend of soccer in 2007-2008.
19 former Huskies have played in the MLS...will be at least 21 after O'B and Akeem
Todd Krygier played for UConn in college and played 9 years in the NHL.
Bryan Krygier has the record for most goals in a season for UConn with 38 between 1991 and 1992. At the D1 level the record is held by Matt Scherer with 22.
Before this season UConn actually had an all time winning record in men's hockey. Before this season started UConn was 285-283-55. This year they are 4-11.
UConn Women's Hockey is 101-126-30 all-time. This year they beat New Hampshire and are 11-6-2. They haven't had a losing record in the last two seasons. They went 22-8-5 in 07-08
The most wins for Men's hockey in a season is 22 in 91-92. At the D1 level its 20, in 98-99
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
My winter reading
I will order Mel Thomas's book and will read that. I want to see if Greg M or I made the cut. I'd say its doubtful that either of us were in it.
I will try to remember to bring a copy of the book to a game this break and read it during a media timeout. Maybe a camera guy will catch me reading it and give Mel some free advertising.
Last year when I came back from a Big East tournament game I turned on my TV and saw myself standing in a suit next to Coach Auriemma. That was pretty cool. Literally the moment I turned it on I was on TV.
I also will read the NCAA rules book because I know there are a lot of interesting rules that are really interesting to learn about.
Like seriously people there are dates and times that the seasons first basketball practices are allowed to start.
I will try to remember to bring a copy of the book to a game this break and read it during a media timeout. Maybe a camera guy will catch me reading it and give Mel some free advertising.
Last year when I came back from a Big East tournament game I turned on my TV and saw myself standing in a suit next to Coach Auriemma. That was pretty cool. Literally the moment I turned it on I was on TV.
I also will read the NCAA rules book because I know there are a lot of interesting rules that are really interesting to learn about.
Like seriously people there are dates and times that the seasons first basketball practices are allowed to start.
Organization
I'm trying to make this more organized. Randoms and UConn Sports randoms have almost anything mentioned in it, women's basketball stuff is in it, uconn football, soccer, track etc. Interesting thoughts could be in that too.
UConn soccer could be anything with soccer and UConn, usually I put UConn and a specific sport if I wrote a good amount about them.
RTP is about me.
random could be anything
it's self explanatory, if your looking for something specific or your name or sport just search it.
It's as organized as I can get for now.
UConn soccer could be anything with soccer and UConn, usually I put UConn and a specific sport if I wrote a good amount about them.
RTP is about me.
random could be anything
it's self explanatory, if your looking for something specific or your name or sport just search it.
It's as organized as I can get for now.
Facebook makes me laugh
I find it really funny that Meghan Gardler keeps popping up on facebook as a person that I might know.
I love this espn Kenny Mayne Clip
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3757514&n8pe6c=2&categoryId=3670864
I love this espn Kenny Mayne Clip
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3757514&n8pe6c=2&categoryId=3670864
Yale Soccer game, 9-5-08, Cory Bildstein
I only had to pay to watch two soccer games this year. One was the women's soccer game vs Yale and the other was Men's Soccer vs Fairfield. Both were easily worth $2.
I've been to a lot of great sporting events but in my opinion this women's soccer game against Yale was the best ending to any game that I have ever seen. Previously I would have said the Mets winning on a walk off wild pitch by Brad Clontz with Mike Piazza up with the bases loaded against the Pirates in the final regular season game of 1999. The Mets win forced a one-game playoff with the Reds to see who would win the wild card. The Mets went on to be the wild card champ. It was a great game, but even in the end I expected the Mets to pull it out. Such was not the case for the Yale game.
Here I was watching the women's soccer team, a powerhouse in college soccer losing to an in-state school, an ivy league school. Ewww. I kept looking at the clock and seeing that we were down 1-0 forever. 80 minute mark. Still believed we could pull it off. 85 minute mark, still thought we had a chance. 89 minute mark uhh wasn't too sure anymore. At 89:50 I thought it was over. The ball was all the way at the other end of the field rolling towards the corner. Some UConn player went after that ball. I think it was Kacey Richards, but I'm not 100% sure (Regardless Kacey Richards deserves to wear number 23, like Michael Jordan, Lebron, Maya and Jordan Todman, she's a darn good player) I remember thinking to myself "thats great hustle, too bad it won't change the outcome of the game" The ball got kicked up into the air and went towards the goal UConn was trying to score in. With 3 seconds left it hit off the arm of a Yale defender in the box. That changed everything, UConn now would get a penalty kick with 3 seconds left. I knew that this could change everything, even though it was only the 4th or 5th soccer game that I'd ever been to in my entire life. So I watch as Yale puts 3 or 4 people in front of the penalty kick. Dan Willis, a UC Sports analyst, was telling me (as this penalty kick was being set up) how much he hated when defensive players would stand in front of him and the opposing player on penalty kicks because he couldn't see where the ball was. I knew nothing about what was going on and how to set stuff up for a penalty kick. Right before the kick I remembered watching the movie "Bend it like Beckham" in my sports lit class in high school and this kid from a summer program at the University of Miami showing me how to make a shot curve because I didn't know how to do that. I was thinking "man this would be the time that you need to bend it like beckham." I don't remember too much about the kick other than it looked like Cory Bildstein kicked it around the defenders and then past the outstretched arms of the goalie. All I remember well was the goalie diving and the ball going into the back of the net and the euphoria and energy that filled the stadium when that ball went in. I was shocked, thrilled and going crazy at the same time. Bildstein scored at 89:59 to tie the game. I was almost speechless, the ball was all the way at the other end of the field 10 seconds earlier. Cory deserves a lot of credit, as does the player (who I think was Kacey Richards) who hustled to kick that ball back upfield to give UConn a chance that most people didn't see coming. I don't remember a lot about overtime, but I was thrilled that Annie Yi put the ball in the back of the net to give UConn a 2-1 win and solidify that game as the best ending to any game that I have ever attended. I never thought I'd actually follow women's soccer. But I did because of Cory Bildstein. Ironically I was the first student to arrive for women's soccer senior day this season. I wasn't the only one who went crazy during the game. The women's basketball team went crazy too. Kaili McLaren, Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles were all at the game and they all seemed amazed at the outcome. It was also the first soccer game that freshman Tiffany Hayes had ever been to. It's funny how often this game has been brought up by Kaili and I during interviews. It's one of those games and moments that you never forget if you were there. (What I also thought was really cool was that Kaili's mother supported UConn Women's Soccer when they traveled to Georgetown for the Big East tournament)
I finally got around to congratulating Cory about 7 weeks after the fact. She wouldn't remember me or know me from a hole in the wall but I just had to congratulate her when she was speaking with Ryan Grace. You don't see an accomplishment like that all that often. I also mentioned to her that I ran into her father at the marketing table at a game and apparently her father mentioned to her that he spoke to someone about that game. (that someone was me) I didn't tell her the whole story, other than that I met him. He wanted to write "nobody" as a joke for goal of the game against #1 Notre Dame. I told him to keep his faith and he said he was just joking and that his daughter was on the team. I always ask which one if someone goes my son or daughter is on the team. (I've run into lots of athletes parents) He goes "mine scored the goal with one second left." I instantly knew who he was talking about so I started talking to him about the game. Apparently he almost missed Cory's goal. It's a good thing he went with his gut and drove up for the game.
As a side note, I always see people with those bumper stickers "my daughter was an honor roll student at Oak Ridge Middle School," or "my son is perfect, perfect in attendance at Davenport Ridge Elementary School" Cory's parents should get "My daughter was the one who scored a goal with one second left"
While we are talking about Cory I figure I should just talk about her dancing skills along with Melissa Busque's. I was reporting on the Georgia Tech women's basketball game and I always take a look around the arena to see what people will do for a Big Y card, T-Shirt (which is almost anything) or to get on the Golfers warehouse dance cam. So on comes the golfers warehouse dance cam and somehow I spotted the women's soccer team. Melissa Busque started to dance. She wasn't a horrible dancer but she wasn't a great one either. (to be fair it is hard to dance on narrow stadium stairs, maybe that turned her into an average dancer) After about a minute of dancing and not getting on TV, Cory (with a foot brace on, and according to Ryan Grace with two foot stress fractures) started to dance too. The funny thing was how they would pause for a milli second whenever the camera changed from person to person, be a little mad that they weren't on TV and then start dancing even crazier with hopes of getting on. Did they get on TV? Well I can't tell you that. Maybe they did when no one noticed.
Before I forget, just to give Melissa Busque some credit, I love how she plays the game of soccer. (Too bad I know nothing about soccer, but I still love how she plays it) She looks like the little energizer bunny on the field. She seems to be full of energy. I wish she scored a goal this year, especially against St. Johns. A UConn fan came over to pick Busque for goal of the game and they called her "The best women's soccer freshman in the country"
Regardless of her dancing skills, Cory Bildstein's goal is something I always talk about when people ask about UConn athletics or about this semester. I will never forget that goal, ever. I remember calling a huge soccer fan from my summer job, Erolido Quiles, to talk about the game. He was almost speechless when I told him what happened. I think I spoke about that game to everyone I spoke with for that entire week, thats how good I thought it was and that is why I continued to support the women's soccer team and all of the rest of the UConn teams. You never know what unbelievable thing you will see when you attend a sporting event. I know several women's basketball players would tell you how amazing that game was and that's impressive considering how many amazing games they are a part of.
I still think I have more women's soccer stories which seems to amaze me. I can't believe I wrote so much about those games...but that West Virginia game and the girl who sung Karaoke at the Student Union, those stories can wait. I'm sure you'd rather I space out women's soccer over time and let you read about the best jersey number to wear if you are at UConn and my Shea Stadium memories.
I've been to a lot of great sporting events but in my opinion this women's soccer game against Yale was the best ending to any game that I have ever seen. Previously I would have said the Mets winning on a walk off wild pitch by Brad Clontz with Mike Piazza up with the bases loaded against the Pirates in the final regular season game of 1999. The Mets win forced a one-game playoff with the Reds to see who would win the wild card. The Mets went on to be the wild card champ. It was a great game, but even in the end I expected the Mets to pull it out. Such was not the case for the Yale game.
Here I was watching the women's soccer team, a powerhouse in college soccer losing to an in-state school, an ivy league school. Ewww. I kept looking at the clock and seeing that we were down 1-0 forever. 80 minute mark. Still believed we could pull it off. 85 minute mark, still thought we had a chance. 89 minute mark uhh wasn't too sure anymore. At 89:50 I thought it was over. The ball was all the way at the other end of the field rolling towards the corner. Some UConn player went after that ball. I think it was Kacey Richards, but I'm not 100% sure (Regardless Kacey Richards deserves to wear number 23, like Michael Jordan, Lebron, Maya and Jordan Todman, she's a darn good player) I remember thinking to myself "thats great hustle, too bad it won't change the outcome of the game" The ball got kicked up into the air and went towards the goal UConn was trying to score in. With 3 seconds left it hit off the arm of a Yale defender in the box. That changed everything, UConn now would get a penalty kick with 3 seconds left. I knew that this could change everything, even though it was only the 4th or 5th soccer game that I'd ever been to in my entire life. So I watch as Yale puts 3 or 4 people in front of the penalty kick. Dan Willis, a UC Sports analyst, was telling me (as this penalty kick was being set up) how much he hated when defensive players would stand in front of him and the opposing player on penalty kicks because he couldn't see where the ball was. I knew nothing about what was going on and how to set stuff up for a penalty kick. Right before the kick I remembered watching the movie "Bend it like Beckham" in my sports lit class in high school and this kid from a summer program at the University of Miami showing me how to make a shot curve because I didn't know how to do that. I was thinking "man this would be the time that you need to bend it like beckham." I don't remember too much about the kick other than it looked like Cory Bildstein kicked it around the defenders and then past the outstretched arms of the goalie. All I remember well was the goalie diving and the ball going into the back of the net and the euphoria and energy that filled the stadium when that ball went in. I was shocked, thrilled and going crazy at the same time. Bildstein scored at 89:59 to tie the game. I was almost speechless, the ball was all the way at the other end of the field 10 seconds earlier. Cory deserves a lot of credit, as does the player (who I think was Kacey Richards) who hustled to kick that ball back upfield to give UConn a chance that most people didn't see coming. I don't remember a lot about overtime, but I was thrilled that Annie Yi put the ball in the back of the net to give UConn a 2-1 win and solidify that game as the best ending to any game that I have ever attended. I never thought I'd actually follow women's soccer. But I did because of Cory Bildstein. Ironically I was the first student to arrive for women's soccer senior day this season. I wasn't the only one who went crazy during the game. The women's basketball team went crazy too. Kaili McLaren, Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles were all at the game and they all seemed amazed at the outcome. It was also the first soccer game that freshman Tiffany Hayes had ever been to. It's funny how often this game has been brought up by Kaili and I during interviews. It's one of those games and moments that you never forget if you were there. (What I also thought was really cool was that Kaili's mother supported UConn Women's Soccer when they traveled to Georgetown for the Big East tournament)
I finally got around to congratulating Cory about 7 weeks after the fact. She wouldn't remember me or know me from a hole in the wall but I just had to congratulate her when she was speaking with Ryan Grace. You don't see an accomplishment like that all that often. I also mentioned to her that I ran into her father at the marketing table at a game and apparently her father mentioned to her that he spoke to someone about that game. (that someone was me) I didn't tell her the whole story, other than that I met him. He wanted to write "nobody" as a joke for goal of the game against #1 Notre Dame. I told him to keep his faith and he said he was just joking and that his daughter was on the team. I always ask which one if someone goes my son or daughter is on the team. (I've run into lots of athletes parents) He goes "mine scored the goal with one second left." I instantly knew who he was talking about so I started talking to him about the game. Apparently he almost missed Cory's goal. It's a good thing he went with his gut and drove up for the game.
As a side note, I always see people with those bumper stickers "my daughter was an honor roll student at Oak Ridge Middle School," or "my son is perfect, perfect in attendance at Davenport Ridge Elementary School" Cory's parents should get "My daughter was the one who scored a goal with one second left"
While we are talking about Cory I figure I should just talk about her dancing skills along with Melissa Busque's. I was reporting on the Georgia Tech women's basketball game and I always take a look around the arena to see what people will do for a Big Y card, T-Shirt (which is almost anything) or to get on the Golfers warehouse dance cam. So on comes the golfers warehouse dance cam and somehow I spotted the women's soccer team. Melissa Busque started to dance. She wasn't a horrible dancer but she wasn't a great one either. (to be fair it is hard to dance on narrow stadium stairs, maybe that turned her into an average dancer) After about a minute of dancing and not getting on TV, Cory (with a foot brace on, and according to Ryan Grace with two foot stress fractures) started to dance too. The funny thing was how they would pause for a milli second whenever the camera changed from person to person, be a little mad that they weren't on TV and then start dancing even crazier with hopes of getting on. Did they get on TV? Well I can't tell you that. Maybe they did when no one noticed.
Before I forget, just to give Melissa Busque some credit, I love how she plays the game of soccer. (Too bad I know nothing about soccer, but I still love how she plays it) She looks like the little energizer bunny on the field. She seems to be full of energy. I wish she scored a goal this year, especially against St. Johns. A UConn fan came over to pick Busque for goal of the game and they called her "The best women's soccer freshman in the country"
Regardless of her dancing skills, Cory Bildstein's goal is something I always talk about when people ask about UConn athletics or about this semester. I will never forget that goal, ever. I remember calling a huge soccer fan from my summer job, Erolido Quiles, to talk about the game. He was almost speechless when I told him what happened. I think I spoke about that game to everyone I spoke with for that entire week, thats how good I thought it was and that is why I continued to support the women's soccer team and all of the rest of the UConn teams. You never know what unbelievable thing you will see when you attend a sporting event. I know several women's basketball players would tell you how amazing that game was and that's impressive considering how many amazing games they are a part of.
I still think I have more women's soccer stories which seems to amaze me. I can't believe I wrote so much about those games...but that West Virginia game and the girl who sung Karaoke at the Student Union, those stories can wait. I'm sure you'd rather I space out women's soccer over time and let you read about the best jersey number to wear if you are at UConn and my Shea Stadium memories.
Monday, December 15, 2008
So tired
Usually I like to post at this time of the day. I was going to write about field hockey or women's soccer vs Yale and Cory Bildstein. However, I am drained from my bike ride and I need to sleep. Hopefully there will be more tomorrow.
MBB (Stony Brook)
My favorite Men's basketball players are Jeff Adrien, Craig Austrie and Hasheem Thabeet.
I love Adrien's emotion and tenacity on the floor.
I love Austrie's calmness and reliability on the floor. I think he is the smartest player on the team.
I love how much Hasheem has improved since freshman year. He is finally dunking the ball. He also has really improved from the free throw line. He should trash talk with Tyler Hansbrough.
I thought UConn played really well against Stony Brook (Well thats obvious when you look at the score) I thought they played very well for just coming off of break. They look much improved from last year. Better passing and better shots are being taken. The extra passes in the post that lead to lay-ups and dunks were fun too watch.
I think that Jerome Dyson has matured as a player. He's getting out of my dog house. I think that his decision making has improved.
Stanley Robinson needs to improve his decision making. That cross court pass before his alley-oop dunk was horrible. It turned out well but I think thats a steal and dunk against a more athletic Big East team. I do think that Sticks will bring something to the defensive end though. I think that's where UConn needs him most.
A.J. Price got better as the game got on. I just want him to be confident with his knee. If A.J. gets back to where he was last year, UConn really should be able to compete with UNC.
Kemba Walker showed flashes of greatness. I thought he was great in the first half. I love how he pushes the ball down the court quickly and can then kick it out to other guys for open looks.
Overall, this being the first men's game I've been able to really sit down and watch, (missed the "horrible" Buffalo game) I feel like they have improved their decision making and unselfishness. I also believe that they have a lot more depth than last year. They just need to concentrate and figure out how to put teams away. Too often they play to the level of their opponents and don't close out games.
Player of the game: I think there are several that deserve it, but I'd give it to Jeff Adrien.
I love Adrien's emotion and tenacity on the floor.
I love Austrie's calmness and reliability on the floor. I think he is the smartest player on the team.
I love how much Hasheem has improved since freshman year. He is finally dunking the ball. He also has really improved from the free throw line. He should trash talk with Tyler Hansbrough.
I thought UConn played really well against Stony Brook (Well thats obvious when you look at the score) I thought they played very well for just coming off of break. They look much improved from last year. Better passing and better shots are being taken. The extra passes in the post that lead to lay-ups and dunks were fun too watch.
I think that Jerome Dyson has matured as a player. He's getting out of my dog house. I think that his decision making has improved.
Stanley Robinson needs to improve his decision making. That cross court pass before his alley-oop dunk was horrible. It turned out well but I think thats a steal and dunk against a more athletic Big East team. I do think that Sticks will bring something to the defensive end though. I think that's where UConn needs him most.
A.J. Price got better as the game got on. I just want him to be confident with his knee. If A.J. gets back to where he was last year, UConn really should be able to compete with UNC.
Kemba Walker showed flashes of greatness. I thought he was great in the first half. I love how he pushes the ball down the court quickly and can then kick it out to other guys for open looks.
Overall, this being the first men's game I've been able to really sit down and watch, (missed the "horrible" Buffalo game) I feel like they have improved their decision making and unselfishness. I also believe that they have a lot more depth than last year. They just need to concentrate and figure out how to put teams away. Too often they play to the level of their opponents and don't close out games.
Player of the game: I think there are several that deserve it, but I'd give it to Jeff Adrien.
I am relieved
It appears as if Donald Brown will return for another season as UConn running back. I am so thankful. It will suck to lose Cody Brown and Darius Butler and a whole host of other seniors but I think that we will have the pieces with Brown staying to be a very good team.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3770666
Also jealous that Greg M is either in Cancun or arriving shortly in Cancun. At least it is 60 out today in Stamford
My Lake House is fine. The ice storm was really bad 4 miles south of New Hampshire but thanks to the trees I took down around Thanksgiving nothing hit the power lines or house. Apparently there is a lot of clean up to be done though. The power did go out but our pipes did not freeze. The license plate collection and game room is fine.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3770666
Also jealous that Greg M is either in Cancun or arriving shortly in Cancun. At least it is 60 out today in Stamford
My Lake House is fine. The ice storm was really bad 4 miles south of New Hampshire but thanks to the trees I took down around Thanksgiving nothing hit the power lines or house. Apparently there is a lot of clean up to be done though. The power did go out but our pipes did not freeze. The license plate collection and game room is fine.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
UConn Alum Dallas Cowboy Deon Anderson
I know there are a lot of people who missed D.J. Hernandez QB, Terry Caulley RB and Deon Anderson FB for the 2006 UConn football season. I didn't miss them and I loved FB Deon Anderson. I knew he would be a Cowboy. I was absolutely thrilled when I tuned in for round 6 of the NFL Draft and watched my Dallas Cowboys trade up for FB Deon Anderson from UConn. (thats not meant to be funny, I seriously tuned in to watch because I thought Dallas would select UConn's Anderson) I am so proud to watch a player from UConn on my favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, who I got to watch score a TD for UConn, also score a TD for my favorite NFL team against my least favorite NFL team, the New York Giants, on NBC.
WBB
Players of the Game
Vs. Georgia Tech Maya Moore
Vs. San Diego State Maya Moore
vs. Rhode Island Tina Charles
vs. BYU Renee Montgomery
Vs Oklahoma Renee Montgomery
vs Holy Cross Tahirah Williams
vs Penn State Tina Charles
I decided I should name a player of the game for some reason. Not like anyone really cares. But I'll do it anyway for all sports or games I go to.
Today's team manager of the game was Emily Mattson. She was able to get towels and a drink to Lorin Dixon and Caroline Doty at the same time in a speedy fashion.
Tina Charles was excellent against Penn State. One of the best games that I have seen her play at UConn. She also has been working pretty hard. I saw her early one morning practicing in Gampel.
Caroline Doty finally missed a 3. She had hit 10 in a row before. She is a tough player and a fan favorite. I like players who always find themselves on the floor or get on TV with bloody noses.
The three UConn players that no one talks about but who I think are very important are Kalana Greene, Kaili McLaren and Lorin Dixon.
I believe that Kalana is a great defensive presence and gets tons of rebounds, especially on the offensive end. She was a center in high school. With her ACL injury she has been somewhat effected with what she can do. She has improved her shooting because shooting practice was the one thing that she was permitted to do because of her ACL injury last year.
Kaili McLaren's passing ability is amazing. Just look at the pass she had late in the game to Tina Charles. She can hit anybody who is cutting to the basket. She told me her brother was a point guard and that's how she learned to pass so well. She also has a pretty good jump shot.
Lorin Dixon looks much more confident this year. She is really quick and she is very hard to shake as a defender. I can't think of anything more annoying to play against than a quick defender. Quick defenders can make offensive players more nervous and can force them to make quick and often times bad decisions.
Vs. Georgia Tech Maya Moore
Vs. San Diego State Maya Moore
vs. Rhode Island Tina Charles
vs. BYU Renee Montgomery
Vs Oklahoma Renee Montgomery
vs Holy Cross Tahirah Williams
vs Penn State Tina Charles
I decided I should name a player of the game for some reason. Not like anyone really cares. But I'll do it anyway for all sports or games I go to.
Today's team manager of the game was Emily Mattson. She was able to get towels and a drink to Lorin Dixon and Caroline Doty at the same time in a speedy fashion.
Tina Charles was excellent against Penn State. One of the best games that I have seen her play at UConn. She also has been working pretty hard. I saw her early one morning practicing in Gampel.
Caroline Doty finally missed a 3. She had hit 10 in a row before. She is a tough player and a fan favorite. I like players who always find themselves on the floor or get on TV with bloody noses.
The three UConn players that no one talks about but who I think are very important are Kalana Greene, Kaili McLaren and Lorin Dixon.
I believe that Kalana is a great defensive presence and gets tons of rebounds, especially on the offensive end. She was a center in high school. With her ACL injury she has been somewhat effected with what she can do. She has improved her shooting because shooting practice was the one thing that she was permitted to do because of her ACL injury last year.
Kaili McLaren's passing ability is amazing. Just look at the pass she had late in the game to Tina Charles. She can hit anybody who is cutting to the basket. She told me her brother was a point guard and that's how she learned to pass so well. She also has a pretty good jump shot.
Lorin Dixon looks much more confident this year. She is really quick and she is very hard to shake as a defender. I can't think of anything more annoying to play against than a quick defender. Quick defenders can make offensive players more nervous and can force them to make quick and often times bad decisions.
A meeting with a St. John's fan ....Women's Soccer
As you know by now I love Sports. Well at least I hope you can tell. As far as I am concerned there is no wrong place to talk about sports, UConn, UConn soccer or how unperfect Catholic schools are (Even in the parking lot of a Catholic Church.) Yes I started talking to a St. John's family friend that I hadn't seen in 4 months in a church parking lot. In his world St. John's is perfect. In my world it's not. As a matter of fact nothing is perfect. In his world UConn and any other public school is the worst place ever. I've gone to public school my entire life and I've turned out pretty darn well.
Anyway as a sports fan and family friend and huge UConn fan I had to bring up the Women's Soccer Senior Day against St. Johns. I told him about how the St. John's student fan group started yelling obscenities at UConn players. He said that the UConn player probably deserved it. I was kind of in disbelief so I went to the more appalling thing that happened, UConn's Melissa Busque was kicked in the head by a St. John's player. I was in shocked, when he SERIOUSLY, without a smirk or smile, said that she deserved it. So apparently it's ok according to this St. John's fan for a St. John's player to go kick someone in the head if they don't go to a Catholic school. He said it was ok because the St. John's player was doing missionary work...Excuse me? Maybe she is, I have no way of knowing, but do you really want someone who kicks someone in the head to be doing missionary work? What a great way to spread your religion. I hope they use "we are a loving and accepting people" as a selling point. (Yes I am catholic) Now this missionary work argument really made me laugh. It's a stupid argument, but what was ironic is that UConn was doing volunteer work at that game. UConn students brought underprivileged youths to the game and they had to explain to these youths that it's not right to go around kicking people in the head.
St. Johns vs UConn soccer is getting to be one great rivalry in both men's and women's soccer. I'm looking forward to both games next year. I might, just might have to go to St. Johns next year to watch the women play. I disdain St. John's and there fans that much. I hope both the men and women win 5-0. I hope Toni gets a red card early on and we still win 5-0.
When UConn played St. Johns in Women's Basketball last season half of St. John's was suspended for the game. They played with 6 players. Maybe they were suspended for doing missionary work.
I bet the women's soccer team has forgotten about St. Johns. But I haven't.
It's sad for the world and for sports that someone thinks its ok to kick another
athlete who is lying on the ground in the head and then seriously try to defend it and defame every UConn student, faculty member and athlete at the same time. I usually get to see him at Christmas and New Years, don't think that I won't continue this conversation.
Anyway as a sports fan and family friend and huge UConn fan I had to bring up the Women's Soccer Senior Day against St. Johns. I told him about how the St. John's student fan group started yelling obscenities at UConn players. He said that the UConn player probably deserved it. I was kind of in disbelief so I went to the more appalling thing that happened, UConn's Melissa Busque was kicked in the head by a St. John's player. I was in shocked, when he SERIOUSLY, without a smirk or smile, said that she deserved it. So apparently it's ok according to this St. John's fan for a St. John's player to go kick someone in the head if they don't go to a Catholic school. He said it was ok because the St. John's player was doing missionary work...Excuse me? Maybe she is, I have no way of knowing, but do you really want someone who kicks someone in the head to be doing missionary work? What a great way to spread your religion. I hope they use "we are a loving and accepting people" as a selling point. (Yes I am catholic) Now this missionary work argument really made me laugh. It's a stupid argument, but what was ironic is that UConn was doing volunteer work at that game. UConn students brought underprivileged youths to the game and they had to explain to these youths that it's not right to go around kicking people in the head.
St. Johns vs UConn soccer is getting to be one great rivalry in both men's and women's soccer. I'm looking forward to both games next year. I might, just might have to go to St. Johns next year to watch the women play. I disdain St. John's and there fans that much. I hope both the men and women win 5-0. I hope Toni gets a red card early on and we still win 5-0.
When UConn played St. Johns in Women's Basketball last season half of St. John's was suspended for the game. They played with 6 players. Maybe they were suspended for doing missionary work.
I bet the women's soccer team has forgotten about St. Johns. But I haven't.
It's sad for the world and for sports that someone thinks its ok to kick another
athlete who is lying on the ground in the head and then seriously try to defend it and defame every UConn student, faculty member and athlete at the same time. I usually get to see him at Christmas and New Years, don't think that I won't continue this conversation.
I love these UConn soccer pics
especially the one with Toni Stahl and the referee
http://flickr.com/photos/steve_mclaughlin/sets/72157606919721429/
Thanks to Wintana for the link.
http://flickr.com/photos/steve_mclaughlin/sets/72157606919721429/
Thanks to Wintana for the link.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Ornaments
So today was the day that we decorated our Christmas Tree. I have a lot of ornaments. Somehow they always seem to end up front top and center on the tree. I wonder how that could be! We’ve got our bases covered. Everyone in the family has their own ornament, my sister and I each got one when we were born. We also have one for my parents jobs; teacher and real estate agent. We have them from places we’ve been, like Niagra Falls and Lake Winnipesaukee. On top we put an Angel. We put an American Flag ornament and also an ornament that recognizes all of the branches of the armed services to represent all of our family members who have served and to everyone who is serving now. We also commemorate 9/11 with an ornament. Around Stamford it’s hard not to know someone who was affected by that day.
On top of that I have a lot of ornaments. My tree is probably the only tree that has a UConn basketball ornament right under the angel. Under that I have Emmitt Smith and a Cowboys football and under that a Mets Ornament. All front and center for everyone to see. We also have Willie Mays, the best all around baseball player ever on the tree. Nothing says Christmas quite like that. All of these ornaments got me thinking though. I felt like I was missing some UConn ornaments. So what athletes do I wish were on my tree? Here is my list of 10, plus 5 UConn related ones.
First for 5 other ones. Everyone thinks about UConn Basketball. So its natural to have an ornament for those teams. How about a UConn Football and UConn Soccer ornament. Those teams are pretty good and need some representation. So that leaves 3 more
President Hogan. He is always around and always in a good mood. He makes the world a happier place and he always supports UConn at events. Even Fall Softball.
Coach Calhoun and Coach Auriemma. Geno has too much swag not to be on every Christmas Tree. They have both done so much for UConn and the State of Connecticut that they are kind of like Santa Claus in a way.
Now for the Athletes
Kaili McLaren. She’s one of the nicest and coolest people in the world.
Donald Brown. Nothing says the Christmas season like Bowl Games and football. I have the all-time leading NFL rusher on my tree (Emmitt Smith) so why not put the nations leading rusher for 2008 on my tree.
Maya Moore. She’s one of the greatest people you could ever meet. She introduces herself to the kids of reporters when they are at work with their parents.
Hasheem Thabeet. Once you’ve been decorating your tree for awhile and you’re almost done you always seem to notice a gap where you just wish you could put one ornament to cover it all up. What better than an ornament of a 7 foot 3 basketball player
Akeem Priestley and O’Brian White. Some people dream of a white Christmas. I dream of a Christmas on a Jamaican beach. O’B and Akeem could also kick the Grinch away.
Stephanie Labbe. She’d also be useful. Some people are really worried about a dead tree catching fire. I bet she’d save the day.
Meghan Cunningham. Anyone who watches the Tree Hill Ravens for 5 minutes is an Angel. Plus Ryan Grace said she was an Angel, which makes her more of an Angel. Plus she collected toys from me at the SAAC toy drive.
Desi Cullen. Nothing says UConn quite like Desi. Only at UConn is the punter more popular than the starting Quarterback
Katy Ryan. She’d be a special ornament because she’d dance and carol at 7 in the morning.
Too bad it’s an NCAA violation to make them.
There are several other athletes that I would have loved to have put up. Hasheem just takes up so much room.
On top of that I have a lot of ornaments. My tree is probably the only tree that has a UConn basketball ornament right under the angel. Under that I have Emmitt Smith and a Cowboys football and under that a Mets Ornament. All front and center for everyone to see. We also have Willie Mays, the best all around baseball player ever on the tree. Nothing says Christmas quite like that. All of these ornaments got me thinking though. I felt like I was missing some UConn ornaments. So what athletes do I wish were on my tree? Here is my list of 10, plus 5 UConn related ones.
First for 5 other ones. Everyone thinks about UConn Basketball. So its natural to have an ornament for those teams. How about a UConn Football and UConn Soccer ornament. Those teams are pretty good and need some representation. So that leaves 3 more
President Hogan. He is always around and always in a good mood. He makes the world a happier place and he always supports UConn at events. Even Fall Softball.
Coach Calhoun and Coach Auriemma. Geno has too much swag not to be on every Christmas Tree. They have both done so much for UConn and the State of Connecticut that they are kind of like Santa Claus in a way.
Now for the Athletes
Kaili McLaren. She’s one of the nicest and coolest people in the world.
Donald Brown. Nothing says the Christmas season like Bowl Games and football. I have the all-time leading NFL rusher on my tree (Emmitt Smith) so why not put the nations leading rusher for 2008 on my tree.
Maya Moore. She’s one of the greatest people you could ever meet. She introduces herself to the kids of reporters when they are at work with their parents.
Hasheem Thabeet. Once you’ve been decorating your tree for awhile and you’re almost done you always seem to notice a gap where you just wish you could put one ornament to cover it all up. What better than an ornament of a 7 foot 3 basketball player
Akeem Priestley and O’Brian White. Some people dream of a white Christmas. I dream of a Christmas on a Jamaican beach. O’B and Akeem could also kick the Grinch away.
Stephanie Labbe. She’d also be useful. Some people are really worried about a dead tree catching fire. I bet she’d save the day.
Meghan Cunningham. Anyone who watches the Tree Hill Ravens for 5 minutes is an Angel. Plus Ryan Grace said she was an Angel, which makes her more of an Angel. Plus she collected toys from me at the SAAC toy drive.
Desi Cullen. Nothing says UConn quite like Desi. Only at UConn is the punter more popular than the starting Quarterback
Katy Ryan. She’d be a special ornament because she’d dance and carol at 7 in the morning.
Too bad it’s an NCAA violation to make them.
There are several other athletes that I would have loved to have put up. Hasheem just takes up so much room.
MLB Money
$23 million
$16.5 million
$15 million
The highest annual average salaries for pitchers in the AL are those salaries, Those are of Yankees C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mariano Rivera. You could argue that not one of those guys are one of the top 3 pitchers in their league. I'd probably put Sabathia in there but again there is no way he is worth $23 million per year.
Burnett's best years have come in walk years. He is an injury waiting to happen. At some point, some point Rivera won't be dominant, he's getting older, it has to happen some time. Don't know when, but it will. Same goes for Jeter.
The fact that the Yankees are full of old overpaid stars is reason enough for everyone who isn't a Yankees fan to hate them. Even if they are Red Sox or Mets fans whose teams spend a lot of money too. Those two teams spend a lot of money, but not as unwisely or carelessly as the Yankees. It also will make me want to see the Rays absolutely murder the Yankees when they play.
Also, considering that the prices of the Mets and Yankees tickets have gone up by a lot at a time that people can't afford it, let me suggest going to minor league or college baseball. It's affordable, fun and even more fan friendly.
$16.5 million
$15 million
The highest annual average salaries for pitchers in the AL are those salaries, Those are of Yankees C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mariano Rivera. You could argue that not one of those guys are one of the top 3 pitchers in their league. I'd probably put Sabathia in there but again there is no way he is worth $23 million per year.
Burnett's best years have come in walk years. He is an injury waiting to happen. At some point, some point Rivera won't be dominant, he's getting older, it has to happen some time. Don't know when, but it will. Same goes for Jeter.
The fact that the Yankees are full of old overpaid stars is reason enough for everyone who isn't a Yankees fan to hate them. Even if they are Red Sox or Mets fans whose teams spend a lot of money too. Those two teams spend a lot of money, but not as unwisely or carelessly as the Yankees. It also will make me want to see the Rays absolutely murder the Yankees when they play.
Also, considering that the prices of the Mets and Yankees tickets have gone up by a lot at a time that people can't afford it, let me suggest going to minor league or college baseball. It's affordable, fun and even more fan friendly.
Friday, December 12, 2008
More unimportant facts...
My grandparents and Jackie Robinson were often mistaken for each other. They were the only two people in Stamford to own a 55 Chrysler New Yorker.
Speaking of fly rides, I think that the UConn Field Hockey coach drives a Porsche. She has swag.
Ann or Anne (pronounced the same way as far as I can tell) is the most popular middle name on the 2008 women's soccer team. I'll update this fact next year once the incoming freshman come in. I'm sure you can't wait.
Does anyone remember NASCAR driver Dick Trickle?
In 1920 Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman became the first major league baseball player to die from a game related injury. He was hit by a pitch on August 16th at the Polo Grounds.
The Last major league Tripleheader was on October 2nd 1920 between the Pirates and Reds.
Even the most die hard Pirates fan doesn't like the idea of having to watch his team play 3 games in one day.
In 1900 a pentagon shaped home plate was introduced to replace the old diamond shaped one.
Homer and Tommy Thompson of the 1912 New York Yankees were the first brother battery in the American League (catcher and pitcher)Tommy only pitched 33 career innings and Homer never caught a complete game
The first umpire ever to wear glasses on the field for a game was on April 18th 1956 by umpire Ed Rommel.
The first hall of fame baseball player to become an umpire was Tim Keefe.
In 1985 Bill Buckner had 184 assists as a first baseman. That is a record for a season. In 1986 he...... you Red Sox and Mets fans fill in the blank
Vic Power of the Indians set a record with 16 straight games at first base with an assist in 1960
The Providence Grays won the 1884 World Series. They swept the New York Metropolitans 3-0. That one is for Greg M
Candy Cummings of Hartford was the first pitcher to win two complete games in one day on September 9th 1876. They Beat Cincinnati in both games. Keep in mind that the mound was 45 feet at that time.
In 1938 John Vander Meer of the Reds no hit the Dodgers and Braves in consecutive starts.
The Tecumseh club on London, Ontario won the first minor league pennant. They won the 1877 International Association pennant. They did so with a team batting average of .191
Babe Ruth only hit 1 career minor league home run
Speaking of fly rides, I think that the UConn Field Hockey coach drives a Porsche. She has swag.
Ann or Anne (pronounced the same way as far as I can tell) is the most popular middle name on the 2008 women's soccer team. I'll update this fact next year once the incoming freshman come in. I'm sure you can't wait.
Does anyone remember NASCAR driver Dick Trickle?
In 1920 Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman became the first major league baseball player to die from a game related injury. He was hit by a pitch on August 16th at the Polo Grounds.
The Last major league Tripleheader was on October 2nd 1920 between the Pirates and Reds.
Even the most die hard Pirates fan doesn't like the idea of having to watch his team play 3 games in one day.
In 1900 a pentagon shaped home plate was introduced to replace the old diamond shaped one.
Homer and Tommy Thompson of the 1912 New York Yankees were the first brother battery in the American League (catcher and pitcher)Tommy only pitched 33 career innings and Homer never caught a complete game
The first umpire ever to wear glasses on the field for a game was on April 18th 1956 by umpire Ed Rommel.
The first hall of fame baseball player to become an umpire was Tim Keefe.
In 1985 Bill Buckner had 184 assists as a first baseman. That is a record for a season. In 1986 he...... you Red Sox and Mets fans fill in the blank
Vic Power of the Indians set a record with 16 straight games at first base with an assist in 1960
The Providence Grays won the 1884 World Series. They swept the New York Metropolitans 3-0. That one is for Greg M
Candy Cummings of Hartford was the first pitcher to win two complete games in one day on September 9th 1876. They Beat Cincinnati in both games. Keep in mind that the mound was 45 feet at that time.
In 1938 John Vander Meer of the Reds no hit the Dodgers and Braves in consecutive starts.
The Tecumseh club on London, Ontario won the first minor league pennant. They won the 1877 International Association pennant. They did so with a team batting average of .191
Babe Ruth only hit 1 career minor league home run
Bailout
I'm a genius. I figured out who should bail out GM. It should be the New York Yankees.
It's good to see that they can afford $82.5 million dollars for a pitcher who is almost a lock to be injured. Can someone say Carl Pavano again? Here are two great similarities between Pavano and Burnett. They have both pitched for the Marlins and have both pitched in Canada. Pavano with the Expos, Burnett with the Blue Jays.
The Red Sox new uniforms look "wicked."
The best thing about the Red Sox is their Green Monster Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Now that the Yankees are back to buying pennants I will renew my membership to Red Sox nation... after of course I root for My Mets first, followed by the Twins, Rays and then Red Sox.
I hate the Phillies.
I hope that Manny Ramirez doesn't retire. I'd love to see him play on the Orioles or Blue Jays.
It's good to see that they can afford $82.5 million dollars for a pitcher who is almost a lock to be injured. Can someone say Carl Pavano again? Here are two great similarities between Pavano and Burnett. They have both pitched for the Marlins and have both pitched in Canada. Pavano with the Expos, Burnett with the Blue Jays.
The Red Sox new uniforms look "wicked."
The best thing about the Red Sox is their Green Monster Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Now that the Yankees are back to buying pennants I will renew my membership to Red Sox nation... after of course I root for My Mets first, followed by the Twins, Rays and then Red Sox.
I hate the Phillies.
I hope that Manny Ramirez doesn't retire. I'd love to see him play on the Orioles or Blue Jays.
My athletic accomplishments
So As I read the media guides at UConn I can't help but notice how many UConn athletes hold some sort of record at their high schools in their own sport or track or both. I'm jealous, can't lie about that. I wish I was as good as they were. I devote so much time talking about them and pro athletes that I decided to turn the tables and talk about my athletic accomplishments.
Good news, this should be a short post.
To be fair, my dad could care less about sports which never helped my development in athletics. He'd honestly rather watch Irish dancing than the Super Bowl. Before I was around he probably did. He can't catch a ball. As a matter of fact he's afraid too. I've never played catch with him. He was in the military so he did go for a lot of jogs, but that was the extent of him and athletics. I must say it is tough to be a good athlete when your parents and family could care less about them. I was also easily intimidated when it came to sports because I wasn't from one of those athletic families that every city seems to have. I also was one of the younger kids in my grade.
But I did play and still do whether it's intramurals or with friends. I love playing sports and I exercise a good amount too.
I played soccer. I don't remember too much about it, other than for some reason I didn't like it when people cheered for me when I was young. I'm not sure if I ever had an assist or goal either. One of my favorite part of soccer was taking off my shin guards in the car because I remember it being so freaking hot after games. One of my coaches thought I was pretty good and could have been a good defender. I wish I hadn't stopped playing. I hated soccer for most of my life. I didn't like it until I got to UConn. I actually think that my coach was right. I think I would make a good defender, with a lot of practice. There is no way I can see myself being flashy on offense, but I do know how to take the ball away from someone, kick it out of bounds and with practice be able to actually take and get to a midfielder. I wish I actually played soccer, never thought I'd say that. My proudest moment in soccer came at UConn actually. There was a volleyball sitting on the ground on the basketball court. I aimed for one of the cubbies on the opposite end of the gym. It was the lowest cubbies and those are maybe 2 inches off the ground. I made it in and got the ball to stay in the cubby. I'd like to see a soccer player try and do that. I wonder if the Tree Hill Ravens will offer me a scholarship to play after that one. I also recently started bouncing the ball off my thighs to loosen up my legs from cycling.
I had a love hate relationship with baseball. I could be really really good at times and at others be really really bad. I was either the best hitter on the team or the worst. I was too smart for hitting. I over-thought everything. I've had some really impressive hits in my life and some really unimpressive at bats too. I was a great defensive first baseman. I always was. I could really scoop it at first and make great back handed field plays. I even had a couple of diving catches at first. I was never thrown out stealing a base either. I was also 2-2 against the best pitcher in our league, both in-field hits. I always had an infield hit, every season. I remember having a game winning hit once and game tying it with two strikes. I remember telling my team that after we were down 12-0 in the top of the first inning that if they could score 12 runs then so could we. And we did. It was 12-12 after one. We ended up winning 24-20. My proudest achievement in sports came when I was on the pitching mound in little league. I walked the bottom 3 in the line up to start an inning. I got to a couple 3-2 counts with the top of the line up hitters, and drove my coaches insane. But I struck out the side. 3 walks, 3k's 0 runs, 0 hits. I remember having a triple with the bases loaded once. I was a pretty good pitcher but I scared my coaches in my last baseball season because I hit 3 batters in two innings. They never gave me another chance after that.
I always got killed by neighbor Pat McGrath in wiffleball. He owns me, literally. I think I am 2 and 100 against him. The two games I won are probably under protest. One because there was a disagreement over whether or not one of my hits was over the second branch on a tree. Over the second branch is a home run, under is a double. The other revolved around the foul pole. I hit a walk off home run. It was a fair ball, but it officially ended in argument. The Evergreen tree is in fair territory, it is not the foul poll. The foul poll is what actually determines a home run. My home run was in fair territory. If only we had instant replay. To be fair Pat was recruited to play college baseball. I'm an average wiffleball/baseball player. I just think too much for that game
I owned all my friends in football because I was bigger and more powerful than they were. I didn't have breakaway speed, but I was basically impossible to tackle. I wish I played High School football. I really should have. Had I met the Head Coach at my high school a year sooner I would have. My proudest moment in football could have been any one of my numerous diving catches.
Basketball is one of my better sports. I am not a great ball handler or really effective at creating off the dribble but I can be pretty good on defense, I always hustle, and I usually end up with a lot of rebounds and loose balls. Historically I have been a good shooter. Not amazing but pretty good. I'm good once I get warmed up. I've made 3's several times in a row before. Someone asked how I did it and I had no answer. I think my game high points wise for a youth game was 6. I never put up tons of points, I just played defense and got rebounds. I am a beast in 21/rush because of my hustle. My proudest moment in basketball was probably getting trapped in a corner and making a 3 pointer behind my back. I am great at making awkward off-balance shots that really no one has any business taking. I love basketball, I even shoveled my neighbors driveway while it was snowing so I could play. I really want to work on my ball handling and passing. I want to be able to hit people cutting to the basket like Kaili McLaren does.
Bowling isn't really a sport, its a game. I have a pretty good average, probably around 150. My best is a 203.
I'm also pretty good at mini golf. I've won a lot of free games by getting it in the clowns mouth.
At real golf I suck, although I've never really played. When I go to the driving range I hit it far but they always and I mean always slice. I've sliced them over the nets on the side before.
Cycling is by far my best sport, as are probably other endurance sports. I wish I know how many miles I've biked in my life but I've probably gone at least half away around the world. That sounds like a lot but in cycling standards its not that much. An average pro cyclist goes around the world once a year mileage wise. I started at 7 miles a day in 8th grade, then 11, then 16 and now I go 22 miles a day when home in Stamford or Ashburnham and there is not snow/ice/salt on the road during the winter and it is above 28 degrees. I went 30 miles when the heat index was 110 once. The longest I've gone in a day was 60 miles and I could have gone further. I've gone 20 miles an hour for an hour in New Hampshire. I think I've sprinted to about 30 mph. The fastest I've ever gone is 44, which was going downhill in New Hampshire...and I had the brakes on. I hate the winter cycling though...it's cold and when I'm at college I don't get to go as often as everyday, so it takes some time to get back to where I was in the summer. My proudest moment in cycling was catching and passing a car on its left while it was going up a hill. I was pushing myself, and the car wasn't going the speed limit, but still just imagine someone on a bike catching up to you and passing you on your left hand side as you drive up a hill.
I also enjoy running now. I have no idea how fast I am because I kind of really only started. I should have run track or cross country in high school...again I regret not doing that but I enjoyed coming home and cycling. More on that in a second. I've done a mile in about 6:20 I think. I haven't checked in years. It should be better now. I recently started to incorporate running into my life. I usually go about 3 or 4 miles a several times a week. I hope to get down to a 5 something mile.
I'm pretty strong, not unbelievable but I can atleast bench press my own weight. I am the only women's basketball reporter to my knowledge that can do that and run a mile or two at a moments notice. I have bench pressed 215 pounds in my life. Right now I am just getting back from school, where I do still workout but I don't have the same amount of time as I do when I am home, so I can probably do 175-185 now. I won an award from my high school for my hard work and dedication in weightlifting. I also was amazing at calf raises. I put 4 45 pound weights on the machine and did that 10 times.
In general with all sports, I work hard and I am coachable because I don't have the natural talent to be any good with out hard work or coaching.
As for cycling because I said I would speak about this, this I think will be the most interesting thing as it relates to my blog. A lot of my neighbors know me because of my cycling. I guess you could say I am sort of a celebrity in my neighborhood because of it. For some reason people always compare me to Lance Armstrong...which folks isn't happening...ever. Plus I like having two....Ok I won't go there. (It's ok to laugh) A kid asked me for an autograph which I thought was funny...Some guy came up to me and said that he had been watching me ride my bike for the past year...someone else told my sister they had been watching me for about 6 years. I heard some kid is obsessed with me, or wants to meet me in the neighborhood...who knows. If for some reason someone's dream is to meet me, I will definitely do two things. Make a dream come true and also show people that dreams are much better than real life. Someone else had a dream about me riding my bike and falling off on a hill, while they past by me in their car. Two weeks later, I fell off my bike for maybe the first time in 4 years. It was on a hill and a car past me. So basically, when I post stories about athletes, or talk about stuff they write in the media guides, or see them doing something funny/stupid worth mentioning I have no problem doing so. Because you know what, it's happened to me. What goes around comes around. These athletes at UConn have actually worked for almost their entire lives at their sports and have become elite athletes. They deserve and should get more attention than some kid who decides to go cycling in his neighborhood every day. I appreciate everyone who supports my cycling and I love talking with my neighbors about cycling but I wish the other student athletes who have really had to work hard got recognition. I enjoy being a role model for people in my neighborhood, but I think they can find even better ones.
I thought I couldn't write that much about myself. I guess I can. Maybe I should go in that swag list.
Good news, this should be a short post.
To be fair, my dad could care less about sports which never helped my development in athletics. He'd honestly rather watch Irish dancing than the Super Bowl. Before I was around he probably did. He can't catch a ball. As a matter of fact he's afraid too. I've never played catch with him. He was in the military so he did go for a lot of jogs, but that was the extent of him and athletics. I must say it is tough to be a good athlete when your parents and family could care less about them. I was also easily intimidated when it came to sports because I wasn't from one of those athletic families that every city seems to have. I also was one of the younger kids in my grade.
But I did play and still do whether it's intramurals or with friends. I love playing sports and I exercise a good amount too.
I played soccer. I don't remember too much about it, other than for some reason I didn't like it when people cheered for me when I was young. I'm not sure if I ever had an assist or goal either. One of my favorite part of soccer was taking off my shin guards in the car because I remember it being so freaking hot after games. One of my coaches thought I was pretty good and could have been a good defender. I wish I hadn't stopped playing. I hated soccer for most of my life. I didn't like it until I got to UConn. I actually think that my coach was right. I think I would make a good defender, with a lot of practice. There is no way I can see myself being flashy on offense, but I do know how to take the ball away from someone, kick it out of bounds and with practice be able to actually take and get to a midfielder. I wish I actually played soccer, never thought I'd say that. My proudest moment in soccer came at UConn actually. There was a volleyball sitting on the ground on the basketball court. I aimed for one of the cubbies on the opposite end of the gym. It was the lowest cubbies and those are maybe 2 inches off the ground. I made it in and got the ball to stay in the cubby. I'd like to see a soccer player try and do that. I wonder if the Tree Hill Ravens will offer me a scholarship to play after that one. I also recently started bouncing the ball off my thighs to loosen up my legs from cycling.
I had a love hate relationship with baseball. I could be really really good at times and at others be really really bad. I was either the best hitter on the team or the worst. I was too smart for hitting. I over-thought everything. I've had some really impressive hits in my life and some really unimpressive at bats too. I was a great defensive first baseman. I always was. I could really scoop it at first and make great back handed field plays. I even had a couple of diving catches at first. I was never thrown out stealing a base either. I was also 2-2 against the best pitcher in our league, both in-field hits. I always had an infield hit, every season. I remember having a game winning hit once and game tying it with two strikes. I remember telling my team that after we were down 12-0 in the top of the first inning that if they could score 12 runs then so could we. And we did. It was 12-12 after one. We ended up winning 24-20. My proudest achievement in sports came when I was on the pitching mound in little league. I walked the bottom 3 in the line up to start an inning. I got to a couple 3-2 counts with the top of the line up hitters, and drove my coaches insane. But I struck out the side. 3 walks, 3k's 0 runs, 0 hits. I remember having a triple with the bases loaded once. I was a pretty good pitcher but I scared my coaches in my last baseball season because I hit 3 batters in two innings. They never gave me another chance after that.
I always got killed by neighbor Pat McGrath in wiffleball. He owns me, literally. I think I am 2 and 100 against him. The two games I won are probably under protest. One because there was a disagreement over whether or not one of my hits was over the second branch on a tree. Over the second branch is a home run, under is a double. The other revolved around the foul pole. I hit a walk off home run. It was a fair ball, but it officially ended in argument. The Evergreen tree is in fair territory, it is not the foul poll. The foul poll is what actually determines a home run. My home run was in fair territory. If only we had instant replay. To be fair Pat was recruited to play college baseball. I'm an average wiffleball/baseball player. I just think too much for that game
I owned all my friends in football because I was bigger and more powerful than they were. I didn't have breakaway speed, but I was basically impossible to tackle. I wish I played High School football. I really should have. Had I met the Head Coach at my high school a year sooner I would have. My proudest moment in football could have been any one of my numerous diving catches.
Basketball is one of my better sports. I am not a great ball handler or really effective at creating off the dribble but I can be pretty good on defense, I always hustle, and I usually end up with a lot of rebounds and loose balls. Historically I have been a good shooter. Not amazing but pretty good. I'm good once I get warmed up. I've made 3's several times in a row before. Someone asked how I did it and I had no answer. I think my game high points wise for a youth game was 6. I never put up tons of points, I just played defense and got rebounds. I am a beast in 21/rush because of my hustle. My proudest moment in basketball was probably getting trapped in a corner and making a 3 pointer behind my back. I am great at making awkward off-balance shots that really no one has any business taking. I love basketball, I even shoveled my neighbors driveway while it was snowing so I could play. I really want to work on my ball handling and passing. I want to be able to hit people cutting to the basket like Kaili McLaren does.
Bowling isn't really a sport, its a game. I have a pretty good average, probably around 150. My best is a 203.
I'm also pretty good at mini golf. I've won a lot of free games by getting it in the clowns mouth.
At real golf I suck, although I've never really played. When I go to the driving range I hit it far but they always and I mean always slice. I've sliced them over the nets on the side before.
Cycling is by far my best sport, as are probably other endurance sports. I wish I know how many miles I've biked in my life but I've probably gone at least half away around the world. That sounds like a lot but in cycling standards its not that much. An average pro cyclist goes around the world once a year mileage wise. I started at 7 miles a day in 8th grade, then 11, then 16 and now I go 22 miles a day when home in Stamford or Ashburnham and there is not snow/ice/salt on the road during the winter and it is above 28 degrees. I went 30 miles when the heat index was 110 once. The longest I've gone in a day was 60 miles and I could have gone further. I've gone 20 miles an hour for an hour in New Hampshire. I think I've sprinted to about 30 mph. The fastest I've ever gone is 44, which was going downhill in New Hampshire...and I had the brakes on. I hate the winter cycling though...it's cold and when I'm at college I don't get to go as often as everyday, so it takes some time to get back to where I was in the summer. My proudest moment in cycling was catching and passing a car on its left while it was going up a hill. I was pushing myself, and the car wasn't going the speed limit, but still just imagine someone on a bike catching up to you and passing you on your left hand side as you drive up a hill.
I also enjoy running now. I have no idea how fast I am because I kind of really only started. I should have run track or cross country in high school...again I regret not doing that but I enjoyed coming home and cycling. More on that in a second. I've done a mile in about 6:20 I think. I haven't checked in years. It should be better now. I recently started to incorporate running into my life. I usually go about 3 or 4 miles a several times a week. I hope to get down to a 5 something mile.
I'm pretty strong, not unbelievable but I can atleast bench press my own weight. I am the only women's basketball reporter to my knowledge that can do that and run a mile or two at a moments notice. I have bench pressed 215 pounds in my life. Right now I am just getting back from school, where I do still workout but I don't have the same amount of time as I do when I am home, so I can probably do 175-185 now. I won an award from my high school for my hard work and dedication in weightlifting. I also was amazing at calf raises. I put 4 45 pound weights on the machine and did that 10 times.
In general with all sports, I work hard and I am coachable because I don't have the natural talent to be any good with out hard work or coaching.
As for cycling because I said I would speak about this, this I think will be the most interesting thing as it relates to my blog. A lot of my neighbors know me because of my cycling. I guess you could say I am sort of a celebrity in my neighborhood because of it. For some reason people always compare me to Lance Armstrong...which folks isn't happening...ever. Plus I like having two....Ok I won't go there. (It's ok to laugh) A kid asked me for an autograph which I thought was funny...Some guy came up to me and said that he had been watching me ride my bike for the past year...someone else told my sister they had been watching me for about 6 years. I heard some kid is obsessed with me, or wants to meet me in the neighborhood...who knows. If for some reason someone's dream is to meet me, I will definitely do two things. Make a dream come true and also show people that dreams are much better than real life. Someone else had a dream about me riding my bike and falling off on a hill, while they past by me in their car. Two weeks later, I fell off my bike for maybe the first time in 4 years. It was on a hill and a car past me. So basically, when I post stories about athletes, or talk about stuff they write in the media guides, or see them doing something funny/stupid worth mentioning I have no problem doing so. Because you know what, it's happened to me. What goes around comes around. These athletes at UConn have actually worked for almost their entire lives at their sports and have become elite athletes. They deserve and should get more attention than some kid who decides to go cycling in his neighborhood every day. I appreciate everyone who supports my cycling and I love talking with my neighbors about cycling but I wish the other student athletes who have really had to work hard got recognition. I enjoy being a role model for people in my neighborhood, but I think they can find even better ones.
I thought I couldn't write that much about myself. I guess I can. Maybe I should go in that swag list.