I do this because I understand that it is very important, it is a duty to my country and to the people of Storrs that I quote the Mayor of Storrs and his most famous lines.
Are you ready to beat that clam bake?
Is that where you bake clams?
No that's where you clam bake.
Love Peace and Chicken Grease
Let's Get It
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Nice Gesture
I was standing over by Gampel today with some people camping out for the Notre Dame game, including Nick Pellon and Matt Huang. One of the things that I saw that I really liked was to see Gavin Edwards, Jerome Dyson, Jonathan Mandeldove, Kyle Bailey and some team managers handing out some free pizza to the people who were camping out. Coach Calhoun also gave out some food too. This is an usual occurrence during basketball season when people camp out. Today happened to be the first time that I got to witness it.
Coach Calhoun has had a tough week, and I would like to remind people that both he and Geno have made UConn what it is. They deserve their salaries. They both are very generous and both coaches have donated back to the University. Coach Calhoun does care about the school and its students and fans. It is very nice of him to buy food for the teams biggest fans. I wish ESPN would report that too.
All athletes need to remember to thank their fans. It is crucial on many levels. Out of respect and its also a way to get fans to come back and watch them play. Fans help make games great.
Coach Calhoun has had a tough week, and I would like to remind people that both he and Geno have made UConn what it is. They deserve their salaries. They both are very generous and both coaches have donated back to the University. Coach Calhoun does care about the school and its students and fans. It is very nice of him to buy food for the teams biggest fans. I wish ESPN would report that too.
All athletes need to remember to thank their fans. It is crucial on many levels. Out of respect and its also a way to get fans to come back and watch them play. Fans help make games great.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Softball info
Micah Truax is UConn's second two-time Big East Player of the Year winner. She could become the first 3-time winner of the award. She is also a two-time All-American, She would be the first UConn 3 time All-American
Last year UConn set a school record for doubles in a season with 73
The largest margin of Victory is 27 (27-0) vs St. Johns (Take that number 8 on St. John's Women's Soccer) on March 31, 1995
School record is 45 wins in a season.
Least runs allowed in a season was 20 (Season was only 24 games)
UConn has 8 All-Americans
The team has hit 37 Home-Runs the last two seasons, setting and then tying a UConn season record
UConn has thrown 35 no hitters since 1980
Jillian Ortega was the 15th toughest person to strikeout in the nation. 1 every 21.9 at bats. She is a back to back Big East First Team selection.
UConn has gotten two Straight Big East Tournament Appearances,
All-Time UConn Home Run Leader is Micah Truax
As of 2008 season Justyne Roy is the 3rd best fielder in UConn History based on fielding percentage
In 2008 UConn went 11-4 at home.
Last year UConn set a school record for doubles in a season with 73
The largest margin of Victory is 27 (27-0) vs St. Johns (Take that number 8 on St. John's Women's Soccer) on March 31, 1995
School record is 45 wins in a season.
Least runs allowed in a season was 20 (Season was only 24 games)
UConn has 8 All-Americans
The team has hit 37 Home-Runs the last two seasons, setting and then tying a UConn season record
UConn has thrown 35 no hitters since 1980
Jillian Ortega was the 15th toughest person to strikeout in the nation. 1 every 21.9 at bats. She is a back to back Big East First Team selection.
UConn has gotten two Straight Big East Tournament Appearances,
All-Time UConn Home Run Leader is Micah Truax
As of 2008 season Justyne Roy is the 3rd best fielder in UConn History based on fielding percentage
In 2008 UConn went 11-4 at home.
UConn Salaries
Just to get on the subject of UConn Salaries...Jim, Randy and Geno are the 3 highest paid state employees. 1.6 and the other two are at 1.3 million.
President Hogan is just over 600k, The Athletics Director is just over 550k
One assistant Coach with a long tenure at UConn makes just over $220,000 a year.
All other UConn coaches are under that amount of $220,000 per year.
That would include Ray Reid etc...
None of those figures would account for camps or sponsorships though.
President Hogan is just over 600k, The Athletics Director is just over 550k
One assistant Coach with a long tenure at UConn makes just over $220,000 a year.
All other UConn coaches are under that amount of $220,000 per year.
That would include Ray Reid etc...
None of those figures would account for camps or sponsorships though.
Walking on
So I got to walk on for NBC 30 today. Their reporter couldn't make it to open practice today, so they saw me and asked for my help. So I interviewed Renee Montgomery for NBC 30. I don't know if they will actually use my voice but I was the one who asked the questions to Renee Montgomery today. I thought that was really cool
Truly it's just part of my plan. I planned on doing this to get an "in" with Kevin Nathan and NBC 30 so that way they would allow me to have a 3 hour special. The Myth, The Man, The Legend, Ryan Marciel Grace, "His rise to fame."
Truly it's just part of my plan. I planned on doing this to get an "in" with Kevin Nathan and NBC 30 so that way they would allow me to have a 3 hour special. The Myth, The Man, The Legend, Ryan Marciel Grace, "His rise to fame."
Jeff Adrien, Renee Montgomery and.....
Jillian Ortega. They all belong in the same sentence. Jillian is a leader, hard worker and team player. She is intense and she should be mentioned with those UConn athletes because that's the kind of level that she is on. The average UConn student has no idea who she is, but she is a two time Big East player of the year. She plays the game with the right passion and intensity. You want to watch her play and she deserves the recognition that Jeff Adrien and Renee Montgomery get.
I can't say enough great things about her, but you have to go and watch her play.
I can't say enough great things about her, but you have to go and watch her play.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Breaking News again
So since my last post I found out something new. Meghan Cunningham saw my blog.
What made my day was finding out that Greg Mihailides was accepted to the Sports Management Program along with me.
On top of that I got to talk to Steph Labbe and tell her all of my stories. I am happy that I did tell her. I don't know if I could have died peacefully without telling them. On top of that she is a terrific, nice person who happens to be amazing at goalkeeping and soccer.
Track and Field Won Big East Championships too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All of these things have happened in the last week. Because of that I think that someone should pour gasoline on me and light a match because I know that life can only go downhill from here!
As a disclaimer, please don't call Mental Health Services on me, I am mentally sane, no matter how insane I sound in these posts.
What made my day was finding out that Greg Mihailides was accepted to the Sports Management Program along with me.
On top of that I got to talk to Steph Labbe and tell her all of my stories. I am happy that I did tell her. I don't know if I could have died peacefully without telling them. On top of that she is a terrific, nice person who happens to be amazing at goalkeeping and soccer.
Track and Field Won Big East Championships too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All of these things have happened in the last week. Because of that I think that someone should pour gasoline on me and light a match because I know that life can only go downhill from here!
As a disclaimer, please don't call Mental Health Services on me, I am mentally sane, no matter how insane I sound in these posts.
don't ask
KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE,KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE!
Finally!!!I've now typed Kalana Greene more than Meghan Cunningham.
Finally!!!I've now typed Kalana Greene more than Meghan Cunningham.
What makes women's soccer great
The best thing about the women's soccer team is their love of free T-Shirts. They will do anything, and I mean anything to get a free t-shirt.
They might even spend 20 minutes staring at empty seats trying to decide where the best place to sit to get a T-Shirt would be.
Melissa Busque was waving her hands, and moving all around the upper levels of Gampel to try and get a T-shirt...at every game she goes too.
Jessica Diakun limped across Gampel with a cast on to try and get a T-Shirt.
The baseball team is 1-2 but has a higher batting average and lower ERA then their opponents....
Tiffany Hayes had a career high 12 rebounds against Villanova.
Kalana Greene was awesome once again. KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE
Finally I've talked about Kalana Greene more than Steph Labbe, Erin Clark and Cory Bildstein.
I love the way KALANA GREENE plays, she is underrated, a great leader and almost no one talks about her. It's a blessing that she is coming back for another year. I am so glad that I will be able to watch her play as a senior.
They might even spend 20 minutes staring at empty seats trying to decide where the best place to sit to get a T-Shirt would be.
Melissa Busque was waving her hands, and moving all around the upper levels of Gampel to try and get a T-shirt...at every game she goes too.
Jessica Diakun limped across Gampel with a cast on to try and get a T-Shirt.
The baseball team is 1-2 but has a higher batting average and lower ERA then their opponents....
Tiffany Hayes had a career high 12 rebounds against Villanova.
Kalana Greene was awesome once again. KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE. KALANA GREENE, KALANA GREENE
Finally I've talked about Kalana Greene more than Steph Labbe, Erin Clark and Cory Bildstein.
I love the way KALANA GREENE plays, she is underrated, a great leader and almost no one talks about her. It's a blessing that she is coming back for another year. I am so glad that I will be able to watch her play as a senior.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
WBB game
Allison Angulo of the Field Hockey team did an amazing job singing the National Anthem at the final women's Gampel game.
I am also very proud of the Lacrosse team for having the highest team GPA.
I am very happy that the track teams got a standing ovation for winning their Big East Championship.
Anyway the people who really impressed me are these following people because they have done something that I have never done, and that is to achieve a perfect 4.0 in a semester.
These student athletes did that: Samantha Kelley (Soccer) Pierre LePage (Baseball) Meghan Nanfeldt!!!!!!!!(Lacrosse, also got the 4.1 for graduate work) Jamie Antonious (Lacrosse) Kaitlin Vaughn (Track) Elizabeth Flatley (Rowing) Kayla Maleski (Lacrosse) Brad Kanuch (Football) Jennifer Kleinhans (Field Hockey) Brittany Tegeler (Soccer) Shannon Algoe (Soccer) D.J. Hernandez (Football) Phylicia George (Track and Field) Joey Michaels (Tennis)
When you see these people, because I know some of the people who read this know these people, you should congratulate them. What they do in the classroom goes completely unnoticed, and that is unfortunate. I believe in celebrating the great skill that goes on the field and on the court. I also believe that we need to celebrate those who have great skill when it comes to the classroom. UConn athletes are student-athletes. We UConn students tend to just celebrate and congratulate the athletes. We UConn students should also celebrate and congratulate the students who are athletes. One of those athletes is a friend of mine and I plan on giving her a call tomorrow to congratulate her.
If we the UConn Students decide to celebrate the athletes who are good people and good students our world will be a much better place. Those student athletes with a 4.0 are people who deserve to go on a poster too. I also wish that we recognized good citizen Student Athletes. Those people who in their ordinary days make the lives of others better. Just plain, nice, normal, good people. People who would hold doors for you, say thank you, help those in need. Good decent people, people who make this world a better place but are overlooked by 99.9% of the world. I have a few people who I'd nominate. But I am 100% sure that you know who they are.
I am also very proud of the Lacrosse team for having the highest team GPA.
I am very happy that the track teams got a standing ovation for winning their Big East Championship.
Anyway the people who really impressed me are these following people because they have done something that I have never done, and that is to achieve a perfect 4.0 in a semester.
These student athletes did that: Samantha Kelley (Soccer) Pierre LePage (Baseball) Meghan Nanfeldt!!!!!!!!(Lacrosse, also got the 4.1 for graduate work) Jamie Antonious (Lacrosse) Kaitlin Vaughn (Track) Elizabeth Flatley (Rowing) Kayla Maleski (Lacrosse) Brad Kanuch (Football) Jennifer Kleinhans (Field Hockey) Brittany Tegeler (Soccer) Shannon Algoe (Soccer) D.J. Hernandez (Football) Phylicia George (Track and Field) Joey Michaels (Tennis)
When you see these people, because I know some of the people who read this know these people, you should congratulate them. What they do in the classroom goes completely unnoticed, and that is unfortunate. I believe in celebrating the great skill that goes on the field and on the court. I also believe that we need to celebrate those who have great skill when it comes to the classroom. UConn athletes are student-athletes. We UConn students tend to just celebrate and congratulate the athletes. We UConn students should also celebrate and congratulate the students who are athletes. One of those athletes is a friend of mine and I plan on giving her a call tomorrow to congratulate her.
If we the UConn Students decide to celebrate the athletes who are good people and good students our world will be a much better place. Those student athletes with a 4.0 are people who deserve to go on a poster too. I also wish that we recognized good citizen Student Athletes. Those people who in their ordinary days make the lives of others better. Just plain, nice, normal, good people. People who would hold doors for you, say thank you, help those in need. Good decent people, people who make this world a better place but are overlooked by 99.9% of the world. I have a few people who I'd nominate. But I am 100% sure that you know who they are.
Monday, February 23, 2009
I Love Track
We know this. I'd camp out for track if I had too. Track has now won back to back Indoor Big East Championships. I am so hyped about this. On top of that the women's program was ranked 20th in the country, the first ranking in school history. Tynisha McMillian, Ellis Gaulden, Mike Rutt, Brian Gagnon, Trish Ann Hawthorne, Marquis Thomas, Carin Knight, Jessi Foreman, Mandela Graves Fulgham, Aaron King and the rest of their teammates are some of the best athletes at UConn and most people have no idea who they are. Go watch the races on April 4th and 18th and pick up their posters. Show some love for Track. They have become one of the more consistent teams on campus.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Video Games
I do know that the best video game player at UConn is Jarrell Miller.
I had the shooters roll tonight at the Student Rec center tonight.
I wish I had the passing ability of Kaili McLaren. I'd say that on an average day, I play like Meghan Gardler and on a good day I play like Kalana Greene. None of the men remind me of how I play. Maybe Stanley Robinson minus his athletic ability. I am not a flashy player, I hustle, pass to an open shooter and slash to the hoop to get rebounds. I make an open shot when I need to.
I am happy that the spring sports have all gotten started now. I expect big things from Softball and the track teams and big improvements from Lacrosse and Baseball.
Also if you don't happen to be able to make the men's basketball game tomorrow be sure to watch Women's Ice Hockey senior day vs New Hampshire on Saturday at 1pm.
I had the shooters roll tonight at the Student Rec center tonight.
I wish I had the passing ability of Kaili McLaren. I'd say that on an average day, I play like Meghan Gardler and on a good day I play like Kalana Greene. None of the men remind me of how I play. Maybe Stanley Robinson minus his athletic ability. I am not a flashy player, I hustle, pass to an open shooter and slash to the hoop to get rebounds. I make an open shot when I need to.
I am happy that the spring sports have all gotten started now. I expect big things from Softball and the track teams and big improvements from Lacrosse and Baseball.
Also if you don't happen to be able to make the men's basketball game tomorrow be sure to watch Women's Ice Hockey senior day vs New Hampshire on Saturday at 1pm.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Intramural football
Ashton Beason-Jones was the player of the game. He returned an extra point attempt all the way back to the endzone to give his team the lead. He also had a TD taken back by a questionable call. His team scored later in the possession. Ashton also made a spectacular catch that he took all the way to the house.
Ryan Grace had a 40 yard catch and totaled 2 catches for 45 yards and 2 first downs.
In just two games, Eric Cato is the career sack leader in Intramural football history. He recovered from the flu for a heroic effort tonight, leading the defense.
Team is 2-0 with Eric Cato, 0-2 without him.
Ryan Grace had a 40 yard catch and totaled 2 catches for 45 yards and 2 first downs.
In just two games, Eric Cato is the career sack leader in Intramural football history. He recovered from the flu for a heroic effort tonight, leading the defense.
Team is 2-0 with Eric Cato, 0-2 without him.
UConn Sports Randoms
I think women's basketball senior night will be a lot of fun...For those UConn fans who don't show up on time, be on time for this to show your support for the seniors. Trust me, show your support. Be there early.
Also for your information, Steph Labbe will be playing for Pitea in Sweden. If I can find an English site that follows her team I will post it. She will also be with team Canada.
Pitea Women's Soccer
Don't forget to follow softball and baseball as their seasons kick off in the next couple days.
Also for your information, Steph Labbe will be playing for Pitea in Sweden. If I can find an English site that follows her team I will post it. She will also be with team Canada.
Pitea Women's Soccer
Don't forget to follow softball and baseball as their seasons kick off in the next couple days.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Recruiting rankings
I've always thought recruiting rankings, well rankings in general are in many ways useless. Being ranked means your good, but it doesn't say how good.
Anyway I knew they ranked basketball and football rankings on rivals, scout, hoop gurlz etc. I had no idea they did it for soccer. I believe this years class (Class of 2012) for the men was ranked 21 in the country by someone.
The Men were ranked 12th for 2007,
Both Times players listed as committing are players that I had never heard of.
The Class of 2006 (my class!) was ranked 6th in the country
The Class of 2005 did highlight O'Brian White, that class was ranked 19th..
The Class of 2004, with Julius James and Ryan Cordiero was ranked 13th
The Class of 2003 was ranked 22nd
I am trying to find men's individual rankings!
Also someone ranks women's soccer players...I had no idea...I know they do Volleyball too...I've just never paid attention before.
Jessica Shufelt was a top 75 recruit, Jessica Dulski was a top 150, Class was ranked 40th.
Kacey Richards was ranked in the top 25 her year. Technically that means she is ranked higher in comparison to every single football player that has ever committed to UConn. We've never had a top 25 recruit before in football. I guess She's got a lot of pressure on her shoulders. As a class, Richard's class of 2011 was ranked 22nd in the country....Richards was the only top 150 recruit.
Lauren Ebert and Annie Yi were both top 50 recruits, Brianna Gray was a top 150...This class was ranked 27th
Elizabeth Eng was a top 25 recruit, Brittany Taylor and Brittany Tegeler were top 50 recruits. This class was ranked 13th
Katie Radchuck was a top 20 2004 International recruit.
Anyway I knew they ranked basketball and football rankings on rivals, scout, hoop gurlz etc. I had no idea they did it for soccer. I believe this years class (Class of 2012) for the men was ranked 21 in the country by someone.
The Men were ranked 12th for 2007,
Both Times players listed as committing are players that I had never heard of.
The Class of 2006 (my class!) was ranked 6th in the country
The Class of 2005 did highlight O'Brian White, that class was ranked 19th..
The Class of 2004, with Julius James and Ryan Cordiero was ranked 13th
The Class of 2003 was ranked 22nd
I am trying to find men's individual rankings!
Also someone ranks women's soccer players...I had no idea...I know they do Volleyball too...I've just never paid attention before.
Jessica Shufelt was a top 75 recruit, Jessica Dulski was a top 150, Class was ranked 40th.
Kacey Richards was ranked in the top 25 her year. Technically that means she is ranked higher in comparison to every single football player that has ever committed to UConn. We've never had a top 25 recruit before in football. I guess She's got a lot of pressure on her shoulders. As a class, Richard's class of 2011 was ranked 22nd in the country....Richards was the only top 150 recruit.
Lauren Ebert and Annie Yi were both top 50 recruits, Brianna Gray was a top 150...This class was ranked 27th
Elizabeth Eng was a top 25 recruit, Brittany Taylor and Brittany Tegeler were top 50 recruits. This class was ranked 13th
Katie Radchuck was a top 20 2004 International recruit.
Monday, February 16, 2009
An observation
The only thing easier to predict than night following day and day following night is that I will spot a women's soccer player wearing a protective boot every day...and their sport isn't even in season now.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
One thing I know for sure
Is that no one is more excited then I am to see that the track posters are in.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Men's Ice Hockey
Well I guess there isn't a lot that I will say about Men's Ice Hockey in Storrs, but I must say that Chris Ochoa seems to always play well. Every time I go to a game he seems to score. He had 2 goals today at the game I was at.
The recruiting world
It's a sad sad world. People need to give people privacy when it comes to recruiting. Let kids decide without bombarding them with interviews.
Valentine's Day
So it’s Valentine’s Day and UConn’s Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma had a special Valentine at the Marquette Game. A Marquette Student was yelling something to the effect of “Hey Geno, Hey Geno, I have something for you.” He handed Geno a Valentine’s day card and according to Geno it even included special phrases including “your hot.” Geno left the Card on the scorer’s table for the 2nd half. After the game as he was going back to the locker room the Marquette student yelled “Hey Geno, you forgot something.” So Geno went back to the scorer’s table and picked up the card and the Marquette student went crazy.
Thought it was interesting. Thought you would like it. It was much funnier when Geno actually said it though.
Thought it was interesting. Thought you would like it. It was much funnier when Geno actually said it though.
Friday the 13th
Well UConn Women's Ice Hockey beat Maine 3-1 on the road in the programs first game on Friday the 13th.
I wondered what had happened to Brittany Murphy that didn't allow her to play last weekend. Well she scored the game tying goal yesterday.
Dominque Thibault also picked up her 50th career assist.
I wondered what had happened to Brittany Murphy that didn't allow her to play last weekend. Well she scored the game tying goal yesterday.
Dominque Thibault also picked up her 50th career assist.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Ryan Grace got me thinking
He always does. I always come up with something really interesting to write about so I decided on what athletes/sports figures would best fill jobs in government. This would be much better if it was done around the election...too bad I am late.
I did write in Craig Austrie and Jonathan Husky for some lower level positions in my city government. If I could choose all the cabinet positions and elected officials, these would be the ones.
Mayor of Storrs. The Honorable Ryan Marciel Grace. There isn't anyone he doesn't know. If you don't know Ryan Grace, you are a nobody. (Ryan Marciel Grace is a Tree Hill Raven) Ryan also has more facebook friends than Jesus Christ. Facebook Jesus Christ if you don't believe me.
Mayor of Depot Campus: Sam Witryol. I think there is a building named after him.
There are no county governments in Connecticut, but I will say that considering that Erin Clark has more 8 year old fans than Hannah Montana that I will rename Tolland County (this is where Storrs and Morrone Stadium are), Erin Clark Country. (Spelling is yet to be determined. Her 8 year old fans may vote for Airin instead of Erin)
Governor of Connecticut. Kaili McLaren. There isn't anyone she doesn't know. Kai would be a great governor, she is so outgoing, smart and she is very good with the media. According to Geno, she knows Michael Wilbon.
State Treasurer. Kalana Greene. I heard that she asked for the job in the McLaren administration.
Secretary of State of Connecticut: Robb Lunn, because he has a blog.
4th District Congressman: Craig Austrie. Putting Stamford on the map since 2005.
U.S. Senators: Jim Calhoun, Nancy Stevens. Two of Our Hall of Fame Coaches must have a lot of wisdom for the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services: Jennifer Kleinhans. I read that she won an award for her work on something that has to do with finding a cure for cancer.
U.S. Secretary of Defense: Hasheem Thabeet. No one even bothers driving the lane anymore. They have to settle for jump shots when he is in.
U.S. Press Secretary: Tahirah Williams. There is a reason she is a communications major. There is no better interview then her. I wish she just got interviewed more often. She's so easy to talk to.
U.S. Department of Energy: Jeff Adrien. No one can deliver more energy to the crowd then Jeff Adrien. He is so intense and is full of energy, that's why he gets the job.
U.S. Department of Education: Maya Moore. I think everyone can learn something from her. Whether it's basketball or in the classroom she is amazing.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Josh Ford...He did a very good job in goal last year.
U.S. Department of Labor: Jillian Ortega. She is always hustling on the softball field. Always working hard. I remember watching her run and dive for a foul ball that I thought was well out of play vs DePaul in the Big East Tournament last year. She also seems to get no recognition from the Average UConn Student and that's unfortunate, because watching her is free and it's worth your time.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Emeka Okafor. I can't think of a better individual and basketball player to come out of college and be a force in the NBA.
U.S. Department of Transportation: Steph Labbe. She was constantly yelling out where her defenders needed to go last season. If she could do that I bet she could figure out how to make the congestion in Fairfield County and the Merritt Parkway go away.
U.S. Department of Commerce: Cory Bildstein. Her kick against Yale is a big part of the reason why I now like Soccer. If you can make me go from not wanting to go to games to not wanting to miss any, your good for business. She is multi-talented too. That always helps. If our government needed to go underground because of an attack we would still be able to communicate because she could just put her hair up and we could use it as a cell phone tower.
U.S. Attorney General: Jim Penders. No one argues more with decisions than baseball managers.
Vice President: Renee Montgomery, she is a leader, who like all good vice presidents is an effective communicator, with potential to be president, and echo's the sentiment of the president to the rest of the world.
President of U.S.: Geno Auriemma, The Reason is simple. SWAG
The Question is, will I write in any of these people in 2010? 2012? The chances are good that Ryan Marciel Grace will receive a vote from me for some position one day. If I've voted for a dog, and a basketball player before, then I should certainly vote for a Tree Hill Raven.
I did write in Craig Austrie and Jonathan Husky for some lower level positions in my city government. If I could choose all the cabinet positions and elected officials, these would be the ones.
Mayor of Storrs. The Honorable Ryan Marciel Grace. There isn't anyone he doesn't know. If you don't know Ryan Grace, you are a nobody. (Ryan Marciel Grace is a Tree Hill Raven) Ryan also has more facebook friends than Jesus Christ. Facebook Jesus Christ if you don't believe me.
Mayor of Depot Campus: Sam Witryol. I think there is a building named after him.
There are no county governments in Connecticut, but I will say that considering that Erin Clark has more 8 year old fans than Hannah Montana that I will rename Tolland County (this is where Storrs and Morrone Stadium are), Erin Clark Country. (Spelling is yet to be determined. Her 8 year old fans may vote for Airin instead of Erin)
Governor of Connecticut. Kaili McLaren. There isn't anyone she doesn't know. Kai would be a great governor, she is so outgoing, smart and she is very good with the media. According to Geno, she knows Michael Wilbon.
State Treasurer. Kalana Greene. I heard that she asked for the job in the McLaren administration.
Secretary of State of Connecticut: Robb Lunn, because he has a blog.
4th District Congressman: Craig Austrie. Putting Stamford on the map since 2005.
U.S. Senators: Jim Calhoun, Nancy Stevens. Two of Our Hall of Fame Coaches must have a lot of wisdom for the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services: Jennifer Kleinhans. I read that she won an award for her work on something that has to do with finding a cure for cancer.
U.S. Secretary of Defense: Hasheem Thabeet. No one even bothers driving the lane anymore. They have to settle for jump shots when he is in.
U.S. Press Secretary: Tahirah Williams. There is a reason she is a communications major. There is no better interview then her. I wish she just got interviewed more often. She's so easy to talk to.
U.S. Department of Energy: Jeff Adrien. No one can deliver more energy to the crowd then Jeff Adrien. He is so intense and is full of energy, that's why he gets the job.
U.S. Department of Education: Maya Moore. I think everyone can learn something from her. Whether it's basketball or in the classroom she is amazing.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Josh Ford...He did a very good job in goal last year.
U.S. Department of Labor: Jillian Ortega. She is always hustling on the softball field. Always working hard. I remember watching her run and dive for a foul ball that I thought was well out of play vs DePaul in the Big East Tournament last year. She also seems to get no recognition from the Average UConn Student and that's unfortunate, because watching her is free and it's worth your time.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Emeka Okafor. I can't think of a better individual and basketball player to come out of college and be a force in the NBA.
U.S. Department of Transportation: Steph Labbe. She was constantly yelling out where her defenders needed to go last season. If she could do that I bet she could figure out how to make the congestion in Fairfield County and the Merritt Parkway go away.
U.S. Department of Commerce: Cory Bildstein. Her kick against Yale is a big part of the reason why I now like Soccer. If you can make me go from not wanting to go to games to not wanting to miss any, your good for business. She is multi-talented too. That always helps. If our government needed to go underground because of an attack we would still be able to communicate because she could just put her hair up and we could use it as a cell phone tower.
U.S. Attorney General: Jim Penders. No one argues more with decisions than baseball managers.
Vice President: Renee Montgomery, she is a leader, who like all good vice presidents is an effective communicator, with potential to be president, and echo's the sentiment of the president to the rest of the world.
President of U.S.: Geno Auriemma, The Reason is simple. SWAG
The Question is, will I write in any of these people in 2010? 2012? The chances are good that Ryan Marciel Grace will receive a vote from me for some position one day. If I've voted for a dog, and a basketball player before, then I should certainly vote for a Tree Hill Raven.
Where have I been
Studying, going to Hartford with Husky Sport etc. I've been busy, so I don't get to write as often as I used too
Some randoms though. Jeff Adrien has scored more career points then Emeka Okafor now. He is only the 5th UConn player in the 1,000 point 1,000 rebound club.
A.J. Price was the player of the game yesterday. Hash was just a force on defense yesterday.
Tina Charles was the player of the game vs. St Johns. I didn't get a chance to see that game but I she deserves it for playing well at her homecoming.
For the Marquette game Kalana Greene was player of the game. Wanted to mix things up a bit. 16 and 6 in 29 minutes is a big deal for her coming off her ACL injury.
Maya Moore should have been player of the week in the Big East last week.
I was going through ITunes and mistakenly clicked on the Dixie Chicks. But I like the lyrics. I'm not ready to make nice, I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell etc... That accurately describes my emotion towards St. Johns University and their women's soccer program. I'm still mad at number 8 for kicking Melissa Busque. I asked Renee Montgomery to beat St. Johns by 50 because of the soccer incident.
Remember to wear Pink on Sunday for the women's game.
Some randoms though. Jeff Adrien has scored more career points then Emeka Okafor now. He is only the 5th UConn player in the 1,000 point 1,000 rebound club.
A.J. Price was the player of the game yesterday. Hash was just a force on defense yesterday.
Tina Charles was the player of the game vs. St Johns. I didn't get a chance to see that game but I she deserves it for playing well at her homecoming.
For the Marquette game Kalana Greene was player of the game. Wanted to mix things up a bit. 16 and 6 in 29 minutes is a big deal for her coming off her ACL injury.
Maya Moore should have been player of the week in the Big East last week.
I was going through ITunes and mistakenly clicked on the Dixie Chicks. But I like the lyrics. I'm not ready to make nice, I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell etc... That accurately describes my emotion towards St. Johns University and their women's soccer program. I'm still mad at number 8 for kicking Melissa Busque. I asked Renee Montgomery to beat St. Johns by 50 because of the soccer incident.
Remember to wear Pink on Sunday for the women's game.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Updates
Greg Mihailides does need to get recognized for his outstanding achievement in intramurals. He has put up 35 points in the last two games. He has lead his team on offense. One of his biggest fans was not in attendance, but she should know that I was there to document Greg's impressive play.
The Tree Hill Ravens remain undefeated when Meghan Cunningham shows up.
The Tree Hill Ravens remain undefeated when Meghan Cunningham shows up.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Players of the game WBB,MBB
Maya Moore and Jerome Dyson were the players of the game on 2-7-09. Can't really elaborate on that because I was working and missed large parts of the game.
Ashton Beason-Jones lead his intramural football team, and was player of the game with 3 interceptions.
Josh Ford gets props for standing in the student section at the basketball game vs Michigan. He has once again proven why the soccer programs are so awesome at UConn.
Michael Phelps has a new best friend. He goes by A-Rod.
I wonder why Brittany Murphy hasn't played the last two ice hockey games.
Which reminds me, even though the women lost to BU in a shootout, 4-3, it was one heck of a hockey game. UConn scored two unanswered goals to get the game to OT. Dominique Thibault also made the BU goalie look silly when she went in for her shoot out shot.
Ashton Beason-Jones lead his intramural football team, and was player of the game with 3 interceptions.
Josh Ford gets props for standing in the student section at the basketball game vs Michigan. He has once again proven why the soccer programs are so awesome at UConn.
Michael Phelps has a new best friend. He goes by A-Rod.
I wonder why Brittany Murphy hasn't played the last two ice hockey games.
Which reminds me, even though the women lost to BU in a shootout, 4-3, it was one heck of a hockey game. UConn scored two unanswered goals to get the game to OT. Dominique Thibault also made the BU goalie look silly when she went in for her shoot out shot.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tree Hill Raven Head Coach
The Tree Hill Ravens would like to announce that they have signed head coach Brianna Triplett to a contract extension. This season will be her 7th with the team. She has lead the Ravens to several championships and has been able to deal with the various personalities with the team. Her coaching services were in high demand but she decided to stay loyal to her team.
Her first big coaching test will take place on Big Monday at the Student Recreation Facility.
Unrelated Intramural news.
There is apparently a Water Polo team that was tearing things up today. Sources can neither confirm nor deny that a Tree Hill Raven super-fan was taking part in the game.
Her first big coaching test will take place on Big Monday at the Student Recreation Facility.
Unrelated Intramural news.
There is apparently a Water Polo team that was tearing things up today. Sources can neither confirm nor deny that a Tree Hill Raven super-fan was taking part in the game.
Monday, February 2, 2009
MBB vs UL
I thought that UConn played really well. We played like we deserved to be #1. Thabeet played well but I thought that the player of the game was Jeff Adrien.
Jeff Adrien is probably my favorite player. Either him or Austrie. I like Adrien's intensity. Both Austrie and Adrien have "IT" and to me IT is just something that winner's and champions have. It's a certain mentality, confidence and determination that champions have it. Every championship team has a player like that. Adrien is that player. He is fun to watch and is very consistent.
Jeff Adrien is probably my favorite player. Either him or Austrie. I like Adrien's intensity. Both Austrie and Adrien have "IT" and to me IT is just something that winner's and champions have. It's a certain mentality, confidence and determination that champions have it. Every championship team has a player like that. Adrien is that player. He is fun to watch and is very consistent.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Great Free Entertainment
Rather than watch people tell me that the team that executes better will win the Super Bowl, I decided to attend the Women's Ice Hockey game vs Providence. I made a good decision. The game was free for and the entertainment was good. I wish more people could take the time too watch the women, who are ranked 8th in the country, play. They are good and fun to watch.
Today was a perfect example. Not only did they raise $9,000 for breast cancer research, but they also played a great game. It was scoreless after one period. Then UConn found themselves down 1-0. In the third period I got tired of UConn not scoring so I decided that I would put on my rally cap. After I did that it was really clear to me that UConn was getting off a lot more shots. I felt like my rally-cap was working. Then Dominique Thibault scored a goal. The game ended up going into overtime. That was exciting as far as I was concerned because I hadn't seen a UConn hockey game go to over-time before. Early in overtime Monique Weber had a 2 on 1 break, she passed the puck to Nicole Tritter who knocked it into the goal for a thrilling 2-1 victory. UConn scored 2 unanswered goals to secure the win. Goalie Brittany Wilson also turned in a great performance.
UConn was in a great mood after then win. That was a good thing since they raised money for breast cancer awareness and had a post-game autograph session. The team also ended up signing 20-25 posters for Husky Sport, a program that connects underprivileged children in the North End of Hartford with UConn students and student-athletes. Women's Ice Hockey is one of the most down to earth teams at UConn. They are also ranked in the top 10 in the country. When you put those two things together you begin to realize how worthwhile it is to show up and watch their games. Their next game is on Friday, February 6th.
Today was a perfect example. Not only did they raise $9,000 for breast cancer research, but they also played a great game. It was scoreless after one period. Then UConn found themselves down 1-0. In the third period I got tired of UConn not scoring so I decided that I would put on my rally cap. After I did that it was really clear to me that UConn was getting off a lot more shots. I felt like my rally-cap was working. Then Dominique Thibault scored a goal. The game ended up going into overtime. That was exciting as far as I was concerned because I hadn't seen a UConn hockey game go to over-time before. Early in overtime Monique Weber had a 2 on 1 break, she passed the puck to Nicole Tritter who knocked it into the goal for a thrilling 2-1 victory. UConn scored 2 unanswered goals to secure the win. Goalie Brittany Wilson also turned in a great performance.
UConn was in a great mood after then win. That was a good thing since they raised money for breast cancer awareness and had a post-game autograph session. The team also ended up signing 20-25 posters for Husky Sport, a program that connects underprivileged children in the North End of Hartford with UConn students and student-athletes. Women's Ice Hockey is one of the most down to earth teams at UConn. They are also ranked in the top 10 in the country. When you put those two things together you begin to realize how worthwhile it is to show up and watch their games. Their next game is on Friday, February 6th.
Basketball today
I watched the women bball team play before I went to work the men's Ice Hockey game.
Team Manager of the game: Emily Mattson
Player of the game: Tiffany Hayes.
Hayes continued her shooting from the 3. Kaili McClaren had some nice low post moves during her homecoming.
For the Men
I saw parts of it and Stanley Robinson looked impressive. Hasheem Thabeet had a triple-double.
Player of the game: Hasheem Thabeet.
Team Manager of the game: Emily Mattson
Player of the game: Tiffany Hayes.
Hayes continued her shooting from the 3. Kaili McClaren had some nice low post moves during her homecoming.
For the Men
I saw parts of it and Stanley Robinson looked impressive. Hasheem Thabeet had a triple-double.
Player of the game: Hasheem Thabeet.
What are they playing for?
106 players are going to take the field tomorrow for the Super Bowl, the National Championship.
I am fascinated by the thoughts and emotions of athletes. I love favorite foods, I appreciate the skill, the hard work, the stats. I love all of it. In many ways the most perplexing part of sports is the psychology of athletes. What gets them to tick?
Some athletes need kicking and screaming from coaches, others need comfort and encouragement. It's possible you have some of those different personalities on the same team. Coaches might actually need to coach different players differently.
In order to be successful many people and athletes need 2 negative things to piss them off and motivate them to work hard and then something positive said to keep their confidence up.
I wonder why athletes can and will push themselves to such great lengths for something that they often consider to be "just a game?"
I just watched the movie "The Express" about Ernie Davis and somehow thought of this subject to write about. I felt that the movie was one of the best movies that I had seen in a long time. It was inspirational. I'm not the kind of person who pays attention to movie critics or movie awards but I do hope that it was received well.
The mental part of sports is probably the least talked about part. Yet it's probably the most crucial one. When I pick games I often think about my gut feeling. I think "who is most motivated," "who has the most to play for?" and "who is most confident?" before I will ever look into game film and stats. Are game film and stats important? yes! At the same time the mentality of a team and an athlete is extremely crucial.
I asked Maya Moore, "What's the difference between a good and a bad practice?" She simply stated, focus. Focus is a mental thing. Look in the eyes of Renee Montgomery this year and you will see someone who clearly looks possessed to win. That counts for a lot in my book. She has been a winner and a great leader. I'd take her first with the first pick in the WNBA draft for her intangibles.
So if focus and determination is so important, why is it always overlooked? When I go into the weightroom and work out my intensity level changes from day to day. I don't think I've ever had a bad workout when I am mad. Somehow I can channel my negative emotions into something positive. Often times when I am in a happy mood I struggle to have good workouts. I often need to be pissed off, or make myself think that I am being chased or being looked down upon in order to bring out 110% in the weightroom. On other occasions I seem to be able to give 110% because I am trying to reach a goal, or I was motivated by someone I met, or a story I heard. How is it that athletes can almost constantly keep their intensity level up when they themselves are looked up to and viewed as role models. People are telling them how great they are, yet they work so hard it was as if they were told they lost by 50.
I wonder how big of a role the coach has on the mental part of the game. How crucial is it that they set the right tone for every game and every situation within the game. Is it more important to have high emotional intelligence or an amazing knowledge of the game?
Always look to see what's motivating an athlete. In Ernie Davis's case in "The Express" it was to make a point about race relations. He was playing to make a point and inspire many young African Americans. I wonder how many athletes are playing for something like that?
Several of the women's basketball players are playing to glorify god. When I workout I play to prove to myself that I can do the impossible. I feel like so many people have doubted me. I want to prove them wrong. I have little doubt that there are a lot of athletes who would use this as motivation.
How much of the mental part of the game is just genetic or ingrained? What role does upbringing have?
For example, my parents have always made me work and do chores for my family, even if we are guests. I am expected to give 110%, to hustle and not be lazy
Yet hustle plays, where someone gets after it would seem to be so different from clutch plays where finesse is involved. When Adam Vinateri and Cory Bildstein made their game winning kicks I am guessing that they were drawing from confidence that has been given to them along the line by their parents or by their coaches.
When Don Beebe went after Leon Lett to save another touchdown from scoring in a blowout victory I am guessing that he was drawing from an instinct or will to win and hustle that stems from hating losing when he was younger or from an upbringing that demanded hard work and discipline.
Confidence is also a really funny thing. It's so easy to lose and it's so hard to get. How do you build confidence in people that don't have much? Confidence is something that can really hurt people. A lack of it can cause an even greater lack in confidence later. Can people give athletes confidence in their abilities or do they actually need to do something themselves in order to gain confidence in their abilities.
Something has to motivate athletes. Something has to keep them focused, and to keep them training at 5am, to have them lift until they can no longer move and run until they drop. They push themselves to their limits, (and have the confidence to do so) yet they all seem to do it for different reasons. I will be looking for a lot from the Super Bowl. I would love to know who everybody is playing for, what motivated them when the going got tough? Those are just a few of the things that will fascinate me about this Super Bowl. What events in life got these 106 players to be where they are now. What will be going through their minds right before a crucial play? What will go through their heads that will get them to keep pushing the pile? Who will a person draw confidence from in a pressure situation?
This may not make a whole lot of sense, or it may seem spacey, and I apologize for that. However, I find the mental part of sports to be fascinating. I am just talking about it in an unorganized way to make you think.
I am fascinated by the thoughts and emotions of athletes. I love favorite foods, I appreciate the skill, the hard work, the stats. I love all of it. In many ways the most perplexing part of sports is the psychology of athletes. What gets them to tick?
Some athletes need kicking and screaming from coaches, others need comfort and encouragement. It's possible you have some of those different personalities on the same team. Coaches might actually need to coach different players differently.
In order to be successful many people and athletes need 2 negative things to piss them off and motivate them to work hard and then something positive said to keep their confidence up.
I wonder why athletes can and will push themselves to such great lengths for something that they often consider to be "just a game?"
I just watched the movie "The Express" about Ernie Davis and somehow thought of this subject to write about. I felt that the movie was one of the best movies that I had seen in a long time. It was inspirational. I'm not the kind of person who pays attention to movie critics or movie awards but I do hope that it was received well.
The mental part of sports is probably the least talked about part. Yet it's probably the most crucial one. When I pick games I often think about my gut feeling. I think "who is most motivated," "who has the most to play for?" and "who is most confident?" before I will ever look into game film and stats. Are game film and stats important? yes! At the same time the mentality of a team and an athlete is extremely crucial.
I asked Maya Moore, "What's the difference between a good and a bad practice?" She simply stated, focus. Focus is a mental thing. Look in the eyes of Renee Montgomery this year and you will see someone who clearly looks possessed to win. That counts for a lot in my book. She has been a winner and a great leader. I'd take her first with the first pick in the WNBA draft for her intangibles.
So if focus and determination is so important, why is it always overlooked? When I go into the weightroom and work out my intensity level changes from day to day. I don't think I've ever had a bad workout when I am mad. Somehow I can channel my negative emotions into something positive. Often times when I am in a happy mood I struggle to have good workouts. I often need to be pissed off, or make myself think that I am being chased or being looked down upon in order to bring out 110% in the weightroom. On other occasions I seem to be able to give 110% because I am trying to reach a goal, or I was motivated by someone I met, or a story I heard. How is it that athletes can almost constantly keep their intensity level up when they themselves are looked up to and viewed as role models. People are telling them how great they are, yet they work so hard it was as if they were told they lost by 50.
I wonder how big of a role the coach has on the mental part of the game. How crucial is it that they set the right tone for every game and every situation within the game. Is it more important to have high emotional intelligence or an amazing knowledge of the game?
Always look to see what's motivating an athlete. In Ernie Davis's case in "The Express" it was to make a point about race relations. He was playing to make a point and inspire many young African Americans. I wonder how many athletes are playing for something like that?
Several of the women's basketball players are playing to glorify god. When I workout I play to prove to myself that I can do the impossible. I feel like so many people have doubted me. I want to prove them wrong. I have little doubt that there are a lot of athletes who would use this as motivation.
How much of the mental part of the game is just genetic or ingrained? What role does upbringing have?
For example, my parents have always made me work and do chores for my family, even if we are guests. I am expected to give 110%, to hustle and not be lazy
Yet hustle plays, where someone gets after it would seem to be so different from clutch plays where finesse is involved. When Adam Vinateri and Cory Bildstein made their game winning kicks I am guessing that they were drawing from confidence that has been given to them along the line by their parents or by their coaches.
When Don Beebe went after Leon Lett to save another touchdown from scoring in a blowout victory I am guessing that he was drawing from an instinct or will to win and hustle that stems from hating losing when he was younger or from an upbringing that demanded hard work and discipline.
Confidence is also a really funny thing. It's so easy to lose and it's so hard to get. How do you build confidence in people that don't have much? Confidence is something that can really hurt people. A lack of it can cause an even greater lack in confidence later. Can people give athletes confidence in their abilities or do they actually need to do something themselves in order to gain confidence in their abilities.
Something has to motivate athletes. Something has to keep them focused, and to keep them training at 5am, to have them lift until they can no longer move and run until they drop. They push themselves to their limits, (and have the confidence to do so) yet they all seem to do it for different reasons. I will be looking for a lot from the Super Bowl. I would love to know who everybody is playing for, what motivated them when the going got tough? Those are just a few of the things that will fascinate me about this Super Bowl. What events in life got these 106 players to be where they are now. What will be going through their minds right before a crucial play? What will go through their heads that will get them to keep pushing the pile? Who will a person draw confidence from in a pressure situation?
This may not make a whole lot of sense, or it may seem spacey, and I apologize for that. However, I find the mental part of sports to be fascinating. I am just talking about it in an unorganized way to make you think.
Super Bowl Predictions
I have the Cardinals winning by 3.
My celebrity prediction is by Kalana Greene. She is a Steelers fan and she has the Steelers winning by 14.
At least her brother is a Cowboys fan
My celebrity prediction is by Kalana Greene. She is a Steelers fan and she has the Steelers winning by 14.
At least her brother is a Cowboys fan