I guess they can speak english

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnnitW-cnZI

There for anyone who is interested...I am not making this thing about Swedish Soccer up.

No Cake-Walk

Should UConn advance to the women's final four, I can think of no two teams who I would rather not play than Stanford and Louisville. Both of those teams are very good...and yes I know we killed Louisville in the Big East Championship...and for that reason I would expect them to play totally different if we met in the Championship game. Stanford's Jayne Appel and Kayla Pederson are pretty darn good too.

Congratulations to Anna Wallingford

Freshman Lacrosse Player Anna Wallingford won Big East Defensive Player of the Week for her goal keeping this weekend. Great weekend for lacrosse with 2 Big East wins, and a BIG EAST Award. Great stuff is happening for UConn Lacrosse. Angela McMahon has done a fine job and the teams hard work is finally showing. Congratulations to Wallingford and to the UConn Lacrosse team for a fantastic week.

On top of that I am really impressed with the play of freshman Kiersten Tupper and M.E. Lapham. Especially Lapham. I feel like she's a winner because she wants the ball at the end of games in tough situations and has the confidence in herself to just take it towards the goal and make something happen. I enjoy watching her play.

The most amazing 15 minutes of baseball and softball

As we all know my facial hair brings good luck. I brought some of it to the baseball field today. As we all know I love watching George Springer play. Today he walked up with the bases loaded and then proceeded to hit a grand slam...that is the third straight game that I have been too that he has homered in.

Then I walked over to the softball field and saw Erin Burtner hit a bases clearing double...Literally 7 UConn RBI's in 5 minutes.

It didn't end up well for softball though because a Syracuse player hit a grand slam in the next inning and Syracuse went on to pick up the win. 11 RBI's in like 15 minutes. 3 extra base hits with the bases loaded.

Later on a triple play was turned by Syracuse against UConn. WOW..Grand Slams and triple plays. You got to show up to these games!!! If Chris Ochoa, Keith Gray, Hasheem Thabeet and RTP show up then you should too.

The next game against Syracuse, UConn pulled out the win. For the second straight time that I watched softball, freshman Amy DeLuca went deep. Erin Burtner also hit a 3 run home-run. Justyne Roy continues to impress me with her fielding. I still think that the Big East should give out gold gloves and Roy deserves to win one.

For a funny moment, and yes I need to have a new victim, Freshman Pitcher Ali Adelman was trying to get the softball off the top of the bullpen net. She tried to throw the ball at it...didn't work. She then tried throwing her glove at the ball. She moved it around. After a couple of minutes she finally got the ball off of the net. It took awhile and it probably warmed her up pretty well too. It also gave us at the game a little laugh...and her teammate Amy Vaughn who was catching a laugh too. She set the record for most time needed to get the ball down off the top of the bullpen net.

An Alert

My facial hair is apparently good luck. I will have facial hair until the UConn Lacrosse team loses. The team is 2-0 when I have facial hair. I also give Meghan Nanfeldt a good luck hug after games. It has brought her luck. They have won every game after the game that I gave her a hug.

After a discussion with Meghan we have deemed it ok to clean up my facial hair.

Translations are funny

So as I read up on Stephanie Labbe and her Swedish Soccer career I can't help but laugh at the translation that google translator sometimes gives.

For example Stephanie's Team, Pitea IF is picked to finish in the bottom half of the division. They were writing about this online and the translation says that it will be good "lighter fluid" for the team. I know what they mean "It puts a chip on their shoulder." Just thought that the translation was funny and that I would share it.

Also if you would ever like to follow the games live online it looks like you can. (Haven't done it yet) Not 100% sure but maybe if you get bored in class and need some excitement in you life at odd hours than you will watch. Remember that the time difference between Storrs and Sweden is according to my roommate 6 hours.

http://www.svenskfotboll.se/t1dam.aspx?p=152188

The link to the live game feed is on the right. Look for PITEA IF. It is all in Swedish and that I cannot fix!

On top of that a magazine wrote an article about Stephanie Labbe and two other players. (Sorry I'm not up on all my Swedish Women's Soccer) Stephanie was pictured in both pictures and I am guessing the players in the photo are all part of the Canadian National Team. The headline for the article was "Stars that will lift the PIF (Pitea) in the headlines"

It appears as if the first regular season game will be on Wednesday at 1pm Eastern Standard Time, (7 pm Sweden...19:00) The Temperature in Pitea on Wednesday is supposed to be a high of 32 and low of 26...and this game is a night game.

O'Brian White is wearing number 17. He hasn't played yet, According to Wintana O'B is running and practicing now. Toronto is 1-0-1

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=t280&player=white_o&playerId=whi638312&statType=current

I can not find any information on Akeem Priestley on the Kansas City Wizards official website.

only in Connecticut

My roommate asked me how the women's basketball team did today. I said they won by 24, 77-53. He said, "Close Game."

My next victim

So I hate talking about someone who added me on facebook but is someone that I really don't know...but I must. Yes Rebecca Murray deserves some praise for having the courage to add me, a stranger, on facebook a long-time ago one summer. I remember it like yesterday, but it starts off with another Volleyball player adding me on facebook first.

I had traveled 1 hour to get internet service so I could take my accounting test for an online summer course. I checked facebook when I was done and I noticed that Lauren Lamberti had added me on facebook...and it said that she played Volleyball at UConn. I thought it was cool...but odd that a volleyball player added me...since I had never seen their games before. As a matter of fact I dreaded playing volleyball in gym when I was in high school. 5 days later I drove 5 hours from New Hampshire back home to Stamford. When I arrived home I checked facebook and noticed that Rebecca Murray had added me on facebook. It said UConn Volleyball...now I was really confused...what in heavens hell did I do to be recognized by the UConn volleyball team? I had traveled an hour and then five hours so I could use the internet this one summer and both times I had random varsity volleyball players add me on facebook. As a matter of fact...according to UConn Huskies.com it was both members of the Freshman recruiting class. I thought it was odd...obviously... Then I clicked on Rebecca's profile and I saw that we had two friends in common. Lauren, and Stefon Camacho...my neighbor. Now I was really confused...maybe Rebecca Murray moved into my neighborhood. I didn't think it was a far fetched idea. I mean everyone in my neighborhood knew me, knew I was a sports fan who cycled a lot and went to UConn. Plus she added my neighbor Stefon. That's the only thing that I thought made sense. So I rode my bike for a while expecting to meet this UConn Varsity Volleyball player...It never happened... I asked Stefon if he knew who Rebecca Murray was and he was like ("I have no idea, but she added me on facebook too." Then I told him that she was a really great volleyball player when we saw each other Thanksgiving Break.) Then I figured it out...I guess Rebecca was looking to make facebook friends and Stefon was listed as being a freshman in the UConn network, just like she was. What Rebecca didn't know, that I knew was that Stefon wasn't going to Storrs. Stefon was going to UConn Stamford. So basically she added my neighbor and I on facebook at the same time thinking that we were both going to go to the same UConn she was going too. Well she was wrong and she made me think that a UConn volleyball player moved into my neighborhood...She added two random people on facebook that live down the street from each other...What a coincidence..

Because of this she will probably spike me in the head once with one of her kills.

But actually I have no idea because I have never once spoken to her...well just hi once...and "you added me on facebook."

What's funny is that while Lauren and Rebecca added me on facebook...Margot Demere did not. Margot was the only member of her Volleyball recruiting class not to add me on facebook. Margot is also the only one of those three who I ever had a class with. Margot is also the first one of those three that I ever spoke too. Actually Margot is the only one of those three who I ever had a decent conversation with. We spoke at the "Dig for a Cure" fundraiser in the student union when we worked together. Margot was really nice and she left me with a good impression. She actually was the only one of those three ever to wave at me. I actually was on my cell-phone at the time so I probably gave her a half and somewhat unfriendly wave...She probably doesn't realize that I do remember her pretty well and that she was a nice person who we are all lucky to have on campus. Plus there aren't too many people who would write that they can make Dolphin and Monkey noises in the team media guide as the answer for something that you wouldn't know about them.

On second thought...there is only one person on campus who would memorize that...and then make a conversation piece out of it...that person would be me.

How I spent this Saturday night

Well I am going to be busy for this week with some stuff that I have to do. At-least until the end of the week. I am very much looking forward to the Mayor of Storrs game on Monday night at 9:30. It is rumored that a special guest might, just might show up.

Anyway on to the reason for this post. How did I spend this night? trying to catch up on some work...and then at 10:30pm on a Saturday night, I thought it would be a great idea to go run stadiums at Memorial Stadium. It was actually the first time that I ever ran stadiums...for a workout and not for work (XL Center stairs). Then after that I decided to go run some sprints on the track.

Also a random thought...I love it when non-athletes discuss injuries with athletes. It's just a funny conversation. I've been on the non-athlete side...I'll admit it, doing this at least once. It's just funny how people compare like bruises..."Oh I got hit in the leg during a pick up game at North. I usually go running but I want to take it lightly, you know what I mean." Meanwhile I can't help but think to myself that the athlete in this situation (who almost always shows sympathy, "oh yeah I know what you mean, that sucks!") has gone through so many worse things...like maybe having to rehab from a muscle tear or having a broken bone and playing through them. Alex Polito and Kristen "Willis Reed" Beasley are tough. They both competed with tears. Competing in a intramural game with a bruise sustained from banging your knee on a door doesn't compare to that. While I'm sure it sucks...the injury suffered by a non-athlete is nothing close to that of an athlete's list of injuries, pain and suffering, yet I love how often people try to put them on the same level.

Quote Me

So every once in a while, while I am driving, or running or bored I come up with a great thought or a good quote...either funny or motivational. I came up with one tonight while I was running on the track.

Champions are made 364 days before the Championship.

Pretty self explanatory.

FINAL FOUR

I am beyond thrilled to say that my college sent our men's basketball team to the Final Four while I was in college. It is really cool to say that. Stanley Robinson is the reason that the Men have made it this far. He has been so good since the Syracuse game and is making many people look forward to next season (after this year is over) when he can dominate for an entire year. He has picked up for the injured Jerome Dyson. Kemba Walker was also sensational today vs. Missouri. That one handed shot was just amazing. We got a glimpse of how great he can be in the win today. I am thrilled that we won.

Baseball/Softball

So I saw George Springer hit another absolute bomb over the center field fence. This time it was a 3-run home run and it cleared the trees beyond center field. Peter Fatse also hit a home-run and it cleared the trees...well it apparently landed in shallow center field of the softball field. UConn split the double header with USF today, but won the first game with those home runs. Elliot Glynn pitched pretty well for UConn when I saw him in the game.

There wasn't too much to say about Softball today. They had a tough time dealing with tough conference opponent DePaul. Justyne Roy hit pretty well in the second game, going 2-3 with a single and double. Amy Deluca hit a home run and Sarah Neuschwander hit an absolute bomb too. Shortstop Jessica Arremony made some very nice plays in the field.

First exhibition game

In Sweden today, Stephanie Labbe's first exhibition game was a success. Pitea IF won 3-0 and Labbe was in goal for the game.

Friday Stuff

So I went to baseball after I went on a nice run on a gorgeous day. I stayed for the first 3 innings and that was fine. I saw the only two runs of the game and they were both scored by UConn. We beat South Florida 2-0. Freshman George Springer hit an absolute bomb over the center field fence in the 3rd inning. I was going to leave after the second inning but I wanted to see Springer's at bat...I made a good decision. John Folino was sensational on the mound. 7.2 innings and gave up only 3 hits and 3 walks.

Of course I was just so happy about UCONN LACROSSE. All week I had been saying that they were going to win. I gave Meghan Nanfeldt a hug after the heart-breaker that was the Brown game. I told her they were going to win on Thursday when I saw her. I saw Katy Ryan on Tuesday and I gave her a hug and whispered in her ear, win by 3 on Friday. They won by 2, but I'll take it. It felt so good for Lacrosse to win. They struggled last year and are now under a new coaching staff. After the game against Brown the team looked so deflated and I felt so bad. They made me depressed. But I did know that being depressed would be no good, that is why I went out of my way to tell everyone that Lacrosse was going to win on Friday. I mean everyone especially the players. The more they hear that they are going to win the more likely it will happen. I knew we were going to win. We had too. We had been playing too well for too long not to pick up a win. After the win on Friday against Cincinnati the team got a chance to celebrate. Meghan threw up her stick and the team celebrated on the field. It was the first win for Angela McMahon at UConn....first win of many I might add. I promised Meghan that I wouldn't shave as a good luck thing for the team. She'll let me know when I can shave next. Kiersten Tupper lead the team with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) M.E. Lapham scored 4 times and Whitney Michele scored 3 times.

Pitea IF

Stephanie Labbe's soccer team has an exhibition game tomorrow and their first match of the season will take place on Wednesday.

http://www.piteaif.se/dam/2009/03/traningsmatch-mot-umea-sodra-obs-kl1400/

http://women.soccerway.com/teams/sweden/pite-if/home

I just learned that Truppen in Swedish means Squad in English

I must say that I have never used Google Translator so much in my life.

This will help you interpret it all.

http://www.stars21.com/translator/swedish_to_english.html

My class

I finally was able to get in to Beginner's swimming. It will be a really great class for me to take considering that I have a lake house and can't swim...but I can fish.

If you would like to be blinded by my whiteness be sure to sign up too!

Sean came back

Well I haven't gotten around to talking about Sean, my young friend from Clark Elementary school in Hartford. I have worked with this kindergarten kid through Husky Sport since the beginning of this year. Sean's mother was in the marines in Japan. She couldn't handle him after a while so he was sent to Hartford to live with his grandma. He loves and needs attention, so I give it to him. I often play soccer with him because he likes to kick a ball. He also likes volleyball too. He has trouble paying attention to directions and he can turn into the class clown. He requires some work, but I enjoy the challenge of working with him. Him having a good day makes me so happy. I feel like I helped make a difference when he follows directions and behaves well. I hadn't seen Sean in a long time until about a week ago. I was so happy to see him. It made my day.

I don't really know what to say, but Sean is a great kid, who I hope gets what he needs to succeed in life. He certainly is a work in progress, but I can't say how important it is to stay and get involved in projects like Husky Sport that get people involved in helping others make the world a better place. I miss Sean, and getting the chance to work with him, but Sean made my day, and he and Husky Sport have been a large part of my life, so I feel like he should get some time on my blog. I talk about a lot of things that go on in sports and my life, but I think it's important that I mention Sean and some of the great things that take place because of Husky Sport. This program helps connect UConn students with kids in Hartford through sports and activities. I hope you get involved and support the program too. You will learn a lot through the program and will become a better person. You will grow and you will help others grow. You will get to form connections with people you never thought you would, and you will be forever grateful for the memories that occur through the program. I can't tell you how much it meant to just get to see Sean for such a short period of time, but it most certainly was noteworthy..and blog-worthy.

Something interesting to look out for this tournament

Apparently commentators or more likely to refer to a female athlete by their first name than last name.

A male athlete is more likely to be referred by his last name. aka Adrien for 2, not Jeff for 2.

It's an unconscious thing that is done by announcers.

In the middle of March Madness

UConn Football had one of its proudest days in the middle of our two basketball teams National Championship runs. When I came to UConn I dreamt of the Football team being ranked just once. After a 4-8 Freshman year, I wasn't too sure about that. Then they beat Louisville, Then South Florida. Then we rushed the field, then we were ranked. Then we beat Rutgers. Not only did we get ranked last year, but we also tied for the Big East Championship and also went to a respectable bowl, the Meineke Car Care Bowl. We followed it up with another solid season and went to the International Bowl and trounced Buffalo, and oh by the way, helped the Nation's leading rusher go over the 2,000 yard mark. Our Football program has almost overnight become the best program in the Northeast. We certainly can compete with Boston College. Notre Dame thinks it will have a cake walk with UConn. They certainly will not.

UConn football is about to have 3-4 first day picks. Possibly 3 players going in the first round. On top of that Cody Brown will be drafted, and I have little doubt that Julius Williams will be a late round pick. I might even add Dahna Deleston to late round pick status.

Imagine our school having 5 players drafted in one year. These guys weren't highly recruited, but they gave it their all. That's what is important, that is what is commendable. They have truly done amazing things. I mean, who ever thought that Bill Belichick, A.J. Smith and Drew Rosenhaus would ever visit Storrs, Connecticut. Randy Edsall has done a terrific job at UConn. He has built a fantastic program in no-time. We have state of the art facilities too. I once wanted to go to Miami for their football program. I'm glad I chose Connecticut because I got a better football program, the two best basketball programs and pretty good soccer programs too. I can't leave Our top notch Field Hockey program out either.

Having Darius Butler run a 4.38 and have Donald Brown continue to impress, having Will Beatty bench 30 reps was good too. On top of that Dahna Deleston ran a 4.45 40 and Julius Williams had something like a 41 inch vertical and benched 36 times in front of 21 NFL teams. Not CFL, NFL.

UConn football is really taking off, and I hope the rest of the nation notices. Especially all of New England. UConn needs to be New England's team. We need to be popular from Fairfield County all the way up to Maine. And can you believe our football players made ESPN's First Take?

Our football program has really impressed a lot of people really quickly. You know why? Blood, Sweat, Tears and Hard Work. That's something I will root for, Hard Work.

And by the way, don't think I didn't go crazy when I saw my Dallas Cowboys introduce Deon Anderson on NBC, and heard him say "Connecticut" for college. On top of that he scored a TD vs the Eagles. A UConn player, on the Cowboys scoring on National Television. Life doesn't get any better than that. Thankfully there are more great players to come, more great games and teams to watch and an overall great future for THE UCONN FOOTBALL Program. It's a great day to be a Husky. Even better when Bill Belichick asks to see Tyler Lorenzen play some safety in drills.

Tree Hill Ravens FC

The Tree Hill Ravens FC are undefeated after advancing to victory 2-0 in penalty kicks. The game ended 2-2. Tree Hill won on those penalty kicks. Nick Pellon was player of the game. He scored the game winning penalty kick to give Tree Hill the win. He kicked it hard off of the goalies arms and into the back of the net for the game winning penalty kick. He also scored a goal by kicking a laser beam for Tree Hill's First Goal of the match right before the end of the first half. It went right to the top corner of the goal. It was a key goal that got the scoring started for Tree Hill on the night. After a rocky start, Nick's goal helped keep his team in the game and gave the team momentum going into the second half.

The Goalie, The Mayor of Storrs, Ryan Marciel Grace was sensational during penalty kicks, as he stopped everything that was kicked too him. He was solid on the night, especially considering that it was only his 2nd career soccer game. One can only imagine how much Ryan will improve under the guidance of assistant coach, and team SID, RTP and goalie coach Amanda Schwartz.

Also, sorry, the week will have to start again. I couldn't help but think of Meghan Cunningham when I saw Nick Pellon give Tree Hill the win on Penalty Kicks. Meghan had the game winning penalty kick vs. WVU and that's the only other time I've ever seen a soccer game go into PK's...I also think Meghan had the game winning penalty kick vs BC the year before in the NCAA Tournament. Nick Pellon should be very excited that he reminded me of Meghan Cunningham. That basically means that he's Amazing. He's only missing the ness...but Amazingness is only reserved for one person and one person only...and we know who that is.

I love the new UConn Huskies

Really I do....especially the new video on the website. It gets no better than that. There are some amazing athletes in that video that only I know of. As a matter of fact 95% of UConn could only name two people in the video, Tina Charles and Scott Lutrus. Most importantly however Rebecca Murray, Aaron King, Josh Ford, Carin Knight, and Jillian Ortega were in it. Oh and of course BREANN CHEUNG and another kid who I regretfully don't know. Lauren Duffy of lacrosse was featured in it too. I also loved Lauren Ebert from the women's soccer team giving a millisecond piece at the end of the video.

It will take some getting used too, but I like it. I like that there is more content and hopefully, just hopefully they will show a clip of Cory Bildstein scoring a goal with 1.1 seconds left against Yale. As we all know, I am obsessed with that play. I think it deserves an ESPY.

On second viewing...Carin Knight owns that video. She owns it like she owns the high jump.

And Breann Cheung looked beautiful and sounded really smart. You should definitely hit up UConn Tennis this year. She's pictured on everything UConn Tennis.

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Go Tree Hill Ravens FC

Get Your Popcorn Ready

The Tree Hill Ravens FC have a game at Shenkman tonight at 7:30. Come support the best soccer goaltender at UConn not named Josh Ford or Stephanie Labbe, the Mayor of Storrs himself, Ryan Marciel Grace.

Intro Song

Elliot Glynn's Intro Song is one of my favorites. Cali Sunshine by "The Game." It's catchy and I just bought it on ITunes.

Cali Sunshine, Elliot Glynn's Intro Song

ESPN first take Take-Aways

Donald Brown's favorite food is Chicken Parm

Darius Butler's favorite movie is 300

Donald Brown's dream date is Jessica Biel

Darius Butler's favorite song is Stay by Sugarland...such a lie

Donald Brown and Darius Butler

Darius Butler is a 43 inch vertical

Donald Brown is a 41.5 inch vertical

Super Bowl Champs!

So as most of you know I love my Dallas Cowboys and I've gotten to watch them win 3 Super Bowls in the last 4 days. I have been dying considering that my team, well "America's Team" hasn't won a Super Bowl since 1995 (Jan 1996) in Super Bowl XXX. So what have I done to remember those glory days? I bought the ITunes/NFL Network America's Game programs on my 1992, 1993 and 1995 Cowboys. It's fun to watch my team actually win.

Congratulations Seth

My roommate Seth Rosenberg had a special guest sit next to him in Geography. He was very proud to tell me that Caroline Doty sat next to him.

He also said he studied with Erin Clark at his T.A.'s office hours once for accounting.

Seth lives the life of a rock star. Seth is only a little bit Irish, but obviously that small part is full of luck. You can't even imagine how many people wish they were Seth. Seth has sat next to two of the most popular athletes at UConn. I bet his girlfriend is really jealous.

On the other hand, how could his girlfriend be jealous? It's not like he has ever been blinded by Meghan Cunningham's Amazingness.

A correction

Earlier I stated that I could not understand how I always saw UConn soccer players in protective boots or on crutches etc...Like I thought it just happened too often.

Well after playing soccer, I completely understand why. I played for maybe 20 minutes on Friday and I banged knees with someone. I kept playing, it's not really an injury, but it's still pretty sore and it's now Monday.

UConn Softball news

I saw the box score from UConn's two wins today...I'm a little concerned that Rachael Crossin only threw 0.1 innings in a win. Hopefully she isn;t injured. But Jesse Stavola pitched well.

But really, Greg Mihailides and I are just absolutely pumped about one thing.

Justyne Roy hit a 3-run homerun... Greg and for some reason, me are just so excited when someone from the D-R does something worth writing about...because apparently there isn't much going on in that area. But if you are bored in Dighton or Rehoboth Massachusetts or just in the Providence area, make sure you go to Seekonk, Massachusetts and eat at EATS Restaurant.

UConn Tennis

On Saturday I went to watch the Tennis Teams play. It was interesting. Everyone was playing at the same time...and players used the honor system to make calls.

I like the coach Glenn Marshall for UConn. He seems nice and even keeled. Like he'd give good advice and keep you upbeat and motivated. A player's coach. I'd want to play for him.

And of course, the player who invited me to the match, BreAnn Cheung was absolutely amazing. She was sensational. She was better than Anna Kournikova in more ways than one. She over came hearing troubles from sinus problems to play well.

Some NCAA stuff

As of after the Vermont game.

Neither Women's Basketball nor Men's Basketball has lost in the Championship game.

It's the only round that the women's team is undefeated in.

With Geno's win over Vermont, Geno has 66 career NCAA tournament wins, surpassing Dean Smith of UNC for 3rd all-time on the NCAA women's win list.

15 of the 21 times that the women have made the NCAA tournament, they have gotten their by virtue of the Big East's automatic bid.

UConn has now won 25 straight NCAA Tournament games played in Gampel Pavilion

UConn women are now 66-15 in the NCAA tournament

41-5 since 2000 in the NCAA Tournament

UConn has won both the Big East regular season and tournament titles in 13 seasons....32 All Time Big East championships

Kalana Greene is 41 points shy of 1,000 for her career. So far this year, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Jerome Dyson. and A.J. Price have recorded their 1,000th career point. Jeff Adrien recorded his 1,000th rebound this year. Hasheem Thabeet is 9 points shy of 1,000 for his career.

Sue Bird is the only UConn Husky to record double digits in assists (11) in a NCAA Tournament Game.

Other UConn individual NCAA tournament records; Points: Kerry Bascom (39), Rebounds: Kelly Schumacher (17), 3 Pointers Made: Diana Taurasi and Ann Strother (6), Steals: Nykesha Sales (9), Blocks: Kelly Schumacher (9)

Team NCAA Records; Points (116), Largest Margin of Victory (72) 101-29 vs Long Island in 2001.

For some Reason Meghan Gardler becomes a 50% 3 pt shooter in the NCAA Tournament. She is now 4-8 all time in the NCAA tournament shooting 3's. Her career average is not worth writing...well it's in the 20's%

Geno is 9 wins shy of 700 for his career...That cannot be achieved in 2008-2009

Tina Charles moved passed Kara Wolters for 4th most Rebounds in UConn history.

She needs 4 to tie and 5 more to pass Peggy Walsh for 3rd most Rebounds in UConn history.

UConn is now 10-0 vs Vermont

UConn has had a deficit this year for a total of 45:16 (minutes and seconds) (trailed in 15 games)

Tiffany Hayes leads the team in charges taken.

UConn hasn't had back to back losses in it's last 572 games. That would have been March of 1993. UConn is 45-0 in games after a loss since then.

UConn is 94-6 in it's last 100 games.

UConn has won 115 straight games vs Unranked opponents

UConn has made a 3 pointer in it's last 252 games.

The game against Vermont was the 4th time this season and 59th in UConn history that UConn scores 100 or more points.

Since Jan 18, 2001 UConn is 131-8 in the regular season against Big East opponents.

For 303 consecutive weeks the UConn women's basketball team has been in the Top 25 of the rankings

All-Time UConn has been in the top 5 for 238 weeks

UConn has been ranked number one for a record 125 weeks all-time

UConn's 30 point victory over North Carolina was the largest ever by a road team in a 1 vs 2 match-up

Tahirah Williams has 88 points this season, leaving her 12 shy with 5 possible games left to record her 12 points. She scored her 225 career point today.


Renee Montgomery has 1,886 career points. She'd need to average 22.8 points over a possible 5 more games to reach 2,000 for her career.
Jacquie Fernades scored a career High 6 points in UConn's win vs Vermont.

With Tina Charles 32 points vs Vermont she surpassed 3 Huskies on the all-time scoring list. She is now 12th all-time with 1,560 points. She'd tie or pass Swin Cash for 11th all-time if she scores 23 or more points.

The Definition of Dedication

The Definition of Dedication is most surely Meghan Cunningham. We always knew she was amazing, but now we know that she's at least twice as amazing as before because guess what she was doing at 9:30 on a Sunday morning?

If you said going for a run then you would be correct. As I was preparing for work at the NCAA tournament I only saw one person running on the indoor track. It's true, the only person on Meghan Cunningham's level is Meghan Cunningham.

Also I saw Women's Ice Hockey goalie Christie Houser running on the track on a Friday night...That dedication is also on Meghan Cunningham level, as would Andre Dixon, who I saw lifting in the field house is also on Meghan Cunningham level. But being on Donald Brown's level next year would suffice.

OLE OLE OLE OLE

OLE OLE

Ok so I finally scored a goal in a soccer game. I am so proud of myself. I hadn't played soccer since I was about 8 years old. I was invited by a couple of people I met from the Lacrosse Tailgate that Meghan Nanfeldt invited me too so I will give Meghan an unofficial assist. I had no idea what I was doing, didn't understand the rules they just said they needed someone so I went in and played and played respectably I guess. BUT I SCORED A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!My defense was probably my best asset though. They were impressed with my defense.

With RTP's one goal, he now trails Meghan Cunningham by 4,598,098 career goals. I have a lot to do to catch up to Ms. Cunningham but clearly her amazingness (which apparently isn't a word so I am creating it to describe her) is what inspired me to play well.

Juggling

so for some reason I am trying to learn how to juggle a soccer ball. Not being able to do it bothers me. I am getting better. Our former women's soccer team goalie, and Canadian National Team member Stephanie Labbe watched me embarrass myself while we were in the middle of switching classes through Husky Sport at Clark Elementary School. Actually she once said "your getting it." She gave me some more confidence by saying that the ball I was using wasn't perfectly round. I'll keep working on it.


This is not me, but I wish it was

UConn Baseball

So I went to the UConn baseball game today. I made some changes this year at both lacrosse and baseball in terms of seating. I sit under the press box at both stadiums so I get a better view and hear more from the P.A. system. However, it was FREEZING today and the sun wasn't out.

John Folino was on the mound for the Huskies, he was one of the Yankees draft picks last year.

It was a great game even though it ended in a 7-6 UConn loss. West Virginia was on top for the entire game, but UConn came back each time except the last time to tie it up.

I loved Elliot Glynn's opposite field swing. He almost had a huge opposite field hit in the bottom of the 8th that would have given the Huskies another run. It went barely foul. Glynn picked up an opposite field single earlier in the game.

Mike Nemeth is great at first base defensively. He made a couple of nice picks today. As a matter of fact I'd compare both Nemeth and softball first baseman Justyne Roy to Doug Mientkiewicz.

Matt Burnett's hitting streak came to an end. He hit a ball really well up the middle with the bases loaded but West Virginia's defense was at the right spot so it ended up as a double play.

Mike Olt continued to play well. He roped a line drive RBI single today. He can hit.

By far I was most impressed by George Springer our freshman center fielder. He reminds me a lot of Jose Reyes when he is on the bases. The kid is fast and can makes things happen when he gets on. I love watching him play. He stole a base and advanced to third on a sac fly to left center field. He has wheels and he can hit. He hit a line drive single really hard and also hit a triple that barely missed being a home run. He can play and he is a lot of fun too watch.

An amazing accomplishment

Melissa Busque and Jessica Shufelt might be well known on the soccer fields. I know that they play soccer because I have watched them play at UConn. However, they are most famous for their indecisiveness in choosing seats in my Psychology class. My teacher actually complained that they couldn't find two seats in the sea of emptiness that would be my lecture hall. Seriously, Mo Vaughn could run a mile backwards when he is 70 before those two would figure out where to sit. I have seen them stare and contemplate the choosing of seats. It's like how the Crocodile Hunter used to go after the animals on his show. They try and find seats like Irwin tried to find dangerous animals. They move at just the right speed, and slowly stalk the lecture hall seats. As they move in towards the "chosen seats" they finally sit down and stun the lecture hall seats into submission.

However, today I was eating at South dining hall and I couldn't help but be impressed by their decisiveness in seat choosing. They found an empty table and sat down. They didn't treat the table and seats as if there might be an alligator around.

I did read that there was an Alligator found in the Connecticut River. I bet Meghan Cunningham pulled a Happy Gilmore on it.

It happened

Finally the men's basketball team won a post season tournament game!!!

Hasheem's Block on the dunk was so funny. As was Stanley Robinson's block and run back for 2.

Stanley Robinson was the player of the game. The men played flawless...which you do when you play a team like Chattanooga. We looked really good.

A.J. Price went on that streak of 3's and that sealed the deal.

Mandeldove........................

I felt so bad for John Lindner. I can't believe his put back rimmed out and that his free throws didn't fall. I was so happy for Jim Veronick and Johnnie Bird too.

It was an amazing game full of sportscenter top 10 plays....Stanley was in most of them...Normally I hate half court alley-oops but when your winning by 30 it's ok.

Great game, the men were a lot of fun to watch.

The Modern Day

The Modern Day Willis Reed is Kristen Beasley of the rowing team.

Thought you might like to know.

Whoaaa

I was at a great lacrosse game today. UConn fell just short but they scored 10 of the last 17 goals in the game.

The Harvard fans were so amazed by me and my blog that they were looking at me throughout the entire 2nd half....or maybe they were looking at Maya Moore. Not sure which.

Apparently I was surrounded at the lacrosse game by the greatest people on earth minus Meghan Cunningham.

The most popular women's athlete at UConn, Maya Moore was in front of me...as was the Women's Ice Hockey Team who I have an autographed stick from.

The Field Hockey team, who I will be working with through Communications next semester, was further down in front of me.

God's gift to soccer, Kacey Richards, was behind me.

The 2nd most popular women's athlete at UConn, Erin Clark was according to Matt Huang, also behind me...as were a couple other women's soccer players

The best fans that no one knows about, Wintana and Kyle were next to me.

Matt Huang who suffers through my dumb statistics all day, was next to me.

and of course most importantly, The Honorable Ryan Marciel Grace was next to me too.

I'm 100% sure that the UConn Lacrosse team is proud to know that the greatest people on earth besides them and Geno, Greg M, O'Brian White, Meghan Cunningham, Donald Brown, Craig Austrie, The Track Teams and Akeem Priestley were all sitting in the same section at the George J Sherman Complex.

Breaking UConn Athletic News

I overheard some breaking UConn athletic news. In 7-7 Spring Soccer Kacey Richards and Courtney Wilkinson Maitland scored goals against Central Connecticut...and UConn won.

And someone "claimed" to have scored on a bicycle kick. They are no Bacary Sagna. Well he bicycle kicked the ball out of the net to prevent a goal...so close.

They asked the mayor to announce this on UCTV. Thankfully for them R. Tim has good hearing, and as we all know more people read the RTPblog than watch UCTV. As a matter of fact they can actually google themselves and this information would come up. They told the Mayor of Storrs Ryan Marciel Grace that piece of news but if they were smart they would have told me. As even the Mayor would admit, I am the only person who would throw a parade because of this news and yell that information around campus with a bullhorn. They don't even realize that I would actually approve and promote the statues of both Kacey Richards and Courtney Wilkinson Maitland being built after their historic careers are over at the new, hopefully named "Morrone" Stadium.

It's the spring and I'm talking about Women's Soccer...what is wrong with me?

A lot.

As a matter of fact why don't I only write about women's soccer during the next 3 weeks of the NCAA tournament. As a matter of fact next year I will do a thorough break down of the Big East tournament for Women's Soccer...because actually I got it right this year. I had UConn facing Notre Dame in the finals...I sensed that UConn was getting hot at the right time of the year and that they could beat Georgetown, I also knew that they tied West Virginia and I knew that they could tie them again and win in penalty kicks...which they did...and then they faced Notre Dame...I wrote that actually a long time ago. It's saved on my computer if you don't believe me...But I actually got that right. I think that gives me some credibility.

Actually I wrote all of my anger out of my mind about Melissa Busque getting kicked in the head and happened to write about what I thought was going to happen in the tournament...No really I am so weird, I can't make that up. I really did that. I was going to write a book before I wrote this blog..but a blog is so much better for me considering I can be so random. Plus no one would read or pay to read a book that had, "Meghan Cunningham is amazing" at the end of every sentence.

Speaking of Kacey Richards, it was her who ran after the ball with 10 seconds left against Yale. That was the best hustle that I have ever seen in my entire life...after 89:90 of soccer she ran full speed after a ball in her own half of the field to see if UConn could somehow tie Yale...A handball occured in the box and Cory Bildstein bent it like Bildstein and past the Yale goal keeper to tie the game. I never shut up about how great Bildstein's goal was...but it never would have happened with out Richards getting the ball...soccer is a team game. Cory gets all the credit, Kacey deserves a lot of it.

And Yes Ryan Grace I remember a soccer game from September, just like I remember taking a Companion Animals test last March 4th. I remember it because the lacrosse team wanted people to go to their games, so I went to their first game of the season, and I even remember that it was raining out.

And I wrote more than I was going to about Women's Soccer.

It's Spring, they aren't in season. I am weird.

Read it and Weep

According to Dr. Fink, of the 11 schools to have both there men's and women's teams seeded as one seeds, never have both of those teams reached the final four....and which team do I think is more likely to win it...The Women.

in 2004, the Women were a 1 seed and the Men were a 2 seed.

Football starts today

First spring practice is today for UConn football and I can't wait to read about Andre Dixon tearing it up and actually to hear about how our new offense will run. The QB battle should be interesting but I like Zach Frazer's arm and I hope he gets the chance to start this season. The defensive line also is interesting to me with the loss of Cody Brown and Julius Williams. We still have Lindsay Witten and I liked the rest of the line last year. Just wonder if they can replace those two that left. I like Robert McClain at corner replacing Darius and as always with UConn football I am interested in our receiving corps.

But mostly I can't wait to watch Andre Dixon at his peek again.

Also Matt Burnett extended his hitting streak to 16 games.

Holy Crap

Here is a catch

Baseball Bloopers

Lacrosse

I love the lacrosse team. I ended my spring break early to work the Lacrosse game vs. Syracuse. I am really glad I did. It was a great game. As most people know UConn is in it's first season with a new head coach and was going against powerhouse Syracuse. We lost to Syracuse 24-4 last year and both UConn and Syracuse were virtually the same teams player wise from last year. UConn's M.E. Lapham scored first in the game but things seemingly went downhill from there. Syracuse looked as if they were going to dominate and they jumped out to a 6-1 lead. However UConn came back and scored 3 goals in a row to make it a game before half-time. It only continued to get more exciting as UConn scored two more goals after half-time to tie the game at 6. Syracuse scored and than M.E. Scored her 4th of 5 goals to tie the game at 7 again with less than 20 minutes left...against one of the best teams in the country. UConn ended up losing 13-8 but they played extremely well and made the game very exciting. With performances like that I expect that lacrosse will get over the hump very soon.

After the game I was invited to the team tailgate by my friend Meghan Nanfeldt. It was really appreciated since I was back on campus and most of the places with food on campus were closed. After some games the team has a tailgate for the players and their families. The families bring food and cook on the grill. I thought that was pretty cool.

Just learned this

read this on rivals.com from Zac Boyer

UConn Men Won Championships in 1999 and 2004 when they were in the West Region

We are the 1 seed in the West Region

i found Khalid El-Amin

Khalid El-Amin

A soccer song

I know this song is played at UConn Soccer and Lacrosse

In case you were wondering

Campione

A few things

Tricia Sullivan threw 28 innings this week (Sunday 3-8 until Saturday March 14) and gave up 2 earned runs

Matt Burnett has a 15 game hitting streak. Apparently he was injured last year, but he looks to be a big part of UConn baseball and looks like someone who is worth watching. A lineup with Burnett LePage and Olt is pretty good. Can't forget Elliot Glynn too who was drafted out of high school by the Devil Rays.

M.E. Lapham has been on fire for Women's Lacrosse. Absolutely on fire. Her and Kiersten Tupper, both freshman, have come up a huge for the Huskies. UConn Lacrosse is just waiting to get over the hump. They are going to pick up a few wins. Add those freshman with the talents of Katy Ryan, Kim McGinty and Whitney Michele on offense and Lacrosse will upset a team or two. I also was impressed with freshman Anna Wallingford at goal and UConn's defense against the highly regarded Syracuse team.

Funny Realization

I just realized that I could introduce myself to 70% of UConn Athletes and claim to be their biggest fan...and unlike many cases it would be 100% accurate.

My biggest Pet Peeve

My Biggest Pet Peeve, as a UConn student...is seeing Boston College gear anywhere on campus. No UConn student should be wearing BC stuff. None...They left the Big East...Absolutely None, NO BC GEAR especially in the fall when it's football season...BC is the only competition in the Northeast for UConn football...so please please don't wear there stuff around this campus or for that fact anywhere....and to the people who go to a BC game during football season to root for BC please transfer. Honestly BC annoys me more than any other school.

I'm Catholic and my dad, Aunt and Uncle are BC alums and I still hate seeing UConn students supporting BC athletics, especially during football season. Creating the perception that BC is as good or better than UConn is the only reason that UConn is not considered a significantly better program than BC...

And Don't throw out any Matt Ryan stuff...I'll take Dan Orlovsky over him any day...ok maybe not...but don't expect UConn to get better when some of their students are enthusiastic enough to travel to BC to watch a game.

Randoms

Well Stamford High School finally won a FCIAC Basketball Championship...We finally beat Trinity Catholic High School...(One of the top programs in the state...Produced UConn Huskies Rashamel Jones and Craig Austrie...Duke's Dave McClure...and future Division 1 player Tevin Baskin)

My High School has also won 20 state football championships...but none since 1971...We have won back to back State Field Hockey Championships. I'm still amazed that any of our teams won...

Our Football team has also produced several good college football players lately, including One of Temple's Linebackers, Alex Joseph. We have another recruit who has been reportedly offered by a lot of big time programs. Should be interesting to see where he goes. They are gonna help put Stamford on the map. Actually Stamford High Football has gotten over $825,000 in scholarships for players since 2004...but no championships other than city championships.

Anyway in other sports news...

Team Canada finished 2nd of 8 in the 2009 Cyprus Cup. The Cyprus Cup is a women's soccer tournament. Canada lost 3-1 to England in the championship match.

For those of you who care
1. England
2. Canada
3. France
4. New Zealand
5. Holland
6. South Africa
7. Scotland
8. Russia

Why the big deal about this event...Senior UConn goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe is on the Canadian National Team. Figured some of you might want to keep tabs on how her new team is doing.

In 12 games in Ireland Mel Thomas is averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game. She is making 68.4% of her free throws and 36.5% of her 3 pointers. Her team, Bausch & Lomb Waterford Wildcats, are 9-5 and currently in the leagues playoffs. I had no idea Ireland had a women's basketball league...You probably didn't either. Now you do.

MBB Syracuse. STANLEY ROBINSON...and I'm still typing.

Stanley Robinson played out of his mind tonight. He was truly on Meghan Cunningham level tonight. I was very pleased with how he played. Cleaned up garbage around the rim, rebounded, played D and hit mid range jumpers. Phenomenal performance by Stanley tonight. Best game I have seen him play for UConn. He used his amazing athletic abilities to his advantage on the court tonight. This is huge for UConn and our chances. Stanley was Tremendous, Sensational, game changing and I've been waiting, just waiting to say this and finally I can. A huge game for Stanley which will be huge for his confidence and great for our chances from here on out. Very happy about his play tonight and his play lately. He's played out of his mind tonight when we needed it most.

Stanley Robinson is the Player of the Game.

Craig Austrie, I admit is struggling, but he continues to knock down big shots when he needs to.

Gavin Edwards also made some good hustle plays.

Hasheem's dive in 1st OT was also big.

And Jeff Adrien just seems to be able to hit jumpers from the elbows like they are lay-ups.

And A.J. is our big time, big shot guy

What an amazing game. What an amazing game. What an amazing game.

But you know what...I still would rate Cory Bildstein's kick to send it to OT better than this game...but not by much...But this beats every other UConn game that I've seen. Including the game we rushed the field against South Florida. And I'm being serious too about Cory's kick being a better moment. I just didn't think that we would pull it out. I was hopeful but just the way the game was going it would have been completely unexpected to anyone not on the women's soccer team that UConn would pull out a win vs Yale...The ball was on the other side of the field with 10 seconds left...With 5 minutes left and UConn down by 5 vs Cuse I said that we'd win or were at-least going to make it a game. I expected us to pull it out. That's the difference...this basketball game has so many twist and turns. It was an amazing game...but Cory's kick was better in my mind...it should also tell you that unbelievable sports moments can happen in sports other than basketball in months other than March. You can see something unbelievable at any sporting event.

Well I wrote that thing about Cory being better after 2 OT's...debatable..very debatable...I'll hold my ground...It's still better...

Ok well we lost so Cory's game is still better because UConn won that one.

Wait we won...idk Cory sorry. Wait UConn is going to lose,

Finally UConn won a Men's Big East Tournament game while I was a student. It took awhile but it will be memorable.

I've been waiting to hit post forever now. I've been writing for about 3 OT's now.

Meghan Cunningham won the poll for best Varsity two sport athlete. No surprise since my readers think/know that she can walk on water. My readers would say that Meghan Cunningham is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

But The other 3 athletes deserve the same recognition that I give Ms. Cunningham. I chose her because she showed up to a Tree Hill Ravens game and Ryan Grace thinks that she is an Angel.

Kaili McLaren couldn't stop talking about how impressed she was with Ashley O'Brien in the Big East Tournament.

Ellis Gaulden has done some impressive things even though he has been battling injuries.

And no one talks about Ice Hockey but Dominique Thibault is truly gifted. She dominates on the Ice. Truly dominates. She will leave UConn the best Women's and maybe all time Ice Hockey Player ever to play here.

Ok I can't compare Cory and her kick to this game. It's not fair to either Cory or this Game. Both were unbelievable. I would like to have video tapes of both...and have a marathon of both of these games on ESPN Classic. And I can't make up my mind. 5 OT;s is just crazy...and so was Cory's kick.

I was waiting for Mandeldove to come in...

Maybe Johnnie Bird, Jim Veronick or John Lidner. Imagine if they scored the game winning shot! Like the only points in their career wins a Big East Tournament game in OT vs Syracuse in MSG. This game has gone on so long I can think about this.

Here's a shocker. 1st 5 OT game ever in the history of either team.

According to John Altavilla's Hartford Courant Blog a Quinnipiac Poll was conducted. Most popular team in CT is the Women's Basketball Team at 29%. Men's Basketball is 2nd at 22%. UConn Football has 3%. Connecticut is probably the only state where the Women's Basketball team of their State University is more popular then the State Universities Football and Men's Basketball Programs.

According to Mike Anthony's Hartford Courant Blog. Hasheem Thabeet is currently averaging 4.27 blocks. The School leader is Emeka Okafor at 4.28 blocks per game. Hash could over-take Emeka by the end of the year.

I was surprised that Mandeldove wasn't in for Gavin Edwards.

And don't we just love Scottie Haralson.

Kyle Lyddy and Jordan Rich have been great team managers tonight. My Mom went to bed at 11:22. Told her it would be a good game. It is now 1:02 am...as Matt Huang said it's now Friday the 13th.

Ok now it's the 6th Overtime

And I guess I was wrong. Still haven't won a Big East game yet.

I could write a book now. This is kind of cool though. RTP's thoughts during Over-Time of a basketball game.

Did Softball win? Doesn't say yet. Need to look on San Diego's website

UCONN SOFTBALL WON 4-3

Jillian Ortega hit the game winning Homerun.

Justyne Roy also had a double to left center that earned her one RBI.

So UConn Softball won in extra innings tonight...cool

Shoot we are gonna lose in basketball. This doesn't look good at all. I've still never seen UConn win a Big East tournament game.

Cory Bildstein's kick is still better...because UConn won that game. At least she's happy. I'm not

It's 1:12 am

Please hit a couple of 3's Scottie or Craig

I guess it's not exactly over yet.

Ok it's over, we lost.

I have to throw out OT I guess...Stanley is still player of the game. So many people who don't usually play are playing now.

I like seeing Jeff Adrien diving on the floor with 6 OT's.

I feel horrible...I jinxed us...According to Matt Huang the Mayor Of Storrs jinxed UConn too.

This is an epic post throughout the Over-Times of an epic game....but I don't want the replay of it because we lost. It sucks that Stanley Robinson's performance will be forgotten.

I dislike Devendorf. Sit down and shut up.

Ok Scottie, make it interesting. ok now it's over. My mom went to bed almost exactly 2 hours ago.

I was wrong I was sure we'd win... I feel like we should have. We didn't. Good game...unless your a UConn fan.

Don't show this on ESPN Classic. Still have never won a Big East tournament game while I've been to UConn and accepted to UConn. Show Cory Bildstein's kick. That ought to make me happy.

Stanley Robinson you are the man. I spoke too much about Cory Bildstein, I probably am making Meghan Cunningham mad.

It's 1:24 am

I'm mad and depressed.

My favorite NFL player was

RTP's favorite NFL player

and again

and some UCOnn

Coach Outburts remix

Awkward Interview

Amazing announcing...I can't even imagine what it would have been like if soccer commentators were broadcasting Cory Bildstein's kick.

ridiculous info

M.E. Lapham of the Women's Lacrosse team scored 88 goals in her high school career...which is more goals than 3 of the 5 varsity women soccer players who listed the amount of goals scored in high school.

(Now that's an interesting fact...however you can't read into that too much...strength of opponents and coaching styles all can effect the amount of goals scored...it's an interesting piece of information but don't read into it too much)

Julie Towers has been on fire for the Softball team so far this year. She has been great at the plate. She has made both All-Tournament teams that UConn has been in and was named to the Big East honor roll

Women's track was 13th in the country

Kiersten Tupper of Women's Lacrosse appears to be making a big impact so far this season.

Make it 32

UConn has now won 32 Big East Championships.

Maya Moore was Maya Moore. That's like Meghan Cunningham x 4. That's just how amazing Maya is.

(I think it would be hilarious if someone asked Geno, how good is Maya Moore? ...or a teammate that question and they gave that answer above.

Yeah that was quite a game wasn't it.

Maya was hitting 3 after 3 and just did everything you could hope for in a player.

I think that Tina Charles and Kalana Greene are playing some of their best basketball of the year now. Tina has been unstoppable and was only one rebound shy of a double double in the first half...something Geno wants Tina to have at half-time of every game. Kalana has been really impressive and looks 100% like the player at the beginning of last season.

Also UConn didn't have to score a point in the 2nd half and they still would have won by double-digits....in the Big East Championship game...against the #5 team in the country.

I don't think that if I was Courtney Paris (Oklahoma) I'd guarantee to pay my $64,000 scholarship if they didn't win the NCAA championship. With UConn, plus many other solid teams like Maryland, Louisville etc. in it It's kind of like investing in a company that lost $100 billion in a year, stock price fell by 95% and is rumored to go bankrupt the next day.

I saw Greg M handing out Championship T-Shirts to the players after the game...I wonder if they go as crazy for those shirts as the people in the stands do for the Citgo Launch Squad and Cheerleaders. I wonder if Greg has taken any abuse from the players when handing out those shirts.

And I wonder how my people in the stands yell at him for one of the shirts.

Out of 617 College Basketball teams UConn Women's Basketball is the only team that is undefeated.

A Maya Moore Block for you

Here is an amazing block..that I saw happening...I felt bad for the Villanova player when she went up to take the shot because I knew it was going to be blocked. You can also play where's Waldo in the crowd. You never know what two amazing people you will see...on the end of the bench...and in the crowd... (And I know your thinking Meghan Cunningham because she is so amazing, but it's not her this time)

Maya Moore BLOCK


and Jonathan at a 1981 soccer game

and how about highlights of a UConn team doing well in Tampa/St.Pete

UConn owns Tropicana Field in 1999

T.O.

Apparently Terrell Owens took a shot against UConn in the NCAA Tournament while on Chattanooga. Who knew?

Ryan Won

So Ryan Grace won the poll for best two-sport athlete at UConn. No real surprise there though. Ryan doesn't seem like the kind of person who would want to vote for himself either. He was elected mayor fair and square.

4X800

Sophomore Dan Holst,Junior Mike Rutt and Senior's Brian Gagnon and Steve Iannaccone had the fastest college time in the 4x800 since 1993. It was the 11th fastest collegiate time ever and the tops so far in 2009. They ran it in 7:20:09 which is equivalent of running a mile in about 3:40...except half-way through you get to sub someone else in.

Plus Dan Holst is a member of the Citgo Launch Squad. Put those two things together an he's almost at Meghan Cunningham's level.

Ellis Gaulden won the Long Jump at 7.28 meters or 23 feet 10 and 3/4 inches.

I just saw Ohio State win the Women's Big 10 Championship in basketball. Couldn't help but think that Dr. Fink is really happy.

Funny/Bad weather Football games

The Fog Bowl in 1988 between the Bears and Eagles in the Divisional Playoffs first round. Fog descended on the field so that you couldn't see anything...This game seems so cool.

Fog Bowl

Or the 1981 AFC Championship game between the Bengals and Chargers. It was -9 at the game with a wind chill of -59

At the Ice Bowl between the Cowboys and Packers was -15 and the field was almost an ice rink. Vince Lombardi didn't want his team to wear gloves to make them be tough...thankfully they wore gloves. The ref had a metal whistle for the game...after the first time he blew the whistle the whistle got stuck to his mouth...he had to rip it off of his lips with caused his lips to bleed...and then the blood froze...After that play they no longer used the whistles, they just yelled stop to the players.

Vote for Ryan Marciel Grace when it really counts

Help send Ryan Marciel Grace to the Final Four

I believe that all you need to do is to rate the you-tube video with a 5 rating. The More Votes The Better.

Here is what it says on facebook:

I really need your help guys. I was entered into a contest that could potentially send me to the Final Four for free!! It will take less than a minute of your time. Go to the link and rate and tag this video. If you have any videos or pictures of your own, tag them and put them on the website. Vote often and rate high, please... With your help I can make it to Detroit.

Thank you all again.

Your boy,
Ryan Marciel Grace

UConn Pitt

Pitt is just a really scrappy team who hustles a lot. Everytime I watch them play it seems like they are playing with an extra guy.

We also missed too many free-throws...but atleast we did get to the line a lot.

Here is a news flash...I like how Stanley Robinson played...As a freshman I expected him to be the next Rudy Gay...now I expect him to clean up garbage around the rim, play defense and get rebounds. He's been doing that well and it makes me happy. I also like him taking more shots because I think it's indicative of him being more confident on offense. At some point they will fall.

I was very happy with Kemba Walker and A.J. Price too.

Random's

Have you heard of Coach Q???? I think he may have just left Hartford...Hope you didn't miss him.

I found out that Kathy Les of the rowing team qualified to be part of the U.S. Olympic Development Camp. She was one of the top 25 entries world wide.

That last bit of information came from rower Kristen Beasley...just figure I should cite it.

Patrick Ewing has nothing on

Patrick Ewing has nothing on Isiah Moore. Isiah Moore of the UConn Football team, number 83 is the all time leading scorer at Cambridge High School. He beat Patrick Ewing's record.

I can't cite that information...That's just what the word on the street is.

Striking Similarities

1995 Women's Basketball went undefeated 7 years later they went undefeated in 2002. 7 years later (2009) they are undefeated once again...Thank You Matt Huang for noticing that. He also noticed these following things too.

In 1995 Rebecca Lobo was a senior and was National Player of the Year. Kara Wolters was a sophomore and was player of the year 2 years later as a senior. (Jennifer Rizzotti won it in 1996...UConn had 3 years in a row for National Player of the Year)

In 2002 Sue Bird was a Senior and was National player of the year. Diana Taurasi was a Sophomore and was National Player of the year 2 years in a row as a junior and senior. (UConn had 3 National Championships and 3 National Players of the Year in a row)

In 2009 Renee Montgomery is a senior and Should be National Player of the Year if UConn goes all the way..and undefeated using Matt Huang's 7 year rule. 2 Years later Maya Moore will be a senior and she should be the National Player of the Year then and actually in her next two seasons too. (There is a very good possibility that UConn will win 3 National Championships and 3 National Players of the Year in a row)

I was wondering

I wonder, does the rowing team need to know how to swim?

Anyone know? I'd appreciate some feedback.

I got some feedback...I believe that they have to take a test...but it's rare that a boat flips...And The worst two things for rowers are wind and lightning...not rain.

Thought that was interesting.

So mark April 4th on your date. Go support the rowing team at Coventry Lake. If you have to stay on campus then go support Track and Field.

Then on April 18th go support Track and Field.

The Official News Source

I am proud that I am the official news source for the Mayor of Storrs, Ryan Marciel Grace. He could read the New York Times, The Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post or the Daily Campus. He'd rather read the RTPblog and that makes me proud.

Because he gets his news here he knows several things that the average person doesn't know.

Greg Mihailides is amazing.

Meghan Cunningham is beyond amazing, she is out of this world. She is as Isaac Hayes would say "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic"

Madeline Northrop is to Rowing what Tom Brokaw is to NBC.

Kaili McLaren is the best passer ever in the history of basketball.

Nick Pellon and I know what the true meaning of Jerk is.

Cory Bildstein's kick was called "The Kick Heard Round Campus" (Even if that kick didn't go Platinum.)

I hope you got that last one...but my roommate didn't...

The Tree Hill Ravens Kick Ass

Ryan Grace got me

I am famous for being able to nit pick my way through media guides. I find inconsistencies in media guides about sports that only I read about.

Example would be that Melissa Lucas's page is completely left out of the softball media guide.

Stephanie Burra of Lacrosse is said to have been born in 1980

I had Lauren Lamberti's birthday fixed

Danika Ham was born in 2990

Lauren Aird's stats are a little off in her freshman year between online and the media guide.

The Women's Basketball team has 9 final fours and just won their 31st Big East Championship....no one will notice that problem anymore...only a few people know what I am talking about and that's just fine.

Meghan Nanfeldt not Megan Nanfeldt on the poster

Sami Evelyn and Kristen Russell were mixed up on a hockey program.

Margot Demere was called a junior on one of the volleyball programs.

but Ryan got me. I spelled Dominique wrong. It should be that in the poll and not Dominque.

Ryan got me. It's like catching Meghan Cunningham in tag. Rare, but it happens.

Which reminds me. Ryan Grace continues to run away with the best two sport athlete poll...

Meghan Cunningham is running away with the varsity two sport athlete poll...

The Women's Basketball team are apparently the best fans on campus...according to you guys...we'll see about that...I'll be the judge at the end of the year...Football, and the soccer teams are pretty good fans too.

Renee Montgomery was the player of the game vs. Rutgers.

and just so you know

Ryan Marciel Grace is the man...I just learned how to use bold. Nick Pellon and I see eye to eye on the two most important things in life. One of those would be Kaili McLaren's beautiful passing.

Watching this is fun

Who doesn't like to watch UConn beat Tennessee

UConn vs Tennessee OTL

End of an era

I absolutely love reporting on the women's basketball team. I love listening to the players and Geno talk. They are all nice, insightful and funny. They are a joy to listen to. However, with my change in majors I am trying to focus on working with the team and not reporting on the team. I have concentrated my work lately on working in the athletic department and getting in to grad school. I will not be covering the women's team for either tournament this year. I am sad on many levels but also very excited for the new opportunities that will be coming to me.

I think it's fitting that the final game that I will likely ever report was the last regular season women's game at Gampel Pavilion. It's now my turn to help the team in whatever way possible and resume being one of the teams biggest and most loyal fans. Although I am sure that there are some people who will be able to claim that they are bigger fans than I. Greg M knows who I am talking about.

Kai and Maya sing the national anthem

Kaili and Maya rock the Mic

I need a hoodie

One of my favorite things about UConn athletes are those free hoodies they get. A lot of people don't know why they get them and why so many athletes walk around with their hoodies up inside or in class, or when the weather is fine and you don't normally need the hoodie up. However UConn athletes aren't your average person. Having a hoodie and having it up is a necessity. You have no idea when the paparazzi will show up to South Dining Hall on a Sunday Afternoon or at 8am on a Tuesday Morning in the Business School. When you are as famous as a UConn athlete you will understand. Athletes need those hoodies to make sure that they aren't photographed with their ex or with a new fling or get caught having a bad hair day because they know that it will be published in the tabloids for everyone to see.

But what concerns me is that I don't get a free hoodie. As a member of the T-Shirt launch squad and poster give-away team my privacy is of prime concern. I am exposed to more people at a basketball or football games than most UConn athletes are in their entire careers. Considering that people will die for T-Shirts and posters I think it's vital to the interests of the police and my privacy that I get a free hoodie for me to wear and constantly have covering my head so that my life is safe and so that my privacy is maintained.


To explain this a little more, I find it sad, funny and pathetic that as a member of the T-Shirt launch squad that some people recognize me around campus. Some people recognize me more than some All Big-East athletes in smaller sports and that's pathetic. I try to tell all of the stories behind the kids with the hoodies up...

FYI- it was crazy handing out posters after the Seton Hall Women's game. It was insane. People were pushing and shoving to get a poster. Everyone was supposed to get one, but for most people that wasn't enough. They tried to take 5 or 10 or 40. Adults even pushed kids out of the way to get life size posters. (Imagine what they'd do if it was a Meghan Cunningham and Ryan Grace poster) One person even tried to take off someone's watch to get a poster. People go crazier for posters and T-Shirts than free money.

Senior Day

Well as most of you know I haven't won the student ticket lottery for men's basketball for 3 straight years and I refuse to pay $20 for a single game. I only get to go to games when I work them or when my friends donate a ticket to me. I want to thank Chris Trotta for giving me his ticket yesterday. I was able to enjoy my first men's game as a fan this year and it was the Notre Dame game on CBS.

First of all Jeff Adrien was sensational

I was really glad that I was able to see Coach Calhoun's 800 wins recognized in Gampel and to see John Toner's name added to the Huskies of Honor.

I was equally as happy to be working the game when Renee Montgomery was the first active Husky over to be inducted in to the Women's Huskies of Honor.

The best and most special moment to me was to see Craig Austrie and the rest of the Senior class recognized for their achievements at UConn. Craig is from Stamford and I have a lot of pride for my hometown and Craig. I love the way Craig plays. I don't think it shows up in the stats well, but I believe that UConn plays much more calmly with him in. The offense just runs better with him to me. Austrie will probably be remembered for his South Florida shot and also for filling in for someone else. (Marcus Williams, Jerome Dyson) He was a solid player and it's really nice to see a Connecticut high school player get to play at our State University and it's top notch basketball program. Austrie, Price and Adrien have been through a lot. From high expectations to the disappointment in the 2006 Elite 8 to a school I care not to mention, to a dreadful 2007 season, to a 2008 season arguably cut short because of Price's injury and back to a very, very successful 2009 season. I hope that Austrie, like Trinity Catholic's Rashamel Jones, graduates and wins a National Championship in the same year. (and isn't it funny that that happened 10 years ago?)

For the Women they are losing a couple of great players and personalities. Tahirah Williams is such an engaging person and she will most surely succeed in the TV business should she succeed. She has made a lot of great contributions to the team in terms of spirit and in practice for her entire career and this year she has helped the team by coming off the bench and making a good contribution. I was so proud that she lead the team with 17 points at Gampel against Holy Cross. Cassie is an artist and spends lots of time working on her craft. I distinctly remember being 100% confused as a Freshman when I saw Cassie Kerns taking photos outside of the North dorms. I couldn't understand why on earth she would be taking pictures of those dorms. Renee Montgomery will leave UConn as one of the best players to ever play here. She is a tremendous leader and has been captain for 3 seasons. I hope she wins a championship because she really deserves one. She is often forgotten about because of the success of everyone else on her team but you just can't forget about Renee.

I am glad that I worked the senior night for the women. I am glad I got to see the Senior Day ceremonies again. I also loved that Maya Moore and Kaili McLaren got to sing the National Anthem. They did a great job and I heard that they did a lot of practicing in order to do that. The women's basketball team is musically talented. Even their managers can rock the mic.

Maya Moore passed Jessica Moore on the UConn career point list yesterday. She now has 1,233 points and is 27th in school history in points and her Sophomore year is not yet ever. Renee Montgomery is now tied for third with Sue Bird with 585 career assists.

Maya was the player of the game because she lead the team in points, rebounds (tie), assists, steals and blocks. Matt Gade was team manager of the game.