Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
UMASS is a rival?
I couldn't help but notice how much the UMASS fans hated UCONN. They refused to take giveaway items that said UCONN on them. It wasn't that they didn't want them, it was "how dare you even think I would want that." It's funny because we are a rival to UMASS. UMASS thinks that UCONN is a big rival and that goes back to the old Yankee Conference, and Men's Basketball rivalry. To UCONN fans, UMASS is not a rival of ours. We don't see a UMASS shirt and have the same reaction that we would have to a Tennessee, Duke, Notre Dame or Syracuse shirt.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Much More Success
So I had much more success cross country skiing this morning on the frozen lake. I got up at 7:30 ate breakfast and than bundled up for a quick early morning adventure. I was able to get into a rhythm so I looked like I sort of knew what I was doing. It was probably 10 degrees with some 40 mile an hour gusts out of the north. My fingers quickly got cold.
(Even though I am allergic to the cold, as long as I am moving around I am ok)
I did stop earlier than I was planning to because I got to a part on the lake where my ski poles broke the ice and uncovered some slush. The ice was supposed to be 6 inches thick, enough to drive cars on, but I didn't trust this spot. Today it will freeze even more, but unfortunately I won't be around after about noon today.
All in all it was a good experience. I thought I made some good progress, and I thought that I was actually moving today. It was fun and I look forward to going again.
(Even though I am allergic to the cold, as long as I am moving around I am ok)
I did stop earlier than I was planning to because I got to a part on the lake where my ski poles broke the ice and uncovered some slush. The ice was supposed to be 6 inches thick, enough to drive cars on, but I didn't trust this spot. Today it will freeze even more, but unfortunately I won't be around after about noon today.
All in all it was a good experience. I thought I made some good progress, and I thought that I was actually moving today. It was fun and I look forward to going again.
Monday, December 28, 2009
99 Restaurant
I also went to a 99 Restaurant today. I saw a couple sitting next to each other and having dinner. It Looked like they were out on a date but they were texting for a minute or two and not talking to each other. I couldn't tell if it was a really really bad date or if one of them had laryngitis.
Invictus
Well I actually got to a movie theater and I saw the movie Invictus. I loved the movie that is about the Rugby World Cup in South Africa and how South Africa beat New Zealand. It also shows Nelson Mandela and how he lead South Africa. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon are stars in the movie. Morgan Freeman is a great actor.
Anyway, the movie shows how sports can unite and bring people together. The final two lines of the poem Invictus (and of the movie) are inspirational. If your an athlete at UConn you should watch it, or atleast read the poem with a focus on the last two lines of the poem.
Here is the link to the poem
http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/3981/?letter=P&spage=10
Here is the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovkye6lac
One part of the movie also shows how stressful watching the game can be.
I can honestly say that I probably have never been more stressed than I was when I was on the sidelines of the 2009 Women's Soccer NCAA Tournament First Round game between Thee UC and Boston U. For the last 30 minutes my blood pressure was probably off of the charts. The end of the game was so nerve wracking. You knew the game was going to be a 1-0 affair so every shot taken by either team had me on edge. I was so anxious to get the ball cleared out of our defensive half of the field and I was somewhat relieved when the ball was in our offensive third.
I was so happy when Brittany Taylor scored and I must say that I knew Taylor was going to score based on how she was running down the field. The moment the ball hit the back of the net I was finally able to not be on edge. Even though I had all the confidence in the world that we would win I couldn't have watched Penalty Kicks if it had gotten that far. If we had to go to PK's I was going to go behind the bench. I planned that out well in advance of the last overtime.
I felt like reliving that play and moment, because that moment was awesome even for someone who doesn't play.
And here is a picture of a celebration.
http://mansfield.htnp.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/uconn-wins1.jpg
I must say that I had the exact opposite feeling after the other game that weekend. I didn't feel stressed. After the other game I felt sort of purposeless. I say that because when a season is over things change. There were no longer home games for me to work at. There were no longer practices for me to help out at several days a week (which considering my schedule helped bring structure to my day). Your so used to playing and practicing. Your so used to the routine that it's sort of hard when it hits you that it's over. It effects someone like me, who is a senior, harder. I still don't know what I'm doing next year. For all I know that could be the last time I'm ever working directly with a team. I may work in administration and not really be a part of a team, but rather work for a group of teams.
After the game I remember just staring into the crowd outside the gates. I didn't think. I just stared into oblivion. I didn't know what to say to anyone and I think it was a good thing that I had a 90 minute drive back to campus to just sit and think (and pay attention to traffic). I remember getting to campus and not wanting to get out of my car as if somehow staying in the car would mean that the season would continue. I think I sat in my parked car with my door open for 10 minutes debating about whether or not I should stay in or get out of my car.
Anyway, the movie shows how sports can unite and bring people together. The final two lines of the poem Invictus (and of the movie) are inspirational. If your an athlete at UConn you should watch it, or atleast read the poem with a focus on the last two lines of the poem.
Here is the link to the poem
http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/3981/?letter=P&spage=10
Here is the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovkye6lac
One part of the movie also shows how stressful watching the game can be.
I can honestly say that I probably have never been more stressed than I was when I was on the sidelines of the 2009 Women's Soccer NCAA Tournament First Round game between Thee UC and Boston U. For the last 30 minutes my blood pressure was probably off of the charts. The end of the game was so nerve wracking. You knew the game was going to be a 1-0 affair so every shot taken by either team had me on edge. I was so anxious to get the ball cleared out of our defensive half of the field and I was somewhat relieved when the ball was in our offensive third.
I was so happy when Brittany Taylor scored and I must say that I knew Taylor was going to score based on how she was running down the field. The moment the ball hit the back of the net I was finally able to not be on edge. Even though I had all the confidence in the world that we would win I couldn't have watched Penalty Kicks if it had gotten that far. If we had to go to PK's I was going to go behind the bench. I planned that out well in advance of the last overtime.
I felt like reliving that play and moment, because that moment was awesome even for someone who doesn't play.
And here is a picture of a celebration.
http://mansfield.htnp.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/uconn-wins1.jpg
I must say that I had the exact opposite feeling after the other game that weekend. I didn't feel stressed. After the other game I felt sort of purposeless. I say that because when a season is over things change. There were no longer home games for me to work at. There were no longer practices for me to help out at several days a week (which considering my schedule helped bring structure to my day). Your so used to playing and practicing. Your so used to the routine that it's sort of hard when it hits you that it's over. It effects someone like me, who is a senior, harder. I still don't know what I'm doing next year. For all I know that could be the last time I'm ever working directly with a team. I may work in administration and not really be a part of a team, but rather work for a group of teams.
After the game I remember just staring into the crowd outside the gates. I didn't think. I just stared into oblivion. I didn't know what to say to anyone and I think it was a good thing that I had a 90 minute drive back to campus to just sit and think (and pay attention to traffic). I remember getting to campus and not wanting to get out of my car as if somehow staying in the car would mean that the season would continue. I think I sat in my parked car with my door open for 10 minutes debating about whether or not I should stay in or get out of my car.
Tried cross country skiing
I decided to try some cross country skiing for the first time today. It looked about as good as my first time waterskiing. So I basically need to practice.
It's snowing at my Lake House so I tried skiing for the first time. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no one helping me either. I just went to a small patch of free space in the back and started getting comfortable with the skis. My form was horrible and I'll have to work on it. I was moving both my arms together rather than swinging them like you are walking. I also fell once or twice, but who doesn't when they are learning.
Unfortunetly the recent warm temperatures did a number on the ice on the lake. It isn't as frozen as I would like it to be. I don't think it is safe enough to go out on the ice. Hopefully the cold temperatures tonight will help the lake freeze a little bit more so I can practice skiing tomorrow morning before I leave. I want to ski on the lake's wide open space so I can work on turning, rythmn and on a few other things. It's hard to get into a good rhythmn when your skiing in a small patch in your backyard.
Cross Country skiing will be a work in progress and hopefully I'll get a few chances to ski this winter.
It's snowing at my Lake House so I tried skiing for the first time. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no one helping me either. I just went to a small patch of free space in the back and started getting comfortable with the skis. My form was horrible and I'll have to work on it. I was moving both my arms together rather than swinging them like you are walking. I also fell once or twice, but who doesn't when they are learning.
Unfortunetly the recent warm temperatures did a number on the ice on the lake. It isn't as frozen as I would like it to be. I don't think it is safe enough to go out on the ice. Hopefully the cold temperatures tonight will help the lake freeze a little bit more so I can practice skiing tomorrow morning before I leave. I want to ski on the lake's wide open space so I can work on turning, rythmn and on a few other things. It's hard to get into a good rhythmn when your skiing in a small patch in your backyard.
Cross Country skiing will be a work in progress and hopefully I'll get a few chances to ski this winter.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
DeMarcus Ware
I'm so biased as a Cowboys fan, but I was really impressed with the way DeMarcus Ware played against the Saints last week. To have so many big plays 6 days after a neck sprain is amazing. I am so glad he wasn't hurt. I am so impressed that he had such an impact on the game.
Finally???
I guess that I can finally say that I watched the Men's Basketball team and wasn't worried about them losing at Halftime.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Another interesting article
Interesting article on Portland Women's Soccer and their fans.
Obviously I'm reading about marketing soccer at 11:15.
http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/09/14/where-women%E2%80%99s-soccer-is-king/
Obviously I'm reading about marketing soccer at 11:15.
http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/09/14/where-women%E2%80%99s-soccer-is-king/
Interesting Marketing Article
Here is an interesting article on the MLS and WUSA and soccer marketing in the U.S.
If you like soccer and marketing and are feeling scholarly than you might want to check it out. It is about 12 pages long.
http://www.thesmartjournal.com/soccer.pdf
If you like soccer and marketing and are feeling scholarly than you might want to check it out. It is about 12 pages long.
http://www.thesmartjournal.com/soccer.pdf
Today
When I wasn't doing some research on soccer, internships and grad schools I decided to go through some of my coins. I'd like to collect a penny from every year that I live forward, and as far back as reasonable. So far I have every year from 1968 forward with the exception of 1970. I have one penny from 1941.
I am also trying to work on my license plate collection. I just have no idea where to look for plates. I already have all the states in New England except Vermont. (Amazingly I have an Alaska and Oregon...two states I've never been to.) I'm not so sure that I will be able to find states outside New England in New England, which is where I live.
I am also trying to work on my license plate collection. I just have no idea where to look for plates. I already have all the states in New England except Vermont. (Amazingly I have an Alaska and Oregon...two states I've never been to.) I'm not so sure that I will be able to find states outside New England in New England, which is where I live.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas
So I just finished seeing family today on Christmas. It’s fun seeing them, but I feel like I’ve seen them so often this year. We became a lot more popular with our Lake House. Now everyone wants to come visit us. That wasn’t really the case with the house in Stamford.
What I got for Christmas was receipts. The receipts were for tuition, food, new car tires, ice skates, and cross country skiing stuff. Not all that bad when I think about it.
There were also a few things under the tree. We got two tubes for water tubing and I got a really nice new shirt.
What I wanted the most for Christmas, and this is an honest answer, is to have gotten good grades (which I did) and to have done well on the GRE’s, which I did.
What I got for Christmas was receipts. The receipts were for tuition, food, new car tires, ice skates, and cross country skiing stuff. Not all that bad when I think about it.
There were also a few things under the tree. We got two tubes for water tubing and I got a really nice new shirt.
What I wanted the most for Christmas, and this is an honest answer, is to have gotten good grades (which I did) and to have done well on the GRE’s, which I did.
Random things
I heard Coach Auriemma compare Caroline Doty to John Paxson. I thought that was a cool comparison.
Vladimir Ducasse is an offensive lineman at UMASS who went to High School with me. We were in the same gym class and he is projected to be selected in the NFL Draft. I've seen him projected as high as a first round pick and saw him as a fourth rounder somewhere else.
Anyway we were in the same gym class and we played on the same football team. A ball was tipped when we were on defense and both of us went for the ball. Vlad's head and my head collided. I was hurting after that. I actually didn't bruise, but it certainly made my head hurt.
Also the NFL draft sites have Lindsey Witten in the 3rd round, Andre Dixon in the 5th round and Robert Vaughn in the 6th round.
Lawrence Wilson is projected as a 2nd round pick in 2011.
Geno has also complemented Meghan Gardler on her ability to coach the team from the floor. I think Meghan will be a coach at some point. Her father coached Geno in high school so her family has proved that it's coaching has helped produce winners.
Vladimir Ducasse is an offensive lineman at UMASS who went to High School with me. We were in the same gym class and he is projected to be selected in the NFL Draft. I've seen him projected as high as a first round pick and saw him as a fourth rounder somewhere else.
Anyway we were in the same gym class and we played on the same football team. A ball was tipped when we were on defense and both of us went for the ball. Vlad's head and my head collided. I was hurting after that. I actually didn't bruise, but it certainly made my head hurt.
Also the NFL draft sites have Lindsey Witten in the 3rd round, Andre Dixon in the 5th round and Robert Vaughn in the 6th round.
Lawrence Wilson is projected as a 2nd round pick in 2011.
Geno has also complemented Meghan Gardler on her ability to coach the team from the floor. I think Meghan will be a coach at some point. Her father coached Geno in high school so her family has proved that it's coaching has helped produce winners.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
What a game
So I'm back home in Stamford again. I worked the last two basketball games at the XL Center. I didn't get to watch the Stanford game, or much of it. I didn't watch enough to write about it. I was working.
Anyway I thought it was so cool to be on the floor and to see the place rocking two days before Christmas on ESPN2 for UConn vs Stanford.
I also think that the Student Section has been great for Women's Basketball the last two seasons. They have really stepped up from my freshman year. It is great to see such enthusiasm for a team that won 5 of the 10 championships in the decade.
Anyway I thought it was so cool to be on the floor and to see the place rocking two days before Christmas on ESPN2 for UConn vs Stanford.
I also think that the Student Section has been great for Women's Basketball the last two seasons. They have really stepped up from my freshman year. It is great to see such enthusiasm for a team that won 5 of the 10 championships in the decade.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Someone told me
Someone once told me that gummy worms are good recovery food for a workout. I saw a bag recently and looked at the nutrition label out of curiosity. I saw some sodium, lots of sugar and 0% next to vitamins and healthy things.
I'm not a nutrition major, but I don't know how this is a recovery food. I'm interested to hear the reasoning behind that assertion.
I'm not a nutrition major, but I don't know how this is a recovery food. I'm interested to hear the reasoning behind that assertion.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fanbase
So earlier I mentioned that I discovered FanBase online. It appears to be some sort of Wikipedia but for athletes.
Here is an example of one, with the information provided by...well...guess who? By info I mean user generated content, like trivia and awards. The site, and players and hometowns with pictures were already there. All that is missing is information. I've updated some profiles because I want my team to have the best no matter what it is.
http://www.fanbase.com/Jessica-Dulski
I'll try to add more over break to various players.
I'm counting down the days until practice starts again. I also think that I like goalies more than any other position in soccer. Probably because the first player on the team I met was an amazing Goalie named Stephanie Labbe. I also haven't met a goalie that I don't like, even if they are a Giants fan.
I'm actually, finally going home tomorrow after I work the Stanford game. THAT will be a GREAT game. Be sure to tune in. It's at 5:30 on ESPN2.
I worked the Iona Women's Game on Sunday. I worked the Men's game vs Maine tonight. I work Women's Basketball vs Stanford tomorrow. Then I work Men's Basketball on the 27th. I work hockey on the 30th and Men's Basketball on the 2nd. It's so nice when you LOVE your job. I can't think of any other job that I would do at this time of the year. I also admit that I am so happy to be working now. For all my life as a student I've been used to having so many days off around the holidays. In the real world you get a half day on Christmas Eve and Christmas off. I like having a schedule like that now.
It also looks like Toni Stahl will be in the MLS. Don't know what team yet, but the league has signed him. The way I think contracts in MLS work is that the league pays the salary of each player. I can't be certain of that but I thought I read that their contracts were different than other major sports leagues.
Here is an example of one, with the information provided by...well...guess who? By info I mean user generated content, like trivia and awards. The site, and players and hometowns with pictures were already there. All that is missing is information. I've updated some profiles because I want my team to have the best no matter what it is.
http://www.fanbase.com/Jessica-Dulski
I'll try to add more over break to various players.
I'm counting down the days until practice starts again. I also think that I like goalies more than any other position in soccer. Probably because the first player on the team I met was an amazing Goalie named Stephanie Labbe. I also haven't met a goalie that I don't like, even if they are a Giants fan.
I'm actually, finally going home tomorrow after I work the Stanford game. THAT will be a GREAT game. Be sure to tune in. It's at 5:30 on ESPN2.
I worked the Iona Women's Game on Sunday. I worked the Men's game vs Maine tonight. I work Women's Basketball vs Stanford tomorrow. Then I work Men's Basketball on the 27th. I work hockey on the 30th and Men's Basketball on the 2nd. It's so nice when you LOVE your job. I can't think of any other job that I would do at this time of the year. I also admit that I am so happy to be working now. For all my life as a student I've been used to having so many days off around the holidays. In the real world you get a half day on Christmas Eve and Christmas off. I like having a schedule like that now.
It also looks like Toni Stahl will be in the MLS. Don't know what team yet, but the league has signed him. The way I think contracts in MLS work is that the league pays the salary of each player. I can't be certain of that but I thought I read that their contracts were different than other major sports leagues.
Monday, December 21, 2009
I'm DONE
I'm still in Storrs. I'm all alone. Even the basketball teams are gone. They are in Hartford. I work the next two games.
I am now finally done with school. I finished exams on Thursday but I had the G.R.E. (Graduate School Exam) today. I had to go to Glastonbury to take the test.
I needed to get 1,000 or higher to have a chance to get in at UCONN. I surpassed that so I am very happy and don't anticipate having to take them again. I'm just waiting for the official score report to be sent home. Then I know it's 100% over with. I'd say that it's at about 99% done now. The show you the score before you leave but I like having the paper work to prove it too.
I am also fairly sure that I ended up with a 3.78 for the past semester, which is the highest I've ever gotten. I also was the public announcer for field hockey this past semester and I of course spent a lot of time with soccer so I'm proud that I did well in school too.
Swimming was actually my lowest grade. I got a B in that, but I learned a lot in that class so I can't complain. I got a B+ and the rest were A's.
Time for applications and work. Thankfully my work is FUN!!!
I am now finally done with school. I finished exams on Thursday but I had the G.R.E. (Graduate School Exam) today. I had to go to Glastonbury to take the test.
I needed to get 1,000 or higher to have a chance to get in at UCONN. I surpassed that so I am very happy and don't anticipate having to take them again. I'm just waiting for the official score report to be sent home. Then I know it's 100% over with. I'd say that it's at about 99% done now. The show you the score before you leave but I like having the paper work to prove it too.
I am also fairly sure that I ended up with a 3.78 for the past semester, which is the highest I've ever gotten. I also was the public announcer for field hockey this past semester and I of course spent a lot of time with soccer so I'm proud that I did well in school too.
Swimming was actually my lowest grade. I got a B in that, but I learned a lot in that class so I can't complain. I got a B+ and the rest were A's.
Time for applications and work. Thankfully my work is FUN!!!
Kentucky's march to 2,000
I see on ESPN that Kentucky is about to celebrate it's 2,000th win in basketball.
I think that's really premature because John Calipari is their coach now. Kentucky Basketball might be known for winning. John Calipari is known for winning and then not winning. He's had two final-four appearances and wins from those season's vacated at two different schools because of NCAA Violations.
Kentucky should hold off on celebrating 2,000 wins until Calipari has been retired for 5 years.
I think that's really premature because John Calipari is their coach now. Kentucky Basketball might be known for winning. John Calipari is known for winning and then not winning. He's had two final-four appearances and wins from those season's vacated at two different schools because of NCAA Violations.
Kentucky should hold off on celebrating 2,000 wins until Calipari has been retired for 5 years.
Friday, December 18, 2009
What is
What is fan base? I found it on google and it looks interesting. I will investigate further after my G.R.E.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I'm officially done with my 7th Semester
So I guess I'm an eighth semester student now. That seems so ODD. I remember reading the Daily Campus and seeing 8th semester students and going "wow, thats so far in the future."
I wish I was entering my 2nd or 4th, or even 6th semester. It would all feel better than my 8th semester because I love college. However, I'm atleast ok with it because I feel like I have made the most out of all of the opportunities that the University has offered.
I have been on TV, even though to be fair no one watches or cares about UCTV. I started this while in college. Those aren't my real highlights though.
Getting to stand on Gampel and take a half courter and hit rim is cool. So was scoring a couple baskets on Gampel. I love being on the floor, or on Rentschler Field. I loved rushing the field at Rentschler. I loved being at the Women's Final Four and getting to report on the Women's Basketball Team for a year and a half. I love that I've atleast said a couple of words to Calhoun, Edsall and Auriemma. Even though only Geno is tied with my favorite UCONN coaches.
GENO has my vote for whatever he wants to do ever. I'll vote him for whatever he runs for. I can't believe that I asked both Edsall and Geno a question in a press conference.
I can't believe that Geno remembers my face and still says hello when we pass by.
Also I loved getting on TV (NBC 30) because I was standing next to Geno while reporting. I literally turned on the television and saw myself looking really good with my suit on next to a hall of fame Basketball Coach. That was really cool.
I can't believe I was a public announcer for Field Hockey.
I can't believe I got to witness a sudden "victory" goal on the sidelines of an NCAA Tournament game. I can't believe I'm a team manager, or that I've worked for a team, volunteered for athletic facilities, worked for athletic marketing and athletic communications.
I can't believe I've walked around campus and tried to probably get 1,000's of people to come to athletic events.
I can't believe I went into Hartford and was able to make a difference in the lives of some children at Clark Elementary school through Husky Sport.
I can't believe I attempted, ok said 5 words of the National Anthem over the loudspeaker at Gampel Pavilion. (obviously no one saw that, I did that when the place was empty, thankfully it was empty...THANKFULLY. You did not want to hear that)
I've been on the big screen countless times. I've also been seen so many new and different sports played. I've learned about new sports, in particular soccer and also track, field hockey and lacrosse.
As for non sports things, which will take me a long time to come up with, I've enjoyed petting a boa constrictor or rattle snake in my companion animals class. (don't recall exactly which it was) I'm glad I learned how to swim. I've enjoyed witnessing things I can't write about. Things can be amusing when they aren't happening to you. I've had cool roommates and I loved freshman year when I would make musical beats with my roommate. (They were much better than my singing, but still awful) I loved meeting comedian Bruce Bruce and getting him to throw his guns up with me.
I feel like I've done a lot, learned a lot, met a lot of great people and had a lot of fun. I can't complain. I guess if I did nothing in this 8th semester I'd still be so happy with college. I've done SO much, more than I could ever have imagined. As a sports fan, some of these things that I have done I've dreamed of doing for a long time. Most especially going to a final four, rushing the field and asking a question in a press conference.
I know that what's left for me is to continue doing what I am doing. I need to continue to have fun and learn. I also have two other important things that I want to do. I need to get into grad school and do whatever I can to help a team win the National Championship and be the best program in the country.
I wish I was entering my 2nd or 4th, or even 6th semester. It would all feel better than my 8th semester because I love college. However, I'm atleast ok with it because I feel like I have made the most out of all of the opportunities that the University has offered.
I have been on TV, even though to be fair no one watches or cares about UCTV. I started this while in college. Those aren't my real highlights though.
Getting to stand on Gampel and take a half courter and hit rim is cool. So was scoring a couple baskets on Gampel. I love being on the floor, or on Rentschler Field. I loved rushing the field at Rentschler. I loved being at the Women's Final Four and getting to report on the Women's Basketball Team for a year and a half. I love that I've atleast said a couple of words to Calhoun, Edsall and Auriemma. Even though only Geno is tied with my favorite UCONN coaches.
GENO has my vote for whatever he wants to do ever. I'll vote him for whatever he runs for. I can't believe that I asked both Edsall and Geno a question in a press conference.
I can't believe that Geno remembers my face and still says hello when we pass by.
Also I loved getting on TV (NBC 30) because I was standing next to Geno while reporting. I literally turned on the television and saw myself looking really good with my suit on next to a hall of fame Basketball Coach. That was really cool.
I can't believe I was a public announcer for Field Hockey.
I can't believe I got to witness a sudden "victory" goal on the sidelines of an NCAA Tournament game. I can't believe I'm a team manager, or that I've worked for a team, volunteered for athletic facilities, worked for athletic marketing and athletic communications.
I can't believe I've walked around campus and tried to probably get 1,000's of people to come to athletic events.
I can't believe I went into Hartford and was able to make a difference in the lives of some children at Clark Elementary school through Husky Sport.
I can't believe I attempted, ok said 5 words of the National Anthem over the loudspeaker at Gampel Pavilion. (obviously no one saw that, I did that when the place was empty, thankfully it was empty...THANKFULLY. You did not want to hear that)
I've been on the big screen countless times. I've also been seen so many new and different sports played. I've learned about new sports, in particular soccer and also track, field hockey and lacrosse.
As for non sports things, which will take me a long time to come up with, I've enjoyed petting a boa constrictor or rattle snake in my companion animals class. (don't recall exactly which it was) I'm glad I learned how to swim. I've enjoyed witnessing things I can't write about. Things can be amusing when they aren't happening to you. I've had cool roommates and I loved freshman year when I would make musical beats with my roommate. (They were much better than my singing, but still awful) I loved meeting comedian Bruce Bruce and getting him to throw his guns up with me.
I feel like I've done a lot, learned a lot, met a lot of great people and had a lot of fun. I can't complain. I guess if I did nothing in this 8th semester I'd still be so happy with college. I've done SO much, more than I could ever have imagined. As a sports fan, some of these things that I have done I've dreamed of doing for a long time. Most especially going to a final four, rushing the field and asking a question in a press conference.
I know that what's left for me is to continue doing what I am doing. I need to continue to have fun and learn. I also have two other important things that I want to do. I need to get into grad school and do whatever I can to help a team win the National Championship and be the best program in the country.
Yikes, check out this story
I saw this story online and had to link it. I skimmed it and don't know the whole story but it looks interesting.
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/12/17/teen-soccer-star-loses-leg-when-friend-hits-her-with-car/?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl5|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fteen-soccer-star-loses-leg-when-friend-hits-her-with-car%2F
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/12/17/teen-soccer-star-loses-leg-when-friend-hits-her-with-car/?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl5|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fteen-soccer-star-loses-leg-when-friend-hits-her-with-car%2F
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Beep test
I took the Beep Test today during finals week. I'd like to say it was my hardest test during finals week but it wasn't.
For those of you who don't know it's a running test where you have to get to one end of a 20 meter segment before you hear a beep. Atleast that's how I understand it to work.
I was invited to take part in the test so I of course decided to take it. I couldn't refuse the invitation. I felt like getting a good workout in today. I needed to because I was sick for a week and didn't do much other than bike for half an hour at my house in Stamford.
I love the feeling of breathing easy after a hard workout. Your lungs feel so good after a tough workout. I love that feeling.
I will admit that I am soar. Very soar. I did the beep test after a two mile run and a day after I did squat jumps and box jumps.
I'm also going to be following Buffalo soccer.
One of my friends is also leaving for California. He is graduating and I played basketball with him today for one last time. He's a good friend, but I like winning. I beat him twice. He'd beat me at soccer though. I learned a lot about soccer from him. Since about last March or April we'd always go out and play soccer by the softball fields. We'd even go at night. I have improved immensely and I owe him a lot of credit, even though neither one of us is all that good. It just helps having someone else to encourage you, or point a thing out here or there. Trust me, I like pointers. I hope to learn how to be an even better soccer player over break.
Also, I noticed that someone is getting a lot of love in the poll.
For those of you who don't know it's a running test where you have to get to one end of a 20 meter segment before you hear a beep. Atleast that's how I understand it to work.
I was invited to take part in the test so I of course decided to take it. I couldn't refuse the invitation. I felt like getting a good workout in today. I needed to because I was sick for a week and didn't do much other than bike for half an hour at my house in Stamford.
I love the feeling of breathing easy after a hard workout. Your lungs feel so good after a tough workout. I love that feeling.
I will admit that I am soar. Very soar. I did the beep test after a two mile run and a day after I did squat jumps and box jumps.
I'm also going to be following Buffalo soccer.
One of my friends is also leaving for California. He is graduating and I played basketball with him today for one last time. He's a good friend, but I like winning. I beat him twice. He'd beat me at soccer though. I learned a lot about soccer from him. Since about last March or April we'd always go out and play soccer by the softball fields. We'd even go at night. I have improved immensely and I owe him a lot of credit, even though neither one of us is all that good. It just helps having someone else to encourage you, or point a thing out here or there. Trust me, I like pointers. I hope to learn how to be an even better soccer player over break.
Also, I noticed that someone is getting a lot of love in the poll.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Perfect Day
I am so proud of myself today. I was up early and then went to the gym right away. I played basketball for maybe an hour in a completely empty and silent Blue Gym (AKA Field House). It was so nice.
Then I went and did a workout in the gym. I did some squat jumps, the bench press etc.
Then I went on a run on the track outside.
I ran into one of my favorite athletes.
Then I did some work.
Then I studied.
That is a perfect day. I feel like I accomplished a lot.
Then I went and did a workout in the gym. I did some squat jumps, the bench press etc.
Then I went on a run on the track outside.
I ran into one of my favorite athletes.
Then I did some work.
Then I studied.
That is a perfect day. I feel like I accomplished a lot.
I don't understand the meaning of the word favorite
Favorite is a word that I use way too much. I think everyone has a word that I use too much.
Favorite is definetly mine.
I've probably been on record as saying that 16 different players on the soccer team are my favorite player. I guess they all are my favorites...which truly means I don't have a favorite. That is probably a good thing. Well I'd probably say that I have a different favorite everyday.
I have atleast 3 favorite players on the women's basketball team. Maya Moore, Kaili McLaren and Kalana Greene. Kelly Faris is quickly finding her way there.
I have several favorites on the football team as well. Andre Dixon, Lawrence Wilson, and Jordan Todman.
Both Akeem Priestley and O'Brian White were favorite players of mine as well on men's soccer.
I've probably said that each of these 5 teams were my favorite at some point while at UCONN. Track, Football, Both Soccer Teams and Women's Basketball. Before I got here it was Men's Basketball.
I actually have favorite pro teams, that truly don't chage. Those would be the Dallas Cowboys, New York Mets, Boston Celtics and Hendrick Motorsports/Jeff Gordon.
Somethings that are my favorite really are my favorite. Too many times I say that everything is my favorite thing...ever. Sometimes when I say favorite it just means that I really like it.
Favorite is definetly mine.
I've probably been on record as saying that 16 different players on the soccer team are my favorite player. I guess they all are my favorites...which truly means I don't have a favorite. That is probably a good thing. Well I'd probably say that I have a different favorite everyday.
I have atleast 3 favorite players on the women's basketball team. Maya Moore, Kaili McLaren and Kalana Greene. Kelly Faris is quickly finding her way there.
I have several favorites on the football team as well. Andre Dixon, Lawrence Wilson, and Jordan Todman.
Both Akeem Priestley and O'Brian White were favorite players of mine as well on men's soccer.
I've probably said that each of these 5 teams were my favorite at some point while at UCONN. Track, Football, Both Soccer Teams and Women's Basketball. Before I got here it was Men's Basketball.
I actually have favorite pro teams, that truly don't chage. Those would be the Dallas Cowboys, New York Mets, Boston Celtics and Hendrick Motorsports/Jeff Gordon.
Somethings that are my favorite really are my favorite. Too many times I say that everything is my favorite thing...ever. Sometimes when I say favorite it just means that I really like it.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Mets
Well the Mets haven't done much of anything except watch their competitors get better.
The Mets usually will do something to generate interest in the offseason. They try to get a big name. Usually that name is old too and doesn't perform. The Mets shouldn't make a splash just to make a splash because in the case of the Mets (Mo Vaughn, Jeromy Burnitz, Roberto Alomar) those splashes sink the ship. I'd rather the Mets do nothing and see what happens if the player they want isn't available. See how much better a healthy team is and see if this team can win. Focus on the fundamentals and developing talent within your organization. Focus on drafting good players and build the farm system. That way is much more likely to lead to winning than anything else. It's just too bad New York and the Mets are often too impatient and too worried about keeping up with the Yankees to develop from within.
The Mets usually will do something to generate interest in the offseason. They try to get a big name. Usually that name is old too and doesn't perform. The Mets shouldn't make a splash just to make a splash because in the case of the Mets (Mo Vaughn, Jeromy Burnitz, Roberto Alomar) those splashes sink the ship. I'd rather the Mets do nothing and see what happens if the player they want isn't available. See how much better a healthy team is and see if this team can win. Focus on the fundamentals and developing talent within your organization. Focus on drafting good players and build the farm system. That way is much more likely to lead to winning than anything else. It's just too bad New York and the Mets are often too impatient and too worried about keeping up with the Yankees to develop from within.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'd be fine if it wasn't for
I'd be so happy and content right now if it wasn't for my GRE next week. That test scares me. I have a lot of preparing to do for that. My finals aren't going to kill me but that test is scaring me.
I can take it again if I don't do well, but I want to do well so I can avoid having to take the test again.
I learned these things but I just haven't done them in so long.
The vocabulary is also difficult on this test. I don't generally use big words because I believe that in order to communicate effectively you need to be able to make sure that your message is understood. I think that using big and rarely used words makes communication more difficult.
I can take it again if I don't do well, but I want to do well so I can avoid having to take the test again.
I learned these things but I just haven't done them in so long.
The vocabulary is also difficult on this test. I don't generally use big words because I believe that in order to communicate effectively you need to be able to make sure that your message is understood. I think that using big and rarely used words makes communication more difficult.
Friday, December 11, 2009
good thing for golf??
I'm talking about Tiger Woods again. Who isn't?
It might actually be a good thing for golf if they have to focus on marketing the sport without Tiger. Well good in the long run. Obviously it's really really really really bad for now that there is no Tiger. Let's be honest I can't remember the last time I watched golf when Tiger wasn't playing. However, Golf needs to be about more than just Tiger. One event shouldn't be great just because one player shows up.
Golf needs to prove it's more than just about Tiger Woods. It needs other compelling figures that it can sell. It needs to sell the game and other players and not just Tiger Woods. Having to practice doing that with Tiger being out for some time should make the game better when Woods comes back.
I'd say it's sort of like having a diverse portfolio. You don't want all your eggs in one basket, the way golf seems to have it with Tiger Woods.
It might actually be a good thing for golf if they have to focus on marketing the sport without Tiger. Well good in the long run. Obviously it's really really really really bad for now that there is no Tiger. Let's be honest I can't remember the last time I watched golf when Tiger wasn't playing. However, Golf needs to be about more than just Tiger. One event shouldn't be great just because one player shows up.
Golf needs to prove it's more than just about Tiger Woods. It needs other compelling figures that it can sell. It needs to sell the game and other players and not just Tiger Woods. Having to practice doing that with Tiger being out for some time should make the game better when Woods comes back.
I'd say it's sort of like having a diverse portfolio. You don't want all your eggs in one basket, the way golf seems to have it with Tiger Woods.
What went through his mind
I wonder what went through Geno's mind when he saw Jennifer Rizzotti getting a technical foul. I'm sure he was amused/happy/proud of her.
If I had to take a guess Jennifer Rizzotti will be the coach of UCONN when Geno decides to retire. Certainly I hope Geno never retires. He is a great coach and is fun to listen to. Inevitably he will have to move on though. Rizzotti seems to be the perfect fit right now. She played on the 1995 Championship Team and has done a great job building the Hartford program and has beaten teams like Louisville and Duke and advanced in the NCAA Tournament.
I also love Geno's interaction with the student section at UCONN when he gives away things to students for their loyalty to the program.
If I had to take a guess Jennifer Rizzotti will be the coach of UCONN when Geno decides to retire. Certainly I hope Geno never retires. He is a great coach and is fun to listen to. Inevitably he will have to move on though. Rizzotti seems to be the perfect fit right now. She played on the 1995 Championship Team and has done a great job building the Hartford program and has beaten teams like Louisville and Duke and advanced in the NCAA Tournament.
I also love Geno's interaction with the student section at UCONN when he gives away things to students for their loyalty to the program.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
2009 Bowl Gifts
So the gifts for UCONN's Bowl Game, the Papajohns.com Bowl.
The gifts are an RCA HD Mini Camcorder and an Oakley Surf Pack Backpack
National Championship game is a Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin. Also a Fossil watch, a New Era 59Fifty hat and a Ogio Politan laptop pack.
The Texas Bowl includes a $300 Best Buy Gift Card.
The Chick Fil A goal includes a $250 Best Buy Gift Card.
A couple have a Party at Best Buy with a $420 limit.
The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl seems to have the worst gift. It's just a T-Shirt. Then again getting to stay in Hawaii for free is better than most any gift as far as I am concerned. I need to go back there. I also wish the Pro Bowl was still in Hawaii. It belongs there and not in Miami.
The NCAA allows each bowl to give 125 personnel $500 worth of gifts. Schools can and apparently often do buy more gift packages so that more than just 125 people can get gifts. Additionally each school can give $350 worth of gifts to each player out of their own budget.
All in all according to Sports Business Journal (which is where all of this information is from) the bowl gifts result in $12 million in direct spending.
Nice gifts...
It's nice being a part of the Basketball and Football programs. It's full of extra gifts and benefits.
Those gifts and benefits aren't worth it in its self. They are extra benefits.
People and the ability to make a difference come well before extra benefits.
The gifts are an RCA HD Mini Camcorder and an Oakley Surf Pack Backpack
National Championship game is a Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin. Also a Fossil watch, a New Era 59Fifty hat and a Ogio Politan laptop pack.
The Texas Bowl includes a $300 Best Buy Gift Card.
The Chick Fil A goal includes a $250 Best Buy Gift Card.
A couple have a Party at Best Buy with a $420 limit.
The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl seems to have the worst gift. It's just a T-Shirt. Then again getting to stay in Hawaii for free is better than most any gift as far as I am concerned. I need to go back there. I also wish the Pro Bowl was still in Hawaii. It belongs there and not in Miami.
The NCAA allows each bowl to give 125 personnel $500 worth of gifts. Schools can and apparently often do buy more gift packages so that more than just 125 people can get gifts. Additionally each school can give $350 worth of gifts to each player out of their own budget.
All in all according to Sports Business Journal (which is where all of this information is from) the bowl gifts result in $12 million in direct spending.
Nice gifts...
It's nice being a part of the Basketball and Football programs. It's full of extra gifts and benefits.
Those gifts and benefits aren't worth it in its self. They are extra benefits.
People and the ability to make a difference come well before extra benefits.
Some Football Stuff
Tyvon Branch as started all 12 games for the Raiders and has 74 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles and 1 sack.
Cody Brown went down with a season ending wrist injury on August 31.
Darius Butler had 8 tackles against the Dolphins last week.
Keith Gray was signed to the Colts practice squad.
Danny Lansanah was signed to the Lions practice squad.
Tyler Lorenzen was signed to the Saints practice squad and as is listed as a tight end.
Donald Thomas has started the first 12 games for the Dolphins this year.
Julius Williams has played in 10 games for the Jaguars. He started in Week 12 vs the 49ers. Has 8 total tackles this year.
Cody Brown went down with a season ending wrist injury on August 31.
Darius Butler had 8 tackles against the Dolphins last week.
Keith Gray was signed to the Colts practice squad.
Danny Lansanah was signed to the Lions practice squad.
Tyler Lorenzen was signed to the Saints practice squad and as is listed as a tight end.
Donald Thomas has started the first 12 games for the Dolphins this year.
Julius Williams has played in 10 games for the Jaguars. He started in Week 12 vs the 49ers. Has 8 total tackles this year.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Dick Vitale said
Dick Vitale actually said that John Calipari and Memphis shouldn't have their wins vacated on the broadcast of the UCONN vs Kentucky game. That it's not fair that their wins are vacated because everyone thought Derrick Rose was eligible.
Sure. How could we suspect John Calapari of cheating in College Basketball? It's not like he's had a final four vacated before. It's not like his players are all one and done players. Why would he think his star players are cheating to be eligible?
Are you kidding me? Of course those wins should be vacated. Derrick Rose probably knew he shouldn't be eligible. He probably would have gone pro from High School if he could have. I bet the Memphis coaching staff knew they were atleast in a gray area if not cheating.
Men's Basketball had more penalties, with 42, than any other college sport. Memphis had a couple of one and done players who were suspect academically. They got caught, they should have their wins vacated.
Men's Basketball...a sport in which coaches create positions on their coaching staffs for fathers of recruits.
Obviously there is no cheating here...
Sure. How could we suspect John Calapari of cheating in College Basketball? It's not like he's had a final four vacated before. It's not like his players are all one and done players. Why would he think his star players are cheating to be eligible?
Are you kidding me? Of course those wins should be vacated. Derrick Rose probably knew he shouldn't be eligible. He probably would have gone pro from High School if he could have. I bet the Memphis coaching staff knew they were atleast in a gray area if not cheating.
Men's Basketball had more penalties, with 42, than any other college sport. Memphis had a couple of one and done players who were suspect academically. They got caught, they should have their wins vacated.
Men's Basketball...a sport in which coaches create positions on their coaching staffs for fathers of recruits.
Obviously there is no cheating here...
Does Tiger have something to do with this?
Nike's stock has gone down from 65.35 to 62.18 (as of now) since he announced his apology for his transgressions.
To be fair when I looked at the charts Nike's chart almost mirrors the Dow and Nasdaq.
However, Nike is down today and the other two are up.
To be fair when I looked at the charts Nike's chart almost mirrors the Dow and Nasdaq.
However, Nike is down today and the other two are up.
More Tiger
I don't really look for Tiger Woods news anymore but it's hard to miss what happened last because everywhere I go I hear about the lastest.
It's sad that his family is going to the hospital and all of the other personal problems that have come out recently. I don't know what to say.
I think one problem for Tiger is that he plays golf. Golf, like it or not, is a sport whose demographics are more white and more wealthy and more conservative. I think it is going to be a little bit harder for Tiger to win back some golf fans because of who those fans are. I think Phil Mickelson, who has stood by his wife through cancer, will become a lot of people's favorite to not choke and to beat Tiger in tournaments. If Tiger was a player in say the NFL, NBA or even MLB I think it would be easier for Tiger to recover, or atleast recover more quickly because those fans are used to scandals with their favorite teams and players. I think they are more forgiving to their athletes than golf fans will be.
I really wonder what people who have met Tiger think about Tiger. I wonder if they could see this happening. I and most of us only get to see Tiger as he is shown on Television and in the media. We see the perfect Tiger. I wonder if we would have seen Tiger as being so perfect if we were his next door neighbor, or went to school with him. I also think the same thing can be said about all athletes.
I hope Tim Tebow is as good as advertised, but all I see is what the media portrays. I wonder what the people in his classes think about him. Is he the kid who will lend you a pencil if you need one? Is he the person who will pick up something if he drops it? Does he treat everyone with respect. I hope Tebow is as perfect as advertised but I really don't know because I've never met him or spent any meaningful time around him. I don't mean to plant seeds of doubt, but rather I'm just trying to make a point. What we see on TV is what people want you to see. Hopefully it's the correct representation, but sometimes it's wrong.
I also have to say that you can't take one person's view on someone as fact. Everyone has different expierences with people and they interpret behaviors differently. Someone didn't like Mother Theresa. Someone probably bad mouthed her, but that doesn't mean that she was a bad person. You would find a lot of other people who would say Mother Theresa was great. One person's opinion doesn't matter, rather a collection of a lot of people's opinion's who actually know the person matter.
One of UCONN's players who is always in the spotlight is Maya Moore. She is all that she is cracked up to be. She will say hello to you if she knows who you are. She takes her studies seriously.
Finally, back to Tiger. Sports are often an escape for athletes. An escape from all their problems. It's when they can be themselves. It's how they relax and let all of their troubles go away. I bet that Tiger is playing Golf, or swinging a Golf Club somewhere. I'm guessing it's in his own house as I'm sure he has a driving range and I'm sure he doesn't want to go out in public yet. I think Tiger will come back a better golfer than before.
It's sad that his family is going to the hospital and all of the other personal problems that have come out recently. I don't know what to say.
I think one problem for Tiger is that he plays golf. Golf, like it or not, is a sport whose demographics are more white and more wealthy and more conservative. I think it is going to be a little bit harder for Tiger to win back some golf fans because of who those fans are. I think Phil Mickelson, who has stood by his wife through cancer, will become a lot of people's favorite to not choke and to beat Tiger in tournaments. If Tiger was a player in say the NFL, NBA or even MLB I think it would be easier for Tiger to recover, or atleast recover more quickly because those fans are used to scandals with their favorite teams and players. I think they are more forgiving to their athletes than golf fans will be.
I really wonder what people who have met Tiger think about Tiger. I wonder if they could see this happening. I and most of us only get to see Tiger as he is shown on Television and in the media. We see the perfect Tiger. I wonder if we would have seen Tiger as being so perfect if we were his next door neighbor, or went to school with him. I also think the same thing can be said about all athletes.
I hope Tim Tebow is as good as advertised, but all I see is what the media portrays. I wonder what the people in his classes think about him. Is he the kid who will lend you a pencil if you need one? Is he the person who will pick up something if he drops it? Does he treat everyone with respect. I hope Tebow is as perfect as advertised but I really don't know because I've never met him or spent any meaningful time around him. I don't mean to plant seeds of doubt, but rather I'm just trying to make a point. What we see on TV is what people want you to see. Hopefully it's the correct representation, but sometimes it's wrong.
I also have to say that you can't take one person's view on someone as fact. Everyone has different expierences with people and they interpret behaviors differently. Someone didn't like Mother Theresa. Someone probably bad mouthed her, but that doesn't mean that she was a bad person. You would find a lot of other people who would say Mother Theresa was great. One person's opinion doesn't matter, rather a collection of a lot of people's opinion's who actually know the person matter.
One of UCONN's players who is always in the spotlight is Maya Moore. She is all that she is cracked up to be. She will say hello to you if she knows who you are. She takes her studies seriously.
Finally, back to Tiger. Sports are often an escape for athletes. An escape from all their problems. It's when they can be themselves. It's how they relax and let all of their troubles go away. I bet that Tiger is playing Golf, or swinging a Golf Club somewhere. I'm guessing it's in his own house as I'm sure he has a driving range and I'm sure he doesn't want to go out in public yet. I think Tiger will come back a better golfer than before.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The statistician
People assume that statistics are always right. They are to be trusted because they represent records, sacred records. In baseball it's pretty easy to measure runs, hits, home runs and rbi's. There isn't much to argue about those stats.
Things can get fuzzy when it comes to things like assists, or other, more judgement related stats like errors, shots, saves etc.
People want certain things to be counted as such so players get some credit for doing stuff.
Arguements can actually take place over what is and isn't a certain statistic. There is really a lot of opinion in stat keeping. More than you might think. I've helped solve these arguements too.
Stats are probably least accurate (although still very accurate) when they are kept on sports that aren't on TV/broadcast, are for non-revenue sports, are for a road team and most importantly when the game is out of hand. In order to get stats people need to be paying attention to the game.
You lose interest in a game that is 89-0 and so does the person taking stats. In blow outs there is so much to pay attention too. You are constantly updating and writing and researching for records. You often pay a little less attention to the road team. You know who scores a goal but you might not pay complete attention to who assisted on the play. If you miss the assist sometimes you make it unassisted. Other times you guess. (the same can be said when jersey numbers are hard to see or when the weather is bad.)
Some scorers also have certain characteristics. Some scorers will count anything close to a shot, a shot. Others will only count a shot on goal or really close to goal a shot. That's why you might see a team go from 30 shots one game to 8 the next. It's not always about the other teams defense, it can also be because the official scorer has a different interpretation of a shot than the previous scorer.
Now once again, stat keeping is very accurate. It's very good, but there is human error too. I'd also say that you probably won't notice these things in big time sports as things are more standardized. For example in the NFL I'm sure things are done more accurately and efficiently than college polo.
This is not to say that stats are inaccurate, but like everything else they are subject to human error. I thought it would be an interesting thing to write about.
Things can get fuzzy when it comes to things like assists, or other, more judgement related stats like errors, shots, saves etc.
People want certain things to be counted as such so players get some credit for doing stuff.
Arguements can actually take place over what is and isn't a certain statistic. There is really a lot of opinion in stat keeping. More than you might think. I've helped solve these arguements too.
Stats are probably least accurate (although still very accurate) when they are kept on sports that aren't on TV/broadcast, are for non-revenue sports, are for a road team and most importantly when the game is out of hand. In order to get stats people need to be paying attention to the game.
You lose interest in a game that is 89-0 and so does the person taking stats. In blow outs there is so much to pay attention too. You are constantly updating and writing and researching for records. You often pay a little less attention to the road team. You know who scores a goal but you might not pay complete attention to who assisted on the play. If you miss the assist sometimes you make it unassisted. Other times you guess. (the same can be said when jersey numbers are hard to see or when the weather is bad.)
Some scorers also have certain characteristics. Some scorers will count anything close to a shot, a shot. Others will only count a shot on goal or really close to goal a shot. That's why you might see a team go from 30 shots one game to 8 the next. It's not always about the other teams defense, it can also be because the official scorer has a different interpretation of a shot than the previous scorer.
Now once again, stat keeping is very accurate. It's very good, but there is human error too. I'd also say that you probably won't notice these things in big time sports as things are more standardized. For example in the NFL I'm sure things are done more accurately and efficiently than college polo.
This is not to say that stats are inaccurate, but like everything else they are subject to human error. I thought it would be an interesting thing to write about.
You didn't think they'd lose did you?
So as I said earlier I did watch the National Championship game for Women's Soccer between Stanford and UNC.
As a side note Stanford has some ridiculous streak in having a National Championship in at least one sport every year for a while. (not sure about the exact date) I don't think I need to tell you how good North Carolina is at Women's Soccer.
Before the game I thought that North Carolina would win because they are North Carolina. I did think that Stanford would give them a good run for their money, which they sort of did. If my memory serves me correctly their best chances to score came when they were offsides. Other than that I'm not sure that I remember any other great scoring chances.
North Carolina scored early and I think that served them very well because they are North Carolina and they have a well known reputation. I think it gave them a huge mental edge early in the game.
Mental edges is all I can really talk about because there is no way I could possibly explain tactics, although I did learn that forwards try to split two defeders the way North Carolina's forward did. She also had a great chance to score in the 2nd half and I was surprised she didn't convert, but it didn't matter.
I think the team that will beat North Carolina is the team that treats them as if they are Northwest Podunk Alabama Community College. I think the fact that they are North Carolina gives them a mental edge over opponents. Somehow I think the opponent might go "oh jeez here we go again, it's North Carolina."
This reminds me of another thing. I think it's amazing what the jersey numbers are at North Carolina. There must be so many players with high numbers because so many must be retired.
As a side note Stanford has some ridiculous streak in having a National Championship in at least one sport every year for a while. (not sure about the exact date) I don't think I need to tell you how good North Carolina is at Women's Soccer.
Before the game I thought that North Carolina would win because they are North Carolina. I did think that Stanford would give them a good run for their money, which they sort of did. If my memory serves me correctly their best chances to score came when they were offsides. Other than that I'm not sure that I remember any other great scoring chances.
North Carolina scored early and I think that served them very well because they are North Carolina and they have a well known reputation. I think it gave them a huge mental edge early in the game.
Mental edges is all I can really talk about because there is no way I could possibly explain tactics, although I did learn that forwards try to split two defeders the way North Carolina's forward did. She also had a great chance to score in the 2nd half and I was surprised she didn't convert, but it didn't matter.
I think the team that will beat North Carolina is the team that treats them as if they are Northwest Podunk Alabama Community College. I think the fact that they are North Carolina gives them a mental edge over opponents. Somehow I think the opponent might go "oh jeez here we go again, it's North Carolina."
This reminds me of another thing. I think it's amazing what the jersey numbers are at North Carolina. There must be so many players with high numbers because so many must be retired.
Hard to believe
It's hard to believe but I think this blog has been active for about a year now. That seems amazing to me. It feels like I just started writing!
Bizzarre
Someone I went to high school with actually wrote a letter to a Super Bowl winning coach giving him coaching advice. He gave his opinions to Tom Coughlin and also legitimized his advice because he coached...yes coached an intramural team to a 6-0 record and that his team won by a combined score of 100-0. Clearly a 21 year old intramural coach should be telling a Super Bowl winning coach who has more than 21 years of experience in coaching who should and shouldn't start.
It's hard to really explain how delusional this person is. This is probably one of the more sane things that this person has done. This person actually thought that Kerry Collins should be in the Hall of Fame and that Tiki Barber is better than Emmitt Smith.
It's hard to really explain how delusional this person is. This is probably one of the more sane things that this person has done. This person actually thought that Kerry Collins should be in the Hall of Fame and that Tiki Barber is better than Emmitt Smith.
I hate this
I really don't understand how it's possible that I am scheduled to work every time there is a UCONN Bowl Game. I've literally been busy each of the past three years and I'd really love to be at a Bowl Game once. Too bad that won't happen, again! I hope to atleast be able to watch this game. I couldn't even do that last year!
I'm also feeling a little better now.
I'm also feeling a little better now.
Monday, December 7, 2009
101.7
I don't know if 101.7 is a good radio station or not because I've never listened to it. I do know that it is a bad temperature too have.
I was sent home today. Basically forced home. I even got to wear a mask when it's not Halloween! While it stinks, it could be good for a couple of reasons.
First of all I can write more, which I am sure you would like.
Secondly it gives me time to study for the GRE and to go over all of those GRE Words. Big Words, AKA words that you will not find on my blog.
Thirdly I can go over the Math part of the GRE too.
I can also study for my remaining finals. Finals start next week, which is good for me because I'd rather be sick a week before finals than sick during finals.
I may also be able to watch a movie or two.
I'm actually quite happy right now and hopefully I will be tomorrow. It's strange but I guess the medicine that they gave me is working as of now.
I was sent home today. Basically forced home. I even got to wear a mask when it's not Halloween! While it stinks, it could be good for a couple of reasons.
First of all I can write more, which I am sure you would like.
Secondly it gives me time to study for the GRE and to go over all of those GRE Words. Big Words, AKA words that you will not find on my blog.
Thirdly I can go over the Math part of the GRE too.
I can also study for my remaining finals. Finals start next week, which is good for me because I'd rather be sick a week before finals than sick during finals.
I may also be able to watch a movie or two.
I'm actually quite happy right now and hopefully I will be tomorrow. It's strange but I guess the medicine that they gave me is working as of now.
A few observations
Someone just blurted out "oh my gosh, that's a white running back."
Then someone else said "and he's actually good."
An example of how we stereotype athletes and race.
I also really don't get why everytime someone see's a female athlete it comes down to looks. She looks so different on the field than what she does off the field.
When people heckle women at sporting events it usually has to do with their appearance..."hey number 92 your ugly." "hey number 100 you have big biceps." "hey number 101 you look like a boy." I often hear those comments as much if not more than comments that have something to do with how the players actually play. I'd like to hear more about how they "hustle" or "execute the pick and roll." The second group of comments actually show that you are paying attention to the game and that you appreciate sports.
Can you imagine people heckling guys and saying those things? "He's ugly." "your forehead is too big." "your too muscular.
I think we should pay more attention to winning and losing than looks.
Then someone else said "and he's actually good."
An example of how we stereotype athletes and race.
I also really don't get why everytime someone see's a female athlete it comes down to looks. She looks so different on the field than what she does off the field.
When people heckle women at sporting events it usually has to do with their appearance..."hey number 92 your ugly." "hey number 100 you have big biceps." "hey number 101 you look like a boy." I often hear those comments as much if not more than comments that have something to do with how the players actually play. I'd like to hear more about how they "hustle" or "execute the pick and roll." The second group of comments actually show that you are paying attention to the game and that you appreciate sports.
Can you imagine people heckling guys and saying those things? "He's ugly." "your forehead is too big." "your too muscular.
I think we should pay more attention to winning and losing than looks.
Some commercials
I like this video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BirIEDYrw0Y&feature=related
The season never ends....I love this one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ5W5_evSY0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BirIEDYrw0Y&feature=related
The season never ends....I love this one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ5W5_evSY0
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Impressed
I was really impressed to find out that North Carolina has now won 8 of their 20 Women's Soccer National Championships by defeating undefeated teams. I think that is an amazing statistic. They really beat the best teams when they win.
I learned a little bit from watching the final college cup game on ESPN 360.
I went to the Men's Basketball game and then watched the Cowboys game and neither of those turned out to be worth the time. I was glad I saw the soccer championship.
20 National Championships is amazing.
I learned a little bit from watching the final college cup game on ESPN 360.
I went to the Men's Basketball game and then watched the Cowboys game and neither of those turned out to be worth the time. I was glad I saw the soccer championship.
20 National Championships is amazing.
It's hard
I think it's hard to be in class with a field goal kicker. I mean that because if a field goal is missed and a game is lost by a few points it's then mean to talk about the football game that happened that weekend. You don't want to bring up the game again because you feel bad for the individual who messed up. I've steered conversations away from football games before.
Rarely are games decided just be a field goal. I believe that there is a lot more to a game than just a field goal. However, it is very nice to be able to be in class with a field goal kicker after they nailed one for a win. That's good, then you want to talk about the game.
Rarely are games decided just be a field goal. I believe that there is a lot more to a game than just a field goal. However, it is very nice to be able to be in class with a field goal kicker after they nailed one for a win. That's good, then you want to talk about the game.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tiger
Ok so I'll write my thoughts about Tiger.
I was shocked when I heard he got into a car accident.
When I heard the facts surrounding what happened I thought that something didn't seem right.
I still don't know what happened and while I check on the story, I don't really care what the outcome is. I hope Tiger Woods is ok. I hope is family is too.
Tiger isn't perfect and I hope that what we have heard is just a bad decision on his choice and not a pattern of bad desicision's on his choice.
It's hard to know if he has a history of doing this.
What I will say is that I often feel that media portray's many individuals as things that they are not. People are different in the public eye than what they are in their private lives. Technology now allows us to see their private lives and people are finding out that the great stuff we see in the public isn't what we see when we peak behind the curtains.
Hopefully this was an isolated incident.
I was shocked when I heard he got into a car accident.
When I heard the facts surrounding what happened I thought that something didn't seem right.
I still don't know what happened and while I check on the story, I don't really care what the outcome is. I hope Tiger Woods is ok. I hope is family is too.
Tiger isn't perfect and I hope that what we have heard is just a bad decision on his choice and not a pattern of bad desicision's on his choice.
It's hard to know if he has a history of doing this.
What I will say is that I often feel that media portray's many individuals as things that they are not. People are different in the public eye than what they are in their private lives. Technology now allows us to see their private lives and people are finding out that the great stuff we see in the public isn't what we see when we peak behind the curtains.
Hopefully this was an isolated incident.
Overboard
I often go overboard when I do things. I think it's easy for you to see this.
Maybe to better understand me you should know that I was mad that there were no Mini Golf Courses around my city. I wanted to play so I built my own in my yard with dirt and wood.
I flew the Goodyear Blimp before I drove a car.
I learned to waterski before I learned to swim well.
As a side note I am done with swim class now. I learned a lot and I am so thankful I took the class with Coach Clay. She did a great job and I feel comfortable in the water.
I also signed up to take the GRE on December 21st. That will be keeping me busy along with finals.
Maybe to better understand me you should know that I was mad that there were no Mini Golf Courses around my city. I wanted to play so I built my own in my yard with dirt and wood.
I flew the Goodyear Blimp before I drove a car.
I learned to waterski before I learned to swim well.
As a side note I am done with swim class now. I learned a lot and I am so thankful I took the class with Coach Clay. She did a great job and I feel comfortable in the water.
I also signed up to take the GRE on December 21st. That will be keeping me busy along with finals.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I'd like to see a rule
It seems to me that in college football teams are allowed to contact coaches about their vacancies before those other coaches season is over. In the NFL you don't hire someone away until the season is over. Often times in college teams make decisions between the end of the regular season and the bowl games. I don't think it is fair to teams who are going to play in bowl games to have their coaches even be allowed to be officially hired away. Other teams should not be able to contact coaches until a coaches season is completely over.
In other words, using an example, Notre Dame should not be allowed to contact Brian Kelly until after Cincinnati wraps up it's season. It's unfair to the school and student athletes if it's done any other way.
In other words, using an example, Notre Dame should not be allowed to contact Brian Kelly until after Cincinnati wraps up it's season. It's unfair to the school and student athletes if it's done any other way.