New Year

Have a happy and healthy New Year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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

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.

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.

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.

Merry Christmas

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

What is

What is fan base? I found it on google and it looks interesting. I will investigate further after my G.R.E.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tina Charles named

Tina Charles named 2009 Female Athlete of the Year for USA Basketball.

http://www.usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=09_faoy

Why am I a SPACE CADET?

I can't figure out if I am the only person who has this problem. I always seem to have something that I want to tell someone but I forget to tell them when I run into them. This DRIVES ME CRAZY. I always do this and I remember right as they are walking away.

I can't

I can't spell.

But Gun-ron sounds funny.

G-U-R-N-O-N.

So yes I made a mistake and that person pointed it out to me. They get credit.

Funny story, my mom prepared me for a spelling test in grade school by singing L-E-P-R-E-C-H-A-U-N to me. It worked because I can still spell it.

Maya looked crazy

After Maya Moore made a turnover she sprinted down the court with this enraged look in her face. If you watched her face you knew she was going to block the Clemson players shot and sure enough she did, just like she did against Texas at least once, if not twice...the twice being this year in San Antonio and then in the 2nd round of the NCAA's in Bridgeport in 2008.

Maya came from behind and swatted away the lay up.

Kalana

My favorite play at the women's basketball game today was when Kalana Greene crashed the boards and got an offensive rebound. I love when she gets us an extra possession because of her rebounding abilities.

I also loved when she got 3 steals in about a minute. She is a great defender. Defense and Hustle is why she is one of my favorite players.

She also seemed get score 28 points out of no-where. I remember her having 12, knowing that she had a great game and then all of a sudden I noticed she was hat 21. She finished at 28, a new career high. She also quietly surpassed 1,000 points for her career earlier this season.

Kelly Faris may not have scored but she had 5 assists to 1 turnover and had 7 rebounds.

I hate it when I forget things

I left my good clothes at my house which is about and hour and forty-five minutes a way. I have a presentation coming up too. I may have to drive up there to get them. Not looking forward to that.

We also had a limb fall on our new car...everyone is fine, it's just that there are dents on top of the roof.

I did enjoy watching the basketball and football games this weekend for UCONN. I loved watching them in my game room.

I do miss writing

I do admit that I miss writing about UCONN Women's Soccer here. I guess I'll talk about them in person, but I don't think it's a good idea to post stories here.

I must say that I really enjoy what I do, and I think, and hope that shows. I feel comfortable saying that much.

I also have been asked if I could have worked for another team on campus on several different occasions. The answer is maybe, but I wouldn't want to. I like the people and the program that I help out now. I want to make that clear, even though I don't write about them like I used too. Don't let what I talk about on the blog fool you. There is no other team on campus I'd rather help out.

Most of you know this, but I want to clear that up.

Congrats

Congratulations to Geno Auriemma on his 700th career victory. I wish I was there but I didn't make it. I've been to plenty other of his victories, but trust me I understand the significance of 700 career victories. It is a milestone that few achieve.

Geno is one of my favorite coaches in all of sports. I love how he can get the most out of all his players. I love the respect that he commands and I love his personality. He's really funny and great to listen too at press conferences. He is probably the biggest and maybe only reason I miss reporting. I love listening to him talk about games, players or practice. It's also amazing how many times he would say something at a press conference and motivate me. He's a great teacher and I felt honored to have been able to listen to him talk.

He's also a nice person. He's tough and I got nervous speaking with him at press gatherings, but after I introduced myself he said to never hesititate to ask him if I needed anything. He always says hello if he remembers your face too. He even did that to me as I was walking out of Gampel this year.

I was also quick to tell him that I no longer report. I'm on his side of athletics now, and I like that side much better. I don't want to find the problem with athletes or athletics, I want to help fix them.

He is a great leader and I am honored to say that I got to meet and listen to him. I am honored to also say that I have watched his team play so many games. I also took great pride in the fact that we won every game in 2008-09.

I wish I was there for the historic moment, but I am very happy that he got his 700th win. On to 800! and hopefully more!

Trying to

I've been trying to put together some of the stories and experiences that I remember this year from soccer. I wrote some down over break, but I want to write more before I forget everything. I wrote a lot of the funny ones that I can remember because I need to write those down before I forget them. It's often easier to remember the big picture moments than it is those small little funny stories.

I did say one story several times. It involves a player looking for something in the office that the office does NOT have. I wasn't there but I heard about it and thought it was hilarious. I think my entire family heard about it. My sister said I told the story about 10 times. I don't think it was quite that many times, but I probably told it 3 or 4 times.

We also did go out on "Black Friday." We did not get up early at all. We took our time and didn't go to Wal-Mart or a big retailer. We did go to Sam's Outdoor Outfitters in Keene, NH. I love it because they have free bags of popcorn for people to eat while you shop. Let's just say that I'm getting receipts for Christmas. Tires, Tuition, food...then what we just got to keep me busy at the Lake in the winter....cross country ski's and ice skates.

I actually got some input from an athlete on purchasing ice skates. I remembered from the media guide that she played hockey in high school so I asked her what good skates would be for a beginner....which I most definitely am.

I will not look like Dick Button, I will look like I got run over by Dick Butkus out on the ice. (Wikipedia those names) Actually I might be inspired to be a speed skater because of the Winter Olympics...Doubtful but I might just want to give it a try.

I first went skating in the Bahamas.

I thought that should be by itself. It's such an oxymoron. However, I really did first learn to skate in the Bahamas, on a cruise ship. (At-least I did that around Christmas) I just remember that some skater who almost made her countries Olympic team quickly progressed from going forwards to balancing on her toes with the other leg pointed towards the sky. I don't know if I even formed a right angle at any point of this experience on ice.

Lastly, I remember promising that I would give credit where credit is due when someone corrects me on a sports fact.

Well, Let's Go...

A Goalie from New Jersey did correct me. She corrected me and she deserves credit for it.

The goalie from New York corrected me too. However, it was slightly different. I knew what her major was in the media guide, but she changed it after the guide was printed. I'm only as good as the information that I am given.

I think someone else might have corrected me too, but I forget who or about what.

Perplexed

I don't really know what to think about UCONN'S loss to Duke. The first part of the game was so exciting to watch and we played really well. After that it was ugly and than at the end we clawed our way back to atleast a respectable 9 point loss.

We can't miss that many free-throws. I also know that Jerome Dyson won't have a game like that from the line again.

Charles Okwandu had some good moments as well.

I don't know what to think about the game to be honest. There were times when I thought we were actually better than last years team and then there were times when we didn't look good.

I liked the effort at the end of the game and since I love effort I can't complain too much.

What I did think was funny was a sign from a Duke sign that said "Hey UCONN stick to Football." I'm glad the nation still remembers that we beat Notre Dame. I'm also glad that they put a free plug in for the team. It is quite impressive that they spoke about UCONN football during a UCONN and Duke basketball game.

Happy Thanksgiving

First of all Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Go Huskies and Go Cowboys! (Dallas Cowboys)

I thought I should come up with a list of things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for a roof over my head, food on the table and a LAPTOP that works.

I am thankful for my good health.

I am thankful for my friends and family.

I am thankful for being able to be in college.

I am thankful to have transportation.

I am thankful to be a Connecticut Husky.

I am thankful to be a Sports Management Major.

I am thankful to have a job.

I am thankful for getting a chance to help out (you can fill in the blank)

I am thankful for all of the awesome expierences that I have had this year.

I am thankful to be able to give back through Husky Sport.

I am thankful for living.

I am thankful for being myself and being very happy.

I am thankful for everyone that reads something that I write, which means I am thankful for you.

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving, Go Huskies, Go DALLAS COWBOYS. Deon Anderson scoring on Thanksgiving would be a dream come true. (He was a fullback at UCONN who was drafted by the Cowboys)

Mental Toughness

I love reading about mental toughness. I just read something on soccer that relates to mental toughness and how to catch a player who has been "psychollogically broken" by the superior will to win by their opponents.

According to the book symptoms of a psychologically broken player include being a step to late for a 50/50 ball, or hides when there is a chance for them to make a play. They sometimes look discouraged and not interested in playing.

You need to be mentally tough in order not to break. You need to maintain your will and need to win and your confidence in order to remain aggressive.

Thought it was an interesting thing that I read.

Very Impressed

I have been very impressed with how the Men's team has played today vs LSU. Easily their best game of the season. I'm writing this with 10 minutes left. I love the blocked shots, love how we are crashing the boards.

I have been very happy with Stanley Robinson and his athleticism. He's my favorite player on the team. I've been happy with everyone who has played to be honest.

My biggest observation revolves around Darius Smith who seemed to come out of nowhere to score a lay-up and draw a foul. I like seeing that off the bench.

A Holiday Tradition

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year, and it's likely that I won't be writing tomorrow, but I can never say never. I hope your Thanksgiving is nice enough that you won't be tempted to go online and read this.

Anyway a tradition that we have is to go and throw around a football on Thanksgiving.

I also get to watch my favorite team THE DALLAS COWBOYS on TV too. Thanksgiving is the reason that I like the Cowboys. No one watched football in my immediate family, so the only time I got to see it when I was growing up was on Thanksgiving at my Aunt's house.

Anyway, I feel like changing up the tradition a little bit. I will toss the football, but I may try and get the few of us young enough to play to play the other football too. I also would always wear a Dallas Cowboys jersey for Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact I think I wore a different jersey for each quarter when I was even younger. This year I may change things up once again and wear the last jersey that I bought. (yes that would be a jersey from the other football, from a player who wears number 23, who has been honored by the Big East each season)

As for the NFL tomorrow, I always root for the Lions and Cowboys. I root for the Cowboys because they are my favorite team. I root for the Lions because I feel bad that they are known as the team that always loses on Thanksgiving (except when Phil Luckett can't hear Jerome Bettis call a coin flip).

This year I will also root for the Broncos, who have the night game.

If I were picking games, I'd only pick one of the teams I am rooting for to win. I hope the Lions win, but considering they are the Lions, it's Thanksgiving, and they are playing the Packers, I'll take the Packers. The Cowboys should beat the Raiders, although they should have beaten the Redskins by more than just one freaking point.

I can't stand the New York Giants, they are my least favorite team in the NFL. They haven't been playing well as of late and neither have the Broncos. I think both teams are as hungry and mentally prepared as the other but I think the Giants are more talented. I do think that the Giants and Broncos will be a great game, and probably the best game of the weekend, although don't discount the Lions to make things interesting. Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson could be fun to watch tomorrow.

The Cowboys should destroy the Raiders. SHOULD is the key word.

Larry Taylor

LARRY TAYLOR!

The Montreal Alouettes, the team that Larry Taylor plays on, will be competing for the Grey Cup on November 29th. That is the championship game of the CFL.

Taylor has Two Touchdown's this year on punt returns. He has 788 yards on punt returns. Taylor has 1059 kickoff return yards and is averaging 20.8 yards per return.

Taylor was also apparently an All-Star in the CFL.

Taylor is listed as 1 of 5 key players on his team for the Grey Cup Championship game

http://www.cflgreycup.ca/page/2009_grey_cup

I finished another book

I finished the book I was reading on the Miami Hurricanes today. It's amazing to me that I was able to read a book for pleasure during the semester. Then again I read a lot at the really nice hotel I stayed at on November 13th. I stayed up really late reading and then read some more in the morning.

Today I got new tires on my car. I wasn't in desperate need but it's get to get a new set for the winter. Anyway I was there from about 7:30 am to 11 am. I read the entire time.

I read about the Butch Davis and Larry Coker era's of Miami Football. I didn't realize that Coker had never been a head coach before being hired. I also had no idea that the players at Miami were the people who tried the hardest to get Coker to be named head coach.

The book is a great read if you enjoy college football, sports or the Miami Hurricanes.

What I took out of the book was how important having a swagger is, and how powerful that attitude can be. You also have to balance that swagger with the knowledge that you can lose.

If you prepare thinking you can't lose you will have a swagger that you can't back up because you didn't work hard enough to back it up.

If you know what it's like to lose and you prepare to win and you have a swagger because you know you are prepared to win, you can back up your swagger.

To me Miami is all about swagger, and backing it up.

Two All-Americans

Both Melissa Gonzalez and Loren Sherer were named First-Team All-American's for their performances this year. Sherer set a new record at UCONN for single season goals at 33, and points at 84. She lead the nation in scoring.

I always announced her name, and her name was hard to say so her scoring gave me a lot of practice. I can say it easily now, and I apologize for messing it up. I practiced it wrong and it carried over into the first game or two. I practiced saying her last name forever though. I'd literally go for a run and then just start announcing her name because I wanted to get it right as soon as possible. I need to practice it correctly to make up for what I did wrong before I got her pronounciations.

Sherer was fun to watch. She is an amazing player. I remember her scoring a ridiculous goal. It's a goal that I can't describe. I just remember thinking to myself that only she could have done that.

Anyway I wish more people say Sherer play. It's not often that your school has a National Scoring Leader playing. I look forward to seeing her honored this year in front of a large crowd.

In case anyone is wondering

I've been feeling pretty healthy for the past week or two.

Also I wish that the media might talk about UCONN winning it's first game since Jasper Howard died rather than if Charlie Weis must be fired. I think UCONN's win should be celebrated more than Notre Dame's loss.

Some Stats

A.J. Price had 6 points in a win over the Wizards. He is aveaging 2.5 points per game with the Pacers

Hasheem Thabeet has had 4 points in each of the last two games he's played in. He's averaging 1.3 points, 0.8 blocks and 2.1 rebounds per game with the Grizzlies

Stephanie Labbe won a player of the year award in Sweden. I believe it was the player of the year award for North Sweden in women's football. Things can get lost in translation from Swedish to English. She also lead her league in saves. 136 saves in 20 games.

Will Beatty has played in 10 games and started 1 for the Giants

Donald Brown has 236 yards on 54 carries for 4.4 yards per carry. He has two Touchdowns. He has 8 receptions for 146 yards.

Darius Butler has 19 tackles and two interceptions.

Sarah Stanczyk had an assist this season for her first career point in NCAA Soccer. She started 19 of 20 games she played in and played 1634 minutes.

Ashley O'Brien had a goal and two assists this season. Started 18 of 19 games that she played in.

O'Brian White had two goals in 9 games. He played 440 minutes.

Akeem Priestley plays for Mugan PFC in Azerbaijan.

Chukwudi Chijindu had a goal and an assist in 11 games and 420 minutes of play. His goal came in April against the Seattle Sounders.

Swagger

I think that it is important to have a swagger and a belief in yourself when you play sports. I think it can give you a mental edge. I spoke to an athlete this year who said that the team was "cocky" and that is why they did so well in the tournament that year. I found that to be interesting.

I really believe that it is important to have a lot of confidence and pride in your team. I think that positive thought process will result in more aggressive play which will lead to wins.

I think it's important to have a swagger and a pride for your team. Expecting to win will lead to more wins. I think it's healthy to have some swagger.

I think swagger is what lead the Miami Hurricane football program to be so successful for so long. You get that picture when you read the book about their program's history.

It's no fun

It's no fun when the team you root for beats your friends team and then your friend decides to no longer root for the team that your team just beat.

Basically I was looking forward to seeing a Notre Dame fan, who all of a sudden changed allegiances, even though he had asked me about the game not that long ago.

Weak!

My dad told me to be gentle around him too which I thought was funny. I'm not going to hurt the guy because his team lost, but you should be able to bask in reflective glory when your team wins.

Jubilation

I have felt jubilation the last two weekends. The first was after Brittany Taylor's match winning goal, and the second was after this win over Notre Dame. Both felt really good.

YES!!! FINALLY

For about a year now I've heard Notre Dame fans talking about how they look forward to playing UCONN in football and how UCONN has no chance at all to win. I kept telling them that we probably will win and that the game will at the very least be MUCH closer than what you think. Notre Dame fans paid no attention to UCONN Football in many ways. They asked me about the team and how we played, with the inference that they'd never seen us play.

UCONN RUNS the ball. Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman are a great one-two punch. The defense will give up some yards, but makes big plays and gets turnovers. The return unit will also make a big play or two to help win games. We run the ball and when we run the ball well we will at the very least keep the game close.

I loved how UCONN just ran over Notre Dame at the end of the game. That was fun to watch because every UCONN run seemed to go for 8-12 yards. I also was glad that Zach Frazer got to throw a Touchdown pass in Overtime at Notre Dame. Kashif Moore also made a heck of a catch on that play. Blidi Wreh Wilson made a great stop on defense in Overtime too.

I was so emotional while watching this game. That's rare for me when it comes to watching sporting events. I usually sit and observe. I couldn't for this game. I couldn't stand all of this Notre Dame is amazing and will beat UCONN crap. I hate the Catholic School is better and deserves to win over a Public school talk of a certain family friend of ours. I was passionately screaming at the television today. I was as loud as I've ever been while watching a game. This game meant so much to me because of what it symbolized for UCONN, the State of Connecticut and our Football program. We beat Notre Dame at Notre Dame. UCONN did that! Imagine saying that just five years ago. That would have been an insane statement. What made it even more important was that the win came at a crucial time and it marked the first time that UCONN had won a game without Jasper Howard. We had lost 3 heartbreaking games after our hearts were broken with the loss of Howard. It was about time that things went our way. This was the biggest win in program history. It validates the program in many ways. On National Television, at Notre Dame on Senior Day. It doesn't get much better than that.

What upset me was how the media of NBC seemed to focus so much more on Charlie Weis and what it meant to him. After the game they should have almost entirely focused on what this meant for UCONN. UCONN has been through so much, especially the football program. NBC should have focused on how great it was for UCONN to have pulled off this victory. I do think that they did a great peice on UCONN FOOTBALL at halftime, but I would have rather they focused on all that UCONN had been through, and what it meant to the program in the post-game interviews.

It was also hard not to get emotional after the game. Coach Edsall had a great interview after the game and it brought some tears to my eyes to think about what the school has been through and what Jasper Howard's family has had to endure. This win was huge for UCONN and the Howard family and I am so glad that the game ball is going back down to Miami to be with his family. Things finally went UCONN's way. Finally! Even though no win can replace the loss of a fallen comrade.

Big Day

10 years ago no one would have ever imagined that UCONN Football would be playing against Notre Dame on NBC. It speaks to just how far our program has come.

Obviously this year has been very difficult. If things broke the right way UCONN could easily be 9-0. No team has blown us out. We also lost a player to death.

I hope that tomorrow will be a bright spot for the football program because they sure could use one.

Maya Moore and UCONN look unstoppable again. Maya had an amazing stretch during this game where she stole the ball and got lay-ups and easy shots. Tina Charles was pretty good. I loved the way Kelly Faris played and was glad to see Caroline Doty knocking down three's again.

I spoke with someone knowledgeable about penalty kicks for men's soccer and sometimes even the best people at Penalty Kicks mess up.

I hated this

A week ago was really cool. I love a week ago now. Someone had just scored a great goal.

I was on the sideline for this and man oh man was I scared. I have been keeping track of things for coaches at work. What I was keeping track of could of actually been used to help make a decision about who would perform under pressure.

Thankfully we didn't need those notes. I would have been SO nervous if we did.

Ohio Loves Football

More proof that Ohio is obsessed with football. This is a great clip of a video I watched in class. It shows just how obsessed people are with HIGH SCHOOL football in Massilon Ohio. By obsessed I mean from birth to death, as you will see at the end of this trailer.

In Massilon, before their big rivalry game against McKinley, the Massilon band is allowed by the mayor/town law to march and play anywhere (Any building, any street) within Massilon, Ohio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9tGclyb1MQ

And it is Ohio State vs Michigan...Go Buckeyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv0_EpF5SyY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBa5B8cEb_w&feature=related

To refresh your memory...I think this video is funny...but I've posted it a lot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZC8EXI44eM

Interesting discussion we had

We were talking about reasons that leagues would want to have age limits for players in class today.

What the public is told for football in particular is that it is because they don't want to hurt the athletes who are physically unprepared at 19 for the NFL.

Also as a side note I found it funny how David Stern went on air and talked about why the one year of college rule before NBA draft rule went into effect and never mentioned going to college as being a benefit of the rule. He mentioned that it would help improve their preparation for the league, but not that it would allow players to gain college credit.

Anyway, a reason that they have that age limit in place for the NFL draft is because it helps make the talent pool smaller, so less players can compete for NFL rosters.

It also allows for players to train and gain experience while not having an NFL team have to pay for that experience and training. College's pay the expenses of schooling. It also allows the NFL and it's teams to not have to worry about paying a player that goes down with an injury while young.

Thought that was all interesting.

Someone motivated me

I hate losing, even if it's in swimming, something that I am new too. I don't like finishing last in relay races in swim class even if I am going up against some college swimmers and former high school swimmers.

I finished last for the first 3 races in free style, breast stroke and butterfly. The last race was the backstroke, which I knew was my best stroke. I wanted to not finish last so badly.

I got out to a great start as far as I was concerned. Towards the end I was getting tired. I started to slow down but I wanted to push through so badly. As I was slowing down this voice came into my head. I saw and heard this person going "LETS GO!!!!" "COME ON, LET'S GO!!!!!!" to me in my mind. It worked. I beat one person in the backstroke and I am giving Mrs. Let's Go an assist. I think you can figure out who that is.

I also almost puked after a weightlifting workout and swimming workout for class. I may be one of a few people who always pushes themselves in gym class in college.

First Men's Basketball game

Ok well today wasn't my first Men's basketball game, but it was the first men's game that I had gone to with tickets that I had actually been able to purchase.

Let's just say that after the first half I wanted my money back. I think Coach Calhoun would agree since we were out-rebounded by Colgate. I thought that we played a lot better in the second half. Without looking at the stats I liked the way Jamaal Coombs-McDaniels played. He was great from 3. He had a nice pass and was solid on defense.

I am disappointed that Men's Soccer will not have any more home games

Scary Stuff

So for the first time I started to seriously think about graduate schools and places that I would want to apply to.

I preface this by saying that UCONN is by FAR my number one choice and the place where I would most like to be. I will be applying here but I also need to think of some other places too.

The other school that I will most certainly apply to is North Carolina.

Connecticut is by far my number one though. I love Storrs and the area around it. I think it's really nice here. I also grew up in Connecticut and hated that my state didn't have a team that really represented the state to the entire country. I can sort of say that our basketball programs have done that, but I am not sure if UCONN is in the same sentence as North Carolina, USC, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas and Florida. I want it to be. I want Connecticut to be a place known for UCONN and it's athletics. I want excellence achieved by everyone and I want the whole state talking about every team. My other dream would be to help college soccer expand. I think that college soccer has a lot of potential in terms of growth. I'd like to see teams play in front of crowds larger and rowdier than the ones at Morrone. That will take a long time, but I think it's plausible.

I have also started to think about my internship for the summer. Ideally that will also be on the East Coast and in the Northeast. I've started to think about applying to a few teams about some social media things. I think the facebook pages that I help out on are pretty good.

Sorry

I am sorry for being M.I.A. lately. I was really really really busy this weekend, but I had a fun time and overall I enjoyed myself. The ending to it might not have been great, but all in all I had a lot of fun.

I have been reading about the Miami Hurricane's football program lately. I read about 100 pages this weekend. I love the swagger that the Hurricane's had. I think it helped them play well. They also were such a close knit family and used everything as a chip on their shoulder.

It's remarkable to me how that program, which was almost cut twice, was able to build itself into Five Time National Champions. I also love how they used Mantra's to help them focus on getting better. I think mantra's are important.

This is just impossible

It is impossible to keep a straight face during bad singing auditions. I truly appreciate the guts it takes to sing in Gampel Pavilion in front of even just 5 people, but it's still not possible to keep a straight face during a bad audition.

I tried so hard not to be rude during this. I TRIED SO HARD TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE. I really mean it. I tried and I just couldn't do it. I refused to look up at the person singing because I didn't want to make him laugh. I was able to find a paper and tried to focus on what was written on it. I still couldn't though. You don't know how hard it was not to smile and laugh out loud. It was just so bad. The voice was bad but in the middle of it the person started to not know the lyrics to the song that they were singing...the National Anthem...twice. You could here the person almost swear.

The worst thing was when he asked if he was singing the right song with two lines left in the song.

To make the story even better the person had asked for extra time to warm up.

I really respect the person for trying. Like I can't imagine how hard he practiced and how much courage it takes to try out. It's just so funny though. You don't want to laugh, but you just have to. I tried so hard at the end to look at the paper until the person clearly left the building. Then I looked at everyone else at the table and everyone started laughing, uncontrollably for almost 2 minutes.

Again I respect this person's courage. Don't get me wrong.

At the end all of us who were watching tried to sing in Gampel since it was empty. I was HORRIBLE. I am better at soccer than at singing. Much better. I got to OHHHH SAAAAYYYYYY CANNNNN YOUUUU and just started laughing as I heard my voice trying to sing over the speakers in Gampel Pavilion. I was horrible. I've never sung in my life. It showed, and I probably shouldn't practice unless I want to pay for broken windows.

I skipped to the end of the song because I felt like saying "Land of the FREE and Home of the BRAVE."

In retrospect I wish I sung O Canada because I think my voice is better suited for that song.

It was a cool experience and I learned how hard it is to sing in front of people and how hard it is to listen to bad singers sing without laughing uncontrollably. I do want to stress that I respect the people who tried because it takes a lot of courage to sing.

Also, Field Hockey player Allison Angulo has an amazing voice and does a great singing of the National Anthem. Maya Moore and Kaili McLaren are pretty good too.

Chance to impress no one

I got a chance to impress the goalkeepers at practice today. I didn't impress. I can assure you of that. I was called upon to drill some shots at Division I Soccer Goalkeepers. I haven't taken a shot in soccer since about Division VII 8 year old soccer. My job was to get shots on frame and my guess was that I got 60% at best on frame. I did my best and I knew that for me, it was actually a lot better than what I would have done a while ago. I wanted to take soccer in school next semester but it isn't being offered.

I know I went top 90 on someone. I told them it was the first time I had ever done that. I feel bad for making the goalies have to chase after a shot here and there when I missed. The funny thing is that I had no idea how many shots I made or got close. After I shot I was supposed to send a pass to a coach for them to shoot and actually Challenge the goalies. I concentrated on getting off a quick pass and never really looked to see if I made them.

Anyway it was a cool experience.

LET'S GO

I want to quote a freshman today. I love these two, simple words that describe what I am feeling...

LET'S GO!!!

You should know what I am talking about.

We are going to win!

I'm reading a book on the University of Miami Hurricane's football program called "Cane Mutiny."

I am on chapter 2 and probably will remain on that chapter for a long time because it takes me awhile to read for pleasure when I am in classes. In the last chapter I read about Howard Schnellenberger the first coach to lead the Hurricanes to a National Championship. He was the man who rebuilt the Cane program, a program that was almost cut from the school.

In the chapter it talks about how Schnellenberger said "We are going to win a National Championship." I swear that every book I read that talks about accomplishing something great involves a place and moment where a person said that they were going to accomplish something.

Two things about this. I think people say things like this all the time. "We are going to win a Championship." We only read about and reminisce about it when that saying becomes true. The account of who said, and when and where it was said becomes stuff of legends. I bet every coach says it.

People always say things but they often do nothing to back up what they say. That to me is what is the most important thing. If you say something you need to back it up so that what your saying will come true. Some people say they are going to change but then when you ask them how they are changing they can give you no answer. "I'm going to get in better shape." Great, how are you doing that? "I don't know."

You can achieve great things by saying nothing and just doing things. You can become legendary if you say things and actually back it up.

What everyone was talking about

This is just ....I don't even know what to say besides horrendous sportsmanship.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNmPybFK2_o

My favorite quote

Someone said something to the effect of this today. It made me laugh. I love this quote...that I am power phrasing...

"I don't change, I just don't do the same thing."

Basketball is back

First of all, I remember saying over the summer that the Yankees would win the World Series. I was right. I like being right, but I'd rather have been wrong because I hate the Yankees. As a Mets fan I also hate the Phillies so basically this World Series was a lose/lose proposition for me.

Anyway, I saw some basketball both yesterday and today. I saw parts of the men's game online. I heard that Stanley Robinson and Alex Oriakhi played really well.

I was at the women's game today. I love hearing the band playing at Gampel. It's a great thing to hear. It felt so good to hear the band going again. I thought UCONN would win by 63. We didn't score as much as I thought we would. I just think our shots were a little off.

I was very impressed with Kelly Faris. I think she is a great player who impressed me with her defense. She had a couple of steals and forced a travel. She also could hit the three and drove to the hoop when she had the chance. I was very happy with her play.

He's back

The Mayor of Storrs, Ryan Marciel Grace, is back and better than ever. Many people have asked about his whereabouts. He's fine and will be around once again. The Tree Hill Ravens will be better than ever because of him.

Should I post my sportography?

I just submitted my sportography for my Sports in Society class and I am debating whether or not I should post all of it, or parts of it here. Actually I know that there are a few parts that shouldn't be shared...but I am debating putting them hear.

I've been doing a lot of research on Stephanie Labbe lately too and I just realized that she was one of only two goalies to shut down Notre Dame in regulation time all of last season.

Impressed

So I get into trivia competitions way too much. I had fun with my roommate in my apartment. He doesn't love sports the way I do so I quizzed him on the posters on my wall. He was able to get the right names with all but 7 of the faces on the basketball poster. I was impressed.

I had to ask him a women's soccer question.

I asked him how many career victories does Len Tsantiris have?

He went, "who is that?"

After I explained to him he threw out a number. He said "473"

I was shocked. He was right. Not even a couple off, completely accurate. He didn't even believe me. I got this years media guide plus the ten wins from this season to prove him correct. I was so impressed with him. I will take out the trash for this week.

I also got bonus points because I told my weightlifting instructor the story about knowing everything about Brie Gray and Mandy Schwartz. He liked the story so I got extra credit.

Avoiding burnout???

I've really been wondering what is necessary to do in order to avoid burnout. I know it's important to take your mind off of what you are doing a lot just to say sane. Sometimes if things don't go well you or your getting stressed out or bored you need to take a step back. Here lies something that I have been pondering for a little bit.

Another school of thought might say that you need to grind it out and work through it. My parents both went through basic training and my family is more of the type to work and work and work. I was raised to grind it out, give 100% and do as expected.

I'm sure there is some sort of balance between taking time off to recharge your batteries and taking time off and avoiding solving problems. I just wonder where that balance point is.

I'm not burned out at all in case your wondering, but I'm taking this from a management perspective and if I was running a company.

I'll take this as another compliment

I've been busier than I thought that I would be. I feel so bad because I was able to write so many great and long posts over the summer. Now I haven't had the time. Don't worry, you'll get them soon, and even during the school year too, depending on when I have down time.

As for what made the title of this post...

I was asked to help out someone because of my writing and researching abilities. I was honored that this person thought of me to help them out. It's sort of funny because I was such a bad writer in elementary school. I was given a 7 out of 12 on my first writing sample for the CMT's. (Connecticut Mastery Test, not Country Music Television) Writing is what I used to struggle with so much. I was excellent at Math. Years later I can't stand math and enjoy writing. I've even written a press release.

Well I did see that Hasheem Thabeet played in 1 game for 12 minutes and had two rebounds....no points or blocks. A.J. Price played in 1 minute for the Pacers.

Good day

So my birthday went well. I had my first beer, which most people can't believe. It's true though. I didn't have one until I was 21. Not a huge fan of them either. Didn't taste good.

Today was heartbreaking. That's all I'll say about that.

I think my new laptop, that has already been fixed, just got a virus. Thought it would make the month of October even more memorable.

Field Hockey is still amazing. Loren Sherer scored an amazing goal. It was a laser beam. It was hit perfectly. No one could have stopped it.

I also played some soccer today and I learned that it's hard to be a goalie when your defense doesn't play defense. 4 on 1 is impossible.

For the record

Also for the record I have heard good things about the women's soccer coach at St. Johns. I do want to pass that along.

I'm not waving the white flag or calling a truce. I am just passing a long a message.

Funny thing about sports

The funny thing about sports is that everyone thinks that they are experts at them. Everyone watches so much sports and sees so much that they think they can out-coach, out-prepare, out-draft and out-everything for an entire sports organization. They think they can coach the players better, run better plays than the coaches, draft and trade better than general managers and run the organization better than those that work in it.

It's funny, and I can't figure out why this is. Imagine doing that for another sector of the economy, like banks, insurance companies or airplane builders. You just wouldn't tell them how to run, or assume you could do a better job than they could. Sports seems to be a totally different story. It makes me laugh.

No, you can't play better than the athlete on the field. I always laugh when people say "I could do that." Well if you could, you would be on the team.

Fans mistakenly think that their years of experience watching games replaces the years of experience that coaches have watching, playing and coaching games. They think those experiences watching games also qualify them to think they can better run the business of sports even though those in the business understand the uniqueness of the industry and also have experience running teams.

Senior Day

I love fall sports at UCONN. I like Soccer and Football the most. Field Hockey is also fun because we are so good and I have followed Volleyball.

It's very hard to imagine that it's already senior day for some of those sports. Actually all but football will have senior day by then. It's so sad for me. It's possible that these will be the last games that I see for those teams ever.

I hope to be back for graduate school next year. Nothing in life is guaranteed. I have no idea who I will meet bewteen now and next fall and how they will impact my future endeavors. Certainly a year ago I would not have been able to say that I would be doing what I am doing now. I would never have imagined this.

I look forward to basketball and I guess track and field in the spring, but the fall sports are sports that I will miss.

How much do you think I can bench

So for my birthday (well it was in the syllabus) we found our max bench press measurements in weightlifting class.

I am proud that my 9 reps of 160 pounds equals a 205 pound max. I am glad to be over the 200 pound mark.

Happy Birthday to me

Well today is my 21st birthday. I am going to celebrate by going to bed now. I wish I already was in bed, but I needed to pick classes for the spring.

The NBA is off again

I actually was excited to see the Celtics and Cavs. I can't remember the last time that I wanted to see a regular season NBA game. I saw most of the second half and the game looked so physical. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen took some hard fouls.

I like the Celtics this year.

The odds are better that the Clippers will win the NBA Championship this year than referees actually calling traveling.

Fouls

There is a certain athlete of mine who impresses me by their lack of arguing with referees. They play an aggressive style of play and they know that they get away with things from time to time so they don't whine and moan to referees about calls. I like that. They are smart.

Also, I think it's funny when people know you but don't know you well enough to know if you know them. I think those awkward situations are so funny. People start texting to no one in particular. They try to take weird routes to avoid you. They stand at locked doors and try desperately to open them. I find that all amusing.

Today is the last day that I will be underage.

I feel so mature

I don't watch too much TV but I saw some yesterday. I am about to get a year older tomorrow. That's cool. I can buy whatever I want in the supermarket tomorrow. I won't really look forward to any more birthday's though. It's nice to be young.

However I can definetly see that I am more mature with what I am watching on TV. I ended up watching the History Channel and CPTV...yes I watched CPTV...and it wasn't even because women's basketball was on.

Anyway I don't have much too talk about at this moment. For those of you who have to listen to me...Enjoy it!

P.S.

I am really looking forward to eating Sour Milk Cake tomorrow.

Can't we come together for Senior Day

I really wish that we as a school would come together for senior day for all of our athletic teams...I don't understand why that is so difficult.

I imitated Willis

While I was hanging out with Meghan Nanfeldt at the gym I went on that rowing equipment up in the Greer Gym. I had no idea what I was doing. It felt too easy too me in terms of the resistance. Anyway there was some number on that machine that I was able to get up all the way to 1065. I don't know what it meant, but it sounds like a nice number.

I also must admit it was really weird to be on that seat and moving.

compliment

I got a compliment from someone. I don't like sharing them with other people, at least not ordinarily. This one sort of surprised me because someone said that they had never heard of anyone that knows me that didn't like me. I was surprised to hear that. I can't believe that I haven't done something to make someone mad at me. I guess I'll take it and hope things stay that way.

I would think someone wouldn't like me because I talk too much.

For my project

I did a project for a sports management class and this is a major part of it.

You should do the following.

Go to this link and lower the volume so that it is muted. Don't press play yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkW2TQIdrY8

Then open a new internet page and go to this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a4eUM0i4Tk

Set the play position to 33 seconds. Then hit play on the video that's at 33 seconds...

Quickly go back to the first video that you opened and muted and click play and then watch.

Then you'll understand a little bit about my project.

Some people may have seen the other half of the project one Friday evening.

I finally found a sport that I am worse at then soccer

I got a chance to take a breath today. No real work that I had to do. Well nothing that felt like work.

I ended up playing and learning handball today. I guess it's racquetball without a racquet. I'm better at soccer than at handball.

That is scary.

It was a lot of fun. I went with my friend Meghan Nanfeldt and her two friends Andrew Ives and Dominique Diadoo, who happens to be a former UCONN Women's Soccer player.

It was a lot of fun to play even though I wasn't good at it. I hope to play again. I must say that it does hurt your hands!

I also played soccer with them. Dominique played Division I soccer. Meghan could have easily played Division II or III but chose Division I Lacrosse instead. Andrew is very good at soccer too. It was cool for me to be on an indoor soccer team with them. It also meant that I played in goal, which is a good thing. I like being goalie. I always have enjoyed the goalies at UCONN too, like Stephanie Labbe and Mandy Schwartz. I made 10-12 saves, something like that. I was happy, but mad about the goals I gave up, even though a couple of them I couldn't do anything about. We might have won, but we atleast tied.

I also made my way to a couple of different events today. I saw UCONN lacrosse play. Jenna Moulton fought for a goal. She scored another one that I saw. Jenna has gone into Hartford with me to Husky Sport a couple of times. I was glad to see her score.

I saw swimming and diving too. I saw how ridiculously good they are. It was loud and humid in the pool area.

I also saw Women's Ice Hockey beat Union 4-1. Monique Weber picked up two goals.

Cycling across the country

So there is the possibility, depending on how things work out with internships and finals etc. that I could cycle across the country for charity. There is an event that my friend might be putting on in May, and as someone who cycles a lot I would most definetly be interested in helping a charity and riding with a friend. It would be a great expierence and I hope that my internship will not interfere with the ride. Definetly more details to come.

Freedom

Finally I can get some writing in.

First of all I want to say that I had a wonderful conversation with a loyal reader of mine, Mrs. Dulski. I'm glad that I got the chance to meet her because she has added so much to my blog. I've learned things from the posts she has left and it's cool to learn things.

I think I've said that I am shy. This is half-true. I'm not the best at just starting conversations with people that I don't know. I'm not usually the person to initiate a conversation. I am quiet and lay low when I am in unfamiliar situations. Hence why I gravitated to a certain spot on a practice field.

I am not shy once I know you. I don't close my mouth easily once I know you. I've warned people that I talk a lot and write a lot.

I am ALIVE

I am alive. I've been BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY, beyond belief... Now I am happy and ready to go.

It was hard to say

We did have a moment of silence for Jasper Howard at the field hockey game last night. I had to ask people to be silent and it was just so weird to say. It's hard to describe what was going through my mind other than it was just weird to say.

Diving

Today in swimming class we learned how to dive.

I did more of a belly flop.

I just feel like saying this

I think everyone has there ups and downs. It's natural. Today was certainly a very depressing and mellow day at UCONN.

I have to say that I am at peace with myself right now. I am very content and happy with myself and my life. What's sad is that I might feel the opposite of that at some point this week, but in general I am just happy right now.

I guess being happy is something to be thankful for.

On a side note I looked over at the beer aisle in the super market. I'm not much of a drinker,(seriously 95% of humans drink more than me) but in less than 10 days now I'll be able to buy that stuff, which is cool. 21, I never could imagine being that old.

My family will come up to celebrate. I will have something, other than milk for a change. Yes, I love Milk. I almost threw up on Thursday night because I drank too much....Milk. I told that to a friend of mine and he laughed.

The more I think about it, the more I am considering missing senior night for men's soccer, or at-least the first half, to spend time with my mom and dad. I had wanted to see this soccer game all year, but I realize that moments like the one I am about to celebrate are rare and should be special. Both my parents are getting old, my dad is already 60 and my mom isn't too far behind.

My grandpa Palmer died while my dad was a freshman in college so my dad didn't have his father around when he turned 21. I'm not sure what the drinking age was for my father, but it is a milestone for a male in my family to see his son be able to drink. It should be a special moment and I don't want anything to interfere with it.

My parents will also be up that same day to listen to me announce the field hockey game. They've never heard me do that before. I don't think they will make it to soccer practice to watch me play fetch. Our dog does that enough.