I got a text message this afternoon about playing intramural basketball. I was about to go to Big Y when I responded with a maybe because I wasn't sure how much studying I would need to do since I wasn't on campus this weekend. Then I realized that I would be fine in terms of studying and also thought that I would probably make the game winning shot so I went from a maybe to going.
For some reason I really thought I was going to make the game winning shot, even though I am an average basketball player at best. I don't really create much off of the dribble. I need space in order to operate so if I get the ball and can't get a shot off I look to pass. In a typical 40 minute intramural game I'll hustle, get rebounds, make a few assists and take one or two shots. I still thought that I would make the game winner even though I am not a cocky person.
The last thing I did before I left for the gym was to write the initials of a soccer player with the words "Let's Go" on the palm of my hand to inspire and motivate me. This one player says those words all the time and those words get me going. I love hearing those words. Those two words remind me to focus, to be intense, to stay positive and to keep my head in the game.
Anyway I thought I played awful for most of the game. I usually don't have too many turnovers but I had two bad passes that I'd like back. One was my fault, and the other was a great play by the defender. The defender disguised himself well on the pass. I grabbed a couple of rebounds and had a couple of assists too. We were down by 7 late in the game but were able to get the game tied late. With 5 seconds left we inbounded the ball and one of my teammates got the ball but was well defended. He passed me the ball on the left baseline with a second or two left. I took an off balance mid range jump shot with one hand. I thought I was going to miss it when it left my hand. It caught the front rim and I got a friendly bounce and the ball went in with a second left. I was getting ready to play defense and then looked at the clock and saw that it was 0.0. We had won, and I made the game winning shot like I thought I would. My teammates won the game though. They got the game tied and I got the glory at the end. I also think my positive thinking and two words from that soccer player helped me out.
The mayor of Storrs, The Honorable Ryan Marciel Grace was also there. That meant a lot to me. I go to a lot of his intramural games and I'm glad he got to see me do something worthwhile in an intramural game.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Big Stadium
I was reading about a sport in Australia where the field is twice as big as a soccer field. I cannot imagine the facility to house that. It must be so hard to see the whole field and it also must require a lot of fans in order to fill the entire stadium and have a good atmosphere.
Also I was thinking about NASCAR because they have such massive facilities and race tracks. It really made me realize why Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most popular facilities. It doesn't hold the Daytona 500 or Brickyard 400, or the championship race, or even a race in the Chase for the Championship but it does have two successful races and popular races. I think there are two reasons for this. The track is half a mile wide and has high angled, steep turns which create a lot of action for fans. There is always drama and hot tempers at this race. On top of that the facility is small enough that a NASCAR fan will always be seeing a car go by and can see almost all of the race from any seat there.
I've been to a race at Pocono Raceway and it's one of the larger tracks. It was fun, but it was hard to see things happening on the other half of the race track.
On top of that stadiums that are too big take away from the atmosphere of games and that diminishes interest in the sport. On the other hand smaller facilities with a better atmosphere increases interest and makes it harder to get tickets for an event.
Also I was thinking about NASCAR because they have such massive facilities and race tracks. It really made me realize why Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most popular facilities. It doesn't hold the Daytona 500 or Brickyard 400, or the championship race, or even a race in the Chase for the Championship but it does have two successful races and popular races. I think there are two reasons for this. The track is half a mile wide and has high angled, steep turns which create a lot of action for fans. There is always drama and hot tempers at this race. On top of that the facility is small enough that a NASCAR fan will always be seeing a car go by and can see almost all of the race from any seat there.
I've been to a race at Pocono Raceway and it's one of the larger tracks. It was fun, but it was hard to see things happening on the other half of the race track.
On top of that stadiums that are too big take away from the atmosphere of games and that diminishes interest in the sport. On the other hand smaller facilities with a better atmosphere increases interest and makes it harder to get tickets for an event.
Friday, January 29, 2010
I'm still here
I hate when I don't get to post everyday. I've been really busy and I just finished my graduate school application. Hopefully I will be accepted and can continue to do what I love doing. It does feel so nice to be done with it though. Now I have to finish my application for my business minor. That shouldn't be too bad.
The UConn Men's Basketball team disappointed me. It takes a little bit away from the greatness of the victory against Texas. I thought the game was going really well in the beginning.
My Super Bowl pick are the Saints over the Colts. I went 1-1 last weekend, which felt so good after my 0-4. My record picking games this year in the playoffs is an all-time worst 3-7 right now. At-least I'm better than the Lions.
3-7 sounds like the record that the Mets will start off with. I'm so pessimistic about my baseball team right now. I don't like the way things have gone this offseason...Also can the team please sign ORLANDO HUDSON. This second baseman is good and has wanted to have been a Met for two straight off seasons. The Mets just need to make it happen.
The UConn Men's Basketball team disappointed me. It takes a little bit away from the greatness of the victory against Texas. I thought the game was going really well in the beginning.
My Super Bowl pick are the Saints over the Colts. I went 1-1 last weekend, which felt so good after my 0-4. My record picking games this year in the playoffs is an all-time worst 3-7 right now. At-least I'm better than the Lions.
3-7 sounds like the record that the Mets will start off with. I'm so pessimistic about my baseball team right now. I don't like the way things have gone this offseason...Also can the team please sign ORLANDO HUDSON. This second baseman is good and has wanted to have been a Met for two straight off seasons. The Mets just need to make it happen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Ohh jeezzz
So apparently a family member of mine decided to post videos of me on facebook from when I was really little. My first birthday party somehow made it up, which is ok to post because I did nothing that required me to be disciplined.
Then there are some other videos where I am yelling, jumping and being wild. There is me throwing a ball at a family member. Other times I'm taking things away from someone.
Then there is me bouncing around a room at 2 and a half.
I thought technology was great until this.
Then there are some other videos where I am yelling, jumping and being wild. There is me throwing a ball at a family member. Other times I'm taking things away from someone.
Then there is me bouncing around a room at 2 and a half.
I thought technology was great until this.
Monday, January 25, 2010
An important take away
This is an important take away from sports psychology.
Don't worry about winning. Don't worry about the outcome, just focus on accomplishing tasks and getting better.
Don't worry about winning. Don't worry about the outcome, just focus on accomplishing tasks and getting better.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
So where does this one rank?
The Texas vs UConn Men's Basketball game is by far the greatest men's game that I have seen live. To beat a #1 team on your home court on national television is special and memorable. By far the best men's game I've ever been to a UConn.
Unlike most people I cannot rank this as my favorite game of all time that I have either watched or attended while in college. (so I'm not including anything before 2006 fall season)
I have two number one's for favorite and most memorable games that I have attended.
Yes they are both Women's Soccer games. I am one of the team managers, women's soccer games should be my most memorable and favorite games that I have attended. They are my favorite UConn team. As I said in front of people at the Kinesiology open house, there is no other team that I would rather work for at UConn. Not the basketball teams, not the football team either. While both are great, I am very happy where I am.
So tied for first is the Yale game in 2008 when Cory Bildstein scored with 1.1 seconds left. I wouldn't be a team manager, I wouldn't like soccer and I wouldn't have pursued a possible internship with a soccer team in the summer if it wasn't for that kick. To be honest, I may not have even started writing this blog if it wasn't for that kick. I always found that game to be special. I found that moment so special. It was such an unbelievable way to end regulation. In many ways I want to re-create that moment everytime I go to a game. I was in many ways inspired to write a blog because I didn't want such an amazing moment like hers to go un-noticed and forgotten.
The other women's soccer game was the Boston University game in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. I was so nervous and anxious for the last 30 minutes of the game. I was so happy and relieved that Brittany Taylor scored. I've probably never been so happy and excited about a win than I was after that goal. Advancing in tournament play is always special. Avoiding penalty kicks was also GREAT.
Following those two games I have to go with football's victory over South Florida in which UConn rushed the field. It was the first time I rushed the field for a football game. It was also they day before my 19th birthday. I always dreamed of UConn being good in football and I can't believe how far the program has come. That game was so big.
I'd follow that with the Texas game today. Beating the number 1 team in the country is always special.
After that I'd probably have to put a lot of women's basketball games in. College Gameday was special. Beating Stanford was even better. Beating Rutgers in 2008 to advance to the final four was really special to me. Beating North Carolina at Gampel in 2008 and 2010 was special too.
The Men's Soccer game against USF when UConn won 5-0 is special to me too. Two words: Diego Restrepo.
Now if we included games that I attended or watch on TV, two games move ahead of football over South Florida and Men's Basketball over Texas. The Women winning the National Championship ties with the women's soccer games in meaningfulness to me. I reported on that team for part of the year and was such a big fan of the team. I was so happy to see them win and go undefeated. The other game which would be 4th if it was watched or attended would be UConn beating Notre Dame in South Bend. It was UConn's first win after losing Jasper Howard and it was such a huge win for the program.
Unlike most people I cannot rank this as my favorite game of all time that I have either watched or attended while in college. (so I'm not including anything before 2006 fall season)
I have two number one's for favorite and most memorable games that I have attended.
Yes they are both Women's Soccer games. I am one of the team managers, women's soccer games should be my most memorable and favorite games that I have attended. They are my favorite UConn team. As I said in front of people at the Kinesiology open house, there is no other team that I would rather work for at UConn. Not the basketball teams, not the football team either. While both are great, I am very happy where I am.
So tied for first is the Yale game in 2008 when Cory Bildstein scored with 1.1 seconds left. I wouldn't be a team manager, I wouldn't like soccer and I wouldn't have pursued a possible internship with a soccer team in the summer if it wasn't for that kick. To be honest, I may not have even started writing this blog if it wasn't for that kick. I always found that game to be special. I found that moment so special. It was such an unbelievable way to end regulation. In many ways I want to re-create that moment everytime I go to a game. I was in many ways inspired to write a blog because I didn't want such an amazing moment like hers to go un-noticed and forgotten.
The other women's soccer game was the Boston University game in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. I was so nervous and anxious for the last 30 minutes of the game. I was so happy and relieved that Brittany Taylor scored. I've probably never been so happy and excited about a win than I was after that goal. Advancing in tournament play is always special. Avoiding penalty kicks was also GREAT.
Following those two games I have to go with football's victory over South Florida in which UConn rushed the field. It was the first time I rushed the field for a football game. It was also they day before my 19th birthday. I always dreamed of UConn being good in football and I can't believe how far the program has come. That game was so big.
I'd follow that with the Texas game today. Beating the number 1 team in the country is always special.
After that I'd probably have to put a lot of women's basketball games in. College Gameday was special. Beating Stanford was even better. Beating Rutgers in 2008 to advance to the final four was really special to me. Beating North Carolina at Gampel in 2008 and 2010 was special too.
The Men's Soccer game against USF when UConn won 5-0 is special to me too. Two words: Diego Restrepo.
Now if we included games that I attended or watch on TV, two games move ahead of football over South Florida and Men's Basketball over Texas. The Women winning the National Championship ties with the women's soccer games in meaningfulness to me. I reported on that team for part of the year and was such a big fan of the team. I was so happy to see them win and go undefeated. The other game which would be 4th if it was watched or attended would be UConn beating Notre Dame in South Bend. It was UConn's first win after losing Jasper Howard and it was such a huge win for the program.
Really excited
I am really excited about today's win. I am so happy because I thought I saw UConn Basketball in the 2nd half. I saw the men playing the best that I have ever seen them. They were amazing and so much fun to watch. They made me lose my voice and jump up and down all game long.
The team played so well with Coach Blaney. I was very happy with the way Ater Majok played. His hustle, enthusiasm and energy were terrific. I think a lot of people expected way too much from him. The game against Texas is something that Majok can build on. I saw some things I really liked from him. I really liked how we would knock a loose ball to a teammate if he couldn't get his hands on a rebound.
Jerome Dyson was terrific. I think he is the player on UCONN who is most capable of taking a game into his own hands and willing his way to victory.
Stanley Robinson's alley oop via Jerome Dyson via Ater Majok's hustle was absolutely amazing.
I loved Donnell Beverley's dunk. That made me go crazy. That was such a big play. That was a dagger in many ways. I also think that Beverley calms down the team and is a really effective player off of the bench. I think he sort of serves the team the way Craig Austrie did last year. A say sort of because Craig played more and also scored more, but the way Beverley slows it down and runs the offense reminds me a bit of Austrie.
Speaking of daggers Kemba Walker's 3 pointer from way downtown and way up in the sky was what really sealed the deal. Game was pretty much over after that. Kemba played well. He had 10 assists.
I loved it when Stanley slowed down the ball late in the game rather than trying to force something. It seems like we might be learning things.
Gampel Pavilion was so loud today. It was so exciting to be there.
The team played so well with Coach Blaney. I was very happy with the way Ater Majok played. His hustle, enthusiasm and energy were terrific. I think a lot of people expected way too much from him. The game against Texas is something that Majok can build on. I saw some things I really liked from him. I really liked how we would knock a loose ball to a teammate if he couldn't get his hands on a rebound.
Jerome Dyson was terrific. I think he is the player on UCONN who is most capable of taking a game into his own hands and willing his way to victory.
Stanley Robinson's alley oop via Jerome Dyson via Ater Majok's hustle was absolutely amazing.
I loved Donnell Beverley's dunk. That made me go crazy. That was such a big play. That was a dagger in many ways. I also think that Beverley calms down the team and is a really effective player off of the bench. I think he sort of serves the team the way Craig Austrie did last year. A say sort of because Craig played more and also scored more, but the way Beverley slows it down and runs the offense reminds me a bit of Austrie.
Speaking of daggers Kemba Walker's 3 pointer from way downtown and way up in the sky was what really sealed the deal. Game was pretty much over after that. Kemba played well. He had 10 assists.
I loved it when Stanley slowed down the ball late in the game rather than trying to force something. It seems like we might be learning things.
Gampel Pavilion was so loud today. It was so exciting to be there.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Disco Sports
I will never know how I found this you tube clip from 1979 and Montreal.
Anyway I clicked on it because it looked interesting and I felt like posting it here because it's a throwback and it involves a small amount of sports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtR7z4KHnWY&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Apparently Guy LaFleur was a really good hockey player. He was said to have been one of the most naturally gifted hockey players ever. He played between 1971 and 1991, while missing a few seasons at the end of his career because he retired, and then decided to comeback. He won 5 Stanley Cups in his career.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXimC3A_WVA
Anyway I clicked on it because it looked interesting and I felt like posting it here because it's a throwback and it involves a small amount of sports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtR7z4KHnWY&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Apparently Guy LaFleur was a really good hockey player. He was said to have been one of the most naturally gifted hockey players ever. He played between 1971 and 1991, while missing a few seasons at the end of his career because he retired, and then decided to comeback. He won 5 Stanley Cups in his career.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXimC3A_WVA
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A thought came to my mind
I think we should give the person who laps people a lot in track meets or other running events Seabiscuit, Secretariat or The King Richard Petty.
Also, amazing people can't be awkward.
I was happy to see the Men's Basketball team win, but I was so tired that I actually fell asleep at halftime. I noticed that we made more three pointers than usual and hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.
Also, amazing people can't be awkward.
I was happy to see the Men's Basketball team win, but I was so tired that I actually fell asleep at halftime. I noticed that we made more three pointers than usual and hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Did you know
Did you know that it can take a really long time to research a Did You Know. Some are quick and easy and some are difficult to find.
Usually I'll notice a pattern and research it to see if it holds true. I have created an excel sheet to help me come up with did you knows. They often come to you at strange times, like right before you want to come to bed. I am so curious that I usually can't sleep unless I research them to the end. I may have more to write about these as the time goes on, but I feel like writing about it a little bit right now.
Usually I'll notice a pattern and research it to see if it holds true. I have created an excel sheet to help me come up with did you knows. They often come to you at strange times, like right before you want to come to bed. I am so curious that I usually can't sleep unless I research them to the end. I may have more to write about these as the time goes on, but I feel like writing about it a little bit right now.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Here we go again
School starts up again tomorrow. It's exciting, and scary at the same time. It might be my last semester in Storrs. (I might go to grad school here..I am planning on passing my classes) I'm excited to get going again but not looking forward to the inevitable days when I will be loaded with work.
Teams that play UConn in Women's Basketball are loaded with work. We beat another top 10 team by a lot. Today it was on the road at Duke and we won by 33. Lorin Dixon's four point play was sweet.
Teams that play UConn in Women's Basketball are loaded with work. We beat another top 10 team by a lot. Today it was on the road at Duke and we won by 33. Lorin Dixon's four point play was sweet.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
College Gameday
UConn College Gameday was spectacular. It was great to see College Gameday at a Women's Game. It was #1 vs #3. It is an honor to say that UCONN hosted the first ever Men's and Women's College Gamedays.
The UConn students showed up for all the events of the weekend and looked great on television. The game featured the best student section for a women's basketball game that I have ever seen.
I am so proud that we came through and delivered with 2,000-3,000 fans for the TV show in the morning and delivered with a sold out Gampel Pavilion for the game. I think the weekend was an A+. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Marketing was great. There were great promotions, great on the court performances and a great crowd. UConn got out to an early and dominant lead and never looked back.
Dick Vitale and the ESPN crew interacted with the students during the game too. The gameday crew of Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps and Hubert Davis were great. They seemed to enjoy every part of the weekend and were very accessible. They interacted with the students and were a joy to have in Storrs over the weekend. I had no idea what it would be like to have a College Gameday, but it was amazing. ESPN did a phenomenal job and I was impressed with their entire talent and crew. I hope they come back to UCONN again and do another Gameday for Women's Basketball again.
I had so much fun. I got up at 6 am to work the morning when the show was filmed. At the end of the show I was able to get a picture on the College Gameday set.
Of course I think UCONN and Notre Dame should host the first Women's Soccer College Gameday next year.
Saturday was a great day. It was such a great day that I didn't get time to write about it until after I wrote about today. Thinking about Saturday makes me happy.
I am so happy to see how far the UCONN Women's Basketball Student Section has come since my freshman year. I think the players, coaches, administration, marketing, students and media have all helped make the section better.
The UConn students showed up for all the events of the weekend and looked great on television. The game featured the best student section for a women's basketball game that I have ever seen.
I am so proud that we came through and delivered with 2,000-3,000 fans for the TV show in the morning and delivered with a sold out Gampel Pavilion for the game. I think the weekend was an A+. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Marketing was great. There were great promotions, great on the court performances and a great crowd. UConn got out to an early and dominant lead and never looked back.
Dick Vitale and the ESPN crew interacted with the students during the game too. The gameday crew of Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps and Hubert Davis were great. They seemed to enjoy every part of the weekend and were very accessible. They interacted with the students and were a joy to have in Storrs over the weekend. I had no idea what it would be like to have a College Gameday, but it was amazing. ESPN did a phenomenal job and I was impressed with their entire talent and crew. I hope they come back to UCONN again and do another Gameday for Women's Basketball again.
I had so much fun. I got up at 6 am to work the morning when the show was filmed. At the end of the show I was able to get a picture on the College Gameday set.
Of course I think UCONN and Notre Dame should host the first Women's Soccer College Gameday next year.
Saturday was a great day. It was such a great day that I didn't get time to write about it until after I wrote about today. Thinking about Saturday makes me happy.
I am so happy to see how far the UCONN Women's Basketball Student Section has come since my freshman year. I think the players, coaches, administration, marketing, students and media have all helped make the section better.
Stanley and Ryan Grace
Ryan Grace once had a free throw that looked more like a curve ball that missed the catchers mitt during an intramural game.
Ryan isn't usually that bad of a player, and neither is Stanley Robinson. That air-balled free throw was just the theme of a bad day.
A lot of people are concerned about UCONN Men's Basketball. I think they have a right to be, but don't forget UConn can get their confidence back by beating St. John's. After that UConn has a tremendous chance to get back on track by beating Texas at home. UConn is certainly talented enough to beat Texas. I would not be surprised to see UConn rise to the occasion and beat Texas. Number One teams don't last that long at number one, unless of course you are UCONN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL.
Ryan isn't usually that bad of a player, and neither is Stanley Robinson. That air-balled free throw was just the theme of a bad day.
A lot of people are concerned about UCONN Men's Basketball. I think they have a right to be, but don't forget UConn can get their confidence back by beating St. John's. After that UConn has a tremendous chance to get back on track by beating Texas at home. UConn is certainly talented enough to beat Texas. I would not be surprised to see UConn rise to the occasion and beat Texas. Number One teams don't last that long at number one, unless of course you are UCONN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL.
You witnessed history
For the first time in the history of me picking playoff games I got all four games incorrect this week. I did a great job picking the LOSERS (Cardinals, Ravens, Cowboys and Chargers)
I am going to demote myself because of this terrible performance.
I will now only be predicting NCAA Women's Bowling and Men's Club Ice Sculpting.
If I do a good job with those sports I should be able to start predicting lawn mower racing and Crazy Eight School bus racing by April.
Or I could try to redeem myself now.
Let's see I have nothing to lose if I pick the Jets over the Colts. If I'm wrong I don't look any worse than last week. If I'm right I look like a genius. I also have to say if the head coach really made the Jets an itinerary for a Victory Parade than maybe I should just listen to him.
I don't like Brett Favre so I will pick the Saints. There we go Saints vs Jets.
The Vikings were impressive today and if you told me the stats from the game but not the team who made those stats I would have said that the Cowboys would have been the team to have sacked the quarterback a lot, to have caused turnovers and won 34-3...well unless you showed me the missed field goals. The missed field goals would have given me a big clue that the Cowboys would lose.
The Cowboys really lost the game early on. To me these plays early on set the tone and set up the Cowboys for defeat. The Cowboys lost when they fumbled the ball away early in the game. Both times killed them. Once they lost the ball, the other time they recovered. The Cowboys should have gone for it on fourth and short in the first quarter close to the Vikings endzone. The Field Goal and Field goal attempts would have done nothing to quiet the crowd and change momentum.
Things got worse when the Cowboys missed two field goals. Nothing is more demoralizing to a football team than crucial field goals that are missed.
I am very depressed about the Cowboys losing. I hate that we have not won a Super Bowl since I was barely old enough to stay up for the entire game. I thought this was a year we could go to the Super Bowl and win it. I thought we were that good this year and in our last five games.
I am also depressed because my next favorite professional team to play will be the Mets. It's depressing to think that all I have to look forward to in pro sports is the Mets, a team that doesn't know if or if not their star player is getting surgery. What's worse than not knowing is making a big deal about it after the fact. All the Mets succeeded in doing was making themselves look bad. I think the Mets do enough of that during the season. They don't need to also make themselves look bad in the off season.
Well atleast I still have my UCONN teams and most importantly UCONN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL. They look like they can make me proud.
I am going to demote myself because of this terrible performance.
I will now only be predicting NCAA Women's Bowling and Men's Club Ice Sculpting.
If I do a good job with those sports I should be able to start predicting lawn mower racing and Crazy Eight School bus racing by April.
Or I could try to redeem myself now.
Let's see I have nothing to lose if I pick the Jets over the Colts. If I'm wrong I don't look any worse than last week. If I'm right I look like a genius. I also have to say if the head coach really made the Jets an itinerary for a Victory Parade than maybe I should just listen to him.
I don't like Brett Favre so I will pick the Saints. There we go Saints vs Jets.
The Vikings were impressive today and if you told me the stats from the game but not the team who made those stats I would have said that the Cowboys would have been the team to have sacked the quarterback a lot, to have caused turnovers and won 34-3...well unless you showed me the missed field goals. The missed field goals would have given me a big clue that the Cowboys would lose.
The Cowboys really lost the game early on. To me these plays early on set the tone and set up the Cowboys for defeat. The Cowboys lost when they fumbled the ball away early in the game. Both times killed them. Once they lost the ball, the other time they recovered. The Cowboys should have gone for it on fourth and short in the first quarter close to the Vikings endzone. The Field Goal and Field goal attempts would have done nothing to quiet the crowd and change momentum.
Things got worse when the Cowboys missed two field goals. Nothing is more demoralizing to a football team than crucial field goals that are missed.
I am very depressed about the Cowboys losing. I hate that we have not won a Super Bowl since I was barely old enough to stay up for the entire game. I thought this was a year we could go to the Super Bowl and win it. I thought we were that good this year and in our last five games.
I am also depressed because my next favorite professional team to play will be the Mets. It's depressing to think that all I have to look forward to in pro sports is the Mets, a team that doesn't know if or if not their star player is getting surgery. What's worse than not knowing is making a big deal about it after the fact. All the Mets succeeded in doing was making themselves look bad. I think the Mets do enough of that during the season. They don't need to also make themselves look bad in the off season.
Well atleast I still have my UCONN teams and most importantly UCONN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL. They look like they can make me proud.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Gameday
I thought that the ESPN College Gameday crew was great when they came to UCONN tonight. They were engaging and seemed to be happy to be there. I thought it was really interesting to hear that the North Carolina Men's team uses one of the UConn Women's Basketball teams play sets. I thought that the students asked great questions and I was glad to see the student union full of people because of College Gameday for the Women's Basketball team. It was awesome to see so many people excited for this historic event, the first ever women's college gameday.
I thought Jay Bilas and Digger Phelps made great points about how smaller olympic sport athletes work just as hard as the football and basketball teams and how they deserve some recognition too.
I also loved seeing students camping out for the Women's Basketball game tomorrow. I have never seen that before and quite frankly I never thought that I would see it. I am so happy that I saw it. It was awesome to see people camp out for the women's team too. They deserve that sort of fanaticism.
I was grateful to see some of the people who I had tried to convince to come to women's games show up for the gameday question and answer session tonight. I have tried to recruit several people to come to games and I think I was met with resistance at first, but I feel like I was successful over time getting a few of my friends who laughed at the idea of going to Women's Basketball to come to Gampel to support our women's team. Winning a National Championship also helped. The marketing of Women's Basketball at UConn has been fantastic and I am hopeful that this gameday will be enough of a success that ESPN will consider doing another Women's College Gameday. I hope UCONN fans come out big time tomorrow and I hope that tomorrow is a big step forward for Women's Basketball and Women's Athletics. Tomorrow is a great opportunity.
I thought Jay Bilas and Digger Phelps made great points about how smaller olympic sport athletes work just as hard as the football and basketball teams and how they deserve some recognition too.
I also loved seeing students camping out for the Women's Basketball game tomorrow. I have never seen that before and quite frankly I never thought that I would see it. I am so happy that I saw it. It was awesome to see people camp out for the women's team too. They deserve that sort of fanaticism.
I was grateful to see some of the people who I had tried to convince to come to women's games show up for the gameday question and answer session tonight. I have tried to recruit several people to come to games and I think I was met with resistance at first, but I feel like I was successful over time getting a few of my friends who laughed at the idea of going to Women's Basketball to come to Gampel to support our women's team. Winning a National Championship also helped. The marketing of Women's Basketball at UConn has been fantastic and I am hopeful that this gameday will be enough of a success that ESPN will consider doing another Women's College Gameday. I hope UCONN fans come out big time tomorrow and I hope that tomorrow is a big step forward for Women's Basketball and Women's Athletics. Tomorrow is a great opportunity.
Reading
Soccer is not a sport that I knew a lot about before I started working with the soccer team. In order to understand the game I decided that I would read up on the sport and specifically women's soccer. I've read Soccer for Dummies and three books specific to women's soccer since the end of June. Those four books probably totaled between 800 and 1,000 pages in total that I read about soccer. I know more about the game but I still think that I don't understand enough. Truthfully you probably can never know enough. I'm amazed that I was able to read that much since June in my free time.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Draft
Today was the MLS Draft
Toni Stahl was a second round pick to Philadelphia and Kwame Watson Siriboe was a 2nd round pick to Chicago.
Tomorrow is the WPS draft where Brittany Taylor figures to be drafted. You can follow the WPS draft on twitter if you follow their twitter and I'm guessing http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ would also have updates.
Toni Stahl was a second round pick to Philadelphia and Kwame Watson Siriboe was a 2nd round pick to Chicago.
Tomorrow is the WPS draft where Brittany Taylor figures to be drafted. You can follow the WPS draft on twitter if you follow their twitter and I'm guessing http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ would also have updates.
BBall
I don't understand the men's basketball team but I think that a writer said it best when he said that the team is not as good as the sum of it's parts and that they lose to teams who play better than the sum of their parts.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Softball
So I went to buy a few books for this semester today and was checked out by Julie Towers of the softball team. She's really good. She lead the team in batting average last year and is a 2nd team All-Conference Selection. I wished her good luck this year and told her to hit .400. I think she was a little surprised to hear that from me but it did bring a smile to her face. By the way she did say that she would hit .400.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I think this is a good idea
I think this is a good idea. The person who thought of this is really smart.
http://www.shocksock.com/
http://www.shocksock.com/
Laughing
USC may have to battle NCAA investigations for recruiting violations and they hired Lane Kiffin who seemed to have more violations reported than wins. I actually spotted a violation live on television when I was watching a story on Tennessee Football.
I feel bad for Tennessee because they have to replace their coach after one year.
I feel bad for Tennessee because they have to replace their coach after one year.
Did some thinking
I think that television is going to change rapidly over the next couple of decades. It's becoming evident to me that some of the big networks are struggling to compete with other entertainment options. Network television, which was once free, may have to start charging customers money.
I think technologies like ESPN 360 and Online Live Streamed Sports are going to be part of a new future in which we watch television online. I have to admit to watching as much if not more video on my computer than on television. I think computers and television will be combined sooner rather than later.
I don't know how this could impact sports but it will in some form because sports sign large television contracts to have games broadcast.
I also wonder if teams may eventually sell tickets to televised games. (Yes teams producing and broadcasting their own games) Nice big televisions makes it more enticing to stay home and watch a game to the casual fans. They can avoid traveling, concessions and outdoor conditions by sitting in their own home watching. Casual fans don't produce as much revenue (following the 80/20 rule that 20% of your customers produce 80% of your profits) as die hards do but lack of their support will hurt the bottom line. I do believe that die hard fans will keep going to games because of the atmosphere but I worry about the casual fan no longer showing up to games. That could have an effect on generating new fans.
I also wonder what impact Tiger Woods might have on sports marketing. I wonder how many companies are going to re-evaluate spending so much money on their sponsorships with athletes.
I also do want to mention that I think we are over the Tiger Woods incident now. I think it has played its course in the news and that we are on to other stories now. I think Tiger might start to think about returning to the golf course soon.
These are a few things that have gone through my mind recently.
I think technologies like ESPN 360 and Online Live Streamed Sports are going to be part of a new future in which we watch television online. I have to admit to watching as much if not more video on my computer than on television. I think computers and television will be combined sooner rather than later.
I don't know how this could impact sports but it will in some form because sports sign large television contracts to have games broadcast.
I also wonder if teams may eventually sell tickets to televised games. (Yes teams producing and broadcasting their own games) Nice big televisions makes it more enticing to stay home and watch a game to the casual fans. They can avoid traveling, concessions and outdoor conditions by sitting in their own home watching. Casual fans don't produce as much revenue (following the 80/20 rule that 20% of your customers produce 80% of your profits) as die hards do but lack of their support will hurt the bottom line. I do believe that die hard fans will keep going to games because of the atmosphere but I worry about the casual fan no longer showing up to games. That could have an effect on generating new fans.
I also wonder what impact Tiger Woods might have on sports marketing. I wonder how many companies are going to re-evaluate spending so much money on their sponsorships with athletes.
I also do want to mention that I think we are over the Tiger Woods incident now. I think it has played its course in the news and that we are on to other stories now. I think Tiger might start to think about returning to the golf course soon.
These are a few things that have gone through my mind recently.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
impressed
I have been very impressed with the play of Meghan Gardler this season. I think her defensive presence and rebounding are just as good as years before but I think her shooting and scoring is better. I don't know if it's more confidence on her part or more opportunities for her, but she is scoring more. In years past I feel like her contributions often don't show up in the box scores. I think those contributions are showing up this year.
2-2 on the weekend in football picking. It's strange I think I've gone 3-1 on Wild Card weekend for about the past decade. Even though I picked two games incorrectly, all the teams that I was rooting for won.
Is it too early to pick next weeks games? No
Chargers over Jets
Ravens over Colts
Cowboys over Vikings
Cardinals over Saints
I'll mention some reasons later in the week.
2-2 on the weekend in football picking. It's strange I think I've gone 3-1 on Wild Card weekend for about the past decade. Even though I picked two games incorrectly, all the teams that I was rooting for won.
Is it too early to pick next weeks games? No
Chargers over Jets
Ravens over Colts
Cowboys over Vikings
Cardinals over Saints
I'll mention some reasons later in the week.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Football
So I guess I should pick some games for the NFL playoffs. I am a completely biased Dallas Cowboys fan, just so you know.
For college football, I think I would have gotten all the games right. I would have picked Ohio State, Boise State, Iowa, Florida and Alabama. I am being serious I would have picked those teams.
Anyway for the NFL playoffs I am going to pick the four games this weekend. Only one of these picks is easy to me. I think most of these games will be good games. I think the fact that these teams played last week makes picking these games even trickier. You never know what the teams showed up with last week. You wonder if the teams that lost planned not to play well. You wonder if the teams that won will get overconfident. I think these games are fascinating because of last weekend.
I like the Jets over the Bengals. I am blindly going to put faith in Rex Ryan and his mouth. I always like my chances picking against the Bengals but this team is different. I can see this game going either way and for some reason I like the Jets.
I like the Cowboys over the Eagles. The Eagles are the LAST team I would want the Cowboys to face in the playoffs. I believe that it is incredibly hard to beat a team 3 times in a season. I really and truly believe that the Cowboys have finally figured out how to play as a team and to win in this situation. Wade Phillips hasn't won a playoff game in his career and at some point I think that has to change considering he's been one of the winning-est coaches in these past few years. The winner of this game will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
I like the Packers over the Cardinals. I just like the Packers more than the Cardinals. I don't think the Cardinals are that great of a team even though they were pretty good last year.
I like the Patriots over the Ravens. This is another tough game to pick. I want to pick the Ravens but I have stupidly picked against the Patriots so many times and been wrong. I say that Patriots win this week, but lose next week. I think the Patriots are on the down side of their championship run. They are like the 1996 and 1998 Dallas Cowboys in my mind, but slightly better.
For college football, I think I would have gotten all the games right. I would have picked Ohio State, Boise State, Iowa, Florida and Alabama. I am being serious I would have picked those teams.
Anyway for the NFL playoffs I am going to pick the four games this weekend. Only one of these picks is easy to me. I think most of these games will be good games. I think the fact that these teams played last week makes picking these games even trickier. You never know what the teams showed up with last week. You wonder if the teams that lost planned not to play well. You wonder if the teams that won will get overconfident. I think these games are fascinating because of last weekend.
I like the Jets over the Bengals. I am blindly going to put faith in Rex Ryan and his mouth. I always like my chances picking against the Bengals but this team is different. I can see this game going either way and for some reason I like the Jets.
I like the Cowboys over the Eagles. The Eagles are the LAST team I would want the Cowboys to face in the playoffs. I believe that it is incredibly hard to beat a team 3 times in a season. I really and truly believe that the Cowboys have finally figured out how to play as a team and to win in this situation. Wade Phillips hasn't won a playoff game in his career and at some point I think that has to change considering he's been one of the winning-est coaches in these past few years. The winner of this game will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
I like the Packers over the Cardinals. I just like the Packers more than the Cardinals. I don't think the Cardinals are that great of a team even though they were pretty good last year.
I like the Patriots over the Ravens. This is another tough game to pick. I want to pick the Ravens but I have stupidly picked against the Patriots so many times and been wrong. I say that Patriots win this week, but lose next week. I think the Patriots are on the down side of their championship run. They are like the 1996 and 1998 Dallas Cowboys in my mind, but slightly better.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Impressive 70 year old
A two sport athlete told me that there is a 70 + year old man who runs on the track all the time at UConn. Apparently he is the U.S. record holder in his age group for a Marathon. I believe the time was just over 3 hours and 28 minutes, which is pretty fast. I thought that was really cool and felt like passing along the information.
Also, if you are a long distance runner, or do really intense workouts (cycling, swimming) gummy worms or gummy bears are good recovery foods. Long distance runners often carry gummy worms and gummy bears during runs for quick energy.
Also, if you are a long distance runner, or do really intense workouts (cycling, swimming) gummy worms or gummy bears are good recovery foods. Long distance runners often carry gummy worms and gummy bears during runs for quick energy.
track
I wonder how many people realize that track and field has two-a-days for the two weeks leading up to school during winter break.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Some Women's Basketball
Old Greg, (Team Manager Greg Mihailides) reminded me a lot of Mike Tyson today, minus the ear biting. Tyson is wild and Greg almost was. Maya Moore got tripped during the game right in front of the UConn bench. Right as that happened Old Greg rose up out of his seat and gave a dirty look at that Cincinnati player. He also had the body language and facial expression of someone who was looking to start a fight. I wonder if Greg was the person I saw out in the parking lot after the game. It's good to see that Greg is protecting his teammates even if they give him a fat lip in practice from time to time.
Jamelle Elliott was the sixth player on the floor for the Bearcats tonight. She was right on top of Kelly Faris when Kelly took a shot. Jamelle could have become the first coach to ever block a shot. I do love Jamelle though because she gave so much to UConn and I wish her the best luck at Cincinnati except when she plays UConn.
Geno is awesome and I love his post game interaction with students. I also like the the women's basketball team goes and gives high fives to the students who come to games. I will admit it is slightly awkward to give high fives with the players because I used to report on the team. Reporting can create a different dynamic with the players.
I also found it to be so awkward when you sit in the front row when players are shooting free throws. I feel like I am in their line of sight so I get afraid that I will affect their concentration if I move.
Jamelle Elliott was the sixth player on the floor for the Bearcats tonight. She was right on top of Kelly Faris when Kelly took a shot. Jamelle could have become the first coach to ever block a shot. I do love Jamelle though because she gave so much to UConn and I wish her the best luck at Cincinnati except when she plays UConn.
Geno is awesome and I love his post game interaction with students. I also like the the women's basketball team goes and gives high fives to the students who come to games. I will admit it is slightly awkward to give high fives with the players because I used to report on the team. Reporting can create a different dynamic with the players.
I also found it to be so awkward when you sit in the front row when players are shooting free throws. I feel like I am in their line of sight so I get afraid that I will affect their concentration if I move.
Ok everything is fine now
Well I am glad to say that my car is fixed. The brakes are fine again. I also got my hair cut. I keep it short so I don't have to take care of it. (I guess that makes me lazy) Most importantly I went to the dentist and got my tooth fixed.
I had really weird dreams last night that involved my car being left in California while flying back to Connecticut with the Men's Basketball team, marketing at an Angels baseball game and driving with my boss while escaping a tornado.
I also got my results on the GRE back. I did officially get an 1130. My verbal was my lowest grade. My writing was the highest grade. My writing was in the 81st percentile. I'm guessing writing this blog only helped that grade out.
Today was an interesting day because of who I interviewed. It was a good interview but I won't mention any names.
Jerome Dyson had an amazing play today against Seton Hall and the team hit their free throws. However, I am concerned that we had 7 less rebounds and 7 more turnovers than Seton Hall. There are very few teams that you can beat with stats like that.
I loved that the student section did a Randy Edsall chant today at the men's basketball game. Edsall deserved it. Edsall is a phenomenal coach and the University of Connecticut is lucky to have him. I have so much respect for Connecticut Football and I am so proud of what they accomplish on the field and in the classroom. We have high graduation rates and we have had 3 consecutive bowl appearances and three consecutive phenomenal seasons. The football team certainly beat my wildest expectations from my freshman year because I hadn't even heard of our football team until 2004.
As we all know the football team went through a lot this year. They proved to be tough and inspirational. It makes me think that there will be a movie called "Jazz" one day. It would start with the Louisville game and take us through the downs of October 18th and the three tough losses on the field to follow. Then we beat Notre Dame, Syracuse and South Florida on a field goal in the snow and beat an SEC team in a bowl. It was a remarkable season. The football team makes me proud to be a Husky. I am so grateful to Coach Edsall for his leadership. I hope he becomes an icon in Storrs just like Calhoun and Auriemma have.
I had really weird dreams last night that involved my car being left in California while flying back to Connecticut with the Men's Basketball team, marketing at an Angels baseball game and driving with my boss while escaping a tornado.
I also got my results on the GRE back. I did officially get an 1130. My verbal was my lowest grade. My writing was the highest grade. My writing was in the 81st percentile. I'm guessing writing this blog only helped that grade out.
Today was an interesting day because of who I interviewed. It was a good interview but I won't mention any names.
Jerome Dyson had an amazing play today against Seton Hall and the team hit their free throws. However, I am concerned that we had 7 less rebounds and 7 more turnovers than Seton Hall. There are very few teams that you can beat with stats like that.
I loved that the student section did a Randy Edsall chant today at the men's basketball game. Edsall deserved it. Edsall is a phenomenal coach and the University of Connecticut is lucky to have him. I have so much respect for Connecticut Football and I am so proud of what they accomplish on the field and in the classroom. We have high graduation rates and we have had 3 consecutive bowl appearances and three consecutive phenomenal seasons. The football team certainly beat my wildest expectations from my freshman year because I hadn't even heard of our football team until 2004.
As we all know the football team went through a lot this year. They proved to be tough and inspirational. It makes me think that there will be a movie called "Jazz" one day. It would start with the Louisville game and take us through the downs of October 18th and the three tough losses on the field to follow. Then we beat Notre Dame, Syracuse and South Florida on a field goal in the snow and beat an SEC team in a bowl. It was a remarkable season. The football team makes me proud to be a Husky. I am so grateful to Coach Edsall for his leadership. I hope he becomes an icon in Storrs just like Calhoun and Auriemma have.
Monday, January 4, 2010
College Cup
So I got around to watching the Stanford vs. UCLA game from this years College Cup. Stanford would go on to win in overtime. The game is available on ESPN 360 if you haven't seen it yet. I recommend watching it if you've never watched women's soccer before. It was a really exciting game, especially the at end. Both teams had chances late in the game before Stanford won in overtime. It was a thrilling game and it is proof that soccer and women's sports are not boring. Too many people think that they are boring and this is proof that it's not.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Who is UConn's Rival?
I really wonder who we think our Rival is. I had trouble choosing between Tennessee and Notre Dame. The only difference for me is that we play Notre Dame in pretty much every sport where as only in select sports for Tennessee. I think we should develop a rivalry with Tennessee in all sports.
I left St. John's off the list because they aren't good enough in basketball for us to truly consider them a rival. A Men's Soccer rivalry (maybe a budding women's soccer one) isn't quite enough to be deserving of making this list. I don't know why I left Pitt off the list but I did for some reason. You could make a strong argument for Pitt being a rival because of men's basketball and football.
Notre Dame is a rival to pretty much every UConn team. Everyone loves beating Notre Dame.
I don't think West Virginia is too far behind Notre Dame as far as a team we'd love to beat.
Rutgers us mainly a Football and Women's Basketball rival.
UMass and Boston College goes towards Regional Supremacy. UMass is an old Men's Basketball rival but I don't think anyone at UConn would seriously call them a rival anymore. Boston College stems from them leaving the Big East for the ACC.
Duke is a basketball rival and Syracuse is mainly a men's basketball rival.
North Carolina doesn't seem to be as reviled in Storrs as Duke is. North Carolina is a big rival to Field Hockey and Women's Soccer. UConn has seemingly beat every team in the NCAA's but can't seem to get past North Carolina if they meet. Men's and Women's Basketball could sort of be considered rivals.
Tennessee is UConn's most visible rivalry. Women's Basketball usually comes down to our two teams and that rivalry is by far the most well known of all our rivalries.
I was going to include Seton Hall until I realized that it's Seton Hall...you can substitute Providence into that sentence too.
Seton Hall is a team that lost by 67 points to UConn in Women's Basketball yesterday. Geno Auriemma has won more games than Seton Hall's coach has coached in even though both coaches started coaching their teams in the same season.
To be honest I quickly eliminated most of the teams when I voted in the poll. I really wonder how we think about who our rival is so please vote. I'm interested to see how it turns out! Who is our rival?
I left St. John's off the list because they aren't good enough in basketball for us to truly consider them a rival. A Men's Soccer rivalry (maybe a budding women's soccer one) isn't quite enough to be deserving of making this list. I don't know why I left Pitt off the list but I did for some reason. You could make a strong argument for Pitt being a rival because of men's basketball and football.
Notre Dame is a rival to pretty much every UConn team. Everyone loves beating Notre Dame.
I don't think West Virginia is too far behind Notre Dame as far as a team we'd love to beat.
Rutgers us mainly a Football and Women's Basketball rival.
UMass and Boston College goes towards Regional Supremacy. UMass is an old Men's Basketball rival but I don't think anyone at UConn would seriously call them a rival anymore. Boston College stems from them leaving the Big East for the ACC.
Duke is a basketball rival and Syracuse is mainly a men's basketball rival.
North Carolina doesn't seem to be as reviled in Storrs as Duke is. North Carolina is a big rival to Field Hockey and Women's Soccer. UConn has seemingly beat every team in the NCAA's but can't seem to get past North Carolina if they meet. Men's and Women's Basketball could sort of be considered rivals.
Tennessee is UConn's most visible rivalry. Women's Basketball usually comes down to our two teams and that rivalry is by far the most well known of all our rivalries.
I was going to include Seton Hall until I realized that it's Seton Hall...you can substitute Providence into that sentence too.
Seton Hall is a team that lost by 67 points to UConn in Women's Basketball yesterday. Geno Auriemma has won more games than Seton Hall's coach has coached in even though both coaches started coaching their teams in the same season.
To be honest I quickly eliminated most of the teams when I voted in the poll. I really wonder how we think about who our rival is so please vote. I'm interested to see how it turns out! Who is our rival?
Saw some Women's Ice Hockey
So I was able to watch a Women's Ice Hockey game on campus today. UConn is usually a really good team, that has been nationally ranked a lot in the previous years. I don't understand why their attendance isn't better. The program is really good and most of the games that I have been to have been either UConn victories by a lot, UConn victories in good games, or just good games in general. I can't remember going to a game and not seeing UConn getting blown out.
UConn tied Dartmouth today. Michelle Binning and Amy Hollstein caught my attention. Hollstein managed to become the first player I've ever seen get tackled during an opposing teams goal celebration. As a matter of fact it looked like she was forced to join Dartmouth's celebration.
Hollstein would redeem herself with a well placed goal. I was impressed with her goal because it got right under the cross bar and the shot had a lot of pace on it. (ok I feel like I'm using soccer terminology with hockey and I hope that is ok)
Binning also had two goals in the game and she almost always scores when I am at games.
Rebecca Hewett is a defender who is really good on the team. She is number 18 in case you go. I've always thought that Monique Weber was good too. She almost had a really pretty goal today.
Two things about Women's Ice Hockey that impress me are the fact that they love to ride their bikes and that many of the players have a major that involves some sort of science.
One criticism I always here about Women's Ice Hockey, and to be honest many female sports, is that they aren't physical. There isn't any checking in women's ice hockey but the games are physical. The girls do battle for the puck by the boards. There is some hitting and physical contact involved. Players get shoved to the ice, it's not like the girls game is "hey why don't you take a shot and than we will skate to the other side and we'll let you take one." The game is physical and the girls compete. One UConn player had to be taken out of the game because of an injury.
Women's Soccer is also very physical, and WHEN you venture out to Morrone in 2010 you will see what I mean.
Women's Basketball is physical too, just watch the post players battle on the boards. I've had the privilege of sitting right under the basket at many women's games and I can promise you that every game is physical.
I also am going to make this prediction about UConn Women's Ice Hockey. Within 25 years we will have won a National Championship in the sport and will be considered one of the premier Women's Ice Hockey schools in the country. I say this because the sport in general is new. It isn't offered at many schools and the program has gotten really good really quickly. I expect that the program will continue to get better.
UConn tied Dartmouth today. Michelle Binning and Amy Hollstein caught my attention. Hollstein managed to become the first player I've ever seen get tackled during an opposing teams goal celebration. As a matter of fact it looked like she was forced to join Dartmouth's celebration.
Hollstein would redeem herself with a well placed goal. I was impressed with her goal because it got right under the cross bar and the shot had a lot of pace on it. (ok I feel like I'm using soccer terminology with hockey and I hope that is ok)
Binning also had two goals in the game and she almost always scores when I am at games.
Rebecca Hewett is a defender who is really good on the team. She is number 18 in case you go. I've always thought that Monique Weber was good too. She almost had a really pretty goal today.
Two things about Women's Ice Hockey that impress me are the fact that they love to ride their bikes and that many of the players have a major that involves some sort of science.
One criticism I always here about Women's Ice Hockey, and to be honest many female sports, is that they aren't physical. There isn't any checking in women's ice hockey but the games are physical. The girls do battle for the puck by the boards. There is some hitting and physical contact involved. Players get shoved to the ice, it's not like the girls game is "hey why don't you take a shot and than we will skate to the other side and we'll let you take one." The game is physical and the girls compete. One UConn player had to be taken out of the game because of an injury.
Women's Soccer is also very physical, and WHEN you venture out to Morrone in 2010 you will see what I mean.
Women's Basketball is physical too, just watch the post players battle on the boards. I've had the privilege of sitting right under the basket at many women's games and I can promise you that every game is physical.
I also am going to make this prediction about UConn Women's Ice Hockey. Within 25 years we will have won a National Championship in the sport and will be considered one of the premier Women's Ice Hockey schools in the country. I say this because the sport in general is new. It isn't offered at many schools and the program has gotten really good really quickly. I expect that the program will continue to get better.
I wouldn't trade positions
So facebook showed me that my friend who is a team manager for a big team on campus got to go to his coaches house on a holiday. That's a cool opportunity. He's done a lot of cool things and being a team manager of his team has a lot of benefits such as media coverage and gear to go along with cool perks such as being at coaches house. I thought about how lucky he is and then I thought to myself how lucky I am. I am happy being with the team I am with. I wouldn't trade positions with him. That's a compliment to those I work with.
New Years resolution
Well before I get to that, one thing. Kelly O'Hara and Lauren Cheney had great goals in the NCAA Semifinal game between Stanford and UCLA. I was especially impressed with O'Hara's placement. It looked almost impossible to have saved that shot. (I watched part of the game on ESPN 360 today)
If I had to pick one thing for my New Years resolution it would be to become better with money. This is not to say that I am bad with money. I am not a crazy spender who maxes out my credit card at every opportunity. However, I am growing up quickly and with that comes more expenses. I won't be able to afford that nice soccer ball, those nice cleats, those interesting books, those nice clothes, those nice electronics etc. Instead I need to start paying for things like rent, car insurance, oil changes, car repairs, food, and other bills. I know I will be shocked at the cost of all those expenses that I have been able to take for granted while not living on my own. I also need to spend money on saving so I have money for a rainy day, for retirement (hopefully I'll never retire because I enjoy my job so much) for my own house and for a car. So I want to get better with money.
If I had to pick one thing for my New Years resolution it would be to become better with money. This is not to say that I am bad with money. I am not a crazy spender who maxes out my credit card at every opportunity. However, I am growing up quickly and with that comes more expenses. I won't be able to afford that nice soccer ball, those nice cleats, those interesting books, those nice clothes, those nice electronics etc. Instead I need to start paying for things like rent, car insurance, oil changes, car repairs, food, and other bills. I know I will be shocked at the cost of all those expenses that I have been able to take for granted while not living on my own. I also need to spend money on saving so I have money for a rainy day, for retirement (hopefully I'll never retire because I enjoy my job so much) for my own house and for a car. So I want to get better with money.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010 will be weird
Meghan Gardler out-rebounded and outscored Maya Moore today. Jacquie Fernandes had more points than Tiffany Hayes today. Charles Okwandu was a perfect 5-5 from the field and averaged more points per minute today than any other UConn player. 2010 is going to be weird.
Jacquie Fernandes had as many points as Tiffany Hayes and Caroline Doty combined.
Jacquie Fernandes had as many points as Tiffany Hayes and Caroline Doty combined.
Hmm
So I love how women's ice hockey plays football, ping pong and soccer to warm up for games. I can't say that I was overly impressed with their skills in soccer. They were good, don't get me wrong they were good but they didn't wow me. The goalies Jennie Bellonio and Claire Francis weren't bad, but they weren't amazing either. They seemed to lose control of the soccer ball in warm ups more than I remember players doing last year. The fact that I watch some of the best soccer players in the world almost everyday also makes them look a little less impressive, yet much better than me.
Regardless UConn Women's Ice Hockey won today. I was there at the beginning to help out and make myself feel useful since I couldn't go to the XL Center since my brakes malfunctioned in the snow and ice. They were the team that will probably not be mentioned in the Courant, or on the local news, or on Sportscenter, but they were extremely important in maintaining UConn's perfect record on this day. 4-0!
I was so happy that UConn won another Bowl Game. Beating an SEC team is always legitimate. People in South Carolina can't think that UConn football is a joke. I will sorely miss Andre Dixon because of his heart and his will to win. He is so intense and I loved watching him play these past few years. It's good to see him go out with such a great game and to go over 1,000 yards rushing.
Marcus Easley was a huge bright spot this year for the football team. He was outstanding and I think it's amazing to see a walk-on explode the way Marcus Easley did as a senior. Easley was fun to watch and I looked forward to seeing UConn drop back to pass. I liked it when Easley was thrown the ball. I began to have confidence in him and the quarterback by the end of the year. In years past and maybe even earlier in the year I would always be scared to see UConn pass the ball. I wasn't as scared by the end of the year and I thought that the offense was much more balanced and fun to watch. I still enjoy watching us run down other teams throats though.
Men's basketball picked up a much needed win. It was a relief to see us win. I wish we still had Adrien and Price though. Those two players were winners.
Meghan Gardler picked up another double digit point scoring game with a new career high for points and Jacquie Fernandes tied her career high in points today. I love it when players who don't normally play have big games. One of my favorite games last year was when Tahirah Williams lead UConn in scoring vs. Holy Cross at Gampel Pavilion.
Regardless UConn Women's Ice Hockey won today. I was there at the beginning to help out and make myself feel useful since I couldn't go to the XL Center since my brakes malfunctioned in the snow and ice. They were the team that will probably not be mentioned in the Courant, or on the local news, or on Sportscenter, but they were extremely important in maintaining UConn's perfect record on this day. 4-0!
I was so happy that UConn won another Bowl Game. Beating an SEC team is always legitimate. People in South Carolina can't think that UConn football is a joke. I will sorely miss Andre Dixon because of his heart and his will to win. He is so intense and I loved watching him play these past few years. It's good to see him go out with such a great game and to go over 1,000 yards rushing.
Marcus Easley was a huge bright spot this year for the football team. He was outstanding and I think it's amazing to see a walk-on explode the way Marcus Easley did as a senior. Easley was fun to watch and I looked forward to seeing UConn drop back to pass. I liked it when Easley was thrown the ball. I began to have confidence in him and the quarterback by the end of the year. In years past and maybe even earlier in the year I would always be scared to see UConn pass the ball. I wasn't as scared by the end of the year and I thought that the offense was much more balanced and fun to watch. I still enjoy watching us run down other teams throats though.
Men's basketball picked up a much needed win. It was a relief to see us win. I wish we still had Adrien and Price though. Those two players were winners.
Meghan Gardler picked up another double digit point scoring game with a new career high for points and Jacquie Fernandes tied her career high in points today. I love it when players who don't normally play have big games. One of my favorite games last year was when Tahirah Williams lead UConn in scoring vs. Holy Cross at Gampel Pavilion.
Thought this was funny
Since I couldn't go to work I watched all 3 UConn games today.
I was impressed with Charles Okwandu with the couple of plays I saw him make.
Kashif Moore made a ridiculous catch in the first half.
I thought it was so funny listening to Coach Chris Dailey try and answer the question, "What do you want to improve on in the 2nd half?" when UConn was up by 40 at half-time.
I was impressed with Charles Okwandu with the couple of plays I saw him make.
Kashif Moore made a ridiculous catch in the first half.
I thought it was so funny listening to Coach Chris Dailey try and answer the question, "What do you want to improve on in the 2nd half?" when UConn was up by 40 at half-time.
2010 is off to a great start....
So 2010 really isn't off to a great start for me. As I was driving to the XL Center in the snow my brakes stopped working. Nothing is open around Storrs on a Saturday or Sunday so basically I can't do much except limp my car back to Hilltop apartments. I may even have to miss my dentist appointment on Tuesday back in Stamford because I don't have brakes. (yes I was planning on driving about 3 and half hours just to see my dentist) Hopefully my dentist doesn't find anything wrong with my teeth because if he does I think I'll just ask to go back to 2009.
I also remember another year starting off similar to this one. I don't remember which year it was, but I remember getting a flat tire in early January on the way to my dentist. Apparently going to the dentist in January requires me to have some sort of car trouble too.
I also remember another year starting off similar to this one. I don't remember which year it was, but I remember getting a flat tire in early January on the way to my dentist. Apparently going to the dentist in January requires me to have some sort of car trouble too.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Capital One Bowl
I saw part of the Capital One Bowl today. It was so muddy, I thought LSU and Penn State were playing in a Pig Pen.
Texas Tech
I've been trying to write about the Texas Tech incident for the past hour but I can't really choose which side I support.
I wouldn't have fired the coach, and I wouldn't let an injured player practice.
I'd do a lot of different things to try and motivate a lazy player but I also think that parents should look out for the best interests of their child.
I think maybe everything here should just be more moderate and balanced.
Don't fire the coach, but rather monitor the treatment of injured players and explain the health and legal reasons to keep an injured player out of practice.
A coach should do whatever necessary (not including doing illegal things) to get the most of out his player, but shouldn't try to do so when they are injured.
A family should care about their child's sports but they shouldn't get over involved and lead to the firing of a coach. The player should have complained to the school and not the parents.
I wouldn't have fired the coach, and I wouldn't let an injured player practice.
I'd do a lot of different things to try and motivate a lazy player but I also think that parents should look out for the best interests of their child.
I think maybe everything here should just be more moderate and balanced.
Don't fire the coach, but rather monitor the treatment of injured players and explain the health and legal reasons to keep an injured player out of practice.
A coach should do whatever necessary (not including doing illegal things) to get the most of out his player, but shouldn't try to do so when they are injured.
A family should care about their child's sports but they shouldn't get over involved and lead to the firing of a coach. The player should have complained to the school and not the parents.
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