Seriously, Tiger won the US Open on a torn ACL? His performance was already legendary...now it's just downright sick. The sickest part though: although he's going to be out until 2009, it was almost worth it. Until he comes back, all we're ever going to talk about is how amazing his US Open run was. And he played three majors on that injury - two wins and a second. He's the best of all time. Get over it.
There's a great debate all of a sudden about whether the Eastern Conference of the NBA is better than the West. Boston is the champion, and Detroit had a great year too. But let me say emphatically: NO, YOU STUPID IDIOTS, the West is WAY better. You measure a conference top to bottom, not just by its best teams. The East may definitely have had the two best teams in the league this year, there's no doubt, but the dropoff from there was significant. Let's get real here...the West is clearly superior.
Let's compare the #8 seeds. The Denver Nuggets barely made the playoffs with a 50-32 record, one of the best records ever by a #8 seed (Golden State stayed home with a 48-34 record). On the other hand, Atlanta stormed in with a head of steam and pushed the Celtics to the brink despite a 37-45 regular season. For all you non-math majors out there, that's a 26-GAME DIFFERENCE with respect to .500 in records, from Denver being 18 games above .500 to Atlanta's 8 games below. The West had EIGHT teams with 50 or more wins, and the East had only three. The worst record in the West was five games better than the East's worst record. Only three East teams had winning records against the West: Boston, Detroit and Cleveland, but 10 West teams had winning records against the East. And, most definitively, the East sucked head-to-head against the West this year, going 192-258. That's a winning percentage of just .427.
Seriously people. Rumors of the West's decline have been greatly exaggerated.
I'm out like Tiger Woods.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Remembering Tim Russert
We lost another journalistic legend late last week, when Tim Russert collapsed at NBC's Washington bureau.
You only need to look as far as CNN, ABC, NBC, etc. to appreciate how huge he was: those networks broke their own news coverage plans and devoted several hours to a man from the competition. That alone tells you he was the best and most respected political newsman of his time. Personally, I followed him closely...I own and have read his first book, and when I was in DC last year, and I got off the bus outside St. Albans School (by the National Cathedral, where his son Luke went), I felt more awestruck than when I was on the National Mall. I was a great admirer.
The worst part of this, aside from the tremendous void among his family, friends and colleagues, is that the American people won't have the benefit of his letter-perfect analysis, opinion and coverage of the 2008 election and beyond. We would have been a better-equipped public with him at the desk.
Rest in peace, Tim.
You only need to look as far as CNN, ABC, NBC, etc. to appreciate how huge he was: those networks broke their own news coverage plans and devoted several hours to a man from the competition. That alone tells you he was the best and most respected political newsman of his time. Personally, I followed him closely...I own and have read his first book, and when I was in DC last year, and I got off the bus outside St. Albans School (by the National Cathedral, where his son Luke went), I felt more awestruck than when I was on the National Mall. I was a great admirer.
The worst part of this, aside from the tremendous void among his family, friends and colleagues, is that the American people won't have the benefit of his letter-perfect analysis, opinion and coverage of the 2008 election and beyond. We would have been a better-equipped public with him at the desk.
Rest in peace, Tim.
The Weekend (My First Father's Day Edition)
What a weekend, for so many reasons...
--Yes, yesterday was my first Father's Day. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it really was a special day. I took TLSA to the park, and we played on the swing. We watched the ducks at the pond. I took him with me to get my dad his gift, and his face lit up in wonderment when he entered a Best Buy store for the first time in his young life. And then he reached out and grabbed a Zeppelin CD...already he knows good music when he sees it. The beer was cold and tasty, and my home-grilled steak was perfect, as was the day of sports on TV. A round of golf may have topped the day off, but it was pretty darn good as it was. And the best part: it started all over again this morning, when my son woke up and I got him from his crib. As Bill Walton so sappily said on the NBA telecast last night, every day truly is Father's Day.
--My 10-year high school reunion was Friday and Saturday night, and I have to say that it was way better than expected. There were a few of the so-called "popular" people from my class that sort of kept to themselves, but for the most part everyone mixed very well. Several people I never talked to came up to me and said hello, and it was so fun to catch up and see how everyone was doing. I think it's a real credit to the Lakeville High School Class of 1998 that we all mixed so well. After all, we're truly all on the same team...good to see we acted like it. It didn't hurt either that I got a lot of oohs, ahhs and wows from everyone when they saw me!
--Tiger Woods. Can you even believe this guy? I think this was the weekend that he proved definitively that he's the best ever, regardless of whether or not he wins or loses the playoff today. Can you imagine playing 72 holes on a still-weak left knee, no less shooting 1-under at the US Open? Can you imagine sinking a 12-footer with your back up against the wall on hole 72? Can you imagine shooting 30 on Friday and two eagles on Saturday on the back nine - and that doesn't even account for the one-hop plop shot on 17? It was nothing short of a legendary performance, one we'll tell our grandkids about someday.
I know a lot of people that root for Tiger simply because they want to be on the side of the winning guy. That's boring. I watch him closely because I think he's the most unique talent in sports today, and I can't wait to see what he'll do next. I'll admit: when the putt fell yesterday, I did a fist-pump, Tiger style.
I'm out like Lee Westwood.
--Yes, yesterday was my first Father's Day. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it really was a special day. I took TLSA to the park, and we played on the swing. We watched the ducks at the pond. I took him with me to get my dad his gift, and his face lit up in wonderment when he entered a Best Buy store for the first time in his young life. And then he reached out and grabbed a Zeppelin CD...already he knows good music when he sees it. The beer was cold and tasty, and my home-grilled steak was perfect, as was the day of sports on TV. A round of golf may have topped the day off, but it was pretty darn good as it was. And the best part: it started all over again this morning, when my son woke up and I got him from his crib. As Bill Walton so sappily said on the NBA telecast last night, every day truly is Father's Day.
--My 10-year high school reunion was Friday and Saturday night, and I have to say that it was way better than expected. There were a few of the so-called "popular" people from my class that sort of kept to themselves, but for the most part everyone mixed very well. Several people I never talked to came up to me and said hello, and it was so fun to catch up and see how everyone was doing. I think it's a real credit to the Lakeville High School Class of 1998 that we all mixed so well. After all, we're truly all on the same team...good to see we acted like it. It didn't hurt either that I got a lot of oohs, ahhs and wows from everyone when they saw me!
--Tiger Woods. Can you even believe this guy? I think this was the weekend that he proved definitively that he's the best ever, regardless of whether or not he wins or loses the playoff today. Can you imagine playing 72 holes on a still-weak left knee, no less shooting 1-under at the US Open? Can you imagine sinking a 12-footer with your back up against the wall on hole 72? Can you imagine shooting 30 on Friday and two eagles on Saturday on the back nine - and that doesn't even account for the one-hop plop shot on 17? It was nothing short of a legendary performance, one we'll tell our grandkids about someday.
I know a lot of people that root for Tiger simply because they want to be on the side of the winning guy. That's boring. I watch him closely because I think he's the most unique talent in sports today, and I can't wait to see what he'll do next. I'll admit: when the putt fell yesterday, I did a fist-pump, Tiger style.
I'm out like Lee Westwood.
Friday, June 13, 2008
The NBA
Hey, congrats out there to the Bloomington Jefferson baseball team, who will play in the state championship game this afternoon at Midway Stadium. They've had a remarkable run, and having covered several kids on the team in other sports, I personally think they've got what it takes to win one more. Good luck today.
On the NBA, I must come out and say that I'm nowhere near as big a NBA fan as I used to be. The game, in my opinion, has become too much of a me-first game where ballhogs jack up fadeaway 3-pointers instead of setting screens and executing bounce passes. Plus, the integrity of the game is in serious question (can I get just one traveling call some year?). That said, I always enjoy this time of year because it always seems that the best TEAMS get to the Finals. Basketball is a team game, not an individual game, and I think the game is at its best when you have 10 capable players on a court giving their all for 48 minutes. That's what you get to see this time of year.
I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist (yet), given all the Donaghy discussion, but try this one on: whenever a team gets a big lead in a game, at any time in the game, they never seem to hold it. They may not lose the game, but they never seem to be able to preserve their lead throughout. It happened to the Celtics in Game 2, and it happened to the Lakers last night. Call it poor floor leadership or coaching, or just the human let-up response that occurs when you get up by 20 points. But I find it slightly amusing that when I see a team get up by 20, I can count on the losing squad being in the ballgame in the last four minutes. Of course, TV executives don't want to see prolonged blowouts...then people tune out later in the game. They want to see tight, memorable finishes. They want to see the blowups and emotion when a team loses a huge lead and when a team comes back from the brink. It just never fails...and to me, it's very interesting that this happens much more regularly than one would think it would.
That's all for now. I'm out like the Minnesota Lynx's streak of relevance.
On the NBA, I must come out and say that I'm nowhere near as big a NBA fan as I used to be. The game, in my opinion, has become too much of a me-first game where ballhogs jack up fadeaway 3-pointers instead of setting screens and executing bounce passes. Plus, the integrity of the game is in serious question (can I get just one traveling call some year?). That said, I always enjoy this time of year because it always seems that the best TEAMS get to the Finals. Basketball is a team game, not an individual game, and I think the game is at its best when you have 10 capable players on a court giving their all for 48 minutes. That's what you get to see this time of year.
I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist (yet), given all the Donaghy discussion, but try this one on: whenever a team gets a big lead in a game, at any time in the game, they never seem to hold it. They may not lose the game, but they never seem to be able to preserve their lead throughout. It happened to the Celtics in Game 2, and it happened to the Lakers last night. Call it poor floor leadership or coaching, or just the human let-up response that occurs when you get up by 20 points. But I find it slightly amusing that when I see a team get up by 20, I can count on the losing squad being in the ballgame in the last four minutes. Of course, TV executives don't want to see prolonged blowouts...then people tune out later in the game. They want to see tight, memorable finishes. They want to see the blowups and emotion when a team loses a huge lead and when a team comes back from the brink. It just never fails...and to me, it's very interesting that this happens much more regularly than one would think it would.
That's all for now. I'm out like the Minnesota Lynx's streak of relevance.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Local Sports Marketing Trends
A couple of the latest sports marketing trends making waves in the Twin Cities area:
--A few Sundays ago, the St. Paul Saints did a promotion where they gave "bobblefoot dolls" away to the first few thousand fans. Instead of a bobblehead, they spoofed the Larry Craig sex solicitation incident at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, making the leg underneath the bathroom stall divider shake. This was met by scores of people who said it was over the top and in bad taste. To those people, I just want to say: get a life, and a sense of humor. The Saints are known for over-the-top, irreverent promotions that completely entertain and satisfy their core fan base, and this fits right in with what they've done all along. The same people that complained about this are not the ones most likely to sit outside for 3-6 hours on a rainy day and watch a minor-league baseball game. Not only do I believe this was a brilliant promotion, and extremely funny, but it's more evidence that the Saints know their audience, and they continue to deliver the goods. And just guess how many tickets they sold that day.
--The Minnesota Twins recently had two games in which they sold upper-deck seats along with all-you-can-eat concession coupons. These, apparently, were such huge successes that they are expanding the promotion to six more home games still this year - a rarity in the business today.
I'm not sure what it says about our society that people want to stuff themselves silly at a ballgame, or spend the majority of the game waiting in line where they can't see the game in the Metrodome's pathetically terrible concourses. Personally, when I go to a game, I actually like to sit in my seat and watch the game. But you have to tip your cap again to the Twins marketing team, the same folks who brought the bobblehead craze back to the sporting world several years ago. They've come up with another brilliant way of making their product relevant to the masses and creating an "enjoyable" game-day experience. And it's helping them making the best of a bad situation with the Metrodome and the 2008 edition of the team.
I dare you to find another sports market in this country with the top-to-bottom quality of team marketing and promotions that we have in the Twin Cities. You just don't hear of intelligent stuff like this happening in other places; on the flip side, for example, we heard all about the "19-0" plans made in Boston...we all know how well that worked out for the Patriots.
I'm out like Juan Rincon.
--A few Sundays ago, the St. Paul Saints did a promotion where they gave "bobblefoot dolls" away to the first few thousand fans. Instead of a bobblehead, they spoofed the Larry Craig sex solicitation incident at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, making the leg underneath the bathroom stall divider shake. This was met by scores of people who said it was over the top and in bad taste. To those people, I just want to say: get a life, and a sense of humor. The Saints are known for over-the-top, irreverent promotions that completely entertain and satisfy their core fan base, and this fits right in with what they've done all along. The same people that complained about this are not the ones most likely to sit outside for 3-6 hours on a rainy day and watch a minor-league baseball game. Not only do I believe this was a brilliant promotion, and extremely funny, but it's more evidence that the Saints know their audience, and they continue to deliver the goods. And just guess how many tickets they sold that day.
--The Minnesota Twins recently had two games in which they sold upper-deck seats along with all-you-can-eat concession coupons. These, apparently, were such huge successes that they are expanding the promotion to six more home games still this year - a rarity in the business today.
I'm not sure what it says about our society that people want to stuff themselves silly at a ballgame, or spend the majority of the game waiting in line where they can't see the game in the Metrodome's pathetically terrible concourses. Personally, when I go to a game, I actually like to sit in my seat and watch the game. But you have to tip your cap again to the Twins marketing team, the same folks who brought the bobblehead craze back to the sporting world several years ago. They've come up with another brilliant way of making their product relevant to the masses and creating an "enjoyable" game-day experience. And it's helping them making the best of a bad situation with the Metrodome and the 2008 edition of the team.
I dare you to find another sports market in this country with the top-to-bottom quality of team marketing and promotions that we have in the Twin Cities. You just don't hear of intelligent stuff like this happening in other places; on the flip side, for example, we heard all about the "19-0" plans made in Boston...we all know how well that worked out for the Patriots.
I'm out like Juan Rincon.
Monday, June 09, 2008
TSA's Weekend
So, a few thoughts from the weekend that was:
--In a weird sort of way, I'm glad Big Brown didn't win the Belmont. I'm not sure I could have listened to his cocky trainer gloat about him if he did. And you can just imagine the UPS ads that thankfully won't be airing now. Anyone else think the trainer is acting like a sore loser? No press interviews or anything? No doubt the Donald isn't happy about it...yes, the trainer wore a Trump cap in the stands - you would have seen it shortly before post time. I'm sure Trump paid for that privilege...and he can't be pleased that his horse came in last.
--Wow, is Rafael Nadal good or what? That was one amazing display of tennis against Federer.
Like you, I tuned in for a classic and ended up watching a rout of historic proportions. There's no doubt Federer is suffering (let's keep it in perspective, people...he's still #1 in the world) through his worst year in recent memory, but he's still the man to beat at Wimbledon. There's no doubt though about this: Federer/Nadal is the most intriguing thing to happen to men's tennis since Sampras/Agassi.
--Celtics/Lakers...ho hum. It was impressive how the Celts built their big lead in Game 2, but even more impressive how they managed to let the Lakers back into the game late. Wow, what a letdown in leadership by Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce...they got the win, but they may have awoken a sleeping giant.
Best sports you're not watching: the NCAA baseball super-regionals. Those kids sure are playing some entertaining baseball...there have been more plot twists than a I highly recommend you catch the remaining game today and then the College World Series starting Saturday.
I'm out like the Twins pitching staff.
--In a weird sort of way, I'm glad Big Brown didn't win the Belmont. I'm not sure I could have listened to his cocky trainer gloat about him if he did. And you can just imagine the UPS ads that thankfully won't be airing now. Anyone else think the trainer is acting like a sore loser? No press interviews or anything? No doubt the Donald isn't happy about it...yes, the trainer wore a Trump cap in the stands - you would have seen it shortly before post time. I'm sure Trump paid for that privilege...and he can't be pleased that his horse came in last.
--Wow, is Rafael Nadal good or what? That was one amazing display of tennis against Federer.
Like you, I tuned in for a classic and ended up watching a rout of historic proportions. There's no doubt Federer is suffering (let's keep it in perspective, people...he's still #1 in the world) through his worst year in recent memory, but he's still the man to beat at Wimbledon. There's no doubt though about this: Federer/Nadal is the most intriguing thing to happen to men's tennis since Sampras/Agassi.
--Celtics/Lakers...ho hum. It was impressive how the Celts built their big lead in Game 2, but even more impressive how they managed to let the Lakers back into the game late. Wow, what a letdown in leadership by Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce...they got the win, but they may have awoken a sleeping giant.
Best sports you're not watching: the NCAA baseball super-regionals. Those kids sure are playing some entertaining baseball...there have been more plot twists than a I highly recommend you catch the remaining game today and then the College World Series starting Saturday.
I'm out like the Twins pitching staff.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
A Broadcasting Legend Passes
I was saddened to hear the news of Jim McKay's passing today. As a sports broadcaster myself, I feel he's one of the few that I'd tell an up-and-comer to strive to be like - he always seemed to have the right words at the right time, but he never tried too hard to have them at the ready...he just told it like it was. He let the sports do the talking, not his ego. He told not just the bad stories, but the good and inspirational ones too. And off the air, he was as good a man (from the stories I'm reading) as there was. It's no coincidence the greatest of today (Costas and Michaels) called him a mentor and friend.
May Jim rest in peace.
May Jim rest in peace.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Seasons Ending
I've been getting some comments recently from loyal TSA readers encouraging me to drop in some of my expert perspective on public relations/marketing (my career) and its intersection with sports. I'll get to work on this, and fold it in as I can.
As a first foray into this realm, if you haven't yet seen Bob Costas' recent 90-minute special on HBO about sports and the media, you are missing out. The hottest issues in sports and media today (social media/bloggers, fantasy sports, talk radio, etc.) get a thorough look in this show, and the panel discussions are riveting beyond imagination. It was easily the best 90 minutes of TV I watched in the month of May, and that includes the season finale of The Office. Check it out: http://www.hbo.com/costasnow/
On other matters, next week will be one of the more depressing weeks of the year. The NHL is over for the year (congrats, Red Wings), and high school sports are wrapping up with state tournaments this week. The NBA Finals and Twins are going, but not much else. That means, of course, that the volume of reading material in the local sports section will drop considerably by next week. I love reading about the Twins as much as anyone, but it will be three more months until football season pulls us out of this funk. The countdown is on.
Speaking of endings, there was a high school tennis match this morning between rivals Wyatt McCoy of Mounds View and Michael Sicora of Buffalo in the state semifinals. These guys have played each other hard at state the last few years, and the winner eventually won the state title. So their final match in their storied high school careers...started at 8 a.m. today. Seriously, what a buzzkill. By the time I read the paper, the match was already underway, and that's one I might have driven the half-hour to the U of M to watch. Who schedules these things anyways...
And the oddest thing I've seen in a long time: Kevin Slowey, pinch-running for Mike Redmond?
That's all for now. I'm out like 2007 Rallykiller Nick Punto.
As a first foray into this realm, if you haven't yet seen Bob Costas' recent 90-minute special on HBO about sports and the media, you are missing out. The hottest issues in sports and media today (social media/bloggers, fantasy sports, talk radio, etc.) get a thorough look in this show, and the panel discussions are riveting beyond imagination. It was easily the best 90 minutes of TV I watched in the month of May, and that includes the season finale of The Office. Check it out: http://www.hbo.com/costasnow/
On other matters, next week will be one of the more depressing weeks of the year. The NHL is over for the year (congrats, Red Wings), and high school sports are wrapping up with state tournaments this week. The NBA Finals and Twins are going, but not much else. That means, of course, that the volume of reading material in the local sports section will drop considerably by next week. I love reading about the Twins as much as anyone, but it will be three more months until football season pulls us out of this funk. The countdown is on.
Speaking of endings, there was a high school tennis match this morning between rivals Wyatt McCoy of Mounds View and Michael Sicora of Buffalo in the state semifinals. These guys have played each other hard at state the last few years, and the winner eventually won the state title. So their final match in their storied high school careers...started at 8 a.m. today. Seriously, what a buzzkill. By the time I read the paper, the match was already underway, and that's one I might have driven the half-hour to the U of M to watch. Who schedules these things anyways...
And the oddest thing I've seen in a long time: Kevin Slowey, pinch-running for Mike Redmond?
That's all for now. I'm out like 2007 Rallykiller Nick Punto.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Rallykiller, Introducing The Little Sports Ace
Wow, what a hockey game last night. I might be one of the few that stayed up to the end...Fleury was amazing in goal, and how about the Penguins tying it with less than a minute in regulation! The Red Wings reminded me a bit of the 1998 Vikings...so close to winning, yet so far. They'll either bounce back strong and dominate Game 6, or they'll get blown out. Hard to say what their emotions will do, but if I had to pick it, I say Detroit bounces back in a big way, takes Game 6 4-1 and wins the Cup.
No doubt some of you are familiar with my concept of Rallykiller. I love my Twins, but there's always one regular player whose performance seems consistently less than stellar...grounding into double plays in key spots, failing to take extra bases, etc. So I bestow the unfortunate honor of "Rallykiller" to those people. A Rallykiller can earn their way out of the title, if they play well, but they generally hold the title for a while...Nick Punto, Luis Rivas, etc. are former Rallykillers. Thus far this season, Mike Lamb held the title for a while, but Delmon Young took it over in early May.
The Twins and Yankees played a remarkable game last night, and Delmon Young did have three RBI doubles. That, along with Cuddy and Mauer's first homer, are promising signs. But, just for a minute, let's focus on Young's misplay in the 8th. On that double, it seemed he could have tried to stretch it into a triple. Instead, he stayed at second and was caught stealing in the next at-bat by Brendan Harris. The Twins won by one anyway, but Harris' at-bat would have scored Young if he were on third and produced a key insurance run. Delmon, despite showing signs of improvement, still appears a bit timid out there...unwilling or afraid to swing for the fences and do the little things to help the team win. In honor of his 8th inning, Young still, at least for a little while longer, is hereby dubbed Rallykiller.
If you didn't know, I am the proud father of a happy, healthy little boy. The Little Sports Ace (TLSA), as I'll call him herein going forward, turned 9 months old on Sunday and had his latest physical yesterday. 21 pounds, 9 ounces (74th percentile) and just under 30 inches long (94th percentile). He's getting to be a big, strong kid...right on schedule to being a first-overall draft pick someday. (Not seriously of course...I won't put any pressure on him to play sports. But, if it makes him happy, what dad wouldn't like to see his son earn a scholarship and play in the big leagues!)
I'm out like Boof Bonser.
No doubt some of you are familiar with my concept of Rallykiller. I love my Twins, but there's always one regular player whose performance seems consistently less than stellar...grounding into double plays in key spots, failing to take extra bases, etc. So I bestow the unfortunate honor of "Rallykiller" to those people. A Rallykiller can earn their way out of the title, if they play well, but they generally hold the title for a while...Nick Punto, Luis Rivas, etc. are former Rallykillers. Thus far this season, Mike Lamb held the title for a while, but Delmon Young took it over in early May.
The Twins and Yankees played a remarkable game last night, and Delmon Young did have three RBI doubles. That, along with Cuddy and Mauer's first homer, are promising signs. But, just for a minute, let's focus on Young's misplay in the 8th. On that double, it seemed he could have tried to stretch it into a triple. Instead, he stayed at second and was caught stealing in the next at-bat by Brendan Harris. The Twins won by one anyway, but Harris' at-bat would have scored Young if he were on third and produced a key insurance run. Delmon, despite showing signs of improvement, still appears a bit timid out there...unwilling or afraid to swing for the fences and do the little things to help the team win. In honor of his 8th inning, Young still, at least for a little while longer, is hereby dubbed Rallykiller.
If you didn't know, I am the proud father of a happy, healthy little boy. The Little Sports Ace (TLSA), as I'll call him herein going forward, turned 9 months old on Sunday and had his latest physical yesterday. 21 pounds, 9 ounces (74th percentile) and just under 30 inches long (94th percentile). He's getting to be a big, strong kid...right on schedule to being a first-overall draft pick someday. (Not seriously of course...I won't put any pressure on him to play sports. But, if it makes him happy, what dad wouldn't like to see his son earn a scholarship and play in the big leagues!)
I'm out like Boof Bonser.
Monday, June 02, 2008
My Own Welcome Back
Well, hello everyone...
Now that I've been laid off from my last job, I find myself with just a bit of extra time. So I figured I might re-visit my contribution to the online world and weigh in.
First thing's first: I hope Nick Blackburn is all right. What a shot he took yesterday...
Is anyone else excited about the Vikings' chances for 2008-09?
This just in: the Timberwolves still suck.
And I hope Doug Risebrough doesn't go off signing goons anytime soon, like he did with Chris Simon. That one really worked out for the Wild.
The coming Chanhassen High School has been placed in the Lake Conference, giving the league 12 schools starting in the fall of 2009. I think that's great, as the league has had an odd number of teams for years now. Next, the Lake needs to form two six-team divisions and get rid of that annoying rotating schedule it uses in just about every sport.
And I really don't have much sympathy for the Classic Lake Conference. Yes, it would be good if it had more than five teams, but there's got to be a reason why schools have left them in the past and no one will join them now. Personally, I think they should go after schools like Maple Grove, Shakopee, Prior Lake and Holy Angels. Wouldn't you love to see Edina and Holy Angels play at least two hockey games every season? Sign me up.
Also, I need to publicly apologize to Star Tribune preps reporter Jim Paulsen for a rant I put on him last fall, after a playoff football game. Jim, and the rest of the team there, you do a fabulous job, and it's a primary reason I subscribe to your paper and not the other one in town (despite the fact my wife works at the other one). Keep it up.
I'm out like Flip Saunders.
Now that I've been laid off from my last job, I find myself with just a bit of extra time. So I figured I might re-visit my contribution to the online world and weigh in.
First thing's first: I hope Nick Blackburn is all right. What a shot he took yesterday...
Is anyone else excited about the Vikings' chances for 2008-09?
This just in: the Timberwolves still suck.
And I hope Doug Risebrough doesn't go off signing goons anytime soon, like he did with Chris Simon. That one really worked out for the Wild.
The coming Chanhassen High School has been placed in the Lake Conference, giving the league 12 schools starting in the fall of 2009. I think that's great, as the league has had an odd number of teams for years now. Next, the Lake needs to form two six-team divisions and get rid of that annoying rotating schedule it uses in just about every sport.
And I really don't have much sympathy for the Classic Lake Conference. Yes, it would be good if it had more than five teams, but there's got to be a reason why schools have left them in the past and no one will join them now. Personally, I think they should go after schools like Maple Grove, Shakopee, Prior Lake and Holy Angels. Wouldn't you love to see Edina and Holy Angels play at least two hockey games every season? Sign me up.
Also, I need to publicly apologize to Star Tribune preps reporter Jim Paulsen for a rant I put on him last fall, after a playoff football game. Jim, and the rest of the team there, you do a fabulous job, and it's a primary reason I subscribe to your paper and not the other one in town (despite the fact my wife works at the other one). Keep it up.
I'm out like Flip Saunders.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Many Happy Returns
Wow...how I missed writing this blog. This is merely a test.
A few of my latest rants and raves...
--Congrats to the Indianapolis Colts, former Gophers Utecht and Reid and my boy Peyton Manning for winning the Super Bowl. Good guys really do finish first every once in a while.
--Did you notice that in both the Super Bowl and the BCS Title Game, the losing team ran the opening kickoff back for a TD and then proceeded to suck? Interesting...
--To Gophers AD Joel Maturi - you might finally have done something right. Tim Brewster has done the job in his first few weeks as head coach of our Gopher football team. He's already proven he can recruit...I can't wait to see this guy in action next year. Michael Floyd as a Gopher? Sure does sound good to me.
--Gopher Hockey will be okay. There's NO way they could pull a Holy Cross two years in a row.
--The Timberwolves SUCK. Oh wow, they suck. Can you believe that NBA basketball in a town with Kevin Garnett playing 41 nights a year is completely irrelevant? That just goes to show how far this team has fallen.
--To the MSHSL: great job. Significantly changing transfer rules is a MAJOR step in the right direction. I've seen transfers both help and significantly hurt a team, and I firmly believe that they should be outlawed - unless there are good reasons, like the MSHSL has laid out. Finally.
--Lastly, a little love for the Lake Conference in high school sports. Let's take boys' basketball, for example. There are six teams in the Lake within two games of first place - all six teams have 10+ wins on the year, and they've beaten top teams around the state. Yet, in this week's Star Tribune metro rankings, not a single team made the top 10. This is injustice of the highest order. When a deep Jefferson team with Kansas-bound Cole Aldrich is in 6th place, you know you have one special conference. To all the voters out there: wake up. But I will say that boys' hockey is way down this year. All you need to know: Chaska was in first place last week.
I'm out like Dwayne Casey, Ted Johnson and the 40 high school wrestlers with herpes.
A few of my latest rants and raves...
--Congrats to the Indianapolis Colts, former Gophers Utecht and Reid and my boy Peyton Manning for winning the Super Bowl. Good guys really do finish first every once in a while.
--Did you notice that in both the Super Bowl and the BCS Title Game, the losing team ran the opening kickoff back for a TD and then proceeded to suck? Interesting...
--To Gophers AD Joel Maturi - you might finally have done something right. Tim Brewster has done the job in his first few weeks as head coach of our Gopher football team. He's already proven he can recruit...I can't wait to see this guy in action next year. Michael Floyd as a Gopher? Sure does sound good to me.
--Gopher Hockey will be okay. There's NO way they could pull a Holy Cross two years in a row.
--The Timberwolves SUCK. Oh wow, they suck. Can you believe that NBA basketball in a town with Kevin Garnett playing 41 nights a year is completely irrelevant? That just goes to show how far this team has fallen.
--To the MSHSL: great job. Significantly changing transfer rules is a MAJOR step in the right direction. I've seen transfers both help and significantly hurt a team, and I firmly believe that they should be outlawed - unless there are good reasons, like the MSHSL has laid out. Finally.
--Lastly, a little love for the Lake Conference in high school sports. Let's take boys' basketball, for example. There are six teams in the Lake within two games of first place - all six teams have 10+ wins on the year, and they've beaten top teams around the state. Yet, in this week's Star Tribune metro rankings, not a single team made the top 10. This is injustice of the highest order. When a deep Jefferson team with Kansas-bound Cole Aldrich is in 6th place, you know you have one special conference. To all the voters out there: wake up. But I will say that boys' hockey is way down this year. All you need to know: Chaska was in first place last week.
I'm out like Dwayne Casey, Ted Johnson and the 40 high school wrestlers with herpes.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Is Zygi a Hypocrite?
Get this...the owner of the Vikings preaches winning a Super Bowl as his top priority, then hires an aggressive PR firm to push a political agenda to get a stadium and retail complex built. Good or not good?
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a stadium built. The Vikings would benefit on the field from the atmosphere and the excitement. And they would benefit financially from all the increased revenue they could command. To me, the Gophers and Twins come first and second, but the Vikings would surely thrive in some new digs.
The only thing about this is that Zygi's starting to seem a little two-faced to me. I have no doubt he would like to win a Super Bowl, and he showed that when he fired Mike Tice and hired Brad Childress. But it all seems to be about the money that he would get from a new retail complex and stadium - not the product on the field. Granted, he's the owner of a pro sports franchise, and he has every right to do whatever he feels will make his franchise worth more when he goes to sell it. But, especially in a community where honesty and character is valued so highly, if what he wants is a stadium AND a Super Bowl, why can't he just say so? I think Minnesotans wouldn't be opposed to a healthy debate between the Vikings and Anoka County about how to get a deal done. But when you bring in some outside muscle to push your agenda, you begin to look like a bully. And Minnesotans hate bullies.
I wonder what the reaction will be around the metro to this PR firm and its work. But I wouldn't be surprised to see a backlash, and if that happens, it sure will be interesting to see how Zygi handles it. He could play Minnesota Nice, but could we also see the East Coast developer in him?
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a stadium built. The Vikings would benefit on the field from the atmosphere and the excitement. And they would benefit financially from all the increased revenue they could command. To me, the Gophers and Twins come first and second, but the Vikings would surely thrive in some new digs.
The only thing about this is that Zygi's starting to seem a little two-faced to me. I have no doubt he would like to win a Super Bowl, and he showed that when he fired Mike Tice and hired Brad Childress. But it all seems to be about the money that he would get from a new retail complex and stadium - not the product on the field. Granted, he's the owner of a pro sports franchise, and he has every right to do whatever he feels will make his franchise worth more when he goes to sell it. But, especially in a community where honesty and character is valued so highly, if what he wants is a stadium AND a Super Bowl, why can't he just say so? I think Minnesotans wouldn't be opposed to a healthy debate between the Vikings and Anoka County about how to get a deal done. But when you bring in some outside muscle to push your agenda, you begin to look like a bully. And Minnesotans hate bullies.
I wonder what the reaction will be around the metro to this PR firm and its work. But I wouldn't be surprised to see a backlash, and if that happens, it sure will be interesting to see how Zygi handles it. He could play Minnesota Nice, but could we also see the East Coast developer in him?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Tice is Out
Yes, if you haven't heard, Mike Tice is out as coach of the Vikings. And I commend Wilf for doing what he did. Here's why.
Wilf has made it very clear since he's been the owner that he wants the team to represent itself well on and off the field, and he said he will do what it takes to make that happen. When you have good people doing good things in their professional and personal lives, then it all adds up to more good things. That's why I think the Vikings haven't gotten over the hump and won it all, especially in 1998 and 2000. They just haven't had a positive team personality and character, and as the Patriots have proven over the past few years, that can make all the difference.
Furthermore, the people responsible for setting the character of any organization, in the sports world or otherwise, are its leaders. Is it any wonder that Vikings players conducted themselves the way they did when Tice himself violated a serious NFL rule in the offseason? Whether Tice wants to admit it or not, as the head coach of the Vikings it was his job to set a good example for his team to follow with his words AND his actions, and he absolutely failed to do that. And his players, even supposed leaders like Daunte Culpepper, unfortunately followed his poor example by embarrassing the team so many other times throughout the past year.
This isn't about producing a winning football team (which Tice also failed to do in his four seasons as Vikings coach with a sub-.500 overall record). This is about Zygi Wilf having a team that he can be proud of, both on and off the field. Firing Tice was a big step in the right direction, and something tells me there's more housecleaning ahead. The changes may or may not produce more on-field wins, but it looks like Wilf is taking action to improve the character of his football team. And I think that's an off-the-field victory that all Purple fans should celebrate.
Wilf has made it very clear since he's been the owner that he wants the team to represent itself well on and off the field, and he said he will do what it takes to make that happen. When you have good people doing good things in their professional and personal lives, then it all adds up to more good things. That's why I think the Vikings haven't gotten over the hump and won it all, especially in 1998 and 2000. They just haven't had a positive team personality and character, and as the Patriots have proven over the past few years, that can make all the difference.
Furthermore, the people responsible for setting the character of any organization, in the sports world or otherwise, are its leaders. Is it any wonder that Vikings players conducted themselves the way they did when Tice himself violated a serious NFL rule in the offseason? Whether Tice wants to admit it or not, as the head coach of the Vikings it was his job to set a good example for his team to follow with his words AND his actions, and he absolutely failed to do that. And his players, even supposed leaders like Daunte Culpepper, unfortunately followed his poor example by embarrassing the team so many other times throughout the past year.
This isn't about producing a winning football team (which Tice also failed to do in his four seasons as Vikings coach with a sub-.500 overall record). This is about Zygi Wilf having a team that he can be proud of, both on and off the field. Firing Tice was a big step in the right direction, and something tells me there's more housecleaning ahead. The changes may or may not produce more on-field wins, but it looks like Wilf is taking action to improve the character of his football team. And I think that's an off-the-field victory that all Purple fans should celebrate.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Highway Robbery
So I was calling a boys hockey game the other night between Bloomington Kennedy and Lakeville North, and I witnessed the greatest display of highway robbery (and poor sportsmanship) I've ever seen. Here goes.
The two teams were scoreless through 2 1/2 periods, and North scored on a power play to go up 1-0. A few minutes later, North had a two-on-zero breakaway, and the second player flipped the puck over the goalie to score on a rebound shot. Or so we thought. The referee was right there to wave off the goal, because one of the North players was in the goal crease (later, our video replays showed conclusively that the call was right on the money - and that the player in the crease actually made contact with the goaltender while he was on the ice).
Right after the goal was disallowed, the Lakeville North player in the crease went ape and got right in the face of the guys in zebra uniforms. He drew an unsportsmanlike conduct minor. But even worse, the North coach stopped the game for at least 5 minutes while he argued the call. He was absolutely livid - and this wasn't the first...or second...or even the third time in the game that he stopped the game to hog the spotlight and argue.
Kennedy scored the equalizer 10 seconds into their power play, and then another 1:09 later, they scored the go-ahead goal. With 3 1/2 minutes to play, they had a one-goal lead thanks to North's complete meltdown. And they held on to win the game.
Lakeville North was ranked #9 in the metro and #13 in the state before the game. But unfortunately for them, they are no longer. As a Lakeville graduate, I attended the high school during the tenure of the current coach. At that time, several players quit the team because they couldn't stand playing for him. The team has played in a few state tournaments since then, but clearly the coach hasn't figured out some of the little things. And it cost his team that game against Kennedy. Remember, the Eagles made all the plays to come back and win, so don't take anything away from them. But a team's actions reflect the character and teachings of its leaders. If the North coach had set a different example for his team, to respect the game, their opponent and the calls of the officials, they surely would have held on for the victory. Even in the face of adversity, you have to stay mentally tough. That's where good teams are separated from the great ones. And this North team completely failed their first mental test of the season.
But this goes beyond the game on the ice. This is about teaching young athletes right and wrong. Blaming others for how things unfold in your life doesn't make anything better - instead, you need to step up, take responsibility for yourself and do your best with what you have. That's the game of life, reflected in this one game of hockey. And the Lakeville North coach seems to have lost that game bigtime, much to the detriment of his players. It's really too bad.
The two teams were scoreless through 2 1/2 periods, and North scored on a power play to go up 1-0. A few minutes later, North had a two-on-zero breakaway, and the second player flipped the puck over the goalie to score on a rebound shot. Or so we thought. The referee was right there to wave off the goal, because one of the North players was in the goal crease (later, our video replays showed conclusively that the call was right on the money - and that the player in the crease actually made contact with the goaltender while he was on the ice).
Right after the goal was disallowed, the Lakeville North player in the crease went ape and got right in the face of the guys in zebra uniforms. He drew an unsportsmanlike conduct minor. But even worse, the North coach stopped the game for at least 5 minutes while he argued the call. He was absolutely livid - and this wasn't the first...or second...or even the third time in the game that he stopped the game to hog the spotlight and argue.
Kennedy scored the equalizer 10 seconds into their power play, and then another 1:09 later, they scored the go-ahead goal. With 3 1/2 minutes to play, they had a one-goal lead thanks to North's complete meltdown. And they held on to win the game.
Lakeville North was ranked #9 in the metro and #13 in the state before the game. But unfortunately for them, they are no longer. As a Lakeville graduate, I attended the high school during the tenure of the current coach. At that time, several players quit the team because they couldn't stand playing for him. The team has played in a few state tournaments since then, but clearly the coach hasn't figured out some of the little things. And it cost his team that game against Kennedy. Remember, the Eagles made all the plays to come back and win, so don't take anything away from them. But a team's actions reflect the character and teachings of its leaders. If the North coach had set a different example for his team, to respect the game, their opponent and the calls of the officials, they surely would have held on for the victory. Even in the face of adversity, you have to stay mentally tough. That's where good teams are separated from the great ones. And this North team completely failed their first mental test of the season.
But this goes beyond the game on the ice. This is about teaching young athletes right and wrong. Blaming others for how things unfold in your life doesn't make anything better - instead, you need to step up, take responsibility for yourself and do your best with what you have. That's the game of life, reflected in this one game of hockey. And the Lakeville North coach seems to have lost that game bigtime, much to the detriment of his players. It's really too bad.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
I'm back...
So I'm back...sorry guys.
The Vikings have won five in a row, and struggling St. Louis is coming to town. Yes, the defense is playing better, but one of the more underrated reasons for the turnaround? Koren Robinson. This guy is playing his lights out, and he's corrected a lot of the things that kept him from fitting with Seattle - namely holding onto the football. In hindsight, this was easily one of the top three free agent moves the team made last offseason.
High school hockey is back! Already I've seen some good contests - Jefferson/Lakeville North, etc. But Hill Murray/White Bear Lake? What a yawner. The #2 and #3 ranked teams in the state scored 1 combined goal, and passes were sloppy, skating was lackluster and penalties were frequent. I was completely underwhelmed...glad it's early in the season.
And speaking of low scoring, how about the T-wolves! They may have it put together now, thanks to the fact they only allow 80 points a game. 10-6 after 16 games isn't a bad start, for a new coach and a lot of role players. If they keep gelling, it could be a fun rest of the year.
Gotta run. I'm out like girls hockey players from the Kennedy H.S. team.
The Vikings have won five in a row, and struggling St. Louis is coming to town. Yes, the defense is playing better, but one of the more underrated reasons for the turnaround? Koren Robinson. This guy is playing his lights out, and he's corrected a lot of the things that kept him from fitting with Seattle - namely holding onto the football. In hindsight, this was easily one of the top three free agent moves the team made last offseason.
High school hockey is back! Already I've seen some good contests - Jefferson/Lakeville North, etc. But Hill Murray/White Bear Lake? What a yawner. The #2 and #3 ranked teams in the state scored 1 combined goal, and passes were sloppy, skating was lackluster and penalties were frequent. I was completely underwhelmed...glad it's early in the season.
And speaking of low scoring, how about the T-wolves! They may have it put together now, thanks to the fact they only allow 80 points a game. 10-6 after 16 games isn't a bad start, for a new coach and a lot of role players. If they keep gelling, it could be a fun rest of the year.
Gotta run. I'm out like girls hockey players from the Kennedy H.S. team.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Winter Season is Here
So the Timberwolves start tonight, and the Wild are playing. Winter sports are officially underway...
But I don't care. The high school game of the year is this Friday night: Jefferson at Eden Prairie. I will be on the mic for the game, and I can't wait...it has all the makings of a classic. Objectively, I can't pick against EP when they're playing at home. But if anyone's going to beat them, it could be this Jefferson team - it has found a nice running/passing balance, and their defense has only allowed 13 points in two playoff games. Jefferson also has history on their side. The last time these two teams played a section championship game at EP? Jefferson won a classic game in overtime.
I like the new NHL. Have I said that yet? The shootouts have been fun to watch so far (even the Wild's shootout when they went 1 for 8 and lost), but the game is faster, there are fewer stoppages and the talent level is up. All good things for a game "on ice"...
And the T'wolves? I think they're destined for a 7 or 8 seed this year and a first round exit. But I'm excited to see if Casey's defensive schemes mesh with this team. Like Dallas, there hasn't been much D in the Timberwolves in the past few years. And anytime you get a team together and win with defense, that's a good sign. See the Spurs and Pistons. I think it will take some time, but so far I like what Coach Casey has done with this team. And all those experts predicting KG won't make the playoffs for 2 straight years will be proven wrong.
Notice we're not talking about the Vikes. Ouch.
I'm out like Daunte Culpepper (but I'll be back a lot sooner than one year from now).
But I don't care. The high school game of the year is this Friday night: Jefferson at Eden Prairie. I will be on the mic for the game, and I can't wait...it has all the makings of a classic. Objectively, I can't pick against EP when they're playing at home. But if anyone's going to beat them, it could be this Jefferson team - it has found a nice running/passing balance, and their defense has only allowed 13 points in two playoff games. Jefferson also has history on their side. The last time these two teams played a section championship game at EP? Jefferson won a classic game in overtime.
I like the new NHL. Have I said that yet? The shootouts have been fun to watch so far (even the Wild's shootout when they went 1 for 8 and lost), but the game is faster, there are fewer stoppages and the talent level is up. All good things for a game "on ice"...
And the T'wolves? I think they're destined for a 7 or 8 seed this year and a first round exit. But I'm excited to see if Casey's defensive schemes mesh with this team. Like Dallas, there hasn't been much D in the Timberwolves in the past few years. And anytime you get a team together and win with defense, that's a good sign. See the Spurs and Pistons. I think it will take some time, but so far I like what Coach Casey has done with this team. And all those experts predicting KG won't make the playoffs for 2 straight years will be proven wrong.
Notice we're not talking about the Vikes. Ouch.
I'm out like Daunte Culpepper (but I'll be back a lot sooner than one year from now).
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Back again...
Hey all...due to popular demand, I'm writing again. Funny how that works...people actually read this stuff.
So, did anyone notice that Bloomington Kennedy won last night? If you look back a few blog postings, you'll see that I called it: Kennedy would end their losing streak this season. It took them all year long and a non-conference playoff game to do it, but they got it done in convincing fashion. And their reward: a semifinal game against the Eagan Wildcats, who were just as underwhelming as the Eagles during the regular season. Remarkable.
In a real playoff game, the Jefferson Jaguars have drawn the defending state champ Minnetonka Skippers on Saturday night in their Section 2 semifinal. Both teams won big last night, so it's tough to get a read on this game. The Skippers came to Jefferson last year in the same game and routed the Jags, so the layperson may pick them to do it again. But I saw something last night from Jefferson that I hadn't seen in two years: a running game. The pass has carried them, and very well I might add. But this time of year, you need a running game to win the big playoff games. And Charlie Stuckey was impressive in amassing 249 yards last night against Prior Lake. I'll take the Jaguars on a late score, 35-31. Plus, if this happens, then I'll get to call a section championship game at Eden Prairie. That would rock.
Also, I must say I'm very impressed with the job Larry Thompson's done at Lakeville South this year. They won three games in the ultra tough Lake Conference, finished 4-4 overall and put up 62 points in their first round playoff game last night. A .500 year with a brand new program with no seniors? And a victory over your new crosstown rival? A #2 seed in the section, and a playoff run? That is an amazing year, and he deserves mad props.
The Vikes beat the Packers. The Gophers absolutely blew the game against the Badgers. The White Sox are going to win the World Series. Oh, the life of a Minnesota sports fan...it's never boring!
I'm out like the Chaska Hawks football team. You're rated #5 in the state at 5-0, and you beat Eden Prairie. And then you lose your last four games. 20-ton boulders don't drop that fast.
So, did anyone notice that Bloomington Kennedy won last night? If you look back a few blog postings, you'll see that I called it: Kennedy would end their losing streak this season. It took them all year long and a non-conference playoff game to do it, but they got it done in convincing fashion. And their reward: a semifinal game against the Eagan Wildcats, who were just as underwhelming as the Eagles during the regular season. Remarkable.
In a real playoff game, the Jefferson Jaguars have drawn the defending state champ Minnetonka Skippers on Saturday night in their Section 2 semifinal. Both teams won big last night, so it's tough to get a read on this game. The Skippers came to Jefferson last year in the same game and routed the Jags, so the layperson may pick them to do it again. But I saw something last night from Jefferson that I hadn't seen in two years: a running game. The pass has carried them, and very well I might add. But this time of year, you need a running game to win the big playoff games. And Charlie Stuckey was impressive in amassing 249 yards last night against Prior Lake. I'll take the Jaguars on a late score, 35-31. Plus, if this happens, then I'll get to call a section championship game at Eden Prairie. That would rock.
Also, I must say I'm very impressed with the job Larry Thompson's done at Lakeville South this year. They won three games in the ultra tough Lake Conference, finished 4-4 overall and put up 62 points in their first round playoff game last night. A .500 year with a brand new program with no seniors? And a victory over your new crosstown rival? A #2 seed in the section, and a playoff run? That is an amazing year, and he deserves mad props.
The Vikes beat the Packers. The Gophers absolutely blew the game against the Badgers. The White Sox are going to win the World Series. Oh, the life of a Minnesota sports fan...it's never boring!
I'm out like the Chaska Hawks football team. You're rated #5 in the state at 5-0, and you beat Eden Prairie. And then you lose your last four games. 20-ton boulders don't drop that fast.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Second try
So I just had a great posting written, and my computer lost it. Robbed.
--Eastview football has a solid running game, led by a very talented Jake Machacek. Last night I saw him run for 175 yards and 4 TDs in one half, and the Lightning rolled to a 49-9 win at Bloomington Kennedy. Very talented...I can't wait to see if Eden Prairie can contain him.
--The Vikes may just fall to 0-2 this weekend. They are playing a Cincinnati team that is an AFC sleeper this year. Plus the Bengals start a fellow Lakeville alumnus at safety.
--Speaking of Lakeville, how about South pulling the upset over North last night! In the first game in what will be a great rivalry, South went into North and won 24-19. All of the press leading up to the game was about how it would be an extension of the friendships that all of the players and coaches have, and it would be a celebration of football in a truly football-crazy suburb. Try telling that to the North players, who lost to a South team with no seniors and a lot of the players that filled out the depth chart at North last year. This, my friends, is how rivalries are born.
--This just in: Wayzata football is good. A very impressive 3-0 they are, but a big road game at Eden Prairie awaits. Can they pull that one too?
--T-minus 7 days until the Gophers season starts. For real. Of course, they'll be 3-0, but who cares? Can they beat Purdue?
All for now. I'm out like a football in Daunte Culpepper's hands.
--Eastview football has a solid running game, led by a very talented Jake Machacek. Last night I saw him run for 175 yards and 4 TDs in one half, and the Lightning rolled to a 49-9 win at Bloomington Kennedy. Very talented...I can't wait to see if Eden Prairie can contain him.
--The Vikes may just fall to 0-2 this weekend. They are playing a Cincinnati team that is an AFC sleeper this year. Plus the Bengals start a fellow Lakeville alumnus at safety.
--Speaking of Lakeville, how about South pulling the upset over North last night! In the first game in what will be a great rivalry, South went into North and won 24-19. All of the press leading up to the game was about how it would be an extension of the friendships that all of the players and coaches have, and it would be a celebration of football in a truly football-crazy suburb. Try telling that to the North players, who lost to a South team with no seniors and a lot of the players that filled out the depth chart at North last year. This, my friends, is how rivalries are born.
--This just in: Wayzata football is good. A very impressive 3-0 they are, but a big road game at Eden Prairie awaits. Can they pull that one too?
--T-minus 7 days until the Gophers season starts. For real. Of course, they'll be 3-0, but who cares? Can they beat Purdue?
All for now. I'm out like a football in Daunte Culpepper's hands.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Koren Robinson??
All right, Purple Nation. Can anyone explain to me why the Vikings signed Koren Robinson?
Did they really need another receiver at $1.5 million over two years? And did they need to take another guy with a history of drug use? I'm not sure. All I know is that Robinson was a stellar college wideout at NC State. He torched our Gophers in the Micron Bowl in Miami in 2000. But ever since then, he hasn't been able to catch a cold. Just ask Mike Holmgren...the man definitely did not help the Seahawks' chances last season. And the last thing Daunte needs is for the WRs to get a case of butterfingersitis.
Yeah, Koren's supposed to have cleaned himself up in the offseason, so the Vikes laced his contract with incentives. But right now, there's only one positive I see to this mess. Guess who got demoted to make room for Robinson? Kelly Campbell. And when you compare these two characters, the Vikings definitely upgraded.
Did they really need another receiver at $1.5 million over two years? And did they need to take another guy with a history of drug use? I'm not sure. All I know is that Robinson was a stellar college wideout at NC State. He torched our Gophers in the Micron Bowl in Miami in 2000. But ever since then, he hasn't been able to catch a cold. Just ask Mike Holmgren...the man definitely did not help the Seahawks' chances last season. And the last thing Daunte needs is for the WRs to get a case of butterfingersitis.
Yeah, Koren's supposed to have cleaned himself up in the offseason, so the Vikes laced his contract with incentives. But right now, there's only one positive I see to this mess. Guess who got demoted to make room for Robinson? Kelly Campbell. And when you compare these two characters, the Vikings definitely upgraded.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Labor Day
Happy Labor Day to all...
--So far so good for the Gophers. If you still don't believe that Maroney is one of the best backs in Gopher history, get out of here.
--High school football season is underway, and it's more of the same old, same old so far. Eden Prairie pounds another team into submission. Cretin-Derham Hall continues the domination. And Bloomington Kennedy, although much improved over last year in their opener, takes a loss. But my hat's off to my former hometown, Lakeville. It's a team that many experts predicted could win a state championship this year if there was still just one football team. But they split up, with both teams getting pounded in their openers. They may have lost the games, but they WILL win the war. The district, unlike Eden Prairie, built a second high school. They gave more kids a better chance to lead, to play, and most importantly, to succeed in the classroom. The on-field wins will just be that much sweeter when they do come.
--The Big Ten is 10-0 in football so far this year, thanks to Illinois' superb 4th-quarter comeback against Rutgers. Is there any doubt, with three top-ten teams and improved strength all over, that this is the best conference in college football?
--The WNBA playoffs are happening. Does anyone care?
Aw shucks, I can't think of anything else right now. I'm off to grill it up.
--So far so good for the Gophers. If you still don't believe that Maroney is one of the best backs in Gopher history, get out of here.
--High school football season is underway, and it's more of the same old, same old so far. Eden Prairie pounds another team into submission. Cretin-Derham Hall continues the domination. And Bloomington Kennedy, although much improved over last year in their opener, takes a loss. But my hat's off to my former hometown, Lakeville. It's a team that many experts predicted could win a state championship this year if there was still just one football team. But they split up, with both teams getting pounded in their openers. They may have lost the games, but they WILL win the war. The district, unlike Eden Prairie, built a second high school. They gave more kids a better chance to lead, to play, and most importantly, to succeed in the classroom. The on-field wins will just be that much sweeter when they do come.
--The Big Ten is 10-0 in football so far this year, thanks to Illinois' superb 4th-quarter comeback against Rutgers. Is there any doubt, with three top-ten teams and improved strength all over, that this is the best conference in college football?
--The WNBA playoffs are happening. Does anyone care?
Aw shucks, I can't think of anything else right now. I'm off to grill it up.
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