Salerno Sports Snapshot

List of Demands

2011-07-28T23:42:00.000-04:00

Did you hear the NFL lockout is over?

The most nauseating and pointless lead story for the past two weeks...three weeks...month...four months finally came to an end. But don't worry - when you wake up tomorrow, you'll hear about free agents and 10-year CBA marriages and shortened training camp workloads and Brett Favre. I have a migraine just imaging the speculation and impending chaos. You might be lured to the stories of Albert Haynesworth and OchoCinco joining the Patriots or the drama that is "where will Kyle Orton end up," but it's just offseason fodder and fools gold.

September 8th can't get here fast enough.

I haven't spoken to anyone of my friends or family that has cared about the lockout. In fact, I wrote my buddy Robby back on March 12th to ask if I should cancel my Sunday Ticket. His exact response: they'll get a deal done...cancel nothing.

There wasn't a fan in their right mind that thought we'd lose football the way we lost a World Series or an entire NHL season. The NFL's imminent start was just that, and fans were just bludgeoned during the news cycle like a dusty carpet with a stain on it. Those dozens of people that followed the lockout, I would imagine, are overjoyed that free agency is here. The rest of us can at least start watching players in pads push each other around instead of hopping off a bus and hold a briefcase on their way out of a revolving door.

Doesn't it make you just a little upset, though, when the players and owners mention "getting a deal done for the fans" or "now the fans can enjoy football" or "it's all about the fans." Really? All about us...awesome. Football is back? I'm sorry - did someone lose it?

I'm glad the game is about the fans. If this really is the case, Mr. Commissioner and Mr. Dee Smith, why not take action to make the game better for the fans. Here are five simple demands that we the fans have for the next 10 years:

1) Please lock the league out after every draft and don't open shop until July 25th. You can make it a national holiday of sorts. Since the players have negotiated an ultra-sensitive practice limitation workload and since players have whined and lobbied for fewer team-run offseason workouts, then please do us all the favor of not getting in our way for a good three months. You've proven you can negotiate terms for labor peace in five days, even though you were allotted five months.

2) No Thursday Night Football. You are not bringing more exposure to the most popular sports league by shoving it on a cable package that few households own and relegating those households to enjoy 49ers at Seahawks. Save Thursdays for Opening Night, Thanksgiving, maybe a Thursday special in December, but nothing more.

3) Expand the playoffs by one team. Home field advantage is not the prize it once was (see 2010 Green Bay Packers, 2007 NY Giants, 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers.) Players crave time off and more money. Give the number one seed the luxury of the only bye week in the conference playoffs and have seeds 2 through 7 duke it out with Saturday and Sunday tripleheaders! More games on television means more revenue and more playoff bonuses.

4) Free Parking. Yes, it sounds a bit crazy and near impossible. But try it for a couple games and watch what happens. Your stadium experience will immediately be improved when fans start their game day ritual without having to worry about dropping $30 for parking. Attendance will improve, fans will be rowdier, and season-ticket waiting lists will become special, again. It's a small gesture to the fans that, no longer how poorly or wonderfully your team is playing, we want you here.

5) Please fix overtime. My plan - (1) 10-minute overtime quarter - play the entire 10 minutes with regular rules. If the game is tied after the 10-minute overtime, the team with the ball retains the ball, but must begin on their own 30-yard line. Now the game is sudden death - no clock needed. The coin toss no longer decides most of the outcome, it eliminates any tie games, it places value on overtime in the regular season, and it rewards teams for keeping possession of the football, not just lining-up for a field goal.

I doubt any of these will happen, but if the league were truly devoted to the fan experience, including more play on the field without expanding the schedule to 18 games, it will consider alternative ways to make its product better without watering it down.

Here's hoping we don't have to suffer through another NFL offseason like 2011. If we do, I don't think the masses will be as quick to embrace the league like we are currently. Maybe Goddell and others will take the necessary steps to make the product for the fans better rather than posturing through the business of the league.

Don't you dare...

(Feelin' Good) x 12

2011-07-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

How about those British Open picks I made on Wednesday: Jason Day ... +9, tied for 30th
Mahan, Quiros, Karlsson ... cut

Hey, it's not like the answer was right under my nose. Like the rest of the planet, no one had Darren Clarke winning the Open Championship this weekend. Sure there were other dynamic names racing up the leaderboard in pursuit of the title. As the wind howled and took it's turn on stage with rain, fog and sun, Thomas Bjorn caved on Friday, Chad Campbell croaked on Saturday, Dustin Johnson crumbled on Sunday, and Phil Mickelson tickled our imagination for 10 holes before returning to Planet Phil on Sunday's final eight. Clarke, native to the elements and refreshed with perspective, was the only entrant to fire four rounds at or under par. Seems like a rather simple formula for success, no matter who thinks you can win or not.

Clarke's is a story of tremendous triumph that we can play over and over if we wanted to teach lessons in fortitude, fundamentals and functionality. There has been one exquisite piece after another about his capture of the Claret Jug in the cacophony of weather in Sandwich and how Northern Ireland is now the epicenter to the game of golf. Or is that just to story we crave?

Here's a little quiz for yourself as you ponder how awesome it must be to win a golf tournament: Can you recite the last 12 major champion winners in the game of golf (preferably in order, please?) If the answer is yes, what do you notice about these dozen names?
1) None of them are repeated.
2) None of them are named Tiger.

We have spanned three full calendar years witnessing some of the best golf in the world from many of the games up-and-comers. Some have been thickened with drama (Stewart Cink's '09 British Open title) and others have been runaway clinics (Rory McIlroy's US Open stranglehold in June.) All have been coated with a story of the individual that, if it doesn't tug at the heart a bit, it at least teaches us the foundation for that man's success.

So now we are left to make this fundamental decision: is this what we want? Matt Crispino - good friend, future frequent reference and sidekick for the weekend - and I debated many sports topics that ranged from Jay Cutler's legacy to Syracuse Orange fans IQ to whether Hartford Whaler fans should be Carolina Hurricane fans. Crispino stumped me with this query: What golfers do I root against?

I could not think of any.

So many of the stories that have garnered my attention are worth rooting for. I would imagine there's plenty of ego, wealth and circumstance that all successful professional golfers possess that may be tagged unattractive, unpopular or uninspiring. I enjoy the theatre that unfolds on the back nine of any golf tournament and further enjoy the recipe for that player's ascension. Certainly it's heightened in major championships and tournaments with slightly higher stakes, like the Players Championships, the Accenture Match-Play and the Ryder Cup. Winners accelerate their level of focus and execution; let's hear how it happened.

Now that Woods is not in the picture - and will stay that way until he wins something - more golfers are taking the bull by the horns, even if the bull is resting passively in his stable. I enjoy it. The field is wide open. But most casual fans want to latch-on to a story or rivalry, eager and hopeful McIlroy and/or Mickelson win 10 more times this year.

Darren Clarke's victory, close to his 43rd birthday, at 150 to 1 odds, an afterthought to his countrymen's charge up the rankings, is just what golf needs. The twelve most recent major champions have stamped their names on trophies and in history books as it becomes more and more challenging to prognosticate the champ.

Here's hoping we can make it 13 in a row one month from now.

Bold Prediction Wednesday

2011-07-13T18:03:00.000-04:00

I was fully prepared to give you a score-by-score breakdown of who I thought was going to win the British Open and two players that I think will finish in the top 10 this weekend at Royal St. George.

A new story, though, has taken away some of that thunder, so I'll just tell you who I believe will have a good showing in the English town of Sandwich:

Winner: Jason Day
Top-10 Finishers: Alvaro Quiros, Hunter Mahan, Robert Karlsson

While driving home today, radio reports on the different outlets had James Harrison in the news for critical comments he made about Roger Goddell in the August issue of Men's Journal. By the way, doesn't the name 'Men's Journal' sound like something I would carry in my satchel to record my rendezvous with Richard Gere? This is not a shock. No one on the players side of the negotiations probably thinks fondly of Mr. Goddell. After all, Goddell is meant to be the impartial face of the league, but in these negotiations, he has become the face of the owners.

I did enjoy the part about Harrison referring to Goddell as both a puppet and a dictator. I will detail on what platform the words "puppet" and "dictator," are used simultaneously, unless Harrison told Men's Journal something like, "Goddell acts like a dictator to the players. Do you like this hand puppet I made?"

Harrison took the time, though, to criticize Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers quarterback who has made plenty of bad decisions in his life. Rashard Mendenhall also could not escape Harrison's blame, calling him a "fumble machine."

Mendenhall responded with, "I don't have a problem with what [Harrison] said because I know him."

OK, glad that's settled.

Roethlisberger is a different matter. Here is a list of people that don't care for Ben Roethlisberger:
* the AFC North
* Georgia and Nevada
* all women sans fiance (Additionally, checkout the intense reporting here by James Walker - thanks James.)

Teammates should not make that list. Teammates have disagreements and we as fans should have learned by now, those players should settle their own matters privately. Roethlisberger has already had his captaincy rightfully removed from his list of responsibilities. Whatever Ben's problems were off the field, he's looked to remedy them. On the field, he has been nothing less then a great player, no matter what you think of his character.

It's difficult to pinpoint what Harrison's motives are for making these comments - as well as the possible questions the reporter conjured to get such abrasive remarks. For now, the NFL really can't react to these comments with the labor bickering still ongoing. It does create some fodder for a day or two about how crazy Harrison is, how the Steelers gave Green Bay three touchdowns and how Goddell is an evil super-genius.

The lockout, however, will end. I'm not sure what the commissioner will do because Harrison is, after all, just ranting and hasn't committed a crime except for first degree hurt feelings. However, I have an idea what Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II might be looking to do.

Harrison will be 33 this year and is under contract by the Steelers through 2012 with options through 2014. He, like Roethlisberger, is a valuable member to the Steelers, but at what point does the verbal baggage finally stop? Steelers fans have their varying opinions on both men, whether to discard them or offer forgiveness, but both are undeniably top talents at their profession

Tomlin and Rooney are going to meet with Harrison about his comments and get to the bottom of his angst. At the end of the day, I can see Tomlin and Rooney giving Harrison the choice of how he wishes to proceed:
* Contribute to the team at come to us with your problems
* Leave

I think Harrison, when he weighs his options, will ask for a new team. It's not going to be something the organization wants, just like they don't want Hines Ward drinking and driving, Santonio Holmes getting high, Mendenhall damning bin Laden haters, or Roethlisberger in Georgia dive bars. Tomlin and Rooney are not reactive to these many mishaps, just like they won't succumb to media and fan scrutiny at the drop of a hat. But after weighing the facts of the case and advocating for what's best for the team, they will attempt to trade Harrison and he will not be in a Steelers uniform when they tee it up this season.

The sad irony is the two guys largely responsible for winning Super Bowl XLIII will be exiled unceremoniously. I hope Harrison decides to take the upstanding path and meets with the team, Mendenhall and Roethlisberger. I just don't think it's in his nature.

How I'd Fix the All-Star Game

2011-07-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

I vividly remember attending the 1994 MLB All-Star game - arguably one of the greatest and most dramatic all-star contests in the game's history.

Three Rivers Stadium and it's cookie-cutter artificial turf laden backdrop served as the perfect stage for this 13-year old and his dad. The excitement of seeing all of the best players together in one showcase was more than I could have imagined, even if we were in right field up against the foul pole. The joy of hearing Carlos Garcia's name as the lone Pirate and looking at all of the banners with the players names scripted horizontally across the stadium levels brought a real sense of majesty to the event. Hearing the chorus of boos as Barry Bonds and Doug Drabek were announced and finally getting to watch Ken Griffey Jr., Kirby Puckett and Paul Molitor for the first time brought addition pageantry that I never experienced with any other contest. It was very special.

True baseball fans have an interest in the Midsummer Night's Classic, even if that fan doesn't get the opportunity to have "their" player inserted into the line-up. When else would I hope for Fred McGriff to do well in a game (it should be noted that McGriff and maybe Vinny Castilla on good days are the only Atlanta Braves I had any respect for - obviously for no good reason.) We didn't need a "this game counts" or "let's win it so the Red Sox can have home-field in the World Series."

Unfortuneately, more television exposure, interleague contests, and free agency have all made baseball a better product at the cost of watering down the All-Star game. It's still fun for me just how it is, but not everyone is programmed to win a game just to say he won a game.

And since there MUST be an incentive for everything we do and we can't function on the premise of autonomy, mastery and purpose, here's a blueprint for how to fix the Midsummer Night's Classic:

1) Each team has 30 players. Wouldn't this following sequence be nice for Little Leaguers and travel baseball squads? "Timmy, we'd like you to join the Springfield Little League All-Stars...but only because Kevin, Jake, Peter, Carlos, Kevin B., Sampson, all the kids on Main Street and Rodrigo said they weren't up for it. Whatta ya say?"

Timmy is not an all-star and, the best part is, Timmy knows it. We shouldn't add more all-stars to the gaem two days before it takes place; that's not fair to the players or the fans. Fans elect the starting nine. Ballots open Memorial Day weekend and close on July 4. That leaves 21 spots: 8 back-up position players and 13 pitchers - or however you'd like to organize it. But how would you choose the reserves and pitchers?

2) Hall of Fame Captains. Take the burden of the managers - who run their teams and organizations on a 24-hour cycle - and off any captains that are currently in the League. If you want to continue to honor the game's tradition and the players that made it so special, don't just parade them on the field. Have the captains chosen - like Ryder Cup captains - during spring training and they can acutely following the first 90 games of the baseball season to determine the All-Stars.

Could you imagine if you're a major leaguer and Hank Aaron or Joe Morgan or Cal Ripken calls you and asks you to be on your league's all-star team? Even the wealthiest of players would find that memorable.

3) Not every team is represented. As a Pirate fan, I am still incredibly embarrassed that Mike Williams was an All-Star in 2003. Not only was he terrible, he was a clubhouse cancer. Mr. Commissioner might think it is great for baseball to have all 30 organizations on the field, but the honor of knowing that you're an All-Star and not just an "everybody gets a trophy all-star" has real merit. The players and fans know it, too.

4) Play the game on Wednesday. No other All-Star game plays their exhibition two days after their season takes a break. Most teams in the NBA and NHL have four days off between games (Wednesday through Sunday) and then continue league business on the following Tuesday. That's a real break - now it's more of a pit stop. Put the Future's Game and Celebrity Softball on Monday - start the "Fastest Man Around the Bases Competition - Individual and Relay" as well as the Home Run Derby on Tuesday - play the game on Wednesday - break down and travel on Thursday.

Now that we've solved some house cleaning problems, let's get to the heart of the matter: Is this just an exhibition or are their stakes? Here's how I see it:

a) Very soon, Major League Baseball will be realigning, most likely with 15 teams in each league (I propose we contract Atlanta and the Mets, but that's unlikely.) With the realignment, there will be an interleague contest every series.

Every final weekend in August will be the only stretch of three days on the MLB calendar where all games will be interleague (it's possible, I did the breakdown.) The league that wins the All Star game gets this series at home. The season schedule would continue to be announced at it's normal winter date, but the American Interleague Weekend would either be in all NL parks or AL parks.

b) The winning league can have a 33-man roster for next year's all-star game.

c) Each All-Star captain selects a charity for that league. All of the "charity jackpot" would go to that elected organization.

The great thing about baseball's All-Star game, no matter what the stakes might be, is that players will continue to put on a show without looking like they aren't trying. It's a terrific exhibition that I will continue to follow and hope that, as the game evolves, everyone elected or invited has earned the honor and understands its value to the history of the game.

If It Smells Like a Rat...

2011-07-09T11:30:00.000-04:00

If you committed several misdemeanors in your life, but were told how great you were at your job, you'd probably think you could get away with an unlawful transgression here or there. Eventually, the thrill of being superior to the law may catch up with you and your misdemeanors morph into more egregious crime. You might even get caught from time to time, but that doesn't stop you. You seek another opportunity at your craft. Nothing provides this thrill; you can't walk away.

Bruce Pearl is such a criminal. Outrageous you say? Please be advised of the following:

Pearl admitted lying to NCAA investigators when they were looking into possible recruiting violations made by the Tennessee coaching staff. (Okay, not that uncommon.)

Pearl and his coaches piled-up 10 major violations, including an unethical conduct charge against the coach. (That's not good.)

When asked by investigators where a photo of Pearl and two recruits -- high school juniors -- was taken, Pearl told them he didn't know the location. The photo turned out to be taken during a barbeque at Pearl's home. (Offensive and hilarious)

However, by the time you are done reading this column, Pearl will continue making his $948,728 through June 2012. That's slightly more serious than a reckless driving fine, wouldn't you say? He's been dismissed by an school that put faith in him to shine relevance on a program overshadowed by football and the women's team that claim the same gym floor, appropriately titled "The Summit."

Tennessee sits cowering as an SEC afterthought and now, Pearl wants your school's money, too.

It's not fair to say Pearl has had this "criminal" track record for his entire coaching career. Much like most college basketball coaches, Pearl spent time as an assistant and at Division II Southern Indiana, accrued accolades and wins until his first Division I gig at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was great there, too, taking the Panthers to two NCAA tournaments and making the team a staple at the top of the very competitive Horizon League.

Tenneessee came a'callin once Pearl's persona and flare became no match for little Milwaukee.

Cash and clamour make Pearl who he is, certainly not loyalty and ethics or even good, fundamental coaching. Pearl is in our short-term memory as a Volunteer, but his time as an Illinois and Iowa assistant ruined coaching ties with the people he worked with. He didn't have to settle for Southern Indiana or Milwaukee - he was relegated there because he flaunted over himself so much and made enemies with his ego. He quickly spotted teams and schools in need of some chatter and glitz and he turned their programs around as soon as he stepped foot on their campus.

Pearl knows EXACTLY what he's doing. It only takes one desperate athletic director looking for attention for their school to give Pearl a call. And we all know he won't work for free...

Be advised, respective ADs and university presidents: you risk selling your soul to get one or two reversals of fortunes on the hardwood only to have Pearl and his track record jettison you for a better opportunity or a safer hiding spot. If you want a coach that loses to Michigan by 30 points during the biggest game of your season, he's got his phone handy. Michigan was an above-average team in a power conference, but 30 points? Tennessee had some good wins in his six years in Knoxville, but even the most diehard Volunteer fans were appalled by his boisterous sideline tirades and lack of preparation for their opponents. His charm in his first three seasons evolved into static and lack of organization in his latter three.

Now Pearl wants another chance, but without the intense therapy and jail sentence most criminals have to endure. It's sad to think he will probably get that chance. Bob Huggins, Larry Eustachy and Todd Bozeman are all great coaching stories of redemption, each propelling their lives in direction that helps young people succeed and make institutions look good in the faith each placed in them.

For the right price, this man can be the face of your university.

Pearl is different. Pearl's sense of entitlement and arrogant approach to his craft scream of another major violation just waiting to happen. In retrospect, Pearl has robbed his former employer of close to $1 million and took a month's vacation during the apex of competition this past season. If this is what you want leading your school, Pearl is standing by.

An Eye for a Tooth

2011-07-08T23:43:00.000-04:00

Quick - name the thirteen teams Ohio State beat last season during their 12-1 romp through a watered-down Big Ten and a putrid out-of-conference slate...

How did you do? You may have gotten a half or most of the team based of your knowledge of the Big Ten. And with up-and-coming programs like Marshall, Ohio and Eastern Michigan on every one's radar, these stellar match-ups probably produced the epic kind of entertainment that college football fans salivate over.

Today Ohio State proclaimed its vacating their wins from the 2010 football season, including its share of the Big Ten championship and the Buckeyes' victory over Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. Responding to the NCAA's investigation of a memorabilia-for-cash scandal that cost former coach Jim Tressel his job star quarterback Terrelle Pryor his place in school history, the university also said Friday it is waiving a $250,000 fine imposed on Tressel and changing his resignation to a retirement. The move contradicts a comment university president Gordon Gee made last month when he said Tressel "will pay the fine." The ex-Buckeyes coach is taking responsibility for the NCAA inquiry, which developed after it was learned Tressel failed to report players receiving improper benefits. Tressel will also attend Ohio State's Aug. 12 hearing before the NCAA infractions committee, which is Judgment Day for Buckeye Nation.

The university also is putting the football program on probation for two years with harsher punishments probably on the horizon.

It certainly is difficult to impose self-imposed actions, but if you take away victories from games already played, what are you really accomplishing? It doesn't help the Buckeye cause - at least in the eyes of the public - that the arrogant Gee made his university seem superior to the common man's college when he called Boise State "small potatoes." He thumbed his nose at most of college football, claiming supreme entitlement for big pay days and superior intelligence in the field of working the system.
Didn't Ohio State already pocket the money from ticket sales, memorabilia, television revenue as well as the benefit of showcasing your product to NFL scouts and potential recruits during this "lost" 2010 season? Does anyone in Ann Arbor or East Lansing or Fayetteville feel greater satisfaction knowing they lost to a team but are now being told the team didn't exist? I can forfeit the flag football championship that my team won in college on the premise that we should have been studying, but does that really take away from who was the better team on that night?

If you want some retribution, payback or self-imposed action, try doing this:
* Right now, Ohio State is tabbed for three out-of-conference home games against Akron on September 3, Toledo on September 10th and Colorado on September 24th. Have the institutions and the NCAA involve themselves to make each of these Ohio State home games changed into road games.

Initially, this might be a logistical headache for Akron, Toledo and Boulder. However, I think it's as fair of a proposal as any prescribed for the following reasons:
1) You don't punish the current Buckeye players by taking a possible post-season bid away. You merely relocate them to a more advantageous venue for their opponent. That's how you level the playing field - not by taking away two scholarships.
2) You punish the city of Columbus and the university where it matters most - their pockets. All three of these schools would benefit tremendously from the increase in revenue when such a high-profile school visits. Ohio State loses three opportunities for money, and that hurts everyone. If you want to get the community to turn against you, take away some of their money and watch what happens.
3) These "road" games are not going to be as hostle since most Buckeye fans will travel to any destination to watch their precious team take the gridiron.

Imagine this face in your town...and Brutus, too...

I'm not going to say my idea is the best alternative for self-imposed sanctions. I do know that any change to the current system would be a better one. I will be watching with interest when August 12th arrives. Having no real passion for or against Ohio State, I'm curious to see how the NCAA handles such a large violation to such a large program. If taking away games that were already played seems fair to the committee, that would be unfortunate.

Bold Prediction Wednesday

2011-07-06T18:29:00.000-04:00

There are two things that I need major improvement on (actually there are 222 things, but the other 220 we'll save for another entry:)

1) Staying on schedule
2) Taking risks

In order to cut this list down, I plan to have one column per week fixated to a theme.

For we sports fans, it's very easy to criticize our sports authorities or pipelines on predictions that each make. Most of them I find to be dull and pedestrian - like "I think the Patriots will take the AFC East" or "I like the Lakers to win a lot of games." In lieu of such boring prognostication, I've come up with Bold Prediction Wednesdays. The goal is to be correct, but to attempt to be accurate with a some statistics, trending and even a little bias. And since none of the days of the week begin with 'B' or 'P,' we'll go with Bold Prediction Wednesday - or BPW. And, please, if anyone has a better title for this segment, all suggestions are welcomed.

Our first installment looks at baseball. It's clear there is greater parity in baseball in the last five years than in the five preceding 2006 and the five preceding 2001. Going into play today, there are 17 TEAMS within 5 games of the division lead and two others - Colorado and Minnesota - who are probably going to make a serious run at their respective divisions. There is not as much fear in facing bigger, badder teams (unless you playing in Philadelphia against Halladay or Lee at night - that's fear.) The better teams are still good, but they dont' have the dominance they once possessed earlier in the century.

One team that has looked consistent, if not semi-dominant are the Yankees, who have somehow managed to piecemeal together a formidable batting order for the first time since 2010. They lead the Majors in runs, home runs, walks and slugging percentage and are second in a handful of other offensive categories. The leader of this offensive juggernaut this summer has not been Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texiera or Robinson Cano - although each are have terrific first halves to 2011. Curtis Granderson has been the surprise and sensational combination of speed and power the Yankees could not have expected when they got him in Pinstripes last season. Granderson leads the Bombers in runs, total bases, on-base percentage and stolen bases and is tied for the team lead with 25 home runs - an incredible boost for an already explosive lineup.

The pitching has not been too bad, either. CC Sabathia has led the team with an non-All-Star, All-Star like season: 12 wins, 2.90 ERA, 117 Ks, and a 1.20 WHIP. His surprise supporting cast of Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon and Ivan Nova (as well as AJ Burnett) have combined with Sabathia for a team ERA of 3.63 and 41 of the team's 51 victories.

The Yankees have so many offensive weapons that it's hard to even acquire a new piece at the trading deadline because there's really no room. They'll find a bench player or a complementary fourth starter, but the team is largely in place for the duration of the season. This is not to say there is a major problem, only a possible gumption to suffocate trade deadline talks like in previous Julys.

There are four things that I contend will factor into the Yankees success:

1) Sabathia can't do this by himself. His innings per start are slightly over seven, which is almost 1/2 an inning more than his career average while his pitch count is up by over 14 pitches. Many of his averages: ERA, WHIP, Ks have been maintained, but teams with good offensive threats are putting the ball in play and crossing the plate (Red Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays.) Garcia and Colon haven't sustained success in a long time and the team already has low number of quality starts (46) compared the rest of the league. Burnett is an absolute spazz and can throw a no-hitter or have trouble getting out of the first inning. The bullpen has been decent, but Sabathia's work load will have to be maintained, or it's trouble for the middle relief.

2) Granderson can't keep this pace. He's a traditional leadoff hitter who has altered many games in the Yankees favor this season with his home runs. He'll continue to get on base and Texiera, Rodriguez and Cano will still threaten opponents, but can the Yanks continue to score five runs per game regularly?

3) Jeter, Posada and Rivera. There's no reason to think Jeter will continue to professionally handle the critics while reaching base and being solid in the field. Rivera is still a stud and Posada...well, Jeter and Rivera have been great. These three know how to get the job done in the postseason, but how much of their efforts, if floundering, will hurt New York when they are entitled to their spot in the lineup? They are up there in years, needing more medical attention and reliance on hard-nosed approaches rather than pure skill. This leads us to...

4) 42 road games. The Yanks will leave the All-Star break with a tough eight-game road trip against the Jays and Rays. Practically their entire team will be in Arizona for the All-Star game and then will travel back across the country and then down to St. Petersburg. They are the oldest team in the majors and the season will, inevitably, take its toll.

It's crazy to think the Yankees won't continue their brilliance, but I truly believe their recent successful June is a product of a favorable schedule, staying healthy, and avoiding their hated rivals. They were 27-23 after dropping two games in Seattle and searching for answers. They've turned the ship around, but how long will they keep this train rolling? Therefore, my inaugural bold prediction will be the following:

The New York Yankees will fail to make the playoffs for the 2011 season.

Will the Bombers run out of gas?

Yes, it's crazy, highly unlikely and foolish on a number of levels. Only time will tell, but I'll stick to my guns and see how the dog days affect the Empire.

What To Do With Albert

2011-07-05T23:59:00.002-04:00

On June 19th, St. Louis Cardinals superhero Albert Pujols Pujols homered in the bottom of the fifth inning after taking an up-and-in pitch from Royals reliever Louis Coleman. The go-ahead shot left Busch Stadium in under two seconds and put an electric charge into the capacity crowd. After his blast, Pujols was sitting on eight home runs and 14 RBI in the 17 games he had played in June, including two memorable walk-off home runs against the Chicago Cubs on back-to-back games.

Yet, that energy was erased quickly in the top of the sixth when The Machine was dented.

The fracture sustained to Albert's left wrist silenced the fans of both teams. It's been well-documented that Pujols' final year of his contract is this year. If we are making a net worth of each of his limbs and appendages, I would probably price his left wrist somewhere around $3.7 million.

This is what Pujols can do and what he has done since donning a Redbird uniform. He is the single strongest influence in any Major League lineup, and now is the single strongest influence when he is out of the lineup. The doctors initial prognosis of 4-6 weeks would have left Albert out of the All-Star game and back into the Cardinals lineup, at best, around July 17th - four weeks from the fracturing.

Somehow, through the powers of the divine and the miracle of being misinformed, Pujols has been activated from the disabled list some 12-28 days ahead of schedule. This news came to the public rather swiftly and the all-star first baseman was in the lineup for today's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Some fans and teammates might feel that Pujols recovery isn't that big of a deal since, after all, he is Albert Pujols. Today on my drive to practice, I listened to Matt Holliday as a guest on the Doug Gottlieb show. Holliday told Gottlieb that he felt Pujols was ready because Pujols shoke his hand with a really tight grip and that the doctors said the bone that was beat-up was an necessary bone.

Thank goodness Dr. Matt Holliday shed some light on the matter.

It isn't that bold of a prediction to say Albert Pujols is going to be a Cardinal next year or for the rest of his career. The Cardinals have been a presence in the National League Central since the six-team division format was adopted. The organization knows how to win and how to rally. I really enjoy watching Pujols - unless he's playing the Pirates - tear apart pitchers and/or allow his buddies below him in the lineup force the oppostion's hand. There is a clear void in the starting nine when he is out.

However, after the initial sulking by the Cardinals when they lost five or their next six games PAI (post Albert's injury,) they have responded by taking six of their last eight, including tonight's 8-1 pasting of the Reds. The lineup has stepped up considerably. Consider these three major stats the Cardinals have in their favor during the 14 games played since Pujols' injury:
1) Lance Berkman's career revival includes six home runs, including one tonight.
2) David Freese, who was batting .371 before his DL stint, has return and hasn't missed a beat.
3) and most importantly - have you noticed who has won his last three starts in convincing fashion. Chris Carpenter. The stud righter started 1-7 this year, but in his three starts that Pujols has been on the DL, he's 3-0, pitching 24 innings and allowed two earned runs, winning all three contests against the Phillies, Orioles and Reds.

If the Cardinals lose their remaining 75 games, that would be awesome for me, but not for St. Louis or any baseball fans. If Pujols is really not as injured as we thought and he explodes in the final parts of the season, all will be well. I just wonder if the Cardinals are rushing him back prematurely or and the urging of Albert to prove to the league he healthy and mends quicker than any average human. The organization knows plenty more than I ever will and Tony LaRussa is a very smart manager. If the Cardinals rush him back too soon, it could halt a lot of St. Louis' momentum in their season.

Coming to America

2011-07-04T22:34:00.000-04:00

USA ... USA ... USA ...

Patty and I were enjoying a relaxing Independence Day afternoon at home, flipping through the channels to see what might interest us. Low and behold, we stumbled on the mini-series John Adams - one of my favorite productions HBO has ever aired. (If anyone would like to borrow our DVDs of it, just let me know.) American History is one of my very favorite topics to study and discover as while peering into the episodes depicting the19th century livelihood of our second president, there was only one person that kept running through my cerebral hamster cage...

Rafael Nadal.

Clearly. Nothing screams American Revolution and Independence more than an modern-day, Spanish wonder-athlete that just fell to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. Truthfully, it's not that I was obsessing over Nadal's greatness or thought he had a striking resemblance to any of the characters (although Andy Murray does look like John Keating.) It's more that we've watched Roger Federer and Nadal dominate men's tennis for the last eight years with Djokovic now storming the castle with the world's number one ranking and there isn't a sniff of American presence on the tennis scene.

Adams would be mortified.

I don't claim to be a tennis fanatic, but I do enjoy following the second week of major tournaments - especially the US Open. I could watch mostly every set of a major tournament's second week of competition, which is maddening to Patty. In that second week, I'm routinely excited if there is ANY American male that has made it into the round of eight...or even 16. This past week, Mardy Fish, at the Jurassic age of 29, made it to the quarterfinals where he eventually bowed-out to Nadal. But hey, at least Fish took the third set from the Spaniard. Go America!

Like any great patriot, I love cheering for the Red, White and Blue, but especially in those sports and competitions where we find ourselves the underdogs. This actually makes sense - sort of - why I was thinking of Nadal. On the international stage, it's easy to be USA ALL THE WAY in basketball or swimming or track and field. Yet, like any Cinderella story, it's always nice when the less popular, less talented team or athlete is crowned champion. This is why I have no trouble claiming my favorite FIFA soccer team, Olympic hockey squad or men's tennis players as being American.

Now some of you may have heard of the Davis Cup. I have, but I probably don't give it more than 15 minutes of my attention PER YEAR. The concept of the Davis Cup is confusing and I never could keep track of all of the countries participating. If you know nothing about the Davis Cup, here are the three basic principles behind it:
1) men's tennis
2) occurs every year and stretches through the entire calendar
3) country vs. country - first to three match victories moves on

Upon browsing the Davis Cup site, I was surprised to see the QUARTERFINALS are this weekend. And..what do you know...the Fighting Americans have made it to the prestigious round of eight and face...Spain. I knew I had Nadal on the brain for a reason. Actually, Nadal is not competing this weekend, but that still does not take away from the fact the US is a large underdog.

What does this mean for you? Probably nothing. Most of us may have trouble remembering the Davis Cup even involves men's tennis and more than most of us don't pay any mind to the sport since it doesn't involve hitting or gambling. And any international tournament that revolves yearly is much harder to digest for the American sports fan's appetite (not to mention it can only be found on the Tennis Channel.)

The point is Americans (who have cared to pay attention) and the rest of the planet have marveled at the skills of many international tennis greats for a long time. The American men's tennis scene has gone irrelevant since Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras hung up their racquets. I will be paying closer attention this weekend to see how Andy Roddick, the Bryan brothers and Fish fare against stronger foes.

A pioneer in dismantling world powers

Men's tennis has been so compelling because we know a lot about its champions. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have battled each other epically and have swatted on-comers with great ease. The American men don't get many shots at tennis glory, but this might be the opportunity they could capitalize on. Their matches with Spain this weekend are all in Austin, Texas. They've have the luxury of Roddick being eliminated almost two weeks ago from Wimbledon. And there's no Nadal. It would be a nice story, even if we've been forced to reintroduce American men's tennis into our sports-following pipeline.

And if they falter, at least we had John Adams.

Let's Play Three

2011-07-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

Sometime around the end of May it was announced the Pittsburgh Pirates would have a make-up game as part of a doubleheader in Washington with the Nationals on Saturday, July 2nd. Already committed to attending one game, I swiftly decided that July 2nd would be spent entirely at Nationals Park. Patty - my wonderful wife, who we will reference as "Patty," or "Better Half" in future entries - suggested that we also attend Sunday's game since 1) she knew I wouldn't mind and 2) she was "busy" on Saturday. Well if you're going to force my hand...

Wait a minute - as euphoric as it would be for me to attend all 162 Pirate games, I knew this might be bad news FOR THE TEAM. My love for the Pirates can be problematic as sometimes I directly correlate their losing with something I failed to do. Case in point: the Nationals have been in Washington since the 2005 season and, since then, I had attended six games in DC when the Buccos were in town. The Pirates were 1-5 in those games. The nervous energy I bring to the ball yard must have an unnerving effect on the squad (especially since they lost four of those five games in the seventh inning or later.) Three games in 24 hours could spell doom for the Bucs and I am not sure I could live with that on my conscience.

3:37PM on Saturday, July 2

Nevertheless, I took the chance and made the commitment. When the weekend arrived, while much of the DC area was hitting the road for the beach, I was hitting the metro for Park.

Perfectly perched in Section 307, Row A, Seat 23, Christa (my sister,) Seamus (my good buddy) and I strapped-in on Saturday afternoon for the first of many pitches. Christa made the trip from home just for this weekend and Seamus is the kind of pal that would watch a doubleheader with you, cheering for your time while wearing a Nats jersey.

Good fortune strikes quickly: the Pirates plate two runs before the Nats get their swings. I marvel at the number of Pirate fans in attendance - I would say a good 4,000-5,000. If this keeps up, I may spend the night.

The next two hours fly by pretty quickly. We get to the bottom of the seventh and the our starter, James McDonald, has done a nice job minimizing damage. Livan Hernandez was great for the Nats - very efficient and on point. Davey Johnson pinch-hit Rick Ankiel for Hernandez and the lefty belted one over the right-center field wall to tie the score at two. Not good...especially with the top of the order at bat. Roger Bernadina walks and McDonald is relieved by Jose Veras. Those cheering for the Nationals are now awake and into the developing situation.

Then it happened: the turning point of the game, brought to you by Mr. Bernadina. With ONE out, Danny Espinosa hits a fly ball to deep left field. I'm fairly certain 95% of the fans knew it was playable and 99% of the stadium knew there was one out. Luckily for us, Bernadina was in that one percentile and just as Alex Presley makes the catch for out #2, Bernadina is rounding THIRD. We tag him out around second base and the inning is over.

Relief momentarily sets in, but now it's tied going into the late innings. I don't want to get my hope too high because there's a lot of baseball to play. One over-zealous thought could lead to implosion.

With one out, Seamus states, "[Sean] Burnett's ERA is too high for him not to give up a run here."

I respond, "[Garrett] Jones doesn't hit lefties; he might have two hits off of them all year."

"He's getting a hit here," counters Seamus.

Thirty-some seconds later, Jones crushes an opposite-field bomb to left-center. Seamus, the prognosticator, saves the day. With two more runs on our side and one more on theirs, the Pirates took game one of the doubleheader and Christa, my 5000 cousins and me share in the victory.

The second game would start 30 minutes later - a true doubleheader that one ticket would vouch for. (Editor's note: I fully expected to pay for two games for this doubleheader, even up to the day before the game. We were told it would only be the price of one ticket, but that didn't seem like a concept the Nationals ownership would embrace. But since they did, let's take the time to say "thanks.") My master plan of walking the concourse between games was, apparently, the master plan of many of the other fans. Mark - unrealated brother and frequent reference in future columns - and Julie - friend and fiance of Mark - joined the three of us for game two.

My type A personality, though, would get the best of me...again. Just as quickly as we found them, I wondered to the Box Fries stand in right center all by myself. After all, we were on a schedule, and there's no way I could miss the first pitch of game two. Christa found me at the stand and we both hurredly paced back to section 307. I managed to eat all of my fries while 1) not using my fingers 2) walking back to the seat 3) fasting from ketchup 4) not regarding many of the obstrcutions in front of me.

The second game began at 7:15PM and ended around 10PM. All you need to know is that the Pirates were leading by one going into the bottom of the eighth and were losing by one going into the top of the ninth. Luckily I had been to this rodeo before and, even with the 4-3 loss, I was content knowing we had at least one win with me as a witness. The masses stayed for the post-game fireworks and the traffic on foot getting out was brutal, but I would call it a successful day.

Now if you've ever attended a traditional double header and turned around for a 1:35PM start to the next day's game, you feel like you work for the organization. I was now fully equipped to make pitching changes, roster moves, and decide if we would wear our alternate jerseys or the road grays (we wore the road grays, which I would have chosen, too.) And since you are part of the organization, there should be anything stopping you from getting to your seat in time.

Unfortuneately, we missed the first two batters on Sunday's game because the center field entrance at Nationals Park is a travashamockery. We couldn't break the fortress of bag ladies and strollers in time for the start and, in case I wasn't clear, we MISSED THE FIRST TWO BATTERS!!!....WHO GOT TO FIRST AND THIRD!!!!!!

Luckily Patty and Christa could calm me down and I briskly stomped to the left field walkery to catch Jones pop out to third. Now I'm really wondering if I should return to the bullfight at the turnstyle to keep any hope of a win alive. I briefly talk to myself and decide to stay...clearly I'm in a rationale state of mind. My suggestion to myself was rewarded for today's game was unlike any game I had seen in Washington. The next three batters all singled and we were ahead 3-0 just as my pal, Evan, joins us for the daytime fireworks.

We rode the escalator to the upper level, but instead of ascending to section 405, we picked-out a shaded row in section 306 and took in the game with no one within seven rows of us. We took our seats in time to watch the visiting nine send nine batters to the plate and score five more runs, including five straight hits from our second through sixth hitters. It was 8-0 going into the bottom of the second. Horray for me.

The gentleman to our left, though, was steadfast on cheering his Nationals to the comeback trail. He applauded every Nats player when announced and stayed compelled with every pitch. This was a stark contrast to the eight people behind us, who formed a circle on the ground to play some form of listening exercise geared to letting out their emotions. Seriously. Since we we in the back row of section 306, we had to maneuver around the Circle of Trust to refill our bottomless popcorn.

By the time the Pirates had posted their 10-2 victory, Mark had arrived, a local Nats fans debated with Evan the merits of having Donovan McNabb over Tom Brady, Christa somehow got burnt in the shade and Patty reminded me to not allow her to attend anymore July day games. More importantly, my attendance record for "Pirates at Nationals" shot up to 3-6 and the mental investment was well worth the contemplation.

I will more than likely be back at Nationals Park on Wednesday - this time to support Mark's Cubs as they visit Washington. I don't think I will be worrying as much - and I know I won't be entering at the center field entrance - but I will be looking at the out-of-town scoreboard to see how we are doing against the Astros.

After all, the Pirates record in games when I attend another MLB game isn't that good, either.

Remembering Jagr

2011-07-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday it was announced that Jaromir Jagr, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and New York Rangers, signed with the Philadelphia Flyers for one year and will make about $3 million for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. This announcement may have gone unnoticed on the first day of National Hockey League free agency, which is massively less popular in the States than the NFL, MLB or NBA free agency boom. Jagr turned 39 in February and is still capable of becoming a significant piece to a NHL playoff team. Recently Mark Recchi, Dave Andreychuk and Ray Bourque - to name a few - defied the age barrier and served key roles to their team's Stanley Cup glory. Youthful exuberance is important, but so is veteran wisdom and timely skill.

When Jagr plotted a return to the NHL some two weeks back, there was a significant amount of coverage from the the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Jags dusting off his black and gold sweater for one last go-around in the Steel City. I, for one, was against such an acquisition. On the surface, Jagr's puck possession skills have declined and his tendency for more physical play are not the supreme fit for the current corp of Penguins. Unfair or not, Jagr was always in the shadow of Mario Lemieux in the eyes of every Penguins fan. Lemieux is still the franchise, worshiped - and no, that's not too lofty of praise - by everyone in town for saving the Penguins on three separate stints. When Jagr arrived on the scene in 1990, the comparisons were everywhere. He dazzled us with his stickwork, surprised us with his speed and ultimately made a name for himself as a scoring machine. For 11 seasons, he was as durable and determined of a superstar as there was in the league. We religiously followed from his upbringing through his prime and, unfortunately, until his departure.

Yet, I cannot recall a sports figure in my life that did so much for my memory bank and fandom suddenly just disappearing from my attention or relevance in such a short time. When Jagr was nearing free agency in 2001, you could probably poll 1000 Pittsburghers asking if they thought Jagr would remain a Penguin. At least 990 of them would have said "no" and of those 990, 980 of them knew he would look for a bigger deal. Jagr leaving, though, was different than Bobby Bonilla, Barry Bonds, or Neil O'Donnell choosing the greed over the loyalty. For one, the instant those three stars left, everyone wished for a "less-than-promising" career or outcome to their chosen destination. For another, there was genuine hope that each would consider remaining in a Pittsburgh uniform since each was so close to a championship.

Jagr had his two titles and never was portrayed as needing to win a Stanley Cup on his own to validate his self-worth as a player. Lemieux and he were as special a duo as the league had seen since Gretzky and Messier. When he became a Capital, the people in Pittsburgh didn't feel scorn or betrayal or remorse. By this time, we all knew the drill. A ultra-talented player needed to be paid and this wasn't the city or ownership that was about to open the checkbooks.

The biggest difference with Jagr, though, was that we didn't want him to fail (or succeed...don't get me wrong.) We just removed him from our attention.

Even today, I can still envision Jags dancing in the offensive zone during the Stanley Cup years of 1991 and 1992 and torching the likes of the Caps, Rangers and Blackhawks to the tune of overtime winners and improbable shot-making. Jagr etched one of my greatest childhood memories on an April Sunday afternoon in 1999. At my grandmother's with cousin Scotty, Uncle T and my sister Christa, we were mesmerized into hoping the Pens would prolong their first round series with the favored Devils in this game six grudge match. Undermanned and up against the proverbial wall, Jagr unleashed one of the most impressive 10-minute stretches of hockey that I could remember. If you are a fan of hockey, don't like the Devils, or enjoy Mike Emrick, you'll enjoy this.

Now Jagr is off to Philadelphia on the coattails of the largest contract offered to him. We all agree that it's more than difficult to root for the Flyers and most Penguin fans will have added ire toward Jagr for turning his back on Lemieux and his NHL origins AND choosing a division nemesis. But when we take the time to process Jagr's decision, this is perfect. Pittsburgh does not have to wrestle with the "days of yore" and Jagr can start fresh in a league that, for the most part, has forgotten how special he was.

Do I want Jagr to succeed? Of course not; he's a Flyer. But it will be fun seeing just how much he has left in the tank and if he makes a true impact on a team that's in the midst of severe changes. He may win another scoring title or take the Fly Guys deep into the playoffs, but I like the memories I have of Jagr and am glad I don't have to save more space in the memory for his second stint with Penguins.

(If you want to hear Lemieux try to coax Jagr back to Pittsburgh, have a listen...)

Those were the days...

Unlabored Day

2011-07-01T16:36:00.000-04:00

You know what was fun about this past NBA season, besides LeBron not winning a title? During the 2010-2011 NBA campaign, all fans - casual and hard-core - raging gamblers and bar-room patrons - Jack Nicholson and Spike Lee - talked about the NBA. Sure, despising the ground Miami's Big Three flamed around on was interesting, as well as Carmelo getting traded, Shaq getting crippled and Memphis getting noticed. But fans of sports are fans of sports and these three aforementioned stories revolved around the play on the court. The headlines that brought followers of basketball to their couches featured winning and losing. Contrary to these fans are the fans of gossip, pessimism and Lamar Odom. They don't have the attention to the games, play on the court or tactics geared toward winning.

Which brings us to today, July 1st, the day the sports world must discuss collective bargaining, tv deals, rookie wage scale, guaranteed contracts and soft caps. This is a day for gossip fans. This is the day fans of statistics, performance and the theatre behind handling pressure are relegated to take a back the tabloids, the legal systems and The View. We can't find our usually radio programming about pennant races and Federer losing a 2-0 lead in the Wimbeldon quarters.

The obvious shift from Dirk's legacy to David Stern's lack of action could not be felt more than from the league's official website. Do you notice anything that's missing from this page? How about everything! No teams, no tickets, no highlights from this past season - which was the best since 1998. But take a look across the top. Luckily you can still purchase OFFICIAL DALLAS MAVERICKS CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR!!! So even while they can't charge you $120 for a ceiling level ticket, they'll find a way to take your money if you let them.

Try putting this across the homepage of League:

"Dear NBA fans,
We regret to inform you that we have failed to possess the forward thinking and vision to avoid this current lockout. We appreciate all of the support that you have given us this entire stretch of great basketball, but we can no longer operate under the current economic system that has Joe Johnson making $119 million for city that draws 119 people to their home games. We will not pretend things are going well nor speculate when this work stoppage will cease. I personally will make an official announcement once basketball operations fully resume. Your truly, David J. Stern"

If you like this kind of action, we apologize.

If you're anything like me, you would dedicate roughly 14 seconds of your time to this particular work stoppage, maybe even another 14 seconds to the labor strife in the National Football League. The NFL lockout is more unbearable for the fact that it gets so much coverage about absolutely nothing. At least with compelling non-sports sports stories - like the OJ trial, Jordan's retirement or Michael Vick's favorite hobby gone wrong - there was an actual story to follow. We could swallow a new chapter a day without knowing what the end might bring.

Below is a recap of the labor negotiations in the NFL for the last four months:

Chapter 1 - The NFL is locked-out; no official league business can take place
Chapter 2 - The players and the owners are fighting.
Chapter 3 - The players and the owners are meeting, but not fighting
Chapter 4 - (Repeat chapters 2 and 3) x 64

You see...14 seconds.

The best way I can protest both sports' stubborn agendas is to ignore them altogether. That includes going down memory lane as to which the best team Clyde Drexler was on or who has the strongest front offices. These petty and rather pathetic ploys to keep the fans interest in their professional organization insult the invested fans' collective intelligence. Those debates are born from play on the court or field, which generate creative ideas and spark debate amongst family members, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Do you think arguing over who the top 10 running backs of the past season are going to make me want to miss the NFL more? That's pretty lame (and even lamer there's a three-way tie for tenth by this clown.)

The last NBA work stoppage was 1998. Do you know what I remember about that work stoppage? That there was a work stoppage - that's it. I don't know what day Billy Hunter and Stern met. I know the Spurs won the title in the shortened season. I don't know which Christmas day games were cancelled, but I remember the 8th-seeded Knicks beat the top-seeded Heat in the Eastern Conferences Playoffs. I don't know what the labor peace ended, but I know Jordan wasn't in the league and the Bulls were garbage.

Games, statistics, performance - the reason we watch, invest and cheer. Unless you love the law, Chris Mortensen or train wrecks, I can only hope you don't waste your time following two leagues that continue to waste our time. Yes, there aren't as many teams, sports and subplots to follow in the summer months as the rat race October through April. Don't give in. Baseball is thriving - Sharapova is back - the PGA, MLS, hell, you can even watch NASCAR if you need sports that much. But enjoy the sports you have and debate the players that make them great.

And if that doesn't hold your interest, you can always take-in an episode of the The View.

Home...Where Our Heart Is

2011-01-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

We've made it safely back to Washington, DC after a very speedy trip from our two drivers. Our training in Ft. Myers officially came to an end at 11:04PM EST on Sunday evening, but every minute was memorable in its own right. We met some great people, enjoyed terrific weather and became a stronger team physically and emotionally.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will continue our training, but in the familiar environment of Burr Gymnasium. The certainly will be a different feel to the regiment we conquer, but as every practice is completed, we are that much closer to our conference championships - the greatest time of the year!

For all of the family and friends that made this trip possible, our most sincere thanks are extended your way. These experiences will last a lifetime and they would not be possible without you.

Combat Training - Part I

2011-01-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

Since around 2:10PM yesterday afternoon, the Bison had engaged themselves in some of the most rigorous training of the trip. This is always a dicey proposition as nerves have been frayed and tempers just a little shorter with the continuing workload and competitive nature of the trip.

I give the team a lot of credit, yesterday, for pushing themselves during our long course practice. I'm a big believer that while your ingrain yourself in the training trip experience, there has to be at least one practice where you proudly remember a challenge and subsequently conquering it. You are permitted to have several of these memories and we certainly have many qualified candidates who can lay claim to these memories. Below was that last long course meter memorable opportunity:

ROUND ONE - no fins
3:06PM 2x200s on 3:00 / 3:15
3:12PM 4x100s on 2:00 - Stroke, descend 1-4
3:20PM 8x50s Choice on :40 - rest 1 minute after number 4

ROUND TWO with FINS
3:27PM 2x200s on 2:40 / 3:00
3:33PM 4x100s on 1:45 - Stroke, descend 1-4
3:42PM 8x50s Choice SPRINT on 1:00 - rest after number 4

When warm down concluded and the team gathered outside, it was time for our annual game of Hooverball. Those of you aware of how Hooverball is played: we took our 10-pound medicine ball to the nearest sand volleyball court. We made two teams, of which we decided that 7 athletes can be on the court for each time at one time. You must catch and throw the 10-pound medicine ball over the net and try to have it hit the ground on the other side before a member of the opposite team catches it. You may make one pass to a teammate before throwing it over, but you can only take two steps when throwing.

Darien reminds his teammates how many steps you're permitted to take after catching the Hooverball

We played best two out of three games, first team to score 15 points, win by two.

This year's epic battles were no different that last year's, complete with sore arms, legs and occasional bloody thumbnail. In our first game, Team Fire Fist rallied from early deficits to win 15-12. In the second contest, Team Iron Claw took no prisoners in their late-game charge to win 15-13. In the final match, Team Fire Fist forged a 8-0 run in the middle of the contest to win the coveted Hooverball Title with a score of 15-11.

The first day of 2011 was an outstanding one! We trained like gladiators, competed like enraged bull fighters, and glistened in the Florida sunshine like the stars from Miami Vice (please take a moment to picture your favorite Bison in each of these scenarios.) With all of this, there were some swimmers that separated themselves from the herd with their desire to start the year with a bang.

#3 - Frank Lynch - the freshman's finest practice of Florida came by switching lanes into a harder interval and sacrificing his body on a number of occasions for the good of Team Iron Claw (7.5.)
#2 - Damjan Strbac - Damjan looked fantastic in the water in the afternoon - dominated the 50s on :40 and splitting the fastest times on the team in the 100s and 50s with fins (8.)
#1 - Omar McKenzie and Darien Washington - normally we do not split the Prime Popcorn Practice Performances, but today is an exception. If you remember from our Gulf swim, Darien and Omar and photographed for their mettle in swimming the farthest and longest. Additionally, they joined Frank and Damjan in having tremendous afternoon practices, bypassing lane members with great purpose and form (8.5.)

This sea creature, whom we spotted in our Gulf swim this morning, weighed-in on Omar and Darien receiving a chalice meant for champions

It's going to be a sensational 2011...more to come as our time in Fort Myers approaches its final 12 hours...

Too Hot to Handle

2011-01-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year one and all!

The last time you left us, we had just completed a Battle Royal of Capture the Flag. Upon returning to the hotel, we managed to lick our wounds, wash our hair, doll ourselves up, and head to Fort Myers Beach to ring in the new year.

The good people at Nemo's on the Beach, welcomed us with open arms for the second December 31st in a row. It was slightly more crowded this year, but when arrived on the beach side of the restaurant, there were seven tables ready for us with a friendly staff eager to provide us with all of the comforts of home. We ate well, relaxed with our friends, socialized with locals and headed for the pier for Midnight Fireworks.

This morning, after a quick five-hour nap, we alertly trekked back on the bus for our second annual Sunrise Gulf Swim. We started this tradition last year, greeting the new year on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico as we witnessed the sunrise while voluntarily airing our grievances and expressing resolutions that would improve our quality of life. We stretched together, jogged about one mile towards the rising sun, admired the fiery clouds above, and retreated back to our belongings to prepare for our little splash-around in the Gulf.

Now last year's tale of bravery was well documented and this year will, undoubtedly, be accompanied by more stories that will demonstrate true resolve in the face of seamless demise.

Below is a first-hand perspective from the head coach of Howard Swimming and Diving. Please enjoy:

When I touched the Gulf after our jog, I was slightly nervous about all of the seashells that were lining the water. Last year, I was really proud of our team following me into the sea with so many birds of prey scouring overhead. It was best not to think about the all of those shells and to just run in the water as fast as you could until your legs gave way and the swim was on. This year began slightly differently. Cassy had already submerged herself about five feet from shore and she looked rather uncomfortable, almost as if she had been slugged ten times in the ribs. Nevertheless, I knew that it was important to continue tradition by sprinting onward.

"I'm swimming for the buoy that's about 200 yards out and then making a right," I explained to the team. "We'll go for a while and then turn back around." Simple enough.

Off I went. I eluded the sharp shells that inhabit the sandy terrain and made my way towards to buoy. About seven seconds into the swim, I remember thinking, "I don't remember the Gulf tingling my skin this much. It's not that bad...I think we'll be fine."

I plowed ahead with my out-of-shape self for about 50 yards or so until I could no longer focus my attention on the buoy. I kept hearing these blood-curdling noises coming from behind me that writhed with such anguish and fear that I was momentarily worried that someone had been bitten, or worse, had lost their goggles. Secretly, I think the team had a bet to see who could yell the loudest so to attract our pelican friends. I didn't understand but found it slightly humorous.

Brewer, Monique and Cassy had met me and their faces expressed slight concern. "I wonder if their caps are falling off," I remember thinking. I guess that's what everyone was yelling about. Never mind that acute sensation in your muscles. That's just a hurdle that stands in our way of greatness - making it to the buoy and hanging a right was the prize and I know our determination would overcome all things cumbersome.

The three ladies from 329 boldly headed for the buoy, moving their arms as fast as their bodies could physically carry them. The rest of the team appeared to hit an imaginary brick wall. Most of them had made it into the water, but why weren't they moving? I suppose they were nervous about jellyfish or sharks, but I am pretty sure that jellyfish and sharks take national holidays off. Let it be noted that those jellyfish and sharks would not be allowed on our team because, at Howard University Swimming and Diving, we don't take days off for anyone!

The ladies made it to the buoy and awaited for instruction. It sounded like they were uttering something about getting back on the bus - maybe they had left their sunscreen between the seats. I said they could head for the "yellow house with the red roof - please make sure to swim for it and not before it." I had reached the buoy, removed my goggles and basked in the sunshine. The sun's rays clear and welcoming and for eight seconds, I was at peace. My eight seconds of tranquility shifted to eight minutes of glaring dismay as no one on the team was within 75 yards of the buoy. "Knights of Columbus!" I exclaimed, "let's get going."

Some team members had already had their fill of the Gulf - probably too much salt for their liking. Keely, Chelsea, Kelvin, Summer, Ashley, Zadok, Damjan and Frank all made it to me over the next 15 minutes. I had drifted further and further with every minute, enjoying looking around me and not finding anyone occupying the water except for us. It's almost as if the Gulf of Mexico had known we were coming and they didn't want anyone to ruin the experience by getting in our way. I'm sure there was plenty of water in the Gulf to share with everyone, but the gesture was still much appreciated.

Darien, Steven, Omar and Citizen all made to me last. It appeared they wanted to challenge themselves and swim farther than the rest of the team. I give them a lot of credit for staying in the water as long as they did. We pumped our arms and fired our legs as a burning sensation jolted down our backs from all of the effort we were putting into each stroke. The men looked like they were getting hungry, so after another 300 feet of following me, they returned to the coast, which at this point, was about 0.28 miles away. I ventured further - it's not often that I can be in the actual Gulf of Mexico all by myself. I talked to the seagulls that graced the surface overhead. I explored underwater in hopes of finding undiscovered species. It was spectacular.

Off in the distance, four masculine figures emerge from the jaws of the jungle waters. With arms clenched in triumph, their bravery is unmatched.

But I didn't want to keep the Bison waiting. I'm sure they wanted to get back and watch some football or call their parents to explain just how magical the experience was. Once I arrived to the shore, our team headquarters was about 20 houses ahead, so I jogged in their direction, feeling very awake and appreciative that I was a part of 2011's brief, but epic history.

Monique, Cassy and Ashley were all waiting for Darien, Steven, Omar and Citizen to return. They were much more nostalgic about their experience, walking gingerly back, heads down in an unbelievable accomplishment. There's a reason there is a Man's Club on our team, and now I finally understood why - for fleeting moments like this.

I know that each of the Bison that braved the salty waters will revisit these glorious memories and gladly share them, possibly from a different perspective. I know they are each proud that 2011 is here and they have endured such harsh training. I certainly am very thankful for them.

Nothing can stand in the way of these physical specimens.

When the Chips are Down

2011-01-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

Team enthusiasm seemed to be down heading into our afternoon practice at FGCU. Since Monday afternoon, we have been on the mark with making every practice scheduled - no breaks for this crew.

In order to shake things a bit, we had a little longer warm-up than normal and then a varying Pink/Red Set totaling 1500 meters.

Here are the mighty "get-out swimmers," displaying the papers that were drawn with their names on them. It takes a lot of talent to turn the Citizen of the Year's head, but Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren did just that.

It was about 3:05PM and it's was time for our first Get Out Swim of the year. Displayed on each of the practices was a goal time for every Bison swimmer that they would need to achieve in a 100 meter freestyle. We drew names from a pouch and the lucky contestants that emerged from said drawing were Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren.

Between the three of them, two had to beat their indicated goal time in order for practice to end. If zero or one of the swimmers reached their goal time, the team would all finish the practice that included 5x500s.

I'm sure there are worse things that swimming an extra 2500 meter on the ninth practice of the week, but it's a true testament to the determination Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren displayed for going after their goal times and all beating them. The pressure had been heightened and their teammates were relying on their skills to for an incentive.
It's because these three individuals all beat their goal times that they are the Prime Popcorn Practice Performers for the PM session:
#3 - Nandi Ross: 2.5 seconds faster than her indicated goal time in the 100 meter freestyle.
#2 - Kelvin Goodman - 3.2 seconds faster.
#1 - Lauren Anthony - 16 seconds faster!!!

Dryland commenced after our warm down, which was a cut-throat game of Capture the Flag. Blood was spewing, collisions were plotted, and friendships were shattered as our ruthless Bison competed for a chance to go to the movies next week. To be honest, I'm not sure how we all made it back on the bus, but after 45 minutes of hard-hitting fury, the team of Omar, Kelvin, Zadok, Darell, Keely, Lauren, Summer and Nandi emerged with a 4-3 victory.

"We were going for their hearts," said a bruised Omar McKenzie. "When you fight to the death, there are going to be casualties."

"It really wasn't even about the movie passes, though. It was about the will to survive," professed the Citizen of the Year. "Look at me, I'm bleeding everywhere. I can't feel my legs or my face. But it's not about me; it's about everyone else."

Tomorrow is going to be fairly epic...stay turn and have a happy start to your 2011.

Full of Great Ideas

2010-12-31T12:45:00.000-05:00

We have officially arrived at the point in the trip (just past halfway, very tired and delusional) where many of the members of the team are becoming more creative with their ideas and have begun BRAINSTORMING. This is never a safe situation, as many new philosophical theories about training, diet, tanning and rest have been orated by some of our team's finest scholars.

One of this brilliant idea came to the mind of our Citizen of the Year, who decided to give Zadok a proper greeting to his arrival to Ft. Myers. Zadok flew in from the Caribbean last night and this morning was his first chance to shake off some rust. Mr. of the Year was, once again, brainstorming ideas and thought it might be fun to catch Zadok off-guard during our first pink set. In this exclusive video, you'll see Mr. of the Year attempt to shank (i.e. stab with a homemade weapon, in this case, his stronger-than-life thumb muscles) Zadok while swimming unawares. A few seconds later, you'll find Omar launching his body like a human weapon at Stephen and his vulnerable self, releasing a shank in the left, rib area. It should be noted that Steven has been at every practice since the trip began, but Omar will use a shank on anyone he can, including the lifeguard staff, the hotel front desk and the workers serving us dinner last night.

Despite the shenanigans and sun attempting to shine too brightly, we put in a solid 135 minutes of work. Our 6:47AM ab workout was our best of the week. Our team time, including 2200 pre-set leading to our group work, was outstanding. We stubbed our toes a bit when it came to pace work, but all of our sprints where executed nicely.

It would be great if we could race the sun everyday

You can see the signs of being more in shape break through the muscle fatigue. We are still a long ways away, but the Bison understand their fitness level must continue to ascend in the proper direction (and if they are not aware, I will be sure to remind them.)

For our Prime Popcorn Practice Performances of the morning:
#3 - Keely Monge - this morning was the fastest Keely has looked all week. Not all was she challenging herself during the 250s, but her fly kick practice is paying off with her 50s of backstroke sprint (7.)

#2 - Chelsea Andrews - Andrews led the team in the 250s and 150s as well as the stroke group in the 50s of pace, all while talking to most members of the team and a few of the lifeguard staff (7.5.)

#1 - Kelvin Goodman - Continues to progress well in freestyle - took charge of the breaststroke set - really working hard on reaction time of the walls (8.)

Enjoy the view from the 3-meter board in the next clip. We're back in the pool this afternoon before we storm the beach on New Year's Eve.

Play Time is Over

2010-12-30T23:18:00.000-05:00

If I close my eyes and had to think of what defines mental toughness, what might pop into my cranium?

Joe Montana?

Hank Aaron?

Wilma Rudolph?

Chuck Norris?

Regardless of your inspirational figure, there may be a moment or two in your training where you find yourself asking how your sports superhero managed to be so super. Maybe today's afternoon training regiment conjured images of taking the place of these larger-than-life gods and goddesses of their respective arenas. Mental toughness is perfected in practice so it can be summoned when the stakes are highest. No athlete has ever arrive at a precarious position in a contest and handling it with composure and success without rehearsing that situation when an audience wasn't looking.

INSIDE of the FGCU Facility:

2:00PM - Warm-up

2:15PM - 16x50s(100s) - Dive, Swim, Climb Out, Jog, Repeat on 1:30 - see video of #7-8
• #1, 5, 9, 13 = Free Swim
• #2, 6, 10, 14 = Lengthy Underwater Kick, Short-Axis remainder
• #3, 7, 11, 15 = Non-Free Swim
• #4, 8, 12, 16 = Free FAST

2:44PM - Station I - 3x200s on 5:05
• 50-meter Medicine Ball Passes Above/Down pool with partner
• 100 Swim - 50 Non-Free, 50 Free
• 50-meter Medicine Ball Passes Above Water

3:01PM - Station II - 5x200s with Fins on 3:20
• odd =10 sec. streamline verticals, then 50 Kick, then 150 swim
• even = 200 IM swim

3:20PM - 100 Loosen

3:24PM 2x300s - closing skilled 200 at 200 pace
3:34PM 4x200s - all at 200 pace

Kelvin rolls the med-ball to his feet while Omar, Steven and Damjan complete the push-up on the sphere

OUTSIDE the FGCU Facility
Competition I - Med-Ball Push-ups/Rolls - each swimmer has one minute to complete push-up, first while grasping the medicine ball with your hands and then rolling it to your feet for an inclined push-up. You may only do one push-up at a time with either your arms or feet.
Winners: Omar / Kelvin / Aaron / Darell / Keely / Lauren / Summer / Nandi / Goins
High Point: Darell with 28

It always helps to have the Citizen of the Year offering you words of encouragement.

Competition II - Russian Twists w/Medicine Ball - Another grueling test of core strength: for every time each Bison touched the ground on the left side while keeping their legs up and moving the medicine ball from side to side, he/she was awarded one point.
Winners: Damjan / Steven / Darien / Frank / Monique / Cassy / E'lan / Chelsea
High Point: Darien and Steven with 65

Since both teams looked impressive in their physical skills and since it looked like each might maim their opponents, we dubbed everyone worthy of a first place prize...a all-expense paid trip to Five Guys! Originally, the losing team would have had to go to Subway, which was worse to some of us than repeating the entire practice.

Our Three Stars of the Afternoon:
#3 - Darien Washington - best practice of the trip - great 200s to close the routine after being the first in his group to arrive behind the blocks after the 50s of jogging.
#2 - Citizen of the Year Darell Hungerford - complete day defined: Chalice Champion in the morning...extra push-ups post practice...great physical dominance in water, especially with stations...High Point Gladiator in Med-Ball Push-Ups/Rolls (7.5.)
#1 - Monique Major - better with every practice - super work in 50s/100s...great 200s to end practice...Lady Bison high water mark in Russian Twists with 59 (8.)

Russian Twists done right.

Day One on Day Four

2010-12-30T10:40:00.003-05:00

Did anyone see how the Sacramento Kings won last night? Pretty awesome. Personally, I enjoy watching videos like this a few times (meaning 10+ times) to look for what's going on around the star (in this case, Tyreke Evans.) Sure the shots, both by OJ Mayo and Evans were Darien-Washington-esque, but take a look at the Sacramento Lion on roller skates looking for someone to high five. Poor guy. He can come be our mascot if he's looking for a friend.

10:39AM - I'm off to take Ashley to dive practice with Old Dominion - a big thank you to the ODU coaching staff for letting this occur. I'll be back in one hour to comment on our very good morning...

11:49AM - Lauren and I have returned safely from our voyage and Ashley is in good hands.

How does that Sacramento Kings victory relate to Bison Aquatics? To start, how many players can you name on the Sacramento Kings? How many of you even know the Sacramento Kings exist? If you follow the NBA, you probably know a thing or two about the team and might understand their history. Chances are, though, that unless you really experience their day-in and day-out preparation, the Sacramento Kings are nothing more than a 15-second clip that is streaming across televisions and websites celebrating a victory. Yet, victories for a young, exuberant team like the Kings come everyday in practice, in career-best statistics, in sudden recognition from the small-city community, etc. We just don't see it, nor do we truly know what they feel like from their vantage point.

I have all the confidence in the world that not all students and faculty at Howard University know there's a swimming and diving team on their campus, representing each of them. Truthfully, that's fine with me. We know the perks and struggles, the zeniths and abysses that come with being at Howard and know that no one can take these experiences from these student-athletes. This experience is epitomized with the training here in Florida. Our bodies feel a little tougher are mind is a little sharper and while hitting a buzzer-beater might not happen tomorrow, there is sure to be a moment in an upcoming meet that will turn heads. One thing is for sure: no one on campus can handle this training like we can.

The HU swimmers and diver looked very good during their 3500 short course yards together before breaking into groups for the first time on the trip. Our day one of conferences simulation was effective on many accounts. Some of the sets included:

500 Group - 4x300s in red - maintain consistency, followed by 4x100s pace to a turn on 1:30
200 IMers - 8x150s on 2:00 - 25 IM Order, 100 free, 25 IM order - work strengths and underwater weaknesses
50 Free - 12x100s on 1:45 - 25 Sprint, 50 Free extended, 25 Sprint (#6 and #7 = Easy)

The western sky join the lights from above to watch the Bison warm-up on Thursday morning.

The team's performance was solid...not as great as yesterday afternoon, but still enough for a pleasant return trip back on the bus. We needed a little time to familiarize ourselves with certain sets before getting into a groove. There were still some dynamic efforts worthy of a Prime Popcorn Practice Performer chalice. These three newcomers to the list can take solace in knowing their name is not on this list by accident:

#3 - Aaron Sykes - quite a commendable effort from Aaron to join the more challenging lane right from the start of warm-up. Excellent job with fly kick focus 1300 and polished off some great 75s to conclude practice (7.)
#2 - Cachanda Evans - battling injury (real injury, not "I'm tired and I think I might be Hurt" injury,) Cassie maintained good underwaters during our 2x(5x100s + 5x50s) and look particularly cagey during final 550 in the sprint group (7.5.)
#1 - Darell Hungerford - turning point in Darell's Florida trip - passing swimmers in red set - leading lane during 50 Free specialty set - fastest time in sprint 75s to conclude practice - well done (8.)

We are getting ready for this afternoon with a really fun incentive in place for this afternoon's dryland challenge. Check back soon...

Sundae Fudgy Sundae

2010-12-30T05:48:00.002-05:00

If you made a list of some of the most physical fit humans, you might come across someone that has great versatility, maybe some abnormal strength in certain muscles or our buddy David Goggin (and the cameramen that follow him.) This year, there was an unprecedented match at Wimbledon between John Isner and Nicholas Mahut where the match lasted three full days. Once Isner finally won the match on the third day, the two etched their names in the record books as being part of the longest tennis match in the history of the sport.

Endurance and capacity for aerobic excellence is crucial. And while we might not be at the level of endurance or power that these fellows are in, I'm certain each would find the workouts that we are completing to be right in their wheelhouse.

Aaron, Chelsea and Citizen of the Year battle in Burpee Pushups

Wednesday afternoon's recipe for success included 5500 meters of swimming followed by a physical challenge between teammates:
* Two teams
* Challenge I - Burpee push-ups - maximum in one minute
* Challenge II - Push-ups on bar (5 max)...sprint to buoy...return to push-up station...5 max...sprint...for one minute. NOTE: We need your input...WHAT SHOULD WE CALL THIS EXERCISE?

Each swimmer got two scores - one for each challenge. A quick nod of recognition to Kelvin Goodman, whose score of 48 was the highest on the team.

Winning team: Omar / Steven / Aaron / Darell / Ashley / Lauren / Chelsea / Nandi

These fine-tuned specimen earned a Banana Split, catered to Room 103 complete with whipped cream, Snickers, caramel, and fudgie goodness.

Our Prime Popcorn Practice Performers of the Afternoon:

Cassy, Monique and Ashley duke it out on the push-ups.

#3 - Chelsea Andrews - fastest performances in the water, maintaining quickest tempo in Orange 100s (7.5.)
#2 - Summer Davis - outstanding job in the water during fin set and 300s - dryland effort was supreme (8!)
#1 - Nandi Ross - completes the trio of ladies on the podium with fantastic practice in water that included switching lanes three times in order to take-on faster interval - also a part of winning dryland team of dominance (8.5.)

Omar, Damjan and Kelvin (all of varying shirt preferences) race to glory during our second challenge.

Cassy can't believe her eyes as our men (tank top, shirtless, sleeves) begin the Burpee Pull Up Challenge

Reeling It In

2010-12-29T11:42:00.000-05:00

There are going to be moments in every team's season that will contribute to it's ultimate success or demise. Think of any team you have made an impact on. Your perception of the team being "worth-while" or "fun" or "successful" ultimately depends on the approach the individual takes for the greater good of the squad. I recently come across this video and thought it was one of the more interesting displays of camaraderie that I had seen in quite a while. I hope you enjoy it; if nothing else, please admire the athletic ability of the human salmon. Then ask yourself: "how much must this team enjoy each other's accomplishments or truly embrace the sport they play?"

It didn't feel any warmer than yesterday morning, no matter what some silly thermometer might indicate. This morning, though, was a big step in becoming a stronger group. Maybe it was just the mindset that we've already conquered our alarm clocks once so we didn't need any more mental preparation or rehearsal for this practice. Knowing there are more physical demands in store, the Bison put together 130 minutes of great training.

The beautiful sunrise glistens over the Bison on Wednesday morning.

The bright spot in the morning did not necessarily come in setting new records, saving a member of the ecological community that roam the campus, or getting to sleep in. As far as performances go, this was our finest of the four we've had in the water so far. There was a moment in practice when one could feel the group of swimmers make the collective decision that each would push the teammate next to them to the point of physical success. We made the choice to take on more challenging intervals, shaving seconds of each 50 and operating in a more meticulous fashion that we had all season.

There were, indeed, leaders of the group how earned their reward as our three stars of the morning, as well as our Prime Popcorn Practice Performer:
#3 - Chelsea Andrews - continues to get stronger after first 3000 yards. Excellent work in main 2000 set that included fast 100 fly splits (7.)
#2 - Kelvin Goodman - having an outstanding few days, setting the bar higher in freestyle intervals to set himself up for great breaststroke sets (7.5.)
#1 - Damjan Strbac - under control and operating under fastest intervals out of entire team. Looked stronger and more aggressive in final 1200 set (8.)

And as we become more like the Icelandic soccer team (if you didn't watch the video above, that won't make sense,) we will, undoubtedly, run into more obstacles that prevent us from gelling. This practice served as a justification as to why it's so vital for a team, no matter how individual the sport may operate, to work together and enjoy the journey collectively as well as individually. Without the team, we would just be floundering fish reeled-in one-by-one.

Paying Its Dividends

2010-12-28T20:24:00.001-05:00

Some of the Bison exit at the scoreboard
end ready to dive back in to finish the 100

This afternoon had to be at least 25 degrees warmer on deck than when we departed the facility this morning around 9:15AM. The sun was out in full bloom and looks to be making return visits throughout the week.

Our third practice session, and most challenging of the three thus far, really took a toll on the swimmers. The various challenges that included climbing out of the pool in the middle of 14x100s as well as extending oneself in the final 50 of a handful of 300s, presented a number of new demands on our team that they may not have experienced at any given point this season. By the team the practice in the water had concluded, the team's arms looked heavy and legs out of steam.

When we exited the water, we undertook a 20-minute dryland circuit that was aided by a partner. We'll be spicing-up the dryland routines a bit in future afternoons, but today's exercises will be felt by the time the Bison tuck-in for this evening.

Here's a look at our three Prime Popcorn Practice Performances for this Tuesday afternoon:

#3 - Ashley Goins - give the senior credit for boldly requested to get some time on the boards when another NATIONAL team was practicing (and getting them to remove the flags.) Goins went through a 100-minute practice with very little help, including a little peak at her skills(back 1.5 somersault w/half twist) in the video above (6.5.)

#2 - Monique Major - took every set seriously and paid careful attention to breaststroke pull-outs and closing speed in all 100s and 200s (7.)

#1 - Steven Lott - the junior finds his name on here for the second time today after leading the team in almost every one of the 14x100s and finding a way to make a challenging interval for the main 2800 meters (7.5.)

Tomorrow is a new day with new obstacles and opportunities to leave your imprint on the Florida Experience. We'll get some rest and be ready for tomorrow morning. Thanks for checking in with us...

Grade A Morning

2010-12-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

It was a balmy 35 degrees outside the FGCU Aquatic Center. The sun had yet to peak itself over the eastern shoreline, but the Howard Swimming and Diving team emerged from their peaceful slumber and arrived ready to go to work at 6:30AM.
We stretched and did some ab work, which will be the norm for most of our mornings at FGCU. Despite the difficulty of the practice being elevated from yesterday afternoon, the Bison were quite eager to get into the water with the temperature on deck being about 40 degrees cooler than in the water.

As the sun begins to rise, the Bison plow forward with the glaring focus of their Midwestern namesake.

Throughout the week, we will be incorporating a grading scale for each swimmer based on their performance and commitment to achieving a higher standard of excellence. Individually, everyone will receive a mark out of 10 points. The top three performers will be posted on this blog site with the overall practice champion receiving a Practice Champion Popcorn Chalice (engraved in Sharpie with their name, date and accomplishment.) This durable, plastic, dishwasher safe goblet also comes with a microwave bag of premium buttered popcorn.

This morning's top three performers:

#3 - Steven Lott - great job w/free kick set, staying underwater the longest - nice effort in 4x125s to close the morning (score of 6.5)

#2 - Kelvin Goodman - got in a nice rhythm immediately after warm-up - terrific IM set including overtaking lead in lane (score of 7.)
#1 - Chelsea Andrews - very focused in pull set, gained strength throughout main IM set - took command of set in final 35 minutes of practice (score of 7.5.) CHELSEA IS OUR FIRST EVER CHALICE CHAMPION in HU HISTORY- Congratulations!

According to Al Roker, we've survived the coldest day of our trip, which most of us find to be super news. We're back in the water at 2PM...dryland to follow...

We've Made It to Fort Myers!

2010-12-27T23:31:00.002-05:00

After two weeks away from each other and a bus ride through most of the winds of the East Coast, at 3:25PM EST, we arrived in beautiful Ft. Myers, Florida.

Throughout this week, we hope to provide a sneak peak at some the sights and nuances of our rugged training, cohesive team-building and life and vigor that our squad brings to every opportunity.

Today, the wind was humming on the Florida Gulf Coast pool deck, but the water temperature was a very comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit. We were a bit late arriving to SW Florida, so we could only get about 3300 meters in, but it was a good start. After practice, we checked back into our hotels, ate, bought some groceries and are now ready and prepared for tomorrow morning's first practice.

Two Wrongs, One Right

2009-09-07T09:13:00.006-04:00

I went for a haircut on Friday at my favorite ear-lowering establishment and feel, finally, completely ready for my return to the classroom on Tuesday. There are about seven to eight chairs with two giant mirrors on either side. The waiting side has a standard definition television about 27" wide, continually rolling either Headline News or CNN Newsroom or something of that nature. I must say that John (Davidson Head Coach) has really opened my eyes to the world's news more that I had ever been accustomed to before and watching this in the barber shop did not seem so unbearable as it may have a year ago.

Yet, on Friday, instead of hearing about the economy, the president or the Middle East, I was watching the incident of Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount (neat, sports on the mainstream media.) The talented senior cowardly and ruthlessly socked Boise State's Byron Hout in the kisser when the teams should have been exchanging pleasantries after a hard-fought (albeit rather boring) game against two top-25 teams. Blount is a brash and arrogant star for the Ducks - and probably not well-known except for intense college football circles or Pac-10 enthusiasts. He is a great runner and has all of the tools to be a good NFL player.

Blount has a number of things going against him not counting his right cross to Hout's jaw. First, he did this on the road, after a loss, when he bragged of doing severe damage to the Broncos defense prior to the match-up. Second, this was the ONLY game worth reporting in the country at the time - meaning there was no other game to speak of, magnifying his transgression even more. Third, he went ballistic before heading into the tunnel, and getting the police to restrain you is not the best way to keep your composure even after a punch in the face. Finally, sportsmanship, like steroids, are two key issues that are scrutinized by not only sports fans, but the general public. All of the major negatives in athletics are magnified for the public to see, either to set an example for the children or just because we are compelled, as a society, to ask why the glass is half empty instead of appreciating how it's starting to be filled.

Blount's done for the year - as he should be. He'll continue to stay on the team. He'll probably get into counseling. He'll have to live with this mistake for the rest of his life. However, if you want to set a real example, punishment and consequence should be given to Hout, too.

By now you've seen the punch proceeded by Hout not only taunting Blount, but physically and mockingly patting him on the shoulder pads for a poor performance. As a coach, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that my players and athletes are much more like to taunt a player than sock him in the mouth.

Disciplinary actions should be taken with regards to Hout. If I am running a character-laden program, taunting of any fashion is not tolerated. I am in no way saying that I think Blount's actions are tolerable. But I'm playing the role of Chris Petersen, head football coach at Boise State. Chip Kelly, the head coach of Oregon, has a ton of decisions to make and even more scrutiny on the way for his swift actions and black eye on the Oregon program and university.

If I'm Petersen, I'm not concerned what happens to Blount. He does nothing for our program. He's not my responsibility. I'm responsible for Hout and his unnecessary verbal stunt, as seen across the nation, make Boise State look foolish and weak. Taunting would not be tolerated and Hout would suffer consequences, including missing game action and spending some time apologizing to the Boise community. It's a shame neither will happen.

After all, how many athletes have you coached or been teammates with that clocked a guy in the mouth after a game. Set an example for the more common problem, not just the extreme one.

Quick Hitters

2009-08-05T19:06:00.005-04:00

Again, I apologize for not writing in a while. Patty and I will be happily married in about 65 hours and I'm really excited about seeing all 250 people coming to watch and celebrate with us(probably 80% on my list.) Should I survive Saturday's bonanza and Sunday's festivities, the two of us will be flying to Vancouver for a 5-day adventure in the Great Northwest. Upon returning, Patty will be feverishly working at her school and I'll be preparing for my sixth grade escapades, new head coaching obligations and possible pool managing duties.

I will be sure to check in more frequently this month once I get back into a routine. It's been pretty hectic with grad classes, moving, fighting the cable company and taking direct orders from my future bride. Please don't think the sports mobile above my head is not turning at 65 mph in the 45 mph zone. I leave you with these Quick Hitters that might just be in the way of me worrying about any rehearsal dinner or if I'm able to retrieve anyone from the airport:

1) My poor Buccos make me hurt with every loss. I'm on-board with the whole major rebuilding and I know that, should they ever win, it will be so much sweeter for me and my buddies because we never gave up on them (not only am I probably delusional about them winning, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm the last fan remaining.)

2) This whole Roethlisberger mess saddens me. I really have yet to hear anyone in the media or the community preach what a great guy he is. Yes, I want my quarterback to do his job and make the team better and, yes, I think he's just as responsible for bringing us two Lombardi trophies as anyone. However, I don't want this type of person/character to be the face of the franchise. If he is found guilty, I won't feel sorry for him.

3) For those of you following this FINA swimsuit ruling, I think you'll find that most coaches are thrilled by this. Not that my opinion matters, but leveling the playing field is a good thing for the sport if it's going to grow based on performances and not who has the best sponsors or who's family has the most money. This season will be mighty challenging, though, for those coaches (psychologists) who have to explain to swimmers why they are 4 seconds off their best times when, as the coach once told them, their performances had nothing to do with the suit.

4) MLB-TV is the greatest channel in the world. Watch between 7PM and Midnight - you won't change the channel. AND, I have watched PTI three times since Friday - I can't tell you how much I miss watching Mr. Tony and Michael.

If I think of more stuff that's worth writing about, you will hear. Have a great week!

Timing is Everything

2009-07-05T19:47:00.003-04:00

Andy Roddick played the best tennis match of his life today. He stared down the greatest player in the sport's history and fought toe-to-toe for almost five hours of brilliant stroke work, rallying and service as the spectators hovering over him cheered and pulled for his opponent.

Not often to you play the greatest game of your life and lose. But that's just what happened to Roddick today. No one gave the 26-year old American even a puncher's chance to compete with the great Roger Federer. Hell, no one gave him to a chance to even beat Andy Murray in the semifinals. Murray, Britain's transformed darling who was looking to be the first Englishman to win Wimbledon since World War II, was the favorite to shove Roddick aside to set-up a classic showdown between the country's favorite player and history's finest player. Roddick was exceptional against Murray in winning a 4-set slugfest and was even better against Federer. But Federer proved today why he's the ultimate champion, matching the feisty American with ever shot with a historic 5-set classic.

I can't help but sympathize for Roddick. He's definitely been the most talented American male tennis player of this decade and has been ranked as a top 10 player in the world since 2003. When you break down all of Roddick's statistics, research his injuries and coaching changes, studied his match-ups and draws, it really boils down to one hard core fact: Roddick is just the product of extremely poor timing.

Roddick was born on August 30, 1982 while Federer was born on August 8, 1981 (anniversary to be...WOO HOO!!!) Roddick won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 when he was crowned the US Open champion after defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero (that year's French Open champ.) Subsequently, he was awarded the world's number one ranking and looking like, not only the future of tennis in the country, but on the planet.

Then this Federer guy came along.

Federer started his siege of 15 Grand Slam titles in 2004 and has not looked back since. Roddick continues to plug along, consistently spotlighted in any tournament's field and usually defeating his opponents on his way through the bracket. Unfortunately, he's never being able to grasp another Grand Slam. Roddick has reached the finals of Grand Slams on four other occasions:

2004 - Wimbledon - lost to Federer

2005 - Wimbledon - lost to Federer

2006 - US Open - lost to Federer

2009 - Wimbledon - lost to Federer

There have been 23 Grand Slam tournaments played since Roddick's US Open title. Do you know how many of those tournaments have NOT been won Federer and Rafael Nadal?

Three.

That means, no matter how good you are, how hard you work to be the best, you've run into the greatest tennis duo EVER.

In contrast, Tiger Woods, the greastest golfer and who most people claim is the greatest athlete on Earth, has won 6 Major tournaments in the same span that Federer has won 15! Do you know how many times the same golfer has finished second to Woods or has been paired with Woods in the final grouping?

Zero.

Now, imagine if Roddick were 29 or 23 years old instead of 26. If he were 29, his best years might have been between 2001-2003, when guys like Goran Ivanisevic, Tomas Johannson and Albert Costa were winning Grand Slams. If Roddick were 23, he'd be the same age as Nadal - who currently has fragile knee problems - and the two just might be fighting for who would be the next great replacement to Federer.

No matter how you slice it, we probably will never remember Andy Roddick as one of the greatest tennis players of our time. Federer has been at the forefront of the tennis landscape for over five years and has wisked away everyone in his path on his trek into the history books. I hope Roddick wins at least one more Grand Slam title before his retires. If he doesn't, maybe he should join the PGA Tour; he probably would have better luck.

So, What's New With You

2009-07-04T13:58:00.002-04:00

I would like to apologize to anyone that reads this entry and my lack of correspondence over, really, the month of June. I won't make excuses - I need to do a better job. I promise you that everyday, I think about a topic to filibuster about. Sometimes I am the only one that might think it's interesting. Sometimes I fall asleep. Sometimes I'm taking orders from my bride to be. In any case, I am not in a coma and will do my best to get back on track.

With that said, here's are some of the highlights in my world since last Friday:

Friday, June 26th - Before beginning my first of 4 400-mile pilgrimages in seven days, I had a Come to Jesus meeting with the current assistant coaches at the Harbour. The team has continued to grow on me since day one, but I felt it might be best to let the young staff know just how I felt they were performing. I had gotten them pizza and breadsticks, opened the air-conditioned clubhouse so they could sit on the leather couches, chilled the bottled water and made sure they were comfortable for our 15-minute get-together that commenced after the noon practice ended.

"If none of you come to practice and it's just me out there, we'll be fine," I remember sternly saying. "Do your job!"

If they weren't focused after that, there's no hope.

I want these kids to want to be good coaches and not just go through the motions. It's funny how some of them claimed they would work for free in their interview but are eager to always ask when they'll be paid next. They're great at giving the kids something to do, but should anyone have a question, answers are few and far between. No one really talked in the meeting except for me. Hopefully they weren't day-dreaming.

And once it was over, I was off to Arlington.

Saturday, June 27th - Patty was moving out of her house and the truck made a large, dangerous run going 40 mph with a queen-size mattress, box spring and a set of kitchen shelving. Everything made it to her folks' house safely, but there really isn't any room for a lawnmower let alone a 50" television.

Sunday, June 28th - Church, scrubbed Patty's house, watched the second half of the USA/Brazil game (I'm bad luck, I suppose,) drove back to Davidson - made 20 phone calls.

Monday, June 29th - Seals had a bye week, caught-up on Davidson labor, no television + lots of driving = early bedtime.

Tuesday, June 30th - Very noteworthy four-day stretch begins today. I wake up for practice and find my left eye very red and swollen, almost as if someone hit me with a gavel and then colored the Sclera with a red Sharpie. I still went to practice, but some of the smaller Seals made some quizzical faces at me. I really didn't think too much of it; it was only in one eye and the swelling of the eye socket led me to believe I had been bitten, hopefully by the same bug that got Spiderman.

At night, I went to a summer league meet to watch two of my winter swimmers compete. Both Katie and Nicole have slightly physical and cognitive disabilities and to see the two of them compete with their teams was really remarkable.

Wednesday, July 1st - Nothing says Happy Canada Day like early morning practice. My eye had not improved since yesterday and I decided that Vitamin Water and switching my goggles would do the trick. We did not celebrate Canada Day like we did at Chapel Gate, Queens Lake or Villa - selfishly, I wanted to keep it that way.

Tomorrow, I was scheduled to have an interview for a coaching position and stop by George Mason to double-check on classes. Here's what ended up happening after a bevy of phone calls:

Coaching interview: postponed
Teaching interview I: 9AM
Teaching interview II: Show-up

I finished some Davidson work and, at 5:45PM, I was off to Fairfax. On the drive, I placed a list of phone numbers next to my seat of rising seniors that I was going to call on the Wildcats' behalf. July 1st is the first day coaches are permitted to recruit over the phone and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. I left a few messages and have a couple of very nice conversations. I could spend all day on the phone and in transit recruiting. It really was one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job at Davidson.

Thursday, July 2nd - Eye now looks like I was in Fight Club and is watering at a sprinkler's rate. I drive to Interview I at 9AM only to find the principal will not be in until 12:30PM. Interview rescheduled for 3:30PM.

After postponement number two, I drive to interview II. "I'm sorry, that position has already been filled," muttered the receptionist. (Isn't it funny how, around noon, I received an email stating how the position had been filled almost two hours after visiting the school.)

So how do you kill time waiting for your 3:30 appointment.

YOU BUY WEDDING RINGS!

Patty and I drove to the same jeweler where I purchased her engagement ring, got fitted, and chose gleaming symbols of love (cough cough cough, sniffle.) To mark this special occasion, we bee-lined to Arlington to capture our wedding license. The best part was some lady coming from behind a cubicle, looking down at our information and, in one sentence, saying, "Raise your right and hand do you solemnly swear that all of the information that you have provided is the truth in accordance with the county of Arlington?" We didn't say anything and she already signed the papers. Now that's an official document.

The 3:30 interview went well despite the principal being mesmerized by my Quasimodo appearance. I hope I get to teach there. Should know in about 10 days.

I try to take a nap but I don't think drinking hot tea helped. I headed back to Davidson around 7PM.

Friday, July 3rd - Early morning practice to start. I considered not getting in the water because now, my eye does not open. Fortunately, there are plenty of assistant coaches not getting in the water so I hop in with the kids. The three of the five practices play a game I call "Braveheart:"

* Make two teams.
* Throw a bunch of toys in the middle.
* Give each toy a value (1 point, 3 points, 5 point Magic Penny, etc.)
* Yell, "GO!"
* Everyone swims ask fast as they can to the middle.
* You must swim your toy back to your side.
* No throwing onto the deck, but passing to teammates in allowed.
* No more than one toy in your possession at a time.

The best part comes when you throw three kickboards in the middle and say they are worth minus-3 point. So the kids have to place the boards on the opposite side against the defense of, sometimes, half the squad. We had 10-person pile-ups everywhere. Note: swimmers were ejected for grabbing the neck or head.

After leaving practice, I had a massive headache, one working eyeball, chills, and on and on. I visit the Davidson clinic only to find they are closed. I call a few other unoperable offices that like taking the day before national holidays off before heading to the CVS Minute Clinic. The doctor (I think) turns to me and says, "Whoa, did you get in a fight?"

The medical professional in this secret phone booth concluded after 7 minutes that I had a strong eye infection and fever. With medicine in hand, I departed the pharmacy with my ball cap three sizes larger than it should be. The rest of the day I was pretty ill and useless. However, I did manage to strike a deal with a nice lady for my dresser; she'd be here at 9AM.

Happy Independence Day - My eye looks a little better and I'm getting my appetite back. I help the lady cram the dresser in here Dodge Caravan and begin looking for more things to sell; this Craigslist thing is the greatest. I visit the Davidson office to get a little work done before heading back to the apartment, where I'll be making a pizza and root beer float to celebrate my freedom.

These next two weeks will be pretty adventurous, as well. By then, I hope to land a job or two, land a place to live, start well in my principal class, get more wedding stuff done (or supervise it getting done,) and get a nice gift for my folks' 33rd anniversary.

I hope everyone has a nice start to their July. I'll be checking in with much shorter entries throughout the month with more useless information.

Not Functioning Properly

2009-06-24T22:20:00.002-04:00

Well, I've done it.

In an effort to make myself a more well-rounded individual, today, at approximately 5:55AM, I unplugged my high-definition cable receiver and, at around 1PM, returned it to the cable company.

Therefore, if you plan to visit the apartment, bring a DVD and your A-game conversation.

I hope this is not some horrible omen that I missed the USA win the biggest soccer game of the 233-year history of the country (future entry.) Or that I will be bypassing the drafting of Stephen Curry going as high as #3 in the NBA draft and I will just have to settle for hitting the refresh button over and over again just to spot where he lands. Currently I find myself asking, "If it's this bad now, what the hell am I supposed to do Independence Day weekend - read and watch fireworks? That's just ridiculous."

Fortunately, my summer does not have me under house arrest, babysitting a small infant or puppy or without plenty to do. For one thing, the summer team that I am coaching near Davidson extracts all of the life out of me. For another, I have plenty of work to accomplish for the Wildcats over these next four weeks.

(Did you buy those excuses? I have to keep reminding myself those are valid ones.)

So, on this my first evening without a working high-definition, cable television I have
a) gone to a concert performed by members of the summer team
b) made rice
c) checked some baseball scores
d) written this captivating entry

So far, so good. I'm not shore what to do now as I have now begun to wash some dirty clothes and move towards washing the clean ones when that load is finished. Once I've finished the neighbors' laundry. I guess I could resort to reading a book, but I think that's like the members of Survivor resorting to cannibalism on Day 33 of starvation. So if one night is Day 33...

I know I can handle this ultimate sacrifice. I will become that more well-rounded person I've set myself up to be. Starting today, I am going to be more proactive in writing emails, staying on top of my work and sleep schedule and look for a high-paying house-sitting job that has Discovery Channel in sparkling high def.

Good Friday

2009-06-16T19:51:00.004-04:00

Bachelor Party USA was to commence on Friday, June 12th and last through the early morning of Sunday, June 14th. Most of my friends came from out of town:

Mark and Evan - DC
Crispino - Williamsburg
Watts and Tsai - Chicago
Joe - Atlanta
Jeff - Boulder
Reid and Robby - New York City
Gaetan, a true Philadelphian, currently resides in Pittsburgh as he begins his residency (awesome.)

We had planned this weekend for about two months, but didn't really set too much in stone except for Saturday golf and Pirate game. Friday became booked when the Penguins defeated the Red Wings on Tuesday night to force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals. As soon as it ended, Joe is on the phone with me, plotting when we would meet at my house, what we would bring, and what we would eat.

I have not watched a game with my buddies since high school and now I'm watching, arguably, the biggest game of my fandom career, with all of them in my basement. My dad cooked enough meet to feed Portugal with no salads to be found in sight. Mom had gotten me 36 bottles of IBC Root Beer per my request. We set up another television in the living room so there were three screens going in the house.

At 8:15PM, it was game on. I can remember so much about the game but so little about what everyone else was doing. Maybe it was because of our collective laser-like focus to the high-def NBC feed. It was the greatest.

As the third period was winding down and the Pens were clinging to a 2-1 lead, I kept thinking - there's no way all of these things can be happening at once. If they pull this out, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.

Sure enough...

Usually after "biggest wins in my lifetime" type games, I'm calling everyone that is important in my world to talk about how the team did or how amazing a key play was. Check that off; everyone's in the TV room.

Like I said back in February, Pittsburgh sports mean so much to the city and community. This is who we grew up with, loyal to each through tough seasons, playoff lapses and the occasional championship. I've been more than fortunate to witness the Steelers raise the Lombardi trophy with no one in sight and the Penguins hoist the Cup with my friends all around me.

Both are so sweet...but I'll take the second one more any day of the week...

Looking Back - Chaper III - Turning Points

2009-06-07T13:13:00.003-04:00

Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals. – Henry Ford

So much of the program’s success is predicated on the conference championship. As is the case for about 90% of NCAA institutions that have a swimming program, the season’s culmination arrives when all teams in the league gather to decide the winner. You want to be your best, saving nothing to chance or fate, as schools duke it out for the crown.

The journey leading to the Davidson CCSA Championship, as we mentioned, begins before the first day of classes. The new crop of freshmen would arrive with a new hunger for success. The returning team could have forged stronger bonds through their training and friendship or severed their ties with spite, jealousy or even malice. Either way, the road is long.

If you polled the team and asked each of them, in one word, to describe the first four months of the season, no one would utter “smooth” or “easy” or “uneventful.” There were days that felt 48 hours long and others that flew by. The boatload of work that accompanies the students at Davidson seems excessive, but the rewards of nailing a mid-term or paper resonated with the staff and those Cats willing to feel good about their teammate’s achievement. And it’s not like Davidson is VMI. The kids aren’t immune to the luxuries that come with being in college. You may have the occasional homesickness bug, flu bug, bed bug or crazy hall mates bugging you about keeping the noise down or the lights on.

And through all of this, your swimming telescope is aimed at both personal and team accomplishment at the conference championship. You may get distracted with the college lifestyle and the burdens that come with being 18-22 years old, but you’ll refocus and keep your eyes on the prize. With all of this action crammed into the first semester, it’s pretty clear to me the turning points of the season for the Cats came in those ten eventful days in Deerfield Beach, Florida. No school work, no parents, no parties. Just your teammates, the coaches, cooperative weather and challenge of putting up with each other and grinding through fatigue, early mornings and hunger Survivor-style.

And it was pretty clear who survived and who fell by the waste side, both as a competitor and a teammate.
For me, while swimming at William and Mary, Florida was both torturous and exhilarating. For one, I knew some of my teammates cringed at the fact they had to work harder during this trip than any other of the season. The Wildcats were quite similar. You could look at this as a chance to improve yourself or pamper yourself. I was never one to travel so I was pretty pumped at the prospect of getting out of Virginia or Pennsylvania for longer than 24 hours.

Now you should note that I was not the friendliest person in the pool or in training. I really didn’t have time for slackers, even as a freshman. I viewed myself as one of the least talented swimmers on the team, if not at the very bottom, and if I was executing more efficiently in practice than you, you were going to hear about it. I distinctly remember a couple of occasions during my senior season chewing out some of the prima donna freshmen for the lackluster, arrogant approach to practice (this happened about 20+ times over the course of the season, but I digress.) I really appreciated my teammates that put in a maximum effort, understanding that was the point of the trip and not to ice their shoulders, sit out practice and work on their tan.
Your tolerance for others had to be at its peak, too. Florida training, like it or not, pits the same people around you for 10 days, sharing the same space, food, television, etc. It’s all sunshine and ice cream sundaes when you’re getting along. It’s terrifying when you’re not. Again, survivor-style.

I can’t speak for every member of the team about the fun he/she may have had or just how much it stung the muscles and joints to put oneself through a great deal of physical labor. Yet, the exact moment when the season turned came as a conglomeration of the above three factors, coming together in one small meeting at the end of one of our morning sessions.

Early that day, an upperclassman was dismissed from the trip for an egregious team violation. The coaches, set to address the incident with the squad at the end of morning training, gathered the team to address the situation. It was brief and, in my opinion, did not seem to rattle the team too much.

Once our head coach had made his point, another upperclassman decided to take it upon himself to speak on behalf of the dismissed crony. His tone was not convincing and his announcement to side with his friend, again, did not shock anyone. But this particular Wildcat, maybe without knowing it, had drawn a line in the sand. With all of the commotion and distraction the team had gone through from the commencement of the season leading up to that very meeting, here’s a guy that had the audacity to basically proclaim, “I’m out – who’s coming with me.” He may not have said it in so many words, but he had no qualms about his actions.

And right there, the team got stronger.

It no longer became about Florida or winning a conference championship. It became about having a bad situation self-exalted and deciding, as a stronger unit, to be better than that. Personally, even as a freshman in high school, I was entrenched in seniors (and even juniors) feeling entitlement, demonstrating poor leadership or pettily demanding something from their teammates or both. I was convinced that I would never act that way if I were fortunate enough to get in that leadership role. The Wildcats had some of these very upperclassmen and the group, after that announcement, rallied behind that very premise: “WE will not act this way. Thank you for making it very clear.”

Florida came and went and the weeks that followed seemed just a little different than the ones in 2008. The team understood who had kept their eyes on the goals. Yes, there continued to be distractions, but it most of it was in vain of the guilty parties. And once attention was not found by the culprits, there no longer seemed to be a need to continue. I commend those Cats that did not waver from team objectives.

It was crystallized who was on board. And this foundation laid groundwork for a terrific conclusion to the season.

Next Entry – Championship Mettle

Can't Handle It

2009-06-02T09:21:00.005-04:00

Bill Buckner was one of the greatest baseball players of the late 1970s and 1980s. He was as reliable of a corner outfielder as you were going to find in the American League and the Boston Red Sox were lucky to have such stability at one of their key infield positions. I never knew who Bill Buckner was other than the player who had the ball slip through his legs in Game Six of the 1986 World Series.

After retiring from baseball three seasons later, Buckner moved to Idaho, which isn't exactly near Boston or the painful memories that he was reminded of every day since the Game 6 debacle. Depending on who you reference, blame for Buckner's mishap could be overblown by overzealous fans, over-eccentric media or over-hyped citizens from the largest city in America, who happened to be the recipients of the World Series trophy that season.

Since the fall of 1986, Buckner's life was threatened. His children were bullied and tormented. His wife would hear her husband and family name as the punchline of countless jokes and references to failure. Certainly it was not fair. It was down-right cynical and torturous.

But do you know what Bill Buckner did after Game 6 and Game 7 of that World Series?

Bill Buckner stood at his locker, looked at the local, national and world media directly in the camera, and answered every single question they could ask him.

Do you know what Bill Buckner did the Monday after the World Series?

He did an interview with NBC to try and explain exactly how he felt, how the play unfolded and what he would do from here.

Buckner understood his responsibility to the team and the fans of the Red Sox. It was striking to me to read the above link about how he was cheered along Boston even after the Red Sox came up just short. The majority of people in New England forgave Buckner, even though it probably wasn't his fault at all.

And now look at LeBron James.

People may know that I am not a LeBron James fan. His weekend removal from the NBA playoffs comes as a shock to everyone, even if they say otherwise. The Cavaliers were pushed around by the Magic - who probably should have won 5 of the 6 games played in the series.

After Orlando destroyed the Cavs in the final game by 13, James - true to his classlessness, stormed off the court in a huff, not acknowledging the Magic for a hard fought series. He did even look at OSCAR ROBERTSON - one of the NBA's all-time greats in the face to give him a handshake at the conclusion of the game (look closely at the :11 sec. mark of the video - the gentleman in the white hair.)

The worst of it came the next day. James was gracious enough to dawn the media with his presence and proclaimed that he is "a winner" and "a competitor" and "doesn't see the point of congratulating someone who just beat him up. I just don't see the point in that." Listen to how many times he says "I." Hardly ever "we" or "the Cavs."

James may be the best player in the NBA. He may love to smile and take stupid, fake photos of his teammates and throw chalk in the air as they win 66 regular season games and he may love his Vitamin Water when they take-out the Pistons and Hawks. And in the heat of frustration, it's marginally excusable if The King wants to pout his way of the floor so he doesn't get too much confetti in his delicate eyes. But he's embarrassed his teammates, the organization and anyone else that competes and loses with grace. Just because you've gotten whatever you want whenever you've wanted it doesn't mean you can't acknowledge a victor.

I know that I will never be pointing my athletes or people that I influence to emulate James. He may win 10 NBA titles by the time he's done playing ball and he may make trillions of dollars as a "global icon." But I'm glad he's not playing anymore this season. The people playing, I guess you could say, are the winners.

A Look Back - Chapter II - The Schedule

2009-05-26T12:45:00.002-04:00

"There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out. There's no such thing as life in-between." -- Pat Riley

I’m a schedule-kinda-guy. I love knowing opponents and sites and what I’m going to do to prepare for each contest. I want to know the Steelers schedule immediately when it comes out. I’ll rush to the web and hope we are on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights 13 times so I can get all of games without leaving my home. But I also feel the same way about the Pirates (I hope they are home a lot in August,) the Penguins (I hope they are home a lot in April,) and Pitt (I hope they play somebody strong out-of-conference.) I feel as though I personally invest myself in these teams and that schedule-showing ceremony gets my blood flowing.

This doesn’t solely apply to fandom. Rather, it has been intensified as a participant since my first organized team function. From Little League and St. Scholastica basketball to soccer with the Foxes and swimming with the Tribe, the schedule made you feel like a competitor, jolted a shot of life into your system. I know that I must of hounded John more than I should have when it came to the 2008-2009. I never really saw it from his perspective – he’s the schedule maker. When he sent that PDF to me in early August, it was probably a bigger thrill for me than anyone.

I didn’t know too much about how strong the program was, but I knew these schools were no slouch. Nevertheless, this looked like a ton of fun. I never would have imagined Davidson swimming so many high profile institutions – not because it couldn’t, but merely because I didn’t think the BCS teams would not want to swim a squad with an enrollment of less than 2000. Rather than lather you with details regarding each of the races, here’s a quick rundown of how I perceive the contest:

At Clemson - Saturday, October 4th. There were so many Tigers on deck in their bright orange warm-ups. Davidson’s militia was short-handed due to injury or ignorance. The team swam as well as one could against a stronger ACC foe with only 3 full weeks of training under their belt.

In the dungeon at East Carolina – Friday, October 17th. Tough day at the office: Class in the morning… bus to Greenville around lunchtime, swim a few events with your occasional signature race. ECU vs. Clemson would be a great comparison in so many ways.

Welcome NC A&T Lady Aggies – Friday, October 24th – John told the women how excited A&T was to swim the defending conference champs. Racing 50s and 100s instead of 200s and 500s was a treat for the gals.

Hosting Charleston for parents’ weekend – Saturday, October 25th – Bad blood resulted in guys’ team swimming tough and the girls’ team walking all over the Cougars. (Key members of the victory would not have much bigger swims.)

Hosting Emory – Saturday, November 1st – Third week in a row took its toll. Emory was better, but we made them look unstoppable.

Overnight at William & Mary – Saturday, November 8th – a true Homecoming for me, the kids seemed ramped to swim in a charged environment where everyone is on-top of the action. Despite the defeat, it could have been our strongest dual meet showing of the fall season.

Death March to Duke/South Carolina – Saturday, January 10th – Hopefully within the next three years, the Devils and the Gamecocks will view this as a tri-meet instead of a dual meet that Davidson’s allowed to participate in.

Day Trip to Georgia Southern Women – Saturday, January 17th – Unfortunately I did not make this trip, but John recalls three young ladies “carrying” the team to a very close victory. The gals got to watch the men’s basketball team play in Statesboro shortly after the meet, the highlight of the day for 95% of them.

Senior Day against Gardner-Webb – Saturday, January 24th – Two victories, lots of photos, maybe a couple of tears…it was a glorified circus complete with recruits, parents, friends, mascots, and agendas.

When the swimmers relive these dual meet moments, some will bring great memories of swift arms and legs or nightmares of feeling immovable. More often than not, the swimmers and divers are tired and wore down from being a Davidson student-athlete, and the results are not always as they would anticipate or envision. A lot of credit should be given to those competitors that put their heart into each practice and race for the love of racing and calling themselves a winner. Sometimes is difficult to find challenges and obstacles to overcome with each competition, but that attitude sets you up for success for the races and moments that should hold the most value to you and the team. Read what Pat Riley says - you’re either in or you’re out. I know I would want a teammate who’s all in and, regardless if they are fast, if they want out, there’s the door.

Next Entry – Turning Points

A Look Back – Chapter I – The Road Is Long

2009-05-21T15:12:00.003-04:00

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. ~Abraham Lincoln

If you’re playing football and your opponent runs the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, do you end the game right there?

If you get a new car for your birthday and reverse it into a telephone poll, do you just buy a new car?

If you get fired from your job, do you stay content on the unemployment circuit?

This 2008-2009 swim season for the Davidson Wildcats, packed with many great stories and sensational results, was not always filled with sunshine, cupcakes and walk-off home runs. The sport is unique for in multitude of ways, not the least of which combines individual with team goals, young men with women on the same but separate units, and having an off-season as long as your average weekend sleep-in. The pitfalls that accompanied the Cats did not define who the group was. The journey through the struggle did.

Those struggles came in many forms – physically, mentally, and psychologically. Hell, one of the kids on the team earned the moniker “struggle” for his propensity to lose track of time and priority. The physical hurdles speak for themselves – tougher practice regiments, lifting routines that left each athlete dripping with sweat, new training techniques (i.e. spinning, ninja room) that strengthened the swimmers more than they had bargained. Combine the 6AM start time, doubling three times/week and managing the strains, pulls and tears that injury can wear on an athlete, and you have a recipe fit for The Biggest Loser, the Junior Navy Seals or your average collegiate swim program.

Mentally, it’s no walk in the park. The aforementioned tasks should never be viewed as tasks if you want to continue up-keeping your varsity pastime as a pastime and not a job. Yes, the majority of the American public is not lining the streets to put themselves through this type of rigidity. The team, though, firmly plants itself in this fire and that inferno blazed out-of-control as soon as we set foot on campus for the start of the season. The pitfalls that ensued could not be scripted by anyone outside of the science-fiction movie business. Davidson College unfurls plenty of challenges and while it is/was unwise and unnecessary to self-inflect more pain, it is/was inevitable. This, indeed, was biggest mountain to climb – could we handle it mentally – not just the workload, but ourselves, each other and the price of defined success?

“There are two key areas of interest in sports psychology: understanding how psychology can be applied to improve motivation and performance and understanding how sports and athletics can improve mental health and overall well-being.” Great definition – I see the word “improve” twice or, in my mind, “taking bad situations and using them as fuel, not toxins.” This is perpetually the case with swimming, not just with Davidson but with any team that looks to accomplish something – to go in a direction that points towards promise and not just because that’s where the compass leads you.

And so it began, the final week in August straight through the middle of May encompassing what amounted to the entire academic calendar. The Cats were never far from the pool, even if the only time apart from each other came during holiday breaks, never lasting more than 10 days or so. Captains’ practices lead to coaches’ practices, increasing in intensity with every week, straight through the middle of November. Along the way, we had swimmers thrown out of practice for language, suspensions ranging from tyranny to inadequacies with “finding themselves,” injury bugs and rehabilitations, and countless hours of fatigue. Tears were shed, wiped away, and then shed again when no one was looking or under reflective goggles. Lines were drawn in the sand with regard to viewpoints and hard work never seemed to be as newsworthy to the squad as it should have. December bore a need for stringent discipline in the classroom and in competition, which gave way to January’s grind, February’s showcase and the spring’s chance for choices.

But that’s the beauty of swimming. It’s a lot like playing ball for Bob Knight or working for Donald Trump. You learn from your shortcomings and, with the right sense of purpose and determination, you come out a stronger, tougher individual. I’m sure Knight didn’t stop practice every time one of his players took a charge or made an unselfish pass, but in the back of his mind, he probably made a mental notation – “I like what I see there.” Personally, I love practice and that will never change as long as I coach. There was always a remarkable underlining every time we met as a group. Those brightest moments came to those that sought opportunity in every set and setback – taking a situation, using it as fuel.

I can write with confidence that the 2008-2009 Wildcats are better swimmers, people, and ambassadors of the sport and school because of what they went through and put themselves through this season. It was not always pretty. It was not always fun. But those moments that can be dubbed “remarkable” can be encapsulated by each individual. Listening to them recount the season, from their vantage point, is a true treat, a ride that, at its toughest, probably didn’t seem worth taking. In retrospective, it was worth every yard.

Next entry: The Schedule

Don't Let It Pass You

2009-05-15T22:17:00.005-04:00

This weekend was a pretty big one for the world of swimming. The sport's most recognizable icon, for both extraordinary and forgivable feats, was back in the spotlight, again dragging the globe's attention by his coattails. It is difficult to find someone that has been talked about more over these last nine months than Mr. Michael Phelps. Transcending a once-in-four-year event into, at least on this weekend, a festival and celebration of swimming.

Never mind the DUI charges and marijuana obsessions and possible allegations with his interests in the opposite sex. Whether you are a novice or expert in the field of aquatic competition, you know Phelps as the most dominant figure in any Olympic-caliber sport. This weekend marked his return to the sport at the Charlotte UltraSwim.

What you may not know is UltraSwim is a meet that, although requires strong qualifying times, is open to any swimmer with such high marks. To put it in comparison, the cuts are not as swift as those on the NCAA qualifying level (i.e. slower) and many college swim team bring their entire squads to this competition to put a bow on their fine seasons (see Auburn and Florida.)

Last year, two of Davidson's swimmers trained for UltraSwim, stayed past the campus' graduation, and participated with some these very elite competitors. Their racing foes may not have had names ending in Phelps, but there were some on the Olympic level, for sure. The pageantry of being at the meet in 2008 might not have been as attractive as it was this May, but it was still a checkpoint and a privilege to represent the school.

In late February, Phelps announced he would be coming to Charlotte and many Olympic-caliber talent followed. UltraSwim was plenty creditable, but now it had the world's attention, as well as the casual fans that don't suffer from short-term memory loss who can piece together the equations, "Phelps - that fast guy those one all of those medals who hits the bong."

If you're still reading this far, you might think the purpose of the entry is to talk about Phelps or swimming or Charlotte or how there was a NASCAR race here this weekend. Actually, this entry is to commend Bryan Droll and Patrick Whitman.

Who are Bryan Droll and Patrick Whitman?

Droll and Whitman are two rising juniors on the Wildcat swim team that had breakthrough sophomore seasons. Both arrived two seasons ago as walk-ons, one four years removed from the sport and the other as raw as a walking tenderloin. By the time both were finished with this past season, they could gaze up at the Davidson record board and spot their names on multiple occasions. Both gentlemen hold stock in the exuberance the men's team has been energized with over the course of this season. Their hunger for racing and desire to be students of the sport is both respectable and respected.

Davidson's swim schedule culminated as a team on February 21st and the spring season, while guided by the coaches, was at the mercy of the student-athletes desires. Individual's goals were to serve as a compass for performance in March, April and May. Many of the swimmers have been training quite diligently with intentions of fulfilling time standards, improving on last season's missteps or just avoiding the 20 pound weight game that comes from simply avoiding intense exercise for three months. Many chose to take a more casual approach to their training and preparation (you may now draw your own conclusions...)

Droll and Whitman took it to another level mentally - something that might just have been missing from a majority of our swimmers. They did not necessarily work harder than everyone or put in more time in the pool. These two dared themselves to use their speed and challenge themselves against some of the best competition in the world.

Now imagine in ten years you looking back on your swimming career and you get to boast "I swam against Michael Phelps less than one year after he won eight gold medals." People would DIE to be IN THE SAME BUILDING AS A HOT DOG VENDOR if he knew Michael Phelps were in their presence. Think about it - would you ever pass the chance to volley with Roger Federer or learn a floor routine with Shawn Johnson or play best ball with Tiger Woods? The only catch to those opportunities would be:

1) a disregard of your ego

2) a slightly more disciplined approach to your training when others may not join you

3) onions

Droll's weekend was especially compelling and boastful. You MUST watch the clip of his 50 free finals race from May 15th. Of all of the swimmers in the heat, listen to who they focus on (the race is pretty good, too.) The fact that this young man made it to a finals race in the biggest swimming event on the planet at this given moment is both life-changing and program-changing.

You probably won't hear about Droll on the evening news or even the Davidson news - you might not be able to tell that our Sports Information Department does not put swimming on its list of sports to follow, understand or communicate with unless authorized to. Droll won't wither you with his arrogance or prefer special treatment from those around him. But he and Whitman did swim next to the greatest swimmer EVER in the 50 and 100 freestyles - check out the results of just how close he was.

UltraSwim will return to Charlotte in exactly one year. I'm sure it wishes it could commit to those top-end Olympians now to attract the sensational buzz it created for the last three months. Kudos to Droll and Whitman for understanding the magnitude of the opportunity and taking full advantage of it. I boldly predict that you'll see more Wildcats in this meet - thanks to Droll, they would not want to let an opportunity like this pass them by.

A Sidebar to Priority

2009-05-10T10:35:00.004-04:00

Do you know who Rich Behm is?

Certainly you know who the Dallas Cowboys are? No, he's not Tony Romo's back-up or the heir to the throne once owner Jerry Jones steps down. He's not the longest standing season ticket holder in Dallas or an oil tycoon with field passes.

On May 2, Rich Behm was simply doing his job, one that he loved, one that has little prestige, pay, or forgiving hours. The Cowboys were practicing in their “indoor” practice faculty and Behm, a scouting assistant, was on-hand to watch many of the rookies and free agent signees. He may or may not have checked the weather for that Texas Saturday afternoon to find a storm headed his way. Surely that would not be of much consequence to the scouting department. It's not like the region had never experienced a storm in its history.

That powerful storm, though, struck the Dallas region with incredible force and, in the process, changed Behm's life forever. The unfortunate and painful aftermath of the gale destroyed the faculty and ripped apart Behm’s spinal cord, leaving the 33-year old paralyzed, never to walk again. Take a look at the facts in the link above - the story and the video tell the story.

Anyone can feel badly for Behm and everyone should be sending their prayers and care his and his family's way. Personally, I struggle with how this is a mere blurb on our sports ticker. I'm not suggesting this is a national or global tragedy and I completely understand there existing more dire stories. It’s a shame, though, that our headlines of sports discussion center around Brett Favre’s waffling or Roger Clemens’ fabrications or Mark Cuban yelling at Kenyon Martin’s mother. Those stories are mere fodder for the National Inquirer, in my opinion. Nobody will be drastically affected by any of those soap operas, no matter how positively or negatively they unfold. It’s a shame, too, that one of the leading stories in the wake of May 2nd real-life nightmare is “how are the Cowboys ever going to replace their indoor facility?”

I can’t imagine what Behm and his family are going through. I can’t fathom going to the pool and having the roof collapse above me while trying to evacuate all of the kids from the water. That’s not something your boss prepares you for in the interview, nor should he. I hope to continue to follow Behm’s progress and he attempts to pick the pieces of his life back together. I doubt the sports world will gain much perspective from Behm, but here’s hoping they realize just how lucky each of them is.

No Occasion Needed

2009-05-02T23:23:00.004-04:00

Normally I will not delve too much into my personal athletic adventures. For one, I really don't have that many. Two, there's nothing really interesting about jogging for a long time or getting eliminated in the semifinals of intramural hoops or shooting a 109 for 18 holes of golf, regular or miniature. Third, the entry would probably on last four sentences.

This past weekend, though, was very special - one that I will never forget and one that I never imagine would unfold like it did:

In my mind, it makes sense to create multiple occasions to see family and friends. I could never just go for a visit and spend some time relaxing with people I know. It's much more efficient to do two or more things on a visit. This weekend was the Pittsburgh Marathon - back from a six year hiatus due to budget cuts and a lack of a major sponsor. I had been tracking this for about two years, whether or not the race would actually come to fruition and once it opened, I was on top of the registration.

The problem, if there was one, was racing two marathons so close together. The Boston Marathon was run on April 20th and that would more than likely take a toll on my feet. After about five minutes of thinking, I knew that I would not want to let this opportunity pass me by, especially since I didn't know if this was a one-and-done for the race. And NOW, I have a great reason to see the family. Again, this is all logical thinking to me.

The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was on Sunday, May 3rd - start time 7:30AM. I woke-up around 6AM, had a glass of water and hopped in the car with Dad to the start. This is not early for my dad, even for a Sunday, because his tee time on the links is normally around 7:30AM.

I started the jog and a moderate pace and began hoping my legs wouldn't collapse at the end of the first mile from neglect, fatigue, wind, or a stray dog. As I passed the checkpoint for Mile 2, I turned the corner and spotted Dad, standing with a casual smile, waving. I yell out, "Did Mammaw make it?" He points to his left and there, with my mom, Christa, and Patty all cheering, is Mammaw - the greatest grandmother anyone in the world could have. I did not know if Mammaw would even make the race, even though it was a strong request of hers. We didn't know how much she'd be able to walk with the marathon crowds or parking dilemmas. But leave it to Dad, who found a spot for her to only have to travel about five yards.

When I passed my family, I turned back around after a block to give Mammaw one last wave. She still had her eyes fixed on me, waving back with her right hand accompanied the biggest smile anyone could spot. It was easily one of the proudest moments of my life and for the rest of the race, she would be in the back of my mind, the image of her basking in being able to say she watched her grandson run in her hometown marathon.

The cheering pockets didn't stop there. Around mile 5 - Watts' parents - who have been a big part of my life since my teens, were at a corner snapping photos of me jogging along the roads. After mile six, my cousin Lorenzo - all 5.5 years of him, galloped onto the course to give me a high-five with Kimmy (Zo's mom and my first cousin) laughing.

It might have been a coincidence, but the toughest parts of the course came between miles 8-15. We had to cross two of the three bridges on the course and the uphill climb to the University of Pittsburgh was pretty tough even if you were in shape. But then at Mile 15, the Majericks - or Uncle Steve and Aunt Phyllis as we call them, were there. Camped out since 7AM, the two of them looked so relieved that I had made it this far. Up to Mile 18, there were the Watts again, clapping and taking shots in the rain to help push me forward. Up the road I spotted Dad standing next to my pal Billy Stewart and across the street was Patty, Mom and Christa - on the road urging me to trudge on - thrilled they did not miss me amidst their own travels. As I looped around the bend, the Watts yelled one final time after the 19th mile checkpoint. A few blocks further was Mr. Ron Frank - one of my greatest bosses, coaches, teachers, and mentors I had growing up. Close to Mile 23 was Mrs. Hastings and Maria, friends that I grew up with since fourth grade, yelling my name and encouraging me to finish strong.

When I got the 24th mile, I was in quite a world of hurt and running low on steam. The 24th to the 25 mile was straight downhill and I think the sharp slope hurt more than the uphill churn as I was forced to move my muscles a little quicker. There were not a lot of runners around me and at the 25th mile mark, Dad was standing without much company. He yelled, "You all right?"

I calmly said, "Yeah - I'll be OK - thanks - you going to the finish?"

"Yea - I'll see you there." I didn't know how he was going to drive around the crowds and street closures, but if anyone could pull it off, it's him. From there, I trudged through the 26th mile and towards the finish to the largest gathering of people the city offered. As I reached the tape, I spotted Mom, with camera in hand, perched on top of something that allowed her to tower over the crowds. I crossed the finish, walked a few paces looked for the nearest cup of water - I sure was thirsty.

Now if you have never run a marathon or done some type of exhausting exercise, once you stop, it's difficult for your body to flick the ON switch again, especially if your effort exceeds your preparation. Patty knows this drill better than anyone and when she found me at the finish, she made sure I had mostly coherent thoughts, got me something to eat, and helped me get my sweats on. She knew I was in a ton of agony but that it would subside and that looking weak and pathetic was not an option. Christa retrieved my bag, Dad got the car, and Mom took my medal and drinks, all while Patty made sure I didn't roll into the gutter. Everyone had a role to play - almost like and EMT crisis drill.

The day continued with all of us going to brunch and seeing Robby and Liz. Mr. Watts had already developed the photos he shot and dropped them off at our house. Uncle Steve came over to see how I was doing and we talked about the race and how he was holding up. Dinner that night was at Mammaw's and we ate like kings. Lorenzo wanted to play soccer after dessert and who could say NO to him.

And once night came, I could reflect on all of it. I FEEL like the luckiest person in the world. Dad gave up his day of golf to round-up the family and maneuver through the Pittsburgh traffic. Mom made me special noodles and sauce and made special grocery round. Christa came with me to expo to get my packet and vowed that she would do the race next year with me. Patty sacrificed her weekend, traveling from Arlington to make sure I didn't injure myself and that I ate enough. My cousins, my family members, my friends, my grandmother were all part of what would have been just another Sunday in the clouds.

I realize, too, that I don't need an occasion to come to see the people that made me who I am today. Family is more than a Thanksgiving visit or card in the mail or the people that lived in your house growing up. I might not have gotten my best time, but none of that mattered. The pride each person cheering for me felt while I was on the roads was powerful and palpable. Understanding the happiness that comes with representing the people you love and love you in return is invaluable and I am very grateful to have the family that I do.

Lil' Sis Turns 23

2009-04-26T09:42:00.003-04:00

My little sister, Christa, turned 23 yesterday and possibly got the best birthday present her or me could ask for - a come-from-behind series clinching victory by the Penguins followed by a 10-1 Pirate triumph in San Diego. OK, maybe this is my idea of a perfect birthday present, but I know that it made her day just a little more memorable.

For the 23 years that Christa has been tugging at my side, we've had our fare share of spats and injustices wrongfully writhed upon each of us by the other. Then we both turned double-digits in years, and that was over with. But most of these conflicts centered around two main pet peeves of mine: when she would sing in the car and when she would do something wrong in athletics.

Growing up, Christa had a tremendous athletic up-side and it's something that I truly envied, if not was jealous of. I remember helping teach her things like dribbling a basketball, learning breaststroke, shooting with your left foot - all things that never came naturally to me. Christa picked them up like learning to use the correct side of a pencil. By the time she was seven or so, she was playing baseball on a boys' team, setting records on our swim teams, and scoring goals on travel soccer teams. I had a very difficult time embracing the idea my parents fed into me that she was just trying to be like her big brother. If that were the case, she would stop winning so much. Christa had always rolled to the beat of an up-tempo drum. Everything that she participated in was at a swift pace. She has not slowed down since winning the belly-flop contest at Chapel Gate for 13 straight season. If people got in her way, she would quickly put them in their place. Just ask the gentlemen that she beat-up from grades 2-8 (conversely to girls beating me up at the same level.)

Christa and I lived very active lifestyles and were constantly on the go, rarely overlapping schedules directly but always on each other’s radar. I believe the turning point or season in the brother- sister bond came during my first ever head coaching position with the Chapel Gate Gators. I had just graduated high school and Christa had just turned 13 the previous April, which meant she moved-up in age groups on every level. Christa was a celebrity at our summer pool for her quick wit and quicker strokes and on frequent occasions, was called upon to snatch a victory for the Gators in any of the events. She would always swim breaststroke in the medley relays or IMs and would put on a show for the spectators. I was never one to whistle or whoop and holler at/for Christa when she swam, and I was approached about this by more than a few members of the team and parents. "Why don't you cheer for your sister?" that would ask.

"Because when I cheer for her, she goes slower," I would respond. That usually ended the conversation.

You have to understand that being a Gator coach meant being the clerk of course AND the card distributor AND the sheep rancher all in one. In our team area, the first 20 events or so looked like Macy's on the day after Thanksgiving. Cara, Juliann and I would take turns actually watching the meet, so many times, when the fireworks were ignited between the lanes, we were pulling an 8-year old boy from under a picnic table. On those occasions when I did get to watch Christa, I would just notice how strong she was or how she caught up to a 16-year old in a relay I put her in because no one else would swim it. She truly was a treat to watch.

From that summer, Christa and I have carried this mutual respect and admiration for what the other accomplishes and pursues. She got on my back during my graduation from William and Mary just as I gave her a surprise visit at the University of Indiana She was there for me during the frigid cold of the Detroit Marathon just as I was there for her during her senior season at Toledo for the conference championships. And now, even as athletics remain paramount in each of our lifestyles, we continue to understand each other’s priorities – Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Panthers – in no particular order. Just this season, I would get home late from practice turn on the Pitt game, and…wait a minute…who’s that behind the visitors’ bench on national television? Oh that Christa; she makes me proud…hasn’t slowed down one bit.

So here’s to Christa, the best sister a brother with diminishing athletic talents, teetering on the brink of unintelligence could have. I’m sure I’ll write again when she turns 24 – still moving at 100mph.

Respecting the Captaincy

2009-04-22T22:54:00.003-04:00

Two days ago, John gathered the team together before their 4PM practice and had them each vote for captains for the upcoming 2009-2010 swimming and diving season. I'm sure many teams across the globe vote for captains and the democratic method of voting gives each swimmer and diver on our team a voice.

There’s something eternally special about the title of captain. I can’t say that I have the ultimate formula for the ultimate captain. I know that I’ve been around some tremendous ones in my days in the pool, on the pitch, on the diamond, wherever. One that particularly comes to mind was Chuck Hickenboth. Chuck was a senior when I was a junior at Fox Chapel. Chuck played center field – which is the position I coveted when he graduated. Chuck was not the flashiest player, or had the gaudiest numbers. But he was the most electrifying, the catalyst, the reliable rock that our baseball team needed when we went on a three-game slide and needed a spark. Fox Chapel had never been known as a baseball school, but it was Chuck’s leadership that allowed the team to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Chuck’s captaincy worked for me and our team flourished.

Additionally, when Chuck was very quiet and kept his opinions to himself. But when he did talk to us, especially the non-seniors, you better believe we listened. A captain’s voice holds value, not just a common courtesy. I would want my words to trigger thinking and action, not just the rolling of eyes or a nonchalant demeanor. If team matters should be frayed or the inmates too rambunctious, it’s the captains that step-in and find a solution to the problem before it escalates. Chuck was very good at this. Through experience as an athlete and coach, I’ve come to value the captaincy more. The responsibility and vast representation to the team, school, family, network, you name it – is quite powerful. But on all of teams I’ve associated myself with, and all of those squads that have boasted a captain, I’m beginning to conclude that captains have a lot in coming with the first selections in the NFL Draft – they are a hit or a miss.

You can’t be a “middle-of-the-road” first selection in the draft. You either live-up to the expectations, or you’re a bust. Same with holding a captaincy. You can be elected, appointed or have inherited the title, but if you don’t produce results, you have done your title an injustice. You can have “all of the tools” to be a great player, a super student, an artistic poster-drawing sensation. Ultimately, you have to have a pulse of the team, understanding which buttons to push at the right time. The team is your focus more than yourself and your goals. Representing the Tampa Bay Rays or Manchester United or Fairfax High School is paramount and you, Captain Captain, either live-up to the expectations, or are a bust.

In the here and now, it really kills me to have captains of teams prodded for their shortcomings or pitfalls. We have not elected Babe Ruth or Jesse Owens or Gandhi to lead us. We’ve elected one of our own – the one that we can lean on for leadership and counsel. Being the Captain is a point of arrival; when one is chosen, THAT IS OUR CAPTAIN. Our LEADER! That teammate is the rock that keeps the players together; and when situations get worse he/she is there for comfort, encouragement and sustainability. Show me a team in chaos and I’ll show you a team with little to no leadership for within.And just why are fewer captains the most talented? When considering the most talented players, very often those are the ones that are neediest – either from the coaches or parents or support system. They may arrive late to practice, sometime misses practice, tends to compete for themselves, or not follow the instructions of the coach because it is not in their best interest. Talent does not equal leadership. But the superstar’s feelings could ease be pierced when not HANDED the captaincy. After all, the talent is accustomed to winning and the highest achievements. Why wouldn’t this be the case, as well?

I don’t know if I’ll ever be a captain again (cross-off being captain of my house – that’s taken.) But I do hope to influence and admire the captains on the teams I guide. I know they won’t all be Peyton Mannings, but I’ll be doing my best not to have Tim Couches.

Forks in the Road

2009-04-11T21:23:00.003-04:00

"Some of the best joys are decisions -- like refusing to carry a certain pain, worry or doubt any longer."

Coaching high school seniors, whether for their summer club, year-round squad, or their respective high school brought some of the biggest thrills of my life. I was very fortunate during my first campaign as head coach of Fairfax High School and the wise age of 22. The group of seniors that I inherited was top of the line; they had ambition, intelligence, chemistry, and a knack how to influence their teammates. Seeing them accepted to places like Texas, Kentucky, and William and Mary meant a lot to me as their coach. Truthfully, though, the five-month relationship I formed with each of them probably was not the missing ingredient to their admission into these fine institutions. They did the work - I merely saw them off.

Four more seasons would breed new and special crops of high school seniors, each class and individual bringing a unique flavor and character to instruct and behold. I continued to watch them off to some of the nation's premier universities and continue to keep an eye on their progress, achievement, and ambition for what the future holds. Each season was a little more special due to the compiled time you spent molding them as young women and men. Additionally, as their high school coach, it was always amusing to listen to what they saw in a college and the process of narrowing schools from a cluster, to a select few, down to the ultimate selection.

Beginning this past August, the prism that I viewed high school seniors came from a much different angle. Before, it was assisting them with recommendations, offering input from schools that I, to my knowledge, fit the seniors' criterion, and bidding them farewell. This year, I'm the savvy persuader, the gentleman who shoots the pleasantries of one specific institution in hopes that each candidate will return with a hunger for more information. I must say that it's a responsibility that I love, but never really absorbed the premise for it until three days ago.

Three days ago, the Davidson Financial Aid department began distributing very important documentation to some of our prized recruits, as well as thousands of other accepted applicants to the College. These contents inform each rising collegiate freshman of the aid he/she will receive from Davidson. Think about that - one envelope can casually have what amounts to a $30,000 prize in it. It might have $3,000 or $300 of assistance. Right now, $300 is a lot of money to me. Any way you slice it, it's big news. With the arrival of their financial aid package, the bulk of these talented teenagers, looking at the Davidson Wildcats as a team they might be a part of in the fall, have journeyed to the proverbial fork in the road.

Choices foster stress and, yes, there are many components to choosing the right college. For 99% of these kids, money is a large portion of the final decision. With the current economic plight of the land, paying for Davidson without assistance is rarer than ever. We find that many of these kids that are attracted to the grounds, the academic reputation, the honor code, and close-knit community are just as detracted from Davidson by its cost, its size, its cost, and how much it costs.

Wednesday is a day I will not forget anytime soon because those same attractions overtook the detractors, or in this case, the detractor. Someone that is near and dear to my heart had all of her hard work and commitments to excellence come to a fruitful happy ending. I'm not sure exactly what that financial aid letter contained, but I know that young lady called John and I and politely proclaimed, "I'm coming to Davidson!" Being so close with this young lady gave engrained me in this decision more than I could imagine. I had the privilege of coaching her to her senior season and now played a role in sparking her curiosity to Davidson all the way to her fantastic concluding resolution. Her decision to come to Davidson, though, is more than just a merit badge for me. Not only did she no longer have to weigh the pros and cons of various institutions, but she confidently met her fork and boldly chose a direction, a path that will undoubtedly mold her for many years to come. For any future recruits that choose Davidson, I will be overtaken with joy. For this particular star, I'm overtaken with pride.

My future sister-in-law, Michelle, is faced with some of the very same forks. Any school will benefit with Michelle on their campus. They continue to woo her with financial offers, trips on their dollar, and opportunities that she's earned with her dedication and focus. She, too, is staring at her fork right between the prongs and shortly will commence blazing a trail of challenges and memories. I can't say that I completely understand what each of these young ladies is going through. But I can say that I respect their decision-making process a helluva lot more now that I'm engrossed in the recruiting process.

Should 1 or 5 or even 10 more possible recruits choose Davidson, it may selfishly symbolize a pat on the back or a glossy feather in the cap. Now I acknowlegable these tough verdicts for the importance they each serve. They are life-altering, provital, and adventurous. That's what draws these kids to their forks and once they made their choice, they can begin experiencing one of the finest joys of their life.

This is Our Year - Take 17

2009-04-05T19:35:00.009-04:00

One of the biggest honors bestowed upon me came in October 2007 . On the last Sunday of that month, my buddy Watts asked me to serve in his wedding as the best man. Watts is the first of my Pittsburgh pals to tie the knot (clearly giving me the courage to do the same) and he would have his family and friends travel to St. Paul, Minnesota for his and Maria's big day. In pondering best man responsibilities, most of which I did a fairly poor job with, Watts requested that I speak at the rehearsal dinner on his behalf. In other words, it was showtime!

Patty can tell you that I thought long and hard about what to say on that Memorial Day Saturday; you would have thought that I was being inducted in Canton. After several drafts and practices, I shared with the company my experiences and life lessons that I was lucky enough to learn from in his presence. I told everyone that when I think of Watts, three attributes come to mind: strength, intelligence, and loyalty.

No, this wasn't a pitch to join the Navy Seals. I gave some tear-jerking examples of Watts' mastery of strength and intelligence. When it came to loyalty, though, I could not help but render back to the common thread that makes Watts' and my friendship so strong. "I'm pretty sure Michael and I are two of final 15 or so Pirate fans left on the planet," I uttered with a peculiar seriousness. "If we can love the Pirates for this long, we can love anyone. "

And with that backdrop, I present to you one of my top five favorite days of the calendar year: Opening Day! The adrenaline still rushes through my arteries with the prospect of the ball hitting the mitt, the fresh grass, the pearly white chalk running down the base lines...and a clean slate in the standings. Tied with everyone in the division and the league, even if it is just for one day, the Pittsburgh Pirates are staring at their 17th straight summer in the red. However poorly the chips are stacked against us, I'm still eternally optimistic and faithful to their craft every April. Watts can speak on my behalf - in our ritualistic preseason predictions, I routinely say THIS is going to be the year.

To win the World Series...no.

To go the World Series...no.

To win the division...not quite.

To make the playoffs...getting warmer.

To finish AT .500...you guessed it!

The Pirates and I are currently beginning Volume IV of the Five-Year Plan. About every five years, we (I really should start typing I) am led to believe that a winner is either in the works or here. And every year, instead of getting excited for a September stretch run, the second biggest baseball day becomes July 31st, the day when we find what players the Pirates are trading for future prospects.

I owe much of this infatuation to my dad, who brought me into baseball, to the love of the game, to the appreciation for its history, and to its techniques and mechanics that make it so special. In my youth we would go to Opening Night almost every year until I was 10 and that solely bred the thrill, win or lose. Now, Opening Day is so important and exciting to me because, if we win, that tells me we are capable of being at or above average for at least two days!

There are memorable Opening Days for me over these last 17 years:

1993 - We beat the Padres at home by 5 or so with guys that were supposed to replace our superstars (Al Martin, Carlos Garcia, and Kevin Young.)
1994 - We played in San Francisco and lost by about 10. I knew it would be a rough year on the mound. At least no one made the playoffs that season.
1998 - We shut out Montreal with Francisco Cordova on the mound. I really thought he might win the Cy Young that year.
2003 - We destroy the Reds in Cincinnati - I think it was 10-2. I was working at Ruby Tuesday's as the afternoon affair was being played on TV. I distinctly remember sacrificing timely service just to make sure our 5-run cushion was not being threatened.
2004 - MY FAVORITE - a 2-1 victory at home against the Phillies. It was the beginning of my spring break as a rookie teacher and I asked my dad if he would get us tickets. I drove back home and he and I battled the 30 degree temperatures and watched Craig Wilson belt a solo shot in the sixth before the vaunted Jose Mesa slammed the door for the save. Awesome!
2007 - We beat Houston in Houston - that never happens! Xavier Nady hits a homer in the top of the ninth with two outs of Brad Lidge to tie the game. We win it in the tenth and I proceed to call everyone I can think and ask, "Did you see that?"
2008 - We give up five runs in the bottom of the ninth to the Braves, but win 12-11 in 12 innings. Mark could hear my yelling in the basement with every out; I felt ill.

That brings us to this season. Every year since sixth grade, I have heard much of the same - if any team needs to start well, it's the Pirates. I think our problem is that we think "start" means the first four games. We need to think of "start" as the first four months. In the past 16 years, we've won 70 or more game just 7 times and 80 never. A record of 80-82 is painfully close to .500 and we've sniffed that twice (in '97 and '99.)

The Steelers and Penguins have brought me enough happiness for the next eight years; I'm covered in the "not complaining" department. I'm not depressed, I'm not starving, I'm not cripplied. But it would be so so nice if, just for one year, we were a winner just as much as a loser. I shake my head at Cubs fans that moan they haven't won a World Series since there were mammoths and Red Sox fans who felt cursed. They publicly advocate for losing AND they've had plenty of chances to win AND they wear their losing like a badge of honor. Imagine going from kindergarten through college and never knowing what it's like to see the sun. That sounds cruel - that's what 16 straight losing seasons feels like. Anyone can get on the Red Sox and Cubs bandwagon just like any one can cheer for the Steelers. You have to really know how to love if you're a Pirates fans. But when they do win, I'll be one of the few that did not hop on the bandwagon - I'll be steering the coach.

So tomorrow in St. Louis, Missouri, we get our 17th mulligan. I'm just as hopeful as ever - I like the players we have and, even when grossly outmatched, feel we can put up a winning performance 81 times out of 162. The Twins can do it. The As can do it. The Rays can do it. The Marlins can do it. I know we can, too.

And if we don't, those 15 loyal fans might dwindle to two with no horses to carry us.

Appreciation of a Heartbreak - Cpt. III

2009-03-31T13:34:00.007-04:00

I should have known that Pitt was against the ropes on Saturday for a number of reasons.

First - Pitt had not really played well since their defeat of UConn on March 7th. A loss to West Virginia paired with three nail-biters against inferior opponents saw the Panthers playing with fire leading to a clash against a familiar opponent. I'm not claiming Pitt to be equivalent to the 1985 Georgetown squad, but I know that Pitt can't seem to beat the Wildcats in Philadelphia nor were they as intimidating as the Hoyas of the 80s.

Second - I had taken the liberty of recording "The Perfect Upset," the HBO documentary on the 1985 National Championship game between Villanova and Georgetown. HBO completed this show around four years ago and I had always wanted to catch it. It took me four years before the epiphany to record it entered my brain; I've gotten so much smarter in my later 20s. With the weather as poor as it was on Saturday, I finally got around to watching it. If you ever get the chance to watch an HBO sports documentary...do it. They are so thorough and enchanting that you once you finish watching, you want to learn more. Consider the things that I learned in that hour:

a) The NCAA tournament had expanded just that year from 53 teams to 64.
b) Villanova was ripped to shreds by Pitt in its final regular season game, a game where their head coach sat all of the starters instead of trying to mount a comeback in the second half. They were the poster children for being "on the bubble."
c) After hearing they had made the tournament as an 8-seed, the Wildcats had to travel to Dayton to play the Dayton Flyers (talk about a home-court advantage...)

And a ton more - come by my place, we'll watch it together. How-ev-fah, after watching the program, I just didn't have the best feeling about the game forthcoming in 5 hours. Villanova had history and destiny on its side. Their famous head coach, Rollie Massimino was attending their games. There were a lot of similarities to the '85 team - like playing with nothing to lose, like being told they would lose their last two games, like having great shooters and superior guard play. And what am I doing watching this documentary TODAY? Foolishness and folly.

AND FINALLY, with all of the statistics, match-ups, bad karma, history, and conference battles from the past, there was Patty. Proud alum from the class of 2004, Patty is Wildcat. And when pitted against Patty, 10 times out of 9, I will lose.

As long as I've been blessed to know Patty, even since our first date, I've badgered her about her sports loyalties. Since that first date, I would routinely remind her when Villanova was on television, updated with how they were doing in the Big East standings, ask if she wanted specific Villanova gear for Valentine's Day...you know, normal stuff that anyone would do for their fiancee. I can't say that she was always tuned in to me, but she normally smiles and nods and ponders the mess she's gotten herself into. Patty also has a lot of stability, of which I have none. Patty's world does not revolve around home-field advantage, Davids vs. Goliaths, or strikeouts-to-walks ratios like it does for me. If she misses the Super Bowl...ehh, no big deal. If the Celtics win the NBA title...that's nice. Johnny Damon gets traded to Yankees...life goes on.

Patty knew the game on Saturday was monumental not just for me and my well-being, but for my family. As only she knows how, Patty phones my dad in Pittsburgh and leaves a tauntingly derisive message: "I hope you wearing your Villanova sweatshirt that I bought you. I know that I'll have mine on." Bully!

At 7PM, I take my place on the couch pretty much a trainwreck with every possession - not as bad as the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup, but easily the most fragile I've been for a college basketball game. With 16 minutes to go in the first half, Patty calls. I think to myself, "if I don't take this call, Pitt is going to lose. I need to pick up the phone for Pitt's sake." I do and, in her most cheerful tone, Patty calls to see how I'm doing and figured it would be early enough in the game to call. With a towel on my leg to wipe the nervousness from my palms, I smoothly state that I'm fine and boldly predict the game is going to be great. "I hope you can watch some of it," I suggested. "I think you will enjoy it."

"I think I will," she says.

Kiss of death. Game over. Thanks for playing.

After the loss was completed, I phoned Casey to let her know that I was OK and Gaetan to congratulate Philadelphia. We spoke at length about the key points in the contest and when we finished, I had missed a call from Patty. The first thing Patty says when she picks up, "WOW, Matthew, that was so exciting. I'm so glad I watched THE LAST 20 MINUTES." As she goes into further detail about her viewing experience, I was duct-taping my heart back together as it lay all over my living room. I didn't know whether to cry softly or bawl uncontrollably. Usually after catastrophes like this one, I'm incorrigible. But truthfully, a part of me was happy for Villanova. It's like I told Casey, I think the worst part is going to be watching the shot over and over again wishing it didn't go through the net. Villanova is very good and it would be great to see them take down mighty North Carolina. But it sure would be nice to have Pitt with that opportunity.

Now Patty is preparing herself for the Tar Heels by working on grants, planning for a wedding, and supporting teachers to that need lesson plan assistance. It's worked for her so far, there's no reason why it won't now. And it's like my dad said in his counter-message to her: "One of these days, you and I will be rooting for the same team during the same game."

One of these days...Maybe I should take a page from her book of preparation. I might actually live longer and end-up with more duct tape.

Appreciation of a Heartbreak - Cpt. II

2009-03-29T22:18:00.003-04:00

(Make sure to start at Cpt. I)

I've had about 24 hours to digest Pitt's removal from the 2009 NCAA tournament. I have avoided watching SportsCenter, stayed away from reading any Pittsburgh news articles or papers, and tried not to replay the key points of the game repeatedly in my mind.

If you're invested in a team, it's innate for you to cyclically experience ultimate highs and lows as a fan. It's easy to remember the best of times and worst of times and this certainly will rank as a low, for me, as a Pitt fan. It's beneficial (and refreshing) to continue to remind myself of both some of the more catastrophic heartbreaks in my day as well as the endings to every Pitt season that I can remember since I was 10.

I've seen the Pirates lose on the final play in Game 7 of the NLCS, sending the Braves to the World Series and permanently scarring my childhood.

I've seen the Penguins get upset by the Islanders to miss playing for the Stanley Cup.

I've watched the Steelers lose at home to the Chargers for the right to go to the Super Bowl.

And many more and so on and so forth...Those were particularly life-changing losses that brought a week's worth of depression to the city, if not longer. That, too, was in a three-year stretch between October 1992 and January 1995 - no wonder I had a long face all of the time. And as these three sports powers floundered under the brightest lights, Pitt basketball (and football, for that matter) was not even in the conversation.

As a youth, my buddy Joe would routinely invite me to go to the old Fitzgerald Field House to watch Pitt play since I was nine. Since Pitt was always middle-of-the-road mediocre, we never really knew what to expect; they could beat the #5 team in the land or fall to a squad 10 games under .500. Pitt made the NCAA tournament when I was 12 and I thought it was THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD. That year, they lost to Utah in the first round and would not return to the Big Dance until 2002! Heck...Joe, my friends, and I were bouncing off the walls when they made it to the NIT in 1997. We got to attend their first round game against New Orleans and watched Vonteego Cummings and Mark Blount beat up the Musketeers for the first round win. The place was packed and it looked like Pitt hoops was back! That small taste of success went such a long way in a town starving for basketball promise.

The point that I'm probably unsuccessfully trying to make is that Pitt fans have never been exposed to this kind of sustained success. Do you know why Kentucky's heart were broken by Christian Laettner...because Kentucky and Duke are on that stage consistently. Do you know why no one really talks that much about George Mason stunning UConn in the Elite 8 in 2006...because UConn has two banners hanging from their rafters and they have been a Big East power for the last 20 years.

Pitt has made the Big Dance every year since I was a junior in college. Every time they lost, though, it was close with about 4 minutes remaining in the game, and then they would commit a turnover or miss some shots and wind-up falling by a deflating margin. They've managed to lose to powerhouses Kent State, Pacific, and Bradley during this tournament streak, as well as cupcakes like UCLA, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, and Marquette (I've since come to accept all six of these defeats expect the Pacific one - that's a long story we'll save for another chapter.) This setback against Villanova still stings and will for a while. But I'm happy to know the Panthers put themselves in position to get there and not settle for moderate success

More filibustering soon to come...

Appreciation of a Heartbreak - Cpt. I

2009-03-28T22:36:00.006-04:00

There was not a better college basketball game played this season than the one tonight in Boston to decide the East Regional and a birth in the Final Four. Pitt and Villanova epitomized everything that was great about March Madness, college basketball, the Big East, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or anything the relates to competition and sport. As I sat on my coach and studied the television for those 40 minutes, the Panthers and Wildcats each were able to play their own brand of hoops that was beautiful to watch. And for all but one second, the game was perfectly even.

Like my buddy Gaetan said, "If they play ten times, Nova wins five and Pitt wins five."

The problem for me is that it's not a ten-game series.

With a terrific play at the end of the game, Scottie Reynolds ripped the hearts from everyone in Western Pennsylvania, ending the careers of three of Pitt's sterling seniors, and slamming the door on Pitt's best Final Four hopes since the Nixon era.

There are so many plays and surges in the game that are zooming through my memory bank right now that it's hard to gather them all. You never thought either team had a command on the tempo or the lead; there was just too much leadership and skill on both sides. The coaches were too polished. The moment was too precious.

Villanova, though, was more than deserving of their victory this evening. Quietly, they watched as Pitt, Louisville, and Connecticut took the spotlight in the conference for the duration of the season. They stood to the side as Syracuse was making it's run in the Big East Tournament and ascension to a #3 seed. They remained quiet even as Marquette's best player got injured at the end of the season and stole some of the headlines.

On the biggest stage, Villanova proved why it's not just a terrific basketball team, but a terrific basketball school. Last year, they were a 12 SEED and made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Three years ago, they made it to the Elite Eight and lost to National Champ Florida. Four years ago they got robbed in the Sweet Sixteen and fell to National Champ North Carolina. Jay Wright has the program anchored in successful seas. If we were to lose to any school in the conference, I would probably want it to be them.

Despite the final score, I have never in all of my years as a Pittsburgh sports fan been more appreciative of the work and heart the team put together, really, over 54 weeks. I was there last March when practically the same squad ran ragged through the Big East in New York City to capture the conference title, winning four games in four days, culminating with a win over mighty Georgetown. They play hard every game, will go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country, and leave an impression on all of their opponents. Along with the rest of the city and alumni, I would not have wanted anything more than to see the beloved Panthers in Detroit next weekend. It will sting every time we have to watch the highlights of Reynolds' game winning drive. They probably won't show Blair's coast-to-coast layup plus the foul or Young's clutch three-pointer to pull within one or Dixon's steal with seconds left or Fields' two free throws to tie the game with 5.5 seconds. You'll remember the dribble drive and the shot to send the Wildcats forward and the Panthers home.

It might feel like all is lost, but it isn't. The team proved it can get past the Sweet Sixteen hurdle, something it had not done in over 30 years. It proved it can beat a #1 team in the country, taking down UConn twice after losing their previous 13 attempts at a #1 team. It proved it can beat a team higher than a #5 seed in the NCAA tournament. It's proving it can harvest NBA talent. The hurt will stay with Coach Dixon and the players forever, but they should be proud of their 31 victories and their stake as a powerhouse in the best basketball conference in the country. Villanova may have won this round, but there may be nine more opportunities down the line.

More tomorrow...

The Joys of Recruiting

2009-03-19T23:44:00.006-04:00

March is a very anxious time for many high school seniors around the country. Roughly 1/4 of them are set in their immediate future for the upcoming autumn. They may choose to enroll in the military, register for the work force, or have been accepted into a college or a university through an early decision process or binding agreement. This leaves the other 3/4 of the upcoming high school graduating class of 2009 remaining to bite their nails, check their mailboxes hourly, daydream about what could be, and sweat through each of their friend's acceptance letters. For those 5,000 or so seniors and transfers that applied to Davidson, March 30th is the big day. The incoming freshmen class will total about 470, leaving over 90% of all applicants to find pastures other than the ones between Main and Concord.

This backdrop was wringing in my head (yes wringing, not ringing) all last weekend as I voyaged 1,287 miles around the Eastern United States to watch recruits that have Davidson on their "favorites" list as well as find some future talent that might look good as a Wildcat. None of the swimmers I would watch compete were yet admitted into Davidson nor knew of any financial package that would be made available to them. And while I wanted to be the bearer of joyous news, the only information that I could really offer to each of them was, "admissions told me not to not pursue you, so that's good for both of us."

My big recruiting escapade began last Thursday and span over four days, four states, and six swim sessions. I could hardly sleep the night before; I was so charged to be driving to Pennsylvania to represent a small North Carolina liberal arts school that people probably only heard of because of the basketball team's magical run 12 months ago. Driving wasn't the first part of my day, though; it was spinning. Nothing says "get your rest before logging 510 miles like peddling as hard as you can for 50 minutes." It didn't matter - I think that got my heart pumping a little faster and by 9:30AM, I was off to Bucknell.

Thursday night I witnessed one of our prize recruits earn eighth place in the 100 freestyle and anchor her 400 free relay. Including her 100 butterfly, 50 butterfly, and two events on Thursday, she had swum best times in all of them and would be a tremendous addition to the squad. It was great speaking with her after the entire meet concluded. She was so ecstatic about the times she posted, about her teammates, and about how far she had come in just one year. "I really can see myself swimming for Davidson," she said as our rendezvous concluded. It was a great feeling for both of us.

The pleasures of work quickly were subdued by the gloom of Lewistown, PA. After dropping triple figures on a suite next to the highway and setting a record for fastest steak and cheese hoagie eaten by a featherweight, I was off to sleep, ready for the AAA championships at the same venue. This was slightly more crowded but more feverish in speed. A recruit that is looking to come to Davidson was in the stands, watching her brother compete in the 200 freestyle. I could spend hours talking to this recruit; extremely pleasant, positive, and charged by the prospect of swimming at Davidson. I did star some nice talent Pennsylvania has to offer and got to share pleasantries with a few parents - none of which I had ever met before that morning. Once the session concluded, I was headed to Fairfax.

I arrived at the finals of the Senior Championship meet just in time to glance over the morning results and witness the finals. There were many familiar faces in attendance and watching the meet from the stands at a pool I had coached at for four seasons was very surreal. The two Davidson recruits at this meet swam pretty well. The young lady was swimming for a third swim in Junior Nationals via the 100 butterfly and she got it! The young man was looking for similar glory in the 100 breaststroke but just fell short. I was not able to chat with the breaststroker, but the young lady spent a few moments with me after the session and you could tell that she was happy to be going in multiple distances and events.

After scouting the same meet on Saturday morning, I drove to Maryland to watch a YMCA District Meet. The young man we are recruiting is quite versatile - solid in most events - and has been a lot of fun to speak with over the phone - very lively and enthusiastic about being a freshman in college. He earned finals swims in the 200 free, 50 free, and 200 back and swam well in all of these. After the meet had concluded, he was one of the final few people to reach the lobby among the hundreds of swimmers and parents. What a delightful kid! His mother joined our conversation and 45 minutes later, we both left with excellent impressions.

I'm slowly learning that recruiting can bring extreme joy flipped by extreme heartbreak. Davidson in lucky to be getting a sprinter from Maryland that I had been in contact with and am proud that John gave me to opportunity to land him. Conversely, two prize recruits that were my responsibility have sought Emory and the University of Richmond as their homes for the next four years. But the beat rolls on and you have to keep up. You continue to talk, you continue to listen, and you continue to look for those student-athletes that you feel would best represent your institution. Recruiting can be a 24/7 whirlwind if you choose. That extra effort can be the difference between extreme joy and extreme heartbreak.

---> To make use of my Twitter account, I am going to inform the masses of any recruiting trips, news, and conversations I have. Should be compelling...

An Official Godfather

2009-03-09T20:21:00.008-04:00

This past weekend I was in Houston visting Patty's brother, Brian, his wife Kesa, and their 9-week old son, Athanasius James (A.J. for short.) It was AJ's baptism and Brian was gracious enough to ask me to be AJ's godfather, which was quite an honor for me. When Brian called around the middle of January, I was perfectly content with talking about the NFL Playoffs or how conference play had started or about our jobs. But when he asked if I wanted to be AJ's godfather, I will floored.

(Patty kindly informed me that I was something like their 4th choice for godfather, so that quickly brought me back to Earth. It sent me down Memory Lane to my sophomore year in high school when I was asked to go to prom with a JUNIOR GIRL!!! As excited as I was to attend, after I accepted her offer, the young lady - who will remain nameless - was relieved that finally, on the seventh try, she would be going to prom. Awesome.)

The weekend was a complete success for me. Not only did I enjoy holding AJ and carrying around the house, but the two of us got to spend some quality time together contemplating the roles each of us would play.

"Is a godfather like a crazy uncle?" I would ask him.

Apparently speech recognition comes much later that 3 months. AJ would just utter some breathing noices. Actually he quite a "burrower," like a gopher or a puppy trying to get under blankets. He's got a strong right arm cross and power to hold on to my massive shoulders, even at a ripe age.

"The way I see it," I continued during one of our three pre-nap discussions, "crazy uncle and godfather share similar roles. If you feel like you ever need someone to laugh, you can call me. Right? That works for me."

More breathing...eyes begin to get heavy. I have a lot of experience in these kinds of situations from talking to Patty. If I keep talking, the subject will eventually fall into a REM 4 slumber within one minute.

"I'm going to give you one piece of advice - stay loyal. Don't just start liking your Red Sox because they are good and forget them when they only win 90 games."

AJ seemed to awaken a little with that. We bounced around a little longer before the godson was too tuckered out to continue with our back-and-forth chit chat. I'm sure that he was thinking, "maybe if I close my eyes, I will be in my bathtub at not in this guy's grip (AJ loves bathtime, by the way.) But, with that first nugget of wisdom, I was on my way to being a godfather.

AJ is in for such a treat.

The Conference Meet - Part III - Reflection

2009-03-04T08:55:00.002-05:00

Like most highly-anticipated events, this one was over and done with in a matter of moments. It might have been a four-day jaunt, but relative to it's preparation, it was a snap of the finger, a blip on the radar, a bolt of lightning.

For a program like Davidson, talented at the Division I mid-major level with aspirations of greater successes, calling the conference championship meet the pinnacle of the season would be a gross understatement. You dream of every conference championship unfolding just as you would plan the moment the previous conference meet concluded. It's just so important; it paves the way for next season's returning swimmers and divers and entices recruits to join a program headed upward and onward. It sparks alumni to relive past glories while assisting in future ones. The athletic department basks in the program's success while listening to methods of strengthening it's foundation. Other programs and individuals can boast of NCAA championship births or Olympic qualifying standards, but those are few and far between from the student-athletes at the majority of institutions.

The privilege accompanied with holding a ticket for that roller-coaster ride and having a spot on deck at the CCSA Championships did not come cheap. When you live by yourself in a small-town, away from friends, family, fiancee, and finances, there is plenty of time to ponder, reflect, and consider the path that you took to get in this very position. Please don't mistake this as a cry for help, a symbol of martyrdom (although I'm sure I do that a lot,) or a plea to escape. It is what it is - I have a lot of time to reflect - as do many others in my position. For me, the lure of collegiate swim coaching IS the conference meet, and not just those fours days, but the understanding of the journey to get to Athens and the subsequent unraveling of the meet.

It certainly did not disappoint.

You can measure a season's success and shortcomings in a variety of ways: best times, team discipline, turnover, hugs, revenue, etc. I can't say that the season was a complete success. After all, you would never want to rest on your laurels and settle for what you can improve. However, I can tell you that I could not have asked for a better group of kids to associate myself with, to guide, to learn from, and to carry me through the baptism of being a college swim coach. I know that I made plenty of mistakes along the way. It's very humbling hearing them steered right at you. In teaching, sometimes we tend to sugar-coat the truth when a good smack in the face or douse of ice water would have done the trick just fine. It's not just the student-athletes. The bond formed by the coaches must be predicated on trust and the understanding that we are working towards a common goal. Feelings can get hurt but never out of spite but, conversely, out of care.

Now bundle all of those thoughts, reflect on all of the dual meets, invitationals, gut-retching practices, all-nighters, early risers, bickers, tough love moments, ripped suits, speeches, and fatigue, and you've got yourself a season. That's racing through your head leading to meet and dominating your thoughts once the final chapter to the season has been written. This season has reaffirmed the commitment I would like to embody as a leader. The conference meet might have passed us in a flash, but the personal investment you make to those kids, whether the brightest star or the statistician, is as on-going as the earth revolving. I'm proud of what the team has accomplished and it makes every sacrifice worth-while.

I have learned a lot from these Wildcats and I would love to share all of these moments with you. I love coaching and teaching student-athletes to attain their greatest potentials. Yes, going best times when it counted the most was gratifying. It's also nice to store two more plaques in the office and to display such blazing speeds to future Wildcats. For me, though, the greatest sense of satisfaction is hearing those kids not only appreciate what THEY got out of the season, but what business has yet been unfinished and what they will do to finish it. The grind of a swim season can be like no other and the oasis of rest and a looser schedule is quite appealing. To push that aside, put your team first, and willingly challenge yourself to a higher standard is nothing short of motivating and inspirational.

Let's face it, next year's conference meet is right around the corner. It must be time to start thinking about it.

The Conference Meet - Part II - The Races

2009-02-25T20:12:00.005-05:00

The Davidson Wildcats swam in 179 competives races over the weekend.

I am now going to write about all of them...

Just not on this spot.

One of the best parts about my job is getting to write the alumni newsletter, complete with statistics, points of view, photos, the whole nine yards. I'm pretty sure the ratio of positive feedback to constructive criticism is about 3:2 (I'll take it.) If you need a recap of the entire meet, be sure to let me know and I'll forward you a copy of the newsletter. I hope to be finished by Tuesday (if the photographer ever hands over the photos.)

For now, here are my Top Fifteen Races from the CCSA Championships:

#15 - Miller's 100 Fly in Prelims - Miller had gone through quite a bit of off-season shoulder reconstruction and was the best butterflier on the team prior to his injury. He wanted to make a statement that his shoulder had fully recovered and BAM! - 49.47 - the fastest split in Davidson history.

#14 - Madeline's, Bertram's, and Totten's gutsy Bread 'n' Butter events - These were memorable not just for the perseverance they each demonstrated repairing their respective shoulder ailments, but how well they did in their best events. Madeline went a career best time in the 200 fly in scoring tenth place, Bertram did the same in the 200 back (best, 10th) and Totten the same in the 100 fly (best, 13th.)

#13 - Colin's 1650 - I am encouraging every swimmer I know to swim the mile at some point in their career. It's the greatest. Colin won his heat with a consistency and fortitude that we had never seen before. The result - a 43 second drop. We were going crazy...and Colin responded and then some.

#12 - Kerman's 400 IM - Kerman had sparingly trained for this event during the season. When John suggested swimming the 400 IM as a benefit to the team's point standing, Kerman could not have been more willing. His exuberance got the best of him the morning swim, but at night, Kerm was in control - firing a mind-boggling 4:03.43 in capturing the silver medal.

#11 - Hailey's 200 Breaststroke - On paper, there's nothing too flashy about finishing 11th in an event that you occasionally enjoy. But if you factor that Hailey was seeded 24th, dropped over nine seconds, just swam the mile on the same day, and hunted down three girls on the final 50, you might actually have this race higher on your list.

#10 - Lindsey's 100 Free - Sidelined for three weeks in January with Mono, Lindsey's talent shined in the 100 free. Davidson's star sprinter just jolts off the blocks, took that initial lead, and toasted any oncomers in route to a gold medal and NCAA B cut (49.67 - sick.)

#9 - Anna's 400 IM - The sophomore's journey towards setting the college record did not come cheap. Anna took advantage of her strengths (fly and back) and dazzled in freestyle when her team needed her most with an impressive 1:00.7 split coming home. Final time - 4:25.88.

#8 - Sheetz' 500 Free - Being nervous is fine. Being nervous is an indication of concern. Being nervous keeps your focus. And when you transform these nerves into a tenacity that even you didn't know you had, the results can be epic. This was Sheetz' 500. A fourth place finish and college record later (4:57.85,) we had our first showstopper of the meet for the Lady Cats.

#7 - Peitz' 200 Fly - Our freshman rock sacrificed his best event (200 back) to get more points for the team. He bettered his already impressive college record in the 200 fly on the final day of competition. He might have looked like he was fading in the final 50, but Peitz found another gear in the last 25 yards to earn himself a gold medal in a record time of 1:51.84.

#6 - Merritt's 1650 - I'll never forget the conversation Merritt and I had Saturday afternoon before the mile. I felt like Tom in Seabiscuit talking to Red or George about how to ride their horse to victory. You put in so much preparation and planning and to watch him not only execute, but to pull away at the end was something very special to me as coach. Merritt's 1000 time going out (9:32.47) and final time (15:47.93) are Davidson and CCSA records that he can add to his goal medal swim.

#5 - Reamer's 1650 - The surgeries, the rehab, the pain, the commitment, the swim of her life. This race may have only taken 16:56.74 to complete, but it took 12 months to carve. Reamer was the lone Lady Cat in the finals of the mile and she looked magnificent representing the College. She stayed on pace throughout through every 50 and got stronger as the race unfolded.

#4 - Curtis' 500 free - If there every was a blind-side blitz in swimming, this was it. Curtis swam his 500 as smoothly as you would tie your shoes. HE DIDN'T LOOK LIKE HE WAS TRYING! His massive frame coupled with his efficient underwater kicks made for a jaw-dropping 4:26.89. And, I promise you, he could have hopped back in the water five minutes later and done it again - no doubt.

#3 - Castle's 100 fly - I want Emily Castle on my team for everything. I don't care if it's swimming, gymnastics, team in training, Yahtzee, pie-eating, you name it. If Joe Montana's cool and clutch combined with Larry Bird's swagger and came back as a woman, that's Castle. She doesn't talk to big game, but she executes with surgeon-like precision. While her time was absolutely amazing (54.62,) you wouldn't know by her demeanor. Clutch when it counts, Castle's 100 was unforgettable.

#2 - Men's 200, 400, and 800 Free Relays - It's hard to pick between the three. Droll split 19 in his 50, Merritt got the college record in the 100 (45.35) and the 800 free relay looked so good, the second place Charleston relay was behind them by about 7 seconds. Just a silly display of speed, power, and cohesiveness as the boys took three gold medals, three conference records, three college records, and didn't really leave a hint of doubt who has the best freestylers in the conference.

#1 - Women's 400 Free Relay - The final race of the conference championship was the most thrilling ride the natatorium showcased. Lindsey led off with a 49.91 and gave way to Tastic, who closes as well as any sprinter on the team. The rookie flew to the tune of 52.02 - and now we have a dead heat with Florida Gulf Coast as Montana-Bird woman dives in. As if this were her first race of the weekend, Castle fired a 50.44, but still FGCU was neck-and-neck with the Lady Cats. And then senior Courtney Sanders, in the last race of the season and of her brilliant career, looked one of FGCU finest sprinters dead in the eye and beat her with a sparkling four laps that brought the house down. Final gold medal winning time - 3:23.09 - better by .45 seconds - the gals first winning relay and a new CCSA and Davidson school record. It could not have been a better ending to the entire week of 179 phenomenal swims.

Part III - Reflection

The Conference Meet - Part I - View from the Deck

2009-02-24T14:02:00.004-05:00

I can vividly remember watching William and Mary for the first time from the stands. Below, on deck were my former teammates and friends, swimming their hearts out against some very formidable competition. Graduation took me away from the ring-side view and I was left to feel the unparalleled intensity and fight in each of the competitors as a member of the raucous crowd. From high in the bleachers, I remember thinking to myself, "wouldn't it be great to have the opportunity to be on deck with a college team?"

And five years from that notion, I stood on deck for three memorable days in February at the University of Georgia's beautiful facility to marvel at a team that I could claim I was a part of. This past weekend was THAT image I had in my head when I decided to pursue collegiate swim coaching.

For the guys' team, the goal was to finish in the top eight to make in the championship heat at night and, depending on who the girl was, the goal was the same or to swim well enough to make the top 16. On deck, way heart was flying with every race. The most difficult part for me was the start; "please just make it to the water," I would think. Once the racing began, you live and die with every stroke, every turn, every finish. The kids are basically on their own, but if there's even the smallest bit of difference that you can make by whistling or being visible, with arms flailing and fists pumping, you would do it. Anyone would.

As intense as the morning sessions were, the night was twice as enchanting. Could the kids swim faster than in the morning? Can we move up in place? Is there anything left in the tank? How will this affect tomorrow's swim? There is something supremely different about swimming for points and for your team. It no longer becomes about returning for that second swim or achieving that best time. It's now about beating the guys and gals next to you. You've all made it - now who's better. With some of the longer distance, there may be some strategy involved, but it's minuscule compared to the physical and mental fortitude showcased.

On deck, we keep our poise until the rubber meets the road. I would gyrate and whistle and signal at what I thought were the most opportune moments. It's a guarantee that not everyone saw or heard me, but you would have reacted similarly if you had a front row seat as well. Points would be earned, medals would be won, records would fall, and champions were carved.

Two races in particular brought the most out of me: the 400 IM and the mile. The 400 IM was on the second day of competition and we had a tremendous wealth of talent firing on all cylinders in the morning and evening. On deck, we would implore the Wildcats to kick harder, reach longer, turn quicker over 16 grueling laps. To see how well Kerman, Seo, Ben, and Colin did for the guys and Anna, Lauren, Alanna, and Casey did for the girls was really enjoyable for me. As long as the race is compared most of the others, it can seem like a sprint when the kids maneuver as quickly as they do.

However, for me, none of these races compare like the mile. For the distance swimmers (whom you see at the top of this site) this is the race you train for. It's Saturday, the final day, and you're beat-up for the distances you've already tolled on your body from the first two days. But there they were, grinding out every yard with great intensity, pain, and purpose to achieve that place and split there were destined to attain.

This is as close to "play-calling" as you're going to get during a swim meet and I absolutely loved it. The race may take over 15 minutes, but you felt that every second mattered. We're jumping signaling the swimmers to stay long of the walls, signaling to the counters to move the placement of the lap counter, signaling who to chase, signaling to kick and on and on and on. All of our milers swam best season times. Colin brought the house down with his 40-second drop. Merritt and Alanna set new school records with Merritt taking the title. Caitlin shaved 20 seconds, Meagan and Seo battled to season bests, Porter and Hailey willingly swam the event for the good of the team and looked magnificent in doing so.

When it was over, just like the other races, the hugs were aplenty with the occasional tears getting the best of the kids. They had come to grips with how much it hurt and how they fought through that hurt. The mile exemplified what it meant to be on deck during a conference championship. You live and die with every stroke, every turn, every finish. You would give anything in the world to see your team swim their best when the spotlight was the brightest. It was a treat for me to say they did just that.

Part II - The races

Welcome to Athens

2009-02-18T15:41:00.005-05:00

This morning the Davidson Swimming and Diving squads hopped on a bus and rode 4 hours to Athens, Georgia. The conference championship has arrived and is the zenith to our season; everything the Wildcats have worked for is on display at the University of Georgia for three exciting days of competition.

The journey to Athens started much sooner than the 9AM departure. Every NCAA student-athlete has a level of commitment and sacrifice that the sport and college ask for. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the final steps in this 2008-2009 journey. It, indeed, is a marathon, but when you see that finish line, that's when you want to be your best.

There is a terrific article that I've read on CNN that summarizes what it's like to be a swimmer on this Wildcat team. The parallels to the team and the athletes described by Bob Greene may not immediately smack you in the face. Yet, I can't help but sift through the words of the author, and not only reflect on Davidson, our season, and what I've been able to carve as a coaching craftsman.

There are numerous choices that each of us make in the course of a season. The risk is great. The reward can be greater. That reward can be a choice that was previously made to do something well or ill.

I am extremely proud of these Cats. There will be time (beginning next week) to further expand on this pride. For now, we'll strap-in, witness their glancing eyes focus on the task at hand, and catch that moment when they are their finest. It should be a great three days...

Pittsburgh Sports Report - February 13th

2009-02-13T11:13:00.010-05:00

I have to start this posting with a great column written by Bill Simmons of ESPN. He is one of my favorite writers for a number of reasons - one of which is his unique ability to encapsulate things that I've uniquely pondered in my sports universe since I was four. Bill begins his latest article with a You Tube clip; it's to the right. If you are a sports fan, you too will listen to it 23 times in 48 hours. The article is great too, (hilarious section on Luol Deng) but if you're not a sports fan, you'll appreciate the first three paragraphs and then move on with your life.

Second, the last time I wrote a PSR, an anonymous "fan" said that I wrote "french benefits" instead of fringe benefits. Yes, I did. And this was on purpose, mostly to pay tribute to one of the greatest commercials of the early 21st century. My buddies Crispino and Watts love this commercial, too, and I think I've mimicked it enough that it's used in their daily conversation - not as much as I use it, though.

Now to business...It's a great time to be from Pittsburgh. The PSR feels the sun shining on us and for good reason:

The Steelers Super Bowl victory, as documented in a previous entry, is more than meaningful. There is a large difference in this bunch versus the team that beat Seattle three years earlier. This time, our head coach understands the franchise is measured in Super Bowl trophies and I truly feel they will be ready for the draft, mini-camp, training camp, and the 2009 schedule. We are also in serious discussions with James Harrison - understanding his true value as a player and leader.

Beating San Jose on Wednesday was huge for the Penguins. The night before, the Sharks put a thumping on Boston - the best team in the Eastern Conference, and defeating a team of their caliber goes a long way, even if they are not in the same conference. Since the last PSR, the Penguins have gone 7-5-1. It's good enough to give me hope they'll turn it on, but bad enough to expect them to fall short of the postseason. They just need to remember how to score again.

Pitchers and catchers report today for the Pirates and position players will report the beginning of next week. I'm excited about the hometown nine, excited about the coaching, excited at the development, and excited that we've draped ourselves in new uniforms. Pirate fans count to date: at least 602 - we passionate baseball lovers enjoy the sound of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt; a sign of hope eternal (and by eternal, I mean through May 10th.)

There has been a lot of buzz on ESPN about Pitt facing UConn this Monday. I will be recording the contest (due to coaching obligations) and relying on my loyalty to the program to get them through the first half. However, the Panthers face Cincinnati tomorrow and the Bearcats are no slouch. They've won three in a row and are determined to get a quality win for the tournament committee to notice.

And how about Duquesne basketball! I don't remember the last time the Dukes were at the top half of the Atlantic 10 standings. The victory over Xavier was great, but beating a better Temple team at home would go a long way towards conference legitimacy

Family Notes:

In Pitt's recent defeat of West Virginia, Christa was working the media table and located behind Coach Bob Huggins. We get a good shot of my sister with about 12 minutes to go in the game. ESPN zooms in on Huggy Bear who is visibly angered by his team's lack of defense, and in the background is Christa, smiling and giving commentary to her two worker friends. So proud one of us made ESPN.

Mom and Dad share this spot because they are currently in Florida on vacation in Orlando attending a wedding. Christa is there as well (I guess she's on vacation time) and they are enjoying the sunshine and paradise that comes with Florida. They never tell me this stuff (or at least that I can remember.) This is the fourth time in 3 years they've gone on vacation, called me while they were there to inform me, and me being in the dark. But I'm glad they're living the good life.

Mammaw's been my valentine forever. I miss her a ton and hope she's doing well.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Black, Red, and White All Over

2009-02-08T07:10:00.007-05:00

On Saturday night, I had the privilege of attending the Davidson vs. College of Charleston basketball tilt. The outcome was not very good for the home team as the Wildcats not only lost on national television, but had their Southern Conference winning streak of 43 snapped, as well as their 27-game home winning streak.

The buzz around the campus was palpable throughout the week. After all, Davidson would be welcoming Dick Vitale to this tiny college and there was no reason to believe the team would stumble, even to a formidable conference foe. Throughout February or so, Davidson was promoting a "Black-Out Belk" event - people could purchase a "Black-Out Belk" t-shirt for the game, creating a unified and fairly intimidating scene for the visiting Cougars (it should be noted that the proceeds for purchasing the t-shirts went to charity.)

After the defeat I went home and, like most rip-roaring Saturday nights, looked for the best basketball game on TV around 10PM. What do you know - New Mexico State at Nevada. And hey, looky there - everyone in Nevada's arena is wearing white in hopes of creating a White-Out. I would say that 75% of the lower bowl was wearing white with less that half of the home faithful wearing their white garb - it didn't look that impressive.

Same night - Duquesne upsets Xavier and the home crowd is wearing RED t-shirts for a Red OUT!!!

Same night - Gonzaga distribute free navy t-shirts to everyone in the crowd for their contest against Memphis. THEY WEREN'T EVEN PLAYING IN THEIR HOME ARENA; they played at the downtown site to hold more paying customers. I would say a hair more than half of these folks proudly displayed their ZAGS shirt for the big NAVY OUT.

In this small sample of color overload, the home team won once and lost three. This really bothered me when I woke up the next morning. How could a fan be given one option of shirt to wear to a game? It looked more like a marketing ploy to get the attention of a cable audience. Charleston, New Mexico State and Memphis didn't care much about how many of the same t-shirt their hosts wear wearing; they took it to their hosts and probably used it more as fuel to their fire than as an extinguisher.

I can remember the first OUT I saw as a youth. Back in high school, I was a pretty large sports nerd (shock) and would watch late-night, west coast playoff hockey. While at a friend's house for a raucous Friday night high school party - that included pizza and Super Nintendo - we watched the Phoenix Coyotes have their entire crowd dressed in white. That was the coolest thing I had seen at a sporting event - it literally looked like a white shield along the glass. I'm 99% sure the Coyote fans did not receive a free t-shirt for attending the game; it was just a tradition the local paper started that worked really well.

And since copying is the best form of flattery, I remember during my senior year of high school, putting signs all along the halls of Fox Chapel, requesting for my friends and acquaintances to wear white for Senior Night of the basketball season. I know it wasn't like having 18,000 hockey fans, but it was to show a sign of unity and I know that Joe and Andy and Tsai would think it was super cool. Well, I think 40-45 kids read the memo and instead of looking like a mob squad, it looked like we called each other the night before to pick matching outfits.

The day after the Davidson game, I watched Illinois destroy the visiting Purdue Boilermakers and the whole crowd was wearing orange. That was loyalty at its finest. Fans need to want to wear their team's colors and logo, not be told it would be the cool thing to do or catch the eyes of people watching television. When you go to a Nebraska Cornhusker football game, try getting through the gates wearing anything except red. Do you think anyone in Green Bay has a Packer jersey? What about at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park - do you think those fans organize a NAVY OUT so their team knows they support them?

Having an OUT is as much of a representation of loyalty as vegetarian wearing a fur coat. Let's do what we can to keep OUTS out of our sports culture. And if you are going to stamp a requirement on the color you are going to wear to a contest, here are three rules that must be applied:

Rule #1 - If you don't wear the color that you are asked to drape yourself in, you are ejected from the game. You either are not a fan or you're too shallow.

Rule #2 - The home team is allowed one OUT per season. Failure to create a complete OUT results in a three-year probation from "forced attire regulations."

Rule #3 - No distribution of shirts for free as a gimmick. You must all wear the same color of cloak that you own or a t-shirt whose purchases all go to charity. Note: if you are not going to wear the shirt after the specified OUT, you will be asked to return the item to the distributor once the game is over and be banned from admittance for the remainder of the season.

Colors, mascots, and logos are what fans live for in what they choose to wear. Here's to fan loyalty and never once feeling like you were left OUT.

Could Never Imagine...

2009-02-05T09:52:00.002-05:00

First I would like to apologize for not submitting an entry in over two weeks. Part of it was due to a lack of free time, but it was mostly because the consummate presence circulating through my head for the past 15 days revolved around the Steelers.

The Steelers did not need me to write how I thought the outcome would unfold or break down what I will do leading to the Super Bowl. I tried to maintain my regular lifestyle, prepare like I always prepare for life’s challenges, and treat the next game like the previous one. And since this was stated by our head coach, Mike Tomlin, and since I feel a sacred kinship with him – having both survived William and Mary and long to be great coaches – I felt compelled to obey.

Every passing day between the Ravens game and the Cardinals game, it sunk in more and more that we were in the Super Bowl, culminating with this past Sunday. And yes, I was nervous and hopeful, but at the same time, I had a confidence that everything was going to be OK. Since defeating the Seahawks three Super Bowls ago, I really never imagined us returning to the big game until ten years or so down the line – not for any good reason – I just thought the NFL’s parity would give way to the Chargers or Jaguars, or Jets making it there. Coupled with the difficult schedule, I was hoping, like every season, to make the playoffs and take the postseason tournament one game at a time. This was all a bonus.

Super Bowl Sunday was terrific on a number of fronts, some deeper than others. I just had an enormous amount of pride for my family and the city and culture that I was shaped by through the Steelers (how’s that for deep.) The day went by slowly for me. I finally made it to the national anthem and, after its conclusion, I assumed my usual position on the floor, hoodie on, no food, no folks around to comment, no yelling, just me and my television for the next 3.5 hours.
There really isn’t a facet to the game that I’ve uncovered that has not been detected over the last three days. I recorded it so I can find nuances that I might not have spotted the first time. Of the many sports theories I have, a strong one is - being up 13 points is a 95% guarantee that you will lose the lead.

What do you know?

The Cardinals go-ahead touchdown was probably the best thing that could have happened to us. Instead of pretending to protect a lead in the biggest game of the season, we attempted to snatch the victory. Truthfully, I was hoping for overtime; I yearned for Ben not to throw over the middle too much and hoped he used good judgment throwing the ball away if he were in trouble. When Santonio got us to the 5 with his catch and run – I still never imagined we would punch it in. With Warner turning the ball over in this same spot in the first half, I thought we would be super-conservative.

And after Santonio made the catch and the referee signaled ‘touchdown,’ I pointed at the clock on the television at how much time was left. There was no time to celebrate. (That’s not entirely true; I was politely asking Skippy to make the extra point, while noting the 35 seconds left in the game for Warner to break our hearts.)

BAM - Warner to Fitzgerald to the Arizona 43 and Warner to Arrington across midfield in a blink of an eye. So now I was thinking he’d go for an outside pass for another 20 yards before setting up a heave to Fitzgerald. I was stunned to see Warner dance in the pocket, buying time in hopes of a deep bomb in the end zone – that didn’t make any sense to me. When he was sacked, and Keisel recovered the fumble – I really didn’t think they were going to count the play. That’s not what the Cardinals drew-up, was it? The confirmation of a fumble and a recovery by us happened so quickly that once Ben took a knee and the game was over, I had this quizzical look on my face; “did we just win the Super Bowl?”

Since that fumble, it has sunk in more and more. I’ve been on the phone a bit with family and friends and It’s an unbelievable feeling of pride and accomplishment when you care about something so much. I have a “Complain-free” theory that I use when my teams win a championship. I am not allowed to moan about my team for five years post-title and an additional 4-year extension for every title during those five years (as well as no complaining about ANYTHING until the next championship contest for that sport.)

I’m good until 2015.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Four to Four

2009-01-20T08:46:00.005-05:00

The Davidson Lady Cats had a road match against Georgia Southern on Saturday, January 17th. The team departed from Davidson around 4PM on Friday afternoon headed south for their overnight stay and afternoon tussle with the Eagles.

This left the men's team on campus with me staying with them to run the weekend's practices. While I was a little down about not getting to watch the ladies defeat Georgia Southern (and stay for the basketball team's victory at Georgia Southern,) it was a nice opportunity to work with the entire men's team.

We started at 4PM on Friday with Ninja Room activities (write if you'd like this workout) and worked our way to the pool for 80 minutes of fairly intense training (again, you may see me for details.) There were only two swimmers to a lane and, when asked to swim with a teammate that you don't normally train with, the guys assembled smoothly and worked accordingly.

After practice concluded, I brought the team together and stated we would be having our next practice at MIDNIGHT followed by a trip to our neighborhood Waffle House. And while the mix of reactions was worth recording, team trudged through the single-degree temperatures six hours later, returning to the pool for our Midnight Madness practice. It was a terrific scene; the guys all plugging away at the routine without complaint or general signs of sleepiness. We concluded the escapade with a talk about what it means to race anytime and anywhere and promptly hopped on the blocks for some relay races around 1:30AM.

Terrific all-around! Once finished swimming, showered, dressed, and on deck, the team and myself assembled for our trip to Waffle House.

And that's when we really became a team. There is not one outlying story to our trip to Waffle House. There's just something about that place that is unforgettable. I can clearly recall the now three times I've visited the fine establishment. The first was as a sophomore in high school when our baseball team traveled to Cocoa Beach, Florida. We didn't have any breakfast so we ate at the Waffle House adjacent to the hotel. I really didn't think much of it other than I was not too sure about the people I was eating with at 10AM; looked a little rough around the edges and probably bothered by a couple of teenagers ruining their morning.

The second was as a sophomore in college. I had visited my good friend Robby at Duke on a Thursday night (April 5) and after an evening of solid collegiate fun and antics, we dined at the Durham, NC Waffle House around 3AM. I had never been so scared about where I was eating in my life. Not only was I not too sure about the people I was eating with, but I wasn't too keen about the people waiting on us. As the driver, I implored the three guys with me, including Robby, to eat quickly. Of course they stayed as long as they could.

And now, the third encounter with this fine southern eatery. We arrived around 2:30AM. Since I had not been to a Waffle House in eight years, I never realized that there were not many tables for 8 or 10. There were hardly any tables for four, mostly just tables for two and seats at the counter. But with the fifteen of us, we dominated the left side of the restaurant. Not too bad.

Unfortunately for us, we didn't all get served at the same time or sometimes not at all. After five minutes, the Waffle House became more and more crowded and customers a little less "focused." People start to pace around our tables, glaring in hopes that we would leave. After all, there wasn't any food on our table so we must have finished eating. Oh to the contrary...

I sat with one of our talented freshmen. We ordered the same thing, "The All Star," which came with a waffle. We never got that waffle, only the bill from the half-awake waitress that included the waffle. The freshman seemed pretty agitated and I just wanted to leave. As I approached the register, another freshman was in front of me waiting to pay. His main obstacle was not footing the bill but the very touchy-feely 50-something lady sitting next to the cashier looking for someone to put the moves on. Awesome. She proceeded to maneuver herself on most of the team, which prompted me to be the last one out of the Waffle House to make sure no late-might molestation took place.

After sprinting out of the store, I drove my table company home to his dorm and settled into my niche on Lake Park. It was now 4AM.

Those twelve hours were unforgettable on so many fronts. To go from a scene in "Remember the Titans" to "Groundhog Day" to "Dumb and Dumber" in such a short time is a lot for the brain to handle. And as the boys got the opportunity to sleep through the Saturday morning, I awoke a few hours later, headed to John's house to feed his puppy while he was still in Georgia.

Perhaps I should have taken her to Waffle House. My waffle might have been ready by then...

It'll Never Happen

2009-01-14T13:12:00.008-05:00

For people that follow college football and the NCAA, we've had about a week to digest Florida defeating Oklahoma for the BCS National championship. Like the other 100% of the country (sans Miles Brand and not-financially-strapped university presidents) I am in favor of a playoff and much like 90% of us, I would/can/have designed a playoff that would work for Division-I football.

Through all of this pondering about how to save the day in college football, I've concluded that I don't want to save the day anymore. It's not really fun following college football, at least through the months of September through January. I know there are millions of Boise State, TCU, and Utah fans that feel their teams are legitimate national champion contenders and should be in the discussion with the Oklahomas and the Texases and the USCs of the world - and I fully agree with them.

But even as these mid-major teams struggle for supremacy, I watch SportsCenter today and read columns about college football for next season, and they've ALREADY ranked the top five-10-15 teams in the country. How is this possible? And guess who's in the discussion for the national title next season: Florida (loss to Mississippi,) USC (loss to Oregon State,) Texas (loss to Texas Tech, who we found only plays offense,) and Oklahoma (2 losses.) Why wouldn't Utah be ranked #2 in the land going into next season? Now, going into next fall, the mid-majors have been penalized because they haven't won any meaningful games in June? This is like your parents forcing you to rake all of the leaves in the neighborhood with a fork...and they you actually rake those leaves with that fork...and then they ground you for getting the silverware so dirty.

This is why I've decided to stop worrying about college football and the polls and nonsense of mid-December through January. It's a battle I can't win as long as the current system is in place. I'll continue to cheer for Pitt, but no longer will I hope the BCS has the worst possible scenario happen to them. We have discovered that no matter how unfair the current system is, it's not going to change and actually thrives on being unfair. And as frustrated as Utah must be this season, they have to take pride in knowing they are better than the current system. They have won the support of many other fans who team will never have a chance to win a national title or even be ranking in the top 25. As long as reputation, speculation, and unknowledgeable voters control this part of athletics, we will be destined for the doghouse for doing exactly what we've been told.

--- If you have an analogy you'd like to use for college football, let us know about it...

The Pittsburgh Report - January 10th

2009-01-09T20:21:00.007-05:00

I have quite a bit on my mind about our hometown heroes. Most of this rant is attributed to nerves and anxiety, but I march on...

* The Steelers will put a bow on Divisional Weekend with a tussle against the Super Chargers on Sunday. This game screams of turnovers and if we can just stay on the plus side, I think we'll be OK. I'm hoping we score more than 11 points because I think San Diego's going to score more than ten.

* The Penguins are depressing me something fierce. They don't remember how to win and, what's worse, they can't stop terrible teams from DESTROYING them or mounting three-goal comebacks. If the playoffs were today, we'd be out...that's just not acceptable. I'm giving them ten more games...

* I was genuinely excited about the Pirates being INTERESTED in Rocco Baldelli joining their 2009 roster. Never mind that he has life-threatening illnesses; he was on the Cinderella Rays team that just made it to the World Series. This enthusiasm was quickly deflated today with the news that the mighty Red Sox signed him. I know he'll be the quality fifth outfielder Boston was looking for. Pirate fans count to date: at least 40 - PirateFest is just around the corner.

* Pitt football - So I was totally distraught coaching practice on December 31st during Pitt's Sun Bowl appearance against the Beavers of Oregon State. Practice concluded at 4PM and we had to make our 2nd grocery store trip in three days for those kids on the team that don't know how to shop. By the time we returned to our hotel, it was 5PM and I figured I had missed a ton of action. Not only did a miss NOTHING, but with 10 minutes left in the game, I proceeded to watch more NOTHING. A 3-0 loss later, I was really glad Christa didn't make the trip to El Paso for a missed 58-yard field goal. At least we made a bowl...

* Pitt basketball - I quickly called my dad this past Tuesday to remind him to save the front page of the Post-Gazette declaring PITT THE NUMBER ONE TEAM in the USA. I can still remember my buddy Joe and I going to games in Fitzgerald Field House, blowing 20-point leads with 5 minutes to play against Rutgers as the two team battled for eighth place supremacy in the Big East. We've come so far. St. John's is on Sunday and they've just beaten Notre Dame...it should be a fun ride.

Family Notes:
Christa is working that St. John's game on Sunday, as well as helping with the Lady Panthers on Saturday. She's really enjoying being involved in the Pitt athletic department. I'm just hoping she gets some awesome french benefits...

Dad is contemplating attending the SuperCharger/Steeler game in on Sunday in the dark in the cold with 65,000 of his closest friends. The cold weather keeps him away from the golf course, and since he put the Christmas tree away last weekend, I'm betting he goes.

Mom has read "Marley and Me" and is now seeing the movie with my dad, Dr. John, and Mrs. Dr. John. I'm so happy that my mother gets to not only go out in public AND be with other human life, but can also view a movie about a retriever. Good for you Ma!

* Side note - Christa and I renewed Mom and Dad's 8-game plan for the Pirates' 2009 season. Unfortunately, I had selected seats in right field, but they preferred passes on the third base side. This past week, I phoned the Pirate office and asked if I could make the switch. Andrew, the gentleman on the other end, stated: "That's not a problem...just tell your dad that when he PICKS ANY OF THE EIGHT GAMES HE WANTS as well as TWO ADDITIONAL GAMES FOR FREE, to just TELL US WHERE HE WANTS TO SIT and we'll make it happen."

I guess we have room for more season ticket holders. If only everything were as easy as ordering Pirate tickets. Have a great start to your year!

The Sunshine State of Mind

2009-01-05T19:27:00.005-05:00

It’s been a while since checking in and for that, I apologize. This will be my fourth attempt at entering an update. Florida has been terrific on many fronts. Since the first practice on Monday the 29th, the weather has cooperated with plentiful sunshine and heat. We’ve been able to follow through our schedule without any problems, which has set the bar fairly high for the future.

Trips like these are special, especially for someone who is domesticated. Here have been some of the daily highlights:

Tuesday - Beautiful weather leads to lots of jogging. For the first time, I used something called sunscreen. It's SPF 30 and called Pirates of the Caribbean Continuous Sun Care. Since it's Jack Sparrow's official sunblock, I've decided it's the only kind I will wear for the rest of my life.

Wednesday - Great game of night football. The guys allowed me to play quarterback, which I relished. I also WENT INTO THE OCEAN and explored underwater, something I had not done since swimming through a storm while training at William and Mary - I was in much less danger this time around.

Thursday - Happy New Year...but you would not be able to tell because every day seems the same when you are swimming and sleeping and eating and repeating. Nevertheless, I WENT INTO THE OCEAN AGAIN and swam probably too far into sea. One of the team members that will remain anonymous came along for the adventurous swim - apparently we drew a crowd from the life guarding staff.

Friday - Very special day because I got to see Patty. Her roommate in Los Angeles was getting married in Fort Myers (which is 2.5 hours away) and we spent lunch through dinner either driving on Alligator Alley or enjoying the Gulf Coast. We return to our hotel in Deerfield Beach around 11PM.

Saturday - More jogging and football and volleyball and digging of holes. My boss, John, informs us that digging holes in beaches causes more deaths in the world than sharks. We immediately fill the hole.

Sunday - Our best football game of the trip - lots of offense and the recruitment of a french lad. We went to an Italian restaurant and I ate more than I had in the previous three days combined (not necessarily one of my better ideas.)

Monday - Very warm day spent inside resting the legs and getting work done.

These highlights are the minute compared to the training that's taking place in Deerfield Beach. I could speak at great length about the training, and it's made relive my teaching days grading my group with every practice and noting the positives and "non-positives" of that particular two-hour practice.

You may notice a new photo greeting you at the top of the blog. These are the distance swimmers of Davidson College, a.k.a my primary responsibility. I do get to coach every Wildcat throughout the course of the season, but these ten see me the most. Each of them has been nothing short of outstanding since arriving in Florida. Their frame of mind has allowed them to be so productive, to challenge one another, and to maximize their fitness and racing prowess.

This is what Florida is meant to be...an oasis from the Davidson rigors, the Great White North, the responsibility that comes with staying out of trouble during winter break. Tuesday, January 6th marks that final day of practice and while I wish we didn't have to leave, it's time to put our practice to good use. The experience has been tremendous and if you need a more detailed account, don't hesitate to ask!

From the Other Side

2008-12-20T10:24:00.004-05:00

There has been so much to look forward to between the last day of finals on Davidson's campus (December 18th) to the first day of the spring semester (January 12th.) I've been visiting many families and friends over this extended time away from my current residence and it's all been terrific, complete with many highlighted moments. Two of these highlights from Northern Virginia and Pittsburgh came in watching Fairfax High School battle Westfield on Friday night and Paul VI compete on Saturday.

Now I've only known Fairfax High School Swimming and Diving from the coaching perspective and the unique experience from watching behind the glass certainly was a challenge. But observing kids you used to coach and opponents you used to try to defeat from up top was enjoyable, if not unique. The races and dives came and went and once the meet concluded, the best moments soon followed. Being able to congratulate so many members of the team made the trip worth-while. I wanted to pull 70 chairs together right there in the Wakefield parking lot and have a huge talk with the group about how much I missed them and how much I think about their season as it unfolds. There is never enough time to get caught-up with every one's happenings in a 5-second handshake or hug. It was special, though, and it couldn't have commenced my Christmas any better.

The following day I saw Michelle (Patty's youngest sister and my favorite person) swim for Paul VI. Michelle had not swum on any other team other than Villa during the summer and in this her senior season, she decided to dedicate three months to swimming for a more intense program. Not only did she do well in the relays, but she looked terrific in the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly, two events she would not have dreamed of swimming just one month earlier. Two other Villa swimmers, Marcus and Connor toughed it out in difficult events, leaving their comfort zones of sprint freestyle to face more challenging obstacles head-on, like the 200 IM and 500 free.

When you cultivate these relationships with athletes, witnessing their successes is a privilege. To see Fairfax guys and girls beat Westfield and to see those PVI swimmers makes my so glad to be associate with athletics. It's ironic how, in the previous entry, I wrote about what it takes to be a fan. Until last weekend, I never thought about the transformation of coach to fan and how can have such a profound effect on me. I may not always be the coach for those kids for that season, but I'll always be their fan.

Being a Fan

2008-12-15T21:29:00.003-05:00

The biggest game in the AFC took place yesterday in Baltimore and I had been looking forward to it about five minutes after the Cowboy win. CBS moved the previously scheduled 1PM Steelers at Ravens match-up to accommodate more national attention and casual fans. Like many Sundays, I plan my day around the Steeler game. I've been lucky, in many regards, that a) many of the games this season have been on national television or b) if I did not get the game, I had Christa texting me updates every 4 minutes with what was happening because I was not near a television, Internet, or telephone-appropriate atmosphere.

I didn't really think twice about the Ravens game - I would get home from the office at 4:10PM and calmly sit on the floor, like always, and will the guys on to victory.

Unfortunately for me, the ONLY regions in the United States of America that were not showing this clash of gladiators were Denver and CHARLOTTE. Thanks a lot Panthers.

Now if any of you know much about my elitist fan habits, many things may and may not occur when I watch my teams. Of the 18 rules I religiously uphold, in the top three is never watching games in public. I don't deal well with unintelligent commentary, cheering, chit-chat about how work is going, people that claim to be fans and embarrass our fine city and my family, smoke, the opposing fans, people who are "smarter" than the coaches, people who think they are smarter than me, and people cheering for their fantasy players. But here I was at a crossroads. I could stay in my apartment, hitting the refresh button on the computer with extreme vigor and hoping they show highlights every 5 minutes, or I could go somewhere to watch the game.

I reluctantly pick up the phone and start dialing some numbers. First option - only showing the Panthers game. Second option - we don't show games. Third option - Tropicana Sports Bar. I call and the "gentleman" on the phone says something like "yeah we're showin' the Steelers game on one of these TVs." Out the door...

(Here's how one person describes my destination: "The building itself is fairly non-descript. It shares a parking lot with a smoke shop, and a small sign on the roof is your only clue that you are looking at a sports bar. The atmosphere is definitely unpretentious and laid-back. It isn't super-spacious, but let's face it: at the end of the night, after you've already had a few, it doesn't really matter.")

(Chagrin)

Upon entering, the SEVEN people around the bar are watching the Panthers game and in the corner on a 25-inch box is my game. The bar table directly in front of the game has one ashtray, one Styrofoam cup and no people. And there I would sit - for roughly three full quarters gazing at the defensive slobber-knocker.

Since I'm a fairly positive person, let's start with the positives of the experience. First, I had a seat. Second, no one sat with me. Third, did I mention I had a seat.

But damn it, the boys needed me. If I needed to drive through the rain and inhale the smoke, listen to "GO D'ANGELO" for when the Panthers' RB would run, tolerate the swearing, spilled booze, randoms throwing 100% accurate nuggets of knowledge my way, no volume, and the darkness, than that's what I was going to do. That's what happens, though, when you're a fan. You'll do things you never thought you would because YOU affect your team's fate. They need your focus and subliminal play calling through the television to get into the endzone. You need to only eat non-fruit items at halftime because that's what the team would want you to do.

And with just over three minutes remaining in the game, down 3 and 92 yards away from the endzone, Tropicana did seem like such a bad place. Our boys shrugged off 57 minutes of JV offense to score an incredible touchdown a catapult us to a North Division crown. The game was a classic and I was so proud of our guys for looking at the Ravens nose-to-nose and walking away as the better defense (and offense.) There were so many big plays that determined the outcome that it's hard to anoint anyone the players of the game. And I saw it.

After getting in the truck, I immediately called Robby to get his reactions and get a gauge for his excitement. He proceeded to state that we won the game because of what he had done in the bar right before every possession the Steelers scored upon and thus, we owe the first-round bye to him.

I'd like to think we both had something to do with it - maybe even more than usual.

The Pittsburgh Report - December 12th

2008-12-10T22:26:00.005-05:00

Every so often, I'll be posting my thoughts on how things are going in the homeland. This could range from how the Steelers recap of the previous week, to how the schools still don't close despite 18 inches of snow - to what Mammaw made for Sunday dinner. It will most likely be in bullet format, but if I get really fired-up, I may throw in the occasional rant. Enjoy:

* The Steelers are in a battle this week. Hines has a great quote about the Ravens: “Anybody in purple, they’re hated. It’s a respect, but there’s no love for them. They’re not inviting me to come out and eat crab cakes with them.” Both team will want to control the ball and field position. Watch out for Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth - if they have big games, we'll win.

* The Penguins had lost 3 in a row before beating the Islanders by a touchdown. It's a game they needed to win, but I hope they saved some goals for their next 12 against conference foes.

* In honor of the Pirates selecting Donnie Veal in the Rule 5 Draft, I wore my Buccos sweatshirt to practice today. This is a sign that we are moving up - I hope. Pirate fans count to date: 20

* Pitt football - At last, the boys are in the Sun Bowl with nine wins playing on New Year's Eve - count me as someone that did not think that would happen after losing to Bowling Green in the first game.

* Pitt basketball - I'm going to have a lot of fun watching them this season. They've had some nice wins against Washington State and Texas Tech. Tomorrow they face Siena, one of the surprise NCAA tournament teams last season.

Family Notes:

Christa continues to work hard for the Pitt sports information department. I really hope they consider taking her to El Paso for the Sun Bowl. I promise that no one in the Salerno family tree will have ever traveled farther for their job.

Dad went to the Steeler/Cowboy game last week and stated it was "the coldest he's ever been in his life." But, he says, "all the idiots that yell were too cold to stand and make jag-offs of themselves. So that was nice."

Mom is currently looking for non-pleated pants for me for Christmas. This will mark the 18th straight Christmas I look to upgrade my wardrobe solely on December 25th. Thanks Mom!

Have a great weekend everyone!

That Was Then, That Was Now

2008-12-08T23:08:00.003-05:00

I remember when I was about 10 years old and I discovered our soccer team would be going to an outdoor tournament in the Middle of Nowhere, Ohio. I was really excited at the prospect of STAYING IN A HOTEL and getting to PLAY SOCCER WITH MY FRIENDS against COMPLETE STRANGERS in the BITTER AUTUMN CHILL. I specifically remember playing in short sleeves (despite the snow) and feeling so tough - even if I was only ten. We returned to Ohio a few other times for soccer and each tournament was just as enjoyable as the previous year's. And yes, I still continued to wear short sleeves.

Fast forward to this past weekend. When I had heard of the prospect of traveling NORTH to Ohio for a swim meet, again I was extremely excited. I had never been to this particular Middle of Nowhere, Ohio (Gambier) but I could not help but recall those frigid days in shin guards, on the pitch, with my pals, playing great games and having a blast.

Our trip this past weekend was a success on many fronts. First, the team broke ten school records, which is not easy to do when you are not fully tapered. Even if records were not broken, most of the 23 Wildcats that made the voyage swam season bests and stood toe-to-toe with some of the fastest swimmers in the country, noteably Penn, host-Kenyon, and Kansas' women's team. Second, no one got hurt or sick. You might think this is a silly success, but I am surprised how over-prepared the team was for the elements. Some brought hats and gloves and others we ready for the Ididarod.

Most importantly, though, the team continued to grow a little closer. It's amazing how people's perspectives change when you witness a teammate achieve a best time, have a good continental breakfast, or chase squirrels in the snow for five minutes. Instantly, being nervous for the 400IM does not seem so daunting because, after all, you know what you're doing and you'll be great for swimming it. Yes, the team was tired at times, but that comes with the travel, the late nights studying in the hotel lobby and, most noteably, the pressure-inflicted racing.

These trips are very special because they are so rare and such a terrific chance to be away. We may never get snow in Davidson this year and we may not swim against teams this fast. It all refers back to opportunity and making the most of that chance. I have the opportunity to be around some very special kids every day and to know that they enjoyed their trip to Kenyon made my experience that much more fulfilling.

I'm sure that if I were in a profession that required continuous travel from state to state and time zone to time zone, the luster of relocating would dim. There's just something great about knowing your will be STAYING IN A HOTEL and getting to COMPETE WITH FRIENDS against COMPLETE STRANGERS in the BITTER AUTUMN CHILL that is very enticing. The swimmers made my first adventure to Gambier very memorable - almost as if I were ten all over again.

My New Makos

2008-12-04T16:07:00.001-05:00

Back in 2004 when I was wrestling with the idea of becoming a year-round swim coach, there was an array of doubts drawing me away from such a prospective opportunity. My primary questions I can’t posing to myself was “would my coaching principles become too myopic to the sport of swimming and, almost more important, would my coaching philosophies shift more to the individual than the team?”

My four years on-board with Makos brought more optimism from the sport than I could ever imagine. I know that I would not be in Davidson without the guidance that I received from my USS experiences and my fellow coaches.

Since moving to Davidson, I never thought that I would miss Makos as much as I do. The increased responsibility over the years was both humbling and very rewarding. I had two groups of my own and I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. On one group I had teenagers that were starting to commit themselves to the sport and rising to new feats in their age groups. In the other groups, I had middle school swimmers that were looking to not only get better, but to continue to improve and enjoy the occasional thrill of competition. Both had positive attitudes and they grew on me with every practice and competition; they are irreplaceable.

Now I have the responsibility of coaching two groups for the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club comprised of swimmers that have quite a few differences from my Makos groups. The first group of swimmers, labeled the Junior Swim League, meets for 45 minutes. All of these kids are great in their own right. Half of them think I’m pretty lame, a quarter of them think I’m entertaining, and the remaining fourth usually are underwater when we are trying to accomplish something…anything. Note – this proportion is eerily similar with the college swimmers. The second Mecklenburg group is labeled Teen Fit (similar to the ‘High School’ group of Makos.) They is a lot of talent there, but many of them are unpolished in several aspects of the sport and look as if the interest in swimming was never fully sparked.

MAC is much larger than Makos – it spans four different facilities across Mecklenburg Country and the Charlotte Metropolitan area. There are many differences to Carolina Swimming from the Potomac Valley, but one things remains – the opportunity to teach.

I don’t expect to form life-long bonds with these swimmers from North Carolina in a couple of months. It took a lot of time, communication and good fortune for that to unfurl. For all I know, I might be on my way to open brand-new door to a future I could not have imagined (say, in 2012) thanks to MAC. But one thing that Makos and MAC have done is allowed me to continue to teach young people and stay enthusiastic about coaching and the sport of swimming. For both organizations, I am very grateful.

This weekend, I’m in Ohio and for the first time, a substitute will be monitoring my swimmers back in Davidson. I hope everything goes well – just like I hope it does back in Fairfax. I miss them all when I’m not around them.

Thank You for the Knowledge

2008-11-28T17:11:00.004-05:00

There's nothing like being home for Thanksgiving. I've been fortunate enough to return to Pittsburgh for all 27 Thanksgivings of my life, including all four years while attending William and Mary, all five years living in Northern Virginia and now this year while coaching at Davidson. Everything has been going very smoothly, including travel, Patty coming with her family, seeing all of the relatives and friends, and the food. Yesterday was loads of fun even with four lop-sided football matches. Those poor Lions...

Today has been great because I got to watch the Pitt/West Virginia game at home with my dad. This was fun on a number of fronts:

First, Pitt won. They had a terrific first drive and an excellent fourth quarter on both sides of the ball. The prospect of playing in a New Year's Day bowl increases with this solid victory.

Second, I was at home on the comforts of my couch. I guess I really can't claim it as "my couch" but I'm very grateful that my sister allowed me to use it.

Third, I got to watch the entire game at home with my dad. He's pretty much taught me everything I know, especially about how to be a knowledgeable fan. I'm sure many of us have memories of watching sports with your dad or mom or sibling. When I refer to the file cabinet in my brain for random sports trivia, I usually can recollect that precise moment where I was and who I was with. These memories very special and I know I won't lose them anytime soon. Today will go in that file cabinet.

Currently I'm watching the Nebraska-Colorado game and the analyst is commenting how "knowledgeable" Nebraska Cornhusker fans are. Personally, I think it's pretty high praise for a fan base to be nationally labeled as "knowledgeable." I know that I'm not a Cornhusker fan, but I bet the people of Nebraska have a lot of families that share similar memories as me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Living the Moment

2008-11-24T06:14:00.004-05:00

This weekend for me was spent at the Davidson Invitational, coaching our fine athletes for a three-day competition against similarly talented southern schools ranging from Old Dominion (CAA men's power) to Limestone (Division II power.) This also marked Week 12 of our season, almost exactly the midpoint between our first Labor Day practice and the conference championships in late February.

The team was using this meet as a great opportunity to see how tough we could remain in a preliminaries/finals format, selecting 5 or more races per individual, and not resting or wearing faster equipment, unlike the majority of the competition. For Davidson students, this week and the days leading to the Thanksgiving break are quite strenuous with schoolwork - many papers, exams, and late nights. Logging 24 hours of pool time over three days definitely puts a dent into studying.

This meet, too, was probably the third to fifth most important competition of the student-athletes' season. There will be bigger races as the season unfolds and the monotony of being in the same environment for a month can feel bland and uninspiring. Yet, amidst fatigue, academic anxiety, and the sheer competitive environment, across the board, the team swam extremely well. I could write at length about each individual and their many successful races and has me very enthused at what awaits us in the coming months. But I want to hone-in on eight individuals in particular.

These individuals did all win (get first-place) at some point over the weekend. They are very dedicated workers, very competitive, very self-motivated. This is not to say that others on the team do not possess these attributes, because they certainly do. The proof in achieving best times is evidence of the former.

The separation, however, comes by living the moment.

John, our head coach, often uses this in describing someone who understands the stakes and embraces the challenge. Many athletes and teams are capable of winning, but to absorb the opportunity and capture the victory remains elusive, especially when the stakes are at its zenith. No, the stakes weren't incredibly high this weekend. The competition, though, was very good and not as beat-up from training as we were.

Opportunity.

We should not have broken any college records at the invitational, yet we broke three. Those three record-setting performances came from three individuals that anyone would love to root for. The other five victors, too, are high-character, hard-working kids that enjoy being Wildcats and are enthralled with leading their squads. They don't gloat, they don't cut corners, and they don't worry about what they can't control. They live for the moment. They embrace the challenge.

This is what made this past weekend so enjoyable and so profound. In ten days, we'll be in Gambier, Ohio against faster swimmers in a charged environment. Our plan has been to make this meet in Gambier our fastest of the fall. As a team, we have had a very successful twelve week run and our twelve weeks ahead look very promising. It certainly will be difficult to better the swims we've posted at this point in the season with little rest, the lengthy travel, and the burden of knowing finals await the kids when they return.

Opportunity.

Watching the Wildcats

2008-11-20T05:23:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday evening, the Davidson Wildcats were in Norman, Oklahoma to take on the Sooners in a Preseason NIT game for the right to go to Madison Square Garden. A bunch of the coaches and members of the athletic department met at the only sports hub in Davidson to watch the 9:30PM tip-off on ESPN2. It was pretty neat and I'm glad I went, especially since social settings + sporting events usually don't mix well with me. Davidson fell short to beating Oklahoma by just four points after trailing by 21 with 13 minutes left and by 15 with 5 minutes left. Everyone was down, but not deflated - it was a quality showing by the Cats against the #12 team in the country.

Mostly everyone at this point knows about Stephen Curry. He pretty much put the Wildcats on his back and carried them all the way to the Elite Eight before falling 2 points short of beating national champion Kansas. Personally, I didn't know much about Davidson's team last year (or at any time) and didn't know what the big deal was. Even as he torched Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin, I just assumed that he was one of the players that is getting hot at the right moment and that it would only be a matter of time before he cooled.

That's not really the case with Steph.

Trust me, you've got to come down here to watch him play.

I don't think I've ever seen, in person, someone get the green light to shoot FROM ANYWHERE. Even as he continues to refine his passing and point guard skills, witnessing Steph at work is pretty cool. He's not selfish. He's not over-ambitious. He's a shooter in the purest sense of the word. Yes, he did throw up one air-ball and one missile straight off the glass. But that didn't deter him and probably never will.

So, when I was watching that ESPN2 telecast and Steph started accumulating all of those points, and the bar would erupt as the Oklahoma's lead shrank, I couldn't help but chuckle knowing I saw this team and that guy live. Davidson will have a huge following this season and who knows if it will last forever or if they are really bandwagoning to watch Curry shoot 500 times. It's pretty clear, though, that he's a remarkable player and I would really like to claim that I'm getting YOU tickets to come down here and watch him play.

Now that Davidson lost to the Sooners and since each of the 16 teams in the Preseason NIT are guaranteed 4 games, that means Davidson has to play two more games. Fortunately for us, Davidson was chosen as the host site, so Florida Atlantic (and Mike Jarvis!!!!!) James Madison, and Loyola of Maryland are coming here on Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving to play.

Two more opportunities to watch them play - in case you're interested.

Thursday Night Football

2008-11-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

This week my Steelers are playing the Bengals on the NFL Network on Thursday Night. When the schedule makers first released the 2008 slate of games, I noticed that November 20th was NOT Thanksgiving. "What a second," I thought to myself, "why are there Thursday Night games before Thanksgiving?"

Being a Steeler fan is more than being any other fan. We'd watch our team on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Halloween, Veterans' Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day, Arbor Day, any day. I will watch and study and cheer through the game just like every loyal Steeler fan. But I'm particularly puzzled why the National Football League continues to extend it's product to a time/day that it's loyal viewers are not accustomed to.

First, the Thursday Night game two weeks ago featuring the Browns and Broncos was not exactly the marquee match-up you should be drawing to open your network's season. Where's the appeal in that - come watch two mediocre AFC teams relive their glory days of the late '80s and have the Browns snatch defeat from the jaws of victory just like they did 20 years earlier.

Last week, the Jets and Patriots game was a classic game and a coming out party for Matt Cassel. I, unfortunately, had fallen asleep before his exceptional touchdown throw to Moss as well as the Favre-lead overtime. This leads to my second point - if you're going to mess with tradition, mess with it so people don't have to adjust too much. Move the game up 30 minutes or before 8PM so most of the country can enjoy the game when there's actually a decent game to watch.

Furthermore, the NFL was the only major sport that USED to be able to boast having all of their games available to anyone with a television. ESPN took Monday Night Football and we can live with that because, frankly, ESPN is basically on most football-watching fans' televisions. The NFL Network, as wonderful as it is, still eludes the majority of fans. How is it a good idea to force people to either leave the comforts of home or pony-up more money to find a cable provider or local bar to find the game? Not only is that bad business, it's dumb business.

Finally, since it's mid-November, I can't help but be reminiscent of my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. There's nothing like it. And there's nothing like it because of the three Fs: family, food, and football (usually in that order, but it all depends on a) how much trouble I'm in and b) if we get to play outside in the streets for sunrise to sunset. But since I can remember, we looked forward to watching the Lions play at 12:30PM and the Cowboys play at 4PM. That's the only Thursday we were treated to football. And that's what it was - a treat. I know that the game has grown, but it should not have grown too much to keep tradition. If we distribute treats routinely, we are no longer treated to them, we expect them.

This change is not a huge enough problem that the NFL will be seen in a darker image, at least for right now. But there are certain traditions and standards that should be maintained, and this is a small one that I would like to see preserved. We don't need to change the number of teams in the playoffs. We don't need to expand. We don't need to have a 4-point field goal or a three-point conversion or a Saturday Super Bowl. We certainly don't need any more Thursday Night football.

Unless you want to put the Browns on every Thursday Night - that would probably be fine with everyone.

A New Hobby

2008-11-16T20:54:00.000-05:00

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is getting to instruct spin classes. I never thought I would be writing this two months ago, but it's become a big responsibility and something I'm hoping to not only get good at, but expand.

The other assistant swimming coach, Jess, and I rotate weeks that we lead spinning as part of our dryland routine. This week (Nov. 17-22) is my sixth week leading the cycling circus. Usually we'll have to lead anywhere from 3-6 spinning sessions per week, which can wear you down by Friday.

As you probably know, I'm not a very "in-tune" with today's latest music. It would be very difficult to ride a bike as fast as you can to the sound of a baseball game on the radio or soft hits from the 80s. Nevertheless, I've gotten some help from members of the team and my arsenal of tunes has expanded quite a bit in these first three months.

Creating the mixes is tricky. You have to align the spinning activity with the songs and, depending on what you want to accomplish, can be very difficult for someone as Type A as me. Should I put a fast song here or later - should we climb a tough hill on this song or just wait for the refrain - will anyone really stay awake for this song?

One thing is for certain - I'm very glad I've been given this responsibility. Just last Tuesday, one of the people in charge of physical education at Davidson asked if I would teach a couple of spinning classes in the spring. Sounds good to me! I'm hoping to keep my library updated but that means I'll need everyone's help with collecting new songs - if you have a good, uptempo beat, send it my way. And if you'd like to try my instruction on for size, come to North Carolina for a free sample.