Friday, March 31, 2006
Skepticism over steroids probe
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has appointed a former U.S. Senate Majority Leader to head the investigation into steroids in baseball. This probe will be limited to happenings after September 2002, when baseball banned performancing-enhancing drugs. However, the investigation could be expanded.
Results will be made public; however, there's no word yet on how long the investigation will take.
I hope this is not some smokescreen baseball is putting up just as a public relations measure. Inquiries are only as good as the amount of energy someone is willing to put into them. I want to see this lead to real changes in the sport. I'd also like to know who has been cheating and who hasn't.
If a player can't honestly break records (hello, Barry Bonds), the achievements aren't worth all that much.
Results will be made public; however, there's no word yet on how long the investigation will take.
I hope this is not some smokescreen baseball is putting up just as a public relations measure. Inquiries are only as good as the amount of energy someone is willing to put into them. I want to see this lead to real changes in the sport. I'd also like to know who has been cheating and who hasn't.
If a player can't honestly break records (hello, Barry Bonds), the achievements aren't worth all that much.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Hoosier choice surprising
I really thought Indiana was going to choose Steve Alford as its next basketball coach. Instead, IU hired long-time Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson.
I can't imagine the IU faithful is really happy about this. Ever since Bobby Knight was tossed out, many Hoosier fans wanted some kind of link to the program's glory days. Instead of picking a past hero such as Alford, the program chose to go in a completely different direction. Sampson is a solid coach, but just I don't get it.
I can't imagine the IU faithful is really happy about this. Ever since Bobby Knight was tossed out, many Hoosier fans wanted some kind of link to the program's glory days. Instead of picking a past hero such as Alford, the program chose to go in a completely different direction. Sampson is a solid coach, but just I don't get it.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Living up to its moniker
The NFL has once again demonstrated that the moniker "No Fun League" is more fitting than "National Football League".
Owners voted 29-3 today to limit end zone celebrations, including those with props, such as Terrell Owens' use of a Sharpie to sign a football after a touchdown. A move like that will now earn a player a 15-yard penalty.
Oh, please. The end zone celebrations add color to a game. Who wants to see NFL games that are less animated than telecasts of the PBA Tour? The tour seems to encourage players to show personality on the lanes. Why can't the NFL do the same?
Owners voted 29-3 today to limit end zone celebrations, including those with props, such as Terrell Owens' use of a Sharpie to sign a football after a touchdown. A move like that will now earn a player a 15-yard penalty.
Oh, please. The end zone celebrations add color to a game. Who wants to see NFL games that are less animated than telecasts of the PBA Tour? The tour seems to encourage players to show personality on the lanes. Why can't the NFL do the same?
Monday, March 27, 2006
Recycled dramatic plots
In case you need a break from college basketball, we have a non-sports take today.
For those of you Everwood fans who are old school like me, did you get the feeling you were watching a recycled subplot from Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High?
Amy and Ephraim remind me a lot of Caitlin and Joey. When the Degrassi kids went on to high school, Caitlin ditched Joey in favor of socially-conscious Claude who turned her into an anti-nuke protestor. In tonight's Everwood episode, Amy's professor tried to get her involved in controversial causes. When Ephraim wanted to get back together with Amy, she gave him some dumb excuse about how she needed to find herself.
In short, the plot could be summed up as: agitator separates couple we want to see together. I don't really mind the story recycling so much. I wish Degrassi still lived on in cable somewhere.
For those of you Everwood fans who are old school like me, did you get the feeling you were watching a recycled subplot from Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High?
Amy and Ephraim remind me a lot of Caitlin and Joey. When the Degrassi kids went on to high school, Caitlin ditched Joey in favor of socially-conscious Claude who turned her into an anti-nuke protestor. In tonight's Everwood episode, Amy's professor tried to get her involved in controversial causes. When Ephraim wanted to get back together with Amy, she gave him some dumb excuse about how she needed to find herself.
In short, the plot could be summed up as: agitator separates couple we want to see together. I don't really mind the story recycling so much. I wish Degrassi still lived on in cable somewhere.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Pulling for George Mason
When Ohio State got knocked out of the NCAA tournament, I figured I no longer had a reason to keep watching or caring about March Madness.
I now have a reason. It's a longshot, but I hope George Mason wins the national championship. It was great to see Mason knock off UConn today to earn a spot in the Final Four.
Growing up in the New York City area, I was a St. John's fan, so I've never liked UConn. On top of that, we have a real underdog and virtual unknown in the Final Four. It's so refreshing to see one of the little guys make it to the big time, instead of a Duke.
Sports guys love good stories. Would there possibly be a better story out there than a team coming from almost nowhere to win a national title?
I now have a reason. It's a longshot, but I hope George Mason wins the national championship. It was great to see Mason knock off UConn today to earn a spot in the Final Four.
Growing up in the New York City area, I was a St. John's fan, so I've never liked UConn. On top of that, we have a real underdog and virtual unknown in the Final Four. It's so refreshing to see one of the little guys make it to the big time, instead of a Duke.
Sports guys love good stories. Would there possibly be a better story out there than a team coming from almost nowhere to win a national title?
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Former Knick tossed from Hall
Imagine taking your team to the NCAA tournament and getting fired shortly afterward. That's what happened to Seton Hall basketball coach Louis Orr. He was fired yesterday, just days after his team lost by 20 points in the first round of March Madness.
Why? The athletic director said Orr did a poor job recruiting in the New York City metropolitan area, where Seton Hall is located. The school has no recruits for next season.
That's completely unacceptable. If you're not able to bring in solid, young talent, how can you build anything for the future? You'd think a former New York Knick would have more street cred in the NYC area. He should be able to attact skilled players who want to play for a big school while staying close to home.
The football equivalent would be if Ohio State coach Jim Tressel watched the best players in the Buckeye State go to Michigan and Penn State. OSU would not stand for that.
Why? The athletic director said Orr did a poor job recruiting in the New York City metropolitan area, where Seton Hall is located. The school has no recruits for next season.
That's completely unacceptable. If you're not able to bring in solid, young talent, how can you build anything for the future? You'd think a former New York Knick would have more street cred in the NYC area. He should be able to attact skilled players who want to play for a big school while staying close to home.
The football equivalent would be if Ohio State coach Jim Tressel watched the best players in the Buckeye State go to Michigan and Penn State. OSU would not stand for that.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Ice Dancing worth watching
Tonight, I went with a group of friends to a neighborhood tavern to watch the NCAA basketball tournament. Another screen in the room showed an ice dancing competition.
Even though Boston College and Villanova were in overtime, skating had my attention. It had everything to do with the fact that Canada's Patrice Lauzon was on the tube. If you've never seen her, do a Google search. It will be worth the time spent. Let's just say that while some men prefer blondes, I certainly don't.
Even though Boston College and Villanova were in overtime, skating had my attention. It had everything to do with the fact that Canada's Patrice Lauzon was on the tube. If you've never seen her, do a Google search. It will be worth the time spent. Let's just say that while some men prefer blondes, I certainly don't.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Read between the lines
Steve Alford's name has been linked with several available jobs, including the now-vacant head coaching position at Indiana, his alma mater. However, Iowa's basketball coach says he has not scheduled any interviews with other schools.
Okay, coach. Does anyone think he'd readily admit that he is interviewing somewhere? Think about it. If you have a job, are you going to draw attention to the fact that you're looking for a better opportunity elsewhere? Of course not.
There's no way that he's not interested in the Indiana job. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he goes back to Bloomington.
Okay, coach. Does anyone think he'd readily admit that he is interviewing somewhere? Think about it. If you have a job, are you going to draw attention to the fact that you're looking for a better opportunity elsewhere? Of course not.
There's no way that he's not interested in the Indiana job. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he goes back to Bloomington.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Hope it didn't cost much
The Boston Red Sox recently signed the injury-prone Juan Gonzalez, 36, to a minor league contract. The team hopes he'll return to his old form. Gonzalez hit more than 40 home runs in a season five times during his career. He's had three seasons with at least 140 RBI.
I hope the Sox didn't spend much on Gonzalez because he's had a lot of time on the bench nursing injuries over the past few years. Last year, he only had one at-bat. I expect him to have more playing time this year, but not a whole lot more.
I hope the Sox didn't spend much on Gonzalez because he's had a lot of time on the bench nursing injuries over the past few years. Last year, he only had one at-bat. I expect him to have more playing time this year, but not a whole lot more.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Skills Challenge needs to go
If the people running the Denny's PBA Tour really want bowling to be taken seriously, they should consider making major changes to the Skills Challenge, or even getting rid of it altogether.
Basically, this is bowling's equivalent of trick-shot pool. You'll see PBA pros hurling balls over chairs, trying to knock down 30 pins at once, or make splits by throwing two balls down the lane at the same time.
Is pool considered a sport? Very debatable.
It's also very debatable on whether the Skills Challenge is testing real skills. It certainly isn't testing anything a person could use in a real game. You only have to knock down 10 pins at a time, not 30. Also, the average person would get thrown out of a center for putting a chair on a lane.
The Tour should give us another match, and go back to a five-man stepladder format. If not, how about using some air time to teach people real skills and help them improve their games?
Basically, this is bowling's equivalent of trick-shot pool. You'll see PBA pros hurling balls over chairs, trying to knock down 30 pins at once, or make splits by throwing two balls down the lane at the same time.
Is pool considered a sport? Very debatable.
It's also very debatable on whether the Skills Challenge is testing real skills. It certainly isn't testing anything a person could use in a real game. You only have to knock down 10 pins at a time, not 30. Also, the average person would get thrown out of a center for putting a chair on a lane.
The Tour should give us another match, and go back to a five-man stepladder format. If not, how about using some air time to teach people real skills and help them improve their games?
Monday, March 20, 2006
Trade Soriano again
This town isn't big enough for the both of us. You could say that sums up Alfonso Soriano's attitude. He refused to play the outfield for the Washington Nationals tonight. As a result, team officials believe Soriano violated his contract, and the Nats may do the baseball equivalent of placing him on unpaid leave.
Washington acquired the four-time All-Star second baseman in a trade back in December. However, the Nats already had an All-Star second baseman - Jose Vidro. He was the team's clear choice to play second this season.
Having two star second basemen is almost worse than having two star quarterbacks. Each scenario is not a case of two being better than one. Expecting Soriano to be so happy to play for the Nationals that he'd eagerly embrace the idea of changing positions is just dumb.
Washington acquired the four-time All-Star second baseman in a trade back in December. However, the Nats already had an All-Star second baseman - Jose Vidro. He was the team's clear choice to play second this season.
Having two star second basemen is almost worse than having two star quarterbacks. Each scenario is not a case of two being better than one. Expecting Soriano to be so happy to play for the Nationals that he'd eagerly embrace the idea of changing positions is just dumb.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Good season for Buckeyes
The basketball season is over for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they lost to Georgetown today 70-52 in Dayton, Ohio in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
OSU had run out of gas after a great regular-season run through the Big Ten. G'town had a 13-point lead at the half, and outdid the Bucks in key stat categories such as shooting percentage and boards. I thought OSU would bring it a little bit stronger in what was sort of a home game, as Dayton is only an hour from the OSU campus.
Even so, the Bucks had a great year. Despite the weak finish, I believe in coach Thad Matta, and think OSU has a great future.
OSU had run out of gas after a great regular-season run through the Big Ten. G'town had a 13-point lead at the half, and outdid the Bucks in key stat categories such as shooting percentage and boards. I thought OSU would bring it a little bit stronger in what was sort of a home game, as Dayton is only an hour from the OSU campus.
Even so, the Bucks had a great year. Despite the weak finish, I believe in coach Thad Matta, and think OSU has a great future.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Kansas bounced from tournament
I wonder if Bill Self is wishing he hadn't left Illinois. For the second year in a row, his Kansas Jayhawks have made an early exit from the NCAA Tournament. Last year, Bucknell knocked the Hawks out of the tournament; this year, Bradley bounced Kansas.
And, Kansas fans thought they had it tough when Roy Williams was around.
And, Kansas fans thought they had it tough when Roy Williams was around.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Are we in the Soviet Union?
The NCAA has ruled that Ohio State must erase any references to regular-season games that Boban Savovic played from 1999 to 2002. Just days ago, the NCAA ruled that Savovic was ineligible because he received a $6,000 payout.
"Ohio State is making its 19th appearance in the NCAA tournament and first since 1992," the media guide now says.
That's asinine. We know that OSU went to the tournament under disgraced former head coach Jim O'Brien. Am I just supposed to forget about all of that? Are we in the Soviet Union where people and events are erased from history?
The Coach of the Year in the America East Conference -- Hartford coach Larry Harrison -- resigned today after a 13-15 season. How could someone with a losing record be Coach of the Year?
Hampton coach Bobby Collins also resigned today; two days ago, his team lost to Monmouth in the tournament's "play-in" game. I didn't think losing to Monmouth was something to be ashamed of and quit over.
"Ohio State is making its 19th appearance in the NCAA tournament and first since 1992," the media guide now says.
That's asinine. We know that OSU went to the tournament under disgraced former head coach Jim O'Brien. Am I just supposed to forget about all of that? Are we in the Soviet Union where people and events are erased from history?
The Coach of the Year in the America East Conference -- Hartford coach Larry Harrison -- resigned today after a 13-15 season. How could someone with a losing record be Coach of the Year?
Hampton coach Bobby Collins also resigned today; two days ago, his team lost to Monmouth in the tournament's "play-in" game. I didn't think losing to Monmouth was something to be ashamed of and quit over.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Fallout from OSU misdeeds
Paul Biancardi resigned as the head basketball coach at Wright State (Ohio) University yesterday, just three days after the NCAA barred him from recruiting. The NCAA found that he passed $6,000 from former OSU coach Jim O'Brien to a recruit's family in 1999. Both coaches acted unethically by not reporting their behavior to OSU.
It's about time that someone who caused the mess in Columbus was held accountable. Biancardi screwed up and should face the consequences. Why should Thad Matta and his players suffer for what O'Brien and his former assistant did?
It's about time that someone who caused the mess in Columbus was held accountable. Biancardi screwed up and should face the consequences. Why should Thad Matta and his players suffer for what O'Brien and his former assistant did?
Monday, March 13, 2006
Eyes on play-in game
The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament tips off tomorrow night when Monmouth takes on Hampton in a game many people consider the "play-in". While most of the college hoops world will likely ignore that game, I'll be watching whatever I can.
Monmouth is sort of a sentimental favorite. Last year, I was this close to being hired as a full-time journalism professor there. I enjoyed my visit to the beautiful and super-clean campus in West Long Branch, N.J. And, the people there couldn't have been any nicer and welcoming. Everything about the place was first-class.
Go Hawks! It would be wild to see Monmouth take on Ohio State for a spot in the Final Four. Hey, we all can dream.
Monmouth is sort of a sentimental favorite. Last year, I was this close to being hired as a full-time journalism professor there. I enjoyed my visit to the beautiful and super-clean campus in West Long Branch, N.J. And, the people there couldn't have been any nicer and welcoming. Everything about the place was first-class.
Go Hawks! It would be wild to see Monmouth take on Ohio State for a spot in the Final Four. Hey, we all can dream.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Bucks run out of gas
Even though Ohio State led most of the way in today's Big Ten tournament final, I had an uneasy feeling that wouldn't go away. That's because the Iowa Cornhawkers wouldn't go away either. It was unreasonable to expect the No. 20 team in the country to fold up like a cheap tent, as Penn State did against OSU just a few days ago.
The Buckeyes looked gassed late in the second half. As Iowa was picking up steam, OSU players were gasping for air. When Iowa took the lead, I knew the Bucks were done.
I expect good fortune for OSU in the NCAA tournament. Thad Matta can flat-out coach come tournament time, and he'll have the Bucks ready to make a run.
The Buckeyes looked gassed late in the second half. As Iowa was picking up steam, OSU players were gasping for air. When Iowa took the lead, I knew the Bucks were done.
I expect good fortune for OSU in the NCAA tournament. Thad Matta can flat-out coach come tournament time, and he'll have the Bucks ready to make a run.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
OSU holds off Hoosiers
Did Ohio State ever get away with one today! The Buckeyes survived as Indiana was not able to cash in on either of its two attempts at a game-winning bucket.
OSU won 52-51 today in a physical, low-scoring affair. Props to the officials who just let the guys play and refrained from calling ticky-tack fouls that would've turned the game into a boring free throw contest.
The Buckeyes missed a golden chance to put the Hoosiers away early when Marco Killingsworth got into foul trouble. Cold shooting kept OSU from capitalizing while IU's big man was on the bench.
OSU seems to be playing down to the level of its competition. That's dangerous come tournament time. It's time to step things up!
OSU won 52-51 today in a physical, low-scoring affair. Props to the officials who just let the guys play and refrained from calling ticky-tack fouls that would've turned the game into a boring free throw contest.
The Buckeyes missed a golden chance to put the Hoosiers away early when Marco Killingsworth got into foul trouble. Cold shooting kept OSU from capitalizing while IU's big man was on the bench.
OSU seems to be playing down to the level of its competition. That's dangerous come tournament time. It's time to step things up!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Ohio State - 1999 Final Four
Ohio State will pay dearly for the successes under former men's basketball coach Jim O'Brien. OSU will be on probation for three years; the recent NCAA ruling wipes out records from four national tournament appearances. The Buckeyes must no longer display a banner saying they went to the 1999 Final Four.
Former Buckeye Boban Savovic was deemed ineligible for getting improper gifts from a booster. The school will have to pay back about $800,000 of tournament revenue for the four years Savovic played.
On a positive note, the NCAA did not ban OSU from postseason play. Thankfully, current coach Thad Matta and his Big Ten Champions will not have to suffer because of his predecessor's misdeeds. That would have been very unfair.
I think O'Brien, Savovic, and the booster should pay that $800,000, and not the school. Just because the NCAA is vacating the Buckeyes' 1999 Final Four appearance doesn't mean it didn't happen. While the Buckeyes have to remove the reference to that Final Four in Value City Arena, I have no plans to erase it from this Web site.
Former Buckeye Boban Savovic was deemed ineligible for getting improper gifts from a booster. The school will have to pay back about $800,000 of tournament revenue for the four years Savovic played.
On a positive note, the NCAA did not ban OSU from postseason play. Thankfully, current coach Thad Matta and his Big Ten Champions will not have to suffer because of his predecessor's misdeeds. That would have been very unfair.
I think O'Brien, Savovic, and the booster should pay that $800,000, and not the school. Just because the NCAA is vacating the Buckeyes' 1999 Final Four appearance doesn't mean it didn't happen. While the Buckeyes have to remove the reference to that Final Four in Value City Arena, I have no plans to erase it from this Web site.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Bonds mum on new book
Once again, Barry Bonds is in the news for the wrong reasons. According to an upcoming book written by two newspaper reporters in San Francisco, he used a variety of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones. This alleged drug use started in 1998 and lasted for at least five seasons.
Part of that book Game of Shadows appears in the March 13 issue of Sports Illustrated. Bonds said he won't look at it, and won't comment further.
That's a wise idea because Bonds' tendency to make outrageous and foolish statements would make it very unlikely that he would defuse the whole situation. At this point, even if he voluntarily took a drug test and it turned out to be clean, we have no way of knowing if Bonds' achievements are 100 percent legit. I don't know if he took steroids, but wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he actually admitted to doing so.
Part of that book Game of Shadows appears in the March 13 issue of Sports Illustrated. Bonds said he won't look at it, and won't comment further.
That's a wise idea because Bonds' tendency to make outrageous and foolish statements would make it very unlikely that he would defuse the whole situation. At this point, even if he voluntarily took a drug test and it turned out to be clean, we have no way of knowing if Bonds' achievements are 100 percent legit. I don't know if he took steroids, but wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he actually admitted to doing so.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Remembering Kirby Puckett
I've said this before, but it seems only fitting now: Kirby Puckett's home run to win Game 6 of the 1991 World Series was perhaps the most dramatic home run in World Series history. It certainly had a greater impact than Kirk Gibson's game-winning homer in Game 1 of the 1988 Series, which everyone touts more.
Puckett's home run kept the Minnesota Twins alive and sent them to Game 7, which they ultimately won. Gibson's home run locked up the opening game of the '88 Series.
Thanks for the memories, Kirby!
Puckett's home run kept the Minnesota Twins alive and sent them to Game 7, which they ultimately won. Gibson's home run locked up the opening game of the '88 Series.
Thanks for the memories, Kirby!
Monday, March 06, 2006
A clean team game!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Purdue won't beat OSU
Today, Purdue has a chance to play spoiler and give some major help to Illinois and Iowa. If the Boilermakers beat Ohio State in Columbus, the Buckeyes, Illini, and Hawkeyes will all share the Big Ten Championship.
Back to reality. I don't see any way the Buckeyes have two straight close-shaves against low-level teams. They escaped with a victory at Northwestern on Wednesday night. And, I expect OSU to pound last-place Purdue.
Thad Matta will have his guys ready to play in front of their home fans on Senior Day. Even if the Buckeyes lost, it's no biggie as they've already got a conference title and a spot in the NCAA tournament. But, these guys are playing for pride, and that means you give it your all to end the regular season on a high note.
Back to reality. I don't see any way the Buckeyes have two straight close-shaves against low-level teams. They escaped with a victory at Northwestern on Wednesday night. And, I expect OSU to pound last-place Purdue.
Thad Matta will have his guys ready to play in front of their home fans on Senior Day. Even if the Buckeyes lost, it's no biggie as they've already got a conference title and a spot in the NCAA tournament. But, these guys are playing for pride, and that means you give it your all to end the regular season on a high note.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Duke Senior Night spoiled
Tonight, North Carolina spoiled Senior Night at Duke, beating the Blue Devils 83-76. I couldn't be happier.
Is there any group of sports fans more arrogant than Duke fans? I remember a while back when Michigan played on the road at Duke, and the Cameron Crazies were chanting "Public, private." In other words, it was supposed to be a slam on The University of Michigan, which, unlike Duke, is a state university.
Last time I checked, Michigan is a stronger school than Duke academically. And, that's not because I say so. It's because books such as The Gourman Report say so.
Is there any group of sports fans more arrogant than Duke fans? I remember a while back when Michigan played on the road at Duke, and the Cameron Crazies were chanting "Public, private." In other words, it was supposed to be a slam on The University of Michigan, which, unlike Duke, is a state university.
Last time I checked, Michigan is a stronger school than Duke academically. And, that's not because I say so. It's because books such as The Gourman Report say so.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Marlins cheap out
Florida Marlins slugger Miguel Cabrera agreed to a one-year, $472,000 deal yesterday. He batted .323 with 33 home runs and 116 RBI last season. Depending on how you look at it, Cabrera is a bargain or grossly underpaid. He will be eligible for arbitration for the first time after this season wraps up.
In published reports, Cabrera said he was happy. He's a good sport. This deal is another example of cheaping out from a team that unloaded starters at the end of last season.
In published reports, Cabrera said he was happy. He's a good sport. This deal is another example of cheaping out from a team that unloaded starters at the end of last season.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
15-year anniversary of title
The vast majority of high school athletes don't become college or professional stars. But, that doesn't mean the experience wasn't valuable. High school sports can help young people build character, work with peers toward a common goal, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
One of those great memories for me was made 15 years ago today on March 2, 1991. My high school bowling team (Sayville High School on Long Island, N.Y.) won the Suffolk County Championship. Our team was solid, but not expected to win the title. However, we had six incredible games and advanced to the New York State tournament at Midway Lanes in Vestal, where I currently bowl in a weekly league.
Quite a few years have passed. We've all moved on to pursue other goals and become accomplished in other ways. And, we've lost a little bit of hair along the way. Even so, the memories and the pride remain. They always will.
One of those great memories for me was made 15 years ago today on March 2, 1991. My high school bowling team (Sayville High School on Long Island, N.Y.) won the Suffolk County Championship. Our team was solid, but not expected to win the title. However, we had six incredible games and advanced to the New York State tournament at Midway Lanes in Vestal, where I currently bowl in a weekly league.
Quite a few years have passed. We've all moved on to pursue other goals and become accomplished in other ways. And, we've lost a little bit of hair along the way. Even so, the memories and the pride remain. They always will.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Big Ten Champions!
Ohio State needed just about every second in tonight's game against Northwestern. A layup with just seven ticks left gave the Buckeyes a one-point lead and helped propel them to a 56-53 victory on the road. The win guarantees the Buckeyes at least a share of the Big Ten regular season championship.Props to Northwestern for hanging in through the entire game. They trailed by just two points at the half, and I thought they were going to fade out big time in the last 20 minutes of the game. To score a victory, the Buckeyes had to make the most of two ill-timed Wildcat lapses. Evan Seacat stepped out of bounds along the sideline with 54 seconds left. Shortly after that, the Cats allowed OSU's Ron Lewis to go strong to the hole for the pivotal layup.
The Buckeyes got away with one tonight. However, I won't be picky. It doesn't matter if it's pretty or ugly; a win is a win. Tonight, that win was huge.
Logo courtesy of The Ohio State University.
