Something Kind Of New

So normally I write about my own personall opinions, this time I got something different for you all to read. For one of my finals I had to write a feature story, I chose to write it about Matt Stairs, enjoy...



One hundred and sixty two. That is how many games each team plays during the

Major League Baseball season.

Eighteen is the number of games played by a Maine high school hockey team.

Throw play-off games and pre-season games into the mix and that is well over

200 games combined. For a person who has made time to devote themselves to both it

can be an extremely demanding lifestyle. And yet that is exactly what Matt Stairs does-

but why?

For the love of the game; or rather games.

Stairs found his love for both games at the young age of three in his hometown of

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. It is hard to avoid cliches when talking about

hockey and Canada, but as they go Stairs says hockey has always been a part of his

“I love the game, it has been a part of my life since I was young...and it is a great

way to stay in shape,” says Stairs as to why with the demands of playing baseball he

adds coaching hockey to his plate every winter.

Stairs, his wife Lisa and their three daughters made the move to Maine from

California almost ten years ago. The move to Maine brought Stairs close to his

childhood home. From Bangor it is only a three hour drive for him to get back to

Fredericton. It was his ties that were here in Maine that got him into the coaching game.
“A son of a close family friend was playing for John Bapst,” recalls Stairs on the

start of his coaching career. “I was asked to speak to the team as a ‘celebrity

spokesman’. I guess they thought I knew what I was talking about- and I did- so they

asked me if I would join on as an assitant.”

Stairs took the invitation and began working with the John Bapst hockey team

and like all coaches in Maine he had to meet the Maine Principles Association

requirements. According to Dick Durost of the MPA, there are three things that all

coaches at the high school level must fulfill:

1.All coaches have to carry a CPR card and it must be updated every year or two.

2.Every five years they must take a sports first aid clinic

3.Must complete a basic principles of coaching course

After four years with the Crusaders Stairs made the switch over to Bangor High

School where his three daughters were enrolled. His oldest daughter Nicole graduated

two years ago, while the middle daughter, Alicia, is a junior. Stairs’ third and youngest

daughter, Chandler, will be entering high school next fall.

Aside from coaching Stairs still plays the game he grew to love as a child playing

in two men’s leagues in the Bangor area. Even lacing up his skates for friendly

competition against some of his former players.

“He has a bomb of a slap shot,” says former Bangor hockey player Devin Lyshon.

While playing for Stairs at Bangor, Lyshon grew pretty close to Stairs. Close enough that

Lyshon admits when he plays now he still thinks about the words his former coach

would give him and his teammates before games.
“He was a great motivator, he exactly knew what to say to make us feel

confident,” says Lyshon.

As a hockey player at Bangor one of the big goals for Lyshon and his teammates

was to win a state championship and according to Lyshon, Stairs did “whatever he

could” to make the team better.

“When he brought in his World Series ring, that was a huge motivator. That’s

what we wanted- a ring,” says Lyshon referring to the ring awarded to Maine State

champions,

Stairs won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 when they

defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. Stairs may be remembered best that year for hitting a

pinch hit home run that helped his team get closer to the World Series.
...

Hitting that home run as a pinch hitter and not an every day player is proof of

his “do what ever it takes to help” attitude. Dennis Collins, the head coach for the

Bangor hockey team would agree.

“He is a very respectful, receptive and easy guy to get along with,” says

Collins. “He is down to earth and easy to approach. He works with what he is given.”

Collins considers himself to be a lucky coach, saying that he has always had

good assistants. A good assistant is something he values and believes they are key to

success. He sees Stairs and no different from the other great assistants he has had

along the benches with him.

“He is calm on the bench, which is good because sometimes I can get a little

tense,” says Collins of Stairs during stressful parts of games, “he is able to sit back and

analyze and look at both sides of the coin.”

Maybe that is why he is such a clutch pinch hitter. When your only getting one bat

a game you better make it count. Stairs had made a living doing so, he has more pinch

hit home runs than any other player in MLB history.

“He made the game fun, kept us excited but relaxed to play freely on the ice,”

says Lyshon of his former coach. Lyshon is currently a student at Husson University

where he plans to play baseball. He has kept his ties with his former hockey coach and

is planning on having Stairs assist him again this time with his baseball swing.

Who could ask for a better hitting coach. Stairs will be entering his 23rd year of

professional baseball, no one can have a career that long with out knowing how to hit

the ball. If all else fails Lyshon could take his swings with the bat Stairs gave him as a

gift, the bat Stairs used in the World Series.

“I love coaching as much as I do playing. I hope to play as long as I can,” says

Stairs who just signed a contract this month to be part of the Washington Nationals.

Coaching at the high school level could help Stairs as the “veteran” for the young

Nationals team. Any one who follows baseball is familiar with the teams ace pitcher

Stephen Strasburg who is only 22 years old. Along with Strasburg is Bryce Harper who

was the teams first round pick, and first overall in the 2010 Draft.

It will be interesting to see if Stairs will mentor the young Harper the way he has

for so many Maine hockey players. Especially since Harper is only 18 years old. If that

does become the case, it will definitely keep the coach thing alive for Stairs. Though he

does admit it can be a little different crossing to the other side of the lines.
“It is different to be a coach coming from the player side,” says Stairs. “As a

player you think you know it all; as a coach you realize how you don’t.”

Though Stairs has had to come to that realization that when he is in the field or

on the ice he doesn’t know everything, he says it has taught him more about patience.

“When playing and coming up through the minors you learn patience, but as a

coach you really realize it.”

Stairs says that has been an important part to his coaching. He says he strives to

teach the basics along with love and respect for the game. He passes this down to the

kids on the team by being humble.

“The kids follow and respect him,” says Collins. “With Matt there is a credibility

that he brings to the table. He is the reality of a dream and proof to that kids that ‘any

one can do this.’”

Guess It Has Been A While...

So for my own personal amusement I was browsing my old blogs and noticed that it has been since April 29, that I last posted something. I could say that there has not been anything that grabbed me to write about, or I could say that because I am no longer in the class where this was an assignment- I no longer see that need in it. But the truth is that I am juts lazy, ask any one close to me. That was until this week...

The leaves are on the ground, and breaking people's back, which means one thing- Autumn is upon us once again. With it being fall that means the "Fall Classic". I am talking the World Series. With the exception of the Yankees this years play offs looked a little odd to the usual baseball fan. First of the Rangers won the American League Pennant, after have never won a single play off series in franchise history. The Reds, who haven't been good since Pete Rose made the play offs, they also had the most productive bats all year long. The Giants, WON THE WORLD SERIES, that hasn't been done since the team moved from New York in 1954. Maybe the Cubs should try re-locating.

My hat is off to the Giants, I had faith in them all along though- I made a bet with Natano (see "Tuesday's With Natano") that the Giants would win it all before they had even defeated the Phillies in the National League Divisional Series. What that bet is is for another day, but lets just say Josh Hamilton would not be able to join us.

For those that don't know the Josh Hamilton story, he is a drug addict. Now I am not here to bash him. I think it is great all the stuff he has over come to be back on top of the world. The former #1 overall pick in the '99 Draft who had it all right out of high school, but blew it all- literally up his nose. The stories of his abilities are endless, but I have to give him credit for what he has been able to do to be back where he belongs, and that is smacking the ball out of every park the MLB has to offer. I also read a story that I think deserves to be brought up- upon defeating the Evil Empire in the the ALDS, Hamilton's teammates skipped the normal celebration of wine and beer. Instead they opted to celebrate with ginger ale. That is a very classy thing from a classy team. It is a shame they had to meet the Giants in the series.

All and all it was a good post season, all I could have wished for was to see the Red Sox still playing through October, maybe next year. After all it is only 103 more days until pitchers and catchers have to report to spring training.

PEE WEE HOCKEY: What a World!

Let me start off by saying I am a huge hockey fan. I have been watching the playoffs semi religiously this year, probably less this year then others, and cannot wait to see who wins the Stanley Cup this year. Though I am a little upset and having a hard time writing this because my favorite team the Washington Capitols were knocked out by the Montreal Canadians last night. (At least I still have the Bruins to root for)

With that all said, this past weekend I had the chance to go to Marlboro, Mass. to see my kid brother and his hockey team from Auburn play in a tournament. I wish I had had a camera there that day, the rink-or should I say rinks- were huge. I could easily call this complex heaven. There was a hockey store that rivaled any I have seen other then Philbrook Sports in Dover, NH. On top of that this 2 floor hockey paradise had a full service restaurant and snack bar. How many rinks do you hear of with that. Oh yeah, did I mention there were 5 ice rinks. Not 1, not 1, but 5! I was told about the place before I got there but thought it was too good to be true. With the lack of sleep from the night before and the 3 hour drive at 5AM that it took to get there I really had thought I died and was in a state of ecstasy. Really though I was at the New England Sports Center.

To the games...


My brother, Kurtis, is only 8 years old so he plays at the Mites level. His team is fairly good, I have only seem them loose once. (I don't get to go that often) They played a game the night before I got there and won pretty easily I was told. The same was said about the game that finished just as I arrived to my new sanctuary. This meant I was only going to be able to see his third and final game- against Lewiston. For those that don't know Lewiston and Auburn do not get along well. They are to youth and high school hockey what the Red Sox and Yankees are to baseball. I even found Kurt and his buddies running their mouths back and forth with players from Lewiston that happened to be staying in the same hotel.

The game was exciting right away. Though my kid brother and his team came out a little flat, the crowd was behind them the whole way. At one point I was seeing stars I was yelling so loud and hard. Especially when my brother was sent to the penalty box. I did not contest the call too much, but instead cheered my brother on for playing hard. My family asked why I would cheer that to which I replied, "the box is a good place to reflect- besides he is a hockey player, all the greats take penalties."

After a while Lewiston took the advantage by two goals. My personal philosophy on hockey is that a two goal lead is always the hardest to hold. The team with two goals gets cocky, plays sloppy because they are up. Then after the lead is cut, they still rely on that one goal lead, before you know it the game is tied. And this game was no different.

At 2-2 with very little time left it seemed everyone was happy with a tie. The coach changed his lines and looked like he was going to settle with a tie too. I guess no one told the players, they had found a gear that they had not reached at all during the game and scored again to go ahead with less then a minute. Though my brother was not the hero I still could not have been more proud of him. Mostly because he was for once not the first one in line to shake hands with the other team, but instead on top of the pile of kids that mugged the goalie. They looked like what I expected my Capitols to look like at the end of this year. WINNERS!

The next day they lost in the championship game, but like I said I could not have been more proud of my brother!





pictures from Auburn Youth Hockey Elite Mites Facebook page
also pictures are from a tournament earlier in the season that noted above...but still at same venue

NASCAR: I NEED MORE

In all my blogs I have discussed the major sports, baseball, hockey, football, and basketball. For some that list may not include the one they watch religiously. I am talking about NASCAR, or racing for those who don’t know what NASCAR is. The reason I have yet to discuss NASCAR is because, well, I don’t watch it.

That however, does not mean I do not view it as a sport. I DO! What those 43 cars do each Sunday is quite the feet. The way they race around a track in an extremely modified car at speeds in excess of 170 MPH dodging other cars, and constantly pushing both the car and themselves to the limit is amazing.
I have longed for a long time to be able to do that, and my driving record shows proof of that. At this moment I could not tell you who is leading the points, who has won the most races, or anything about the current race season; which started in February. But what I can tell you is, I recently bought a racing video game for less than $2 and have been addicted to it; it is a surprise I have put it down long enough to write this. Granted it is a game, for me it scratches my NASCAR itch and at this moment fills my need for speed.

There have been times where I would go to local races and see people I know race. For those who follow Maine racing, especially at Oxford Plains Speedway, the name Travis Adams rings a bell. Adams has won his respective division 4 times. I knew him personally and was on a couple occasions able to see and even touch the car that once raced alongside NASCAR great Terry Labonte. It blew my mind to see the car I had touched with my hands racing next to the guy I watched Sunday’s with my dad.
There have also been times where I have gone kart racing, and when I say that I don’t mean the kind at FUNTOWN that have generals on them regulating the speed. I mean Maine Indoor Karting in Scarborough, the kind where you wear the fire suit, neck brace, and helmet and have to watch a safety and instructional video.

I guess I have just given a few too many reasons I should follow NASCAR. I play the games, I go to local tracks, and I even try my hand at it on a smaller scale. But, they have games for everything like war, and I am not going to sign up for that. And for the local tracks and indoor karting, those are expensive. The other sports I enjoy are not nearly as much money, and maybe that’s why I enjoy them. I can get a basketball or football game going with friends at the drop of a hat. Maybe if NASCAR and racing in general was more practical I and many others would care more. I will be the first to admit it is intriguing, but there is nothing that pulls me in the way other sports do. If NASCAR could make the relation to me, I would watch. And if I watched, I would blog.

(top photo from Sports Illustrated)

NFL DRAFT

The National Football League is having it's draft this week starting on Thursday. The event that is normally held on the weekend, is instead being held on Thursday during TV's "prime time" slot. In a previous blog I wrote about some of the shake ups the NFL has seen this off season, McNabb to Washington, Tomlinson to the Jets, and Julius Peppers to the Bears; as well as many more. Now that the draft is less then 48 hours away it got me thinking about what I would do if I were to be in the draft room this week. Here is my first round top ten choices:



1. St. Louis Rams- Sam Bradford- QB Oklahoma
The Rams obviously had a rough year but on the bright side they did earn the top pick. The focal point to any teams success is defense, however there is always a lot of focus on the quarter back position. The Rams in my opinion need a QB, and with the draft being held during prime time Bradford will be picked up. I think he will be more like Mathew Stafford was for the Lions last year than Matt Sanchez was for the Jets.


2. Detroit Lions- CJ Spiller- RB Clemson
The Lions made a good choice last year by taking Stafford number 1 overall, though they were not even playoff contenders they did win a couple games. Looking at their roster the list of running backs is a list of nobody's; not one recognizable name. Face it Lions fans, you haven't had anything to cheer about since Barry Sanders, and personally I think the undersized Spiller could possibly fill the void in the Lions backfield.(I will admit this is a long shot pick)


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jimmy Clauson- QB Notre Dame
With all the hype around Clauson it is hard for me to say that the Bucs will pass him by. To be completely honest I think he is slightly overrated. If he was playing in a pro system under Charlie Wiess at Notre Dame how come he was unable to really accomplish anything there? He was seen taking notes from former Bucs coach Jon Gruden on NFL Live, I believe the coach that won the team a Super Bowl still has some slight pull in the team politics. Gruden did seem friendly and fond of the young QB. I am sure he will have a lasting NFL career, along with fellow Irish alum Brady Quinn.


4. Washington Redskins- Dez Bryant- WR Oklahoma State
There was talk on the teams website of Eric Berry being the possible choice, but I have to say the team is okay at the safety position. On top of the Berry talk it was reported that McNabb, the teams new QB, wants Terrell Owens brought on board. Owens, who according to ESPN's Skip Bayliss has lost a few steps, could easily be passed over for Bryant. I see a lot of Owens in Bryant with one advantage, his youth.


5. Kansas City Chiefs- Ndamukong Suh- DE Nebraska
After what Suh did to Texas quarterback Colt McCoy in the Big XII championship game it would be impossible for the Chiefs to pass him up. Suh is not ranked as high in the pre-draft rankings as Oklahoma Sooners DT Gerald McCoy, but after what I saw in that Big XII championship game I have to say he goes number 5 to KC. Alongside Chiefs former first round pick from a couple years ago, Glen Dorsey, the Chiefs are slowly building up a young powerful team. Their days of early round draft pick could be over soon.


6. Seattle Seahawks- Golden Tate- WR Notre Dame
The Seahawks have a new coach in Pete Carroll. Carroll made a big name for himself over the past years at USC, while their his Trojans had high powered offenses. I look for Carroll to want to have the same type of team with the Seahawks. I am sure that during his time at USC he was able to see in full what arch rival Notre Dame's Tate is able to do. Look for Seattle to possibly take Clauson if he is available however.


7. Cleveland Browns- Aaron Hernandez- TE Florida
Hernandez was one of Tim Tebow's favorite targets during his days playing for Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators. The Browns have also made some picks that have turned to nothing over the years. Hernandez may be a bust, but doubtful. I think he would make a great target for who ever the Browns decide to put under center this fall.


8. Oakland Raiders- Gerald McCoy- DT Oklahoma
Speaking of bad picks over the years, Oakland has had their fair share. The Raiders have been a laughing stock over the years, luckily for them the lines are starting to take over that role. McCoy is a real big man, hopefully in Oakland he will be able to fill the holes their team cannot, on and off the field. If the Raiders don't take McCoy, they may take the other McCoy in the draft, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Colt will by far become a better NFL QB then JeMarcus Russell ever will.


9. Buffalo Bills- Taylor Mays- S Southern California
The Bills looked like they were going to be team the Jets became early last year. One spot they were lacking was in their defense. Mays may not become as great for Buffalo as defensive lineman Bruce Smith did in the 90's, but Mays could quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the Bills defensive backfield. Besides, how can you go wrong with a guy emulates USC alum Troy Polamalu.


10. Jacksonville Jaguars- Brandon Spikes- LB Florida
Finally rounding of the top 10 will be the Jaguars with their pick of Brandon Spikes. Spikes is a mean scary linebacker who reminds me a lot of the Raven's Pro-Bowler Ray Lewis. With picking Spikes, who played his college ball less then 2 hours south, the Jags may not have to worry too much about the adjustment period.


That's my top ten for this year's NFL Draft. A lot of my picks may not go with the norm of such people like Mel Kiper Jr. and the rest of the ESPN staff, but I think the fact that the draft is going to be on prime time is really going to change the way the draft pans out. And who knows, just because my March Madness picks weren't right doesn't mean my Draft picks will be wrong too. If you think you can make better picks then me, go for it.


top photo from Google Images all team logos and player pictures from NFL.com

TUESDAY's WITH NATANO

By now follower's of my blog should realize I really enjoy ranting about sports. I enjoy doing so especially when having conversations with friends. One of my very close friends, who we will call Natano D., and I love to discuss sports. He is living in Florida currently but we talk at least once a week, mostly about life and the Red Sox. Today our conversation was mostly the Red Sox- and how they are doing terrible this year. Our conversation went something like this...

Natano: "What are they thinking putting Ellsbury in left field, that's not his position, he was brought up as a center fielder-KEEP HIM THERE!"

ME: "I know right, our outfield sucks, they went out and got all these names like Bill Hall and (Adrian) Beltre, they haven't been doing sh*t." It took Hall a month of Sunday's to get his first hit. And like you were saying with Ellsbury in left, he and Beltre collided, there is no chemistry."

ND: "Yeah, and Ortiz..."

ME:(after cutting him off)"I want Ortiz gone...get him out of Boston!"

ND: " Yeah, if he doesn't get his bat hot by the All-Star break, see ya later Papi. It is pretty said that the best player on the team is the second baseman. I love PeeDee (Dustin Pedroia, the former league MVP) but they need more then just him. They aren't scoring and batters are teeing off on our picthers like Lefty." (Lefty referring to PGA Master's Champion Phil Mickelson.)

ME: "Speaking of Pedroia have you seen what he has been saying, he may be more pissed then us."

ND: "Naww, but Tito (Terry Francona pictured at top) needs to get these guys in line. It's crazy how bad they are playing."

The conversation carried on for almost twenty minutes, both of us putting our two cents in to try and solve the reason for our beloved Red Sox miserable play. Whether or not anything we came up with is worth anything is irrelevant. We both agreed the Sox need to play better, and they need to score runs, it is way to early to let the Evil Empire run away with the American League East.

DEAR MIKE JORDAN,

(My man Mike sitting with Nelly and Bob Johnson courtside-image from google images)

Congratulations on become the new majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Now a couple years ago I would have said sorry, hope you kept your receipt. Before your adventure as owner really takes off, please if you don't mind, listen to my advice.

I would love to see you act more like Mark Cuban than the previous owner of the Nets. To me it seemed as if he was never there, especially as the team fell apart around him. Cuban is up and about at those games.How many more times then you has he been fined? From the seats he has about as much energy and pride in his team as you did in your playing days. I think you will be good though Mike, you are by some considered to be the best basketball player in history. How does it feel to know that LeBron and Kobe are nipping at your heals with that? On second though, don't worry so much about LeBron, he may score more then you, but he will never win as many-if any-rings than you.

Back to what I was saying though, so far you seem a little laid back. I noticed on SportCenter the other day you were okay with your Coach wanting to leave to coach in Philly again. What is up with that? It is okay if he wants to leave, but you can't let him say that before your team starts the play-offs. Further reports had said he denies it, but still man, keep the ship in the right direction. You were a dedicated player, as an owner you have to be the same strong person you were on the court.

If there are any other owners I would recommend you emulate, that would be Jerry Jones! In case you haven't had the chance to see Sportcenter today, or read up on some headlines. He went out on the town and had a few drinks you could say and was posed a couple questions by fans regarding Bill Parcells and Tim Tebow. I won't ruin what he says for you, but it was some funny and true stuff, you have to see it. Jones has never really been one to be modest, or timid. He spoke his mind freely.

That's my advice Mike, if you chose not to take it, oh well, but good luck. And hey, who knows maybe you can sign LeBron this year when his contract in Cleveland is done and he can win you some more rings.
Sincerely,
Andrew W. Heywood

P.S. Forgot to ask...if we all want to be like MIKE...who does MIKE want to be like?

CONGRATS-and WHY

Congrats are due for Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski- pronounced Cha-Chef-ski)and his Duke University Blue Devils. The three time Coach of the Year could arguably be considered the BEST EVER. I could argue that point, but maybe another day. Duke's landslide win over Butler was exactly what everyone expected it to be- NOT.
Duke was the favorite for sure to win the NCAA Tournament final held Monday in Indianapolis, 8 miles from Butler University's home gym. One online poll saw Duke favored 66% out of the nearly 300 that voted. The spread of the game was Duke by 6.5. Why were so many people amazed at what Butler had accomplished, and why were they so amazed at the fact they were even in the game? Going into the game they had the longest active streak in NCAA Men's Basketball. They had not lost since December 22nd- for those that don't know that's before CHRISTMAS. Think back how long ago Christmas felt!
Was I, and the community of Butler, the only one that was not sleeping on Butler. I just want to say that I wish they had gotten more praise, and people would respect what they have done. At the same time...

CONGRATULATIONS DUKE. You really do deserve it. Of the 347 teams in Division I basketball-they WON. Of the 64 teams in the March Madness Tournament-they WON. So again Congratulations to DUKE. And to BUTLER as well, because of the 347 teams in Division I and the field of 64 in the tournament...at the end they were still there.
(please notice I said they won, and not that they are the best)

This year's tournament was a very good one, full of surprises, and for those who missed the one shining moment montage at the end. Like years and years before the video was shown after the game recapping the entire tournament. The video itself was done very well, but came with a surprise. CBS replaced Luther Vandross with Jennifer Hudson. Not to take anything away from her, though she took a lot away from the moment and tradition, why mess with something that doesn't need to be messed with. I am sure like many other, are pissed off! Thanks CBS, see you next March.

I WANT TO BE A PRO ATHLETE

Ever since I discovered sports I have been fascinated by them. I can remember as a young kid, no older then 6 or 7, waking up earlier then my mother so I could put the t.v. on Sportscenter before my parents woke and put the news on. To me sports news was the only news, 3 minutes at the end of the local news was not enough for me. As I got older I would watch the same episode of Sportscenter hour after hour as it was replayed.

It was about this same time I began to play and compete in the sports like the athletes I idolized. I would day dream, even in the middle of games that I was the key guy for the Red Sox, Celtics, or Giants depending on what season it was. The money wasn't the lure for me, instead it was the simple fact that I would be able to do something I love to do for a living. Still to this day, the idea of being able to play a game and call it a job is something that attracts me. But that is starting to change.

I want to be a pro athlete for the same reason athletes today...I want to do whatever I please, and I want to do it whenever I want.

I want to have an affair on my supermodel wife with multiple woman like Tiger. As the worlds first billionaire athlete why not?

I want to be able to bring guns into an arena and pull it on my teammate over a card game...in the nation's capitol like Gilbert Arenas. Then have the franchise say they will keep me because I am one of the "league's best still."

I want to be a middle linebacker and use that brute force against a cop as he is trying to arrest me for DUI like Joey Porter. And I want to do it before I even play a single down for my new team.

Like Arenas I would like to take my gun with me to a night club-though instead of shooting any one else I will shoot my self in the leg, ending my career with the team I won the Super Bowl with like Plaxico Burress. At least with two years in jail his leg should be fine.

In short I want to be able to do all the things we are told we cannot, and on top of that I want to be able still get the attention and love for it. I still, more then ever, want to be a PRO ATHLETE! (But unlike O.J.- if I got away with killing someone, I would not try to rob someone else in a Las Vegas hotel)

SEEING RED AGAIN...

March Madness is up to its usual tricks. With the basketball tournament under way millions of people are filling out brackets trying to prove to the world their sports knowledge reigns supreme. Trying to prove that they, not the sports experts seen on TV really know what is going on. Call me a skeptic, or maybe even cynical, but I was and have been for a number of years now one of those fans. Every year I fill out the bracket of 64 teams, and every time I finish I feel as if Sportcenter has nothing on me. I alone will get every team right.
There are many ways to choose. You can think you know the teams and what they are capable of. You can choose simply on which school your prefer, or who has the cuter mascot. There is also the theory that having a child, or significant other, or anyone on the outside fill it out for you. When it comes to football picks I know a man who puts dog treats on every team and what team his dog choose to remove the treat from is the team he puts his money on that week.



Being a long time particapent in this MADNESS I go with my gut...and love to see a good upset. As you can see though, my method does not seem to be working for me. Teams in red are teams that are eliminated, by the looks of it I am seeing just as much red as the national government when they look at the country's debt. Though there is one red I am hoping to see on top. Ohio State, known for their scarlet and gray colors, is my choice to win it all this year. Please Buckeyes...help me save some dignity and let me be able to say what all fans want to say when this tournament comes to and end- "I told you they would win it- I picked 'em in the beginning"

WHAT IS GOING ON ?!?

Every off-season in the NFL has shake ups and sideline stories galore, but this year it is a little out of hand; and I thought the Brett Favre soap opera last year was going to be a tough one to top.
First the Chargers cut one of the best running backs in the game over the past 5 at least years in LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson is a former league MVP and just flat out one of the best back in the league- STILL- regardless if he is 30. On top of that the Chargers sent out cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the JETS. That came after deciding to change their minds and hold on to there other running back Darren Sproles. Now why would you cut one of the best backs in the league and then on top of that cut his backup- completely throwing away the one of the best 1-2 back combinations in all of football.
The Chargers aren't the only one getting rid of key backs, the Eagles have said goodbye to Michael Westbrook, who again has been a crucial part of that team over the past years. And who is behind him, who will step in and take his place? LeSean McCoy, who will only be in his second year. I hope for his sake and the Eagles that there is no Sophomore Slump.
The Panthers...where do I begin. They haven't been all that great since they made the Super Bowl in 2004, so what do they do six years later? They cut their QUARTERBACK!
(as well as their best defensive player Julious Peppers) Granted Delhomme is not an elite QB in the league, but still who is his back up, and what are the Panthers going to do? Risk drafting a rookie and become the new LIONS/Laughing-stock of the league. Peppers went and signed with the Bears, with Urlacher and crew it will be pretty interesting to see what happens if the Bears and Panthers meet up.
Thinking of all the key players that became free agents this year, former Charger Tomlinson, former Jet Julious Jones, former Bill Terrell Owens- I would love to be a owner and capatilize on all the mistakes these teams are making right now.

On a side note...Favre was on Jay Leno this week and when Leno gave him a watch as a retirement gift Favre had only this to say..."I haven't made up my mind yet."

NOT A MIRACLE...BUT CLOSE ENOUGH

(Picture taken from Google Images)


It was thirty years ago when the United States Olympic hockey team shocked the sporting world, or rather THE WORLD, by defeating the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Al Micheals made the play by play calls for that game, and well everyone knows of that famous line he said as the last seconds ticked away- "Do you believe in Miracles?" That game was not for the gold medal, but instead the right to play for the gold medal which the US went on to win, but that game did so much more then just entertain. It would take hours to explain why that game was so important to the people in this country during that time. I believe that personally they should have classes offered just about that game and all the back stories. If Disney can make a full length movie about that event, then sure some sort of history class should be offered to fill in the blanks that Disney was unable to.
Given that that game was thirty years ago, the new United States hockey team accomplished another great feat. For the first time since 1960 our boys have beaten our nieghbors to the north- team Canada. Even with Sid "The Kid" Crosby, arguably the games best young talent, the red, white, and blue was too much. FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1960! So much has happened since that time, the invention of the Internet, the Berlin wall came down, America voted its first African American President into office, the Red Sox snapped the curse, and oooh yeah- that MIRACLE on ice. There really isn't as much of a back story, there is no evil empire to our north threatening to send nukes this way at any minute. There is no fear of the Canadians, or drills done in schools just in case they come charging. But for once we beat them in the game that made them famous. It felt pretty good to watch the despair on their faces as we beat them on their own ice. The game also put fans of the US to ease a little bit knowing that they beat one of the elite power houses of the game, and will not have to see them until the Gold Medal game if both teams make it. Canada and Russia are both thought of as the front runners to win gold. But now the toughest test between the Gold Medal game and Team USA will be the other former member of the USSR- the Czechoslovakians.

TWO FOR TUESDAY

As a huge sports enthusiast it was exciting to be in Bangor, ME last week. The girl's and boy's basketball tournament kicked off and I had a chance to check out one of the most anticipated games. It was a battle between the Minutemen of Stearns High School and the Ponies of Foxcroft Academy. Stearns came into the game with the number four seed while the Ponies were the number 5 seed. The teams had met up twice in the season each notching a win over the other on their home court. For some one who was unable to reach the tournament as a player, and also new to the area and had no clue about the hype that surrounded this event for the people of this Eastern Maine area it was quite exciting. I knew going in that I wanted to write about the event and do so in a non biased fashion, but the fan inside me found it hard not to root for the flash and speed the "visiting" Ponies showed, especially since they were considered the underdogs. The game did not disappoint, and I believe I kept my composure even though I had the Foxcroft coach's daughter behind me egging me on to root for her father's team. The first half ended with a deep two by a Pony player to put his team ahead by 1. Not to be outdone Stearns had their fans up on their seats with a 16-8 point run that saw the Ponies missing what my coach would have called "bunnies" or "gimmes". Eventually though the speed and pizazz of the Foxcroft players was too much for the Minutemen and the game was tied at 52 with only 11.9 seconds left in the 4th. At the 2.9 second mark Stearns fouled star Pony Josiah Richard sending him to the line for a 1 and 1 opportunity. Richard made both, but the pressure was evident not only on his face but by the white knuckles of the coach's daughter clenching her boyfriend's sleeve.


Both teams got some coaching during a late fourth quarter time out. (photo by Andrew Heywood)

As soon as that game ended I hurried out as fast as I could to Sawyer Arena to catch the Bangor High School hockey game that matched the Rams against the Messalonskee High School Eagles. Little did the teams know that it would be a match-up of the same teams that are playing in this weeks Class A quarterfinals for the boy's ice hockey tournament. I got there a little late, and the game was tied 2-2. I was kind of upset by this being an avid hockey fan and growing quite fond of the Rams hockey team. Late in the second period stand-out freshman Zack Papsadora. The score remained 3-2 into the third period but it didn't take long for the beating to ensue. Junior forward Joe Seccareccia to scored two third period goals. Both goals were assisted by Nic Cota. Junior Phil Frost and senior Ryan King got involved in the fun each netting a goal of there own. Bangor went on to win easily by a final score of 7-2. Will be interesting to see what will come when these two face off in the play-offs February 23 at the same arena.


The Rams and Hawks get ready for the puck to drop in the third period. (Heywood)

Slam Junk Contest

This past weekend was full of sports, enough to keep any fan happy. The Olympic games were kicked off Friday, the University of Maine men's hockey team played a two game series against Hockey East Rival Boston University, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) was on their All-Star weekend break. This years events took place at the new Cowboys Stadium and was hosted by Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks.
The festivities included the celebrity game where actor Michael Rapaport shut down NFL wide receiver and fellow loud mouth Terrell "T.O." Owens. Though Rapaport only had four points in the game that also included members of the Harlem Globe Trotters, he was able to keep T.O. from scoring. Owens had been the reigning two year MVP for the celebrity game.
There was also the game between the rookies and sophomores of the NBA in what is called the Rookie Challenge. The rookies were lead by Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans and the Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings. The sophomores were lead by two players that were big time players last year-their first year in the league- the Miami Heat's Michael Beasley and the Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo. Though the sophomore have that one year of experience under their belt they were unable to hold of the rookies by a final score of 140-128.
Other events included the game itself that was one by the East in front of 108,713 people. Now it is understandable why the NBA held this years All-Star break inside a football stadium. 108,000 may sound like a lot but you know what they say about Texas- everything is bigger in Texas. That could also be true about the slam-dunk contest.
This years slam-dunk contest was one for the third straight time by the New York Knicks' Nate Robinson. Not that it was much of a competition, he was up against Toronto Raptors' rookie DeMar DeRozan, Los Angelas Lakers' Shannon Brown, and Charlotte Bobcats' Gerald Wallace. None of whom really threw down any kind of dunk worthy of getting the Texas sized crowd of their seats. Nothing quite like the dunk Magic' big man Dwight Howard did in 2008. At one point commentators Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith were offering to go back into the locker room and lace up to show the guys how it was done. Congratulations to Dwight Howard, but it may be a long time before the Dunk Contest is held inside such a large venue. I feel bad for those who gave up a Saturday night to be there, or like me who stayed home to watch.(though it was still not as bad as trying to watch the Pro Bowl)

SUPER SUNDAY

Super Sunday-(American Holiday) a term for Super Bowl Sunday.

If Super Sunday was in the dictionary that's how it should be written in. As an American Holiday. It meets all the criteria, it's a big event where every body gets together for food, drinks, and maybe even a couple laughs. It could even be considered religious, it is on the Sabbath, and depending on how many of those drinks you had you could be on your knees praying by the end of the night.This years Super Bowl had so much more to often then most in recent years have. All the channels, papers, and reporters do a good job in finding the hidden story. Last year there was that of Larry Fitzgerald and how he was playing for his mother. This year however the stories were there as clear as day. New Orleans had Katrina, and the Colts had Pierre Garcon. (Garcon is a Haitian-American player) Of the side stories that surrounded the game that of Tim Tebow and his choice to be in a commercial was annoying. For weeks now ESPN has been going back forth over this pointless issue. "Will Tim Tebow's ad cost him his career?" What career? Yes he is a two-time National Champion, a Heisman winner, but not until June will he be a college grad. His career hasn't started, he is still a college student first. If he wants to do an ad for something he believes in, how does that make him any different then any of the washed up musicians that do commercials for animal rights. I saw nothing wrong with the ad- in fact I was really annoyed that there was so much hype. The people I watched the game with were also annoyed, the second the ad came on you could have heard a pin drop, and for moments after too since no one knew what to say. Why couldn't ESPN focus more on the real issues that are out there. How about doing more for the people of New Orleans who are still trying to get their feet under them from Katrina. There was some of this, but why was their no ad asking for people to send money or give assistance. Pierre Garcon had the weight of Haiti on his shoulders. For days Garcon was like many, unable to get a hold his family. If ESPN can show the story, why can't they give a way for viewers to donate and lend a hand? I'll take a second to do it, here is a link to help. Click for KATRINA or for HAITI. After all they say it is good to share on holidays.


BY THE WAY...SAINTS WON...31-17

X-Games Good For Winter Olympics

With the Winter Olympics scheduled to start 10 days from now the excitement is starting to pick up, especially in the extreme sports. The Winter X-Games deserve a lot of the credit for that. The three day competition included some of the same events that will be held in Vancouver starting the 12th. Not only are some of the events the same but a lot of the competitors will be the same. The Winter X-Games in Aspen made a great practice stage for those going to the Winter Olympics. Though the pressure to win gold in Vancouver while representing your country is greater, athletes were still giving it their all in Aspen. The Flying Tomato Shaun White, who has a Midas touch of sorts in which every mountain he touches helps him get gold, nearly suffered a concussion during the X-Games. If you haven't seen the YouTube video, White crashed his face of the lip of the snowboard super pipe during a practice run. One would think after a crash that hard that he would be unable to finish the competition, especially so close to the Winter Games. Yahoo! Sports has White as being one of the stars to watch at Vancouver-though anyone who is going to watch will know that as soon as he takes the mountain. White did come back though, and with vengeance to nail a Double McTwist 1260 in route to winning his third straight gold medal. There were others at Winter X not named Shaun White, in the woman's competitions 24 year-old American Lindsey Jacobellis won her third straight gold in the Snowboard Snow Cross event. Jacobellis also won silver in that event at the 2006 Winter Games.
With the events so close together it is hard not to look for more after only 3 days of competition in Aspen. Very frequently the play by play on ESPN brought up that very point, as well as many of the interviewed athletes. I know I am ready for more, and after seeing what was displayed last weekend- BRING ON VANCOUVER!

Pro-Bowl: What's so Pro about it?

For the first time the National Football League (NFL) has chosen to play the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl. For those who don't know the Pro Bowl is the NFL's version of an all-star game. A collection of guys from all 32 teams as chosen by the fans get together for one game. Each representing not only their team but their conference. (AFC and NFC) Not only is the game being played for no reason the week before the Super Bowl but it is also being played in the same city as the Super Bowl, Miami. The game had been regularly played over the past 30 years in Honolulu, Hawaii. Now that you have a brief history of what is going on, here is my problem with what the NFL is doing.
My first problem with the NFL's Pro Bowl is that there is nothing special leading up into the game. All the other major sports have something more to offer during their All Star venues. The National Basketball Association has the 3-point shootout, Rookie/Sophomore game, Skills competition, and the fan favorite slam-dunk contest. The National Hockey League has a skills competition as well where players see who is the fastest skater, who has the hardest slap shot, and even a slam-dunk type shoot-out. Even Major League Baseball has the home run derby. Why can't the NFL do anything fun.
The fans are getting the shaft. By playing the game the week before the Super Bowl players chosen, by the fans, that are on the two Super Bowl teams are not playing in the game. Now if I lived in Miami and was a fan of the Saints and put my vote in for quarterback Drew Brees, and bought a ticket to the game, bought a jersey with his name, and was expecting to see my hero play I would feel pretty cheated if he did not show.
Is anyone thinking about the fans in Hawaii? Hawaii does not have an NFL team, 32 other major cities do making it easier for anyone living inside the continental United States to see a professional game. Though those fans in Hawaii only get this one game a year, and now that has been stripped away from them.
What about the level of play. Did anyone see who was playing in that game? The starting quarterback for the AFC was Matt Schaub, and he was backed up by Vince Young and David Gerrard. Not one of those guys were able to lead their teams to the playoffs-how are they Pro Bowl caliber players? Not to take anything away from them, it does take a lot to make the NFL, but are they really worth paying at least a hundred dollars and transportation to Miami for? DO NOT THINK SO!
I would rather instead of watching the collection of lovable losers, such as the one time suicidal Vince Young, watch the Celtics and Lakers in an almost meaningless game. At least that was a game where players went out there and played until the final whistle. The fact that the Celtics have lost three in a row and let up an eleven point lead in the fourth quarter is a better topic for a better day. Let's just hope losing 11 of 17 won't hurt the C's in the long run. If it wasn't for the nail-biting finish at the Garden my Sunday almost would have been a waste- thanks NFL.