TRAVEL TO NEW JERSEY WITH CAUTION BUT NOT FOR WHAT YOU THINK

As the Navy Men's Basketball team travelled north on Tuesday to face Seton Hall, the trip to and from Newark, New Jersey at Prudential Center had its moments.

I always look forward to a Pizza hut pizza for one, or the Roy Rogers bacon cheeseburger. The line at Roy's was long. So Pizza Hut was the winner and so was the Pizza. Tip of the cap to the folks at the Walt Whitman Travel Plaza. Bathroom clean, plowed well, and on our way to The Rock!

Saw several horse trailers clearly having been at Freehold Raceway on their way back to their home bases.

For me it was an awesome experience to finally meet a man whose style I like and emulate a lot as a broadcaster, Gary Cohen, the TV Voice of the New York Mets and radio voice of the Seton Hall Pirates. Merry Christmas to me!

AS for the game, Navy hung in, and had it converted some chippies late in the first half they would have been even closer than the seven point deficit they faced, 30-23, at the half.

Seton Hall went 1-8 from three-point range in the first half, in the second half, they hit the target. The Pirates then hit 12-18 in the second half, whether up 10 or 32 they were firing 3's at will and knocking them down. Game over. Next up, Coppin State, December 30 at Alumni Hall.

The most distressing thing occurred on the way home at the Thomas Edison Travel Area while turning the corner in the lavatory, there is a man loud and proud, pants at his ankles in front of a urinal. Kids were chuckling as they walked in as the man whose rear end was clearly exposed to the Canadians, Indians, and fellow Americans walking in. the only thing worse is hearing another man losing control in behind the door. Time to wash hands and bolt, quickly.

Arriving home at 1:30 with a scheduled time for work at 6am, time for a NAP.

Next week, a trip to Houston, the Texas Bowl...A great Hotel, a great city and a game at Reliant Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans.

Winners shed tears too

In a world where we spend more time wondering if coaches will get to keep wins because of potential violations, players get in fights, and players are under investigation with the NCAA asking for bank records, Air Force and Navy showed us again what is right about college football.

Defensive dominance, quality special teams, and in the end a kicker who went 6-6 this week in practice, sponsored a thrilling, 16-13, overtime victory for the Mids over service-academy rival Air Force for the seventh straight time.

As I interviewed Navy Senior co-captain Ross Pospisil after the playing of the Blue and Gold, Navy's Alma mater, tears flowed from his eyes. He had just helped lead his team to a big win, his brigade got extended Liberty, more important, his team won the first game in defense of the Commander-In-Chiefs Trophy, given to the best team in competition between the Mids, Falcons, and Army.

"Jesus Christ is so strong. How he can lift you up and give you the energy to compete with these great players I play with and play against, I'd got to war with these guys anytime, It's a real brotherhood,'' Pospisil said.

Navy and Air Force have been bitter rivals between the white lines. For many years, Navy could do nothing about the athletic arrogance that the Falcons displayed in practically owning the CIC Trophy. Now, that shoe is on the other foot. AF can't find the one play they need to win one of these close games and kicker Joe Buckley joined a list of Navy kickers in the new decade who have found a career moment against the Falcons.

"Matt Harmon sent me a message this week on facebook and just reminded me keep my head down. Joey Bullen, I love the guy, I'm just glad I could help the team since this game means so much,'' Buckley said. Harmon and Bullen had great moments in the past against Air Force.

There was high emotion all day from both teams. There was blood, sweat, frustration, hard hitting, and great enthusiasm from the 37,820 who were in attendance.

There were future leaders of the country, laying it on the line, when many seniors for both teams will never sniff pro football. While they hate losing to each other, at games end hand shakes and hugs were exchanged. Navy coach Ken Niamatalolo after the game went right to Ben Garland, Air Force's outstanding nose-guard and hugged him and told him how great a game he played. One man rarely stops the triple-option, Garland did that on Saturday.

While there may be chances down the road to broadcast BCS teams, or games with even more national relevance, I'll take broadcasting a game between these two teams any time.

Thank you gents for a job well done.

Yet another one bites the dust

Ole Miss became the latest team in the top-5 to make it a short stay. Hey we didn't even get to say we"ll leave the light on for ya!

The Rebels fell at South Carolina (3-1) last night and were lucky the final score was only 16-10. The Cocks had four great first half drives, three ended with short field goals, and one ended on a Stephen Garcia fumble.

Garcia was solid until he took a hit that bruised his lower left side and hip area. Steve Spurrier continues to show that in terms of the college game he still has a great feel for whats going on. The fans in Columbia and the school itself are strong enough to have a top-five program in the SEC and last night took a big step toward that. Or did it?

Is Ole Miss really that good? Jevan Snead didn't look like a better thrower or quarterback last night than Tim Tebow. 7-21?

The Rebels have Alabama in two weeks and LSU later this year. Good bye BCS, hello Liberty Bowl.

The game of the week in my mind is clearly Miami at Virginia Tech. I love the Hurricanes. That win over Florida State now looks even better. Don't believe me? Call Provo, Utah information and ask for Bronco Mendenhall.

Jacory Harris is the best quarterback at Miami since Ken Dorsey. Before its over, He could be up there with the likes of Vinny, Gino, Jim, and Bernie. He has some wheels too to keep plays alive and the skill players that the Canes' made famous are returning as well.

The question for me is if Virginia Tech can score with Miami. I loved Nebraska getting 5 in this spot last week, winner, winner. I like the Canes here. I think they are very much for real.

Don't forget to tune in to Western Kentucky at Navy, Saturday at 1:30 on 1430-WNAV, Joe Miller, Wiley Baker, Vic Fererra, and me kick things off with the Tailgate Show. Kickoff is 3:30 and the 5th quarter show after the game.

Southern High, the alma mater of Mr. Miller and me looks to go 4-0 tonight, good luck to Russ Meyers and company, we'll be there and a full report.

Questions without answers and random thoughts

As a new voter in the Harris Poll, which is part of the BCS Formula, its my duty to watch a lot of College Football.

Shocker....Florida 1. Texas 2. in my poll.......the rest of the country is a question mark right now.

Didn't Tennessee surprise you staying within 10 of might Florida? Lane Kiffin might not be so bad.

I watched Pitt Saturday in person and right now they are the best of a questionable BIG East....

Does it get any worse for Maryland right now? At least Hoops is pre-season top-25 and Gary got extended til 2013. Ralph through 2013 anyone?

Wac football= Xbox360 Boise State is like watching a video game.

Is Penn State top-five good?

What do Ohio State, USC, and Oklahoma have in common lately? uh a loss by mid-September

Army is 2-1 in football...

NFL

I actually watched Redskins-Rams from the stands with my boys Sunday. Were those two NFL Teams or UFL?

Heartbreak hotel for Dallas and Miami in prime time. Those Manning's can sure play cant they? Think Dad would have liked to have just one season like they have?

Baltimore is Numero Uno right now. Cleveland is numero 32. That Mangini guy....nice

I loved the AFL Uniforms and refs opening night. Did you know Denver used to wear Yello Uniforms?

Better than we thought...Denver, San Francisco, Brett Favre.

Please wake up....Tennessee..

Early MVP Leader....Drew Brees...

PREPS

Watched my alma mater Southern beat Arch-rival South River last Thursday. Just a hunch but Davonte Burke will play football on a scholarship somewhere in two years.


MISC

Delonte West? Hope you were going to Silverado Gun Show.

Plaxico in Jail. Two years. Giants hardly miss him.

Did you know there are at least two D-III players in the NFL? Byron Westbrook (Salisbury) with the Redskins and Pierre Garcon (Mt. Union) with the Colts.

Jim Crews out at Army in Basketball? Bobby Knight is free...

Western Kentucky at Navy Saturday 3:30 be there or listen in on the Navy Radio Network

IN a loss, two teams, one kid prove what College Football is truly all about

Standing on the field as the sideline reporter on the Navy Radio Network, I watched the Mids nearly ruin the weekend for over 105,000 people dressed in red. The Mids were within a two-point conversion of tying THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY with 2:23 to go.

What struck me the most were two things. No one got up in anyone's face and started taunting. When guys had big collisions, they were met with taps on the shoulder pads of respect. See, when you are well coached, and coached by staffs who demand you act like men and not 15 year old egotistical punks, this is the product you get. The behavior of both teams in a hard fought game for 60 minutes was exactly what the AFCA was hoping to get from its teams this weekend. This is just a football game. Perhaps tapes should be sent to Boise State and Oregon for future reference.

The second thing was how Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who might one day be in a situation to take a bullet on the battlefield, took a football bullet yesterday for his team. He didn't have too, he played very well. His teammates did what they were asked to do. A superior athlete on the other side, Terrell Pryor made several plays to escape potential danger in the first half to give Ohio State just enough breathing room.

"I take full responsibility for this loss," Dobbs said. How many college athletes, or heck, athletes at any level are willing to step to a podium and say that? This is a kid who wants to run for President in 2040. Ricky, Ill 70, but if im kicking, you still have my vote.

The Service Academies went 2-1 overall yesterday. All three showed signs they are ready to play good football this year. Army bested Eastern Michigan on the road and Air Force scorched 1-AA or FCS foe Nicholls State in a glorified scrimmage, 72-0.

The commerce that was taking place on Lane Ave. on the way in to Ohio Stadium yesterday was amazing. Vendors galore, selling everything from Necklaces to sunglasses to any kind of food or beverage of your choice. But the respect the people of Columbus showed for the Mids players, fans, and support staff was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.

The ACC would like to forget its weekend. No notable wins, and several frustrating losses. Virginia Tech and Maryland lost to SEC and PAC-10 foes, and Richmond and William & Mary of the CAA won games against ACC teams, Duke and Virginia on their fields! Cop that with Villanova coming back to beat Temple late, and the CAA had a spectacular weekend.

Sam Bradford's injury proved costly to Oklahoma, but what was more stunning to find out was 36 BYU players are Married! I know they go on missions and are a bit older, but 36!!!!! That has to be an NCAA record.

4-0 this week, Army and South Carolina win outright and NAVY-OSU went over and Oklahoma State -5 beat Georgia by 14. See ya next week.

College Football's opening weekend is here. I will be in Columbus at Ohio State as Navy visits the Buckeyes. The Mids will need some OSU help to win, but, that doesnt mean this cant be a closer game than you think.

"We know what kind of challenge this is, but, we are alos going to try and win a football game,'' Navy Head Coach Ken Niamatalolo said.

Ohio State does have Southern Cal next week. The over under is 47...I like the over.

Other games...

Thursday N.C. State giving five at home against South Carolina. Who said N.C. State was that good all of a sudden. Upset Special...Take the Cocks and the points.

Oklahoma State hosts Georgia Saturday afternoon. This is Dez White's coming out party. Take the Cowpokes giving 5.

Eastern Michigan is at home against Army. Two teams, new coaches, similar issues from the past. Another upset Special, take the fighting Ellerson's getting 5 1/2......

Its finally here......good luck this weekend....

One week until Columbus

This time next week the flight will arrived back from Columbus Ohio as Navy will have taken its best shot at the Buckeyes.

Im looking forward to seeing the place up close, but today, I saw the St. Thomas Aquinas, a private school of 2,000, with Chris Carter coaching its wide receivers, destroy a top Ohio team in Upper Arlington. U really dont understand what Im saying, STA started the second half with its third-string quarterback in the game. STA dominated at the shoe, the Buckeyes can only hope they get some of those kids.

REDSKINS
Hey that was a real good NFL half of football between the Pats and the Skins. Tom Brady, hardly knew you were hurt last year. Jason Campbell, yes you are better than that Colt guy drunk Redskins fans want to replace you with.

The offensive line still needs to run block better, but JC took major strides forward last night.

NAVY
The Mids went through a final scrimmage on Friday. Im never going to give away trade secrets...oh wait, you can come watch the Mids practice. Its a rare concept in CFB these days. Kudos to Navy for letting people still watch how football game preparation goes on. By the way, to all you paranoid coaches....Your games are on TV, people know your schemes, give it a rest.

Hoping California has enough to beat Taipei in College World Series tomorrow. However, as I have said, Little League needs to change its archaic rules. 13 yr olds pitching from 46-feet, is a joke. I have already sent LLB a email offering to umpire next year. The strike zones have been so bad, Gary Thorne three times has called picthes balls, that were indeed called strikes by the umps, and for once, the broadcaster was right. A pitch was a FOOOOOT outside, STRIKEEEEEEE...Stop it already.

Lets not panic....yet

The Washington Redskins sat out some major stars on Thursday night in Baltimore, but even so, if your competing for a job, you would have expected better execution from the many subs who contributed to the Redskins, 23-0, drubbing at the hands of the Ravens.

Kevin Barnes, who many felt could have been had in the fifth-round, did not look like a third-round pick. Toast with plenty of butter against a mediocre wide receiver. Justin Tryon was just abused early by Demetrius Williams.

The good news, the defense held the Ravens to two field goals even after a blown coverage by London Fletcher on Ray Rice who went 34 yards on a dump off from Joe Flacco.

Jason Campbell wasn't horrible, looked fairly confident, and actually spread the ball out in his three completions. Colt Brennan fans....just stop it...

Malcolm Kelly looked like he belonged and someone please tell Fred Davis, once you catch it, you have to hold on to it....

Brian Orakpo, oh yeah....Thanks to Al Davis drafting Darius Hayward-Bey, shockingly at number 7, Orakpo fell to 13 and looks like he is catching on quickly.....

Another stiff test in game #2, the Steelers.....oh boy.....

Whiners and winners

Hopefully Michael Crabtree's cousin who claims the WR will sit out 2009 if the Niners don't cough up more cash, doesn't have much influence on the youngster. If he does, the Niners and Crabtree are in real trouble. If you think he went 10th after an injury, where do you think he will go after a year of not playing?

The Naval Academy had its annual fan fest on Monday and guess what, they are going to run the triple-option again. Rciky Dobbs provides great skills at QB, but a lot of unproven talent on offense and a tough schedule loom as obstacles to overcome if the Mids are to win a 7th straight commander in chief's trophy. Unlike some teams and coaches who go aw shucks we arent any good and this schedule is too tough, the Mids just say that's great, lets go play! Amen.

The Nats have won five in a row, including a sweep of the contending Marlins. Kudos to the players who are professional in a time where they could have mailed it in a long time ago. Mike Rizzo done enough to be full-time GM? I think so. Go ahead and bring back Jim Riggleman too.

I saw Brian Matusz pitch three times at Bowie. He was near flawless. His first start was his first win and won't be the last in Baltimore.

As for Melvin Mora, we love reading the stories about the 234 kids you have at home. You have always been a great guy, but don't whine when you don't hit. The manager is just doing his job, at least while he has it.....

What Im tired of what Im happy about

Im tired of police arresting black people because, well, they are black. See Harry Gates Jr. Arrested in in own house.

Im Happy about the fact that Navy Football is right around the corner so this boredom of bas baseball in our area will be over.

Im tired if fans blistering their teams for not signing their own free agents then killing them for signing their own free agents...see Baltimore Ravens, Terell Suggs.

Im Happy that so many Baysox players I broadcasted last year are playing well for the Orioles.

Im tired of athletes involved in killings of people getting off scot free, yet a man involved in the killing of pets is treated more harshly?

Im Happy that for s econd year in a row Southern High Schools Summer team coached by Former Southern great Will Maynard and Myself has qualified for the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

Im tired of people blaming national economics reasons for franchises failing when its 99% the fault of bad management.

Im Happy to hear John Feinstein is doing well after heart bypass surgey.

When your best is still not good enough

For 71 holes, TomWatson looked like the guy I always rooted for growing up against the Golden Bear, looked like a guy that was as consistent a golfer as perhaps the sport has ever seen.

Then, on hole 72, he putted around the green like you and I do at the local golf course of choice. Come on, you know you have made a 9-foot- putt.

Golf shows us is can always be a game of great joy, but also a cruel game. Open Champion Stewart Cink knows full well. He missed a much SHORTER putt at Southern Hills in 2001.

The Trials and tribulations of a closing 18 holes will go down as anti-climactic. For the first 17 ABC commentators Paul Azinger, Andy North and Curtis Strange like the rest of the world were trying to help carry the 59 year-old Watson home. In fact, he actually it a great golf shot into 18, just the bouncing ball carried and rolled to the back of the green. One man's history was about to become another's.

Congrats to Cink, a beautiful putt on 18 put him in position to take advantage of Watson's demise at 18. It's Cink's first major, not bad a for a guy who missed the cut in his last outing.

Manny Acta out, Jim Riggleman in. Blaming Manny for the losses out, same fielding and pitching problems for the Nats, still very much in. The Cubs sweep a game at Wrigley/Nationals Park this weekend.

I had a chance to broadcast DC United's MLS match with Colorado Saturday night, a 3-1 win for the black and red. I was surprised at how fast the game went, even with a running clock, games on TV seem much slower. Jamie Moreno returned to the lineup United exloded for three goals and are right in the thick of the Easern Division race, one point behind Chicago.

Lots of officiating this week, including a chance to ref the US Basketball Junior Nationals being played here in DC. Looking forward to this event. Perhaps a certain 6-6 rising junior may be in it next year..

Boy how things change

I spent my Monday night broadcasting a game that 1,512 were attending in Bowie. Surprise, the Orioles send David Hernandez down and he throws four innings and gives up one run. The Bowie Bayxo three all stars headed to Trenton on Wednesday all had roles in the win. Jonathon Tucker scored the eventual winning run stealing third and scoring on the bad throw. Chad Thall got another hold and Ryan Ouelette got the save.

"Its the first time Ive ever been selected for an all-star game so I'm real excited." Ouelette said.

Meanwhile, I havent gotten in to UFC much yet but wow Dan Henderson is my new hero. If you haven't seen why yet, just you tube it...

Finally, those of us who cover the Naval Academy football team have as much if not more access to Navy players and coaches as any in the game. It hasn't affected Navy for six years in a row, winning the CIC, going to Bowl Games and even beating Notre Dame in that time.

Our SA Bretheran at Air Force are closing up shop. The AF beat writers, most notably Jake Schaller, have provided great coverage of the Falcons program for many years. Well, now, the AF program will lose a lot of that visibility at a time when Service Academies need as many good folks as possible to read about the great work the players and coaches do in addition to the daily grind of an academy.

Check this out.....http://gazetteafasports.freedomblogging.com/author/jschaller/>

Hoops tomorrow night at North County High at 7pm with the Big C, and then 9:15 at Walt Whitman with Ryan...peace.

Happy Birthday America

Joe Miller and I got to call a triple-play last night in the Bowie-Akron game. A slow developing play in a weird game. 17 hits in the game 10 of which were infield hits or bloopers that went about 130-feet! Our next broadcast is Tuesday night at 7pm on WNAV-1430-AM and www.wnav.com.

Good Luck to Devan Miller, whose Dad, David, is #2 on the wins list at The Meadowlands this year, as she has four drives tonight at Ocean Downs. Also good luck to the Charlene Polk trainee Mr. Thinker, the classy vet is the second choice on the morning line in the Bud Light Pacing series final for driver Frank Milby. If you have a you bet account Mr. Thinker is #5 in the sixth race.

Navy has announced its media-fanfest day Aug.3. Fans from 4-6 can come out and meet the players and sign autographs.

Serena beats Venus at Wimbledon and Andy Roddick uses a tough effort to beat the hometown Andy (Murray) and faces Roger Deferer tomorrow in the Wimbledon Final.

Serena has been very good is this Wimbledon and a deserving winner.

Tonight promises to be a nigh of fireworks at Daytona in the July 400-miler. Nationwide race ended with a crash and tonight could as well....Hard to believe this is the 25th anniversary of Richard Petty's last Winston Cup win.

Hedo Turkgalou to Toronto..Good luck with that H. Ron Artest will not act up in LA, and even if he does, Phil Jackson handled Dennis Rodman well, Kobe and Phil will keep Artest in line.

Hard to imagine, Ill actually be announcing horse races at Rosecroft on three weeks for the Maryland Sires Stakes. I have to admit, I thought I had called my last harness race.

Wherever you are today, remember we live in the greatest country in the world as we celebrate our Independence Day.

The Orioles Future

Having broadcasted the Bowie Baysox game last night against the league leading Akron Aeros (Indians), its quite apparent the Baltimore Orioles have another top-line prospect in left hander Brian Matusz.

Pitching out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning by striking out two straight batters his ability to PITCH is most impressive. Think your getting a fastball u get a curve.

The problem for the Orioles is of course the American League East. Big money teams in Boston and New York, Toronto has good young pitching to go with Roy Halladay, and Tampa has a solid young nucleus to contend for years.

The O's have plenty of arms, the question for this team will be whether guys like Nolan Reimold can continue their success and will Brandon Snyder (now at AAA Norfolk) be ready in time for 2010? The Orioles will be able to pitch with anyone, the question is will the be able to hit?

South on 95, the Nationals are in more deperate straits. I'll get a look at AA Harrisburg next week and it will be interesting to see if they have ANY talent at all. The Nats have some good low-level talent in the minors, but GM Mike Rizzo has his work cut out to build the farm system to eventually give Washington depth. Kudos to Rizzo for stealing Niger Morgan from the Pirates, hopefully he can create more talent with moves like that.

Can someone explain what Pittsburgh is doing? The trades they have made is beyond fire sale.

More baseball tonight, Ill have the Baysox and Akron on 1430-WNAV and at www.wnav.com.

Happy Birthday to the greatest country in the world.

Man this is tough to watch

Being a fan of Washington Sports teams growing up, im trying so hard to get into the Washington Nationals. My god its tough though.

They play a good game or two and then last night they get trounced by the equally struggling Orioles. To me the O's have significantly more talent. The Nats, hopefully have a plan.

If they don't sign Stephen Strasburg, then all bets are off as that would be two years in a row pick #1 says no thanks, Ill just go pitch for gas money in the independent leagues. Hey Stras, there's a team in Waldorf!!!!!

Interesting to note, the Baysox bought a player from Waldorf a week ago and he hit a home run in his frist game with the Baysox, Eric Crozier, nasty powerful left handed swing. He hit it half way to Davidsonville.

The Wizards this week traded a way pick #1, but blundered in the second round. The Spurs said thank you very much. The Wizards biggest absense in defense and rebounding. DeJuan Blair would have helped considerably toward the second. The Spurs have their new Malik Rose and this version is even better. I like Foye and Miller, but if they lose in the playoffs and get outrebounded ernie will have some explaining to do.

Good Luck to Corey Callahan tonight, the Maryland Native and University of Kentucky graduate drives Mr. Wiggles in the 1.5 Million Pepsi North American Cup at Mohawk Raceway in Ontario.

fans unfullfilled

Golf fans are some what uppity. Not all, but some. But, they are very loyal. As the leaders came back to the pack, Lucas Glover held on like an action hero sinking in quick sand in an action thriller. Some people will want to fry Phil Mickelson for not winning after tying for the lead. What lefty did with his current family situation is remarkable. Just to play was tough in itself, but to give himself a chance to win was something he can share with Amy as they get on to life real-time battle. If your life has ever been touched in any way by breast cancer, your hands are clinched in prayers for the Mickleson clan. There will hopefully be other golf tournaments, and remember, E. Woods had his chance to play back into it but never did.

Glover, ranked 71st in the world now joins an elite group of Major's winners. He has ability, and today helps him take a major step toward the upper echelon of golfers in the world. How he, and anyone else for that matter could play good golf under such outrageous changes in conditions is a tribute to just how good they really are. Hopefully those fans who were cheated Thursday got to get some of their golf wishes fullfilled yesterday.

Time for my sons workout with Kevin Durant's Dad today...cya

Happy Father's Day

You think of athletes and the times they share with their father's in the public eye.

For years we Saw Tiger Woods, with dad Earl. Cal Ripken Jr., with Cal Sr. These are just two of the many public figures who lived their lives in the public eye, showing how great loyalty to family really can be.

Today though also had to be a great day for Maryland native Corey Callahan, to call his Dad Nick last night and say "Hey Dad wasn't that awesome". Last night Callahan, of the Cordova, Md. Callahan's, drove Mr. Wiggles to win in the elimination of the Pepsi North American Cup at Mohawk Raceway in Ontario. Next week, the go for $1,000,000. Congrats to Corey and to Nick too. You raised a great one.

How about the Honorable Judge James Tormey in New York, you dont think he's proud to shake hands with his Son, Andy, who just graduated from the Naval Academy?

For me today was just another typical day, Cody, the 15-yr old was Basketball Camp at the University of Richmond with his teammates and at 6-6 had several eyes on him. My oldest was watching his girlfriend swim in a swim meet at UMBC. My youngest, all of one year, was with her daddy shopping at Target! But you know if she could stand, she would have been kicking a soccer ball, dribbling a basketball or carrying a lacrosse stick.

I look at many of my former school mates, Ike Riggs with two athletes of his own. Brian Aikin with two, James Wells with two kids involved in sports and Don Koller who has had many and all good ones.

As Dad's we wouldn't have it any other way and sports is a great bonding activity to help bring Dad's and thier kids together.

Happy Father's Day.

Rain Rain Go Away

NBC is bumming, Tiger will be part of Marathon coverage, which has been pretty good, Al Roker has been spot on with the weather, but Mr. Wood will be long done when this U.S Open is being decided.

Costas and company better hope Phil Mickelson rallies back in to this, or you'll likely be watching Bob interview Mike Weir on Monday or late Sunday evening if they get it all in.

Ricky Barnes? Nationwide is on your side. Hes won on Nationwide Tour, but yet to score on the PGA. Can he finish this? Not likely.

How about the Orioles and Nationals. Beltway cellar dwellers, with four game winning streaks. Nice of the Nats to get off the mat as soon as they start talking about firing Manny Acta. Went to Bowie the other night and the Baysox bought a first baseman from the independent league team in Waldorf, 30-year old Eric Crozier and he smoked a homer about 900-feet. Sorry dude, theres a guy named Brandon Snyder that just got moved to triple-AAA Norfolk, he's likely the Birds first sacker next year.

I umpired Brett Cecil in a lot of his games from age 8-14. Glad to see him toiling for the Toronto Blue Jays. After watching James Hoye umpire his start against the Nats on Saturday night, maybe I missed my calling.

Kevin O'Neil, congrats, you just got named head coach at USC. Welcome to what might be years of probation. Good Luck to you sir.

The NBA Draft is this week. We know who will likely go 1-2-3, Griffin, Thabeet and Rubio in some order. What will my resident Wizards do at #5? Trade down, please Ernie and take Ty Lawson. One other trade down scenario would be trade down and take DeJuan Blair. He's a filthy tough rebounder that this team doesn't have. 12.3 boards in the Big East is tough.

Another week of summer league action for me ont he Maryland hard courts, officiating and coaching, see you there....Tuesday Night at North County, al;so Tuesday Night at Walt Whitman (Ryan has another 9:15 game) , and Wednesday night at North County and Thursday at AACS.

Peace and Happy Fathers Day.