Peteonsports

New Year, Same Teams on Radar And Off.

2011-12-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sure, you look up top of the AP and USA Today polls and see Syracuse, Ohio State, Kentucky and more. The Big East has six teams and potentially nine or ten down the line.

What a week for #12 Georgetown to battle #4 Louisville, Wednesday night at the Yum! Louisville may be looking ahead? Yep. Kentucky awaits on Saturday. Yes, the Wildcats of Calipari, the Cards of Pitino, and hoops hysteria state, what a day for hoops fans in the bluegrass state. Amazing it will only be December 31.

John Thompson III has led Georgetown to an outstanding start. Jason Clark is shooting ball well and is Markell Starks, but, playmaker, yes playmaker, Henry Sims has been a large contributor at the big man spot, leading the Hoyas at 3.7 assists per game. Hoyas are getting solid contributions from Hollis Thompson and youngsters, Greg Whittington and Otto Porter.

Tough week for Xavier in Hawaii. A seventh-place finish, with only a win against struggling Southern Illinois. For all of you who wanted hoop gods to hammer down on Tu Holloway and company after Cincy fiasco, you got your wish.

Maryland is expected to get a boost Wednesday, as 7-footer, Alexi Len becomes eligible as the Terps host Albany at 8pm.

Having been a constant on the Prep School scene this year with a son playing at Massanutten Academy for Chad Myers, its been a busy time for college coaches. Virginia's Tony Bennett has lost four of his original class with James Johnson leaving most recently, but Bennett has been hustling on the prep circuit, taking in games involving Fishburne Military, Hargrave, and Massanutten.

Surprises so far: St. Louis is 11-1 under Rick Majerus. The Billikens have dominated foes. Winning every game by double-digits in the span and beating Washington and Villanova in that stretch. UMASS, St. Joe's and Dayton also highlight a real good opening two months for the A-10.

All 12 members of the Big Ten are over .500 and Indiana at 12-0, with a win over Kentucky deserves a salute. You figured the Hoosiers would be better, but they have opened eyes and raised expectations in Bloomington.

WINLESS STILL: On the ouch circuit early, Towson, Hartford, Binghamton, Grambling State and Northern Illinois are still winless on the year.

Tourney time! Not really..

2011-03-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

(BETHELEHEM)- Sitting in the Hotel Bethlehem, this Historic hotel where JFK once stayed, the Navy Midshipmen Mens Basketball team just returned from its shoot around at Lehigh University.

Now in a lot of tournament settings, there was a Patriot League Official there to make sure that the Mids only took their alotted 60 minutes because you know there are eight teams, and everybody has to get an hour, oh wait, not here.

The league plays all its tournament games at the site of the highest seed. Thus, a sterile atmosphere, as it feels like just another regular season game on the road in the Lehigh Valley, yeah, hey, back up the Northeast Extension again to go to Lafayette Saturday right?

There is just something different about a tournament. Navy has great facilities. So does Bucknell. There are some places in the league where you couldn't host, I.E. Colgate, because there wouldn't be enough hotel rooms without going to Utica or Syracuse. But, league officials and other schools would complain about coming to Navy as they did in the 90's or going to Bucknell, sighting, ummmmm home court advantage!

It would be great to have all 16 teams, yes, mens and womens, all in the same city. The A-10 has found at home in Atlantic City! People would come to a destination city.

I bet the Palestra would be cheap to rent at this time of year and we know Philadelphia does an awesome job with big events, Hello Army-Navy, ring a bell?

The kids could get a chance to play in one of basketball's great venues. More important, we would have a tournament environemnt. How about the Hershey Arena or the TD Waterhouse Center in Wilkes Barre? Casino right down the street, lots of hotel rooms and city that would give you the focus and make you fell wanted and special to be there. You want neutral court, Ill find you a neutral court.

Not to mention, look at the disruption it costs when hosting other events. Bucknell is hosting the EIWA's and Womens quarterfinal action, so, sorry Navy, we have to play you Monday since we can't staff all of these activities properly. change your hotel reservations, bus schedule, class schedule etc. If you had hoops on a neutral court, we wouldn't have that issue.

The quality of the tournament has gone down hill since we left the traditional tournament setting. Like #7 Lehigh beating #2 Navy in 99 at Army when Navy shot how's this for ironic for a Patriot League School, 17-76!

The underdog has a much better chance to be competitive on a neutral court. Did you know Bucknell is a 16-point favorite at home tonight against Army, and Colgate is a 14-point dog on the road tonight at American? Sounds like they have a big chance, and yes I know Army is the only team to beat Bucknell, but that was at West Point.

It's time to take the tourney back to a for a lack of better word, TOURNAMENT. Ive been at conference tournaments before at the BIG EAST, CAA, and ACC and Patriot League. Today doesn't feel like that. There is nothing like hustling a coach or player to an interview room, double-lined media row, lots of people every where.

No one has brought up moving the CAA from Richmond even though, its on VCU's territory. For years the CAA had two teams in Richmond!

There wont be many folks at Stabler Arena tonight for this Quarterfinal Matchup and that's too bad. There will only be one game here tonight, and that hardly feels like a tournament.

BIG PROPS: Former Patriot League Assistants, Nathan Davis (Randolph-Macon), Joe Burke (Skidmore) and Andy Sachs (Bethany) all led their respective schools to the Division-III NCAA Tournament. For Burke and Skidmore, it will be the schools first NCAA appearence in school history.

Seventh-seeded Colgate is at second-seeded American and is the televised game on CBS College Sports with Bob Socci and John Feinstein on the call.

Good old fashioned Sportsmanship still lives

2011-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I watched my sons's team, Southern High School, a small Class 2A school, take on one of the top 4A schools of this decade in Anne Arundel County, Old Mill.

It was game that never saw either team lead by more than five points the entire contest. It was a game with star power, Old Mill's great senior Eric Savage, and Southern's senior guard Bryan Harris and 6-7 senior forward Cody Joyce.

That trio didn't lack for quality as the three combined for 44 points among them. Savage played great defense, Harris, despite injury, was game, and Joyce spent the night at the line with 16 free-throw attempts and three dunks on the inside.

A talented 10th-grader in Brian Hinton posted 19 points and Southern's Jay Greenwell, who by all rights, shouldn't have been on the floor with a leg injury in the overtime, hit for 15 points and a big trio of three-pointers.

Bodies were laid out on the floor all night. Both teams desperate to claim victory in a close game. Southern's Davonte Burke with some high acrobatics to answer quality play from the Patriots Joe McCargo and Gavin Salmond.

College coaches in the stands. With all that talent out there, who could blame them for not wanting to see this one.

The great thing about last night's game though, was the behavior of the players, the sportsmanship the entire night from guys trying to beat the other guy through some heated moments, bad calls that left their coaches and fans to do the complaining, but from the players, nothing. Lets go to the other end and try again.

In a perfect world, all games would be like last night's 83-81 overtime thriller where the small school challenges the big guys and the kids would play the way they did. It shows their coaches preach the right things in how to play. Even though the game likely should have seen a second overtime last night, I will always take away the way the kids played and RESPECTED each other the entire night. Perhaps some of the parents in attendence should learn from them.

OVERTIME:
Georgetown's Austin Freeman doesn't get mentioned enough in player of the year discussion, but perhaps he should. His output against Big East competition has been extraordinary this year.

Stock up- TEXAS. Beating A&M at home was one thing, but destroying them at College Station was pretty impressive.

XAVIER- The win at Richmond Saturday by 23 made me a believer.

Stock Down- Gonzaga, Butler, Gordon Haywood, where are you ?

ON THE ROAD WITH NAVY HOOPS- DAY 3/4

2010-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

(IRVINE)- The Mids have lost two games but made strides, considering they are playing freshmen a lot of minutes. The Mids trailed by 17 tonight against Louisiana Tech, but cut it to 59-57, before succumbing, 80-65.

A group of Navy fans greets the guys at the hotel and takes a big group picture. Panera Bread sandwiches arrive.

One more game to go, Sunday at 6 eastern against Seattle University. What seems like the longest trip of my life is almost over.

ON THE ROAD WITH NAVY HOOPS: DAY TWO

2010-11-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

(IRVINE)- Day two of this five day trip was uneventful until practice started at NAIA Vanguard University, home of the 2008 NAIA Womens National Champions. An interesting campus, colorful dorms, easy going folks, and lots of hand sanitizer dispensers.

Breakfast at the Marriott Irvine Towers was delicious, though the Potatoes were a bit dry, the waffle and oatmeal tremendous.

Mids had energetic practice despite jet lag, and adjustig to Pacific Time Zone. Mids made some offensive adjustments and all well prepared for the game at Irvine, Friday night.

It is awesome watching hoops at 11am. Watching games from Puerto Rico, Harrison Barnes looks as good as advertised. Hoping the Hoyas can play as well against Wofford as they did Coastal Thursday.

Dinner in the meeting room post practice was great. Lemon chicken and cheese ravioli. A relatively uneventful day otherwise. Game Dat tomorrow.

On The Road With Navy Hoops: IRVINE DAY ONE

2010-11-18T08:20:00.001-08:00

The life of a broadcaster is sometimes exciting. You meet great people, travel to great places and get to see the country in ways some envy.

Sometimes though, there are days which really stink. Take for instance today for me.

I drop my daughter off this morning and knowing I will not see her except for my computer background for five days left me tearing up as I left our Aunt’s house. My older son is college is calling me for an opinion on a school paper, meanwhile I’m desperately waiting for Al my tire technician to finish putting tires on since I have to be at the Naval Academy by 4pm. Al comes through in the clutch. I’m out the door by 3:30. By the way I killed time walking around the mall which is always exciting, and found out JC Penney is open at 3am the day after Thanksgiving and send that information to my wife via text. %:22, my middle son texts and says who is picking me up? I replay Mom, and before I can say anything else he hangs up!

The best part of the day is sitting across from Navy Head Basketball Coach Billy Lange and taking in knowledge that I can use and some I can’t on the air as The Mids are set to play three games in three days in Irvine, California. Yes I get to see the Anteaters!

Good news, the flight to Denver arrives on time, and after a purchase of Chocolate Chex Mix, its on to the connector to Orange County, California and John Wayne Airport. We’re early the pilots says with glee as if they have done us a favor! Well it has been a good flight.

While people say “Wow that’s a great job” and don’t get me wrong it beats making a living in much tougher and less rewarding ways, it’s times like this where some of us who have taken family for granted at times while collecting our experience through this career, get a reality check.

No matter how fun, how exciting, when all is said and done, all you have when the game is over, is your family. Right now, I miss mine.

Take Duke lightly, no way say Mids.

2010-10-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

It would be easy for Navy to take Duke lightly on paper. Afterall, the Blue Devils are 1-6. They played Miami tough two weeks ago, put up 48 against Wake Forest and threatened late at Maryland before losing by five.

They are also the same Duke team that gives up over 200 yards a game on the ground and this is the same Navy offense that just ran for 367 on Notre Dame. I did have that capped except Notre Dame is only 4-4.

"They do have some athletes and they have played better than the record,'' Navy Defensive Cooridinator Buddy Green said.

Nose guard Chase Burge and Jordan Marks have done a great job filling in for the injured Shane Bothel and Burge knows this team can't take anyone lightly.

"We know that we have to be focused. we have to put last week behind us and concentrate on our assignments this week,'' Burge said.

Last week's 35-17 win over the Fighting Irish was a sight to behold.

75,000 people saw it in person, a ntional TV audience, and Notre Dame fans watching outside the interview rooms and cheering Navy Coach Ken Niamatalolo and his players as they stepped down from the podium.

No, this wasn't Dr. Lou's 1988 National Title team, but, its still Notre Dame. People noticed.

"We had lots of messages and e-mails, and kids requesting to come visit so it was was very big day from that perspective,'' Niamatalolo said.

Navy's recruiting during the triple-option era has been off the chart for Navy Football. Never, could Navy have withstood losing six senior starters during the course of the season and still managed to not only compete but still WIN against Notre Dame. Navy now has 18 wins against BCS teams since 2002, the most by any non-BCS school.

WHY? Navy started Sophmore Devon Richardson in place of Emmett Merchant, Alexander Teich in place of Vince Murray, Burge for Bothel, Doug Furman/Brandon Turner/Matt Aiken for Mike Shupp, Ryan Bassford for Matt Malloy and kicker Jon Teague for Joe Buckley. Keep in mind too Marks was in on the goal-line stand on Notre Dame's first drive also. Hello?

The Mids have gone into places like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and convinced kids this is a great place to play football and set yourself up for life. Coaches have truly coached them up and just when you thought this program may fade to black after the loss to Air Force, think again. Just ask Notre Dame.

Not afraid to show you my Harris Poll voting

2010-10-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

As a voter in the Harris Poll which helps determine the National Championship Game teams, I, for one, am not afraid to show you my poll and why.

I wrestled with the last couple of spots. I think Butch Davis is doing the best job in college football this season, I just gave a slight edge to the SEC and Mississippi State right now. Virginia Tech was top-five early this season and his rounding into form.

Here's how I voted and why..

1. Oregon- I voted them there last week and they didn't play this week, so no need to move them.
2. Boise State- The beat everyone they play to a bloddy pulp. No fooling around.
3. TCU- I wavered here since Oklahoma is looking good and so is Auburn, but why penalize the Horned Frogs for killing people too.
4. Oklahoma- No Bradford, No problem and a seriously good running game too.
5. Auburn- Please welcome Cam Newton to the Heisman conversation.
6. Alabama- I still think they are the best team in the country on a neutral field.
7. LSU- Unbeaten, but better than Bama?
8. Michigan State- Wicked circumstances with their coach, yet still impressive each week.
9. Ohio State- You can be crtical of Pryor and the O but none of them play D.
10. Iowa- A couple of goofy things at Arizona away from being possible top-five team.
11. Nebraska- ? unexplainable. Youth can be good and bad.
12. Wisconsin- Only loss is to #8. Powerful performance against Buckeyes.
13 Oklahoma State- Not even the best in their state...for now.
14. Utah- Still the biggest question mark overall in top-15 to me, but when I see them they dominate their opponents and program has earned its place.
15. Stanford- IMHO they would beat a couple of the teams ahead of them on a neutral field.
16. Missouri- I saw the beatdown by Navy in person. Their coaching staff has learned its lesson and Blaine Gabbert keeps getting better and better.
17. Florida State- Loss to Oklahoma doesn't look so bad now and neither do the Noles.
18. South Carolina- They tried to win the game, isn't that what Herm Edwards once told us?
19. Arizona- Thought about putting Texas here, who do you like on a neutral field?
20. Arkansas- Was that an EA Sports simulation yesterday against Auburn?
21. Texas- Mack Brown and crew too good to keep losing, but I don't think anyone expected that yesterday.
22. Virginia Tech- I don't know what Tyrod Taylor will play in the pros, but in college he's growing on me.
23 West Virginia- BIG East? This is the lone team that can hang with many outsiders they have ridiculous speed.
24. Michigan- Their only losses are to #8 and #10. A must win at Penn State next week to hang around.
25. Mississippi State- Edge out Carolina for my final vote because the ACC is better than SEC and Dan Mullen has done a great job getting Bulldogs competitive again.

Greetings From Monroe...

2010-09-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

(RUSTON, LA)- It is hot and humid and the Mids have come to Ruston hoping to improve to 2-1. Last week, Navy had trouble getting the vaunted triple-option going against Georgia Southern, coached by former Navy assistant, Jeff Monken.

This week, they take on Louisiana Tech, coached by 40-year old Sonny Dykes, who actually thinks the triple-option could come back as a regualr staple of offense for college football teams.

"I think it makes perfect sense for the service acadamies to run it, but also look at what Paul Johnson has done at Georgia Tech,'' Dykes said. "Things are cyclical and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more teams go to it.''

Dykes employs the spread and has been trying to settle on a quarterback as Colby Cameron, a freshmen, gets the nod this week. Tech struggled on defense last week as Texas A&M pulled away in the second half and ran for 216 yards against the Bulldogs.

Navy is number-five in the country in total defense and tops in pass efficiency defense. One question for Navy will be the health of saftey Emment Merchant. The senior left last week's game with a concussion, but did make the trip to Ruston. Starting tackle Matt malloy did not, also suffering from a concussion occuring in week one.

Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper hasn't lost confidence in the offense at all. In fact, he knows what needs correcting and those errors that have happened are easy fixes.

"It's about execution. It's easy to see on film where some plays have been breaking down so we feel confident that we can make those corrections and execute better. Last week, we simply wanted to make sure didn't do something to lose the game because our defense was playing outstanding football. Sometimes as a coordinator, you have to keep that in mind too, you may not be playing well, but you can do something to put your defense in a bad spot too,'' Jasper said this week.

Navy has been strong in both games on defense. This week will be a test of tackling for Navy against the short posession passing game of Tech.

"We have to tackle people and get them to the ground on first contact. Its a fundamental part of every game but if you don't tackle well this week, small short gains become big plays,'' Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.

Linebacker Jerry Hauburger agrees and thinks there could be some plays there for the defense to make.

"If you follow your assignment and the guys up front keep playing the way they have you know there will a tipped ball or two and a chance to make a big play, Im hopeing to make one,'' Hauburger said.

KEY MATCHUPLouisiana Tech defensive end Matt Broha against Navy offensive tackle Ryan Bassford. Broha has 3.5 sacks through two games, and the best way to slow down ana ggressive defensive end is by running at him. If the Mids control Broha they should be able to make some plays on the edge.

REMEMBER HIM?Phillip Livas, an all-WAC performer from last year is back again. Last year he returned a punt 85-yards for a touchdown against the Mids in Annapolis. His entire career at Tech is filled with highlight film plays.

NOTES: Kickoff is set for 7pm eastern time and will be available on ESPN3.com and the Navy Radio Network. For a list of stations and internet options go to Navysports.com. The Mids are actually staying in Monroe, the home of Louisiana-Monroe which is coached by former Army Coach Todd Berry who took over from former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie. Navy is 32-20 in the road in the past eight seasons. Wyatt Middleton will make his 38th straight start for the Mids. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will be seeking his 20th career win saturday night. This is the first time the Mids have visited Louisiana without the game being in New Orleans. Navy has won only twice in the Pelican State, one of the wins a 1955 Sugar Bowl win against Mississippi.

NFL PICKS 2010

2010-09-09T16:38:00.001-07:00

There is nothing scientific about making predictions. It's glorified guessing. I struggled with wild cards, but the division winners were easy for me to come by. Here goes nothing.

NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.

NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.

NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.

NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.

Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay

AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.

AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?

Wild Cards- Houston Bengals

Champion Ravens.....

Super Bowl

Green Bay over Baltimore

WEEK TWO COULD BE BEST OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

2010-09-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

You name the game, it has meaning, intrigue, great storylines, and most important high entertainment value for the college football fan this week.

Lets start with say, Miami at Ohio State.

Two potential Heisman candidates collide here as Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State Terell Pryor square off on the national stage. High profile wins are a premium for Miami with the ACC still in the rears looking up at its BCS colleagues. The Canes are on the verge of getting back to college football's top level. Randy Shannon had a tough task when he took over, and while he was a player on those renegade Miami teams, he has them playing first class football. If Harris plays within himself and doesn't try to be a hero, Miami has enough speed on defense to contain Pryor, but tackling will be a premium for Miami.

For Ohio State, will Brandon Saine be as good as he was last week against Marshall? They don't need him to be Beanie Wells, but if they get that kind of ground production, they will be in business and takes some of the load of Pryor.

I think this is the game of the week. I think Miami wins in a close one, 27-24.

Other great contests this week include:

Penn State at Alabama. We can never forget the Barry Krause stop on the cover of Sports Illustrated from the Sugar Bowl, but this one will be higher scoring that that 14-7 classic. Likely no Ingram for Alabama, no problem. Penn State will be very good...in November. Saban and the Tide at home..26-13.

Florida State at Oklahoma Christian Ponder kicked off the Jimbo Fisher era in style and will do well again in week two. I know this isn't Samford, but Oklahoma better be more interested than they looked last week against Utah State. Seminoles 27 Oklahoma 14..

QUICK SLANTS:As a Harris Poll voter, which determines a percentage of the BCS, Im glad we don't vote until a couple of weeks have gone by. You get an idea of what a team will be like and thus a realistic ranking to start with.

Right now, two non-bcs teams, Boise State and TCU, are in the top-five in the polls already out. Oregon State had chances in Arlington against TCU. Boise also gets the Beavers. Give Mike Riley credit for taking his Beavers where few will fear to tred.

SEC Fans watched in horror as Florida and LSU played two of the poorest halves of football in those programs history on Saturday. With so many good head-to-head matchups in the SEC this year, its very possible no SEC will go unbeaten. Of course Florida fans may say last week should be an incomplete grade since they couldn't get the snap to the QB on a consistent basis. I liked what I saw from South Carolina and Georgia and even Tennessee showed a pulse against inferior competition. However, what Ole Miss did in the second half against Jacksonville State can only be described as Twilight Zone.

Stock Rising. The soon to be departed Mountain West teams, UTAH and BYU. Fresno State, a future MWC member, Michigan, LSU super man Patrick Peterson, and new ECU Coach Ruffin McNeil.

Stock Declining: Tim Tebow haters, THE BIG EAST, Reggie Bush Heisman memorabilia, College Football in Washington State.

PUT A CLOCK ON IT.CBS College Sports better get Adam Zucker and Brian Jones ready for some filler time. Navy welcomes former assistant coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern to Annapolis Saturday. Both teams run the triple-option. While many first week games nearly took four hours of TV time, this one will likley be over in under 3. The over-under on total passes in the game is 10. I like the under.

Last week my colleague Joe Miller was 7-1-1 in his college football picks. We will have his picks and mine against the spread coming up Friday.

Listen to Miller and Medhurst Wednesday night at 10pm on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore and at www.1057thefan.com. Boise State play-by-play voice Bob Behler will join us at 11pm eastern time tonight.

This is an exciting time of year as football gets going.

2010-08-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is an exciting time of year as football gets going. In the Baltimore-Washington area, here are my top-five guys who will likely make headlines in 2010.

#5. Darius Jennings. The super athlete from the Gilman School in Baltimore put on a show in his teams opener against Archbishop Spalding. Four touchdowns in the first half, and for University of Maryland fans be glad your on his list, if he were two inches taller the entire SEC would be watching each Friday. He’s listed at 6-0 180, which means he’s probably closer to 5-10, 5-11 but he’s a quality kid and he will likely be a mean return man for someone in 2011.

#4 Ricky Dobbs- The Naval Academy quarterback has been a show since he had a 42-carry performance in his first major appearance in the Navy lineup in a monsoon against SMU. What strikes you about Dobbs is yes he’s a good football player, but he’s also a great kid. Vice-President of the senior class, respectful of his teammates, coaches, and his God. In an era where arrogance tends to pervade with many athletes, Dobbs thankfully sets a perfect example that many young men can follow. National media are even taking note and mentioning him in a candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. If there was a ever a model for college football’s top award, it is this young man from Georgia.

#3 Ralph Friedgen. The Head Coach at the University of Maryland as brought Maryland’s football profile back in his tenure at Maryland. Some will be critical of a lack of local star power on the roster as some have gone south, north, and west, though I’m not sure if Maryland has lost many players to Salisbury or Wesley College so I won’t see East. Though how did BYRON Westbrook end up on the shore. The problem on top of it for Friedgen is the fact that there is no Athletic Director, and oh yeah, the previous one made a deal that if the offensive coordinator James Franklin isn’t the coach after 2011, he gets a million dollars. There is a lot of inexperience on this team and the schedule has a stretch that is brutal with four on the road in a five game run. The opener is against Navy who some Maryland fans can’t believe is a 6 ½ point favorite. If they start off poorly, it will make for a long year and many empty seats on in College Park. I can see Ralph being a guy that backed into a corner will rally the troops.

#2 Joe Flacco- The 3rd-year NFL quarterback from Delaware via the University of Pittsburgh, has multiple weapons for the first time in his Ravens career. Anquan Boldin looks the part. He seems like he still has what made him a solid receiver in Arizona. Ray Rice is a game-breaking running back which would lead you to believe that the Ravens should score more points. They will have to. This is not your 2000 Ravens defense, but its not awful either. Flacco should make incremental improvements this year if given the chance by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron/ One wonders, if Flacco struggles, how long the leash would be. I don’t think it will come to that.

#1 Donovan McNabb-The quarterback of the Washington Redskins no matter who it is, is always the center of attention in the Nations Capital. He comes a division rival, he’s been to a Super Bowl, He’s won a lot of games. He’s somewhat inconsistent. He’s 33, He’s has an injured ankle, and he’s got questionable wide receivers. His play should be better than that of Jason Campbell, who led the Skins to four great wins a year ago. Will Clinton Portis revive his career with former Head Coach Mike Shanahan here? Will Anthony Armstrong play in the regular season like he has in pre-season and will Chris Cooley and Fred Davis look like Eagles tight ends with McNabb? The last 5 burgundy and gold regular season quarterback was a first round pick and turned out no too good. Here’s hoping this number five turns out better, because if it doesn’t, it will be a long season Washington.

Honor well deserved far over due

2010-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

AS a kid growing up, you have your favorite players you idolize, and in my case, it was broadcasters too. From the age of five, its all Ive ever wanted to do.

For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.

But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.

The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.

His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.

What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.

It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.

Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.

I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.

UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.

Random Thoughts

2010-04-29T06:14:00.001-07:00

Sitting in stunned amazement, sports again proved that the best team doesn't always win. The Washington Capitals, the top-seed in the NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs, fell last night at home in game 7 of their series against the number-eight seed Montreal.

Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.

High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.

The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.

The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.

DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.

THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.

A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.

THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.

There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.

The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.

A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.

COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.

Some obvious, some not so much

2010-04-21T08:12:00.001-07:00

The NFL Draft is set for Thursday night and some things are shaping up pretty obvious.

With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.

Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.

Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.

In the questions without answers category.

What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.

NBA PLAYOFFS

Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.

The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.

The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.

NHL PLAYOFFS

Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.

The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.

MLB

For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?

Gaudio a victim of win now attitude in college hoops

2010-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Dino Gaudio was 61-31 at Wake Forest in three seasons of coaching after taking over for his mentor, the late Skip Prosser. It netted him a contract extension last year. This year, his team was bounced in the first round of the ACC Tournament, then even after a gutsy first round NCAA win against Texas, Gaudio was given the boot today.

The win now culture of basketball has gobbled up another victim. Gaudio, nearly flawless as a recruiter, didn't win enough in the post season and its as simple as that.

Two ACC jobs are now open. Im sure we will hear the name of Richmond's Chris Mooney and Dayton's Brian Gregory and Im Sure someone will make a call to Brad Stevens of Butler.

61-31 and out of work. Ouch....

Thank you Geno!

2010-04-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Through UCONN's 78-game wininng streak and now back-to-back NCAA Championships, people, mainly ESPN, have referenced UCLA's mens winning streak. Rebecca Lobo, the former UCONN player who worked the sidelines for ESPN asked Huskies Coach Geno Auriema about being in John Wooden's company.

The coach hit it right on the head. "He has no company."

Thank you Geno for bringing some common sense to this accomplishment. yes, it is noteworthy and tremendous to do what UCONN has done. Stanford gave a great try, but the Huskies came from behind and won it all again.

I will see Geno during the summer as I did last year at the US Junior Nationals when I ref and simply give him a handshake and say congratulations. He wins, because he beats the hedges and gets out and sees the talent. He doesn't rest on his laurels and gets out and does the work. For those of you keeping score, thats seven titles now. Maybe DePaul's mens program should have hired him.

Speaking of which, Oliver Purnell are you serious? Did you get so frustrated that you couldn't knock off Duke and North Carolina, that you now want to climb the mountain of 16 teams in the BIG EAST? Hope the checks clear, the Rosemont Horizon will seem like a morgue compared to the great atmosphere in the land of orange.

The Orioles gave fans hope that change was in the air on opening night. A power surge of three long balls gave the O's a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Then last year's demons came calling.

Runners on first and third in the ninth with nobody out, and Garrett Atkins heads home on a ball to third and of course gets thrown out by a mile. For ten years I coached the kids of Shady Side and likely called for a runner to go home on a ball to left side with less than two outs, zippy times. Maybe Dave Trembley wants to lose? Of course thats not the case but this team had major base running mistakes last year and this year it cost them what proved to be valuable insurance in the ninth. Why?

Mike Gonzalez gave up the game in the bottom of the inning as the Rays scored twice to beat the O's 4-3. Kevin Millwood deserved better. Will Ohman, and Jim Johnson deserved better. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters deserved better. The lefty couldn't get out Crawford, a lefty or the slugging pinch hitter Kell Shoppach who nearly went yard the batter before. Ugh.

Finally, a man of true class met the media in Ashburn, Virginia. Donovan McNabb is the new quarterback of the Washington Redskins.

He could have taken shots at the Eagles his former team, but the closest he came was when he endorsed Andy Reid in a quote about being a future Hall of Fame Coach. He may not win 10 or 11 games for this team, but he and Mike Shanahan have already improved the class of this franchise which was in serious doubt this decade. Hopefully he wont suffer the fate of the last two quarterbacks to wear number five in Washington, Heath Shuler and Colt Brennan.

Whacky weekend

2010-04-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

As a member of the media in many of its forms as a play-by-play man, talk show host, Horse Racing track announcer, I pay attention to a lot of things.

Nothing however, could prepare me for what happened on Friday night when I arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Upon arriving, I set up my radio equipment like normal to do the Radio Broadcast on the Navy Radio Network. Fifteen minutes later, "we need you to do TV, the TV guy is laying in the press box surrounded by medical people."

Luckily, CBS College Sports Network had an extra golf shirt, I only wished I had shaved, luckily we were on camera only once. Props to the entire staff at Navy and CBS since you can go some places and never have medical people around that fast and the fact that color man Matt Danowski and I went on as if nothing happened and made the broadcast happen.

Saturday we saw one good game at the final four, and you saw Duke put on a show.

Sunday, became a wild day. Joe Miller, my co-host on Playmakers on 105.7 in Baltimore (when there is no Orioles) and me hosted a 5-hour Easter Sunday marathon. We dismissed the rumors as impossible that the Eagles would trade Donovan McNabb in the division, yet three hours later they did. The move keeps the Redskins legit for a season or two depending on what they surround him with. His presser at Noon Tuesday should have some inetresting nugget potential, but as he has done almost all the time, DM will likely take the high road.

Last night, our first caller Brian, said it was a racial thing why he was moved. Phones blew up. While the caller in this instance was incorrectly applying the race card, its still a polarizing topic on talk shows.

Duke and Butler gave us an exciting game to watch for 40 minutes. Duke's ability to defend, often overlooked this year, was the difference in this game. Yeah the big three of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith did their thing, but Brian Zoubek's rebounding in this tournament on defense on Gordon Hayward's shot with :05 second left was a difference making play. Congrats to Coach K on title number four.

Today is a day to breathe. Update coming later after the McNabb presser.

Thursday Sweet 16 game thoughts...

2010-03-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

It is amazing as a sports talk host what some people interpret about some programs and what some hosts actually don't know about some of the teams playing.

Of course everyone is waiting for the Cornell and Kentucky. The great things is people assume that Cornell plays like Princeton.

Outside of the games against the Tigers, Cornell scored 60 or more in EVERY GAME. They also scored 90 twice and 104 once. They threw down 87 against Wisconsin and won at Alabama and UMASS.

This is not your typical IVY League team. They can play. They can shoot and they have a big man. They also have a coach who certainly knows what he is doing.

I think everyone outside of Lexington, Kentucky is rooting for Cornell. DeMarcus Cousins, not John Wall is the key to this game. He will have to guard Jeff Foote all over the frontcourt and Ryan Wittman at 6-7 will shoot over some of Kentucky's defenders. George Mason once made the final four, Cornell can too. They are coached well, while I wonder if Wall and company are listening to Calipari at all. CORNELL 84 Kentucky 82

Truck Bryant's injury will hurt West Virginia but not until they play Kentucky or Cornell. I think West Virginia will defend Washington well. Bob Huggins always seems to have the darndest luck when he looks like he could win it all. Mr. Butler will do enough to get the Mountaineers through this one. West Virginia 68 Washington 61.

Butler has shot lights out recently, and done it against mainly man to man defensive teams. Anyone think Brad Stevens looks not even old enough to drink? I think Syracuse is resembling the team we all thought in early February was going to win this thing. Wesley Johnson coming on a 31-14 effort is enough to sell me here, and Butler having to deal with zone and one shot and done possessions. SYRACUSE 88 BUTLER 69

Xavier is one of the nations most underappreciated programs over the past ten years. Another good team in the sweet 16 even though Sean Miller moved on to coach Arizona. Kansas State has watched its nemesis, Kansas, get eliminated. The Wildcats are confident and shooting the ball very well. Kansas State 73 Xavier 66

Dont forget to Catch me and Joe Miller along with Jeremy Conn of the Scott Garceau Show Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Westminster, Maryland starting at 6pm-10 on 105.7fm and www.1057thefan.com

Poor at-large field, you bet!

2010-03-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Many of us who watch college hoops have said this was a mediocre at-large group and you know what? We're finding out thats right on the money. Little did we know though that it was as mediocre as three and four seeds!

Number-three seed Georgetown my childhood team, gone. Patrick where were you when we needed you, hell Micahel Graham would have planted D.J. Cooper and Armon Bassett after their first trip into the paint and they never would have ventured there again.

Vanderbilt of the SEC, see you, you were a victim of more March Madness. Temple of the rejuvinated A-10, joinh Richmond on the sidelines, those non-scholarship guys from Cornell smoked you. Pretty soon, they will want to ban non-scholarship teams from the tourney for making scholarship teams look bad.

Wofford, which has as many kids as my son Division III school, nearly shocked Wisconsin. By the way thats around 1400+ at last check.

If the NCAA expands t0 96 will that raise the cost of most pools for accounting fees?

Which coach will parlay this years tourney to more $$$ next year. Mike Rice, Robert Morris. Someone should offer a job to Blaine Taylor at ODU too. Are you listening DePaul? Seton Hall, St. John's? Whichever job Tom Pecora doesn't get offered, Taylor should get it.

Perhaps the next announcement made at a WAL-MART will be "Number-seven seeds, please exit the tournament now."

When will people realize that with only 12 scholarships per school, that someone not named Kansas, Calipari, or Duke has good players too.

How many times did Tim Brando mention Bentley's in College Park during the Maryland-Houston broadcast? Perhaps as many rebounds as Jordan Williams had, 213. Shocker this game wasnt over til 12:45 eastern time. Could someone have put Cal-Gonzaga as an 8-9 game or something in this late time slot?

My champion looked good as did my picks of ODU, Ga. Tech, and Purdue. Why do u mention Purdue Pete they are a four-seed right? No one picked them but me it seemed. Siena was very average over the past six games heading in.

The two coaches I thought needed wins coming in were Dino gaudio and Oliver Purnell. Dino did, Oliver, not so much.

I walked into an Outback Steakhouse for dinner tonight and would you believe on the TV monitors, an NIT game and a Caps-Hurricanes game from last night. Hello?

Thank god the number-one seeds restored order in day two of the tourney, but there still is nothing like the little guy flexing his bicep once in a while too.......

Southwest Airlines should thank NAVY fans

2010-01-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Surprised, a little. Of course, then again, these were Navy Football fans.

As I boarded the plane, it was quite apparent, Navy Football fans were once again ready to represent in high numbers at Reliant Stadium on Thursday for the Texas Bowl against Big 12 foe Missouri.

In fact, if not for Navy fans, this flight would have been say, 25% full. Southwest Airlines quietly Im sure sends its best to the Mids for qualifying again for a bowl game.

What an experience it is to be involved with one of the classiest programs in all of sports. We're reminded just how good we have it when we show up and oh by the way President George Herbert Walker Bush is wearing a Navy Football hat on our sidelines before the game shaking hands with anyone who asked and taking pictures. I merely was satisfied with the handshake since I dont have a fancy camera phone foe someone to take it for me.

Houston overall, was exceptional, for a second time this year to Navy as the Mids routed Rice earlier this year, 63-14. This time the Mids were a couple of red zone miscues from a similar rout. In a repeat of the Rice game, it was apparent there were many more here for the blue and gold then the black and gold, and thats a school with 30,200 students!

Navy's coaches were incredible in the little time time to prepare for a talented Missouri team. Navy's offense came out up tempo with no-huddle. Navy's defense came out with two down lineman. All week long we heard how big Missouri was, but, they never really used it to their advantage. Navy's defense made life miserable for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, he could have been picked four maybe even five times. Ricky Dobbs was well, Ricky Dobbs. Despite some careless ball handling in the red zone, his reads were right on, as the Mids rushed for 385 yards, two guys over 100-yards (Dobbs and Marcus Curry) and slot backs Bobby Doyle, Gee Gee Greene and Cory Finnerty all had productive days. Brady DeMell had to step up at center as he did a great job.

But the real winners besides Navy, were the fans, as Houston does an exceptional job of hosting, despite chilly weather, and the food in the southwest is awesome. Our hotel, the J.W. Marriott was first rate, though, lesser hotels down the street, had free wi-fi, JW makes you pay. But, if thats the only thing you can find wrong with the place, thats not bad, overall a 98% for me. Beds were comfortable, room service timely, and you know your in a great hotel when there is a phone in the BATHROOM!

Southwest was on time as usual for me on the way down. Also engaged in great conversation with Navy Grad GREG Olson on the way down and got a ride to the hotel.

HOUSTON overall was a great place, the Galleria rocks, the people were hospitable, a joy to socialize with and Navy Football again proves why its a great business partner now in College Football.

On one final note, Im a sap when it comes to stuff like this. As someone who gets to work closely with these people during the season, seeing the work they put in week-to-week to acheive goals that many college football fans would never think a team of this physical makeup could attain.Its about the respect the program has for everyone in it. The doctors and trainers whose work goes unnoticed on the surface, the support staff of Greg Morgethaler and his group, the marketing people who sell this program and the administrators who support it to the best of its abilities. AD Chet Gladchuck, Superintendent Jeff Fowler, as well as O-reps, and academic advisors who help keep the kids on task.

Navy's sports information department makes broadcasting Navy Football one of the easiest tasks a broadcaster could ask for. There isnt a request that goes denied, (just ask me and Bill Wagner as we have a worse on-time record then some airlines) and there isnt a piece of information not uncovered.

I for one will miss current Commandant of the brigade, Capt. Matt Klunder. I will miss his enthusiasm for the student athletes. Not just football players either. He went off the high dive too when Navy swept Army in Swimming too! I will miss he 63 pushups we did at Rice. I will miss his conversations during games, but I will miss the always respectful handshake he always offered when ever he saw you. There isnt a finer guy you could pick for Admiral Select.

Watching kids like Ross Pospisil, Curtis Bass, Osei Asante, and many of the other Texas kids, and the other selfless seniors, like Doyle and Finnerty, and how about Jack Hatcher, finally getting in for his first ever play in a Navy uniform and now he can tell his family years from now he was tackled , actually lifted up in the air with a perfect from tackle by future pro Sean Witherspoon from Missouri. Seeing their satisfaction and celebration, the hugs between the coaches, in a win-now mentality of sports, its all worth it and I dont think your human if you didn't share a tear of joy for the boys in blue and gold, who for seven straight years have given Navy fans the best that this program and institution have to offer. Classy on the field and off, Navy football 2009 will go down as one the best in Academy History. Thanks to the men and women who make Navy Football what it is.

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

2009-12-24T02:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T03:24:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

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.