Marc Verica, Fan Behavior, and Recruiting

Marc Verica had a very tough past month. The fifth year senior played poorly, throwing costly interceptions, making questionable decisions with the football, and really struggling to make the right reads. I was frustrated, the fan base was frustrated, the staff was frustrated, and most of all Marc was frustrated! Amongst all this frustration the fan base did some things that i find absurd.........

Let me be the first to say it's a free country and if you bought tickets or are a season ticket holder you have every right to an opinion and you may boo if you choose to. However, you have no right to question the young man's work ethic, his desire, or his integrity. He isn't the most gifted athlete but he work's his backside off and his teammates named him a captain!! That speaks volumes. As for the frustration, booing your own players isn't helping and it leaves a poor impression with visiting recruits. And the bottom line is this, this is someones son, he's still a kid/very young man, and he doesn't deserve to be treated with disdain! I'm very proud of the way Marc bounced back this weekend and played well. I believe he will do the same this week. I'm going to be cheering for you win or lose Marc, you're a very classy young man and I hope my son grows up with the same class and values your parents obviously instilled in you!

Recruiting is very quiet right now for the University of Virginia. I hope the recruits that have dropped by have enjoyed their visits. Hopefully they see the chance to play early and help rebuild this once proud program. Most importantly, Coach London is recruiting the Commonwealth hard, thank god for that. Time to take back the State from the clowns wearing orange and maroon!

Rebuilding takes time, Moss will help, and fantasy football blues

UVA has been dominated in it's first two ACC games. The quarterback play is not very good, poor tackling is crippling the offense, and the fan base is already questioning Mike London. Welcome to big time college football expectations at a school with limited success and a history of poor fan support. I'm a die hard fan, but the UVA fan base is full of whiners who turn their back as soon as possible. I loathe VT.......but they have loyal and rabid fans, UVA never will.........and that disappoints me....but Mike London is going to bring the program back to respectability. It takes time, he will recruit, and the QB play will improve.....I have faith......shame the fan base doesn't seem to!

The Patriots traded Randy Moss to the Vikings for a third round pick. Both Moss and Favre are excited about the trade and they should be. The Vikings will win 11 games and make the playoffs, dominating the NFC on their way to the Superbowl. The Patriots won't make the playoffs, Bellichek will look like a fool, and Tom Brady will simply ask WHY??????

Fantasy football is a complete crap shoot!! Half my team is hurt, the other half haven't earned their draft ranking. I find myself asking why do i waste valuable time on this worthless crap. And then I look at my two Championship rings and realize why I do this.........cause I love jewelry!!! :)

Donovan McNabb.....wins in Philly.....MV gets what was coming to him.....and time for UVA to beat Al Groh and GT!

I was extremely happy for Donovan McNabb today! His new team went to Philly, beat up his old team, and he was cheered by the fans! He handled himself with class and dignity...so did the City of Philadelphia!

Michael Vick may have several broken ribs. I enjoyed watching him get hit, so did my dog...hmm......I bet I wasn't the only one that felt that way!!!

Now that the FSU debacle is over, it's time for Mike London to concentrate on this week's opponent, Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech currently employs former UVA coach Al Groh as it's defensive coordinator, and he has effectively ruined their defense just as I predicted he would. This week UVA needs to take out all of their frustration from last week on Mr. Groh and his defense.........that would make Wahoo Nation feel MUCH better!

Uva's opening win, VT's ugly uniforms, and Boise State making my YEAR!!!!

Uva played a very solid game in Coach London's debut against Richmond. I was happy with the gameplan and for the most part the execution of it. The special teams weren't so special and this area needs to be shored up quickly. The crowd was good, the return of the State Flag to it's rightful home at THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, and the player's attitude made for a wonderful opening week. The new uniforms were also a huge plus.......the future is very bright in C-Ville!!!

Speaking of uniforms, these black drag queen outfits VT wore should be burnt to a crisp in a massive bonfire! The vastly overrated "Hokie Nation" will tell you that the Halloween jerseys are the most awesome thing in the world. Well you're 0 and 1 in them so I hope you keep rocking them!!

About that loss that did my heart good.....Congrats to Boise State!!! They were well coached, very prepared, and smacked the Chokies right in the mouth, the way 10 of the last 11 top ten ranked teams the Chokies have faced has done!!! They exploited weaknesses that ACC coaches will exploit and for that I say thank you Boise, and perhaps that sorry empty trophy case up in Blacksburg should be removed.....perhaps located in C-Ville in about 4 more years!!!

I love tennis, my new job, and the upcoming football season!

The tennis channel and ESPN 2 have been airing a ton of tennis this summer, mostly the U.S. Open Series. I love the U.S. Open Series for it's tv friendly blue courts, it's convenient treadmill session time slots, and the type of tennis I'm used to playing........ok maybe not quite that level on my end! I have seen a ton of new tennis gear I can't wait to buy, not to mention several tournament venues that I plan on attending eventually. Now if only the Americans could get their games together to compete.......where have you gone Pete and Andre!!

My new job is sweet!! I'm now employed at the Western Virginia Water Authority and things couldn't be going better. A wonderful staff that has accepted me with open arms, excellent benefits, and plenty of advancement opportunites make for the perfect work environment. Sometimes to take one step forward you have to take a step backwards and take a leap of faith....I'm very glad I did!!

I was mowing my grass this weekend and a leaf fell harmlessly in front of me. What's the big deal about that you may ask; the big deal my friends is that FOOTBALL is only a few weeks away! Get the tailgate gear ready, dust off your stadium seat, save a little gameday money, and where your mirrored shades to check out the co-eds!! High School football Friday, College Football Saturday, Pro Football and Fantasy Football Sunday.....it doesn't get any better than that!!

An all new season of Hard Knocks and Friday Night Lights upcoming season finale

This year's addition of the critically acclaimed Hard Knocks training camp series will feature the New York Jets and their renegade coach Rex Ryan. I enjoy Ryan and think his attitude is perfect for that media outlet and the league in general. Mark Sanchez is the real deal and the team is solid in all areas. They need to get Revis signed and happy and everything will be alright. I'm still not happy that Thomas Jones wasn't in their plans because Thomas is a good man and deserved a better fate than Kansas City. I believe this is a legit Super Bowl contender and Sanchez is gonna pull a Namath....minus the Suzy Kolber interview!

Friday Night Lights is by far one of the best shows on television and next week is the season finale. I really hope that NBC picks up the show for at least one more season but I hear rumblings that this may be the last show.....if it is I certainly hope East Dillon whoops West Dillon's a** this week!!

Sports agents, paying student athletes, and Vandy's new football coach..

The agent epidemic has officially derailed all the excitement of the upcoming football season. There is no reason for this madness, the NCAA should get with the coaches association and workout an agreement to bring the agents together with the student athletes in a controlled and monitored environment. This is a win win situation and seriously needs to be explored. Whatever the move it must be done quickly to minimize the damage before the first game is played so the money can be made........

Speaking of money, would it be so bad to give the student athletes a buck here or there. The scholarship is the ultimate prize, but a few bucks for the weekends off of jersey sales and such could be kicked their way. Let's be honest about this, a serious profit is made and I do believe this may have a positive impact and begin to limit the number of off the field incidents that plague many campuses right now. Think about it and it does make sense!!

This week during SEC Media Day the nation was introduced to Vandy's new head coach, Robbie Caldwell. This guy is right out of central casting for a SEC coach, the southern roots, twang, and charming laid back demeanor. He is a gem, a sportswriters dream, and I truly hope he is successful because outwardly he is the type of man that's easy to root for. If he can win 6 games and get to a bowl I sure as heck hope I'm lucky enough to see his press conference!!

It's been a while....but I'm back!!

The job change is official, I'm back with a vengeance, and the world has been waiting for my rebirth! Now that we're on the same page.....the world of sports awaits!

LeBron and Miami are a great fit. The people of Cleveland are upset and I understand that. The harsh truth though is that this is a business and the world can be a very cruel and cold place. Try and remember the good things he did and don't focus on where he is now. If you're bitter you're going to miss out on life.....King James still loves you Ohio and he always will. Don't turn your backs on him......that's something a Michigan Wolverine would do!!

NCAA Football 2011 is as good as advertised. I still haven't played a down yet while entering all of my players names correctly but I can tell it kicks A$$!! Tim Tebow on the cover is fine by me, he didn't take bribes from an agent......Butch Davis can you hear me......better brace for the investigation!

Who won the British Open? Oh that Louie guy.......hmm.......golf is in trouble right now!! Paging the top 10 in the World Rankings.....WAKE UP!!!

Fantasy Football just around the corner, Miami Heat basketball, and the recruiting of David Whitmire

Fantasy football season is just around the corner! I'll be sending out invitations in just a matter of days to this year's Water Dept. league. I've devised a different strategy this year, no magazines, no outside opinions, just what my gut tells me. I figure this way I can let the losers who never beat me have a decent shot of hanging with me.......we shall see. First pick this year is gonna be easy!! :)

The Miami Heat are going to sign both D-Wade and Chris Bosh as early as tomorrow. There are heavy rumors that King James will announce tomorrow night that he is joining those two down in Miami. Should that occur then you can go ahead and engrave the Championship Trophy for the next 4 years.....they will roll!! By the way, Pat Riley will NOT be the head coach, just watch and see!

Hampton High quarterback David Whitmire will be making his college choice soon and the rumors are that he will choose between the Commonwealth's top two schools, VT and UVA. VT seems to think he is a lock to join the orange and maroon............I have a different take, I believe David Whitmire wants to bring the same excitement and impact on the playing field that fellow 757 quarterback MVI brought to VT to The University of Virginia........Mike London has laid it out for you David, come on down to C-Ville and let's make a new 757 legacy!!

Only 10 days away from NCAA FOOTBALL 2011......The Building of a Program Show.....and where will LeBron end up?

In ten days I will be in line at Bestbuy at midnight to purchase NCAA Football 2011 for the Xbox 360, oh wait, I've already pre-ordered it and it will be delivered to me instead! You ready to take me on in this game, got the testicular fortitude to hang with me, well bring it!! You know who you are......

The new football show airing on Comcast that chronicles the UVA football program has really paid dividends. The recruiting has really picked up in the Commonwealth.....won't be long Frankie Beamer, won't be long!! Got a little something for you this year in Blacksburg to!!

LeBron James will end up in..............well......I'm just not sure!! Let's hope that Cleveland has a back-up plan, let's hope Chicago doesn't get D-Wade, and let's hope they both end up in MIAMI playing for Pat Riley!! ;)

Nadal wins.....again, the World Cup, and why do I have to wait till July for NCAA Football 2011??

Rafael Nadal won the French Open.....again......and it wasn't exciting. Rafael won in straight sets and I can't remember the last time I watched a more boring French Open final. Rafa is great but I'm tired of seeing him win this event every year; it's bad for the non-left handed audience. Congrats Rafa on another boring win.....BOO!!

The US National Soccer team has competed very hard in the first two games against England and Slovenia. They have earned two points though it should have been four! The second match versus Slovenia was the most piss-poorly officiated game I've seen it all the futbol I've watched............and that's at LEAST 6 matches!! The goal to put the US up 3 to 2 wasn't allowed by the lead official who was obviously anti-American. Perhaps he holds a grudge because he's ignorant enough not to live here!

July 13th???? That's how long it will be before I can get my college football video game fix.....can you believe it!! Don't they know that when I want something I want it now, you know, like everybody in the world save priests and nuns!!! I shall wait but I'm seriously unhappy about it, must be the same people attempting to fix the damn oil leak!!

Late Breaking News: The lead official from Cameroon who shafted the US has been suspended. He will not be screwing any more countries this World Cup.

On a sad note, it appears that one-time follower Mike has decided to shun my blog. It speaks of his character that he would desert me, but then again, he's a fan of the VPI football (not futbol) team and I think that requires a lack of character to begin with.

The Ladies French Open Championship....

Francesca Schiavone and Sam Stosur were two very unlikely finalists at this year's French Open. The two giant killers steam rolled their way to this mornings Final, each leaving seeded players in their wake. The heavy-hitting Australian Stosur took out Serena and Justine and was in, by far, the best physical shape she has ever been in! She rocked the Oakley shades throughout the fortnight and seemed poised to hoist the trophy. Meanwhile, Francesca was carrying the weight of Italy on her bronzed shoulders as her tennis-crazed country craved a Champion! She entered the final with a beautiful one-handed backhand, an always reliable forehand, and a serve that allows for plenty margin for error!

Francesca took the first hard hitting set 6 games to 4. In the second, Sam picked up her game racing to a 4 to 1 lead...but a fierce comeback by Schiavone brought the players back even at 6 games a piece! The second set tiebreak was an Italian masterpiece much like the works of DaVinci; Schiavone's brilliant strokes pierced the court leaving Stosur defenseless and seemingly non-existent. As Francesca hoisted the trophy, her adoring fans showered her with love, and in turn she showered the stadium with her charm and grace. This was truly a wonderful day in Paris, the Italian flag flying proudly as this Italian Princess was fitted for her glass slipper!

The 2010 French Open, WWE Event, and Running barefoot??

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal appear to be on a collision course at this year's French Open. Sound familiar tennis fans?! Both players are in top form and I suspect the Final will be another epic battle of these European warriors. A special shout-out to Robbie Ginepri, the lone American man left in this year's draw. He had a great win yesterday against former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero. Keep on rockin Robbie! This year's best French Open apparel goes to Roger Federer, love the color combos and those shoes are freakin sweet!!

I recently purchased four tickets to the upcoming WWE event at the Roanoke Civic Center. While the cost was a little steep it's a great chance to heckle some of the greatest athletes in the world, not to mention my lovely wife is going to accompany me and watching her will be just as fun. A good friend of mine will also be in attendance and he is guaranteed to say something outrageous to each wrestler that crosses our path.........I'm not bailing him out though! :)

The most recent episode of Real Sports with Bryant Gumble had a story about the benefits of running barefoot. At first, my reaction was why do you want to tear up your feet? But upon further review I'm now in favor. The data indicated that over a period of time today's runner takes advantage of the comfort of running shoes and alters their form because of it. This creates an un-natural running style and will result in more pounding and injuries as you age. Several companies have designed a very thin running shoe that I'm going to try out. I'll get back to you once I try them! Happy Memorial Day and please remember to thank all of our troops and vets!!

The Building of a Program indeed!!!

Comcast sports network aired the first episode of the ground breaking new series "Virginia Football: The Building of a Program" on Monday evening. The honesty of the show was astounding and the inclusion of the famous guy in the glass poem was a ghastly reminder of the pain the program, the fans, students, an alumni felt as the Groh era mercifully ended.

After Al Groh backed up the Wells Fargo truck to Scott Stadium to collect his multi-million dollar buyout for those impressive three wins last year it was time for the power brokers to pick his successor. Plenty of names were thrown out there and everybody had their favorite and a reason why, but Mike London was the pick and a helluva pick it was! In his first few months on the job his number one objective was hitting the delete button repeatedly.

He deleted the negative image of UVA to the VHSL Coaching Staffs. He deleted the one voice of the program media relations nightmare. He deleted the "you're in my doghouse" attitude that destroyed many a young player's confidence. He deleted the Al Groh ERROR.....I mean ERA and it's about damn time!

The expectation level is middle of the road as it should be, but I've seen all i need to see to let me know this was the man for the job. I am extremely excited about seeing all 18 episodes and can only hope that there aren't any State Politicians out there who will say that this show hurts the economy of Southwest Virginia!!!

The NFL Draft!!!

This just in...Ben Roethlisberger just did something else stupid.....and yet the Steelers kept him!! Bad move Pittsburgh...bad move....he is what's wrong with today's Pro Athlete. Should have traded him for a plastic helmet out of the gumball machine!! So this year's draft was something else and the biggest headliner was Denver! For all the wrong reasons!! They used a 1st round pick on Tim Tebow, TIM TEBOW!! Um, not a good decision, but then again nobody has accused Josh McDaniel of knowing what he's doing. Cleveland had a great draft and Colt McCoy is a future star and it's going to happen very quickly! Love the decision by Dallas to move up and get Dez Bryant, the best receiver in the draft! But he wasn't the first receiver picked, that was Thomas from Georgia Tech.....by Denver......so they screwed up on both 1st round picks??? Wow, who knew that the mile high altitude caused brain damage! Speaking of damage, how about this year's Washington and Philadelphia games, the ratings will be off the charts! I'm pulling for McNabb all the way, the Eagles shouldn't have done him that way.....he's no Ben Roethlisberger!!

UVA's Spring game, What's up with Lacrosse?, and the economy is turning around.....REALLY!

If the performance of the defense in Uva's spring game is any indication of the kind of football they will play this year, Uva might be in a every game! The flip side to that.....if Uva's offense is as inept this season as they looked in the spring game then it won't really matter. I'm hoping that this is just a rough transition and Marc Verica was simply taking it easy on the defense. Hmm, what a brilliant plan.......he is a senior at Uva so he's definitely smart enough to have thought this true.....of course......BRILLIANT!! A note to Coach Mike London, I LOVE your enthusiasm and I truly hope the team feeds off of that, a welcome change from Dictator Al and his bridge over troubled waters facial expressions. Also, I'd like to see Coach Welsh raise the Power of Orange flag this year.......that would be very special!!

Uva's number 1 ranked lacrosse team played and lost to Duke for an eighth straight time which begs to question, what the hell is going on??? This team is loaded with talent and yet when they play Duke they fold like an amateur on a celebrity Texas-hold'em reality show! Their face-offs were a joke and I hate to say it but the team lacked heart out there Saturday night. These two teams face off again Friday in the ACC Tournament. I hope they show up ready and hungry Friday........my god it isn't like Duke is VT and we're playing football!! :)

Over the past several weeks I have been feverishly persuing other employment. I've noticed the pickings were extremely thin to start, however, over the past few weeks there have been more and more jobs posted and the classifieds are more than one page long in the Sunday paper. The economy is slowly improving, jobs are being created, and the census jobs aren't the only reason why contrary to popular opinion. Yes we can, yes we will, and yes I just said that! :)

The National Championship game.......Tiger's Press Conference

Butler wins the National Championship!!!!!.........That should have been the headline in today's paper but the officiating made sure that wasn't the headline! Coach K and his usual whining and complaining bought Duke a two-point win and a fourth National Championship. Duke is very easy to dislike and if you watched last night's game it's easy to see why, they are soft and play soft! Coach K is good for 8 to 10 points a game based on whatever blackmail material he has on this country's refs, must be some really good dirt!! I'd like to congratulate Butler on a wonderful season and I hope they will continue to build off of this year. Maybe one day their coach will stumble onto some information he can use to sway the outcome of the game in his favor!

The Masters begins this week and yesterday Tiger Woods held his first press conference of the week. As you can imagine the room was packed and the press fired at will about his women, HGH, his wife, his kids, and there was even a golf question or two. Tiger handled each question well, never lost his cool, and was open and honest about the things he's done. This morning there were several spins put on each of Tiger's statements; everyone gave their two cents including body language experts telling us what this and that gesture really says. Only Tiger knows what he's done and there really isn't much else to say about it. On a personal note, he needs to destroy that shirt he was wearing yesterday and he seriously needs to shave the 20/20 predator fu-manchu facial hair......makes him look guilty!!

The Final Four, The Masters, UVA's Spring Game, and last night's party!

How about the Butler Bulldogs!! These guys are something else, they scrap, claw, and are a complete team! There Coach is animated and passionate, they play with no ego, and they will not be denied.........unfortunately they play Duke in the National Championship game and the refs will ultimately pull it out for the Dookies! It's really a shame cause this team has ruined most of the stereotypes of what it takes to win in college basketball. They have no superstar, aren't very athletic, yet here they are at the finish line. It's been a pleasure to watch them and I will be pulling for them Monday night. Did I mention that the refs have already decided the winner via the flop!!!!

Tiger's press conference tomorrow will be packed full of blood thirsty reporters just itching to ask the question that draws the money making reaction they are looking for! The first one to enrage Tiger will hopefully be rewarded with a passionate response, the man has admitted he was wrong and I think to deviate from that plan would sink his ship forever when it comes to the media and the fans. Tiger enjoyed the company of other women while he was married, was it wrong, ABSOLUTELY!! Will he have a difficult time explaining it to his children....ABSOLUTELY!!! Is he a human being that makes mistakes....ABSOLUTELY!! If this has cost him his marriage then it's what he deserves, if it's cost him money then it's what he deserves, if it's cost him the respect of his peers then it's what he deserves. But I have no right to judge the man and neither do any of us. I watch him play because he can do things with a golf ball that few humans have ever been able to do, not because he's a good person. He's human, that's all he is.

UVA's spring festival is next weekend and I can't wait to get up to Charlottesville. The fresh attitude and enthusiasm of this staff continues to energize the fans, alumni, student body, and supporters of the program and I for one can barely contain my excitement. New uniforms will be unveiled this week and that's wonderful and everyone will be wanting a piece of the new merchandise. Most important of all though is the feeling of HOPE around the program.....HOPE is a powerful thing and without it....well......we all reach for positive things nowadays and Mike London is as positive a person as I've ever met!! Go HOOS!!!

Last night a friend of ours invited us over for a small get together. Most of us have had a tough time lately in one or another avenue of our life. It was wonderful to meet new people, talk with them, share problems and feelings, and most important of all LAUGH with them!!! I haven't laughed that much in several months and I had almost forgot how much fun people can be regardless of what's going on around them. To those folks that were at the party it was a pleasure to meet all of you and those few hours really helped me remember who I am and what I'm about. Thank you all for that! By the way, if you had Chris and James in the beer pong pool, you won cause they dominated.......Way to go WOLFPACK!! ;)

Tiger's comeback, Spring Football, and a very early Fantasy Football Prediction

Tiger is coming back.......at The Masters.......umm, no use in playing a warm-up tournament, huh!? Trust me folks, if Tiger is coming back, he will be ready to play. This man has too much to atone for to show up and play bad golf!! And by the way, those odds in Vegas....you better be placing your bets now cause you won't see these odds again anytime soon!

The UVA spring football game will be April 20th. I can't wait to see what Mike London has in store for the fan base! I have heard rumors of new uniforms being unveiled, possibly even with an encrypted message about the other institution in Blacksburg. The attitude seems much more positive and the players more upbeat. If they win a game or two early, this squad could just surprise some folks and in November, we'll see what happens down in Blacksburg.

If you have the first pick in this year's Fantasy Football Draft, I would encourage you to trade it!! As a man who has won, not 1 but 3, Fantasy Football Championships, I can assure you the first pick isn't what you want. I've done really well with picking at the end of the first round and beginning of the second. Be smart and pick value in those areas! If you get the first pick, take whomever your buddy wants and trade the player to him for whomever he picks. I've just saved you twenty bucks on Fantasy Football magazines. Now it's time for you to write me that check, instead! :)

THE ACC Tournament!!

No Sylven Landesberg, no Calvin Baker, no wins in 8 weeks, NO PROBLEM!!!! Coach Bennett picked up his first ACC tournament win as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers in the opening game of the 2010 Acc tournament. The crowd was small but vocal, the action plotting but competitive as the Wahoos took out the Eagles 68 to 62!

It was a complete team effort, well, sort of - only 6 cavaliers played but they played as a unit on both ends of the floor. Sammy Z was outstanding and the supporting class did exactly what they were supposed to do, their best!!! Up next for the Wahoos is a showdown with DUKE......umm, well, did you see them beat Boston College today? :)

Silven Landesburg and Mike London - Two Ends to the UVA Spectrum

Tony Bennett's decision to suspend Silven Landesburg had to have been a tough one for the first year head coach. Landesburg is by far his best player and to be perfectly honest, as the roster is currently set up, this is the least talented team in the ACC. Landesburg failed to meet his academic requirements, and for that, Bennett had to suspend him. It speaks volumes of Bennett that he would suspend his best, and only, ACC caliber player on principle. This is why he was hired, and this is why the basketball program will rise back to prominence under his guidance.

The in-state recruiting under new Virginia coach Mike London is already paying dividends. Over the weekend, UVA held its Junior Day where potential recruits visit the campus. They were treated to a spirited effort by the under-manned Virginia Basketball team as well as the beauty of the grounds of the University. The efforts of Coach London and his staff paid off this weekend as they landed two commitments from rising seniors from the state of Virginia. That sound you are hearing from Blacksburg, VA is the air coming out of their Hokie Nation balloon. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and his name is Mike London!

An overtime thriller, the future of golf, and the #1 ranked college baseball team

The VT-Maryland basketball game last night was delayed by a water main break. After this game, VT's hopes of making the Big Dance may have gone down the drain as well! In a double overtime thriller, the Terps held off the Hokies and stunned the white out crowd at the damp Cassell Coliseum. Not even an extra stanza of "Enter Sandman" could save the Hokies as they just couldn't make enough plays to get it done. During the post-game press conference, Seth Greenburg was uncharacteristically quiet, his voice hoarse and calm. Games with N.C. State and GT await. Looks like VT has some work to do on that NCAA Tournament resume!

The Waste Management Golf Tournament being held out in Arizona this week has been a ratings success! The improving games of Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler give golf a chance to move forward without Tiger. Couple that with the 16th hole, the fan friendly par 3 that always has a racous crowd, and you've got a great weekend going. Doesn't hurt that Phil made the cut in his home state!

The University of Virginia's baseball team moved to the top of the college baseball world this week. The HOOS are currently ranked #1 and have looked dominant so far this season. Coach Brian O'Connor has a very good staff, a seasoned team, and the talent to not just make it to Omaha this year, but to win it all. If I'm the Athletic Director, right now I'm trying to figure out a way to sign this man to a long term contract. The proof is in the pudding and this man can flat out coach!

An undefeated season.........OH YEAH!!!

The Glenvar Vipers girls basketball team capped off an undefeated season tonight with it's most thrilling win of the year! Tied at 17 with 20 seconds left, Taylor Dishon stole the ball, dribbled the length of the court, put up a shot, and missed. Then, Mary Katherine grabbed the rebound with two seconds and put it back up to make the game winner as time expired!! I jumped off the bench, the parents jumped up, the kids were jacked....it was one helluva scene! I now have a ton of gray hair after tonight. I think these kids took a few years off my life, but let me tell you, it was worth it!!!

Banquet is next and I'm going to be sad to bring this chapter to a close. It was time consuming, it was at times nerve racking, but I'll never forget this team and these kids, worth every second of time!! Did I mention the game was in Salem, playing a Salem team, with Salem refs giving them every call..........and we still BEAT them!! :)

Coach London and staff invade Hokie Country!!

The meet and greet with new UVA football coach Mike London was well worth the time! He had his entire staff on hand to answer questions, a far cry from the single voice philosophy of the previous regime! His enthusiasm is infectious, his charisma obvious, and his coaching staff exudes confidence. He covered everything from uniforms to changing the current locker room culture. The crowd was enthusiastic but, as usual, the subject of the evil empire located in Blacksburg was the pink elephant in the room. The first question asked was when will victory against VT be possible......a great question and right now for many loyal HOO supporters...the only question!

This question was a perfect one for London to handle and he chose only to say that this team would compete and he was very confident they would show up to play. Let's be honest - right now, if you beat VT, you win the ACC, plain and simple truth of the matter. I came out of tonight's meeting as energized and optimistic as I've been about Virginia football in many years. If these men impacted me that way, just think of how they will impact recruits!!

Computer Woes

I'll have to beg for your understanding - our computer caught the flu at home, and I am unable to access my blog from work. Therefore, sports announcing will be on a hiatus until we are able to get some NyQuil into the home pc. Apologies to all my readers!

The Cleveland-Denver game last night was sweet....Tiger's big press conference!

TNT has an excellent announcing crew, especially the guys in the studio. But last night their thoughts weren't needed. The play on the floor spoke for itself! King James and Melo had an epic duel, both players making fabulous play after fabulous play! It's a shame that somebody had to lose this overtime thriller, but when Melo faced King James with a sweet J, the game was over. Sure, King James had a shot at the buzzer, but he slipped and his rhythm was off forcing the shot wide. Have no fear Cleveland fans, your club is legit and the King will lead you to the promised land!

Today at 11am Tiger Woods will have a press conference updating his status. The timing of his press conference during this week's Accenture Match Play Championship has brought the ire of both players and fans alike. To those folks I say sit down and watch and listen. This man makes golf better, regardless of what he does off the course. He screwed up, he's in treatment, he's a human being and he made a mistake, possibly repeatedly! But if you think the ratings for the live golf will trump his press conference, you're sadly mistaken. We are listening Tiger, spill it all and let's move on!

HUH....... I drank what???

I want to say I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a few days. I've been beaten down at work, my son isn't feeling or sleeping well, and my wife isn't either. Basically, things suck right now, and I'm convinced that the light at the end of the tunnel is, in fact, the oncoming train!! VT is going to make the NCAA's, UVA has lost four in a row, Tiger still isn't playing golf, no new Peyton Manning commercials, damn.....I'm feeling lousy!!! And then.........the thought that tomorrow is Daddy Friday makes it all go away - just me and my cookie monster, enjoying one another and seeing that he is why I put up with stuff!! I love you, my Sydney! Daddy will do anything for you!! Now, if only Daddy could get a job as a sports reporter!

Well that was a miserable sports Saturday!!!

My 5 month old son Sydney really helped me with my blog today. He summed up both the VT vs. UVA basketball game and the NBA's all-star Saturday night with two body functions, he raspberried the former and pooted the latter!! He put both in the proper perspective for me. Days like today are why it's good to have other things to occupy your time! But the sun will come out tomorrow, the birds will sing again, and Sydney will have more body functions to set Daddy's priorities straight!

Hoos and Hokies round 2

Tomorrow night in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Wahoos and Hokies will square off in a key ACC showdown. Uncle Fester, I mean, VT head coach Seth Greenburg will bring his usual snarl to the court, working the officials for favorable calls that the Hokies always seem to get in every sport they play. I shouldn't call Seth Uncle Fester; I'm sure it's not his fault. What I really dislike is the school he coaches for. I have a very healthy disdain for all things Hokie. Always will, and it's a damn shame more UVA fans don't share my sentiment. Quite frankly, the fan base doesn't seem as passionate as they should be - it's very frustrating to admit that VT is more rabid overall, but they are. Winning does that. Coach London and Coach Bennett need to make the base believe again. A win tomorrow night would go a long way towards bringing that belief back!!

Football season's over.....but how about some spring football predictions and can anyone stop the Cleveland Cavaliers?

I just saw the ESPN pre-spring predictions for the ACC. They have VT listed as number 1, and UVA listed last. Hmm, I hate both of those predictions.....but that's all they are, predictions! I'm hoping that things will not turn out that way. I'm hoping that the Wahoos will rise up and end the Hokies undefeated season in November this year......one can dream!! One more thing, FSU is going to win the ACC this year, just wait and see!!

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Shaq this off season and there was much talk of a Championship run. Well, of course there was........but there would have been even without Shaq because of LeBron James, the best player on the planet. Sorry, Kobe!! What's that you say? LeBron still hasn't won a Championship? Hmm, if you compare his age to that of Michael Jordan at the same time in his career, you'd realize LeBron is right on schedule. Kobe won a Championship earlier than LeBron you say? Hmm, yes he did..because of SHAQ!!! Well, maybe this talk should have been about Shaq after all!!

Fantasy Football Championship Rings, Sterling Silver or Gold? And the Implications of a potential strike...

This football season, I was fortunate enough to win two different fantasy football leagues. One was a work fantasy football league and the other was an adult-league softball fantasy football league. This is the second championship for Scuba's Crew in the softball league. To commemorate the inaugural championship in the softball league, I purchased a gold championship ring from a well-known vendor. The great debate, now, is should I commemorate the second championship from this same league, or, since no win will be quite as special as the first, do I just let it go and keep bragging rights?

To commemorate the first championship in the work league, I will be purchasing a sterling silver ring. This is a must have, as I need to be able to go to work, raise my ring finger on my right hand in the air, and say "The Champ has entered the building!"

This whole topic has me wondering about the collective bargaining agreement in the NFL Players' Association. This would be the first potential work stoppage in the history of fantasy football. The ramifications of the strike would be magnified by the number of people who are outraged by the prospect of, not only no football, but also no fantasy football. Think about it...think about the revenue generated, for and by, fantasy football. Add that to the millions already at stake in contracts, etc., and you tell me how important it is for the players and the owners to reach an agreement.

Roger Goodell, you are on the clock!

One bad pass......and all of a sudden Peyton Manning can't play football!! and Monica Wright tears it up on the hardwood!!

The day after the interception that turned the tide in the favor of the Saints, everybody and their brother is dissecting what went wrong for Peyton Manning. Well, it's called being human. Perhaps you've been guilty of it yourself from time to time! He made one bad pass; unfortunately that's all it took to turn a sure Hall of Famer into the poor man's Craig Morton! For all of those bashing Peyton today, his stats being magnified and spun to show his "incompetence" in the post-season, remember that this man is just that, a man!! I hope these haters keep it up - the measure of a man is how he responds when things are going poorly, not when they're going well! My money's on Peyton. Yes, the same ten bucks the Saints won me last night on that one poor pass thrown by the greatest quarterback of all time!! Keep your head up Peyton, keep your head up!!

Monica Wright tore up the Maryland Terrapins this evening, which isn't headline news if you've followed the career of UVA's proud senior. But in case you haven't noticed, this squad lost their starting point guard early in the year, a blow that would cripple most teams. But when you have a Senior leader the caliber of Wright, you realize what strong leadership can overcome! I'm hoping the ACC beat writers will vote her player of the year. I know she isn't from the big four down in North Carolina, but there is no argument that she is hands down the best player in the ACC!!

The Super Saints!!!

They always say good guys finish last. Not tonight!! Drew Brees was flawless as the Saints won the Vince Lombardi Trophy and, more importantly, they won me ten bucks!! All joking aside, the Saints won this for the City of New Orleans and their fans. This was a very sweet win for humanity in the end!! I'm very impressed with the owner of the Saints - after seemingly having no clue how to run an organization for several decades, he wised up, made the right hires, and, more importantly, got out of the way and let them do their job!! Well done, Tom Benson! Well done, Saints! Now let's come to an agreement so there isn't a strike season on the horizon. Players and owners need to get on the same page ASAP!!

Super bowl Prediction, a salute to Roger Federer, Nascar's opening Salvo, and why golf sucks without Tiger!

Well, it's Super Sunday and I'm trying to decide who's going to win the game. Hmm, I'm in an office pool that doesn't take the winner into consideration so that's a good thing. However, I do have a side bet where I took the Saints and 3 points. My prediction is based on my monetary needs, so I'm going Saints 31 to 28 over the Colts. The commercials will be good, but because of the economy, they won't be as effective for the advertisers as they normally would be. One more prediction, if Peyton Manning is in a commercial, it will make you laugh. Great writers are guaranteed for great quarterbacks!!

Roger Federer won the first grand slam of this calendar year down under in Australia. This was his first slam as a dad. The last man to do this was a personal favorite of mine, the great Andre Agassi! One other thing these two greats have in common - they both won Rolland Garros (the French Open), something that Pete Sampras could never do. Sorry, Pete, it's the truth!

Nascar opened up it's season with the shootout last night. Kevin Harvick was the leader of the pack and I'm sure his fans, if he has any, are very excited about that. But let's be honest, until someone competes with Jimmie Johnson the ratings and popularity of Nascar will continue to diminish. I'm thinking more short tracks would be a smart move - so would taking off the restrictor plates, but we all know that won't happen!

Has anybody seen Tiger Woods lately?? I mean other than in an SNL skit!! The latest ratings for this weekend's tournament are awful. The only vibe generated was by a comment by a lesser golfer calling Phil Mickelson a cheater. By the way, Phil, you're not a cheater and golf would be damn lucky if there were more golfers of your class on the course right now! Tiger, when you come back, I want you to dominate. Golf needs you, and more importantly, you need golf!! Simply put, I haven't watched one event since Tiger's demise, and if average joe's like myself aren't watching, golf is in a world or trouble!!

I'll have a post-game post tonight discussing today's big game....uh oh, just checked the odds and the spread moved...wonder if I can get that adjusted in my 3 point bet!!

Mustapha Farrakhan's wicked jam against N.C. State..

For those of you ACC fans not paying attention, UVA sits in a tie atop the standings and for those who enjoy a good posterization on a jam, check out the link below....OUCH babe!!! Shouldn't have challenged the Nation like that!! Click on this link for more!!

A moment of Silence.....

I'd like for each of my loyal followers to take a moment of silence in honor of the great "Bullet" Bill Dudley. He passed away yesterday morning and although the younger generation of Wahoo fans aren't familiar with his exploits on the football field, I can assure you he was "the man!" May he rest in peace in Heaven and watch his beloved Wahoos from high above Scott Stadium.

You will be missed #35!!!

Recruiting, the Super Bowl, and weather related basketball problems...

Florida signed the nation's top recruiting class this week and the Gators and Coach Urban Meyer should be proud. However, USC and Lane Kiffin also pulled in a top ten class, mostly by poaching kids previously committed to UT. The tactics used by Kiffin trouble me tremendously, but what else would you expect from this guy. The real shame is that the young men who have committed to Kiffin and USC gave him their word. Let's hope Lane sticks to his and stays at USC. He owes it to the players and while he's at it he should probably straighten up and fly straight. If you're going to be a leader of young men you should conduct yourself accordingly.

While on the subject of recruiting, I have to pay my respects to VT head coach Frank Beamer and his staff. I'm a true blue Wahoo fanatic and despise VT, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Coach Beamer has done for his program. Fortunately, the University of Virginia has hired Mike London and the battle for the Commonwealth Cup will soon bring the rivalry back to National prominance as both programs will reside in the top 25 in the next three years.

Will Dwight Freeney play in the Super Bowl??? IT DOESN'T MATTER!! The Colts have Peyton Manning, and if you've paid any attention to pro football the last ten years you'd know this guy's pretty good. Unless Phil Fulmer (Manning's "Coach" at UT) shows up to coach the game, there's no way Peyton isn't holding the trophy this Sunday! And, oh, by the way, Peyton Manning should host SNL once a month and request the writers from his Sprint commercials - freakin' hilarious!!

On a sad note, looks like my Glenvar Vipers girls basketball team will be snowed out of practice and a game this weekend. So far the only thing that has slowed our high powered offense is the weather.....Let's hope once the weather breaks our opponents will be well rested for the challenge that awaits them!!