Army vs. Navy...

I have a tremendous amount of respect for this game and the two academies.  That was an outstanding football game played with tremendous effort and passion.  The ARMY quarterback left it all out there and his raw emotion and reaction at the end of the game shows just how much this game means.  I salute that young man and all the members of the armed forces for their duty and their honor to our country. 

UVA Football...

The administration claims "uncompromised excellence," yet shows that phrase doesn't apply to football and basketball, particularly football.  I have been a loyal Hoo fan for 33 years, a season ticket holder for 20 years, and a donor for 15 years.  I was spoiled as a younger fan with a HOF Coach leading the University to winning seasons and bowl games and a couple of ACC Championships.  Those were fun times...

Now we fast forward to athletic directors deciding which assistant coaches get fired so that the head coach can keep his job.  Based on the words told to recruits...the head coach would very much agree that there is some "uncompromising" going on...but what type?  I'm sure that what will be thrown back at me is "we are committed...just look at the new indoor football facility named after the HOF coach!"  While that's great, it doesn't show me the internal commitment.  I'm not convinced at all that this administration, board, or president is nearly as committed as the other Division I schools in the state to football success.  That's 9 straight losses and 13 of the past 15 meetings have gone to that other State school...HELLO! CAN YOU HEAR ME????

I have no idea why I still continue to care about this; my passion runs deep as does my loyalty, but it's seldom rewarded with on-field success.  I'm tempted to apply for a position on the coaching staff or with football operations in general.  This organization needs an injection of toughness and passion directed in a controlled and effective manner.  Call me and we will get to work together on restoring what was once a relevant program.  By the way, a little compromise here or there is how things get done, and I guarantee it won't hurt the academic reputation...it's been proven at many other "elite" universities.  GO HOOS!

Last week...

That was an almost perfect game last week.  Let's follow it up tomorrow against the Canes.  Thank you for showing the fight and pride I knew you had deep down inside...GO HOOS!!!!

So...Bye Week huh?

CML and his staff have had two weeks to correct the problems that have plagued this year's edition of the Virginia Cavaliers.  This die-hard fan is very concerned about the ability of this staff to coach up young players.  It's time for them to show improvement across the board.  I understand that the University is giving away tickets to the UNC game for free to anyone who purchased tickets to the Richmond game.  That' a sign to everybody of the dire straits of the program right now.  The clock is ticking on this staff...and the donors and season ticket holders are watching closely to see if the product is worthy of further investment.  NO MORE EXCUSES...and as the great Al Davis always used to say...JUST WIN BABY!!

And if you need advice as a staff...The man in this picture still has an office in the McCue Center...He is a HOF Coach...he got it done... he won multiple ACC Championships...and he OWNED VT...TALK TO HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  HIS NAME IS SAINT GEORGE WELSH!!!

Well...

I love football season but when the HOOS are struggling I just don't feel like blogging.  This week's opponent is the Maryland Terrapins and it's homecoming.  I am hoping to see a win today but I'm not holding my breath.  There needs to be a sense of desperation today...and the pride factor has to kick in at some point.  Go Hoos!

Sims to start...

I hope he can get the Cavs back in the win column...we shall see!

It's time...

The Hoos travel to TCU tomorrow looking to restore their pride.  They will...HOOS WIN 34 to 31!

Cavs cruise past Richmond

In the 2012 Season Opener the Virginia Football team battled in-state rival Richmond in the muggy confines of Scott Stadium.  Using a vanilla game plan the Cavs handled the Spiders comfortably and more importantly didn't sustain any major injuries.  This was exactly the type of contest you'd like to have to open the season, a win with plenty of coachable mistakes that need to be addressed prior to a step-up in class of opponent next week.

I was very pleased with the special teams and my player of the day was Khalek Shepherd.  He had a very good all purpose day and I was very happy for him after the work he has put in to get himself in position to contribute in so many phases!  Penn State lurks...LET'S GO HOOS!!!

Rocco named starter!!

Mike Rocco has been named the starting quarterback for the Cavaliers opening game against Richmond.  Coach London made the announcement at his press conference yesterday and made it clear that Rocco was the starter based on performance.  This will be his 14th consecutive start.  Transfer Sims from Alabama will more than likely play and David Watford will redshirt.  It's only a few days away now and I'm getting more and more excited...GO HOOS!!!

UVA reports to Summer Camp

The 2012 Virginia Cavalier Football Team reported to camp yesterday looking to build off of last year's bounce back season.  Third year Coach Mike London has the rebuilding of the program right on schedule and Cavalier Nation is very optimistic for another bowl bound record. 

There should be two goals for this year's squad, one being a bowl game, and the second being a competitive game with that instituion in Blacksburg.  They need to be hungry and focused, nobody will overlook them this year based on what they did last year.  I want the Commonwealth Cup back where it belongs...at THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA!!!  Meet the Team day is August 19th...GO HOOS!!!

We are getting soo close...

I just got an email from my fantasy football league commissioner letting me know the league was up and ready to go...just another reminder that the most wonderful sports time of the year is just around the corner...DO YOU LOVE FOOTBALL???!!! :)

PSU...

Your President dropped the ball, your athletic director dropped the ball, your head coach dropped the ball...everyone in power at your University dropped the ball.  Whatever happens from this point forward, please make sure you never drop the damn ball again...EVER!!!  "We are Penn State" used to be what you were known for...if you ever want to be known for that again you better clean up your act and take your medicine!

And oh yeah, we can't wait to kick your ass in Charlottesville on September 8th!!! GO HOOS!!

Roger Federer...World Number 1 once again!

Roger Federer won his 7th Wimbledon Title yesterday and his record 17th Major Title overall.  He is entering the twilight of his career, a time when skills diminish ever so slightly and father time robs us of a step or two.  He is now ranked #1 in the world again, a heck of an achievement for a 31 year old in the world of tennis.  The last time a man was ranked number 1 after the age of 30 was during the legendary run in the early 2000's by the great Andre Agassi!

This title was extra special for Roger as it was the first time his twin girls were old enough to see and understand that daddy won the big match!  I salute a great man, a great champion, and fellow over 30 representative showing that athletic prowess doesn't end in the 20's.  He now sets his sights on the US Open...and I wouldn't bet against him!

Tennis on Independence Day!

My Father and I have played tennis for a couple of decades now and we try to play at least once a week.  Today we continued our rivalry at Thrasher Park at 9am to beat the heat.  It was an excellent workout and my dad made me work for every point.  He also pulled his usual trash talk and had me laughing so hard I lost a point or two along the way.

My son Sydney now joins us for our epic battles; he usually goes with Dionne over to the swings after chasing the ball for a few minutes.  He is so wonderful, such a little delight in every possible way.  My Father loves to watch him run, see his focus and determination and his love of sports.  I was so thankful today to watch the two of them interact.  My Father is a wonderful man who has always had a soft spot for children and always shown me unconditional love.  I have that same love and affection for my son and it's roots are seeded in the way I was raised.

I encourage everyone to take a little time this evening at the family or neighborhood cookout to express your love to those who mean so much to you.  Be thankful for what you have and help out all those who are less fortunate than you.  Remember that it truly is the little things like those moments on the tennis court that stay with you and capture those moments when you can.

Youth Athletics...and Parents

I coached a girl's youth basketball team a few years back and I must say we were really good.  As a matter of fact we went undefeated...not that we were keeping score...wink wink!  I really enjoyed getting to know the young athletes; they were easy to coach and really mastered the fundamentals.  We moved the ball on offense always hitting the open player.  On defense we swarmed the point guard and created massive turnovers.  There was only one aspect of youth athletics I didn't enjoy...the parents!

The parents of at least half of all youth athletes are living vicariously through them!  They are willing to put them on travel teams, drive all over the place, and pay top dollar for private coaching.  Paying for coaching for children...with no guarantee of success.  If you're lucky they will make their high school squad.  Parents are aiming for that ever elusive college scholarship.

I understand investing in your children and wanting them to be successful.  I understand getting coaching and hoping that it all pays off in some monetary way down the road.  But I really hope that these parents take the child's wants into consideration.  This isn't about your frustrated youth sports career; it's about your child...having fun and enjoying the sport they love.  Don't forget that!!

The College Football Playoff System...

The decision makers in college football have agreed to a 4-team playoff to decide the National Champion.  There will be a committee appointed to evaluate who the best 4 teams are and they will rank them 1-4 based on strength of schedule, record, and a combination of the two major polls.  I am hoping that this will end all talk of the true National Champion and we can end any speculation at the end of the year.

I am sure that this is all about properly crowning a Champion correct?  I'm sure it has nothing to do with money and it's all about the student athlete...correct?  Wait...you say that everyone involved will make tons of money...minus the student athletes themselves?  Well then let's support it 100 percent!!  I mean really? This sounds like politics where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer!  I'm sure the SEC won't have a built in advantage correct??  Fair...not in American Politics...and not in American Sports!

Football traditions...are they fading away?

College football is steeped in tradition, fight songs, school colors, mascots, rivalries and rabid fanbases!  Recently when talk of the mega-conferences began several traditions were altered almost immediately.  Texas and Texas A&M will no longer meet on the football field as a result of A&M's move to the SEC.  Money and greed are threatening to ruin college football ...so I ask...where is the outrage??

Nobody is protesting the end of this Lone Star State rivalry...it really makes you wonder what happened to those storied fanbases that they just let this rivalry game go without so much as a peep.  What happened to the passion?  Guess we shouldn't be suprised when today's student athletes don't seem to grasp the concept of tradition and rivalry...they don't seem to feel it to their core.  Guess that's why they think it's ok to sale their bowl and rivalry gear and awards.

Am I alone in my passion for college football and the worry about where it is headed?  Anybody care to chime in?

Flashback time...Sports Goggles...Reds Third Baseman...

Who was that goggled third baseman that played fundamentally sound defense and aggressive offense?  None other than Chris Sabo!  For those of my younger readers who aren't familiar with the exploits of this hard-nosed member who played most of his career in Cincinnati I've included a few pics.  A close personal friend of mine recently mentioned his exploits not to mention his sports goggles.  Check out the photos...he rocked a crew-cut as well!!

 

King James...

Bron Bron and the Miami Heat won the 2012 NBA Championship this week.  Many fans hated the fact that LeBron is no longer without a ring.  They ridicule him still for many reasons, his hairline, his money, his leaving Cleveland, his ability, all kinds of things.  The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers said that they would win a title before LeBron did...How's that crow tasting right now Mr. Gilbert? 

TEAM HEAT!!!

Miami and OKC for the Title!!

David Stern has his dream match up, America has picked sides, and the ratings will be off the charts!  I hope it goes 7 games and gives us a memorable series.  Most of all I hope LeBron can earn his ring and people can appreciate his skill and forget "the decision"!

Miami and Boston for a trip to the Finals

Since my last post the Miami Heat have been on a roll thumping the Pacers in three straight contests.  LeBron and D-Wade have been electrifying and shut up most of the critics and disgruntled media.  Boston now stands in their way to an eventual match up with the San Antonio Spurs.  Boston had their hands full with a young Philadelphia squad and eked out a game 7 win.

As we preview the Miami-Boston match-up I'm liking the Heat in a close 7 game series.  I see Boston playing very stout defense and pushing the Heat to be their best to win.  I do believe the return of Chris Bosh from injury and Udonis Haslem from suspension will be enough for the Heat to advance. 

I look for Mario Chalmers to be a huge x-factor in the Heat's series win!

Miami and Indiana tied at 2!

King James and D-Wade are done; they've got no shot; they look tired; they look old; they can't win without Bosh; they...just whipped Indiana in their own building!!  I'm tired of all these haters and I'm glad the Heat temporarily shut those people up!  Pivotal game 5 looms down in South Beach on Tuesday night. I invite all the naysayers, non-believers, and plain-a$$ haters to tune in for the next step to Team Heat's NBA title!!

Miami lost one game...

The media truly hates King James and the Miami Heat!  They lose one game by 3 points while missing their all-star forward Chris Bosh and all of a sudden the sky is falling and they won't win another game this post season.  Um...OK!

They play again tomorrow night and let's see if the Heat fold like the media seems to think they will!

Transfer News...

Sims to UVA is a done deal.  Mr. Rocco will start next year and the competition won't start until 2013.  Let the games begin!!

Draft Analysis...

The draft was fun to watch!  Loved what Tampa Bay did and the needs that they filled.  The Patriots quietly had a nice draft, and I loved what the Cleveland Browns did.  The pick of RG III made perfect sense...but then picking Kurt Cousins in the 4th round didn't make any sense...Dan Snyder at it again! 

I have a special place in my heart for UVA as my loyal audience knows so I want to send a special tip of the hat to the San Francisco 49ers for drafting Cam Johnson.  Cam is a great kid and I hope that he is able to help the 49ers immediately! 

My biggest disappointment with this year's draft has to be the fact that nobody took a chance on Kellen Moore.  If you watch any Boise State tape at all you will see that the kid is a winner and can get it done.  I hope he makes a roster as a free agent and proves all the doubters wrong!

Christmas in April!!!

The NFL Draft begins tonight and I can't wait to watch!  Who will Tampa Bay pick at 5?  What type of socks will RGIII rock tonight?  How will the new Nike jerseys look?  I will have a full recap of the draft in my Sunday night blog!  Go Buccaneers!

VT's Spring Game

VPISU held their spring football game today at Lame Stadium in Blacksburg.  The only thing that really stuck out today though was the empty National Championship trophy case that rests in the Stadium.  With the amount of dust that baby has collected you guys might want to consider putting your Bass Fishing Trophy in there! GO HOOS!!!

The Spring Game

This weekend is the Virginia Spring Football game. It's definitely one of my favorite days of the year, very laid back, and with the hope of seeing a team that will compete at the highest level. This year's objective should be to build on last year's surprising season. The coaching is there, the talent is there, the time is now...to take back the STATE!!

The only way to shut all the VT hype up is to beat them on the field, it's that simple! Beat them in their house this November and the train will seriously be rolling! Recruiting is going well but the only way to get from good to great is to beat them...beat them...beat them!!! GO HOOS!!!

Hold up...

Let's set the record straight people, Frank Beamer sucks, Shane Beamer sucks, Bud Foster sucks, Mike Vick sucks, Hokie stone sucks, the color maroon sucks, shaking your keys sucks, Hokies Football sucks, Hokies Athletics sucks, Lane Stadium sucks, Cassell Coliseum sucks, the Hokie Bird sucks, the chant stick it in...stick it in...stick it in... well I do like to stick it in! GO HOOS!!!

Breaking News from Roanoke...

Steve Nichols is now a Virginia Tech fan and loves Frank Beamer!!!!

I'm worried...

For the first time that I can ever remember I have no interest in seeing the Final Four. I'm not sure of the reason but I have no desire and don't care. I'm not sure what that's a sign of but it worries me, what else am I losing the taste for...

Tim Tebow to the Jets...who cares?! A press conference for a backup quarterback, OK, so now we celebrate mediocrity at the highest levels. What path are we on right now America. Pro athletes make millions to play a game while millions of people in this country including many women and children go hungry.

People are allowed to gun down other people and the law protects them...I ask you again what path are we on America...I think I figured out why I don't want to watch the Final Four anymore...

March Madness...

No not the basketball tournament!! I'm talking about the family version! Sydney has been battling a nasty bug and it has caused us a serious case of sleep deprivation. The weekend was rough with a bit of a break last night as the meds started to kick in. Two, three, and four hours of sleep really isn't enough for any of us.

This morning I received a tweet thanking me for my assistance during this trying family time. I'm sure those of you who follow "the twitter" saw these kind words and thought that I must be something wonderful...

Well...I am awesome and I'm glad it's been recognized! TIC of course :) The best thing about March is that it came in like a lion and will hopefully leave like a lamb. I'm gonna talk with Sydney about his rehab and possibly extending his sleep schedule till 6am :) And one last thing...GO HOOS!!

March Madness...

How about those Cavs! NCAA Tourney bound for the first time since 2007 and playing the Florida Gators. I really am happy for the Seniors on this team: Sammy, Mike, and Assane! They have had some serious ups and downs and this reward was worth the wait, of that I have no doubt!

Injuries, coaching changes, and transfers have really impacted the program during their tenure. It does appear that they have helped Coach Bennett steady the ship and the program should be on the upswing. A nice recruiting year or two and things will really be looking up.

As a side note, a certain rival Coach has been whining...I mean tweeting about our lack of a strong OOC Schedule because his team hasn't been selected for the tournament in the past several years. Well, I guess when you act with no class and shoot your mouth off repeatedly people remember it and it has a lasting impression. Passion is one thing...being an a$$ clown is another! Kids don't grow up to be an a$$ clown!

Bracket time

Will the HOOS make the field? I am nervous but optimistic! I am looking at the positive aspect if things don't go well though, I'll be able to fill out my bracket without my orange and blue glasses on...which means trouble for the rest of the people gunning for the money! ;)

What a weekend...

Friday night was eventful for the family as we took our second visit to the emergency room during the Sydney era! Four hours, several cookies and goldfish, and plenty of worried thoughts later, we left with 4 brand new stitches in Sydney's forehead. Let me tell you that nothing will cause you to sweat more than trying to hold your child and keep him calm as the doctor is applying stitches, I'll never forget it!

The staff at the ER was outstanding, and we couldn't have asked for a better environment given the circumstances. Heaven forbid you should ever need to go, but the ER at Roanoke Memorial is outstanding!

The weekend ended on a positive note, Sydney is well and showing no ill effects from the trauma. Dionne is mastering the art of homemade pizza iron chef style, and my beloved CAVS won a thriller at Maryland and are going to the big dance! So how was your weekend? :)

UVa vs.VT in Blacksburg

I was at the game on Tuesday night and it was worth the money! The Hoos beat the Hokies 61-59 in front of a sparse crowd outside of the student section. Turns out they only back the Hokies in Football, they apparently pull for UNC in basketball, typical Hokies! Soon Football will also be in favor of the HOOS...then the evil empire will have nothing but bass fishing to gloat about. Silly A$$ Hokies!

Great game HOOS!!

Nice win over a very scrappy Maryland team! We meet the evil empire on Tuesday. I will be attending along with several of my family members and friends, all of which are loyal HOO supporters. I'll be posting again tomorrow...hopefully with some very pretty winter photos! ;)

Great moments that make you smile...

My son was taking his bath this evening and had a little accident. Now normally when he has an accident we kiss the owwie and move forward to feeling better. Well tonight the owwie was in the male reproductive area. Naturally he wanted a kiss for the owwie so he put his leg up on my shoulder and pointed to the hurt area. I kept my composure and gave him a kiss on the leg which made him feel better. His mom couldn't quite contain her composure and went into a hysteria for the next two minutes. If you know my wife and her laugh you can understand when my son said "what's wrong mommy, are you crying?" :)

The Super Bowl...and National Signing Day

I respect Coach B and his New England Patriots. They are very good, well coached, and as focused as they could possibly be. The same can be said for their opponent this week, the New York Giants. The Vegas line on this game has went up and down a few times and right now it's less than three points. I truly believe this will be an excellent game! But the Coach in the hoodie will be the victorious one!

Virginia had another solid recruiting year this year. Coach London and company did a very nice job and continue to build the program. They haven't taken the state back from the evil empire in Blacksburg...but it's only a matter of time! Coach London...yes the "Force" is strong in that one!

Family...

is forever...no matter what...and they can't be replaced by anything or anyone...easy to get lost in today's world and forget that...reality check today...don't forget it tomorrow...

Memo to LSU...

When you are playing at home in the Superdome as the Number 1 team in the Country you have to bring the Defense, Special Teams, and OFFENSE if you want to win. Jefferson is TERRIBLE!!

Go....

MICHIGAN!!!!!

2011 comes to an end...bring on 2012...

The trip to Atlanta was enjoyable minus the poor special teams and defense. I'd like to thank the 2011 Hoos football team for making me happy most of the time. I hope that 2012 they up the ante to making me happy all of the time! GO HOOS!