DCSportsFan.com on the Top-Five WCAC Games of the Season: http://www.dcsportsfan.com/article.aspx?aid=2138
A brief, but informative article about the author's opinion on the WCAC's top games.
He lists them (in chronological order):
1. Bishop Ireton at Archbishop Carroll
Ireton lost almost everyone to graduation, but it won't lose to Carroll. If Ireton does go down, it should stick its tail between its legs.
2. Bishop O'Connell at Paul VI
O'Connell thinks they'll have a stronger team, but in a rivalry game, you never know. If we had to pick, we'll go with the coach's son and O'Connell.
3. St. John's at Good Counsel
In a nutshell, don't make a really good Good Counsel team mad. St. John's won't be able to overcome the 44-6 tongue lashing they took in the playoffs last year.
4. Gonzaga at Bishop McNamara
The game will be close, but if we had to choose today, Metro goes with Gonzaga. Call it a gut feeling.
5. DeMatha at Good Counsel (ESPN2)
This is the Game of the Year in the area, and ESPN knows it. There will be almost 10 possible Division I recruits on the field. When in doubt, go with the home team. Good Counsel in a shootout.
Friday, August 8, 2008
9:30 A.M. — Swinimer To Swim at WVU
LoudounPrepSports on recent Potomac Falls grad Swinimer Signing with WVU: http://www.digitalsports.com/article/type/organization/typeid/1399670/id/34636.aspx
Granted Nick Swinimer signing with West Virginia swimmer isn't the most exciting news known to man, but we're always happy when a kid signs a Division I scholarship, even if he only gets 20 percent of it (we don't know the actual amount).
We're guessing since WVU didn't go into detail about Swinimer that he's not an elite recruit. But signing 21 swimmers is a little much in a single recruiting class, isn't it? I know that it's both genders, but this may break the record of Steve Spurrier signing 31 (we're still sure the actual number, but we know it was a lot) football recruits, knowing he could grayshirt some and the others wouldn't qualify.
Here's to Swinimer qualifying. In the pool and academically.
Granted Nick Swinimer signing with West Virginia swimmer isn't the most exciting news known to man, but we're always happy when a kid signs a Division I scholarship, even if he only gets 20 percent of it (we don't know the actual amount).
We're guessing since WVU didn't go into detail about Swinimer that he's not an elite recruit. But signing 21 swimmers is a little much in a single recruiting class, isn't it? I know that it's both genders, but this may break the record of Steve Spurrier signing 31 (we're still sure the actual number, but we know it was a lot) football recruits, knowing he could grayshirt some and the others wouldn't qualify.
Here's to Swinimer qualifying. In the pool and academically.
9 A.M — ESPN Takes Over As Usual
Seattle Times Blog on ESPN's Takeover of Sport, Now at the High School Level: http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/prepsports/2008/05/espn_rise_to_cover_prep_sports.html
New York Daily News Column on ESPN's Takeover of Sport, Now at the High School Level: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/05/20/2008-05-20_espn_will_rise_to_track_high_school_spor.html
Two tidbits about the coverage of high school sports, which is what this blog is based on. Look, ESPN may be a HYPE machine, but it's the best sports media outlet available. And if it wants to spend millions to dip into the prep pool, then by all means. Maybe they'll pay my salary one day.
Look at the sportswriter phenomenon — they all complain about ESPN, but what do they do? They join them. That's the same thing here. As the Daily News puts it, "ESPN feeds the beast - not from malice, just from good old All-American pursuit of ratings."
We want to know sooner and sooner who tomorrow's star will be. Or else Rivals.com and Scout.com wouldn't have morphed like they have. You can't blame ESPN for joining the pot.
As the Seattle reporter put it, "Who knows where this might lead. Middle school sports?" Maybe. Fortunately or unfortunately, we're not kidding.
New York Daily News Column on ESPN's Takeover of Sport, Now at the High School Level: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/05/20/2008-05-20_espn_will_rise_to_track_high_school_spor.html
Two tidbits about the coverage of high school sports, which is what this blog is based on. Look, ESPN may be a HYPE machine, but it's the best sports media outlet available. And if it wants to spend millions to dip into the prep pool, then by all means. Maybe they'll pay my salary one day.
Look at the sportswriter phenomenon — they all complain about ESPN, but what do they do? They join them. That's the same thing here. As the Daily News puts it, "ESPN feeds the beast - not from malice, just from good old All-American pursuit of ratings."
We want to know sooner and sooner who tomorrow's star will be. Or else Rivals.com and Scout.com wouldn't have morphed like they have. You can't blame ESPN for joining the pot.
As the Seattle reporter put it, "Who knows where this might lead. Middle school sports?" Maybe. Fortunately or unfortunately, we're not kidding.
8:30 P.M. — Laurel Basketball Coach Resigns
Gazette on Keith Coutreyer Heading to Hampton: http://www.gazette.net/stories/08072008/laurspo141448_32456.shtml
Congrats to Keith Coutreyer, who leaves after 13 seasons at Laurel to take an assistant position at Hampton University. I mean, really, how can you turn down a job when your friend Kevin Nickelberry offers you a job. Pretty much a done deal. I mean, Coutreyer already played for coach Nickelberry — he might as well work for Mr. Nickelberry too.
Coutreye will coach the guards and work in "academic coordination." One of those ambiguous, underpaid college assistant jobs. At least he'll be able to tutor some local products, as Hampton (who went 18-12 in the MEAC last season) already has Laurel alumni Chris Tolson and Milade Lola-Charles on the roster.
Congrats to Keith Coutreyer, who leaves after 13 seasons at Laurel to take an assistant position at Hampton University. I mean, really, how can you turn down a job when your friend Kevin Nickelberry offers you a job. Pretty much a done deal. I mean, Coutreyer already played for coach Nickelberry — he might as well work for Mr. Nickelberry too.
Coutreye will coach the guards and work in "academic coordination." One of those ambiguous, underpaid college assistant jobs. At least he'll be able to tutor some local products, as Hampton (who went 18-12 in the MEAC last season) already has Laurel alumni Chris Tolson and Milade Lola-Charles on the roster.
8 A.M. — Rise Magazine's Teams of the Year
Rise Magazine on the 2007-2008 Teams of the Year: http://www.risemag.com/main.cfm?actionId=globalShowStaticContent&screenKey=magArticle&categoryKey=recognize
Since we're a retrospective blog, sometimes we like to look in the rear-view. With Rise Magazine, we can't argue with the few sporadic teams that were honored, though there are some heavy omissions.
Basically when picking, you have three options. One, pick the team from the Virginia public school that won the state championship, as they did with Westfield (football), Fairfax (girls swimming) and Robinson (boys swimming). Or you could pick the undefeated private school team that won its league and the largely hypocritical private school state tournament as Rise did with St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (field hockey). Or you can pick the Maryland state champs like Reservoir (girls volleyball) and Paint Branch (girls basketball).
Can you have two girls basketball teams of the year? Impossible.
The real question is which team was the Best of the Year? Gonzaga anyone?
Since we're a retrospective blog, sometimes we like to look in the rear-view. With Rise Magazine, we can't argue with the few sporadic teams that were honored, though there are some heavy omissions.
Basically when picking, you have three options. One, pick the team from the Virginia public school that won the state championship, as they did with Westfield (football), Fairfax (girls swimming) and Robinson (boys swimming). Or you could pick the undefeated private school team that won its league and the largely hypocritical private school state tournament as Rise did with St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (field hockey). Or you can pick the Maryland state champs like Reservoir (girls volleyball) and Paint Branch (girls basketball).
Can you have two girls basketball teams of the year? Impossible.
The real question is which team was the Best of the Year? Gonzaga anyone?
7:30 A.M. — Russell, Jr. To Miss Olympics
Washington Post on Gary Russell, Jr.'s Collapse: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR2008080800008.html?nav=rss_sports
Gazette on Everyone Backing Russell, Jr. Up: http://www.gazette.net/stories/08072008/collspo164203_32458.shtml
First of all, kudos to the Post, which had double bylines on Russell, Jr., and zero on Kate Ziegler.
Secondly, It's a darn shame that Capitol Heights boxer Gary Russell, Jr. will miss the Olympics because he couldn't make weight without passing out. Maybe the blame lies with the Olympic coach, and U.S. Boxing's standards to keep Russell, Jr. in Colorado Springs. But Russell, Jr. still should have been able to cut two pounds in a night without almost killing himself.
Even if he passes out, can he still have an opportunity to make weight? Why does this automatically disqualify him? And are there going to be any American athletes left? When in doubt, blame it on the pollution.
He was one of the biggest American hopes in boxing, which is suddenly seemingly **. You've got to feel for his family who "baked cakes every night and his wife, Lawan, sold them in her office the next day to help raise part of the $20,000 necessary for the trip to China." I mean damn.
Like any other athlete, he'll have to wait another four years. Which he doesn't have.
Gazette on Everyone Backing Russell, Jr. Up: http://www.gazette.net/stories/08072008/collspo164203_32458.shtml
First of all, kudos to the Post, which had double bylines on Russell, Jr., and zero on Kate Ziegler.
Secondly, It's a darn shame that Capitol Heights boxer Gary Russell, Jr. will miss the Olympics because he couldn't make weight without passing out. Maybe the blame lies with the Olympic coach, and U.S. Boxing's standards to keep Russell, Jr. in Colorado Springs. But Russell, Jr. still should have been able to cut two pounds in a night without almost killing himself.
Even if he passes out, can he still have an opportunity to make weight? Why does this automatically disqualify him? And are there going to be any American athletes left? When in doubt, blame it on the pollution.
He was one of the biggest American hopes in boxing, which is suddenly seemingly **. You've got to feel for his family who "baked cakes every night and his wife, Lawan, sold them in her office the next day to help raise part of the $20,000 necessary for the trip to China." I mean damn.
Like any other athlete, he'll have to wait another four years. Which he doesn't have.
7 A.M. — Ziegler Ready For Olympics
Washington Post on Kate Ziegler's Olympic Hopes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/07/AR2008080703038.html?nav=rss_sports
We're still not sure what we think of the Examiner's characature of the 20-year-old former Bishop O'Connell swimmer, but at least she's ready for the Olympics, according to some mystery Post writer without a byline. Whohoo. Seriously, the Post sends at least four writers out to Beijing for an ungodly amount of money, all the while claiming they are bankrupt. So what do they do? They scoop up a local athlete story from "News Services and Staff Reports." Are you kidding me? Make someone do their job.
I digress. At least the hard-hitting copy states the obvious: "Ziegler is now training for the Olympics as hard as any athlete." If she wants to win, I would hope so.
Just because you're working so hard Kate, Metro Mayhem will be rooting for you. And for a Post byline.
We're still not sure what we think of the Examiner's characature of the 20-year-old former Bishop O'Connell swimmer, but at least she's ready for the Olympics, according to some mystery Post writer without a byline. Whohoo. Seriously, the Post sends at least four writers out to Beijing for an ungodly amount of money, all the while claiming they are bankrupt. So what do they do? They scoop up a local athlete story from "News Services and Staff Reports." Are you kidding me? Make someone do their job.
I digress. At least the hard-hitting copy states the obvious: "Ziegler is now training for the Olympics as hard as any athlete." If she wants to win, I would hope so.
Just because you're working so hard Kate, Metro Mayhem will be rooting for you. And for a Post byline.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
5 P.M. — Troy Mathieu New D.C. AD
Washington Post on Troy Mathieu's hiring: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/06/AR2008080602898.html
Grambling Bio on Mathieu: http://www.gsutigers.com/ssp/athletics-dept?s_id=3
The Post is really on top of high school coverage if Troy Mathieu's first day on the job as the D.C. public school athletic director was MONDAY, and they reported his hiring on THURSDAY.
I can't dispute that Mathieu has his work cut out for him. But he was previously Executive Director of the Nokia Sugar Bowl for four years. Impressive. At least then he can solve the money woes he didn't know about, "we didn't get into specifics on those subjects," he was quoted as saying.
Aside from the money issue (it's a big problem), signs things were wrong before— "[Mathieu] said he wants to listen to us, and that's a good thing," said Daryl Tilghman, coach and athletic director at Theodore Roosevelt. I can only imagine.
Potential anyone? "In 2002, while he was in Dallas, he started a one-day basketball tripleheader, pitting three city schools against three from the suburbs at downtown Reunion Arena. In the first year, Mathieu said, with just more than a week of planning, the event drew more than 17,000 fans and turned a profit of more than $150,000, which was split among the six schools."
Can't you smell a three-game day, including games like O'Connell-T.C. Williams (Virginia), DeMatha-Montrose Christian (Maryland) and Gonzaga-Coolidge (District). Oh, the possibilities...
*That's it for today. Until 7 a.m. tomorrow.*
Grambling Bio on Mathieu: http://www.gsutigers.com/ssp/athletics-dept?s_id=3
The Post is really on top of high school coverage if Troy Mathieu's first day on the job as the D.C. public school athletic director was MONDAY, and they reported his hiring on THURSDAY.
I can't dispute that Mathieu has his work cut out for him. But he was previously Executive Director of the Nokia Sugar Bowl for four years. Impressive. At least then he can solve the money woes he didn't know about, "we didn't get into specifics on those subjects," he was quoted as saying.
Aside from the money issue (it's a big problem), signs things were wrong before— "[Mathieu] said he wants to listen to us, and that's a good thing," said Daryl Tilghman, coach and athletic director at Theodore Roosevelt. I can only imagine.
Potential anyone? "In 2002, while he was in Dallas, he started a one-day basketball tripleheader, pitting three city schools against three from the suburbs at downtown Reunion Arena. In the first year, Mathieu said, with just more than a week of planning, the event drew more than 17,000 fans and turned a profit of more than $150,000, which was split among the six schools."
Can't you smell a three-game day, including games like O'Connell-T.C. Williams (Virginia), DeMatha-Montrose Christian (Maryland) and Gonzaga-Coolidge (District). Oh, the possibilities...
*That's it for today. Until 7 a.m. tomorrow.*
4:30 — Lee Rogers is New AD at Arundel
Digital Sports on Lee Rogers promotion to athletic director at Arundel: http://www.digitalsports.com/article/type/state/typeid/25/id/34746.aspx
If you're patient enough, good things will happen. At least in the case of longtime educator Lee Rogers, who takes over the athletic director spot for Bernie Walter. After 27 years at the helm, Walter retired from his athletic director position on July 14, leaving the position for prime picking. Talk about a no-brainer.
So Rogers, who was under Walter for the eight years, was promoted to Arundel's athletic director position. Under Rogers, the girls basketball coach since 1989, Arundel has won three Class 4A state titles and advanced to the state semifinals nine times.
Rogers has a 381-105 career coaching record with the girls team. He led Arundel to a 22-6 record and an appearance in a state finals against last season.
If you're patient enough, good things will happen. At least in the case of longtime educator Lee Rogers, who takes over the athletic director spot for Bernie Walter. After 27 years at the helm, Walter retired from his athletic director position on July 14, leaving the position for prime picking. Talk about a no-brainer.
So Rogers, who was under Walter for the eight years, was promoted to Arundel's athletic director position. Under Rogers, the girls basketball coach since 1989, Arundel has won three Class 4A state titles and advanced to the state semifinals nine times.
Rogers has a 381-105 career coaching record with the girls team. He led Arundel to a 22-6 record and an appearance in a state finals against last season.
4 P.M. — Given Kalipinde Verbals to LMU
DCSportsFan.com on Episcopal's Given Kalipinde: http://www.dcsportsfan.com/article.aspx?aid=2132
First Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. Now Given Kalipinde has a chance to make a name at Loyola-Marymount University.
This 6-foot-3 guard, though imported from Zambia, can ball. Believe me. As the article states, he played — and excelled — with the D.C. Blue Devils this past season and has been garnering mid-major to high Division I offers. Heck, Virginia offered him a soccer scholarship after only playing one season of varsity.
And to make a good story even better, "when he wasn’t playing AAU ball, he was working out, studying, practicing or working on campus in order to earn money to send back home." Congrats.
He chose LMU because of the coaching staff, especially head coach Bill Bayno (former UNLV coach from 1995-2000). Others to show interest included UNLV, Wake Forest, George Mason, Wichita State and George Washington University. He averaged 20 points per game during his junior year at Episcopal.
First Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. Now Given Kalipinde has a chance to make a name at Loyola-Marymount University.
This 6-foot-3 guard, though imported from Zambia, can ball. Believe me. As the article states, he played — and excelled — with the D.C. Blue Devils this past season and has been garnering mid-major to high Division I offers. Heck, Virginia offered him a soccer scholarship after only playing one season of varsity.
And to make a good story even better, "when he wasn’t playing AAU ball, he was working out, studying, practicing or working on campus in order to earn money to send back home." Congrats.
He chose LMU because of the coaching staff, especially head coach Bill Bayno (former UNLV coach from 1995-2000). Others to show interest included UNLV, Wake Forest, George Mason, Wichita State and George Washington University. He averaged 20 points per game during his junior year at Episcopal.
3:30 P.M. — Kenny Tate is a Safety
Washington Post on Kenny Tate's position switch: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503350.html
This Post article is a day old, but the trick that Ralph Friedgen pulled is much older. Recruit a kid like ex-DeMatha do-everything athlete, tell him what he wants to hear and once he signs, he's yours. True, the Maryland coach probably did Tate a favor by making him a head-hunting safety. But why tell the ultra-talent that he's one thing when you clearly have him pegged for something else?
At least Tate can move back to his preferred receiver position after this season, though he did intercept four passes and record 48 tackles. A built, uber-athletic 6-foot-4 safety? Ouch.
Who wants to bet the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Tate stays a safety throughout college and is a top-notch NFL Draft pick? I wouldn't bet against it.
This Post article is a day old, but the trick that Ralph Friedgen pulled is much older. Recruit a kid like ex-DeMatha do-everything athlete, tell him what he wants to hear and once he signs, he's yours. True, the Maryland coach probably did Tate a favor by making him a head-hunting safety. But why tell the ultra-talent that he's one thing when you clearly have him pegged for something else?
At least Tate can move back to his preferred receiver position after this season, though he did intercept four passes and record 48 tackles. A built, uber-athletic 6-foot-4 safety? Ouch.
Who wants to bet the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Tate stays a safety throughout college and is a top-notch NFL Draft pick? I wouldn't bet against it.
3 P.M. — Women Love Football Too
Digital Sports on Women's Football Clinic: http://www.digitalsports.com/article/type/organization/typeid/40/id/34417.aspx
As if Holly Robinson-Peete's "Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game!: A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football" book wasn't instructive enough, the the National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame (could they have a longer association name?) will conduct a women's football instructional class at Madison High School in Virginia.
The clinic is the fourth annual and will cost women (at least hopefully they are women) $20 per person. The clinic lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oh yeah, Football 101 is on Aug. 9. That's this Saturday.
As if Holly Robinson-Peete's "Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game!: A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football" book wasn't instructive enough, the the National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame (could they have a longer association name?) will conduct a women's football instructional class at Madison High School in Virginia.
The clinic is the fourth annual and will cost women (at least hopefully they are women) $20 per person. The clinic lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oh yeah, Football 101 is on Aug. 9. That's this Saturday.
2:30 P.M. — Emmanuel Yeager
Louisville Courier-Journal on Emmanuel Yeager verbal: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/SPORTS03/808070574/1002/SPORTS
DCSportsfan.com with Yeager quotes: http://www.dcsportsfan.com/article.aspx?aid=2137
ESPN Scouting Report on Yeager: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=57361
Calvin Coolidge quarterback Emmanuel Yeager changed his verbal commitment from Central Michigan to Louisville, according to several news reports on Wednesday. Yeager, who originally committed to Chippewas over Akron, Eastern Michigan and Ohio. Suddenly, like most 17 or 18-year-olds do, he had a change of heart.
ESPN compares him to a "right-handed Pat White." At Coolidge, a District public school, he threw for 1,706 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 428 yards and three more scores
The deciding factor? Where the heck is Central Michigan? Yeager was quoted, "Louisville was just a better fit for me. When I went on my visit there was a great atmosphere and I love the metropolis area." Hmm... can't blame him. Though, Matt Simms (younger brother of Chris Simms and son of Super Bowl winner Phil Simms) is listed as third on the depth chart as a redshirt freshman.
DCSportsfan.com with Yeager quotes: http://www.dcsportsfan.com/article.aspx?aid=2137
ESPN Scouting Report on Yeager: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=57361
Calvin Coolidge quarterback Emmanuel Yeager changed his verbal commitment from Central Michigan to Louisville, according to several news reports on Wednesday. Yeager, who originally committed to Chippewas over Akron, Eastern Michigan and Ohio. Suddenly, like most 17 or 18-year-olds do, he had a change of heart.
ESPN compares him to a "right-handed Pat White." At Coolidge, a District public school, he threw for 1,706 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 428 yards and three more scores
The deciding factor? Where the heck is Central Michigan? Yeager was quoted, "Louisville was just a better fit for me. When I went on my visit there was a great atmosphere and I love the metropolis area." Hmm... can't blame him. Though, Matt Simms (younger brother of Chris Simms and son of Super Bowl winner Phil Simms) is listed as third on the depth chart as a redshirt freshman.
2 P.M. — Danny McGrath
Washington Post on Danny McGrath: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503272.html
Excellent article about Danny McGrath's rapid ascent from Virginia Tech center to Loundon Valley head football coach in a matter of two years. I hope the Vikings are prepared for a first-year coach, though McGrath seems to be a solid choice. And who can root against 290-pound former centers?
How do you install an offensive line blocking scheme in one day? He must know something other people don't. Either that or the other coach who quit knows a lot more. Good luck in year one.
Excellent article about Danny McGrath's rapid ascent from Virginia Tech center to Loundon Valley head football coach in a matter of two years. I hope the Vikings are prepared for a first-year coach, though McGrath seems to be a solid choice. And who can root against 290-pound former centers?
How do you install an offensive line blocking scheme in one day? He must know something other people don't. Either that or the other coach who quit knows a lot more. Good luck in year one.
1:30 P.M. — Ivan Thomas Interview
Rivals Question-and-Answer Session: http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=832582
This interview with former T.C. Williams boys basketball coach Ivan Thomas (won the Virginia AAA state championship last season) is a couple of days old, though still pertinent. It puzzles me that Rivals published this as an "exclusive." It's not that hard to call a high school coach, and especially one that isn't currently employed, and ask him a series of questions. Not exactly hard-hitting journalism. Still a good read nevertheless.
Thomas is one of those special coaches, and when he says something, his kids believe it. Interesting that he'd rather give motivational speeches and publish books than do other things. Good for him though, seems to be interested in making social change and inspiring young people. You can't knock that.
p.s. When did high school turn into "High School?"
This interview with former T.C. Williams boys basketball coach Ivan Thomas (won the Virginia AAA state championship last season) is a couple of days old, though still pertinent. It puzzles me that Rivals published this as an "exclusive." It's not that hard to call a high school coach, and especially one that isn't currently employed, and ask him a series of questions. Not exactly hard-hitting journalism. Still a good read nevertheless.
Thomas is one of those special coaches, and when he says something, his kids believe it. Interesting that he'd rather give motivational speeches and publish books than do other things. Good for him though, seems to be interested in making social change and inspiring young people. You can't knock that.
p.s. When did high school turn into "High School?"
1 P.M. — Justin Spring
Washington Times on Justin Spring: http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/blog-rings/2008/Aug/06/spring-ready-go/
Justin Spring graduated from Lake Braddock and won several awards at the University of Illinois, where he now coaches.
The good ole Times is really putting out well-placed sources in Beijing, leaving reporters to comb through quotes via a press release. The highlights? Basically, that Spring's coach has to sit in the stands, he has a girlfriend, and that he will compete at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of competition.
Oh yeah. And that he is one of the last healthy U.S. gymnasts left, except that he's not healthy enough to do the floor routine. I'm confused.
Justin Spring graduated from Lake Braddock and won several awards at the University of Illinois, where he now coaches.
The good ole Times is really putting out well-placed sources in Beijing, leaving reporters to comb through quotes via a press release. The highlights? Basically, that Spring's coach has to sit in the stands, he has a girlfriend, and that he will compete at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of competition.
Oh yeah. And that he is one of the last healthy U.S. gymnasts left, except that he's not healthy enough to do the floor routine. I'm confused.
12:30 P.M. — McLean Grads In Olympics
Fairfax Times on McLean Grads in Olympics: http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2008/aug/06/rockin-boat/
More hard-hitting Olympic coverage. And I'm still not sure that crew should be a sport. I digress.
Good for Sam Stitt and Giuseppe Lanzone. A lot of hard work is pays off. Though Stitt admits being in the Olympics is "a pretty funny feeling." I can only imagine. But then again, Stitt goes cliche crazy, with the "aim high" and "I'm going to go out guns blazing" in two of three sentences.
Lanzone, meanwhile, one ups his former high school teammate with back-to-back cliches. "We're training to not leave any stone unturned. We're going to try our best." Bull's-eye.
More hard-hitting Olympic coverage. And I'm still not sure that crew should be a sport. I digress.
Good for Sam Stitt and Giuseppe Lanzone. A lot of hard work is pays off. Though Stitt admits being in the Olympics is "a pretty funny feeling." I can only imagine. But then again, Stitt goes cliche crazy, with the "aim high" and "I'm going to go out guns blazing" in two of three sentences.
Lanzone, meanwhile, one ups his former high school teammate with back-to-back cliches. "We're training to not leave any stone unturned. We're going to try our best." Bull's-eye.
Noon — Tony Verducci's Resume
LinkedIn Profile of Tony Verducci (Bishop Ireton head football coach): http://www.linkedin.com/pub/3/a06/942
Beautiful. Coach Verducci, in his second season after leading the Cardinals to their first-ever Virginia Independent School Athletic Association state championship berth in year one, works for the Navy. More than that, he's the "Associate Counsel at Dep't of the Navy." That's no messing around.
Verducci is the son of a legendary high school football coach in New Jersey, and brother to Frank Verducci, who is entering his second season as an offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns. His other brother, perhaps, is more famous. Tom Verducci is the senior baseball writer for Sports Illustrated.
But Tony Verducci is the "Associate Counsel at Dep't of the Navy." I know how I don't want to cross.
Beautiful. Coach Verducci, in his second season after leading the Cardinals to their first-ever Virginia Independent School Athletic Association state championship berth in year one, works for the Navy. More than that, he's the "Associate Counsel at Dep't of the Navy." That's no messing around.
Verducci is the son of a legendary high school football coach in New Jersey, and brother to Frank Verducci, who is entering his second season as an offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns. His other brother, perhaps, is more famous. Tom Verducci is the senior baseball writer for Sports Illustrated.
But Tony Verducci is the "Associate Counsel at Dep't of the Navy." I know how I don't want to cross.
11:30 A.M — Kara Lawson Brings Family to Olympics
Washington Times on Kara Lawson's Olympic trip: http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/blog-rings/2008/Aug/07/lawson-family-reunion/
This is the absolute information we have to have. What a scoop. Kara Lawson, former Virginia Ms. Basketball in 1997 and 1998, is bringing her family to Beijing. Whohoo.
And who would have thunk — awed by tennis' Roger Federer? What about LeBron or Michael Phelps? Apparently they don't do it for Kara. Good to know.
This is the absolute information we have to have. What a scoop. Kara Lawson, former Virginia Ms. Basketball in 1997 and 1998, is bringing her family to Beijing. Whohoo.
And who would have thunk — awed by tennis' Roger Federer? What about LeBron or Michael Phelps? Apparently they don't do it for Kara. Good to know.
The Beginning.
Boys and Girls—
Metro Mayhem. The beginning.
It may not be much now, but this blog will eventually be THE SOURCE for all things D.C. Metro high school sports. There's Maryland. The District. And Northern Virginia. And there's plenty of good high school sports, and local media to provide us information in the area.
So this blog will link, provide info — and spin — about all that there is to know about area high school sports, teams and athletes. The latest in recruiting. Who won the big game and why. And the latest and greatest about coaching hiring and firings. Updates on college and pro athletes from the area. And hey, maybe a little humor.
Here are the rules: from 7 a.m. — 5 p.m., there will be a new post every 30 minutes. On the half hour. So let's review... that's 20 posts a day. Every weekday.
So this is Metro Mayham. The beginning.
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