The title of this blog may sound unfair because I'm sure that Trewett-McConnell College, a small Southern Baptist college located in the mountains of North Georgia in the town of Cleveland, is using their Intercollegiate Athletic Department as an outreach tool to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Up until recently, TMC was a Junior College athletically. they were a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The college already had 4 year degree programs in Music and other disciplines. However, just last week, TMC became a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association). Trewett-McConnell is now a full-fledged 4 year school both academically and athletically.
However, I've heard from the grape vine that since this move has taken place, there are more requirements for admission into the school than before. According to this source, prospective students must now show proof that they have accepted Christ as their personal savior by providing a Certificate of Baptism, or something of that nature. In other words, they must be a Christian in order to be admitted. I can understand that they don't want students who do not represent the personality and character of the school. In the past, the school has had student-athletes getting involved in drugs, alcohol and other things that no Christian college wants on their campus. My Alma mater, Bryan College, has had similar instances with its student-athletes and has dealt with the problem with suspension and/or expulsion.
All that having been said, I don't see how you can determine who is a Christian and who isn't. Anyone can fake a conversion story and millions of people have been baptized and believe they are on their way to Heaven when in fact they aren't. Also, 18-22 year olds will be just that. young people. They do stupid things, ungodly things at times. I'm not making an excuse. I was once a college student, in fact, a student-athlete (for one year). They like to have fun, test themselves, that sort of thing.
Another thing, while there are excellent high school athletes who are also dynamic, committed Christians, not all high school Christian athletes are capable of competing at the college level. To be competitive as an intercollegiate athletic program, you have to have good athletes, and unfortunately, not all of them are Christians. For example, at Bryan, a Christian college in Tennessee which has the same calling as TMC: to train Christian students to make a difference for Christ in today's world, they do not demand that the prospective student be a Christian to be admitted. Other than the usual academic requirements, they only want the student to be respectful of the school and follow the school's rules and regulations. The student knows it is a Christ-centered college.
Dr. Sanford Zensen, the Athletic Director at Bryan College and the Men's Head Soccer Coach, recruits and signs players who are not believers, but are excellent players because he has to compete. Dr. Zensen, along with the rest of the Bryan faculty, will do everything in their power to point those student-athletes to Christ. They use it as a missionary tool. How else will these young men and women see the love of God exemplified to them. How else will they hear the Gospel of Christ?
I hope that Trewett-McConnell College is very successful in athletics now that they are a 4 year school. But by having these new restrictions, they are limiting the kind of athlete they can get, therefore, limiting their success in athletics. Also, they are missing an opportunity to win non-believing athletes to Christ. Your comments please!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Former Dacula Star Dismissed From Razorback Football Team
As I have noted several times in previous blogs, many of the high school athletes in Gwinnett County, Georgia go on to have fine college careers, and for some, fine pro careers as well. But for some, the journey to success is delayed by self-inflicting set backs. Such is the case with former Dacula High School football player Khiry Battle.
Battle, a Sophomore LB on the Arkansas Football Team, was dismissed from the team today by Head Coach Bobby Petrino for violating team rules. The decision for dismissal was announced by Coach Petrino today.
"Khiry has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules," Petrino said. "Being a member of the Razorback football program requires responsible actions on and off the field." I don't know what Battle did to prompt Petrino to dismiss him from the team, but there must have been a series of repeat violations. Apparently Khiry Battle didn't get the message. There are some people, whether they be student-athletes, coaches or habitual offenders (plenty of those in the prison system) who only learn the hard way. This is a hard lesson for Khiry Battle to learn.
So where does Khiry Battle go from here? Could he go to nearby Georgia? Perhaps. But Mark Richt is a disciplinarian who has already severely disciplined one of his players, Bruce Figgins, by suspending him for half the season. Battle would be on a very short leash. If Battle wants to play right away, he will have to play at a Div. l-AA, Div. ll, lll or NAIA school because going to another Div. l-A would mean he must sit out this year. Khiry Battle could have saved himself from this mess if he just followed the guidelines set by Petrino for the Razorback Team. the guidelines set by a coach are not unreasonable and are not hard to follow.
Better for Khiry Battle to learn this lesson now than to make a greater mistake later in life. I don't want to enroll him into Idiot University yet, but he has already made his initial application. There were 30 current former Gwinnett high school football players playing in the SEC, now there are 29. Information in this article was obtained from the Arkansas Razorback web site http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/.
Battle, a Sophomore LB on the Arkansas Football Team, was dismissed from the team today by Head Coach Bobby Petrino for violating team rules. The decision for dismissal was announced by Coach Petrino today.
"Khiry has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules," Petrino said. "Being a member of the Razorback football program requires responsible actions on and off the field." I don't know what Battle did to prompt Petrino to dismiss him from the team, but there must have been a series of repeat violations. Apparently Khiry Battle didn't get the message. There are some people, whether they be student-athletes, coaches or habitual offenders (plenty of those in the prison system) who only learn the hard way. This is a hard lesson for Khiry Battle to learn.
So where does Khiry Battle go from here? Could he go to nearby Georgia? Perhaps. But Mark Richt is a disciplinarian who has already severely disciplined one of his players, Bruce Figgins, by suspending him for half the season. Battle would be on a very short leash. If Battle wants to play right away, he will have to play at a Div. l-AA, Div. ll, lll or NAIA school because going to another Div. l-A would mean he must sit out this year. Khiry Battle could have saved himself from this mess if he just followed the guidelines set by Petrino for the Razorback Team. the guidelines set by a coach are not unreasonable and are not hard to follow.
Better for Khiry Battle to learn this lesson now than to make a greater mistake later in life. I don't want to enroll him into Idiot University yet, but he has already made his initial application. There were 30 current former Gwinnett high school football players playing in the SEC, now there are 29. Information in this article was obtained from the Arkansas Razorback web site http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
US College Soccer Should Have an All-Purpose College Champions League
Those of you who follow international soccer know that around the world, the top professional teams in each country are grouped into a continental league called the Champions League. The most popular Champions League is in Europe and is known as the UEFA Champions League.
All of the continents have Champions Leagues: the Asian Champions League, the CONCACAF Champions League (North America & Carribean nations), the Copa Libertadoras (South America), the African Champions League and the Oceana Champions League (New Zeland and Pacific Islands). In each continental zone, the top 3 or 4 pro teams in each country's top pro league go to play against the top teams of all the other countries in the continent (stay with me, I'm going somewhere).
I think that US College Soccer should have an all-purpose College Champions League, both Men's and Women's. You would take the top 4 teams in NCAA Div. 1, 2 and 3, the top 4 NAIA teams and the top 4 Junior College teams in NJCAA Divisions 1 and 3.
If there were such a thing, the champions of the NCAA 1,2 and 3, NAIA and the NJCAA of 2008, plus the next three best teams of all of those classifications, would play each other during the 2010 season. Since the Fall College Soccer season goes from August to December, the schools involved can adjust their schedules accordingly. The last classification to end its season is NCAA Div. l. The Men's and Women's College Cups end the first and second week in December. Div. ll ends the week before, Div. lll around the same time. The NAIA ends their championship a week before Thanksgiving.
NCAA Div. l teams involved in fighting to make the NCAA Tournament can play their Champions League games earlier in the season. The league can run during the regular season just like the pros in the international professional leagues do. Teams involved in the All-Purpose College Champions League can use these games as tune ups for post-season conference tournaments. Another option is to play a Champions League game a week before the two teams' regular season starts. It would be a great pre-season tune up for both teams. Many schools already do this in "exhibition" matches. Just think, the pride of winning the Champions League makes these "exhibitions" more meaningful.
The League's first matches would begin either a week before or the first week of the regular season. Two teams would play a 2-legged home and home series. The first leg is during one week and the second leg is the next week. When each series is finished, the next series would start two weeks later. The Pairings for the league's first round would be decided by a draw to take place sometime during the previous Spring so that the schools involved would have time top prepare for logistics and scouting purposes. The winner of each series is decided by outright wins or goal differential just like in the professional champions leagues.
What a thrill for NAIA, NJCAA Div. 1 & 3 and NCAA Div. 2 & 3 to have a chance to beat one of the top 4 NCAA Div. l teams. It would be like the March Madness concept. Also, to entice the Div. l teams to go along with it, I would not count it against them if they lost a Champions League game to a team from a lower division. The NAIA would not penalize one of their teams for losing a Champions League game to a Div 3 or NJCAA team, and NCAA Div. ll wouldn't penalize one of their teams in the league for losing to a Div. lll, NAIA or NJCAA Div. 1 or 3 team. One more thing, a Div. l team playing a Champions League game against a team from one of the other lower divisions wouldn't be penalized by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee for playing and beating that lower level team.
The champion of the All-Purpose College Champions League could be decided in October, before the conference tournaments start in November. The first few legs of the league would have teams close enough to each other playing so that they won't have to travel so far.If necessary, the Semi-Finals and Finals can be played at a neutral sight. This could be a wonderful thing for college soccer and college sports in general. I know this probably will never happen, but it's a fun thought. I'd appreciate your comments on the matter.
All of the continents have Champions Leagues: the Asian Champions League, the CONCACAF Champions League (North America & Carribean nations), the Copa Libertadoras (South America), the African Champions League and the Oceana Champions League (New Zeland and Pacific Islands). In each continental zone, the top 3 or 4 pro teams in each country's top pro league go to play against the top teams of all the other countries in the continent (stay with me, I'm going somewhere).
I think that US College Soccer should have an all-purpose College Champions League, both Men's and Women's. You would take the top 4 teams in NCAA Div. 1, 2 and 3, the top 4 NAIA teams and the top 4 Junior College teams in NJCAA Divisions 1 and 3.
If there were such a thing, the champions of the NCAA 1,2 and 3, NAIA and the NJCAA of 2008, plus the next three best teams of all of those classifications, would play each other during the 2010 season. Since the Fall College Soccer season goes from August to December, the schools involved can adjust their schedules accordingly. The last classification to end its season is NCAA Div. l. The Men's and Women's College Cups end the first and second week in December. Div. ll ends the week before, Div. lll around the same time. The NAIA ends their championship a week before Thanksgiving.
NCAA Div. l teams involved in fighting to make the NCAA Tournament can play their Champions League games earlier in the season. The league can run during the regular season just like the pros in the international professional leagues do. Teams involved in the All-Purpose College Champions League can use these games as tune ups for post-season conference tournaments. Another option is to play a Champions League game a week before the two teams' regular season starts. It would be a great pre-season tune up for both teams. Many schools already do this in "exhibition" matches. Just think, the pride of winning the Champions League makes these "exhibitions" more meaningful.
The League's first matches would begin either a week before or the first week of the regular season. Two teams would play a 2-legged home and home series. The first leg is during one week and the second leg is the next week. When each series is finished, the next series would start two weeks later. The Pairings for the league's first round would be decided by a draw to take place sometime during the previous Spring so that the schools involved would have time top prepare for logistics and scouting purposes. The winner of each series is decided by outright wins or goal differential just like in the professional champions leagues.
What a thrill for NAIA, NJCAA Div. 1 & 3 and NCAA Div. 2 & 3 to have a chance to beat one of the top 4 NCAA Div. l teams. It would be like the March Madness concept. Also, to entice the Div. l teams to go along with it, I would not count it against them if they lost a Champions League game to a team from a lower division. The NAIA would not penalize one of their teams for losing a Champions League game to a Div 3 or NJCAA team, and NCAA Div. ll wouldn't penalize one of their teams in the league for losing to a Div. lll, NAIA or NJCAA Div. 1 or 3 team. One more thing, a Div. l team playing a Champions League game against a team from one of the other lower divisions wouldn't be penalized by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee for playing and beating that lower level team.
The champion of the All-Purpose College Champions League could be decided in October, before the conference tournaments start in November. The first few legs of the league would have teams close enough to each other playing so that they won't have to travel so far.If necessary, the Semi-Finals and Finals can be played at a neutral sight. This could be a wonderful thing for college soccer and college sports in general. I know this probably will never happen, but it's a fun thought. I'd appreciate your comments on the matter.
What Makes a BCS Conference BCS?
Recently, the Mountain West Conference appealed to the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) to allow them to be a part of the BCS, or something like that. However, it seems that the BCS says no for the time being.
I understand the argument from the BCS schools and conferences. They don't want to share the money with the non-BCS schools. What constitutes BCS anyway. What makes your conference a BCS conference, having a big name like the SEC or ACC? Utah, a school outside the BCS and in the Mountain West Conference, toppled the SEC Champions Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last January. If you base being in a BCS conference on talent, Utah should be in the BCS on that argument alone.
Boisie St, a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) which is not a BCS conference, defeated Oklahoma 3 years ago in the Fiesta Bowl. Why isn't BSU in the BCS?
On three occasions, the non-BCS conference teams have out performed BCS teams: Utah over Pitt a few years back. I've already mentioned Utah defeating Alabama and Boisie St. Defeating Oklahoma.I would say that both Utah and Boisie St. are better than most of the Big East teams, and the Big East is a BCS Conference. In fact, both the Utes and the Broncos are capable of beating West Virginia, Rutgers and Pitt.
The answer, I guess, is the good ole boy network. Members of the ACC, SEC, Big East, PAC 10, Big 10 and Big 12 have long-standing traditions of college football success. More success means more money, and the newcomers the WAC, MWC, Mid-American and other non-BCS conferences aren't part of the club. The BCS schools have most of the money and they aren't interested in sharing it. I'm not saying that's right. It isn't. The whole system is BS anyway. I hope that the Utahs and Boisie States of the college football world keep having undefeated seasons and beat these so-called BCS teams in the BCS bowls.
Hopefully, it will put an end to this wretched system and we will have some sort of a playoff with these "smaller name" conferences (WAC, MWC, Mid-American) on the same playing field as the "Big Boys."
I understand the argument from the BCS schools and conferences. They don't want to share the money with the non-BCS schools. What constitutes BCS anyway. What makes your conference a BCS conference, having a big name like the SEC or ACC? Utah, a school outside the BCS and in the Mountain West Conference, toppled the SEC Champions Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last January. If you base being in a BCS conference on talent, Utah should be in the BCS on that argument alone.
Boisie St, a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) which is not a BCS conference, defeated Oklahoma 3 years ago in the Fiesta Bowl. Why isn't BSU in the BCS?
On three occasions, the non-BCS conference teams have out performed BCS teams: Utah over Pitt a few years back. I've already mentioned Utah defeating Alabama and Boisie St. Defeating Oklahoma.I would say that both Utah and Boisie St. are better than most of the Big East teams, and the Big East is a BCS Conference. In fact, both the Utes and the Broncos are capable of beating West Virginia, Rutgers and Pitt.
The answer, I guess, is the good ole boy network. Members of the ACC, SEC, Big East, PAC 10, Big 10 and Big 12 have long-standing traditions of college football success. More success means more money, and the newcomers the WAC, MWC, Mid-American and other non-BCS conferences aren't part of the club. The BCS schools have most of the money and they aren't interested in sharing it. I'm not saying that's right. It isn't. The whole system is BS anyway. I hope that the Utahs and Boisie States of the college football world keep having undefeated seasons and beat these so-called BCS teams in the BCS bowls.
Hopefully, it will put an end to this wretched system and we will have some sort of a playoff with these "smaller name" conferences (WAC, MWC, Mid-American) on the same playing field as the "Big Boys."
Saturday, June 27, 2009
SEC Football; Gwinnett Style
I'm continuing the theme that Gwinnett County, GA is a tremendous hot bed for high school football. One way to prove that is to look at the football rosters of SEC teams.
Every SEC football team, with the exception of Tennessee, has at least one player from Gwinnett County on its roster. Gwinnett has been a prime recruiting ground for SEC coaches as well as ACC coaches and coaches from schools in other conferences.
the University of Georgia, of course, has the most Gwinnett players with 10. Gwinnett County is only 45 minutes from Athens, and with the recent success in this decade under Head Coach Mark Richt, recruits can stay closer to home and play for a championship caliber program. Also, several of the Gwinnett schools like Parkview, Brookwood, Norcross, Peachtree Ridge and others have either won state titles or are in the GA. State Playoffs year-in and year-out. Here is a list of the Gwinnett players who play for the Bulldogs:
Jr. WLB Renne Curran Brookwood HS
R-Fr LB Jason Veal Parkview HS
R-Fr WR Twoey Hosch Buford HS
R-Soph Punter Drew butler Peachtree Ridge HS
R-Soph RB Caleb King Greater Atlanta Christian
Soph WLB Christian Robinson Greater Atlanta Christian
R-Jr. FB Fred Munzenmaier Norcross HS
Fr Center Lee Dallas Buford HS
R-Fr PK Jordan Stowe Parkview HS
R-Sr. PK Andrew Jensen Brookwood HS
Of course, there is so much talent in Gwinnett that UGA isn't able to sign them all. Nick Saban was able to nab Darius Hanks out of Norcross HS. Hanks appeared in the Tide's first game last year against Western Carolina and caught a 6 yard pass. At Norcross High, Hanks became one of the top receivers in the Atlanta area in his career. He was an Atlanta Journal-Constitution First-Team Class 5A All-State selection and a First-Team All-Region 7 pick. He caught 55 passes for 857 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and ran for 63 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, as well as picking off six passes on defense. Hanks finished second in Class 5A in receptions and receiving yards as a senior. Right now, Darius Hanks is the only Gwinnetian on the Tide roster, but that may change in a couple of years.
In my last blog, I mentioned how Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson tapped into Gwinnett and got 6 fine football players:
R-Sr. RB Kennard Reeves Duluth HS
R-Jr. WR Terrance Jeffers Berkmar HS
R-Soph DT T. J. Greenstone Collins Hill HS
Sr. DT Greg Billinger Parkview HS
Fr LB Blake Southerland Greater Atlanta Christian
R-Fr LB Tristan Strong Grayson
Florida has two Gwinnetians on their roster; Defensive Tackle Omar Hunter, who is from Buford, GA and won state titles with Buford HS, is a Red Shirt Freshman at Gainsville and has a chance to get more playing time this year. He spent last year on the Gators Scout Team. His teammate at Buford HS and now in college, Fr. T.J. Pridemore, son of former Atlanta Falcons player Tom Pridemore, is a Wide Receiver for the Gators.
Both Arkansas and Auburn have one Gwinnett player on their rosters. Soph. LB Khiry Battle from Dacula HS comes into his Sophomore year having seen a lot of playing time his Freshman year and has earned a letter. R-Fr. Defensive Back Brandon Evans, from Parkview HS, is an Auburn Tiger. Kentucky Head Coach Rich Brooks loves to recruit Gwinnett County, particularly N. Gwinnett HS. He has two former NG Bulldog players on his roster, Junior CB E.J. Adams and Junior TE Ross Bogue.
LSU Head Coach Les Miles tapped into the Gwinnett pot by getting three top notch players, most notably signing LB Kevin Minter out of Peachtree Ridge HS. I've seen Minter play myself, even filmed some of his games. He will be a terrific player for the LSU Tigers. Also on the Tiger roster are Soph. Center T-Bobb Herbert out of Greater Atlanta Christian and son of former Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints QB Bobby Herbert. The third of the Gwinnett group is Soph. DBL Derrick Bryant, also from Peachtree Ridge. It's no surprise Peachtree ridge is putting out Div. l prospects, they won a state title last year and two years ago.
Ole Miss has the third most Gwinnett players on its roster with 4.
They are as follows:
R-Fr. WR Melvin Harris Buford HS
R-Fr. DB Brandon Sanders Peachtree ridge HS
R-Fr. CB Julian Whitehead Parkview HS
Soph. LB Trey Tripp Peachtree Ridge HS
Mississippi St. has one Gwinnettian on its roster. He's Fr. LB Jasper Williams. He graduated from Air Force Prep but is from Suwanee, GA, where Peachtree Ridge, Collins Hill and North Gwinnett high schools are all located. Last but certainly not least, Steve Spurrier cant do without a couple of Gwinnett athletes too. He signed one of the top Running Backs in the county last year in Brookwood RB Kenny Miles. I've seen him play in person. He has great speed and quickness and will have a fine career for the Gamecocks. South Carolina also has Jr. Offensive guard Stephen Singleton out of Buford HS. So lets count them:
UGA 10
Vandy 6
Ole Miss 4
LSU 3
S. Car 2
UK 2
Arkansas 1
Auburn 1
MSU 1
That's a total of 30 Gwinnett players in the SEC, enough to make a first string squad. I cant see how one can argue that Gwinnett County, GA, on the northeast side of Atlanta, isn't the best county for high school football in the nation.
Every SEC football team, with the exception of Tennessee, has at least one player from Gwinnett County on its roster. Gwinnett has been a prime recruiting ground for SEC coaches as well as ACC coaches and coaches from schools in other conferences.
the University of Georgia, of course, has the most Gwinnett players with 10. Gwinnett County is only 45 minutes from Athens, and with the recent success in this decade under Head Coach Mark Richt, recruits can stay closer to home and play for a championship caliber program. Also, several of the Gwinnett schools like Parkview, Brookwood, Norcross, Peachtree Ridge and others have either won state titles or are in the GA. State Playoffs year-in and year-out. Here is a list of the Gwinnett players who play for the Bulldogs:
Jr. WLB Renne Curran Brookwood HS
R-Fr LB Jason Veal Parkview HS
R-Fr WR Twoey Hosch Buford HS
R-Soph Punter Drew butler Peachtree Ridge HS
R-Soph RB Caleb King Greater Atlanta Christian
Soph WLB Christian Robinson Greater Atlanta Christian
R-Jr. FB Fred Munzenmaier Norcross HS
Fr Center Lee Dallas Buford HS
R-Fr PK Jordan Stowe Parkview HS
R-Sr. PK Andrew Jensen Brookwood HS
Of course, there is so much talent in Gwinnett that UGA isn't able to sign them all. Nick Saban was able to nab Darius Hanks out of Norcross HS. Hanks appeared in the Tide's first game last year against Western Carolina and caught a 6 yard pass. At Norcross High, Hanks became one of the top receivers in the Atlanta area in his career. He was an Atlanta Journal-Constitution First-Team Class 5A All-State selection and a First-Team All-Region 7 pick. He caught 55 passes for 857 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and ran for 63 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, as well as picking off six passes on defense. Hanks finished second in Class 5A in receptions and receiving yards as a senior. Right now, Darius Hanks is the only Gwinnetian on the Tide roster, but that may change in a couple of years.
In my last blog, I mentioned how Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson tapped into Gwinnett and got 6 fine football players:
R-Sr. RB Kennard Reeves Duluth HS
R-Jr. WR Terrance Jeffers Berkmar HS
R-Soph DT T. J. Greenstone Collins Hill HS
Sr. DT Greg Billinger Parkview HS
Fr LB Blake Southerland Greater Atlanta Christian
R-Fr LB Tristan Strong Grayson
Florida has two Gwinnetians on their roster; Defensive Tackle Omar Hunter, who is from Buford, GA and won state titles with Buford HS, is a Red Shirt Freshman at Gainsville and has a chance to get more playing time this year. He spent last year on the Gators Scout Team. His teammate at Buford HS and now in college, Fr. T.J. Pridemore, son of former Atlanta Falcons player Tom Pridemore, is a Wide Receiver for the Gators.
Both Arkansas and Auburn have one Gwinnett player on their rosters. Soph. LB Khiry Battle from Dacula HS comes into his Sophomore year having seen a lot of playing time his Freshman year and has earned a letter. R-Fr. Defensive Back Brandon Evans, from Parkview HS, is an Auburn Tiger. Kentucky Head Coach Rich Brooks loves to recruit Gwinnett County, particularly N. Gwinnett HS. He has two former NG Bulldog players on his roster, Junior CB E.J. Adams and Junior TE Ross Bogue.
LSU Head Coach Les Miles tapped into the Gwinnett pot by getting three top notch players, most notably signing LB Kevin Minter out of Peachtree Ridge HS. I've seen Minter play myself, even filmed some of his games. He will be a terrific player for the LSU Tigers. Also on the Tiger roster are Soph. Center T-Bobb Herbert out of Greater Atlanta Christian and son of former Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints QB Bobby Herbert. The third of the Gwinnett group is Soph. DBL Derrick Bryant, also from Peachtree Ridge. It's no surprise Peachtree ridge is putting out Div. l prospects, they won a state title last year and two years ago.
Ole Miss has the third most Gwinnett players on its roster with 4.
They are as follows:
R-Fr. WR Melvin Harris Buford HS
R-Fr. DB Brandon Sanders Peachtree ridge HS
R-Fr. CB Julian Whitehead Parkview HS
Soph. LB Trey Tripp Peachtree Ridge HS
Mississippi St. has one Gwinnettian on its roster. He's Fr. LB Jasper Williams. He graduated from Air Force Prep but is from Suwanee, GA, where Peachtree Ridge, Collins Hill and North Gwinnett high schools are all located. Last but certainly not least, Steve Spurrier cant do without a couple of Gwinnett athletes too. He signed one of the top Running Backs in the county last year in Brookwood RB Kenny Miles. I've seen him play in person. He has great speed and quickness and will have a fine career for the Gamecocks. South Carolina also has Jr. Offensive guard Stephen Singleton out of Buford HS. So lets count them:
UGA 10
Vandy 6
Ole Miss 4
LSU 3
S. Car 2
UK 2
Arkansas 1
Auburn 1
MSU 1
That's a total of 30 Gwinnett players in the SEC, enough to make a first string squad. I cant see how one can argue that Gwinnett County, GA, on the northeast side of Atlanta, isn't the best county for high school football in the nation.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Vanderbilt Football Loaded With Gwinnett Talent
The Division l Prospect Pool from Gwinnett County, GA is well represented on the Vanderbilt Commodore Football Team. The Dores may have more Gwinnetians on their roster than any other team in the SEC. Head Coach Bobby Johnson is a smart man for tapping into the Gwinnett talent pool.
In this blog, we are going to take a closer look at the 6 Gwinnett players on the Commodore Roster. First is Sr. DT Greg Billinger who hales from Lilburn, GA and Parkview HS. Billinger is listed at 6'3 297 lbs. Back in 2007, he was a key reserve at Defensive Tackle behind two seniors, Theo Horrocks and Gabe Hall. during that year, Billinger made two tackles against his home state rival Georgia and recorded a tackle and interception in a win over Eastern Michigan. As a Freshman in 06, Billinger was the only True Freshman who saw action for Vanderbilt on the interior line and saw action that year in every game.
while playing for the Parkview Panthers under Head Coach Cecil Flowe, Billinger was Team Captain his Senior Year on a squad that went 11-2 and reached the third round of the Georgia Class AAAAA State Playoffs. However, Billinger had to miss the second half of that season due to injuries suffered when his family was involved in a serious car accident in near Nashville that year. Coach Flowe had this to say about Billinger: "Greg is an outstanding football player, a three-year starter for our program. His production this season was limited after a serious car accident. ", coach Flowe said. "Greg knows what it takes to succeed and has good understanding of the game. He has very good quickness and does real well getting proper leverage. He can become a very good player." Flowe continued. Billinger has indeed become that "very good player."
Next, we look at WR Terrance Jeffers, a Red Shirt Junior who hales from Lawrenceville, GA and Berkmar HS. Jeffers actually began his collegiate career at Connecticut before transferring to Vanderbilt. Jeffers started 8 games for the Huskies back in 2008. I was unable to find his stats for the Huskies' 08 season, but one Uconn beat writer referred to him as a "top snarler." He was Uconn's top receiver in 08, and his departure has commenced stiff competition to replace him. Uconn's loss is Vandy's gain. Jeffers will be a big boost to the Dores WR Corps.
Defensive Tackle T.J. Greenstone is a Red Shirt Sophomore and is also from Lawrenceville and prepped at Collins Hill HS. Greenstone didn't see action his Freshman Year but while serving as a Defensive Tackle on the Scout Team, Greenstone impressed his coaches so much that he earned the team's postseason Defensive Scout MVP Award. Greenstone also was recognized as team's Defensive Scout of the Week after victory over Miami (Ohio).
While playing for the Collins Hill Eagles, Greenstone was a Senior Captain and two-year starter at Defensive Tackle. During his Junior and Senior seasons, Collins Hill advanced to AAAAA State Playoffs. Greenstone was also named to Atlanta Journal Constitution's Gwinnett Super 11 Team.
Next, we look at Red Shirt Junior RB Kennard Reeves. During his Sophomore Year at Vanderbilt in 07, Reeves played Special Teams and was a reserve tailback in 11 games. As a Freshman in 06, Reeves redshirted but earned Offensive Scout of the Week honors after Michigan and Kentucky games. During his high school career at Duluth HS, Reeves was a Senior captain and a three-year starter at running back. He also started at Safety as a sophomore and Cornerback as a junior... In 2005, Reeves rushed for 870 yards on 120 carries, scoring 12 TDs. As a Wide Receiver, he caught 11 passes for 150 yards and served as the team's kickoff returner. Reeves earned First Team AAAAA All-Region as Senior and rushed for 670 yards during his Junior season. Reeves was also a three-year letter winner in track & field, earning coaches' award as junior. Perhaps most importantly, Kennard Reeves was an honors student, and named on the Academic All-State Team.
What's even more impressive is that Reeves accomplished his football exploits during three losing seasons.
All Georgia Bulldog and GAC Spartan fans no the name Southerland. I'm referring to GAC and later Georgia standout TE Brandon Southerland, but there is another Southerland that folks need to take note of, Brandon's younger brother Blake Southerland. Blake Southerland is a Freshman Line Backer from Lawrenceville, GA and played high school ball at Greater Atlanta Christian School. While at GAC, Southerland had 115 tackles (62 solo) for GAC. He was named All-State by the AJC and was a Gwinnett County Touchdown Club First-Teamer. Look for big things from Blake Southerland in the next four seasons.
Our final Gwinnetian Commodore is Line Backer Tristan Strong. A Red Shirt Freshman from Loganville, GA and Grayson HS, Strong was a Senior captain, helping squad to 10-3 overall record and appearance in Georgia AAAAA state quarterfinals. He was a two-year starter at LB and a three-year letter winner. As a senior, Strong posted 46 total tackles, 31 solo stops, three QB sacks and a pair of interceptions and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.Strong returned two punts for a1 4.5-yard average... In 2006, Grayson went 6-6, advancing to the first round of the Georgia Class AAAAA State Playoffs. As a Junior, Strong contributed 51 total tackles, seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. He was named to the first team 5A All-State Squad and All-Gwinnett County Team. To top it off, Strong played in the this year's Georgia North-South All-Star Game. Oh, by the way, he also played Varsity Basketball for Grayson High.
The Vanderbilt fans will be glad the Bobby Johnson tapped in to the rich talent located here in Gwinnett County, GA. Some of these players have already made an impact on Commodore Football, and the Freshman such as Blake Southerland and Tristan Strong are ready to make their mark. More information on these stories can be found by visiting www.vucommodores.cstv.com/sport and http://projects.ajc.com/playertracker/player/blake-southerland/.
In this blog, we are going to take a closer look at the 6 Gwinnett players on the Commodore Roster. First is Sr. DT Greg Billinger who hales from Lilburn, GA and Parkview HS. Billinger is listed at 6'3 297 lbs. Back in 2007, he was a key reserve at Defensive Tackle behind two seniors, Theo Horrocks and Gabe Hall. during that year, Billinger made two tackles against his home state rival Georgia and recorded a tackle and interception in a win over Eastern Michigan. As a Freshman in 06, Billinger was the only True Freshman who saw action for Vanderbilt on the interior line and saw action that year in every game.
while playing for the Parkview Panthers under Head Coach Cecil Flowe, Billinger was Team Captain his Senior Year on a squad that went 11-2 and reached the third round of the Georgia Class AAAAA State Playoffs. However, Billinger had to miss the second half of that season due to injuries suffered when his family was involved in a serious car accident in near Nashville that year. Coach Flowe had this to say about Billinger: "Greg is an outstanding football player, a three-year starter for our program. His production this season was limited after a serious car accident. ", coach Flowe said. "Greg knows what it takes to succeed and has good understanding of the game. He has very good quickness and does real well getting proper leverage. He can become a very good player." Flowe continued. Billinger has indeed become that "very good player."
Next, we look at WR Terrance Jeffers, a Red Shirt Junior who hales from Lawrenceville, GA and Berkmar HS. Jeffers actually began his collegiate career at Connecticut before transferring to Vanderbilt. Jeffers started 8 games for the Huskies back in 2008. I was unable to find his stats for the Huskies' 08 season, but one Uconn beat writer referred to him as a "top snarler." He was Uconn's top receiver in 08, and his departure has commenced stiff competition to replace him. Uconn's loss is Vandy's gain. Jeffers will be a big boost to the Dores WR Corps.
Defensive Tackle T.J. Greenstone is a Red Shirt Sophomore and is also from Lawrenceville and prepped at Collins Hill HS. Greenstone didn't see action his Freshman Year but while serving as a Defensive Tackle on the Scout Team, Greenstone impressed his coaches so much that he earned the team's postseason Defensive Scout MVP Award. Greenstone also was recognized as team's Defensive Scout of the Week after victory over Miami (Ohio).
While playing for the Collins Hill Eagles, Greenstone was a Senior Captain and two-year starter at Defensive Tackle. During his Junior and Senior seasons, Collins Hill advanced to AAAAA State Playoffs. Greenstone was also named to Atlanta Journal Constitution's Gwinnett Super 11 Team.
Next, we look at Red Shirt Junior RB Kennard Reeves. During his Sophomore Year at Vanderbilt in 07, Reeves played Special Teams and was a reserve tailback in 11 games. As a Freshman in 06, Reeves redshirted but earned Offensive Scout of the Week honors after Michigan and Kentucky games. During his high school career at Duluth HS, Reeves was a Senior captain and a three-year starter at running back. He also started at Safety as a sophomore and Cornerback as a junior... In 2005, Reeves rushed for 870 yards on 120 carries, scoring 12 TDs. As a Wide Receiver, he caught 11 passes for 150 yards and served as the team's kickoff returner. Reeves earned First Team AAAAA All-Region as Senior and rushed for 670 yards during his Junior season. Reeves was also a three-year letter winner in track & field, earning coaches' award as junior. Perhaps most importantly, Kennard Reeves was an honors student, and named on the Academic All-State Team.
What's even more impressive is that Reeves accomplished his football exploits during three losing seasons.
All Georgia Bulldog and GAC Spartan fans no the name Southerland. I'm referring to GAC and later Georgia standout TE Brandon Southerland, but there is another Southerland that folks need to take note of, Brandon's younger brother Blake Southerland. Blake Southerland is a Freshman Line Backer from Lawrenceville, GA and played high school ball at Greater Atlanta Christian School. While at GAC, Southerland had 115 tackles (62 solo) for GAC. He was named All-State by the AJC and was a Gwinnett County Touchdown Club First-Teamer. Look for big things from Blake Southerland in the next four seasons.
Our final Gwinnetian Commodore is Line Backer Tristan Strong. A Red Shirt Freshman from Loganville, GA and Grayson HS, Strong was a Senior captain, helping squad to 10-3 overall record and appearance in Georgia AAAAA state quarterfinals. He was a two-year starter at LB and a three-year letter winner. As a senior, Strong posted 46 total tackles, 31 solo stops, three QB sacks and a pair of interceptions and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.Strong returned two punts for a1 4.5-yard average... In 2006, Grayson went 6-6, advancing to the first round of the Georgia Class AAAAA State Playoffs. As a Junior, Strong contributed 51 total tackles, seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. He was named to the first team 5A All-State Squad and All-Gwinnett County Team. To top it off, Strong played in the this year's Georgia North-South All-Star Game. Oh, by the way, he also played Varsity Basketball for Grayson High.
The Vanderbilt fans will be glad the Bobby Johnson tapped in to the rich talent located here in Gwinnett County, GA. Some of these players have already made an impact on Commodore Football, and the Freshman such as Blake Southerland and Tristan Strong are ready to make their mark. More information on these stories can be found by visiting www.vucommodores.cstv.com/sport and http://projects.ajc.com/playertracker/player/blake-southerland/.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Pacers Take Hansbrough at 13; O'Brien, Bird Agree With Williams
Two months ago, I wrote in my blog that someone told me that Tyler Hansbrough would not make it in the NBA. I thought that was hogwash. Apparently, Indiana Pacers Head Coach Jim O'Brien agrees.
ESPN broadcasters covering the 2009 NBA Draft asked O'Brien if he agreed with UNC Head Coach Roy Williams' statement that Hansbrough was "the hardest worker he's ever seen. O'Brien said that Williams is right about Hansbrough's work ethic. If a premiere college Head Coach and an NBA Head Coach both think Tyler Hansbrough has the work ethic necessary for success, the debate is over. Sure, Hansbrough has some things in his game he needs to improve for NBA competition, but the talent is there, and the work ethic is there.
Pacers General Manager Larry Bird (Does that name sound familiar?) took Hansbrough as the 13th pick in the draft. As a player, Bird knew a thing or two about work ethic. Now the nay sayers can shut up! A two-time National Championship coach saw it, an NBA coach has seen it in pre-draft camps, and an NBA Hall of Famer agrees. Tyler Hansbrough will be a great player in the NBA because of his talent and work ethic.
When asked what he thought about critics who said that his game doesn't translate to the NBA, Hansbrough simply said "I'll have to prove them wrong. I'm gonna go to Indianapolis and work hard on my game and help them win a lot of ball games." He definitely will do just that!
ESPN broadcasters covering the 2009 NBA Draft asked O'Brien if he agreed with UNC Head Coach Roy Williams' statement that Hansbrough was "the hardest worker he's ever seen. O'Brien said that Williams is right about Hansbrough's work ethic. If a premiere college Head Coach and an NBA Head Coach both think Tyler Hansbrough has the work ethic necessary for success, the debate is over. Sure, Hansbrough has some things in his game he needs to improve for NBA competition, but the talent is there, and the work ethic is there.
Pacers General Manager Larry Bird (Does that name sound familiar?) took Hansbrough as the 13th pick in the draft. As a player, Bird knew a thing or two about work ethic. Now the nay sayers can shut up! A two-time National Championship coach saw it, an NBA coach has seen it in pre-draft camps, and an NBA Hall of Famer agrees. Tyler Hansbrough will be a great player in the NBA because of his talent and work ethic.
When asked what he thought about critics who said that his game doesn't translate to the NBA, Hansbrough simply said "I'll have to prove them wrong. I'm gonna go to Indianapolis and work hard on my game and help them win a lot of ball games." He definitely will do just that!
Meeks Taken as the 41st Pick of the 09 NBA Draft by Milwaukee
Another feather in the cap of Gwinnett County high school sports. Kentucky Jr. All-America Guard Jody Meeks, from Norcross High School in Norcross, GA, was taken in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night.
The 6'4 guard from Norcross set the UK single game scoring record by pouring in 54 points against Tennessee this past season. Meeks also scored 46 points against Louisville, which was the second highest UK single game scoring record. In that game, he set a new school scoring record in Freedom Hall. Meeks scored over 30 points seven times during the 2008-09 season. This prolific scorer from Gwinnett County also was the first Wildcat player since Derrick Miller in 1989 to score at least 30 points in consecutive games. He also tied a UK record with 9 three pointers against Appalachian St. You can make a case that Jody Meeks leaves Big Blue as the greatest scorer of all time in Kentucky Basketball history.
According to ESPN College Basketball analyst Jay Billas, Jody's father said that his son's greatest strength is his mind. By the way, in the Tennessee game in Knoxville where he scored 54 points to set a new UK single game scoring record, Meeks went 15-22 shooting, hit 10 trifectas and went a perfect 14 for 14 from the free throw line. That may be the best individual performance in College Basketball history.
As a fan of college basketball and the NBA, I'm surprised that Meeks didn't go in the first round. He was taken as the 41st pick overall in the draft. I think the Bucks were smart in taken him. How can you ignore a player who is that prolific a scorer and can do it from anywhere on the court. Meeks will be a star in the NBA. To say that he might be as great as Koby Bryant is not out of the realm of possibility if he continues to work hard, listen and keep his head on straight. One other thing, Meeks is the first Underclassman to be taken in the draft since both Landmark Christian star Randolph Morris and Rajon Rondo in the 2006 NBA Draft.
One more thing about Jody Meeks, and this is significant as far as games going down to the wire, he led the SEC in Free Throw Shooting with a 90.2% average. That is key for the Bucks in close games. More information on this story can be found at the UK Athletic Web Site at www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061509aaa.html.
The 6'4 guard from Norcross set the UK single game scoring record by pouring in 54 points against Tennessee this past season. Meeks also scored 46 points against Louisville, which was the second highest UK single game scoring record. In that game, he set a new school scoring record in Freedom Hall. Meeks scored over 30 points seven times during the 2008-09 season. This prolific scorer from Gwinnett County also was the first Wildcat player since Derrick Miller in 1989 to score at least 30 points in consecutive games. He also tied a UK record with 9 three pointers against Appalachian St. You can make a case that Jody Meeks leaves Big Blue as the greatest scorer of all time in Kentucky Basketball history.
According to ESPN College Basketball analyst Jay Billas, Jody's father said that his son's greatest strength is his mind. By the way, in the Tennessee game in Knoxville where he scored 54 points to set a new UK single game scoring record, Meeks went 15-22 shooting, hit 10 trifectas and went a perfect 14 for 14 from the free throw line. That may be the best individual performance in College Basketball history.
As a fan of college basketball and the NBA, I'm surprised that Meeks didn't go in the first round. He was taken as the 41st pick overall in the draft. I think the Bucks were smart in taken him. How can you ignore a player who is that prolific a scorer and can do it from anywhere on the court. Meeks will be a star in the NBA. To say that he might be as great as Koby Bryant is not out of the realm of possibility if he continues to work hard, listen and keep his head on straight. One other thing, Meeks is the first Underclassman to be taken in the draft since both Landmark Christian star Randolph Morris and Rajon Rondo in the 2006 NBA Draft.
One more thing about Jody Meeks, and this is significant as far as games going down to the wire, he led the SEC in Free Throw Shooting with a 90.2% average. That is key for the Bucks in close games. More information on this story can be found at the UK Athletic Web Site at www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061509aaa.html.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hannibal-Lagrange Soccer Faces Up Hill Battle to Top 08 Season
The Hannibal-Lagrange Mens Soccer Program is coming off its best season in school history with a 16-3-1 record, producing 2 first Team NAIA All-Americans, and finishing the season with a National ranking of #3. With the Graduation of 5 Seniors, including First Team NAIA All-American Defender Gilberto Romero, it will be tough in 2009 to duplicate the magic of 2008.
Head Coach David Erskine several key returning players coming back for the 09 season, including Senior Forward Kevin Zimmerman. Zimmerman has had an impressive college career so far with 31 goals, 20 assists, and 82 points total in three seasons. This Summer, Zimmerman is playing with Forest city London, a PDL (Professional Developmental League) club in London, Ontario, Canada. Zimmerman made an impact for the club right away as he scored the club's first goal in their first official game. He then scored again in FCL's second game, giving him an impressive mark of 2 goals in 2 games.
Another key returner is Jr. GK Jeff Jelinek. Last season, the net minder from Merrillville, Indiana, recorded an incredible 16 clean sheets (shutouts) and was one of two HLG players to make First Team NAIA All-American. Hannibal-Lagrange had never had a First Team NAIA All-American before the 2008 season.
With both Zimmerman and Jelinek returning, along with other solid returning players and a good recruiting class, the Trojans have a chance to be great again. However, the underclassmen will truly have to step up if HLG is to duplicate the tremendous run they had a year ago. Hannibal-Lagrange College is a Christian Liberal Arts college located in Hannibal, MO, about an hour north of St. Louis. for more info about the school and its top notch Mens Soccer Program, go to www.hlg.edu.
Head Coach David Erskine several key returning players coming back for the 09 season, including Senior Forward Kevin Zimmerman. Zimmerman has had an impressive college career so far with 31 goals, 20 assists, and 82 points total in three seasons. This Summer, Zimmerman is playing with Forest city London, a PDL (Professional Developmental League) club in London, Ontario, Canada. Zimmerman made an impact for the club right away as he scored the club's first goal in their first official game. He then scored again in FCL's second game, giving him an impressive mark of 2 goals in 2 games.
Another key returner is Jr. GK Jeff Jelinek. Last season, the net minder from Merrillville, Indiana, recorded an incredible 16 clean sheets (shutouts) and was one of two HLG players to make First Team NAIA All-American. Hannibal-Lagrange had never had a First Team NAIA All-American before the 2008 season.
With both Zimmerman and Jelinek returning, along with other solid returning players and a good recruiting class, the Trojans have a chance to be great again. However, the underclassmen will truly have to step up if HLG is to duplicate the tremendous run they had a year ago. Hannibal-Lagrange College is a Christian Liberal Arts college located in Hannibal, MO, about an hour north of St. Louis. for more info about the school and its top notch Mens Soccer Program, go to www.hlg.edu.
ACU's Scott Named LSC Male Athlete of the Year
I would like to take this time to congratulate a student-athlete for his achievements on the field. Abilene Christian University RB Bernard Scott won the 2008 Harlon Hill Award following the Wildcats LSC championship and quarterfinal appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Harlon Hill Award is the Div ll Equivalent of the Heisman. Scott was also named the Lone Star Conference Male Athlete of the Year.
Scott, a 5'11 200 lb RB from Vernon, TX, had one of the mos prolific careers in LSC and ACU Wildcat history. He led the Wildcats to their first ever perfect regular season at 10-0. Also, Scott led the Wildcats to their first ever outright LSC championship since 1973. They reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Div. ll Playoffs and had the highest Div. ll ranking in school history at #2.
If I'm not mistaken, Bernard Scott signed a Free Agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and will be in their training camp come July. Congratulations to Bernard Scott for winning the Harlon Hill Award and being named the Lone Star Conference Male Athlete of the Year. Hopefully, he'll get a chance to play in the NFL or somewhere else in professional football. For more information on this story and others, go to www.acusports.com.
Scott, a 5'11 200 lb RB from Vernon, TX, had one of the mos prolific careers in LSC and ACU Wildcat history. He led the Wildcats to their first ever perfect regular season at 10-0. Also, Scott led the Wildcats to their first ever outright LSC championship since 1973. They reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Div. ll Playoffs and had the highest Div. ll ranking in school history at #2.
If I'm not mistaken, Bernard Scott signed a Free Agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and will be in their training camp come July. Congratulations to Bernard Scott for winning the Harlon Hill Award and being named the Lone Star Conference Male Athlete of the Year. Hopefully, he'll get a chance to play in the NFL or somewhere else in professional football. For more information on this story and others, go to www.acusports.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Gwinnett Female Basketball Star Signs with Wake forest
The Lady Deacs will be much improved next Fall when Wesleyan shooting guard Erin Hall heads to Winston Salem. Hall chose Wake forest over Ga. Tech, Princeton, Virginia, Vanderbilt and Tulane.
"My parents and I sat down and went through what I wanted in a college." Said Hall. "I didn't want to go to a huge school with 100 people in a class. I wanted a smaller school, but one that was still Division I and good with athletics and academically strong, too."
Hall was a stellar three point shooter, averaging 365 from beyond the arc and 71.4% from the charity stripe. She played in the shadow of Wesleyan Point Guard and Miss Georgia Basketball Anne Marie Armstrong, who will be playing for Georgia this Fall.
The Lady Deacs went 21-11 last year and made it to the Womens NIT for the second time in the last five years. Hopefully, if Hall can translate her performance in high school on to the college court, perhaps Wake Forest will be playing in that other 4 letter tournament next March.
One big reason Hall chose Wake Forest is its strong academic reputation. Hall graduated from Wesleyan with a 3.5 GPA and scored 1,110 on the SAT. Wesleyan Head Coach Jan Azar believes that Wake is an excellent fit for Hall: "I think it says a lot about her. I've not seen to many players - boys or girls - who are as good a shooter as she is. Wake's been on her from the beginning. They've gotten know her, and she knows them well. I think it's an excellent fit." Said Coach Azar.
Erin Hall is yet another example of the tons of talent coming out of Gwinnett County, GA, a county of a population of 750,000 and boasting the nation's largest school system. for more information on this story, the reader can go to www.gwinnettdailypost.com.
"My parents and I sat down and went through what I wanted in a college." Said Hall. "I didn't want to go to a huge school with 100 people in a class. I wanted a smaller school, but one that was still Division I and good with athletics and academically strong, too."
Hall was a stellar three point shooter, averaging 365 from beyond the arc and 71.4% from the charity stripe. She played in the shadow of Wesleyan Point Guard and Miss Georgia Basketball Anne Marie Armstrong, who will be playing for Georgia this Fall.
The Lady Deacs went 21-11 last year and made it to the Womens NIT for the second time in the last five years. Hopefully, if Hall can translate her performance in high school on to the college court, perhaps Wake Forest will be playing in that other 4 letter tournament next March.
One big reason Hall chose Wake Forest is its strong academic reputation. Hall graduated from Wesleyan with a 3.5 GPA and scored 1,110 on the SAT. Wesleyan Head Coach Jan Azar believes that Wake is an excellent fit for Hall: "I think it says a lot about her. I've not seen to many players - boys or girls - who are as good a shooter as she is. Wake's been on her from the beginning. They've gotten know her, and she knows them well. I think it's an excellent fit." Said Coach Azar.
Erin Hall is yet another example of the tons of talent coming out of Gwinnett County, GA, a county of a population of 750,000 and boasting the nation's largest school system. for more information on this story, the reader can go to www.gwinnettdailypost.com.
Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton Recieved Death Threats
Tennessee Quarterback Jonathan Crompton told the Knoxville News Sentinal that during his Junior season, he had received 2 death threats via email. To say that Crompton had a rough time on the field last year is an understatement. The Senior from Bryson City, NC threw for 889 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also threw 5 interceptions with a 51.5% passing rating during the Volunteers 5-7 season. The 2008 season saw Tennessee lose 7 games for only the second time in the school's history.
What is this world coming to! Death threats aimed at a college student, Yes, I said student. I know he's a student-athlete at a major, big time university at which college football is king, but it is a tremendous understatement to say that this should never happen. Interestingly enough, Crompton never revealed this information to the university.
In addition to the emails, Crompton received harassing phone calls once his cell phone number was made public on the internet. I wonder how these people got his cell phone. By Federal Law, cell phone numbers aren't suppose to be released publicly.
To make matters worse, Crompton's parents received a package at their home with slanderous messages written on the box. To his credit, Crompton has handled all of this well. Here is what he had to say: "It was tough, I'm not going to lie," he said. "When you're faced with adversity, your true character comes out -- as a person, as a student, as a Christian. It tested me."
I've lambasted Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin over comments and behavior that took place a few months ago, but I applaud him for giving Crompton a vote of confidence. Kiffin told the Knoxville News Sentinel via email: "Jonathan has done a great job with the transition. He's taken a very professional approach to learning and studying the offense."
It's sad that we live in a time when innocent people (yes, I said innocent) have done nothing wrong but throw interceptions or incomplete passes are threatened with the ultimate. As far as I know, performing poorly at quarterback may be against the law of winning, but isn't against the law that really matters. No college athlete should ever have to live in fear of their lives because of poor performances on the field. They have enough pressure trying to juggle their school work and athletic schedules (yes, most student-athletes DO go to class). Are we becoming like the Colombian Soccer fanatic who murdered a member of the Colombian National Soccer Team who accidentally scored an own goal against the United States in the 1994 World Cup? Please people, we're better than that!
I'm not a Tennessee fan, but I will be rooting for the personal success of Jonathan Crompton. To those cyberthugs who sent those emails, you must have nothing to live for but Big Orange Football. I hope you will be dressed in orange one day; orange prison suits.
What is this world coming to! Death threats aimed at a college student, Yes, I said student. I know he's a student-athlete at a major, big time university at which college football is king, but it is a tremendous understatement to say that this should never happen. Interestingly enough, Crompton never revealed this information to the university.
In addition to the emails, Crompton received harassing phone calls once his cell phone number was made public on the internet. I wonder how these people got his cell phone. By Federal Law, cell phone numbers aren't suppose to be released publicly.
To make matters worse, Crompton's parents received a package at their home with slanderous messages written on the box. To his credit, Crompton has handled all of this well. Here is what he had to say: "It was tough, I'm not going to lie," he said. "When you're faced with adversity, your true character comes out -- as a person, as a student, as a Christian. It tested me."
I've lambasted Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin over comments and behavior that took place a few months ago, but I applaud him for giving Crompton a vote of confidence. Kiffin told the Knoxville News Sentinel via email: "Jonathan has done a great job with the transition. He's taken a very professional approach to learning and studying the offense."
It's sad that we live in a time when innocent people (yes, I said innocent) have done nothing wrong but throw interceptions or incomplete passes are threatened with the ultimate. As far as I know, performing poorly at quarterback may be against the law of winning, but isn't against the law that really matters. No college athlete should ever have to live in fear of their lives because of poor performances on the field. They have enough pressure trying to juggle their school work and athletic schedules (yes, most student-athletes DO go to class). Are we becoming like the Colombian Soccer fanatic who murdered a member of the Colombian National Soccer Team who accidentally scored an own goal against the United States in the 1994 World Cup? Please people, we're better than that!
I'm not a Tennessee fan, but I will be rooting for the personal success of Jonathan Crompton. To those cyberthugs who sent those emails, you must have nothing to live for but Big Orange Football. I hope you will be dressed in orange one day; orange prison suits.
Longhorns Austin Wood, an Amazing Story of Perseverence
LSU defeated Texas last night in game 1 of the Championship round of the 2009 College World Series in Omaha, NE, but for Texas Pitcher Austin Wood, just even being a part of this was, at one time, an extreme long shot.
The Senior out of Kingwood, TX has had a tremendous career at Texas. His Freshman year, he ended up being a Freshman all-American. He amassed a 3.15 ERA and a 4-3 record as a Freshman. Wood has been named BIG Xll Conference Pitcher of the Week at least three times in his career. Also, during his Junior year, Wood appeared in 27 games, including 14 starts, amassing an 7-3 record with a 4.43 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 85.1 innings, and was named First Team Academic All-Big 12.
But all of this was nearly snuffed out back when he was 14 years old. If you were watching the Friday telecast between Texas and Arizona St., Wood was pitching for the Longhorns and broadcaster Sean Mcdonough told the story of what happened. While on his Grandfather's farm in Wichita Falls, TX, his Father and Grandfather were clearing out metal with a tracker. If I remember it right, Austin decided to sit on the fender of the tractor. They hit a bump and Austin was knocked off and the tractor ran over him. His Grandfather noticed something was wrong and told Austin's Dad to stop. Austin suffered numerous life-threatening injuries, including a lacerated liver. He was carried by helicopter to a hospital in Fort Worth where they could best deal with his injuries. His father could not ride in the helicopter with his son, so he and his mother had to make an agonizing 2-hour drive to Fort Worth not knowing the fate of their son.
Miraculously, Austin survived this ordeal. He has persevered and gone on to be one of the greatest pitchers in the history of Texas Longhorn Baseball. I'm sure he's already been drafted by an MLB club. Talk about amazing comebacks, this one was truly amazing.
The Senior out of Kingwood, TX has had a tremendous career at Texas. His Freshman year, he ended up being a Freshman all-American. He amassed a 3.15 ERA and a 4-3 record as a Freshman. Wood has been named BIG Xll Conference Pitcher of the Week at least three times in his career. Also, during his Junior year, Wood appeared in 27 games, including 14 starts, amassing an 7-3 record with a 4.43 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 85.1 innings, and was named First Team Academic All-Big 12.
But all of this was nearly snuffed out back when he was 14 years old. If you were watching the Friday telecast between Texas and Arizona St., Wood was pitching for the Longhorns and broadcaster Sean Mcdonough told the story of what happened. While on his Grandfather's farm in Wichita Falls, TX, his Father and Grandfather were clearing out metal with a tracker. If I remember it right, Austin decided to sit on the fender of the tractor. They hit a bump and Austin was knocked off and the tractor ran over him. His Grandfather noticed something was wrong and told Austin's Dad to stop. Austin suffered numerous life-threatening injuries, including a lacerated liver. He was carried by helicopter to a hospital in Fort Worth where they could best deal with his injuries. His father could not ride in the helicopter with his son, so he and his mother had to make an agonizing 2-hour drive to Fort Worth not knowing the fate of their son.
Miraculously, Austin survived this ordeal. He has persevered and gone on to be one of the greatest pitchers in the history of Texas Longhorn Baseball. I'm sure he's already been drafted by an MLB club. Talk about amazing comebacks, this one was truly amazing.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Spotlight on Gwinnett County: UGA's Rennie Curran
As I've mentioned several times already in previous blogs, Gwinnett County, GA is a tremendous hot bed for big time college prospects who do great in college and move on to the pros.
One such student-athlete is Rennie Curran, a 5'11 222 lb Weak Side Linebacker from Brookwood High School in snellville, GA. Curran exploded on to the scene his Freshman year at Georgia. He appeared in 11 games making five starts with 53 tackles including 9.0 for loss and 3.0 sacks and was named Freshman All-America First Team by Rivals.com, Freshman All-America Second Team by Scout.com and Honorable Mention by Sporting News.
That was just his Freshman year. There was no Sophomore slump in Rennie Curran's game. He was a Butkus Award Finalist in 2008, among other things, many things. If he has the same type of season that he had for the Dogs last year, or is able to eclipse it, he might bolt for the 2010 NFL Draft. No, Bulldog Nation citizens, don't run off the road. I hope like you all that Curran stays all four years between the hedges, but as we all know, especially in this economy, money talks. Here are just some of Curran's accomplishments his Sophomore Year: Honored as the Collegiate Athlete of the Year by the Allied Athlete Group Foundation in Atlanta*Named a Butkus Award finalist *Selected Fourth-Team All-America by Phil Steele*Named to CollegeFootballNews.com’s All-Sophomore First Team*Named First Team All-SEC by SEC Coaches and by Phil Steele, also Second Team All-SEC by Associated Press*Earned the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player Award*Started all 13 games leading the team in tackles (115), including a team-leading 10.0 TFL and a team-high 3.0 sacks to go along with two forced fumbles*His 115 tackles were the most by a Bulldog since 1998. Named one of Sporting News Magazine’s 20 most indispensable college football players and labeled “the most dominant defensive player in the game."
Curran is just a Junior. I, as are many other Dog fans, am excited to see what Rennie Curran will do during the 2009 campaign. It will be a tough schedule this year for Curran and the Dogs with a visit to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma St., Arizona St. in Athens, and, of course, the rugged SEC schedule. I believe, however, they're up to the task.
One such student-athlete is Rennie Curran, a 5'11 222 lb Weak Side Linebacker from Brookwood High School in snellville, GA. Curran exploded on to the scene his Freshman year at Georgia. He appeared in 11 games making five starts with 53 tackles including 9.0 for loss and 3.0 sacks and was named Freshman All-America First Team by Rivals.com, Freshman All-America Second Team by Scout.com and Honorable Mention by Sporting News.
That was just his Freshman year. There was no Sophomore slump in Rennie Curran's game. He was a Butkus Award Finalist in 2008, among other things, many things. If he has the same type of season that he had for the Dogs last year, or is able to eclipse it, he might bolt for the 2010 NFL Draft. No, Bulldog Nation citizens, don't run off the road. I hope like you all that Curran stays all four years between the hedges, but as we all know, especially in this economy, money talks. Here are just some of Curran's accomplishments his Sophomore Year: Honored as the Collegiate Athlete of the Year by the Allied Athlete Group Foundation in Atlanta*Named a Butkus Award finalist *Selected Fourth-Team All-America by Phil Steele*Named to CollegeFootballNews.com’s All-Sophomore First Team*Named First Team All-SEC by SEC Coaches and by Phil Steele, also Second Team All-SEC by Associated Press*Earned the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player Award*Started all 13 games leading the team in tackles (115), including a team-leading 10.0 TFL and a team-high 3.0 sacks to go along with two forced fumbles*His 115 tackles were the most by a Bulldog since 1998. Named one of Sporting News Magazine’s 20 most indispensable college football players and labeled “the most dominant defensive player in the game."
Curran is just a Junior. I, as are many other Dog fans, am excited to see what Rennie Curran will do during the 2009 campaign. It will be a tough schedule this year for Curran and the Dogs with a visit to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma St., Arizona St. in Athens, and, of course, the rugged SEC schedule. I believe, however, they're up to the task.
Kupets is First UGA Female Athlete to Win Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year
The University of Georgia has a lot to be proud of: a National Championship in football, several SEC Titles in football and some in Mens and Womens Basketball, a National Championship in Baseball (1990) as well as a National Runner Up in Baseball (2008), and several National Titles in Gymnastics.
But something happened today that has never happened at UGA. Senior Gymnast and Athens, GA native Courtney Kupets was awarded the 33rd annual Honda-Broderick Cup, signifying her as the 2009 Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year by. Kupets is the first student-athlete from Georgia to win this prestigious award.
Kupets was presented with the award by former U.S. Olympic Softball Gold Medalist and 1993 Honda-Broderick Cup recipient Lisa Fernandez. Kupets is the second gymnast to ever receive this award, the first being Missy Marlowe from Utah back in 1992. This is just another great accomplishment for the UGA Athletic Department and the Bulldog Nation should be proud.
The Honda-Broderick Cup goes to the female athlete who best exemplifies outstanding athletic achievement, team contributions, academic achievement and community involvement. Kupets had this to say about winning the Honda-Broderick Cup: “The Honda-Broderick Cup is a bit different than any other award, and it actually feels like the biggest award I've ever won. I think one of the things that makes it so special for me is that it honors achievement in academics as well as in athletics. While going to school, it's sometimes hard to balance everything in your life, including sports, studies and friends. But winning this award shows me that if you work hard enough and put your heart and soul into something you can succeed in the end. As athletes, many of us understand that education is very important because that's what's going to get us through the rest of our lives.”
As Georgia Bulldog color commentator Jeff Dantzler would say, "That's another Bulldog Point of Pride." For more on this story, the reader can go to www.georgiadogs.com.
But something happened today that has never happened at UGA. Senior Gymnast and Athens, GA native Courtney Kupets was awarded the 33rd annual Honda-Broderick Cup, signifying her as the 2009 Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year by. Kupets is the first student-athlete from Georgia to win this prestigious award.
Kupets was presented with the award by former U.S. Olympic Softball Gold Medalist and 1993 Honda-Broderick Cup recipient Lisa Fernandez. Kupets is the second gymnast to ever receive this award, the first being Missy Marlowe from Utah back in 1992. This is just another great accomplishment for the UGA Athletic Department and the Bulldog Nation should be proud.
The Honda-Broderick Cup goes to the female athlete who best exemplifies outstanding athletic achievement, team contributions, academic achievement and community involvement. Kupets had this to say about winning the Honda-Broderick Cup: “The Honda-Broderick Cup is a bit different than any other award, and it actually feels like the biggest award I've ever won. I think one of the things that makes it so special for me is that it honors achievement in academics as well as in athletics. While going to school, it's sometimes hard to balance everything in your life, including sports, studies and friends. But winning this award shows me that if you work hard enough and put your heart and soul into something you can succeed in the end. As athletes, many of us understand that education is very important because that's what's going to get us through the rest of our lives.”
As Georgia Bulldog color commentator Jeff Dantzler would say, "That's another Bulldog Point of Pride." For more on this story, the reader can go to www.georgiadogs.com.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Bob Jones University Needs an Intercollegiate Athletic Program
Bob Jones University is known for many things. Inspite of what people think of its legalistic, separatist ideas, it is a very fine academic institution and one where students get an excellent Christ-centered education.
But what would help BJ as far as its reputation both on and off campus would be to have an intercollegiate athletic program. There is a lot of athletic talent up at Bob Jones, particularly in Soccer. there are several colleges within 100 miles that BJU could compete against: Furman, Presbyterian, North Greenville University, USC Upstate, Teccoa Falls College, Montreat College, Erskine College, Lander University and several more.
BJ does have a Soccer All-Star Team that does play other colleges. In fact, they scrimmage Furman every year in Mens' Soccer and are actually very competitive, losing only by a 2-1 margin. Imagine what they could do if they were part of the NCAA, NAIA or NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association).
Right now, the school competes on the intramural level with clubs called "Societies", sort of like fraternities at secular schools but, of course, without the things that fraternities are well-known for. This is a good thing. There are many students who aren't god enough to compete at the collegiate level and this is a great opportunity for them to experience friendly, yet fierce competition.
But there are several who could compete at the intercollegiate level and succeed. It would give the school more credibility in the community. It would unite the student body in ways that it hasn't before, and it would be a great witnessing tool to reach out to the players and fans of the other colleges. It would give the university as a whole something to be proud of.
BJ could start one sports team at a time, say Mens' Soccer. I've already mentioned that they have an all-star team that is competitive with NCAA Div. l schools. As far as I know, the school is accredited with SACS so they could join the NCAA or NAIA, and since they're a Christian college, they could join the NCCAA. Once the Mens' Soccer Program is solid, they can add another sport, like Womens' Volleyball or Mens' Basketball. They have fine athletic facilities: a soccer stadium along with several practice fields, a field house for Basketball and Volleyball, and a Swimming gymnasium. They would do very well at the intercollegiate level.
If you are a Bob Jones University alum or current student who reads this blog, put pressure on the administration to bring about intercollegiate athletics a BJU. You'll have lots to cheer about.
But what would help BJ as far as its reputation both on and off campus would be to have an intercollegiate athletic program. There is a lot of athletic talent up at Bob Jones, particularly in Soccer. there are several colleges within 100 miles that BJU could compete against: Furman, Presbyterian, North Greenville University, USC Upstate, Teccoa Falls College, Montreat College, Erskine College, Lander University and several more.
BJ does have a Soccer All-Star Team that does play other colleges. In fact, they scrimmage Furman every year in Mens' Soccer and are actually very competitive, losing only by a 2-1 margin. Imagine what they could do if they were part of the NCAA, NAIA or NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association).
Right now, the school competes on the intramural level with clubs called "Societies", sort of like fraternities at secular schools but, of course, without the things that fraternities are well-known for. This is a good thing. There are many students who aren't god enough to compete at the collegiate level and this is a great opportunity for them to experience friendly, yet fierce competition.
But there are several who could compete at the intercollegiate level and succeed. It would give the school more credibility in the community. It would unite the student body in ways that it hasn't before, and it would be a great witnessing tool to reach out to the players and fans of the other colleges. It would give the university as a whole something to be proud of.
BJ could start one sports team at a time, say Mens' Soccer. I've already mentioned that they have an all-star team that is competitive with NCAA Div. l schools. As far as I know, the school is accredited with SACS so they could join the NCAA or NAIA, and since they're a Christian college, they could join the NCCAA. Once the Mens' Soccer Program is solid, they can add another sport, like Womens' Volleyball or Mens' Basketball. They have fine athletic facilities: a soccer stadium along with several practice fields, a field house for Basketball and Volleyball, and a Swimming gymnasium. They would do very well at the intercollegiate level.
If you are a Bob Jones University alum or current student who reads this blog, put pressure on the administration to bring about intercollegiate athletics a BJU. You'll have lots to cheer about.
Clemson's Fennell to Represent USA in VB Global Challenge in July
Once in a while, I want to highlight the success of an individual college student-athlete. Rising Sophomore Brittany Fennell, from Hendersonville, NC, is a starter on the Clemson Tigers Womens' Volleyball Team, and was recently selected as one of 12 American collegiate players to play on the USA/BIP Development Team at the Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia in July. Bring it Promotions (BIP) works in conjunction with USA Volleyball to organize tours for collegiate players to get exposure so they can promote themselves for European professional volleyball.
As a Freshman, Fennell started 21 games at Middle Blocker for the Lady Tigers before having to miss 8 matches near the end of the season due to an emergency appendectomy. While in the line up, Fennel produced 111 kills and hit at a .258 clip. She was third on the team in total blocks with 83, was voted the team's Rookie of the Year and received the highest marks as a Freshman with a 10 kill, 10 block assist match against Virginia in Charlottesville.
This young lady is just going to be a Sophomore. She has a lot of time for greater improvement. With exposure at the Global Challenge in Croatia a few weeks from now, she will probably be courted by European clubs. Also, with her success in college and experience in international play, Fennell will hopefully attracked the attention of the U.S Olympic Volleyball coaches and get an opportunity to audition for and make the Olympic Team competing in the 2012 Olympics in London. Let's hope all of this comes about.
As a Freshman, Fennell started 21 games at Middle Blocker for the Lady Tigers before having to miss 8 matches near the end of the season due to an emergency appendectomy. While in the line up, Fennel produced 111 kills and hit at a .258 clip. She was third on the team in total blocks with 83, was voted the team's Rookie of the Year and received the highest marks as a Freshman with a 10 kill, 10 block assist match against Virginia in Charlottesville.
This young lady is just going to be a Sophomore. She has a lot of time for greater improvement. With exposure at the Global Challenge in Croatia a few weeks from now, she will probably be courted by European clubs. Also, with her success in college and experience in international play, Fennell will hopefully attracked the attention of the U.S Olympic Volleyball coaches and get an opportunity to audition for and make the Olympic Team competing in the 2012 Olympics in London. Let's hope all of this comes about.
Bennett Will Bring Virginia Back to Basketball Prominence
The Virginia Men's Basketball Team had a down year last year, no question about it. Their coach resigned and the search for a new coach began. But on April 1 of this year, Athletic Director Craig Littlepage got it right.
Former Washington St. Head Coach Tony Bennett decided to try his hand at the ACC. Bennett was hired by Virginia to be the Cavs next Men's Head Basketball Coach. This was a great hire by Littlepage. Bennett had remarkable success at Washington St., which had very little success before Tony arrived with his Father, Dick Bennett, an outstanding coach in his own right both at Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he coached Tony, and Wisconsin before coming to Washington St.
Tony Bennett took over the WSU program in 2005 when his father retired. In his three seasons as the Cougars Head Coach, Bennett went 69-33 overall and 32-22 in the PAC-10. The 69 wins were the most in a three year period in WSU history. In 07, the Cougars reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by Vanderbilt.
Virginia has a rich tradition in Men's Basketball. Names like Ralph Samson, Roger Mason, John Krate, Matt Blundin, Curtis Staples and most recently, Sean Singletary were part of that success. I believe Tony Bennett will go out and recruit the top players in Basketball hot beds such as DC, New York and Philadelphia. He'll also be able to get the best in-State talent from Richmond and the historically athlete-loaded Tidewater area on the Coast.
Don't worry Wahoo fans, Bennett will have Virginia at or near the top of the ACC once again. If he can do it at a school that didn't have much of a Basketball tradition, he can and will certainly do it in Charlottesville.
Former Washington St. Head Coach Tony Bennett decided to try his hand at the ACC. Bennett was hired by Virginia to be the Cavs next Men's Head Basketball Coach. This was a great hire by Littlepage. Bennett had remarkable success at Washington St., which had very little success before Tony arrived with his Father, Dick Bennett, an outstanding coach in his own right both at Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he coached Tony, and Wisconsin before coming to Washington St.
Tony Bennett took over the WSU program in 2005 when his father retired. In his three seasons as the Cougars Head Coach, Bennett went 69-33 overall and 32-22 in the PAC-10. The 69 wins were the most in a three year period in WSU history. In 07, the Cougars reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by Vanderbilt.
Virginia has a rich tradition in Men's Basketball. Names like Ralph Samson, Roger Mason, John Krate, Matt Blundin, Curtis Staples and most recently, Sean Singletary were part of that success. I believe Tony Bennett will go out and recruit the top players in Basketball hot beds such as DC, New York and Philadelphia. He'll also be able to get the best in-State talent from Richmond and the historically athlete-loaded Tidewater area on the Coast.
Don't worry Wahoo fans, Bennett will have Virginia at or near the top of the ACC once again. If he can do it at a school that didn't have much of a Basketball tradition, he can and will certainly do it in Charlottesville.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Virginia Football Takes a Break With Non-Conference Schedule
I give credit to former UVA Head Coach George Welsh and current Head Coach Al Groh. For the past two decades or so, the Cavaliers have scheduled the top teams in the country. In 1995 they were a Mercury Hayes drop or step out of bounds from upsetting Michigan in the Big House when Al's Son, Mike Groh, was at QB for the Wahoos. They have been competitive against Texas, losing in Austin years ago on a Phil Dawson Field Goal.I know they got creamed at home by Southern Cal last year, but at least they weren't afraid to play them.
This year, however, William & Mary and Indiana are on the schedule. Why even schedule a Div. l-AA team. Indiana, at the bottom of the Big 10, is capable of losing to the Tribe. OK, TCU at home and Southern Miss in Hattiesburg aren't necessarily bad games, but why not return a game to Southern Cal in LA to start the season. Why not play Iowa instead if Indiana. The Hawkeyes have a much better team than the Hoosiers. That would help their BCS hopes should they be in position for an ACC Title. Boisie St. would be a much better home opener than W&M.
Virginia should be a much improved team from last year's 5-7 group. Sr. Jameel Sewell will probably start at QB. In 2007, Sewell passed for 2,176 yards and rushed for 279. If Sewell returns to that 2007 form, the Cavs should have a winning season. A tougher non-conference schedule would be good for Sewell and the Wahoos and the BCS would look more favorable upon them. It's just a thought.
This year, however, William & Mary and Indiana are on the schedule. Why even schedule a Div. l-AA team. Indiana, at the bottom of the Big 10, is capable of losing to the Tribe. OK, TCU at home and Southern Miss in Hattiesburg aren't necessarily bad games, but why not return a game to Southern Cal in LA to start the season. Why not play Iowa instead if Indiana. The Hawkeyes have a much better team than the Hoosiers. That would help their BCS hopes should they be in position for an ACC Title. Boisie St. would be a much better home opener than W&M.
Virginia should be a much improved team from last year's 5-7 group. Sr. Jameel Sewell will probably start at QB. In 2007, Sewell passed for 2,176 yards and rushed for 279. If Sewell returns to that 2007 form, the Cavs should have a winning season. A tougher non-conference schedule would be good for Sewell and the Wahoos and the BCS would look more favorable upon them. It's just a thought.
Favors Should Stay At Ga. Tech for At Least Two Years
As everyone knows by now, Derrick Favors, the star Center out of South Atlanta High School, signed to play for Georgia Tech. He will make an immediate impact for the Jackets and the ACC.
According to the scouts, Favors can start a break quickly by getting a rebound or blocking a shot. He has terrific leaping ability and can run the floor. However, he needs to improve his game when his body is in front of the basket. He has an excellent inside game, but needs more work on the perimeter, especially when he is double teamed in the Post. The ACC will be a great test for him, but he will make All-ACC or maybe even the ACC Freshman of the Year.
I think that at least two years at the college level would be great for him. I'm not saying this just because I want the Jackets to win. Every young but very talented player needs at least two years in a college program, not just to develop Basketball skills but also mature in life skills. I know that there have been a few high school players to go straight to the NBA from high school and do well (LeBron James, Koby Bryant, Kevin Garnett, etc.), but Favors will be better off honing his skills at least two years at Tech. Here is what one scout had to say: "Favors can handle the ball in transition when he needs to do so, but he should look to improve in this area. He has shown growth while playing with his back to the basket, but he needs to continue to improve his footwork and moves with his back to the basket as he has a tendency to fade when he shoots turn-around jumpers, when the defense stops him from going to the rim for emphatic finishes. " Favors can improve on these things at Georgia Tech and it would do him well to do this for at least two years.
According to the scouts, Favors can start a break quickly by getting a rebound or blocking a shot. He has terrific leaping ability and can run the floor. However, he needs to improve his game when his body is in front of the basket. He has an excellent inside game, but needs more work on the perimeter, especially when he is double teamed in the Post. The ACC will be a great test for him, but he will make All-ACC or maybe even the ACC Freshman of the Year.
I think that at least two years at the college level would be great for him. I'm not saying this just because I want the Jackets to win. Every young but very talented player needs at least two years in a college program, not just to develop Basketball skills but also mature in life skills. I know that there have been a few high school players to go straight to the NBA from high school and do well (LeBron James, Koby Bryant, Kevin Garnett, etc.), but Favors will be better off honing his skills at least two years at Tech. Here is what one scout had to say: "Favors can handle the ball in transition when he needs to do so, but he should look to improve in this area. He has shown growth while playing with his back to the basket, but he needs to continue to improve his footwork and moves with his back to the basket as he has a tendency to fade when he shoots turn-around jumpers, when the defense stops him from going to the rim for emphatic finishes. " Favors can improve on these things at Georgia Tech and it would do him well to do this for at least two years.
Azuza Pacific Claims Fitfh Straight Learfield Sports Directors Cup
Azuza Pacific University in Azuza, CA, won its fifth straight Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Title, making the school's athletic program the overall best NAIA program in the country. One could argue that 32 National Championships and 101 Conference Championships in their history would rank Azuza Pacific among best intercollegiate athletic program of ANY college.
They were able to secure their fifth straight Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Title by virtue of winning 3 National Titles:, Women's Cross Country, and both Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field in the 2008-09 year. APU's achievement ties the longest streak of consecutive Directors' Cup wins in NAIA history. The school registered points towards its cup-winning tally in 14 different sports, although the Cougars 908-point finish counts only the maximum 12 sports in which program rules allow schools to score (six men's and six women's).
The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup was birthed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today. Points are awarded on each school's finish in 12 different sports, six Mens and six Womens.
Looking at this University's athletic history, it's no wonder why they've been able to win the Cup 5 straight times. When you have Coaches like Sharon Lehman (1995-2007), who in just her second year took the Cougar Softball Team to the NAIA National Tournament and 3 National Tourney appearances in 6 years, you have a top-notch athletic program. You also have to have a lot of talent, like two-sport standout April Reed (1991-94). Reed was the first Cougar female to earn all-conference honors in two different sports:, Soccer and Softball. Both Coach Lehman and Reed are in the APU Hall of Fame.
Some people might remember a Running Back from the Kansas City Chiefs back in the 80s by the name of Christian Okoye. They called him the "Nigerian Nightmare". Okoye played at Azuza Pacific before making a name in the NFL. Also, just a year ago at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, Decathlete Brian Clay won the Gold Medal in the Decathlon at the 2008 Olympic Games. Clay is an APU alum.
The APU Athletic Program won't quite get the ink that the NCAA Div. 1 programs get, but it certainly doesn't need to take a back seat to them. To win 32 National Championships at any college level is pretty amazing. To win the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, your program has to win National Titles, or at least finish near the top. Azuza Pacific University has done that five years in a row. That's truly outstanding.
They were able to secure their fifth straight Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Title by virtue of winning 3 National Titles:, Women's Cross Country, and both Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field in the 2008-09 year. APU's achievement ties the longest streak of consecutive Directors' Cup wins in NAIA history. The school registered points towards its cup-winning tally in 14 different sports, although the Cougars 908-point finish counts only the maximum 12 sports in which program rules allow schools to score (six men's and six women's).
The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup was birthed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today. Points are awarded on each school's finish in 12 different sports, six Mens and six Womens.
Looking at this University's athletic history, it's no wonder why they've been able to win the Cup 5 straight times. When you have Coaches like Sharon Lehman (1995-2007), who in just her second year took the Cougar Softball Team to the NAIA National Tournament and 3 National Tourney appearances in 6 years, you have a top-notch athletic program. You also have to have a lot of talent, like two-sport standout April Reed (1991-94). Reed was the first Cougar female to earn all-conference honors in two different sports:, Soccer and Softball. Both Coach Lehman and Reed are in the APU Hall of Fame.
Some people might remember a Running Back from the Kansas City Chiefs back in the 80s by the name of Christian Okoye. They called him the "Nigerian Nightmare". Okoye played at Azuza Pacific before making a name in the NFL. Also, just a year ago at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, Decathlete Brian Clay won the Gold Medal in the Decathlon at the 2008 Olympic Games. Clay is an APU alum.
The APU Athletic Program won't quite get the ink that the NCAA Div. 1 programs get, but it certainly doesn't need to take a back seat to them. To win 32 National Championships at any college level is pretty amazing. To win the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, your program has to win National Titles, or at least finish near the top. Azuza Pacific University has done that five years in a row. That's truly outstanding.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Southern Poly: Best Kept Secret in College Baseball in Georgia
Marietta, GA is a huge Baseball town. The renowned East Cobb Baseball Program is located there. A few years ago, USA Baseball considered moving its national headquarters there, but opted for Durham, NC instead. High schools such as Lassiter, Walton and Sprayberry compete year in and year out for State Titles. For those of you that remember, Marietta is home to the 1983 E. Marietta Little Leaguers who won the 1983 Little League World Series.
But while Georgia and Georgia Tech get all the ink and talk about Atlanta area College Baseball, one smaller school has been doing just as well, and is getting the attention of Major League Baseball scouts. That school is Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta.
This past Spring, the Hornets made it to the NAIA World Series, winning 2 of 3 games before being eliminated in their fourth game by Oklahoma City. I have seen this team in person two years ago. Actually, I filmed two of their games against my Alma Matre's Baseball Program, Bryan College (the Hornets won both games).
About a week ago, two hornet Pitchers were drafted by Major League clubs. Sr. Right handed Pitcher Sean Teague, out of riverside, CA, was drafted in the 25th Round by the Florida Marlins, and Mark Doll, another Sr. Right handed Pitcher from Forsyth, GA, was drafted in the 29th Round by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Teague ended his career at Southern Poly with a 13-4 record with 5 saves, and was named the 2009 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Pitcher of the Year. Mark Doll finished his career as won of the best pitchers in the history of Southern Poly Baseball. He went 21-3 in 158 innings of work. One other player on the Southern Poly team, Sr. Pitcher Dustin Carder from Blue Ridge, GA, signed a Free Agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
This school has had several players drafted by MLB clubs in the past two decades, including current Head Coach Matt Griffin. Griffin was a Shortstop for the Hornets and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1998.
The Hornets are poised to win an NAIA National Championship sooner than later, if they haven't won one already. They may be the third best College Baseball Program in Georgia.
But while Georgia and Georgia Tech get all the ink and talk about Atlanta area College Baseball, one smaller school has been doing just as well, and is getting the attention of Major League Baseball scouts. That school is Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta.
This past Spring, the Hornets made it to the NAIA World Series, winning 2 of 3 games before being eliminated in their fourth game by Oklahoma City. I have seen this team in person two years ago. Actually, I filmed two of their games against my Alma Matre's Baseball Program, Bryan College (the Hornets won both games).
About a week ago, two hornet Pitchers were drafted by Major League clubs. Sr. Right handed Pitcher Sean Teague, out of riverside, CA, was drafted in the 25th Round by the Florida Marlins, and Mark Doll, another Sr. Right handed Pitcher from Forsyth, GA, was drafted in the 29th Round by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Teague ended his career at Southern Poly with a 13-4 record with 5 saves, and was named the 2009 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Pitcher of the Year. Mark Doll finished his career as won of the best pitchers in the history of Southern Poly Baseball. He went 21-3 in 158 innings of work. One other player on the Southern Poly team, Sr. Pitcher Dustin Carder from Blue Ridge, GA, signed a Free Agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
This school has had several players drafted by MLB clubs in the past two decades, including current Head Coach Matt Griffin. Griffin was a Shortstop for the Hornets and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1998.
The Hornets are poised to win an NAIA National Championship sooner than later, if they haven't won one already. They may be the third best College Baseball Program in Georgia.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Georgia St. Building a Program The Right Way
In a year from now, September 2010, Georgia St. will kick off its inaugural football season. I'm excited that the Panthers will finally be playing football, and they're building their program the right way.
The first thing they did was hire a great coach. Bill Curry did an excellent job at Alabama and rebuilding a struggling Georgia Tech program in the early 80s. He will make Georgia St. into a winning football program.
I think it's great that they are building it slowly. Their first season will feature some teams they should probably beat, like Shorter College. However, the big game comes at the end of the season when Coach Curry returns to Alabama, where he coached from 1987-89 and won an SEC Title in 89. The Panthers will take on the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. It will be GA. State's final regular season game in their first year of existence.
The Atlanta Metro Area has terrific high school talent, especially in Gwinnett County. Curry will be able to land some of that talent, and since they will be competing at the Playoff Division Level (formerly Div. l-AA), I think they will be very competitive and eventually have winning seasons. I believe that 2 years from now, they will join the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in football. The school is already a member in the other sports. The CAA is among the finest Playoff Subdivision conferences in the country featuring James Madison, who one the National Title a few years ago.
It will be very interesting to see what Curry's first recruiting class will do this Fall. Now we have three college football teams to cheer for. I'm excited to see what the Panthers' first football season will bring.
The first thing they did was hire a great coach. Bill Curry did an excellent job at Alabama and rebuilding a struggling Georgia Tech program in the early 80s. He will make Georgia St. into a winning football program.
I think it's great that they are building it slowly. Their first season will feature some teams they should probably beat, like Shorter College. However, the big game comes at the end of the season when Coach Curry returns to Alabama, where he coached from 1987-89 and won an SEC Title in 89. The Panthers will take on the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. It will be GA. State's final regular season game in their first year of existence.
The Atlanta Metro Area has terrific high school talent, especially in Gwinnett County. Curry will be able to land some of that talent, and since they will be competing at the Playoff Division Level (formerly Div. l-AA), I think they will be very competitive and eventually have winning seasons. I believe that 2 years from now, they will join the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in football. The school is already a member in the other sports. The CAA is among the finest Playoff Subdivision conferences in the country featuring James Madison, who one the National Title a few years ago.
It will be very interesting to see what Curry's first recruiting class will do this Fall. Now we have three college football teams to cheer for. I'm excited to see what the Panthers' first football season will bring.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
UGA Missing Out on Some of the State's Best
The recruiting class of 2009 for Georgia Football is a very good one, no doubt about it. Getting Dallas Lee out of Buford, GA (Buford HS) and Dexter Moody out of Emmanuel County Institute were excellent signings.
However, we missed on some great ones. Kevin Minter, a Linebacker out of Peachtree Ridge HS and listed as a 4-star recruit, signed with LSU. RB Storm Johnson out of Loganville, right in Georgia's backyard, is close to signing with LSU if he hasn't already. T.J. Pridemore out of Buford signed with the hated Gators, as did LB Omar Hunter a year ago.
fortunately, Mark Richt did sign 10 in-state players and they'll all probably make a big impact before their careers at Georgia are over. Richt also signed 7 out-of-state players. Yes, they too will make a big impact. But we need to quarantine the State of Georgia and keep the very best. There is so much talent in Georgia that UGA doesn't really need to look outside. Mark Richt tried to sign the top HS QB in the country. This kid is from the state of Washington. He ended up signing with BYU. What about North Gwinnett's Michael Tamburo. He's both a throwing and running threat. I would have loved to see him in a Georgia uniform along with the Quarterbacks they signed. I know Georgia cant sign them all, but let's not let teams like LSU and Florida come into our backyard and take our best. They can be winners at Georgia, and Georgia can be a winner with them. GO DAWGS!
However, we missed on some great ones. Kevin Minter, a Linebacker out of Peachtree Ridge HS and listed as a 4-star recruit, signed with LSU. RB Storm Johnson out of Loganville, right in Georgia's backyard, is close to signing with LSU if he hasn't already. T.J. Pridemore out of Buford signed with the hated Gators, as did LB Omar Hunter a year ago.
fortunately, Mark Richt did sign 10 in-state players and they'll all probably make a big impact before their careers at Georgia are over. Richt also signed 7 out-of-state players. Yes, they too will make a big impact. But we need to quarantine the State of Georgia and keep the very best. There is so much talent in Georgia that UGA doesn't really need to look outside. Mark Richt tried to sign the top HS QB in the country. This kid is from the state of Washington. He ended up signing with BYU. What about North Gwinnett's Michael Tamburo. He's both a throwing and running threat. I would have loved to see him in a Georgia uniform along with the Quarterbacks they signed. I know Georgia cant sign them all, but let's not let teams like LSU and Florida come into our backyard and take our best. They can be winners at Georgia, and Georgia can be a winner with them. GO DAWGS!
Fighting Irish Already Gearing Up for 2010
The 2009 season hasn't even started for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but already they have five commitments for the 2010 campaign.
One of these commitments is a 6'5 225 lbs TE from Cincinnati named Alex Welsh. Welsh is considered to be one of the top Tight Ends in the 2010 recruiting class. He reminds some Irish fans of former TE Anthony Fasano, now in the NFL. Welsh was recruited from just about every school in the country.
A local kid was landed by the Irish, WR Daniel Smith. Listed at 6'4 205 lbs, he has the size to make an impact at the Div. l level, but needs to get a tad faster. His time in the 40 was 4.6 seconds. Christian Lombard, out of Paletine, IL,is a 6'5, 290 lb Offensive Lineman who committed to the Irish back in January. Lombard was recruited by Michigan, Purdue and Stanford as well as other big-time schools. Lombard committed to Notre Dame while at the Army All-American Game, a game he will participate in next year.
Another Wide Receiver the Irish were able to land was Bennett Jackson from Hazlet His School in Raritan, NJ. At 6'1, 165 lbs, Jackson needs to get bigger, but caught and ran the football much of the time for Hazlet. Some see him a lot like former Irish WR George West.
Finally, the Irish landed 6'4, 240 lb DE Chris Martin from Princeton, NJ. Some feel that this young man would be Charlie Weis's second major defensive recruit behind Manti T'eo. While at a Nike Summer camp at Stanford University, one scout noted that Martin was the "most physically impressive defensive player." Some think that Martin has the potential to be a lot like former Irish standout and current NFL DE Justin Tuck.
If these and the rest of the recruiting class of 2010 fulfill their potential, the Irish should be well on their way back to national prominence. Information in this article was obtained from fellow blogger Nick Shepkowski at domersportsreport.blogspot.com.
One of these commitments is a 6'5 225 lbs TE from Cincinnati named Alex Welsh. Welsh is considered to be one of the top Tight Ends in the 2010 recruiting class. He reminds some Irish fans of former TE Anthony Fasano, now in the NFL. Welsh was recruited from just about every school in the country.
A local kid was landed by the Irish, WR Daniel Smith. Listed at 6'4 205 lbs, he has the size to make an impact at the Div. l level, but needs to get a tad faster. His time in the 40 was 4.6 seconds. Christian Lombard, out of Paletine, IL,is a 6'5, 290 lb Offensive Lineman who committed to the Irish back in January. Lombard was recruited by Michigan, Purdue and Stanford as well as other big-time schools. Lombard committed to Notre Dame while at the Army All-American Game, a game he will participate in next year.
Another Wide Receiver the Irish were able to land was Bennett Jackson from Hazlet His School in Raritan, NJ. At 6'1, 165 lbs, Jackson needs to get bigger, but caught and ran the football much of the time for Hazlet. Some see him a lot like former Irish WR George West.
Finally, the Irish landed 6'4, 240 lb DE Chris Martin from Princeton, NJ. Some feel that this young man would be Charlie Weis's second major defensive recruit behind Manti T'eo. While at a Nike Summer camp at Stanford University, one scout noted that Martin was the "most physically impressive defensive player." Some think that Martin has the potential to be a lot like former Irish standout and current NFL DE Justin Tuck.
If these and the rest of the recruiting class of 2010 fulfill their potential, the Irish should be well on their way back to national prominence. Information in this article was obtained from fellow blogger Nick Shepkowski at domersportsreport.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Richt Shouldn't Second Guess Himself Over Schedule
A few days ago, I heard that Georgia Head Football Coach Mark Richt was saying that maybe he should not have scheduled so many tough, out-of-conference teams. Hogwash!
Georgia needs to do just what it has been doing the past two years, schedule difficult teams from outside the SEC. The BCS will look at their schedule more favorably than that of Florida. Other than their end of the year in-state rival Florida St., the Gators scheduled Charleston Southern, Troy and Florida International for their out-of-conference schedule. Come on, Urban, you're the National Champions. Show it by being willing to go against the country's best non-SEC teams. Coach Richt, you don't need to second guess yourself. You're doing exactly the right thing. Oklahoma St. will be a tough opponent in Stillwater, but so what! To be the best, you've got to beat the best. GOD DAWGS!
Georgia faces Oklahoma St. at OSU to start the season on Sept. 5, followed by South Carolina. They will later play a return game against Arizona St. at Sanford Stadium. If Georgia can run the table, or even if they lose 1 game and can still win the SEC Title, the BCS will look more favorably on them for a spot in the National Title Game.
If another team from a BCS Conference other than the SEC runs the table with a weak non-conference schedule, and it's between that team and UGA to face, let's say Oklahoma, in the National Title Game, Georgia will go because Athletic Director Damon Evans and Head Coach Mark Richt had the guts and courage to schedule tough non-conference opponents. No Mark, don't second guess yourself. You did the right thing and it will pay off. And hey, even if you lose those games and settle for the Outback or Capitol One Bowl again, you at least tried.
Georgia needs to do just what it has been doing the past two years, schedule difficult teams from outside the SEC. The BCS will look at their schedule more favorably than that of Florida. Other than their end of the year in-state rival Florida St., the Gators scheduled Charleston Southern, Troy and Florida International for their out-of-conference schedule. Come on, Urban, you're the National Champions. Show it by being willing to go against the country's best non-SEC teams. Coach Richt, you don't need to second guess yourself. You're doing exactly the right thing. Oklahoma St. will be a tough opponent in Stillwater, but so what! To be the best, you've got to beat the best. GOD DAWGS!
Georgia faces Oklahoma St. at OSU to start the season on Sept. 5, followed by South Carolina. They will later play a return game against Arizona St. at Sanford Stadium. If Georgia can run the table, or even if they lose 1 game and can still win the SEC Title, the BCS will look more favorably on them for a spot in the National Title Game.
If another team from a BCS Conference other than the SEC runs the table with a weak non-conference schedule, and it's between that team and UGA to face, let's say Oklahoma, in the National Title Game, Georgia will go because Athletic Director Damon Evans and Head Coach Mark Richt had the guts and courage to schedule tough non-conference opponents. No Mark, don't second guess yourself. You did the right thing and it will pay off. And hey, even if you lose those games and settle for the Outback or Capitol One Bowl again, you at least tried.
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