Blog Archives
Gov. McDonnell introduces Holiday Hoops Classic
College basketball season is right around the corner, and Virginia’s universities have yielded amazing talent on the courts throughout the years. Governor Bob McDonnell and representatives from eight Virginia universities introduced the “Governor’s Holiday Hoops Classic,” a basketball doubleheader that will benefit food banks across the Commonwealth. “The Classic” will take place in the Richmond Coliseum in December 2012 and 2013. This will feature teams from across the Commonwealth representing the MEAC, CAA, ACC, and Atlantic 10. The idea for “The Classic” came from an appearance that McDonnell made on “Sports Phone with Big Al” on ESPN 950 AM in Richmond in December 2009, when host Al Coleman mentioned a similar tournament took place from 1976-1991 in Richmond.
The first hoops classic in December 2012 will feature the following matchups: George Mason University vs. University of Richmond and University of Virginia vs. Old Dominion University. The 2013 matchups will feature: Hampton University vs. James Madison University and Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Commonwealth University.
McDonnell said:
“Virginia has long been home to some of the nation’s premier collegiate basketball programs. Virginia teams have appeared in Final Fours, won conference championships and are regularly ranked in national Top 25 polls. Unfortunately, given scheduling constraints and conference affiliations, we too rarely get to witness our in-state teams competing against each other. The “Classic” will change that. In December 2012 and 2013 the Richmond Coliseum will be the site of what are certain to be exciting games which will allow Virginians to celebrate our great colleges and universities while supporting a great cause, the Commonwealth’s Food Banks. I hope the Classic will become a long-lasting Virginia athletic tradition. And, as a father who has had children attend UVa, Virginia Tech, ODU, JMU and VCU, I’m definitely staying neutral in this one!”
For more information about the “Classic,” click here.
Cross posted at Bearing Drift
Mr. 3000: Derek Jeter
For most who read my blog and for those who know me, I am a die-hard New York Yankees fan. So, I am excited that Derek Jeter homered on his 3,000th hit. This marks a special day for those who have followed Jeter’s career over time.
Jeter is a world-class athlete, and he has a fan following that is large. Why, you may ask? Well, Jeter is not like many baseball players, who have fallen prey to steroid scandals. Jeter plays for the love of the game, and this would explain the following.
3,000 hits is no small feat, and Jeter shows class through his appearance at the press conference after the game (Source: CBS Sports). It’s a great day to be a Yankees fan.
Idiot Gets Heckled at the Indians/Yankees Game
What type of moron would have the audacity to walk into Progressive Field in Cleveland only a few weeks after LeBron (oops, my bad…LePrick) decides to betray the Cavs for the Miami Heat? Reminds me of the infamous bleacher creature fights at Yankee Stadium when opposing teams sit in the wrong sections.
The idiot should have stayed and received the treatment he was due. By the way, the New York Yankees handily beat the Cleveland Indians 8-0…Go Yankees!
Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner Dies
It’s been a sad week for the New York Yankees. Yesterday, Yankees announcer, Bob Sheppard, died and today, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner died of a massive heart attack, New York Daily News reports.
While there are many who disagreed with Steinbrenner’s management styles, I have always admired “The Steinbrenner Way,” and without that style, the Yankees would not have made their ways to numerous World Series championships.
As a die-hard Yankees fan, I am in a New York-state of mourning today. My thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbrenner family.
Bracketology…A la CCC!
It’s that time of year again, where sports fans go crazy over March Madness, and thus meaning, the epic breakout of bracket pools. This year, as I fill out my bracket, I am quite sad that the NCAA Selection Committee has lost their minds with the selections. While Maryland was selected, the committee neglected to select Virginia Tech, who had a much better record than Wake Forest or Florida for that matter. Since I am a tad bitter, I would rather scrutinize the number one seeds.
Midwest
Kansas: Of course, the Jayhawks are a great team. They have depth and good scoring. However, the Midwest region is filled with other great teams (Maryland being one of them). Don’t count out, Ohio State! The Buckeyes have been looking pretty good as well.
West
Syracuse: The Orangemen will go all the way…bank on it! With their superior ball handling and coming from the Big East (which is a pretty competitive league), I expect great things from this team.
East
Kentucky: Hmmm…almost losing to Mississippi State in the SEC Championship earns this team the honor of being #1. Well, they definitely need to improve, and I predict they will be ousted by Wisconsin in the Round of 8…if not before.
South
Duke: For the record, I hate Duke. You can guess why later. However, they are still the perennial team and one to beat. However, the South region proves to guarantee Duke a spot in the final four, if not the National Championship. The only caveat is that Villanova looks like they could be a huge threat to Duke eventually.
My final four picks are as follows:
Midwest: Ohio State
West: Syracuse
East: Wisconsin
South: Duke
National Championship:
Ohio State vs. Duke…with the Buckeyes pulling out a cliffhanger on Duke.
Big College Basketball Night
You’ve guessed it!
GO MARYLAND…BEAT DUKE!!
I had to mention one of the greatest ACC and college basketball rivalries in the world. Fear the Turtle!!
MARYLAND WON 79-72!! WOO HOO…The Terps are tied for first in the ACC!
Saturday Tuneage: Departure from Normal
Normally, I would highlight a song for Saturday Tuneage. However, this week marked the start of Spring Training for Major League Baseball. As most of you know, I am a die hard baseball fanatic. In honor of my favorite sport, I wanted to focus Saturday Tuneage on my favorite baseball movie…Major League.
Super Bowl 2010: Colts vs. Saints
Let the game begin. I think I am looking forward to the commercials more this year, but I will cheering on the Colts (AFC represent!). No offense to New Orleans, but Indianapolis’ offensive prowess will be enough to make you wish for more Hurricanes than anyone can handle. My final score prediction is IND 27, NO 14. Leave your score prediction in the comment thread.
In honor of Super Bowl commercials, here is my favorite one from 2009.
Super Bowl Predictions
Super Bowl is here! Yay! While my team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are not in the quest for a seventh Super Bowl title, I feel that this particular game will be well represented by the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.
The Indianapolis Colts are the AFC champions, and they defeated the New York Jets yesterday with a stellar offensive game. However, they need to play like this against the Saints in order to win the Super Bowl.
New Orleans won the NFC championship in overtime yesterday against a strong Minnesota Vikings team (at least, “Judas” Favre got his dues). Their key to victory will be to fire up Reggie Bush and to rely on their offensive prowess. However, you can’t rely on a 46-yard field goal to win a game.
My prediction on the final score: Indianapolis 27, New Orleans 14.
Say it ain't so…Derek Jeter is getting married and not to me…
OMG…I knew the probability of becoming Mrs. Derek Jeter was extremely slim, but my hopes are now dashed. Best wishes to the New York Yankees shortstop and his fiancee, Minka Kelly.
