THE COURTMASTER RULES ON COLLEGE SPORTS

There Is Good News in Sports Again!

2007-07-01T15:27:00.001-04:00

Good News In Sports is back. I’ve consolidated Good News In College Sports and Good News in Pro Sports into one blog covering stories from all over the sports world that you can truly enjoy reading. No steroids, police blotters, or contract holdouts here. Only people who are making a positive difference by their actions or example. Check it out at www.goodnewsinsports.com

On Hiatus

2007-05-05T15:40:00.000-04:00

If you've been keeping up with this blog at all, I'm sure you've noticed a lack up updates. A while back I decided to devote my time to my other sports blogs, Good News in College Sports and Good News in Pro Sports. Recently, I made the difficult decision to concentrate on a non-sports related project and have put all my sportswriting up on the shelf for a while. Check back in August for an update.

Thanks for visiting.

Book Review: "Cinderella: Inside the Rise of Mid-Major College Basketball"

2007-03-29T20:35:00.000-04:00

They say timing is everything, and Michael Litos’ timing couldn’t have been better when he embarked on a project to chronicle a season in mid-major D1 college men’s basketball. The inspiration came to Litos while he was sailing on a 42-foot catamaran in the Caribbean, which is where I usually get most of my good ideas.

Following one of the cardinal rules of writing, Litos stuck to what he knew; the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in his book “Cinderella: Inside the Rise of Mid-Major College Basketball” (Sourcebooks, Inc; 2007, 275 pp.). Based in Richmond, Virginia, he followed one of the local colleges, Virginia Commonwealth University, a CAA member, very closely.

It was while Litos was sailing during the 2004 CAA conference tournament and cut off from any news sources where he could learn the results that it became clear to him how important that event was. Unlike BCS conference post-season tournaments, mid-major conference teams almost always have their NCAA or NIT tournament fates decided during these three or four-day events.

In-depth coverage of a competitive mid-major conference had the potential to be an interesting story, but Litos’ timing removed any doubt. He picked the 2005-06 season to travel around the CAA, which just happened to be the year conference member George Mason became the first mid-major school to reach the Final Four since 1979 (Larry Bird’s Indiana State team and the Ivy League’s Penn Quakers made it that season).

If you are seeking a book focused on how the Patriots hopelessly shattered NCAA brackets (including mine), you’ll need to go elsewhere; there is only a single chapter in “Cinderella” devoted to their run. What you will find, however, is akin to a prequel, showing how George Mason became the first CAA school to receive an “at-large” bid to the NCAA tournament since David Robinson’s Navy team was selected in 1986.

This book focuses on the various pressures that teams competing at the mid-major level must deal with every season, from scheduling top opponents to avoiding those RPI killing losses that keep schools at that level out of the NCAA tournament. The best source of insight into this is Tom Yeager, the only main character in this story without a vested interest in one particular school.

As Litos reports, Yeager is torn between wanting all of the teams in the CAA to be competitive, but not enough so they knock each outer out of contention for a coveted NCAA bid, which is how the previous season had played out.

Throughout most of the 2005-06 season, the “it” mid major conference was the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and throughout the book Yeager and CAA coaches often measured themselves against their MVC counterparts. Those comparisons are supplemented by discussions of what exactly is a “mid-major” school or conference, starting with the forward by ESPN college hoops analyst Jay Bilas and ending with Litos’ epilogue.

If there is one conclusion you can draw after reading “Cinderella” it’s that the definition of mid-major is almost purely in the eye of the beholder. The primary measuring stick is that of financial resources available to a school’s basketball program. Other important factors are a team’s success on the court, the conference they belong to, and the number of television appearances they make, but there is no clear formula for sorting out which schools are at that level. That phrase also implies that there are “low-major,” which would likely be even more of a subjective judgment than determining mid-majors.

The primary reason I enjoy reading books like this is the opportunity to be introduced to people I otherwise wouldn’t learn about. Michael Litos crossed paths with a number of interesting people during his tour through the CAA and, like any good writer, he provided readers with some insight into who they are beyond sound bytes and quotes in press releases. Litos shows people at their best and their unvarnished worst.

After reading “Cinderella,” I sympathized with the pain, both physical and emotional, that Old Dominion coach Blaine Taylor endured through a solid yet frustrating season. I felt that I’d like to have George Mason coach Jim Larranaga as a next-door neighbor; one would likely take a break from mowing the grass on Saturday mornings to lean over the fence and ask how your family was doing. Hofstra’s coach Tom Pecora impressed me as someone who is a trustworthy and grounded as he is focused and meticulous in preparing his team for their games.

There are also glimpses of some key players, like George Mason’s Tony Skinn (he of the low-blow in the CAA tournament and subsequent suspension for the NCAA opener), Antoine Agudio and Loren Stokes, Hofstra’s best players, and Old Dominion star Alex Loughton, among others.

Although the pace was a bit uneven at times, Litos does the best thing a writer can do with material as interesting as this is; he doesn’t get in the way of or insert himself too deeply into the story. He allows the participants to provide much of the narrative and concentrates on weaving the pieces together in a way that holds the readers’ interest.

I enjoyed reading, “Cinderella: Inside the Rise of Mid-Major College Basketball” and, if you are a hoops fan or just like rooting for an underdog, I suspect you’ll enjoy it too.

More Good News

2007-02-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to let you know that I've expanded my work in bringing people the good news in sports. About two months ago, I started Good News In College Sports and have received some very positive feedback from folks who have visited it.

That has inspired me to expand into the world of pro sports for the first time in my writing career. Yesterday, I began Good News In Pro Sports, searching out the positive, uplifting stories in the world of professional sports. You're won't find stories there about Terrell Owens, hockey fights, athletes holding out for extra millions of dollars, failed drug tests, or any of the negative events that so often fill up the front page of the sports section and saturate the airwaves of ESPN or sports talk radio.

There are still people involved with professional sports who ARE role models and have achieved success the old fashioned way, by hard work, perseverence, and overcoming obstacles. Others have gone beyond their accomplishments to influence and encourage others to maximize their God-given abilities and reach levels they may not have on their own.

Those are the stories I'll be telling on Good News In Pro Sports and will continue to bring you on Good News in College Sports. If you run across an item that would be appropriate for either blog, please forward it to me at thecourtmaster@aol.com and I'll make sure you receive credit for it if I use it.

This does mean, however, that I won't be publishing much if any new content for The CourtMaster Rules on College Sports. This blog has been transitioning into more of a home-page, clearinghouse for my other work. Keep checking here, though, because that could change down the road. I never know what opportunity might present itself and when it does, I'll share it with everyone here.

With March Madness upon us, I'll be continuing regular appearances with Bob Haynie on WNST radio in Baltimore (usually between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM EST during the week) and Thom Abraham on WUMP in Huntsville, AL. (almost always at 6:05 PM EST Wednesdays). If I see where I'll be popping up on another station, I'll let you know. Since it appears my Terps will be back in the NCAA Tournament after a two-season hiatus, at least I'll be in a better mood.

I also want to take a moment to get personal and thank my wonderful, amazing wife Brenda (The CourtMrs.) for her support as I continue to develop into what I want to be when I grow up. Not only has she not complained at all the time I spend on these ventures, she strongly encourages me to do so.

I couldn't have a better teammate than my beloved Brenda. She's my Good News story.

NCAA's "Three-Minute Drill"

2007-02-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Do you want to catch up on NCAA news? Do you have three minutes to spare? Then check out the newest multi-media feature from the NCAA, the "Three-Minute Drill." Hosted on both the NCAA's official website and its official blog, Double-A Zone, this bi-weekly video will give you three fast-paced minutes on NCAA sports news. The first installment, hosted by Double-A Zone blogger Josh Cantor, is online here.

ACC Nation Heading For Florida for the ACC Tournament

2007-02-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a plug for my buddies Patrick and Chris at ACC Nation, where I appear when they can't find anyone else (kidding, I hope). These guys aren't just two clowns with a podcast. They are both award-winning journalists and appear on several radio stations throughout Virginia:

The web portal covering Atlantic Coast Conference sports features an over-the-air radio broadcast, weekly podcasts, and stories, columns and blogs on the ACC. And cohosts and ACCNation.com editors Chris Graham and Patrick Hite are taking their show and coverage on the road - bringing you the latest from the Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball tournament in Tampa March 8-11.

Graham and Hite will be blogging live from press row at the St. Pete Times Forum - and providing detailed wrapups of all 11 games. They will also offer up eight podcasts throughout the tournament - with interviews, postgame press conferences, commentaries and more.

The 2007 tournament will mark the first appearance of "ACC Nation" and ACCNation.com courtside at the premier college-basketball postseason conference event.

"We are looking forward to being able to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of this year's tournament to our readers and listeners," said Hite, who will be making his first trip to an ACC Tournament with this year's event.

"It promises to be exciting - as wide-open as this year's regular-season race is shaping up to be, the tournament should be even more so," said Graham, who has covered two ACC Tournaments in the past, in 1996 and 1998.

"ACC Nation" - a production of the Waynesboro, Va.,-based Q-Munications of Virginia LLC - broadcasts on the Internet (podcasts of the show can be accessed at www.accnation.com) and over-the-air on four radio stations in Virginia.

The show debuted in 2006 and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

ACCNation.com just went through a website redesign - and features news and commentaries updated daily.

ACCNation.com also features live game blogs that allow readers to join Graham and Hite to share their views on games as they unfold.

Graham and Hite are both members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association - and are both multiple-time winners of excellence-in-journalism awards from the Virginia Press Association.

The two also collaborated on their first sports book - Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall, a chronicle of the history of basketball played at University Hall at the University of Virginia, which closed in 2006.

The book - a publication of the Waynesboro, Va.,-based Augusta Free Press Publishing - was released in September 2006, and is available at www.madaboutu.net.

NCAA Tournament Without Duke? Could It Happen?

2007-02-13T19:46:00.000-05:00

Probably not, but the fact that columns like this one on Fox Sports are popping up and asking that question is newsworthy.

I have been frustrated watching Coach K get a free pass from the national media while his team has floundered on its way to a 5-6 ACC record. Yoni Cohen comes the closest I've found so far to calling him out:

If the Blue Devils aren't able to quickly turn their season around, Duke fans .....will ask if Coach K has lost some of his luster.

That question may be premature, given that Duke is still a good bet to make the NCAA tournament. It may also be callous, because even in the past five seasons, few coaches have had as much success as Krzyzewski. But it won't be entirely without cause. After several years of disappointing in March, Coach K's club is underperforming in February.

As I watched the Blue Devils' last two losses vs. North Carolina and Maryland (where the struggling Terps dropped a 29-4 run on them in the first half), I heard a lot of sympathy for K and the struggles he is having with an unusually young team.

Whose fault is that? Are any key players injured--no. Did any players from last year's team leave early for the NBA--no. What's up with all of these studs he's recruited? Let's take a look:

This year's key freshmen:

Lance Thomas, ranked #15 nationally by Rivals.com--With 4.4 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15 minutes per game, he has not been a major factor.

Gerald Henderson, ranked #20 by Rivals.com--An asthmatic condition has limited his playing time. He has shown flashes of pure athleticism and averages 6.1 points per game.

Jon Scheyer, #28 by Rivals.com--He has made the biggest impact by far of any Duke freshman this season. He averages 12.2 points and at times has been the Devils' only consistent outside threat. I haven't seen him do anything else particularly well but shoot so far.

Brian Zoubek, #44 by Rivals.com--He has taken some of Josh McRoberts minutes in recent games (all losses) and just seems to be a big body to take up room near the basket.

Sophomores:

Josh McRoberts, ranked #1 by Sporting News coming out of high school--I think McRoberts is a gifted player. He can shoot, pass, dribble, rebound, and block shots. McRoberts has become a puzzling player however, and one who has also puzzled his coach if his recent one-game demotion is any indication. During the second half against Maryland, he aggressively exploited mismatches inside and kept Duke in the game. I don't know why he doesn't do that more often. He should have better numbers than North Carolina'sTyler Hansbrough because he has better talent, but he doesn't have Pshcyo T's fire.

Greg Paulis, ranked #14 by Sporting News--Paulis is perhaps more of an enigma this season than McRoberts. He has played better of late, but still not as consistently as he did last season. The issue with his pre-season injury is past its shelf life, so like McRoberts it seems to me his real issue lies between his ears.

Jamal Boynkin and Marty Pocius--Non factors.

Eric Boateng--Transfered.

This is either a talented team that is underachieving or a group that isn't as talented as the experts figured based on those high recruiting rankings.

Either way, it reflects on the coach.

Mike Krzyzewski is not having a good year, and he didn't have a great one last year, getting knocked out in the Sweet 16 with two of the best players in the nation (Redick and Williams) on his roster.

Coach K's place in history as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball is secure, but he's not one of the best in the ACC this season. I submit that Boston College's Al Skinner, Virginia Tech's Seth Greenberg, and NC State's Sidney Lowe (to my astonishment) are all getting more out of their team this year than Coach K.

The Duke dynasty is not crumbling, but it is slipping. If they don't rally to an 8-8 record in the ACC, they won't deserve an NCAA bid (although I suspect their name will get the Devils in at 7-9). Duke needs the on-court leadership and intensity that their fans have for so long taken for granted. Without it, the program will continue to drift back into the pack of good but not great teams.

Compliance Is Every Fan's Issue

2007-02-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

The Internet and the plethora of team-related site have caused serious concerns about NCAA compliance in recent years. Kentucky seems to be a hot spot for this, but the potential problems are important enough to lead the compliance coordinator at Duke to reach out to Blue Devil fans on one of the most popular Duke forums at The Devils's Den.

I think being proactive like this is a GREAT idea, and the coordinator, Todd Mesibov, shares links with some important information.

The bottom line is that any contact between someone who is not an authorized representative of a school and a recruiting prospect to try to influence him/her to come to your favorite school is extremely regulated and could be a violation which could cost the school the opportunity to sign the recruit.

So let's be careful out there, okay.

Let's See More Football!

2007-02-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

That apparently will be the result of the ongoing NCAA Football Rules Committee deliberations going on in Albuquerque, NM.

According to this post and other analysis I've heard, the NCAA will at least restore the rule that waits to start the clock on a kickoff until the receiving team has touched it. This will prevent abuse of the rule like Wisconsin did last year against Penn State last year.

Even in the Division II and III games, the new clock rules reduced the number of plays run between 12-13 per game. I don't know of anyone who has gone to a football game and said that they say too many plays. The biggest issue, not stopping the clock on change of possession, is still in play. Personally, I hope they put it back in because I can't see too much football when I watch a game.

The issue here, of course, is all of the television breaks that can stretch a game out and make it seem like it's gone on for an eternity. Ironically, the networks were behind the initiative last year to shorten the games, which puts the NCAA into the situation where it has to decide what interests to serve, the game or a primary source of income.

With this in mind, don't look for any major changes in college football clock rules this season beyond the one on kickoffs. Got to keep the people writing the big checks happy.

Recently At Good News In College Sports

2007-02-04T18:21:00.001-05:00

If you haven't checked out my sister blog Good News In College Sports recently (and why is it called sister anyway, why wouldn't it be a brother blog?), here's some of what you've missed:

The story of two senior women's basketball players at Green Bay-Wisconsin who grew up in Green Bay and have played either with or against each other since the eighth grade.

A men's basketball head coach who changed careers; he was previously a cardiologist--just try and chart they career path.

Nine players on Butler's men's basketball team were recognized for academic achievement and, by the way, the team's record was 20-2 at the time.

A California girl who has found happiness and success in Ames, Iowa starring for the Iowa State girls' basketball team.

Virginia Tech quarterback Ike Whitaker emerging from alcohol rehab and working to reestablish himself at school and with his teammates and the coaching staff.

You can read these stories and more at Good News In College Sports.

Recently At Good News In College Sports

2007-02-04T18:21:00.000-05:00

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 24: "Are You In Or Out?

2007-01-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

In this week's exciting episode, Conrad and Kate get to know each other better, Conrad gets a bit too well aquainted with Freddie's giant wheel, and Freddie does his first commercial.

Click here to read "Are You In Or Out?"

Trolling the Polls

2007-01-22T19:13:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, I just like going line by line on the latest college football or basketball poll and see which direction I think various teams are headed. Here are a few random thoughts on the Week 12 AP college hoops rankings:

Wisconsin (#2) is playing very well right now, but they are not one of the top five teams in the nation. Florida, North Carolina, UCLA, Kansas, and Pittsburgh are. They could hang around the top rankings, however, because the Big 10 is pretty soft this year, and perhaps even slip into the first #1 ranking in school history.

Arizona (#17)will bounce back from their current losing streak and be one of the ten best teams in the nation by tournament time. They've got too much talent and are too well coached not to.

Virginia Tech (#24) is not a bad team, but they won't stay ranked for long. They should have lost to a staggering Maryland team in Blacksburg last night, and they'll take several losses in conference play.

Georgia Tech and Maryland (both receiving votes) are in full retreat. Tech wasn't even competitive at North Carolina Saturday night, and the Terps are 1-4 in the ACC with a home loss to Miami (one of the three worst teams in the conference) a nasty blot on their post-season resume.

Beleagured coaches Mike Brey at Notre Dame (#22) and Kelvin Sampson at Indiana (#23) are doing surprising good jobs and have their teams overachieving. With both the Big East and Big Ten down this year, the Irish and Hoosiers have a good chance of sustaining that success.

Last Week at Good News In College Sports

2007-01-21T17:58:00.000-05:00

If you didn't visit my other blog, Good News In College Sports, last week, you missed:

o North Carolina basketball player Reyshawn Terry dialing his individual game down a notch to help make his team better.

o Maryland basketball player Ekene Ibekwe enjoying success both on the court and in the classroom, having the opportunity to play in the FIBA World Championships last summer while also earning academic honors.

o Hasheem Thabeet, a freshman center for the University of Connecticut, who is one of the best shot-blockers in the nation only two years removed from living in Tanzania.

o Middle Tennessee's women's basketball coach Rick Insell, who is in his first year in Murfreesboro after an outstanding 28-year career in high school and buidling unprecedented excitement in the community.

o The shot that Northwestern State made to knock off Iowa in last year's NCAA men's basketball tournament still looms large on the campus in Natchichoses, Louisiana.

0 Rashad Jones-Jennings rebounding from being rejected as a walk-on basketball player at East Tennessee State to lead all D1 rebounders in the nation at Arkansas-Little Rock.

Check out the blog because there's always Good News In College Sports.

On-Field Reporting During Games

2007-01-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

I ran across this column in Newsday discussing the role and impact of on-field reporters during football games, both college and pro. The issue has received some attention since Fox sideline reporter essentially played host for Boise State running back Ian Johnson's proposal after scoring the decisive two-point conversion against Oklahoma in the recent Fiesta Bowl.

I have through for a while that sideline reporters are usually extra noise at best and annoying at worst. Even the good ones like Michelle Tafoya, Suzy Kobler, and Erin Andrews often don't bring much to the broadcast that the announcers couldn't do themselves. They wind up being an extra voice, as if the more people that provide information the better the broadcast should be.

One thing I very strongly believe is that interviews during games should be eliminated. They seldom bring much if any useful information, and it's another example of the media inserting themselves into the story. Sure, the occasional meltdown by a coach can be entertaining, but I'd give that up to not suffer through a littany of simple or even dumb questions and the cliche answers given.

Tales of the Fighting Ferrets: Part 1, Episode 23: "Days of the Unexpected"

2007-01-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

We're back with the weekly installments of Tales of the Fighting Ferrets until Part 1 reaches its thrilling and surprising climax.

This week, Conrad is faced with yet another crisis, but has a chance to relax at the school's annual festival with an unexpected companion. Who is it? You'll have to click here to read "Days of the Unexpected."

A Peek At Early Entrants Into the NFL Draft

2007-01-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here are my thoughts on a few of the players who I am especially familiar with:

Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech-WR: This young man will be a stud. He's got size (6'5", 235 lbs.), but we've seen with USC's Mike Williams and Washington's Reggie Williams that size alone does not matter. What Johnson has in addition is speed and athletcism that will make him a superstar in the NFL. He would have shattered records in school if he'd had a reliable quarterback to get him the ball.

Antonio Pittman, Ohio State-RB and Darius Walker, Notre Dame-RB: It strikes me that there are a lot of running backs in the NFL just like Pittman and Walker, and a lot of them are sitting on the bench. I don't think either player made the smartest decision coming out early.

JaMarcus Russell, LSU-QB: He strikes me as an even more athletic Daunte Cullpepper. His physical ability, particularly his rocket arm, will have scouts drooling at the upcoming combine, and if he hooks up with the right coach, he could be a star. I still think another year of polish would have benefitted him greatly.

Michael Bush, Louisville-RB: Stud. He should at least be a very good NFL player and could very well become a star. Strength, speed, moves, instincts--nothing not to like once he gets healthy.

Colt Brennan, Hawaii-QB: Remember David Klingler, whose records Brennan broke this year? If you do, it's not because of his NFL career. I suspect the same will be said of Brennan in a few years.

Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma-RB: Could be an outstanding running back if he can stay on the field. He did not make it through an entire college season in one piece, so I think expecting him to make it through an NFL schedule would be a reach. He's too good not to draft, but too risky to take in the first round.

Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State-WR: Ginn should be a successful kick returner and third or fourth receiver, and I'm not sure another year in school would have changed that. Gonzalez, however, could only have been helped by another season of college ball. He was a good college receiver, but how much did having Ginn on the other side help him? I just don't see Gonzalez making much of an impact in the NFL.

Jon Abbate, Wake Forest, LB: I'm really rooting for Abbate, the heart and soul of the Deacons' defense this past year. If anyone can be successful at a position in the NFL on sheer determination and guts, it's at linebacker and I think that gives Abbate a shot at a decent pro career.

NFL teams are greatly swayed by players measureables and performance in the combine in Indianapolis, and it will be interesting to see which of these players really helps or hurts their draft standing, and could gain or lose millions of dollars in the process.

Here's a complete list of those underclassmen who declared for the NFL draft.

Last Week at Good News In College Sports

2007-01-14T16:56:00.000-05:00

If you didn't check out my newest blog, Good News In College Sports, last week, you missed these stories.....

o Two members of the Southern Illinois women's golf team who were happy to be home for the holidays, since last year they didn't know if they would see another one.

o The story of Jesse Hollander, a basketball player at Macalester College who arrived in Minnesota via Nepal and is focused on a big time career--in dentistry

o Suzanne Perles, a member of Princeton's first varsity field hockey team who was also a Rhodes Scholar

o The U of Texas-Tyler being recognized for the best on-going community service project among Division III athletics

o The story of Anthony Ford, a nine-year old who passed away from lukemia but lest a lasting impression on the Minnesota State-Mankato ice hockey team

o Tre' Kelly, who emerged from a childhood rife with violence, including the murder of his mother, to become a leader on the South Carolina basketball team.

Please visit the blog because there is always Good News In College Sports.

A Few Early Hoops Surprises

2007-01-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a few college basketball teams that are flying below the radar right now, but possibly not for long:

Virginia Tech: If the fact that they are one of only two ACC teams undefeated in conference play at 3-0 (Boston College is the other at 4-0) doesn't move you, how about back-to-back wins at Duke and at home vs. #1 North Carolina. The Hokies have a veteran backcourt that has been coming up very big lately, a pretty good recipe for sustained success.

Virginia Commonwealth: Just because George Mason won't be making a return trip to the Final Four doesn't mean that a team from the CAA doesn't have a chance. The Rams are 13-3, 5-0 in the conference. Two senior guards, B. A. Walker and Jesse Pellot-Rosa, lead the team in scoring, and I love mid-major teams with veteran guards.

Washington State: The Cougars are 15-2 and tied for first in the Pac-10. They've beaten Arizona and Southern Cal and lost at UCLA by only three points. While they aren't exactly playing at a frantic pace, but new coach Tony Bennett has loosened things up a bit from how his dad's teams ran their offense. Fair to say it's working.

New Mexico State: They haven't exactly played a tough schedule, but any team that has a 12-game winning streak is worth paying attention to. The Aggies are 13-3 overall and could be positioning themselves for an at-large bid if they can manage the heart of their WAC schedule.

These teams bear watching as they move deeper into their conference schedules.

Good News In College Sports Updates

2006-12-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

If you haven't checked out my new blog, Good News In College Sports, here's what you've missed this week:

o University of Maryland student-athletes competing against each other to see who can do the most for the community.

o Georgia Tech's student-athletes raising over $6,000 and collecting 1,500 toys in the school's 6th annual toy drive.

o The story of the Frazee triplets, who all play for the Liberty women's basketball team.

o Charles Green, a linebacker at Henderson State University, emerging as a leader on the field and for his family off the field.

o Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey Winning the FedEx Orange Bowl Courage Award for stepping up to care for his younger brother.

o The story of University of Washington Johnny DuRocher, who is making a good recovery from recent brain surgery to remove a tumor.

o Clemson's Anthony Waters, who will soon graduate, receiving inspiration from his older brother who is serving a life sentence in prison.

There is Good News In College Sports, and you can find it right here.

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 22: "New Rules"

2006-12-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

After Conrad is diagnosed and released from the hospital, he finds life a bit different and doesn't immediately take to it very well and his friendship with Freddie becomes strained. Also, we find out what Freddie inherited from Father Ferret.

Click here to read, "New Rules"

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 21, "A Dab of Reality, A Pinch of Mortality"

2006-12-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Conrad has his hands even more full that usual in this week's episode. He tries to right the sinking ship of a water polo team, then winds up in the hospital and learns all too well that there are those worse off than he is.

Click here to read "A Dab of Reality, A Pinch of Mortality"

201 Points in a College Basketball Game

2006-12-02T19:57:00.000-05:00

That's right, 201 points! The Lincoln University Lions, a Division III school in Pennsylvania, set NCAA D III records for most points in a game and a half (104 points) in their 201-78 victory over Ohio State-Marion. The Lions are the #11 ranked team in D III and were led by guard Sam Wylie who knocked down 21 three-pointers (also a D III record) on his way to 69 points.

Lincoln's margin of victory was also an NCAA record. Troy, then in Division II, holds the all-time NCAA single-game scoring record with 258 points vs. DeVry, Ga. in 1992.

Ohio State-Marion competes in the non-NCAA Ohio Regional Campus Conference, a drop down even for a D III school. I'd be a lot more impressed with Lincoln's record if they had put those numbers up on a team in their same classification.

Hoops for Hope at NC State

2006-12-01T20:42:00.000-05:00

Women's hoops game at NC State on January 28 benefits breast cancer foundation.

Good News In College Sports--All The Time

2006-11-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

You've seen some posts here about "Good News In College Sports," and I've decided to split those off and devote an entire blog to those stories I'll be linking to most of them here, but I encourage you to set a bookmark to:

http://www.goodnewsincollegesports.com

Here's the first post, about Bradley Universtity basketball player Zach Andrews.

You Could Work In College Sports

2006-11-29T20:25:00.000-05:00

This post from the NCAA's official blog, Double A Zone, announces the upcoming NCAA career fair, Career Connections, in Orlando, Florida.

If you have any interest in a career in college sports, this is the place to be. After all, there are a lot worse things you could be doing that spending early January in Orlando.

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 20, "Digging Deep"

2006-11-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

This week, Conrad and Freddie spend time together mourning; Conrad for his marriage, Freddie for the passing of Father Ferret. The entire campus then gathers together for Father Ferret's funeral, then Conrad heads off by himself, trying to make sense out of all he has lost over the past few weeks.

Click here to read, "Digging Deep"

What Is An Upset?

2006-11-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

That the question I try to answer in my latest column for Waber Web/Inspin. The term "upset" has been thrown around a lot. Did it apply to Butler's wins in the preseason NIT? How about Gonzaga beating North Carolina?

Read here to find out in "What Is An Upset"

ACC-Big Ten Challenge Preview

2006-11-24T14:53:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite early season college basketball events is the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Here is the preview I wrote for Wager Web/Inspin, focusing on the Ohio State-North Carolina, Indiana-Duke, and Maryland-Illinois matchups.

Click here to ready my ACC-Big Challenge Preview

Early Gauges

2006-11-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

There are a few college basketball games coming up that will provide some good insight into just how good the participating teams are. In my latest Inspin/Wager Web column, I look at the upcoming matchups between Florida-Kansas, Florida State-Pittsburgh, and Wichita State-LSU. Also, my regular feature, "Nothing But Net," has news in notes from around the nation.

Click here to read, "Early Gauges"

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 19: "Comings and Goings"

2006-11-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

What's the deal with Father Ferret? Conrad fins out from Gretchen in this week's episode. Also, John Smith finds recruits for the new bowling team and Conrad wraps things up with his soon-to-be ex-wife Camilla.

Click here to read, "Comings and Goings"

Turkey Week Tournaments

2006-11-20T21:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not writing two college basketball columns a week for Inspin/Wager Web. Who said you could get too much of a good thing, right?

Anyway, here is my preview of Thanksgiving week tournaments.

College Hoops Conference Call

2006-11-14T20:42:00.000-05:00

In my latest Inspin column, I look at which conferences will be the strongest in the upcoming college basketball season. I love the ACC, but I don't have them #1.

Click here to find out my top rated conferences in "Conference Call."

ACC Hoops Roundtable, Part 2

2006-11-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

In Part 2 of the ACC hoops roundtable I participated in over at SCACC Hoops, the panel made their end-of-year awards predictions and answered key questions like which coach will be on the hotseat.

Click here to read Part 2 of ACC Basketball Roundtable

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 19: "Four F-The Man, The Myth, The Moron"

2006-11-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

The title of this week's Fighting Ferrets episode pretty well says it all. Frederick Farnsworth IV, assistant athletics director, grandfather of Farnsworth University's founder and president, and major pain in the ass to our hero Conrad, manages to screw up recruiting for the school's first Division I team and precipitates a bomb scare at a Ferrets football game.

Click here to read, "Four F-The Man, The Myth, The Moron"

Tipping Off in College Hoops

2006-11-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

College basketball season tips off for real tonight, and my latest Inspin column takes a look at early-round matchups in the first three tournaments of the year, the 2K Hoops College Hoops Classic (formerly the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic), the College Basketball Experience Classic (formerly the Guardians Classic), and the Preseason NIT.

Click here to read "Tipping Off"

ACC Hoops Roundtable-Part 1

2006-11-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

I participated in a roundtable with other "online noteables" as we were billed to discuss various topics regarding the upcoming ACC basketball season.

Click here to read part one at SCACC Hoops

Changing Addresses in College Hoops

2006-10-31T20:12:00.000-05:00

Every season there are impact players joining major college basketball programs from the junior college ranks or other big time schools. In this week's Inspin column, I list several who deserve your attention this season.

Click here to read "Changing Addresses"

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 17: "Talk Soup"

2006-10-30T20:29:00.000-05:00

Four F gets taken down a peg by his grandfather after the Civil War debaccle, and Conrad, thrust into filling in for the injured Troy on the "Ferret Forum" radio show, turns to Freddie for help. Surprisingly, Freddie lets Conrad down.

Click here to read "Talk Soup"

Good News: Overcoming Obstacles At Home and Abroad

2006-10-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the VCU official sports site:

One may think leaving their home country and traveling almost four thousand mileofficial s across the Atlantic Ocean may be difficult. That part of senior Solveig Haaland’s (Bergen, Norway/Mosjoen Viederegaende) journey to VCU has been one of the easier parts of her transition.

Haaland has been playing soccer since she was old enough to kick a ball around and has a passion and love for the world’s most popular sport. The senior defender for the Rams’ women’s soccer squad had been playing for several years with the Norweigen Youth National team when she learned about the oppourtunity of a scholarship at a school in the United States.

“I knew that this could be a great opportunity for me,” Haaland said. “I wanted to take advantage of every chance I got and so I contacted some people that I knew through the national team to see what exactly I could do.”

What followed was a rollercoaster of events that not many people could have made it through. Haaland came in contact with a university in Florida and received an offer to play, so the senior defender decided to take advantage of her opportunity. However, Haaland’s eagerness to play at a university in the United States had to be held off after complications with the paper work and the university fell through and her plans had to change quickly.

“I was very disappointed about the situation,” said Haaland, “I knew I couldn’t just sit around and be upset, so I decided to keep pursuing all my opportunities.”

Solveig decided to stay in Norway and take classes, while remaining on the Norweigen Youth National team roster and continuing to develop her soccer skills. She decided to take her chances the following year and try to come to the United States again.

Her plans finally came the spring of 2001 as Solveig met Rams’ co-head coach Denise Schilte-Brown and was given a second chance at a golden opportunity to further education and improve her soccer skills.

“Denise and the coaching staff welcomed me with open arms,” Haaland said. “They were all extremely nice and they made it very easy to relax and feel comfortable in a new environment.”
Haaland made an immediate impact on the Black and Gold as she saw action in all 20 games for the Rams during her freshman season in Richmond. She got the starting nod in three contests as she netted four goals and three assists on the season and became a steadying influence to the back line for VCU.

She started 14 games during her sophomore season recording a goal and an assist for the Black and Gold. The pinnacle of her career came during her junior season when she started all 22 games for the Rams while helping the defense to allow just 23 goals all season. She also assisted in guiding VCU to its first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament and first-ever CAA Championship.

“The experiences that I’ve had here are irreplaceable,” Haaland said. “I love my teammates and the coaching staff and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Her rollercoaster ride went back down the hill last season as she suffered a knee injury that proved to be season-ending after just playing two games in 2005.

“I was disappointed about my injury, but when I found out about the red-shirting possibility I focused all my energy on getting my health back and getting back on the field with my teammates,” said Haaland.

After hours of dedicated rehabilition and training throughout the summer, she came back for her fifth year ready to guide the Rams to a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The Rams had won three straight and had an overall record of 5-2-2 as Haaland and her teammates prepared to start their CAA portion of the regular season schedule with an away game at UNC Wilmington on September 22.

A quick cut in the second half of the 1-0 win over the Seahawks turned into a devastating turn of events as Haaland suffered an injury yet again.

“I told Chris [Brown] right away that I would not play again this season. I just felt right away that it was a bad injury,” Haaland said. “After a while the knee wasn’t bothering as much and I thought that I might be able to fight through the injury, but after the flight to Georgia State, I woke up and my knee was swollen.”

Haaland’s gut feeling was right. She had torn her ACL and torn her meniscus. Her VCU soccer career was over.

“I was devastated,” said Haaland. “I decided that I would not be able to help the team by just being unhappy all the time and I realized I could help the younger centerbacks like Myriam [Bouchard] and Karin [Tersteeg].”

Solveig has proven to be essential influence to the youthful Rams’ defense as they have held their past 11 opponents to an average of just eight shots a game and held opponents to a 0.63 goals against average over that 11-game span.

Not only has Haaland been a star on the pitch, she’s excelled at a high level in the classroom as well. The senior carries a 3.8 cumulative grade point average in one of the toughest undergraduate programs at VCU, Fine Arts. The VCU Fine Arts program was ranked as the #1 public university school of arts and design in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2005).

Maybe we can all take a note from Solveig’s story as she faced disappointments and obstacles over and over again. But Haaland has taken them head on and made the most every opportunity given to her. Instead of pulling down the team, she’s decided to do everything she can to help her team. Now if only some of today’s professional athletes would do the same.

New Terps Book is Out--And I'm In It!

2006-10-28T18:15:00.000-04:00

Johnny Holliday, the voice of Maryland Terrapins football and basketball since 1979, has again joined forces with author Steve Moore to write, "Hoop Tales: Maryland Terrapins Men's Basketball." This book is part of a series published by Globe Pequot.

The book begins with a forward by the preeminent sport author of this generation, John Feinstein:

"There is no one more qualified to be your tour guide through any kind of history of Maryland basketball, whether it focuses on last season or twenty-five seasons ago, than Johnny Holliday. Not only has he been there all those years, but he really does know all the people who have been a part of the ups and the downs the program has gone through, not just the coaches but the players, the doctors, trainers, (and) heck, even the reporters who have covered the team."

Johnny and Steve were kind enough to ask me for a contribution to this book. I wrote about the thrill of watching the Terps finally win the national championship. You'll find it in the chapter titled, "True Believers." This piece represents my debut in the book publishing industry.

The book will be in stores soon. You can order it on Amazon.com.

For more information on the book and Johnny Holliday check out his website.

"Rouse's Past Makes Him Strong Leader"

2006-10-26T21:02:00.000-04:00

For more than three years, a father sat behind iron bars in a maximum security prison in Virginia, wondering whether the son he hardly knew would ever forgive him.

Virginia Tech senior Aaron Rouse barely knows Roosevelt "Tim" Newby, who was in and out of his life while Rouse, his mother and his siblings grew up in the tough housing projects of Virginia Beach, Va. What Rouse remembers most is his father not being there after he had promised his young son he would never leave again.

"It's not like I can forget growing up without a father," Rouse said. "But being a man, I forgive him. I grew up without a father, but look at where I'm at now."

Click here to read the rest of Mark Schlabach's ESPN column.

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 16: "The Day After"

2006-10-25T21:02:00.000-04:00

In this week's installment of "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets," Conrad makes a personal connection with the man who saved him from further harm and prepars to dive into the cause of the accident at the football game.

Click here to read "The Day After"

Impact Freshmen in College Hoops

2006-10-24T22:31:00.000-04:00

In my latest Inspin column, I look at some of the freshmen who will make an immediate impact in college basketball season. Most if not all of them would be playing in the NBA if the league had not changed it's draft rules, and I am curious to see if this incoming class will make a noticable difference in the game. My list has a decidedly ACC flavor to it.

Click here to read "Impact Freshmen"

College Hoops' Annoymous Stars

2006-10-18T19:58:00.000-04:00

In my lastest piece for Inspin, I look at some college hoops stars that aren't well known yet but will be after this season.

Nick Fazekas of Nevada and Nate Funk of Creighton head my list.

Click here to find out who else I think are the breakout stars for this upcoming season.

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 15: "Losing the War"

2006-10-17T20:04:00.000-04:00

Seeking to create some excitement around the abysmal football team (and give Frederick Farnsworth IV, a.k.a Four F something to do), Farnsworth held a Civil War day around one of their football games, complete with a halftime reenactment.

There were casualties.

Click here to read "Losing the War" and find out what happened

Back in a few days

2006-10-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

I'm off for a desperately needed respite from a lengthy crunch at work. I'll have some new material on Monday.

Good News: Sun Belt Administrators Help Rebuild New Orleans

2006-10-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

A group of over 30 athletic administrators from the Sun Belt Conference have taken an active role in helping rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina's destruction last year.

Working through Habitat for Humanity, the group of administrators was in town for their annual meetings and scheduled a full day to visit the neighborhood of Bywater. One of the photos on the conference's web site shows the president of Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Sidney McPhee, with hammer in hand working away.

Click here to read about the Sun Belt administrators lending a helping hand in New Orleans

Tales of the Fighting Ferrets: Part 1, Episode 14: Questions and (some) Answers

2006-10-09T21:18:00.000-04:00

Why did Frank dress up as Frankie? Why didn't anyone tell Conrad? Will Freddie ever stop laughing at these developments? And what stunning turn of events gets Conrad off the hook with one of his biggest challenges at Farnsworth?

Click here to find out in "Questions and (some) Answers"

Good News: Hawkeye Whitney Comes All The Way Back

2006-10-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hawkeye Whitney had a bright future when he left North Carolina State in 1980 as a first round NBA draft pick. Sadly, he tore up his knee during his rookie season for the Kansas City Kings and never fully recovered. He gardually slid into a life dominated by cocaine and alcohol and hit bottom when he was involved in a kidnapping. He served nearly six years in prison and was released in 2000.

He has since worked hard to successfully rebuild his life.

Click here to see how Hawkeye Whitney has made it all the way back

Good News: Wearing Your Inspiration On Your Write

2006-10-07T12:40:00.000-04:00

KaMichael Hall, the leading tackler on the Georgia Tech football team, wears two wristbands on the field. The one on his right wrist reminds him of his football goals, but the one on his left shows his most important motivation.

Click here to read "Hall wears inspiration on his wrist" in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Good News: From Brain Surgery to the Soccer Field

2006-10-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

Christie McDonald is not a brain surgeon, but she needed one herself in April when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

On September 17, she scored a goal for the Duke women's soccer team, on a header.

Click here to read the story of Christie's remarkable recovery in the Duke Chronicle

College Hoops Coaches on the Hot Seat

2006-10-03T21:21:00.000-04:00

Coach K's coaching tree is in danger of withering up and dieing. Michigan's Tommy Amaker and Notre Dame's Mike Brey, who both coached with Coach K, are on the hot seat entering this season.

Click here to find out what other coaches' jobs are in jeopardy

Stevens Tech Women Run For Children

2006-10-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

The women's basketball team and coaches at Stevens Tech recently participated in a 5K Run/Walk in honor of Stephen Stiller, a firefighter who was killed in the Twin Towers on 9/11. Other coaches and student-athletes also volunteered to serve food and help out with the logistics of the run. They raised funds for the Stephen Stiller "Let Us Do Good" Foundation which was created to help children who have lost one or more parents.

The atmosphere and locale of the race deeply moved several of the team's participants, and you can read their thoughts right here on the school's website.

Beating Some Very Long Odds

2006-09-27T21:07:00.000-04:00

Fortunately, the chances of anyone being involved in an auto accident and breaking their neck are very slim. The odds of that happening to the same person twice within less than a year have to be astronomical. Imagine how Clayton Matthews must feel, then, because that is exactly what happened to him.

Rather than a sad story, however, it is one of hope and determiniation. Matthews, still only 24 years old, was a key player on the James Madison football team before his injuries. He still managed to earn his degree and is now an assistant coach working for his father Mickey, the Dukes head coach.

Clayton Matthews can't show his receivers how to stretch out and catch a pass, but I suspect he's shown them many things much more important than that.

Click here to read more about Clayton Matthews' story on ESPN.com

TOTFF: Part1, Episode 13: "Coach In a Blue Dress"

2006-09-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

After suffering through another football game which resulted in a blowout loss, Conrad retreats to meet his new friend Frankie at the "Chaps and Spurs" sports bar. During the course of that night and the next morning, Conrad learns a lot more than he wanted to know about Frankie.

Click here to read "Coach In a Blue Dress"

Dreams of a 6-year old come true...15 years later

2006-09-25T21:43:00.000-04:00

Daniel Evans made his first start at quarterback for NC State last Saturday night on national television. He was on his home turf, a field he first ran across as a six-year old with dreams of emulatling his dad. Daniel's father Johnny was also a Wolfpack quarterback in the 1970's who married the homecoming queen and had quadruplets. Daniel's brother Andrew is also on NC State's football team as a walk-on receiver.

Daniel has not married the homecoming queen yet, but his first start was a success. Evans threw the game winning 34-yard touchdown pass with 8.5 second left in the game to upset Boston College.

Click here to read Lenox Rawlings' column in the Winston-Salem Journal about Evans

College Hoops: NCAA Coaching Changes

2006-09-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

In this week's Inspin column, I list the coaches who changed jobs since the end of last season who I believe will make the biggest impact next season. Bob Huggins, Mike Davis, and Kelvin Sampson are among the familiar names.

Click here to read "NCAA Coaching Changes"

Young Wins Battle With Ewing's Sarcoma

2006-09-22T21:20:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of the University of New Hampshire Official Athletics Site

DURHAM, N.H. – Sophomore outside hitter Holly Young (Dennisport, Mass.) of the University of New Hampshire volleyball team recently won her battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of children’s bone cancer, after a lung scan she was deemed “cancer free” on August 21, 2006.

Young was diagnosed on December 13, 2004 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston during her freshman season in Durham. She started to feel pain in her leg during her senior year in high school early in 2004. Young originally went to have a lump on her right leg checked during her freshman year in Durham and was sent for a battery of tests. Kenneth Leavitt, a podiatrist at Baptist Hospital was the first to discover the tumor in her leg after taking x-rays and set up an appointment with Dr. Mark Gebhardt, the chief of orthopedic oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Gebhardt ordered additional tests and arranged for Holly to begin chemotherapy with his colleague, Dr. Holcombe Grier, a well respected oncologist at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In May of 2005, Young had surgery at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston to remove a tumor and underwent a procedure in which the doctors removed a six-inch piece of bone from her right fibula.

“Having to take a year off from school upon diagnosis was one of the most difficult experiences of my life,” said Young. “It would have been even more challenging had I not had the love and support from my head coach, Jill Hirschinger, and my teammates. Jill did so much more for me than I could have ever expected. From organizing the Volley for Holly fundraiser to Holly’s Wall, she did everything in her power to support my family and me. When I returned to school, she threw a welcome back fiesta at her house with my team and continued to drive me to appointments in Boston. I can’t thank her enough for everything she did for me in the past year and a half. She is an amazing woman, coach, and friend.”

With the treatment that Young received, there is a 30% chance of a two-year, event free survival and of that 30%, six of 17 patients showed a positive response. In Young’s case however, the prognosis was delayed and was caught very late, because as an athlete, they usually play through pain and injury. The cancer had spread to her lungs and in the words of the medical community the chances were “unacceptably poor.”

Young went through 26 sessions of chemotherapy over a span of one and a half years, beginning in December of 2004. Young spent most of her time during therapy at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital.

“While I was in the hospital my parents, Bernie and Carolyn, made the three hour round trip to Boston from Cape Cod daily. Having them there really helped me get through it. In their absence my doctors, nurses and the Jimmy Fund staff couldn’t have been more caring and helpful. They made each and every visit to the clinic a little more bearable. I would like to thank them for everything they did and continue to do, not just for me, but for the entire cancer community,” said Young.

Young participated in many programs, including the Dream Street Foundation, which is organized like the Jimmy Fund and gives children with similar illnesses a chance to talk and get to know each other. The Dream Street Foundation provided a stay for 20 kids in a Tucson, Arizona spa, where she discovered she was not the only Division I athlete to have cancer. While on the trip to Arizona, Young met Graham Tatters, a men’s soccer player from University of North Carolina-Charlotte who was diagnosed with T-Cell lymphoblastic lymphoma approximately two years ago.

Young is now back on campus taking classes and while physically recovering is attending every practice in hopes of one day getting back on the court. Young is also a member of UNH’s varsity diving team and is one of only a handful of Wildcat athletes to participate in varsity two sports on campus.

Indiana Coach Back on the Job After Brain Surgery

2006-09-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

You could make a lot of bad jokes about a college football coach with a losing record having brain surgery, but for Indiana University's Terry Hoeppner the operation he endured on September 13 was all too real and, I suspect, not very funny.

He was back at the school on Wednesday at a Board of Trustees meeting making a pitch for a major investment by the school in upgrading its athletic facilities. He told the media, "Considering 168 hours ago I was just getting out of surgery, I am honored to be anywhere."

Hoeppner's Hoosiers rallied around their coach, who will return to the sidelines a week from Saturday. It didn't result in a win last week, however. Indiana fell to Southern Illinois 35-28.

Then again, the most important victories are often won off the field.

"From Dead End to Defensive End"

2006-09-20T21:22:00.000-04:00

We hear a lot of talk about how young men growing up in bad neighborhoods count on using sports as their way out. Some of them actually do make it out and take advantage of the opportunity.

Ronald Talley, a defensive end for Notre Dame, is an example of someone who used his athletic gifts to gain the opportunity to get out of a bad situation. It's one thing gaining an opportunity, but it's another to do something with it. Talley is doing just that. The junior is starting on the defensive line for the Irish while pulling down a 3.0 GPA. He hopes to become a movie producer where the only bullets he would see are fake, not from the shootings on his block at home.

Click here to read "From dead end to defensive end" in the Chicago Sun-Times

Heart Stoppers and Hail Marys

2006-09-19T20:56:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to participate in a poll this summer where I was asked to rank the most exciting finishes in college football since 1970. The results have just been published in the outstanding book "Heart Stoppers and Hail Marys: The Greatest College Football Finishes (since 1970).

The book was compiled and written by Ted Mandell. It is actually the second edition of this project, the first having been published in 2000. The book also comes with two CD's that contain the audio from 78 of the 116 games included. Another nice touch is that the games are not limited to Division 1-A--the little guys get some love here.

Despite the noteable exclusion of the Maryland-Miami game in 1984 (The Terps came back from a 31-0 halftime deficit to win 42-40), I find this book to be a must-have for any serious college football fan.

Click here to order "Heart Stoppers and Hail Marys" at Amazon.com

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 12: "An Addition to the Family"

2006-09-19T20:26:00.000-04:00

In this week's thrill-packed, spine-tingling installment of "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets" (gee, I hope I'm not overselling it), Conrad is surprised by a new roommate, survives his broadcast debut with Troy Flemstone, and draws closer to his new friend Frankie.

Click here to read "An Addition to the Family"

NCAA Shows Some Heart, Allows Others to Lend a Hand

2006-09-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

You may have already heard the story of Clemson defensive back Ray Ray McElrathbey, a 19 year old who has temporary custody of his 11-year old brother Fahmarr while their mother is fighting through a drug problem. Offers of financial support came in to Ray Ray, but the NCAA initially ruled that would count as a dreaded "special benefit" and he could not receive the help. Fortunately, the ruling was reversed and McElrathbey will be allowed to receive donations to help him care for his brother.

Click here to read ESPN.com's Gene Wojcieckowski's column on the story

This Season's Cinderella

2006-09-17T21:14:00.000-04:00

George Mason captured the imagination of the nation by reaching the Final Four in the NCAA Tournaments last season. Are there any potential mid-major Cincerella stories this season?

Click here to read my Inspin.com column to find out

Good News: Slaton Answers Snub With Yards, Not Words

2006-09-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

West Virginia's Steve Slaton showed a national television audience last night that he is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the country, and could be on his way to dropping the "one of" from that description. He ran through gaping holes, small cracks in the line, or zipped to the outside and ran around the Maryland Terrapins, making the defenders look like their namesake, a turtle.

Ironically, or sadly if your a Maryland fan or alum like I am, Slaton wanted to be a Terp. Coach Ralph Friedgen wanted him, but then changed his mind and pulled the scholarship offer. Slaton wound up in Morgantown and, as they say, the rest is history.

Slaton admitted before the game that "I'm going to be a little more amped," he said. "I want to show them what they missed out on." He showed plenty early, gaining 149 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. Slaton wound up with 195 yards for the game.

After his team's 45-24 loss, Coach Friedgen said about Slaton "He's a great player. What more can I say? He has great speed. He's a fine young man. I hope he wins the Heisman." That probably won't happen.....this season.

Steve Slaton is only three games into his sophomore season. If you are a college football fan, you'll be hearing a lot more about that name.

Click here to read "Slaton shows Maryland's coach error of his ways" from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Good News: "Boston U Cleans Up Foul Language at Games"

2006-09-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

If you are watching a sporting event at Boston University, watch your mouth. School officials have announced a new policy banning swearing along with sexist and racist chants.

BU's Dean of Students, Kenneth Elmore, said, "We wanted to make clear that games should be spirited and lively. But standing and shouting obscenities does not have a place. I don't equate school spirit with the yelling of obscenities."

I absolutely could not agree more. Of course, students have already complained about a violation of freedom of speech. Being college students, some will rebel. I personally hope BU stays firm and creates a safe environment for all fans to enjoy their games.

Click here to read "BU moves to clean up foul language at games"

Good News: "College shine spotlight on America's service members"

2006-09-14T21:39:00.000-04:00

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Wounded Warrior Project have joined forces for the 2006-07 sports seasons.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organizaiton that helps U.S. soldiers recover from severe war-related injuries. NACDA will work with the group to get wounded soldiers involved with their respective athletic programs as speakers, participants in ceremonies, or honored guests at games. This cooperative effort will also include fund raising activities by NACDA member schools to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

John Fernandez is a coordinator for the project who was a captain of Army's lacrosse team in 2001. He lost his right leg and left foot while serving in the military in Iraq and says, "the bottom line is, people are forgetting about what's going on in Iraq. A lot of people are getting hurt -- 20,000 people have been injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. It's very important to get [that information] out there. It makes people think a little more about the sacrifices that are being made."

I'm sure one thing people in red states and blue states can agree upon is that our nation needs to take care of those who serve and come back with physical challenges. I'm glad to see college sports lend a hand to this effort.

Click here to read ESPN.com's "College shine spotlight on America's service members"

Good News: "Macdonald battles back from cancer to lead RPI"

2006-09-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

Kirk MacDonald has an excellent 2004-05 season playing for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute hockey team. He was their leading scorer and put in their biggest goal of the season on national television.

The fact he did it while suffering from testicular cancer was only the first part of a special story that comes our way through ESPN.com.

MacDonald missed last season after undergoing a series of four operations and numerous complications. During the ordeal, he lost 73 pounds but not the support of his family, teammates, coaching staff, and the team's fans.

MacDonald is back on the ice, working out with the team and preparing for the team's October 15 opener.

Click here to read "MacDonald battles back from cancer to lead RPI"

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 11: Changing Directions

2006-09-13T19:12:00.000-04:00

In this week's thrill-packed episode of "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets," Conrad checks in with his daughter and makes a new friend at the local sports bar. The Ferrets' field hockey team also makes it through a game without maiming anyone for the first time this season, and reporter Jimmy Harris is trying to, dare I say, ferret out Freddie's past.

Click here to read "Changing Directions"

Good News: "Lacrosse player a study in courage"

2006-09-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

When an individual is trying to overcome a daunting physical obstacle, it is helpful to be able to focus on a specific goal to strive toward. That applies to Nick Collelouri, a lacross player for Hofstra University. At least he hopes to be one again as he fights back from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Joseph Santoliquito wrote a piece for ESPN.com telling the story of Collelouri's battle and the support he receives from his family, teammates, and coaches to return to the lacrosse field whole and healthy.

Click here to read "Lacrosse player a study in courage"

Heading for a Fall

2006-09-11T20:20:00.000-04:00

In my latest college hoops column for Inspin, I pick teams that are used to achieving success that will fall short this year. I don't want to give it all away, but it's not a good year to be a Michigan State or West Virginia fan, among others.

Click here to read "Heading for a Fall"

Good News: "Aggies' Dodge can't walk away from 9/11"

2006-09-11T20:04:00.000-04:00

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 impacted the sports world as it did every aspect of life in the United States, then sports impacted the recovery and restoration of "normalcy" in the aftermath.

There are many stories of how individuals in the college sports world got caught up in the events of 9/11, and Pat Fords of ESPN.com tells one of Mark Dodge, who was in the Pentagon when it was struck by American Airlines flight 77. Dodge's 3rd Infantry Regiment was quickly mobilized as part of the response team.

After that harrowing experience, Dodge decided he wanted to attend college and play football. He is currently a linebacker at Texas A&M and made seven tackles in his first game last week. He also gained a sense of perspective. He told Forde, "This is more fun than I can ever dream of. One bad day here is a lot better than a very good day overseas [in the military]. If you complain about anything here, you're crazy."

Click here to read the entire piece, "Aggie's Dodge can't walk away from 9/11"

Mondays with Myles Brand

2006-09-10T18:22:00.000-04:00

Over at the Double-A Zone, the official blog of the NCAA, blogger Josh Cantor has resumed hosting the "Mondays With Myles" podcasts every Monday. That's Myles as in Myles Brand, the president of the NCAA.

Josh has invited me to solicit questions from my readers to submit to Mr. Brand for a future show. So, if there's something you've always wanted to ask him (keep it real, please), post a comment here and I will forward your question to Josh.

Good News: Competitive On the Field, Courageous In Life

2006-09-10T15:49:00.000-04:00

"Do you define what you are, or are you defined by it?

How do you ever really know, unless who you think you are is taken away? "

That's how ESPN writer Graham Hays started his wonderful piece on Fresno State's Rachael Donaldson. When she arrived on campus, she saw her self as a softball player. Now, having survived a scary bout with cancer, she views life differently, on a much broader scale.

She continues to inspire her teammates and anyone who knows her despite the fact that her playing days are over. Rachael's mother, who was her first coach, assumed that role as they worked together to fight for Rachael's life.

Click here to read "Cancer survivor model of strength to teammates"

Good News: A Student, Then an Athlete

2006-09-09T09:18:00.000-04:00

UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner is hardly your typical freshman big-time college football player. First off, he is the youngest player in the Pac-10; his 18th birthday is not until December 13. Secondly, he did not have to sweat his test scores and wait to see if he would be eligibile to play football this fall. He arrived on campus with 28 advanced placement credits from high school.

Verner's major is in math and applied sciences and he is considering entering medical school once he graduates, probably well before the normal four year schedule.

He can play a little football too. In his first game last week, he returned an interception for a touchdown, forced and recovered a fumble, and made two tackles.

Verner is someone who can truly be called a student-athlete.

Click here to read "UCLA: Playing It Smart" in the Los Angeles Daily News

Good News: Ted Ginn Sr. Working With Tomorrow's Stars and Leaders

2006-09-08T19:40:00.000-04:00

During Saturday night's mega-game pitting #1 Ohio State and #2 Texas, the nation's eyes will be on Buckeye stars and Heisman Trophy candidates QB Troy Smith and WR-KR Ted Ginn Jr. Both players were mentored at Glenville High School near Cleveland, Ohio by Ginn's father, Ted Sr., the head football coach.

Ginn Sr. saw an amazing 21 of his players sign college scholarships last season, 15 of them with Division 1-A , and every single one of them was academically eligible to play this season. As great as that is, Ginn has much bigger plans to reach out and help youngsters on and off the football field.

Ginn told CBS Sportsline writer Dennis Dodd, "It's about putting a kid in position for life."

Click here to read Dodd piece on Ted Ginn Sr.

Good News: Player's Sacrifice for Team Inspires Scholarship

2006-09-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

A Hope College basketball player's selfless act is having an effect far beyond her team's recent national championship season.

It's led to creation of a scholarship that will help other students in perpetuity.

When the Hope women's basketball team made it to the playoffs this past spring, NCAA regulations required that only 15 players could suit up for the competition. Hope's MIAA championship squad had 16 members. Rather than make it necessary for Coach Brian Morehouse to choose or perhaps for one of her teammates to sit out the remaining games, junior guard Becky Bosserd of Sparta stepped forward and volunteered to spend the rest of the season in her street clothes.

The gracious gesture earned the admiration of her coach, her team mates and also Hope's loyal fans. One of those fans, community member Rob Zaagman, has decided to celebrate it by establishing an endowed scholarship at the college in her name. The "Rebecca Bosserd Scholarship Fund," available starting with the new school year, is intended for any student with financial need who, in keeping with Bosserd's example, has shown commitment to servant-leadership or volunteerism.

"I really feel that what she did was very significant, but really it goes much deeper than that," said Zaagman, who was among the Hope fans who made the trip to Springfield, Mass., for the Final Four in March. "It's more a recognition of character than one event."

"I think this is just one way of saying 'Thank you, Becky, for doing something
tremendous for other people,'" he said. "What she did is never going to be forgotten."

Morehouse agrees that Bosserd's sacrifice reflects a remarkable consideration of others.

"It's probably the most unselfish act I've ever been a part of in my 10 years as a head coach, and I think it's a great reflection on both Becky and her parents as far as how she was raised," he said. "She exemplifies everything that we want in our players. She is selfless. She puts the team first in everything she does."

"I couldn't have more respect for a person than what I have for Becky and what she did," he said.

Even though she had been on the sidelines during most of the tournament run, she was the coaches' choice to accept the national championship trophy.

"When we went out to get our championship trophy, Becky was the first person that we sent out there and then our four captains followed behind her because we felt what she had done was really what our team was all about," he said.

Bosserd notes that she didn't struggle with her decision to miss the NCAA games.

"That way no one else would have to sit out," she said. "I did it and I never looked back."

Bosserd is a 2003 graduate of Lowell High School and the daughter of James and Jane Bosserd of Sparta. A biology major, she is interested in a career that involves working with animals, possibly specializing in fisheries in wildlife. She worked at the Outdoor Discovery Center south of Holland this summer.

Zaagman, who works in quality assurance at Haworth Inc., had never even met Bosserd prior to establishing the scholarship, other than briefly along with other members of the team during the college's championship celebration back in Holland in April. As a result, she never saw the recognition coming. "I was pretty surprised," she said, when she learned about it earlier this summer.

For Zaagman, Bosserd's team-first sacrifice focused his growing interest in
supporting Hope students in some way. Since moving to Holland in 1992, he had come first to appreciate the campus and the college's positive presence on downtown during walks through the neighborhood, and then the students that he met as he volunteered in the community, and then the college itself as he learned more about Hope's program.

"Endowing a scholarship is something that I had in the back of my mind for a period of time now," he said. "As time went on, I felt that I wanted to try to help students down the road have an opportunity to have an education at Hope."

"I definitely wouldn't do something like this if I didn't think that the college had more than earned it," he said. "So for me, this is a tremendous investment also."

Thanks to Hope SID Tom Renner for this story

The CourtMaster on ACC Nation

2006-09-07T21:11:00.000-04:00

The guys at the ACC Nation podcast show, Patrick Hite and Chris Graham, were kind enough to have me on their program this week. We talked about the first week of ACC football and Tales of the Fighting Ferrets.

Click here to listen to the program

Good News: Adelphi U Raises Money for Kids With Cancer

2006-09-06T20:27:00.000-04:00

For the past three years, Adelphi University and its Athletics Department have teamed up with Winthrop University Hospital's Cans for Cancer Program to raise money for kids with cancer. The program requires the collection of redeemable recycled cans and bottles. There are receptables placed throughout the Garden City campus for students, faculty, staff, etc. to put their cans and bottles in.

All 18 Adelphi athletic teams are responsible for collecting and sorting the bottles and cans and placing them in a large storage bin. Then, the Cans for Cancer Center picks up the items. This is a massive undertaking that requires year-round committment from the Athletics staff. At the end of the 2005-06 season, Adelphi had raised over $7000 for the program. They celebrated by hosting a Fun Fest for children from the Cancer Center on August, 27, 2006. (see attached photos) The carnival-style festivities included games, prizes, food and more.

The Cans for Cancer initiative involves schools, corporations, restaurants, country clubs and community members. Adelphi University was the first college to partner with the Cans for Cancer Program.

Click here for a photo galary of the Fun Fest

Thanks to Adelphi's SID Suzette McQueen for the story.

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 10: "Leading the Followers"

2006-09-05T10:40:00.000-04:00

Freddie is approached to run for political office, the Farnsworth field hockey team is assaulting their opponents, and the water polo team is having trouble staying afloat-literally. Just another week at the office for our hero Conrad.

Click here to read "Leading the Followers"

If you haven't check out "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets" it's not too late to go back to the beginning and catch up with the story from the start.

College Hoops: Looking Ahead to Atlanta

2006-09-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

This week my Inspin columns flip over to college basketball, and I take a look at the early favorites to reach the 2007 Final Four in Atlanta. Florida has an excellent chance of repeating, but North Carolina and Kansas will be their toughest challengers.

Click here to read "Looking Ahead to Atlanta"

Good News: Coming Back from a Horrible Knee Injury

2006-09-02T17:49:00.000-04:00

During the final game of the 2004 football season, Maryland's Josh Allen suffered a knee injury that resulted in his left knee just dangling from his leg. He tore pretty much everything one can tear in a knee and wound up with his leg immobilized for 10 weeks. He also couldn't shower or bath for three weeks, adding insult to injury.

In this article from the Baltimore Sun, Allen talks about his rehab. Here's one quote:

"The whole time, the thing that got me through it was believing in God, and that what is meant to be will be," he said. "If I'm meant to come back from this and play football again, it's gonna happen. If it's not, I feel good knowing I put everything into it."

He'll step on the field for game action tonight for the first time since the injury, a feat which will stand out more than any yards he gains or the result of the game.

Click here to read "After enduring painful rehab, Allen hopes for gainful season"

"A father's love will take the field"

2006-09-01T14:36:00.000-04:00

Colorado State's football season has not yet begun, but their long-time head coach Sonny Lubick has already had his prayers answered. Coach Lubick will have the opportunity to run out on the field for the opener with his son Marc, an assistant coach and now a cancer survivor. This story from the Denver Post shows us the dose of perspective the elder Lubick has received from this trial and the preserverence his son has displayed in fighting back.

Click here to read A father's love will take the field"

Good News: Remembering Randy Walker

2006-08-31T21:27:00.000-04:00

College football season kicked off in Oxford, Ohio with Northwestern visiting Miami of Ohio. This is the first game Northwestern has played since the death of head coach Randy Walker, and they happened to be at his alma mater. His widow tossed the coin before kickoff and players on both teams wore a commemorative sticker.

The Dayton Daily News has a nice piece today about Walker's life, which was measured much more by its quality than it's length.

Click here to read "Walker never gave less than his best effort"

Good News: "Tragedy, Tribulation Don't Stop Smith"

2006-08-30T19:42:00.000-04:00

Jahi Smith won't play football during his senior season at UConn. Despite that, his story is one of triumph, in large part because he decided it would be. His teammates still named him a team captain and will rely on his leadership this season. Good call because this young man is already quite a leader.

Click here to read the Hartford Courant story, "Tragedy, Tribulation Don't Stop Smith."

Good News: Working Through Katrina

2006-08-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina ripping through the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi, the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser has the story of how one young football player helped his family rebuild from the devastation.

Chris Dupuy, a senior linebacker at Alabama State, has worked through the hurricane aftermath along with shoulder and knee surgery so he can now concentrate on playing football and completing work on his degree this year. More importantly, his family is safe, sheltered, and together.

Click here to read "Hornets star helped steer family through crisis"

Thanks to Kelvin Datcher, SID at Alabama State, for the link.

TTOTF: Part 1, Episode 9: "Defeat Sounds Like This"

2006-08-29T12:14:00.000-04:00

In this week's exciting installment of "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets," Conrad is subjected to watching the Ferrets' football team play for the first time. You can probably guess from the title of this episode that is goes poorly, and our hero gets to share the unpleasant experience with Old Man Farnsworth, who doesn't take it very well.

Click here to read "Defeat Sounds Like This"

Good News: NCAA Announces Sportsmanship Award Winners

2006-08-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

The NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct announced the 2006 NCAA National Sportsmanship Award winners.

Mike Rose of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and Sarah Dawn Schettle of the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, were chosen as national award winners from a pool of six finalists – three male and three female – representing all three divisions. More than 40 conferences submitted nominations for the award.

Click here to read more about these award-winning student-athletes.

Thanks to Double A Zone for the link.

Good News In College Sports

2006-08-28T21:35:00.000-04:00

I dabbled with this concept in the spring, but you will now see that theme as a regular staple of this blog.

I’m tired of writing about the negative stories that most sports media are attracted to. I want to highlight the student-athletes who have used faith, the support of families, teammates, and school officials to overcome obstacles in their athletic careers. Sometimes the most moving stories can be those of an athlete simply putting on a uniform and competing. I want to highlight those individuals who truly embody the spirit of intercollegiate athletics but usually fly below the media’s radar.

If anyone knows of a story that would fit into this theme, please e-mail a link to me at thecourtmaster@aol.com

Mark Your Calendars for the College Football Season

2006-08-28T18:39:00.000-04:00

In my latest piece for Inspin, I take a stroll through the 2006 college football schedule and make my recommendations for games to mark on your calendars. Oddly, September 16 should be one of the best football Saturdays of the season, coming unusually early in the schedule.

Click here to read "Mark Your Calendars"

College Football: Rising and Falling

2006-08-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

In my latest column for Inspin, I look at trends of teams rising and falling. I like the Pac-10 and the 'ol ball coach, but the Big 12 North is bordering on a joke.

Click here to read "Rising and Falling"

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 8, "The Plot Thickens (no, really, it does)"

2006-08-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

In this week's exciting episode, Conrad struggles to deal with the fallout from the Jimmy Moran situation and finds out why he took the fall at Edgar Allen Poe University (see, I told you the plot thickens).

Click here to read "The Plot Thickens (no, really, it does)

Units That Control Games

2006-08-17T21:19:00.000-04:00

In my latest Inspin column, I write about some of the units on college football teams that can control games. I take a look at Cal's defensive line, Miami's secondary, Louisville's running backs, Penn State's linebackers, and West Virginia's offensive line.

Clike here to read "Units That Control Games"

TTOTF: Part 1, Episode 7, "Who's The Moron"

2006-08-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

That's what our hero, Conrad, needs to figure out in this week's exciting episode of "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets." Farnsworth has obtained a committment from the best high school player ever in the Midville area, but that is put at risk by a mistake in the local newspaper's story. Conrad is on the spot to try and fix it. Can he?

Click here to read "Who's The Moron"

Part 1, Episode 6: "Media Daze"

2006-08-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

In this week's episode, Conrad meets the press for the first time at Farnsworth, and Freddie appears on network television!

Click here to read "Media Daze"

On the Radio in Memphis Monday Morning

2006-08-05T21:39:00.000-04:00

I'll have the pleasure of joining George Lapides and Geoff Calkins on their Sportstime radio broadcast Monday morning at 9:30 AM EST. George is the father of sports talk in Memphis and Geoff is the lead sports columnist for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper. It will be nice to talk with a couple of heavy hitters. We will probably chat about ACC and SEC football and my newest project, "Tales of the Fighting Ferrets."

You can listen online here.

Overrated and Underrated College Football Teams

2006-08-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

It's easy for someone to look back in December and tell you which college football teams were overrated and underrated by oddsmakers and prognosticators. Seldom being one to take the easy route myself, I'm going to tell you before the season's opening kickoff.

Click here to read the rest of this column on Inspin.com

BTW, there is a strikingly handsome photo of me on the banner for that column, so what are you waiting for?

TOTFF: Part 1, Episode 5, "The Voices of Farnsworth"

2006-07-31T20:04:00.000-04:00

This week, we meet the voice of Farnsworth sports, Troy Flemstone. Conrad is excited to have a veteran broadcaster like Troy on board, but quickly finds out why he was available in the first place. Flemstone hosts the first broadcast of "Ferret Forum" and it gets wierd very quickly.

Click here to read "The Voices of Farnsworth"

Consider Schedules

2006-07-29T22:06:00.000-04:00

You're a smart person, so you've done your homework. You're working on handicapping the 2006 college football season, and you know where the best players are, which schools have the best coaches and where the best teams are. You've got it all figured out, and you know how the season is going to play out now, don't you?

Click here to read the rest of "Consider Schedules" at Inspin.com