I just received a phone call from Bill McFarlin, the trainer for Lucy the dog. He told me she wowed the crowd once again at her latest event. Bill and Lucy took part in the BARK dog agility show in Hattiesburg, Mississippi this past weekend. The show featured several top dogs, including a world class dog named Typhoon. Bill said Lucy beat Typhoon and the rest of the field by two seconds, twice!
Bill wears orange during competitions. He says he's noticed a fan club building at events for Lucy as people are starting to wear orange or fly orange banners. Lucy is creating quite a buzz with her athletic ability.
He feels pretty confident right now he and Lucy will receive a wild card berth to nationals this year. If not, then next year. He said, "this year, we're knocking on the door. Next year, we're going to kick it in!"
Monday, August 21, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Holyfield's Image
It's funny. I'm watching the pre-fight festivities on Fox Sports Net for tonight's Evander Holyfield fight. They showed Holyfield highlights with a rap song playing in the background. It was slick, very well done. The problem is, Holyfield isn't a rap guy. He's old school 1970's. I spent the good part of three hours with Holyfield last Friday, watching him train, and yes, stepping into the ring with him briefly. He played the likes of Stevie Wonder, The Gap Band and Village People! Not quite wrap music.
He looked very good in his first fight in two years. He knocked out Jeremy Bates in the second round. Bates was able to sneak in a big round house that caught Holyfield off guard, but The Real Deal recovered nicely and pummelled Bates to end it in the second.
Holyfield is doing this on his own terms. He's out from underneath Don King. He's picking his own fights, he's training his own way, and he's taking his own path back to the top. Don't be surprised to see this old-school 70's funk music fan show the new-aged rap crowd a thing or to on his way to his unprecedented 5th heavyweight championship.
He looked very good in his first fight in two years. He knocked out Jeremy Bates in the second round. Bates was able to sneak in a big round house that caught Holyfield off guard, but The Real Deal recovered nicely and pummelled Bates to end it in the second.
Holyfield is doing this on his own terms. He's out from underneath Don King. He's picking his own fights, he's training his own way, and he's taking his own path back to the top. Don't be surprised to see this old-school 70's funk music fan show the new-aged rap crowd a thing or to on his way to his unprecedented 5th heavyweight championship.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
The Steers Are Moving Up The Rankings
How big of an impact have new quarterback Allen Webb and new tight end Justin Carter made on the Texas College football team? Victory Sports Network, a website dedicated to NAIA athletics, ranked the Steers #16 in the country in early July, PRIOR to the two players arriving on campus. Today, NAIA unveiled it's official preseason football rankings, placing Texas College at #14. They've also garned the number one preseason ranking in the Central States Football League. Webb transferred to Tyler from Kansas State, while Carter, a Division II 2nd-team all-american, transferred from Angelo State.
You can see the Steers in action Saturday in a scrimmage game at 5:30pm at the Texas College soccer complex on Martin Luther King Blvd.
You can see the Steers in action Saturday in a scrimmage game at 5:30pm at the Texas College soccer complex on Martin Luther King Blvd.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Clint Dempsey Suspended
Major League Soccer announced they have suspended New England Revolution midfielder, and Nacogdoches native Clint Dempsey for two games and fined him $1,000 for violent conduct in the Revolution's 0-0 tie versus the Kansas City Wizards on Wednesday, August 9. The play occurred in the 57th minute when Dempsey and Wizard's defender Jimmy Conrad jumped for a head ball in midfield and Dempsey's elbow struck Conrad in the face. Dempsey's suspension is scheduled to be served over the next two games. The Revolution face the Chicago Fire at home on Sunday and the Columbus Crew at home on Sunday, August 27.
Tyler Roller Hockey Wins National Championship
From August 11 - 13, Team Texas 1997 participated in the "STATE WARS" national tournament in Bensenville, IL, which is THE major roller hockey event that takes place every summer where teams from many states compete for the United States Roller Hockey Championship. The USRHC (United States Roller Hockey Commission) is a national roller hockey organization that was formed to act as the unbiased selection committee to choose the top roller hockey players in the United States. The USRHC held open state tryouts in Tyler, Texas April 8 & 9 and chose the best players in each age division to represent their home state at State Wars. In the playoffs, Team Texas 1997 beat Wisconsin (8 - 0), Michigan (7 - 5) and Arizona (7 - 6) to win the Championship.
Lidge Out?
Word out of Houston is that Brad Lidge has lost the closers role. Astros manager Phil Garner announced that he's going with a closer by committee. He plans to use any one of four pitchers. They are Dan Wheeler, Chad Qualls, Trever Miller and Brad Lidge. The announcement comes in the wake of Lidge giving up a game-tying home run to Matt Murton in the 9th inning of last night's 18-inning loss to Chicago.
He's Back!!!
Hallelujah! T.O. is back! Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens was back practicing today after missing 14 practices, including the scrimmage. No word yet on whether or not he'll play in the New Orleans game Monday night in Shreveport, but I have a sneaky feeling he's not going to miss a prime time appearance. You can get all the latest on camp at the Cowboys Website.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Happy Days For Gorman?
I spent the afternoon at TK Gorman. They held their Media Day today. Interim head coach George Cumby seemed pleased with his team, saying he had three to four division one prospects. It should be interesting to see how the Crusaders progress under Cumby, who is a Gorman grad. He played collegiately at Oklahoma and in the pros with the Green Bay Packers. He's not the only former pro player on the Gorman staff. KLTV 7 NFL analyst Eric Williams is working with the defensive lineman. Williams played ten years in the NFL as a defensive lineman with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.
Someone To Root For
Ireland's Padraig Harrington just gave me a reason to root for him to win the PGA Championship. There's a good espn.com article on the subject. Harrington is a friend of fellow Irishman Darren Clarke, who dropped out of the tournament to attend his wife's funeral. Heather Clarke died of cancer on Sunday. Several of Clarke's friends on the tour, including Harrington, were planning to withdraw from the season's last major to attend the funeral as well, but Clarke urged them to go ahead and compete. Harrington says that any money he wins in the tournament will be donated to the charity of Clarke's choice. That's a noble gesture, especially when you consider the winner of the PGA Championship receives $1.2 million!
Monday, August 14, 2006
The Babe Still The Greatest?
I got a fax from a viewer today, Allen Locklin of Tyler. He gave his best argument for why Babe Ruth should still be considered the home run king.
The 714 HR mark:
On his way to that milestone, Ruth hit a HR once every 11.75 times at bat and once every 3.5 games. Compartively, Hank Aaron's numbers were 15.81 at bats/4.153 games, while Barry Bonds numbers are 12.9 at bats/3.87 games.
Times At Bat:
Using these averages, and Ruth had batted as many times as Aaron (11,289) he would have hit 960 HR's. By the same yardstick, Bonds should hit 873 HR's when he reaches 11, 289 at bats.
Games Played:
Aaron played in 2,965 games on his way to 755 HR's.
Using the above averages for Ruth HR's every 3.5 games, he would have hit 847 HR's in 2,965 games. Bonds average of 3.87 games per HR should give him 765 HR's in 2,965 games.
More: Ruth started as a pitcher and had only a total of 20 HR's in his first five seasons. That is only 2.8% of his 714. Aaron, on the other hand had 140 HR's his first five seasons and that is 19.6% of his 714. Bonds slapped 117 HR's his first five and that is 16.4% of his 714.
By practically any yardstick GEORGE HERMAN (BABE) RUTH WAS AND IS THE KING OF SWAT.
Thanks Allen for the theory. The only hole I see in the argument is, no matter how you look at the statistics, it can't change the fact that Babe hit 714 home runs, while Hammerin' Hank hit 744. There's a lot to be said for consistency and longevity, which Aaron had.
The 714 HR mark:
On his way to that milestone, Ruth hit a HR once every 11.75 times at bat and once every 3.5 games. Compartively, Hank Aaron's numbers were 15.81 at bats/4.153 games, while Barry Bonds numbers are 12.9 at bats/3.87 games.
Times At Bat:
Using these averages, and Ruth had batted as many times as Aaron (11,289) he would have hit 960 HR's. By the same yardstick, Bonds should hit 873 HR's when he reaches 11, 289 at bats.
Games Played:
Aaron played in 2,965 games on his way to 755 HR's.
Using the above averages for Ruth HR's every 3.5 games, he would have hit 847 HR's in 2,965 games. Bonds average of 3.87 games per HR should give him 765 HR's in 2,965 games.
More: Ruth started as a pitcher and had only a total of 20 HR's in his first five seasons. That is only 2.8% of his 714. Aaron, on the other hand had 140 HR's his first five seasons and that is 19.6% of his 714. Bonds slapped 117 HR's his first five and that is 16.4% of his 714.
By practically any yardstick GEORGE HERMAN (BABE) RUTH WAS AND IS THE KING OF SWAT.
Thanks Allen for the theory. The only hole I see in the argument is, no matter how you look at the statistics, it can't change the fact that Babe hit 714 home runs, while Hammerin' Hank hit 744. There's a lot to be said for consistency and longevity, which Aaron had.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Top East Texas Football Recruits
While the season hasn't even started yet, several East Texas high school football players are already receiving a lot of attention on the recruiting lists. Here's a look at a few of the top recruiting websites and their rankings.
Class of 2007
ESPN 150
#32 - Dez Bryant - WR - Lufkin
#45 - Lennen Creer - RB - Tatum
#56 - Ryan Mallett - QB - Texas High
#96 - Curtis Brown - WR - Gilmer
#123 - Michael Huey - OG - Kilgore
Rivals.com Top 100
#27 - Mallett
#32 - Huey
#36 - Brown
#38 - Creer
Sports Illustrated Top 10 By Position
Mallett - #2 QB
Creer - #8 RB
Brown - #7 WR
Schoolsports.com Top 100
#17 - Mallett
#50 - Brown
#56 - Creer
Scout.com Top 100
#17 - Mallett
#39 - Brown
#68 - Creer
Class of 2008
Sports Illustrated Top 10
#2 Justin Johnson - RB - Gilmer
Schoolsports.com Top 10
#2 - Johnson
Class of 2007
ESPN 150
#32 - Dez Bryant - WR - Lufkin
#45 - Lennen Creer - RB - Tatum
#56 - Ryan Mallett - QB - Texas High
#96 - Curtis Brown - WR - Gilmer
#123 - Michael Huey - OG - Kilgore
Rivals.com Top 100
#27 - Mallett
#32 - Huey
#36 - Brown
#38 - Creer
Sports Illustrated Top 10 By Position
Mallett - #2 QB
Creer - #8 RB
Brown - #7 WR
Schoolsports.com Top 100
#17 - Mallett
#50 - Brown
#56 - Creer
Scout.com Top 100
#17 - Mallett
#39 - Brown
#68 - Creer
Class of 2008
Sports Illustrated Top 10
#2 Justin Johnson - RB - Gilmer
Schoolsports.com Top 10
#2 - Johnson
Camp Quotes of the Week
Here are some of the more interesting comments collected during Week 2 of Cowboys training camp:
"I think quarterback is a very important position. ... I know usually you don't win in pro football unless you have one. Or college football. Or high school football. Or Pee Wee football." _
Parcells on whether too much emphasis is placed on QBs.
"That's because it's not an exact science." _ Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, talking about ... medical science.
"He hit what he was throwing at. Most of those quarterbacks aren't very good if they don't hit what they're throwing at. ... That's a big thing in playing the position." _ Parcells, evaluating Drew Henson's performance in a scrimmage.
"I got me a big bottle of Vicodin and said we'll talk about that later." _ Jones, on his decision not to have a root canal because a local dentist couldn't isolate the source of his pain. He compared his negative test results despite ongoing pain to Terrell Owens' clear MRI despite his hamstring still nagging him.
"I learned a long time ago from George Allen: Let the runners run, the throwers throw, the catchers catch, the kickers kick and the defenders defend." _ Parcells on why he's not considering using speedy CB Terence Newman at WR. Newman got on the field for an offensive snap or two last season.
"I think quarterback is a very important position. ... I know usually you don't win in pro football unless you have one. Or college football. Or high school football. Or Pee Wee football." _
Parcells on whether too much emphasis is placed on QBs.
"That's because it's not an exact science." _ Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, talking about ... medical science.
"He hit what he was throwing at. Most of those quarterbacks aren't very good if they don't hit what they're throwing at. ... That's a big thing in playing the position." _ Parcells, evaluating Drew Henson's performance in a scrimmage.
"I got me a big bottle of Vicodin and said we'll talk about that later." _ Jones, on his decision not to have a root canal because a local dentist couldn't isolate the source of his pain. He compared his negative test results despite ongoing pain to Terrell Owens' clear MRI despite his hamstring still nagging him.
"I learned a long time ago from George Allen: Let the runners run, the throwers throw, the catchers catch, the kickers kick and the defenders defend." _ Parcells on why he's not considering using speedy CB Terence Newman at WR. Newman got on the field for an offensive snap or two last season.
Toe-To-Toe With Evander Holyfield
It's one of those experiences that you can put a check next to on your life experience list.
"Spar with a Heavyweight Champion".
Check.
I got the privilege of strapping on boxing gloves and getting into the same ring with 4-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Evander Holyfield. He is training at the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana for his August 19th comeback fight against Jeremy Bates in Dallas.
Let's just say, The "Real Deal" took it easy on the the "Big Red". He had several chances to knock me flat, but he sent his punches purposely wide of the my noggin. I am forever grateful for that!
Holyfield hasn't fought in nearly two years, but he says he's in the best shape of his life and ready to prove a lot of the sceptics wrong. He says he wants to go out on his terms.
I'll have more on the sparring session on the sportscast Monday night at 10pm. We'll make sure to stream it on the website as well.
"Spar with a Heavyweight Champion".
Check.
I got the privilege of strapping on boxing gloves and getting into the same ring with 4-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Evander Holyfield. He is training at the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana for his August 19th comeback fight against Jeremy Bates in Dallas.
Let's just say, The "Real Deal" took it easy on the the "Big Red". He had several chances to knock me flat, but he sent his punches purposely wide of the my noggin. I am forever grateful for that!
Holyfield hasn't fought in nearly two years, but he says he's in the best shape of his life and ready to prove a lot of the sceptics wrong. He says he wants to go out on his terms.
I'll have more on the sparring session on the sportscast Monday night at 10pm. We'll make sure to stream it on the website as well.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
From Mudbugs To Islanders!
Kudos to Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs play-by-play broadcaster Steve Mears. He is leaving the team after serving as the Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the past four seasons. Get this, Mears has accepted a position to be the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the NHL's New York Islanders! Mears is scheduled to make his NHL broadcasting debut on October 5th when the Islanders visit the Phoenix Coyotes. The search for the Mudbugs' new play-by-play voice will begin immediately.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Props For Van Native At Florida State
2006 Van graduate Lauren Young got a mention in an article posted on the Florida State website about the Seminoles volleyball team this year. Young is a "highly touted newcomer" on the team, hoping to make a big impact as a freshman.
Pro Scout In East Texas
An Atlanta Braves scout spent the morning at Grace Community high school looking at current and former high school baseball players from across East Texas.
Fishing Tip: Top Water Baits
Here's another fishing tip from Gander Mountain Pro Staff member Mike Ebach:
Fishing Top Water baits can be one of the most exciting ways to catch bass. The only drawback is that you have a lot of missed strikes or blow-ups that you can't hook. One way to improve your hooking ratio on top water baits like a Pop-R is to add a suspend-dot weight to the very bottom tip of the bait. This will make the bait settle in a more up-right position, which gives the bass a better target point and usually a better hook-up for you.
Always practice Catch and Release with your bass.
Mike Ebach
Pro Staff Member and Store Manager of Traverse City, MI
Also, the Texas Parks & Wildlife has updated it's Fishing Report for this week.
Fishing Top Water baits can be one of the most exciting ways to catch bass. The only drawback is that you have a lot of missed strikes or blow-ups that you can't hook. One way to improve your hooking ratio on top water baits like a Pop-R is to add a suspend-dot weight to the very bottom tip of the bait. This will make the bait settle in a more up-right position, which gives the bass a better target point and usually a better hook-up for you.
Always practice Catch and Release with your bass.
Mike Ebach
Pro Staff Member and Store Manager of Traverse City, MI
Also, the Texas Parks & Wildlife has updated it's Fishing Report for this week.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lobo's On TV
The Longview Lobo's will have a televised football game for the second straight year. They beat Lee on Fox Sports Net last year. Fox Sports Net has decided to pick up the Lobo's matchup with Lufkin this year. As a result, that game is being moved to Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 at Abe Martin Stadium in Lufkin.
The Panthers will also play The Woodlands on ESPN on Thursday, October 26 at 6pm.
The Panthers will also play The Woodlands on ESPN on Thursday, October 26 at 6pm.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Mudbugs Release 2006 Schedule
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have released their schedule for the 2006-2007 season. It's the Mudbugs' 10th anniversary.The Mudbugs will also host the 2007 Central Hockey League All-Star Game at the CenturyTel Center on January 17, 2007.
The 64-game schedule begins on Friday, October 20 in Oklahoma City. Their home opener is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Real Student Athletes
We've long known Jarvis Christian student athletes have been a cut above when it comes to academics. The women's basketball team consistently ranks as one of the best in the Red River Athletic Conference when it comes to grade point average. Now, the entire athletic department is being recognized.
Jarvis Christine College student athletes were recognized and honored for having the highest grade point average (GPA) in the Red River Athletic Conference. Institutions of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) are ranked based on the cumulative GPA of all student athletes competing in RRAC-sanctioned sports. At the end of the academic year (2005-2006), Jarvis Christian College’s student-athletes posted the best cumulative GPA among all RRAC schools and claimed the conference’s GPA award.
While not surprised, Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Elissia Burwell, was nonetheless thrilled and happy to accept the award.
“This is a great honor for our student athletes and Jarvis Christian College," Burwell said. "It is a testament of their commitment and work off the field or court of play. I’m proud of our students and I know that they take pride in their academic accomplishments."
Jarvis ranked first among the fourteen schools who are members of the RRAC, which is an affiliated conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Conference members include: Bacone College (Okla.), Houston Baptist University (Texas), Huston-Tillotson College (Texas), Jarvis Christian College (Texas), Langston University (Okla.), Northwood University (Texas), Paul Quinn College (Texas), College of the Southwest (N.M), Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas), Texas College, Texas A&M International University, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Texas Wesleyan University, and Wiley College (Texas).
“Last year, we finished second in the running for the conference GPA award," Burwell added. "Our students have always been encouraged to not only excel in sports, but to also excel academically.”
The last time Jarvis Christian College won the GPA award was at the end of the 2000-2001 academic year.
The following listing of Jarvis student athletes were recognized by the RRAC for achieving a 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale: Ebony Bailey, Houston, TX; Roderick Braden, Natchitoches, LA; Jacoby Bobb, Beaumont, TX; Shamiah Bryson, Spencer, OK; Nathaniel Carter, Marietta, TX; Demarion Crite, Channelview, TX; Crystal Fisher, Crockett, TX; Skyla Gordon, Gladewater, TX; Terrance Harris, Beaumont, TX; Dawnette Jackson, Houston, TX; Tammy Jessie, Hawkins, TX; Trenton Johnson, Tyler, TX; Brandon Martin, Houston, TX; Dominique Mathis, Burton, TX; Isaiah McKibbin, Houston, TX; Ericka Medina, Columbia, South America; Hector Mercado, Ciales, Puerto Rico; Johnathan Pagan, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico; Jennifer Payne, Shelbyville, TX; Ruben Perez, Carolina, Puerto Rico; Clara Rayos, Pasadena, TX; Felix Rivera, Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Britni Robertson, Pasadena, TX; Tanisha Ruff, Dallas, TX; TaShea Scott, Lancaster, TX; Sheree Smiling, Tyler, TX; Lenard Taylor, Galena Park, TX; Axel Torres, Manati, Puerto Rico; and Sable Ward, Houston, TX.
Jarvis Christine College student athletes were recognized and honored for having the highest grade point average (GPA) in the Red River Athletic Conference. Institutions of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) are ranked based on the cumulative GPA of all student athletes competing in RRAC-sanctioned sports. At the end of the academic year (2005-2006), Jarvis Christian College’s student-athletes posted the best cumulative GPA among all RRAC schools and claimed the conference’s GPA award.
While not surprised, Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Elissia Burwell, was nonetheless thrilled and happy to accept the award.
“This is a great honor for our student athletes and Jarvis Christian College," Burwell said. "It is a testament of their commitment and work off the field or court of play. I’m proud of our students and I know that they take pride in their academic accomplishments."
Jarvis ranked first among the fourteen schools who are members of the RRAC, which is an affiliated conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Conference members include: Bacone College (Okla.), Houston Baptist University (Texas), Huston-Tillotson College (Texas), Jarvis Christian College (Texas), Langston University (Okla.), Northwood University (Texas), Paul Quinn College (Texas), College of the Southwest (N.M), Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas), Texas College, Texas A&M International University, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Texas Wesleyan University, and Wiley College (Texas).
“Last year, we finished second in the running for the conference GPA award," Burwell added. "Our students have always been encouraged to not only excel in sports, but to also excel academically.”
The last time Jarvis Christian College won the GPA award was at the end of the 2000-2001 academic year.
The following listing of Jarvis student athletes were recognized by the RRAC for achieving a 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale: Ebony Bailey, Houston, TX; Roderick Braden, Natchitoches, LA; Jacoby Bobb, Beaumont, TX; Shamiah Bryson, Spencer, OK; Nathaniel Carter, Marietta, TX; Demarion Crite, Channelview, TX; Crystal Fisher, Crockett, TX; Skyla Gordon, Gladewater, TX; Terrance Harris, Beaumont, TX; Dawnette Jackson, Houston, TX; Tammy Jessie, Hawkins, TX; Trenton Johnson, Tyler, TX; Brandon Martin, Houston, TX; Dominique Mathis, Burton, TX; Isaiah McKibbin, Houston, TX; Ericka Medina, Columbia, South America; Hector Mercado, Ciales, Puerto Rico; Johnathan Pagan, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico; Jennifer Payne, Shelbyville, TX; Ruben Perez, Carolina, Puerto Rico; Clara Rayos, Pasadena, TX; Felix Rivera, Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Britni Robertson, Pasadena, TX; Tanisha Ruff, Dallas, TX; TaShea Scott, Lancaster, TX; Sheree Smiling, Tyler, TX; Lenard Taylor, Galena Park, TX; Axel Torres, Manati, Puerto Rico; and Sable Ward, Houston, TX.
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