MEMORIAL
Tonight I sit before the blank space that has a blinking curser and I ponder what might have been.It seems just like yesterday I remember that beautiful first Saturday in May, when a champion shined before the world while he held their attention for almost two minutes.Like a stout stallion riding into a battlefield to inact his power upon a preiously strong foe.From the gates he exited with a purpose and galloped around the Churchill Downs homefront for the first time lost in the obscurity of a modge of thorobreds.Each in his own right, bred, trained, disciplined, to hold position and when the time was right, to release a fury that would carry them to the wire.From the backstretch, I remeber well, a champion made his move. Along the backstretch and its final turns the heart of a champion began to pound.And when the time came to release the homestretch push, the jockey without much whip, asked of a champion what most horses could not produce. But this was no ordinary horse.I'm sure many a jockey has asked his horse down the stretch for more than could be found. But this champion, with nostils flared, head held high, lengthened his stride, and what a stride it was.With each stride the dusty space between number one and the obscurity of the hord grew to insurmountable lengths.As I watched this beast of strength, speed, and heart I could feel my own heart climb the staircase of my throat. Cold chills covered over my arms.And from my own piece of obscurity that I call home, I cheered a champion down the final straight stretch. That's what he did for us all. He made us feel like we were champions with him.And when he crossed the finish line, no photo examination would be needed and I knew I had just witnessed something special.This was no ordianry Kentucky Derby. This Running for the Roses had produced a bouque much more fragrant than the roses draped over this champions neck.No time records were broken that day. But you just knew the spirit of past champions like Seattle Slew, John Henry, Man O' War had just surfaced once again in the great Bluegrass State.As I look out my window tonight I'm taken away from that warm Saturday of a Spring Day by winters chill, accompanied with light snow. The cold has replaced all the glamour, pomp, glory of that day.I now know how big the heart of this champion really was. For some eight months, held by a sling at times. Many surgeries, and countless times of pain and agony. My champion lost a race.A race most other horses would have given over to much earlier.Deep down though, I know that somewhere in a far off distant pasture. Man O' War, and a host of other champions have welcomed a new kid on the back forty.A youngster removed before his time. A champion with a heart bigger than any sun that ever shone over the Bluegrass for any Kentucky Derby.A champion named Barbaro.I love you kid. And I'll always wonder what might have been.
Signing off from Richmond,
Glen
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The game last night leaves me with many things on my mind... Many of which I'm going to have to think long and hard about before I put them up on this blog. Since I'm out on site with Mike and Chris right now at the Ketch, and since I'm typing on Chris Cross' computer, I cannot give enough time that a response to this game deserves. Know that I will type out a great response to this game when I get some time tonight.
Glen and J-Delicious, keep your heads up. At least we have the blog for group therapy. Glen, do you think you could get more of your friends to post on the blog? If more people get involved with it, I'm sure I could get Chris and Mike to use it on the show more.
Just an idea. If you all have any ideas on how to improve the blog, let me know.
-John
Glen and J-Delicious, keep your heads up. At least we have the blog for group therapy. Glen, do you think you could get more of your friends to post on the blog? If more people get involved with it, I'm sure I could get Chris and Mike to use it on the show more.
Just an idea. If you all have any ideas on how to improve the blog, let me know.
-John
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
UK v. Georgia
Tonight the University of Kentucky basketball team will travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. This is the first of two games that UK will play against Georgia this year. UK is coming off of a 67-72 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday in Rupp Arena. Georgia is coming off of a 78-76 loss to Alabama.
Here's what you need to know about Georgia:
Sundiata Gaines a 6'1" 205 lb Jr is averaging 9.3 ppg and he's the team leader with 4.5 apg
Levi Stukes a 6'1" 205 lb Jr is averaging 12.5 ppg and is one of the SEC leaders in 3pters
Mike Mercer a 6'4" 185b Soph is the Georgia's leading scorer with 15.1 ppg
Takais Brown a 6'8" 250 lb Jr is averaging 14.2 ppg
Dave Bliss a 6'10" Jr is averaging 4.4 ppg and 3.7 rebounds per game
So what does that mean?
Georgia is a very physical team that doesn't make many defensive mistakes. Sundiata Gaines has improved since the Cats saw him last year. UK matches up against them pretty well height wise. It is going to be more important for UK to mantain control of the ball in this game and limit their turnovers. Georgia is the type of team that can get you with their defense. Their coach, George Felton, coaches his team very much like Tubby Smith coaches UK.
Some keys for UK in this game:
1. UK needs to have defensive stops in order for them to win. Georgia cannot come down the court and score every time.
2. Randolph Morris absolutely needs more than 8 shots. With the inside out game that Tubby likes to run, the Cats must have Morris touch the ball on almost every possession. Whether or not he shoots it or kicks it back out.
3. UK needs more bench production.
4. Fatigue cannot be a factor. The Cats were a little winded at the end of the Vandy game. Hopefully substitution patterns can work in their favor tonight.
For more analysis make sure you tune into the pre/post game tonight with me, Jim Tirey, and Ryan Lemond. We'll be on from 6-7 and for an hour after the game. You can get in on the action by calling 381-1313 or #1300 on your T-Mobile phone!
Here's what you need to know about Georgia:
Sundiata Gaines a 6'1" 205 lb Jr is averaging 9.3 ppg and he's the team leader with 4.5 apg
Levi Stukes a 6'1" 205 lb Jr is averaging 12.5 ppg and is one of the SEC leaders in 3pters
Mike Mercer a 6'4" 185b Soph is the Georgia's leading scorer with 15.1 ppg
Takais Brown a 6'8" 250 lb Jr is averaging 14.2 ppg
Dave Bliss a 6'10" Jr is averaging 4.4 ppg and 3.7 rebounds per game
So what does that mean?
Georgia is a very physical team that doesn't make many defensive mistakes. Sundiata Gaines has improved since the Cats saw him last year. UK matches up against them pretty well height wise. It is going to be more important for UK to mantain control of the ball in this game and limit their turnovers. Georgia is the type of team that can get you with their defense. Their coach, George Felton, coaches his team very much like Tubby Smith coaches UK.
Some keys for UK in this game:
1. UK needs to have defensive stops in order for them to win. Georgia cannot come down the court and score every time.
2. Randolph Morris absolutely needs more than 8 shots. With the inside out game that Tubby likes to run, the Cats must have Morris touch the ball on almost every possession. Whether or not he shoots it or kicks it back out.
3. UK needs more bench production.
4. Fatigue cannot be a factor. The Cats were a little winded at the end of the Vandy game. Hopefully substitution patterns can work in their favor tonight.
For more analysis make sure you tune into the pre/post game tonight with me, Jim Tirey, and Ryan Lemond. We'll be on from 6-7 and for an hour after the game. You can get in on the action by calling 381-1313 or #1300 on your T-Mobile phone!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
While UK Was Drilling South Carolina
I'm sure most of the Bluegrass was catching the UK vs. USC action on ESPN. But, if you didn't turn the channel to ESPN2, you missed what was possibly the most exicting basketball game in the several years.
Oklahoma State vs. Texas at the Hallowed Halls of Historic Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, OK.
This was a classic struggle, a 3OT 105-103 win for the Cowboys.
(Let me say that I work for OSU's Radio Broadcast and used to do the same for Texas a few years ago. One of my other jobs is working for Host Communications, the people that bring you the Big Blue Network.)
UK/USC and UT/OSU tipped off at the same time last night, 9pm. If you stayed with the Blowout UK win and you are a TRUE basketball fan, you really missed a show.
Kevin Durant, the Freshman sensation for the young Longhorns, leading the Big 12 in Scoring and Rebounding, plays 52 minutes and matches his career high for Points with 37. Rick Barnes' Freshman and Sophomore loaded team was back in the Top 25, just like Kentucky, for the first time since November.
On the Cowboys side, there's just 7 scholarship players and 1 walk-on. Thier Freshman sensation, Obi Muonello, a Guard who helped the Cowboys win in the early part of the year with HUGE games, broke his leg in one of Sean Sutton's PRACTICES and is unavailable for the duration of the season. Terrell Harris had his eye socket busted in a game a few weeks ago and had to wear a protective mask. He took it off to play THIS GAME!
Texas rolls out to a 9-point lead early, only be pushed by the Cowboys, who wind up leading at the Half, 38-36.
Out of the Half, The Longhorns go on another 9 point surge and OSU answers.
In the 2nd half, possibly the shot of the Season, with the Shot Clock squeezing out the final seconds on an OSU possession, Byron Eaton tosses a wild shot from the Sideline, near half court, A BASEBALL PASS that drains!
Durrant logs 52 minutes in the game. Equals HIS Big 12 Freshman record 37 points in this game.
Both teams slug it out like prize fighters. Texas' D. J. Augustin tied the game with a 3 at 13 seconds left in regulation... They start the OT with OSU down to just 6 players as Eaton and F Marcus Dove foul out near the end of regulation. One of those 6, Kenny Cooper, had strep throat and tried to go but couldn't, he played 6 minutes early and sat out the rest of the game. The OTHER of the 6 (who are now just 5 with Cooper out for illness.) is walk-on Tyler Hatch, who was doing his best Wolverine impersonation with the Hair. Hatch books 33 minutes in the game including ALL of the 3OT periods.
As we wind down regulation and head to the first OT, we find out that Sean Sutton had slipped on ICE after his Radio Show Monday Night and had back spasms througout the game, including a scary incident with :13 to play in regulation where he almost fainted on the Sidelines.
First OT: Tied at 81 with 7.8 to play, David Monds hits a 2 to go up 83-81. Augustin hits a reverse layup @ :2.9 and it's tied at 83 at the end of OT #1.
Second OT: with :8.8 to play, Boggan gets blocked by Durrant with OSU up 93-91. Durrant goes coast to coast with the slam to tie it at 93 with :06 to play. Later, Durrant tries a 3 at the Buzzer but it doesn't go in.
Third OT: One for the Ages... Texas, down 100-97 gets a 3 from Conner Atchley to go ahead by 1 with 1:47 left. OSU edges ahead 102-100 as the clock winds down again to :12.7.
Kevin Durant gets the Hoop and the Harm to lead the game for the Longhorns with 10.5 to play in OT #3. Texas is up 103-102 with the clock expiring.
Then, the improbable... Mario Boggan, who has played all but 1 minute in this 55 minute masterpiece, and is 5-33 on the season from 3-point land, with a man hanging on him, buries a 3 and the Cowboys go ahead 105-103 with 3.2 left.
Texas brings the ball down in hopes of tying it and sending it to a 4th overtime but, you can't do that when you WALK while bringing up-court.
Game over, Durant ties a career high with 37 and 12 boards. Going 13-31 from the field. Boggan trumps Durant with a 37 point, 20 rebound game.
WHEW! Now, your job: See if it's an Instant Classic no ESPN Classic and TIVO it, never erasing it. It was magic!
Did you see the game or did you stay with the UK Blowout win? What's the greatest game YOU ever saw? The Bayou Miracle? Tubby Beating Duke in the NCAA's? The Christian Lattener game? Let us know!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sound Off on UK Game
UK takes on South Carolina tonight at 9pm on ESPN
Here's your chance to sound off before, during, and after the game.
We'll be checking the blog throughout the pregame show (from 8pm to 9pm) to see if you have anything to say, you can always feel free to comment during the game, and of course we'll be checking it after the game during the post game show (for one hour after the game).
Here's your chance to sound off before, during, and after the game.
We'll be checking the blog throughout the pregame show (from 8pm to 9pm) to see if you have anything to say, you can always feel free to comment during the game, and of course we'll be checking it after the game during the post game show (for one hour after the game).
Monday, January 15, 2007
UK on 11 Game Winning Streak
The University of Kentucky basketball team has now stretched it's winning streak out to 11. They are a perfect 13 and 0 when leading at the half. They are 1 -3 when trailing at the half. Their only losses so far have been to North Carolina, Memphis, and UCLA. But that's not what this blog is about today...
This is a different team; a special team. Unlike the team of last year, this year's Kentucky basketball squad just finds a way to win. If it's close or not, UK is always in the game. It may be a close game, but they always have a shot. What do you think is so different about this team?
Do you think it's the team dynamic? Obviously, this team has a different relationship with each other compared to last year's team. When it comes down to crunch time, it doesn't even look like they feel any pressure. A couple of huge blocks by Morris, a block by Jasper, and huge free throws from Bradley down the stretch proved this. They just find a way to win.
That being said, I cannot help but be a little worried. So far in 3 SEC games, UK has won a game in which a smaller, quicker Todd Abernathy gave them problems, they won a game in which they had 19 turnovers and the opposing team tried 35 3's, and won a game in which they only shot 36% from the field and had hardly any bench points.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just honestly and truly trying to evaluate where the team is at right now. If UK plays the way that they played against these SEC West teams against some of these other big teams, there could be some tough games ahead. Honestly, do you think some of these things would fly against Florida, Alabama, LSU, or Tennessee? Not to mention the fact that Arkansas and South Carolina look good. Even VANDY upset Tennessee this week!
In a world of college basketball full of balance and parody, I'm glad UK has heart. It's going to get them far this season. And unlike last year, I truly believe UK is in every game they play. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
By the way, we'll be on the air with the ESPN Sports Radio 1300 pre and post game show for the South Carolina game. Make sure you tune in to listen to me, Jim Tirey, and Ryan Lemond, as we give YOU the opportunity to be the star of the show. We'll be on from 8pm-9pm with the pregame and for an hour after the game for post game. Give us a call at 381-1313 to get your voice heard!
This is a different team; a special team. Unlike the team of last year, this year's Kentucky basketball squad just finds a way to win. If it's close or not, UK is always in the game. It may be a close game, but they always have a shot. What do you think is so different about this team?
Do you think it's the team dynamic? Obviously, this team has a different relationship with each other compared to last year's team. When it comes down to crunch time, it doesn't even look like they feel any pressure. A couple of huge blocks by Morris, a block by Jasper, and huge free throws from Bradley down the stretch proved this. They just find a way to win.
That being said, I cannot help but be a little worried. So far in 3 SEC games, UK has won a game in which a smaller, quicker Todd Abernathy gave them problems, they won a game in which they had 19 turnovers and the opposing team tried 35 3's, and won a game in which they only shot 36% from the field and had hardly any bench points.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just honestly and truly trying to evaluate where the team is at right now. If UK plays the way that they played against these SEC West teams against some of these other big teams, there could be some tough games ahead. Honestly, do you think some of these things would fly against Florida, Alabama, LSU, or Tennessee? Not to mention the fact that Arkansas and South Carolina look good. Even VANDY upset Tennessee this week!
In a world of college basketball full of balance and parody, I'm glad UK has heart. It's going to get them far this season. And unlike last year, I truly believe UK is in every game they play. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
By the way, we'll be on the air with the ESPN Sports Radio 1300 pre and post game show for the South Carolina game. Make sure you tune in to listen to me, Jim Tirey, and Ryan Lemond, as we give YOU the opportunity to be the star of the show. We'll be on from 8pm-9pm with the pregame and for an hour after the game for post game. Give us a call at 381-1313 to get your voice heard!
Friday, January 12, 2007
I'm wondering if there's any loyalty or integrity left in sports anymore. If anyone knows where it's hiding, please let me know. I understand there's plenty of good people left in this world, but somehow the bad apples have made the whole basket of fruit bad. Let's recap some of the biggest losers in sports today.
And in no particular order...
1. Terrell Owens (this used to be Keyshawn Johnson)
Terrell, or should I say "T.O." has become a "team destroyer" and his next victim has become the Dallas Cowboys. Never have I ever seen or heard a bigger drama queen. It's as if he carries around a personal spotlight in his back pocket in case we forget to put it on him. By the way, have you all noticed his skill, or lack thereof, of catching this year?
T.O. is like that friend you put up with because every once in a while they come through for you. Like that friend that is annoying and tags around with you but every once in a while he buys a round so it's okay.
2. Floyd Landis (See all olympic starts that doped... you know secondary sports)
I failed a drug test because I drank too much Jack Daniels. Wow... I know that the whole Tennessee whiskey is behind Kentucky Bourbon, but I didn't know it was that far behind.
3. Nick Saban (See No. 4)
Hey, money runs the world doesn't it? There was a better way to go about this situation. I understand he wants to be back in college...
4. Bobby Petrino (See No. 3)
This guy had one foot out the door the whole time he was at Louisville. Way to sign the 10 year deal and leave 10 months later.
5. Barry Bonds (See McGuire, Sosa, Palmero)
I'm sick of even talking about this guy. He's gotta come clean. And to rat out your teammates in the process! The saddest thing about this whole situation is the fact that Canseco comes out looking like a model for honesty.
Allright everyone, I'm off to the Keenan Burton and Tubby Smith press conferences. I'm sure I'll have a post about them when I come back.
And in no particular order...
1. Terrell Owens (this used to be Keyshawn Johnson)
Terrell, or should I say "T.O." has become a "team destroyer" and his next victim has become the Dallas Cowboys. Never have I ever seen or heard a bigger drama queen. It's as if he carries around a personal spotlight in his back pocket in case we forget to put it on him. By the way, have you all noticed his skill, or lack thereof, of catching this year?
T.O. is like that friend you put up with because every once in a while they come through for you. Like that friend that is annoying and tags around with you but every once in a while he buys a round so it's okay.
2. Floyd Landis (See all olympic starts that doped... you know secondary sports)
I failed a drug test because I drank too much Jack Daniels. Wow... I know that the whole Tennessee whiskey is behind Kentucky Bourbon, but I didn't know it was that far behind.
3. Nick Saban (See No. 4)
Hey, money runs the world doesn't it? There was a better way to go about this situation. I understand he wants to be back in college...
4. Bobby Petrino (See No. 3)
This guy had one foot out the door the whole time he was at Louisville. Way to sign the 10 year deal and leave 10 months later.
5. Barry Bonds (See McGuire, Sosa, Palmero)
I'm sick of even talking about this guy. He's gotta come clean. And to rat out your teammates in the process! The saddest thing about this whole situation is the fact that Canseco comes out looking like a model for honesty.
Allright everyone, I'm off to the Keenan Burton and Tubby Smith press conferences. I'm sure I'll have a post about them when I come back.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I'm Sorry For the Delay...
As you can tell from Skip's post, we're both very sorry about the delay of the return of the blog. But if you haven't noticed, it's back and better than ever. Now the blog has links and all sorts of fun stuff on it.
Anyway, let's get back to business. What have we missed since our old blog posts...
1. The Kentucky Football team had a great season and ended up winning the Music City Bowl! Rich Brooks' contract has been extended for an undisclosed amount of time, Mike Archer has left to take the defensive coordinator position at N.C. State, and recruiting coordinator/running backs Coach Caragher has left to take the head coaching position at San Diego University.
2. The UK Basketball team has got itself to 13-3 and their only losses have come to Memphis, UCLA, and North Carolina which are all respectable teams. They have started off their SEC season strong winning 2 in a row against SEC opponents, including a 27 point victory last night against Auburn. However, starting at the end of January, UK faces an extremely tough 8 game stretch starting with Georgia on January 24th. What are your feelings about the season so far?
Is there anything else that is on any of your minds? I'm sure I'll get to coaching and all that fun stuff later. How's everyone been? Hope you all had a great holiday season. It's good to be back on the blog.
If you all have any comments about ESPN Sports Radio 1300, ways we can improve, or ways that we can make your listening experience more enjoyable, please let me know. Thanks again!
Anyway, let's get back to business. What have we missed since our old blog posts...
1. The Kentucky Football team had a great season and ended up winning the Music City Bowl! Rich Brooks' contract has been extended for an undisclosed amount of time, Mike Archer has left to take the defensive coordinator position at N.C. State, and recruiting coordinator/running backs Coach Caragher has left to take the head coaching position at San Diego University.
2. The UK Basketball team has got itself to 13-3 and their only losses have come to Memphis, UCLA, and North Carolina which are all respectable teams. They have started off their SEC season strong winning 2 in a row against SEC opponents, including a 27 point victory last night against Auburn. However, starting at the end of January, UK faces an extremely tough 8 game stretch starting with Georgia on January 24th. What are your feelings about the season so far?
Is there anything else that is on any of your minds? I'm sure I'll get to coaching and all that fun stuff later. How's everyone been? Hope you all had a great holiday season. It's good to be back on the blog.
If you all have any comments about ESPN Sports Radio 1300, ways we can improve, or ways that we can make your listening experience more enjoyable, please let me know. Thanks again!
We forgot and Tirey's Tirade!
Well, how stupid we've been. After the New Year, and all of the brain cells we've killed, no one alerted us that we, apparently NOW have to pre-approve the posts you send us. (Except for that one guy who kept leaving comments on the blog that would not show up, saying that we have to 'approve' posts before they show up... UH, DUH! HOW WERE WE SUPPOSED TO KNOW IF WE DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE SUPPOSED TO APPROVE THE POSTS BEFORE THEY SHOWED UP!
(Venting... capacitor... melting... down...)
SPEAKING of Venting! Have you heard "Tirey's Tirade", yet? I asked our resident UK Pre and Post Game triumverate to let me publish the rants that Jim Tirey does after UK Games on SportsRadio 1300 on our website.
The first deals with the UK vs. Auburn game from Wed 1/10. It's posted on the website at http://www.wlxg.com. We'll update it as we get new ones but, if you haven't heard anyone dogging a team after beating thier opponent by 27!!!!!! You need to click there.
Hope everyone had a great Holiday, especially the guys who are waiting for thier posts to be approved so we can post them. (I'm still confused!)
Go CATS!
Skip
(Venting... capacitor... melting... down...)
SPEAKING of Venting! Have you heard "Tirey's Tirade", yet? I asked our resident UK Pre and Post Game triumverate to let me publish the rants that Jim Tirey does after UK Games on SportsRadio 1300 on our website.
The first deals with the UK vs. Auburn game from Wed 1/10. It's posted on the website at http://www.wlxg.com. We'll update it as we get new ones but, if you haven't heard anyone dogging a team after beating thier opponent by 27!!!!!! You need to click there.
Hope everyone had a great Holiday, especially the guys who are waiting for thier posts to be approved so we can post them. (I'm still confused!)
Go CATS!
Skip
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