Been doing a lot of surfing the net recently, looking at various things, letting information pour into and mostly out of my brain. It seems the more I learn the less I know, oh well, can't know everything. With April soon being upon us, my how March truly flew by this year, it got me to thinking of what all there is to look forward to this month, especially in the sports world. It is the month that gives us showers that lead to flowers. A month where we can get fooled and a month that gives us Easter. It is the final full month of the scholastic year for me and many others around. Picking a great time to graduate, with the economy struggling and all the other things associated with that, but I believe that things will turn out well in the end for both the economy and myself. This is America, land of the free, home of the brave. Have to be positive, skeptical, and realistic all at the same time. I may not have a job upon leaving college, but in time something will break through and work itself out, only time will tell when that time will be. I just hope it does not involve more school in the near future. Onto other things.
What makes April so great in the sports world is many, many things. WE have the end of the NCAA Tournament this weekend. We have Opening Day and the beginning month for MLB. We have the Masters Golf Tournament in my home state of Augusta, Georgia. I can just hear the CBS music now, ah the wonderful sounds of spring. The Azaleas in bloom, the grass is green, the bees are buzzing, very nice indeed. April also gives us the beginning of the NBA and NHL playoffs. When your team is in it, like the last two years, it makes it just that much better. Also, we have the NFL Draft, one of my favorite events to watch because it is all about projections, projections on how this player will help this team and how the future shapes up for your favorite organization(Atlanta Falcons). Its a stat geek, NFL nerds dream come true.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention the U.S. Men's Soccer team who scored two goals late Saturday evening to tie El Salvador and remain on top of the CONCACAF for the World Cup in 2010. Looks like there is some promise on this team with young players such as Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard(although not as young but still new to the squad this year) and returning veterans such as Demarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey, and Frankie Hejduk. They have a game tomorrow taking on Trinidad and Tobago. Looking forward to that one to see if we can continue the momentum.
Now I leave you tonight, so I can get back to watching one of the greatest movies of all time, Godfather Pt. 2. Have a good one. Stay warm. Hugs and handpounds.
Mb
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday Musings
A little review from this weekend's NCAA Tournament action as well as some other thoughts going through this gradually warming up of a Spring Monday in Late March. Welcome to the Monday edition of "the stache," where busted brackets live, and Opening Day for the Bravos is a short 6 days away.
I only got 1 team correct on the Final Four (UNC). I am a little upset with myself over Michigan State, because I had them tabbed to make the Final Four in my initial bracket but got scared and decided to go chalk with Louisville instead. Whoops! The Spartans played solid defense and really shut down a powerful Louisville team who scored over a 100 points in their previous game. Good for the Spartans though, they are a solid team, and it will be interesting to see if they can stay with the Huskies of Connecticut. Who I should have known better to pick over Memphis in the West region, who completely flamed out against a very good Missouri Tigers team. Memphis just fell apart on the defensive end and could not a complimentary player to the great Tyreke Evans. A dazzling point guard who looked unstoppable at many points during the game. Connecticut has looked outstanding in the tournament so far. I should have known better with them. They have consistently been one of the top 2-3 teams in the nation. Shame on me for not picking them to make the Final Four. North Carolina cruised their region, as predicted by me and many out there. They look like the odds on favorite to cut down the nets in Detroit. Lawson has made all the difference for them. Their tempo and defensive pressure has been key to their success. Villanova beating Pittsburgh on a last second shot by Scottie Reynolds was a typical Big East slugfest with the two teams exchanging blows over the full 40 minutes. Nova just had the ball last and made a play while the Pitt defenders stood around like statues on the last play not wanting to move their feet at all and force an outside shot. I am thinking a UNC-UConn final is in store for us a week from today. An interesting matchup, with two very explosive, talented teams.
Ah, you smell that? It is the smell of Opening Day within sight, in what seems like an endless spring of speculations of how teams will do. Six days from now it all begins with the Braves taking on the Phillies Sunday night at 8pm on ESPN2. Derek Lowe will be making the opening day start and debut for the Braves that evening. Here's hoping he throws a good one and can get us started on a positive note for this season. Still not sure who the Phillies will be trotting out, but I am sure it will be fun, regardless. All indications are pointing towards Jordan Shafer being the starting CF opening day for the Bravos. I hope he does because he can bring a lot to the table that Josh Anderson just simply cannot bring. Both players are fast, but Shafer possesses a little bit more power and a stronger arm. It will be interesting to see what happens to Anderson if he does not win the job. Will he clear waivers or will he be sent down to AAA or does he get traded (edit: Josh Anderson just traded to Detroit)? Coming in a couple of days I will break down the upcoming season and give my predictions on how I think things will unfold this year.
Once again I hope you enjoyed this latest installment. Feel free to offer suggestions on things you would like to read about hear on "the stache." I would be glad to listen to what you have to say. A guest blog appearance may be on the horizon soon. So if you are interested, let me know and I should be able to accommodate you. Take care and drive safely.
Mb
I only got 1 team correct on the Final Four (UNC). I am a little upset with myself over Michigan State, because I had them tabbed to make the Final Four in my initial bracket but got scared and decided to go chalk with Louisville instead. Whoops! The Spartans played solid defense and really shut down a powerful Louisville team who scored over a 100 points in their previous game. Good for the Spartans though, they are a solid team, and it will be interesting to see if they can stay with the Huskies of Connecticut. Who I should have known better to pick over Memphis in the West region, who completely flamed out against a very good Missouri Tigers team. Memphis just fell apart on the defensive end and could not a complimentary player to the great Tyreke Evans. A dazzling point guard who looked unstoppable at many points during the game. Connecticut has looked outstanding in the tournament so far. I should have known better with them. They have consistently been one of the top 2-3 teams in the nation. Shame on me for not picking them to make the Final Four. North Carolina cruised their region, as predicted by me and many out there. They look like the odds on favorite to cut down the nets in Detroit. Lawson has made all the difference for them. Their tempo and defensive pressure has been key to their success. Villanova beating Pittsburgh on a last second shot by Scottie Reynolds was a typical Big East slugfest with the two teams exchanging blows over the full 40 minutes. Nova just had the ball last and made a play while the Pitt defenders stood around like statues on the last play not wanting to move their feet at all and force an outside shot. I am thinking a UNC-UConn final is in store for us a week from today. An interesting matchup, with two very explosive, talented teams.
Ah, you smell that? It is the smell of Opening Day within sight, in what seems like an endless spring of speculations of how teams will do. Six days from now it all begins with the Braves taking on the Phillies Sunday night at 8pm on ESPN2. Derek Lowe will be making the opening day start and debut for the Braves that evening. Here's hoping he throws a good one and can get us started on a positive note for this season. Still not sure who the Phillies will be trotting out, but I am sure it will be fun, regardless. All indications are pointing towards Jordan Shafer being the starting CF opening day for the Bravos. I hope he does because he can bring a lot to the table that Josh Anderson just simply cannot bring. Both players are fast, but Shafer possesses a little bit more power and a stronger arm. It will be interesting to see what happens to Anderson if he does not win the job. Will he clear waivers or will he be sent down to AAA or does he get traded (edit: Josh Anderson just traded to Detroit)? Coming in a couple of days I will break down the upcoming season and give my predictions on how I think things will unfold this year.
Once again I hope you enjoyed this latest installment. Feel free to offer suggestions on things you would like to read about hear on "the stache." I would be glad to listen to what you have to say. A guest blog appearance may be on the horizon soon. So if you are interested, let me know and I should be able to accommodate you. Take care and drive safely.
Mb
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Top 5 Distance Runners
On this wet, and dreary day I was doing some thinking on the topic for today's top 5. Since we are in the beginning stages of the outdoor track season, ideas began to formulate as to the list I would complete. So after much research, thought, and careful consideration. I am going to list my top 5 U.S. distance runners of all time. These rankings are subjective and based upon certain criteria that I feel are important. I value longevity, fast times, victories in major races, and how good they were in their era, usually in that order but not strictly limited to those criteria as it is my list, my choices. I define a distance runner as being anything from the mile all the way up to the marathon. So without further ado...
1. Frank Shorter- He along with Steve Prefontaine really started a running boom in America. Won the Olympic Marathon in 1972 and finished 2nd to a drug cheat in the 1976 games. He was a 4 time U.S. Cross Country champion. From 1971 to 1973, was ranked number 1 in the world at the marathon. From 1971 to 1976 he was number one in the United States. Six separate years in the 70's he was ranked number one at the 10,000m. Personal Records (PR's) of 13:26(5k), 27:45(10k), 2:10.30 (Marathon).
2. Jim Ryun- He was the first high schooler to run under 4 minutes in the mile. His high school record of 3:55.3 stood for 36 years until broken by Alan Webb in 2001. He holds 5 of the 6 times ever run by a high schooler. Received the silver medal in the 1500m at the 1968 Olympic Games to the great Kip Keino of Kenya. He held the world record at the mile and 800m. PR's of 3:51.1 in the mile and 3:33.1 in the 1500m. In 1966 and 1967 he was ranked number in the world at the 1500/mile distance.
3. Steve Scott- He held the U.S. record in the mile for 26 years at 3:47.6. Finished 2nd in the 1500m World Championships in 1983. Ran sub-4 in the mile 136 times. Holds the U.S. indoor record in the 2k at 4:58.6. Was the first American to run under 3:50 in the mile, the 5th ever in the world. Finished 5th at the 1500m at the 1988 Olympics. Has PR's of 3:31.7 (1500m), 3:47.6 (mile), 7:36 (3k), and 13:30 (5k).
4. Steve Prefontaine- The legendary "Pre" held every American record from the 2k to the 10k at one point in his brief career. Finished 4th in the 1972 Olympics at 5000m. A noted front runner he only lost 3 times in his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. Won 3 NCAA Cross Country titles in 4 years. Holds PR's of 7:42 (3k), 13:21 (5k), 27:43 (10k). Career was ended prematurely in 1975 after a car wreck ended his life at the age of 24. Which is why he does not rank higher on this list.
5. Bill Rodgers- Four time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons. Ranked number one in the world at the marathon in 1975, 1977, and 1979. He won 22 marathons in his career. Holds the American records at the 15k, 20k, 25k, and 30k distances. Held the American record at one time in the Marathon with a 2:09.27 in 1979. Made the Olympic teams in the Marathon in 1976 and 1980 (U.S. boycotted these games). Finished 3rd at the World Cross Country Championships. Ran a 28:04 on the track for 10k and a 28:16 on the roads.
I feel like this is a good representation of the top distance runners that have represented America in its history. Some honorable mentions include Craig Virgin(13:19 5k, 27:29 10k), Bob Kennedy (12:58 5k-U.S. best), Bernard Lagat (lacks longevity as an American), Marty Liquori (3:36 1500m), Ryan Hall (2:06.17 in the marathon, 59:43 in the half-marathon, huge potential to enter this list in a couple years if he can remain healthy and win some big races), and Alan Webb (U.S. record holder in mile, 13:10 5k, 27:34 10k, lacks big race wins, more of a time trialer I think). If others were left off, I apologize, as I am sure there are plenty of other good runners that I have not mentioned. For all of you runners and former runners out there, I would gladly like to see your thoughts and opinions on this list. If you do disagree, give me some stats and facts to back it up. I'd be glad to hear them. Have a good day.
Mb
1. Frank Shorter- He along with Steve Prefontaine really started a running boom in America. Won the Olympic Marathon in 1972 and finished 2nd to a drug cheat in the 1976 games. He was a 4 time U.S. Cross Country champion. From 1971 to 1973, was ranked number 1 in the world at the marathon. From 1971 to 1976 he was number one in the United States. Six separate years in the 70's he was ranked number one at the 10,000m. Personal Records (PR's) of 13:26(5k), 27:45(10k), 2:10.30 (Marathon).
2. Jim Ryun- He was the first high schooler to run under 4 minutes in the mile. His high school record of 3:55.3 stood for 36 years until broken by Alan Webb in 2001. He holds 5 of the 6 times ever run by a high schooler. Received the silver medal in the 1500m at the 1968 Olympic Games to the great Kip Keino of Kenya. He held the world record at the mile and 800m. PR's of 3:51.1 in the mile and 3:33.1 in the 1500m. In 1966 and 1967 he was ranked number in the world at the 1500/mile distance.
3. Steve Scott- He held the U.S. record in the mile for 26 years at 3:47.6. Finished 2nd in the 1500m World Championships in 1983. Ran sub-4 in the mile 136 times. Holds the U.S. indoor record in the 2k at 4:58.6. Was the first American to run under 3:50 in the mile, the 5th ever in the world. Finished 5th at the 1500m at the 1988 Olympics. Has PR's of 3:31.7 (1500m), 3:47.6 (mile), 7:36 (3k), and 13:30 (5k).
4. Steve Prefontaine- The legendary "Pre" held every American record from the 2k to the 10k at one point in his brief career. Finished 4th in the 1972 Olympics at 5000m. A noted front runner he only lost 3 times in his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. Won 3 NCAA Cross Country titles in 4 years. Holds PR's of 7:42 (3k), 13:21 (5k), 27:43 (10k). Career was ended prematurely in 1975 after a car wreck ended his life at the age of 24. Which is why he does not rank higher on this list.
5. Bill Rodgers- Four time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons. Ranked number one in the world at the marathon in 1975, 1977, and 1979. He won 22 marathons in his career. Holds the American records at the 15k, 20k, 25k, and 30k distances. Held the American record at one time in the Marathon with a 2:09.27 in 1979. Made the Olympic teams in the Marathon in 1976 and 1980 (U.S. boycotted these games). Finished 3rd at the World Cross Country Championships. Ran a 28:04 on the track for 10k and a 28:16 on the roads.
I feel like this is a good representation of the top distance runners that have represented America in its history. Some honorable mentions include Craig Virgin(13:19 5k, 27:29 10k), Bob Kennedy (12:58 5k-U.S. best), Bernard Lagat (lacks longevity as an American), Marty Liquori (3:36 1500m), Ryan Hall (2:06.17 in the marathon, 59:43 in the half-marathon, huge potential to enter this list in a couple years if he can remain healthy and win some big races), and Alan Webb (U.S. record holder in mile, 13:10 5k, 27:34 10k, lacks big race wins, more of a time trialer I think). If others were left off, I apologize, as I am sure there are plenty of other good runners that I have not mentioned. For all of you runners and former runners out there, I would gladly like to see your thoughts and opinions on this list. If you do disagree, give me some stats and facts to back it up. I'd be glad to hear them. Have a good day.
Mb
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