The 12th Green

A Year of Games 2011

2011-12-18T20:26:00.005-07:00

One of my favorite parts of the year is looking back at all the memories. Here is my 2011 list of major professional and NCAA events that I attended throughout the year. I went to a total of nine different venues in four different states. Four of those venues I visited for the first time in my life. I saw teams from 11 different states. I experienced my first college bowl game and my first MLS game. The teams I supported finished with a record of 12-6 (.667) this season, slightly down from last years 20-4 mark.

I look forward to 2012. I became a half season Jazz ticket owner and have tentative plans to visit the east coast and the likes of Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. As always, thank you friends and family, it was an interesting year and I am happy to have you all to go to these games with.

Look for my list of the Biggest 2011 Sports Moments next week.

Aggie Men’s Basketball

(all games attended in D.G. Smith Spectrum, Logan, UT unless otherwise noted)
Record in Games I Attended: 10-0

01/20/11 vs. Louisiana Tech W, 74-57
01/22/11 vs. New Mexico State W, 59-49
02/02/11 vs. Nevada W, 67-45
02/05/11 vs. Boise State W, 77-49
02/12/11 vs. Fresno State W, 71-55
02/26/11 vs. Idaho W, 84-68
03/11/11 vs. San Jose State W, 58-54 WAC Tournament, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
03/12/11 vs. Boise State W, 77-69 WAC Championship, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
11/11/11 vs. BYU W, 69-62
11/26/11 at Idaho State W, 75-62 Holt Arena, Pocatello, ID

Aggie Football

(all games attended at Romney Stadium, Logan, UT)
Record in Games I Attended: 1-3

09/24/11 vs. Colorado State L, 35-34 (2OT)
09/30/11 at BYU L, 27-24 Lavell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
11/12/11 vs. San Jose State W, 34-33
12/17/11 vs. Ohio L, 24-23 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID

Utah Jazz

(all games attended at Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT)
Record in Games I Attended: 0-2

01/05/11 vs. Atlanta L 110-87
02/11/11 vs. Phoenix L 93-85

Major League Baseball

Record in Games I Attended: 0-1

08/30/11 Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels L 6-13 @ Safeco Field, Seattle, WA

Other Events

Record in Games I Attended: 1-0

10/29/11 Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders 3-0 1st Round MLS Playoffs

November in Review- The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2011-12-01T17:43:00.003-07:00

The Good-

Aggie football. A four game win streak and the first bowl bid in 14 years! Robert Turbin is a beast among men out there. Coach Anderson did a great job at rallying the troops after a tough start to the season.

The NBA Lockout is over! After 147 days of negotiations, there will be basketball this year. I didn't think I'd miss the NBA that much but I really have. Obviously the players were starting to miss there paychecks too.

Denver Broncos. Haters going to hate, but week after week, Tim Tebow keeps winning.

The Bad-

Aggie Basketball. It really saddens me to say this, but the Aggies just don't have it together right now. For as long as I have been around Aggie basketball, well that's only about six years, but in that time Utah State has had a system and when players leave, new players fill those spots in that system. Well this year the talent level is different, can't say if its better or worse just different. Up to this point the Ag's haven't figured out what works yet. Hopefully they will get it figured out by the time WAC play rolls around.

The Ugly-

USU apologizing to BYU after the basketball game. This is college basketball, not Jr. Jazz. I am sorry if people were offended, but I was at the game and it was no worse than the other USU/BYU games I have attended before. Nobody was beaten up, nobody left in tears. Athletes like coming to hostile environments and trying to silence the crowd. It makes it exciting. So administrators, let the Spectrum remain a spirited place and if you have a problem with a sign or a students language, take care of it at that moment, have them removed from the game, whatever. Just don't go apologizing later.

USU Student Protest. If there was a "Really, Really Ugly" category this would be in it. Fortunately I wasn't there but last night when the students were quite for the first three minutes of the basketball game for whatever reasons was ridiculous. We are athletic supports, support the athletes and your school. If there is a problem to be resolved, take care of it so that it doesn't effect your team. A young basketball team, as I mentioned before, needs all the help it can get. Give the positive energy, be the 6th man and protest at another time. Maybe sit in your seats after the game when they try to turn out the lights or whatever. If your going to take some credit for wins, ya gotta take some credit for losses.

My First Real Game

2011-11-01T14:23:00.004-06:00

Well since the NBA is officially on strike as of today, I had to get my sports fix from another Salt Lake team, the Real Salt Lake. Saturday was the first leg of the conference semi-finals and it turned out to be a very exciting game as Real won 3-0 over the Seattle Sounders. The game is very fast paced and if you look away for a minute you just may miss a goal. The fans get way into it as well, it definitely has more of a college supporters atmosphere with different chants and constant drumming. I will be sure to be back to another game. Check out this photosynth I did of the game, pretty cool if you ask me.

Moneyball

2011-10-22T16:36:00.002-06:00

What a great movie to end the baseball season! It definitely took the sting off the Phillies losing so early in the playoffs. It's always a long off season but I know as soon as the snow starts to melt I will begin to romanticize about baseball again. It's such an amazing game and as a Mickey Mantle was quoted in the movie, "It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing (or watching) all your life."

Just some follow up facts and stats from the movie:

The A's made the playoffs every year from 2000-2003, every year losing 2 games to 3 in the ALDS.
The character Peter Brand is actually based on the person Paul DePodesta. In reality DePodesta graduated from Harvard, not Yale, and joined the A's in 1999, not 2001. DePodesta is now the vice-president of player development for the New York Mets.
Billy Beane continues to be general manager of the Oakland A's. They have only made the playoffs once since 2002. Beane is now focusing more on defense, his club led the league in 2010.
The Oakland A's 2011 payroll was $66 million, 21st among Major League teams. The New York Yankees payroll was $202 million. The two teams in the World Series, St. Louis and Texas, had payrolls of $105 million and $92 million respectively.

Heartbroken x 3

2011-10-01T17:44:00.005-06:00

This is definitely not the blog I wanted to be writing today after attending last night's Utah State/BYU football game in Provo, UT. But lets face it, bad things happen. And if you are a Utah State fan, alumni, support, player, etc. bad things seem to happen just about every time the Aggies take the field.

The Aggies blew a 10-point lead with 3 minutes left to Auburn in the first week of the season, that hurt, but a loss to Auburn was expected. In week 3, the offense and defense played well enough to win but because of two muffed punt returns, Colorado State was able to score in the last minutes to tie the game and win in double overtime. And to cap it all off, last night, with a lead in final minutes once again, that hated team from down south was able to put together a 96 yard touchdown drive against the Ags to win the game with 11 seconds remaining.

What can be done! I can't take anymore heartbreak, this team has the talent and skills to win, they just somehow seem to miraculously lose each and every game! One thing that I think would help would be for Coach Anderson to take given points or at least shots at given points i.e. the extra point in the second overtime of the CSU game and the field goal late in fourth quarter against BYU. When the team wasn't as talented as opponents, trick plays and going for it was fine, but now, I believe we have a good team, we need to take points!

I'll always support the Aggies but its going to take a couple of wins before I make the trek back up to Logan to watch another game. I hope the team has some moral left and can still rally to make a bowl game.

Oh and p.s.- BYU don't say its not a rivalry game anymore. You stormed the field. A win over the Aggies must now mean something!

161 down, 1 to go!

2011-09-28T17:29:00.003-06:00

What a great baseball season! It amazes me that after 161 games, the playoff picture still hasn't been figured out.. and if things fall just the right way, there could be, count them, two play-in games for the final spots. Talk about the playoffs starting a little early. I'm rooting for the Braves and Sox.

Luckily the Phillies won't have to worry about making the fall season. A win tonight over the Braves will give them their most successful season in franchise history with a record of 102-62 and the best record in the MLB for the year. The team was on track to break all kinds of records before an eight game slide the last couple of weeks. The starting pitchers finished with an ERA under 3.0 for the season and are all looking good for the playoffs. Can't wait!

On side note, be sure to catch ESPN's 30 for 30 movie, Catching Hell. It puts you in the mood for playoff baseball and gives ya some perspective on just how crazy sports fans are.

Conference Shuffle

2011-09-20T10:30:00.002-06:00

I have been opposed to conference realignment in college football for quite some time, with the loss of rivalries and historic match-ups, but at this time it seems like it is unavoidable. So if things must change and it appears like they must, this is what I would like to see happen based on current moves and other rumors.

Most analysts believe there are going to be four power conferences with 16 teams a piece. Those conferences being the Pac-12, ACC, SEC, and Big 10.

The Pac-12 is likely to add Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma St.

The ACC has already added Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Connecticut has been rumored to want in to stay with long time rival Syracuse, leaving the ACC with 15 teams. And breaking news today is that if forced to give up independence Notre Dame would like to be the 16th in the ACC.

The most elite football conference the SEC has added Texas A&M and is now at an odd 13 teams. I see the SEC either adding West Virginia from the Big East or Missouri from the Big 12 or both! If both teams go, a 16th would most likely be added.

The Big 10 has been relatively quiet in this new wave of rumors but it is unlikely that they wouldn't make a move to pick up some pieces of the disparaged Big 12 and Big East. The four candidates I see most likely moving to the Big 10 (assuming Notre Dame goes to the ACC) would be Rutgers, Iowa St., Cincinnati, and Louisville.

So there we have it, four big 16 team conferences. Something similar to this will most likely happen. My opinion differs on what will happen, and what I hope happens to some of the remaining schools though. A fifth super conference composed of Big 12 teams and other powers under the name of the Big 12 so that the automatic BCS bid still applies. Here is my list of the those teams and where they would be coming from. From the Big 12- Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State; BYU (Independent); and from the current and future Mountain West- Boise St., TCU, Air Force, Colorado St., New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Wyoming, Hawaii, Fresno St. and Nevada. A 16th team would of course be added at a future time. This could definitely be a power conference with TCU, Boise St., Baylor and BYU. Hawaii, Fresno St., SDSU, and Nevada have all been known to have good seasons too.

Is this a solution to the problems in college football? Most definitely not. Believe it or not there was a 16 team conference in college football once before. The WAC from 1996-1998. Why did it fail? Elite teams felt that the super conference compromised academic and athletic integrity. Travel costs were also cited as a reason of league failure. The conference stretched from Hawaii to California to Oklahoma.

As far as the new super conferences go they probably will be around for a while, this isn't the 90's anymore. Rivalries, traditions, academics, and athletic excellence don't really matter. The only thing that matters is money and the money could be big in big conferences.

Safeco Field

2011-09-04T11:01:00.008-06:00

Safeco Field
Home of the Seattle Mariners, Seattle, WA
Date Opened: July 15, 1999- San Diego Padres 3, Seattle Mariners 2
Capacity: 47,878
Games Attended: August 30, 2011 Los Angeles Angels 13, Mariners 6

Location & Accessibility (0-5): 5
A beautiful setting near downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound. An easy walk from public transportation as a train station runs right behind the stadium. Century Link Field, home of the Seahawks and former location of the Kingdome, is right next door. The 1st base side of the ballpark offers amazing views of the Seattle skyscrapers.

Historic Value (0-5): 2
Hosted the American League playoffs in each 2000 and 2001 but the team failed to make the World Series either year losing both times to the New York Yankees. Also hosted the 2001 All-Star Game, where Cal Ripken Jr. hit his final All-Star home run. Ichiro broke the single season hit record on Oct. 1, 2004 with his 258th hit of the season.

Originality (0-5): 4
Not the first stadium to have a retractable roof but unique in the way that the roof serves as an umbrella. This gives the park an open air feel all the time while calming the worries of wet games in rainy Seattle.

Fans (0-5): 2
In a down year and a blowout of a game there was still close to 16,000 at the game. It would be nice to see the atmosphere when the team was still competitive.

Fun Factor (0-5): 3
The grounds grew did a little break dance after the 3rd inning which was quite entertaining. The bullpens were also in a great location for fans to see pitchers warm up their arms.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 4
I wish I would have had a little bigger appetite that night because there are plenty of great choices at Safeco Field, from Thai food to crepes to sushi where there is an "Ichiroll." The also have a completely gluten free concession stand.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 3
Of course this is great place to watch a ball game! I would like to attend a game to when the team was still in contention to get a true feel for the place. I definitely recommend going early and having a beer across the street at the Pyramid and then heading in the ballpark and seeing all the views it has to offer.

Total Score (0-35)= 23

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Huntsman Springs

2011-08-13T09:02:00.012-06:00

On Monday I got the opportunity to play golf at Huntsman Springs in Driggs, ID. Huntsman Springs was designed by the same man that did Oregon's famed Bandon Dunes, David McLay Kidd. The course has received numerous accolades, including being named to lists such as Best Modern Course and Best Residential Course by Golfweek Magazine.

For the first 18 holes of the day we had the privilege of using a forecaddie. Let me tell you how neat of an experience it is to not have to worry wear to hit your ball, just follow the caddies instructions and make a decent swing. If i could afford it, I think I might just want a caddie everyday. The course was definitely unlike anything I have ever played before. A lot of hidden hazards, and HUGE greens. Here are some pics from the day.

Golf: A Father/Son Game

2011-06-19T20:08:00.008-06:00

(AP Photo: McIlroy's after the 2011 US Open Victory)

First of all a big congrats to Rory McIlroy! What an impressive wire to wire win in the The 111th US Open. If he had been pressed at all near the end of the day, I think he would have dropped a a lot more of those putts and could have easily flirted with 20-under. And what a great scene it was for him to be able to hug his dad after the victory. The older I get the more sentimental I get about stuff like that. Two weeks ago my dad and I played in the Pressbox Scramble/Bestball for the 10th consecuctive year. Even though we aren't as good as we used to be it was still a fun time! I owe so much to my dad and am so happy we have golf and sports to enjoy together among other things.

(Pressbox 2011)

Just Another Reason Why I Love Baseball

2011-04-11T09:16:00.003-06:00

Samantha and I went down to the Bee's game yesterday afternoon and when the sun was shining it was a perfect day for baseball. It was Sam's first game so we had to do it right. With a bag of peanuts and a Coke we watched the game from right behind the Bee's dugout. A player tossed me a ball when an inning was over and we got a picture with the mascot. Despite the occasional cloud and the Bee's 3-2 loss the afternoon couldn't have gone much better.

On the way out we passed a guy in a Phillies jacket and since I was wearing my Phills sweatshirt we immediately struck up conversation. He was getting married next week and taking his new bride to San Diego to watch the Phillies play. "I hope I am not divorced five days after I get married," he joked. I'm guessing he won't be, watching the Phillies sounds like the perfect honeymoon to me!

1 Down, 161 To Go

2011-04-01T17:06:00.002-06:00

Ah baseball is back and how I have missed it! What a great way to start the year for the Phillies with a comeback win in the 9th inning off of six singles by Rollins, Howard, Fransico, Ruiz, Valdez and John Mayberry Jr. The perfect season is still intact! It was good to see the clutch hitting return for the Phillies after a disappointing playoff finish last year where it seemed as if the team couldn't buy a hit against the Giants in important situations. If the bats come through this season, the rotation of Halladay, Hamels, Lee, and Oswalt should be nearly unbeatable and the Phills should bring home their second World Series title in the last four seasons!

These Things Mean Spring

2011-03-29T09:31:00.002-06:00

Teach Me How To Jimmer

2011-03-23T22:22:00.000-06:00

Not usually one to pass on BYU propaganda but this is a pretty decent wrap and Jimmer is a pretty decent player!

Utah State vs. Kansas State Game Preview

2011-03-17T10:25:00.006-06:00

No. 12 Utah St. (30-3) vs. No. 5 Kansas St. (22-10)

Thursday, March 17, 2011 • 7:57 p.m. (MT)

Tucson, Ariz. McKale Center (14,545)

Aggie Radio Network • TruTV

SCOUTING KANSAS STATE

Kansas State is 22-10 on the season and finished in a tie for third-place in the Big 12 Conference with a 10-6 league record. KSU had won six straight games before losing to Colorado, 87-75, in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big 12 Tournament. The Wildcats are 5-5 on the road and 1-3 on neutral courts this year and are led by senior guard Jacob Pullen who is averaging 19.5 points and 3.7 assists, while shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from three-point range and 77.5 percent at the free throw line. Sophomore guard Rodney McGruder is averaging 11.4 points and 6.0 rebounds, and senior forward Curtis Kelly is averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. As a team, Kansas State is averaging 73.1 points and shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range and 64.7 percent at the free throw line. Defensively, KSU is allowing 66.0 points and its opponents are shooting 42.0 percent overall, including 34.8 percent from three-point range and 70.4 percent at the free throw line. Kansas State returns two starters and nine letterwinners from last year's team that went 29-8, finished in a tie for second-place in the Big 12 Conference with an 11-5 record and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament as it defeated No. 15 seed North Texas (82-62), No. 7 seed BYU (84-72) and No. 6 seed Xavier (101-96 2 OTs) before losing in the West Regional Final to eventual national runner-up Butler, 63-56. Frank Martin is in his fourth season as the Wildcats head coach and has a 94-42 (.691) record.

UTAH STATE VERSUS KANSAS STATE SERIES HISTORY

Utah State and Kansas State will be meeting for the fifth time in series history this week with the Wildcats holding a 4-0 advantage. The first game played in the series was on Jan. 3, 1950 season with KSU winning at home, 70-45. The Wildcats also posted a home win on Dec. 9, 1950, 66-56. KSU's only visit to Logan was on Dec. 31, 1987 with the Wildcats winning, 81-69. The last time the two teams met was on Nov. 30, 1988 in Manhattan with Kansas State winning, 86-67.

UTAH STATE VERSUS THE STATE OF KANSAS

Utah State is 8-13 (.381) all-time against teams from the state of Kansas as it is 6-4 versus Wichita State, 2-5 versus Kansas and 0-4 against Kansas State.

UTAH STATE VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS

Utah State is 12-58 (.171) all-time against ranked opponents, which includes a 6-15 (.286) record under head coach Stew Morrill. The last time USU played a ranked opponent was on Feb. 19, 2001 when it won at No. 23 Saint Mary's, 75-65. USU is 1-2 against ranked teams this year as it lost at then No. 14 Georgetown, 68-51 and lost at then No. 23 Brigham Young, 78-72. This is the first time in school history USU has played four ranked teams in one season according to available records.

UTAH STATE VERSUS THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE

Utah State is 16-36 (.308) versus current members of the Big 12 Conference as it is 1-0 versus Baylor, 5-18 versus Colorado, 2-2 versus Iowa State, 2-5 versus Kansas, 0-4 versus Kansas State, 1-1 versus Missouri, 0-2 versus Nebraska, 0-1 versus Oklahoma, 2-0 versus Texas, 2-1 versus Texas Tech and 1-2 versus Texas A&M. The last time USU played a team from the Big 12 Conference was on March 19, 2010 when it lost to fifth-seeded Texas A&M, 69-53, in the first round of the South Region in Spokane, Wash. The last time USU beat a team from the Big 12 was on Dec. 12, 1987 when it won at Texas, 80-75, in the Longhorn Invitational. USU is also 1-3 versus current members of the Big 12 in the NCAA Tournament as it lost to Oklahoma (50-39) and defeated Texas (51-49) in 1939, lost to Kansas (64-61) in 2003 and lost to Texas A&M (69-53) in 2010.

Utah State's second-round matchup with Kansas State is the only game with two top 25 teams playing one another as USU is ranked No. 17 in this week's ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll and No. 19 in this week's Associated Press Poll, while Kansas State is ranked No. 24 in the coaches' poll and No. 21 in the AP poll.

UTAH STATE IN ARIZONA

Utah State is 6-5 all-time in games played in the state of Arizona. The last time USU played a game in the Grand Canyon State was on Nov. 30, 1999 when it lost at Northern Arizona, 64-52. The last time Utah State won a game in the state of Arizona was on Feb. 11, 1967 when it won at Arizona State, 90-59.

12 SEEDS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

Since the NCAA Tournament went to a 64-team format in 1985, 12th seeds in the tournament have an overall record of 54-104 (.342), which includes a 35-69 (.337) record in the first round. Since 1985, at least one 12th-seed has defeated a fifth-seed in the NCAA Tournament every year except 1988, 2000 and 2007. Last season, the No. 12 seed went 1-3 vs. the No. 5 seed, finishing 2-4 overall in the tournament. Last season, 12th-seeded Cornell defeated fifth-seeded Temple in the first round and No. 4 seed Wisconsin in the second round, before falling to No. 1 seed Kentucky in the Regional Semifinal.

UTAH STATE AS A 12 SEED

Utah State is a 12th-seed in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time since seedings began in 1980 and is 1-5 all-time as the 12th-seed. In fact, the last time USU won a game in the NCAA Tournament was in 2001 when it was a 12th-seed and defeated fifth-seeded Ohio State, 77-68, in overtime in the East Region in Greensboro, N.C. Overall, this is the third No. 12 seed for Utah State in its last four NCAA Tournament appearances and second in a row, as last year, 12th-seeded Utah State lost to fifth-seeded Texas A&M, 69-53, in the first round at Spokane, Wash.

2011 Bracket Challenge

2011-03-14T17:24:00.002-06:00

It's March Madness baby! Enter the the12thGreen.blogspot.com Bracket Challenge! Free entry, with a $5 cash prize to the winner! Must be a blog follower to be eligible. Follow the link below to enter!

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/group?groupID=116913
Group: The 12th Green Sports Blog
Password: the12thgreen

Going Dancin'

2011-03-14T17:11:00.003-06:00

Finishing off a near perfect season with a WAC Tournament Championship, to compliment the regular season championship, the Aggies are headed back to the Big Dance! A little bit of a bummer with the bracket seeding gives the Ag's a tough opening round opponent in Kansas State. A full game preview to come later this week.

Senior Night

2011-02-26T10:19:00.007-07:00

2011 Senior Class

Where does time go? I honestly can not believe my time here at Utah State University is almost up, I can't comprehend that tonight is my last night attending an Aggie game in the Spectrum as an undergrad student. It has been a helluva fun four years!

It was fall of 2007 when I first arrived at Utah State and when I first met a couple of these guys. I remember when Tai Wesley walked in my living room and asked, "Where are all the honeys at?!" I remember the first game of pool I ever shot with Tyler Newbold in the commons of the Living and Learning Center.

These two guys along with Matt Fomisano, Pooh Williams are the winningest four year class in Utah State University history with a record of 105-27. They have only lost one game at home in their ENTIRE careers, a 63-68 loss to St. Mary's, which they took revenge for last weekend. It truly has been a remarkable ride!

Tonight is senior night for more than just the players though, its an end of an era as Wild Bill debates retirement and as the last original writer of the Refraction calls it quits after this issue. I will never forget the good times I enjoyed in the Spectrum. Jaycee Carroll becoming the all-time leading score, Coach Stew winning his 500th game, watching Wild Bill become famous, the loudest moment of my life when Stavon Williams and Brady Jardine put on a show against Nevada, storming the court after winning multiple WAC championships, and doing the Winning Team/Losing Team chant at BYU on my birthday, some of the best moments in my life! Go Aggies!

Jaycee Carroll

Tyler and I after clinching the WAC Championship in 2009

Goodbye Deron

2011-02-23T14:27:00.007-07:00

Good thing the Aggies didn't have a game last night or yesterday/today might have turned out just as bad as the days in this post.

You know when you get a text message at an odd time from a person and immediately know something is wrong? That is exactly how I felt this morning when I saw I had a message from Wesley Jurkatis. It simply read, "D-Will to Nets! F my life!" Deron Williams was the glue that held the Jazz together and now he is off to New Jersey.

The Jazz will receive Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, 2 first round picks, and $3 million in cash for their superstar but less than two weeks after losing their Hall of Fame coach, I am not really sure what direction the Jazz are headed in. If Williams was the reason Sloan wanted to be done, shouldn't he have done this weeks ago? I doubt that Williams really was the reason, it is just very hard to see both of Utah's icons be gone within weeks of each other.

It looks as if the Jazz are going to try to rebuild, which in the end may not be a bad thing with the a new collective bargaining agreement on tap. The Jazz may just get lucky and use the two potential lottery picks acquired in the trade so shape the organization into what it was with Stockton and Malone in the mid 1990's. Right now there are too many questions with a new coach, who has yet to win his first game, and the loss of the teams star. A lot has happened from that week in November when the team looked unstoppable. It looked like we may be championship contenders, now we are probably more like playoff pretenders.

I do wish the best of luck to D-Will with the Nets. He was great to watch for the five and half years he spent in Utah. Hopefully he can do good things on the east coast as I will remain a fan of his.

Bracket Not Busted

2011-02-21T18:27:00.004-07:00

Wow. Simply put, the Aggies victory over St. Mary's on Saturday was the best win I have ever seen by this team. To go into a tough environment against the #23 ranked team in the country, when basically your whole season is riding on that one game, and come out with the W is so very impressive!

Though Brady Jardine had the highlight of the night, it was Tai Wesley who really made the idea of victory a reality.

"They were getting the best of me in the first half," Wesley said. "Coach took a little jab at me and said, 'You've been waiting for this your whole career. You're one-on-one, what are you doing?' The second half I came out and just played better."

I wrote in a previous post that it would be essential for Wesley and the other big men to have a good game and they did! The team shot 50% from the floor and only attempted 6 three-pointers compared to the loss at Idaho when 28 three's were jacked up and only 33% of the total shots fell. The Aggies definitely work better when their offense goes through the post positions.

The win should secure a spot for the Aggies in the NCAA tournament even if they somehow falter again down the road, but more than a spot, I think this win gives the Aggies the confidence they need to win a game in the tournament against a high quality opponent come March.

Jazz vs. Suns Game

2011-02-12T16:28:00.004-07:00

Just wanted to post a couple pictures I took and edited from the Jazz game last night. Though the team lost it was an amazing expierence to sit that close to the action. I have a new found love for Steve Nash, who is the best passer I have ever seen!* The guy is a baller and I am his newest fan. It was too bad to see the Tyrone Corbin era start with a loss, but injuries to four key players is a lot to overcome. These next couple weeks should be interesting for Jazz basketball. I wouldn't be suprised to see Karl Malone and/or Jeff Hornacek added to the full time coaching staff soon.

*I was too young to truly watch Stockton play or Nash would probably be the second best

The Irony Is Bulls

2011-02-11T13:58:00.008-07:00

For Jerry Sloan it started with the Bulls and it ended with the Bulls. He was the first player drafted by the organization. He coached his first game for this organization. He then lost two championships to this organization. His number #4 now hangs in their rafters. And in the end he coached his last game against this organization. Maybe, Jerry, the "Original Bull" did plan this whole resignation at least a little.

Goodbye Coach Sloan

2011-02-10T16:47:00.008-07:00

I thought yesterday, February 9th, was the worst day in recent basketball history relevant to me. My intramural team got slaughtered, the Jazz lost to a Chicago Bulls team loaded with old Jazz stars, and then to top it off my #17 Aggies lost miserably to the Idaho Vandals, effectively ending their run in the Top 25 polls. I was wondering why and how sports, that were supposed to bring joy to my life, could bring me such disappointment!

Then today when I woke up, my roommate informed me that the Jerry Sloan could possibly resign this afternoon. I refused to believe. Sloan had just signed a contract on Monday.

As the day went on, more rumors started coming out. Indeed something big was going to happen and would be announced at the 3pm press conference. Every Jazz fan, myself included, was hoping for something else besides the resignation of our famed coach, maybe the press conference would just be to announce a blockbuster trade.

Sadly that wouldn't be the case, Coach Sloan did announce his resignation. I do not remember a time when Sloan wasn't the coach of the Jazz, the fact is Jerry has been the coach ever since I was a week old! Sloan leaves the Jazz after 23 seasons, 1,127 wins, 2 trips to the NBA Finals.

Truly a sad day for all NBA fans. There will be no farewell tour, no standing ovations as he visits each arena for the last time, and sadly no championship parade for Sloan. But that is probably just the way Sloan wanted it, no fancy show, no need for extra attention. There will be rumors that Deron Williams pushed him out or that management pushed him out. I don't believe that is true, Sloan is Utah Jazz basketball just as much Karl Malone, John Stockton and Larry H. Miller are Utah Jazz basketball. No one could push him out, Sloan would go when he wanted and for Sloan it was time.

Here We Go Again

2011-02-01T12:18:00.003-07:00

It's the first day of February and just like the previous two seasons the Aggies are experiencing a nice win streak and garnering some national attention. The teams 15 straight wins matches the days temperature here in Logan. Despite the freezing temps, Aggie basketball fever is at an all time high!

Coming off a thrilling double overtime victory in Hawaii, ( I would say Hawaii's home court advantage in basketball is the best in the country. Basketball teams can't take a whole week to adjust to the time change and recover from jet lag like football teams can.) the #21 Aggies shouldn't have any problems with the rest of the WAC schedule. In a way this is a two edge sword. Bad, because there is no one to really prove yourself against in this years depleted WAC. Good, because we shouldn't lose a conference game.

Thank goodness for the Bracketbuster game on Feb. 19 @ St. Mary's. We've played St. Mary's the last two years in the Bracketbuster series with them getting the best of us each time. This year though needs to be different. And it should be. Tai Wesley is a mature player and now that St. Mary's doesn't have Ogar, I mean Omar, Samhan, he should be able to dominate down low. A win on the road at St. Marys late in the season will be just as big as an early season win against BYU or Georgetown would have been. It will solidify us as a tournament team.

Stay tuned. These next few weeks will be exciting!!

Auburn's Fairley, Hardly a Champion

2011-01-11T12:18:00.006-07:00

First off, I have to say that was one heck of a BCS National Championship game! Congrats to the University of Auburn on a great season!

There was something that disturbed me though and it can be seen in this following clip...

What the heck is Nick Fairley thinking? That is utterly ridiculous and uncalled for. Yes, I know football is a rough game but there is absolutely no need to do that and I personally believe players should not just be flagged and there team given a 15 yard penalty for actions such as this but that the player should be ejected from the game. In any other sport an action like that would result in an ejection. A basketball player wouldn't dare do that unless he was ready to be ejected.

Don't get me wrong, I know emotions are high. I realize there is going to be trash talking in sports. There is going to be pushing and shoving, I am fine with those things. I understand that a defensive players job is to bring fear to the offense. But one must have the understanding that that is another human being under that helmet and there is no need to go after another player after the whistle has blown! James did nothing to provoke such a ludicrous attack Fairley should have been thrown out of the game.

It wasn't just Fairley (though he does have a history for such things) doing such actions, another Auburn player kicked a downed Duck in the back and there are countless more examples of excessive violence from this year in college football. Actions like these are going to continue if something isn't done, players are going to recieve unneccesary injuries. The NCAA needs to step up and enforce its core value of "The highest levels of integrity and sportsmanship."

My Top 10 Sports Moments of 2010

2010-12-28T22:27:00.007-07:00

My annual list of unforgettable sports moments from the past year. This isn’t necessarily a list of the biggest events of the year, just a list of moments that I will never forget.

10. Never Ending Tennis Match
I am not a huge tennis fan but I will never forget the 22nd through the 24th of June when John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played the world’s longest tennis match. It was impossible to turn off the TV! “Isner, Mahut, Isner, Mahut” when will it end?!

9. 2010 PGA Championship

A controversial finish on the 72nd hole left Zach Johnson out of a playoff for the championship where Martin Kaymer beat the long hitting Bubba Watson for his first major championship. Tournament golf at its finest!

8. The Decision
Oh LeBron… Anybody who is reading this most likely already knows about the shenanigans that LeBron James pulled this summer. To break up with a whole city on national TV is heartless and definitely unforgettable.

7. NCAA Basketball Championship
The ultimate David vs. Goliath Story, almost, as the Butler Bulldogs nearly upset the Duke Blue Devils! I know I thought that Hayward’s shot was going in!

6. Canada/USA Olympic Hockey
Wow. You couldn’t ask for a more thrilling game in one the premier events of the Winter Olympics. Both teams really came to play on the sport’s biggest stage and then for the games star to win it in overtime, just classic.

5. Year of the Pitcher
Oh what was that? Another no hitter? Yup! There were six no-hitters, err should have been seven if Armando Gallaraga’s would have counted, including two perfect games in the 2010 MLB season. None of the games were more special though than my #2 Moment of the Year.

4. The 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach
The tournament wasn’t the most exciting but that fact of the matter is, I was there and it was beautiful. To watch the world’s best golfers up close and personal in one of the games four majors is amazing!

3. “Beat the Heat”
November 9, 2010. The day Paul Millsap brought his talents to South Beach. This was just the beginning of what has turned out to be a good season for my Utah Jazz. Make sure to watch the video clip attached to the link.

2. Unhittable Halladay
Rarely does anybody watch an entire baseball game the whole way through (especially on TV) but on this occasion, when Philadelphia Phillie Roy Halladay took the mound in the first game of the National League Division Series playoffs I don’t think I missed a pitch. It is amazing to see person do an almost perfect job at anything.

1. End of a 17 Year Drought

Anytime that something doesn’t happen for as long as time as 17 years, it is definitely going to be worth remembering. Though the Aggie football season didn’t go all according to plan I had to give the victory over arch rival BYU the top spot for the year. We absolutely handled those egotistical Cougars in their favorite sport. It definitely is nice to have some bragging rights for a while!

Alright there is my list! I hope you enjoyed it and I would love to hear your moments of the year! Happy 2011!

Some moments were close but didn’t make the cut… Boise State Football Loses to Nevada, Saints Win Super Bowl, Giants Win World Series, Utah Jazz Upset Nuggets in First Round of NBA Playoffs, Michael Vick’s Return as a star

The 2009 List

A Year of Games

2010-12-23T11:20:00.009-07:00

It's Christmas break and I'm a little bored so I have compiled a list of all the professional and NCAA sporting events I went to this year. The links will take you to my blog posts that I wrote on the events. Check the blog next week for my Top 10 Sports Moments of 2010!

I finished the year with a 20-4 (.833) record for teams I was rooting for. I saw teams from 14 different states. I went to 7 different venues. I saw all of my favorite teams (the Phillies, the Jazz, the Aggies). I saw Tiger Woods. I saw the World Series Champion. I saw one of the most prestigious events in professional sports in the most beautiful spot in the world when I attended the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I felt the magic that is the Spectrum on a winter night. And I experienced it all with you, my family and friends. Sports wouldn't be the same if I didn't have you there to cheer and jeer with. I have been very blessed, thank you! Here is to the games and championships that we will enjoy in 2011!

Aggie Basketball

(all games attended in D.G. Smith Spectrum, Logan, UT unless otherwise noted)
Record in Games I Attended: 12-1

Jan 11 vs. Hawai'i W, 98-54
Jan 16 vs. Boise State W, 81-59
Feb 2 vs. Idaho W, 80-62
Feb 6 vs. Nevada W, 76-65
Feb 17 vs. Louisiana Tech W, 67-61
Feb 20 vs. Wichita State W, 68-58
Mar 1 vs. Fresno State W, 76-39
Mar 6 vs. New Mexico State W, 81-63
Nov 13 vs. Weber State W, 77-65
Nov 17 at BYU L, 78-72 @ Marriot Center, Provo, UT
Nov 27 vs. Northeastern W, 56-54
Dec 7 vs. Long Beach State W, 81-53
Dec 31 vs. Hawai'i W, 74-66

Aggie Football

(all games attended at Romney Stadium, Logan, UT)
Record in Games I Attended: 2-2

Sep 11 vs. Idaho State W, 38-17
Sep 18 vs. Fresno State L, 41-24
Oct 1 vs. BYU W, 31-16
Oct 23 vs. Hawai'i L, 45-7

Utah Jazz

(all games attended at Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT)
Record in Games I Attended: 3-1

Jan 23 vs. New Jersey W 116-83
Feb 27 vs. Houston W 133-110
Apr 23 vs. Denver W 105-93 1st Round of the NBA Playoffs
Dec 3 vs. Dallas L 81-93

Major League Baseball

Record in Games I Attended: 2-0

May 10 Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies W 9-5 @ Coors Field, Denver, CO
June 14 San Francisco Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles W 10-2 @ AT & T Park, San Francisco, CA

Other Events

Record in Games I Attended: 1-0

June 16 & 17 The 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey, CA
Oct 31 Utah State Soccer vs. Hawai'i W, 4-0

Provo Preview

2010-11-17T12:58:00.004-07:00

The Aggie men travel to that school down south tonight. You know the one we beat in basketball last year, the one we beat in football this year, the one that still doesn't think we are a rival. A win tonight will solidify the fact that we are indeed a rival. In what could be the last game in the series for some time the Utah State Aggies (1-0) take on the #23 Brigham Young Cougars (1-0).

It's a huge early season match up, especially for the Aggies as they only play one more quality opponent out of. A win will go a long way come tournament time in March. Here is what happened up in Logan last year when the two teams met up. Hopefully there will be more of that tonight and my road spectating record will improve to 2-3. It will be a tough game for the Aggies, who are already missing starting forward Nate Bendall, as defensive specialist Pooh Williams may be unable to go after straining his groin in the opener vs. Weber State. He is listed as a game time decision but I expect him to play in a game as big as this.

Some quick facts about the game via the USU Media Guide:

Utah State and Brigham Young will be playing for the 227th time this week in what is the oldest rivalry in school history. USU's first game against BYU was during the 1905-06 season. The Aggies trail in the all-time series 135-91. The first game played in the series was on Feb. 23, 1906 with BYU winning 21-14. The last time the two teams played was on Dec. 2, 2009 in Logan with USU winning, 71-61. The last time the two teams played in Provo was Dec. 16, 2006 with BYU winning, 75-62, and the last time Utah State won at BYU was on Dec. 18, 2004, 84-62. Overall, USU has won six of the last nine games played in the series.
Utah State has won 16 straight regular season games dating back to the 2009-10 season with its last regular season loss coming at Louisiana Tech, 82-60, on Jan. 4, 2010.
Utah State has won 24 of its last 30 games versus in-state opponents and is 31-10 (.756) against the state of Utah during the last 11 years. During that time period, USU is 6-4 versus Brigham Young, 6-4 versus Utah, 11-2 versus Weber State, 5-0 against Utah Valley and 3-0 against Southern Utah. Overall, USU is 32-15 (.681) versus teams from the state of Utah under Morrill.
Utah State is 11-56 (.164) all-time against ranked opponents, which includes a 5-13 (.278) record under Morrill. The last time USU played a ranked opponent was in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament when it lost to No. 23 Texas A&M, 69-53. The last time USU defeated a ranked team was on March 9, 2007 when it beat then No. 9 Nevada, 79-77, in the semifinals of the WAC Tournament.
Utah State is starting the 2010-11 season with four-straight in-state games as it defeated Weber State (77-65) at home, plays at Brigham Young (11/17) and Southern Utah (11/20) and hosts Utah (11/24). Those four in-state games to start the year are the most for USU since the 1991-92 team began its season by playing five-straight in-state opponents.
Utah State's four returning starters have a combined 353 games played while at USU including 288 starts.
Only one player on the Aggie roster has ever played a game at BYU, Morgan Grimm a U of U transfer.

The Comeback Kids

2010-11-15T13:53:00.004-07:00

(AP Photo)

Just wanted to make a quick note on the Jazz. They are tearing it up! Last Monday they left of their early season eastern conference road-trip making stops in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte. I predicted that they would win one, maybe two games at most. This first road trip has been bad for the Jazz the past few years, they usually return with a losing record. Well not this year, they won all four games on the Atlantic coast! And they did it in amazing comeback fashion each and every time! They now sit at an impressive 7-3 and have swagger, knowing they can come back from anything! They will have some good tests this week in Oklahoma City and San Antonio. Hopefully they will keep this streak going.

The End Starts Tonight!

2010-11-13T09:10:00.003-07:00

Well tonight, at approximately 7:05, my senior season of enjoying Aggie basketball begins as the Aggies take on in-state rival Weber State. It'll be a bitter sweet moment for me, so happy for the fun nights in the Spectrum to begin but sad that this is it! This is it for me watching as a student. This is it for my friends and favorite players playing, Tyler Newbold, Tai Wesley and Matt Formisano. That being said there are 30+ games and I thoroughly believe that those boys are going to do everything in their power to win every single one of them!

There are two key games in the early part of the season, Nov. 17 @ #24 BYU and Dec. 4 @ #20 Georgetown. Both will be tough tests and at least one victory will be needed to boost the Aggies tournament resume come March. Other than that there aren't many games the Aggies should lose if the team comes together like they usually do by January.

As I stated before it will be the senior season for Tai Wesley (who is the only Aggie to ever record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 blocks), Tyler Newbold, Pooh Williams, Nate Bendall (assuming he recovers soon from a foot injury), and Matt Formisano. Wesley, Newbold, and Williams will all retain their starting positions. Athletic Brady Jardine will fill in while Bendall is injured and JuCo transfer Brockeith Pane will run the point. From the two preseason games, Pane looks like a very exciting player and could be the missing piece to help this seasoned line-up win an NCAA tournament game.

Some analysts are saying Utah State is the most likely team to go unbeaten through the regular season, I won't go that far. My predictions are as follows, the Aggies will lose 3 games throughout the season, Georgetown and two WAC road contests. The team will win WAC Regular Season Championship for the fourth straight year and then win the WAC Tournament in Vegas with a strong Aggie crowd behind them. And finally they will win, not one but TWO tournament games propelling them into the Sweet 16. Too bold? Nah, these guys are ready for this.

Commercial of the Week!

2010-11-13T08:44:00.002-07:00

Brandon Jennings almost gets into a car accident with Stuart Scott.

Miracle in Miami? Nah, just Milsap in Miami!

2010-11-10T21:44:00.004-07:00

Down by as many as 22 at one point in the game the Jazz and their fans were sure a loss was in store to Lebron James and the Miami Heat on the first game of their Eastern Conference road trip. That was until Paul Millsap caught fire from three-point! A man who had only knocked down two triples in his entire NBA career, made THREE in less than 30 seconds! With only four seconds left in regulation and the Jazz down by two points, here is the live reaction from my house...

Who else but Paul Millsap would tip it in to send the game to OT?! Unbelievable performance by this man. He is turning into quite the leader. What a start to the road trip as the scrappy Jazz went on to win by two in overtime with Deron Willams fouled out on the bench. And then to come back from 18 down to Orlando and win tonight the road trip is already a success. I personally thought we would win one of the four games. Hopefully there are even more surprises from this unheralded 2010-2011 Jazz team as the season goes on.

One More Game in January

2010-11-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

As I was watching Utah get dismantled by TCU yesterday, it hit me just how unfair the BCS system was! I have always been a proponent of a playoff system in college football, it's really the simplest thing to make the game better. It's the year 2010 people, we should have a playoff system by now! In my ideal world there would be an eight team playoff, each major conference champion getting a spot, plus two "wild-card/at-large" teams. Yesterday though, I realized that even a "plus one" playoff system would suffice.

Why? Because there is no doubt in my mind that we are going to need it this year more than ever! And who are we going to need it for? Boise State. Yes, I said it. I want to see Boise State, the same Boise State I despise, have a chance at a national championship.

Here is how I see it breaking down: Auburn will eventually lose to Alabama or in the SEC Championship. While Oregon, TCU and Boise State are all going to run the table, and finish undefeated for the regular season. And if the BCS doesn't change, as I believe it won't because Boise State doesn't have enough high quality opponents remaining to push them ahead, it will be TCU/Oregon in the national championship.

This bothers me for one big reason. Boise State beat both of those teams last year! Both TCU and Oregon! Sure it's a different season, but not really a different team for the Broncos. Nearly all of there key players from last year have returned and I definitely feel that they can beat either of those two teams again. So that's it, they need there chance and they aren't going to get it because of some computer system.

There was a Nike ad that called for a plus one game a couple of years back, having brackets of two winners from bowl games meeting against one another saying "Just do it." This year, throw out all the rules and regulations that the NCAA, BCS and those stingy college presidents impose. If you really want to call yourself a champion, Oregon/TCU/Boise State, you better be the last undeafeted team out there! Play that extra game. Pretty sure our friends at Nike and ESPN would be more than willing to foot the bill.

Then It Began to Rain

2010-10-24T15:37:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning... no work, no school, just sports all day! The Aggie homecoming game at 3 followed by the Phillies in game six of the NLCS. The forecast had called for a storm, but as kick-off for the football game approached it was a mild 60 degrees outside, everything in my sports world seemed just fine.

Looking a little shaky on offense and defense the team allowed Hawaii the first touchdown. Soon though, the Aggies looked like they had settled into the game and after a big scamper by quarterback Diondre Borel to tie the ball game up. Utah State had a chance at knocking off the Rainbow Warriors. Then the wind picked up, the temperature dropped sharply, it began to rain. It was like a sign from nature officially ending summer and the Aggie football teams hopes at a decent season. I don't believe an endless summer is possible, that's illogical. I just like to hope that the weather will stay good for as long as possible and I'll be able to enjoy that summer state of mind a little more. Kind of the same way I hope that Utah State will have a good football team. Summer teases me with nice days through September, the Aggies tease me with a few early season wins. But as the fall progresses, I realize some things just aren't possible.

It kept raining for the rest of the day, literally and figuratively, as I watched Ryan Howard strike out and my boys of summer, the Philadelphia Phillies, be eliminated from the playoffs. Sure it was a long shot to come back from being down three games to one, but I had hope. I mean these guys are good! Appearing in the last two World Series, I thought they could find the fight in them to make it back. Half my apparel is now out of style until April. I had little feeling like the hype on the team was just a little too much entering the series, it seemed as if every analyst was choosing the Phils. It's definitely possible the team overlooked the streaking Giant's and Phillie killer Cody Ross. Sad to see a whole season completed without a championship, but in the end, only one team can win.

Today, it is still raining.... The end of the week is looking sunny though, just in time for tip-off of the Aggie and Jazz basketball seasons. Seasons that could end in the sun!

I need you...

2010-10-11T19:03:00.000-06:00

... to check out this golf tournament! It will be a lot of fun and it is for a good cause. Here is the site with all the info http://usucharitygolftournament.weebly.com/. If you can't play, we'd still love donations! Thanks!

A Near Perfect Halladay

2010-10-06T22:08:00.000-06:00

(October 5, 2010 - Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)

Wow.

The Reds have waited 15 years to return to the playoffs, they will have to wait as least two more days to get a hit in them. I had faith the Phillies were going to win the game today, but I had no idea that in his playoff debut, Roy Halladay was going to pitch a near PERFECT GAME! Though missing the perfect game, he still became only the second pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in playoff history!

What a great way to start the playoffs Just sitting in my red, #34 Halladay shirt, watching intensly what would be the first no hitter I have witnessed. Oh, what I would have given to be in South Philly today!

I don't know if Fridays game can be as exciting as todays but hopefully the result, a win for Philadelphia, will be the same. Until then, goodnight and Go Phils!

It's Phillies Time!

2010-10-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

Baseball gets almost completely forgotten about in the month of September with the majority of teams being out of contention and the pro and college football seasons starting up. But come October, the sport is back in full swing. Eight teams, one goal. And I couldn't be more excited because through the forgotten month of September, my Philadelphia Phillies were the hottest team.

It's also nice to see some different teams in the playoffs this year with Texas and Cincinnati. The Rangers are the only team in MLB to never win a playoff series, while the Reds haven't been in the playoffs since 1995! Here are my predictions for the first round of the playoffs:

Rays vs. Rangers
Rays in 4

Twins vs. Yankees
Yankees in 4

Phillies vs. Reds
Phillies in 4

Giants vs. Braves
Giants in 5

I'll be wearing my Phillies shirts all week and hopefully all month!

Seventeen Years

2010-10-02T09:29:00.000-06:00

Seventeen years ago I had not started kindergarten, this spring I will graduate from college. Seventeen years ago the internet was a novelty, now its rare to go more than a few hours without being online in some form. And until last night, seventeen years ago was the last time the Utah State Aggies had beat the BYU Cougars!

Last night was a great experience, maybe even better than beating BYU in basketball last December. Right now America is a football country and when you beat your rival that you haven't beat in almost two decades on national TV, it is kinda big deal! So yea, both the teams were 1-3 going into the game, but the Aggies aren't the team that is now 1-4 and that sure does feel good!

Aggie pride is everywhere right now. The restaurants were packed until the wee hours of the morning last night and the internet is abuzzing. Here is a little sampling of the mood in Logan and the rest of the west from some of my friends Facebook status's:

"And today was the day that the Aggies beat the YBU's in a little game we call football :)"

"BELIEVED. We did it. Finally. GO AGGIES!"

"AMAZING game...17 years in the making and we finally beat BYU. That's right...WE WON!!! Go Aggies!"

My buddy at the U, "PS, Utah State better storm the field!" oh we did!

"... I believe that WE JUST WON!!!!"

From a Boise State fan "Go Utah St. way to hand it to those cougars!!!!!"

"It seems like every frustration I have had in the last 6 months went away when I watched Utah State smash the Cougars, GO AGGIES!"

A friend at the Y, "I think my roommate and I cursed BYU Football with our non-LDS sins."

"YEAH!! GO AGGIES!! Put BYU in their place tonight!! :D"

From my anti-football sister who goes to Gonzaga: "AGGGIEEEESSS! heck yes. Go UTAH STATE FOOTBALL!!!!"

and finally one that sums it all up,

"It's a good day to be an Aggie :)"

The Headwaters at Teton Springs

2010-09-15T22:28:00.000-06:00

The last week in August, my summer golf league took a trip up to the Headwaters at Teton Springs, just outside Driggs, ID. We played 36 holes, a four ball match and an individual match play. It was an absolute blast! Such a beautiful and challenging course. If you are ever up that way, this is course you must check out. It was a great way to finish off the summer. Here are some pics from the day!

Also I just wanted to give a big thanks to Billy Satterfield for putting the trip and the whole league together. If you are a golf enthusiast in the Pocatello area, you definitly need to get in touch with Billy. Check out his awesome website, golfcoursegurus.com!

I'm Back!!

2010-09-14T21:55:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I've blogged! A lot has been happening lately, school is in session, moved into a new place with my best buds, and I started a new job at the golf course. The course is located about 15 minutes outside of Logan, in the canyon on your way to Salt Lake. It is absolutely place, I'll be getting some pictures up soon. Overall, life is good.

Even though I haven't blogged for a bit, the world of sports hasn't slowed down a bit.

The Phillies are back in first place and looking strong as they move towards the MLB Playoffs.
Football season is full swing, the Aggies have a great chance to win one a big game as they take on Fresno State this Saturday in Logan.
Oh Boise State! They beat Virginia Tech but then Virginia Tech lost to a FCS school. I wonder how much the BCS payed Virginia to lose that game and hurt Boises chances of playing in the National Championship game. Even though I hate Boise State, I want to see them do well until Dec. 4 when the Aggies roll onto the blue turf and take them out. I'm already dreaming of it.
Another reason to hate BYU, Utah State was offered a spot in the Mountain West Conference but didn't take it because they believed the Y would join the WAC for everything but football, it didn't happen and now the WAC looks to be going defunct.
Reggie Bush forfeited his Heisman. I don't think he should have. Sure what he did off the field was shady, but on the field he was simply amazing. The best college player I have ever watched.
And then there is flag football, I'm already frustrated with a first week loss! It's typical though, my all time record in intramural sports is now 7-37.

Well that's all for now, hopefully I'll keep more up to date from now on!

State of WAC

2010-08-19T13:36:00.000-06:00

States of the former WAC

I woke up yesterday morning and like usual turned on ESPN while eating breakfast. Low and behold, some of the best sports news I had seen all summer, BYU was to join the Western Athletic Conference for all sports but football. The Cougars would have to come to Logan every year and play basketball against the Aggies in the Spectrum. It seemed as if this summers conference shake-up was going to be a good thing for everyone including, a Boise State-less, Western Athletic Conference.

That was until the Mountain West poached Fresno State and Nevada, two of the premier WAC football teams, yesterday afternoon! Leaving the WAC with the following six schools, Utah State, Idaho, San Jose State, Hawaii, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico State. Six teams spread across six states, with no natural rivalries and limited historic rivalries. This is a very bad situation. Only two of the state are even neighbors!

I was opposed to the idea of super conferences (Texas & Oklahoma going to the PAC-10) this summer because of the ruining of rivalries and the large geographic distances that would separate the institutions, but in reality those conferences could survive that. The WAC with six teams, can not. And I am not willing to pay another increase in student fees so that Utah State's athletic teams can travel to Ruston, LA and Honolulu, HI because ESPN and its TV money do not want to support a conference with just six teams.

Honestly, I don't know what can be done and I have absolutely no power to do anything about it. So in theory, this blog is more of a rant than a solution, but if I were in charge of the WAC, this is what I would try and do; entice Montana to move up from the Big Sky and Wyoming to move back from the Mountain West, all the while still getting BYU's sports for everything besides football.

Montana could be looking to make the jump from the FCS Division and into the Bowl Divison. They have done just about everything in the FCS and they could see this move as their chance to make it on the national scene. Boise State made the jump less than 20 years ago and look where they are now! The WAC is a depleted conference football wise and the Grizzlies could quite possibly have a winning record in their first season. They would restore a rivalry with University of Idaho by doing this too. Wyoming would make the move for similar reasons; a chance to play in an easier conference, keep its long standing ties with BYU for all other sports, and create new rivalries with schools such as Montana and Utah State.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the WAC, the 6th oldest conference in the Bowl Division, hopefully it will still be around by the year 2011.

Red Numbers

2010-08-14T14:04:00.000-06:00

I'm not really into tooting my own horn but yesterday I had a pretty good day, no, a really good day on the golf course.

I've been playing golf seriously since I was 13 and had had some pretty good days out on the course. I probably was probably the most talented the summer after my senior year of high school. There are so many shots and rounds from that summer that I will always remember, a four-under-par 30 on the back nine at Twin Falls Muni, a 155 yard 7-iron over trees and within feet for a win at the Pressbox. But for as much skill as I thought I had, my mental game was not quite good enough to allow me to do what I did yesterday.

Yesterday, for the first time in my life I shot under par on 18 holes. It was a one-under 71 at my home course with nothing more than a few dollars and pride was on the line. Playing with a guy I had always looked up to on the golf course as he was an elite high school player and I lowly freshman, Mike, my best friend, Derek, and one of Pocatello's new up and coming high school golfers, Ryker, it was the perfect afternoon.

I had shot 74 a couple times this summer but it had been a couple weeks since I had played golf well. Now I can't wait to get back on the course! I have one more golf goal this summer and that is to shoot in the 60's. I think I'm close...

p.s. One of my best friends, Benji Bosen, a kid that has always had the upper hand on me on the golf course gets home from his mission in less than a week! Can't wait to play a round with this kid, its been over two years!

Watch Your Words Boise State

2010-07-28T15:41:00.000-06:00

Boise State is preparing to play its last season in the WAC and though the football season doesn't start for another month their is already controversy as the Broncos don't seem to be ones who like to maintain in-state rivalries.

"Why would we (go to Moscow)?" Broncos Coach Chris Petersen. "I don't think our fans even like to go up there. Most of Idaho's fans are in Boise anyway."

Boise State President Bob Kustra added, "I frankly don't care whether we ever play 'em (Idaho) again as long it goes. I don't see any reason to do it in Boise, but if somebody sees a reason to do it in Boise, fine.”

"It’s a culture that is nasty, inebriated and civilly doesn’t give our fans the respect that any fan should expect when visiting an away game," Kustra continued.

Really?! Have you ever been to one of your own football games? Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of good friends, who are good people and Boise State fans, but the two times Boise State has come to Logan to play my Aggies, Bronco Nation has been the "nasty, inebriated" culture that doesn't give even the home teams fans respect. If the people up in Moscow are as bad as Kustra says, it must be hell on earth and I highly doubt that. Florida and Florida State, Texas and Oklahoma, USC and UCLA, play each other every year and I am sure those fans are a lot worse to each other than some farm boys in Idaho are to each other. If you have read my blog before you know I am all for rivalries and tradition which makes me all against not playing this game! Yes, Boise State has won 11 straight games but Idaho is an up and coming team winning eight games last year. Overall BSU only holds a slight advantage at 21-17-1. Idaho continued to play BSU when the series was 17-10. So stop making excuses.

This whole ordeal is nothing out of the ordinary for the Broncos. In 1994 Boise State University made plans to move out of Division 1-AA's (now FCS) Big Sky Conference and into Division 1-A's (FBS) Big West Conference beginning in 1996. The team was off to a hot 6-0 start before coming into Holt Arena of Idaho State University. Two years earlier in 1992 the Bengals unvieled a play called the "Globe of Death," which led Idaho State only its 5th victory over the Broncos, and still had Bronco Nation upset. The game was dubbed by BSU officials as the "last visit to Pocatello."

Well as it stands, it was also the Broncos last lost in Pocatello. The Bengals had ended the Broncos perfect season in a 32-31 victory. Luckily for Boise State their run at a National Championship because of the playoff system in Division 1-AA. The loss to the Bengals was their only loss besides in the 1-AA National Championship.

So let it be that on November 12 in Moscow, ID if Boise State loses this time, the hopes of a national championship are out the door. Maybe Coach Pete and Pres. Kustra need to be a little more cautious before running their mouths or history just may be relived.

Motocrossed

2010-07-27T21:57:00.000-06:00

My uncle owns the motocross track in Pocatello and though I am not huge into the sport, tonight was the seasons big race so my sister and I went out to help with it. It was a a blast! The riders are fearless. Here are some pics from the races. My sister is in the pink and my little cousin, Colter, is the racer in the bottom two pictures.

New Jazzmen

2010-07-20T17:14:00.000-06:00

The Jazz made some big moves this last week with the acquisitions of Al Jefferson and former Jazzman Raja Bell. I was a little worried that the Jazz were not going to do anything this off-season and just watch key players head off to the Chicago Bulls.

Jefferson is a 6'11" Forward/Center who was originally played for the Boston Celtics but was shipped off to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. Jefferson averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. "Big Al" is two years younger and a million dollar a year cheaper than keeping Carlos Boozer.

Bell previously played for the Jazz from 2003-2005. He brings a 41 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc and "good perimeter defender." Bell will replace rookie sensation Wes Matthews who signed a very good deal with the Portland Trailblazers.

It will be interesting to see how the team takes shape this fall. Draft pick Gordon Hayward was announced as the best rookie at the Orlando Summer League and could make a big splash on the team. I doubt there will be anymore big free agent signings and it is still unclear if Memo will be healed in time for the start of the season. That being said I believe this team is slightly better than last years but still will only get the fourth seed in next years playoffs. Here is my expected starting line-up for the 2010-2011 campaign.

C- Al Jefferson

F- Paul Milsap

F-Gordon Hayward

G- Raja Bell

G- Deron Williams

I think Kirilenko and Okur will come off the bench with C.J. Miles and Ronnie Price to add veteran support to the younger players.

AT&T Park

2010-07-19T10:23:00.003-06:00

AT&T Park
Home of the San Fransisco Giants San Fransisco, CA
Date Opened: April 11, 2000- Los Angeles Dodgers 6, San Fransisco Giants 5
Capacity: 41,915
Games Attended: June 14, 2010 Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles 10-4

Location & Accessibility (0-5): 5
Just going to throw this right out there, I love AT&T Park. Located in downtown San Fran, we hopped on a bus at our hotel and were dropped off just a block away from the park. The park is right on the bay, simply beautiful.

Historic Value (0-5): 3
Barry Bonds hit his record breaking 756th Home-run and many other significant jacks here. The park hosted games three through five of the 2002 World Series when the Giants faced the Angels in the Fall Classic. AT&T Park played host to the All-Star Game in 2007. Originality (0-5): 5 As I mentioned the park is right on the bay. Its the only place that a player can hit a home-run into a natural body of water. The Giants have hit 52 balls into the awaiting kayakers in McCovey Cove, while opponents have added another 20.

Fans (0-5): 4
Always cold when I go to baseball games but the difference in San Fransisco is that the fans are used to it. There was a large crowd out on a Monday night when the team was playing a poor team. The fans are very supportive of their team. They have the coolest hats with ear muffs that look like panda bears in support of third baseman Pablo "Panda" Sandoval. The outfield fans are very rowdy and lead cheers throughout the game.

Fun Factor (0-5): 4
A huge coke bottle with slides in the outfield along with many other games for the kids. The park also has A Build-a-Bear workshop where you can build mascot Lou Seal. The night we attended a game was "Halloween in June." A female fan was an exact look-a-like of "The Freak," Tim Lincecum.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 3
I didn't find any unique restaurants at the park and the general concessions were a little over-priced. However, the smell of garlic coming off the the Gilroy Garlic Fries was irresistible and they tasted as good as the smelled.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 5
This was a great place to take in a game. The atmosphere is amazing, the people are fun and the team is good. Dress warm and be ready for a great night at the ballpark.

Total Score (0-35)= 29

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

"King" putting on a Jesters Show

2010-07-10T16:31:00.000-06:00

I hate the Los Angeles Lakers. I hate how they always win. I hate Kobe and his cocky attitude. And I hate Laker fans. Besides the New York Yankees there is no professional franchise I hate more.

That was until this last week, when LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat. I understand that LeBron needed to leave Cleveland because he didn't want to be "31 with bad knees and no championships." I just hate how he did it. A one-hour TV special to announce his decision, literally bringing many Cleveland fans to tears. Then to top it all off, a huge coming out party for the "Three Kings " in Miami. I would like a party like this next time I sign up for classes, before I ever receive an A, take a test, or even step foot in the classroom. Get what I am saying? At this moment the Heat don't have enough players signed to play a game much less win a championship. What else would we expect from a man who proclaims himself "King" with no rings though?

So if it comes down to it this next June and James and the Heat find themselves playing Bryant and the Lakers, it will be the only time I won't be chanting Beat LA.

LeBron's Twilight Saga

2010-06-30T09:10:00.000-06:00

Last night, at midnight, many people were anticipating the release of the new Twilight movie. Tonight, at midnight, an event will take place that will eclipse any summer movie release. Tonight, at midnight, an event begins that may change sports forever. Tonight, at midnight, when the calender turns from June to July, the NBA free agent period begins!

It will be the breaking dawn for any team lucky enough to land LeBron James and other big names such as Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh.

As I understand it, there are five teams seriously in contention for the services of Mr. James; the Caviliers, Bulls, Knicks, Nets, and Heat. Every day a new, news story breaks about how "it is certain Lebron will land at such and such a place with such and such people."

I honestly have no idea where he will go. It has to be hard to resist the temptations of the Big Apple and South Beach. I don't think Chicago is the place for Lebron though, the city is a rival with Cleveland and I do not believe LBJ could fill the shoes of MJ.

In Cleveland it would be as dark as a night with a new moon if Lebron leaves the Cavs. Knowing me at all, you know I am all for sticking with your hometown values. Saying that, my respect for James would significantly go up if he played until his twilight years with the Cavs, but it is not my decision.

So LeBron, whos team are you on?

New Season, New Logo, Same Old Draft Pick

2010-06-25T17:59:00.000-06:00

(Gordon Hayward practicing in Energy Solutions Arena prior to Butler's Sweet 16 game in this years NCAA tournament. Hayward led the Bulldogs to the championship game, where they fell to Duke.)

With the 9th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Gordon Hayward.

There has been a lot of criticism of this pick. It was predictable. Not flashy one bit. The man fits into the system and most likely will produce. The Jazz have had a winning record in 26 of the last 27 seasons and its because of picking reliable players. But what I and the rest of Jazz fans know, is that Hayward probably will not bring us that illustrious NBA championship. I am not hating on this guy yet, I would have just liked to see the Jazz trade up in the draft in get somebody like Udoh or Monroe. We need one of those players to avoid another one those sweeps that we experienced against LA Lakers in the second round of this years playoffs.

On a side note, The 12th Green would like to point out that the newly reveled logo was just as predicted in this post. I love the music note! Not a huge fan of the color scheme on the mountain logo though (seen below).

Cool as a cucumber, but tough as nails

2010-06-23T10:36:00.000-06:00

The sports anchor for the local news station use to do an event each summer called the "Great 18," where he would play one hole of golf per week at a course around the area versus the course pro and a local contestant. About 7 years ago, when I was 14, I applied to be the contestant. The contestant had never been a kid before but after calling the course pro to see if I was legit enough to play on TV, Dave Reichelt agreed to let me play against him on the "Great 18."

I still remember the day pretty well... We were to play my home hole, the 12th at Highland. I hit a couple poor shots but was able to make a 15 footer to save par and tie Dave. I was pretty proud of myself to not make a fool of myself on local TV! When the hole aired the next week, Dave introduced me as the title of this blog reads. It was a great compliment coming from an adult.

Flash forward to this year. For the league match play tournament at the course, my first round opponent? None other than Dave Reichelt. We played our match yesterday and I had Dave on the ropes being 3-up with 3 to play. However, I'm not as tough as I used to be. I let him back into the match, losing holes 16 and 17. On the 18th I conceded Dave his par and had a four footer left to win the match. A miss and we would be heading into a sudden death playoff. Still as cool as that cucumber though, I put the ball in the cup and moved on to the next round. Another great day on Highland Golf Course!

The Open Trip Review

2010-06-20T22:27:00.000-06:00

(The Champion, McDowell)

It doesn't feel possible that I can already be back from California and the U.S. Open already. It was quite the trip from Pocatello to San Fransisco to Pebble Beach. I've had a couple days to think about the trip and a new champion has been crowned at the Open so here are some quick thoughts about my past week.

San Fransisco is my new favorite city. (If you haven't been there, go!)
Pebble Beach Golf Links is the prettiest place I have ever been to.
AT&T Park could be my new favorite ballpark.
A little dive of a town called Moss Landing between Santa Cruz and Monterrey could have the worlds best food. Phil's Fish Market and The Whole Enchilada, both so good!
Pebble Beach isn't quite as good as place to watch a golf tournament as Torrey Pines in San Diego is.
The prices for concessions and merchandise is ridiculous at the Open. But I guess that's what it takes to pay the $7.5 million purse.
It was quite neat to Tom Watson play golf in person!
My heart goes out to Dustin Johnson who blew the big lead today in the tournament.
It also goes out to amateur Morgan Hoffman, who plays for Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK, who took a nine on hole 18 after hitting two balls in Stillwater Cove.
What happened to the killer instinct of Tiger? And what happened to Ernie and Phil? The tournament was theirs for the taking.
Congrats to Graeme McDowell! How cool is it to be the first European to win the U.S. Open in 40 years! I hope he keeps it going.. Golf needs some up and coming consistent pros.

Well that's it for now. I'm ready to go play some golf. I've still got that dream of playing in an U.S. Open someday! I think I might be able to break 100 on that course... ;)

Pictures of Pebble Beach

2010-06-18T21:23:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to post a few of my favorite pictures from the practice round of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I'll put them all up on the Facebook page when I get home. Enjoy! I'd love comments.

Stillwater Cove

Miguel Jiminez

The 18th Hole

Camillo Villegas

The Family

The Signature 7th Green

Looking back from behind the 6th Fairway

Tom Watson

Leavin' for U.S. Open

2010-06-12T13:55:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow morning, bright and early at 4 am, the fam and I will be off to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach! Making stops in San Fransisco and other cities along the way. The 12th Green will go travel blog style as much as possible to keep you up to date with my activities on the trip. Let me know if you have any autograph or picture requests of the pro golfers. See ya in Cali!

Petco Park

2010-06-10T10:04:00.000-06:00

Petco Park
Home to the San Diego Padres
San Diego, CA

Date Opened: April 8, 2004- San Diego Padres 4, San Fransisco Giants 1
Capacity: 42,455
Games Attended:
June 10, 2008 Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5

Location & Accesibility (0-5): 5
Petco Park is right downtown in beautiful San Diego. You can see the cities skyscrapers from almost any seat in the park. The park is easily accessible whether it be from driving, walking or the public trolley.

Historic Value (0-5): 2
The ballpark is under 10 years old so not much historically has happened here yet. Barry Bonds hit his Henry Aaron tying, 755 home-run here on August 4, 2007. The park has also hosted games in both the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics.

Originality (0-5): 4
Petco Park lives up to the name park in every way. The front facade is waterfalls over brick. Instead of demolishing the 100 year old Western Metal Supply Co. building, the builders incorporated it into its design having it serve as the left field foul pole. The outfield has the "Park at the Park" where fans can sit on the grass and watch games for $5. When games aren't being played the "Park at the Park" is open to the public. Also in the outfield is a big sandbox where kids of all ages can get very close to the action.

Fans (0-5): 2
You by now know that when I attended a baseball game that it is on a chilly night, so there weren't many fans out. The team has been bad the last couple years but I still would have liked to see a little more support for the home team.

Fun Factor (0-5): 3

The team store is legit. There are a lot of fun things to do in the outfield area as well. And a little Friar runs around the park as a mascot. The actually ball field is huge though, so you aren't going to see many home-runs.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 4
I never had tried a fish taco before my night at Petco Park but I'm doubtful there are many better out there. It was delicious. Petco also had a good variety of Mexican food.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 4
I really enjoyed my experience at Petco. I got to see one of my all-time favorite pitchers that night, Greg Maddox, and it was a fun evening overall at the game. On a side note, on the way to the game my mom was unaware that the company Petco had sponsored the baseball field and she kept seeing signs that said "Petco Park," so she made the comment " Oh, that's neat that Petco sponsors parks that you can take your dogs for walks in!" Silly mom!

Total Score (0-35)= 24

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

2010 FIFA World Cup

2010-06-08T15:51:00.000-06:00

I am not really a soccer fan at all but this is no doubt a cool commercial. Kinda makes me wish I was more into the game. Anyways, Go World!

John Wooden 1910-2010

2010-06-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

As you probably already know, John Wooden passed away last night. Wooden is regarded as one of the greatest coaches ever. His UCLA teams won 10 NCAA Championships, including 7 in a row. He also coached teams to three undefeated seasons. More than a coach, Wooden was a great man. When UCLA wanted to name their basketball court after him, he refused for it to be done unless his wife's name was included. The school said okay and agreed to name the court John & Nel Wooden Court. Wooden said that would just not do, and insisted the court be name Nel & John Wooden Court. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the man:

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,
because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely
what others think you are."

"Don't mistake activity with achievement."

"The people who turn out best are those people who make the best out of
the way things turn out."

"Discipline yourself and others won't need to."

"Be quick, but don't hurry."

"The true test of a man’s
character is what he does when no one is watching."

"If you don't have time to do it right,
when will you have the time to do it over?"

"Talent is God given. Be humble.
Fame is man-given. Be grateful.
Conceit is self-given. Be careful."

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."

The Pressbox 2010

2010-06-04T18:53:00.001-06:00

(2008)

Tomorrow morning at 8:40 a.m. my and I will tee-off in our ninth consecutive Pressbox 2-man Scramble & Bestball at Highland Golf Course.

As mentioned, we have played in this tournament ever year together since 2002. It was the first amateur golf tournament I ever played in and we didn't do so great. We sure had a good time though. By 2004 our games have improved and we won the third flight! In 2005 we took second in the second flight. We hit our peak performance in 2007 when we won the first flight by one stroke with a bird on the 36th and final hole.

2008 and 2009 were both dismal years in terms of weather and performance. The weather last year was so bad that we could only play one day! Hopefully tomorrow the weather, like the golf will be good!

(Scoreboard from 2007)

(2009)

P.S. It is about time a blog named after a hole on a golf course started having posts about golf!

Bostons New Curse?

2010-05-26T15:19:00.000-06:00

In 2004 the Boston Red Soxs were down 3-0 in the American League Championship Series to the New York Yankees. The Soxs trailed 4-3 in the 9th inning before forcing extra innings and eventually winning the game. Boston went on to win the next three games and become the first team in baseball and only the fourth team in the four major sports to come back from down three games in the best of seven series. The Red Soxs went on to win the '04 World Series.

So, you ask, what does this have to do with a possible curse? Let me explain.

Two weeks ago the Philadelphia Flyers were down 3-0 in their series to the Boston Bruins. In game four, on the brink of elimination, the Flyers forced overtime and won the game. The Flyers won the next three, becoming only the fifth team to come back from 3-0. Philadelphia is now in the Stanley Cup Finals.

On Monday night, the Orlando Magic were on the verge of being swept by no team other than the Boston Celtics. In this game four the Magic forced overtime and won the game!

Do you see the similarities?! The signs are pointing to the Magic to pull this off! Down 0-3, game four goes into overtime, and the team that avoids the sweep wins the series. If the Magic win they would be the first team to do so in the NBA. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Celtics by any means, but I hope to see some more Magic in this series and the playoffs if just for the sake of history and ironic stories. The city of Boston could be paying their dues for their improbable comeback against the Yankees in 2004.

Citizens Bank Park

2010-05-26T09:00:00.016-06:00

Citizens Bank Park
Home to the Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date Opened: April 12, 2004- Cincinnati Reds 4, Philadelphia Phillies 1
Capacity: 43,647
Game Attended: May 26, 2009 Phillies vs. Florida Marlins 5-3

Location & Accesibility (0-5): 3
Citizens Bank Park is located in the South Philly Sports Complex with the Wachovia Center, (76ers, NBA and Flyers, NHL) and Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles, NFL). The area was also home to Veterans Stadium and The Spectrum. The Phillies wanted to locate their new field closer to the downtown area but faced some roadbacks, so the team settled to rebuild in the complex. All-in-all the field still has a view of the downtown skyscrapers and with all the history in the complex, it's not a bad place to be.

Historic Value (0-5): 3
Originality (0-5): 3
Only in its seventh year the park has already hosted two World Series, included the famous, rain-delayed 2008 Series where the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. The park has many original features including statues of Phillies greats such as Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, and Steve Carlton. Ashburn Alley in the outfield is a miniature Phillies Hall-of-Fame in the outfield. Many other local features are incorporated into the park which will be discussed in further sections.

Fans (0-5): 5
Another chilly, rainy evening at the ballpark for me, but the atmosphere was still great for the two-time defending National League Champions. The park has been drawing a near capacity crowd game in and game out for some time now. Philly fans definitely have a reputation for being rowdy as well.

Fun Factor (0-5): 5
The Phillie Phanatic, one of sports original mascots, and his crazy antics calls the park home. There is a giant Liberty Bell in right field that dings and sways back and forth after every Phillie home-run. The team store is a whopping two stories that has any Phillie clothing item you could want. There is also a Build-a-Bear shop where one can build their own Phillie Phanatic.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 5
Philly Cheese steaks, yum! Eating any item in the town its named after is heaven on a bun! Harry The K's restaurant that sits in left field is a great place to grab a bite to eat while watching the game. Pizza and Barbecue can also be found with all your other ballpark foods.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 5
Citizens Bank Park is home to my favorite team so of course I am going to be a little biased towards it. In all honestly though, this ballpark is truly great, it has everything you could want, good food, good fans, and a good team.

Total Score (0-35)= 29

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Sunday Afternoons in the Spring

2010-05-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

Watching the Eastern Conference Finals this afternoon, I realized the NBA just isn't the same as it was when I was a kid growing up. I used to love to come home from church Sunday afternoon and turn on NBC just in time to catch the start of a great, meaningful basketball game. Whether it be the Jazz or the Bulls or a good playoff fight between the Knicks and Heat the games were always exciting with players like MJ, The Mailman, Stockton, Sir Charles, Patrick Ewing, and a young Shaq. The NBA just seemed better then. This video about sums it all up.

Even if we did lose to Micheal and the Bulls in that game six, this was the NBA at its prime. From that opening song, Roundball Rock, to the end of the game, the NBA on NBC and the Jazz and Bulls in the Finals just felt right.

Angel Stadium

2010-05-14T14:45:00.000-06:00

Angel Stadium

Home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA

Date Opened: April 19, 1966- Chicago White Sox 3, Los Angeles Angels 1

Capacity: 45,054

Games Attended:

April 21, 2005 Angels vs. Cleveland Indians 6-5

April 25, 2005 Angels vs. Oakland Athletics 1-0

Location & Accesibility (0-5): 3

Located in sunny Orange County where the weather is almost always perfect, Angel Stadium is less than three miles east of the Disneyland Parks. The Honda Center, where hockey's Ducks play, a concert hall, and various restaurants are located just across the parking lot.

Historic Value (0-5): 5

Originality (0-5): 3

Angel Stadium is now the fourth oldest park in Major League Baseball. It has been home to six American League Division Series, six American League Championship Series, and the 2002 World Series, in which the Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants. The park will be hosting its third All-Star Game this summer. Other historic events in Angel Stadium include; two Nolan Ryan no-hitters, Reggie Jackson's 500th home-run, Mickey Mantles last career game winning home-run. In 1997 Disney took a large enough ownership interest in the club to begin renovations on the park, removing seats behind the outfield wall. Along with a more open feel artificial rocks and geysers were added. Many movies have used Angel Stadium as well including Disney's Angels in the Outfield.

Fans (0-5): 4

I find most fans from Los Angeles quite annoying (Lakers and Dodgers) but I really enjoyed the people at Angel Stadium. There were large crowds at both games we went to, including a regular season record, at the time, for the Sunday afternoon game when the Angels faced division rivals the Oakland A's.

Fun Factor (0-5): 4

Though Disney doesn't own the team anymore it seems as if they have left a lasting mark. Not only does water shoot out of the fountains in the outfield but fireworks to do! The team store was quite impressive as well. And you can't forget about the Angel Girls.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 2

It may have been that I was just too poor to afford stadium food at the time of this trip but I can not remember any unique foods or restaurants.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 4
My first Major League experience took place in this park so I will always remember it, especially going down to field level to watch a walk-off home run in extra innings. This place may be more magical than Disneyland. Oh and did I mention the beautiful weather?

Total Score (0-35)= 25

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Coors Field

2010-05-12T13:00:00.005-06:00

Coors Field
Home to the Colorado Rockies
Denver, CO
Date Opened: April 26, 1995- Colorado Rockies 11, New York Mets 9
Capacity: 50,381
Game Attended: May 10, 2010 Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies 5-9<

Location & Accesibility (0-5): 4
Located in downtown Denver the park is within walking distance from many of the cities hotels, about a ten minute walk from where we stayed at the Marriott City Center. The "LoDo" district where the ballpark is located has a nice feel with many unique shops, restaurants and bars.

Historic Value (0-5): 2

Originality (0-5): 4
A fairly new park but has already had the fortune of hosting a World Series in 2007 when the Rockies took on the Red Sox. The 1998 All-Star Game was also here. In 1999 the park reset the major league single season home-run record with 303. While building the park workers found a 1000-pound triceratops skull and considered naming the field "Jurassic Park." A ring of seats in the upper deck is purple opposed to green to mark a mile above sea level. Evergreens and fountains are in the outfield, giving the stadium truly a park feel.

Fans (0-5): 3
It was a chilly night when I attended but the fans were still out in pretty good force, just over 30,000. It wasn't near as rowdy of crowd as other ballparks such as Philadelphia or Los Angeles. Originally the park was planned to accommodate 41,000 but after such great turn-outs in the clubs first to season it was expanded to 50,381. That being said attendance must be fairly good on the warmer summer evenings.

Fun Factor (0-5): 3
It was kind of a down night when I attended as the home-team didn't hit any home runs and ended up losing the game. There were plenty of things for fans to take part in such as an interactive broadcast but nothing that stood super out of the ordinary. The mascot is a purple triceratops named Dinger.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 4
One word: Beer. The park is named after a brewing company after all! And I am happy to say I had a Coors at Coors Field, it did taste especially good. The park also has its own micro-brewery/restaurant, the Blue Moon Brewery. To eat I had a pretty good hot dog smothered in onions and peppers called a "Rockie Dog." Rumor has it that they do serve Rocky Mountain Oysters as well but I didn't get the chance to try them.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 4
It was a great night at the ballpark. Denver has a great atmosphere and I'd really like to return to a game there as its the closest big league field to Idaho/Utah. I definitely recommend that you take in the game there if you have the opportunity.

Total Score (0-35)= 24

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Ballpark Series Criteria

2010-05-12T12:27:00.000-06:00

For my ballpark series I will use a points scale to evaluate each stadium on the following criteria:

Location & Accessibility (0-5): Where is the ball park located? How easy is it to access the ballpark via car, public transit, or walking?

Historic Value (0-5): How old is the park? How many World Series and other monumental events has the park hosted?
Originality (0-5): Is the park a cookie-cutter or does it have its own uniqueness?

Fans (0-5): How well do the fans support their team, not just in attendance wise but cheering them on?

Fun Factor (0-5): What does the ballpark offer in the way mascots, celebrations, teams stores, interactive games, music, etc?

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): Does the food taste good? Is it unique?

My own Subjectivity (0-5): Basically, how much I like the ballpark.

Total Score = (0-35)

Day Trip to Denver

2010-05-11T20:10:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my dad and I flew to Denver to watch our favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies, take on the Rockies.

We got into Denver a couple hours prior to game time, so after checking in the hotel, we started to walk around downtown. I knew it was going to be a good day when the first person I saw wearing a baseball hat wasn't wearing a Rockies hat, but a red hat, with a white P on it! He says to me, "I like your hat," as I was wearing a Phills hat too. I respond with a "Go Phillies!"

After exploring the city for a bit, we headed toward the stadium, bought some tickets from a scalper, and got inside the park in time to see the Phillies take some batting practice. To our sup rise there were tons of Phillies fans already there. It felt as if we were all friends in enemy territory. We stood next to a family with two adorable, toothless little girls. The players and grounds crew must have loved them too, as they kept coming over giving them b.p. balls and signing autographs. There is something indescribably cool about being at a major league ballpark with your dad, watching the games best goof off and have fun prior to game time.

To top it all off the game was great! Tied 5-5 in the top of the ninth, Ryan Howard was hit by pitch and subsequently scored before pinch hitter Ross Gload hit a three-run homer to seal the deal. Phillies win 9-5. It was a great game and a great day!

In two days...

2010-05-08T17:37:00.000-06:00

.. my dad and I will be here...

...watching these guys...

I can't wait!

Return to the 12th Green

2010-05-05T17:33:00.000-06:00

School will be out next week and I will be moving back home to Pocatello, back to the 12th green of Highland Golf Course. The green that this blog was named after. I am way excited for the change, I've been in Logan for 2o straight months. I'm really looking forward to being able to golf every evening and three good meals a day.

I've got some pretty cool trips planned as well. My dad and I will head to Denver next week to see the Rockies and Phillies play. We are headed to the U.S. Open in June and will attend a San Fransisco Giants game on our trip. And if I'm lucky I plan on squeezing a trip up to Seattle in too, to watch the Mariners. That will bring the total ballpark count up to seven!

Other things I'm really looking forward to this summer is the return of my friends home from their missions and playing golf with them, playing in the Pressbox golf tournament with my dad for the ninth straight year and watching my sister and her teammates at the high school state golf tournament.

All these things mean that there is going to be alot to blog about! There have been some changes to "The 12th Green" recently. I added a hit counter last week and have had over 180 hits from 43 unique visitors. It makes me happy to have people checking this out, and to keep people interested I've moved some things around, added advertisements, hopefully making the blog a little bit more fun. I'm also planning on recreating the "Ballpark Series" for this blog, not just simply talking about the games but rating the ballparks on categories i.e. family friendliness, location, historic value, overall experience. If you are reading this I really appreciate your time, it means a lot to me that you are reading my BS! I would love input on anything- blog posts, poll questions, topics to debate, layout!

Round 2: Jazz vs. Lakers

2010-05-02T12:41:00.000-06:00

In less then an hour my favorite team will tip off against one of my most hated teams for the third straight year in the playoffs.

It will be the sixth time that these two teams will meet in the playoffs, the winner advancing to the NBA Finals each and every previous time. The Jazz twice and the Lakers three times, including the last two years.

After the Jazz lost to Pheonix on the last night of the regular season I honestly didn't think they would make it out of the first round. Something I'm glad to be wrong about! And I don't think the Jazz can win this series but I sure hope I'm wrong again. The Lakers and the Magic are the only two teams that I think really out-talent the Jazz, especially at the center position with Memo missing. Deron Willams will once again have to step up big, hopefully abusing former Jazz-man Derek Fisher.

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon for basketball, I've got my jersey on, lets go Jazz!

The All "Marcus Morrison" Team

2010-05-01T15:01:00.000-06:00

(LaMarcus Aldridge)

The other night I was watching some playoff basketball games with my friends, Jason and Aaron. Aaron always calls Dwayne Wade, "cousin Dwayne" because of their shared last name. So it came to us that we should create basketball teams with players that shared our names.

First names or last names would be acceptable. Variations on spelling would be allowed as well: Jason could use a player named "Jayson" and I could use a "LaMarcus." However, we thought it would be too much of stretch for Aaron to use a "Deron."

My Starting Five:
LaMarcus Aldridge, F, Portland Trailblazers
17.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg in 09-10
Marcus Camby, F, Portland Trailblazers
10.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg in 09-10
Marcus Thorton, G, New Orleans Hornets
14.9 ppg, 1.6 apg in 09-10
Marcus Banks, G, Toronto Raptors
5.0 ppg, 1.2 apg in 09-10
Marcus Willams, G, Memphis Grizzlies
4.3 ppg, 2.6 apg in 09-10

Overall, Aldridge, Camby, and Thorton would really have step up for my team to beat "Team Jason" which would be led my Jason Richardson and Jason Kidd. "Team Aaron" should be an easy oppenent as long as "cousin Dwayne" doesn't go off each and every night.

My Bench:
DeMarcus Cousins, F, University of Kentucky Wildcats
Helped Kentucky to an Elite 8 appearance in this years NCAA Tournament. Should be a top pick in this years NBA Draft.
Adam Morrison, F, Los Angeles Lakers
Hasn't amounted to much in the NBA but had a great career at Gonzaga.
Marcus Morris, F, Kansas University Jayhawks
Will return for at least another year of school. Should be a top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Marcus Morrison, G/F, Middle Tennesse Blue Raiders
Don't know much about him but we have the exact same name.
JaMarcus Russell, F?, Oakland Raiders
Controversial quarterback for the Raiders. Played basketball in high school and with a 6'6" frame will be a valuable addition to the team.
Marcus Jordan, G, Central Florida Knights
Son of Michael Jordan, 'nough said.

Jazzin' up the Colors

2010-04-24T22:39:00.000-06:00

Word on the street is the Jazz will be changing their colors and logo next year. Navy, gold, and green would be the new colors. The change in colors/uniforms explains the price slashing on all current jerseys. I'm still not sure how I feel about the change, the hues of blue have grown on me, but they are also very widely used around the league right now. I have always been a fan of the music note though and it be sweet to see it play a bigger role! Better yet, it would be awesome if they could somehow combine the note and the mountains that represent Utah.

Game 3 Tonight!

2010-04-23T12:35:00.000-06:00

Once again, eBay proved to be a successful venture as Aaron and I scored tickets to tonight's playoff game between the Jazz and Nuggets.

After blowing the last game of the season and home court advantage it looked like the Jazz were in trouble. Then, after falling apart and losing Okur in a game 1 loss, it seemed as if the team was doomed and that the Nuggets would run away with the series. Game 2 proved to be a different story as a scrappy Jazz game out shooting hot and stole a game in Denver.

Tonight is a pivotal game and should prove to be exciting! Look for me on TV and go Jazz!

(Dawnia and I at the playoffs. April '08)

Two Videos You Must See!

2010-04-22T16:40:00.000-06:00

Take Me Out to the Ballpark

2010-04-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

Five years ago, on this very day, I was in Anaheim, CA and at one of the most magical places on earth. No, not Disneyland, just down the rode at Angel Stadium attending my first major league baseball game.

I still remember entering the home plate gates, walking through the concourse and taking my first glance at the beautifully manicured field; the grass was a perfect green and mowed in a criss-cross pattern, the infield dirt was a sparkling brown after being watered down and raked my the groundskeeper. The smell of hot dogs and other concessions filled the air. There were sounds of bat cracking as majors leaugers took batting practice and of people joyfully laughing and talking as they made their way to their seats. The ballpark was abuzz with life.

And that's what baseball stadiums really are, they are ballparks. Different than where other professional or college sports are played, a ballpark is unique. For starters, all ballparks have different dimensions in the outfield; from Fenway Park's Green Monster to Wrigley Field's ivy covered brick walls to new Yankee Stadium's short right field porch.

Each ballpark also has it's own atmosphere, it's own local food and own local flair; Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, mascot sausage races at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the Tomahawk Chop at Turner Field in Atlanta, Coors beer at Coors Field in Denver, the singing of Sweet Caroline in the middle of the eighth at Fenway.

From that day when I entered Angel Stadium five years ago, it has been a goal of mine to attend a game at each and every major league ballpark and I plan to blog about them all! Be sure to look for upcoming posts in the Ballpark Series

Possible Prodigy

2010-04-20T17:19:00.000-06:00

On Sunday I took my friend Ceed to the driving range. Ceed is from China and had never even swung a golf club before. We got to the range and I got him all set up. Had him do some practice swings and then allowed him to take a couple whacks at the first ball. It eventually scooted across the ground. Same with the second ball. I gave him a couple more tips and helped him move his arms on his back swing.

And then it happened. A ball struck so clean and crisp and had a beautiful flight through the air. A shot that would make any beginner addicted, a shot that will make Ceed want to be a golfer! The next shot was just as good.

I immediately thought I had a golf prodigy on my hands. I was about ready to quit college, become his golf coach, and start making millions. It was that amazing!

Well the thought didn't last long. Ceed probably got a little too excited and I probably over-coached a bit, as the rest of the bucket wasn't quite as good as the third and the fourth shots. But when it comes down to it, thats what why I love the golf, and why probably most golfers love golf, striving after those perfect shots... It was still a great time! We will get back out to the course soon and get the rest of the game down!

Sons of Pitches

2010-04-12T23:13:00.000-06:00

Top of the 6th inning.. Sons of Pitches are down by one run. An amazing comeback is brewing. The team scores 3 to take a 2 run advantage into the home half of the inning.

Bottom of the 6th.. Easy first out. Now at the plate the Lightning Thiefs big slugger. He hits a drive into the outfield for a double. A girl now up, hits a dribbler back to the pitcher. The runner on second fakes going for third causing a throw over to third base, runner stays on second... everyone safe! One out, runners on first and second. Now a guy at the plate. The pitch. The swing. And a drive over the outfielders heads for a three-run walk-off homerun to end the game and the Sons of Pitches chances at an intramural softball championship.

Oh so are the pains of intramural softball. It is sure a heck of a lot of fun though! And to be quite honest, nobody has as cool as name as us!

Play Ball!

2010-04-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

My good buddy Aaron hates this, but baseball is truly is America's Past Time. A couple quotes from the movie Fever Pitch can explain my feelings a little better than I can.

"I like being part of something that's bigger than me, than I. It's good for your soul to invest in something you can't control."

Troy: Why do we inflict this on ourselves?
Ben: Why? I'll tell you why, 'cause the Red Sox never let you down.
Troy: Huh?
Ben: That's right. I mean - why? Because they haven't won a World Series in a century or so? So what? They're here. Every April, they're here. At 1:05 or at 7:05, there is a game. And if it gets rained out, guess what? They make it up to you. Does anyone else in your life do that? The Red Sox don't get divorced. This is a real family. This is the family that's here for you.

To be honest up until a few years back I didn't really like watching baseball on TV and with no major leauge team within 500 miles, it was a hard sport to follow, especially after the nostagila of little leauge wore off. Don't get me wrong, I still had my favorite teams and I stilled cared about the big games but I didn't really have a love for the sport. Then about a year and a half ago my friends had all left on their missions and I was kinda going through a rough stage in my life when one crazy October night I bought tickets to the National League Championship Series. It was game 5 in Los Angeles, the Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies. My dad had always loved the Phillies and I chose them as my team.

It was a hell of a trip to LA, a story that needs to be saved for another blog, but all in all I came back with a new found love for the Phillies and the game of baseball. The Phillies won that game, advancing to the World Series, and made everything that went wrong on that trip, feel alright, it made everything in my life feel alright. A week later the Phils won it all! I've been hooked ever since. And last summer when I had no job, I looked forward to baseball games because when there was nothing else to do, baseball was there for me. Everyday.

Tonight was the seasons first game, it was a great start to the season, especially with the Yankees losing! 1 game down, 2429 more regular season games to go!

Sorry Aaron, baseball truly is America's Past Time!

The Best in Week in Sports

2010-04-03T15:54:00.000-06:00

It all starts tonight, the best week in sports!

Tonight-
The Final Four
Butler vs. Michigan State & West Virginia vs. Duke
Who woulda thought it would come down to these four teams! I don't really have an overall favorite but I would love to see Butler and West Virginia in the final.

Tomorrow-
MLB Opening Day
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
One of the greatest and oldest rivalries in all of sports. It's the 2,065 meeting of these teams. The Yanks are defending World Series Champions.

Monday-
NCAA Championship

Thursday-Next Sunday
The Masters
"A Tradition Unlike Any Other." The years first major and the offical start of golf season. Tigers return is the biggest storyline.

All Week
NBA Playoff Race
NBA players actually playing basketball! Teams battling for position and the final sports. Hopefully the Jazz can hold on the the 2 or 3 spot in the West!

All Week
2010 MLB Season
Can't wait to watch the Phillies and their new weapons! Back to the World Series!

Sometimes Less is More

2010-04-02T17:40:00.000-06:00

This week, amid what has been one of the most exciting and fun to watch NCAA Tournaments that I can ever remember, the NCAA has been trying decided if they should expand the tournament from the current 65 teams to 96 teams, with each regions top eight seeds getting a bye. Now that's madness if you ask me! Why fix something that isn't broken! Here is why I don't like it!

1) The champion is already in the field of 65. The 31 teams that will be added will be middle of the road, average teams, only diluting the field.

2) The new format will replace the NIT. The NIT is a necessary tournament for young teams and gives them postseason experience of more than one game.

3) Giving teams a bye, gives them an advantage. More rested legs, more time to prepare and the teams will probably have the opportunity to watch the live game between the teams that they will be playing.

4) Takes away from conference tournaments and Selection Sunday. I like conference championship week almost as much as the NCAA tournament itself. Teams from bigger conferences having to make runs in their respective conference tournaments to get in Big Dance, the smaller conference schools leaving it all on the line knowing that this is their one shot to make it.

5) The NCAA Tournament will no longer be a reward for a good season. If there are 96 teams selected, this years mediocre North Carolina would have been in even with their 16-16 record.

Basketball analyst, Jay Bilas said that the tournament will be great either way, but expanding it will probably make it a little less great. Dick Vitale wishes the NCAA would come out and say this move is primarily for money reasons. And that's really what the move is for, the almighty dollar. Maybe the NCAA should realize the earning power of football playoff system and leave something that's as close to perfect as you can get in sports alone!

NCAA Expands March Madness To Include 4,096 Teams

In a Year Full of Cinderellas, the Aggies can't Dance with Their Two Left Feet

2010-03-26T15:00:00.000-06:00

It has taken me nearly a week to write this blog. I have been just so distraught about our loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Texas A&M that I haven't really wanted to think about it since then. Not so much that we lost, all but one team will eventually lose, I'm more upset about how we lost. I honestly believed this year would be the year that we would break through to at least the second round.

Maybe I am just getting too greedy though. I love my school and I love our basketball team and they had a great season and one loss isn't going weaken my affection for them one bit. Besides I spent my childhood years rooting for Idaho State who never came close to even making the Big Dance, much less winning a game if they ever got there. We had a good season and a good team, we beat BYU, who won a first round game, had a heartbreaking five point loss to St. Mary's, who is in the Sweet 16, and dominated a Witchita State team who was competitive all season long with Northern Iowa, a team who knocked off overall #1 seed Kansas last weekend.

It has been a year completed dominated with story lines of upsets and Cinderella teams such as the aforementioned St. Mary's and Northern Iowa. The Ivy League's Cornell even made it to the Sweet 16. Murray St., Ohio, and Old Dominion each pulled off first round upsets as well. The little guys are putting there mark on this years tournament, showing they can play with the teams from the six power conferences.

So whats missing for the Aggies? Coach Morril said that our team hadn't played anyone as good as Texas A&M. Maybe it's time to swallow some of that "not playing anybody unless they play home and home" pride. If we go on the road and get beat but get the experience necessary to win a tournament game, wouldn't the loss be worth it? I think so. I would love to see us play at least two schools from power conferences in the preseason every year. Be it we play them away, in a holiday tournament, or even in the friendly confines of the Spectrum. Us playing the teams could be the missing link to a NCAA Tournament victory. Look at Cornell, they played Syracuse and Kansas in the preseason. Northern Iowa plays in-state rivals from power six conferences in Iowa and Iowa State. As I was looking at the schedules of these "Cinderella" teams, all had played at least one "big" school prior to the tournament. It's time for the Aggies to do the same!

My preseason predictions for the Ag's were not too far off. We had 27 wins, were regular season champions once again, and I DID get to sing the Scotsman after we beat BYU on my birthday! Not to bad of a season. With four returning starters in their senior season next year, I'm already ready for the next edition of Utah State Aggie Basketball!

Battle of the Aggies: March Madness Style

2010-03-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

For the third time in the last five games and the fourth time this season the Utah State Aggies will take on another Aggie team. Here are some facts and figures breaking down tomorrows matchup.

#12 Utah State (27-7) vs. #5 Texas A&M (23-9)
Friday, Mar. 19, 2010 • 2:45 p.m. (MT) • Spokane, Wash.
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena (12,210) • Aggie Radio Network • CBS

SCOUTING TEXAS A&M
Texas A&M is 23-9 on the season and finished in a tie for second-place in the Big 12 Conference with a 11-5 league mark. The Aggies, who are 5-5 on the road and 8-8 away from home, defeated Nebraska (70-64) and lost to No. 1 Kansas (79-66) in the Big 12 Tournament and are currently ranked 23rd in the nation. TAMU is led by senior guard Donald Sloan who is averaging 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, while senior forward Bryan Davis is averaging 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. As a team, Texas A&M averages 71.8 points and is shooting 44.2 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three-point range and 66.1 percent at the free throw line. Defensively, the Aggies allow 64.9 points and its opponents are shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from three-point range and 70.6 percent at the free throw line. Texas A&M returns two starters and 13 letterwinners from last year's team that went 24-10 on the season and finished tied for fourth-place in the Big 12 Conference with a 9-7 record. The Aggies defeated Brigham Young, 79-66, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Connecticut, 92-66, in the second round. Mark Turgeon is 72-30 in his third year at Texas A&M and 225-149 in 12 years as a collegiate head coach.

UTAH STATE VERSUS TEXAS A&M SERIES HISTORY
Utah State is 1-1 all-time against Texas A&M as it defeated the Aggies at home, 94-71, on Dec. 10, 1963 and lost to TAMU, 78-73, on Dec. 14, 1983 at the Indiana Classic in Indianapolis, Ind.

OTHER GAMES AGAINST TEXAS A&M THIS YEAR
Utah State Football played against the Aggies of Texas A&M in College Station, Tex. on Sept. 19, 2009. Utah State lost 30-38 in the first meeting between the schools football programs.

VERSUS THE NCAA TOURNAMENT FIELD
Utah State is 2-3 versus teams in the 2010 NCAA Tournament as it defeated Brigham Young (71-61) and New Mexico State (81-63), and lost to Saint Mary's (68-63) and New Mexico State twice (55-52, 69-63).

THE WAC IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
The Western Athletic Conference has had a team advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament 10 times in the last 13 years. The WAC has also had at least two teams participate in the NCAA Tournament 20 times in the last 24 years. Overall, WAC teams are a combined 35-68 (.340) in the NCAA Tournament. The last time the WAC had two teams in the NCAA Tournament was in 2008 with Nevada and New Mexico State.

12TH SEEDS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Since the NCAA Tournament went to a 64-team format in 1985, 12th seeds in the tournament have an overall record of 52-100 (.342), which includes a 34-66 (.340) record in the first round. Since 1985, at least one 12th-seed has defeated a fifth-seed in the NCAA Tournament every year except 1988, 2000 and 2007. Last season, the No. 12 seed went 3-1 vs. the No. 5 seed, finishing 4-4 overall in the tournament, the second year in a row that the 12th-seed had a 4-4 record.

UTAH STATE AS A 12TH SEED IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Utah State is a 12th-seed in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time since seedings began in 1980 and is 1-4 all-time as the 12th-seed. In fact, the last time USU won a game in the NCAA Tournament was in 2001 when it was a 12th-seed and defeated fifth-seeded Ohio State, 77-68, in overtime in the East Region in Greensboro, N.C.

UTAH STATE IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Although Utah State travels in and out of Spokane every year to play the University of Idaho, Utah State hasn't played a game in the state of Washington since Nov. 28, 1986 when it won at Washington, 81-72.

UTAH STATE IN MARCH
Utah State is 41-20 (.672) in the month of March under Morrill, which includes a 23-8 (.742) record on neutral courts. Utah State is also 0-1 in known games played on Mar. 19 and 77-15 (.837) in games played on Friday under Morrill.

UTAH STATE ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Utah State is 2-1 this year and 34-17 (.667) on neutral courts under Morrill. During the last three years, Utah State is 19-8 (.704) on the road and 23-11 (.676) away from home.

AGGIES AND THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Utah State is making its second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, its seventh in the last 11 years under head coach Stew Morrill and the school's eighth in its last 13 years. USU has gone to the NCAA Tournament (1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010) or the NIT (2002, 2004,2007, 2008) 12 times in the last 13 years. Overall, it is USU's 19 NCAA Tournament appearance in school history (1939, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1988, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010). Utah State has played in the NCAA Tournament 10 previous times since seedings started in 1980 and the Aggies were listed as the 11th seed in the West in 1980, 10th in the Midwest in 1983, 10th in the Midwest in 1988, 12th in the West in 1998, 12th in the South in 2000, 12th in the East in 2002, 15th in the West in 2003, 14th in the Chicago region in 2005, 12th in the Washington, D.C. region in 2006, 11th in the West in 2009, and 12th in the South in 2010.

Bracketology

2010-03-17T14:54:00.000-06:00

My Actual Picks
Kansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, Villanoca
Kentucky over Syracuse in the Championship

These are my official picks out for the bracket that I actually have money on. Kansas, Kentucky, and Syracuse have been consistent all year. I'm looking for Villanova to upset Duke in what I believe is the easiest region, the south. Syracuse will be able to take down overall number seed Kansas before falling to Kentucky and John Wall in the Championship.

Mascot Bracket
Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Duke
Duke over Georgetown in the Championship

A Hoya, Panther, Wildcat, and Blue Devil. The Blue Devil's have the most power being a spirit creature.

Wouldn't it Be Nice If
Kansas, Syracuse, West Virginia, Utah State
Utah State over Syracuse in the Championship

Ah... I've got to be true to my school! Vegas has the Aggies odds at 500/1 to win it all, but how sweet it would be to raise the National Championship banner in Logan! The other three teams are my favorites out of there respected regions, I like these teams and would be happy to see any of them win a National Championship.

And we wait...

2010-03-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

It was tough, it was bloody, and in the end it was a loss.

The WAC Championship was the rubber match in this seasons Battle of the Aggies. This time, our foes from New Mexico State came out on top. It was last week at this time when we beat this same team by 18 points and were cutting down the cuts nets at the Spectrum to celebrate a third straight regular season title. Now that team has ended our 17 game winning streak and will cause us to wait an agonizing 16 hours to see if the selection committee chooses us as a member of the "Big Dance."

All in all we should be in the field. We have an RPI of 31, had the nations second longest winning streak prior to tonight, the ESPN Bracketologists had us as lock after the win over Boise State on Thursday, and the man who knows the team best, Coach Morrill, said that we should be in!

The Aggies are still considered a team that "should be in" but no longer a "lock" after tonight's loss according ESPN's Joe Lunadri. However, teams like Mississippi St., who plays for the SEC Championship tomorrow, and Illinois, who took #7 Ohio State to two overtimes tonight, are considered out. A few years back the Aggies were a top-25 team and left out on Selection Sunday, be it they still playing their conference ball in the less prestigious Big West. More disheartening news, in the last two years, three teams with 26+ wins have been left out of the tourny.

So for now, Aggie Nation patiently waits. Going over stats and ratings and maybe praying a little in hopes that our name will be called tomorrow afternoon!

Threepeat WAC Regular Season Champions!

2010-03-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

Last night the Utah State Aggies finished out the regular season and capped off their third straight WAC Regular Season Championship with an impressive 81-63 win over New Mexico State.

The crowd rushed the court, the nets were cut down, Coach Stew riled everyone up by saying "we should be in!" the NCAA Tournament.

It was truly a memorable night, as all senior nights should be. It was probably the last time I'll ever see Jared Quayle play live in person. I remember at the start of last year the first time I saw him play, I wrote letters to my friends on missions saying how impressive I thought he was. This afternoon he got his proper honors when he and Tai Wesley were named to the All-WAC First Team.

But the season isn't over. Thursday the team heads to Reno to play Boise State in the WAC Tournament, hopefully to remind them to stick to football. Most likely we will then be matched up with a dangerous Louisiana Tech team in the semi-final followed by Nevada in the championship game. But I, I believe that we will win them all and be no doubt headed to the NCAA Tournament.

Winter Olympic Chills

2010-02-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

Watching the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games last night, I got chills. The stories and the nostalgia that surround the games make them so great for me. The amazing things people do and overcome to compete at the games make them so special!

The first day of competition is now done and I can tell you this: 1) Short track speed skating is one of the most exciting sports out there! Go Apolo! 2) The women who compete on the moguls are amazing, I was memorized by their form going down the hill and their tricks! 3) Those lugers have alotta guts! A day after a fellow competitor died, they are back on the "safer" track. Still today one luger crashed but amazing held on and was able to get back on his sled while going down the track!

Other events I am really looking forward to are skier-cross and boarder-cross and Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller in downhill skiing. Go USA! Go World!

You Like Bill, We Love Bill!

2010-02-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Check this out! As we wait to get back in the top 25 basketball polls, our local celebritiy Bill is #1 this week on ESPN's Not Top Plays February 12, 2010!

Lucky Numbers Seven

2010-02-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

My two favorite basketball teams are both riding seven game winning streaks!

The Utah State Aggies (17-6, 7-2) have won seven conference games in a row to put them back on top of the WAC standings after dropping their first two games. It looks like this team is firing on all cylinders! I, and probably all other Aggie fans, have been really impressed by the play of the sharpshooting, hustler #12 Brian Green. Green has been giving the team a huge boost off the bench, coming in diving for loose balls and knocking down clutch threes. He rarely misses! But when he does another bench player in Brady Jardine has been there to put the ball in the hoop. Stew has definitely figured out a good rotation for this team and hopes of making the NCAA Tournament have been refounded.

The Jazz also have been hot as of late. They've won 11 of the last 12 with wins over teams like the Mavericks, Spurs, Suns, Blazers and Cavilers! This could be called the "Gaines" effect, because ever since Sundiata was called up, the team has been nearly unstoppable. The smile must be contagious.

Intramural B-Ball

2010-01-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

As the basketball season ended for Franklin Junior Highs B-Team, I thought I had played my last competitive basketball game. It was time to hang up my shoes and call it a career.

Five years later at Utah State University, I found a little thing call intramural basketball and this years intramural season starts tonight! I am definitely excited, we have a good group of guys playing including two that tower around 6' 7"! It should be a good season, one where I'll finally make it into the second round of the playoffs!

Nine Things I'll Remember About 2009

2009-12-24T21:08:00.001-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that I love lists and being sentimental! The following are not necessarily the biggest sports stories of the year but more of the stories that I will remember from year 2009!

9. Six Overtimes! Syracuse vs. Connecticut in the Big East Tournament

Quite simply a basketball fans dream; six overtimes between two rivals in a meaningful game on basketballs biggest stage at Madison Square Garden!

8. Y.E. Yang beats Tiger Woods in the PGA Championship

Y.E. Beat Tiger in the 2009 PGA Championship. Tiger appeared human for the first time here. It was the first time Tiger ever has lost a major golf tournament when leading going into the final round. Tiger was 14-0 before little known South Korean Yang beat him!

7. Highland High School Wins The Boys Golf State Championship

Twenty-seven years since my school had last won the Championship! Oh how I wish it could have happened two years prior while I was still playing. None the less it is an awesome accomplishment for my friends and former teammates!

6. February 26- Utah State Basketball vs. Hawaii

The Aggies win their first outright regular season WAC Conference Championship! Front row seats, the team cutting down the nuts, and storming the court for my first time ever!

5. Phillies Return to the World Series

My favorite baseball team back competing for the world championship! Just a few mistakes away from being back-to-back world champions and probably a little higher on this list. It was really fun to watch them throughout the season.

4. Tom Watson in the British Open

It was a missed eight-footer on the final hole of regulation that separated 59-year-old Tom Watson from golf immortality. If he had made the putt he would be the oldest person ever to win a major but old Tom missed the putt and eventually lost the four hole playoff to first time major winner, Stewart Cink. This story has inspired hope in all of us who think it may be impossible to do something, that it is possible.

3. Utah State Basketball vs. Nevada & Being Ranked

On January 29 the Aggies were in the midst of a long winning streak when they welcomed rival Nevada into Logan. The game was close until Stavon Willams did this. Quite possibly the loudest I have ever heard an arena. Period. It gave me chills, and still does! The next week, when the top 25 polls came out the Aggies were ranked and gaining respect from the nation. To me, it is one of the coolest things to see your schools name with a number beside it. I can't wait till it happens again!

2. Tiger Woods Scandal

Simply amazing on the golf course, simply a terrible person. In my last post on this topic I said I thought I could support Tiger again, once he got his life turned around. Now, after thinking about it, I'm not so sure. I am much more likely to root for a good family man such as Phil Mickelson over Tiger. Tiger did amazing things throughout the past ten years and was rightly named AP Athlete of Decade. Being such a big player, how could he not.

1. December 2- Utah State Basketball vs. BYU

Ah.. Beating our arch rival on my birthday.. Definitely something I will always remember. Winning team, losing team, winning team, losing team. In the end it was bitter sweet as this was the last win of the Aggies 37-game home winning streak. If the streak had to end I'm sure glad that this win was a part of it.

Bowling? Next Year!

2009-12-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. The Holidays. A time for family, friends, and meaningless college football games! As much as I hate the current system in place for the college football post-season, I would like to see the system continue (and I'm sure it will) for at least one more year. Why? Because I'd love to go watch a bowl game that the Aggies are playing in! (more on how I think the BCS should change in a later post)

The Aggies this last year finished with a 4-8 record, their best record since 2002. The Aggies were a mere two games away from a bowl qualifying record this year. Three times this year the Aggies lost by four points or less. Two of those three losses coming at the hands of bowl-bound teams, Nevada(32-35) and Fresno State(27-31). In all the Aggies played seven bowl teams this past year. They played respectably in each of those games.

There is no reason the Aggies can't be in a bowl next year. It is clear that Coach Gary Anderson has his team on the right track and with many star skill players returning, such as quarterback Diondre Borel and 1000+ yard, running back Robert Turbin, the Aggies should be a legitimate WAC contender.

It has been years since the program has been truly respectable; next year with the talent and coaching in place, the 2010 season should be a program changing year leading to a great decade of Aggie Football! See you in Albuquerque, Boise or maybe even Honolulu for the bowl game!

Monday Night Miracle

2009-12-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's weird how someone can get emotional about something they hardly have any control over. Yet last weekend, when I was on the verge of missing the playoffs in my fantasy football league, I truly was sad!

A mere month ago I was atop my league, on a three game winning streak and, in theory, a win away from clinching a playoff spot. Then my world, fantasy world that is, came crashing down. It was a perfect storm of poor management decisions, player suspensions, and facing good opponents!

With only the Monday night game remaining to be played of Week 14 of 2009 NFL season, my weeks fantasy game had already been determined. It would be my fourth straight loss, dropping my record to 6-6. The only way I could make the playoffs was through tiebreakers. And the only tiebreaker that was still a possibility for me was to have the Treemiesters defeat Team Searle. Yet the Treemiesters were down by two with only one player to play, while Searle had two remaining players including his consistent quarterback Kurt Warner.

I had considered my season over earlier that day, but as I watched highlights of the Cardinals and 49ers late Monday night, I saw a ray of hope. Somehow, someway the 49ers defense completely shut down Warner and and his receivers! All the while the 49ers and Treemiesters own Vernon Davis was piling up yards and scoring touchdowns! It truly was a monday night miracle, one Vernon Davis outscored two of Team Searle/Cardinal players! Not only did he outscore them, he outscored them enough to give the 'Meisters a win and me a playoff birth! I was ecstatic!

The playoffs start this week and are sure to bring me a whole lot of emotion again for something that I have absolutely no control over! And my first round opponent? Robbie Schaap's Treemiesters, the same Treemiesters who won allowing me to make the playoffs! Talk about irony... Irony that is only going to be intenstified if I win!

"Cheetah" Woods

2009-12-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

Tiger may be a good putter, but he sure is a terrible driver!

Do you know if Tiger Woods is gonna play 9 or 18 hoes this weekend?

Whats Tigers favorite course? Intercourse!

What STD did Tiger pass to his partners? Golf Clap...

What do baby seals and Tiger have in common? They are both afraid of being clubbed by Norwegians!

Why did Phil Mickelson call Tigers Wife? He wanted advice on how to beat Tiger with a 9-iron!

Poor, poor Tiger. He was on top of the world and in a matter of days it all has crashed down on him. Tiger was a man I looked up to. To myself and the rest of the world Tiger was a star, a role model. He was a person who had it all a picture perfect family, an amazing career. He made the sport of golf relevant, he was the first athlete to earn over a billion dollars. He had everything anyone could have asked for in this world but he had to have more.

Tiger isn't perfect, he is just a man, a man with a gift and"to whom much is given, much is expected." (Luke 12:48) The world expected a lot out of Tiger, he is global icon. I am sincerely saddened that he brought this on himself. I don't know what the future holds for Tiger, but forever onward his image will be tarnished.

Tiger will go on to pass Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major wins. The golf course is a great place to forget about the world. I'm sure the driving range will be his escape as he pounds bucket after bucket trying to forget the things he has done. While he's out there I hope he remembers his family and that he still has the chance to be a good father. He can't change the past, I can only hope he makes his own future better by realizing that life is not just about golf and being a superstar, doing whatever he wants but that life if about family, the ones you love, and the responsibility you have to them. Deep down, I believe, Tiger cares and knows that he is not living how he is supposed to. Hopefully Tiger will change and see what he has done is wrong. And when he does I might be able to support and cheer for him once again!

Beating BYU!

2009-12-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Simply amazing! The crowd, the game, the 71-61 win over our rival BYU! The whole atmosphere was so cool. I have never seen the line to get into a game be so long, the student section was filled to capacity within minutes. The signs and The Refraction were so rude, hilariously rude. For a while there it was scary as BYU jumped out to an early lead and was even winning at half-time. But the Aggies battled back, making it a night that will not be soon forgotten by all in attendance. The article below and the video above sums it all up! Go Ags!

Brad Rock, Deseret News
Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry against BYU

Wild. Woolly. Noisy. Intense.

And all those rude, overbearing fans.

But we're not talking about Max Hall and the Utes.

That's so November.

Wednesday night at the Spectrum, Utah State and BYU resumed their long basketball rivalry with a 71-61 Aggie victory. No, it wasn't particularly friendly. That happens when you start playing one another 104 years ago. A century is a long time to build up a dislike. USU and BYU didn't even play one another in 2007-08 thanks to a scheduling disagreement. So they're not bosom friends.

No real trouble actually occurred, unless you count the fat lip BYU's Jackson Emery got for getting too close to Tai Wesley's elbow. The hate was limited to the ever present Aggie crowd, which included a hefty, bare-chested guy who did an outstanding Chris Farley imitation.

...

Thus the Aggies pulled off another win in Logan, their 37th straight, where the crowd brings its "A" material for games against BYU.

"The signs come out, the craziness comes out," said Morrill. "Guy takes off his shirt. Hell, it all happens."

Added Morrill, "They might go over the edge a little, but that's OK with me. That might not be OK with everyone, but it's OK with me. They might have gone over the edge, so what?"

The fat guy had sung, having shown once again that when it comes to rivalries in Utah,there's plenty of hate to go around.

Ready to be "Classless"

2009-12-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Max Hall, BYU's starting quarterback, called the whole University of Utah "classless." After tomorrow night, it is my hope that BYU's basketball team is saying the same thing about Utah State.

The Cougars haven't visited the Spectrum since they lost here on December 22, 2005.. Nearly four years ago! And since then, the Aggies haven't beat the Cougars in major collegiate sports(men's basketball and football). A lot of Y fans don't even consider the two in-state schools a rivalry.

Tomorrow night that comes to an end. No more will we be the little farm school, forgotten about way up north in Cache Valley. The players and fans will show what it means to be an Aggie, and that Utah State isn't just "the second choice for kid's who couldn't get into BYU." We have the best basketball atmosphere this side of the Mississippi, it is about time we got some respect from that school down south.

The 'Re'Spectrum is already heating up. It's time to restore the rivalry and show BYU just how "classless" we can be!

Prediction: A thrilling game on my 21st birthday, Aggies win 64-57

The Idaho State Bungles

2009-11-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

bun·gle
To work or act ineptly or inefficiently.
To handle badly; botch. n.
A clumsy or inept performance

After two hard road losses, the Aggies returned home and laid a beat down on the Idaho State Bengals 77-44. From the beginning the Ag's had control, and unlike the game against Northeastern, they never let the Bengals err Bungles back into it.

Being from Pocatello, I grew up watching the Bengals. They are the hometown team and I had to root for them. That being said I am an Aggie now and am happy that we completely destroyed them last night, but it still makes me a little sad to see the Bengals be so bad! Right now they really are Bungles, they are bad, inept and inefficient.

The Bengals have a lot to learn from us here at Utah State. They need to learn how to recruit- getting all of your players from Memphis is obviously not the right decision when a bunch of white boys from Utah beat you that handily. They need to learn that basketball is about playing as a team. They need to learn to have fun, it has got to be hard to lose that bad day after day. They need to get fans like ours. The boosters and students need to support their team, the team needs to show that they are worth supporting. Holt Arena could have a great basketball atmosphere with its lighted-up court and darkened seats. I'd like to see the Aggies and Bengals have a rivalry as the schools are only 90 miles away from each other. I don't know if any of these things are ever going to happen but I hope they do, it would be fun! As I have said before Utah State Basketball gets me through the winters, I want my friends in Pocatello to enjoy basketball like we do in Logan. But then again maybe they should just move to Logan!

The Aggies and Me: Oh-for-Three in SLC

2009-11-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Dec. 5, 2007- Huntsman Center- Utah 72, Utah State 48

Dec. 6, 2008- Energy Solutions Arena- BYU 68, Utah State 63

Nov. 18, 2009- Huntsman Center- Utah 68, Utah State 67

Three trips to Salt Lake City, three sad car rides back to Cache Valley. Thankfully, these are the only games I've ever seen the Aggies lose in person.

The game was quite sloppy last night. One can tell it is definitely early on in the season. The Aggies did have a chance right up until the end when the game ended in eerily similar way as the loss to Marquette in the NCAA Tournament Game.

At times I think losses can be good things, they make you appreciate the wins. They build character. Don't get me wrong still I hate seeing my team and my friends lose out there, but in the long run, this loss should make the team better. Lets hope so!

Overall last night was an eye opening experience for me as well. I realized that going to games isn't just about cheering on your team, it's about hanging out with good friends and having a good time. I got to see some good friends that I haven't seen in a really long time, it was great! And on a night I had all the reasons to be stressed out because of terrible Salt Lake traffic and being late to the game, I wasn't. Call it karma or whatever you want, but when we got to the ticket office a man approached us saying he had two extra tickets that we could use. So in the end it all worked out, we weren't there for the opening tip but we got to see the exciting end for free!

Anyways back to sports, it was the second game of the season. We were playing a Utah team who needed a win, on there home court, and without one of our best players in Pooh Williams. The weekend brings another tough road game in Northeastern and a chance for redemption. As always, Go Aggies!

November 16

2009-11-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last Week:
The Jazz went on the road last week. They won the games they were supposed and lost the ones everyone expected them to. Eric Maynor was impressive for D-Will while he was out. The team looked good against the Cav's and should be able to take them down in January when they are full force.

Aggie basketball won it's first game! It's always nice to open up the season with a big road win against an in-state rival

Aggie football had a good win against San Jose State. The game was freezing. Robert Turbin is a beast and eclispsed the 1000 yard mark for the season with a pretty impressive TD run!

What I'm watching and watching for this week:
*MARCUS' GAME OF THE WEEK*
Utah State Football vs. #6 Boise State - Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. ESPN 2
One of the highest ranked teams ever to enter Romeny Stadium. The Broncos laid a whooping on in-state rival Idaho last week. ESPN 2 comes to Logan for the first time ever. The Broncos have to be beat sooner or later, this could be a huge turning point in Aggie football if it goes down Friday night. It's going to be a blast!

Utah State Men's Basketball at Utah - Nov. 18, 6:00 p.m.
A similar situation to the Weber game, two years ago the Ag's got beat pretty handily by the Utes in Salt Lake. This year should be a different story, Utah lost its opener to Idaho.

Also this is the one month anniversary of the 12th Green. A total of three followers and eight posts. Thank you my faithful readers!

Aggie Basketball!

2009-11-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Aggie Basketball starts tomorrow! Possibly the only thing that gets me through the cold Logan winters, are those amazing nights in the The Spectrum! Hands down the best basketball atmosphere this side of the Mississippi. Don't believe me? Watch this!

With only Gary Wilkinson graduating, four starters from last years WAC Championship team are returning! Last year everyone was worried how good this team would be after Jaycee Carroll left. All they did was win 30 games and the first outright WAC Championship in school history. The team has looked very impressive in two exhibition wins, beating NNU 85-51 and Trinity Western 65-40. The same Trinity Western that beat Utah Valley and jumped out to an 8-0 lead against rival BYU earlier in the week. Sure its only exhibition but using the Trinity Western formula the Ags have a 7 point advantage over that team from down south. Both games were played with out starter Pooh Williams, the team only looks to get better with his return. Gary and back-up SG Stavon Williams will both be missed from last years team but I believe this team has what it takes. I really have liked what I've seen from F Nate Bendall and G Preston Medlin in the two games.

So here are my predictions for the year: 25+ Wins, WAC Regular Season Champions, 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament. I can't wait to watch it all go down. The dunks, the threes, the singing of the Scotsman after beating the Cougs on my birthday.. It's going to be great!

Go Aggies, Go Aggies, Hey, Hey, Hey!

November 9

2009-11-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Last Week:
The Phillies lost the Series to those hated Yankees. After being down 3-1 it is kind of what I expected. I still love this team and had a great time watching them throughout the year.

Last week I had hoped that the Jazz would go 3-1 and currently have a 4-2 record. Nope! Just the oppisite! 1-3 last week and 2-4 overall. The win over the Spurs was good, but what about those two huge fourth quarter blow ups against the Mavs and Rockets?! Ridiculous.

Two exhibition games, two impressive wins for Aggie basketball. Sure the games don't count but the expierence does! The real games start this week, its going to be awesome!

What I'm watching and watching for this week:
*MARCUS' GAME OF THE WEEK*
Utah State Men's Basketball at Weber State - Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.
First game of the year! Two years ago the Ag's lost the opener in Ogden, time for some sweet revenge!

Utah Jazz at New York 11/9, at Boston 11/11, at Philadelphia 11/13, at Cleveland 11/14
The Jazz take on two of the East's elite! This is a season defining trip where they will need to win at least one game against Boston or Cleveland and at least two overall. Hopefully they can take down Queen James!

Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - Tonight 6:30 p.m. ESPN
Good test for the 6-1 Broncos facing the reigning Super Bowl champs.

The Memories

2009-11-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of the best written sports articles I have read:

After 25 years of drought and two days of two much rain, Philadelphia is the city of champions again.

Don't worry it wasn't a dream. It really happened. You're wide awake and the Phillies really are World Series Champions. They beat the weather and the Tampa Bay Rays, four games to one, to earn just the title in franchise history.

...

There will be a championship parade tomorrow. It won't be in Boston. It won't be in New York City. It won't be in Los Angeles or Chicago, and it sure as heck won't be in St. Petersburg, Fla.

It will be down Broad Street, right under the approving gave of Mr. William Penn, right through the still-racing heart of Philadelphia.

You didn't dream it, and now it belongs to you forever. To you and your family and your friends and your hometown. The Phillies created the memories, and now you will always have them.

-Phil Sheridan, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Thursday Oct. 30, 2008. The day after the Phillies won the '08 Series.

The memories. The moment fades and all you have is the memory, in sports and in life. From that moment forward, all you want to do is make more memories; win one more championship, have one more good night. Last year the Phillies won, this year they lost. How sweet will it be when they win again! Things change, life goes on, but you will always have the memories. Enjoy them and get ready to make more!

November 2

2009-11-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last Week:
The Phillies are down 3-1 in the series, not what I had predicted or hoped for. Last nights game was ridiculous. Giving up three runs in the top of the ninth with two outs? Really, really?

A decent start to the season for the Utah Jazz. 1-1 after two games. I haven't had a chance to really watch them yet. The NBA season is so long as long as they don't totally blow it these first couple weeks everything should be alright.

The Denver Broncos finally lost. Pretty impressive that it didn't come until the seventh week of the season with a new coach and new quarterback. They'll get back on track this week.

The Aggie basketball team had there first preseason game on Friday. Largest and wildest crowd I have ever seen for an exhibition game. Overall the team looked good. (full review on the Ag's later)

Aggie football, more of the same. Sooner or later this team is
going to learn how to win!

What I'm watching and watching for this week:
*MARCUS' GAME OF THE WEEK*
World Series Game 5- Tonight, 6 p.m. FOX
This is it, the Phillies have to win the next three games. It's win or go home It's going to be hard, but not impossible. Hopefully I'll also be watching games six, seven, and the championship parade!

Utah Jazz vs. Houston 11/2, at Dallas 11/3, vs. San Antonio 11/5, vs. Sacramento 11/7
Too early in the season for any of the games to be super important. I would love to see them go 3-1 though!

Thoughts and Hopes on the 2009-2010 Utah Jazz

2009-10-25T22:59:00.000-06:00

With the Jazz opening their season tomorrow night, the same big question that arises year after year comes up; will this be the year for they finally get a championship?!

I hope so, but in all honesty I doubt this will be the year. There are just too many question about the team. I love the Jazz and will be along for the whole ride but after last season it's hard to tell what we really have. D-Will will bring his game but what about everybody else?

Boozer. Will he keep his mouth shut and play good basketball that includes playing defense and rebounding?

Will the Jazz stay healthy? Korver and Miles are both already hurt they can't afford another injury.

Are they one team or are they a bunch of guys playing ball in contract year?

Right now it's just hard to tell. We really won't know what the team is made until after the big eastern road trip in couple weeks when they take on the Cavs and Celtics. Last year they started off hot going 6-0 until that trip where they dropped four of five games against teams not near as elite.

But maybe, just maybe, this year will be the year though. The Jazz will be a dominate team all season. They'll beat the Rockets, Spurs, and Lakers in the playoffs for some sweet revenge. And then be the team nobody wants to see win as they take down the Lebron and the rest of the Cavs in the Finals. There will be a huge parade on a warm summer's day in downtown Salt Lake City and the governor will declare it a state holiday. It'll be a week long party, fans will be dancing in streets. And most importantly Jerry Sloan will get his title. Maybe, just maybe.

Go Jazz!