Lacrosse Final 4 set

The NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse final 4 has been set. One of the matchups is a no-brainer, however, the other semi-final is a little stunning. Here are the matchups and times below for Saturday's semi-finals:

Notre Dame vs #7 Cornell 4:00 pm ESPN2
#1 Virginia vs #5 Duke 6:30 pm ESPN2

National Championship 5/31/2010 3:30 pm ESPN

Notre Dame has made the most of their opportunities in this tournament as they have upset two ranked teams (#6 Princeton & #3 Maryland). Could the Irish upset another top 10 team? Cornell took care of Loyola and Army on their way to the National Semifinal.
On the other side of the bracket, top ranked Virginia took care of Mount St. Mary's and upset minded #8 Stony Brook. This tournament was Virginia's for the taking, however since the tragedy of Yeardly Love's death and subsequently, George Huguely's arrest, anything is possible for this Virginia team. The Duke Blue Devils could pretty much care less about the issues Virginia is experiencing (on the field that is), as they look to advance to the National Championship once again. Duke manhandled Johns Hopkins in the first round and easily defeated Tobacco Road rivals, North Carolina, on their way to the National Semifinals.
Stay tuned this weekend as this is the best weekend of the year for lacrosse fans. You are going to see some great lacrosse this weekend, ending with the National Championship game on Monday.

Tracy gambles and loses

During yesterday's bump day, for the Indianapolis 500, Paul Tracy withdrew his time to gain positions in the field of 33. However, when a driver withdrawals their time, they are unable to get that time back, if they are unable to get back out on the track. That is exactly what happened. Paul Tracy was sitting 32 out of 33, so he withdrew his time to gain some positions and increase the buffer between him and the driver on the bubble. Well that didn't go so well, as Tracy was unable to get back on the track to qualify before the time ran out. Therefore, Tracy missed out on making the field of 33 for this years race. To me, it made no sense for Tracy to withdrawal his time. Instead, he should have gotten in line to see if any drivers put him in danger of not making the race before he decided to withdrawal his time.

In other IRL news, Andretti-Green driver, Tony Kanaan had a closed door meeting with teammate Danica Patrick. Kanaan had the meeting because Danica decided to toss her teammates and crew under the bus because she had some issues qualifying. Now, it appears to me that NASCAR has ruined Danica a little bit. She seems to have that NASCAR, don't mess with me, mentality. I have lost a lot of respect for her after this little incident and I am glad she was booed by the fans at the track yesterday. That can be something that will hopefully smack her back to reality.

Here is the list of the starting 33 for Sunday's Indianapolis 500:

Order Driver (No.) Qualifying Speed
1 Helio Castroneves (3) 227.970 mph
2 Will Power (12) 227.578 mph
3 Dario Franchitti (10) 226.990 mph
4 Ryan Briscoe (6) 226.554 mph
5 Alex Tagliani (77) 226.390 mph
6 Scott Dixon (9) 226.233 mph
7 Graham Rahal (30) 225.519 mph
8 Ed Carpenter (20) 224.507 mph
9 Hideki Mutoh (6) 223.487 mph
10 Townsend Bell (99) 225.097 mph
11 Justin Wilson (22) 225.050 mph
12 Raphael Matos (2) 225.028 mph
13 Mario Moraes (32) 224.888 mph
14 Davey Hamilton (21) 224.852 mph
15 Mike Conway (24) 224.583 mph
16 Marco Andretti (26) 224.575 mph
17 Ryan Hunter-Reay (37) 224.547 mph
18 Dan Wheldon (4) 224.464 mph
19 E.J. Viso (8) 224.380 mph
20 Tomas Scheckter (23) 224.261 mph
21 (R) Ana Beatriz (25) 224.243 mph
22 (R) Simona de Silvestro (78) 224.228 mph
23 Danica Patrick (7) 224.217 mph
24 (R) Bertrand Baguette (36) 224.189 mph
25 Bruno Junqueira (33) 225.662 mph
26 (R) Alex Lloyd (19) 224.783 mph
27 (R) Mario Romancini (34) 224.641 mph
28 John Andretti (43) 224.518 mph
29 Sarah Fisher (67) 224.434 mph
30 Vitor Meira (14) 224.388 mph
31 (R) Takuma Sato (5) 224.178 mph
32 Tony Kanaan (11) 224.072 mph
33 (R) Sebastian Saavedra (29) 223.634 mph

(R) - Rookie

For a really pretty version of this (with car pictures), check out the IRL website.

Spitfires lay claim as one of greatest CHL teams in recent memory

With the 9-1 demolition of the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2010 Memorial Cup final, the Windsor Spitfires have laid claim as one of the best junior hockey teams in recent memory. This years Spitfires team was absolutely loaded with talent. They boast two, soon to be, top 5 2010 NHL Draft picks (Taylor Hall, will be #1 and Cam Fowler), along with numerous players who will continue their careers in the NHL. The Spitfires easily won every game in this years Memorial Cup. They finished the year on a 12 game winning streak (after coming back from 3-0 deficit to Kitchener in OHL Playoffs). It will be very interesting to see where next years Windsor team fits into the OHL picture. For more on Windsor's back to back Memorial Cup Championships, here is an article via Yahoo Sports blog, Buzzing the Net.

13 yr old American boy Conquers Everest

Mount Everest was no match to this 13 yr old California boy, click here.

This is truly an amazing story that I came across. Really makes you look at what you have done in your life. Yes at just 13 this boy has set a goal to climb the worlds 7 wonders. But setting the record of being the youngest person to ever climb the giant mountain by a staggering 3 years, he isn't done yet. Truly a great read and an amazing feat.

Classy move by Gooch

United States National Team defender, Oguchi Onyewu has extended his contract with Italian powerhouse, AC Milan for another season. The catch, Onyewu has extended that contract for no cost to the Rossoneri.
Onyewu only played in one regular season game, a Champions League game against FC Zurich. He was injured the remainder of the year with a torn knee ligament, suffered in a World Cup qualifying match.
This is an extremely classy move by Gooch. I love it when athletes do things like this. Almost all of the time, its all about the money. In this rare case, its not. Great job Gooch! Can't wait to see you in South Africa in June!

Hello first place, how are you doing?

Mark it down May 16th, 2010 the Cincinnati Reds starred down the perennial powerhouse of the NL central and didn't back down. After losing the first game of the 3 game series, to St. Louis Friday night, they got a remarkable start from rookie Mike Leake. Bronson Arroyo followed it up with a masterful performance today, to take 2 out of 3 games from St. Louis. The Reds came away with a half game lead in the NL Central. The Reds have won 7 of 8 games and stand at 21-16 a month and a half into the season. Yes it is still early and maybe the Reds won't hold onto this lead, but boy its awful exciting to see this team play as hard as they do and have success with it. This team is full of energy and leaves it all on the field, each and every night That is a breath of fresh air for a change around here.

Here is to hoping the Reds can keep it up and finally make the postseason. It won't be easy as the Cardinals will still be there in the end. The Central still goes through them, but they only have 9 games left with them this season. Consistency has always been a problem but maybe this team does have what it takes. Only time will tell, but for now I say lets ride it out and support this team.

These guys have earned our support and need people to come to the ball park and support them. With first place on the line Friday only 21 thousand people showed up and that is unacceptable. So folks let it ride and show up to support them, they have deserved it!

Approaching the end of an era

(Photo courteousy of Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Community)

Now this is not sports related, however, I felt the need to mention this, due to the fact I'm a space geek. In a little over an hour, the Space Shuttle Atlantis will be making her last scheduled launch at Kennedy Space Center. The crew will be delivering a Russian built research module to the International Space Station. After the launch of Atlantis, there are only 2 more scheduled Shuttle launches (Discovery & Endeavour) before the Shuttle program ends. It is still on my bucket list, so come hell or high water, my rear end will watch one of the final 2 launches in person. If anyone feels like they want to donate to my cause, please let me know! Donations are greatly appreciated! In all seriousness, this is a sad day as the "work horse" of the shuttle fleet will head to space for the last time. We are very lucky to have seen some amazing progression in space exploration during the 30 years of the NASA Space Shuttle program.

Miami University Releases their 2010-2011 Hockey Schedule

Head Coach Enrico Blasi has announced the schedule for Miami hockey for the upcoming 2010-2011 season. It includes 6 teams that made the NCAA tournament a year ago. Highlights on the schedule are Oct 8-9 when the University of New Hampshire comes to Oxford, as well as Notre Dame Dec 3-4, Michigan Feb 4-5, and a matchup with perennial power, University of Maine on Dec. 29th, at the Florida Hockey Classic.

Two other key matchups will be late in the year Jan 14-15th when former assistant Chris Bergeron will bring his new Bowling Green Falcons to Oxford, as well as Feb 11-12, when another former assistant, Jeff Blashill, will bring his Western Michigan Broncos to Oxford.


2010-2011 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result

Sun., Oct. 3 vs. Waterloo (exhibition) ^ Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Oct. 8 vs. New Hampshire Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Oct. 9 vs. New Hampshire Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Oct. 15 at St. Cloud State St. Cloud, Minn. TBA
Sat., Oct. 16 at St. Cloud State St. Cloud, Minn. TBA
Fri., Oct. 22 vs. Northern Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Oct. 23 vs. Northern Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Lake Superior State * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Lake Superior State * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Nov. 5 at Ferris State * Big Rapids, Mich. TBA
Sat., Nov. 6 at Ferris State * Big Rapids, Mich. TBA
Fri., Nov. 12 vs. Alaska * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Nov. 13 vs. Alaska * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Nov. 19 at Bowling Green * Bowling Green, Ohio TBA
Sat., Nov. 20 at Bowling Green * Bowling Green, Ohio TBA
Fri., Nov. 26 at Western Michigan * Kalamazoo, Mich. TBA
Sat., Nov. 27 at Western Michigan * Kalamazoo, Mich. TBA
Fri., Dec. 3 vs. Notre Dame * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Dec. 4 vs. Notre Dame * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Florida College Classic
Wed., Dec. 29 vs. Maine Estero, Fla. TBA

Thu., Dec. 30 St. Cloud State/Cornell Estero, Fla. TBA
Fri., Jan. 7 at Ohio State * Columbus, Ohio TBA
Sat., Jan. 8 at Ohio State * Columbus, Ohio TBA
Fri., Jan. 14 vs. Bowling Green * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Jan. 15 vs. Bowling Green * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Jan. 21 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. TBA
Sat., Jan. 22 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. TBA
Fri., Jan. 28 at Notre Dame * South Bend, Ind. TBA
Sat., Jan. 29 at Notre Dame * South Bend, Ind. TBA
Fri., Feb. 4 vs. Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Feb. 5 vs. Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Feb. 11 vs. Western Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Sat., Feb. 12 vs. Western Michigan * Oxford, Ohio TBA
Fri., Feb. 25 at Lake Superior State * Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. TBA
Sat., Feb. 26 at Lake Superior State * Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. TBA

World Cup full TV Schedule

It is almost here. The World Cup. The single largest sporting event on the planet. Hopefully ESPN will hit the Cup coverage out of the ball park. They started off on the right foot, hiring legendary commentator Martin Tyler (Sky Sports) to be their lead commentator. That means he will be calling the USA/England match on June 12. For those who do not know Mr. Tyler, he is the best in the business and is one of the best broadcasters in sports. Period. In fact, I wish he could have called my wedding or graduation. I have linked a story from ESPN in regards to the full broadcast schedule in the United States.

Same place, different faces

For the 2nd time in 3 years, the Cincinnati Cyclones will be playing for the Kelly Cup. The Clones became just the 6th team in professional hockey history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the series 4-3. They pulled it off in nervous fashion last night at US Bank Arena, hanging on to defeat the Reading Royals 1-0, on the strength of a Barret Ehgoetz first period goal.
The Clones begin Kelly Cup play tomorrow night, in Boise, against the Idaho Steelheads.

Game 1 Fri 5/14 @ Idaho 9:10 pm EST (Coverage on ESPN 1530 am)
Game 2 Sat 5/15 @ Idaho 9:10 pm EST (Coverage on ESPN 1530 am)
Game 3 Tue 5/18 @ US Bank Arena 7:30 pm EST
Game 4 Thu 5/20 @ US Bank Arena 7:30 pm EST
*Game 5 Fri 5/21 @ US Bank Arena 7:30 pm EST
*Game 6 Tue 5/25 @ Idaho 9:10 pm EST (Coverage on ESPN 1530 am)
*Game 7 Wed 5/26 @ Idaho 9:10 pm EST (Coverage on ESPN 1530 am)

*If Necessary

Here is the story from the Cincinnati Cyclones. LETS GO CYCLONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More MLS international friendlies

Two more European clubs will be taking on MLS sides this summer. The Bhoys, Celtic FC, from Glasgow, will take on the Philadelphia Union on July 14 at Philadelphia's PPL Park. Another friendly that will be taking place is Bolton Wanderers, from the English Premier League, taking on Toronto FC on July 21.

Big names will be missing from the World Cup

The World Cup is probably my single favorite sporting event. I am a huge soccer fan. I love the passion, the atmosphere. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a European soccer match. Starting June 11, that will return. However, there will be some big names that you will not see during the games. The following players will be missing from this years World Cup:

Brazil: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano, Neymar, Roberto Carlos

Italy: Francesco Totti, Luca Toni

France: Karim Benzema, Patrick Vieira

USA: Freddy Adu, Frankie Hejduk, Charlie Davies, Connor Casey

Argentina: Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso

Holland: Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Those are just a few notable names that will not be in action during this years World Cup. This tournament should still be amazing, as is all World Cups. Stay tuned as the world's single largest sporting event gets underway in 29 days, 19 hours and 30 minutes.

Russell latest member of the Bengals clinic?

Since the Bengals are now more like the Betty Ford Clinic, it seems like the perfect fit would be recently released QB JaMarcus Russell. Source's say, the Bengals have reached out to Russell's representatives. It was also reported by Chad Ochocinco, via Twitter, that he would be seeing Russell at the Bengals minicamp in June. One only knows what kind of legitimacy that has. However, I think this wouldn't be too bad of an idea. Russell is a hell of a lot better than J.T. O'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer. If Russell is willing to sign for dirt cheap, to be a backup, then why the hell not go for it. Russell is now at the point where he will not be a starting quarterback anywhere, he will have to be a backup and work his way to the starting position. I say the Bengals should go for it. He surely can't be worse than what we have now.

Time for Griffey to call it quits

This is the saddest part of sports. When a legend is unsure of their time to give it up. In this case, one of the greatest players ever, Ken Griffey Jr., has been struggling big time. This is when Griffey needs to realize, it's time. Hang them up Junior. I have always been a huge Griffey fan and I always will. After the reports of Griffey sleeping in the clubhouse during a recent game, people have been all over Griffey. I am not going to rip the guy, I truly feel sorry for him. If he would have stayed healthy during his time in Cincinnati, one only knows what records he could have smashed. He has always been a class act, although many people would say otherwise. Here is an ESPN.com article on the Griffey situation. I love you Junior. Do me and all of your fans a favor, hang up the cleats and go down as one of the greatest, ever.

The Habs just won't go away....

If there is one thing you can say about NHL playoff hockey its the fact that it doesn't matter what seed you are anyone can beat anyone. Facing elimination for the 4Th time in these play offs and down 1 goal in the second period the Montreal Canadians dug deep and found a way to force the defending Stanley cup champions to the brink.
Yes Sidney Crosby finally got a goal in this series, but Mike Cammalleri scored 2 and stole the show. Jaroslav Spacek, has has missed the last 8 games due to injury, scored a pivotal 2ND goal to get momentum back in the second period.
The atmosphere was so loud the announcers had a hard time hearing any announcements and the players had a hard time hearing any whistles. The way the fans responded to not only their team but the action on the ice was breath taking. For anyone who enjoys sport it gave you chills to watch that game and hear that building.
Montreal snuck into the playoffs and after ousting the top overall seed in the playoffs in 7 games they have set their sights on Pittsburgh. Game 7 will be in Pittsburgh tomorrow night and I have no doubt that it will be as loud their as it was in Montreal. In what is sure to be a fantastic game, they effort put forth by these Canadians is what truly shows you what the game is all about.

Winnipeg ready to pull rug from under Phoenix

That's right, the NHL in Winnipeg could be a reality once again. With the talks between Ice Edge and the City of Glendale falling apart, the City of Winnipeg could be in line to steal back their once proud franchise. As a hockey fan, I want more hockey in Canada. It's good for the game, and it's good to stick it to the NHL's jackass commissioner, Gary Bettman. Here is the story from Yahoo Sports Dan Wetzel.

Game on for Pacman

As most of you know, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed one of the NFL's most problematic players, no not Lawrence Taylor, but Adam "Pacman" Jones. I think I am in the minority, but I L-O-V-E the signing. Worst comes to worst, we can cut him. If he acts up, boom...outta here. This is a signing that adds depth to an already solid secondary. Plus, adding Jones will most certainly help the return game.
When Jones worked out last/this week for the Bengals, they obviously saw something that they liked. I trust our coaching staff to keep him in line. I trust our strong core of guys in the locker-room, like Dhani, Bobbie Williams and Andrew Whitworth. Those guys should be able to keep the locker room in tact. If not, Jones is gone.
I am a huge fan of this signing and we shall all see how Mike Brown's latest rehab project will fare at Paul Brown Stadium this fall.

Don't worry the Cincinnati Bengals Rehab Center is still open for business.....

Yes once again Mike Brown and the Bengals have reached out to another problem player in the NFL. So far things haven't bitten them in the ass but this is the biggest reach that they have taken yet. The Bengals have signed Adam "Pacman" Jones and have taken on their biggest project to date. This one, however, has the biggest risk of anyone yet. Especially with the new stipulations that the NFL has put in place for guys who committe violations under the personal conduct policy. If this works it could really pay off with the lack of depth at the corner position that the bengals have. Especially on third down in nickel situations. He is a dynamic kick returner and if he really dedicates himself he can be a great cover corner or safety. The reward is high but im just not sure the tremendous risk is worth what you may recieve in return.

Derby Fever!!!

The running of the 136th Kentucky Derby went off without a bang on Saturday May 1st, 2010. Yes the track was a little muddy but the race sure didn't dissapoint in terms of excitement. With the turn on the back stretch 1 of 8 different horses had a chance to win. But the one who did, Super Savor, was given a dream trip by jockey Calvin Borel. Borel has now won 3 of the last 4 Derbies with long shot horses. In the sloppy mud Borel sat back on Super Savor for most of the race and made his move along the rail around the last turn. When they turned for the stretch run Super Savor was in full stride and Borel had him poised to fly by all others and he did just that. This win also gave legendary trainer Todd Pletcher his first ever Kentucky Derby win. One that is far over due and one that won't be his only. I look forward to the preekness in 2 weeks and hope Super Savor can make this a magical run in the Triple Crown. A run that is long overdue for a sport that is truly facinating to watch.