Category: Sports
March Madness brings plenty of Gladness and Sadness to the Midwest
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Monday, 16 March 2009 13:50
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Well folks, it’s that time of year. The time when every man, woman and child has at least two cents to offer in the team selection of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. That’s right, from little Billy in the 1st grade, to the knitting chair of aunt Ester, the Midwest is one of the most basketball-savvy regions in America. And no doubt, EVERYONE has their own version of who should be in and where. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi might make the big bucks for his version of “Bracketology,” but his basketball knowledge is easily challenged by the everyday, good ol’ Midwestern native.

The Midwest is no doubt the Mecca of basketball. Have you seen the movie “Hoosiers”? If not, it is a great example of the passion for basketball that we display here in the Midwest. Did you know that 9 of the 11  largest high school gyms in the U.S. are found in the state of Indiana? New Castle Fieldhouse, a high school facility in New Castle, IN, seats 9,314; which according to Wikipedia is the exact same capacity of Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. What does that say? It sounds like the Blue Devils under coach K (the supposed “KIngs” of college basketball) draw the same crowd as a rural high school in the Midwest. Cameron’s Crazies my keister, come to Indiana and you will certainly learn what it means to be crazy about basketball.

Back to the subject at hand, March Madness. Louisville, Kentucky is consistently the highest rated television market when it comes to the Madness that is March. Many businesses have televisions in their offices, dutifully tuned in to the tournament of all tournaments. It’s no wonder, with the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville,  Western Kentucky, Indiana University, Butler University and the University of Cincinnati, all at arms length. Not to mention, some other mid-majors that regularly see tournament play.

So, how does the Midwest stack up this year in the Big Dance? Ohio received 5 invitations: Ohio State, Cleveland State, University of Dayton, Xavier University and the University of Akron. Kentucky offered up three: Louisville, Western Kentucky and Morehead State. Indiana is represented by two: Purdue and Butler, while Illinois is represented solely by the University of Illinois.

THE GLADNESS: Well, there is much jubilation in the Derby City this year, as the Louisville Cardinals have been rewarded with the top seed of the entire tournament, only their second appearance as a #1 seed (there are four #1 seeds, one for each region: Midwest, West, South and East). Their first #1 seed was earned in 1983, when UofL defeated UK to move to the “final four.” This year, the Cards will represent the Midwest Region as it’s #1 seed. Louisville will play its first two games (assuming they continue to win) in Dayton, OH, and the Midwest regional finals will be played in Indianapolis; both sites are less than three hours from the UofL campus. The Cardinals have also climbed to the top spot in the coaches poll for the first time this year at probably the most important of “times.”

THE SADNESS: The University of Kentucky, who often refers to UofL as “little brother,” ended their 17 year Dancing streak while returning to the NIT (losers’ tourney) for the first time since 1979. Big Blue fans are some of the most loyal and rabid fans in the country, and it is quite ironic that they will be sitting at home watching UofL Dance their way through the tourney under the leadership of former Kentucky Wildcat coach, Rick Pitino. To pour salt in that open wound, Tubby Smith (the coach that the Kentucky faithful diligently chased away) will take his new team, Minnesota, to the Big Dance as well. Not a great time to be a Kentucky Blueblood. ESPN’s Dana O’Neil authored an in depth look into the Wildcats’ downfall in recent years, and every good Cat fan should investigate her analysis. By the way, this Sadness ironically equals Gladness for the supposed “little brothers,” the Louisville Cardinals.

To include more Sadness, the once basketball giant, Indiana Hoosiers, will see no post-season action as they finished the regular season at a paltry 5-26 with a last place conference record of 1-17, four games back from second to last. Also, Notre Dame, Bowling Green and Illinois St will join Kentucky in the NIT.

So, there you have it. Sharpen your pencils Midwesterners! Be sure to stretch your wrists properly to avoid acquiring carpal tunnel as you fill out all of your brackets. Grab some quality potato chips and your beverage of choice, plant your rear end on your favorite couch, and be prepared to swear at the players and officials, as the greatest post-season tournament in sports is just beginning!

 
N.E. Patriots’ Bill Bellichick and Notre Dame’s Charlie Weiss sing Bon Jovi’s: “Wanted, Dead or Alive”
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Monday, 16 March 2009 11:28
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At a fundraising event, John Bon Jovi was reported to offer $50,000 if Bill Bellichick, coach of the New England Patriots; and Charlie Weiss, Notre Dame head football coach would join him on stage and sing Bon Jovi's hit song "Wanted, Dead or Alive." They eagerly accepted and as you can see, they hammed it up and got the crowd involved.

Although some have criticized the two coaches for various reasons, I think it can be said that at the very least, they are defiitely "good sports."

 
Woods a man of true hope and inspiration
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:34
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Once in a generation, a unique and inspiring individual comes along, a person that brings hope to all people, but especially instills ambition in the hearts of young Americans. Oftentimes, this person will transcend racial, cultural and economic barriers to become a timeless icon, forever etched in world history.

I’m talking about a man whose father was an African-American; who, despite being raised in a fairly affluent environment, still had to overcome many social obstacles. Although many minorities have achieved success in their own right, this man, his charisma and his accomplishments have captivated the entire world.

Since the first time I watched Tiger Woods play golf, I knew I was witnessing history in the making. Tiger exudes the type of personality that is infectious and stimulating. His focus and determination are rare, and one can’t help but wonder, “how” or “why” does he do it? Examples are “many” and “near” between,” because he manages to find a way to “overcome” almost every adversity he faces in life.

Woods started his career “on fire,” winning tournament after tournament. But after a few years, he realized that his “style” of play would bring unseasonable physical strain, and would likely reduce the length of his career. Though inundated with intense criticism, Tiger elected to “change his swing,” Why would he alter his swing after such record-breaking success? The answer is simple: Longevity… After a couple of mediocre years (while refining his new swing), he began to dominate the field once again.

Tiger is renowned for having “nerves of steel,” rarely succumbing to the pressure of pivotal shots, ones that turn the average “macho” golf pro into utter jello. Just when you think that he has no chance in hell, he steps it up and makes the “impossible,” possible. We have watched him overcome his swing change; witnessed him winning championships in spite of losing his father, Earl (also his best friend and mentor); and at the tender age of 32, Tiger has surpassed all pro golfers except Jack Nicklaus with the most major championship victories by one player.

Once again, we are privileged to behold the magic of Tiger Woods. Monday he captured the 2008 U.S. Open Championship while literally limping his way through all four rounds, a playoff round, and one extra sudden-death hole. In his first tournament since undergoing his third knee surgery, Tiger’s doctors told him that the grueling 72 holes of the championship were to be an almost insurmountable test for his recovering knee (in fact, Woods had not walked a complete 18 hole practice round). However, in reality, it would take the “72 holes,” PLUS an extra 19 (a total of 91), for Woods to grind out his 14th major championship. Speaking at the presentation of the championship trophy, Tiger expressed that despite the intense pain, he could not allow himself to quit on all of the people who supported him. Much like Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods has once again transcended sports, reminding us that no matter how hard things get, we must never give up.

"You keep playing," Woods said. "Whatever it is, you just keep going, keep going forward. All my buddies and I used to, when we were working out, used to always say 'Four.' How many more reps do you have? Four. Four-ever. And that's the idea. You just keep going, and there's no finish line, and you just keep pushing and pushing." (Pat Forde, espn.com)

Congrats Tiger, and thank you!