The official start of winter is still a few days off, but outside the window here at the office it’s snowing something fierce (at least it was when I started this), and inside gyms across Macomb County boys basketball teams are battling for respect.
So forget what the calendar says, it’s winter.
And in boys hoops in the Macomb Area Conference, the winter season is one of
uncertainty.
Like I wrote in my boys hoops preview appearing in various editions of our papers recently, there aren’t many sure things in the MAC this season.
The graduation of so many talented seniors and the realignments of the divisions have left things wide open — which should make for an exciting few months of crossover competition and intra-division clashes.
Sure, few teams have been tabbed favorites in certain divisions, and there are several talented players throughout the MAC, not to mention some promising young ones.
But the overall sense of uncertainty is something fairly new to the conference, at least in recent years, as the talent across the board seems to strengthen more consistently.
When asking MAC coaches for their thoughts on the top local teams, one squad was mentioned again and again — Utica Eisenhower.
The Eagles, big and talented, have been tabbed as favorites to take the MAC Red — lofty expectations for any squad.
And after catching Ike in action in its Dec. 9 season opener against Warren De La Salle, I’m convinced the Eagles could be the real deal.
I say "convinced" because although Ike lost, it was largely due to mental mistakes and errors that can easily be fixed. But how quickly and effectively the Eagles correct their shortcomings will play a major role in whether they can win out in the always-tough MAC Red.
As for De La Salle, the Pilots also looked a little rusty, but coach Greg Esler and his experienced squad are going to be a tough matchup for any team in the county come playoff time. If and when things start clicking on all cylinders, the Pilots could be headed back to the Breslin Center for the Division 1 final four.
But back to the MAC, here’s a few other teams that, after some dormant and doormat years, could also be in the mix for a division crown before the snow melts: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Madison Heights Lamphere (MAC Silver); Warren Mott and Sterling Heights High (MAC Gold); Fraser High and Eastpointe East Detroit (MAC Blue); and Grosse Pointe North (MAC White). Utica Ford II could be considered a dark horse in the MAC Red, but the Falcons aren’t unfamiliar to recent success — having shared the MAC White title the past two seasons.
As for the favorites, watch out for: Romeo High (MAC Red), Roseville High (MAC White), Warren Fitzgerald (MAC Blue), Warren Lincoln (MAC Gold), Center Line High and Clinton Township Clintondale (MAC Silver).
Lastly, here’s a few upcoming games that should hold over hoops fans as the winter break approaches (most varsity contests begin at 7 p.m., but contact your local school for game times): Center Line at Lincoln, Fraser at Clintondale, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Fitzgerald, Lake Shore at Sterling Heights — all on Dec. 18; and the big one — Eisenhower at Roseville, Dec. 19.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Cheers to Lancers fans
One of my favorite things about covering games during the boys basketball season is the support shown by student cheering sections.
Sure, other sports teams will have big crowds of fans behind them at various points in the season, especially late in the playoffs, but usually none are more consistent than those that appear during the boys winter hoops season.
But this year, all those student sections that pop up during basketball have a lot to live up to after the volleyball season, as the Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse students supporting their Lancers left some big shoes to fill.
Though it swelled to about 100 fans strong during the Lancers' season finale — a Nov. 18 quarterfinal loss at Grosse Pointe North — the L’Anse Creuse volleyball team got significant backing from its students all season long.
And just as the Lancers battled tough to the end on the court with the host Norsemen during the quarterfinal, the fans in their student section impressed to the end.
Even as their team fell behind, the group stood strong and let their voices be heard, encouraging the Lancers, and for the most part, avoiding falling into any negativity like some student sections inevitably do.
So boys basketball fans, the bar has been raised, I’m hoping you can match it.
Sure, other sports teams will have big crowds of fans behind them at various points in the season, especially late in the playoffs, but usually none are more consistent than those that appear during the boys winter hoops season.
But this year, all those student sections that pop up during basketball have a lot to live up to after the volleyball season, as the Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse students supporting their Lancers left some big shoes to fill.
Though it swelled to about 100 fans strong during the Lancers' season finale — a Nov. 18 quarterfinal loss at Grosse Pointe North — the L’Anse Creuse volleyball team got significant backing from its students all season long.
And just as the Lancers battled tough to the end on the court with the host Norsemen during the quarterfinal, the fans in their student section impressed to the end.
Even as their team fell behind, the group stood strong and let their voices be heard, encouraging the Lancers, and for the most part, avoiding falling into any negativity like some student sections inevitably do.
So boys basketball fans, the bar has been raised, I’m hoping you can match it.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Gridder stars in goal too for Huskies
As a pair of reporters searched for St. Clair Shores Lakeview goalkeeper Ryan Boren following a late October regional semifinal soccer game, a Huskies player wittily remarked, “Look for the big orange thing.”
The player wasn’t far off in describing his teammate in that manner, although he probably would have been wise to quickly look around and check that Boren wasn’t nearby.
The Lakeview goalkeeper, who was wearing an orange jersey in that game, is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds. Those dimensions are more often found on a football roster — which is where I got them.
Boren also played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Huskies' football team.
Built for battles in the trenches, Boren’s size didn’t hinder him on the pitch.
He helped lead the Huskies to their fourth straight district title and played well in the regional semifinal loss, keeping a talented team at bay as best he could in Dexter High (which later advanced to the state finals for the third straight season).
“(Dexter) definitely had more shots than us, for sure,” Lakeview coach Nick Spano said. “Ryan did a heck of a job, made some real critical saves. It could’ve been worse if not for him.”
It’s impressive that Boren has the endurance, focus and skill set to not only play both ways on the football field, but to step in between the posts without much practice and perform well on the soccer field.
“I can say we wouldn’t be here if not for him,” Spano said. “He’s done a heck of a job since he took over.”
Boren spent most of his practice time with the football team, joining his soccer teammates mainly just for games.
“It was kind of hard at first,” Boren said about splitting time between the two.
Eventually it worked out for all the parties involved, which is great to see because more often than not student athletes who want to play major roles on two separate teams during one season are forced to choose.
The player wasn’t far off in describing his teammate in that manner, although he probably would have been wise to quickly look around and check that Boren wasn’t nearby.
The Lakeview goalkeeper, who was wearing an orange jersey in that game, is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds. Those dimensions are more often found on a football roster — which is where I got them.
Boren also played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Huskies' football team.
Built for battles in the trenches, Boren’s size didn’t hinder him on the pitch.
He helped lead the Huskies to their fourth straight district title and played well in the regional semifinal loss, keeping a talented team at bay as best he could in Dexter High (which later advanced to the state finals for the third straight season).
“(Dexter) definitely had more shots than us, for sure,” Lakeview coach Nick Spano said. “Ryan did a heck of a job, made some real critical saves. It could’ve been worse if not for him.”
It’s impressive that Boren has the endurance, focus and skill set to not only play both ways on the football field, but to step in between the posts without much practice and perform well on the soccer field.
“I can say we wouldn’t be here if not for him,” Spano said. “He’s done a heck of a job since he took over.”
Boren spent most of his practice time with the football team, joining his soccer teammates mainly just for games.
“It was kind of hard at first,” Boren said about splitting time between the two.
Eventually it worked out for all the parties involved, which is great to see because more often than not student athletes who want to play major roles on two separate teams during one season are forced to choose.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pitch problems and rank rankings
It’s been a busy month for me in and out of the office with soccer playoffs under way and the volleyball season wrapping up.
But here are a couple quick observations I’ve recently made:
First: Home-field advantage has taken on a new meaning in the boys soccer playoffs.
Imagine going to a volleyball playoff game only to find that your team has to play on sand.
Sure, the difference between sand and a high school gym floor may be a bit more dramatic than the difference of natural grass and the turf surfaces that have been popping up more and more steadily, but there still is a significant difference.
Soccer teams that are used to playing on natural grass for most of the season (which a little more than half of the teams I cover in the Macomb Area Conference do) often find themselves at a distinct disadvantage when they play a team that’s been on turf all year in a postseason game played on turf. And vice versa.
While I understand not every school and playoff host can have the exact some playing surface, it’s just too bad and a bit unfair when a team’s season comes to an end on a surface that they’re playing on for the first time.
Most coaches don’t like to use that as an excuse, but I know that was a key factor in the outcomes in a few district games in the area.
Second: I just saw the most recent volleyball rankings from the coaches association — and not a single MAC team (and just one OAA squad – Clarkston) is ranked. Not even an honorable mention.
Granted, I know there are some talented teams across the state, and more often than not those schools a bit closer to Lake Michigan tend to enjoy some decent success in the state tournament.
Apparently the MAC Red being even more competitive and balanced than maybe ever before — with five teams out of six still in the running for the division title with two games to go — is a negative for what many would consider the top division in the state.
I have a feeling that beating up on each other and facing top-caliber competition (whether other coaches around the state feel that way or not) all season long will pay off for teams such as Fraser High, Grosse Pointe North, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Macomb Dakota and Marysville High once the playoffs roll around.
But here are a couple quick observations I’ve recently made:
First: Home-field advantage has taken on a new meaning in the boys soccer playoffs.
Imagine going to a volleyball playoff game only to find that your team has to play on sand.
Sure, the difference between sand and a high school gym floor may be a bit more dramatic than the difference of natural grass and the turf surfaces that have been popping up more and more steadily, but there still is a significant difference.
Soccer teams that are used to playing on natural grass for most of the season (which a little more than half of the teams I cover in the Macomb Area Conference do) often find themselves at a distinct disadvantage when they play a team that’s been on turf all year in a postseason game played on turf. And vice versa.
While I understand not every school and playoff host can have the exact some playing surface, it’s just too bad and a bit unfair when a team’s season comes to an end on a surface that they’re playing on for the first time.
Most coaches don’t like to use that as an excuse, but I know that was a key factor in the outcomes in a few district games in the area.
Second: I just saw the most recent volleyball rankings from the coaches association — and not a single MAC team (and just one OAA squad – Clarkston) is ranked. Not even an honorable mention.
Granted, I know there are some talented teams across the state, and more often than not those schools a bit closer to Lake Michigan tend to enjoy some decent success in the state tournament.
Apparently the MAC Red being even more competitive and balanced than maybe ever before — with five teams out of six still in the running for the division title with two games to go — is a negative for what many would consider the top division in the state.
I have a feeling that beating up on each other and facing top-caliber competition (whether other coaches around the state feel that way or not) all season long will pay off for teams such as Fraser High, Grosse Pointe North, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Macomb Dakota and Marysville High once the playoffs roll around.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Planning, preparation pays off
Once the referee’s whistle blows and a soccer game gets under way, coaches are essentially left to watch their teams until halftime.
The sport offers few opportunities for change during a game, which is why the business conducted off the field — training and scheming — is so vital.
Preparation and the ability to improvise and adapt to opponents are especially key skills when it comes to the one-and-done postseason — you can’t go back and fix things if you weren’t prepared the first time.
During the recent Catholic High School League varsity boys soccer tournament, Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s John Pisacreta and Warren De La Salle’s Thaier Mukhtar proved they were more than up to the challenge of some late-season improv.
Pisacreta got two key goals from Foley forward Alan Wisniewski in the Ventures’ two CHSL Division CD tournament games – a 2-1 win over rival Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and a 2-0 decision against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in the final.
The Foley coach moved the towering Wisniewski, who literally stands heads and shoulders above the competition at 6 foot 5 inches, up from the JV team late in the season. Pisacreta’s move and Wisniewski’s patience and hard work paid off for Foley when it needed it most.
The Ventures also decided to move one of their top players, Derek Rosiek, into a more complete defensive role. While Pisacreta noted Rosiek has solid playmaking skills, the need for his defensive abilities led the coach to move the player from the stopper position into the sweeper spot.
“I prefer not to play him back there, but because of the opponents that we play, that’s what we decided to do,” Pisacreta said. “And he was fine with that, as long as we win. And so far, we’ve won with him back there.
“I pride my coaching staff on scouting teams and determining what their best attributes are and what they do well, and us countering that with what we do well.”
Defensive changes also affected the Pilots of De La Salle, which won its second straight CHSL Division AB title over Novi Detroit Catholic Central.
Injuries kept a few key De La Salle defensive players off the field, yet Mukhtar and his staff had the reserves ready and more than willing to stand up to the challenge of keeping the Shamrocks' offense in check during a 2-1 win.
Catholic Central’s lone goal came on a long free kick from standout Josh Gatt. The Shamrocks' star forward was otherwise shut out against the Pilots in three games this season.
De La Salle’s defense has been impressive this season, holding opponents to just nine goals (including three penalty kicks) all season (20 games).
The sport offers few opportunities for change during a game, which is why the business conducted off the field — training and scheming — is so vital.
Preparation and the ability to improvise and adapt to opponents are especially key skills when it comes to the one-and-done postseason — you can’t go back and fix things if you weren’t prepared the first time.
During the recent Catholic High School League varsity boys soccer tournament, Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s John Pisacreta and Warren De La Salle’s Thaier Mukhtar proved they were more than up to the challenge of some late-season improv.
Pisacreta got two key goals from Foley forward Alan Wisniewski in the Ventures’ two CHSL Division CD tournament games – a 2-1 win over rival Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and a 2-0 decision against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in the final.
The Foley coach moved the towering Wisniewski, who literally stands heads and shoulders above the competition at 6 foot 5 inches, up from the JV team late in the season. Pisacreta’s move and Wisniewski’s patience and hard work paid off for Foley when it needed it most.
The Ventures also decided to move one of their top players, Derek Rosiek, into a more complete defensive role. While Pisacreta noted Rosiek has solid playmaking skills, the need for his defensive abilities led the coach to move the player from the stopper position into the sweeper spot.
“I prefer not to play him back there, but because of the opponents that we play, that’s what we decided to do,” Pisacreta said. “And he was fine with that, as long as we win. And so far, we’ve won with him back there.
“I pride my coaching staff on scouting teams and determining what their best attributes are and what they do well, and us countering that with what we do well.”
Defensive changes also affected the Pilots of De La Salle, which won its second straight CHSL Division AB title over Novi Detroit Catholic Central.
Injuries kept a few key De La Salle defensive players off the field, yet Mukhtar and his staff had the reserves ready and more than willing to stand up to the challenge of keeping the Shamrocks' offense in check during a 2-1 win.
Catholic Central’s lone goal came on a long free kick from standout Josh Gatt. The Shamrocks' star forward was otherwise shut out against the Pilots in three games this season.
De La Salle’s defense has been impressive this season, holding opponents to just nine goals (including three penalty kicks) all season (20 games).
Monday, September 8, 2008
I remember you!
As I strolled up to the coaches at the Grosse Pointe North-Warren Cousino boys soccer game back at the beginning of the fall season, I was struck with two very different but strong cases of déjà vu.
First I approached North coach Chip Stencel. Suddenly the early season Macomb Area Conference crossover game I was about to watch felt like a regional or state level playoff game.
That’s because Stencel was one of the last soccer coaches I interviewed — back in the spring — as he led the Norsemen's girls team to the Division 1 state championship game.
While that game took place back in mid-June, it felt like barely a week had passed since I had talked to Stencel, not two months.
“The girls ended, and then it was a month and a half and we were right back in it,” Stencel said, referring to tryouts and training beginning back a couple weeks earlier in August.
While his summer vacation might have gone by a little too quickly, Stencel admitted it wasn’t a bad problem to have.
“No, it is what it is,” he said.
Stencel seems to have picked up where he left off, as the GPN boys began the season 4-1-0 overall, including a 1-0 win over defending division champion Utica Eisenhower to kick off the MAC Red campaign.
Wrapping things up with Stencel, I ask him about the new Warren Cousino coach, Anthony Sorrentino. The name was familiar to both of us, but we couldn't seem to place it.
So I headed over to introduce myself and began to recognize the young coach as I got closer.
I realized that Sorrentino played for Warren Woods Tower back when I was manning the left midfield spot for Warren Mott.
Putting the old rivalry behind me, I spoke with Sorrentino and can freely say he seems to have the same successful touch he had as a player as a coach. The former Division 2 All-State honorable- mention selection has the Patriots off to a hot start at 2-0-0 in the MAC Blue, 3-1-0 overall — with their lone loss coming that day to the Norsemen.
Sorrentino’s success was not a surprise to his former coach at Tower, Brian Bonkowski, who I caught up with a short while ago.
“It’s great to see one of the players that you’ve coached move into the coaching ranks,” said Bonkowski, who is still the coach of the Titans. “It’s good. He’s intense and he knows what he’s doing. He’ll do good over at Cousino.”
Teacher and student will meet up at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tower for a late season MAC crossover game.
First I approached North coach Chip Stencel. Suddenly the early season Macomb Area Conference crossover game I was about to watch felt like a regional or state level playoff game.
That’s because Stencel was one of the last soccer coaches I interviewed — back in the spring — as he led the Norsemen's girls team to the Division 1 state championship game.
While that game took place back in mid-June, it felt like barely a week had passed since I had talked to Stencel, not two months.
“The girls ended, and then it was a month and a half and we were right back in it,” Stencel said, referring to tryouts and training beginning back a couple weeks earlier in August.
While his summer vacation might have gone by a little too quickly, Stencel admitted it wasn’t a bad problem to have.
“No, it is what it is,” he said.
Stencel seems to have picked up where he left off, as the GPN boys began the season 4-1-0 overall, including a 1-0 win over defending division champion Utica Eisenhower to kick off the MAC Red campaign.
Wrapping things up with Stencel, I ask him about the new Warren Cousino coach, Anthony Sorrentino. The name was familiar to both of us, but we couldn't seem to place it.
So I headed over to introduce myself and began to recognize the young coach as I got closer.
I realized that Sorrentino played for Warren Woods Tower back when I was manning the left midfield spot for Warren Mott.
Putting the old rivalry behind me, I spoke with Sorrentino and can freely say he seems to have the same successful touch he had as a player as a coach. The former Division 2 All-State honorable- mention selection has the Patriots off to a hot start at 2-0-0 in the MAC Blue, 3-1-0 overall — with their lone loss coming that day to the Norsemen.
Sorrentino’s success was not a surprise to his former coach at Tower, Brian Bonkowski, who I caught up with a short while ago.
“It’s great to see one of the players that you’ve coached move into the coaching ranks,” said Bonkowski, who is still the coach of the Titans. “It’s good. He’s intense and he knows what he’s doing. He’ll do good over at Cousino.”
Teacher and student will meet up at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tower for a late season MAC crossover game.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Backyard camping
Who doesn’t love summer camp?
And who doesn’t love saving money?
With the economic squeeze continually tightening its grip on metro Detroit, extracurricular spending is bound to take a hit.
That’s why communities should consider themselves fortunate when local coaches host their own summer sports camps — a growing trend in the area.
For the most part, local camps are considerably much more affordable than ones hosted by universities.
And from what I’ve seen, there’s hardly, if any, drop off in instruction.
I attended a few sports summer camps at area universities when I was in school, and after spending some time recently at the Eastside Soccer Camp at Fraser High, I didn’t notice any significant differences.
The Eastside camp, directed by Warren De La Salle boys and Fraser girls soccer coach Thaier Mukhtar, was run in a very similar fashion to the camps I remember going to.
But with a fee of just $150 (including each camper receiving a Nike ball) for five days of training, instruction and competitions, local camps like the Eastside one can’t be beat — unless, of course, the camper wants to be crammed into a stuffy dorm room and feast on collegiate cafeteria food (which I suspect was all just leftovers from the school year) for a week.
And who doesn’t love saving money?
With the economic squeeze continually tightening its grip on metro Detroit, extracurricular spending is bound to take a hit.
That’s why communities should consider themselves fortunate when local coaches host their own summer sports camps — a growing trend in the area.
For the most part, local camps are considerably much more affordable than ones hosted by universities.
And from what I’ve seen, there’s hardly, if any, drop off in instruction.
I attended a few sports summer camps at area universities when I was in school, and after spending some time recently at the Eastside Soccer Camp at Fraser High, I didn’t notice any significant differences.
The Eastside camp, directed by Warren De La Salle boys and Fraser girls soccer coach Thaier Mukhtar, was run in a very similar fashion to the camps I remember going to.
But with a fee of just $150 (including each camper receiving a Nike ball) for five days of training, instruction and competitions, local camps like the Eastside one can’t be beat — unless, of course, the camper wants to be crammed into a stuffy dorm room and feast on collegiate cafeteria food (which I suspect was all just leftovers from the school year) for a week.
Monday, July 21, 2008
How sweet it is
While most of his counterparts throughout the minor leagues are focusing purely on baseball and that coveted call up to the big show, you'll probably find Parker Dalton occasionally sitting back and just taking it all in.
Dalton, an infielder with the Great Lakes Loons — the Los Angeles Dodgers class A affiliate, describes carrying out his duties as a ballplayer as, "icing on the cake."
Don’t get the wrong impression. Dalton isn’t a lazy athlete along for the ride.
One of the first things the 25-year-old Houston native mentioned to me when I was talking to him about the Loons for my summer series about minor league teams around the state was about how hard he and his teammates work to impress fans and scouts alike.
But after a bout with cancer, Dalton knows playing baseball isn’t the number one focus of his life anymore — living it is.
“One of the things I realized was you have no control of your life, your baseball career, anything like that,” Dalton said.
Preparing for his senior year at Texas A&M University, Dalton was diagnosed with malignant melanoma — a serious form of skin cancer. Fortunately, he was able to overcome it through treatment.
While there is no trace of cancer left in his body, it did leave Dalton with a stronger sense and grip of humility, spirituality and awareness.
“They could have found more, and that could have been it,” he said. “It was a lesson early in life that you don’t have much control. Playing baseball now is a gift.”
“When you think about it, when you remember, ‘Hey, you almost never got to do it again’, it really makes you cherish it.”
Dalton’s perspective of simply enjoying the game and realizing how privileged he is to play it was refreshing to hear.
It was one of the many examples I came across during my baseball excursion that truly encompasses the passion surrounding the sport, its players and its fans — regardless of the level.
And, for a few days this summer, I was glad to be apart of it, too.
Dalton, an infielder with the Great Lakes Loons — the Los Angeles Dodgers class A affiliate, describes carrying out his duties as a ballplayer as, "icing on the cake."
Don’t get the wrong impression. Dalton isn’t a lazy athlete along for the ride.
One of the first things the 25-year-old Houston native mentioned to me when I was talking to him about the Loons for my summer series about minor league teams around the state was about how hard he and his teammates work to impress fans and scouts alike.
But after a bout with cancer, Dalton knows playing baseball isn’t the number one focus of his life anymore — living it is.
“One of the things I realized was you have no control of your life, your baseball career, anything like that,” Dalton said.
Preparing for his senior year at Texas A&M University, Dalton was diagnosed with malignant melanoma — a serious form of skin cancer. Fortunately, he was able to overcome it through treatment.
While there is no trace of cancer left in his body, it did leave Dalton with a stronger sense and grip of humility, spirituality and awareness.
“They could have found more, and that could have been it,” he said. “It was a lesson early in life that you don’t have much control. Playing baseball now is a gift.”
“When you think about it, when you remember, ‘Hey, you almost never got to do it again’, it really makes you cherish it.”
Dalton’s perspective of simply enjoying the game and realizing how privileged he is to play it was refreshing to hear.
It was one of the many examples I came across during my baseball excursion that truly encompasses the passion surrounding the sport, its players and its fans — regardless of the level.
And, for a few days this summer, I was glad to be apart of it, too.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Star impressions
For the most part, the focus of minor league baseball is to develop young players so they can reach their full potential, and ultimately, the majors.
But once in a while, pros spend time with their club’s affiliated organizations to rehab from injuries.
Such was the case of the Detroit Tigers star Curtis Granderson, who spent the early portion of this season recovering from a finger injury.
He kicked off his road to recovery with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Detroit’s single A affiliate located near Grand Rapids, in Comstock Park.
Granderson went 4-for-11 in three games with the Whitecaps, including a pair of triples while also turning in some solid defense.
But Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino was more impressed with his off-the-field performance. After sitting down with DePastino to talk about the Whitecaps for my summer series, he told me a quick story about Granderson’s stint with the team.
Apparently, the center fielder’s charm, which has made him one of the Detroit’s most popular athletes, isn’t reserved just for fans but for his teammates as well, regardless of what team he’s on.
“He was great, a great person,” DePastino said. “He came in here and he said to me, ‘I’m doing whatever you guys do here.'"
“He was one of the team,” DePastino continued. “When he first walked into the clubhouse, instead of going to his locker and sitting there, he walked in, put his stuff down and started talking to everybody, introduced himself.
“That right there was the first sign you know he’s a great guy.”
But once in a while, pros spend time with their club’s affiliated organizations to rehab from injuries.
Such was the case of the Detroit Tigers star Curtis Granderson, who spent the early portion of this season recovering from a finger injury.
He kicked off his road to recovery with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Detroit’s single A affiliate located near Grand Rapids, in Comstock Park.
Granderson went 4-for-11 in three games with the Whitecaps, including a pair of triples while also turning in some solid defense.
But Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino was more impressed with his off-the-field performance. After sitting down with DePastino to talk about the Whitecaps for my summer series, he told me a quick story about Granderson’s stint with the team.
Apparently, the center fielder’s charm, which has made him one of the Detroit’s most popular athletes, isn’t reserved just for fans but for his teammates as well, regardless of what team he’s on.
“He was great, a great person,” DePastino said. “He came in here and he said to me, ‘I’m doing whatever you guys do here.'"
“He was one of the team,” DePastino continued. “When he first walked into the clubhouse, instead of going to his locker and sitting there, he walked in, put his stuff down and started talking to everybody, introduced himself.
“That right there was the first sign you know he’s a great guy.”
Monday, June 30, 2008
More than a game
Recently I sat down with Leslye Wuerfel, the general manager and chief financial officer of the Traverse City Beach Bums, for an interview for the first installment of my upcoming series on minor league baseball teams throughout the state.
She shared a story with me that I think truly encompasses one of the many great things about local, small-market teams like the Beach Bums.
After an autograph session following a game, a fan in a wheelchair approached Wuerfel. She told her about how her husband had died this winter and she rarely got out anymore but asked her daughter to bring her to a game.
She had such a good time, she bought tickets to the rest of the week’s games and, even though she’s not a season-ticket holder, she decided she wasn’t going to miss a game the rest of the season.
She told Wuerfel that coming to the games gave her, “something to look forward to."
In the major, professional sports settings, things like approaching and conversing with players and front-office types on a whim (and not via a prearranged PR stunt) are rare.
Mind you, this autograph session involving several players occurred shortly after the Beach Bums lost a close game to a rival team and their No. 1 pitcher went down with an injury.
Many athletes and their organizations would not normally find themselves sitting down with or chatting freely with fans at a time like that.
But subtle acts of kindness and respect like the ones offered by the Bums' personnel can play a huge part in a fan's life.
While a game might just be another day on the job for the athletes and managers lucky enough to be involved full time at any level with sports, especially the pros, it means so much more to the fans.
“I think that at this level, the baseball, it just means something different to every person,” Wuerfel said.
She shared a story with me that I think truly encompasses one of the many great things about local, small-market teams like the Beach Bums.
After an autograph session following a game, a fan in a wheelchair approached Wuerfel. She told her about how her husband had died this winter and she rarely got out anymore but asked her daughter to bring her to a game.
She had such a good time, she bought tickets to the rest of the week’s games and, even though she’s not a season-ticket holder, she decided she wasn’t going to miss a game the rest of the season.
She told Wuerfel that coming to the games gave her, “something to look forward to."
In the major, professional sports settings, things like approaching and conversing with players and front-office types on a whim (and not via a prearranged PR stunt) are rare.
Mind you, this autograph session involving several players occurred shortly after the Beach Bums lost a close game to a rival team and their No. 1 pitcher went down with an injury.
Many athletes and their organizations would not normally find themselves sitting down with or chatting freely with fans at a time like that.
But subtle acts of kindness and respect like the ones offered by the Bums' personnel can play a huge part in a fan's life.
While a game might just be another day on the job for the athletes and managers lucky enough to be involved full time at any level with sports, especially the pros, it means so much more to the fans.
“I think that at this level, the baseball, it just means something different to every person,” Wuerfel said.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Take me out to the ball game(s)
Take me out to the ball game(s)
Consider me your guide to summer fun.
Next week, I’ll be embarking on an odyssey of sorts to minor league baseball games around the state.
Each stadium is near or on the way to popular travel destinations for metro Detroiters, so whether you’re heading out on summer vacation or going on a road trip, hopefully the stories in my series will encourage you to take in a ball game at some point.
Specifically, I plan on dropping in on the Traverse City Beach Bums, Lansing Lugnuts, West Michigan Whitecaps (Grand Rapids) and the Great Lakes Loons (Midland).
In each piece, I’ll recap all the highlights from my visits, ranging from the unique aspects and amenities each offers to standards such as ticket prices and where to park and, of course, which items to sample off the snack menu.
Anything interesting that doesn’t make it into print will likely end up here in the blogosphere, so be sure to check back for more trip tidbits and other entries from what should be an exciting summer.
Consider me your guide to summer fun.
Next week, I’ll be embarking on an odyssey of sorts to minor league baseball games around the state.
Each stadium is near or on the way to popular travel destinations for metro Detroiters, so whether you’re heading out on summer vacation or going on a road trip, hopefully the stories in my series will encourage you to take in a ball game at some point.
Specifically, I plan on dropping in on the Traverse City Beach Bums, Lansing Lugnuts, West Michigan Whitecaps (Grand Rapids) and the Great Lakes Loons (Midland).
In each piece, I’ll recap all the highlights from my visits, ranging from the unique aspects and amenities each offers to standards such as ticket prices and where to park and, of course, which items to sample off the snack menu.
Anything interesting that doesn’t make it into print will likely end up here in the blogosphere, so be sure to check back for more trip tidbits and other entries from what should be an exciting summer.
Friday, March 7, 2008
AAFL needs your help (and large donations of cash)
(NOTE: The AAFL announced it was postponing its inaugural season shortly after this entry went up. An additional update concerning that follows this entry).
Maybe you’ve heard the news, maybe you haven’t. If not, I’ll break it to you. The All American Football League, yet to play a game, is already in danger of folding.
The six-team league essentially announced this past week that, unless an investor could be found who was willing to lend the AAFL a sizable wad of cash, the inaugural 2008 season might be postponed until 2009.
The AAFL later announced that it was making some progress with several prospective investors, as well as moving forward with TV deal talks, while adding that preseason training will be briefly delayed.
(UPDATE: A few days after writing this initial blog the AAFL announced that it was finalizing major national television and radio deals this week, adding that should be welcome news to interested financial partners. Included in the latest press release was a schedule of 21 of the season's 32 games that would appear on television, reportedly in an HD broadcast by a "well-known prestigious national network."
Televised games for Team Michigan included: 4 p.m. April 12 at Tennessee; 1 p.m. May 3 vs. Texas; 1 p.m. May 10 at Arkansas; 4 p.m. May 17 at Florida; 4 p.m. June 7 at Texas and 1 p.m. June 14 at Alabama.)
It was good to hear the promising follow-up news, but the initial hit was heavy. While the AAFL may yet stave off a fatal blow, things are not looking good for the league, which seemed to have some good things going for it before the call for financial help went out.
First and foremost, the AAFL bringing Team Michigan to town may finally have given Ford Field a successful football franchise. (Sorry for the cheap shot Lions fans, but I couldn’t avoid it.)
Next, the league’s motto of implementing a college football atmosphere in a professional setting had the potential to provide fans and players alike with some solid entertainment and excitement, especially if tickets and concessions could be kept way down below that of NFL and NCAA games.
Lastly, the AAFL’s rule of allowing players to compete only if they had received a college degree served as a great motivator in the ongoing effort to remind student-athletes that school is pretty important too.
Perhaps in folding before ever playing a single game, the AAFL will demonstrate to student- athletes just how important their education, received by many compliments of their scholarship, is in the long run.
If the NFL or NBA folded tomorrow, how many players from those leagues would be able to go out and get a decent job in corporate America? While having the ability to accurately throw a football 60 yards or leap over another human being and dunk a basketball with ease are impressive traits, they aren’t exactly the type of job skills the 9-to-5 suits are looking for.
OK, so most NFL or NBA players became financially set for life when they signed their rookie contracts and likely wouldn’t have to lift a finger to support themselves if their respective league ever folded. And I’m well aware that plenty did get their college degrees.
But what happens to the athletes in high school or college who had been eyeing a career in pro sports while neglecting their studies. Or what if a lesser luxurious sports league folds, like the Arena Football League?
What happens to those athletes without a college degree?
I don’t know. But I do know all those guys that tried out for AAFL teams, should the league indeed fold or postpone its kickoff, all have something other than sporting accomplishments to list on their resumes.
And while it’s hard to conceive the NBA or NFL, or even the Arena Football League (backed by ESPN), would fold in the near future, it’s also hard to conceive that a certain local professional football franchise would win less playoff games than the number of stadiums it's called home over the past 50 years, not to mention draft four wide receivers with its first pick in four of the last five drafts.
Finally, figuring out the logic behind the Lions organization may just require multiple college degrees.
(FINAL UPDATE: It’s official, the All American Football League has postponed its inaugural season until next year. The league sent out notification to the media March 13, in the afternoon.
The AAFL, which was recently attempting to find investors to help salvage the 2008 season, indicated in a press release that all its sponsors were committed to remaining with the league for the 2009 season. It also mentioned that fans would be fully reimbursed for all ticket purchases. The six-team league had been planning on kicking off its inagural season April 12.
Check upcoming editions of your local C&G Newspaper for more details.)
Maybe you’ve heard the news, maybe you haven’t. If not, I’ll break it to you. The All American Football League, yet to play a game, is already in danger of folding.
The six-team league essentially announced this past week that, unless an investor could be found who was willing to lend the AAFL a sizable wad of cash, the inaugural 2008 season might be postponed until 2009.
The AAFL later announced that it was making some progress with several prospective investors, as well as moving forward with TV deal talks, while adding that preseason training will be briefly delayed.
(UPDATE: A few days after writing this initial blog the AAFL announced that it was finalizing major national television and radio deals this week, adding that should be welcome news to interested financial partners. Included in the latest press release was a schedule of 21 of the season's 32 games that would appear on television, reportedly in an HD broadcast by a "well-known prestigious national network."
Televised games for Team Michigan included: 4 p.m. April 12 at Tennessee; 1 p.m. May 3 vs. Texas; 1 p.m. May 10 at Arkansas; 4 p.m. May 17 at Florida; 4 p.m. June 7 at Texas and 1 p.m. June 14 at Alabama.)
It was good to hear the promising follow-up news, but the initial hit was heavy. While the AAFL may yet stave off a fatal blow, things are not looking good for the league, which seemed to have some good things going for it before the call for financial help went out.
First and foremost, the AAFL bringing Team Michigan to town may finally have given Ford Field a successful football franchise. (Sorry for the cheap shot Lions fans, but I couldn’t avoid it.)
Next, the league’s motto of implementing a college football atmosphere in a professional setting had the potential to provide fans and players alike with some solid entertainment and excitement, especially if tickets and concessions could be kept way down below that of NFL and NCAA games.
Lastly, the AAFL’s rule of allowing players to compete only if they had received a college degree served as a great motivator in the ongoing effort to remind student-athletes that school is pretty important too.
Perhaps in folding before ever playing a single game, the AAFL will demonstrate to student- athletes just how important their education, received by many compliments of their scholarship, is in the long run.
If the NFL or NBA folded tomorrow, how many players from those leagues would be able to go out and get a decent job in corporate America? While having the ability to accurately throw a football 60 yards or leap over another human being and dunk a basketball with ease are impressive traits, they aren’t exactly the type of job skills the 9-to-5 suits are looking for.
OK, so most NFL or NBA players became financially set for life when they signed their rookie contracts and likely wouldn’t have to lift a finger to support themselves if their respective league ever folded. And I’m well aware that plenty did get their college degrees.
But what happens to the athletes in high school or college who had been eyeing a career in pro sports while neglecting their studies. Or what if a lesser luxurious sports league folds, like the Arena Football League?
What happens to those athletes without a college degree?
I don’t know. But I do know all those guys that tried out for AAFL teams, should the league indeed fold or postpone its kickoff, all have something other than sporting accomplishments to list on their resumes.
And while it’s hard to conceive the NBA or NFL, or even the Arena Football League (backed by ESPN), would fold in the near future, it’s also hard to conceive that a certain local professional football franchise would win less playoff games than the number of stadiums it's called home over the past 50 years, not to mention draft four wide receivers with its first pick in four of the last five drafts.
Finally, figuring out the logic behind the Lions organization may just require multiple college degrees.
(FINAL UPDATE: It’s official, the All American Football League has postponed its inaugural season until next year. The league sent out notification to the media March 13, in the afternoon.
The AAFL, which was recently attempting to find investors to help salvage the 2008 season, indicated in a press release that all its sponsors were committed to remaining with the league for the 2009 season. It also mentioned that fans would be fully reimbursed for all ticket purchases. The six-team league had been planning on kicking off its inagural season April 12.
Check upcoming editions of your local C&G Newspaper for more details.)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Quick guide to Eastside boys hoops playoffs
February in Michigan means uncertainty is abound.
And I’m not just talking about the weather.
It’s also time for boys basketball playoffs.
Unexpected upsets, emerging stars and dominating performances will begin popping up across the area like potholes as the postseason gets under way Feb. 25 with district quarterfinals.
To help hoops fans navigate their way through some of the most exciting action, I’ve compiled a quick guide of things to watch for district by district in my coverage area — mainly Macomb County, Grosse Pointe and Madison Heights.
Happy trails (and look out for potholes!)
District 20-A at Grosse Pointe North
• Competing teams: Eastpointe East Detroit, Detroit Finney, Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore.
• Quick analysis: The five Macomb Area Conference-based squads (all but Finney) will surely be anxious to start the postseason after largely underachieving regular seasons, especially Grosse Pointe South, which lost several close games because of an inconsistent offense.
• Upset alert: The Blue Devils do play a tough brand of defense, and if they can get a big quarterfinal win over Lakeview, maybe they can get enough momentum rolling to give defending district champion Finney fits.
• Game to catch: If South can’t knock off Finney, maybe its rival neighbor to the north can in the district final. The Norseman should be tough to topple in their home gym.
District 21-A at Fraser High
• Competing teams: Fraser, Roseville High, Warren Cousino, Warren De La Salle, Warren Mott and Warren Woods Tower.
• Quick analysis: De La Salle, winners of nine consecutive district crowns, could be considered vulnerable this year with a young team (no seniors). Unfortunately for other teams in the district, they too all seem to be experiencing sub-par seasons.
• Star watch: There are plenty of talented players in this district, but Roseville sophomore Brandon Gouch is a somewhat unknown who is ready to turn heads.
• Must-see matchup: Will last year’s highly anticipated Cousino – De La Salle showdown finally come to fruition this season? If so, it should be exciting to see a pair of big fellas face off in the paint in De La Salle’s Kevin McCarthy and Cousino’s Matt Balkema.
District 27-A at Utica High
• Competing teams: Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Sterling Heights High, Utica Eisenhower, Utica Ford II, Utica Stevenson and Utica.
• Quick analysis: I wasn’t alive the last time L’Anse Creuse won a district title (1976). While the Lancers are talented enough, this will be one tough district as Ford II leads some solid UCS squads into the group.
• Upset alert: Can Ike catch defending district champ Ford II looking ahead to a potential doozy of a district final with L’Anse Creuse?
• Game to catch: I already gave it away, but a Ford II-L’Anse Creuse district-final clash would certainly draw a crowd, especially with a pair of dynamic duos on display. Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz lead the Lancers, while Kyle Hunt and Nate King drive Ford II.
District 28-A at L’Anse Creuse North
• Competing teams: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Macomb Dakota, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse North, Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern.
• Quick analysis: Veteran squads at LCN and Chippewa Valley are poised for a potentially electric district final, but don’t count out Dakota. The Cougars may be young, but Bill Snyder’s squads have won two straight district titles.
• Don’t forget about: Port Huron Northern. The Huskies and Oakland University-bound Jay Thames won’t be an easy out for Chippewa Valley in the first round.
• Shooting stars: Defenders beware, don’t let sharp-shooting seniors Erik Thompson and Mike Nieman of LCN or Chris Lemm of Chippewa Valley get open outside the arc or you’ll pay the price.
District 42-B at Center Line High
• Competing teams: Center Line, Detroit Crockett, Madison Heights Madison, St. Claire Shores South Lake, Warren Fitzgerald and Warren Lincoln.
• Quick analysis: Heated rivalries and revenge will be sought out in what is one of the best and most balanced districts in the state. Good news for fans, a nightmare for coaches.
• Underappreciated: Could Madison actually be flying under the radar? The Eagles seemed to lose some of their luster after failing to secure back-to-back undefeated records in the MAC Gold. Madison’s aggressive brand of defense could be the X-factor in this district of high-flying offenses.
• Game to catch: Every single game in this district has the potential to be a classic. Get there early and don’t leave your seat until it’s March.
The best of the rest
Districts: 43-B at Beverly Hills-Detroit Country Day; 44-B at Marine City; 45-B at Capac; 103-D at Detroit Chadsey; and 104-D at Birmingham Roeper.
• Competing (coverage) teams: Clinton Township Clintondale, Madison Heights Lamphere, Mount Clemens, Macomb Lutheran North, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Warren Conner Creek West, Warren Conner Creek East, Warren Macomb Christian and Grosse Pointe University Liggett.
• Upset alert: Call me crazy, but I bet Clintondale gives defending state champ Detroit Country Day a good game in at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Country Day. Before you lock me away, here’s the recipe behind my reasoning. The Dragons know how to win (they won a share of the MAC Silver title). They’ve played some top-level competition (Fitzgerald, L’Anse Creuse, Madison and Detroit Consortium) and are a balanced and deep team that can wear opponents down as they go deep into their bench.
• Oh so close: Mount Clemens and Lutheran North each lost heartbreakers in their respective district finals last year and should be focused to finish the job this year.
• Stars to watch: A pair of juniors should turn heads in the Roeper district. Parkway’s Zurlon Tipton is a top-notch athlete who can slash and bang with the best of them, while Conner Creek West’s big man John Hoskins Jr. is silky smooth near and far from the basket, swatting shots and draining treys.
For more district playoff coverage and information, including game dates and times and future results, check out our online basketball story archives.
And I’m not just talking about the weather.
It’s also time for boys basketball playoffs.
Unexpected upsets, emerging stars and dominating performances will begin popping up across the area like potholes as the postseason gets under way Feb. 25 with district quarterfinals.
To help hoops fans navigate their way through some of the most exciting action, I’ve compiled a quick guide of things to watch for district by district in my coverage area — mainly Macomb County, Grosse Pointe and Madison Heights.
Happy trails (and look out for potholes!)
District 20-A at Grosse Pointe North
• Competing teams: Eastpointe East Detroit, Detroit Finney, Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore.
• Quick analysis: The five Macomb Area Conference-based squads (all but Finney) will surely be anxious to start the postseason after largely underachieving regular seasons, especially Grosse Pointe South, which lost several close games because of an inconsistent offense.
• Upset alert: The Blue Devils do play a tough brand of defense, and if they can get a big quarterfinal win over Lakeview, maybe they can get enough momentum rolling to give defending district champion Finney fits.
• Game to catch: If South can’t knock off Finney, maybe its rival neighbor to the north can in the district final. The Norseman should be tough to topple in their home gym.
District 21-A at Fraser High
• Competing teams: Fraser, Roseville High, Warren Cousino, Warren De La Salle, Warren Mott and Warren Woods Tower.
• Quick analysis: De La Salle, winners of nine consecutive district crowns, could be considered vulnerable this year with a young team (no seniors). Unfortunately for other teams in the district, they too all seem to be experiencing sub-par seasons.
• Star watch: There are plenty of talented players in this district, but Roseville sophomore Brandon Gouch is a somewhat unknown who is ready to turn heads.
• Must-see matchup: Will last year’s highly anticipated Cousino – De La Salle showdown finally come to fruition this season? If so, it should be exciting to see a pair of big fellas face off in the paint in De La Salle’s Kevin McCarthy and Cousino’s Matt Balkema.
District 27-A at Utica High
• Competing teams: Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Sterling Heights High, Utica Eisenhower, Utica Ford II, Utica Stevenson and Utica.
• Quick analysis: I wasn’t alive the last time L’Anse Creuse won a district title (1976). While the Lancers are talented enough, this will be one tough district as Ford II leads some solid UCS squads into the group.
• Upset alert: Can Ike catch defending district champ Ford II looking ahead to a potential doozy of a district final with L’Anse Creuse?
• Game to catch: I already gave it away, but a Ford II-L’Anse Creuse district-final clash would certainly draw a crowd, especially with a pair of dynamic duos on display. Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz lead the Lancers, while Kyle Hunt and Nate King drive Ford II.
District 28-A at L’Anse Creuse North
• Competing teams: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Macomb Dakota, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse North, Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern.
• Quick analysis: Veteran squads at LCN and Chippewa Valley are poised for a potentially electric district final, but don’t count out Dakota. The Cougars may be young, but Bill Snyder’s squads have won two straight district titles.
• Don’t forget about: Port Huron Northern. The Huskies and Oakland University-bound Jay Thames won’t be an easy out for Chippewa Valley in the first round.
• Shooting stars: Defenders beware, don’t let sharp-shooting seniors Erik Thompson and Mike Nieman of LCN or Chris Lemm of Chippewa Valley get open outside the arc or you’ll pay the price.
District 42-B at Center Line High
• Competing teams: Center Line, Detroit Crockett, Madison Heights Madison, St. Claire Shores South Lake, Warren Fitzgerald and Warren Lincoln.
• Quick analysis: Heated rivalries and revenge will be sought out in what is one of the best and most balanced districts in the state. Good news for fans, a nightmare for coaches.
• Underappreciated: Could Madison actually be flying under the radar? The Eagles seemed to lose some of their luster after failing to secure back-to-back undefeated records in the MAC Gold. Madison’s aggressive brand of defense could be the X-factor in this district of high-flying offenses.
• Game to catch: Every single game in this district has the potential to be a classic. Get there early and don’t leave your seat until it’s March.
The best of the rest
Districts: 43-B at Beverly Hills-Detroit Country Day; 44-B at Marine City; 45-B at Capac; 103-D at Detroit Chadsey; and 104-D at Birmingham Roeper.
• Competing (coverage) teams: Clinton Township Clintondale, Madison Heights Lamphere, Mount Clemens, Macomb Lutheran North, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Warren Conner Creek West, Warren Conner Creek East, Warren Macomb Christian and Grosse Pointe University Liggett.
• Upset alert: Call me crazy, but I bet Clintondale gives defending state champ Detroit Country Day a good game in at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Country Day. Before you lock me away, here’s the recipe behind my reasoning. The Dragons know how to win (they won a share of the MAC Silver title). They’ve played some top-level competition (Fitzgerald, L’Anse Creuse, Madison and Detroit Consortium) and are a balanced and deep team that can wear opponents down as they go deep into their bench.
• Oh so close: Mount Clemens and Lutheran North each lost heartbreakers in their respective district finals last year and should be focused to finish the job this year.
• Stars to watch: A pair of juniors should turn heads in the Roeper district. Parkway’s Zurlon Tipton is a top-notch athlete who can slash and bang with the best of them, while Conner Creek West’s big man John Hoskins Jr. is silky smooth near and far from the basket, swatting shots and draining treys.
For more district playoff coverage and information, including game dates and times and future results, check out our online basketball story archives.
Monday, January 28, 2008
AAFL gets drafty
While most football fans likely spent this past weekend in limbo with no games to watch for the first time since early August, the All American Football League was busier than the photographers chasing Tom “The Boot” Brady.
The AAFL, which I’ve blogged about a couple times before (scroll down) and written about a few times (links posted below), spent Jan. 26 conducting its inaugural draft.
Each of the six teams was allowed to “protect” a large group players, mainly ones from that team’s specific region (Team Michigan protected 20), meaning that no other team could select them.
That also meant there was little drama in the draft because the majority of the well-known and top talent was protected. Team Arkansas made former Troy University offensive lineman Zarah Yisrael the No. 1 pick.
While that selection was followed with a couple of former standout signal callers, as Virginia Tech’s Bryan Randall went No. 2 to Team Tennessee and Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch was taken No. 3 by Team Texas, peering over the draft results (which you can find on the league’s Web site at www.aafl.com) leaves little excitement.
And the AAFL will need every ounce of excitement it can conjure up to get fans interested and survive.
Team Michigan’s first pick was former UCLA quarterback David Koral. The squad also had former University Illinois QB Jon Beutjer protected, along with six former University of Michigan players. (Head back to the AAFL site for Team Michigan’s post-draft roster.)
The team also unveiled a uniform — dark blue with white numbering and a solid gold stripe across the shoulders and under the neck with some red trim. A gold picture of the state (both parts, don’t want to upset any Yoopers adorns the dark blue helmets, which also have a single gold stripe going down the middle.
Team Michigan kicks off its inaugural season April 12 at Tennessee.
Team Florida and former University of Florida QB Chris Leak and Florida State University receiver Peter Warrick will visit Ford Field for Team Michigan's April 19 home opener.
Here are the links I mentioned to my past stories on the AAFL:
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/12-05-07/XS-AAFLUPDATE_horiz.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/9-26-07/XS-LASTCHANCE_vert.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/8-15-07/XS-NEWTEAM.asp
The AAFL, which I’ve blogged about a couple times before (scroll down) and written about a few times (links posted below), spent Jan. 26 conducting its inaugural draft.
Each of the six teams was allowed to “protect” a large group players, mainly ones from that team’s specific region (Team Michigan protected 20), meaning that no other team could select them.
That also meant there was little drama in the draft because the majority of the well-known and top talent was protected. Team Arkansas made former Troy University offensive lineman Zarah Yisrael the No. 1 pick.
While that selection was followed with a couple of former standout signal callers, as Virginia Tech’s Bryan Randall went No. 2 to Team Tennessee and Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch was taken No. 3 by Team Texas, peering over the draft results (which you can find on the league’s Web site at www.aafl.com) leaves little excitement.
And the AAFL will need every ounce of excitement it can conjure up to get fans interested and survive.
Team Michigan’s first pick was former UCLA quarterback David Koral. The squad also had former University Illinois QB Jon Beutjer protected, along with six former University of Michigan players. (Head back to the AAFL site for Team Michigan’s post-draft roster.)
The team also unveiled a uniform — dark blue with white numbering and a solid gold stripe across the shoulders and under the neck with some red trim. A gold picture of the state (both parts, don’t want to upset any Yoopers adorns the dark blue helmets, which also have a single gold stripe going down the middle.
Team Michigan kicks off its inaugural season April 12 at Tennessee.
Team Florida and former University of Florida QB Chris Leak and Florida State University receiver Peter Warrick will visit Ford Field for Team Michigan's April 19 home opener.
Here are the links I mentioned to my past stories on the AAFL:
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/12-05-07/XS-AAFLUPDATE_horiz.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/9-26-07/XS-LASTCHANCE_vert.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/8-15-07/XS-NEWTEAM.asp
Monday, January 7, 2008
Rivalry week sets up marquee boys hoops games
Hoops fans slowly emerging from their holiday hibernation may want to avert their eyes in the upcoming week. Rivalry games and key division clashes highlight what should make for a bright spot on the varsity boys basketball schedule.
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Romeo High, 7 p.m.
Few people outside of L’Anse Creuse expected the Lancers to be sitting atop the MAC Red instead of the Bulldogs. The dynamic duo of Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz can add more believers to the Lancers bandwagon if they win at Romeo to remain unbeaten in the division.
Lake Shore at Lakeview, 7 p.m. A half a game and a little more than two miles separate these St. Clair Shores intracity rivals as they face off in this MAC Silver showdown.
Fair Haven Anchor Bay at Warren Fitzgerald, 7 p.m. A little more than 30 miles separate these schools, but the Tars and Spartans sit tied for second place a half game behind Roseville High in the MAC Blue. This contest should be pivotal when it comes to crowning a champion in a division crowded with contenders. Roseville visits Anchor Bay Jan. 11.
Warren Lincoln at Mt. Clemens High, 7:30 p.m. If the Abes and Bathers want to keep pace with MAC Gold Division leader Madison High Madison, they can’t afford to get tripped up by each other. Oh, and it’s possible that the memories of Lincoln ending Mt. Clemens’ season in the district final last year may come into play.
Thursday, Jan. 10
Mt. Clemens at Macomb Lutheran North, 7 p.m. The Bathers will be tested in the post by the Mustangs in this non-conference clash, which comes a day after racing up and down the court with Lincoln. The contrasting styles should prepare Mt. Clemens for another tough test on Jan. 15, when the Bathers travel to Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day.
Friday, Jan. 11
Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. The Cougars knocked the Big Reds out of the playoffs the past two years. The Big Reds knocked the Cougars out of the playoffs the two seasons before that. The MAC Red foes are again scheduled in the same district this year and could again face off in the postseason for a third-game rubber match. Better get to this one early if you want a (ring)side seat for round one.
East Detroit at South Lake, 7 p.m. Last year the Shamrocks and Cavaliers ended up sharing the MAC Blue crown. Nobody likes to share, especially heated rivals.
Grosse Pointe North at Grosse Pointe South, 7 p.m. Fans of this rivalry will be treated to an extra helping this year. Although the Norsemen compete in the MAC Red and the Blue Devils play in the MAC White, these squads will square off twice, with the second meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at North. But first things first, and a win over a rival could be just the boost these squads need after slow starts in their respective divisions.
Warren De La Salle at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. The young Pilots may not have a single senior on their roster, but no one needs to remind them that beating the Warriors is a big deal.
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Lutheran North at Harper Woods High, 7 p.m. The Mustangs emerged with the Metro Conference title last season, ending a three-year reign by the Pioneers. Don’t think Harper Woods has forgotten.
Center Line High at Warren Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Old foes meet in a MAC crossover in what could be a postseason preview. The Panthers began the week sitting atop the MAC Silver with a 4-0 division mark and were 6-1 overall.
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Romeo High, 7 p.m.
Few people outside of L’Anse Creuse expected the Lancers to be sitting atop the MAC Red instead of the Bulldogs. The dynamic duo of Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz can add more believers to the Lancers bandwagon if they win at Romeo to remain unbeaten in the division.
Lake Shore at Lakeview, 7 p.m. A half a game and a little more than two miles separate these St. Clair Shores intracity rivals as they face off in this MAC Silver showdown.
Fair Haven Anchor Bay at Warren Fitzgerald, 7 p.m. A little more than 30 miles separate these schools, but the Tars and Spartans sit tied for second place a half game behind Roseville High in the MAC Blue. This contest should be pivotal when it comes to crowning a champion in a division crowded with contenders. Roseville visits Anchor Bay Jan. 11.
Warren Lincoln at Mt. Clemens High, 7:30 p.m. If the Abes and Bathers want to keep pace with MAC Gold Division leader Madison High Madison, they can’t afford to get tripped up by each other. Oh, and it’s possible that the memories of Lincoln ending Mt. Clemens’ season in the district final last year may come into play.
Thursday, Jan. 10
Mt. Clemens at Macomb Lutheran North, 7 p.m. The Bathers will be tested in the post by the Mustangs in this non-conference clash, which comes a day after racing up and down the court with Lincoln. The contrasting styles should prepare Mt. Clemens for another tough test on Jan. 15, when the Bathers travel to Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day.
Friday, Jan. 11
Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. The Cougars knocked the Big Reds out of the playoffs the past two years. The Big Reds knocked the Cougars out of the playoffs the two seasons before that. The MAC Red foes are again scheduled in the same district this year and could again face off in the postseason for a third-game rubber match. Better get to this one early if you want a (ring)side seat for round one.
East Detroit at South Lake, 7 p.m. Last year the Shamrocks and Cavaliers ended up sharing the MAC Blue crown. Nobody likes to share, especially heated rivals.
Grosse Pointe North at Grosse Pointe South, 7 p.m. Fans of this rivalry will be treated to an extra helping this year. Although the Norsemen compete in the MAC Red and the Blue Devils play in the MAC White, these squads will square off twice, with the second meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at North. But first things first, and a win over a rival could be just the boost these squads need after slow starts in their respective divisions.
Warren De La Salle at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. The young Pilots may not have a single senior on their roster, but no one needs to remind them that beating the Warriors is a big deal.
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Lutheran North at Harper Woods High, 7 p.m. The Mustangs emerged with the Metro Conference title last season, ending a three-year reign by the Pioneers. Don’t think Harper Woods has forgotten.
Center Line High at Warren Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Old foes meet in a MAC crossover in what could be a postseason preview. The Panthers began the week sitting atop the MAC Silver with a 4-0 division mark and were 6-1 overall.
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