Fresh Starts

In the past couple of weeks I've had a lot of time to think about 'fresh starts'. Some may know that I recently moved to Decorah, IA to work at Luther College as the assistant Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving coach. For the past few years I've lived at home in Milwaukee, minus my 6-months in Chicago, coaching hs boys swimming as well as a few other jobs. Moving out here to Iowa has not only been about starting a career for myself, but also changing my own life and starting fresh. I've got a new apartment, new responsibilities, new friends, new town, everything is new. As hard as it is to leave Milwaukee, especially this year after the group of friends I've become to know this summer, it's what I need to get myself going in the right direction.

While it isn't always major news, starting fresh is important for any athlete. Whether they've been traded to a new team, coming out of rehab, or just looking to make a change in order to find success again, it's important. Almost anyone can get a second chance at their life or career, but it's what one does with that chance that makes the difference.

For example, let's talk about Michael Vick. In his first years in the NFL he was one of the few QBs who found success right away with the Atlanta Falcons. He fast grew into one of the most athletic starting quarterbacks with what seemed to be a very long career ahead of him. It call came crashing down in 2007 when he pleaded guilty for dog fighting, suspended from the NFL, paying back much of his signing bonus and ultimately serving a prison sentence. Was it really possible for an ex convict to be reinstated to the NFL? Most would say no, but not even a year after his release he as signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in a 1 year contract for $1.6 million. The kicker; none of it guaranteed. It may not have been his most successful season but after what he'd been through, it was better than where he could be. Another year he was back as a starter, scoring touchdowns and getting the Eagles to the playoffs. A fresh start turned in the right direction, now what the future brings is to see if he can keep running on the right path.

Tiger Woods has been on fresh start track since the news of his infidelities broke in late 2009. Announcing his 'indefinite break from golf' the sports world waited to hear when they would see him play again. The 2010 Masters would be it and many anticipated we'd see a newly rejuvenated Woods to come on the course like the player we'd become to know him as. He came out strong with a 4-under 1st round, best ever start at Augusta, starting many to believe he indeed was back, everyone except those who finished 3 places in front of him. It seemed okay though, he played well, it was his first tournament back, nothing to worry about. Withdrawing from the Players Championship in the final round wasn't so promising either. Tried to defend his title at the Memorial; T-19th. U.S. Open; T-4th. The Open Championship; 13 shots behind surprise winner Louis Oosthuzin. In August, he finished 2nd to last at WGC Bridgestone with an 18 over par. Who was this guy? Not the same Tiger Woods who won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes. 2010 was lost for Woods when he finished out of the top 30 in the FedEx Cup rankings for the first time since 1996, but because Corey Pavin knew exactly how good Woods is he took the chance and still invited him to the Tour Championship. He did not play to expectations once again. We're now more than halfway through 2011 and Tiger has yet to win another major or even a regular tournament. Inconsistency has become his new name. As of right now, the last we'll see of him on the golf course was walking off the 9th green at the TPC as he withdrew himself in the 1st round. Various injuries since 2008 have been lingering in his game. Not to say that he's faking it, but when are they not going to be apart of his reasons behind not playing well? Tiger's 'fresh start' after his time off to get his life back together still has us wondering if he made the right choice. He's given himself a second chance, but we have yet to see success. When will we see him play again? Is it possible that one of the greatest golfers in history is never going to win another major?

Shooting himself in the leg on accident ultimately led to Plaxico Burress turning himself in for criminal possession of a handgun. Ultimately returning to Giants Stadium, Burress was suspended without pay, placed on a reserve list, and ineligible for the playoffs. After a 9 mm, rifle and ammunition were found at his home there wasn't much hope that we'd see Plaxico on the playing field anytime soon. Finally in August of 2009, he accepted the plea deal to serve 2 years in prison and an additional 2 years of supervised release. Released from jail he seemed ready to get back into the game, but with the NFL still in lockout he had to wait to see what could happen. Like Vick, many thought he'd never play another game, and at this point we were skeptical to believe there would be a season this year. Thankfully we're now in preseason football and Burress is back in uniform, with the New York Jets. The NFL world waits to see what he's going to do.

There are so many athletes over the years who get a second chance, fresh start, rebirth, whatever you choose to call it, and it's not always the successful stories that stand out the most. Tiger's near 2 year rebirth still has us wondering if he took the right path. A fresh start isn't always a long engagement, it could be simple as one of Shaquille O'Neal's new season with a different team or an Olympic athlete getting a 2nd or 3rd chance to go for a gold medal. Michael Phelps after being slandered for images of him smoking pot and living the party lifestyle has started to climb back to the top of medal stand even with Ryan Lochte currently standing in the way. Those of us who have been fortunate enough in life to be given a second chance at something can tell with experience that while it takes more work than before, taking that opportunity and running with it is worth every sacrifice. You sometimes have to go further, work harder, sacrifice more, find a little humility but when you bounce back stronger than ever, you realize it was all worth it. So, when you get your second chance, your fresh start, what are you going to do?

Unfortunate Circumstances or Choke Artists?

Some stories in sports are historic for the best reasons, winning championships or gold medals or trophies but for every winning story there is the 'choke artist'. It's almost disappointing to think that in some of the greatest victories more people talk about the team or players that choked rather than those who came out on top. For years people have argued what the biggest choke in sports really is, but like everything, it's a matter of opinion. Talk to a Red Sox fan they're likely to say that Bill Buckner's between the legs error in the 1986 World Series is it but go to Ann Arbor, MI and a Wolverine fan will tell you that Chris Webber's 'accidental' timeout in the 1993 NCAA championship stings more and more every year.

I've been an avid sports fan for better part of we'll say 12 years, my first real memory of watching a championship is Super Bowl XXXI when the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots for the their 3rd Lombardi Trophy. As a Packers fan, I'd say that's a pretty good first memory. Unfortunately the next year wasn't the same outcome. I wouldn't say they choked, the Broncos were the better team and they won. Not until 2007 did we really have hope for another Super Bowl title, at least we did until Favre threw that fateful interception to the NY Giants. Choke, misread or just bad luck? Like that fateful day at Lambeau Field, games have been won and lost because of certain players or teams not showing up to play. In today's world, what are we considering a choke and what is just an unfortunate circumstance? Or is it all just the same?

Let's take the recent Women's World Cup. This team put together for the United States was a heavy favorite to win along with the teams from Brazil and Germany. A drought of 12 years since the last USA title with Brandi Chastain winning in penalty kicks and infamously taking her jersey off in celebration. After that year the question was when would the US Women's team win again? Fast forward to 2011 and with what seemed to be a better team than the 1999 dream team, all games, interviews, practices and articles pointed to the Americans reclaiming the title. Arriving in Germany, they were still on track. With a phenomenal defeat over Brazil and with Germany knocked off, USA had nothing holding them from lifting up the cup. Holding the lead twice and blowing both of them, the Japanese forced USA into extra time and then further into PKs. The United States outplayed, outshot, out ran the Japanese but when they needed to hold them from scoring, they failed. Eventually it was over, losing 3-1 in penalty kicks, the United States lost their title to the Japanese.

Before someone could even mention the word 'choke artists' the women's team were praised for their level of play, how hard they worked, their sportsmanship, how far they came in the tournament, all positive congratulations for a runner-up finish. While the men's team wasn't the heavy favorites for the World Cup, the articles following their loss were less than positive. Why are the women getting off easy? They had the lead twice in regulation time and lost it. Hope Solo, one of the, if not the best, goalie in the world failed to read the PKs while her teammates failed to score more than 1 goal. Yes it's amazing what they did in the tournament, how far they got after so many years of falling short, but when it came down the to most important game, they choked. Women in sports often complain about not being treated equally to men. If equality is what they want then we need to treat them as though we would a men's team who failed to win a title as a favorite. It was a great tournament, many congratulations to the Japanese who as a nation probably needed the title more than anyone else, but the United States women gave up the title that was theirs to own. This, especially in women's sports, goes down as one of the biggest disappointments.

Now what do we say about Tiger Woods? He has choked for the last 2 years? Some might not consider a complete breakdown to be a choke, but it's been 2 years since the incident that started the steep spiral out of the spotlight and the golf would still hasn't seen the old Tiger back. We've seen a few glimpses here and there, but he has yet to win another major let alone another tournament. Woods' is among the greatest to play the game, but are we now in the stage where we use his name in the past tense? He's seemed to take all the steps to get back on the right track; surgery on his injured knee, firing and hiring new swing coaches, going into rehab, and surprisingly firing long time caddy Steve Williams. With all these adjustments, shouldn't we have seen some sort of change in his game? 2 years is a long time for any top athlete to be out of the spotlight, so is he continually choking or is just a series of unfortunate circumstances? Other players have stepped up to show that there is other talent outside of Tiger Woods, that they are not afraid of him anymore. Woods is going to have to find some way to get his roar back or these last few years will be known as the time he spent avoiding early retirement.

Greg Norman has been known as the greatest choke artist on the PGA, the Chicago Cubs 2003 NLCS loss shattered the hearts of die hard fans, Karl Malone in the 1998 finals gave Jordan another title, the 18-0 Patriots were defeated by the NY Giants. If you want to call it a series of unfortunate events you can, but ultimately all of these sports moments the favorites lost control, choked and now overshadow those who kept their head on straight and came out victorious. In every sport, there is a winner and a loser, in some cases those who lose make more of an impact than those who win.

Grab Your Derby Hats

2 minutes is all you get. If you're a minute late, you miss almost all of it. If post time is 6:24 EST, be there at 6:20 ready to watch the 'fastest 2 minutes in sports'. Around the country people gather at their own houses, local bars, and at Churchill downs dressed to the nines with elaborate hats to match for a race that's over before you can finish listening to the Star Spangled Banner. Horse racing may not be talked about as such a tough, nitty-gritty, rival sport, but the blood, sweat and tears that go into training and racing are real. We may not be able to interview the horses to ask how they're feeling but their eyes, heavy breathing, excitement contained in their haunches, tells their jockey that they're ready. Locked into the starting gate, the longest seconds of the day for these thoroughbreds... but then we hear... 'And they're off!'

There is a certain athletic grace that you can only find in horses, not just in thoroughbreds and racing horses, but when watching these 3-year old horses it's almost chilling the power and grace they display. For some it's difficult to think that a near 2,000 lb animal can be so majestic, however the beauty is hard to match. I rode horses (equestrian jumping) for near 7 years it's not the same as thoroughbred racing, but to be a top such a graceful animal is exhilarating. These horses are built to run, that's what they want to do. You can see it when they are guided onto the track, not able to walk straight or calmly, impatiently waiting to start. Right out of the gates, the power in their legs and their drive to run gives the jockey's an almost seemingly easy job.

This year's field of 19 3-year old horses in the 136th running of the Derby was filled with favorites (Mucho Macho Man, Dialed In) and long-shots (Decisive Moment, Watch Me Go) it seemed possible that it was almost anyone's race unlike years past when horses like Big Brown and Smarty Jones were near guarantees for the roses. Every horse and their jockey this year had a shot. Veteran Calvin Borel a top Twice the Appeal isn't one to count out especially in winning three of the last four Derby's, but then rookie Rosie Napravnik riding Pants on Fire had a chance to become the first female jockey to win. However, the only expected horse and rider to do well, finished in 3rd, Mucho Macho Man couldn't hold of the last turn charge from the eventual winner. A 30-1 odds horse, at one point was in 12th place, and a jockey who wasn't even supposed to ride him came around the last turn found an opening, took off to the finish line and no one could stop them.


Animal Kingdom wasn't even the trainer H. Graham Motion's 1st choice. Originally scheduled to race was Toby's Corner, a viable Derby contender, but came up lame on Tuesday morning. Leaving Motion with the difficult choice of entering Animal Kingdom, a horse who before Saturday had never raced on dirt. Jockey Robby Albarado entered to then ride Animal Kingdom slipped off Smokin' Al on Wednesday causing the horse to step on his face and despite a few days of rest, Motion and owner of Animal Kingdom Barry Irwin had to make the difficult decision of scratching him from the race on Saturday. Lucky for John Velazquez, who originally was a top Uncle Mo, found himself without a mount after he was scratched. Velazquez rode Animal Kingdom for the first time in his 13th Derby appearance. #13 doesn't seem so unlucky anymore.

Watching Animal Kingdom take off in the final home-stretch to his eventual victory, is exciting for anyone watching except for Albarado, but that's the reality. Alabarado knowing he was supposed to be the jockey on top of Albarado, could only stand idly on the side as another jockey took his victory. Are we able to, however, assume that he still would have won if Valazquez wasn't the jockey? Would Albarado have raced differently and come out with a different result? It's something we'll never know.

Like any other sport, one 'athlete' wanted it more, while a jockey can do everything they can to win, it's ultimately coming down to the horse. A 110 lb man (or woman) can put as much power into the race, but the 1,800 thoroughbred horse is in the driver's seat. Some may argue that these horses don't understand what we do when there is a victory, but we can't see into their minds. Animal Kingdom with the assistance of his jockey ran better, smarter and faster whether he knows it or not.

Roll Out the Barrel

They aren't a historical team like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, or Brooklyn/LA Dodgers, but the Milwaukee Brewers have made their own, and very unique, impacts in the MLB even though it's only been a short 40+ years. Superstar names like Alex Rodriguez, Tim Lincecum, and Albert Pujols only grace the stadium when the visiting team is the Yankees, San Francisco Giants or the St. Louis Cardinals. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is far from a big market city like Chicago, New York or Philadelphia but somehow Milwaukeen's and Wisconsinites alike flocked. Its hard to even say they have a heated rivalry, other than with the Chicago Cubs (and maybe the Minnesota Twins). To everyone but the state of Wisconsin it was a surprise, but we are dedicated to our sports teams. The experience at a Brewer game is different than more than 75% of other ball parks, from the tailgate, to the inbetween innings entertainment to the post game celebrations. They're not a flashy money making franchise like many of the big teams, but we've got our own traditions to be proud of.


Before the Brewers came to town from Seattle in 1969, there were the Milwaukee Braves, playing for 12 years at County Stadium with Hank Aaron revolutionizing the game of baseball. Now Atlanta and Milwaukee both like to claim Hank Aaron as their own, but with the franchise in both cities during his career, the slugger has his #44 retired with both franchises. Once Aaron and the Braves left Milwaukee in 1965, no one thought that Milwaukee would see another MLB team. There wasn't the want and need for baseball like in other cities, Wisconsin was much too consumed with the Green Bay Packers (who up until the early 2000's played some home games at County Stadium). When the Seattle Pilots packed up and moved to Milwaukee to become the "Milwaukee Brewers" no one really knew exactly what was going to happen.


To say the early years in Milwaukee would be a bold faced lie. There wasn't a winning season until 1978 but yet there was something about this team that drew near sell out crowds to almost every game. When the Brewers acquired Aaron in 1974 off a trade, then owner Bud Selig knew he finally had a credible team with fan favorites like Robin Yount, Paul Molitor and "Stormin'" Gorman Thomas. The new mascot, Bernie Brewer, became more popular than most of the players. Only in a city and state known for beer and cheese, would the mascot be a brewer, one who brews beer. Bernie quickly became the face of the Brewers once established that after every Brewer home run he would slide down a slide into a barrel of beer. A barrel of beer, if that's not awesome I don't know what is. It's a different atmosphere in the America's Dairyland. Only here can you take off work in the middle of the afternoon to go tailgate 4 hours before a game and your boss will not only be okay with it, he/she will more than likely be shotgunning beers with you.

Once that first winnings season in '78 came around, things started to look up for the small team. 4 years later they found themselves in the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals after winning the AL pennant. Were the Brewers going to win the World Series only 12 years after their first game in Milwaukee? After a phenomenal 10-0 victory in the first game it seemed possible, but with the loss of Rollie Fingers to injury before the post-season it was going to be difficult. The series came down to the final game, but alas the Cardinals were triumphant, sending the Brewers home emptied handed. Little did we know, it would be the only playoff appearance the Brew Crew would make until 26 years later. Even with 3-time MVP (shortstop, centerfield) Yount they couldn't get past the regular season, thus beginning the long losing years until 1997 when things took a different turn. The Milwaukee Brewers were going National once again.

Joining the National League for the first time since 1965, the Brewers organization were ready for a new change. County Stadium, while serving many wonderful years to the city of Milwaukee, was on it's last breath. A new stadium to be sponsored a named after long Milwaukee Miller brewery, was in the works. It was time for something up-to-date with the new team. After 4 years of building, Milller Park opened in 2001 with the newest feature of a retractable roof, something necessary in the wild climate of the mid west. Major improvments from the seats, to club level suites to even Bernie's Clubhouse out in the left field brought a new life to Brewers baseball. It wasn't until 2005 however that the team was able to record a non losing record (81-81) since 1992. There were still a lot of kinks to be worked out before they could really see success. This is where the players needed to step up.

The Brewers have by far the lowest pay roll in the majors. They don't have millions upon millions to sign players like Manny Ramirez, Ichiro Suzuki, or Stephen Strasburg but there is the appealing team atmosphere that draws some hidden talents to the organization. Once Mike Attanasio purchased the team in 2005 rebuilt the bridges back to the team from giving away all the season the '05 season closing game and bringing back the ever popular 'ball and glove' logo for retro Fridays. There was a new life in the players, they were playing the game not only because they were being paid, but because they loved the game. They looked like a group of buddies playing a game in the middle of the summer just for the heck of it. Wheels started turning together and after the 2006 season that started so well, ended with a 75-87 record, they only looked forward.

2007. Brewers were a hidden team with so much young talent, as unlikely as it was, they could possibly be a contender. At one point they led by 8 1/2 games behind the 50 home run season of 23 year old Prince Fielder, star pitching in Ben Sheets and NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun. the pressure seemed to get to the team, finishing the season out of the playoffs could have crushed them and at the end of May in the 2008 season it seemed like they weren't going anywhere. Cue CC Sabathia. The mind crushing Brewers puzzle was complete with the addition of the mighty pitcher going into the All-Star break 52-43 the Brewers were on a roll. Backed by the phenomenal 9-0 start by Sabathia with complete games and even hitting a few home runs himself they kept winning, and winning, and winning. Winning 20-28 games in August in style with back to back home runs, double home runs games from Braun and even surprise players like Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks coming out of the woodwork for walk off hits, was the 26 year playoff drought over? In simple words: yes it was.
Finally, something to be proud in Milwaukee besides beer, brats and racing sausages. They were going to the post season for the first time since 1982. It was almost to good to be true. Fans were coming to games again not just for the tailgate or to see the famous Klement's Racing Sausages in the middle of the 6th inning. People were coming once again for the game. Selling out game after game, it was surreal. However, the chance of making it past the future 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies when injuries plagued the team. That was it, the miraculous '08 season was done. Losing many players in the off season including Sabathia (it was bound to happen) made the 2009 season less than stellar besides Fielder breaking the club RBI season record. 2010 wasn't much better.

Here we are in 2011, with a good team, a newly signed Ryan Braun through 2020, star pitching in Zack Grienke, and the potential of having Fielder in his last season as a Brewer, there is yet another new spark in Miller Park. Flashes of brilliance are seen from game to game and if the club cant get all pistons firing, they're going to be a hard team to beat. They don't have a multi billion dollar organization, flashy press conferences when one player hurts his pinkie, nor do they have more World Series trophies than they can count, but the Brewers have something a little different than other teams. It can't really be described. Loyal fans, family atmosphere, and infamous racing sausages it's hard to hate the Brewers. Even if you don't want to, you can't help but get up and polka in your seat during the 7th inning stretch not for the traditional "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" but rather for the Milwaukee tradition of "Roll out the Barrel". Only in Milwaukee, land of brats and beer.

And the Green Jacket goes to...

The most elite club in the country, or maybe even the world, just inducted one more member to raise their number to 75. Actually, the number is decreased to less than 75 for players like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods who have won multiple Masters. The Green Jacket is one of the most prized trophies in sports, and it's not even an actual trophy. In fact, does anyone even know what the trophy looks like? In case you didn't, here it is:
To slip on that Green Jacket is an ultimate dream for any professional and aspiring pro golfer. The PGA Championship, The British Open and U.S. Open are all incredible feats but there is something different about winning the Masters. Augusta National, the most historic golf course in the United States with the most elite members founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts is still a "men's only" golf club. Some say it's sexist but others call it tradition. Every year people wait for this weekend to arrive and if you're lucky enough you just might get tickets to witness it first hand.

The events begin with the ever entertaining Par 3 contest where past champions and those playing that year play the Par 3 9-hole course. It's a time for the players to let loose and relax before the opening round. Often players will have their kids or entire family caddy for them and many of which will have them putt for them. Unlike any other golf tournament, the goal is not to have the lowest score. Why you ask? because in the 41 years since the contest was established no player has won the contest and then gone on to win the Masters that same year. Talk about a great chance to purposely goof around and miss 2 ft putts. Once the fun is over, it's game time. All focus is put on the treacherous weekend that is known as the Masters.

Thursday's opening round did not disappoint, much like the first round of the NCAA tournament this year. Lots of great golf. Birdies, long drives, chip-ins, you name it but there was also a lot of missed fairways, bogeys, doubles, and even triples. That's what any golf tournament will do to someone but when it's the Masters it seems like every mistake is multiplied by 10. This years tournament was dominated by the younger generation of up and coming pros. Right out of the gate Rory McIlroy was in control of the course shooting a 65 in the first round and not slowing down anytime soon with a 69-70 Friday and Saturday. With experience players like past champion Angel Cabrerra and KJ Choi still in the hunt it was anyone's jacket. It's okay to say you thought McIlroy was going to win, going into the final round it seemed that way. Even going into the final 9 holes he was holding strong. Then everything changed. Let's start with the other players before we get to McIlroy's final 9 holes.

Was this going to finally be Tiger's redemption win? With his -5 under charge on the front 9 it sure seemed so. Watching him hit the ball it seemed as though the eye of Tiger was back but with 120 putts he wasn't going to win. Despite his -6 round of the day, it wasn't enough with as many people behind him still left to play. He can take away from this weekend that it wasn't a poor showing but he just needs to go back and work on some aspects of his game. The Tiger is well on his way back and I wouldn't be surprised if he won a major this year after his round on Sunday. This weekend wasn't his. Nor was it Jason Day or Adam Scott. Or Geoff Ogilvy or Luke Donald. All of the men atop the leaderboard shared the lead at some point on Sunday going back and for with birdies, pars and bogeys. For a good 4-5 holes it seemed no one was willing to take the chance and go for it. It really became a neck and neck race as 3 round leader Rory McIlroy started to unravel.

For 63 holes the young Irish fellow (21) led the tournament and in the front 9 it seemed as though he was still going to take it all home. But slow and steady wasn't going to win with players charging up the leaderboard. Going into 10 McIlroy had to make a move but when he schanked it far left off the tee everything started to go against him. Saying that it went left was an understatment. He hit the ball into the houses that are right off the course seemingly needing to knock on their door to ask if he could even hit the ball. Once he got it on the fairway it still wasn't going right and he hit his approach behind the scoreboard. Somehow he only tripled the hole, but with his 4 shot lead he had going into the final round he was far from out. This is where mental toughness and experience come into play. If he could rebound he'd still have a chance, but he didn't. He followed his triple with a bogey-double bogey on the next two holes. Put a fork in him, he's done. The only thing he can walk away with from this tournament is the experience and the lesson learned on how he needs to keep it together on the final day. In a post round interview he said it very well "it'll bother me for a few days, but then I'll get over it and move on". Some players never recover from this disastrous of a final round in a major but this will ultimately prove how good he is if he can bounce back.

Charl Schwartzel become the opposite of McIlroy. Going into the final holes of the tournament he was right among the 8-10 players still in contention. All seemingly not ready to take the measures needed to grab hold of the lead. Schwartzel wasn't however. With 4 holes left someone needed to step up or else we were going to see a play off. Jason Day finished birdie birdie to end the weekend at a -12 276 and Adam Scott finished with pars on the last 3 holes for the same score. Schwartzel birdied 15...then again on 16... and once more on 17. With a beautiful straight down the middle tee shot on 18 Schwartzel was in good hands to win as long as he didn't succomb to the pressure and bogey he would be the 2011 Master Champion. Approach shot to the 18th green left him about 15 ft from the hole. 2 putts and he wins by 1 shot, birdies out and wins by 2. Charl lines up the putt, hits the ball, after a millisecond of it seeming to not go in, it rounds the edge of the cup and softly lands at the bottom. Roars from the crowd, arms in the air, it looks and sounds like we have a new masters champion.
the 75th Green Jacket was slipped on by South African Charl Scwartzel to join the club of golfers including Palmer, Nicklaus, Woods, Phil Mickelson, Mark O'Meara and fellow countrymen Gary Player. Schwartzel took what could be the hardest round of the year on the PGA and wrestled it to the ground for a victory. He didn't just sneak by, he took control in the closing holes and never looked back. But now the questions remains, will he become a one and done type winner at the Masters like Mike Weir or will he stand on 18 and wear another Green Jacket? As much as the physicality and talent as it takes to win, golf is more mental than most other sports. If you can tackle the mental game and you've got the talent of the sport, you have what it takes to be successful. As Bobby Jones once said: "Competitive golf is mainly played between a 5 1/2-inch course... the one between your ears". McIlroy did not conquer that element on Sunday but Schwartzel did. He conquered it and then some. Safe to say, the Schwartz was with him.

Who needs a regular season?

It wasn't a very pretty end to a miraculous post season run, but a win's a win. No matter how ugly it was, it's not going to bring down the UConn Huskies and their contingent of fans off Cloud 9. No snide remarks like "Any other team could have beaten both of those teams last night" or "UConn wasn't THAT good this season" can wipe the smiles off the alumni and the 16,000+ undergrad student currently enrolled in Storrs, CT. In simple terms, it doesn't matter. Those other teams didn't win when they needed to advance so they got eliminated. The only team who stepped up to the challenge every single time was UConn and look what it got them, the National Championship.

Yes Butler exhibited the worst shooting performance ever in NCAA title game history, shooting a measly 18.8%, and while as un-entertaining as it was for the rest of the sports world, it will go down as quite possibly one of the greatest sports moments in UConn's history. Most of the world expected it to be a defensive game, but with more of an offense to it from both sides. Neither team shot well, UConn just shot better and that's all they needed. What was their defensive key to winning this game? REBOUNDS. UConn had 51 rebounds on the night. They blocked out the normally outstanding Butler rebounding team, who didn't lack in rebounding with 43, but they just didn't have the offense to match. UConn's Jeremy Lamb lit up the 2nd half, scoring all of his 12 points reigniting the entire Husky Nation. While Butler failed to make any of their shots go in, UConn didn't let up one bit. They kept the pressure on causing the Bulldogs to scramble and hope they could make something work. UConn's relentless defense shut down Butler's inside game completely with 10 blocks and holding them to just 3 2-pt field goals. If you would have asked Brad Steven's before the game that UConn was only going to score 53 points, he would have been thrilled, but not with his team on the losing end of this surprising end to the season.


Last night's title game brought an end to one of the greatest post season run's in NCAA history. No I'm not being biased because I'm a Husky Hardcore, but it's undeniably one of the greatest. There's something about this title for UConn Country that is just a little bit more special than 1999 and 2004. In 99, Rip Hamilton and his team took down the mighty Duke Blue Devils 77-74. Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon and Co. roared through the 2004 tournament as a #2 seed proving to many they should have been a #1. 2011 is different. There was a different walk a different smile on Jim Calhoun's face when accepting the trophy. It wasn't all about flash and fancy plays, it was back to basics. One simple thought: win.

Starting with their heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in the 2009 Final Four, they took a step back and started over. Rather than recruiting All-Stars who don't always need coaching, Calhoun found raw talent in players like Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi and Jeremy Lamb who were willing to learn and be coached. What was going to reignite this team was Kemba Walker. The ultimate success of this team would fall on his shoulders. As Calhoun said post game "I needed this team as much as they needed me". The bond of trust from Calhoun to Kemba and then Kemba onto his team mates can't be matched. If Kemba wasn't having a good night against Arizona, Calhoun trusted him when he said they needed to give the ball to Jeremy Lamb and in turn Lamb trusted Kemba to get him the ball to score.

Pre-season, Connecticut wasn't even ranked. Besides the star power in Kemba Walker no one really knew just how good they were going to be. After the Maui Invitational, a lot of people changed their POVs. The Huskies stormed through Hawaii defeating future NIT Champions Wichita State (83-79), Michigan State (70-67) and future Final Four Kentucky (84-67). Kemba Walker and the Huskies had arrived. Regular and conference season began with more ups and downs than the roller coasters at Six Flags. They started pushing their way up the ranks of the AP polls but then suffering tough Big East losses would throw them back down a few places. Then they'd play teams like Texas, at Texas and rise once again on the shoulders of the Kardiac Kemba. Despite their phenomenal play outside of the Big East conference they faltered to a 9-9 conference record losing 4 out of their last 5 games.

Something happened the day after their regular season ending loss to Notre Dame. They had the best practice that day, that spark was back but they still had the daunting Big East tournament in front of them and with their poor record in order to win the tournament they'd have to play 5 games in 5 days. Nothing anyone thought was possible. Oh wait, it was. 5 in 5 with a staggering 130 point performance from Walker and Jeremy Lamb emerging with double figure points in every game. Magic happened in those 5 games at Madison Square Garden. Walker was playing the best minutes of his career, Calhoun was feeding off his energy calling plays and the rest of the team was using his passion and heart to drive themselves past exhaustion. Saturday night after defeating Louisville they could finally rest, but not for long. NCAA tournament play was set to begin on Thursday in Washington D.C. 5-0 in post season, 8-0 tournament play.

Would Connecticut be too tired after their Big East tournament performance? When asked about fatigue Kemba's reply "We're not going to let fatigue get us. When I'm on the court my heart takes over". They came out storming in the first round and manhandled Bucknell. Tired? Wouldn't have known it. After a rocky first round, they knocked out Big East opponents Cincinnati guaranteeing a Big East team to the Sweet 16. After the dismal performances of the upper seeded Big East teams in the first few rounds the 9th and 10th teams (UConn and Marquette) were the only ones left. Moving out to Anaheim, to play San Diego State in a near home game, the Huskies continued their road to Houston. Elite 8 vs. Arizona, a scary game in the least but with an 18-7 run in the 1st half while Derrick Williams was on the bench, UConn sealed their spot in the Final Four. 9-0 post season, 12-0 tournament play.

The UConn-Kentucky re-match wasn't going to be the same as Maui. Both teams were very different from November. It was visible that the Huskies were tired, Kemba had played all 40 minutes of the past 3 games. Would the 5 in 5 finally catch up with them? Physically maybe, but emotionally and mentally, hell no. Despite the late charge from Kentucky, Shabazz Napier getting fouled after his rebound of Andre Liggins' final 3-pt attempt took him to the line. Both free throws went in. Game Over. UConn is headed back to the Championship and well, we all know how that ended up; the championship title. 11-0 post season, 14-0 tournament play.

You push the Huskies back against a wall, they will find a way to win, no matter how ugly it may be. You don't see Coach Calhoun smile often, but when he does it's a beautiful thing. Monday night was about as good as it gets for him. He became the oldest coach at 68 to win a national championship and joined an elite club of 4 other coaches (Wooden, Rupp, Knight, Krzyzewski) to win 3 or more titles. Still want to say he's not one of the greatest? You can't argue it. No better team than this years Huskies to launch him into legend status.

UConn had everything this year: offense, defense, Kemba Walker, teamwork, trust, athleticism, heart, power and determination. They played well enough in the regular season to get themselves into the NCAA tournament, maybe not have been a top team during the year, but when it mattered most they did what other teams couldn't do: win. 11-0 in post season and 14-0 in tournament play. UConn played the best 420 minutes (540 in tournament play) than any other team in the NCAA giving them the 2011 National Title.

Until next year...

U! C! O! N! N! UCONN! UCONN! UCONN!

And then there were 2...

One of the most surprising, if not the most, Final Fours in the history of the NCAA tournament did not disappoint last night. Well at least for 2 teams and their fans it didn't, but for 2 others it left them silenced, heartbroken and sent home empty handed. Not without the usual NCAA Final Four drama. No matter the outcomes of the 2 games: Butler beating VCU, VCU continuing their Ultimate Cinderella run or Calipari and the Wildcats cruising past Calhoun and the Huskies, Kemba and his Husky Orchestra defeating the winningest program in NCAA history it was going to the an unexpected Championship game on Monday night. Butler v. UConn? VCU v. UConn? Butler v. Kentucky? VCU v. Kentucky?

The match-up between Butler and VCU was going to the battle of the Cinderellas. Both teams have proved their worthy of being in the Final Four, especially the Rams, after barely making the tournament and then hearing about it for 2 days before their play in game in Dayton that they shouldn't have been picked. Hey Critics, you still think they should have been left out of the tournament field? These two Mid Major programs have proved they can hang and play better than the big dogs, but now they have to go up against one another. Both teams shoot well from the 3 point arc but also have phenomenal defenses to stop what seems to be anyone in their tracks. From the start it was a close game, either team going up a few points but then the other answering right back with a few more. Up by 6 at the half, butler seemed to be putting on the touches of what took them to title game last year, however no one was counting out VCU yet. Roaring back into the 2nd half VCU was still very much in the game, but then time started to wear on them and Butler played the final stretch of the game like champions where VCU struggled and fell short. Before we knew, Butler was up by 10 in the last minutes of the game. 70-62. Butler advances for the 2nd time in 2 years. VCU the first of 2 teams sent home, but their run in this tournament said something about NCAA basketball. No one will ever forget their run and I'm sorry George Mason but from here on out it's going to be "Who is going to be this year's VCU?" The Bulldogs rejoiced in the locker room, back in familiar territory now all they had to do was wait to find out who they're going to play Monday night.

Kentucky vs. UConn. Calipari vs. Calhoun. Knight vs. Walker. Wildcats vs. Huskies. Both programs have extraordinary fanbases who camped out long before the doors opened to Reliant Stadium to ensure their front row seats in the student section. Were the Huskies going to continue their extraordinary run in the post-season or would the Wildcats finally find a way to beat the team that a month ago, on long month, seemed to be far from even getting passed the 1st round of the tournament. Both teams with phenomenal star players in Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight, both teams with tough defenses, and both teams with a lot to prove. Each team made a run in the 1st half in a very physical game but with a cold shooting Kentucky the game seemed to be in Connecticut's hands. Kentucky came out in the 2nd have swinging cutting that lead down to 1 with Liggins and Knight draining 3's. Husky Nation started to get worried, but it was far from over. UConn tightened up their defense, shut down Josh Harrelson, and started to make plays. With 2:30 left Shabazz Napier drove to the basket with a sweet hook shot to take the lead to 6 but Liggins fought right back and cut the lead to 3. Down by 2, Napier loses the ball and Kentucky calls the TO. Kentucky could either tie the game or win, Liggins took the final 3 with 4 seconds left, a great shot, but fell short. Amongst the sea of giant players Shabazz extended his arms and came up with the rebound, getting fouled with only 1.7 seconds left. Make both of his free throws, game over. Talk about pressure. He made the first and now refocus, take a breath, look at the hoop. Swish. Game Over. Hands down the biggest buckets of this kids season, if not possibly his career. Despite Knight's final 3 pointer at the buzzer, it wasn't enough. UConn is going to the Championship game.


So it's set Monday night: Butler vs. UConn. Bulldogs vs. Huskies. Stevens (rookie) vs. Calhoun (veteran). 6 months ago neither of the teams thought they'd be in this position. Even a month ago, both teams struggling in regular season play weren't even close to being picked for the Final Four let alone the championship game, yet here we are, they're the final two teams left. The only real different right now between these two teams is 1 win. UConn is on a 10 game winning streak starting from their improbable 5 games in 5 days Big East Championship run (Butler played 4 games in the Horizon League Championship). This is a game that will be talked about for years. If Butler wins, they will cap 2 of the greatest tournament runs in history, a runner-up and then coming back the year after with a National Title. If UConn wins, they bring the trophy back to Storrs for the first time since 2004 also giving Calhoun his 3rd title joining the elite club of 5 coaches who have each won 3 championships and pushing UConn into "NCAA Blue Blood" status.

We all know who I'm cheering for obviously, but no matter the end result of tomorrow's game, I'm so proud of this team and what they've done. Myself (as well as the rest of Husky Nation) will never forget what they've done. They are reminiscent of the 2004 team and we all know how that ended up. The Huskies have found improbable ways to win and they have one more test in Butler. Their 13-0 tournament play this season has gone like this from the beginning: Witchita St, Michigan St, Kentucky (Maui Invitational), DePaul, Georgetown, PITT, Syracuse, Louisville (Big East Championship), Bucknell, Cincinnati, San Diego State, Arizona, and Kentucky again. Will Butler be their latest victim? All signs right now are pointing to yes, but the Bulldogs aren't going to go away easily. All eyes on the game tomorrow night will either be rooting for Butler or UConn, seemingly more people rooting for Butler, but Husky Nation is loud and will be heard in Houston from across the country. Maui-Manhattan-D.C.-Anaheim-Houston. We're bringing it all back to Storrs.

1 more game left, THE game. 40 minutes until we have a new National Champion.