my good luck finally ran out for westy hah.

Tonight's 38-25 loss to Southern Huntingdon shouldn't come as a surprise to most; they were the #1 seed in D6, 24-0, and had 3 girls over 5'9 and a 3pt bomber to show for it. But anyone who was at that game knows that westmont had their chances to win it. The first thing anyone will bring up when talking about this game will be the tactic at the very beginning of the game employed by coach Jodi Hillegass. Westmont won the tipoff and preceded to take the ball up past half court. Once over the line, guard Nikki Perry held the ball. for 5 minutes straight! no body moved. no one. She held the ball for 5 minutes and everyone just stood around. I have been to many a bball game, but I have never in my entire life seen something like that. It was interesting, shocking, and ridiculous all in one. Southern Huntingdon's players just stood there and Nikki just stood with the ball. The referrees just watched. Now, I was always under the impression that there was some sort of delay penalty that would result in a turnover for this kind of act but I guess I was wrong because there she stood for 5 minutes, untouched and unmoving. Nobody on the court moved. Westmont fans began to cheer. Apparently the strategy was to slow the pace of the game to the point where SH could not get their offense going in the hopes that the low score would be advantageous to Westy and keep them in the game. Unfortunately, this strategy will only work if 1. you can score on your few driving possessions, which they didnt, and 2. that your defense locks down and holds SH to a minimum amount of pts, which they did. I am in total disagreement with this tactic for several reasons. First, you should always play to win the game. This strategy shows that Coach Hillegass was not playing to win, she was playing not to lose, which is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned. Second, and most importantly, what kind of message is this saying to your players? It says basically that "hey, if we go and play our normal aggressive style offense against them we will lose so we will do this so we have a chance to win because you girls aren't good enough to do it on your own". Now, I don't know how the girls viewed this tactic, whether they were for it or against it is irrelevant, the message the coach is sending in my eyes is clear. I think this totally would destroy any confidence your players have in winning, and it showed tonight. Westmont had probably well over double the turnovers of SH and many far too many errant passes and rash decisions. This, I feel, is a direct result of that beginning play. But this is just my opinion of course because only the players and coaches really know how this all affected them. I have said all along that if Westmont eliminates THEIR mistakes they can beat anybody. It's only when they make their own mistakes is when they lose; tonight was no exception. They had a chance to win, but you cannot turn the ball over that many times on offense and expect to win, especially against the #1 seed who is now 25-0. Also, whether it the lack of discipline with the ball is the players' fault or the coach's, it definitely exists. At the end of the first 2 quarters, Westy had the chance to hold the ball for the last shot, but instead opted to shoot with time left, both resulting in misses and both resulting in SH scores before the end of the quarters. This lack of mental focus is also a team mistake which needs to be fixed. When it comes to the big games, Coach Hillegass has yet to prove herself capable of taking herself past teams that may be a bit more well coached. Just look at her two failed title attempts, her loss in the western pa final, and this one and it seems pretty obvious to me. Congratulations to the seniors who once again led the team, and whom without, this team would be nowhere at all. The season isn't over as they are in a consolation game Thursday versus the loser of the McCort/Marion Center game. The winner of the consolation then continues on to states. The run isn't over yet for the triple threat, but oh how much sweeter it would have been. Along with the beginning player, westy forward Kayla Vliet got injured early in the first half and never returned, so many variables tonight in a loss. If Westy can eliminate their own mistakes and make sharper decisions with the ball, they can win every game. The journey continues Thursday, and I hope they win because I enjoy watching my friends play, plus its a nice distraction from the weekly college grind. Until then.

firing therrien is NOT the answer needed.

My worst fears about Pens GM Ray Shero have come true. I knew eventually it would come to the termination of Michel Therrien as head coach, but its not the solution. Why it was only two weeks ago that Shero stated in a press conference that Therrien is a great coach and has the full support of the administration and that the rough patches for the Pens always end up turning around under Coach Therrien. Yet, here we are. I understand why some people are quick to defend Shero. Many fans didn't like Therrien for his emotionless style and blunt, honest statements. But for anyone who has played any puck at all, you know he is the exact coach that you want your players to be around. This is the guy who does what it takes to win and will make whatever changes necessary within his power to do so. Satan isn't playing up to potential? Fine, bench him or stick him on the 4th line. This was Therrien's M.O. from day one and I for one thought it was refreshingly genuine for the game and for the Penguins. Therrien has not changed his style of coaching from last year when he led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. I understand that when a change is needed something has to be done. When the Pens are losing 5-1 in the 2nd period, and Therrien pulled Fleury, even though none of the goals were his fault, some change is needed to spark energy. While Fluery is not at fault, sometimes you just need a change of pace/scenery/whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, when a team is struggling, it is much easier to point at the coach for the blame and punish him then the players. Therefore, Therrien got the boot Sunday evening before the Pens' afternoon game against the Isles. Like I said, Therrien is the same coach and employs the same methods as he did last year when they almost took home the Cup. This year, he tried doing everything from changing the lines mid-game to bringing up AHL players; nothing worked. The blame for this season ultimately falls on 1. the players for not working together as well and 2. Ray Shero for making terrible off-season acquisitions. In the end, the players have to provide the energy and spark and talent to win games; Therrien cannot make them go out there and score goals. When push comes to shove, its up to the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. I feel when all of this is said and done, Ray Shero will regret making this decision. While I understand about change being needed and that Therrien will ultimately have to shoulder the blame for the Pens performance, anyone who knows hockey knows this is not Therrien's doing. Unfortunately, the coaches are the first ones to get axed when something goes wrong. It is not right, in any sport, for the blame to be placed solely on the shoulders of the coach all the time, but this is the life of professional sports, and like it or not, they are businesses that are only interested in winning, which keeps the fans coming back and paying money. Dan Bylsma I can assure you is not the answer, at least this season. I expect the Pens to make some drastic moves before the trade deadline March 4th. I think it is only right to show the fans that Therrien is not solely to blame for this debacle of a season. As Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey, Pens in-game announcers, were getting into the elevator of their hotel the night before the Isles afternoon game, Therrien came walking out of it with suitcase in hand. Paul asked Michel "where you going, Mike?", to which Therrien responded: "I'm going home." With his head held high, Paul said, he said that and walked out the door the same way he came in; a confident coach with plenty to offer. Therrien will quickly find another team, as he is a valuable asset as a coach, every team knows this. As for Bylsma and the Pens, time will tell, but no matter what side you take on this matter, the fact remains that letting Therrien go is NOT going to be the single solution to a team that has many problems this year.

From Lord Stanley to missin the playoffs, what happened?

Rough is about the only word that encompasses the Pens entire season thus far. Through 300 man games lost to injury, a lack of focus, and a loss of key players in free agency, it hasn't been the season envisioned by the team that made the Cup Finals last season. The big question by all the fans is obvious: what happened from last year to this year? Sure, the team had alot of injuries, but what team doesn't? First, it starts with the off-season transactions. The Pens lost Ryan Malone, Jarkko Ruutu, and Marion Hossa; all key assets who brought so many different facets to the Pens game. Malone dug down low and in front of the net as a 3rd line center. Ruutu brought grit and determination as an enforcer on the 3rd and 4th lines as well. Hossa, an indispensible winger for Crosby and Malkin. These 3 guys alone brought more than what you think to a team that was one of the best in the league last season. Also, the talent that GM Ray Shero brought in has not performed to anyone's expectations. Ruslan Fedotenko, Miro Satan, and Petr Sykora have been nothing short of busts in terms of scoring potential. Couple that with the lack of effort shown by high-profile players such as Jordan Staal, and it all adds up to a complete lack of cohesion on this team. With Gonchar being out most of the year, the defense has faltered and the PK has fell to under 80%, pushing dead last in the league. The power play also hasn't been successful, hovering around 17% all year, also close to the bottom in the NHL. The biggest factor that has kept this skid going though is a lack of confidence. When you lose key guys to free agency, and don't pick up anything good in return, and have alot of man injuries to key players like Gonchar, you never have a team that gels. Half the lines for the year have been led by AHL players; you can never get cohesion like that. So, while this team is nearly the same ability-wise, the lack of cohesion has turned to a lack of confidence, which is why the Penguins won't, and don't deserve, to make the playoffs this year.

Just when you thought the Pro Bowl couldn't get worse....

It did. An already lack-luster game has reached new lows by the recent announcement of NFL commish Roger Goodell, stating that the Pro Bowl will now be played one week PRIOR to the Super Bowl, AND that it will be played at the site of the Super Bowl as well and not in Hawaii, where it is traditionally held. This is by far one of Goodell's worst moves as commissioner in his few years at that position. The game was already in question due to many players wanting to avoid further injury and others not willing to play and just wanting to spend a little vacation time in the state. I can't even begin to comprehend this move whatsoever. First off, a week BEFORE!?! The Pro Bowl is based mostly on fan and player voting, meaning the players with the best stats make it, in general. Historically, this means that these players are mostly from playoff teams and very likely from the teams playing in the Super Bowl. In fact, logic would tell you that alot of players in the Pro Bowl are probably playing in the Super Bowl, it's just common sense. None of those players, nor their coaches, are going to want them to risk injury for a game that has no bearing on the season at all. If you are on a SB team, why would you consider playing at all in a worthless game the week before the SB? Could you imagine if the Pro Bowl was a week before the SB this year and Fitzgerald, Bolden, Warner, Roethlisberger, Holmes, Ward, Polamalu or any other SB players would get hurt? The players union would tear down Goodell and the administration. Now, there are fines in place I believe for skipping the Pro Bowl, but those fines are well worth it to avoid an injury before the Super Bowl. Many players will be missing the Pro Bowl next year if they are also in the SB, essentially making voting for the players in the game worthless, thereby making the game worthless. Secondly, and most importantly to the players I think, the Pro Bowl is the last horrah for them, a celebration of a successful(or merciful; aka Lions) end to a season. It is a chance to go to Hawaii and enjoy a week of relaxation with beautiful weather and beaches and attractions. Players look forward to going to Hawaii as they feel they have earned the trip, and I agree that they have as well. Now you are taking that away from them too and sending them to the same stadium as the SB, which next year is Miami, which most players go to during the regular season to play the Dolphins anyway, especially the AFC East division. Overall, this was a horrible decision by the NFL administration and Roger Goodell. Who could possibly sit in a board room meeting, and when discussing the Pro Bowl for the future and putting forth these ideas says "oh yeah these are great new options the players will love em"? Its absolutely 100 percent absurd. Fans, players, and coaches alike were calling for the end of the Pro Bowl BEFORE it was moved away from Hawaii and moved to a week before the SB. Now, with these changes put in place, this almost certainly spells doom for the Pro Bowl game. I agree that the Pro Bowl needed some changes, but these are the exact opposite and worst ones possible.

Michael Phelps: Sink or Swim?

After Phelps' photo appeared, the question started swirling: has his legacy been tarnished? While most people seem to be taking one side or the other, particularly the yes camp, I take both sides. On one hand, Michael Phelps, as immortal as he may seem to all of us, including myself, is no different than any of us. He's liable to go out and party and try to live as normal a life as possible considering his worldwide status. I have absolutely no problem with him partying, and having a few drinks or even trying some weed. Just because you're famous doesn't mean you shouldnt be allowed to have a good time. BUT, I also take the other side in this as well. When you have gained so much fame and acclaimed fortune(over 200 million in endorsements alone!), no matter how much you fuel the need or may want to go out and party and hangout, you just can't. I'm sorry, but this is the price you must pay for your fame and money you have accrued. You have put yourself up on a worldwide pedestal of achievement and class and integrity. You are not allowed to breach that unspoken contract, or you WILL suffer the consequences of your actions. This entire act is almost forgiveable except for the fact that it has happened before with his DUI over 5 years ago as a minor. He said then that he would never fall into this trap again, yet here we are. If the weed photo was a first-time deal, one could almost brush it off as Phelps just letting loose one time. So while I have no problem with Phelps trying to live a normal life and do what he wants, he has to remember who he is. You cannot go to a party where most of the people there you don't know and expect nothing to happen when you start smoking. Something will happen, and it did. So, Michael Phelps, live your life with a balance. You can have fun, but be responsible. Remember everything you stand for and realize that as much as you deserve your freedom from the press, you will never get it. While the great Charles Barkley told us that athletes don't have to be role models, I believe that you do because of what you've done, and I think you want to be one as well. You have disappointed yourself, your fans, and USA Swimming as they've handed you a 3 month suspension. You just can't publicize yourself when you are as famous as he his, you just can't. So have fun, but responsibly. While I believe you are truly sorry for what you've done, I'm not sure I accept that apology. After the DUI, he said it would never be repeated, his reckless actions. This is why people are having trouble forgiving him. So, is his legacy tarnished? I don't think it should be, but it ultimately will be to some degree because he stood for everything that was great about atheltic achievement, and now he has disappointed. So, he apologizes again for a stupid act, AGAIN. Fool us once Phelps, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us.

close those cabinet doors!

If there is something that confuses me more than anything this week it is how so many cabinet nominees have tax issues. Even more astounding is how administration officials and panels didn't notice these liens before they were delegated at all. This is a total lack of discipline on the new adminstration's part, and frankly, as much as i hate to say it, it starts with Barack Obama. If he is unaware of his nominees' tax problems, someone or someonessss on his staff need to delve into their financials and find out the real problem. Every nominee should be audited by the adminstration in the first place, why they weren't is beyond me. The bottom line is that we cannot have administration officials in cabinet positions, high power, decision-making decisions, with shaky tax history. If they cannot manage their own financials, how can they possibly manage anything else, let alone a cabinet secretary position. The Obama administration better get their head screwed on straight or they are in for a rough first year, although they may have already dug too big a hole to get out of this fiscal quarter. Try to pass that stimulus bill now.

whats with the peanut butter?

Another episode in the peanut epidemic. Today a Texas plant was found by federal inspectors to not have been inspected for four years previous to the outbreak. There were no random checks by any authorities whatsoever. While no salmonella outbreak was found at this plant in Texas, it was a distributor of those materials. The big question is of course is how do you go for years without inspection without anyone noticing? And if so, how does no one ELSE notice that no one has noticed??? These are the small things that are wrong with the free market capitalist system. While I am not refuting its effectiveness, one can't deny the implications it has when it is allowed to run rampant without major checks and balances. Unfortunately, in this case, it cost people their lives, not just their money. While this plant was not responsible for the salmonella outbreak, the fact remains that it skipped protocol by not engaging in federal safety checks. Does profit really out-trump the well being of consumers. Case and point, apparently it does. Management of this plant should be punished fully, in addition to the guilt I'm sure many of them now feel, although I don't accept this as satisfactory. Sure, the plant workers and managers in Texas and Georgia may feel sorry and give heartfelt apologies, but no matter how well-worded, they can't bring back the 8 people killed by their negligence and incompetance. So while everyone screams about the need for greater transparancy in our financial markets, I think it should start at a peanut distribution plant in Georgia. We've already started too late though in the minds of 8 people and their families.