who would you rather support...

I have yet to watch a professional basketball game this year, yet I will defend who I think the most valuable player is in the NBA.  I think everyone has a favorite player.  Are you a witness?

Well, I am.  Lebron James is by far the most talented athlete out there.  He is incredible to watch.  He joined an okay basketball program and now where are they?  The play- offs. That is the least of his accomplishments.

If you've read my last blog, I stress the importance of sportsmanship.  Relating Lebron to this, he is adorable and perfect.  Joining the NBA at the innocent age of 18, he has only gotten a big head in being able to lead his team.  He is confident in them and has remained loyal to the people of Cleveland.

What about Kobe?  Really, what about him.  He brings nothing.  He plays for one of the most popular teams in the nation.  The Lakers Franchise is like the New York Yankees.  They can buy whatever player they want.  Kobe is great, but better than Lebron?

As I am sitting in my dorm room, I have asked my friends who they like more.  Lebron or Kobe?  My friends rarely like to watching professional sports.  All girls are currently in my room and all responded unanimously stating Lebron.  Why?  How could they agree with me?

Well, simply the fact is Lebron is an entertainer.  The purpose of sports in this society is to provide entertainment for the community.

Another individual said Lebron. She said she doesn't like Kobe's past behavior.

If you have spare time or just bored, watch the play- offs. I'll let you decide what player you like more.  Is it going to be # 24 or # 23?

Sportsmanship

I have been a referee for officially an entire year in the Department of Intramural Sports.  Part of the captain- talk I have to give before every game stresses one thing in particular.  Sportsmanship.  That is the most important thing on the field, it does not matter what sport it is or what level of intensity. 

Growing up, I have always learned to be respectful on the playing field. I remember if I would mouth- off to a referee, it would be because I strongly felt that he/ or she made the wrong decision.  Typically, I would then be yelled "shut up Abbey!," eventually I just learned.  No matter what I say to a referee, to an opposing player or my teammates, it will not make a difference in the last call.

What has happened to respect?  In this day in age, players can get a way with a variety of things.  Why?  Because we let them.

Let's take this example of a player on Creighton's basketball team.  He was suspended in January due to behavior.  Nothing else was ever told to the media.  I still wonder what could have made Altman so mad that he could no longer deal with it.  What is the final straw? I support Altman in his decision because I think there needs to be a change in the way athletes behave.

Tiger Woods

Woods used to be a spokesperson for a variety of products and be a role model for children.  He always had a smile on his face and as far as the public was aware, he had a perfect family life.  Completely wrong.  I have read a lot of articles on Tiger with people stating that he was influenced strongly by Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley.

Athletes act like they're superior and are on a different pedestal.  This happens in college where players off the court behave like they're special.  This needs to change.  People shouldn't want to play sports for the money, the fame and the behavior.  When young boys and girls find out about Tiger Woods, it only confuses them.

Maybe then, they can spit into their hand right before they shake their opponent's hands.  Or they can sing a song after they win, just to remind their opponents who won.  As this is all going on, the parents sit back and relax.  These little actions gradually grow as the player gradually gets better.

As a referee, you know the most important thing is respect and sportsmanship.  I will honestly say that participating in sports after reffing that I am a lot more cautious of my behavior.

Favre hurt? Uh- oh for the Vikings.

There is always something happening in the sport's industry.  I have always known this, but of course, Favre is on the headlines.  The last thing I remember reading about him was on his family.  His oldest daughter, Brittany, 21- years old, gave birth to a baby boy.  Brett officially became a grandpa, outside of the the NFL, on April 6th.  The media is not interested in that anymore, but on Favre's current physical condition.

Last spring, Favre had arm problems.  Now his ankle?  

He would need to have surgery on his ankle.  The surgery is not major, but actually quite minor.  The fact of the matter is another surgery.  I am worried about my brettie.  He has always been my favorite player, but when is enough a enough?  He will push himself like he does every game.

This leaves the Vikings in a dilemma.  There are two different scenarios that could play out.  One, Favre returns and is the starting quarterback for the Vikings.  They make it to the play- offs, become NFC Champions and possibly the Super Bowl?  Or, no Favre at all.

Well, the Vikings really messed up the 2010 draft.  I am not sure who was in charge of that, but all I know is hell I would not have done it that way.  Why?  Simple fact is, who was ever going to replace Favre?  

Tarvaris Jackson?

Sage Rosenfels?

No way.

Why did the Vikings not draft a quarterback?  

The Vikings gave their 30th draft pick to the Lions.  Why? I still don't comprehend it.

Tim Tebrow?  He did play with Percy Harvin, but again I am not sure if I would have wanted him either.  He surely does not have Brett's intelligence and perspective on the field. Anyways, Tebrow was never available for them.

Who would have been available?

Jimmy Clausen is an arrogant player, but the kid does have talent.  I am not sure if he would have been the best player for them. I do not see a resemblance of Brett's poise and respectful behavior.

Or, Colt McCoy.  I would have chosen him.  Instead, the 85th player drafted was McCoy by the Carolina Panthers.  I think he is going to blossom as a player and become a great quarterback.

 McCoy went to University of Texas where he was the starting quarterback for four years in a row.  He has won more games than any other Division 1 quarterback in history. He has all the statistics.  McCoy won quarterback of the year, offensive player of the year, outstanding football player of the year, and 10 other awards during his senior year.

If this isn't enough to have you like McCoy and question the Vikings?  Take a look at this.

The Vikings decided to use the 100th pick, they got from the Lions, to draft Everson Griffen. A defensive end? I doubt he plays quarterback as well.

 

Why?

I am unsure what the Vikings were thinking, if they ever were, during the draft.

In support of Favre, he shouldn't worry about the status of the Vikings.  I want him to choose what he wants.  So what if the Vikings are left with two quarterbacks that will not lead the Vikings anywhere.  As long as Brett is happy then I support him.

The NFL will never see a quarterback ever like him again.  He is irreplaceable.

An exclusive interview with a Jay's basketball player

One of the perks about having this blog is using the excuse to ask all my questions. I have always wondered what it'd be like to be part of the basketball team here. There has been a lot of hype in the past week about the team. To set the record straight, I asked Ross Ferrarini to sit down with me. Currently, the two of us are sitting in the fourth floor of Swanson Hall. Not a typical interview to hold with a Division One basketball player, however he happens to be my friend. A little background information, this is Ross' first year at Creighton. He transferred from University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Ross attended Westside High School in Omaha, Neb.

How’s your day going so far?

It’s phenomenal Abbey. Thank you for asking.

How long have you been playing basketball?

Probably since first or second grade. I first played on a team and in a league in second grade.

How have you ended up on the Creighton team?

I played my freshman year at Nebraska and I wanted to transfer back home, so…shit. So, we got in touch with Coach Deverees. Altman and him said I could come play here.

Do you think you would not have come back if you knew he (Altman) was leaving?

I probably still would have tried. For the simple fact, that I wanted to play for Creighton and not any other school.

Alright great, what’s your opinion on McDermott and have you had interaction with him?

Yes, he met with us as a team on Tuesday. And then he met with each of us individually on Wednesday. So I met with him Wednesday morning. He seems like a really nice guy, very down to earth guy. We don’t know him that well because he hasn’t been around for that long.

Do other players have different thoughts than you?

I think everyone so far likes him, we just don’t really know him that well.

It’s been in the news that Tyrone Nared has been released?

I don’t really know him that well. I don’t know a whole lot about other people. I don’t know the scholarship situation or who is coming. Just no clue.

Tell me about your experience playing with Antoine Young and Josh Jones (because I know you knew them before Creighton)?

I have played with them ever since they were little. When we were in High school since AAU team. I know their games really well. It’s fun playing with them because I know them so well.

Do you think the chemistry is there as a team?

Yeah, I think there is chemistry. I think it is something we can work on.

What about the problems with behavior on the team?

Smirks. I don’t know, guys just put themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. They don’t use their brains quite honestly.

What about P’Allen Stinnett- was he at the meeting on Tuesday?

No, I don’t know what will happen with him. With my knowledge, he’s not coming back. But who knows.

Growing up as a kid and living in Omaha, have you always kind of dreamed or wanted to play for Creighton?

No, not really. It’s more of the social scene then actually watching the games. I never really envisioned myself playing for them quite honestly. Not like a dream, I guess.

This is a picture of a shirt design of Ross while in High school.
These t-shirts ended up being made.

Since you had to red shirt your freshman year, or whatever it’s called…

Well I was ineligible since I transferred from D1 to D1. But Continue Abbey…

Okay, what are your initial thoughts on being able to play?

Ha. Well, I’m a walk- on, so I don’t know how much I’ll play. I don’t really give a shit to be quite honest. Smirks.

Do you think it’ll be a lot different than the teams you played against in the Big 12?

Um…like the Big 12 is one of the best conferences in the nation.

Were the locker-room half-time talks a lot different between the two schools?

Um....yeah, I guess. Neither coach really yelled at half- time to be quite honest. I never really pay attention to be that honest.

Are you nervous about McDermott’s experience as a Coach to better the program of a mid- major school?

Are you nervous? That’s what you said. - Ross

Yeah. What was the question?

Are you nervous about McDermott’s experience as a Coach to better the program of a mid- major school?

Uh...I don’t know. I wouldn’t say nervous. He did really well when he was the coach at UNI.

What’s been your favorite memory this far for basketball? Of college?

Just whenever, Abbey.

Yeah. Fuck. Jesus that’s such a hard question to answer.

What about at Creighton? –Anna Singleton sitting nearby.

I’d have to say my junior year against Prep. It was sold- out and standing room only. I had two free- throws in the last 8 seconds and I iced the game I guess.

That’s sweet Rossy.- Anna

Haha.

I’ll look it up on you- tube.- Anna

I doubt it’s on YouTube.- Ross

Any last ideas or comments for this?

Smirks. Ha. Uh, not really no. Thank you for interviewing me Abbey.

Well thank you very much for your time Ross. I appreciate this.

If you want to follow or see Ross' blog click here. Ross is in my intro to mass communications with me.

Sweet Sixteenth Coach

Sweet Sixteenth coach for Creighton? Greg McDermott represents the 16th coach for Creighton University. Could that mean a possible appearance in the NCAA and maybe even the sweet sixteen? Creighton announced that the new Men's basketball coach is Greg McDermott. Creighton signed him for a 10- year, $9 million contract. Making Creighton a Altman- free team.

McDermott, a 45- year old coach born in Cascade, Iowa will move to Omaha, Neb.

McDermott is returning to the Missouri Valley Conference and leaving the Big 12. After coaching for Iowa State University in Ames for the past four years; McDermott leaves a weak program.

Bruce Rasmussen, Athletic Director at Creighton, said that McDermott has always been on the top of his list. Rasmussen knows that anything can happen and it's important to have a list of possibilities if something occurs. Although Oregon chose to do a 37-day search, Rasmussen felt confident enough to hire McDermott. Why?

Looking more closely at McDermott, I came to realize he could bring a lot to Creighton. First of all, I want to share that I never spoken to Altman, but also have never read a quote of him making a joke. McDermott already seems incredibly outgoing and I am excited to welcome him into the Creighton community. However, the lack of experience should not be looked upon as a weakness. Prior to being a coach at ISU, McDermott coached at Northern Iowa. There, he brought the Panthers to the NCAA tournament for three years in a row. McDermott has the experience, but how come ISU did not do that well these past four years? I blame ISU.

McDermott will be dedicated and will try to make Creighton become a power- house. It has been announced that Creighton's latest recruit has been released. Tyrone Nared has chosen not to go to Creighton. On his visit, Nared played pick- up with the current team this year. A current player on the team told me Nared wasn't that great of a player, just an athetlic guy.

I feel as though it's not much of a loss. McDermott is not just coming to coach at Creighton, he is also coming to move his son into the dorms in the fall. McDermott's son, Doug, a high school senior is going to play ball for his Dad. Doug is raked at No. 29 in the nation as a small forward in the class of 2010. Doug had originally committed to University of Northern Iowa, but has changed his mind due to his Dad's new position. Could UNI be honest over this? Of Course.

How is it, that a team that went 18- 16 and was in the CIT tournament just got UNI's best recruit (an up and coming basketball program) as a new player? Blame the Creighton community. I think Wragge and D. McDermott will lead Creighton out of the CIT and NIT, and finally to the NCAA tournament. There, Creighton will prove Altman was not replaceable. Because clearly, I do not think so.

Altman pulling a Favre? I think not.

Bye Dana?

This morning I opened the World Herald and on the front page it announced Altman was taking a head coaching job at Oregon. I was shocked. I had read on some sites that Altman was a candidate for the Wake Forest job, but Oregon? My friend was even more shocked that I hadn't heard the news. She said people had been talking about it since Friday because our friend is on the basketball team and he had started hearing things then. How could this have happened over the weekend? gocreighton.com still has not posted anything. Ironic? No. Where is the public relations department of the athletic department? This is something the University needs to address.


I doubt a circumstance like Arkansas will happen.

After 16 years at one institution, Altman decides to leave? In my mind, I am excited. I know he has done great things for Creighton. He brought attention and recognition to a mid- major school in a state where Husker football is much more important. I am still proud to say I have never been to a Husker football game. Altman brought the team to many NCAA tournaments. Some people may say he is one of the leading factors for the establishment of the Qwest Center.

However, the current status of Creighton's basketball team is not worth $1 million dollars a year. If he is as great as a coach some people think, then why did the team participate in the CIT this year? A lot of it has to do with the coach. He may have had an 'off- year' but what about last year? The NIT is not a whole lot better. Creighton needs a coach that will revamp the program, especially in recruiting new players. Also, why would Altman deal with player's with terrible attitudes? I think while recruiting, personality is something that is vital. A team filled with players who do not have love for the sport, but more for the fame should not be playing college- ball. I am quite anxious to see what direction the basketball program will go.

ALTMAN'S ARMY:

Some supporting basketball fans.
(Andrew Beske, Jimmy Zuegner, Jordan Housh).

It is sad to see my friends getting rid of their 'Altman's Army' attire, but I am excited for this new era. I am sure they will come up with a unique phrase for the new coach. They will embrace him/ or her just like how the community opened their arms for Altman after the Arkansas scandal. Except this time, Altman will not be our Coach.

Concessions

At almost every sports game, there is food. Food is served in a variety of ways but a person can certainly find it at these locations: professional, college, High school, junior-high and elementary games. Although the food may be available in different ways, it is still present on the sidelines and in the stands.

The fact of the matter is simple, sports is a form of entertainment. A person wants to be pleased and comfortable in a competitive setting. At the movies, a person is able to relax, eat popcorn and Twizzlers and enjoy their film. While attending a sporting event, the same amenities are typically available.

For the past few years, I have worked at Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields. At LWB, I have worked the concessions. The amount of time and effort that goes into preparing the concessions as well as having fresh food is incredible. For the most part, the games at LWB are for elementary and junior high aged kids. Families will buy popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, Gatorade, chips, candy as well as ice cream. Families will have their lunches or dinners at the game. With expectations this high for games of this caliber; high school, college and professional concessions should be much better.




At high school games, the food is terrible. This is somewhat ironic because a player’s entire family will typically come and cheer them on. There needs to be some type of improvement among this age- level.

The real reason concessions are on my mind is because of the Minnesota Twins. I have lived in Minnesota my entire life (19 years) and the Twins have always played in the Metrodome. I am quite familiar with the ‘Dome- Dog,’ Cotton- Candy, Popcorn and the other generic food.

An example of a Dome- Dog

Target Field in Minneapolis

The Twins got a new ballpark this year, Target Field. This is exciting news for everyone in the community! For the avid sports fan that secretly loves food, this is heaven. This ballpark has so many new options than the Metrodome, which I am not looking forward to when the Vikings play there in the fall.

A person, not even a baseball fan, might be asking him or herself what’s now available? Well here is a glimpse into it:

Hennepin Grille, Frankie V's Italian, North Shore Creamery, J.D. Hoyt's pork chops and of course the State Fair Classics.

I will not go into detail into the variety of concession stands because I think it is important for a person to experience it for himself or herself. I will say that I was able to attend the first exhibition game played at Target Field and I was quite satisfied. I walked into the Gates and I saw an Asian stand. I knew then that Target Field did it right.

Creighton Basketball

March and April are two very important months for high school seniors. They need to make their final college decision on/ or by May 1st. I have noticed prospective students and their families walking around Creighton’s campus these past couple weeks. I remember when I was in their place. This is also a time that Colleges are trying their hardest to finalize their recruits.

Creighton’s Men’s Basketball team finished 18-16 mark. This is also the first time in Dana Altman’s 16- year career at Creighton that the team has been in the CIT tournament. For people who aren’t familiar with the CIT tournament, it stands for the College Insider Tournament. I am sure the team will never want to be in this tournament again. I learned of the NIT last year, the CIT this year; I hope I don’t have to learn about another tournament next year.



I don’t think Altman is a bad coach, but I think recruiting better and stronger players needs to become a necessity. Instead of looking at students from junior colleges, high school stars need to get Creighton’s attention.

Ethan Wragge brings hope to Creighton’s basketball program. He is a freshman from Minnesota and made third-team all-state as a senior. I think Wragge will develop more as a player and could be Creighton’s leading scorer in the future. He ended the season with making a three- pointer in 21 consecutive games in a row. He set a new CU freshman record.

How come Creighton is only able to recruit players that make third-team all-state teams? I realize Creighton does not receive the kind of recognition as other Division 1 programs, but they need to strive for that.

It was brought to my attention that the Missouri Valley Conference will receive $1.5 million for having a team qualify for the Super-Sweet- Sixteen. This money will be divided evenly among the 10 teams. This means Creighton’s Athletic Department will receive roughly $150,000. I am guessing the majority of that money will go to the Creighton Basketball program. Maybe they’ll get new bags? Or they could spend it on recruiting?



It should be a wake- up call for Creighton to be in the CIT this year. There are talented players on the basketball team, but something is clearly not working. Creighton has the facilities and academic program to attract players. The average attendance for home games is 14,495. The Creighton and Omaha community put their energy into the basketball program.

I hope Creighton is able to do much better next year. I would love for Creighton to qualify to the NCAA tournament. If not next year, then the following year.

March Madness

March Madness is one of the most popular times of the year among college students as well as basketball fans. Many people are constantly watching television or clips on the Internet to stay well- informed as to what teams are going to continue to the next round. Personally, I did not make a bracket this year. I really regret it, however, I have a strong feeling I probably would have had KU winning it all.

It is exciting to have a team from the Missouri Valley Conference so far into the tournament. A lot of basketball fans are probably asking themselves how did UNI make it this far? One of the biggest upsets of the tournament was when UNI beat University of Kansas.

An interesting statistic I read on espn.com was on how many people had KU winning the entire tournament. Millions of brackets were significantly affected by that upset. All the students at UNI are probably celebrating and hoping their team will make it even further.



Although UNI is in the same conference as Creighton, I am excited for their accomplishments. I am hoping they can win the entire tournament, because that wil bring a lot more attention to the Missouri Valley Conference.

I love March Madness. Although Creighton did not make it this year, I don’t really care. It is a time for the best teams in the nation to play one another and to prove what team can last the longest.

I think it would be terrible if the NCAA decided to extend the tournament to 96 teams. March Madness should not be an opportunity any decent basketball program can make it into.

As the games continue and every week fewer teams continue, I get excited for the champion. It is also a time that colleges receive more recognition for their accomplishments. I still remember Davidson College with Stephen Curry two years ago. Davidson didn’t even make it this year, but most college fans are now familiar with the school.

Stephen Curry

Even if UNI loses tonight against Michigan State, nation-wide people will acknowledge their talent, dedication and their driven mind- set.

Into

I love sports. I am not a typical college student girl who will only keep up to date with sports to impress boys or have something to talk to them about. There are many girls that will try to learn the rules of football, but will then easily give up. I have known the basic rules of football since elementary school when I would play at recess. The football I played then consisted of my 5th- grade teacher playing as quarterback and throwing the ball to a new student every down. I can still catch and throw a football, but I never had a desire to play on an actual football team.

Instead, I have focused on watching football on ESPN. I have lived in Minnesota since I was born, but was never a Vikings fan when I was little. Having a mom from Wisconsin she had a larger influence on me about the Packers than my dad from Minnesota did. As a six year- old, the Packers won a superbowl. Brett Favre, easily one of the best players who has ever played football was part of the Packers then. When I was little, my favorite parts of football were typically the food or the commercials. I gradually got the hang of the rules and the understanding of the different positions. With learning the game, I began to appreciate the players and the various teams in the NFL.

I have fallen in love with Favre over the years. He is incredible to watch and I have been a fan of him from the Packers, to the Jets, and now the Vikings. Although Favre holds numerous records and achievements, it is the way he plays that makes him unique. He is boyishly joyful with every touchdown pass despite the fact he has thrown ------of them in his career. He has a reputation for toughness and resiliency supported by his record for most consecutive starts. Cris Carter, a professional football player, said about Favre, “He’s the best, bar none. Whenever God was making them, He put a little extra in him”.

I am sad I was not able to watch the football game against Dallas on Sunday because I had a conflict that was mandatory. I hate to miss games with Favre playing in them, because every game is a special treat. I realize along with hundreds of thousands of fans that Favre eventually will retire forever. I will be sad for when he does but for now I cannot be happier that he is playing in Minnesota. Going to school in Nebraska has been difficult not being able to sit in my family's season tickets at Mall of America Field and watch Brettie gracefully throw the ball into Sydney Rice's hands.

I realize though the impact Favre has had on players in all professional sports. His mannerism and his poise has influenced many players, especially quarterback. I hope some of the quarterbacks now can study clips of Favre and learn how to be more like him. Romo, Brady, Warner, Rivers, Brees, Rodgers, Roethlisberger, P. Manning, are all great players but they lack his ability to see the field and his constant awareness of all the players on the field.s.

I hope that when this Favre era has finally ended, possibly after a superbowl ring, there will be new players for me to follow for ten years or so. I am excited to see the direction that Philip Rivers goes, because he has all the charm and family support that Favre currently has.

I also think Joe Flaco has an incredible career ahead of him. Maybe in a couple years, he will be in a locker room chanting pants on the ground for his teammates and encouraging them before a big game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONmEVro8Fog