10 years ago last night. Favre pays tribute to his Dad

10 years ago last night, The Green Bay Packers took on the defending AFC Champion Oakland Raiders in Oakland. The game had a much different meaning for Brett Favre, who hours earlier learned of his Dad's passing.

Favre honored his Dad by throwing for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 41-7 Packers victory.

Congrats Candlestick Park

Of all the Stadiums and Arenas I have stepped foot in, there is one I have not and wont in my lifetime.

Candlestick Park will be hosting its final sporting event tomorrow night as the 49ers host the Falcons. You talk about a venue that has hosted great moments: 1982 NFC Title Game, 1994 NFC Title Game, 1998 NFC Wild Card Game, 2002 NFC Wild Card Game, 2011 NFC Divisonal and Championship. Great athletes like Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Matt Williams, Will Clark, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Terrel Owens, Vernon Davis, Dusty Baker.

Congrats on all your success Candlestick.

Congrats to the Bengals

Congrats to the Bengals on a 3rd straight winning season. Marvin Lewis is doing a awesome job with this franchise. The defense is playing at a high level and the offense is also playing at a high level as well. People were predicting that the Bengals in 2011 would be as bad as the 2007 Miami Dolphins, who went 1-15. Most people thought they would not win 2 games that entire season. Andy Dalton and AJ Green are the second coming of Carson and Chad. Marvin Jones and Mohamad Sanu are fun to watch as well.

It was about this time in 1998

It was about this time in 1998-99

 

The 1998-99 Lehman Girls Volleyball team traveled to Centerville High School to play in the 1998-99 Regional Semis and Regional Finals. Back then, you had to win 2 games to advance to the State tournament at Wright State and there would be 3 matches and not five like they are today.

 

The 1998-99 Lehman Girls Volleyball team was Awesome. They were led by a great Senior Class: Jackie Watercutter, Meghan Tyler, Courtney Fuller, Sarah Henthorn, Megan Roeth and Kelly Short. They loved playing for Greg Snipes. These girls were a joy to watch and they played so well together. The rest of the team was rounded out by Juniors Jenni Fortkamp and Kara Reier, Sophomores Heather Butt, Michelle Pelter, Bethany Biggs and Joy Wills. The nightcap at Centerville High School was a thriller. I don’t recall who they played, but it was a exciting game. We looked down, but Jackie Watercutter, Jenni Fortkamp, Meghan Tyler would not let us lose,. Jackie was one who would ride over someone’s back to spike the ball, she was that good. Her and Jenni Fortkamp on the front line were an unstoppable duo. Bethany Biggs, Meghan Tyler Heather Butt and Michelle Pelter played a key role in that game to get us to Wright State.

When the team was in tournament play, Meghan Tyler created a buzz that went a long way: "Let's thunder 'em". Jenni Fortkamps' Mom, her husband did magnets, buttons etc that looked like a thunder cloud that had everyones name and number on it and during the games, the Lehman crowd would chant “We hear thunder” and went was a pretty cool phrase that carried us all the way to the state title game

 

We played some team in the State Semis and rolled over them. In the 2^nd game we were ahead by a nice margin and Junior Kara Reier, a girl I have known since the 1^st grade and one who rarely saw the floor her last two years at Lehman, brought the Lehman Crowd to its feet and some members of the Class of 2000 in attendance to tears as she scored the point to put us in the state championship game. To this day, its my favorite Kara Reier moment. The next day, we played Archibold in the State Championship and that team was not going to be denied that day. In the 2^nd match, they turned a seven point deficit into a 13 point rout and seeing my friends and girls that a lot of people enjoyed watching and made us proud being outplayed that way, was very difficult. To this day, I feel bad that your last game, Class of 1999 ended the way it did. You girls have a lot to be proud of. Your class had awesome athletes: Football to Baseball, Basketball to Volleyball. I remember the emotions on the floor. Megan Roeth’s face was as red a a bead. The next day in the Dayton Daily Sports page, there was a picture of Kara Reier crying. Words can't describe what that senior class meant to Lehman volleyball, they represented Lehman volleyball with class and ladies you have a lot to be proud of.

I wish NFL teams would leave Farve alone

I wish that the NFL teams would leave future Hall of Famer Brett Farve alone and allow him to enjoy his retirement. You have guys like Tim Tebow, Donovan McNabb, Troy Smith, Todd Boeckman, Kellen Moore, Matt Leinart out there who are wanting to resume their careers. I know McNabb retired a few months ago, but I think these teams should give him a try.

Bengals Receiving duos of the last 20 years

1990's: Darnay Scott and Carl Pickens: Two awesome receivers who were not surrounded by great talent during their days in Stripes. David Klingler, Jeff Blake and Boomer Esiason threw these two passes during their Bengals careers and its a shame because these two never appeared in post season play with the Bengals

2000: TJ and Chad: two awesome receivers who I wish were playing right now in the league. Carson Palmer had these two and they were awesome to watch. Guys like Chris Henry, Kelley Washington, Kevin Walter, Peter Warrick, Reggie Kelly, Matt Schubel. It's a shame these two great receivers only appeared in one playoff game together.

2010: AJ Green and ???: I am leaving this spot blank because currently, the Bengals are currently looking for a 2nd receiver to compliment Green. Jerome Simpson, Brandon Tate, Jermanie Gresham, Tyler Eikert, Marvin Jones, Mohamad Sanu. Andy Dalton is doing a fine job with this group, yes Simpson is gone and these others are filling in nicely to fill the void.  

Notable pitching performances in LCS Game 5, teams facing elimination

In the last 10 years, I have noticed some notable pitching performances in a Game 5 LCS game when a team was facing Elimination.

2003: The Marlins were facing Elimination and Josh Beckett pitched a gem to take the NLCS back to Chicago and the Marlins went on to stun the Cubs 4-3.

2007: The Red Sox were trailing the Indians (sound familiar) 3-1 and Josh Beckett was sent to the hill and his Game 5 gem sent the series back to Fenway where the Red Sox beat the Indians 4-3

2012: The Giants, who came back to beat the Reds in the NLDS, were in a familiar spot against the Cardinals in the LCS, down 3-1, they sent Barry Zito to the mound and Zito's gem sent the series back to San Francisco, where the Giants beat the Cardinals 4-3.

On this night 10 years ago. A Classic in the Bronx

The Yankees and Red Sox squared off to go to the World Series in a winner take all Game 7. The pitching matchup was one made for Cooperstown: Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens. The Red Sox grabbed the early lead and Clemens was taken out in the 7th Inning. In the 8th Inning, the Yankees rallied and Grady Little was about to take Pedro Martinez out, but Pedro had the final say. Pedro decided to stay in the Game and the Yankees came back to tie. The Game went into the 11th Inning. Aaron Boone hit Tim Wakefield's first pitch into the upper deck in left field and the Yankees advanced to the World Series. The Yankees lost the Fall Classic to the Florida Marlins 4-2

On this night in 2003, A personal favorite moment of mine

On this night in 2003, The Minnesota Golden Gophers hosted Michigan at the Metrodome. Minnesota jumped out to a 28-7 lead in the 3rd Quarter. In the 4th, Michigan decided it was time to play some ball. John Navarre led the Wolverines to the greatest comeback in UofM history. Chris Perry scored twice, Navarre hit Braylon Edwards for a 50 yard touchdown and Jacob Stewart returned a interception for a touchdown. Freshman kicker Garret Rivas connected from 35 yards out with 40 Seconds left as Michigan stunned the Golden Gophers and retained the little brown jug.

It was one of my favorite moments as a diehard Michigan Football fan (1996-2005).

My hopes for the next Reds Skipper

With Dusty Baker being let go, it was a surprise. However, i think the Reds should look "Outside the organization". Barry Larkin, Tony LaRussa, who managed the Cardinals and worked under Jocketty. I to this day, still do not agree with the Bob Boone hiring, but it is what it is.

On this day in 2002

On this day in 2002, The Reds hosted the Phillies at Cinergy Field. It was the final game at the Ballpark on the Ohio River. The Phillies would beat the Reds 4-3. Barry Larkin and Jose Rijo would be taken out in a double switch in the top of the 6th Inning. The Reds stayed competitive all the way until Late August. Also on this night in 2002, The Falcons "embarassed" the Bengals 31-3 on ESPN Sunday Night Football. The Bengals would start their "Delay of a Season" 0-3. The Bengals would finish the 2002 season 2-14, Dick LeBeau was relived of his duties on Black Monday and the Bengals would get the first pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Why is football such a "pass happy" game

15-20 years ago, Football was a grind it out sport. The teams leading running back would get 25-30 carries a game. In today’s NFL, QB’s are throwing the ball 50-60 times a game. The Shot-Gun, Spread formations are more used then 15-20 years ago, when coaches like Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher used to love running the ball in the 4th quarter with a lead.

Favorite Reds by Position

Catcher: Joe Oliver, Eddie Taubensee, Devin Meseroco, Javier Valentin

1st Base: Sean Casey, Joey Votto

2nd Base: Pokey Reese, Brandon Phillips

Shortstop: Barry Larkin, Paul Janish, Zack Cozart

3rd Base: Aaron Boone, Scott Rolen, Todd Frazier

Left Field: Greg Vaughn, Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Freel, Chris Stynes

Centerfield: Ken Griffey Jr, Drew Stubbs, Ron Gant

Rightfield: Jay Bruce, Ryan Freel, Dmitri Young

Pitchers: Jose Rijo, Danny Graves, Pete Harnish, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Hurang, Kyle Loshe, Mike Leake, AC, Homer Bailey

Favorite Skippers: Davey Johnson, Jack McKeon and Dusty Baker

At this time in the summer of 1998

It was at this time in 1998 when the Lehman Boys Varsity Basketball team headed North to the University of Findlay team basketball camp. Lehman was still without a Head Coach, so my Dad; Ken Schlater took the team to Findlay for the weekend.

The Varsity Squad that weekend consisted of: Tommy Middleton, Kyle Goubeaux, Ben Kohlhorst, Bryan Tobe and Eric Hewitt (Seniors), Sam Mikolajewski, Ryan Ratermann, Tony Cianciolo, Tony Staley amd Jake Sinclair ( Juniors) and one sophomore Matt Hare.

We stayed in the dorms that weekend and we were warned if we did not bring any fans, it was gonna be very warm. We were glad we brought fans.

We played six games the first two days and played at 3 different venues: A Lego floor, Liberty Benton High School and Findlay's Basketball arena. We went 4-2 that first day wearing the previous years practice uniforms.

The next day, we played and wore some AAU uniforms. Our biggest test that day was playing some team from Toledo who had two 6'6" guys and we beat them by 10. We played our last game that night and midway through the 4th quarter, Matt Hare sprained his ankle. We went 5-1 that day and showed some major signs of what was to come during the 1998-99 Basketball season.

On Sunday, was tournament day. We wore the practice uniforms from the 1996-97 Basketball season. We made it to the finals of the tournament and went up against the Houston Wildcats on Liberty Bentons floor. With the score tied and time winding down, Tony Cianciolo drove down the lane and got fouled. He made the first free throw and missed the 2nd and Ryan Ratermann made the put back at the horn to secure the 3 point win. We were tournament champs.

I have been saying this all along and I will say it again. The 1998-99 Lehman Boys Basketball team was good enough to win a District Championship and they did not. The Lehman Basketball team went 10-11 in the 1998-99 season.

Just weeks after the Findlay Tournament, Lima Native Jerry Fries was hired as Basketball Coach. My Dad took the helm as the JV Basketball Coach and led the Junior Varsity Squad to the Southwest Rivers Conference Championship.

Five years ago last night

The Boston Celtics capped off a fantastic season winning their 17th Championship, crushing the Lakers in Game 6. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen help the Celtics bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy for the first time since 1986

Notable Father's Day Sports Moments

1992-93: The Chicago Bulls win their 2nd and 3rd Championships beating Portland and Phoenix in Game 6 Thrillers

1996: The Bulls caping off a record setting season with their 4th NBA Championship

1999: Payne Stewart holding off Phil Mickelson at Pinehurst

2000: Tiger Woods Capturing the first of his 3 US Open Championships at Peeble Beach

2003: David Robinson and Steve Kerr ending their Hall of Fame career's in style. Winning their 2nd and 4th NBA Championships, beating the New Jersey Nets in six games


2004: Ken Griffey Jr hitting his 500th Career Home Run in St. Louis

2005: Robert Horry's heroics Help Spurs take 3-2 Finals lead over Detroit

2008: Tiger Woods birdies The 72nd hole at Torrey Pines to force a 18 hole playoff with Rocco Mediate

2009: Phil Jackson guiding the Lakers to the Championship and his 10th, passing Red Auerbach for most all time for a Head Coach

2011: Rory McIlory Win's the US Open in convincing fashion at Congressional

About this time in 1998... A bittersweet day for Lehman Boys Basketball

The 1998 Lehman Boys Basketball team was coming off a dismal 4-17 season. The future looked very bright for the 1998-2000 Lehman Boys Basketball team. I remember sitting at the District Finals at UD and told then Coach Henry Stolly, "We will be playing here next year". With five seniors; Kyle Goubeaux, Tommy Middleton, Eric Hewitt, Bryan Tobe and Ben Kohlhorst coming back and the junior class of Sam Mikolajewski, Ryan Ratermann, Tony Staley, Tony Cianciolo, Jake Sinclair returning. The 1998-99 Cavaliers were going to be awesome.

In May of 1998, Henry Stolly called a team meeting. He informed the basketball team, he was resigning to take the JV coaching position and a teaching position at Bellefontaine. "We were all stunned because everyone in that locker room that day knew that the 1998-99 Lehman Basketball team was going to be good, very good".

Former Lehman Basketball players, I will leave this space for you to put your thoughts from that morning.

Henry Stolly came to Lehman in 1994, inherited a 5-16 squad and had four seniors, Rob O'Leary, PJ Thornberry, Aaron Nuss, Mitch Hoying coming back. Juniors Matt Hartings, Craig Bergman and Kevin Geise rounded out the 1994-95 roster. That team started off 5-1. Beating Marion Local, Covington, Jackson Center and Botkins to start the season.

In August of 1998, Lima Native Jerry Fries was hired. Fries was at the helm for 4 years, 1998-2002, Mike Piatt was there from 2002-2007, Bruce Vanover 2007-10 and Isaiah Williams 2010-13.

I think Lehman needs to get a committee together in the years to come and say hey: We need to hire a coach who will be here for 10 plus years, build a winner on a consistant basis and cut down the nets after a District Championship on a consistant basis.

My Favorite NBA Playoff Moments

1994: Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon lead The Knicks and Rockets to the Finals. Houston winning in 7

1997: Michael Jordan leading the Bulls to a 5^th championship

1998: The Bulls needing 7 games to get past pesky Indiana

1999: The New York Knicks becoming the first #8 seed to advance to the NBA Finals

2000: The Lakers 4^th quarter rally against Portland in Game 7. Beating the Pacers in six hard fought games to take the crown

2002: The Lakers getting past the Kings in 7 and the Celtics making it to the Conference Finals

2003: The Pistons starting a run of five straight Conference Final appearances

2005: The Pistons beating the Heat in seven and Robert Horry’s Game 5 heroics in Detroit

2008: The Celtics and Lakers advancing to The Finals

2009: Orlando advancing to The Finals

2010: Celtics and Lakers going the distance with LA coming out on top

2011: Dallas beating Miami in The Finals

2012: The Celtics Fans Chanting "Let's Go Celtics" at the end of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals for the Final 4 minutes

My favorite Golf Courses to play and Favorite Balls to use

Here are some of my favorite golf courses to play:

Shelby Oaks in Sidney: got to start with the home course. Love the South Course, especially the Par 3 3rd hole, Par 5 6th and the Par 3 8th holes. The West Course is challenging The Par 5 9th is a adventure, The par 3 7th is a short island hole and the North Course is ok.

Cherokee Hills in Bellefontaine: Have not played this course in two years, that will probably change Memorial Day weekend.

Arrowhead in Minster: played it twice.

Arrowhead in Naples Florida: like playing Shelby Oaks in Sidney

Lely Mustang in Naples Florida: Challenging, but alot of fun

Valancia in Naples Florida: Got a few challenging holes there.

Favorite Golf Balls:

Callaway Big Bertha Diablo: Great Invention by The Chevron. Great Distance

Callaway Diablo HX: A little different the the Big Bertha Diablo

Taylor Made Rocketballz: One of my personal favorites. My golf clubs love this ball.

Pinnacle Exception: One of my personal favorites My golf clubs enjoy hitting this ball.

Pinnacle Gold: Smooth distance off the club

What a fantastic last week

Wow, The Men's National Championship Game was a thriller. Louisville was the better team. Michigan gave a great effort and played with tremendous heart.

The Master's lived up to the hype once again. It was great to see Adam Scott come out on top after what happened at the Open Championship last summer.

Michigan and Louisville playing for the National Championship

I think its awesome that Michigan and Louisville are playing for The National Championship. It's actually ironic in large part because after the conclusion of the 2001 Mens College Basketball season, Denny Crum retired from Louisville, Brian Ellerbe was fired at Michigan and Rick Pitino resigned as Head Coach of the Boston Celtics in January 2001.

Pitino was offered both vacant jobs. His wife wanted him to Coach at Michigan. But his former Kentucky players wanted him back in the bluegrass state. Michigan hired Tommy Amaker, who led them to an NIT Championship in 2004 and resigned after the 2007 season and John Belien took over.

I think both of these Coaches have done an awesome job this year coaching their teams.

Notable April 1st Sports Moments

1996: Kentucky defeats Syracuse in the National Championship 76-67. Behind 24 points and 7 threes from Tony Delk and 20 points Ron Mercer. John Wallace scored 29 for Syracuse, the most points in a championship game by a player on the losing team. This was also the only game that Wayne Turner would not play in his Kentucky Career.

2002: The Reds begin their final season at Cinergy Field with a 5-4 walk off win over the Cubs, thanks to Aaron Boone’s sac fly.

2002: Maryland defeats Indiana 64-52 in the National Championship game. Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter help Gary Williams win his only Championship at Maryland

2010: Dayton defeats North Carolina 79-68 in the NIT Championship game. It was the final game for the senior class of London Warren, Kurt Huelsman, Marcus Johnson, Mickey Perry, Rob Lowery, Dan Fox and Luke Hendrick.

1996: Tragedy strikes Opening Day at Cinergy Field.  Home plate umpire John McSherry collapses behind home plate, five pitches into the game. Two hours later McSherry dies of a massive heart attack.

LaQuinton Ross' 3 brings back a good XU memory...

On Thursday night, LaQuinton Ross hit one of the biggest three's in the History of Ohio State Basketball. Probably bigger than Aaron Craft's 3 the week before and bigger than Ron Lewis' 3 against Xavier in 2007.

Five years ago last night, Xavier played West Virginia in the West Regional Semi. Down 2 in Overtime, Junior BJ Raymond hit a three to put Xavier up 1. After a missed WV shot, the Musketeers had the ball and ran down the shot clock and Sean Miller called time.

Senior Stanley Burrell threw a pass across court to Raymond, who hit a shot clock buzzer beating three to send Xavier to their 2nd Elite Eight in four years.

It's hard for me to believe that its been five years since this grand Xavier Moment. Xavier would lose to #1 seed UCLA in the Elite Eight, ending the Careers of Stanley Burrell, Josh Duncan and Drew Lavender.

I am a avid You Tube watcher. I watch Elite Again on You Tube, the story about Xavier's 2008 season. Stanley Burrell said about Xavier's Elite Eight game against UCLA, "We just did not have our night that we needed". That senior trio was fun to watch. Making three NCAA Tournament appearances, One A10 Tournament Championship. They made Xavier University proud.

My All-Time NCAA Tournament Team of the last 10 years

Tyler Hansborough: North Carolina.

Carmelo Anthony: Syracuse

Kemba Walker: UCONN

Terrence Jones: Kentucky

Ty Lawson: North Carolina

These guys played huge roles in their quest for their teams winning it all.

Why is the IZOD Center no longer hosting NCAA games

You would think with this being the 75th Anniversary of the tournament, a venue that has had some memorable moments; The IZOD Center; formerly known as The Meadowlands, has not hosted an NCAA game since the 2007 season, would have the opportunity to host games at this storied venue

Here are some memorable moments games:

1990: Christian Latenner's jumper propels Duke to the Final four

1991: North Carolina outlast's Temple to advance to the Final Four
          Temple outlasts Oklahoma State in regional semis

1993: North Carolina defeats Cincinnati in the elite eight to make the Final Four ending the career of Nick Van Exel

1995: Oklahoma State defeats # 1 seed Wake Forest and #2 Seed UMASS to advance to the Final Four behind Bryant "Big Country" Reeves and Randy Rutherford

1996: Kentucky wins their 6th National Championship, Rick Pitino's first

1999: Duke defeats Temple in the Elite Eight

2004: John Lucas' the III's 3 pointer defeats St. Joseph's and sends Oklahoma State to the Final Four

2007: Georgetown defeats Vandy on a last second shot and then beats North Carolina in Overtime to advance to the Final Four

The Prudential Center in Newark hosted the regional in 2011.

You would think the a venue that has seen some memorable tournament moments like these, this would get some recognition to host more NCAA Tournament games. I do know that Duke has played a game there 3 times in the last five years ( beating Xavier in 2008, Butler in 2010 and Temple in 2012).

I know that Thompson Boling Arena in Knoxville has not hosted any NCAA games since 1999, that was the year Ohio State beat Auburn and St. John's to go to the Final Four in Tampa.

March Madness BABY!!!!

March Madness

                March Madness is the time where legends are born, where basketball players make plays that become memories for a long time. Over the last twenty five years, we have seen some great moments during March Madness. Small Schools clinch their first ever Conference Championship and make it to their first NCAA Tournament.  Duke’s 4 National Championships, The Fab Five of Michigan, The last Final Four Most Outstanding Player not to get drafted by the NBA, Donald Williams; North Carolina 1993, Dean Smith breaking Adolph Rupp’s record for most career wins, Mike Bibby becoming the first Freshmen point guard to lead his team to a National Championship; 1997. The legend that is George Mason University was born in 2006, when they beat three of the decades National Champions in their run to Indianapolis, including Michigan State and North Carolina at Dayton in 2006. 2006 was also the first year since 1980 ( I googled it) that featured a Final Four with out  a #1 seed. The Big Ten Conference had Final Four teams in a four year stretch from 1999-2002, The Big East Conference won National Championships in 1999, 2003 and 2004, The ACC and Big Ten Conference would oppose one another in the title game in 1992, 1993, 2002, 2005, 2009, with the ACC coming out on top in all five games. The Southeastern Conference had two teams in the Final Four in 1996 and 2006 when Erik Dampier and Dante Jones led Mississippi State on a magical ride to the Final Four in 1996, beating the #1 seed UCONN in the regional semis and beating # 2 Seed Cincinnati in the elite eight, oh I forgot to mention that the Bulldogs shocked #1 ranked Kentucky in the SEC Championship game that season as well and Glen Davis and Tryus Thomas lead LSU to the Final Four beating # 1 seed Duke and ending the college career of perhaps the greatest college basketball player to never win a National Championship, JJ Redick and then beating #2 seed Texas. Xavier University would win four games in a four day span to win the Atlantic 10 tournament and reach the NCAA tournament in 2004 and 2006 as the legend of Stanley Burrell was born in 2006. Georgia winning three games in a 48 hour span to make the NCAA Tournament in 2008, giving Xavier all they can handle in the first round. Oh, who could forget Gerry McNamara leading Syracuse on a magical ride to the 2006 Big East Tournament Championship. The Duke Blue Devils and Florida Gator’s become the first teams since the John Wooden led UCLA Bruins in the 1970’s to win back to back championships. Michigan State would give a state and an economy something to cheer for in 2009 as they went on a magical ride to the National Championship Game, bowing out to North Carolina. Kemba Walker single handedly leading UCONN to the Big East Tournament Championship and National Championship in 2011 March Madness would feature some memorable games during the last 10 years: Illinois vs Arizona; 2005, Duke vs Xavier 2004; Gonzaga vs Arizona; 2003, Kentucky vs Tulsa; 2002 ( Teyshaun Prince, 41 points), Ohio State vs Tennessee (2007), Buckeyes overcome second half deficit, Michigan State vs Kentucky, 2005, Duke vs Maryland 2001, Duke overcomes 22 point 1^st half deficit ( no lead was safe against the 2001 Blue Devils), Xavier vs West Virginia 2008 ( the legend of BJ Raymond was born), Kansas vs Davidson 2008 ( the legend of Stephen Curry was born), Kansas vs Memphis, 2008 National title game, Duke vs Butler 2010 National Title game, Xavier vs Kansas State 2010, Kansas Vs Arizona, 2003, Bucknell vs Kansas 2005, Vermont vs Syracuse 2005, West Virginia vs Wake Forest 2005; Mountaineers end College Career of Chris Paul,  Ohio State vs Xavier 2007, Ohio State vs Siena 2009, Ohio Vs Georgetown; 2010 Murray State vs Vandy, 2010, Maryland vs UNC Wilmington (Drew Nicholas saves the defending champs), Michigan State vs Maryland 2010; Korie Lucious 3 propels Sparty to second straight Final Four. This Tournament will mark the 10 year anniversary of Roy Williams last year at Kansas, leading the Jayhawks to the Title game, beating Arizona in a thriller in the West Regional. Not to mention the 20 year anniversary of Michigan and the Fab Five making it to their second straight title game, losing a thriller to North Carolina, which was the last time Ray Jackson, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose and Jimmy King would play in a game together.  Missouri’s run to the Elite Eight as a 11 seed in 2002, West Virginia’s run to the Elite Eight in 2005, Northern Iowa’s surprising run to the sweet 16 in 2010, Temple’s exciting run to the Elite Eight in 2001 as a 11 seed. Marquette’s ride to the sweet 16 at a 11 seed beating Xavier and Syracuse along with way, Kentucky ending thirteen years of tournament frustration beating Ohio State and North Carolina in thrillers to advance to the Final Four. VCU beginning their magical run in Dayton to the Final Four, beating the likes of Purdue and Kansas along with the way and Butler making its second straight title game appearance this time as an eight seed. Louisville advancing to the Final four, beating Michigan State and Florida, before bowing out to Kentucky in 2012, Ohio State advancing to the Final Four beating Syracuse in the thriller in the East Regional before bowing out to Kansas in the National Semi.  I can go on and on. March Madness has also seen its share of heroes as well: Scottie Reynold’s ( 2009 Villanova), Sean May, Raymond Felton ( 2005 North Carolina), Romain Soto, Dedrick Finn, Lionel Chalmers, Justin Doleman ( 2004 Xavier), Kallin Lucas, Raymar Morgan, Korie Lucious ( Michigan State 2009, 2010), Carmelo Anthony, Gerry McNamara, Josh Pace ( Syracuse 2003), Will Bynum, BJ Elder ( Georgia Tech, 2004), Gordon Heyward, Matt Howard ( Butler, 2010), Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith (Duke 2010), Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Lee Humphries ( Florida 2006-2007), Richard Jefferson, Loren Woods, Michael Wright ( Arizona 2001), Kyle Hornsby, Dane Fife, Jared Jeffries, (Indiana, 2002), Tyler Hanbourgh, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green ( 2009 North Carolina), Ohio State 2007 ( Greg Oden, Ron Lewis, Mike Conley, Dequan Cook),  2012 was the first time that 2 #15 seeds beat a # 2 seed: Leigh beating Duke and Norfolk State beating Missouri. #16 seed Holy Cross had #1 seed Kansas on the ropes in 2002, before the Jayhawks prevailed by 11. Holy Cross put a scare into Kentucky’s 2001 tournament as a #15 seed before the Cat’s prevailed by 5. Kentucky and Indiana would go head to head for 34 minutes before Kentucky prevails by 12 in the Sweet 16 in 2012.  Kentucky would win their first National Championship since 1998 with a star studded starting five: Terrence Jones, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest, Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague, all went to the NBA.  March Madness would also feature some of the best all around teams to win the National Championship: Kentucky 1996, four of the five starters were drafted by the NBA, (Point guard Anthony Epps was not), Duke 2001, One of three best starting five’s to win the Championship, All five were drafted by the NBA, North Carolina, 2005, Sean May, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCant’s, Jawad Williams, Marvin Williams, North Carolina, 2009, Tyler Hansbourgh, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, Ed Davis, all five on both teams were NBA draft picks and two outstanding teams to win National Championships. The Final Four has featured some memorable Cinderella story’s as well. 2006: LSU and George Mason, 2010, Butler, who was a half court heave from winning the National Championship, 1997 Arizona, a team many thought would not make it to the Final Four, let alone beat three #1 seeds. 2000 featured 2 #8 seeded teams, Wisconsin and North Carolina, both bowing out to ensuing National Champions. 2009, Villanova, thanks to Scottie Reynold’s runner in the lane in the Elite Eight, 2005, Louisville and Michigan State #4 and 5 seed’s, 2002 Indiana, a team that gave the Hoosier State something to be proud of once again. 2008 saw all four #1 seeds make it to the Final Four.  Duke University, the last team to play in three National Championship Games in a four year span; 1991-94. University of Kentucky making it to five straight Elite Eight’s from 1995-99 and the last program to appear in three straight National Championship Game’s. March Madness would also feature some memorable sound bites, but none more memorable then Jim Boeheim’s “10 f---ing games this year” and Roy Williams “I can get a you know what about North Carolina right now”.  This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Hakim Warricks National title saving block on Kansas guard Michael Lee’s three point attempt and the 20 year anniversary of Chris Webber’s infamous time out. The 15 year anniversary of “The Comeback Cats”. The 25^th anniversary of Danny and the Miracles and the 5 year anniversary of Mario’s Miracle and the first time ever that all four # 1 seeds made the Final Four

        March Madness is a time when college basketball legends are born. It’s a time when basketball memories are etched into basketball lore and the record books. Its what makes sports fun and exciting to watch.

The NCAA's in Dayton over the years...

1995: My first time being at the NCAA's: Miami University took on Virginia in the 2nd round. Virginia outlasts the Redhawks 60-54 in overtime. Kansas defeats Western Kentucky in the nightcap

2006: Six outstanding games: Ohio State outlasts Davidson, Georgetown squeaks by Northern Iowa, George Mason begins their magical run to the Final Four by defeating Michigan State, North Carolina outlasts Murray State. George Mason defeats North Carolina and Georgetown defeats Ohio State

2009: Oklahoma State stunns Tennesee on a last second basket, Pitt destroys ETSU, Louisville destroys Morehead State and Sienna stuns Ohio State in double overtime

2011: The First Four comes to Dayton: Clemson defeats UAB. VCU begins their Magical ride to the Final Four by defeating USC

Dayton has no idea how lucky they are to host the First Four. You think of cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta (which is hosted the Final Four this year), Los Angeles, New York, East Rutherford (Izod Center; formerly called The Meadowlands), that have great venues like they do and Dayton of all of these cities, gets to host the beginning of the NCAA tournament. It's awesome.

No Big East for UD in 2013-14

ESPN.com is reporting that Xavier, Butler and Creighton will be apart of the new 10 team Big East in the 2013-14 season. Which leaves Dayton out. I think it makes some sense in large part that Xavier and Butler have had great NCAA tournament success over the years.

Xavier: 2004: Won the A10 tournament at Dayton, winning 4 games in 4 days to make the NCAA's. Which rode their momentum to a Elite Eight appearance against Duke. In 2006, again won the A10 tournament winning 4 games in 4 days and gave 3rd seeded Gonzaga all they can handle in the first round. 2008 Advanced to their second Elite Eight, thanks to the heroics of BJ Raymond. 2010 advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and nearly upset Kansas State before bowing out in Double Overtime. 2012 Advanced to the title game of the A10 before bowing out to St. Bonaventure and the Sweet Sixteen before bowing out to Baylor

Butler: In the 2000's, made the NCAA's in 2000,2001,2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Made the Sweet 16 in 2003, 2007, advanced to the National Championship Game in 2010 and 2011

Creighton: the top dog of the Missouri Valley Conference.

It would have been nice to see Dayton play the likes of Marquette, St. Johns, Villanova, Georgetown and all the other schools.

Notable Sports Moments on March 4

2000: Ft. Loramie defeats Lehman 58-37 in the Sectional Title game behind 23 points from Brad Rethman. The Redskins ended the high school careers of Ryan Ratermann, Tony Cianciolo, Tony Staley, Jake Sinclair, Dave Hodapp, Sam Mikolajewski and Luke Schlater

2005: Cedarville holds off Lehman 60-54 in the District Final, despite 31 points from Kyle Corbin. It would be the final game for Derek Horstman, Luke Maurer and Mitch Rank

2011: Lehman defeats Botkins by 5 to win the Sectional Championship

1993: The Late and Great Jimmy Valvanno game a speech for the ages at the Espy's. "Don't give up, dont ever give up".

15 years and 3 days ago; Feb. 15, 1998

On Feb. 15, 1998, Dale Earnhardt won his first Daytona 500. It was a great day in racing history.

Houston has hosted more NBA ASG's in the last 25 years then any city

Houston has hosted the NBA All Star Game 3 times since 1987, twice in the last eight years. Boston (TD Garden), Detroit (The Palace), Milwaukee (Bradley Center), Memphis (Fed Ex Forum), OKC (Chesepeke Energy Arena), Portland (Rose Garden), Indianapolis (Bankers Life Fieldhouse) have never hosted the All Star Game. Next year, New Orleans is going to host the game, just like it did in 2008, and then either Brooklyn or NYC, which last hosted the game in 1998, will play host in 2015.

My favorite Dayton Xavier moments

Dayton plays host to Xavier tomorrow. Here are some of my favorite moments

1996 and 2005: Rodney Horton and Marques Bennett score the 5 biggest points of their Flyer Careers in the final minute of 4 point Flyer wins

2009: London Warren's 3 point play 10 seconds into the game sparks a 71-58 Flyer Win

2012: Archie Miller wins his first Xavier game as Flyer Head Coach, 87-72

But my favorite over all moment occured prior to the 2007 game at UD. Xavier senior Justin Cage, who missed the big foul shot against Ohio State in the 2nd round of the 2007 tournament, walks down to the Dayton bench and shakes the hand of Dayton Senior Monty Scott, who was out for the year with an injury. When I saw that, I almost cried. Here is a guy who could not play anymore in his college career and a player from our arch rival is doing a great thing shaking his hand and wishing him well.

On this day in Lehman Basketball History

On this day in 1998, Lehman Catholic hosted Russia in Basketball. Lehman was having a not to great season. They were led by Senior Joe Arnold, Juniors Tommy Middleton, Kyle Goubeaux and Bryan Tobe. Russia was having a sub par year.

The went into overtime and the Cavs were down one with seconds to go, Sophomore guard Tony Cianciolo drove in the lane and hit a driving lay-up to give Lehman a 74-73 win. It was Henry Stolly's final victory at Lehman and the final home game for Seniors Joe Arnold and Doug DeManage.

Hoping Carpenter can make it back

I am a lifelong and die-hard Reds fan and I hope that Cardinals Ace Chris Carpenter can make it back for one more season. I think it would be pretty awesome to see one last Carpenter Halladay duel.

If I was a Manager and I had to choose a pitcher to win one game here are my five guys to choose from:

Chris Carpenter
Al Leiter
Roy Halladay
Josh Beckett
Randy Johnson

On the day of Game 7 of the 2011 World Series, I told a Cardinal Fan, "I would not be surprised if Chris Carpenter pitches tonight". He did.

Last 25 Super Bowl MVP's and winners

Here you are:

XXII: Doug Williams; Washington

XXIII: Jerry Rice; San Francisco

XXIV: Joe Montana; San Francisco

XXV: Ottis Anderson; NY Giants

XXVI: Mark Rypen; Washington

XXVII: Troy Aikman; Dallas

XXVIII: Emmitt Smith; Dallas

XXVIX: Steve Young; San Francisco

XXX: Larry Brown; Dallas

XXXI: Desmond Howard; Green Bay

XXXII: Terrell Davis; Denver

XXXIII: John Elway; Denver

XXXIV: Kurt Warner; St. Louis

XXXV: Ray Lewis; Baltimore

XXXVI: Tom Brady; New England

XXXVII: Dexter Jackson; Tampa Bay

XXXVIII: Tom Brady; New England

XXXVIX: Deion Branch; New England

XL: Hines Ward; Pittsburgh

XLI: Peyton Manning; Indy

XLII: Eli Manning; NY Giants

XLIII: Santoino Holmes; Pittsburgh

XLIV: Drew Brees; New Orleans

XLV: Aaron Rodger; Green Bay

XLVI: Eli Manning; NY Giants

XLVII: Joe Flacco; Baltimore

Notable Conference Championship Game Moments since 1993

1992: Buffalo defeats Miami 29-10 in Sunny South Beach, as Dan Marino plays in his last Conference Championship Game. Dallas defeats San Francisco 30-20 in Soggy and Muddy Candlestick Park

1994: San Diego upsets Pittsburgh 17-13 thanks to a late Goal Line stand

1997: Denver holds off Pittsburgh and Green Bay upends San Francisco

1998: Atlanta upsets and shocks Minnesota at the Metrodome

1999: Tenneesee upsets Jacksonville and defeats the Jaguars for the third time in 1999

2000: Baltimore's defense out plays Oakland and upsets the Raiders 16-3

2001: Drew Bledsoe leads Patriots back to New Orleans

2002: Ronde Barber's 4th Quarter Pick 6 seals Tampa's first Super Bowl trip

2003: Carolina upsets Philadelphia and New England forces 4 Peyton Manning INT's

2004: New England upsets Pittsburgh 41-27 at Heintz

2005: Pittsburgh becomes the first #6 Seed since New England in 1985 to advance to the Super Bowl

2006: Indianapolis comes from 21-3 behind to send Peyton Manning to his first Super Bowl

2007: New York upsets Green Bay at Frigid Lambeau in Brett Farve's Green Bay Finale

2008: Arizona holds off Philadelphia in first ever NFC Championship Game

2009: New Orleans advances to first Super Bowl ever

2010: Green Bay completes magical ride to Super Bowl XLV as a #6 seed

2011: The Giants outlast San Francisco in a thriller in Overtime and New England outlast's Baltimore

Notable Divisional round upsets over the last 20 years

1992: Frank Reich and the Bills upset Pittsburgh and end Bill Cowher's first season

1993: Joe Montana leds Kansas City to upset over the Houston Oilers

1995: Indianapolis upset's Kansas City at Arrowhead and Farve leads Packers over 49ers at Candlestick

1996: Jacksonville, in its second season of existence upset's heavy Super Bowl Favorite Denver at Mile HIgh

1997: Denver shocks Kansas City at Arrowhead

1999: Tenneesee upset's Indy in Peyton Manning's first playoff game

2000: Ray Lewis and Baltimore upset defending conference champ Tenneesee en route to Super Bowl

2001: Donovan McNabb leads Eagles to victory at Solider Field

2003: Manning leads Colts to win at Arrowhead. Carolina upsets St. Louis in Overtime

2005: Pittsburgh holds off Indianapolis en route to Super Bowl and Carolina stuns Chicago at Solider Field

2006: New England and Indianapolis stun San Diego, ending Marty Schotenheimer's tenure and Baltimore's season

2007: San Diego shocks the Colts in the finale at the RCA Dome, The Giants stun the Cowboys in the final playoff game at Texas Stadium

2008: Arizona stuns Carolina, Philadelphia stuns Defending Champion Giants, Baltimore holds off Tenneesee

2009: The Jets stun San Diego in LaDanian Tomlinson's final game with San Diego

2010: The Packers stun Atlanta, The Jets knock off the Patriot's

2011: The Giant's end the Packer's 15-1 season.

On this day in Lehman Basketball History

On January 4, 2003, The Lehman Freshmen team traveled to St. Henry looking for their 2nd win of the season.

Led by Andy Barhorst's 25 points, the Freshmen Cavaliers upset The Redskins on their home court 43-40. The Freshmen team featured Logan Peltier, James Peltier, Stephen Lentz, Chris Slattery, John McDade, Eric Cisco, Andy Barhorst, Alex Dunson.

Later that night, The Boys Varsity squad hosted Wapak and Senior center Justin Seger would lead the Cavaliers to their 2nd straight victory, scoring 37 points

Two nights earlier at Fairlawn, The Cavaliers defeated the Jets 78-73, behind a school record 47 from Seger.

On this day in 1993, Reich leads Bills to the greatest comeback in NFL History

Orchard Park, New York and Rich Stadium (Now called Ralph Wilson Stadium) was the site of the Greatest Comeback in NFL History engineered by a backup QB.

Their is a reason why the Buffalo Bills went to 4 straight Super Bowls. A great offense and a great defense. A offense led by Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Don Beebe. A defense led by Bruce Smith, Daryl Talley, Phil Hanson, Nate Odomes, Henry Jones

The Bills feel behind the Houston Oilers (Now the Tenneesee Titans) 35-3 in the 3rd Quarter, but Reich, who was Boomer Esiason's backup in college at the University of Maryland, would rally the Bills. Kenny Davis would get the Bills off and running in the 3rd with a Touchdown and then touchdown tosses to Beebe and Reed, who caught 3 alone, helped the Bills storm back to take a 38-35 lead. Al Del Greco would tie the game to force over time.

Henry Jones would intercept Warren Moon in overtime to set up Steve Christie's game winning kick.

Buffalo would go on to beat the Steelers and Dolphins on the road to reach Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena