Week 17 Moments

2004: The Steelers defeat the Bills in Buffalo playing their backups, The Bengals finish 8-8 trouncing the Eagles 2005: Jerome Bettis plays his last game at Heinz Field, Dick Vermil retires from Coaching 2006: Bill Cowher resigns in Walk-Off style 2007: The Patriots hold off the Giants to finish undefeated in one of the notable Week 17 games in recent memory 2008: The Dolphins defeat the Jets and win the East one year after winning 1 game 2009: The Jets close down the Meadowlands (Giants Stadium) beating the Bengals 2010: The Packers hold off the Bears to make the playoffs 2011: The Ravens hold off the Bengals, The Chiefs upset the Broncos, The Chargers hold off the Raiders, The Steelers hold off the Browns, as Hines Ward catches his 1,000th and final pass of his career, Matt Flynn has a career game in a shootout with Matthew Stafford 2012: The Vikings beat the Packers to make the playoffs 2013: San Diego stuns Kansas City, The Bengals hold off the Ravens, The Packers defeat the Bears

Why not more...

I watched the Duke UCONN game last night. The game was played at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, the venue formerly known as the Meadowlands and Continental Airlines Arena. Yes I know that you have the Prudential Center in Newark and The Barclays in Brooklyn. Those two buildings do not have the history the Izod Center has. I am surprised that there are not more games being played there. It sounded like a Elite 8, Final Four atmosphere last night. It would not surprise me if there are more games being played there in the years to come.

Upgrade in Golfballs

It's only early December, but I decided to upgrade my golf ball selection

As you can see I love the Rocketballz and Volocity Balls. I am going to try the Hex Hot balls

I love these early season College Tournaments

I love these early season College Basketball tournaments. Good games to watch, fun teams, passionate fans. The one thing I love about these tournaments is that the Coaches get to turn in their Suits for Polo style shirts. I've been to the tournaments in Orlando, Charleston, Maui and San Juan. They were alot of fun to watch. Especially going to Maui and San Juan the last two years. The people in Maui were so nice to us when Dayton lost to Baylor last year. They were telling Dad and I how much they were pulling for the Flyers, who were the tournament underdog. When we were in San Juan over the previous weekend, we stayed at the same hotel as every team and some of their fans. It was alot of fun. The UCONN fans were so nice to the Dayton fans. Got to meet alot of Coaches and players and it was a grand time.

It would be hard...

We all remember when Don Shula got the best of David Shula twice in 1994-95. Last night, Rick Pitino coached against his son Richard. Louisville took on Minnesota. My Dad Ken Schlater, is the best basketball coach to never coach a game at the Varsity level of High School Basketball. I've never been a head coach at any level in my lifetime and I currently have no plans of becoming a coach. I will say that it would be difficult to coach in a Basketball game against my Dad. His team would probably beat my team.

1999-2000 Lehman Cavaliers Basketball

Five years later at this time, during my senior year, a new bunch began a 5 month journey. The 1999-2000 Lehman Cavaliers began preps for Jerry Fries second season at the helm. That team featured 7 seniors: Ryan Ratermann, Tony Cianciolo, Tony Staley, Jake Sinclair, Dave Hodapp, Sam Mikolajewski and Myself. 4 juniors, Matt Sargeant, Bill Mertz, Brad Hampshire and Derrick Orlik. One sophomore Jimmy Dembski. We began with scrimmages at Bluffton and Columbus Grove and wouldn’t you know it, the one who lead the team in field goal percentage was yours truly 2/3 including a buzzer beating 3 against Columbus Grove. When I hit that 3, I was so excited. I could not contain myself and I felt like a part of the team right then. Everyone was so happy for me. It was the 1st 3 pointer I ever hit in a game. To lead the team in field goal percentage in the preseason after 2 preseason games, I was honored to have that distinction. I remember our first game against Franklin Monroe, taking the floor for the first time and hearing Lehman’s fight song. I had the Kentucky fan song playing in my head every time I took the court for warm-ups. We won that game and I was glad it was a close game, because I would have gotten nervous playing in my first Varsity game. We played Botkins on the road in our next game, they were coming off a trip to the Regional finals and gave them a game through 3 ½ quarters. Late in the 4th quarter, we were down by 20 and I was hoping to get in the game, but it was not to be. I was very upset that I did not play in that game, but I don’t blame coach Fries 15 years later. There were other games I should have played in, but did and did not.

At this time in 1994-95

It was at this time in 1994-95. My fellow classmates and I were getting ready for basketball season. This was the first time playing basketball when the games counted. Our coaches were Jeff Wagner and Jim Henning. The guys on that team were Jamie Westerheide, Ryan Ratermann, Beau Sweigart, Jarrod Stewart, Matt Zimmerman, David Hodapp, Paul Webster, Tony Meyer, Tony Henning, Joe Schmeising, Jake Sinclair, Justin Frantz and myself. I remember tryouts were tough, Mikan Drills, laps, 8:00-9:30 AM practices on Saturday’s. Jeff and Jim made practices fun. At the end of the tryouts, Coach Wagner had us go behind the curtain on stage. I remember sitting in between Dave and Matt on the stage and Coach Wagner said to us: “this is a basketball team, you guys are my team”. Dave said, “congrats Luke, you made the team”. I was ecstatic. I was so excited I could not wait to tell my Dad when I got to the car and I remember Matt Zimmerman called our house that night to see how excited Mom and Dad were for me. I remember a few days later, I was at a girls game or a meet the team night. My history teacher was in attendance and he informed me saying “just because your on the basketball team does not mean you can slack off in the classroom”. We played Versailles in our first game on the road. At a lot of our road games, we had to sit on stages. We went 0-13 that year. There were a couple games we should have won. I do think we should have beat Anna, who beat us by 4 and should have beat Piqua Catholic the first time we played them. I was the only one on the team that did not score, however I had a more important job to do, just like any other 12th man; cheering on his teammates. I was the Most Spirited award winner for the 1994-95 Holy Angels Wings. Making the 7th grade basketball team is one of my proudest athletic achievements. I am thankful for the opportunity that Jeff and Jim gave me.

10 and 20 years ago at this time in Bengals History

It was at this time in 2004. The Bengals were looking for their 2nd Victory of the season. They were making their 1st Monday Night Football appearance in 15 years. They took on the Denver Broncos. The Bengals did not disappoint. Led by Chad Johnson, Deltha O'Neal and Tory James, the Bengals upset the Broncos 23-10. O'Neal and James intercepted passes from Jake Plummer and Johnson caught a 50 year TD in the first quarter. In 1994, the Bengals headed to Seattle. Jeff Blake was making his 2nd Career start and the Bengals would rely on the right foot of Doug Pelfrey to give them their first victory of the season. The game went into overtime and Blake connected with Darnay Scott for 76 yards to set up Pelfrey's game winning field goal. Jeff Blake would throw a pretty deep ball. His long ball was awesome, off the charts awesome.

A legend is born in Bengals Country

Hard to believe that it has been 20 years since Blake-Mania came to Cincinnati. The Bengals invaded old Municipal Stadium in Cleveland for the 2nd to last time. QB's David Klingler and Donald Hollas both got knocked out due to injury. Jeff Blake stepped in and did some mop up duty. In his first NFL Start, Blake faced the 2 time defending Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys. The Bengals jumped out to a 14-0, thanks to 2 Long Balls to Darnay Scott. The Bengals would lose to Dallas 20-17, but a legend was born in Bengals Country. Blake played for the Bengals from 94-99. He lead them to a 8-8 season in 1995 and 1996.

Congrats to Peyton Manning

Congrats to Peyton Manning on being the all time leader in TD passes. The man is a legend.

Florida State and Notre Dame in the Top 5 again

It was in 1993, South Bend was the site. Lou Holtz and Bobby Bowden were the Head Coaches. Notre Dame and Florida State were ranked 1 and 2 in the Country. It was "the game of the Century" Notre Dame won The next year, the two teams played at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, I was there. It was a awesome atmosphere. Florida State won. 20 years later, these two teams are at it again. Brian Kelly and Jimbo Fisher are the Head Coaches. Should be a great game

Great teams, no champions

There have been a lot of great teams over the course of the last several years. Good enough to win championships, but could not quite get there. 2003: The Michigan Wolverines in 2003 were a great team. They had a great QB, John Navarre, running back Chris Perry, a great defense. Loses to Oregon and Iowa prevented Michigan from winning a National Championship. They won the Big Ten Championship outright and lost to USC in the Rose Bowl. 2005: Ohio State Football: This team was good enough to win a National Championship and they didn't. A Week 2 lose to Texas and a early Big Ten loss to Penn State signaled the end for this great team. They tied for the Big Ten Title and man handled Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl 2007 and 2009 Lehman Boys Basketball: These teams wore awesome. Had terrific talent and were good enough to win Districts but they didnt. 2012 Xavier Musketeers Basketball. This team was good enough to reach the final four. Mark Lyons, Tu Holloway and Kenny Frease were stars. The Cincinnati game, destroyed not only there season, but there basketball futures. Lyons, Holloway and Frease were fun to watch. The 2012 Xavier squad was better then the 2008 Xavier team. Xavier is a proud basketball program and Chris Mack is a fantastic coach.

At this time in 1994. A first in NFL History

It was at this time in 1994. Riverfront Stadium was the site for the first ever Father Son NFL Head Coach match up. Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins into Cincinnati to take on son David Shula and the Bengals. The Bengals were terrible at that time. The Dolphins were rebounding from a 9-7 season from the previous year and were led by Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino. I was at that game with James Westerheide, his Dad and my Dad. The Bengals jumped out to a 7-0 lead thanks to a David Klingler to Darnay Scott Touchdown pass 4 plays into the game. Marino would show is greatness in final 3 quarters. Throwing for 2 touchdown passes one each to Keith Byers and Mark Ingram as the Dolphins defeated the Bengals 23-7.

Week 1 of the NFL Season brings joy to the sports world.

Week 1 of the NFL season brings joy to the sports world. It's the start of the season. Here are some memorable moments from Week 1 over the years 1994: Dallas destroys Pittsburgh in Barry Switzer's First game as Cowboys Coach. San Francisco destroys The Raiders on there way to the Lombardi Trophy Cleveland defeats Cincinnati 1999: Favre leads Packers to thrilling win in Ray Rhodes first game as Packer coach The Titans begin their history and march toward Super Bowl XXXIV with a exciting win over the Bengals Pittsburgh welcomes the Browns back to the NFL with a shutout in Cleveland Dan Marino begins his last season beating Denver Kurt Warner wins his first NFL Start 2004: The Jets hold off the Bengals in Carson Palmer's first NFL Start Bill Cowher's best season in Pittsburgh starts with a nail biter over the Raiders New England holds off Indianapolis Favre leads Packers to an emotional win in Carolina 2009: Brandon Stokley helps Denver beat the Bengals with an amazing 87 yard touchdown catch called by the one and only... Gus Johnson The Saints and Colts begin their march to the Super Bowl with impressive victory's Favre leads Vikings to a victory in Cleveland Pittsburgh begins their title defense with a victory over the Titans

I think I found a new favorite golf ball

I think I found a new favorite golf ball. Joe Wiseman likes to refer Top Flite's as "Rock Flite". I've played the Nike 20x1, Titleist Velocity, DT Solo, Callaway Big Bertha Diablo, Hex Diablo. But my new favorites are Taylor Made Rocketballz and Super Deep. I like how they feel coming off the club. When Rocketballz came out two years ago, I fell in love with them.

2014 HASK Golf Scramble was a huge success

The 2014 HASK Golf Scramble concluded on Sunday. It was a great success. Joe Wiseman, Jon Ranly, Gordon and Rhonda Buchlor, Jeanie Bosslet and myself put together a awesome success. We raised $10,000 for the Soup Kitchen. When I saw how much was raised, it turned a good day to a great day.

On this day in 2009... A great trade for the Reds

Before this day in 2009, the Cincinnati Reds were playing average baseball. They were mediocre at best. Then Walt Jocketty pulled the strings on a trade that turned the Reds in the right direction for the next few years. He traded 3rd Baseman Edwin Encarnacion to the Toronto Blue Jays for future Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman Scott Rolen. When Rolen arrived, the Reds were a different ball club. They finished the 2009 season winning 29 of their last 40 games Won the division in 2010 and were swept by the 2 time defending Champion Phillies. Had the best record in baseball in 2012 and lost to the Giants in the NLDS I miss watching Scotty Rolen at 3rd base. He was a joy to watch.

This is why I love sports

By now, everyone knows about Isaiah Austin's condition. What a courageous young guy. I feel for the kid that he can't play basketball anymore, but after watching Adam Silver draft him in the league like that, its one of the many reasons why I love sports.

Notable Sports Moments on Father's Day in the last 20 years

1996: The Bulls, Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen win their 4th of their 6 NBA Championships together 1998: Michael Jordan scores 45 points, while leading the Bulls to their 6th championship 2000: Tiger Woods wins the first of his 3 US Opens in dominating fashion at Pebble Beach 2003: David Robinson and Steve Kerr cap their NBA Career leading the Spurs to their 2nd championship and Kerr's 5th. 2004: Ken Griffey JR hits his 500th Home Run at Busch Stadium 2008: Tiger Woods, playing on one leg forces a playoff at the US Open at Torrey Pines 2009: Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers to his 5th NBA Championship and Phil Jackson's 10 as a Head Coach 2011: Rory McIory wins the US Open in dominating fashion at Congressional 2013: Justin Rose holds off Phil Mickelson at Merion to win the US Open.

I love to play golf

I have been playing golf now on a consistent basis for about six years now. While watching the 2008 Masters, I saw how much fun the guys were having on the course. They did not complain about hitting a bad shot or having a bad round. It made me want to get out more. Six years ago at this time, I did not have many golf shirts. If I was going to play golf on a consistent basis, I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin. Thank goodness for Moisture Management technology. I love wearing clima lite, clima cool, dri fit, Izod golf, Greg Norman. I love wear these kind of golf shirts. I love being on the golf course. I don't usually play the greatest, but it beats a night at home watching TV and its better then not doing anything.

At this time a little over five years ago

The 2008-09 Cavaliers were awesome. The 2008-09 Lehman boys basketball team was awesome. Zac Schmitz, Nathan Horstmen, Brian Adams, Max Cartwright and Dan Westerheide, who attended Holy Angels in Jr. High, went undefeated during the Holy Angels days and Corbin Peltier were seniors. Bruce Vanover was in his 2nd year as head coach and this team was poised to make it to regionals. I remember being at the Anna regional semi final in 2008 and saw Schmitz and Adam Freytag, who was a sophomore at that time at the game and told them, “You guys are going to be good enough to be playing at this time next year”. The season got off to an awesome start, they went undefeated through their first 9 games, before playing Jackson Center, who beat them by 6. They won the Piqua Holiday tournament thanks to the heroics of Dan Westerheide. Lehman finished the regular season at 18-2, losing to Jackson Center and Ft. Loramie. Went undefeated at the Schlater Gymnasium for the first time in the gyms then 12 year history. They squared off against Triad in their first tournament game and won by 7 in a game that was closer then anyone thought. Then raced past Tournament tough Botkins and held off Mechanisburg in the sectional final. Late in that game, Zac Schmitz sprained his ankle. Injuries are always apart of sports, Keith Bogans (2003 Kentucky vs Wisconsin), Carson Palmer (2005 Bengals vs Steelers), Kenyon Martin ( 2000 Cincinnati vs Memphis). If Bogans and Palmer do not get hurt in their respective games, Kentucky wins the 2003 National Championship and the Bengals make it to Super Bowl XL. Lehman squared off against Cincinnati summit Country Day. The Cavaliers lost 53-50, ending their season at 21-3. For a basketball program that had only won 3 tournament games from 1989-2004, to making it to the District Finals in 2005, 2007 and 2009 is an awesome accomplishment. Lehman has had some pretty decent basketball teams during the 1989-2004 time frame, but could not get over the hump: 1995 (14-7), 1999 (10-11), 2003 (10-11), 2006 (11-10) all were one and dones. In 1995, Lehman lost to eventual Regional runner up Russia and in 2006 lost to eventual regional runner up Houston in the first tournament game.

At this time in 1999... a difficult end to a great season for Lehman Boys Basketball

It was a Monday evening in 1999. The Lehman Cavaliers boys basketball team just concluded a successful 10-10 regular season under first year Head Coach Jerry Fries. The 1998-99 Lehman Boys Basketball Team was good: Bryan Tobe, Eric Hewitt, Ben Kohlhorst, Tommy Middleton, Kyle Goubeaux were seniors, Jake Sinclair, Tony Staley, Tony Cianciolo, Ryan Ratermann, Sam Mikolajewski were juniors and Matt Hare and Derek Orlik were sophomores. There was no time to rest for the Cavaliers after their regular season finale as they faced off against the Greenview Rams in the Division 4 Sectional Tournament at UD Arena. The winner would get 12 days of practice before their next game, a week from the coming Friday. Greenview led us by 3 at the half and it was a hard fought game for the second half. In the 4th quarter, the game was tied and Lehman was in possession. Sam Mikolajewski missed a jumper and then Tony Cianciolo missed a lay-up after a steal. Greenview hit a three to put them up 3 with 2:30 minutes left and then we missed a shot and they made two free throws. After a Middleton basket that cut the lead to 2, Greenview missed a free throw. Middleton got a three blocked right in front of the Lehman bench and there was no foul called. Greenview then made one of its next two foul shots. Bryan Tobe grabbed the rebound, there was 5 seconds left and we were out of timeouts. Goubeaux and Middleton were open on the wings. Tobe got to the mid court stripe and launched desperation three that was off as the horn sounded. Greenview beat us 42-39, ending our season at 10-11. I have been in a lot of Locker Rooms in my lifetime. That post game Locker Room at UD Arena was emotional. Bryan Tobe could not compose himself. The seniors were crushed, Sam Mikolajewski was crying. I have said this for a long time and I will say this again, the 1998-99 Lehman Boys basketball team was good enough to win a district championship and they didn’t. They were better then a 10-11 team. Middleton and Goubeaux were the best senior backcourt we had since Aaron Nuss and Mitch Hoying from the 1994-95 season, Henry Stolly’s first year. To go from 7 wins combined the previous two years to 10 in 1998-99, was a tremendous accomplishment, we should have won more.

How awesome would it be if these guys were in charge of NFL Teams

With John Elway running the Broncos. How awesome would it be if these guys were running these teams San Francisco: Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig Buffalo: Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith Miami: Dan Marino, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Zach Thomas Dallas: Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Russell Maryland Green Bay: Brett Favre, Antonio Freeman, Dorsey Levens, LeRoy Butler Chicago: Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown Cleveland: Bernie Kosar, Kevin Mack, Webster Slaughter, Clay Matthews

At this time in 1999

A First at Schlater Gymnasium It was about this time in 1999 that the Lehman Boys hosted Mercer County and MAC Power St. Henry in boys basketball. Jerry Fries was having a successful first season as Lehman Head Coach. Lehman was good: Tommy Middleton, Kyle Goubeaux, Bryan Tobe, Eric Hewitt and Ben Kohlhorst were seniors, Ryan Ratermann, Sam Mikolajewski, Tony Staley, Tony Cianciolo and Jake Sinclair were the juniors and Derrick Orlik and Matt Hare were sophomores. The game did not get off to a great start for Lehman, Ryan Ratermann sprained his ankle in pre-game warm ups. St. Henry jumped out to a 17 point lead in the 3rd quarter and then the Cavaliers went to the 3 pointer. Middleton, Goubeaux, Tobe, Cianciolo and Staley hit threes to help Lehman claw their way back into the game. St. Henry led Lehman by one late and Tommy Middleton got fouled on a drive to the basket with 12 seconds left. I remember St. Henry’s coach called time out to ice Tommy. Middleton calmly sank both free throws to give Lehman a one point lead. St. Henry came back down the court and defensive plays by Eric Hewitt and Sam Mikolajewski helped Lehman preserve a one point win. I have said this since 1999 and I will say this again. The 1998-99 Lehman Boys Basketball team was good enough to win a District Championship and they did not. Lehman fell in their first tournament game to Greenview 42-39 at UD.

Great QB's playing for the AFC title and Division Opponents square off for NFC title

Peyton and Brady square off in the AFC title game. The third time these two legends will square off for the AFC Crown. Meanwhile the Seahawks and 49ers will battle for the NFC title marking the first time since the 2010 season that Division opponents square off to go to the Super Bowl. A fun filled weekend coming up in Sports

BCS ends with a Bang

It's only fitting that one of the worst systems in sports, ends with a thriller. Miami Florida-Ohio State was a thriller, Michigan-Alabama was a thriller and USC-Texas was a thriller, but this game topped them all. Congrats to Florida State. A well earned and hard fought title. RIP BCS.

On this night in 2003, Seger sets Lehman Scoring record

On this night in 2003, The Lehman Boys Basketball team traveled to Pasco to take on the Fairlawn Jets. It was a snowy Midwest Ohio night, almost like today. The game got off to a great start for senior Justin Seger, who scored at will down low as Lehman built an early lead. The Jets were lead by Tyler Everett and Andy Francis and they would not let the Jets go away quietly. The Jets made a game of it, but Seger was too much for Lehman as he scored a school record 47 points in a hard fought 78-73 Lehman victory.