Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been all out of sorts since the holidays. It's a pretty quiet home schedule right now; our next game isn't until the 18th, so I'm taking the break to relax a bit and catch up on other blogs I write.
The last home game on the 30th, a women's game against Miami of Ohio, was a relatively well-played contest despite the home team coming up short in the end. Miami is highly athletic and its coach is in love with "line change" substitutions. Yeah, that was a hoot.
The Dance Team gave me a gift before the game: a picture frame they made for me with the title "#1 announcer" on it. Aw, shucks. They're good kids. I took a photo with them in the pre-game and put it in the frame and have it at home in my den. The photo we took is below. Yeah, I look like I'm off in the distance and don't know why.
Friday, January 05, 2007
"winter break."
Friday, December 22, 2006
re-capping the conseco game.
The scoreboard may have read Indiana 86, IUPUI 57. But it should read Indiana and the BIASED refs 86!!! Seriously! The Hoosiers can't beat this Jags team; not by themselves. They had the refs in their back pockets all night long. It was embarrassing. It was a travesty of justices.
Bob Lovell would be spinning in his grave if were dead!
I'm totally kidding.
As Coach Hunter said tonight, the significance of this game was not whether or not IUPUI won or lost as much as it was just getting the opportunity to compete against a Big Ten (11) in-state team.
Truth is, IU came out blazing from the starting gun while IUPUI looked a bit shell-shocked in the early stages. The Hoosiers are bigger, stronger and faster. By the end of the first half, the Jags looked like they were out of gas while Indiana was barely breaking a sweat. Such is the uphill climb for a mid-major playing a top-level program.
But this is how teams get better. They take their lumps against the big teams. Look at Valpo. They used to be fodder for the big programs. Now, they're moving up a notch into the Horizon League.
Baby steps. And tonight's game was another important step in the growth of a program.
On a personal note, here's are some points of interest for me:
* A certain writer for a certain newspaper does not wash his hands after using the lav
* The coffee in the media room at Conseco is hotter than the surface of the sun
* D.J. White is every bit of 6-9, 250 lbs.
* Kelvin Sampson doesn't seem to have a very loud voice.
But most of all...I'm a better PA announcer than Chuck Crabb!
I keeeed! I keeed!
Mr. Crabb has a very respectful style and I can dig it.
Oh yeah, props to the Pep Band and Cheerleaders tonight. Job well done!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
sleepy fans and the swear jar.
Last night's game against IPFW? UGLY! Yeah, IUPUI got the 'w', but it was not a pretty game. One thing is evident about this group of players: loads of individual talent, but without George Hill out there, they seem to lack cohesion.
Nevertheless, David Barlow had a career night last night. And he made me laugh pretty good during the latter stages of the game. Out of timeouts and needing to get out of a double-team after he picked up his dribble, Barlow got crafty and bounced the ball off his defender's leg, and then it went out bounds. The play happened directly in front of me and made me laugh out loud. Why? I'm not entirely sure. But I laughed, Barlow looked at me and flashed a proud smile. Props to you, David!
Everything else went fairly well last night. The band was in good form (and snazzy new shirts, I must say). The cheerleaders did their thing and the dancers, as always, performed great. The fans? Well, I hope we didn't disturb their naps. Seriously, do they ever get off their hands?!?!
Anyway, I had an OK game. Nothing spectacular, nothing terribly bad. If anything, I rushed through a few things, but there were so many subs I felt like I had no choice. It was fun to see Dane Fife prowling the sidelines. He had us rolling at the scorers table with the F-bombs. The first one he unleashed on a player (in the first half) resonated through the gym. We all looked right at Fife as he was reading his player the riot act.
"That's a quarter in the Swear Jar," I said to the guys at the table. Matt Davis, the man on the shot clock, held up a cup and shook it for donations.
Had we actually held Fife to the Swear Jar rule, he may have needed to bring his checkbook. Who was his college coach again? :-)
Fun night. But I hope our fans wake up soon.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
see you at conseco.
I just got word today that I'm offiicially in for the IUPUI-IU game next Friday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. Being as how it's not our home game I won't be doing PA. But IUPUI SID Ed Holdaway took pity on me and extended an SID pass so I can sit courtside for the game. This ain't no free ride, though. A seat on Mr. Holdaway's Wild Ride comes with a price. I've got to run down postgame quotes in the press conferences.
So let me get this straight: my "job" is to attend the press conferences for Ron Hunter, Kelvin Sampson and any players they bring in? Slave drivers!!!!
This is not unfamiliar work for me. I've attended two conference tournaments and did similar work for IUPUI at both.
A little personal history: I've been an IU basketball fan since I was in high school in Michigan. I've never been to an IU game in my entire life. Until next Friday.
And as big a Hoosiers fan as I am, I'm wanting to see the Jags shock the world. They're the horse I'm riding next Friday.
It's going to be cool to see the band, cheerleaders and dancers at Conseco.
I can't wait to see what kind of crowd is on hand.
back in form.
I think my voice is back in form now, after a week of battling a throat infection. After last Saturday's game—where I was losing my voice in the first half—I admit I was a bit nervous.
Last evening's game went off without a hitch. Although I'm finding myself picking up bad, old habits like "rushing" through substitutions. I need to work on that. I also think it's high time I gain a little "stage presence" when doing the halftime shootout.
Perhaps I should bust out the wireless mic and work the floor. Perhaps I should egg the crowd on a bit more too. I don't feel 100% comfortable with this promotion yet, so I'm going to have to work on it.
I did have a little bit of fun with the Dance Team last night. I did a little fake like I was going to play the Fight Song at the end of half-time; had them glaring at me a bit. I played Crazy Train instead. I like the Dance Team. They're super-cool kids and are very good at getting me their music well in advance of the game. That's important so I don't stomp on their mojo by playing a song in my line-up that they're dancing to that night.
Oh yeah, the women's team won last night. It wasn't the prettiest game I've ever seen, but it was good to see Alicia Booyer have a great first half (12 points).
This was the last women's game until Dec. 30. And Saturday's game will be the last men's home game until Jan. 18.
Man, are we that far into the schedule already?
Saturday, December 09, 2006
err on the side of caution.
Tonight's game could've been better on so many fronts. And I'm not even talking about the Jags sneaking away with a win over an NAIA team. Seriously, Indiana Wesleyan nearly handed us a loss tonight! The horror....but anyway.
Yeah, my throat/voice seemed to not want to cooperate with me tonight. I've been fighting off a throat infection of some sort all week, but I thought the worst was behind me. Well, I know the worst is behind me. But the first half of tonight's game? Something just wasn't clicking.
I felt like I was struggling all game to fight the right pitch and tone on the mic. Perhaps the problem was external, but I couldn't help but wonder if my throat is still not 100%. Joe, the official score keeper, even turned to me once and said, "are you all right?"
My conversation voice is fine, but my PA voice? Well, it was not. It wasn't helped by the sauna-like conditions of the first half in the gym. I found myself feeling kinda woozy from the heat or something. Once I took off my jacket and rolled up my sleeves I was fine. But for a second there, I thought I was gonna have to call for a back-up.
Fortunately for me nobody's there to listen to me. And everybody else performed magnificently. I think I'm going to rest the pipe tomorrow and stay home for the Colts game. I'm not sick, per se, but I'm not 100%; best to err on the side of caution.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
dance, dance, dance.
The ability to have fun at another's expense is only funny under a few conditions:
1) You know they'll get a laugh out of it
2) You don't abuse the privilege
That's pretty much what I did tonight with the Dance Team at tonight's b-ball game. The team co-captains, during our standard pre-game greeting, talked a bit about not wanting to do the Fight Song at the end of halftime. At the moment, I dind't really recall it being a staple (I honestly didn't recall it at all) and told them I had no plans on playing it.
But then, with about two minutes remaining in the halftime, a devil appeared on my shoulder. That devil reminded me of how the Dance Team and Cheerleaders jump to their feet and perform a choreographed dance to the Fight Song!
I simply couldn't resist.
Everybody was relaxing, gearing up for the second half...and I went and screwed it all up for them.
It was all harmless fun and (I think) the dancers know that. They hassled me afterward, of course. But, as I said, I couldn't resist the temptation. I won't do this again, though. Like I said, it's only funny once.
A little note about this year's Dance Team, if I may: as w/ every other year, they're a great group of people. But this is, by far, the best IUPUI Dance Team I've seen.
They threatened to make me dance during the Fight Song next time I pull a stunt like I did tonight. Yeah, I don't know who gets punished more: me, or the people forced to see the debacle that is me dancing.
Monday, December 04, 2006
basketball "line change" substitions.
The women's game the other day (Saturday) had a strange feel to it. It started at 4:30 p.m., but there was no men's game following it. It was like an island out in the middle of nowhere, or something. From a PA standpoint, these early games can be a little trying because the crowds are decidedly smaller. Saturday's game was no exception. Given the opposing team's penchant for hockey-style substitions—three, four, even five players at a time—it made my job that much more challenging. I actually referred to it, once by saying, "now on the floor on the Evansville line change..." It's a subtle joke that only three or four people will ever get.
I have to admit, it was annoying. But it's not my job to coach the teams. I had to plow ahead and do the best I could. It honestly was tricky.
Fortunately, the Jags won in regulation. The last thing I needed was OT.
The women play at home again tomorrow night, and then the men finally have another home game on Saturday. Hopefully the women's team plays better tomorrow than they did on Saturday.
The dance team and cheerleaders performed well. They've got their act together, and it's great to see. Hopefully I get my timing right with the fight song and pre-game rituals so we all know what's what.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
so far, so good.
The first full weekend of Jags basketball is well underway and things, for the most part, seem to be moving along well. We haven't had any setbacks, technical or otherwise, at the scorers table. With the exception of George Hill's injury, the teams seem to be hitting their strides.
We've worked in a few new promotions and a few less pre-game announcements and I couldn't be happier about both. Nobody comes to the game to hear me, so the less yammering I do, the better.
Of course, I need to work on giving all affected parties advance notice when I'm going to flip the script. I switched things up on the cheerleaders last night and sort of left them hanging.
I think I'll start checking with each group in the pre-game to make sure we're all on the same page. Tonight's game will be easy, though. With the Pep Band there, it makes my job exponentially easier. Outside of starting line-ups and Dance Team music, I have little to do.
I still need to get my "Shout" thing put together, though. We want to incorporate that in the under-four media timeout.
Maybe tonight.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
gear up.
It seems like I just got back from Tulsa. In just about a month, it's time to wind it up for another season. The IUPUI Jaguars men's and women's soccer schedules are posted here. I think I'll only miss one or two matches. Of course, they both are Senior Nights, but I have pretty good excuses. Nevertheless, I hate to bail on the teams in their moment of glory. Oh well. I'm sure they won't miss me too much.
The men's first home match is an exhibition vs. Cincinnati on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at Kuntz Stadium on 16th St. in Indy.
The women's play their first home match on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., also at Kuntz. They'll be facing Murray State.
So there it is. My hiatus is almost over. Time to gear up.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
my date with the pep band.
Saturday was a bit of an IUPUI day for me. I PA'd for women's softball -- first time for me -- as well as going to dinner with the Pep Band; also a first for me.
In both cases, I hope to do that again.
The softball games weren't bad; pretty loose atmosphere and all. But I could've been better. As I commented to Ed Holdaway, the SID, and Denise O'Grady, the Assistant AD, "I stopped doing PA in February and clearly haven't started back up again."
Soccer's really not that far off, so I better start getting my head on straight.
As for the evening dinner, it was really a fun night for me. The Pep Band is a fun crowd and I've enjoyed getting to know them. They even had a plaque made for Dave, the band director, complete with many of the nicknames I've called him. It only reminds me how much I already look forward to next season.
Rather than sit across a basketball court and wave at them, I got to actually talk to them and get to know them better. I can only hope to have more opportunities like this.
I even got an invite to go to Landshark's(!) last night. Here's the funny part: when I got home from dinner and got done walking Brinkley, I went back inside and realized, "I'm too tired to even think about going out for a beer!" So I went to sleep around 11:30 p.m. On a Saturday night. Wow....what a geezer!
I plan on going back to Tulsa for the tournament. With a little luck, I'll try to hang out with the Pep Band out there.
It's only -- what? -- seven months to Midnight Madness? Who's ready?
I'm ready.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
so long, farewell, and hopefully we'll win it next year.
Well, the tournament's over. Oral Roberts won on the men's side; Oakland won in the women's tourney. I was courtside for the men's finale. I suppose you could say I am a glutton for punishment. Given my allegience to the Jags, I'm no fan of Oral Roberts or Chicago State. But I fully recognize the talent on ORU's team. Chicago State has some pretty good guard play, but they were no match for Oral Roberts. Hell, I'm still trying to figure out how Chicago State made IUPUI look so bad!
I don't think the league could've handled being represented by another sub-.500 team. Granted, I think we would've been a better team, but didn't earn it.
The talk around JagNation is NIT. Are we NIT bound? I hope to be pleasantly surprised, but I am not expecting it.
So, sadly, this is the end of the line for me with IUPUI this year. It's always a bit sad for me. I love working for them and already miss the season. This blog will shut down this week. We won't be tearing off the tarps and re-opening it until September. I already can't wait.
Thanks for stopping by and going along on this March Madness ride with me. See you in a few months.
start the clock.
There is one unmistakable truth about sport: it is a profession of suffering. Oh sure, they all say "it's only a game." Tell that to the players and coaches who are going home without the trophies. I watched Ron Hunter in the postgame conference last night and it's clear how much the wins -- and losses -- matter.
On some small level, this is not unlike the Colts collapse, I suppose. But that's cold comfort, really. We came here poised and ready to face Oral Roberts of Valpo in the final. Well, perhaps I'm only speaking for myself here. We all breathed a sigh of relief over not having to face Valpo in the second round. I wonder how much difference that would've made.
Chicago State is a vexing team. They have this way of turning its opponent inside out and forcing a team out of its game. IUPUI is a premier perimeter and free throw shooting team. Tonight's line: 3-for-21 from long range, 10-for-17 from the line.
Ouch.
There were lots of plans. Viewing parties, victory rallies, Sunday Selection gatherings. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.
IUPUI's plans went astray with a hollow thud tonight that was its performance against the Cougars.
I guess we just have to wait until November.
Again.
Monday, March 06, 2006
"mulligan" first half...jags are down by a deuce.
Well, at least that half is in the books. Ugh. Ugly!! It was like they were sleep-walking out there or something. The fact that they're only down by a basket is truly stunning, considering they had a 5-1/2 minute scoring drought and are shooting well below where they need to be!
This is precisely what Chicago State wanted to do; mess with IUPUI's game. So far, mission accomplished.
We'll see what the second half holds in store.
jags lead...so far.
It's early, but the Jags look loose. That's a good thing. CSU looks loose too, honestly. The Jags are up 9-4 right now. Cole and Hill are doing their thing; as is Barlow. It's a balanced start. That's how I like to see it. The thing with Chicago State is they're always holding an ace in the hole.
Let's see when Kevin Jones decides to drop that bad boy.
pre-game...fired up.
We're a good hour away from the start of our game against Chicago State. As I sit here, Oral Roberts is taking it to Valpo pretty handily at the moment (ORU up 59-43). Coach Hunter just did his pre-game interview with ESPN 950's Greg Rakestraw for the radio broadcast.
The Oral Roberts faithfuls remember what happened at our place earlier this season and they're already giving it to George Hill pretty loudly. The team just came out to take a peak at the action....
We'll be up soon.....stay up with us, Indy!
can't buy one.
It's been who-knows-how-long since Valpo last hit a field goal. I think they hit one last Tuesday. Seriously, Oral Roberts is taking them apart right now. It's 28-14 with 7:22 remaining in the first half. Valpo just can't seem to find a bucket right now. Then again, that's how it's been for every team in this tournament, really. Well, except for Oral Roberts.
Hmm....Oral Roberts is in Tulsa. This tournament's in Tulsa. Hmmm.......
women's season is over.
A tightly played first half gave way to a second half unraveling as the Jags couldn’t hold off the surging Oakland Golden Grizzlies, who defeated the Jags in the semi-finals, 54-66.
Freshman sensation and Mid-Con Sixth Woman of the Year Jernisha Cann notched a strong double-double, scoring 15 points to go with her 14 rebounds. Kia Hayes added 15 points for the Jags.
As a team the Jags had shooting woes all game long, finishing with a humbling 36.8 percent from the field, and just five of 16 from three point range.
Oakland goes on to face the top-seeded Western Illinois Westerwinds in tomorrow’s conference championship game.
Not the way I wanted to see it end, obviously.
That's all I got right now.
just like that.
And just like that, the Jags are down by seven. Just like that, it's 51-58 in favor of Oakland.
Just like that.
It seems IUPUI can't buy a basket and Hafeli for Oakland can't miss.
Just like that.
I think Jernisha's trying to do too much on her own. She's having a great game, but somebody else needs to step up.
3:55 to go.
Buckle up.
hanging on for dear life.
long way to go.
To this point, Jernisha Cann has scored eight points in the second half. Kia Hayes is starting to re-assert herself with a couple baskets to get herself going again. The Jags are clinging – CLINGING – to a three point lead, 49-46.
close game, of course.
With 14:06 remaining in the game, IUPUI is clinging to a two point lead, 43-41. Jernisha Cann is playing well for the Jags, so is Jayme Wilson for Oakland. She's making a difference in this game.
jags lead at the half, 35-33.
IUPUI overcame early shooting woes to take a 35-33 lead into the half.
The Jags were down by as many as eight points in the opening period, due to the hot shooting of Oakland, who were led by Anne Hafeli’s nine first-half points. Nicole Piggott added eight points. A balanced Jaguar attack, with seven players scoring, got them ahead by as many as five.
Kia Hayes shook off a rough start to score nine first-half points. Tanika Mays scored eight and had three assists. Jernisha Cann came off the bench to score four points and pulled down six boards.
It's early, but I was impressed to see the Jags fight back from the deficit. They were down 19-27 with 7:50 remaining in the half. That's a 16-6 run.
The band is having fun at my expense tonight, those chuckleheads. I hope we do this all over again tomorrow night.
it's a game again.
IUPUI has clawed its way back into this thing. They lead 31-29 w/ 3:43 to go.
Who's been the hero? The entire team. Seven different Jags have scored. Teri Gepfert (!) is leading the Jags with six right now.
Tanika Mays has four board and three dishes.
jags are down early.
Jags are struggling early, but hanging around. Oakland leads 27-22 right now. IUPUI's been balanced on offense, but they've been in a hole most of the game.
Only down by five isn't too bad, but I'd like to see them hold down Hafeli and Piggott a bit more.
setting the scene.
I wrote this for the Jaguars Web site. I don't think they used it, so I pass it on to you....
Mid-Con Semi-Finals: Jags Women to Face Oakland, Men to Meet Chicago State
Tulsa, Okla. – Tomorrow’s semi-final games are set for the Jaguars. The women’s team will take the floor at 3:30 p.m. EST), facing sixth seeded Oakland University, who upset the #3 seed Oral Roberts 50-37 in opening round action. The winner will take on either Western Illinois or Valparaiso in Tuesday’s championship game.
Under Mid-Con Coach of the Year Shann Hart, the Jags defeated Oakland in both regular season meetings, the last being a 70-64 home win on Feb. 4. Kia Hayes led all scorers with 22 points in the win. Nicole Piggott led Oakland with 21 points.
Over in the men’s bracket, the co-champion Jaguars will take on Chicago State at 9:30 p.m. EST in the semi-finals. The Cougars knocked off UMKC 75-66. In the victory, Chicago State’s Royce Parran set the Mid-Con tourney records with free throws made and attempted in a single tournament game.
The winner will face either Oral Roberts University or Valparaiso University in the Tuesday night championship game, which will be broadcast on ESPN.
Jags split the regular season match-ups with the Cougars, losing on Feb. 23 at Chicago State 66-74. The Jags won on Dec. 30 87-64.
Both games can be seen on the Web at www.mid-con.tv. You can also tune into ESPN 950 AM to hear Greg Rakestraw call both games. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN 950 AM. You can also listen on the Web at www.espn950.com or www.indianasportsradio.com.
Fox Sports is televising the men’s game at 9:30 p.m. EST (check local listings). Champion’s Sports Bar at the Marriott (off Maryland St.) in downtown Indianapolis is hosting a viewing party for Jags fans in Indy.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
semis are set.
I don't want to use the word "nervous," but I think Jags fans are a restless over facing Chicago State tomorrow night in the semis. Chicago State used a tough defensive press to rattle UMKC and take control of the game in the last 10 minutes.
This is going to be tough.
halftime.
UMKC leads Chicago State 30-28 at the half. UMKC doesn't seem to have much of a set offense...something, I don't know. They just don't seem to have much of a game plan. Chicago State is a real athletic, quick team. They seem to be at their best in the transition.
Just my humble opinion.
the mid-con tourney & the magic #3 seed curse.
In less than two hours, we'll know who IUPUI faces tomorrow night in the semis. As it stands, UMKC is playing Chicago State. A little history: The #3 seed always loses to the #6 seed in this tournament. It just works out that way. UMKC is the #3 seed. Chicago State has been playing very well heading into the tournament (they beat us, you know).
With just under 9:30 remaining in the first half, UMKC is in controlwith a 22-15 lead.
So far, the pairings are working out like this for tomorrow's semi-final games:
Women's
Western Illinois vs. Valparaiso, noon
IUPUI vs. Oakland, 2:30 p.m.
Men's
Oral Roberts vs. Valparaiso, 6 p.m.
IUPUI vs. UMKC or Chicago State, 8:30 p.m.
Chicago State presents some problems for us because they play an uptempo game. UMKC...I have to admit, I barely remember playing them. An assistant coach told me he predicts UMKC to win this game.
What? And break the spell of the Magic #3 seed curse?????
Stay tuned.
are you ready for some football basketball?
Feel like watching the game Monday night? Champions, located in the downtown Marriott, will be hosting a Jags viewing party! Coverage starts at 9 p.m.
Learn more about viewing and listening options here.
day of rest.
Since the Jags don't play today, there's less of a sense of urgency to have to be somewhere. I'm sitting in the hotel lobby, enjoying a few tunes on my iPod, watching the activity around me. I see players, coaches, fans, family members, all mingling and meandering about, like they're waiting for a bus or something.
That's what's funny about this "vacation." It's fun, but it's work. There are games to be played, so if you're in the hotel, you're just marking time until you have to play again. It makes for an atmosphere of anticipation.
I chose today to go across the street to QDoba (woo hoo!!), read the Sunday paper and walk among the Tulsans.
It's always an easy sport to make fun of a city when you're an out-of-towner. But I'm not going to do that. The city of Tulsa is just like any other city in America; at least from what I've been able to gather. I had to run to a Walgreen's...saw churchgoers and folks just leading their lives.
Lunch was like lunch at QDoba in Broad Ripple. With cable/satellite television, cell phones and the Internet, the world is a pretty small place. Kids here are like kids there. They watch MTV and are on Myspace.
I can't complain about Tulsa at all. I'm not saying I'd come here for a weekend, but people say that about Indy as well. It'll keep me pacified until our next game.
Man...when is that next game?
sunday in tulsa.
It's Sunday in Tulsa, and I have nothing to do today. I shot some video last night at the game. I'm sorry to say I didn't shoot any during the game. I'll try and remedy that tomorrow night.
In the meantime, here's Night One in Tulsa. Please excuse the poor editing and such. I'm still tinkering with it.
Some early observations from last night:
* I love sitting next to Greg Rakestraw at these games. He's a great play-by-play guy and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Jags.
* Tulsa is REALLY spread out!
* Hotel bars in Tulsa are just as scary as hotel bars anywhere else in America.
* Our cheerleaders and JagBand are doing a great job at this tournament.
* It was nice to see the women's team in such a great mood after winning their opening round game yesterday.
* There is a QDoba here. There is a God!
Talk to you all later!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
first half.
At the half, the Jags are up on Oakland by four, 24-20. It's discouraging because they were up by 10! Oakland is a tough team to play because they seem to drag you into an alley fight. Oh sure, you can play your game for awhile and build a lead. But eventually, you get dragged down into their game and they claw back in. They are no fun to play against.
Bill Van Senus has been a high point, so far. He's made a difference.
Here's the stat of the first half: 18.2% three-point shooting for the Jags.
Not good.
That's got to get better!
big bill van senus.
I love that kid!
jags lead, 12-9....11:20 remaining in the first half.
It's a slugglish start for the Jags, really. But they finally got the lead at 12-9. They took the lead on a Cole three, but the offense just can't seem to get in a flow yet. Is that the Oakland defense or just jitters?
I was supposed to be in Tulsa by now.....oy vey!
Today is a lesson in why you do not procrastinate, kids!
My flight this morning left at 8:15 a.m...without me on it. Why? Because, like an idiot, I got up too late. I woke up at 7 a.m.
Yikes.
To make a long story short...Just as I was pulling into the shadows of the airport, John Q. Law snared me in his net.
"Can you give me legal justification as to why you were exceeding the speed limit?" the officer said.
I don't think there's a because I'm a moron clause in the laws, is there? So I elected to tell him I was just trying to get to the airport to make my flight. To the good officer's credit, he was polite and expeditious himself...in writing me up for 79 in a 50. So this trip is already costing me $165. Neat!!
I carefully drove the rest of the way to the airport, said thanks and goodbye to Heather (who so kindly offered to drop me off in her car so I wouldn't have to pay parking), ran inside and began checking in. The ticket agent for NWA (not that NWA! The other one!) warned me that I probably would not make my flight, as it was departing in less than 25 minutes. But she helped me as much as she could. I hustled to the gate, only to be stopped in my tracks....by an elderly woman in a maroon blazer.
In continuation of my lucky day, I had to go through the "other" security line. You know the one: where if you get snotty they turn their rubber-gloved attention to your orifaces. At this point, I'm only slightly calm because I'm losing precious time. The TSA folks were kind enough (not their fault I was late), but I was going Rain-Man because I could see my gate!!
As Maxwell Smart might say....missed it by that much!
Ugh.
The good folks of NWA were able to book me onto a noon flight to Tulsa (by way of Memphis). I chose to see the silver lining and went back to Heather's to have breakfast and decompress.
I came back at 11, with boarding passes in hand, and waited patiently by my gate.
11:20....no plane.
11:30....still no plane, and now, no crew.
11:40....natives gettin' restless.
11:45....the inevitable....the flight was INDEFINITELY DELAYED!
After a bit of bouncing around in the terminal, I was able to get a new flight plan.
So here's the latest.
NW flight 656 departing Indianapolis at 1:26 p.m., arriving in Detroit at 2:37 p.m.
NW flight 3757 departing Detroit at 3:10 p.m., arriving in Tulsa at 4:45 p.m.
I'll miss the women's game, dammit. But I'll still get there. And, truth be told, I have nothing but kind things to say about the good people of NWA. They've been extremely accommodating and helpful. I even got a $5 voucher for lunch for the inconvenience.
So far, this trip has only cost me 72 cents....and $165.
Ugh. I just want to be on a plane....any plane.
Monday, February 20, 2006
weird scenes inside the jungle.
What a great win for the women's team tonight! They beat Valpo, with whom we entered the evening tied for second place. And they had the tie-breaker on us, I think. But with the win, IUPUI now holds sole possession of second place.
The game was nearly as expected. Bot theams fought tooth and nail to the bitter end.
This year's conference tournament is going to be a dandy.
But tonight's game was earmarked by other weirdness. I handle PA announcing and music during the game. That means all timeouts, etc. go through me. As a relatively standard thing, I have a few sound effects locked and loaded for specific moments in the game, including the off-chance an opposing team's player will foul out at a crucial moment. I had two such occurences this evening. I busted out a new sound for the first one -- a "disappointed" horn from The Price Is Right (you'd know it if you heard it), followed by music used in the Apple "Switch" TV ads a few years ago.
Then a second player fouled out. Rather than to my standard Law & Order "gavel" (doink doink!) followed by Hit The Road Jack, I opted for the Final Jeopardy "think" music.
Ed Holdaway, the SID, gave me a hard time because I used it on him once during a game (something I was cautioned to never do again....when we have scoreboard malfunctions). Next thing I know, I see one of the officials at the scorer's table, looking at me. He says, "Are you in charge of the musci?" He was rather stern and direct.
"Yeah," I replied.
"I'd really rather not hear the Jeopardy music right now. I want you to turn it off," he said.
I paused. He glared. I gave in and turned it off. But I must admit I was seriously having a Whisky Tango Foxtrot moment.
I laughed as I potted down the music and looked at Ed, who had what can only be described as a shocked and comical look on his face.
"Wow!" I said. "He must've had a bad Final Jeopardy moment or something."
I don't know if a ref has that jurisdiction. It's the first time a ref has ever directed me to not play something. Given that I don't care enough to risk getting a technical foul for the home team, I didn't argue it.
But seriously, what the hell, man?
He only got weirder, too.
Valpo called a full timeout. Our cheerleaders ran onto the floor to do a routine. He shouted -- shouted! -- them off the floor. They were just as stunned as we were.
"Wow, what a tyrant!" I overheard an unidentified voice exclaim. Dude was out of control.
Those are two things I have never seen happen before. Ever. I have never had an altercation with an official. I've never seen an official yell at cheerleaders....at CHEERLEADERS!!!
I broke tradition at the conclusion of the game to commemorate the bizarre closing moments. Rather than play the crowd out with my signature song (David Letterman theme), I played.....wait for it....
The Twilight Zone.
I have no earthly idea what to make of tonight.
It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen when I've worked a game.
Friday, February 17, 2006
tulsapalooza.
We've got a couple more women's home games before the tournament. I'm already getting into my melancholy mode about it. I love the basketball season.
After reviewing some tape from a game I did a couple years ago compared to last weekend's games, I'd like to think I've improved as an announcer.
I also think a great crowd makes my job pretty easy. Nevertheless, I'd like to think I've gotten better over the past two seasons. In fact, I feel like I've turned a corner; especially this season. Why? I'm not sure, really. Perhaps I loosened up a bit and learned how to roll with it a little better. Perhaps I have gotten better at being "fun" with it.
Who knows. Either way, it's been a great season in so many ways. After a rough year last year, it's great to see the women's team playing so well. I look forward to seeing them do great things in Tulsa.
Speaking of Tulsa, here's what you can expect from me:
* Updates to IUPUIJags.com. Being a hired gun takes some pressure off the SIDs to handle other duties.
* Courtside blogging. I hope to make it fun and unique and give people a different take on the games.
* Video blogging. I report. You decide. :-p
I hope you all can make the trip to Tulsa. It's going to be a great ride.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
mid-con champs!!!!!!!!!
IUPUI defeated Centenary College tonight, 65-49. With that win, the Jags are the MID-CONTINENT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!!!
They have just locked up the #1 seed in the conference championship tournament.
Woo hoo!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
one noisy jungle.
* That's more of a FIVE-head than a forehead! My head is gargantuan.
* Watch Kevvy panic! It was so loud in the place, I over-modulated and temporarily blew the speakers....twice.
* Not only a member...but also a client. It is not a bald spot!
In my opinion, this was not my best effort of the season. I lost the sound because, as the crowd got louder, I tried to keep getting louder. It's never been so loud in the place, so I never anticipated losing sound. Once that happened, I had to scramble a bit to make sure it didn't happen again...and I sort of rushed through things. I'm sort of mad at myself for getting rattled by the equipment malfunction.
So, this is a C effort on my part....C- for the equipment; an A+ for the crowd, though.
Without further adieu...
Jungle Boogie!
P.S. - Can you tell what music I was using?
Saturday, February 11, 2006
jags win! jags beat oral roberts!
I've been a part of this program for five seasons now. And I've watched a lot of great games. On Thursday, we beat Valpo in what was considered a coming-of-age game for us.
It was the biggest game in the history of the program, in many ways.
No way did I think you could top that effort from both the players and the fans.
I was wrong.
We worried about a letdown.
Nothing to worry about.
The team was pumped, but most importantly, the fans and students were even more pumped.
I hope they're partying into the wee hours because they deserve it for all their efforts tonight.
It was the loudest, rowdiest, best college crowd I have ever seen in person.
Typically, I'm the loudest voice in the place because I have the luxury of being the guy holding a mic. Tonight, I gave up trying to top the fans. I couldn't. Every time I tried I nearly blew out the system. That's never happened before.
The fans, the team, the cheerleaders, the dancers, the crew, the coaches all brought this one home tonight.
It's not a game you'll find on ESPN Classic 10 years from now, but it is a game that should be a turning point for this program.
No matter what, the fans and the team can take this away tonight: Nobody -- and I mean NOBODY -- in the conference came into the Jungle and left with a W.
The Jags are undefeated at home in the conference.
Indiana won't come and play us.
Purdue? Purdon't! They won't come and play us.
Butler Bulldogs? A bunch of puppies. They won't come and play us.
They all say it's because our gym isn't up to their standards. I think it's because they're all scared to death of losing to this little school in downtown Indianapolis.
And they should be.
Thanks, fans. You made my job tough tonight.
Please keep it up.
Go Jags!
Friday, February 10, 2006
tulsa time.
I went two years ago when they were in Kansas City. We lost a heart-breaker in the championships, but it was a great experience. I loved it and vowed I'd go again. That's why I'm going back.
The winner of the tournament goes on to The Big Dance, of course. All the more reason to go, eh?
What: Mid-Con Basketball Championships
When: March 4-8
Where: John Q. Hammons Arena, Tulsa, Oklahoma
I'll be there, I'll be blogging about it all. You'll be hearing from me in Tulsa.
Go Jags!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
jags win! jags beat valpo!!
WOO HOO!!!!!
This is my fifth season as the Jags' PA announcer and this was, without a doubt, the loudest, most energized crowd I've ever seen at a home game. This game had the atmosphere of a playoff-type game.
It was a must-win, in my opinion, for IUPUI to inch one small step closer to a top seed in the tournament.
Thanks to all my dear friends who came out tonight. I was so jacked up coming into this game I nearly g'd myself out during the starting lineups. I was pretty fired up.
I never get nervous about what I have to do at a game, but I was kinda nervous tonight. I knew it was a big game and I didn't want to screw it up.
The visiting team's official score keeper sits next to me at the game. She's a little, older woman from Valparaiso. She's nice, quiet and unassuming. After I did the starting lineups -- complete with music and a buttload of hootin' and yellin' -- she gave me a dap.
As much as I love beating Valpo, I always treat the opposing team with respect. They like me because I don't go out of my way to screw up their names or other bush league nonsense. It was nice that she appreciated my snappin'n intro.
And we won the game. It was all worth it.
And now I'm tired.
Nice work, Jungle. You all were the Sixth Man tonight!
IUPUI Jaguars
Saturday, February 04, 2006
my worst fear realized.
It all started out rather simply. As I always do ahead of a doubleheader, I completed all my set-ups and rehearsed the scripts and names for both games.
By the time I gathered all my wares, showered and got out the door, it was going on 3:10 p.m.; later than i like to be for a 4:30 starting time. My procrastination would ultimately get the best of me.
I pulled away from the house, noticing something was not right at all about the way my car was handling. It felt like somebody was pulling it backwards or something; just running slowly and "rumbly."
I didn't even make it down the block. I got out and inspected. Sure enough.....a flat tire. And by "flat" I mean the thing was nearly entirely off its rim.
I didn't panic, necessarily, but i knew the situation was dire. And the unthinkable -- the one thing I always feared might happened -- happened.
I was going to miss a game.
I've been doing IUPUI games for five years, basketball and soccer, and have never missed a game. Until today. I had no choice. Fortunately, I made arrangements with the previous PA announcer (who's still heavily involved with IUPUI) to work the game for me. Knowing I was handing it over to a guy who knows what to do was a big relief.
So I didn't roll into The Jungle until well into the second half of the women's game.
It was sort of weird, but in a good way, to see the game from the other side of it. I've never watched the Jags at home from any vantage point other than the scorers table. So -- rather than internalize the situation, pout, grumble, and obsess over it -- I simply enjoyed the moment. I really did. I walked around and watched the game from different places. I sat with the band (who gave me a wonderful greeting, I must say). I have to admit I sort of liked being a spectator.
But I really did miss calling the game. You have no idea how much fun this is for me.
I took over the reins for the men's game and was, to be honest, still a bit rattled by losing my timing. I get like Rain Man at this. I have a routine for the games. My routine was severely altered today, so my performance took an early hit.
I'd like to think I righted the ship enough to where nobody noticed, but I made a few early blunders. The good part, though, is the dancers and cheerleaders were not affected by it.
The really good part is both the men's and women's teams won. What does that mean? They're both still in first place.
Go Jags.
And on yeah....I'll never miss another home game again.
Ever.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
jags win, 67-66.
He hit. Jags win.
Did I mention Cameron also got the steal that led to the free throws?
3-0 in the conference.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
winner, winner...chicken dinner!
The women's team (pictured) won tonight at home against crosstown rival Butler University. This team seems to either be coming together, or taking advantage of big programs. Either way, they're playing MUCH better than they were early in the season.
Erin Guy, #24, played one of her best games tonight, scoring 15 points in the win.
What's been fun to watch is they no longer seem timid on offense, as they were in a few games this year.
I wish more people had seen the game. It was fun to watch them win...again.
Monday, January 02, 2006
loss to western illinois.
This is a busy week for basketball. We had a game on the 30th, the 31st, and today. We have another game on Wednesday, and then a double-header on Saturday.
Six games. Eight days.
I almost hate the games during semester break, because nobody's around.
The women played a great game against Western Michigan the other night, winning big. But they couldn't get anything going inside tonight against Western Illinois. It happens.
From a PA standpoint, the last few games have been up and down. I've been having voice problems. I'm not concerned, per se, but I think I need to take a little bit better care of my pipe on game days.
I stuck to hot coffee all day the other day and that seemed to help my throat a bit.
But you don't care to hear that.
Monday, December 19, 2005
jags win.
I hope he plays like that in the conference.
He's only a sophomore right now and is a lot of fun to watch play for the next couple years.
I've been losing my voice during games this week. I guess I better start taking better care of the pipe on the eve of a game.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
rule #1: don't keep the mic open.
I did make one, grandiose faux pas last night...the kind I hate and the kind that embarrasses me.
I left the mic open when it wasn't supposed to be.
Fortunately for me, though, I am not profane during the course of a game. You won't hear an f-bomb come booming out of the PA.
But you might hear me offer my thoughts on what's happening on the floor. Last year, during a women's game, I forgot to turn off the mic and said of an opposing team's player: "she just can't hit a shot!"
Oops.
Last night? Not as bad.
Wesleyan had the ball worked into the paint and executed a great kick-out pass to the perimeter.
"Nice!" I said.
And everybody heard it.
Again, oops.
The crowd behind me got a good laugh out of it. All I could do was turn to them and throw my hands up. I earned that one.
Let's hope I don't do that again.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
jags win, 72-57.
Matt Burks shot the lights out, 25 points, 21 of which came off three-pointers.
Monday, November 14, 2005
got a basketball jones?
I always close the game with the Late Show w/ David Letterman Theme, then go into the campy stuff.
So far, here have been my favorites:
* Danke Shoen, by Wayne Newton (already a staple)
* Saturday Night, by the Bay City Rollers
* Basketball Jones, by Cheech & Chong (Joe the score keeper's favorite)
I'll bust out some other gems as the season progresses, I'm sure. You'll just have to come out to a game and hear me in action.
jags win, 60-49.
The play in the first half was sluggish and timid. But in the second half, this team showed it has some athleticism and hustle.
I don't know what sort of year they're going to have, though. It's too early to tell.
One Jags fan (a player's parent, perhaps) paid me a very nice compliment after the game. He told me he liked my selection of music and the way I call a game. It's always nice to hear that. He was the one I told last week he'd like Franz Ferdinand.
What I do certainly isn't rocket science, but it's cool when people actually take notice.
Next game isn't until after Thanksgiving...men's home opener. I'm excited already. I [heart] basketball season.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
2-0 in exhibition.
The Jags are athletic, but not cohesive just yet. Hopefully they get it all figured out before it counts.
Tonight was the first full-fledged game that required effort from all hands on deck. Cheerleaders, dancers, band, etc.
For whatever reason, I don't get jitters anymore. Well, except for the part where I've got to coordinate other people's music. I'm always afraid of cueing the wrong music or something. I'm just paranoid.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
talk about a hero.
It's easy to get cynical about pampered athletes at both the pro and collegiate levels. That's why I'm proud to see a player for the IUPUI Jaguars men's basketball team is doing something truly selfless.
From TheIndyChannel.com:
Athlete To Interrupt Season, Donate Marrow To Stranger
Jaguars senior Maushae Byles will miss a few games to donate bone marrow.
INDIANAPOLIS -- IUPUI basketball player Maushae Byles doesn't know the woman with whom he's about to share his bone marrow, but he knows enough to be willing to skip part of his senior season for her.
Byles, a fifth-year senior and starting guard, will donate his bone marrow at the end of this month, hoping to extend the life of a stranger in Minnesota.
"If I can be the person that can save (her), then I'd like to do it," Byles told RTV6's Jake Query. Read more.
National Marrow Donor Program
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
tough way to start the season.
The photo here is Erin Guy (#24). I'm not so good at live action pics in-game. I'm working on it, but I think I should be working more at my announcing.
I kinda blew it once or twice tonight. And it was noticeable. Ugh.
I hope Brooke's okay. And I hope the team can play better as the season continues.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
the exciting life of an official score keeper.
Between Joe, myself and the guys on the shot and game clocks, we tend to keep one another honest throughout the games.
And a lot of laughs. Believe me, a lot of laughs.
jags win, 73-66.
It's funny. I haven't sat here and done this PA gig for b-ball since last February and I already feel like I'm in mid-season stride.
I made a bigtime goof and forgot a couple hook-ups for my computer and the PA system. We nearly went music-free for the night. Fortunately we were able to get things online. I can't believe I forgot what I needed. Wow. I'm slipping. The AirPort wasn't functioning properly, so I'll have to tinker with my settings before the women's game.
I was honestly sweating whether or not I'd be able to continue the tradition of nicknames for band instructor David Copeland. I think I did all right.
Seriously, that alone is worth your time to listen to me choke through the announcements...at least for me.
live from the iupui gymnasium.
We're 45 minutes away from Game 1 (well, Game 0, according to official stats). Live blogging from courtside. Woo hoo!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Even though I haven't posted much here, I've been keeping an eye on what's been going on in politics. In watching Bush's latest nomination to the Supreme Court, all I can say is, "Mr. President, you're coming in loud and weird."
Fresh on the heels of a storm over cronyism ("Brownie"), what does he do? Nominates somebody who seems long on loyalty and short on constitutional law.
It's sort of funny to me that the far right is pissed off at Bush now.
I'm not one to gloat, but I remember this president crowing after the last election about spending political capital. It was a bit too smug for a guy who was only 100,000 votes away from losing.
But I'm especially curious to see what happens with Karl Rove going to the grand jury again. I'm not saying it means anything, but I'm curious.
That's all I got.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
on the clock.
The weekend following? I'll be sitting at center court, listening to Greg Rakestraw in my left ear, Joe the official scorekeeper sitting to my right (keeping me honest), and watching Ron Hunter prowl the sidelines like a....a.....Jaguar? *snicker*
This photo is the crew that works majority of the games. It's a great bunch and I can't wait to fire it up all over again.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
gimme the ball.
When all is said and done, I'll have worked 40 games by the end of February. That's combined between my soccer and basketball duties.
Forty games.
I'd work 40 more if I could.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
it's getting fun again.
I forgot to mention that, aftter working a pair of weekend soccer double-dips, I took in my first college volleyball match the other night. IUPUI took on Ball State at home and won, 3-1.
My first real recollection of watching competitive volleyball was the 1984 Olympics. It seemed the men's and women's volleyball teams were darlings that year. Similar to tennis, women's was more exciting because of longer points and more even competition. So going to a college match this week was fun for me.
It was fun to be able to attend an IUPUI sporting event and just be a spectator. I rarely get that luxury, so it's fun to relax and just take it in. I don't think I'll ever do PA for volleyball since my commitments are to the soccer and basketball programs first, but I would like to attend another match.
I'm also hoping to attend at least one basketball road trip this season. The only other time I went on the road with the basketball team was to the Mid-Con tournament a couple years ago in Kansas City, which was lots of fun. But they put me to work for the program, so I never had the chance to cheer for the team. I honestly don't think I'd know how to act at a Jags game without a microphone and/or a laptop in front of me.
My next soccer match is Sept. 16,, I think. I'm honestly excited to work again. The first night last Friday wasn't so hot, but I was in mid-season stride by Sunday. It's getting fun again.
Monday, September 05, 2005
not just your announcer, but a wordsmith to boot.
I had the privilege to write an article for my alma mater's alumni magazine about the new men's basketball coach. I've yet to see the final draft, after the internal red ink was spilled, but here's the first draft I wrote about Micah Shrewsberry, head coach of the IUSB Titans.
Titans’ First Full-time Coach Says Program Will Be “Energized. Focused. And Fun”
“I’m still getting around, getting acclimated with the community,” said Micah Shrewsberry, the new men’s basketball coach for the IUSB Titans. “Getting around campus, a lot of people are excited about basketball.”
Micah Shrewsberry, head coach, IUSB Titans.
Since taking the reins as the first full-time head coach for the basketball program, Shrewsberry is focused on reintroducing the program to the local community and campus community. The first-time head coach already knows what Titan basketball will be.
“Energized. Focused. And fun,” Shewsberry said.
Shrewsberry, a four-year basketball player and 1999 graduate of Hanover College, served as an assistant coach at his alma mater as well as Wabash College and DePaw University. His past two years were as director of basketball operations for Marshall University’s men’s basketball program. Being named head coach at IUSB fulfilled his personal goal of being a head coach before the age of 30. For Shrewsberry, setting and achieving goals is a trait he hopes to instill in his players.
“Personally, I’ve had a great role model in my father,” Shrewsberry said. “It was my father who taught me from a young age if you believe in yourself, your goals and your dreams, anything is possible. I’ve seen him achieve at different levels and now I’m following in his footsteps.”
Shrewsberry was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana and was raised in Indianapolis from the age of 12. He knows first hand the tenacity of hoops fans in the Hoosier state; something that is not lost on the IUSB campus, he said.
“Getting around campus,” he said. “A lot of people are excited about basketball.”
As head coach, Shrewsberry will draw upon his own experiences as a player and former college student to related to his current players.
“I’m only 29years old, so I can still relate to many of the things they’re going through and talking about,” Shrewsberry said. “I have an open door policy. They can by every day. I want them to stop in and talk to me.”
For Shrewsberry, that means instilling confidence and basketball smarts in his team both on and off the court. But during the game, he said, he doesn’t want his players to focus on on-court errors.
“Everybody will make a mistake here and there,” he said. “I don’t want them looking over at the bench, worrying about getting pulled out of the game. I want them to play loose and have fun.”
The role of a student-athlete is an easy one to define for Shrewsberry And he knows his first job as the head coach.
“My biggest goal is that all these seniors graduate,” he said. “They put in a lot of time at IUSB and I want to make sure they walk across that stage.”
Getting the Titans to the national championship tournament is one of Shrewsberry’s other top goals.
“Our league is respected throughout the country,” he said. “There’s no question we’re going to be in the top three of our conference each year. We’ll be pushing for a bid to the national championship tournament each year.”
Recruiting talent to come to IUSB, Shrewsberry believes, is made easier by the quality of education and facilities at the University.
“There are a lot of things I can ‘sell’ to a recruit,” he said. “That IU degree is very valuable. If I give a recruit a call, I can say ‘you’re going to get a degree that’s going to be recognized throughout the country and the world. You’re going to play in a beautiful facility, which is Top Three in the league, and you’re going to play an exciting style of basketball.”
In the meantime, Shrewsberry, his wife Molly and infant son Braeden will continue to grow as part of the Michiana and IUSB communities. While basketball is his passion, family is Shrewsberry’s first priority.
“I like being at home with my wife and son, even though the move has changed his sleeping pattern a little,” Shrewsberry joked.
Balancing home life with the rigors of being a coach, educator, mentor and friend to players each year is indeed stressful and time consuming, Shrewsberry admits. But he welcomes his role.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said.
labor day soccer.
My Labor Day Weekend
Two men's soccer matches + two women's soccer matches = $$$$ :-p
Seriously, it was fun to get back into the swing of things. Too bad the men lost on Sunday afternoon. From my vantage point, it looked like they were back on their heels early and it cost them.
I'll be taking in a volleyball....meet? Match? Game? What do they call it? Anyway, I'll be taking it on Tuesday.
I don't have soccer again for a few days. I'm already in mid-season stride with that. Soccer is pretty easy, from a PA standpoint.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
time to go to work.
After a fast six month hiatus, it's time to get back in the press box tomorrow night for a soccer doubleheader.
The women play at 6 p.m. with the men following at 8 p.m.
Honestly, I'm excited to get back at it.
Given the price of gas these days, this is gas money!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Congrats to the women's team at my alma mater, IU South Bend.
From today's South Bend Tribune:
IUSB wins CCAC with Titanic finish
By MATT KOPSEA
SOUTH BEND -- Liz Moulis got her revenge Saturday afternoon.
The 5-foot-5 senior guard provided a huge lift off the bench with 16 points and six rebounds, helping Indiana University South Bend claim the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament crown with a 70-65 triumph over No. 25 (NAIA Div.-I) St. Xavier (Ill.) at the Student Activities Center.
Moulis' two free throws with 3.1 seconds left sealed the Titans' (23-10) fifth bid to the NAIA Division I national tournament and first since the 2000-01 campaign. Read more.
Within the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference in the NAIA, IUSB's women's team is something of a powerhouse. This is their fifth championship in about eight or nine years.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
a long, cold summer.
Wow. The season is over. I can't believe it's already March. Six months goes pretty fast, I guess.
Our men's team had its final game on Monday night in what could be a harbinger of the future in the Mid-Con tournament. Oral Roberts may have won this game, but we may see them again. That could be a stellar game. IUPUI doesn't have the inside game it had last season, but it is a quick, quick team with deadly outside shooting. I hope they bring their A game to Tulsa.
For me, the last game of the season is always bittersweet. I always feel like I'm just getting into the swing of things with announcing just as we shut it down. it's always a privilege and an honor to work the table. We keep bugging the SIDs for our own page in the media guide. Alas, they have held steadfast in their denial of our hopes and dreams.
Senior Night is always an anomoly because we have TONS of announcements to rip through. Overall, it went pretty well. Unlike a couple seasons ago, I've learned to relax and not grip up if the timeline needs to change on the fly. I'm getting better at being an instrument of the game. Still, I need to always remember to focus. You'd think, after nine years of doing this, that I'd not get freaked out by the sound of my own voice over the P.A. You'd be wrong.
My favorite thing this season was, without a doubt, the pep band announcement. We have several boilerplate announcements that I have all but committed to memory; such is the case with the pep band announcement, which goes a little something like this (feel free to read aloud to achieve the full effect):
The IUPUI Intercollegiate Athletics Department would like to thank the IUPUI Music Department for their sponsorship of The Bend Band. The Pep Band is comprised of IUPUI students under the direction of David Copeland.
Twice a game I read that. This year -- I don't recall which game -- I switched it up a bit and said, "...under the expertise of David Copeland." Later on, expertise gave way to expert tutelage. I don't even know how or why it started, but it became a thing where I'd alwys key on Dave's name. I think it all started when I called him "Diamond Dave" Copeland. Throughout the season he was, among others:
* misunderstood genius, David Copeland
* billionaire playboy, David Copeland
* under the ironfisted regime of David Copeland
* ...of David "don't call me Doc Severinson" Copeland
* evil genius, David Copeland
* under the P. Diddy-esque direction of David Copeland
* David "Chocolate Thunder" Copeland (makes me laugh to this day)
* The next American Idol, David Copeland
* J. Lo's new husband David Copeland
The list goes on and on and I honestly don't remember them all. Half the time I made it up on the fly. But now, I've started a thing so I've got to start keeping a list for next season.
My favorite part of that is it got the band into it and some of the folks in the crowd. I'm not one to over-do it on yucking it up, but I do think you can be funny if you're clever and well-timed with it.
The David Copeland segment was my favorite all season long.
I already miss this season. It's a long, cold summer to basketball season. How long to November?
mickey mouse nonsense.
Last weekend I had my one and only opportunity to re-visit my college alma mater, Indiana University South Bend. I went to IUSB from 1988-94 (two years were part-time). It was at IUSB where I cut my teeth as a P.A. announcer. I believe it was the 1991-92 basketball season when I first gave it a shot. I did P.A. announcing for about two seasons while a student. I had absolutely no prior training of any sort. I simply took the mic when the then-coach and A.D. Jerry Jones (not that Jerry Jones!) and Eugene Love (director of student life) asked if I'd do it. They were in a jam, so I agreed, somewhat reluctantly. I graduated in 1994 and moved to Indianapolis. As luck or fate would have it, I took a job at IUSB in 1997 and immediately got involved with the athletics program as soon as I could.
Once again, when they were in a pinch, I filled in as a P.A. announcer at the last minute. I spent that first season being a "part-timer" and then did it full-time for a couple seasons.
When I came back to Indianapolis in 2001, I found my way to the IUPUI athletics dept. and got involved right away. Again, with luck or fate on my side, I backed my way into the P.A. gigs with the soccer and basketball teams (both, men's and women's).
So I guess I've got about nine years of experience as a P.A. announcer under my belt. Not to sound like a bigshot (because I'm sooooo not!), but I can't help but pay extra attention to announcers whenever I watch a game on TV or attend one in person.
It was with that in mind, that sent me back to campus last Saturday for IUSB's Senior Day 2005.
The program is different than when I was there. They've got their own on-campus facility. But fan/student interest wanes. It sucks, too. Granted, it's NAIA, but still. I digress.
I commend the athletics department for doing their absolute best to put on a professional operation. In many respects, I think they do a great job. I only wish SOMEBODY would light a fire under that student body!
As for their announcer....well, I'd bet he's a college student. And I'd bet he's friends with people in the program. I don't think I'd ever say it to his face, but he needs to at least make an attempt at professionalism, in my opinion.
Everything seems like a big joke to him. He's not very good. He doesn't have a very good voice. He doesn't coordinate the music very well, so there's lots of dead air. In short, he's pretty Bush League.
Grow up, son. And take it seriously. You can certainly have fun at it and even sneak in a one-liner or two. But don't shirk your duties. It's an embarrassment to the team.
I'd ditch him next year, if I were that A.D. If you want to be taken seriously, you've got to ditch the Mickey Mouse nonsense.
Fortunately, the women's team won while I was there. The men's team got rolled. IUSB's women's team has been dominant in their conference for the past 10 years. The men's team? Well...
I hear they're hiring their coaches full-time next season. That's quite a turn for this program. Now lets' hope they start building a following and growing that program.
Man, what I would do with that program if given the opportunity...
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
strange opportunities abound.
There must be something in the water over at IUPUI during basketball games or something. Last night I did P.A. for a men's basketball game; same as I've done for four seasons here (and about four or five seasons prior to that at IU South Bend). After the game I notice a fellow walking toward me from the opposite side of the court. He was a tallish, African American fellow; maybe in his late 30s or early 40s. I could tell by his gait that he was approaching me at the scorers table, where I sit and work during the games.
"How are you doing?" he said, politely.
"Good, you?" I replied in a curious tone. Typically, when a person approaches me after the game like this, it's to request I announce something (missing car keys, etc.)
"Do you work for the University, or do you work on your own?" he asked.
"Uhh, no, I don't work for the University. I used to," I replied, somewhat perplexed.
"I was just wondering," he continued. "Because I'm the owner of a new ABA franchise we're starting up here and I wondered if you do announcing anywhere else but here."
"Sure, yeah, I do other announcing other than here," I responded.
"Do you have a card?" he asked. "I'd like to call you, because I really like your style."
huhwhat?
Did he just say he likes my announcing "style?"
I gave him a card with my cell phone number on it. He introduced himself as Rob Blackwell. After a quick bit of googling, I learned he is, in fact, the named owner of the Indianapolis Alley Cats, a new franchise in the ABA.
Aside from the astonishment to the news that the ABA is starting up again (after a very recent and public failing), I was equally stunned to be approached.
Truth be told, I think I do a decent job as a PA announcer. I make mistakes from time to time, but overall I think I am better than average. I admit that I'm somewhat snobbish when I hear shitty announcers; but this is not to make anybody think I'm some sort of pro.
Nevertheless, I've received more positive feedback from complete strangers for my announcing than ever before. Opposing team fans, college girls at a cheerleading gig, and now the owner of a team in a fledgling league.
I'll take the guy's call, should he decide to phone me. I'm a big enough whore (and smart enough whore) to at least listen to what he's got to offer. But I'm also highly realistic. The ABA has failed twice already; once in the 70s and once a couple years ago.
But I sort of have visions of working Indiana Pacers games. I have goals of working NCAA National Basketball Championship tournament games (including the Final Four). So I'll take the call. Hey, a little extra work can only help.
But the truth is this: I still have a long way to go to be as good as some of those guys in NBA arenas.
Monday, February 21, 2005
those scrappy jags . . . and ed "macgyver" holdaway.
After a largely difficult and trying season, our women's team left it all on the court tonight and came away winners in their final home game of the season. It was impressive, to be perfectly honest. The women's team -- and I say this with absolutely no malice -- is not as talented as many other teams in the conference. In fact, I would bet our best player isn't as good as any one of Chicago State's top four. But what they lack in talent, they make up for it in scrappiness.
Early on in the season, the women's team was getting pounded out of games. But they seem to have found a bit of a rhythm as a gritty team that won't go quietly. I honestly hate watching them lose because they're such good kids, every one of them. They have good attitudes and seem to want to have fun on the court. I'm glad to see they were able to finish the season respectfully. Of course, they'll have their work cut out for them when they go to the conference tournament in a couple weeks. Who knows? Crazier things have happened. Maybe they can shock the world; or at least Tulsa and the Mid-Con.
Overall tonight's game was fun. We had a spirited crowd -- both home and visiting fans -- and had a good game to watch. A couple friends even came out tonight, which was really cool. They now know I'm actually doing this and not making it up. Of course, the game was not without technical difficulties. We lost one set of speakers due to faulty wiring. Thanks to Ed "MacGyver" Holdaway, we were able to get the sound back for the second half.
We also had our Senior Night recognitions for Eboni Jamssens and Jessica James. They're my first "four-year" players. I've been there at the scorers table for four years, so I've watched them all four years. I'm glad they left on a winning note.
Let's hope the men do the same tomorrow and next Monday.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
vengeance is mine, sayeth the announcer.
We only have one more women's home game. Last night was the Valpo game and, well, we lost. It sucks, but oh well. This is not meant to be an overt dig on the team: they are not as talented as most teams in this conference, but they are a scrappy bunch. They've gotten better about fighting for every game. The problem is, they just don't have the scoring ability to come back from five, six, or ten points down.
The game had better attendance than I had anticipated. Most teams and fans are the same: if you don't win, they don't show up. Period.
The girls on the team are really nice kids so I wish they had better crowds and more wins, but those are the breaks.
I won't be able to travel with the teams to Tulsa for the conference tournament. If I had a cheaper way to board my dog, I might. And if I could afford to take the time off, I would. It's different, now that I no longer work for the U.
It's funny. Two of the IUPUI Dancers were beside themselves when I told them I walked away from a job that gave me seven weeks off a year.
Stop looking at me like that!
I tried incorporating as many "love" songs in the game last night, but nobody really caught on. After the SID gave me some grief over on error, I paid him back in full. I played YMCA, by the Village People. He hates that song and it makes him insane.
Ha.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
where has the season gone?
Saturday was our last basketball doubleheader of the season. In fact, we only have four total games left at home. Wow, where did the season go? I can't believe we've already gotten through three months of the season.
Despite losing on Saturday afternoon, our women's team is improving. Granted, that's a very relative term, but they're a far cry from where they were early in the season. It's a very scrappy team, really. The overall talent level is low, I'm sorry to say, but they play with a lot of heart. I think they'll make the conference tournament, but probably won't get that far. Then again, we had a golden opportunity to knock off the #1 seed last season, but choked away a 10-point lead. Perhaps that's why we have a new coach this year.
The men's team are so Jeckyll-and-Hyde that it probably gives Coach Hunter a facial tic. On Thursday, their free throw shooting and field goal percentage were so bad that they could barely hit the floor. Saturday night they shot the lights out. Sure, Southern Utah is not as good as Valpo, but our shooting is so up and down anymore that you have no idea what to expect out of this team. They scare me, going into the tournament. They're the most unpredictable team in the tourney. UMKC is the most surprising.
Saturday was a very fast day, really. We had so many promotions and such that I felt like I was talking all day long. My personal favorite, obviously, was the game sponsorship for UITS. I had three good years of employment with them, so it's always great to see them. Although I forgot to do an announcment in the men's game for them. I hope Angie A. finds it in her heart to forgive me.
It's sort of bittersweet when we wind down the season. I always feel like I have to put it back on the shelf just as I'm getting in perfect sync. I've probably had more fun this season doing PA than any other season I've worked. I'm not ever sure why.
Oh well, there's always next year. I hope they have me back again.
Friday, February 04, 2005
cinderella goes to the ball.
History shall recognize Thursday, 3 Feb 2k5 as a pivotal moment in the life of Kevin the P.A. Announcing Monkey. Just as that November evening in 2k1 was momentous in that I graduated from P.A. duties at an NAIA school to an NCAA D-I school, last night I moved up to working at Conseco Fieldhouse.
All alone in this big, empty house. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.
Conseco Fielhouse is:
* one of the finest basketball arenas in the country
* home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever
* where Ron Artest is currently being held without bond
I do P.A. announcing for the IUPUI Jaguars and we played our first game ever at Conseco last night. It was, without a doubt, a major moment for the program. Sadly, we lost the game, but it did not dampen my ability to bask in the moment. I got there early yesterday, knowing it would be a great opportunity to take it all in; sort of like that scene in Rudy when Rudy's dad entered The House That Rockne Built for the first time.
That's me, standing right directly on Conseco Fieldhouse's Center Court. Yeah, the stat guys giggled when they saw me doing this.
Okay, that's a little puffery, but it's not everyday I get to step foot on the same court used by Jermaine O'Neal and Reggie Miller. So what did I do?
* Stood on Center Court and made phone calls to my brother and my boy Franny
* I called my mom whilst dribbling a basketball on that spot and said, "do you hear that? I'm dribbling a ball on the floor at Conseco!!!"
* I shot hoops in the shoot-around with the team (under asst. coach's instructions, I was not permitted to leave the court until I made a shot...I think I was one-for-eight from the field and couldn't hit an NBA three to save my life.
Doing P.A. with real, professional equipment was something to behold. To hear my own voice echoing throughout the Fieldhouse was both cool and frightening.
My initial thoughts on the floor:
* It seems "bigger" on TV
* It's really surprising how well you can see faces far away from the floor
* You can feel the floor vibrate under your feet when you pound the basketball
* The nets are actually hand-woven; not pre-woven
* Stat guys are the same, no matter age or place
Do I have visions of pursuing this beyond my gig with the Jaguars? I'd be lying if I said taking a shot at it, should it come available, isn't a private goal.
In the meantime, I shall bask in the moment. Even if we did fucking lose the game.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
d-day.
Tonight's the night.
The Clash at Conseco
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. IUPUI Jaguars
7 p.m. tonight.
You can listen on ESPN 950 AM locally, or at Indiana Sports Radio on the Web.
this and that.
I forgot to blog about a couple recent events.
Last Weekend
I PA'd a cheerleading/dance competition at Plainfield High School. It was actually better than expected. The first day was quite grueling, though. Eight hours or so of PA in one day? Yeah, I was fried. It was made easy for me by the crew working the event. It was staffed by many cheerleaders from local colleges. They all were very nice and friendly.
It was fun to branch out and work a "gig" for a change.
If they ask me to do it again, I'd do it.
Monday's Women's Game
Admittedly, it's tough to get excited about the season this year as the team continues to struggle. But on this night, the Jags showed something. They were down by 16 points to open the second half.
And won.
They held UMKC to just 12 points in the second half. Twelve points!
Considering the amount of tough luck this team has experienced this year, it was nice to see them leave it all out on the floor and come away with a win.
It was their best effort of the season, thus far.
