When it came across the wire Wednesday morning it kind of caught me by surprise, but I had known this day was going to come eventually. Heck, I was surprised it hadn`t come sooner. It was a day all of us in Cleveland have had to deal with in the past. It was something that just doesn`t seem right.
The demolition of Tiger Stadium began Wednesday. I don`t pretend to be a Tigers fan, but I`m a baseball fan, and to see a place with so much history be hit by the wrecking ball just sucks. In this day and age, where all that surrounds the game is steroids and cheaters, when we lose an old park, we lose what baseball really was. The sights, the smells, Ty Cobb, Mark Fidrych, Sparky Anderson and Kirk Gibson.
The economics and continuing need for luxury don`t allow parks like this to remain open any more. Municipal Stadium, County Stadium in Milwaukee, and this year Shea and Yankee Stadium close. All places that held a number of great events that made baseball the Great American Past Time.
If you would of seen the expression on Wally Mintus` face when I showed him the story, you would have understood right away. Baseball fans are all kids at heart. When you lose a place like Tiger Stadium, it`s like losing your first true love. You have history with it, you`ll never forget it, but you must move on.
I`ll miss you Tiger Stadium.
http://www.savetigerstadium.org/index.htm
http://www.tigerstadium.org/home.html
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=C4&Date=20080624&Category=SPORTS02&ArtNo=806240808&Ref=PH&Profile=1081&Params=Itemnr=1
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/BUSINESS06/80630086
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=C4&Date=20080626&Category=SPORTS02&ArtNo=806240806&Ref=PH&Profile=1048&Params=Itemnr=1
7/11/2008
6/24/2008
WOBL/WDLW 2008 FOOTBALL COVERAGE
Oberlin, OH – In 2008 the Lorain County Sports Network will present 32 live football games. The network schedule this year includes 22 live high school football games and all 10 Oberlin College football games featured live on WOBL.
"We’re all excited for the start of football season. The day after the season ends is when we all want to get back at it. So it can’t get here soon enough," said WOBL/WDLW Sports Director Brian Deitz.
"Our schedule gives us the opportunity to get every team in Lorain County on the radio. It’s great for the kids to get that recognition," said Deitz. The Premier Toyota of Amherst pre-game show will begin at 6:30 PM on Friday, and one half hour before kick off on September 18th and October 25th.
WOBL
8/22 FIRELANDS @ BROOKSIDE
8/29 MIDVIEW @ AMHERST
9/5 AVON LAKE @ ELYRIA
9/12 MIDVIEW @ FIRELANDS
9/19 KEYTONE @ OBERLIN
9/26 COLUMBIA @ OBERLIN
10/3 WELLINGTON @ BLACK RIVER
10/10 KEYSTONE @ WELLINGTON
10/17 OBERLIN @ CLEARVIEW
10/24 TBD
WDLW
8/22 AMHERST @ ELYRIA
8/29 ELYRIA CATHOLIC @ SOTUHVIEW
9/5 BEREA @ ADMIRAL KING
9/12 LUTHERAN WEST @ WELLINGTON
9/18 OLMSTED FALLS @ AVON LAKE
9/19 BLACK RIVER @ CLEARVIEW
9/26 AVON @ VERMILION
10/3 ARCHBISHOP HOBAN @ ELYRIA CATHOLIC
10/10 NORTH RIDGEVILLE @ VERMILION
10/17 AVON @ NORTH RIDGEVILLE
10/24 TBD
10/25 SOUTHVIEW @ ADMIRAL KING
Dave DeNatale, Don Vincent and Jason Gibbs return for another season of Oberlin College football on WOBL. The Yeomen finished 2007 at 5-5 (5-2 in the NCAC). The Yeomen return NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, running back RV Carroll. Carroll rushed for 1,038 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in `07. Also returning on the offensive side of the ball is quarterback Greg Mangan, running back Wayne Mundekis and tight end J.J. Hepp.
2008 Oberlin Yoeman Football Schedule The defense will see the return of senior defensive
backs Kris DeVant and Clayton Thurmer.
"Jeff Ramsey and the entire staff at Oberlin College have been great to work with over the last six years. I`m thrilled we can continue our partnership," said Deitz.
" We are excited for another season of Oberlin College football to get here. Yeomen football has
become such an important part of what we offer on the Lorain County Sports Network. Expectation will be high coming off a great finish to last season and we look forward to bringing our listeners all the action this fall," says DeNatale.
Oberlin College WOBL Schedule
9/6 WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON
9/20 CASE WESTERN RESERVE
9/27 @ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
10/4 OHIO WESLEYAN COLLEGE
10/11 @ UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
10/18 @ KENYON COLLEGE
10/25 EARLHAM COLLEGE
11/1 @ WABASH COLLEGE
11/8 COLLEGE OF WOOSTER
11/15 @ HIRAM COLLEGE
*The pre-game show for all ten games begins at 12:30 PM on WOBL.
For more information contact Brian Deitz at WOBL/WDLW Radio.
Brian Deitz
WOBL/WDLW Radio Sports Director
P: (440) 774-1320 x 39
F: (440) 774-1336
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
"We’re all excited for the start of football season. The day after the season ends is when we all want to get back at it. So it can’t get here soon enough," said WOBL/WDLW Sports Director Brian Deitz.
"Our schedule gives us the opportunity to get every team in Lorain County on the radio. It’s great for the kids to get that recognition," said Deitz. The Premier Toyota of Amherst pre-game show will begin at 6:30 PM on Friday, and one half hour before kick off on September 18th and October 25th.
WOBL
8/22 FIRELANDS @ BROOKSIDE
8/29 MIDVIEW @ AMHERST
9/5 AVON LAKE @ ELYRIA
9/12 MIDVIEW @ FIRELANDS
9/19 KEYTONE @ OBERLIN
9/26 COLUMBIA @ OBERLIN
10/3 WELLINGTON @ BLACK RIVER
10/10 KEYSTONE @ WELLINGTON
10/17 OBERLIN @ CLEARVIEW
10/24 TBD
WDLW
8/22 AMHERST @ ELYRIA
8/29 ELYRIA CATHOLIC @ SOTUHVIEW
9/5 BEREA @ ADMIRAL KING
9/12 LUTHERAN WEST @ WELLINGTON
9/18 OLMSTED FALLS @ AVON LAKE
9/19 BLACK RIVER @ CLEARVIEW
9/26 AVON @ VERMILION
10/3 ARCHBISHOP HOBAN @ ELYRIA CATHOLIC
10/10 NORTH RIDGEVILLE @ VERMILION
10/17 AVON @ NORTH RIDGEVILLE
10/24 TBD
10/25 SOUTHVIEW @ ADMIRAL KING
Dave DeNatale, Don Vincent and Jason Gibbs return for another season of Oberlin College football on WOBL. The Yeomen finished 2007 at 5-5 (5-2 in the NCAC). The Yeomen return NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, running back RV Carroll. Carroll rushed for 1,038 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in `07. Also returning on the offensive side of the ball is quarterback Greg Mangan, running back Wayne Mundekis and tight end J.J. Hepp.
2008 Oberlin Yoeman Football Schedule The defense will see the return of senior defensive
backs Kris DeVant and Clayton Thurmer.
"Jeff Ramsey and the entire staff at Oberlin College have been great to work with over the last six years. I`m thrilled we can continue our partnership," said Deitz.
" We are excited for another season of Oberlin College football to get here. Yeomen football has
become such an important part of what we offer on the Lorain County Sports Network. Expectation will be high coming off a great finish to last season and we look forward to bringing our listeners all the action this fall," says DeNatale.
Oberlin College WOBL Schedule
9/6 WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON
9/20 CASE WESTERN RESERVE
9/27 @ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
10/4 OHIO WESLEYAN COLLEGE
10/11 @ UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
10/18 @ KENYON COLLEGE
10/25 EARLHAM COLLEGE
11/1 @ WABASH COLLEGE
11/8 COLLEGE OF WOOSTER
11/15 @ HIRAM COLLEGE
*The pre-game show for all ten games begins at 12:30 PM on WOBL.
For more information contact Brian Deitz at WOBL/WDLW Radio.
Brian Deitz
WOBL/WDLW Radio Sports Director
P: (440) 774-1320 x 39
F: (440) 774-1336
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
5/22/2008
And Then There Were Two....
Cornerbacks that is. As most may have heard, our Cleveland Browns were hit with a major injury yesterday, as potential starting Corner Daven Holly went down with a serious knee injury. Coming from a person that has had knee surgery for ligament reconstruction and "clean-up", I know its bad when they schedule surgery for 3 days after the injury happened. Not good.
Right now the only two true Corners we have are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, both entering their second year after being drafted last year. Needless to say, my terrification has already started for next season (Ryan Tucker's broken hip did not help that either). And if you don't recall the schedule, we play quite a few teams that have very strong aerial attacks.
I know Phil has already started to bring in some younger players, but this secondary really needs a veteran who can step in and guide some of these guys, and I just don't know if that person is out there (or affordable...see: Lito Sheppard). It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out, especially as we close in on training camp in 65 days.
Right now the only two true Corners we have are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, both entering their second year after being drafted last year. Needless to say, my terrification has already started for next season (Ryan Tucker's broken hip did not help that either). And if you don't recall the schedule, we play quite a few teams that have very strong aerial attacks.
I know Phil has already started to bring in some younger players, but this secondary really needs a veteran who can step in and guide some of these guys, and I just don't know if that person is out there (or affordable...see: Lito Sheppard). It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out, especially as we close in on training camp in 65 days.
5/20/2008
Crafton Leads Ohio Brigade into Mansfield with Win in Charlotte
ThorSport Racing’s Matt Crafton couldn’t have timed it any better. Driving for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ only full-time Ohio-based team, Crafton drove his No. 88 Menards Chevrolet to his first career victory in last Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte. It was the final series event scheduled before it moves to Mansfield Motorsports Park for this Saturday’s Ohio 250.
It has been a long time in coming for Crafton. With the win he ended a winless drought of 177 races dating back to his first start at California Speedway in October 2000.
For his ThorSport team, based just 45 minutes north of Mansfield in Sandusky, Ohio, it was the group’s first win since Sylvania native Terry Cook won at the now-defunct Flemington Speedway in New Jersey in August 1998.
Crafton may have more laps around the Mansfield half-mile that most of the field combined. Before the track was added to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, he and the team turned hundreds of laps in private testing at the track. NASCAR regulations now prohibit private testing at any track currently on the schedule.
“We have some extra laps there that some of the other teams don’t because we were so close,” Crafton said. “They’ve all caught up to us by now. But I would really love to come out to Mansfield and get a win. It would mean a lot. We went down and stole one on all the other teams’ home turf in Charlotte now we need to defend ours and get the win up here.”
Crafton, a native of Tulare, California, spent three years living in nearby Sandusky. The ThorSport team will also field the No. 13 Chevrolet for Greenwood, Indiana’s Shelby Howard.
Other Ohio drivers entered in the Ohio 250 include six-time series winner Terry Cook, Sylvania, driving the No. 60 Wyler.com Toyota; Jack Smith, Elyria, driving the No. 63 Dave Porter Truck Sales Ford; Tim Cowen, Ashland, driving the No. 42 Cowen Logistics Ford; and Gary St. Amant, Delaware, driving the No. 72 Jegs Chevrolet.
Cook, a former late model champion at Toledo Speedway and Sandusky Speedway in Ohio, is the state’s most successful NASCAR driver since Tim Richmond. Richmond, from nearby Ashland, scored 13 Cup Series wins and two wins in the Nationwide Series in his short NASCAR career.
For Cook, racing in Ohio gives him a hometown feel.
“It really does. I spent five years living in Sandusky and have a lot of friends and family that make the short trip down to come and watch,” Cook said. “It is pretty special to run in Ohio, especially since the Truck race is the only national-level NASCAR race in Ohio. It would be pretty big for me personally to win one in the Buckeye State.”
Ohio-based owners fielding entries in the Ohio 250 include Sandusky’s Duke and Rhonda Thorson (No. 13 ThorSport Racing Chevrolet and No. 88 Menards Chevrolet); Columbus’s Bob and Stephen Germain (No. 9 Construct Corps Toyota and No. 30 Lumber Liquidators Toyota), Ashland’s Bob Cowen (No. 42 Cowen Logistics Ford), and Jeffrey Wyler (No. 60 Wyler.com Toyota).
Germain Racing’s Marks will be making his first-ever appearance at Mansfield and is already looking forward to getting in front of the Ohio fans.
“I’ve heard the Mansfield fans are some of the best in the sport, and I look forward to meeting them on Thursday evening in downtown,” he said. “We've been able to do some good short-track testing and I think the Construct Corps Tundra will be very competitive. The short tracks are wild in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and they are a lot of fun. I think the Ohio 250 will be a good race.”
The Ohio 250 weekend kicks off Thursday May 22 with Race Fest in downtown Mansfield. Several drivers will sign autographs – including 2004 Ohio 250 winner Jack Sprague, 1995 NASCAR Busch Series champion Johnny Benson, former Formula One driver Scott Speed, Matt Crafton, Shelby Howard, Justin Marks, Brian Scott, Tim Cowen and Jack Smith. Other drivers signing autographs include Benny Gordon, Danny Jackson, and Gary St. Amant from the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, Charlie Shutlz from the ISMA Supermodifieds, Todd McQuillen from the HOSS 410 Sprints, and Mike Osgar from the ASA Late Model Series. Several display vehicles will be on display as well highlighting each of the racing series that will compete at the track throughout the 2008 racing season. The transporter parade moves into downtown shortly after 5 P.M., the autograph session kicks off at 6 P.M. and it will be followed by a question and answer session with the drivers at 7 P.M.
Practice and qualifying will take place on “Graham Auto Mall Pole Day,” Friday May 23, with the first practice session at 11 A.M. and qualifying runs taking place at 6:30 P.M. Gates open on Saturday May 24 at 9 A.M. with fans allowed to walk on and around the speedway until 10:30 A.M. The driver’s meeting – which fans can watch from the grassy hill in turns three and four – is scheduled for 11 A.M. with pre-race ceremonies at 12:30 P.M. The command to start engines for the fifth annual Ohio 250 is slated for shortly after 1 P.M.
Tickets are still available by calling (419) 525-RACE (7223) or online at www.mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com.
-MMP-
Contact: Charles Krall
Public Relations Manager
Mansfield Motorsports Park
(419) 262-0558
ChasKrall@bex.net
It has been a long time in coming for Crafton. With the win he ended a winless drought of 177 races dating back to his first start at California Speedway in October 2000.
For his ThorSport team, based just 45 minutes north of Mansfield in Sandusky, Ohio, it was the group’s first win since Sylvania native Terry Cook won at the now-defunct Flemington Speedway in New Jersey in August 1998.
Crafton may have more laps around the Mansfield half-mile that most of the field combined. Before the track was added to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, he and the team turned hundreds of laps in private testing at the track. NASCAR regulations now prohibit private testing at any track currently on the schedule.
“We have some extra laps there that some of the other teams don’t because we were so close,” Crafton said. “They’ve all caught up to us by now. But I would really love to come out to Mansfield and get a win. It would mean a lot. We went down and stole one on all the other teams’ home turf in Charlotte now we need to defend ours and get the win up here.”
Crafton, a native of Tulare, California, spent three years living in nearby Sandusky. The ThorSport team will also field the No. 13 Chevrolet for Greenwood, Indiana’s Shelby Howard.
Other Ohio drivers entered in the Ohio 250 include six-time series winner Terry Cook, Sylvania, driving the No. 60 Wyler.com Toyota; Jack Smith, Elyria, driving the No. 63 Dave Porter Truck Sales Ford; Tim Cowen, Ashland, driving the No. 42 Cowen Logistics Ford; and Gary St. Amant, Delaware, driving the No. 72 Jegs Chevrolet.
Cook, a former late model champion at Toledo Speedway and Sandusky Speedway in Ohio, is the state’s most successful NASCAR driver since Tim Richmond. Richmond, from nearby Ashland, scored 13 Cup Series wins and two wins in the Nationwide Series in his short NASCAR career.
For Cook, racing in Ohio gives him a hometown feel.
“It really does. I spent five years living in Sandusky and have a lot of friends and family that make the short trip down to come and watch,” Cook said. “It is pretty special to run in Ohio, especially since the Truck race is the only national-level NASCAR race in Ohio. It would be pretty big for me personally to win one in the Buckeye State.”
Ohio-based owners fielding entries in the Ohio 250 include Sandusky’s Duke and Rhonda Thorson (No. 13 ThorSport Racing Chevrolet and No. 88 Menards Chevrolet); Columbus’s Bob and Stephen Germain (No. 9 Construct Corps Toyota and No. 30 Lumber Liquidators Toyota), Ashland’s Bob Cowen (No. 42 Cowen Logistics Ford), and Jeffrey Wyler (No. 60 Wyler.com Toyota).
Germain Racing’s Marks will be making his first-ever appearance at Mansfield and is already looking forward to getting in front of the Ohio fans.
“I’ve heard the Mansfield fans are some of the best in the sport, and I look forward to meeting them on Thursday evening in downtown,” he said. “We've been able to do some good short-track testing and I think the Construct Corps Tundra will be very competitive. The short tracks are wild in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and they are a lot of fun. I think the Ohio 250 will be a good race.”
The Ohio 250 weekend kicks off Thursday May 22 with Race Fest in downtown Mansfield. Several drivers will sign autographs – including 2004 Ohio 250 winner Jack Sprague, 1995 NASCAR Busch Series champion Johnny Benson, former Formula One driver Scott Speed, Matt Crafton, Shelby Howard, Justin Marks, Brian Scott, Tim Cowen and Jack Smith. Other drivers signing autographs include Benny Gordon, Danny Jackson, and Gary St. Amant from the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, Charlie Shutlz from the ISMA Supermodifieds, Todd McQuillen from the HOSS 410 Sprints, and Mike Osgar from the ASA Late Model Series. Several display vehicles will be on display as well highlighting each of the racing series that will compete at the track throughout the 2008 racing season. The transporter parade moves into downtown shortly after 5 P.M., the autograph session kicks off at 6 P.M. and it will be followed by a question and answer session with the drivers at 7 P.M.
Practice and qualifying will take place on “Graham Auto Mall Pole Day,” Friday May 23, with the first practice session at 11 A.M. and qualifying runs taking place at 6:30 P.M. Gates open on Saturday May 24 at 9 A.M. with fans allowed to walk on and around the speedway until 10:30 A.M. The driver’s meeting – which fans can watch from the grassy hill in turns three and four – is scheduled for 11 A.M. with pre-race ceremonies at 12:30 P.M. The command to start engines for the fifth annual Ohio 250 is slated for shortly after 1 P.M.
Tickets are still available by calling (419) 525-RACE (7223) or online at www.mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com.
-MMP-
Contact: Charles Krall
Public Relations Manager
Mansfield Motorsports Park
(419) 262-0558
ChasKrall@bex.net
5/07/2008
Dink and Dork
NFL Tight End for the Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins and John Godfrey come your way Tuesday nights at 5:30 on the Kool Kat 1380 with the Dink and Dork Show. Call with questions at (440)775-1380, fax questions to (440)774-1336 or email the guys at with questions at dinkanddork@yahoo.com.
5/05/2008
A Dark Cloud Over Our Head
Mother Nature does not want to work with us, as for the second time in the young season, Honda of Avon Race Night was rained out this past Saturday. Rain all day Friday and early Saturday forced Lorain County Speedway to cancel and move things back to this coming Saturday, May 10. The E-MODS will go 50 laps, plus the Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Chargers and Legends will be in action on the 3/8 mile.
Then the following Saturday, May 17 we`ll be back as the M.S.A. Supermodifieds make trip number one into the County.
Honda of Avon Race Night begins at 6:45 for both dates.
Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series Schedule:
May 10
May 17
June 7
June 28
July 12
July 26
August 2
August 16
August 30
September 27
October 12
www.northcoastdailynews.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.loraincounty.com
Then the following Saturday, May 17 we`ll be back as the M.S.A. Supermodifieds make trip number one into the County.
Honda of Avon Race Night begins at 6:45 for both dates.
Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series Schedule:
May 10
May 17
June 7
June 28
July 12
July 26
August 2
August 16
August 30
September 27
October 12
www.northcoastdailynews.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.loraincounty.com
5/03/2008
Lorain County Speedway Update
The speedway has cancelled this weekends show. The E-MOD 50 lap race for $1,000 will be run next weekend. We`ll be on hand to bring you all the action LIVE on Gold Country 1320. Honda of Avon Race Night begins at 6:45.
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.northcoastdailynews.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.northcoastdailynews.com
RACE NIGHT!
Lorain County Speedway will run a regular show tonight. Our coverage of Honda of Avon Race Night will continue next Saturday May 10 at 6:45. Head out to the speedway tonight, and be sure to tune us in next Saturday night.
http://www.lorainspeedway.com/
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
http://www.lorainspeedway.com/
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
4/29/2008
HONDA OF AVON RACE NIGHT!
Be sure to join us this Saturday for our second broadcast of Honda Of Avon Race Night. We`ll hit the air at 6:45 to bring you all of the nights action from Lorain County Speedway. This weekend the E-MODS will go 50 laps in their feature with $1,000.oo on the line. Plus Sportsmen, Street Stocks and Chargers. It all comes your way Saturday at 6:45 on Gold Country 1320.
www.northcoastdailynews.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.loraincounty.com
www.northcoastdailynews.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
www.loraincounty.com
4/23/2008
Wish I Had A Pit Crew
Less than one week after our first Honda of Avon Race Night broadcast, my car broke down today in the parking lot of the radio station.
Oh yeah, the true reason for this blog post. Join us for the Dink and Dork Draft Day Party Saturday at the Harry Buffalo at the Midway Mall in Elyria. We`ll be broadcasting live on the Kool Kat from 3 - 5. Come join us as we`ll talk NFL Draft, play trivia and much much more.
That`s this Saturday at the Harry Buffalo at the Midway Mall in Elyria.
Come join us.
Oh yeah, the true reason for this blog post. Join us for the Dink and Dork Draft Day Party Saturday at the Harry Buffalo at the Midway Mall in Elyria. We`ll be broadcasting live on the Kool Kat from 3 - 5. Come join us as we`ll talk NFL Draft, play trivia and much much more.
That`s this Saturday at the Harry Buffalo at the Midway Mall in Elyria.
Come join us.
4/18/2008
Take Two
Tomorrow night we`ll try again to get our first "Honda of Avon" Race Night broadcast in.
Modifieds, Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Chargers and Legends will be on hand at Lorain County Speedway. Honda of Avon Race Night starts at 6:50 on Gold Country 1320-AM and Lorain County Dot Com. The first green flag drops at 7.
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
www.loraincounty.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
Modifieds, Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Chargers and Legends will be on hand at Lorain County Speedway. Honda of Avon Race Night starts at 6:50 on Gold Country 1320-AM and Lorain County Dot Com. The first green flag drops at 7.
http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/
www.loraincounty.com
www.lorainspeedway.com
4/15/2008
2008 Browns Schedule
The 2008 Browns schedule was released this afternoon. This years schedule features 3 Monday night games and a Thursday night game. Other games of note: Week one the Dallas Cowboys will
come into Cleveland Browns Stadium, then week 13 the Indianapolis Colts make a trip to the Stadium.
Sept. 7 Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 14 Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Baltimore Ravens 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 Bye
Oct. 13 (Mon.) New York Giants 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Washington Redskins 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 2 Baltimore Ravens 1 p.m.
Nov. 6 (Thurs.) Denver Broncos 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 17 (Mon.) at Buffalo Bills 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 Houston Texans 1 p.m.
Nov. 30 Indianapolis Colts 1 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m.
Dec. 15 (Mon.) at Philadelphia Eagles 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.
Dec. 28at Pittsburgh Steelers 1 p.m.
Be sure to tune into the Dink and Dork Show tonight at 5:30 on the Kool Kat 1380, with NFL Tight End for the Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins and John Godfrey.
come into Cleveland Browns Stadium, then week 13 the Indianapolis Colts make a trip to the Stadium.
Sept. 7 Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 14 Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Baltimore Ravens 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 Bye
Oct. 13 (Mon.) New York Giants 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Washington Redskins 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 2 Baltimore Ravens 1 p.m.
Nov. 6 (Thurs.) Denver Broncos 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 17 (Mon.) at Buffalo Bills 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 Houston Texans 1 p.m.
Nov. 30 Indianapolis Colts 1 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m.
Dec. 15 (Mon.) at Philadelphia Eagles 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.
Dec. 28at Pittsburgh Steelers 1 p.m.
Be sure to tune into the Dink and Dork Show tonight at 5:30 on the Kool Kat 1380, with NFL Tight End for the Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins and John Godfrey.
4/12/2008
Rained Out!
Honda of Avon has been pushed back a week due to the weather. Rain during the week and late last night flooded the pits and parking areas at Lorain County Speedway, forcing the track to push opening night back to the 19th. Join us as we bring you all the action on Gold Country 1320, Honda of Avon Race Night begins at 6:50 -pm.
For a complete look at our Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series schedule, visit www.northcoastdailynews.com
For a complete look at our Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series schedule, visit www.northcoastdailynews.com
4/06/2008
"GOLD COUNTRY" 1320 WOBL ANNOUNCES RACE COVERAGE FROM LORAIN COUNTY SPEEDWAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2008
Brian Deitz
Sports Director
1-800-229-9625 (Ext. 39)
Oberlin, OH ~ Starting this Saturday April 12th, WOBL Radio will carry 12 select nights of racing from Lorain County Speedway. Coverage will start with opening night on April 12th, and last throughout the summer and conclude in October. “It’s just another way for us to get out into the community. The Lorain County Sports Networks goal is to cover Lorain County athletes, and this is just another way for us to do that.” said Brian Deitz, Sports Director for WOBL/WDLW Radio.
This year’s schedule features 12 exciting dates. After opening night, the E-Mods will be featured May 3rd when they go 50 laps. Then May 17th, WOBL will be on hand when the M.S.A. Supermodifieds make their first trip to the 3/8 mile of Lorain County Speedway. “It was hard to narrow the schedule down to 12 dates, but I think we picked some pretty good shows to bring our listeners.” said Deitz. WOBL`s broadcast schedule will conclude October 12th with the Halloween Festival of Speed.
Elyria native, Jeff Baker, will join Deitz in the booth. Baker, a former driver and announcer will add a lot of technical and personal knowledge to the “Honda of Avon Race Night” broadcasts. “We were real honored to get Jeff to join us. He brings a lot of knowledge to our coverage. He’s a guy that’s won around 25 feature races. He can bring his driving experience to the broadcasts, as well as his knowledge of local drivers.” said Deitz. Rob Trautman and Matt Florjancic will split time pit reporting.
“I`d like to thank everyone at Lorain County Speedway. Terry Adams and the rest of the staff have been great to work with so far, and we’re excited to continue that great relationship through the summer. The speedway, along with all of our sponsors have been tremendous, we can’t say enough about them.” Deitz said.
The Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series begins April 12th. Honda of Avon Race Night hits the air at 6:50 on Gold Country 1320. For more information visit www.northcoastdailynews.com or contact Brian Deitz at WOBL/WDLW Radio.
April 5, 2008
Brian Deitz
Sports Director
1-800-229-9625 (Ext. 39)
Oberlin, OH ~ Starting this Saturday April 12th, WOBL Radio will carry 12 select nights of racing from Lorain County Speedway. Coverage will start with opening night on April 12th, and last throughout the summer and conclude in October. “It’s just another way for us to get out into the community. The Lorain County Sports Networks goal is to cover Lorain County athletes, and this is just another way for us to do that.” said Brian Deitz, Sports Director for WOBL/WDLW Radio.
This year’s schedule features 12 exciting dates. After opening night, the E-Mods will be featured May 3rd when they go 50 laps. Then May 17th, WOBL will be on hand when the M.S.A. Supermodifieds make their first trip to the 3/8 mile of Lorain County Speedway. “It was hard to narrow the schedule down to 12 dates, but I think we picked some pretty good shows to bring our listeners.” said Deitz. WOBL`s broadcast schedule will conclude October 12th with the Halloween Festival of Speed.
Elyria native, Jeff Baker, will join Deitz in the booth. Baker, a former driver and announcer will add a lot of technical and personal knowledge to the “Honda of Avon Race Night” broadcasts. “We were real honored to get Jeff to join us. He brings a lot of knowledge to our coverage. He’s a guy that’s won around 25 feature races. He can bring his driving experience to the broadcasts, as well as his knowledge of local drivers.” said Deitz. Rob Trautman and Matt Florjancic will split time pit reporting.
“I`d like to thank everyone at Lorain County Speedway. Terry Adams and the rest of the staff have been great to work with so far, and we’re excited to continue that great relationship through the summer. The speedway, along with all of our sponsors have been tremendous, we can’t say enough about them.” Deitz said.
The Premier Toyota of Amherst Race Series begins April 12th. Honda of Avon Race Night hits the air at 6:50 on Gold Country 1320. For more information visit www.northcoastdailynews.com or contact Brian Deitz at WOBL/WDLW Radio.
4/02/2008
"Dink and Dork"
Last night on the Kool Kat, “Dink and Dork” made its debut. NFL tight end for the Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins, and good friend and sidekick John Godfrey will bring you this show every Tuesday night from 5:30 – 6:30. Be sure to tune in on Tuesdays, because you never know what might happen. The guys will cover any subject, take calls and even have special guests. Last night we had some guy named Brady Quinn on the phone.
Call in questions for the guys at (440)775-1380 during the show. Or send a fax to (440)774-1336, attention “Dink and Dork.” This is a way for you to reach the guys if you can’t get in touch but can listen.
We look forward to hearing from you, and be sure to join us on Tuesday nights from 5:30 – 6:30 on the Kool Kat 1380AM WDLW.
Call in questions for the guys at (440)775-1380 during the show. Or send a fax to (440)774-1336, attention “Dink and Dork.” This is a way for you to reach the guys if you can’t get in touch but can listen.
We look forward to hearing from you, and be sure to join us on Tuesday nights from 5:30 – 6:30 on the Kool Kat 1380AM WDLW.
3/28/2008
It`s Almost Here
With opening day just two days away, I thought it would be a good time to look over this year’s club and give my prediction on how I think things will go. The core of last year’s team that was one win away from making it to the World Series is all back. Excited, you bet I am.
Starting pitchers: The only question was who was going to win the final spot. Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey all went into camp in contention. It was announced earlier in the week that Lee had won the job and Sowers and Laffey will start the year in Buffalo. Listening to Tribe GM Mark Shapiro talk earlier this week, both he and Eric Wedge were real happy with how Lee threw the ball this spring, and said he continued to get better. Between the 2005 – 2006 season Cliff Lee went 32 – 16. Let’s hope he returns to form and we don’t see the guy that went 5 – 8 last year and got demoted to triple – a. Oh yeah, lets not forget that C.C. Sabathia won the Cy Young award last year.
Grade: A
The bullpen has a couple new faces this year as the Tribe heads north. Set up man Rafael Betancourt and closer Joe Borowski are still in the back end of the pen. This year they are joined by Masahide Kobayashi. He should give the Tribe some help in the back end. He`s a guy that’s had 20 plus saves in 7 years in Japan. Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez both break camp for the first time with the big league club. Both pitched very well last year after being called up from Buffalo and should continue to help this year. Aaron Fultz was just terrible this spring and was designated for assignment. He’s replace by Craig Breslow, a guy the Tribe claimed of waivers this spring from Boston. Jorge Julio was a pleasant surprise this spring and beat out Scott Elarton for one of the final spots in the pen.
Grade: B+
Reason: Let’s see what Kobayashi can do in the bigs. Plus as I mentioned, it’s the first time for Lewis and Perez to break camp with the big league club.
This year’s line up looks a lot like last years, the only difference is second base, right field and the utility spot. Asdrubal Cabrera will start the year at second base. At this time last year I think we all new it was a matter of time before we would see this kid, I just don’t think we all thought he would make the impact he did. Just don’t count out Josh Barfield just yet.
Trot Nixon was the starting right fielder last year, and let’s face it, he couldn’t even move. Franklin Gutierrez got called up and made an impact. He had some big hits down the stretch and has the best arm of all the outfielders. I think Franklin has a huge year in 2008.
I still don’t like the left field situation. Personally I think Ben Francisco would be just as good in left as the platoon of David Dellucci and Jason Michaels. That being said Andy Marte is out of options and Mark Shapiro isn’t ready to admit he made a mistake. Francisco will be back before the year is over and he will make an impact in one way or another. Jamey Carroll will be this year’s utility man.
Victor Martinez is a lock to hit .300, Travis Hafner should return to form, even thought last year wasn’t that bad, and Grady Sizemore just needs to cut down on the strikeouts from the leadoff spot.
Grade: B+
Reason: I still don’t like the situation in left field. Casey Blake leaves to many men on base and the Tribe needs to be more consistent. You can’t win 14 – 10 then come back and waste a great performance from a starter and lose 1-0.
I think the Indians can repeat and win the Central Division. Obviously the big key is health. If guys can stay off the DL and produce, the Tribe should be fine. If there are a couple of guys that go down, there are guys in Buffalo that can step in. That’s one reason I pick the Indians over the Tigers is because of the depth in triple – a.
It should be fun, I can’t wait.
Starting pitchers: The only question was who was going to win the final spot. Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey all went into camp in contention. It was announced earlier in the week that Lee had won the job and Sowers and Laffey will start the year in Buffalo. Listening to Tribe GM Mark Shapiro talk earlier this week, both he and Eric Wedge were real happy with how Lee threw the ball this spring, and said he continued to get better. Between the 2005 – 2006 season Cliff Lee went 32 – 16. Let’s hope he returns to form and we don’t see the guy that went 5 – 8 last year and got demoted to triple – a. Oh yeah, lets not forget that C.C. Sabathia won the Cy Young award last year.
Grade: A
The bullpen has a couple new faces this year as the Tribe heads north. Set up man Rafael Betancourt and closer Joe Borowski are still in the back end of the pen. This year they are joined by Masahide Kobayashi. He should give the Tribe some help in the back end. He`s a guy that’s had 20 plus saves in 7 years in Japan. Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez both break camp for the first time with the big league club. Both pitched very well last year after being called up from Buffalo and should continue to help this year. Aaron Fultz was just terrible this spring and was designated for assignment. He’s replace by Craig Breslow, a guy the Tribe claimed of waivers this spring from Boston. Jorge Julio was a pleasant surprise this spring and beat out Scott Elarton for one of the final spots in the pen.
Grade: B+
Reason: Let’s see what Kobayashi can do in the bigs. Plus as I mentioned, it’s the first time for Lewis and Perez to break camp with the big league club.
This year’s line up looks a lot like last years, the only difference is second base, right field and the utility spot. Asdrubal Cabrera will start the year at second base. At this time last year I think we all new it was a matter of time before we would see this kid, I just don’t think we all thought he would make the impact he did. Just don’t count out Josh Barfield just yet.
Trot Nixon was the starting right fielder last year, and let’s face it, he couldn’t even move. Franklin Gutierrez got called up and made an impact. He had some big hits down the stretch and has the best arm of all the outfielders. I think Franklin has a huge year in 2008.
I still don’t like the left field situation. Personally I think Ben Francisco would be just as good in left as the platoon of David Dellucci and Jason Michaels. That being said Andy Marte is out of options and Mark Shapiro isn’t ready to admit he made a mistake. Francisco will be back before the year is over and he will make an impact in one way or another. Jamey Carroll will be this year’s utility man.
Victor Martinez is a lock to hit .300, Travis Hafner should return to form, even thought last year wasn’t that bad, and Grady Sizemore just needs to cut down on the strikeouts from the leadoff spot.
Grade: B+
Reason: I still don’t like the situation in left field. Casey Blake leaves to many men on base and the Tribe needs to be more consistent. You can’t win 14 – 10 then come back and waste a great performance from a starter and lose 1-0.
I think the Indians can repeat and win the Central Division. Obviously the big key is health. If guys can stay off the DL and produce, the Tribe should be fine. If there are a couple of guys that go down, there are guys in Buffalo that can step in. That’s one reason I pick the Indians over the Tigers is because of the depth in triple – a.
It should be fun, I can’t wait.
3/22/2008
One Week On The Job!
I can’t tell you how excited I was while driving into the radio station Monday morning. Trust me; it wasn’t because it was 4:45 in the morning. It was the start of a new beginning for me, Sports Director at WOBL/WDLW Radio Inc.
With this new start we will continue to cover all the great high school athletes in Lorain County. From the gridiron to the hardwood to the ice, we offer a wide variety of high school sports coverage. I’m proud to say that it will continue along with our coverage of Oberlin College football and LCCC basketball.
Now next month we launch something new. The Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series. Starting April 12th we will broadcast 12 nights of racing from Lorain County Speedway. This is another way for us to showcase more great local athletes in Lorain County. The Lorain County Sports Networks focus since I’ve been around has been to focus on local athletes and talk to them. That will be the case three weeks from tonight when we hit the air from the speedway at 6:50. Racing is something in Lorain County that is very popular and we at WOBL/WDLW are proud to bring this coverage to those great drivers and fans.
Racing, football, basketball and hockey, the WOBL/WDLW Sports Krew will now be at work year round. I’m proud to say that’s the case.
I want to thank all of you in Lorain County that tune us in on Friday nights in the fall, through out the winter for basketball and hockey, and hope that you’ll join us on April 12th when we launch the Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series.
Thank you for listening as we will continue to provide our coverage of the many great athletes here in Lorain County.
Be sure to visit the Lorain County Sports Network link on http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/ to see our complete Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series schedule.
With this new start we will continue to cover all the great high school athletes in Lorain County. From the gridiron to the hardwood to the ice, we offer a wide variety of high school sports coverage. I’m proud to say that it will continue along with our coverage of Oberlin College football and LCCC basketball.
Now next month we launch something new. The Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series. Starting April 12th we will broadcast 12 nights of racing from Lorain County Speedway. This is another way for us to showcase more great local athletes in Lorain County. The Lorain County Sports Networks focus since I’ve been around has been to focus on local athletes and talk to them. That will be the case three weeks from tonight when we hit the air from the speedway at 6:50. Racing is something in Lorain County that is very popular and we at WOBL/WDLW are proud to bring this coverage to those great drivers and fans.
Racing, football, basketball and hockey, the WOBL/WDLW Sports Krew will now be at work year round. I’m proud to say that’s the case.
I want to thank all of you in Lorain County that tune us in on Friday nights in the fall, through out the winter for basketball and hockey, and hope that you’ll join us on April 12th when we launch the Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series.
Thank you for listening as we will continue to provide our coverage of the many great athletes here in Lorain County.
Be sure to visit the Lorain County Sports Network link on http://www.northcoastdailynews.com/ to see our complete Premier Toyota Of Amherst Race Series schedule.
3/19/2008
What's left to say...
... about Coach Walsh. You can't add to the legend. You can't write or say anything that will say more that the championships and adulation of players. To not say anything, however, would be less than honest about his impact. Very few times in my life have I been in awe of someone in athletics or any other part of my life. Granted I've never met the sports heroes of my youth (Dr. J, Ozzie Newsome and Wilie Stargell), but I'm fairly confident that I'd be happy just to talk to them and move on. I've sat down to lunch and dinner with Judges, Representatives, Senators, Mayors, Bank Presidents, and Bishops. No big deal. They're all wonderful people, but simply people just the same. Recently Bob left me in awe.
It wasn't about his win total. It wasn't about experience. Cross off ranting, drawing up a play, substitutions and taking a time out at the right time. It was about understanding the game, but even more than that.
So why the reaction? Let me add a little background info. My first interaction with Coach Walsh, I believe, was the summer between seventh and eighth grades. I attended a basketball camp hosted by then Lorain County Community College Coach Steve Bankson (the Head Coach at Baldwin Wallace College since 1980). I remember the guy that ran the defensive station. The two things that I remember most about that station are 1) you were always dead tired after going through that workout, and 2) we never had a basketball at the station. Never. It was about footwork, body position, angles, stamina, focus, rotation, help... As a young guy really just learning the game, it made no sense to me - basketball without a ball, no shooting, no dribbling. What's this guy smoking? Of course it all became clearer years later. And it served me well as I moved through my high school career playing for another guy that believed in tough man-to-man defense - Larry Stark. The point here is that it took me a while, but I got it. I understood. He got me to buy in.
Before I elaborate, let me set the stage. February 28, 2008. I was sitting in the press box at Midview broadcasting (with my partner that night Dave DeNatale) as Elyria and Strongsville went at it again. Can't tell you how many times over the last few years I've watched this game - it's always entertaining. Not a bad deal to watch Walsh battle his friend/nemesis Joe Lynch. Elyria's playing OK, but nothing special and the Mustangs are on cruise control. Somewhere around the 5 minute mark in the third quarter, the game changed. The Pioneers came out with a renewed energy/intensity/desire. It took them to about the 6:00 minute mark in the forth to truly get back in the game. The forth quarter was all Elyria and they won a tight one by four having been down by 18 a quarter and a half earlier.
OK. So what's the big deal.
In our post game interview on WDLW, Coach Walsh told us that he wanted to hold off on the big pressure until the forth quarter. The plan, according to coach, was to hold back and make one big run at the end, to actually concede three quarters. My jaw, and I mean this literally, dropped open. It took me a second to recoup. I understood the strategy straight away. Pretty impressive. More impressive that he pulled it off against an opposing coach as good as Lynch.
Here's the reason for the reaction, though. He got them to buy in. These guys, who weren't even born when he won his last state title, who's fathers could have played for Walsh, got it. Walsh - gray haired, crusty, old school, mean old #$%&* - connected with this group of teenagers and taught them about what it means to play beyond their individual skill sets. And they understood, ultimately, that if they did it his way, they could win. Think about it again. A bunch of street ballers running a half court, set offense (when they had to) and team defense. And they respected him for it.
I had a chance to talk to Bob at the All-Star game last weekend. Even in retirement, he wanted to make sure that I understood it was about the kids. I always knew that. Nobody commits to coaching a high school sports team if it's not about the kids. I guess the difference is that now I truly understand how impactful one individual can be on those kids.
Thanks Bob.
It wasn't about his win total. It wasn't about experience. Cross off ranting, drawing up a play, substitutions and taking a time out at the right time. It was about understanding the game, but even more than that.
So why the reaction? Let me add a little background info. My first interaction with Coach Walsh, I believe, was the summer between seventh and eighth grades. I attended a basketball camp hosted by then Lorain County Community College Coach Steve Bankson (the Head Coach at Baldwin Wallace College since 1980). I remember the guy that ran the defensive station. The two things that I remember most about that station are 1) you were always dead tired after going through that workout, and 2) we never had a basketball at the station. Never. It was about footwork, body position, angles, stamina, focus, rotation, help... As a young guy really just learning the game, it made no sense to me - basketball without a ball, no shooting, no dribbling. What's this guy smoking? Of course it all became clearer years later. And it served me well as I moved through my high school career playing for another guy that believed in tough man-to-man defense - Larry Stark. The point here is that it took me a while, but I got it. I understood. He got me to buy in.
Before I elaborate, let me set the stage. February 28, 2008. I was sitting in the press box at Midview broadcasting (with my partner that night Dave DeNatale) as Elyria and Strongsville went at it again. Can't tell you how many times over the last few years I've watched this game - it's always entertaining. Not a bad deal to watch Walsh battle his friend/nemesis Joe Lynch. Elyria's playing OK, but nothing special and the Mustangs are on cruise control. Somewhere around the 5 minute mark in the third quarter, the game changed. The Pioneers came out with a renewed energy/intensity/desire. It took them to about the 6:00 minute mark in the forth to truly get back in the game. The forth quarter was all Elyria and they won a tight one by four having been down by 18 a quarter and a half earlier.
OK. So what's the big deal.
In our post game interview on WDLW, Coach Walsh told us that he wanted to hold off on the big pressure until the forth quarter. The plan, according to coach, was to hold back and make one big run at the end, to actually concede three quarters. My jaw, and I mean this literally, dropped open. It took me a second to recoup. I understood the strategy straight away. Pretty impressive. More impressive that he pulled it off against an opposing coach as good as Lynch.
Here's the reason for the reaction, though. He got them to buy in. These guys, who weren't even born when he won his last state title, who's fathers could have played for Walsh, got it. Walsh - gray haired, crusty, old school, mean old #$%&* - connected with this group of teenagers and taught them about what it means to play beyond their individual skill sets. And they understood, ultimately, that if they did it his way, they could win. Think about it again. A bunch of street ballers running a half court, set offense (when they had to) and team defense. And they respected him for it.
I had a chance to talk to Bob at the All-Star game last weekend. Even in retirement, he wanted to make sure that I understood it was about the kids. I always knew that. Nobody commits to coaching a high school sports team if it's not about the kids. I guess the difference is that now I truly understand how impactful one individual can be on those kids.
Thanks Bob.
3/16/2008
Time to Say Goodbye....sort of
I knew I was in for an adventure from Day 1.
Upon being hired at WOBL in July of 2000 as Co-Sports Director, I had my first meeting with the guy I would come to know quite well for the next seven plus years. His name: Don Vincent.
I was a slightly cocky 25 year old who thought he was above needing a "co" for anything when it came to doing sports on the radio. And he'd probably tell you that he thought he didn't need this punk kid around to help him run the Sports Krew.
But instead of imploding, we got along rather well. In fact, we traded barbs on our first meeting. He called me Junior...I called him Gramps.
It was on.
And for the next eight seasons, Don, myself, and the rest of the Sports Krew would embark on many adventures together. From the Final Four in Columbus, to back to back State Football Championship games in Massillon, to countless shows, Oberlin College Football games, and even that day when the Associated Press gave us the "Outstanding Sports Operation" award.
It's been quite a ride. But now, I will be taking my leave. Sort of.
On St. Patrick's Day I'll be starting a new chapter in my career as a Sports Anchor for Metro Networks based out of Independence. My primary job will be to deliver the sports updates on ESPN 850 WKNR every afternoon.
To say I have mixed emotions would be a huge understatement. This is a big break in my career and I'm extremely excited to see where this takes me. On the other hand, it's been the greatest honor of my life to be the Sports Director of WOBL/WDLW and I'll miss all of the things that made broadcasting in Lorain County so much fun.
I'll miss the coaches. The bleacher chats in Wellington with Matt Stoll. The humor of Jim Baker. The class acts like Alan Januzzi, John Szalay, Dave McFarland, and Kurt Russell. The coaches who I could listen to for hours talk about their sports, like Bob Walsh or Dave Dlugosz.
I'll miss the athletes. A lot. One of the things I've cherished the most in my eight years is the relationships I've made with the kids I've covered. Two of them, Nick Mezlak and Ross Rybarczyk, are now on the Sports Krew. I've also had the chance to follow the likes Dan Gundert, Jordan Beard, Tom Port, and Chris Schubert from high school to the college level. I recently received an email from former Open Door guard Tony Madalone who has gone on to graduate from Ashland and is now coaching there. Stories like that make me smile. By the way, I'm also grateful for the relationships that I've made with the parents of many of the above student athletes. Your support of me and the Sports Krew over the years is truly appreciated!
And of course, I'll miss my Krew. I can't imagine ever working with a better group of people anywhere else. So many stories. So much fun. It's been a truly wonderful experience.
Thankfully, it won't be my last experience at WOBL/WDLW. I'll be back this fall with Don Vincent and Jason Gibbs to call my seventh season of Oberlin College football. So I'll certainly be looking forward to that.
I'd just like to say thanks to Doug and Lorie Wilber for all of their support of me and the Sports Krew over the years. I couldn't have worked for two better people. Thanks also to all of my co-workers, past and present, for all of their efforts in behalf of the sports department and for their friendship. Finally, thanks to all of the Athletic Directors, coaches, and players for eight years of great memories on and off the field.
Good luck to my successor Brian Deitz. I know you'll do a great job B!
And of course, thanks to all of you out there. For tuning in. For reading our blogs. For coming up and talking to us at games and shows. You're the reason why we do what we do. And I'm so grateful that you allowed me in to your homes to bring you the excitement local sports for eight years. I hope you'll come and find me down the dial every now and then.
Until then, my best wishes to you all and thank you Lorain County!
Upon being hired at WOBL in July of 2000 as Co-Sports Director, I had my first meeting with the guy I would come to know quite well for the next seven plus years. His name: Don Vincent.
I was a slightly cocky 25 year old who thought he was above needing a "co" for anything when it came to doing sports on the radio. And he'd probably tell you that he thought he didn't need this punk kid around to help him run the Sports Krew.
But instead of imploding, we got along rather well. In fact, we traded barbs on our first meeting. He called me Junior...I called him Gramps.
It was on.
And for the next eight seasons, Don, myself, and the rest of the Sports Krew would embark on many adventures together. From the Final Four in Columbus, to back to back State Football Championship games in Massillon, to countless shows, Oberlin College Football games, and even that day when the Associated Press gave us the "Outstanding Sports Operation" award.
It's been quite a ride. But now, I will be taking my leave. Sort of.
On St. Patrick's Day I'll be starting a new chapter in my career as a Sports Anchor for Metro Networks based out of Independence. My primary job will be to deliver the sports updates on ESPN 850 WKNR every afternoon.
To say I have mixed emotions would be a huge understatement. This is a big break in my career and I'm extremely excited to see where this takes me. On the other hand, it's been the greatest honor of my life to be the Sports Director of WOBL/WDLW and I'll miss all of the things that made broadcasting in Lorain County so much fun.
I'll miss the coaches. The bleacher chats in Wellington with Matt Stoll. The humor of Jim Baker. The class acts like Alan Januzzi, John Szalay, Dave McFarland, and Kurt Russell. The coaches who I could listen to for hours talk about their sports, like Bob Walsh or Dave Dlugosz.
I'll miss the athletes. A lot. One of the things I've cherished the most in my eight years is the relationships I've made with the kids I've covered. Two of them, Nick Mezlak and Ross Rybarczyk, are now on the Sports Krew. I've also had the chance to follow the likes Dan Gundert, Jordan Beard, Tom Port, and Chris Schubert from high school to the college level. I recently received an email from former Open Door guard Tony Madalone who has gone on to graduate from Ashland and is now coaching there. Stories like that make me smile. By the way, I'm also grateful for the relationships that I've made with the parents of many of the above student athletes. Your support of me and the Sports Krew over the years is truly appreciated!
And of course, I'll miss my Krew. I can't imagine ever working with a better group of people anywhere else. So many stories. So much fun. It's been a truly wonderful experience.
Thankfully, it won't be my last experience at WOBL/WDLW. I'll be back this fall with Don Vincent and Jason Gibbs to call my seventh season of Oberlin College football. So I'll certainly be looking forward to that.
I'd just like to say thanks to Doug and Lorie Wilber for all of their support of me and the Sports Krew over the years. I couldn't have worked for two better people. Thanks also to all of my co-workers, past and present, for all of their efforts in behalf of the sports department and for their friendship. Finally, thanks to all of the Athletic Directors, coaches, and players for eight years of great memories on and off the field.
Good luck to my successor Brian Deitz. I know you'll do a great job B!
And of course, thanks to all of you out there. For tuning in. For reading our blogs. For coming up and talking to us at games and shows. You're the reason why we do what we do. And I'm so grateful that you allowed me in to your homes to bring you the excitement local sports for eight years. I hope you'll come and find me down the dial every now and then.
Until then, my best wishes to you all and thank you Lorain County!
3/04/2008
And Then There Were Two.....
I love it when I'm right!
Remember this prediction a little more than a month ago? 'Virtually every boys and girls district involving Lorain County teams is wide open. Wide open enough where we could have more than one team make it to the regionals.'
How about three teams?
First things first, belated congratulations to Cheryl Bansek and her Admiral King Lady Admirals for winning the Medina District and advancing to the Regionals for the first time in a quarter century. Bansek was recently named Division I Co-Coach of the Year by the Associated Press after leading the Admirals to a sparkling 21-3 record including 19 straight wins.
On the boys side, Vermilion and Elyria both overcame plenty of adversity and will both get their shot at the Sweet 16 starting on Wednesday when Elyria faces St. Edward at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center.
Five weeks ago, I didn't think Elyria had much of a shot to get this far. I saw them surrender a big lead to Strongsville largely due to a 31-10 fourth quarter by the Mustangs. They couldn't hit their free throws and seemed to lose their poise. Actually, Elyria had trouble all year long putting teams away and as we moved closer to the tournament, the Pioneers were not firing on all cylinders.
That was before Bob Walsh's team found themselves on Senior Night and beat Brunswick. Then they survived a challenge from Medina to open the tournament at Midview before their rematch with Strongsville last Thursday.
Understand that Elyria had lost to Strongsville in the District Finals two years in a row. The Pioneers often allowed things like officiating and questionable calls to rattle them. And the script was playing out exactly that way for the first two and a half quarters as the Mustangs built up an 18 point lead.
Then, late in the third quarter, Bob Walsh called for the press. "It was a question of when to do it, but we needed time to overcome where we were. If we run out of gas, we run out of gas," Walsh told Don Vincent and I after the game.
The defensive intensity keyed Elyria's remarkable comeback as they outscored the Mustangs ironically by a 31-12 margin on the way to a 68-64 victory. Another 31 point quarter two nights later would propel the Pioneers to the District title in a win over Olmsted Falls.
And now, Elyria gets their shot at Ed's.
Thursday Night, Vermilion will head to my alma mater of Bowling Green State University for a matchup with the Lexington Minutemen. I hadn't seen the Sailors at all this season until I called their championship game with Bay on Friday. It turned out to be one of the most memorable games I've broadcasted in a very long time.
The Sailors are a very unique team. They don't have one truly dominant player. They don't have a ton of depth. But they play incredibly well together and have completely bought into Kurt Habermehl's system. Watching this team, you just have the sense that the guys truly care about each other and have adopted a refuse to lose mentality.
In back to back games at the districts, the Sailors found themselves down by double digits in the second half, plus they had a key player foul out. But yet Vermilion found a way to get past both Holy Name and Bay in overtime to advance to the regionals for the first time in school history.
Can one, or maybe even both teams advance to the Elite Eight?
I'd make a prediction, but I'm still patting myself on the back. You'll have to tune in and find out.
One other note: Just a quick reminder about Cavaliers Night Out on Wednesday Night as we'll be broadcasting live from Bootlegger's Grille in Columbia Station from 7-9:30. WOBL will carry the show in its entirety, while the Kool Kat will join up in progress after the Elyria-St. Edward game. Scheduled to join us for the show:
Remember this prediction a little more than a month ago? 'Virtually every boys and girls district involving Lorain County teams is wide open. Wide open enough where we could have more than one team make it to the regionals.'
How about three teams?
First things first, belated congratulations to Cheryl Bansek and her Admiral King Lady Admirals for winning the Medina District and advancing to the Regionals for the first time in a quarter century. Bansek was recently named Division I Co-Coach of the Year by the Associated Press after leading the Admirals to a sparkling 21-3 record including 19 straight wins.
On the boys side, Vermilion and Elyria both overcame plenty of adversity and will both get their shot at the Sweet 16 starting on Wednesday when Elyria faces St. Edward at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center.
Five weeks ago, I didn't think Elyria had much of a shot to get this far. I saw them surrender a big lead to Strongsville largely due to a 31-10 fourth quarter by the Mustangs. They couldn't hit their free throws and seemed to lose their poise. Actually, Elyria had trouble all year long putting teams away and as we moved closer to the tournament, the Pioneers were not firing on all cylinders.
That was before Bob Walsh's team found themselves on Senior Night and beat Brunswick. Then they survived a challenge from Medina to open the tournament at Midview before their rematch with Strongsville last Thursday.
Understand that Elyria had lost to Strongsville in the District Finals two years in a row. The Pioneers often allowed things like officiating and questionable calls to rattle them. And the script was playing out exactly that way for the first two and a half quarters as the Mustangs built up an 18 point lead.
Then, late in the third quarter, Bob Walsh called for the press. "It was a question of when to do it, but we needed time to overcome where we were. If we run out of gas, we run out of gas," Walsh told Don Vincent and I after the game.
The defensive intensity keyed Elyria's remarkable comeback as they outscored the Mustangs ironically by a 31-12 margin on the way to a 68-64 victory. Another 31 point quarter two nights later would propel the Pioneers to the District title in a win over Olmsted Falls.
And now, Elyria gets their shot at Ed's.
Thursday Night, Vermilion will head to my alma mater of Bowling Green State University for a matchup with the Lexington Minutemen. I hadn't seen the Sailors at all this season until I called their championship game with Bay on Friday. It turned out to be one of the most memorable games I've broadcasted in a very long time.
The Sailors are a very unique team. They don't have one truly dominant player. They don't have a ton of depth. But they play incredibly well together and have completely bought into Kurt Habermehl's system. Watching this team, you just have the sense that the guys truly care about each other and have adopted a refuse to lose mentality.
In back to back games at the districts, the Sailors found themselves down by double digits in the second half, plus they had a key player foul out. But yet Vermilion found a way to get past both Holy Name and Bay in overtime to advance to the regionals for the first time in school history.
Can one, or maybe even both teams advance to the Elite Eight?
I'd make a prediction, but I'm still patting myself on the back. You'll have to tune in and find out.
One other note: Just a quick reminder about Cavaliers Night Out on Wednesday Night as we'll be broadcasting live from Bootlegger's Grille in Columbia Station from 7-9:30. WOBL will carry the show in its entirety, while the Kool Kat will join up in progress after the Elyria-St. Edward game. Scheduled to join us for the show:
- Cavaliers President Len Komoroski
- Members of the Cavalier Girls Dance Team
- Moondog the Mascot
- Cavaliers Vice President Tracy Marek
- Brent Kelly and Wes O'Neill from the Lake Erie Monsters
- Lake Erie Monsters Play by Play Voice John Michael
- The Monsters "Mon Squad"
2/15/2008
Now it really gets fun!
"Good Night from Elyria!"
With that line from our Don Vincent, the Lorain County Sports Network officially wrapped up the High School Basketball regular season on Friday Night. From here on in, the hysteria of tournament play begins!
I can't remember being more excited for a postseason to get here than I am for this one. Virtually every boys and girls district involving Lorain County teams is wide open. Wide open enough where we could have more than one team make it to the regionals. It's been a long time coming for the boys teams in our area. While we've watched the girls from Amherst and Elyria make it out of district play over the last couple of years, you have to go back five years to 2003 to find the last time a boys basketball team in Lorain County advanced to the round of 16.
Go back to that year of 2003 for a moment. Three boys teams from the county (Avon, Elyria Catholic, and Open Door) all advanced to the Sweet 16, as did Southview on the girls side. It was a magical four weeks of tournament play that took us from Lorain County all the way to the Schottenstein Center in Columbus where we watched Open Door play in the Final Four. Since then, several teams have come close to getting out of districts (most notably the boys from Elyria) but none have cut down the nets. That may change in a matter of weeks.
So let's look at the tournament field starting in Division I at Midview for what should be an absolutely fantastic district. Among the teams that will be there:
1. Elyria--the second seeded Pioneers capped off the season with an emotional senior night victory over the top seeded Brunswick Blue Devils on Friday. To me, it was a statement that the Pioneers are ready to take the final step and win the district after two straight runner up finishes.
2. Admiral King--I came away impressed with the Admirals after seeing them at the Q last week against Euclid. They have a great floor leader in Chris Kimbro and a talented big man in Adrian Casey plus a ton of speed and depth.
3. North Ridgeville--The West Shore Conference Champions have Drew McGee. Enough said.
(oh by the by, they have a lot of other guys that can beat you, too.)
4. Southview--You have to love how they bounced back from a poor performance against AK and upset Elyria on Tuesday Night. Andy Bastock will have the Saints ready for the tournament.
Waiting for those four county teams will be four juggernauts: Brunswick, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, and Strongsville. Uhh, yeah, I'm impressed.
In Division II at Westlake, Vermilion and Avon are the second and third seeds respectively in a field where really there is no dominant team. The Sailors are intriguing because of the return of Andy Pena. They match up awfully well with top seed Holy Name in a potential district semifinal. Avon and Keystone could also make noise at the bottom half of the bracket.
Lutheran West is back in Elyria trying to defend their Division III district crown. To get to Bowling Green and the regionals, the Longhorns will likely have to beat both Wellington and Clearview. The Clippers were beaten by Lutheran West twice during the regular season but you know John Szalay will have his bunch ready for another shot. And maybe this is the year Wellington can finally overcome years of coming so close but falling short of a district title. Tom Eibel has a balanced squad led by of Erick Saunders, Cory Kidd, and Chris Huelsman.
Oberlin will have to overcome a layoff of more than three weeks when they play at the Division IV district in Strongsville. The Phoenix are an exciting team led by Morgan Jones and Kris Robinson along with one of the brightest young coaches in the area in Kurt Russell. I loved their performance against Lutheran West a few weeks back when they rallied from 17 down in the fourth quarter despite only suiting up six. They may have to go through Open Door and Lutheran East to get a shot at Chanel, who will likely be waiting in the District Finals. Open Door has had a terrific year in their own right, led by first year coach Jason Penley and Brendan McNabb, who averages nearly 23 points per game.
On the girls side, you have to think that someone will come out of the Medina district from Lorain County. Elyria and Amherst have already guaranteed that at the very least, someone from the county will play for the title. But Admiral King comes in playing the best basketball of any team in the field. If they can overcome a bit of a layoff, their chances of at least advancing to the district championship game seem awfully good.
Keystone gets their shot at a Sectional title this weekend at St. Joseph Academy in Divison II play. Scott Terry's Wildcats finished the year as Patriot Athletic Conference champions with a sparkling 11-2 record in the conference. They'll lock up against Fairview, who were also 15-5 in the regular season.
Congratulations to Coach Larry Babics and the Columbia Lady Raiders for capturing the sectional title at the Division III tournament this week in Lagrange. Their reward in the district semifinals? A date with Regina, quite possibly the best team in the state in DIII. On the bottom half of the bracket, Oberlin and Elyria Catholic will get their shots at sectional titles Saturday in games you'll be able to hear on WOBL.
So that's how it all shapes up. Make sure you stay in touch with the progress of the tournaments and view our broadcast schedule on our brackets sections here at northcoastdailynews.com. We'll be bringing you close to 20 live games over the next seven days, ensuring you'll get more games featuring more of your favorite teams than from any other source.
To quote Don again.....It's GAME TIME!!
With that line from our Don Vincent, the Lorain County Sports Network officially wrapped up the High School Basketball regular season on Friday Night. From here on in, the hysteria of tournament play begins!
I can't remember being more excited for a postseason to get here than I am for this one. Virtually every boys and girls district involving Lorain County teams is wide open. Wide open enough where we could have more than one team make it to the regionals. It's been a long time coming for the boys teams in our area. While we've watched the girls from Amherst and Elyria make it out of district play over the last couple of years, you have to go back five years to 2003 to find the last time a boys basketball team in Lorain County advanced to the round of 16.
Go back to that year of 2003 for a moment. Three boys teams from the county (Avon, Elyria Catholic, and Open Door) all advanced to the Sweet 16, as did Southview on the girls side. It was a magical four weeks of tournament play that took us from Lorain County all the way to the Schottenstein Center in Columbus where we watched Open Door play in the Final Four. Since then, several teams have come close to getting out of districts (most notably the boys from Elyria) but none have cut down the nets. That may change in a matter of weeks.
So let's look at the tournament field starting in Division I at Midview for what should be an absolutely fantastic district. Among the teams that will be there:
1. Elyria--the second seeded Pioneers capped off the season with an emotional senior night victory over the top seeded Brunswick Blue Devils on Friday. To me, it was a statement that the Pioneers are ready to take the final step and win the district after two straight runner up finishes.
2. Admiral King--I came away impressed with the Admirals after seeing them at the Q last week against Euclid. They have a great floor leader in Chris Kimbro and a talented big man in Adrian Casey plus a ton of speed and depth.
3. North Ridgeville--The West Shore Conference Champions have Drew McGee. Enough said.
(oh by the by, they have a lot of other guys that can beat you, too.)
4. Southview--You have to love how they bounced back from a poor performance against AK and upset Elyria on Tuesday Night. Andy Bastock will have the Saints ready for the tournament.
Waiting for those four county teams will be four juggernauts: Brunswick, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, and Strongsville. Uhh, yeah, I'm impressed.
In Division II at Westlake, Vermilion and Avon are the second and third seeds respectively in a field where really there is no dominant team. The Sailors are intriguing because of the return of Andy Pena. They match up awfully well with top seed Holy Name in a potential district semifinal. Avon and Keystone could also make noise at the bottom half of the bracket.
Lutheran West is back in Elyria trying to defend their Division III district crown. To get to Bowling Green and the regionals, the Longhorns will likely have to beat both Wellington and Clearview. The Clippers were beaten by Lutheran West twice during the regular season but you know John Szalay will have his bunch ready for another shot. And maybe this is the year Wellington can finally overcome years of coming so close but falling short of a district title. Tom Eibel has a balanced squad led by of Erick Saunders, Cory Kidd, and Chris Huelsman.
Oberlin will have to overcome a layoff of more than three weeks when they play at the Division IV district in Strongsville. The Phoenix are an exciting team led by Morgan Jones and Kris Robinson along with one of the brightest young coaches in the area in Kurt Russell. I loved their performance against Lutheran West a few weeks back when they rallied from 17 down in the fourth quarter despite only suiting up six. They may have to go through Open Door and Lutheran East to get a shot at Chanel, who will likely be waiting in the District Finals. Open Door has had a terrific year in their own right, led by first year coach Jason Penley and Brendan McNabb, who averages nearly 23 points per game.
On the girls side, you have to think that someone will come out of the Medina district from Lorain County. Elyria and Amherst have already guaranteed that at the very least, someone from the county will play for the title. But Admiral King comes in playing the best basketball of any team in the field. If they can overcome a bit of a layoff, their chances of at least advancing to the district championship game seem awfully good.
Keystone gets their shot at a Sectional title this weekend at St. Joseph Academy in Divison II play. Scott Terry's Wildcats finished the year as Patriot Athletic Conference champions with a sparkling 11-2 record in the conference. They'll lock up against Fairview, who were also 15-5 in the regular season.
Congratulations to Coach Larry Babics and the Columbia Lady Raiders for capturing the sectional title at the Division III tournament this week in Lagrange. Their reward in the district semifinals? A date with Regina, quite possibly the best team in the state in DIII. On the bottom half of the bracket, Oberlin and Elyria Catholic will get their shots at sectional titles Saturday in games you'll be able to hear on WOBL.
So that's how it all shapes up. Make sure you stay in touch with the progress of the tournaments and view our broadcast schedule on our brackets sections here at northcoastdailynews.com. We'll be bringing you close to 20 live games over the next seven days, ensuring you'll get more games featuring more of your favorite teams than from any other source.
To quote Don again.....It's GAME TIME!!
1/28/2008
The ’08 NASCAR Season Just Days Away
As the Daytona 500 approaches, we will finally get our first look at all the changes that have taken place over the past couple of months. A new Series Sponsor, the COT (Car of Tomorrow), Toyota’s second year and numerous driver changes amongst teams make things very interesting this year.
Storylines:
Let’s start right at the top. This year NASCAR welcomes Sprint to the Cup Series. The Nationwide Series replaces the Busch Series and Craftsman will end its run in the truck series at the end of the season.
This year will also mark the first full season for the car of tomorrow. After the first round of testing during preseason thunder, drivers appear to be happy with how things feel in the COT. Bump drafting in the new chassis design should be better and make racing better. We’ll find out soon as the Daytona 500 roles off on February 17th.
The 2008 season will also see Toyota attempting to make more of an impact in its second year. After the 2007 season that saw Michael Waltrip get penalized for a fuel additive at Daytona, and most teams struggle to make races in 2007, 2008 presents new opportunities. Joe Gibbs Racing, along with Hall of Fame racing has made the move to Toyota. With a proven team joining Toyota, with the likes of Michael Waltrip Racing, Team Red Bull and Bill Davis Racing already in the fold, this should be the year Toyota scores its first victory in the Sprint Cup Series.
Finally, the revolving door that was driver changes will close. And boy, some big names made some big noise. Let’s start at the top with the biggest name, Dale Earnhardt Junior. He left his father’s company due to power struggles with his stepmother, and if that wasn’t enough he joined the most successful team in the series, Hendrick Motorsports.
That leads us to the departure of Kyle Busch. To make room for Junior, Busch was the odd man out, but will join Joe Gibbs Racing and round out their trio with Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. That moved J.J. Yeley out of the #18 at Gibbs and into the #96 at Hall of Fame Racing, run by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.
Michael Waltrip Racing will see a rookie join the team after Dale Jarrett retires after race five. David Reutimann will move from the #00 and replace Jarrett in the #44 and last years ARCA REMAX Series rookie of the year Michael McDowell will jump into the #00.
Mark Martin, Aric Almirola and Regan Smith will see seat time with DEI. Jacques Villeneuve will run the full schedule with Bill Davis Racing.
Also from the open wheel ranks, Dario Franchitti replaces David Stremme at Chip Ganassi and Penske Racing will add a third member to it’s stable with Ohio native and Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Junior.
Travis Kvapil replaces Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates racing and Jeremy Mayfield and Scott Riggs will pilot the two Haas CNC Racing entries.
It should be an interesting 2008 season. I can’t wait for it to get started. Be sure to tune into my show, weekdays from 3 – 6 on the Kool Kat 1380 the week of February 11th when we will preview the upcoming season with interviews all week long, and go over local track schedules.
Dates of interest:
Bud Shooutout: Saturday February 9th
Cup Series Qualifying: February 10th
Gatorade Duel: February 14th
Daytona 500: February 17th
Predictions:
Champion: Jimmie Johnson
Toyota Win’s: Four (Don’t be surprised if they all come from Gibbs)
Storylines:
Let’s start right at the top. This year NASCAR welcomes Sprint to the Cup Series. The Nationwide Series replaces the Busch Series and Craftsman will end its run in the truck series at the end of the season.
This year will also mark the first full season for the car of tomorrow. After the first round of testing during preseason thunder, drivers appear to be happy with how things feel in the COT. Bump drafting in the new chassis design should be better and make racing better. We’ll find out soon as the Daytona 500 roles off on February 17th.
The 2008 season will also see Toyota attempting to make more of an impact in its second year. After the 2007 season that saw Michael Waltrip get penalized for a fuel additive at Daytona, and most teams struggle to make races in 2007, 2008 presents new opportunities. Joe Gibbs Racing, along with Hall of Fame racing has made the move to Toyota. With a proven team joining Toyota, with the likes of Michael Waltrip Racing, Team Red Bull and Bill Davis Racing already in the fold, this should be the year Toyota scores its first victory in the Sprint Cup Series.
Finally, the revolving door that was driver changes will close. And boy, some big names made some big noise. Let’s start at the top with the biggest name, Dale Earnhardt Junior. He left his father’s company due to power struggles with his stepmother, and if that wasn’t enough he joined the most successful team in the series, Hendrick Motorsports.
That leads us to the departure of Kyle Busch. To make room for Junior, Busch was the odd man out, but will join Joe Gibbs Racing and round out their trio with Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. That moved J.J. Yeley out of the #18 at Gibbs and into the #96 at Hall of Fame Racing, run by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.
Michael Waltrip Racing will see a rookie join the team after Dale Jarrett retires after race five. David Reutimann will move from the #00 and replace Jarrett in the #44 and last years ARCA REMAX Series rookie of the year Michael McDowell will jump into the #00.
Mark Martin, Aric Almirola and Regan Smith will see seat time with DEI. Jacques Villeneuve will run the full schedule with Bill Davis Racing.
Also from the open wheel ranks, Dario Franchitti replaces David Stremme at Chip Ganassi and Penske Racing will add a third member to it’s stable with Ohio native and Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Junior.
Travis Kvapil replaces Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates racing and Jeremy Mayfield and Scott Riggs will pilot the two Haas CNC Racing entries.
It should be an interesting 2008 season. I can’t wait for it to get started. Be sure to tune into my show, weekdays from 3 – 6 on the Kool Kat 1380 the week of February 11th when we will preview the upcoming season with interviews all week long, and go over local track schedules.
Dates of interest:
Bud Shooutout: Saturday February 9th
Cup Series Qualifying: February 10th
Gatorade Duel: February 14th
Daytona 500: February 17th
Predictions:
Champion: Jimmie Johnson
Toyota Win’s: Four (Don’t be surprised if they all come from Gibbs)
1/21/2008
Give it a rest.
I'm tired of political correctness. I'm tired of the sensitivity police. I'm tired of headline seekers. And I'm tired of minor mistakes being turned into major offenses. I also realize that these are the signs of our times and opinions to the contrary of the common(?) wisdom are often attacked. So understand that it is with at least a bit of timidness that I offer the following:
I was watching the Golf Channel when Kelly Tilghman let go with the "lynch" comment. I winced. I thought, "What was she thinking? Well there goes her career." I know the comment was offered as hyperbole. I know that Tilghman didn't intend for anyone to take the comment literally. It was intended to be a joke. A bad one to be sure, but a joke just the same. And I knew what was coming.
Anyone short of the biggest idiot appreciates all that Tiger has done. He, like other great sports figures (think Michael, Favre, Wilt, Theismann, Kareem, Ripken, Lebron) transcends racial lines. Everybody wears their jerseys. Nobody cares what color their skin is. They belong to all of us.
So does anyone really think that Tilghman meant any harm? Hell, in truth, Tiger probably pays a good bit of her salary simply by being as good as he is. Think she doesn't know that?
Here's another take. She's Tigers friend. Maybe not "Come on down and spend the weekend with the family" friends, but close enough that they talk. Tiger doesn't care. He didn't have to move on, he wasn't stuck in the first place. It's the aforementioned sensitivity police that are making the most noise.
By the way, the magazine cover with the noose... dumb, really dumb. You deserve what you get for the sheer stupidity of that decision.
Tilghman made a bad decision. Suspend her...OK. Fire her...too harsh. So let's all be grown up boys and girls. Let's stop looking for reasons to get pissed off. Let's start realizing that all of us sometimes make mistakes. This is sports for Pete's sake. And it 2008. I can't think of another area where race simply doesn't matter. As a former athlete, I don't remember ever judging someone on their ethnicity. I knew who was good and why they were good, how fast they were, how high they could jump, what number they wore and what I needed to do to be better against them. And I don't remember being judged based on my skin color other than the fact that white men can't jump.
Oh wait...was that racist?
I was watching the Golf Channel when Kelly Tilghman let go with the "lynch" comment. I winced. I thought, "What was she thinking? Well there goes her career." I know the comment was offered as hyperbole. I know that Tilghman didn't intend for anyone to take the comment literally. It was intended to be a joke. A bad one to be sure, but a joke just the same. And I knew what was coming.
Anyone short of the biggest idiot appreciates all that Tiger has done. He, like other great sports figures (think Michael, Favre, Wilt, Theismann, Kareem, Ripken, Lebron) transcends racial lines. Everybody wears their jerseys. Nobody cares what color their skin is. They belong to all of us.
So does anyone really think that Tilghman meant any harm? Hell, in truth, Tiger probably pays a good bit of her salary simply by being as good as he is. Think she doesn't know that?
Here's another take. She's Tigers friend. Maybe not "Come on down and spend the weekend with the family" friends, but close enough that they talk. Tiger doesn't care. He didn't have to move on, he wasn't stuck in the first place. It's the aforementioned sensitivity police that are making the most noise.
By the way, the magazine cover with the noose... dumb, really dumb. You deserve what you get for the sheer stupidity of that decision.
Tilghman made a bad decision. Suspend her...OK. Fire her...too harsh. So let's all be grown up boys and girls. Let's stop looking for reasons to get pissed off. Let's start realizing that all of us sometimes make mistakes. This is sports for Pete's sake. And it 2008. I can't think of another area where race simply doesn't matter. As a former athlete, I don't remember ever judging someone on their ethnicity. I knew who was good and why they were good, how fast they were, how high they could jump, what number they wore and what I needed to do to be better against them. And I don't remember being judged based on my skin color other than the fact that white men can't jump.
Oh wait...was that racist?
1/16/2008
Brady Quinn Is Worth Our 2008 First Round Pick
I decided to write this blog after reading a comment from one of the readers thinking we sold the farm for Brady Quinn, not having a first rounder is gonna cost us, we don't have any money for free agents, etc. And similar conversations have come up with other people I know, and to my surprise, a lot of people thought the same things. So I felt a post was in order to help enlighten the masses that Brady Quinn was the right pick and to answer all the other issues Browns fans are currently feeling.
First, the Browns did not spend a ton of money on Brady Quinn. $7.75 million guaranteed, $20 million reachable by playing incentives, another $10 million (unlikely to get) by performance incentives. In comparison, the 49ers gave Manny Lawson (the 22nd pick the year before) a contract with less incentive bonuses but still $5.9 million guaranteed. Last I checked, QB's cost more in this league.
Second, what happens with a capable QB and your starting quarterback goes down? You can go to the tape in 2002 when Kelly Holcomb started his 4th career game in Pittsburgh in the playoffs and dropped 429 yards and a 107.6 QB rating. If we could have actually ran the ball that day, we would have won. That, however, is why you need a good backup, because you cannot depend on one QB being able to start 16 games + playoffs. Especially if his name is Tim Couch. And before anyone makes the Kelly Holcomb jokes, go ask a Vikings fan who they'd rather start, Holcomb or Tavaris Jackson...go ahead, I'll wait...mmhmm, I thought so.
Third, the Browns have $30.31 million in cap space, plenty to land a big fish (or two), 8th most in the NFL. I know we will pursue a few free agents, and a few on the defensive side of the ball I want us to go after are listed below.
Fourth, we traded up to 22 last year, and that is where our pick would be this year. I don't know if there is a game breaker at 22, that won't be there or a similar player in that mold in the second round. Savage has already said if there is someone in his top 15 that slips to the back end, he'll trade back in.
Fifth, the reader that commented said the Browns would be better if they drafted Troy Smith in the 5th round. I disagree for two reasons. Reason 1, we drafted Brandon McDonald in round 5, and I think he turned out to be a great surprise to many fans out there. Reason 2, Troy Smith is not a good NFL quarterback. I watched Troy Smith play for the Ravens at the end of the year. I love Troy and sentimentally wanted him on the Browns, but he is NOT a quarterback in this league. He's a band-aid, and there is no way I could depend on him down the stretch or to win a game. Sorry. He should give Josh Cribbs a call asap.
And I disagree with the general point of drafting a QB in the later rounds, who is cheaper, to just hold the clipboard if you honestly feel you have a chance at getting someone special. Berea could be a very interesting place when Training Camp opens this year.
Free Agents to Chase:
Defensive Ends
Jared Allen - Kansas City
Justin Smith - Cincinnati
Bobby McCray - Jacksonville
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson - Re-sign
Terrell Suggs - Baltimore
Lance Briggs - Chicago
Na'il Diggs - Carolina
Victor Hobson - NYJ
Demarrio Williams - Atlanta
So hopefully, Browns fans can start worrying a little less and start looking towards the potential in the draft and for next season, because there are a lot of positives going on right now for this ball club.
First, the Browns did not spend a ton of money on Brady Quinn. $7.75 million guaranteed, $20 million reachable by playing incentives, another $10 million (unlikely to get) by performance incentives. In comparison, the 49ers gave Manny Lawson (the 22nd pick the year before) a contract with less incentive bonuses but still $5.9 million guaranteed. Last I checked, QB's cost more in this league.
Second, what happens with a capable QB and your starting quarterback goes down? You can go to the tape in 2002 when Kelly Holcomb started his 4th career game in Pittsburgh in the playoffs and dropped 429 yards and a 107.6 QB rating. If we could have actually ran the ball that day, we would have won. That, however, is why you need a good backup, because you cannot depend on one QB being able to start 16 games + playoffs. Especially if his name is Tim Couch. And before anyone makes the Kelly Holcomb jokes, go ask a Vikings fan who they'd rather start, Holcomb or Tavaris Jackson...go ahead, I'll wait...mmhmm, I thought so.
Third, the Browns have $30.31 million in cap space, plenty to land a big fish (or two), 8th most in the NFL. I know we will pursue a few free agents, and a few on the defensive side of the ball I want us to go after are listed below.
Fourth, we traded up to 22 last year, and that is where our pick would be this year. I don't know if there is a game breaker at 22, that won't be there or a similar player in that mold in the second round. Savage has already said if there is someone in his top 15 that slips to the back end, he'll trade back in.
Fifth, the reader that commented said the Browns would be better if they drafted Troy Smith in the 5th round. I disagree for two reasons. Reason 1, we drafted Brandon McDonald in round 5, and I think he turned out to be a great surprise to many fans out there. Reason 2, Troy Smith is not a good NFL quarterback. I watched Troy Smith play for the Ravens at the end of the year. I love Troy and sentimentally wanted him on the Browns, but he is NOT a quarterback in this league. He's a band-aid, and there is no way I could depend on him down the stretch or to win a game. Sorry. He should give Josh Cribbs a call asap.
And I disagree with the general point of drafting a QB in the later rounds, who is cheaper, to just hold the clipboard if you honestly feel you have a chance at getting someone special. Berea could be a very interesting place when Training Camp opens this year.
Free Agents to Chase:
Defensive Ends
Jared Allen - Kansas City
Justin Smith - Cincinnati
Bobby McCray - Jacksonville
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson - Re-sign
Terrell Suggs - Baltimore
Lance Briggs - Chicago
Na'il Diggs - Carolina
Victor Hobson - NYJ
Demarrio Williams - Atlanta
So hopefully, Browns fans can start worrying a little less and start looking towards the potential in the draft and for next season, because there are a lot of positives going on right now for this ball club.
1/08/2008
A Look Back
Happy New Year everyone! With the holidays and winter sports season in Lorain County up and running, the Sports Krew has been a little busy lately so we've been slacking on the blog. We'll make the resolution to try to make a new post at least once a week. For today's post, I thought it would be fun to look back at the year that was.
2007 had to be one of most exciting years in sports we've had in Northeastern Ohio in quite a long time. In case you're still suffering from a hangover, consider what took place over the last 12 months or so:
2007 had to be one of most exciting years in sports we've had in Northeastern Ohio in quite a long time. In case you're still suffering from a hangover, consider what took place over the last 12 months or so:
- The Browns pulled off a draft day coup by getting both Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn, and thanks to a new-look offense won 10 games and narrowly missed the playoffs.
- The Indians won the Central Division title and came within one win of a trip to the World Series.
- The Cavaliers captured the Eastern Conference Championship and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
- Ohio State played for the National Championship in both football and men's basketball (we won't mention what happened the other night in New Orleans!)
- Lorain County had three teams advance into the playoffs in High School Football after a year's absence. We saw teams like Vermilion and Keystone take huge strides, along with some much needed pride returning to Oberlin with the arrival of Dave McFarland.
I had the privilege to announce many exciting games in 2007. There was the 'was his foot on the line or not?' boys basketball tournament game between Wellington and Clearview, the Avon Lake-Avon shootout by the lakefront at Browns Stadium, and Oberlin College's redemption win against Allegheny that came down to a hail mary in the back of the end zone. Speaking of the Yeomen, special congratulations goes to R.V. Carroll for being named the Offensive Player of the Year in the North Coast Athletic Conference.
So what awaits us in the New Year? Will the Indians or Cavaliers make that one deal that will help put them over the top? Will C.C. Sabathia stay an Indian? Who will be the starting quarterback for the Browns when the season returns in September? All questions that will be answered here in 2008.
Locally, I am very much looking forward to this year's high school basketball tournaments. Lorain County has not put a boys team into the 'Sweet 16' since Open Door, Elyria Catholic and Avon all made it in 2003. There are several teams to keep an eye on, including Elyria, Admiral King, and Avon Lake in Division I, Vermilion and Avon in Division II, Wellington, Keystone, and Clearview in Division III, and Oberlin in Division IV. All of those teams could be in position to make a run come late February. On the girls side, Elyria's off to a fast start, as is Oberlin, Keystone, and Admiral King. We'll see how things shape up when the tournament draws for the girls come out a week from Sunday.
In the meantime, keep it tuned to the Lorain County Sports Network all this winter for our coverage of High School Basketball, Hockey, and Lorain County Community College Basketball. You never know when a memorable moment will come your way!
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