Legends of Roundball

Every season we encourage the kids to try some new sports.  Get outside of their comfort zones and experience different things.  Over the winter we've had a ton of fun with Kennedy and Alex both playing basketball.  Sure, we've shot around in the driveway over the years, but the kids have recently wanted to play in organized games.  It was time for more Junior Jazz basketball!

Alex played basketball last year and it was a struggle at times.  The younger boys don't really have any structure to the games and it pretty much rewards the kids who are most aggressive.  Aggressive is not a word I'd use to describe Alex.  He is much more interested in being part of a team, rather than taking over.  I was hoping things would be different this year.  Well, not so much.

Alex was able to score a few times this year, but he was still on a team where the most aggressive kids took all the shots.  He still had fun, but I'm hoping that he'll get on a team that teaches the boys how to play - I know, sounds like I'm volunteering to coach....


My biggest surprise this season was Kennedy.  She's never expressed much of an interest in playing basketball, but she decided to try it with one of her friends from school.  At first it was a bit of a struggle, but by the time the season ended Dede girl was really starting to have fun!  She took advantage of her height and was able to rebound/defend like a pro!

One of our best moments came over the weekend when Kennedy was able to score two baskets in a row!  This was a girl who could barely shoot last year and now she was making it happen.  She may take the scoring title away from Kevin Durrant, but Dede was having fun and making buckets!  What a big deal for our amazing little girl.

Jr. Jazz basketball - You Gotta Love It!

Soccer Boys

Each season we ask our kids what sport they would like to play.  So far we've done a little of everything with some tee ball, soccer, tumbling, basketball.  The sport that Alex seemed to like best has always been tee ball, since he is a really good hitter.  This year he and I even started to play catch out in the backyard.  So, when we asked him what he wanted to play he quickly replied:

Soccer.

What?!  Soccer isn't really somthing Tara and I have ever played.  Still, if Alex wants to play soccer that's ok with us.

He's starting to get it.  No longer content to run along side the action, Alex is actually starting to mix it up and kick the ball this year.  His confidence is definitely growing and he's having a total ball out there.

Dylan also decided to jump into soccer this year.  We figured he would have no problem getting into the scrum and playing with the other kids.  With older siblings and a headstrong attitude Dylan was sure to flourish in sports.

Nope.

Dylan justs runs around on the field and acts surprised when the ball comes near him.  He's kicked the ball a few times, but he's generally just happy to be out there.

Who would have guessed the difference between our two soccer boys.

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

2012 was one of my worst seasons as a Red Sox fan.

The team was full of players I didn't really like or want to watch.

The manager seemed to dominate the headlines, rather than the play.

The Red Sox sucked.  With a final record of 69-93 it just wasn't fun to watch bad baseball.

But I believe the old adage in baseball - Spring brings eternal hope.  I have been waiting for weeks for the 2013 baseball season to begin.  The Red Sox have a revamped team, having cut loose several players, the manager, and, hopefully, the loser mentality.

Today I was able to watch a little bit of opening day.  Of course the Sox had to start the season in NY to play the yankees.  I was just praying the script would be a little different today than it's been the past couple of seasons.  Well guess what..

The Red Sox won!

They played great with clutch hitting, good pitching, and a solid bullpen.

It was actually fun to watch them play again.

I don't think this means I need to book my World Series reservations just yet, but I have a good feeling about the 2013 Red Sox.  I know I'll be watching...

Hanging at the Jazz Game

One of the perks with Alex being in the Jr. Jazz this year is the free tickets to a real Jazz game. I remember when I was a kid this was the highlight of the season. The chance to watch a real game was to good to be true. I was a bit surprised when I mentioned the tickets to Alex a couple weeks ago and he didn't seem that interested. His response - "Can I play with your phone if we go?"- wasn't really the same level of enthusiasm as I'd hoped.

I kept talking up the chance to go together to the game and, by the day it arrived, Alex was finally on board. It didn't hurt that we planned to ride TRAX with some friends from our neighborhood. Once we got to the arena, it was time for our climb. As you can imagine free tickets to the Jr. Jazz aren't close. I think we were a couple rows down from the top - still it didn't matter. We were together and that was enough for me.

Alex was fairly interested in the game for a while. The Jazz were winning and that kept things positive. I will say that Alex was a little more interested in the treats I promised him than he was on the court. In the end the free tickets cost me $5 for TRAX, $5 for an oversized pretzel, and $5 for some nachos. It didn't matter to me though. I was just happy to spend some time with my son. To me, the night was priceless....

Now Batting - Kaaren and the Softball Hall of Fame

Growing up there were a few constants in my world - I was always the biggest kid in my class at school, we would go camping up in the Uintas for our family vacation, and my mom could be found at the Complex twice a week (or more).   I think Jason and Alicia would agree that we practically grew up over at the playground near the ball diamond.  Because Mom was always scoring slowpitch softball, we would tag along and experience the world that is the Complex.

My mom lived and breathed County Rec for most of my life.  Whether it was working at the Rec office during the day or her evening trips to the Complex - Mom was County Rec sports.  When she retired in 2001 we all knew that there was a big void in her life.  My mom was always part of the action and it took her a while to adjust to life in the country.

A few months ago my mom's old boss contacted me and asked if I would be willing to nominate my mom for the Utah Softball Hall of Fame.  I had never even heard of the HOF, but I said we'd be glad to help.  After calling several of the scorekeepers from the past 30 years, I was able to track down my mom's extensive history as a scorekeeper for the County.  The application was submitted, and my mom was accepted as member of the 2009 class of the Utah Softball Hall of Fame.

Last night was the induction ceremony.   We headed over to the Complex for a barbecue dinner and the  program.  In classic County Rec form, a storm blew in from the South and forced everyone into the catacombs to complete the proceedings.  Even though it was a little chaotic and noisy, it was a very nice event.  Watching my mom accept the award was an incredibly satisfying moment - she really deserves it!

I know I don't say it enough Mom, but I love you.  I am so proud of the work you accomplished and the devotion you showed to your profession.  It's not everyday that someone get inducted into a Hall of Fame - but if there's anyone who belongs in the Utah Softball Hall of Fame, it's you.  Congratulations!

Take a look at the pics....

Text of the Year

I've been trying to get season tickets to the Utes for the past few years, but up to this point I have been shut out.  Whether it was long lines, cash flow problems, conference realignment, or just bad luck I couldn't seem to get things to go my way.  That leads us to today when I had this texting exchange with my friend Eric.

Have you had any luck getting tickets yet?

Nope, any suggestions?

Let me call up there and see what I can do.

A few minutes later.

Who's your buddy?  Who's your pal?  Give me a call.

I immediately called Eric to learn that he used his connections to score me a pair of season tickets to split with my friend Sam. 

Unreal.

It only took three years, but I have season tickets to the Utes.  It only took 3 years - and one important phone call - Thanks Eric!

Dede on the Pitch

We were quite surprised when Kennedy told us she wanted to play soccer again.  Dede's been down this road before and she didn't really like it the first time.  We spent more time trying to convince her to play than she actually spent time on the field. So, what changed her attitude?  A new intensity in her life? A desire for more physical activity?  A love for all things Real?  Nope - her friend Ava wanted to play.  Simple as that.

Indoor soccer has been a little more fun for Dede, but I don't think she's the next Mia Hamm.  Kennedy still would rather stand around and chat with her friends than mix it up in a soccer scrum.  Still, we're glad she gave it a try and happy to see her play a sport.

Super Bowl Fun

Yesterday was the Super Bowl and the biggest party of the year (so far). We packed up the van to go down to Paul's house for some good food and fun company. I didn't really care about the winner of the game. Neither the Patriots or Giants are that exciting to us, so we just hoped for a close game. The game didn't disappoint. A score for the win on the final drive for the G-Men. I think my favorite part of the game were a few memorable commercials.

 First - I loved the spoof of Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the Honda CR-V. This show was a big part of my friends' culture and a 2 minute return to high school made my day.

 

 Speaking of making my day, the Clint Eastwood halftime ad was amazing. I don't really care about Chrysler, but the ad's message of American resiliency and pride came through - loud and clear.

 

Last, what would the Super Bowl be without a great commercial for Doritos. Watching this dog made me laugh out loud. Always a good commercial when a cat ends up missing.

 

Diary of a Jazz Fan

Earlier tonight I attend my first Jazz game of the season.  Ryan got some tickets from work, so a few of us from the ward headed downtown for some NBA action.  Along the way a quick stop to Moochies set the stage for a fun evening.  The Jazz were playing the Kings so the game marked the return of Jimmer to Utah.

It was obvious that the crowd was a pro-Jimmer one.  I had no idea just what homers the byu fans would become.  Every time Fredette touched the ball the crowd went nuts.  Every missed shot elicited a huge grown and a Jimmer 3 sent a few fans in hyperventilation.  It was unreal.

I've been a part of some ex-Utes returning to play the Jazz and I've never seen anything like this.  Sure, I wanted Van Horn or Miller to do well, but these people were actively rooting against the Jazz.  CRAZY!

In the end the game came down to a final shot for the Kings.  Jazz were up two and the crowd was on their feet.  Of course the ball ended up in Jimmer's hands.  He raised and fired a three for the win.  I know the crowd was praying the shot would fall.  It was the storybook homecoming for a loyal zoobie.  There was only one problem.  Jimmer ain't in college anymore.  The ball was far left and never touched the rim. JAZZ WIN!  Just the way it should be.

Turkey Bowl

I've enjoyed playing football on Thanksgiving for years.  Back in high school it was a chance to get out some nervous energy while waiting for dinner.  In my twenties it was a good competition with friends and a chance to rekindle past glories.  Now, the turkey bowl is a way to get out and be active.  My number one goal is to walk away from the field without any injuries.  I don't care about the score, the moves, the competition - I just want to stay healthy.

Over the past few years I've had a couple of Turkey Bowl injuries and I thought about hanging it up.  Then 8 o'clock on Thanksgiving rolled around and I couldn't resist.  It was a simple game.  A few of the youth from the ward and some of old dudes.  It was a great morning.  Everyone had fun.  Best of all - no one got hurt!  Especially me!

Diary of a Utah Fan

The Utes first season in the Pac 12 has certainly been a wild ride.  Confidence was high in the beginning as we played well and started with a 2-1 record, including a 51-10 drumming of the y.  Then the injury bug hit, we lost Jordan Wynn for the season (no big surprise there) and the Utes stunk.  They lost their first four conference games and the year was dead in the water.  Utah was 3-4, the offense was terrible with the backup QB, the team couldn't stop anyone, and the season was bleak.  The low point was the Cal game, when the Utes were thoroughly outplayed and looked overmatched in the new conference.  The score may have been 34-10 but the difference in that game was huge.  We looked and played small.

Then an interested thing happened.  Utah changed the game plan.  We had to become a one dimensional team on offense.  John White emerged as the lone option and he started taking over.  Every game he seemed to top 150 yards rushing.  Even better, he held onto the football.   It gave us an identity.  We could run the ball.

The defense has been good all year.  There were a couple of games where teams scored in the 30's against them, but that was mostly due to short fields because of turnovers by the offense.  Since the Utes started taking care of the ball - the D has been stout.  Teams can't move the ball and we are creating turnovers instead of giving the ball away.

The Utes are back, winners of four straight conference games.  They now stand at 7-4, with a 4-4 record in the Pac 12.  This was unimaginable a month ago.  We were dead, but things have a funny way  of evening out.  Sure the schedule helped, as we started playing the lower teams in the conference - still, Utah has improved.  We are going to finish above 500 for our first year in the Pac 12.  Who knows, we might still play in the conference championship if the ball bounces our way.

A wild ride - that's for sure, but it's been a great time to watch Utah mature into a Pac 12 contender.  GO UTES!

Photo of the Day

A friend sent me this photo from the game last night.  Honestly, it was the only good thing about the evening for the Utes.

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

It's taken me a couple of days to process what I saw on Wednesday night.  A lot of people will say that the Red Sox season ended after a terrible collapse in the 9th inning against Baltimore, coupled with a miraculous comeback by the Rays in Florida  I'd say it happened much earlier than that.  For the entire month of Sptember the Sox have been bad, probably the worst team in baseball.  The month started with Boston in 1st place and 9 games up in the wild card and it ended this week with Boston on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

What happened?

The starters stopped pitching.  The starters ERA was over 7 for the month.  Only 3 starters pitched past the 7th inning the entire month.  Before the Sox knew it, they were down in every game.

The hitters quit working counts.  When a team starts pressing, they forget to do the little things when at bat.  The Red Sox success in hitting has always been to work deep into each at bat and make the pitcher earn it.  

Our fielding was terrible.  The Sox had 23 errors in 27 games.  When you give teams extra outs they make you pay.

I can honestly say I tried to hang with Boston the entire month.  I couldn't believe they would give up at the end of a good season.  Unfortunately, they did.  And then I gave up as well.

It wasn't worth the agony I was going through.

I realized that I was taking the losses more personally than the players were.

In the end, I was relieved that Boston didn't make the postseason.  I was done with this team.

Now it's only 4 months til 2012.....

  

Diary of a Utah Fan

A funny thing happened on the way to a close, defensive struggle in the Holy War last night - Utah came to play and byu gave up.  What was a 14 -10 contest at halftime turned into a 54 -10 rout of the team down south by the Utes.  That's right 54 -10 with Utah scoring 47 unanswered points against the vaunted cougar defense.  Unbelievable!

Utah put pressure on the cougs offense all night and byu folded, giving the ball up 7 times.  All week long the talk radio has been buzzing about the golden boy, Jake Heaps, and how he was the best quarterback in the state.  Last night he heard a chorus of boos from his own fans and he had to stand on the sidelines and watch the cougar faithful cheer for his backup.  This guy's confidence was shaken and it showed.

I'm still not sure what to think of the Utah offense.  We struggled to score several times in the first half, even as byu kept giving us the ball.  Jordan Wynn did start to figure things out in the second quarter though, as he used the tight end effectively to take the Utes on a defining scoring drive.  I know the stats look great in the end, but it was mostly due to the cougs quitting in the second half.  Still, I thought Wynn finally started throwing the ball well in the second half - that's a great sign!

The biggest difference in the game was the attitude Utah displayed.  Utah acted like a member of a big conference.  They just seemed to be part of the big boys of college football and byu seemed to be the undermanned little brother.  I know it's only one game, but this was huge.  Utah showed they belong with the Pac 12 and byu showed they made some rash decisions to try and keep up with the Utes.

Last night was a great night to be a Ute - it was a game this Utah man will never forget!

Diary of a Utah Fan

It seems a bit weird that we're getting ready for Rivalry Week with byu and the leaves haven't even changed yet.  There is something missing with the change from the traditional final game of the season to a non-conference game with little drama.  Don't get me wrong - I still want Utah to win, but I don't really even know the Utes this year.  Our first two games haven't given me enough information to know what kind of team the U has so far.

The first game against Montana State only told us that our offense was behind where they should be.

Last week's game with USC had some bright moments, particularly on defense. Still, we looked completely overmatched on offense until midway through the game.  We were competitive, but certainly didn't play well enough to win a Pac 12 game.

Let's see what the Rivalry Game brings with it this year, but it certainly can't top last year's final play...



GO UTES!!

Give us a Cheer

For the past year or so Kennedy has talked about being a cheerleader.  Considering Tara was always on the field and not cheering on the players I'm not quite sure how Kennedy decided that she would rather switch roles, but she's six - cheerleaders are big with the six year old crowd.  A couple of days ago Dede finally got a chance to cheer as Cottonwood High School was having a min-cheer camp for little kids.  All week long Kennedy has been living life as a cheerleader each afternoon.

Last night she was able to make her big debut as the mini-cheerleaders took to the field at half time of the Cottonwood - Brighton football game.  Dede did great!  She knew all of the routines and she is certainly aware of when the spotlight is on.  It was so fun to watch our little girl out there having the time of her life.  When we picked her up afterwards she affirmed that she was going to be a cheerleader when she is older.  At least Dede will be cheering for the right school - go Colts!

BTW - Last night marks the first time I had been at a Cottonwood High football game in more than 15 years.  It was a little weird being back there, but also a lot of fun.  It really is a beautiful view looking out at Mount Olympus.  We didn't stick around for the entire game, but it certainly won't be the last time we cheer on the Colts.

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

A few months ago I learned that the Red Sox would be in Philadelphia during the week of my conference. I can't believe this keeps happening to me, but I can't turn down the chance to see Boston when we're in the same city.  There was one problem - tickets.  Since the Phillies are the best team in the National League it is really tough to get a ticket to a game.  Toss in the fact that the Sox are one of the best teams in the American League and add to that the flight from Boston to Philly is dirt cheap - well, you can see this wasn't going to be easy.

I entered a drawing on the Phillies website for tickets to the game, but I think they didn't really have any for fans that weren't willing to purchase a three game pack.  Since I wasn't going to buy tix to Phillies games against the Astros and the D-Backs I figured my chance to attend the game were zero.  Then some friends of mine let me know they were going to buy tickets via StubHub and they asked if I wanted to go with them - what do you think?

Game day was finally upon us and my worst fear game to fruition - Cliff Lee was on the mound for the Phillies and half our team wouldn't be playing.  I like interleague games because it's helped me watch some Red Sox games I never could have seen before.  I don't like it when the games are in National League parks because you can't play the DH.  Who really wants to watch the pitcher strikeout?

In spite of the talent disadvantage it was fun to see Boston play again.  Josh Beckett was on the hill for the Sox and he pitched well, only gave up 5 hits.  The problem was 2 of those hits were home runs.  Cliff Lee was, well, Cliff Lee and the Red Sox could only get 2 hits the entire game.

Final Score:  Phillies 5 - Red Sox 0.

Still, it was fun to go to the game with friends.  It was great to be in a ball park again.  It was cool to break out my Red Sox jersey on the road and hear it from the fans.  Overall, a pretty good evening.

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

It finally happened. After two months of failed expectations, the Red Sox are in 1st place in the American League East. Who would have guessed that they could come back so quickly? Come on, this was the team that started 0-6, was 2-10, and didn't break .500 until mid May. Well, things have certainly changed. The Red Sox are the hottest team in baseball and they are now 29-22 and in 1st place!

I never officially jumped off the band wagon in April. My arms and legs weren't completely inside the band wagon at all times, but I never took the leap. This team was too good to be playing the way they did in April. It just seemed like they couldn't catch a break. They had four chances to reach .500 and lost each time. There were errors, bad pitching, and atrocious hitting. It was a team effort to the bottom of the cellar.

Then, along came May. Things just seemed different. Adrian Gonzalez starting hitting everything. Carl Crawford had some clutch hits. Lester, Beckett, and Buchholz are pitching like studs and shutting down opposing teams. Even better - Dice K and John Lackey both went to the DL. Pedroia, Youkilis, Ellsbury, and Big Papi are getting back to their old selves. Things are good in the Nation right now.

I've Been Jimmered

I can't believe I'm saying this, but - like the rest of the country - I've been Jimmered. I just love watching this guy shoot.

From anywhere on the court.

With guys up in his face.

No matter what the score.

Jimmer Fredette is an amazing college basketball player and it is fun watching him score. Jared Fawson and I were talking about this yesterday and we reached a consensus.

Growing up we both wished we could be Jimmer.

You know the Mormon kid who could really play ball. Someone who scored at will. Someone who was willing to take the big shot and capable of making it. I spent hours working on my shot, and that was just to play high school and church ball. This guy is doing it on the national stage. It's really amazing to watch.

Secretly, I hope the Jazz have a shot at him in the draft. We need someone who can shoot.

Does that make me less of a Ute? I don't think so. I am certainly no fan of the cougars, but I am a fan of Jimmer.

Diary of a Utah Fan

It's been a tough few months to be a fan of Utah Basketball. Let's face it, it's been a tough decade to be a fan of Ute Hoops. Ever since Majerus left, we haven't seem to get things right. The coaches have had enthusiasm, but lacked in strategy and recruiting. The fans have lost interest and Utah is now considered a football school, rather than a basketball powerhouse. A once proud program is in free fall and it was time for a change.

Jim Boylen was fired on Saturday, after completing a second straight losing season. Everything went wrong this year. The team had multiple losing streaks for 4 or more games. We got swept by several teams in the conference. Things got so bad this year that there were more empty seats than filled at the Huntsman. It was ugly.

With the Utes headed to the Pac 12 we need a new face for Utah basketball. I don't know who'll end up getting the job, but I feel it's important that he be an experienced head coach with a proven resume. No more promoting an assistant. No phenom from a junior college. We need someone who can right the ship now! We need someone who'll have a good mix of local and national recruits. We need someone to bring the fans back to the Huntsman. We need a real Utah man....