Tommy Bowden made the first of his weekly guest appearances on my show today.
Now just four days away from the season opener, Bowden still comes across as a man of extreme confidence. It's not the arrogance that he was accused of during his first couple of years here, not by any stretch.
No, this - as I've written before - is more of a quiet, business-like demeanor that shows no signs of stress.
And it could be that Florida State is one team with which he can afford to be confident. After an 0-4 start in Bowden Bowls, son has defeated father in three of the last four. Hard to believe, considering the early years, that the redshirt seniors on this 2007 team have a chance to say their class beat FSU four times.
Yet to do so the Tigers are going to have to overcome a new Seminole offense. Jimbo Fisher, late of LSU, is the new offensive coordinator. Rick Trickett, architect of West Virginia's dominant offensive lines, is also on board.
So Bowden and defensive coordinator Vic Koening are looking at a brand new offense that contains a little bit Seminole, a little bit WVU and a whole lot LSU.
What to expect, you ask?
If Fisher's past is any indication, plenty of running game and play-action pass. So Clemson's chore would seem to be simple - stop the run and make Drew Weatherford's arm beat them.
Of course, nothing is simple in the Bowden Bowl. The stress on the family has reached such a point that Tommy said his mother probably wasn't attending this game.
It's a far cry from the circus atmosphere surrounding the very first meeting back in 1999.
But for the loser Monday, a brand new big top might be in the works.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Don't Panic. We're Still Here
No, the blog hasn't gone away.
I've just taken a few days off while working on some things both at home and for the show. But all is well. We will crank it up hot and heavy again in the next day or two.
Oh, and go Reds.
I've just taken a few days off while working on some things both at home and for the show. But all is well. We will crank it up hot and heavy again in the next day or two.
Oh, and go Reds.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Successful Season Up For Debate
On my Monday show on WCCP I posed the question to Clemson football fans:
What, to you, would constitute a successful 2007 football season?
I brought up the question because of the buzz swarming around the new Seat Equity Plan coming to Death Valley in 2008, and the fair question many donors are asking:
If I have to give more, shouldn't I expect a better product on the field?
Most would agree that the answer is yes. But what is a better product? What would constitute a successful season in the minds of Clemson fans?
My proposal, simply for the sake of argument (and generating calls) was this - A 10-2 regular season with losses to Florida State and South Carolina, and a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Not that I expect the Tigers to finish 10-2, but the scenario captures a beautiful dilemma for Clemson fans:
Would they accept another loss to the Gamecocks, knowing they were going to play for the ACC title the next week anyway?
Surprisingly, the calls and emails - and there were bunches of both - ran about 50-50. Some fans are simply so unable to get past their hatred of South Carolina that they would rather give up the chance to do the one thing many of them have been screaming for Tommy Bowden to do - play for championships - than lose again to Steve Spurrier's crew.
It made for an intriguing three hours of talk radio, to be sure. But it also required me to take a closer look.
At 60-38, Bowden is averaging less than eight wins a season during his eight years at Clemson. So it's easy to understand the cries for better production this far into his tenure.
Let's say that the non-conference games with Furman, Louisiana-Monroe and Central Michigan are already in the win column. Clemson then has eight conference games remaining, plus the year-ender at South Carolina.
If Clemson goes 5-3 in the conference and beats USC, that's a 9-3 record. But three losses likely eliminate them from the ACC title game. So, then, what about 6-2 in the ACC and a loss to USC? Again, a 9-3 record but this time you have a shot at the title game depending on how things play out.
How about 8-4- beating the Gamecocks but going 4-4 in conference play? Or another 8-4 scenario, losing to USC but finishing 5-3 in the conference?
The possibilities are enough to make your head spin.
The bottom line here is that Bowden is up against a bit of his own history. He's had but one 6-2 conference record in his eight years here (2000). His team's have finished 4-4 on four occasions, 5-3 on three others.
Can he at least equal the 6-2 mark of 2000? Can he finally reach the ACC Championship Game? Is beating USC again (he's 6-2 vs. the Gamecocks) simply a must in 2007?
In reality, though fans will weigh in all season long, right now only one man's opinion really matters - athletic director Terry Don Phillips.
And what he's thinking, no one knows.
What, to you, would constitute a successful 2007 football season?
I brought up the question because of the buzz swarming around the new Seat Equity Plan coming to Death Valley in 2008, and the fair question many donors are asking:
If I have to give more, shouldn't I expect a better product on the field?
Most would agree that the answer is yes. But what is a better product? What would constitute a successful season in the minds of Clemson fans?
My proposal, simply for the sake of argument (and generating calls) was this - A 10-2 regular season with losses to Florida State and South Carolina, and a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Not that I expect the Tigers to finish 10-2, but the scenario captures a beautiful dilemma for Clemson fans:
Would they accept another loss to the Gamecocks, knowing they were going to play for the ACC title the next week anyway?
Surprisingly, the calls and emails - and there were bunches of both - ran about 50-50. Some fans are simply so unable to get past their hatred of South Carolina that they would rather give up the chance to do the one thing many of them have been screaming for Tommy Bowden to do - play for championships - than lose again to Steve Spurrier's crew.
It made for an intriguing three hours of talk radio, to be sure. But it also required me to take a closer look.
At 60-38, Bowden is averaging less than eight wins a season during his eight years at Clemson. So it's easy to understand the cries for better production this far into his tenure.
Let's say that the non-conference games with Furman, Louisiana-Monroe and Central Michigan are already in the win column. Clemson then has eight conference games remaining, plus the year-ender at South Carolina.
If Clemson goes 5-3 in the conference and beats USC, that's a 9-3 record. But three losses likely eliminate them from the ACC title game. So, then, what about 6-2 in the ACC and a loss to USC? Again, a 9-3 record but this time you have a shot at the title game depending on how things play out.
How about 8-4- beating the Gamecocks but going 4-4 in conference play? Or another 8-4 scenario, losing to USC but finishing 5-3 in the conference?
The possibilities are enough to make your head spin.
The bottom line here is that Bowden is up against a bit of his own history. He's had but one 6-2 conference record in his eight years here (2000). His team's have finished 4-4 on four occasions, 5-3 on three others.
Can he at least equal the 6-2 mark of 2000? Can he finally reach the ACC Championship Game? Is beating USC again (he's 6-2 vs. the Gamecocks) simply a must in 2007?
In reality, though fans will weigh in all season long, right now only one man's opinion really matters - athletic director Terry Don Phillips.
And what he's thinking, no one knows.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
It's a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I say that with approval, with respect. I love my Sunday afternoons.
Of course, in a couple of weeks Sunday becomes just like every other day. One which will require at least some level of work done to fulfill my Clemson coverage requirements. But again, I'm not complaining. It beats digging ditches. And having done that for a summer, I know of which I speak.
Anyway, just a quick take today to mention the great time we had at Easley on Friday night for the first high school football broadcast of the year. Tom, Tosh and I were greeted warmly again, as we always are. And we ended up with another good, exciting game (in case you didn't know, announcers hate blowouts almost as bad as the losing coach).
Check out our website - www.wccpfm.com - each week for a few paragraphs of my thoughts on each game, plus audio highlights. It's another new addition to what we feel is the best high school football coverage in the state.
It gets further enhanced this week when Stan Olenik joins us for the second straight season with his 30-minute Upstate preview show and postgame scoreboard show. He'll be along for the ride the rest of the year.
It promises to be fun, for sure. Now, back to my regularly scheduled nap.
See you Monday morning, 9 a.m.-Noon, for Cruise Control, and then Monday night (7-9 p.m.) at Croc's off Pelham Road in Greenville for some preseason Monday Night Football.
I say that with approval, with respect. I love my Sunday afternoons.
Of course, in a couple of weeks Sunday becomes just like every other day. One which will require at least some level of work done to fulfill my Clemson coverage requirements. But again, I'm not complaining. It beats digging ditches. And having done that for a summer, I know of which I speak.
Anyway, just a quick take today to mention the great time we had at Easley on Friday night for the first high school football broadcast of the year. Tom, Tosh and I were greeted warmly again, as we always are. And we ended up with another good, exciting game (in case you didn't know, announcers hate blowouts almost as bad as the losing coach).
Check out our website - www.wccpfm.com - each week for a few paragraphs of my thoughts on each game, plus audio highlights. It's another new addition to what we feel is the best high school football coverage in the state.
It gets further enhanced this week when Stan Olenik joins us for the second straight season with his 30-minute Upstate preview show and postgame scoreboard show. He'll be along for the ride the rest of the year.
It promises to be fun, for sure. Now, back to my regularly scheduled nap.
See you Monday morning, 9 a.m.-Noon, for Cruise Control, and then Monday night (7-9 p.m.) at Croc's off Pelham Road in Greenville for some preseason Monday Night Football.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Great Job Green Wave Fans
Wanted to take just a moment to thank the folks at Easley High School.
With the high school football season set to open Friday night, Easley had a community pep rally downtown on Thursday evening. The Green Wave will take on rival Pickens in the opener at Brice Field, and we at WCCP will make it the first stop again this year for our Friday Night Lights High School Game of the Week.
I was happy to accept when asked to emcee the pep rally. Between the cheerleaders, band, football players and 300 or so fans gathered on an early evening in which the temperature again hovered near triple digits, even I couldn't mess up things.
In fact, the crowd was kind enough to laugh at my feeble attempt at the occasional joke. My youngest daughter, Rebekah, was shocked that her old man was received so well.
But it's that way everywhere we go for our game broadcasts.
Upstate fans have embraced us, and we thank you for doing so. To me, even all these years later, there's still something special about those football Friday nights.
So whether it's Easley this week or anywhere else on our schedule, we look forward to seeing you all.
Let the games begin.
With the high school football season set to open Friday night, Easley had a community pep rally downtown on Thursday evening. The Green Wave will take on rival Pickens in the opener at Brice Field, and we at WCCP will make it the first stop again this year for our Friday Night Lights High School Game of the Week.
I was happy to accept when asked to emcee the pep rally. Between the cheerleaders, band, football players and 300 or so fans gathered on an early evening in which the temperature again hovered near triple digits, even I couldn't mess up things.
In fact, the crowd was kind enough to laugh at my feeble attempt at the occasional joke. My youngest daughter, Rebekah, was shocked that her old man was received so well.
But it's that way everywhere we go for our game broadcasts.
Upstate fans have embraced us, and we thank you for doing so. To me, even all these years later, there's still something special about those football Friday nights.
So whether it's Easley this week or anywhere else on our schedule, we look forward to seeing you all.
Let the games begin.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Bowden Searching For Leadership
CLEMSON - Temperatures hovering near triple digits continue to be yet another obstacle for Clemson's football players.
The sun beats down with nauseating consistency. It doesn't care who's hurt, or who's tired. It seemingly has but one function these days - to make the hot even hotter.
This week, more than any other in camp, will be the biggest grind of them all.
Wednesday was the second of three scheduled two-a-day sessions for the week. None of them so far have been given a break from the intense heat.
Add to the formula the usual fall camp ingredients - players tiring of seeing only each other day after day, nothing (even school) to serve as even a minor distraction or mental break from the monotonous routine of meetings, practice, more meetings and sleep - and coaches undoubtedly watch their troops begin to simmer and/or wilt.
It's at this juncture that Tommy Bowden and others like him across the country begin looking for true leadership.
Not the guy who does the most talking, but little else. No, the search this time of year is for the guy who is able to keep his motor running consistently despite the heat; the guy who catches a teammate giving less than his best effort and challenges him to do better.
The guy who, though totally exhausted and perhaps beaten on the previous play, drags himself back into position and wins the battle on the next snap.
Those are the guys coaches look for on the football field.
And at Clemson, it's just about time for such leaders to emerge.
"With so many underclassmen I don't think we're near where we need to be," Bowden said following Wednesday's second workout. "But I think there's a lot of potential, and I think a lot of that will materialize over the course of this week...We're not where we need to be or want to be, but I think there are a few other guys who will emerge before the first game."
The most likely candidates are players chosen by their own teammates.
In the current Clemson media guide, the players were polled as to which teammate they respected most. The top two vote-getters were defensive end Phillip Merling and quarterback Cullen Harper. Running back James Davis was third.
Ironically, most of Merling's votes came from offensive players against whom he has worked in practice. Likewise with Harper, who got most of his votes from Tiger defenders.
But there's room for more on the leadership bandwagon, and Bowden's hope is that a number of different players hop on for the ride. And sooner, rather than later.
Of course Merling, Harper, Davis or anyone else who may show up can be a fine leader in the preseason.
The final test, though, comes once the season gets underway.
"That's the dissertation for the doctorate," Bowden said. "I think that's the only time, really, you can find out. You're in the fourth quarter, down 14 or 21. Second half and you've got to come back...You can't duplicate those things in practice.
"Only when the games begin do you get the true sense of your team."
The sun beats down with nauseating consistency. It doesn't care who's hurt, or who's tired. It seemingly has but one function these days - to make the hot even hotter.
This week, more than any other in camp, will be the biggest grind of them all.
Wednesday was the second of three scheduled two-a-day sessions for the week. None of them so far have been given a break from the intense heat.
Add to the formula the usual fall camp ingredients - players tiring of seeing only each other day after day, nothing (even school) to serve as even a minor distraction or mental break from the monotonous routine of meetings, practice, more meetings and sleep - and coaches undoubtedly watch their troops begin to simmer and/or wilt.
It's at this juncture that Tommy Bowden and others like him across the country begin looking for true leadership.
Not the guy who does the most talking, but little else. No, the search this time of year is for the guy who is able to keep his motor running consistently despite the heat; the guy who catches a teammate giving less than his best effort and challenges him to do better.
The guy who, though totally exhausted and perhaps beaten on the previous play, drags himself back into position and wins the battle on the next snap.
Those are the guys coaches look for on the football field.
And at Clemson, it's just about time for such leaders to emerge.
"With so many underclassmen I don't think we're near where we need to be," Bowden said following Wednesday's second workout. "But I think there's a lot of potential, and I think a lot of that will materialize over the course of this week...We're not where we need to be or want to be, but I think there are a few other guys who will emerge before the first game."
The most likely candidates are players chosen by their own teammates.
In the current Clemson media guide, the players were polled as to which teammate they respected most. The top two vote-getters were defensive end Phillip Merling and quarterback Cullen Harper. Running back James Davis was third.
Ironically, most of Merling's votes came from offensive players against whom he has worked in practice. Likewise with Harper, who got most of his votes from Tiger defenders.
But there's room for more on the leadership bandwagon, and Bowden's hope is that a number of different players hop on for the ride. And sooner, rather than later.
Of course Merling, Harper, Davis or anyone else who may show up can be a fine leader in the preseason.
The final test, though, comes once the season gets underway.
"That's the dissertation for the doctorate," Bowden said. "I think that's the only time, really, you can find out. You're in the fourth quarter, down 14 or 21. Second half and you've got to come back...You can't duplicate those things in practice.
"Only when the games begin do you get the true sense of your team."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Seating Issue Coming Up
The new seating plan for Clemson football is being unveiled next week by the University.
Already the source of much speculation and angst, the reseating of Death Valley is a step the athletic department believes will not only get it in line with most other major football programs around the country, but also mean increased revenues.
Some long-time season-ticket holders are going to have a difficult decision to make, to be sure - significantly increase what they give to IPTAY in order to keep their choice seats, or give them up because someone else is willing to pay more for them. Either way, there are going to be many folks more than a little bent out of shape over the new policy.
But, in this current era of big-time collegiate sports, such is life. Clemson either has to try and keep up with the Joneses (or in this case, the Auburns, the Alabamas, the Florida States, the Tennessees, etc.) or be left behind both on the field and in the facilities arms race.
Of course, the other alternative is to drop scholarship sports all together and find an Ivy League-type conference to play in. But I daresay many of the same folks who will scream about reseating will turn around in the next breath and scream about the very idea of downgrading the Clemson athletic program.
Such is the conundrum facing the school, its fund-raising arm, and its fan base.
Hoping to shed a little light on the subject, senior associate AD Billy D'Andrea will be a guest on my show - Cruise Control - at 9:25 a.m. Thursday. You can catch the interview live on 104.9 FM, The Drive, or you can get it live on the Internet at www.wccpfm.com.
Already the source of much speculation and angst, the reseating of Death Valley is a step the athletic department believes will not only get it in line with most other major football programs around the country, but also mean increased revenues.
Some long-time season-ticket holders are going to have a difficult decision to make, to be sure - significantly increase what they give to IPTAY in order to keep their choice seats, or give them up because someone else is willing to pay more for them. Either way, there are going to be many folks more than a little bent out of shape over the new policy.
But, in this current era of big-time collegiate sports, such is life. Clemson either has to try and keep up with the Joneses (or in this case, the Auburns, the Alabamas, the Florida States, the Tennessees, etc.) or be left behind both on the field and in the facilities arms race.
Of course, the other alternative is to drop scholarship sports all together and find an Ivy League-type conference to play in. But I daresay many of the same folks who will scream about reseating will turn around in the next breath and scream about the very idea of downgrading the Clemson athletic program.
Such is the conundrum facing the school, its fund-raising arm, and its fan base.
Hoping to shed a little light on the subject, senior associate AD Billy D'Andrea will be a guest on my show - Cruise Control - at 9:25 a.m. Thursday. You can catch the interview live on 104.9 FM, The Drive, or you can get it live on the Internet at www.wccpfm.com.
Monday, August 13, 2007
New Monday Night Gig
Just a reminder:
Tonight I begin doing weekly appearances at Croc's in Greenville (Pelham Road, Exit 54 off I-85) for Monday Night Football.
Yeah, I know it's preseason, but what the heck? They say go, I go. Should be a fun time had by all. We'll have plenty of Drive gear to give away, plus Croc's no doubt will have several food and drink specials.
So if you can, join us tonight and every Monday night during football season at Croc's in Greenville. Hope to see you there.
Tonight I begin doing weekly appearances at Croc's in Greenville (Pelham Road, Exit 54 off I-85) for Monday Night Football.
Yeah, I know it's preseason, but what the heck? They say go, I go. Should be a fun time had by all. We'll have plenty of Drive gear to give away, plus Croc's no doubt will have several food and drink specials.
So if you can, join us tonight and every Monday night during football season at Croc's in Greenville. Hope to see you there.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Fan Day Fun
Got a kick out of Tommy Bowden today at Clemson's annual Fan Appreciation Day.
I asked the coach how he enjoyed having a day such as Sunday, a day filled with interviews, photo ops and autograph seekers, as opposed to spending the time on the practice field. His answer was predictable enough.
With eight straight days of practice behind them, Sunday was something different. Besides a chance to connect with the fans, he said, it breaks up the monotony which will haunt this team from now until game week finally arrives.
Seeing new faces, other than the ones lined up across from you practice after practice, is never a bad thing.
My follow-up question was about Bowden himself, and what kind of questions he gets on a day like Sunday as opposed to those he might receive on the spring IPTAY speaking tour.
As it turns out, they're night and day.
While the IPTAY functions might get a little sticky at times for a coach whose team lost four of its final five games - including a defeat by the dreaded Gamecocks. But on a day like Sunday, where fans line up for a chance to have Bowden - sitting at a table - autograph some sort of Clemson doodad.
Or something else.
"You want me to sign where? Okay, turn around," Bowden joked.
"No, seriously, there's not time for many questions because the line is so long I have to keep signing and keep them moving. If I hear anything at all, it's usually "Win that first one (Florida State) and beat South Carolina this year."
His response?
"Okay," he said to much laughter.
After all, what's a coach to say to requests such as those?
Another lighthearted moment from a coach many believe to be under the gun. So far, he has handled himself remarkably well.
Of course, Daddy's boys haven't shown up yet, either. So we will see.
I asked the coach how he enjoyed having a day such as Sunday, a day filled with interviews, photo ops and autograph seekers, as opposed to spending the time on the practice field. His answer was predictable enough.
With eight straight days of practice behind them, Sunday was something different. Besides a chance to connect with the fans, he said, it breaks up the monotony which will haunt this team from now until game week finally arrives.
Seeing new faces, other than the ones lined up across from you practice after practice, is never a bad thing.
My follow-up question was about Bowden himself, and what kind of questions he gets on a day like Sunday as opposed to those he might receive on the spring IPTAY speaking tour.
As it turns out, they're night and day.
While the IPTAY functions might get a little sticky at times for a coach whose team lost four of its final five games - including a defeat by the dreaded Gamecocks. But on a day like Sunday, where fans line up for a chance to have Bowden - sitting at a table - autograph some sort of Clemson doodad.
Or something else.
"You want me to sign where? Okay, turn around," Bowden joked.
"No, seriously, there's not time for many questions because the line is so long I have to keep signing and keep them moving. If I hear anything at all, it's usually "Win that first one (Florida State) and beat South Carolina this year."
His response?
"Okay," he said to much laughter.
After all, what's a coach to say to requests such as those?
Another lighthearted moment from a coach many believe to be under the gun. So far, he has handled himself remarkably well.
Of course, Daddy's boys haven't shown up yet, either. So we will see.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Prep Football
With almost 22 years in the media business (wow, has it really been that long?), there have been many jobs in many towns. But there has always been one constant:
High school football.
The Drive kicks off another year of prep football coverage in exactly one week (Aug. 17), when we open our third season of the Friday Night Lights High School Game of the Week with a great, old-time Upstate rivalry - Pickens at Easley.
I've done high school football on the radio in West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and here in South Carolina. You can add newspaper coverage to all of those areas as well, plus North Carolina and Ohio to boot.
But it's the broadcasts I love. When my broadcast partner Tom Van Hoy and I show up at a high school stadium here in the Upstate, invariably we are met by throngs of fans who thank us for being there.
Well, it's we who need to thank you, because your enthusiasm - coupled with the great talent we see week after week - makes our job a pleasure.
And that excitement you hear in my voice during the broadcasts? Believe me, it's legitimate. It seems we have been blessed to see great game after great game in the past two years.
Here's hoping for more of the same this season.
Following is the schedule for this season. You can catch in on the air at 104.9 FM, WCCP, or on the Internet at www.wccpfm.com.
See you at the stadiums!
High school football.
The Drive kicks off another year of prep football coverage in exactly one week (Aug. 17), when we open our third season of the Friday Night Lights High School Game of the Week with a great, old-time Upstate rivalry - Pickens at Easley.
I've done high school football on the radio in West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and here in South Carolina. You can add newspaper coverage to all of those areas as well, plus North Carolina and Ohio to boot.
But it's the broadcasts I love. When my broadcast partner Tom Van Hoy and I show up at a high school stadium here in the Upstate, invariably we are met by throngs of fans who thank us for being there.
Well, it's we who need to thank you, because your enthusiasm - coupled with the great talent we see week after week - makes our job a pleasure.
And that excitement you hear in my voice during the broadcasts? Believe me, it's legitimate. It seems we have been blessed to see great game after great game in the past two years.
Here's hoping for more of the same this season.
Following is the schedule for this season. You can catch in on the air at 104.9 FM, WCCP, or on the Internet at www.wccpfm.com.
See you at the stadiums!
The Drive's 2007 High School Football Schedule
AUG. 17 PICKENS AT EASLEY
AUG. 24 J.L. MANN AT GREENVILLE
AUG. 31 HANNA AT DANIEL
SEPT. 7 DANIEL AT WESTSIDE
SEPT. 14 PICKENS AT GREENVILLE
SEPT. 21 WEST OAK AT PENDLETON
SEPT. 28 GREENVILLE AT SENECA
OCT. 5 BEREA AT GREENVILLE
OCT. 12 WREN AT WESTSIDE
OCT. 19 SENECA AT PICKENS
OCT. 26 TBA
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Cumbie Done?
Clemson defensive end Jamie Cumbie, who injured his shoulder in practice on Tuesday, is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on Thursday.
While head coach Tommy Bowden was praising Cumbie's toughness Wednesday - Cumbie apparently injured the shoulder early in Tuesday's workout, but never asked to come out and finished the practice - it's what he DIDN'T say that has insiders worried.
The fear is that Cumbie has a torn labrum. If that's the case, he's done for the year. That would be a shame, because many feel Cumbie is primed for a good season.
The verdict will come after Thursday's procedure. Hold your breath, Clemson fans.
While head coach Tommy Bowden was praising Cumbie's toughness Wednesday - Cumbie apparently injured the shoulder early in Tuesday's workout, but never asked to come out and finished the practice - it's what he DIDN'T say that has insiders worried.
The fear is that Cumbie has a torn labrum. If that's the case, he's done for the year. That would be a shame, because many feel Cumbie is primed for a good season.
The verdict will come after Thursday's procedure. Hold your breath, Clemson fans.
Irony, Sweet Irony
So I wake up this morning still feeling great about the Tuesday night event with the Upstate Challenger kids, and what happens?
A punch in the gut that snapped me back into reality.
Actually, it was the swing of a bat that did it. Barry Bonds' bat. The one that stroked home run No. 756 into the right field stands in San Francisco late that same evening.
In a matter of hours, two separate events bring to light the irony that is today's sports landscape.
Here, on the one hand, we have the Challenger kids - the mentally and physically handicapped children whose cause I helped take up several years back. To watch them play baseball for our WCCP listeners Tuesday night was, as it always is, a complete joy.
For sheer innocence and love of the game, what could top this group of young men and women interacting with their "buddies" - other children and teenagers, even some college students - on hand to help protect/guide the ones who need it most.
Anyone who has seen them play gets an immediate understanding of why I believe so much in their cause, and why I was proud and honored to accept an invitation to be on the first Board of Directors for Upstate Challenger Sports.
Then to be brought back to the real world and the controversy that is - and likely always will - swirling around Bonds was, for a moment anyway, sobering.
The good news, however, is that though we talk about Bonds when the need arises and - in my position - perhaps cover him up close and personal once in a while, he operates in a world both out of reach and out of reality for most of us.
The Challenger kids?
They're real. They're loving. And they need us.
Bonds, as he has shown so many times before, clearly does not.
A punch in the gut that snapped me back into reality.
Actually, it was the swing of a bat that did it. Barry Bonds' bat. The one that stroked home run No. 756 into the right field stands in San Francisco late that same evening.
In a matter of hours, two separate events bring to light the irony that is today's sports landscape.
Here, on the one hand, we have the Challenger kids - the mentally and physically handicapped children whose cause I helped take up several years back. To watch them play baseball for our WCCP listeners Tuesday night was, as it always is, a complete joy.
For sheer innocence and love of the game, what could top this group of young men and women interacting with their "buddies" - other children and teenagers, even some college students - on hand to help protect/guide the ones who need it most.
Anyone who has seen them play gets an immediate understanding of why I believe so much in their cause, and why I was proud and honored to accept an invitation to be on the first Board of Directors for Upstate Challenger Sports.
Then to be brought back to the real world and the controversy that is - and likely always will - swirling around Bonds was, for a moment anyway, sobering.
The good news, however, is that though we talk about Bonds when the need arises and - in my position - perhaps cover him up close and personal once in a while, he operates in a world both out of reach and out of reality for most of us.
The Challenger kids?
They're real. They're loving. And they need us.
Bonds, as he has shown so many times before, clearly does not.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
What a night!
It's 9:45 p.m., and I just returned home from the Dan Scott and Friends Appreciation Night with the Upstate Challenger kids.
You've heard the term sweltering heat before, but this evening was the epitome of the phrase. Our 6:30 p.m. start took place with the temperature still hovering around 98 degrees. It was still 90 on the drive home just over two hours later.
Imagine how the Clemson Tiger, who showed up to encourage the kids in full fur and jersey, felt?
But for the Challenger Kids - the mentally and physically handicapped children who make up the league - the night was perfect. With roughly 200 folks in attendance, the kids "breezed" through an exhibition of their baseball skills before everyone hiked up the hill to the hot dog cookout.
There were so many highlights this evening, too many to really list here. The smiles said it all, really. And that's what they play for - fun and the absolute love of the game.
You'll be hearing more about the evening on my radio show, and soon there will be pictures on the WCCP website (www.wccpfm.com).
But a big "thank you" to everyone who showed up, and all of you who donate you time and money every year to these beautiful kids.
I can promise you, they - and I - appreciate it.
You've heard the term sweltering heat before, but this evening was the epitome of the phrase. Our 6:30 p.m. start took place with the temperature still hovering around 98 degrees. It was still 90 on the drive home just over two hours later.
Imagine how the Clemson Tiger, who showed up to encourage the kids in full fur and jersey, felt?
But for the Challenger Kids - the mentally and physically handicapped children who make up the league - the night was perfect. With roughly 200 folks in attendance, the kids "breezed" through an exhibition of their baseball skills before everyone hiked up the hill to the hot dog cookout.
There were so many highlights this evening, too many to really list here. The smiles said it all, really. And that's what they play for - fun and the absolute love of the game.
You'll be hearing more about the evening on my radio show, and soon there will be pictures on the WCCP website (www.wccpfm.com).
But a big "thank you" to everyone who showed up, and all of you who donate you time and money every year to these beautiful kids.
I can promise you, they - and I - appreciate it.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Spurred On
It was interesting, to say the least, to pick up the paper Monday morning and see the hullaballoo over Steve Spurrier's comments over the weekend.
Spurrier, in effect, drew a line in the sand with the South Carolina administration over admissions. Or, more to the point, a lack of admission of two football recruits.
His anger came because the school denied entry to the two players, despite the fact that both had met the minimum NCAA qualifying standards. Spurrier said the decision made him a liar to those players, and something had to change. He can't coach at a place like that, he said.
The intrigue will come when we see what USC's administration says about Spurrier's blast.
If they say anything at all.
Because make no mistake about it - South Carolina needs Spurrier much more than he needs the school.
Spurrier's efforts to change the losing culture that has dogged the Gamecock football program for most of its life appear to be taking hold. Slowly, perhaps, but there are signs that the ship is headed in the right direction (a minor miracle in its own right, even before you take into consideration the thuggish end to the Lou Holtz era).
Though it was said about Holtz before him, it may be that if Spurrier can't win consistently at USC, truly no one can.
So don't be surprised if you hear little in the way of admonishment by the USC administration toward Spurrier. They know he holds all the cards.
With more of Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder's money in his bank account than he can ever spend, Spurrier has what every coach would love to possess:
The financial leeway to tell any school, USC included, to take a hike.
And if the Gamecock hierarchy antagonizes Spurrier to the point that he picks up his golf clubs and heads to the links full time, competing in the ultra-violent SEC East will be little more than a pipe dream.
Too much power for a head coach to have? Perhaps.
But then again, when was the last time anybody accused college football of having a healthy balance, anyway?
Spurrier, in effect, drew a line in the sand with the South Carolina administration over admissions. Or, more to the point, a lack of admission of two football recruits.
His anger came because the school denied entry to the two players, despite the fact that both had met the minimum NCAA qualifying standards. Spurrier said the decision made him a liar to those players, and something had to change. He can't coach at a place like that, he said.
The intrigue will come when we see what USC's administration says about Spurrier's blast.
If they say anything at all.
Because make no mistake about it - South Carolina needs Spurrier much more than he needs the school.
Spurrier's efforts to change the losing culture that has dogged the Gamecock football program for most of its life appear to be taking hold. Slowly, perhaps, but there are signs that the ship is headed in the right direction (a minor miracle in its own right, even before you take into consideration the thuggish end to the Lou Holtz era).
Though it was said about Holtz before him, it may be that if Spurrier can't win consistently at USC, truly no one can.
So don't be surprised if you hear little in the way of admonishment by the USC administration toward Spurrier. They know he holds all the cards.
With more of Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder's money in his bank account than he can ever spend, Spurrier has what every coach would love to possess:
The financial leeway to tell any school, USC included, to take a hike.
And if the Gamecock hierarchy antagonizes Spurrier to the point that he picks up his golf clubs and heads to the links full time, competing in the ultra-violent SEC East will be little more than a pipe dream.
Too much power for a head coach to have? Perhaps.
But then again, when was the last time anybody accused college football of having a healthy balance, anyway?
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Day Before The Day
Sitting in his office, wrapping up Friday's meeting with the local media, Tommy Bowden smiled as the questions came to an end.
"Now ya'll have something to write about other than me. Go write about them for a while," he said, referring to his players.
Then, as he moved back around behind his desk he looked up with that characteristic grin of his and said, "Then ya'll can go back to writing about me."
Writing about Tommy Bowden has been a full-time job in recent weeks. Since his media golf outing in mid-July, the "hot-seat" stories have come in waves. With the late-season collapse still the last thing most fans remember about 2006, Bowden's job security has popped up again just as sure as SID Tim Bourret goes home to Connecticut every summer for vacation.
But it's not just here.
National sports writers have harped on the theme. Some have taken it to extremes.
Even out in Austin, Texas, where I did a radio interview on Thursday evening, the host wanted to know about Bowden's job security.
It appears to be bothering everyone. Except Bowden.
Oh sure, you know it has an effect on him and his family. But to watch his mannerisms, to listen to him talk, you'd think Bowden was coming off a BCS victory and a large contract extension.
Not in a sense of being cocky or arrogant. More along the lines of being loose, jovial and talkative.
There's no ducking the media. There's no dodging questions. There's no constant frown that would signal a coach with his job security on his mind.
Of course, the games haven't started yet, either. And we all know that his demeanor can change in a New York minute.
But for now, Bowden's outward appearance is relaxed heading into his ninth fall practice at Clemson.
Deep inside, you'd think he's privately hoping there's a 10th.
"Now ya'll have something to write about other than me. Go write about them for a while," he said, referring to his players.
Then, as he moved back around behind his desk he looked up with that characteristic grin of his and said, "Then ya'll can go back to writing about me."
Writing about Tommy Bowden has been a full-time job in recent weeks. Since his media golf outing in mid-July, the "hot-seat" stories have come in waves. With the late-season collapse still the last thing most fans remember about 2006, Bowden's job security has popped up again just as sure as SID Tim Bourret goes home to Connecticut every summer for vacation.
But it's not just here.
National sports writers have harped on the theme. Some have taken it to extremes.
Even out in Austin, Texas, where I did a radio interview on Thursday evening, the host wanted to know about Bowden's job security.
It appears to be bothering everyone. Except Bowden.
Oh sure, you know it has an effect on him and his family. But to watch his mannerisms, to listen to him talk, you'd think Bowden was coming off a BCS victory and a large contract extension.
Not in a sense of being cocky or arrogant. More along the lines of being loose, jovial and talkative.
There's no ducking the media. There's no dodging questions. There's no constant frown that would signal a coach with his job security on his mind.
Of course, the games haven't started yet, either. And we all know that his demeanor can change in a New York minute.
But for now, Bowden's outward appearance is relaxed heading into his ninth fall practice at Clemson.
Deep inside, you'd think he's privately hoping there's a 10th.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Come See Our Challenger Kids
Please don't forget this Tuesday, Aug. 7.
That night will be the second "Dan Scott and Friends Appreciation Night" for the kids of Upstate Challenger Sports. The event will be held at Piedmont Presbyterian Church's baseball field.
All the important info follows below, but please remember that this night is to say thank you to all the folks who have donated to this cause since I began an association with it; it's also to encourage anyone who hasn't donated to come see what all the fuss is about.
It will be almost impossible to leave with a dry eye.
Anyway, here's the info:
DIRECTIONS:
From Anderson:
• Take Highway 85 North
• Take Exit 35
• Turn Right onto Highway 86
• Turn Right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
From Easley:
• Take Hwy 8/Pelzer Hwy
• Stay straight onto Hwy. 86
• Turn Right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
From Greenville:
• Take Highway 85 South
• Take Exit 35
• Turn Left onto Highway 86
• Turn right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
That night will be the second "Dan Scott and Friends Appreciation Night" for the kids of Upstate Challenger Sports. The event will be held at Piedmont Presbyterian Church's baseball field.
All the important info follows below, but please remember that this night is to say thank you to all the folks who have donated to this cause since I began an association with it; it's also to encourage anyone who hasn't donated to come see what all the fuss is about.
It will be almost impossible to leave with a dry eye.
Anyway, here's the info:
Upstate Challenger Sports invites you to the
2nd Annual Dan Scott & Friends Appreciation Night
It’s our way to say thank you to “The Drive” listeners
and he community for their support.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Piedmont Presbyterian Church Baseball Field
Game starts at 6:30
Followed by FREE hot dog supper in the park.
Please bring chairs or blankets.
DIRECTIONS:
From Anderson:
• Take Highway 85 North
• Take Exit 35
• Turn Right onto Highway 86
• Turn Right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
From Easley:
• Take Hwy 8/Pelzer Hwy
• Stay straight onto Hwy. 86
• Turn Right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
From Greenville:
• Take Highway 85 South
• Take Exit 35
• Turn Left onto Highway 86
• Turn right onto S. Circle Dr.
• Turn Left onto Beattie Park Road
• Road dead ends into ball field
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Why Vin Scully Rules
Vin Scully has been broadcasting Dodgers games since the team was in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn.
The place they left after the 1957 season.
In over 50 years of broadcasting baseball, Scully has seen his share of big moments. His call of the 9th inning of Sandy Koufax's perfect game against the Cubs in 1965 has been deemed so perfect that university English departments have studied it.
And though Milo Hamilton's call of Henry Aaron's 715th home run is the one most widely known, Scully, too, called the record-breaker that night in Atlanta.
When Aaron connected off of Al Downing, Scully's call was as follows:
"There's a high drive into deep left-center field. Buckner goes back, to the fence, it is gone! (Scully then paused about 25 seconds as the crowd cheered.) What a marvelous moment for baseball. What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia. What a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And it's a great moment for all of us and particularly for Henry Aaron, who is met at home plate not only by every member of the Braves but by his father and mother."
In one paragraph Scully captured the history of the moment, the fact that Aaron had been the victim of death threats and racial epithets during his chase of Babe Ruth; and in a region of the country where it is believed many of those threats originated, the fans in Atlanta showed an outpouring of love that was, to that point, never bestowed on a professional athlete in that city - regardless of race.
That brings us to Barry Bonds, still just one home run from tying Aaron as of this writing.
And ironically, the Giants are in Los Angeles to visit Scully's Dodgers. With games remaining both tonight and Thursday in the series, it's possible Scully could be called on again.
So how will this legend, who has been very careful not to offer any opinion on Bonds personally and who has said he'd rather not be put in a position to make another such call, handle the situation?
Most likely with silence. Scully said he'd likely "shut up" and let the fans tell the story.
Classic Scully. Ultimately, the game is the most important thing.
“I don’t think really I’m going to have any feelings, outside of the fact that it’s a home run that might decide the game,” Scully told the New York Post. “I’m not going to judge him in any way, shape or form. I really do believe the old adage that a man is innocent until proven guilty.”
Brooklyn.
The place they left after the 1957 season.
In over 50 years of broadcasting baseball, Scully has seen his share of big moments. His call of the 9th inning of Sandy Koufax's perfect game against the Cubs in 1965 has been deemed so perfect that university English departments have studied it.
And though Milo Hamilton's call of Henry Aaron's 715th home run is the one most widely known, Scully, too, called the record-breaker that night in Atlanta.
When Aaron connected off of Al Downing, Scully's call was as follows:
"There's a high drive into deep left-center field. Buckner goes back, to the fence, it is gone! (Scully then paused about 25 seconds as the crowd cheered.) What a marvelous moment for baseball. What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia. What a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And it's a great moment for all of us and particularly for Henry Aaron, who is met at home plate not only by every member of the Braves but by his father and mother."
In one paragraph Scully captured the history of the moment, the fact that Aaron had been the victim of death threats and racial epithets during his chase of Babe Ruth; and in a region of the country where it is believed many of those threats originated, the fans in Atlanta showed an outpouring of love that was, to that point, never bestowed on a professional athlete in that city - regardless of race.
That brings us to Barry Bonds, still just one home run from tying Aaron as of this writing.
And ironically, the Giants are in Los Angeles to visit Scully's Dodgers. With games remaining both tonight and Thursday in the series, it's possible Scully could be called on again.
So how will this legend, who has been very careful not to offer any opinion on Bonds personally and who has said he'd rather not be put in a position to make another such call, handle the situation?
Most likely with silence. Scully said he'd likely "shut up" and let the fans tell the story.
Classic Scully. Ultimately, the game is the most important thing.
“I don’t think really I’m going to have any feelings, outside of the fact that it’s a home run that might decide the game,” Scully told the New York Post. “I’m not going to judge him in any way, shape or form. I really do believe the old adage that a man is innocent until proven guilty.”
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