Tiger Woods' Press Conference/Apology: Did it finally shed some light on this dark subject?

As we all know today was being referred to as “The State of Tiger Address”.  However, with that said I believe that all of the media coverage of this almost public apology rather than a press conference was something three months too late.  The only other athlete who we can compare with is Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.  Bryant was accused of rape of a girl while in Colorado about six years ago.  The only difference between the two public apologies is that Kobe Bryant was out the very next day with his wife and daughter holding a press conference apologizing to his friends, fans, and most important his wife.  Tiger Woods went into almost three months of hiding.

I can honestly say that I was skeptical of Tiger Woods and how he was handling this entire situation regarding his first public appearance in almost three months.  Tiger set up basically a safe haven in a sense because he said he wasn’t going to answer any questions and chose who was going to be in the room while he spoke.  Basically I saw the same old Tiger and thought that he was almost dictating or manipulating the media like he always has.  However, I noticed someone who realized what he did and the negative effects this is having on him and peoples thoughts about him from the first time he spoke.

Tiger Woods started out his public apology with,

“Many of you in this room are my friends," he said during the emotional speech. "Many in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me, or you worked with me, or you supported me. Now, every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you simply and directly: I am deeply sorry for my irresponsibility and selfish behavior I engaged in.”

This is what made me realize that he has learned from his actions and is working on fixing them.  He left a lot of room for interpretation though because he was very vague in everything he said.  One more thing I noticed is that Tiger Woods is slowly coming back, not in his sport but as a person again with the anger he showed through his voice in certain parts of his apology and the most coming with this statement and one later on.

“I know people want to find out how I can be so selfish and so foolish," he said. "People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and my children…My real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come in my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will be between the two of us."

This was a huge step for Tiger but we were able to really see how he felt about how his wife and kids were being treated and something that he felt needed to be discussed and time the truth came out.

"There's one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin has never hit me that night or any night. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame. The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful, I had affairs, I cheated.”

"What I did was not acceptable and I am the only person to blame. I stopped living by the core values I was taught to believe in. I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I thought only about myself…I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I felt I was entitled.  Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them."

Tiger Woods through it all had a pretty even keel manner but showed his old character, the one who let his anger get the best of him on the golf course.  Probably the most important part of his entire apology was five words that took up two sentences.  Tiger has shown us all that he acknowledges what he did was wrong and is truly sorry.

The most confusing or unexpected things from this all, not the conference itself, but when he brought up his faith in Buddhism and how he strayed away from that and when he mentioned ‘PEDs’.  Many of us, especially me never knew that Woods was once practicing this faith and that he was brought up this way and that he actually mentioned steroids in this day-and-age of all that’s going on with baseball. 

Tiger has had this notion of him being above the law and that the media should not follow him and his every move.  HELLO, earth to Tiger Woods! When you’re the best golfer on the planet and one of the top athletes people will dictate your every move.  When you throw in his marriage to Elin Nordegren (pictured on left) whom many of us can say is beautiful you’ve gotten something for everyone from TMZ to ESPN.  You will be followed and no matter how hard you try you cant just escape and run from things.  Here’s what he said,

"I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They didn't do these things; I did. For the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone. I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those close to me to become a better man. That's where my focus will be."

Tiger did mention his thoughts on when he might return to golf but it may or may not be something many of us wanted to hear. He said that he has not ruled out playing this year but he has a lot of work to do before he can even think about a return and Woods commented about how he would return,

"When I return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game," he said, before wrapping up his comments.”

Woods may or may not have won the hearts of many with this press conference or public apology because of the way he acted throughout it all by looking down at his notes every other word or how he ended it.  I on the other hand believe that he (Woods) ended his apology the best way anyone in his situation could.  He apologized one last time and then turned and walked over to his mother (pictured on right) and embraced her for quite some time.  This was huge for me to see and I immediately wished the best for Tiger. His closing statement was this,

“There are many people in this room and many people at home who believed in me. Today, I ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again. Thank you."

I loved how he chose to say the word ‘believe’ instead of ‘forgive’ because he showed how human he really is and is taking on the role model position far better than he had in the past.

Heisman Snub...

Ok so once again the Heisman Trophy Winner may have shocked a few people. Last years award went to Oklahoma's QB Sam Bradford who didnt even has the most 1st place votes, that went to Florida's QB Tim Tebow.

I have a slight problem with the Heisman Winner. However, with that said Mark Ingram was well deserved of the award and an extraordinary player for the Crimson Tide this season. The thing that gets me though is that, now we are suppose to believe that he's the best player in College Football when he wasn't even the best player at his own position?!?! Toby Gerhart ranked 1st in every FBS ranking for a running back. Gerhart finished 1st overall in rushing attempts (311), rushing yards (1736), rushing touchdowns (26), and total points scored (160).

The Heisman is suppose to be given to the most outstanding College Football player in the nation. If the award goes to someone who wasn't even recognized as the best at his own position what does that say about the award as a whole. Theres a defensive player in Ndamukong Suh who is arguably the best player on defense yet alone the entire College Football players. His quickness, athleticism, and strength was on display on a national stage last week against Texas. He was able to get to Colt McCoy 4.5 times and almost beat the Longhorns with the pressure he put on Colt with the clock winding down.

Yes Ingram plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide and playing in the SEC along with playing for the Nat'l Championship next month but come on... to be the best player overall you at least have to be the best at your own position!!!

Robert Henson calls Redskin fans ‘Dim-Wits’ on his Twitter account

By: Ryan Plinske

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 2:15pm

Many people often think that at first you should stay under the radar for say when you’re new to a job. Now, this doesn’t describe Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Robert Henson at all. Henson was the Redskins sixth round pick (186th Overall) out of Texas Christian University in the 2009 draft.

Robert Henson has started out the 2009 season inactive for the first two games and still has been able to make a name for himself with the general public. 'How you ask?’ is probably the best question anyone out there is asking. The rookie linebacker was quoted from his Twitter page and had the following to say,

“All you fake half hearted Skins fan can.. I won't go there but I dislike you very strongly, don't come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!! No I didn't play but I still made more than you in a year and you'd [gladly] switch spots with me in a second, I was talking to the fans [who] said the crazy stuff, I'm use [to] heckling but I've never been booed in my own stadium. Again that was for the half hearted but if everyone wants to jump in come on. The question is who are you to say you know what's best for the team and you work 9 to 5 at McDonalds. You don't wanna follow me anymore then fine but we play for you and win lose or draw we represent you!! My guy on the Rams said they never got booed even when they didn't win a game. We made mistakes out there but we fought through them tooth and nail.”

All I have to say is that how can this man call out every fan when he is not even on the field competing. Does he realize how many people out there would love to be working 9 to 5 at McDonalds with the economy the way it is. What does he have against McDonalds? He said that he has never been booed in his own stadium before but last time I checked he wasn’t out there on the field and was inactive the last two games. I didn’t really take the ‘dim wit’ comment any farther than a hearty laugh but for a man of his status or lack thereof to go out there calling the Redskin fans names was probably the straw that broke the camels back in a sense.

He later posted an apology on his Twitter account saying,

“I apologize for all earlier comments about and to the fans, I was hit with objects from the crowd and was frustrated. 1-1 looks good baby”

After hearing what he had to say both before and after his questionable comments I still wonder what kind of an apology this is. As kids at a young age they are taught to apologize for what they did and state it verbatim and be sincere about it in their apology. This was not what (Robert) Henson needed to do so soon; yes he needed to apologize but not like this. He has yet to start an NFL game but a step ahead of the likes of Chad Ocho Cinco, Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall, and Terrelle Pryor this football season for saying the most ridiculous statement so far.

MLB Honors an American Hero

By: Ryan Plinske

Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 5:30pm

April 15th isn't just Tax Day but on a larger scale to most baseball players it is known as Jackie Robinson Day. On this date way back in 1947 an African-American man named Jackie Robinson was called up to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He was drafted into the army during World War II (1942) and right away was rejected to start officer training and immediately fought for his right to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During an interview with ESPN, Truman Gibson an aid to Secretary of War from 1941-1945, helped relive one of Jackie's experiences during his time in the Army. "During the last phases of officer candidate training, a senior officer referred to a Black soldier as a 'stupid n***** son of a b****.' And Jackie said, 'Just a minute, that man is a soldier in the U.S. Army," said Gibson. "So the senior officer told Jackie, 'that goes for you too.' Well all of a sudden, that senior officer had no teeth." This sums up just what kind of person Robinson was even at such a young age. He was later court marshaled for insubordination when he refused to sit in the back of a military base bus, but he was later acquitted of the charge. Later a man named Branch Rickey; General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers decided that he was going to make Jackie Robinson the very first African-American in Major League Baseball. However he was to hold back his rage to retaliate against racism.

He went through so much controversy and racial slurs growing up that it only made him that much stronger of a person when he entered the league as the first African-American player. He received very many hate mail and death threats that involved him or his family. Another thing that stands out about him is that he kept on fighting for blacks everywhere. He was called every name you could think of by people just because of the color of his skin. How ridiculous is this statement..., very because it doesn't matter what color, gender, or race you are but what really matters is how you play the game and how much talent, heart, and determination you have in order to bring a championship for your team despite the racism amongst the situation.

What made Jackie Robinson stand out to me was that his character and determination was as outstanding as anyone. During the 1972 World Series Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and MLB had set up an event to honor Jackie Robinson but he refused due to the lack of an African-American manager in baseball. During an interview that asked what the conversation between himself and Jackie Robinson Kuhn said, "I told him, 'Supposed if I told you I'm working very hard on that right now and I promise I will get that done...it's just a matter of time, I will get it done, will that make a difference,' and he said 'I'll think about it'" "And the next day he called me and said he'd do it because of that promise." Robinson attended the World Series despite all of this going down but spoke that day just how he felt, which was very familiar to all who followed Jackie and his free spirit personality. Robinson gave a speech that day and said, "I'm extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon," Robinson said during the '72 World Series ceremony, "but must admit I'm going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball." He would be very pleased to see that as of right now there are 6 African American managing a club today.

When Jackie attended UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) he was the very first four sport varsity letter winner. He played football, track, basketball, and baseball. Robinson was an outstanding athlete and excelled in all areas of every one of these sports. He was awarded as the Pacific Coast Conference (now known as the Pac-10) leading scorer in 2 seasons as a basketball player, NCAA champion in the broad jump (25 feet, 6.5 inches) and also becoming an All-American in football.

Many of Jackie's achievements throughout his career was being awarded the 1947 MLB Rookie of the Year, 1949 MLB MVP, World Series champion in 1955, 6 time MLB All-Star selection (1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954), and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 when he received 77.5% of the vote and was a first ballot hall of famer. However one accomplishment that Robinson would say makes him the most proud of his number (42) being retired throughout all of MLB in 1997 to honor the 50th anniversary of his first major league game. He finished his career in the 1956 season on October 10th. The very talented second-basemen finished his career with 1,518 hits, 137 home runs, 734 RBI's, 197 stolen bases to go along with a MLB record of 19 stolen bases of home, 740 walks, 291 strikeouts, and a batting average of .311.

As we look back into history we will all be reminded what this day really stands for and how much inspiration one man had to free a whole culture of people. Jackie Robinson isn't just the man who broke the color barrier in sports but in fact he's so much more, a true American Hero.

David Zielke Chooses UW-Platteville

By: Ryan Plinske AuroraChristianBaseball.com Exclusive

Date: 3/26/2009

The time has come for Aurora Christian senior David Zielke to make a decision on where he will be playing next year. Zielke chose the Pioneers of UW-Platteville to further his educational and athletic career. He will be playing both baseball and football next year as a freshman at Platteville.

David Zielke, one of the most athletic kids to ever go through Aurora Christian, is now a 3-time varsity starter for the Eagles. His junior year was what helped him become one of the top players in the area. Last season, David hit .397 with 19 RBI’s, 2 doubles and 2 home runs. David was second on the team in steals and was one of the top pitchers on the Eagles’ staff in 2008. He had a 4-1 record with 2 saves to go along with an outstanding 2.88 ERA. He had the most innings pitched with 41.1 while also leading the team in strikeouts with 31.

David chose Platteville because of the immediate connection with the coaching staff, a business school with a phenomenal academic reputation that is tops in the nation. The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the country. Platteville was #1 on Zielke’s list of schools because of their hard-work and dedication in the off-season. Zielke also mentioned the schools top-notch facilities and how the Pioneer baseball and football coaches kept in touch with him throughout the recruiting process. “It’s a great fit for me overall, and I instantly connected with both the players and coaches a lot.”

Aurora Christian Head Coach Andy Zorger thinks Zielke will be able to step right in and compete next season as a freshman. “David has the experience and command he needs but if he is able to get his velocity up a little bit, David has the ability to greatly impact Platteville early on in his career there. He has a real easy delivery but needs to continue to work on his off-speed pitches in the off-season but overall I see (David) Zielke that as someone who will definitely be able to step in and deliver as a freshman”.

Zielke also stood out on the gridiron this past fall as one of Don Beebe’s most explosive players in recent history. At the start of the season, Zielke was going to be Jordan Roberts’s go-to guy due to an illness of teammate WR Matt Morse. Zielke surpassed many expectations and began receiving interest from many college football programs. He racked up 49 catches for 641 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. During his final game in an Aurora Christian Eagle football jersey, Zielke put up huge numbers against Bloomington Central Catholic in the IHSA Class 4A State Championship game. He ended up breaking two IHSA records with the most receptions in a game (10) and most receiving touchdowns in a game (2).

David Zielke is a promising young athlete with a bright future who has all the tools needed to excel at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville both on and off the field.

Congratulations to David Zielke and best wishes for a great college career!

Stars Shine Bright in Champaign

By: Ryan Plinske
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 6:30pm

The stars came out big Friday night in Champaign. Aurora Christian (13-1) made it to the school’s first ever state title and was the city first high school to achieve that accomplishment. Their opponents from Bloomington already knew what it took to get to Champaign after having made it to last year’s title game against Driscoll. The Saint’s biggest thing going for them coming into the game was motivation from last year’s defeat at the hands of Driscoll in the 4A title game. Bloomington Central Catholic (14-0) still had a bitter taste in their mouth from the previous year’s defeat against Driscoll.

Aurora Christian’s potent offense was at it again Friday night against the Saints from Bloomington Central Catholic. The Eagles’ Jordan Roberts threw for 365 yards, 4 touchdowns on 27 for 55 passing attempts. His 4 touchdowns tied the 4A state title game record along with breaking the records in completions (27), attempts (57), and yards (365). Catching most of the passes were Aurora Christian’s all-state wide out Matt Morse and wide out David Zielke. Morse and Zielke caught 2 touchdown passes each, tying the 4A state title game record, and Zielke’s 10 receptions set a new record for the 4A state title game. Zac Copple and Eric Andersen also were key targets for Jordan, catching 7 passes together for a combined 67 yards. Lewis Gaddis carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards.

Bloomington Central Catholic came into the game with one of 4A’s best all-around offense. The Saints outscored their opponents 528 to 150 points during the regular season and playoffs. Adam Rebholz, the Saints’ all-state quarterback was nothing short of remarkable Friday night. Rebholz threw for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 for 21 passing attempts. The Saints’ quarterback was all over the field against the Eagles’ defense. He ran for 91 yards on 15 carries scoring twice, and was delivering hit after hit on the Eagles’ secondary. His biggest target was TE Dylan Johnson, who caught 3 passes for 118 yards and 1 touchdown.

Both teams combined for 892 yards of total offense which set the 4A state title game record. Aurora Christian’s defense lacked the energy needed to stop the Saints’ run to the title. Bloomington Central Catholic defeated the Eagles of Aurora Christian 37 to 28.

Eagles Flyin' High to Champaign

By: Ryan Plinske
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 10:08pm

For the very first time in history, an Aurora high school is making the trip down state to Champaign! The Eagles of Aurora Christian finished off the season undefeated with a record of 13-0 and clinched the Private School League title. Their opponents Bloomington Central Catholic, also undefeated (13-0), made it to state last year against Driscoll Catholic and lost.

Aurora Christian: Aurora Christian’s high-powered offense is led by All-State quarterback Jordan Roberts, All-State wide out Matt Morse, and running back Lewis Gaddis. This year Roberts has broken the IHSA career records in passing yards and touchdowns. Morse has been huge for (Don) Beebe’s offense this year. In his first game back after injury (mono), he scored 4 touchdowns and 243 yards receiving. He has primarily been Roberts’ go-to guy through the air this season. However, he hasn’t been the only one to step it big for Roberts and the passing game. Senior wide out/defensive back David Zielke has been Beebe’s x-factor all season on both sides of the ball. He filled in big when Morse was out for the first 4 games, and even though he’s been pushed to the side a little since then, his production has still been there with 43 receptions, 523 yards receiving, and 9 touchdowns. When it comes down to it, defense wins championships and Aurora Christian’s defense has been tops in all areas. Their defense is led by a plethora of seniors. Peter Kariotis, Andru Ubert, Eric Andersen, and Braxton Warner all take care of the defensive line. Ryan Perik, Lewis Gaddis, and Luis Solario are all linebackers huge at shutting down the opponents’ rushing and passing attacks. At the defensive back position, Zac Copple, David Zielke, Marcus Schmidt, and Brandon Oest all are exceptional tacklers in the open field, exceptional at pass coverage, and able to read the pass extremely well. The defense will rely on the senior leadership to stop the offense of the Saint’s.

Bloomington Central Catholic: Last year the Saints finished as state 4A runner-up to Driscoll. This year they had some reloading to do if they wanted to repeat after graduating their star RB Ryan Waldron (1,970 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns). They have done just that with a strong nucleus of returning offensive starters lead by QB Adam Rebholz (124-170 attempts, 1954 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions), RB Brad Connor (146 carries, 696 yards, and 12 touchdowns), and TE Dylan Johnson (31 receptions, 563 yards, and 7 touchdowns). Other Saints players to watch for are OT Joe Ring, OG Jack Wombacher, LB David Murray, DB Dan Curran, LB Sean Stokes, and LB Austin Sherwood, all mainstays on the offensive and defensive sides. Bloomington Central Catholic has out scored their opponents with a margin of 528 to 150.

The Saints are hoping to reroute the Eagles’ chances of winning Friday night with their superb offense and outstanding defensive attack. Bloomington Central Catholic will be Aurora Christian’s first big test so far in the playoffs.

I believe that both teams will have enough fire power to keep them in the game, but it depends on whose defense wants it more this week. In the Eagles’ playoff games this year, they’ve allowed 57 points while scoring 122. Both defenses will be the deciding factor for the game.

Prediction: Aurora Christian 24, Bloomington Central Catholic 21

IHSA State Semi-Finals: Aurora Christian vs. Richmond-Burton

By: Ryan Plinske
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 6:05pm

This week’s IHSA Class 4A semi-final match-up is between the Eagles of Aurora Christian and the Rockets of Richmond-Burton. The Eagles have proven to many doubters why they deserve the number 1 seed they were given. However, the Cinderella team of this bracket lies in their opponent. Richmond-Burton Community High School is the 14th seed with a record of 5-4 coming into the playoffs. The game is Saturday November 22, 2008, at 1pm at Richmond-Burton High School.

Last year Aurora Christian lost to Plano (14-8) in the state semi-finals, but they are hoping to change that with the team they have this year. Last week, the Eagles defeated Driscoll 24-17 en route to their second consecutive trip to the IHSA state semi-finals. The Eagles are the first Aurora high school to accomplish that feat, and are trying to become the first ever team to advance to Champaign for the state title.

Aurora Christian’s high octane offense is lead by all state quarterback Jordan Roberts and all state wide-out Matt Morse. However they also feature running back Lewis Gaddis and wide-out/corner-back David Zielke. Zielke has emerged as one of Aurora Christian’s more deadly weapons on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Zielke has caught 43 passes for 523 yards and 9 touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, he has emerged as one of the top corners in the area with 6 interceptions and is one of the team’s most prolific tacklers. His numbers have proven to be one of the best compliments to Matt Morse.

The Cinderella story of this year’s 4A playoffs has been the 14th seed Richmond-Burton Rockets. They had a 5-4 record in the regular season, but 3 wins in the playoffs have brought them to 8-4 with wins over #3 seed Reed Custer (35-24), #6 seed Genoa-Kingston (48-14), and #7 seed Geneseo (21-0). The Rockets are known as mainly a running team with a dual set of backs in junior Justin Russell (104 attempts, 779 yards, and 8 touchdowns) and junior fullback Kenneth Riordan (103 attempts, 783 yards, and 13 touchdowns).

Prediction: Aurora Christian 28, Richmond-Burton 7

End of a Dynasty

By: Ryan Plinske
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 10:59pm

This Saturday the game that most of the Chicagoland area had hoped for has finally arrived. The Eagles of Aurora Christian face the 8 time IHSA state champion of Driscoll Catholic. The Highlanders won the title in 1991 and 7 consecutive since - 2001-2003 in class 4A, again in 2004 but in 3A, and again in 2005-2007 in class 4A. This hard-nosed match-up is scheduled to take place Saturday night at God’s Field (Aurora Christian’s new field) at 6pm.

Aurora Christian will feature stud Quarterback Jordan Roberts who has broken nearly every IHSA record a quarterback can break. On the last game of the regular season Roberts passed Will Lunt (Rochester) on the career passing yards (8,383) and against Chicago Christian he took sole possession as the IHSA’s all-time career passing touchdown leader with 96. On the other hand, the Eagles will heavily rely on running back Lewis Gaddis, who has stabilized the Eagles run game this year. This is after AC had graduated the two starters at the position last year in John Smith and Sean O’Boyle. Gaddis’ hard-nose style of play has won the hearts of many Eagle fans. Gaddis has the ability to run right through you if necessary or slide right past the defense. He has racked up nearly 1000 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns this year. After missing the first 4 games due to mono, Aurora Christian’s Matt Morse has made maybe the biggest contribution this season. In his debut against Chicago Christian he had 11 catches for 245 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Morse hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since, averaging 142 yards a game which places him 2nd in IHSA single season history and 17 touchdowns which puts him tied for 24th all-time in a single season. It’s hard to believe the Eagles may have two of the most dominating players in IHSA football this year on the same team, yet alone the same side of the ball. Look out for a high flying air attack against the Highlanders secondary with the combo of Roberts and Morse.

Like many years past, Driscoll almost rolled through the regular season undefeated but with losses to Montini (14-13 at the end of the year) and St. Francis (27-7 in week 3) the Highlanders finished the regular season with a 7-2 record and went into the playoffs with a 37 game playoff winning streak to defend their title as 7 consecutive time state champs. When asked how this team can repeat Senior Quarterback Steve Schwabe said, “This may not be our best team overall, but we know what it takes to win the big games.” Driscoll has a “Calvin Johnson” sized receiver in Austin Baker who stands tall at 6’5’’ and 210 pounds. Aurora Christian however has had practice in the past with a receiver that big, (Michael Friend) a former wide out for the Eagles was similar in size. Driscoll came into this season with a new coach and a new quarterback. Now this is when most programs go into a rebuilding year but not the powerhouse Driscoll. Brandon New stepped into the position after being with the program for all 7 championships as an assistant coach and one as a standout player. Quarterback Steve Schwabe is stepping into the role left by his brother, David, who graduated last year and was awarded the title of all-state quarterback. However, Coach New and Schwabe may be new to the roles they’re in now but that in no way means that Driscoll will be giving up the reins of control in 4 A football anytime soon.

What do Aurora Christian players think of this upcoming matchup with Driscoll? Matt Morse said, “For them to be able to come in here is obviously going to be the biggest game of my career and I can’t wait, it’s going to be huge.” Aurora Christian’s Jordan Roberts had some very similar feelings to that of Morse, “We’ve been waiting for this and it’s going to be fun. We’re going to have to work hard this week, more than we ever have, and it’s going to be a big battle out here.”

The Eagles hope Driscoll’s trouble on the road continues this week. Driscoll is 5-0 at home and 4-2 on the road.

The program for Aurora Christian is growing into the one that (Don) Beebe had envisioned when he took the job 5 years ago. With a win this week over Driscoll, it may be just the respect AC needed to make a name for themselves with the coming of a new conference next year with Driscoll and the rest of the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Prediction: Aurora Christian 31, Driscoll 24

MVPedroia

By: Ryan Plinske

Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 8:06pm

On November 6th Dustin Pedroia became only the second Red Sox second baseman to win the gold glove award. The last one to do it was Doug Griffin back in 1972.

Dustin Pedroia has lived up to all the hype and expectations after an extraordinary rookie season. Pedroia’s fielding percentage was second behind Oakland Athletics Mark Ellis. Ellis had a .993 fielding percentage and Pedroia followed with a .992 fielding percentage. Even though Ellis had a higher fielding percentage the award was unanimously given to Pedroia for his superb range, agility, and sure hands for fielding double plays. Pedroia also had 6 errors in 157 games with a total of 733 chances. Pedroia ranked third in assists (448), fourth in total chances (733), fifth in double plays (101), and sixth in putouts (279). The last time Red Sox Nation saw this kind of play at this position was back in the day of Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr.

Dustin Pedroia better have enough room in his trophy case because he just may also inherit the 2008 AL MVP award as well. Pedroia may not be the biggest guy in the big leagues at 5’6” but he sure hits with the best of them. Pedroia was second in the American League with a .326 batting average, led the league with 118 runs, 54 doubles, and tied for first place in hits (213) with the free swinging outfielder in Seattle, Ichiro Suzuki. He has at times been called the catalyst of the Red Sox offense with his numerous clutch at-bats and hits but what makes this guy more valuable than any other player in the game is the size of this kids heart. Throughout his whole life people have been telling him he’s too small to play baseball or just too small to do anything...Ozzie Guillen once called him a jockey when he batted cleanup against the pale hose late in the season and tallied 9 straight hits without recording an out.

Slowly he is becoming one of the most feared hitters in the league and a fan favorite all over the city. If he keeps this going he'll be a hall of famer for sure and achieve many gold gloves and MVP's in his time.

IHSA 4A playoffs Round 2: Aurora Christian vs. Coal City

By: Ryan Plinske
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 3:08pm

Both fans and players of Coal City may have more to worry about than the frigid temperatures (game time feel: 36 degrees) that are going to be surrounding tonight’s IHSA class 4A matchup of the Eagles of Aurora Christian and the Coalers of Coal City.

Aurora Christian offensively: Lenny Onsen and Coal City players have to come up with a game plan to slow down one of the most dynamic offenses in the 4A playoffs this year. Aurora Christian has one of Illinois’ most prodigious passers all-time, in Quarterback Jordan Roberts but that doesn’t mean that all of the focus will be on him tonight. Aurora Christian has the two-headed monster at wide out in Matt Morse (36 receptions for 748 yards and 16 td’s) and David Zielke (33 receptions for 457 yards and 6 td’s). Matt Morse has come on strong this year after missing the first 4 games of the season with mono and in his season debut scored 5 touchdowns and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Zielke on the other hand has been pushed to the side a little bit since then but that still doesn’t stop his explosiveness, great hands and even better instincts after the catch. Lewis Gaddis has stepped up when AC needed it most this year at the running back position. Last year AC graduated both of their top backs (Smith and O’Boyle) but Gaddis has picked up right where they left off. Gaddis is one of those power backs that isn’t afraid of running right through you if necessary. Gaddis has piled on 835 yards on 108 attempts and 5 td’s averaging just under 8 yards per carry. Many people had many questions when they found out last year that Aurora Christian was bumped up to 4A, whether their lines could hold their own and if they had enough offense coming back to compete with the likes of Driscoll, Chicago Christian, and Walther. The Eagles have answered all of the questions this year beating Chicago Christian (42-28) and Walther Lutheran (39-33). The defensive line is anchored around 317 pound Peter Kariotis who takes over in the Eagles 3-5 defensive scheme. The offensive line has done an exceptional job this year only allowing the defense to get to the prize of the Eagles, Jordan Roberts with 5 sacks all year. I also expect Luis Solario (FB/LB) to be a big contributor to the Eagles running and passing attack and providing some big hits on defense.

Coal City offensively: Coal City might not have the offensive machines like Aurora Christian has but they have many weapons that have been there all year in junior quarterback Colt Smith (58-of-105, 756 yards, 7 TDs who many in Coal City like to compare to the gunslinger manner of Brett Favre. They have a double threat at running back with juniors Bobby Kroeger (92 carries, 495 yards, 4 TDs; 8 catches, 111 yards) and Rankovich (45 carries, 208 yards; 8 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD) and Smiths favorite receiver in Junior Kevin Gabehart (20 catches, 205 yards, 3 TDs). He also is part of the Coalers special teams with 12 punt returns for 151 yards and a touchdown much like that of Devin Hester.

I expect this game to be a pretty explosive one in the air for the Eagles but if the weather begins to play a factor with the frigid temperatures expected to be around 38 degrees, be on the lookout for Lewis Gaddis to just transform into a beast out there and rack up huge numbers against Coal City’s defense which is weak against the run. Another thing in AC’s favor is the right foot of newly found kicker, Jake van Gilse. van Gilse this summer went to many kicking camps to improve and be able to contribute when (head coach) Beebe called on him. Last week Jake booted an astonishing kick of 43 yards and then another one of 40 yards. Looks like the Eagles are a never ending offensive powerhouse, but don’t tell the defense that.

With that all said I expect Aurora Christian to capitalize on the weather condition and the home field atmosphere at their newly finished state of the art field.

Prediction: Aurora Christian 35, Coal City 7

Eagle Nation has high hopes this year against Reaper Nation!

By: Ryan Plinske

Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:03pm

This is the day both Eagle fans and players have been waiting for almost a year now. Last year Plano defeated the Eagles of Aurora Christian 14-6 en route to return to Champaign to defend for their second straight IHSA Class 3A state title. However this year is entirely different. Both teams moved up to Class 4A with the likes of the 7 time champion powerhouse of Driscoll.

However Aurora Christian maintained their second straight undefeated regular season 9-0, just dominating their conference that has Chicago Christian, Walther Lutheran and their non-conference games against Mendota and Immaculate Conception.

Plano survived this season with a record of 5-4 with losses to Coal City, Sandwich (which those two teams are meeting this week against each other in 4A playoffs), Peotone, and Wilmington. Plano's coach has always had a few tricks up his sleeve whether its with his wing-t offense, wearing the all black jerseys like last year against Aurora Christian, or the many trick plays in his offensive playbook. Now with that said this season was far from acceptable for their fans after having gone 13-1 last year and winning state 2 years in a row.

The game last year was held at Plano High School but this year the #1 seed of 4A, Aurora Christian gets their chance to hold their first ever home playoff game on their newly finished, state of the art athletic field turf facility. This field was finished early into the season but it is slowly becoming one of the nicest to play at with their pro-style locker room, the family friendly yet competitive atmosphere and the hopes of becoming a powerhouse under 5th year head coach Don Beebe.

This game will feature the weapons of Aurora Christian's highly talented 4th year starting quarterback Jordan Roberts, the x-factors at wideout Matt Morse and David Zielke, and the very powerful running back Lewis Gaddis. The defense is anchored around defensive lineman Peter Kariotis and linebacker Ryan Perik. One thing that will be different this year is the kicking game AC has finally found in the right foot of Jake Van Gilse. I expect this game to be close but in the end AC has just too much fire power and the Reapers won't have enough to stop them. Aurora Christians hopes of their first ever state championship lies in close sight with this years football team.

Farewell Manny Ramirez!!!

By: Ryan Plinske
Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:03pm

As you all probably know the era of Manny Ramirez in Boston is no longer. Yesterday the Boston Red Sox traded away a future hall of famer in Ramirez in exchange for Pittsburgh Pirate's Jason Bay, but they also gave the Pittsburgh Pirates Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen. Both players are major league ready. They also will pay the remainder of Ramirez contract while in L.A. This doesn't come cheap but in the end I believe it will. Jason Bay has a 7.5 million dollar contract which is far more cheaper than Manny's 20 million. Who knows if Jason will be able to come into Boston and step into a pressure situation right away. While in Pittsburgh, Bay never had been in a playoff race or in that case something as important as a trying to defend a world series title. The numbers this year may seem similar with Bay mashing out 22 dingers to Ramirez 20, but Manny has the upper hand in batting average with a .299 and Bay's .288. Another big thing that will be a huge factor in all of this is Manny's presence in the lineup, nothing against Jason Bay he is a phenomanal player but in no way that of Manny Ramirez. Now the biggest question, how will the fans in Boston except Bay, I hope with open arms. The worst thing is for him to come here and not feel welcome in a new town. But I feel that the maturity will come out and they'll welcome him as one of our own.

Manny Ramirez's stay in Boston was a long and victorious one. He hit 247 home runs, 848 rbi's and won two world series titles. If the situation didn't have to end like it did, we may have been sitting here 10 years later awaiting them to unveil the newest number to be retired at Fenway, "24" and your entry into the hall of fame wearing that "B" on your cap. Even though it came down to this, Manny has given the fans in Boston and throughout the country many great memories, whether your on a phone call in the monster during a pitching change, missing a ground ball then falling and crawling to pick it up, or just the fact of "Manny Being Manny". You will be missed greatly. You were seen here as almost a cartoon character with your long hair and many of your antics and the fact you may be one of the greatest left fielders to grace us with your presence in left field, but as it comes to the end of the Manny era in Boston your starting a new era in L.A and I wish you all the best.

I believe that Manny will be able to step right into the Dodgers lineup and give them a presence they've been missing for a long time. He will make everyone around him better. Now as for Bay he comes into Boston as the guy that replaced Manny, but that doesn't mean that you have to become Manny. Just be Jason Bay and as the time comes the fans will eventually learn to love you and the way you play this game.

So long Manny Ramirez.

-strong member of Red Sox Nation '08

marriage support...

By: Ryan Plinske

Thursday, July 31, 2008

ok we all know that people can and most definitely will have some disagreements but u learn to live with them and love the person your with except in this case....

ok by now I bet you've all heard about this whole Manny saga and between you and me its getting really old. I have been a huge red sox fan and loved Manny and all his antics, whether your making a catch and high-fiving a fan, missing a ground ball then falling and then crawling to pick it up, going into the monster during a pitching change to make a phone call and then come running out right b4 the pitch with a sign that read "the new episode of Manny being Manny", and then on top of it all and probably my favorite of them all you saying the red sox don't deserve you. Well just to let the record show I loved you Manny and so did everyone else in Boston. we stuck with you through all the hard times when other teams would have booed you and the organization would have let you go, but you know what we cheered for you when you had that 3 hit game Sunday after you made those remarks, who else would have done that, NOBODY!!! you said yourself I don't wanna leave Boston and one of my favorite, "Boston ain't stupid" they'll do what’s best for the organization and right now that's having you as far away as possible. how long has 2004 and 2007 been for you? in 04 you were the world series MVP and then in 07 you and big papi were the reason we made it as far as we did but yea we don't deserve you.

So to wrap all this up.... GOOD RIDANCE MANNY!!!! Don't let the door hit you on your way out. O and by the way remember when we traded Nomar we eventually won it all and that your not bigger than the team.

That is not how a relationship should ever happen so learn from this idiot remarks/statements and don't do this in a relationship.

-Proud member of red sox nation '08 n official Yankee Hater/rally monkey killer