With teams like the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers collectively building their arsenals like they are preparing for World War III, the Portland Trail Blazers are left with some major decisions to make. It's no secret that the firing of General Manager Kevin Pritchard left both a bad taste in the mouths of fans and a lull in the Blazer's opportunities to attract and/or bring in that elusive last "piece".
There are those in one camp who believe that the a healthy Greg Oden coming back would be that missing piece. And yet there are others who have written off Oden after pegging him as injury prone. Additionally, the Blazers are missing a young solid point guard to set up the offense and take the pressure off of Brandon Roy. With troubles in the front office are they going to make any moves the rest of the summer?
So far the answer seems to be no. They acquired Wesley Matthews from the Utah Jazz after putting forth an offer the Jazz couldn't match. They picked up a couple of solid picks in the draft but still have not made the blockbuster move that fans have been expecting. After some excitement in being named in the hunt for the Chris Paul sweepstakes died when Paul decided to stay in New Orleans, it seems like all is quiet on the Northwest front.
That's not to say that the Blazers don't have options. It has been made perfectly clear that Rudy Fernadez is not happy and would like to be traded. The Blazers could easily get something of value back for Rudy, especially if they combine him with the expiring contracts of Joel Prizbilla and Andre Miller. But is new General Manager Rich Cho going to pull the trigger? In an off season that has seen more moves than Fashion Week, it seems like Cho is a bit more conservative.
If that is true and the Blazers go into the 2010-2011 season with what they currently have then are they going to be able to compete? The answer is yes due the fact that certain other teams in the West have taken a step backwards. The Jazz lost Carlos Boozer and have changed directions. Jerry Sloan most certainly will have his Jazz over performing like normal but they should still be not as strong as last year. The Phoenix Suns lost Amare Stoudamire. San Antonio is another year older. Even Denver's talent is a year older. Even without that next piece the Blazers could compete for a top 4 slot right now. With a healthy Oden maybe they could make the 2nd round.
But is that going to satisfy owner Paul Allen and Blazer fans? That answer will make or break new GM Rich Cho.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
General Thoughts and Ideas
Progressive (posted 11/14/2007)
I suppose sometimes one must lose themselves in order to find themselves. Sometimes being striped of what is around you hurts. But that striping of security could be what sets you free from yourself.
We cannot grow if we are stagnant and comfortable. And mostly when we are stagnant we are not happy. At least I'm not mostly.
Progressive. It's not a theory or a political stance. People many times confuse that. Progressive is a state of mind. It's the choice to become open to alternative situations and methods but in order to find truth, rather than to simply proclaim being alternative.
That is the goal of being alternative is it not? To find truth.
Progressive is also a verb relating to the relevance of movement. Making progress. Progressing forward. This requires growth and energy.
One cannot be progressive standing in place.
So how does one exactly move? You reach out BEYOND yourself. You research rather than merely read what is fed to you. You realize that the world created around you via the media and culture is very much like the Matrix sometimes in that it is man created and many times false.
Truth lies in many dimensions. The world, the universe, it all is way larger than we imagine as we go about our daily lives like little ants on a hill. All the worlds a stage and we are merely the players.
Yet as players don't we have a right to choose our moves and our lines?
People talk about the evolution of man and of Darwinism. What of the evolution of humanity?
We study history and we study science and we study many things in this universe. Why? Because we want to get better. And yet we live in this society that wants to flee to security and hide in stagnation. Protect your own they say without realizing that stagnation really does not exist.
Stagnation of humanity is apathy which equals death. Death to reason, death to progress, death to human rights, death to environmental protection, death to any hope at curbing the evils of man kind.
So what do you do? Do you strap on your 9? Do you strap on your dreadlocks and burn books? No. You dig and you find truth. You do not allow yourself to be turned by any certain side of the argument, conservative, liberal, or whatever the case may be, you find your OWN answers. THAT IS PROGRESSIVE.
Truth is not found in the egotistical realms of party lines believing they are God's gift to man and the heroes of America. Truth is found in man kind ITSELF.
So put down your rifles and put down your 5 foot bongs.
True Revolution is much larger. True Revolution starts with the Revolution of yourself and the Evolution of humanity moving forward. Progressive.
I suppose sometimes one must lose themselves in order to find themselves. Sometimes being striped of what is around you hurts. But that striping of security could be what sets you free from yourself.
We cannot grow if we are stagnant and comfortable. And mostly when we are stagnant we are not happy. At least I'm not mostly.
Progressive. It's not a theory or a political stance. People many times confuse that. Progressive is a state of mind. It's the choice to become open to alternative situations and methods but in order to find truth, rather than to simply proclaim being alternative.
That is the goal of being alternative is it not? To find truth.
Progressive is also a verb relating to the relevance of movement. Making progress. Progressing forward. This requires growth and energy.
One cannot be progressive standing in place.
So how does one exactly move? You reach out BEYOND yourself. You research rather than merely read what is fed to you. You realize that the world created around you via the media and culture is very much like the Matrix sometimes in that it is man created and many times false.
Truth lies in many dimensions. The world, the universe, it all is way larger than we imagine as we go about our daily lives like little ants on a hill. All the worlds a stage and we are merely the players.
Yet as players don't we have a right to choose our moves and our lines?
People talk about the evolution of man and of Darwinism. What of the evolution of humanity?
We study history and we study science and we study many things in this universe. Why? Because we want to get better. And yet we live in this society that wants to flee to security and hide in stagnation. Protect your own they say without realizing that stagnation really does not exist.
Stagnation of humanity is apathy which equals death. Death to reason, death to progress, death to human rights, death to environmental protection, death to any hope at curbing the evils of man kind.
So what do you do? Do you strap on your 9? Do you strap on your dreadlocks and burn books? No. You dig and you find truth. You do not allow yourself to be turned by any certain side of the argument, conservative, liberal, or whatever the case may be, you find your OWN answers. THAT IS PROGRESSIVE.
Truth is not found in the egotistical realms of party lines believing they are God's gift to man and the heroes of America. Truth is found in man kind ITSELF.
So put down your rifles and put down your 5 foot bongs.
True Revolution is much larger. True Revolution starts with the Revolution of yourself and the Evolution of humanity moving forward. Progressive.
General Sports Opinions
Oregon Duck Football 2008 Preview
By Holly Custis
8/10/2008
The Oregon Duck football team opens camp in 2008 with many questions. This is a team that has been to the mountain top and seen the view, only to fall ever so fast to the depths below, with the simple misplacement of a leg and tear of a knee. How the team fares this season will have a lot to do with the resolve of the returning players and the talents of the incoming players. Was the sting of being so close to a national title a fuel that ignited the fire to return to that level? Or is the graduation of Heisman level Dennis Dixon and future NFL star Jonathon Stewart too much to overcome?
Having watched last season develop, one cannot help but dream that the result is that the fires are burning. The Ducks tasted success and opportunity at a level that maybe they had only reached once before in 2001. Everything was going their way. All the teams in front of them that needed to lose lost. Even a heartbreaking loss to Cal in the final seconds by literally a few inches out of bounce was not enough to knock of the hopes of the program.
The Ducks brought in offensive guru Chip Kelly in the off-season and he tweaked the Oregon spread offensive into something that Dennis Dixon was born to run. To watch the development of Dixon from 2006 to 2007 proves both the incredible personal improvement of Dixon and the perfect fit of Kelly's system. The Ducks had the incredible backfield of Dixon and Stewart, with Jeremiah Johnson as a back up to Stewart, who in his own right would have started anywhere not named USC or where Stewart was.
The ability of Dixon to fake the shoes out of defenses, coaches, and sometimes even the camera, was the key to the offense. No one knew who had the ball. Defenses would think that it was handed off to Stewart and then realize Dixon still had it 20 yards up the sideline.
When Dixon stepped in an awkward position and went down in a heap against Arizona State, a hush went over the normally raucous Autzen crowd. Everyone knew Dixon was the key to the offense. Everyone knew the chance at the national title was lying on the ground in pain. And when Dixon went out for good against Arizona, the Oregon team was so depleted without its star that it seemed like it got hit in the stomach with bat and could not breathe. Then the game against UCLA was probably the ugliest offensive game Oregon had played in 15 years.
The worst thing about losing Dixon was that there was no real replacement. Brady Leaf proved to be inconsistent and really was meant to be a pocket passer rather than a spread quarterback. Nathan Costa was injured. That left Oregon with Justin Roper and Chris Harper, true freshman to finish out the season. The Civil War brought a bit of hope only to be dashed in the final seconds by a freshman quarterback mistake and a rushed and shanked field goal.
Then there was the Sun Bowl. There was not much expectation. No one really knew how Oregon would play. South Florida was an upstart team that had had early success themselves that year. However, the Sun Bowl brought with it hope as the Ducks trounced South Florida 56-21.
So here we are on the dawning of a new season. Will Kelly be able to develop Nathan Costa into the next Dennis Dixon?
Here is a breakdown if analysis by position:
Quarterback: When Nathan Costa came in as a freshman and showed complete poise, mobility, and accuracy, he showed everyone a glimpse of Oregon Duck football. This kid has it all and also is fairly intelligent. If Costa had been healthy, we might have seen Oregon stumble into the national title game or at least a better bowl game than the Sun Bowl. If Kelly can develop in him the ball deftness that Dixon possessed in the option game, than Costa is going to be a tremendous player.
The Ducks also still retain Justin Roper, who put on a great showing in the 2nd half of the Civil War and the Sun Bowl. Roper is tall and lanky but shows amazing arm strength and touch.
Chris Harper started against OSU and has some intangibles but needs to develop more confidence and experience. Oregon has also received Jeremiah Masoli from junior college and freshman Darron Thomas, who should help pad the quarterback position.
Running back: The Ducks lost the best running back that they have had in years to the NFL. However, the sting of that loss should be lessened by the return of Jeremiah Johnson. Powerful and strong, Johnson should be a 1,000 yard rusher for the Ducks.
New comer LeGarrette Blount, has coaches and fans raving. A junior college transfer, Blount impressed in spring practices and wowed at the spring scrimmage. Blount should prove adequate back up for Johnson.
Remene Alston also will be in the mix as well as a probable return man in the special teams.
Wide Receivers: Oregon lost Cameron Colvin to the NFL and their wide receiving core is a bit young but talented this year. Jaison Williams will most likely be a number one receiver, that is if he can shake off his nasty "Fiddy-Fiddy" nickname. This nickname is inspired by his tendency to either catch touchdowns and big first downs or drop touchdowns and big first downs. According to Mike Bellotti though, Williams got his vision checked over the summer and looks to catch more balls this year. Williams has too much talent, size, strength, and speed, not to improve.
Aaron Pflugrad came out of nowhere in the middle of last season to prove to be a trusty target over the middle for Oregon quarterbacks. His determination and work ethic should grant him even more touches this year.
Jeff Maehl and Jamere Holland should also provide some new young talent.
Tight End: Oregon returns Ed Dickson as a junior, who should prove again to be a go-to guy in tight situations. Dickson became a favorite target of Dixon in 3rd and long positions. Dickson is a solid tight end that makes defenses have to also plan for yet another Oregon weapon.
The backups to Dickson are all young but as long as they watch and learn from Dickson, they should develop for the future of the Oregon tight end position.
Offensive Line: Oregon's offensive line was a huge strength last year and a key reason they were so successful. It's scary for Pac-10 defensive coordinators to realize how strong it will be again. All-American Center Max Unger should lead this group into being the best rushing team in the Pac-10.
Defensive Line: Nick Reed, Will Tukuafu and Cole Linehan should provide an adequate push on the defensive line in 2008. However, they must develop more together in order to pressure the quarterbacks of the Pac-10 into throwing more errant passes.
Linebackers: John Bacon and Casey Matthews lead the returning group of linebackers. There might be a need to develop more depth with the younger linebackers but otherwise the Ducks should be solid here.
Defensive backs: Oregon might very well have the best secondary in the nation this season. Patrick Chung, Jerome Boyd, Walter Thurmand III, and Jairus Byrd, might make it so difficult for offenses that they might not know where to throw the ball. As long as these four are healthy, Oregon will probably have its share of picks this year.
Special teams:
A key to the special teams will be to find a return man that can replace the explosiveness of Jonathon Stewart. It seems that Remene Alston might be in line to do that. Hopefully, he can step in where Stewart left off.
Josh Syria returns as a solid punter and Matt Evensen returns as a pretty dependable place kicker.
As long as the key special teams players are healthy, Oregon should have decent results.
An area to improve again in this year would be to have better coverage.
Schedule:
Oregon opens up at home against dreaded rival Washington. Usually Oregon will open up with a more moderate opponent but playing Washington might actually be more beneficial this year. Due to the fact that there is no love lost between these two programs, Oregon should be riding the high energy of Autzen into playing with passion right out of the gate.
Oregon then hosts Utah State, travels to Purdue, and hosts pesky Boise State.
These first four games will tell a lot about the kind of season Oregon will have. If Costa is fitting well with the system and cylinders are clicking, then Oregon will have great momentum going into the meat of the Pac-10 schedule. If they falter a bit, no one will panic, but it might be indicator that Oregon is a year away from another 2007 like year.
Oregon's Pac-10 away schedule is nasty, with games at Washington State, USC, Arizona State, Cal, and OSU. Oregon will therefore need to develop poise early and the confidence to play on the road. If Oregon comes out swinging at Purdue, it might just help them psychologically further in the season.
The rest of the home games are UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona, all of which whom Oregon should take care of business against. That is of course is barring any major injuries.
Prediction: If Oregon comes out of the gate strong and goes 4-0, or 3-1 in the first four games then look for Oregon to end up somewhere around 9-3. If they falter and end up 1-3, or 2-2 in the first four games, then look for a 7-5, 8-4, season.
Bottom line is this: Can Oregon build on the Sun Bowl or will they sorely miss the departure of a near Heisman?
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/crayzgurl7/blog?page=3#ixzz0w9LYMY9c
LaGarrett Blount (posted 11/10/2009)
I am also an avid University of Oregon Duck fan. This means I've been dealing with the aftermath of "The Punch" heard and seen around the world. At the time I was watching the game with my roommates and their friends who are mostly Beavers. I pretty much was like great, where was that passion during the game?
I woke up the next day not being able to get away from it. Everyone was talking about it. At work. On the radio. It was on CNN on my phone.
At the time I thought that the 1 year suspension was a bit harsh but warranted.
Now Blount has been re-instated. This has left me torn. I have felt like in his absence, LaMichael James and his back up Barner have stepped up and have flourished in the opportunity. I feel like why would you want to mess with an offense that has been clicking on all cylinders?
But then again, I listen to the people calling in on the radio who think he should have been basically banished to Siberia without a jacket and vodka. These are the same people that think Michael Vick should have been in prison for 30 years.
My opinion is people deserve second chances if they complete their appointed punishment. If you commit a crime and do the time...you should have an opportunity to move on. This doesn't mean that the seas should part, but it does mean that you should have a chance to earn a life.
My problem is not that Blount is coming back. My problem is that Chip went back on his original punishment.What exactly is this world of sports justice that we have created? Why is it so different from the real world?
5 Sports Thoughts (Posted 7/27/2007)
The sports world has had a rough last couple of weeks.
1. The NBA: referee scandal! The horror! Imagine that…maybe Rasheed Wallace was right all those times! Humor set aside folks this is serious business. David Stern hopes and prays that his statement to the press that this was an isolated case was accurate. Is this the Black Sox incident of the NBA? Having the FBI come after you is pretty serious business. Selling information about fixed games to crooks and betting on the games yourself sounds pretty dam much like it's from an episode of the Sopranos.
2. Michael Vick: I don't know where to begin. This guy has the entire package and has it made. You are the face of an entire franchise and possibly an entire large city. You make millions of dollars for playing a sport at which you are brilliant at. You make millions still from endorsements. You basically can have anything you want. Why would you go and blow that?
Dog fighting is just not right. And if he and his friends really did kill those dogs by drowning, electrocution, and blunt blows on concrete then they deserve prison sentences.
For his sake I hope the allegations are blown up and/or mainly his friends because otherwise he's in deep trouble after pleading not guilty.
On a side note: When Vick is not there Joey Harrington is going to get yet another crack at a starting quarterback position. I'm crossing my fingers he can pull through.
3. Tour de France: Though I don't normally follow cycling that much the tour has again been a topic of debate due to doping and positive drug tests. This in turn makes me want to discuss the general problem of doping in sports today.
Frankly it pisses me off. I mentally understand the pressures of sports today. I know how competitive it is. I know political it is now. I completely understand that and can be empathetic and see why people would want to get an edge.
However, to me it's horrid to dope yourself on performance enhancing substances. It's dishonest and frankly it's a slap in the face to the very sport or event you are trying to get better at. How can you sacrifice the integrity of whichever sport for the momentary success of your desire? Maybe it's just me and I'm old fashioned because I believe in good old fashioned training and grit.
I think that taking care of yourself is perfectly fine…if you take vitamins like I did during football or if you take medications for pain or anything like that then that is ok because you are taking care of your health.
To go beyond that and to get that extra edge is infuriating to me because there are so many athletes that don't do that and they get tainted right along side with those that do.
Seriously. Do you think you won't ever get caught? Just me personally, if I did take enhancements like that and I was successful, I'd just be miserable and empty and it would kill my confidence because I would always wonder if it was really me who succeeded or the drugs.
Now on the realistic side I know that there are some athletes that take things that they think are legal but they end up not being legal or they are tricked into thinking they are. It happens because the buying of these drugs is in fact a business. And if an athlete takes something unknowingly illegal then that's more understandable to me.
4. Portland Trail Blazers: welcome Greg Oden. This team is going to be very fun to watch as they grow and mold together. I still think though that this year's break out player will be Lamarcus Aldridge. He is extremely talented and now after a year of experience under his belt, I can just see him taking off. Brandon Roy and he will be the go to players this year. Oden will take a couple years to develop but it will pay off dividends.
5.Oregon Ducks Football: Here we go again. It seems the last few years have been so up and down. Maybe luckily for the Ducks, the down season was last year and we are due for an up one. Ironically the last few years when we do well the season before and there is hype into the next one, we have wilted. When we have done poorly and there is little hype, we surprise people. I'm hoping that this year is the later situation.
Again talent is not the issue. Dixon needs to define himself and re instate his confidence into this slightly new offensive system. Stewart and Johnson will both be keys to how the season goes. If Stewart stays healthy he can run at Adrian Peterson type production and Johnson would start for pretty much any other team in the Pac 10. We need a strong year from the o line.
1. Strong o line 2. Poise from Dixon 3. healthy Stewart = wins
Defensively our secondary is going to be one of the strongest in the country. Our linebackers should be pretty decent. Who will step up on the D Line? We need to bring more pressure this year.
Special teams can go no where but up. They were horrrrrid last season. Thankfully we are supposed to be bringing in better kickers this year. Thank the Lord.
Overall this is such a hard team for me to peg. We could go anywhere from 5-7 to 11-1. It's all about which team shows up…the one that overcame Oklahoma and crushed ASU last year? Or the one that got embarrassed nationally by BYU?
By Holly Custis
8/10/2008
The Oregon Duck football team opens camp in 2008 with many questions. This is a team that has been to the mountain top and seen the view, only to fall ever so fast to the depths below, with the simple misplacement of a leg and tear of a knee. How the team fares this season will have a lot to do with the resolve of the returning players and the talents of the incoming players. Was the sting of being so close to a national title a fuel that ignited the fire to return to that level? Or is the graduation of Heisman level Dennis Dixon and future NFL star Jonathon Stewart too much to overcome?
Having watched last season develop, one cannot help but dream that the result is that the fires are burning. The Ducks tasted success and opportunity at a level that maybe they had only reached once before in 2001. Everything was going their way. All the teams in front of them that needed to lose lost. Even a heartbreaking loss to Cal in the final seconds by literally a few inches out of bounce was not enough to knock of the hopes of the program.
The Ducks brought in offensive guru Chip Kelly in the off-season and he tweaked the Oregon spread offensive into something that Dennis Dixon was born to run. To watch the development of Dixon from 2006 to 2007 proves both the incredible personal improvement of Dixon and the perfect fit of Kelly's system. The Ducks had the incredible backfield of Dixon and Stewart, with Jeremiah Johnson as a back up to Stewart, who in his own right would have started anywhere not named USC or where Stewart was.
The ability of Dixon to fake the shoes out of defenses, coaches, and sometimes even the camera, was the key to the offense. No one knew who had the ball. Defenses would think that it was handed off to Stewart and then realize Dixon still had it 20 yards up the sideline.
When Dixon stepped in an awkward position and went down in a heap against Arizona State, a hush went over the normally raucous Autzen crowd. Everyone knew Dixon was the key to the offense. Everyone knew the chance at the national title was lying on the ground in pain. And when Dixon went out for good against Arizona, the Oregon team was so depleted without its star that it seemed like it got hit in the stomach with bat and could not breathe. Then the game against UCLA was probably the ugliest offensive game Oregon had played in 15 years.
The worst thing about losing Dixon was that there was no real replacement. Brady Leaf proved to be inconsistent and really was meant to be a pocket passer rather than a spread quarterback. Nathan Costa was injured. That left Oregon with Justin Roper and Chris Harper, true freshman to finish out the season. The Civil War brought a bit of hope only to be dashed in the final seconds by a freshman quarterback mistake and a rushed and shanked field goal.
Then there was the Sun Bowl. There was not much expectation. No one really knew how Oregon would play. South Florida was an upstart team that had had early success themselves that year. However, the Sun Bowl brought with it hope as the Ducks trounced South Florida 56-21.
So here we are on the dawning of a new season. Will Kelly be able to develop Nathan Costa into the next Dennis Dixon?
Here is a breakdown if analysis by position:
Quarterback: When Nathan Costa came in as a freshman and showed complete poise, mobility, and accuracy, he showed everyone a glimpse of Oregon Duck football. This kid has it all and also is fairly intelligent. If Costa had been healthy, we might have seen Oregon stumble into the national title game or at least a better bowl game than the Sun Bowl. If Kelly can develop in him the ball deftness that Dixon possessed in the option game, than Costa is going to be a tremendous player.
The Ducks also still retain Justin Roper, who put on a great showing in the 2nd half of the Civil War and the Sun Bowl. Roper is tall and lanky but shows amazing arm strength and touch.
Chris Harper started against OSU and has some intangibles but needs to develop more confidence and experience. Oregon has also received Jeremiah Masoli from junior college and freshman Darron Thomas, who should help pad the quarterback position.
Running back: The Ducks lost the best running back that they have had in years to the NFL. However, the sting of that loss should be lessened by the return of Jeremiah Johnson. Powerful and strong, Johnson should be a 1,000 yard rusher for the Ducks.
New comer LeGarrette Blount, has coaches and fans raving. A junior college transfer, Blount impressed in spring practices and wowed at the spring scrimmage. Blount should prove adequate back up for Johnson.
Remene Alston also will be in the mix as well as a probable return man in the special teams.
Wide Receivers: Oregon lost Cameron Colvin to the NFL and their wide receiving core is a bit young but talented this year. Jaison Williams will most likely be a number one receiver, that is if he can shake off his nasty "Fiddy-Fiddy" nickname. This nickname is inspired by his tendency to either catch touchdowns and big first downs or drop touchdowns and big first downs. According to Mike Bellotti though, Williams got his vision checked over the summer and looks to catch more balls this year. Williams has too much talent, size, strength, and speed, not to improve.
Aaron Pflugrad came out of nowhere in the middle of last season to prove to be a trusty target over the middle for Oregon quarterbacks. His determination and work ethic should grant him even more touches this year.
Jeff Maehl and Jamere Holland should also provide some new young talent.
Tight End: Oregon returns Ed Dickson as a junior, who should prove again to be a go-to guy in tight situations. Dickson became a favorite target of Dixon in 3rd and long positions. Dickson is a solid tight end that makes defenses have to also plan for yet another Oregon weapon.
The backups to Dickson are all young but as long as they watch and learn from Dickson, they should develop for the future of the Oregon tight end position.
Offensive Line: Oregon's offensive line was a huge strength last year and a key reason they were so successful. It's scary for Pac-10 defensive coordinators to realize how strong it will be again. All-American Center Max Unger should lead this group into being the best rushing team in the Pac-10.
Defensive Line: Nick Reed, Will Tukuafu and Cole Linehan should provide an adequate push on the defensive line in 2008. However, they must develop more together in order to pressure the quarterbacks of the Pac-10 into throwing more errant passes.
Linebackers: John Bacon and Casey Matthews lead the returning group of linebackers. There might be a need to develop more depth with the younger linebackers but otherwise the Ducks should be solid here.
Defensive backs: Oregon might very well have the best secondary in the nation this season. Patrick Chung, Jerome Boyd, Walter Thurmand III, and Jairus Byrd, might make it so difficult for offenses that they might not know where to throw the ball. As long as these four are healthy, Oregon will probably have its share of picks this year.
Special teams:
A key to the special teams will be to find a return man that can replace the explosiveness of Jonathon Stewart. It seems that Remene Alston might be in line to do that. Hopefully, he can step in where Stewart left off.
Josh Syria returns as a solid punter and Matt Evensen returns as a pretty dependable place kicker.
As long as the key special teams players are healthy, Oregon should have decent results.
An area to improve again in this year would be to have better coverage.
Schedule:
Oregon opens up at home against dreaded rival Washington. Usually Oregon will open up with a more moderate opponent but playing Washington might actually be more beneficial this year. Due to the fact that there is no love lost between these two programs, Oregon should be riding the high energy of Autzen into playing with passion right out of the gate.
Oregon then hosts Utah State, travels to Purdue, and hosts pesky Boise State.
These first four games will tell a lot about the kind of season Oregon will have. If Costa is fitting well with the system and cylinders are clicking, then Oregon will have great momentum going into the meat of the Pac-10 schedule. If they falter a bit, no one will panic, but it might be indicator that Oregon is a year away from another 2007 like year.
Oregon's Pac-10 away schedule is nasty, with games at Washington State, USC, Arizona State, Cal, and OSU. Oregon will therefore need to develop poise early and the confidence to play on the road. If Oregon comes out swinging at Purdue, it might just help them psychologically further in the season.
The rest of the home games are UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona, all of which whom Oregon should take care of business against. That is of course is barring any major injuries.
Prediction: If Oregon comes out of the gate strong and goes 4-0, or 3-1 in the first four games then look for Oregon to end up somewhere around 9-3. If they falter and end up 1-3, or 2-2 in the first four games, then look for a 7-5, 8-4, season.
Bottom line is this: Can Oregon build on the Sun Bowl or will they sorely miss the departure of a near Heisman?
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/crayzgurl7/blog?page=3#ixzz0w9LYMY9c
LaGarrett Blount (posted 11/10/2009)
I am also an avid University of Oregon Duck fan. This means I've been dealing with the aftermath of "The Punch" heard and seen around the world. At the time I was watching the game with my roommates and their friends who are mostly Beavers. I pretty much was like great, where was that passion during the game?
I woke up the next day not being able to get away from it. Everyone was talking about it. At work. On the radio. It was on CNN on my phone.
At the time I thought that the 1 year suspension was a bit harsh but warranted.
Now Blount has been re-instated. This has left me torn. I have felt like in his absence, LaMichael James and his back up Barner have stepped up and have flourished in the opportunity. I feel like why would you want to mess with an offense that has been clicking on all cylinders?
But then again, I listen to the people calling in on the radio who think he should have been basically banished to Siberia without a jacket and vodka. These are the same people that think Michael Vick should have been in prison for 30 years.
My opinion is people deserve second chances if they complete their appointed punishment. If you commit a crime and do the time...you should have an opportunity to move on. This doesn't mean that the seas should part, but it does mean that you should have a chance to earn a life.
My problem is not that Blount is coming back. My problem is that Chip went back on his original punishment.What exactly is this world of sports justice that we have created? Why is it so different from the real world?
5 Sports Thoughts (Posted 7/27/2007)
The sports world has had a rough last couple of weeks.
1. The NBA: referee scandal! The horror! Imagine that…maybe Rasheed Wallace was right all those times! Humor set aside folks this is serious business. David Stern hopes and prays that his statement to the press that this was an isolated case was accurate. Is this the Black Sox incident of the NBA? Having the FBI come after you is pretty serious business. Selling information about fixed games to crooks and betting on the games yourself sounds pretty dam much like it's from an episode of the Sopranos.
2. Michael Vick: I don't know where to begin. This guy has the entire package and has it made. You are the face of an entire franchise and possibly an entire large city. You make millions of dollars for playing a sport at which you are brilliant at. You make millions still from endorsements. You basically can have anything you want. Why would you go and blow that?
Dog fighting is just not right. And if he and his friends really did kill those dogs by drowning, electrocution, and blunt blows on concrete then they deserve prison sentences.
For his sake I hope the allegations are blown up and/or mainly his friends because otherwise he's in deep trouble after pleading not guilty.
On a side note: When Vick is not there Joey Harrington is going to get yet another crack at a starting quarterback position. I'm crossing my fingers he can pull through.
3. Tour de France: Though I don't normally follow cycling that much the tour has again been a topic of debate due to doping and positive drug tests. This in turn makes me want to discuss the general problem of doping in sports today.
Frankly it pisses me off. I mentally understand the pressures of sports today. I know how competitive it is. I know political it is now. I completely understand that and can be empathetic and see why people would want to get an edge.
However, to me it's horrid to dope yourself on performance enhancing substances. It's dishonest and frankly it's a slap in the face to the very sport or event you are trying to get better at. How can you sacrifice the integrity of whichever sport for the momentary success of your desire? Maybe it's just me and I'm old fashioned because I believe in good old fashioned training and grit.
I think that taking care of yourself is perfectly fine…if you take vitamins like I did during football or if you take medications for pain or anything like that then that is ok because you are taking care of your health.
To go beyond that and to get that extra edge is infuriating to me because there are so many athletes that don't do that and they get tainted right along side with those that do.
Seriously. Do you think you won't ever get caught? Just me personally, if I did take enhancements like that and I was successful, I'd just be miserable and empty and it would kill my confidence because I would always wonder if it was really me who succeeded or the drugs.
Now on the realistic side I know that there are some athletes that take things that they think are legal but they end up not being legal or they are tricked into thinking they are. It happens because the buying of these drugs is in fact a business. And if an athlete takes something unknowingly illegal then that's more understandable to me.
4. Portland Trail Blazers: welcome Greg Oden. This team is going to be very fun to watch as they grow and mold together. I still think though that this year's break out player will be Lamarcus Aldridge. He is extremely talented and now after a year of experience under his belt, I can just see him taking off. Brandon Roy and he will be the go to players this year. Oden will take a couple years to develop but it will pay off dividends.
5.Oregon Ducks Football: Here we go again. It seems the last few years have been so up and down. Maybe luckily for the Ducks, the down season was last year and we are due for an up one. Ironically the last few years when we do well the season before and there is hype into the next one, we have wilted. When we have done poorly and there is little hype, we surprise people. I'm hoping that this year is the later situation.
Again talent is not the issue. Dixon needs to define himself and re instate his confidence into this slightly new offensive system. Stewart and Johnson will both be keys to how the season goes. If Stewart stays healthy he can run at Adrian Peterson type production and Johnson would start for pretty much any other team in the Pac 10. We need a strong year from the o line.
1. Strong o line 2. Poise from Dixon 3. healthy Stewart = wins
Defensively our secondary is going to be one of the strongest in the country. Our linebackers should be pretty decent. Who will step up on the D Line? We need to bring more pressure this year.
Special teams can go no where but up. They were horrrrrid last season. Thankfully we are supposed to be bringing in better kickers this year. Thank the Lord.
Overall this is such a hard team for me to peg. We could go anywhere from 5-7 to 11-1. It's all about which team shows up…the one that overcame Oklahoma and crushed ASU last year? Or the one that got embarrassed nationally by BYU?
Football Posts
Here are some examples of my football blog that I currently write. I play women's tackle football for the Portland Fighting Fillies of the Women's Football Alliance (WFA).
Welcome to Women's Football (Posted 10/11/2009)
Hello readers!
My name is Holly Custis and I play women's tackle football. Yes. Football. Yes, we wear pads and helmets. Yes, we tackle. Yes, we are women. No, it's not soccer. No, it's not powder puff. I'm talking real, live, hard hitting, football.
I have played for 3 years for the Corvallis Pride of the IWFL. This year however, I have decided to join the newly formed Portland Fillies of the WFA. I like the direction the WFA is going on the business side of things and have decided that to play for a team in this league is worth the drive up the highway for me.
I will be writing in this blog throughout the season to give people a perspective of what it is like to play women's football. My ultimate goal is to get enough entries to write a book. I feel like this subject is interesting on many levels.
I want to give my readers access and perspective into this world. It's exciting, complicated, revealing, and interesting. I will talk about football, women, relationships, what it's like to be a woman athlete, what it's like to be a woman football player, and all the glory and pain of football.
Welcome to Women's Football.
How Did I Get Into Women's Football (posted 10/11/2009)
You might be wondering how I became a women's football player. Well, I have pretty much been an athlete my whole life. Ever since I got introduced to tee-ball at age 6 I have been playing some sort of sport. You name it, I have probably played it. I just love anything having to do with sports. I love the competition. I love the relationships you build with your teammates. I love pushing myself physically. And I love the psychology and mental challenges of outsmarting your opponent.
I grew up playing softball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, and even soccer for a couple of years. My summers were spent at sports camps. My identity was an athlete who happened to be driven academically too. My family was always supportive. My parents put a lot of time, effort, and money, to make sure I had many opportunities to pursue my love of sports. I was lucky in that regard after meeting others that had it more difficult.
In high school, I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf. I feel like I did alright. I was an all-around athlete. I ran against some politics that I felt hindered my potential. I also now feel like in modern day sports there is a lot of pressure on kids to specialize in one particular sport. The fact that I played everything meant I wasn't playing one all year long like others. However, I am proud of the fact that I played everything. I'll probably devote more time to this subject later.
I also grew up an avid sports fan. I remember being 7 years old and crying when my beloved Portland Trail Blazers would lose to my mom's Utah Jazz. Additionally, my family has had season tickets to the University of Oregon Duck football games since I was probably 10 or 11. I grew up a passionate, knowledgeable, and rabid fan of football. My grandmother lived in San Francisco and through visiting her I grew up a 49ers fan. Jerry Rice was my hero. I loved everything he represented which was hard work, athletic ability, passion, and just flat out wanting it more than anyone else.
Fast forward to 2006. I had been attending the University of Oregon. When I got to college in 2002, I decided not to try to walk on in anything and just focus on school. I was like free-time? What do I do with this? I really think I didn't find myself until college because in high school I had no time to do so. It was nice to just focus on school, have fun, and try to find out who I am.
I played inter mural sports and played club Ultimate Frisbee for a bit. I also worked out at the rec center and spent much time playing pick-up basketball with the boys and some football players. However, slow pitch softball and pick-up basketball games were just not doing it for me anymore.
I heard about a women's tackle football team in town and I thought I would check it out so we went to a game. I watched these women and I thought. Omygod! I could do this!
Something about playing a sport that I had watched since I was little but never thought I could play was very exciting to me. So I got the information I needed to keep in contact with them.
I spent that next year going to school and watching football like always but now with a different sort of anticipation. What would I play? Would these women like me? Would this be a hobby or a passion for me?
The time came for me to meet with the Eugene players the following fall in preparation for the next season. After a couple of meetings however, the Eugene owners, who were also players, let us know that they just didn't have the funds or the players to keep us going that year but that the Corvalis Pride was willing to let us come up and play for them.
Corvallis is about a 45 minute drive from Eugene. Corvallis is also the home of my school's in-state rival, the Oregon State Beavers. I initially was put off by that but still the opportunity to play was too much for me to pass up so I made the trek up I-5 to the first practice. The first practice was at Corvallis High School. Of course I got lost and was 15 minutes late to the first practice. Mind you I hate being late. I ran onto the field and was very embarrassed and joined the group of women warming up in lines.
This practice also happened to be directly after a snow storm we had had in the Willamette Valley so half the field was literally covered in snow. It was freaking cold! However, I had so much fun running around and catching passes that I knew I was suppose to be there.
After that first practice I decided to tell my family that I was going to be playing football. I suppose they really didn't know what to think. I think my dad was secretly intrigued because he played football in college at a small school in Indiana. My mother was confused and somehow thought it was part of my "rebellion" against her (as mothers seem to think every change their child endures is). Frankly, I think she was just scared her daughter would get hurt. She insisted I play wide receiver so that the big girls wouldn't tackle me. I promised just to get her off my case.
That first year I ended up playing running back and corner on defense. I found my sport that I was always meant to play. In every sport I played I was always the hustle player that would dive into bleachers after loose basketballs. Now here was a sport that actually rewards you for that kind of hustle.
I can't explain what it's like to tackle someone. I believe that I am pretty laid back and even keel. It takes a lot to upset me. I was always aggressive in sports but never angry. Then something happen to me after I learned how to tackle. It's this amazing transference of energy. It starts from your soul, whatever emotion you were feeling, through your body, and literally through the other person. And yet what one would think would hurt really doesn't...ok most of the time.
I have to tell you it's addicting. That feeling is actually therapeutic. You go into the off season and wish you had pads if you had a bad day. It gets into your blood stream. It's that adrenaline and almost primal state of grit and determination.
I would actually argue it's not masculine. It's human. It's not even necessarily violent, at least in my eyes that's not the purpose. The purpose is to find yourself completely alright with finding your deep strength that you didn't know you had.
That first year we only won 2 games but it was enough for me to become formally addicted to the sport. I grew up watching football on television and I guarantee you that I knew more than most middle-aged men. However, a funny thing happens when you actually start playing the game, you understand it on a much more technical level. It was exciting for me to notice a great increase in my understanding when I started watching football after that first season.
That October marked the beginning of an era of turmoil in my personal life. I was in the process of moving to Albany from Eugene and was in Albany at the time. My siblings were at school, my dad was at work, and my mother was at home with the dog when the fire started.
My mother heard a boom like a car accident and looked outside the house to find no sign of anything until she saw smoke coming out of the back of the house. She grabbed the dog, ran out of the house, and called 911. I got a frantic call from her and jumped in my car with the emergency lights going and flew up I-5.
By the time I got there, 3 blocks around my house were blocked off by police and fire fighters. I got clearance to get around and arrived at the front of my house to find my mother who was visibly shaken. The back of the house was engulfed in flames in a way that made you numb because that stuff only happens in movies. It didn't feel like it was my house.
Neighbors were around to try to comfort my family. Channel 2 news from Portland was there covering it. Apparently a couple of firemen got hurt. Insurance people were asking questions. My dad was fighting back tears and trying not to get pissed off at the news people. It was awful.
3 months later my mom was trying to get away and took my sister with her dune buggying in Florence. The dune buggy caught fire and they had a hard time getting her out of it. She finally did but not before she sustained 3rd degree burns on 8 percent of her body.
Needless to say, I was struggling with all of this. But one thing that was constant was football and my teammates. Football gave me something to focus on. My teammates were supportive and understanding. It was awesome to feel like I had a second family when I really needed it and I will always be grateful to them.
Going into the second season I felt like I had something to prove. Scratch that. I had everything to prove: to myself, to my team, to my family, to the world. Football helped me pull myself up from the the dust and emerge a much stronger, wiser, and better person.
Woman In A Man's Sport (Posted 11/19/2009)
You may be wondering if I have come across people who say: Women can't play football. Well, I have of course but it doesn't really bother me because their arguments are just silly to my well trained ears.
I grew up a female athlete. I know that when I play pick up basketball that I have to work twice as hard and that most guys won't pass me the ball until they realize I can play. I know that women's sports haven't gotten the attention of the men.
However I firmly believe that football is a bit different. A funny thing happens when you put on shoulder pads and a helmet. People forget you are women. They start identifying you as a football player.
We might get the occasional giggle from the stands. But then we start to tackle and those same giggles turn into disbelief that a girl could hit like that.
Baseball is no longer America's favorite past time. It's now football. Football is the closest we get to the soccer hooligans of the world. We watch a sport that is normally played once a week, every day of the week, multiple times a day, and on multiple screens.
I believe that once people are aware of women's football...they love it. Because it's football.
Now there are those out there as well that feel like women who play football are trying to some how be more masculine. Try Again. We just love the sport. Yes, it's rough. But who says women can't be strong? Who says women can't be empowered by using their bodies as an instrument other than for sex or birthing? Who wrote the rule that women can't be just as fierce and determined as men?
Come out and watch us play and you will realize that women playing football is not against the law of physics.
Actually Isaac Newton would probably enjoy women's football.
Fillies Out of the Gate With a Bang (Posted 4/11/2010)
As the scoreboard ticked off triple 0 I couldn't really comprehend it. We won over the Ventura Black Widows.
We arrived at the field around 4 to help set up the concession stands and decorations. Note to self, trying to carry 15 balloons to the street corner to decorate the fence with while the winds are around 20 mph is a bit more difficult than previously thought.
At 4:30pm we went into the locker room to get ready. We just got our new uniforms on Thursday and we are all anxious to get them on. I have to say that they are pretty damn cool. They are edgy and professional looking. I am proud of them. The sizes seemed to run a bit small but I think that's party due to the material of them being naturally tight. I had to jump up and down a little to get my pants on over my leg pads but I got it to work.
We went out onto the field at 5pm for early warm ups. As we were running onto the field I had to say we look damn good in purple.
I worked receiving kicks for a while. I'm glad that I did because the wind was making it difficult to read. I would come up hard and then the wind would catch the ball and it would sail over my head. Or I would hang back and it would die in front of me. After a few though I kind of got a gauge on it.
At 5:20 we went back into the locker room for the pep talk. As we all sat there it was all I could do to stay calm.
As we ran back on the field I couldn't help but feel like all the hard work we have put in was now going to be tested.
We were fairly silent during our stretching and warm-ups. If you know our team this is unusual. I think everyone was starting to focus.
We lined up in the end zone and they announced everyone on the team. As I they announced me and I ran out on the field I looked and saw the fan turnout that we had for the game and was impressed. We never got that when I played for the Pride and I never even saw it for other teams when we played away games.
We had won the toss and I ran out alongside Tucker to receive the kick off. As the whistle was blown I said out loud to myself, "It's just like practice" and sure enough the ball came to me. I grabbed it and run to about the 50 yard line. Ok, here we go I thought.
I knew before the game what the first call was going to be and I had envisioned how good it would feel if I could bust one. But I didn't think it would actually happen. I got a pitch and turned the corner, made a couple moves, and next thing I know everyone is pounding my helmet because I scored the first touchdown in Fillies history. I have to admit to everyone that it was also my technical first touchdown in my career. I have scored a couple but they were all called back. I felt almost a relief that we got off to that start.
Our defense was incredible all game. We had several sacks, an interception by Mac-Attack, and a fumble recovery.
Our offense ran the ball very well. Our offensive line made huge holes. Overall we played well.
The other team had about 9 players. Now coming from the Pride I can relate to them. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that blow out. Sometimes it's not how much talent you have when you have only 9 players. I have to say that I completely respect their heart. They didn't ever give up no matter what the score was.
The game was a great confidence booster for us however next week our real season begins at Fresno and they have more than 9 players. Every yard against them will be a lot harder. We will be tested and I think we are ready.
I am extremely proud of this team. I can't tell my teammates enough how much they mean to me. Stay tuned for week 2!
Game 2: Triumph (posted 4/19/2010)
Here is a recap of our 2nd game:
Friday I met Shalynn, Wheels, and Barbara off of I-5 at around 2pm. They got a little delayed in meeting me so I decided I was hungry and went into the Chevron to the A&W to get a corn dog because the lady in front of me got one and it sounded good.
When I told them I got a corn dog for some reason they though it was pretty damn random and funny. This would be our trip theme apparently.
Shalynn took the first leg driving and it was a beautiful day. Barbara came prepared with lot's of snacks. And she brought red vines so I will forever love her!
I took over in Medford. We got a little lost around Weed trying to find a gas station.
We stopped in Redding for dinner. Little did we know that there was an old car parade going on at the same time but we were able to find an Olive Garden. We sat down. Our waitress had a voice like she worked at Disney Land. Little kids were running around and I couldn't tell if the voices were the kids or her.
Then Shalynn said that a corn dog actually did sound good. We decided that we would be part of a Corn Dog Anonymous group. For some reason this was hysterical to us and I cried laughing.
We had a nice dinner and jumped back in the car. We arrived at our Hotel in Sacramento around 10pm. It was a nice hotel. We got to our room and got ready for bed. Apparently there was a group of kids staying next door that thought it was fun to be loud and run up and down the hall. Shalynn told them to be quiet but really she should have put on a helmet and chased them.
They woke us up at 7am. We showered and had breakfast. Wheels was happy because there was a waffle maker.
We jumped back into the car and drove the last 2 hours to the hotel in Madera. We got there around noon. As we were pulling up we saw one of our vans pull up.
We had 2 large vans driving down as well as 3-4 groups going down separately. One of the vans at 3am hit a deer. Bambi did not make it. The van wouldn't start. The cops were called. Then rainbow fixed the van and all was ok.
Everyone was drained so we took a little nap. We had Quiznos for lunch and chilled in the room for a bit. At 4:30 we ran to Big 5 so Barbara could buy knee pads because she forgot hers.
We arrived at the high school just before 5. We were the first ones there. After everyone finally got there and we got settled in we took the field for warm ups.
It was in the high 70's all day but our kickoff wasn't until 7pm so it was a bit cooler after we kicked off.
They returned the opening kick off for a touchdown.
We bounced back and scored right back.
They burned us deep.
We bounced back and scored right back.
Their team although talented resorted to some unorthodox methods of trying to take me down. But I bounced right back.
They tried to intimidate us. But we bounced right back.
Instead of folding we stuck together.
And it ended up being a very hard fought game. But I am so very proud of my team because we willed out that win. We took all the adversity and channeled it to do better. That's the sign of a good team.
Our offensive line was amazing. Every time I ran up the middle they created huge holes for me.
Their quarterback had a great arm but we were able to force her out of the pocket and make her throw on the run. After some adjustments our defense slowed them down.
I really feel like we proved something to ourselves this game.
It was a great feeling to be tested and come out on top.
I was exhausted. I took off my pads and my undershirt was literally soaked. I think I grossed people out. There were times when I was beat up and tested but I wanted to keep going for my team.
The CDA (corndog annoymous group) left the hotel at 8am the next day. The drive back was LONG but I was able to try to sleep through part of it. I did NOT sleep well at all the night before because I was so sore I couldn't get comfortable.
I got home around 6pm. Threw my clothes in the washer. Ate dinner. Took Ibprofen. Watched the Blazers steal game 1 from the Suns. And passed out.
Welcome to Women's Football (Posted 10/11/2009)
Hello readers!
My name is Holly Custis and I play women's tackle football. Yes. Football. Yes, we wear pads and helmets. Yes, we tackle. Yes, we are women. No, it's not soccer. No, it's not powder puff. I'm talking real, live, hard hitting, football.
I have played for 3 years for the Corvallis Pride of the IWFL. This year however, I have decided to join the newly formed Portland Fillies of the WFA. I like the direction the WFA is going on the business side of things and have decided that to play for a team in this league is worth the drive up the highway for me.
I will be writing in this blog throughout the season to give people a perspective of what it is like to play women's football. My ultimate goal is to get enough entries to write a book. I feel like this subject is interesting on many levels.
I want to give my readers access and perspective into this world. It's exciting, complicated, revealing, and interesting. I will talk about football, women, relationships, what it's like to be a woman athlete, what it's like to be a woman football player, and all the glory and pain of football.
Welcome to Women's Football.
How Did I Get Into Women's Football (posted 10/11/2009)
You might be wondering how I became a women's football player. Well, I have pretty much been an athlete my whole life. Ever since I got introduced to tee-ball at age 6 I have been playing some sort of sport. You name it, I have probably played it. I just love anything having to do with sports. I love the competition. I love the relationships you build with your teammates. I love pushing myself physically. And I love the psychology and mental challenges of outsmarting your opponent.
I grew up playing softball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, and even soccer for a couple of years. My summers were spent at sports camps. My identity was an athlete who happened to be driven academically too. My family was always supportive. My parents put a lot of time, effort, and money, to make sure I had many opportunities to pursue my love of sports. I was lucky in that regard after meeting others that had it more difficult.
In high school, I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf. I feel like I did alright. I was an all-around athlete. I ran against some politics that I felt hindered my potential. I also now feel like in modern day sports there is a lot of pressure on kids to specialize in one particular sport. The fact that I played everything meant I wasn't playing one all year long like others. However, I am proud of the fact that I played everything. I'll probably devote more time to this subject later.
I also grew up an avid sports fan. I remember being 7 years old and crying when my beloved Portland Trail Blazers would lose to my mom's Utah Jazz. Additionally, my family has had season tickets to the University of Oregon Duck football games since I was probably 10 or 11. I grew up a passionate, knowledgeable, and rabid fan of football. My grandmother lived in San Francisco and through visiting her I grew up a 49ers fan. Jerry Rice was my hero. I loved everything he represented which was hard work, athletic ability, passion, and just flat out wanting it more than anyone else.
Fast forward to 2006. I had been attending the University of Oregon. When I got to college in 2002, I decided not to try to walk on in anything and just focus on school. I was like free-time? What do I do with this? I really think I didn't find myself until college because in high school I had no time to do so. It was nice to just focus on school, have fun, and try to find out who I am.
I played inter mural sports and played club Ultimate Frisbee for a bit. I also worked out at the rec center and spent much time playing pick-up basketball with the boys and some football players. However, slow pitch softball and pick-up basketball games were just not doing it for me anymore.
I heard about a women's tackle football team in town and I thought I would check it out so we went to a game. I watched these women and I thought. Omygod! I could do this!
Something about playing a sport that I had watched since I was little but never thought I could play was very exciting to me. So I got the information I needed to keep in contact with them.
I spent that next year going to school and watching football like always but now with a different sort of anticipation. What would I play? Would these women like me? Would this be a hobby or a passion for me?
The time came for me to meet with the Eugene players the following fall in preparation for the next season. After a couple of meetings however, the Eugene owners, who were also players, let us know that they just didn't have the funds or the players to keep us going that year but that the Corvalis Pride was willing to let us come up and play for them.
Corvallis is about a 45 minute drive from Eugene. Corvallis is also the home of my school's in-state rival, the Oregon State Beavers. I initially was put off by that but still the opportunity to play was too much for me to pass up so I made the trek up I-5 to the first practice. The first practice was at Corvallis High School. Of course I got lost and was 15 minutes late to the first practice. Mind you I hate being late. I ran onto the field and was very embarrassed and joined the group of women warming up in lines.
This practice also happened to be directly after a snow storm we had had in the Willamette Valley so half the field was literally covered in snow. It was freaking cold! However, I had so much fun running around and catching passes that I knew I was suppose to be there.
After that first practice I decided to tell my family that I was going to be playing football. I suppose they really didn't know what to think. I think my dad was secretly intrigued because he played football in college at a small school in Indiana. My mother was confused and somehow thought it was part of my "rebellion" against her (as mothers seem to think every change their child endures is). Frankly, I think she was just scared her daughter would get hurt. She insisted I play wide receiver so that the big girls wouldn't tackle me. I promised just to get her off my case.
That first year I ended up playing running back and corner on defense. I found my sport that I was always meant to play. In every sport I played I was always the hustle player that would dive into bleachers after loose basketballs. Now here was a sport that actually rewards you for that kind of hustle.
I can't explain what it's like to tackle someone. I believe that I am pretty laid back and even keel. It takes a lot to upset me. I was always aggressive in sports but never angry. Then something happen to me after I learned how to tackle. It's this amazing transference of energy. It starts from your soul, whatever emotion you were feeling, through your body, and literally through the other person. And yet what one would think would hurt really doesn't...ok most of the time.
I have to tell you it's addicting. That feeling is actually therapeutic. You go into the off season and wish you had pads if you had a bad day. It gets into your blood stream. It's that adrenaline and almost primal state of grit and determination.
I would actually argue it's not masculine. It's human. It's not even necessarily violent, at least in my eyes that's not the purpose. The purpose is to find yourself completely alright with finding your deep strength that you didn't know you had.
That first year we only won 2 games but it was enough for me to become formally addicted to the sport. I grew up watching football on television and I guarantee you that I knew more than most middle-aged men. However, a funny thing happens when you actually start playing the game, you understand it on a much more technical level. It was exciting for me to notice a great increase in my understanding when I started watching football after that first season.
That October marked the beginning of an era of turmoil in my personal life. I was in the process of moving to Albany from Eugene and was in Albany at the time. My siblings were at school, my dad was at work, and my mother was at home with the dog when the fire started.
My mother heard a boom like a car accident and looked outside the house to find no sign of anything until she saw smoke coming out of the back of the house. She grabbed the dog, ran out of the house, and called 911. I got a frantic call from her and jumped in my car with the emergency lights going and flew up I-5.
By the time I got there, 3 blocks around my house were blocked off by police and fire fighters. I got clearance to get around and arrived at the front of my house to find my mother who was visibly shaken. The back of the house was engulfed in flames in a way that made you numb because that stuff only happens in movies. It didn't feel like it was my house.
Neighbors were around to try to comfort my family. Channel 2 news from Portland was there covering it. Apparently a couple of firemen got hurt. Insurance people were asking questions. My dad was fighting back tears and trying not to get pissed off at the news people. It was awful.
3 months later my mom was trying to get away and took my sister with her dune buggying in Florence. The dune buggy caught fire and they had a hard time getting her out of it. She finally did but not before she sustained 3rd degree burns on 8 percent of her body.
Needless to say, I was struggling with all of this. But one thing that was constant was football and my teammates. Football gave me something to focus on. My teammates were supportive and understanding. It was awesome to feel like I had a second family when I really needed it and I will always be grateful to them.
Going into the second season I felt like I had something to prove. Scratch that. I had everything to prove: to myself, to my team, to my family, to the world. Football helped me pull myself up from the the dust and emerge a much stronger, wiser, and better person.
Woman In A Man's Sport (Posted 11/19/2009)
You may be wondering if I have come across people who say: Women can't play football. Well, I have of course but it doesn't really bother me because their arguments are just silly to my well trained ears.
I grew up a female athlete. I know that when I play pick up basketball that I have to work twice as hard and that most guys won't pass me the ball until they realize I can play. I know that women's sports haven't gotten the attention of the men.
However I firmly believe that football is a bit different. A funny thing happens when you put on shoulder pads and a helmet. People forget you are women. They start identifying you as a football player.
We might get the occasional giggle from the stands. But then we start to tackle and those same giggles turn into disbelief that a girl could hit like that.
Baseball is no longer America's favorite past time. It's now football. Football is the closest we get to the soccer hooligans of the world. We watch a sport that is normally played once a week, every day of the week, multiple times a day, and on multiple screens.
I believe that once people are aware of women's football...they love it. Because it's football.
Now there are those out there as well that feel like women who play football are trying to some how be more masculine. Try Again. We just love the sport. Yes, it's rough. But who says women can't be strong? Who says women can't be empowered by using their bodies as an instrument other than for sex or birthing? Who wrote the rule that women can't be just as fierce and determined as men?
Come out and watch us play and you will realize that women playing football is not against the law of physics.
Actually Isaac Newton would probably enjoy women's football.
Fillies Out of the Gate With a Bang (Posted 4/11/2010)
As the scoreboard ticked off triple 0 I couldn't really comprehend it. We won over the Ventura Black Widows.
We arrived at the field around 4 to help set up the concession stands and decorations. Note to self, trying to carry 15 balloons to the street corner to decorate the fence with while the winds are around 20 mph is a bit more difficult than previously thought.
At 4:30pm we went into the locker room to get ready. We just got our new uniforms on Thursday and we are all anxious to get them on. I have to say that they are pretty damn cool. They are edgy and professional looking. I am proud of them. The sizes seemed to run a bit small but I think that's party due to the material of them being naturally tight. I had to jump up and down a little to get my pants on over my leg pads but I got it to work.
We went out onto the field at 5pm for early warm ups. As we were running onto the field I had to say we look damn good in purple.
I worked receiving kicks for a while. I'm glad that I did because the wind was making it difficult to read. I would come up hard and then the wind would catch the ball and it would sail over my head. Or I would hang back and it would die in front of me. After a few though I kind of got a gauge on it.
At 5:20 we went back into the locker room for the pep talk. As we all sat there it was all I could do to stay calm.
As we ran back on the field I couldn't help but feel like all the hard work we have put in was now going to be tested.
We were fairly silent during our stretching and warm-ups. If you know our team this is unusual. I think everyone was starting to focus.
We lined up in the end zone and they announced everyone on the team. As I they announced me and I ran out on the field I looked and saw the fan turnout that we had for the game and was impressed. We never got that when I played for the Pride and I never even saw it for other teams when we played away games.
We had won the toss and I ran out alongside Tucker to receive the kick off. As the whistle was blown I said out loud to myself, "It's just like practice" and sure enough the ball came to me. I grabbed it and run to about the 50 yard line. Ok, here we go I thought.
I knew before the game what the first call was going to be and I had envisioned how good it would feel if I could bust one. But I didn't think it would actually happen. I got a pitch and turned the corner, made a couple moves, and next thing I know everyone is pounding my helmet because I scored the first touchdown in Fillies history. I have to admit to everyone that it was also my technical first touchdown in my career. I have scored a couple but they were all called back. I felt almost a relief that we got off to that start.
Our defense was incredible all game. We had several sacks, an interception by Mac-Attack, and a fumble recovery.
Our offense ran the ball very well. Our offensive line made huge holes. Overall we played well.
The other team had about 9 players. Now coming from the Pride I can relate to them. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that blow out. Sometimes it's not how much talent you have when you have only 9 players. I have to say that I completely respect their heart. They didn't ever give up no matter what the score was.
The game was a great confidence booster for us however next week our real season begins at Fresno and they have more than 9 players. Every yard against them will be a lot harder. We will be tested and I think we are ready.
I am extremely proud of this team. I can't tell my teammates enough how much they mean to me. Stay tuned for week 2!
Game 2: Triumph (posted 4/19/2010)
Here is a recap of our 2nd game:
Friday I met Shalynn, Wheels, and Barbara off of I-5 at around 2pm. They got a little delayed in meeting me so I decided I was hungry and went into the Chevron to the A&W to get a corn dog because the lady in front of me got one and it sounded good.
When I told them I got a corn dog for some reason they though it was pretty damn random and funny. This would be our trip theme apparently.
Shalynn took the first leg driving and it was a beautiful day. Barbara came prepared with lot's of snacks. And she brought red vines so I will forever love her!
I took over in Medford. We got a little lost around Weed trying to find a gas station.
We stopped in Redding for dinner. Little did we know that there was an old car parade going on at the same time but we were able to find an Olive Garden. We sat down. Our waitress had a voice like she worked at Disney Land. Little kids were running around and I couldn't tell if the voices were the kids or her.
Then Shalynn said that a corn dog actually did sound good. We decided that we would be part of a Corn Dog Anonymous group. For some reason this was hysterical to us and I cried laughing.
We had a nice dinner and jumped back in the car. We arrived at our Hotel in Sacramento around 10pm. It was a nice hotel. We got to our room and got ready for bed. Apparently there was a group of kids staying next door that thought it was fun to be loud and run up and down the hall. Shalynn told them to be quiet but really she should have put on a helmet and chased them.
They woke us up at 7am. We showered and had breakfast. Wheels was happy because there was a waffle maker.
We jumped back into the car and drove the last 2 hours to the hotel in Madera. We got there around noon. As we were pulling up we saw one of our vans pull up.
We had 2 large vans driving down as well as 3-4 groups going down separately. One of the vans at 3am hit a deer. Bambi did not make it. The van wouldn't start. The cops were called. Then rainbow fixed the van and all was ok.
Everyone was drained so we took a little nap. We had Quiznos for lunch and chilled in the room for a bit. At 4:30 we ran to Big 5 so Barbara could buy knee pads because she forgot hers.
We arrived at the high school just before 5. We were the first ones there. After everyone finally got there and we got settled in we took the field for warm ups.
It was in the high 70's all day but our kickoff wasn't until 7pm so it was a bit cooler after we kicked off.
They returned the opening kick off for a touchdown.
We bounced back and scored right back.
They burned us deep.
We bounced back and scored right back.
Their team although talented resorted to some unorthodox methods of trying to take me down. But I bounced right back.
They tried to intimidate us. But we bounced right back.
Instead of folding we stuck together.
And it ended up being a very hard fought game. But I am so very proud of my team because we willed out that win. We took all the adversity and channeled it to do better. That's the sign of a good team.
Our offensive line was amazing. Every time I ran up the middle they created huge holes for me.
Their quarterback had a great arm but we were able to force her out of the pocket and make her throw on the run. After some adjustments our defense slowed them down.
I really feel like we proved something to ourselves this game.
It was a great feeling to be tested and come out on top.
I was exhausted. I took off my pads and my undershirt was literally soaked. I think I grossed people out. There were times when I was beat up and tested but I wanted to keep going for my team.
The CDA (corndog annoymous group) left the hotel at 8am the next day. The drive back was LONG but I was able to try to sleep through part of it. I did NOT sleep well at all the night before because I was so sore I couldn't get comfortable.
I got home around 6pm. Threw my clothes in the washer. Ate dinner. Took Ibprofen. Watched the Blazers steal game 1 from the Suns. And passed out.
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