Hello all friends and sports fans. It has been ages since I've been online. College has had me flat-out busy and I've experienced difficulty in remembering which way is up. I sure do miss being able to sit down and write like I used to.

Speaking of writing, as part of an assignment for a programming course, I have opened up my own website. I hope you might stop in and take a peek. I keep you all in my thoughts.

Click: Right Here!

You know that's the Human Side of Sports.

Ps.- I'll be recieving two AAS degrees next month- Industrial Electronics and Electrical Technology. I'm starting a BS degree program in the fall for Management of Technology....I'm a glutten for punishment.

     Hey hey everyone. Just wanted to lighten up the day with a good video piece done on Kenny George. It's pretty amazing when you think the guy has a 96" wingspan. Looking at a ball in his hands seems anything but normal. You have to respect Hansbrough for the courage to take it to the rim on the "Freak of Hoops." Enjoy....That's the Human Side of Sports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jD1VyPHecc&fe
ature=related

     I first became aware of Southern Cindi on Gunaquat's log. We had a misunderstanding and when Cindi responded to a remark I made, I was impressed. I had a feeling there was something special about her and like many of us here discovered, she was.

     Lisa4USC jumped on a campaign as many did to try and get Cindi to the "Big Race" at Talledega last spring. While we did what we could, Lisa really made the "Sunshine Girl" from Florida's dream come true. I was blessed enough to join in with the help of Vearl who made my dream come true at the same time.

     I didn't know what to expect from our gathering at the race in Alabama. I'd been talking with both Lisa and Cindi for some time. Cindi was sweet and had a southern girl accent to be sure, and Lisa was......well Lisa.

     When I arrived at the hotel in the tiny community, it was very late at night. Lisa was standing on the balcony with a great, big smile and a cold beer in the fridge. She told me that Cindid had gone to bed, but made Lisa promise to wake her up when I got there. Cindi was like a big kid who was having the best Christmas ever. We chatted for a while and I left to sleep in my car and wait the the next day's race.

     We ate at Waffle House early the next morning and Lisa tried grits while Cindi, her mom, and I laughed until it hurt. The wait to get inside the track was long but it gave an opportunity for me to hear all about the meeting with Tony Stewart. Once inside, we waited forever for a courtesy cart until Lisa went into action and got one in a hurry.

     I waited until mid-way through the previous week to get my ticket and as luck would have it, I got to sit with the three ladies. Cindi's face was lit-up from the start and never faded. Another fan let her borrow a headset which allowed her to listen to Tony's crew. I took plenty of photos and the one of her with the headset was one she treasured.

     When we all parted to say goodbye back at the hotel, there were many tears. I even got a great kiss from Cindi's mom. I felt as though I was saying goodbye to family. Truth be told, I was. I had a new family with a mom and two sisters and believe me, Lisa and Cindi were.

     I spent time talking with Cindi on MSN Messenger. she had the most amazing emocons that she used during conversation. They were brighten up the cloudiest day. And her humor was infectious. Whether by phone or messenger, Cindi and I always closed a conversation with "I love yous." It never felt funny, but always felt right. She was my friend and adopted sister.

     Yes, Cindi was finally taken from us after a courageous battle with cancer. But she did not lose to cancer. Cindi won the fight. Right until the day she left to be with the Lord, Southern Cindi Redding was victorious in the way she lived here, and in the way she gave to others. And, as she does in so many of us right now, Cindi continues to live for now and evermore.

I love you too Cindi.........

     I've been a faithful Pittsburgh Steeler's fan for the last 34 years. Diehard, I've laughed, cried, and screamed until unable to speak. Watching the playoff game against Jacksonville was an easy ending to predict.

     With approximately 4:15 left on the clock in the 4th and the Steelers ahead by 1 point, I knew that they would try to run; - and they did. Same old story, same old result.

     It has been a never-ending philosophy of the Pittsburgh Steeler organization that if ahead by a minimum of 1, run the ball. The defense is good enough to wrap it up. As solid as the "Curtain" has been each and every year, their "pass-prevent" defense has at the same time been horrible when trying to hold a small lead. I would venture to say as a faithful fan, without actual numbers, that their chances of winning is less than 25% if the lead is less than 7 points.

     In the 4th quarter Big Ben fought hard to bring them to a lead of which they should have had. Even though the running back situation was grim, there was plenty of talent to take up the slack. I think the decision to have Davenport return kicked balls was moronic. Why would you take a quality "big-man" and wear him out when he has no chance of taking it to the house.

     But the biggest blunder was the play calling at the 4:15 point of the 4th. The short passes and quick out were working. With Ward and a beast they call Heath Miller, you don't try and run against a stacked line when Jacksonville has 3 timeouts. Are you stupid? Have you not researched the playoff history for the Steelers when the lead is less than 7?

     Today's offenses are quick to score and even the Steelers proved such in the same game coming from behind. Jacksonville's two quality backs hammered the defense all evening and to give the ball back without a care was unforgivable. With that much time, bad field position, and a full-plate of timeouts on Jacksonville's side, Tomlin blew a game that belonged to the Black and Gold. I just hope that he learned a valuable lesson and adjusts next year to make a long-awaited game-plan for killing the clock.

Note: I'm a little late with this story, but I've been busy. But this was one Human Side of Sports I had to post.

The Tide of Alabama survived a scare from the Cougars of Houston.

Human Side of Sports Photo

The Crimson Tide hit the field with total dominance. When the first quarter came to a close, Alabama was up 23-0 over the University of Houston. The Homecoming crowd couldn’t be more content. With the start of the second quarter, things began to change.

 

 

Seeing Victory early in the game, the cheerleaders show a V for victory.

Human Side of Sports Photo

Houston began to get into a rhythm and a little back named Anthony Aldridge began to dart between the big front line and give the Cougars a glimmer of Hope. Redshirt freshman quarterback Case Keenum stood bravely in the pocket taking huge blows. Showing a lot of heart, Keenum battled his team down the field for a score before the first half closed.

 

 

                      

Bart Starr appears as the honorary Grand Marshall for the Homecoming Game.

Shelton State Courrier Photo

                           

Governor of Alabama Bob Riley greets students to be honored.

Human Side of Sports Photo

Parade member gathers flag after half-time show.

Human Side of Sports Photo

Something happened to the 23-7 first-half dominance that the Tide held over Houston. Little by little the Cougars ran and passed their way back into the game. Although the third quarter ended with Alabama ahead 30-10, Houston still had something left in the tank.

 

 

The "big-men" take a break when the offense takes over.

Human Side of Sports Photo

Restlessness could be felt in the crowd as the Tide seemed to struggle finding a first down. Several three-and-outs left the Cougars in the game. With the gap closing, Houston had the opportunity to win with the ball in the red zone and enough ticks on the clock. But the Tide defense held strong and the game ended 30-24.

 Problems for Bama: A pattern has been developed early in the season and repeated for the Crimson Tide. Other than the Florida State debacle last week, Alabama gets a substantial lead over opponents only to give it away. The Georgia loss should have never unfolded. The West Carolina game was a gimme. The Tide jumped quickly ahead of Arkansas and Georgia and lost the later.

 

 So where does the problem lie for Alabama?

 John Parker Wilson is a decent quarterback, but he has his moments of carelessness. McElroy is the back-up and had a great pre-season looking sharp with all attempts completed in his one outing this year in a real game. Should Alabama go with a two-quarterback system like Florida mastered?

 Alabama has a solid core of running backs in Roy Upchurch, Terry Grant, and Glen Coffee.  I have yet to find anyone in the state that understands why a bruising back in Jimmy Johns isn’t hitting the field. Its all hush, hush.

 

DJ Hall is an unbelievable receiver and he’ll write his own ticket in the NFL draft. Saturday he broke the all-time receiving record. Surpassing the records of Freddie Milons and John Stallworth says something special.

DJ Hall warms up with John Parker Wilson

Human Side of Sports Photo

 

The defense seems a little weak in the area of DBs. They’ve been burned on the long routes a few times but do fine on the short stuff. Their line is crushing and perform great unless the offense dictates they stay out in the grass which wears on the best D every time. Learn these names as they’ll be seeing the NFL. Simeon Castille is one quick DB that hits like a much bigger player. Prince Hall is a 5’11” 235lb. LB that resembles and feels like a small train. Rolondo McClain, Alfred McCullough, and Brandon Deaderick are the “big-men” that leave pains lasting well into the next week.

 One thing I can see though is that I don’t like the play calling when needing to score or move ahead. Rather than rolling Wilson out with a halfback trailing for a pitchout option, but looking downfield for a tightend or receiver, he’s handing off or throwing in the pocket. This is not going to fly when today’s players are quick and smart. It’s crucial to create as many question marks as possible when you need to cross that goal-line or first-down tape;  open it up and keep them guessing.

 Next week we visit Ole Miss which should be a victory. The following week will be Tennessee at home and the Tide needs to get ahead quickly as they have been, and stay ahead. Slacking off will not cut it in a match against the Vols, or LSU who draws blood every time they take the field. Alabama has enough solid players on both sides of the field to win on a given day. It’s up to the coaches to keep opponents hobbling and never having the chance to mend. Come on Saban, keep those points churning. You should have a valuable lesson learned by now.

 Personal Thoughts on Attending: Saturday I went to my first Alabama Game in about 10 years. The last game I went to was at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama to see Shaun Alexander do what he does best; run like the wind.

 

 When one goes to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, there’s an echo of greatness that whispers through the air.

 Exiting the tunnel that lead to sunlight, and my ears became alive with the roaring of the crowd. An ocean of red waves from the seats shifted like turbulent waves in a ferocious storm.

 I walked to the lower fence that surrounds the field. Taking my camera, I took photos of a player getting his ankles wrapped. Not much to shoot during the first half, I did feel better after capturing a couple snaps of  Head Coach Nick Saban.

 Waiting for the half-time show to begin, Alabama’s Million Dollar Band gathered in front of me and slowly moved forward as the players headed for the locker room. Some people in fine dress-clothes approached as is common for any Homecoming Game. I did a double-take as I saw someone who looked familiar, but could it really be? Bart Starr? For real? Well, it sure was and he was gracious to us fans, stopping to say hello. A few moments later I saw the Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley, shaking hands and giving his best smile.

 With the half-time festivities coming to a close, I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t get a few shots of the cheerleaders for my friends at Fox Sports. I’m no match for the mastery of Tophatal’s wizardry of flesh, but the ladies were beautiful and put on a great show for the crowd.

 And that, my friends, is The Human Side of Sports.

They just don't get any prettier than at the University of Alabama.

Human Side of Sports Photo

                          

The heat couldn't deter the team spirit.

Human Side of Sports Photo 

        

Some people find Pittsburgh Steeler fans annoying. That’s okay. The truth is; we’re the greatest there are. No other team comes close to having the same quality and loyal fanbase.

 There are many teams that expand the number of fans when they have a quality year. One team comes immediately to my mind when I think of a prime example. But I won’t stoop to actually naming them. But I do believe that John Wayne would have booted their butt off the Chisholm Trail.

 When the Houston Oilers were in their transition of moving to Nashville and becoming the Titans, Memphis was a temporary home. I made the drive from L.A……(Lower Alabama), and the stadium was filled with far more Black and Gold than anything resembling shades of blue. The gridlock of traffic gave me the honor and privilege of meeting and talking to other faithful from all over the country.

 A couple of years ago I treated my dad to a game in Jacksonville, Florida. I called and reserved a room well in advance after many hours of research on the computer. I wanted things to be perfect, but I was booking blind. I was a little anxious about it as we pulled up to the hotel. Going into the lobby put my mind at ease. From the lobby, you could look up and see the open railings for all four floors above. There were Steeler fans hanging over the edge on each level looking down. The bar was jammed. My dad looked at me and said, “I believe we’re in the right place.” I laughed.

 After unpacking and getting settled in, it was time for…..you guessed it; drinks. Making friends was never so easy. The entire hotel seemed to be exclusively for those wearing black and gold. They were from all over the country as were at Memphis. My dad and I learned of many, whole families included, that went either to every game, or planned their vacation for a specific one involving travel.

 Taking the river boat from the hotel, we docked in a marina near the stadium. There was a pirate ship there complete with skull and cross-bones. The boat was painted black and yellow of course. There seemed to be more Steeler fans than Jaguar fans.

 Those who wear black and gold are the best traveling fans of any other team. No other team that has a larger traveling base. And I know that Steeler fans truly believe each year we’re going to the bowl, no matter how bleak the beginnings look. So are we going to the bowl this year? You bet! And you know what else? We’re going to win. So if you’re tired of being a fan of a team that has a bunch of pansies following it around, come with a real team. But I warn you, once you hook up…..you can’t leave. Black and Gold baby…..Black and Gold!  There are none more loyal.....PERIOD!

 And that, my friends, is The Human Side of Sports.

 To my friends; please forgive the absense as I'm still struggling a bit. But I hope to get things resolved. I appreciate each and every one of you.

 

Photo Credits:

http://www.ruffcreek.com/Steeler%20Game/imag
es/steeler_fans3_jpg.jpg

http://www.cogscreations.net/bubba/images/St
eelerFansMyers3.jpg

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dlduke/images/january
06/IMG_5241_Large_small.JPG

                          

It seems that every time I’ve made a move to advance myself career-wise, I’ve had to take great risks. While in high school, I started as a busboy in a restaurant. Having been given the will to perform my job with pride and perfection from my father, I began giving it my all right away. I could sweep though tables and get more into one bus-bucket than anyone. Sounds stupid I know, but it meant something to me.

When one of the old Greeks named Chris was giving up his position as the fry cook, the part-owner tried to talk Jimmie into letting me take over. “He’s too silly and couldn’t handle it,” he said in his gruff Pall Mall influenced voice. They even battled over it one night as Greek men do. Chris didn’t smoke, but Jimmie smoked enough for half of the employees. At the time of Chris’s retirement party, after the lamb and Ouzo was thoroughly consumed, it was determined that I would indeed be in the kitchen.

Jimmie was a brutal boss; at least at first. Between Joe, (another cook), Jimmie, and myself, the ashtray in the kitchen looked more like a training area for those wishing to learn Native-American smoke signal communication. My cooking not only of the fried seafood for which we were famous, but for my overall passion gave me a reputation that was widespread. Nick, the owner of what was considered to be the ultimate restaurant of the area used to beg me to jump ship. But I couldn’t do that.

When I moved to Vermont, my first position was cooking breakfasts which I couldn’t stand. It was insulting to be buttering toasts, slapping eggs, and shouting the names of waitresses that thought I was on a level par to a dishwasher. So I searched for something new until I found a resort in Killington.

Peggy was half-owner of the Inn with a German gentleman of whom I’ve forgotten his name. Not really qualified to be a Head Chef, I sold myself with my passion and desire to give people the absolute best food. I was hired on the spot. Before my first day of work I purchased all new chef uniforms. These consisted of the heavy white coats with rope buttons, the hats, the checkered slacks, and yes, a scarf.

The Butternut Inn on the Mountain did not serve hamburgers or hot dogs. We were gourmet. It was not unusual for someone famous to eat there as the place smelled of money. One night I was called out by a waitress who said there were some gentlemen at a table that wanted to see me. It was not too unusual to have people want to compliment the Chef, but this was a little more special. They owned a casino in Atlantic City and wanted me to run their kitchen. With the task at home of trying to save a disastrous marriage at home, I turned them down. But I sometimes wonder about what might have been.

The resort was off-season I took a position with an R.V. dealer. It was so cool to see all the gadgets and amenities that the units held; little homes away from home. What the greatest pleasure to do for me was the delivering of the large units. We had a special truck that would handle both the travel trailers and fifth wheels. I felt like a big dog pulling them down the road, then backing them up in a campground. The c.b. radio was cool as well even though I hadn’t the slightest clue on how to use it. Through my short time here, a new dream emerged. I wanted to drive eighteen-wheelers. I went so far as to go to several dealerships to check them out. I’d sit in the seat and dream of the feeling to do it for real.

A local dairy company called Cabot Creamery was looking for a route driver. I applied and was invited to take a road test. Now bear in mind that I had never driven one before. Climbing into the cab with the gentleman that was going to evaluate me, I started the motor and eased it into first; no problem. With my heart beating a hundred miles an hour, I eased out onto the back-woods road. Shifting up wasn’t too big a deal. With some mild grinding, I got through……the problem came when a hill approached. Even though we were empty in the trailer, I needed to downshift and it wasn’t happening.

Grinding the gears wasn’t the word for it. Glancing towards my wide-eyed passenger, it sounded more like a grizzly bear that swallowed a case of Coca-Cola with a Pop-Rocks chaser. It was horrible. Traffic was lined up behind us reminding me that it was evening rush hour. Well, we finally got back to the warehouse with mutual relief. I was asked to back the trailer to a dock door which I did very well. As amazing at it may seem, I was actually turned down for employment.

After a short-time working for a Pepsi-Cola company driving a straight-truck, I got in with the guys that drove eighteen-wheelers with Fairdale Farms. One day the supervisor mentioned looking for someone and I jumped all over it. Two weeks later I showed up for my first day.

The truck was an International that had a great big hood on it. It seemed as though it stretched into tomorrow. Chris, my trainer, drove first until we got off of the interstate onto a back-woods country road. With some gentle grinding I got up to speed through the gears. Following a school bus had me grinding all the way to our first stop with all the stopping and starting.

At the end of the second day with maybe about five total hours of driving under my belt, something happened. Another driver had a brutal wreck on the interstate. He had hit a patch of black-ice, lost control, and slammed into a huge granite boulder. Upon impact, the driver’s side was crushed and he ended up upside-down in the passenger side. He was busted up good. I was asked if I could handle my run by myself. Of course I said yes.

Each day we would have different trailers. On my second solo day, I was going down a very steep hill with a curve near the bottom. It was half-way down when I discovered I had hardly any brakes. Smoke was rolling out from the wheels and the corner was approaching fast. With my heart attempting to push its way through my teeth, I made it. Two weeks later during a storm that dropped five feet of snow, I made a call to my boss to explain I was a little behind. I was on my knees in order to use the payphone because of the piled snow.

My dream eventually came true of buying my own rig. Because of having the courage to dream, the passion to create the drive, and the pride to do my job to my absolute best, it happened.

So what is the point of all this? I’m going to tell you my friends. In case you haven’t heard, there is a sportswriter contest here at Fox Sports.

When I first came here I had no idea what to expect. A marriage had just ended, I was down and out, and changing direction after 18 years of driving eighteen-wheelers. I enrolled in school for electronics, but I re-discovered something I’ve known all my life. I love to write. I always have. Even when I was a rebellious teenager giving my mother fits with my antics, writing poetry and short-stories made me feel good for more reasons than one.

I am so grateful for each and every friend that I have made here. Though I’ve lost the net at home due to finances, and have been very busy at school, I have felt quiet badly about not making my rounds to everyone’s writes as is my normal pleasure and honor. I enjoy encouraging and complimenting others. Each person here offers something special.

I will not lie and make light-of what winning the contest would mean to me. I would actually hope that it would lead to a full-time position so that I would not only be able to get paid to write and support myself, but I could redirect my current education towards a more appropriate degree.

If I don’t win, I will be disappointed as anyone else would, but this is what I hope the next writer fulfills. Writing should never be a job, but a passion. Any career that we approach as a job will reflect the sub-par quality that will surely result. I would also hope that the writer realize that sports is not just about games, races, and otherwise.

Sports are the celebration of life on one of its grandest scales.  Mentors are found, families are bound, and the ways they affect the lives of so many are absolutely countless. So I pray that the winner carry the torch and responsibility well. May the man or woman allow passion and love for what they do to be reflected in each and every article. May the celebration of life shine through like a bright shining star. That really would be The Human Side of Sports.

                     

Photo Credits:

http://www.grouptourplanner.com/images/suppl
iers/Cabot%20Creamery%20copy.jpg

http://www.saratogapolo.com/assets/chef.jpg

http://www.panaramadesign.com/images/fairdal
e.jpg

http://www.yemenweb.com/gharasi/images/pepsi
_can.jpg

http://www.heroldtrailersales.com/images/ope
n_road_travel_trailers_250.jpg

http://www.case.edu/news/2004/3-04/sheridan_
sports.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2003/sinbad/drea
m.jpg

http://passioninstitute.com/pi_logo_300.jpg

If anyone had the right to complain about NASCAR’s point system to determine the final Champion last year, it was Tony Stewart. According to an article written by Mark Aumann of NASCAR.com, if this year’s point system were in effect last year, Stewart would have finished the season in second place behind Jimmie Johnson by a slim 16-point margin.

There have indeed been changes made between the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Instead of a 10-man chase which excluded Tony Stewart, it is now a 12-man chase. During the annual 26 races, an additional 5 points will be added to the winner of each raising it to 185. Additional bonus points are awarded for any driver that leads any lap; (5), and the driver that leads the most laps; (5).  The most points that a driver may earn for one race is set at 195.

When the 12-man cut is determined for the actual chase, all twelve drivers will have their point totals reset to 5000. Each win earned over the season will gain an addition 10 bonus points. This rewards drivers who have gutted it out across the finish-line first, and the one who stands to gain the most this year is Jeff Gordon.

 “Any one of the 12 drivers can win the championship with the Chase format. Every point is crucial during the final 10 races, so any bonus points you get before the Chase begins is a huge benefit. And it’s all about the bonus points right now.” – Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon knows the value of every possible point that will cross-over when push comes to shove. His team has a 4-win season so far and they will take some risks with the possibility of losing a few points to get another win before the cut is of 12 is made. It is crucial to be as far apart from the rest of the field as possible.

It is important to know about Tony Stewart’s influence towards changes in the point system. It is also important to know Jeff Gordon’s strategy towards the races before the final cut. NASCAR’s previous point system and the limit of ten drivers were flawed. Though it expands the field, it could be said that flaws still exist.

I feel that the field should be stretched to twenty drivers, but with a larger cushion of starting points between the top and bottom ten drivers; say 500 points. This would mean a 5000 point start at the chase for the first ten drivers, and a 4500 point start for the bottom ten. Stretching the field to twenty will also keep more fans happily involved and hopeful that their favorite team has a chance.

There is a fear on NASCAR’s behalf that the drive for competitive racing is strongly influenced by the point system, but a point system will never inspire a driver to win. That desire comes from the heart. And that’s why we call it, The Human Side of Sports.

              

Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. was born on June 11, 1956 in New Eagle, Pennsylvania. His parents, Joseph and Theresa actually raised him in Monongahela twenty-five miles south of Pittsburgh. Little Joe started playing football in this coal mining community at the very young age of eight. Not actually old enough to play in the local league, his father listed Joe Montana as nine years old.

Joe Montana’s father also started a local basketball team that practiced in a local armory and the team was good enough to play in various regional tournaments. It was here that basketball became his favorite sport.

Montana attended Waverly Elementary School, Finleyville Junior High, and then Ringgold High School. It was at Ringgold that he played three sports; baseball, basketball, and football. In 1973 Joe Montana helped the basketball team win the WPIAL Class AAA Championship. In fact, North Carolina State offered him a scholarship with a guarantee that he could play both basketball and football for their program.

Even though Joe Montana didn’t earn a starting spot with the Ringgold Rams football team until his junior year, he was scouted heavily and accepted a scholarship from the University of Notre Dame.  When he showed up in 1974, Montana married his high school sweetheart Kim Moses within the second semester. They ended up divorcing less than three years later. He was listed as the seventh-string quarterback while Rudy Ruetttiger was in his senior year; the inspirational player in the movie Rudy. Joe saw no playing time whatsoever with the varsity squad.

Head Coach Ara Parseghian retired due to health concerns on December 1974. Dan Devine took over the position.

 During spring practice of 1975, Devine was so impressed with Montana, the he told his wife, “I’m going to start Joe Montana in the final spring game. Upon her asking who Joe Montana was, Devine replied, “He’s the guy who’s going to feed our family for the next few years.”

When the 1975 season began, Coach Devine did not believe that Montana was ready to be the full-time starter. But when behind 14-6 against North Carolina, Joe Montana was sent in with 1:02 on the game-clock. Incredibly, he racked up 129 yards and Notre Dame won by a score of 21-14.
“That was the greatest comeback I’ve ever seen.” – Moose Krause, Notre Dame Athletic Director.

The next game was against Air Force. Joe Montana wasn’t called into the game until the fourth quarter with the Irish down 30-10. Again, Montana brought them to a victorious score of 31-30 by game’s end.

“This one’s better than last week.” – Moose Krause, Notre Dame Athletic Director.

Joe Montana separated his right shoulder before the 1976 season began. He was however able to “red-shirt,” thereby giving him the chance to obtain four years play eligibility.

In the 1977 season, Rusty Lisch and Gary Forystek beat out Montana on the depth chart placing him as third-string.
With Joe Montana not playing in the first two games of the season, Notre Dame won the first but lost the second. Then came the game against Purdue. With Lisch as the starter, he was replaced by Forystek who received a brutal career-ending injury. Rusty Lisch went back in, but the Irish were behind by a score of 24-14. Montana came in the game with eleven minutes left on the clock. Notre Dame when on to win by a score of 31-14 with a Montana touchdown pass, and his contribution of 154 yards passing.
This left no doubt as to the starting quarterback and Montana led the Irish in their final nine games. The last one was against then-rated number-one Texas to whom they handed a 1978 Cotton Bowl loss with a score of 38-10.

The 1979 Cotton Bowl became famous as the “Chicken Soup” game. Joe Montana was not feeling well at all, but came back to play with two seconds on the clock. The Irish were losing to the University of Houston. Montana saw his team to a win with the final score of 35-34 with the Fighting Irish scoring a touchdown.

Though they were not officially recognized as Combines until 1982, potential NFL players still ran through the motions for scouts in 1979. With scoring ratings between one and nine with nine being the best, Joe Montana did not rate very high. His actual average was closer to six in the different categories. This contributed to him not being picked until the third-round by the San Francisco 49ers with the 82nd overall decision.

During the 1979 season, Joe Montana played in 16 games, but threw only 23 passes as he was actually backing up starter Steve DeBerg.
It wasn’t until December 7, 1980 the next year, when things changed in a game against the New Orleans Saints. Montana’s ability to  comeback was being realized when he led the 49ers to a victory in the fourth-quarter with a 35-21 deficit. This was the first of an incredible 31 NFL career fourth-quarter comebacks; 26 of which that were with the 49ers.

Joe Montana’s starting quarterback position was locked at the beginning of the 1981 season. Having racked up 1,795 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions by the previous season’s end, he had a league-best 64.5 percent completion record. The San Francisco 49ers finished the season with a 13-3 record. They met the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl and won the game 26-21. This earned Montana his first Super Bowl MVP award.
Joe Montana stayed with the 49ers until being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in April of 1993. A hit by Leonard Marshall during a 1991 NFC Championship game had forced him to the sidelines for all of the 1991 season and most of 1992. Steve Young had not only filled in, but did so well enough to take Joe Montana’s job.

Still injured for part of the 1993 season with the Chiefs, Joe Montana did manage two more come-from-behind victories for his new team. The chiefs made the 1993 playoffs, but bowed down before the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game.

1994 was bittersweet. Though again losing in the playoffs for that season, Joe Montana did have a great shootout with Denver’s John Elway on a Monday Night game, and defeated his old team the 49ers by a score of 24-17.  Joe Montana retired and left the ball in the hands of back-up Steve Bono.

Personal thoughts: Joe Montana was a great player. Not only was he a warrior and winner on the field, but I always think of him as humble. Montana was a classy player that always seemed to appreciate the game, his fellow players, and the fans. While it sadly seems that we now witness many “all about me” players these days, “Joe Cool” really was the ultimate teammate. There were so many great comeback games in his career; too many to cover, but I encourage people to read and remember.
And that, my friends, is the Human Side of Sports.

For the Record;
8 Pro Bowls, 3 Super Bowl MVP Awards, 2 NFL MVP Awards, Offensive Player of the Year Award, Comeback Player of the Year Award, UPI NFC Offensive Player of the Year Award, Bert Bell Award, Led the 49ers to 4 Super Bowl VictorieYards, 273 Touchdowns, 92.3 Passer Rating. NFL Hall of Fame/Class of 2000.

Information and Photo Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Montana>

http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.js
p?player_id=154

http://imagesource.art.com/images/-/Joe-Mon
tana-with-Super-Bowl-Rings--C10105978.jpeg<
/p>

http://www.nightscribe.com/Sports_Recreatio
n/images/montana_Checking_Time.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/855000/images
/_858026_montana300.jpg

http://ultimateyankees.com/Joe_Montana_Hudd
le_NEW_Ebay_small.jpg

A NASCAR fan may not share the average educationally-earned degree of say, a Beverly Hills, California polo enthusiast, but I’ll guarantee that the individual knowledge of a NASCAR fan’s own sport far excels the aforementioned and most others; making him/her very intelligent.

You must understand, whether male or female, a NASCAR fan can change the oil, shocks, brakes, and many major engine components of their personal vehicle. Carburetion and air/fuel mixture, suspension adjustments, and countless other race-day lingo is not completely necessary in order to see who the winner is, but these fans want to understand why.

NASCAR fans attending the race in person expect cold beer, low-priced seats, well-regulated traffic, and a great party with newfound friends. Did I mention cold beer? Watching the race live or at home, each fan believes their driver will not only win, but convincingly. Smack talk about one’s personal losing driver at the end of a race is unadvised.

The greatest fans in the world of any sport are the “blue-collar” fans. These hardworking men and women take the word “passion” to heart. Knowledgeable, vocal, and adorned with the colors of their individual driver, NASCAR fans take passion to a whole new extreme.

NASCAR’s continued success and opportunity for growth depend upon the respect and understanding of who their fans are. Low prices, quality announcing, and the avoidance of sudden major changes to point scoring, drivers’ cars, and rules will also help to ensure its phenomenal growth. Hey NASCAR, keep it real.

                              

Dominic  Jones is a corner back for the Gophers of Minnesota. With a very respectable 82 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a big-time kick-returner, you'd think the young man would look foward to a great future. It seems as though a cell phone with video capabilities and poor judgement may make this a little difficult to do.

Reading the article on this story, HERE,  left me a little confused as to the actual details as far as who had permission, if any, to get "busy" with an 18 year old woman, so it will be a while before enough details come through with time. But what is known is that this young lady partied heavily with E.J. Jones, Alex Daniels, and Keith Massey. These men had sex with her before she passed out with a later determined blood-alcohol level  of over 0.30. That is considered being hammered for sure.

Dominic Jones came into the picture later, so to speak, and had sex with the then passed-out woman and recorded it on video with his cell-phone. With the woman claiming rape, and a third-degree sexual assault charge possible, the deleted video was partially recovered by the forensic team assigned to the case. E.J. Jones, Daniels, and Massey have not been charged as of yet, but Dominic Jones was charged Monday.

It's way too early to make any judgement calls as to actual guilt at this point due to a lack of needed details, but what we can say is that there was a serious lack of better judgement. This young lady may not have been an angel, maybe she was. But if she was hammered, why would anyone want to induldge?

A student athlete who has nothing but opportunity ahead needs to remember a few things.

1) There are gold-diggers out there that will set you up in a heartbeat for money and/or attention. You need to stay away from those who are just a little too "willing".

2) If you go to a party, chances are good for women to be so intoxicated; the ugliest of ugly might get lucky. But when sober, everything changes and it's a whole new ballgame. You'll be in for it for sure.

3) Chances are you're a little on the physically-fit side. You're probably way ahead of the game for just being yourself and having a lady voluntarily wanting to have a "date." Be decent, be yourself, and you'll "score" in due time.

4) A few moments of wrongful pleasure may and/or will destroy your life. Be careful for crying out loud.

I can't imagine sex with a passed out or overly intoxicated woman would bring any pleasure at all. I certainly wouldn't want to video-record such an act of desperation. I wish that athletes and regular "joes" would learn from the mistakes of others. The world is at your feet; be careful where you step. When about to make a decision in life, how about counting to ten and allowing common sense to come into play. It'll help you stay on the winning side.

And that my friends, is The Human Side of Sports.

Photo and Story Source Credits:

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7029442?F
SO2&ATT=MA

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=176&p=8&c=1&nid
=2104615&refid=4345

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/392980
00/jpg/_39298906_phone203.jpg

http://www.solnet-1.com/hollsexvideo/logo.jp
g

     Hello sports fans! Yes, I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy at school and dealing with some serious motor vehicle problems which has been driving me crazy. (hmmm) Anyways, I'd be around a lot more if I was getting paid, so I'll just say....."Me so sorry."

     As a treat for your eyes, I have discovered what is without a doubt the greatest shot ever made in the history of hoops. Yeah, Koke's cool, Shaq is slamm'n, and Jordon is air, but no one including the great Dr. J ever had game like this. Brace youself, click the link, and feast your eyes.

The Greatest Shot Ever!!!!!

     For a special reaction the the shot.....please click on this link........

Special Reaction    

And that, my friends, is definately the Human Side of Sports.

Please check out my latest in the College Football Section:)

                   

      I just love a great sports story. Amongst all the craziness, there are still great stories to be found.

     Alexis Thompson is the youngest female ever to qualify for the Woman's U.S. Open. She's far from being a woman at the very young age of 12 years of age. This seventh grader from Coral Springs, Florida is seven months, 20 days younger than the previous record holder Morgan Pressel. Nineteen year-old Pressel is currrently ranked 5th in the world.

                      

     Miss Thompson qualified  by taking a 36-hole event by taking the 6th spot of eight available on June 11th with respectable scores of 72 and 71. Looking towards the big event, here's what this amazing girl had to say; "I don't think it's going to scare me," Thompson said. "I can see myself setting up and looking down this little aisle because people are all up against the ropes. Then I just hit the shot. Split the middle."

                                 

     With her father giving support and advice as her caddy, Alexis Thompson will no doubt be hounded by the press which will bring some distraction. But she will be thrilled to play with all of her golfing heros including Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb , and Lorena Ochoa.

     Oh, and just as a side-note....the money in this event totals 3.1 million dollars; no pressure at all. Best of luck to this great little golfer. As they say....."You go girl!" And that, my friends, is The Human Side of Sports.

                                             
      

Having signed her first autograph at the age of ten, they may soon be harder to obtain.

Story and Photo Credits to:

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=a
fp-golfuslpgathompson&prov=afp&type=lgns

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070626/483/86512
2df4c0a4d6fb6cf2c7bcc7e58be

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070627/483/613f2
1ecd47e4777b2eee033465ed0fd

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070627/ids_photo
s_sp/r3684949559.jpg

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070627/ids_p
hotos_sp/r1902778606.jpg

                        

Okay boys and girls. It's that time of year again to start getting ready for Fantasy Football. I'm looking for some players who think that they could actually bring it. Do you have what it takes. I'd hate to make you look silly, so what have you got? If you have the courage, come join the fun and get ready for a pounding....fantasy style.

     In order to join up, go to the Fantasy Football section of the wonderful Fox Sports and join the existing league. You will be required to have the name; Fox Blogger Battle Royale......Password is; foxyroxy. The league ID# is 29814.

This league has been filled. Please go the the following league to get hooked up.

The League name is; Fox Bloggers Eat Spinach....the password is; foxalot......the league ID# is 29901. Don't be left out....join the fun.

     The live draft date is set for Sunday August 26th at 730 pm. Now all of you know that the Steelers will be winning the Superbowl this year, so if you want half a chance to obtain victory......here's your chance. But as I've said......be prepared to bring it.

     And that, my friends, is The Human Side of Sports for sure.

                        

Photo Credits:

http://trotz.com/Picture%201.jpg

http://www.trojanwire.com/images/polamalu-si
-cover.jpg

http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/object/837/8
37190/foxfantasy_noboxboxart_160w.

     I was watching a cool show that ABC has where they have celebrities follow a NASCAR driver around the track at Lowe's Motor Speedway. It's a hoot to watch as some people just don't have it. Last Night my former Head Coach Bill Cower came in second.

     With his chin barely able to be contained within the vehicle, he hit every mark that must be hit with the left tires while maintaining enough speed to come in second and move to the next round. Way to go Bill! Is this the beginning of a new and exciting career? Who knows, but check out the next show to see what I'm talking about.

     Last week I sold my car on Ebay and my buyer was very pleased as I sold as advertised and took very good care of both the vehicle and the transaction. This left me "carless" and I in turn purchased one through Ebay and had to catch a bus to Louisville, Kentucky to pick it up. Well, I got screwed. There were many things wrong with it that weren't advertised including the transmission.

     So, here I am, my vehicle stuck in the shop, my computer crashed, (as many of you know), and I'm attempting to pull money out of my "outbox" to which I dont ever remember placing any. So forgive me for the absense and lack of visits. I'm on a computer at school doing this one and my time is whacked. I miss you all and send much love and a hope to be back soon. God Bless.