I spent a lot of time the past two weeks working on a feature story about Miriam Lewis, a North Iredell soccer player battling cancer.
If you haven't read it yet, check out both Part one and Part two.
I've never done such a personal story. I'm grateful to Miriam for being so helpful during our hour-long interview and with the 15 follow-up e-mails.
Part of the reason this is such a compelling story is how the enormity of the situation, a high school player diagnosed with cancer, challenges and nearly takes away something so simple.
Playing soccer.
This is where I need your help.
There are all sorts of stories - tragic, heroic, heartbreaking, courageous - involving athletes in Iredell County.
Help us at the R&L find them.
Please post or e-mail me (simply click here).
In other notes:
This week's R&L Game of the Week, a baseball game between South Iredell and West Iredell, was postponed due to rain. I know it was in the 70s and sunny all day, so I'm guessing yesterday's downpour really soggied up the field.
There should be some intriguing matchups next week. North Iredell baseball will face Statesville (Tuesday) and Lake Norman (Friday) in two big North Piedmont 3A games. Friday's game against the Wildcats is particularly important in the playoff race.
North Iredell soccer will have a chance to make amends for an embarrassing 12-0 drilling at the hands Lake Norman. The two squads will meet Wednesday.
The county track meet is Tuesday at West Iredell, and it should be interesting. My best guess? Mooresville's boys and girls each take home the title.
Although this has nothing to do with sports, I found this Washington Post story to be completely fascinating. It's a long read, but well worth it.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Another season with Bonds is one too many
My heart typically races when I load up ESPN's Web site and I see a red box in the top right of the screen with the words "Breaking news."
There's always a half second between reading "Breaking news" and seeing the actual headline, and it seems like my mind churns out at least 10 thoughts as to what the huge news might be.
Early last week, the big breaking news headline was "Barry Bonds hits homer No. 735."
Ugh. It's only one week into the 2007 Major League Baseball season, and I'm already sick of Bonds.
His 735th blast leaves him 21 shy of breaking Hank Aaron's all-time record. So, of course, that set off a wave of columnists making the same arguments on the same angles that have been played out for the last two years.
ESPN, as it did last year, will likely put every Bonds home run in the big "Breaking news" category. In addition, the network again is running its "Countdown to History" graphic with every Giants' score.
This is the same organization that committed a lot of time and money to a fledgling puff-piece reality show about Bonds that failed to ask any legitimate questions to the slugger.
I hope Bonds retires after this season. I'm sick of him, and the circus he creates.
There's always a half second between reading "Breaking news" and seeing the actual headline, and it seems like my mind churns out at least 10 thoughts as to what the huge news might be.
Early last week, the big breaking news headline was "Barry Bonds hits homer No. 735."
Ugh. It's only one week into the 2007 Major League Baseball season, and I'm already sick of Bonds.
His 735th blast leaves him 21 shy of breaking Hank Aaron's all-time record. So, of course, that set off a wave of columnists making the same arguments on the same angles that have been played out for the last two years.
ESPN, as it did last year, will likely put every Bonds home run in the big "Breaking news" category. In addition, the network again is running its "Countdown to History" graphic with every Giants' score.
This is the same organization that committed a lot of time and money to a fledgling puff-piece reality show about Bonds that failed to ask any legitimate questions to the slugger.
I hope Bonds retires after this season. I'm sick of him, and the circus he creates.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Kudos, coaches
Area coaches announced on Thursday that the annual county track meet will take place April 17.
A few coaches around Iredell County didn't think a county meet would happen this year, and I had my doubts as well.
When we collected schedules to print in the newspaper at the beginning of the spring season, only South had any mention of when the meet might be.
South Iredell and West Iredell are in the midst of construction on their respective tracks, forcing one of the other county schools to volunteer as the host.
That school was Lake Norman.
Although five of the six Iredell high schools are members of the North Piedmont 3A, this is the only time members of the South Iredell track team can compete against their friends at other county schools.
Kudos to the track coaches and athletic directors for finding a day - and place - to make it happen.
A few coaches around Iredell County didn't think a county meet would happen this year, and I had my doubts as well.
When we collected schedules to print in the newspaper at the beginning of the spring season, only South had any mention of when the meet might be.
South Iredell and West Iredell are in the midst of construction on their respective tracks, forcing one of the other county schools to volunteer as the host.
That school was Lake Norman.
Although five of the six Iredell high schools are members of the North Piedmont 3A, this is the only time members of the South Iredell track team can compete against their friends at other county schools.
Kudos to the track coaches and athletic directors for finding a day - and place - to make it happen.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
This weekend's headlines
I'll steal an idea from R&L editor Mike Fuhrman's blog and talk to you about what I am working on for this weekend.
I'm heading down to Lake Norman on Thursday to cover a track meet between the Wildcats, North Iredell, West Iredell, Mooresville and Carson. It should be a good meet, if not pretty cold and windy.
I'm also working on a feature about Miriam Lewis, a senior soccer player over at North Iredell. That will come out on Sunday.
I'll be out of town Monday-Wednesday, but will be back Thursday to cover the South Iredell/West Iredell baseball game, which is the R&L Game of the Week.
Next week is Spring Break for all Iredell County schools, and the playoff races will really began to take shape when conference games resume April 16.
Thanks for reading, and remember: If you're having a bad day, it could be much worse. You could throw a baseball like the mayor of Cincinnati.
I'm heading down to Lake Norman on Thursday to cover a track meet between the Wildcats, North Iredell, West Iredell, Mooresville and Carson. It should be a good meet, if not pretty cold and windy.
I'm also working on a feature about Miriam Lewis, a senior soccer player over at North Iredell. That will come out on Sunday.
I'll be out of town Monday-Wednesday, but will be back Thursday to cover the South Iredell/West Iredell baseball game, which is the R&L Game of the Week.
Next week is Spring Break for all Iredell County schools, and the playoff races will really began to take shape when conference games resume April 16.
Thanks for reading, and remember: If you're having a bad day, it could be much worse. You could throw a baseball like the mayor of Cincinnati.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Mooresville/Statesville baseball thoughts
Tuesday night's game between Mooresville and Statesville was a wild one, and not just because I almost caught a foul ball.
North Piedmont Conference leader Mooresville scrapped together a come-from-behind 11-10 win over the Greyhounds. Mooresville is undefeated in conference play, and the Greyhounds remained winless. You can read my story by clicking here.
The Blue Devils are the best hitting team in the county. No question. They have a ton of power and know how to get on base.
The defense was a problem, though I think that had a lot to do with Statesville's field. It was Statesville's first home game of the season, and there were some issues.
A few bald spots stood out in the outfield, and the infield was almost like a slab of concrete. One batter chopped a pitch on the dirt in front of the plate, and the ball bounced about 15 feet in the air and traveled to the shortstop. That goes right back to the pitcher in most other parks.
As for the foul ball, Statesville's Jimmy Jordan hit a screaming line drive right at me (I like to sit in the stands).
I calmly went for the smooth underhand catch, and the ball thwacked off my hand (leaving a decent-sized welt) and fell into the bleachers. I may have to break my own rule and start bringing a baseball glove to games.
Also, I'd like to comment on a situation that a few of you asked me about after the game. Unfortunately, I was up against our deadline and couldn't respond. The situation in question occurred in the second inning with Mooresville winning 4-0.
Greyhound catcher Josh Booher was on first base with no outs and Malcolm Robinson had a 3-1 count. Robinson tried to catch his swing on a breaking ball that hit the dirt. Booher thought the home umpire signaled ball four and began to trot to second base. Mooresville whipped the ball to the first baseman, who tagged out Booher.
The field umpire called him out. When Robinson and the Statesville coaches argued it was ball four, the field umpire said "No, he went around."
After a two or three minute conference, the ruling stood and Robinson struck out on the next pitch. Statesville scored one run, but could have potentially had more.
The questions posed to me were: What did you think of the call? Did that cause Statesville to lose?
I don't know if Robinson went around on his swing or not. You'd have to ask him. But, I do think the field umpire was out of line.
The home umpire called ball four and did not ask the field ump. if Robinson went around on his swing. It wasn't his call to make.
That certainly wasn't the reason for Statesville's loss, though. I would look more at the 10 runners stranded in scoring position throughout the game as a big reason.
North Piedmont Conference leader Mooresville scrapped together a come-from-behind 11-10 win over the Greyhounds. Mooresville is undefeated in conference play, and the Greyhounds remained winless. You can read my story by clicking here.
The Blue Devils are the best hitting team in the county. No question. They have a ton of power and know how to get on base.
The defense was a problem, though I think that had a lot to do with Statesville's field. It was Statesville's first home game of the season, and there were some issues.
A few bald spots stood out in the outfield, and the infield was almost like a slab of concrete. One batter chopped a pitch on the dirt in front of the plate, and the ball bounced about 15 feet in the air and traveled to the shortstop. That goes right back to the pitcher in most other parks.
As for the foul ball, Statesville's Jimmy Jordan hit a screaming line drive right at me (I like to sit in the stands).
I calmly went for the smooth underhand catch, and the ball thwacked off my hand (leaving a decent-sized welt) and fell into the bleachers. I may have to break my own rule and start bringing a baseball glove to games.
Also, I'd like to comment on a situation that a few of you asked me about after the game. Unfortunately, I was up against our deadline and couldn't respond. The situation in question occurred in the second inning with Mooresville winning 4-0.
Greyhound catcher Josh Booher was on first base with no outs and Malcolm Robinson had a 3-1 count. Robinson tried to catch his swing on a breaking ball that hit the dirt. Booher thought the home umpire signaled ball four and began to trot to second base. Mooresville whipped the ball to the first baseman, who tagged out Booher.
The field umpire called him out. When Robinson and the Statesville coaches argued it was ball four, the field umpire said "No, he went around."
After a two or three minute conference, the ruling stood and Robinson struck out on the next pitch. Statesville scored one run, but could have potentially had more.
The questions posed to me were: What did you think of the call? Did that cause Statesville to lose?
I don't know if Robinson went around on his swing or not. You'd have to ask him. But, I do think the field umpire was out of line.
The home umpire called ball four and did not ask the field ump. if Robinson went around on his swing. It wasn't his call to make.
That certainly wasn't the reason for Statesville's loss, though. I would look more at the 10 runners stranded in scoring position throughout the game as a big reason.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Big week for Raiders baseball
It's early April and North Iredell is in third place in the North Piedmont 3A Conference. For now.
Let's see how these Raiders do with a tough slate of games this week.
North will play at Northwest Cabarrus Tuesday in a showdown between the conference's second and third place teams. Then North plays Bunker Hill Wednesday and will play at West Rowan on Thursday. West Rowan is only a half game behind the Raiders in the standings.
Three games in three days. That's a tough stretch for a team that relies so heavily on two pitchers.
With Bunker Hill being a non-conference game, look for head coach Matthew Poole to implement a few lineup changes. Dustin Huey will likely get the rare start on the mound. Nick Stutts will almost certainly suit up as catcher for Tyler Christenberry, who has been behind the plate every single inning this year.
Christenberry and Stutts may both pitch as well. It's not that Bunker Hill isn't an important game, but North definitely needs to rest some of its regulars in this one, which is sandwiched between two huge conference tilts.
If the Raiders win both conference games, they could challenge for the division crown. Losing both would drop them dangerously close to fifth place, the cut-off spot for the playoffs.
I think the most likely scenario is that North will split the conference games and battle West Rowan, Carson and Lake Norman for spots 3-6 in the standings.
Let's see how these Raiders do with a tough slate of games this week.
North will play at Northwest Cabarrus Tuesday in a showdown between the conference's second and third place teams. Then North plays Bunker Hill Wednesday and will play at West Rowan on Thursday. West Rowan is only a half game behind the Raiders in the standings.
Three games in three days. That's a tough stretch for a team that relies so heavily on two pitchers.
With Bunker Hill being a non-conference game, look for head coach Matthew Poole to implement a few lineup changes. Dustin Huey will likely get the rare start on the mound. Nick Stutts will almost certainly suit up as catcher for Tyler Christenberry, who has been behind the plate every single inning this year.
Christenberry and Stutts may both pitch as well. It's not that Bunker Hill isn't an important game, but North definitely needs to rest some of its regulars in this one, which is sandwiched between two huge conference tilts.
If the Raiders win both conference games, they could challenge for the division crown. Losing both would drop them dangerously close to fifth place, the cut-off spot for the playoffs.
I think the most likely scenario is that North will split the conference games and battle West Rowan, Carson and Lake Norman for spots 3-6 in the standings.
Time for baseball season
I always get incredibly excited for baseball season. I'm more pumped for Opening Day than the World Series, and the first few games of the season are more enjoyable than the final few weeks. I'm not sure why.
Probably because I'm a Cubs fan.
And on Opening Day, Chicago is atop the National League Central standings.
I understand that technically it's a tie for first place, and the only reason Chicago is listed first is due to alphabetical reasons.
But they're still in first place. Cubs fans take what they can get.
But it's not just Cubs fans - everybody can dream on Opening Day.
Yes, it is time for baseball season. And with baseball season comes a load of predictions.
A.L. East: This division is Boston's to lose. Toronto and New York will certainly compete for the division crowd, but neither team can match Boston's balance. The Red Sox have a dangerous offense that can mix the mashers (David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) with players like Kevin Youkilis, who gets on base and keeps innings alive. Curt Schilling is still in shape and motivated, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in the No. 3 spot could win 18 games.
A.L. Central: In the most loaded division in baseball - you could make a solid argument that four teams have a chance to win it - I like Detroit. An excellent rotation was dealt a blow when it was announced that Kenny Rogers has a blood clot and will miss extended time. But the Tigers have a deep staff, and the addition of Gary Sheffield puts the lineup over the top.
A.L. West: In what should be a tight race most of the season, I'm going to take Oakland. The A's somehow patch together a 90-win team every season. They'll beat out Los Angeles for the division crown, but the Angels will earn the wildcard berth, mainly because Chicago, Minnesota and Cleveland will beat up on each other in the rugged A.L. Central.
N.L. East: The Braves should have a nice bounce-back year, but New York is the most talented team in the division. The Mets will win it if their aging rotation holds up. Atlanta will earn the wildcard, though.
N.L. Central: St. Louis. A part of me really wants to pick the chic team - Milwaukee - but St. Louis' offense is just too good. It will have to be to carry the bottom half of that pitching rotation, though.
N.L. West: Arizona. Kind of a surprising selection, but they have a nice rotation and tons of young talent. The Diamondbacks' closest competition, the L.A. Dodgers, are relying on a lot of iffy players - Juan Pierre (doesn't take nearly enough pitches), Nomar Garciapara, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez. Too many question marks in L.A.
As for the World Series, let's go with Detroit over New York. The Kenny Rogers situation is worth watching, but a lineup loaded 1-9, a great rotation, superb bullpen and veteran manager should help navigate the Tigers through the A.L. playoffs and to a 4-2 series win.
Probably because I'm a Cubs fan.
And on Opening Day, Chicago is atop the National League Central standings.
I understand that technically it's a tie for first place, and the only reason Chicago is listed first is due to alphabetical reasons.
But they're still in first place. Cubs fans take what they can get.
But it's not just Cubs fans - everybody can dream on Opening Day.
Yes, it is time for baseball season. And with baseball season comes a load of predictions.
A.L. East: This division is Boston's to lose. Toronto and New York will certainly compete for the division crowd, but neither team can match Boston's balance. The Red Sox have a dangerous offense that can mix the mashers (David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) with players like Kevin Youkilis, who gets on base and keeps innings alive. Curt Schilling is still in shape and motivated, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in the No. 3 spot could win 18 games.
A.L. Central: In the most loaded division in baseball - you could make a solid argument that four teams have a chance to win it - I like Detroit. An excellent rotation was dealt a blow when it was announced that Kenny Rogers has a blood clot and will miss extended time. But the Tigers have a deep staff, and the addition of Gary Sheffield puts the lineup over the top.
A.L. West: In what should be a tight race most of the season, I'm going to take Oakland. The A's somehow patch together a 90-win team every season. They'll beat out Los Angeles for the division crown, but the Angels will earn the wildcard berth, mainly because Chicago, Minnesota and Cleveland will beat up on each other in the rugged A.L. Central.
N.L. East: The Braves should have a nice bounce-back year, but New York is the most talented team in the division. The Mets will win it if their aging rotation holds up. Atlanta will earn the wildcard, though.
N.L. Central: St. Louis. A part of me really wants to pick the chic team - Milwaukee - but St. Louis' offense is just too good. It will have to be to carry the bottom half of that pitching rotation, though.
N.L. West: Arizona. Kind of a surprising selection, but they have a nice rotation and tons of young talent. The Diamondbacks' closest competition, the L.A. Dodgers, are relying on a lot of iffy players - Juan Pierre (doesn't take nearly enough pitches), Nomar Garciapara, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez. Too many question marks in L.A.
As for the World Series, let's go with Detroit over New York. The Kenny Rogers situation is worth watching, but a lineup loaded 1-9, a great rotation, superb bullpen and veteran manager should help navigate the Tigers through the A.L. playoffs and to a 4-2 series win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
