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UVM Athletics Homepage - 3.19.10

Thought this landing page should be saved since a lot is on the line this weekend for the UVM Catamounts.

2010 NCAA Tournament - Day One

Wow.

For a guy who loves rooting for the underdog, yesterday was a great day. Not such a good day for my brackets though.

I'm normally a Big East fan but watching Ohio out muscle and out play George Town was fun. Shots were going in left and right. The Hoyas were posterized at least twice and would have been three times if Ohio didn't throw an errant lob towards the end of the game. Of course the performance of the Big East is filling the airwaves this morning. Let the skepticism begin!

And what about Omar Sanhand of the Saint Mary's Gaels!? He was unbelievable. I'll admit that I don't always notice the smaller details of the game, such as footwork, but it was hard not too with Sanhand. How about his ass bumps?! Hey, what ever works. Adding insult to injury was his goofy looking t-shirt. Hindsight is 20/20 but now that I've seen Saint Mary's play I don't know why I didn't pick them to win two games in the tourney. I listened to Doug Gotlieb to much - he was a huge Richmond fan. As a said before, my bracket is shot.

I really enjoyed Marquette and Washington wearing color on color.

Oh, and what about Robert Morris? Or should I say Rob Morris, Robby Morris, Bob Morris, or Robby Morris. Haha. I really feel for those kids. I wish they held on - Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe wrote a terrific piece on it.

Robert Morris gets excellent credit rating - The Boston Globe

They're saying yesterday was the best day in the history of the tournament and while I don't know that for sure, it certainly had all the makings of a terrific day.


Enjoy day two!

UVM Women's Basketball - One ALANA Student

Notice something interesting about this photo? Anything seems out of balance?

Yeah, there's only one ALANA member on this team.

When Sofia Iwobi graduates this spring, the UVM women's basketball team will have no ALANA members. Usually I'd be quick to speculate, judge, and question the coach/program but I'll hold my tongue until I learn who she has recruited in the next class.

Think about it though.

Nick Vier - Celebrting America East Championship

These pictures are from another blog but they are worth sharing. UVM's Nick Vier shown using the Championship nets in creative fashion. Enjoy

Justin Milo Kicked Off UVM Hockey Team

I know this is late but I had collected notes when this story broke and I'm finally getting around to putting them into written form.

The Burlington Free Press's writer, Ted Ryan, did a nice job following this story and the following quotes are from his piece, "Milo is off Cats' roster".

"We obviously spent a lot of time as a staff, with the support staff, and with the leadership and just felt it was in the best interest to move forward without him as part of our team," said Sneddon - UVM Men's Hockey coach. Anyone else bothered by the fact that Sneddon mentioned "leadership"? Does this mean the captains didn't want him on the team? Did they sell Milo out? Awwkwaardd.

Coach Sneddon also eluded to the fact that Milo's "focus wasn't there". Here's another point that raised my brow. Please remember that Milo was a varsity athlete on two DI teams - Baseball and Hockey. Plus Milo was drafted by the Yankees - albeit in the 300th round but still. I can't imagine a scenario where a drafted athlete and two sport varsity college athlete would lack focus. It just doesn't seem like a trait that an athlete of that caliber would have, does it? 

Also, Milo said, "my attitude and level of play were not consistent" Well, if that was really the case, was Dan Lawson on the hot seat early in the year? Lawson's play early on was horrendous. As a fan, I need more than "inconsistent play" as a reason for dismissal. 

All in all Milo's dismissal confirmed that UVM hockey is no longer a small town team - UVM Hockey is a national program. For example, this story made headlines at USCHO.com, INCH.com and CollegeHockeyNews.com. I dislike saying that there's a cost of winning but at this level I think there may be. I just hope that the average Vermont fan realizes that UVM hockey has entered the big time and knows what they're dealing with from this point going forward.

Side Notes:
Since this story broke we have heard nothing from Milo's parents. In today's world of helicopter parents, silence sounds odd.

Milo handled his dismissal with a ton of class, "To the UVM fans, he said, "It was always fin playing in front of them at the Gutterson arena and I had hoped to help the team turn the season around and make a push for the playoffs. I'm disappointed I can't be a part of that".

Someone's Creepin on Vier

Notice who is standing over Nick Vier's right shoulder... Mike Trimboli. Well, people do love to be close to success.

PS - Trimboli's decision to blast the Vermont Frost Heaves, the team that recently cut him loose, was obviously a bad one.

UVM Hockey - Making Headlines

The Monday after UVM unseeded #1 UNH in the Hockey East Quarterfinals, there were two sites that featured the Cats. Good stuff.

UVM basketball

Stories of Joy from Vermont


Check it out

Ben Roethlisberger - Trouble

Kinda ironic that Big Ben should be wearing this shirt on the night he was accused of sexual assault...

UNH Hockey - Funny Faces

I found this picture humorous - the player's facial expression matches the mascot's expression (located on his right arm).

UVM Hockey - USCHO Cover

UVM Hockey made the front page of the USCHO website again. Now let's hope they make the Hockey East post season.

UVM Men's Lacrosse - New Uniforms for '10

The UVM men's lacrosse team, for the most part, has never had a good looking uniform. Traditionally, they're struggled with trim, color, and font. To make matters worse, Black has really caught on within UVM Athletics - so unoriginal. Black has been UVM's go to alternate jersey color and for the men's lacrosse team, their away color. Here are what the team's uniforms looked like last year... yawn.

But you're thinking, why is he mentioning all of this?? And the answer is... they have new - cool - looking uniforms (at least for away uniforms).
Positives: Much better Nike logo placement. Improved America East patch - the old one was comically large. Cleaner overall look. Easy to read numbers (although they might be a tad large). Improved glove design.
Negatives: Not every player is in the cool new shoe worn by #9 (lower picture). The Swoosh version of the UVM Catamounts logo is somewhat lost on the chest. Finally, I would comment on the helmet but don't get me started on that monstrosity.

 

 

UVM Hockey - Student Section Shows Signs of Life

The UVM student section at men's hockey games is usually pretty weak. In fact, an observer wouldn't necessary know it's the student section except for the fact that nearly everyone is standing. I guess I should accept all victories no matter how small they are.

All this said, I'm very pleased to share some pictures from a recent hockey game, showing the student section  exhibiting signs of life! The SGA produced Green and Gold Scarves and handed them out to students prior to this weekend's games versus BU and guess what... students worn them (double exclamation point).

I sincerely hope the SGA makes more of these scarves and that they catch on - they really look good. I mean it doesn't look like BU's student section but one victory at a time.

And finally, how can I get one??

1977-78 UNH Logo

Check out this picture I found from the 1977-78 UVM men's basketball season. Point of interest: UNH's logo - remind you of anything?

Canadian Woman's Hockey - Cigars and Beer

After the gold medal game between Canada and the US, Canadian players celebrated with cigars and beer - mostly Molson but I did see some Silver Bullets mixed in.

The on ice party was followed by scrutiny because the players' behavior wasn't becoming of Olympic athletes according to the higher-ups. I say let them puff a little and throw back a few. Come on, it's woman's hockey...it's woman's hockey. I mean it's not like they were chewing straws (Caron Butler jab).

In any case here are some additional pictures from the celebration.

As for this last picture - say it with me, "Class Class Class"

Chaudhry Apologizes

Look what Baset Chaudhry did yesterday - he apologized for his wild behavior. (See my earlier post about the incident)

Following a post-match sportsmanship incident involving Trinity’s senior co-captain, Baset Chaudhry, and his Yale opponent, Kenneth Chan, Trinity’s Chaudhry issued an apology for his behavior.
Monday, less than 24 hours after the match, Chaudhry sent an apology to Yale Coach Dave Talbott and the Yale team. Separately, he apologized to the head coaches and players of each of the 63 members of the College Squash Association (CSA), the governing body for college squash in the United States.
The incident occurred at the conclusion of a match that clinched the national championship for Trinity for a record 12th consecutive year. The Trinity player confronted the Yale player verbally and showed poor sportsmanship.
“Both Baset and I have sent sincere and heartfelt apologies,” said Head Squash Coach Paul Assaiante. “Like all intercollegiate sports, squash is an intense and competitive game. We ask that our student-athletes respect their opponents on and off the court, and commit to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. Baset’s regrettable episode was a momentary lapse of judgment by a young man who has been an accomplished student, a respected campus leader, and an exemplary team captain.”

Baset Chaudhry's Squash Court Behavior = Embarrassment

Squash, and especially college squash, is not a glamorous or high profile sport in this country. In fact, it is often confused with racket ball. Ughhh.

More often than not squash's elite players and teams fly under the radar. For example, the Trinity men's squash team, who recently won their 12th straight national title, don't usually make headlines like teams that compete in more mainstream sports. (That said, there was one good article that celebrated the Trinity program.) In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if many have never seen a squash match.

The game itself is exciting and needs more national attention. But not all attention is created equal. The outburst of Baset Chandhry, one of squash's elite players and Trinity's #1, was outrageous and a complete embarrassment. Baset's behavior did a serious disservice to the game of squash and might have solidified squash's image as a quirky sport for another generation of potential players (this is probably an exaggeration but you get my point).

Additionally, Chandhry's behavior overshadowed the team's accomplishments - 12th Consecutive National Title. To make matters worse the outburst has already appeared on ESPN and I'm sure it will make its way onto ESPN's Sports Nation.

Although the damage is done, I hope the Trinity coach has spoken off line to Baset and asked him to apologize to the Yale men's squash team, the judges, and his teammates. As far as punishment, I hope his personal embarrassment is enough to correct his behavior going forward.

Pink Zone Concept Reaches Equiptment

I'm sure you've seen mens and womans basketball teams wearing pink in honor of breast cancer awareness lately - Pink Zone is common terminology. I've seen everything from pink shoes laces to pink jerseys but never seen pink equipment - until now. Kinda cool concept.

Mike Gilligan In Front Of The Camera... Again

How strange is it to see Mike Gilligan in front of the camera again? For those of you who may not be familiar with Mike, he was the Head Men's Hockey coach for the University of Vermont prior to Kevin Sneddon.

And while it's interesting to hear about his experiences in Turino, I'd like to hear him elaborate on the old days with Martin St. Louiss, Eric Perrin, Tim Thomas, and even Chris Soucy.

Click here for video

UNC to Debut New Helmet?

Apologies for the lack of written content and the multitude of photographs but here's another...

Supposedly, UNC will wear these helmets against LSU in next year's Kickoff Classic. Thoughts?

Rob Madore

Found this shot of UVM's goalie, Rob Madore. Very cool focus work.

 

On another note:

This is the way the UVM student section should look during every home hockey game...

Vancouver Hockey Jerseys

I stumbled upon the hockey jerseys that will be worn in this year's Olympic games and thought they were worth sharing. Enjoy

Vancouver Hockey Jerseys

Oh, and the US definitely doesn't have the best looking jerseys. That award goes to Canada.

Arch Rivals: Holderness and Proctor

Arch rivals - Holderness and Proctor. Date unknown

UVM Hands Out Lame Awards

Imagine working hard throughout the summer, early morning training sessions during the winter and being the last skier on the mountain on a daily basis. Your mind and body are working in perfect synchronization and when the big moment arrives you execute.

Now imagine receiving this award (see below) and how could you not be a bit disappointed. These blasé awards were presented during UVM's Winter Carnival this past weekend. Is that font Currier New?!

Oregon Produces Another Gem

Oregon has managed to design another uniform that belongs in the Top 5 Ugliest.

UVM Hockey Photo From Late 60's

UVM men's hockey team - circa late 60's. Recognize anyone?

Gene's Harsh Words Couldn't Keep Lane From Center Stage

Lane Kiffin's big mouth has landed him in hot water over the last year but look's who's on ESPN's college football page - twice (Seize The Day, Signing Day).

Click here for Gene Wojciehowski's nasty article about Lane Kiffin

Freaky Picture

ESPN's Rick Reilly could have picked a better picture to accompany his latest piece, The Misbehavior of Athletes. Kinda freaky...

Rex Ryan's Weight is Least of His Problems

Practice Jersey brings you another classy image.

What's better? Gross neck fat or t-shirt that says, "Wide Guy"

Funny Kobe Video

I've been wanting to share this clip for a while, ever since the Tiger story broke. I see similarities between Tiger's eventual comeback and the way Kobe has erased his past.

Enjoy

Marqus Blakely: A Star

Check out highlights from the men's basketball game versus BU.

highlights

Johnny Weir Is A Real Man: My Reactions

After reading the following story, posted by ESPN, I looked over the comments that were made and became disheartened. However, it wasn't just the remarks that affected me, the questions asked by writer,  Jim Caple, regarding Weir's sexuality were also bothersome. 

Put simply, the piece is about Johnny Weir, a figure skater with a loud personalty, a passion for the performing arts, tremendous athleticism, and a clear sense of self.

Right from the get go, Caple asked Weir about his sexuality as if it was relevant to the story. Jim cited that his readers would be curious to know. It was clear that Caple asked these questions because he was interviewing a male figure skater. In the story's accompanying video, Jim cited that for a story he's ridden with cyclist Floyd Landis -wonder if he asked Floyd the same question? Jim, how about a little class?

Now to the comments. I was blown away by the hurtful and classless remarks made by other readers. I know these folks represent just a fraction of the ESPN.com readers but I was not unimpressed. If you recognize any posters from the following pictures, please ask them to leave their intolerance at home.

On final note: Rick Reilly recently wrote a good piece on the death of Mike Penner aka Christine Daniels who was a transgender sports writer. I wonder how Christine would react to Caple's story if she were alive today? She'd probably shake her head in disappointment. Reilly's article can be found below.
Mike Penner - Christine Daniels
Johnny Weir Story

Mark McGwire: Convenient Explanation, Absent Apology, Immaturity

So with the news that has come out about Mark McGwire I thought I would offer one more opinion.

Today on Mike and Mike in the morning, Tony La Russa was interviewed and asked the question, "did you ever suspect anything was going on?" La Russa claimed that he never suspected any steroid use in his locker room and that the weight lifting program outlined by the team was intense but legit. 

To that I say - "Child please". Somebody who has been engrossed in the culture of baseball for as long as La Russa would have knowledge of steroid use. Put it this way, if an everyday office employee was asked about drama or gossip in their office the majority of folks could share quite a bit. There's no way Tony couldn't have been privy to steroid use in his on locker room.

Also, listen to the language that Mark is using to describe his use of HGH and steroids. He explains PED's as a cure, "it was going to help me heal faster". Well isn't that a cute and neat response. Former PED users would never state that the reason they injected themselves was to become stronger or faster - there would be no pity. Mark wants to reenter baseball and to do so he needs forgiveness. Responses such as this play on the fact that we love to forget/forgive. Shouldn't we hold Mark and other users accountable for the affects that PED's have on the body beyond those of a recovery aid?!  As a sports fan please don't accept this answer, demand that athletes who used PED's be held accountable for all of the affects that steroids have on an athlete not just some of them.

I'll also point out that Mark has left out one very important apology - his apology to Congress. And while he never lied under oath, simply because he didn't say anything, he did make a mockery of those proceedings. He wasted this counties time and insulted our intelligence.

Lastly, his timing shows great selfishness and immaturity. By Mark waiting till the long arm of the law (Congress) extended no further before making his tear filled apology highlights the fact that he wanted to own up to his mistakes, just not to the consequences that accompany them. Amazing.

I hope Mark McGwire denied entry into the Cooperstown but if by some odd chance he's voted in, his plaque should be adorned with quotes from this past week.

Afterthoughts:
- What do you think of Bud Selig's comment, "The so-called "steroid era" - a reference that is resented by the many players who played in that era and never touched the substances - is clearly a thing of the past, and Mark's admission today is another step in the right direction." Steroid era over? I believe it is until the next star is busted.

- Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds, you're on the clock.

Oldest College Hockey Rinks, the Gut

UVM's hockey rink, the Gut, made ESPN's list of oldest rinks in the country. My first reaction was one of pride but I'm left wondering, "is this the list UVM really wants to make?"
 
Travel Ten: Oldest college hockey rinks

New Ads for The University of Vermont

I'm sure you've noticed that when a game is aired on TV the two schools playing show ads that promote their respective schools. The University of Vermont is no different and recently produced three new television ads. Be on the lookout for these ads when Marqus Blakely and the men's basketball team welcome in BU on Sunday, January 17th on ESPNU at 2:00pm. Or catch the Hockey Cats travel to UMass on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00pm on ESPNU.

Enjoy.

Winter

Question

Reinvent

Comments?

Gilbert Arenas - Providing A Variety Of Amusements

With all the news that's been circulating about Gilbert Arenas a few thoughts came to mind, which I think are worth sharing.

There are plenty of curses in major sports, such as the Curse of the Bambino, Curse of Billy the Goat, and the Madden Curse. (Recently my favorite has been the Sports Illustrated Cover Curse.) I mention these because in '08 Gilbert Arenas was on the cover of EA Sports' NBA Live video game and although there's no curse directly related to the game, it did start a negative chain of events for Arenas.

Soon after his appearance on the game's cover he suffered multiple injuries from which he has arguably never recovered from and of course the latest episode - Arenas bringing four guns into the Wizards locker room, which supposedly started over a gambling debt. I won't get into the issue of gambling now but it is certainly another matter that is not receiving much attention.

Another matter that I found startling is the NBA's written gun rule, which prohibits anyone from bringing a gun(s) onto company property. I learned of the rule after reading about Arenas' infamous gun show and immediately thought, "what kind of people are in the NBA if there needs to be a spelled out gun rule???"

You've all seen this picture by now but its worth sharing because it's funny for all the wrong reasons. Not to say this situation lacks humor, because it doesn't, but Arenas' attempt at humor falls well short. This picture demonstrates his immaturity and points to the cloud upon which stars in this country think they walk upon.

Now to the humor....

Remember the name of the Washington Wizards prior to 1995? You got it - Washington Bullets. And before then, the team was actually known as the Baltimore Bullets.

That said, let's pick up the team during the 90's, when D.C. had a particularly high crime and homicide rate, which unfortunately but coincidentally aligned with the team's name. Isn't it funny that Arenas plays for a team formally know as the Bullets? Oh, and if there happens to be a dramatic increase in demand for Bullets gear I guess we know who's responsible.

Adding to the humor is the following picture of the Wizards mascot, G-Man. Make of it what you will but you have to agree the team might want to dispense of the air gun for the next few games.

For such a sad situation I'm glad humor can be found. As for Arenas though, doesn't he wish it was 2008.


Side notes:
 - Although he continues to lose sponsors, how happy is Tiger to have a distraction such as this to shift the conversation away from him? For example, no one seems to have noticed that the 2010 PGA Tour started in Kapalua today.

 - Don't be surprised if Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor comes out soon in support of Arenas. After all he did publicly support Michael Vick.