Thanks for covering the Keanon Lowe book signing, John! One more Chip Kelly story ... When I was covering the team in, I think, 2010, reporters still were allowed at practice. As you mentioned, Chip always had music blaring, and the selections often had something to do with the next opponent. I asked Chip early in the week of the Cal game, if that meant we would be hearing Counting Crows. He thought that was an off-the-wall question until I added the group's lead singer, Adam Duritz, was a huge Cal fan and often on the Bears' sideline. The next day we were treated to 90 minutes of Counting Crows. Another media member who shall not be named is a massive metal guy with a decided dislike of the Counting Crows. I don't think he spoke to me for several days.
I enjoy any column with the USC fight song embedded! Nice to see you've come around.
Also, thanks for the shout-out to coaches. I was one for all my adult life--youth to college athletes. Some years paid but most all volunteer. Currently there's a prevailing animosity toward them by a lot of parents and I don't get it. Yes, some really bad ones out there but the overwhelming majority are selfless servants who give hours of hard work and want the best for the kids and athletes they steward. The thank-you's should outweigh the complaints.
What an inspirational story about a true modern day hero! Let’s face it, most all of us would have run hide. But Keanon Lowe didn’t run & he likely saved the life of the kid & saved many more who were in the school that day. I’m a Beaver, this story makes me love Keanon Lowe, & want to love the Ducks!
Word. Our kids are 24 and 21. Facebook keeps reminding us of all the things we did as a family, all the milestones, the move overseas, back to the US, then back overseas. Trying to keep it all in perspective. As the great Warren Zevon told David Letterman in his dying days, 'enjoy every sandwich'. Think I'll make a turkey sub today.
Yes. Young daughters get big very quickly. Perhaps my favorite memory is the feel of my little girl's hand engulfed in mine. Sons are somehow different, as tender, but different. That little girl hand is a feeling I will never lose.
Another solution. Keep the schedules more flexible and have the best teams play each other in the inter-division games. If there are four games available between North and South division, each year schedule 1N vs 1S; 1N v 2S; 1N v 3S; 1N v 4, 5, or 6S and so on. Could be determined by the final ranking in Dec. Would give you 9+ months to prepare.. Not much different than now. After all, we do play 4 of the 6 South division teams. Would also be more competitive. The top team could not play 3 games with the lowest 3 teams of the other division. And the lowest team would only play one of the top three teams of the other division.
I have noticed on the resale ticket sites, the most-matched games have the lowest resale ticket prices...People would rather see competitive games? or would a team with a 3-7 record playing a cross division team with a poor record not draw a crowd...despite the hope for a victory?...Not sure of the psychology...Motivation. Chance to watch a better team--even if a lopsided loss--faint hope of upset--or a chance to see your poor team win against a team which isn't strong. (might even give the poorer teams a chance to qualify for a lower rated bowl)
Regarding playoffs. According to the power rankings system. A top 10 team could lose in its conference playoff and still be seeded higher than the conference playoff champion. Right?
Great story about Lowe! This longtime Beaver tips his hat to special Duck.
Thanks for covering the Keanon Lowe book signing, John! One more Chip Kelly story ... When I was covering the team in, I think, 2010, reporters still were allowed at practice. As you mentioned, Chip always had music blaring, and the selections often had something to do with the next opponent. I asked Chip early in the week of the Cal game, if that meant we would be hearing Counting Crows. He thought that was an off-the-wall question until I added the group's lead singer, Adam Duritz, was a huge Cal fan and often on the Bears' sideline. The next day we were treated to 90 minutes of Counting Crows. Another media member who shall not be named is a massive metal guy with a decided dislike of the Counting Crows. I don't think he spoke to me for several days.
Such a funny story. LOL.
I enjoy any column with the USC fight song embedded! Nice to see you've come around.
Also, thanks for the shout-out to coaches. I was one for all my adult life--youth to college athletes. Some years paid but most all volunteer. Currently there's a prevailing animosity toward them by a lot of parents and I don't get it. Yes, some really bad ones out there but the overwhelming majority are selfless servants who give hours of hard work and want the best for the kids and athletes they steward. The thank-you's should outweigh the complaints.
What an inspirational story about a true modern day hero! Let’s face it, most all of us would have run hide. But Keanon Lowe didn’t run & he likely saved the life of the kid & saved many more who were in the school that day. I’m a Beaver, this story makes me love Keanon Lowe, & want to love the Ducks!
Amen. Well put, Chris.
Word. Our kids are 24 and 21. Facebook keeps reminding us of all the things we did as a family, all the milestones, the move overseas, back to the US, then back overseas. Trying to keep it all in perspective. As the great Warren Zevon told David Letterman in his dying days, 'enjoy every sandwich'. Think I'll make a turkey sub today.
What a great column today! Nice to have a little positive thought!
Fun to report and write it. Glad you enjoyed it.
Another outstanding column, and inspirational and touching as well.
Thanks Bill. Means a lot. I'm having fun and appreciate all who subscribe and comment.
Ditto, John. well done.
Five star column, John.
Thank you Mark.
Lowe had me when I saw the photo of him hugging that young boy. It said everything about him and I wish him fair winds going forward.
6!!! How can Soji be 6 she was just born. Blink your eyes and they are grown. Glad you hug them tight. Thanks for another good one.
Yes. Young daughters get big very quickly. Perhaps my favorite memory is the feel of my little girl's hand engulfed in mine. Sons are somehow different, as tender, but different. That little girl hand is a feeling I will never lose.
I love this. Tiny hand... in mine.
Solid Gold! 😎
Loved today. Thank you.
Appreciate it Ben. I'm having a lot of fun with this new endeavor.
Another solution. Keep the schedules more flexible and have the best teams play each other in the inter-division games. If there are four games available between North and South division, each year schedule 1N vs 1S; 1N v 2S; 1N v 3S; 1N v 4, 5, or 6S and so on. Could be determined by the final ranking in Dec. Would give you 9+ months to prepare.. Not much different than now. After all, we do play 4 of the 6 South division teams. Would also be more competitive. The top team could not play 3 games with the lowest 3 teams of the other division. And the lowest team would only play one of the top three teams of the other division.
Interesting concept. Could you sell season tickets that way, tho?
I have noticed on the resale ticket sites, the most-matched games have the lowest resale ticket prices...People would rather see competitive games? or would a team with a 3-7 record playing a cross division team with a poor record not draw a crowd...despite the hope for a victory?...Not sure of the psychology...Motivation. Chance to watch a better team--even if a lopsided loss--faint hope of upset--or a chance to see your poor team win against a team which isn't strong. (might even give the poorer teams a chance to qualify for a lower rated bowl)
Love this, definitely love and hug those adorable girls!
Thanks G.
Loved this column, John. (Folks in the Salem area, let me know of any sales on Kleenex.)
Appreciate this note Carol.
Regarding playoffs. According to the power rankings system. A top 10 team could lose in its conference playoff and still be seeded higher than the conference playoff champion. Right?