College football preseason rankings, Fulbright Scholar's blog in Beijing and black bear at golf tournament - Aug 04, 2008 | 9:42:33
posted by: Howard Smith
Today is a glorious day for many college football fanatics, as it marks the first day of practice at many schools. Typically, I don't pay much attention to preseason polls, but it college football, you sort of have to considering how vital they are to ultimately determining a national champion. Although Georgia is ranked number one in the Coaches' Poll, they aren't a runaway choice as five other schools received at least three first place votes. Do you pay more attention to the college football preseason rankings than other sports?
On a side note, the top three teams in the preseason rankings (Georgia, USC, and Ohio State) all have something in common - they each have African American athletics directors. This is noteworthy, considering there are currently only 11 Division I FBS African American ADs out of 119 total schools. What do you think needs to be done to give African Americans more opportunities to serve in high profile positions in athletics departments?
An interesting story ran in the NCAA News last week about Metropolitan State, a Division II school located in Denver, which will be forced to close its doors during the upcoming Democratic National Convention. The school is beginning classes a week earlier than normal to make up for the time off. The athletics teams will be able to practice during the week, but they're being forced to use off-site practice facilities. It seems like this could be a major disruption to Metro State both academically and athletically. What do you think about the situation?
Dan Beekman, a former Whitman soccer student-athlete who is a current Fulbright Research Scholar in Beijing, is blogging about his experiences during the Olympics. He has been in Beijing since last November, where he received Fulbright funding to pursue international research projects. According to the Whiman Web site, Beekman has "focused primarily on researching and reporting about the intensification of China's Olympic preparations and the ways in which the emerging power is presenting itself to a global audience." We will definitely check in with Beekman's blog in the upcoming days to see what he has to say.
Last week we mistakenly called the Big Ten Network the "first conference-exclusive television channel." The first channel was actually launched by the Mountain West Conference, called the MountainWest Sport Network - The Mtn. on September 1, 2006. The Big Ten Network began in August 2007. This month DIRECTV will distribute The Mtn. to a national audience, which will broadcast approximately 30 football games and 100 men's and women's basketball contests featuring conference teams.
Big Brown won the Haskell Invitational yesterday in its first race appearance on the track since faltering in its Triple Crown shot at the Belmont Stakes. Considering all the criticism that the horse, jockey and trainer have received since Belmont, you have to feel good for all parties involved.
Speaking of animals, the craziest story of the weekend goes to the black bear that made an appearance during the U.S. Senior Open at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In case you missed it, during Friday's second round, a black bear decided to run across a fairway, coming close to the players and fans. Luckily the bear scampered into the brush and wasn't seen again throughout the weekend. Can you ever remember seeing anything that scary appear during a sporting event? Here is the footage from Friday (with some additional music thanks to our friends at YouTube):
Comments
It's funny that so much wildlife appears on the golf course. It's almost as if these animals don't have a home of their own. Common Mr. Bear, can't you see we're trying to play the back nine? So rude!
posted by: MHL | 08/04/08
First day of practice. T minus 28 days until kickoff. Cannot wait.
J -
posted by: J | 08/04/08
I think it is smart to close the campus during the convention. It takes any disruption out of the hands of the school and students.
posted by: Jan Morrison | 08/04/08
thank you
posted by: sohbet | 08/14/08
In response to the black AD positions, the reason there are as few blacks is primarily due to being a minority. Your comment implies that white applicants should withdraw to "put" a black person in the position. When the majority is red, white, blue or black, you have to expect the majority will have more quality applicants. Blacks tend to expect special treatment, because of color not quality. You see this all the time with coaches; "We have to have a black coach." Black coaches are usually one time wonders and do not repeat a championship season. This "mentallity" is the similar mindset in the Presidential election. Barrack Obama thinks he will do better as president; he's never had a job, never served in the armed forces and he has no experience. I am not a great McCain fan but he knows the system.That's life!
posted by: Terry Dier | 08/19/08
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It means that two very good teams with very good coaches made it to the final game.
