Have you heard of the Oscars? How about the AVN awards...wait don't answer that. Believe it or not, some people aren't familiar with the ESPY Awards. The full name is Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards which gives a hint of its significance. It was created and broadcast by American cable television network ESPN in 1993. At one time awards were chosen variously through voting by fans; sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sports persons, collectively experts; or ESPN personalities. Now, winners have been selected online fan balloting conducted from candidates selected by the ESPY Select Nominating Committee. Here's a list of 2009 winners:
Special Awards
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.
Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)
Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
I had a mini-tantrum on this blog about LeBron not shaking hands after the NBA Championship. The bottom line --- he's still a phenomenal player. He didn't get a championship ring but it's nice to see him getting recognized for THAT. Sportsmanship is a two way street. I can't sit all pompous behind a computer while athletes are competing. That's like five grown men sitting in the woods with high powered rifles shooting Bambi and calling it a sport. Sometimes people have to get off their ass and do the right thing. Here's my salute to all the ESPY recipients. Well done!!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is a reference book with all the world records. This includes human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. I call it the genius of Guinness. Really, where else could you find out the heaviest weight dangled from a swallowed sword is 55 lb 1 oz in Italy, on 19 April 2009; within the same flaps containing a story about the longest leg hair being 6.5 in long?
It got me wondering if there was any type of acknowledgement for sportsmanship. Well, during 2008 in North Haven, Connecticut there was something similar. A record was made when twin brothers, Angelo and Ettore Rossetti, held the longest tennis rally to benefit charity. They did this for 14 hours and 31 minutes. Incredible.
A 2007 Internet article (China.org.cn) about massive Guinness Records in China discussed how over 5,000 students did push-ups together and more than 10,000 people ate lamb kebabs at the same time among other things. In my opinion, their obsession to create records drives the coordination of thousands of Chinese people. Most of these mass activities focus on traditional Chinese culture and games which makes it interesting as opposed to lame. One of the professors interviewed said he, "worried that under the serious market competition, the Guinness challenges will become more profit-oriented than embodying the true spirit of competition and sportsmanship." Pretty deep.
I hope the Guinness records are around in the same fashion for another 55 years because they allow everyday people to be memorable. Although many of the records don't involve physical strength, they involve passion and adrenaline. It's also one of the most stolen books from public libraries in the United States which means I better check my teenager's room!
It got me wondering if there was any type of acknowledgement for sportsmanship. Well, during 2008 in North Haven, Connecticut there was something similar. A record was made when twin brothers, Angelo and Ettore Rossetti, held the longest tennis rally to benefit charity. They did this for 14 hours and 31 minutes. Incredible.
A 2007 Internet article (China.org.cn) about massive Guinness Records in China discussed how over 5,000 students did push-ups together and more than 10,000 people ate lamb kebabs at the same time among other things. In my opinion, their obsession to create records drives the coordination of thousands of Chinese people. Most of these mass activities focus on traditional Chinese culture and games which makes it interesting as opposed to lame. One of the professors interviewed said he, "worried that under the serious market competition, the Guinness challenges will become more profit-oriented than embodying the true spirit of competition and sportsmanship." Pretty deep.
I hope the Guinness records are around in the same fashion for another 55 years because they allow everyday people to be memorable. Although many of the records don't involve physical strength, they involve passion and adrenaline. It's also one of the most stolen books from public libraries in the United States which means I better check my teenager's room!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Why I am really here...
I began this weekly blog back in September. It wasn't because I had a calling from a higher power to discuss sports. It was because I am completing my undergraduate degree and maintaining a blog was a class requirement. Don't act suprise. If one college is doing it, I'm sure thousands are doing the same. There hasn't been a new, fresh, outside of the box ideal since jazz...but don't get me started down that road. When it was time to chose a specific blog topic, I remembered what my 8th grade Social Studies teacher told me regarding a thesis. He said, "write what you can prove and not what you're emotionally attached to." Strong words from a guy that sat next to 80 year-old nuns all day. But, I think sportsmanlike conduct is a grey area that I can argue for or against depending on my mood. Considering the sizable number of blogs with similiar topics, someone is whispering "ditto" or giving me a cyber high-five.
For example, www.stlsports.org/sportsmanship/index.php
You need to do the secret handshake to get from this site which has a bunch of stuff about sportsmanship pledges, donations, scholarships, and donations to get to Solomon's blog. It was worth the dna samples just to read his mission statement: "Sportsmanship is a blog that showcases the respect, fair play, civility, and fun in sports. We will discuss the good, bad, and the ugly topics in sports - with the intention of making the sports experience better for all." He's not doing it for the grade although he is affiliated with the St. Louis Sports Foundations. With his Facebook fans, glare free photos, and variety of topics it is a "good read" as Oprah would say.
I conducted more searches because I thought it would be a nice ideal to showcase another blog. I got leery when I began pulling up things with "Indian" in the title. It could have been American Indians or it could have been blogs on the other side of the world. I'm not as adventourus (or lucky) as Tareq and Michaele Salahi. Also, I don't want my Internet connection interrupted by Big Bro. So let's assume you get the point that there are ethical blogs. One's that take notice to the little things for whatever underlying reason. And did I mention some take donations?
For example, www.stlsports.org/sportsmanship/index.php
You need to do the secret handshake to get from this site which has a bunch of stuff about sportsmanship pledges, donations, scholarships, and donations to get to Solomon's blog. It was worth the dna samples just to read his mission statement: "Sportsmanship is a blog that showcases the respect, fair play, civility, and fun in sports. We will discuss the good, bad, and the ugly topics in sports - with the intention of making the sports experience better for all." He's not doing it for the grade although he is affiliated with the St. Louis Sports Foundations. With his Facebook fans, glare free photos, and variety of topics it is a "good read" as Oprah would say.
I conducted more searches because I thought it would be a nice ideal to showcase another blog. I got leery when I began pulling up things with "Indian" in the title. It could have been American Indians or it could have been blogs on the other side of the world. I'm not as adventourus (or lucky) as Tareq and Michaele Salahi. Also, I don't want my Internet connection interrupted by Big Bro. So let's assume you get the point that there are ethical blogs. One's that take notice to the little things for whatever underlying reason. And did I mention some take donations?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Help me out on this one
The first order of business is to congratulate Baldwinsville on their win last weekend. They are the undefeated Section III High School football champs! If you'd like to read more about them, check this site out: www.baldwinsvillefootball.com
Now, have any of you taken the time to follow the World Series of Poker? I go to college, work, raise three boys (+ a husband); so Joe Cada winning it and 8.5 million dollars was one of those things that missed my radar. When I learned he was 21 years old, my radar malfunctioned. At that age, I got paid once a month and it was approximately $700. I worked anywhere from 40-100 hrs a week. And as my boys have painfully heard at least once a day, I "ate rocks" for breakfast. To turn on the television and see high school athletes going from pimples to professional status in sports is irritating because they earn 100 times more than me. But at least they spend time training,promoting, playing,etc... And here comes Cada -AKA- Mr. Ego. One of my favorite lines from an interview with Cada was, "college bored him." Everyone has their own opinion and hopefully their own tax preparer. This is after all America the land of opportunity. People can play a variety of sports and be rewarded.
Here's my question to you: what defines a sport nowadays? Pool games, chess tournaments, and food competitions are being labeled sports. Does it have to be competitive? How about a monetary prize? Rules set in stone or some "cut and paste" politically correct guidelines? I know it goes beyond the physical aspect that was synonymous with athletes/players at one time. Since the definition of a sport seems to be changing, it might be necessary to reengage the definition of sportsmanship as well. Give me a little feedback.
Now, have any of you taken the time to follow the World Series of Poker? I go to college, work, raise three boys (+ a husband); so Joe Cada winning it and 8.5 million dollars was one of those things that missed my radar. When I learned he was 21 years old, my radar malfunctioned. At that age, I got paid once a month and it was approximately $700. I worked anywhere from 40-100 hrs a week. And as my boys have painfully heard at least once a day, I "ate rocks" for breakfast. To turn on the television and see high school athletes going from pimples to professional status in sports is irritating because they earn 100 times more than me. But at least they spend time training,promoting, playing,etc... And here comes Cada -AKA- Mr. Ego. One of my favorite lines from an interview with Cada was, "college bored him." Everyone has their own opinion and hopefully their own tax preparer. This is after all America the land of opportunity. People can play a variety of sports and be rewarded.
Here's my question to you: what defines a sport nowadays? Pool games, chess tournaments, and food competitions are being labeled sports. Does it have to be competitive? How about a monetary prize? Rules set in stone or some "cut and paste" politically correct guidelines? I know it goes beyond the physical aspect that was synonymous with athletes/players at one time. Since the definition of a sport seems to be changing, it might be necessary to reengage the definition of sportsmanship as well. Give me a little feedback.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Bees might sting someone tonight!
Where is Baldwinsville, NY? Well, it's a village in Onondaga County. The population was 7,053 according to the 2000 census. Traditionally, their school district athletic program has been the butt of jokes within Syracuse city limits. I know because I was one of the main people, figuratively, cracking ribs and vertebra with laughter. It wasn't anything personal because Manlius Peeble Hill, Fayetville-Manlius, and Christian Brother's Academy tickled my funny bone as well. All the schools that were known for their high standardized test scores (and nonexistent racial diversity) were the worst at sports. Well, times have changed. F-M has an awesome track program; CBA has sponsored every athletic immigrant Madonna wouldn't adopt and they have an incredible soccer team. MPH is still MPH...
However, the Baldwinsville Bees deserve the spotlight. Their football team is 10-0. They won their first sectional crown in 20 years. When you see footage of Malik Burks rushing 243 yards or hear about starting Senior QB, Niko Manning's dedication, you can't help but wish the team the best as they head towards their next conquest. Tonight they play Union-Endicott in the state quarterfinal game at 1700hrs (that's 5PM for you civilian types). If you think I'm connected to these guys, your kinda right. I work in the Baldwinsville school district. But, I still live within the Syracuse city limits which makes it weird. The Bees are a group of good kids with raw talent, maturity, and utmost sportsmanship. You can't find a trace of a smirk on my face as I sincerly wish them the best of luck tonight and for many seasons to come!
However, the Baldwinsville Bees deserve the spotlight. Their football team is 10-0. They won their first sectional crown in 20 years. When you see footage of Malik Burks rushing 243 yards or hear about starting Senior QB, Niko Manning's dedication, you can't help but wish the team the best as they head towards their next conquest. Tonight they play Union-Endicott in the state quarterfinal game at 1700hrs (that's 5PM for you civilian types). If you think I'm connected to these guys, your kinda right. I work in the Baldwinsville school district. But, I still live within the Syracuse city limits which makes it weird. The Bees are a group of good kids with raw talent, maturity, and utmost sportsmanship. You can't find a trace of a smirk on my face as I sincerly wish them the best of luck tonight and for many seasons to come!
Friday, November 6, 2009
unfAIR Jordans
Have you heard the latest nonsense surrounding Mr. Jordan? No, he didn't light another cigar across smog-filled California state lines. In fact, it's not that Jordan. It's his son, Marcus, who attends school at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Unknowing to me, Adidas is the school sponsor. Well known to Marcus, who decided to wear his Dad's shoe made by Nike which caused chaos. The guidance on these situations is as follows: "Shoe and apparel contracts with schools normally guarantee that all student-athletes will wear what is made by the contracted shoe and apparel company unless the athlete, for some reason, can’t wear that specific shoe because of medical reasons and a custom shoe can’t be made." Now, some sides say he was given permission to wear his Dad's shoe. Other's say he wasn't. I don't really care. What I don't understand is why he wanted to wear them in the first place?
If little Jordan, who might be a nice guy, wanted to show support for his Dad's legacy maybe he should go to the gym and practice his game more often. Maybe he should have attended UNC. Maybe he could have done like LeBron and skipped college and went straight to the pros. He could've worn his Jordans while sitting on the Bulls bench. But, no that wouldn't happen because he lacks the skill to play on a professional court. So now that we've all had a reality check and he's at UCF, why not act like a UCF player and wear what the rest of the team is wearing. This ball of confusion cost the school a contract. Adidas pulled out of their contract seven months early. I don't know if it's totally Marcus' fault because you've got a coach, parents, and some other incidental people along the way. It relays a poor message about team commitment and sportsmanship.
If little Jordan, who might be a nice guy, wanted to show support for his Dad's legacy maybe he should go to the gym and practice his game more often. Maybe he should have attended UNC. Maybe he could have done like LeBron and skipped college and went straight to the pros. He could've worn his Jordans while sitting on the Bulls bench. But, no that wouldn't happen because he lacks the skill to play on a professional court. So now that we've all had a reality check and he's at UCF, why not act like a UCF player and wear what the rest of the team is wearing. This ball of confusion cost the school a contract. Adidas pulled out of their contract seven months early. I don't know if it's totally Marcus' fault because you've got a coach, parents, and some other incidental people along the way. It relays a poor message about team commitment and sportsmanship.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Bowling 101
When I was a young girl, there was one Mom on the block (shout out to Mrs. Booker) who would take a couple kids to the bowling alley. We could do anything we wanted with one exception: when you went to the line, you had to be respectful of the person on the next lane. I remembered that rule for many years. As an soldier stationed in Germany during the early 1990s, I could bowl on the Kaserne for $1.50/game. I bowled during lunch, after work, and even on the weekends. There weren't any kiddie bumpers on any of the lanes, smoking and drinking were encouraged and because of the competitive nature of most soldiers, the victories were swift.
Now, I live in Upstate, NY and the games cost a small fortune. There are screaming kids everywhere. But worse of all, when I go to the line I find myself waiting an eternity for the person in the next lane. The person inches to the left, then to the right, they raise their head slightly...I feel like they are going to pull out rosary beads. I take my turn. Still, I must admit I am torn between what's good sports etiquette and what's good sportsmanship. According to Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home by Emily Post, "apart from the technique of each sport, or the rules of each game, the etiquette or more correctly, the basic principles of good sportsmanship, are the same." She goes on to say, "And to be a good sportsman, one must be a stoic and never show rancor in defeat, or triumph in victory, or irritation, no matter what annoyance is encountered." I don't need to conduct a bunch of research and play devils advocate. I know right from wrong. Etiquette is a sub-category of sportsmanship. That makes both essential to bowling. Would you agree?
I don't have patience like Mrs. Booker so I'm sticking to the Wii!
Now, I live in Upstate, NY and the games cost a small fortune. There are screaming kids everywhere. But worse of all, when I go to the line I find myself waiting an eternity for the person in the next lane. The person inches to the left, then to the right, they raise their head slightly...I feel like they are going to pull out rosary beads. I take my turn. Still, I must admit I am torn between what's good sports etiquette and what's good sportsmanship. According to Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home by Emily Post, "apart from the technique of each sport, or the rules of each game, the etiquette or more correctly, the basic principles of good sportsmanship, are the same." She goes on to say, "And to be a good sportsman, one must be a stoic and never show rancor in defeat, or triumph in victory, or irritation, no matter what annoyance is encountered." I don't need to conduct a bunch of research and play devils advocate. I know right from wrong. Etiquette is a sub-category of sportsmanship. That makes both essential to bowling. Would you agree?
I don't have patience like Mrs. Booker so I'm sticking to the Wii!
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