As I set in a crowded lecture hall last night marking the answers in my management 3000 test, it hit me. This would be the last time I have to fill in these ridiculous bubbles. I realized I was in the middle of my last college test.
I look back at my college career that ends in a week and remember the fun times, the occasional bad times, and what I have learned in my time at the University of Missouri.
I remember some of the more important advice that i received in the last three and a half years in Columbia.
One piece of advice I remember came from Greeley Kyle: "Don't try to hard to hit home runs because you usually strike out." I realize now the importance of this lesson. This lesson, like so many others, I learned the hard way when I was arrested for trying to get better shots in a story about a rollover accident on I-70. I ran across the highway after authorities disguised in jeans and T-shirt instructed me not to do so. I thought better shots awaited me on the other side of the highway but I could have gotten a great story if I stayed put. Instead, I spent the rest of that morning in a holding cell and lost a story. I had struck out.
The above story fits the mold of those bad experiences, but now I look back at it and laugh. I do the same with most of the other horror stories I have from reporting, and from pledging a fraternity.
There were also some great times including sporting events like, the basketball game against Kansas in 2009 and the Oklahoma game this year. I also made a ton of friends and enjoyed the little free time I had as a student. Unlike some, I will not pretend I did not party in my college days. In fact the ability to relax and enjoy my weekends is the only way I survived the challenging convergence reporting class. I made friends that will last a lifetime. This partying was only in moderation and did not interfere with any of my other obligations, which is exactly as it should be.
As a journalist, there have been a lot of excellent times too. I was courtside the Big 12 men's basketball tournament in Oklahoma City with 4 friends. I got be on the sidelines for the above mentioned Oklahoma game and interviewed an idol of mine in Chris Fowler. I did play-by-play for NCAA regional games for both soccer and softball. I traveled with the volleyball team to do play-by-play for them for three seasons. However, one of the best times I had reporting was covering a Moberly High School soccer game. The people were great and the game gave me a new appreciation for soccer.I also had an excellent experience reporting a news story in Mexico, Missouri. The story was about a dangerous train track that had two feet of clearance for the train on either side of the tracks. The people I interviewed were incredibly kind, and I spent an hour having a conversation with them. The people of Mexico, Missouri impressed me with their kindness once more when I covered the Miss Missouri pageant. The people of Mexico, Missouri are the nicest I have met anywhere.
I enjoyed my reporting experiences, my social experiences,and almost all my other experiences. My time at the University of Missouri will always be three and a half years of fond memories.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Troy Tulowitzki: The New Face of Denver Sports
The Rockies mega contract with Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki proved two things to Colorado fans: The Rockies are finally willing to spend money on a high quality player to win a title and Troy Tulowitzki is now the face of Denver sports. Colorado has searched for its main sports hero since John Elway retired after Super Bowl XXXIII.
Early this decade the main athlete in Colorado sports could be debated as Avalanche captain Joe Sakic led his team to a cup, Todd Helton had the Rockies on his back, and Carmelo Anthony resurrected the Nuggets franchise. All of these players were the face of their respective franchises, but none quite reached the status of the face of Denver.
Tulo has the personality, dedication, and style for the job. He grows a mullet and has "Party in the U.S.A as his walkup music. On the field, however, he is all business on the field. He is the best shortstop in baseball, after winning the golden glove and silver slugger awards this past season. He finished 5th in the MVP vote two years in a row. He hits for power, runs well, and has a cannon of an arm. He truly is a five tool player. He is leader.
Since the contract signing Rockies reporter Troy Renck's ever active twitter talked about Tulo's new plans now that he is here to stay. This includes starting his own charity organizations and moving to the city full time. All things that show he is now a Coloradoan at heart.
All Colorado fans have read the reports about him idolizing Cal Ripken Jr. and how he wanted to be like Cal playing for one franchise throughout his career. While he may not have Cal's durability, ( He already had several DL stints in his young career) his new contract guarantees that like Elway he will be in Denver for a long time.
Early this decade the main athlete in Colorado sports could be debated as Avalanche captain Joe Sakic led his team to a cup, Todd Helton had the Rockies on his back, and Carmelo Anthony resurrected the Nuggets franchise. All of these players were the face of their respective franchises, but none quite reached the status of the face of Denver.
Tulo has the personality, dedication, and style for the job. He grows a mullet and has "Party in the U.S.A as his walkup music. On the field, however, he is all business on the field. He is the best shortstop in baseball, after winning the golden glove and silver slugger awards this past season. He finished 5th in the MVP vote two years in a row. He hits for power, runs well, and has a cannon of an arm. He truly is a five tool player. He is leader.
Since the contract signing Rockies reporter Troy Renck's ever active twitter talked about Tulo's new plans now that he is here to stay. This includes starting his own charity organizations and moving to the city full time. All things that show he is now a Coloradoan at heart.
All Colorado fans have read the reports about him idolizing Cal Ripken Jr. and how he wanted to be like Cal playing for one franchise throughout his career. While he may not have Cal's durability, ( He already had several DL stints in his young career) his new contract guarantees that like Elway he will be in Denver for a long time.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The $9 million man
I will never forget the first day of the first journalism class at the Missouri school of journalism. The first thing they tell all the hopeful, optimistic 18-year-olds is that the best starting salary these students with a dream can hope for is about $30,000.
I thought this entire speech had one motive: force those without the desire and dedication to perform journalism without financial incentive to quit. I pressed on, surviving weed out class after weed out class. I went from the insanely hard Convergence reporting class to the incredibly difficult broadcast 2 with only a week off in between.
Now just a month away from graduation, I wonder if I chose the right career path. Journalism requires so much work for so little money. It is stressful and demanding. Challenging, yet simple to those who excel at it.
This past weekend I watched a rerun of the world series of poker final table. Jonathan Duhamel, a professional poker from Canada became a 9 million dollar man with just over a weeks worth of actual work. Duhamel is just one year older than I am. He attended college with plans of earning a finance degree. He dropped out of school to focus on playing poker professionally. The decision obviously paid off.
I love playing cards, especially Texas Hold em. I have played cards since I was four with games including bridge, gin rummy, and poker. I now play Texas hold em as often as I can. I went to Vegas this summer and played in three tournaments, taking 5th place in two of them, cashing in one of them. The two tournaments I did not make money in, I was over a 90% favorite when I sent all my chips into the pot.
With just one cash in three tournaments, I made money. I have calculated that I generally earn money in one out of every three tournaments. I am the reigning champion at my fraternity house and believe that with a little luck and some good plays I could do what Duhamel did and become a millionaire.
I am torn. My family spent thousands of dollars to send me to school here to obtain a degree and get a job in the field of sports journalism. However, there is little money in this field and even fewer jobs. Looking at the job landscape there is vast array of unpaid internships, but no careers. Maybe when I leave school next month is the perfect time in my life to take the ultimate gamble and try make my living playing poker.
I thought this entire speech had one motive: force those without the desire and dedication to perform journalism without financial incentive to quit. I pressed on, surviving weed out class after weed out class. I went from the insanely hard Convergence reporting class to the incredibly difficult broadcast 2 with only a week off in between.
Now just a month away from graduation, I wonder if I chose the right career path. Journalism requires so much work for so little money. It is stressful and demanding. Challenging, yet simple to those who excel at it.
This past weekend I watched a rerun of the world series of poker final table. Jonathan Duhamel, a professional poker from Canada became a 9 million dollar man with just over a weeks worth of actual work. Duhamel is just one year older than I am. He attended college with plans of earning a finance degree. He dropped out of school to focus on playing poker professionally. The decision obviously paid off.
I love playing cards, especially Texas Hold em. I have played cards since I was four with games including bridge, gin rummy, and poker. I now play Texas hold em as often as I can. I went to Vegas this summer and played in three tournaments, taking 5th place in two of them, cashing in one of them. The two tournaments I did not make money in, I was over a 90% favorite when I sent all my chips into the pot.
With just one cash in three tournaments, I made money. I have calculated that I generally earn money in one out of every three tournaments. I am the reigning champion at my fraternity house and believe that with a little luck and some good plays I could do what Duhamel did and become a millionaire.
I am torn. My family spent thousands of dollars to send me to school here to obtain a degree and get a job in the field of sports journalism. However, there is little money in this field and even fewer jobs. Looking at the job landscape there is vast array of unpaid internships, but no careers. Maybe when I leave school next month is the perfect time in my life to take the ultimate gamble and try make my living playing poker.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Pick the right people to criticize
In the wake of Missouri's disappointing loss to Texas Tech, I hear complaints and criticisms of head coach Gary Pinkel that lack validity and seem to be uttered out of frustration than logic. I have heard numerous friends say that Pinkel should be removed as head coach when nothing could be further from the truth.
Just two weeks ago Pinkel led the Tigers to their biggest home win ever. The win over Oklahoma was monumental. Athletic Director, Mike Alden, says that the victory over the Sooner will bring millions of dollars into the school and the program. Just two weeks ago the same fans that sang Pinkel's praises now doubt the man.
In Pinkel's ten years as head coach, the Tigers won their two Big 12 North championships. Something they had never done prior. Pinkel helped Mizzou beat Nebraska for the first time in about 30 years. The Tigers have six straight winning seasons and finished above .500 in 7 out of their last 8 seasons. They have been to bowl games in each of the past five seasons and that trend will continue this year. The Tigers ranked #1 in the A.P. poll for the first time ever in 2007. The most recent graduating class of gridiron Tigers stands in history as the winningest graduating class in Mizzou history, an accomplishment that could be eclipsed by this year's class.
Recruiting is another one of Pinkel's strengths. He brought in the school's first five star recruit, Blaine Gabbert. He bcontinues bring talented players who can play at the college level and beyond. Before Pinkel arrived at Mizzou, the school had sent 28 players to the NFL in about 50 years. In just 10 years, Pinkel has sent 17 Tigers to the pros. He continues to bring in talented players like Aldon Smith who is a legitimate first round prospect. Tigers have been drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and continue to excel in the pros.
Many criticize Pinkel's offensive scheme of running the spread offense on every play. While this may not be a productive red zone strategy, the Tiger offense has been among the most prolific in the entire NCAA for the past five years. the recent struggles stem play calling which falls on the Offensive Coordinator, Dave Yost, not Pinkel.
Tiger football has earned more attention from the national media, which benefits the school. College Gameday has featured the Tigers in four games in the last four years, including their first trip to Columbia for the Oklahoma game. The Tigers are a frequent topic on ESPN. They were just one win away from a birth in the National Championship in 2007. Following this incredible run enrollment increased at the Univeristy of Missouri making the school more money. Therefore, Pinkel is a good financial choice for the Tigers and the University itself.
Just two weeks ago Pinkel led the Tigers to their biggest home win ever. The win over Oklahoma was monumental. Athletic Director, Mike Alden, says that the victory over the Sooner will bring millions of dollars into the school and the program. Just two weeks ago the same fans that sang Pinkel's praises now doubt the man.
In Pinkel's ten years as head coach, the Tigers won their two Big 12 North championships. Something they had never done prior. Pinkel helped Mizzou beat Nebraska for the first time in about 30 years. The Tigers have six straight winning seasons and finished above .500 in 7 out of their last 8 seasons. They have been to bowl games in each of the past five seasons and that trend will continue this year. The Tigers ranked #1 in the A.P. poll for the first time ever in 2007. The most recent graduating class of gridiron Tigers stands in history as the winningest graduating class in Mizzou history, an accomplishment that could be eclipsed by this year's class.
Recruiting is another one of Pinkel's strengths. He brought in the school's first five star recruit, Blaine Gabbert. He bcontinues bring talented players who can play at the college level and beyond. Before Pinkel arrived at Mizzou, the school had sent 28 players to the NFL in about 50 years. In just 10 years, Pinkel has sent 17 Tigers to the pros. He continues to bring in talented players like Aldon Smith who is a legitimate first round prospect. Tigers have been drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and continue to excel in the pros.
Many criticize Pinkel's offensive scheme of running the spread offense on every play. While this may not be a productive red zone strategy, the Tiger offense has been among the most prolific in the entire NCAA for the past five years. the recent struggles stem play calling which falls on the Offensive Coordinator, Dave Yost, not Pinkel.
Tiger football has earned more attention from the national media, which benefits the school. College Gameday has featured the Tigers in four games in the last four years, including their first trip to Columbia for the Oklahoma game. The Tigers are a frequent topic on ESPN. They were just one win away from a birth in the National Championship in 2007. Following this incredible run enrollment increased at the Univeristy of Missouri making the school more money. Therefore, Pinkel is a good financial choice for the Tigers and the University itself.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Fire McMadman
It is tough to believe that just over a year ago the Denver Broncos took a 6-0 record into their bye week. The city of Denver was filled with optimism and glee. The faith in new Head Coach Josh McDaniels reached an all time high. Even his skeptics began believing that the youngster could be one of the best coaching finds ever.
However, in the past year Bronco maniacs have learned that this marvelous start fits the description of a fluke, rather than brilliant scheming by the 33- year-old rookie coach. Now just 58 weeks later, the Broncos take a 2-6 record into the bye. One of those losses include a 59-14 beating suffered at the hands of the hated rival Oakland Raiders. Since that 6-0 start the team's record stands at an appalling 4-14.
When McDaniels took the helm from legendary coach Mike Shannahan, the Broncos had a pro bowl Quarterback, and a pro bowl wide receiver. The had recently had some great draft classes including Elvis Dumervil, Peyton Hillis and Ryan Clady. Now less than 2 years into the McDaniels regime, The pro bowl quarterback, Jay Cutler, was traded. While his numbers may be fairly bad with the Bears, his numbers in Mike Shannahan's offense were excellent. The Pro Bowl wide Receiver, Brandon Marshall, was also dealt to the Dolphins. Marshall had 3 consecutive 100 catch, 1,000 yard seasons with the Broncos, but McDaniels could not manage Marshall's personality that functioned famously with Cutler and Shannahan. Hillis led the Broncos in rushing the season before McDaniels arrived. He fit the mold of the Shannahan running game that produces perennial 1,000 yard rushers. Now Hillis leads the Browns in rushing and has almost the same amount of yards rushing per game as the entire Broncos team. Dumervil is injured and will not play for the rest of the season. Nothing McDaniels can do about that one, but since McDaniels took the reigns the leading rusher, passer, and receiver are all helping teams with better records this season.
The running game that put up prolific numbers during the Shannahan era now ranks last in the league. McDaniels' offense resembles a college offense almost Gary Pinkel's shotgun spread, with as little running as possible. While his pass first offense has the Broncos ranking in the top 10 in yards per game. the team ranks 22nd in points per game. Yardage totals have little impact if a team can't score. The Broncos have had success stopping the run but still surrender about 28 points each game, ranking them 28th in team defense.
The Broncos low point totals and high opponent totals add up to failure. McDaniels does not have the ability to control a team and seems to be a child on a power trip. He is not the right man for the job and the Broncos need a change at coach because it is clear that the issues with the team stem more from scheme and player relations not the roster itself. Fire McMadman immediatly
However, in the past year Bronco maniacs have learned that this marvelous start fits the description of a fluke, rather than brilliant scheming by the 33- year-old rookie coach. Now just 58 weeks later, the Broncos take a 2-6 record into the bye. One of those losses include a 59-14 beating suffered at the hands of the hated rival Oakland Raiders. Since that 6-0 start the team's record stands at an appalling 4-14.
When McDaniels took the helm from legendary coach Mike Shannahan, the Broncos had a pro bowl Quarterback, and a pro bowl wide receiver. The had recently had some great draft classes including Elvis Dumervil, Peyton Hillis and Ryan Clady. Now less than 2 years into the McDaniels regime, The pro bowl quarterback, Jay Cutler, was traded. While his numbers may be fairly bad with the Bears, his numbers in Mike Shannahan's offense were excellent. The Pro Bowl wide Receiver, Brandon Marshall, was also dealt to the Dolphins. Marshall had 3 consecutive 100 catch, 1,000 yard seasons with the Broncos, but McDaniels could not manage Marshall's personality that functioned famously with Cutler and Shannahan. Hillis led the Broncos in rushing the season before McDaniels arrived. He fit the mold of the Shannahan running game that produces perennial 1,000 yard rushers. Now Hillis leads the Browns in rushing and has almost the same amount of yards rushing per game as the entire Broncos team. Dumervil is injured and will not play for the rest of the season. Nothing McDaniels can do about that one, but since McDaniels took the reigns the leading rusher, passer, and receiver are all helping teams with better records this season.
The running game that put up prolific numbers during the Shannahan era now ranks last in the league. McDaniels' offense resembles a college offense almost Gary Pinkel's shotgun spread, with as little running as possible. While his pass first offense has the Broncos ranking in the top 10 in yards per game. the team ranks 22nd in points per game. Yardage totals have little impact if a team can't score. The Broncos have had success stopping the run but still surrender about 28 points each game, ranking them 28th in team defense.
The Broncos low point totals and high opponent totals add up to failure. McDaniels does not have the ability to control a team and seems to be a child on a power trip. He is not the right man for the job and the Broncos need a change at coach because it is clear that the issues with the team stem more from scheme and player relations not the roster itself. Fire McMadman immediatly
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Best Weekend Ever
Mizzou celebrated its 99th homecoming last weekend but the weekend brought a lot more excitement than the normal Greek house decorations, and skits. For the first time ever ESPN's College Gameday visited Columbia. For years I have watched this popular pregame show religiously. As soon as I learned that Gameday was coming to Mizzou, I pleaded KOMU to let me cover it. Chris Gervino granted my wish. He Instructed me to do a package on the behind the scenes work of the show.
I could barely contain my excitement last Friday when I interviewed the entire Gameday crew. They answered my questions amazingly and are probably the best interview subjects I have worked with, especially compared to Gary Pinkel monotonous soundbites. I filmed the majority of my package on Friday and had nothing to shoot during the actual show. However, I woke up early on Saturday to watch the show from the press area. I arrived at 7:30 to the packed show and watched my second live College Gameday. Freshman year, when Mizzou battled Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship with the Tigers one win away from a birth in the national championship game., I drove to San Antonio and watched Gameday from the steps of the Alamo. However, this Gameday experience exceeded the first. I watched the majority of my favorite show the photo deck and watched as Lee Corso dawned the Oklahoma mascot a head. A decision he would later regret.
The best part of the experience was chatting with Chris Fowler. I have idolized Fowler because he lives my dream. He went from being a kid from Colorado with a dream to anchoring one of the most popular sports shows in the country. I asked him how he reached this level. He responded by encouraging me to make sure that I do not settle on my first job out of college. This experience can only be described as total awesomeness.
My great weekend continued when I covered the game itself against Oklahoma. The crowd was unlike anything I have ever seen. 71,000 people, shoulder to shoulder hungry for a win; hungry to end the years of faltering in big games, and faltering against Oklahoma.
The 71,00 fans cheered their Tigers as they pulled off the biggest upset in school history and if they conquer the Cornhuskers Saturday they will have a great chance of restoring the magic of that 2007 squad. The most challanging part of the weekend was not rejoicing when the Tigers won. I tried to contain my excitement but know I was grinning like I had just won something. Inside I jumped for joy and rushed into the center of the field to congratulate the players. However, I had to remain somewhat professional. The emotion I felt after that win and after that weekend is the way I wish I felt everyday when I wake up in the morning. I felt as good as anyone could possible feel. I had the best weekend ever.
I could barely contain my excitement last Friday when I interviewed the entire Gameday crew. They answered my questions amazingly and are probably the best interview subjects I have worked with, especially compared to Gary Pinkel monotonous soundbites. I filmed the majority of my package on Friday and had nothing to shoot during the actual show. However, I woke up early on Saturday to watch the show from the press area. I arrived at 7:30 to the packed show and watched my second live College Gameday. Freshman year, when Mizzou battled Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship with the Tigers one win away from a birth in the national championship game., I drove to San Antonio and watched Gameday from the steps of the Alamo. However, this Gameday experience exceeded the first. I watched the majority of my favorite show the photo deck and watched as Lee Corso dawned the Oklahoma mascot a head. A decision he would later regret.
The best part of the experience was chatting with Chris Fowler. I have idolized Fowler because he lives my dream. He went from being a kid from Colorado with a dream to anchoring one of the most popular sports shows in the country. I asked him how he reached this level. He responded by encouraging me to make sure that I do not settle on my first job out of college. This experience can only be described as total awesomeness.
My great weekend continued when I covered the game itself against Oklahoma. The crowd was unlike anything I have ever seen. 71,000 people, shoulder to shoulder hungry for a win; hungry to end the years of faltering in big games, and faltering against Oklahoma.
The 71,00 fans cheered their Tigers as they pulled off the biggest upset in school history and if they conquer the Cornhuskers Saturday they will have a great chance of restoring the magic of that 2007 squad. The most challanging part of the weekend was not rejoicing when the Tigers won. I tried to contain my excitement but know I was grinning like I had just won something. Inside I jumped for joy and rushed into the center of the field to congratulate the players. However, I had to remain somewhat professional. The emotion I felt after that win and after that weekend is the way I wish I felt everyday when I wake up in the morning. I felt as good as anyone could possible feel. I had the best weekend ever.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Oversensative Society
Last night I was watching my fraternity's flag football game when controversy reared its ugly head. My fraternity battled another for the ultimate gridiron glory: the intermural flag football championship. Leading 6-0, one of our receivers made a spectacularly athletic catch in the end zone. However, the referee decided that he was out of bounds and the catch and the score was all for naught. One of the players said that was an awful call and the end result of this opinionated statement was the team's second unsportsmanlike conduct and resulted in a forced forfeit of the football championship. The first unsportsmanlike conduct occurred when the player who scored the first touchdown spiked the ball in excitement of the big touchdown.
Despite my rooting interest, this disqualification raises interesting questions. When did we as a society become so wimpy that athletic competitions are decided by sportsmanship and not athletic prowess. When did the feelings of the players and referees involved become more important than the competition itself. Our society now believes we should give every kid a trophy for merely participating in sports. We believe in no cut policies for high school sports teams. We live in the days when high school students can letter in speech and debate, band, theater and even student council. Let's say everyone wins who shows up and plays by the rules. These ideologies defeat the purpose of sports.
I understand the necessity of sportsmanship rules in sports, but preventing players from celebrating and spiking a football after a big play hurts nobody. Questioning a referees potentially bad call is well within the rights of players. In fact the referees being fallible is the reason the NFL and NCAA implemented instant replay. I'm obviously not suggesting the implementation of instant replay in flag football, but people should be allowed to complain if they believe a referee is making a mistake. The feelings of the referees should be the last thing considered in athletic competition. Immediately after Jim Joyce made an awful call costing Armando Galarraga a perfect game, a study was released saying he was the best umpire in baseball. I suspect this survey was doctored to boost Joyce's self esteem.
We need to return to the days when people were rewarded with trophies for merit, not for participation. We need to go back to the days when varsity athletes were the only ones rewarded with letters. We need to return to the days when referees were heckled for bad calls and players won games based on who had the highest score and not who played the nicest.
Despite my rooting interest, this disqualification raises interesting questions. When did we as a society become so wimpy that athletic competitions are decided by sportsmanship and not athletic prowess. When did the feelings of the players and referees involved become more important than the competition itself. Our society now believes we should give every kid a trophy for merely participating in sports. We believe in no cut policies for high school sports teams. We live in the days when high school students can letter in speech and debate, band, theater and even student council. Let's say everyone wins who shows up and plays by the rules. These ideologies defeat the purpose of sports.
I understand the necessity of sportsmanship rules in sports, but preventing players from celebrating and spiking a football after a big play hurts nobody. Questioning a referees potentially bad call is well within the rights of players. In fact the referees being fallible is the reason the NFL and NCAA implemented instant replay. I'm obviously not suggesting the implementation of instant replay in flag football, but people should be allowed to complain if they believe a referee is making a mistake. The feelings of the referees should be the last thing considered in athletic competition. Immediately after Jim Joyce made an awful call costing Armando Galarraga a perfect game, a study was released saying he was the best umpire in baseball. I suspect this survey was doctored to boost Joyce's self esteem.
We need to return to the days when people were rewarded with trophies for merit, not for participation. We need to go back to the days when varsity athletes were the only ones rewarded with letters. We need to return to the days when referees were heckled for bad calls and players won games based on who had the highest score and not who played the nicest.
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