This Saturday was my long-awaited 3-on-3 tournament at Concordia High School. Brooke, Madison, Cierra, and myself were all very confident coming into the tournament.
There were only two 7th grade teams in the tournament, so we played a 6th and 8th grade team as well. We easily beat the 6th graders, but couldn't match the 8th graders teamwork and physicality.
After a short break, we played the 8th graders once more, and this time, they were allowed only two dribbles. Thanks to our advantage, we defeated the 8th grade team by four points.
Our last game was against the 7th graders. We had learned from our previous games, and beat the 7th graders by 10.
The 3-on-3 tournament was a valuable, fun experience for me, and I plan on participating again next year.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
NFL Week 7
In the NFL, you can't take anything for granted. The defending champions, New Orleans Saints, against the Cleveland Browns. It's a no-brainer, right? Most people would predict a New Orleans blowout.
However, the Browns shocked everyone by defeating New Orleans 30-17. Drew Brees threw two interceptions for touchdowns, both of them to a defensive lineman! What's more, the Cleveland punter ran all the way to New Orleans five after a fake punt.
The Chicago game was even more fun to watch. Jay Cutler threw four interceptions against the Redskins and is the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL.
The Bills nearly beat Baltimore, letting the victory slip from their grasp in the second half.
Many people have faith in the Oakland Raiders again. They crushed the Broncos 59-14 in the highest-scoring game in Raiders' history.
The sun has gone down for Cowboys' fans. The Cowboys are 5-1 following their loss to the Giants. On top of that, Tony Romo suffered a broken collar bone and is out for eight weeks.
Brett Favre was finally beaten by his former team, in what is most likely his final game at Lambeau Field. He broke an ankle bone and threw three interceptions, losing to the Mighty Pack 24-28. His start against the Patriots is doubtful, and the Vikings are now 2-4.
With this critical win, Green Bay improves their record to 4-3. We play the New York Jets next week, and if we continue to shut down on defense, I think we have a pretty good shot.
GO PACK GO!
However, the Browns shocked everyone by defeating New Orleans 30-17. Drew Brees threw two interceptions for touchdowns, both of them to a defensive lineman! What's more, the Cleveland punter ran all the way to New Orleans five after a fake punt.
The Chicago game was even more fun to watch. Jay Cutler threw four interceptions against the Redskins and is the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL.
The Bills nearly beat Baltimore, letting the victory slip from their grasp in the second half.
Many people have faith in the Oakland Raiders again. They crushed the Broncos 59-14 in the highest-scoring game in Raiders' history.
The sun has gone down for Cowboys' fans. The Cowboys are 5-1 following their loss to the Giants. On top of that, Tony Romo suffered a broken collar bone and is out for eight weeks.
Brett Favre was finally beaten by his former team, in what is most likely his final game at Lambeau Field. He broke an ankle bone and threw three interceptions, losing to the Mighty Pack 24-28. His start against the Patriots is doubtful, and the Vikings are now 2-4.
With this critical win, Green Bay improves their record to 4-3. We play the New York Jets next week, and if we continue to shut down on defense, I think we have a pretty good shot.
GO PACK GO!
Monday, October 25, 2010
2010 Crusader Run
This year's Crusader Run nearly killed me, but I had fun all the same. I ran with Jessica, and happily, we never stopped running. We ran faithfully for half an hour, for a total of 24 laps.
Hopefully, the students and faculty of Holy Cross have reached our goal. If we have, the principal has promised to have a tricycle race with Mr. Renken.
GO CRUSADERS!
Hopefully, the students and faculty of Holy Cross have reached our goal. If we have, the principal has promised to have a tricycle race with Mr. Renken.
GO CRUSADERS!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
NFL Week 6
The NFL never fails to amaze me. Every week, at least one game is a complete surprise.
The Rams, who were killed by Detroit last week, defeated San Diego 20-17. If ever there was a roller coaster season, it's this one!
The Dallas Cowboys lost to Minnesota on Monday Night, and move to 1-4 on the season. The Cowboys have plenty of talent, but can't seem to take advantage of that.
There were a surprising number of vicious, helmet-to-helmet hits last week. The NFL has threatened to suspend players for such violent hits, but many people argue they're negatively changing the culture of the game. Me? I think many of those hits were unnecessary, and it's probably the best thing to do.
The Packers couldn't handle Brandon Marshall and the Dolphins, and we lost by a field goal in overtime, for the second week in a row. All of our weaknesses were exploited by the Dolphins, and we couldn't hang onto a lead all game. Aaron Rodgers didn't do well, Charles Woodson was schooled by Brandon Marshall, and the Packers were generally put to shame.
We're now 3-3, and unless we beat Minnesota next week. . . well, I don't even want to go there.
GO PACK GO!
The Rams, who were killed by Detroit last week, defeated San Diego 20-17. If ever there was a roller coaster season, it's this one!
The Dallas Cowboys lost to Minnesota on Monday Night, and move to 1-4 on the season. The Cowboys have plenty of talent, but can't seem to take advantage of that.
There were a surprising number of vicious, helmet-to-helmet hits last week. The NFL has threatened to suspend players for such violent hits, but many people argue they're negatively changing the culture of the game. Me? I think many of those hits were unnecessary, and it's probably the best thing to do.
The Packers couldn't handle Brandon Marshall and the Dolphins, and we lost by a field goal in overtime, for the second week in a row. All of our weaknesses were exploited by the Dolphins, and we couldn't hang onto a lead all game. Aaron Rodgers didn't do well, Charles Woodson was schooled by Brandon Marshall, and the Packers were generally put to shame.
We're now 3-3, and unless we beat Minnesota next week. . . well, I don't even want to go there.
GO PACK GO!
Happy Birthday, Mother Dearest!
Yes, this "Happy Birthday" post is really late, but at least I made the post title overly affectionate and loving!
Your 41st birthday isn't such a milestone as your 40th, but in this household, surviving one more year is a big deal. It takes effort, patience, hardship, and suffering, but in the end, you realize - there's nothing quite like family.
Thanks once again, Mommy. We love you!
In case you were wondering, no - I did not forget about Brett Favre's 41st birthday. This year, I'm actually pleased that he turned 41, because, not only did his old, achy joints age another year, he has all the more reason to retire!
Your 41st birthday isn't such a milestone as your 40th, but in this household, surviving one more year is a big deal. It takes effort, patience, hardship, and suffering, but in the end, you realize - there's nothing quite like family.
Thanks once again, Mommy. We love you!
In case you were wondering, no - I did not forget about Brett Favre's 41st birthday. This year, I'm actually pleased that he turned 41, because, not only did his old, achy joints age another year, he has all the more reason to retire!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Back To School League Basketball
My AAU team continues to improve, and I'm very impressed with the progress we've made, even since this summer.
We played two games a week this month, and only lost four games - all of which were nail-biters, decided at the last minute.
I have gained valuable skills from AAU, and I'm much more confident. My coach and teammates have been great, and we've grown very close over the past months.
I averaged 5 points a game, and I can't wait for school basketball.
We played two games a week this month, and only lost four games - all of which were nail-biters, decided at the last minute.
I have gained valuable skills from AAU, and I'm much more confident. My coach and teammates have been great, and we've grown very close over the past months.
I averaged 5 points a game, and I can't wait for school basketball.
NFL Week 5
The latest week of NFL action was highly entertaining at times, but at others, it was sorely disappointing.
The Chiefs - who were previously the last undefeated team in the league - suffered their first loss this week against Indianapolis. The Colts have had a very mediocre year, while the Chiefs have shocked us all. Hopefully, Indianapolis can get back on track.
Detroit and St. Louis, two of the worst teams in the NFL, played on Sunday, and it turns out Detroit is closer to recovery than the Rams. The Lions defeated the Rams in a 44-6 blowout, even though Matthew Stafford is still injured.
Unfortunately, the Bears beat the winless Panthers, putting Chicago at the top of the NFC North standings. The Packers, however, are close behind, while Minnesota's chances are questionable. Brett Favre's right elbow is hurting so much it may end his 289-game starting streak, and they lost to the Jets on Monday Night, 20-29.
Washington gave Green Bay their second loss on Sunday, and I hate to say it, but my optimism is officially gone.
Two of our stars, Aaron Rodgers and Jermichael Finley, were injured in our overtime loss. Rodgers will likely miss only one game, but Finley will probably be out for the remainder of the season.
We'll definitely need Finley and Rodgers on offense, because our defense doesn't look its best. We deteriorated against Donovan McNabb and the Redskins. After a missed would-be game-winning field goal, we just couldn't stop the Washington offense in overtime, and they kicked an easy field goal to win.
If we defeat Miami next week, perhaps some of my foolish optimism will return, but until then, I'll be disgusted.
GO PACK GO!
The Chiefs - who were previously the last undefeated team in the league - suffered their first loss this week against Indianapolis. The Colts have had a very mediocre year, while the Chiefs have shocked us all. Hopefully, Indianapolis can get back on track.
Detroit and St. Louis, two of the worst teams in the NFL, played on Sunday, and it turns out Detroit is closer to recovery than the Rams. The Lions defeated the Rams in a 44-6 blowout, even though Matthew Stafford is still injured.
Unfortunately, the Bears beat the winless Panthers, putting Chicago at the top of the NFC North standings. The Packers, however, are close behind, while Minnesota's chances are questionable. Brett Favre's right elbow is hurting so much it may end his 289-game starting streak, and they lost to the Jets on Monday Night, 20-29.
Washington gave Green Bay their second loss on Sunday, and I hate to say it, but my optimism is officially gone.
Two of our stars, Aaron Rodgers and Jermichael Finley, were injured in our overtime loss. Rodgers will likely miss only one game, but Finley will probably be out for the remainder of the season.
We'll definitely need Finley and Rodgers on offense, because our defense doesn't look its best. We deteriorated against Donovan McNabb and the Redskins. After a missed would-be game-winning field goal, we just couldn't stop the Washington offense in overtime, and they kicked an easy field goal to win.
If we defeat Miami next week, perhaps some of my foolish optimism will return, but until then, I'll be disgusted.
GO PACK GO!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
F20M 2010
F20M: the perfect combination of family, meat, and inappropriate prizes.
As if the Festival of 20 Meats wasn't enough, the Green Bay Speckhards came to town the Friday before the festival.
They arrived at noon, after their parents dropped them off for a convention at the seminary. We left school early, and were greeted in the van by Ella and Josie. I was still surprised when we pulled into our driveway, where Sam, Rachel, and Anna were riding the Green Machine (which should be a mandatory toy for every family in the country).
We messed around outside for a while, and then headed to Pio Market with a ten-dollar bill. After we wolfed down our candy and pop, we played hide-and-seek until dinnertime.
We spent the rest of the evening playing records on our phonograph, which turned into speeding up the record until the song sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks. Uncle Pete and Aunt Heidi soon arrived, and the kids were kicked out of the house.
We built a fairly large fire in the ti-pi, and despite the 50 degree weather, we were all comfortably snug beside the crackling flame. When the fire finally died, we trooped upstairs to watch You Tube videos on Aunt Heidi's laptop.
At around 10:00, we prepared for bed, a very long ordeal, seeing as their were a total of 11 kids in the house.
Since Uncle Pete and Aunt Heidi were staying in my room, I slept with Ella and Josie on the bottom bunk in David and Jacob's room. Rachel and Anna slept up top, while the boys all crashed together.
We woke up fairly early to a delicious casserole breakfast. Luke had a soccer game, so the majority of the kids came along. Sammy, Ella, and I stayed home.
Ella and I looked at photo albums, played cards, and played Mario Kart Wii until my family returned. Upon their arrival, we hopped in my van and headed to Valpo!
When we arrived at F20M, the festival was already in full swing. All three grills were going, uncles were playing cornhole, and Uncle Jody was firing bottle rockets at Mike.
Of course, Ella, Sarah, and I waited impatiently for the meat candy, which was just as heavenly as always. The throng surrounding the zebra bacon was too thick, so I settled for some frog legs - a personal favorite. Next, I sampled crab for the first time, but before I could savor the last, delectable nibble, Uncle Dan started shooting off the rockets.
It happens every time. The highly-anticipated rockets are one of the most fun aspects of F20M, yet we always seem to lose the rocket after two or three goes. Of course, we vainly chased down the mini parachutist, quickly losing it.
Our disappointment was quickly erased when Uncle Jody announced it was time for inappropriate prizes.
This year, I actually won something. After the $10 lottery tickets, huge bags of Snickers, and cigarette candy had been thrown to our greedy hands, Uncle Jody produced a huge turtle shell and randomly handed it to me. It was by far this year's best inappropriate prize, and I was the envy of all the cousins.
After the meat candy, rockets, and inappropriate prizes, the 2010 F20M was just about wrapped up. Most of us headed for Grandma's house, where we watched the timeless classic, Bugs Bunny Road Runner for the millionth time.
Sadly, I had two basketball games on Sunday, so we were forced to bid adieu.
F20M was great, as always, and I look forward to next year!
As if the Festival of 20 Meats wasn't enough, the Green Bay Speckhards came to town the Friday before the festival.
They arrived at noon, after their parents dropped them off for a convention at the seminary. We left school early, and were greeted in the van by Ella and Josie. I was still surprised when we pulled into our driveway, where Sam, Rachel, and Anna were riding the Green Machine (which should be a mandatory toy for every family in the country).
We messed around outside for a while, and then headed to Pio Market with a ten-dollar bill. After we wolfed down our candy and pop, we played hide-and-seek until dinnertime.
We spent the rest of the evening playing records on our phonograph, which turned into speeding up the record until the song sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks. Uncle Pete and Aunt Heidi soon arrived, and the kids were kicked out of the house.
We built a fairly large fire in the ti-pi, and despite the 50 degree weather, we were all comfortably snug beside the crackling flame. When the fire finally died, we trooped upstairs to watch You Tube videos on Aunt Heidi's laptop.
At around 10:00, we prepared for bed, a very long ordeal, seeing as their were a total of 11 kids in the house.
Since Uncle Pete and Aunt Heidi were staying in my room, I slept with Ella and Josie on the bottom bunk in David and Jacob's room. Rachel and Anna slept up top, while the boys all crashed together.
We woke up fairly early to a delicious casserole breakfast. Luke had a soccer game, so the majority of the kids came along. Sammy, Ella, and I stayed home.
Ella and I looked at photo albums, played cards, and played Mario Kart Wii until my family returned. Upon their arrival, we hopped in my van and headed to Valpo!
When we arrived at F20M, the festival was already in full swing. All three grills were going, uncles were playing cornhole, and Uncle Jody was firing bottle rockets at Mike.
Of course, Ella, Sarah, and I waited impatiently for the meat candy, which was just as heavenly as always. The throng surrounding the zebra bacon was too thick, so I settled for some frog legs - a personal favorite. Next, I sampled crab for the first time, but before I could savor the last, delectable nibble, Uncle Dan started shooting off the rockets.
It happens every time. The highly-anticipated rockets are one of the most fun aspects of F20M, yet we always seem to lose the rocket after two or three goes. Of course, we vainly chased down the mini parachutist, quickly losing it.
Our disappointment was quickly erased when Uncle Jody announced it was time for inappropriate prizes.
This year, I actually won something. After the $10 lottery tickets, huge bags of Snickers, and cigarette candy had been thrown to our greedy hands, Uncle Jody produced a huge turtle shell and randomly handed it to me. It was by far this year's best inappropriate prize, and I was the envy of all the cousins.
After the meat candy, rockets, and inappropriate prizes, the 2010 F20M was just about wrapped up. Most of us headed for Grandma's house, where we watched the timeless classic, Bugs Bunny Road Runner for the millionth time.
Sadly, I had two basketball games on Sunday, so we were forced to bid adieu.
F20M was great, as always, and I look forward to next year!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NFL Week 4
Another NFL week has come and gone, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Bears (Jay Cutler in particular) were pummeled on Monday Night against the Giants. Chicago is now tied with Green Bay in the NFC North.
The Colts had a disappointing loss against Jacksonville, which ended in an astonishing 59-yard field goal.
Donovan McNabb beat his former team, while Michael Vick broke two ribs on a run. The Mighty Pack will have to face McNabb next week, and I'm slightly unnerved by his brilliant performances.
New England destroyed Miami on Monday Night, 41-14. It was Tom Brady's 100th career win, and also Randy Moss' final game as a Patriot.
The Rams defeated Seattle, and Sam Bradford performed admirably. I'd say St. Louis is off on the road to recovery.
Detroit, another team on the road to recovery, couldn't quite defeat the Packers. Well, they almost beat the Mighty Pack, but in the fourth quarter, with Green Bay up by two, our backup fullback had a few, solid runs, and the Packers were able to maintain their lead.
It was uncomfortably interesting, but at least it's a win.
GO PACK GO!
The Colts had a disappointing loss against Jacksonville, which ended in an astonishing 59-yard field goal.
Donovan McNabb beat his former team, while Michael Vick broke two ribs on a run. The Mighty Pack will have to face McNabb next week, and I'm slightly unnerved by his brilliant performances.
New England destroyed Miami on Monday Night, 41-14. It was Tom Brady's 100th career win, and also Randy Moss' final game as a Patriot.
The Rams defeated Seattle, and Sam Bradford performed admirably. I'd say St. Louis is off on the road to recovery.
Detroit, another team on the road to recovery, couldn't quite defeat the Packers. Well, they almost beat the Mighty Pack, but in the fourth quarter, with Green Bay up by two, our backup fullback had a few, solid runs, and the Packers were able to maintain their lead.
It was uncomfortably interesting, but at least it's a win.
GO PACK GO!
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