There really isn’t a much better afternoon to be had, than at the ballpark.  I gotta tell you it’s like an energy drink that revives you and gives you a fresh start to the summer. Baseball helps you put life back into perspective about what’s joyous, what’s a challenge and basicaly what just is.

life, like baseball , isn’t alwasy a plesant game but we are all given opportunities and the only thing we can control is how we react to the situation. I was standing today along with a good friend of mine and we just went round the horn to all of the baseball players on the field practicing and talked about the moments they had during the Regional weekend just completed.  The pregame handshake and chest bump of roommates Corey Knebel and Erich Weiss who were also named to the Louisville Slugger’s Freshman All American Team — Coach Garrido talking about Cole Green and the fact that he came back to Texas to be all he could be as a person and when he walked off the field Monday after his inning of work, you could see it in his face for what I thought the first time all year that he had captued his moment and was ready for more. Taylor Jungmann going from the disapoointment of his outing on Saturday night against Kent State to the Band of Brothers Pitching performance monday in the championship game against Kent State because you could feel that not only Taylor…but everyone knew they had more in them that maybe they thought.  Sam Stafford — wow — went 5 innings on Friday and came back strong Monday showing everyone the doubts about starting him on friday went away with all of the other doubts folks had had previously about his ability to go past 3 innings effectively. Jordan Etier with 4 unbelievable catches  Hoby Milner with probably the biggest out of the year in the 5th on Monday against Kent State with runners at 2nd and 3rd.  I could just keep going but I’m more about moments that stats and home runs..speaking of which how bout the kevin Lusson homers. I could do the math, and I won’t, but imagine if the Horns had averaged almost 1 home run a game like they did this past Regional Championship weekend? They would lead the country in home runs.  They might have more home runs in the post season than they had all regular season (13), one never knows.

I guess all of these moments are why I enjoy Augie’s book Life is Yours to Win so much and having a job for that allows me to live the book first hand. I look forward to Friday when the horns host Arizon State in the super regionals — winner goes to Omaha and the College World Series — basically because I know that Taylor Jungmann is wanting another chance to create a different outcome than his last start.  It’s exciting that he will take the mound and put himself out there to see what happens when you try…when you prepare for the opportunities…and good things happen..or not so good things happen. Taylor will have put himself out there as well as the rest of the team to see just what happens when you want to win bad enought that you’ve made sacrifices and worked yout butt off to see if it can happen.

So I’ll be there Friday to see if this group of men can see their dreams come true. It won’t be for a lack of trying or heart — it will be in the hands of life where anything is possible

I’ve said all along how fortunate i am to have a job that allows me to meet some of the most amazing people walking. The world is full of amazing people and quite frankly, i’m sure you walk by some of these folks everyday and don’t even realize it.  They are just ordinayr folks and have learned valuable life lessons and are willing to share them. One of my favorite people is Augie Garrido. I know he’s the winningest baseball coach in NCAA Division I history and just reached a milestoe of 1800 wins, but he’s a lot more than that.

I’m lucky to get to spend some time with all of the UT coaches in some form or fashion. They are all outstanding leaders and know what it takes to win. Probably the coach i’ve spent the most time with is Augie. I’ve learned a lot about how to handle things in life and how to approach life in general. I’ve spent many an hour in the dugout just listening, most of the folks who know me would say that that’s an accomplsihment to begin with.  Listening to the countless stories and just soaking it in –has been priceless.  I’ve found that growing up, the mentors available to me were more of the quiet leaders and you never knew what they were thinking and that was difficult for me. I wanted to know more…part of the reason i’m in the media business…so Augie was perfect in that he told you how it was, when it was and didn’t hold anything back. I really had never experienced that from a quote unquote role model in my life.

I learned so much from his trials and tribulations and also victories. i was there for the 2 recetn National Championships in Omaha and also there for the disapointments of finishing 2nd a couple of times as well. I can’t begin to tell you the things I’ve learned the last 12 years visiting with Augie. I’m sure he doesn’t even know how much of a difference he made in my life and how I think.  that’s also part of the beauty in that he’s jus telling stories — the good the bad and the ugly and what he got from those. what he learned from his successes and failures. No ones life is perfect and really all you can control is how you react to any given situation.

That’s why i’m excited for you. because his long awaited book “Life is Yours to Win” is here. I could probably tell you what it says without even reading it. I’m still going to read it and know that when Augie speaks of overcoming fear and no living a fear based life….that he will have already shown me he took fear by the horn and put it to the ground.  I think most people would be surprised if you’ve spetn any amount of time with Augie that he had one fear he had to overcome to publish a book. His fear of writing….glad he did.

I like the Yankees, I like the Cowboys and I even like the Lakers.  I don’t like professional teams that play the role of underdogs. Usually what that means is they have bad management and coaching and depend on poeple rooting for the underdog to have any fans. I mean St. Louils and the Phillies in baseball, the Saints in football…I like any team who tries and does it right from top to bottom. I don’t root for the underdogs in amy place but college athletics…then it’s fun.

There’s something to be said for rooting for the dark jerseys…the lower seed in a tournament….all coaches will tell you that in a neutral crowd it’s all about the underdog. People love to root for the smaller schools, the quote unquote “butler’s” and “Gonzaga’s” of the world. I did root for Duke by the way because of Coach’ K’s remard in Chicago two years ago. and his love for the game and helping in international play. I did rot for Butler to get to the Final Four, Just for Duke to win it…

Sitting here in the Sprint Center — I bet Colorado wishes it was in a neutral city…say like Houson where all the fans would be rooting for them…the dark jerseys…the upset…the bracket busters…but not today…it’s all Jayhawks all the time That will change next week when March Madness starts.

That’s why getting the higer seed and playing close to home can help…keeping the underdog lovers out of the arena…much like two years ago when Texas played in Greensboro and North Carolina had just finished playing and Texas was playing Duke…wearing the dark burnt orange jerseys ….well, it became a pro Texas crowd real quick deep in Duke’s back yard…because North Carloina fans hate Duke and Texas was wearing the right color.

So, all you fans of the underdog…now is your time. YOu’ll even take a hit on the bracket pool in your office to see the lower seeds win. The question this year is who will be the new Cinderella? will it be Butler again…or which team wearing the dark jersey  will capture the hearts of Americans this year….choose now and fill those brackets out with gusto. My long shot right now is St. Peter’s…who’s scheduled to play Duke in the latest round of the ESPN Bracketology….I know …. but that was last year…don’t want to get greedy now and have the Blue Devils win it back to back now. I am also picking Texas to make it to the Final Four….where….if things go as planned…would be wearning the dark jerseys….good luck

I just love Kansas City when it comes to Basketball.  Now mind you — I like driving to KC better than flying for some reason, maybe because the airport is in another country it seems  It seems like it’s just the perfect setting for the tournament. I’m also a big fan of how Omaha is the home of the College World Series.  I tell you why, because they actually get it. They love hosting basketball tournaments. The Sprint Center and Memorial Colliseum couldn’t be better to support the men’s and women’s teams. Memorial Colliseum has great history and nice architectue for a pleaseant arena. I’ve also seem some reall great basketball games there when the Texas women decided it was time to put up a good fight.

I guess you cold say that Kansas and Kansas State and maybe Missouri would have the advantage being so close to home but Oklahoma City would be the only other choice.  Kansas has owned the big 12 and big 12 Tournament but I don’t think that’s because it’s in Kansas City. I just like going places that are fan and media friendly. The last placce on earth it should be is Dallas. Dallas just has a different way of treating fans and media…hence the Super Bowl .. amongst other things.  Last night sitting in the revolving restaurant with a friend…who bought me dinner thank godness..it was just a feiendly home away from home.  The People are genuine and fun. The nightlife is fun and steaks juicy.

I did hear toak tha the Big12 was disappointed in the women’s attendance. Well, that’s not a Kansas City problem…thats a you problem and your teams problem.  I miss Jody and Marsha fighting it out…of course Mulky is still there…nothing better than walking off the court after Texas just drove them two years ago and hear her mumblins. Mulky is a good soundbite for sure.

so, if you ever get the chance..head on down here to Kansas City and join me.

First, let me say, I don’t pay attention to a lot of the X’s and O’s about the game – I go strictly on the body language and emotions I see right in front of me. Oh sure, I would recognize the difference between man to man and zone defense – but that’s for the inside basketball folks. The Texas Men’s basketball team starts Big 12 play Thursday and I just noticed something in the second half of the Baylor game in Waco that the Horns won. Jordan Hamilton and Rick Barnes had their best half of conversation.  Jordan’s three pointer in the second half from right in front of me I’m guessing was the smoothest I’ve seen this year.

This picture is from the second half. Oh sure, I’ve seen Rick and Jordan talk many times but this half was different. They actually were learning from each other..I’ve read a lot of articles where Jordan talks about not being in playing shape last year and how he finally figured it out at the end what a great shot was over a good shot, and how he’s learning how to trust his teammates during tight games, etc. we forget he didn’t play his senior year in High School…which I think is a big deal.  But back to the picture. Coach and Jordan had been having great conversations during the second half, and by great I mean Barnes explained himself well, Jordan listened and offered suggestions and then on one such meeting…Coach shook his hand and said good job to which Jordan then went out and clapped his hands like a leader of a team would.

My favorite quote that I’ve read about Jordan comes from “Horns Illustrated” that describes Jordan as “the flirty blonde at the end of the bar who’d laugh at your jokes and take your drinks but leaver before you go her number”  I laughed out loud when I read it.

I’ve also seen a change in Coach Barnes as well, and maybe more than any other NBA caliber player before him, Jordan and Rick have taught each other how to have a monologue during the heat of battle instead of all of the dialogues they’ve been having.

It was just a good game to sit and watch what Coach called after the game “one of the best team wins of the year and by that I mean everyone played their role and did exactly what they were supposed to do” and went on to say about Jordan “how it was a process and I kept telling him to trust his teammates and he started doing that and had the best demeanor on the court I’ve seen him have this year”

And really what better time to start really putting it all together than right before tournament time.  Like I’ve said before — I like this team and think they may be onto something special.

What is it now, 32 in a row for the Texas Men in Conference championships?  I’d call that owning a conference for a very long time.  The Texas men and women just wrapped up another successful Big12 Championship and along the way it was good to just take note of some random things.

Karlee Bispo owned this meet — I mean she kicked some butt and took names along the wasy and was also named swimmer of the meet.

Samatha Tucker anchored the 400 free relay to a victory and secured the Conference Titel. Tucker was not going to be dined that victory, led off by Bispo, A&M didn’t have a chance.

Just an overall exciting time to see the women win this meet knowing how hard they had been working.

from the men’s side…it was awesome to see Dax Hill in action. Remember that name for the 2012 Olympic trials conversation. Dax almost brouht the men back from a body length down in the 400 free to win it. just barely losing to Texas A&M.

a couple of other stories, Jackson Wilcox is a monster in the water — really impressed with his attack in the water winning the 500 and 1650 freestyle. and then you go to Drew Livingston who got all 10′s on one dive and won the Platform Diving and was named Swimmer of the Meet.

Nick D’Innocenzo turned things around from last year and won the 400 IM , almost won the 200Im and also the 200 Breaststroke to name a few and along with Jimm Fiegan was named co-Swimmers of the meet. Fiegan won the 50 and 100 free with many Texas swimmers right on his heels including Dax Hill. Fiegan and Hill should be the next round of speedsters for Texas.

Good moment watching Head Coach Eddie Reese — after the Aggies best Texas in the 400 Free Relay, he went up and congratulated them on the win and I don’t mean an obligatory one — but a sincere “good job” and then went and talked to his swimmers and picked their heads up and coached them on how to win the next time.

It was just an overall impressive 4 day meet. I think the best part is seeing the faces after races — I remember Wilcox tore up the 500 free and I thought we’d get a good reaction shot but nope, he just got out and went directly to the warm down pool and I’m guessing he didn’t’ meet his own standard….but good for him. and Austin Surhoff — the defending 200IM NCAA champion– wins the 200 IM again and the 200 Back and other relays.

the excitement is that everyday we get closer and closer to the 2012 Olympic games in London and all of the pre-Olympic races as well.

The Big12 Men’s Swimming Championship starts today and there are only THREE men’s teams competiting.  The Big 12 started with 6 teams back in 1997. Today, those three teams are TEXAS, TEXAS A&M AND MISSOURI.  that means only one team from the North.  I’m guessing it’s just a state of mind really, Athletic Directors found a place to cut and started with men’s swimming.  I just find it interesting in this day and age of trying to create a healthier America, we continue to cut programs can keep us fit the rest of our lives.  Nebraska, Iowas State and Kansas all cut their men’s swimming program’s and probably spent it on football somwhere.

I get it, swimming has it’s place but so does health. head on over to Barton Springs and you’ll see what I mean. There are swimmers of all ages keeping fit and doing it into their 90′s. We need more pools in city parks and the awareness needs to grow. The hottest ticket for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was swimming.

I’d just like to see administrators stop cutting programs that have an effect beyond competition. The High Schools are facing the same problem.  The State Swim Meet just wrapped up this past weekend and many of the good teams cut swimmers right and left because they simply didn’t have the room for them. I mean this blog could go on and on about the posititive things swimming brings to those who swim.

Maybe I’m living in a dream world but seriously, we all need to support swimming programs and get your kids involved in a sport they can do forever. Athletic Directors need to look closer and harder at the long term effects cutting these programs can have. This is just a quick stroke at a big picutre item.

Anyway, just my two cents for the day. Here is a picture of Michael Phelps, whos record 8 Gold Medals in the Olympics will probably stand forever, sits in the Lee and Joe Jamail Swim Center — the site of his first World Record 10 years ago.

== It’s great to have Coach Akina back at Texas. Things usually have a way of working out for the best. At the end of the day, actions are admirable and then you get to find out where you belong. I don’t think anyone knows the whole story..only glad he’s back and what a thrill for Coach Brown after the sudden departure of Jerry Gray…to a life long friend and dream come true of his own.

==A lot has been said of the media during the coaching searches. I think at the end of the day we all have to remember these people, just like coaches and administrators, have to feed their families too. People feed their families in different ways and send their kids to school and so if the beast needs to be fed, then that’s how it works. If you want the 5 plus million a year, this is what you get paid for and the interest in your team is not always generated by you. So, go and seclude yourself and do the things that need to get done but don’t ever be surprised at what that generates. Having said that…of course we could do a better job of reporting. It’s not so much a media thing as it is a society thing. Constant need of information and where do you think they go to drink?

==How can you not absolutely love this Texas Men’s Basketball Team of Coach Rick Barnes.  That’s what I’m talking about…Matt Hill and company. I really think that a lot of last year’s misunderstanding was just like this years football team….can’t put your finger on it, but trust it’s gonna get better and schizzle bang….it did. Jordan Hamilton is POY in my opinion because he’s always wanting to get better.

==The Super Bowl at Cowboy’s Stadium was a blast…..at the end. I’ve been to 5 now and this one was the least organized by far. I think it’s more an barometer of how the Cowboys treat the media and fans in general than anything else. Houston for example had a great organized Super Bowl…and they also treat their fans and media pretty darn well. The same can be said of the Rose Bowl, Atlanta and Phoenix…all media savvy towns and fan savvy places. Dallas –not so much.

–Just wanted to say a great job by the whole KXAN team of photojournalist and team for the ice storm coverage. Many of you don’t understand how hard these folks work in the elements to keep everyone safe. They did a tremendous job.

–I would just like to see us all appreciate life a little more. Be happy. Your greatest gift is the power of forgiveness…that’s all we got in reality. It just seems like we can still move fast in this world and get the job done the right way and have a little less stress in our lives. I’m pretty sure we do enough judging of others…so don’t let the kettle hit you on the way in.

–Chassidy Fussell is the real deal. Watch out for Texas women’s basketball.

–And seriously Texas fans…come on out and root for the Women’s softball team, Texas Men’s Swimming and other Texas sports at their upcoming events.

–Texas baseball starts this Friday with Maryland and with new challenges. College Baseball has decided to go with a new improved safer bat. Let’s just cut to the chase and go with the wood bats and call it a day. I find it funny they down size the speed of the ball in the college game for safety and yet…they continue to let Little League use the same bats they declared unsafe for use. Go figur–Get ready for the Ides of March. and yes, a little tournament we like to call March Madness. Houston–let’s hope we get there in time for Easter.

ChassidyFuss

I think Wednesday was the closest I’ve been to the type of cold I experienced at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Salt Lake was brutal and Dallas tried to match that yesterday. Everyone at home in Austin is getting a taste od it today. So stay safe.

Friday we attended the last coaches press conferences and listening to these guys talk you can understand why their team is in the Super Bowl. Mike Tomlinson was my favorite because his pressed lasted only 8 minutes. Awesome.

You can also tell why Roger Goodell is the NFL commissioner. He answered every question like a man who makes mega bucks.

So all in all. This has been a great trip albeit for one thing. The Dallas Cowboys aren’t here.

Don’t forget to follow me on twitter at twitter.com/toddimsports

Just found out the NFL commish makes 10 million a year. That explains it.

Okay, I’ve just about had enough of this Jay Cutler talk. I’m not a doctor and didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn last night but I have had both the MCL and ACL injury.  I shaved my leg and taped up my leg and played a second half of a high school playoff game with a torn ACL.  so wow, tough huh?  well, not really because a year earlier I had sprained my MCL and couldn’t move or walk.  So, injuries affect poeple in different ways and I love how all of these people say you’d have to drag them off on a stretcher.  And as an aside, how stupid was I for playing with an injury and not at a100%.

I’m really surprised Mike Ditka — a tough competitior himself — has now spoken out about this. I’ve seen Mike Ditka walk — and it aint pretty.

It’s really just another example of someone trying to be cute on social media sites and then all the haters  just hop on board and fuel the fire.

I mean seriously, look at the facts and how many starts Jay Cutler has had 63 and missed one game with a concussion. How many athletes compete at that level with diabetes? and set an example for folks with diabetes that they can play at that level.

Wonder how many of these haters has called in sick over the past two months because they had a cold or allergies?

Everyone is different and has different forms of toughness and so it’s interesting how we all of a sudden want to drive the bus over anyone who’s not as tough as we think they should be.  Phillip Rivers — how bout you just live up to your potential and get to a championship game and Super Bowl before you start talking about how they’d have to take you off…on a stretcher.

I think we can support everyone because the Competititve spirit will sepaarate who win’s and losess on that particular day.  Look at your place of work — is everyoen the same — probably not. The only thing we have in common is how we react to every situation. 

And standing unnoticed in the corner is Karma — how will she treat you?