Now, I don't get to do this often and probably will get in trouble for it, but it was fun. Tonight I cooked dinner (grilled chicken, rice and salad) and ate it in the living room while watching the race.
You guessed it! The rest of the family wasn't home (other than Tucker, but he didn't mind). I am also glad I didn't spill anything that I wasn't able to clean up. Turned out to be a great race with Matt Kenseth beating out Jamie McMurray. Good food and good race!
Dale Earnhardt Jr won his first race this season in front of the fans in Richmond, VA. What is even more impressive, is that he is courteous on the track. At one point, he was trying to pass Kevin Harvick and got into him a little too much. He backed off and regrouped only to pass him a few laps later. A competitor that knows when to push it and when not to.
ERAU won the Florida Sun Conference championship tonight. Congratulations Eagles! Now they are "Going to Branson".
Coach Ridder got his 400th win last night. The #1 ranked Eagles beat rival Flagler College. Not only was it coach's 400th win, but it was also senior night (last regular season home game for the seniors) so it was a special event. It sounded like quite the game and I wish I could have been there.
Congratulations Coach Ridder!
The ERAU basketball team won another game. It sounds like freshman Tyler DeBord really helped lift the Eagles. I know it is a team effort, but it is great to see someone from your hometown have an impact. Of course, there is the assistant coach (and good friend), also from my hometown, who is a big time contributor as well.
For those of you who missed it, checkout an interview with Coach Ridder where he talks about the program.
UNC gave it their best effort last night, but came up a little short. I thought Roy Williams had a top-notch game plan to beat #2 ranked Duke. Basically, run the ball, wear Duke out and win the game. Since Duke only plays 7 or so players, this approach was a good idea. At the very least, UNC matured a little last night. Good game even though it didn't quite turn out how I hoped.
My disappointment of the weekend was I didn't watch North Carolina vs Kentucky. On the other hand, I am excited that UNC won since this is (or was) a rebuilding year after losing most of their team from last year to the NBA.
This past weekend the neighbors got together at our house to watch the NASCAR race at Talladega. It was a good turn out. I think it was the first time some of our neighbors even watched a NASCAR race and some of them really got into it. Even if they didn't, most appeared to have fun.
For the party, I cooked BBQ chicken and some steaks. This was something I learned in college at our basketball barbecues. My mentor for cooking this style was Chip (an instructor/mentor/friend at school) and I have used it a couple of times since. We also had some really good sides that the neighbors brought over.
As for the race, I was a little disappointed that one of my drivers got knocked out, but at least one of the others I like finished well.
Going to and returning from lunch, I saw Coach K today. I wonder if he noticed I was wearing my Carolina blue golf shirt.
I know I haven't commented much in the sports section of my blog (especially surprising since the team I pull for won the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament), but I had to comment on this. Today, May, Felton and Williams announced they were going to the NBA. McCants had announced earlier that he was going. That's 4 underclassmen from one team going at the same time. I don't blame them, they went out on top.
I was more impressed with how Roy Williams handled the press conference. It is obvious that a major factor in Coach Williams' success is his personality. He forms strong relationships with his players and puts the right things forward at the right time. Today, it was all about doing what is best for the players. During the season, it was all about "the program". Same principles as a very successful program that I had the privilege of being involved with for a number of years.
Hopefully, I will follow up with more comments in this section since future teams will be players that Roy recruited to UNC.
There is a new assistant coach at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (where I played basketball). His name is Chad Keller. I have known Chad since I was in high school. I spent many afternoons playing pickup ball with Chad. We played on the same team in high school and ended up going to rival colleges and playing against each other. After college, Chad and I have stayed in touch (thanks to Chad - I have been slacking).
I am very happy for Chad and his family. Not only is this a good opportunity, but it makes me proud to see a St. Cloud graduate excelling in their career.
Last night, Miami came back from a 33-10 deficit in the 3rd quarter to beat the Gators 38-33. I was ready to count the Hurricanes out, but I am glad I didn't. What an indcredible game?
UNC looked pretty good in their first two games with Roy Williams as the head coach. It is basically the same team as last year, but a healthy May in the middle. Should be an interesting year, but maybe not "national championship" caliber team. I guess we have to wait and see.
