This uniform could become reality. Sort of.
Today, voters all across New York State are voting on school budgets and school board members. Here in Elmira, things are no different. Regardless of whether the budget here passes or not, the Elmira City School District's board of education has already voted on and approved a measure to combine sports programs. Currently there are two high schools in Elmira -- Elmira Free Academy (Blue Devils) and Southside High School (Green Hornets) -- and each school fields teams in many sports. That all will change this fall.
In a clear attempt to save money, the school board thought it more feasible for the district to financially support a combined district-wide sports program, instead of separate teams for the two high schools. Whether this will indeed save money remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the new merged teams will highlight the all-stars from each of the schools, while some of the lower talent at each of the schools will find themselves left off the roster.
What does this have to do with Ernie Davis? Well, for starters, it initially brought to mind for me the mini-uproar, locally at least, when the film The Express featured Ernie Davis wearing a jersey for "Elmira High School" during the recruitment scenes. While the dialog clearly made reference to Ernie playing for Elmira Free Academy, evidently the wardrobe department never got that memo when costuming that scene. But on a more practical and relevant level, the connection to Ernie is this: "The Elmira Express" is one of the potential new names for the combined Elmira teams.
The Elmira School District has set up a website for the public to vote on a choice of potential nicknames for the new team, or submit their own suggestion. "The Express" is currently competing against such names as Cougars, Titans, Eagles, and Falcons. Additionally, the public can voice their opinion on the team's primary color: red, orange, black, blue, green, or teal. Yep, that's right. This fall, Elmira could field a football team decked out in orange jerseys named The Elmira Express.
Then again, we could see teal Cougars. This could end badly.
I have faith in the citizens of Elmira to make the right decision here. Still, it might not hurt for the loyal readers of Orange::44 to go check out the voting page. Now, I'm not telling you how to vote, but...
Update: The field has been narrowed to Express and Titans, while the color schemes have been narrowed to black/white/red or black/white/teal. Orange is out of the running. It was a short dream, but a dream nonetheless. Students and Elmira residents have the opportunity to vote on their final selections starting May 20. While the vote is non-binding, a committee of students, parents, teachers and coaches will consider the tally in making their final decision.
Labels: Elmira, Ernie Davis, Syracuse Football, The Express
This is how Grothe should have felt on Saturday.It is time for Sean from Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician to ask me some questions, and I answer them with the wit and skill of a broadcasting professional. At least a professional that hasn't been tainted by years of meetings at ESPN saying they really can't give their opinions and they have to be nice to everyone. That's not how things happen around here friends. Check out the questions and answers here.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Football, Nunes/Magician, The Express
Ernie Davis would listen to this podcast.As promised, here is the latest Orange::44 podcast. Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan and I are reporting live from The Genesee Grande Hotel here in Syracuse in preparation for a solid evening and a quality Homecoming experience. Tonight we wax poetic about The Express premier, the Penn State debacle, the Ernie Davis statue on the quad, and finally we preview the Northeastern game tomorrow. Enjoy the return of the audio euphoria that is the Orange::44 podcast and if you would like, download the show here.
Labels: Audio Euphoria, Football, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie DavisEditors Note: This is part four of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here, part two can be found here, part three can be found here.
Ernie Davis lived his life to the fullest in the short time he was on this earth. However, he died far too young and with too much potential left in him. Upon his death, he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, located at 1200 Walnut Street. He is buried among other famous Elmirans including Mark Twain, John Jones, Hal Roach, and most notably for me is my father. It is a sprawling, beautiful cemetery located minutes from the Elmira Correctional Facility, Downtown Elmira, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Here, Ernie Davis has a fairly large headstone, which is detailed very modestly. At the top it simply reads “Ernie Davis, Heisman Trophy 1961”. In the bottom right corner it reads “Ernest R., 1939-1963”. This grave, although not in my pictures, usually at various points in the year has different items people have left for him in his memory. There is usually a football placed at the base of the stone, and various cards and mementos left for him. As you can see, people still place flowers on the grave regularly. This is his final resting place after only a short life lived to the fullest.
While Davis may be gone, clearly his memory, especially in his hometown, lives on. That legacy will be even more solidified tonight with the world premier of The Express, the movie about his life. I will be in attendance this evening to chronicle “The Orange Carpet” events, and give my thoughts on the movie when I return. Look for that on Sunday or Monday, along with my post-mortem of the Penn State game. While Syracuse football future remains unclear, one thing is certain; the legacy of Ernie Davis is secure, even before the movie, in his hometown of Elmira, New York, who will never forget not only his innate athletic ability, but his good citizenship and desire to give back to those around him. He is truly missed. The full gallery of all my pictures of the various Davis related sights can be found here.
Ernie Davis lived his life to the fullest in the short time he was on this earth. However, he died far too young and with too much potential left in him. Upon his death, he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, located at 1200 Walnut Street. He is buried among other famous Elmirans including Mark Twain, John Jones, Hal Roach, and most notably for me is my father. It is a sprawling, beautiful cemetery located minutes from the Elmira Correctional Facility, Downtown Elmira, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Here, Ernie Davis has a fairly large headstone, which is detailed very modestly. At the top it simply reads “Ernie Davis, Heisman Trophy 1961”. In the bottom right corner it reads “Ernest R., 1939-1963”. This grave, although not in my pictures, usually at various points in the year has different items people have left for him in his memory. There is usually a football placed at the base of the stone, and various cards and mementos left for him. As you can see, people still place flowers on the grave regularly. This is his final resting place after only a short life lived to the fullest.
While Davis may be gone, clearly his memory, especially in his hometown, lives on. That legacy will be even more solidified tonight with the world premier of The Express, the movie about his life. I will be in attendance this evening to chronicle “The Orange Carpet” events, and give my thoughts on the movie when I return. Look for that on Sunday or Monday, along with my post-mortem of the Penn State game. While Syracuse football future remains unclear, one thing is certain; the legacy of Ernie Davis is secure, even before the movie, in his hometown of Elmira, New York, who will never forget not only his innate athletic ability, but his good citizenship and desire to give back to those around him. He is truly missed. The full gallery of all my pictures of the various Davis related sights can be found here.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie Davis Editors Note: This is part three of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here, part two can be found here.
While Ernie Davis has been gone from this earth for many years now, his legacy obviously lives on. Now in this instance, when I say legacy I am not talking about his great football playing, or even the fact he was a Heisman Trophy. Rather, I am talking about his legacy as a good citizen and a hard worker.
In Elmira, a mere half a block from the Ernie Davis Middle School at 362 East Fifth Street is the Ernie Davis Community Center. Here there are several activities for local youths, including mentoring and tutoring, martial arts, cultural dance, seniors program, daily recreation, educational programming, arts and crafts and field trips. It is here that the true reputation of Davis lives on. He was just as well known for being a gentleman and a scholar as his football playing.
This is where the continued message that education will get you everywhere lives on in Davis’ memory. Kids in the Elmira community have many doors opened to them because of the Ernie Davis Community Center and they will continue for many years to come. This is exactly what Ernie would want to be remembered for, even over the Heisman Trophy.
While Ernie Davis has been gone from this earth for many years now, his legacy obviously lives on. Now in this instance, when I say legacy I am not talking about his great football playing, or even the fact he was a Heisman Trophy. Rather, I am talking about his legacy as a good citizen and a hard worker.
In Elmira, a mere half a block from the Ernie Davis Middle School at 362 East Fifth Street is the Ernie Davis Community Center. Here there are several activities for local youths, including mentoring and tutoring, martial arts, cultural dance, seniors program, daily recreation, educational programming, arts and crafts and field trips. It is here that the true reputation of Davis lives on. He was just as well known for being a gentleman and a scholar as his football playing.
This is where the continued message that education will get you everywhere lives on in Davis’ memory. Kids in the Elmira community have many doors opened to them because of the Ernie Davis Community Center and they will continue for many years to come. This is exactly what Ernie would want to be remembered for, even over the Heisman Trophy.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie DavisEditors Note: This is part two of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here.
Ernie Davis went to Elmira Free Academy, one of the two public high schools in Elmira. At the time, it was located at 610 Lake Street in Elmira, before a new EFA was built across town. Notable alumni of EFA include Eileen Collins, Hal Roach, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as my mother. But when EFA moved across town and made its previous building a middle school, they renamed it to Ernie Davis Junior High. Now Ernie Davis Middle School, it has a very famous statue of Davis out front. It also has a plaque with very inspiring words. The statue itself is a pride of the city and the community and there is even a picture of it in the display case outside the Ernie Davis room at the Carrier Dome.
One of the highest honors a community can give to an individual is name a school after them, and Elmira did that for Ernie Davis. Every student that passes through school on the north side of Elmira will attend the school and learn of his legacy. This will continue to make sure that his sportsmanship and good nature will not be forgotten.
Ernie Davis went to Elmira Free Academy, one of the two public high schools in Elmira. At the time, it was located at 610 Lake Street in Elmira, before a new EFA was built across town. Notable alumni of EFA include Eileen Collins, Hal Roach, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as my mother. But when EFA moved across town and made its previous building a middle school, they renamed it to Ernie Davis Junior High. Now Ernie Davis Middle School, it has a very famous statue of Davis out front. It also has a plaque with very inspiring words. The statue itself is a pride of the city and the community and there is even a picture of it in the display case outside the Ernie Davis room at the Carrier Dome.
One of the highest honors a community can give to an individual is name a school after them, and Elmira did that for Ernie Davis. Every student that passes through school on the north side of Elmira will attend the school and learn of his legacy. This will continue to make sure that his sportsmanship and good nature will not be forgotten.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie Davis Editors Note: This is part one of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th.
Ernie Davis came to Elmira, New York at the age of 12, but it was always what he considered his hometown. Everyday in Elmira he built a reputation of not only being a good athlete, but a great person as well. For the purposes of this series however, I am going to assume that you are a true fan and already know most of the Ernie Davis story. This article is about the legacy he has left in the town he grew up in, as well as my hometown. This is about the legacy he has left in Elmira and how Elmira remembers him.
In this first part, we take a look at a fixture now in Elmira, New York. This is something that most strangers visiting the area for the firs time encounter. The “Welcome To Elmira” sign is something that all travelers to Elmira get a chance to see when they first enter town taking Exit 56 off of Interstate 86, formerly Route 17. Former Elmira Mayor Stephen Hughes had it erected in 2003 after a slogan contest. The city slogan, which is present on the sign, now reads “Honoring the Past, Building the Future”. The sign certainly honors the past. Present left to right on the sign are famous people that are either originally from Elmira, or called Elmira their home for a significant portion of their life. They are Brian Williams (Anchor of NBC’s Nightly News), Hal Roach (A film pioneer), Ernie Davis, Mark Twain (Famous American writer and humorist), Eileen Collins (First female space shuttle pilot and Syracuse Alumnae), John Jones (Former slave and abolitionist), and Tommy Hilfiger (Clothing designer). Of course, Ernie Davis was included among some of the most beloved Elmirans.
Because of this sign, it is instantly recoganizable that Ernie Davis is from Elmira. I myself saw him every morning on the way to work this summer, as many locals do. It is one of the most recoganizeable and renound signs in the area and it is a point of pride for the City.
Ernie Davis came to Elmira, New York at the age of 12, but it was always what he considered his hometown. Everyday in Elmira he built a reputation of not only being a good athlete, but a great person as well. For the purposes of this series however, I am going to assume that you are a true fan and already know most of the Ernie Davis story. This article is about the legacy he has left in the town he grew up in, as well as my hometown. This is about the legacy he has left in Elmira and how Elmira remembers him.
In this first part, we take a look at a fixture now in Elmira, New York. This is something that most strangers visiting the area for the firs time encounter. The “Welcome To Elmira” sign is something that all travelers to Elmira get a chance to see when they first enter town taking Exit 56 off of Interstate 86, formerly Route 17. Former Elmira Mayor Stephen Hughes had it erected in 2003 after a slogan contest. The city slogan, which is present on the sign, now reads “Honoring the Past, Building the Future”. The sign certainly honors the past. Present left to right on the sign are famous people that are either originally from Elmira, or called Elmira their home for a significant portion of their life. They are Brian Williams (Anchor of NBC’s Nightly News), Hal Roach (A film pioneer), Ernie Davis, Mark Twain (Famous American writer and humorist), Eileen Collins (First female space shuttle pilot and Syracuse Alumnae), John Jones (Former slave and abolitionist), and Tommy Hilfiger (Clothing designer). Of course, Ernie Davis was included among some of the most beloved Elmirans.
Because of this sign, it is instantly recoganizable that Ernie Davis is from Elmira. I myself saw him every morning on the way to work this summer, as many locals do. It is one of the most recoganizeable and renound signs in the area and it is a point of pride for the City.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
Time to charge your fire extingushers.It has been a while since I have penned something of substance (thanks law school classes in the summer!). Therefore it is time to catch you fine folks up with a little Wednesday evening cornucopia of topics (complete with many ( ) so you know how I really feel). Also, enjoy it when you think back fondly on the Syracuse Hooters.
W Lax
Yes, I started covering this beat last year because the team was so darn good. So it is my duty to report that Head Coach Lisa Miller has chose to depart Syracuse and head for the glory that is Cambridge, Massachusetts, and coach Haaaaaaaaaavahd (Harvard for those not in New England). Lisa Miller’s career numbers at Syracuse were 106-53 (.667) in ten seasons, all of which were winning. She led Syracuse to the inaugural Big East Conference Championship, along with an automatic NCAA Tournament birth this past season and was named D-1 Coach of the Year and currently ranks 10th among active coaches in win percentage. Nothing to say but thanks for helping build a competing program and best of luck at the Crimson Tide.
The Express
USA Today had a major story on the Ernie Davis movie earlier this week. You can read the article here, but to sum up; this article suggests Ernie Davis is college football’s version of Jackie Robinson. I could not agree more. I am getting very excited for this movie. He is my hometown hero.
The Hot Seat
Thanks to our own Matt Glaude reporting at the Fanhouse, as well as our pal at Nunes/Magician, we learn just where Greg Robinson is on the “Can the Coach Barometer”. I agree with Matt, he should have a little more time to get the gentlemen he has recruited in the system. Plus we have seen improvement every year, so if we see even more Greg will be around a few more seasons (nowhere to go but up when improving on a one win season).
Big East Media (are idiots!)
The media have spoken and this is how they think the league will turn out:
1. West Virginia (20)
W Lax
Yes, I started covering this beat last year because the team was so darn good. So it is my duty to report that Head Coach Lisa Miller has chose to depart Syracuse and head for the glory that is Cambridge, Massachusetts, and coach Haaaaaaaaaavahd (Harvard for those not in New England). Lisa Miller’s career numbers at Syracuse were 106-53 (.667) in ten seasons, all of which were winning. She led Syracuse to the inaugural Big East Conference Championship, along with an automatic NCAA Tournament birth this past season and was named D-1 Coach of the Year and currently ranks 10th among active coaches in win percentage. Nothing to say but thanks for helping build a competing program and best of luck at the Crimson Tide.
The Express
USA Today had a major story on the Ernie Davis movie earlier this week. You can read the article here, but to sum up; this article suggests Ernie Davis is college football’s version of Jackie Robinson. I could not agree more. I am getting very excited for this movie. He is my hometown hero.
The Hot Seat
Thanks to our own Matt Glaude reporting at the Fanhouse, as well as our pal at Nunes/Magician, we learn just where Greg Robinson is on the “Can the Coach Barometer”. I agree with Matt, he should have a little more time to get the gentlemen he has recruited in the system. Plus we have seen improvement every year, so if we see even more Greg will be around a few more seasons (nowhere to go but up when improving on a one win season).
Big East Media (are idiots!)
The media have spoken and this is how they think the league will turn out:
1. West Virginia (20)
2. Louisville (3)
3. Rutgers (1)
4. South Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. Pittsburgh
7. Connecticut
8. Syracuse
You have got to be kidding me. As I mentioned in my Big East Football Prospectus I think we can handily dispatch of at least three of these teams. Granted several of these squads *cough* UConn/Rutgers *cough* play an almost embarrassing non-conference schedule filled with cupcakes and 1-AA teams (I’ve visited Norfolk State and have seen them play but honestly Big East people), but that does not affect how you finish in the league. How can these people really think on paper we look like the worst team competing. This really grinds my gears.
Basketball Conference Schedule
The conference put out its schedule for who is playing who and where in the Big East this coming season. Although it is an awesome matrix to look at, it upsets me in several ways. First, I can’t support a schedule, no matter how random, balanced, or fair, that does not include a home and home series with your biggest rival. Syracuse only plays UConn in the Carrier Dome this season, instead of both the Dome and either Gample Pavilion or the Hartford Civic Center. However, there are some cool games on the schedule, as we play home and home with Villanova, Georgetown, and USF (?). We then see Marquette, Pittsburgh, and Providence as the really quality home games next season. We will travel to Morgantown, South Bend, Cincinnati, Chicago, Newark, and L’Ville. This should be an interesting season, however I wish the conference would adopt my scheduling plan. You simply pick your three biggest rivals for a home and home. For Syracuse, I believe this would be Connecticut, Georgetown, and Pittsburgh. Then you schedule every other opponent in the league at least once, splitting them between home and the road and rotating every season. Obviously there might be some overlap of who wants to play who home and home, so some concessions would have to be made and the league office would have to handle that. But, all in all I think this would be a much cooler way to enjoy the Big East. The TV deal has a little to do with it, but frankly, even if we did not play a home and home with UConn, but did play everyone in the league at least once, that would be a much better compromise. Every team should play every other team at least once. The SU Athletics page has the complete rundown of the conference schedule and how we have done against all the other Big East teams here (Correction: We played Providence at Providence last year, unlike what that page says).
(Usual) BCS Complaint
Rumor has it that in 2011 or 2012 college football will institute a “Plus 1” format for determining the BCS Champion. While this is less a playoff and more of a final four, I still kind of like it. And some improvement is better than nothing. Look for this to appear… in the distant future. In the meanwhile I’m sure we will still complain and gripe about how an undefeated Boise State can’t/shouldn’t/should play for the National Championship. Happy blogging!
Save the Swim Team!
I’ll be honest; I did not know anyone on the swim team when I was there from 2001-2005. However, one of my good law school friends is an ’06 alumnus of Syracuse and was on the swim team for all four years of his college career. Once he explained to me that Syracuse had representation in the NCAA National Championships every season I was outraged that DOCTOR (hat tip to Nunes/Magician with the all caps) Darryl Gross was cutting the teams in favor of Women’s Ice Hockey (gaaaaaaag me). I’m generally against cutting any teams as I believe Title IX is outdated and harmful (another topic for another day but I have done extensive research on the subject), but a national championship caliber team? Really? Come on DOCTOR. Anyway, here is the online petition. So sack up and help save a great program and a great bunch of kids from getting a totally raw deal. (To quickly sum up the way to fix Title IX is to just make football exempt).
Do you feel more informed? No? Sorry. Maybe you should read about questionable meat and hunker down until August 31st. I am very ready for some college football to start. As always, stay tuned for more.
You have got to be kidding me. As I mentioned in my Big East Football Prospectus I think we can handily dispatch of at least three of these teams. Granted several of these squads *cough* UConn/Rutgers *cough* play an almost embarrassing non-conference schedule filled with cupcakes and 1-AA teams (I’ve visited Norfolk State and have seen them play but honestly Big East people), but that does not affect how you finish in the league. How can these people really think on paper we look like the worst team competing. This really grinds my gears.
Basketball Conference Schedule
The conference put out its schedule for who is playing who and where in the Big East this coming season. Although it is an awesome matrix to look at, it upsets me in several ways. First, I can’t support a schedule, no matter how random, balanced, or fair, that does not include a home and home series with your biggest rival. Syracuse only plays UConn in the Carrier Dome this season, instead of both the Dome and either Gample Pavilion or the Hartford Civic Center. However, there are some cool games on the schedule, as we play home and home with Villanova, Georgetown, and USF (?). We then see Marquette, Pittsburgh, and Providence as the really quality home games next season. We will travel to Morgantown, South Bend, Cincinnati, Chicago, Newark, and L’Ville. This should be an interesting season, however I wish the conference would adopt my scheduling plan. You simply pick your three biggest rivals for a home and home. For Syracuse, I believe this would be Connecticut, Georgetown, and Pittsburgh. Then you schedule every other opponent in the league at least once, splitting them between home and the road and rotating every season. Obviously there might be some overlap of who wants to play who home and home, so some concessions would have to be made and the league office would have to handle that. But, all in all I think this would be a much cooler way to enjoy the Big East. The TV deal has a little to do with it, but frankly, even if we did not play a home and home with UConn, but did play everyone in the league at least once, that would be a much better compromise. Every team should play every other team at least once. The SU Athletics page has the complete rundown of the conference schedule and how we have done against all the other Big East teams here (Correction: We played Providence at Providence last year, unlike what that page says).
(Usual) BCS Complaint
Rumor has it that in 2011 or 2012 college football will institute a “Plus 1” format for determining the BCS Champion. While this is less a playoff and more of a final four, I still kind of like it. And some improvement is better than nothing. Look for this to appear… in the distant future. In the meanwhile I’m sure we will still complain and gripe about how an undefeated Boise State can’t/shouldn’t/should play for the National Championship. Happy blogging!
Save the Swim Team!
I’ll be honest; I did not know anyone on the swim team when I was there from 2001-2005. However, one of my good law school friends is an ’06 alumnus of Syracuse and was on the swim team for all four years of his college career. Once he explained to me that Syracuse had representation in the NCAA National Championships every season I was outraged that DOCTOR (hat tip to Nunes/Magician with the all caps) Darryl Gross was cutting the teams in favor of Women’s Ice Hockey (gaaaaaaag me). I’m generally against cutting any teams as I believe Title IX is outdated and harmful (another topic for another day but I have done extensive research on the subject), but a national championship caliber team? Really? Come on DOCTOR. Anyway, here is the online petition. So sack up and help save a great program and a great bunch of kids from getting a totally raw deal. (To quickly sum up the way to fix Title IX is to just make football exempt).
Do you feel more informed? No? Sorry. Maybe you should read about questionable meat and hunker down until August 31st. I am very ready for some college football to start. As always, stay tuned for more.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Football, Lacrosse, The Express
This is my freaking lead story?!Are we done fighting Syracuse? God doesn’t still hate you right? Can be go back to being friends on? OK Syracuse. That feels much better. Folks, we find ourselves in that summer break from all things Syracuse sports. It came a little too early this springtime, but there really is not much any of us can do about it now. So let us all look forward, rather than back, and make some bold and daring predictions.
Women’s Lax
Did I think I’d be talking about the other lax team on the hill at this point in the year? Hell no. But the ladies have been impressive, winning eight out of the last ten games they have played, including a Big East Championship and their first ever NCAA Tournament game. They face a daunting task of two time National Champions Northwestern at Northwestern, currently ranked number one, and the same team they lost 10-7 to in March. But I am calling the upset. After this game, who knows what could happen, but this team is primed and ready to strike. They are scoring lights out, the goalie seems pretty sharp, and the stars are all aligned for the Orange to make it two in a row. Go ladies. The updated tournament bracket can be found here.
Football
I plan on doing a full off season/status recap of the teams that compose the Big East Conference, but for now I plan on making some general predictions without providing hard evidence to back them up, nor will I feel too bad if I am wrong. Just take comfort knowing that in the past I have evaluated facts before making predictions and I am doing the same here. However, a little false hope after a school year we just had is worth it at this point.
Taking a look at the schedule, and thinking about the team, there is no easy game. I call three instant wins. I do not think I am going out on too big of a limb by saying that Illinois, Miami (OH) and Buffalo will be wins. So that leaves three games to scrape together a W to reach the promised land again. Washington has the possibility of a win. It is the home opener and season opener for the Orange. They have to be pumped up for this game. On top of that, anything... I mean ANYTHING can happen in the Carrier Dome. We could beat #7 Virginia Tech, or lose to Temple. In this case, however, I like our chances. They only won five games last year, and of those, only one was really a quality win over UCLA (who went on to beat USC last season). Unless they drastically improved this off-season (which I don’t get that impression) then I’ll call this a win on opening day for the Orange. Syracuse at Iowa I’m not buying. Even though they had a spectacular collapse the second half of last season I just do not like our chances on the road at that point in the season. Calling the L. I also for simplicity and reality’s sake will assume that we lose to West Virginia, Rutgers, and Louisville. That leaves Pittsburgh, South Florida, Connecticut, and Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is at Pittsburgh, therefore I obviously think we will lose. South Florida is in the dome. Their sophomore quarterback has had some off field transgressions since we last left him having a phenomenal freshman year for the Bulls. I’ll call the loss for now, but more on this game in a second. The team then travels to East Hartford, Connecticut to play UConn at “The Rent”. Since it is UConn and since I do not think they will be good again next year, I’m picking ‘Cuse in this one (however my faith in the Orange over UConn has burned me before. Let’s all hope it is good, sunny weather there for the game). Finally, we round out the season with Cincinnati visiting the Dome. I will pick Syracuse in this one as well. That leaves us 6-6 on the year with a 2-5 record in the Big East. However, I think the South Florida game could be the game people will think we will lose, but end up performing well. So, best outlook at present, is a 7-5 season with a 3-4 conference record. Not bad for a new starting quarterback and a team with no real runningback options. Who wants to go bowling?
Basketball
With the OBVIOUSLY move of the century, Daryl Gross named Mike Hopkins the heir apparent for Syracuse Basketball. I think we all called this. I know I certainly have been saying this for the past several years, like most Syracuse Basketball fans with even a semblance of some brain cells that can act cohesively as a unit. I like this move for many reasons. I like a Syracuse guy coaching a Syracuse team. I like that he has turned down other jobs before. I like that he has lived in Syracuse for a good chunk of his adult life and is well established. I like that this guy can recruit like whoa. And chances are, Gerry McNamara will be an assistant. You know… if that whole NBA thing does not work out.
That being said, the team should be downright sick next year. Ranked in the Preseason Top 25, it should be a pretty interesting year in the Big East next season. I’m looking forward to ridiculous dunks, excellent shooting, another tall goofy white guy, and some solid defense. I’m getting a slight chub just thinking about it.
Now the topic burning on everyone’s lips: the three point line. Yes, they voted to move it back. Will this really change a lot? Maybe a few less made, but let us face it folks; shooters are shooters and inside players are inside players. The dynamics of the game really will not change too much in my opinion. It will be interesting to see though. This will also probably prepare kids slightly better for the NBA. One can only hope this does not screw anything up and they have to reverse it like the NCAA Football clock rules.
Men’s Crew
Who cares.
Women’s Lax
Did I think I’d be talking about the other lax team on the hill at this point in the year? Hell no. But the ladies have been impressive, winning eight out of the last ten games they have played, including a Big East Championship and their first ever NCAA Tournament game. They face a daunting task of two time National Champions Northwestern at Northwestern, currently ranked number one, and the same team they lost 10-7 to in March. But I am calling the upset. After this game, who knows what could happen, but this team is primed and ready to strike. They are scoring lights out, the goalie seems pretty sharp, and the stars are all aligned for the Orange to make it two in a row. Go ladies. The updated tournament bracket can be found here.
Football
I plan on doing a full off season/status recap of the teams that compose the Big East Conference, but for now I plan on making some general predictions without providing hard evidence to back them up, nor will I feel too bad if I am wrong. Just take comfort knowing that in the past I have evaluated facts before making predictions and I am doing the same here. However, a little false hope after a school year we just had is worth it at this point.
Taking a look at the schedule, and thinking about the team, there is no easy game. I call three instant wins. I do not think I am going out on too big of a limb by saying that Illinois, Miami (OH) and Buffalo will be wins. So that leaves three games to scrape together a W to reach the promised land again. Washington has the possibility of a win. It is the home opener and season opener for the Orange. They have to be pumped up for this game. On top of that, anything... I mean ANYTHING can happen in the Carrier Dome. We could beat #7 Virginia Tech, or lose to Temple. In this case, however, I like our chances. They only won five games last year, and of those, only one was really a quality win over UCLA (who went on to beat USC last season). Unless they drastically improved this off-season (which I don’t get that impression) then I’ll call this a win on opening day for the Orange. Syracuse at Iowa I’m not buying. Even though they had a spectacular collapse the second half of last season I just do not like our chances on the road at that point in the season. Calling the L. I also for simplicity and reality’s sake will assume that we lose to West Virginia, Rutgers, and Louisville. That leaves Pittsburgh, South Florida, Connecticut, and Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is at Pittsburgh, therefore I obviously think we will lose. South Florida is in the dome. Their sophomore quarterback has had some off field transgressions since we last left him having a phenomenal freshman year for the Bulls. I’ll call the loss for now, but more on this game in a second. The team then travels to East Hartford, Connecticut to play UConn at “The Rent”. Since it is UConn and since I do not think they will be good again next year, I’m picking ‘Cuse in this one (however my faith in the Orange over UConn has burned me before. Let’s all hope it is good, sunny weather there for the game). Finally, we round out the season with Cincinnati visiting the Dome. I will pick Syracuse in this one as well. That leaves us 6-6 on the year with a 2-5 record in the Big East. However, I think the South Florida game could be the game people will think we will lose, but end up performing well. So, best outlook at present, is a 7-5 season with a 3-4 conference record. Not bad for a new starting quarterback and a team with no real runningback options. Who wants to go bowling?
Basketball
With the OBVIOUSLY move of the century, Daryl Gross named Mike Hopkins the heir apparent for Syracuse Basketball. I think we all called this. I know I certainly have been saying this for the past several years, like most Syracuse Basketball fans with even a semblance of some brain cells that can act cohesively as a unit. I like this move for many reasons. I like a Syracuse guy coaching a Syracuse team. I like that he has turned down other jobs before. I like that he has lived in Syracuse for a good chunk of his adult life and is well established. I like that this guy can recruit like whoa. And chances are, Gerry McNamara will be an assistant. You know… if that whole NBA thing does not work out.
That being said, the team should be downright sick next year. Ranked in the Preseason Top 25, it should be a pretty interesting year in the Big East next season. I’m looking forward to ridiculous dunks, excellent shooting, another tall goofy white guy, and some solid defense. I’m getting a slight chub just thinking about it.
Now the topic burning on everyone’s lips: the three point line. Yes, they voted to move it back. Will this really change a lot? Maybe a few less made, but let us face it folks; shooters are shooters and inside players are inside players. The dynamics of the game really will not change too much in my opinion. It will be interesting to see though. This will also probably prepare kids slightly better for the NBA. One can only hope this does not screw anything up and they have to reverse it like the NCAA Football clock rules.
Men’s Crew
Who cares.
Mr. Jones
I learned recently, via Syracuse.com and Nunes/Magician, that Mr. Mike Jones, the "awesome" freshman we had that transfered to South Carolina, has been dismissed from the team for academic reasons. Good for him. I'm glad he transfered for that. Last thing we needed was another Billy situation. Say hey to Mr. Williams while you're at it. I gotta give yet another hat tip to our boy MariusJanulisForThree who has been diligently on the job reporting when us big boys over here at Orange::44 have been busy out of our mindes to keep up with all this stuff. Keep up the good work.
I learned recently, via Syracuse.com and Nunes/Magician, that Mr. Mike Jones, the "awesome" freshman we had that transfered to South Carolina, has been dismissed from the team for academic reasons. Good for him. I'm glad he transfered for that. Last thing we needed was another Billy situation. Say hey to Mr. Williams while you're at it. I gotta give yet another hat tip to our boy MariusJanulisForThree who has been diligently on the job reporting when us big boys over here at Orange::44 have been busy out of our mindes to keep up with all this stuff. Keep up the good work.
Ernie Davis
Today marks the 44th anniversary of Ernie Davis’ Death. Take a moment and remember the legacy of not just a great football player, but a great person in the world. He is still missed. There is a pretty cool feature about the movie on the SU Athletics webpage. Check it out.
Goodbyes
The 153rd Commencement of Syracuse University took place this past weekend. Congratulations to everyone that earned a degree. I hope you fully enjoyed your time on the hill and caught some great moments in Syracuse sports. It has been a down couple of years, but there were still exciting things to do and see, and you walk out with a degree from a quality educational institution. The reason you went there in the first place. So kudos to you. Enjoy a delicious alcoholic beverage before you dive into the employment hunt/grad school preparation. Good luck and always Go Orange!
That does it for now. A complete team by team evaluation of the Big East will be appearing in the next few weeks from me. I am not sure what Matt is working on right now. Let’s just hope his liver survived the men’s lax team not making the tournament. Until next time, enjoy the Boeheim twins. Think about it.
Labels: Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, The Express
Is this the guy to lead us back to the promised land?Time for a little grab bag here at Orange::44. We have all been a little busy with real life and so we have all neglected our blogging for a bit. However, I will try to catch you up on some of the finer things in SU athletics.
Men’s Lacrosse
The Orange earned a key victory last Friday, April 20th, with a big win over #2 Albany, winning 17-13. The previously unbeaten Great Danes came into the Carrier Dome looking to take out a struggling Syracuse team that basically has its back against the wall. The Orange finally delivered in every aspect of their game (except for a four goal stretch in which Albany dominated in the first half). Peter Coluccini made some spectacular saves (15 Total), especially in the fourth period, and what can you say about the offensive awesomeness that is Mike Leveille, scoring five goals and assisting on two. Syracuse also dominated on face offs and ground balls. If you can check out the highlights I highly recommend you do so. This places the Orange back in contention for an at large bid in the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. Syracuse is now ranked #12, while the loss dropped Albany to 8th in the latest poll on April 23rd.
Syracuse travels to UMass this Saturday, April 28th, to take on a Minutemen team that is certainly no patsy, but in a similar position to Syracuse with a win or go home attitude. This rivalry has become pretty intense over the last few seasons so look for this game to be an excellent display of lacrosse skills and guts. That is, if you have ESPN U. Syracuse will finish its season in the Carrier Dome hosting Colgate on May 5th.
Also, because of the win against #2 Albany, John Desko was named the US Lacrosse Coach of the Week. Congratulations to Coach Desko.
Albany box score can be found here.
Women’s Lacrosse
We do not normally cover the ladies, but they earned a mention by earning a share of the Big East Lacrosse Regular Season Championship. They earned a #2 seed in the inaugural Big East Lacrosse Tournament and will play #3 seed Rutgers in the opening round this Friday. Did I mention the tournament is being held in the Carrier Dome? If they advance, they will play the winner of #1 Georgetown and #4 Notre Dame on Sunday. Hopefully they will earn a spot in the big dance by earning the automatic bid the tournament winner will receive. The Orange earned a 4-1 record in the Big East only losing to Georgetown, the tournament’s #1 seed, whom they share the regular season title with. Lisa Miller has taken this program from the ground up and has earned the respect of her peers. She was also named head coach of the National Canadian Women’s Lacrosse Team. Congratulations to her and the program.
Football
The annual Spring Football Game was held last Saturday in the Carrier Dome. While much ado has been made about the attendance, really what matters is what was happening on the field. Andrew Robinson went 12-19 for 146 yards throwing one touchdown and one interception (which really was not his fault). He led a 67 yard opening drive for a touchdown and looked fairly sharp and impressive from the footage I’ve seen. The offensive line did not look like a porous sieve for once, allowing time for Robinson to make mostly good passes,which in my opinion is the key to the entire season. After the game, the receivers stated that Robinson has a much crisper pass. Much more crisp than that oaf of a quarterback Patterson (who displayed his mad football skills on Pro Day in the Carrier Dome).
Hope once again springs eternal for the Orange Football Team, who will take the field for the first time next season on August 31st against Washington in the Carrier Dome. Greg Robinson is hoping that Andrew Robinson is the answer to a team that still struggled to put together a decent offense game in and game out.
ESPN.com recently did an article (once again) on the hopefulness of the Syracuse squad that is looking to resurge and take its rightful place in the top tier of the Big East teams. The highlight for me is Joe Starkey, who covers the Big East for ESPN.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, who calls our receivers corps “downright dangerous”. I love that.
The Express
I personally have not commented too much on this project yet. I have pretty strong feelings about how this movie should turn out as I not only went to Syracuse, but I was born in Elmira, NY, and my family still lives 15 minutes away from Elmira in nearby Horseheads, NY. Every day for the past three summers when I have been home I passed the statue of Ernie Davis in front of Ernie Davis Middle School on the way to work, and my mother attended Elmira Free Academy for High School, like Davis did. I also know his mother, Marie Fleming who still lives in Elmira, is worried about how it will turn out too.
I think it is a little too early to judge, as the film is selected for a 2009 release. However, the cast seems to be good for the rolls they are in, there is excitement about the project, and filming is underway in the city of Chicago.
Really my only gripe is that at this time I don’t believe they plan on doing much shooting in Elmira or Syracuse. I only hope they choose the locations they film at very carefully because there are people that will certainly be able to tell the difference. My hope is that, much like the documentary Spike Lee directed on Jim Brown, Syracuse University, and possibly Elmira, will get its own showing of the movie and possibly a Q&A panel with the films stars and makers.
Stay tuned for further updates and commentary on The Express, and check for updates at the blog of a former Elmira Star-Gazette Reporter who happens to be in Chicago and is filing updates from the set with the paper. The paper also has a special section called Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express. Look for articles related to Ernie Davis here as well.
Daryl Gross
I ask you this… is it really a curse of this blog and Matt Glaude, or it is really Daryl Gross? Think about it.
Nunes/Magician
Our friend over at Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician got a little love from the Syracuse Post-Standard’s Donnie Webb, giving him the old hat tip on finding some YouTube videos that are hilarious. By the way, if you are not checking out his blog… you are pretty wrong.
Well that about wraps it up for this edition of the grab bag. I’ll try to do some timelier posts once finals for my law school classes are done. Until next time remember this; the weather in Syracuse is gorgeous seven months out of the year. The other five we’re playing basketball, and as always, go orange.
Men’s Lacrosse
The Orange earned a key victory last Friday, April 20th, with a big win over #2 Albany, winning 17-13. The previously unbeaten Great Danes came into the Carrier Dome looking to take out a struggling Syracuse team that basically has its back against the wall. The Orange finally delivered in every aspect of their game (except for a four goal stretch in which Albany dominated in the first half). Peter Coluccini made some spectacular saves (15 Total), especially in the fourth period, and what can you say about the offensive awesomeness that is Mike Leveille, scoring five goals and assisting on two. Syracuse also dominated on face offs and ground balls. If you can check out the highlights I highly recommend you do so. This places the Orange back in contention for an at large bid in the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. Syracuse is now ranked #12, while the loss dropped Albany to 8th in the latest poll on April 23rd.
Syracuse travels to UMass this Saturday, April 28th, to take on a Minutemen team that is certainly no patsy, but in a similar position to Syracuse with a win or go home attitude. This rivalry has become pretty intense over the last few seasons so look for this game to be an excellent display of lacrosse skills and guts. That is, if you have ESPN U. Syracuse will finish its season in the Carrier Dome hosting Colgate on May 5th.
Also, because of the win against #2 Albany, John Desko was named the US Lacrosse Coach of the Week. Congratulations to Coach Desko.
Albany box score can be found here.
Women’s Lacrosse
We do not normally cover the ladies, but they earned a mention by earning a share of the Big East Lacrosse Regular Season Championship. They earned a #2 seed in the inaugural Big East Lacrosse Tournament and will play #3 seed Rutgers in the opening round this Friday. Did I mention the tournament is being held in the Carrier Dome? If they advance, they will play the winner of #1 Georgetown and #4 Notre Dame on Sunday. Hopefully they will earn a spot in the big dance by earning the automatic bid the tournament winner will receive. The Orange earned a 4-1 record in the Big East only losing to Georgetown, the tournament’s #1 seed, whom they share the regular season title with. Lisa Miller has taken this program from the ground up and has earned the respect of her peers. She was also named head coach of the National Canadian Women’s Lacrosse Team. Congratulations to her and the program.
Football
The annual Spring Football Game was held last Saturday in the Carrier Dome. While much ado has been made about the attendance, really what matters is what was happening on the field. Andrew Robinson went 12-19 for 146 yards throwing one touchdown and one interception (which really was not his fault). He led a 67 yard opening drive for a touchdown and looked fairly sharp and impressive from the footage I’ve seen. The offensive line did not look like a porous sieve for once, allowing time for Robinson to make mostly good passes,which in my opinion is the key to the entire season. After the game, the receivers stated that Robinson has a much crisper pass. Much more crisp than that oaf of a quarterback Patterson (who displayed his mad football skills on Pro Day in the Carrier Dome).
Hope once again springs eternal for the Orange Football Team, who will take the field for the first time next season on August 31st against Washington in the Carrier Dome. Greg Robinson is hoping that Andrew Robinson is the answer to a team that still struggled to put together a decent offense game in and game out.
ESPN.com recently did an article (once again) on the hopefulness of the Syracuse squad that is looking to resurge and take its rightful place in the top tier of the Big East teams. The highlight for me is Joe Starkey, who covers the Big East for ESPN.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, who calls our receivers corps “downright dangerous”. I love that.
The Express
I personally have not commented too much on this project yet. I have pretty strong feelings about how this movie should turn out as I not only went to Syracuse, but I was born in Elmira, NY, and my family still lives 15 minutes away from Elmira in nearby Horseheads, NY. Every day for the past three summers when I have been home I passed the statue of Ernie Davis in front of Ernie Davis Middle School on the way to work, and my mother attended Elmira Free Academy for High School, like Davis did. I also know his mother, Marie Fleming who still lives in Elmira, is worried about how it will turn out too.
I think it is a little too early to judge, as the film is selected for a 2009 release. However, the cast seems to be good for the rolls they are in, there is excitement about the project, and filming is underway in the city of Chicago.
Really my only gripe is that at this time I don’t believe they plan on doing much shooting in Elmira or Syracuse. I only hope they choose the locations they film at very carefully because there are people that will certainly be able to tell the difference. My hope is that, much like the documentary Spike Lee directed on Jim Brown, Syracuse University, and possibly Elmira, will get its own showing of the movie and possibly a Q&A panel with the films stars and makers.
Stay tuned for further updates and commentary on The Express, and check for updates at the blog of a former Elmira Star-Gazette Reporter who happens to be in Chicago and is filing updates from the set with the paper. The paper also has a special section called Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express. Look for articles related to Ernie Davis here as well.
Daryl Gross
I ask you this… is it really a curse of this blog and Matt Glaude, or it is really Daryl Gross? Think about it.
Nunes/Magician
Our friend over at Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician got a little love from the Syracuse Post-Standard’s Donnie Webb, giving him the old hat tip on finding some YouTube videos that are hilarious. By the way, if you are not checking out his blog… you are pretty wrong.
Well that about wraps it up for this edition of the grab bag. I’ll try to do some timelier posts once finals for my law school classes are done. Until next time remember this; the weather in Syracuse is gorgeous seven months out of the year. The other five we’re playing basketball, and as always, go orange.
Labels: Football, Lacrosse, Syracuse Blogisphere, The Express