NBA Lockout - Time to Play.

I have quietly sat back to watch how the whole NBA labour situation is going to play out. It is not that I don't have an opinion about it, because I do...it is more that my utter disbelief that in this day and age of international financial crisis that billionaires and millionaires have something to squabble about.

The situation is this....as written in A Golden State Warrior blogger.
http://warriorsrundown.blogspot.com/2011/09/nba-lockout-issues.html

• Salary Cap - The 2010 salary cap for an NBA team was $57.7 million, however; big market teams have been allowed to exceed that amount by paying a luxury tax. The Los Angeles Lakers payroll is over $91 million, but they generate huge sums of revenue and can absorb the luxury tax associated with exceeding the cap. This type of salary cap structure is called a soft cap. Collectively, NBA owners want to reform to a hard salary cap, like in NFL and NHL, which would even the playing field for smaller market teams. The majority of the owners are small market teams and are willing to hold out until the NBA reforms to a hard cap. Naturally, the players are against this, as it puts a finite number on the potential amount of money available.
• Revenue Sharing - This again is the plight of the smaller market teams that want a bigger piece of the pie, such as revenue generated from TV. This particular struggle is amongst the owners.
• Split of Basketball Related Income (BRI) - The balance of BRI is currently tipped in the direction of players and this doesn't sit well with billionaire team owners. The owners want more, the players want status quo.
• Guaranteed Contracts - The owners want to get rid of guaranteed contracts and protect themselves from getting stuck with players who don't live up to big contracts, case and point Rashard Lewis of the Washington Wizards. Lewis is set to make over $22 million this year, second most to Kobe Bryant, and averaged a disappointing 11 points per game last season. As disgusted as I am by players like Lewis who get apathetic after cashing in on the big pay day, I feel it is still ultimately on the team owner and general manager to take responsibility for the players they sign.

I am a little upset by this NBA Lockout.
......here are my thoughts......and number crunching can be fun.

• the average salary for NBA players in 2010/2011 was $5.15 million. Think about that. Now let's not get too crazy here....
• Let's say that the average NBA player only plays 5 years. That is not a very long career, so these guys have to make as much money as possible, because the job is "short" term.
• $5.15 million x 5 years = $27,500,000 (that's right $27.5 million)
• now....lets come down to earth for one moment.....if I started working full time at 25 years old and retired at 65, a 40 year career......and was paid a total of $27.5 million total....that gives me an annual salary of (27.5 mil divided by 40 years) ...are you ready? = $643,750.00 per year. OMG!! That is insane.
• Look at it another way. Let's say I agree to pay you $80,000 per year salary - not bad, right? For you to make $27.5 million (the salary for our average NBA player) you would need to work ($27.5 million divided by $80,000) = 343.75 years. Are you hearing this?

I could play with the numbers all night, but I think you know where I stand. This is absurd.

This is how I feel.

The Owners are business owners. They make billions in companies that have been around for years. They do not need more money. (they might argue that) - A lot of the owners have bought NBA teams for different reasons, they are sports nuts, they need some tax shelters, and yes maybe even make some money. This lockout will not affect them (most of them)

The Players?? - Different story here. Come on guys...really? - You play basketball for a living, and can make $27.5 million in 5 years? - And you want more??? Please!! Don't insult me. I work hard 50 hours a week. I pay to watch you play. I help to pay your salary.

It is time to play Ball!!!

Golf Is Alive and Well.

If you are an avid golf fan, you know that there were two huge golf events that took place this weekend.

For the women, The Solheim Cup took place in Killeen Castle in Ireland. This event is similar to the Ryder Cup for the men, and in my humble opinion it has all the tension and excitement and great play that the Ryder Cup provides. Team U.S.A. vs. Team Europe .

The U.S. team has won the last 3 Solheim Cups and were favoured to take home the hardware again. With young stars like Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie and stars like ChristieKerr, things looked good. The U.S.A. needed 14 points because they are defending champions, and the Europeans needed 14.5 to take the Cup back.

It was difficult conditions most of the weekend, wind and rain were prominent, especially today in the singles matches. It was tied 8 - 8 going into today, and the USA has been dominant over the years in singles play. There was some great shot making and after a couple of stoppages of play the gritty Europeans squeaked out the victory 15 - 13. It was great competition. Congrats Team Europe!

Team Europe - 2011 Solheim Cup

...And lets not forget the men, they were playing in Atlanta, Georgia in the Tour Championship, top 30 golfers from the PGA season, and also on the line The Fedex Cup, where the winner takes home a whopping $10 million prize for first. Wow!!

This event did not disappoint. It was fantastic golf, with the Tour Championship going down to a playoff between Bill Haas and Hunter Mahan, the winner of the playoff would win $1.4 million for the tournament and also winning the prize money for the Fedex Cup. Talk about pressure.

The shot of the day? - Bill Haas put is second shot in the water on the second playoff hole (just rolled in) so he was able to play the shot, he exploded out of the water and put the ball 2 feet from the whole for a tap in par. Amazing. Watch it!!

Bill went on to win it all, with his brother as caddy and his Dad Jay Haas (PGA star himself) looking on. This is a great passitonsports story. Great job Bill!!

A great weekend of Golf!!

Making the Perfect Team - Parents

Parents (step-parents, aunts and uncles....etc.)

This subject can become controversial, if you let it. We all have heard stories of the screaming parents on the sidelines, etc.

I want to dispel that thinking right away. In my years of playing and coaching, and coaching and playing….and on and on, I can tell you this categorically, without parents, there simply would be no sports. I have been so impressed over the years with the dedicated parents I have met and dealt with.

I can start with my own parents. 6 kids, all playing sports, always supporting us, driving us, cheering for us, raising our spirits, volunteering to help the team….where did they find the time?? I have no idea, but they did. And, it always seemed to be done effortlessly. I know now, of course, that there was a ton of “effort” required to commit like they did. But they did it.

Today I hear all sorts of stories about how this kid plays lacrosse on a box team and a field team, and has hockey tryouts…oh, and plays rugby, and so on. It blows my mind….oh, and the brother or sister…..plays just as many sports. In some cases, the parents also play sports themselves….and still make it work. If you are one of these parents, take your hand and reach around, and pat yourself on the back, because there is a good chance that if you don’t do it, nobody else will.

Hockey alone, especially at the AA and AAA level, is a full time job. But, it gets done. It seems to go on all year, tryouts, practice, power skating, camps and dry land training to name a few of the things that need to be attended.

There are more little things that parents do as well. I helped coach U-15 Girls field lacrosse in Mississauga 2 years ago, and I remember going to the first tournament weekend. Between games, the parents pulled out bbq’s etc. and made us all lunch. It might not seem like a big deal, but it was. It allows the coaches to coach, and the players to play….and it is quite simply, a nice thing to do. It builds team unity and friendships, and that is really what sports is all about.

I would like to take this opportunity to show gratitude to all parents who day after day, year after year drive their kids, wash their jersey, help with lunch, bring drinks for the team, cheer for a big goal, provide a hug after a tough loss, offer advice and all the while support the organization that their son or daughter play for.

In our quest to Make the Perfect Team...it simply will not happen without supportive parents.

Thanks.

Feel Good Sports News

Story 1
LPGA

At the Navistar LPGA Classic in Prattville, Alabama, Lexi Thompson won her first LPGA event on the weekend. Winning your first event definitely is exciting, but what makes this story great is the fact that Lexi turned 16 in February. Not only did she win, she won by 5 strokes becoming the youngest player to win an LPGA event, and also picked up a cheque for $195,000. Great job Lexi!!

                                                                      Lexi Thompson

Story 2
Davis Cup Tennis.

It has been quite a year for Canadian Tennis. Milos Raonic is Canada's highest  ATP ranked male singles player and the country's highest ever ranked player since computer rankings began in 1973.In 2011 he rose from World No. 152 to World No. 37 in just a month, after he reached the fourth round of the Austrailian Open he won his first ATP title at the 2011 SAP Open. Milos then had a hip injury at Wimbledon, and has really never fully recovered from it. Going into this weekends match in the Davis Cup, Milos was to be a big part of the match against Israel. The weekend came down to a singles match with the winning country qualifying for the elite World Cup. Milos was not 100% so the final came down to Israel's Amir Weintraub against 21 year old Vasek Pospisil of Vancouver.
"He played like a veteran," said Canadian captain Martin Laurendeau. Coming through on pressure situations in singles and doubles. It's incredible.
Vancouver's Pospisil finished the weekend undefeated after a 6-2, 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory over Israel's Amir Weintraub in the deciding match Sunday of the World Group playoff tie.
A gutsy effort, a great story.

                                                             Canada'sVasek Pospisil

Story 3
Sportscasters

On Saturday, Sept 17 Brian Williams, one of Canada's premier broadcasters presented the inaugural "Brian Williams Media Award" to the distinguished long time radio broadcaster at CRRB, Bill Stephenson.

What makes this story great? Bill Stephenson is a Canadian Legend in Sports broadcasting. I remember well, raking leaves in my back yard in the sixties as a kid, and listening to Bill broadcasting the Toronto Argonauts over the radio on CFRB. In all the years I listened to Bill on the radio, he always seemed so relaxed, and never seemed like what he was doing was work. He was a professional through and through.
Congratulations Bill.

                                                                   Bill Stephenson

Some great sports stories.                                        

Making the Perfect Team - The Team

Where to begin. I am sure of one thing. As many coaches as there are out there, there is the same amount of different philosophies on how to build The Perfect Team.

The other wildcard is…are you starting with an established team full of veterans etc., or are you building a new team. I think in this case to be realistic we will assume that we are a new coach on an established team. As a new coach comes to a team, they will need to know why the old coach left. Quit, fired, retired are very different reasons, and it is important to know that as a coach coming in. You will want to know the number of players from last year’s team that are returning, and their years of service and skill set. You will also need to know if new players are on the way in, and whether or not that decision has been made yet. All of these items the Gm should be able to help you with.

Now, let’s build the team.

(I am talking lacrosse, hockey, basketball….type of team in these examples, but the philosophies can quickly fit on any team sport)

Here is what I think you need for a perfect team.

1. Two way – player – can play defense, offense and has great “game iq” – great floor awareness, knows how to read all situations (like a coach) – knows there is 8 seconds left on the shot clock…knows that the penalty is over in 18 seconds….knows that when you are leading 7 – 6 with 2 minutes in the game that the next goal is critical (you would be surprised how many players do not know this type of thing) – able to motivate teammates both verbally and by example. Eg. Hockey – Bobby Orr, Steve Yzerman come to mind. In Basketball – Michael Jordan, LeBron James. In Lacrosse – Look no further than my pal Stu Aird…great floor general. He could score a big goal when needed and make the big stop on defence….and has an incredible floor awareness.(in every sport he plays)
2. Defence – What one coach considers important for a defencemen can be different then another. But I think we can all agree, that a tough, stay at home defensive player is critical to a perfect team. We need a player than can stop the other teams big shooters, can instill a little fear into players than want to come through the middle. Eg. Scott Stevens – New Jersey Devils.
3. Rushing Defencemen – A player that can play defence, make some good hits, but when they get the puck, they can make the “great” pass to clear the zone, or rush with it up the floor. Eg….Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey in hockey. My “roomie” John Munroe of Peterborough Laker fame in lacrosse.
4. Defensive Forward - A player who plays offense but is a good back checker and defensive player. This person could be in category 1 (two-way player) – but in my opinion is a little different. They are invaluable to the Making of the Perfect Team. In the NHL they hand out The Frank J. Selke Trophy who is essentially the top defensive forward in the game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_J._Selke_Trophy
5. Faceoff – Depending on the sport, a great draw person is essential. To win you need possession more than the other team. If there is a goal for either side, you want possession back asap. I know especially in a game like field lacrosse…if you are up by a goal with not much time left, a faceoff win can win you the game. That is big. My favorite faceoff guy. Dave Johnston of the Oakville Senior Masters….he has been doing it for a long time and is very good (I am not saying how long)
6. Shooters – A pure shooter is essential in building the perfect team. You need someone who can simply put the ball in the net or through the hoop etc. when you need it. They have a knack for making it look simple. I have seen great teams, with all the attributes discussed above…but could not go all the way, simply because of a lack of scoring punch. My personal favorite shooters? Hockey – Hands down Mike Bossy – Still holds record for consecutive 50+ seasons (9). Basketball –Reggie Miller and Ray Allen. Lacrosse – There was a transition in creativity in goal scoring that I personally noticed in Lacrosse in the mid nineties…My favorite to watch was John Tavares. John was more than just a shooter….but he was fun to watch on offence.
7. Superstar – Does the perfect team need a superstar? That is a question for debate. It is kind of double edge sword. Some would say if you had all the components listed above a superstar is not necessary. Some would say it would depend on the “type” of superstar. Let me be more specific. Wayne Greztky and Michael Jordan? –Yes and yes. No argument. What about Kobe, Lebron, - some say yes, some say they can upset the apple cart…the team equilibrium. I don’t want to debate it too much, but I think you get what I mean. The thing is I have seen many superstars in action over the years, and game in and game out they can do things are simply amazing…can win games on their own, and that is hard to say no to.
8. Goaltenders – This is not last on my list, it is just a subject that volumes could be written. Goalies are a special group. My brother is a goalie. I have a ton of friends that are goalies and I still say “they are a special group”. I will not say too much more here for fear of retribution. Here are my thoughts though on building a perfect team. I want two solid goaltenders. I want both goalies to “want” to play every game, but are ok if they don’t get the start and also support the other goalie and get along with them. (HA!!!) – I am so funny sometimes. This is My Perfect Team, so I can ask for whatever I want. I have seen this happen, but in small amounts. Back in Owen Sound Lacrosse days the tandem of Jeff Tait and Steve McMillan were fun to watch. Jeff was a stay in the net guy and a good goalie, but if our team was a bit slow moving and needed a boost on offense, Steve would come in…and the dynamic of the game would change right away…long passes to streaking players, and he would pick off loose balls and passes and suddenly we were back in the game. On the other hand, if our team was getting beat, and we were running a bit out of control, Jeff would come in and settle the game down the other way. You need both…and it keeps teams off balance that you play against…two totally different goalie styles. They got along as well. Hard to find that.
9. Role Players – Unsung heroes again. – In my opinion, good role players win championships. Players that have specific roles on the teams, perhaps in some cases don’t play as much as others, but when they do, they play their role to perfection. Some examples of different roles are checkers, penalty killers, “tough” guys, energy guys, get the ball guys, and so on. Some players have a knack of coming off the bench and with one hard shift can lift the whole team. This is not an easy position for a lot of athletes, because naturally if they are good players, they want to play more, but players that have a certain role, and they play that role on every shift, they are invaluable to a team’s success.

Now, of course, once you have all these players, it is the job of the coach to get the chemistry right, and get them to play as a team...play hard, unselfish and with passion. You put all these ingredients together and what do you get? - The Perfect Team.

Next - Parents.

The Making of the Perfect Team – Training/Equipment Staff.

Unsung heroes, to say the least. If you are going be a successful team, you need help….in so many areas. Of course if you are building The Perfect Team you need different things at different levels. A House league hockey team is different than The Toronto Maple Leafs. (no jokes here please). However, different levels need different amounts of help. The fact still remains, we all get injured, and we all have equipment problems, it is how we handle these issues that make the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

Equipment – The key to a perfect team is preparation. Your equipment must be good to go before practice and before the game. The player is the only one that knows if things fit, or if equipment is broken or loose, and the player must ensure it is ready, if they are able to….but if there is something that the player needs help fixing, adjusting or making more comfortable, than the equipment manager is the person to go to. And they are busy. So give them some warning…not 5 minutes before the game….they have a lot to do and a lot of people asking for tape and laces etc., etc. I have seen many equipment guys that are miracle workers with the “last minute” fix. The other thing that as a player I would love is to walk into a room…sweaters are hung, taping table and supplies are ready…etc. It goes back to what I was saying earlier, making the player feel like they are part of something big, and most players appreciate it and want to show appreciation.

Trainers – A key component to any successful team. A good trainer can do amazing things to help a player prepare for a game, and also to react in the middle of a game to get a key player who is injured to finish out the game. It really is special to watch. In my quest to build The Perfect Team, it would not happen without a good training staff.

In 2010 my lacrosse pals and I participated in the World Field Lacrosse Championships in Manchester, England. We played in the Grand Masters Division (45+) and ended up with the Silver Medal. This simply would not have happened without our trainer Silvana Yee. Silvana is the head coach for the Women’s Field Lacrosse team at McMaster University. She is also a physical therapist. While in Manchester, Silvana wore many hats.

• Stretching routine before games
• Taping and rebuilding players (in a group of 45+ players she was busy)
• Even bought food etc to keep the guys nourished. (tuna sandwiches were awesome)

The entire team voted Sil as The MVP of the tournament; we simply could not have done it without her. Going forward to Make the Perfect Team, Equipment/Training staff…are critical pieces.

Next - The Team.

The Making of the Perfect Team - General Manager/Coach

The Executive is usually in charge of hiring a GM, and sometimes the GM can wear many hats, they can be President and GM, or that can be two totally separate jobs. The GM can have a lot of different powers, depending of course on what exactly the executive is looking for. In my context I am going to talk about the GM in terms of the Team….and getting the right people in place.

The GM needs to hire a coach. There is no rule that says a GM and a coach need to like each other, or even get along….but in the building of The Perfect Team…….they do.

They need to have a mutual respect for each others ideas, basic philosophies and future plans.

They also need to work hand in hand…..they can disagree, but also respect the decision of one another, and move on after a decision has been made, and look ahead.

The GM must know when it is time to fire a coach as well…but since we are building The Perfect Team…we will not discuss this side of the story.

• For this example, we are going to say that our prospective coach has all the necessary certificates and qualifications that we are looking for.
  A GM will look at a few things when looking for a coach.

• Experience – how long have they been coaching and at what level, and with what kind of success.
• Why were they successful? – If they had some poor seasons….why? – What did they learn?
• Passion – they have to Love the game.
• Strong character, but able to check ego when need be.

A good GM will let a good coach hire his own staff. Assistant coaches and trainers are just as important as every other piece of the puzzle to build The Perfect Team. A good Gm will let a good coach make daily decisions when it comes to players positions and game planning. The head coach need people they can trust, and can work with, and share their same philosophy on coaching. There is no room to argue the basic “plan” the coach has laid out….but a great coach will listen to ideas that his staff has and will jump to implement if they are good ideas.

I have been a head coach, and an assistant coach. Both are difficult jobs. I really enjoyed this year being an assistant with the Owen Sound U19 girls…because it allowed me to use more “coaching” skills and offer encouragement, while leaving the big decision making to the Head coaches.

All players react differently to different coaching styles….and that can be a problem. The famous coaching character that I remember well was Morley Kells...coached me in Junior A and again in Senior in Owen Sound. He had a different style…to be polite here I will say that he was enthusiastic, loud and made his point and thoughts understood very clearly. (You can read between the lines)

A lot of players do not like that type of coaching, I on the other hand seemed to be ok with it…as he was able to get more out of me, than other less animated coaches were. To each, their own.

Thing is, this is why a good GM need to find a coach that can do the most with the talent they have and find ways to win.

Next – Training/Equipment Staff

The Making of the Perfect Team – Community

Community is often over looked or underplayed by a lot of people in the value it can bring to making the Perfect Team. I think this can be a mistake.

Granted, it is not the community that scores the goals or makes the big play in overtime to win the title….but they can play such a huge part in helping in the building of an elite organization.

I will once again go to my playing days in Owen Sound….back in the early 80’S.

Community was an integral part of the Owen Sound North Stars Senior Lacrosse team. I even remember my first game…the Old Owen Sound Arena….packed….a great lacrosse atmosphere, and a great experience. Little did I know, that was just the beginning.

The game was covered by the Local TV Station….and The Owen Sound Sun Times Newspaper was there doing interviews….etc. This is all important stuff; it makes the players feel like they are part of something big….something important. People cared. More importantly, people would shake your hands after the games…congratulate you on your win, or say you had a good game in your loss. It made me feel like I wanted to work harder – these people are supporting you, so you need to show them that you are worthy of their support.

I remember going to big team bbq’s and parties put on by the community, and again, it was great for team building and helped to strengthen the connection between the community and the team.

Maybe a small thing in some people’s mind, but in mine….a close connection with the community you live and play in is critical in your quest to build “The Perfect Team”.

Next – General Manager / Coach

The Making of the Perfect Team

In this series I will take a look at what I think makes the perfect team.

I will break it down into different segments, and include some real organizations and people that I think have made a difference. Please add your comments and opinions at the end of the blog…as I am sure there are a lot of great sports minds out there. I have broken it down to these different categories….there are more, but these are the ones I will focus on.

• Executive
• Community
• General Manager
• Coaching Staff
• Training Staff
• Equipment Staff
• Team - Defense – Offence – Goaltending – Superstar – Role Players.
• Parents
• Sponsors/Fundraising

Executive – This subject can be a touchy one. Don’t get me wrong, an executive committee is not only necessary, a good executive can be the difference makers in having a poor, to mediocre season…..all the way to having “The Perfect Team”. The exec must have a good leader…..this person does not have to have played the particular sport (but I think it helps) – but they do have to have a few key qualities……passion, energy and patience….to name a few.

I think a good executive must be slim and trim. If you have 12 people…it can work, but more often than not, in my opinion I think it provides opportunity for failure. Now remember here, I am talking about The Perfect Team here…….One Team….if you are running an entire organization, than you need a lot of people……but for one team…..I say 3 – 5 main people on the exec, with some volunteers for other duties. You need people that get jobs done. One bad example I can give you…..I was in charge of a team once, in our first meeting…jobs were assigned….we were to meet 2 weeks later to discuss….I did what I needed to do…nobody else did a thing. Could blame me (I was the “leader”) – but my point is, the exec has to be full of people that get things done, and the leader needs to be able to motivate them to do it. Otherwise, it is a waste of everyone’s time.

Exec Duties include:

• Hire (and fire) General Manager and Coaching Staff
• Look after budget
• Getting community involved…sponsorships and parent volunteers….
• fundraisers
• Practice and game facilities
• Schedule meetings
• Again, anyone that has ever been on an executive could add a pile of duties…it is actually endless.

My present pick for MVE (most valuable Executive) – Sandy Barfoot – Owen Sound U19 Women’s Field Lacrosse – Energetic (X4) – Passionate for the game.

Next – Community.

The Green Jacket

It started in 1987.....Ollie, Fry Boy and Junior decided to start a golf tournament...sponsored by The OJ Detective Agency. (OJ  Ollie-Junior) - Detective Agency (long story). We decided  that we needed to find something to award the winner...so we bought a $2 green jacket (really ugly) at the Thrift store, and 25 years later....we are still playing - for the same really ugly jacket.

That first year the three of us played the Championship at the Sauble Beach Golf and Country Club in beautiful Sauble Beach. Drop by and play a round some day. Nice people there.
http://users.sitewaves.com/index.cfm?member=saublegolf

As the tournament evolved, more of our friends got involved and the tourney got a little bit bigger (but never too big) - this is a special group.

As we started to have families...we found a perfect way to finish off our summer. Every September...on the weekend after Labour Day...we would all go to spectacular Torpitt Lodge on Sparrow Lake.

Hotel Torpitt - formerly Roehls Hotel, and before that a campground. Roehls hotel was established by 1910 and became a thriving resort due to the initiative of Otto Roehl (1862 - 1955) who later established the Grandview Lodge as well.

The 46 room hotel was purchased by Jack Tresidder Sr. in 1919. He formally renamed it Hotel Torpitt because so many guests came from Toronto and Pittsburg. the hotel burned to the ground in May 1939 and was rebuilt in a record 23 days. It was renamed Torpitt Lodge. Faye and Jack Tresidder Jr. operated the Lodge from 1972 to 1999. It was operated as a Sports Lodge for a few years and then demolished to make way for 18 fractional ownership cottages and now called Tory's Landing.

There has never been a better family place (in my opinion) and the 9 hole golf course adjacent to the course was second to none. Rebar....was used for pins.....the greens at best were like an obstacle course, the ball never, ever rolled anything close to straight. The opening par 4 was about 230 yards...and was probably the hardest 4 in golf....trust me, you had to see it to believe it. But....oh what a great course, and what tremendous times we had. And the Green Jacket was awarded here many, many times.

Torpitt is gone now, and with it the mystique of The Green Jacket has lost something too. However every year we still make it happen....and this year is no different. Year 25 is upon us.

Some Green Jacket Fast Facts!!!

• 1st Winner - Ollie Cavers (1987) - Ollie has a fantastic Golf Shop in Ajax, Ontario called Ollie Golf.  http://www.olliegolf.com/  If you want some great custom clubs, give Ollie a call.
• Most wins - Stu (the Messiah) Aird - 9 times..
• Most Recent Winner - Paul (Fry) McKeon - 2010
• only members to never win - Dill and Tippy (my brothers - sorry guys...but it had to be said)
• 3 past winners not here this week...Dave McClintock - Joe Smith and with special memories of our friend Randy (Rooster) McMillen. 
• Woman started their own version of the Tournament in 1994....and annually award The Fred A Henz Award (Fred was a long time visitor to Torpitt) - and made a beautiful "box" which is now the award.
• First woman winner - Barb Galway - 1994
• most wins - Laura Ramsay - 6
• most recent winner - Rosie McMillan - 2010.

This Saturday' Lineup.

Teeing off first the women's group. **note** - we have never really figured out the rules that the girls play under, they seem to make it up as they go every year, and changing it hole to hole.....odd, but they do seem to have fun....so I shall remain quiet. - Rosie, Patti, Norah and Laura....will vie for the Fred A Henz Award....Good Luck Girls.

Men's Division has a "little" more order.

Group 1

Ollie(Caveman) Cavers - 2 time winner - (handicap 12) - Founding Member and First Champion.
Paul ( Fry) McKeon- 1 time winner -  (25 (seriously) - Founding Member and Last Champion.
Stu (Messiah) Aird - 9 time winner - (handicap 6) - Most wins
Don (Dill)McMillan - never won - (handicap 21) - playing solid golf - poised for first win
Group 2
Mike (Jr.)McMillan - 3 time winner - (handicap 17) - Founding Member
Dennis (Ned)Convery - 4 time winner - (handicap 10) - Likes fishing more than golf now
Scott (Strongheart) Aird - 2 time winner - (handicap 17) - capable of a duck hook phenomena!
Steve (Tippy) McMillan -  never won - (handicap 21) - even a blind squirrel eventually finds a nut.
I look forward to this every year....It is good people sharing great memories....and as we play on the same weekend that we used to go to Torpitt our thought will be somewhere between Sauble Beach and Sparrow Lake and every where in between.  

Remember This Guy??

WOW!!! Usain Bolt!! Remember him? Fastest man on the planet?? It has been a while since I have watched this guy run.....I forgot how fast he is. How can you forget stuff like that?

At the world track and field championships in Daegu, South Korea Usain Bolt did not get out to a great start. Actually....he never started.....you may have heard that he false started in the 100 m race and was disqualified.

He got over it though. Check out this YouTube of him winning the 200 m race.

...and again in the 4 X 100m final.....

I love to watch World Class Athletes. Usain Bolt is World Class.

Speaking of World Class....I was proud to see our Canadian women earn an Olympic rowing berth. In the lightweight women's double, Lindsay Jennerich and Patricia Obee, both of Victoria, B.C., put on another solid sprint to the line to pick up a silver medal Sunday.

Finally - Congrats to the St. Regis Braves who defeated the Snake Island Muskies and win the 2011 President's Cup....awarded to the Canadian Senior B Lacrosse Champions. Read more....

http://www.presidentscup-2011.com/news.html

 

**note** The 25th Annual OJ Detective Agency Green Jacket Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday Sept. 10. Stay tuned for lineups...and breaking stories......

Congratulations!!

Junior A Lacrosse

The Whitby Warriors have won The 2011 Minto Cup, awarded annually to the Canadian Lacrosse Junior A Champions.

Whitby defeated a tough team, the defending Minto Cup Champions Couquitlam Adanacs.
In a best of 3 series, Whitby fell behind one game, but rallied to win big two games in a row 17 - 7 and 12 - 7 in the final. Whitby is a long time lacrosse hotbed, and things don't look to be changing anytime soon.

Nice Job guys.

Senior A Lacrosse

In Major Lacrosse.....The Brampton Excelsiors (another great lacrosse town) has won the Ontario Championship over Peterborough and will meet The Langley Thunder for the coveted Mann Cup starting September 7th in B.C. Good Luck.
http://theboxrocks.com/


Senior B Lacrosse

The President's Cup is awarded annually to the Senior B Lacrosse Champions of Canada. This years final will be played Sunday Night and features a tremendous match up. The St. Regis Braves and Snake Island Muskies will meet in the gold-medal game. Go for it guys.

to follow results......   
http://www.presidentscup-2011.com/


The 25th Annual Green Jacket

This prestigious Golf Tournament will be held Saturday September 10th.....and defending Champion Paul (Fry) McKeon will be defending his title at his home course of Copetown Woods. http://www.copetownwoods.com/
He is a sly one (the Fry Boy) - he has not only secured his home course, but he has us teeing off the back nine to begin - therefore avoiding the dreaded out of bounds on Hole number 1 (clever move? - or will it backfire?) - more to come this week.