ncaa gone too far?

      At the University of Louisville’s Jim Patterson Stadium, Brian Bennett, a journalist from The Louisville Courier-Journal was kicked out of a baseball game for blogging. I’ve posted the link to the actual article from USA Today that explains the incident, so I won’t go into too much detail here. The question here is has  the NCAA gone a little to far with this one? Maybe someone should remind the NCAA exactly what those letters stand for…National Collegiate Athletic Association. It’s not some type of law enforcement agency that should be patrolling at games for journalist blogging.

   There actually isn’t any type of rule or law that permits this at games. On the professional level, blogging at games is allowed. I personally have ”watched” professional games via blog when I can’t be at home in front of my televison.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/06/ncaa_tosses_blo.html

oh what a night

Last night I sat outside and watched about five and a half hours of Rebel baseball. I know what you’re thinking, “Why would I do that?” I’m a senior here at UNLV and I’ve never been to a game before, so I thought opening night would be a perfect opportunity to go to a game.

Well it seemed like a good idea before the game had three extra innings. Even before it was over I was freezing, hungry, and tired. Not a good combination. But I stuck it out and stayed, and it was definitely worth it. Junior shortstop Anthony Morel singled to left field with two out in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving UNLV a 6-5 win over Central Michigan. I’ll admit I was worried when Morel stepped up to bat, considering he was 0-4 thus far in the night. But as soon as he connected with the ball I knew he had won the game for the Rebels.

    I’ve never really been a huge baseball fan, but after going to the game and watching the players, and seeing how excited they were after Morel’s game winning play, I definitely have a new respect for the sport. Maybe baseball players don’t run as much as say soccer players or basketball players, but the heart and patience that I witnessed last night from those guys was worth sitting out there all night

Student-Athlete

   The women’s soccer team is tied for frist place with the overall highest grade point average for all UNLV Athletics. The UNLV Women’s Soccer Team was a part of a school-record 43 total athletics from UNLV on the Academic-All MWC team, according to conference officials. There were 13 women’s soccer players announced to the team. To even be considered eligible for the team, student-athletes must have completed at least one academic term at UNLV while maintaining a cumulative gpa of 3.0 or better, and be a starter or impact player.

    It’s important to point out academic accomplishments, especially with all the negative press UNLV athletics has been receiving lately from concerned citizens of the community and media. Contrary to the belief of many, being a college athlete is about more than just putting effort into the sport.  

Something Special

 The wait is almost over. UNLV Baseball is four days away from opening weekend. They are picked to finish fifth in conference, but after sitting down for an interview with  junior first baseman Xavier Scruggs, I think he has other plans for the team. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: How do you feel about you guys being picked to finish fifth in conference this year?

A: I really don’t pay too much attention to anyones predictions. I focus on my team and how my team can get better each and everyday to win a MWC (Mountain West Conference) championship.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for when your playing days at UNLV are over?

A: I want to be remembered as a student-athlete that was the hardest worker and able to lead his team and do something they’ve never done before, which is lead the team to Omaha, Nebraska for the College World Series.

Q: On February 3, 2006, you hit the second pitch you saw in your collegiate career over the fence for a solo home run against Pepperdine. Describe that feeling.

A: That was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in baseball. Mainly because my parents were at the game and it was their anniversary and having that kind of success in your first at bat is pretty rare.

Q: Does each home run feel the same? When your bat connects does it feel the same each time?

A: No it does not. Some home runs feel better than others. Some balls that you don’t hit as well don’t go as far as you want them to so some clear the fence and others barely get over the fence. The ones that feel the best are the ones that you know are gone as soon as they hit the bat.

Q: Do you feel any added pressure because it’s a draft year for you? Are you approaching this season any differently than seasons past? If so how?

A: I don’t feel any added pressure. I try not to think about it. At the same time I am focusing on the smaller details in my game that will help me get to the next level this year.

Q: Do you think the steroids problem at the professional level affects young players like yourself?

A: Yes it does because it opens younger players eyes to the problem as well and helps them to realize that steroids is something that will not be accepted and should never be taken.

Q: Is there anything else you want to add or that you want the fans to know about you or the team?

A: The fans should know it’s going to be a special year for UNLV baseball and the more they come out and support the Rebels  the more success we will have.

       Meet Xavier Scruggs:

Year in School: Junior

Major: Business/Human Resources Management

Favorite Color: Turquoise

Favorite Music: R&B and Hip-Hop

Favorite Food: Chinese

Favorite MLB Team: San Diego Padres

Favorite Thing To Do On An Off Day: Take naps, play videogames

          

Prelude…

 I woke up at seven this morning to watch the Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee testify in front of Congress.  I could feel the tension coming from congress through my television, and into my room. Both men had holes in their stories many sports analyst and law professionals think. and I think even after today it’s going to be hard to tell who is speaking truthfully. But something really interesting happened at the beginning of the trial. The first congressman to ask questions said that his purpose was to let young players trying to get into the pros know the harm of using human growth hormones.

  I begin to think, what if something like this was going on at the college level? Are young players being pressured to take performance enhancing drugs? What is it like for college players trying to get drafted?

  I’m going to get the chance to ask some of these questions with a very gifted and talented student-athlete here at UNLV. Fans look forward to this exclusive interview coming to you very soon

FAQs

Here are some links to the following questions. Enjoy!

-What is the schedule for spring sports? http://unlvrebels.cstv.com/calendar/unlv-calendar.html

-Players to watch http://unlvrebels.cstv.com/ here you can check out the individual rosters for each team and check the players out too.

-Conference Standing and Awards (yearly and weekly) http://themwc.cstv.com/

-Jerseys worn in games by players http://unlvrebels.cstv.com/store/jerseys/?partner_id=13567

-Love sports? Want to pursue a career in collegiate athletics? Check this website out! http://unlvrebels.cstv.com/school-bio/unlv-internships.html

Freshman Dominate?

If you follow sports at all, then I’m sure you know today was National Signing Day for football. High school seniors all over the country signed letters of intent to play at the college of their choice. The article on unlvrebels.cstv.com boasts that, “A stunning 21 played in high school last season, which translates into the highest such percentage of a class (95 percent freshmen) in program history. ” Is there anything stunning about 21 out of 22 recruits having played in high school last year? I’m sure the kids that signed letters of intent at USC, LSU, or The “U” played high school last season too, but that’s not mentioned in their write up is it? No. You know why? It’s probably because the write up is too busy talking about the talent the players are bringing in, not how many participated in high school. It’s not about numbers it’s about talent. I haven’t seen any of these guys play, nor have I heard of any of them either. But if the only thing that’s being said about them is that they participated in high school football last season, then I guess we have another “great” season to look forward to.

Rundown

Hello fans and players!

 There’s a lot going on with the Runnin’ Rebels right now. I’m sure many of you have been following the men’ s basketball team, and the successful season they’ve been having so far. They’re currently in first place in conference and Wink Adams was named MWC (Mountain West Conference) Co-Player Of The Week, marking the junior guard’s second weekly honor of the year. Coach Lon Kruger is looking to receive his 400th win tonight as the Rebels take on the Utes of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

   Baseball is 16 days away from opening weekend, and fans are anxious to see them in action. There’s a Scarlet-Grey game on Feb. 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Matt Hutchison and Michael Goodman are slated to be the starters. I’m not sure if this event is open to the public but once I find out I’ll post it.

 Softball kicks off it’s season on Friday with the Sportco Spring Kick-Off Classic (Feb. 8-10). Heading to Las Vegas for the six-team tournament are: Arizona State, Loyola-Chicago, Texas Tech, Washington and Team Canada. UNLV is scheduled to play a total of five games with two meetings vs. Washington, none vs. Team Canada and singles against the remaining three. Good luck ladies!

 I’ll have more updates on your Runnin’ Rebels as I receive them. I hope everyone is having a great week! GO REBS