A Dream Sports Week

Yes it has been a while since my last post. Ironically, the last post was after the Colts first loss because Bill Polian made the decision to pull the starters against the Jets, whom the Colts face this weekend in the AFC Championship.

What I have been up to since then – working Pacers, IU, Butler, and ESPN games.

In fact this last week was a week of a lifetime. I attended 9 games in 6 days, 7 of which I worked. 3 Pacers games, 2 Butler games, 1 ESPN Game in Chicago…

The Pacers are struggling in each game. They have lost to Miami now three times, by an average of over 25 points each game. The team has lost their emotion, and seems to be more than ready for the season to be over – and its only halfway! Roy Hibbert may be the only bright side. Tyler Hansbrough has been active and aggressive when on the court; however an ear infection as of late has kept him on the bench.

Then off to Butler where there is no other arena quite like Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Anthony Calhoun and Ralph Reiff have been broadcasting Butler games for the last two years. I cover all of the games with them, taking care of stats. From Evansville, Hinkle to Wright State – we cover them all and it has been a great experience.

Then it was onto Chicago with AC for his ESPNU broadcasting of Loyola at UIC. The drive is never fun! Gary, IN is still under construction for what seems like the 3rd year…it’s just a mess and chaotic to drive thru.  Chicago was a unique experience, but I’m glad I don’t live there. I can’t comprehend that it takes almost 30 minutes and a headache to drive 2.5 miles.

After the game, 11 PM Friday, we were headed back to Indy for another Butler game Saturday afternoon. Immediately following the Butler game, it was onto Conseco Fieldhouse for me to provide stats for the New Orleans Hornets Radio Network.

Those guys were a unique pair. They often went on tangents, provided some jokes, and I felt made the broadcast less serious. Maybe that’s what the people in New Orleans are use to or need, but it was different than Don Fischer, or Mark Boyle which I am use to.  Despite Roy Hibbert’s career night, the Pacers couldn’t get the win, and it was off to the Colts divisional playoff game versus the Baltimore Ravens.

While I did get to the Colts game a bit late, they saved the best for last. It is amazing to see 4-time MVP Peyton Manning dissect the defense and lead the offense. Indy took care of business and shut out the Ravens after the third quarter, only allowing 3 points – very impressive!

Finally it was back to Bloomington for Indiana’s Big Ten matchup against Minnesota.

The game was exciting and wild right off the bat. Indiana took an early lead, and led by 15 throughout most of the game. This young Indiana team battled strong without their best player Maurice Creek, who is out for the year after knee surgery. Damon Bailey was honored before the game. Patrick Ewing Jr. was at the game with Roy Hibbert (see their heads above). Assembly Hall was the fullest its been all year and it ended in a victory. While it wasn’t easy and IU allowed Minnesota to force overtime, Verdell Jones III took charge in OT. Students did rush the court which I completely disagree with. Unranked Minnesota had lost 3 of 4. Indiana was up by 15 most of the game, and it was not that good of team. I can understand the students frustration and the emotions they may feel, but this is Indiana. I have more respect for the program and tradition…It’s Indiana.

Overall it was a memorable week that was very special. I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to work and attend so many big games. And fortunately for fans in Indiana, there is a lot to cheer about.