Corey Costelloe's Blog

Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Kern County Power Rankings Week 5

2009-10-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

1.Frontier Titans (4-0)
When it comes to ‘Power Rankings’ the Titans are still fit for the top being a powerful team running through opponents, most recently a 40-0 thrashing of North in their SWYL opener. With a stable of running backs and QB Josh Legoreta efficiently throwing the football, this team will be hard to stop in the SWYL. Watch for a tough stretch in November against both Centennial and Stockdale to possibly decide the league title.

2. Stockdale Mustangs (3-1)
Starting to believe more and more that the Mustangs loss at the hands of the BHS Drillers a few weeks ago was nothing more than rotten special teams luck. The Mustangs have since won two games, including a road contest at Clovis and most recently a statement win 49-20 over Centennial. I don’t hear any complaint about Mike Snow’s Wing-T system outta Stockdale backers these days. The Mustangs give South their first true test this week.

3. Liberty Patriots (2-2)
I know, ‘how is a 2-2 team in the top 3?’ You’re wondering. Well it’s simple, Liberty’s schedule has been of course pretty brutal, couple that with the fact that their offense had a breakout night against BHS en route to their first win over the Drillers in 6 years. It looks like Tony Mills finally has an offensive groove going with receiver turned quarterback Dillon Meadows who was solid against BHS on Friday in the 27-20 win. Let’s not forget Cody Wong and Luis Vasquez lead one of the toughest defenses around.

4. South Rebels (4-0)
It’s been nice writing about South, I mean Jon Wren has done a heck of a job over there the last few seasons, I just hope I am singing their praises next week. Why? Because the Rebels get Stockdale this week. Not to take anything away from their wins over Foothill, Arvin and Golden Valley, but this is a step up in competition this week for the Rebels.

5. West Vikings (2-2)
Another 2-2 team in the top 10. But you have to give it to the Vikings for finally stepping up to stop the stampeding Ridgeview Wolfpack last week. West showed plenty of athleticism in that 42-35 win. More and more this looks like a season where offense is going to determine your success, the Vikings definitely have that, but they better shore the defense up before former West head coach Rich Cornford pillages this Friday night with his Frontier Titans. Good clash this week.

6. Delano Tigers (4-0)
What’s happening East Yosemite League!! In the top 10 again are the Delano Tigers after a 36-22 win over Golden West. They open EYL play Friday against Monache, always a tough contender. I’m circling October 30th on my calendar when Tulare Union comes to town, the Redskins hammered Chavez 58-0 and I think the battle for the EYL crown will come down to Delano and Tulare Union. Great stuff north of town.

7. Centennial Golden Hawks (3-1)
There’s no shame in losing to Stockdale, unless you’re Centennial. The Golden Hawks dug themselves a bit of a hole if they want to try to win the SWYL in it’s final year of existence. Cody Kessler and company are still a very viable contender in the league, and with Frontier looming for all teams, one loss could actually win league this season. Centennial looks to bounce back this week against Bakersfield High, a must-win non-league game for both teams.

8. Taft Wildcats (3-1)
Taft took a week off Friday. But I’m already looking forward to October 30th on the mountain. If Taft and Tehachapi both win the next few weeks, we’re looking at the game that could decide the SSL title. Taft continues non-league play against Porterville this week.

9. Tehachapi Warriors (3-1)
Like Taft, Tehachapi was off this passed Friday, they will open SSL play at Shafter on Friday. Steve Denman and the Warriors historically don’t play their best football in Shafter, but with the Generals suffering through a really down season at 1-4, THS should leave 1-0 in SSL play.

10. Wasco Tigers (4-1)
Wasco got a big ‘W’ this past week 35-28 over Corcoran. They get one more non-league test up at McClane (0-4) Friday night. The Tigers will open SSL play with a bang October 16th as they travel to defending champion Bakersfield Christian.

11. Bakersfield Drillers (2-2)
12.Ridgeview Wolfpack (3-1)
13.Garces Rams (2-2)
14. East (1-4) They Got a ‘W’!
15. For Rent…..Candidates please step up Friday Night!

Week 4 Power Rankings

2009-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

SPORTS MONSTER ESPN 1230 WEEK 4 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS

So we’re getting into week four, now the cream starts the rise, the others, well they start scouting JV for next season’s stars. Changes are once again in the air, and just as the autumn winds that have finally arrived, it’s about time to get serious about the season outlook for most squads.
Here are the Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Power Rankings for this Week, enjoy.

1. Frontier Titans (3-0)
What can you say; they’re 3-0 after going on the road to beat Exeter 20-14 in a game that matched the Titans jerseys (black and blue). With that win behind them and a perfect preseason now in the rear view, the Titans bring their show back home this week as they open SWYL play against North. The Stars are in for a battle.

2. Centennial Golden Hawks (3-0)
I can’t wait for the SWYL showdown between our #1 and #2 teams after watching the Golden Hawks last week dismantle East 56-13. Too bad I have to wait until November 13th to make that happen, but when it does, it will be for the SWYL title, mark my words. Centennial was strong last week; some issue with penalties that still need to be fixed in a hurry before this week’s matchup with Stockdale. The Mustangs can take control of the SWYL with a win, while Centennial looks to remain unbeaten before next week’s non-league battle with BHS.

3. Ridgeview Wolfpack (4-0)
Yes, the Pack holds down the 3 spot this week. Another victory, this time at home over Madera South 31-3 makes Dennis Manning’s squad unbeaten heading into SWYL play. Call this the ‘Manning Reunion Tour’ but he’ll get to face another one of his former schools this week as the Pack host West. While Ridgeview has been tough to stop in the preseason, it’s time they back up their rankings and record against some stiff SWYL foes, and Chad Grider and West are just that.

4. South Rebels (3-0)
Talked with someone this week that said, Jon Wren has ‘Rebel Pride’ back at South High School. The Rebels are 3-0; yes the Rebels are 3-0. Coach Wren has this talented team not only beating teams but crushing them, having defeated their first three opponents by a combined score of 155-20. The Rebels can play. They’ll sneak in one final non-league opponent this week as they take on Foothill and no doubt roll into SWYL play a perfect 4-0.

5. Bakersfield Drillers (2-1)
Yeah the team that once held the top spot here in the only rankings that matter has slipped to number-five. No big deal, a Driller loss at Buchanan last week was a disappointment for Driller Nation sure, but the fact that the offense put 41 points on the road is encouraging. Let’s not forget however the fact they gave up 56 points might be cause for defensive alarm. But BHS is back in town this week and will open SEYL play at Liberty, in a game that no doubt will decide the SEYL crown, even if in week 1 of league play.

6. Taft Wildcats (3-1)
After that Week 0 loss at Templeton 24-21, Taft has been on a mission. I keep them in the top ten this week after a 34-21 win over Coalinga last Friday. Taft has a week off to prepare for Porterville but mark your calendars for that October 30th game at Tehachapi; this could be the SSL title game.

7. Stockdale Mustangs (2-1)
Following a disappointing loss to BHS, the Mustangs rebounded on the road at Clovis 47-22. Look for the Mustangs to be nice and tuned up this week as they take on Centennial in a huge SWYL battle, reminiscent of the ‘old days’ when these two teams regularly were in this position.

8. Delano Tigers (3-0)
Making their debut in the top 10, the Delano Tigers. After Delano counterpart Chavez finally got burned 7-6 by Golden Valley after playing with fire the last couple weeks and Wasco falling to Lindsay, the spot was open for Delano to march right in. A 49-7 drubbing of Hanford West last week has folks talking about this Delano squad. Look for a big matchup this week against Golden West.
9. Liberty Patriots (1-2)
Sure they have a losing record, but you’ll be hard pressed to find another school that’s had a tougher preseason schedule than Tony Mills’ Patriots. It doesn’t get any easier this week as they host BHS in the aforementioned title game for the SEYL. I know I’m calling this one early, but I just don’t see it in the SEYL this season passed this week.
10. Tehachapi Warriors (2-1)
Losing to Frontier woke the Warriors up a bit as they forced three early turnovers to jump on Burroughs last week before hanging on for a 42-34 win on the mountain. It’s getting chilly by the way, meaning the Tehachapi home-field advantage will start to kick in, starting this week as they host Rosamond.

11. Cesar Chavez (3-1)
12. Wasco (2-1)
13. West (1-2)
14. North (1-2)
15. Bakersfield Christian (2-1)

Week 3 Kern County Football Power Rankings

2009-09-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

KERN COUNTY POWER RANKINGS WEEK 3

Frontier Titans (2-0)
Rich Cornford didn’t shy away from tough competition in the first couple weeks of the season and that showed again Friday night when the Frontier Titans went to Tehachapi and beat the defending Division III champions 43-14. Its rare Tehachapi loses a game that big at home, but credit Cornford and his squad for the W and the top spot in this week’s rankings.

2. Bakersfield Drillers (2-0)
There’s only one reason the Drillers slipped from the top spot this week, turnovers. Coughing the ball up five times against Stockdale Friday night was an increase in turnovers from a week before when they struggled with the same problem against Canyon. Credit the Drillers with an amazing 32-31 come from behind win on Friday, but as their schedule gets tougher, like when the head to Buchanan this week, five turnovers will get you in the ‘L’ column, quickly.

3. Ridgeview Wolf Pack (3-0)
The Pack slip a notch this week, just because Frontier was so impressive, but Dennis Manning is now 3-0 as the Ridgeview head coach, as Ridgeview beat his former team Foothill 29-3 Friday. Not a perfect showing for Ridgeview, and they’ll show some mistakes from time to time, but a 3-0 Wolfpack is nothing short of a miracle and the futility that program has dealt with in the past few seasons.

4. Centennial Golden Hawks (2-0)
First it was a win on the road at Redwood in week one, now it’s a win against neighboring Liberty 10-6 in the Freedom Bowl, a game Centennial has been dominated in during recent meetings. While 10-6 isn’t a win you’ll hang on the refrigerator, its proof that junior QB Cody Kessler can win the big game. Centennial gets East this week, we’ll see if the defense is up to the challenge of controlling the Blades’ pro-style attack.

5. South Rebels (2-0)
Don’t look now, but South can score some points. 48 against Golden Valley in a week one win, and 48 more in a week 2 victory over Mira Monte. While the Lions are in just their first season of varsity play, the M-O for South remained the same, running the ball with a variety of weapons and passing efficiently when needed. Lots of talent on this South squad who will be looking for 3-0 this week at Arvin.

6. Taft Wildcats (2-0)
The Wildcats get a bump after beating a legitimate team in Exeter 30-13 on Friday. Not only that but the Wildcats look even more like a South Sequoia League contender thanks to their running game which is anchored by Cody Shirreffs who rushed for 241 yards and two TDs on 33 carries. Taft gets a hungry 0-2 Coalinga team this week.

7. Stockdale Mustangs (1-1)
Stockdale moved up a spot despite the one-point loss to BHS. I like the Mustangs Wing-T attack, it’s balanced, it’s well-polished and it’s effective. Unfortunately one special teams miscue and some defensive breakdowns cost them the game Friday against the Drillers. These two teams could meet again in the playoffs and I’m sure the notes Stockdale took on beating the BHS defense with their running game will come in handy. Look for Stockdale to rebound this week at Clovis, another good Division I measuring stick game.

8. Wasco Tigers (3-0)
Didn’t think much about the Tigers’ win over McFarland a week ago or their lopsided beating of Kennedy in Week 0 but I’ll give them credit for a hard fought 34-14 win over Porterville. Plus you know I love me some small-schools, putting another in the top-ten makes me smile!

9. Cesar Chavez (3-0)
The Titans are 3-0, they’ve come to Bakersfield twice to beat Mira Monte and Highland in that stretch. After a 19-14 win over Highland the Titans have a lot to gain with Golden Valley coming to Delano this week. QB Ernesto Marquez and RB Peter Markham lead a balanced offensive attack while the Chavez defense turned Highland away with a late INT to remain unbeaten.

10. Tehachapi Warriors (2-1)
Sure they got whipped by Frontier, but the Titans are no joke, and Tehachapi is not shying away from teams from larger cities in bigger divisions either. Credit the Warriors and Steve Denman for scheduling tough early games out of the section and the division. Tehachapi has a tough test with Burroughs of Ridgecrest this week but I think they get back on track and improve to 3-1 before the start of SSL play.

11. Garces
12.Independence
13.Liberty
14. Delano
15.West

Sports Monster Power Rankings Week 2

2009-09-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

SPORTS MONSTER ESPN 1230, KERN COUNTY POWER RANKINGS

Welcome to the first of several Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Kern County High School Football Power Rankings.

We took into consideration leagues, divisions, school sizes and more and ranked the top 15 programs in and out of the greater Bakersfield Area.

Enjoy.

1. Bakersfield Drillers
--After just one game (a 43-7 drubbing of Southern Section Canyon) the Drillers will compare themselves to local competition when rival Stockdale comes to Griffith Field on Friday night. Canyon may be experiencing a down year, but down or not, a Central Section win over the Southern Section scores points in my book.

2. Ridgeview Wolfpack
--I know what you’re thinking, “he’s nuts!” But with two wins now under their belts, the Dennis Manning led Wolfpack improved upon their week one struggles against upstart Independence to take it to the SEYL’s Highland Scots 35-7. Ridgeview might slip in these rankings as other schools win more games, but for now, they gotta be near the top with a 2-0 record.

3. Tehachapi Warriors
--Save the “Tehachapi Homer” emails. Like the Wolfpack, the Warriors are 2-0. They first went down to Santa Ana Segerstrom, endured a holiday weekend marathon bus ride and won 21-20. They then turned around to go to Garces and while fighting through some more struggles, managed to outscore the Rams 23-0 in the second half to win 26-3. Homer or not, they’ve won two tough games on the road to start the season. They’ll be tested Friday Night against Frontier on the mountain.

4. Frontier Titans
--61-0 over a Southern Section squad (Antelope Valley). I like it. The Titans opened their first home game in their new stadium with a bang. Rich Cornford might be building something out there at Frontier. He’ll get a big test on the road at aforementioned Tehachapi this week. But credit to Frontier for defending their home field in their first opportunity.

5. Centennial Golden Hawks
-The best thing about having a sophomore QB last season…he became a junior. Brian Nixon told me that Cody Kessler would be the real deal, he wasn’t fibbing. After going to Redwood, a traditionally tough game and a place where Centennial has struggled and winning 45-20, Kessler is living up to the preseason hype even noticed by Sports Illustrated who recently compared him as one of the top multi-sport athletes in the country. Thanks to the exposure lent to the football/basketball athlete given by Syracuse’s Greg Paulus.
Kessler has a big time arm and is the perfect guy to run the Centennial spread. Look for a great game against Liberty this week.

6. Liberty Patriots
--I’m not a fan of “moral victories” especially when they are at the expense of real ones. The Patriots might feel better about barely losing at top-ranked Clovis West two weeks ago, but it’s about time Liberty win for real up there, but that will have to wait until the playoffs.
Tony Mills has a solid group, but they’ll need to step up big Friday night in the ‘Freedom Bowl’ against Centennial to avoid dropping to 0-2. But talk about a tough schedule, big props for going to Clovis West and returning for Centennial.

7. South Rebels
--I love the fact that I get to list Ridgeview and South in these rankings. I don’t know how long either will last but I am impressed with Jon Wren’s philosophy he’s been building for a few seasons at South, and the end results of late.
A 21-0 win over Golden Valley is nice for that program. Throw in some extremely talented athletes with size and speed and South looks like they might shock some people in the SWYL this year.

8. Stockdale Mustangs
--The only reason Mike Snow and company are this low is I’m not sure if they are that good or their Week 1 opponent East was that bad. Big time credit to the Mustangs who seem to be accepting coach Snow’s Wing-T style just fine these days putting up 48 in a 48-0 win over East last Friday. Can’t wait for the clash with BHS this Friday night. Could be an offensive explosion for both teams.

9.West Vikings
--0-1 to start the season but El Diamante is no joke. Will get the chance to even up this week against East.

10. Bakersfield Christian
--Why are the Eagles after 0-1 West, because BCHS hasn’t played anybody. Sorry, but I can’t believe the team that is the defending Valley champions (I don’t care how many players you lost) is playing the likes of hapless Avenal and first year varsity Kennedy of Delano. Competition and a chance to move up in these rankings presents itself this week against Central Valley Christian and next week against Maranatha of Pasadena.

Others:
11-Wasco (2-0)
12. Delano (1-0)
13-Taft (1-0)
14- North (1-1)
15-Cesar Chavez (2-0)

Another Name, Another Gift, Another Curse

2009-07-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

The New York Times first reported, then the rest of the sports world went crazy as we learned, to no real surprise that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, both then teammates, tested positive for steroids in 2003. Another pair of names linked to the "list" once believed to be anonymous until the Feds got involved.
I feel for the players a little here considering they were told these tests were just for "measuring" the need for a testing policy, but in the end all the guilty parties knew they were guilty, yet still refuse to come clean. You've had your shot, not take it like a man.
Manny Ramirez might in fact become the first player in baseball history to have the results of two failed performance enhancing drug tests released in the same season. First it was the HCG back in March, now the 2003 results come popping up. Can't say I feel for Manny, after A-Rod every player on the '03 list knew eventually they would be outed, and he didn't take the chance to come clean. For Manny it could be another case of his self-centered foolishness telling him he can get through anything. Good luck with that, even MannyWood has it's detractors now.
Onto David Ortiz, who's surprised here? The guy goes from averaging 40-50 HRs a season from 2003-2007, now he's got 13 going into August. Can't say we didn't see this coming. I can tell he's not on anything now, but during those two Red Sox runs to the title, it was a different story.
As much as this harms Ortiz, it takes away from the magical Red Sox run of 2003, their first World Series title that lifted "The Curse of the Bambino." Now, 6 years and another championship later, the curse has returned, this time in the form of a list that says their two biggest stars were cheats...I think the Yankees will have a field day with this one.
It really is a shame. I recently watched an excellent HBO special about Ted Williams, what a natural hitter he was, a perfectionist, a two-time war hero and man who dedicated his life to baseball and the art of hitting. Despite not winning a World Series, Ted was revered as a legend in Boston until his passing in 2002. I wonder what Teddy Ballgame thinks today as he spins in his cryogenic tomb in Arizona.
A shame for the Red Sox, another shame for baseball, another gift for sports talk radio. I enjoy these days and I loathe them. What makes my job easier as a professional, makes my heart heavier as a baseball fan.
I always have and always will love the game of baseball, it's just a damn shame that every memory I have over the last 20 years, now contains a mental asterisk.

Taking this Seriously...

2009-07-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

I chuckled when I learned Bakersfield Jam owner Stan Ellis wanted select members of the media and season ticket holders to 'vote' for the new head coach of his NBA D League team. Then I was honored when I found out I had the only radio vote, now I'm acting like I'm hiring someone to run my own company.
I received all the resumes, the bio information and my official ballot. At first I thought it kinda gimmicky, then I came to the realization after talking to Stan, the team will really weigh my vote heavily. As Stan put it "we wanted to take all the knowledge the media who covers this stuff has and put it to use." He also went on to say "then if it doesn't work out, I can blame you!" Very funny, but very true.
I always wondered what the process was like when a GM or owner had to hire a head coach, what they looked for, what they were seeking...now I sort of know.
I have a packet of resumes on my desk, a computer running with background info and history up in another window of some of the candidates. I sort my favorites like I used to sort baseball cards, then I resort and sort again. I'm looking at everything from coaching experience to success, franchises they've worked for and what those teams were like when they were there. Regional location is important as well, a coach closer to Bakersfield might be a little happier considering his family isn't so far away. I don't think whoever gets this job is going to be relocating the fam to Bakersfield on the salary they're going to be paid. Absence may make the heart grow fonder but I want whoever is coaching to be worried about his offensive system and not about missing his daughter's dance recital.
The pressure is on, I want whoever I select to not only get the job but be successful as well. Then again they could be a complete train wreck, and I won't be asked to vote again.
The list is down to 10 candidate now that one has dropped out and accepted another job, I guess my vote just got easier. Oh wait, I gotta re sort now, my top five just got shifted.

Clipper Nation Comes to the 661

2009-06-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

Credit Jam owner Stan Ellis...he had us all going thinking he had secured an NBA D League affiliation with the Los Angeles Lakers. But in the end he actually agreed to a new affiliation with the Los Angeles Clippers, LA's other team and perpetual lottery participant.
The NBA D League announced the affiliations on Monday with the Jam V. 2.0, landing the Clippers along with renewing their commitment with the Golden State Warriors who for all intents and purposes has been a great parent club sending several players this way from the Bay Area of the last few seasons.
The Clippers though are new to this affiliation game. While being associated with the now defunct Anaheim Arsenal, the Clips didn't use their minor league team last season but promise to make Bakersfield a temporary home for their future stars.
While it's not the Lakers, the Clippers and Warriors have the possibility of adding lots of flair to the new Jam this season. While we won't be seeing Clippers #1 draft pick Blake Griffin anytime soon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Warriors #1 pick Stephon Curry spending at least a few games at the Jam-Nasium, given head coach Don Nelson's policy of not giving rookies a ton of playing time.
The Clippers however are the team that owner Stan Ellis told me has the potential to eventually be the sole parent club for the Jam under a new NBA-Hybrid model that see's NBA franchises controlling their D-League teams like an MLB club controls their AAA farm team.
If you ask me, the concept of a "minor league" team for the Clippers is an oxy-moron, given the fact the Clippers have historically played like a minor league team in the NBA, but that's in the past right? The Clippers would tell you so, Head Coach and GM Mike Dunleavy would sure hope so for his sake.
While the Clippers try to usher in a new era on the floor with Griffin and company, off the court they're trying to usher in a new era as well as a parent club in the NBA D League. Let's hope for everyone's sake that fans can actually tell the difference between the Bakersfield Jam and the "Big" club. It may be 2 hours by car to Los Angeles, but the talent level may be much closer.
By the way, the Jam are in the market for a new coach, can you see this want ad: "Wanted: Head Coach for Minor League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers," could be a tough sell, even in this economy.

Jam Version 2.0

2009-06-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield was introduced Friday to the newest version of our NBA D-League team the Bakersfield Jam. Yes the same Jam who less than two months ago said they were closing up shop, came out today and said 'not so fast' we're going to try this again.
And in trying this again, launching a new version of the D-League team on the same day Apple Launched a new version of the Iphone, the Jam have downgraded instead of upgraded, but downgrading may be the ticket. After playing in the 10,000 seat Rabobank Arena in downtown Bakersfield for years and averaging less than 1,000 fans a game, the Jam have made the humbling yet important decision to move the team to their new 'practice' facility on Norris Road.
An impressive facility that houses a full-sized NBA court, it was originally intended to be a training venue for the Jam unlike any other in the D-League, now it will become the home to the Jam, unlike any other in the D-League. Complete with an estimated 1500 seats the venue will be much quainter, much more "jammed" (no pun intended) and much more in tune with the basketball fans in Bakersfield.
As team owner Stan Ellis put it "there are 1500 basketball fans in Bakersfield, there are not 9,000."
A statement that no less took a lot of humility to utter, but the truth about not only the D-League support in Bakersfield, but the D-League across the country. Gone is the assumption that just because a team is affiliated with the NBA, it will succeed. Matter of fact the NBA toured the Jam facility and liked it so much, the D-League is sending two more teams to Bakersfield to take the tour, hoping that others will adopt the "Smaller and Smarter" business model for minor league hoops.
Hats off to Stan Ellis and David Higdon for taking this bold step. They've abandoned the costly over sized arena for a much more intimate fan experience, and as we all know with less availability comes more demand. This could end up working out very well for the Jam and for hoops fans in general.
It takes a lot of business sense and humility to admit your mistakes and take a step back in order to move forward, but I think the Jam ownership has taken that first step with a positive feeling that Version 2.0 will in fact be better than the original.

Out under the cover of darkness...

2009-05-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

As expected, and as predicted by yours truly, Michael Vick was not only released from prison this morning but done so before 5am, under the cover of darkness. Vick was "slipped" out of Leavenworth in the wee hours of the morning no doubt to avoid a media circus that would normally await a highly anticipated celebrity de-carceration.
Unfortunately for Vick, the darkness eventually gives way to sunlight, and while he continues his "incarceration," inside his Hampton, VA mansion, the public is waking up to the reality that one of the biggest monsters in sports history is nearly a free man.
Yes, I use the word 'monster.' Without getting into the details I figure that description is accurate, a man who would torture animals in a sadistic way, a man who used common house pets as "training aids" for his fighting dogs, a man that took pleasure is punishing and eliminating losing animals, is for lack of a better term, a monster.
As the monster tries to "rebuild" his life, many on the outside, in the daylight want answers, and more importantly, want proof. Proof that Michael Vick can become a contributing member of society again, unfortunately the track record of problem NFL players getting a second chance isn't that great these days. NFL Commish Roger Goodell wants to make sure he see's genuine "remorse" for Vick's action. Will he be reinstate? Probably, the commish is harsh but is willing to give second chances no matter how many times he get's burned.
For the NFL to truly make a statement, Vick shouldn't be reinstated. It's time to stop allowing 'second chances' to athletes that think they can't be touched. Do you think a little time in the hole was enough to completely change the pysche of Michael Vick? I doubt it. Give him a 'second chance' and things might be good for a year or two, but eventually something else will come up and ego will convice him once again that he can't be touched.
But, Vick will be reinstated and some team will give him a chance. Fans will turn a blind eye and cheer for him again because he's on their team. It's amazing how outrage can turn to jersey sales and season tickets when someone is wearing the right colors. I have no malice towards Michael Vick, he does make me sick but my life will go on, as will his. In the daylight, in the spotlight, out of the cover of darkness. I hope he's ready for the sunlight, because the heat is about to get turned up on his 'new life.'

Western Conference Finals Preview and Prediction..

2009-05-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well the Lakers decided to show up Sunday, and just in time too. Facing elimination, the 'Lake-Show', which could be more correctly described by it's spoof derivitive "Late Show," arrived at the arena in time to rid themselves of the pesky Houston Rockets in seven games. Yep, that Rockets team, who most of America figured to be done in four or five games, took the Lakers to seven, or more fitting, the Lakers let them hang around that long. Either way it's embarassing this series lasted that long.
'Kobe Doin' Work' premiered this weekend, let's hope for the Lakers sake the rest of the team follows suit, and does a little work starting Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets. Previewing that series I don't see a way that the Lakers team we saw in the semifinals can win this series. Turning every night into a crap shoot as to which team will show up may have been fine against the lowly Jazz and scrappy Rockets, but it sure won't do against the talented, loaded and flat-out rolling Nuggets.
As I look at this series I am intrigued by the match ups. Just how is Derek Fisher going to guard Chauncey Billups when he struggled against Aaron Brooks of the Rockets? I will give Fisher this, tale of the tape shows he's 34 and Billups is 32, a little better matchup than the 24-year-old Brooks that for sure. And if the Lakers can find more minutes for the 22-year-old Jordan Farmar, he might be able to push the older Billups up the court a little more. I still think Chauncey wins that matchup though.
For the Lakers, they need their bigs to step up. I'm talking about Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. While Bynum showed some signs of life in game 7, it's going to be a lot tougher with the likes of Denver's Nene down low alongside Chris Anderson who will no doubt give Paul Gasol fits.
Bottom line, the Lakers have to show up, and they have to win on the road. Denver hasn't lost at home since early March, while the Lakers hold a distinct home court advantage themselves. Denver is 3-23 over the last 26 at Staples Center. That doesn't factor in Chauncey very much but the task to win on the road is just as tall for the Nuggets who have to steal a couple at Staples as well.
Playoffs aren't all about talent, and that's what I keep hearing about LA. "They're still the most talented team in the league," yeah but talent doesn't get you too far in the post season when you're inconsistent, it's only a seven-game series. Denver has been consistent, the Lakers have showed up when it's convenient.
Predicition: Consistency beats out Convenience...Denver in 6.

Cheating? We've Seen This Before

2009-05-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

Burt Sugar was on my show recently, the legendary boxing journalist is a huge baseball fan that recently penned a book about the Hall of Fame. When I posed a question about today's steroid users and alleged "cheats," he answered by asking me..."you think these are the first guys who ever cheated in baseball? The Hall of Fame is full of cheats." He also went on to point out that members of the baseball HOF are not as he stated "choir boys looking for a service."
The more I thought about his question the more I realized that cheating is simply part of sports, especially baseball. But cheating are like crimes, some are worse than others and are punished as so. While doctoring a baseball to help it break through the strike zone is like jaywalking, many would compare steroid use to murder...both heavily penalized with a certain slice of the population calling for the death penalty.
Not all cheating is created equal. We have "good cheating" believe it or not...things like scuffed baseballs, longer grass, etc. And we have bad cheating, steroids, gambling, and some dirty play that endangers other players (something Ty Cobb made a career of).
Did you know when Major League Baseball got serious about stopping the over-used spit ball in 1917 they allowed teams to keep two designated 'spitballers' on their roster? Or that 17 pitchers were grandfathered in and allowed to throw spitters their entire career...one of which lasted for 270 wins and finally ended in 1934.
Steroids are just this era of baseball player's cross to bear. While it's much more serious cheating than stealing signs or sliding high into second base, it joins the other scandals in baseball history that define an era. The 'Drug Era' will pass, players will sort themselves out and we'll come up with something else to give players an advantage over their counterparts. It's the American way, it's the baseball way.
I wouldn't expect anything less.

Manny...Being Manny. Jose being Jose

2009-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

So Manny Ramirez tests positive for performance enhancing drugs and is suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball. Manny's giving us the canned answer "I didn't know, I was prescribed it..." Yada Yada Yada.
Are we baseball fans that stupid? Can we really believe another cheater who was caught red handed? Manny's statement released through the players union was to me more of an admission of guilt than innocence. Wouldn't you hold a press conference? Wouldn't you provide us with the prescription bottle? The Doctor's Name? Or the "medical condition" at the root of the prescription? No. He hasn't and he won't
I don't know what you think about professional wrestling, but back in the 1990's when Hulk Hogan was accussed of using roids, he hit the talk show circuit, went on late night TV and denied ever using (whether or not we believe him given pro wrestling's record is besides the point). The guy was convinced he was innocent, and he let us know. Manny's got to be more proactive, unless he's hiding something.
Manny already says he won't appeal the suspension (something an innocent man would). Prescription? Yeah, how many clinics were busted in Florida recently for "prescribing" drugs to people who didn't need them for medical conditions.
I hate to say it, but wasn't it Jose Canseco telling us just a few weeks ago that he was "90% certain that Manny would test positive for steroid,"? Wow, he's got a better batting average now than when he was playing. Jose is so far batting 1.000.
Sorry Manny I'm not buying it. Unfortunately you're lower than Barry Bonds, Barry never tested positive, never served a suspension, you have. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Jam Finished...Who's Next?

2009-04-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

We found out on Home Turf Wednesday that the Bakersfield Jam were calling it quits and leaving the NBA D League just three years after the club was started. Another Bakersfield sports team bites the dust leaving me concerned about the sports climate in this city.
It's no stretch to point out, Bakersfield is a great High School sports town...parents are dedicated to their kids, they'll enroll them in three sports a year and not miss a game. We'll pack 2,000 plus in for a high school basketball or even more for a football game, but when it comes to minor leagues, we just don't care.
I know you'll throw the Condors on me, but they're an exception. Hockey is foreign to Bakersfield, nobody grew up playing it and thus it intrigues sports fans here in town. Plus the chance of bloodshed at a game and two players dropping gloves helps pack the house. But even ask the Condors and they'll probably admit, attendance was less than they hoped this season.
But when it comes to other minor league sports, Arena Football, D-League basketball, we're just not the market for another side show. Even minor league baseball, the longest standing franchise in the city is on the rocks, with the possibility of the Bakersfield Blaze leaving at season's end.
Since 2006 when the Jam started, we had four minor league teams. The Bakersfield Blitz of the AF2, the Jam of the NBADL, the Condors of the ECHL and the Blaze of the Cal League.
As it stands now we've lost a second soldier in this ever growing battle for attendance and overall fan support, and the Blaze could be next. We love our high school sports, football especially, but we can't get behind minor league teams for some reason. Maybe we have too many options on TV, maybe we're too busy with jobs and kids sports, but we're very close to becoming the Syberia of the minor leagues.
And Wednesday night, call it fitting but the lights kept going out at Sam Lynn Ballpark forcing the postponement of the Blaze-Modesto game. Ironic? I think so. The lights may be going out for good on that franchise soon, and we'll become a one-trick pony again.

Forgive Me

2009-04-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was the week at DisneyWorld making me believe that dreams can come true. That's the great thing about sports, they can make us believe in the unreal but more often than not harsh reality is served. Just like Michigan State was served last night be UNC.
Treated to a healthy dose of Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansborough and a dessert dish full of Carolina Blue. No happy ending here for Michigan State, this was a horror film.
The largest crowd ever to watch a college basketball game didn't get to see much of a game as Michigan State coach Tom Izzo pointed out. And kudos to UNC for taking that crowd out of the game before they even thought about becoming a factor.
Glad to see the better team won, I thought MSU had a chance at the upset. So much for that, gotta get those damn Disney thoughts outta my head.

NCAA Title Game

2009-04-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

I totally had Michigan State in the final, the first time I filled out a bracket. I really did, I said it on air. Then I managed to erase everything and start over thus finishing with a sub par effort even by my standards.
It seems everywhere this season it was a guessing game. On brackets all over the country people were surprised, and I was glad to see it. One prediction I did get correctly, was the parody between the top teams in the country. Notice there wasn't a true Cinderella this season. Michigan State's the closes thing we have, and they're a 2 seed. At least we had Villanova too.
Excited to see the Big East not make the Championship game. After all their smack talk it goes to show it doesn't matter what you do in the regular season, but can you perform when the lights on the big stage go on.
Should be a good championship game. Lots on the line for Michigan State. Things are so bad economically in Michigan that Michigan Wolverine fans are reportedly cheering their green rivals on tonight. Unfortunately a championship for that state won't do much to change things. But for maybe one night someone out of work in Michigan might be able to focus on something other than harsh reality, and maybe something as unreal as the Spartans knocking off North Carolina.

Sweet 16

2009-03-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

First two rounds in the books. Happy with the outcomes?
As I said on the show, we might not have a true Cinderella (although Arizona in my book counts) but we had some really competitive games top to bottom in the first few rounds.
Near upsets of #1 and #2 seeds, some other 5-12 upsets as well. I was most impressed with the small conference and mid major teams competing at such a high level as the top-tier talent teams in the NCAA. Great showings by North Dakota State (Summit League), Cal State Northridge (Big West), Siena (MAAC), East Tennessee State (Atlantic Sun) and Cleveland State (Horizon League). While not all these teams pulled off upsets, they certainly proved not only they belong in the NCAA tournament but that the talent level has shifted from major programs to smaller schools across the country.
Regional TV coverage, internet and radio have helped some small time programs get big time exposure, lending themselves as a better option to a blue-chip recruit who might want to stay closer to home and play college hoops or dare I say make a school selection based on academic programs?
Love the tourney, love the way it's evolving into a showcase for smaller programs to get a little national love. While major TV networks will still on focus on the Big East, Big 10, ACC and PAC 10, it's nice to see some fresh faces come March.

March Madness...We Love the Underdog

2009-03-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

I love me some March Madness (apologies for taking T.O's line and twisting it), but that's the truth. The one time a year when we take the 64 best teams in college basketball, throw them into a bracket and let them play it out.
I love me some underdogs too. I know other may disagree (like ESPN 1230's own Colin Cowherd who had a great show this morning on why underdogs are just that, dogs). While I see his point that underdogs rarely make any real noise in the tourney, it's like anything else, the possibility has us hooked.
I know a #16 seed has never beat a #1, I know that 96 % of the time the 2 beats the 15 seed but at least we have hope right? One day a #16 will beat a #1, will that be this season, no it won't. But it's a proven fact that college sports are being influenced by expanded television and internet coverage, so much so that some top-level talent are choosing smaller "mid-major" schools because they get plenty of exposure and in some cases a better education.
The parody in college basketball this season has been profound. I can't look at any of the potential #1 seeds and say "they're going all the way." And while I can't say that a #14 seed out of a mid-major will make the Final Four either, I could see that happening sometime in the near future.
To undermine the underdog is to undermine the entire tournament. We might as well just have a computer spit out the top-two teams and let them play for the title...oh yeah, that's been done. And all those detractors are calling for a tournament!
America loves the underdog, heck we are underdogs, founded by them, built by them, and re built by them. Let's appreciate the Chattanooga's, the Siena's and the rest of the little guys in the tourney...for one day the meek shall inherit the Earth.

Runners End Season, 8-21 Again

2009-03-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

CSUB Men's basketball ended the season with a 78-73 loss Tuesday night to Cal State Fullerton despite another strong second half effort. The Runners trailed by as many as 18 before climbing back to pull within four in the final minute before the Titans netted some free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Bakersfield's seniors Terrance Johns and Donald Lee had solid nights in their final games with CSUB, John's scoring 16 and Lee 11 to help the Runners comeback effort.
CSUB finished 8-21 this season, the identical record to last season for CSUB despite a tougher schedule. It was another tough year for CSUB, lots of travel, another season as an Independent, only 12 home games compared the 17 on the road. The efforts this season were much better than last, near upsets at Oregon State, Pacific and St Mary's come to mind. Despite the lack of "marquee" wins for CSUB this season (Fresno State, San Diego coming to mind last year). The Runners overall were better, and sweeping teams like Utah Valley who had their number last season and old rivals like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo prove this CSUB team is well on their way.
Add in a nice crop of recruits including Stephon Carter and redshirt freshman James Albright with returners like Alex Johnson, Donovan Bragg, Trent Blakely and Santwon Latunde and CSUB has the makings of a 15 win team next year despite an even tougher schedule.
Look for CSUB to be better, look for games against UCLA and Gonzaga to be true tests of this program's development. I think you'll like what you see in 2009-2010. Keep the support, keep the faith, we're on our way.

Dear Monkey on Back...exit stage right.

2009-02-20T22:54:00.000-08:00

I hope his feelings aren't hurt but the proverbial monkey on the back or albatross around the neck has just been shown the door. For the first time in the Division One era and for the first time in nearly three years the CSUB Men's Basketball team has won a game outside the state of California beating Utah Valley 63-58 in Orem UT.
For CSUB it was especially gratifying because it is just their second win this season on the road, the previous coming at Pepperdine back in November. Tonight it was all about defense and rebounding. The Runners didn't shoot well, just 28 percent from the floor but a commanding rebounding advantage helped CSUB control the ball and jump out to a 16 point lead in the second half.
To Utah Valley's credit they clawed back into it, pulling within three in the final minute thanks to timely shooting and officials who gave them every chance to win that game (and before you give me the 'don't blame the officials line' I will inform you Utah Valley hand selects it's officiating crews for home games). Even with that against them CSUB played defense, pulled down rebounds and hit free throws down the stretch to improve to 7-20 on the year and sweep the season series with the fellow NCAA Division I Independent.
It's back home Saturday for the guys, home for a few days before taking off for San Luis Obispo and their final road game of the season Wednesday at Cal Poly. Hopefully CSUB can sweep that season series as well.
What a trip, it feels nice to fly home with a win under your belt. The guys definitely deserve it.

Gameday Again...

2009-02-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

It's game day again. We only have a few of these left as the schedule is winding down. Today we're at Utah Valley University, a team the Runners beat at home 69-60 a few weeks back, matter of fact it was the last Roadrunners win.
UVU is very talented, the Runners hold a post advantage but the Timberwolves have one of the best shooters in College Hoops Ryan Toolson on the team. He scored 22 vs CSUB last time but I think the defense still did a great job on them, he could have had more for sure.
Utah Valley is an Independent as well, for now at least. They're joining the Great West Conference next season. That used to be a football only conference with teams like UC Davis and Cal Poly, but they've decided to expand to all sports. New members next year include other transitional and Independent schools Texas Pan-Am, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Jersey Tech and Chicago State.
CSUB was offered membership as well but turned it down. First of all that's a grueling travel schedule, second of all the teams are all unproven and unknown and third they don't have any automatic bids for postseason tournaments. So what good is a conference title if it doesn't guarantee you a shot at the big dance?
We'll hold out for awhile, hopefully the Big West rewards our patience. In the meantime there's another game to play. CSUB is trying to win out of state for the first time since the 2006 NCAA Div II West Regionals in Seattle. Hopefully we get that monkey off our backs today.
Gametime, 6pm on KERN 1180.

Couldn't be Prouder...

2009-02-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

So it goes in the books as a 21 point loss to No. 23 Utah State. If you would have been there, it would have felt different.
CSUB, overmatched, outgunned and undersized struck a little fear into the Aggies last night in Logan UT. Leading on several occasions in the first half the Runners forced the Aggies into playing a near perfect game to win...and unfortunately when the bell rung, the Aggies did just that.
Keith Brown put it best in the post game interview "Utah State had to hit every big shot to beat us tonight and they did."
CSUB struggled at the end of the first half giving up 16 unanswered points to the Aggies for a 15-pt halftime deficit. The Aggies trailing by one with 6:30 to go went on a three-point terror to jump ahead of CSUB at the break, hitting one big three after another. The Runners were set on shutting down big man and leading scorer Gary Wilkinson, which they did (9 pts for a guy who averages 17), but it was the outside shooting they eventually hurt CSUB.
But it was what happened in the second half that should make Bakersfield proud of their boys. Down 24 with 10 minutes to go, the Runners could have packed it in. Instead CSUB went on a 12-0 run out of a timeout thanks to big shots from Alex Johnson, Trent Blakely and Donovan Bragg to cut the lead to 12 with 8 mins to go. That forced Utah State into a timeout and the crowd into silence.
The Aggies would eventually hit more big three pointers to extend the lead to the game ending 21, but it wasn't without a lot of effort.
It was another showing that simply wasn't enough, but the best effort out of CSUB in a couple weeks. If they give that sort of effort against Utah Valley on Friday they should be poised to sweep the season series with them.
I hope Bakersfield understands that we're making progress. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were an Division I contenders. It's a process that takes time and this team has proven time and time again they can play with the best, last night was a perfect example. We're on our way folks. I hope you'll jump on the bandwagon now, so when things get better, you can appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of these first few Division I squads that are paying the price for success down the road.
Heading out from Logan today to Provo, UT where CSUB will face Utah Valley on Friday. More updates to come.

Gameday with a little National attention

2009-02-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's gameday, the reality has set in, CSUB is facing a ESPN/USA Today Top 25 team. They've never beat a Top 25 team, in their short Division I history, CSUB has never played a Top 25 team. Sure a few opponents have ended up in that poll after playing CSUB, but Utah State is already there. Having being ranked as high as #20, they enter tonight at #23 after a loss to Boise State last weekend. That loss snapped the nation's longest winning streak, but Utah State still has one streak in tact, their 31-game home winning streak at the Spectrum.
It's not an easy place to play, Logan isn't an easy place to find, or get to for that matter. No doubt a huge home court advantage. Hopefully the Runners make some history, if they don't, hopefully they represent themselves, their university and their town well.
Below is a screen shot from ESPN this morning. Playing nationally ranked teams gets you into the spotlight as well. I don't remember seeing this when we faced Chico State back in the day.

Arrived and Ready for a Big Showdown.

2009-02-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

It was almost a flawless trip. Snow in Utah almost derailed our arrival in Logan Utah this afternoon but after the main pass between Salt Lake City and Logan was closed because of blowing snow, our resourceful bus driver took a back way (he's orginally from Bakersfield, you know how we do 'backways') and we arrived in Logan safely this afternoon.
A quick practice for the team tonight at Utah State went well, the team is fed and heading to the racks before one of their biggest games of the season. We had a chance to watch a few game films on the bus this afternoon and what an atmosphere we will be welcomed with tomorrow night.
When the team was here two years ago the students were on break, granted 5,000 still showed but that was 5,000 less-rowdy non students in the crowd. Utah State's faithful do a fine job of securing home court advantage for their guys. Loud, rowdy and totally into the game can best describe the large student section at Utah State. It should be quite an experience. There's a reason why Utah State's home winning streak is somewhere in the 30 in a row mark right now. It's as big a college basketball environment that there is.
It will be a challenge to not only beat this team, but to take their crowd out of it as well. If CSUB hits their shots, we'll be very competitive. Shoot like they did Monday night against Seattle and it will be a long night.
Videos and photos on the way tomorrow.

Bad Start to a Long Week

2009-02-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Departing at 6:25 tomorrow morning with the CSUB men's basketball team for Wednesday's game at Utah State. Not a good start to a busy week for CSUB as the Runners dropped a 24 point home loss to Seattle University on Monday night. With plenty of time to prepare, having not played since last week, I expected more out of the guys. But Seattle came out firing early and built a huge first half lead, shot over 50 percent all game and dominated on the glass to lead from start to finish.
It was definitely an off night for CSUB, not sure why but they looked out of it a little. Offense struggled with perimeter pressure applied by Seattle and they never got into an offensive flow.
It's going to be a long trip to Logan UT. Despite their loss over the weekend to Boise State, Utah State is still in first place in the WAC and 24-2 on the year with a dominating home win streak. The place in Logan in nuts, it was two years ago when we were there and the students were on break. I'm expecting near 10 thousand for Weds night, should be crazy. Hopefully the Runners bring their best or it could be another disappointing night.
Check back for updates, photos and videos from the road. Talk to you from Logan on 'Home Turf.'

'Nitro' not leaving anything on the table...

2009-02-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

I hope by now you've had a chance to hear my interview with Dan Clark, AKA 'Nitro' from the original American Gladiators. He's the author of the book "Gladiator: A Tale of Roids, Rage and Redemption, released Wednesday to the public. If you haven't heard it yet, click HERE for the audio.
Clark was honest in his memoir and he was honest with me on the program Wednesday, not holding anything back in recalling his tales of steroid side effects such as lack of sexual performance and male breast growth. He also admitted making mistakes in his life, with steroids being the glaring regret.
Clark also criticized the lack of honesty out of Alex Rodriguez and his "confession" of steroid use earlier this week. While Major League Baseball dominates the steroid discussions, Clark is a reminder that there is a problem with steroids all across the board and it's not just limited to the diamond. Clark recalled the story when he first started taking roids back in the 80s, he even named the substance, and the drugs he also took to counteract the side effects. So how does A-Rod "not remember" the drugs he pumped into his body a mere 5 years ago? Dan didn't buy it and neither do I.
I will say this, while I respect Dan Clark's honesty and candor regarding his steroid use, I would be naive if I were to expect the same brutal honesty out of A-Rod, or any other Major Leaguer for that matter. The reason? Legacy.
While Clark has turned activist in hopes of keeping kids off the damaging steroids that ruined his life, nobody is calling for his records in American Gladiators to be wiped off the books, nobody is asking for his 'powerball' and 'joust' wins to be thrown away because he cheated...it was a TV show, not the National Pasttime.
Alex Rodriguez is trying to protect a legacy, his records, his stats, his possible election into the baseball Hall of Fame, all things Clark doesn't have to worry about. While I would love Clark's honesty to rub off on A-Rod, it just won't happen.
I also ask myself, that in some parallel universe, if the roles were reversed and it were 'Nitro' worried about "The American Gladiators Hall of Fame," would he be so inclined to pen a tell-all memoir? Rediculous as it sounds, it's a valid question to think about. And while I know there is no "Hall of Fame" for Dan Clark or other Gladiators, I will say his new quest, his new efforts to prevent other athletes from getting hooked on the juice are Hall of Fame in my book.

Big D...

2009-02-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Now this feels like a Division I basketball game. CSUB and Southern Methodist out of Conference USA lock it up this afternoon here in Dallas. This is the second game in the last three to be played in the afternoon. While most of the Runners games have been played in the evenings, there's something to be said about Saturday afternoon games having them being played at the same time as a lot of other big time college games throughout the country.
CSUB had a crowd of 2300 show up last Saturday at Rabobank Arena with Utah Valley in town and I think the experience was favorable for fans, putting the Runners on at the same time as games in the Big East, ACC and PAC 10. Gives it more of a 'real' college basketball feel.
Today's game in Dallas will be another test for CSUB, not only is the time a factor, but CSUB had just a one day turnaround from Thursday's loss at Northridge. So far the Runners have faired well in the afternoon, but not well on the road. They look to improve on their 1-11 road record this season and a nearly three-year out-of-state drought. They last won out of California in March of 2006 when the then Division II Runners won their first round game in the West Regional in Seattle.
Here's to hoping Texas-hospitality rubs off on CSUB and the team gets a couple ominous streaks snapped this afternoon.

Another road trip, so far another loss for CSUB

2009-02-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

Back on the road with some of the same results. A 79-62 loss at Cal State Northridge for the CSUB Roadrunners to fall to 1-11 on the road this season. Coming off one of their best performances of the season with a school record-low four turnovers, the Runners let the road get to them again turning the ball over a season-high 26 times which turned into 35 points for Northridge, tough to win with those numbers.
CSUB struggled against a tenacious defense brought by the Matadors, despite getting out to a 14-4 lead, CSUB was outscored 28-3 over the next ten minutes and were never able to recover tonight. Donovan Bragg looked uncomfortable all night as did Alex Johnson, both guards had 6 turnovers apiece. The Runners were out of synch offensively as well, unable to get the ball in the post, settling for outside shots early in the shot clock, with only 35 percent of them falling in the net.
Not a good game by any means, not many positives for CSUB. Fortunately they only have a day to wait before they get back in action, Saturday at Southern Methodist in Dallas. Usually a bad performance for CSUB is followed by a very good one, let's hope that's the case as the Runners look to stop this skid on the road.
More to come from Dallas.

New Evidence Against Barry?

2009-01-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

So the Feds come out firing on Thursday, actually raiding, then firing. Next thing we know, with about a month before the start of Barry Bonds' federal perjury trial, the Feds say they have new damning evidence against the former slugger...or do they?
I find it interesting that while invetigators told the NY Times they have urine tests to confirm Barry took more than "the cream and the clear" during his playing days, they also went out of their way to bring in former teammate Bobby Estalella to testify against Bonds and raided the house belonging to the mother-in-law of former Bonds trainer Greg Anderson, who by the way has been to prison multiple times by refusing to testify against his client.
Wouldn't the urine tests be enough? In all these years we haven't had a positive test from Bonds come to light, and now a month before the trial starts investigators say they have it but are pursuing all these other angles? A no-name catcher who claims to have taken the cream and the clear as well as HGH provided by Bonds trainer Greg Anderson? Thats the best they can do?
Anderson is a whole seperate ball of wax. He's been to jail three times during this saga and not once has dropped dime on his former client. It appears Anderson is the spoke in the wheel the Feds just can't land. Why else would they start a "tax investigation," against his mother in law and raid her home so close to trial? Because he's refused on several occassions to rat out his friend. So much so he's ignoring another subpoena and facing more jail time.
Will the Feds give up? Not at all, someone needs to take the fall for steroids, but it appears the case against the poster-boy Bonds has a lot of holes in it. We'll find out in about a month. My money says no test, no witness, no conviction.

Bakersfield Stadium Problem Solved!

2009-01-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the most obvious answers are right in front of you, and it takes a smack in the back of the head to make you open your eyes. In a time where financial responsibility is at an all-time high in cities across America, building a new minor-league ballpark for any city is a tough sell, especially here in Bakersfield, CA.
But after the Bakersfield Blaze said they're leaving without a new stadium, just days after the City Council told City Manager Alan Tandy, they'd love to save baseball, when they can afford it, I found the answer, thanks in part to a few gentleman much wiser than I.
CSUB Baseball coach Bill Kernan took me on a tour of his new facility on Friday...and the answers came from his mouth. "Why doesn't the franchise or the city just pay to put in 4,000 seats here?" He asked. "Does Bakersfield even realize we built this field?"
I don't know if the rest of the city know, but they will now. A beautiful diamond and home field for the Runners was recently built using private funding on CSUB's campus, and while they one day hoped to build another Stadium like facility down the street, in these economic times, why not build around what you got?
No permanent seating is in, no permanent concessions either, and none will be in until after the first season (so construction doesn't interfere with this years games). Why not develop a plan and find funding at a much smaller cost than 14 or 35 million (the number proposed for a new stadium) and build around CSUB's field?
Coach you are a brilliant man, when this baseball thing ends, you have a future in politics. Check out my photos and video link below. Tell me what you think? Could this be the future home of the Runners and the Blaze?

Reaction, Colletti Interview

2009-01-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti was my guest on Home Turf Wednesday in preparation for his keynote speech Saturday at the BC Hot Stove Dinner. I will have the audio posted shortly in case you missed it but what an interview indeed.
I was really impressed with Colletti's candor when it came to things like his bullpen, the free agent market and of course Manny Ramirez. When it comes to Manny, Colletti has had his fill on questions this off season, but when he broached the subject, I had to ask.
The response was surprising, but yet at the same time exactly what Dodger fans want to hear. The Dodgers have offered what they are going to offer, Manny wants to be a Dodger, they want him to be a Dodger and that's where they stand. On the flip side Colletti said the Dodgers will play next season...with or without him. Colletti has been trying to juggle Manny-Mania this off season while working to fill other free agent gaps. The team made headway when Rafael Furcal and Casey Blake were re signed, but I think they've let a little bit of their pitching staff slip (Lowe, Saito etc) while the wait out the Manny situation. Guillermo Mota was a nice sign today but I think LA is a few starters and middle relievers away from being where they need to be.
As Colletti pointed out, the NL West will be stacked with pitching this season, Peavy in San Diego, Lincecum in San Francisco,Webb in Arizona, some of the best hurlers will be in the West this season, LA has to land a Randy Wolfe, Jon Garland or a Braden Looper in order to compete. Manny is great and all but you need pitching to win out west.
Hopefully Dodger fans are satisfied with the interview, Colletti covered all the bases and appears to have a plan. If that plan includes Manny, better sooner than later before that pitching pool dries up and LA is left hoping the sales of Manny hats and dreads makes them enough cash to counteract a third place divisional finish.

Alright, that's more like it

2009-01-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a long 8 days for the CSUB men's basketball team. After letting an 18 point lead dissappear against Loyola Marymount back on January 4th, the Runners had some time to think about it, and practice through it.
Well CSUB bounced back in fine form on Monday night beating San Jose State 61-55 at Rabobank Arena. It was their first win over the Spartans in the DI era and a fine recovery from two 15 point losses to the Spartans last season.
It wasn't an overall impressive offensive game for either squad, San Jose shot 20 percent in the first half, hitting just 5 field goals and 17 points at the half. The Runners weren't much better and actually ended up trailing the Spartans in the field goal percentage category but 19 offensive rebounds, and an overall 40-33 rebounding edge made the difference. It allowed CSUB to control the ball and get off 15 more field goal attempts than the Spartans. I know this is a football stat but time of possession was definetely in the Runners favor.
CSUB came out fired up, and played tremendous defense, shutting down big man CJ Webster while CSUB's big men, Santwon Latunde scored 12 and Cory Brown added 7, had their way underneath. It looked like San Jose spent too much time looking forward to their roadtrip to Hawaii this weekend as opposed to focusing on the Runners. Oops, in case they forgot, we are a Division I team now, and on any night against any D-I team you better be ready to play, otherwise you get outplayed, just like the Spartans last night.
Come out Saturday for UC Riverside, check out an old D-2 rival making their D-I debut against the Runners. Outta be fun.

New Blaze Manager Good Fit in Bad Times

2009-01-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry I can't help it, new Blaze Manager Steve Buechele is a hoot. After coming on Home Turf Monday I just get the vibe that this guy is perfect for the Bakersfield job even as baseball in this town appears to be on the outs.
I like his attitude, his determination to get his "kids" to win. He also promised fun while saying he actually ignored warnings from other managers that didn't have too many kind things to say about Bakersfield. Steve's best words came when he told me "I don't care what kind of facility we play in, we're gonna play ball." In a world when it's commonplace for minor league managers, especially those in Bakersfield to complain about facilities, I'm glad to see one who realizes it's about the game, not what year your stadium was built in.
If this is in fact the final season of the Rangers affiliation in Bakersfield, and if the ownership chooses to move the team, I think Steve Buechele is going to leave a last impression on this town. How can you not love a guy who rocked the following haircut in the 1990 baseball card photos:

When asked if his 1990 do will make a reappearance in Bakersfield, he quickly shot back..."the mullet is gone," and described his aging hair almost 20 years later. He also claimed the 1985-1990 Rangers might have led the majors in "awful hair." If the Dodgers can sell a million Manny Ramirez caps with the dreadlocks attached, I want first dibs on selling Steve Buechele Bakersfield Blaze Mullet Caps, or starting mullet Mondays with free admission for those still willing to rock the early 90's hair fashion.
Should be an interesting season, let's hope its not the last.

ESPN 1230 Local Sports Year In Review

2008-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

So I've already taken a little time to talk about some of my personal show higlights from 2008 but I figured I'd go back a little and focus on the events here in Kern County that made the year and how they related to our station and 'Home Turf' specifically.
I think the first major accomplishment happened in baseball where the Stockdale Mustangs, ridiculed throughout the Central Valley for playing in the "weaker" Southwest Yosemite League, dominating in the playoffs and winning the Division I valley title. Head coach Dan Lemon came in studio to talk about the victory and it's importance for Bakersfield baseball in general. He also happened to be an assistant coach for Stockdale football back in 1997 when my Tehachapi Warriors team defeated them with a last minute drive and a two-point conversion with no time left on the clock...had to remind him of that for sure.
Also at the high school level, Shafter's Anna Jelmini continued to set state and national shot put records en route to a state title and a spot on a junior team that went worldwide over the summer. She also spent time on the Turf talking about her experience and amazing abilities.
Around that time, Fresno State pulled off one of the biggest Cinderella stories in NCAA history winning the College World Series. While I am no Fresno State homer, I was happy to root for the Bulldogs considering they had one Justin Miller from Bakersfield pitching for them and they were scheduled to play the new CSUB basketball team 7 times next season. Miller came on the program following the season and his draft to the majors by the Texas Rangers to talk about the year as a whole and his step to the next level with the Rangers. With any luck he'll get to pitch in his home town this season during the Blaze's final season affiliated with the Rangers.
In May the Bakersfield Condors finally announced an affiliation with the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL. An announcement they scheduled around 'Home Turf's" air time to ensure maximum coverage. A relieved team President Matt Riley came on the show immediately to talk about the long-time coming accomplishment. The Ducks also made their presence felt on opening night when yours truly got to drop the puck.
The summer came with the start of high school football season in August. Two deaths rocked the area starting with Bakersfield Christian lineman Patrick Allen who passed away following practice. While the heat was intense the lack of salt in Allen's body reportedly caused the untimely death. It was impressive how his team and his school rallied around the loss. Head coach Doug Barnett gave the first interview to "Home Turf" following Allen's passing. The Eagles went on to a 12-1 record and a Division V Valley Title, thanks in part to Derek Carr's Central Section passing records he set throughout the season. Boron's Vinnie Rodriguez also passed following head trauma suffered in a game in September. I also spoke with their head coach Todd Fink on the program about Vinnie's legacy and the fund raising efforts for the family.
From a high school football standpoint it was a down year for Bakersfield teams with four of the six Valley Titles going to the Fresno area, but Bakersfield Christian and Tehachapi overcame controversial seedings to go on the road to win their respective Valley Crowns. Two in a row for both schools
Renegade football started with a ton of hype from last season's run to the state semifinals but unfortunately this year's edition never found a consistent stride and missed the playoffs. Runningback Bruce Frieson ended his career #3 on the all time rushing list for BC and head coach Jeff Chudy appeared weekly on the Renegade Rundown to set up every game. It got tough seeing him and his coaching staff work through this uncharted territory for this program but coach vowed to get right to work to get things fixed for next season. Meanwhile former receiver Brandon Banks made a big splash in the Big 12 for Kansas State, ending the season as the Wildcats leading receiver. He also appeared on the program to talk about his journey from BC to the Big 12, a great interview indeed.
Former Foothill star and Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter came in studio to discuss the upcoming season in which he said the teams goal was to "win the AFC East," despite others saying it was too tough. Call him prophetic but Porter and company not only improved on their dismal record from 2007 but won the AFC East by beating the Jets on Sunday. Porter also came close to the NFL sack record and kept himself in the news by also giving interviews on every topic that popped up in the NFL. His on and off field performances netted him another Pro Bowl.
CSUB baseball got underway with the official start of practice. Head coach Bill Kernan has been no stranger to the station since his hiring doing numerous interviews with Home Turf anytime a big announcement came down about his program. The on campus baseball field also broke ground and is well on its way to being completed. Having just seen it the other day it is in fact a field of dreams. Rising out of a vacant tumbleweed lot into a state of the art field and hopefully one day full on stadium.
Roadrunner volleyball finished the season 18-15 to become the first sport in the Division I era of the school to post a .500 record. Head Coach John Price also gave numerous interviews on the show to track the teams progress throughout the year.
CSUB basketball tipped off their second full Division I season with a pair of tough losses at Wyoming and Air Force before coming home to upset pre season Big West favorite Cal State Northridge. Something about home openers brings out the best in CSUB. They won three straight before losing their next seven but bounced back to beat Cal Poly last week. They posted 4 wins before Christmas where last season they only had two. With a tougher schedule it's progress indeed.
Let's not forget the signing of Garces forward Stephon Carter, a major coup for CSUB since he turned down offers at schools like UNLV, and Fresno State among others. The Runners also announced plans to play UCLA in 2009 at Pauley Pavilion. Welcome to the big time.
It being an Olympic year we were treated with locals like Larsen Jenson winning a bronze in the 400 meter freestyle in Beijing while Taft native Billy Nelson came from behind in the Steaplechase at the US Olympic trials to land a spot in China. Friends and well-wishers for Billy came on the show to help raise money to send his family to Beijing to witness his performance first hand.
Sadly, Kern County's New Home to NASCAR half mile race track stalled because of mounting debt and construction liens. Brian Olsen, a former partner in the tracks development came in studio in December to set the record straight and give a little hope for the future of racing in Bakersfield.
It was a memorable year for Bakersfield sports and ESPN Radio 1230. I hope 2009 holds much of the same. Looking ahead we've got CSUB basketball playing at Stanford, CSUB baseball getting underway, the Condors possible playoff run, several Kern County athletes playing at the next level in whatever their sport of choice may be. It could be the final season for affiliated minor league baseball in town, but we won't let that go without a fight that's for sure. Home Turf also moves to three hours to keep you up to date on it all. See you in 2009 for sure!

Runners back in win column, other thoughts...

2008-12-24T01:45:00.000-08:00

First of all, congrats to Keith Brown and his CSUB Roadrunners for shaking off another close loss to Boise State on Saturday and bearing down to win a close one Tuesday night against Cal Ploy San Luis Obispo 66-64. Donovan Bragg hit a floater in the lane with 2 seconds to go to seal the win for CSUB who had led big in the second half but had to overcome a couple game ties late by the Mustangs to get the win. Bryan Emmanuel hit a big three to give the Runners to lead late, then took a charge to help CSUB get the momentum it needed for the win. Despite a game-tying three-pointer by Cal Poly with 11 seconds to go the Runners played it cool and get the game winner to go.
Big props to the team for digging this one out, guards were clutch tonight, big men had their hands full with the post play of Cal Poly but in the end the Runners enter the Christmas break with a 4-9 record, CSUB had only two wins at this point last year so job well done for sure. Portland comes to town on the 30th and I hope the team can keep the momentum rolling.
Onto other things, looking back on 2008, a big thank you to all listeners of ESPN Radio 1230 for making our first 9 months in operation a huge success. 'Home Turf' is going great, the show's moving to three hours, 3-6pm beginning on the January 5th, so don't forget to spread the word. All those sports fans you knew that wanted to listen to the show before but didn't get off work until 5 now have a chance to discover what they've been missing.
It's been a great 2008 thanks in part to the station which went on air as ESPN Radio 1230 in April. We're fine tuning some things but I think the new lineup with my show from 3-6p, Jake Stevens from 6-7p and The Herd with Colin Cowherd taking Jake's spot in the AM from 6-9 we're better than ever.
Had a great time this past year, took the show on the road a lot. Who can forget Chargers training camp with the likes of Antonio Gates, Quentin Jammer and of course Ladanian Tomlinson making live appearances? The Sea World show complete with a talking parrot, my RNC broadcasts with none other than Lynn Swann and my travels to the far reaches of the country with the show and CSUB basketball. It's been a great time.
Some of my highlights from this season include the above, as well as interviews with legendary boxing journalist Bert Sugar from HBO Sports. Herm Edwards from the Kansas City Chiefs along with Dick Jauron from the Bills and retired QB Steve Beurlein who all called in from the Lake Tahoe celebrity golf tournament this summer. Steve Garvey was the first big name to come on the show, a move that prompted the competition to scramble and do the same...nice move, would you like me to host your program too? Might as well I'm booking all your guests.
Got to play in the Athletes Against Autism golf tournament with former Houston Rockets guard and all around great guy Ed Ratleff. The tournament also got me interviews with former Dodger Jim Gott, retired pitcher Greg Swindell, Raiders legend Tom Flores and NHLers Olaff Kolzig and Byron Dafoe. I also was exposed to the great cause that is Autism Speaks, and I hope to continue to work with that charity in the future.
What a great 2008, I hope you'll help me make 2009 on Home Turf even better. I'll keep hustling, you keep listening. Deal? Let's do it.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh Sweet Bakersfield

2008-12-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

We did it. We returned. On a road trip that included a botched landing, strandings in two different cities, four different hotels, a couple flight delays and the storms of the century, we're back.
CSUB men's basketball landed in LA last night, we then promptly learned no road home was open, apart from going out of the way 7 hours to the coast, we were stuck. We decided to get hotel rooms and hang out for yet another night. I was looking forward to getting home, seeing the soon to be wife and the dog, but again I had to go with the flow as did everyone else.
After taking off this morning with plans to head to long way around, we learned shortly into our drive that interstate 5 had opened over the Grapevine and the next thing you know...we're home. I arrived at the radio station at 2:10, enough to get my show together for ESPN Radio 1230 and go on the air...oh the life.
Still haven't actually made it "home" yet. Funny I had the team drop me off at the station without my own vehicle. Was expecting the soon-to-be MRS to come and get me, but now she's stuck with a project at work...stranded again.

Another bad first half, another loss

2008-12-16T22:13:00.000-08:00

It was another effort similiar to that at CS Fullerton and this time it turned into a 86-65 loss Tuesday night for Cal State Bakersfield men's basketball at South Dakota State. Despite all the travel, the close calls and the possibility looming that CSUB could snap out of its recent funk, none of that mattered for the Runners who went down early in the loss to the Jackrabbits.
Give South Dakota State credit, they took it to CSUB from the get-go. Taking advantage of miscues and dominating the offensive glass en route to the 21-point win. CSUB was uninspired again tonight, letting mistakes get them down until the mistakes didn't matter anymore as SDSU pulled away early.
It was a better second half for the Runners but at this level if you don't play two halves of basketball, you're not going to win games. And I think the team is starting to understand that.
It's been a grueling emotional December for the squad, those two close losses and Pacific and UC Davis seemed to have taken the team outta stride. The offense isn't meshing, the defense is allowing opponents to shoot the ball over 50 percent and put a lot of points on the board, something the coaches are looking to address.
December is a perfect time to travel for the team, with the guys outta class but it also means a loss of practice time when so many games are thrown into a short period, add travel days into the mix and it's hard to get the team on the same page. Such is life as an Independent however, without a conference you take games at other teams' convenience. No time for excuses though, the team is back at work on Thursday getting ready for a solid Boise State squad coming into Rabobank on Saturday night.
Six of the next seven are at home, all quality opponents though and nothing is going to come easy.
In the overall picture, the team was 1-12 at this point last season so 3-8 doesn't look so bad, we're going in the right direction. I was reminded of a quote today by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr that fits this team to a T.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Well said sir. Well said.

Game Day...and more snow.

2008-12-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Woke up to another snowy morning here in Brookings, SD. The guys had shoot around at 1pm local time at the Frost Arena (I think it's named after a guy, not the stuff all over the ground). Needless to say it was a good workout. The snowy conditions may limit the attendance tonight which could level the playing field even more but then again this is nothing new to the Jackrabbit faithful. Head coach Keith Brown seems optimistic about tonight's matchup with South Dakota State.
Below is the video with Coach Brown's thoughts on tonight's game as well as this long road trip and what's to come in the next few games back at Rabobank Arena. Don't forget, game time tonight is 5pm in Bakersfield on our sister station KERN Newstalk 1410.
Vance Palm will be filling in for me today on 'Home Turf' from 3-5pm. I'll be checking in from the arena during pregame warm ups.

Travel Video

2008-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

First attempt with the new camera and editing software. Check it out, this was our journey and some of the scenery from Sioux Falls to Brookings, South Dakota.

Made it to Brookings!

2008-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

About 24 hours after our scheduled arrival the CSUB men's basketball team has made it to Brookings, South Dakota. It was about an hour long drive from Sioux Falls where flew into (twice) and stayed last night. The team had a 3pm film session and are currently resting awaiting practice this evening, their first after yesterday's travel drama.
Legend of our trip is already spreading around back home. Glad to hear everyone is concerned, I've received numerous calls and emails about our ordeal. The good news is we're all fine. Darn cold, but fine.
The sun has just gone down, which means the high of -11 will soon draw colder, it's currently -12 with the "feels like" factor putting it at -28...and yes that is Fahrenheit.
I can't really explain what that feels like, basically I was outside two hours ago in a heavy jacket but with just jeans on...my legs are just now coming too. I also ventured out of Bakersfield without my gloves and everytime my fingers get exposed, the tips go numb. I've never been in that kind of cold before.
Got the video editor all set up, just trying to get a new one uploaded. Will post it here when I do.

Update from road

2008-12-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Looks like we'll finally make it to Brookings, SD. Left around 1pm local time and its a clear cold day with the blowing snow no longer a factor. Hope you had a chance to view the videos from yesterday, they are on the post below. More to come this evening.
Point of interest, just passed the hometown of Laura Ingalls Wilder...if you don't know who I'm talking about, read a book once in awhile. I guess every state has to be known for something right?

Now that was a travel day (video below)

2008-12-15T00:45:00.001-08:00

It's nearly 3am Central Time and the CSUB Roadrunners have finally arrived in South Dakota, landing around 12:30 local time and making it to the hotel about an hour later. It was to say the least an adventure on the road and in the air today.
We knew it was going to be a long day when before departure at LAX we learned roads were already closed into Brookings, South Dakota where South Dakota State is located, forcing us to make plans to stay in Sioux Falls where we were scheduled to land around 8:30 local time. We did...for about 2.1 seconds.
Our initial flight to Sioux Falls from Minneapolis made a quick touchdown before the pilot pulled up and decided it was too windy to get the plane straight enough for a landing. Winds were clocked on the ground at 30-40 mph and blowing snow caused limited visibility on other runways. We were then sent back to Minneapolis for reorganizing.
We eventually, after a short wait that included information we wouldn't be getting out of Minnesota, got on a later flight to Sioux Falls.
With stomachs still in knots from the first ride to South Dakota, the team was needless to say a little worried about what the next flight had in store. It was an easier ride until landing time. The winds had died down and visibility was up but the landing was still interesting.
But we made it. Below are some videos from the Minneapolis terminal after our first failed landing in Sioux Falls. More to come tomorrow as we attempt to bus up to Brookings which was hammered by the recent storm.

Wow! What a trip...thus far.

2008-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

As it stands now the CSUB Roadrunners and myself are in minneapolis...again. After flying there from Los Angeles we boarded and flew to sioux Falls South Dakota where our pilot did a "touch and goal landing, deciding at the last minute the cross winds and blowing snow made it to dangerous to land, so we flew back to minneapolis.
Travel plans have changed numerous times today, we were supposed to fly into Sioux Falls and bus to Brookings but that changed when a blizzard blew in and closed the roads. We are planning to stay the night in Sioux Falls...if we get there.
Got some great video of the storm and of the players killing time in the airport. Hopefully post it tomorrow. More updates to come when available

Road trip starts with loss

2008-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Josh Akognon isn't the #5 ranked scorer in the country for nothing. He lit the Roadrunners up for 42 points last night en route to a 87-64 CS Fullerton victory here in Fullerton. It's the final leg of a long 5-game roadie for CSUB who has now lost five in a row.
Credit the Runners for fighting in the second half, actually outscoring Fullerton 39-35 with aggressive offensive play. Unfortunately its hard to find an answer for a guy who makes incredible shots from incredible distances. Keith Brown was happy with the second half effort and hopes after three straight uninspired halves of basketball, his guys will take this one on to South Dakota State.
Travel day today with the Runners heading to Brookings South Dakota. Weather is not supposed to be pleasent with high temps in a teens plus a little ice storm on the horizon. Hopefully everything goes as planned and we're on schedule. The team actually has an extra day than normal with the game not being played until Tuesday so should there be any hiccups with the travel plans it gives us plenty of time.
Check for updates from the road today. Pics and hopefully VIDEO...to come.

Best Teams Playing for BCS Title...

2008-12-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

To steal the words from the pre game ritual of the USC Trojans..."it's 'bout to get crazy in here." The BCS final tally placed #1 Oklahoma and #2 Florida in the national title game and I must be crazy for saying this but "the BCS got it right."
That's right, the me hater of all haters, the BCS-dislikin', playoff-wantin', clear-cut national title hopin', 20 bowl game-watchin' stooge that I am will admit it, OU and Florida are the best in the land.
I know the system for putting them in place is far from perfect, but look at the numbers and it's hard to disagree. These are the best two teams in the country heading into the bowl season. Oklahoma has won seven straight since that loss to Texas, putting up over 45 pts in each contest while beating four ranked teams in the process. The Sooners beat a total of five Top-25 teams this season, same as Florida. Texas, USC, Alabama and Texas Tech only defeated three. I gotta go with the teams that pushed the envelope this season, and came out on top 5 times.
As far as the Big 12 three-way tie argument goes, I have to consider it a wash. Texas beat Oklahoma, Texas Tech beat Texas and OU trounced Texas Tech. Had the beating not been so harsh by Oklahoma, maybe things would be different. I think Texas can thank their buddies in Lubbock for rolling over and making the Sooners look like a National Title contender again.
Florida is playing in a class of their own. While I could make a case for USC because their defense has allowed 10 or fewer points in 8 of their 9 games since the Oregon State loss, the Trojan offense has been a little under performing this season and definitely not at the level of Florida or Oklahoma as we speak.
I don't like our current system, the computer rankings are funny, the formula doesn't make any sense and what happens on the field doesn't always turn into rewards in the post season. I get all that, but I think we're fortunate this year to have the two best teams going head to head January 8th.
I told you..."it's 'bout to get crazy."

Two Close losses up North, ouch

2008-12-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between 3-5 and 5-3? Try 5 points. That's it. After taking on Big West foes Pacific and UC Davis this week up North the CSUB Roadrunners came out on the short end of things in the final minutes of both contests.
Honestly, Pacific was a win, check the video from Channel 29's Greg Kerr, Terrance Johns was called for a phantom travel on a rebound that would have secured the win. Instead Pacific was awarded OT and went on for the 67-63 win, sometimes you're just unlucky. Saturday was CSUB's best shooting performance of the season, as it was also the same story for UC Davis. Both teams exchanged shots and three pointers like a heavyweight fight, until eventually it was the Roadrunners breaking down at the end with missed free throws, and costly turnovers that opened the door for the Davis comeback. Ouch, sometimes it's the team that makes the final mistake that pays for it, and in this case it was the Runners.
So heading into Fresno State Wednesday CSUB is 3-5, the Bulldogs are coming off a last second win over Pacific on Saturday 64-62. Should be a great game, hopefully the Runners shooting continues to be hot, but the turnovers and mental breakdowns when the game's on the line go away. CSUB could be 5-3 right now heading into the Valley showdown, but no use crying over spilled milk, it's go time now with the Bulldogs.
For some reason the Fresno community dismisses last year's CSUB win as a fluke. We're going to their place this time. I hope CSUB makes it 2-0 to send a clear message to the fans up north...you're no longer alone at the D-I level, welcome to the rivalry.

Long week starts with loss for Runners

2008-12-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

It was a good San Diego team, a real good San Diego team, and the Roadrunners played with them for most of the game...most of the game. Hanging tough wasn't enough for CSUB Monday night as they lost the first of three games they're scheduled to play this week 77-65 to the WCC's San Diego Torreros.
Trent Blakely was on fire, hitting 10 of 11 from the field and a perfect 6-6 from beyond the arc en route to a career-high 26 points. Blakely hit three pointers like they were free throws and kept CSUB close for the majority of the game. A four point deficit at halftime grew to as much as a 15 point lead for the Torreros before all was said and done and CSUB's three-game winning streak came to an end.
It was a game the Runners could have won, or at least made very interesting at the end but a poor stretch of shooting by the Runners in the second half proved to be their doom when USD took advantage of mismatches to build their lead for good. It was a different team than CSUB beat last season, better with guard Brandon Johnson healthy and unwilling to miss many shots on a night when they sank over 60 percent. The Roadrunners were a better team as well, but just not good enough tonight.
But when you look back at this one, CSUB was competitive against a team that has logged wins over powerhouses like UConn, Kentucky and Gonzaga in recent memory. While a loss is still a loss, it was apparent the Runners are reaching that next level in their Division I transition.
It was the start of a long stretch for the Runners that heads out on the road Wednesday at Pacific. The Tigers are a team CSUB has lost to the last few seasons and they return to the Spanos Center in Stockton with a chance at getting one against the Tigers. They'll also see former D-II foe UC Davis on Saturday before heading to Fresno on December 10th for a rematch against the Bulldogs, we all know what happened last time. A trip to Fullerton next Saturday when leads into a long roadie at South Dakota State a few days after.
It's a busy month as a whole with some chances at more wins and some adversity no doubt along the way. Things are looking up despite the recent loss. It's gonna be an interesting December that's for sure.

Giving Thanks on The Turf

2008-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

Now that I've overstuffed myself once again on another fabulous Thanksgiving, I wanted to take time to post the obligatory 'Home Turf' Thankful list.
I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and I'm sure you have your list as well. As hard as times are right now when you look at the big picture, we're all doing pretty well.
I'll start with the show, the station and you the listeners. I'm thankful first of all to have this opportunity, I thank General Manager Roger Fessler for believing in my idea to change a struggling AM station into a sports powerhouse and for allowing me to be a part of it on the air. I thank owner Rogers Brandon for backing my plan as well, I hope I make both of them happy...and some money along the way.
I'm thankful for a great group of coworkers and employees at the station as well. The ESPN Radio 1230 as well as the 'Home Turf' crew are probably the best, most eclectic, energetic and fun group of people I've ever worked with. We're fortunate to have jobs that allow us to have a lot of fun, and we manage to accomplish that every day. I've likened to place to the infamous Delta House of Animal House fame, add a few togas and we're your sequel.
I'm thankful for a job that also allows me the honor of calling the play-by-play for Cal State Bakersfield, I'm excited to be a part of this historic Division I transition and for meeting some great people along the way. I'm Thankful for the Roadrunners and their staff, what a ride it's been so far, plenty more to come.
As I previously mentioned, we all have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. The economy may have things down for all of us a little bit, things might not be as good as they used to be, but if we all take the time to look around, take in our surroundings, our family, our friends, our support structure and more, I think we'd all pretty much agree we're lucky. Things could be better...but they could also be much worse. Take time to be Thankful this holiday weekend...you can thank me when the show returns on Monday.

Runners even record with Sac State win

2008-11-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

CSUB men's basketball improved to 2-2 Tuesday night with a 72-62 win over Sacramento State at Rabobank Arena. It was a gritty win for the Runners, having to rely heavily on their post play to counteract the post attack of Sac State who was dead set on scoring in the post. Not only did the Runners win the game, they managed to outscore the Hornets on the inside tonight as well.
When it comes to college basketball, it's key to have a team that knows how to finish a game. It was a trait that a very young inexperienced Runners team last year was unable to master, four games into this season CSUB has managed two solid finishes at home. Trailing late on Tuesday, CSUB went to the guys who've been through the battles before, Trent Blakely, Santwon Latunde and Donovan Bragg, each of whom provided a spark late to key the CSUB rally and victory.
When CSUB needed a big shot Tuesday, they got it. Providing the difference between a .500 record heading into Pepperdine Saturday and a losing one. This was a different Sac State team than the one the Runners beat by 15 last season. New coach, mostly all new players transferring from the Junior College level, and a new philosophy. It was also a new Roadrunners team, not in the same ways like Sac State, but in experience and fortitude.
Should be a good matchup Saturday with Pepperdine, a chance for CSUB to have a winning record in D-I play for the first time in their short transition history. Tuesday's win meant the first time the team has reached .500, and a post Thanksgiving win would be another huge step in this process...we'll see if the team has another gritty effort in them, they'll need it against their first West Coast Conference team of the season.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Roadrunners Shock Northridge!

2008-11-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

Cal State Bakersfield has done it again in a home opener. A year ago it was Fresno State falling to CSUB 65-64, this time it was Cal State Northridge, the preseason favorite to win the Big West Conference, falling 67-65 at Rabobank Arena. CSUB's Donovan Bragg provided the late heroics with a three-point play with 10.2 seconds remaining to put the Runners up for good. Northridge had a late chance to tie but as tends to happen with the D-I Runners, luck was on their side in home openers as Tremaine Townsend's layup struck the bottom of the rim providing CSUB with the rebound and the win.
"Oh my God it's happened again," was the only thing I could come up with to describe the win on tonight's broadcast. It was a big one for CSUB who was blown-out by the defending Big West co-champions last season by 16 points. Tonight it was CSUB getting the last laugh and securing the signature victory. I've seen this team play three games now, all three providing an amazing amount of improvement from the previous effort. Tonight was the same story, with better results.
With 22 seconds remaining and down by a point, CSUB got a steal and called timeout. I looked across the arena from our broadcast location and saw a fan stand up, mutter something to the people he was with and pointed at the scoreboard...65-64 was up on the big board at center court, the same score the Runners beat Fresno State by a year ago. Call it a sign but I knew something magical was about to happen...and it did. Donovan Bragg scored the final three of his 17 and CSUB put another feather in their Div. 1 cap.
The win over Northridge not only marks another step in the transition, it marks an indication that the Runners can compete at and above the level of the Big West conference. As CSUB tries to enter that conference, wins like this increase their chances and put the ball in the Conference's big wigs court to make that decision, and make it quickly. Two seasons in a row the Runners have defeated the defending champions, last season it was Long Beach State twice, this year it was the Mattadors.
There will be more opportunities this season with games against Fullerton, Pacific, UC Davis and UC Irvine. The win Friday makes CSUB 10-1 all-time at Rabobank Arena in home openers, the last time they lost was to Point Loma Nazarene in 2000. That night a young up and coming broadcaster named Corey Costelloe called the action for the Crusaders on campus station KPLR AM 620...glad to be on the other side now, witnessing a historic move to the highest level of college basketball, and being a part of the magic that is home-openers for CSUB. Go Runners indeed!

Back to Business

2008-11-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

Back from the first basketball trip. Took a couple days to catch up and now back to blogging business...

I wanted to take a few minutes to write about the hire of Don Wakamatsu, the new Manager of the Seattle Mariners. Many might not know that the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball spent a little time here in Bakersfield. Albeit as an opposing manager for the High Desert Mavericks, whom he guided to a second place Cal League finish in 1998 while snatching up manager of the year honors, it's still nice to know another piece of baseball history once yelled at umpires from the dugouts at Sam Lynn.
That aside, the big story behind Wakamatsu is his heritage. Being an Asian-American and the first to manage a Major League team is not only a big deal for history's sake, but for the Mariners as well. Hiring Wakamatsu was a good compliment to the huge Asian following the team already has thanks to Ichiro Suzuki, and it caters to the enormous Japanese fan base that calls Seattle home.
I suspect that Wakamatsu's Japanese heritage, his families history which included stints in interment camps in World War II was no doubt a factor in the Seattle front office decision making. Who wouldn't want a manager that looks like and has a name like a big chunk of the population you're trying to sell tickets to. Not saying this is a bad thing, actually it's a smart thing. Which franchise doesn't want to sell more tickets?
That being said, Wakamatsu is a good fit for Seattle. His time in the minors as a player and coach allow him the patience and expertise to deal with the young talent on the Mariners roster, while his name echoes of similarities of many Seattle fans.
I hope it was that experience and ability to win ball games that prompted Mariner management to hire this particular new skipper. After all, hiring a manager that looks like a big part of the Mariner fan base is all fine and dandy, but let's face it, if he can't win ball games, he might become a part of that fan base faster than Ichiro can say "sianora!"

Another loss, but effort much better

2008-11-16T20:30:00.000-08:00

CSUB lost for the second game in a row Sunday 70-62 to Air Force, a game that CSUB honestly should have had, despite shooting a mere 36 percent the Runners still managed to lead the game on 7 occasions. Unfortunately Air Force hit the right shots at the right times to give them the lead for good late in the second half.
On the bright side, Pat Carlson was as advertised, hitting 5 of 10 from three point range to lead the Runners with 21 points off the bench. The coaching staff had hoped he was going to provide a spark and he did, unfortunately too little production on the inside along with some easy missed shots in the paint forced CSUB to keep their game on the perimeter where the team shot just eight of 21. More production will definitely be needed Friday night as pre season Big West Conference champ favorite CS Northridge comes to town.
All in all the trip proved that the Runners are improving, even in a just a few days between games CSUB looked better, in a few weeks they'll learn to close out games like this and hit more shots to seal the "w". It's all in due time.
Team heading back Monday afternoon from Colorado. No practice is scheduled, the team will hit finals when they return. They've been studying on the road like crazy, even had a study hall tonight since the game got done so early. Once they take care of business in the classroom it's only a matter of time before they start doing so on the court.

Air Force practice

2008-11-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

The Runners went back to work Saturday after the 3 1/2 hour drive from Laramie, Wyoming to Colorado Springs, Colorado. A two-hour practice on the campus of Air Force allowed CSUB to work on the areas that left them vulnerable in Friday's loss and focus on what they need to do to beat Air Force. It wasn't an easy day before the game practice by any means, head coach Keith Brown challenged several players and got a solid effort from his guys in practice.
The Air Force Academy campus is the cleanest facility in America, I'm sure undisciplined cadets are punished with the work, but the place is beautiful and impressive. The athletics facilities included a hockey rink, several basketball training gyms, a workout gym that looked about an acre in size, even an area for fencing. The cadets definitely have the best to work with.
Below are some photos from Saturday's practice. More to come from the campus tomorrow.

Inside the practice facility at Air Force.

Junior Forward Trent Blakely

Pat Carlson tossing one up from downtown.

Justin Dennis from the outside.

Alex Johnson's 3-pt attempt.

In Colorado and Pics are up

2008-11-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

As promised, we're now in Colorado Springs to get ready for tomorrow's game against Air Force and I was finally able to post pictures from the Wyoming stay. Most of them are from Thursday's practice and a couple from today. Enjoy more to come from Colorado.

The Welcome sign at the Arena Auditorium in Laramie.

Chepe Lara at practice

Cory Brown with the jump hook

Assistant Coach Bryan Dignan

Donovan Bragg with the jumper.

Sophomore Guard Alex Johnson sneaks in a quick nap.

The Best part about Wyoming, Leaving!

Loss to Wyoming, still positives to be drawn

2008-11-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

Despite appearing ready for their first matchup of 2008-2009, the CSUB men's basketball team struggled against a more experienced and longer Wyoming squad losing 84-58. It wasn't the effort that doomed CSUB but the matchup, more athletic, longer players were too versatile for the Runners to handle. Mtn West officiating didn't help, especially in the first half when the Runners led by 6 before giving up a 13-point run led by 9 pts at the free throw line. Afam Muojeke was a troublesome match for the Runners tonight who scored all 13 of those points for the Cowboys in that stretch.
On a positive note, the Runners never gave up. Bright spots came from the play of Brian Emanuel, who in the first half limited Cowboys leading scorer Brandon Ewing to 2 points. Emanuel left the game in the second half after trying to save a ball out of bounds and crashed hard into a scoreboard light located on the wall near the Runners bench. Fortunately, despite breaking all the lamps inside, the sign didn't shatter and Emanuel was dealing with only a sore back. Hopefully he's ready to go Sunday.
The other positive is that CSUB doesn't have to wait a week to bounce back, they get their chance Sunday against Air Force, a team that matches up better with CSUB's strengths. Air Force won tonight over Northern Colorado, a D2 team that took them to the limit. Hopefully a 1-1 split on the trip is in the future for the Runners.
We'll leave tomorrow from Laramie and drive to Colorado Springs to get ready for Air Force Sunday. Hopefully the Runners 2-16 performance from 3-pt range was just a fluke. Air Force will give up looks from the outside with their style of play. Had the Runners hit half their open looks Friday night it would have been another story. But, chalk this one up to nerves, first time playing together or whatever and move on. CSUB will win a lot of games this season, just need to pull it all together, and I think that's coming sooner than later. Will update from the road Saturday. Hopefully post all the pics as well.

Game Day

2008-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

Apparently they didn't feed the buffalo enough that's in charge of turning the wheel that controls the internet in Laramie, Wyoming. Still no luck on the photos, will try again when we arrive in Colorado Springs tomorrow.
It's game day for the Runners, a team meal this morning, a good shoot around at 10:30 along with another film session make up their day. Everyone seems focused and confident for tonight's showdown with Wyoming.
Cowboys head coach Heath Scroyer apparently hasn't looked at the Runners roster this season or seen any film, he was quoted in the Laramie Boomerang this morning saying "CSUB is a small fast team without much of a post presence." Guess he didn't see the roster with the 6-8 280 Chepe Lara, 6-6 262 Santwon Latunde or the 5 others players over 200 lbs on CSUB's roster. Maybe he was remembering what the Runners had last season, if he's doing that, the Cowboys could be in trouble. This team has a completely different look than last season.
Runners are prepared and confident, lots of film study going into this one, lots of practice as well. Meetings have been productive as well with everyone on the same page. Head coach Keith Brown said it best in yesterday's film session, "We can't go out there and make these guys out to be heroes." Really trying to hammer home the fact that they have a chance with the experience the Runners bring into the game.
More updates after tip off. Check out the game on our sister station KERN Newstalk 1410 or listen to the streaming audio at www.kernradio.com

Practicing for Wyoming

2008-11-13T22:07:00.001-08:00

Having some trouble uploading pictures from today's practice. Will get them up as soon as possible. Honestly it was the best practice I have witnessed on travel day. Previously those practices are tough because of the travel grind, sometimes guys aren't as fresh as they could be, but today they were pumped up, into practice and on the same page. Some of the highlights included strong rebounding and putbacks by Ryan Brown, Donald Lee and Santwon Latunde. Guard play was strong as well from Donovan Bragg, Alex Johnson and Jonny Machado. Cory Brown and Chepe Lara looked strong as well in the post. The guys look ready to take on Wyoming tomorrow night.

Made it to Laramie

2008-11-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

Team just got into Laramie Wy, about an hour ago. Guys have decided to take some naps before an evening film session and practice. I think a nap sounds great too. Been a long day of travel for all of us. I will post photos from practice this evening and give you a sense of just how much they love their Wyoming Cowboys or "pokes" as they're referred to here in Laramie a bit later as well. Enjoy the show with Vance Palm filling in today, I'll check in towards the end.

Arrived in Denver

2008-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well we all made it to Denver, the first leg of the trip to Laramie to start the season. I'm updating now from our bus that's taking us the two hours north to Laramie, Wyoming.
They'll be a practice later this evening and I promise to post photos for you then. You'll get a kick out of the "arena auditorium" its a nice arena that's very "home friendly" and they remind you of that.
Just an FYI, a listener asked who was going to do my show in my absence. Vance Palm of the Bakersfield Jam will host today and I will host friday from my hotel in Laramie. Gotta love technology. More updates to come...

The Journey Begins...

2008-11-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

T Minus 12 hours from departure...Yes assistant coach Brian Dignan and I apparently drew the short straws on the first basketball trip of the season so we'll be departing out of Los Angeles at 6am, so do the math thats a 2:30am departure via Bakersfield. No big deal, we flew out of LAX so many times last season we started getting mail there.

Just went through the most interesting equipment check of the season. Engineer Jake and I were testing out the new mixer the station purchased for lighter travel when it started to smoke. Apparently the promotions staff didn't know you can't put C batteries in backwards, it tends to cause a meltdown. Tragedy averted, we were able to rescue the mixer before any serious damage was done. It's not the first time equipment used for CSUB has had smoking issues. Three seasons ago a stat monitor located in front of me at Rabobank Arena caught fire during the pre game show, since I was on the air I was limited to panicked gestures to Sports Information staff who promptly unplugged the now deceased piece of equipment.
Equipment issues aside I still have a lot of packing/organizing to do prior to departure tomorrow morning. Unfortunately the first trip of the season always catches you off guard, once it's out of the way things are right where they're supposed to be but the first trip always has me searching for items I need for the journey. Add in my recent house purchase and move and well it could be a long night.
Otherwise excited to start the season. Long trip covering two states in four days. First at Wyoming on Friday night and then at Air Force on Sunday afternoon. More details to come as we officially get underway tomorrow. The plan will be early flights out of Bakersfield for the team, they'll meet up with us in Denver where we'll Charter bus our way north to Laramie, Wyo. More updates to come...

More Changes Needed in Chase

2008-11-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

I'm all for NASCAR's Chase for the Nextel Cup format. I was in attendance in 2003 when Matt Kenseth won his only race of the year at Las Vegas before winning the then Winston Cup. Despite being Mr Consistency all season, Kenseth's title run was marked with an asterisk by the NASCAR elite who realized they quickly needed a fix to keep NASCAR competitive in the fall months when NFL football consumed the televisions of the American public.
So the Chase format was born, and has since been reborn on a couple of occasions, including the expansion this season from 1o to 12 drivers. But since the Chase was adopted in 2004, only Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart have been able to win a Cup, with Jimmie Johnson now poised to win his 3rd straight. Now I don't want to penalize domination, matter of fact I applaud it. NASCAR adopted this "playoff" system and now just like any other sport, some teams are coming to play when the postseason rolls around, and Johnson's #48 team is such a group. But I think changes are once again needed.
The Chase started with plenty of drama when Kyle Busch who dominated all season was eliminated from contention early with several poor finishes, but one man's misfortune was another's jackpot. Enter Jimmie Johnson who won again on Sunday and needs to finish only 36th or better next week in the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway to join Cale Yarborough (1976-78) as the only drivers in NASCAR history to win three straight titles.
36th or better huh? Bakersfield's Casey Mears occupied that spot Sunday at Phoenix and only completed 278 of the 313 laps before an accident ended his day. If another accident or series of misfortunes ends the days of 7 drivers early this weekend at Miami, Johnson could throw the #48 in reverse and win his third straight Cup.
10 races in the Chase are simply too many. Give me five or six, cut down the cookie-cutter mile-and-a-half ovals and throw in the Talladega's, the Bristol's, Phoenix' and any other track that requires keen setups and a driving ability. I also want the Chase reduced to 10 drivers once again, even 5 would make things more interesting. NASCAR is worried that if the stars that sell the most at the souvenir stand don't make the Chase, then folks won't watch. Well, all those drivers made it this year and I still don't see America turning off the NFL for racing action. With fewer drivers and fewer tracks, the competition will be fiercer, allowing some drivers to make mistakes without the risk of losing ground, and placing a bigger incentive on Chase wins and strong finishes. It also won't allow even the most dominating driver the cushion to have the Cup wrapped up before "Championship Weekend," at Homestead-Miami.
The economy is turning the gold mine that was once NASCAR into a gravel pit. Fewer sponsors and fewer dollars demand a scale back. But done correctly a scale-back can be a move forward, and maybe even provide that valuable dent in the TV audience dedicated to football on Sundays.

One Week and Counting!

2008-11-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

We're one week away people from the start of the 2008-2009 CSUB Basketball season. I'm sorry but this is the most exciting time of year for me. I get to travel and see the country, see the highest level of college basketball and get paid for it all. It's really a nice gig.
The season opens next Friday 11/14 at the University of Wyoming and at Air Force on Sunday the 16th. It will be the Runners second trip to Wyoming, a long journey that consists of flights to Denver and a long bus trip through the Great Plains to Laramie, Wyoming at over a mile high of elevation, tough place to breath let alone play basketball.
Ready to get started though, expecting a strong year out of this club. Got a chance to meet them all Wednesday night at the Tip-Off Dinner. Great event, over $36,000 raised for exhausted eligibility scholarships, meaning the program is taking extra care to make sure the players finish their degrees after finishing their eligibility on the court. Some schools haven't made that a priority and continue to suffer the consequences from the NCAA. Cal State Bakersfield may be new to Division I but they're not dumb, deciding to stay off the bad side of the NCAA and its authorities.
Hope you will support this team this season. Get tickets to every game and enjoy the product for what it is, Division I college basketball right here in Bakersfield. Four teams that you probably circled in your brackets last year during the tournament will be here right in front of your eyes, and let me tell you, I think we have a chance to upset some of them.
I'll continue the countdown and keep you posted on the latest. The blog will also become a travel log of sorts on our journey's this season. Can't wait to bring you the real CSUB Basketball experience.

History Made!

2008-11-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

History was made Tuesday, November 4th...no Barack Obama's election didn't have anything to do with it. No Tuesday ESPN Radio 1230 listeners learned first, that Cal State Bakersfield has inked a deal to play UCLA in men's basketball next season at Pauley Pavillion. The date for the matchup has been set for Friday November 2oth, a game that is expected to be televised regionally and with the Bruins, who knows, nationally?
It will mark the first meeting between the two schools in men's basketball, CSUB will be into their third and final season of NCAA Division I transition while UCLA by then may very well be coming off their 4th NCAA Final Four appearance and maybe even a National Title.
While the UCLA game is big for CSUB in terms of status, by then Pac 10 foes will be nothing new to the Runner. Remember CSUB faced Oregon State last season and will see the Beavers again this season in Corvallis, they will also face Stanford in February in Palo Alto. UCLA is no doubt one of the premiere programs in college basketball, but I don't think the Bruins will have much of an intimidation advantage over CSUB, by then the Bruins will be just another opponent on a tougher schedule in their quest towards Division I status. Remember a good chunk of CSUB's team will be juniors then, with two seasons of experience playing together. This may be the first measuring stick of a program who develops their players all four years against the program that loses a good chunk of their players to the NBA early.
While I can't wait for that date at Pauley next season, I'm just as much looking forward to next week, seeing the Runners in action against Wyoming and Air Force. Should be a productive trip and a great start to 2008-2009.

BCS Reaction November Edition

2008-11-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but I can't get on board nor can I let the latest version of the BCS rankings go unnoticed. As you heard on the show today, myself along with callers are wondering why USC slipped two spots in the latest standings after blowing out a hapless Washington team. Last week the Trojans looked terrible against Arizona, and they didn't move up or down, but this week they win and they lose ground in the National Title chase...what the ^%$#
I understand Florida won a big game over Georgia, but let's be honest, the Bulldogs have been overrated since being crowned preseason #1. The biggest accomplishment they have all season is deciding to wear black uniforms at home, a move that led to another Bulldog ass kicking. Florida also lost to Mississippi, who in my book is no better that the Oregon State Beavers who beat USC and will probably win eight games this season, more than Ole Miss for sure.
I know it may never happen in this lifetime, but the game of college football is ready for a playoff system. I think the California Community College model works best, playoffs for the top eight teams with the first rounds being Bowl games, that way the sponsors get their run as bowl contributors and the fans get what we want, a true #1 without relying on computers and polls, biases and old grudges.
I'm ready for college football to give me more excitement than the Superbowl...hence the key word "bowl." It can happen, we can all be happy.

Nelson's Extension Gives Life to Jam

2008-10-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

The Golden State Warriors have rewarded head coach Don Nelson with a two year contract extension, setting the coach up for an opportunity to not only set a record for wins with the Warriors but also setting up their NBA D-League affiliate with three more seasons of top-round draft picks for development.
Although the Jam are also affiliated with the Orlando Magic and have also been affiliated with the Sacramento Kings during their short history here in Bakersfield, the Warriors have by far been the most productive and supportive of the D-League structure, and the major reason for that is Warriors head coach Don Nelson.
Nelson has an old-school approach of not playing rookies in the NBA. With more and more young players entering the league, Nelson has taken full advantage of the D-League and the Jam to help get those players valuable playing time and NBA experience. Patrick O'Bryant, a top draft pick from a few seasons ago spent a lot of time here in Bakersfield as well as Golden State, he know plays for the defending world champion Boston Celtics.
The Jam have been fortunate to receive the big name picks to suit up here in Bakersfield, taking advantage of their skills to help the franchise while doing their part in developing those players into NBA capable players. The Jam can thank Don Nelson for his contributions the past few seasons. Although it was believed this was going to be his last season with Golden State, the news of the contract extension is good for the D League and the Jam.
This season Bakersfield is looking forward to possibly seeing four of those picks this season, Demarcus Nelson from Duke, Anthony Randolph of LSU, Anthony Morrow from Georgia Tech and Richard Hendrix from Alabama. With the youth of the Warriors, their finish this season could mean more top draft picks in the years to come and more future Jam players for the folks of Bakersfield to check out on their way to the NBA. While Nelson's extension gives the Warriors a chance to build their franchise around a solid head coach, while it gives the Jam peace of mind that their pipeline to NBA talent and big name players will not end anytime soon.

.500 Season Within Sight for CSUB

2008-10-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

In just their second season of playing a full NCAA Division I schedule Cal State Bakersfield Volleyball is within four games of securing a .500 record for the season. With nine games remaining four more wins will not only give this team a .500 record or better, but give the University it's first .500 finishing record in any sport during this Division I transition period.
While a .500 season for most programs might not be anything to write home about, the Runners reaching this milestone in just their second full Division I season is nothing short of tremendous. Currently sitting at 13-10 after a win over fellow NCAA Independent Seattle University on the road, CSUB is looking history in the face. Just one year ago this team was 5-17 and showing the pains of making the transition from Division II contender to Division I whipping post. Now a season later the same team is showing that CSUB's time as a whipping post was short lived, winning big-time games over Pacific, Fresno State, and head coach John Price's former school Cal State Northridge.
The volleyball squad's performance is an early indicator of the entire transition process at CSUB. Nobody thought becoming a Division I athletic program would be easy, especially after years of domination and numerous National Championships at the D II level, but it looks like the bumps and bruises may be far less harmful than originally thought. If the volleyball squad can accomplish this milestone, the Runners will be on their way to success at the Division I level.
It's already becoming apparent that CSUB's presence at the Division I level is getting noticed. More teams with national recognition are calling for games, while others are opting out. I guess losing to a Division I transitional squad doesn't sit well with some programs that think they should win games against CSUB. From volleyball to basketball, soccer to the newly formed baseball team, this program is starting to not only win, but carry themselves like winners at the Division I level.
While a .500 record in volleyball might not get the attention it deserves, the legend of this possible accomplishment will ring throughout the halls of Roadrunner athletic history as the first of many winning teams. As the years roll on and this program continues to chalk up wins, land big time recruits and eventually fill the trophy case at the Icardo Center with Division I hardware, we might be looking back at this 2008 volleyball squad with not only pride, but a great deal of thanks for showing us the way.

Carter's signing the first of many to come

2008-10-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Garces senior forward Stephon Carter made it official Thursday: The CSUB Roadrunners are a recruiting threat to be reckoned with. While some find this announcement that the two time Cal Hi preps All-State team member will be staying in Bakersfield next season to play for his hometown Runners, others of us close to the program react with this; "I told you so."
It was only a matter of time before a top Division I local recruit made the call that Stephon did. Weighed his options, looked at other schools and then looked at the program in southwest Bakersfield and said "this feels right." CSUB has already started landing major community college prospects, Jose "Chepe" Lara along with James Albright, both from nearby College of the Sequoias as well as Terrance Johns, the Bakersfield College transfer who two years ago made similar statements that Carter made Thursday, "he wanted to stay close to his support group," and suit up for the 'Runners.
Now it's tine for local high school kids to do the same. When it comes time to make that choice, when the Pac 10 offer is on the table, that CSUB offer will most likely be nearby. There's no formula that makes the bigger teams in Division I basketball better recruiters, their reputations usually proceed them, CSUB is building such a reputation as well, and Stephon Carter's signing is proof of that. But reputations at the Division I level are based on one thing and one thing alone, winning, and that's what the Roadrunners will do in 2008-2009.
With a solid core of your returners as well as previously spoken on transfers, redshirts as well as true freshman, this team is poised to make a decent run this season, a run that will help the recruiting process down the road. There's nothing more alluring to a recruit than knowing he'll be allowed to play on the biggest stage against the best competition, and although CSUB is currently an independent with no conference affiliation, their schedule reads like a lot of top 25 teams in the country. From the Pac 10 to the Big West, the Mt West to the WAC, the WCC to Conference USA, the Roadrunners will face competition from both this season, building that all-important reputation along the way.
Carter's commitment on Thursday was big for this young Division I basketball program, somebody had to be the first, and Carter fits the mold perfectly. He's goal-oriented, level-headed and most importantly excited about what he can do for CSUB and what CSUB can do for college basketball.

Reaction to Jose Canseco's "Last Shot" on A&E

2008-10-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jose Canseco's "Last Shot" aired on A&E this week, a short documentary about the man known as "The Godfather of Steroids," in Major League Baseball and his quest to kick the 'roids after over 20 years of use.

First segment reaction:
Canseco spends a good amount of time recollecting the events that led him to become an elite player in baseball and how steroids helped that cause. Fast forward to the present and that man is gone. All is left is an broke, aging, slow-pitch coed softball player who's been reduced to playing on the municipal diamonds of Fullerton, just nine miles from Angels Stadium where he once roamed the outfield during his 16 year career with 7 different teams. I can't imagine a fall from grace like that. Slow pitch softball? Don't get me wrong, I love the game, but I'm ME, he's played in all the great ballparks in America, and a shabby muni field is as close to the action the first player ever to hit 40 homeruns and steal 40 bases in one season can get. He's ready to kick the 'roids...fade to commercial.

Second Segment reaction:
I respect Canseco's decision to try and quit steroids after 25 years on the stuff, I think this is mostly coming from his girlfriend however who has laid down the "roids or me" ultimatum. At this point in his life I don't think Canseco can afford to lose anything else, especially a stable girlfriend. Canseco also takes the camera crew on a tour of his foreclosed multi million dollar home, he goes into the backyard that was once something out of the movies, now and algae filled pool is all that's left. It's as if Julius Cesar were still alive and he was looking over the ruins of the fallen Roman Empire, you can't help but feel sorry for the man, but then again, this was all self-inflicted. I wonder how someone who made of 43 million dollars in his career can now be foreclosed upon, living check-to-check with no stable form of income. Several divorces and bad investments later and the man who I idolized growing up, is worth less than I am, unbelievable.
Third Segment Reaction
Canseco's home life is jacked up. He's a father to one daughter Josie from a previous marriage, but refuses to be a father figure to his live-in girlfriend's seven-year old because of guilt. Canseco claims he doesn't see his daughter enough so he doesn't want to have a relationship with another child because it makes his think of his kid. What? I know this guy has a few neutrons missing because of drug abuse but come on, seriously? I don't think I would be able to imagine a more selfish and dastardly position. Why his girlfriend hasn't left him is beyond me, I think she knows he's in a fragile state and leaving would only make it worse, but he needs help outside of steroids, he's got emotional scars that are adding to the baggage, and it starts with his family. I respect the fact that he loves his real daughter so much, but how about spreading the love a little, I think it's one thing that might help him through this difficult journey.
Fourth Segment Reaction:
That didn't take long, his girlfriend and he have split up, he prepaid a years rent on his third residence in the last 5 months. He returns to baseball to watch the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League, a team he played for but didn't finish his contract. He can't get tickets to a big league game because he's not welcome so he goes to watch the Armada where fans line up to take pictures and get his autograph, but the team serves him with papers. Can this dude's life get any more messed up? Just when things are looking up, he gets sued again. In Jose's words "I can do no right." You just said a mouthful.
Fifth segment reaction:
"This is the worst time of my life," says Canseco as the documentary winds down. "But I believe I can beat it, but I've got to fight." Say what you want about Jose Canseco, and Lord knows I have, I can't help admire the hell out of the guy for sticking it out. He points out that all his life he's fought against the odds, granted he took a few shortcuts along the way, shortcuts he's still feeling the effects of, but I admire his willingness to move forward, it's all any of us can do. The mention of his recent detention by federal authorities at the Mexican border for possessing an drug to restore testosterone without a prescription, is mentioned at the end of the piece. Just one more thing he has to deal with. Without a job, without his livelihood (baseball), without any real money to speak of, he's digging in one more time in the proverbial batters box, and staring down one more pitcher, no doubt another curve ball is on the way.

Welcome To My Blog

2008-10-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

So this is it. The official blog of "Home Turf" on ESPN Radio 1230. It's kind of nice to also be able to share my thoughts on the web as well as on the air. I started as a sports writer before making the jump to radio years ago so its good to be published in some form again. I'll update this bad boy several times a week to help expand on some of the ideas shared on the show. Your comments are always welcome and I will hit the biggest topics both locally and nationally on a regular basis and take suggestions from you the listeners of the show and readers of this blog. Enjoy.

Corey Costelloe