Shawn Stumbles, Cy-onara, Stormy Ending

(Chris)


Shawn Johnson returned to competition for the first time in three years, Saturday --- and the rust was apparent. She nearly fell flat on her face while dismounting from the bars, and moments later, fell off the balance beam. Shawn finished 11th, and 16th, on the bars and beam, respectively. I can't say it's too surprising considering she took two fulls years off after her amazing performance in Beijing. Not only was she not competing, she wasn't training at all. Next month the competition is for real at the Visa Championships.

The Cy-Hawk trophy is no more --- hallelujah! Iowa and ISU have decided to retire the 35-year-old trophy. I'd like to think it's because it the schools knew they couldn't continue to play for the ugliest trophy in college football, but the real reason is likely $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. This has a sponsorship written all over it. I expect the Hawks and Cyclones to be playing for the Iowa Corn Trophy beginning this September. Iowa sports information says that the old trophy will be put on display in a prominent place in our state. If they know what's best for them, they'll throw it off the top of the Principal Building.


We got our first up-close-and-personal look at the new scoreboard at Jack Trice Stadium, tonight. The board wasn't operational for the high school Shrine Game, Saturday night, but it looked great. I was worried it would be so big, it would look out of place. I can't wait to see it in action, September 3rd against UNI.

It was a fitting end to the 2011 season for the Barnstormers. Iowa held a 4th quarter lead with under 1:00 to play, but a late score sent the Stormers to their 13th loss of the season. I'm not sure if J.T. Smith did enough to secure the head coaching position for next season.

I ran into Brad Banks before the game. He was held out of the final two games with a hand injury. I got the sense that he wasn't hurt as bad as his air-cast made it seem. When I asked him if he would be ready to try out for a team when the NFL lockout ends, and big grin came to his face. Banks said he thinks his hand/wrist will recover very quickly.

Diante Garrett was expecting to hear his name called in the NBA draft, instead he will hear his name called by some P.A. announcer with a Croatian accent. Garrett has signed on with KK Zagreb in Croatia. Garrett said on his Twitter page that he needed the money. This doesn't mean he won't eventually end up in the NBA, but with the lockout threatening to wipe out the 2011-12 season, this was the smart choice.

Keith is gone, this week, so I'll be with Andy for SoundOFF. I hope Fales wears his new plaid sports jacket. He likes it so much, he was wearing it while vacuuming his house last week.