Getting Your Preak On, Scratch Harass, Big 12 Wakes Up

• Andy Fales is in Baltimore "getting his Preak on". That's their slogan, not mine. It's meant to attract people back to the Preakness after not allowing fans to bring their own alcohol last year caused a huge attendance drop. This year, they're offering fans on the infield all they can drink for $20. This could be the next place we see a Taser used.
• Andy reports Iowa owned Paddy O'Prado looked the best in workouts. Then again I used to play with a guy in high school who never missed a shot at practice. Not sure he ever made one in a game.
• Famous race track announcer blooper, "Don't forget to scratch Harass".
• Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe finally shows some fight. Beebe told WHB radio in KC that Big 12 schools need to remember how strong the conference is in football. Beebe says he's ready to find out who's in, and who's out. Well, if Missouri has the chance to join the Big Ten, it's obvious Missouri is out, (of the Big 12) probably Nebraska too. Beebe and the Big 12 are playing catch-up after being asleep at the wheel. The Big Ten is acting, Big 12 reacting.
• NFL fans and writers just don't care about PEDs. Brian Cushing tests positive for a drug that masks steroid use, the AP asks for a re-vote of Cushing's defensive rookie of the year award, and he wins again. In baseball, no way that happens. Cushing denies cheating, but don't they all. He can't explain how the drug got in his system.
• Roller derby is blowing up again. I feel like I'm back in the 70's. I'll have to check it out.

Dr. J's Famous House Call, Red Socks on Red Sox, Booing Starlin Castro

• It's the 30th anniversary of Dr. J's mind-blowing up-and-under move in game 4 of the NBA finals. The Lakers went on to beat the 76ers in the series,  but let's not forget, the Doctor made many of the moves before Air Jordan did.
• The Atlanta Hawks should be ashamed of themselves. Our dog who sleeps 22 hours a day thinks the Hawks showed no effort.
• In the best quarterfinal series, I look forward to Cavs-Celtics 5. LeBron says he'll D-up Rajon Rondo on occasion. No one could stop Rondo in game 4.
• Props to Boston's Dustin Pedroia. At least one Red Sox player actually shows red socks. Enough with the stupid pajama bottoms.
• Ken Griffey Jr. needs to stay out of the locker room during games, and naps are definitely out of bounds, but you can't cut the greatest player in Mariners history. Fine him, talk him into "retiring", but you can't cut him---even with his .208 average.
• Didn't take Cubs fans long to boo Starlin Castro, but his effort going after the ball following his third error was inexcusable, and allowed the Marlins an extra base.
• I love Jamie Moyer pitching a shutout at age 47. Anytime an active player is still getting it done, and he's older than me, I feel I've got some game left somewhere. Once all players are younger, it will be harder for me to kid myself.
• USA Today has a front page story on I-Cubs manager Ryne Sandberg and the people who were named after him in the 80's. Here's another: Chris Ryne Hassel.
• I need more info, but at first blush, I like the AP re-opening the vote for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after Brian Cushing tested positive for performance enhancers.
• UNI has called a news conference for Thursday at noon. Our friends at KWWL report Hawkeye assistant Doug Schwab will be announced as the next Panther wrestling coach.
• The one recreational sport that's recession proof: hunting. Sales are up 22%. Hard hit sports include water skiing -20%, snow skiing -12%, and golf -11%.
• I watched episode 9 of the Pacific on HBO last night. It was the hardest to watch yet. Brilliant, but joyless---which I'm sure is the point. Band of Brothers had more humor and male-bonding. Pacific makes the point, war is hell, and makes it as well as any production ever. Relentlessly.

What the Crap, Ed?! Upstaged on Mother's Day, Bono turns 50.

• Andy Fales has a new favorite athlete. Paddy O'Prado. Andy's following Paddy like Shawn Terrell follows Pearl Jam. Next stop: The Preakness Stakes (for Andy and Paddy, not Shawn and PJ).  I don't think the Preakness is even on Andy's bucket list, but after the great job he and photojournalist James Searls did at the Kentucky Derby, they were bound to get another assignment. Also headed to Baltimore, one of the country's premier writers on horse racing, Dan Johnson of the Des Moines Register. Not heading to Baltimore, a World Series.
• Greg McDermott went right to work on discipline. McD booted P'Allen Stinnett off the Creighton team. No surprise. Hopefully, P'Allen calls Mike Taylor and learns it can be a good thing.
• What the crap, Ed?! More yucky weather. The I-Cubs game Monday is rained out. Cubs don't return home until May 20th. Hopefully it will be at least 60 degrees by then.
• What a Mother's Day moment from Dallas Braden! The A's pitcher tosses a no-hitter in front of the grandmother who raised him after his mother died of cancer. Just awesome. Braden did it against a good team too, the Rays.
• I bought my mom that huge Oprah book by Kitty Kelly, and a chick flick DVD, "Definitely, Maybe". I was completely upstaged. My wife gave my mom one of her paintings, and this one should be titled "immediately forgetting Oprah book and whatever that DVD is called". It is a sweet painting.
• Is the Yankees-Red Sox game over yet? I had to go to bed at 2 a.m.
• A-Rod tied Frank Robinson for 7th on the all-time home run list with 586. Of all the many ways I despise what steroids have done to baseball, nothing makes me sadder, or madder, than a guy like A-Rod cheating his way to a once hallowed number like 586.
• Good to see West Des Moines' Tim McClelland run Yankees manager Joe Girardi. No additional comment. I just like seeing the Yankees manager tossed.
• You knew it was only a matter of time before the tasing went too far. Now a drunk fan is tased for heckling Tiger Woods? Giving Tiger an earful and running on the field (or course) are not the same thing. 
• Are you buying Tiger's neck injury? I don't doubt he's in pain---physical and emotional---but if Tiger were in contention, there is ZERO percent chance he withdraws. Suddenly passing Jack's 18 majors doesn't look like a lock. Tiger just isn't intimidating any longer.
• I'm getting into these NBA playoffs. Sunday was another great day. Rajon Rondo completely outplays LeBron James, a guy whose elbow only seems to be a problem when he's playing poorly. Over in San Antonio, the Suns swept away the Spurs, and the great Steve Nash looked like Rocky Balboa before Rock said, "You gotta cut me, Mick."
• Should newspapers cheerlead? The NY Daily News has a column aimed at LeBron and why he should sign with the Knicks.
•  Sunday night on SoundOFF, the 'Who's In Your 5" featured my favorite superheroes. At #3, I listed Superman. Our wonderful graphics artist, Jennifer Allison, who does an amazing job, used a picture of the late Christopher Reeve as Superman. We immediately received a fun email from Brandon Routh's parents asking why we didn't use the local guy. Love it.
• Our big ol' family went to Honey Creek Resort on Rathbun Lake for a couple days. We had a great time, as we always do, but this time there was something different: people! It was sold out, and when we tried to book a cabin for a week in the summer, those were full too. I'm really happy to see the place doing well. It's received some bad pub, and we've always had a positive experience with really nice local people working hard.
• At a cancer fundraiser Saturday night, the city of Albia presented me with a big petition to bring RVTV to the beautiful town square. Andy and I think it's time to retire RVTV, but if we're talked into it, Albia would be a perfect place to stop.
• I'm not sure why the Barnstormers don't have the buzz they did the past two years, but back-to-back crowds of 8,000 confirms it. It's surprising since the Stormers stepped up to a better league, and this week entered with a two game winning streak on a Saturday night with cold weather. I hope the crowds return with the warmer weather.
• It's not uncommon for refs to talk to soccer players about not playing dead to sell a penalty, but recently in Croatia, a player drew a yellow card for playing dead, and he was... dead. Heart attack.
• Bono is 50?! The man remains cool, and more relevant than ever. Justin Bieber, you have 36 years to keep up. Good luck.
• All weekend, I continued getting feedback on when it's appropriate for a grown man to wear a sports jersey. Lot of passion on this topic.

Perfecto, Ryno, O'Prado, Oh No

(Chris)

From no-name, to perfect game. Some dude with two first names threw the 19th no-hitter in Major League history, Sunday. Dallas Braden (or is it Braden Dallas?), had a career record of 16-23 when he took the mound against Rays who, right now, are the best team in baseball. A's fans will never forget him...all 72 of them.

The I-Cubs haven't played many perfect games this season. I've been to at least 10 of them and I'm usually lucky to see one run. Today, I was able to see three...in one inning! That's an offensive explosion for a team that's been struggling with the bats all season. Ryne Sandberg told us he hopes this is finally the end of the slump.

I was surprised to see all the empty seats in the lower bowl of Wells Fargo Arena at Saturday night's Barnstormers game. The announced crowd was just over 8,000, but I think the new AFL franchise wants to be doing a little better. Last year, they averaged 9,500, a game. And, after that 12,000-fan showing on opening night, I thought they'd be drawing no less than 9-10k a game. I was thinking, and hoping, there would be more 'buzz' surrounding the team.

I'm happy to see Paddy O'Prado will be given the chance to run at the 'Preakness', this Saturday, in Baltimore. The race is about a tenth of a mile shorter than the Kentucky Derby. As you may remember, Paddy faded fast on the final stretch, costing him a second-place finish. Perhaps the 1-3/16th mile track at Pimlico will be more to his liking. You can watch the race on Channel 13.

Tiger Woods picked up his ball, and went home. Some would say he 'quit'. Tiger says he left due to neck pain. He believes he might have a bulging disk (or disc). Not to be confused with a bulging...well...just listen for yourself:  http://www.tmz.com/2010/05/09/tiger-woods-tpc-players-championship-golf-bulging-disc-video/   It was inevitable.

I'm supposed to play in the Principal Charity Classic media event at Glen Oaks CC, Monday. The weather report calls for 47 degree temps, rain showers, and sustained 20 mph winds. I've already told myself I'm not going to cancel. I just hope, if the weather holds true, the fine folks at Glen Oaks cancel it for us. Insert Keith's "What the crap, Ed?!", here.

Saturday, May 8th 2010

The Barnstormers can't seem to sustain any momentum.  After two straight wins, the 'Stormer came home to face 1-3 Cleveland, but turnovers hamstrung the team.  What's more disconcerting, the crowd was pretty sparse by 'Stormer standards.  Officially, eight thousand and change showed up, but actually attendance was much lower.

Paddy O'Prado has a change of heart regarding The Preakness.  Paddy was originally going to skip the race, but now tells me (via a horse whisperer) that he plans to run at Pimlico.  Andy Fales is already angling for a trip to Baltimore.

There a running joke among I-Cubs staffers that anytime the weather takes a turn for the worse, the team must be returning from a road trip.  Another fine example of that this weekend.  I'm supposed to go to Principal Park (as a fan) tomorrow, but I'm strongly reconsidering.  Baseball isn't much fun to watch in person when there's a wind chill advisory.

Shawn

McCaffery Undefeated at Iowa, Teri Hatcher Spectacular, Middle-Aged Men in Jerseys

• Fran McCaffery has fired up Hawkeye fans more in three months than Todd Lickliter did in three years. Des Moines County I-Club fans gave McCaffery several standing ovations at their event Thursday night, and most hadn't heard of McCaffery before March. It was a record crowd, which again proves how hungry Hawk fans are to see some winning. McCaffery pushed all the right buttons, including saying Iowa won't play slow, which is another way of saying Iowa won't play Lickliter-style. All told, the night proved Iowa A.D. Gary Barta was right to make a change. Fans pay the bills.
• Who is the all-time NFL draft bust? Overall #1 Jamarcus Russell belongs in the conversation. Oakland ignored the buzz on Russell, that he was lazy and disinterested, and bet their immediate future on him. Well, he turned out to be lazy and disinterested. The constantly overweight and underprepared Russelly won seven games in 3 years, which means the Raiders paid more than $5 million per win. Bust.
• The Yankees and Red Sox resume the best rivalry in sports this weekend at glorious Fenway Park... but can they please SPEED UP! Good gosh, each pitch now takes longer than an at-bat used to. The games all push the four hour mark. That's too much, and they're losing the kids. The batter does not need to step out of the box and re-adjust his gloves, body armor, and cup every single pitch.
• The umpire ejected Ryne Sandberg for arguing balls and strikes Thursday night. Good job, Ryno. It's good to see that fire. The way the I-Cubs are playing, it won't be the last time Ryno's run. The Cubs return to Des Moines this weekend, but Ed says you may need a space heater and blanket at Principal Park. Always allow for a 10 degree drop on the river.
• Should off the field behavior cost you the Hall-of-Fame? Would you eject OJ and LT? I say no. Players are elected for what they did on the field, and their behavior while they represented the league. I've even flipped on Pete Rose over the years. I think it's time he was put in the Hall as a player, though I agree with Bob Costas: the plaque needs to tell how Rose was banned from baseball for gambling while managing the Reds.
• Teri Hatcher will play in this year's Principal Charity Classic. Line of the day goes to Today in Iowa anchor, Pat Dix: "Her swing is real, and it's spectacular". (Seinfeld fans feel me.) The Pro-Am is June 2nd at Glen Oaks in West Des Moines.
• Here's my ranking of the Pro-Am celebrities, the ones I remember, over the years in order of my personal "wow" reaction: 1) Michael J. Fox, icon. 2) Ron Livingston, an upset at #2, but when you've been in both Office Space and Band of Brothers, you're the man. 3) Rob Lowe, West Wing and About Last Night. 4) Teri Hatcher, Seinfeld guest. Don't care about the rest. 5) Jason Taylor. Football player. Yawn.
• Anyone catch the midnight show of Iron Man 2? I loved Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. proved in Shelock Holmes he can make even an average movie seem better than it is (and who could forget him  heckling divers in Back to School). I expect Iron Man 2 is good, but will fall short of the original because they'll try to do more of everything. That's the sequel mistake.
• Taylor Swift sold out Wells Fargo Arena Thursday night. I'm interested to hear how the show was. She's a major talent, though her voice has sounded thin in many live television appearances. (By the way, Kanye was inexcusably rude, but also right. Beyonce's video was better and more influential.)
• Pella is a nice town right out of a simpler era, or is that just nostalgia tugging at me? I've only been to Tulip Time once, but I enjoyed it for a few minutes. I can't stare at flowers all day. Too cold this weekend. Hope the tulips survive the wind.
• Andy and I are debating how old a man can be and get away with wearing a jersey. I think a classic baseball jersey can be worn throughout life. Football and hockey jerseys are more tricky. In general, they don't fit well because they were designed to go with pads, and you better only wear it to a game, if then. For goodness sakes, make sure you don't put your last name on a 49ers 16 jersey... that's for Montana only. Basketball jerseys are simply a no. No one wants to see the hairy shoulders of a 40-year old man. If you have to wear Bird's 33 or Magic's 32, a t-shirt underneath is a must, but the Patrick Ewing look stinks anyway, so why bother. Agree? Disagree?
• We're moving into a new electronic home at channel 13. Within weeks, virtually everything you see coming out of our station will be in high definition, and if you read this blog on a regular basis, or watch SoundOFF, or listen to Murph & Andy, you know no one will be happier than me. I'm an HD snob. However, like anytime you renovate your home, or move into a new one, there is going to be some tinkering and troubleshooting. Please bear with us. Once our contruction is complete, you'll love your new HD news home.
• Where's the Barnstormer buzz? Two straight wins, let's see if the fans show up 10,000+ strong for Saturday night's game.
• Ever wonder what it's like to catch a home run at a Major League game? Wonder no more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoKXw_zP6Gc&utm_source=Len+Berman+Sports+List&utm_campaign=8c7fbcceaf-LensTop5_0507105_7_2010&utm_medium=email

• Have a great weekend. Don't forget, Chris Hassel and I will be Albia Saturday night at the Skean Block, raising money for the Susan G. Komen foundation. Dinner at 6:30. Stop by if you can.

Marion Strikes Out, Orr Floor, Metro Football

• I expect to see Des Moines' Montell Marion wrestling at the NCAA championships again, but it won't be for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The University had no choice after Marion stepped it in again. I hope Montell finally learns. He's got an upside.
• Fred Couples just helped the Principal Charity Classic sell a few thousand tickets. Couples is the player to beat.
• Fran McCaffery keeps reminding Hawkeye fans of better times. That's smart. Hiring former star Ryan Bowen is the latest shrewd move by McCaffery.
• Fred Hoiberg now has 10 players! That will make scrimmaging easier.
• I'm told Iowa State is considering several different ways to honor the father of Hilton Magic, Johnny Orr, including the "Johnny Orr Floor". The Orr Floor is meeting surprising opposition from some influential people. Some boosters/alums/faculty think it's too much. Jamie Pollard met with Orr in January to discuss options.
• Whatever way of honoring Orr is chosen, the timing is perfect. Two of his favorite players are now on Iowa State's coaching staff: Hoiberg and Jeff Grayer, both Cyclone legends. Orr coached Michigan to the national championship game and took the Iowa State job the same year (for money). That was a shot of Cyclone self-esteem.
• There is no way to make someone who wasn't ever there understand what Hilton Magic was like in the 80's and 90's. Even mediocre Iowa State teams were virtually unbeatable at home, and the crowd could get so loud the rim would move and the floor would shake. Hilton Coliseum was one of the best home court advantages in America. Before Orr arrived, Hilton was empty, and ISU basketball had no identity. No wonder Hoiberg wants to bring back the Magic.
• Carver-Hawkeye Arena used to rock too---though it was hard to remember at this year's wakes. Like Hoiberg, McCaffery has made it a priority to bring the noise. He wants CHA loud and proud. "Let's Be Mad Again" notwithstanding, Iowa basketball is again showing a pulse.
• We had an interesting conversation on "Murph & Andy" with Des Moines Roosevelt football coach Guy Rosenberg and former Waterloo East coach, Mike Sheeley (who coached B-Ross). They're part of a group that started a Des Moines football league for junior high kids. Besides the kids having fun playing football, it's an effort to help the city schools catch up and keep up with the suburban schools. For more info, go to http://www.desmoinesrooseveltfootball.com/ and check under the Des Moines Metro Youth Football headline.
• I like the new lanes on Ingersoll. Seems more like a neighborhood and less like a highway.
• Lady Gaga tries too hard.
• Chris Hassel and I will be in Albia Saturday night at the Skean Block restaurant to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen fight against breast cancer. If you can, come see us.
• I'm using the appearance---with an assist from the grandparents---to take the kids to the Honey Creek Resort water park. They love it. It's a beautiful place.
• Don't forget Mother's Day. (this last note was to myself)

Wrestling with Mistakes, Shawn's Surprise, Taste the Taser

• Des Moines' Montell Marion can't seem to stay out of trouble. Public intox, vandalism, and now worst of all, OWI. As Marion wrestled his way to a second place finish at the NCAA wrestling championships in March, he told our Shawn Terrell he was ready to put childish mistakes behind him and get on with being a man. Drunk driving is not what Montell had in mind. The University of Iowa has a three strikes and you're out policy (more info in Wednesday's Register). It will be interesting to see if Marion is out. He was not arrested for the 2009 vandalism, though he did admit to doing it.
• Shawn Johnson knows how to make 8,000 screaming kids even louder: break news. Shawn announced at the Hy-Vee Hall "Exercise Your Character" rally that she's back to training at Chow's Gymnastics, and plans to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London. Good for her. It won't be easy. She's been away from competitive gymnastics for 20 months, she had reconstructive surgery on her knee a few months ago, and after growing several inches and aging two more years, she'll find the tumbling more challenging. Don't doubt her. Shawn's been so busy being a celebrity, we forget at one time she was the best gymnast on the planet, the world champ.
• I think beyond the physical challenge---gymnasts peak in their mid teens---it will be difficult to give up all those treats Shawn finally tasted after years of going without. I'm talking about everything from junk food to hanging with friends to just doing nothing. When you're training for the Olympics, it takes an incredible amount of discipline and dedication. I couldn't do it. Shawn can.
• Liang Chow is the man.
• Shawn, Lolo, Keely (possibly) all headed for London. We should probably start planning early. Boss, are you reading this? My Visa is up to date.
• Paddy O'Prado may not be a slacker after all. He says through an interpreter he's thinking of running in the Preakness. Way to go, Paddy! Now we have to wait and see if the Preakness is also on Andy's bucket list. Gosh, I hope not.
• I just watched American Idol. Frank Sinatra wants his songs back.
• Fans who run on the field in the middle of Major League Baseball games are fools who should feel the Taser if they're not quickly caught. I'll never forget seeing that Royals first base coach take a beating.
• It's 12:30 a.m. I've got to start finishing these sooner! I still have to watch Parenthood.

Hoiberg's First Assist, Barnstormer Buzz, Mother's Day Mystery

• Fred Hoiberg made his first good coaching decision. He either encouraged Charles Boozer to transfer, or quickly accepted Boozer's decision. Either way, it was the right call. Hoiberg has enough goodwill built up that he could have suspended Boozer and still claimed character counts, but the police report on Boozer's arrest was ugly, and there's no place on Hoiberg's team for a player who (allegedly) pushed, slapped, and kicked a woman. Boozer says he'll seek treatment. I hope he does. Before Saturday, Charles had a stellar reputation.
• Jim Walden is wrong. Most coaches won't root against Fred Hoiberg suceeding. The unique circumstances that make Hoiberg a chance worth taking at Iowa State won't suddenly make coaching experience irrellevant, even if Fred wins championships.
• I'll be interested to see if the buzz returns for the Barnstormers after two straight wins. I thought the move up to the top level of arena football would have more people talking, and more fans in the stands.
• The Pacific on HBO is brilliant, but it's not always easy to watch.
• Mother's Day confuses me. I thought I needed to buy my mother a present. Now I'm hearing I need to buy my wife a present because she's a mother, my sister a present because she's a mother... where does it end?!

Boozer Arrested, Cubbies Streaking, Broken English

(Chris)

It didn't take long for that warm and fuzzy feeling to fade away from the Iowa State basketball program. Three days after Fred Hoiberg was introduced as head coach, he already has a player problem. ISU guard Charles Boozer was arrested, on Saturday, and charged with simple assault. We don't know what exactly happened in Ames, that afternoon. Coach Hoiberg doesn't either. He was in Minneapolis tying up some loose ends at his former job. He said he will meet with ISU administrators when he returns.

Remember the days when the I-Cubs would put up 8, 9, even 10 runs a game? Yeah, all those players are now in the majors. It's been a rough opening month for Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. To make matters worse, one of Iowa's top hitters is heading to the shelf. Jason Dubois will spend the better part of two weeks rehabbing a bad back in Arizona.

The C-Cubs are streaking, again. Three wins, three losses, three wins...they're more inconsistent than Oprah's diet. If you're keeping track, the Cardinals at 4.5 games ahead of the Cubbies after one month of play.

David Zabriskie...the football player? Sounds crazy, but ISU's 2010 NCAA wrestling champion is trading in the headgear for a helmet. The Browns are giving him a chance to compete for a spot on the team at mini-camp this spring. Most invitees don't make it, but the would-be linebacker sure knows how to tackle.

Andy and photographer James Searls did a fantastic job at the Derby, last week. I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice the strange sounds of an English track announcer, in Louisville....where they don't speak English.

Paddy's Day

Sure, everyone in Iowa would have loved to see Paddy O'Prado win the Kentucky Derby, but a third place finish is incredible.  Perspective helps.  Just a few months ago, Paddy was a long-shot just to qualify for the Derby.  Jerry Crawford, one of the owner's with Donegal Racing, said Paddy was knocked off his stride in the final turn, which may have prevented the horse from winning.  Either way, the Central Iowans that make up Donegal Racing made millions on Saturday.  Paddy won't run the Preakness, and the Belmont remains up in the air.  But at the very least, he'll command a sizeable stud fee for the rest of his life.  It's a charmed life (I'm talking about the horse, of course).

Fran McCaffrey landed a recruit on Saturday...again.  According to Hawkeyenation.com, Meslahn Basabe will sign with Iowa.  Basabe is a 6'7" forward out of New York.  He originally signed on to play for McCaffery at Siena, but was released from his letter of intent when McCaffery left for Iowa.

I'm headed to Kansas City on Monday to see Pearl Jam at the Sprint Center, and I'm bringing Mark Meisenheimer with me.  Mark has never seen PJ live, so I'm interested to see his reaction.  This will be my 18th show, for those of you scoring at home.  I can't wait to hear some of the songs off the new album live for the first time, and to hear "Even Flow" for the 18th time.

Peace out,

Shawn

A Horse of a Different Color.

I can't remember ever looking forward to the Kentucky Derby as much as I am this year.  Iowans love to root for other Iowans, even if the other Iowan is a horse.  Full disclosure, Paddy O'Prado has never set hoof in Iowa, but he's owned by a group of Iowans.

Andy Fales is having more fun at Churchill Downs than Clark W. Griswold did at Wally World.  Expect Andy to miss work the next couple of weeks as he undergoes a plastic surgery procedure to wipe the smile off his face.

Andy reports the odds on Paddy O'Prado have improved throughout the week.  There's at least a couple reasons for that... Paddy will start in the 10th position, which is ideal.  Also, the wet track conditions should favor the horse (his mudder was a mudder).

I survived "The Hangover II," but just barely.  Four days in Vegas for my brother's bachelor party led to antiboitics and eight days of recovery.  But it was worth it.  It might have been the best four days of my life.

Shawn

Bucket List, Hoiberg Hire, Little Big Dog

• I'm happy for my friend, Andy Fales. I don't think I've ever seen him look happier on the job than he does this week at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. Andy is covering the Iowa owned horse, Paddy O'Prado. Paddy is 20 to 1, but running from the best position---the 10---and he likes the mud. That could matter, a LOT, Saturday.
• Kentucky Derby tops Andy's sports bucket list. What's on yours? I'll start with the Masters, Wimbledon, and Notre Dame vs. USC football.
• Good first day on the job for Fred Hoiberg. I'm sure he had help, but a solid recruit right out of the gate makes already excited Cyclone fans downright giddy.
• The Hoiberg hire makes more sense to doubters the more they learn about the man and the plan. Still no lock, but then what hire would have been?
• I can't wait for some sunny weekend weather and an I-Cubs game. Might not be this weekend.
• My parents just showed up for a long visit. We love having them here. They make our lives easier, and they're fun. Each year it means more.
• We have a four pound dog, Maggie, who thinks she weighs 40. It's amusing to watch her try and intimidate dogs who could eat as a snack. I think they laugh.
• Shocker: early reviews for MacGruber are all positive. Several say the movie is hilarious. The movie must improve on the SNL skit. That almost never happens. Ladies Man anyone?

Right Said Fred

• Fred Hoiberg had a great news conference. No surprise. As Shawn Terrell said, Hoiberg seems like a guy who will succeed at whatever he does.
• Some of us who remember Fred in high school are shaking our heads that he's now the head coach at Iowa State. Time flies.
• We had Hoiberg on our radio show. He has a plan. He's confident. He knows why (some) people doubt him. I can't imagine anyone with no head coaching experience having a better shot at working out. Fred Hoiberg is not Clyde Drexler.
• Jamie Pollard told us every hire is a roll of the dice. (see Chizik, McDermott) Pollard believes Hoiberg is a safer bet than most. He might be right.
• Pollard sold some season tickets. Cyclone fans haven't been this excited about the basketball program since Larry Eustachy's prime.
• Johnny Orr, Jim Hallihan, and Gary Thompson all told me they have zero doubts Hoiberg will succeed.
• Bottom line: The Iowa State basketball program has a much brighter outlook than it did a week ago. It can't get much worse than fan apathy, bottom of the Big 12, and no Hilton Magic. Fans should be excited.

Hoiberg Hire: Inspired or Desperate?

Wow. That didn't take long.

Greg McDermott out. Fred Hoiberg in. Wait, did I just write, Fred Hoiberg in. Yes I did. He's the new men's head basketball coach at Iowa State.

Talk about making a splash. I talked to several Cyclone fans who are so excited, they can't contain it. Fred Hoiberg is a living legend, a Cyclone icon, a reminder of Hilton Magic. What he isn't is a head coach with any experience.

Anyone who says this is a great hire, or an awful one, is just flat out guessing. We don't know, and won't know for years. It's either inspired or desperate, but it's definintely a go for broke reach by Athletics Director Jamie Pollard. He's is either a visionary or short-sighted.

A big part of Pollard's job is to sell tickets, entice donors, and energize the fan base. Hiring Fred Hoiberg will do all three. Eventually, winning must follow. It's like building a new Major League Baseball stadium. For a few seasons, fans will sell it out no matter the product on the field. Sooner or later, if the team's not winning, fans stop coming. Just ask the Orioles.

I like it, but then I like Fred. I figure it can't get worse than the past four seasons. Iowa State's already ahead, and Creighton paid to make it happen.

I think Fred's experience as an NBA player and executive will help with the kind of egos and agendas McDermott could never figure out. It won't hurt that Fred can recruit by saying, "Want to get to the NBA? I know what it takes." Fred's love of Iowa State will help too, but nothing matters more than his staff. Retaining TJ Otzelberger is smart, he can recruit. Jeff Grayer could help too. He can get after players more than people realize. The other spots are key. Nick Nurse is out. Who's in? Hoiberg needs to add an assistant with extensive D1 experience. If he's been a head coach, even better. (A guy like Kirk Speraw, who just joined Fran McCaffery's staff at Iowa.)

The outlook for the 2010-2011 season just improved greatly. The years after that... who knows? Pollard knew from the jump who he wanted. He got him. I can't wait to find out if it works.

Win-Win-Win: Iowa State, McDermott, Creighton.

Cyclone fans aren't exactly celebrating, but I think most feel a sense of relief. For reasons McDermott supporters could never fully explain, Mac's four seasons in Iowa State just didn't work, and there was little reason to believe better days were ahead.

Some Cyclone fans feel jilted because McDermott broke up with Iowa State instead of the other way around. It's like a relationship you're in, you know it's not working, you're starting to not even like your girlfriend, but then she breaks up with you, and even though you wanted that to happen, it hurts. You feel cheated.

Iowa State is a better job than Creighton, even though Creighton is a great landing spot for a coach under fire. If McDermott were fully confident he'd get it done in Ames, I think he would have stayed. Mac never seemed to relate to Big 12 players. Most think they're NBA bound, even though most are not. In the MVC, it's a different mindset. For whatever reason, McDermott did not adjust, in the same way Rick Pitino, John Calipari and Tim Floyd flopped in the NBA despite being great college coaches.

McDermott is a nice man. He has a nice family. I believe he's sincere when he says he wants to coach his son, Doug, who Greg didn't think was a good fit for the Big 12. Like father, like son. This could work out better for nearly everyone: McDermott, his son, Iowa State, Jamie Pollard, Cyclone fans, Creighton, etc.

Who pulled a bigger Houdini: McDermott or Chizik? I'd say Chizik. He parlayed two horribly mismanaged seasons and 10 straight losses into a prime SEC gig. Still, four straight losing basketball seasons and 0 post-season wins into a 10 year contract at a good basketball school isn't bad either.

Pollard has now misfired on two big hires in four years, but he bounced back from the Chizik debacle by hiring a coach who actually wanted to be at Iowa State, Paul Rhoads. Pollard showed McDermott loyalty, some would say too much, and that should help sell the job to someone else. Pollard has been under a lot of pressure, and knows he needs to get this one right.

I feel for Nick Nurse and Jeff Grayer, especially Grayer. Nurse tells me he has several options, including a return to the Iowa Energy. Grayer has wanted to join the Cyclone coaching staff for years. Hopefully the next coach has room for a legend who really wants the job.

Neck Hole, Paddy's Day, McDermott's Decision

(Chris)

I usually enjoy covering I-Cubs games, but today (50-degrees, windy, rainy) wasn't the least bit enjoyable. There were around 500 people in the seats for the 1:00pm start. I was surprised there were even that many. The good news is, every fan that came was able to snatch up a free blue catchers mitt. My best highlight in the 90 minutes I spent in the ballpark was a boy trying to find the neckhole in a poncho.

Iowa-owned Paddy O'Prado is a 25-1 favorite in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. For some perspective, the Cubs have a better chance to win the world series at 22-1. In other words, I wouldn't bet on it. I wouldn't bet on either.

Two more Hawkeyes and another Cyclone will get a shot in the NFL. Iowa WR Trey Stross signed a free-agent deal with the Texans. Hawkeye OL Dace Richardson has been granted a tryout with the Giants. And Cyclone punter Mike Brandtner inks with the Jaguars. As for the draftees...only 4 teams in the country had more than Iowa's six.

Three years ago, Steve Alford was feeling at heat Iowa and bolted for New Mexico. Now, some Cyclone fans believe Greg McDermott may be thinking about jumping ship to Creighton. Personally, I think it would be a good move for him to make. He's entering a lame-duck year at Iowa State. I find it hard to believe that this team is talented enough to post a winning season. The additions of Nurse and Grayer are great, but coaches don't play.

Andy bought a Twix out of the vending machine, today. He was crying about how they're making all the standard sized candy bars smaller. I didn't believe him, until he brought it over. They either shaved two inches off the regular bar, or they enhanced the fun size bar. Either way, Andy is none too happy about it.

45 straight, We need Lightning, Back to Iowa

(Chris)

The 101st edition of the Drake Relays is in the books and, for the 45th consecutive year, the final day was sold out. Lolo Jones ran a fast 100m hurdle race, but her season-best time of12.68 wasn't good enough to beat her friend. Damu Cherry broke Lolo's record in the event. Afterwards, in the post-race press conference, Lolo told Cherry that she wasn't going to let her come back, next season (tongue in cheek of course). We'll get to see Lolo race, again, in late June. That's when Drake hosts the USA Track & Field Championships.

Katie Flood's Drake Relays career might be over, but she'll be back for the state meet in a few weeks. Flood set two more records on Saturday, including the 1,500m, where she bested her previous relays record by 5 seconds.

To be honest, when I came to Des Moines three years ago, I wasn't a big fan of the relays. It seems as if I enjoy them a little more with each passing year. 2010 was the best yet. I was there, on Wednesday, when there were ten's of people in the stands for the beginning of the Heptathlon. It's really neat to see the stadium fill up, and the excitement build, with each passing day.

I returned to the sports office just in time to watch Usain Bolt in the Penn Relays on ESPN2. Drake pulls in its fair share of top-notch talent, but there isn't a track and field athlete in the world that compares to this freak of speed. 54-thousand fans watched Bolt run the anchor leg of a 4x100m relay. Jamaica won and, needless to say, it was a Penn Relays record. If Drake can, somehow, come up with the funds to get Bolt to our Relays...that would sure be something to watch.

For the first time since joining the AFL, the Barnstormers are a winner. Iowa beat Oklahoma City, on Saturday night, 68-60. The 'Stormers are now 1-2 on the year. That's the good news. The bad news is, the crowd of 8,312 was a bit lacking. It had some to do with the Drake Relays, and more to do with the fact that it started at 8:10pm. I know it's Saturday night, but the thing didn't end until 11:00. You could argue that the NFL Network actually hurt the team, Saturday. After all, I think you need to be an employee of the NFL to actually get the NFL Network.

One-fourth of Iowa's starters from a year ago are now in the NFL. In all, six Hawkeyes heard their names called. I'm just glad its over so ESPN can start running promos for next years draft. I didn't watch of a lick of it.

Speaking of not watching, I still haven't seen a single inning of Cubs baseball, this year. I see they're 3-1 since moving Big 'Z' to the bullpen. Problem solved!

The most common headline on Cubs.com over the last two seasons...? Take a guess. If you said "Samardzija to Iowa", you're correct. Here's to hoping the 87th time is a charm, Jeff.

Creighton basketball coach Dana Altman is heading to Oregon. He is expected to be introduced as the new head Duck on Monday. His return flight from Eugene to Omaha is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 6:00am.

Indianapolis Hawkeyes, Good Hires, Rain Go Away

• The Colts love them some Hawkeyes! Indianapolis takes linebacker Pat Angerer in the second round. Pat wasn't even watching the draft because he didn't expect his phone to ring until at least round four. The Colts know a football player when they see one.
• Angerer, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, Mitch King, Jim Caldwell, Tom Moore... why don't they just change the name to Hawkeyes.
• If Tony Moeaki stays healthy, the Chiefs stole a potential All-Pro tight end in the third round.
• The Lions take Iowa corner Amari Spievey in the third round. I guess Spievey was right to leave early. He said he thought he'd go in the first three rounds.
• Four Hawks in three rounds. Pretty impressive.
• I love the Fran McCaffery hire of Kirk Speraw. Speraw was the Head Coach at UCF for 17 seasons and led the Knights to four NCAA Tournaments. Speraw's been trying to work his way back to Iowa for years. He played for the Hawkeyes, coached alongside Lute Olson, and knows what Carver-Hawkeye Arena was like when basketball mattered. He'll help.
• I also like Greg McDermott adding Jeff Grayer to the staff. Johnny Orr has been trying to get an Iowa State coach to add Grayer for years. Arguably the greatest Cyclone player ever, Grayer brings NBA credibility, but more importantly he should help remind players what Hilton Magic once was, and what it could be again (to paraphrase Terrence Mann). Sure, there's PR in this hire, but it's still a good move.
• Iowa State needs to name the Hilton Coliseum court "Johnny Orr Floor". Grayer's return makes the timing perfect, and we don't know how much longer we'll have Orr around to honor.
• The Drake Relays is one of the best run events anywhere, but they can't control the weather. I love track and field, but I'm not sitting in the rain. I suspect I'm not alone.
• Tasty Tacos. Mmm.

Kyle Orton Doesn't Wear Tim Tebow Pajamas

• The NFL draft has gone from a VFW folding table with men sitting behind helmets and rotary phones to an over-the-top extravaganza that resembles the Golden Globes.
• I loved the legends being introduced, even though it was a little cheesy. Jim Brown finally looks old, but Barry Sanders looks like he could run for 100 this weekend.
• The Rams draft Sam Bradford at #1. My friend Paul Burmeister with the NFL Network thinks Bradford's the real deal. We'll find out. The NFL is littered with first round failures at QB.
• Three of the first four picks were Sooners. Does that mean Big Game Bob Stoops couldn't win a championship the past couple years with an NFL team?
• The Broncos take Tim Tebow in the FIRST ROUND! Wow. Kyle Orton doesn't wear Tim Tebow pajamas.
• Right before Tebow picked up the phone, the NFL honored our servicemen and women. Nice moment.
• Jimmy Klausen falls to the second round. I guess character counts. Dude can play though.
• Did you see all those Yellow Jackets in the first round... none looked too impressive in the Orange Bowl when the Hawkeyes took their lunch money.
• I wish I could watch the NFL Network, but since it's not on Mediacom, ESPN had the coverage. The draft has a lot of moving parts and the anchors struggled at times. They stepped all over each and other, and had several moments where they didn't realize their mics were hot. I've been there myself.
• Word before the draft was Iowa's Bryan Bulaga might slide out of the top 5, or 10, or even 20. Word was right. Bulaga fell to the Packers at 23. Perfect fit. Though Bulaga is not an "Iowa farm boy" as Chris Berman described, Bulaga does look like he'd drive to Lambeau Field on a John Deere tractor. It all worked out in the end.
• Greg McDermott hiring Nick Nurse as Associate Head Coach makes a lot of sense. Nurse knows how to work with NBA wannabes, he has overseas connections, and he brings new up-tempo ideas. I think it's also a sign no one at Iowa State is thinking McDermott is a lame duck coach.
• Dowling's Katie Flood makes running 3,000 meters in under 10 minutes look effortless.