We see them all the time on the gridiron and are fascinated with the violence. The sheer sound of the pop of pads is enough to stir most Americans into frenzy over the “Big Hits” in a sport of hits. I love them as a player of the game, and football fans all over the nation and world who love to watch the entertainment of the games can’t get enough of them. Recently, especially in light of the news and information surrounding former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and Adam James, concussions and the handling of athletes has come under much scrutiny in America. This is because in large part, little research has shown a common, definitive link between concussions and the health of the brain and neurological system of the years. Many scientists, M.D.’s, and society at large has viewed these incidences as isolated ones that do not correspond to lifelong damages if treated correctly.
Recent studies about the health of NFL, collegiate, and even high school football players are starting to disprove our preconceived notions about football, its safety, and the dangers that concussions and even the smaller hits at the line of scrimmage can have on the human body for an extended period of time. The disease that scares me and should really scare anyone else who knows any person who plays the game on any level is being termed Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE. CTE was once thought to exclusively be found in the remnants of older boxers who donated their bodies to science. Now, researchers like Dr. Mckee, who is a leading neuropathologist who specializes in degenerative brain diseases, is finding startling evidence that this disease is being found in numerous individuals, including retired NFL professionals and the youngest case to date, a diseased high school football player who died at the age of 18.
Symptoms of CTE do not appear until about a decade after play has ceased and they seem to appear out of the blue. Symptoms include depression, loss of judgment, loss of impulse control, rages, and memory loss that quickly turns into dementia. This disease is a particularly hard one to stomach because there are absolutely no tests that can screen or diagnose the disease in a living person. Indeed, the only way researchers are even able to clinically diagnose this disease is to observe the brains of those affected by it post-mortem. Brown spots can easily be seen on the brains as a buildup of a protein called tau is released in the body after it has sustained the hits generated from football.
This disease and its threats are an issue at hand for youth sports because of the recent findings that an 18 year old high school football players showed early stages of CTE when his brain was examined. This incident causes us to question the impact hits have on youth, middle school and high school aged children. It is particularly disturbing in a sport where children are able to participate in from very young ages, like youth football. One can only imagine the affect hits can have on the still underdeveloped brains of youth. This topic is one that will undoubtedly be on the mind of any coach or parent as we learn more from the research at hand.
Christopher Stewart
Social Foundation of Coaching
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Changing the Way We Think
At the VA Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, a lab seemingly like any other holds a group of scientists doing research. Bennet Omalu, a neurologist, studies a computer screen. However, this lab is unlike any other. Surrounding them are vats filled with typical levels of deteriorated brains of 80 year old men. However, none of these brains belonged to anyone who made it past 80. They were all brains of former NFL big hitters. All of them with a history of concussions.
Often times, when we think of the result of concussions, we think of extreme brain damage or death. What if the actual effects of concussion are not immediately visible. What if they do not appear until years later.
Andre Waters played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals between 1984 and 1995 and was All-Pro hard-hitting NFL safety. He was highly regarded as on of the hardest hitters during his NFL tenure. On November 20, 2006, Waters committed suicide. He was 44. His brain was 85 and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. His family had donated it to the lab at the VA for Omalu to study.
Justin Strzelczyk was an offensive linemen who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1990 to 1998. In 2004 and at the age of 36, he died in a car crash following a high speed pursuit to evade police. He was clinically depressed and had bipolar disorder. His brain was also studied at the VA by Omalu at was also determined to be deteriorated to the level found in an 85 year old man.
Former teammates NFL guard Ralph Wenzel and Hall of Fame tight-end John Mackey reunite at an assisted living facility. The only problem is that the two men cannot remember each other. Their wives help the men by showing pictures of themselves on the playing field cheering together. But neither man can remember each other for more than a few moments. In a separate incident, Mackey’s family discusses an incident in which he became confused and enraged after seeing Marvin Harrison formerly of the Indianapolis Colts wearing his 88 jersey. Both Wenzel and Mackey suffer from dementia.
Christopher Nowinksi, a former football player, professional wrestler, and Harvard graduate, discusses findings with scientists. He writes a book titled Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis. After studying numerous brains of athletes like Waters, they have discovered a few unexpected and shocking results. A person with 3 concussions is 3 times more likely to become depressed and 5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Athletes were at the greatest risk when an earlier concussion had not healed. Over half of all players in the NFL were being sent back into games following concussions and hits that had even rendered them unconscious.
In 2007, the co-chairman for Concussions Committee of the NFL and lead neurologist, Dr. Ira Casson, denies that any of this is true. Part of the video can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4NbU_HaB3Y
The issue became hot this past September and ultimately ended up before Congress in late 2009. After reviewing the scientific evidence, the NFL realizes it must make changes. The rules are changed to prevent helmet to helmet contact, teams must have independent doctors, players must pass strict tests before returning to the field, and Dr. Ira Casson resigns. The NFL Player’s Association enacted the “88 Plan” in honor of John Mackey, which supplies former players with $88,000 in nursing home care and $50,000 for adult day care. The NFL now supports Nowinski and Omalu’s research. Ultimately, the NFL has changed its position and actively tries to protect its players.
Head injuries are a serious, but an unavoidable aspect of football. However, coaches and trainers must remember that the players are people and not merely an instrument to win games. A coach’s decision to play a professional or high school student before their concussion has fully healed can have serious consequences later in life. Athletes will often beg to return to the game, but it is the responsibility of ethical coaches to make the decision to protect their athletes from long-term injuries. Unfortunately this is often not the case, as discovered in Nowinski’s research. As potential coaches for the next generation, we need to change the way we think or potentially change our players’ ability to think in the future. We should all remember what long term affects our decision have on our players and do what is best for them.
Patrick Hernandez
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2010
Often times, when we think of the result of concussions, we think of extreme brain damage or death. What if the actual effects of concussion are not immediately visible. What if they do not appear until years later.
Andre Waters played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals between 1984 and 1995 and was All-Pro hard-hitting NFL safety. He was highly regarded as on of the hardest hitters during his NFL tenure. On November 20, 2006, Waters committed suicide. He was 44. His brain was 85 and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. His family had donated it to the lab at the VA for Omalu to study.
Justin Strzelczyk was an offensive linemen who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1990 to 1998. In 2004 and at the age of 36, he died in a car crash following a high speed pursuit to evade police. He was clinically depressed and had bipolar disorder. His brain was also studied at the VA by Omalu at was also determined to be deteriorated to the level found in an 85 year old man.
Former teammates NFL guard Ralph Wenzel and Hall of Fame tight-end John Mackey reunite at an assisted living facility. The only problem is that the two men cannot remember each other. Their wives help the men by showing pictures of themselves on the playing field cheering together. But neither man can remember each other for more than a few moments. In a separate incident, Mackey’s family discusses an incident in which he became confused and enraged after seeing Marvin Harrison formerly of the Indianapolis Colts wearing his 88 jersey. Both Wenzel and Mackey suffer from dementia.
Christopher Nowinksi, a former football player, professional wrestler, and Harvard graduate, discusses findings with scientists. He writes a book titled Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis. After studying numerous brains of athletes like Waters, they have discovered a few unexpected and shocking results. A person with 3 concussions is 3 times more likely to become depressed and 5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Athletes were at the greatest risk when an earlier concussion had not healed. Over half of all players in the NFL were being sent back into games following concussions and hits that had even rendered them unconscious.
In 2007, the co-chairman for Concussions Committee of the NFL and lead neurologist, Dr. Ira Casson, denies that any of this is true. Part of the video can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4NbU_HaB3Y
The issue became hot this past September and ultimately ended up before Congress in late 2009. After reviewing the scientific evidence, the NFL realizes it must make changes. The rules are changed to prevent helmet to helmet contact, teams must have independent doctors, players must pass strict tests before returning to the field, and Dr. Ira Casson resigns. The NFL Player’s Association enacted the “88 Plan” in honor of John Mackey, which supplies former players with $88,000 in nursing home care and $50,000 for adult day care. The NFL now supports Nowinski and Omalu’s research. Ultimately, the NFL has changed its position and actively tries to protect its players.
Head injuries are a serious, but an unavoidable aspect of football. However, coaches and trainers must remember that the players are people and not merely an instrument to win games. A coach’s decision to play a professional or high school student before their concussion has fully healed can have serious consequences later in life. Athletes will often beg to return to the game, but it is the responsibility of ethical coaches to make the decision to protect their athletes from long-term injuries. Unfortunately this is often not the case, as discovered in Nowinski’s research. As potential coaches for the next generation, we need to change the way we think or potentially change our players’ ability to think in the future. We should all remember what long term affects our decision have on our players and do what is best for them.
Patrick Hernandez
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Suns/Spurs Play-Off Series
For the fifth time in the last seven seasons, the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs meet in the playoffs, providing several high scoring games and many unforgettable moments. Who can forget the Robert Horry hip check on Steve Nash in Game Four of the 2007 Western Conference Semis? Or the Tony Parker-Steve Nash collision in Game One of that same series, causing Nash to miss most of the end of a tight ball game? Or Tim Duncan’s game tying three pointer in Game One of their 2008 First Round Series, a shot which set the tone for the rest of the series?
The Suns have not beaten the Spurs in the playoffs since 2000, a series in which the Spurs played without Tim Duncan due to a knee injury. Can the Suns finally reverse the curse against San Antonio?
Starting Lineups
Phoenix San Antonio
PG Steve Nash PG George Hill
SG Jason Richardson SG Manu Ginobili
SF Grant Hill SF Richard Jefferson
PF Amare Stoudemire PF Tim Duncan
C Jarron Collins C Antonio McDyess
Key Matchup
There are so many match-ups to choose from. Duncan vs Stoudemire in the post, Nash vs Hill/Parker, Ginobili vs Hill, and which enigmatic athlete actually shows up in Jason Richardson or Richard Jefferson.
The key for this series is going to be how well Richard Jefferson plays against Jason Richardson. In the games the Suns won vs Portland, Richardson scored 28 a game, and only 14 in their losses. While the Spurs were 7-1 during the regular season when Jefferson scored over 20 points. Jefferson is capable of exploding for big scoring games against the porous Suns D. If the Spurs can bottle up the Suns up-tempo attack, where Richardson excels, the Spurs should be able to swing this key match-up their way.
Analysis
Phoenix comes in confident after finishing out Portland last Thursday. When asked about trying to reverse the curse against San Antonio in recent years, Steve Nash reminded reporters that only three players (Stoudemire, Nash, and Leandro Barbosa) from the current roster have played in those battles. He is right. The Suns have added more depth since and could be the most complete Suns team the Spurs have faced. Players like Goran Dragic and Leandro Barbosa provide energy and play-making ability for the Suns off the bench. Channing Frye is a big man who can spread the floor for Phoenix, much like Matt Bonner does for San Antonio. Jared Dudley and Louis Amundson will likely match up against Tim Duncan during the series. How they match up against the Spurs’ bench is a key to the series.
Likewise, the Spurs will need support for their Big Three of Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker in order to knock off the Suns. Sophomore George Hill has thrived in the playoffs since returning from an ankle injury late in the season and was the Spurs’ biggest contributor outside the Big Three. Against Dallas, Hill hit big shot after big shot in victories in Games 4 and 6, including a 29 point effort in the Game 4 win. Richard Jefferson showed flashes of brilliance against Dallas and should continue to find his spots in the Spurs’ offense. Antonio McDyess played superb defense on Dirk Nowitzki and hit the outside shot enough to keep Dallas’ defense honest. Matt Bonner provided help rebounding and scored well both from the three point line and driving to the basket. Dejuan Blair brings length, energy and hustle of the bench. Together, they formed one of the best benches in the league.
Injuries could play a key part of the series. Except for Ginobili’s nose, the Spurs are as healthy as they’ve been in years. Tony Parker is healed from his wrist injury, and it should not limit him in the series. Tim Duncan’s knees are something the Spurs monitor closely from game to game.
Meanwhile, C Robin Lopez did not play for the Suns last series due to a bulging disk in his back. But, he has started to practice and may play in the series. The Suns could definitely use their best shot blocker against the Spurs pick and roll game. Steve Nash’s hip has also caused him some problems the last few days and has sat out practice in recent days.
On offense, the Suns will try to run the ball on the older Spurs and try to score quick baskets in transition. Their frenetic, fast pace against Portland in Games Five and Six was too much for the Blazers to handle. This means the Suns will likely go to a “small ball” lineup to try to control the tempo of the game.
The Spurs will have to guard well in transition and control the tempo of the game. A slower, half court style game suits the Spurs better. Their pick and roll game should do well against the Suns if they decide to go to a smaller lineup with no real shot blockers.
I expect the Spurs to allow Stoudemire and Nash to dominate the Suns offense, while focusing on not leaving the perimeter shooters of the Suns. This strategy has worked in the previous match-ups with the Suns stars putting up huge numbers, but getting no help from the supporting cast.
The Spurs will be able to score at will against the Suns lackluster D. Parker, Ginobili, and Hill should have a parade to the rim for layups against the Suns small line-up with no shot blockers and all should have a big series.
I expect the Spurs to control the pace of play for the majority of the series, and even if they do allow the Suns to run, this Spurs team is fully capable of running with them with a line-up of Parker, Hill, Ginobili, Jefferson, and Duncan. That may be a line-up you see Popovich run for the closing minutes of most games.
In the end, the Spurs are too experienced, and too good on D for the Suns to break their losing trend. Greg Popovich will be able to coach circles around Alvin Gentry, and the Spurs will ultimately win in 6.
Anthony Treemarki
Notre Dame Social Foundations of Coaching Class
The Suns have not beaten the Spurs in the playoffs since 2000, a series in which the Spurs played without Tim Duncan due to a knee injury. Can the Suns finally reverse the curse against San Antonio?
Starting Lineups
Phoenix San Antonio
PG Steve Nash PG George Hill
SG Jason Richardson SG Manu Ginobili
SF Grant Hill SF Richard Jefferson
PF Amare Stoudemire PF Tim Duncan
C Jarron Collins C Antonio McDyess
Key Matchup
There are so many match-ups to choose from. Duncan vs Stoudemire in the post, Nash vs Hill/Parker, Ginobili vs Hill, and which enigmatic athlete actually shows up in Jason Richardson or Richard Jefferson.
The key for this series is going to be how well Richard Jefferson plays against Jason Richardson. In the games the Suns won vs Portland, Richardson scored 28 a game, and only 14 in their losses. While the Spurs were 7-1 during the regular season when Jefferson scored over 20 points. Jefferson is capable of exploding for big scoring games against the porous Suns D. If the Spurs can bottle up the Suns up-tempo attack, where Richardson excels, the Spurs should be able to swing this key match-up their way.
Analysis
Phoenix comes in confident after finishing out Portland last Thursday. When asked about trying to reverse the curse against San Antonio in recent years, Steve Nash reminded reporters that only three players (Stoudemire, Nash, and Leandro Barbosa) from the current roster have played in those battles. He is right. The Suns have added more depth since and could be the most complete Suns team the Spurs have faced. Players like Goran Dragic and Leandro Barbosa provide energy and play-making ability for the Suns off the bench. Channing Frye is a big man who can spread the floor for Phoenix, much like Matt Bonner does for San Antonio. Jared Dudley and Louis Amundson will likely match up against Tim Duncan during the series. How they match up against the Spurs’ bench is a key to the series.
Likewise, the Spurs will need support for their Big Three of Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker in order to knock off the Suns. Sophomore George Hill has thrived in the playoffs since returning from an ankle injury late in the season and was the Spurs’ biggest contributor outside the Big Three. Against Dallas, Hill hit big shot after big shot in victories in Games 4 and 6, including a 29 point effort in the Game 4 win. Richard Jefferson showed flashes of brilliance against Dallas and should continue to find his spots in the Spurs’ offense. Antonio McDyess played superb defense on Dirk Nowitzki and hit the outside shot enough to keep Dallas’ defense honest. Matt Bonner provided help rebounding and scored well both from the three point line and driving to the basket. Dejuan Blair brings length, energy and hustle of the bench. Together, they formed one of the best benches in the league.
Injuries could play a key part of the series. Except for Ginobili’s nose, the Spurs are as healthy as they’ve been in years. Tony Parker is healed from his wrist injury, and it should not limit him in the series. Tim Duncan’s knees are something the Spurs monitor closely from game to game.
Meanwhile, C Robin Lopez did not play for the Suns last series due to a bulging disk in his back. But, he has started to practice and may play in the series. The Suns could definitely use their best shot blocker against the Spurs pick and roll game. Steve Nash’s hip has also caused him some problems the last few days and has sat out practice in recent days.
On offense, the Suns will try to run the ball on the older Spurs and try to score quick baskets in transition. Their frenetic, fast pace against Portland in Games Five and Six was too much for the Blazers to handle. This means the Suns will likely go to a “small ball” lineup to try to control the tempo of the game.
The Spurs will have to guard well in transition and control the tempo of the game. A slower, half court style game suits the Spurs better. Their pick and roll game should do well against the Suns if they decide to go to a smaller lineup with no real shot blockers.
I expect the Spurs to allow Stoudemire and Nash to dominate the Suns offense, while focusing on not leaving the perimeter shooters of the Suns. This strategy has worked in the previous match-ups with the Suns stars putting up huge numbers, but getting no help from the supporting cast.
The Spurs will be able to score at will against the Suns lackluster D. Parker, Ginobili, and Hill should have a parade to the rim for layups against the Suns small line-up with no shot blockers and all should have a big series.
I expect the Spurs to control the pace of play for the majority of the series, and even if they do allow the Suns to run, this Spurs team is fully capable of running with them with a line-up of Parker, Hill, Ginobili, Jefferson, and Duncan. That may be a line-up you see Popovich run for the closing minutes of most games.
In the end, the Spurs are too experienced, and too good on D for the Suns to break their losing trend. Greg Popovich will be able to coach circles around Alvin Gentry, and the Spurs will ultimately win in 6.
Anthony Treemarki
Notre Dame Social Foundations of Coaching Class
Monday, April 26, 2010
Boxing to Help Others
Box Like a Champion Today (BLACT) is an exciting new aspect of the Play Like A Champion Today(TM): Sports as a ministry program as well as Notre Dame Boxing. Working alongside both the Men’s and Women’s Club boxing teams the purpose of BLACT is to organize the local impact arm of Notre Dame boxing. I felt it would be important to integrate both of the club’s charitable purposes within the surrounding community.
Starting in November, I along with Chris LaCosta and Kieran Bulger have volunteered at the South Bend Police Boxing Club. The SBPD Club was founded by Chief Boykins in order to try to prevent kids from joining gangs as well as for them to take advantage of everything the sport of boxing has to offer. The club is free of charge, partly thanks to the donations we have provided. Boxing is an appealing method to teach kids everything from work ethic to proper nutrition. With the help of the other volunteers I also began implementing a tutoring program at the club. This club is run by the Chief of Police assisted by Officer Scherer. On top of the Police presence the club also has Rod Parchman hired as an expert coach and Cody Yazzie as an expert trainer too. After months of observation, practicing, coaching, mentoring, tutoring, and of course boxing we’re finally ready to take the next step and really bring sustainable impact for the club. The fundraiser on 4/30/10 @ 5:00pm, hopefully in the JACC, will be in an effort to raise money for the club in order to buy mirrors for the clubs walls as well as mounts for the heavy bags (hopefully some other equipment as well). We hope to continue to utilize our creativity, education, and ability to continue to support the club in any way possible.
Our second club of our expanding list is the Chicago Youth Boxing Club, located on the Southside of Chicago. Robert Ramos, a former gang member, who wanted to provide kids an alternative to the devastatingly violent life of “gangbanging”, founded this club. Located on the boundary line between two warring/rival factions the club serves as a beacon of hope in a rather dangerous neighborhood. Although very different from the SBPD club, this club is equally beneficial and has a lot of members. The club serves as a connector between the youth of different races who wouldn’t otherwise come into contact with each other because of the racial emphasis in gang culture. This club currently charges $15 a month in order to cover its costs. We plan on implementing various sustainable business practices as well as help coach, mentor and train everyone involved at the club.
Furthermore after speaking both to Chief Boykins and Robert Ramos it seems that creating a relationship between the two clubs would be mutually beneficial. Although located about 2 hours away from each other, the future prospect of charity boxing exhibitions between the two clubs is definitely not out of the question. On top of that the ability to exchange methodologies between the two clubs will be invaluable. Already I’m implementing things at both clubs, which I learned at the other. It will be very exciting to see how this relationship pans out.
In an effort to raise money for both of these clubs, I personally also began my own charitable entity called “Team Carnevale”. Most professional boxing fights are marketed as one on one test of skill, strength, and agility. Using this concept I, along with Bengal Bout champion Greg Bennett, agreed to market our fight in Bengal Bouts next year in this manner. This is in order to raise money for our separate causes. Greg plans on using the publicity for our fight to raise money for the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh (where the money for Bengal Bouts goes). This will allow Greg to go above and beyond the minimum donation amount and hopefully continue the club’s legacy of consistently increasing its annual donation. I on the other hand created my own unofficial entity called “Team Carnevale” whose purpose is to raise as much money as possible for both the South Bend Police Boxing Club, the Chicago Youth Boxing Club and various other causes (for instance the upcoming Relay for Life received a donation through the collections at Rolfs). Team Carnevale will actually be making its first significant donation to the CYBC next week. Furthermore I plan on trying to raise about a $1000 through t-shirt sales for Team Carnevale (which can then be worn at the big fight).
Tom Carnevale
Notre Dame, 2012
Starting in November, I along with Chris LaCosta and Kieran Bulger have volunteered at the South Bend Police Boxing Club. The SBPD Club was founded by Chief Boykins in order to try to prevent kids from joining gangs as well as for them to take advantage of everything the sport of boxing has to offer. The club is free of charge, partly thanks to the donations we have provided. Boxing is an appealing method to teach kids everything from work ethic to proper nutrition. With the help of the other volunteers I also began implementing a tutoring program at the club. This club is run by the Chief of Police assisted by Officer Scherer. On top of the Police presence the club also has Rod Parchman hired as an expert coach and Cody Yazzie as an expert trainer too. After months of observation, practicing, coaching, mentoring, tutoring, and of course boxing we’re finally ready to take the next step and really bring sustainable impact for the club. The fundraiser on 4/30/10 @ 5:00pm, hopefully in the JACC, will be in an effort to raise money for the club in order to buy mirrors for the clubs walls as well as mounts for the heavy bags (hopefully some other equipment as well). We hope to continue to utilize our creativity, education, and ability to continue to support the club in any way possible.
Our second club of our expanding list is the Chicago Youth Boxing Club, located on the Southside of Chicago. Robert Ramos, a former gang member, who wanted to provide kids an alternative to the devastatingly violent life of “gangbanging”, founded this club. Located on the boundary line between two warring/rival factions the club serves as a beacon of hope in a rather dangerous neighborhood. Although very different from the SBPD club, this club is equally beneficial and has a lot of members. The club serves as a connector between the youth of different races who wouldn’t otherwise come into contact with each other because of the racial emphasis in gang culture. This club currently charges $15 a month in order to cover its costs. We plan on implementing various sustainable business practices as well as help coach, mentor and train everyone involved at the club.
Furthermore after speaking both to Chief Boykins and Robert Ramos it seems that creating a relationship between the two clubs would be mutually beneficial. Although located about 2 hours away from each other, the future prospect of charity boxing exhibitions between the two clubs is definitely not out of the question. On top of that the ability to exchange methodologies between the two clubs will be invaluable. Already I’m implementing things at both clubs, which I learned at the other. It will be very exciting to see how this relationship pans out.
In an effort to raise money for both of these clubs, I personally also began my own charitable entity called “Team Carnevale”. Most professional boxing fights are marketed as one on one test of skill, strength, and agility. Using this concept I, along with Bengal Bout champion Greg Bennett, agreed to market our fight in Bengal Bouts next year in this manner. This is in order to raise money for our separate causes. Greg plans on using the publicity for our fight to raise money for the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh (where the money for Bengal Bouts goes). This will allow Greg to go above and beyond the minimum donation amount and hopefully continue the club’s legacy of consistently increasing its annual donation. I on the other hand created my own unofficial entity called “Team Carnevale” whose purpose is to raise as much money as possible for both the South Bend Police Boxing Club, the Chicago Youth Boxing Club and various other causes (for instance the upcoming Relay for Life received a donation through the collections at Rolfs). Team Carnevale will actually be making its first significant donation to the CYBC next week. Furthermore I plan on trying to raise about a $1000 through t-shirt sales for Team Carnevale (which can then be worn at the big fight).
Tom Carnevale
Notre Dame, 2012
Friday, April 16, 2010
It Takes A Village
You might have heard of the common ancient African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”. Have you every considered that perhaps an athlete, too, requires a “village” to reach his or hers fullest potential? There are so many people that help and support an athlete – the parents, coaches, doctors, trainers, managers, and scorekeepers…the list is truly endless. I think often times only the athlete reaps the full benefit of his or her athletic skills. However, perhaps we should also try to remember that an entire community is often involved in an athlete’s success.
Over the past weekend at the University of Notre Dame, there was a half-marathon race. This truly exemplified how it does indeed take an entire community to help athletes develop and reach their fullest potential. Over 900 runners participated in the race, but in reality the entire community was involved. Volunteers handed out water, police officers blocked off roads, and supporters came to cheer on the runners. This was such a fun and unique experience, and as a competitor in the race I know that I could not have finished the race without the support of many other people.
I think that this idea needs to be kept in mind when developing young athletes. While young athletes do need strong will and personal determination, they can be influenced by so many other things as well. It is essential to for young athletes to have positive influences so that they can continue to develop and learn to truly love their sport.
Colleen McKenna
ND 2012
Social Foundations of Coaching
Over the past weekend at the University of Notre Dame, there was a half-marathon race. This truly exemplified how it does indeed take an entire community to help athletes develop and reach their fullest potential. Over 900 runners participated in the race, but in reality the entire community was involved. Volunteers handed out water, police officers blocked off roads, and supporters came to cheer on the runners. This was such a fun and unique experience, and as a competitor in the race I know that I could not have finished the race without the support of many other people.
I think that this idea needs to be kept in mind when developing young athletes. While young athletes do need strong will and personal determination, they can be influenced by so many other things as well. It is essential to for young athletes to have positive influences so that they can continue to develop and learn to truly love their sport.
Colleen McKenna
ND 2012
Social Foundations of Coaching
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Baseball Begins!
Today marked the true beginning of a new era for my favorite baseball team, the Minnesota Twins, with the official opening of their new outdoor stadium, Target Field. This will be the first season since 1981 that the team will play its home games outdoors, since their home has been the Metrodome for the past 28 years. Gone are the cramped locker rooms, no longer do the players and fans have to share an arena with the local NFL football team – this is a place they can truly call home, with all the modern amenities of any state-of-the-art ballpark.
I have been waiting for this my entire life. The Twins won two World Series’ in my first four years of existence, and have been relatively miserable until very recently. But I believe that they run their organization the right way, and like no other team in the big leagues. They preach fundamentally sound defense and value “small ball.” They relentlessly scout and home-grow their talented players within their own farm system, making shrewd trades and draft picks in order to survive in a league that mostly values money and the long ball. No team has done more with less over the past decade, and now they are finally reaping the fruits of their labors.
There definitely has not been a more exciting time for Twins fans – the team could not look much better on paper, and they have won 5 of their first 7 games on the road against the formidable Los Angeles Angels and their division archrival, the Chicago White Sox. The recent blockbuster deal for hometown hero Joe Mauer could not have come at a better time. The organization clearly realizes that they play a special brand of baseball and have some of the most devoted fans in the Majors, and they have responded in kind by locking up some of the fan favorites like Mauer and power-hitting first baseman Justin Morneau for long-term contracts.
They have the talent, they’ve begun paying their players the big bucks, they now have a place to truly call their own – all my beloved Minnesota Twins need now is a World Series victory. They definitely took the first step this afternoon – they won the first game in their new home – a 5-3 thriller against the Boston Red Sox – and moved into sole possession of first place in the American League Central Division. Only 154 games to go…GO TWINS!!
- Michael Flattery, ND 2010
Social Foundations of Coaching
I have been waiting for this my entire life. The Twins won two World Series’ in my first four years of existence, and have been relatively miserable until very recently. But I believe that they run their organization the right way, and like no other team in the big leagues. They preach fundamentally sound defense and value “small ball.” They relentlessly scout and home-grow their talented players within their own farm system, making shrewd trades and draft picks in order to survive in a league that mostly values money and the long ball. No team has done more with less over the past decade, and now they are finally reaping the fruits of their labors.
There definitely has not been a more exciting time for Twins fans – the team could not look much better on paper, and they have won 5 of their first 7 games on the road against the formidable Los Angeles Angels and their division archrival, the Chicago White Sox. The recent blockbuster deal for hometown hero Joe Mauer could not have come at a better time. The organization clearly realizes that they play a special brand of baseball and have some of the most devoted fans in the Majors, and they have responded in kind by locking up some of the fan favorites like Mauer and power-hitting first baseman Justin Morneau for long-term contracts.
They have the talent, they’ve begun paying their players the big bucks, they now have a place to truly call their own – all my beloved Minnesota Twins need now is a World Series victory. They definitely took the first step this afternoon – they won the first game in their new home – a 5-3 thriller against the Boston Red Sox – and moved into sole possession of first place in the American League Central Division. Only 154 games to go…GO TWINS!!
- Michael Flattery, ND 2010
Social Foundations of Coaching
Monday, April 12, 2010
Is LeBron’s Free Agency Hoopla Bad for the NBA?
LeBron James will be facing his first free agency opportunity this upcoming offseason, as I’m sure you have heard at least once by now, if not for the 792803024 time. Mr. James has embraced the opportunity by making a circus-like atmosphere around each game, media appearance, even celebrity parties with guests the likes of Drake, Beyonce, and none other than Shawn Carter, aka Jay-Z. This season, more than others, LeBron seems as focused on winning an NBA championship with his current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers in case you’ve forgotten, as would a blue-collar worker who was a few months away from signing the most financially lucrative contract of his life. The problem is that LeBron is acting like he has never been able to drop millions on whatever he fancies. Let us not forget the $100 million contract he has with Nike, and the $83 million contract he is currently still under. While he has never before been a free agent, he certainly is behaving like he has never been there before. Instead of averaging the triple-double he is well capable of, it seems as though he is toying with the opposition on the court, and enjoys preoccupations such as dancing on the sidelines, changing jersey numbers, paying homage to Michael Jordan, eating fans’ popcorn in-game, entertaining with rap stars, and most of all, cultivating the fan-fair surrounding his impending free agency.
Although each of these non-basketball related issues affects only LeBron and his teammates, the structure of the NBA may be taking a hit due to LeBron’s eagerness to indulge in the rumors that he is bound for New York. Let’s make a few things clear; LeBron is just as entitled to his free agency as any other player, he is entitled to earn as much as the market will pay for him, and he is entitled to play where he chooses if they will have him. However, there is something wrong when he seems to be hinting at a future in the Big Apple while he is still in the championship-chase with Cleveland. It is one thing to be BFFs with Jay-Z, self-proclaimed king of New York and part-owner of the New Jersey Nets soon to be relocated to Brooklyn, but it is another when you spend your free time at shows and parties in New York sporting Yankee ball-caps, and even taking it as far as wearing custom-made signature shoes with NY etched on the base of the shoes while playing for the Cavs! Just because the Cavs new retro uniforms happen to share the same colorway as the Knicks jerseys does not give one right to put an opposing city’s name on your shoe. Now keep in mind, LeBron is not from New York, he has never even lived there; rather he is playing for his hometown team; he is Cleveland born-and-raised.
Not only are these actions a slap in the face of his current teammates and fans, but teams’ reactions to LeBron’s hints that he wants the bright lights of Broadway have been nothing short of sabotage. Fans in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles (Clippers), and Chicago are all waiting on pins and needles to see if the King James will grace their throne; however they may all be disappointed for more than just one reason. If LeBron fails to join any of the aforementioned squads, they will have failed at the two, even three-year plans that they have been attempting to execute. Dumping salary, not signing players who could improve their teams immediately, and darn near losing games on purpose to secure better draft picks have been employed by each of these teams just to have a shot a LBJ, but what cost does this have on the league? At the current moment all of these teams are outside the playoffs looking in, with only Chicago having a remote chance to break in as the eighth seed in the eastern conference. These cities’ fans have reason to be upset if they don’t land LeBron because of the years of suffering would be all for naught. Lets face it, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh aren’t consolations to sneeze at, but they would definitely not be reason enough to lose for a few years just to have a shot at. Any time one player needs to be praised in a bigger city with brighter lights, more storied arenas, more famous crowds, all with no promise of a better team, fans should take a step back and contemplate what is really happening. The competition in the NBA, especially the eastern conference, is at an all time low, and the magnetism of one player is polarizing the field even more. If LeBron and the others coveted in the summer end up remaining with their respective teams, this theory will become clearer, especially when teams question their future and have to answer to 20,000 livid fans every night while LeBron continues to put on a show in Cleveland.
Ryan Woods
Social Foundations of Coaching
Although each of these non-basketball related issues affects only LeBron and his teammates, the structure of the NBA may be taking a hit due to LeBron’s eagerness to indulge in the rumors that he is bound for New York. Let’s make a few things clear; LeBron is just as entitled to his free agency as any other player, he is entitled to earn as much as the market will pay for him, and he is entitled to play where he chooses if they will have him. However, there is something wrong when he seems to be hinting at a future in the Big Apple while he is still in the championship-chase with Cleveland. It is one thing to be BFFs with Jay-Z, self-proclaimed king of New York and part-owner of the New Jersey Nets soon to be relocated to Brooklyn, but it is another when you spend your free time at shows and parties in New York sporting Yankee ball-caps, and even taking it as far as wearing custom-made signature shoes with NY etched on the base of the shoes while playing for the Cavs! Just because the Cavs new retro uniforms happen to share the same colorway as the Knicks jerseys does not give one right to put an opposing city’s name on your shoe. Now keep in mind, LeBron is not from New York, he has never even lived there; rather he is playing for his hometown team; he is Cleveland born-and-raised.
Not only are these actions a slap in the face of his current teammates and fans, but teams’ reactions to LeBron’s hints that he wants the bright lights of Broadway have been nothing short of sabotage. Fans in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles (Clippers), and Chicago are all waiting on pins and needles to see if the King James will grace their throne; however they may all be disappointed for more than just one reason. If LeBron fails to join any of the aforementioned squads, they will have failed at the two, even three-year plans that they have been attempting to execute. Dumping salary, not signing players who could improve their teams immediately, and darn near losing games on purpose to secure better draft picks have been employed by each of these teams just to have a shot a LBJ, but what cost does this have on the league? At the current moment all of these teams are outside the playoffs looking in, with only Chicago having a remote chance to break in as the eighth seed in the eastern conference. These cities’ fans have reason to be upset if they don’t land LeBron because of the years of suffering would be all for naught. Lets face it, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh aren’t consolations to sneeze at, but they would definitely not be reason enough to lose for a few years just to have a shot at. Any time one player needs to be praised in a bigger city with brighter lights, more storied arenas, more famous crowds, all with no promise of a better team, fans should take a step back and contemplate what is really happening. The competition in the NBA, especially the eastern conference, is at an all time low, and the magnetism of one player is polarizing the field even more. If LeBron and the others coveted in the summer end up remaining with their respective teams, this theory will become clearer, especially when teams question their future and have to answer to 20,000 livid fans every night while LeBron continues to put on a show in Cleveland.
Ryan Woods
Social Foundations of Coaching
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Last week, the Minnesota Twins took the field for the first time at Target Field, a $425 million brand new outdoor baseball park in Minneapolis. Despite an afternoon of rain, thousands of fans flocked to the new park in the evening to watch their beloved Twins take on the Cardinals. Naturally, the event was a major feature on every form of media in the state, and news stories debating the pros and cons of the new facility have been running since the plan for the project was announced years ago. Although there have been countless arguments made and statistics gathered about the value of the ballpark, what impressed me most about the inaugural day at Target Field was the photo on the front page of the Saint Paul newspaper the day after the event. This photo featured Anneka, a 3-year-old girl, giggling in pure delight as her father holds her high in the air between innings at the game.
To me, these are the standards by which the success of Target Field should be measured. Especially for young children, attending sporting events should be fun, playful, exciting and memorable times. By cheering with other fans, watching the players in action, spending quality time with family and friends, and learning the workings of the game, children learn a love of sports by watching. These are the same children who grow into future athletes, or at the very least, lifelong fans. If Target Field, or any athletic venue, can bring families together, give children lasting memories, and provide a great experience for all attendees, it is a successful facility.
Emily Stewart
Social Foundations of Coaching
University of Notre Dame 2010
To me, these are the standards by which the success of Target Field should be measured. Especially for young children, attending sporting events should be fun, playful, exciting and memorable times. By cheering with other fans, watching the players in action, spending quality time with family and friends, and learning the workings of the game, children learn a love of sports by watching. These are the same children who grow into future athletes, or at the very least, lifelong fans. If Target Field, or any athletic venue, can bring families together, give children lasting memories, and provide a great experience for all attendees, it is a successful facility.
Emily Stewart
Social Foundations of Coaching
University of Notre Dame 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Acclaimed character sports coach author retires
SALT LAKE CITY — Just three days after Judge Memorial Catholic High School played for the 3A state championship title, longtime coaching icon James Yerkovich announced to his team he was retiring.
“I don’t have the energy I used to have to run the quality basketball program I would like,” said Yerkovich of his 44 years at Judge Memorial Catholic High School. “We still have that kind of program, thanks to two of the most loyal assistants any coach could have in Dan Del Porto and Marty Giovacchini.”
Yerkovich had 634 wins. His teams have participated in 38 state tournaments with three state championships and six runner-up finishes.
Yerkovich has had five operations over the past five years, including open-heart surgery and two knee replacements. The heart surgery left him with nerve problems in his right hand.
In addition to his long tenure as head basketball coach, for the past 20 years he has been the academic vice principal at Judge. He also taught A.P. calculus for 25 years.
“The past 44 years have been filled with great people, players and coaches who have built a strong Judge community,” said Yerkovich. “I’ve always felt that coaching is really at the high school level because that is where you can have so much impact on the lives of the players.”
In a blog on the Deseret News site, former Real Salt Lake soccer player Adam Acosta, who was a student of Yerkovich’s, said he grew up dreaming of playing for Yerkovich. “As a kid I idolized his teams, players, philosophy and him. Then I was fortunate enough to play under him for three years, and I can honestly say there has never been a more influential coach or man,” said Acosta.
Yerkovich asked Acosta to be an assistant coach for the varsity and junior varsity basketball teams. Acosta also coaches the sophomore basketball team and the soccer team.
“I will never forget the words he said to me as a player, ‘You are always going to make mistakes on and off the court, but ask yourself if you are a better man.’ In this day and age, not many coaches encourage that,” said Acosta. “He did and I thank him.”
“He is a remarkable person,” said Dan Quinn, Judge Memorial director of athletics. “Coach Yerkovich has done some amazing things over the five decades he has been here, both in the NCAA by putting Judge Memorial on the map and I can’t tell you how many kids he has gotten into college because of athletics and/or academics. We are going to miss him. He will be a legendary coach. Since he announced his retirement, the phone has not stopped ringing with well-wishers.”
Yerkovich is a 1961 Judge Memorial graduate. He knew in high school he would go on to play college basketball, major in math, and return to Judge to teach math and coach basketball.
“I feel very blessed,” said Yerkovich. “The highlights of my career include participating 13 times in the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament (ACIT) in Cumberland, Md. We won three Consolation Championships, and in 1990, defeated two nationally ranked Washington, D.C. teams to make it to the championship game and become the runner-up. Winning was never our main goal because we played against the best teams in the nation. It was more to give the team the experience. We will participate in the 50th ACIT from March 18-20.”
The other highlight was writing “We: A Model for Coaching and Christian Living,” with Jesuit Father Patrick Kelly, he said. “You try to teach the kids to be the best athlete they can be, but at the same time teach them life skills.”
In his retirement, Yerkovich plans to travel as much as he can with his wife, Betty, and spend time with his family.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The NBA season
http://technorati.com/sports/article/are-the-denver-nuggets-championship-contenders/
In listening to basketball gossip surrounding this year's NBA season it appears as though the season was decided and done with before it even began. From the get go all that has been discussed and covered by the media is how great this year's finals will be between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now it is a well known fact that both of these teams are very good, and each have their own respective super star, but why is every other team in the league already being ruled out as a contender? With such emphasis being put on these two teams as the sole contenders, is league management trying to micro manage how the season plays out, to ensure that what fans "want to see" is delivered? The article above briefly discusses the Denver Nuggets as being contenders for this years title, but due to their rough edged personality, they have in a sense been given the back seat by the media. Can it then be said that the league is trying to promote what is sees as best for its image, or will what happens the court be the only contributor to who is really the best team?
Andrew Scheid
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2010
In listening to basketball gossip surrounding this year's NBA season it appears as though the season was decided and done with before it even began. From the get go all that has been discussed and covered by the media is how great this year's finals will be between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now it is a well known fact that both of these teams are very good, and each have their own respective super star, but why is every other team in the league already being ruled out as a contender? With such emphasis being put on these two teams as the sole contenders, is league management trying to micro manage how the season plays out, to ensure that what fans "want to see" is delivered? The article above briefly discusses the Denver Nuggets as being contenders for this years title, but due to their rough edged personality, they have in a sense been given the back seat by the media. Can it then be said that the league is trying to promote what is sees as best for its image, or will what happens the court be the only contributor to who is really the best team?
Andrew Scheid
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2010
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