March 19 Thoughts....

After having quite the scare from my laptop, it suddenly has started to work again(Knock on Wood) but I feel like I should catch up on some topics, Nationally, and of course Pittsburgh flavored. So here we go.....

1. The Madness, first weekend.- As always my favorite weekend of the year did not disappoint, and I find it hard to believe it ever will. The Madness caught fire across the nation and we saw some very unusual things. A 15 seed beating a #2, not once, but twice! Unreal. Norfolk State absolutely shredded my bracket, and many others. And the mighty Duke Blue Devils lost to Lehigh. Wild, wild times and many ripped up brackets.  Kentucky looks poised to make it to New Orleans, and it is certainly their tournament to lose. UNC and Syraucse lost starters, and Michigan State is overachieving to say the least. I don't know if anyone can take down Calipari and his Freshman all star team, but thats why they play the games.

2. Paul Chryst's First Recruit!- Todd Graham had an unusually slow start to recruiting last year, but Paul Chryst's drought didn't last as long. Scott Orndoff, a 6-6 Tight end from Pittsburgh is the first official recruit of the Paul Chryst era. I think its a pretty good start. He held offers from Wisconsin, Michigan,Michigan State, and WVU.  He is pretty highly coveted by the Big Ten, and should receive better rankings as the year progresses. He was a Wisconsin commit originally, and predictably switched to Pitt.  Chryst and Rudolph have teamed up to churn out productive Tight Ends at Wisconsin, and they have two very talented recruits to start things off with in Pittsburgh. JP Holtz in the incoming class, and Orndoff in the current recruiting class could team up to be a very lethal duo for the Panthers. The recruiting class can certainly shape up to be a productive one, but Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State are Pitt's chief rivals in recruiting and they are well behind those teams.

3. Streaking Penguins-The boys in Black and Gold put on a show the past few weeks, and maybe a show for things to come. The Pens reeled off 12 straight and basically looked flawless. Fleury has been a force and looking like a goalie you can ride through the playoffs. Kris Letang's return to the defense is almost as important as any one player the Penguins have. And of course, Sidney Crosby looks like a pretty nice midseason addition. Sid hasn't been lighting up the goals, but certainly has opened things up for everyone around him. He is setting up guys at a rapid pace, and joining Malkin and James Neal on the power play may be the scariest thing the NHL has seen in decades. Evgeni Malkin has upped his game to world class levels, and is the best player in the world right now, and its hard to argue that.  The Penguins have the offense, defense, and goaltending to win a Stanley Cup.  They may or may not catch the Rangers in the standings, but will be a tough out for anyone come playoff time.

4. The McCutchen Deal- Andrew McCutchen signing for a big extension is a positive step for the futile Pirates organization. McCutchen is the face of the franchise, and the most popular Pirates in a long time. He is a legitimate building block for the team and the city. McCutchen's willingness to sign an extension shows that he is ready to the centerpiece to the future for this team. McCutchen is a rare "5 tool" player that has garnered recognition nationally. He isn't the typical Pirate's best player that is relatively unknown, he is a known commodity and well recognized star in this league, and will be even more known if he continues to produce. It is hard to imagine he will take a slide. He should only get better, and may be one of the selling points to future free agents if the origination is ready to sign outside talent.

5. Peyton Manning- Manning signing with the Denver Broncos is big, big news. And it certainly can change things around for the next few years.  Peyton at full strength is one of the best of all time, no questions asked. His career stats can be mentioned with the greats of the game, and if he returns to form there is no doubt Denver can make a Super Bowl push. The fact that a team can depend on one player for so long, and crumble the first year without him is puzzling, or it can be considered remarkable how valuable Manning truly is.  If Peyton was the entire key for Indy, and it was worthless without him, says a lot about where he can take a more talented Dever team.  Denver has a solid defense, better than most Manning had with the Colts.  The Broncos also have two young receivers that are on the rise, Erik Dekker and Demaryius Thomas stand the best in the whole situation.  But where does Tim Tebow factor in? Who knows?  But the guy that captured ESPN's full attention for an entire season might be able to catch on elsewhere, or learn from one of the vest best.  Its hard to predict how Peyton's health will be.  Will he come out and provide the same type of impact Brett Favre made in his late career, or will he fade dramatically like a Donovan McNabb? Time will tell, but Denver's prospects became a lot more interesting this offseason.

6. The CBI- Pitt's ridiculous attempt to make this season any longer is very, very agonizing. This season needs to rest in peace. Pitt's program should be above accepting this invite, and quite frankly it is. Pitt has been the Big East's most winningest team over the last decade, that featured 10 NCAA appearances. The team has had a streak of success that has never graced the program, and don't expect it to go away.  Pitt had a very young team, and ran into some strange and unusual issues this past season. That should all last all of one season. Pitt will introduce Steven Adams to the Big East next season, and he should not disappoint. The 7 footer is an agile big man that has great skill, and an even greater upside.  He should make a similar type of impact  that Cody Zeller made for Indiana this past season. Pitt may not be a top 10 team next season, they may not even be a consistently ranked team. But they will be back in the tournament, and will be better than this past season. The talent within the program, the talent coming into the program, and the coaching will turn things around very quickly.

My Bucket List

Well as an avid Sports fan there is always places you want to see, games that you always say, "I got to get to one before I die."  Well here is my list, I've always wanted to see some of these things in person, rather then just watching it on TV.  I've been to NCAA tournament first rounds, I've been to Notre Dame Stadium, I've seen a game in Williamsport, NFL and NHL playoff games,  but there is much more I want to do, and much more I will do. Here are 30 things I would love to check off my list before I kick the can, maybe you would want to check out some of these things too.

30. Minnesota High School Hockey Championships- Maybe a little different then you were expecting, but this thing seems pretty interesting. Hockey in Minnesota is like Football in Texas, and Basketball in Indiana. It is taken very, very seriously. The tournament spans 4 days and features 16 teams in both classes, and is the most watched High School sporting event in the nation. Yeah its that big. They play at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, and it is filled to the rafters.  Check out this crowd! Its High School, not the NHL....Unreal.

29. Los Angeles Lakers Home Game- Well I've never been to an NBA game, and I've never been to LA. If its the right time of year, I could easily be convinced to take in a game. The Lakers are the game's most storied team, and it is the place to be if you are rich and famous.  Kobe won't be around forever, but the Lakers are the type of team that will always be good no matter what.  I'd be all for going, I just wonder how much these seats cost...



28. Hall of Fame Induction in Canton or Cooperstown- I've been to Canton, but I was a little guy, I would love a return trip. Hall of Fames are some of the most interesting places in the world if you are a sports geek. I would be in heaven.  Cooperstown is definitely on my bucket list by itself, but I would love to be there during an induction.  The crowds and atmosphere definitely have to wake up the sleepy little towns. I'm going to try to make it to at least one at some point.

27. The Maui Invitational- Well for a College Basketball junkie, this one would be great. You get to spend Thanksgiving in Hawaii, and see seven top flight college basketball teams. Often most of the field is among the nations elite. Its like an NCAA regional in November. They play this thing in a High School sized gym, so you get to see everything up close and personal. This would be a great time, and you get to catch some great Hoops along the way.  Pitt is heading there in 2014, anyone with me?

26. US Open, Tennis-I'm convinced that any sporting event held in New York City instantly becomes 100 times better. The Big Apple is the stage you want to be playing on, but just as important the stage you want to be spectating on. There is so much to do in between matches and lots of fine establishments along the way. New York is awesome, and this tennis tournament is one you don't have to stay up all night to watch. I'd go to this in a heartbeat. Flushing is calling my name....

25. Beanpot College Hockey Tournament- Well it is my second Hockey tournament on the list, and this one seems like another great time. The Beanpot features the four major Boston schools, Boston College, Boston U, Harvard, and Northestern. Boston is a great college town and all schools participating make this thing special. There are plenty of things to do in Boston, and plenty of places to eat and drink. It has always been a town I have wanted to see, might as well catch some great Hockey along the way.


24. Texas High School Football Championships- Being from Western Pennsylvania, High School Football is important. It has nothing on Texas, though. It is a way of life down there, and seeing the championships would be something else. These teams are like mini universities, and the crowds are unbelievable. The 5A division actually will outdraw many Bowl games, as it will pull in upwards of 40,000 fans. All to watch 17 year olds play football. Football reigns supreme in Texas, even at the High School level.

23. Harvard vs. Yale Football game- Well most of the participants of this game will be CEO's, Doctors, and Lawyers. For one game each season, this game is pretty important to the esteemed universities. Simply known as , "The Game" it is one of college football's oldest rivalries dating back to 1875. The two stadiums for the two schools are surprisingly big venues as at one time both teams were national powers. The days of the teams being relevant are long gone, but "The Game" remains one of football fiercest games. Hell I love football of any kind, I'll definitely go to a game that dates back to the 1800's.

22. Little League World Series Final- I went to Williamsport as a kid and it is definitely a special place, and I would recommend it to anyone. The fields are in pristine condition and the complex is something to behold, and best of all it is absolutely 100% free. Its Little League Baseball, even at the World Series itself. The concession stands are reasonable and its pretty good baseball too. These kids can play, especially when they are at this point of the world wide tournament. Sunday afternoon with the USA taking on one of the challengers from the world is always a highly competitive game and draws one heck of a crowd. 30,000 plus fills the stadium and the naturally fitting hillside in the outfield, quite a sight to behold with the mountains of Pennsylvania in the background.

21. Bayou Classic Grambling vs. Southern-The game is pretty good, but definitely takes a backseat to the halftime show. The Battle of the Bands is the real attraction and would certainly be worth the price of admission. The game has been taking place since 1974, and is always a big attraction as one the final games of the College Football season. The bands put on a show, and the teams battle it out for bragging rights. Everyone loves a good rivalry, and we all love marching bands with some swagger.

20. US Open, at Pebble Beach-I've made it to Pebble Beach once, pretty much just to look at it. I think it would be great to see the US Open take place here. The setting of this place is indescribable. The 17 mile drive is picturesque and worth going on in its own right, throw in the golf and you have something. The houses and the rocky coastline are as beautiful as it gets. The course layout is awesome to see on TV, it would be amazing to see it in person with the United State Championship on the line.

19. Butler Basketball Home game at Hinkle Fieldhouse- This old barn is one of the Cathedrals of the game of Basketball, and if you have seen the movie, "Hoosiers" you would understand the magnitude of the building. The movie takes place here, but the true story behind the movie also took place here as it is dubbed, "The Milan Miracle." As tiny Milan High School won the 1954 State Championship over the heavily favored Muncie Central. The arena is one of the oldest still in use today, and if you love Basketball, and if you love the movie this is one place you have to go.

18. Super Bowl- The Super Bowl may be low on the list for me, but that is for several reasons. If the team you like isn't in the big game, its not nearly as fun. Also, you miss all the commercials!!  Still, America's biggest game would be fun to see in person. Along with the game, you get the hoopla with the halftime show and pregame ceremonies, and recently the game has been interesting, as it should be. The game features two of the best teams in the league playing for the ultimate prize, and you have to appreciate that.

17. Championship Boxing Match in Las Vegas- We are past Boxing's heyday, but the sport can still put on a show. And if worse comes to worse, you are still in Las Vegas. Not a bad place to be.  But the famed fights in Vegas are hyped up and are historic. These things are filled with stars from Hollywood and are quite the spectacle to see. I would love to see Heavyweight Boxing become relevant again, but with the rise of the UFC, it seems as a long shot.

16. SEC Home Game- The SEC has pretty much taken the role of being the country's best football conference over the past decade, and while the on field product seems to be better then ever, the fanfare has always made this a big deal. Tailgating in SEC country seems like the real deal and would be the perfect experience for the college football fan. An LSU night game, or tailgating at Ole Miss, or a game at the Swamp, Between the Hedges, or in Alabama would be something I would love to see. The traditions are unlike any other, and the fans are as ravenous as they come. I love a good party, and good football.

15. Bears vs. Packer game at Lambeau-The game is one the league's best, and it is the longest running. The Packers and Bears have met 184 times throughout history and often with plenty on the line. The two teams have combined for 48 members in the Pro Football hall of Fame. Leambeau Field has a special aura about it, as it is in the smallest city in the NFL, yet is filled like a college stadium. The rivalry dates back to 1921, and the two teams have not lost hate for each other, especially the fan bases.

14. NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, or World Series Game 7- Game 7 is special in any series, especially when crowning a champion. After a grueling and lengthy season, you are met with a few rounds of heart-pounding divisional series before you make it to the finals.  The Finals is the ultimate test to prove which team is better. Any team can beat anyone else in a one game setting, but it takes a lot and proves a lot when you can withstand a team for 7 games. Any of these three leagues always put on a classic game seven if it makes it that far. It is always worth watching no matter who is playing, but it would definitely be worth going when everything is on the line.

13. Big 5 Game at The Palestra-The Palestra is one of the marquee venues any Basketball fan must see. The old barn was opened back in 1927 and has seen thousands of Basketball games, and it most notably plays host to the "Big Five."  This refers to the five major Division One Basketball teams in Philadelphia. Penn,Saint Josephs, LaSalle, Temple, and Villanova comprise the Big Five. The schools each have their own home arena, but for years most of the games were played at the Palestra, and to this day it is still used frequently and serves as Penn's home court. To see one of these historical battles at the Palestra would be a treat for any true Basketball fan.

12. NHL Winter Classic- The Winter Classic has grown in popularity through the years and has become a celebrated event during the NHL regular season. It has been held in NFL and MLB stadiums, and is taking on the challenge of filling up the University of Michigan's "Big House" which would put well over 100,000 spectators to see an NHL game. The game will always bounce around and take on different challenges in different cities. The outdoor concept is fun for the fans and players alike, I would love to see it live. It is turning into a pretty awesome event.

11. Pittsburgh Pirate Playoff game- In reality, this is my true #1.But it would be a homer pick on my part. PNC Park is often described as Baseball's best stadium, and at the very least the most beautiful one. The Pirates hold a special place in my heart and it would be my dream to see the stadium used in a playoff setting. I know I'll be there the first time it happens, I just wonder what my reaction will be? I may burst into tears or simply faint from excitement.  I can't wait for this day. This is one thing on here I guaruntee I will be in attendence.

10. Sit in the Bleachers at Wrigley Field- Wrigley Field is one of the stadiums that I have to get to. I missed out on old Yankee Stadium, but I don't want to miss out on this one.  The Stadium has a certain charm and plenty of character. Sitting in the bleachers would be right at home for me. I like the view from the outfield in term of watching a game. Wrigley is one the oldest stadiums in the game and one of the most iconic. It has played parts in movies and is one of the most recognizable fields in America. I'm just not sure I would handle it if I caught a Home Run ball, I guess if you are in Rome do as the Romans do.....

9. Kentucky Derby- I don't know if it gets much better then being at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in America and has spanned the length of 15 decades. The Derby only last a two minutes, albeit the most exciting two minutes in sports. The overall appeal  and atmosphere of the event is the true excitement. I would be happy just hanging out in the center pit or up in the stands. The Derby is one of the more iconic events in America, and Louisville seems like it would be a fun town with plenty of things to do. This would be a great weekend trip in the future. I just need to brush up on the lyrics for "My Old Kentucky Home" and get ready to sip on some Mint Juleps.

8. Michigan vs. Ohio State Football game- It is widely recognized as the best rivalry in College Football, although I'm sure the state of Alabama would argue that.  The game is played in front of 100,000 in either of the team's stadiums. The Horseshoe and The Big House are two of the biggest and oldest stadiums in the country. The teams are often fighting for a Rose Bowl appearance, and the fans just flat out hate each other. I think it would be an intense game to go to, and the whole gay day experience would be plenty of fun. Ann Arbor and Columbus are two college towns that take this game very seriously.

7. College World Series- The College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska is one of my favorite sporting events to watch, but it would be a real treat to attend. The city of Omaha really takes to the tournament and provides a great home to the Baseball championships. Its not like the real World Series as this 8 team tournament has all the drama of March Madness held in June. Fresno State winning it all a few years back proved just that. The traditional pile on the pitchers mound after the game just show that college athletics are special, and this championship event is on par with any other.

6. Yankees vs. Red Sox game at Fenway Park- Baseball's biggest rivalry is always highly intense wherever its played, but the new Yankee Stadium does not have the same power as the old. Fenway Park is the oldest ballapark, and is still one of the most popular. The famed Green Monster and the intense Boston fans would be sure to make this a fun place to see a game. I'd love to a game here against anyone, but when the Yankees come to town it gets that much better. I do not care for either team all that much, but they are usually the two best and are playing for a lot. This game would be fun to watch, and observing the New York-Boston arguing up close would be cool to see.  Boston is really on my list of destinations, and a Yankee game would be the ideal centerpiece for a trip to Boston.

5. The Final 4- The Final Four is the culmination of the Madness that takes place in March. It usually is where Cinderella is left at the door looking in, and the Big boys come to play. Recently, Cinderella stories have made it here and that may be a normal occurrence these days.In my opinion, the NCAA tournament is the greatest sporting event in America, bar none. From the first game to the last game, it is full of buzzer beaters and upsets and typically the best team does not always win. You just have to be hot for six game. The Final 4 is a big deal and held in a dome. The ideal scenario would be to sit in the lower bowl or you wouldn't see much. The overall excitement would drown out bad seats though. I'd love to go to a Final 4 in New Orleans if given the choice.

4. Sunday at The Masters- The Masters is the most celebrated golf tournament held in America. The only major that is held at the same course every year. Augusta National is one of the most beautiful settings for golf in the whole world, and the storied course has seen some of the greatest players and matches in the game's history. The Masters on a Sunday is often action packed and thrilling, it would be quite the spectacle to witness. Golf does not get much better then early April on a Sunday in Augusta, Georgia.

3. North Carolina vs. Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium- The Duke-UNC rivalry seems like an ESPN made for TV game, but don't say that on Tobacco Road.  This game is very serious, and this rivalry is very real. UNC and Duke do not like each other. The game is important wherever its played, but when its played at Cameron Indoor it seems to have a special feel. The small arena and loud crowd add to the game's intensity. The crowd is right on top of the court and it adds to the drama. The teams are often among the nations top 10, so this would be just be a good game to watch minus the rivalry. Throw that in there, and that makes this thing great.  I'd love to get to one of these games sometime in the future.

2. The Rose Bowl Game- I love the Rose Bowl and it is a must watch for me every New Year's Day. It does not matter who is playing, the game is special. There is a reason why it is called, "The Grand Daddy of them all"  The game has plenty of history and tradition as it has been played since 1902. From the Tournament of Roses Parade in the morning to the game in the late afternoon, it is the most perfect setting for a College Football game.  The way the stadium sits against the mountains and how the sun hits the field is awesome and I'd love to be a part of it. The game always offers a compelling matchup as it is a BCS Bowl, and always fills the stadium up. Bowl games are great, but the Rose Bowl Game is the greatest one.

1. Army vs. Navy Game- The game between the two service academies has always drawn to me. The tradition of the game, the fact that the cadets and midshipmen are marched on the field, and the intensity in which the game is played just appeals to me. The game is the regular season finale for College Football, and it rarely disappoints. Navy has dominated of late, but that does take away from the effort on either side. The game is important, but what these guys do after the game is even more important. It is a very emotional game and both teams could be 0-11, but the whole country will still be watching. I really need to catch one of these before I kick the can.