‘Lotta Happenings — The Move
Posted by 'lottasports in Football, Hill Country Happenings Articles on February 5, 2013
My article below appeared in the February issue of Hill Country Happenings.. Click here for more articles and information about happenings in the Texas Hill Country.
Big changes came in my life at the conclusion of 2012. My husband, Rick, accepted a job back at DFW Airport. Although I was happy for him, his timing stunk! Strategic moves like scheduling the TV/Internet access required careful calculations since the move was in the final two weeks of the college bowl series and the post-season draft for my Fantasy Football League.
Because Rick’s reporting to his job was immediate, I was faced with packing up things accumulated from our last move seven years ago. Prior to my hubby’s departure, I received the lecture of weeding out the “unnecessary items.” This proved to be an impossible task for this sports sentimentalist! Going through my sports memorabilia was like letting a child loose at FAO Schwarz with the grandparent’s credit card! Along with the keepsakes came the stories with them and the self-negotiation of what needed to be kept another ten years.
There was the University of Houston/Ole Miss Homecoming football program from October of 1969. The pages were pretty worn as I flipped through them. Once at the center, I perused through the player list. There it was — #18 for Ole Miss — Quarterback Archie Manning. I had an “ah-ha” moment when I realized Peyton had his daddy’s number.
The next drawer contained a white coach Delta boarding card — on the back was Tom Laundry’s autograph. I thought back to the evening I met him. He was seated in an empty boarding area quietly reading a book. There was no doubt when I spotted the fedora — I knew the person who was wearing it. I was in awe of the man who commanded the likes of Roger Staubach, Dandy Don Meredith, Bob Lilly and Randy White. How sad that Jerry Jones’ first action when buying the Cowboys, was firing the legend. That was when I stopped being a Cowboys fan.
That same year, there were two other Hall of Famers on my flights. The first was Paul Hornung coming from commentating at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. He was wearing his Super Bowl ring. It was huge! Months later, I worked a flight out of Birmingham to Atlanta. Because of holding over Atlanta, the time seemed to be the equivalent of an international flight, but that was OK for me as one of my First Class passengers was Joe Namath also known to fans as Broadway Joe. I don’t remember how we even got on the subject of birthdays, but as he exited, he planted a kiss on my cheek and uttered, “Happy Birthday!” That was the last time I traveled without my camera!
One athlete who would probably decline kissing me was Buffalo Bills Quarterback, Jim Kelly. We met during an autograph session in the DFW area. The line to meet Kelly was wrapped around the perimeter of the sporting goods store. At that time in my life, I was a huge “Love ‘Ya Blue” Oilers fan and the Bills (minus Jim Kelly out injured) had rallied one of the biggest comebacks in playoffs history over the Oilers in the wildcard championship. When I finally reached his station, I slid my Oilers cap across the table. “Would you autograph this please?” I whispered. A look of shock accompanied with a “You have got to be kidding me” followed. Yes, he signed it along with an “I’m sorry we beat your team.” I knew better…. That Jim Kelly is “one class act!”
‘Lotta Briefs — Super Bowl Thoughts
Posted by 'lottasports in Fantasy Football, Football on January 25, 2013
This should have been a sign of a bad season!
This doesn’t happen many times in my life — but this Super Bowl, there is no vested interest in who wins. My Steelers and my 2nd team, Pats, disappointed me yet again.
Ben played injured for a lot of the season and I question Coach Tomlin’s decision to play him in so many critical games. Errant throws were costly in the final games of the season and the Steelers went to the showers early — no post-season play. Tough pill to swallow, but when one has a second team, easier to accomplish.
My Fantasy League team was solid with Brady, Welker & Hernandez. The boys let me down… 😦 The Patriots performance was lackluster in the Championship game. Not to worry…I also have the 49ers Defense & Special Teams. Surprisingly, very few Ravens players (including Joe Flacco and the Defense/Special Teams) were on our league’s playoff roster and because of this, it’s still anyone’s to win.
So… who does this armchair quarterback root for? Pittsburgh is the sole team with 6 Super Bowl wins, making it very hard to root for a team (49ers) to tie the record. Then there’s the flip side of the coin — Rooting for the Ravens is like a Browns fan rooting for the Steelers — it’s just not done! Just ask my husband!
Ideally, I need Kaepernick, Rice, Boldin & Ravens Defense/Special Teams to have a horrible game and the 49ers to hold the Ravens scoreless. I’m not asking for much …right?!?! After all… It’s all about me and winning Fantasy Football!
‘Lotta Happenings — My Johnny Story
Posted by 'lottasports in Exclusives, Football, Hill Country Happenings Articles on January 7, 2013
My article below appeared in the January issue of Hill Country Happenings.. Click here for more articles and information about happenings in the Texas Hill Country.
In my column last month, I wrote about Johnny Manziel’s name being in the mix for the Heisman and the comparison to past Heisman winner Doug Flutie. At that point, it still was unthinkable that even Johnny could sway a voting history who never gave a freshman the nod. Who would have thought? Personally I wanted it to happen but even this lover of Cinderella endings had her doubts. Ye with little faith…
It’s the Texas Hill Country and most everyone living here has a Johnny story. Mine started when my husband and I attended a tour of homes at Comanche Trace. At one of the houses we were greeted by the owner. She proceeded to proudly show her home. We came to a doorway. “This is my son’s room.” She stepped back. I immediately fell in love with the room. It was decorated to perfection only a sports fanatic like me could understand. At that moment, I visualized my own room when I was in high school. Leaning in the corner were my batons and tasseled drill team boots. On the dresser were cigar boxes containing my baseball card collection. There was a Dallas Cowboys pendant as well as an unexplainable framed photo of Ole Miss Quarterback Archie Manning on the wall. Yes, I appreciated the tour room I was in —oh by the way — the tour guide was Michelle Manziel and the son’s room was Johnny’s.
A couple of years passed. My boss came to work one day and proudly announced that his son was named the kicker at Tivy. My husband and I attended the next home game for the Antlers. My boss Mickey was high fiving and after each great kick, he’d stand and say “That’s my son!” Yes, Tyler was a fun kicker to watch as his willowy leg nailed each kick. However, there was another player who garnered my appreciation even more. It was the Tivy quarterback. He was a machine. He found his wide receivers and when he couldn’t, he kept the ball himself churning up major yardage with most of his runs. I knew then that number two was special.
Fast forward to December 2012. It’s Heisman week. Every lead story both on TV and in the papers was all about Johnny. Even Texas Longhorn fans were giving thumbs up to the Aggie. Watch parties were on tap for several eateries and bars. I knew better and stayed home to stand one foot from my TV screen and take in every moment. I also didn’t want other fans to witness the mascara running down my cheeks as Johnny was announced the winner. Yes, I’m the whole package when it comes to being a fan!
The next moments were endearing as the cameras panned the room while Johnny, visibly shaken, gathered congratulation handshakes enroute to the stage. After he reached the podium, he took a deep breath and began one of the most professional acceptance speeches I have ever witnessed. He acknowledged the members of his team, especially the offensive line. He talked about pretending to be Doug Flutie when he was a kid. In the background the Boston College star beamed proudly. I chuckled as Johnny confessed to playing football in the hallway with his Grandpa then issued an apology to his Grandma for “for all of the things we broke in the house.” He even accredited his Tivy days – how he was taught “about passion and about heart and what it truly meant to say that Tivy fight never dies.”
Way to go Johnny! ‘Lotta Sports hopes this is only the beginning!
‘Lotta Happenings — Johnny Football & Bowl Fun
Posted by 'lottasports in Football, Hill Country Happenings Articles on December 7, 2012
My article below appeared in the December issue of Hill Country Happenings.. Click here for more articles and information about happenings in the Texas Hill Country.
Wow! I cannot believe that December is already here! Where did this year go? My husband’s theory is that as one gets older, the time goes by faster. My theory is that old is just a state of mind and I’m sticking to that!
Johnny during his TFND days. Photo Courtesy of Tony Gallucci
I always look forward to December, especially the sports. My favorite, football, is heading towards college championships and to playoffs in the NFL. This year is particularly exciting with Tivy High School alum Johnny Manziel making quite a sensation at Texas A &M. Fans of college football are seeing what the Hill Country saw when he played for the Antlers. What an honor that this freshman’s name is already in the Heisman mix and being compared to the “Hail Mary” legend, Doug Flutie. It truly is like watching a reincarnation of Flutie as Johnny scrambles, eludes the defenders and then throws a pass with such velocity that even quarterbacks in the NFL are probably envious! Adding icing to the cake, Manziel also stacks up the rushing statistics as he picks his way down the field after a busted play.
Behind this media sensation is cautious head coach Kevin Sumlin who sticks to his policy of denying freshman players interviews with the press. He also knows of Johnny’s history of doing youthful shenanigans. Some of the jury of critics wonder if Manziel’s misjudgments in his personal life will again surface as the hype continues to build. I say let’s give this talent a chance. Kids grow up……..usually!
December is also the time for gift giving. Last week I ran across some wrapping paper for my favorite NFL team. I think the decorative bundle has been in the attic for several seasons. Why is it I bought the “perfect paper” for preparing Christmas gifts and then forgot about it? Forgetting is just a state of the mind — like my previously mentioned getting old!
One thing I won’t forget is last year’s holiday for Rick and me. My Christmas gift to us was tickets to see my former school, the University of Houston Cougars, play Penn State at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. I was the perfect fan layered in red (I’ll spare you the details of me deciding in the parking lot that I needed to add my wool tights under my jeans), carrying my sign, pom poms, program, camera and fleece blanket.
Ticket City Bowl 1/1/2012 U of H vs Penn State
There’s no better way to test a true fan’s mettle than enduring windy, forty degree temperatures in the shade on the visitor’s side beginning the second quarter. Lesson learned — there’s usually a good reason for the availability of fifty yard line tickets just a week before the game! There’s also a reason for having hand dryers in the stadium restrooms — they’re great for warming the hands and also the frozen bottom! (not a good visual, I admit!) Have a safe holiday season! ‘Lotta Sports will be back next year!
‘Lotta Happenings — Sports Mentors
Posted by 'lottasports in Football, Hill Country Happenings Articles on November 8, 2012
My article below appeared in the November issue of Hill Country Happenings.. Click here for more articles and information about happenings in the Texas Hill Country
November is the month of thanks especially for good role models in sports. Let’s first look at the meaning of role model. According to Encarta ® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] ©, the definition is “somebody to be copied: a worthy person who is a good example for other people.” Since sports figures are such an influence and kids look up to them, it’s especially important for those involved in sports to be positive role models for our youth. This includes not breaking the rules or expecting to be exceptions to the rules.
Although the ones involved will remain nameless, let’s look at some of negative conduct found in sports today: Arrests for DWI, carrying a concealed firearm, indecent exposure, assault, etc., slamming fists into dugout walls, using foul language, arguing with an umpire or referee’s decision, deliberate physical force injuring the opposition, bragging in press interviews about parties just short of an orgy, testing positive for drugs deemed not permissible for the sport, sex with under aged, and falsifying college transcripts. Is this behavior becoming for a role model for our youth? NO!
Let’s instead recognize someone who is a positive example — one of the Hill Country’s role models for our youth — Jeff Kowalski, Athletic Director and Head Coach of Ingram Tom Moore High School.
Jeff grew up in football playing for powerhouse Euless Trinity High School and then called the University of North Texas home. As he developed his coaching career in North Texas, he was involved in athletic programs at Liberty Christian in Argyle, Springtown, his alumni Trinity and Ana. Throughout the transitions, his wife Jamie, a Burleson native, and their two kids adapted to each school he went to. There were challenges like the time he got the job at Trinity and they couldn’t sell the house in Springtown. Commuting and many hours away from his family became a necessity. Throughout it all, he still wanted to reach his goal of being an Athletic Director and his family fully supported him. Four years ago, another opportunity surfaced, this time taking the family from their North Texas roots to the Texas Hill Country.
The Kowalski Family
He inherited a football program which had lost all thirty games in the previous three years. The building process was a challenging one with a tease in 2010 with two wins. The winning column continued to elude Coach Kowalski while the next town over, Kerrville, dominated the football scene with trips to the playoffs every year. In September of this year, I visited with Jeff. Our paths may have crossed before. My husband and I lived just a few miles away from where he was playing ball in high school. He saw my “36” on my Lotta Sports T-Shirt and shared that his number was “36.” He pushed wheelchairs at DFW Airport while I was a flight attendant for Delta. His coaching job in Argyle was in the town adjacent to where Rick and I later moved.
When we talked, the Ingram Warriors were off to an incredible 4 and 0 start. The next game they were facing a team from Early who had not won a game this year. He cautioned his players that Early had played very good teams and they needed to stay focused. At game time, storms moved into the area and heavy rains drenched the playing field. Their first district win escaped them and the Warriors took their first loss of the season.
Despite the Warriors not having a perfect season this year, they are fortunate having Coach Kowalski as a mentor. He not only believes in administering a team concept, but more importantly holds his players accountable for their actions. If you break the rules, have an unexcused missed practice or fail to keep up your grades, you don’t play.
Coach Kowalski and the Warriors team
photo credit – Tony Gallucci – milk river media productions
Off the field, finding a cure for cancer is a passion for Jeff as he has lost loved ones to the horrific disease and supports ones battling it. He has organized a fundraiser offering pink T-Shirts where proceeds support both breast cancer research and the school. Jeff not only serves as a positive role model for the youth of our community, his wife does also teaching kindergarten at Ingram Elementary. She too understands the importance of leading our youth in the right direction. Let’s be thankful for people who care about being positive role models for our youth like Jeff and Jamie Kowalski.
Breast Cancer Awareness
‘Lotta Happenings — Leaves changing colors, World Series, Halloween, and Football
Posted by 'lottasports in Football, Hill Country Happenings Articles on October 13, 2012
Autumn in New England
October — ‘Gotta love it! — ! Every fall, thanks to my stand-by retiree passes, my husband and I make the trek to Williamstown, MA. There is nothing better to my husband than sleeping with the windows open and waking up to temperatures in the 40s. For me, it’s the photo opportunities — the barns, covered bridges, Jersey cows and fall festivals. Evenings are spent glued to the TV watching teams positioning themselves to play in that coveted fall classic – the World Series! The Berkshires are home to Red Sox as well as Yankees fans, so the best places to view the games are at pubs. It’s like seeing a re-run of Cheers. All that is missing are Sam, Norm and Cliff.Everyone loves Halloween — particularly dentists! Mine got to do a root canal on me last fall. I don’t know if it was the seven bowls of candy corn or biting into the red hots. Like us, do you buy your favorite candy so you can binge on the leftovers? I dress up to greet the trick or treaters. One year I wore a Texas Rangers Jersey; another year, I was Tom Brady.
By far, I enjoy football the most. Hubby loves college ball, especially the Big Ten. I love the NFL and stay glued to the set from Thursday to Monday. On Sunday, I watch The Red Zone — a channel created for fans like me. They show every team getting close to a possible score. I am in my element except for one minor detail — it is commercial free. With the help of the pause button, I can cover my “bio” breaks and finish watching the games ten minutes after the rest of the football world.
Every Sunday, I go through my ritual of donning my “uniform” — the team jersey or t-shirt, the underwear and socks in team colors, jeans and ponytail holder. I drink my tea out of my football cup. As the season goes on, I start to become superstitious going through as many as four different shirts in one game when my team is losing or frantically trying to remember what I was wearing the week before when they won.
In 2007, I discovered Fantasy Football. It was free and on the Internet. In the league I started with, the computer drafted the players distributing the best players evenly. The work began as each week I had to decide who to play or who to bench. At the beginning, I struggled with this aspect until I discovered the Internet also provided projections — although they were not always accurate.
The fun really began three years ago when I joined a local league of friends complete with a draft. Amid a smorgasbord of everything but the kitchen sink, we spent hours drafting two rookies and fourteen players. I quickly found that this draft was serious stuff and I was among a very experienced group. There was a guy with a folder marked Top Secret. He even carried it to the bathroom! My biggest frustration was the regrouping after someone right in front of me drafted the player I was prepared to list on the grease board. I suddenly found myself crouching over my computer print-outs and Fantasy Football magazines lined with post-its. During the 2rd round, I upset the apple cart. So far everyone had been drafting running backs and wide receivers. I approached the grease board wearing my Tom Brady game jersey. I started writing QB …….a gasp from the room ….. the new person to the league was changing the venue! I continued to write Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay. Another gasp! How could a rookie to this group (and wearing a Tom Brady jersey no less) trick the group and grab the projected top pick for quarterbacks?!?!?
Yes, I survived the draft but felt the pains of injuries to “my” players and even one who quit playing football! I limped along in last place all through the regular season and was miserable. For the playoffs, we had the option of keeping the players we had or re-drafting. I got to do something no one else in my league did — forego the draft. To my surprise, I went on to win the playoffs. It was bittersweet when the Packers beat my Steelers 31-25 thanks to my Fantasy Football Quarterback.
‘Lotta Happenings – Nolan and Mom
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Exclusives, Hill Country Happenings Articles on September 10, 2012
As the baseball season approaches its conclusion I look back on some of my fondest memories. It actually started back in the 60s in New England. I was raised in a neighborhood consisting primarily of boys my age so I quickly learned what baseball cards were used for. I exceled in a game where you flipped a card against another person and the best combination flip would get to keep both cards. I had some great cards and I kept them in one of my Dad’s cigar boxes … Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Brooks Robinson, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Harmon Killebrew. In the late 60s, we moved to Houston as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome, finished completion. I became an Astros’ fan and revered legends such as Rusty Staub, Jim Wynn, Joe Morgan, Bob Aspromonte and Larry Dierker. Dad and I attended several games and even sat through the longest shutout ever played. The Astros beat the Mets as Houston scored the only run in the twenty-fourth inning at one-thirty in the morning!
Fast-forward to the fall of 1986 when I moved to the DFW area and started working the Texas Rangers’ baseball charters for Delta. Needless to say for this sports nut, it was fun being around players who shared my passion of sports. Rick, my husband of less than a year then, would rather have cooked his latest creation or garden over my watching ESPN. The following spring found me talking Rick into replacing our ski vacation with spring training in Port Charlotte, Florida. Spring training used to provide a more relaxed atmosphere and you would get to meet the players. Rick surprised me and actually enjoyed the experience so much that we returned every year until their move to the Cactus League in Arizona.
In late 1988, to the thrill of Ranger fans and to the dismay of Astros fans — especially my Mom — Nolan Ryan signed on with Texas. That man’s arrival created almost as much excitement as winning the lottery. The Rangers’ charters became “prime real estate” on the bid sheet and flight attendants senior to me who didn’t even care about baseball were infiltrating my turf! Fortunately I flew “In Charge” (a position many avoided) so I was able to keep my foot in the door.
Nolan was embarrassed with all the attention coming from the media and fans. I felt sorry for him, as one night we witnessed a fan interrupting his family meal to ask for an autograph. That same year, Mom, who was in her late seventies, asked me to take her to spring training. We flew into Sarasota-Bradenton. Without Rick with us, I got goofed up leaving the airport and after some time, I discovered we were heading south toward Naples instead of north to Port Charlotte! By the time I got turned around, we had reached the city limits just before nine pm. The restaurant on the wharf that I had bragged about to Mom wouldn’t seat us, as they were trying to close. Needless to say, we were now pretty hungry even by central time standards! A good flight attendant (as well as former Brownie/Girl Scout) always has a Plan B to put in place. There was a small restaurant that the players frequented and stayed open late. As we perused the menu, Mom excitedly told the waiter how I worked the Rangers’ charters for Delta. He smiled and told us that one of the players was there — Nolan Ryan. I quickly scribbled a note and gave it to the waiter to give Nolan. A few minutes later the waiter returned and said Nolan wanted to meet Mom. He then escorted us back to a banquet room. Mom was finally going to get to meet Nolan Ryan! She was beside herself! There stood Nolan and another gentleman. I introduced Nolan to my mom. He, in turn, introduced us to Craig Reynolds, a former shortstop for the Astros. Mom immediately dropped Nolan’s hand and threw her hands up to her face. “Oh, my! Craig Reynolds! I can’t believe it!”
According to Nolan, Craig never let him forget that moment — a fan getting more excited over Craig than Nolan! Later that year Mom had knee replacement surgery. When Mom died and I went through her things I found in her mementos a Get Well card Nolan signed for her. Yep… Mom dumping Nolan was just a momentary lapse in judgment.
‘Lotta Briefs — Much Ado About Something?
Posted by 'lottasports in Olympics on July 31, 2012
With this year’s focus on records, NBC has set their own with the “Live Coverage” sagas. Needless to say, since the US is several hours behind European time, there was the immediate challenge of the time change…. nothing new from previous ones except the years the games are in the US.
What I don’t understand is why NBC is charging for people to watch the events in “real time.” How disappointing for the ones who can’t afford the extra monies to watch it on the pay channels. So some peek at the Internet for instant results; some stay in isolation and then watch later that evening on delay.
Speaking of delays, a disconcerting moment was the infamous NBC promo of the “Today” Tuesday morning show featuring Gold Medal winner, Missy Franklin. Only one problem — the Monday promo was run minutes before the race spoiling it for those who were used to a “Spoiler Alert” given by the networks.
‘Lotta Sports on Facebook also shared that same faux pas when I highlighted that the US team only managed fifth in Gymnastics Monday afternoon. One reader immediately fired back reminding me that some were waiting until the NBC telecast that evening.
Personally have tried it both ways —- knowing the outcome and not. Which do I like better? Can’t say — what I can say is this has been an exciting Olympics so far with as many twists and turns as the best novels out there.
‘Lotta Briefs — Inflation
Posted by 'lottasports in Olympics on July 29, 2012
The long anticipated 2012 London Olympics has arrived. While I am proud to be an American, I am disappointed in the media hype over the importance of records and numbers of medals. While it’s great for the bank account to have bragging rights of the Wheaties Box, does it really matter in the big picture? Sure financial security is great but it has a way of leading some into the land of the obnoxious as well as trouble.
Let’s rewind to the year 2009 and a party at the University of South Carolina. The headlines which followed — Record Swimmer Caught with Marijuana Pipe. Shock and disappointment for his parents, teammates and fans as well as the US Olympic Committee. Fast-forward to 2012 two weeks before the Olympics and Hope Solo’s positive drug test followed by interviews fessing to drunken and behavior R-rated by herself and others four years ago.
Yesterday, the anticipated Phelps-Lochte 400-meter showdown turned into Michael Phelps watching the awards from the bleachers. Today Hope Solo was summoned to a meeting with Soccer Coach Sundhage about her derogatory Tweets on post-game coverage of the Colombia game. This is only day 2 of the competition.
Back in the 80s I visited Sagres, Portugal. It was an area of simple means. Residents looked at Americans as flashy and bold. I wonder what they think now when reading about Olympic behaviors.
‘Lotta Briefs — Role Models?
Posted by 'lottasports in General on July 26, 2012
I’ve always loved Sports, but are the people in Sports turning into a second Hollywood culture? Athletes are supposed to be Role Models for our Youth. This is behavior becoming an Athlete?
- Not a day goes by that at least one athlete gets arrested for something — DWI, assault, etc.
- Players slamming fists into dugout walls.
- Deliberate physical force injuring the opposition on the basketball court.
- Players showing no respect for umpires or referees when a decision is made.
- Bragging in press interviews about parties just short of an orgy.
- Testing positive for drugs deemed not permissible for the sport.
- Sex with under aged
- Falsifying college transcripts
Again, I repeat these Athletes are supposed to Role Models. These are Mentors? These are examples we want our Youth to look up?
Overnight the Internet reported that New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski and his family are in talks for their own TV Show. Next stop Dancing with the Stars. Gronk has spent the off-season in Hollywood bars and seems to be adapting well to the party scene.
'lotta sports 