My nephew Logan enjoys his time in the Cub Scouts. Logan has always been one of those boys who loves the outdoors. And doing things. Cub Scouts make a perfect outlet for Logan's interest and his unlimited energy. Another great thing about Cub Scouts is the time and activities that a son and his father get to spend together. Richard, my brother-in -law has always been great about making time with his kids a priority. Truthfully I think he loves Cub Scouts as much as Logan.

One of the more memorable activities for me in my Cub Scout time was Pinewood Derby. My dad and I spent what seemed like thousands of hours building a car that was not only fast, but was eye catching too. In it's final form my car looked something like A.J. Foyt's 1961 winning Indy car entry. Complete with an old Army man carved down, and painted to look like a driver, exhaust pipes and roll bar and even a windshield trimmed from an old airplane model. My Pinewood car is to this day a treasured item on my shelf.

Logan called this weekend. So excited he could hardly speak ( A miracle if you know him ) In the final round of racing at his local Pinewood derby, his car had placed high enough to move on to the statewide finals. He is so thrilled and I am proud of him and his dad. In my racing history my car did well, but nothing that great. I guess it was built more for show than speed.

Congrats "Uncle Buck" ( Logan ) I am going to try to make it to those finals. Save me a seat.

Busy day. Last night we attended another Anderson University basketball double header. Once again it was a sweep.

The girls won dramatically 88-75 over the Coker College Cobras. Making it four of their last five games. Keana Boyd (#10), scored the game high 23 points. She has scored 23 or more points in six of Anderson's last nine games. Keana has been Anderson's leading scorer in eight of the Lady Trojans' last nine games.

In the guys game Anderson came out ready to win. And they rolled jumping out of the blocks with an early 23-4 run and never lost the lead, dismantling the Cobras with a victory of 89-72. A highlight of the game was the most spectacular dunk I ever witnessed in person or on TV. The best at any level. Jarett Johnson ( #23) just ran over the defender who also got called with a blocking foul and a team mate received a technical foul. Net result 6 points for the Trojans. Jarett's dunk was a thing of beauty.

Watch it BELOW

Over 19,450 views already

Watch it it's a WOW moment.

I witnessed another great night of Anderson University Basketball last night. It was another double header night with Queens College of Charlotte. Last year saw a couple barn burning contests between these schools. The first meeting of 2009 was no less. The Lady Trojans rallied from well behind to win over the Lady Royals 68-65. The nail was driven in with two solid free throws with only 35 seconds left then a lay-up a foul and another free throw. The eleven remaining seconds were not enough for the visiting Royals. In the guys game the outcome was more assured. Taking the lead for good with 8 minutes left in the first half and never trailed again. The Royals tried hard but came up short in the second half as Anderson took them down 82-74. Food in the Trojan Club room was carved turkey and Mexican egg rolls.

Part one of the big Anderson University and Erskine College rivalry was tonight at A.U. It has grown so big that it lasts all year. As for prizes the winner takes home a huge silver cup and obviously bragging rights for the next twelve months. Anderson University has won the past few years so pride is on the line.

In the first game the rebuilding Lady Trojans meet an equally matched Fleet team. After eleven lead changes the first half was still tied until Anderson took a 55-52 lead on a 3-point basket with 6:35 to play. The Flying Fleet tried hard down the stretch but never managed to retake the lead. Victory for the Lady Trojans 75-63.

One down one to go.

The much improved guys came ready to play some hoops. However the Flying Fleet had their own ideas, and set out to back it up with points. At one time trailing by seven points in the first half, the Trojans batted back in front of a lively home crowd to take a 30-29 at the break. That gave A.U. the lead for good. The second half started with the opening of a round ball clinic as Anderson came out with a 21-7 run and they never looked back. The Fleet tried hard but just could not overcome the momentum. Anderson victory number two on the night.

Tonight's sweep gives A.U. 2 more points towards the cup and once again puts Erskine in the position of having to win almost everything else this year to have a chance.

Greg and the cafe staff, co-sponsor of the cup pulled all the stops tonight. The amazing A.U. fresh roasted pork loin and shrimp the size of a corndog, crab puffs and lobster quesadillas . WOW !! It was so good. And the crowd was great. Standing room only.

My old buddy J.J. Jumper the NCAA mascot was at the game tonight providing fun, games, t-shirts and prizes. And once again I caught a shirt and a bag of Tootsie Rolls. Yeah !!!!

Oh yeah, at half time the new Mascot's name contest winner along with his name was reveled. Nope I'm not gonna tell ya. You have to guess. ( OK Troy Trojan shhh )


Gooooo Trojans

"A lil' Dabo do you"

Those words were uttered by a sports caster in reference to the New just named head coach of the Clemson Tigers Football program. I have to admit. I thought it was witty. I also think they made the right choice. I am a Tommy Bowden ( the former coach ) fan. Partly for his coaching on the field, but mostly for his moral, ethical stand and his strong Christian values which come through even during a game. There is more to college sports than X's and O's , wins or losses. Yes it is BIG business, but it also is a training ground for life. Tommy succeeded 100% there if not on the field. Still I think the time had come for change at Clemson. They made the right choice.


Goooo Tigers

Today was sports filled with both the Clemson Tigers and the University of Georgia Bulldogs playing on national television. The bad part was that the UGA and CU games were on at the same times with only a few minutes starting time difference. My poor remote control got a workout. I suspect it'll need new batteries now. The good is Clemson under their interim head coach moved to two and two with a big victory ( 5-5 overall ) . The final in Death Valley was 31-7. Goooo Tigers! The Dogs also won but it was a nail biter down to one second left on the clock. The Georgia / Auburn rivalry is the oldest in the south at over 100 years. The Bulldogs came away with a win, but barely with only a four point margin. 17-13 was the final. Get 'em Dawgs sic 'em !!

As quickly as the final gun sounded in the UGA game Kris and I hopped into our car headed to Anderson University for the opening game of the boys basketball team. It's tough to switch gears from football to hoops so quickly. But Greg and the guys had a fiesta set up in the club box for us to dine on during the game. It was fantastic.

The boys look headed to a great season with a serious win tonight against Tusculum. The Trojans rolled to a 71-57 victory despite being the underdog to a ranked team. Way to go guys .. you made us proud!!!!

It was a soccer night for us. Monk's team, the Thunder are playing much more seriously than last years team. It is amazing the level of intensity just being one year older creates. For most of the first half it looked to be a low scoring contest and the ball just went back and forth with not even one serious goal attempt. But just before the end of the second period Ashley's team mate Ross scored an easy shot. The third period was more of the same until close to the end when the Thunder score a hard fought goal making the lead two to nothing. But in the final period the other team ran out of steam. The thunder rolled with Jackson, one of our Home Group kids, scoring then moments later Ashley scored a quick point. Two more goals were tacked on and the Thunder had a shut out.

It was a lot of fun. Yesterday was a beautiful day and the win capped off the evening.

I have a quick prayer request. A friend and former member of our Home Group was injured on a dirt bike over the weekend. He was in the Hospital until last evening but should recover just fine. Remember them as he recovers.

GOoooo Bull Dogs eat up the Vols

For the first time this season Kristie and I were able to enjoy both the Clemson and University of Georgia football games. Clemson was not on a station where we could watch the game but we enjoyed just hearing the radio broadcast. Ashley and her team were making an appearance during the game and she was shown on the big screen on the scoreboard several times. Go Monk.

We taped and watched the UGA game Saturday. Kristie’s grandmother is celebrating her Eighty-fifth birthday and that called for a party. The whole family gathered along with friends in Toccoa to wish her at least 85 more. We got home well after kick-off so Kris and I watched the game via tape.

The Dogs played their most distant road game in recent memory traveling all the way to Tempe, Arizona to face the Sun Devils. If you follow American college football you already know they are a quality team. But the Bull-Dogs were up to the challenge remaining undefeated this year. It was a great game but I think I enjoyed the segment about Uga’s (Bulldog mascot) travels with the team and how he has a near “rock star” celebrity everywhere he goes.

GO DOGS !!!

FAST FACT:

The moon's official astronomical name is............Moon.

Here is the full moon, the near side on the left and the far side on the right

.

My fingers are finally warm enough to type again. I got to travel to Atlanta Thursday night to see the Braves play the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field.

But it was COLD and misty all over the southeast and in Atlanta hovered around 47 degrees during the game. Factor in the heavy mist and the slight wind…it was COLD.

We had fantastic seats field level right behind home plate. And as a bonus with those seats comes a choice of items from the clubhouse food menu, brought right to you seat.

I had chicken strips and fries because I figured how can you mess that up, and I thought that would be easier to manage in a small space of the stadium seats.

The game was interesting as well. I was disappointed that starter Mike Hampton was not able to play. I had looked forward to seeing him pitch.

John and Mark are both originally from Pittsburgh and by default Pirate fans. In fact every year they drive home to Pennsylvania just to attend the home opener.

The game was tied at the end of 9 innings so it went to overtime. And after a quirky player move which I had never seen before in professional ball the Braves looked to be in control. But just like that a bad pitch, a walk and a hit had the Pirates a win.

Still though I was frozen I had a great time.

Oh the move was to put the relief pitcher in left field for one batter then bring him back to the mound for the next after a second ( actually 7^th ) pitcher did his job.

Post season Hoops for Anderson University began last night. The first rounds of the Conference Carolinas Tournament were played. For the Guys team against Queens in Charlotte. For the Lady Trojans at home against Lees-McRae.

The games were both played at 7pm and since it was at home we attended the Lady's contest.

The A.U. Boys have faced Queens three times in just over two weeks. And split the wins each winning at home. So we felt we had a chance. Still playing without home court advantage against a top ranked team would be tough. Interestingly neither team had a great night from the field. Queens shot 37 percent, while Anderson managed just 34 percent. And while they tried hard the Trojans came up short. The never could get their game going. A big difference was free throws where Queens was 33 for 37. Anderson was 14-for-23 from the line. The loss eliminates the guys from further play this season. But we have reason to be proud. This was the first winning season in 7 years for Anderson tripling the wins of last year. And we look great for the future with a young talented team. Go A.U. You guys stand tall and never quit.


The Lady Trojans played the first round as the host team facing Lees-MacRae. The one team who beat us early this year. There was never a single doubt who was in control tonight however. The Lady Trojans came out ready to avenge that one loss and show it for the fluke it was. By the midway point in the first half they held a commanding 20 point lead. It was never even close and once again all the players got quality floor time. Final score was 81 -59 as Anderson advances to host the second round on Thursday night facing Belmont Abbey. Tip Off is 7 pm
Come out and watch a quality NCAA basketball program ... it's a great show I assure you.

USA TODAY/ESPN DIVISION II TOP 25 COACHES' POLL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Week 13 Poll: February 26, 2008

USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 women's basketball poll, with first-place votes noted to the side, total points based on 25 points for first place through one point for 25th.

Rank	Institution - First Place Votes	Previous Ranking	Record	Points
1.	Delta State University (Miss.) - 26	1	24-0	672
2.	Seattle Pacific University (Wash.)	2	24-0	648
3.	University Of South Dakota - 1	4	24-1	619
4.	Holy Family University (Pa.)	T6	26-0	569
5.	Drury University (Mo.)	T6	23-2	567
6.	University of North Dakota	3	24-2	544
7.	University of West Georgia	10	23-2	494
8.	Concordia University, St. Paul (Minn.)	5	25-2	463
9.	University Of Alaska Anchorage	11	23-3	457
10.	Arkansas Tech University	12	22-3	413
11.	Stonehill College (Mass.)	13	22-4	376
12.	Fort Lewis College (Colo.)	8	25-2	361
13.	Indiana University Of Pennsylvania	9	23-3	337
14.	Anderson University (S.C.)	15	24-2	330
15.	Valdosta State University (Ga.)	14	22-4	309
16.	West Texas A&M University	16	21-4	278
17.	Washburn University (Kan.)	17	21-4	269
18.	Hillsdale College (Mich.)	19	23-3	223
19.	Franklin Pierce University (N.H.)	20	22-4	189
20.	California State University, Chico	21	22-5	148
21.	Tusculum College (Tenn.)	22	23-3	134
22.	Emporia State University (Kan.)	18	19-6	94
23.	Francis Marion University (S.C.)	23	20-5	86
24.	California University Of Pennsylvania	NR	20-5	43
25.	West Liberty State College (W. Va.)	NR	24-4	33

The Miracle Kids did it again. The A.U. Trojans just won their final regular season game. Beating the number two team in overtime 85-81. They finish with a 500 record and I couldn't be prouder of them if they had won it all. It's been six years since they finished better.

Next up for them is the first round of playoffs against Queens University in Charlotte.
Way to go Guys...Great year.

The Girls thumped the Royals tonight 81-53. This is the team that came closest to beating us when we faced them earlier there. In that game we blew a 30 point, but were able hang on and get the victory by 1 point. TONIGHT was a different story as we showed them why we are now number two in the region and ranked # 14 in the NATION. The girls several games ago clinched the championship.

Next girls game = Playoff at home Monday night.

Saturday Basketball once again. Kristie and I missed Ashley's early morning game. But we were ready for the final Saturday home games at A.U.

The girls game we weren't really concerned about. Pfeiffer had a 7-11 record and are 7th in the conference. Still they played tough earlier in the season. The guys were another story. Pfeiffer is 15-3 and only a half game from first place.

We were right about the girls. It was never close. I just hope the last couple easy wins doesn't cause our girls to become lazy in the tournament. The Lady Trojans took control right away and walked their way to a win. 85-59. The good part I guess is the entire bench again got a lot of playing time.

Last time the boys met at Pfeiffer they almost pulled off an upset win. We were hoping to finish that at home. Last time it was a two point loss for the guys. But this time the Eagles had a new strategy. Almost every fourth play the substituted not one or two players but all five. And that went on the whole game. I had no idea they were that deep. Our guys played very hard and kept up most of the first period, but eventually Pfeiffer's plan wore us down and they pulled away to a 25 point lead at the half.

Our gutsy guys came out in the second half, caught-up and actually took the lead, though only by two points. However once again the rotation of players kept the Eagles fresh and our guys finally fell behind again near the end. It was a great effort but they came up short. Hopefully they can win the final regular game at home next week.

Our Lady Trojans from Anderson University clinched the confrence title and moved up a spot in the USA Today / ESPN Poll rankings. They are now number 15 nationally. Way to go Ladies.

Here is the poll rankings:

Rank	Institution - First Place Votes
1.	Delta State University (Miss.) - 24
2.	Seattle Pacific University (Wash.)
3.	University of North Dakota
4.	University Of South Dakota - 1
5.	Concordia University, St. Paul (Minn.)
T6.	Drury University (Mo.)
T6.	Holy Family University (Penn.)
8.	Fort Lewis College (Colo.)
9.	Indiana University of Pennsylvania
10.	University of West Georgia
11.	University Of Alaska Anchorage
12.	Arkansas Tech University
13.	Stonehill College (Mass.)
14.	Valdosta State University (Ga.)
15.	Anderson University (S.C.)
16.	West Texas A&M University
17.	Washburn University (Kan.)
18.	Emporia State University (Kan.)
19.	Hillsdale College (Mich.)
20.	Franklin Pierce University (N.H.)
21.	California State University, Chico
22.	Tusculum College (Tenn.)
23.	Francis Marion University (S.C.)
24.	California State Unviersity, San Bernardino
25.	Fairmont State University (W. Va.)

Sink the Fleet.

That was the order of the night. There is a huge rivalry

between Anderson University and Erskine College. Anderson swept the basketball games at home now we traveled to Due West to try to do it again.

We usually get a nice turn out of our fans since Erskine is close. There was enough interest this year to charter a bus. So we all piled on for a free ride and to cheer on our Trojans.

In the women’s game the nationally ranked Lady Trojans were expected to win quickly and win big. They did. With a dominating 79-55 victory. Anderson never trailed and all the girls got time on the court. The win assures A.U. the first place and a top spot in the playoff, with two games yet to go.

In the guys game the team knew they’d have to work hard to clinch another win. In the first half they looked like they were going to run away with it and at the half the score was a convincing 33-16.

The second half was a different story. The Flying Fleet used full court pressure and amazing three-point shooting to get back into the game. They were helped by a series of what I feel were very bad calls by the referees. But that is a part of the game. The Fleet tied up the game after a big foul and three points from the free throw line. Then it was Anderson’s chance with 26 seconds left Nayte Russell saved the day with an incredible drive, weaving through they lane for two points. With just 3 seconds to go Erskine who had been scoring three’s all night had the inbound ball tipped and recovered by Stephen Cobb squeaking out the victory 61-59.

The sweep keeps Beville Cup competition completely in Anderson's control. With a so far perfect score of 14 to nothing. If our top ranked Tennis team wins at least one of their two games with them (a likely hood) then A.U. is mathematically assured the repeat win, and there is still a third of the year remaining.

Since I don’t blog as much on weekends.

Here is my "Weekend Update".

Our weekends always seem to fill with activities. This time of year it’s basketball.

Ashley had a game at the “Y” late this morning. We got there early and watched the really little kids play. Right after the 4 year olds finished the Monk arrived with her entourage. Grand parents, Great Grandparents, Mom, Dad, and little brother Blake who recently turned 6 months. Counting Kris and I she had about half the stands full. The kids are fun and yes they won.

We hurried off to A.U. for the next games and got inside with seconds to spare. Janet, and Kevo came down after her tennis match, and they actually beat us there. Thankfully we left their names at the ticket office.

Kevin and men’s team member number 22, Jonathan Mattox were on the Oconee High team a couple years ago. It's fun to see him play. Tonight we saw another example of the small world we live in. The assistant coach of the St Andrews lady’s team had been their assistant coach at Oconee. Janet and Kevo had seen him just the night before. He was visiting ( recruiting maybe? ) as the team Kevin now helps coach won their championship game.

The A.U. guys are earning a nickname in the local press. They were dubbed the Comeback Kids as they once again pulled off an amazing rally from 19 points behind with seven minutes

to go. And won by 14 points, 84 to 70. Go A.U.

The Lady Trojans playing the second game rolled to an easy victory over the rebuilding Knights 78 to 51 but honestly the game was never near that close. Most of the A.U. starters only played less than half the game.

Ashley got to dance with the Trojan dancers. Several of them say she did better than they did. Blake grabbed my nose and growled most of the second half.

Prior to the games Kristie and I enjoyed grilled hamburgers. Our volunteer fire department had a sale going on plates with homemade cakes galore. But we were getting hungry.

After the game Janet and Kevin stayed a while at the house and we held a “post game “ tailgate party complete with chicken, chips and string cheese. Then we watched a movie.

I filled in on camera Sunday night at church had a great time working with old friends from the blue team.

Oh best of all. We baptized 152 people this weekend. Ain’t God great?

It was Rally from behind night at Anderson University. The Lady Trojans fell behind early and at half they were losing by four points. But in the second period they outscored Limestone 40-22 in a rally from behind win over the Saints 70-56.

A milestone was reached by senior Latrice Thomas tonight. About midway through the game she scored her 1,000 career point, making her only the sixth Lady Trojan in A.U. history to achieve that mark.

The girl’s team still has a solid lock on conference first place with a three game lead.

Yesterday the latest NCAA division II East Region Poll came out showing them at number 6. And just this morning the newest USA Today/ESPN National Poll had the Lady Trojans moving up from 20^th to 17 in the Nation. A.U. 19 – 2 overall, have won 11 straight, and were the highest ranked team in the southeast.

Rally from behind number two tonight was the Boys. After falling as far as 22 points behind midway in the second half, the guys turned it on. In what the media is already calling "The Miracle Rally" they refused to fold. Finally with just six seconds left on the clock, Nayte Russell scored on a hard driving layup to pull ahead. Then Brandon Young cut off the Limestone inbound pass to seal the victory 75-73.