Troy University Athletics
All Good Things Must End
4/29/2010 3:20:00 PM | Basketball (M)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
What a month it's been! Basketball season has been over for more than a month already and I've been fitted for my second championship ring of the year, we've run over 600 high school student-athletes through physicals in under 8 hours, completed spring football practice, won a conference championship in men's tennis, certified a few graduating athletic training "students", and had a great Trojan representation in the recent NFL draft...whew, it's exhausting just typing all of it!
Yes, I'm still at work! Some people think that when the season ends, we stop working. IF the season indeed ended, that might be true, but most sports these days are year-round. I know you know this because many of you are parents of said athletes who spend countless hours in all kinds of weather at the ball park supporting your little star.
The "off-season" around here is everything but "off." It usually includes monitoring conditioning runs and strength workouts, repairing and rehabilitating the broken ones, and participating in some academic year-end clean-up projects. In the last month, 10 or 12 student-athletes have been patients of Dr. Jeffrey Dugas and his associates in Birmingham for surgery. Many of these were determined guys and gals that played through their seasons with painful injuries only to spend the months ahead in grueling rehab; all this just to be ready for the seasons ahead of them. These aren't your average weekend warriors!
How 'bout them Trojans in the NFL draft? I can't name them all, so I won't even start - I'd hate to leave someone out - but I'd be remiss if I didn't share with you the most important of the former Trojans that was called up to the "League". He's been diligently pacing the sidelines for only 2 short seasons, but his hard work did not go unnoticed. No siree, he took his big boy suit and tie up to our nation's capitol and won the heart of the Redskins: taped a perfect ankle, even introducing them to the Silvoy Special. I think that was the final straw. Once they saw the double Silveezy, they couldn't imagine how they'd ever gotten along without it. (And if you've ever witnessed it, you can remember how it changed your life, too!)
His bio goes something like this: Young Certified Athletic Trainer from the heart of Indiana (God's Country), wandered the halls of THE Franklin College as a football superstar AND Athletic Training Student (as if anybody could ever pull off that feat as seemingly effortlessly as he). So it took him an extra year to graduate...he was still paying! And besides, they would've had him stay as long as he would've liked. But, he had to move on. And why not take a stab as the youngest ever Head Athletic Trainer in the Arena Football League. So what if the ink wasn't even dry on his NATABOC Certificate when the then-head ATC ran, screaming, out the door with thumb tacks in his head. This man would take the challenge of the Colorado Crush (and Pearl Street) by the horns. But all good things must come to an end, and the dream of the pros did just that for this young lad. So he threw a dart on a map and found a little school in southeast Alabama called Troy State (it was an old map). He asked himself "Self, can I give up the high dollar hopes of the AFL for a Graduate Assistant position at this little bitty school?" Self answered back "Why not?" So he did.
The ATC to be named later strolled onto campus amidst a storm. On his first day he was informed that there could be a change in the staff any day. He thought to himself "Self, could I be the new Head Athletic Trainer here?" Fortunately for most, the answer was "no". He met the woman of his dreams, again, who repeatedly denied his requests of marriage. He logged many hours changing things around to his liking, teaching all the little people how to tape "his way", and schmoozing the coaching staff. He did lead the Trojans to conference championships and most impressively, back to back bowl games (so what if they ended in disappointing losses...we were there, weren't we?) Where could he possibly go from there?
And then the call came: take up thy athletic training gear and head to the land of politics. So, just like Forrest Gump, he did. And so, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the most recent addition to the NFL ranks: Kyle Ross Blackman, MS, ATC, CPRO certified and all around cool guy. I saw on ESPN the Ocho yesterday that they were throwing a ticker tape parade in his honor at THE Franklin College and even considering changing their name to THE Kyle College.
All jokes aside (okay, so I was joking about the Troy State thing), Kyle has been a wonderful addition to the staff here and will be missed. Once we pick up all the bricks and mortar from the building falling down around us in his absence, we'll be just fine. Best of luck, Kyle! We expect big things, you know!
Well, with all that said, I can hardly see the keyboard and screen for all the tears, so I'm signing off for now. I don't know when I'll be back, but rest assured, I will be back. With a new found look on life!
GO TROJANS!
Alyson
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
And then there were TWO...and WE'RE STILL HERE!!!
The Men of Troy were victorious over WKU last night in the semifinal round of the SunBelt Conference Championship, and what a sweet victory it was. I had to make myself go to sleep last night! It was a nerve-wracking, nail-biting finish to what had started out as a clinic on basketball for and against the Toppers.
But, we're not finished just yet. The boys have at least one more game in them: sprained ankles, old knees, and sore feet included. The sore feet belong to me, by the way. If someone will please remind me next year not to make my "Lucky Shoes" the three-inch stilettos, I'd be appreciative. I've been doing all the right things though, so I should be good for this one. And...Coach said he'd give us a few days off to enjoy Spring Break, so I'll get some treatment time in to be ready for the next big thing, whatever it may be!
I'd like to go back and count how many times I've told you in previous blogs this year that if you'd just hang on through some out of conference bumps in the road that this spunky little bunch could do great things in a TROY jersey. Do you believe me yet? I hope those are premonitions of things yet to come, but I am so proud of what they've already accomplished in this, the longest basketball season of TROY history.
Recall with me for a minute the last few months. First, the trip over the Big Water to Europe. We started preparations for that 3-0 run through Amsterdam, Belgium, and Paris in late July! Basketball in July? Who'd have thunk it?
From the Dog Days of Summer to March Madness and the Men of Troy are still suiting up. There was a trip to Gainesville that we'd like to forget. You remember that one where we led the first half, were up at half time, and then forgot to play the next 20 minutes? I do. These boys do, too, and it's a constant reminder to play 20 minutes at the time.
What about the Georgia Southern Tournament at Thanksgiving? YIKES...wish I could have that last game back. But we learned something there, as well: don't ever underestimate your opponent, regardless of who they are, how big/small they are, how many times they've beat you down, and certainly not how many times you've won against them. None of that matters between the horns. My favorite quote from Coach Larry Blakeney after taking down Missouri at home in Movie Gallery Veterans' Stadium (and I paraphrase) is that "we may not be better than them, but for 60 minutes tonight, we were better than them!" How true!
The Trojans took that little gem up the road to Auburn and put it to work! TROY beat Auburn, one of the Chosen Ones of the SEC...the BIG BOYS, if you will! Ben Fletcher, now COACH Fletcher, has been sharing pre-game wisdom with us lately and I know that his experience in a TROY (State) jersey at Arkansas has something to do with the spark in his eyes. He's been there, seen it and wants SO badly for these guys to have the same thing. I believe he also has some pearls from a trip to the NCAA Tournament to share if only we get the chance to hear it.
It'll be for all the marbles tonight. Last night, I told one of them we were playing for the best 'thumper', the shooting marble. I can only hope tonight is for the whole bunch of marbles. Either way, we'll be taking the Regular Season Conference Champion Trophy home with us! But I think it would look really cool in the concourse of Trojan Arena to have both of them, side by side. Just so there was no confusion...
So, I guess I'll be writing from Troy the next time, though not sure of the topic. We'll be boarding the Trojan Express immediately after the game tonight for the long haul home. I'm all nerves at this point, but will try to remain calm over the course of the next few hours. I hope to have good news for you...
The lady bugs are still fast-breaking around the window in my room. Let's hope they can hang on just a few more hours!
Until then, everyone sing with me: "Here's to the school we love, we are TROJANS one and all. We will always cheer for VICTORY and you'll never let us fall. GO! GO! GO! Here's to T-R-O-Y, we are with you all the way. So get out there team and FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! and WIN TODAY!!!"
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
Monday, March 8, 2010
And then there were four...and we're still here!
In a matter of hours, the Men of Troy will be battling, once again, a team with which we've split games in regular season play. This time, the bottle landed on Western Kentucky. I'm going to be short with this one probably because there are some things I might say but shouldn't. And being the southern lady that I am, I'll turn the filter on. I know, I know. That's not like me, but there's a lot at stake here and I can't risk it.
I like the way the game ended the last time TROY was the home team. Heck, almost every time TROY has been the home team we've handled the Toppers well. And, come to think of it, we ARE the home team tonight; that being because we're the Regular Season Conference Champions and the Number 1 seed in this here tourney. (I just had to slip that in there even though it may be one of those things I wasn't supposed to say. But when they gave us a trophy for winning the regular season last night in the pre-game introductions, I think it makes it common knowledge and fair game.)
As always, I'm nervous as all get out. I'm having to wipe my hands on a towel every paragraph or so because my hands are so sweaty. I did manage to get out and peruse a little of Spa Town, as they call it, today, which is more than my nerves would let me do yesterday. I did so today mostly because between being pent up in the room all day yesterday sans food and lots of raw nerves I ended up with a raging headache. It was not a recipe I wanted to repeat today. I'm going to need all my wits about me to help get these guys to the next level.
It will be an intense game tonight. We've finally graduated to the Big Boy Court tonight (and no, I'm not referring to the place with the awesome hot fudge sundae you got on your birthday back in the 80's). Since the men's and women's tournaments were held here in a matter of five days, they added a smaller "arena" in another part of the Summit Convention Center. So, even though Western has played two games already, they've done so both times on the main court. We've played 20 minutes on it, which came at shoot-around this morning. I hope that doesn't play a role tonight.
There are so many variables at this point and, quite frankly, we're near boiling point. Sometimes I'm not sure if we're working with algebra or chemistry, or both. I just hope we can add them all up to find "W".
I do know the crowd for WKU will be loud and proud! That's something else in their favor since they're not 561 miles away. If there's one tried and true remedy for taking a rowdy crowd out of the game it's this: score first and stay ahead! (Thanks for that, Chuck. I'll pay you royalties when I make it back to Troy!)
The lady bugs are still in the window...that's a good thing.
I'm going to dry my hands off and try to finish getting my face and wardrobe ready for the game! Listen and cheer on the Trojans from wherever you are tonight...we're going to need it!
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
And then there were eight and we're still here!
I don't think there is any way imaginable to convey the amount of anxiety I possess in my bones at this very moment. I remember all too well a very similar scenario from last season that made me very sad on a long bus trip home. For that matter, every season I've been working with the Men's Basketball team our season has ended sadly and abruptly prior to the semi-final round of the conference tournament.
But this year brings back too many bad memories; it's almost like deja vu:
The long bus ride to Hot Springs, Arkansas...longer than it was last year because of a two hour hiatus in Tuscaloosa waiting for our regular sleeper coach. We'd known for some time there would be a conflict of the bus company's schedules between our team and the women's basketball team from Alabama. We didn't know it would cause us to wait over an hour in the parking lot of the Northport Wal-Mart. We didn't even get to see Alabama's National Championship Trophy...bummer!
Hot Springs, Arkansas, boyhood home of Bill Clinton (woohoo!)...same as it was when this area was a respite for the Bugsy's and Capone's of the 1920's. A few of our traveling party are going to check out the Gangster Museum today. I didn't go because I thought they said "Gangsta" Museum and really didn't have any desire to see Coolio and Tupac's life story. I'll get an update for you if there's anything exciting to tell. It was interesting to hear that this area was like a 'No Hit Zone' back in the day. As in the fella's would come here to take advantage of the "healing" waters of the springs and under gentleman's rule nobody could wipe out their rival. Let's hope it's a safe haven for the TROY Trojans this year...
The Austin Hotel...same as it was last year. Heck, it's probably been the same for the last 50 years, for that matter. I will admit that the wireless internet is much better this year, but it's probably only because I'm near the elevator and not at the end of the hall like I was last year. We did have Miss Arkansas on our floor, so they said. I didn't see her. The staff here is really nice...but it's not quite up to the standards of the places we stay throughout the regular season.
The weather is nice and finally feels like springtime. I put in my 30 minutes of pavement pounding this morning after shoot around in areas reminiscent of Coolio and Tupac, but all was well and I made it back to the Austin feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day. Of course, I can't seem to get outside to enjoy the local shopping places and the nice weather because I'm afraid if I do it all today there won't be any need to stick around and explore anything else. I'm halfway counting on being here a few days, if you know what I mean.
Eerily, I'm sitting here in the Austin, 364 days from the last time we played in the SunBelt Conference Tournament, getting ready to play South Alabama, the same team we played last year. We traveled all the way to Arkansas to play a team we've split games with this year by only a margin of +7 to our favor in the two meetings. Now, that's some tight basketball. I don't think my heart will be able to take all this excitement. It was torture enough watching the women's game from the stands yesterday and seeing them drop a close game.
But this is why we do this, right? For the excitement and the love of the game? Sure it is.
Compounding that excitement with the injured members of the traveling party and it could very well explain the large amounts of antacids I've been consuming lately. Unfortunately we've had a new injury to add to the short list. So far, I've had sprained ankles, rotator cuff tendinitis, a broken and hand (same person, two different occasions, currently casted), plantar fasciitis that just won't quit, a ruptured extensor tendon in a shooting hand, and a hang nail or two. Luckily for me and the win column, the rotator cuff tendinitis, broken wrist and hand, and ruptured tendon all belong to the coaching and support staff! I've doctored more on the coaches and managers this year than the players themselves. I kind of like it that way, honestly!
One of the seniors told me in the last few days that his knees were getting old. My response to him was that he only needed them for eight or nine more games! He liked that response and said he'd see what he could do if I would see what I could do to make him feel better in the meantime. Deal!
I have had some sparks of good luck throughout the trip: of course, Red Velvet Cupcakes for the bus ride, a head's up penny in Tuscaloosa at DreamLand (well, it was head's up when I kicked it over), two cokes came out of the vending machine this morning instead of one, and, best of all, there are lady bugs in my room!! I've named them for all the starters and, boy howdy, are they getting up and down this window like lightning bugs!
So...here we go! Cheer on the Trojans as we try to break the "One and Done" curse of the SunBelt Conference Tournament (and meeting a team for the third time in the regular season). Surely a Number 1 seed (and a Conference Championship in my book) is the cure for that...I'll be back tomorrow. Maybe!
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
Lady Bugs, Butterflies, Tissues, and Red Velvet
February 20, 2010
I know the title's a little weird, but hang on to the end and you should be able to figure it all out. I don't have much time because I'm trying to get this in while I watch the women's basketball game and make final preparations for our final men's home game. If you don't figure it out by the end, catch up with me after the game and I'll try to explain it...Ladies and gentlemen, it's Senior Night in Trojan Arena.
Today has been a picture perfect day in Troy, AL, with temperatures in the 70's and a big yellow thing in the sky producing warmth. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's the SUN!! I made up my Vitamin D deficiency with breakfast on the front porch, a lovely little jog through campus, and an hour or two at a less than entertaining baseball game today. That is where the lady bug comes in.
I was sitting in the sunniest section I could find at Riddle-Pace field, sporting my sunglasses for the first time in months, minding my own business when my view was blocked. Something was crawling on my glass lens. So, I went to brush it off and found it was actually on the inside of my lenses..."it" was a lady bug. Now, I don't know the truthfulness of the legend, but I've always heard lady bugs were good luck, especially when they landed on you. Goodness knows we need that today!
The other bugs are a little less obvious to detail, but I have a feeling most of you can relate. TROY basketball is in a great place, although it's treacherous and unstable ground. There are five teams with identical records and they're all tied for first place. I am happy to report we are one of them! However, in that bunch are teams we haven't played yet, teams that have beaten us, and teams that historically make a late run through the conference. There are three games to play and it looks like it's going to be an interesting finish to the season. I hope you're there to be a part of it, even though the butterflies may be contagious. I think the only remedy is winning, but I'll Google it and let you know at a later date.
I have tissues in my pocket because tonight is Senior Night. I have been nice to these boys, mean to them (sometimes) and spent a fun-filled trip over the Big Water with them, to name just a few. One of them owes his life to me...literally because he was really, really sick and I helped him get better. I have fond memories of watching them play and will wish each of them the best in his future. I can only hope the waterproof mascara does its part tonight, because there will be a few tears. i'm just a sappy kind of gal, I guess. AND, when the game's over, I hope there are tears of joy for getting some revenge on a team that dominated us in their owl nest.
Lastly, the Red Velvet has made its way to Trojan Arena for the last home game of the regular season. Our record with Red Velvet is pretty dang good. That's all that needs to be said. I do, however, believe my husband will be glad when the season is over so I will stop making so many dang cupcakes! He's gonna' have to hold his horses...
So, if you haven't made it out the door yet and you're close by, come on out to Trojan Arena and witness history in the making. Hopefully all these good luck things will come together and produce a successful evening for the Men (and Women) of Troy!
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
Friday, February 12, 2009
From inside the Snow Globe, formerly known as Trojan Arena, formerly known as Sartain Hall, on the campus of Troy University, this is Alyson Steed, warm and dry. Although campus is closed and students are everywhere sledding on the football practice fields, golf course, and intramural fields, I am working diligently at basketball practice.
I've got one on the bike with a groin strain and one on the other sideline with ice on his shoulder. Neither are eligible to play this year (thank heavens). Both, however, were participating in extra curricular basketball related activities when injuring themselves. This elicited a familiar "Alyson-ism" from some of the veteran players: "It's all fun and games (until someone gets hurt.)" I've modified it so that all I have to say is "it's all fun and games" and they fill in the rest. Although I'll care for them just as if they were starters, it doesn't add any extra stress to the fact that we REALLY need to win the next 3 home games...but I'll just be happy with winning the next one.
I often refer to this season as a rollercoaster. The ride is still open. Winning at Middle Tennessee last Thursday was a great feat, especially since it is so difficult to win on the road. We knew going into the Middle-Western sweep that few teams, if any, had ever taken both wins as the road team. Even after taking the W at Middle, the elation didn't last long. We've never won at Western Kentucky, although we've given the game away at least two times that I can recall. Unfortunately we didn't pull off the win. The team never gave up, though, and proved something more than winning can: even when it looks impossible, it never really is. Fighting back with seemingly insurmountable odds in hostile territory is an admirable quality, especially late in the season with tournaments looming on the horizon.
I did have a basketball first at Western to speak of (although I had wanted it to be that they didn't shoot off the confetti cannons after the win--I'll come back to that in a minute). Early in the second half, one of my acrobatic fellas thought he'd spice things up a bit and see if I was paying attention. He did this by hurdling the row of sideline spectators' chairs and landing between them and the bleachers. Needless to say, he was there one second and gone the next. I saw it, started walking hesitantly up the line of our bench, waiting for a sign from officials or the players. It was then when I saw one of our players motion for me with a panicked face. I began my stiletto jog across the court to see what was going on, unable to see the injured athlete (Vernon Taylor). Lots of things go through my mind at this point. The unknown...knowing there are gloves and gauze in my pocket...and other thoughts racing through my head while I try not to look too concerned. It's show time...
When I reached him, VT was in a puddle of Sprite with not a chair on the line which he jumped missing. They moved a chair so I could get to him. At this point it's a series of checklists: no blood...good...he's moving...even better...bending down to get near him I say "Stay still, VT"..."Tell me what hurts"...rrrriiiipppp...momentarily I think I've just ripped my suit pants...oh my gosh..."Are you okay, VT? Don't move; does your head/neck hurt? Can you squeeze my hand? Wiggle your toes and legs a little? Do you know where you are? Do you know we're getting the crap beat out of us? He smiles at this and the guy on the bleachers tells me he thinks VT hit his knee on his way down...I ask him if he's ok and he is...back to VT. He sits up and we go through the questions again, noticing all the cameras in our faces...I tell him to smile for the camera...I don't feel a breeze on my backside...good...no, check that....great! We sit there a minute and he's ready to stand up, and by that time Coach Ben Fletcher has joined us. We walk back across the court and I'm fairly sure by this time that I didn't rip the seat of my pants because nobody's laughing...with 6000+ people there, I figured at least some of them would be laughing...
VT had a rib contusion but was able to return to the game after a breather. He didn't exhibit signs of a concussion and was able to perform exertional tasks in the tunnel beside our bench with no difficulty. WHEW! AND...I didn't rip my pants!!! (Which was equally satisfactory at that point in time.)
There are days when I don't "DO" a lot that you can see, but I figure it all adds up when potentially life threatening things happen and I'm the first one off the end of the bench. That's what we do. It's not rocket science...
So, back to the confetti cannons: Western Kentucky, hands down, has the best basketball atmosphere in the conference. They do all the right things to get the crowd into the game - fireworks boxes for pre-game introductions, JumboTrons constantly scrolling with sponsorships, commercials, and live feed of the game, and confetti cannons after a win. I'm tired of all of it! I can't WAIT to sit courtside in the new arena (Maestri Felix Court, if you ask my opinion) and have the same atmosphere! If you build it they will come, right?
In the meantime, we've got a significant advantage in Trojan Arena if people will show up and stand up and scream! Tomorrow is the perfect opportunity for just that. We need to win against FIU and we can't do it without YOU!!! When everybody's into the game, the band playing, fans cheering and yelling, Trojan Arena (AKA the Concrete Box) is a hard place to concentrate! Believe me...it's hard for me to concentrate sometimes with the Sound of the South blaring in my ear...but I wouldn't trade it for anything!
This rollercoaster ride isn't over yet and I've got a feeling there's still a lot more in store for the Men of TROY! Will you be a part of it?
Well...the lights just flickered in Trojan Arena, which can only mean it's the end of the world as we know it! Snow is still falling outside and it is so pretty! Hope you stay nice and warm until tomorrow night. Come out and support the Trojans as we take on FIU on TV! Please, please, please don't make us look like a podunk school with no supporters on TV! I know you're out there. Make it a Valentine's Day gift to your sweet. I'll be bringing out all the stops with the Red Velvet Cupcakes for the team...the Trojans are tough to beat with Red Velvet in their corner!
Lastly, as the lights come back on full strength, I want to say "hi" to Stan, a huge TROY fan that provided top notch taxi service to dinner the other night in Bowling Green. Thanks for the lift, and even more, for supporting the Trojans at the game. There were more fans there Saturday night, I know, but I don't know all their names - we appreciate your presence.
GO TROJANS...from the Snow Globe!
ASteed
January 29, 2010
The word count restriction is over!
I'm still here...and I think I'm finally back in the state of mind to share with you all about the life and times of this Athletic Trainer. I have always believed I have the best job in the world, and that still holds true. I loaded myself up last semester with a lot of extras and paid for it. Lesson learned.
It's been 63 days since the last installment of the Tale of the Tape and I'm a little embarrassed now that I see it in print. I started writing in August 2008 and had faithfully done so every week at the very least, giving you an insight to the world behind the scenes in the TROY Athletic Department. Many, many, many things have happened since Thanksgiving around here. I've thought about how I could tell you WHY I haven't written and the funniest reason was that I had been put on a word count restriction by the media relations department! You see, we're charged by the word on the website and with all my lengthy blogs, we'd exceeded the allotted word count by about a million words. That adds up!
Not really. The only reason I'll give for not sharing with you lately is a little wisdom we've all heard: if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all! It's a constant daily battle between the words I think and the ones I say. Some days I win and some days I lose. I'm working on that.
There are times when this profession (and, therefore my life) is so overwhelming that it's impossible to put those feelings and emotions into words - good, bad, or indifferent. I'm no different from you, though, I'm sure. AND, nobody forces me to write...I do it because I like to do so. It just seemed I wouldn't be able to show my best side...and so...that's all I'm going to say about that!
So, to catch you up to speed: We beat AUBURN in basketball!!! I don't know how good they really are this season, but that doesn't matter...we won! And in 20 years when we look back at spectacular feats in TROY history, that will be one of the fond memories.
I got everything I wanted for Christmas, including getting to spend lots of time with my family in OUR home this year. This was possible due to the fact that basketball took a week-long break. Since we basically started this season in late July with preparations for Europe which quickly turned into the first day of Fall semester and haven't slowed down since, we deserved a little respite from the hardwood. It was much appreciated!
The TROJANS played in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile. We lost in overtime...again, which was eerily similar to the only other Bowl Game Experience I've had the honor of enjoying. I was with the Men's Basketball team in south Florida for our FAU/FIU swing and watched the game like many of you on TV. I was so proud of "my guys" and wished they could've pulled off a victory! I was disappointed to be watching it on TV in the first place and throw in the mix that the broadcasters on ESPN2 weren't even paying attention to OUR game, but rather previewing the National Championship Game to be played the day after...you get my drift.
We'll be watching some of those guys on TV in the near future. I'll be SO proud to have known them and worked with them as intensely as I did while they were wearing Cardinal and TROY on their chests! GOOD LUCK! And...don't forget we could use some flat panel TV's in the Athletic Training Room in which you spent so much of your time being cared for and mended up after you thought you were broken. Don't forget the little people...
Basketball is on a roll, which more times than not, feels like a rollercoaster! I truly believe this is the year for good things in Trojan Basketball. People ask me all the time what our record is and for the life of me I really don't know. I know we've lost some games we weren't supposed to win as well as some we were supposed to win, for what that's worth.
I have a saying about being a 'chicken counter' which I try to use when we're sitting around chatting about "if we don't win this game by 15, we ought to just not even play." Don't count those chickens before they hatch. There's a reason we schedule games, practice, ride in a bus for 7 hours, and get dressed up on game day and that's because they don't count the W's and L's until the last horn has sounded. Anything can happen...look at the last 3 seconds of the South AL game! Then again, let's not do that. I don't think my poor heart can handle rehashing that one.
We bounced back and took care of the Hilltoppers at home last Thursday. Woke up, got on a bus, and drove 6 and a half hours only to lose at ULaLa 48 hours later. See what I mean about rollercoaster? You think being the casual fan is hard, try sitting on the end of the bench game after game wondering why they can't all be wins.
Take into consideration that I know that 4 of the 5 starters have been sick or injured in the last 2 weeks enough to miss at least one day of practice and you can see why I get stressed out. Even the message board writers didn't know that! I worked harder for the Western Kentucky win in the week that led up to that game than some of the players did. It may have been some of my most impressive work yet...but when I see them out there working their magic and the clock expires and we have more points than they do, it's all worth the stress! Losing on the other hand when people are sick and injured is not nearly as tolerable. But then again, winning makes everything better.
My students have to post a player education topic of the week in the athletic training room in Trojan Arena and I'd thought I would pass it along to you as well. This week's topic is flexibility. You'd think the basketball players are flexible...they're not. I even have a nickname for one of them: "Rigid Boy," but I'll spare him the embarrassment of making his identity known. This condition has caused him numerous ailments, including patellar tendonitis, posterior tibialis tendonitis, and most recently plantar fasciitis. All are primarily overuse injuries made more severe by lack of flexibility. Or, you could even venture to say that his lack of flexibility caused the injuries. It's the whole "which comes first" theory. Needless to say, increasing flexibility will help him.
So how does one increase flexibility? I will add the disclaimer that this should not serve as a substitute for hands-on professional medical advice. With that said, here are a couple of rules of thumb. Never ever stretch cold muscles. I'm a firm believer that stretching after activity is more beneficial than stretching to warm up. Stretch each muscle group lightly and hold for 10-15 seconds, repeating 10-15 times per side. Don't go to the point of pain, just to where you can feel a light stretch. You should stretch each side separately and finish one side before going on to the other. It's the cumulative stretch rather than each individual stretch that increases your overall flexibility level. That's just a glimpse into stretching, but it'll get you started.
I've said before that one of the double-edged swords of this job is the travel. I'm away from home, but I get to see some spectacular places and meet fabulous people and, most importantly, eat some delectable food! This year, in addition to Europe (which wasn't all that...really) I've been to Guadalajara's Hacienda (Mexican - Houston, TX), Rocco's (Italian - Huntingdon, WV), Old Tyme Grocery and Prejean's (Cajun - Lafayette, LA), and PF Chang's Asian Bistro, Houston's Steakhouse, Nunzio's Italian (Miami and Boca Raton, FL) to name a few off the top of my head. That could be why I see the need to keep up this running thing...my motto has become "I run because I eat." Thinking about a bumper sticker...
Now that I've got all that off my chest, I think I can go to practice now. We've got a big game against South AL and personally, I think everybody in the tri-state area should pack into Trojan Arena to cheer on the Men of Troy. We have a little bone to pick with the Jags. Let's hope the home court advantage is the winning piece of the puzzle! So get out there and cheer...stand up when they play the fight song, and heck...even sing along. I'll leave you with the words so you can practice between now and then!
See you there!
GO TROJANS...
Alyson
Troy University Fight Song
Here's to the school we love
We are Trojans, one and all.
We will always cheer for victory
and you'll never let us fall.
Go! Go! Go!
Cheers to T-R-O-Y
We are with you all the way.
So get out there team and
Fight! Fight! Fight!
And win today!
I've got to hurry...I'm late posting this entry and with the score in the ULaLa game taking a turn for the worse, I think it's my obligation to finish the story before game's end to ensure the Trojan victory. The only problem is that I've forgotten the laptop charger at home and I only have a little while before the battery dies! Forgive the grammar and spelling errors in advance, please. I'll change them once I have the story posted and I'm back in Troy at a desktop.
It's been a crazy week, as always, even though we've been out of school all week. I wanted to list all the things for which I'm thankful, but that will have to wait, too.
I loaded up the bus on Thursday morning to head east to Statesboro, GA, while most of you were planning to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with your families. It is my second holiday in six years that I've spent away from my dinner table. Not bad in this line of work, actually. I'm most grateful, of course. We had dinner with the team at the Maestri's house Wednesday after practice. It was a good time enjoyed by all.
The Men's basketball team is 2-0 at the Legends Classic this weekend. It's some sort of crazy tournament set up that has something to do with us playing at Florida last week, but I don't think it's the kind of tournament where we can win it actually. It's a CLASSIC tournament which is more like we play everybody. I don't think there's a winner, which is a bummer.
We've also played at UAB since I last blogged, but there's not really much to talk about for that game. I did get to spend some time with our Andrews Fellows: Drs. Matthew Pollack and Michael McNulty during that game. They even got the opportunity to put a stitch or three in the lip of one of our guys during the second half. For them being there, I am most grateful! I'll have to tell you more about them later...
I've recently received an update from one of them saying we're up 24-13 after halftime! GOOD JOB! Keep it up, Trojans!
I can't get through this without sainging some praises for the recent Athletic Training Room Player of the Week, unofficially sponsored by PowerAde, Award. This week's award goes to a Senior who may, quite frankly, be the nicest person on the face of the earth outside the hash marks of a football field. This young man has done something that is unlikely in most places, but not out of the unquestionable for the fine atheltic specimen as he is. My mother actually had a similar procedure a few weeks ago and is still working on her motion and pain. That's how tough he is! And it couldn't go to a nicer person, if I haven't said that already.
So. Without further ado (whatever that is) this week's award went to Boris Lee. We even voted during half time of last week's game and there were no other names on the ballot. THAT's how impressive he is! Boris had a little procedure on his knee on Monday and played on Saturday! That may be saying more than I should say, but this guy is a-mazing! Hands down, the hardest working player I've seen in a while. And that's saying a lot...Congrats to Boris!
No update of late, so that must mean we're doing okay in the trenches at ULaLa!
I really like going to ULaLa and was super bummed when I saw this tournament would overlap that football game. Mainly the only reason I like going over there is for the food! Who doesn't love Cajun food and seafood?
I know there's a lot of talk about bowl games and such. Personally, I'm all in for New Orleans and St. Petersburg. Any other bowl and I'll be watching it on TV somewhere on a basketball road trip. Surely that's enough reason for us to pick the NO Bowl! Right? With my luck, though, that's the way it'll play out. Not that I won't be excited for the boys playing and the coaches coaching in something 'bigger' than the NO Bowl, but without me...what kind of trip is that?
I'll leave you with this...mostly for the students. Monday and Tuesday are the last two days of the semester. Wednesday is Dead Day! I always tell my students that they can do anything for 16 weeks at a time. Well here you are. Sixteen weeks is up and it's time to take your finals. Study hard.
I'll be keeping you up to date with men's basketball stuff between now and the beginning of 2010. Who can believe we're on the verge of 2010? I can remember when Y2K was a big deal...and that was 10 whole years ago!! Unbelieveable...
GO TROJANS! BEAT ULaLa!!
ASteed
November 19, 2009
I've had a few epiphanies this week, regardless of the turmoil. My canned answer for the standard greeting of 'How are you doing?' is this: "I'm just living the dream." However this week, it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, it's someone else's dream I'm indeed living...just a thought.
Regardless of who's dream it is, if this week was any indication of the craziness and chaos in store, it could only mean that it's that time again.
"That time" when every student wants to know what they can doto make up an assignment they didn't turn in ..."because their roommate's best friend's dog died the day it was due and they just felt like they needed to be with them to comfort and provide a shoulder on which they could cry."
"That time" when I can't tell what day today is without looking at my pocket computer/Blackberry because I've worked 12 weeks of 7 days straight, and lately each of said days being a 10-hour work day (at least).
"That time" when the Martha Stewart in me thought it would be better to strip wallpaper and repaint the hall bath instead of getting the house decorated and ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also thought it would be a GREAT idea to do this the week before having people over after the football game Saturday and felt sure I could get it done before I left on the first road trip of the basketball season. To say the least, I'm still painting the bathroom, don't yet have groceries for the proposed shin-dig, and will be leaving in a matter of hours for Gainesville, from which I won't return until the wee hours of Saturday morning.
"That time" when EVERY football player is hurt. Whether great or small in severity, the wounded are multiplying. I've even had to attend to the needs of the basketball manager after a fight with a 'polar bear.' He'll be having surgery to repair a fracture in his hand Friday. I am beginning to think it's contagious and we need to start handing out skittles or smarties to fend off potential injuries.
"That time" when I've packed my Vera Bradley bag for the first of eight road games in a row. I've got to get in the hang of packing for basketball trips when it seems like I had just gotten the hang of packing for football trips. Tennis shoes will be replaced with stilettos. Khakis replaced with Ann Taylor suits. At least, hopefully. I always have momentary sinking that feeling when we're pulling out of town on the bus that I've forgotten something important at home. Today is no different. Keep your fingers crossed.
Fortunately, however, it's also "that time" of the year when I get to chill out in a hotel room in various cities by myself. That is definitely the perk of being the only female in a traveling party of males! Of course, there are definitely times when I think that the cons don't outweigh the single pro...
And "that time" of year when the house gets all pretty and decorated for Christmas. I would put a tree in every room if I had the space to do just that. I love everything about the holidays...cooking, eating, baking, eating some more, sleeping late, candles and Christmas cards to name just a few. We're doing Christmas at my house this year! I'm so excited!
I can't leave out the Athletic Training Room Player of the Week, unofficially sponsored by PowerAde, Award. Remember that the winner of this prestigious award has been injured during the previous week and has done more than asked of him while in treatment. We don't really care how they do in the game that week, but we've found a direct correlation between the effort put forth in the Athletic Training Room and the effort put forth between the hash marks. Travis Boyd is the lucky winner of this dubious weekly award.
Never mind that Travis has been playing with this injury for a few weeks and even that it's not the most significant injury of the year. Travis has had an unidentified bump on his Achilles, commonly referred to around here as a 'pump bump.' It has been quite painful to him with ankle taping and mid-top shoes. We've tried days with tape and pads of all shapes, sizes, and mediums; no pad; tape only; no tape; and so on. Finally I think we've rounded the corner and he'll be close to 100% this weekend. You might even see a 'burst of speed' from him if he catches the right pass on the right route!
Shifting gears to basketball momentarily: we've played 4 games against different opponents, but I don't think one of them counted. I think that puts us at 2-0, officially but 4-0 unofficially, which is awesome either way you look at it!!! I have enjoyed watching them learn to play together and hope for wonderful things in the coming months.
Unfortunately, we're leaving for Gainesville, FL, in an hour or so and the opponents we've played in recent weeks don't come close to the caliber of opponents in the SEC. I've witnessed one 50-point loss to UF this year already and certainly don't want to repeat that trip home on I-10 this time. I'll be wearing my most luckiest shoes and suit, to be sure. Anything I can do to help the team, I'll do!
So, tune your radios to your local TROY broadcast station or tune in via interwebs and do your part to cheer on the Men of Troy to a victory in Gainesville. Maybe you won't be able to hear me yelling at the refs in the background.
Then, my challenge to you is to get out to the football game against FAU Saturday at 3:00 Saturday. If I can ride all night in a bus and make it to the game to WORK, you can surely make it to the game to PLAY! Wear your cardinal (I'll be wearing white, though, because we always wear the opposite) and be loud!!
It's also "that time" to recognize the seniors on the team for the entertainment they've provided you with over their careers. It's SENIOR NIGHT! I'll be on the sideline, tissue in hand, as they pay special homage to the Trojan leaders that will be moving on to bigger and better things soom. It gets me teary eyed every time! I'll do my best not to cry, but I can't promise anything...
Until Saturday,
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
