WOERNER’S CORNER
Camels Welcome In The Corner
I have to admit something right off the top this week and that is I am guilty of animal neglect. Now that I have gotten the attention of the PETA types of the world, let me note that it is not dogs, cats or horses but Camels about which I have seem to forgotten.
I was sorry to read a release this week that the Fighting Camels of Campbell University played their last men’s home game. That means I wrote a column every week during the basketball season without mentioning a team doing something neither the Tarheels nor Wolfpack have thought about, winning their conference regular season title. It means I didn’t get a chance to see the Atlantic Sun’s fourth leading scorer, Jonathan Rodriguez.
It means I didn’t do something I have wanted to do for a long time, join the 3,000-plus people who have flocked to the Gore Arena to watch Camels games at differenttimes this year. There is one saving grace and that is the season’s not over yet. Campbell is in the middle of a sixgame winning streak and recently won four games in eight days. Those numbers are impressive in any arena, at any level.
It is time for me to do better. Coach Robbie Laing has my commitment. The Camels have the full attention of The Corner for the rest of the year.
I will give the Atlantic Sun Conference my attention as the post season comes upon us. I will pull hard for the Camels in their conference tournament as that is likely the only way they will make the NCAA tournament. I don’t have to worry about them playing my usual favorites. The story of the Wolfpack is obvious. When it comes to basketball, East Carolina has trouble competing with some high schools in some years.
This could be the year Campbell makes a statement on the national scene. The Camels lost in the first round several years ago when they were seeded last and played a top-seeded team.
This year they will likely be higher ranked because of their record. That is why the final games and the conference tournament are so important. Simply translated, a better record means an easier game in the first round. Teams seeded in the last place position have never won a first round game but those in the positions only slightly higher on the ladder have pulled off upsets throughout the tournament’s history.
There is an argument to made that Campbell has the best team of the three when putting them in the same boat with Roy Williams or Sidney Lowe’s squads in Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
Folks in Buies Creek would probably pay big bucks to see their team take on either one of those two this year. I admit I would love to be on press row for one of those games.
I am ashamed to say this is the first time I have mentioned the Camels in my writings this year but I look forward to more coverage in the near future. Let’s get out the orange and black and pull hard for the boys from the Creek.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Facilities part of the game
WOERNER’S CORNER
Facilities Are Part Of The Games
From Harnett County to Daytona and Vancouver, sports facilities have made the news in recent days. Throughout history where games have been played have always important, but it is particularly true when something goes wrong, which seems to be the case in recent days. It is a toss up as to who deserves more criticism between the ground crews at Daytona International Speedway or those in charge at the Winter Olympics.
The race in Daytona this year became a spectacle with cars forced to veer around potholes on the track. It was a disappointment to fans who paid big money to watch the race or those sitting in front of their television sets for what turned into a marathon session. More importantly, it was a real safety issue.
Small holes become big problems when cars traveling 190 miles per hour are involved. It is difficult to understand why after hundreds of races that problem shouldn’t have been preventable. Why, after hundreds of races did asphalt suddenly become a problem at one of the world’s best known race tracks?
It is not exactly a great way for NASCAR to kick off its 2010 season. Maybe the road crews will head back to Daytona before the fast cars do.
The facility issue is much more tragic in the case of the Olympics because it resulted in a death. There have been changes made to the Whistler luge track after the death of a Georgian luger. Those changes should have been made long before anyone went down the track in the first place.
Nodar Kumaritashvili, who died, told his parents he was scared of the track, and the turn where the accident occurred, shortly before his death. If he was aware of the problem, those maintaining the track should have been also. It was a severe lack of planning on a $100 million project that resulted in death.
Hopefully the changes that were made will work to prevent it from happening again.
It seems the entire Vancouver Olympics is full of logistical issues. In the opening ceremony, the four-pronged torch only had three prongs which rose from the ground in the three dimensional opening ceremony. It was still impressive but the world was left wondering what the full effect would have been.
Trucks have been forced to bring in snow because warm temperatures and snow have not mixed well.
Understandably, they can’t control the weather, but it seems based on prior weather patterns officials should have thought carefully about their choice for an Olympic venue.
Facilities Are Part Of The Games
From Harnett County to Daytona and Vancouver, sports facilities have made the news in recent days. Throughout history where games have been played have always important, but it is particularly true when something goes wrong, which seems to be the case in recent days. It is a toss up as to who deserves more criticism between the ground crews at Daytona International Speedway or those in charge at the Winter Olympics.
The race in Daytona this year became a spectacle with cars forced to veer around potholes on the track. It was a disappointment to fans who paid big money to watch the race or those sitting in front of their television sets for what turned into a marathon session. More importantly, it was a real safety issue.
Small holes become big problems when cars traveling 190 miles per hour are involved. It is difficult to understand why after hundreds of races that problem shouldn’t have been preventable. Why, after hundreds of races did asphalt suddenly become a problem at one of the world’s best known race tracks?
It is not exactly a great way for NASCAR to kick off its 2010 season. Maybe the road crews will head back to Daytona before the fast cars do.
The facility issue is much more tragic in the case of the Olympics because it resulted in a death. There have been changes made to the Whistler luge track after the death of a Georgian luger. Those changes should have been made long before anyone went down the track in the first place.
Nodar Kumaritashvili, who died, told his parents he was scared of the track, and the turn where the accident occurred, shortly before his death. If he was aware of the problem, those maintaining the track should have been also. It was a severe lack of planning on a $100 million project that resulted in death.
Hopefully the changes that were made will work to prevent it from happening again.
It seems the entire Vancouver Olympics is full of logistical issues. In the opening ceremony, the four-pronged torch only had three prongs which rose from the ground in the three dimensional opening ceremony. It was still impressive but the world was left wondering what the full effect would have been.
Trucks have been forced to bring in snow because warm temperatures and snow have not mixed well.
Understandably, they can’t control the weather, but it seems based on prior weather patterns officials should have thought carefully about their choice for an Olympic venue.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tiger needs to do more
There is no doubt Tiger Woods was feeling pain in his statement Friday. He looked truly sorry for his transgressions that have come to light since Thanksgiving night Unfortunately he didn't do enough to restore the faith of his fans..
Tiger did nothing to reassure the golf world he will once again carry it on his back. He quickly said he wouldn't rule out returning to the game this year. That was it golf fans. Those of us looking for a specific date left our televisions or computers with confusion on our face.
It is hard to imagine he will let Augusta pass without throwing himself into the hunt.
Tiger will not be able to resist the urge to compete on golf's biggest stage. Look for the man with the red shirt on Sunday to be in the hunt for another green jacket.
Tiger's performance Friday was just that. It was a staged event to divert attention from the Accenture match play event. It is no coincidence Accenture was the first company to drop Tiger as its spokes man.
Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the game but he has yet to prove he wants to win back the pack of fans that follow him all over golf courses around the world. He quickly disappeared behind a curtain when the show was over Friday leaving the world to wonder about the next chapter in the saga. For the sake of his family I hope it means a big reunion but it is difficult to believe that will happen any time soon.
Tiger did nothing to reassure the golf world he will once again carry it on his back. He quickly said he wouldn't rule out returning to the game this year. That was it golf fans. Those of us looking for a specific date left our televisions or computers with confusion on our face.
It is hard to imagine he will let Augusta pass without throwing himself into the hunt.
Tiger will not be able to resist the urge to compete on golf's biggest stage. Look for the man with the red shirt on Sunday to be in the hunt for another green jacket.
Tiger's performance Friday was just that. It was a staged event to divert attention from the Accenture match play event. It is no coincidence Accenture was the first company to drop Tiger as its spokes man.
Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the game but he has yet to prove he wants to win back the pack of fans that follow him all over golf courses around the world. He quickly disappeared behind a curtain when the show was over Friday leaving the world to wonder about the next chapter in the saga. For the sake of his family I hope it means a big reunion but it is difficult to believe that will happen any time soon.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A look back on the big game
A Super Bowl review
By Tom Woerner
For the Record
I have to say this year’s Super Bowl was one of the best I remember. There was good football, great commercials and I think one of the great sports stories in recent years.
The game established for sure what was true before the kickoff. The Saints were the best team in the league this year. They played the last game like they did the rest of the season and deserved to get the win. They deserve a giant Kudos from The Corner for their efforts, even if they came up a little short.
Believe it or not there was a time back in 2005 when I wondered about the existence of the New Orleans Saints. I wondered if they would ever return to the building still burdened with the awful smell of Katrina death. I never dreamed that five years later they would be taking a Lombardi Trophy back to that building. A city where people were fleeing by the thousands now welcomes a group of brave gridiron heroes home.
The story of Katrina was quickly put into the history books for the team Sunday. Most people will remember the 2010 Super Bowl champions before they think of that American tragedy.
It took the Saints a while to get untracked Sunday but they put together a great effort. They won on a big defensive interception but they played great on both sides of the ball all night.
The Saints have Drew Brees largely to thank for their success but one thing remains clear. Though he threw an untimely interception, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the league
He made passes in the Super Bowl I don’t think any other quarterback, including Brees, could make. He leads his team as well as anyone else in the league. He didn’t win the big game this year but there is no doubt Manning will eventually win another Super Bowl.
There is always a so called competition for the best Super Bowl ad. I saw a lot of them but my hands on choice goes to the one for Doritos entitled Dog Gets Revenge. That is where a small dog gets revenge on his owner by fitting him with an anti-bark, electronic shock device. The commercial with Tim Tebow in his mother, sponsored by Focus on the Family, received the press, but it required to much thinking for me. The topic of abortion is way to deep for a football game.
The good commercials provided entertainment between the hot action on the field. I didn’t even hear one note of The Who’s half time show, the chili seemed more interesting.
I think this year’s Super Bowl could be a turning point for the National Football League. The Saints and their story brought in fans who have drifted in recent years. It is not unlike what happened to the New York Yankees and Mets in the days following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The country suddenly came around the teams so horribly affected by these events.
The National Football League can only hope the new fans of the Saints will stick around longer than the post Sept. 11 baseball fans of the Yankees did. I think football fans are more resilient and will be back next year. They will wait for another Super Bowl as good as this year’s but it will be hard to find one.
By Tom Woerner
For the Record
I have to say this year’s Super Bowl was one of the best I remember. There was good football, great commercials and I think one of the great sports stories in recent years.
The game established for sure what was true before the kickoff. The Saints were the best team in the league this year. They played the last game like they did the rest of the season and deserved to get the win. They deserve a giant Kudos from The Corner for their efforts, even if they came up a little short.
Believe it or not there was a time back in 2005 when I wondered about the existence of the New Orleans Saints. I wondered if they would ever return to the building still burdened with the awful smell of Katrina death. I never dreamed that five years later they would be taking a Lombardi Trophy back to that building. A city where people were fleeing by the thousands now welcomes a group of brave gridiron heroes home.
The story of Katrina was quickly put into the history books for the team Sunday. Most people will remember the 2010 Super Bowl champions before they think of that American tragedy.
It took the Saints a while to get untracked Sunday but they put together a great effort. They won on a big defensive interception but they played great on both sides of the ball all night.
The Saints have Drew Brees largely to thank for their success but one thing remains clear. Though he threw an untimely interception, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the league
He made passes in the Super Bowl I don’t think any other quarterback, including Brees, could make. He leads his team as well as anyone else in the league. He didn’t win the big game this year but there is no doubt Manning will eventually win another Super Bowl.
There is always a so called competition for the best Super Bowl ad. I saw a lot of them but my hands on choice goes to the one for Doritos entitled Dog Gets Revenge. That is where a small dog gets revenge on his owner by fitting him with an anti-bark, electronic shock device. The commercial with Tim Tebow in his mother, sponsored by Focus on the Family, received the press, but it required to much thinking for me. The topic of abortion is way to deep for a football game.
The good commercials provided entertainment between the hot action on the field. I didn’t even hear one note of The Who’s half time show, the chili seemed more interesting.
I think this year’s Super Bowl could be a turning point for the National Football League. The Saints and their story brought in fans who have drifted in recent years. It is not unlike what happened to the New York Yankees and Mets in the days following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The country suddenly came around the teams so horribly affected by these events.
The National Football League can only hope the new fans of the Saints will stick around longer than the post Sept. 11 baseball fans of the Yankees did. I think football fans are more resilient and will be back next year. They will wait for another Super Bowl as good as this year’s but it will be hard to find one.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A little more Super Bowl fun
Five more things that come to mind about the Super Bowl, not necessarily people
1. Bud Bowl- Any of us who are really honest will admit cheering for either Bud or Bud Light in the greatest ad series in Super Bowl history
2. Cheese dip, guacamole and Lord knows what else- A lot of people will go home from a Super Bowl party Sunday night and not know the winner. It won't be because of alcohol but because they are still thinking of the spread. Either that or they are cleaning up from the one at their house!
3. Pre game shows that are way to long. It is Thursday and I think the "Super Bowl Today" is already on. Funny thing is it should be called Super Bowl Ads today. As with most things, money is doing the talking
4. The weather, it is always great, unless the game is inside. I know it is designed that way, for the game to be in a warm location, but wouldn't it be great to see the Super Bowl in Green Bay someday. A New England snow storm would be perfect.
5. Bill Belicheck-Ok he is number 15 and last on my Super Bowl list, the guy just rubs me the wrong way, but you can't knock the way he coaches. Right there with Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry and Bill Walsh as the best coaches in Super Bowl history
1. Bud Bowl- Any of us who are really honest will admit cheering for either Bud or Bud Light in the greatest ad series in Super Bowl history
2. Cheese dip, guacamole and Lord knows what else- A lot of people will go home from a Super Bowl party Sunday night and not know the winner. It won't be because of alcohol but because they are still thinking of the spread. Either that or they are cleaning up from the one at their house!
3. Pre game shows that are way to long. It is Thursday and I think the "Super Bowl Today" is already on. Funny thing is it should be called Super Bowl Ads today. As with most things, money is doing the talking
4. The weather, it is always great, unless the game is inside. I know it is designed that way, for the game to be in a warm location, but wouldn't it be great to see the Super Bowl in Green Bay someday. A New England snow storm would be perfect.
5. Bill Belicheck-Ok he is number 15 and last on my Super Bowl list, the guy just rubs me the wrong way, but you can't knock the way he coaches. Right there with Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry and Bill Walsh as the best coaches in Super Bowl history
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Super Bowl names
OK. No real rhyme or reason to it but the top ten names that come to my mind when it comes to the Super Bowl
1. Joe Montana-Mr. Super Bowl, great team leader.
2. Troy Aikman- The Ultimate Super Bowl Captain
3. Adam Vinitieri- best Super Bowl kicker, just ask the Panthers!
4. Ron Jaworski-don't know why he comes to mind but I loved number 7 throwing to number 17 (Harold Carmichael) even if their Eagles lost to the Raiders.
5. Jerry Rice-Wow! Probably the best receiver in Super Bowl, and NFL history.
6. John Madden-along with his partner Pat Summeral, best big game announcers.
7. Fran Tarkenton-the most loveable loser in Super Bowl history
8. Kurt Warner-St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals quarter back-knew how to play on the big stage
9. Scott Norwood-Buffalo Bills kicker. Heartbreak Hotel.
10. Janet Jackson-who cares but most of can't forget her performance, no matter how hard we try!
1. Joe Montana-Mr. Super Bowl, great team leader.
2. Troy Aikman- The Ultimate Super Bowl Captain
3. Adam Vinitieri- best Super Bowl kicker, just ask the Panthers!
4. Ron Jaworski-don't know why he comes to mind but I loved number 7 throwing to number 17 (Harold Carmichael) even if their Eagles lost to the Raiders.
5. Jerry Rice-Wow! Probably the best receiver in Super Bowl, and NFL history.
6. John Madden-along with his partner Pat Summeral, best big game announcers.
7. Fran Tarkenton-the most loveable loser in Super Bowl history
8. Kurt Warner-St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals quarter back-knew how to play on the big stage
9. Scott Norwood-Buffalo Bills kicker. Heartbreak Hotel.
10. Janet Jackson-who cares but most of can't forget her performance, no matter how hard we try!
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