Murray!!!

Coming up with good things to say about Murray is no easy task. I've done my best to come up with a few redeemable qualities that he possesses. Here goes.

1: His uncanny wit
No one can deny this. Shane is simply one of the funniest guys I've ever met. It's resulted in a few hardships along the way, namely the brick through his windshield in 03 and the Schwarz/Murray beat-down of 06. Still, it makes him a lot of fun to be around. Whether you're playing basketball, boogie-boarding in the Atlantic Ocean, playing Slug Fest, or singing Karaoke at Benny's, Shane always has a good comeback, a smart-ass comment, or some keen observation that is sure to increase the utility of those around him.

2: Basketball
Convincing Shane to play a game of pick up basketball is about as hard as getting Schwarz to go to Bourbon Street on a Friday night. I've played thousands of games with Shane at BC, Tybee, Wilmington, and Jenkins Boys Club. Of all the good, bad, weird (Bill), and awesome moments I can remember about playing with Shane, my favorite has to be the time in Pius where he saved my ass. We were playing some team from New Orleans and I already had 3 or 4 fouls and some jackass on the other team started giving me the business. All I could do was talk since I was in foul trouble, and I guess Murray could tell I was getting frustrated because the next time down, he laid a forearm in the guy's chest which sent him to the deck. The guy got up, pushed me, picked up a cheap foul, and was done. Later, we ran into him on the elevator at the hotel and Murray should have been given a prize for his exemplary job of mean-mugging.

Shane loves the great game of basketball, and he's damn good at it. If I could put together the best starting 5 of guys I've ever seen play at Benedictine, Shane would start at small forward along with Frankie at point, Jibri at off guard, Pierce at power forward, and Coursey as center. Shane can shoot it as good as Keenan or Koncul, but they aren't in the same league as him when it comes to defense. Further, he's the kind of a guy who makes everyone at practice try harder because he never bitched and just played the game. And while I already bored y'all with one drawn out memory, Murray's final game at Benedictine when he went for 24 points is probably on my top 5 list for favorite games I've been a part of. He drained eight 3's against Glynn. Murda was the true captain of the 02-03 team.

3: Selling 401 K's
Murray is a young professional, but he doesn't take himself too seriously. He sports suits during the week, but umbros and blazers on the weekends. Shane still likes to "party" now as much as he did during college, and I must say he's gotten even better at it. While we still have no idea what he really does at that place on President Street, we're happy for him and glad he can still bring it. Day drinking, Bear Fights, and G and T's are now the norm for this professional weekend warrior.

4: Friends
Barstool, you cannot blame Shane for being a member of 736 blogs. A lot of different people and groups of people like Murray. Maybe it's the sense of humor which I alluded to above, or rather his desire to see what's good about someone/ some group rather than their faults. Shane can have a good time wherever he is or whoever he is with. Some people have a hard time meeting people, and others have a difficult time making friends. It's easy to see why Shane has so many close friends and people who want to be around him all the time.

5: Alli
For some inexplicable reason, a female has decided to put up with Shane on a full time basis. While we all know she could do a lot better and we anxiously await the day she cans Murray for someone nicer, cooler, and not from Wilmington, we cannot help but to be happy for Shane and his lady friend. She has accepted all of us and our peculiar ways, and she's even been to a few BC games. I've even seen her attempt a few Bear Fights. Yes, it has come to the point where significant others can be part of what is best about one of us. She's Murray's girlfriend so we will see her a lot, and the fact that she's nice, undramatic, and fun to hang out is great for us. Plus, there aren't 5 things good about Shane himself so I had to include her.

So wherever you are today, raise one to S Murda. And on Saturday, we gonna party like it's his birfday.

Happy Birthday, Shane.

Dancing

You Know the Rules And So Do I....

Instructions
Step 1: Open Google.
Step 2: Enter '1227' in the search bar.
Step 3: Click "I Feel Lucky".

You're Welcome!

Note: This is nothing gross or offensive. Probably don't want to do it at work, though.

March 5th

Dear CDT Colonel Fleming (RET) and CDT Lieutenant Colonel Lowe (RET),

Happy birthday from all of us here at OIA. You helped us retain the gold star more than once. Besides being Irish, yall are pretty cool. Have a pleasant day.

Sincerely,

Donnie Bell (Official OIA Birthday Messenger/ Rick's friend)

RIP Robbie

Robbie Ryan, BC class of 2006, died earlier today. I do not intend to start any sort of tradition of using the blog to announce the deaths of people we know. I think it would be inappropriate. However, I cannot help but mention a few things regarding Robbie's life and how I knew him.

He was two classes below me at Benedictine, and with his loss, the entire Benedictine family feels hurt. He was a really good guy. I remember him being a really nice guy as a sophomore at BC, and that's saying something considering how most guys behave when they are that age. He played O-line for BC, and Chadwick was his coach during my senior year. I remember people used to joke about how he looked like Chadwick.

It sucks when people die, especially those who are close to us. While I wasn't particularly close to Robbie, some of my good friends are, and I know it's really hard for them right now. I heard the news a few minutes after I got off the phone with one of my best friends, Larry. I was telling him how excited I was to celebrate my best friend's birthday in Atlanta with more of my best buds. Upon hearing the news about Robbie, I thought about what it would be like if I lost any of yall. I don't know what I would do. Life is too short to lose friends over mistakes, dumb arguments, or girls. I vow not to do so.

At this time of great sorrow, our prayers are with Robbie's friends and family.

BC

BC ran into a buzz saw tonight and saw its final record end up at 22-7. The loss that really hurt was the region tournament finals that led us on the road for the 2nd round. However, the season and this team lived up to almost every aspiration that everyone had for it. Jibri Bryan will go down as one of the top 5 players in school history. Daniel Coursey might have played as good as anyone in the area over the last month and I look forward to seeing what he does at Mercer. Friess, Williams, Fender, and Hunt are all viable candidates for the Ashley Dearing Award. Nettles and Brown were the best players on the court in 2 of BC's biggest wins. But more important than anything was the energy and enthusiasm they created within the BC community.

2-AA Region Champions (15-1)
Undefeated at home
As high as #6 in the State
Defeated 7 State playoff teams
Sweet 16

Go Bears!

Go 4 Da Gold

Today, Mike Wingster tagged me in a video on Facebook.(If you don't remember Wingster, he was the one who got into a fistfight with Bryan Gray at half-court during the 2003 beatdown of SHS by Benedictine). The video is a tribute to Savannah's own Casey Mitchell, who's in the rotation for a top 10 West Virginia team. It's a pretty cool video but for all you young professionals, it's got some naughty words so don't open it at work.

So why do we here at OIA care about the video? I just thought it was weird that he tagged me in it. I doubt he even knows who I am. But today is a Tuesday and Benedictine is playing in its biggest basketball game ever. And they are a bit of an underdog. If you asked Wingster and Mitchell about Benedictine's chances as an underdog in a big game on a Tuesday night, they'd probably like our chances. I like our chances. Great teams play great when it matters. GO CADETS.

My Weekly Contribution.

This is the happiest time of the year for me. It's hard to look at these pictures and be unhappy, especially for the family in that first picture.*

*Warning: Erection Joke.

16 more days

Basketball Thoughts

Happy Birthday to Colby Merchant- friend of the blog.

1: Benedictine hosts its first state playoff game in almost 40 years on Friday. I like the idea of having it at Cannon Court. It's not about making sure everyone who wants to go can get in or making sure everyone at the game is comfortable. The environment at Cannon Court on Friday will be a big advantage for our team.

2: The Big East is the nation's best basketball conference. Shitty conference overall though. Depaul, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hal, Marquette, and Villanova really bring it in football. Notre Dame chooses not to associate itself with the Big East in football. I know it's all about money and being sub par in other sports doesn't mean it isn't the best basketball conference, but something about the whole thing seems a little off to me.

3: Florida assured itself a tournament birth last night. Congrats to the greatest basketball coach ever for making the tournament for the first time since 2007!

4: I averaged over 23 points and 10 rebounds for the season in intramural basketball at GSU this semester. The fact that they keep stats is pretty cool. I'll say that B league here isn't as strong as B league in Athens but C league here is much better than C league in Athens. Not sure about A league. In conclusion, there is no clear difference between the level of play in intramural basketball at GSU and UGA.

5: Georgia makes the Sweet 16 next year if everyone stays and that dude sitting out this year is what they say he is.

East Laurens @ BC - Friday - 6:30

Since Shiv is reluctant to post on his recent activity with the young and elderly, I'll post stuff about sports.

BC will play host to the East Laurens Falcons on Friday night. A lot of people are disappointed in the performance by the Cadets last night but its important to remember that BC is hosting a State Basketball Playoff game. The site, to my knowledge, is still TBD. I've talked to about 6 people and 3 said they should play at BC, and 3 said AASU. The fact that BC is probably one of the toughest places in the state to play, I'm sure that the team and coaches would like to play on campus. Those in favor of AASU or a bigger site would say that the scene this past weekend reinforces the point that BC's gym is inadequate for the BC community. I'd be fine with either. The team's chance for success is higher on campus, no doubt. AASU is more accommodating for the masses and has plastic cups. Either way, BC needs to play its best. The winner will travel to Thomasville or host Central Macon in the 2nd round.

Georgia baseball, UGA's last hope for any success in '09-'10, went 2-2 in it's opening weekend in Texas. This team could finish anywhere between 3rd and 11th in the SEC. Lots of pitching talent but young in the bullpen outside of Earls and McRee who has been designated the closer. Real low on power bats. Could finish last in HR's but 1st in SB's. Zach Cone has the best chance of being the next Joey Side without being as cool.

I like the Braves to finish 2nd in the East and barely miss out on the wild card. The pitching staff is top notch, but they will still have the same problem with the middle of the lineup. Chipper will miss 40+ games and Glaus isn't the answer. Unless Hayward comes in at the middle of the year and is a freak, I don't think the offseason moves were enough to change much from last year.

BC had a wrestler win the 171 pound state championship. Thats 3 straight state champions for Mr. T.

GSU baseball is 1-2 in the post Kampii era.

Everything is falling into place for SSU.

Beach and The High done

Groves, Johnson, Jenkins, and Windsor Forest will represent 3AAAAA in the state playoffs.

BC

Things I'd rather do than play in the snow...

- Watch a region championship game

- eat saltines with cocktail sauce

- hang out with my friends

- Go to spanky's with BKS

- Go to Hilliards

- Tybee Mardi Gras

- Irish Festival

- Fairmont

- jump in a pool

- party at dingus

- hang out with the guy that likes me more than stick at EA

- not wearing 4 layers of clothes

- not have Shiv as my only option

- Celtic Cross reception that is bordering on being better than actual SPD

- Hole and the tree and the tree in the hole, whom down in the vally-o

- Heart of a Champion

- Bloomin' Onion

- Party in the USA

- Plowe at Midnight on Thursday

- Newman

- Finch Attack

- Murray at Benny's

- resurgence of Irish Hurricanes

- 434 back for 3/17

- Williams at 8:00 on a Saturday night

- Varsity Blues

- Midnight Confessions at Gayna's

- Bouncy Balls

- Barbier

MCA (17-6;14-0) @ BC (19-5; 14-1)

Update: Game has been postponed until Monday. Varsity tip @ 7:30. Wow on the odds.

Region 2-AA allows BC to host tournament

McGowan: BC still has work to do for region tourney

Us Against the World?

Why I'm Rooting for the Colts.

BC ROLLS PAST APPLING

I wish I was at...

enjoying one of these...



as Swarz welcomed Georgia's new recruits to his city.

We All Just Wanna Be Big Rockstars, Right?

Is Nickleback the Worst Band Ever?

Mark Your Calendars

On Sunday, April 3rd, 2011, Atlanta and more specifically the Georgia Dome will play host to the "Grandest Stage of Them All:" WrestleMania XXVII.

Tickets go on sale in November.

Weekend Recap

1: For the first time since I graduated, I felt my age this weekend in Athens. Didn't make it out past 1 either night. Still a damn good time though.

2: Bell v. Kicklighter never really got off the ground, but I think he met his match a little after we left.

3: I have never heard a human being snore like Williams did Saturday night. That was beyond awful. On one of my trips to Athens last Fall, I slept on a cold floor, and that was so much better than last night in the room with "Bear" Williams.

4: Rick still has it.

5: JJ sure does look the part of graduate student with his beard. Next thing we know he will hang out at The Globe and get espressos from Starbuck's.

6: Serious tension remains between Schiv and Leigh.

7: Desperate is the perfect wrap up to a wild weekend.

***Coming soon, a first draft of my top 5 Athens nights*** I know you care, Shane.

Happy Birfday, Homes.



We've been best friends ever since you hated me.

POTW

With 2 more wins BC clinches a birth in the state playoffs.

JJ turns 25

Happy birthday, Jack. I think now is the right time to apologize to you for beating your ass in Doraville eight years ago. I'm sorry.

In terms of overall contributions to Benedictine athletics, Jack ranks up there with guys like Lamar, Mallard, Passink, Chris Williams, Rahal, and Travis West. He was a 3 year starter in baseball and football. He played basketball for 3 years and was a solid guard. The game Jack pitched his junior year against Wayne remains one of the top 5 Benedictine individual athletic performances I've ever witnessed. Jack was a great player due to his intelligence, leadership abilities, and passion. He will be one of the greatest coaches in BC history because of these same things.

As good as an athlete as Jack was in high school, we choose to hang out with him for reasons besides that. Like his fellow Dawg Duo member, he marches to the beat of a different drum. The guy loves singing in Tybee bars, and he excels at doing so. In Savannah, it is not uncommon for him to show up out of nowhere at a bar well after midnight. On Thursday nights before Georgia football games, he sports the other team's color. Describing Jack's uniqueness is not an easy task.

He's a good guy. He loves SJS, BC, and the Dogs. I've said it before, but Jack is one of the people who make BC what it is: the best damn high school in America. And while Jack is full of shit about unimportant things, there is not a better guy in the world when it comes to things that matter. Of all the different groups of people we know, all of them like Jack. Unfortunately for the ladies, he has settled down a little bit with a nice girl who might like Georgia sports as much as Jack.

Jack, I will have a ton of roast beef at my first wedding, and I expect you to be there with bells on.

Happy birthday. 10-6.

50 Days

Weekend Recap

1: St. Patrick's Day is rapidly approaching. Instead of Vegas or New Orleans for Spring Break 2K10, I think I'll have a big time at the parade and settle for a few nights on the gambling boat.

2: Congrats to BC and Georgia on their big wins this weekend. Trav and Jibri are top 5.

3: Cafe Loco and Hucapoos have made it into my top 5 bars (along with Bourbon Street, GB's, and Churchill's).

4: Williams turns 22 tomorrow. Should be interesting.

5: PLowe is back in the game. Text him for details.

10-6.

Weekend Highlights

'Nique Jr.

The Sports II

I hate January for a number of reasons but this weekend is arguably the best for sports until March Madness cranks up.

The Landers Lunatics play basically their only meaningful game of the regular season on Thursday night against #3 Tennessee. This is JD's only Bball team now so he deserves the support. (FSNS)

#10 BC has a must win game against Long on Friday night. BC beat Long in Ludowici back in December by 2 and outside of MCA is the only team that is a legitimate threat to win the region. If BC is to have a realistic shot at hosting the region tournament they must win this game. (BCSN)

The Georgia men's team plays top 10 Tennessee on Saturday and is a game Georgia SHOULD win, which is something you have not been able to say in a long time. This is a very good basketball team 1-4 but 5-12 is as bad as anyone in the conference, though the Drozen kid is a good mix of Idrisi, Waldrop, and McCauley. Year 1 under Fox has been a success up to this point. If there is any production from the bench this team can win some games and hopefully find themselves making a deep run in the NIT. At Georgia, with a first year coach, thats not bad. (FSNS)

Sunday, the Conference Championship games are held and I will start watching the NFL. Good matchups. I'll take the Colts and Vikings with Indy in the Super Bowl.

The only 5 round Golf tournament of the year is this week at the Bob Hope, for those who like the plethera of golf formats. (GC)

Shiv will probably forgo all of this and will be playing NCAA with JJ (maybe MB, you never know) and listening to Otis Redding while watching gametracker of the Aussie Open.

140 days till the World Cup. Theres 1.

An Ode to the King...

Happy Birthday King.



But seriously. Lets all be thankful that MLK changed the country the way he did and made living in harmony more of a possibility. If you can't be thankful for that, at least be thankful for no work/school on Monday.

'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.'

That dream gets closer and closer every day...

Happy Sunday.

3:30-4:43 reassures me that there is a God.

The path is clear though no eyes can see The course laid down long before. So with Gods and men the sheep remain inside their pen, though many times they've seen the way to leave.....

Wish it wasn't Tech but good for LOS

Tech Fills Two Vacancies

Pretty good, but not Newman range

We Goin' To The Ship!!!!

Tom Dienhart of Rivals is reporting that Georgia's next DC will be Dallas Cowboys DL coach Todd Grantham. He says the deal is already signed. It is for 3 years and he will be the 3rd highest paid DC in the country. I'm not sure when the press conference will be.

Obviously this wasn't our 1st choice. The guy has only been a DC once for the Cleveland Browns from '05-'07 and he was fired. CTG hasn't coached at the college level since '98 when he was at Michigan St. with that asshat Nick Saban. Therefore, it may take him some time to back in the flow of recruiting.

Having said all of that, I am VERY happy with the hire. Truthfully, I would have taken anybody over Willie. The guy has coached under Frank Beamer/Bud Foster, Nick Saban, and Dom Capers, 3 of the greatest defensive minds in all of football so I'm sure he picked up a thing or two along the way. Beamer and Saban have both vouched for him and apparently he was Saban's first choice to be his DC when he took the Dolphins' job.

Perhaps the best thing I've heard about the guy is that apparently he's a real asshole and a tough, hard-nosed coach. It starts with the mentality on defense, the swagger. We can worry about scheme later.

Something to ponder, with CTG being a DL coach, where does that leave CRG? Don't forget Tennessee, CRG's old stomping grounds, still has an entire coaching staff to fill. It's so close to signing day, if CRG does leave I don't think it will have a huge impact.

Now all we got to do is get rid of that dead weight Van Halanger guy. F*** it. I'm on board. Sugar in 2010, MNC in 2011. Place your bets.

7 years ago today

Noodles. Deridder Doll. Gray Wingster fistfight. CKP plays it cool. Crawford shakes our hands. 61-50. a>

6 years ago today...

40-37.

364 days after Benedictine had defeated Savannah 61-50 and nearly a month after Savannah had defeated Benedictine 83-21, Cannon beats Savannah High School in the last game he will ever coach against them. Luke finishes with a 2-2 record against Benedictine. Savannah High advanced to the elite 8 in AAAAA later in the year. Casey Mitchell, Joe Fincher, Luke Tambon, and Kevin Parker, all starters for the Blue Jackets, would go on to play college ball. No one on the Benedictine team would make a college team, but Hinchey is still enjoying Costa Rica.

5 things I remember:
1: The feeling I had when Orie Williams missed that 3 as time expired
2: Half court before the game and talking to Tim Jordan as their band played Outkast
3: Sitting with Kieffer, Coach Cannon, and Phoenix in the locker room after the game. By the time we came out, the lights in the gym were already turned off.
4: Jack and maybe Keenan singing the fight song on the phone.
5: Hinchey's 17 rebounds

Tennessee Fans Taking This In Stride...

Disclaimer: image contains graphic language and probably not suitable for the workplace/classroom.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx8/govols1234/Unnamed.jpg

Lane better get the hell out of dodge.

CP...C Ya!!!

We're sorry for your loss, Rick.



Stic Dic: a man without a team, the world's newest Seahawks fan, or anxiously awaiting Will Muschamp's first head-coaching job?

Let's hear your theories.

(Photo from The Sporting Blog)

Hook 'Em

Texas 21... Bear 20...

Not As Good As Last Night's Win...

...but I'd say this is decent news for Georgia basketball. (HT: Georgia Sports Blog)

Awesome

Sports have been great the past few days. Auburn game, Mike Leach, Urban Meyer(s), now this.

Great Day...

I bet Todd is fucked up right now.


Anyway, today is (was) a great day not because Todd's guys executed to perfection. More so, because another one of JJH's close pals turned 25 years old today.

Today we salute you Monsieur Barbier....




Without further ado. In honor of our dear friend. Top 5 dead baby jokes.... (The squeamish may want to turn away)

(drum roll please)

5- Q: What's worse than a dead baby in a trashcan lid?
A: A trashcan lid in a dead baby.

4- Q: Why do you unload a truck full of babies with a pitchfork?
A: So you can tell which ones are still alive.

3- Q: What's the difference between a dead baby and a trampoline?
A: You take your boots off before you jump on a trampoline.


OK, OK. That's it. I have grossed myself out. You John Barbier are one sick son of a bitch. Happy Birthday, nonetheless.

For more click here.. (If I were you I would clear browser history before you lend your computer to someone after checking that website our though.)

BC Teams of the Decade:

5. 2007 Golf
A number of team tournament victories, Region Champions, and 3rd place in the AAA State Tournament. An individual State Championship was captured as well.

4. 2007-08 Wrestling
The best year for probably the most successful program of the decade. Team finished 3rd in the state and had two wrestlers compete in the finals. Ryan Gregory won the state championship and Nick Wright and Shane Summerlin were in the finals. Wright won it all in '09.

3. 2005 Baseball
A 20-9 overall record and 11-1 in region play. A controversial call in Guyton gave South Effingham the # 1 seed in the playoffs. A lineup with 5 future college players advanced to the 2nd round of the AAA state playoffs. The Cadets defeated Worth Co. in the 1st round with a dramatic walk off win in Game 2 to complete the series sweep. BC was eliminated in the 2nd round by Columbus, the eventual state champions.

2. 2002-03 Basketball
The most successful team since the '96-'97 season. A senior laden team with heavy contributions from 2 juniors. Included was a 3rd place finish in the St. Pius Christmas Tournament. Beat every team in region 3-AAAAA other than Beach, including a win over Savannah High. A 3 seed in the region tournament was also the highest since '97.

1. 2000 Football
9-2 overall record and Region Champions. Led by Finnochario Award winner Lamar Owens, the biggest win of the season came over Camden in Kingsland on a last second FG by Mell. BC went undefeated in sub-region play highlighted by a huge 2nd half comeback over Glynn. BC had 10 players make the all-region team. 6 players went onto the next level.

BC Games of the Decade:

7. 2007 Baseball @ Calvary/ 2009 Baseball vs. SCPS
2 teams that BC dominated in the 00's, 7 wins to 2 losses. 2 of the wins came by way of stellar pitching performances. In '07 BC beat the eventual Class A champs 1-0 behind the complete game outing of Kyle Tootle. In '09 Wynn Moore led BC's effort over SCPS with the same result, 1-0.

6. 2003 Basketball @ Groves
A back and forth game saw BC come up with the best finish to a basketball game in recent memory. Down 1, Cannon took a pass from Murray and went almost the length of the court and saw a running floater hit the bottom of the net, at the buzzer, to cap off the regular season.

5. 2001 Football @ Wayne Co.
Voted by the SMN as the game of the year. BC won in Jesup in 2OT with the help of a fumbleruskie and despite Carlos Height rushing for over 200 yards. The BC coaching staff caught the referees cutting BC's play clock short on multiple occasions during the 1st half, yet BC overcame the Yellow Jackets and the Wayne County Officials Association to get the victory.

4. 2005 Football @ South Effingham
BC beat undefeated and ranked SE 7-0 in Guyton. Led by an all-time performance by LB Anthony Wallace and a D. Dotson to C. Pollard TD pass, BC came away with one of the biggest upsets of the decade and a win over its future coach.

3. 2003/04 Basketball vs./@ SHS
The two best wins of the decade in completely different fashion. 2003: The game was played In front of one of the largest crowds of the decade at BC's gym. A very good BC team, which had a lot of people expecting a win, outlasted the Jackets. It was Crawford's 24th game against BC..... 2004: Shocking the most faithful of BC fans, the Cadets upset SHS at the Ron Love Athletic Center behind seniors Bell, Frankie, and junior The Hinchey. Up to that point SHS's record had almost been perfect in that arena

2. 2000 Football vs. Glynn
BC overcame a 3 TD deficit in the 2nd half and won 36-29 in OT to all but clinch the sub-region championship. Future Navy kicker Joey Bullen missed a game winning FG for Glynn in the waining seconds to allow the game to go into OT. Dotson and O'Neal captured player of the week honors for their efforts and Ziegler was sensational on defense with 2 INT'S.

1. 2000 Football @ Camden
A very wet game that was a defensive struggle for most of the night. Trailing late, Owens found freshman Kenny O'Neal on a simple go route to pull BC to within 1 point. A celebration penalty was called on the play and the ensuing PAT, from 35 yards, sailed wide. With time running out BC forced the Camden QB to fumble and the rest is history. BC 9, Camden 7. Camden has not lost a region or home regular season game to a Georgia school since. They went on to win 3 state championships in the 00's.

Untitled Post (JJH Edition)

DBPhishin,

Good work with the bday post. What you said about Connolly -- "can Connolly ever be given enough credit?"-- can be said about Rick. Lets try to give Rick more credit.




Rick is _______________

Fill in blank in comment section.

I'll start: 'on a better 3v3 football team than Barstool.'

434 turns 25

Today, December 23rd, 2009, we at OIA wish PMac and Rick Schwarz a very happy 25th birthday.

These two have lived together for the better half of a decade. They left their mark at Russell Hall. Then it was on to Campus Lodge where many memories were made. Now, they are in the process of breaking in Buckhead. Wherever these two have been, (Tuscaloosa, Columbia, Athens, Tybee, Statesboro, Savannah, Atlanta, Tampa, or Tennessee) it's been awesome for us and bad news for everyone else.

How Patrick has managed to live with Rick for all these years and not get seriously injured (except the torn MCL)is anyone's guess. Some might say he's crazy, and in a way, I would agree. We've seen Patrick with phone books, old furniture, and upset neighbors: he can flip the switch with the best of them. And we've heard the comments which continue to shock even his beloved roommate. Then there is Pat's drinking ability would make any Irishman proud: he can drink with the best of them, yet always seems to be in control. It is undoubtedly these things which make us want to hang out with Patrick. Beyond this, he is one of the nicest, classiest guys I've ever met. Plus, I hear he's really long off the tee. I suspect this to be one of the many reasons the ladies love him. He's a damn good friend and a damn good person.

Rick and I have been buds since he was carrying around Deridder dolls at Cannon Court. And during my first year of college, we hung out a lot. Sophomore year of college, things took off. Downtown Athens was our playground. We have rocked and rolled ever since. Infamous stories of our exploits continue to be discussed today. But while the rocking and rolling is what has made Slic famous, there's more to him than just that. (No, I'm not talking about what made Emily fall in love with him years ago).

He is a movie buff; the guy has seriously seen more movies than I've ever heard of. He is a sports fanatic. Even at a time when he is enduring the epic fall of the Trojan dynasty, he still stands proudly in CPC's corner. But seriously, behind all the fire Van Halanger talk, there is not a bigger Dog fan in the world than Rick Schwarz. Besides being an avid Dog fan, Schwarz is a proud supporter of Benedictine. I think Rick represents the "hey I went to BC so I am better than you" attitude better than anyone else. Further, to say Rick is loyal would be an understatement. If Rick likes something or someone, he will defend it until the day he dies. And while Schwarz certainly does not come off as the compassionate type, I will never forget what he did for me when my dad had a heart attack. Lastly, we hear Rick talk about Georgia not needing to settle all the time. While none of us really know what we are doing at the time, I know one thing: Rick will be successful at whatever he ends up doing.

Happy birthday, guys. 10-6.

The Last Best of the Decade Post?

I probably forgot all kinds of things on this, but here you go...

Top 5 Georgia Games of the 2000s

5. Men's Basketball vs. Florida, 2003 -- Georgia basketball obviously hasn't had much to celebrate this decade, but the 2003 team (Harrick shenanigans aside), and this game in particular, gave us a glimpse of how much fun it is to be relevant on the men's side. The best Georgia player in recent memory scores with 15 seconds left to beat your archrival, which just happens to be ranked third in the country.

4. Football at Alabama, 2007 -- Some would say this wasn't even the best football game in 2007, but I'd remind them of how rare it is to win on the very last play. The Alabama comeback and Coutu's missed field goal as time expired are what separates this from, say, Steve Newman's shot against Arkansas.

3. College World Series vs. Fresno State, 2008 -- So things didn't turn out so well after this one, but what a game it was. The best Georgia baseball player ever homers to spark a comeback from three runs down in the eighth, and Josh Fields has his last great moment in a Georgia uniform.

2. Football at Tennessee, 2001 -- Way back in 2001, a lot of people really weren't sure if Mark Richt knew what he was doing, especially after a loss to Slic's hated Gamecocks. But after Georgia beat Tennessee in Knoxville, it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing.

1. Football at Auburn, 2002 -- There was a time when I though Georgia would never finish ahead of Tennessee or Florida in the SEC East. Much like I say with men's basketball now, all the ingredients were there; no one could make it work. So to me, this game was even more important than Tennessee 2001, though I'm sure a lot of people disagree.

I won't bore you with explanations for the other two lists. Instead, I'll just say that they were picked largely on the degree to which I was caught up in the game or moment at the time.

Top 5 Sports Moments of the 2000s

5. Appalachian State Over Michigan, 2007

4. The Catch, Super Bowl XLII

3. Usain Bolt 100 Meters, Beijing 2008

2. Tiger Woods Chip-In, 2005 Masters

1. Men's 4x100 Relay, Beijing 2008

Top 5 Games of the 2000s

5. Kansas vs. Memphis, 2008 Title Game

4. Super Bowl XLII

3. 2001 World Series, Game 7

2. 2007 Fiesta Bowl

1. 2006 Rose Bowl

Picture Of The Decade???

I really just wanted an excuse to post this picture again.

Turning in Homework Earlier (Hopefully Barstool Gives Me Extra Credit)

In no particular order, below is a list of the Top Five Catastrophes/Controversies of the past decade. I thought a top five financial gurus list would be too debatable amongst all the blog members. Please leave comments of any memorable controversies or catastrophes from the past 10 years that I have failed to mention.


Donnie v. Jack

We’ve all heard numerous stories. I think if you asked Jack or Donnie what really happened that fateful night in Atlanta, GA neither would actually remember the details of their ‘fight’. The only person besides Jack and Donnie that has any direct insight of the fight would be Donnie’s hotel roommate-- and we all know who he is going to side with…. especially since they shared an intimate moment that night.

Slick v. David Greene Jersey


Rick puked on his David Greene Jersey, Donnie’s mom cleaned it. End. Of. Story. (This falls into the ‘catastrophe’ category as there was nothing ‘controversial’ that happened that night)

Me v. Hicks


Our relation started cordial but quickly turned sour. He made me sit on a stool in the back corner of his classroom. On St. Patrick’s Day two years after I graduated from high school Hicks told me that “he is glad that he taught me because now he knows he will never have to deal with a worse person” [paraphrased]. A few years after that I saw him on Tybee during the 2007 Beach Bum Parade (the one where we got the float and wore the green caps—‘the Irish Hurricane’). I threw a huge bucket of water on him and his wife held him back as he was coming for me. I think he wanted to beat my ass. I guess that was the straw…

Pmac v. parents houses


Patrick had a badass party at his mom’s house the summer going into senior year. His mom found out and was disappointed to say the least. He then had another party the next summer. Donnie had interesting stories following both parties despite the fact that he didn’t make it to the neighborhood for one of them. Other parties ensued at other locations when PMac's mother moved away.(Not sure who reads this blog).

T. Wolfe v. Tampa Bay Taxi Cab Driver


Jack didn’t want to walk the quarter mile to our hotel and we were stranded in the middle of downtown Tampa Bay without a ride. Finally a cab driver pulls up and we start to pile in. When the cab driver told us an outrageous price (I think cabs were going for like $10-$20 a person) T. Wolfe started arguing with him. In broken English the driver told us all to get out of the vehicle. Tony—furious as only people like Tony and B.G. can be after getting kicked out of a cab for being an asshole—walks in front of the cab, bangs on the hood of the car, flicks the driver off and yells an ethnic slur in a town that is known for ethnic violence. It took a long time to get another cab.



Other Notables:
??? v. TI Property/'Love Palace of D'; Demont v. the World; and Slick v. Martinez


Up Next: Top Five Donnie Relationships (Friends Siblings edition).

Obnoxiously Long Post Time

Since there aren't a whole lot of things I post about on here, and music is one of them, I'll go ahead and throw out my best music of the 2000s extravaganza. Note: there are several sports “best-ofs” in the works that will be a lot more interesting.

I'll go ahead and say this now -- I don't care about what's the “most important,” “most influential,” or anything else. The way I see it, the only way to make a list like this is to go with what you think is the “most awesome.”

And because I know no one really gives a damn about what I think is cool, I'll start with a Top 5 that everyone should be able to get behind:

The Top 5 Songs That People Actually Listened To In The 2000s*

5. Jet, Cold Hard Bitch -- Jet is a seriously terrible band. Or was. I don't know if they still exist, but I do know that no one here cares enough for me to waste the 15 seconds it would take to look that up. I also don't know how awful bands trip over themselves into one great song, but Jet managed to do that in 2003.

4. Outkast, Hey Ya! -- I almost left this off the list, just because it was overplayed to the point of annoyance for years. But I listened to it again at the last minute, and there are still like 25 different hooks stuffed into the song. Sometimes things get overplayed for good reason.

3. Modest Mouse, Float On -- It's still really weird that this song took off like it did. Unlike songs by other good bands like the White Stripes, it actually got played on Mix stations and stuff. It really was inescapable, and I'd consider it the first of many Bourbon Street specials.

2. Kelly Clarkson, Since U Been Gone -- I'll never understand why more songs like this one don't become huge hits. Or to be more specific, why artists as visible as Kelly Clarkson don't record more singles like this one: a simple, three-minute rock song with a massive chorus.

1. The Killers, Mr. Brightside -- Not only is this the best Top 40 single of the decade, but The Killers are clearly the best singles band of the decade. Their albums might blow, but damn if they don't write two or three keepers every time out. Also, this song owned B-Street for the better part of our college careers, which has to count for something.

Also considered: Franz Ferdinand -- Take Me Out, Beyonce -- Crazy In Love, Jay-Z -- Izzo.

* My sense of what was “actually listened to” is probably way off.

Now for the stuff that interests no one:

The Actual Top 5 Songs According To Anymouse

5. TV on the Radio, Wolf Like Me -- Yes, it's a song about turning into a werewolf. No, it's got nothing to do with all those movies about teenagers turning into various mythical creatures. Which begs the question: Slic, you seen those Twilight movies yet?

4. Neko Case, I Wish I Was the Moon -- Sometimes it's hard to remember that country music exists outside the realm of The Beauregard's, but Neko Case's voice is able to remind me every so often.

3. Drive-By Truckers, Goddamn Lonely Love -- You knew I had to get Drive-By Truckers/Jason Isbell onto this list somehow. I'd say this was Isbell's finest moment with the band.

2. The White Stripes, Ball and Biscuit -- Best song by the best band of the decade, pretty much.

1. The Hold Steady, Stuck Between Stations -- Song's got everything. It's loud, catchy, has smart lyrics and a Bruce Springsteen piano breakdown. On the right day, I'd call it my favorite song of all time.

Also considered: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists -- Me and Mia, Songs Ohia -- Farewell Transmission, The Libertines -- Can't Stand Me Now.

And finally:

The Top 5 Albums According To Anymouse

5. The White Stripes, White Blood Cells -- I really could have put anything the White Stripes did this decade in the Top 5, but I guess this is the most deserving record. Partly because it was my, and just about everyone else's, introduction to them. Partly because “Fell In Love With a Girl” and “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” probably are the quintessential White Stripes songs.

4. The National, Alligator -- I know it's really hacky to just post things other people have written, but I'm running out of steam at this point, so that's exactly what you're getting with the next three: “...wry, filthy, and often eloquently sad tales of materialism, sex, and loneliness... The National may sound like a garage band turned down, but there's as much primal energy lurking behind Alligator as in any mop-topped group of city kids with bloodstained Danelectros in a dusty warehouse. (AllMusic)”

3. Neko Case, Blacklisted -- “Case has a voice so soaked in the nuances of country music that she might well have been born to sing it. Blacklisted brings in a torch to accompany the twang... The songs are spectral, yearning, and a bit opaque, the kind of music appropriate for a bar in which everyone has had a few and feels no better for it. (AVClub)”

2. The Hold Steady, Separation Sunday -- “Separation Sunday is mostly about the nostalgia of decadence, but it's also about Catholic schoolgirls, blackouts, wrong-way drives, and putting your mouth around a difficult question. You can trip over hyperbole just thinking about this record: they really are the country's most intuitive bar band fronted by our most original songwriter. (PopMatters)”

1. Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot -- Everything you read about Radiohead in every other “best of the decade” list this month should go for this album as well. You have to take most of the things I post on this blog with a grain of salt, obviously, but I'm completely serious when I say that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot floored me as a 16-year-old two years into high school and still holds up seven years later.

Also considered: The Strokes -- Is This It, Ryan Adams -- Heartbreaker, Drive-By Truckers -- Decoration Day.

Relationships of the Decade

10: Rick Schwarz and Emily Barbee
Where do I begin? They went ice skating together. They frolicked on the trampoline. He was really tired one night, but he still managed to make it to a viewing of Paycheck. Things flamed out once Swarz had to get back to business in Athens. Still, they were together for the infamous New Year's party at my house where sofas were broken, I threw up, and vacuum cleaners ate shorts.

9: Bishop Boland and Ms. Dolan
Star-crossed lovers, these two have caused more of an uproar in our area than any other couple of the last decade.

8: Erica "Meyer" Adams and the Benedictine graduating classes of 2002-2005
Kappa Delta. Red jeep. Margarita pitchers. My sweet green anorak.

7: Shane and Joelle Gzniayktx
One Memorial Day Shane drank about a dozen warm beers on the beach. The tanned bimbo ended up being the little spoon at the Love Palace. Unfortunately, she's never been back.

6: Rick Schwarz and the Bama Beauties
These ladies rolled into Savannah with Alabama's own Robert Fender last St. Patrick's Day. They met Schwarz through mutual friends, and he showed them the time of their lives. While they were unable to keep up with his rock n'roll lifestyle, this is a relationship that is far from over.

5: Schiv and Katie Crider
"True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." This quote from the movie Wedding Crashers sums it up. Watching these two together makes even the toughest guy smile. Currently, she's in New York finding herself while Bryan remains in Athens studying law and group behavior at Bourbon Street. This relationship is likely to be on the list next decade as well.

4: Joey Sims and Brooke Blanton
I am not sure how they met or who introduced them to each other, but I am so happy for them!

3: Katy Sauers and Rand Boyd
RAND!!!!! Apparently, this match made in heaven provided a lot of entertainment, but I only got to see them go at it a time or two. Ask JJH4 for the details on these two, and ask Rick for an impression. JJ.

2: Donnie Bell and Molly Holmes
So we've hit a rough patch. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. She will grow her hair back, and we will work things out.

1: Us and Bourbon Street
It's always there for us. And it is awesome.


Honorable Mention: Clowe and Plowe, Andrew and the SVA graduating class of 2005, Connolly and Savannah Cougars, JJ and LSU Lauren, Meg Johnson and myself, Schiv and Leigh, Peg Holland and Jonathan Williams, Kacey and Brandon/Sam, People and Tim Tebow, Kris Durham and Courtney Kupets, O'Hayer and Annie's friend, Shane and Nolan, and Rick and Tatoo.

Tommy Cannon Court

Tonight I am going to my first BC basketball game of the year. I'm excited about this year's team. It's going to be weird watching BC without Coach Cannon on the bench. I've mentioned this to some of yall before, but I think it would be appropriate to name the court after CTC sometime in the near future. Here are some of my ideas about how it should be done:

1: Give it time.
Wait till next year to do it. Right now, the Cannon family and others are still upset about how he was let go from Benedictine. Time heals all. Regardless of how you feel about how/why them let him go, I think we all agree that it's good for BC to be in good graces with the Cannon family. He means a lot to a lot of people in the BC community.

2: Date.
Set a date around Christmas time next year so as many people as possible can attend the game. Brady is somewhere on the other side of the earth so he needs to have the opportunity to attend. Hinchey is in Costa Rica, and it would be a shame if he couldn't make it.

3: Opponent.
Get a Bryan County or other weak opponent because the night is meant to be about Cannon, and the team will obviously be distracted. We need to win on the night we name our court after someone. Let's play someone we beat regardless of all the hoopla before the game and during halftime.

4: Pre-game.
Before the game, have Father Frank introduce the guest of honor. A brief prayer and a few words of gratitude will be appropriate.

5: Halftime.
At halftime, let Pierce, Brady, Bobby or someone else say a few words about what BC meant to Cannon. Then invite everyone who played for Cannon to come to center court along with the current players. I think it would be pretty astonishing to see how many guys have played for Cannon in the last 30 years. If Coach Cannon wanted to say something, then of course he'd be able to.

6: Post game.
Social at the Cafetorium. Beer/Barnes catering. You know the drill. The Cannon stories that night would be spectacular.

Other suggestions:
No video tribute. No speeches by anyone except people in his family. No "roasts". In other words, stay away from anything that Coach Cannon would make fun of.

Thoughts?

***The top 10 relationships of the past decade will be up no later than Sunday.***

TCU fans knew not for which they cheered on BCS selection show
By Matt Hinton

If you were wondering during Sunday night's BCS rollout on Fox why TCU fans seemed so excited about a rematch of last year's Poinsettia Bowl with Boise State that offered neither team the opportunity to vanquish its skeptics against an elite powerhouse, it was for good reason: They really weren't that excited. According to TCU baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle, most of the enthusiastic crowd shots were whipped up and canned well before the show began, of fans who had no idea where they were going or who they were going to play (emphasis added):

So the team is there, coach Gary Patterson is there, the Fox camera crew is there and Fox reporter Charissa Thompson is there. According to coach Schlossnagle, the producers were there pumping their fists and getting the crowd jazzed with applause signs and all. He said they didn’t know which bowl game they were going to play in at the beginning of the taping and even when it did go live, Thompson only told the fans gathered there that they were going to the Fiesta Bowl and not who they would play.

Coach Patterson was finally told it would be against Boise State right before Thompson stuck a mic in his face.

It was when people started filing out of Daniel-Meyer Coliseum that the fans realized it was a rematch with Boise State that their Frogs got and not the chance to play a team like Florida. The crowd walked away disappointed. No chance to prove themselves against the snobby big-money players in the good ole boys network.

The BCS: Sending 'em away disappointed since 1998.
Not that I'm exactly in the "Plessy v. Ferguson" camp about this game -- you know, teams from non-BCS leagues are relegated to the "separate but equal" bowl -- because the matchup is more a quirk of the selection order and automatic tie-ins than a conspiracy to keep the little guys down. But when the only energy for your system has to be goaded by camera crews from crowds that would react with anger and disappointment when provided with accurate information, that public relations push still has a long row to hoe.

Looking For A Job

Apply for Georgia's vacant DC position:

https://www.ugajobsearch.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1260479817174

I had some fun with it. Now just gotta wait for ADDE or CMR to call. Wish me luck!

Congress Reverses Ruling, Sanjaya "'True' American Idol"

Not Really. But the house did pass a college football playoff bill.

These guys are clowns. Up next investigating last season's 'Biggest Loser' and overturning America's decision on Season Ones 'Dancing with the Stars.'

From the article:

"What can we say — it's December and the BCS is in chaos again," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said the BCS system is unfair and won't change unless prompted by Congress.

He's obviously a TCU fan.

I don't really care either way whether there is a playoff system or a bowl system. I will certainly watch either. What bothers me is that there are dickheads in D.C. that think its their business to change things for everyone. Please. Let INDIVIDUALS decide!!!! Maybe I just don't understand the system. Am I alone on this?

Do Yourself A Favor

Go see The Blind Side.

Since Sons of Anarchy ended last week there wasn't a damn thing on TV after A Charlie Brown Christmas last night. Therefore I decided to dabble in some good ole fashion movie piracy and watch The Blind Side online. I wasn't disappointed and I don't think you'll be either.

Game On

Gator DC Charlie Strong looks likes he will be named the next head coach at Louisville tomorrow afternoon according to ESPN. Now Georgia has to compete with Florida St. and Florida to fill their DC opening. I hope CMR does not back down seeing as how this is the most important hire of his tenure. FSU had Alabama DC and former Dawg Kirby Smart on the top of their list but I've heard that may not be the case any more. No telling who CUM has in mind.

Dawg fans, we're not completely free of Strong just yet. Remember, Georgia does play Louisville in a home-and-home during the 2011-2012 seasons.

In related news, CKS won the 2009 Broyles Award today, given to the top assistant football coach in the nation. DGD CBVG won that award back in 2003. Get to work Mark.

College Football Thoughts/Questions

Why did ESPN just have a 30-minute discussion about whether Alabama is going to have trouble “turning its attention to Texas”? It's the m-f'ing national championship game.

If I had told you in August that Georgia would have as good a season as USC and Oklahoma, you'd have taken it, right?

Boise State-TCU in the Fiesta is complete b.s. Also, someone convince me TCU wasn't the best team in the country during the regular season.

McCoy and Tebow were unworthy of going to the Heisman ceremony before yesterday. Is there a chance in hell that either one of them doesn't end up there, if not win it? Hopefully Ndamukong Suh at least gets some votes. Guy is unbelievable.

Bo Pelini needs to say screw it and hire one of Tech's offensive assistants.

As for the SEC championship, all I'll say is this:

Cannon Would Have Been Pissed...

If this were B.C. playing defence.

And We're Looking For A DC

Two Georgia boys heading up defenses in the MNC game. Two DGD's leading the two BEST defenses in the country. I give CMR credit for doing what had to be done (although I said it should have been done 3 years ago) but I have to wonder if his actions were a day late and a dollar short.

FYI, we had CKS on staff... coaching running backs.

HOOK 'EM!!!!

Suck it Bear, just like in '07...

December 19th @ Home sites:

#1 Alabama vs. #8 Georgia Tech
#2 Texas vs. #7 Ohio State
#3 TCU vs. #6 Oregon
#4 Cincinnati vs. #5 Florida

Jan. 2:
Sugar Bowl: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 4
Fiesta Bowl: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3

Jan. 9.:
Pasadenia: Winners

Next year Orange Bowl gets NCG.

Bowl Coaching Staff

Congratulations Are In Order

My boy, Drew Butler, son of the legendary kicker/radio show host Kevin Butler, was named to the AFCA All-American Team.

Those damn All-Americans. They get all the girls...

Christmas Come Early

Don't worry about any presents pops. I got what I wanted.

Three Georgia Assistant Coaches Not Renewed for 2010


For Immediate Release
Dec. 2, 2009

ATHENS-------- Contracts of three Georgia assistant football coaches will not be renewed following the 2009 season according to an announcement Wednesday by UGA head football coach Mark Richt.

Defensive coordinator and secondary coach Willie Martinez, defensive co-coordinator and linebacker coach John Jancek, and defensive ends coach Jon Fabris will not return in 2010 according to Richt; however, he indicated that all three have been asked to coach through the bowl game.

³I cannot express enough my thanks to all three for their contributions to our program,² said Richt. ³However, in the final analysis I¹m charged with providing the leadership and direction for the Georgia program and sometimes that means making difficult decisions. This was one of them.²

Martinez and Fabris are members of Richt¹s original staff that came in 2001. Jancek joined the Georgia staff in 2005.

Tiger Woods Update

Tiger Woods is dead according some news outlets!!

Alleged suicide after all rumors have turned out to be true, including ones that no body even knew about. He evidently had starving children in his basement. He made these starving children watch him and his mistress perform mommy and daddy behaviors while his wife was attending Satan worshiping festivals.

Warning: Piggyback!!

We Hit The Big Time Now

La la land was fun for a couple of days. Back to the reality of being a bad football team.