Thursday, June 9, 2011
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Grandman Triathlon
This Saturday will be anoth first for me. I started riding a bike again a few months ago when I decided to do the Grandman. It is a sprint triathlon (for some people maybe); but I am excited. I have never tried this and if I can finish in less than 2 1/2 hours, I will be pleased.
I have a new road bike this week and already I can tell you that a road bike makes a huge difference over a mountain bike. I will update with pictures after the event but I got my cool baby blue swim cap and my number (#18).
Now that I have done my first one, I can honestly say that the swim is the hardest part. I finished in 1:55:24 which I am very happy about. The next event is June 25th at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, AL.
Horn Island Campout
Last weekend, we started a new tradition. I took Christopher camping on Horn Island (off the coast of Mississippi) with some friends from school. It was a guys trip and we had a blast. We were sunburned, beaten nearly to death by the boat ride there and back, sanded down to raw meat and exhausted; but we were both smiling and laughing. Of course, there will be stories to tell and these will be embellished as needed. Whether we talk about the libations that took over Friday night, the painful post libation morning Saturday, hitting the sand bar while tubing, watching the walk of shame from secret bathroom locations, laughing at the boat that was washed way up on shore, the incredible stars and the cool fireworks; it was all fun.
We all learned alot and are already adding (and subtracting) from the list of supplies for next year. Memorial Day will have a whole new tradition for me.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Approaching Easter
Tonight we had a meeting for the RCIA program at St Dominic where Annette and I are sponsors for our friends David and Lisa Hickman. It is been almost a full year of preparation for them and for me as well. I have enjoyed most of the meetings and I have learned a lot about the Catholic Church and the Catholic Faith. Fr. Jim posed a question tonight of "where are you tonight in your journey" and asked each of us to think of the path that has led to where we are right now.
I am thankful for my job and the material goods that we have. I am thankful for the wonderful community that are children are being raised in. I am thankful for my family and children. And most important, I am thankful for my growth in faith.
But as Fr. Jim said, it is not meditation of thanksgiving but of where I am. I am learning more about my faith through Mass and through the Eucharist. Attending daily Mass whenever possible and especially when I am out of town is a blessing. The Blessed Rosary and participating in the Pilgrim Virgin has brought a peace to me when I feel like I am ready to blow a gasket. The Men of St. Joseph has served as both a prayer group and an intellectual fountain for me. By hearing others talk about how some parts of the faith are difficult to understand, but all are critical to the whole of the body of faith; it makes me realize that the journey to understanding is a little rocky. And that is OK!
My health is better that it has ever been. My back hasn't hurt in months. My weight is under control. My labs look great. But then I have a little rock in the path; apparently my rhythm isn't what it should be. So cardiology here I come. I am so glad that my faith is healthier too; it sure makes the rest easier to bear.
So as I look forward to the Easter weekend, we Catholics call it the Triduum. Here are my suggestions to anyone: 1. Watch the Passion of Jesus Christ; 2. Then say the Rosary and contemplate the Sorrowful mysteries; 3. Then go to Mass and know that the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL and DIVINITY of Christ is truly present; 4. Then realize that all that is given to you and me as a GIFT.
That will definitely help to put life's events in the proper order.
I am thankful for my job and the material goods that we have. I am thankful for the wonderful community that are children are being raised in. I am thankful for my family and children. And most important, I am thankful for my growth in faith.
But as Fr. Jim said, it is not meditation of thanksgiving but of where I am. I am learning more about my faith through Mass and through the Eucharist. Attending daily Mass whenever possible and especially when I am out of town is a blessing. The Blessed Rosary and participating in the Pilgrim Virgin has brought a peace to me when I feel like I am ready to blow a gasket. The Men of St. Joseph has served as both a prayer group and an intellectual fountain for me. By hearing others talk about how some parts of the faith are difficult to understand, but all are critical to the whole of the body of faith; it makes me realize that the journey to understanding is a little rocky. And that is OK!
My health is better that it has ever been. My back hasn't hurt in months. My weight is under control. My labs look great. But then I have a little rock in the path; apparently my rhythm isn't what it should be. So cardiology here I come. I am so glad that my faith is healthier too; it sure makes the rest easier to bear.
So as I look forward to the Easter weekend, we Catholics call it the Triduum. Here are my suggestions to anyone: 1. Watch the Passion of Jesus Christ; 2. Then say the Rosary and contemplate the Sorrowful mysteries; 3. Then go to Mass and know that the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL and DIVINITY of Christ is truly present; 4. Then realize that all that is given to you and me as a GIFT.
That will definitely help to put life's events in the proper order.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Crazy Weekend
This past weekend it was crazy busy, but man was it fun. We started with a 5K for Annette and I; then Christopher ran his first fun run and came in 2nd with a 6:20 mile. WOW!!!!!! Then Annette, Christopher, his friend Ben, and I went to the Senior Bowl. Sunday it was Pinewood Derby day for Pack 143. Christopher came in 3rd for his den. I am amazed at the creativity and competitiveness of children. When I see their efforts, it makes me feel good about the future.
Last night, Annette and I watched Invictus. What a great film!!!!! Lots of rugby action and the story is powerful.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
- poet William Ernest Henley
Last night, Annette and I watched Invictus. What a great film!!!!! Lots of rugby action and the story is powerful.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
- poet William Ernest Henley
Thursday, January 13, 2011
It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!
When Auburn won the national championship Monday night, it ended a history of near misses that began in 1958 when the Tigers very nearly pulled off a repeat after winning a title in 1957.
When Auburn hired Pat Dye, the game changed for the Tigers – and for the Tide.
Recent history had Auburn fans feeling snakebit. One national columnist told me last year that Auburn would never win a national title “because it’s Auburn.”
In 1983, third-ranked Auburn saw the nation’s top two teams lose on New Year’s Day. When the Tigers beat Michigan in the Sugar Bowl, it was party on. A national championship was assumed. Auburn woke up the next morning to find itself still ranked No. 3 in the polls.
In 1988, Auburn was a one-point Tommy Hodson “earthquake” from playing Notre Dame for the national title.
In 1993, Terry Bowden went undefeated and uncrowned.
In 2004, Tommy Tuberville likely doomed Auburn’s chances by laying an egg a year earlier. As the 2003 preseason No. 1 according some publications, Auburn went 7-5 and started 2004 so low in the polls there would be no chance to catch Oklahoma and USC, who met for the crystal ball. The Tigers were relegated to playing Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
The AP recently did a story pointing out that Auburn only claims wire service championships. If Auburn counted championships like several other schools count championships, the Tigers would be sitting on nine (1910, 1913, 1914, 1957, 1958, 1983, 1993, 2004, 2010).
We all know about Alabama’s illustrious history. The Tide “claims” 13 national titles. The NCAA recognizes 11. The NCAA recognizes two for Auburn.
We all know about Alabama’s dominance in the 70’s and before. We also know that Auburn decided in the early 80’s it was going to be a player on the national stage. When Auburn hired Pat Dye, the game changed for the Tigers – and for the Tide.
Tommy Tuberville's 2004 Tigers were 13-0 but didn't make it to the big game.
So the question begs, is Auburn Alabama’s “little brother?”
Auburn ended Alabama’s nine game Iron Bowl winning streak in 1982. It has been 30 years since Pat Dye was asked, “How long is it going to take you to beat Alabama?” He gave a simple answer: “60 minutes.” Let’s take a look back at the past 30 years…
National Titles since 1981
Auburn: 1 (2010)
Alabama: 2 (1992, 2009)
SEC Titles since 1981
Auburn: 6 (1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2004, 2010)
Alabama: 5 (1981, 1989, 1992, 1999, 2009)
Undefeated Seasons
Auburn: 3 (1993, 2004, 2010)
Alabama: 2 (1992, 2004)
Iron Bowl Wins
Auburn: 17 (1982, 1983 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010)
Alabama: 13 (1981, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2009)
Wins since 1981
Auburn: 254 (11 nationally)
Alabama: 226 (22nd nationally)
SEC Wins Since 1981
Auburn: 141
Alabama: 129
Terry's Tigers went undefeated in 1993.
Bowls Since 1981
Auburn: 22 (15-6-1)
Alabama: 19 (12-7)
Heisman Trophy Winners since 1981
Auburn: 2
Alabama: 1
NCAA Probations since 1981
Auburn: 1
Alabama: 3
Alabama has an all-time winning record versus every school in the SEC. However, the Tide only has a .540 winning percentage versus Auburn, lower than any school in the conference. Since 1981, Auburn has a .567 winning percentage against the Tide.
Auburn has recorded 28 more overall wins than Alabama over the past 30 years. Even when you add in the 30 wins Alabama lost due to NCAA sanctions, the win totals are almost identical (Auburn 254, Alabama 256).
Bottom lines are also similar. In 2008, Auburn brought in $89.3 million. Alabama banked $88.8 million. In 2009, riding a cash wave from winning a national championship, the Tide brought in $129.3 million. Auburn made $92.6 million. Expect a similar jump for Auburn when the 2010 numbers are released.
Since 1981 Auburn has won more SEC titles, won more games, won more SEC games, had more undefeated seasons, won more Iron Bowls, been to more bowls, won more bowls and had more Heisman Trophy winners than Alabama.
Alabama has won one more national title than Auburn and has been placed on NCAA probation three times trying to keep pace.
Bo Jackson ends Auburn's Iron Bowl drought going "Over the Top" in 1982.
Pat Dye once said, “When I took this job, you couldn’t find a damn Auburn t-shirt, a damn Auburn hat, a damn Auburn bumper sticker anywhere in this state. Of course, that all changed when we got to whipping their ass.”
Dye’s hiring at Auburn was a program changer. All four of Auburn’s permanent coaches (Bill Oliver had a brief interim tenure in 1998 when Terry Bowden resigned at mid-season) since 1981 has won an SEC championship or has gone undefeated. Terry Bowden didn’t win a championship, but he went unbeaten in 1993 and lost the SEC Championship Game by a single point in 1997.
Alabama has cycled through nine coaches in the past 30 years. Five have won SEC titles (including Bryant’s in 1981). One of those, Bill Curry, left for Kentucky after he shared the 1989 SEC championship with Auburn and Tennessee. Curry was run out of town because he couldn’t beat Auburn.
Every Auburn coach since 1981 has had at least a .500 record against Alabama (save Oliver’s brief interim tenure). Pat Dye was 6-6. Terry Bowden was 3-2. Oliver was 0-1. Tommy Tuberville was 7-3. Gene Chizik is 1-1.
Alabama’s nine have had mixed results. Gene Stallings had a great run, while Bill Curry and Mike Shula had disastrous results against Auburn. Everyone else has been .500. Bear Bryant was 1-1. Ray Perkins was 2-2. Bill Curry was 0-3. Gene Stallings was 5-2. Mike DuBose was 2-2. Denis Franchione was 1-1. Mike Price never coached a game. Mike Shula was 0-4. Nick Saban is 2-2.
Coaches around the country are equally divided on their thoughts. I sampled a few recently, asking them which was the better job over the past 30 years.
A former SEC assistant who’s now in the Big 12 said, “You’d think Alabama. But, based on production, you’d have to say Auburn.”
A former SEC head coach thought it was too close to call. He said, “Who knows? I know one thing. (Jordan-Hare Stadium) is the loudest bitch I’ve ever been in.”
30 years later, Gene Chizik made Pat Dye's dream a reality.
A current coordinator who has worked at Alabama told me, “Alabama thought it could exist because it was Alabama. Dye hit them in the face. It took a while for Alabama to realize they lagged in many areas. Finally, Alabama realized the deal and started building facilities and committed and hired Nick (Saban). Alabama thought they were the (stuff) and were being run past by a lot of people – not just Auburn.”
When I asked which job he’d take if both were on the table, he said, “Alabama. Political power. But, it takes someone like Bryant or Nick to control it.”
A Big 12 assistant told me, “There’s no question Auburn’s the better job. You ask almost any coach and he’ll tell you the same thing. “
Another former SEC head coach told me, “Alabama (is the better job.)”
Another former SEC coordinator, who’s a current head coach said, “No question, Auburn’s the better job. That’s the one. I’d take that one in a heartbeat.”
An assistant coach who worked at Auburn during the 90’s said, “When you really look at it, Auburn may be the better job.”
It may be – or it may not be. Recent history says Auburn is at least as good a job as Alabama. Looking at it objectively, the numbers above don’t lie.
The bottom line is this: The state of Alabama is home to two of college football’s premier powerhouse programs. This is not a Vanderbilt/Tennessee situation. Or a Georgia/Georgia Tech situation. Comparing Auburn and Alabama football is like comparing Duke and North Carolina in basketball. They’re both great. Both rank in the top 15 on the all-time wins list. Both have long, storied histories. And both have national championships in the past two years.
Alabama fans will say, “We have 13 national championships.” Well, that may (or may not be) true. But most of those were won decades ago. Keep in mind that Florida, now considered one of the top two jobs nationally, was not a premier job until Steve Spurrier arrived in 1990. Auburn and Alabama both have much richer histories than do the Gators.
Today’s reality is that Auburn is every bit Alabama’s equal – and has been since Pat Dye uttered “60 minutes.” There’s no denying that – especially after last Monday night. Little brother is all grown up.
When Auburn hired Pat Dye, the game changed for the Tigers – and for the Tide.
Recent history had Auburn fans feeling snakebit. One national columnist told me last year that Auburn would never win a national title “because it’s Auburn.”
In 1983, third-ranked Auburn saw the nation’s top two teams lose on New Year’s Day. When the Tigers beat Michigan in the Sugar Bowl, it was party on. A national championship was assumed. Auburn woke up the next morning to find itself still ranked No. 3 in the polls.
In 1988, Auburn was a one-point Tommy Hodson “earthquake” from playing Notre Dame for the national title.
In 1993, Terry Bowden went undefeated and uncrowned.
In 2004, Tommy Tuberville likely doomed Auburn’s chances by laying an egg a year earlier. As the 2003 preseason No. 1 according some publications, Auburn went 7-5 and started 2004 so low in the polls there would be no chance to catch Oklahoma and USC, who met for the crystal ball. The Tigers were relegated to playing Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
The AP recently did a story pointing out that Auburn only claims wire service championships. If Auburn counted championships like several other schools count championships, the Tigers would be sitting on nine (1910, 1913, 1914, 1957, 1958, 1983, 1993, 2004, 2010).
We all know about Alabama’s illustrious history. The Tide “claims” 13 national titles. The NCAA recognizes 11. The NCAA recognizes two for Auburn.
We all know about Alabama’s dominance in the 70’s and before. We also know that Auburn decided in the early 80’s it was going to be a player on the national stage. When Auburn hired Pat Dye, the game changed for the Tigers – and for the Tide.
Tommy Tuberville's 2004 Tigers were 13-0 but didn't make it to the big game.
So the question begs, is Auburn Alabama’s “little brother?”
Auburn ended Alabama’s nine game Iron Bowl winning streak in 1982. It has been 30 years since Pat Dye was asked, “How long is it going to take you to beat Alabama?” He gave a simple answer: “60 minutes.” Let’s take a look back at the past 30 years…
National Titles since 1981
Auburn: 1 (2010)
Alabama: 2 (1992, 2009)
SEC Titles since 1981
Auburn: 6 (1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2004, 2010)
Alabama: 5 (1981, 1989, 1992, 1999, 2009)
Undefeated Seasons
Auburn: 3 (1993, 2004, 2010)
Alabama: 2 (1992, 2004)
Iron Bowl Wins
Auburn: 17 (1982, 1983 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010)
Alabama: 13 (1981, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2009)
Wins since 1981
Auburn: 254 (11 nationally)
Alabama: 226 (22nd nationally)
SEC Wins Since 1981
Auburn: 141
Alabama: 129
Terry's Tigers went undefeated in 1993.
Bowls Since 1981
Auburn: 22 (15-6-1)
Alabama: 19 (12-7)
Heisman Trophy Winners since 1981
Auburn: 2
Alabama: 1
NCAA Probations since 1981
Auburn: 1
Alabama: 3
Alabama has an all-time winning record versus every school in the SEC. However, the Tide only has a .540 winning percentage versus Auburn, lower than any school in the conference. Since 1981, Auburn has a .567 winning percentage against the Tide.
Auburn has recorded 28 more overall wins than Alabama over the past 30 years. Even when you add in the 30 wins Alabama lost due to NCAA sanctions, the win totals are almost identical (Auburn 254, Alabama 256).
Bottom lines are also similar. In 2008, Auburn brought in $89.3 million. Alabama banked $88.8 million. In 2009, riding a cash wave from winning a national championship, the Tide brought in $129.3 million. Auburn made $92.6 million. Expect a similar jump for Auburn when the 2010 numbers are released.
Since 1981 Auburn has won more SEC titles, won more games, won more SEC games, had more undefeated seasons, won more Iron Bowls, been to more bowls, won more bowls and had more Heisman Trophy winners than Alabama.
Alabama has won one more national title than Auburn and has been placed on NCAA probation three times trying to keep pace.
Bo Jackson ends Auburn's Iron Bowl drought going "Over the Top" in 1982.
Pat Dye once said, “When I took this job, you couldn’t find a damn Auburn t-shirt, a damn Auburn hat, a damn Auburn bumper sticker anywhere in this state. Of course, that all changed when we got to whipping their ass.”
Dye’s hiring at Auburn was a program changer. All four of Auburn’s permanent coaches (Bill Oliver had a brief interim tenure in 1998 when Terry Bowden resigned at mid-season) since 1981 has won an SEC championship or has gone undefeated. Terry Bowden didn’t win a championship, but he went unbeaten in 1993 and lost the SEC Championship Game by a single point in 1997.
Alabama has cycled through nine coaches in the past 30 years. Five have won SEC titles (including Bryant’s in 1981). One of those, Bill Curry, left for Kentucky after he shared the 1989 SEC championship with Auburn and Tennessee. Curry was run out of town because he couldn’t beat Auburn.
Every Auburn coach since 1981 has had at least a .500 record against Alabama (save Oliver’s brief interim tenure). Pat Dye was 6-6. Terry Bowden was 3-2. Oliver was 0-1. Tommy Tuberville was 7-3. Gene Chizik is 1-1.
Alabama’s nine have had mixed results. Gene Stallings had a great run, while Bill Curry and Mike Shula had disastrous results against Auburn. Everyone else has been .500. Bear Bryant was 1-1. Ray Perkins was 2-2. Bill Curry was 0-3. Gene Stallings was 5-2. Mike DuBose was 2-2. Denis Franchione was 1-1. Mike Price never coached a game. Mike Shula was 0-4. Nick Saban is 2-2.
Coaches around the country are equally divided on their thoughts. I sampled a few recently, asking them which was the better job over the past 30 years.
A former SEC assistant who’s now in the Big 12 said, “You’d think Alabama. But, based on production, you’d have to say Auburn.”
A former SEC head coach thought it was too close to call. He said, “Who knows? I know one thing. (Jordan-Hare Stadium) is the loudest bitch I’ve ever been in.”
30 years later, Gene Chizik made Pat Dye's dream a reality.
A current coordinator who has worked at Alabama told me, “Alabama thought it could exist because it was Alabama. Dye hit them in the face. It took a while for Alabama to realize they lagged in many areas. Finally, Alabama realized the deal and started building facilities and committed and hired Nick (Saban). Alabama thought they were the (stuff) and were being run past by a lot of people – not just Auburn.”
When I asked which job he’d take if both were on the table, he said, “Alabama. Political power. But, it takes someone like Bryant or Nick to control it.”
A Big 12 assistant told me, “There’s no question Auburn’s the better job. You ask almost any coach and he’ll tell you the same thing. “
Another former SEC head coach told me, “Alabama (is the better job.)”
Another former SEC coordinator, who’s a current head coach said, “No question, Auburn’s the better job. That’s the one. I’d take that one in a heartbeat.”
An assistant coach who worked at Auburn during the 90’s said, “When you really look at it, Auburn may be the better job.”
It may be – or it may not be. Recent history says Auburn is at least as good a job as Alabama. Looking at it objectively, the numbers above don’t lie.
The bottom line is this: The state of Alabama is home to two of college football’s premier powerhouse programs. This is not a Vanderbilt/Tennessee situation. Or a Georgia/Georgia Tech situation. Comparing Auburn and Alabama football is like comparing Duke and North Carolina in basketball. They’re both great. Both rank in the top 15 on the all-time wins list. Both have long, storied histories. And both have national championships in the past two years.
Alabama fans will say, “We have 13 national championships.” Well, that may (or may not be) true. But most of those were won decades ago. Keep in mind that Florida, now considered one of the top two jobs nationally, was not a premier job until Steve Spurrier arrived in 1990. Auburn and Alabama both have much richer histories than do the Gators.
Today’s reality is that Auburn is every bit Alabama’s equal – and has been since Pat Dye uttered “60 minutes.” There’s no denying that – especially after last Monday night. Little brother is all grown up.
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