Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Watching from Home

I had planned to go to Cal to see the game live, but a series of mishaps and conflicts kept me from getting up there in time. Thank goodness for television!

Watching a game from home sure is a whole different experience. In many ways, the game does not translate as well on the tube and surely the crowd noise is at a whole different level. There were many times when Haas sounded dead quiet--but I can't believe that was true!

Now, as far as personal behavior is concerned, that is a whole different story. Being in the home setting sets free all of those inhibitions that might cause one to hold ones tongue in public. For example, I yelled incessantly at the screen when Coach Boyle's mother (who has become quite the FSN darling) was on air for a full time out. "Where's Tara's mom? We never see her!", I bellowed. (of course, she probably wasn't there, but I didn't say I was logical)

Of course, having TiVO is a whole different issue. Sometimes plays are watched over and over to PROVE that the refs are wrong--so much so that the game is way over before I have finished watching. This gives me the urge to skip to the end, but I never do!

Then there was that steal by Candice towards the end of the game. I jumped up so fast that I got light headed and had to sit quietly for a minute or two. TiVO allowed me to pause so I missed nothing! Much better than in person when you're watching something else and miss something good!

And my poor dogs. Moos (named for Carolyn) the poodle looks at me in his haute couture way with eyes that say "You have lost your mind!" Bodie (named for Clare) the miniature schnauzer takes the direct approach and runs upstairs to hide.

So I think the best thing is for me to just make sure to get to games. It's better for my health, my dogs' health and the safety of my TV set!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Think Pink!



The game Saturday with ASU is a big one indeed--and not just for the obvious PAC-10 standings implications and Senior Day celebration. It is Think Pink Day at Maples.

The "Think Pink" initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The movement is to honor the inspiration of NC State head coach Kay Yow, who has battled the disease with grace and courage since 1987.

I have never met Coach Yow, but had a great close encounter with her in Cleveland last year at the Final Four. We had just parked our car in a garage and were looking over at the Arena, when we looked down and who was there but Coach Yow! She happened to look up at the same time and we gave her the thumbs up and snapped this picture--



Her story is inspiring as are those of many others. Many of us have lost loved ones to various forms of cancer and the fight must go on. Think about throwing on a pink thing or two when you come to the game on Saturday to honor all that are fighting on a daily basis!

Monday, February 04, 2008

Great Auction Results!!

Just in case you missed the great postgame event after the UCLA game, I wanted to fill you in on how we did at the Auction! We have collected to date $40,886--a new record high for us! We are still taking care of a few loose ends and are confident that the total will finish just slightly above $42,000! How spectacular is that?

Many, many thanks to EVERYONE involved--from volunteers to donors to bidders to buyers--each is a contributor to an event like this one! We hope we can count on you all again next year!

Coming up next is the Shootathon--pledge sheets will be available soon. Plan now to join us on Sunday, March 16.

On a personal note, I just want to congratulate Dave and Marian Cortesi for receiving the Margie Santillan Fan Spirit award. Having worked with both of them over the years, I can attest to their true commitment to SWBB! Marian and I have worked very closely this year on the Website and her work is impeccible! KUDOS!