I just published the Marshall 2005-2006 football schedule as an ics file. ICS files can be read by Microsoft Outlook 2002+, Mozilla Calendar (sunbird), Apple iCal, Konqueror, and a variety of other calendaring applications.

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Lisa and I went bowling last night at The Strike Zone. It was a off the cuff decision to go and we had a blast. It was only $10 each for 3 hours of bowling and included shoes. That's the Wednesday night special and it runs between 9pm and midnight. It was cool. Neither of us bowled great - but I think we both did pretty well considering we rarely bowl. Our best scores of the night were Lisa - 124 and Bill - 155. We both had our high score during the same game (the 8th out of 9). If we have the opportunity to go again we probably will. We had a lot of fun; maybe next time we can take some friends with us as well as at least one of my coworkers already expressed an interest.

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Our friends Heather and Dallas recently moved across the street from their old home. Their new home (I haven't been to it yet) sounds really nice. It gives them about 40% more space and has a swimming pool. It also had a pool table. A very nice Olhausen pool table. I had never heard of the company before but the table is very nice. According to our local billiards store it is the best table you can buy.

As it turns out the felt on the Olhausen table is burgandy and Heather and Dallas already had a Brunswick table with Marshall green felt. They had theirs custom made and didn't want to switch out so they offered the Olhausen table to us for a pretty darn good price. Lisa bought it. The local billiards store guy was pretty shocked when he heard what a deal we got on it. We hired him to disassemble, transport, and install the table in our family room. It was delivered yesterday and looks great in the house. However, there are a few points around the table where the room is a touch too close so we have to shorten one of our cues for those tricky spots.

As soon as I clean up the family room and take some photos I'll put one up on here for you to see. Ours is similar in design/style to the one here except ours has a mahogony finish like this one.

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I know you probably dont care much about soccer (or football as they call it) but last night my favorite team, Liverpool, won the European Cup in a most dramatic fashion. To summarize, after 45 minutes my boys, the Reds, were down 3-0. Then, in seven spectacular minutes, they somehow came back and scored three amazing points. They then held on through two overtimes to force a penalty shoot-out. After the fourth set of shots victory was ours and Liverpool brought the trophy home.

To be fair Liverpool had no right to beat AC Milan. The Italian team was much better thoughout the game except for those 7 minutes of miracle and the shoot-out. I was lucky to get to see some of the game last night on ESPN Desportes during a special broadcast. If you missed it you may have missed watching the greatest comeback in sport history. It was phenomonal. Go Big Red!

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The crowd gathered around the field in a near reverent hush as the Wolves and the Popeyes faced off for the final match of the season. We, the Wolves, had seen the Popeye play before. They typically played just before our other matches so we knew what to expect. We knew, but of course, we weren't prepared.

Every team we have faced has had one or two fairly good players. The Popeyes were no different. Two boys, who are perhaps better described as vessels of infinite energy, dominated the Popeyes roster. The other players were normal mortal four year olds - much like the entire Wolf roster. We were not deterred though. We were ready, we were happy, we were not going to be shut out two games in a row.

As the game started we offered the first kick off to the other team. Hannah stepped back into the goal, the Popeye's "Powerful Leg" as he called himeself flew down the field and was DENIED by Hannah who sent the ball over to the corner. This was the Hannah we missed last week - this was Hannah the Goalie! "Powerful Leg" and his larger partner "Thug" (my nickname for him since he thought it would be fun to slap my legs the whole game) kept trying to score but to no avail until finally, with both teams clustered into our goal, the ball slipped past Hannah. We were down by 1 after nearly half a period - we were on top of the world!

The game was oh so close - but not for long. As soon as they scored that first goal the flood gates opened and by the end of the first period we were down four (4-0). We needed to regroup. Shannon substituted into the game. I knew that she would find a way to score - she always does. I let her handle the initial kick off. She started quick, blew by the other team with a suprising blast of speed. She kicked and ran and kicked again. Then, she went crazy. She rolled her eyes back, she started to wave her arms and run around the ball; she was being Shannon. "Powerful Leg" streaked through, took the ball, and deposited in the empty net. It seems Hannah wanted to go chat with her uncle. We lined back up, and this time Sam tried the kick off. The end result was the same.

I brought Hannah out of the goal, let her try, and "Powerful Leg" scored again. I felt like I was Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Slowly we came back to centerfied for yet another kickoff. It was Shannon's turn again but she was far more interested in Sam (again). They were holding hands, spinning around, and having a glorious time doing anything but playing soccer. I crouched down, got her attention, and told her she should try to finish the game and then she could play other games with Sam. I had her focus on the goal, the ball, the goal, and the ball once more. She told me she would score. I almost got misty eyed. I looked up and the other team was waiting; their coach standing idly by distracting "Poweful Leg". I seized the opportunity and told Shannon to GO! She did, she flew off the center line, kicking the ball in a careful dribbler past the other three defenders. "Powerful Leg" responded and persued but it was too late! Shannon Scored!

The score was 12-1 at that point. Nobody was mad about Shannon's mad dash (thank God!) and instead they all chuckled about my underhanded tactic. Or else they were laughing because at this point Shannon decided she was a dog and would not stop roaming around the field on all fours.

I'm pretty sure the game ended in some kind of mercy rule. I don't know what the final score was. Shannon scored another goal (for the other team) and in general, it seemed, everyone had alot of fun.

After the game we gathered together as a team for the Award Ceremony. Lisa and I had picked out some trophies (bobbleheaded!) for each of the team's players. Each trophy was engraved with the year, the team name, the players name and number, and a "title" that I came up with for each:

Gabe

Best Runner (most of which involved running away from the game)

Sam

Best Passer (most of which was passing to the other team)

Jayden

Best Teammate (for playing for the other team when they didn't have enough players)

Shannon

Best Scorer (for both teams playing on any given day)

Hannah

Best Defender (for never coming out of the goal)

After the awards ceremony we headed to a pizza joint. Unfortunately most of the team couldn't come but Hannah and Shannon did. They had a lot of fun and even presented me with a "Coach" trophy. It was really cool. The season was a blast; too bad it's over. I may coach again in the fall but probably not again after that. At some point they actually will need to learn how to play Soccer.

#Sports #Family

The sun was shining upon the pitch creating a peaceful glow that seemed to promise of nothing but good things. The opposing team decked out in their yellow and the wolves in their stealthy grey took to the field to wage hysteric soccer war against one another. The teams looked even though the opponents were a bit taller. Overall, we felt good. We felt so good we offered the first kick off to the opponents. They declined. I inquired. He not so humbly stated, "Well, I don't want to brag..." I gulped.

He didn't want to brag about 4 year old soccer? I should hope not. So we graciously accepted the kick off. As we lined up to begin their coach called his players back, back, and back some more. They were practically in the goal box - all three of them. He nodded his head, we kicked off, and he began repeating his mantra "wait, wait.." telling his kids not to play defense yet. I guess he wanted to "hold them back".

As soon as the ball got close though he sounded of with "OK" and his kids sprung into action. A little blond boy and a dark haired girl sprinted at the ball, kicked it, dribbled it, weaved through my team with it, fought each other for it, and kicked it out of bounds in their fight with one another. This went on for the entire first half at which point it was 1-0. The wolves were once again trailing.

I was thrilled! We were only down by one goal. These kids on the yellow team could play. Murming had begun in the crowd that perhaps they weren't only four. I ignored the accusations, I rallyed the troops, we had the kick off again, we moved, they stole the ball, but this time, this time they scored. And scored. And scored. And scored. Now, I'm not a scratched record. They just kept on scoring. At the end of the game their coach tried to tell me he was "holding them back". I cry foul!

He wasn't holding anyone back. He had a three man goalie front in a league that doesn't allow goalies. My guilt at letting Hannah play goalie has been assuaged. My poor kids couldn't get anywhere close to the goal. If they did, three large kids would converge, kick the ball away, then sprint down the field and score again. Long before the third quarter was over we were probably down 10 and my kids had basically lost all interest.

Sam, my normally persistant player had stopped running, Hannah had left the field. And Shannon, poor stoic Shannon who just runs and has fun, started to cry when they took the ball away. It was too much. I took her and Sam's hand, we formed our own wall and we ran around just trying to have fun. Screw the game. Lets enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and playing with each other. I don't know what the final score was. I didn't really care. In the end Shannon and Sam were having fun again. Hannah was still with her mom. And Gabe, Gabe showed real progress this week. He ran, he kicked, then he stood and watch, but he ran and kicked at least once! This I tell you is a real breakthrough!

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Mark today down on your calendars. Remember it, cherish it, and take it as a warning for the future when I regretfully say "Told ya so." Today, the fifth game of Shannon and the Wolves season, was auspicious. No, I'm not going to proclaim that Shannon is the next Mia Hamm (though, anything is possible) but rather, that she is going to be causing me all sorts of boy trouble in about 12 years. Oh boy will she ever.

However, before I get into the details that lead me to this proclaimation, let me tell you a bit about the match. The pitch was in perfect shape. The opponents full of energy. The wolves were, once again, down a player. Even their coach was late for the game. Things did not look good for the hapless wolves - until the game started. Then, all of the naysayers were silenced. The doubters converted to believers, and the wolves, yes THE WOLVES, were mutated into winners! No longer did they stand silently by as the other team streaked to goal scoring glory. No - not today! Today Sam, Hannah, Gabe, and Shannon played defense, they played offense, they played doctor, they passed, the shot, they scored, and they formed romantic relationships. Wait, sorry - I'm getting back to Shannon and the Boys again; more on that later.

Lisa's parents were in town to witness today's coming out of the wolves as an offensive machine. Hannah played dominate goalie in all of it's illegal splendor (we aren't allowed to have goalies). Shots were taken and she stopped them all. Sam played defensive pillar getting in the way of kids, kicking the ball away, blocking passes, shots, and players en masse. Gabe stood firmly in place as if he were a royal guard at Westminster until he realized he still doesn't like playing soccer; then he went home. And Shannon, well Shannon scored and scored and scored a couple more times for good measure. She ran past kids, took the ball from them, stormed the net, and scored at will. Granted, one goal was in the wrong net, but four others were pounded into the back of the correct net.

The crowd went crazy, the coach rejoiced, her mom was hysterical, and Shannon ran riotously around the field her arms raised in exhultation until she slid on her knees and ripped her shirt of in hysteric rejoice. Oh, well maybe she didn't do that - but she did make her move on Sam. Dammit, I'm getting back to that again. Well, I guess now is a good time to talk about "that".

Whenever Shannon wasn't playing Soccer on the field she was playing the field. She was hugging, kissing, holding, and otherwise enjoying Sam's company. They whispered to each other, ran together, wrapped their arms around each others shoulders and stood as one againt the opponent. They shared jokes, goals, smiles, and cheers with one another. They were inseperable. I tried to warn the boy to stay back. I glared, I had small clouds over my head, I picked them both up in a bear hug and tried to get them to refocus on the match - all to no avail. I resorted to speaking with his parents. Nothing, not even the other team finally getting on the scoreboard would seperate them.

Proverbial shots have been fired across the bow in my battle against the men of the world. I have been duly warned. I didn't expect the warning for another ten years at least but suffice it to say I was wrong. Oh, boy, was I wrong. So consider this my first reply boys - I am ready for your onslaught. Keep your grubby paws off my girl. Well, I guess I should say girls.

Now, before anyone reads this and thinks "Bill, calm down" let me set your mind at ease. I'm not worked up. I'm not anxious, worried, or otherwise bothered by today's events. This is a tongue-in-cheek post. I thought the game and its' extra-carricular activities were funny. Normally, I wouldn't bother explaining this - but it seems I am misunderstood some times so consider this a disclaimer.

And finally, congrats to the Wolves for the first victory of their lives. It was a blast to watch, "coach", and thanks for letting me be a part of it.

#Sports #Family

This past weekend marked the third match for Shannon and the Wolves. This week the matchup was against the turtles. While the end result was much like the past weeks (we lost) there was clearly some progression by my young athletes.

Defensively the Wolves worked pretty hard to stop the other team (most of the time) and had more success in doing so as well. However, at times they were over eager to play defense as we often had two goalies out of the three players on the field. Granted, that made it hard for the other team to score; but they did score eventually!

On a personal note the highlight of the game came when Sam sent a corner kick into Shannon and she then put it home giving the Wolves their only goal of the match. It was cool to see her score and to have the two of them working together so well.

After the match we went to the team photo area. This was a nightmare that actually started before the match. Last week we were told that photos would be taken right before our game. They didn't tell us much else other than that we needed $13 for each kid. So our team showed up, each family bearing a check written out to the YMCA. We showed up 30 minutes early for our 30 minute match. We waited at the field and nobody ever came by with a camera. Just before the match one of the Turtle's parents showed up and told us that the photos were off over a hill behind some trees. So we headed over there and saw a big cluster. We decided to come back after the match.

Just after the match and snacks we headed over and found a little table where you sign up at. As the coach I went over, signed our team up, and asked if they were going to call our names when it was our turn. The lady taking the money and the photographer both said yes and then watched our team stand around waiting. We stood around chatting and waiting our turn when suddenly we noticed that the cluster was forming into a cluster like line. So, I headed back over to the table and asked the lady, "Were we supposed to get in a line when we signed up?" This, after 30 minutes of standing right in front of her and she says, "Uh, yeah." As if it were obvious. So I replied, "Why didn't you tell me that when we signed up then? I'm sitting over here with a group of four year olds who are freezing (it was cold out) and you just told me you would call out our team name. Now were stuck behind this huge line." And, showing great customer service skills, she said, "Oh, well, sorry". That was it. No effort to figure out where in the line we would be (based on the pile of team envelopes containing checks) or even offering to let us go next. Instead it was off to the back of a huge line.

As we stood in line I thought, how are they going to know what team we are? Our photos won't be synchronized with our name on the list anymore. So I headed over and asked about that and she said, "Look, it isn't that complicated" And I could only smirk and reply, "Well getting all of the teams into line seemed kind of complicated to you - how do I know you will get our photos to us, or our kids names on the team photo?" By now I was pretty fed up with the horrible organizational system these people used. First they never told us where to go for the photos (or we would have been done before the game), then they don't tell us about the line, and now they tell me they are psychic and can align our photos and names. I walked back to the parents (some of whom were very cold as well and getting grumpier by the minute). Finally, one of the other moms suggested we just get our money back and that she would use her normal camera to take some pictures. Instantly all of the parents agreed so I headed back to the lady at the table and asked for our envelope back. She huffed and rolled her eyes but did dig out our envelope (which was behind about 30 teams of new enevelopes to give you an idea how far back in the line we had fallen).

Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if we were an older team and thus some of the parents had actually done this before. But we were all rookies. Nobody gave us any indication about anything. Just bring your $13 and we will take photos before the game. Then they put this bitchy lady at the little table. I'd feel bad for her having to deal with the hundreds and hundreds of kids but she was raking in $13 a kid for having to spend one day (through about 1pm) out there. Plus it is her job. We should get our copy of the homemade team photo tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it came out. If it doesn't I would be tempted to suggest to the other parents we go to K-Mart and use the Olan Mills there to get a nicely done team photo.

The soccer league really should give everyone an assigned time, and complete instructions, about photo day. With all of those teams (well over 100) the area around the photographer was guaranteed to be a cluster when dealing with a first come first served basis. Each team should have a window (say ten minutes tops) to get there and get their photo taken. If they are late then they can wait till a later team finishes early.

#Sports #Family #Commentary

Shannon's team, the wolves, in an effort to outdo their last performance stormed the field again this past saturday to take on an undermanned, and unnamed, green team. The green team only showed up with 2 players while the wolves had four. So, in an act of generosity, the wolves shared a player. It wouldn't have mattered.

The conditions were less than ideal for a soccer match as we have had about two weeks non-stop of rain. The field was decent except for one solid mass of mud near midfield. The area surrounding the field was a dotted with puddles as deep as 8 inches. The soccer ball was neglected by the wolves in favor of stomping and splashing in the abundant puddles. The green team, except for the borrowed wolf, however, focused on the soccer ball and scored nearly at will. Thankfully, the green team had bad aim and the ball went wide of the goal more than it went in.

Whenever the green team sent the ball wide, and thus out of the field, the wolves jumped on it simply because it went into the 8" deep puddle. We ended up calling the game halfway through the fourth quarter because the wolves wouldn't get back out of the big puddle and thus wouldn't bring the ball back.

The final score was 5-2. Which is exceptionally close considering Wolf Shannon blasted one shot past Wolf Hannah to score one of the green team's goals. And Hannah received another nice pass from Shannon before Hannah knocked another goal in for the green team. Hannah also scored the two wolf goals; one a totally solo effort that was pretty impressive and the second off a pass from Shannon.

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Shannon, and her team, The Wolves, exploded on the four and under soccer scene yesterday in a valiant match against the heavilly favored Power Rangers. The Wolves rookie roster was led by rookie coach Bill Rawlinson and their two most energetic players Sam and Shannon. The match started out much as expected as the Power Rangers rushed to a quick 7-0 lead. While the Rangers raced down the field to put in yet another goal two of The Wolves stopped playing. Jayden took a nap at midfield and Hannah left the field in disgust as the ball was stolen from her. Overall The Wolves were putting on their ferocious best.

Eventually, the Power Rangers, drunk on their success, accidentally went the wrong way and scored a goal for The Wolves preventing what seemed like the inevitable shutout.

As you can see The Wolves are your typical 4 year old and under soccer team. We have now had one semi-practice and one match and it was everything I expected it to be. It was hilarious fun. Based on our scrimmage during practice on Thursday (where we were dismantled by these two four year old Pele like twins) and then the match on Saturday you might think we were a lost cause. However, not everything is as bad as it may seem. There is quite a bit of potential in my players - somehow I just have to get the basic idea of soccer to click with them.

Sam is a stout little kid who likes kicking the ball and running. He showed abundant energy and was a real trooper constantly filling in when other kids dropped out. Jayden is also full of energy but was a bit overwhelmed with the crowed of parents watching the game. During our scrimmage Jayden and Sam worked together to get our only goal so I know he knows what to do generally - and I think he has a bunch of potential. Hannah is a firey little girl who gets pretty upset if someone else takes the ball from her. Her tenacity served her well during the game when I had her try being a goalie. She blocked and kicked away quite a few shots. That may be her true calling. Gabe is a quiet kid with a strong leg. However, he has been well educated on not taking things from other kids. Once he overcomes the "sharing" hurdle I think he will do very well. And finally, there is Shannon. She really suprised me with her level of all around effort. She tried hard on offense, and if the ball was stolen would run back on defense and do her best to kick it away. Considering her normal attention span her focus on the game was excellent. She also has a pretty strong leg and nearly scored a couple times, once off the kick off. She also played a perfect corner kick that fed Hannah beautifully. However, these are four year olds so their timing on kicking a moving object isn't too refined yet, Hannah barely missed the ball and it rolled beyond the goal crease.

In general I was very happy with my teams performance. We have a couple small hurdles to climb in order to get them all moving at the same time - but overall I think they did great! We are going to practice on Fridays to avoid the large Thursday practice crowds and so, hopefully, my little athletes will remember things a bit better since games are on Saturdays. We took some photos of the match but before I put any up that include more than Shannon I need to get the parents permission.

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