6th Man, Trent Never Quits, and Miscellany

Let it be known that college basketball season has officially started in California.  For me, it won't officially start until this Saturday, when the Stanford Cardinal Basketball Team opens play.  Being a former member of the 6th Man Club, one might say that I'm passionate, devoted, and maybe a little insane, but nothing beats being in those bleachers for 2 halves of hard court finesse.  It's a testament to the strength of the program that even without the high-flying, numerous NBA draftees that populate other top programs it can still compete amongst the best of them.  There have been a few that have gone on to be successful professionally, but then again, it's all about the team.

 

The true test this year, will be their success in the Pac-10, their continued health, and maybe, just maybe they can pull off another deep run in the NCAA tourney.  The Pac-10 itself looks like it will be very competitive with stiffest competition perhaps coming from the University of Arizona.  Nothing is for sure before the season starts, so I just like to sit back and watch the show.  Maybe I'll even be lucky enough to see a few games live this year.  Who wants to see a game with me this year?

 

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On a related note, a couple weeks ago when the Stanford football team took a beating at the hands of the top-ranked USC Trojans football team, I was witness to a first half filled with sloppy play, inexperience, and plain lack of heart.  There was one bright spot though, that of the starting quarterback Trent Edwards.  A promising recruit out of Los Gatos, he had a lot of promise coming in every year.  Unfortunately, most of his seasons were hampered by injury. At the start of the season, he was knocked out during the first five minutes of an ultimately embarrassing loss that shall not be mentioned.  From this point on, I think we saw a different Trent Edwards.  Perhaps even a tougher one than I have seen in the past.  Actually, I have not been the only one to take notice, seeing as this article from the Chronicle sings his praises as well.

 

Hit after hit, drive after drive, he kept going.  No matter how deep the hole was, or how strong the defensive line of USC came at him, he never quit.  On the field, off the field, that's an inspiration in itself.  Maybe I espouse too much praise, but you can't discount the effort he's put through all season.  Especially after two very difficult losses in a row.

 

This weekend is where it counts though.  What can I say, "Beat Cal!"

 

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OK, I'll try to stop with the sports talk, but what's wrong with a little something new around the ol' blog.  I've been thinking about a few things to add content-wise.  Lazy me, I haven't taken the time to execute them.  Didn't I talk about something different happening a few years ago?  Anyone have suggestions?  I promise it will be worth your while...