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Bowl game for Wildcats
Let's keep winning streak going
End season with win
Labels: tennessee football
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/26/2011 06:10:00 AM |
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Dear James,
May I call you Jim?
I understand you're upset at the outcome of Saturday evening's game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Having been in your shoes a couple of times in the past year and a half of Tennessee football, I completely understand the frustration, the disappointment, the gut churning and the "what if's?" of a moment like Saturday night. The game was one of those that is a classic game to the side that won and one that the side that lost would rather forget ever happened (see also: Buffalo Bills' fans reaction to the Music City Miracle).
But here's the thing, Jim (and the rest of Vandy nation). At the point your team turned the ball over, it was a matter of losing by three or six. Does that really make all that big a difference to anyone besides the odds makers and those who wagered on the game (for recreational purposes only, of course?).
Not so much. The game was pretty much over and you guys had lost. I hate to break that to you, but that's pretty much how it was going to go, Jim.
I understand your anger and frustration in the moment. And I don't know whether or not you took the time to shake Derek Dooley's hand after the game or not. I hear conflicting reports on the matter and, quite frankly, I'd like to believe that even in the wake of disheartening defeat, you'd be a big enough sport to at least do a drive-by hand-shake.
What I fail to comprehend is how you and the rest of Vandy nation seem to determined to take away any pleasure or happiness that I and other Vols fans rightfully feel in this win. All day yesterday I heard sports callers in the Nashville market call in, saying how Tennessee fans and the team shouldn't enjoy the victory because we were having a terrible year and they don't understand why beating Vanderbilt is something to get that excited about. I find this attitude extremely hypocritical since if you'd won the game, the Vanderbilt team would be dancing on the field (our field by the way) and telling everyone who would listen how great it was to beat the Vols for the second time in 26 years. Double-standard, much?
And while I don't think the locker room comments getting posted to YouTube was the best thing in the world, I still don't see why you, Jim, take such offense to them. First of all, those are things said in the heat of a moment by an emotional coach and a team that has had a pretty rough October. It was senior night with emotions running high and they were coming off a huge win. And there are times when things are said in a locker room and aren't supposed to get out. I bet there have been some emotional moments in your team's locker room that you wouldn't want put out there on YouTube.
You keep talking about wanting to change the culture at Vandy. You complain that not enough fans show up to your games and those that do arrive early and leave late. I understand part of this schtick you're pulling is an attempt to change that culture. I won't get into the notion that part of this culture change involves playing dirty and trying to injure the other teams' players (the Vols coaching staff saw enough on film to ask the refs to watch for this Saturday night. I'm all for your team having intensity and working hard, but let's do it the right way, Jim!). You wanted your team to get up for this as a big rivalry game but yet when we treated it as such and the victory as such, you want to dismiss it.
So, go ahead and file away all these alleged grievances for next year as motivation. I hate to tell you this, Jim, but I really think this was Vandy's best chance to win a game against the Vols for the foreseeable future. We're down but we're building. We're young but we're gaining experience. We've had injuries but our core should be back next year and hopefully even better than ever. And this whole being motivated cuts both ways, Jim. As a proud member of Volunteer nation, I plan to remember how you and some of your fan base have acted in the week leading up to this game and in the days following the game. And I fully plan to savor this victory and to look forward to continuing to build our streak of dominance in football.
Sincerely,
Big Orange Michael
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/22/2011 11:52:00 AM |
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Saturday, November 19
Swimming: 45 minutes, 2750 yards
Ultimate Cardio: 55 minutes
Treadmill Run: 3.19 miles, 28:01 minutes
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/20/2011 08:00:00 AM |
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Well, it wasn't always pretty but the Vols finally manged to score some second half points and win the game. It was more exciting than it probably needed to be, but you've got to admit that once again Vanderbilt found a way to give the victory to the Big Orange!
After hearing all week on talk shows about how this wasn't the same old Vandy and how great it was that the roles were reversed (Vandy could effectively end our bowl hopes), I have to admit when the interception went back for TD in OT and it looked like, yes, the Vols would win, I erupted with shouting and joy. And then to finally have the refs send a call to end a game our way....well, it was wonderful.
Whether or not the final play should have ended in the result it did probably depends on which team you pull for. In my mind, it was game over and I think the refs got the call right. I am sure there are some who disagree.
I also understand that James Franklin was frustrated with the loss, but that's really no excuse to not at least shake Derek Dooley's hand after the game.
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to this. We're still Tennessee and they're still Vandy!
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!
Labels: tennessee football
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/19/2011 09:55:00 PM |
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Tyler Bray is back
Typical roles reversed
Slam door on the Dores!
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/18/2011 04:49:00 PM |
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Wednesday, November 16
Swimming: 58 minutes, 27.33 seconds
600 warm up (200 swim/100 kick x 2)
8x50 @ 1:10 (descend stroke count 1-4, 5-8)
4x150 pull @ 3:00
8x50 @ 1:10 (descend time 1-4, 5-8)
4x150 swim @ 3:00
8x50 @ 1:15 (25 non-free/25 free)
300 cool down (100 swim/50 kick)
*3300 Total*
Ultimate Cardio: 30 minutes
Body Pump: 45 minutes
Thursday, November 17
Swimming: 1 hour, 12 minutes 27.78 seconds
600 Warm-Up
8x50 @ :50 (25 tarzan drill, 25 swim)
1x300 swim (no walls/turn @ the "T")
6x50 @ :60 (IM/free by 25)
1x300 pull (3/5 breathing pattern by 50)
4x50 @ :60 (kick hard on wall between reps)
1x300 (50 kick w/board, 50 pull w/board)
2x50 @ :60 (5 strokes, somersault, repeat)
1x300 swim (descend by 100)
1x600 cool down (4x: 100 swim/50 kick)
*4400 Total*
Treadmill Run: 30 minutes, 3.44 miles
Stationary Bike: 20 minutes, 5.89 miles
Friday, November 18
Swimming: 38 minutes, 17.61 seconds
300 warm up (200 swim/100 kick)
8x50 w/:15 rest (descend stroke count 1-4, 5-8)
4x150 pull w/:30 rest
8x50 w/:15 rest (descend stroke count 1-4, 5-8)
4x150 swim w/:30 rest
100 cool down
*2400 Total*
Jogging: 30 minutes on indoor track
Spinning: 60 minutes (interval work)
Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/18/2011 04:42:00 PM |
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Sunday, November 13
Swimming:
600 warm up (2x: 200 swim/50 kick/50 drill)
6x100 swim w/:20 seconds rest (descend 1-3, 4-6)
4x150 pull w/:30 seconds rest (distance per stroke)
3x200 swim w/:30 rest (3/5 breathing pattern by 50)
100 cool down
*2500 Total*
Time: 41 minutes, 37.68 seconds
Monday, November 14
Had intended to swim but pool was closed before my two classes. Due to other obligations, I had to cut the swimming on Monday (which I hate doing since swimming is my favorite form of exercise).
Ultimate Cardio: 30 minutes
Body Pump: 45 minutes
Upcoming training events: I'm participating in the BoroDash on Thanksgiving Day, which is four miles. My first timed event since completing the Middle Half last month. I am considering doing a 5K on December 3 simply because one of the sponsors is Old Chicago and all those who run get pizza.
On the horizon for next year is my fourth indoor triathlon. I've heard there will be two levels this year--a shorter course and a longer one. I intend to do the longer one. So, I need to train for that. Always good to have a goal!Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/14/2011 07:24:00 PM |
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Thursday, November 10
Swimming:
500 warm up
3x150 @ 3:30 (50 kick/50 drill/50 swim)
14x25 @ :40 (1 fast, 1ez, 2 fast, 1ez, 3 fast, 1ez, 4 fast, 1ez)
4 x [100 swim moderate (record your time) @ 2:00
50 swim (faster than 1/2 of 100 time) @ :60
150 easy (50 pull/50 kick/50 pull with board) @ 4:00]
8x75 @ 1:30 (free/non-free/free by 25)
200 cool down
*3300 Total*
Time: 54 minutes 16.44 seconds
Running (Treadmill):
3.44 Miles
30 Minutes
Stationary Bike:
5.85 Miles
20 Minutes
ARC Trainer:
10 Minutes
Friday, November 11
Swimming:
4x200 choice w/fins w/:10 sec rest
20x50 4x(2 kick @ :60, 2 drill @ :55, 1 swim @ :50)
2x250 pull @ 3:30
2x250 swim @ 3:20
2x250 pull @ 3:15
2x250 swim @ 3:20
200 easy
6x50 @ :60 (25 non-free, 25 free)
4x100 IM @ 1:50
4 x 50 free swim
400 cool down
*5400 Total*
1 hour 27 minutes 26 seconds
Saturday, November 12
Swimming:
2750 Meters
43 minutes, 09.30 seconds
Ultimate Cardio:
55 minutes (Class is part ultimate cardio, some Body Pump Work)
Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/12/2011 06:40:00 PM |
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Swimming:
10 minute choice warm up (12 laps=650)
6x75 @ 1:45 (kick/drill/swim by 25)
2 x [3x100 pull @ 1:50
4x75 swim @ 1:20 (strong effort)
6x50 @ 1:10 (non-free/free by 25)]
300 easy pull (3/5 breathing pattern by 50)
14x25 fast @ :30, ez @ :40 (1 FAST, 1ez, 2 FAST, 1ez, 3FAST, 1ez, 4FAST, 1ez)]
200 cool down
*3650 Total*
Time: 60 minutes, 49.95 seconds
Ultimate Cardio: 30 minutes
Body Pump: 45 minutes
Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/09/2011 07:21:00 PM |
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In a week in which most sports fans would love to be talking about the aftermath of some compelling college and pro football games or the implications of said games on the national title race, instead the world of sports (and the world as a whole) has been shaken to its core by the scandal going on at Penn State.
It's a shame that the career of coach Joe Paterno will end on this sour note. But it's even more of a shame that he and the rest of those in positions of authority enabled a predator to continue to prey upon young boys, shattering their lives forever. I don't care how great a coordinator this guy is, his pattern of behavior over a period of years showed he needed some kind of help and yet no one around him seemed to want to man up and help the guy. Or at least man up enough to make sure he never, ever violated the trust of those young men put under his guidance, leadership and authority or that of their parents.
In our society today, we have too few men who are willing to stand up and do the right thing. And make no mistake--in this situation, there was only one right thing to do.
Say what you will about the impact of scandals at UT, North Carolina, Miami, Alabama, Auburn or any other school whose athletic department has come under the radar the of the NCAA lately, but those scandals were only confined to the results on the field and the ethics of those involved. Whether or not a player got an illegal benefit or two or rules were broken to try and win on the field, the impact and implication of those scandals were confined to the athletic deparment.
This one could end up being every more far reaching. As law-suits come in (and they will come in), donors and alumni could be less inclined to give money to Penn State. It could be a reaction to this and it could be wondering just where the money will go--will it go to fund the programs they want to see continue or the fall out of this and the settlements that are coming. That could lead to a diminished offering in the classroom at Penn State and the overall quality of its academics taking a hit. Also, I have to wonder how this will tarnish the perception of a degree from Penn State. Like it or not, being associated with the school and listing your degree as being from there could be the small thing that gets a potential employer to hire someone else over you.
But these things pale in comparison to the horror that was inflicted on these young people for so long. I can't imagine what they've been through and will go through as their lives are put on public display in the weeks and months to come. I can only pray for them to find peace and the help they will need--not only now, but for their entire lives. I hope and pray they can find the right kind of people who are worthy of their trust to help them through this healing process--one that will probably never end for many of them.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/09/2011 03:39:00 PM |
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Second day of my new routine (I'm not counting Sunday as part of the routine. It was done because I missed a couple of days last week and to be up, around and moving). Yesterday was about swimming and trying to get in a bit of run before darkness descended (have I mentioned I think Daylight Savings Time (aka renaming light)
is lame?!?) And it will only get worse before it gets better!)
Swimming:
900 warm up (3x: 200 swim/50 kick/50 drill)
6x100 swim @ 2:00 (descend 1-3, 4-6)
4x150 pull @ 3:00
3x200 swim @ 4:00 (negative split @ the 100 wall)
2x300 pull (#1: free/non-free by 50, #2: 3/5 breathing pattern)
200 cool down
*3500 Total*
Time:
55 minutes 36.35 seconds
Running/Jogging:
4.85 miles
Time: 50 minutes 08 seconds. (Average pace: 10:20 per mile)Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/08/2011 08:05:00 PM |
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Now that I've finished my half marathon for the year, I'm trying to keep my exercise routine interesting and one that will challenge me in new ways. Also, it'd be nice to try and not gain much, if any weight, over the holidays. So, I'm shaking things up a bit with the goal of working on my core (which I let get weak during the half marathon training) and getting some more strength workouts in there. Luckily, the Y kicked off a new era of Body Pump about this time, giving me a good excuse to try it out. So far, I've been to three classes and enjoyed them all (well, enjoyed them after I was done). Last week saw a disruption to what I'd ideally like to do, so I'm counting it as week zero. This is week one of the new routine to try and keep things interesting for me, deal with the time change (it impacts the ability to run outside since it gets dark earlier!) and to try and gain some strength and speed in the pool. Also, I hope to become more aerodynamic (nice way of saying shed some pounds).
The goal is to get ready for the next indoor triathlon in early 2012. In the last three, my swim time has helped me achieve my overall goal for the event each time and I'd like to see that continue. Of the three legs, swimming is my strongest (and favorite).
And since my smart phone apps don't necessarily always translate classes as well I'd like, I've decided that I'll record what I do in my blog to have a record of it and find ways to tweak it as I go along.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Swimming: 34 laps (1 mile) in 29 minutes
Running (treadmill): 3.5 miles in 30 minutes
Monday, November 7, 2011
Swimming:
400 swim/200 kick warm up
4x150 w/fins @ 3:00 (100 swim/50 kick)
4x150 @ 3:30 (50 free/50 non-free/50 free)
4x150 pull @ 3:00 (descend 1-4)
4x150 swim w/:15 seconds rest (3/5/7 breathing pattern by 50)
6x100 @ 2:00 (2 fast, 2 medium, 2 easy)
*3600 Total*
Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Workout Taken From This Site (A great resource to shake up the swim routine)
Ultimate Cardio Class: 30 minutes
Body Pump: 45 minutes
Labels: Working out
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/07/2011 06:15:00 PM |
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Out of conference
State bragging rights on the line
One step toward bowlLabels: tennessee football
posted by Michael Hickerson at 11/04/2011 06:38:00 PM |
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