tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47060259799421813742024-03-05T05:45:10.243-08:00DC's blizzogDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-43944888161037625982010-03-08T13:34:00.000-08:002010-03-08T23:22:14.318-08:00Mock Draft, Version 2.0 (Post Combine and the first weekend of Free Agency)Selections from mock draft 1.0 are italicized and smaller....<br /><br /><br /><br />1) St. Louis (1-15)<em> <span style="font-size:85%;">Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame </span></em><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <strong>Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma-</strong>His arm checks out, and the Rams have already spent a small fortune on their DL. Time to get a franchise QB, and let Spags coach up that D.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>2) Detroit (2-14) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska</span></em><br /> <strong>Suh DT Nebraska-</strong>If it were up to me, I'd go OT here.Okung to protect the franchise QB.<br />3) Tampa Bay (3-13) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Gerald McCoy DE Oklahoma</span></em><br /> <strong>Gerald</strong> <strong>McCoy DL Oklahoma-</strong>The Tampa D hopes they get Warren Sapp, V 2.0<br />4) Washington (4-12) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma</span></em><br /> <strong>Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State-</strong>They might go with Claussen, but not after Pro Bowl LT Chris Samuels retired last month.<br />5) Kansas City (4-12) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Eric Berry S Tennessee</span></em><br /> <strong>Dan Williams NT USC-</strong>KC needs a NT for their 3-4, and I wouldn't want to go near Terrance Cody at the top of the second round. Once again, KC snatches a top DL from Cleveland just like last year. Berry will probably be the pick, but don't count out Bulaga from Iowa. Scott Pioli and Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz go way back...<br />6) Seattle (5-11) <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State</em></span><br /> <strong>Jimmy Claussen QB Golden Domers-</strong>If anyone knows if this kid can play in the NFL, it's Pete Carroll, who tried to recruit him to play at nearby USC. OT is another need, but they'll just see what is available for them with their other first round pick.<br />7) Cleveland (5-11) <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Joe Haden CB Florida</em></span><br /> <strong>Eric Berry S Tennessee-</strong>Is this draft pure homerism at its best, or what? Seriously though, with the emergence of Bradford Berry becomes the odd man out of the top 5-6 picks. Especially if Seattle or KC looks hard at one of the standout OTs.<br />8) Oakland (5-11) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony Davis OT Rutgers</span></em><br /> <strong>Jason Pierre-Paul DE USF-</strong>Don't be surprised to see either of the workout warriors Pierre-Paul or Taylor Mays picked by Al Davis. An OT wouldn't hurt, though; but I guess that's why I drive a fire truck and sling drinks for a living...<br />9) Buffalo (6-10) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State</span></em><br /> <strong>Trent Williams OT Oklahoma-</strong>Great OT prospect that can play either side of the line, which is a good thing considering they have no LT and their starting RT just retired.<br />10) Jacksonville^ (7-9) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech</span></em><br /> <strong>Earl Thomas S/CB Texas-</strong>The Jags filled a HUGE hole at DE with Aaron Kampman, and creating a bookend set of DEs with Derrick Morgan is a legit thought. Earl Thomas is a ball-hawking playmaker that can slide in and play CB if needed. Thomas was a top 20 pick before the combine, but his 40" vertical and 4.44 40 bump him up another tax bracket.<br />11) Denver - from Chicago^ (7-9) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Rolando McClain ILB Alabama</span></em><br /> <strong>Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State-</strong>The broncs can now say goodbye to malcontent Brandon Marshall, and replace him with a budding talented malcontent in Bryant.<br />12) Miami (7-9) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Jason Pierre-Paul DE/OLB South Florida</span></em><br /> <strong>Sergio Kindle OLB Texas-</strong>After coming off the ledge after Parcells son-in-law Pioli snagged the Dolphins' future NT, they are happy to find Joey Porter's replacement to be the talented young Texas prospect. With Kindle and new FA signee Karlos Dansby, the Dolphins' LB corps is quickly becoming a strength.<br />13) San Francisco (8-8) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Sergio Kindle DE/OLB Texas</span></em><br /> <strong>Joe Haden CB Florida-</strong>Haden's poor combine performance is the 4ers gain, as they are giddy like schoolgirls over Haden falling into their laps. Look for Haden to move up in the next mock, if his numbers at the UF Pro Day (3/17) show marked improvement.<br />14) Seattle - from Denver (8-8) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">CJ Spiller RB Clemson</span></em><br /> <strong>Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa-</strong>This couldn't have turned out better for Pete Carroll's first draft with Seattle. I was going to make Bulaga the pick at six, but changed my mind. Anyways, I'd look for an OT here, if in fact Carroll thinks that Claussen is his guy at QB.<br />15) New York Giants (8-8) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Dan Williams DT USC</span></em><br /> <strong>Rolando McClain LB Alabama-</strong>McClain is a perfect fit for the Giants, after their release of MLB Antonio Pierce. McClain made many of the calls at the LOS in the complex Nick Saban 3-4 defense, and will have the luxury of quite a bit of talent around him.<br />16) Tennessee^ (8-8) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Carlos Dunlap DE Florida</span></em><br /> <strong>Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech-</strong>This 4-3 DE fell mainly because of all the 3-4 defenses picking before the Titans. He was the Jags choice in the first mock, and still might be in real life. Either way, he fills a big need for Tennessee after they lose their DE to Detroit.<br />17) San Francisco - from Carolina^ (8-8) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Earl Thomas S Texas</span></em><br /> <strong>CJ Spiller RB Clemson-</strong>The 49ers will find a nice role for the speedy RB, as both a backup as well as a tandem with Frank Gore. OLB is also a realistic possibility here, as well.<br />18) Pittsburgh (9-7) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Bruce Campbell OT Maryland</span></em><br /> <strong>Anthony Davis OT Rutgers-</strong>The shrewd Pittsburgh FO doesn't get glamoured by Bruce Campbell, and instead goes for the talented underclassman. OG Iupati is a real possibility as well, but their OT play last year was ridiculous and needs to be addressed yesterday.<br />19) Atlanta^ (9-7) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Everson Griffen DE USC</span></em><br /> <strong>Carlos Dunlap DE Florida-</strong>Another talented Gator falls in the draft, and the Falcons are happy to benefit. Dunlap has exceptional talent, and a no-frills coach like Mike Smith could be a perfect match to keep him producing....and in line.<br />20) Houston^ (9-7) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike Iupati OG Idaho</span></em><br /> <strong>Kyle Wilson CB Boise State-</strong>This promising CB prospect will probably keep rising up until draft day, and I would not be shocked to see Wilson overtake Joe Haden as the first CB taken. The Texans have a huge hole after losing Dunta Robinson to free agency.<br />21) Cincinnati* (10-6) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Golden Tate WR Notre Dame</span></em><br /> <strong>Mike Iupati OG Idaho-</strong>I can't see this guy falling much further than here. Cincy will most likely take a WR at this spot, but as of today the Bengals are doing quite a bit of FA WR hosting. I fully expect them to sign a WR FA, or trade for Brandon Marshall.<br />22) New England* (10-6) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Brandon Graham OLB Michigan</span></em><br /> <strong>Jared Odrick DL Penn State-</strong>After securing NT Vince Wolfork to a long-term deal, Bill Belicheck wastes no time in replacing Richard Seymour by selecting this Nittany Lion. Odrick could go anywhere from #7-38, but some scouts say he is better than last years #3 pick Tyson Jackson. The Pats also have a ton of second round picks to go after CBs and OLBs. 23) Green Bay* (11-5) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian Beluga OT Iowa</span></em><br /> <strong>Bruce Campbell OT Maryland-</strong>Green Bay resigned Chad Clifton, and lost pass rusher Aaron Kampman to free agency, but this is a top-flight OT prospect they are getting at the end of round one. Graham from UM is a possibility here, as well.<br />24) Philadelphia* (11-5) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Will Weatherspoon OLB Missouri</span></em><br /> <strong>Will Witherspoon LB Missouri-</strong>Andy Reid should be able to keep this talented show-off in check, and should make for a wonderful partnership. Perfect fit.<br />25) Baltimore* (9-7) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma State</span></em><br /> <strong>Patrick Robinson CB Florida State-</strong>Trading for WR Anquan Boldin filled a big need, and selecting Robinson will address another big hole in the Ravens. Golden Tate may be too good to pass up, if he is still around.....<br />26) Arizona* (10-6) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Ricky Sapp OLB Clemson</span></em><br /> <strong>Golden Tate WR Notre Dame-</strong>All of a sudden, the Cardinals have a bunch of holes to fill-QB, WR, and LB (they traded for S Kerry Rhoades after releasing Rolle). Tate gives the Cards flexibility to let Steve Breaston focus on offense, and can allow to be eased into the offense as the year goes on.<br />27) Dallas* (11-5) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Trent Williams OT Oklahoma</span></em><br /> <strong>Taylor Mays S USC-</strong>Jerry Jones would be beside himself if the first round played out like this. Mays had a terrific combine, and could be a big help in the defensive backfield...if he ever develops some recognition skills. He should turn out better than the Cowpokes last highly-drafted S, Roy Williams.<br />28) San Diego* (13-3) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian Price DT UCLA</span></em><br /> <strong>Ryan Matthews RB Fresno State-</strong>Matthews showed great speed at the combine, running 4.4s at 220 lbs. He makes the perfect thunder to Darren Sproles' lightning. The Chargers could also look at DT Brian Price, after releasing longtime NT Jamal Williams.<br />29) New York Jets* (9-7) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Corey Wooten DE Northwestern</span></em><br /> <strong>Brandon Graham OLB/DE Michigan-</strong>The Jets might look long and hard at Northwestern's Wooten to replace their aged DEs, but Rex Ryan might not be able to pass up the thought of adding this powerful pass rusher to his pressure-cooker defense. A WR that doesn't try to make catches with his helmet might help, as well. 30) Minnesota* (12-4) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Kyle Wilson CB Boise State</span></em><br /> <strong>Brian Price DT UCLA-</strong>The vaunted Vikings interior DL, while still formidable, is hardly young. Price gives them a young set of legs to work in the DL rotation. A CB is a good possibility, as well.<br />31) Indianapolis* (14-2) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Jared Odrick DT Penn State</span></em><br /> <strong>Charles Brown OT USC-</strong>The Tony Ugoh LT party is over. Brown can start inside, then jump over to RT, and then try his luck at LT. The Colts' last two playoff games showed just how mortal their OL has become.<br />32) New Orleans* (13-3) <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Jerry Hughes OLB TCU</span></em><br /> <strong>Everson Griffen DE USC-</strong>A perfect fit for a 4-3 attacking defense, which is now without a starting DE. Another choice could be a replacement for the aging and unrestricted Darren Sharper...<br /><br /><br />Bonus Picks<br /><br />2nd round<br /><br />St Louis-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Taylor Mays S USC </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Ricky Sapp OLB Clemson</strong></span><br /><br />Detroit-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Patrick Robinson CB FSU </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest</strong></span><br /><br />Tampa Bay-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Regus Benn WR Illinois </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Nate Allen S South Florida</strong></span><br /><br />Kansas City-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Terrance Cody NT Alabama</em> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma</strong></span><br /><br />Washington-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Jonathon Dwyer RB Georgia Tech</em> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Jerry Hughes OLB TCU</strong></span><br /><br />Cleveland-<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Brandon Spikes ILB Florida</em> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Damian Williams WR USC-</strong>Despite Cleveland's gaping whole at CB, Williams is hard to look beyond. Great route runner, nice hands, and a very good grasp of the game is a combination that new GM Tom Heckert will be hard-pressed to look past. This is a Heckert type of WR, which is the only reason I am thinking they don't draft CB here.</span><br /><br />Pittsburgh-<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Donovan Warren CB Michigan</span></em> <strong>Brandon Spikes MLB Michigan</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />(Using gbnreport.com top 225 for the rest of the Browns' picks)<br /><strong>Cleveland Browns' Remaining selections:</strong><br /><strong>3a/#72) Toby Gerhart RB Stanford</strong><br /><strong>3b/#93) Syd'Quan Thompson CB California</strong><br /><strong>4/#103) Jacoby Ford WR Clemson</strong><br /><strong>5a/#131) Darrell Stuckey SS Kansas</strong><br /><strong>5b/#134) Kyle Calloway OT Iowa</strong><br /><strong>5c/#157) Brandon Lang DE/OLB Troy</strong><br /><strong>5d/#168) Mike Kafka QB Northwestern</strong><br /><strong>6a/#176) Clifton Geathers DE South Carolina</strong><br /><strong>6b/#199) John Skelton QB Fordham</strong>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-85514214679546623442010-02-18T14:16:00.000-08:002010-02-18T15:34:55.153-08:002010 NFL Mock Draft, Version 1.0Pre-combine and Free Agency. No comments, because this is just a first attempt and draft boards will change quite a few times before late April. I'll try to squeeze a couple more of these out every two weeks or so, but no guarantees...<br /><br /><br />1) St. Louis (1-15) <strong>Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame</strong><br />2) Detroit (2-14) <strong>Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska</strong><br />3) Tampa Bay (3-13) <strong>Gerald McCoy DE Oklahoma</strong><br />4) Washington (4-12) <strong>Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma</strong><br />5) Kansas City (4-12) <strong>Eric Berry S Tennessee</strong><br />6) Seattle (5-11) <strong>Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State</strong><br />7) Cleveland (5-11) <strong>Joe Haden CB Florida</strong><br />8) Oakland (5-11) Anthony Davis OT Rutgers<br />9) Buffalo (6-10) Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State<br />10) Jacksonville^ (7-9) Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech<br />11) Denver - from Chicago^ (7-9) Rolando McClain ILB Alabama<br />12) Miami (7-9) Jason Pierre-Paul DE/OLB South Florida<br />13) San Francisco (8-8) Sergio Kindle DE/OLB Texas<br />14) Seattle - from Denver (8-8) CJ Spiller RB Clemson<br />15) New York Giants (8-8) Dan Williams DT USC<br />16) Tennessee^ (8-8) Carlos Dunlap DE Florida<br />17) San Francisco - from Carolina^ (8-8) Earl Thomas S Texas<br />18) Pittsburgh (9-7) Bruce Campbell OT Maryland<br />19) Atlanta^ (9-7) Everson Griffen DE USC<br />20) Houston^ (9-7) Mike Iupati OG Idaho<br />21) Cincinnati* (10-6) Golden Tate WR Notre Dame<br />22) New England* (10-6) Brandon Graham OLB Michigan<br />23) Green Bay* (11-5) Brian Beluga OT Iowa<br />24) Philadelphia* (11-5) Will Weatherspoon OLB Missouri<br />25) Baltimore* (9-7) Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma State<br />26) Arizona* (10-6) Ricky Sapp OLB Clemson<br />27) Dallas* (11-5) Trent Williams OT Oklahoma<br />28) San Diego* (13-3) Brian Price DT UCLA<br />29) New York Jets* (9-7) Corey Wooten DE Northwestern<br />30) Minnesota* (12-4) Kyle Wilson CB Boise State<br />31) Indianapolis* (14-2) Jared Odrick DT Penn State<br />32) New Orleans* (13-3) Jerry Hughes OLB TCU<br /><br />Bonus Picks<br />2nd round<br />St Louis-Taylor Mays S USC<br />Detroit-Patrick Robinson CB FSU<br />Tampa Bay-Regus Benn WR Illinois<br />Kansas City-Terrance Cody NT Alabama<br />Washington-Jonathon Dwyer RB Georgia Tech<br />Cleveland-Brandon Spikes ILB Florida<br /><br />Pittsburgh-Donovan Warren CB MichiganDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-26786126493129470522009-06-24T12:31:00.001-07:002009-06-24T13:54:17.835-07:00Toughest Competitor Alive6/23/09-Florida Police & Fire Games<br /><br /> Wow, what a fun and unique event this was! I first heard of this competition last fall, and missed the cutoff date for registering. I almost did it again this year, but managed to sneak in at the last minute. I figured my CrossFit training regimen would keep me fairly well-prepared for this competition, but I didn't figure to be able to keep up with the guys that train year-round for this specific event...and I was pretty much right (although I did have a few surprises). It's basically an 8-event competition with a similar scoring method as a decathlon.<br /> The monsoon rains had the event directors shuffling the events around quite a bit, and a few guys mentioned how differently it affected their performances. After the first few events, I was able to start talking with the top guys in my age group, and found out my AG was stacked! I had the top two guys from the 18-29 AG worlds last year, that are now 30; also, the top two from 30-34 worlds last year were here as well, included in that group were the top guys from last year's FLA games. So any thoughts of me sneaking out with a medal quickly went up in flames. Here is a quick (sort of) recap of each event, in order:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20 ' Rope Climb: </span>I didn't even expect to score in this, as I was having trouble when I practiced this event last week at the CrossFit gym. I had :23 to complete the ascent, with the main rule being I cannot use my legs to hold onto the rope. I was really happy to get : 13.5 for my first climb, until I saw everyone else in my AG getting up to the top in under seven seconds. So I tried once again, and did it in about the same amount. Like I said, I was happy just to get some points in this event, but I quickly fell out of contention with this first event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three Mile Run:</span> I figured I could cut into some of my defecit with this event, but I was wrong. The course was half-road, half-grass, which didn't do me any favors time-wise. I was still pretty pleased with my 22:08 run time, which gave me the 15th highest run for the day. Unfortunately, I was fourth in my AG. The other three guys finished around the 19:00 mark. Most of the top performers in my AG were small, wiry, military-type built guys that are small and quick.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bench Press:</span> The rules here were that you were only allowed two attempts, and you have to increase your weight on the second try. I haven't done a 1RM BP in years, and I've only done body-weight BP on a smith machine a handful of times in the past year. Just to make sure I had some points, I did 250# on my first attempt no problem. I was thinking of trying 300# for the points, but since I've never done it before I went with 280#, which would still be my max. I nailed the 280# no problem, and probably could have gotten up the 300# as well. Oh well. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I ended up with the 2nd highest BP for my AG.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">100 Yard Swim:</span> The last time I swam was the 2008 Baldwin Park Sprint Tri, June of last year. My plan was to use the Total Immersion swimming method, and not max myself out. Also, I did not want to look like an ass out in the pool. I stayed in the rear of the main group, and ended up with a 1:19.47 for the swim. When I do easy laps, they are in the :55 second range, so averaging :40 per lap for this is quite pleasing-considering the layoff from the pool. I think I ended up 4th or 5th in this event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">16# Shot Put: </span>Given I was bigger than most of the guys in my AG, I thought I might be able to gain some ground with this event. The caveat being I haven't done a shot put since I was in 6th or 7th grade, with my Grandpa coaching me in CYO track. One thing I've learned through CrossFit is how important activation of the hips is, with regards to athletic movements. I gave a practice attempt before I started, and just focused on rapid opening of my hips when I released the shot. Most of the guys in my AG were no better than 35 feet, except for one monster tossing it over 43' (this guy was sick-6'3", 240# solid, and a great all-around athlete. I'm pretty sure he won, plus he's a FF). So I started low, and got a really nice hip "pop" and arm extension...39'3"! Turns out that was 2nd in my AG, but it was also the second-farthest toss of the entire day! Looks like Grandpa Bill's fundamentals are no joke!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Obstacle Course: </span>The obstacle course started with a 140# sled drag/pull for 20 feet, followed by an 8' wall climb. After you scale the wall, you go under a series of 20" hurdles, then to a set of tires (think agility drills), around a set of cones, and then you have to jump over a 36" hurdle. You then turn around and jump three 20" hurdles as you sprint to the finish. The nice thing about this event is that you race two at a time, so you have someone to compete against. Of course, I had the guy that set the AG record at this event last year-WTF! Anyways, I had a minute miscue on the wall climb, which put me behind the guy I was racing. I caught up to him on the high jump, as I cleared the 3' hurdle no problem, and he tripped on the way down. He edged me out on the sprint, but my time was probably 3rd highest in my AG at :35.0.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Max Pullups: </span>I wasn't too excited about these, as the original rules call for dead-hang pullups (no kipping). The event director said she would accept kipping for today, which made me happy; however, the free-standing PU bar they used was kind of flimsy. Most of the top guys in my AG were doing 28-40, and I was hoping for somewhere in the 25-30 range. Once I got on the bar and started moving more than I thought on my kips, I knew it wasn't happening. I ended up with 19 pullups, which erased any hopes I had of placing top three. My arms were pretty shot after the rope climbs, swimming, shot put, bench press, and wall climb.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">100 Meter Dash: </span>I had no clue what to expect from my tired-a$$ legs with this event. After the obstacle course, I had quite a bit of relaxing time in the AC of the weight room for the pullup portion of the day. When we went to the track one more time, my hips and legs were tight. I spent some time stretching out, working on my start, and just wanted to finish the day without ripping a hammy. My heat was all the top guys in my AG, so I had a good idea as to where I'd finish. My start was a little slow (although it seemed like two guys in my heat enjoyed a head start), but I kept my strides short and fast the first 50m. Once I opened my stride for the second half, I was surprised I was able to reel in a few guys. My finish time was :13.5, good enough for 4th or 5th (I'm pretty sure myreal time was :13.2, because they gave that time to the guy next to me-who I finished slightly ahead of). I was going to say something, but I didn't want to sound like a douche to these kind volunteers who have been outside all day with us. If I find out I missed 3rd place by like ten points, then I'll regret it.<br /><br /> I hung out after the event for about twenty minutes, but they weren't even close to finishing hand-calculating the totals. I figured I didn't medal, and they were finished with a rough draft of mine and told me I had 4th place....and no I wasn't even close to the bronze medal, either. Once I got home, I was able to calculate my score. My estimated total score is 5262, which seems about right. According to the past year's results, 5262 is still a few hundred points away from the podium. Still not bad for the new guy....<br /> I was able to talk with quite a few guys about their training, and discovered many started specifically training for this event in March/April. Suffice to say, they weren't pleased to hear me say that I just started doing a few things as prep with ONE WEEK OUT! Ha! Not to mention that I haven't swam in a year, thrown a shot since the mid 80s, ran a 100m dash, or set up an obstacle course.<br /> One of the other competitors told me that the World Police/Fire Games are usually held in Orlando, at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex every year. Maybe I'll see how my schedule looks in late-September, and perhaps I can dedicate two weeks of prep for the event!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-74030963573998052622009-04-24T09:05:00.000-07:002009-04-24T09:11:30.517-07:00CrossFit Games QualifierOK sports fans, this was on my list of activities I had planned for 2009. The SE CrossFit Qualifiers is a precursor to the CrossFit Games held this July in Aromas, California. The top seven men and women of this weekend's fun get to go to Cali. Since the competitors consist of 94 various guy that either own or are trainers at CF gyms (aka Affiliates), and myself, I don't give myself much of a chance to crack the top seven-or top half for that matter. Still, the workouts planned play more into my strengths that some of the other Qualifiers, so that makes me a bit more optomistic. Here are the workouts planned for Saturday, with Sunday's final workout being revealed about 12 hours before its supposed to start.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 18px; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Dirty South Event WOD's!</span></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday AM Event WOD #1 </span></span></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">3 min Max Points Suicide Run</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">2 min Rest </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">3 min Max Rep Deadlift (275 lb. Men) (185 lb. Women) </span></p></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">All competitors will complete the AM WOD, then after 3 1/2 hours rest begin one of their two afternoon WOD's. Some competitors will begin the afternoon with Event WOD #2 and some will begin with Event WOD #3. The afternoon Event WOD order is randomly predetermined for all competitors. All competitors will be given equal rest between WOD's. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday PM Event WOD #2 </span></span></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">5 Rounds for time of:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">20 Double Unders</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">10 Wall Ball (20 lb. Men) (14 lb. Women) all 10 ft. target</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">1 Rope Climb 15 ft. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">There will be a 15 minute time limit for this workout</span></p></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday PM Event WOD #3</span></span></div></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">8 min AMRAP of:</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">5 Clean and Jerk (135 lb. Men) (95 lb. Women)</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">(From the ground by any recognized clean to full extension overhead)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">10 Chest to Bar Pull Ups </span></p></blockquote><div>http://www.crossfitdirtysouth.com/ Check for updates, scoring explanations, as well as video demos of the workouts. I should be able to write a pretty detailed summary sometime tomorrow (4/25/09) night, in between my overdosing on Mel Kiper's hair product.<br /></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-80855483249396892802009-04-16T13:08:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:22:49.145-07:0016 more wins.....That's it-just 16 more wins for my Cleveland Cavaliers, and my hometown will finally break its streak of sports futility. Sixteen wins equals winning all of their playoff series, including the NBA Finals. They start off Saturday against Detroit, and if everything goes as planned will play the winner of Hawks/Heat. The Conference finals will most likely be the winner of Boston/Orlando, KG or not, I think Orlando will be the winner. Orlando scares the crap out of me, for a matchup versus the Cavs. Teams with strong big men always do well against the Cavs, hopefully Big Ben Wallace will channel his DPOY days for the playoffs. The Lakers scare me as well-even though the Cavs have homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, the Lakers are the ONLY team to win a game at the Quicken Loans arena. <br /><br /> I love this team. I love how they have so much fun with the pregame "photo ops". I love how everyone on the team really seems to generally like each other. Watch how LeBron looks to the bench for approval after every thunderous slam dunk-he's not staring the guy he posterized down, he's looking to see how 9th and 10th men Terrance Kinsey and JJ Hickson evaluate that last move. I really like how Varajeo is fitting in to the rotation, and Delonte West? Delonte West is quickly becoming one of my favorite all-time Cavs, behind LBJ and Dan Majerle (hey he was with us for a year). West is the Cavs BEST on-the-ball defender, a great fill-the-blank guy that will do whatever is necessary at the time. Plus he's a bit eccentric. Whenever he shoots, I always yell out "Redz!" which is his nickname. My wife thinks thats pretty funny, because I do it all the time in front of the TV. I hope I'm not putting the cart before the horse with this Title Talk, but I think this team is really special. <br /><br />Let's hope they don't "Cleveland it up".Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-69846094046219376432009-04-11T15:09:00.000-07:002009-04-11T18:28:35.779-07:00Mock Draft, Version 2.0-Crazy Trade EditionJust reading the tea leaves, and projecting a couple of trades....I <span style="font-style: italic;">really </span>hope this doesn't happen, BTW. As always, I apologize if I forget anyone.<br /><br />1) Detroit: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia<br />2) St. Louis: Jason Smith OT Baylor<br />3) Kansas City: Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest<br />4) Seattle: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech<br />5) Cleveland: Mark Sanchez QB USC<br />6) Cincinnatti: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia<br />7) Oakland: Brian Orakpo DE Texas<br />8) Jacksonville: Jeremy Maclin WR<br />9) Green Bay: BJ Raji DT Boston College<br />10) San Fransisco: Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech<br />11) Buffalo: Everett Brown DE FSU<br />12) Denver: Michael Jenkins DB OSU<br />13) Washington: Andre Smith OT Alabama<br />14) New Orleans: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State<br />15) Houston: Chris Wells RB OSU<br />16) San Diego: Rey Mauluga LB USC<br />17) New York Jets: Brian Cushing LB USC<br />18) Denver (from Chicago):<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Traded to Browns for QB Brady Quinn</span> <br /> Browns select: Tyson Jackson DE LSU<br />19) Tampa Bay: Josh Freeman QB Kansas State<br />20) Detroit (from Dallas): Robert Ayers DC Tennessee<br />21) Philadelphia: Michael Oher OT Ole Miss<br />22) Minnesota: Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina<br />23) New England: Clay Matthews OLB USC<br />24) Atlanta: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State<br />25) Miami: Vontae Davis CB Illinois<br />26) Baltimore: Darius Heyward-Bey WR NC State<br />27) Indianapolis: Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss<br />28) Philadelphia (from Carolina): Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia<br />29) New York Giants:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Traded with #91 to Browns for WR Braylon Edwards</span><br /> Browns select: Alex Mack C California<br />30) Tennessee: Ziggy Hood DT Missouri<br />31) Arizona: LeShon McCoy RB Pittsburgh<br />32) Pittsburgh: Ebon Britton OT Arizona<br /><br />Browns' remaining picks<br />Rd2/36) Larry English OLB Northern Illinois<br />Rd2/50-from TB per KWII trade) Kenny Britt WR Rutgers<br />Rd3/91-from NYG per BE17 trade) Andy Levitre OL Oregon State<br />Rd4/104) Michael Mitchell S Ohio<br />Rd 6/177) BPA<br /><br />Of course, phone calls to Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison, and Rodney Harrison's respective agents will be placed on draft weekend. Seriously though, I'm trying to figure out if Magini is really smitten by Sanchez, or if he is just trying to get someone to trade up to the #5 spot to get him. It might be only a coincidence that the Browns' new QB coach was Sanchez's QB coach at USC. As much as I like Brady Quinn (and invested big $$ on a BQ game jersey), it's tough to fault the Browns' above draft. The above scenario immediately makes our top receivers Martin Ruck and David Patten, which doesn't scare anyone. I'll continue to be on the lookout for more info, one way or another on this event.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-16450579940572097912009-04-03T18:12:00.000-07:002009-04-05T08:41:24.256-07:002009 NFL Mock Draft, version 1.0<div>Hey guys, I'll throw some more stuff on here in the next few weeks; however, here is my first crack at the upcoming first round of the NFL draft. Yes I am a dork. I honestly feel the Browns will trade down from #5, but as of today I'll just go with a straight-up pick and hold my draft philosophizing until the next mocks I put up. I hope I don't forget someone/team.....</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>1) Detroit: Jason Smith OT Baylor</div><br /><div>2) St. Louis: Eugene Monroe OT Virgina</div><br /><div>3) Kansas City: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest</div><br /><div>4) Seattle: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia</div><br /><div>5) Cleveland: Brian Orakpo OLB/DE Texas</div><br /><div>6) Cincinasti: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech</div><br /><div>7) Oakland: Jeremy Maclin WR Mizzou</div><br /><div>8) Jacksonville: Mark Sanchez QB USC</div><br /><div>9) Green Bay: Malcolm Jenkins CB THEosu</div><br /><div>10) San Fransisco: Andre Smith OT Alabama</div><br /><div>11) Buffalo: Everette Brown DE FSU</div><br /><div>12) Denver: BJ Raji DT BC</div><br /><div>13) Washington: Michael Oher OT Mississippi</div><br /><div>14) New Orleans: Aaron Maybin OLB PSU</div><br /><div>15) Houston: Vontae Davis CB Illinois<br /></div><br /><div>16) San Diego: Rey Mauluga LB USC</div><br /><div>17) New York Jets: Josh Freeman QB Kansas State</div><br /><div>18) Denver (from Chicago): Tyson Jackson DE LSU</div><br /><div>19) Tampa Bay: Ziggy Hood DT Mizzou</div><br /><div>20) Detroit (from Dallas): Peira Jerry DT Ole Miss<br /></div><br /><div>21) Eagles: Beanie Wells RB tOSU<br /></div><br /><div>22) Minnesota: Percy Harvin WR UF<br /></div><br /><div>23) New England: Brian Cushing OLB USC<br /></div><br /><div>24) Atlanta: Clay Matthews III OLB USC<br /></div><br /><div>25) Miami: Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland<br /></div><br /><div>26) Baltimore: Larry English LB Southern Illinois<br /></div><br /><div>27) Indianapolis: Robert Ayers DE Tennessee<br /></div><br /><div>28) Philadelphia: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State<br /></div><br /><div>29) New York Giants: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers<br /></div><br /><div>30) Tennessee: Ron Brace DT Boston College<br /></div><br /><div>31) Arizona: Knowshown Moreno RB Georgia<br /></div><br /><div>32) Pittsburgh: Alex Mack C California<br /></div><br /><div> </div>Cleveland Round Two Selections<br />37) Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose State<br /><div> </div>50) Sean Smith S/CB Utah<br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-74700333650811615822009-01-12T17:57:00.000-08:002009-01-12T19:01:02.907-08:00First Post of 2009OK dedicated fans and snowed-in relatives....your Sundance fix is back! Let's see what's on my mind, as well as on my plate, for the early part of this brand new year-in no particular order.<br /><br />-<em>Obama:</em> Let's see what this guy can do now, even though he's been dealt a sh_tty hand. One thing I learned during the election process, is that he was one of the main senators for our International Union in favor of keeping a collective bargaining agreement. One of the biggest detractors in the Senate? The Maverick. For better of worse, he is our guy for four years, so let's hope he has a clue...<br /><br />-<em>My Girls: </em>Sweet Katherine Grace is growing with leaps and bounds! Fortunately, quite a few Northern relatives have been coming down to meet her, and instantly fall in love. I hope we can get up to Cleveland, so she can reunite with them soon. Beautiful Bride Shannon has got to be the best mother ever, hands-down. I don't know how she pulls it off, but she does it. I am blessed beyond words with my entire family, but these two ladies? Wow.<br /><br />-<em>Cleveland Browns suck, and rebuild yet again: </em>After finally breaking out last year with a 10-6 record, I thought fo sho my beloved Browns would challenge for a playoff spot this season. Nope-not even close. What's worse, they looked like uninspired quitters the last half of the season, not scoring an offensive TD since mid-November. New coach Eric Mangini could be on his way to greatness, or garbage. He's got a Cleveland background, so he knows how bad my hometown needs a team to get behind. Still no GM yet, I think they're patiently waiting for me to send them my application. <strong>Tangent Alert:</strong> Here's how the off-season would go for new Cleveland Browns' GM Dave C.....<br />waived/retired/not resigned: Shaun Smith, McGinnest, Stallworth, Sean Jones<br />Free Agents: Jason Brown (Bal-C), Channing Crowder (Mia-LB), CJ Mosely (NYJ-DE)<br />Trade: Derek Anderson for a 3rd rd pick (Detroit?)<br />Draft: 1st rd-Gerald McCoy DE/OKL or Eddy Curry, LB/Wake<br />2nd rd-if McCoy then Clay Matthews Jr OLB/USC, f Curry then best available S<br />3rd rd-RB or S or OL<br />Plenty more of these posts coming up in the off-season....<br /><br />-<em>Baby Bro with a Baby!</em> My cousin/de facto brother Jon and his wife are expecting their first baby. We're so happy for them, as they will make outstanding parents; however, it also kind of sucks that we're so far away from them. I guess the girls and I will have to keep sucking it up, living in FL, while they make yearly visits down here in the winter months.<br /><br />-<em>Cleveland Cavaliers!</em> Right now, they are tied for teh best record in the NBA. They really need to lock up homecourt vs Boston right now, and my local Orlando Magic are going to be a tough team as well. I'm looking to gobble up some tickets for the two upcoming Magic/Cavs games in the next few weeks-I can't wait. I really like the backcourt of Mo Williams and Delonte West, even if they are a bit on the smaller side. Avon Laek resident Z Ilkauskas is out for a few more games, which means I'll be able to get a better look at rookie stud JJ hickson at the 4 spot. This could be the year-and if not, we'll have room to sign another big name pretty soon...<br /><br />-<em>CrossFit Games Southeast Qualifiers</em>: So I'm still doing the CF thing, in leiu of triathlons. The wife seems to enjoy me being around the house, as opposed to my days of 6 hour long bike rides, and double-workout days, etc. I still will do a couple of tris this year, but I'll just be a bit more particular about selecting them. Probably no IM races this year, either; maybe a half IM in the later part of the year. Anyways, I'll be competing in the regional qualifer for the CF Games. It's basically a few different CF events/exercises/workouts done for time over the course of a few days. Here's a short video from last years games<br /><a href="http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFitMovie_WorkingTrailer1208.wmv">http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFitMovie_WorkingTrailer1208.wmv</a><br />I have no expectations of qualifying (top 5 go to the CF Games), but it will be nice to see how far my fitness has come in just a few months. I've already lost close to 17 # without even really trying....This happens in late April, in Jacksonville.<br /><br />-<em>Toughest Competitor Alive:</em> This is a decathlon-type event taking place during a single day, and it is part of the Florida Police/Fire Games (<a href="http://www.lawgames.org/">http://www.lawgames.org/</a>). Here are the events for the event taking place at the end of June:<br />-3 mile run<br />-shot put (16#)<br />-100m dash<br />-100m swim<br />-20 foot rope climb (hands only)<br />-bench press<br />-strict pullups<br />-obstacle course (150 lbsled pull, wall climb, low crawl, cone weave, high jump, hurdles, sprint)<br />I can't wait for this sh_t to happen, although I need to get going on the ropes and non-kipping PUs. I think this plays into my all-around fitness, and I should be able to keep up with most folks on the runs, while not losing too much ground on the swim or other stuff.<br /><br /><em>Promotional Process:</em> I decided to take my transfer to a slow station, and try to make it a positive. I spent many days working out, as well as studying for the promotional exam for the position of Fire Engineer (the guy that drives the fire engine). 240 people signed up to take the test, 175 took the first portion, 95 people moved on to the practical portions, and then after all the smoke had cleared, I ended up 19th on the list. I was pretty pleased. By my half-a$$ calculations, I figure to be promoted sometime by the end of this year....no rush. Hopefully, I can get a few more good fires/entrapments/rescues under my belt by then.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-22873446704545396792008-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:002008-10-24T09:14:14.654-07:00First post in a great while....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1xAPUmJ0QjdF4q5ObJFp8k-Pv5_eOaD3cjfTuUeM_oNt1QfAGS7F4cLLSvwYZI9c8p-5KxS3aD2qbGvCFSslgzuoPe0p4uOASDZhsKsbgqpNAEQCggi9SZtcgdUQbMGQgFt4EBwvMqCl/s1600-h/Stair+Climb+Boy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1xAPUmJ0QjdF4q5ObJFp8k-Pv5_eOaD3cjfTuUeM_oNt1QfAGS7F4cLLSvwYZI9c8p-5KxS3aD2qbGvCFSslgzuoPe0p4uOASDZhsKsbgqpNAEQCggi9SZtcgdUQbMGQgFt4EBwvMqCl/s200/Stair+Climb+Boy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260754454959439554" border="0" /></a><br /> Hey DC faithful, I know I've been slacking on zee blog the past couple months, but I'll get back into it I promise. Here's my latest exercise in pain and suffering....<br /><br /><div>"On November 8th, 2008 the American Lung Association of Florida, Inc. - Central Area will host the 2nd Annual "Climbing Heights for Lung Cancer" Event. This Stair Climb is a vertical climb up Orlando's 2nd tallest building, the Bank of America Center. Please support my climb and the American Lung Association by making a donation or participating in the event."</div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"> As if racing up 25 floors wasn't enough punishment, I've decided (in typical Dave fashion) to add to my pain, by throwing on my Firefighting gear (airpack, helmet, and full FF turnout gear-at least they let me use running shoes!). My total weight, with all the bells & whistles, is about 300 lbs. Last year's top FF finished in 4:40, or thereabouts. That's a tough time to beat, but if the Browns can beat the Super Bowl Champs on Monday Night Football....?????? Regardless, you all know that I will be giving everything I can to race up those 25 floors.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"> Seriously though, I know times are a little on the tight side nowadays, but I would appreciate anyone donating <strong>whatever you can spare </strong>to this worthwhile cause (I'm sure the American Lung Association would appreciate it too). Below is a work/family safe link that will take you to my page, and you can see how I'm doing as a fundraiser. I have to raise at least $100, and for every dollar I am short, the American Lung Assoc. drowns a kitten in milk....just kidding. One hundred bucks is my goal, and I'll be most grateful for whatever I can harass my friends and family into giving.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp;jsessionid=7230a83e86323018606d?id=2064&acct=5272043355&rid=0">http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp;jsessionid=7230a83e86323018606d?id=2064&acct=5272043355&rid=0</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I've already got over the goal of $100, thanks to all who've donated. I'll be sending out a few limited edition emails to only those who've pledged for this event. If that isn't enough to convince someone to pitch in, then I don't know WHAT is. Who knows, if more people throw down I may just go up a second time for fun?!?</span><br /></span></div><br />Oh here's the sweet pic that's generating lots of internet buzz.....Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-75890911756410033242008-08-05T16:38:00.000-07:002008-08-05T17:46:57.419-07:00Sundance's 2008 Olympic PreviewWell, the 2008 Olympics are almost here, and who doesn't love a great Olympic story? A great underdog, a dominant wunderkid, or a great comeback are all instant-interest stories. Luckly for you, ole DC has a little bit of time on his hands (at work), and has scoured the interweb for some of the best things to watch out for this Summer's Games. Hopefully, not things you already know about....so here goes.<br />(In no particular order)<br /><br />-<strong>Dominating US swimmer:</strong> I bet you're thinking about Michael Phelps, right? Wrong. Well, not wrong, because we'll ALL be watching him. I am talking about 19 year-old American Katie Hoff, who will be competing in five different swimming events. This will also be her second Olys, after debuting in 2004 as a 15 year-old. Look for her in the 200m IM, 400m IM, 200m Free, 400m Free, and the 800m Free. I wouldn't be suprised to see her in the next 2-3 Games, as well.<br /><br /><strong>-The World's Fastest Man: </strong>Well, second fastest behind yours truly. The US' Tyson Gay will be battling World Record holder, Jamaica's Asafa Powell in the 100m dash. Both guys are coming off hammy and groin injuries suffered this summer; however, Powell has broken the 100m WR twice this year. As much as I'd like to see an American take home the Gold, I think Powell will come out the Victor.<br /><br />-<strong>US Mens Hoops team:</strong> I know it's already a huge story, but C'mon...LeBron james is a Cleveland Cavalier! Roll King James, Roll to Gold!<br /><br /><strong>-Swim Cougar:</strong> Dara Torres, at age 41, is still a favorite to medal in the 50m Free. She's been under ridiculous scrutiny by the Anti-Doping agencies, and for good reason. 41 year-old women should not be spanking Olympic-level athletes half her age, but she's doing it. BTW Florida Gator swimming is NO JOKE.<br /><br /><strong>-US Triathlon Team:</strong> This is my favorite Olympic event, even though I haven't been staying on my tri training. I remember last year, waking up at 3:30AM to watch the Men's triathlon, and loving it. Now we have DVR, so I won't be pulling that stunt this time. One of the US Men's athletes is Orlando, Florida's own Hunter Kemper. This dude can flat-out fly, I think he finished 9th in the 2004 Olympics. I've bumped into him a couple of times, and he's never come off as any other than a well-rounded, nice guy, so I wish him the best of luck.<br /><br /><strong>-Sheila T:</strong> I posted about her in my "Who's The Best Athlete?" blog. She will be representing the US in Modern Pentathlon, which will be her third different Olympic sport. IIRC she has/had a place over in the outskirts of Orlando, so yet another Central Florida connection.<br /><br /><br /><strong>-Andrejs Duda:</strong> Keep an eye out for this Latvian in the men's 100m butterfly swim event. He trains in Georgia, and is uses CrossFit for his training. He swims less than half the yardage of his competitors, so this will be a good means to gauge how my new favorite workout compares to hours in the pool.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-74509383788968829182008-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:002008-07-15T18:03:50.834-07:00A Heartfelt Tribute...As you may or may not know, I hound internet message boards. The subject matter is mainly sports-based: triathlon, football, crossfit, NBA, topix.com, not to mention the small handful of blogs I check in on (after I hit my three cousins' blogs, of course). Anyways, I was on my CrossFit site, checking in on my Workout Of the Day, aka WOD, when I found a video tribute to a California Firefighter. He was a young man who had just returned after being deployed in the California wildfires, he had a brain hemmhorage the next day, and suddenly died.<br /><br />One thing about CrossFit is that it is very popular among the military, and is gaining popularity with police and FFs (including yours truly). Anyways, there have been a couple of "WODs" named after Veterans that have died in Irag/Afghanistan, guys that were big into CrossFit, and they are exceptionally tough. Here is an example of one:<br /><br /><strong>Murph</strong> In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it 'Body Armor.' From here on it will be referred to as 'Murph' in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.<br />1 mile Run<br />100 Pull-ups<br />200 Push-ups<br />300 Squats<br />1 mile Run<br />For time. Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.<br /><br />This WOD took me 62 minutes to do. These workouts are really awesome, because when I started to get tired/wanting to quit, I just recall reading the story of "Murph" before I started. I envision how this guy I'll never meet literally made the ultamite sacrifice for his brothers, in one of the worst places on this Earth. It makes gutting out the last mile, or squeezing out those last 50 pushups, pale in comparison.<br /><br />Here is the tale of Murph, direct from the US Navy site:<br /><a href="http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html">http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But I digress....here is the video of a WOD that was dedicated to Kevin Patrick Prior, the CA FF that I alluded to earlier, before I tangented out.<br /><a href="http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFitByOverload_KevinFirefighterTribute.wmv">http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFitByOverload_KevinFirefighterTribute.wmv</a><a href="http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_CampPendletonLevel1CertJune08.wmv"></a><br /><br />If you made it through this video without feeling somethign, then I don't even know what to say...<br /><br />The first time I saw this video, I was really moved. The second time I watched it, I realized how many similarities I had with this guy. We are both about the same age, both have about three years on the job, both have a beautiful wife and daughter, we both crossfit, and we both really have a passion about our job. That's what got me, this guy my age and in pretty good shape, died suddenly. Sometimes it takes something like that to snap me back into reality.<br /><br />Anywas, thanks to this CrossFit stuff, which is basically intense cross-training on steroids, I have gotten to touch base and communicate with guys all over the world. I truly understand the brotherhood that police, fire, and the military all have with each other, and there are Orange County FRD T-shirts in select parts of the SandBox because of it. I found this thread on an online tribute to Kevin Prior:<br /><br />"To all of you who in risky jobs, military, law enforcement, firefighters, etc, you all have my deepest respect. Continue doing great things in this world. Your efforts show everywhere!!! Look around, we would not be staring at highrises if it were not for studs who challenge those heights to create them. We would not walk confidently within those walls if it were not for our military protecting the country they stand in, if it were not for the law enforcers doing just that, and the fire fighters ensuring the over-all safety of them, as well as the countless others who challenge danger on a regular basis!! You all kick ass!!!!!!"Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-70848510569688440542008-07-02T19:10:00.000-07:002008-07-02T19:17:11.917-07:00First Triathlon in 18 months, or hardly any training....<em>6/29/08</em><br /><strong>Baldwin Park Sprint Triathlon</strong><br />.75K Swim<br />13.4 mile Bike<br />2.5 mile Run<br />S 0:23:22.514<br /> T1 0:01:46.204<br /> B 0:42:16.374<br />T2 0:01:07.306<br />R 0:23:19.335 <em>Total 1:32:17.095 </em><br /><br /> Totally bad idea; actually, it would be a good idea to do some training first. Hardly any biking, 2-3 swims, and some running (no LSD runs) for my base. I get up around 5:30am with my stuff pack (or so I thought-read on), and throw on my tri suit, shorts, T-shirt, and sandals to head over to the race. About ten minutes into my 15 minute ride, I realize my racing goggles are in my other bag. No problem, I useby tri pack for IMFL, and I pulled over to make sure they were still in there....check. I kept going. Check-in went smoothly, I did a littleCrossFit WarmUp to get going, some short runs, and then I headed out to the water to get a little wet. As I start to zip up my singlet, I realize that I initially put the tri-suit on backwards! The portOjons' lines are super-long, so I head out to the water. As I strip down, and tun my suit inside out in the water, I lose my balance on a reed or somehtin on the lake floor. My goggles are lost! I finish putting on my suit, and run back up to tranisition area, thinking there's no way I've got another set of goggles in there. The Goggle Gods smile upon me this morning, as I find an old set of goggles in the bottom of my bag. I realize at this time that I forgot my towel at home, though. Anyways, the race went OK. No issues on the swim, bike, or run for me. It was hot as balls, I saw a few drafters on the bike, but me not swimming that much really cost me. My swim split was about 5 minutes slower than what I usually swim for 750m. <br /> Still, I can't complain about 3rd place. Thanks to the Race Director for having the Super Clydesdale division this year, although the guy that won my division didn't look over 225 lbs.<br /><br /> Even worse is that I somehow got into a message board smackdown that ended up with me being challenged to an Olympic Distance Triathlon in exactly three months! I don't know how that happened, but it did. BTW an Olympic distance triathlon is 1500m swim, 24.8 mile bike, and a 10k (6.2 mile) run. I've always wanted to break three hours for this distance; however, I've never been able to do it. Hopefully, I can sneak in a couple decent rides to build up my aerobic base...Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-67865722739704282342008-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:002008-06-24T13:30:03.106-07:00The Greatest Athlete in the World....<a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121392004594090355.html?mod=sports">http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121392004594090355.html?mod=sports</a><br /><br />I stumble on to a pretty fun little Wall Street Journal article about how to figure out the greatest athlete in the world. Being the WSJ, they are very right-brained, thorough, and scientific about the process. The difference between what their editors said, and what you might say in a local drafthouse over this same subject matter? They based it on six categories, and then each person came up with their own top 10 list. Below are their results, as well as the criteria for their selection.<br /><br />1. Roman Sebrle: First decathlete to reach 9000 points in a competition<br />2. LeBron James: We all know about him on a court, but he was also an All-State WR his junior year, at 6'8" 225 lbs!<br />3. Floyd Mayweather, boxing: 39-0 in what is probably the most physically demanding sport<br />4. Ladanian tomlinson, San Diego Chargers: I think he got points for his uncanny start-stop-restart abilities. Plus he's a badazz RB<br />5. Roger Federer, tennis dominator: Combines sprinter's speed with an acrobats reflexes/coordination<br />6. Sindey crosby, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins: arguably hockey's best athlete<br />7. Lui Xiang, 110m hurdler: dude RAN 19.5 mph while jumping over 3.5 foot hurdles to set the 110m world record!<br />8. Jeremy Wariner, 400m gold medal sprinter: 400m and 800m runners are crazy<br />9. Ronaldo de Assis Moreiera, FC barcelona: Don't know much about soccer, but I don't doubt his place on the list. Any soccer guys with input?<br />10. Alex Rodriguez, NY Yankees:ARoid is 6'3" 225 lbs, and is considered one of the top athletes in baseball.<br /><br />The list was comprised using these criteria, and I'll list the top performer for each:<br />-<em>Vision and Reflex</em>: Lewis hamilton, Formula One racing<br />-<em>Stamina and Recovery</em>: Alberto Contidar, cycling<br />-<em>Power, Strength, and size</em>: Vladimir Klistchko, boxing<br />-<em>Speed:</em> Asafa Powell, Jamaican 100m WR holder (at the time)<br />-<em>Success and Competitiveness of Sport:</em> Tiger Woods<br />-<em>Coordination and Flexibility:</em> Yang Wei, gymnast<br /><br /><br /><br />Although I don't doubt the validity of the list, I would like to make a few changes. You can keep pretty much everyone on the list except for Crosby, ARoid, and drop LdT a couple spots. I have to think that there is a better athlete in the NHL besides the waify Penguin; although I don't watch hockey, so I don't know of anyone. Maybe even the soccer guy, with the same reasoning. It is my own personal bias that an IronMan triathlete woud be on the list; however, they would be lascking in other areas of the criteria (speed, sucess, and power strength & size). I would also have to bring up crossover pro athletes into the mix. I know that there are TONS of NFL players that could probably make an NBA team, although they would probably ride the pine-but that's not the type of crossover type that I'm talking about. I'm thinking lesser-knowns, like Brock Lesnar, Sheila Taormina, and Eva Twardokens to name a few. Brock Lesnar is a former NFL defensive lineman, who had a stint in pro wrestling (not a sport, but still a demanding profession), before beoming a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) stud. MMA is known for being intensely grueling, and those how do it claim it to be the toughest athletic endeavour around. Sheila T just recently qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games in the Modern Pentathlon event (shooting, fencing, swimming, equestrian, and running). The remarkable thing about this is that she has also competed in two other Olympic events: a gold medal winner on the 1996 US 4x200m relay team, and triathlon competitor in 2000 (6th place) and 2004 (23rd). I think that's pretty remarkable. Eva T (no relation) is a 2x Olympic skier, who is one of the strongest people in the world, pound-for-pound. Another athlete that nearly mmissed the list was <strong>myself</strong>. Many people forget that I have experience in gymnastics, wrestling, running, triathlon, and football. Another lesser-known fact about yours truly is that I was twice named All-Blesser team in Avon Lake pickup basketball, one of my proudest achievements. <br /><br />Anyways, it's a pretty cool take on a conversation sports fans have been having for years. Beats watching baseball....bring on the NBA draft!<br /><br />Sheila T story:<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060200814.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060200814.html</a>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-8050749325861490572008-05-04T18:35:00.000-07:002008-05-04T19:23:00.793-07:00Rudy Ruttiger. Vincent Papale. Hopefully, Todd DeLamielleure....<a href="http://www.happynews.com/showImage.aspx?fn=7132007/column-may-try-new-football-league.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.happynews.com/showImage.aspx?fn=7132007/column-may-try-new-football-league.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>The NFL Draft is something I get very excited about, and this year was no exception. I spent pretty much the entire weekend glued to either a TV or my web-enable phone, eagerly awaiting my belvoed Browns first pick in the late part of the fourth round. After the draft is finished up, NFL teams then offer smaller contracts to undrafted players (undrafted free agents, or UDFAs). Drafted and undrafted players then attend a rookie minicamp, and they are accompanied with several other UDFAs that are offered a tryout with the team. Tryouts are longshots to make the team, but somethimes they might stick with a practice squad or another team. Enter <strong>Todd DeLamielleure</strong> (#68 in the photo; sorry-couldn't find any other pics).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Browns fans may recognize the last name <em>DeLamielleure </em>from the Cardiac Kids era in the early 80s. Todd's father, Joe D, is a Hall of Fame offensive guard whoplayed for the Browns from 1980-84; previously, he blocked for OJ Simpson in Buffalo. Even though Joe D went to a Pro Bowl as a Brown, he is most remembered as a Bill. I then googled 'Todd DeLamielleure', to find a truly epic story about his journey to the NFL....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Todd DeLamielleure was a standout three-yeara starter at Duke in the late 90s, and then finished his NCAA career with a year at Hofstra in 2001. He was signed as an UDFA to the Colts; however, he hurt his shoulder before the season began. He was then sent to NFL Europe the next spring, but his shoulder wasn't quite football-ready. Another injury followed, and he then surgically reparied the shoulder. Tryouts with the Panthers and his father's Bills squad yielded nothing, so he decided to try another career.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In 2004, he became a firefighter in Charleston, South Carolina. He never stopped working out, and kept himself in football shape during his firefighting career. Three years later, on June 18, 2007, four of Todd's closest friends died in a fire at a furniture store blaze. It was a national news story, and my FD actually sent about 10-15 guys up to S.C. for the funerals. A total of nine firefighters were lost that day, and I can only imagine how he must still feel. Charleston is a department of about 250 guys, spread out over three shifts. Realizing how fleeting life can be, DeLamielleure decided to give pro football one more try.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A fledgling pro football league formed in 2007, the now-defunct All-American Football League. It was a second-chance football league that would only allow players with college degrees. Todd D ended up making the Arkansas team; howver, the league folded due to $$$$ problems (I was pumped up for the Florida team, too). DeLamielleure then sent out DVDs and letters to NFL, AFL, and AF2 franchises. Luckily, the Browns' defensive assistant coach Bob Trott coached him at Duke, and now the 29 yea-rold DeLamielleure is among 22 year-olds here at the Browns' rookie minicamp.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Athletically, this guy is tough. He ran the 40 in 4.6, and recently pushed out 37 reps of 225 lbs on the bench press. I guess that shoulder is healed. The question is, can he still play? If this guy gets a spot on the Browns', he will INSTANTLY become a team favorite-right up there with Joe J. I have been scouring the web, sirius radio, and the NFL Network for mincamp news on him. Realistically speaking, the guy has a ghost of a chance of making the Browns. I can only hope that he fights through the decked stacked against him, and triumphs, FireFighter-Style.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Todd D!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-66910015933235984122008-05-01T17:04:00.000-07:002008-05-01T17:38:09.596-07:00How did DC do?....in his new competitive ventures? Not too bad, I guess; probably better than I expected. Here's a quick recap.<br /><br /><strong>Firefighter Combat Challenge </strong>Gainesville, FL <br /> We packed up the family, and headed over to GatorLand early in the AM for my very first FfCC event. There wasn't too big of a turnout (about 60 people in my division); however, I just wanted to finish around three minutes and not fall on my ass IFO people. The guy I went up against was a 6'4" Adonis, that looked like an NFL TE. He said that it was his first event, as well. I also ended up in the stairwell opposite the layout that I have been training on; instead of carrying the 50 lb hose pack on my left shoulder, and having my right hand on the stairwell....I had to flip hands. My start was a little slower, due to that fact. After I made it up the four flights up stairs, I then had to bend over the top of the tower and hoist a 40 lb. roll of hose with a rope. The guy I was up against was finished by the time I made my second pull-that was the last I saw of him. I kept a solid pace, got the hose roll up, and headed down the stairs. Next was the Kaiser Sled, in which you straddle a steel railroad tie and strike it several times with a sledge hammer. My arms were full of lactate after the hoisting just prior; nevertheless, I finished and jogged 200 feet to the next part. I had to pick up a charged fire hose, and advance it 100 feet, and spray water. I've got pretty strong legs, so this was no problem. The final event is the victim rescue-a 175 lb. dummy drag, in which you have to drag the dummy from behind, walking backwards the whole time. The guy I was up against had just finished at this time, but I maintained my own race. I picked up the dummy, and backpedaled as hard as I could. I crossed teh finish line in 2:36, 25 seconds better than my goal. I also had the second-fastest time among first-timers at the event. The fastest? The guy I went up against. Unfortunatley, I finished 41st out fo 60 guys. I wish these weren't so far away, because I could really get into this stuff. Big shout-outs to my girls, Shannon Elise and Katherine Grace, for getting up at 5am and hanging with me for the day.<br /><br /><strong>Corporate 5K</strong> Downtown Orlando<br /><br />I did this 5K run in turnout pants and coat, in the upper 80s/lower 90s temps. I kept 9:10-9:20 miles throughout, and finsihed in 29:20, about 20-30 seconds faster than last year. Next 5K, I'll probably do it with an airpack on.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-80599211350884884932008-04-24T10:16:00.000-07:002008-04-24T10:47:20.182-07:00Angie, you really hurt me.....Don't worry, I haven't strayed. I'd like to introduce "Angie", the name of a crossfit workout I attempted yesterday morning.<br /><br /><p>"<strong>Angie</strong>"</p> <p>For time:<br />100 Pull-ups<br />100 Push-ups<br />100 Sit-ups<br />100 Squats</p><p>Straight-forward enough-don't move on to the next exercise until you've completed 100 reps. After about my 50th pullup, I had to use a stool to pull myself up, and just do negative reps. Today my biceps are the more sore they have ever been. EVER.<br /></p><br />I stumbled on to some crossfit workouts a couple weeks ago, and now I'm hooked. The website posts workouts daily, mesage boards, video demos, and other fun stuff that helps one guide their way through this newfound method. It's all about "Functional Fitness", which is right up my alley considering my jobs/interests. The workouts are never the same; they revolve around basic exercises (pullups, pushups, squats, situps), weightlifting (squats, cleans, deadlifts, and presses), gymnastics, plyometrics, and relevant cardio.<br />From the Crossfit website, "What Is Crossfit?"<br />" <span style="font-style: italic;">CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Our program delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.</span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. We’ve used our same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change programs. </span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree not kind. Our terrorist hunters, skiers, mountain bike riders and housewives have found their best fitness from the same regimen.</span> "<br /><br />Whatever. Check it out for yourself.<br /><br />www.crossfit.comDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-64601531425136978492008-04-23T20:31:00.000-07:002008-04-25T15:48:12.327-07:00NFL Mock Draft, Version 2.0Alright fan(s), here it is. DC's first "published" NFL mock draft. The differences between myself and Mel Kiper?<br />1) Kiper's a pu$y<br />2) I'm a frikkin' 225 lb IronMan<br />3) I am also quite a handsome devil<br />4) Kiper uses more hair product than me<br />5) Kiper does this for a living, whereas I do this for my cousin Jon, and so that Uncle Frank can print this out and share with my Dad and Grandpa (Kate says hi guys! Dad, send me an email!)<br /><br />I'll try to explain a little bit the reasoning of my selections-chances are your arguments will be futile against me. As a free bonus to everyone that survives my First Round mock, I will have a link to my FULL seven round mock at the end.....just kidding, I will have a best-guess at who my Browns will be taking in Rounds 4, 5, 6, and 7. This also takes into consideration the trades involving Pac Man Jones and Jerrod Allen.<br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><br />1) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Miami-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Jake Long, OT UM:</span> Already signed, moving on...<br /><br />2) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">St. Louis-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Chris Long DE <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">UVA: </span></span>see above. Great kid, great bloodlines, all-around great guy from what I've read/heard.<span style="font-size:0;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span><br />alternate: Glenn Dorsey<br /><br />3) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Atlanta-</span> <span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Glenn Dorsey DT LSU</span>: Feel free to flip-flop the guys at 2 and</span> 3</span> ATL has a ton of picks in this draft, and can really improve if they don't blow the draft. They also might reach with Matt Ryan, in order to distance themselves from Vick; however, ATL has several early picks in order to select a QB in the 2/3 rds.<br />alternate: Matt Ryan, Long<br /><br />4) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Oakland-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span >Vernon Gholston OLB/DE tOSU</span>: </span>McFadden is the popular pick, but this guy's a Rick James-Superfreak athlete. DC Rob Ryan can really showcase Gholston's many talent in his 3-4/4-3/4-6 packages. Oakland has spent a lot of money on the DL the past two years, so it might not make sense to pick VG; however, Al Davis is a space alien.<br />alternate: Darren McFadden<br /><br />5) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Kansas City-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sedrick Ellis DT USC:</span> After the Jerrod Allen trade, the Chiefs can now go for best available lineman. They could go with the Boise State OT Clady, but there is OL depth throughout the draft. Plus, HC Herm Edwards is an old defensive guy, and I just heard on NFL radio that Ellis had a great workout with the Chiefs.<br />alternate: Brandon Albert, Ryan Clady<br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span><br />6) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">New York Jets-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Darren McFadden RB Arkansas: </span>This pick will be delivered to the podium in record time, if the speedy RB is still there.<br />alternate: Gholston<br /><br />7) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">New England-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Brandon Albert, OL UVA:</span> The Pats are all over this versatile, high-character OL. UVA HC Al Groh is a friend of Beilicheck, so I'm sure there have been some B-Albert conversations the past few weeks.<br />alternate: Leodis McKelvin<br /><br />8) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Baltimore-</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Matt Ryan, QB BC:</span> ATL might snag this guy, and then look for the Ravens to go C, OT, or trade-down. Warrior Steve McNair ust retired, with tOSU QB Troy Smith perhaps being cut, the Ravens need a young QB to take over.<br />alternate: Ryan Clady, Leodis Mckelvin<br /><br />9) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Cincy-</span> <strong>Keith Rivers, OLB USC:</strong> This is the thinking of the Bengals' strategy for their first round pick: DL, Rivers, CB.<br />alternate: McKelvin, Ellis<br /><br />10) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">New Orleans-</span> <strong>Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy:</strong><br /><br />11) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Buffalo-</span> <strong>Dominick Rogers-Cromartie, CB Tenn State:</strong> Look for a tradedown by the Bills, so they can get MSU WR Devin Thomas. Thomas at 11 is a bit of a reach, so a top corner will really help fill the void left by Nate Clements.<br />alternates: Thomas, Rivers<br /><br />12) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Denver- <strong>Ryan Clady, OT Boise State:</strong> </span><br /><br /><br />13) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Carolina-</span> <strong>Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh: </strong><br /><br />14) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Chicago-</span> <strong>Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois: </strong>This is the smart pick for the Bears; hopefully they realize the Cedric Benson experiement is a wash.<br /><br />15) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Detroit-</span> <strong>Derrick Harvey, DE UF</strong><br /><br />16) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Arizona-</span> <strong>Michael Jenkins, CB USF</strong><br /><br />17) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Kansas City-</span> <strong>Chris Williams, OT Vandy</strong><br /><br />18) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Houston-</span> <strong>Felix Jones, RB Arkansas:</strong> They need help at DB, but not as much as they do at RB. Might go cason, and then try their luck with the deep RB class later.<br /><br />19) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Philly-</span> <strong>Devin Thomas, MSU WR:</strong> I also like Phil Merling here.<br /><br />20) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Tampa Bay-</span> <strong>Philip Merling, Clemson DE:</strong> I got blasted for taking this guy as the Tampa GM for a scout.com mock draft. Ask the Giants how stockpiling DL worked out for them. This guy is tough against the run, and is big enough to move inside on 3rd down. Plus he's Gaines Adams' old teammate. I'd hate for the Steelers to get this guy. Bucs go WR and CB later.<br />alternate: Antoine Cason<br /><br />21) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Washington-</span> <strong>Calais Campbell, DE The U:</strong> Very inconsistent in college; however, the DL coach he had during his best year (soph I think) is now on the Redskins staff. This guys HUGE.<br /><br />22) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Dallas-</span> <strong>Limas Sweed, WR Texas: </strong>Now that Dallas has PacMan, and Felix Jones was already taken, they look for the top WR on the board. DeSean Jackson might do OK here at 22, but Sweed has size and speed teams covet.<br /><br />23) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Pittsburgh-</span> <strong>Antoine Cason, CB Arizona:</strong> There CBs are terrible, but so is the Steeler O-line. Cherilus from BC is doable here, as well. Cason is a Cover 2 CB that can tackle.<br /><strong></strong><br /><br />24) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Tennessee-</span> <strong>Jerod May, LB Tenn</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />25) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Seattle-</span> <strong>Fred Davis, TE USC</strong><br /><br />26) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Jacksonville-</span> <strong>Kentwan Balmer, DL UNC</strong><br /><br />27) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">San Diego-</span> <strong>Jonathon Stewart, RB Oregon</strong><br /><br />28) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Dallas-</span> <strong>Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina</strong><br /><br />29) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">San Fransisco-</span> <strong>James Hardy, WR Indiana</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />30) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Green Bay-</span> <strong>Brian Brohm, QB Louisville</strong><br /><br />31) <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">New York Giants-<strong> Tyrell Johnson, S Ark State</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Browns picks</em></strong><br /><br />Rd 4 Antuan Molden, CB Eastern Kentucky<br /><br />Rd 5 JoLonn Dunbarr, ILB, BC<br /><br />Rd 6 Vincent Redd, DE/OLB Liberty (6'6" 260, 4.6 40)<br /><br />Rd 7 Xavier Omon, RB Northwest Missouri State (5'11, 228#, 4.52 40)<br /><br /><br /><br />UDFAs<br /><br />Andy Studebacker OLB Wheaton<br />Marcus Dixon DE Hampton<br />Devone Bess, WR Hawaii<br />Cory Boyd, RB South CarolinaDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-50877013914244039942008-04-04T15:00:00.000-07:002008-04-04T15:23:08.061-07:00Mandatoried......It about two weeks, I'll be moving to a new station, shift, and crew-all thanks to the powers-that-be. Since I was such a go-getter in my first two years at the F.D., I was able to get qualified to ride on a Ladder Truck quicker than most. As a result, I became the least senior Truck Guy. Now I am transferred to an Aerial in the outermost section of the County, whereas my current assignment is about a 15 minute drive away. Thankfully, I know have a Ford Expedition as my personal vehicle, so I'm pretty stoked about the additional gas I'll be buying. <br /> My new station averages enough calls/day so that it is consistently in the top five LEAST busiest stations in the County; however, my current station is always one of the busiest. Less calls means: less fires, less entrapments, less good calls, less driving the engine, and less opportunities for me to maintain my work-related skills. Not to mention that there isn't any workout equipment at my new station.<br /> The worst part of the whole thing is that I'll be leaving my crew, which is basically of my closest, best friends, and family combined into one (still a distant second to my girls though). Plus they will be on a different shift than I, so getting together will always be a major obstacle for me. This is something that I will definitely need to work on....<br /> After a few weeks of going through all the phases of grieving, I have been on acceptance for a few days now. I could go one of two directions with this transfer: (1) Piss, moan, mope, and not do anything to better myself, or (2) Use it as an opportunity to make myself better. I've chosen Option #2. I plan on hitting the books pretty hard for the upcoming promotional exam in the fall, taking 1-2 classes online at UCF, and will try to learn everything I can about my new truck. I also plan on bringing my bike trainer out of retirement, and will use my new idle time to get back into triathlon shape.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-53184888264039453392008-03-29T19:02:00.000-07:002008-03-29T20:05:28.465-07:00DC's mock draft-version 1.0No comments on my end for V1, I'll put some in with comments right before the draft-prolly week of. Discuss. (no I am not an OSU homer, I am just thinking that the Phins will be able to get this guy signed quicker). I hope I don't miss a guy with all my cut & paste...<br /><br /><br /><br />1. Miami - <b>Vernon Gholston</b>, DE, The Ohio State University<br />2. St. Louis - <b>Jake Long</b>, OT, Michigan<br />3. Atlanta - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris</span><b> Long</b>, DE, Virginia<br />4. Oakland - <b>Darren McFadden</b>, RB, Arkansas<br />5. Kansas City - <b>Glenn Dorsey</b>, DT, LSU<br />6. New York Jets - <b>Rashard Mendenhall</b>, RB, Illinois<br />7. New England - <b>Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie </b>CB Tenn. St.<br />8. Baltimore - <b>Ryan Clady </b>OT Boise St<br />9. Cincinnati - <b>Sedrick Ellis</b>, DT, USC<br />10. New Orleans - <b>Leodis McKelvin, <span style="font-weight: bold;">CB,Troy</span></b><br />11. Buffalo<i>- </i><b>James Hardy</b>, WR, Indiana<br />12. Denver - <b>Malcolm Kelly</b>, WR, Oklahoma<br />13. <b><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></b><em> Carlolina- </em><b>Matt Ryan</b>, QB, Boston College<br />14. Chicago - <span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Chris Williams, OT, Vandy</span></span><br />15. Detroit - <b>Derrick Harvey</b>, DE, Florida<br />16. Arizona - <b>Keith Rivers,</b> LB USC<br />17. Minnesota - <b>Philip Merling</b>, DE, Clemson<br />18. Houston - <b>Kenny Phillips</b>, S, The University of Miami<br />19. Philadelphia - <b>Limas Sweed </b>WR Texas<br />20. Tampa Bay - <b>DeSean Jackson, </b>WR, Cal<br />21. Washington - <strong>Calais Campbell,</strong> DE, The University of Miami<br />22. Dallas - <b>Felix Jones</b>, RB, Arkansas<br />23. Pittsburgh - <strong> Jeff Otah,</strong> OT, Pitt<br />24. Tennessee - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aquib Talib</span>, CB, Kansas<br />25. Seattle -<strong> Brandon Albert, OG Virginia</strong><br />26. Jacksonville - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kentwan Balmer</span>, DL, UNC<br />27. San Deigo<em> -<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jonathon Stewart</span>, RB, Oregon</em><br />28. Dallas -<strong> Mike Jenkins, CB, USF</strong><br />29. San Francisco <strong>Devin Thomas,</strong> WR, Michigan State<br />30. Green Bay - <strong>Brandon Flowers,</strong> CB, Virginia Tech<br />31. New York Giants - <strong>Dan Connor, LB, Penn State</strong>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-45782600052412926942008-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:002008-04-04T15:27:00.608-07:00What should I take on next???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wBsvqkT3T7_KKSeGXgLVELeeWWGs0kjNyDXiGcQBFH5nN4UkfUme30IbwL3Wilqr28JNZeu7ELfBtJD9lPggWNWNYQZxMu5SAlaYAjwBi1K0YFdp_6EJgJP41xsliNlbp6cYcPYi98_2/s1600-h/baby1+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178057348208993058" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wBsvqkT3T7_KKSeGXgLVELeeWWGs0kjNyDXiGcQBFH5nN4UkfUme30IbwL3Wilqr28JNZeu7ELfBtJD9lPggWNWNYQZxMu5SAlaYAjwBi1K0YFdp_6EJgJP41xsliNlbp6cYcPYi98_2/s200/baby1+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I try to stay pretty active both at work, and in my off-time. I was pretty hard into triathlons about two years ago, and have finished three half Ironman distance and one IronMan distance events. My training fell off pretty hard after 9/15/2007, shortly after this one made her arrival. I love my new life with my girls, and I am in no way lamenting my new lifestyle. As fulfilling as finishing those longer races is, they in no way compare to how awesome my life is now. But I am a person who enjoys competing in sports, and I am fairly bullheaded in acknowledging my decaying body. </div><div></div><div>I have been able to run on a fairly consistent basis, some inconsistent weight training, as well as trying to keep up with guys ten years my junior playing 4-on-4 flag football every Sunday. Unfortunately, I am eating like someone with a tapeworm training for the IronMan. So the gut aka "The Shed"(as you always build a shed over your best tool), continues to grow. Nutrition is another matter; anyways, triathlon season has just begun, and I am in now way ready for it. So I plan on looking in to some other different ways to train, compete, have fun, and (most important) get back home in a reasonable fashion. So here are some options:</div><div></div><div><em>April 18 Florida Firefighter Combat Challenge-Gainesville, FL</em>: This is the FF race that you've probably seen on ESPN a few times. I've only done it twice for time, and I've done pretty well. Mind you, it wasn't in this type of setting; however, it was a competitive one. It's an event that plays into my strengths: racing up stairs, hitting things, carrying dummies, all in FF turnout gear/airpack, and breathing airpack air. BTW I weight over 300 lbs. in all my gear.</div><div><a href="http://www.firefighter-challenge.com/index.htm"><em>http://www.firefighter-challenge.com/index.htm</em></a></div><div></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>April 12 300 Challenge-Longwood, FL</em>: The 300 workout is a pretty intense series of exercises performed non-stop, that was used for testing the fitness of all the extras in the Sparta Blockbuster <strong>300. </strong>A local tri/cycling race director is trying to put together a "300 Challenge" competition, where you would perform the exercises for time. And with perfect form.</div><div><br />25x Pull-up +<br />50x Deadlift @ 135# +<br />50x Push-up +<br />50x Box Jump @ 24” box +<br />50x Floor Wiper @ 135# (one-count) +<br />50x KettleBall Clean and Press @ 36# (KB must touch floor between reps) +<br />25x Pull-up</div><div></div><div>That is the actual workout that the extras used, and it is tough! The below version is what I would do; however, it is still tough in its own right. I did this workout on Wednesday night, and I woke up more sore than I was the day after IMFL!</div><div><br />25 pushups +<br />50 lunges +<br />50 box jumps (16″) +<br />50 sit ups +<br />50-push press (2×15) +<br />50 air squats +<br />25 pushups</div><div></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>4/24 IOA Corporate 5K-Downtown Orlando:</em> I've done this race 2-3 times before. It's a five minute drive from Castle Coughlin, free (depending on which of my employers I enter under), and there is a big block party inside the Citrus Bowl afterwards. What really sucks about this race is the 5,000 other participants-many of which don't really have much road race etiquette. Last year, I did the race along with a couple other FFs that finished the 5K all while wearing full turnout gear-no airpack(with running shoes, of course). The race was hot as balls, I must have lost 5 pounds during the 3.1 mile run. I managed to maintain a manageble pace, without stopping to walk, and finished just under 30:00. I think there was one guy in FF gear that finished faster than me, but no one really cared or noticed. This year should have almost 50 FFs running in gear, so I will probably thrown my hat into the ring for this one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EDIT by Dave 4/3/2008<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Well cousins, I've taken your opinions under advisement, and I do believe that I will give each of these events a try. All three events three weekends in a row, and if my schedule permits I'll try 'em all. I'll post my results.....</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-28684472124806260092008-03-10T11:55:00.000-07:002008-03-10T12:20:41.817-07:00Quite Impressive, cousinsNow that I've got a couple weeks of blog-hopping under my belt, I have become quite impressed with the blogs that my two younger cousins, Jon and Shea, have been putting together. I have always thought that blogs were kinda foolish, as my prior knowledge of "blogging" was that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> jackbag</span> (yes I'm going to try to trademark that word as a DC original; feel free to use it, but don't forget to credit me) Perez Hilton. I have a blog set up through myspace, and there is a bunch of wedding, triathlon, and other random pictures. This blog is primarily set up so that my relatives and friends outside Central Florida can keep up on the goings-on of our family down here.....mainly for Katherine Grace updates. Anyways, back to blogging relatives.<br /><br /> Eventually, I'll put links up to their websites-sorry, my computer knowledge is fairly limited outside the realms of gambling or porn (j/k). I am very impressed at how these folks can fill pages and pages on a daily basis. When I finished that entry on the Cavs, I took a four-hour nap. Shea is got pictures in every entry, and Jon's recruiting REAL journalists for his....man I though I was doing something when I included that fire pic last week. <br /><br /> I'll keep looking to my younger relatives for ideas on improving this thing; keep your expectations low, and you won't be disappointed. I guess that;s why I shoulda finished college....Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-48633876102947961992008-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:002008-02-28T16:31:35.830-08:00Talking Cavs fans off the ledges, post-tradeChicago gets: Larry Hughes<br /> Drew Gooden<br /><br />Seattle gets: Shannon Brown<br /> Donyell Marshall<br /> Ira Newble<br /> Cedric Simmons<br /><br />Cleveland gets: Ben Wallace<br /> Wally Szcerbiak<br /> Delonte West<br /> Joe Smith<br /> Second round draft pick in 2009<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> The normally low-key Cavs made quite a splash as the 2008 NBA trading deadline arrived, trading away over half their team with two swift moves. This makes the Cavs a much better playoff team; however, they will look worse rather than better in the impending games. As of last night, the Cavs area 1-2 after this trade: beating down a cellar-dweller, a last-second loss, and a flat display last night against the Celtics. I figured that there would be some Cavs fans ready to throw it all away, at this point. So let's take a breath, and re-examine the trade. Here are the main players in the two trades.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hughes: </span>HomeSkillet came in as a big-$$ FA a few years back to play Robin to LBJ's Batman, only because we couldn't get local boy Michael Redd from the Buck's death grip. Our loss. Hughes has missed A TON of games, and has really fallen flat on being the #2 scorer we needed/still need. He can still D it up, and did so last year in the playoffs for us; however, he just isn't a consistent enough performer. Plus, that contract....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gooden:</span> A legit scorer in the paint, pretty good rebounder, and a huge talent coming out of Kansas. I got to see him quite often when he was in Orlando, before the trade to Cleveland. Great guy, he does a lot of stuff to help out underprivelged kids in the towns that he plays in. Hopefully he will continue his work in Chicago, as it will be needed. As you can tell, I really like Drew, I hope he doesn't get lost in the sea of unproven big men in Chicago. He is very often prone to brain farts, and not only on the defensive side of the floor. Terrible lapses in judgement, which make one project objects into the TV. He probably won't get better, will probably never be an all-star, and probably shouldn't be a starter on a Championship-level team. But I still like the guy, his contract.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marshall:</span> Every once in a while, he could give some hard minutes at the 4 spot. Lately his 3-point shooting has gone the way of the drummer from Def Leppard. I liked him as an end-of-the-bench type player, and not much more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Newble:</span> A Miami U guy, and another good guy at the end of a bench. I was really impressed how he was playing right before the All-star break, starting at the shooting guard, and playing tough on both sides of the court. Mainly traded for his salary, and I'd love to see him back with us next year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brown: </span>Yet another Cavs draft pick that didn't pan out-this is my shocked face. I don't know why he didn't play out, and I knew he was gone after the season. Let's hope he doesn't come back to lead the Sonics to the Promised Land...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simmons:</span> filler<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wallace: </span>People in Cleveland are asking themselves "how did we get rid of Hughes' contract?" People in Chicago are asking "how did we get rid of Wallace's contract?" If Big Ben can find motivation, and start owning the defensive side of the court, then the Cavs will be happy. So far, he has been rebounding better, and playing within the team's D will come.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wally:</span> An Ohio legend comes home. Seriously, without me taking Wally completely into my mouth, this move makes sense. He is the long-range shooter that we've needed since Jason Kapono left, even though we never played him. He will be a liability on D, hopefully coach Mike Brown will be able to hide him amongst our other players. In his second game, he had more minutes than LBJ. He has been shooting quite poorly, but that should work itself out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">West: </span>I haven't heard much about this guy, but every article about this trade has raved about this guy. I saw him play last night against Boston, and I really liked what I saw from this kid. No he is not Jason Kidd or Mike Bibby; however, he is a smart young kid. Someone that won't go 2-19, and someone that WILL move over and play more 2 when LBJ is in the zone. Bonus points if he can shoot the three.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smith:</span> What's not to like about this guy? Points in the paint, smart, tries on D, plays within himself. Good pickup as the fourth guy in a trade.<br /><br /> Try to picture this lineup in the playoffs. Smith, Z, Varajeo, Wallace. That's 24 fouls that can be spent punishing Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, or any other Eastern conference big. This move was clearly made by GM Danny Ferry for our run in the playoffs, and is a win-now trade that might give us our PG of the future. So come off that ledge, fellow Cavs fans, and let's watch this team gel together. If we lose to the Magic in the first round, I'll be the one leading the ledge party.....Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706025979942181374.post-18472053287434338852008-02-28T15:09:00.000-08:002008-02-28T15:11:52.612-08:00First BlogHooray, I'm viral.....er, something like that.<br /><br />I am going to be flipping between this and my myspace blog, but I'll put better stuff over on this one.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633585288686823718noreply@blogger.com2