May 30th, 2012 - One Year Ago...

The morning of Memorial Day is usually a hectic one within our household.  Avon Lake has a Memorial Day parade that involves veterans, our high school marching band, our local officials, businesses who care to participate in the parade, and Little League teams sporting their garb.  Naturally, we love to attend the parade to enjoy the festivities.

On the morning of May 30th, 2011, I received a phone call from my best friend Bob that did not surprise me, but did sadden me.

Jim Tressel had announced his resignation as head coach of Ohio State.

Arriving at the Avon Lake Memorial Day parade, I met up with several friends who asked me what I thought of the resignation.  The news that Luke Fickell had been named interim head coach was not surprising to me, as Fickell was previously named to manage Ohio State's team during Coach Tressel's five game suspension.

Even after one year...Even after the Sports Illustrated article that was largely based on anonymous sources, even after Ohio State staggered to a 6-7 record in 2011 under Coach Fickell, even after Ohio State hired Urban Meyer, even after Ohio State was hit by the NCAA with a bowl ban for the 2012 season...

There is a feeling of sadness.  A feeling of this is not how it was supposed to end.  A feeling that people were never truly allowed to say "thank you", for all that Coach Tressel accomplished in his career at Ohio State.

Yes, I will acknowledge that Coach Tressel should have handled this whole situation better.  Yes, I will acknowledge that Coach Tressel only has himself to blame for how this turned out.

But I will ask you...when you watch this clip...and you remember the 2002 National Championship year...Or the victories over Michigan...

Don't you understand why I say there is a feeling of sadness?
Recently, I purchased a t-shirt that I believe summarizes my feelings, even after one year...

Coach Tressel - thank you.

The New BCS - Airfare alone is at least $1500

With the news by Jim Delany and The Big Ten that on-campus sites would not be considered for the upcoming playoff system, I wanted to investigate what this would mean for fans across The Big Ten.  I realize that Ohio State is ineligible for postseason play, but I wanted to get an idea as to what Mr. Delany, Gene Smith, and other Big Ten athletic directors are seriously asking of their fans with their new proposal to include The Rose Bowl as part of the playoff system.

Today is May 17, 2012.  Using Expedia, I selected Indianapolis as my first destination.  I live in the Cleveland area, and yes, I would probably drive from Cleveland to Indianapolis, but I wanted to get an idea on airfare. 

Let's suppose I want to go to the Rose Bowl.  Traveling frequently for work, I know that it is less expensive to fly in and out of LAX, versus the Burbank airport that is closer to Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl...

My picture I have attached clips off the bottom portion of the LA flight that would require someone to leave directly after the Rose Bowl to catch a red eye...

Of course, my Big Ten is hypothetically in the running for the national championship.  This year, the national championship is being played in Miami on January 7, 2013...

For those of you keeping score at home, that is $405.60 + $666.80 + $481.60 for a grand total of $1554.00.  I have deliberately purchased tickets at lower cost via Expedia, flying in and out of these locations the day before, as well as the day after. 

Even more importantly...I have not purchased tickets, a hotel to stay at, or food.  And this is May - what do you think these costs will be in December, when fans are trying to find flights during the holiday season?  Does anyone within the athletic leadership of The Big Ten truly believe fans will travel to all of these games?  Does anyone care that the fans, who have been clamoring for a playoff system, have been shut out in the name of preserving a tradition that most cannot afford to attend?

I will be sending this post to Mr. Smith, as well as Mr. Delany, for their thoughts on this issue.  I will let you know when, or if, I hear back from them.  For my two cents, this idea makes the naming of the divisions Legends and Leaders seem brilliant by comparison.

Maurice Clarett & ESPN's "30 For 30" in 2012

ESPN's "30 For 30" will be coming out with a volume 2 this fall. Maurice Clarett, Ohio State's prodigal son, will be one of the features.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Thanks to all the moms out there for what you do today, but everyday, for and with your families. Looking forward to celebrating with my Mom Shepard, my sisters, my Mom, and especially my lovely wife Colleen. Enjoy your day.