Bisons Basketball Travel Log
On the road with "The Voice of the Bisons" Jonathan Seamon
Throughout the 2009-2010 basketball season Jonathan Seamon will be keeping a blog of his travels with the men’s basketball team. Jonathan has served as the radio announcer for the Bisons since his first days on the Lipscomb campus in 1973. After graduating in 1977, Jonathan returned to the Lipscomb campus in 1979 working as Director of Sports Information and Public Information. In 1987, Jonathan was appointed Assistant Athletic Director before becoming Assistant Vice President for Athletic Administration in 1989. In 1991, Jonathan assumed the daily operations of the Lipscomb Athletic Department, being named Director of Athletics, a position he would serve in until his retirement in 2000. In 2000 Jonathan was honored by the NAIA by being inducted into the NAIA National Hall of Fame. Since leaving Lipscomb Jonathan has served as the Family Life Minister at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. He was inducted into the Lipscomb Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010 - 9:24 P.M. CT - NASHVILLE, TN
Wednesday 3-4-10
The day after….time does heal.
Shock waves went through the Bison Nation on Wednesday as the Bisons lost to Kennesaw State in the opening round of the A-Sun Tournament. Number 8—knocks off Number 1!
During my thirty years of following the Bisons…I have enjoyed a lot of victories and I have suffered through some tough loses.
This was one of the toughest.
And as bad as I felt…I hurt even more for the players, the coaches and the athletic staff. I know this was a tough loss for the team. I am not taking anything away from Kennesaw State. They played a great game and deserved to win the game.
Within an hour of losing the game…the team was on the bus…headed back to Nashville. The coaches spent some time discussing the game…and Coach Sanderson watched the game tape. I know that was painful. But, you must go on. Part of getting over a loss---involves reviewing the tape---so you can make adjustment for the next game….even if the next game is next year.
The team arrived in Nashville just before 10 pm Nashville time. They unloaded the bus and then headed to the locker room to put up their gear, enjoy a little pizza and try to put this game behind them.
The Baseball team bus arrived at the loading dock—about the time we had the basketball bus unloaded. Coach Forehand and his Bisons had picked up their first win of the season yesterday. However, like all of us…he appeared to be a little down…due to the Basketball loss.
Trevor and Benjamin arrived about 30 minutes behind the bus…we unloaded equipment…and I took Benjamin over to the Lipscomb Village---and then I headed by Brentwood Hills…to check on a few things before heading home.
I had slept a little on the bus---but, I was tired when I got home---but I take losses pretty hard…and it took me a while before I drifted off to sleep! Then a couple of hours later---I woke up with a tooth ache!
Double nightmare!
As the day progressed…things got a little better…time does heal.
It is just a game. And as much as we hate to lose…only one team can win. This year the A-Sun had the closest race ever. Four teams tied for first place---and the Bisons got the number one seed---by winning the tie breaker.
Three of the four teams…lost their opening round games---#4 Campbell and #3 Belmont went down today. Only #2 Jacksonville is the only team in the top of the bracket to advance.
Saturday 3-6-10
Jacksonville lost Friday night…so that ended the Bisons hopes for an NIT bid---as Mercer advanced to the finals…to meet ETSU---Number 5 vs Number 6---for the A-Sun Championship. The Top four teams…go down in defeat. ETSU…wins the championship---and back to back NCAA bids.
Now we can begin planning for next year----just over eight months until practice officially begins!
So, that’s it for now…enjoy the spring sports, March Madness, and we hope to be back with you next fall…til then…it is time to “Put it in the Bookâ€.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010 - 10:38 A.M. ET - MACON, GA
March Madness begins today.
My wake-up call went off at 6:00 am (Nashville Time)---it was a short night.
I had slept for a few hours…before Benjamin arrived at about 2:45 am (Eastern time). Trevor, Benjamin, Brad Wyatt and the BISON---were all squeezed in a car! They traveled with brief cases on their laps (except for Trevor—he was driving) and they made the non-stop trip from Nashville to Macon! No bathroom stops for that crew…they had their game face on…and were on a mission to get here!
Benjamin says there was non-stop talking in effort to keep everyone awake! They even read a pre-released copy of the travel log---to help keep them awake! That is amazing—because it usually puts them to sleep!
The team gathered in the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn about 7:45 this morning---they players enjoyed some fruit---and then the short (about a half mile) ride to the University Center. Our ‘shoot around’ was scheduled for about 8:25---and you get exactly 25 minutes. Under the tournament guidelines and rules---you can’t touch the balls—until they start the clock!
Coach Sanderson wanted the team up early…to help get the blood flowing through their body…and to start getting them focused for our first game today at 1:30 pm Nashville time. Our extended Countdown to Tipoff will begin at 1:00 pm….click on the “streaming audio†link to listen to our broadcast.
During shoot around…several of us checked out the interview room and the press working area. Eric Moyer of the A-Sun media relations—confirmed that this year is the closest race in this league’s history---we have never had four (4) teams tied for first place---and the next team just one game back! The table is set for a great tournament!
The players went back to their rooms to rest. The will gather downstairs for a pre-game meal at 10:30 (local time). I might end up walking or hitching a ride to get to the University Center early…since Benjamin and I have to go by get our media passes.
When I was unloading and unpacking last night…I figured out…that as always…I brought a lot of stuff. I have all my notes from the season…for basketball…and a brief case of work for Brentwood Hills! I usually bring too much clothes---looks like this trip is no exception---however, that is not the case for athletic trainer Anthony Robertson---who discovered he forgot to pack his dress shirts. He has got to pick up three---to get us through the tournament! Hey, we can cut him some slack…he does a great job with our “food arrangements†on the road!
Time for pre-game….get ready to tune in…and cheer on the Bisons! It will soon be time to ‘Put it in the Bookâ€!
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010 - 11:29 P.M. ET - MACON, GA
I cut it to close today….
I was told that we were leaving at 1:45….and I wanted to be at the arena by 1:15…know we would most likely leave around 1:30…however, I was running late…from a morning meeting, a lunch meeting and stopping by the office….to make sure that I had taken care of all of the last minute details!
As I arrived at the bus…I saw that it was loaded…only Brandon Brown had not got on the bus….so—I threw my stuff under the bus…and then parked my truck in the garage…and hustled back to the “sleeper busâ€!
Luckily…..I got on the bus…and I think Justin Glenn---had gotten off the bus---so I actually was not the last one on the bus! (At least in my mind….and by the way we pulled out before 1:45 pm).
This “sleeper bus†is designed a little differently…and it would not rate as high as our last bus…but it is still nice to have nice seats…and bunks! Several of the guys have been sleeping…others studying (Justin Glenn has a test waiting on him when we arrive in Macon)…video games…movies…and satellite TV.
We just finished dinner at Ippolito’s (This restaurant is rated as one of our favorites! I would say this stop---and the place we eat at in Spartanburg would rank 1-2---now I can’t forget the China Farm in Arizona---and the great Buffet in Orange city…wow we have a long list of great places to eat) in Kennesaw, Georgia…and now we are heading down I-75 through Atlanta—watching Vanderbilt and Florida on TV.
Through most of the afternoon…I have been on the computer…emailing and working. My Verizon wireless will allow five others to log on…so Michael Teller, Shaun Senters, and Brandon Barnes have been on the internet here in the front of the bus.
Clint and Garrett Sanderson are on the bus for this trip…and I am proud of Clint…he has been working on his homework!
You get spoiled on these buses…. Because you can relax…watch TV…and you share and talk a little more with the players and the coaches. I think Coach Sanderson like this type of bus…and it does make for good travel.
I almost didn’t come on the bus. (Not because they almost left me!) Andy Lane and several from the Athletic Department left this morning---about an hour ahead of the bus….and at first I was going to be with them in Tennessee Car and Van---that was when the men thought about leaving yesterday…since we play at 1:30 Nashville time on Wednesday. However, the players wanted to travel today…so I decide to come on the bus.
The original plan called for the Jim Wood Golden Bisons Luncheon to be today—and I was going to leave with Andy and the others after the luncheon. However, the luncheon was moved to Monday—to help simplify matters.
Speaking of the luncheon, Charlie Anderson---the legendary high school and junior college basketball coach was the guest…and he did an excellent job. He has a lot of great stories to share.
Meanwhile, the next wave…leaves tonight. Trevor Garrett had a class tonight---so Trevor and Benjamin are leaving about 9 pm tonight….and Lipscomb Director of Safety and Security---Brad Wyatt will be traveling with the boys…to give them a little extra protection tonight! Talked to Benjamin…and they are on the road. I will leave the light on! He says, “get your snoring done before I get thereâ€!
The Bisons…are getting focused for their opening game in the Atlantic Sun Tournament. Today it was announced that Adnan Hodzic is the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year…and Josh Slater joined him on the All A-Sun first team. Both are well deserved.
We arrived here about 8:30 Nashville time---about seven hours with a stop for dinner and fuel.
Ben Wiles…sent me several emails last week…with all the possibilities of the tie-breakers---after the Bisons won Saturday…he sent me this email….
Jonathan,
Sorry we missed seeing you on Saturday. The drive in from KY took a little longer than we thought with the Interstate closures, so by the time we got there you were already on the air. Then the concession stand ran out of food, so we had to leave before the nets were all the way down. Seven-year-olds get hungry, apparently. Who would have guessed?
Anyway, we'll be listening along while y'all are in Macon. Hoping to yell out Saturday night, "Put it in the Bracket!" Then, of course, I'll have to explain to everybody at the church watch party what that means. :-)
Go Bisons!
-Ben Wiles
I hope we can start “putting it in the book†tomorrow afternoon…as the tournament gets underway!
Hopefully the team is in bed---sleeping and getting plenty of rest….we have to meet at the bus at 8 am Eastern time…to go to shoot around…and then we will have our pre-game meal around 10:30 am---(four hours before our tip-off).
Hope you will click on streaming audio…and listen to our broadcast tomorrow…we begin our coverage with the countdown to tip-off at 1:00pm central time…because it is time for Post Season Play---and time to “Put it in the Bookâ€
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010 - 2:34 P.M. ET - DELAND, FL
A little change in plans.
This often happens on the road. Sometimes, you think that you are going to stay with the standard routine---Breakfast , shoot around, pre-game and then on to the gym for the game.
However, today…the Lady Bisons are playing at 2 pm Nashville time…and the men don’t play until 6 pm tonight---a split session. Trevor, Benjamin and Ryan---have worked all morning…putting together a plan…where they could get to both games…and also a pre-game meal at the “Market Street Grillâ€---some of the best “sweet rolls†around! However, the Bisons are not eating there today…due to staying in Orange City (about a 15-20 minute drive to Stetson).
The women’s broadcast team had a great plan…they were going to go to the men’s shoot around…and then be dropped off at the “Grill†for a pre-game meal….and then walk back to the Edmunds Center….here on the historic Stetson Campus…just a few blocks from downtown DeLand, Florida. The boys would enjoy the cinnamon rolls---while the rest of us could only dream about them!
However, the Bisons elected not to have a shoot around today. Since there is so much time between the two games---the Bisons elected to go over the scouting report at noon and then bus to a nearby mall for a little “leg stretchingâ€---I wouldn’t say the Bisons are going shopping---they are just going out walking to get out of the hotel. The team would then leave for pre-game around 3 pm local time---before coming over to the Edmunds center early for some extra shooting before the game.
Since the teams are playing a spilt game today…I decided to hitch a ride with the Lady Bisons and join Trevor, Benjamin and Ryan at the women’s game. The “media guys†grabbed a sandwich for lunch…I decided that I would wait…have a little pop corn at the game…and then prepare for the Sonny’s Bar B Q that is planned for the post-game meal.
I think the “media guys†(Trevor, Benjamin and Ryan) are working on a plan to get some “cinnamon rolls†between games.
Meanwhile, we have been gathered around the computer…listening to my old hometown radio station---WDSL-1520am—in Mocksville, NC----they do streaming of the Carolina basketball games. Yes, another loss for the heels…as they fall by four points to Boston College. It has been a tough year for the 2009 National Champions.
Live streaming on the internet---the way you listen to the Bisons and the Lady Bisons…has been one of the biggest changes in my broadcasting career. We still broadcast over telephone lines---the same way we did---40 years ago when I began my radio broadcasting---however now we can be hear world-wide on the internet! Pete Froedden will join us on the broadcast again tonight---via texting ---another first in my broadcasting career that we experienced on Thursday night at Florida Gulf Coast.
Ryan---wanted me to mention that he was on target last night with underhanded half-court shots! By the way, he has posted a video to our Travel Log….so several pictures…and video on our travel log this trip.
The Lady Bisons have a big game today---they must win their next three games---and Stetson must lose two (including today.) Coach Bennett is working hard—along with the rest of his staff---and they all know the importance of this afternoon’s game.
Last night---after the Lady Bison practice and dinner…Frank joined Benjamin, Trevor and I in the Holiday Inn Express Breakfast area….to swap some old stories! Frank and I have a lot of memories----from a lot of road trips---and games!
The Bisons…have not won here in the Edmunds center---since joining the NCAA. Hopefully we can stop that streak tonight. Stetson’s men’s team post-season hopes are over….they have been eliminated from the A-Sun race---so I hope that ---they will not want to play the spoiler tonight. But knowing---what I know—I can expect them coming out tonight---trying to knock off the Bisons.
I hope our four Bisons (Burgason, Slater, Wright and Teller)---who are rank in the top 12 in the A-Sun in 3 point shooting percentage---will have a big night tonight---so we can---‘Put it in the Book’!
Editor's Note: New video added at the bottom of Friday's post of the Bisons visit to the Gulf of Mexico)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010 - 5:01 P.M. ET - ORANGE CITY, FL
Two days in a row!
Yes, two days in a row…I headed to the workout room to get in a 25 minute bike ride (good for the artificial knee!) This morning I headed down early…and that gave Benjamin over an hour of sleep…without waking up to my snoring!
After the bike ride---I enjoyed my breakfast and a little conversation with Lady Bisons assistant coach Billy Snell. He was up early…getting thing ready to go…since the women were leaving about an hour ahead of the Bisons.
The Bisons were gathering at 9:30 to eat and then load the bus…with a planned departure of 10 am. (That means to be there at least 15 minutes ahead of the announced time.) We did leave the Fort Myers/Naples area around 10 am---and we arrived in Orange City at 2 pm local time. The women went to eat first….and the men stopped at the Holiday Inn Express first. As the Bisons were trying to get in their rooms---the Lady Bisons arrived. We soon learned that many of the rooms weren’t ready.
So, the men left their luggage and headed to lunch. Nearly two hours later…all of the rooms still aren’t ready and several Lady Bisons and Bisons are sitting in the breakfast area---talking---studying---working on computers---and the coaches are still working on logistics trying to get everyone their room. Coach Bennett and his staff have had a two hour wait here in the hotel lobby…at least the Bisons were on the bus our eating at Stacey’s Buffet! Coach Bennett---told me they called ahead for early check-in and now they aren’t even able to make normal check-in!
Now the Lady Bisons had lunch at Sonny’s Bar-B-Q---a great place to eat! Meanwhile the Bisons—decide to gamble on a local buffet. Anthony and Shaun had researched a few place on the internet while we were coming down the road on the bus! They selected Stacey’s Buffet. Trevor and I started using our GPS on our phones…and the bus driver and Anthony started checking on his GPS…and we located Stacey’s---about 1.7 miles from our hotel!
We loaded back on the bus for the short ride. Along the way we passed over 20---nationally known chain restaurants on our way to Stacey’s. As we approached the buffet---you could hear some of the players mumbling under their breath---they also spotted a CiCi’s Pizza Buffet---and they almost broke out into a chant to go for the Pizza.
However, Coach Shaun had selected the buffet…and he was day dreaming about the fried chicken and the hundreds of other items we were about to enjoy. For you see when Shaun was a player….almost every meal was at Ryan’s Steak Buffet (Usually a big salad bar and water…but that is another story for another day).
As we prepared to enter the buffet---the big questions was how will Stacey’s rate to the China Buffet that we eat at in Arizona??? It had everyone having second thoughts---until we entered and conquered!
As we were getting off the bus Shaun remarked, “If it’s not any good we’ll pick up a happy meal at McDonalds (located next door)!
As it turned out---I think everyone enjoyed the buffet. Plenty of food---and a lot of great ice cream! I think everyone found something or a lot of something that they could eat!
Like most places---everywhere we go---the locals are impressed with the size of some of our players. Today---a group of senior citizens---“snowbirds†from up north---really enjoyed talking to the players and the coaches! They were very impressed with the players---and the coaches. We learned that they have a group---a community---that comes to this part of the country every year. And, they eat lunch at Stacey’s seven days a week! They don’t cook…they just gather around a big round table at Stacey’s to eat and talk every day! A waitress told us---“they eat at the same table everydayâ€---so they have to make sure no one gets their seat! This is like their home and they told us that it is the best food in town!
Coach Sanderson made several friends…and I think a few of the crowd are planning to come to our game tomorrow night. Trevor said he thought if Coach Sanderson had had a few National Bison Club Applications he could have signed up some new members!
About 4:15 local time…Benjamin and I got our room---Coach Jay and Trevor are still waiting on their room…and I think everyone else has a room…and most are taking a nap…before we head to practice at about 6:30 tonight.
Our bus driver promised us that he would stop near Tampa for Milos (and others) to have a chance to see the Gulf/Ocean. As we crossed a BIG bridge heading into the Tampa Bay area…we pulled off at a rest area at the end of the bridge.
Coach Sanderson told Milos…he thought we might find a beach---but instead it was a rocky bank! Ryan Daly had his flip camera out documenting the stop…and Trevor and I also took a few pictures (we’ll try to post some of the pictures or videos). Everyone enjoyed the stop…many were hoping for a sandy beach (maybe we should drive over to Daytona…we are close to the Atlantic now)---but we did get to see a couple of Dolphins out in the bay!
Many of the players were sleeping….when we made our way through Orlando on I-4. We were with a rock’s throw of Mickey Mouse land! This is a great time to come to Disney World and over the next few weeks this area will be flooded with Spring Breakers!
I tried to watch the Tiger Woods statement…but my connection to News Channel 5---kept locking-up---so I just listened to the audio from ESPN.com (ESPN radio)---and the rest of the trip I listen to a podcast replay of last night’s Bison game---and then started listening to our broadcast of the Stetson game. I try to listen to the game the next day…to evaluate the broadcast the same way the coaches and players breakdown tape. I then go back and listen to the first game of the conference series…to refresh my mind about the game, the players and other key points from the game. I still have to finish the Stetson game…which was played back on January 2nd---almost a season ago!
Time for a little nap…so let’s, “Put it in the Bookâ€!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 - 11:53 P.M. ET - FT. MYERS, FL
Game Day...
On the road...games days are pretty routine. Breakfast at the hotel at 9 am---video/scouting report at 10 am--shoot around about 11 am---a snack--back for a nap (or in my case--a little work--emails, etc---pre-game between 3 and 3:30 and the back to the hotel before heading over to the arena.
The Bisons had their pre-game meal at Marsala---an Italian Restaurant---located in a strip mall by a Publics Grocery Store. We have several favorite places to eat in each of the A-Sun tournaments---and this is one of those places!
Benjamin, Trevor and Ryan---had their own pre-game meal at Ruby Tuesdays. (They are doing double duty working at both the Lady Bisons and the Bisons game---and can’t hit the teams pre-games--due to shoot around and other activities.)
Trevor has a few pictures to post...that I took near the Florida Gulf Coast Arena...to let you experience the beautiful weather in Florida.
The Lady Bisons ... had a tough game tonight...agains the top team in the A-Sun. The Ladies have now set an NCAA era record---one you don’t want to set---losing their 11th straight game. You really hate it for the team...and the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, the Bisons put together another good performance---jumping on FGCU 11-0---before the Eagles came back to tie it...but they never led...as the Bisons went on to win big!
We had a lot of fans at the game...some parents...relatives...and other supporters. It is always good to have friends and supporters in the arena.
We had a first on our broadcast tonight. Assistant Coach Pete Froedden didn’t make the trip--due to being ill. However--he has been staying in touch with the coaches and the team. I texted him this afternoon...and told him he could text us during the game...with updates.
During the course of the game...he sent us about 25 text...and I would read the text and share his commentary throughout our broadcast. Benjamin kept his eye on the computer keeping up with the A-Sun scores....while I kept an eye on the texts as the Bisons turned up the heat on the Eagles.
Pete had some great comments...especially when we had about 7 or 8 players on the floor...fighting for a loose ball....and he threw me under the bus...for not keeping up with everyone fighting for the ball! Ha! It was a lot of fun...we’ll see if Pete wants to text us again on Saturday.
Josh Slater...came so close to the triple double. He missed had the points and the assists and missed it by 1 rebound...but he was on tonight...and so were the rest of the Bisons!
Ryan Daly shoots our post game interviews (Tonight Coach Sanderson and Josh Slater) and then they are usually posted on the web for you to view.
Tonight on the bus back to the hotel...we were all checking our Blackberries for updates on ESPN for scores...including the Belmont-Stetson game...and Trevor logged on to the Belmont Broadcast for the last few minutes of the game...as Belmont game back to win the game by 9 points. The race in the A-Sun is still tight...with Campbell. Belmont and Jacksonville all winning this week...and staying in the top three spots. Right now the Bisons remain in fourth place....with three games remaining in the regular season.
Since getting back to the hotel...we have been flipping back and forth between Basketball and the Winter Olympics. Plus---everyone is talking about Tiger Woods and his planned press briefing for tomorrow.
We are eating at 9 am in the morning...and then loading to leave by 10 am...and we are going to take a short detour by the “Gulfâ€---so Milos Kleut and see the Gulf of Mexico! Here in Fort Myers--we are about 10 minutes away from the beach.
We have about a 4 hour bus ride tomorrow to the Deland area. Stetson is located in Deland--however we are staying in Orange City this year....at a different hotel.
Here is an email that I got today....remember that you can email us or text us...and we will write about you...or talk about you on the broadcast!
Hey! I'm a freshman here at Lipscomb and I wanted to take a moment to welcome you guys to Fort Myers, my hometown. It was a fun place to grow up. Best of luck to the boys tonight against FGCU and safe travels through Florida.
Page DeVere :)
The Bisons hit 12 of 26 three pointers tonight....it was a great night to Put it in the Book!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010 - 10:21 P.M. ET - FT. MYERS, FL
A full day of travel.
The Bisons and the Lady Bisons loaded the Wise Coach just before 10:30 this morning for the ride to the Nashville International Airport---for our 12:15 flight to Orlando. It was smooth flight....that ended with a shaky landing!
The wind was gusting 20-25 miles per hour. As we began our decent into Orlando---it started to get a little rough....as our Southwest plane touch downed the wind gave us a jolt---a good reason for wearing your seat belt!
We had a little over 2 hours before our flight to Fort Myers---and hear several mention...that a bus ride from Orlando wouldn't have been that bad! We will make that bus ride on Friday...when we head from Fort Myers to Deland for our game with Stetson.
The Bisons practiced at 9 am this morning....before changing and loading the bus for the trip to the airport. By the way---do you know how many different ways you can go to the airport from Lipscomb? I wish I would have counted---because every trip we go an different way! It is an experience---sort of a game---to guess which way the bus driver will go---because we never go the same way! Every trip is a different route.
I am glad we are not superstitious!
Frank Bennett and I both...have to go through the "pat down" and personal search by the TSA officials. Frank has an artificial hip...and I have the man-made knee. We both made it through without a hitch! Not special treatment---we get the same check every trip!
We had some time before our Nashville departure....so several got a mid-morning snack or early lunch. Other waited for lunch until we landed in Orlando. Like most of our trips---almost every seat was taken! Belmont was not on this flight...they can travel later today---since they didn't have to make a connection. They will play Stetson on Thursday---while we are at Florida Gulf Coast. We could cross paths at the Orlando airport on Sunday morning.
The flight from Orlando to Fort Myers takes about 30 minutes...and the landing wasn't much better in Fort Myers!
Before leaving Orlando---Josh Slater told Coach Shaun Senters---that we might need to wake up Coach Jay Walton....who had fallen asleep watching something on his computer...and he was getting in a good nap! We need Coach Walton---since he and Shaun are having to pick up the scouting report for the FGCU game since Coach Pete didn't make the trip---because of illness.
The short flight barely allowed the flight attendants time to server us a soft drink...but it did allow me another short nap before arriving here in Fort Myers.
After getting our luggage---the two teams board their own buses. The Ladies headed straight to dinner--while the men checked in a the hotel...before heading to Arizona Pizza for dinner.
Redshirt Brandon Barnes and Benjamin....were checking scores on the Blackberry....Campbell was winning big over Upstate...Duke was down 12 at half...and that had Ryan Daly concerned...so he ate...and then walked across the street to the hotel to watch the second half!
Back at the hotel....Benjamin has been flipping back and forth between basketball games and the Winter Olympics. A great night for sports watching on TV!
Curfew is 11pm...Breakfast at 9 am..team meeting at 10am...and then on to the FGCU campus for shoot around for the Bisons.
The Bisons have been off for a week...after losing at Upstate. A lost that was a tough pill to take!
As fan---it tough for us...but how about the players. It was tough for them also. They knew that they had control of their fate...and they let one slip away. I know that these players don't want to lose. They are under a lot of pressure---and they don't want to let the school or the fans down!
Now, they have to be focused and ready for tomorrow's game. According to coaches and players...there have been some good practices...and some not so good...since last week's game. Hopefully all of that can be put behind them for this final two game road trip of the regular season. We need to put together four good games leading into the A-Sun tournament the first week of March in Macon, Georgia.
It is interesting...to watch and listen to people when the team walks on to planes or in a restaurant. I am always hearing people say things like---"look at those tall guys"..."They have to duck to get through these planes"..."Where you from?"..."Where are you going and who are you playing?".... One nice lady today...told Michael Teller, "Good luck and take no prisoners"!
We would love to hear from you...drop us an email...and be sure to tune in for the games tomorrow...Benjamin and Ryan Daly will call the Lady Bisons game at 4:15 Nashville time and the men are scheduled to tipoff at about 6:30 Nashville time...and our coverage will begin at 6:10 CST...and hopefully it will be great night to "Put it in the Book"!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 - 10:45 P.M. CT - SPARTANBURG, SC
9:35 pm…local time….the “sleeper†bus arrived at the Courtyard by Marriott in Spartanburg---after a relaxing ride from Nashville to South Carolina.
Due to a “rock slide†that has I-40 closed in the North Carolina mountains…and “blizzard†like conditions in the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains…we took the southern route and we made it here in a little less than 7 hour.
We only stopped long enough for the support staff to go into Zaxby’s and bring our food on to the bus. Several then settled in for a nap…reading or other activities…while several us stretched out on our beds or couches to watch a couple of basketball games.
The Satelite TV is great. I slept through a lot of the U-Conn and Syracuse game---and then enjoyed the first half of the Carolina-DOOK game on the bus…before checking into our hotel room. Carolina is struggling this year…however---they had some bright spots defensively tonight---but they failed to score when they had to…allowing DOOK to get the lead…with a big run during the final 5 minutes. . .on the way to their victory.
The Heels have been struggling…and I was hoping tonight would be the night…not the case.
Meanwhile…out attention and focus now has to turn to USC Upstate!
I got this email tonight from a relative of Jordan Burgason:
hey there I'm a Minnesota relative of Jordan. I enjoy your log and learning how all this works. I still haven't figured out how or when you guys go to class. Tell Burgy we'll be watching the game. My son Josiah has a 4th grade game at 4:30 so we should be done by tip off. Keep up the good log and I hope my internet signal is strong tomorrow night...
John Oothoudt
We love hearing from you.
The team will have breakfast at 9:30 in the morning…look at tape later in the morning…and then we have shoot around at 1:00 pm local time. It is a doubleheader…with the Lady Bisons playing at 5 local time and the Bisons scheduled to tip about 7:30 local time. We will begin our countdown to tip off about 6:10 CST….til then…Put it in the Book!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 - 5:01 P.M. CT - about ATLANTA, GA
Following a week of anticipation…and shared emails of pictures…we finally boarded the “sleeper bus†and hit the road for Spartanburg.
The bus will sleep 26. It has some bunks…chairs that make bunks…satellite tv…internet…electricity hook ups…a kitchen area…and list goes on and on. It is not a charter bus…it is a ‘mini home’ on wheels.
We have a little bit of everything going on…some are watching TV…others on computer (some working, some playing, some looking a game tape, etc) …others are reading or watching DVD’s…and yes there is a ‘play station’ hooked up and some are playing video games.
Everyone has been checking out the different sections of the bus…and the players have been eating and eating out of the “snack drawerâ€!
Trevor has been working the web site, game notes…Coach Shaun and I have been sharing a long seat…until he moved to the fold up bunk above us…(I am hoping it is well designed!) Coach Jay and Coach Sanderson…both moved back to a bunk…and are getting in a nice nap!
I’ve been working on emails…calling in payroll…and working on a few other work projects that didn’t get finished today.
We are about 3 hours into the trip…and our first stop will be coming up within the hour in Kennesaw, Georgia---to pick up dinner to enjoy here on the bus.
My two main jobs…have been to close the latch on the snack drawer…so it doesn’t fly open…and to tell everyone how to close the electronic door to the bathroom!
Meanwhile, the Lady Bisons are also traveling on a sleeper bus. They left about four hours ahead of us…since they play earlier tomorrow.
You could get used to this type of traveling. I like having the leg room…and the electric outlets…great to keep the compute going….and I have been going non-stop for over 3 hours.
It will be interesting to see how the players rate the experience.
Trevor has several pictures to post….so you can experience our ride.
I think our trip will be close to 7 hours….then we will have game day at Upstate…and then plan are already being made for tucking everyone in for the drive home tomorrow night!
So far the one thing I have noticed about this type of bus…is that those of us in the front…are moving around and talking and sharing with each other a lot more than we do on a normal charter.
Stay tune for more updates…as we prepare to “Put it in the Bookâ€
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010 - 11:16 P.M. CT - back in NASHVILLE, TENN
Groundhogs Day
Most local groundhogs did not see their shadows on Groundhog Day 2010, even though the most famous one of all did.
Punxsutawney Phil's Groundhog Day 2010 prediction was six more weeks of winter, as he did see his shadow.
No Shadow at the Holiday Inn Express in Fuquay-Varina.
No Shadow in Nashville.
So will we have six more weeks of winter or is spring just around the corner?
Only time will tell!
The cell phone alarm clock and the hotel wake-up call went off at 6:00 am this morning---so I could get up—finish packing, shower, eat a little breakfast and be ready to load the bus by 7:15 for a 7:30 departure for the Raleigh-Durham Airport.
The Bisons left for the airport at 7:30 and the Lady Bisons followed at 7:45.
Josh Slater’s 3-point shot from the corner---was still the talk…as the teams headed to the airport to head home---after five days on the road! Our bus drivers---dropped us off at the airport…and then they began the 12-13 hour drive home. This is a common practice---where teams are taken to one city…and then catch a flight home…and the bus then goes back to Nashville empty.
Our check-in…and my regular pat-down due to my artificial knee—went without a hitch…and we were there with plenty of time to spare before our 10 a.m. EST departure to Nashville.
In Nashville, the two teams boarded the same bus to ride from the airport to the school. It reminded me of the “old NAIA days†when both teams traveled together all the time. We are used to now traveling spread out with usually two seats per person---and with both teams on the bus—every seat was taken. I told Benjamin---I have made several trips like this for 2 to 3 to 4 hours as we traveled throughout the TranSouth conference.
Between Basketball and Baseball---there is no telling how many bus trips or hours I have spent on a bus during the past 30 years. The buses have really changed during the years…now they not only have VCR’s or DVD’s…but they are equipped with wireless internet and some even have satellite TV.
Last night after the game…the team met in a meeting room at the Holiday Inn…for their post game meal. It is always a good time after a win…and the players and coaches are going at each other---having a lot of fun. Tonight we had friend chicken…and several of us had more chicken than we can eat….so there is always a player or two will eat the extra. I checked with Michael Teller this morning---and I think he ate an entire chicken---I think he ate 5 pieces!
If you listened to the game last night…you heard me describe the two teams meeting at center court after the game for prayer. I also interviewed Josh Slater and ask him about the prayer time. This is the second A-Sun team that has asked us to gather after the game. North Florida also had a gathering for prayer after the game. It was impressive to see these teams flight so hard on the court---and then gather to show great sportsmanship and to have a prayer. It really is just a game. When it the final horn sounds---there is more to life than basketball.
The teams arrived back on campus with plenty of time to get to their noon class---and after being on the road for a few days—it is important that the athletes get to class---and get caught up in their school work.
The Bisons host North Florida on Friday night and the women play on Saturday.
Thanks for the emails…keep them coming. If you have questions for Coach Sanderson…or a comment—be sure to write. I got an email from Wendell Moore…sending me a link to an article about last night’s game and a great picture of Josh’s shot. Here is the link: Click here
It was good to see Steve Lowry at the game last night. Steve lives in the Raleigh area…and you can always count on him coming to see the Bisons when we play near Raleigh. He is an avid fan and follows the Bisons on A-Sun TV.
By the way, I am glad that Josh’s shot was a three pointer! And that we could happily, “Put it in the bookâ€!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2010 - 2:30 P.M. ET - BUIES CREEK, NC
Game Day….
The Lady Bisons would eat in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express at 9:00 am and the Bisons would eat at 9:15 am. The men would gather again for a team meeting at 11:15 and then load the bus for the 25-minute ride to the Campbell campus. The Lady Bisons shoot first at 11 am and the Bisons follow at noon.
The Bisons go through both offense and defensive plans for tonight’s game. Everyone takes a few extra shots…and after a quick hour workout—we are ready to head back to the hotel. The team appears loose and I hope that is a good sign for tonight.
It wears on the players and the coaches to be away from home—for five days. However, tonight is a big game---a chance for the Bisons to get a three game road sweep!
Trevor, Ryan and Benjamin….are eating alone today…as they have to be ready to leave with the Lady Bisons…so they can get their game on the internet. The Bisons will leave for pre-game at 3:40 local time….as we usually eat about four hours before tip-off and tonight that tip is scheduled for 8:00 pm local time.
Today is Benjamin’s 22nd birthday…so he has been getting birthday greetings all day. He said I gave him the best present---he slept last night and never heard me snoring!
Got a couple of emails today…including this one from Paul Nance:
Jonathan,
Just finished catching up on your Travel Logs for this trip. You always provide so much more information and better detail than we get from other sources. I know it takes extra effort and time you don't really have, but please keep doing it -- many of us read it religiously and love it!
I had wondered who returned the Battle trophy to its rightful home. Thanks to you and Trevor for delivering it safely. I have done it in the past but somebody else unlocked the trophy case and turned it over to belmont this year, so I assumed that person would make certain it was returned safely. Yes, it is HEAVY, and yes, tomorrow I will order a brand-new "Lipscomb 2010" plate to update it.
Saturday's win over ETSU was tremendous fun. I watched the ASunTV broadcast and listened to your audio -- tricky but the only way for a long-standing Bison fan to fully appreciate a quality win.
Travel safely and keep up the great work -- we're hoping for a three-game road sweep!
Paul
Here is another email….this one from Wendell Moore:
Jonathan, I just wanted you to know that I enjoy reading your travel log. I am a fan of the Bisons and attend most of their home games. I watched the ETSU game on my computer on Saturday. Great game! Thanks again for the travel log. What a great group of coaches and players. wm
Wendell Moore
Thanks for the emails…
Josh Slater has been rewarded for his last few games…as he was named the A-Sun player of the week. I hope he has more in the tank for Campbell tonight.---he had 26 against them at home…then 26 against Belmont…and a career high 35 Saturday at ETSU.
The side roads are clearing up…and the temperature is in the 40’s today…and they expect rain here tomorrow….and I hope we can fly out of here with a couple of wins tonight!
Tune in…and we will try to “Put it in the bookâ€!
And a late-breaking e-mail from George McIntosh
I am a regular reader and really enjoy the log. Sometimes I feel I am with you as I remember when I made like trips – but none were as good as yours. Thanks for all you do, George McIntosh
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010 - 9:27 P.M. ET - BUIES CREEK, NC
Up early this morning…so I could finish packing..as we are scheduled to load the bus at 10 am local time and then leave at 10:15 to head to the Golden Corral for a breakfast buffet. Both the Lady Bisons and the Bisons will be eating together and then we will hit I-26 and head toward Asheville.
Meanwhile, I wanted to be able to log on to www.brentwoodhills.org at 8 am to catch our early morning worship service. Walt Leaver reported about 150-200 folks made it in for the early worship. I was able to listen in to the hour service before heading to the bus.
Coach Shaun joined Benjamin and me for breakfast…and he had a great “country†breakfast with plenty of fried chicken! A great breakfast! Coach Pete stopped me to tell me that he enjoyed my travel log. Again, if you want to share…drops us an email.
WOW—words cannot describe the beauty of the trees and the mountain side as we travel along I-26. I have taken a few pictures out the window…and we will try to post them in the travel log.
Listening to Walt Leaver preaching and watching the beautiful scenery…makes for a great trip. (I have listened to this sermon twice today!) Main interstate is very clear…and some side roads are snow covered. Dave is doing a great job behind the wheel of our WISE coach.
Some are sleeping, others listening to I-pods, watching movies, reading books---and Coach Jay is having individual meetings with players showing them their film clips from yesterday’s game. We are approaching Asheville and then we will head east on I-40…as our trek to Buies Creek continues.
Both buses made a rest stop at a rest area near the Catawba River. A few snowballs were seen flying through the air. I called my parents to check on them…they are staying in with all the snow. We would soon be driving within about 3 miles of their house as we go through my hometown of Mocksville, NC. Sometimes on this trip---I will go by and visit with them and take them to the game…but with the weather this year we decide it would be better to stay on the bus…instead of getting them out on the highway. The main roads are clear---and some slush---as we have seen a lot of snow scrapers out today. However the side roads remain snow covered and most schools are closed in this area---just like back home in middle Tennessee.
In Winston-Salem the women would make a stop at Wendy’s—while the men traveled on toward Raleigh for a stop at Arby’s. The food had been pre-ordered…so we just stopped—picked up the food and we continued our journey to the the Holiday Inn Express in Fuquay Varina.
Back to the interstate for a few more miles…before our bus driver took an exit…and what appeared to be a back road short-cut to Fuquay Varina. That would be fine…except today they road was snow covered! However---Dave got us here safely.
The heat was off in our rooms…and they were cold…it took over an hour to get the room warm. Benjamin turned on an Andy Griffith marathon on TV Land….and I put on my gloves laid on the bed and before long I was dreaming about Andy Griffith.
The team met for a team meeting and to go over the scouting report at 7 pm tonight. No practice today. The roads were getting iced over as the sun went down---and with us still about 20 minutes from Campbell---the coaching staff decided not to practice and elected to get rest…since so many of our players are having to play so many minutes…so they need to rest their legs.
At 8pm both teams skated…or walked across the parking lot to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner. The parking lot was almost a solid sheet of ice…at least a little snow to help with traction.
During the meal…one of my reporters (TG) spotted one of our players stealing food from a teammate and sent me this email “I saw Milos eat some of Justin Glenn’s chicken parm pasta while he got up to get a saladâ€. This has been rumored to happen a lot among the team…tonight one of the players was caught!
Back in the room…Benjamin and I are suffering through another Carolina game. We were down just 5 at halftime…but Virginia has taken control of the second half…and Carolina is down 20 at home!
Benjamin just enjoyed his final meal as a 21 year old…tomorrow is his birthday! Carolina is not giving him a birthday gift…so maybe the Lady Bisons and the Bisons will tomorrow night when we tip it off against Campbell.
Let’s hope we can, “Put it in the bookâ€!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2010 - 8:58 P.M. ET - JOHNSON CITY, TN
We were due one!
It took an extra 5 minutes---but the Bisons defeated East Tennessee State University in overtime, 85-84.
The Bisons had a chance to win in regulation---but couldn’t drop a shot at the end of the game. In overtime—with everyone running out of gas…the Bisons were down one point when Jordan Burgason hit what looked like a 3 pointer from the corner with about 4.5 seconds remaining in overtime. (Actually his shot fake brought his foot on the line and it was a 2 pointer from the corner---to give us a one point lead!)
ESTU went to the other end and Tommy Hubbard got a shot off from the corner---(and we all had flashed of a three pointer in Allen Arena that beat us about nine days ago)---but this shot came up short and the Bisons picked up their second win on this three game road trip!
Yes, I admit I put Burgason shot, “In the Bookâ€---and quickly watched to make sure ETSU didn’t score before I realized that we won by 1 point instead of 2 points. It was into the postgame before all my math started to spin in my head and Benjamin finally leaned in to tell me it was a two not a three…because I kept thinking…we were just down by one…why didn’t we win by two!
A lesson that broadcasters learn over and over…don’t get so wrapped up that you make the call before the official---and I have to be honest…I was watching the shot go down…just assuming the Jordan had a three---not looking to the official to see that it was only a two.
I have to make the right call. I didn’t.
My mistake.
I’m sure others thought he hit the three---but I can’t make that mistake—I have to learn to watch the feet—the ball---the clock and the official! How many years have I been doing this?
Sometimes the game is so fast---it is hard to see all the players---mark down the score and notes---and keep calling the game! On ETSU final shot---I had one eye on the ball and the other on the clock…I was sure the game was over and a glance at the scoreboard confirmed we had won. Just by one less point than I anticipated!
I told Jordan---I “put it in the book†anyway!
Bottom line…Bisons win! Bisons Win!---for only the 4th time against ETSU in the NCAA era---and gives us two wins on this road trip as we head to Campbell for a Monday night game!
Josh Slater had 35 points---and kept us in the game offensively and defensively! What a game for the Nashville Junior.
The team---is tired. They just enjoyed a post game meal in Coach Sanderson’s room. From there they are headed back to the rooms to rest….and we will meet in the morning at 10 am to load the bus for a 10:15 departure. We plan to stop for a brunch buffet before we hit the road for the five plus hour drive to Buies Creek.
The Lady Bisons and Bisons will both head east tomorrow…and we should snow along the way…but hopefully the main roads will be cleared. I know there has been a lot of snow in the Greensboro area---but I anticipate that most interstates will be open.
Belmont blew out Camels today….so they will try to come in to Johnson City and catch the Bucs down after today’s loss to the Bisons; while we hope the Bison win will give our team a little extra punch for Monday night!
Yesterday---the snow started falling here in Johnson City around 4pm…and sometime during the night it changed over to sleet---and by morning…the snow was about over. We have had some snow flurries during the day….and I’m not sure…but somewhere between 3-5 inches I think fell in this area of Tennessee.
Last night---we watched the UNF-Jacksonville game and enjoyed pizza and wings. Jacksonville won the game to move a ½ game out in front in the A-Sun conference. It appears that you can shuffle the standings after every game—it is just like one big deck of cards!
Pre-game was at noon today. I spent most of the morning in communication with different people in Nashville…determining if we were going to adjust our snow policy and cancel services at Brentwood Hills tomorrow. We finally decided to keep our worship schedule in tack—8 am and 10:30am. We did decide to cancel Sunday school and our evening service due to the icy road conditions.
So, I had to activate our Family Life Line call out system---send out mass emails and update our web site. It made me a little late to pre-game…but since we were eating here in the hotel…all I had to do was to go down stairs to the restaurant.
After lunch or pre-game---I got a phone call from Barbara---one of those calls you don’t like to receive. Barbara’s first words, “We are headed to the emergency roomâ€! Bethany had been sledding with our neighbor Nathan Slagle---and she went off the sled---hit the ice and cut open her chin. Barbara said it looks bad…not sure how bad…but we are headed to the hospital.
Luckily our neighbor, Bill Dickerson was home—he has a jeep---and he took Barbara and Bethany to Southern Hills hospital. I got several more text during the women’s game and the pre-game---with a picture of Bethany being text to me---with 15 stitches under her lips---looking like she has an upside down smile—under her smile.
I finally got to talk to her after the game. She was in good spirits. She said her sledding days “down that hill†were over. She was thankful that she didn’t knock out any teeth or break any bones---with track season just around the corner. She was still very numb---but sounded good on the phone. I was worried about her and Barbara throughout the entire broadcast. I am sure the pain will sit in after the numbing wears off. It will be interesting to see how she is later tonight or tomorrow.
She is now a sledding statistic! She said after they got to the emergency room---it started filling up with a lot of other people---who were injured. She joins her dad—who broke his arm sledding back in the 5th grade.
With the weather and the sledding accident---and the cancellations for church…not a good weekend for me to be away. I am very thankful for Bill and Janet Dickerson and their help in getting Bethany to the emergency room. I want post the picture…but I expect it to appear on Facebook.
The coaching staff enjoyed the win on the bus trip across the street from the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center (Mini Dome) to the Carnegie Hotel---then they started to turn their attention to Campbell. There is film to break down—scouting reports to prepare---practice and game plans, etc.
Fluids and rest are first on the list…then a bus drive through the NC mountains and the Piedmont on our way to the North Carolina “sandlandâ€---that today is “snowlandâ€!
By the way I got this nice email from Peter Powell…after reading the last travel log. Send me your emails and we will post or mention on the broadcast.
Well it may not be Carnegie Hall, but you are in a great hotel for a few days that's for sure. I love the Carnegie Hotel in JC, TN. Thanks for your kind words on the Travel Log. I still owe you and Benjamin one from the PA mic sometime. I love each time we get to work together on a project or even work "together" from opposite sides of the arena. I do what I do because of folks like you.
Safe travels to the Bison caravan this weekend! From snowy Nashville, to the comforts of your "King" room on a Friday night .. . . . 20 minutes until A-Sun Basketball's Game of the Week.
Talk to you soon.
Peter
Today we had Eleven (11) “Put it in the Bookâ€---actually Ten (10) that counted---tune in Monday night and once again…we will try to ‘Put it in the Bookâ€!
By the way today was “coaches vs cancerâ€---and all the coaches and support staff wore tennis shoes! I wore my tennis shoes---what a great feel maybe we should wear them for every game! Good luck?
Speaking of Good Luck---Carter Thomas, Graham Johnson, Ben Flatt, Landon Parish and Daniel Smith---got “snowed in†and couldn’t make the trip to Johnson City. They were planning to spend the weekend in Gatlinburg with Carter’s parents---and then come to the game. However, since we have lost the other times they traveled to the games at ETSU---we might have to bar them from coming to Johnson City! Not!
I am sure a lot of fans would have liked to travel this weekend…but not in this weather. Stay in and stay safe!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010 - 1:12 P.M. ET - JOHNSON CITY, TN
Snow is falling in Nashville.
For a weather forecaster---snow is hardest to predict. The conditions have to be just right...and the cold air from the north and the warm moist air from the south have to hit just right. It all depends on how far north the southern LOW comes...to whether we get snow, sleet, freezing rain, mix or rain!
Nashville is always on the border line.
But it does appear that Nashville will get more snow this time around. And we will miss what could be the largest snowfall Nashville has had in years!
Due to the anticipated winter storm---the decision was made to move our travel to Johnson City, Tennessee--up one day to get ahead of the storm. Instead of leaving at mid-day today (Friday) in the middle of the storm---both the Lady Bisons and Bisons pulled out from the Allen Arena loading dock Thursday afternoon after practice.
The men’s team stopped for dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s at the Strawberry Plains exit just on the other side of Knoxville. From there bus driver Dave---had us in Johnson City in about an hour an half and we checked in the Carnegie Hotel about 10 pm last night.
Due to the lack of double rooms---several of the staff and the “old†guy (they haven’t started calling my grandpa yet---but they could!) got king rooms. It was sweet---and Benjamin was happy because he got teamed with Brandon Barnes---and that meant he will get at least three nights of relief from my snoring!
Actually, this road trip began on Tuesday---as we made the shortest road trip of the year---just down Belmont Boulevard---for our 2nd meeting of the year with Belmont University! Bragging rights---the Battle of the Boulevard trophy---and an advantage in the A-Sun standings were at stake.
Also, the Bisons needed to snap a two game losing streak...as we began this three game road trip.
The game started off on a bad note...as 26 seconds into the game---starting point guard Johnny Lee went down--with what appears to be a season ending/career ending injury. As he lay on the floor---we all knew it was bad. I kept thinking...how with the team react? How will players play--who have not been in the game plan--but will now be forced into action.
Zack Brown answered the bell. He delivered solid minutes. The team battled back to trail by 1 at halftime before an announced crowd of 5,009. In the second half...the Bison fell down by 13 and many would have thought the battle was over...but this is a 40 minute battle! The Bisons were not finished---Hodzic and Slater (the Bruin Slayer) put the team on their Bib Bison Backs...and carried the team to a 78-72 victory. A sweep of the Bruins---and the Battle of the Boulevard Traveling Trophy would return to Allen Arena for another year!
David Lipscomb Campus School parent--Peter Powell--who handles all of the sports and media relations for our Mustang Football team---is also the Public Address Announcer for Belmont. Peter is a great guy! I can’t tell you how much he has helped me through the years with my broadcast---and we have even co-hosted an internet show together. He is a class act---and a professional.
Before the game we were joking around in the media room...and I told him that I would mention his name on the broadcast---and I wanted him to work my name into the PA announcing in the Curb Events Center! He laughed and said, “You want to get me firedâ€!
I have always had a great relationship with many of the coaches and athletic administrators at Belmont---over 30 years of competition....I have seen many of the 126 meetings between these two fines institutions.
Brian Ayers and I always exchange, “Put it in the Bookâ€--since his dad loved that call--while Brian was playing for the Bisons. Coach Byrd has always been a good friend and great competitor---he brought a lot to this rivalry. And Belmont Athletic Director Mike Strickland--began his work--about the same time I was leaving my work as AD at Lipscomb. However, every time we play--he makes an effort to come by the scorer’s table to shake hands and to see how I am doing!
This year marked the 20th Anniversary of calling the rivalry the “Battle of the Boulevardâ€! A few years ago---the schools came up with a “street sign trophy†that is award during one of the games---this year--the winner of the game at Belmont got to keep the trophy for a year.
Since, we had it at Allen Arena--after winning the right to keep it this past year---Belmont had come to pick up the sign Tuesday morning. As we were leaving Tuesday night (often we are some of the last ones to leave the arena)--I mention to Trevor Garrett that the “sign trophy†was still here and did he think we needed to take it back home!
I felt like I was back in college---the excitement of the rivalry---and getting to personally participate in returning the trophy to the Lipscomb Campus. Through the years---the Bison has been painted by Belmont students, Stuffed Bison heads have disappeared and even the statue of John the Baptist had a mishap!
The “sign trophy†is heavy! Trevor thought he could get it in his car...but we quickly figured out that it was a good thing that I was in my truck. We carefully laid the trophy in the truck bed, tied it down to keep it from rolling around---and with Trevor leading the way in his car---Benjamin and I made the slow ride over the Granny White...and the trip back to Allen Arena! Our mission was accomplished as we sat the trophy just outside of Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson’s office!
Breakfast in bed for the team this morning.
Well, that is one way to describe hot cakes, eggs, etc from McDonalds delivered to the hotel! The team had a meeting about 11 am and then by 11:45 we had loaded our WISE coach for the short trip across the street to the ETSU Memorial Center (Mini-Dome that could be snowed covered by tonight!) for practice.
The Lady Bisons were wrapping up practice as we entered the facility. The team will got a little over an hour today...then we will have lunch about 3:30 EST and then the night could include watching North Florida and Jacksonville on TV or a movie or just watching the snow pile up outside!
This is a very important road trip for the Bisons--with stops here in Johnson City and then on to Buies Creek to take on the Campbell Camels (who lost to ETSU Wednesday night) on Monday night February 1st (by the way Monday is Benjamin’s birthday)!
Maybe we can celebrate with a victory and a milkshake!
Tune in Saturday afternoon....Benjamin will lead the Lady Bison broadcast beginning at about 12:15 Nashville time...and then we will be on with the Bisons at about 3:40 CST for the Bison Broadcast.
Put it in the book!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2010 - 8:52 A.M. ET - JACKSONVILLE, FL
Road trip wins are always nice!
Yesterday the team and the coaches were focused.
Our routine is simple. Breakfast at 9am….(the hotel has had a great buffet for us each morning)..by 10:10 were on the way to UNF Arena for shoot around. It would be a little lighter today…a lot half-speed offense and defense sets---so that the team would be ready.
I can usually tell during the first five minutes of the game….if the team carries out in the game plan—what they went over in practice.
Last night---you could see it happening.
After shoot around…it was back to the hotel—naps for many---workouts for coaches---video to watch---and notes to go over.
Pre-game meal was another buffet at the hotel…and the coaches were clued to two TV’s watching basketball and I was suffering through Carolina falling behind by 20 to Georgia Tech.
Benjamin had eaten with the Lady Bisons…and he and Ryan Daly would head over to the arena early to broadcast the Lady Bisons game.
He left with Carolina struggling….I got to watch their comeback…only to see them fall short---losing their second game in a row.
Coach Sanderson admitted to me later he was rooting against my boys! He wants the Georgia Tech coach to have some success. We all have our favorite teams…there are even Kentucky and Dook fans among the group! Shaun is a Tennessee fan and Jay played at Mississippi State…so they keep an eye on their teams! Everyone just enjoys watching games…and yesterday there was a little NFL playoff action to through into the mix.
The Bisons came out of the blocks ready to play…building a 12 point halftime lead on their way to a victory. We always talk about how important the first five minutes of the second half is to a game. I think the first five minutes to the game and the close-out at the end of the half are also very important. I guess when you come right down to it…every minute is important!
It was good to see the team bounce back…and stop one of the hottest teams in the league---North Florida had won eight out of their last nine games.
Back at the hotel…we had a sit-down post game meal in a hotel meeting room. Great exchange between the coaches and players---because I think a lot of that bonding time is what makes a team. For this team is family. They are a close bunch---looking out for each other!
Another bonus…ice cream to top off the night! Two nights in a row! We are getting spoiled! We will expect it with every meal! I think we might have gotten the ice cream because it was Brad Wyatt’s (Lipscomb’s Director of Safety and Security) birthday! I think we are planning to celebrate a birthday after every game!
Breakfast at 9 am-- load the bus to leave for the airport by 9:45 and then the flight home. A full afternoon and evening of activities await me at Brentwood Hills. Classes, labs and practice await the team. A Fast Break luncheon is planned for Wednesday….and then a doubleheader with ETSU on Thursday night…and another chance to watch the team shoot some 3’s so we can ‘Put it in the bookâ€!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2010 - 9:03 P.M. ET - JACKSONVILLE, FL
NEWS FLASH
Special Edition….
By special request…a report from Dinner.
Both the Bisons and Lady Bisons converged on Buca for dinner tonight. What an experience to watch the Bisons eat…after practice or a game! The two teams were in separate sections of Buca….and one of the waiters…not knowing we were from the same school….told the Bisons…you know we got a women’s team here tonight---maybe the two of you should get together!
I eat at table with Milos Kluet and Brett Staal. We had places for others…but no one came to our table…so that meant more of the family style food for our table! That was great news for Milos and Brett! (ok…for me too…but I tried to hold back!)
Milos shared a lot about his home country and his family. It is a lot of fun to be around these players and to get to know them better. Coach Sanderson stopped by our table…to tell me that no one eats more than Milos! However, I have watched several of the players…so I think a few others could give him a run for his money! Including Michael Teller…who bounced around to several tables tonight! Milos laughed and said that is a good one---when I told him he might be waddling down the court tomorrow!
The players are like a big family---and they had a lot of fun at dinner tonight! At first the coaches and some players were giving Coach Shaun a lot of grief over the new Tennessee football coach! I think the hire of coach Dooley was a surprise to most.
But the biggest laugh of the night came when Coach Pete---bumped into a door and the alarm on the door went off! As Coach Shaun put it---his ‘Kirby Puckett†got in the way….and he hit the door bar that states “Alarm will sound if openedâ€. And it did!
The team was still laughing---after we boarded the team bus for the hotel! Everyone was full! (We had topped off the night with cake and ice cream!) Milos…told me he lost his “six-pack†eating tonight…however…most of these guys are so in shape…that they never gain weight…it is boys like me…that can’t afford to eat like the players. I am not an 18 year old in shape!
Coach Pete took all the ribbing in style. He said he apologized for opening the door. He said he was good at apologizing. I asked him if he had experience---had he done this before?
He didn’t answer the question and he didn’t deny the statement!
Curfew at 11; breakfast at 9 am; leaving for shoot around at 10:10 or as one of the players said 50 before 11.
My buddy Milos brought an extra piece of cake (I gave him mine—I went straight for the ice cream) back to the hotel---he told me, “that is for bedtimeâ€! After that, it will be time to ‘Put it in the bookâ€!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2010 - 5:53 P.M. ET - JACKSONVILLE, FL
You have to play for 40 minutes.
That was the summary of Thursday night's game by Coach Sanderson. The Bisons struggled in the first half against Jacksonville...trailing by 11 at halftime. Turnovers and other mistakes...let to the Bisons having to fight from behind in the second half. We tied the game...but never took a second half lead!
Immediately after the game the coaching staff went to work on the North Florida game. This coaching staff is one of the hardest working staffs in the country. The have high standards for the Bisons...and they will push the team to meet those standards.
Thursday started with breakfast at the hotel. The Bisons enjoyed a 9 am EST buffet and then after about and hour break headed downtown to the Veterans Memorial Arena for shoot around.
It was a spirited practice. The arena is the biggest in the A-Sun...but know different than several of the big arenas that we have played in this year. However, when are not use to those type of facilities....you can have some problems with the end zone shooting.
Michael Teller is the only current Bison that has played in this arena... last year we played on campus in Swisher Gym...a small Gym. A big contrast between the two facilities.
Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson, Brent High, Andy Lane and Ryan Daly flew down yesterday....they arrived at the arena to catch most of the Lady Bisons game.
Trevor and Benjamin eat pre-game meal with the Lady Bisons and then headed to the arena to broadcast their game. That meant that I was left a lone to make it to our pre-game and to the bus on time...without Benjamin to help me. The same was true for Coach Jay Walton.
Halfway through our pre-game meal at the hotel, coach Pete asked about Jay---and we realized he was most likely asleep in his room. Yes, Trevor had left him to go with the Lady Bisons...and without a friendly wake-up call from Pete...Jay might still be a sleep. He was tired from some late night game tape editing!
I am not saying the Trevor remember being left asleep one afternoon last year when we headed to a team dinner....
Jerry Macon almost missed the bus for shoot around...and he was the first on the bus as we headed to game last night...and for some reason Coach Sanderson slipped and called Jay...Jerry!
These coaches have a great bond...and respect for each other. They work hard and they compliment each other.
Bill Snell was talking to me about the aging of Coach Bennet and myself...Coach has had a hip replacement and me--a knee replacement. I think he is arranging wheel chairs for us at the airport.
I can tell you that I miss our WISE coaches (the team buses)...they have steps that drop down to the ground...and the bus we are on this trip--is an older model---that has a high step...and it has been a little rough on the old knee!
My days have been filled with communications and work between my office in my hotel room and my office back at church. Our rooms have a great set-up and I have spent most of my waking hours at my computer at the desk...and listening to reports of all of the coaches that have turned down Tennessee.
Had a nice lunch today...at Panara Bread. Justin (my oldest son) called to get a re-cap of last night's game...and then Benjamin and I enjoyed lunch with Brad Wyatt. (Brad is the Director of Safety and Security at Lipscomb---a position that I held back in 1979). We had a few interesting stories to share and notes to compare!
We walked around a little to soak up some sun. It was a beautiful day in Jacksonville. Sunny--breezy---but short sleeve weather! A great day to get some Vitamin D! We also had to stop by the Dollar Tree Store...Benjamin kept reminding me that I didn't have any room in my suitcase to bring back any bargains!
A 5 pm practice...and then on to dinner..and other day will soon be...In the book!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010 - 9:30 P.M. ET - JACKSONVILLE, FL
Back on the road again! A two game swing to Jacksonville, Florida---we are anticipating experiencing some “Florida Sunshineâ€---and temperatures in the mid-60s.
Wednesday night Hoops in our hotel room….and it has not been a good night. DOOK won a blow-out against Boston College and CAROLINA is getting blown out by Clemson! Not a pretty site.
Our trip started from the Allen Arena loading dock…as both the Bisons and Lady Bisons loaded a Wise Coach to head the airport. The Bisons had just finished practice and as they entered the locker room they were handed Lenny Sub box lunches.
This trip is our first doubleheader with the Lady Bisons this year…so our first time to shuttle to the airport together.
Southwest Airlines…put us in a special line…and got us quickly to the TSA Security…where I had my normal “one on one†visit with a TSA specialist.
The plane to Jacksonville was full. Belmont’s women’s team was also on the flight with us…but not the men’s team. The men Bruins are taking a later flight.
No Battle of the Boulevard on the plane. Actually Lady Bison Coach Frank Bennett and Belmont’s women’s Coach Tony Cross…were seated right in front of me on the plane. Sitting side by side…the coaches…who have been friends and competitors for years…shared a row and USA Today on our non-stop flight to Jacksonville.
The coaches talked a little about the travel…and how the Lady Bisons are planning to catch a flight home Saturday night after their game---and that they have a small window of time to get to the airport after the game….Hopefully---not a lot of timeouts or a couple of Overtimes!
The Lady Bisons and Bisons…play Jacksonville Thursday…while the Bruins have North Florida tomorrow---we will swap opponents for our games on Saturday.
A National Bison Club member Gene Brosky was also on the flight. He is heading to his hometown for a few days of golf…and I think he will catch a few basketball games along the way.
A smooth flight---and I think I slept most of the way. I was listening to the Lipscomb-Belmont game as I drifted away.
Here in Jacksonville…we have two buses…one for each team. Interesting they are “Holiday Buses†based out of Orlando. I am sure there are hundreds of buses based in Orlando.
The Bisons evening meal was at Ted Montana’s Grill—the home of the Bison Burger!
Question can you eat your mascot?
Well, actually---it is one of the highest compliments to one of your fallen fellow Bisons! So, sitting under a huge Bison head…many of us enjoyed “Bison Burgersâ€!
I must mention that on Monday…l had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays---and they also serve Bison Burgers….and I elected not to eat our mascot on the day that we were playing the Bruins. My waiter happened to be a Belmont student…and I asked him if they had any Bruin on the menu? We decide that we would name the chicken sandwich after the Bruins….so I decided to have the “Bruin†sandwich---which is also acceptable—especially on game day!
The Bison-cheese burger was good.
Back at the hotel---a team meeting---and then we started watching ACC hoops…and as I said…it was not a good night for one of my teams!
Hopefully it will be a good day for my MAIN team tomorrow night! It will soon be time to “put it in the bookâ€!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2009 - 6:48 A.M. MT - en route to PHOENIX, AZ
4:30 am Mountain Time---A wake-up call---cell phone alarms---bring me to my feet---and my first thought---was it a bad dream or a night mare…or did the Bisons lose to Arizona in overtime? After the game the team and the coaching staff sat in the hotel lobby---eating a post game deli sandwich—making plans for the trip home, handing out airline tickets, discussing the after Christmas schedule, sending and receiving text and emails----and yes looking at the video of the final shot---over and over again!
You know the story….you’ve hear the call—you’ve seen the video---the frame by frame pictures---and if you are a Bison fan…you know that ball didn’t leave Nic Wise’s hand in time….however if you are a Wildcat….you have a big sigh of relief---dodging a big bullet.
Ryan Daly---was the first to show us a video---that appeared to confirm that the shot left the hand after the clock went to 00:00. The officials…called the shot good…but immediately they indicated that they needed to go to the TV monitor….and it took what felt like an eternity….for them to make a decision. Actually they had an extra meeting…all three officials looked at the monitor…one official even asked for a pair of glasses….and after the lengthy first review….they went back for a second review…before the verdict.
The shot was good…and the Bisons had lost 83-82.
There are no moral victories for this team.
From around the country…emails and text…copies of news articles and video clips have been shared between Bison supporters.
Plenty of conversation material---when you gather around the water fountain.
Sadly, a great effort, a well executed game plan---is lost in what happened in the final second of the overtime. Like every game---there were a lot of other factors---that impacted the game---but the focus is quickly placed on this final play.
This is a finish that will be talked about for years.
Now, the big questions are where does the team go from here? What do they learn?…how much will a game like this help us in January and February?
After a short Christmas break…the team will return for practice on the 27th…as they prepare for Stetson on Saturday, January 2nd.
What the best thing you can do?
Be in attendance Saturday afternoon ( January 2nd) to lend your support! The non-conference schedule is over…and we are ready to begin play in the A-Sun!
Yesterday…was a typical road day: Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30; load the bus at 11:45 for a 12 noon shoot around. ( I thought we were sharp at both Sunday night’s practice and Monday’s shoot around—the focus was on the Bisons---and getting better.) Back to the hotel for rest and prep work for the game---a 3:00 pm pre-game meal at Ruby Tuesdays…and then we loaded the bus at 5:30 pm for the short trip from our hotel to the McKale Center.
The Bisons were confident. They played with confidence…and even when Arizona took the lead late in the game…the Bisons didn’t fold to the pressure of the PAC 10---and National Icon…or the 12,000 plus fans---they continued to battle…forcing overtime!
Even in overtime, when they fell behind by 5 points, they never quit fighting.
Last night we were all proud to be a BISON.
When you are a BISON…you are a BISON for life!
This morning….everyone is on the bus heading to the Phoenix Airport---except for Coach Jay Walton and Milos…they are catching flights out of Tucson. Several of the players will be going in different directions…so they can get home for a few days for the Christmas holidays…before they have to return to Nashville the Sunday after Christmas.
The last several years…we have played a game between Christmas and our conference schedule…meaning the team had to return either on Christmas day or the day after…this year they will get an extra day with family!
Trevor Garrett has been busy most of the night updating the web…sending emails and text…and sharing video clips. But he can rest easily…because yesterday morning…he was in line at the Tucson Airport…to check all of us in a the Southwest Counter….so that we have line A and Line B places for boarding our plane to Nashville!
There has been some ups and downs…during this first part of the season…but I think when we look back---this schedule will help make us better! I am getting excited about the A-Sun season!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas….and a Happy New Year! Enjoy some quality family time! And get ready for Stetson----because once again it will be time to…â€Put it in the Bookâ€!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 - 10:32 P.M. MT - TUCSON, AZ
9:30 pm Mountain Time----after a full day of travel and practice—the team is setting into the University Marriot t in Tucson, Arizona.
Here is a little time line for the day….
9:00 am EST (30 degrees and snow on the ground) the Bisons load our bus for a two hour drive to Indianapolis.
11:15 am EST We arrive at the “old†Indianapolis Airport. We soon learn we got off at the wrong exit---the airport is closed---the parking lots are empty…and we have to get back on the interstate and go back an exit or two to the NEW Airport!
11:30-11:45am We check in at the Southwest counter…clear security (yes I have to go through the artificial knee shake down…and my bag of electronic equipment had to be re-run through the x-ray equipment.
1:30 pm We loaded our plane for the four flight to Phoenix. The plane was full…but we had a good trip.
About 4:00 pm Mountain Time we had our luggage---and we were on the bus heading toward Tucson. The word was we were going to stop for an early afternoon meal at a China Buffet. (We had breakfast bars on the bus…and everyone eat lunch at the airport in Indianapolis. I watched our bags—while boys got me a Chicago Style Hot Dog!) Trevor search for a China Buffet on his phone GPS….and the first one that came up…was in a strip mall just a few miles from the airport---it was named the “China Farmâ€---interesting name. Justin Glenn might have had the best line…when he said, “We might should have checked out the second one.“ However, he said he would save his final word---until after we ate.
Reviews were mixed…but most of the guys like the food. After we eat---we loaded the “volvo’ bus and headed toward Tucson---about a two hour ride. They put in Hoosiers for us to watch on the ride (rumor has it that Josh Slater has never see the movie.)
6:30 pm (a couple of hours town the road)…we arrived at the McKale Center—for practice! The team went a little less than two hours…and then we headed over to the Marriott to check-in.
More food was on the way…as arrangements had been made for “In-Out†burgers to be delivered to the hotel. I passed on the late night burger…I eat too much on these trips. Barbara keeps reminding me that I am not playing and exercising like the players.
By the way, breakfast is at 9:30 in the morning.
Shoot around by noon….and we play at 7pm local time.
Besides writing this Travel Log…I also write a “Jonathan’s Journey†on the Brentwood Hills web page (www.brentwoodhills.org) --- here is part of what I wrote today…
Jonathan’s Journey
Sunday December 20, 2009
Listening live to the BHCC service on I-74 heading west….
It is a cold Sunday morning…the week before Christmas! The boys and I are on a Bison trip. This morning we are headed to Indianapolis to catch a plane to Arizona.
We loaded the bus just before 8 am Nashville time…and I immediately logged on to the BHCC early service. Mark was opening the service…followed by congregational singing led by Andy Flatt. One of our elders Jon Lowrance led a beautiful prayer as we gathered at the throne of God.
The roads are clear…but a light blanket of snow covers the ground as we head from Cincinnati, Ohio toward Indianapolis. We have about a two hour bus trip---before we board our afternoon flight to Phoenix. After arriving in Arizona---we will have another couple of hours on a bus as we head to Tucson---for our Monday night game with Arizona.
I hope the Bisons play better than they did on Saturday in their loss to the University of Cincinnati. We played great defense for the first 10 minutes of the game---but then we went in another direction and the Bearcats turned it up on us…on their way to an 80-52 victory.
Our ride through the rolling hills is really beautiful this morning. The snow makes it look like a Christmas card. Speaking of Christmas cards…we got our photo card yesterday…I am writing our Christmas letter while on this trip…I have already addressed the out of town envelopes…Barbara is working on the other envelopes….Tuesday night we will stuff them….and Wednesday they will hit the mail…just in time to arrive the day after Christmas!
If you ever wondered what happens on a bus trip….there is a little bit of everything. Coaches are going over video clips with individual players from yesterday’s game. Trevor Garrett---who is in charge of communications…is working on game notes for tomorrow’s game. Our trainer, Anthony Robertson is reading a book, Benjamin is playing an electronic game…and almost everyone has on some type of headphone listening to I-pods, DVD players, etc.
guys---oh I am the only old guy on the bus—had our morning cup of coffee.
As we travel west…we are seeing more snow on the ground…fields are covered! I am expecting to see a “one-horse sleigh†dashing through the snow as we travel!
We are about 81 miles out of Indy---so we should (without any unexpected delays) arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and board our plane---to head to Arizona…where we go from the 30’s to 70’s! It might be tough to fly home on Tuesday!.....
It has been a long day…jumping across time zones…and it is about time to call it a day. I must admit that I did get a couple of naps in on the plane…along with finishing a book I am reading…and I watched Friday’s NBC Today program on my I-touch…along with listening to the 2nd half of our Cincy game and I also got to listen to a new John Fogerty—Blue Ridge Ranger Album…and a Christmas CD that I have on my I-touch.
Trevor Garrett---really doesn’t like to get on the Southwest plane in the ‘C’ line. Most of us were in the “B†line today….but some were assigned to the “C†line—including Trevor (I won’t mention when he boarded the plane)…and every seat was used! Tomorrow Trevor is working on a deal that will allow him to go to the Tucson Airport to get our boarding passes in advance (we actually will fly out of Phoenix)---but Trevor knows what to do! He is a man on a mission! He is shooting for the “A†line---I’ll keep you posted…because if he pulls this off…it will be one, where you can say, “Put it in the Bookâ€!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009 - 8:01 P.M. ET - CINCINNATI, OH
The Bisons are on a two game road trip to Cincinnati and Arizona. It is now 6:30 EST on Saturday night...and the first stop on our trip...saw the Bisons lose to Cincinnati--80-52. You can read about the loss and watch post game comments from Coach Sanderson by clicking on the game wrap-up article.
Due to some computer problems...I was not able to write and post a log prior to the game. So, here we go with a little re-cap since we last shared with you.
Let’s start with the halftime of the Kennesaw State game. They had a “teddy bear toss†promotion...where the fans were tossing or throwing teddy bears from the stands to a basket in the jump circle.
A bear from behind press row---not only popped me in the head...but knocked my headphones totally off my head...while we were doing the Baptist Sports Medicine Halftime report. Yes, the headphones went flying off my head!
My headphones were flying like the three pointers for the Owls! I have never seen a team shoot the threes the way they did...and I have seen a lot of great shooting teams. We were lucky to only loose by 6 points.
Since returning to Nashville...the Bisons picked up a couple of wins...finished exams...and are now ready for this trip that has taken us north...and then west!
Yesterday....was a typical morning...I was rushing to get some last minute things done at the office....as my Pre-Christmas list is getting longer and longer...and we are now less than a week from Christmas. Justin and I finally loaded into my truck about 12:10 to make the 5 mile trip to the Allen Arena loading dock...for a 12:30 noon departure. We arrived with about five minutes to spare!
David...who drives many of our trips...had his Wise Coach backed in the dock...and in a steady rain...we loaded the bus and then headed up I-65 toward Louisville.
Athletic Trainer Anthony Robertson had lunch for everyone! That is the usually game plan--the team practices...watches tape...grabs their bags...load the bus and grab a box lunch as we head out to begin our trip.
It rained most of the way yesterday...and we hit a little traffic going through Louisville---but for the Friday before Christmas...it really was not that bad. Before going to the hotel--we made our dinner stop at Maggiano’s.
The only problem--no where to park the bus!
Dave’s comment, “Who would select a place to eat at a Mall on a Friday night---the Friday night before Christmas!â€
We suggested valet parking (only spots we saw open) or by a loading zone (but mall security needed to give clearance). Dave ended up parking about a mile away...and stayed with the bus.
One problem...the only phone with his cell number was Coach Walton’s---and he had left it on the bus! Anthony called back to Nashville to the bus owner...and they texted us his number!
After the meal---we called him...giving him a fifteen minute lead way so he could make it back through traffic to pick us up! Meanwhile, they had a medical emergency in the restaurant---and when we left our private room to leave---we saw about EMS operators, mall security, police, fire--you name it they were there! Ambulance, Fire truck and several police vehicles.....and in the middle of it all...our bus!
By the way, Anthony did get Dave a meal to go!
We had to get back on the interstate and head back toward the University of Cincinnati. About a fifteen minute drive.
The team got settled in...and then had a team meeting last night...to go over the last minute scouting report. We would all get to sleep-in...and then meet in the hotel lobby for a buffet breakfast/pre-game meal.
I stayed up late...to all my boys (both Benjamin and Justin are on the trip) to get to sleep ahead of me. Benjamin said he woke up a couple of time and hear the “sawâ€! He said there is at least one way that I lay--that I don’t snore---so he comment, “If, I could I would tie you down where you couldn’t move.â€
I also---got up before everyone to begin working on my game notes. As I woke up---barely got my eyes open---and it looked like it was snowing...and sure enough the ground was covered and the snow was still coming down. The roads were clear (last night we noticed that the highway department had already sprayed the roads with salt).
Since this is our pre-Christmas trip...waking up to the snow...made it feel like Christmas!
However, as Benjamin said on the broadcast...â€The Bisons shooting was cold...just like the weather outside!â€
By the way....the athletic facility at Cincinnati---has everything side by side. Baseball field, soccer field, football stadium and arena all are connected. Today we drove the bus on the concourse behind the stadium to the loading dock of the Fifth Third Arena.
There the drug sniffing dogs...had to check our bags that were taken off the bottom of the bus...before the players or support staff could enter the arena. This was a first for us. Often, we have to have all of our bags checked---including the radio equipment--before we can entered the facility. Since we were carrying our bags...we were able to proceed through the loading dock to the arena.
As we went through the arena maze to get to the playing floor...Trevor and I found a direct way to the floor. Benjamin and Justin made a different turn...and they had to go through a security checkpoint....while Trevor and I just walked right into the arena.
Maybe, I should have had my bag checked...because when I took out my laptop computer...it wouldn’t come on...and we had to scramble to get our commercials switched to Justin’s computer!
I have two laptops with me...one is now dead...and the other one is struggling...so we are working on trying to get our commercial log ready for Monday night. During my years of doing games...I have had all sorts of equipment issues....and of course the technology has changed a lot since the days of two tin cans tied together with a string!
After the game...the team enjoyed Pizza in the Lobby...and are now watching football and basketball...as it seems like it should be late...but with an afternoon game it is still early!
Sunday we will load about 9:30 am and head to Indianapolis...where we will catch a plane to Phoenix---and then a two hour bus ride to Tucson. Plan is now to practice tomorrow night at Arizona. We could get an update on the Itinerary later this evening.
By the way, after dropping us off in Indianapolis---Dave has to drive the bus back to Nashville...as we continue our trip west.
We had a lot of fans at the game. Zach Brown had a lot of families and friends in the arena---and we had parents of several players. Philip Hutcheson and his family met Wade Tomlinson and his family...and they kids enjoyed an indoor water park yesterday...before coming over to the game today! Philip and Wade were teammates and they enjoy getting together to watch the Bisons.
By the way, Hodzic joined the 1000 point club today...and he now has scored in double figures in 37 straight games...the longest active streak in the NCAA...and the longest in our NCAA era....but he still has a way to go to catch Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson...who scored in double figures in every game he played in a Bison uniform.
And he never shot a three pointer, so I never got to say, “Put it in the book†on any of his shots! Not many today either, only 6 three pointers for the Bisons! Hope we have more chances Monday night...to “Put it in the Bookâ€!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 - 11:41 P.M. ET - KENNESAW, GA
Wins always help!
There is no doubt...when you win on the road...it makes the trip a lot better.
The team got to sleep in this morning...no practice. We loaded the bus at 9:45 and were on our way back up I-75---headed toward the Atlanta area.
Matt Shaw’s mother Sally---prepared lunch for our traveling party! A great meal and a relaxing time at their home. Milos Kleut also lived with the Shaw’s during high school. So, today---Mrs. Shaw--put both boys to work setting the tables! Someone commented, “Welcome homes boys!â€
They did a great job! And I’m sure they are glad to be home...for a few hours.
After lunch the team checked in at the Country Inn and Suites. My afternoon was full of game prep, emails and finishing a few work projects. Trevor, Benjamin and Ben walked over to Kennesaw State gym to video an interview with Coach Bennett. It is posted on the web under women’s basketball.
After returning to the hotel, Benjamin and Ben started studying...and ended up taking a Friday afternoon nap! I started listening to last night’s broadcast podcast---and yes I fell asleep for a short nap!
The team met to go over the scouting report and do a walk through about 5 pm...and then we had pizza brought in to the hotel for a 6:00 dinner...while we watch the live streaming video of the Volleyball team in the NCAA tournament---from Columbus, Ohio. The 9th seeded California Lady Bears---were just too much for the Lady Bisons. Our team has had a great season---and the Bisons were cheering them on this evening!
Trevor got out his trusty flip camera and Coach Sanderson and I sat down for a short interview to discuss last night’s game---and a quick preview of Saturday’s match-up with the Owls. There are also some great highlights from last night’s win over Mercer.
After the volleyball game, most of us loaded the bus and headed to the AMC movie theater to watch Blind Side. A great Movie. Brandon Barnes---a red shirt on this year’s team---was surprised tonight to learn of the storyline of the movie. Brandon’s dad coached basketball at Ole Miss.....and he knew the family featured in the movie. He knew about the movie...the actors...prior to us going in the theater---but he had not put two and two together about the storyline featuring football player Michael Oher and his foster parents--Sean and Leigh Ann Tuohy. Brandon was pretty excited after the movie.
Curfew is 11pm...breakfast at 9:30; shoot around at 1:00 pm; then pre-game---Benjamin and Ben head over to broadcast the Women’s game (4:00 central time) and then we will slide into the broadcast team for a 6:30 pm central time tip for the Bisons.
Join us for the Countdown to Tipoff about 6:10 Saturday night....and hopefully we will have a lot of chances to… “put it in the bookâ€
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009 - 11:50 P.M. ET - MACON, GA
The Bus was scheduled to arrive at 12 noon with a 12:30 load and we were going to be on the road by 12:45pm.
I knew it was going to be a tight turnaround for me...since I had a staff meeting and staff luncheon at 11:00 am---I had it planned that I would leave the luncheon by 12:15 and arrive just in time to load the bus!
However, 12:15---quickly became 12:20...and then I couldn’t find my Blackberry...so after three trips around the BHCC building...and re-tracing my steps---I found my Blackberry in Jane Forrester’s office! I quickly jumped in the truck and headed to Lipscomb!
I called Benjamin to check on the status of the bus---and he informed me that the team was still practicing---and that I could take my time!
Saved by the whistle!
The coaches elected to go over the scouting report and practice--thus delaying our departure from Nashville. In the rain, I arrived at the Allen Arena loading dock and I was loaded and in my seat with time to spare.
It rained a lot of the way...but our bus driver (Dave) did an excellent job getting us through Atlanta and some stop and go traffic on the other side of Atlanta.
After a dinner stop at Olive Garden we headed to our Macon home--LaQuinta Inns and Suites. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the campus...and it has become a favorite place to stay...good food nearby...and we have had several wins since we moved to this hotel.
Ben Flatt is on this trip. He is helping Benjamin with radio for the girls games. We have conference doubleheaders this year---and Benjamin, Ben and Trevor are doing most of the women’s games.
Benjamin and I both are fighting colds...so Ben elected to sleep on the floor last night. Not sure which was worse...the floor or as Benjamin put it “about 3:45 you were sawing logsâ€! My snoring was bad...and when I was awake they were doing the same! I got up early to let the boys sleep in...and then Ben got a nap during the day...and tonight they have found him a bed!
A typical day on the road. Breakfast at the hotel...and a 10:40 departure to shoot around. The Lady Bisons were practicing before we took the court. During the change over...got a chance to talk to coach Bennett. All of our conference games are doubleheaders (except for the Belmont games)---so we hope to see each other road a lot this year.
There was a different air at shoot around today. You could just tell this was an A-Sun game---not a non-conference game. A little get-up in each players staff, a little more vocal...and a good practice.
The Bisons are making several adjustment for tonight---defense changes---and a line-up of Slater, B. Brown, Teller, Hodiz and Wright.
After practice...a couple hours to rest before we made the short walk to Logan’s for our pre-game meal. Benjamin, Ben and Trevor drove Shaun’s car--because they were heading straight to the Lady Bisons game. The men’s team would arrive at the University Center at half time of the women’s game.
The game had a lot of story lines---James Florence showed us why he is one of the best in the league---he had 40 against Georgia Tech last time out...and he put 21 points on the board in the first half against us!
Coach made a defensive change at halftime---and before you knew it...a 7 point lead by Mercer was wiped out...the Bisons were back and we had a game! Jordan Burgason would set a University Center record with 8 three pointers...he was in a zone as the Bisons put 12 three pointers---“in the bookâ€! (He tied a Lipscomb NCCA era record--Trey Williams hit 8 3-pointers against North Florida on Dec 2, 2006 in Allen Arena).
A great season opener win for the Bisons!
Back at the hotel...the Bisons enjoyed a “Sticky Fingers†buffet of bar-b-q--chicken and the fixins!
Then game the good news. Our only practice time that we could get---was 8:30 in the morning---so Coach Sanderson---made everyone happy when he announced NO PRACTICE--sleep in...get rest and we will meet at 9:45 to load the bus to head to Matt Shaw’s house (Marietta) for lunch.
By the way--I must mention that....the Lighting of the Green...was a great event on the lawn near the Allen Tower in front of Allen Arena. Amy Grant and her friends put on a great musical performance. However, my highlight of the night was when President Randy Lowry announced that the winners in the Christmas Tree decoration contest! He appeared to be a little surprised to announce that ATHLETICS won the BEST OF THE SHOW AWARD!
The Athletic Department is COMPETITIVE!!! Especially Vera Hutcheson! (Philip’s wife)! She went all out to lead the charge with the tree---which I think might have been officially submitted by the BFF (a women’s group--Bison Friends Forever)! Ironically the victory for the Bisons and Vera---took place in McQuiddy Gym---where in the late 80’s Philip was leading the Bisons to a lot of victories.
This was the second big win for the Athletic Department this year. President Lowry had challenged the University faculty to write and publish books this year. Guess what---ANDY LANE (Executive Director of the National Bison Club)--was the first to publish this year---a wonderful children’s book about the Glendale Zoo. The book would make a great Christmas gift...contact the athletic department to find out where you can purchase your copy!
A couple of great victories for the Athletic Department---off the court.
Time to pack, finish watching Oregon and Oregon State---get a little sleep and get ready for our second stop on this opening A-Sun road trip! It has been a great journey so far! Great to put our first A-Sun victory of the year---“in the bookâ€!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009 - 11:00 P.M. CT - EDWARDSVILLE, IL
As Jonathan mentioned in his previous post, he sent Benjamin and Justin to Edwardsville and stayed home with the family. And since neither Benjamin nor Justin was in the writing mood, I have the opportunity to post about the trip.
I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with family in Columbus after our game on Tuesday evening and flew in to St. Louis Friday evening. I took the train to downtown St. Louis and then caught a taxi out to our hotel in Glen Carbon about 15 miles away.
When I got to the airport in St. Louis, I texted to Benjamin to ask if there were any restaurants around our hotel. He replied, “Dude, our hotel is in the middle of a field.â€
He was pretty accurate. Saturday morning I actually noticed hunters going into the woods off a side road from the hotel parking lot.
I think our athletic trainer Anthony Robertson said it most accurately. “Our hotel was a geographic anomaly that is 10 minutes from anything.â€
Game days are always pretty scripted. For 7 p.m. starts we usually have breakfast in the hotel at 9:30 a.m., a shootaround at noon, and pregame meal at 3 p.m.
Today’s game was a 2 p.m. start so we the day is a little compact. We usually don’t have a shootaround for games that start at 2 p.m. or earlier.
We left the hotel at 9:30 a.m. for our pregame meal. The location of choice this morning was Bob Evans, which was, of course, 10 minutes away.
Anthony is in charge of arranging meals on the road. He shared during breakfast that he had a hard time finding a restaurant, and there weren’t many options to begin with, to let us eat at their place. Sometimes restaurant managers don’t understand that we will be their easiest customer of the day.
We ask that the restaurant have 25 seats for us set aside at our scheduled arrival times. Anthony will preorder the meal. Everyone from the bus driver to staff to players gets the same meal. The quicker the restaurant can put the food on the table, the quicker we will be out.
Apparently after much explaining, Anthony convinced the manager at Bob Evans that it was possible for a group of 25 to eat in less than an hour.
This morning we had a hearty meal of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes. The team was in and out of the restaurant in less than 23 minutes.
We returned to the hotel to pack up. We left for the gym at noon for the….can you take a guess…10 minute drive to the gym.
As bus driver Dave began to pull into the arena loading dock, an SIU Edwardsville athletics truck came zooming towards the entrance and blocked it as we were turning in. We were all pretty dumbfounded since we had never seen a team bus get blocked from dropping the team off.
The man in the truck got out and told us that we would have to park across the street and walk to the gym. Big Dave, as he is affectionately known, always takes care of us on our trips. And he was going to get us dropped off at the loading dock. The athletics employee didn’t hold his ground very long and we quickly were dropped off in the arena loading dock.
I think Dave is going to bring his nice shinny red Wise Coaches bus over to Lipscomb when SIUE visits Allen Arena on Dec. 10 and block off the entrance so SIUE has to walk from Belmont Boulevard.
The Bisons picked up their first victory of the year and we were on the road by 5 p.m. for the long ride home.
We watched “300†and “21†on the ride. We made a short bathroom stop at a rest area in Paducah, Ky., and then we dropped assistant coach Pete Froedden off in Pleasant View, Tenn., before arriving at Lipscomb about 9:45.
The team will practice Sunday and Monday before getting Tuesday off. Wednesday the team will practice midday and then hit the road for the long drive to Macon, Ga., to face off with Mercer Thursday night.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 - 10:19 P.M. CT - THANKSGIVING UPDATE
Tuesday
8:50 am...time to head to breakfast. Today we are eating breakfast and our pre-game meal here at the hotel. I’ve been up for a while...but it is time to get the boys up so we can head down stairs to join the team.
After breakfast....we will have some more time time to prepare for the broadcast or do a little more work before we load the bus about 11:40 for a trip to the Ohio State campus and our shoot around.
We usually try to be at the bus and loaded at least ten minutes before our schedule departure time. We never want the team to have to wait on the broadcast team!
It was short ride to the campus....a campus that I think is the biggest in the country...and they rank as one of the largest if not the largest University in the country....about 62,000 students...about 18 times larger than Lipscomb.
About time we arrived on the fringe of the campus...Michael Teller commented to one of Coach Sanderson’s boys---â€Toto, we’re not at Lipscomb...anymore!â€
Meanwhile, there was a little question...wither we were practicing and playing in the on campus arena or the city facility. Cell phones are great. A quick call to an assistant coach---and we were getting directions to the arena. Meanwhile, Trevor was on line--getting the address and the information was being programmed into the bus GPS System and we were on our way for an on time arrival at the arena.
One more slight bump in the road.
The entrance to the arena---had a gate---that didn’t open automatically. So, Coach Sanderson and several of us started walking down the ramp. Meanwhile, someone punch a button (maybe a call button) and the gate opened and the rest of the team was taken to the loading dock.
During practice...we learned that the bus would be backed right into the area...and we would be able to get off and on the bus without ever stepping outside in the weather. I am sure this is a blessing during cold winter nights!
Shoot-around was good. The team was not as sharp as the last four days of practice---but it was still a good practice. We when we come to arenas for the first time...we usually explore---checking out the locker rooms, storage area, the media room and other areas. Justin found where you could walk under the bleachers...much like McQuiddy Gym. I can’t tell you how many times I went through or under those old bleachers---so I could go from one end of the gym to the other...without going in front of the teams.
The practice was open. The Big Ten TV announcers were there to watch the practice...along with Paul Keels the radio play by play announcer for the Buckeyes.
We had a nice visit. He works for a local radio station that has the broadcasting rights to Ohio State....and he does both Football and Basketball for their network.
After practice Coach Sanderson did a radio interview...while the players got in a few extra shots...before we boarded the bus and headed back to the hotel. Practice is usually about an hour. The players will have about an hour and half before our pre-game meal (It is also being served in a banquet room at the hotel) is served at 3 pm.
After the pre-game meal---Coach Sanderson and I do our radio pre-game interview. Since, I am going to help Andy Lane and emcee the “Fan Rally†prior to going to the arena...I try to get ahead of the game by getting the interview completed and in the computer ready to play in the Countdown to Kickoff---pre-game show.
The players will need to be dressed and their bags ready to load about 4:45 pm. A little different schedule---as the team and the coaches will stop by the ‘fan rally’ hosted by the National Bison Club. The admissions office and alumni relations were also represented at the event.
Benjamin had to pull double duty today. Not only will he be helping with the broadcast---he also had to wear the ‘Bison’ mascot suit....and have his picture made with folks at the rally. He did the same thing last year at the Indiana Rally. (I would never say that Andy Lane is superstitious ).
The Bisons gave the 17th (or 15th or 18th ranked...different positions depending on the poll-so take your pick...a top 20 team) national ranked Ohio State Buckeyes...a good game. The final score...doesn’t tell the story. The Buckeyes had several runs...including one at the end of the first half...and then a bad start to the second half but the Bisons in a hole.
However, the Bisons never stop and never give up!
For the fourth game in a row...we faced a team...that shot over 50 percent...and hit three pointers like they were going out of style. Their length...and athleticism--and future NBA stars were just too much for the Bisons.
After the game...a 5-6 hour bus ride was next on the schedule.
A box lunch, a good book and my I-touch with podcast of Bison and Lady Bisons...put me right to sleep---until we had a fuel stop...somewhere near Louisville, Ky. But after a 20-30 minute break...I was back in my seat...head on my pillow and out for a few more hours.
We arrived on campus at about 2:45 am---we dropped Benjamin off at the “village†on campus and then we headed to Nolensville.
Friday
It is almost like a week long road trip! The Bisons had to practice Thanksgiving Day and Friday---before loading the bus at noon on Friday to head to SIU Edwardsville.
My parents were able to come to our house for Thanksgiving---as they traveled with my brother and his family. Mom and Dad are staying with us....and we spend Thanksgiving Day visiting with my niece and our families in Spring Hill.
With mom and dad being here this weekend, I decide to forgo this trip---leaving the broadcast duties to Justin and Benjamin. Since Benjamin is doing a lot of the women’s games this year--he has mastered setting up the equipment---so they should do fine.
We have two 0-4 teams getting ready to battle...so one of the teams will get a win...and we want that team to be the BISONS!
Hope you are having a great Thanksgiving Holiday! Hopefully---Justin, Benjamin or Trevor---will finish the final leg of this travel log....
PS---George thanks for the email and the support! Go Bisons!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009 - 11:05 A.M. ET - COLUMBUS, OHIO
On the road again….
Last season we had a lot of fun sharing a few thoughts as we traveled with the Bisons. Trevor Garrett has extended the invitation again…so here goes.
It doesn’t matter what time we leave or how much prep time I have to get ready for a trip…I am always rushing to the last minute to get everything done before we leave town! Today was no exception.
My Mondays start early (6:30 am) with a men’s small group Bible study at Brentwood Hills---Monday Morning Quarterbacks! We got our name, because we review the Sunday school lessons and/or sermons from the day before and then spend some time in prayer. It is a great way to begin the work week.
I like coming in early on Monday. It is great to get re-organized from the weekend! Today, I had to get a few projects started…and pack-up my desk to take on the bus ride! I knew that we had about six hours of riding time---perfect for cleaning out files, working on notes, and sending emails back and forth to staff and others! My portable office on the bus!
Running later than I had planned….I left the office and went home to pack an overnight bag and pick up Justin to head to Lipscomb to meet Benjamin and the team. You always need to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of any scheduled departure time…because we always leave ahead of schedule and you don’t want to be late.
For the players…it is your responsibility to not only be on time yourself…but you have to look out for your teammates! You have to make sure that everyone is on the bus and on time! This is a Team effort.
Benjamin picked up the radio equipment and he had it loaded on the bus when we arrived. (Despite feeling rushed---we were there in plenty of time!) Lunch from Lenny’s sub was handed to everyone as we boarded the bus. Usually the coaches sit in the front of the bus, followed by the radio and support personnel. Coach Sanderson’s wife, Ronda was helping to load Clint, Garrett and Grant (the Sanderson’s three youngest children) on the bus (and she had plenty of snacks for the boys!) for a pre-Thanksgiving trip! Ronda would not be able to make the trip. While the Bisons are playing Tuesday night, she would be watching David Lipscomb High school (Carter –their oldest son, is a senior on the team) play. After a few last minute instructions to Coach Sanderson….she turned to boys over to coach!
It was high noon…and time for our Wise Coach (not Coach Sanderson or Jay, Pete or Shaun—the bus line we use for road trips) to head toward Columbus, Ohio. Something, new on the bus this year---Internet Wifi on the bus! Several were using it…I tried one time to log on to it with my I-touch, but it wouldn’t log on. I usually have good coverage with my Blackberry and I also have a Verizon card in my computer that allows me to stay connected on all trips! I can never get to far away from the office!
Speaking of Coach’s boys. They really enjoy traveling with the team. The players enjoy being with boys…you can tell, it is really one big family. During dinner at BUCA in Columbus, Coach and I were talking about how great it is to have the boys on the trip. He talked about the great memories he has of similar trips. He was recalling last year’s trip to Indiana…and looking down the bench and watching how the boys were into the game…and that they were in the middle of everything…even jumping up to make sure that the correct call was being made late in the game!
The same is true for me.
I have really enjoyed traveling with Justin and Benjamin. They give me a lot of grief about my snoring! Last night after we enjoyed the Titans’ victory…I stayed up an extra hour…so they could get to sleep before me!
Coach Sanderson has always been very open to me and the boys. We are considered part of this team. We eat with the team and we are invited to film sessions and team meetings. I think being around the players and getting to know them…helps our broadcast.
Last night, I enjoyed Coach Shaun’s scouting report and film session. I had watched Ohio State play North Carolina (by the way the Tar Heels blew a big lead and had to hang on for their life)—so I was aware of some of the key players! However, during the film session…I got a bird’s eye view of what they try to do and what we can expect on Tuesday night.
Coach Sanderson then shared a great article with the team about toughness! He highlighted some great information…that I am sure will be repeated over and over again all season long. Our GOAL is to get better every day…and March play then becomes our destination! Thus…we are on a JOURNEY! A journey that has begun with three loses. This team doesn’t like to lose. That is why the last few days of practice have been so uplifting. All of the coaches are pleased with the “toughness†that has been reflected during the last couple of days of practice.
Running hard to get easy shots….cutting hard to get a teammate a better shot…tough players---defend well---tough players---don’t pace themselves…they go all out! Every aspect of the game improves as the team develops toughness!
It will be an on-going process all season long. This article will need to be read and re-read all season.
Finally, as the team meeting ended---I was reminded again why Lipscomb is a special place. Coach Sanderson gave some instructions about curfew, breakfast, shoot-a-round---and he then encouraged the players and coaches to pray! To spend some time in prayer before they went to sleep—praying for their coaches…their teammates---and for WISDOM!
As the team stacked it up to head to their rooms…I wondered…â€How many other schools end their team meetings with a charge to go and Pray?’
What a blessing to be at Lipscomb….our Journey continues….
