No scores but things to think about -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 WHAT'S GOING ON 

We know that a lot of our readers come here for scores and results of athletic events. It is in our mission statement, to share and report on the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports. That extends to former Cardinal student-athletes who have gone on past the collegiate to participate professionally.  

No scores from last night, as the WNBA chose to stay off the court a second night because of the Jacob Blake protest. Below is a statement from the WNBA's New York Liberty: 

1,103 days since the New York Liberty’s first annual UNITY Day game dedicated to social justice. As the injustices persist, so does the work.

Today marks what should have been the Liberty’s 4th annual UNITY Day game which is devoted to telling Breonna Taylor’s story and highlighting the #SayHerName campaign. In light of today’s protest, our UNITY Day will be rescheduled at a later date. While we will not take the court today, we will continue to stay loud in our pursuit of justice.

The New York Liberty organization stand in solidarity with our players and demand justice for #JacobBlake, #GeorgeFloyd, #BreonnaTaylor, #AhmaudArbery, and the many human lives affected by brutal police encounters. We will not be silenced.

All lives can’t matter until Black lives matter.

The statement reflects an important part of the change in sporting these days. We try not to get too political or opinionated on things here at Cardinal Couple, but we live in a changing world. A world that has become very political, statement-laden and rightly so. We will continue to cover it as best we can. I'd like to think that our coverage of UofL women's athletics contests has been comprehensive, factual, and accurate in past seasons. I fully expect it to be the same in the future. There will come a day when we are able to resume that. Until then, we wait and see what will transpire with COVID. We have always been about the health, safety and well-being of the student-athlete. That is priority. 

NO SCHEDULING YET

Louisville's Volleyball, Field Hockey and women's soccer squad continue to practice hard for the hopeful eventuality of a schedule and competition. There isn't a schedule out there for any of these three sports yet, some adjusting and re configuring most likely going on since ACC members Duke and Syracuse won't be fall participants in the three sports. Are there more ACC schools that will follow suit? That's possible, if 2020 has shown us anything, we have learn that things are subject to change. 

It's tough to request interviews to discuss game results, future games, player performance and overall conference standings and trends with coaches and players when they don't currently exist. Any "up close and personal" interviews are pretty much out-of-the-question these days and it is a time where the student-athletes and coaches are having meaningful dialogue and meetings about what is going on in the world and our country today. So, we wait patiently and hope for the best.

One thing we haven't gotten official verification on, but have heard that happened, is that the year-old UofL Golf facility on Floyd Street, north of "the circle" has been closed. This is a beautiful facility and I hope the closure is just temporary -- because of budget cuts and COVID -- and isn't permanent. We have to realize that the UofL Athletic Department is not able to operate at a profit these days and that cutbacks to save dollars are necessary. Still, I feel bad for the coaches and golfers.  Just for the record, I've contacted several sources on this news, and haven't received a reply or confirmation.  

If you like to follow the pursuits of the squads in their preparations, I can highly recommend that you follow them on Twitter. We have our columnist Jeff McAdams UofL Sports based Twitter feed over on the right side of our site and it's a real good way to stay informed on the who, what and how of Louisville women's athletics as they exist these days. 

We hope for the best, accept what is in front of us, realize change is needed and continue to hope for the safety, good health and success for all. 

paulie

Weddle Named Johnny Bench Award Winner -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Weddle Named Johnny Bench Award Winner

While Jordyn Wolfe and Paige Schindler are focused on softball down in Florida we turn north for the latest softball news.  Taryn Weddle, a UofL softball signee, was recently named the Johnny Bench Award winner for Indiana.

The Johnny Bench Award is giving annually to an athlete based on single-season accomplishments, but was changed to career accomplishments for this past year due to COVID-19 cancelling seasons.

Weddle comes from just across the river at Floyd Central High School.  In her three seasons with the Highlanders, Weddle produced 139 hits with 124 RBI's.  She also had 34 home runs.  The catcher had a .471 batting average and a .518 on-base percentage.


She also earned 2019 ICGSA all-state first team honors and was named the News and Tribune
Softball Player of the Year.



What Are They Up To ?

With most of the student-athletes back to campus and unable to have outside physical contact we
have been curious what they have been up to.  Well, they're finding ways to stay busy.

On my drive to get food from the Mt Fuji restaurant near campus after work yesterday I saw several softball players taking voluntary batting practice on the field.  I texted Celene Funke and wished them good health, which she was appreciative of.

Volleyball made their way to Baxter Jack's for some sand volleyball.  They can often be found playing on a private sand court at the popular bar and restaurant, without the drinks part of course.

Over the weekend, soccer enjoyed a nice hike to Tioga Falls out near Ft. Knox.  This one may have had minor exposure to others at the waterfall or hiking along the trail, but they tried to stay in just their group for the most part.

We didn't really expect to keep them locked in dorms and athletic facilities on campus, right?  These teenagers and young 20-year old's need to be able to get out and have fun and live life.  Thankfully, UofL has found ways for that to happen while still keeping them safe and in good health.


Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

UofL Begins Testing -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

TESTING, TESTING...

Yesterday marked the beginning of COVID-19 testing for student-athlete, coaches, and other staff associated with UofL athletics.  Each individual, including many who were self-quarantining after traveling back in town, went through a drive-in testing facility at Cardinal Stadium. Vince Tyra was reportedly first to go through.

The individuals included those from football, women's basketball, men's basketball, women's swimming and diving, and men's swimming and diving. Some staff, administrators and coaches also were tested.  It's unclear how many individuals from each sport went through or when the other sports will join them, but approximately 120 individuals were tested. In addition to the testing, individuals were given hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and masks.

Following testing and health educational advising, individuals will be able to begin individual
workouts without coaches involved.

Although there is a long way to go we have seen the first steps to possibly having a fall sports season.

There has been no official statement or information on the testing results and --will, or if they will -- be released from UofL. Also,no information on when the results of the testing will be announced. There are, of course, HIPAA rules to observe, where patient privacy guards against certain uses and disclosures of health information and the prohibition of this information with the tested's knowledge or contest.


LOBBYING 

In other news, bank lobbies reopen today.  With a limited number of people allowed inside at a time and cutting the number of stations we can assist people in half,  it's possible we may be backed up all day- something most of us are a little nervous about.

We also sustained quite a bit of damage to one of our virtual drive thru lanes earlier in the week, as someone attempted to break into the machine and steal money unsuccessfully.

Wish us the best of luck on a smooth transposition.




NOT SO SHARP

Former University of Louisville dance coach Todd Sharp has been arrested for fleeing New Albany police.

According to an arrest report, Sharp was swerving on State Street when he crashed his truck head-on into another vehicle. Police said Sharp nearly rear-ended a parked car, then sped off when an officer turned on his lights and sirens

A New Albany police spokesman says Sharp drove through two red lights, onto the sidewalk, and hit a cable that anchor a street light pole. He did not stop until his car was trapped between a light pole and a curb.

Sharp faces resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!


Jared

Agents of Change -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

CONTINUING THE LEARNING PROCESS

The student-athletes at the University of Louisville began returning to campus on Monday. A chance for them to reconnect with their teammates, their coaches and staff and other student-athletes. 

A different return than in other years. A return that is affected by two major changes in the world we used to know. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the social unrest present over changes needed in our society. 

Teams are taught to "rise as one" and be a united unit when they take to their various venues of activity in sporting events. That unity needs to be nurtured and applied in our current situation. An understanding the things that are needed to be done to stay safe, healthy and to battle this deadly virus. Also, the unity in creating an example of how people of all walks of life, socioeconomic status, heritage and upbringing can be brought together as a solid, unified base for the way our society now needs to be. 

An acceptance, understanding, respect and practice of all being created equal. 

The University of Louisville has received numerous awards for public service, community involvement and academic excellence. These awards must continue to be employed by the student-athletes. No resting on one's laurels. College is a learning experience, use it and benefit from it for the betterment of all. Life is a learning experience. The late Sam Cooke song -- "A Change Is Going To Come" is worth a listen.   Our work is not done.  Hear the words, act on the words. 

LINK: A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

Being agents of change is a task that requires dedication and commitment. Doing the right thing. Working with others to affect a change. Teaching by example and having open, frank, honest and meaningful dialogue and discussions. Being the change that you want others to learn from and follow. 

Learning. 

Sporting events will eventually return. So will fan support and attendance of these events. Let them be examples to all that, despite the rivalries and regional differences, at the end of the contest, there is unity. 

A coach told me years ago that giving one's all in a contest was all he could ask of an athlete. If my best effort didn't produce a victory, there was no reason to hang my head. As long as I knew that I had "left it all out there on the field of competition" then there was no reason for sorrow. My best that day simply wasn't as good as those who competed against me if we lost. There was a chance to learn from the defeat. To grow. 

As a player, these are simple rules to follow: 

-- Living clean and playing hard. Playing for the love for game. 

-- Winning without boasting, losing without excuses and never quitting

-- Respect for coaching and official's decisions. Accepting them with the knowledge that they were designed for the betterment of the event. 

-- Never forgetting that you represent a school or organization and acting accordingly.

These are guidelines than can easily be applied to the world outside of sports. 

Living clean, doing the right things and showing love, compassion and understanding. Being complimentary and humble in life's victories, not making up excuses for failures and learning from those defeats. Never quitting. Respect for the proper authority. Not blindly following authority but realizing that if change is needed in authority, that change will come. Representing your cause or idea in a peaceful, non-violent fashion. Being quick to praise, slow to blame and learning from mistakes. Seeing all sides objectively. Doing the right thing. It's time to listen and respond. It's far overdue, but it is never too late. 

Authority figures must learn that it is their role to serve, protect and set the right examples. Authority figures must not taunt and belittle. They must see their responsibility of leadership and perform it correctly and effectively. 

It is time to stop being a self-sacrificing "me first" society and work toward equality and improvement. It will be a tough battle.

It is long overdue. 

 We must stay dedicated toward it, though. Don't quit. A player may miss a shot, a block, a pass or assignment...but they do not quit. They learn from the mistake and learn to do better. The five year-old doesn't not make every shot he attempts, but, if the hard work and dedication is there....that five-year old could become an Angel McCoughtry or Asia Durr. Two examples of never quitting. Follow their example. Don't quit on making a change. Don't quit on becoming better. And don't quit on learning and understanding. 

I strive to become a little better each day. There are days I win, there are days I lose -- but in my losses, I learn. Will you take that challenge? Will you be an agent of change? 

I will not quit. Will you join me ? 

As our student-athletes return, so does the learning process. Remember, they are our future. They will be the decision-makers, leaders, agents of changes.

Let us believe in them, support them and understand that there will be good and bad days for them. They will not quit. Support them, support your friends, neighbors and learn how to look at all sides of an issue and grow from your observations. 

It takes a much bigger person to admit they were wrong and want to change than being a person who boasts about their accomplishments. Acceptance is the first step in learning. In betterment. 

Welcome back, student-athletes. Be that shining example we need in today's world. 


paulie
xxxxx


paulie
xxxxx

Essential vs. Non-Essential -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WILL, WHEN AND HOW

I had a prolonged discussion with a long-time Cardinal women's sports fan (via phone) yesterday that I hadn't been in contact with in awhile. Although we covered a wide variety of topics and subjects, the most interesting part of our chat evolved around the slow restart of events and athletics in our world. 

This fan is a firm believer that we need to "proceed as normal" this fall with sports on the UofL campus. That was an area of dissension between us. I don't know when we'll be able to go back to the "old normal". I fear that this fall may be too soon to go to that "old normal". Especially with the prospects of a virus vaccine not being envisioned until the end of 2020. 

The "old normal" seems a bit unattainable right now. I'll lay that out for you. 

Let's say that I'm headed to campus to cover a UofL women's athletic sporting event as a media representative. It starts with parking. Will I be able to "socially distance" my parking? My next step is getting out of my vehicle. In addition to gathering the things I need to cover the event as a media representative, I'll need to add to the list a couple of things.

 A mask and hand sanitizer.

The rules may eventually stipulate that I can't bring anything in the venue, as well. Will photographers be allowed cameras? Will I be allowed a laptop and recording device? The virus can live on surfaces for varying times, you know. 

So, I'm walking to the venue. I'll normally go to the designed area I enter, go through a security "bag check" and chat a bit with the security personnel. How do we "social distance" that activity? And, with proper spacing, how long will that procedure take? I usually walk right up to the security checkpoint. At six-feet distancing, it might take a lot longer to get in. 

After getting clearance, it's to the press box. I'll normally see a few people I know on the way to the coverage area. A stop to chat in close proximity, maybe shake hands or exchange a quick hug or mutual pat on the back.

As our governor is fond of saying these days: 

"You can't do that."



Then, it's the dilemma of seating and spacing inside the press box. Press boxes can be crowded venues with the sports information director, timekeeper, stat keeper, shot clock operator, various student-interns performing various tasks, a public address announcer and members of the media. That's just to begin with, in terms of personnel. How do you socially distance all of those people in a limited area? 

We're still an hour before game time, dear friends. 

I do believe it's going to take quite some time to get back to the "old normal" and I haven't even got to, by far, the most important topic in "game day" procedures. 

The health and safety of the student-athletes that will be performing. 

How do your socially distance game action? The huddles, the player-on-player competition for control of the ball, defensive strategies, gatherings on the sidelines and other player interactions? Taking care of our student-athletes is job #1, but how can you have them compete in masks? After all, they have to breathe.  How do you socially distance multiple post-game interviews? 

The "old normal" is a ways down the path, I fear. Just how the "new normal" will look is anyone's guess.

Essential vs. Non-essential. Health and safety vs fan enjoyment. What are the rules ahead going to be? 

I watched horse racing on TV yesterday. No, the horses aren't wearing masks and neither are the jockeys -- but all the other people involved are. The trainers, hot walkers, paddock staff, out-riders and the other essential people getting a horse ready to run in a race are in masks. No, they aren't having a jockey reaching for hand-sanitizer or washing his (or her) hands in hot water in the winner's circle immediately after winning a race...but I'm confident the staging area for the jockeys before and after races are well-sanitized and spaced. I'm confident the massive barn areas where the horses are brought from and returned to on race day -- plus all the other days where they are taken care of -- are protecting the personnel involved in conducting the care and training of the horses. 

So...

Player A scores. There is no team, group celebration/hugging and high-fiving afterwards Do the teams on the field run over to the sidelines for hand sanitizer squirts from a bottle or immediately wash their hands in hot water and soap? Is there a nose swab and temperature check?

I haven't even got into the fan aspect of attending games yet. That's a completely different and complicated subject that I don't have the time, knowledge or guidance on to discuss properly here yet. How many fans are let in and who get to ( or wants to) attend?  If any at all? 

I have football season tickets. I'm not sure I'm ready to give hugs, exchange high-fives and scream in joy with my friends
sitting around me just yet. 

Interesting times ahead, readers. Yes, indeed. 

Our political leaders, NCAA and conference directors and personnel will come up with something. Whether it'll be effective first time out of the gate remains to be seen. 

I don't think any of us want to see the "curve go back up" again. Proceed cautiously. These days of having our cake and eating it, too are gone. Get used to it for awhile. 


paulie
xxxxx

     

ESPNW'S CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS -- WOMEN'S GOLF FUNDRAISER -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ESPN'S CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS COMES TO LOUISVILLE

Last night, on campus in the Student Activities Center Ballroom, the University of Louisville was host to ESPN CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS. The enrichment program is designed for women student-athletes and has a main purpose of preparing them for success after graduation.

An overflowing crowd for the event heard several speakers who began around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

ESPN has teamed up with different athletic departments over the past few years for the event and it was UofL's turn last night to host the ongoing activity. 

The event was moderated by ESPN'S Sarah Spain. Sarah is a ESPN sports reporter who serves as a ESPNW columnist, ESPN radio host and SportsCenter reporter.

The panelists were excellent. 

Jenna Ahern, UofL field hockey great who also founded and is CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, Dr. Lecia Brown, who excelled at track and volleyball at UofL and is currently a research and developer for pharmaceutical giant GSK, Kelly McClain, another Cardinal Volleyball star who now is a vice-president in Wealth Management at Fifth/Third Bank and Amy Rosenfeld, senior producer for ESPN. 

Vince Tyra and Dr. Neeli Bendaputi also spoke to the attendees. 

The panel discussion, which started around 7 p.m., was one of the highlights of the evening. Plenty of student-athletes from all women's sports programs at UofL were in attendance for last night's seminar. 

Life beyond graduation can be a daunting thing. Anyone who has ever had any doubts about it, though, got some very sound and usable advice from a blue-ribbon panel of women who have met the challenge and excelled. We refer to those who give their all to sports on the Belknap Campus as athletes...but the preface "student" is just as an important description to what they are and that should never be forgotten. 


TEE IT UP

Looking for a little Friday afternoon fun? A chance to play the University of Louisville Golf Club in Simpsonville? Well, then...you need to be a part of the Louisville women's golf fundraiser !!

It's a 5-person scramble, where each foursome is paired with a current or former UofL golfer. 

As a donor, alumni or friend of Cardinal Golf, you are crucial to their success and we highly recommend you join them for a fun afternoon to celebrate one of the Cards best seasons and squads.

Save the date October 4th. for the event !!  

Registration begins at 3 p.m., tee off at 3:30 p.m and ends with a Card Carnival followed by a dinner and awards. 

Fundraiser packages: 

L PACKAGE ($50) -- A single dinner package and admission to Card Carnival

BLACK PACKAGE ($100)  -- Tee gift and a hole sponsorship

RED PACKAGE ($200) -- One entry in Gold Scramble, Dinner and admission to Card Carnival...plus tee gift. 

LOUISVILLE FIRST PACKAGE ($800). A golf scramble foursome, dinner, admission to Card Carnival for four...plus hole sponsorship and tee gift. 



Higher $$$ amounts also available, check with director of operations for Louisville golf Erin Horn :

Call 502.852.4572 or e-mail to:  erin@GoCards.com


There is also a "There in Spirit" donation category, where you can send any amount. Help celebrate Lauren Hartlage's senior season !!  

Come out to the ULGC for an afternoon of golf !!



Make your checks payable to: 

University of Louisville women's golf 

Send them to: 

UofL Women's Golf
1670 S. Floyd Street
Louisville, KY  40208

You can also contribute by credit card, a secure payment available on line at: 

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/uofl/EN/link/buy/details/19wgfund



(WE HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE!) 

Call Erin Horn, director of operations for Louisville Golf, at 502.852.4572 or e-mail: erin@GoCards.com  for more information or details. 

Have a terrific Tuesday!

paulie
xxxxx

Student-Athlete Success -- USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Making The Grades

We all know how talented our Cardinals are. But it should come as no surprise that they’re equally talented on the academics side. We often praise how smart and hard-working the student-athletes are and the latest news from UofL only supports our claim.

378 Cardinals were named to the ACC Honor Roll. 378!

There was a conference record 4769 student-athletes on the list this year. Among 15 schools that averages out to about 318 student-athletes per school. UofL was 60 higher than that.

The 378 is also an increase from last year where 364 student-athletes made the list.

I did not have the time to go sport-by-sport to see how many players from each sport made it or the percentage of players from a respective sport to make it but each sport’s list seems pretty close to a full roster. Women's basketball's list is quite impressive with Alexis Barlow, Arica Carter Asia Durr, Lindsey Duvall Dana Evans, Sam Fuehring, Jazmine Jones, Jessica Laemmle, Molly Lockhart, Seygan Robins, Mykasa Robinson, and Kylee Shook all making the honor roll. 

The qualifications are that a student maintain a 3.0 or better grade-point average for the entire academic year. 

A major congratulations and hats off to each of those student-athletes for their hard work off the field/court/water..

USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team

I’m trying to leave most of the volleyball news to Jeff this summer but I figure it’s early enough in the week to give it a mention.

Tori Dilfer and the USA Collegiate National Team took down Ukraine Monday. They won 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-17, 25-18) to advance to the semifinal.

Although no stats were provided it was noted that 11 of the 12 players on the roster recorded a kill including our own Dilfer. 

USA squared off against Argentina during the day yesterday but no results have been posted from UofL yet.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Paulie's interview with WBB's Jazmine Jones and Friday for A History of Louisville Women’s Sports Chapter 7!

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

Jared

Introducing the Paulies -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

A DIFFERENT SPIN ON POST-SEASON AWARDS


You may have noticed over the years we do things a little differently here at Cardinal Couple. For, sure...we have three unique and widely diverse writers here at the site. Spanning three generations. Our intent is to promote the joy and excitement of UofL Women's Sports and most days I feel we do a pretty good job of that. Even on the days where we delve into a men's sport...it's usually something that a lot of women's sports fans at UofL have a mutual interest in following. 

So...I present THE PAULIES. A different type of award sequence. We'll compile a formal list of the nominees later this month...your input is requested and greatly appreciated...and between me, Worldwide, Case and probably a couple of other associates you've heard on our radio show...we'll rank the nominees and come up with the recipient of The Paulie for that category. We'll award a banana to the winner in each category. Or a banana milkshake if so desired. After much deliberation...I've narrowed it down to five categories.  

They are :  

1) QUICKS -- No...this isn't named for the former UofL Football wide receiver...instead, for that player who shows speed on their playing surface. The one leading the charge or the one everyone else is trying to catch or contain. They feel the need for speed and are adept at it.

Some early names would include...Hannah Koloski (Lacrosse). Jazmine Jones (Basketball). Jordan McNary (Softball) Raven Grant (Track and Field) and Brooklyn Rivers (soccer). 

2) GIMME THE BALL --  That player you want controlling the scoring in the close ones...for the last attempt or when you definitely need points, a goal or even a big stop. Strong performers.The one that coaches design the play for. 

To start, we'll look at Minout Mink (Field Hockey), Asia Durr (Basketball), Meghan Siverson (Lacrosse),  Melanie McHenry (Volleyball) and Maryssa Becker (Softball). 




3) DON'T GET COMFORTABLE SITTING DOWN. -- That player that needs to be out there as many minutes as you can play her. The one that gets the minutes, deserves the minutes and doesn't spend a lot of time sitting or standing next to the coaches. 

A few to consider...Nicole Pufahl (Softball), Ayeshia McFerran (Field Hockey), Inger Katrine Bjerke (Soccer), Molly Sauer (Volleyball) and Brittany Read (Lacrosse) 

4) SHE'LL GET THE CROWD BUZZING. -- That player who gets the crowd buzzing. The fan favorite. The one that gets a reaction when she goes in or gets ready to perform. Ms. Electricity. 

How about...Sydney Zambrotta (Basketball), Gabrielle Vincent (Soccer), Emmonnie Henderson (Track and Field), Jasmine Bennett (Volleyball), Jessica Laemmle (Basketball). 

5) MAKE SURE THE RECORDER IS ON. -- The Coach that gives the usually great, maybe comical, sometimes critical and never boring post-game quotes and comments. 

We'll offer Jeff Walz (Basketball), Kellie Young (Lacrosse), Sandy Pearsall (Softball), Justine Sowry (Field Hockey) and Karen Ferguson-Dayes (Soccer).

So...there you have it. Feel free to leave your picks in the comments section for any or all catergories. E-mail them, if you wish, to cardinalcouple@twc.com. Text me at 5022913651 if you wish. We'll compile the results and announce the finalists after due deliberation and consideration. We'll put them up for a vote over on the Right Hand Side of the Site as part of the final determination for the winner. 

The Paulies....not your average awards from the far from average web site. 



paulie
xxxxx