Sunday Cardinal Couple - Restlessness

The Cardinal Couple mission has always been to share the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports.  Sometimes that is hard to do due to events in the greater world.

This is definitely one of those times.  In addition to the ongoing challenges of the current coronavirus pandemic, we are now experiencing dramatic turmoil in Louisville as anger over systemic iniquity boils over.

Cardinal Couple is not the place to address those issues directly, but we can't ignore that the mission of this site puts it squarely on the side of cheering and supporting those who don't get all of the same advantages as others.

There have been several statements made by leaders at UofL, and I wanted to share those with our readers today.

Neeli Bendaputi

The first, several days ago, came from UofL President Dr. Neeli Bendaputi (this was originally a four
tweet thread):

Friends and family,

As an educator and a leader in higher education, I want to share some context around a phrase you are no doubt hearing and that many are misunderstanding. 

#BlackLivesMatter.

Some people read this as a statement that only black lives matter. And so they are likely to respond with 'All Lives Matter' or a similar sentiment. But that is not the intent.

Just as celebrating Mother’s Day does not mean that fathers don’t matter or having a Breast Cancer Awareness event doesn’t minimize other diseases, the declaration that Black Lives Matter is a rallying cry, a plea, an exhortation to acknowledge that black lives matter, too.

It is both a reminder that our black families are suffering disproportionately and a call to do something to end these ongoing inequities and injustices. 

This is why I say, #BlackLivesMatter.

Scott Satterfield

The next significant statement, came from Coach Scott Satterfield, head coach of UofL Football (in a graphic posted to Twitter):

I am saddened to see so much hate and injustice so close to home.  My prayers are with those who are hurting right now, who feel helpless, who are dealing with loss, specifically with people of color.  I will never understand what goes on in this world filled with so much hate.

I do know that we love our players and we are committed to stand against any form of racism.  We will continue to listen and support our team and treat everyone in our program with love and respect, players, coaches, and staff alike.

We are all created in God's image and He intends for us to thrive in unity!

1st John 2:9

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness."

(signed) Scott Satterfield

Jeff Walz

Most recently, posted late last night, UofL Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Walz (a thread of three
tweets):

Our captains, Dana and Kianna, and I wanted to release the following statement on behalf of our team:

Our team had a great discussion on our Zoom call this week. We believe in communication. We address issues, large and small. We don’t think what’s going on is right. We can’t accept a world that isn’t safe for all. We stand with the black community.

We will be getting back to campus soon, and we are committed to working together to better our Louisville community with empathy, compassion, and respect for all people. We plan to make a difference through our actions. @UofLWBB will be part of the solution. #ONE

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

A full house...well, not really, we're on a Skype so we could have a lot more people on the call but the usual four were on the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour. technically...but the normal four...no, none of us are normal.

Case, Jared, Paulie, and I briefly discussed the events transpiring in Louisville currently, but then went on to talk about women's basketball, and the success of UofL players in the pros, particularly with the NY Liberty.  We also talked about the awarding of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award to Mercedes Pastor of UofL Field Hockey and Brenna Shanahan of UofL Lacrosse.  Matthias Schmid of Men's Golf was also awarded.

Jared, returning after a two week absence, successfully defended his win streak in the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Quiz, knocking off previous two-time winner Case. I haven't seen the winner's circle yet since we re-established the quiz. Jared made a request for a mascot quiz, so that could be next -- who knows what will come out of the c mind of Paulie next?. 

Check out the 5/29/20 broadcast below.

Cardinals Keep Earning Awards -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Shanahan and Pastor Named Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholars

The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards are named each year in the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The award is granted to minority athletes who excel in athletic and academic pursuits. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, and be active on campus or in the community. Louisville had three awardees this season, with two representatives from the women's athletics side: Matthias Schmid (MGolf), Brenna Shanahan (Lacrosse), and Mercedes Pastor (Field Hockey).

While the award is not limited to one player per sport in the country, the award is still a recognition of all of the effort that student-athletes put in on and off of the field. These types of awards should come as no surprise to Louisville fans, as UofL sports teams are regularly at or near the top in community service hours and consistently have players earn academic honors. To be able to support a program that supports its student-athletes such that they have the opportunities to achieve these things is something I don't take for granted. Some student-athletes are not supported in the same way and are expected to perform on the field for just the opportunity to excel in athletics later. Recognizing that these student-athletes are people that have goals and aspirations outside of sports is important as fans of college athletics.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

We're back again this week as with every week. Not so much sporting news this week, but we'll be sure to break down what we know. We'll also have another quiz, so we'll see if Jeff can get his first win of the season. Tune in to the live show at 11AM on the Cardinal Couple YouTube or check out the show anytime once the live broadcast ends. We'll be happy to have you join us as we continue to promote the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-

Jeff Walz Interview -- Calm Down -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

JEFF WALZ INTERVIEW

I was pleased to be able to catch up with University of Louisville women's basketball head coach Jeff Walz yesterday for a phone chat.

The 15 minute discussion covered a variety of subjects, including the return of student-athletes to campus beginning June 1st., the Cardinals in the WNBA and a message to Cardinal fans from Coach Walz. 

The link is below: 

JEFF WALZ INTERVIEW 5/28/20


CALM DOWN

Last night, in downtown Louisville, a planned peaceful demonstration over the death of Metro EMT Breonna Taylor turned ugly. Seven people were shot, buildings were defaced, property destroyed and police arrived in riot gear to break up the proceedings. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1266188485737807874

This is not how we roll, Louisvillians. 

I will defend anyone's right to assemble and peacefully protest. It's in our constitution. When it turns violent, though...the lives of the innocent become endangered. That's not OK.  

With the weekend and nice weather approaching, we'll step outside of our normal role here of reporting on the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics today and make a plea. 

Just calm down.

There is no need to resort to violence in our city. Words, ideas, thoughts and feelings being expressed are one thing. These things can be done peacefully. Be better than this, here in our beloved city. The parents of the late Breonna Taylor are asking that everyone remain peaceful as we work toward truth and justice.

Please heed the words of parents who have lost their child. 

Black or white, young or old, we are all in this together. Spread love and understanding, not hate and violence. 



paulie
xxxxx

UofL Marketing Earns Honor -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

UofL Marketing Earns Honor

Whether we know it or not we have all enjoyed a creative masterpiece by our marketing team in UofL Athletics.  The most common one for most of us on the site is the intro to women's basketball games.  The pregame video and the red lights are just a small piece of what they have designed over the years.

Also, thank you to our good friend Daryl Foust, who is responsible for getting the special lights going at the right time from up in the rafters.

Their honor, given to them by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators, goes back to three certain events: "Fan Engagement Video" at the Muhammad Ali recognition basketball game, "Event Attendance" for the Kids Day men's basketball game, and "Student Promotion" for Flight23 ticket promotion.

Our fearless leader on "Seventies"
night

The three recognition moments actually came from men's basketball games, but their work goes far beyond just men's basketball.

Our marketing team has done an excellent job focusing plenty of attention on the smaller, non-profit sports.  Mr. Worldwide can attest to the cool pregame video for volleyball and some of the in-house promotions.  They also post some wicked postgame highlights for different sports.

The marketing team also plays a big part in the logos we see on social media and the cool cover photos and background looks in different images we see.  The new (well, old) Dunking Cardinal at mid-court was brought back by the marketing team.

They also came up with the themes we have seen in the past such as Decades Nights (Paulie has had some cool outfits), ugly Christmas Sweater Game (the entire basketball staff participated), and Bobblehead games.

One of the neat promotional ideas in the past by the marketing team actually focuses on soccer, with the Hispanic Heritage Night.  The event is one of the largest in terms of attendance for women's and men's soccer.

So, to our marketing team, thank you for being one of the best in the country and for all your hard work you have done to amplify the fan experience at games and through social media.

Be sure to catch the Friday Cardinal Couple column. Paulie has an interview scheduled with UofL women's basketball head coach Jeff Walz today. Hard to say what those two will talk about, right?

Continue to stay safe as more places continue to reopen.  We even found out a bank reopening date, and it isn't far away.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

Shook, Jones Make the Cut -- Back to campus for some -- Leon, Forrest All-Americans -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

NEW YORK LIBERTY ANNOUNCES FINAL ROSTER

University of Louisville WBB greats Jazmine Jones and Kylee Shook are in the bigs. 

The New York Liberty announced their 12-player roster... along with the other WNBA franchises yesterday...and Jones and Shook are part of that roster, along with another former Cardinal great, Asia Durr. 

Head Liberty coach Walt Hopkins has a squad that will include six rookies, five former ACC players, three former UConn Huskies and the #1 WNBA draft pick -- Sabrina Ionescu. 

The WNBA has not come out yet with a starting date yet for team training camps, preseason games nor the regular season start. 

There is more good news for Louisville women's basketball fans. Angel McCoughtry is on the Las Vegas Aces 12-player roster and Myisha Hines-Allen is named on the Washington Mystics roster. 

The complete NY Liberty roster is listed below by player, position and former college: 



Rebecca Allen -- guard -- Australia
Layshia Clarendon -- guard -- University of California
Asia Durr -- guard -- Louisville
Sabrina Ionescu -- guard -- Oregon
Jazmine Jones -- guard -- Louisville
Kia Nurse -- guard -- UConn
Leanna Odom -- forward -- Duke
Kylee Shook -- forward -- Louisville
Kiah Stokes -- center -- UConn 
Megan Walker -- forward -- forward
Jocelyn Willoughby -- forward -- Virginia
Amanda Zahui B -- center -- Minnesota 


BACK TO CAMPUS TODAY FOR SOME

Across the NCAA Collegiate landscape today, a return to campus for certain student-athletes. At Louisville, Vince Tyra announced the proposed return of 30 football student-athletes today and 15 basketball student athletes. 

The first week will be one of instruction for the returnees. Safety, hygiene, social distancing and other important factors involved in staying free from the Coronavirus are on the agenda for those return. This is Phase I of the four phase return of student-athletes to the Cardinal Belknap campus.The return is voluntary. 

We have a request out to see just which UofL WBB student-athletes will show up today. To that point, we've requested an interview with Louisville women's basketball coach Jeff Walz about which of his players will participate in the first group of instructions and open gyms (which is tentatively scheduled to occur in early June). We'll run that requested interview here if we get a confirmation.   

Just guessing here, but we probably won't see in the first group Norika Konno, due to the travel requirements and such from Japan.

Hailey Van Lith is finishing up classes and has yet to go through graduation ceremonies in Washington. Merrisah Russell is coming in from Canada, so there might be a delay there as well. 

Other later arrivals could include Kianna Smith and Ramani Parker, who both live in California. All this is purely speculation, though, and we've sent our Jared Anderson out to Louisville International Airport with a camera to park outside the arrival terminal and...

 --- nah, we're just kidding here about Jared -- we'll know when we know. 


GABRIELLE LEON AND MAKENLI FORREST ALL-AMERICANS

The University of Louisville’s Gabriela Leon and Makenli Forrest have been named 2020 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field All-Americans as announced by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) today.

Both earned the honor after qualifying for the 2020 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships which were slated to be held March 13-14, but were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out the complete release from the USTFCCCA here http://www.ustfccca.org/2020/05/featured/2020-ncaa-division-i-indoor-track-field-all-america

Forrest, a junior from Ellenwood, Ga., was one of just 16 athletes that qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championship in the weight throw.  Her throw of 22.11m/72’06” at the Tyson Invitational ranked 11^th in the nation and she never finished out of the top four during the 2020 indoor season. This marks the third All-America accolade for Forrest, who earned first team honors after posting a runner-up finish in the hammer throw at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. As a freshman she earned second team Indoor All-America honors after a 15^th place finish in the weight throw.

Leon (Grand Rapids, Mich.) set a school record mark of 4.40m/14’05” in the pole vault at the 2020 ACC Indoor Championships and earned a second place finish while picking up first-team All-ACC honors for the second straight season. The junior entered the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championship ranked 11^th in the nation. As a freshman, she earned second team Outdoor All-America honors in pole vault.

Gabriela Leon – Pole Vault – USTFCCCA Indoor Track & Field All-American

Makenli Forrest – weight throw - USTFCCCA Indoor Track & Field All-American

Have a wonderful Wednesday!


paulie
xxxxx

Much Needed Day Off -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

A Much Needed Day Off


On rare occasion, we do see banks closed, and Memorial Day is one of those days.  As we took time yesterday to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country it was a much needed day of R&R for me.  In fact, most of the weekend went that route.

Outside of work Saturday morning I had a pretty slow Memorial Day weekend.  I explored the abandoned Glenmary Country Club with a friend and got spooked by a supernatural encounter !

We didn't see anything -- but the sounds of a glass bottle being thrown to the ground in an empty building (minus my friend and I) definitely had us feeling tense.  I concluded my Saturday puppy-sitting for my parents seven-month-old border collie.

Sunday started with a Zoom church service before I traveled to Richmond for graduation photos for a buddy of mine.  We discovered the EKU football stadium wide open so he was able to throw on his cap and gown while inside the stadium.

Photo by WKDQ.com

I got to sleep in for once on a Monday.  Due to the heat and humidity and another planned shoot, we went out to Cherokee Park and shot in Beargrass Creek- staying cool while getting some great shots!

My excitement level rose when I found out that the restaurant Mt Fuji on campus reopened so I raced to campus to enjoy some hibachi chicken before concluding my holiday weekend on the couch.

My short visit to campus made me miss sports more than I already do, especially when I spotted a rainbow over Ulmer Stadium.  I paused at the roundabout to snag a picture on my phone.  Hopefully it was a sign that we will have fall sports?

It's back to work for me today as we enjoy our final days of the lobbies being closed.  The official reopening date is not set but we do know it will be early-to-mid-June.  Still no haircut for me... yet.

As we go through these days of lack-of-womens-sports news and scores -- it's not anything we haven't experienced before here at the site. These months are traditional for us looking at other items of our lives. Thanks for bearing with me today!


Remember to stay safe and have a good Tuesday!  Go Cards!

Jared

Memorial Day -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

MEMORIAL DAY

As we go into this Monday, Memorial Day, let us remember those who gave their lives for this country while serving in our Armed Forces.  Many who read this may not have anyone that they knew who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  We have all heard stories and accounts, though, of brave souls who lost their lives in our World Wars, in our war in Vietnam, in the Civil War and other wars. Defending our country. Saying "I will make sure that we are safe against tyranny, aggression and those who look to kill the innocent and the ones who differ from our thoughts. "

Serving one's country is something that is putting your own personal life on hold to protect the lives of others. We honor those who were put down in a hail of bullets, bomb explosions and other forms of aggression. Defending our way of life. 

You have heard political figures speak of a new "war" these days. It's a war against an aggressor, but our bullets, war machines and troops aren't involved in attacks, massing together to overthrow the foe or military procedures. An enemy we can't visually see. 

We have a new "first-line, front line" type of defenders these days. Those that work to stop the spread of the virus, who care for those who are affected by it and look for a cure for the virus. Those who provide our essentials -- the energy we use, the water we drink, the food we consume and the daily interactions we depend on. We are all in this together, and many have also suffered because their way of life and freedoms have been temporarily curtailed because of this threat. 

Those who leave their homes to serve others. There are deaths here, as well. 

Remember the casualties of this horrible pandemic. Who were taken over by it and succumbed. They did not choose to die, they were victims of the fury. 

Someday, when this horrible virus is defeated, I hope days will be set up to honor those who have fallen in this new battle. Keep them in your thoughts as well. They sacrifice so we have essentials. Sometimes, they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

They have paid the ultimate price, too. Let us not forget them. 

Massing together in groups isn't going to defeat this new enemy. Hanging images in effigy isn't going to win this battle. Doing the basic hygienic things that have been outlined by those in the know is the first line of defense. Do your part.  

Do not heed the words of the misinformed: 

Pastor Cliff Christman says that law isn’t relative, and to understand the country’s laws, one should understand Biblical law.  

“This has been one of the biggest shams in world history,” Christman said. “Grown men have been hiding in (their) homes nearly wetting their pants over this invisible enemy that nobody sees. Where is it at? Let it come out and face us. I serve the one true and living God who conquers all enemies. Why should we give our freedom and our liberties up for such fear (and) propaganda and all the garbage that is coming out of Frankfort today?”


These misinformed words are wrong. Has he suffered the effects of this horrible pandemic? Has he lost a friend, a loved one? This thing is real, Mr Christman. 

Stay well,

paulie
xxxxx

WBB - All Time Greats Team -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WBB All Time Top 5

Jeff Walz was asked about this the other day in his teleconference.  Case, Paulie, and I mentioned it in the CCRH yesterday.  It's an idea in a post from UofL WBB in social media.

Who's your pick for an all time Top 5 from UofL WBB?  The social media responses seem to come to a near consensus on four, with Angel McCoughtry, Asia Durr, Shoni Schimmel, and Myisha Hines-Allen, with the 5th spot being spread around among numerous entrants.  Dana Evans gets a lot of love for the 5th spot, along with some mentions for Jazmine Jones, Sam Fuerhing, and Kylee Shook.  There are plenty more.

Some notable specific responses include one from McCoughtry herself where she doesn't include herself. The great #35 listed: Jazz Covington, Sara Nord, Asia Durr, Shoni Schimmel, and Yuliya Tokova.  That's some admirable humility, but I don't know much of anybody thinks Angel doesn't belong in this list.

As we mentioned on the CCRH yesterday, Walz mentioned Monique Reid, Asia Durr, Angel McCoughtry, Shoni Schimmel, and then he vacillated between, Keisha Hines, and Sam Fuerhing before coming to Myisha Hines-Allen. 

Briahanna Jackson didn't go the humble route, listing herself, McCoughtry, Asia Durr, Monique Reid
, Hines-Allen, and Shawnta Dyer.

Dennis Fuerhing offered his wisdom, "Sam, Sam, Sam, Myisha, and Asia", and I think there may be a slight bit of bias in that one.

Kim Pemberton, who was the Assistant SID for the team for a time included Shoni and Angel, but then went a bit more old school with her other picks, Jill Morton, Kristen Maddox, and Nell Knox.

@LouisvilleTuan on Twitter went with the consensus top five, but then added in five "bench" players: Sam, Kylee, Jazz (I'm guessing this is intended to be Jaz Jones), Jude Schimmel, and Antonita Slaughter..or maybe Jazz Covington? 

In the spirit of "There's always one." all of the social media outlets seemed to have a response that perhaps intentionally missed the spirit of the exercise.  On twitter, the response was, "Griff, Rodney, Milt, Russ, and Pervis", and while that is one heck of a great team...yeah, kind of a swing and a miss on the idea.

As for my picks, the consensus picks of McCoughtry, Durr, Schimmel, and Hines-Allen are awfully great.  I think Dana Evans is a good pick for the fifth.

The ones that I might swap out are possibly Shoni and Myisha.  For Shoni, I might look for someone that was a bit more aggressive on defense, perhaps Asia Taylor.

For Myisha, I would consider Sam Fuerhing as an alternative, but probably end up with Hines-Allen for the spot.

What do you think?  Let's here your picks in the comments.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Another edition of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour is in the can.  Case, Paulie, and I got together and chatted about the latest news from the NCAA and UofL about potential bringing athletes back on campus.  We discussed some of the information from Walz's press conference, particularly around scheduling and road trips.  And finally, we did another Cardinal Couple quiz.  My outing was much better this week than last week, which isn't saying much.

"Re-Opening" Plans Continue -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

As UofL Lays Out Plan, So Do Conferences

You'll have to forgive me, as today's entry won't be specifically about the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics, but the decisions made by other programs and conferences will impact the future of college athletics as a whole. You'll just have to take my word for it that it's related. You'll forgive me if I'm a little cranky today, as I should be on my way to Indianapolis for two great days of fast cars and fun for the Indy 500 Weekend. Alas, that will have to wait until August (I hope). Given the positive news over the last few days as reopening plans are underway, I'll keep today's article a bit more upbeat than last week's as we look on the brighter side of possibilities.

Paulie wrote yesterday about UofL's plan to reopen the campus to athletes under a phased capacity. It included a mention of the NCAA's plan as well, which should be viewed as the minimum restriction in this case. The NCAA has indicated that other plans created by schools and conferences should not exceed that restriction, explaining why UofL will have some student-athletes return to campus this week but they will not allow any workouts until the following week. We could get in to why the athletes that are returning were selected such as they were, but I said I'd keep it upbeat so we'll skip that conversation. 

As UofL announced their plan, though, many other bodies were at work coming up with similar ideas. In the ACC, Florida State has reportedly already tested its first wave of players on campus as they prepare for June workouts, which have not yet been announced. Syracuse is working on their return as well but do not have a firm plan in place. The ACC has decided not to hold a formal vote on the return of players to campuses, following only the NCAA guidelines and leaving the rest up to each school. FSU and Syracuse's plans are both for football only. 

The SEC held their vote on the matter yesterday, after the "Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force" that the conference established in April returned its recommendations. After a vote by university presidents, the conference commissioner issued a statement indicating that on-campus workouts will return in limited capacity on June 8th and that the conference is anticipating an on-time start for the fall sports calendar. The SEC's statement did not specifically indicate which sports were allowed under this plan but they did increase the amount of virtual film time allowed for football and basketball. While it appears that the move by the SEC was directed at football, Florida has created their own plan to reintegrate student-athletes onto campus in waves. Per ESPN, their plan includes football, volleyball, and soccer.

Also according to ESPN's sources, the Big Ten will not hold a formal vote, similar to the ACC, leaving it up to member institutions instead. A couple of those institutions, Ohio State and Illinois, have already issued their plans to varying degrees of specificity. Ohio State will return to action on June 8th, with Illinois setting a more vague "mid-June" timeline. In other news, Ohio State has apparently been doing some budgeting for the upcoming season, with game models for football trying to incorporate social distancing for fans. It's still unclear if there will be fans in any seats, but OSU is modeling between 20-50% capacity. 

Similarly, the governor of Texas indicated he expected "some level" of fans would be able to attend college football games when the sport returned to the state this fall. The Big 12 didn't mention much about that in particular, but they did vote on a plan to get student-athletes back to their campuses. Football players will be allowed to return on June 15th, with the remaining fall sports athletes being allowed back on July 1st. Winter sports have a return designation of July 15th. This was the most inclusive plan I could find.

That leaves us with just the PAC-12 in the Power 5 circle. What will they do? Well, their current plan includes a moratorium until at least May 31st. The conference CEOs will meet next week and will vote on allowing the conference to follow in the footsteps of the NCAA. The PAC-12 has long been one of the bigger question marks regarding the return to college athletics, as the West Coast has been hit by the pandemic relatively hard and the California college and university systems are usually leaders in regulation. There have been rumblings out of the state that schools may not even return to on-campus learning in the fall semester. No on-campus classes would certainly mean no on-campus athletes. The conference will be the last domino to fall on whether college football will plan on having a normal season, or if the 2020 college football season records will be filled with uneven records, full conference schedules, or a lot of local games. 

Another interesting point that has been brought up by PAC-12 adjacents is the cost of testing. An estimate showed that the cost of testing a football program for the coronavirus could be up to $300,000 over the course of the season. However, per NCAA regulations, student-athletes cannot receive additional benefits. There's also the bit that if everyone is on campus, you can hardly maintain an effective quarantine of student-athletes. Combining those two things leads to a need to test everyone on campus, probably more than once, which led to an estimate of over $100 million for the year. That's a prohibitive cost.

As Paulie said yesterday, all we can do is wait and see what will come next. That universities and conferences are making plans under the advisement of experts and working toward a smart and safe solution is encouraging. We'll keep looking for the bodies in charge to follow the likes of the Big 12 and UF to make these plans more inclusive and not so transparently fiscally driven so that we can get all of the athletes that deserve the opportunity to play back on the same level.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

We'll be back this week with another episode of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast, hopefully with fewer technical snafus than last week. Anticipate another quiz, where we may or may not steal each others' answers. We'll discuss the goings-on in UofL news this week as well as the aforementioned reopening plans in college athletics. Be sure to tune in to the Cardinal Couple YouTube Channel at 11AM for the live show. As always, the show remains on YouTube after so catch the broadcast any time after it ends.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-

Louisville announce some student-athletes back to campus -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FOOTBALL, MBB and WBB SLATED TO RETURN

You may have seen this yesterday, but the NCAA has given universities permission to bring student athletes for football, men's and women's basketball back on campus in a limited basis for voluntary workouts. UofL Athletics announced a plan yesterday. The return is scheduled for May 27th  It's a phased plan, 12 days ahead of any volunteer physical activity.  A limited number of student-athletes are in Phase I. 

It's a good first sign for football fans that hopefully we have football this fall.  No one knows for sure what the season is going to look like but let's stay positive that come Thursday night September 3rd, the Football Cards will welcome NC State to Cardinal Stadium.

We are a women's sports site, so seeing the news that WBB will also be allowed to return for "open gym" caught my attention as well. I also wonder about other UofL women's fall sports, like Field Hockey and Women's Soccer. 

Under the first phase, a limited group of student-athletes, around 30 in football and 15 in MBB and WBB, would arrive on the 27th. to receive education on protocols. Testing and physical examinations start June 3rd and voluntary physical training, not directed by coaching staffs could begin June 8th. 

Three facilities in phase one would be open with limited occupancy. The Schnellenberger Football Complex, the Trager Center and the Planet Fitness Kueber Center. Louisville is the first ACC school to make a move like this. 

It is not required participation. 

If all goes well, in this Phase I, and if the NCAA gives a "go ahead" more football players and around 60 other Olympic sport student-athletes could arrive on campus on June 10th. This is Phase II.

During Phase II, additional facilities would be opened. Limited occupancy, staggered workout sessions and voluntary participation are the standards. 

A Phase III and Phase IIII are planned for July and August. We'll hold off here on detailing those, because they are over a month away and plans can always be altered or modified due to results. Especially if the NCAA is involved. Trying to predict what they'll do is akin to having a conversation with a horse about winning a race.  

The UofL Athletic administrators and health officials have these goals for the phased re-openings:

-- Provide a phased progression into athletic activity to promote mental and physical well being.

-- Provide a phased approach of opening and use of athletic facilities

-- Provide a safe environment that allows transitioning into supervised activity to improve the student-athletes strength and conditioning

-- Implement and adhere to operational guidelines to minimize the risk of virus transmission among student-athletes and staff.  

-- Creating an environment tthat generates a change in personal hygiene practices so that the best practices are bring used in individual life. 

Vince Tyra, UofL Vice-President/Director of Athletics, outlined the plan yesterday in a teleconference. You can here the entire teleconference at the link below. Be advised, it is a long teleconference, about 45 minutes, so plan accordingly. 

LINK:  https://gocards.com/news/2020/5/21/general-uofl-student-athletes-will-return-to-campus-soon.aspx

Personally, I have so many questions and thoughts about this. But, since no one really knows the answers yet, I'll look at this declaration as being "what it is" and see how it plays out. It's really all any of us can do, we've never been in this situation before. It's painting in broad strokes, so to speak, and the detailing is being worked out. A surge in cases and deaths could belay these plans, obviously. 

There is no specific date for the rest of the fall sports or student-athletes to return to campus. There is only proposed and phased plans. It is a train light at the end of the tunnel, I suppose, but this train is also being driven by an economic engine. 

My main hope and wish is that the student-athletes are able to stay safe, healthy and are well taken care of. I trust our University will provide these things. Yes, we all want sports, but human lives and safety far out-weigh our entertainment wishes. 



Have a fortunate Friday!


paulie
xxxxx

Walz Presser -- On-Campus Workouts Approved -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Walz Presser

As Paulie mentioned yesterday, Jeff Walz hosted a virtual presser where several media members joined in.

Let's start with the big one first- the Louisville vs UConn game scheduled for this coming season is not happening... at least not for the 2020-2021 season.  The neutral site location game just didn't seem plausible with questions about travel and allowing fans in attendance being up in the air.

The teams would have squared off in the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, home of the New York Liberty and the Brooklyn Nets. They will try to get the game in for the 2021-22 season.

Almost every game will be by bus instead of flight.  There are multiple reasons behind that decision with financial reasons being the main one.  But it is also easier to control the environment with the Louisville-owned buses.  UofL can monitor the cleanliness and usage of the buses and prevents exposure to public planes and airports.

The only known flight game scheduled will be in Dallas against TCU, although there may be some ACC games that will involve flights.

The Cards will play a game in Gary, Ind., Dana Evans' hometown. Valparaiso is the opponent. They will also play against Cincinnati and Michelle Clark-Heard's squad.

Clark-Heard was an assistant coach at Louisville under Jeff Walz for five years so it will be a good reunion.  That UC game is one that we hope to travel to to cover, pending circumstances with COVID-19.

Walz praised several players and toyed with the idea of seeing a lot of the four-guard look on the floor with next season's team.

Jeff Walz was asked to give his all-time starting five at Louisville.  His five listed are Monqiue Reid, Asia Durr, Angel McCoughtry, Shoni Schimmel, and Myisha Hines-Allen.  Do you agree?  Who would your starting five be?

Maybe a victim of social distancing, Walz struggled to come up with Myisha''s name, going through a couple of other names first for the "4" spot, including Keisha Hines and Sam Fuehring before calling out MHA as his selection. He also joked a bit that Myisha wold get on him if she heard the press conference.

We give a big thanks to Nick Evans for setting this press conference up.

You can watch the entire press conference here.



On-Campus Workouts Approved

The NCAA approved voluntary on-campus workouts beginning June 1 for football, women's
basketball, and men's basketball.  This is the first activity the NCAA has allowed since things started shutting down in late-March.  The other sports have not had a decision made quite yet.

Several schools and conferences will be virtually meeting with the NCAA and health officials in the upcoming days to devise a game plan for the fall semester.

Although fall sports is still a question in the air, this is a positive sign that we may seen some fall sports if not all of them.  Only time will tell...

Please continue to be safe and be patient with businesses as they try to reopen while balancing the new guidelines.  I always give our clients the advise of bathing and changing into fresh clothes when getting home from being out and about.  It keeps you from spreading anything around your home and furniture you may have picked up.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

Walz Presser Today at 1:30 p.m,

WALZ TELECONFERENCE AT 1:30 P.M. TODAY

UPDATE: Louisville women’s basketball head coach Jeff Walz Teleconference MOVED to WEDNESDAY at 1:30 p.m. ET.

University of Louisville women's basketball head coach Jeff Walz has a teleconference scheduled today at 1:30 p.m.  Obviously, a "sit-down" with Coach is not "in the Cards" these days and it'll give news-starved sports media members a chance to tune in, listen and ask questions of all sorts to the Cardinal coach. 

What exactly Walz will talk about and how he'll answer the questions is almost highly anticipated as the actual event itself. One thing you can be assured of is that it will be straight from the heart and honest. Walz doesn't play games when he talks and is quick to "right" incorrect assumptions and statements. Like a lot of coaches, he'll take a question and segway into different aspects of the subject matter. That's normal and can produce some pretty interesting comments, statements and viewpoints. 



There should be a pretty decent number of participants on board for the teleconference. As far as my role, after having done a great number of these over the past months with a variety of coaches and student-athletes, I'm inclined to just hang back today and listen. I've "carried" a few of these in the past with other coaches and, since Walz never dropped off my mulch, he's got some explaining to do. (A reference to the humorous exchange he and I had last teleconference). 

We'll probably get a family update, which is always welcome and bound to bring a smile to most faces. You can tell that Coach is enjoying the aspect of being able to spend more time with his wife and kids these days. This time of year, the coaches are usually pretty busy lining up what prospects they want to see at various club team events across the nation. For now, those events look to be on hold. 

I'm happy to take suggestions from you, the reader, and see what questions you have for Coach Walz. If I get a chance to ask them, just leave them in the comments section or text me. I'll try. It's sort of like getting on the entrance ramp to a major expressway and wondering how the traffic flow will be ahead of you.

A lot of sports journalists are looking for stories these days. There will be questions aimed at self-serving interests for sports telecasts -- "soundbytes" -- if you will, for their nightly recaps and future articles. These are important, of course, and the scope and scan of the participants could be very regional and national, instead of the local variety, in terms of participants.  

Will there be any new, revealing items that come out of the teleconference? We'll have to wait and see. Back during the regular season, Wednesday pressers with Walz were a fairly common occurrence. The difference now, obviously, is that results, performances, future opponents and conference standings aren't subjects that'll come into play. 

It'll be good to hear Coach Walz's voice and see him on the screen. We'll have the full recap and link of the teleconference for you in the Thursday CARDINAL COUPLE column. 

Stay strong and healthy! 

paulie
xxxxx