WBB pours it on VA Tech 85-60 -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 Good Monday morning readers, 

I am trying to remain positive as the Sunday scaries set in and I report back to work.  Attempting to get my last bits of zen in before the crazy creeps back in.   Wish me all the luck.  

And good luck to students as they begin the spring semester! 

Basketball is the thing that gets us through the dreadful winter months and the Cardinals were in action at the Yum! Center Sunday evening for an ACC battle with the Virginia Tech Hokies.    Cardinal Couple was not on the sidelines for this one.   

WBB

Louisville 85  -  Virginia Tech 60 

Louisville WBB moves to 14-3 on the season and is currently on a 7 game win streak.  

Laura Ziegler had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and Imari Berry had 13, 2 and 2 of her own on a night the Cardinals shot 58% from three point land.   The two went 100% in the first quarter with 9 of the teams 19 from beyond the arc.   On top of that, the UofL defense held the Hokies scoreless (0-16) from outside in the game.  

The Cards established ultimate control on VATech in the second quarter when they went 25-15.  UofL went on a 7-1 run in the final minute of the half.  It was 44-27 at the halftime break in UofL's favor.  

To open the third quarter,  Louisville's defense held the Hokies scoreless for more than 3 minutes when they had a block and 2 steals.  

UP NEXT 

Louisville at Miami

Thursday Jan 8th

at 3PM (for some reason)

The FRED Report

FREE THROWS -- Louisville went 6-7 at the line.  On a night they scored 85 total points, only 6 were at the line and went 85.7% when they got there.  It was a solid night on this front.  CAPITAL F

REBOUNDING -- UofL pulled down 41 rebounds for a seven-grab advantage.  Ziegler and Anaya Hardy had 9 and 8 respectively. Of the starters, Elif Istanbulluoglu had the least amount of rebounds with 3.  She's averaging 5.2 per game.   I would like to see this trend upward over the next few weeks. CAPITAl R 

EFFORT/EXECUTION -- The Cards gave it all from start to finish making them undefeated in 2026. The depth of this squad is becoming apparent.  Grace Mbugua got 5 points and 2 rebounds in 7 minutes of play in the 4th quarter.  CAPITAL E

DEFENSE -- UofL held the Hokies scoreless from 3 point land.  VaTech's leading scorer, Carys Baker who averages 13.7 ppg had 16 but the bigger story is that the following leaders, Carleigh Wenzel (13.0) and Mel Daley (11.6) combined for only 9 points total in the game.  Wenzel was 1-10 from the field.   CAPITAL D




FINAL FRED TALLY: F-R-E-D

Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces on campus!   I know the Cardinal birds here on campus are super stoked for the lunch lady (me) to get back to work.  

As Always,
Go Cards

~Daryl 

WSoc comes up short 3-1 vs KU -- VB vs GT preview -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Good morning readers, 

I left work and was heading home from the UofL President's holiday party Thursday afternoon when the WSoc match kicked off but I was able to join in right after the Cards put one into the net.   

Ive actually crossed paths with Gerry Bradley a few times this semester.  I attended the inauguration and not long after that he visited my building for a podcast episode and I got to introduce myself and he mentioned that meeting on the recording.  

And then again today when I went to the SAC for the gathering, he walked by me as I was waiting at near the entrance and I said hello.  He then walked around each table of the ballroom and said hello to the staff and faculty.   It was a rainy afternoon on campus but it was a nice outing. 

Soccer

Photo: Jared Anderson

The 2025 season has come to an end for the WSoc squad as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the (feet) of the #3 Kansas Jayhawks.  

I was able to get home just after the Cards netted their only goal in the match.  It was a hard earned one too as a corner kick was put in play by Amelia Swinarski where it was then sent into the box but deflected by KU and  that was deflected away by the Blue Devils keeper. Karsyn Cherry got to the loose ball and her header deflected off the top crossbar but came back in play. Maddox was first to the ball and volleyed it into the back of the net to give the Cards an early 1-0 lead.

Kansas was able to equalize just a few minutes before the half after putting in a player with fresh legs.  It was a shot near the right side of the box where Erynn Floyd wasnt able to deflect and the supporting defense just wasn't there.  Which would end up being the case again in the second half when the Card gave up its second goal of the match in the final 10 minutes of play.    The third KU goal was scored when Floyd came out too far from the net and it rolled right into to close the door for a Cardinals' comeback.   

It felt great to be up 1-0 on the #7 Jayhawks there for a minute.  The Jayhawks possessed the ball much of the time offensively.  They totaled 17 shots with 7 of them on goal.  Floyd made 4 saves in the match.   The Cards only managed 6 shots, 3 of them on goal.  KU had 10-0 edge on shots in the final 10 minutes of play.  

Louisville finished the season 13-5-3 overall, their most wins in a single season since 2019. The Cardinals advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 and made it to the second round for the third time in program history.

Volleyball

Photo: Jared Anderson

Louisville is on the road at Georgia Tech for a Friday night clash with the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech volleyball is 15-10 on the season and 10-6 in the ACC. For some reason, they are coming off two back to back sweeps of the Clemson Tigers as the two played home and away over the past week.

GT hasn't won more than 1 set on a ranked team all season.

Anna Fiedorowicz earned Freshman of the week honors for the first time. In the first meeting with Clemson she had with 16 kills along with a career high .500 attack percentage as well as a career high three solo blocks. In the recent match between with the Tigers, she finished with a team high 28 kills, averaged 4.67 kills per set, at a .479 attack percentage along with 13 digs, two assists, and one service ace.

Also for GT, Mimi Mambu leads in kills (258) while Fiedorowicz just behind her with with 213 kills. Bianca Garibaldi owns a team high .417 attack percentage, good for a third place ACC ranking and a 19th place national ranking. DeAndra Pierce joins Garibaldi in the rankings for attack percentage as her .394 attack percentage ranks her fifth in the ACC.


You can watch it on the ACCNX at 7p.m.

As Always,
Go Cards 
~Daryl 

Campus update -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Good morning readers, checking in with you before heading out for vacation.  Looking forward to the break from the work force.   

UofL definitely slowed its hiring but the medical residents are currently moving to town and in the process of onboarding.  I've been managing a large load at work to prepare for the influx and my vacation as well. 

As Case covered yesterday, WBB is adding to the coaching staff and I look forward to meeting them sometime soon. 

With the recent administrative changes, UofL is currently going through some major shifts in the dynamic of the institution.  Technically, my department has been eliminated and I am moving to a different one.  We shall see how the chips fall in the coming weeks.  

I've been enjoying the College World Series between Texas and Texas Tech which was forced to a game 3 last night and the Cards Baseball program was able to bring the post season back to town so whether you're heading out to the ballpark or watching the championship from the couch, enjoy the weekend!

As Always, 

Go Cards

~Daryl

Softball takes game 1 vs UVA in extras --LAX falls at ND -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Good morning and happy Friday readers!  We are officially 2 weeks from the Derby weekend which I am very much looking forward to.  Get your fascinators ready ladies!!! 



Softball

The Cards are on the road in Charlottesville, Virginia for an ACC series with the Cavs ahead of the holiday weekend.  The Cavs are celebrating their seniors this weekend and UofL is celebrating a 3 game winning streak taking game 1 of the series Thursday evening.  Its just the second loss for the Cavs at home this season.  

The Cards eek out a victory over the RPI Top 25 Cavaliers 6-5 in 9 innings. Alyssa Zabala got the start in the circle and looked to complete the game heading into the 7th inning with a 5-1 UofL lead.   After giving up 3 hits in the inning, UofL head coach Holly Aprile made the pitching change. She finished her day giving up 8 hits and 4 runs (3 in the 7th) and 4 strikeouts.

  

Brooke Gray got the win in 2.2 innings of one-hit softball in the circle.  

Easton Lotus finished with 4 hits on 5 plate appearances, scoring 2 runs. Char Lorenz had a 2 run HR to put the Cards ahead 5-1 late in the game.  

The last time UofL and UVA faced off was in 2023 in Charlottesville when the Cards swept em. 

1st inning

The Cards had 5 batters appear to open the game but count come up with any runs.   The Cavs came out swinging to get on the board early with a single and a double and a SAC bunt in-between to score the games first run.  But I will say I think it was a bad defensive effort that allowed that first runner to get on board to begin with. 

2nd inning

Pretty anticlimactic inning as the score remains the same throughout.  

3rd inning

A single up the middle for Lotus to start the offensive punch for the Cards before Lookadoo found herself looking at a bases loaded situation. She singled over third base to score 2 runs and then some defensive chaos throwing the ball around allows for some advancements and then a play at home which was reviewed and upheld as out at the plate. Card up 3-1 

4th inning

Both squads with 1 hit and 1 left on base but no runs to show in the inning. 

5th inning

Three up, three down for both squads for a quick inning. 

6th inning

Zabala started the 6th with a 10 pitch at bat that should've been a strike 3 called on a beautiful pitch on the inside corner but instead resulted in a single to CF which is quite deflating but the Cards were able to get out of the inning unscathed. 

7th inning

A Lotus single to left followed by a quick slap homerun to left center put the Cards in a comfy position heading into the final frame of regulation. But the Cavs would respond with 3 hits and runners on the corners and a chance to tie it at the plate.   Coach Holly Aprile makes the pitching change and put Lindsey Mullen in the circle instead.  She threw just 6 pitches facing 2 batters for the night, giving up a home run and a single putting the Cavs in a position to win in walk off fashion.  Aprile makes another pitching change putting Gray in to clean up the mess.   To extras we go... 

8th inning

The Cards had 3 hits but were unable to plate any runs it in and defensively it was 3 up, 3 down for UVA.

9th inning

Ally Alexander walked to get on base and ultimately score the game winning run on a fielding error from UVA and Maddi Grant doubling to right field to push the run across.  The Wahoos got two runners on but where unable to respond. 

The Cards win! 

Lacrosse

Louisville went to South Bend for the last match of the 2025 season and fell 6-17 against the Notre Dame fighting Irish. UofL finishes the 2025 campaign with a 7-10 record and a 1-8 mark in ACC play. The Irish had lost their 4 previous matchups and finished 7-8, 2-7 ACC.


ND scored in the first minute of the game and the Cardinals responded a minute later when Negai Nakazawa sent a feed to Maggie McMahon who delivered her 12th goal of the season. ND scored nine unanswered goals to close out the first quarter. Reese Whiteman for her team-best 25th goal of the season but the Cards could not come back from the early deficit and went into the break down 10.

This is the Health Science Campus of UofL - Downtown - the School of Medicine

I am working on finishing up a pretty awesome UofL related project here in the coming weeks that I am looking forward to sharing soon =)

As Always
Go Cards

~Daryl 

The Crew - Sunday Cardinal Couple

The Crew - An Appreciation

Last night was the first event on the gocards.com calendar, a Men's Soccer exhibition game against Belmont.  Given the absolutely wonderful turn of the weather, I decided to pop out and check it out.  The good guys won, 4-1, but that's not the important thing.

I was, as you might imagine, refreshed by getting out in gorgeous weather, taking in a sport that I do enjoy watching, even if it was between teams that I don't follow closely.

But I think even more refreshing, our famous photographer Jared Anderson was (as is typical for him) out there as well getting some shots.  After the first period (they played three 30 minute periods rather than two 45 minutes halves...I'm not sure why), he came and sat with me in the stands.  He was still getting a few shots from that vantage point, but in between he and I just chatted across a variety of topics, many, but certainly not all, being various UofL sports.

The chance to just hang out with Jared got me thinking about "The Crew" we have here at Cardinal Couple, and really appreciating what each of us brings to the virtual table.

 

Of course, each of us focuses a little bit (ok, a lot in my case) on different facets of our coverage.  To some degree that is oriented along program boundaries, but also a bit in our approach to the programs.

An example:  Both Jared and Case bring lots to the table when we're talking about Soccer.  Case has a great mind for the game, having actively played the sport for many years, while Jared, partly through his photography, brings a more up close and personal view of the team.

Speaking of experience with a particular sport, while Jared and I are perhaps the most regular attendee to Softball, Daryl has many years of experience with that sport, both stepping up to the plate, and standing behind it, and brings strategic insights to it that I never could. She was the TV "Voice of the Sofbtall Cards" too, a few years ago.

Bringing Daryl into the picture, it wasn't lost on me that, for a significant period of time, Cardinal Couple basically comprised four dudes expounding on women's sports.  The addition of Daryl brings a welcome woman's voice to the site and podcast.  As suggested above though, she's not just here because she's a woman and we're talking about women's sports, she is every bit the avid sports fan, excellent writer, and podcast presence, to rival and surpass the rest of us.  Softball, and WBB are Daryl's main wheelhouse, though she has vowed to add more coverage of golf to the mix as her own golf game has improved over the past few years.  I really look forward to that.

Case was already mentioned above, but aside from his knowledge and expertise in Soccer, I always know that Case will be ready to geek out with me about whatever random technology thingamabob that I've been working with.  Case also typically prepares and posts the podcast form of the CCRHP each week unless he can't be on the call, in which case it falls back to me to do it.  (Which reminds me...)  Beyond that and more on point here, he has really built an expertise in Lacrosse as well, helping to anchor our coverage of that sport.  Jared and I will continue to try to get him to come out to more Volleyball matches, too.

Who have I missed?  Oh, of course, Paulie.  The technologically challenged one (his words).  Despite that, Paulie has persevered over the years, adding, albeit slowly, various bits of technology to his work with Cardinal Couple, including his trusty Tascam audio recorder, and with our CCRHP migration from WCHQ, which he spearheaded,  over to online distributed recordings, he persevered and figured out how to connected...with a little bit of remote handholding, but this was during Covid times, so ultimately he had to figure it out and he did.

Of course, Cardinal Couple is ultimately the brainchild of Paulie, and he is our fearless leader.  I thought he was a little bit crazy when he first suggested starting a radio show, but when it came together on (the now dearly departed) WCHQ with him at the helm, it worked and has evolved into the CCRHP that we know and love today.

Paulie managed to stay pretty current with all of the sports we cover, but I think he really spends more of his time with WBB, Lacrosse, and Field Hockey. He has known WSOC head coach Karen Ferguson Dayes since she arrived on campus, too, and their yearly preseason interviews are...classic.

Paulie and Daryl..at WBB preseason

We've all cheered Paulie on as he deals with various medical issues, particularly over the past year or so and we certainly missed his presence at various events last year when those medical issues prevented his attendance.  But he has vowed to make it out more this year to some of the programs and we'll all be better off for it.

He needs a kidney. If you want to step up and donate one. sign up for the testing and compatibility tests with the very fine UC (Cincinnati) Kidney department . Call (513) 584-7001 and get more details

We're about to dive headfirst into Fall sports this week, with Women's Soccer kicking it off Thursday evening vs Bellarmine and Volleyball's Red & Black scrimmage on Saturday afternoon, so now seemed like a good time to put into words my appreciation for what this Crew does each year.  We're a bit niche, but I hope we're bringing about a net positive for women's sports.

And, of course, it would be pointless without our readers and listeners, and it's oh so rewarding to hear back from you all in the comments or in other channels.  Keep it up, keep cheering, and Go Cards!

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We had three on the call yesterday, Jared, Paulie, and myself.  Which means that it fell to me to post the podcast form as hinted at above (darn you, Case!).

It's now available as I forgot to do it yesterday right after the show.  We had a good conversation about the ongoing Olympics and UofL's rooting interests in them.  And we looked ahead to the beginning of official competition this week with Women's Soccer kicking it off on Thursday.

Check it out at it's Spotify home, or any podcast directory:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cardinal-couple/episodes/Olympics--Fall-Sports-preparation--and-more-e2n2akn

-- 

JMcA

WGolf releases 2024-25 schedule -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL

Good morning and happy weekend everybody! Its been perfect golfing weather this week and funny enough, the Cardinals golf program announced its schedule for the 2024-25 season earlier this week as well. I've been trying to play as many rounds as possible while also planning a wedding. Were about 23 weeks away from the big day!

The start of the new school semester is quickly approaching too which means the annual Press Box Scramble should be coming up... I wonder if my invite got lost in the mail...

WGolf

The University of Louisville schedule features eight regular season tournaments and one match play event over the fall and spring seasons, including two tournaments the Cardinals will host. In the spring, they will host the eighth annual Moon Golf Tournament in Florida and in the fall, the Cardinal Cup returns for the first time since 2019.

After the Cardinal Cup in mid September, the Cardinals will take a trip to Arkansas and then to North Carolina for the Tar Heel Invitational.

The final tournament of the fall brings the Cardinals to Huntsville, Alabama.

The first tournament of the spring season will be the preveiously mentioned eighth annual Moon Golf Invitational, hosted by the Cardinals at the Suntree Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida.

A trek to the Lone Star state is up next as the Cardinals will head south to Austin, Texas.

The final regular season tournament will take place in Clemson, South Carolina.

The 2025 ACC Championships will be hosted at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I look forward to following the Cardinals out on the course next season! 

As Always, 
Go Cards!

~Daryl 

Summer -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL

Hello readers, and happy weekend! I was glad to unplug and get out of town last week and appreciate the gangs coverage. I saw a tweet the other day that said something about how it was engrained into our brains for 12 years how summer is this 'big break' or when we were supposed to go out and do all the things and I really felt that tweet. Of course it all revolves around the school-year and practically every sport season break so give us some summer picnics, movie premiers, pool days, traveling and lots of golf to fill in the blanks! Then the weeks just fly by don't they?

I did play pretty well in Florida last week. It was a scorcher down there but we got 36 holes in... I birdied on a Par 4 and pretty much played better than the other 5 on Thursday's 18. I also got invited back to the UofL Press Box Challenge again this year, which I am very much looking forward to in a few weeks. This event is what got me into golf to begin with! It will be my third year playing. I'm still chasing LPGA dreams, y'all! 

                          

 (The ladies stole the show both
days out on the course!) 

Track and Field 

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

After winning the NCAA Championships Pole Vault. the redshirt senior from Grand Rapids, MI -- Gabi Leon can now add the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Southeast Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year as announced by the organization today. There are nine regions – Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain, Northeast, South, South Central, Southeast and West . Leon became the fourth-ever collegiate women's pole vaulter with three clearances of 4.60m (15' 1") and the only woman this season with three marks over 4.57m (15' 0").

Tennis 

ALL ACC ACADEMIC TEAM

UofL women's tennis player, Tatiana Simova, has been named to the All-ACC Academic Team.   ACC Champion Duke led the league with seven players on the academic team. Duke's Chloe Beck has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Tennis Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

  

(We also successfully avoided the sunburn!)

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast -  I'll be out again this weekend for our podcast with an appointment but the rest of the gang should be on the recording for this week.  Stay hydrated in this heat and a friendly tip would be to carry a frozen water bottle whenever you have to leave the house and as my dermatologist would like to remind you, don't forget the sunscreen! 

As Always

Go Cards! 

~Daryl 

Christmas Eve; FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Happy holiday weekend to all!  I hope you get to enjoy Christmas safely with your friends and family.   I've enjoyed reading up on the gang's favorites and traditions this week in between some of my own new and old.   As you might know,  I've been M.I.A. from radio for the past few months as I have been spending the weekend's away with my family being Aunt Daryl :D 

This time of the year is all about my family as my sister, mom and dad all have birthday's around the holidays.  The new addition this year just tacks on another end of the year celebration to my calendar.  Not that I am complaining... 

With not a lot of new stories out of the sports programs for the holiday break and the rest of the gang throwing out their favorite things about this time of year, I will piggy back off their lead with a few of my own favorites. I dont know about the bacon on white bread tradition that was mentioned in yesterday's post but I am here for that being my new thing...

Favorite Christmas movie: A Christmas Story 

I will admit, I have not seen every Christmas movie out there but this one holds a special place in my heart.   Not only is the movie extremely quotable (I can't put my arms down, you'll shoot your eye out, triple dog dare ya) my family and I have actually recreated several scenes from the movie before - such as the Bumpus hounds stealing the turkey and Ralphie and the fam having to get Chinese for dinner "Fa Ra Ra Rah Rah", one year I got my dad a leg lamp (a major award!!!!) and built the crate with straw that it came in including the "Frag-il-e" detail. 

The Santa Clause 

Tim Allen is absolutely hilarious in this movie and I cannot let Christmas go by without watching this at least twice.  One of my favorite jokes.. 

              You know, Neal's a real good cook.

              Yeah, and you should see him walk on water.

              - You don't like him very much, do ya, Dad? - Charlie, yeah--

              I was joking, okay? I'm sorry. I was just kiddin' around.

              I like him a lo-- Yeah, sure, I like him. You know, there--

              There's just something about him that makes me wanna--

              Lash out irrationally?

              - Where did you hear that? - From Neal.

              I learn a lot from him. He listens to me.

              Yeah. Then he charges ya for it.

ZINGGG.

Honorable Mention:  Jingle all the Way, Elf, White Christmas (I just watched this for the first time earlier this week), Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer & Christmas comes but once a year (1936) This is a short 8 minute flick that I could not tell you WHY or WHERE I ever watched this but it gives me some serious nostalgia. 

Favorite Christmas song(s): Silent Night (I taught myself how to play this as a kid on a little keyboard and Santa brought a real keyboard for Christmas that year)  White Christmas In fact, This song at the opening credits of The Santa Clause is my most fond memory from this time of the year.  You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, Blue Christmas, Run Rudolph Run, Mele Kalikimaka are some of my favorite classics.  And just to upset Jared, all Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift holiday tracks are on my list of favorites. 

I think I have baked enough goodies this past week than I have in the past 2 years - Quarantine included.  Cherry pie, pastry appetizers and cookies for Santa with the girls are enough to keep my heart and my belly full for the holiday!  What's your favorite holiday dish?  Is there something you cannot go without for Christmas?! Let us know in the comments.  Mine is easy - dessert!! Cookies, candy, pie; I dont care, I want all the baked goods!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas Eve! 
Go Cards! 
~Daryl 

Summer thoughts & opinions; FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Preface

I thought about something the last time I checked in that I think it would be a great opportunity to talk about some random things going on around us.  ...maybe not even necessarily about the Cards.. or sports even..  to get back to my roots of journalism and do a feature article.

When I started writing, it was mostly opinion and review based.  Never thought I would be a 'reporter' of any kind but I think it's safe to say I have done close to only that in recent years.   And I 100% came into this evening thinking what the heck am I going to write about tonight so I'm thinking now is the time to use my flex option on topics of discussion.  Think of it as a diary by Daryl. so here we go...

Hello again fans, 

It's Friday... there was a beautiful sunset last night after a very long stormy day in Louisville.  We opened the month of July with a day long storm clouding the city skies before opening to a gorgeous sunset of pink orange and yellows.  It woulda made a great backdrop for one of Jared's photo sessions!  

July makes me think of the Olympics.  I am excited for the Olympic games to start.  Got to watch a little bit of the gymnastics trials the other night. Your 2020 USA gymnastics team consists of :

Jamie Squire—Getty Images

Simone Biles, 24; Spring, Texas.

Sunisa Lee, 18; St. Paul, Minn. 

Jordan Chiles, 20; Spring, Texas. 

Grace McCallum, 18; Isanti, Minn. 

MyKayla Skinner, 24; Gilbert, Ariz.

Jade Carey, 21; Phoenix, Ariz.

Of course Simone Biles made the cut even though she did fall on her beam routine.. and while were on the subject, I'd like to thank Simone for falling off of the balance beam and making a mistake.  She was obviously upset for the misstep, (I do not believe her qualifying for the squad was ever in doubt) but she proved she is human.  There is so much pressure on athletes and Simone has been under that spotlight since she was about 16 years old.. it has been an incredible journey to witness and I look forward to her and the rest of team USA 2020 campaign in Tokyo.  

I think it will be interesting to explain to future generations about the 2020 Olympics held in July of 2021... like it will be some trick trivia question in a couple decades or something.  I don't know why the thought crossed my mind but I do look forward to reading about this part of the history books.  Also shout-out Spring, Texas on producing two Olympic gymnasts in that year(s).  Population about 61,000, getting two on the same squad seems like a pretty significant production. 

Moving on... 

In other big news of the week.. College athletes making cash for image.  AKA... NIL.

I admit I have been on pretty much one side of the fence of this argument for as far back as I can remember.. it was a topic in a couple of my college classes at UofL over 7 years ago and obviously a topic among anyone involved with college athletics for some time.  

If you've followed me long enough I'm sure I've voiced that opinion here and there... but I have never publicly said how I have moved closer to the fence and even crossed over on certain aspects of the proposal.  My agreements and concerns closely mirror what the others at Cardinal Couple have already expressed but I do want to mention the fact since we are here... Players are allowed to profit for their name and image and I just hope it doesn't get out of control. 

You know some people say that money is the root of all evil...  it can and does make murky water.  I can't pretend to know how to make it run smoothly and not spiral out of control.  But lets not forget what a crap-bag the NCAA is at governing student athletics... I did a lot of reading in the library at UofL surrounding athletics and the origins of them and how we got to where we are today and I do believe the original intention of the NCAA was in a good place..  but I think the once 'non-profit' organization with 'the best interest of the student athletes' has gotten far away from it's mission and a new governing body needs to be established but we are far from a day where that dream can be realized... this is MY diary, not yours! 

 
So to that I say screw the NCAA and let these athletes benefit off their own game since everyone else seems to be.  Hell, the reason I have certain well-paying button pushing jobs is because 11-12 women spend every single day practicing, working out and making sure to keep good grades, get enough sleep, drink enough water AND making special appearances around town to boost local morale all the while giving me memories of a lifetime while winning ballgames.  It truly is more than just a game...Its a lifestyle.  It IS life! 

It has become my life.  When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had no idea! I had zero idea of the field I wanted to be in or the way I wanted to make money to navigate life with.  My mom did always say to 'do what you love, the money will follow'.. and I read a book expressing just as much.  So I think today I can say I have done that so far!  Going to and talking about games is what I always did and wanted to do and now I do that as 'work'.  I know how lucky I am to have the opportunity to do so and I believe the thousands of athletes who have given me that opportunity should benefit from that. 

Have a great start to the holiday weekend out there, Cardnation and cheers to the RED WHITE (&blue) :)

Go Cards
~Daryl 

Fridays with Daryl: WBB Postpones Again -- Some Thank You's -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 

CARDS WBB VS. MIAMI POSTPONED

Hello again, Cardinal faithful!

It's good to be back but I hate to be the bearer of bad news here.. There has been another postponement in the Women's basketball schedule.  News out of the Louisville program is that Sunday's scheduled matchup with the Miami Hurricanes has been postponed as of Thursday evening.  I think that was pretty much expected.  It feels like I haven't watched the Cards play a basketball game in a month! 

The next scheduled matchup for WBB would be a second meeting with Duke on New Years Eve, however, the Blue Devils program announced Wednesday evening that it would be pausing all team activities due to positive tests. Which makes the matchup a big IF right now with 2 weeks from Wednesday's announcement landing on 12/30.  I really wouldn't be surprised if we've watched the Cards play their last game of 2020 already.  So for now, we continue to wait. 

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There were four WBB  in the ACC last night. 

-- A good night in the Carolinas, it would seem, with home-standing NC St. taking down Wake Forest 79-65. The Wolfpack are now 7-0 and the Demon Deacs check in at 4-2. in "the battle of I-40". 

-- In Chapel Hill, UNC surprisingly silenced Syracuse 92-68. Banghart's bangers up their record to 6-2, while Q's squad takes their first loss and is 4-1. 

--  The Fighting Irish battled their way to a 84-78 win over Virginia Tech in South Bend. It was a match up of Dara Mabrey's previous squad (VT) against her new one (ND). UND evens it out on the season with a 3-3 record and Kenny Brooks' squad takes their first defeat and is now 6-1.

-- Clemson appears to be "for real" as of now --  with a 72-69 win over FSU in Littlejohn Coliseum. Those glassy-eyed Tigers are 7-1, while FSU takes their first conference loss and go to 3-1. 

Just three undefeated schools left in ACC conference games:  Louisville, NC State and Georgia Tech. In all games, it narrows the undefeated down to two, the Cards (5-0) and the Pack (7-0). 

IN OTHER NEWS

The University of Louisville, Adidas and Cardinals Forever Donovan Mitchell and Angel McCoughtry have all partnered to create the gift that every Louisville fan wants to find under the Christmas tree this year.  And this truly is the gift that keeps on giving... UofL News reported how the four partnered to create this shoe that will fund scholarships for future students in the Louisville area to be able to pursue a higher education at our favorite school. 

Check them out! & read more about the initiative here:

 https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/former-card-donovan-mitchell-gives-back-to-alma-mater-with-exclusive-adidas-shoe-for-change/

Members of both of the men’s and women’s basketball teams will wear the limited-edition shoe in upcoming games.  It's power moves like this that make us realize how much bigger than basketball the games really are.  It makes me even more proud to be an alum and a civilian of one of the most passionate cities in America.  It really says a lot that after signing a $195 million deal with the Utah Jazz, a kid from New York makes giving the Louisville area youth a priority.  

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One week until Christmas, Louisvillians! 

I know how tough this year has been for us as a program and as a city but I want to wish everyone a warm and blessed holiday season.  THANK YOU to our essential workers and front line workers who literally kept us running.  THANK YOU to the voices who spoke out about injustice and THANK YOU to those who continue to put others health and safety first.  Mask up, my friends and we will get through this.  

Happy Friday...You will be hearing from us on the show Saturday morning as scheduled. 

Daryl Foust

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 In the category of "What Will They Think Of Next?", the Cardinal Couple crew has asked and received a confirmation that noted local sports writer, huge Cardinal fan, radio star and all-around great person DARYL FOUST will be joining us weekly here on these humble pages.  Today's article is actually being posted by Paulie, since our website and Blogger can't seen to reach an accord on granting Daryl author privileges. I was holding out hope that our I.T. "expert" Worldwide Jeff could solve the riddle, but, it was still INTERNET 1 - JEFF 0 as I went to post this. 

I also ran into trouble posting a certain segment of Daryl's article today and had to leave it out. My apologies. That's was happens when you let the "old guy" do stuff on-line, I suppose. 

We are excited about our addition of Daryl and hope you will be, too! The floor is yours, Daryl! 

paulie. 

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Hello again Cardinal Couple faithful!  And happy Friday to ya.

You might’ve heard me on the show once or twice before but this is my first time in print for CC! I’ve bounced around many roles with our favorite university since graduating in 2015 but as of March 12 earlier this year, I had all sport related positions eliminated due to the national pandemic.  I had just finished up my last home games as the light switch operator for Men’s and Women’s games at Yum! At the beginning of March. I also worked as a board operator for CBB games over at 93.9 but when I went in for my shift that night, the tournaments had all been immediately suspended. Therefore, my assistance wasn’t needed to run the board for commercial breaks.  No games being played, no work to be done, and eventually I found myself very unemployed.  Even my full time position had been eliminated.  I just recently, however, returned to my day job but as part time when Paulie reached out to me with an opportunity to write for Cardinal Couple to contribute.  So here I am!!  I’m very happy to have the opportunity to talk about the Cardinals and some games!!

We know things can change at any moment so I am treating every game like it could be the last and I said it before the season got started that I believe this team will also be in that mindset.  2020 has brought a lot of things into a new light for a lot of people.  Including me.

So I hope you are staying safe and warm out there #CardNation, it’s a pleasure to be back.

Today the university announced that it would be honoring the legendary men’s basketball head coach, Denny Crum, by naming the future Athletics dorm to be located across from the practice facility on Floyd Street after him. If you haven’t seen the video announcement AD Vince Tyra shared via Twitter, here it is.

https://twitter.com/vincetyra/status/1337104903123120134?s=20

She’s a beaut! Congratulations, Coach Crum.  

For now, the WBB squad looks to move to 6-0 when they welcome a Tobacco Road foe, North Carolina, to town on Sunday afternoon.  Louisville beat UNC 74-67 in Chapel Hill a year ago. Dana, Liz and "E" and Mykasa Robinson are the only players who saw minutes in that matchup and are back for this Sunday’s game.  We will talk more about that on Saturday’s show.

Yesterday the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame recognized Cardinal forever, Jill Morton (1997-2000), when it announced its 18-player Silver Anniversary women's basketball team, recognizing players from the 1996 season.. she became Louisville’s first women's basketball All-American her senior season and was Louisville's first WNBA draft pick, going to the Charlotte Sting with the 34th pick of the 2000 WNBA Draft.

Have a great weekend, Louisvillians.  I look forward to checking back into the airwaves with you on Saturday.. however, I will miss the donuts. 

 

Go Cards!

o   DARYL