Saturday Cardinal Couple - A discussion

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-We gather around the discussion table


-Who's on the web?


( Welcome to the Saturday Cardinal Couple. We asked our writers and special guest Mort Thomas to participate in a open discussion on a couple of UofL topics of recent interest. Feel free to join the fun in the comments section or by e-mailing us at: cardinalcouple@insightbb.com.)


Paul: Thanks to everyone who has joined me today for this discussion. I sent you the two topics of discussion a couple of days ago. Hopefully, you've got opinions by now...so let's get started. Our first topic was about billboards being in the news lately. UofL and UK billboards. What's your take on these? 


Mark: I'll start by saying I don't think a UofL fan seeing a UK billboard in Louisville or a UK fan seeing a Louisville billboard near Lexington will convert them to the other side. I'm not sure they even attract new fans. Both schools are spending money for this type of advertising, though, so they must feel they're getting some sort of return on investment.


 Mort: The bulletin boards are legal and both sides are playing by the same rules and NCAA Guidelines, right? Schools have to promote their programs. 

Jenny: The short answer is, as long as these aren't NCAA violations, I think it's brilliant marketing. Especially the Oregon one that UofL put up. If they do a second one, what I'd love to hear is that it's going up in New York, where Bria's from and we're looking at Chong who is going to high school in New York.. It would maximize the "coast to coast" concept and there may be more New York players besides her interested in Louisville. It's also in BIG EAST country. 

David: I agree with Jenny. It's great marketing. I'm not offended by a Kentucky billboard in Louisville. I love the "Miles Ahead" UofL billboard on I-64 West after you leave Lexington. 


Sonja: I don't like UK billboards in UofL territory. I don't like billboards as a whole, though. There's too many crazy drivers out there already. Why create another distraction for them? 

Sandy: Billboards are just the new thing that will become no big deal if left alone. For awhile, player's homes interstate exits might look like a tourist attraction exit but as long as the boards are generic, why not?


Paul: Good points from all of you. I guess it's safe to say that billboards aren't going to convert fans, might influence potential players and definitely can be creative. I'll chime in by saying I'm a fan of different and multiple advertising venues. Location and the message content are keys. UofL has done well in both areas. 


Our second topic concerns the University of Louisville women's basketball team. Which player is a "can't do without, have to have her in there" for the upcoming season? 

David: I'll offer Monique Reid as a player that needs to get 20-25 minutes a game, if she's back to 2010-11 form. She's a proven scorer. Points are good. You score more than the opponent, you win. Mo knows points. 


Jenny: This is a hard question, because UofL has so many outstanding players. I could make a case for any number of them. I'll make a case for Shawnta Dyer, though. The second half of last year Dyer came into her own and became an anchor in the paint. Absolutely, by far, UofL needs a dominant, strong paint presence. While they have a true center in Sherrone Vails, she wasn't dominating. Dyer is your player, even though she is not a true center. If she's up to last year's form, Dyer is dominating and UofL can't do without her. 

Mark: Shoni. Leadership skills. The way she can take over a game. The team seems to play better when she is in playing under control. Sometimes she may try to do too much but more times than not she helps the team win games. She is the nucleus of the team. 


Mort: Teams win games, not individuals. 

Sonja: I'll agree with Mort. Even though it was Angel McCoughtry who carried the team on her back to the NCAA Championship game, she had four other players out there with her. If forced to choose a player that Louisville has to have night in and night out, I'll go with Shoni. She creates, great skills sets and can do so many things. I'm a big Asia Taylor fan, most of you know that...and if she rehabs well from her hip surgery and can give UofL 15-20 strong minutes on the boards and scoring...I'll choose her, too. I know, that's two players...but that's my answer. 


Sandy: I'm with Jenny. I go with Dyer also. The center spot has been Louisville's weakest spot for awhile. Strong forwards have been assigned the task. Offenses have been designed with no true center in mind in order to dodge the weakness. Dyer came on strong at the end of the season from this spot after the Warren experiment failed and it made a huge difference. 


Paul: Looking back, Hines and Rucker were functional centers, not spectualar. Tise Wright could score, wasn't much of a rebounder, a liability in the transition game. You have to go back to Jazz Covington to find a center that drew a lot of national attention and she was probably better designed to be a power forward at 6'1".


Sonja: I'm going to add Tia Gibbs to my list also. Before her injury, she was the best defender on the team, could score from anywhere on the court and hustled. If she's able to come back and to those things again, she's a "gotta have" for 30 minutes.  


Paul: I'll finish by saying that the "game changers" we've seen in women's college basketball over the past couple of years have been in the paint. Brit Griner = National Championship. Danielle Adams = National Championship. Tina Charles = National Championship. In Louisville's case, it looks like the paint could be "by committee"..with several players sharing time in there. If Walz can develop an effective rotation of his paint players...Dyer, Vails, Walton, Taylor, Hammond and Reid, then this is the "can't do without, have to have" scenario. My phiosophy is this: You have to have the ball to score. If you can rebound effectively on the ends of the court, you control the ball.


On a good night, a team will make four out of every ten shots it takes. If you can control where the ball ends up the other six times, it gives you a decided advantage. Maybe it's because I played center and forward...but I believe rebounding leads to the essential things that lead to wins...like ball control, second-chance opportunities and domination of the paint. Your transition game begins with getting the rebound and getting down the court in most cases. If you miss the shot, having someone that can get the rebound for you and either take another shot or get it to a shooter is a definite plus in your favor. If you have two strong players at the "4" and "5"...you can go with a good shooting guard at the "3". 


Great discussion today, gang!   


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With all the transfers, changes and moving of a couple of Louisville sports websites lately and the Courier-Journal, I decided to go back to the classic comedy routine "Who's on First?" by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and see if I could get a rational explanation. Here's a guess on how the boys would discuss the chaos. Below is a link to the original routine:


Who's On First


Lou: Hey, Abbott! I hear you're starting a website!
Bud: That information isn't supposed to be out yet..but I am considering it. 
Lou: What's the website going to be about?
Bud: Sports! You know how big a sports fan I am!
Lou: Do you have a name for the website yet? 
Bud: Certainly! What kind of website would it be if it didn't have a name?
Lou: What's the name, Abbott?
Bud: You Asked
Lou: Yes, I did. I'll ask again. What's the name of the website?
Bud: You Asked
Lou: I most certainly did! All I want to know is the name of the website. 
Bud: I told you. You Asked.
Lou: What did you tell me? I asked the name of the website.
Bud: Yes, you asked and I gave you the website's name. You Asked. What's so difficult about that? 
Lou: Yes. I asked you the name of the website, right? 
Bud: No. You Asked. I asked is incorrect.
Lou: You didn't ask. I asked. I asked the name of the website. 
Bud: You Asked.
Lou: So I asked you the name of the website. You say you asked. But you didn't ask. I asked you the name of the website but you keep saying You Asked. 
Bud: Exactly. 
Lou: (throwing his hat to the ground) I want to know the name of the website. I asked you, you say You Asked. I asked. If I wanted to go to the website, what would I type in my browser? 
Bud: You Asked.
Lou: I know I asked! OK? You say you asked but I asked the name of the website and you say...
Bud and Lou (in unison): You Asked. 
Lou: Arrrghhh! OK, let me ask this. Will you be the only writer on the website? 
Bud: No. I've asked May Bee about writing.
Lou: Who did you ask maybe about writing? Why would you ask maybe about writing when it's your website? Why have a website site if you're not going to write? 
Bud: May Bee might write. I'm not sure yet.
Lou: Maybe will write, you don't know?  If you don't write, will there be another writer is what I'm asking!
Bud: I just told you. May Bee!
Lou: I go to the website. I asked the name of the website. I asked who else would write. Maybe will be another writer. 
Bud: No. You Asked . The name of the site is...and May Bee maybe writing. 
Lou:  ( throws hit hat again). My mother calls me from Philly. I tell her you're starting a website. She asks the name of it. What do I tell her?
Bud: You Asked.
Lou: NO! She asked!
Bud: I know. She asked and You Asked will be what she's looking for!
Lou: That's right! Now we're getting somewhere! 
Bud: I certainly hope so! You're wearing me out with all these questions. 
Lou: I talk to my mother. She asked what she's looking for. I asked you what she's looking for. You Asked is what you said. I tell my mother I asked and you asked is what you told me she should be looking for if she asks...
Bud: Exactly! 
Lou: I need an aspirin...
Bud: Well, that doesn't surprise me...with all these silly questions you asked about You Asked.
Lou: My mother goes to her computer. She looks for your site. I asked what she should type in the browser and you say You Asked. I'm confused.
Bud: Why are you confused? You asked about You Asked. I told you to tell your mother You Asked. 
Lou: I asked, she asked, you asked...who's got the answers? Who? Do you know who? 
Bud: May Bee. Ask May Bee if you don't believe me. 
Lou: I ask, maybe, about the site. I ask you who I ask and you say maybe. I asked about the site and you say You Asked. My dear sainted mother, just recently on the internet, wants to read your site and she asks, I ask, you say You Asked and maybe might be a writer...
Bud: Exactly! 
Lou: I hate the Internet...
Bud: That's my next project.



( The domain name youasked.com is available if anyone is interested in it. Have a great weekend!) 

Tuesday Cardinal Couple -- LAUNDRY BASKET DAY

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


(We're pleased to kick off this Tuesday with our columnist Sandy Walker's offerings. We're sure
you'll find her articles noteworthy, informational and timely. Take it away, Sandy!) 



CHEERLEADING, SOFTBALL, GOLF, TENNESSEE ATHLETICS, WEBSITE CHALLENGE, HALL OF FAME AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT CAME TO MIND

For a period of time this summer Paul and Sonja has turned a few of the interns loose to write about any subject of our choosing (G rated if we want to see it in print) so it might turn out to be an interesting time.  Tuesdays are to be my weekly contribution so please have patience and don't abandon the site as Paul and Sonja will keep the sight interesting.

Last week I was letting my TIVO search for viewing suggestions when I found a CBS Sports Network event showing the World Cheerleading Championships.  An unknown to me World of Cheerleading Competitions and Oversight exists with information available at http://cheerunion.org/Content.aspx/Championships.

This year’s event was held at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL. On April 26-27 over 200 teams from 87 countries congregated at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in a competition sponsored by the International Cheer Union (ICU) All-Girl Premier Division. 

For the 4^th Consecutive championship Team USA  once again are the Gold Medalist World Cheerleading Champions.  USA team captain, Amanda Scripture was asked how each year they are able to perform stunts and skills that are more often seen being performed by co-ed teams to which she replied with a smile that it was because they were better than the co-ed teams.

Beyond the recognition of a USA team I chose to spotlight this sport due to the local University of Louisville and City of Louisville connections to this national championship team. 

See http://usacheer.net/Content.aspx/TeamUSA/Coaches

which provides specific information but of note is that one of the two All Girls Cheer Coaches, Misty Hodges, is a Louisville, KY resident, former UL cheerleader and current cheerleading coach for the University of Louisville.  See “UofL coach helps Team USA win world cheerleading championship”

http://www.whas11.com/sports/university-of-louisville-sports/USA-wins-world-championship-with-UofL-coach--149719815.html

Finally, 12 of the 28 Championship team members have a Louisville Connection.

Aisha Brandon               Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Louisville, KY

Katie Loos                     Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Louisville, KY

Kaysie Hanle                 Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Shalimar, FL

Kelly McGrory               Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Hanson, MA

Lexie Skipper                Attends:  University of Louisville              From:  Louisville, KY

Lindsey Sitzlar               Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Louisville, KY

Maria D’Addeo               Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Lockport, NY

Megan Klein                  Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Louisville, KY

Michelle Woodward        Attends:  University of Louisville              From: Louisville, KY

Molly Harrold                 Attends:   University of Louisville             From: Louisville, KY

Meghan Jones              Attends:   University of Louisville              From: Hamilton, OH

Madeline Jenne            Attends:   Morehead State University        From: Louisville, KY

SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 2 OF 3  FINAL TONIGHT

See http://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2012-06-04/oklahoma-gets-head-start-win

“Oklahoma (54-8) is now one win away from the program’s second national championship, while Alabama (58-8) must defeat the Sooners on both Tuesday and Wednesday in order to capture the title.

Tuesday’s game is scheduled for a 8:06 p.m. ET first pitch on ESPN2.”

I personally want to express my appreciation to ESPN for broadcasting all of the University of Louisville Regionals, the Super Regionals and World Series games.  Here in this 40^th anniversary of Title IX, it is not the time to take this type of exposure for granted.

Reader question: Does Intercollegiate Women’s Softball play slow or fast pitch ball?   Easy, Right?  Try this one.  Without searching the internet, what were the circumstances that caused Louisville High School Softball to change from Slow Pitch to Fast Pitch Softball and why?

My research showed the answer as the change occurred when Kentucky State Rep. Steve Riggs, sponsored a 1996 law that changed girls’ softball from slow pitch to fast pitch rules.  Prior to this change, KY female softball athletes were at a disadvantage when competing for college scholarships but unfortunately it apparently took a law change for a surprisingly controversial change to occur.  If you find more accurate information or personally know the history of this change please submit as a comment for without knowing where we have been we will never appreciate where we are now.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Courtney Trimble, formerly of University of Central Florida has been hired as the head coach for the University of Louisville Women’s Golf Team. 

See http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-golf/spec-rel/060412aaa.html . 

She played at Auburn from 1998-2002 and is one of Auburn's most decorated players.  She holds a  bachelor's degree in business administration and is married to Billy Trimble.

CARDINAL COUPLE WEBSITE CHALLENGE

It is past time for every Cardinal Couple reader to take the challenge and pledge that no later than the beginning of Volleyball Season – each reader should find one University of Louisville women’s sports fan and introduce them to this website.  I continually am surprised at the number of avid UL women’s sports supporters who are not aware of the only website specifically dedicated to women’s sports at the University of Louisville. Time for each of us to our part as the awareness of timely information will directly lead to greater fan interest.

KENTUCKY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NEWS

On this Thursday, June 7 The Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame 2012 inductees includes Angel McCoughtry.  The Reception, banquet and ceremony will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel beginning at 6 PM.  

See http://www.kyathletichalloffame.org/index.html

UT WOMEN’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT DEMISE

Without Pat Head Summitt at the helm, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department quickly enacted massive changes in the Athletic Department which had been announced last year shortly after their awareness of her medical condition.   For a published savings of 1.3 million dollars UT has collapsed the men’s and former women’s athletic departments into what is for all intents and purposes, one unit.  Obviously this is only my opinion but it looks as if adding the combined department “savings” to another million or so from the savings of a lower salary for new coach Holly Warlick and it looks like UT is attempting to balance their Athletic Department check book on the backs of the Women’s program.  It would be interesting to see what savings are being received from other Athletic Department changes but more recent revelations of UT’s  handling of these changes makes it appear possible that those savings may instead be spent on local attorneys.  

Time will tell and with the writing of others of the announcement and ongoing news with much better research and reporting ability than I, please take a look at current articles beginning with these hyperlinks.  See the May 17, 2012 ESPNW article written by Mechelle Voepel Jennings retires after 35 years 

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7941922/debby-jennings-retires-tennessee .  

 I have asked that you expand your reading of this news as it is a sad day that the University of Tennessee has raced from the starting gate at the first opportunity after Pat’s power structure is gone to eliminate a department with a resulting “merged” group which appears to primarily be represented by those who earlier held parallel positions in the men’s athletic department and one position which is now held by a person that Debby Jennings trained.    Recent news of the ongoing details which occurred behind the scenes are emerging.  See  the May 23, 2012 Associated Press Article Lawyer: Lady Vols' media director forced to retire article as reprinted by ESPNW.  

See http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncw&id=7965215

Details will surely become public over time and with an attorney now hired I believe we have come to see the beginning of the end to Tennessee’s dominance in the women’s basketball world.  Bad for Tennessee, good for Louisville as recruits will quickly become aware of the decline of the ending of a Sports World Dynasty.

 

Intern in training - Sandy W.

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-UCONN DEFEATS NOTRE DAME


-BIG EAST Final...the usual suspects. Notre Dame vs. UConn


-Girls about town


-Arion named BIG EAST Softball Player of the Week.


-Russell has Cards in the mix. 


-Pick 'Em down to four contestants


GAME REPORT : UCONN 63 - NOTRE DAME 54


1st half
HOO...wee! We got a barn-burner in the XL Center. 31-30 UConn at the half. Notre Dame up early. UConn goes on a 15-3 run and eventually leads by ten at 27-17. Irish battle back and end the half with a 13-4 run to get within one. Kaila Turner with the clutch three as the clock gets near 00:00. Both Novosel and Peters with two fouls each for N.D. The offense disappeared for Geno's group in the final few minutes. Here we go... 


2nd half
And your 2012 BIG EAST TOURNAMENT championship goes to....the Connecticut Huskies. A 63-54 winner tonight. Strong Husky defense, poor Irish shooting in the final twenty and questions on why Notre Dame got out of the zone that had UConn baffled at the beginning of the half. More on this in the Wednesday edition of CARDINAL COUPLE. Will this knock the Irish out of a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? 


GAME PREVIEW

It has come down to this.


Notre Dame and Connecticut will vie for the BIG EAST Tournament crown tonight in Hartford's XL Center. Most of us expected this. The St. John's and WVU insurgents have been driven from the palace gates. Rather rudely, in fact.

Loading up the truck and headed
to play the Okies! 

The combined 59 point margin between the pretenders and the royalty yesterday serves to show us that payback is hell, there is no rainbow at the pot of gold in Hartford and that the early season wins by the Red Storm and Mountaineers were flukes and nothing more.

Kim Barnes Arico will get another chance next year.
All but Da'Shena Stevens return for her.

We do like the fact that St. John's is returning four out of their five starters next year. They'll be poised to make another charge at the palace gates. As for WVU...we give them a superficial "prom wave" as they pack up the wagon and gather the kin to head to the midwest "promised land" to join up with the BIG 12. 


We wonder how Mike Carey feels about all this. Instead of fairly short trips to Pittsburgh, Washington, Louisville and Cincinnati -- the road excursions will now be to Norman, Waco, Lawrence and Stillwater. 

Will Big East Commish John "Marinara"
grace the finals with his largeness?

Of course, it doesn't matter how he, or 14 of the other sports available on the Morgantown campus feel. It's all about the football. Just as Jed Clampett packed up the family and moved to California in The Beverly Hillbillies, the football program is dragging the school to greener pastures in the nation's heartland. 


I guess...


We hope Louisville follows.  


Who will win tonight's game? To get a read on the masses...we went to the 'Pick Em' selections. Paul likes Notre Dame. So does Sandy and Jenny. Sonja and David Watson like UConn. We looked at all 56 entries in the contest. 23 of you had UConn as your winner. 23 of you had Notre Dame. 10 of you had neither. A lot of help that was...

Hasn't played for the BIG EAST
title since 2007. 

Whoever wins tonight gets bragging rights for another year. The Huskies have had those BIG EAST Tournament champs bragging rights since 2008. In the larger scheme of things, it's not that important...both schools will end up #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. 


But for the now...for the immediate...it's huge. Should be a fun one tonight. It's a ESPN view, straight ESPN game with no numbers or letters. Game at 7 p.m


Leave at the half to watch NCIS or stay with the BIG EAST tonight? Tough decision.


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Good stuff from buddies Shirley and Ellis Blanton on a surprising Monday for them. 

Asia was probably there for
the ham and pineapple pizza.

"Just to let you know that Ellis and I, plus our granddaughter Lily (who lives near Knoxville) were out having a bite to eat after a movie yesterday (Monday) and in walked Tia Gibbs, Bria Smith, Asia Taylor, Nita Slaughter and Sara Hammond! They were so sweet to Lily --telling them their names, asking her questions, signing their autographs and then having her repeat their names. Of course, she did, because she is a "die hard Card fan" even though she lives in "Orange" country. 

Will sign autographs
in restaurants. 

Also in the restaurant were softball players Jordan Trimble and Kristin Austin. They also talked to Lily and signed autographs as well. What a great experience for Lily and what great representatives of UofL women's sports teams! 


(Editor's note. We need to bring Lily on board here at Cardinal Couple. She's had more success in talking to players in one afternoon than we've had in two years...)

Thanks for sharing, Shirley. A great story! If we know the girls...Asia was probably watching Lily's plate to see if she could grab it away ( a rebound!), dish it to Bria (outlet pass) who'd drive it to the kitchen (penetrating the defense) and either pass it to Sara for a refill (shot from the paint) or send it to Tia or Nita for a long range toss into the dishwasher.  (THRRREEEE GIBBS!! THRRREEEE SLAUGHTER !!). 


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Whitney Arion, a freshman on the Cardinal softball team has been named BIG EAST Player of the Week after her assault on pitching down in Knoxville this past weekend. Arion batted .500 with four hits (two of them home runs) and drove in five runs. She's a shortstop or designated hitter, whatever Sandy Pearsall needs her to do, and it's obvious she does it quite well. Caralisa Connell was selected to the BIG EAST honor roll for her six-inning no hitter over Memphis. 


Louisville hosts The Red and Black Classic this weekend at Ulmer Stadium. The Cards play two on Saturday...taking on St. Louis at 11 a.m. and Michigan at 1 p.m. We think you should go and take in both games...


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From CARDINAL COUPLE writer Jenny, a great link on Cardinal WBB target from Oregon...Mercedes Russell. Encouraging things in this read...


Mercedes drives Springfield to Oregon State Tournament

Having her as a part of the 2013 incoming class would make it the best in UofL women's basketball history. Speaking of 2013 recruits... congratulations to Marion County's Makayla Epps and Kyvin Goodin-Rogers...who won the 5th Region title and are going to be one of the favorites and team to beat
in the State Basketball Tournament. 


It's time to move this thing to Louisville and put it in the KFC YUM! Center or at the very worst, Freedom Hall. Is the rest of the state that stupid not to realize that Louisvillians love and support girls basketball with attendance? 


Probably a David Williams mastermind and plot to keep it away from the largest city in the state.  


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Finally, it's down to four contestants in the CARDINAL COUPLE BIG EAST Pick 'Em and one game to go. Here's the scenario:


Willie. The lone undefeated player at 14-0. He has Notre Dame winning the title. We finally got an e-mail from him, giving us some background details. It's printed below this article. 


PDX Phil. At 13-1 and with Connecticut winning the title, he's the only one with a chance to beat Willie. Phil's a regular reader and sends good e-mails and comments


Sandy. Our CARDINAL COUPLE writer is 13-1 and has Notre Dame taking the crown . She can't win...but could take second. Louisville's loss to St. John hurt her.


Smitty. The affable plumber says he knows very little about women's college hoops. He's 13-1, so he must know a little something. Has UConn winning but can't win the contest (see below)


If UConn takes the title tonight, PDX Phil wins the Pick 'Em and Smitty finished second.Phil wins the "tie-breaker" between he and Smitty because he had all the final four teams correct. He wins the tie-breaker against Willie and Sandy because he had the tournament winner.


If Notre Dame takes the title tonight, Willie wins the Pick 'Em and Sandy takes second. 


Good luck contestants! 


CARDINAL COUPLE Writers totals....aw, forget it...we're at the back of the dog sled and can't see the lead dogs. Sonja isn't repeating as champ, Paul and Jenny have four losses and David's threatened bodily harm to me if I list his final four and winner. That's doesn't scare me...bring it, Hoosier...but I agree, his picks were pretty embarrassing. 


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Willie M. is undefeated in 14 picks in the 'Pick Em' contest. He writes:


Hey Cardinal Couple. Sorry took me so long to get back with you.  Here some things about me and my excellent picks. I live in West Virginia. Near Huntington and I am a Marshall not West Virginia fan. Did not go there. I went in the Army after getting out of high school and made career of it. Been stationed in lot of places. Germany, Japan, plenty of places here in states. Even at your Ft Knox and Ft Campbell. I am from West Virginia originally and come home after retiring three years ago. My wife from Louisville so that is my Cardinal Couple connect. Sonja probably don't remember this but Brooke play basketball in high school with her. She a senior when Sonja a sophomore. She do a search online for some old teammates and that how she discover Sonja again and Cardinal Couple. You all crazy with all that chimp, goat and Cletus stuff but you write good articles too. 


My picks no big deal. They was pretty basic in first round except I liked Marquette over Cincy becuase I don't like Cincy becuase Bob Huggins coach there before he go to WVU and I still don't like him. Was the only reason I pick Marquette. 


The second round I just go with all the lower rank seeds and it turn out OK. I pick the lower seeds again in the next except WVU over Georgetown. Just a guess. Brooke a bigger Cardinal fan than me and she tell me WVU beat Louisville but Louisville beat Georgetown. I got lucky.


I liked Conn and ND to play in the final all along. And I like the ND to win it becuase they beat Conn already two times this year. So there it is.


(Thanks, Willie for the background! And Sonja does remember Brooke. Says she fouled a lot in games but was a good scorer.) 
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Christmas Wishes

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Christmas Wishes

-A note from CARDINAL COUPLE

On this Christmas Eve day, we wish all of our readers the best of good cheer, holiday greetings and the spirit of the season. While you're dashing around for those last minute gifts or preparing for your holiday meal, remember the true intent and meaning of the season...that many years ago, in a land far away...a savior was born unto you.

We've come up with some things we'd like to leave under a few trees tomorrow and we'll share them with you here.

For UofL fans...Wins galore in the next few months! Especially one over that rival 80 miles east on New Year's Eve day. Also, a successful trip to Charlotte and a chance to watch the Football Cards defeat North Carolina State. A romp through the BIG EAST for the LADY CARDS in women's basketball and the joy and comraderie we share when we all get together and join our voices in unison.  

The Lady Cards basketball team...Freedom from injuries the rest of the season and the will, desire, motivation and ability to go out and play hard every night. For some of our favorites on the team...

Becky Burke...Continued success from three point range and a great last semester as a Card.

Monique Reid...successful surgery and a chance to do it all again next year.

Tia Gibbs...complete rehab and a shoulder stronger than the Bionic Man's.

Asia Taylor...a stocking full of rebounds, points and unlimited ham and pineapple pizzas.

Shoni Schimmel...more Sportscenter Top 10 moves and the sound of the net swishing on perfect three point attempts. And, many trips to Sapporo.

Jeff Walz...a team that continues to grow, improve and sends him deep into the NCAA Tournament. And a brand new, black sweater vest.

For Sandy Pearsall...girls who can clear the bases with one swing, a strong armed pitching staff and a dome over Ulmer Stadium.

For Anne Kordes...one more great year from Lola, success on the recruiting trail and full houses in Cardinal Arena and the KFC YUM! Center. 

For Justine Sowry...Strength at the net, fleet footed girls with accurate sticks and packed stands at Trager Stadium.

For Karen Ferguson Dayes...Another deep run into the NCAA Tournament and a brand new facility to share with the men's soccer team. 

For Mark Beckham... Success with a strong women's tennis team in 2012 and some long, overdue recognition for the teams and chemistry he creates.

For "Coach K" Kelly Meyers Rothberg. Birdies and Eagles for her golfers and a personalized golf cart with cable and wi-fi.

For Laura Aubrey. Trophies to put in her new rowing facility and strong arms, strong backs and calm waters.

For Kellie Young. Talented recruits to replace her graduated seniors and fans in the stands at the lacrosse field.

For Ron Mann. Sprinters success, throwers triumphs, distance runners domination and vaulters victories.

For Arthur Albiero. Big splashes, perfect dives and a continuation of Cardinal superiority in the water in the BIG EAST and NCAA.

And, lest we forget the men...huge wins and great recruits for Rick Pitino, Dan McDonnell, Charlie Strong, Rex Ecarma, Ken Lolla, Mark Crabtree and all the guys who don the Cardinal Red and Black and strive to succeed.

Finally, for Cardinal women's athletics as a whole...the recognition and respect for one of the best athletic programs in the nation. Whether it's Haley Jurich corralling a cross pass, Nita Slaughter grabbing a rebound or Margret Harris sprinting across the line first, we 're appreciative and keep the good results coming. Our thanks and gratitude to Tom Jurich and Julie Herrmann for building a program that is the best in college athletics.

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Finally, as we roll into Christmas-time, we'd like to give thanks for the many people who have helped take CARDINAL COUPLE from an idea and new kid on the block to a thriving and surviving information source that receives over 2000 hits a day.

To our readers, thank you for the viewings, suggestions, responses and support. Without you, this would all be meaningless. We like to describe ourselves as "the fan's voice for UofL women's sports" so, as you can see, it all begins with you! Sometimes we disagree, sometimes we get frustrated and sometimes...we sit in front of this computer and have no earthly idea on what we should write about and cover.

You guide us on. You keep us fresh, timely, on our toes and pick us up and carry us to the finish line. Couldn't do it without...wouldn't want to do it without you. We adore you. Stay with us on this merry and exciting dash through the land of Cardinal women's athletics.

Thank you.

To our sole sponsor, Panera Bread. Thanks for the support. You are our only sponsor for a reason. We respect and 
patronize quality. Whenever we've extended our hand, you've filled it.

We'd also like to thank, our mentors.

Charlie, Shannon and Howie. In the early beginnings, you were there for us before CARDINAL COUPLE ever existed. From early on, with Sonja's thoughts and observations that you posted on Cardinal Sports Report, UofL Card Game and Cardinal Dominance, we cut our teeth and soaked up your experience, thoughts, suggestions and encouragement. When it was time to "go out on our own" you were there with support and backing. You guys are the best.

To the athletic department at UofL, we also humbly extend our gratitude and appreciation.

Coaches, you've shared with us and patiently answered and explained what you do and why you do it. We appreciate it.

The folks at Sports Information have been invaluable in providing access, knowledge, help and support. There is no collective group out there that is better than Kenny, Kim, Lori, Nancy, Rocco, Garret, Sean, Jared and Ira when it comes to providing athletic information. Some of what you do may go unnoticed at times, but you provide an important and essential service and do it professionally and very well. The time and efforts you put in shows. 

Finally, our contributing writers. From the early days when David Watson first offered to send a few thoughts our way to now...with talented, thoughtful and passionate writers Jenny O' Bryan and Sandra Walker on board...thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We look forward to your 2012 contributions, the sharing of dialogue and ideas, those e-mail exchanges that can go from hilarious and gossipy to serious and intense. WE have no idea how we got so lucky to get you on board...but, strap in and hold on...you're along for the ride and behind the wheel as we go forth and continue to try and provide our readers our takes and views of Louisville Womens' Athletics. 

We promise to try and provide, you...the reader...the best we can offer in Louisville Women's athletics in 2012. Your feedback, comments, advice, tips and dialogue is very important to us. You are fans. We are too. This is the fan voice for Cardinal women's athletics. Don't let us down. We promise to do the same. We'll be here, getting stronger every day and will count on you to keep us growing, healthy and relevant. Sounds like fun, eh?

Merry Christmas, readers !! God bless each and every one.

We'll be back in a few days with tales from the road and featured articles from our writers.  
Paul and Sonja Sykes
CARDINAL COUPLE
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Lady Cards take a break for a few days...the future lies in front of them.

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Holiday Traditions

-The brutality factor in WBB...just how serious is it?

-Watson assigns grades

(Today at CARDINAL COUPLE, WE turn the site over to our beloved writers David Watson and Sandy Walker. So, pull up a chair, spike the Egg Nog and enjoy! Or, take a nap and un-plug the phone if you stayed up and watched the 97-80 beat-down Stanford put on Tennessee last night. WE like the elder Ogwumike. Pat doesn't.)

...Sandra Walker starts it off today with a look at Holiday Hoops...

December of 2011 finds many families in the midst of building new holiday traditions where the women's college basketball schedule has an effect on annual holiday gatherings. One such illustration occurred last week when a family's get-together date was shifted so that several relatives could attend the UofL vs. UK women's basketball game. Last Sunday, another Louisville family's pre-Christmas gathering included the UK at Notre Dame WBB game instead of one brother's expected pro football game. Fortunately, such an exciting game transformed what was a "beginning of game sulk" -featuring him sitting alone across the room - into a front of the screen position - urging on his beloved UK.

Who knows?  A new tradition may begin where male family members begin hosting and cooking the holiday meals in order to regain control of the household remote control. Hopefully by the time that happens, more hosts will voluntarily choose to view the more exciting WBB game.

Holiday hoops are sometimes excellent match ups

This year we are fortunate to have the addition of many more televised women's games and several holiday period top 10 match ups to enjoy. During this wonderful time of the year, we've had great competitive match ups that were well attended. UConn at Baylor, Tennessee and Stanford, Duke at UK, Louisville at UK, Connecticut at Baylor, UK at Notre Dame...and many more.

Games like these serve to not only provide enjoyment to viewers to pre-existing fans but also raise the awareness and appreciation of the women's game to those  who are newer to it.

It has been suggested that one way to promote WBB is for teams that are projected to possess the next year's highest pre-season ranking to make a special effort to schedule non-conference games with one another. Perhaps a nightmare for the schedulers - but a definite dream and a "win" for the fans. One guarantee would be a sold out venue where tickets would sell out weeks in advance. 

What do you think, CARDINAL COUPLE readers? 

(Sandy Walker is a staff correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. We like her ideas above. We'd also like to see Geno and Pat mend the fence and give us a Connecticut vs. Tennessee game yearly. Another idea is to have a pre-Christmas tournament here in-state...maybe a double header at rotating locations...where Louisville plays an in-state opponent...let's say Eastern...in the first game and UK takes on one also...maybe Murray. Who doesn't think this double-header wouldn't sell out if you staged it on a Saturday or Sunday and also offered it as a TV package?)

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(Sandy also reviews the recent UK vs. Notre Dame game below)

Here are a few late comments regarding last Sunday's top 10 Kentucky vs. Notre Dame match-up. They packed almost 9000 into the recently remodeled Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the Notre Dame campus for this one.

The game may have applications to UofL's late season BIG EAST meeting with Notre Dame - the Irish were very successful in locking down UK leader A'dia Mathies and her shooting game. She was not as effective at directing UK's offense, which counts on the transition and running game. Without it...and her...UK did not have a very organized half-court attack either, which hurt them later in the game. UK fans that were fortunate enough to attend the contest report that Notre Dame was able to really take Mathies out of her game and normal role just like UK did to Shoni. Mathies and Samantha Drake were forced to sit out the end of the first half, which allowed Notre Dame to change a neck and neck battle into a six point halftime lead.

Physical games in women's basketball have become commonplace but this particular game was reported to be very rough both physically and verbally. 

Fans sitting at the court level locations commented on the number of "no calls"  as well as poor calls at both ends of the court by the officials. There were also reports of the officials allowing on court activities to get out of control.

Samari Walker, a Connecticut transfer to UK, was a particular target of the Notre Dame players and fans - whose verbally harsh taunts continued throughout the game. On Walker, it looks like she will provide a solid improvement to UK, despite her year off. She had seven points and seven rebounds against the Irish off the bench - her first game of the year. 

When Mathies picked up her fifth foul at the 7:25 mark in the final half, UK's running game took a hit. They managed to stay close for awhile - it was 78-75 Notre Dame with just 3:43 left - but Skylar Diggins capitalized on not being guarded so skillfully with Mathies on the bench and took over the contest. Her three-pointer with 3:32 remaining allowed Notre Dame to streak to the win.

(We also wonder just how many teams, including Notre Dame, will utilize the "Shut down Shoni" game plan the rest of the year? Basic basketball philosophy tells you that when an opponent double or triple teams a player...someone else is wide open. Getting the ball to that "someone" is essential. We'll see how the Lady Cards respond to it. Great articles today, Sandy!)

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(Lastly, David Watson posts grades for the Lady Cards and their first semester performances on the court. WE'RE glad David isn't a real professor...they'd have to take the whole academic structure we now know and run it through the car wash several times to remove his grime from it...) 

OK, by now the Lady Cards are all home with their families and loved ones, except for Shawnta Dyer probably - whose still slamming imaginary opponents in the paint and going to the boards -all in the Spokane airport, waiting for her plane, in front of bewildered but appreciative Northwest Airlines employees. 

I got together with my buddies Mr.Obvious and Professor Skip Academics and we graded out the UofL Lady Cards performance for the first semester on the court.

The Lady Cards are 11 for 13 this year as a team. That's a solid "B" performance. At home, they're 4-0 which warrants an "A". On the road Louisville is 7-2..which is is about 77% - so we'll give them a "C". Before you start wadding up paper and throwing it at the professors, put a little chewed gum in the middle. It improves accuracy and flight distance.

Individually, we pleased to present Shoni, Bria, Becky, and Sherrone with "A" grades. Asia, Shawnta, Jude, Mo, Shelby get "B"'s. Cierra, Sara and Antonita receive a "C". Tia gets an "incomplete" for the semester and Charmaine Tay a one way ticket to Jersey. We know that some of you out there will find issue and disagree with these mid-year grades. We don't care. Hey, this is our article and we can say anything we want, as long as it gets past Sonja and her editing. You got different ideas? Send them in and Paul will probably post them after Sonja proof reads them.

Some individual awards:

Is Becky Burke the
Lady Cards Tebow?

The Tim Tebow Inspirational Award. Goes to Becky Burke for lifting the hearts and minds of the fans and her teammates with those "absolutely, gotta have it, need it now" clutch threes.

The "I will shoot anywhere, anytime" Award. Your winner is Shoni Schimmel. We have no doubt that Shoni would fire up her assortment of attempted baskets while crammed in 5 p.m. wall-to-wall subway traffic in mid-town Manhattan. (And probably hit most of them.)

The "What was I thinking?" Award. To Jude Schimmel, for her clock ticking to zero, up by four, foul at Washington State. Ms. Schimmel, write on the backboard (or chalkboard) 100 times "I will not foul when the game is over and we're up by four." 

The "Aliens have invaded my body and there's nothing I can do about it" Award. We're pleased to give this one to Jeff Walz. His sideline movements, mannerisms, feats of agility and vocalizations are un-worldly.

Send the real Walz back to us at the end of the season, please, ye visitors from another world. We're enjoying the alien version. 

The "Where's my insurance card and can I get a ride to ER?" Award. Monique Reid. The coaching staff needs to pack her in bubble wrap and foam packaging for the rest of the year. (And don't let UPS deliver her.)


Finally, some 'best of' awards.

BEST performance of the year (individual): Antonita Slaughter's 23 against Gardner-Webb. She was alive, in the zone and all over the court in the romp. We're sending out search parties to find that version of Nita for BIG EAST play.

BEST game of the year (team): The inspiring nine point win over a good Florida State team on the road after Thanksgiving. The Cards had it together and Shoni was electric in that one.

BEST post game quote of the year: Monique Reid, with her defiant statement. "Hey, I'm a scorer. That's what I do and that's the way it is and my role." (Any questions should be directed to opposing defenses - who will verify the comment.)


FIRST SEMESTER MVP. This was a really hard one to pare down to just one person. We're going with Becky Burke, though. She's played in all thirteen games, performed well in the vast majority of them and has expanded her role from just being a three-point shooter.

FIRST SEMESTER FRESHMAN MVP. Goes to Bria Smith. All three freshmen have played well at times, but Smith is the most impressive of them, so far. (Bria on baseline = two points or a trip to the foul line.)

GAME we'd like to forget: UK. For many reasons.

GAME we'd like to request a "do-over" for: Texas A&M with Shoni and Mo in the lineup. At a neutral site.

PLAYER that we'd hope picks it up the rest of the year:

We could make a case for several Lady Cards here, but we're going with Cierra Warren. Her size, ability and skill should translate to double-double figures each and every time out. Time to go to work, Ms. Warren.

Finally -- (drum roll, please!!!): 

This will most likely be my final article for CARDINAL COUPLE in 2011. A busy holiday schedule ahead, trip to visit my wife's family for the holidays and other duties of the season await me and my family.

Many props to Paul and Sonja for the job they do here at CARDINAL COUPLE. This "fan voice for Louisville womens' athletics" is a labor of love for them and I'm proud to be a small part of it.

Thanks, David for your
2011 observations and
articles!

I'd like to wish each and every one of you a hopeful Christmas, health and prosperity in 2012 and peace on earth. See you next year.

(David Watson is a special correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. He'll also most likely be in the witness protection program very soon after our readers and the Lady Cards read his offerings today. Happy Holidays, David!) 
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