Despite losing their top scorers and missing the state basketball tournament last season, Iowa City West is hoping for a Trojan horse of it's own.
The Trojans women's basketball team enters the season missing 25.7 p.p.g. after graduating two top players. However head coach B.J. Mayer doesn't expect that to deter them.
"We always want to expect a post-season run," Mayer said. "We feel we play in a top conference in the state, and just by doing that it gets us better competition and makes you improve in order to compete. When we get to tournament time hopefully we can be playing our best basketball and have that good experience playing in the Mississippi Valley Conference."
Last season, the Trojans relied heavily upon graduated seniors Emma Krieger-Kittle and Madison Sadecky who averaged 15.3 p.p.g. and 10.4 p.p.g. while both shooting over 60% from the field.
Krieger-Kittle and Sadecky led the Trojans to perhaps the most successful season in Trojans girl's basketball history going 16-6. Mayer is hoping the experience and success of last season, will fuel this season's squad.
"In sports it's very difficult to get tot he next level until you've been there once," he said. "At West, nobody in the girl's basketball program has ever been to the state tournament. So to get to the game before state was just a huge confidence builder. Now they could kind of see what it's like to get to that level. It becomes a different kind of atmosphere, night in and night out.
"I just think the more experience you have in those types of games, better prepares you not only as a coaching staff but players who have been there."
Mayer said Iowa City West has a strong tradition in athletics, and is hoping to soon continue that success this season with the basketball program.
This season the Trojans will be looking to seniors Reed Mackenzie and Kristin Fomon, who have to step up their scoring after averaging 5.2 and 5.9 p.p.g. last season.
A strong start is what Mayer said may mean the difference between taking a step back and having another successful season.
"I think it's going to be very important that we're able to get off to a good start," Mayer said. "Just get our young kids some confidence and hopefully allow them to play a little bit more relaxed."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
John Vincent Piece
Equitable Media Coverage of Female and Male Athletics: Is there a solution?
By: John Vincent Assistant professor of Sports Management at The University of Alabama
The article primarily focuses on media coverage of both male and female athletes and the inequity in the amount of coverage.
Vincent's study used numerous empirical studies investigating the interaction of gender, sport, and media have consistently found that media coverage of female athletes hasn't equaled their athletic achievements. "Studies of media coverage of female athletes shows that they are generally under-represented compared to their male counterparts," Vincent writes. He goes on to write how women only receive 10 percent of print media coverage.
Even when women do get coverage most of it is constructed to place them in their stereotypical roles doing things women would be seen as doing. Vincent said that research shows that women who participate in sports that are deemed as "fit for women" receive more electronic print media coverage than athletes who compete in more "gender inappropriate" sports as Vincent refers to it as.
Vincent said that the majority of media coverage on athletes is focused on men and their athletic ability and their heterosexuality.
Recently in Europe, coverage was thought to be swaying in the direction of a 50-50 share in coverage. The tennis coverage there was getting an equal amount of coverage. After more thorough investigation, the aim for the coverage was directed at men and therefor they've concluded that media coverage is predominantly directed at men. So we've yet to make any progress on that front.
To make sure they were getting the right information, in terms of quantity and equitable coverage they looked at several categories. Quantity of coverage, quality of coverage, position on page, content and quality of photo, balance coverage etc.
As far as Vincent's recommendations, I am not exactly sure if they will ever happen, but I think he makes some very insightful points. It's sad to say, but most sports revolve around male athletes because we perceive them to be the best in the world, and always are obsessed with getting the best. Stories on female athletes do tend focus on them being females, mothers, or something other than their actual sports. Until the majority of the world, and especially the media begin to take women more seriously in the world of sports, then I doubt there will be equitable coverage anytime soon.
By: John Vincent Assistant professor of Sports Management at The University of Alabama
The article primarily focuses on media coverage of both male and female athletes and the inequity in the amount of coverage.
Vincent's study used numerous empirical studies investigating the interaction of gender, sport, and media have consistently found that media coverage of female athletes hasn't equaled their athletic achievements. "Studies of media coverage of female athletes shows that they are generally under-represented compared to their male counterparts," Vincent writes. He goes on to write how women only receive 10 percent of print media coverage.
Even when women do get coverage most of it is constructed to place them in their stereotypical roles doing things women would be seen as doing. Vincent said that research shows that women who participate in sports that are deemed as "fit for women" receive more electronic print media coverage than athletes who compete in more "gender inappropriate" sports as Vincent refers to it as.
Vincent said that the majority of media coverage on athletes is focused on men and their athletic ability and their heterosexuality.
Recently in Europe, coverage was thought to be swaying in the direction of a 50-50 share in coverage. The tennis coverage there was getting an equal amount of coverage. After more thorough investigation, the aim for the coverage was directed at men and therefor they've concluded that media coverage is predominantly directed at men. So we've yet to make any progress on that front.
To make sure they were getting the right information, in terms of quantity and equitable coverage they looked at several categories. Quantity of coverage, quality of coverage, position on page, content and quality of photo, balance coverage etc.
As far as Vincent's recommendations, I am not exactly sure if they will ever happen, but I think he makes some very insightful points. It's sad to say, but most sports revolve around male athletes because we perceive them to be the best in the world, and always are obsessed with getting the best. Stories on female athletes do tend focus on them being females, mothers, or something other than their actual sports. Until the majority of the world, and especially the media begin to take women more seriously in the world of sports, then I doubt there will be equitable coverage anytime soon.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Column for Sports Reporting and Writing class
There's a lie being told in wins and losses that do not tell the whole story. Six weeks into the NFL season and statistically speaking, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton is a better quarterback than Bears signal caller Jay Cutler. Again, statistics have never told more of a lie.
While the numbers may point in Orton's direction, that does not mean the he is the better quarterback. Fist we must take into account that we are not even one third of the way done with the season. So we can throw records out the window.
Now even though Orton may have the better record at 5-0, the Broncos schedule hasn't been the most difficult this far into the season. The Broncos have seen two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Raiders. Not exactly formidable opponents.
In the Broncos first game of the season, Denver was bailed out on a last second "never going to happen again" play. Without the improbable catch (and catch of the year) by wide receiver Brandon Stokley the broncos would no longer be undefeated, and in the same position as the Bears.
I bet Denver is ecstatic with the NFL schedule makers, who have doomed the Broncos from the beginning. The remaining schedule for the Broncos won't allow them to roll through the rest of the season, the way they did to start the season.
Denver will see the Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Colts, Eagles, and the Chargers. Now after this rough stretch I might be willing to anoint them among the best in the league. But until then let's just leave them where they are. An undefeated, but unchallenged team.
Don't even get me started on their supporting casts. The Bears haven't done anything to help Cutler. Forte isn't rushing the way he did when Orton was there. The O-line is suspect. I think it is unfair to compare Cutler to Orton this year.
Denver's defense is dominating this year. Their defense is the second best defense in total yards allowed per game. Last season the Buckin' Broncs were No. 29 out of 32 NFL teams when Cutler was in the saddle. Now one could argue, how in the world is this an even level of comparison when the two teams are drastically different than a year ago, and set up for Cutler to take the blame.
When a defense can't stop the other team, you're forcing your quarterback to play catch-up on a consistent basis, only calling for picks. How fair is it to compare them?
Ask anyone in the Bears organization who they think got the better end of the Cutler deal, and I'm willing to bet every single one of them will tell you the Bears did. They already say they have seen nothing like him, and he has the tools to be one of the greats. Even Denver would rather have him, I guarantee it.
Orton isn't going to win them any games, but he won't take them out of many either. Cutler has the ability to win games. He has the ability to take the team on his shoulders and win games by himself.
With more time to develop a rapport with his receivers and tight ends, he's sure to improve. Week after week they seem to be developing trust in one another.
I'm liking what I'm seeing from Cutler, not just for this season. But for years to come.
I know it's not too early to say this, but... I wouldn't want it any other way.
While the numbers may point in Orton's direction, that does not mean the he is the better quarterback. Fist we must take into account that we are not even one third of the way done with the season. So we can throw records out the window.
Now even though Orton may have the better record at 5-0, the Broncos schedule hasn't been the most difficult this far into the season. The Broncos have seen two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Raiders. Not exactly formidable opponents.
In the Broncos first game of the season, Denver was bailed out on a last second "never going to happen again" play. Without the improbable catch (and catch of the year) by wide receiver Brandon Stokley the broncos would no longer be undefeated, and in the same position as the Bears.
I bet Denver is ecstatic with the NFL schedule makers, who have doomed the Broncos from the beginning. The remaining schedule for the Broncos won't allow them to roll through the rest of the season, the way they did to start the season.
Denver will see the Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Colts, Eagles, and the Chargers. Now after this rough stretch I might be willing to anoint them among the best in the league. But until then let's just leave them where they are. An undefeated, but unchallenged team.
Don't even get me started on their supporting casts. The Bears haven't done anything to help Cutler. Forte isn't rushing the way he did when Orton was there. The O-line is suspect. I think it is unfair to compare Cutler to Orton this year.
Denver's defense is dominating this year. Their defense is the second best defense in total yards allowed per game. Last season the Buckin' Broncs were No. 29 out of 32 NFL teams when Cutler was in the saddle. Now one could argue, how in the world is this an even level of comparison when the two teams are drastically different than a year ago, and set up for Cutler to take the blame.
When a defense can't stop the other team, you're forcing your quarterback to play catch-up on a consistent basis, only calling for picks. How fair is it to compare them?
Ask anyone in the Bears organization who they think got the better end of the Cutler deal, and I'm willing to bet every single one of them will tell you the Bears did. They already say they have seen nothing like him, and he has the tools to be one of the greats. Even Denver would rather have him, I guarantee it.
Orton isn't going to win them any games, but he won't take them out of many either. Cutler has the ability to win games. He has the ability to take the team on his shoulders and win games by himself.
With more time to develop a rapport with his receivers and tight ends, he's sure to improve. Week after week they seem to be developing trust in one another.
I'm liking what I'm seeing from Cutler, not just for this season. But for years to come.
I know it's not too early to say this, but... I wouldn't want it any other way.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Last Second Injury Report
Here are this week's inactives courtesy of ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?id=4565365
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?id=4565365
Pay or Play Week # 6
Quarterbacks: Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.
Hasselbeck should be involved in a shootout with Arizona this week. Last week at Jacksonville, Hasselbeck tossed four touchdowns on their way to a blowout victory. Expect more of the same this week.
Oh so close: Matt Schaub, Hou.
Schaub should be in store for a huge week against Cincinnati. Lately he's been on fire, and he's finally got both of his wideouts healthy as Kevin Walter finally looks to be over his injury.
Running Backs: Cedric Benson, Cin.
Oh how painful it is to put this guy here. (Bears fan) However the guy has earned his stripes in 'Nati. Look for a good week as he sees a porous Texans run defense.
Oh so close: Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.
He's going here because most people are skeptical of the play because Willie Parker will be back this week. I still see Mendenhall getting the bulk of the carries and putting up big numbers this week.
Wide Receivers: Mike Sims-Walker, Jac.
This guy has been nothing but a pleasant surprise this year in the Sunshine state. He sees the Rams this week, and honestly both teams look bad. I see a potential sleeper shootout in the making.
Oh so close: Devin Hester, Chi.
I know I'm kind of going out on a limb, but I like him or Johnny Knox this week. I could see either of these guys catching a big pass for a score this week. Which one? Who knows. This one was decided with a coin flip.
Tight Ends: Tony Gonzalez, Atl.
He didn't score last week because Roddy White had a career day. Expect the Bears defense to key on White opening the middle for Gonzo.
Oh so close: Brent Celek, Phi.
This is another guy who has been pleasant surprise all year. Andy Reid had to know what he had when he let L.J. Smith go in the off season.
Defense: Redskins
I like the Redskins this week for two reasons. One they play the lowly Chiefs. And two they have been averaging almost three sacks and a pick a game. Not bad numbers considering some of the competition they've faced this year.
Oh so close: Broncos
They Broncos have been playing well all year. I expect more of the same to continue in San Diego this week. Expect a lot of turnovers and surprise game from the Broncos.
Calvin Johnson out week # 6
For all your Megatron fans, Calvin Johnson will be sitting this weekend. It's advised that you place him on your bench as soon as possible. Read the report here.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/4813/nfc-north-friday-injury-report-4
Photos courtesy of hawkfantasysports.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/4813/nfc-north-friday-injury-report-4
Photos courtesy of hawkfantasysports.com
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Injury Updates
Inactive:
Felix Jones, Dal
Roy E. Williams, Dal
Byron Leftwich, TB
Earnest Graham, TB
Kevin Curtis, Phi
Matthew Stafford, Det
Willie Parker, Pit
Active:
Donovan McNabb, Phi
Kurt Warner, Ari
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea
Brian Westbrook, Phi
Eli Manning, NYG
Jamal Lewis, Cle
Jonathan Stewart, Car
Antonio Bryant, TB
Calvin Johson, Det
Click below for Injury reports from Yahoo and ESPN.
Yahoo injury report.
ESPN injury report.
Felix Jones, Dal
Roy E. Williams, Dal
Byron Leftwich, TB
Earnest Graham, TB
Kevin Curtis, Phi
Matthew Stafford, Det
Willie Parker, Pit
Active:
Donovan McNabb, Phi
Kurt Warner, Ari
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea
Brian Westbrook, Phi
Eli Manning, NYG
Jamal Lewis, Cle
Jonathan Stewart, Car
Antonio Bryant, TB
Calvin Johson, Det
Click below for Injury reports from Yahoo and ESPN.
Yahoo injury report.
ESPN injury report.
Injury Updates
Look to Stephania Bell from ESPN for her injury updates. Check back later for more comprehensive injury coverage.
Pay of Play Week #5
Quarterbacks: Donovan McNabb, Phi.The Eagles will finally get their man back as McNabb looks good to go this weekend against the Buccaneers. McNabb did only play half the game the first week at Carolina, but he did throw for two touchdowns in his brief appearance. The Eagles are and always have been a passing team, look for that to continue with McNabb back.
Oh so close: David Garrard, Jac.
Everyone has been torching the Seahawks this year, and Garrard has quietly put together a good season. He threw three touchdowns last week against the Titans, and I could definitely see more of the same here.
Running Backs: Brian Westbrook, Phi.
Just because I said the Eagles were a passing team doesn't mean they don't run the ball well and score some your team some fantasy points. It wouldn't surprise me to see him score you some decent fantasy points in a week where most people are reluctant to start him.
Oh so close: Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.
Mendenhall went off last week at San Diego rushing for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Mendenhall faces the Lions this week, and the Steelers will look to get back to running the ball. Also, expect them to be up, therefore running ball to waste the clock.
Wide Receivers: Mike Sims-Walker, Jac.
This is starting to sound like a Jaguar-Eagle love-fest. But honestly, it's just a coincidence that I like all of these players this week, then again they won't see the stiffest competition this week.
Sims-Walker has proved me wrong every game so far and has definitely established himself as the Jaguars go-to-guy.
I want to put this guy here so badly because I was really high on him in the preseason and he has yet to have a big game. He was Matt Ryan's guy last year and I think he'll establish himself as that again beginning this week.
Tight Ends: Vernon Davis, S.F.
I can't believe I actually have this guy here, but he has proved me wrong again and again this year, and seems to have a special rapport with quarterback Shaun Hill.
Oh so close: John Carlson, Sea.
Carlson will be getting his best friend back in Matt Hasselbeck. In the first week with Hasselbeck commanding the offense, Carlson caught six passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Don't expect those big of numbers, but maybe something similar with one less touchdown.
Defense: Jets
I really like the Jets this week because they will be seeing a young quarterback starting only his second game this season playing a team who usually stops the run pretty well. I like the Jets to stop the wildcat and the Dolphins.
Oh so close: Colts
Now I'm putting the Colts here, because I think if they can figure out how to stop Chris Johnson this week, they would have a huge week. Seeing as that's a big "if," it's still a gamble.
Photos courtesy of ESPN and Chris Graythen, Getty Images.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Injury Updates
Active:
Antonio Bryant
Wes Welker
Kevin Smith
Dwyane Bowe
Matt Forte
Cedric Benson
LenDale White
Derrick Mason
Clinton Portis
LaDainian Tomlinson
Inactive:
Domenik Hixon
Derrick Ward
Jamal Lewis
Matt Hasselbeck
Mike Bell
Frank Gore
Willie Parker
Antonio Bryant
Wes Welker
Kevin Smith
Dwyane Bowe
Matt Forte
Cedric Benson
LenDale White
Derrick Mason
Clinton Portis
LaDainian Tomlinson
Inactive:
Domenik Hixon
Derrick Ward
Jamal Lewis
Matt Hasselbeck
Mike Bell
Frank Gore
Willie Parker
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pay or Play Week #4
Quarterback: Jay Cutler, Chi.
I might be a bears fan, but this guy is going to go off on Sunday and so will the rest of the Bears position players on offense against the Lions. I know I've had him here before, but I think owners who drafted him have been happy with what they've gotten so far.
Oh so close: Shaun Hill, S.F.
Hill should be a more than viable bye week replacement for all you Matt Ryan and Kurt Warner owners. He should really do well this week considering the defense he'll be seeing in the rams.
Running Back: Matt Forte, Chi.
See Cuter, Jay. This guy is primed for his first big week, possibly justifying his first round status he held at the beginning of the week.
Oh so close: Cedric Benson, Cin.
It really hurts to put this guy here because I wasn't high on him for various reasons. But honestly, who hasn't torched the Browns this year. Expect Benson to do the same.
Wide Receiver: Steve Smith, NYG (This guy should no longer be considered "the other Steve Smith.) Seriously though, this guy is averaging almost eight cathches a game and is easily Eli Manning's top target.
Oh so close: Johnny Knox, Chi.
Again, here's another Bears guy I see playing well here, He's got the potential to go for the score at any time.
Tight End: Vernon Davis, S.F.
This guy belongs on the same list as Cedric Benson, player's I didn't think we're going to do much this season. Davis however caught two touchdowns last week, and someone will have to catch Hills passes against a porous Rams defense this week.
Oh so close: Owen Daniels, Hou.
I really like Daniels to have a big game this week. He's been Schaub's safety valve all year.
Defense: 49ers
The 'Niners have had a change in culture in their locker room at the hands off their head coach. They're playing the Rams, and there's a guy by the name of Patrick Willis who I really like.
Oh so close: Bears
What, you thought I would have no love for the defense? I don't know if I'd want them the rest of the way, but this week they are good to go.
You better play, or be prepared to pay.
I might be a bears fan, but this guy is going to go off on Sunday and so will the rest of the Bears position players on offense against the Lions. I know I've had him here before, but I think owners who drafted him have been happy with what they've gotten so far.
Oh so close: Shaun Hill, S.F.
Hill should be a more than viable bye week replacement for all you Matt Ryan and Kurt Warner owners. He should really do well this week considering the defense he'll be seeing in the rams.
Running Back: Matt Forte, Chi.
See Cuter, Jay. This guy is primed for his first big week, possibly justifying his first round status he held at the beginning of the week.
Oh so close: Cedric Benson, Cin.
It really hurts to put this guy here because I wasn't high on him for various reasons. But honestly, who hasn't torched the Browns this year. Expect Benson to do the same.
Wide Receiver: Steve Smith, NYG (This guy should no longer be considered "the other Steve Smith.) Seriously though, this guy is averaging almost eight cathches a game and is easily Eli Manning's top target.
Oh so close: Johnny Knox, Chi.
Again, here's another Bears guy I see playing well here, He's got the potential to go for the score at any time.
Tight End: Vernon Davis, S.F.
This guy belongs on the same list as Cedric Benson, player's I didn't think we're going to do much this season. Davis however caught two touchdowns last week, and someone will have to catch Hills passes against a porous Rams defense this week.
Oh so close: Owen Daniels, Hou.
I really like Daniels to have a big game this week. He's been Schaub's safety valve all year.
Defense: 49ers
The 'Niners have had a change in culture in their locker room at the hands off their head coach. They're playing the Rams, and there's a guy by the name of Patrick Willis who I really like.
Oh so close: Bears
What, you thought I would have no love for the defense? I don't know if I'd want them the rest of the way, but this week they are good to go.
You better play, or be prepared to pay.
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