A Pat to Lacrosse for earning the #5 seed in the Women’s NCAA Tourney. They host Stanford this Saturday at 1 p.m. Not sure if you can get WLax scores on SportsTap but make sure and check the ticker on ESPNU if you’re watching the Nats on Saturday night.
A Dart to the Media Relations folks. Rumor has it the Richmond Ticks already released their portion of the 2010 football CAA television schedule. Get on it.
A Pat to Women’s Tennis for earning the National Team Sportsmanship Award from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Mentioning this on the blog feels as ridiculous as the Mystics hanging WNBA attendance banners at the Verizon Center, but with some of the less than stellar student behavior drawing headlines lately, we applaud the ladies on something positive for a change.
A Dart to slacker Season Ticket Holders, TODAY is the priority deadline for renewing your seats and getting your Duke Club Deposit in. Make the call. I mean, Drew’s already been named the starter, so you know it’s gonna be a good season!
A Pat to old friend of JMUSB Jimmy Bonnell for getting things squared away early for the 8th Annual JB Classic benefitting PUSH America and the JMU College of Business’ Madison Business Scholarship Fund. Having it on Liberty game weekend should seriously help attendance. Check out the details here.
Lastly, a bit of commentary (fair warning – this is incredibly self-indulgent and I’d put a jump on the page if I’d figured that out yet): So I just finished watching the Cleveland Cavaliers epic collapse, just a few weeks after watching the Washington Capitals epic collapse. It got me thinking about fan misery and I must confess I realized something shocking. I honestly think the semi-final loss to Montana two years ago ranks among my top five disappointments as a sports fan. And it’s definitely the only one that still stings. Given that it’s really all about investment, I’d actually say it might really be #2 (I’d been to five straight games at that point and was just certain of a return trip to Chattanooga). Plus when you’re mainly a DC Sports fan, your teams just are really never good enough to disappoint.
I’m not really a huge hockey fan, so I don’t think I can go overboard on lamenting Ovie and Co.
Skins/Raiders was the cherry-popper of fan disappointment in my life and may never be topped. It only got worse when I was old enough for my dad to explain what “Tampa Week” had been like for Dexter, Riggo, and the boys. Since then, the Skins either came through (pre-Snyder) and won or weren’t really favored enough to hurt that bad (Norv playoff team and both Gibbs 2.0 playoff teams).
The Jeffrey Mayer play/series was pretty tough, but I grew to loathe the O’s, Angelos, and most things Bal’mor, plus now we finally have the Nats, so that’s really faded. Bullets/Wizards have never really been good enough for a crushing playoff collapse. Don’t get me wrong, the season-long crushing of spirts in the CWebb/Juwann era and the Gil/AJ/Tuff Juice “leading at the break” season were tough, but I never really believed they’d be crying and kissing the big gold ball (twss).
The US National Team’s entire performances at the ’98 World Cup and the Czech game to start ’06 were pretty bad, but again, I had tempered expectations from the outset on both occasions. That said, this summer holds incredibly high danger potential for investment/disappointment ratio.
Finally, a quick honorable mention to the Major Harris led WVU team’s NC loss to Notre Dame in the ’88 Fiesta Bowl.
Oh yeah, and Rob’s a Mets and Giants fan, so he could write 10,000 words on this.
JMU Woman’s Lacrosse coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe led the Dukes to a CAA Championship this past Saturday at the JMU Lacrosse Complex. It capped a CAA season that saw Shelley capture her second CAA Coach of the Year Award. Ironically enough, the 10-6 victory came over Hofstra, the team which Klaes-Bawcombe coached from 2002-2006 after completing an outstanding career at JMU as a player from 1993-1997. While at Hofstra, Shelley won her first CAA Coach of the Year award in 2005.
The win was a school record 16th on the season (against only 2 losses) and the team’s 9th in a row. It also secured the CAA’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Dukes were lead by senior goalkeeper Morgan Kelley, who was named national player of the week after racking up 12 saves in the CAA tournament. Kelley was also named to the All Tournament team along with junior Mary Kate Lomady, who had a hat trick in the final, redshirt senior Kim Griffin, and sophomore Cally Chakrian. It is JMU’s 7th CAA Championship, but first since 2006.
As a reward for their outstanding season, JMU has been given a #5 seed for the 16 team NCAA tournament and will host Stanford this Saturday in round 1. Stanford is a newcomer on the national woman’s lacrosse scene and a relative outsider at this mostly East Coast party. The Cardinal have plenty of ties back East though. They played CAA teams, beating Hofstra and losing to Towson. Head Coach Amy Bokker spent 12 years coaching in the CAA at George Mason and American, where she to won CAA Coach of the Year. Stanford Assistant Coach Brook McKenzie has only been on the Stanford staff since last year, but is about as suited as any coach in the country to get a team prepared for playing at JMU. McKenzie played her collegiate lacrosse at the greatest school on the planet. That’s right, she was a member of 3 JMU Dukes CAA Championship teams during her 4 years on campus. There is some kind of a 6-degrees of CAA lax thing going on here.
Saturday’s match-up will be the 3rd ever meeting between JMU and Stanford. JMU leads the series 2-0 with one goal victories in 2007 and 2008. The Dukes should be favored, but it’s still going to be a big test for a team with no previous NCAA tournament experience. Gametime is 1:00 and tickets are available for $5.
So many of you may remember that the Old Guys Leave piece written for our friend Jamie’s Mister Irrelevant blog was the impetus for our own JMUSB. In it, we recounted our ill-fated attempt to blend in with current Dukes at a Forest Hills party after the incredible Appalachian State game in 2008. Jamie titled the piece “JMU Is No Campus for Old Men”.
First Print
But at the DC Coach’s Caravan Event last Thursday at The Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington, we finally found a place where overzealous, older alums with high hopes of being overserved are welcomed with open arms (at least so long as they bring their checkbooks). Events like this make you realize how slippery the slope is between being a great fan and being Buddy Garrity.
But one thing was clear: Even with a number of coaches and the QB1 in attendance, Steve Buckhantz stole the show in our opinion. He raised the bar for celebrity JMU alums gushing purple and gold blood while emceeing the event and basically brimming with as much pride and excitement for the Dukes as he’s ever put into a gamewinning “DAGGER!” call for the Wizards.
Talking with him after the event, Buchantz even whipped out his cell phone to show us video he shot of everyone rushing the field after the aforementioned App. St. game. He got distracted by other buttkissing alums before we got the full show, but a cool moment nonetheless.
Other highlights included newly named STARTING QB (thank you Coach Matthews for ending the suspense early this year!) Drew Dudzik making an appearance and a brief speech (basically “all the seniors are going to play our asses off to make sure the half-stadium year is a full success”) and the following quotes from the various speakers:
Buchantz introducing Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Brady by saying “you’re the only coach here without a championship and your ass is the one with the pressure now or you’ll be on the hot seat!” Loved this because it both acknowledged the incredible success Kenny Brooks has lead the Women’s program to and said something no official member of JMU Athletics would dare say out loud about the future of our MBB coach, the absolute truth.
Mickey: “It was raining like a cow tee-teeing on a flat rock” I think this may have been in reference to the stadium construction crew’s hard work, but I can’t actually remember. But really, who needs context when a football coach from Texas says something like that?
Also from Coach Matthews: “We need smart players…guys who don’t take an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes”
Brady: “Yeah, no good team wants a bunch of guys that look like you” Yes, he really said this and it really was directed at me. Like the Matthews’ quote we could explain the context, but it doesn’t really matter. The point is that those of you who were worried that Brady was looking to build a roster of tall lanky white guys with freakishly large eyebrows, can rest easy.
Dukes' Dagger!
First off, we’re headed to the DC/NoVa Coach’s Caravan Thursday night at The Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington. First two blog readers we do not already know to introduce yourself to us as readers get a drink on us!
This event is always fun and this year it’s being emceed by celeb alum Steve Buckhantz. Not possible!
Next, here’s another contest from JMUSB, this time our first installment of Dukes Trivia. Winner gets a Dave’s gyro, a side, and a sixer of Sierra at the football game of your choice next year.
1) What now-defunct JMU sport was coed?
2) What are the driving to directions to Melrose from the Sheetz on 33?
3) The area behind the basket at the Convo used to be The Electric Zoo, what is the current university-named (i.e. ricockulous) moniker for this section?
4) The Joshua Wilton house used to house what fraternity? (I’m not actually sure if I know the right answer but this is according to Steve Buckhantz so we take it as gospel)
5) Worst JMU Men’s Basketball coach ever?
6) Fastest way to walk from D-Hall to Old Mill?
7) During the Alex Wood run n’ shoot (i.e. chuck n’ duck) era, there were three three great WR/TE’s. Macey Brooks, Ed Perry, and _____________?
8) The area behind the basket at the Convo used to be The Electric Zoo, what is the current university-named (i.e. ricockulous) moniker for this section?
Bonus #1) What is the code that you could enter to leave a voicemail using the on-campus phone system without having it automatically time-stamped?
Bonus #2) Approximately how many people are living in the basement of Melrose at any given time?
So this is more of a Friday Smorgasbord type column, but it’s CAA Tourney time for spring sports and we wanted everyone to know what’s going on. Plus we’re going to the DC Coach’s Caravan on Thursday so we might have original photos and material for a change on Friday.
Trust me, this event is ridiculously tough.
Leading off, a big JMUSB congratulations to Track & Field’s Kelly Jemison, who won the CAA title in the 3000 meter Steeplechase this weekend by taking an impressive six seconds off her PR.
Rob’s the Lacrosse expert, but it doesn’t take a genuis to know the Lady Dukes are legit right now. They absolutely destroyed Mason (take that Doc Nix) over the weekend 17-5, including outshooting the Patriots 37-8, to finish undefeated in CAA play. They get to host the conference tourney starting Thursday against the William & Mary Griffins. Let’s hope they can teach the Caps a thing or two about performance as a top seed. Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, (and judging by the attendance, you haven’t), the women are rankend 7th nationally and will be a real contender for the NATIONAL title if they can get through the CAA tourney first.
Baseball wrapped up an incredibly solid 15-3 home campaign at their new stadium with a 3-game sweep of Delaware. No doubt the Blue Hens are trying to make sure their season is over in time for the annual UD invasion of the Preakness Stakes and the Delaware/Nova porta-potty run challenge. (note: video link may not be work appropriate) Let’s hope Coach Matthew’s kids can show off New Bridgeforth with the same type of success this fall. Long road trip ahead for the Diamond Dukes before the CAA Tourney starts May 27th.
Lastly, JMUSB’s first official “sources” (please pronounce “sawsus” in your best Ken Beatrice) down in the Sunshine State tell us Scotty McGee is already being talked up and slated as the starting kick returner for the Jacksonville Jaguars! Just in case you’ve already forgotten young Mr. McGee, or if you need another reason to get ready for football season, here’s the link to “the return” (it’s worth the wait to #1).
This Spring a record 22 NFL scouts came to campus for JMU’s pro day. Last weekend two Dukes were selected in the NFL Draft. Four more will head to camps after signing free-agent deals. Those are good numbers for a FBS program. For an FCS program they’re extraordinary. So the obvious question is, what does this all mean for the JMU football program? Obvious questions usually have obvious answers. In this case, I think it’s clear that this is going to be a big boost to recruiting.
Mickey Matthews has already proven that he can bring talent to the ‘Burg. He’s been doing it for years. His recruiting pitch has probably focused on selling kids on joining a winning program that is 82-50 under his leadership. At a school that is fully behind the football program and is building what will unquestionably be the best stadium in FCS football. A program that has won a National Championship and plays in the premier FCS conference in the land. A conference who’s members have won 4 National Championships in the past 7 years. Now you’re telling me that Matthews can also sell recruits on the fact that the program is on the NFL’s radar and players have a legit shot at going pro? Things are about to get really interesting.
So, now the question is, what does this mean to all of us? It means that now is the time to get on board and fully support the program. And it just so happens that we have three great ways to do that. Join the Duke Club, order season tickets, and for those of you in the NoVa/DC area, go to the Coaches Caravan.
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QB 1 in 2010, Drew Dudzik.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of teams, athletes, and other JMU folks who are having good weeks.
Drew Dudzik
Mickey Matthews named Dudzik the starting QB for the 2010 football season. I still think fans were a bit rough on Justin Thorpe, but this is really, really good news. Drew is talented and plays with a ton of passion. I’m thrilled he’s being handed the keys to offense heading into his final season.
JMU Football
Sure, it’s the offseason, but 2 players got drafted and 4 others signed free-agent deals! That’s just awesome.
Kelsey Cutchins
The JMU field hockey goalkeeper was named James Madison Female Scholar Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row. She completes her career at JMU as a two time Academic All America and was the CAA Female Scholar Athlete of the Year.
JMU Lacrosse
The woman’s team (not to be confused with the men’s team that doesn’t exist) is ranked #9 in the nation and is coming off a victory over #19 William & Mary. The win moved the team to 13-2 overall and 6-0 in the CAA. It also clinched first place in the CAA and the #1 seed for the conference tournament.
Jamie Mottram
The highly successful JMU alum and blog mogul was profiled in this great piece in the NY Observer. I can honestly say that even with seeing 6 JMU guys get their shots in the NFL this week, reading that article made me and Todd more excited than anything else. Todd and I both are lucky enough to consider Jamie a friend, but we also look to him as a mentor. He was kind enough (or crazy enough) to let each of us guest post on Mister Irrelevant, which was both thrilling and absolutely terrifying at the same time. Jamie was also the guy who convinced Todd and I to start this blog. I’m not really sure if that’s something you credit him for or blame him for, but the point is he gave us the confidence to start this thing. For that, we sincerely thank him. He’s also consistently linked us on his blog, so chances are if you’re not one of our friends or family members, you found our blog through him. I’ll wrap this up before it devolves into sounding even more like a bad wedding toast, but it truly is awesome to Jamie get the recognition he so richly deserves.
This past weekend was a good one for the JMU Dukes. As we noted in an earlier post, Arthur Moats and Scotty McGee were drafted in the 6th round of the NFL Draft and Mike Caussin and Dorian Brooks signed free agent deals. The good news didn’t stop there though. As Todd stated in the comments, WR Rockeed McCarter has signed with the Broncos and DL Sam Daniels is weighing several offers.
That is all obviously outstanding news. However, the big winner of the weekend was JMUSB commenter, Jari! Our favorite Finnish friend won the first ever JMUSB contest. Circus predicted that the Bills would draft Moats, but he was unable to predict the correct round. Nobody actually nailed the round, but Jari’s submission was closest to the actual pick number.
In recognition of his draft prediction prowess, Jari will receive his very own JMUSB “standard” t-shirt, complete with “Old Guys Leave” on the front. It is fittingly appropriate that he will be the first and only person on the planet with this shirt. Jari was actually one of the Old Guys in attendance with us that fateful night in Forest Hills when the unruly college kids serenaded us off into the night. And now he’s got a t-shirt to prove it. It’s the circle of life or something like that.
We’ll be unveiling our first series of JMUSB t-shirts in the coming weeks, but you can grab the “standard” here. Hopefully Jari gets to strut his stuff in his winner’s shirt for a at least a few days before these things are everywhere.
Jags draft pick, Scotty McGee.
Arthur Moats and Scotty McGee became the first JMU football players to be drafted since 2000. Moats is heading to Buffalo to play linebacker in the 3-4 and McGee will take his 4.37 speed down to Jacksonsville to do what he does best, return kicks. Offensive lineman, Dorian Brooks and tight end Mike Caussin also will get opportunities to make an NFL roster after signing free agent deals with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars respectively. 1997 was the only other year when more than one Duke got drafted. That year Macey Brooks and Ed Perry were selected.
Obviously, JMU fans have plenty of good things to say about these guys. After the jump we’ll take a look at a few comments from coaches, scouts, and pundits about them.
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Arthur “Da Body” Moats got drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 178th pick of the 2010 NFL Drafts. Moats is the first JMU player to be drafted since 2000, when the Cincinnati Bills picked Curtis Keaton and he is the 11th Duke to be drafted overall. It’s a terrific accomplishment for Arthur and an exciting moment for JMU football. Todd and I will have more details later and hopefully have some news about the other Dukes’ prospects. Way to go Arthur!
Update: The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Scotty McGee with the 203rd pick! There were plenty of rumors that Jacksonville was high on McGee after his workouts with the team, but I was guessing he’d be a free agent acquisition. This is great, great news for Scotty, a player who is responsible for some of the most electrifying moments in JMU football history.
