Mayer: Goodbye Indiana

Life is a funny thing. There are moments that lead to choices that lead to directions and paths which would have been completely altered if a different decision was made. Actually, it's not even necessarily a choice. It could just be a coincidence that can open a path or change our life. Whenever I come to a stepping stone or major change I like to reflect. I've been thinking of all the moments, coincidences, and decisions that led me to this path; working at WTWO and now moving on to become the sports director at NewsWest9 in Midland, Texas.

It just so happened that my first day of college at Indiana University I started talking to a kid from the Chicago suburbs named AJ Schub (who would later work at WTWO before moving on to sports marketing). He was just a couple dorm rooms down and was also interested in sports broadcasting.

It just so happened he was friends with Courtney Cronin (who would intern with me at Fox 59 and work in video production at the NCAA before moving on to her video journalist position with the Clarion Ledger) who knew someone at Hoosier Sports Nite. Hoosier Sports Nite is a completely student run sports show covering all IU athletics. She invited AJ to come to a private meeting which preempted the public call out meeting and I tagged along. Just like that, during my first week in college, I started at Hoosier Sports Nite airing on the Indiana University Student Television Network. I made friends for life in AJ and Courtney along with Casey Richards (who is currently a broadcaster and SID for Illinois State, making our web of connections even more interesting).

It just so happened that Wes Woodward accepted me as an intern with Fox59 Sports (at the time Indysportsnation.com). Wes was extremely well connected in Indiana and would later work as a reporter for WTWO.

It just so happened that Jeremiah Johnson worked for Fox59 Sports and would take me under his wing and show me everything he could about the industry. JJ was in the sports department at WTWO before he moved to Fox.

It just so happened that I was hired as a freelancer for Fox59 Sports after graduation and was introduced to Grant Pugh and Eric Peat (both working in sports at WTWO) at the high school baseball state finals at Victory Field. Eric would be leaving with Grant replacing him and there would be an opening in sports at NBC 2. It just so happened I had worked and developed relationships with extremely well respected people who had connections with WTWO. It was not long after that I was hired.

So many dots to connect. So many possible paths. It's mind boggling to see how it all came together and consider how one different decision or one random occurrence could have sent me in a completely different direction.

I would love to have a conversation with my sixteen year old self. If I told him I would spend five years living in Indiana experiencing most every part of the state the young Lucas would not believe it. He probably would not have a whole lot of interest in the experience. I'd tell him to cut his hair and buy a pair of jeans...bickering would ensue.

My time in Indiana has been incredible. Not just going to college in Bloomington because when living in a college town you are often insulated. While working for Fox59 and WTWO I have truly been able to understand this state and the great people who live here. I can say without a doubt that the Hoosier values have rubbed off on me and made me a better person.

There are few places in this country that the positive stereotypes are right on. People in Indiana are actually that friendly and good natured. There's always a stranger willing to help or simply smile and say hello. The connections I have made and moments I have experienced since arriving in the Wabash Valley will stay with me forever: The pure joy of the Linton community when the basketball team made it to the state finals; the devastation and simultaneous pride of Vincennes Rivet coming so close to winning a baseball state title; getting to know and tell the story of Rivet super fan Will Sievers; the magical moments for the Indiana State men's basketball team in the first half of the season; the non stop determination of the Indiana State women's basketball team; the insanity of Friday night basketball at Loogootee and Barr-Reeve, the fierce rivalry between Terre Haute South and Terre Haute North, and the amazing turnout for the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic.

I could go on forever and add to the list with some unforgettable moments around the Hoosier state and beyond covering sports for Fox and at Indiana University (that Kentucky game was kind of good) but enough lists.

I've been extremely lucky to work with the WTWO team. There are so many intelligent and motivated people on staff that do incredible work. I have learned so much working alongside Jason Pensky and Grant Pugh in the sports department. The encouragement and creative freedom given to me by Jason and Grant has allowed me to evolve as a sportscaster and journalist.

Indiana will always be a place I consider home. I'll remember it for shaping me for the better. The sense of community and togetherness consistently displayed throughout the towns and cities of this great state is very rare in today's world. I will surely treasure my time here forever. Who knows what the future holds or what paths lay ahead, but I'm excited to find out.

Mayer: Rivet Fans A Great Example of Small School Support

Courtesy: football.isport.com

Vincennes Rivet has pretty incredible fan support. No matter the sport, Patriots' fans turn out in droves to cheer on student athletes representing their community. It does not matter if it's boys or girls playing, the Rivet community binds together.

The Patriots will play in the 1A baseball state title game on Saturday in Indianapolis. Victory Field is a bit of a different setting compared to St. Vincent's Field where Rivet usually plays. For that matter, Victory Field is on a whole other level compared to the very nice complex at Plainfield which hosted semi-state. Rivet was here before in 2009 playing the role of under dog against a powerhouse; Lafayette Central Catholic. LCC won and will once again be the opponent that stands in the way of Rivet returning with a baseball state title.

This blog post is not about the impending baseball match up, it's about the fans love for Rivet athletics. In the last nine months or so I have had a great deal of experience seeing the Rivet community support their student athletes first hand. Covering the Patriots basketball games was always fun. They play in a tightly packed gym that seemed constantly over capacity. Fans plan their weekends and nights around Rivet athletics. It becomes a source of family and community pride.

I don't want to take away from other schools who also have similar pride and community relevance. I won't try to name them all, but off the top of my head Linton, Loogootee, Barr-Reeve, Rockville, and North Daviess come to mind. Of course all the Vigo County schools are no slackers. High School sports across the entire Valley have an incredible following.

Courtesy; coachesaid.com

But back to Rivet. I may be biased simply because of my interactions with these Patriots lovers. There is such an incredible sense of extended family. Everyone is a joy to be around and they never fail to make their presence known despite being the perennial underdog.

It all started when I did a feature on Will Sievers (check out this story, it's my favorite) who is probably the biggest Patriots fan around. The Sievers have been involved with Rivet for a long time. Father Joel and son Matthew played for Rivet while mother Leanne and second son Will are a constant presence. Through the Sievers, I truly got a sense of what the school and athletic teams mean to the community.

The examples continued when the Rivet girls basketball team made a run to the state finals. Rivet faced Barr-Reeve in the Vikings home gym, but the fans showed up in full force and saw the Lady Patriots prevail. The next week I was shocked to see the small school haul a contingent of supporters across the state to regionals. The all day venture was rewarded when the Lady Patriots advanced to semi-state. Of course a 58-50 victory over Southwestern led to a fourth title game in five years. The Patriots fell in that contest, but Patriots fans filled the Hulman Center and saw the girls make a valiant late comeback.

That leads to the baseball team behind beloved coach Bill Beard. Well, all the coaches at Rivet seem to be beloved, but you get my point. The Patriots may have been to the title game in 09', but this is a true underdog story. There is only one senior on the Rivet squad. They came together and started playing their best ball recently leading to their semi-state victory over favored Rising Sun last weekend. Yesterday, the community held a pep rally in support of the baseball team. It was straight out of a John Mellencamp song.

It's always tough to single out a certain player, team, or fan base because it's obvious there are many others who care as much or have faced just as much adversity. In my time working in the Wabash Valley, Vincennes Rivet has come away as extra special. Win or lose on Saturday, the players and coaches will be praised. The support will be endless and great memories will be made.. It's the Rivet way.

What Does the U.S. Soccer Win Over Germany Mean?

 In advance of the qualifier vs Jamaica, NBC2 videographer Jon Moore looks at the meaning of the U.S. win vs Germany last week.

For the first time since the 1999 Confederations Cup the United States defeated Germany in a soccer match. The U.S held onto a 4-3 victory Sunday in Washington on the 100^th birthday of the national team. After a disappointing 4-2 lost to a very young and talented Belgium team earlier in the week many thought the Germans would come into RFK Stadium and dismantle the Americans.

Courtesy: brownsvilleherald.com

The German national team which is ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and are some experts favorites to win the 2014 World Cup. However, the starting lineup for the Germans on Sunday did not feature most of the stars expected to lead them to victory in Brazil. Even though the German team did not feature some of its premier talent, the eleven that wore the green away jerseys for Germany have a chance to make the team that will travel to Brazil next summer.

Nineteen year-old Julian Draxler who started and scored Sunday for Germany has a very bright future in both club and international play. Also in the lineup Sunday was Lukas Podolski, and Miroslav Klose who have both been featured in World Cup and Euro Cup matches in years previous. Many soccer writers will mention, “Well the U.S. basically played Germany's 'B' team so there isn't much to take away from this victory.” I disagree, does this win mean the U.S will challenge for a World Cup title in Brazil? Not a chance, but it does mean the gap is closing and the Americans are making strides in the right direction to eventually compete in the “worlds game”.

Courtesy: sbnation.com

Jozy Altidore scored on a venomous volley breaking his goal-less streak in a U.S uniform. If he can find his form and continue to put the ball into the back of the net, that would be a huge boost to the U.S attack. Also scoring for the Americans on Sunday was arguably the best player to ever wear a USMNT (United States Men's National Team) jersey, proud Texan Clint Dempsey. With his two goals yesterday Dempsey is now the third leading goal scorer in all competitions for the U.S. Though he recently celebrated his 30^th birthday Dempsey will need to be a force in Brazil for the United States if they hope to compete.

Courtesy nytimes.com

With six world cup qualifiers still remaining and three of those being played in June and July the USMNT must continue to make strides similar to the win over the Germans to not only qualify for Brazil but hopefully make some noise and shock the world. Sunday's game may have only been a friendly with not much riding on the outcome. However, when this country is looking for a reason to jump on a bandwagon every time the red, white, and blue takes the field, you hope to leave an impact.

Mayer: Sean Manaea's MLB Draft Fate

*The MLB Draft starts tomorrow and is scheduled to run through Saturday*

Courtesy: gosycamores.com

What a long strange trip it has been for Sean Manaea. Well, actually I should rephrase. Manaea's journey to the MLB draft has been closer to a short yet exciting and unpredictable roller coaster. The Sycamores ace left hander put together a decent enough sophomore season; he was second team All-MVC, went 5-3 with a 3.34 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 105 innings pitched. A good season, but not enough to be considered a top tier draft pick.

However, the campaign was solid enough to earn him a spot with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod League, a hotbed for major league scouts during summer baseball. It was there he made a bit of an adjustment in his wind up bringing his hands over his head and things really took off. Manaea gained velocity on a fastball that had an incredible amount of natural movement. He combined that pitch with a devastating slider and nasty split change up. The result was a 5-1 record in eight starts with a 1.22 ERA and league leading 85 strikeouts in 57 innings.

Courtesy: capecodonline.com

Manaea grabbed all kinds of Cape Cod league awards in addition to being named to numerous college baseball pre-season award lists. He was being talked about as a possible top five pick in the draft. It all happened so fast. The year before Manaea had not even been a weekend starter for the Sycamores. I profiled Manaea in this story towards the beginning of the season when expectations were extremely high.

The southpaw did not disappoint. I wrote a blog post on April 24th, looking at what Indiana State had done so far and had this to say about Manaea: "Sean Manaea has been stalked by major league scouts all season and is expected to be a top five pick in the draft. Manaea is 5-3 over nine starts while accumulating a 1.57 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP (walks + hits/innings pitched). Hitters are batting only .195 against the big lefty with 72 strikeouts and 20 walks. In conclusion, Manaea is dominating as expected although he has seemed a bit off his last two outings (this could have to do with a hip injury sustained earlier this month)."

Take note of those last few words because here is where things really started to turn. Manaea dealt with this hip issue for at least a month. He didn't pitch poorly or struggle so outlandishly that it threw up red flags immediately, but something was off. He had too miss some starts and then after warming up in the first inning of the first game in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament had to leave. He wound up not pitching at all as ISU came up one game short of the finals. This time the cause was shoulder soreness.

The hip injury is going to put doubt into the mind of MLB evaluators simply becasue missing on a top ten pick is always painful. Add in shoulder problems and scouts are going to run, which has seemed to happened. Before the injuries Manaea was thought of in many front offices as "the biggest wild card in the draft." He has the build of a scout's dream; Left handed, 6'5", 235lbs. A great array of power pitches, but he had only recently turned into a truly dominating pitcher.

When scouts and draft experts added in the injuries, Manaea's draft stock has plummeted almost as quickly as it rose. Keith Law is thought of by many to be the preeminent voice in the MLB Draft (you can debate this, but either way he is quite knowledgeable). In his latest mock draft (insider required), Manaea has fallen out of the first round. Despite this, Law has the Sycamore's lefty listed as the eighth best prospect. Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft is a bit dated from May 30th, but had Manaea at 26th when he was originally slotted to be picked 9th. It would not surprise me to see him out of SI's first round if they come out with another mock.

Courtesy: MLB.com

After the Sycamores were eliminated by Wichita State in the MVC tournament I asked Coach Rick Heller and Manaea what lay ahead. The southpaw didn't give much away just saying it has always been his dream to play in the MLB and that he was still focusing on the present. The Sycamores coach had some interesting comments though implying that his lefty ace would need to see a significant offer or he could return to school. Following that it was learned Manaea was being advised by super agent Scott Boras and this article seemed to back up what Rick Heller had said previously.

Professional sports league drafts are full of speculation and question marks. Right now, the future of Sean Manaea may be more cloudy than any other prospect. The roller coaster has seen its ups and downs, but if I'm giving a personal opinion, it would not surprise me to see Manaea back on the Bob Warn field mound next year.

Premier League Offseason Outlook

NBC 2 Videographer and soccer aficionado Jon Moore takes a look at the upcoming offseason in the Premier League 

Courtesy: thescratchingshed.com

The circus that is the summer transfer window of the Barclay’s Premier League is underway. If you are unfamiliar with how the transfer period works, basically teams are only allowed to bring in new players twice a year. The window occurs during the summer off season and in January for a short time. Unlike most American professional sports, transactions almost rarely include a player for player trade. Instead, teams offer a transfer fee for specific players. Rarely will a player be included along with the fee. Players who are no longer under contract like free agency in American sports are free to sign with any team they deem fit.

The Liverpool Football Club has agreed to terms with former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure. This marked the first move of the summer for the club on Merseyside. Toure will most likely be the first of a couple defenders brought in by second year manager Brendan Rodgers. With the retirement of longtime defender Jamie Carragher, Liverpool's back four will definitely need some reinforcement. There are whisperings that current Liverpool defender Martin Sktrel, who lost his starting job to Carragher midway through the 12'/13' campaign, is on his way out.

Courtesy: guardian.co.uk

Toure may be the first of multiple signings to strengthen the Liverpool defense. The 32 year Ivory Coast international will not only add plenty of skill to the Redmen defense, but plenty of experience and a winning mentality. He also adds many leadership qualities as he wore the captains armband on multiple occasions for 2011/2012 Premier League champions Manchester City. Some are skeptical that Toure's best years are behind him, but many of the skeptics also wrote off the 35 year-old Carragher. In the second half of the 2012/2013 season the veteran became arguably Liverpool's most consistent defender. Though Toure should not be viewed as a long term fixture, he will make plenty of appearances and add much needed depth. It should also be noted that Toure's contract with Manchester City expired, so no transfer fee was required of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group.

Courtesy: footytube.com

Also in the Liverpool transfer rumor mill is current Schalke defender of the German Bundesliga, Greek international Kyriakos Papadopoulos. The 21 year-old Papadopoulos is coming off a rough year, where he only made ten appearances for Schalke in the 2012/2013 season due to illness and knee surgery. Liverpool fans should not let this worry them too much; Papadopoulos had a great 2011/2012 campaign and added seven goals from a defensive position. Many scouts have said that one of many Papadopoulos's strengths is in the air which could really help Liverpool who were vulnerable against free kicks and corners in 2012/2013. Many Liverpool supporters look at the big man from Greece as a long term replacement for the recently retired Carragher. He is under contract for a rumored price tag of £12million. If Liverpool finds themselves in a bidding war with deep pocketed clubs such as Manchester City, the Redmen may need to start looking elsewhere for defensive reinforcements. It has already been a busy summer for Liverpool and the rest of world football....better known as soccer here in the states.

Mayer: Kanaan Win at Indy Well Deserved

I had no clue who Tony Kanaan was before covering my first Indianapolis 500 four years ago. I would think the majority of non racing fans may have heard the Brazilian driver's name for the first time after his Indianapolis 500 victory on Sunday. In the racing community though, Kanaan is beloved and his victory may be the most celebrated in recent memory.

Courtesy King5.com

I'm not going to pretend to be some kind of Indy Car aficionado...far from it. But in covering the 500 for a couple of years now and interacting with Kanaan, it seems simple why he is so popular. Kanaan is a really great guy. Seriously, you couldn't find a nicer driver who constantly shares his love of racing and expresses how grateful he is to fans.

The Brazilian has had way too many close but no cigar moments at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He finished second in 2004, third last year and in 2003, fourth in 2011, and fifth in 2006. In 04' he ran one of the better races and even led for 28 laps, but did not get a chance to make a late run when rain stopped the race 20 laps short. In 2007, Kanaan was leading when rain caused a delay, but the race resumed and a crash knocked him out. The whole rain thing is even more interesting when considering weather was expected to be a major factor on Sunday, but the storms stayed away. Kanaan has experienced a couple of other "oh not again moments" and many thought he would never grab the checkered flag at IMS.

Courtesy courier-journal.com

One thing I've always noticed is when Kanaan makes a charge or grabs a lead the cheers are significantly louder. During driver intros he always receives one of the biggest rounds of applause. Every Indy 500, fans want Tony Kanaan to win. They feel like he deserves to win. I remember interviewing Kanaan at the last row party (a banquet of sorts thrown for the last three qualifying drivers). Some veterans might want to get the somewhat embarrassing process over with, but not Kanaan. He was jovial, confident, and per usual respectful to everyone involved.

The veteran racer was not really a popular pick to win The Greatest Spectacle in Racing this year. He started in the 12th spot. As it became evident he would have a chance at victory you could feel the emotion building in the crowd. I was in the KV Racing Technology pit when the final yellow flag went up and when Kanaan finally grabbed the checkered flag. There was so much joy by all those involved. Yes, winning the 500 for anyone is a monumental achievement, but for Kanaan it meant a little bit more.

Courtesy cbsnews.com

The circus surrounding the winning driver is always interesting. This year because of how big a deal the Brazilian's victory was it got out of hand. In victory lane, network cameras from ESPN were blocking the photographers and videographers who had assigned spots on a set of bleachers facing the winning car. Many people missed the money shot of Kanaan drinking the milk. There was yelling, commotion, and even an object thrown. It got ugly. Kanaan was asked to come back after kissing the bricks and replicate the entire process. Of course, he abided and then went through hours of interviews. He answered the same questions over and over with a smile that could not be wiped clean.

In a race that had so many variables; 68 lead changes which was double the record and a threat of weather, the racing Gods finally shined down on Kanaan. Indy Car fans could not be happier.

Mayer: Can the Pacers Upset the Heat?

Yes, the Pacers can upset the Miami Heat and stun the world taking the Eastern Conference crown. It's also theoretically possible for me to dunk a basketball, but that hasn't happened in about 207,541 attempts. While the Pacers have a much better chance at moving on to the NBA Finals than me magically gaining massive hops, both remain doubtful.

Courtesy si.com

I don't mean to take anything away from the Miami Heat because there are some fantastic pieces on the roster and obviously basketball remains a team game. But let's be serious. The reason the Pacers are such underdogs is because of LeBron James. The King is in his career peak and is playing on another level. Really, we have never seen anything like this; as in the way LeBron is actually playing the game. He's able to guard 1-5, drive between and over multiple defenders, post up at most any spot, and hit three pointers. #BEASTMODE

The Pacers are about defense and truly team basketball. I have enjoyed watching this squad play immensely. Roy Hibbert anchors the defense and Paul George is the main offensive threat, but they are by no means counted on to carry the full load.

George will have the unenviable task of attempting to guard LeBron for a great deal of this series. Even if he is able to limit the greatest player in the world, all the energy expended on defense will surely impact George's offense. After Game 5 of the Pacers vs Knicks series I was in the Pacers locker room and heard George talking to a ball boy about how much guarding Carmelo Anthony took out of him. Get ready young fella because guarding Carmelo as opposed to LeBron is like fighting a mountain lion instead of a grizzly bear.

With that said, if Paul George is able to limit (and limit is stressed because LeBron will get his numbers), but not allow him to totally dominate, the Pacers have a shot. I'm not forgetting that George will not be alone. Surely, there will be double teams and having Hibbert clog the middle should stop LeBron from driving....sometimes. So, let's assume the limiting of the King happens. What do the Pacers need to do to win?

Courtesy worldstarhiphop,com

We'll go right back to Roy Hibbert, who had struggled offensively for so much of the season before turning it around. The Pacers will need to feed the big man and he will need to convert. Miami is known to have issues with physical teams that can rely on a back to the basket big guy. The Pacers fit that description if Hibbert can be counted on .

Another area I'm really looking at is the guard match ups. I'm not expecting to see the Dwayne Wade that caused so much havoc last year. Wade is still a top player, but he's hurting and has not been himself for a while now. Lance Stephenson has emerged and after the display he put on against the Knicks, may be counted on even more. If Stepehenson can play up to his potential and George Hill can provide a solid compliment (and remain healthy) the Pacers will have an advantage at guard.

Chris Bosh is a major match up nightmare for many teams, but I could see David West pushing him around. I won't say the Pacers have an advantage there, but it seems pretty equal. I would take the Indiana bench over the Heat without a doubt when comparing depth. That will become a big factor if the series extends to six or seven games.

Courtesy epsportsmag.com

So, the Heat have the best player and best combination of three players (even if Wade is not 100%). They are also more dynamic offensively (by a pretty good margin). The Pacers have a better defense (though Miami is still a good defensive team) and more depth. There are also more individual and positional match ups for the Pacers to exploit. However, the Heat have LeBron and it really is that simple. There's no reason to doubt the best player alive. I expect a good series that goes six or seven games. The Pacers very well could win...and I very well could dunk.