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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

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.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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.


Friday, June 7, 2013

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 100th 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 30th 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.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

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.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Mayer: Appreciation for Wabash Valley High School Sports

It's a fun week for Wabash Valley sports. All kinds of great spring sports matchups are happening leading up to Big 4 day this Saturday. Terre Haute South, Terre Haute North, West Vigo, and Northview will play in baseball, softball, and track. This got me thinking about high school sports around the Valley in general. The attention the community gives to high school athletics is awesome.

There are endless examples of how much high school sports mean to the area. Big 4 day along with the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic and the consistently large and rowdy crowds at basketball games are just a few. It may seem normal to people who grew up here to have two television stations and a paper constantly reporting on high school events. All of this should be cherished.

I'm a California kid, born and raised in Los Angeles. I love LA, but since coming to Indiana it's interesting to see the contrast between amateur athletics in the two places. Obviously this is true for most major cities compared to smaller cities. While Indianapolis puts a great deal more emphasis on high school athletics than New York or Chicago, a city like Terre Haute (and the surrounding areas) take it to another level.


For instance, my freshman year playing baseball a new coach was hired. He happened to be former two time Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen. Not only that, around the same time there was an anonymous donation (I wonder who???) to create a brand new baseball field. I'm not saying there was zero coverage, but it was minimal. If a coaching hire of this magnitude happened in the Valley, it would be a gigantic story that would be covered from all angles.

We had an awesome cheering section in basketball for about two years while the team was good. People still showed up to make solid crowds, but it wasn't the same my junior and senior years. Students went to football games as a social activity more than to support the team (although being one of the worst  teams in the entire state of California didn't help). For other sports the crowds usually were family and some friends. If you asked most students how the baseball team was doing, who the best tennis player was, or what the water polo team's record was they would not have the slightest clue.

Obviously, Indiana is known as THE basketball state and after experiencing this past season (especially playoffs) I can understand why. To see community after community come together every Friday to support the school and team was exhilarating. The student sections only make the atmosphere that much more charged. When I drove to the other side of the state covering girl's regionals and was met by countless fans making the journey it was hard for me to fathom. I'm not sure I can ever recall a student in high school talking about attending a girl's basketball game.

The support goes beyond basketball though. Obviously the crowds are not as big for other sports. Football is a big deal, but still can not compare to the ecstasy of basketball season. Crowd numbers are not the point though. People in the Valley care. There is civic pride when the swim team beats a rival and when a golfer finishes first. The amount of demand is so great for high school sports that it is a no brainer for all media outlets to make amateur athletics a priority.

I know there are many places all around the country that care a great deal about high school athletics. Kentucky for basketball and Texas for football are just two other well known examples. However, I'm sure many people grow up with the coverage and community fan fare being normal. For me it's not normal at all. It is hard to imagine having one of my baseball games covered by two TV stations and a newspaper. I never would have thought to attend the high school basketball games until I was in high school. It's just a completely different frame of mind.

So take a second to appreciate the rich history and support for high school sports around the Valley.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Mayer: What is Holding Sycamores Baseball Back?

(Stats effective 4/24/13 not including game vs IU)

I've been able to cover a good amount of Indiana State baseball games this year. Maybe it's because I have seen a disproportionate amount of wins (although I follow the non home games as well), but I get the feeling this squad is not living up to its potential. Indiana State is 10-3 at home, 5-11 away, and 2-3 in neutral territory. Those records definitely have meaning.

Courtesy gosycamores.com
Including the contest today at Indiana, ISU has 17 games remaining until the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Currently, the Sycamores are in the bottom three of the MVC with an overall 17-17 record and a 7-8 mark in conference games. That just doesn't seem right to me.

When I see the Sycamores play, it looks like a pretty solid and mostly complete ball club. Rick Heller has a great pulse on his team and has garnered a great deal of respect. ISU has one of the best pitchers in the country, a lineup based on small ball and speed, and has played good defense for the most part. The Sycamores are not a bunch of mashers and seem committed to small ball, but that approach fits the players skill sets well.

Let's dive into the numbers a bit and see if we can find out what is holding the Sycamores back.

Starting Pitching

Courtesy: gosycamores.com
ISU has a pretty nasty 1-2 punch. 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).

Devin Moore has gone a bit unnoticed pitching behind Manaea, but the senior right hander is having a fantastic 2013. In 53 IP he is 3-4 (but we all know the win stat is greatly flawed) with a 2.89 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2/1 strikeout to walk ratio, and a .206 batting average against. Those numbers are better then many top starters across the country.

Daniel Peterson (51.2 IP, 4.53 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 42 Ks, 10BB, .321 BAA) and Tyler Fehringer (27.1 IP, 4.61 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 27 Ks, 13BBs, .261 BAA) have the majority of the other starts and have not done nearly as well. However, with Manaea and Moore plus a not terrible combination in the third slot, ISU has a strong starting core.

Relief Pitching
The bullpen is a bit more of a mixed bag and this is a place ISU needs to improve. While it may be overshadowed because the Sycamores rely on their starters, not having a strong bullpen has been a season killer for countless baseball teams.

Courtesy: gosycamores.com
Kurt Kudrecki is the standout reliever throwing 27 innings with a 1.67 ERA, .96 WHIP, .189 BAA, 22Ks, and 8BBs. To put it lightly, that is dirty and Kudrecki can be considered an elite reliever. Unfortunately for the Sycamores no one else really qualifies as even a "good" relief pitcher. Aside from his six starts, Fehringer has made eight relief appearances (his stats are above). Greg Kuhlman has 23.2 IP out of the pen with a 6.08 ERA and a .301 BAA. Josh Dove has pitched 16 innings with a 4.50 ERA and .333 BAA. Josh Negele has tossed 13.2 innings with six walks and two strikeouts while allowing a .315 BAA. The rest of the bullpen is similar with unimpressive numbers, so we have definitely found a weak spot.

Offense
As I mentioned earlier, the Sycamores are not Earl Weaver's Orioles waiting for the three run home run. There is not much power on this club, but they play to their strengths showing a great deal of devotion to small ball by advancing runners and using speed to score runs.

Courtesy: indianastatesman.com
Robby Ort is the most recognizable name in the lineup and he is putting together a solid campaign although nothing incredible. Ort is hitting .299 with a .322 on base percentage, .438 slugging percentage, 26 runs batted in, 21 runs, and 5/7 in steals. By no means is that a bad line, but if Ort is considered one of the better hitters (with only one home run) his on base percentage should be higher. 

Koby Kraemer is putting together a very nice season with the bat. He is hitting .314, .393 OBP, .462 SLG, 20 R, 17 RBI, and 6/9 in steals. Can't ask for much more; he's getting on base and finding ways to score. Jordan Pearson has hit a bit with a .289 BA, .357 OBP, but it is only in 18 games with 38 at bats. Owen Conway is in a similar boat hitting .274, .337 OBP, but has only scored nine runs with two steals in 84 at bats.

Landon Curry has shown excellent speed and ability to do damage on the base paths stealing 15/20 and scoring 22 runs. The problem is that Curry is hitting .254 with a .346 OBP. The OBP isn't terrible, but for a game predicated on speed Curry needs to find more ways to get on first. Mike Fitzgerald plays catcher so you don't necessarily expect monster numbers, but a .202 BA, .325 OBP, .298 SLG won't cut it. Fitzgerlad and Tyler Wampler both have 104 at bats with similarly questionable production. Wampler is also hitting .202 with a .308 OBP and a .212 SLG.

Looking at the rest of the offense I see similar issues with players simply not getting on base enough or hitting for a high enough average to compensate for the Sycamores' lack of power.

Defense
I've seen Indiana State play some excellent defense in certain games while making troublesome errors in others. I figured they played pretty decent defense and obviously the sampling of defensive metrics in college baseball are few and far between. Overall, the Sycamores are fielding at a .976 clip compared to .974 for their opponents. ISU has made 32 errors while their opponents have made 34. With that I would deem ISU's defense right at average or above average.
Courtesy: gosycamores.com

Conclusion
Indiana State does not have issues in the starting rotation even though the third slot is below average. Manaea and Moore are two top starters who give the Sycamores a chance to win games. Relief pitching is definitely a problem for the Sycamores with only one top caliber reliever surrounded by guys who can be scarcely relied on. If ISU gets into a situation where multiple relievers are needed it probably won't end well. As expected, the offense is all about speed and moving runners over as ISU only has five total homer runs. The biggest issue is players are not getting on base enough for that to be effective. For the small ball game to work hitters need to be showing OBPs around .370 not .330. The defense may not be a major issue, but for a club that is trying to win with pitching and small ball an elite level defense is necessary. Don't forget the big differential for ISU at home and away. They clearly are much more comfortable at Bob Warn field where they play 12 of their remaining 17 games. I get the feeling that the Sycamores are capable of more, especially hitting and getting on base. They still have time to make a move in the MVC, but the numbers say around .500 might be their destiny.


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Mayer: Terror at the Boston Marathon Gives Perspective

npr.org
Whenever our nation faces a national crisis or in the case of the events at the Boston Marathon, an act of terror, it often gives perspective. This perspective really should happen every day as attacks along with starvation and cruelty are constantly happening throughout the world. When it happens on US soil, the feeling hits close to home and we collectively ask questions about the relative importance of many aspects in our every day lives.

Anyone who works in sports faces this head on. In the grand scheme of things, how important are sports when lives are at stake? Who cares about a baseball score or a football draft when the Twin Towers come down and countless people have their lives changed forever?

The Boston Marathon may emphasize this even more seeing as it is most definitely a sporting event, one of the most distinguished marathons around. Many run to raise money for charity or for personal pride, but there are also athletes looking to claim victory. In the moments the explosions happened it no longer mattered who won the race or came in the top ten. As it should be, all attention went to the victims and trying to save and help injured citizens.

Courtesy boston.com
On a tangible level, it is true sports become insignificant when such horrific events occur. However, for the mental conscious of our nation (and for that matter any nation that encounters such an event) I believe sports actually take on a greater role. Many of the Boston Marathon runners crossed the finish line and ran straight to the hospital to donate blood. If that act is not what sports is all about, I'm not sure what is...perseverance in the face of peril.

It's true the Boston Celtics game was cancelled and Boston Bruins game was postponed due to necessary compliance with increased security measures. But have no doubt, the teams will get back onto the court and ice. The Red Sox will don their jerseys and take the field. The players will play without fear and fans will show up to support them.

Courtesy fun107.com
Sports has a much greater impact on our society then many are willing to admit. We come together in the face of adversity through sports. We show a camaraderie with teams and fans who are usually considered enemies. New Yorker's don't like the Red Sox, but empathize with them and understand  we are all family under the American Flag and will move forward.

Sports are not important compared to the health and well being of family, friends, and for that matter any person. However, that does not make sports insignificant. To the contrary, sports are one of the best tools we have to band together and triumph over evil.  

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Mayer: College Athletes Must Play Smart and Bolt for the Pros

Courtesy midwestsportsfan.com
I've had many should "college player A" and "college player B" declare for a professional league debates. The subject comes up as Victor Oladipo is about to announce his decision to forgo his senior season at Indiana to declare for the NBA Draft. Cody Zeller will follow with his own press conference tomorrow. His fate is not as sure, but I fully expect Zeller to make the jump as well. (UPDATE: Oladipo declared for the NBA Draft and multiple reports have Zeller going as well)

There are many IU fans that believe the duo, or at least Zeller, should stay at Indiana to improve their bodies and skill set. To that I would respond, take a walk in their shoes. These two young men have worked their entire lives for the chance to play the game they love professionally. Oladipo's draft stock has absolutely sky rocketed and will never be higher. He is a lottery pick. Over the last month or so Cody Zeller's stock has dropped a bit with pundits pointing out his struggles against larger more powerful opponents. He should still go.

Courtesy espn.com
This is a big deal and fans often forget to realize that an NBA contract gives the player a chance to be set for life if they manage their money properly. Zeller, the Washington native, was once thought of as a top five pick and will still be a first round pick. So what, he'll make a ton of money, develop his skills, and improve his body practicing against NBA players. No team will look at Zeller, or for that matter Oladipo, as a savior. They are young and will have time to develop into even better players.

Oladipo will have his college degree and has been a part of the transformation at Indiana. Zeller will be able to graduate with summer and online classes. He was the first domino to fall allowing the Hoosiers to once again become a dominant recruiting force. They have put their time in and left their legacies. It may have come up short of a championship (or even an Elite 8), but they deserve to move on.

I believe this is the smart path for any college athlete that knows they can make enough money to provide for themselves and their families. If Jake Odum was projected as a first round pick this year, then I would say go pro. There are only so opportunities to play sports professionally and a single play could result in a career ending injury.

Obviously not every college athlete should try and go pro at first chance (Christian Watford made the smart move to not enter the draft last year). It is only a good decision after doing research and understanding the possibility of being drafted and predicted position within the draft.

Courtesy NBA
Personally, I can't stand that basketball players are not allowed to enter the NBA from high school. If a player has the skill set out of high school to play sports professionally and that is his dream, let him go. Fans root for these players as if they were family, so there should be no ill will at the end. When it's time for the bird to leave its nest, don't fault it for flying away.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Mayer: March Madness and What Could Have Been for ISU

The NCAA Tournament has not disappointed. We ask for madness and that is precisely what the greatest tournament in sports has dished out. The first 15 seed in history has reached the Sweet 16, a college version of lob city, while La Salle or Wichita State will be an elite eight team. There has been no lack of "onions" shots (looking at you Aaron Craft). While everyone roots for the underdog, what would the Sweet 16 be without some blue bloods; Hello Kansas, Duke, and Indiana.


Courtesy CBS
The action ramps back up on Thursday and I'm expecting some classics as the tournament moves on. It seems to be a cliche every year when people talk about the field being "wide open", but you have to believe it right now. Louisville may be the overall number one and playing the best ball, but there is nothing close to a 2012 Kentucky.

One thing that has been hard to overlook for folks in the Wabash Valley is some of the names in the Big Dance and what the Sycamores accomplished against those teams. Wichita State is representing the Missouri Valley Conference well in the Sweet 16. If you remember, the Sycamores delivered a drubbing on the road vs the Shockers. That was truly a shock (yes I'm sure no one has ever used that pun before) seeing as how Wichita State had not lost at home in something like 20 years.

Courtesy USA Today
Now head into the memory bank to the tournament in Hawaii. Indiana State beat Miami behind last second Jake Odum magic. Given those were different times way back in December. No one had any idea how good Miami would be and they were playing without big man Reggie Johnson. Although, it seems the same fate has fallen upon the Hurricanes as Johnson will have to miss the Sweet 16 matchup against Marquette.

Gone but not forgotten are the Creighton Blue Jays who won the MVC regular season and tournament. They are off to the new Big East which really makes next season promising for ISU (we'll get there in a second). The Sycamores laid the smackdown on the Blue Jays who were ranked #16 at the time. That game was arguably the best for ISU all season. The Sycamores also took down Ole Miss, a team that won the SEC tournament, beat Wisconsin in the first round, and was a couple of missed shots away from making the Sweet 16.

All of this points to one thing: the Sycamores are a talented basketball team. They proved capable of beating some very good squads in three conferences. We can also analyze some of Indiana State's bad losses and will come out with a puzzled look. A team with no seniors often showed their youth. One game the Sycamores would look like a team that could win the MVC, the next like a squad destined to never win again.

Courtesy Indiana State
The main point to come away with is ISU will return their entire starting roster next year, although Rhett Smith seems to be on his way out. Mike Samuels, the 6'1" center who was out all season will be back. We saw the maturation of Devonte Brown, Justin Gant, Khristian Smith, and a late season emergence from Brandon Burnett.


MVC heavyweight Creighton is gone. Jackie Carmichael of Illinois State and and Colt Ryan of Evansville are gone. Jake Odum is still here and he is only getting better. Put it this way, Sycamores fans are going to have high hopes next year. Instead of an NIT loss, they could be celebrating an NCAA win.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Mayer: World Baseball Classic Displays Unique Baseball Cultures

Courtesy worldbaseballclassic.com
I think there will come a time when the World Baseball Classic grows significantly and baseball fans across this country come to look forward to the event. There are true baseball junkies that have already enjoyed the tournament which is approaching the championship round in San Francisco. (Japan and the Netherlands punched their tickets already with the Dominican Republic joining them after a win yesterday. USA and Puerto Rico will battle for the last spot tonight.)

There are a ton of reasons to love the World Baseball Classic and as we have seen, there are definitely flaws to the tournament. Let's remember that the WBC is still in its infancy, this is only the third time it has been played. Most complaints revolve around the best American players staying with their teams in Spring Training, but that's not what I want to talk about.

While the mere fact that highly competitive baseball is being played in March is enough to get me excited, one of the best aspects of the WBC is seeing the different cultures of baseball. We view baseball solely through the MLB prism, but as the sport grows in other countries it has taken on different forms.

Courtesy: Getty Images
Many complained about the high energy Dominicans who jump out of the dugout after every big hit and show no fear in gazing at home runs or gesticulating on the mound. In the MLB all of this would be perceived as a slight towards the opposition. The DR has no intention of showing anyone up, they are just having fun. The DR fans are the same way; standing for extended periods, constantly chanting, and blowing horns and a vast array of other instruments. They are a group of free swingers and hard throwers. Homers, stolen bases, and strikeouts oh my!

Puerto Rico may not be as demonstrative as the Dominican Republic, but they are on the field having fun. The passion from Latino fans is undisputed and brings the feel of a big soccer match to baseball. The Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries. Baseball has really gained traction for the Dutch. They play an American style and have a similar demeanor. With word of a multi-million dollar baseball facility being built, the Netherlands could become a surprising hotbed for international talent.

Take a look at the Italians who kiss each other on the cheek as part of celebrations after scoring runs. I mean, how is that not cool. The Godfather has finally made its way into baseball. It seems like this group is a full roster of Nick Puntos and Marco Scutaros. They aren't the most talented or athletic, but they might very well play the hardest willing to sacrifice their bodies and make the extra hustle plays to win.

Courtesy: Bleacher Report
On the other hand, the Asian countries including Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei attack the competition with a fierce competitiveness not often seen. They are all business and play the game all small ball all the time. Pitchers are more about breaking pitches then attempting to blow hitters away. Obviously their style works well, Japan has won both WBCs (beating Korea last year in the finals) and are in the championship round again this year.

Then there are the Americans, who play and are run exactly as you would expect. USA is stacked with talent and has a great deal of national pride, but are understated in their play. They essentially play and operate as a top MLB squad would. More then any other team, the Americans put emphasis on getting all players work and protecting them from injury to ensure that no MLB team has any qualms. Capitalism and politics at its finest.

I'll be honest, concerning the culture of baseball, I'm pretty old school. I don't think that celebrating every run with near dog piles, noise makers, showboating, cheek kissing, illegal undercover scouting (looking at you Chinese Taipei) have any place in the MLB. I love the dignity and respect that must be shown in major league baseball, it's one of the reasons the league is so great. Tradition. If you messed with a Dodger or showed someone up, Don Drysdale was putting one in the next hitters' ribs. Cole Hamels will do the same today.

Courtesy: Fox Sports
But this is not the MLB, this is the World Baseball Classic. It's not about the American way, which is the original way. The WBC is about sharing and embracing all baseball cultures and all styles of play. Once Americans and baseball junkies all over the World accept this and embrace the tournament it will only become more successful and meaningful.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Mayer: Why I'm Picking Rockville to Win It All

Courtesy MaxPreps
I can't say I went out on a limb by picking the Rockville Rox to win the Class 1A State Championship. After all, Rockville is currently 23-0. Not to mention the Rox were runner ups in Class 1A last year and won the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic Tournament this year. With those facts alone you can probably say Rockville is a solid choice as favorite to take the 1A crown.

While the above paragraph definitely plays a part in my pick there are many other reasons as well. Start with who the Rox have beaten this year. They went through a demanding tournament having to beat four competitive teams; Casey-Westfield, Marshall, Sullivan, and Robinson. The golden Arrows and Maroons in particular are extremely talented squads that could just not find a way to keep up with the Rox. Add in a gutty effort in a hostile environment at Terre Haute North and a victory of Terre Haute South this season.

Here is the main reason I'm picking Rockville to end the season cutting down the nets at bankers life Fieldhouse. Have you watched this team play? Even during their 61-40 sectional victory on Tuesday against Riverton Parke, a game coach Dave Mahurin and star Lane Mahurin described as sloppy and poorly played, the Rox displayed excellent team basketball with players perfectly suited for certain rules.

Courtesy highschoolhoopsreport.com
Rockville has a star and go to scorer Lane Mahurin who will be attending Indiana Weslyn next year. Mahurin has the size to control the post, quickness to drive, and touch to make a shot from anywhere on the floor. Not to mention, he is selfless with little care for individual statistics. At the same time, Mahurin has displayed the tenacity to take over when needed.

Gary Ulrich is next on my list. Some of the shots this kid makes make you do a double take. There are only so many basketball players that can make a contested three pointer without setting. Ulrich is a machine from deep, but he always plays bigger then his size. Ulrich will mix it up in the paint and has sneaky good speed.

Next I'll focus on Jordan McFall who gets them to fall often as I like to saying during my Rockville highlights. McFall has the ability to light up the scoreboard as exemplified by his 22 points in Rockville's first sectional game. He's an all around guy with the ability to hit from deep and match up with similar sized players down low. He's extremely valuable in the rebound game especially when Mahurin is getting boxed out by two opposing players.

Courtesy tribstar.com
Finally, to Kiontre Wilkey who displays the same superb speed and shiftiness on the hardwood as the gridiron during football season. Wilkey is a point guard to the very definition. He controls the tempo and is always looking to pass. Wilkey also plays fantastic defense often pressuring the other guards. Wilkey does have the ability to hit key jumpers, as he did against Riverton Parke, but it's never his primary concern.

The bench is deep and will always put in productive minutes when called upon. This became necessary after suspension, due to a violation of team rules, robbed the Rox of multiple players including a key contributor.

The cherry on top is head coach Dave Mahurin who is in his 23rd year coaching and 10th at Rockville. Mahurin has his squad playing team basketball to perfection. There are no egos on this team and nothing but excellence is accepted.

I'm sure Rockville will run into some greats teams. Immediately, I think about Barr-Reeve (21-1), defending champion Loogootee, and North Daviess not to mention many teams I don't even know about. This prediction is all about the Rox though. I've seen this team play enough to believe they have all the elements to take home a championship. The journey continues tomorrow when the Rox face off against Turkey Run. If they win, Rockville plays the winner of Covington and Attica in the sectional championship.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Mayer: Colin Cowherd Blames Poor Pacers Attendance on Racism

In case you missed "The Herd" yesterday, well, let's just say host Colin Cowherd stirred things up. Speaking about the Pacers poor attendance numbers despite the team thriving on the court, Cowherd asserted that racism was one of the main factors keeping spectators away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Courtesy aviewfrommyseat.com
Obviously, this is a pretty controversial comment, especially with the certainty Cowherd expressed in saying it. I'll start with this. I think Colin Cowherd is a solid sports media personality, radio host, etc. I watch The Herd almost every day while eating lunch and genuinely enjoy the banter. While I don't always agree with what the host has to say, I still respect him. Cowherd genuinely believes and makes solid arguments about the topic, as opposed to a Skip Bayless type who simply tries to incite drama and controversy.

Back to the topic. I disagree with Cowherd on this subject. There are many reasons the Pacers are failing to draw (26th in attendance averaging 14,433 per game) despite Indiana playing so well (1st place in the Central Division and 3rd best record in the East). Is racism the reason? I really don't think so. Is it a factor? I can't definitively say it is not. However, if race is a factor I think it is such a small percentile that it really is not significant. The Malice in the Palace ended some fans relationship with the Pacers forever and could be a reason that some believe racism is an issue in attendance numbers. Makes some sense, but the brawl was almost a decade ago.

Cowherd continually dismissed the notion that Indianapolis is not a pro sports town by using the Reggie Miller days and the support Indy showed for those teams as an example. Great support for the Colts was also brought up.

Courtesy ihsaa.org
I disagree. Indianapolis is not a professional sports town and Indiana is not a professional sports state. That's not to say that pro sports don't have a place, but they are not the focal point. College and high school athletics, especially in basketball, rule the Hoosier state. One of the main reasons the Pacers are not drawing well is simple: Indiana University is back and taking the nation by storm while Butler has developed into a perennial contender. Those two schools are taking fans away. This is a down year for Purdue but it is a rarity and fans in West Lafayette would much rather support the Boilers then travel to Indy for an NBA game.

To further that point, many callers talked about how basketball fans in Indiana enjoy the team first, sharing the ball philosophy which distances the die hards from the superstar driven NBA. Cowherd retorted that is exactly how the Pacers play, so why wouldn't the basketball lovers in "the basketball state" want to see a pro team built in that image. Other callers said that the Pacers don't have a true super star which effects attendance and Cowherd came back with essentially the same argument: people want team basketball but then complain about not having a star.

It is true that basketball lovers in Indiana hate star driven selfish basketball. But it doesn't matter what kind of style the Pacers play because these are the fans that would choose a high school or college basketball game over an NBA game no matter what. So, the lack of a superstar does hurt because the younger generation (many who may not even be huge NBA fans) wait for Lebron or Kobe to hit the Bankers Life Fieldhouse floor.

Courtesy indyhiphop.com
Reggie Miller was a superstar the city and state fell in love with. The Pacers were also massively successful for a number of years. That is why those teams drew well. No one went to Colts games until Peyton Manning came along, became a superstar, and led the Colts to the playoffs every year.  That goodwill has carried over with another budding superstar in Andrew Luck and was not terribly hurt by only one bad year in between.

The Pacers have not had a superstar since Miller and were not particularly successful until recently. From 2006-2011 Indiana was never above .500. Fan bases simply don't have a light bulb go on as soon as the team in their city starts to play well. If Indiana is able to sustain their winning ways and Paul George becomes the player many think he will be, the fans will return. Indianapolis is not a pro sports town, it takes a certain combination of factors for professional teams to keep the turnstiles clicking every year. Are some fans racist and refuse to support non Caucasian athletes? Sure, but that is a truth for every team in every city. Even if the Pacers do draw well in the next couple of years, Indianapolis will always be a small town, underdog, sports city that prefers high school and college athletics.

Courtesy 1070thefan.com