Life is full of changes and challenges. As we approach 2003 we
can look back at the changes in the sporting world in 2002 and the
challenges which confront us or someone else, whichever the case
may be.
Life is full of changes and challenges. As we approach 2003 we can look back at the changes in the sporting world in 2002 and the challenges which confront us or someone else, whichever the case may be.
In the wide, wide world of sports (r.i.p. Roone Arledge), there were changes in the Bay Area as well as in San Benito County, USA.
We said goodbye to S.F. Giants skipper Dusty Baker and his cute little son/batboy Darren. Expect to see the duo get their own television show in Chicago when Dusty takes over with the Cubs. The only thing holding the project back is that the show’s producers are still negotiating with Darren’s agent.
And welcome, Felipe Alou. We always loved you and your brothers, Matty and Jesus. Ah, the good old days.
The San Jose Sharks said so long to Darryl Sutter and hello to Ron Wilson, who has the Sharks on their way to the Stanley Cup championship at 13-15-3. Wilson is currently negotiating with his neighbor, Dennis the Menace, to use his famous slingshot on Sharks opponents. The artillery to be used – a hockey puck, you hockey puck!
The Golden State Warriors said good riddance to Dave Cowens and hired Eric Musselman, whose preaching of defense like Daddy Bill to the offensive mindset of NBA players can only be saluted and admired. And if the Warriors finish ahead of the L.A. Lakers, Musselman should be named Coach of the Year on general principles. Raise your hand if you thought Mike Dunleavy, Jr. would be averaging 4.5 points per game after 27 games when he was drafted.
Buddy Teevens took over on the gridiron at Stanford for Tyrone Willingham. Buddy, a heck of a nice guy, didn’t have a smashing debut at 2-9. Willingham, who beat Cal seven straight times until Buddy broke the streak with a 30-7 debacle at Cal, was only named COACH OF THE YEAR at Notre Dame! “Nice guys finish last” – Leo Durocher.
Bill Callahan was hired last March as Oakland Raiders coach to take over for popular Jon Gruden, the darling of the media. Both have done well. Oh, what a story line should the the Buccaneers and Raiders meet in San Diego Jan. 26. Call it the Pirate Bowl.
On the local front, Dave Tari took over for Marty Dillon as Athletic Director at Hollister High. Tari, already the school’s trainer, has earned his extra stipend and then some.
Still waiting word on Dillon’s fate. Will he be allowed to come back as A.D., girls softball coach, none or all of the above?
Meanwhile, Baler assistant Scott Smith, who has the support of most of his players, has already been interviewed for the varsity softball job. The plot, it thickens.
Baler girls volleyball coach Larry Nabzeska stepped down after five league titles in five years. Tough act to follow for any coach. Who’s next?
New A.D. at Anzar High – Wayne Norton for Michael Gunderson. Don’t know if that had anything to do with the Hawks winning the Central Coast Section Division V title this past season, the first team title of any kind in the school’s history. Could be that Norton’s cheerleading ability propelled his club to victory. And thanks for the T-shirt, girls.
That covers most of the changes and challenges pertaining to you, the reader. Take a break. You’ve earned it.
