1,000 Reasons To Cheer

 

                It is rare in sports at any level to have not just one but two milestones happen on the same day and same place. This was the case here at SUNY Old Westbury as what many would consider improbable became a reality thanks to two senior basketball players.

 

                 The day of February 7, 2009 will forever be sketched into Panthers sports history as both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams celebrated 1,000 point scorers. Senior Forward Garthlette James became a member of the 1,000 point club as the Men’s team defeated Bard College 86 to 69.  James who has been a four year player for the Panthers was slowed earlier this year by an injury but has quickly regained form and continued his scoring ways. James so far is only averaging 8.6 points per game but now playing healthy could see his point total increase to the mark he set last season’s finishes averaging 19.6 per game.      

                   The day did not just belong to James as the tip off before his game featured the Women’s basketball team against Bard College. The Panthers won 90 to 46 and senior guard Pamela Robinson scored her 1,000^th point during a 27 point day against visiting Bard. Robinson is currently averaging 22.3 points per game leading the team in scoring and has been the team leading scorer for the past two seasons. The accomplishment of achieving the 1,000 point plateau is rare in this case as Robinson has only been a member of the team for two seasons and still was able to rack up the points. Robinsons play has put her into the spotlight in many ways as recent as her article in “Newsday” drawing much attention from many people here on Long Island in what occurs in Old Westbury Athletics.

                     As the seasons continue we are now witnessing something that does not happen very often in not only Old Westbury Panthers sports but NCAA history. It is very easy to say because it is not a division three school then students should not take it as seriously as the North Carolina’s or the Duke’s because of the constant national exposure. The lack of national exposure has not discouraged the effort of the players who continue to give it their all every night proving the type of skill that is in division three is truly top notch. The players do all their talking on the floor and play for the green and ivory panther colors.        

   

SPORTS EQUIVALENT – JAY-Z

Jay-Z’s MLB Equivalent: Derek Jeter
The choice for this sport was very difficult especially with some of the similarities between Jay and the players in the game. Jeter stands out as a match for his winning attitude and swagger in which he plays the game with almost intimidating to pitchers when at the plate as he is never afraid to crowd the plate and take one for the team. Jay-Z has done the same when battling rival MC’s working his way up to the status he is now and never backing down from opponents as they try to lyrically out do him. I guess you can say a pitcher like Roy Halladay is what Jim Jones is to Jay-Z?

Jay-Z’s NBA Equivalent: Lebron James
I would have to be living under a rock for the past 5 years to not be able to see the equivalency of these two titans. Ever since Lebron came out and said that he was a big fan of Jay-Z it has been a very interesting friendship that has caught the attention of both sports and music fans alike. James has been seen in several games holding up the Rocafella Records signature hand sign after big plays in respect to the hip hop legend. Jay-Z has returned the favor by having James’s back when it comes to his issues with rival players even if it is in the form of a song. Besides the money and fame each has accumulated during their careers their most obvious equivalence could be in 2009? I mean isn’t Brooklyn still New York any way?

Jay-Z’s NFL Equivalent: Al Davis
Ok so maybe Jay-Z is not in his seventies but he still has a lot in common with longtime Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. Davis’s unquenchable thirst for winning has been his trademark as he will do anything necessary to win and will not care about the criticism. He has been attacked in the media by former players and coaches for his decisions but nevertheless still continues to make moves without any regrets. Jay-Z has been criticized plenty of times by former artists that worked for him under Def Jam and still continued to go on with his plan. This head strong stubborn attitude and desire to be the best makes these two more of a match then an odd couple.

Jay-Z’s NHL Equivalent: Sean Avery
This equivalence may be a little surprising to some but not those who really know the two individuals lifestyles. On Sports Center recently Avery did an interview and discussed his fascination with fashion and how he enjoys designing quite the opposite of what his hardcore hockey style shows on the ice. Jay-Z has been a co owner of his own clothing line and has been a trend setter of style in many communities whether it is Yankee fitted caps or collared button down shirts he has the ability to still be viewed as both a fashion icon and a hardcore rap artist. These two are examples of why you cannot tell a book by its cover no matter how fashionable it may be.

   

MIDNIGHT MADNESS 2008

The 1st ever Panther Pride Week was well underway and the annual Midnight Madness celebration was the standout event of the week. The 8th annual celebration took place on Thursday October 16th 2008 at the Clark Athletic Center on the campus of SUNY College At Old Westbury. The event is a showcase of the sports teams on campus and new talent from the school that wanted their opportunity to express themselves creatively in the art form of their choice.

This year’s event had some new faces as the addition of Steven Gonzalez as the nights MC helped to keep the crowd live all night as the show commenced. Another addition to the show was the new Panther mascot named “OWIN” who excited the crowd with various antics in the stands. “The Voice of the Panthers” DJ Tony Love opened the night by introducing Old Westbury’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach John Lonardo who welcomed the crowd. The singing of the National Anthem was once again given by Lisa Palmentari who later stated that this would be her last year singing for the event because she is graduating in May. Palmenatri went on to say her “favorite moment from Midnight Madness was dancing with All The Right Moves in last year’s event”.

The teams that were introduced to begin the night were the Old Westbury Men and Women’s Swim teams. Both teams are coached by Sigitas Rudokas are entering this year trying to improve on last year’s records of 2 wins 6 losses for the Men and 0 wins 12 losses for the Women. The next group introduced was the Old Westbury Men and Women’s Cross Country teams. Both teams are coached by Jeff Labiento and are currently underway with their seasons with some more meets left to go. The night continued with events for the crowd to win prizes occurred as several students faced off with one another in contests such as dizzy bat and basketball challenges.

Both Soccer teams were introduced as the Men’s team coached by Jason Warshaw looks to build off of their Skyline Championship from a year ago and bring greater success this year. The Women’s soccer team was also introduced as they are coached by Craig Newman in their first season of existence giving the Old Westbury faithful a look at the brand new team. As of October 26, 2008 the Men’s team has a record of 6 wins and 7 losses and the Women’s team a record of 4 wins and 9 losses. The Volleyball team coached by Marhana Segers came in to Midnight Madness with hopes of rejuvenating their season as of October 26, 2008 they have a record of 8 wins and 24 losses.

The next teams to be introduced were the Men’s Baseball team coached by John Lonardo and the Women’s Softball team coached by Mary Jo Fazio. The Varsity baseball team looks to improve off of their 13 wins and 27 losses and the softball team looks to bounce back from a 15 wins and 16 losses year with strong springs in 2009. Both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams were the last to be introduced as they put on separate exhibitions to the delight of the crowd. The Men’s team coached by Bernard Tomlin looks to rebound from a tough ending to last season and build on their 16 wins and 10 losses while the Women’s team coached by Mike Krasnoff looks to carry the momentum from last season’s 12 wins and 14 losses including winning 5 straight games just to qualify for playoff contention with only six active players.

The night ended off with performances by “All The Right Moves”, Lady 380, Edina Dowe and “Step Tunes”. The crowd was left roaring with excitement and pride from this year’s event as they made their way out of the Center to the “After Party” that was hosted by the Student Government Association that night in the Student Union. Thus capped another Midnight Madness and another long anticipation for next year’s event has begun.

Knicks Pick A Rooster!

Danilo Gallinari or as he is best known in Italy as “The Rooster” was the number six pick in this year’s NBA Draft. As Gallinari being a international player many fans in the united states have not heard of him thus leading to the now annual undercard event to the draft of Knicks fans booing the team’s selection. The negative response of the crowd however did not rattle the 19 year old as he was supposedly warned beforehand by his father and new Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni.

 

        The link between Gallinari and D’Antoni had been strong even before this draft’s workouts as D’Antoni wasa teammate and is friends with Gallinari’s father for years in Italy. This connection can mean one of two things as the reason for this draft pick as either being because D’Antoni has full knowledge of the skills that Gallinari posses and this may be a steal or he is just being a good friend and paying off an old debt (hey its the knicks anything is possible). The skills of Gallinari have been constantly hyped to make him appear as the next big thing to ever come from overseas and possibly be the savior for a franchise. It is amazing how the supposed “international experts” always seem to forget that yes even though most international players are incredible on the offensive end are still below average defenders and most have never played against the athleticism of the players that star here in America. I’ve been skeptical with international players since in my opinion its nothing more than a flip of a coin as to whether the player will be a star because to every Dirk Nowitzki there is a Frederic Weis (the knicks drafted him too).

            D’Antoni has made a stand in trying to do whatever it takes to change this decrepit franchise and hopefully garner its 1st winning season in 7 years. If Gallinari is not effective from the start we may see many loyal Knicks fans counting down the days until “the mighty” Jay-Z (Hov) brings his Nets to Brooklyn with what they hope his best friend Lebron James (It’s The Roc). It could also be a miracle on 34th street as Gallinari leads the Knicks to NBA glory and uplifts a franchise from jokes and ruin to honor and prestige even leading to a possible Disney movie reenacting the remarkable run (I think Mark Wahlburg will be waiting by the phone for that one) . Either way I hope as a Knicks fan that this guy does make a positive change I mean a year from now inner city kids could be fighting each other over scuffed “Rooster” sneakers than some Jordan’s.(Ha Take That Nelly!)

  

MEN’S BASKETBALL LOOKS TOWARDS THE FUTURE

                 The Old Westbury Panthers season ended their 2007 – 2008 season with a

shocking comeback loss to Yeshiva University. The 88 – 82 loss was in the first round of

the Skyline Conference tournament where the Panthers gave up a 20 plus point lead to

the Macabees. The Panthers although were eliminated from playing in a possible NCAA

tournament they did however qualify for the ECAC tournament but did not participate.

 

 

                 In a recent interview on the Old Westbury Web Radio show Truth Speaks

forward Garthlette James cleared up some of the questions regarding the team. James

who was named to the All Atlantic Region Second team from D3Hoops.com confirmed

when asked about if the team not showing up to practice being the reason why they did

not participate in the ECAC tournament even though they qualified. James stated that

“three people showed up to practice and coach pulled the plug and that was a wrap you

can’t have practice with just three people”. James also explained how he was unable to

attend the practice because he had class that Friday morning and was excused and he

went on to say “it was very disappointing I really wanted to play in that tournament”.

 

 

                   As the team moves forward to next season James explained that the team will

have six returning players and that the coaching staff is actively recruiting new young

players. The returning players include freshman Lester Prosper who along with James

was named to the All Skyline Conference teams. The team however will lose several

seniors in Divine Jackson, Ian Johnson, Anthony Stowe, and Brandon DeNoyer creating

new opportunities for some of the younger players on the roster. Returning players will

be looked on to carry the load as the Panthers begin to rebuild for the immediate future

and build on past success.

 

                       The last game home against Yeshiva brought out many of the Old

Westbury community and for the first time immense school spirit. Thomas Johnson a

Senior at Old Westbury was at the game and had these thoughts “It was the most packed I

had ever seen the gym packed in my four years”. Johnson also goes on to state that “It

was the first time I have ever seen so many students passionate after a game ecspecially

since it was a loss”. The spirit of the crowd was another factor James says will be

important if the team is to succeed next season and beyond.  

Death & The Professional Athlete

 

               Today’s professional athlete is often looked at as celebrity by many and for their exploits on the fields or courts immortal. The scratches and bruises sustained by these athletes are on a regular basis and constantly overcoming them are usually what have made them heroes and idols in the minds of many fans. The success however cannot overshadow the reality and tragedies that can occur in the world everyday and how no one is exempt.                

             The recent death of Washington Redskin’s safety Sean Taylor at the age of 24 was a grim reminder to the many the dangers of celebrity. Taylor was shot in his home by suspected burglars of the Florida estate and passed away while in the hospital on December 3^rd. The violent death was a shock to the National Football League community as Taylor was in the pro bowl last season after changing his young wild ways for the better. The troubles of Taylor’s past is what many critics say led to his violent death but there is currently no evidence of that being true.                    

            The lives of many athletes in every sport have been less than honorable compared to their on the field performances. The past years have seen several players have run ins with the law including being convicted of murder charges. It is interesting because these players often looked at as role models are notoriously also involved in actions that receive national attention. A classic example of this is with Hall Of Fame running back O.J. Simpson who even though completed a great career still is best known for being acquitted of murder of his wife Anna Nicole Simpson. The court trial made Simpson a household name for something other than football and forever scarred his legacy to the media.                      

              Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis was also convicted of murder several years ago but was found not guilty. He shockingly has been able to rebound from his conviction and heal his image to become one football’s greatest linebackers ever. It is interesting to note that even though he was acquitted like Simpson Lewis still has received praise in the media even gracing the cover of the video game Madden 2005. The lives of both Lewis and Simpson have take very interesting turns and continue to however be known as convicted murderers.                           

                The fortune of being acquitted of murder however did not work for former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth. Carruth was convicted and proven guilty for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend in 1998 and is currently serving time in prison. The actions of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick were consider murder as he led a dog fighting organization at one of his estates. The incident has left the once multimillion dollar image of Vick in Shambles as he is now forced to serve 23 months in prison for the crime. In the case of Vick when he gets out of prison there is no guarantee he will be let back in the league by commissioner Roger Goodell because of his lying to league authorities.  

                           The tragic deaths of players like former Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman who lost his life at war in Afghanistan due to friendly fire are shocking and surprising to many fans. Tillman lost his life for a noble cause while protecting the country at war and many people still look to him as a hero and inspiration. Tragic deaths such as the loss of former National Basketball Association player Bobby Phills in a car accident a few years ago for racing leaves many people wondering how and Why?                                 

                       The true answer to why these things happen can never be understood or judged. There is one thing however that can be determined and that is that athletes no matter what sport are still people and should be looked on as such. We should not feel that they will always be perfect like they are playing because everyone knows sooner or later the whistle has to blow.