March Maddening

Every year since i was young enough to remember, one of my favorite events of the year has been CBS' "One Shining Moment" montage. First, I love montages (Karate Kid, Airborne, Rocky) from classic movies. I always find myself getting a little emotional as Lionel Richie's or Luther Vandross's voice captures the power of young men making memories that will last them a lifetime. I think anyone who has ever played organized sports wishes for a montage backed by a powerful soundtrack. This year was the first year i that i didn't stay up for it. Mostly because i didn't get the critical between-game nap that my body needed after having Miller Lite for breakfast and ballpark nachoes for lunch. Instead, i spent the time between games taking care of a 2 year old by myself. But that's my life. If i really wanted to, i could have paid more attention to the basketball game. Honestly, every time i've watched this Florida team play in the past two years, i've been bored. I guess that says something about how good they are. They are so dominant that by halftime of their games, i'm flipping through channells. I even gave 24 a second chance after skipping it last week. Another disappointment.

The Buckeyes exceeded expectations this year. Everyone knew they'd be good, but with such a deep field of talented teams this season, finishing #2 and winning 35 games is nothing to be ashamed of. I see these two programs going in opposite directions. Florida might lose everything, its top 7 players and head coach. Ohio State should bring back everyone but Oden and another top 5 recruiting class, including another athletic 7 footer in Kosta Koufos.

Looking way ahead, i see UCLA as the early contender to make a third straight final four and pull it off against Ohio State in what should be a competitive game. Ohio State-Georgetown was the most exciting Final Four game of the past two years and it was controlled by the refs. I'll admit, these Gators are a special bunch, but i think everyone outside of Gainesville will be glad to see them go. I want to watch exciting games. I want players i can root for. That team would be so much more likable without Noah. He's the 6th most valuable player on the team. He should be the 6th most talkative. Know your role and shut your mouth.

Which reminds me, what happened at Wrestlemania? Does anyone with a full set of teeth still follow the WWE? I grew up with it and noticed that a lot of the same stars are still the stars. That can't bode well for the product. I know a lot of people who are getting into UFC. They are pretty hardcore about it too. I used to watch it when Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock were building the sport up. The fans ruin it for me. Not a lot of intellectual debates about UFC philosophies happening at Hooters. Just a lot of drunk guys shouting about how they could compete against the Iceman. Good luck with that.

Upcoming sporting events to give me reason to keep my DirecTV: The Masters, the NFL draft.
Events that i will watch for lack of anything better to do: NASCAR, NBA playoffs, MLB

What i'm watching right now because i want to end the college basketball season with some kind of excitement: Tennessee-Rutgers women's championship. Rutgers has 18 points at halftime. So much for that

Arena Football, here i come!