Sometimes, I am a bit cranky and “bark” about today’s technology, and on occasion, I reminisce about using the telex and typewriter back in the 1970’s/80's. Although at times, I am traditional in my ways, I do appreciate the internet, and how it revolutionized the manner, we live our life, usually for the better.

 

Last Saturday, I spent the evening at home in front of my computer not only watching one sports event, but two; this didn’t include the Red Wings-Canucks match-up which was televised in the background.

 

On the SAIT2010.ca website, I watched the UNBC Timberwolves stomp on the host SAIT Trojans
96-63 to win the CCAA National Men’s Basketball Championship.

 

At the same time, on the playfullscreen.com website, I viewed the Cariboo Cougars season ending 5-4 triple overtime loss to the Vancouver NW Giants in the BC Major Midget Hockey League championship series.

In the old days, I would have been able to view the Canucks on the TV, but there is no way I could have watched two local teams in major competitions on a split screen at the same time. I am not computer savvy, but I understand that being in tune with current technology has its advantages.

 

The Cariboo Cougars season ended about 9:45pm on March 20. Since the Giants scored the game winning goal, the teams did not have to return to the ice less than 12 hours later for a scheduled 9:30am start Sunday, slated as a 3rd and deciding game. Just imagine how exhausting that would have been for players on both teams had they finished six periods one night and then played three or more periods the next morning. Although Cariboo relished this opportunity, the league lacked foresight-scheduling games two and three so close together.

 

I realize game two was a tough pill for the Cougars to swallow considering they led 4-2 after 40 minutes and their goalie Marcus Beesley stopped Connor Rankin on a penalty shot late in the 3rd period. Cariboo also killed off two power plays in overtime before Rankin ended the drama in the
third overtime. Yes, finishing a close second in regular season and playoffs is agonizing, but in time, Trevor Sprague’s boys will appreciate the merits of their fine season.

 

The Timberwolves, on the other hand, experienced the opposite feeling. Not only were they best in the province but in the entire country. Winning your final two games by a combined 55 points certainly puts an exclamation point on the quality of this team.

 

Looking back at the schedule, on November 7, the UNBC men lost 73-69, on the road, to Langara, a day after beating Langara 72-49. After that weekend, the Timberwolves’ record was 1-1. Did anybody, at that time, predict that this team would run the table, winning 24 consecutive games, 16 in the regular season, three at a December tournament at SAIT, two at the provincials and three at nationals to finish with an overall 25-1 record?

 

Mike Raimbault hired less than two years ago by former Athletics and Recreation Coordinator, Len McNamara, has certainly deserved all the accolades he has received, including BCCAA and CCAA Coach of the Year.

 

However, a team will not win on a national level without very good players. National tournament MVP, and all-Canadian guard Inderbir Gill, is a very special gifted leader while another guard, first
all-star Jose Araujo, a master three point shooter, is not far behind. Gill and Araujo provided a one-two punch that no other team matched.

 

The T’wolves also had a very strong supporting cast. Francis Rowe (second all-star at nationals) and Matt Mills are excellent shooting guards, but if one of them was off their game a bit, a player like Duchess Park graduate Sam Raphael was as dangerous coming off the bench.

At post, local products Kevan Madsen (BCCAA rookie of the year), Dennis Stark, both Kelly Road grads, and Jesse Smith, were interchangeable and possessed the ability to make key rebounds, blocks or even baskets at just the right time.

 

In addition, the other four players, Joel Rybachuk, Sebastian Louis, Abdu Benrabah, and Kenny Carnes, may have played limited minutes, but they accepted their roles understanding how important it is to be a team player.

 

To win a national championship one needs hard work, sacrifice, talent, desire, health, skill, coaching, camaraderie, and many other intangibles. The Timberwolves had all this in the 2009-2010 season and that is why they are the best in Canada.

 

If the core group stays together, and all are eligible to return, a repeat is a distinct possibility next season.

 

 

Olympic gold medalists Lindsey Vonn, Shaun White and Seth Wescott are the latest U.S. athletes to grace a Wheaties box. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods is rumored to be appearing on a special Wheaties-Cheerios blend called Cheaties.  

 

In a recently televised interview on ESPN, golfer Tiger Woods says of his return, “It would be nice to hear a couple of claps.”
You have seen some of the women Tiger dated, so we know this isn’t the first time his name and the word “clap” have been used in the same sentence.
Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

The Chicago Cubs are considering putting up the first sponsored sign at Wrigley Field – a Toyota logo over the left field bleachers. But do Toyota and the team really have that much in common? After all, you can stop the Cubs. 

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

Reality star Jesse James, who just apologized to Sandra Bullock regarding infidelity, is currently on hiatus from his show. He plans to return during The Masters. 

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

 

Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

 

 

 

--Sign at Sait in Calgary prior to the UNBC Timberwolves-Mount Saint Vincent Mystics national CCAA semi-final basketball game.