Singles Match with Zach Line

On a random hot July Sunday afternoon in Texas, my buddy Rich and I decided to go crash an apartment complex pool not far from where I live. We had heard they had good water volleyball there. In no time flat we got a little game of 6 on 6 going in the cement pond. Like the normal that usually happens in these situations a young man with superior athletic ability took over the game.

In this case it was a guy our teammates had nicknamed "Tebow". As it turns out no one knew how Tebowish this guy was. "Mr. Tebow" was indeed Zach Line. Yes,SMU running back Zach Line who was named Conference USA's preseason Offensive Player of the Year on Monday.

Lucky for Rich and I, Zach was on our team. However, if some random guy hadn't spoken up and said "Hey did you know that was SMU's Running Back Zach Line?" we would have never known. Luckily that Random guy did speak up, and after dominating the pool volleyball competition Zach also agreed to join me in this week's Single's Match Blog.


Larry Stanley: You are from Oxford, Mich. so does that make you a Lions Fan?
Zach Line :Yes! One of my good friends back home is a die-hard Lions fan. His dad is the VP of communications for the Lions so his son loves them. He kind of molded me into a believer, even when they were 0 and 16.

LS: Who were your favorite players and teams growing up?
ZL:Growing up I barely watched NFL football. I have always been a huge Michigan State fan; my father is an alumni there. My favorite MSU player of all time has got to be TJ Duckett.

LS:What brought you to Texas to come play football?
ZL:I was not heavily recruited out of high school so my buddies dad who works for the Lions sent my film to June Jones. This was when he was in Hawaii, Coach Jones extended an offer very quickly. Later I got a call and he had moved to SMU so I followed.

LS: What do you do when you are not doing football stuff?
ZL:When school is in session and football is not as busy this gives me a chance to catch up on that. I love to golf and hang out with buddies. I do have a girlfriend who I love to spend time with also.

LS:In 2010 your Sophomore year, you rushed for 1,494 yards (11th in the country), which only trails Eric Dickerson for most single-season rushing yards in SMU history. Any Chance you break Eric's record this year?
ZL:I have been watching the offensive line this off-season and they look solid. There should be no reason they can't carry me passed the record.

LS:Just like last year SMU has TCU & Texas A&M on the schedule this year. Which game do you think will be a bigger challenge for the Mustangs?
ZL:TCU. This is our cross-town rival. When we play them anything can happen. The skillet will stay in Dallas, but it will be a good game.

LS: Rumors are flying around that SMU will have an all black uniform in 2012. Is that true and how do you feel about that?
ZL:Last time we wore black we lost. I'm not superstitious, but I'm hoping the same outcome doesn't happen if we wear them again.

LS: There were also some rumors flying around that June Jones was going to leave for AZ in the off-season. How different is this team if June is not the coach?
ZL:Coach Jones has been like a second father. He has trained us to act like men. It would be hard to see him leave and adjust to a new coach. Everything happens for a reason and I'm glad he is here to stay.

LS: What have you accomplished in your college career that you are most proud of?
ZL:I think I am most proud of the relationships I have built with so many guys on the team. I know they have my back and I have theirs.

LS: At the end of the 2012 Football Season SMU will be ?
ZL:Conference Champs. Big Bowl Game.

LS: Let's fast forward to the 2013 NFL Draft. Who calls Zach Line's name and in what round?
ZL:It would be an honor to go anywhere. Preferably the Detroit Lions so my family and friends can come.

Dallas Cowboys 2012 (Insanity)

My bitterness towards the Jerry Jones' Cowboys is no secret. I have made my opinions very publicly known on this blog and on The Sports Daddys Podcast. Which you can listen to here

http://bigbadsportsdaddy.com/Radio.aspx

Today the Dallas Cowboys report to training camp and it's already started. I'm talking about the false set of goods being sold. The same false set of goods which has been sold to us by that want to be NFL GM/Owner for years now. I should be writing about a new season and a new hope, but I'm not. I'm writing about all the b.s. we are about to hear before the Cowboys kick off their 2012 season.

Are we really supposed to believe this is a Super Bowl Contender? The same story we have heard since 1996. The same story with zero results,mind you. The Mavs,Rangers,Longhorns and Stars have all been to their respective Sports Championship since 96. Yet, the Boys have not.

What have the Cowboys done? One playoff win in 16 years. That's all they've got is one freaking playoff win! The word disappointment doesn't even begin to describe what Cowboys fans are feeling. Matter of fact one playoff win in 16 years is enough to drive Jason Kidd or Bob Uker to drinking.

The most recent example of real disappointment was the 2007 Dallas Cowboys season. This marked the first season for Wade Phillips as head coach. Jason Garrett also joined the team this season as offense coordinator. T.O was here with his quarterback man Tony Romo. The stage was set!

The Cowboys finished the regular season tied for the best record in the NFC (13–3), and earned a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This was a Super Bowl Team! However what did they do? The Cowboys lost their first playoff game to New York Giants (the eventual Super Bowl champion).

The Cowboys had defeated the G-Men in their two regular-season matchups but,couldn't win this one? This loss extended the Cowboys drought of playoff wins to eleven years and tied the NFL record of 6 straight playoff games lost. Do you like setting records Jerry? How do you like that record?

Fast forward 5 years and it's all the same, only some of the names have changed. Jones,Garrett, & Romo are all talking Super Bowl and high expectations. Jerry is trying to put pressure on this team by saying clichés like "The window is closing" & "The time is now".

I am already getting nauseous thinking about it. Jerry wearing his Dallas Cowboys visor,golf shirt and khaki shorts making the rounds on local sports shows at 10:30pm. He'll say stuff like "If this team plays like it should the Dallas Cowboys will be the NFC Champions". Or he may try "The Dallas Cowboys do what they should they could win The Super Bowl". (barf)

The Cowboys did add some nice pieces (especially on D) in the off-season. Here is some credit giving for the effort but I think most of us know how this will turn out. Does the name Roy Williams ring any bells?

Now on the record for those hardcore fans who still don't get it or refuse to accept reality. I want you to really pay attention to the next sentence closely. As long as Jerry is still running the personal decisions the Dallas Cowboys will never be winners or even serious contenders. You should take a second and let that sink in. Now,accept it and move on.

I hear this every week, sometimes twice a day: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Seems fitting when talking about the 2012 Dallas Cowboys season.



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Singles Match with Brandon Rhyder

Some times you just feel like driving some back roads and getting away for a while. This week I caught up with a guy who likes to sing about just that. Texas Country Music Artist Brandon Rhyder is my guest in this week's Single Match Blog:


Larry Stanley: Are you a sports guy?
Brandon Rhyder: Totally. Love it all. If you can throw it, kick it, punch it, drive it I'm in.

LS: What teams do you root for?
BR: I root for the cowboys, rangers, mavericks, and stars

LS: Have you ever meet any of your Sports Heroes?
BR:I have met a few but there are so many more I would love to meet.

LS:What kind of music do you listen to?
BR:I love all kinds of music. I can listen to country, rock, big band, Beethoven. U just love good music.

LS: Who are some of your favorite Artist?
Darrell Scott, Lori Mckenna, Walt Wilkins

LS: If you were going to be stuck on a deserted island and could only bring 3 albums with you what would they be?
BR: Darrell Scott - Crooked Road, Don Williams- 30 Classic Tracks, Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii

LS: Favorite place to eat in Texas?
BR:Grady's Spears Line Camp Steak House in Granbury

LS: What's you favorite place to play in Texas?
BR:I love them all.

LS: What do you do when you are not on the road?
BR:Spend time with family


LS: What does the future hold for Mr. Brandon Rhyder?
BR: More records and branching out into national growth.

You can check Brandon Rhyder out on the world-wide web here:
http://www.brandonrhyder.com/home.php

Also DFW you can catch Brandon Rhyder at Hank's in McKinney next Saturday July 28th.

Singles Match with Rink Panther

According to wikipedia Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. This description does not do Derby Justice at all! Try this one wikipedia: Roller Derby is one of the most exciting,fast-moving,hard-hitting sports in the world. And if you aren't down with that Wiki, I'll send 10 Derby Girls to your house to rough you up (true story)!

Did you know we have a Derby League right here in Dallas? They are the mighty Dallas Derby Devils (true story x2). You'll have your next chance to catch them in action Saturday at 7pm. Bring the family out or your beer drinking buddies. Trust me everyone leaves entertained!

Here's the address.

NYTEX Sports Centre
8851 Ice House Dr
North Richland Hills

In this week's Singles Match I caught up with Rink Panther of the Dallas Derby Devils. Rink is a 7 year vet and a member of the Dallas Derby Devils All Star Travel Team.


Larry Stanley: Why did you get into Roller Derby?
Rink Panther: As a junior speedskater in Tucson, AZ Roller Derby became a childhood dream. I watched it on TV when the shows were choreographed. Skating has always been a part of my family as an adult. In late 2005 my husband told me about DDD tryouts and the rest is history.

LS: If you didn't play Roller Derby what sport would you play?
RP:Had you asked me seven years ago I would have said Basketball or Soccer. However, after being in Roller Derby I have gained interest in other contact sports such as Women's Football, Rugbee & Hockey. I am not sure which of those three I would try first ;-)

LS: Do you watch other Sports at all?
RP: I am a huge Football fan. I do watch Basketball as well however, I'd prefer Basketball in person over the Big Screen.

LS:Who are your favorite Teams?
RP:I grew up in a house of 49'er & Cowboy fans. Miami was my team at that time. I still follow them however, have become a Cowboy supporter since moving to Dallas.
"No one in my family knows this though ;-)"

LS:Who are your favorite Derby Girls?
RP:I don't have any! I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the travel team since the beginning of my derby career. I have seen a lot of allstar skaters that have already been established & those that have worked from entry level to team USA. At the end of the day you can be one bad mo flo on the floor as an individual however, it's the teamwork that makes it happen. I enjoy watching "teams" come together more than I do watching a single person.

LS: What's an experience with the Dallas Derby Devils that you'll never forget?

RP:This is very hard because I have many experiences with this league that I will hold close to my heart forever. However, the one that stands out at this time is when I lost my husband in October of 2011. My DDD sisters came together to be here for me and my children. While those initial times were very difficult I would have struggled something terrible had I not had the support from these women. The best experience for me to date has to be knowing that I can rely on friends. This is very important to someone who has no immediate family to lean on.

LS: There are 90+ Women involved with DDD. Does it get catty at times and is it tough to deal with that many women?
RP: Have you ever been anywhere that has this many women in one place???? Yes, at times it can be difficult. However, I wouldn't have it any other way. Along with the unpleasant we get a lot of greatness. We have women of all backgrounds, ages, sizes, shapes, goals etc. When you incorporate that much difference you get great brainstorming, creativity, league/sport evolution, team & individual support. If everyone was exactly the same we would make for a pretty boring group of gals.

LS: Have you ever went fist city with a another girl on the track?
RP:Unfortunately, yes. AND I got into a lot of trouble over it.
Two years ago in another state I was physically attacked by an opposing skater. In self defense I struck back.This is not a typical situation and is strongly discouraged at any level in derby. I don't know that I would have done anything different if given the choice....."except for maybe holding my helmet in my hands instead of throwing it!"

LS:What's something people don't know about Derby?
RP:Derby is a lifestyle change. It's not just a sport. Many women get into derby and it becomes a way of life for them. We put a great deal into our passion, business and the sport. For many it can literally be a second or third full time job. Example: Leaders, Committee's, Skaters can spend up to 30 - 40 hours minimum working on promotions, media, training, production, finance, sponsorships, fundraising, events, tournament preparation, attendance, tryouts etc. We participate in derby because it becomes a passion and impacts our lives in a way that is priceless!

LS: You skate on the Travel Team, can you explain what that means?
RP:The Travel Team is National representation of our league. The team consists of 20 skaters. These 20 skaters also skate on Home Season teams however, we are split up on Home Season.These skaters have been at one time or another been given the opportunity to skate for the travel team via tryouts or another promotion method. The skaters on the Travel Team are trained to become top athletes in our sport.
We compete Nationally against other teams that are part of the Women's Flat Track Association (WFTDA). We have an opportunity ever year to make it to Regional and National level tournaments. We do not get paid for our participation and the competition can be pretty stiff. All Travel Team skaters are held to higher standards and are expected to lead in their training, teamming, unity and attitudes by example.

LS: At the end of the season who is holding up the 2012 DDD Championship Trophy?
RP: I was expecting this question ;-)At the end of the season the 2012 DDD Championship Trophy will be held by the team that plays better together as a unit.
This season has been a great example of how teams can fall apart even with the most talented of skaters.
Strategy of course is a huge part of any sport. If a team cannot work the strategy together "or" the coaches don't call the correct shots then anything can happen.
Sorry Larry.....I know you want an answer but I am going to have to plead the 5th on this one!

If this Happens

There is no doubt that the Major League All Star Break is the slowest time of the year for the sports world. This year for Texas Rangers fans it as been anything but dull. It's not because 7 Texas Rangers played in that lame circus type thing MLB calls the All Star game either. That Baseball Trade Rumor Mill is heating up and that's why Texas Ranger fans baseball pants are going crazy!

Two days ago the news broke that our Texas Rangers are the favorite to land Cole Hamels from the Phillies (if he gets dealt). Speculation is Philly is wanting to build the deal around Rangers 3rd base prospect Mike Olt.


Mike Olt is a very nice prospect. MLB.com ranked Olt as the third-best prospect in the Texas system, 34th-best prospect overall in Major League Baseball and the fourth-best prospect at third base at the beginning of the season. Sure Mike Olt maybe the next Adrian Gonzalez, but then again he could be the next Monty Fariss too. For the Rangers the Hamels deal is the perfect solution.

Let me be the first to say, if this happens the Texas Rangers will win the World Series. No if,ands, or one strike aways. If this trade goes through the Texas Rangers will win the World Series!

Now let that sink in for a second. The past two years the Rangers have been the slight favorite going into the fall classic and we all know how that turned out both times. This year it would be different.

There isn't a team in baseball that could match the Rangers rotation with Hamels in it. Right now there isn't a team in baseball that can match the Rangers power either. If this Hamels deal happens they lose nothing immediately and gain everything.


Who is to say the Texas Rangers will be in this position again anytime
soon either? Josh & Nap's contracts are both up at the end of the
year, and Young isn't a spring chicken. To steal a line from the Mavericks "The Time is Now".

I know Andre from the Sports Daddys (which should be coming back to bbsd soon) is going to hate this blog. He never wants to give up young talent for established stars. He wants the Rangers to be the 90's Braves. I just want the Rangers to win a World Series ring! If the Cole Hamels trade happens I will get my wish.

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