Gamecocks! 2010 National Champs!

June 29, 2010- It was the bottom of the ninth inning in the College World Series. With the score tied, the Gamecocks had three batters ready to be the hero that would put USC on top to win our first National Championship in baseball. Everyone in the crowd was on the edge of their seats. People stood with their cameras ready. Every pitch, no matter the outcome saw hundreds of flashes going off, just hoping it would capture the game- winning hit, run or walk off home run. The tension in the air at the Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE was so thick one could cut it with a knife. I sat in my parents room practically holding my breath waiting to say those magic words. We Won!

Just as soon as the three batters came up to bat, all three were retired. Awwww! All that anticipation and we had to go to extra innings. While attending USC, I think I might have gone to two baseball games. I knew one baseball player by name and was friendly with and maybe ran into or attended one baseball party. lol I have always known of the success of the baseball program and I had mad respect. I just didn't hang out with any of those guys. Its cool. We were all Gamecocks.

So 10th inning comes. Gamecock nation is all holding their breath, wondering if we can contain the Bruins. I was so nervous I would always leave the room when they were up to bat. so I couldn't tell ya if they got on base or not. Bottom of the 10th comes... same result. The 11th inning arrives. I'm like, how much longer can this go on? The Bruins are unable to score and just like that, USC has another opportunity. Their pitcher looked tired and who wouldn't be? With that we were able to take advantage and get on base. With the help of a walk, Sac- bunt, and an error on the catchers part, we advance our runner to third. With one out, all we need is a base hit. I'm like this is sooo happening. As it would happen, #5, the best number in the universe, occupied by Whit Merrifield was next at bat. As soon as I heard the ball come off the bat, I knew that was it. I screamed a bit and said, " OMG, we won... we won." His single to right field enabled Scott Wingo to score and that was that. The University of South Carolina became the 2010 National Champions. Only the second title for our school and the first for baseball.

So many times we have been close. But now it is legit. Congrats to all the guys, Jackie Bailey Jr for earning Most Outstanding Player, and Coach Tanner. Stand up Gamecock Nation! We are so Proud.

The Garnet Way

Ode to the World Cup: USA Edition

Well the World Cup is in full swing. We are in the single elimination part of the tourney and unfortunately the US could not get past Ghana. But I think we still had a good run and I believe those guys help put soccer in the homes and faces of many Americans not really familar with the sport. In these times of oil spills, and Obama Care and fired Generals and OMG 2 wars still; its good for this country to come together and get behind something as a whole country. I think that is exactly what happened. I saw people with their faces painted, holding American flags and hosting World Cup parties. It was pretty cool to say the least.

After a disappointing loss to the Black Stars of Ghana, I was really proud of those guys out there holdin it down for a country not known for soccer. I saw the amazing last minute goal by Landon Donovan versus Algeria. I witnessed the great match versus England that I guess we should not have tied. I even saw us get robbed many times by these suspect refs. And you know what... It hurt! New to the sport myself, it has definitely grown on me. Ofcourse living in Europe for 3 years now, I definitely have come to have a respect for the game and enjoy watching it from time to time. This past season of living in Spain, I joined the forces of FC Barcelona simple because they have the best player Lionel Messi. And Im kind of obsessed with Thierry Henry, but we will get into Fine non American players in another blog. I also remember Tuesday night fussball in Germany, watching the games from the Deustchland league with my roomie. What up Christian Pander and Kevin Kuranyi

My first first encounter with world soccer would be fours years ago in 2006, when I watched the World Cup in Germany. At that point I was obsessed with some kid named Cristiano Ronaldo outta Portugal. And who can forget watching Zizou ( Zinedine Zidane) head butt the Italian player ( whats his face, yeah no one cares about you) in the gut. I dont even remember watching a single US match that year. Which really tells you how soccer really is in the US. No one probably watched that game. But this year... America was watching. I was watching a little too close, but if you were too, you would notice that our team is full of hotties. For real! So I took it upon myself to make a list of my top 5 favorite US players from this years squad. *Sorry Landon Donovan, but you are the face of this team and everyone knows you. So you did not make that list for that reason only. BUt by God you are a Dang Good player!


5. Jozy Altidore

This Haitian American baller is the truth. Playing striker for the USA in this World Cup, he was all over the place. His athleticism and hustle are the truth. Although he was unsuccessful in scoring goals, he was a big part of the US success before we ran out of gas. And who says black people dont play soccer. His bank account surely doesnt, and when he is not doning the red, white and blue he is plays for Villarreal in Spain. Wow, how did I miss running into him in the country of Spain. Aww, such a cutie.

4. Clint Dempsey

Every team needs a bad boy, and I would assume this guy is it. Straight outta Texas, Clinton Dempsey carries enough swagga for the whole team. Also a member of the US World Cup teams of 2006 and 2010, I absolutely love how this guy plays. He has this constant pissed off look like I am going to score by any means necessary. My type of player. When he is not scoring goals that they disallow for the US, he is playing for Fulham in England. Oh and his second career? Rapper. Constantly trying to integrate rap into the team's rotation of music. Check out the song "Dont Tread" with features "Deuce" his alias on youtube sometime. I told you... SWAGGA!

3. Tim Howard

Well, I call him Timmy. But who doesnt love any goalie. I mean they have one of the most important jobs in all of sports. Stay back and defend home. But they also have easiest job in sports. Stay back and defend home. When the US has the ball on offense, I feel like this guy is back there knitting a sweater or ordering a pizza. But I bet he is looking cool doing it. Well I guess that goes for all goalies. When it comes to keeping the ball out, he is one of the best. Remember the US- England game? And who cant love that face. I hear he was a pretty good Basketball player too... Multi- sport athletes always get an A in my book.


2. Carlos Bocanegra

Oh Captain, my Captain of the US World Cup team hails from Upland, California and currently plays ball in France for Rennes. Oui! Playing mostly centre back on the field and #1 in our hearts, this fella gets us all with his chiseled bone structure and blue eyes. Im sure we could watch him run around a field for hours, even if he never scores.

1. Oguchi Onyewu

So when I first saw this guy in a recent issue of Ebony magazine, I was like this dude does not play soccer. Yeah right. Look at him. He's is 6'4 feet of Ummm! lol Oguchi Onyewu or Gooch is a defender for the US National team, not to mention a member US World Cup team in 2010 and 2006. Right now he plays for AC Milan. Anyone up for a trip to Italy? I'll tell you one thing: I wont hold the fact he went to an inferior college (ClemSUX) against him. He can defend my goal anytime! Oh, and he wears the best number in the universe... #5

Hey American Girls.. Football guys are where its at. I mean the the football with your feet. You basketball and Football groupies can stay right where you are. Yes, I do realize that Dempsey and Howard are both happily married. Awww and congrats to their wives for real.

West Lafayette Coed Grass Tourney

Team Hoagies- Lauren Ford, Maggie Thomas, Damon Daniels, Brian Winchester,
Jason Page, Suzanne Van Schaack, Not Pictured- Clayton Chandler

June 12, 2010- Two weekends ago me and some friends participated in a Charity Coed Volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee Tournament up in West Lafayette, Indiana. This tourney was in support of The Trinity Mission, a regional homeless shelter and drug & alcohol rehabilitation center, that helps and supports men who have maybe gone down the wrong track or made some bad decisions in their lives. It helps them try and get back on their feet. What a great cause!

Upon arriving the weather did not look to good to play outside. It was dark and dreary, with a very strong chance of rain. I was a little worried because rain means wet grass and slipping and sliding all over the place. Not to mention, I am a very physical volleyball player. Meaning I like to get up and bang and I would not want to jump on ground that was not dry and safe. But the weather was up and down the whole time. When the sun finally came out, I was complaining about it being too hot. Beggars cannot be choosers I guess.

The tourney opened with an inspirational thought given by one of the mission's workers. He talked about a White Elephant Gift Exchange party he went to. That is where you exchange gifts that are around your house or usually junk with no meaning or value. He said he ended up with a broken mirror, which usually indicates seven years bad luck. Tough Break right? The moral of his story was that sometimes you are given things and situations in life that are not pretty, that are broken. You have to push through and use what you have. Never use that as an excuse. We finished with a prayer before starting. On a funny note, one of my teammates had been in the Port a Potty like the whole time and decided to come up during this man's speech saying, "Whew!" I had to keep from falling over dying laughing since I was in the front. My teammates also did the best they could to hold in their laughter as well.

In pool play the tourney was divided into two groups, a lower and a competitive group. Each team plays each other once. This determines the tournament play at the end. The team with the best record usually has the better seed and will play the lowest team. The rules state that each team have 3 guys and 3 girls. If you don't have 6 players you at least need to have as many girls as you have guys. My team brought sevens players just in case. We had a pretty easy time in pool except facing a team from Fort Wayne. They were pretty good and beat us with 4 players. All their guys were 6'3 or taller.

Upon getting the second seed, we got a bye in the tourney along with Team Fort Wayne. In the first round we avenged our first loss against them. Sweet! I even got a block on one of their guys, whom I may add was a complete jerk! So it felt good. But he was a good player and I think we all were a little bit antsy out there. That's what competition brings out and he was a good competitor, their who team was. Making a short story shorter, we faced off against team Fort Wayne in the finals. We had to play them twice because of a double elimination rule, but it was a hard fought match. In the end they were just too much to overcome. Plus it was hot outside and I think all of us were dead tired. My team captain was a little ticked off, but in the end second is cool. It was for a good cause and there are never losers in that situation. Our prize was a free six-inch sub at Subway! So I was happy. SUCCESS!

Clayton with the block

Flick the wrist. Kill!

Winchester goes up for the block vs. Chief. My face says it all as I was trying to protect it!

Putting up the best block I could vs. Daprile. This kid is good.

Girls play- Wouldn't believe men were even playing from this photo. Suzanne for the kill though.

Top 5 Things I Will Miss About Spain #1

After what seems like forever, I finally decided to finish posting my Top 5 Things I will miss from Spain. Trust me there were few. Of course the shopping was amazing and the food and culture; but what would I have done without my Girls. My American Chicas that is. Living in a foreign country can be a lonely time, especially being a pro volleyball player. Imagine traveling to another country far far away from your loved ones and friends, or just simple familiarity. You barely speak the language. Your stomach is not getting used to the different food served. Your teammates and coaches don't really understand your culture and you are struggling with theirs. It can be very cold. Fortunately, I have been on teams with other Americans or English speaking people. So it has not been bad. But I feel it is always good to be able to unwind and just chill with someone who will not think different of you. Don't believe me? Ask my friend Shonda, who spent 7 months in Spain with not one American.

I am in no way saying that one should reject meeting other people and learning more about their way of life. All I am saying is that its good to just scream hey to another Yankee you see across the pond. So my top thing I will miss about Spain are the relationships and fun times I made and spent with my American friends: Lindsay, Tina, Kerri, Stefani, Nay & Ashley.

Lindsay, my roommate was a God send. She is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met and definitely a great cook. The only reason why I didn't starve was because she feed me the most delicious food. Not to mention she is a baller on the court. One of the only non-black girls that can out jump me. On the court we could communicate to each other and she really helped me out with my Spanish. Most of the time we realized we both were thinking the same thing about our team. It was along the lines of, "this is crazy." LOL Through it all I believe we got each other through a very rough season. I want to believe she was reserved, but I found out one night in a certain spot on the beach with a certain apparatus, that she was not. Oh the good times of no heat, no Internet, no money, and Spanish class with the greatest British women ever. Great Times Jimmy!

Lindsay & I geeked up!

Tina Martin, a lefty from Wisconsin and pretty much the heart of the Benidorm team. This girl never gives up on any ball no matter how impossible it might be to recover. Too bad her team didn't have that same attitude, but hey, that is just my opinion. Off the court Tina is so sweet and a great listener. I don't know how many times I had to go to her and bare my soul to her because volleyball was driving me insane. Oh yeah... she also had an amazing bed that I wanted to steal! So much better then my twin sized mattresses. She was always down for a good time, whether it was going to the "Moroccan ghetto" to buy cheap boxes of wine to make Sangria, or shopping downtown Benidorm or trying to hook it up with Tomas :D. She also has a good ear for music that I can agree on all the time.

Tina & I at Beachcomber

We all need that resident party girl friend. You know, the one that is always down to stay at the club just a little bit longer. And that usually turns out to be hours later. Kerri is that girl, God bless her. Oh and if you needed something to wear. Raid her closet. I dunno how she got all those clothes there or back home to the US, but I did enjoy wearing them. On the court she is a feisty middle and team leader always there to give her team an emotional boost if needed. Even though Kerri left early and we missed her dearly, she was never forgotten. I especially remember the day we decided to go to the beach on the worst day possible and it rained cats and dogs. Best Time Ever!

Kerri & I on my homeless day at the beach

When I found out another American player would be joining our team, I was a little confused and angered. Only because it meant one of the foreign players would have to sit out each game and I just knew it would be me. Well it wasn't, but when Nay joined our team I said to myself, "Oh lawd, they then sent a Saints fan." Being a avid, bleed blue Colts enthusiast, I just knew this was not fate, but evil working. LOL Unfortunately I had to watch my beloved Colts lose to her Saints in the Super Bowl in front of like 15 members of her family. Talk about crushed! Its all good, because the combo of Nay, Lindsay and I was an undeniable force in Finestrat. Well at least we liked to think it was. Everyone on the team had formed their cliques and alliances and now we were one. I'd like to say, Nay brought a certain amount of flavor to the crew. Not to mention she said things out loud that Lindsay and I would never say.

Nay & I at the club

Ashley Woods or you may know her as Rosetta Stone joined the group late, but still was down for the fun, chaotic and dance crazed nights in British Square. Also a lefty out UMiami, she really came and helped Benidorm out a lot. Helped them stay in the league actually. The perfect addition to our fierce crew, she fit right in and even got us some champagne and VIP treatment at the club. Not to mention she had my back when it was time to stomp some little girls down who didn't know their place.

Woods, Lindsay, Tina & I before heading out

In the end, we bonded like only Americans in a foreign place could.... over Sangria, Kebab & Moroccans (lol). I know one thing is true... this season in Spain would not have been bearable at all with out a lil taste of home to chill out and relax with. Thanks Girls!