I remember when coach McDonnell first got things rolling with the Louisville Baseball program, and remember the first time the Cardinals made it to the College World Series. Then Louisville baseball fans were just happy to be a part of the June Classic. Now here we are on the cusp of making the trip back to the College World Series for a third consecutive year and this time I think most of us including the team expect to contend for College Baseball’s ultimate crown.

Third year and winners of three conference regular season crowns our Cardinals did what most pundits said couldn’t be done and just made a mockery of the powerful ACC. The only team still alive to have appeared in the last two College World Series events our guys just reloaded this season and got the job done. They went through fourteen weeks of playing in every type of climate, they battled slumps, injuries but were able to maintain that level of consistency and now find themselves knocking on the door of a legendary run that could end with three consecutive College World Series appearances and hopefully a Championship.

This Louisville baseball team is here because of grit, intensity and determination passed down to them by a great coaching staff. They have made this incredible run with clutch hitting from guys like Nick Solak, speed from guys like Corey Ray, and the power arms of guys like Kyle Funkhouser, Brendan McKay and Zack Burdi. It will take these things and getting the bats hot at the right time for this Louisville team to make history over the next couple of weeks.

For the seniors four years of hard work hang in the balance and for the younger guys the building of something very special will continue. For all of these guys this is the time to prove to themselves that they are ready physically, mentally, and emotionally to challenge the big boys of college baseball and prove yet again how Louisville belongs with that group. Coach McDonnell and his staff have these guys well prepared and this whole program has put in the work, now it’s time play. Bring it home guys! GO CARDS!

After the basketball game between the Cards and the Cats last weekend I came down with a terrible stomach virus. It has taken me a few days to be able to read all of the articles and really reflect back on that game and get a feel for how folks felt about the outcome. Maybe it’s because this was the first season where the rivalry game in both football and basketball happened only a few weeks apart, maybe it’s because of the recent disparity of both sports, but the back and forth between the fans has been as heated as ever. And I have also noticed how some think the basketball game should be stopped all together.

Look we all overreact sometimes and it is tough losing the last 7 out of 8 to the other side especially when you may work in an office full of their fans. I wrote an article last year before the Cardinals and the Cats played each other in the Sweet 16, and explained why I even felt like it wouldn’t bother me if this rivalry ended. But my feelings had more to do with the vitriolic nature and the hate filled back and forth more than the string of recent losses. It really did put a damper on this game for me. But that was an overreaction and me getting too caught up in what a small minority of folks were doing. I since have regained my passion for both the football and basketball Battles of the Bluegrass and hope it last forever.

The majority of the current overreaction appears to be because of the latest string of losses in the basketball game and due to their coach holding a 7-1 advantage recently in the series. So based on that I decided that I would take a closer look at what most consider the other top rivalries in college basketball to see what those overall records looked like.

These are in no particular order, but are thought of as the other top rivalries in college hoops.

*Florida has won 5 straight in this series.

In the Battle of the Bluegrass rivalry the series stands at 32-15 with Kentucky leading and winning the last 7 out of 8. No team has ever won more than 5 in a row in this series.

Some of the best rivalries in college basketball have pretty big margins separating the two teams and as you can see above many times has been dominated by one team or the other. Has that hurt these bitter rivalries? Should we not consider UNC and Duke a rivalry anymore because Roy has lost 8 of the last 11 to Mike?

Once a Rivalry is started fans who have developed feelings of pride, solidarity, loyalty to a certain side aren’t ever going to change no matter how many times the other guys beat them. That’s what makes the rivalry great. We as human-beings need rivalry and it makes sports a lot more interesting. Sure Calipari and his Cats are putting it on us lately, but they have been pretty good overall don’t ya think. And our Cardinals haven’t done so bad either.

All of you folks freaking out over this recent loss to UK need to take a step back away from the ledge. Look at the big picture. Our little rivalry here in the state of Kentucky is just as competitive as any of the others in the country. It was here before any of us and it will be here after we are all gone. No matter how many games John Calipari wins with his super recruits.

Twas the week of the dream game,
And all through the state,
UofL vs UK was the topic of great debate.

I wish all my fellow Cards fans,
Great Holiday cheer;
And I hope all of your dreams,
Come true next year.
I’ll see you all in Charlotte,
As I write this with delight:
L1C4 and Go Cards Fight… Fight.

Another college basketball season is right around the corner and we are only a few months away from the start of our first ACC football season. Usually these sports and the buzz surrounding them this time of year would be dominating the local sports scene. But not anymore.

Most of the Louisville athletic programs are winding down for the summer and we have 98 days remaining until the start of football season in August. This will be one of the most exciting off seasons in the programs history as we will be anticipating the Cardinals first year in the ACC.

I’ve been waiting a lifetime for a year like the University of Louisville’s athletic program had this past season. Like all of you I suffered through football games in old Cardinal Stadium, was tortured during the “bridge years” of our basketball program and remember when other sports at Louisville struggled to stay afloat. But this past season all of that suffering and torture was well worth it and “The Year of the Cardinal” was the best of my life. We are done thinking about those days of the past and now seem to be stuck in a vortex of greatness. There is an incredible future on the horizon for the Louisville athletic program and I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years brings.

Since we have such an incredible year to remember all we needed was for there to be a special on the ESPN Networks to cement this awesome year. Well that has become a reality and on Thursday night December 19th 7:30PM ESPNU will feature a 1 hour special “The Year of the Cardinal”. Cardinal fans just had a year to remember and now we have a documentary for the ages. This is going to be a great program and one that we can save and look back on when we are in the long years of our lives. Our grand-kids will hopefully look on this past year as the spark that ignited a beast. Gather the family around the TV set on Thursday night make some popcorn and relive “The Year of the Cardinal”

Last year it was a cold and rainy night at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium for the Keg of Nails battle, but the action on the field was on fire. Louisville and Cincinnati traded punches all night long and it was the Cardinals who finally dealt the knockout blow with a game winning field goal by John Wallace in Overtime. There were many great moments and plays in that game last year. Here are some photos from last years 34 to 31 OT battle for the Keg of Nails:

Home » Coach Strong Talks Keg of Nails & Photos From Last Year » Football » Football

   

 

Montrezl Harrell had a breakout year during his first season as a Cardinal. He averaged 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 16 minutes a game during the regular season. And he averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game during the post season. He played a key role in the Cards winning their 3rd national title. I can’t wait to see how he improves over the summer and I expect him to be a major contributor in year number two. Today we found out that he got an invitation to U19 World Training Camp. This will help him in his progress and will be a great opportunity for him to represent his country.

The 2013 USA U19 World Championship Team will be led by a trio of experienced and successful college coaches, including Florida’s Billy Donovan as head coach, and Shaka Smart (VCU) and Tony Bennett (Virginia) as assistant coaches. Donovan and Smart were coaches for the 2012 FIBA Americas championship.

“We have a really impressive group of talented players and a large number of the players have USA Basketball and college experience,” said Jim Boeheim, chair of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee. “Selecting our 12-man U19 team will be extremely difficult, but the committee is excited and confident that we will be able to field another strong USA team.”

“The FIBA U19 World Championship might be from top to bottom the most competitive competition FIBA conducts,” Boeheim continued. “Any of the teams that are competing have a real chance to win the U19 gold medal as has been shown by six different countries winning the title over the last six U19 World Championships.”

The USA 19 training camp will be used to select the 12-member USA team that will compete in the FIBA U19 World Championship. The U19 training camp will begin on June 14 and continue through June 16. Team finalists will be announced following the June 15 morning session, and the team will continue training June 17-22, before departing for the Prague, Czech Republic, for the FIBA U19 World Championships, June 27-July 7.

Other collegiate players competing for spots on the squad include: Damyean Dotson of Oregon, Texas’ Javan Felix, Shaq Goodwin of Memphis, Oklahoma State Marcus Smart, Jarnell Stokes of Tennessee, and Duke’s Rasheed Sulaimon.

Peyton Siva is not only one of the best point guards to ever play for the Cards but could be one of the best people to ever play for the Cardinals. His list of achievements on the basketball court is nothing compared to his personal achievements off the court. Peyton had to overcome some crazy setbacks and dysfunction as a kid growing up but it made him a remarkable human being. Peyton has served as an inspiration to many people and lives his life to make the world a better place.

Peyton was the catalyst for the Cardinals’ mile -a-minute transition offense when he took over the point guard starting job his sophomore season. The team relied on his speed to push the ball and his ability to distribute and find open 3-point shooters. While there were many moments that highlighted his Louisville career I will remember him most for that post season run when he lead the Cards to four wins in four days averaging 12.5 points and 6.5 assist for a Big East championship. He won the most outstanding player award but what he was able to do in those four days was amazing. He would average 9.4 points and 6.2 assist in the NCAA tournament that included that great 17-point game against Davidson also that year. And I will never forget his gutsy performance against Michigan that helped the Cards win their 3rd National Title. He finished his Louisville career as second all-time in assist and the all-time steal leader. He is also a member of the 1000-point club. His list of accolades is long and now he is moving on to that next phase in life.

Saturday Peyton started the new chapter in his life and walked across the commencement stage to get his degree as an academic all-American and in Kyle Kuric fashion proposed to his girlfriend. Sunday morning he and his new fiancé were baptized in front of the congregation at Southeast Christian church. Peyton will head to the NBA Draft combine on Wednesday.

Early last summer I got to spend a few moments with Peyton at one of the caravans. Not only did he give me his full attention and genuine interest I watched him do the same thing for many other fans that day. He really is a one of a kind. I will really miss this young man but I know that he is going on to do some amazing things with his life. Congrats, on your graduation, baptism, engagement, and good luck in Chicago Peyton. Keep making us all proud! L1C4

Akoy Agau, a Sudan Native, moved to America in 2002. He lived in Maryland for a year before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, and was first introduced to basketball in Omaha. He became serious about basketball in 7th grade and has improved everyday since. The 6’9 senior out of Omaha Central High School was named the best prep player in Nebraska this past season. He was also named first-team All-State, earned the Omaha Journal Star Super State honors, and was named honorary captain of the newspapers All-State team. He led the Omaha Central Eagles to four class A state championships. Agau started for Omaha Central all four years of his high school career and averaged 12 points a game for his career.

He has been described by those who have followed his progress as an outstanding athlete inside the classroom and on the court. Coaches say that he is a very humble guy who could easily drop 25 a night, but he is very unselfish and is fine with what he gets. Akoy is also known for having a golden personality, being a leader to his peers and as a fan favorite. He participated in the Derby Festival basketball All-Star game and you could tell in just those few days of interaction with the Louisville media and fans that he is destined to be a favorite once he starts his Louisville career.

Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng were two of the most genuine and humble kids that have ever played for the Louisville program. And our program seems to be full of great young men of this caliber. It is very refreshing and rewarding to see our coaching staff continue to bring in guys that fit that mold. Everything I’ve read and seen about the kids we have coming in next season validates this. Akoy is going to be a special player on the court for our Louisville Cardinals and will also be a great person like those who have come before him.

Omaha Central coach Eric Behrens: “He’s a kid that loves the game,””He loves to get in the gym and work out. He likes to lift and he likes to do all the stuff not everybody likes to do. He really is a kid that you’d call a gym rat.””He is one of the most popular kids in school and is a true leader among his teammates.”

ESPN Recruiting analyst Dave Telep: “You can recruit a kid for his ability, but you don’t really understand what you’re getting until you get him in the locker room and see how well he does with the other guys,””Akoy is a kid like that. The physical stuff is all-important, but he’s got some intangibles, some people skills that are special. He’s a neat kid.”

I can’t wait for this guy to get to campus to start his Cardinal career. He has a very promising future ahead and will be joining a very promising Louisville class.