Just Take A Minute: Jan. 18-22, 2010

Boomer bytes

   Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

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Its Friday! Check out ESPNBoston.com's sensational feature on UMass' Vladimir Ducasse. The hockey team is prepping for two huge games with Vermont. While the men's hoop team is flying to Waco today to face #25 Baylor tomorrow at 4 p.m. Happy Birthday to Charlie Benson (baseball), Tory Gordan (rowing) and Darren Thellen (football).

The national coverage on UMass' Vladimir Ducasse continues to come. UMass alum Mike Reiss has an amazing story on UMass' potential NFL First-Round Draft pick on ESPNBoston.com. The story also includes video of ESPN's Todd McShay raving about Ducasse and having him rated as the top guard in the draft.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on JAN. 22 to: Charlie Benson (Baseball),
Tory Gordan (Rowing),
Darren Thellen (Football)

Sporting News has another story on Ducasse and his dealing with the earthquakes in Haiti. "It's so good to know they are OK," Vladimir said. "I tried to stay calm. That's how I am. But it is easier to be calm now."

CBS3 Springfield was on campus to do a feature on Ducasse as well. Check it out.

Speaking of Ducasse, more national stories are coming as the Associated Press will be in Amherst on Friday to a piece on UMass' Haitian Sensation.

The Springfield Republican's Dick Baker has a great feature on hockey star Will Ortiz.

USCHO.com has its weekly Hockey East notebook with many references to UMass and its massive series with Vermont at the Mullins Center on Saturday and Sunday. The finale is televised live on ESPNU.

In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis writes about Ricky Harris and how the senior's spirits are "not broken" despite the recent four-game losing streak.

The Daily Collegian has a story on UMass men's hoops taking on its third ranked opponent this season: #25 Baylor, on Saturday at 4 p.m., on ESPNU.

Entering his 43rd season, UMass coach Ken O'Brien is confident in his team, and said he is excited to lead the Minutemen through another season with hopes of competing for a national title. The Daily Collegian has the story.

Check This Out On UMassAthletics.com: Today is the final day for seven UMass Auctions including the 100 Seasons Of UMass Basketball Street Banner of Marcus Camby.

Don't Miss This: The swimming and diving teams compete at Boston College today at 4 p.m., while the women's track and field squad is at Albany.

   Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010

Tough losses for the UMass basketball teams again last night. The men fell in a one-point defeat to St. Bonaventure while the women lost in overtime at Duquesne. On Thursday the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show returns to the area at Whip City Brewery in Westfield. Come on out at 7 p.m. Happy Birthday to hoopster Anthony Gurley and soccer's Lauren Yelinek.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on JAN. 21 to Anthony Gurley (Men's Basketball),
Lauren Yelinek (Women's Soccer)

Inside College Hockey has its latest Hobey Baker Watch List. James Marcou is mentioned in the piece.

The Daily Collegian has a preview of this weekend's hockey series. The team will be in search of its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts No. 17 Vermont for two games at the Mullins Center this weekend. After experiencing a three-game losing streak over winter break, the Minutemen have changed their mindset and are playing better hockey as of late.

The Daily Collegian also has a hockey sidebar. A barometer for the Massachusetts hockey team this season has been the play on special teams on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck. In their three-game losing streak, the Minutemen struggled on the power play though they've been more consistent lately, resulting in three consecutive victories.

Recaps of the UMass men's basketball loss to St. Bonaventure come from various outlets: Springfield Republican, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Boston Globe, Daily Collegian, Boston Herald, ESPN.com, Buffalo News, WKBW TV.

On Masslive.com, Scott Coen has a column on the basketball team and its youth movement.

The women's basketball loss at Duquesne is mentioned in the Daily Collegian, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Boston Globe and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

In his weekly college notebook, the Springfield Republican's Dick Baker writes about the UMass softball team being picked to win the Atlantic 10 yet again. It's hardly a surprise, but the softball team has been picked to win its sixth straight Atlantic 10 championship in the annual conference coaches poll. The Minutewomen (41-10, 16-2 last year) return six starters, including All-America outfielder Carly Normandin, who hit .403 with 37 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. The infield has all-conference returnees in Sarah Reeves at first, Whitney Williams at shortstop, and Kylie Magill at second base.

UMass alum righthander Chad Paronto to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. The 34-year-old Woodsville, N.H., native and former Minuteman player appeared in six games for the Astros last season, allowing eight earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.

The Boston Globe has a story on Boston College football player Mike McLaughlin, who will play in the East-West Shrine Game this weekend. McLaughlin is aiming to be the third member of his family to play professional football. His father, Mike, played at UMass and then for the Boston Breakers of the USFL in 1983 and 1984; his uncle, Joe, played at UMass and then for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants of the NFL from 1979-84.

Check This Out On UMassAthletics.com: Today is the final day for seven UMass Auctions including the 100 Seasons Of UMass Basketball Street Banner.

Don't Miss This: Come on out to the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show at Whip City Brewery in Westfield tonight at 7 p.m. Head coach Derek Kellogg will be joined by members of the UMass basketball program. Listen in on WRNX 100.9 FM or here on UMassAthletics.com if you can't make it out.

   Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

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Busy day on campus starting with the UMass Sports Luncheon at 12:15 p.m., at the Campus Center Room 1009. Coaches Toot Cahoon and Derek Kellogg will be the guest speakers. Tonight, the Freddie Riley (pictured) and the hoops team hosts St. Bonaventure in just the second men's game at the Mullins Center in five weeks. JTAM has stories on Vladimir Ducasse and his efforts to assist his native Haiti in a time of need.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on JAN. 20 to: Ariel Newman (Swimming & Diving),
Sarah Reeves (Softball - pictured)

The Daily Hampshire Gazette, Springfield Republican and Daily Collegian have previews of tonight's UMass-St. Bonaventure basketball game. "It would be a good bonus for these guys," Derek Kellogg said. "They're playing hard and competing at a high level. Getting a victory would be good for team morale, but if you play the game the right way, wins will come. We're working towards that," Kellogg added. "We're not a finished product, but we're moving in the right direction."

The Daily Collegian has a sidebar on junior guard Gary Correia seeing more time this season.

Great ESPN.com blog from Andy Katz as former UMass coach John Calipari has been in touch with the Wizard of Westwood John Wooden. "I told him the best team I coached, I only played six guys at UMass [in 1996], said Calipari. The problem is that I've got a lot of guys who deserve to play.''

In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has a story on Vladimir Ducasse and his effort to help his homeland. On the first day of spring semester classes at UMass, Ducasse was among a handful of Haitian students hoping to raise awareness and donations for his home country, which was ravaged by a devastating earthquake last week.

Ron Chimelis in the Springfield Republican has a story on Ducasse as well. Taking a look at his postseason as he preps for the NFL Draft while helping Haiti.

Speaking of Ducasse, more media attention is coming his way as ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss (a UMass alum) will be on campus today to talk with the All-American for a story on ESPN.com. Vlad will also be doing interviews with The Sporting News.

On Fox Sports.com, NFL guru Adam Schein has a column which has high praise for UMass alum and New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. Schein writes: "And think about what Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has done with draft day deals the past three years."

The Daily Collegian has two stories on women's basketball and its trip to Duquense. The team continues to be one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the Atlantic 10 despite its recent struggles.

With the Daily Collegian back in print, check out the school paper's story on new women's soccer coach Ed Matz.

Check This Out On UMassAthletics.com: The Online store has some great winter items such as this reversible beanie!

Don't Miss This: Here's the schedule for today: UMass Sports Luncheon at 12:15 p.m., in the Campus Center Room 1009, Men's Basketball vs. St. Bonavnture at 7 p.m., in the Mullins Center and in Pittsburgh the women's basketball team plays at Duquesne at 7 p.m.

   Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

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Welcome back students! The Spring semester gets underway today here at UMass. Tuesday brings the return of the Bud Light UMass Hockey Radio Show at the Hangar Pub & Grill at 7 p.m. Send your questions for coach Toot Cahoon, leader of the newly-ranked No. 15 Mass Attack. Just Take A Minute has more news on basketball, football and hockey. Happy Birthday to women's cross country runner Kristin Darling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on JAN. 19 to: Kristin Darling (Women's Cross Country)

The hockey team's weekend sweep of UMass-Lowell got the Minutemen rising again in the polls. UMass moved up to No. 15 in both the U.S. College Hockey Online top 20 and the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine top 15 polls. The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on the move in the poll.

UMass alums squared off in the AHL on Saturday with both scoring goals. Cory Quirk and his Worcester Sharks downed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Greg Mauldin, 4-2. Quirk opened the scoring 7:16 into the game, netting his third goal of the season. Mauldin, with the Islanders affiliate, netted his 14th goal of the year.

In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has his weekly look at Atlantic 10 basketball. Among the items he writes about is the number of NCA berths the league could get. The league had five teams ranked in the top 31 of the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), the computer ranking system that helps fill and seed the NCAA Tournament heading into Monday's game - Temple (12), Xavier (14), Rhode Island (20), Dayton (29) and Richmond (31).

The newest college hoop polls came out Monday. With two more wins, Temple continued to climb in both polls moving up to No. 16 in the Associated Press poll and No. 17 in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll. Rhode Island and Xavier are both among the teams also receiving votes in both polls. Baylor (14-2), which hosts UMass at 4 p.m. Saturday, is No. 25 in the AP poll.

The Springfield Republican has a story on UMass' Vladimir Ducasse and his invitational to play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30.

UMass alum and New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum is receiving high praise for his moves in composing his team that will play for the AFC Championship on Sunday. The New York Post and New York Daily News have columns on the hiring of Rex Ryan as coach, which Tannenbaum orchestrated.

In National Lacrosse League action involving UMass alums. Jeff Zywicki had two goals and four assists for the Washington Stealth, as it beat the Edmonton Rush, 15-7. Zywicki is fourth in the NLL with 14 points (league-best seven goals and seven assists). The Boston Blazers lost to the Philadelphia Wings, 12-8 on Saturday night. Sean Morris had two assists for the Blazers. Jack Reid played, but didn't have any stats.

Check This Out On UMassAthletics.com: The archive page on the men's basketball site has been updated to include rosters back to 1953-54 for the UMass program.

Don't Miss This: Come out to the Hangar Pub & Grill for the Bud Light UMass Hockey Radio Show at 7 p.m.

   Monday, Jan. 18, 2010

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First off, on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please take a moment to recognize one of the leaders in civil rights. Let's welcome back the snow and the students, who are back in town for the start of school tomorrow. UMass alums safety James Ihedigbo, assistant coach Brian Smith and GM Mike Tannenbaum of the New York Jets moved on to the AFC Championship at the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday. JTAM also has news on hockey, basketball and football.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on JAN. 18 to:
Octavious Hawkins (Football),
Dana VanOcker (Women's Track).

Check out recaps from UMass hockey's sweep of UMass-Lowell this weekend. News comes from the Springfield Republican, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USCHO.com.

New England fans had a chance to watch former star UMass goalie Jon Quick in goal with the L.A. Kings as his squad captured a shootout win over the Boston Bruins. The Boston Herald has coverage.

The men's basketball team lost at No. 19 Temple on Saturday. Check out these recaps: Springfield Republican, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, PhillyBurbs.com, UPI and ABC40.

In the Boston Herald, Dan Duggan has his weekly college basketball notebook. He mentions UMass' recent struggles. Despite the lack of results in the win column, coach Derek Kellogg believes his young team is showing signs of progress. "It's easier to build off the wins because I think the guys are in a better frame of mind, but after the last couple games at least they're getting a feel for the way you're supposed to play the game and how hard you have to compete every night out," Kellogg said. "I'm hoping that can be a springboard to continued improvement for the team and the program. I realize this is not an overnight thing. It takes time to get these guys in the right frame of mind and playing the right way."

Derek Kellogg and Terrell Vinson were in attendance at the HoopHall Classic this weekend in Springfield. It is mentioned in the Springfield Republican. Kellogg watched St. Frances beat Newton North 72-57 at Springfield College, with a number of the Minutemen taking in the game as well, including UMass freshman and St. Frances alum Terrell Vinson."Baltimore has been great to our program, dating way back to Donta Bright to now with Ricky Harris and Terrell Vinson," Kellogg said. "They're usually great kids who play hard to compete and are very good students academically. We're excited about recruiting in that whole area and we're going to continue to do so."

Also, the Philadelphia Daily News has a column by Dick Jerardi urging people in Philadelphia to go out and see their Top 25 team.

The New York Times has an AP story on Richmond's shot-blocking sensation Darrius Garrett, who swatted an A-10 record 14 shots vs. UMass last Wednesday.

The New York Jets moved on to the AFC Championship Game with a 17-14 win at the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night. UMass alums are a big part of the Jets success. The General Manager Mike Tannenbaum composed the team. Assistant coach Brian Smith is working with the NFL's top rated-defense. Safety James Ihedigbo has been a demon on defense and special teams.

During the CBS broadcast, Phil Simms commented on Ihedigbo: "He just makes plays every single game." On Sunday, he finished with a career-high five tackles.

If you missed it Ihedigbo was a guest on Jimmy Fallon last Friday along with fellow Jets Jerricho Cotchery and Kerry Rhodes.

The New Haven Register has a great feature story on All-American Vladimir Ducasse, who is expected to be a top-round NFL Draft pick.

Former UMass running back and great friend of UMass all-time passing leader Liam Coen, Lorenzo Perry was honored for his work in the community. Perry was recognized for his work with the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association of Providence. Read about it on Bryant/About%20Bryant/News/News%20Releases/2010/January/Lorenzo%20Perry%20Award">Bryant University's website. As the interim coordinator for the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association's work readiness program, Perry teaches life skills to 19-to-21 year-olds. He also coaches kids who play on the same football team he was part of as a youngster.

The women's basketball loss to Richmond on Saturday is covered in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Springfield Republican, Boston Globe.

The New York Post has an update on high school women's hoops with high praise for UMass recruit Kelly Robinson. The Post writes, "she is regarded as one of the best guards in New York and is lauded for her defensive prowess."

Check This Out On UMassAthletics.com: With the return of the students tomorrow, check out the Visitor's Guide. It has all the info you need on the local Amherst community as far as hotels, shopping, restaurants and more.

Don't Miss This: Weekly league honors will be handed out on Monday. Check out the latest hockey polls on Monday. See if UMass moves up after sweeping UMass-Lowell this weekend.

Look Back To The Week Of: Jan. 11-15, 2010 | Jan. 3-8, 2010 | Dec. 28, 2009-Jan. 1, 2010 | Dec. 21-24 | Dec. 14-18 | Dec. 7-11 | Nov. 30-Dec. 4 | Nov. 23-24 | Nov. 16-20 | Nov. 9-13 | Nov. 2-6 | Oct. 26-30 | Oct. 19-23 | Oct. 12-16 | Oct. 5-9 | Sept. 28-Oct. 2 | Sept. 21-25 | Sept. 14-18 | Sept. 7-11 | Aug. 31-Sept. 4 | Aug. 24-28 | Aug. 17-21 | Aug. 10-14 | Aug. 3-8 | July 27-31 | July 20-24 | July 13-17 | July 6-10 | June 29-July 3 | June 22-26 | June 15-19 | June 8-12 | June 1-5 | May 25-29 | May 18-22 | May 11-15 | May 4-8 | April 27-May 1 | April 20-24 | April 13-17 | April 6-10 | March 30-Apr. 3 | March 23-27 | March 16-20 | March 9-13 | Mar. 2-6 | Feb. 23-27 | Feb. 16-20 | Feb. 9-13 | Feb. 2-6 | Jan. 26-30 | Jan. 19-23 | Jan. 12-16 | Jan. 5-9 | Dec. 29, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009 | Dec. 22-26 | Dec. 15-19 | Dec. 8-12 | Dec. 1-5 | Nov. 24-28 | Nov. 17-21 | Nov. 10-14 | Nov. 3-7 | Oct. 27-31 | Oct. 20-24, 2008 | Oct. 13-17, 2008 | Oct. 6-10, 2008 | Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2008 | Sept. 22-26, 2008 | Sept. 15-19, 2008 | Sept. 8-12, 2008 | Sept. 1-5, 2008 | Aug. 25-29, 2008 | Aug. 18-22, 2008

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