The Burrall Blog – A Few Random Thoughts

3/31/09 – 1:41 PM

My best to Mike Gregory, who recently stepped down as Newcastle High School’s head football coach. Mike’s a really good guy and has been great to work with over the last couple of years. However, son Matt will soon graduate, and, to be honest, Mike’s record isn’t what he would want. I saw Mike recently, and he looked a bit more relaxed, although he’s rather easy-going, anyway. By the way, Mike isn’t going anywhere. He remains as NHS’s guidance counselor and will continue to be an assistant coach for Dogie wrestling and track & field.

Though most of the teams who were supposed to do well in the Men’s NCAA Tournament did, this tourney has still been quite compelling. Villanova’s upset of Pittsburgh in the East Regional final was one of the best games in several years in this tournament, though my pick to win it all got knocked out. Now, my choice to win it all is North Carolina. Tyler Hansbrough is a beast on the blocks and Ty Lawson has overcome a recent foot injury to continue to be maybe the best guard in the country.

It’s almost time for baseball (hooray!). If you listen to KASL regularly, you may not have heard us mention anything lately about Rockies’ baseball. That’s because we have decided not to carry Rockies play-by-play in 2009. We need a certain number of sponsors to do such things, and right now, we just don’t have enough. That could always change, and, in fact, if you would be interested in sponsoring Rockies’ baseball, let us know at 746-4433. Now, what about the Rockies’ chances in the National League West? Well, they will miss Jeff Francis on the mound (out for the season) and Matt Holliday in the outfield (traded to Oakland). They still might be in the middle of a weak division, though, and could be in the race with some breaks. Everyone talks about Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, but the Giants’ pitching is tough. The Diamondbacks’ pitching is rather good, too.

And, the Cowboys have finalized their 2009 football schedule. Of course, a lot of the talk is about the Texas game on September 12. This is likely the most anticipated game ever in Laramie. I’ll be there, as one of my best friends is the fine play-by-play man for the Longhorns, Craig Way. Craig tells me that Texas should be a preseason Top 5 team again, so Dave Christensen’s team will be tested. Also, I can’t wait to see what Christensen will do with the Wyoming offense, specifially running the spread.

More Music Resources

General Music Resources

All Music Guide – www.allmusic.com

 

Music Discovery Resources

iLike – www.ilike.com
lastFM – www.last.fm
Musicovery – www.musicovery.com

The Burrall Blog – Happy Time for Dogie Hoops

3/8/09 – 5:50 PM

OK, so it isn’t quite as happy as last year, when both the Lady Dogies and Dogies made the 3A state tournament.  But it’s never sad when you can make plans to spend a few days in early March in Casper.

The Dogie boys’ performance this weekend at the 3A East Regional in Buffalo is quite a turnaround from how the regular season ended, which was with 6 losses in 7 games.  The stifling defense returned, and so did contributions from others besides the two big guys.  It led to what will be a fourth straight appearance at State for Newcastle, and Allen Von Eye has now led his teams to the last weekend in his first three seasons as head coach.  That’s quite an achievement.

And for the Lady Dogies, they kept at it through a very difficult season, which included all sorts of injuries.  That included, most unfortunately, another ACL tear for Taylor Farella.  But, Taylor just can’t stand being away from the court or field.  She sought permission to play, and after being told by the doctor who operated on her knee last summer that she couldn’t do much more damage, she played on Thursday against Glenrock, much to our surprise, then played again on Friday as Wheatland ended Newcastle’s season.  After that knee is repaired again, Taylor will run track at the University of Mary.  Newcastle’s loss will be the Marauders’ gain of a determined and courageous young lady.

And to you Dogie fans:  You’re amazing.  Do you realize how highly other fans and school administrators speak of you?  You cheer on your team without insulting fans of other schools.  The teams know you’re there, and they are very much appreciative.  A great example happened on Friday when the Lady Dogies lost to Wheatland.  Any other team that finished 5-19 might have left to scattered applause or outright indifference.  Instead, the Lady Dogies left to a standing ovation.  Well done.  You are a credit to our community, and I’m sure you will be again in Casper.  See you there.