I must start off by talking about what I, along with 5000+ other people, witnessed this past Tuesday night at the ARC on campus at Valpo. That Painter character was just as slimy and slick as ever, on a night where none of it was even necessary. His boilerf(m)akers were able to successfully pull away in the latter part of the second half, yet Painter would have no part of the common code of decency that is simply understood by coaches. I can testify to at least 3 different occasions on which he completely disrespected and disregarded the officials by staying in his huddle far more than he needed to. Most likely he was only drawing up whatever he could think of to further run up the score on the Crusaders. He already had the game in the bag, but he waited until the last minute or so before he cleared his bench. That was a real low blow to have to watch. It comes as commonplace from Painter now, so no surprises there. I could see the look of contempt in Robbie Hummel's eyes as his coach repeatedly stepped over these lines time and time again. What an absolute tool.
But I could continue on with the accounts for quite a considerable length of time. Much more than I actually have as I write. Moving on to the next order of business is the way things have been going down at our home, the V-rena. The boys basketball team has been keeping many wins home thus far, but as those continue to pile up, we see nothing from Coach Sassman in riling up her players and grouping them together for gametime. I don't see how any coach would ever make the mistake to let their players run loose without keeping gametime in mind. As a matter of fact, at this very moment, it is gametime. Volleyball Madness is what I have my sights set on, and my calendar is marked. I wear my media badge to bed every night, in preparation for gametime. What I have been witnessing is a little bit alarming, to say the least. At lunch time, I see Coach Mullings bumping volleyballs around with a few of the varsity regulars. Now, if you like to ask any questions, you probably are asking the same as I am. Why is the girls basketball/soccer coach worrying about getting some hits in when he should be focused on gametime? In particular, I think Anthony Canzoneri and Josh Smith have a very solid concept of gametime as I see them all dressed out in their uniforms and warmups walking around the school. That is a sight to behold. Coach Mullins should be in preparation right now for August 19th, which by the way may as well be considered now. It looks to me as if his priorities are completely confused. Meanwhile, Coach Sassman is nowhere to be seen as her players are being wooed by another who shares interest. An insider from the athletic department who has seniority has informed me that he himself has also witnessed these happenings, and at the present moment has no idea what can be deduced from all of this. He, like myself, are bewildered by what we see.
In other news, the dunes volleyball league is entering into their regular season quite soon, and while I have not been in attendance at any of the practices, I do assure you that I have my facts straight. Players such as Anna Staub, Hollie Huber, and young guns that are up and coming like Gabby Carlson and Elly Smith, have been devoting much time and effort into the dunes program. Not that any of that is bad in of and of itself, but why is it that Lady Lions are going to seek out approval in some other league? Getting better is one thing, but giving yourself away is a cause for concern. There has a been a lack of keeping it at home, which naturally has lead to some family issues, as well as strength issues. As a result, this has also led to their physical boundaries plateauing in some pretty low places, rather than constantly expanding on them. Athletic Department higher ups are beginning to roll their eyes as they see these dealings take place, and the security of Coach Sassman has to be in to question too. Since it all starts at family, how could she allow this to happen? It appears to be disappointing, but I have faith in the Lady Lions, and this will be resolved. Just remember, even as I write this, it is GAMETIME! Right now! So get stoked!
the one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco
Picture of the day: Today's picture comes from Hayley Spelman of Stanford University, providing us with the dramatic backdrop of a ferocious kill. Nothing like Pac 10 volleyball, except for the Big Ten of course.
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