http://wtic.com Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:25:17 EST en-us SATURDAY NOONISH (12:15pm)- Game Day in Cincinnati and the Huskies have finished their walk thru at the Bengals practice facility just across the street from Paul Brown Stadium. With an 8 pm kickoff, you know Randy Edsall and his staff wanted to get&nbsp;the players outside for a while.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Story on the front page of the Sports Section on the Bearcats is how Coach Brian Kelly has made himself a Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=5011144 TUESDAY- Back to work for the UConn football team after as demoralizing loss as you could experience on Saturday to Rutgers. Randy Edsall today spoke about the &quot;Prime Time Exposure&quot; of playing Saturday night at 8 pm on ABC and the Elite Broadcasting Team (and no, this time, he is not talking about Kay-Nay, the Mayor and moi). It is exciting for the coaches , players and fans.<br /> Having Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4984648 SUNDAY/MONDAY- Ok, it's actually early Monday morning when I write this after watching Game Four of the World Series (which we will talk about on SportsTalk on Monday Night on WTIC). But I have been thinking about the Rutgers loss quite a bit since games' end.<br /> <br /> The Huskies fourth loss of the season was to me at least, the most disappointing. Trailing from the opening kickoff, at one point Mon, 2 Nov 2009 01:10:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4972014 STORRS: Today seemed like the first normal football day since the&nbsp;Jasper Howard murder. The head coach said as much today with the media. He mentioned the 6:45 meeting and talking to the players, who had to be tired after the emotional trip to Miami for Jazz funeral on Monday.<br /> <br /> Give mad props to former Huskies Tyler Lorenzen, Donald Brown, Donald Thomas and Julius Williams for attending Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:53:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4942447 STORRS- As you might have expected, there are many unfamiliar faces as the press conference, some guy in a suit next to me is thumbing thru the UConn media guide, looking for information on Jazz.<br /> <br /> The depth chart has Blidi Wreh-Wilson moving up to first string cornerback, replacing Jazz. <br /> <br /> There is much sadness in the defensive meeting room ,which is where we always hold the weekly luncheon. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:22:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4901264 SUNDAY NIGHT: It was Thursday night that Jasper Howard and Jordan Todman joined me in the TV studio at the Burton Family Football Complex for the Coaches Show. It was 20 of the best minutes of the season. We joked about Jaz growing his hair out, the&nbsp;snow that day and what was a kid from Miami doing in Storrs, who was faster, etc.&nbsp; Two outstanding young men.<br /> <br /> And now, today, tragically, one Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:06:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4889813 STORRS- Forget the calendar, winter has come to this quaint little college town ITS SNOWING...ITS OCTOBER 15TH (better known for being the birthday of my boss, the incomperable Jenneen L.Lee). But, the Huskies are up on the Hill practicing outdoors since it doesnt sound like the weather forecast is much better for Saturday (I dont think we are expecting snow in East Hartford)<br /> <br /> Much like the Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:21:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4878045 STORRS: Lots to catch up on after today's weekly football media day here in Storrs. <br /> <br /> It appears Cody Endres has won the starting quarterback job. Zach Frazier appeared in the cafeteria for interviews and even&nbsp; though I didn't talk to him, my colleagues indicate he wasn't thrilled with the decision. I understand that you normally don't lose a starting job due to injury, but to me, it's the Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4861540 STORRS: For the second time in five weeks, there was as much news made in the cafeteria at the &nbsp;Burton Family Football Complex as there was in the press conference. Head Coach Randy Edsall came in and told the assembled media that injured junior linebacker Scott Lutrus had been cleared to practice and was listed as probable for&nbsp; Saturdays game with Pittsburgh. The Brookfield native has Tue, 6 Oct 2009 13:53:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4818589 Sunday- Two injury repots from Randy Edsall in the Sunday Teleconference. Kijuan Dabney reinjured his shoulder during pre game warmups and is thru for the season. He will undergo surgery soon. It's too bad because he worked hard to get back from his&nbsp;pre season shoulder injury and really played well against North Carolina in the abscence of Scott Lutrus.<br /> <br /> Meme Wylie will be out 4-6 weeks with a Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:56:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4764513 FRIDAY- Once upon a time, in a far different football kindgom, the teams from Connecticut and Rhode Island met every year. In fact from 1946 thru 1993 and then again from 1995 thru 2000, they DID meet every year. Some of the battles were epic. Wayne&nbsp;will probably wax poetic about the game at Kingston in 1985 when Tom Erhardt and the Rams stormed back from a huge defecit to win 58-42. My biggest Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4760398 TUESDAY- Here I sit in the bowels of Gampel Pavillion where the print journalists write their stories after UConn basketball games. To my left is blogmaster extraordinaire Chip Malafronte, concocting another spicy version of Ramblings from the Runway. Sometimes we are joined by another blogger of the first degree, Des Conner from The Courant. <br /> But today, it's just Chip and myself. and having Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:23:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4735969 Two road games, two road wins for the UConn Huskies. Saturdays 30-22 win at Baylor was much more impressive than the victory over Ohio for a variety of reasons.<br /> <br /> UConn took it to the Bears from start to finish. The offensive and defensive lines were dominant. The big un's on offense opened the holes that allowed Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman to run for 252 net yards. ..Equally impressive is Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:52:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4721619 An interesting day at the Burton Family Football Complex. The head coach told the assembled members of the Fourth Estate that starting quarterback Cody Endres and Lindsey Witten were suffering from &quot;intestinal issues&quot; and would not be at practice this afternoon.<br /> <br /> Then, a writer told&nbsp; the HFC (head football coach) that Endres hinted in the post game interview that he wasn't Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:41:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4696011 SUNDAY- Obviously a painful and disappointing loss for the Huskies Saturday against North Carolina. Painful in two regards,the mental anguish of losing and physically painful with the loss of quarterback Zach Frazier and tight end Ryan Griffen for probably two weeks.<br /> <br /> So now, we get a chance to see Cody Endress at the helm of the Connecticut offense. He certainly wasn't awful in his two starts Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:01:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4681628 Friday- What a dreary draggy day it is. It has forced the Rock Cats to postpone Game 3 of the Eastern League Northern Division Finals against the Defenders. Game 3 now Saturday night, 6:35 first pitch at New Britain Stadium, 6:05 with Jeff Dooley and yours truly on 965 HD2 and WTIC.com<br /> <br /> It's also the day before the UConn football home opener against North Carolina at the Rent. By now, you may Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:37:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4676804 The football coach didn't seem as perturbed at his team as he did immediately after Saturdays win, realizing on Sunday that a road win to open the season should never, ever be scoffed at. He talked about freshman defensive end Trevardo Williams, who&nbsp;entertained a half dozen media members after lunch, looked back at all the mistakes in last years North Carolina game, and talked about the new punt Wed, 9 Sep 2009 11:19:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4659816 SUNDAY: Football isnt scored like figure skating or synchronized swimming or gymnastics. There are no style points,all the points are earned on the field.<br /> <br /> That is probably a good thing for the UConn Huskies because Saturday nights 23-16 win at Ohio wasn't the prettiest in the world. In a sense, it was a typical season opener. Good plays, and bad plays. Players who played well and players who Sun, 6 Sep 2009 21:41:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4644173 FRIDAY- Air Husky hits the wild blue yonder about 2 this afternoon as the UConn Football team head to Athens....Athens Ohio for the season opener tomorrow night with Ohio University. It's only the second time in the&nbsp;BCS era that UConn has opened on the road (2007,Duke) but this will be a different environment.<br /> <br /> The Ohio Marketing staff have been promoting this game on their website since Fri, 4 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4638196 Today, some thoughts on the UConn defense, which has been a key to their success over the last two years.<br /> <br /> The line lost lots of talent in Cody Brown, Julius Williams,Rob Lunn and Marcus Campbell. But the cupboard isn't bare. <br /> The experience is in the middle with Kendall Reyes, Twyon Martin, Alex Polito and Brandon Dillon back. Reyes and Martin could be as good a pair of defensive tackles as Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:13:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4630918 Wednesday AM- Game week is here for the Huskies. And not a minute too soon. Everyone, coaches and players alike, said they are anxious to get the sesaon started Saturday night in Ohio. <br /> <br /> Randy Edsall likes the way this team has bonded and especially likes the leadership of his captains. The lawfirm of Lutrus, Sherman, McClain and Cullen have really worked hard to make this a team. BTW,&nbsp; it Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:44:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4623308 Thanks to my industrious (and fabulous) girlfriend Cheryl and a curiosity on my part, I am now TWITTERING. Thats right you can follow the tweets (that is what they are called, right?) @JoeDSports. <br /> <br /> There wont be salacious newsroom stories ,at least not at first, or facts about Wayne Norman that you don't already know (the Boom Box Parade was awesome) but just little show previews, notes on Wed, 8 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4311527 Clearwater, FL. Ok, I am channeling one of the greatest songs by CCR&nbsp;(Credence Clearwater Revival) to describe the desperate straits we are in at the Big East Baseball Championship.&nbsp; This part of Florida hadn't seen rain for a month and now, they are making up for it all in a week. Unfortunately, it's the week that the conference baseball tournament came to Bright House Field.<br /> <br /> There Thu, 21 May 2009 19:35:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4042947 DETROIT- Not many natives of Husky Nation left in Detroit. The UConn Huskies flew home at 1 today after last night's disappointing 82-73 loss to Michigan State in the Final Four. I would imagine most of the fans have flown the coop with only the real basketball diehards hanging around for the Spartans and&nbsp;North Carolina &nbsp;tomorrow night for the National Championship.<br /> <br /> Michigan State Sun, 5 Apr 2009 18:21:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3779508 DETROIT- 9:20AM-- A relatively quiet morning on Radio Row @&nbsp;Cobo Center.. Us, Cleveland, Miami and 1050 In New York rolling, or ready to roll. Bob Joyce is at KMOX in St Louis as we do a special edition of SportsTalk, getting the juices flowing&nbsp; for what is a huge weekend for college basketball in our state.<br /> <br /> You have read all the stories about how it seems like the Huskies are talked Sat, 4 Apr 2009 10:06:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3777556 Truth be told, there is no music I love more than the Motown Sound. Four Tops, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, it is all terrific... <br /> <br /> And there is nowhere I would rather be this weekend that Motown, AKA&nbsp;Detroit for the Final Four. Getting to go to the Crown Jewel of College Basketball is always special.&nbsp; I talked with my colleague from Villanova, Ryan Fannon who has attended Final Thu, 2 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3769086 GLENDALE,AZ- The press conferences the day between the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 were endless. The five starters and the coach on the dais, then only the coach for another half hour while the players go to the &quot;breakout&quot; rooms for one on ones..&nbsp;Both teams with the media for an hour.<br /> <br /> But Friday was interesting to watch the two teams in the spotlight. Missouri seemed loose, excited to try Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:37:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3740995 GLENDALE, AZ- At 4:07 Mountain Standard Time this afternoon, the talk about recruiting violations will be put on hold. The focus will be on basketball for the UConn Huskies, specifically the NCAA&nbsp;Western Regional Semis against Purdue.<br /> <br /> Matt Painter's team stumbled down the stretch, losing 3 of their last 4 but then ko'd Penn State, Illinois and Ohio State to win their first Big Ten Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:31:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3731959 GLENDALE AZ.- Needless to say, no one expected this type of day when our heads hit the pillow last night in Arizona. It was turned upside down by the Yahoo Sports report about alleged recruiting violations in the UConn men's program surrounding the recruitment of Nate Miles.<br /> <br /> From the time the story broke around 10 eastern until late at nght, it is all that anyone who covers the program talked Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:42:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3728124 To paraphrase Horace Greeley (a terrific point guard in the 1800's) , the UConn Huskies head to the desert on Tuesday to prepare for the Sweet 16 of the West Regionals... Awaiting them, the Purdue Boilermakers, who survived an upset bid by Northern Iowa and then beat Washington in Portland, not an easy accomplishment. They won the Big 10 tournament title, finished tied for second in the regular Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:38:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3713932 PHILADEDLPHIA:&nbsp; Needless to say it was a full afternoon at the Wachovia Center.It was during the first half of the Texas A&amp;M-BYU game that I learned that Jim Calhoun wouldn't be coaching today. You have heard the story by now and the best wish is that Jim spends a restful night in the hospital and comes out on Friday.<br /> <br /> The game started slowly for UConn but once they got things headed Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:58:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3698265 PHILADELPHIA- It doesn't feel like a week since the epic 6 overtime game with Syracuse, things happen quickly once the field of 65 is announced for the NCAA&nbsp;tournament. And today, it's time for UConn to get back in the pool as they play Chattanooga.<br /> <br /> The Mocs showed respect for UConn during yesterdays pre game press conferences, but certainly no fear. Nor should they after a pre conference Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3695384 It's less than 24 hours before the NCAA pairings are announced (6 pm on WTIC-NewsTalk 1080 and WTIC.com). The debate continues concerning whether UConn is a #1 seed. <br /> <br /> With Michigan State getting waffled by Ohio State, I would say the Huskies are a lock for a #1. Yes, they have lost three times in the last four weeks. Yes, they are not the same team without Jerome Dyson (just like Carolina Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:32:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3670130 NEW YORK CITY- Finally, by the time eleven teams will have already been eliminated from the 2009 Big East tournament, the UConn Huskies take the floor tonite. And really, who else did you expect to see on the other side but Syracuse. The Orange have&nbsp;sent the Huskies home in three of the last four tournaments and come in off a solid win against Seton Hall. <br /> <br /> The game was tight until a couple of Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:43:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3659714 Here is how you can tell Saturday's UConn- Pittsburgh game is a big one. Thursday's media availability after practice had what must have been the largest turnout of the season. All of the beat writers, three TV&nbsp;stations, columnists, writers from NBC&nbsp;Sports and the New York Daily News, and even the flagship radio station (which doesn't normally get out to practice). All looking for the Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3630164 A week of rest for the UConn men as they get ready for the regular season finale at Pittsburgh (11:30 AM Saturday on WTIC). Wins over Marquette (best of the year) and Notre Dame (they did what they had to do) have the Huskies in postition to do what&nbsp;they set out to do before every season, win the Big East Regular Season title. <br /> <br /> That is ALWAYS one goal, not the only goal but a very important Mon, 2 Mar 2009 16:34:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3604963 Milwaukee:&nbsp; Hello from the home of the&nbsp;Brewers and the fictitious Shotz Brewery (employer of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney). Tonight, amidst all the hubub created by (more later).... , UConn takes on Marquette. It has the potential to&nbsp;be one of the best games of the season at what should be a rowdy Bradley Center.<br /> <br /> Most games, UConn goes in with an experience advantage. Not Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3579001 The biggest Monday is the last Monday of the season, when the national championship game is played in Detroit. <br /> Tonite is a Big Monday, UConn and PIttsburgh at the XL&nbsp;Center. Anytime you get two top five teams locking horns, it's special. When they are the top two ranked teams in their conference ,it's something extra special.<br /> <br /> Pittsburgh has won five straight by scoring the ball. DeJuan Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:09:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3530366 UConn's first game without Jerome Dyson wasn't smooth,except for one regal man in the middle. The 62-54 win over Seton Hall featured lots of up and down moments but in the end, the better team won because it had the best player on the floor.<br /> <br /> Hasheem Thabeet was simply magnificent, 25 points, 20 rebounds and at least nine blocks. Jim Calhoun thinks there might have been several more but we'll Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3525532 UConn's 12th straight win required them to get down and dirty against Syracuse. Not in an illegal way, just having to fight and scrap and claw to get past the Orange. The 63-49 margin wasn't indicative of how hard the Huskies had to work for most of&nbsp;the 40 minutes.<br /> <br /> Again, most of the post game plaudits were centered around the center, Hasheem Thabeet. More and more people are coming to Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3512886 Tonite, it's back to the Big East with two of the Original 7 schools locking horns at UConn. It's ironic that even when UConn was struggling with it's Big East pedigree in the early 80's and Syracuse was among the league's best teams, the Huskies always&nbsp; found ways to beat the Orange(men, in those days). Syracuse longest winning streak against UConn was only four games. <br /> <br /> Okay, enough of Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:27:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3506316 If you chose Michigan's fight song &quot;Hail to the Victors&quot; as the best in college sports, not many people would argue with you. Some might choose USC's, some Texas, others Tennessee. But in this case. &quot;Hail to the Victors&quot; is a salute to the UConn men for their hard fought Gampel win over Michigan on Saturday night at Gampel.<br /> <br /> It was exactly the type of game you would expect Sun, 8 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3486931 LOUISVILLE:&nbsp; Now&nbsp; THAT was&nbsp; impressive! UConn took apart Louisville in a fashion that not even the most ardent Huskies supporter could have expected. The 68-51 final score was indicative of just how good UConn performed in their first&nbsp;game as the #1 ranked team in the country.<br /> <br /> The Cardinals brought lots of energy early, jumping out to a 14-9 lead.But them, the Huskies went on a Mon, 2 Feb 2009 23:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3453441 LOUISVILLE- By the time UConn take the court @&nbsp;Freedom Hall tonite against Louisville, they will be the Number One ranked team in the country. Are they the best team?&nbsp;Who knows, that's why they have the NCAA tournament. . It seems that most experts agree that they aren't the best team but the way the rankings work, they will be #1 for the 8th different time in school history. Just think Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:21:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3450119 ROSEMONT,ILLINOIS-&nbsp; Ok, having been here (meaning suburban Chicago) since Sunday afternoon, I, like the natives are Blaggo'd out! Today, the story of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was on Page 22 of the Tribune (which is now a tabloid) and Page 18 of the Sun-Times. The TV stations didn't lead with it on their 11 AM News (don't forget, everything is an hour earlier out Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:11:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3427407 SOUTH BEND, INDIANA- Sunday morning @ 12:35.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are a UConn fan, it was a great night for the Huskies. The 69-61 win at Notre Dame ended the Irish 45 game home winning streak, their 20 game Big East home winning streak and established the Huskies as one of the nation's best team.<br /> <br /> It also established this team's identidy. We have been wondering all year what it was. Well Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:43:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3407593 SOUTH BEND- If you watched College GameDay, you got an idea of what kind of reception UConn will receive tonite at the Joyce Athletic Center when they try to snap Notre Dame's 45 game home court winning streak. It was loud,raucous, their were signs that went the tired old laptop route and it was a small sample of what the Huskies face tonite.<br /> <br /> But Hall of Famer Bob Knight had it right after Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:19:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3406739 With apologies to Drew Carey and of course Bob Barker, the Price was right for UConn last night or the Huskies winning streak would have ended at 5. A.J. Price was brilliant in UConn's 89-83 XL&nbsp;Center win over Villanova.<br /> <br /> It wasn't just his 29 points, 20 in the first half when he singlehandedly kept UConn in the game. It was the aggresive way that he played, the exuberance that he played Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:23:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3398651 What I would have given to be able to be in Washington today for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. But since I don't think I would have had the VIP&nbsp;seats of Jim Calhoun, sitting in front of the television was the next best thing. Watching the departure to the church , the arrival at the White House, the entire inauguration ceremony, walking President and Mrs.Bush to the helicopter Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3385789 The last time we saw UConn at the XL Center, it was their forgettable lose to Georgetown...Since they, they have reeled off four straight wins over three teams that will all play on Tuesday in the Big East tournament and a good West Virginia team.<br /> <br /> There are still questions surrounding this group like<br /> A)- Who takes the big shot, will it be A.J.Price, Jerome Dyson or someone else.<br /> <br /> B)- Will Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:53:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3372992 CINCINNATI- It's a rainy Saturday in the Queen City, six hours before UConn and&nbsp;Cincinnati tee it up for the only time this season. Last year's two games were memorable, the one here included a UConn comeback from 74-62 in the second half and the season finale was a game that UConn led at one point 36-5.<br /> <br /> I don't think today will be 36-5 but I think it has a better chance to be that tha Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:47:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3333654 I don't remember the first time I met Michael P.Peters. I'm sure it was after I came to WTIC in May of 1992. I'm sure it included us talking about being alumni of St. Augustine's School and South Catholic High School. Whenever it was, it was one of the luckiest days of my life. Because I came in contact with one of the best people I have ever met.<br /> <br /> To know Mayor Mike was to love him. His zest Thu, 8 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3325549 MORGANTOWN- UConn's 61-55 win over West Virginia was a good old fashioned Big East version of rock em-sock em robots.(one of the great toys ever invented). Both teams fought for 40 minutes and in the end, it was UConn that came out with the win.<br /> <br /> Here are my three stars <br /> <br /> 1)- Stanley Robinson:&nbsp; I talked with Jim Calhoun on the pre game about the problems with encouraging Sticks to be Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3313750 It's been two days since UConn rallied from 10 down to beat Buffalo in the International Bowl in Toronto. Let's be honest kids, if UConn wasn't its own worst enemy in the first half, they might have won 50-0. They were that dominant over Buffalo. Kudos to the Connecticut defense for hanging in when the offense and special teams were having serious problems holding onto the football. Once that Tue, 6 Jan 2009 00:37:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3307133 TORONTO- The festivities for the players are over except the big one, the International Bowl itself. Today, I was one of 750 indivuduals who listed to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the keynote speaker of the Kickoff Luncheon. He was riveting and was able to draw parallels between sports and racial relations and the way our country has grown.<br /> <br /> The luncheon also honored the members of the 1958 Buffalo Fri, 2 Jan 2009 17:20:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3295824 Toronto-&nbsp; The last time I&nbsp;got news like this, I was also in Canada, covering the Whalers 7th game of the 1992 Stanley Cup series against Montreal. I was working at WPOP&nbsp;and heard from friends at the station that three colleagues were being let go.&nbsp; It was a sad day, even before the Whale lost, what turned out to be their final playoff game ever represeting Hartford.<br /> <br /> Today, Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3283780 10:14 PST, Sunday, 12-21- There is a lot about my job that makes me think it is one of the best in the entire broadcasting industry.&nbsp; A Fabulous broadcast partner, terrific technical support people, management people who give a damn about their&nbsp;help, outstanding coaches to work with, athletes who are phenominal to deal with, sports information people who do everything in their power to help</object> Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:33:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3246922 SEATTLE:&nbsp; Jim Calhoun referenced the San Antonio comeback against Duke. Others were in agreement that Saturday's comeback from 11 down in the second half to beat Gonzaga 88-83 in overtime that it was UConn's best win since the national championshp season. You would be hard pressed to disagree.<br /> <br /> When the Huskies fell behind by double digits with just under 12 minutes to play, there was</object> Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:15:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3243989 Greetngs from the snowy, slippery Pacific Northwest. Everyone, and I mean everyone, who made it out here had some sort of delay but as of&nbsp; 330 PST (630 where you are) on Friday, everyone was accounted for and present.<br /> <br /> UConn practiced from 11-1 Pacific time @ Key Arena, former home to Ray Allen and the Seattle Super Sonics and still home to Sue Bird and the Seattle Storm. Former Seton Hall</object> Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:33:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3241642 You have probably read by now that Jim Calhoun wasn't very happy with the Huskies defense against Stony Brook. No surprise there. The first game after exams is usually reminiscent of a tooth extraction and parts of the game against the Seawolves was&nbsp;no different... But I thought the last 15 minutes or so were pretty good for the Huskies.<br /> <br /> But the opoosition gets much, much tougher starting</object> Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3220521 The Big East Coaches got it right. There was no more valuable offensive player in the league this season than Donald Brown and today, &quot;The Donald&quot; was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year.<br /> <br /> His numbers are staggering, leading the nation in rushing. The way Brown has run this season is equally impressive. 9 games with 100 yards or more, his long TD runs, it was his year. Brown</object> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:59:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3191344 It was not the way any of the UConn Huskies wanted the 19 seniors who were playing their final home game at Rentschler Field to go out. A demoralizing, disappointing 34-10 loss to Pittsburgh that ends the regular season at 7-5.<br /> <br /> The momenteum in this game changed suddenly. Pitt, impotent offensively in the first half, got a 67 yard, 6 play drive on their first possesion of the third quarter to</object> Sat, 6 Dec 2008 22:02:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3169189 It's not Two Fer Tuesday but the Notebook version, combining blogs on Thursday's basketball game and Saturday's football game.<br /> <br /> <br /> The basketball team escaped with their unbeaten record in Buffalo. If not for Hasheem Thabeet, the game wouldn't have been close. Jeff Adrien also played well but this night belonged to the Big Fella. His numbers were impressive but it was his impressive presence in</object> Fri, 5 Dec 2008 17:05:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3166581 AMHERST NY- Shocking, it doesn't snow every day in Buffalo, it just seems that way. Although, there are flurries in the forecast for later and &quot;lake effect&quot; snow tonite. Ok, enough with the weather forecaster impersonation.<br /> <br /> UConn shot around this morning at Alumni Arena where they will play the University at Buffalo tonite. It's not the pit I imagined, sort of like a mini version of</object> Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3159481 It's official. Cincinnati is the Big East Football Champion and heading to a BCS game. WOW. I didn't see that one coming, especially after UConn beat them up in the second half at the Rent on October 25th. Give them all the credit. Brian Kelly has done a real good job there, but don't forget, most of the players were brought in by Mark D'Antonio before he went to Michigan State..<br /> <br /> <br /> You would</object> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:12:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3129985 It was a long, quiet ride home for the UConn football team on Sunday Night/Monday morning after their 17-13 loss to South Florida. The Huskies knew, that much like the loss to Rutgers, this was a road win that got away.<br /> <br /> And again, it was special teams breakdowns that were critical. A long kickoff return by Dontavia Bogan set up a 30 yard touchdown drive on the Bulls first possesion. A short</object> Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:44:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3109145 We are well into our Seven Games in Six Days Marathon on WTIC. Last night, a tough win for the Men in the Virgin Islands. First off, good job by Wayno and Phil Chardis on the broadcast. It's not the first time that&nbsp; &quot;Chards&quot; has been behind the mike and it showed. He gave great insight and analysis. And my broadcast partner of 17 years did a great job on the play by play. There is</object> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:39:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3100783 Four games in four days on the UConn Radio Network. I will let my friend Bob Joyce give you the lowdown on the womens' opener. Here are some quick thoughts on the three games I broadcast.<br /> <br /> <br /> TAMING THE CATAMOUNTS &nbsp;- Real solid effort by the big people and Jerome Dyson. If Dyson can play at that level 85-90% of the time, then the Huskies have the chance to be good...real good... Thabeet and</object> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:31:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3074233 Three games in four days, fun but a lot of homework. I tell people if I had done this much homework when I was at the late, great South Catholic High School...... But enough about that, let's start to look ahead <br /> <br /> MENS HOOPS v&nbsp; WESTERN CAROLINA-<br /> Larry Hunter is the coach , he coached Ohio when they beat UConn in the Big Island Invitational in 93-94.His team went thru a great deal of</object> Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:13:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3048830