Red Cup Rebellion: FanPosts

Hecklin': Louisville

2010-03-10T15:29:59Z

[Thanks again to Freak A Leak for this]

I know it is merely Wednesday (ED: Frontpag'd on Thursday), but I wanted to give you all plenty of time to study up, because this one is a biggie. Don't let this keep you from Austin Peay tonight (ED: I've gotta get to these things sooner), but, gentlemen, start yer learnin'.

Here is your outfield lineup according to the Louisville roster. They all play exclusively in the outfield, unless they are specifically mentioned as playing other positions on the team. Other people of interest for this team are: Andrew Clark (#24, 1B) and Coach Dan McDonnell are both former Rebels, so be sure to give them a warm welcome home. Also, RHP Matt Lea (#15) is a former Mississippi State bulldog, so if and when he plays remind him that he likes humping legs or drinking peepee (ED: I added that second part) or something.

Louisville's site gave plenty of good info to use. It's almost like they invite hecking.

1. Drew Haynes, #1: Born in Louisville to Paula and Richard Haynes, he is the youngest of three siblings. He can do back flips, and wears #1 because he likes Ozzie Smith. Like any baseball player with half of a brain, he doesn't have a facebook or, if he does, he hides it well.

2. Stewart Ijames, #5: Born in Owensboro, KY, to George and Joan Ijames on 8/21/88.

Says his facebook info, and I quote:

My name is Stewart Ijames i attend the University Of Louisville and i graduate in 2011. I am an athletic person and hate to loose, so i will try till it is over. My main goals in life are to become an Major League Baseball Player. I was drafted out of High School by the Brewers but turned it down to get my education. If there is anythig else you want to know feel free to ask.

Do what you'd like with that. (ED: Ijames, is that kinda like the iPod?! HA BURRRRRN BITCH)

3. Mike Morrison, # 14: Also plays 1B. Son of Randy and Jackie Morrison. Has one sister, Amy. Tread lightly when talking about Amy, because I couldn't find her age. Majoring in sport administration at U of L. His dad was a professional kickboxer. Mike played at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City before he ended up at UL. One of the "bullpen boozers"* likes screaming "go back to community college", so consider using this on Mike. Couldn't get much out of his facebook, but he likely doesn't use it much, as his picture is still of him in the bullpen at GCCC.

4. Jarred Clarkson, #17: Jarred smiles like a dumbass. He has a brother, Grant, who I assume is in that picture with him. His father Tim played college basketball at Cumberland College and his mother Lori played softball at Western Kentucky University.

5. Josh Richmond, #32: Is a Junior education major. His favorite cereal (?) is frosted mini wheats. He is the only person ever that still watches MTV. The son of Heather and Jim Richmond. Jim played ball at EKU.

6. Nate Holland, #37: Born in Decatur, AL to Dean and Teri Holland. He has an older brother and a younger sister. He is a relatively boring guy until I checked his birthday. 3/14/89. That means the kid will be celebrating his 21st birthday on Sunday.

7. Phil Wunderlich, #44: Also plays 3B. I dare you to try not to use the phrase "wunderlich my balls." His parents are named Lary and Mary. Hidden on Facebook.

8. Drew Fitzpatrick, #45: He wants to be a biochemist, but he's only a freshman, so give him time to change his mind. He also loves to landscape(?). Son of Thomas and Linda Fitzpatrick. Has one brother, Michael.

There's your list. These guys must have a team rule to have their facebook locked, because there wasn't much to work with. Good luck.

*This is the group of Louisville Baseball fans who are making the trip for the game. They are called the Louisville Bullpen Boozers. Obviously, they will be drinking heavily. Show ‘e m how it's done, boys.

Bubble Watching

2010-03-08T00:52:05Z

I could not get the image to paste very clearly, so please click on the link to look at it big. This is based on data as of Sunday afternoon. These 22 teams are Lunardi's bubble teams, and there are supposedly 11 spots available for these 22 teams.

via img696.imageshack.us

So what to take from this:

The number on the right is the number of green (good) minus the number of red (bad) characteristics. This is only a rough estimate of overall profile because it (incorrectly) assumes that all factors are equal and does not account for extremes.
We are right in the middle. Pretty average across the board, but that is better than a lot of teams which are bad in many spots.
Georgia Tech is at the top, but they are 7-9 in conference. In past years, that has been a killer.
UConn is above us, but their 7-11 conference record is surely too much to overcome.
State is pretty much living off their wins over us. They have nothing else that gets them in the conversation.
Most think that Illinois is in due to their good wins, but the rest of their resume is severely lacking.
It doesn't really make sense for a team to only be green in RPI, but several are. San Diego State has not done much, but they're sporting a very good 33 RPI.
If we were to beat Tennessee, we'd go green in Top 25 W and Top 50 W. I believe that would put us in a very favorable position.
Since I made this chart, Wake Forest beat Clemson. This ends a four game losing streak for them, gets them to 9-7 in the ACC, and gives them another quality win. They are likely off the bubble and in the tournament. So make that ten spots remaining.

Watch this weekend's Tulane series for free

2010-03-06T00:39:04Z

Follow these steps:

1. Click HERE.

2. Click "Register"

3. Click the radial button for CSTV XXL Monthly ($14.95)
4. **Important Part** - in the field labeld "Coupon Code" type in "FREEMONTH10" (it must be in capital letters) and click "apply coupon"
4b. This will change the price of the monthly package to $0. Now click Register
5. No Credit Card info is needed. Put in an email address, your birthday, password, etc. and register.
6. Send a message to ColonelJohnSartoris thanking him for being such a badass.

Unaffiliated, Uncouth and Possibly Raucous Pre-game Gathering Tonight.

2010-03-05T19:21:50Z

[ED: Frontpag'd. Thanks Oxpatch.]

This is a city known for food, booze, music and nudity. Tell me, why aren't you going to be there this weekend?

My bad for the late timing, but these things usually flesh out late. Myself, a few OM fans and regrettably, Tulaners will be soaking up some libations at a little dive bar across the street from Turchin Stadium this afternoon.

Robert's Bar is the place, 5ish is the time. I'll be the asshole with a red polo and white OM bar hat

Let's get it on.

Red Cup Rebellion is proudly endorses college baseball, the City of New Orleans, and libations. If you're within driving distance and have cash to blow, do it.

The rebranding of the University of Mississippi

2010-03-05T02:29:12Z

Branding is used in advertising to give consumers an identity to associate to a corporation. How do you change the branding of a major university without losing the identity those supporters have become accustomed to identifying with the university.

If you change too drastically you will lose the support base that has made your company successful. If you take away core symbols of that branding, what will be the backlash and how can it be overcome?

How can the University of Mississippi make this change successfully?

I have given arguments from someone who has associated the "branding" of the university with the Rebels, civil war and old traditions for 32 years. How can the school change without alienating 45 plus years of supporters?

It appears to me the university could use some professional help in their endeavors, maybe they have received that help and have been told it will be a long and painful process.

Ackbar is scary looking, and I can't see the association with a black bear unless we change from being the Rebels to the Black Bears. I don't see that idea going over too well either.

Are we in the middle of the process now and it will be the slow and painful process, or is the administration just playing it by ear?

We seem to have some impressive people who appear to know the answers to everything. How do we get an entire generation of Rebels on board with a change to improve our perception to the outside world.

Hecklin': Tulane

2010-03-04T03:25:29Z

[ED: In keeping with the established Rebel hecklin' tradition, reader Sneak a Leak has provided us with crucial information concerning our weekend opponent's outfield lineup. Learn this information and use it well. If you've got anything else of import to add, do so in the comments.]

Brandon Boudreaux, #4: A freshman, so he likely won't start. Girlfriend is named Rebecca Coady. It's likely that you can do something with the name "Boudreaux". His girlfriend is pretty hot.
Cody Robinson, #3: Couldn't find much on this fella. Another Freshman OF, son of William and Cheryl Robinson.
Nick Boullosa, #16: The son of Joe Boullosa and Nancy Gravel. He has two brothers: Matt Boullosa and Sean Fazende; and three sisters: Amy and Ashley Boullosa, and Kelly Fazende. Looks like he starts. His Facebook pictures indicate that he hates the New York Yankees. He's a total Bro [ED: Like, "whoa broseph let's go boarding" or "damn, bro, I preesh you hookin' me up with those Nickelback tickets"?]. Looks like his 21st birthday is coming up next week.
Greg Miller, #23: OF and 3rd Baseman. Son of Greg and Karen Miller. He has a twin sister Allie, a younger brother named Patrick, and younger sister named Mary-Kate. Went to Avon Old Farms High School. See what you can do with that.
Gunner Wright, #31: OF and RHP. Yes, that's his actual born name. Son of Keith and Chelle Wright. Girlfriend's name is Annie Vallandingham. This is a quote from his Facebook profile: "my name is gunner...My sign of love making is gemini. i am not sure what my girlfriend is but i hope she is compatible."
Frank Anthony Florio #34: Girlfriend's name is Tessa Gavilsky. Son of Rozanne and Frank Florio. Majoring in Political Science and would like to become a politician.
Quinn Pippin #44: OF and 3rd Baseman. He's a freshman and the son of Craig and Belinda Pippin. This guy's profile picture looks like the movie poster for Brokeback Dormitory.

Evolution and Growth of Ole Miss Baseball

2010-03-03T16:34:20Z

*I originally posted this to Scout, but figured I would see if you guys thought enough of it to be worth contributing.

I was a student from 2001-2006 (victory lap) and was out in right field for almost every game except for part of the 2003 season when they didn’t allow coolers out there. As I usually took full advantage of the atmosphere in right field, my own interpretations are questionable at best. So I looked up statistics from Coach Bianco’s tenure here. We all know how ridiculously easy it is to use stats to “prove” just about anything you want, so I tried to come up with a way to show the overall trend in our program. I looked at overall record, SEC record, team ERA, team batting average, extra base hits, team on-base percentage, team fielding percentage, runs per game, attendance, and star power. The last one may be a bit nebulous, but I think there is an advantage when there are unquestioned team leaders either pitching or swinging the bat (or both in a couple instances). I thought about including a goat of the year category, but it wouldn’t really serve any purpose and besides, some of our former players read this board and there is no reason to pick on them. I don’t know if Coach Bianco will ever take his club to Omaha, but looking at how far this program has come in the last ten years, I suspect that it is really only a matter of time. I will put the composite chart first and then year-by-year afterwards turning back to clock to 2000 to begin with.

Composite Chart

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2009 44-20 20-10 4.06 .310 .398 .970 194 7.34

2008 39-26 15-15 4.06 .295 .372 .966 206 6.55

2007 40-25 16-14 3.58 .308 .376 .976 171 6.29

2006 44-22 17-13 4.73 .309 .379 .974 223 7.32

2005 48-20 18-12 3.67 .321 .398 .974 239 7.37

2004 39-21 18-12 3.66 .296 .365 .972 181 6.13

2003 35-27 17-13 3.45 .284 .358 .960 173 5.29

2002 37-19 14-16 4.52 .318 .394 .955 165 7.02

2001 39-23-1 17-13 4.64 .300 .386 .962 186 6.97

2000 30-25 12-17 4.93 .285 .356 .961 156 6.00

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2000 30-25 12-17 4.93 .285 .356 .961 156 6.00

Notes: In Coach Pat Harrison’s final season at the helm of Ole Miss Baseball, he would turn in a disappointing season. The Rebels would fail to reach both the SEC tournament and NCAA play.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2001 39-23-1 17-13 4.64 .300 .386 .962 186 6.97

Notes: In Coach Bianco’s first year, Rebel fans were delighted to have an improved campaign. The Rebels made the SEC tournament and won two games, but were eliminated by two losses to LSU. The Rebels then traveled to New Orleans for the NCAA tournament, won one game against Southern, but were eliminated in two losses to Oklahoma State. Berney Hutchinson and Josh Christian led the team at the plate, with Pete Montrenes and Adam Yates delivering strong seasons from the mound. This would also be the final year for two of our current assistant coaches, Carl Lafferty and Matt Mossberg. In CMB’s first season, we averaged less than 1800 fans per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2002 37-19 14-16 4.52 .318 .394 .955 165 7.02

Notes: What a joy it was to find out that Ole Miss students had a haven for their raucous cheers and derogatory curses slung at opposing right fielders. As a high school baseball player without the requisite skills to continue, I was delighted to find that right field was both reserved for student debauchery, and free. It wasn’t a great year by today’s albeit much higher standards, and the Rebels failed to make both the SEC and NCAA tournaments. Seth Smith did hit over .400 though, earning distinction for SEC Freshman of the Year. Pete Montrenes and J.R. Pickens both pitched well. Alan Horne got all the hype though, and he pitched moderately well before hurting himself and transferring to Florida…At this point we were averaging about 2400 folks per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2003 35-27 17-13 3.45 .284 .358 .960 173 5.29

Notes: In the weakest offensive year under Coach Bianco, the Rebels still managed to win 17 SEC games. They beat Arkansas, but lost twice to State in the SEC tourney, and had to travel to Houston, TX for NCAA regional play against Rice. The odd thing is that they never played Rice however, and lost twice to the Wichita State Shockers, eliminating them from tournament play. There were some other bright spots however, as T.J. Beam would pitch well this year, and Stephen Head would follow Seth Smith to be the second SEC Freshman of the Year. Averaged about 2100 per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2004 39-21 18-12 3.66 .296 .365 .972 181 6.13

Notes: Noteworthy here is the hot start that the team got off to by winning 18 of their first 19 games. However this team was unable to sustain their torrid pace even though they swept Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Florida that season. They then lost two quick games in the SEC tourney, and then lost their first two in the Oxford Regional, eliminating them from the NCAA tournament. This team set the stage for the 2005 campaign, returning the core of players for the 2005 season. This would be Seth Smith’s final year, and the Rebs also said goodbye to Brae Wright, Charlie Babineaux, and the originator of the bleach blond shortstop in Matt Tolbert. Big jump in attendance this year with almost 3500 fans per home date.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2005 48-20 18-12 3.67 .321 .398 .974 239 7.37

Notes: This Spring was probably the most fun I had as a student. The Rebels boasted great pitching and great hitting that season. This team played to the finals of the SEC tournament before losing to Mississippi State. They then took care of business in the Oxford Regional, while the Maine Black Bears became fan favorites of the visiting squads that weekend. Then Texas came to town, drawing record breaking crowds to Oxford in what would be one of the most watched Super Regional series that year. This team started the precedent of winning the first game of the series to only lose the next two, foiling our dreams of cheering on the Rebs in Rosenblatt Stadium. Brian Pettway swung a mean bat that year, and Stephen Head had a great year, both on the mound and at the plate. A great quartet of Rebel pitchers in Mark Holliman, Eric Fowler, Anthony Cupps, and Matt Moloney set the pace on the hill that year. This was probably the most raw talent we have seen on one team. If there were any year that we should have put it all together, this is the one that stacks up the best statistically in more categories than any other. Attendance up this year to 4350 fans per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2006 44-22 17-13 4.73 .309 .379 .974 223 7.32

Notes: Another near miss this year. The Rebels raped and pillaged their way through the SEC tournament, handled their business in a relatively tough Oxford Regional field, and drew Miami in Oxford Super Regional play. After winning the first game, the Rebels once again came tantalizingly close to a trip to Omaha, dropping the final two games to the Hurricanes. This was one of the best offensive seasons we’ve had in the last ten, which is good since our pitching was not up to usual standards. Mark Wright provided the power on the season and came oh-so close to that magical season RBI number of 80. Zack Cozart had a great season as well, and the Rebs ran well on the base paths, going 95-117 in stolen bases. Averaged about 4850 fans per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2007 40-25 16-14 3.58 .308 .376 .976 171 6.29

Notes: A good overall season. The Rebels won two in the SEC tourney, and went on to lose consecutive games to Vanderbilt. This team breezed through the Oxford Regional and then got shafted by having to travel to Tempe to take on number 5 overall seed Arizona State in Super Regional play. They lost. They may not have scored as many runs as other years, but one thing about this team was that they pitched well and played good team defense. The Henry brothers provided most of the spark to the offense, which is good since our HR numbers were pretty low (51). Averaged 4950 fans per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2008 39-26 15-15 4.06 .295 .372 .966 206 6.55

Notes: This team reached the championship game of the SEC tournament, but lost to LSU. They then had to travel to Coral Gables for the NCAA regional and failed to advance past Miami. Overall team hitting was down, but home run numbers were up (74). There were two 9 game winning streaks this season. Cody Overbeck was our leading hitter, going yard 17 times. Matt Smith also broke Seth Smith’s freshman HR record with 14 bombs. Our pitching was expected to be exceptionally strong with Lance Lynn, Cody Satterwhite, and a healthy Scott Bittle coming in from the bullpen. And who can forget Michael Guerrero’s walk-off HR against Kentucky in the SEC tourney to beat that guy that now coaches at State. We hit our limits in pre-upgraded stadium capacity as we again averaged about 4950 fans per home game.

Year Record SEC Rec. ERA Team BA Team OB% T Field % EBH RPG

2009 44-20 20-10 4.06 .310 .398 .970 194 7.34

Notes: A win away from Omaha, the common perception of this team was that they overachieved. They tied LSU for the regular season SEC Championship, but bowed out of the tournament with 2 quick losses. The Rebels then had a tough Oxford regional draw, with hot-hitting Western Kentucky providing some drama. Virginia then came to town as the two seed from the Long Beach regional. The Rebels dropped the series in heart-breaking fashion after winning the first game of the Super Regional. This board held many debates whether our team was effective at small ball, but the facts are that we hit pretty well for power overall based on our extra base hits (EBH). This team also boasted the highest on base percentage (OB%) and a very high runs per game average (RPG). What also jumps out this team are the exceptionally high numbers in stolen bases (92-118). Drew Pomeranz provided the star power as our Friday night pitcher, starting every Friday night all season long. He also delivered two of the finest pitching performances I’ve seen in the Oxford Regional. The Rebels remained in the Top 25 for the entire season, rising as high as 7th. As a testament the growth and dedication the fan base that Coach Bianco has built, his first season we averaged less than 1800 per home game. We are now bringing in more than 7,000 per home game, and Ole Miss now ranks third in the NATION in home attendance.

Class of 1863

2010-03-01T01:01:11Z

There is nothing at Ole Miss that embodies the tradition of commitment, honor, and duty to the state and the school more than the actions of the class of 1863.

If not for their actions we wouldn't be able to lay claim to being the "Rebels". If we can't continue to honor the class of 1863 then we are frauds.

We should have a new mascot, he should be called "Johnny Reb", he should represent the commitment, honor and duty of all Rebels in representing the state of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi.

Dress him in school colors: grey pants, red or blue jacket with matching hat. He can carry a flag of "Ole Miss" in red or blue. He will look like a soldier from the past, his uniform colors will represent our school, but most important of all he will look like a student from Ole Miss.

If we are to remember any tradition at Ole Miss it should be what we learned from the class of 1863. "Commitment, honor and duty".

There is no other mascot that can express our traditions better than "Johnny Reb"

Rebel Power

2010-02-28T03:24:36Z

We all knew the baseball rebs would have a good offense this year, but I gotta say I am impressed so far. I mean we have eleven bombs in 6 games, and we are spreading the love. Of course David Phillips will cool off, but you gotta think that guys like Matt Snyder, Matt Smith, and even Mike Snyder will continue to hit the ball for power. Also, who would have thought that Zach Miller would be leading the team in rbis?

This will be a fun team to watch all year. If the pitching can continue to improve and the dominant guys stay dominant, then this team could be very dangerous come postseason. I wouldn't wanna be the guy trying to shut this team out. We got a midweek game with Memphis that we should take care of, but the first real test of the year comes against hullabaloo Tulane. This will show the baseball squad and all the fans where this team is. However, the next weekend will be a blast when the Louisville Cardinals come to Oxford with ole coach. Exciting year ahead. Come out and support the baseball team.

Admiral Ackbar

2010-02-25T22:21:00Z

At first I thought this was extremely stupid but hilarious. Now? I think this is an awesome idea. We need to realize that we are Ole Miss and there are always going to be people that will not give up on Colonel Reb. Admiral Ackbar is not only hilarious, it is different. Imagine how much publicity (we are already getting it) we would get with him. If there is anything that will help "heal" our wounds, I think if would be something as hilarious as this. If they pick something stupid like a shark or some toned down Col. Reb knock off, this controversy will never go away. Admiral Ackbar is the best way to go. It's not a trap this time.

I Still Chant TSWRA

2010-02-25T04:22:47Z

href="http://s417.photobucket.com/albums/pp259/budelliot/?action=view¤t=umad.jpg" target="_blank"> Hey Ghost, you mad? Where did you get all of these GDIs anyway? I do not believe your website to be an accurate depiction of Ole Miss supporters. Most of us are not sci-fi nerds, and you sir, are giving the rest of us a bad name. I bet you paint your chest for basketball games, don't you? Cease and desist, broham.

Allah Akbar and the Funky Chicken

2010-02-25T03:48:45Z

There was me, that is Frat, and my three bros, that is Pete, Jeffy, and Gloria, and we sat in the Library sportsbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the mascot. No press release, this is what we knew. But instead we fancied us up some ultraviolence to what we had already given to a good bloody. We were all feeling a bit shagged and fagged and fashed, it being a night of no small expenditure with we had done what to Rebel Bruiser and Rowdy Rebel and what had come before. One thing I could never stand was to see a filthy, dirty old mascot, howling away at the filthy songs of his fathers and shouting about the South as it might be a filthy old orchestra in his stinking, rotten guts. I could never stand to see anyone like that, whatever his age might be, but more especially when he was real old whitehaired like this one was. What we were after now was the old surprise visit. That was a real kick and good for laughs and lashings of the old ultraviolent.

Our rassadooks met with the same conclusion after we sucked down some milkplus, that what is served at the Library sportsbar, that is barley plus hopps and some foams. Me other bro, that is Willie James Huff a.k.a. "The Funky Chicken" a.k.a. Allah Akbar came to the Library sportsbar and we thinks the best new mascot he will be. The three plus me arranged for an interview before the announcement we were to make:

Powe mistakes Landshark, Ackbar for seafood buffet, devours them—Ole Miss to remain mascotless

2010-02-23T19:32:22Z

[EDIT: HT Rhodestar for this. The picture work is mine, the words 'n' such are his with some Whiskey Wednesday sprinkled in.]

Oxford, MS— Hope once again turned to despair in Oxford, Mississippi, today, in accordance with Ole Miss’ long-standing commitment to uphold university traditions.

After weeks of infighting, students were allowed to vote on whether or not students would have a voice in replacing the retired school mascot, Colonel Reb, with a newer, less racially divisive figure. Colonel Reb served as the school’s athletic mascot for nearly 25 years before his removal from the sideline of sporting events in 2003.

The original move by university administration to sack the Colonel was one in a series of progressive actions intended to distance the university from symbols linked to it’s racially divided past. A vote of "yes" today would have affirmed the student body’s readiness to actively participate in any future changes regarding the mascot.

As a part of several parallel campaigns to garner support for new mascots, and in hopes of encouraging student-voter turn-out, two potential replacement candidates were paraded in front of voting booths in the Student Union building overlooking the historic Grove on campus. Both mascot alternatives had become popular among students and bloggeurs in recent weeks, in part due to successful Facebook and internet campaigns, but mostly because we’re finally starting to realize how silly all this bullshit is and, thank God, make fun of ourselves.

One mascot-hopeful was Admiral Ackbar of Galactic Rebellion fame; the second, a costumed Landshark, was popularized by the Ole Miss football team’s 2008 disembowelment of Graham Harrell’s 2009 NFL draft stock.

It is also widely believed that the Landshark was responsible for a grisly November 2008 attack on a walrus, whose carcass was later recovered afloat in the Mississippi River near St. Louis.

Tragedy Strikes

Around lunch time today, the potential new mascots were seen taking pictures with children and signing autographs for Spirit Board posters when the unfortunate events unfolded. Junior elementary education major and Gulfport native Mary-Thomas McClain-McGills was handing out "Vote or you’re cut!" stickers to her pledge sisters in the plaza and witnessed what happened next:

"Like, ok, so, we’re just all standing there and like taking pictures and stuff, you know, and like these little kids were soooooo cute, y’all, I swear I was obsessed with them and was gonna take one home," McClain-McGills said, "but, like, anyway, so we’re just standing there and all of a sudden this little scooter thing comes out of nowhere and this big black man, I’m not even kidding y’all, he ate them—the mascots, I mean. And the children."

The family-friendly atmosphere of the vote quickly turned to a scene of carnage. Eye witnesses described pieces of chicken wire and chunks of foam-rubber that lay scattered across the front steps of the Union.

"The task now is to identify which pieces of the remains belong to which victim," said one UPD Officer. "No doubt alcohol was solely responsible for this crime, and perpetrators will be dealt parking tickets."

Pending confirmation from ongoing UPD investigation into the incident, RCR reporters were quick to arrive on the scene, and some sleuth investigative work immediately led to identification of the perpetrator as Jerrell Powe. When asked to explain his actions, Mr. Powe offered no reply, as he had already slipped into a state of post-feeding hibernation. Mr. Powe’s previous patterns of conduct, however, have led to early speculation that he mistook the Landshark for fried catfish, and Admiral Ackbar for a giant shrimp cocktail.

University officials scrambled to offer a hastily prepared, ill-thought-out solution, proposing that Save Colonel Reb Foundation student representative Hannah Loy serve as interim mascot. This proposal, however, has already met with controversy, with opponents quick to point out a major complication this solution would create. As one observer put it, "I thought the new mascot was supposed to make us seem less racist?"

With no agreed-upon compromise yet on the table, it appears as though Ole Miss will continue to remain without a mascot indefinitely.

Now, the same story as written for the readers representing the Colonel Reb Foundation:

AND

ENCOUNTER

AND BECOME

THE END

[Red Cup Rebellion does, in no way, endorse cannibalism or the consumption of fried foam rubber. Red Cup Rebellion does endorse catfish dinners, and will incontrovertibly remain steadfast in this endorsement for the rest of human existence.]

Rebels, Hear My Plea

2010-02-22T22:19:15Z

[ED: Frontpag'd, Rec'd, Featur'd, etc'd. Ackbar needed some help getting this to work, so I obliged. You're welcome you slimy Rebel.]

Greetings my fellow Rebels. My name is Ackbar. I am a retired Admiral of the Alliance to Restore the Republic or, as you may know it, the Glactic Rebellion. Throughout my time with the Rebellion, I worked tirelessly and selflessly as a patriot and freedom-fighter. Alongside Lando Calrissian, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and numerous other dear compatriots, I guided all of my efforts towards the successful destruction of the evil Galactic Empire.

It is in that spirit of defeating all who stand in the way of our Rebellion that I come to you today. Recently, while catching up on my Southeastern Conference football news (In my retirement, I have fallen in love with two things: The South - because it's the only place on Earth with enough humidity to keep my supple skin moist - and bone-crunching football) I learned that the Ole Miss Rebels are in need of a new figurehead of sorts. A leader, to guide the hordes of Rebel soldiers as the finest knights of this old institution go into battle. Well, after considerable thought, I cannot help but feeling that I am the Calamarian Ole Miss needs for this job. As a supporter of Rebels, Ole Miss has long been my favorite college sports team. I mean it, honestly. There was no way I could go for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Seriously? I don't run, I pilot battle cruises from a comfy seat and, when not doing that, I saunter. I would be honored to lead this institutions athletic teams.

Rebels, I understand your plight. My people were once captured, enslaved, and abused by the Galactic empire. We had our home world wrecked and destroyed. We, a generally peaceful people, were thrust forward into a bloody war which cost billions of lives.

You, like us, have also endured similar hardships. It is my understanding that you lose to Alabama a lot, are sick of putting up with Arkansas fans, and are embarrassed to share space with the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Also, LSU fans cuss and throw pee-baggies at you. Yet, despite the hardships we have been put up against, we have remained true to our Rebellious nature, never yielding to our enemies under any circumstances!

I write today to ask for your support in this endeavor. If you believe that the Rebels can repel firepower of any magnitude; if you believe that it is I that is best equipped to spot the traps set by our enemies; and if you believe that an Admiral is better than a colonel any day of the week, then it's time to spread the word. The election draws near. We must infiltrate the defenses of popular opinion if we are to succeed. I ask you to visit NotATrap.org, follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/olemiss_ackbar), friend me on Facebook (Ackbar Olemiss), join the Facebook group (The Ole Miss Rebel Alli ance ), and tell everyone you know. A Rebellion cannot consist of just one Rebel. I will need your support. Let this be the first of many challenges that we conquer as a group... as a Rebel Alliance.

via i871.photobucket.com

New Ole Miss mascot vote tomorrow

2010-02-22T11:02:44Z

And if you're a student who will be voting, you need to know what you're voting for.

If you go in there all pissy and whiny and vote "NO" just because you're stubborn and think you're proving a point, you better realize what you are giving up with your "NO" vote.

HEAR THIS LOUDLY: A new mascot will be decided upon, period. Will it be by the student body or by the administration? This is a decision that affects Ole Miss for the rest of its existence. Think about that. The new mascot will represent our beloved University from the time it is decided upon.

Do you as a student want to be a part of that process and have a say in the decision? If you do then you should vote "YES".

Do you want to leave it totally 100% up to the administration to decide what the mascot will be? If you do, then vote "NO".

Either way, we're getting a new mascot. Don't let the administration be the lone deciding body as to what that mascot will be. Vote "YES"!

A good voter is a well informed voter.

Also, to clarify the lies and misinformation being spread by a certain "ohnoz! i can't haz colonel reb?" group, this will not now or ever change the name of the teams. It will still be "Ole Miss REBELS".

More clarification on the matter has been posted at: http://thedmonline.com/content/what-you-should-know-you-vote

Perspective: The Opening Weekend of College Baseball

2010-02-22T02:55:13Z

Though the Rebels dropped their first season-opener since 1981, the entire weekend was not a loss as Ole Miss responded to take the next two games as well as the series (two games to one) against an experienced UL-Monroe squad. Question marks always arise at the start of a new baseball season and over the weekend we saw a few familiar faces make contributions as well as some newcomers who are expected to carry a substantial load as the Rebels embark on the 2010 season.

Surprisingly, fan whipping post David Phillips emerged as the star of the weekend as he went 6 for 9 with 2 doubles, 3 homeruns, 6 RBI, 7 runs scored and 1 SB against the WarHawks. Phillips has already surpassed his HR total from last year (2) and with 5 out of his 6 hits going for extra bases, if he can maintain anywhere near this production it will put Ole Miss one step closer to hosting another Regional. Honors also go to Aaron Barrett who, similar to Phillips, had his struggles in 2009 as he took the mound in the second game after the home-opening loss and notched a fine outing with 6 IP, 2 H, 7 Ks, 0 ER and a 7/1 strikeout to walk ratio on the way to the win.

Newcomers:

Tanner Mathis, OF: 4 of 8 with 3 RBI, 1 R and 2 BB (2 K)

Alex Yarbrough, IF: 2 of 9 with 4 RBI, 1 3B, 2 R and 1 BB (3 K)

Miles Hamblin, C/DH: 2 of 13 with 4 RBI, 1 HR, 2 R and 4 BB (5 K)

Trent Rothlin, SP: 1 W, 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, .111 BAA

Brett Huber, RP: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, .111 BAA

Eric Callender, RP: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, .200 BAA, 1 SV

The Rebels were a rare Rory McKean blow up from sweeping the opening weekend from the WarHawks. They’ll next see action Tuesday as they host Arkansas State for a lone midweek game.

Around the Nation:

#1 Texas dropped 2 of 3 to the Lobos of New Mexico with All-American closer Chance Ruffin taking the loss in the middle game.

#3 Virginia took 2 of 3 in Greenville, NC against #16 East Carolina

#4 Cal St Fullerton won 1 of 3 over the weekend as they dropped games against Oregon and Pepperdine. Oregon coach George Horton coached at Fullerton since 1990 before taking on the task of building the Oregon program from the ground up in 2008. Oregon went 2-1 for the weekend.

#5 Rice was swept at Stanford (#30) as the historically strong Rice pitching staff yielded 27 runs to the Trees. To put this in perspective, it’s the first time Rice has been swept since a 2005 series at San Jose St.

#15 Arkansas took 2 of 3 from Ball St losing the middle game 5-2.

#17 Coastal Carolina won 2 of 3 on the weekend losing the championship game of its tournament to Kentucky (3-0 on the weekend) as the Wildcats pushed a run across in the top of the 9th to win 3-2.

#22 Southern Miss won 2 of 3 on the weekend as they dropped the rubber match 7-5 to Northwestern St.

#24 San Diego took 3 of 4 from Indiana droppings Sunday’s finale 7-5.

#26 Georgia won 2 and lost 2 in the Waco tournament losing to Duke and the host Baylor Bears.

**Every other Nationally-ranked team swept their season-opening series.

Around the SEC:

#2 LSU: 3-0 against Centenary

#10 Florida: 3-0 against North Florida (overcame a 6-3 deficit in the bottom of the 9th in Sunday’s game)

#15 Arkansas: 2-1 against Ball St.

#20 Ole Miss: 2-1 against UL Monroe

#21 South Carolina: 3-0 against Duquesne (Duquesne is discontinuing their baseball program at the end of the year)

#26 Georgia: 2-2 with wins against Baylor and Duke and losses also to Baylor and Duke

#29 Vanderbilt: 3-0 against Niagara

Alabama: 2-0 against South Alabama

Mississippi St: 3-0 against Rhode Island

Auburn: 2-1 against Southeast Missouri St

Tennessee: 3-0 against Xavier outscoring them 40 - 13

Pre-season All-Americans' lines:

Ranaudo, LSU: 0.00 ERA, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Pomeranz, Ole Miss: 2.25 ERA, 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

Eibner, Ark: 0.00 ERA, 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Gray, Vandy: 0.00 ERA, 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

Armstrong, Vandy: 5.40 ERA, 5 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Write to Tim Rose to get his support for Admiral Ackbar and the Rebel Alliance! EDITED WITH A RESPONSE FROM THE ADMIRAL HIMSELF!!!

2010-02-21T19:21:06Z

EDITED WITH HIS RESPONSE:

Write to Tim Rose (the original Admiral Ackbar) at info@admiralackbar.co.uk

Here's what I had to say:

Mr. Rose,

Here at the University of Mississippi, or as many prefer to call it, Ole Miss, we have struggled for years with issues of racial equality and the understanding of many cultures. Amongst this debate, the Ole Miss Rebels have encountered anger, frustration, and vocal opposition in our attempts to move away from an on-field sports mascot that resembled the southern American Civil War general, Robert E. Lee. While Colonel Reb was created in the 1970's (10 years after the violent integration of black students on our campus), he was removed from athletic events in 2003, based on requests from other schools that refused to play against our teams, the coaches who found it hard to recruit African American players, and students who felt offended to be represented by such a mascot. I tell you this, because this week, Ole Miss will finally attempt to put our racial woes behind us, and vote on whether or not we want a new mascot on the field during our sporting events. Among the many typical dogs, sharks, and birds that have been suggested, a large grassroots movement has forged an effort to become the Ole Miss Rebel Alliance, with Admiral Ackbar leading the way! This is the website with much of the information that has been created:

http://notatrap.org/

I send you this for a few reasons:

1. The hope and utter enjoyment that you have inspired in many people around the world with your characters continues to fascinate and excite me.

2. Many of us would love a statement of your support or denial of this movement.

3. Some things are just too cool to not tell the creators about.
Thanks for your time in reading this arduous synopsis. Here at the University of Mississippi, there are many who still appreciate your contribution to puppeteering and acting. If you have any questions, you can reach me at:

________

on twitter @dgmcdowe

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi There!

If it were only up to me, I would be thrilled and honoured to be the
Universities Mascot. But I would suspect that you will need to get
permission from Lucas Film who own the rights to the character. That's not
impossible to do, and if you write to them as eloquently as you have to me,
could be a distinct possibility. I wish you luck with your quest and look
forward to hearing future developments.

Your letter has taken me back to my youth. When I was four years old my
parents were working as foster parents at a children's home in Cedartown
Georgia. I spent my days playing with the orphans that lived at the home.
We had a sand box to play in with lovely white sand from Pensacola Florida.
There was a black orphan that played with us who would ask to be covered in
the sand so the dust would get into his skin and then he could look like us
at least until bath time.

That was in 1960 and the memory can bring a tear to this day. It's such a
simple truth, "All men are created equal"

Tim Rose
Admiral Ackbar

Rebels Disappoint In Biggest Game Of The Year

2010-02-19T02:55:56Z

[ED: Frontpag'd fanpost with my annotations! -GoJC]

I am a professional sports handicapper and this year I have been a fervent supporter of the Ole Miss basketball team. Coming into this year I was really excited at this talented, under-the-radar squad that I knew was going to be much, much better than people thought. This is a team I had pegged as one of the surprise teams in the country and I was ready to make a killing betting on them.

That said, after watching that debacle of a Vanderbilt game I have to admit: I was wrong.

That was an NIT performance from the Rebels on Thursday night and it was an indictment of the whole program from the top down. Yes, I'm a little salty because of the loot I lost on the game. But it's more than that. Again, I'm not an Ole Miss guy but this is a team that I've followed closely for years and this was the year that I thought they were set to break back through onto the national scene. Now they are squarely on the outside of the NCAA tournament looking in and it should have been so different after this Vandy game. A game that this team had to have, and so easily could have, in order to set themselves up for something meaningful in March.

Tough to know where to start so we'll work on the periphery:

1) The fans.
You've got to be kidding me.

This was the most important game of Ole Miss's season. They had absolutely EVERYTHING riding on this game. A win over a nationally ranked team would have all but punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament and given them a ton of momentum heading into the stretch run. I mean, you have a Top 20 team, in your gym, in the biggest game of the year, and THAT was the best fan support you guys could muster? What a joke. I mean, there was zero home court edge. There was no energy. There was no vibe. There was no lift from the crowd. There was no way that the home fans could just will their team to a crucial win. THE PLACE WAS HALF EMPTY. It was embarrassed. Again, this was not my alma mater but I was embarrassed for them. I mean, someone turn on the Marquette-Pitt game right now. Now THAT is basketball. And that is home court. Mississippi fans should be embarrassed. I mean, let's not pretend that there is that much to do in Oxford on a Thursday night. SEC may have college football but games/crowds like last night are why they will always be second-rate and kind of a joke in basketball.

[Ole Miss fans are some of the most fickle, fairweather fans out there. It's a problem all of our sports teams deal with. I hate our fans for it, I really do. And, for a small town, there's plenty to do in Oxford on a Thursday night. Remember, Ole Miss is consistently rated as one of America's top party schools; it's not a boring place. I'm not saying this fact justifies our poor fan support, but your snide "let's not pretend that there is that much to do in Oxford on a Thursday night" will not go unchecked.]

2) The coach.

I like Andy Kennedy. Think he is a very good coach. And I'm not blaming him for the loss. I'm not. I mean, he can't make the guys make free throws. I get that. But I also have to say that he made some crucial errors that really cost his team. And beyond that it really didn't look like he had much control over them. I mean, they played flat through a good portion of that game and (with the exception of Chris Warren, who is a warrior) they mailed it in in the last three minutes.

As for the tactical errors, he stayed in that press way, way, way too long. The press was moderately successful early in forcing some tempo. But Vanderbilt was not bothered by it AT ALL in the second half. And they shouldn't be. They are a guard-heavy team and they always have at least three guys that are comfortable bringing the ball up the court. By staying in that press Kennedy gave up numerous fast breaks to Vandy and in key times - like the last eight minutes - the Commodores just had to execute a 3-on-1 or 2-on-1 to get a bucket instead of having to work their halfcourt offense (which they weren't that successful with most of the night). I just don't understand why Kennedy didn't see that and he made absolutely zero adjustments. That press killed them in the second half and it really killed Ole Miss's chances of generating momentum on the defensive end. Because even when Vandy didn't get a layup or a close shot after breaking the press the Rebels were so confused defensively that it led to breakdowns.

[I can agree, especially with your first part. Kennedy has done a great job recruiting athletic, talented-ish players to ball at Ole Miss and has certainly done a better job at than most Ole MIss coaches. However, he doesn't instill a will to win in them a la Houston Nutt for our football team. It's a real problem but, being as how he's still a very new head coach, I hope this is something he will learn.]

3) The team.

Lots to get to here, so let's go rapid fire:

- Leadership. This team has none of it. This team desperately needs someone to become a vocal, energized leader. They have as much physical talent and they have all of the tools to be a Sweet 16-caliber team. That's no joke. But without any leadership they will be relegated to teh bottom of the lowly SEC West. I love Warren's game. But being good and hitting clutch shots isn't enough. You need to take this team by the throat and drag them to success, whether they want to go there or not. That's what Sherron Collins does. That's what Robbie Hummel does. That's what big time players do. Warren has the ability. Now he needs to do more.

- Passion. Where was it? Again, this was the biggest game of their season and after a strong start to the game it was as if this team was on cruise control. Apparently they don't mind the NIT.

[I think these two points go back to your original point on coaching.]

- Free throws. I mean, you have got to be joking. They were 9-for-17 and they missed the front end of THREE one-and-ones. So really they converted nine of a potential 20 free throw chances. That's what NIT teams do.

[We haven't had consistent free throw shooting in a while.]

- Rebounding. They held their own on the boards, only getting outrebounded by six. But they should. [They should what?] They have four strong frontcourt players and a ton of athletes. But there were THREE TIMES, in absolutely crucial situations, where they got a defensive stop but Vandy got an offensive rebound. And twice that rebound was picked up, after a bounce, out near the three-point line. Up 55-54 with seven minutes they allowed the 3-point shooter to get his own rebound and Vandy hit the next three to take a 57-54 lead. With just under four minutes left Ole Miss was down 3 and allowed another guard to get a long rebound. That led to a dunk and a 5-point deficit. Then down 5 with under two minutes the Dores missed both free throws, leaving the door wide open. Ogilvy got the offensive rebound and it led to 20 critical seconds running off and two more free throws. Those were three of the most important plays of the game.

[This frustrates me too on all levels of ball. I hate poor rebounding. However, AJ Ogilvy still exists and played for Vanderbilt last night. I know it's a weak excuse, but they did have one of the conference's best big men underneath the rim.]

And that all goes back to passion. If they really wanted this game it was there for the taking. But Ole Miss just kind of slept-walked through the second half and didn't make the plays that winning teams do. If you want to make it to the Big Dance you have to go out there and TAKE IT. They did not. And now they could be watching the No. 4 team from the Atlantic 10 playing in March Madness while Ole Miss is on the couch.

- Execution. Vanderbilt did it, Ole Miss did not. Blame it on coaching. Blame it on players. Blame it on whatever you want. But the bottom line is that the difference between being really good and mediocre is razor thin at this time of year and this level. And if you can't execute in the last five minutes you can't be a good team.

- Eniel Polynice - what are you doing? This guy was a mess last night. Nothing really more to say.

- Terrico White. I think this guy is one of the best players in the SEC. But I had to go online and check the boxscore at halftime to see if he was playing and was wondering if he was hurt. This, again, goes to leadership. This guy has to assert himself from start to finish in every game. He needs to establish himself as one of the best players on the floor in every game that he plays. Until he does that he'll just be a good player on a mediocre team.

[We've been saying this for a while now. Wake up, Terrico, we'd all love for you to join us during this thing we call "basketball season."]

- Ole Miss big men. No.1 - stop shooting jumpers. [I think this is a coaching thing] No. 2 - man the eff up. [For real.] The four forwards comprise a very solid group. And they could be exceptional. But you can't let an Aussie doughboy like A.J. Ogilvy push you around all night. And that's what he did. Ogilvy took more than one cheap shot and made several chippy plays. What did the Rebs do to answer? Nada. That can't happen and they needed to establish that this was their house.

So that's that. That was the worst loss of the season for this team. It was worse than folding against MSU and worse than losing to Arkansas, in my opinion. Vandy wanted nothing to do with this game. They were looking ahead to Kentucky and would have folded if they were pressured. But they weren't. Most important game to date for Ole Miss (did they not understand that if they had just won this game and avoided a collapse they would be playing in the NCAA Tournament?) and they had nothing.

I am not writing this team off. Maybe I'm stubborn. Maybe I'm still too attached to my original assessment. But I still think that they have a good shot at meaningful March play. I do a projections article every Friday at Doc's Sports.com. And while I will bump the Rebs down to a Level 2 bubble team (on the fringe) I am not writing them off. That Kansas State win still holds some weight. But in order to do that the Rebels need to probably win out. They at least need to win their next four and maybe could endure a loss at Arkansas. But Ole Miss should be favored over Florida, Auburn and maybe even at Alabama (which I think will be the toughest game). And they should kill LSU. If they can do that and then win at least one game in the SEC tournament (preferably over one of the Big 3 teams in the conference or Miss. State) and I think that they could still find their way in.

But because of a shoddy all-around effort tonight this team is in desperation mode. We saw how they responded to that position tonight - by rolling over. Will they do the same with the rest of their season?

[Thanks. Great points and observations. Stick around, will ya? We could use you in comments threads and such.]

OU Stadium Improvements - Video and Pics

2010-02-16T21:59:38Z

The Ernie Labarge Bullpen Club has posted a video and photo gallery (free content) of the right field expansion and other improvements to the baseball facility.

Whether you're a Rebel baseball fanatic, someone who likes an excuse to get drunk with no shirt on in public, a sorority social butterfly, an Oxford townie wanting to be seen with your chocolate lab on a leash, a post-grad frat star trying to relive the glory days or a tourette's patient with an unusually strong dislike for opposing SEC pitchers, fear not! Those evil, communist tennis courts will no longer serve as an obstruction to those who count down the days until they can load the cooler and pile onto the right field hill from February to early June each year.

LINKS:

PHOTOS

VIDEO

via www.ernielabargebullpenclub.com

Post-ITA Rundown

2010-02-15T02:52:50Z

[EDIT: Boom! Front-paged! - IT]

On Friday, the Rebels faced an extremely experienced Georgia Bulldogs squad, whose seniors have been on a pair of national championship teams. The difference between this year’s line-up for Georgia essentially consists of having one freshman in the bottom of the line-up with everyone else returning. While we lost this opening round match, I think Rebel tennis fans should take a lot of positive thoughts away from both that loss and the subsequent victory over SEC West rival Alabama. (I use the term very loosely, as they or LSU will be the only contenders in the West but would both need an apocalypse to win it.)

Knowing nothing about the team from Louisville whom we faced today and not having stayed to see that match, I will reserve judgment on that contest, though the close win was absolutely thrilling. Following the jump is an analysis of the first two matches broken down by court.

Doubles:

1. Our top doubles duo of vocal junior Tucker Vorster and freshman Jonas Lutjen had a huge weekend after struggling some in the first few matches of the season. On Friday, they took down a pair of seniors (who must have been at Georgia for eight years now) and on Saturday had little trouble disposing with Alabama’s best team. Tucker has always been a great doubles player for us, especially at the end of last season with Devin. Both players have big serves and strong play at the net, which makes them great in doubles. Additionally, Jonas’s uncanny ability to fend of overheads will win them more than a few points this season. Look for them to continue rolling after this weekend.

2. Despite the outstanding play on Court 1, our second team excites me more right now. The twins Thiemann have progressed so much in just a year in Oxford, in both singles and doubles. While the loss on Saturday to Alabama looks bad for their resume, they appeared to play pretty well but just couldn’t get over the hump and got broken right at the end. However, against Georgia, they defeated a team much better than that in fine form. Their play at the net is much better than I remember it (though they both sat out in doubles last year so I have little to base that on), and they manage to neutralize their height disadvantage with good speed and reliable overheads.

3. Our freshman team of Harry Fowler and Adrian Forberg Skogeng seems to be developing well. Friday’s match really excited everyone watching because they got down early and showed a whole lot of fight to come back and essentially win. (What does that mean? They didn’t get to finish because we already won the point, but they were right on the verge.) I love seeing our new guys already fighting for every point until the very end; that attitude will tip close matches our way all season. On Saturday, they managed to get a win even though Adrian was about to pass out—more on that in his singles section.

Singles:

1. Think about this for a second: The only player who returned to our singles line-up this year was Marcel Thiemann; in doing so, he jumped from 6 to 1. I cannot even explain the difference in competition he is facing this year. I would not expect too much from him at the top spot, but certainly expect him to continue improving greatly throughout the year. He could not overcome the big-hitting, experienced meathead Nate Schnugg from Georgia but easily took down the most casual looking tennis player I have ever seen from Alabama, who appeared to be in no pain but could not bring himself to play with any effort. I imagine Tucker and Marcel will each get their shots at playing numero uno throughout the year.

2. In his first year back in singles action, Tucker is continually getting better and hopefully will feel more comfortable in coming matches. He got an extremely tough draw in Javier Garrapiz against Georgia, and apparently just did not play that well against Alabama, as the match was stopped with him down a set. For the most apart, getting wins at the top two spots will be difficult against better teams; we won’t have any guaranteed points, but you can never count us out at any position either.

3. The most promising of our freshman imports is certainly in the three spot. Jonas is playing well right now, though he could certainly develop a little more consistency over time. In the future, he could easily climb higher in the line-up, especially if he progresses as much as some of our other players have. Despite losing in three sets to senior Jamie Hunt of Georgia, he took the match to the limit against a player who vividly in my memory went toe-to-toe with Jonas Berg two years ago at the four spot. Like Tucker, he was unable to finish against Alabama though I believe he would have pulled it out in the end.

4. On Friday night, Adrian apparently got a stomach bug of some kind and had a pretty rough Saturday because of it. But let’s talk about how he played against Georgia. His opponent, Drake Bernstein Bears, came out absolutely on fire, not missing anything, taking advantage of every opportunity presented. Adrian was playing fine but couldn’t get a break until the middle of the second set when he managed to break twice and even the match at one set a piece. At this point, hope was restored from what seemed to be a completely lost cause, and Adrian eventually took the third set without too much difficulty. When he is not about to pass out on the court, I think he will be a strong four or five player for us.

5. The feisty American from Texas, Harry Fowler, currently fills the fifth spot for our team. His first task was actually a match played many times over at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy. His opponent, freshman Bo Seal, has defeated him the last several times they’ve squared off so no one expected Harry to win that match. I hope he can get past that mental barrier because they may have to face each other again this season. Against Alabama, however, he came out firing and had little trouble getting a win. I expect him to be playing at 6 later in the year, where he will get some consistent wins.

6. At the final spot for the moment is sophomore twin Chris Thiemann. I say “at the moment” because he is too good to be playing at 6, although it is certainly nice to have that consistent point. Surely you wondered how two twins could be at either end up the line-up—they’re practically the same person, right? I do not know for sure why he has been at this position if he is clearly too good (it’s not unheard of, see Tennessee’s line-up), but I speculate that some sort of mild injury was involved. I hope that a perfect record over the weekend helped instill a good bit of confidence in him.

The remaining players: I still have not seen Jaime play, and it seems we may not, except perhaps against Tulane or in a similar match. I’m sure he is a good player, but I suppose he doesn’t quite match up to the rest of our team.

I guess this has not been said, even in speculation, on the Cup; but Kalle is almost certainly getting a medical redshirt this year. Does that really suck? You better believe it. It hurts so much not to have him in the line-up. Will next year be outstanding with him back? It will be so nice not to lose a single player next year—these guys with another year of experience plus a healthy Kalle Norberg will be right back in National Champion contention.