The other morning I was watching a story on CNN about college drop out rates among NCAA athletes. They had suggested that they were too high and something needed to be done. One of the suggestions on the table was penalizing schools that didn’t meet a certain quota as far as keeping their athletes in school.

While I realize education is important, I think the idea of penalizing a school for their athlete dropout rates is one of the most ridiculous I’ve ever heard. Top caliber athletes have a lot of opportunities that most of us don’t have. Some may go to the Olympics, while others eventually go professional. These opportunities should not be taken lightly and I know this seems wrong to say it, but they shouldn’t let a college education get in the way.

I do believe everyone should get a college education, but my thought is college will always be there. Let’s take the phenom basketball player who comes from a lower middle class family. They don’t have a lot of money so they must rely on the scholarship that is handed to them for playing basketball. Lets say this basketball player is projected to go 10th overall in the first round of the NBA draft after only 1 year of college. A lot of people may say to stay and finish college, there is plenty of time for basketball. I disagree. If the player is that good to go that high in the draft and have a guaranteed contract, he should go for it.

If he goes for it and is a huge success, he is an instant millionaire and is set for life. If he wants to, he can go to college after he retires or during the off season. If he fails at playing basketball he still has that guaranteed money which he can probably live off for a great while and use to pay for a top notch education.

Lets say this same athlete stays in college where one of three things could happen. Number one, he could play out his college days and become an even better basketball player and eventually and even better NBA player. Number two, his skills could decrease and perhaps he drops down to a second round pick or is not drafted and ends up in the d-league. Finally there is the third option. He gets injured on a freak accident and never gets a chance to play ball and is now stuck footing the bill for his education since he cannot contribute to the basketball team any longer.

So my thought is, why not drop out? College isn’t going anywhere. You won’t have a harder time with college as you get older; if anything the maturity and wisdom you gain will make it easier later in life. You can only be a top caliber athlete for so long before your body starts to shut down. In my opinion if you have the chance to make millions of dollars, but it means putting off college for a few years, so be it. Go take advantage of the wonderful gift that God gave you and get that education once that gift goes away.

Our son enjoys learning and loves to take part in a variety of physical activities. Often times we find there is just not enough time to get all of this in. He wants to play basketball at night but also needs to do some academics as well, here is our solution to those busy nights.

Our son has a small basketball hoop in his room. He enjoys shooting the ball over and over again and could go on for hours if you let him. He enjoys it very much when we play with him as well. Over the last couple months we have created a learning game out of basketball. Since our son loves math, we often play a game to where we will ask each other math facts. If we get it right we get to shoot and get a point if we make it. If we get it wrong the other person gets to shoot to try for a point. He enjoys the competition of the game and is practicing those math facts at the same time.

Concerned that he was getting too good at math and not focusing enough on reading, we decided to switch the game up and use flash cards with words on them. We play by the same rules. Over the last 3 weeks he has learned approximately 30 or so words while playing ball.

The best part about this is he is really having a great time doing this. He is getting the exercise he needs and preparing for school at the same time. I think this balance will help him in the future allowing him to grow up into a well rounded individual.

Camping with yours kids can be fun, educational, and a great bonding time without outside influences. Getting your kids away from their friends, tv, and video games allows for genuine personalities to come out and different types of interaction to occur. My kids tend to talk to my wife and I more and tell us what is gong on in their life and not just the highlights of there day. We play games together such as Yahtzee, Scrabble, cribbage, and various card games which provide great bonding time. When the kids are outdoors without their Ninendo DS in hand, they tend to be more active and aware of what is going on around them. They get exercise and see nature in progress. I get to pass on my enjoyment and knowledge of the outdoors while spending quality time with them. In the keep an eye out for more information about camping with the family. I intend to provide some great information such as choosing a tent, hiking tips and great locations.

Below is an interview with Kurt Vesecky of the Stetson Hills Stealth, an organization providing for the opportunity for children to play baseball at a higher level during the typical offseason.

What is SH Stealth?
The Stetson Hills Stealth is a non-profit youth baseball program in Phoenix, AZ. We currently have two teams. One that caters to kids 11 and under and the other is 10 and under.

How are you involved with SH Stealth?
I started the program in July of 2008, we are in our 2nd season of operation. The first season we had just one team.

Is the program local to your area?
Yes the Stealth are located in NW phoenix, AZ only.

Why join a team like SH Stealth?
People join the Stealth so that their child can play competitive youth baseball at the highest level. Our coaches spend countless hours not only with the kids but also educating themselves to train the kids properly.

How does one join SH Stealh or a team like SH Stealth?
In order to become a member of the Stealth, a child must first tryout. After a tryout the coaches come together and decide if that child is what the team is in need of. Sometimes tryouts can be over several practices and in some instances the Stealth coaches will invite a child to play a tournament and then make a decision after. The 10 and under Stealth are currently ranked #4 in the Nation so becoming a player on this team requires a great skill set.

How is SH Stealth different from Little league?
It is much more competitive. Little League is designed around kids of all skill levels, the Stealth is comprised of the BEST of the BEST from each little league. It is very similar to a Little League All star team.

What are the age groups for programs like this?
As indicated previously, the Stealth currently have 2 teams. 11 and under and 10 and under.  How ever there are teams around the country for all ages.

Are there teams like SH Stealth elsewhere in the country? If so, what is the best way to find these teams?
Yes teams like the Stealth Start at the 9 and under level and go to the 18 and under level across the country. The highest concentration of teams is in the warmer states like AZ, CA, FL, and Texas but they are everywhere. http://www.azbaseballnetwork.com is a great resource for Arizona Baseball.  Sites like this are available for other states as well.

Does SH Stealth have a parent organization or an organization in which they are a member of?
Yes, our parent organization is Team Intensity Sports and also has a girls Softball team under this name. They play at the 16 and under level. We also compete at various tournaments and competitions held by USSSA

Where can one learn more?
Learn more the Stealth by visiting our website at http://www.shstealth.com or feel free to contact the Kurt Vesecky at coach@shstealth.com

In baseball, this year’s World Series just went to game six as the Phillies won game 5. I’m not a Phillies fan or Yankees fan. I don’t really have a preference to win the series, however there are a lot of people who do. Not all of us are sports fanatics, but a good majority of us have a team that we live or die with. We are so connected with that team that every piece of news, every point or run scored effects our body and mind. I moved to Arizona when I was 10 and have since become a big fan of both the Diamondbacks and the Suns. I was born and and spent most of my early years in Chicago. I was raised a White Sox fan and was tolerable of the Cubs. I didn’t really pay a lot of attention to the Bulls or the Bears. That being said, with exception of the 1985 Bears, as a kid, I didn’t see my share of success with regards to my teams. Even in ‘85 I was too young to really understand the Bears and what the Superbowl meant. I became a Suns fan before the Bulls went on their dynasty run. That being said, I do  remember the 1993 NBA Finals when the Suns played the Bulls as it was a big deal in my house since we were from Chicago. I was pretty young at the time so while I have memories, they are not as strong as those of the 2001 World Series, Yankees vs. Diamondbacks.

Many people put the 2001 World Series as one of the top 10 World Series of all times. It had it’s up and downs for both teams as each game was won by the home team. I think I had at least four near heart attacks over the course of that week and a half. The funny part is, every play of that World Series depended on me! It didn’t depend on the players playing the game. It didn’t depend on the umpires, or the weather or the fans at the game. It was all about me. I know I’m not alone in this. Throughout the series I remember multiple times turning off the television thinking that the Diamondbacks were losing because I was watching. If I just turned it off they would be winning again. It was like there was some great conspiracy that I wasn’t allowed to watch my team win.

Game 7 was a nightmare. I remember watching the game from my apartment with my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife. There were times in the late innings where I had to step out of the room and walk around. My wife at one point asked me what was wrong as I had a frantic look on my face. I remember telling her how these games stressed me out so much. At the time my heart rate was sky high. I just wanted it to be over, it was just too much to handle. Luckily 30 minutes later we were celebrating a Diamondback’s championship.

To this day I still get stressed over games with my teams. I still have the habit of turning off the TV if my team is losing, not because I am a fair weather fan, but because I still get that feeling that if I don’t watch, my team will win. Sometimes I will leave the game on and walk to the other room and watch from a far or just listen. I guess this makes it so that if something bad happens it won’t be so bad because I’m only half paying attention.

When not in the heat of the moment, it seems silly to get so wrapped up in the emotion of the game. It’s absolutely ridiculous that we feel like we can impact the game by walking into the other room, or taking a drink or wearing a lucky hat. Despite that, I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. Theses moments are one of the things that make sports so great. Even as fans we feel the emotion the players do. We don’t have to have the ability to hit a 3 pointer or hit a ball 400 feet to feel the excitement of the game. Even though as fans we are not on the field we are as much part of the game as the ball it self. Our commitment to our teams allow them to survive and play the next day with a purpose.

The NBA season starts today. The off season has seen some big name players changing teams. Normally you would think this would mix things up a little, however the big names just went from mediocre teams to title contenders. Their presence will make those teams that much stronger. In some cases it will be an experiment that could go very well or very bad. A specific example is having Shaq playing next to Lebron in Cleveland. It sounds like a good match, however will Shaq’s big body be too much for lebron to avoid when going to the basket? Also how about Artest in L.A. With Artest you never know what you are going to get. Overall I do not think it will be a very suprising year. Here are my predictions for division winners, finals matchup and NBA Champion.

East:
Atlantic Division: Boston Celtics
Central Division: Cleveland Cavaliers
Southeast: Orlando Magic

West
Southwest: Dallas Mavericks
Northwest: Portland Trailblazers
Pacific: Los Angeles Lakers

Finals: Boston Celtics over Los Angeles Lakers in 6

Post your predictions under the comments section.

When I was a kid, I was raised to play baseball. It was my life. My father is one of the biggest baseball fans in the world. I truly believe sometimes that when he dies, he will want to be buried in a baseball uniform rather than a suit. I’m still a big fan of the game, especially playing it. I play softball with the guys of Friday nights and have a great time doing it despite my skills not being quite where they were when I was 17-18 years old. As a kid, my brother and I would get together with a couple of our friends down the street and head down to the ball fields on a regular basis. We would hit the ball around, playing different games such as right field out, home run derby and more. My dad would often come out with us as well teaching us the fundamentals of the game in addition to throwing batting practice to us. I really cherish those times and cannot wait to share those same experiences with my boys. My oldest son is 3 and a half and my youngest is yet to be born, however my 3 yr old and I do have a lot of fun playing in the backyard. He has gotten to the point where he will occasionally make contact if I toss the ball to him, and has gotten very good at hitting of the tee. So good in fact that I feel playing in our yard may soon be the equivalent of Albert Pujols playing homerun derby in Williamsport, PA. So we may soon have to take out game to the real field.

There is one problem. We can’t. We live in Gilbert, AZ. There are so many nice days to get out to the ball field and play around, and there are a lot of ball fields here. Baseball and softball are year round sports. The thing is we can’t play on any of those fields. I mentioned earlier that my softball skills are deteriorating. A few weeks ago I wanted to get out with my brother and a couple friends to just practice a little bit. Unfortunatley it took us many tries to find a field to play on. We actually found one with a gate that was open and no sign that said do not use the field without permission. My guess is someone forgot to lock the gate..oh well.

In my opinion it is absolutely rediculous that we cannot play on the fields at the schools or city parks. The city park went to the extent of putting trash cans all over the fields to ensure no one would play on them. I do understand that there are a lot of people who do not use the field correctly and ride dirt bikes through them and what not, but how is the game of baseball supposed to grow if our children can’t even hit the ball around in their spare time. Each of those fields, both schools and city parks are paid for by our tax dollars. Why is it that we cannot play on the fields but we can pay $2.00 for 15 pitches at the batting cage next to the fields? I was driving past an elementary school the other day and found that it was locked up so tight you couldn’t even get to a playground. It is sad that times have changed so much. I don’t place all the blame on city officials, I do place a great deal of the blame on those who mistreat the fields and equipment.

I’m not sure there is a solution that will be realistic, however something needs to give. Everyone complains that America is overweight and doesn’t get out and exercise enough, yet it seems that there are more and more obstacles put in our way. I just hope that it doesn’t come to the point that our kids will have to rely on their back yard as the biggest field they can run and play on.

October really is a great month for sports. It’s one of the few times that all major sports are happening at once. Lets start with football. Tonight you have Packers vs Vikings. Anyone with any knowledge of sports should have an interest in this one. The Packers are the only team that Brett Farve hasn’t beaten in his career. Tonight he gets his chance. Oh yeah there is a little story line there about him playing for the Packers for a couple years. I think the Vikings are a rival team to the Packers whom he now plays for. Of course I’m playing dumb here. On Sunday we’ll see if Denver is for real as they try to hold off New England. Of course we can’t forget the Cardinals…oh wait yes we can they are back to being the Cardinals (Disclaimer: I live in Phoenix)

In the baseball world, it’s playoff time. However before the playoffs can start there is some unfinished business. Both the Twins and the Tigers had to win their last game to keep the playoff hopes alive. Both did. Now they play game 163. Your whole season riding on a one game playoff. Then on Wednesday the playoffs start. I think it’s the Yankees year again, though personally I’m routing for Colorado. Why? No idea, probably because they haven’t won one yet.

Hockey is also in full gear and we have the NBA starting preseason. There have been some big moves this year in the NBA with Shaq going to Cleveland and Orlando mixing it up adding Vince Carter. I think it will be a very exciting year and can’t wait to get started.

This week also has the finale of the WNBA finals. While a lot of Dad’s are probably not interested, those of you with daughters should take note. The Mercury are down 2-1 to Indiana but I personally wouldn’t count Diana Taurasi or Cappie Pondexter out.

There are so many choices this week. Grab the remote or get out and watch a game with your kids. There is really something for everyone in what just maybe one of the greatest weeks in sports.