Hey, everybody. Love that sleet, cold and wind. Can’t get enough. I’m already looking forward to sliding home after work tonight.
It’s interesting working here with my son, Jeff. Mostly, it’s awesome. But occasionally I do something really silly. Just a few minutes ago I told him to stop biting on the cap of a pen. Now, that’s something I would tell him as a father, but not as a co-worker. Unless it was irritating me, which it was. Still, with most people I might hold my breath, for at least an hour or so. But not with my son. I told him to stop chewing the cap and he did. One thing about Jeff, he has always been obedient. Cough, cough.
I just got news that Arbry Butler has decided to transfer from Wichita State for personal reasons. First, let me be one of the first to wish Arbry good luck. Next, let me say this is a good thing for him and the Wichita State basketball program. He wasn’t going to see the light of the day for the Shockers and his leaving gives Coach Gregg Marshall another scholarship to use for next season. We are going to see a new-look Wichita State basketball team in 2008-09 and that’s kind of exciting. Especially because of Marshall’s penchant as a recruiter.
There has been some talk about Marshall being interested in the South Carolina job, should it become open. The Gamecocks’ current coach, Dave Odom, isn’t having much success and Marshall is a local. But I can’t imagine Marshall leaving Wichita State after one season with so much unfinished business. I think WSU athletic director Jim Schaus had to know the South Carolina job could be available soon when he brought Marshall to Wichita State. I’m also thinking they had to talk about what would happen in such a scenario. And how good is the South Carolina job, really? The Gamecocks have never been much of a factor in the SEC. I would be surprised if Marshall left after one season at Wichita State, even if South Carolina came calling.
I had the opportunity to be down at the new arena site Tuesday and it’s exciting. There’s a lot of work being done and it’s happening fairly quickly. At least as quickly as it can happen considering the arena isn’t scheduled to open for almost two years. It will be interesting to see how the area around the arena develops. I was excited to hear that a daiquiri bar and a comedy club are going to open at the WaterWalk. I love new things going up in this city, although from reading Opinion Line I know there are a lot of people who don’t. I’m glad I’m not them.
It’s time for my list 10 women I really like. This one should be sure to ruffle some feathers for who I inadvertently omit. Let me apologize to them (they know who they are) before we begin. These are limited to my friends, no family. And no ex-wives, although I remain close to two of them. In no particular order, here goes: Maggie Gifford, Jenny Smith, Denise Head, Denise Neil, Lori Linenberger, Karen I and Karen II, Andrea Gordon, Udaya, Nancy Schartz, Shari, Trish, Joanna Chadwick. That’s 13, I know. Get over it. (Editor’s Note: Denise Head is one of the most interesting women I have ever known. She’s my former girlfriend from last year and we’re still close. And always will be.)
I think Shane Dennis, who was my co-host on Sports Daily this morning, is a really talented play-by-play announcer. I hope he gets his shot in a baseball booth someday. He knows the game, he’s good at painting a picture and he has a penchant for conversation.
It’s the time of year to nominate stories and columns for Associated Press Sports Editors awards. I don’t much like awards, but I know they mean something to the newspaper and to my sports editor, Kirk Seminoff, who works extremely hard to produce a standout section. I feel better when we are awarded for our section than I do for any personal award. Not that I’ve received that many. Anyway, I have to go through my columns from last year and pick out the best. Yeah, I hear you saying, “That shouldn’t take long.” Smart aleck. Anyway, I’ll do that as soon as I wrap up these Extra Points. But I just want you to know I dread it. OK?
The Eagles are kicking off an early spring tour with four dates in London. I think it’s March 20-28. That’s in the middle of the NCAA basketball tournament, so I won’t be headed overseas. However, I am committed to seeing the Eagles on the U.S. leg of their Long Road Out of Eden tour. I have seen the Eagles 17 times and would like to make it 20 before either I die or they do. So, I could be up for three dates in the summer. I’m starting to save my pennies.
Drake and Baylor are tied for the lead in the Missouri Valley and Big 12, respectively. What’s wrong with that picture? I’ll be writing about Drake later in the week in the newspaper. A little shameless plug for my column.
I’m looking forward to a quiet, peaceful evening at home. I don’t have many. I bowled Tuesday night (a 511 series, way down from last week’s 629) and set my TiVo to record American Idol. But my satellite went out and I didn’t get it recorded. I also missed Law and Order: SVU. But I did get home in time to watch the great Don Rickles on The Late Show With David Letterman. Rickles hasn’t lost much at the ripe old age of 81. And Letterman is so great with Rickles because he adores him. I have laughed more in my life because of Don Rickles than almost anybody else I can think of, certainly any entertainer. I love the man.
That’s all for this edition. Come back Saturday. And welcome to the St. Louis Cardinals, Troy Glaus. I know you’re an avid reader of this blog.