Rockies - Yankees

After two weeks of rainouts, it was a cloudy and cool evening on Coraliville's ST Morrison South's diamond. The hometown favorite Rockies took on the Coralville Yankees. The long layoff didn't affect the travelling purple team. The first inning showed much promise as execution in the field was good and the bats came alive. The next two innings were good but many of the young player's attention spans quickly waned.

Colin was the true clean up hitter tonight. He batted last in the line up and did a remarkable job of driving in all of the runners on base. The only one on the team to hit three home runs and drive in 12.

The right side of the infield in the first inning. Colin played a shallow center field.

In the second inning Colin moved to first base. Ava (left) played the rover position and backed up Colin on throws to first.

The left side of the infield. Few balls were hit to this side and the players perservered through a drought of balls hit to their side.

Members of the Rockies in the dugout waiting for their turn at the plate. Next Tuesday the Rockies travel back to ST Morrison North and take on the Phillies.

Scott Southmayd - One on One

This week's One on One is Iowa Football's Quality Control Coach, Scott Southmayd.

Miniature Golf

On a sunny, warm and humid Friday afternoon, Colin and Daddy played 18 holes of miniature golf at Airport National Golf Course. The course with its share of water found Colin staying dry while his father knocking one into the drink.

Joe Ehrmann

Former Baltimore Colt, current high school football coach and the subject of the 2003 book, Season of Life, Joe Ehrmann spoke in Iowa City Thursday evening at the Englert Theater and Friday morning to the Iowa Football team. His message, geared to youth coaches, hit on the qualities in takes to be a Man / Woman and cultivating relationships with children of all ages.


Citizens from around the state were among the standing room only crowd. Individuals from as far as Des Moines and Prairie City / Monroe High Schools as well as Iowa City teenagers listened in on the message.



Joe was brought to Iowa City as a guest of Kirk and Mary Ferentz as well as Nate Kaeding. Kirk and Mary first forged a relationship with Ehrmann in Baltimore where their son, Brian played football for the ex-Colt. Kaeding was first introduced to Ehrmann a year ago when the motivational speaker addressed the San Diego Chargers, the NFL team Nate plays for. The event was sponsored by Transamerica / Aegon of Cedar Rapids.

(Top) Line forms early for the general admission seating in the Englert.

(Middle) Ehrmann with Iowa Head Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz.

(Bottom) Ehrmann addressing the Iowa Football team early Friday morning.

2005 Golden Harvest Video

This week's video was created for the 2005 Golden Harvest Pre-Season Banquet. Enjoy.

Ed Thomas

Anyone who regularly reads this blog already knows of the senseless action which occurred earlier today in Parkersburg, Iowa. It is tough to understand how this could happen, especially to an outstanding person, citizen, coach and teacher that Ed Thomas was. The Aplington /Parkersburg community has been through much in the last 13 months. And this is one event that will need to bring the community together more than ever before as their leader is not there to see them through.

Rockies - Reds...Rained Out!

With threatening skies the second straight game on the Rockies schedule has been postponed. The Rockies and Reds will look to another date to play.

Ryne Sandberg Day

On this day in 1984 my dad and I sat in Wrigley Field to witness one of the most memorable games in Chicago Cubs history. The Cubs down numerous times throughout the game to the Cardinals (7-1 after 4 and 9-3 through 6 1/2) fought back. Down one in the bottom of the ninth and with former Cub and current St. Louis closer Bruce Sutter came in for the save. Ryne Sandberg, 3 of 4 on the day hit a game-homer to force extra innings. The NBC announcing crew of Bob Costas and Tony Kubek, unknown to us, had already given away the player of the game honors in the 10th to Cardinal outfielder Lonnie McGee who had hit for the cycle. But with one on and two out, Ryne Sandberg stepped to the plate to hit his second game-tying home run and force an 11th inning. The Cubs won it in the bottom of the 11th and I can still remember my dad's excited face as this Cubs game propelled them to a National League East title. At one time during the day (down 7-1) he became so disgusted with the Cubs that he went for a walk around Wrigley Field. But he sat next to me as the Cubs fought back and made this the most memorable trip we had to the Friendly Confines.

Levar Woods - One on One

This week's one on one is with Iowa Football's Administrative Assistant, Levar Woods.

Night at the Kernels Game

On a hot and muggy night at Memorial Stadium, Perfect Game Park, the Cedar Rapids Kernels (triple A-Anaheim Angels) hosted the Clinton LumberKings. In addition to the Highway 30 rival the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were in town to perform for the fans as well as sign a few autographs and pose for some pictures.

While many were enjoying the game, Colin was keeping an eye out for Kernels mascot, Mr. Schucks who, at this time, was spraying fans with water from his water gun.

Both teams took a break at the bottom of each inning to watch the NFL's most well-know Cheerleading squad.

A rarity for the Cowboys' cheerleaders to be performing in front of a triple-A baseball crowd, let alone in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

It was NFL night and fans were asked to wear their team's favorite jersey.

The ladies took time to sign autographs afterwards. Their presence brought the largest Thursday crowd of the season.

75 Years of Kinnick Stadium

Throughout the summer I'll post some older videos I've produced. I like to think these videos are timeless. Enjoy!

Rockies - Padres...Rained Out!

Colin's T Ball game with the Padres was rained out Tuesday night. A make-up date has yet to be announced.

Crosstown Classic

Since the beginning of interleague play, the city of Chicago looks forward to the two series the Cubs and White Sox play. For a few days the "snobbish" North-siders brag about the Friendly Confines and the love they have for their losers. While the "blue-collar" South-Siders point out they have their one World Series title over the last 100 years to go along with their knowledge of the game. This series is more for bragging rights than for positioning for a run at the title. But is it?
While the fans find this series important and find it more than a baseball novelty, the players and coaches need to realize it is more than "just another game on the schedule." While driving home and listening to Chicago Sports Talk, players were being interviewed and asked of their thoughts on the upcoming series. Of the few talked to, a few said that this game is like no other, and every one is important to win. But is it a game like no other?
Last fall I wrote about rivalry games. They are important and need to be emphasized as such. The Cubs playing the White Sox isn't like a game against the Pirates or Marlins. The Cubs need to win those games to advance to post-season play. But playing the White Sox and Cardinals prepare them for playoff atmosphere games. Having witnessed games against each of those teams, the players and fans are into every pitch. The roar is louder for a strikeout and the anticipation for the leading run to score grows on every pitch. Playing against the Pirates, fans are more reserved-sitting back and waiting for the Cubs to take the lead, or waiting for the next great celebrity to sing the seventh inning stretch.
Interleague play is here to stay and has proven to be successful in its time. There are series many don't find interesting (Rockies - Royals, Pirates - Angels, etc.), but there are those which don't garner the national attention but the locals find very attractive (Twins - Cubs, Tigers - Cardinals, etc.). But for a team which has had its struggles in the post-season, an interleague series with the crosstown rival has nothing but benefits, as long as the Cubs deem it important.

Charlie Bullen - One on One

This week's interview is with Iowa Football's Defensive Graduate Assistant, Charlie Bullen.

Purely Iowa--Community Festivals

Summer is an exciting time in the state of Iowa as most small communities have their town celebrations.Typically a big deal to many, most are similar. Carnival rides, parades and Saturday Night entertainment are available.
Over the past week Colin has been watching them assemble the rides from nearby Frog Hollow. It was only appropriate Colin would join us for both a pancake breakfast and a trip through the rides

Colin joins Mom for a ride on the Ferris Wheel.

Colin is a proud driver of the boat ride.

Make sure you "Do Not Knock Ova the Clowns."

Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament - The Video

Based on my profession I tend to produce videos that have more of a look for tv than they do for a part-time blog. However this is a very short video on the outing.

Nate Kaeding Golf Outing

One of the highlights to Summer in the Iowa City / Coralville area is the annual Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament. The 2009 edition was the fourth annual and my third straight year of playing in the event. It is definitely a unique event as Thursday is the pre-event "Par-Tee" which includes an auction, food and entertainment. Friday is the golf outing with a different activity on every hole along with the golf tournament.

Par-Tee participants Jackie Kaeding (Nate's Sister), Matthew Engelbert, John Mills, Bob Rahfeldt, and Dana Engelbert.

The Live Auction underway, with items such as season tickets in the club level at Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa Golf Cart, and a life-size Nile Kinnick painting among other items.

A table for the silent auction which includes private parties at the Cedar Rapids Kernels, MC Ginsbergs, Nate Kaeding Framed Signed Pro Bowl Jersey, Jason Baker signed mini-helmet and a package of wines from local Muddy Creek Wineries among other items.

Many of the Par-Tee members engaged in the Live Auction.

While the Live Auction was in process, many others enjoying the social activities.

A change to the golf outing for 2009 was allowing two foursomes to play simultaneously on the same hole allowing our two groups to play together. XOS Technologies sponsored the two teams and they included: Justin Moen, Chic Ejiasi, John Mills, Matthew Engelbert, (host) Nate Kaeding, Charlie Bullen, Bob Rahfeldt, Kevin Foor, and Joe Marinaro.

The Marriott of Coralville provides food and drink on many of the holes at Brown Deer Golf Course.

What makes the tournament different from others is the involvement of the Iowa City / Coralville Community. Here the Holiday Inn Express Suites of Coralville sponsors the 14th hole with a bean bag game giving players the opporuntiy to a whirlpool suite. Others sponsoring holes were FryFest, University of Iowa Sport Medicine, Cedar Rapids Distillery, Arctic Cat, Coralville Nissan and many others. The title sponsor was Corridor State Bank.

Joe Marinaro of XOS Technologies, the sponsor of our two foursomes

The afternoon group of golfers ready to go. There were 36 foursomes in the morning and 37 in the afternoon.

Nate had many ex-Hawkeyes participate as well as current San Diego Chargers, Nate's current NFL team. Among the Chargers who participated were Mike Scifers, David Binn and radio analyst Hank Bauer. Jason Baker, former Hawkeye and current Carolina Panther also played in the event.

Proceeds from the event go to the Hope Lodge located on the University of Iowa campus.

Rockies - Dodgers

I'll take the tie tonight, but I'm afraid going on total runs, we may have lost tonight. The Rockies were short a few players who were visiting grandparents, this first week after the summer dismissal from school. The Rockies played a Dodgers team that played a bit better than the A's team of a week ago. Much room for improvement and we look forward to the rest of the season.

Colin stands in the batter box waiting for the pitch.

Only able to take one base at a time, Colin advances to second.

Power Hitter Ben steps into the box.

The left side of the infield. This was early in the first inning--before the five-year olds attention span began to wane.

The right side of the infield. In t ball, the right fielder plays inside the grass.

Dan Clark - One on One

This week's installment is with Iowa Offensive Graduate Assistant, Dan Clark

Colin's Graduation Party

A few images from Colin's Graduation Party at Frog Hollow. Cake and Ice Cream were served for the graduates and their parents. Today was Colin's second to last day in the Pre-Kindergarten room.

Colin eating every piece of his cake.

Colin happy Mom came for the occasion.

Colin with his teacher Ms. Alisha.

Coralville Rockies

Tonight was the start of the Coralville Rockies T Ball Season. Their opening opponent were the Athletics. Due to darkness, the game was called after two innings and the teams tied. Below are photos.

Colin ready for the pitch.

Coach Matt pointing Madeline to the right position.

The Rockies listening to one of their two asst. coaches.

Kennedy communicating with the SS on who will take the throw.

Gray has second covered.

Chic Ejiasi - One on One

Each week during the summer SportsFanEngy will introduce you to a different member of the Iowa Football Staff. Today we begin with Player Development Coordinator, Chic Ejiasi.



Look for these at the beginning of each week. We already have many done and I hope you enjoy this series.

Hail Mediocrity

Can't say it any better than this. (Thanks to Sportsbybrooks for this).