UPDATE: John Brebbia did get in Thursday's game one, but just for a short time. He was, however, involved in what was seen by analysts as a key play in the game. Coming on in the seventh inning, leadoff hitter Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a screaming shot to right field. Thinking it might be a … Continue reading (Updated) John Brebbia: A former Elon player to watch in the baseball playoffs
About sports
The bumpy road for Elon’s John Brebbia to the major leagues
John Brebbia became the first Elon University baseball player to make the major leagues since 2008 the hard way. He rode a lot of buses, ate a lot of fast food on the go, saw some parts of the country many never do; and endured being released -- basically told his career was over -- … Continue reading The bumpy road for Elon’s John Brebbia to the major leagues
Learning to balance eagerness and caution, a baseball story
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've told this story a few times over the years. It should probably stand as my Father's Day and summertime post for the rest of my days. ---- Probably no little kid wanted to play Little League Baseball more than I did. That might seem like an exaggeration. I don't think so. If … Continue reading Learning to balance eagerness and caution, a baseball story
The odds on sports betting in North Carolina?
Betting on sports in North Carolina will be legal one of these days. That's a pretty smart wager. But when it might happen is more of a mystery. The smart money is on the over rather than the under. That was just one of multiple takeaways on Tuesday from a three-hour symposium at Elon University, … Continue reading The odds on sports betting in North Carolina?
Snow in April? Remembering the Frozen Greater Greensboro Open of 1987
A couple of years ago when sorting through old boxes I happened upon a column from April 4, 1987 during sports writing days that I wrote for the Burlington Times-News. Back then, the Greater Greensboro Open was played the week before the Masters. — which would be this particular week. It was a popular tournament … Continue reading Snow in April? Remembering the Frozen Greater Greensboro Open of 1987
Book review: ‘Football for a Buck”; or, how Donald Trump killed the USFL
'Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL'; by Jeff Pearlman; 2018; Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt Publishing Co.; 366 pages. Near the end of "Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL," author Jeff Pearlman's 366-page lament about the brief three-season life of a professional football … Continue reading Book review: ‘Football for a Buck”; or, how Donald Trump killed the USFL
When it comes to blown calls fans have long and bitter memories
New Orleans Saints football coach Sean Payton declared on Sunday that his team will never get over what happened in the Superdome earlier that day when a missed call by game officials opened the door for the opposing Los Angeles Rams just enough to force overtime and ultimately defeat the Saints in the NFC championship … Continue reading When it comes to blown calls fans have long and bitter memories
UPDATED AGAIN: Here today, gone tomorrow: The coaching carousel spins
UPDATED TO ADD LINK to interview with new James Madison coach Curt Cignetti by Adam Smith of the Burlington Times-News and the breaking news Sunday night that Elon is going to announce its new coach on Monday. Monday I added the news that defensive coordinator Tony Trisciani is the new head football coach at Elon. … Continue reading UPDATED AGAIN: Here today, gone tomorrow: The coaching carousel spins
The curious case of Joe Golombek is neither myth, nor hoax
Let me begin by stating that this isn't one of those "Sidd Finch" stories. It's not April 1, either. But the strange tale of a former Elon football player from the 1930s and '40s named Joe Golombek could very easily be dismissed as myth, hoax or both. His story is a bizarre one that took … Continue reading The curious case of Joe Golombek is neither myth, nor hoax
Maurice Koury was always comfortable in the background and still is at Schar Center
https://twitter.com/i/status/1061082322391437312 When University of North Carolina men's basketball coach Roy Williams agreed to bring his nationally ranked and highly popular team to Elon for the opening game in the university's brand new Schar Center a lot of thoughts probably went through his mind. Typically coaches in major conferences don't like to go on the road … Continue reading Maurice Koury was always comfortable in the background and still is at Schar Center
Madison's Avenue 