Sunday, May 04, 2008

Post Derby Bits and Pieces

By: Frank Carpano

Final thoughts from the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby:

· Seersucker suits were the uniform for the day for many of the men who attended the derby. And, in many different colors. Light blue was the most popular, but I also spotted some pink ones. And there was one light green seersucker jumpsuit!

· In order to watch the race from start to finish at Churchill Downs, you need to have a perch on Millionaire’s Row. Otherwise it’s a little like a golf tournament, you can only see parts of it live.

· People watching is the biggest sport of derby weekend. And there is no shortage of unique individuals.

· I bet you didn’t know that you can walk up to the ticket window on Derby day and purchase a ticket.
General admission is $40 and gets you onto the track grounds. However, you will not see the races. Most of the general admission people end up at the infield. A Woodstock like celebration. There you will not see many people dressed up and wearing fancy hats. What you will see is a scene reminiscent of Spring Break. There were thousand of college age and 20 somethings who spent the afternoon partying, most oblivious to the horse racing around them.

· We went to 3 different nice restaurants during our stay in the Louisville area. 2 of the 3 created limited menus for Derby weekend. And at least 2 of the 3 jacked up their prices for the tourists.

· Until I saw them perform in person, I never had a true appreciation for the beauty, power and grace of these animals.

· The best part for me was experiencing the traditions of the Derby. From dressing up to the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home”.

· Parking around Churchill Downs started at $5 and topped out at $20.  Good luck finding that at Gillette Stadium

· Without question the worst part of the weekend was what happened to Eight Belles.We didn’t find out until about 15 minutes after the race what had happened to her. The first sign there was trouble was when we saw the horse ambulance go racing by on the track. The speed it was traveling suggested it was headed to something serious. While none of our small wagers paid off, we all marveled at what a good race the Philly ran. A few minutes later we heard that she broke 2 ankles and had to be putdown on the track. Our mood quickly changed. Derby veterans couldn’t remember a more tragic moment at this event.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Tragedy at the Derby

byL Frank Carpano

As the only Phillie in the field of 20, Eight Belles was the Sentimental favorite among the over 150-thousand fans at Chuchhill downs.

In the grandstand where we sat, many had picked the number 5 horse and were thrilled at the race the horse ran.

From our seats, we couldn’t see the horses after they crossed the finish line. The first indication that something was wrong was when the horse ambulance went racing by in front of us… about 15 minutes later word spread through the crowd…that Eight Belles had collapsed and had to be euthanized.

It had been a wonderful day with a very festive atmosphere that quickly turned somber. Many Derby veterans said that they had never seen anything that tragic in the 134 year history of the race.

Bringing a tragic end to an otherwise thrilling day

(more to come later)

Friday, May 02, 2008

Kentucky Oaks

by: Frank Carpano

I hope my first experience with Churchill Downs is not an omen for things to come.
After arriving at the track and spending an hour roaming around, it rained and rained and rained.

Let me back up and fill you in on some of the details of our arrival. We found a parking space about 3 short blocks from Churchill Downs. The area around the track is primarily a residential area. And it seemed like everyone was selling parking spaces in the front yard. When we got off the highway, the prices started at 5 dollars per car. As we got closer the prices went up, all the way to 20 dollars. It is incredibly inexpensive for an event of this magnitude.

On Kentucky Oaks day you get a general admission ticket for $25. We were free to walk the property including the infield. I had heard a lot about the infield being a lot like Woodstock. It was a very accurate description. My only disappointment was that you couldn’t see the races.

The prices of food and drinks and souvenirs were very affordable.  Hot dogs were $4, water $4. The famous Mint Juleps sold for $9.  Most souvenir t-shirts and hats are selling for $20.

Headed to the Kentucky Derby

By: Frank Carpano

Keep an eye on this space the next few days. I am in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. I am here with some friends for this once in a lifetime experience.
We flew in to Nashville and drove to Lousville last night. The area is in full “Derby” mode. There is a full blown festival going on. I has been going on for the past few weeks and is really warming up now.

It’s Friday and we’re headed to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks. It’s the prelude to the Derby and I’m told that from a spectator point of view, it’s a wild crowd!

I’ll keep you posted

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bits and Pieces 4/22/08

by: Frank Carpano

Bits and Pieces

• For the first time in a long time I was genuinely excited and interested in the Boston Bruins. Their recent series against the Canadiens restored my faith in the Black and Gold. It may also have to do with the fact that after attending their first game this season, my 2 young daughters also got excited. I don’t think hockey is a great sport to watch on TV. But high-definition certainly makes it more palatable.

• Did you see the Montreal riot footage? Rioting after your team wins a big game has become cliché! It typically isn’t the most diehard fans who cause the trouble, but rather people who are looking for a reason to wreak havoc.

• The Providence Bruins certainly look like the team to beat for the Calder Cup. Now that the Boston Bruins season has ended, look for some of the Boston players (those with 2-way contracts) to return to Providence to help the P-Bruins.

• The circus arrives at the Dunkin Donuts Center next week, which will impact the P-Bruins home playoff schedule.

• The Boston Celtics have also revived my interest. My favorite moment from Game 1 of their playoff series with the Hawks was when Leon Powe slammed one home and landed on the floor. Seconds later Sam Cassell and Kevin Garnett were hovering over him landing congratulatory slaps on their teammate. When Powe got up to go to the benchm, K-G wasn’t done. He followed him all the way and it was obvious Garnett kept talking to Powe, no doubt telling him how great a play it was. It’s hard not to love someone like KG for that enthusiasm he shows during the game.

• Did you see Lance Armstrong finish the Boston Marathon? His time was just under 3 hours and nowhere near the top of the standings. However, Armstrong received a heroes welcome, complete with a finish line banner that he ran through as he crossed the finish line. The same banner usually reserved for the winner. So, what’s up with that?

• Manny Ramirez should play for a new contract every year.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

2008 Patriots Schedule

by: Frank Carpano

The Patriots 2008 schedule was released today. It includes 3 road games that you can see on NBC 10. The complete schdule is below

PRESEASON

Date Opponent Stadium Time Network Boston Affiliate

Thursday, Aug. 7 Baltimore Ravens Gillette Stadium 7:30 p.m. Patriots Preseason Network WCVB Channel 5

Sunday, Aug. 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium 8:00 p.m. NFL Network TBD

Friday, Aug. 22 Philadelphia Eagles Gillette Stadium 7:30 pm. Patriots Preseason Network WCVB Channel 5

Thursday, Aug. 28 at New York Giants Giants Stadium 7:00 p.m. Patriots Preseason Network WCVB Channel 5

REGULAR SEASON

Date Opponent Stadium Time Network Boston Affiliate

Sunday, Sept. 7 Kansas City Chiefs Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS WBZ Channel 4

Sunday, Sept. 14 at New York Jets Giants Stadium 4:15 p.m. CBS WBZ Channel 4

Sunday, Sept. 21 Miami Dolphins Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS WBZ Channel 4

Sunday, Sept. 28 BYE WEEK

Sunday, Oct. 5 at San Francisco 49ers Monster Park 4:15 p.m. CBS WBZ Channel 4

Sunday, Oct. 12 at San Diego Chargers Qualcomm Stadium 8:15 p.m. NBC WHDH Channel 7

Monday, Oct. 20 Denver Broncos Gillette Stadium 8:30 p.m. ESPN WCVB Channel 5

Sunday, Oct. 26 St. Louis Rams Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. FOX WFXT Channel 25

Sunday, Nov. 2 at Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium 8:15 p.m. NBC WHDH Channel 7

Sunday, Nov. 9 Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS WBZ Channel 4

Thursday, Nov. 13 New York Jets Gillette Stadium 8:15 p.m. NFL Network TBD

Sunday, Nov. 23 at Miami Dolphins Dolphin Stadium 1:00 p.m. * CBS* WBZ Channel 4*

Sunday, Nov. 30 Pittsburgh Steelers Gillette Stadium 4:15 p.m. * CBS* WBZ Channel 4*

Sunday, Dec. 7 at Seattle Seahawks Qwest Field 8:15 p.m.* NBC* WHDH Channel 7*

Sunday, Dec. 14 at Oakland Raiders McAfee Coliseum 4:15 p.m. * CBS* WBZ Channel 4*

Sunday, Dec. 21 Arizona Cardinals Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m.* FOX* WFXT Channel 25*

Sunday, Dec. 28 at Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson Stadium 1:00 p.m. * CBS* WBZ Channel 4*

Bold indicates nationally televised gam

Thoughts on the new PC Coach

By: Frank Carpano

Here’s what I’ve heard about the new coach of the Friars.

All very positive.

Keno Davis comes from a college basketball background. His Dad Dr. Tom Davis was a very successful coach who finished his career at Drake. His son was an assistant for his dad, and it was understood that Keno would take over for his dad when he retired.

Dr Tom retired after the 2006-2007 season and Keno became a head coach for the first time this past season.

The transformation of the Drake program under Keno’s guidance was nothing short of amazing. The school where “experts” claim is tough to win (sound familiar), rocked the Missouri Valley Conference this past season. Drake picked to finish 9th in the 10 team league, won the regular season title and the conference tournament.

Drake won a school record 21 games in a row and won a school record 28 games this past season. They played in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 37 years, losing the Western Kentucky in overtime. And all this was accomplished with only one returning starter from the year before.

Prior to this season, Drake was hard pressed to put people in the seats at their home games. But this year produced many sellouts

Drake’s lost 4 times this past season by a total of 13 points! That tells you they were in every game they played.

Keno Davis likes to play an up-tempo style. His teams a school record number of 3 pointers. They employed a match-up zone defense which opponents found very difficult to score against. I’m told that Davis likes to use full court pressure, but didn’t have the personnel this past season to use it successfully.

Davis, a 1995 graduate of the University of Iowa, was named the 2008 National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and the Sporting News

All that and he’s a Red Sox fan too!

PC Talking with Keno Davis?

by: Frank Carpano

more media reports on the Friars interest in Drake coach Keno Davis.

This article outlines some of what he’s done this past season.

PC Coach update 4/15/08

By: Frank Carpano

The Search continues for a Providence College Basketball coach.

PC Athletic Director Bob Driscoll did not attend last night’s basketball banquet. PC President Fr. Brian Shanley explained that Driscoll was busy searching for the next coach of the Friars.

I had the pleasure of emceeing the banquet and it was interesting how this search has consumed the Friar fans in attendance. There were more than a few winks, nods and whispers from fans who believed they knew exactly what was going on in the search.

However not one mentioned the name that has surfaced as the newest object of the Friars affection. Drake coach Keno Davis.

Here’s what the ProJo’s article on Davis.

And a Des Moines TV station also links Davis to the job.

One thing that most at last night’s basketball banquet agreed on. We are all ready for this search to be over.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Next!

by: Frank Carpano

Now that UMASS Coach Travis Ford has turned down the Friars job, look for George Washington University coach Karl Hobbs to get an interview.

Also, don’t be surprised if former Friar coach Tim Welsh lands at the University of Toledo

PC Coaching Update 4/10

By: Frank Carpano

Here’s the latest of what I know regarding the PC coaching vacany.

UMASS Coach Travis Ford reportedly has an offer on the table from Providence College. However, UMASS has made a counter offer that Ford is now mulling over. Reportedly the money is much less than what Providence is offering. Sources close to Ford say that he’s not sure what he wants to do.

One source close to Providence College officials say that they are now getting the feeling that Ford may not accept their offer.

The UMASS Basketball banquet is being held tonight. If Ford has a flair for the dramatic, maybe he steps up at the dinner and announces he’s staying.

We will have coverage of the dinner tonight at 11 on NBC 10.

Where will the Friars go next if Ford declines? Expect them to turn to Karl Hobbs from George Washington University

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

PC Coach Search Update 4/9/08

By: Frank Carpano

UMass coach Travis Ford is on the Providence College campus today interviewing for the PC basketball job. Sources tell me that it’s his job if he wants it.

Last night, Ford issued a statement saying he was not interested in the LSU coaching vacancy.

I’m also hearing that former Friar coach and current Louisville coach Rick Pitino played a role in steering Ford to Providence. Ford played for Pitino at the University of Kentucky

Stay tuned to this space and NBC 10 for updates

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

PC Coach Search Update 4/8/08

by: FrankCarpano

Apparently PC is still hopeful of getting a deal done with a new basketball coach by the end of the week.

Larry Brown is apparently an intriquing name on the rumor mill.

But what’s up with Travis Ford? The talk about him going to LSU seems to have cooled. Could he still be in the PC picture.

And who is this mystery man the ProJo referred to in it’s coverage today. Stay tuned!

Sunday, April 06, 2008

PC Coach Update Sunday 4/6/08

By: Frank Carpano

Another one bites the dust. indicate that Brown University basketball Coach Craig Robinson will take the head coaching job at Oregon State.

When I contacted a Brown University official tonight, I was told he could not confirm or deny the reports only that he had not heard from Robinson since the coach left for the Final 4. An Oregon State spokesman had no comment on the reports.

Robinson was on the list of candidates for the basketball vacancy at Providence College.

Where does this leave PC? Here are a couple of interesting names that have popped up.

ESPN anaylst Fran Fraschilla. The former coach at St. John’s and New Mexico is reportedly interested in returning to coaching on the East Coast.
He was an assistant coach at Providence College under Rick Barnes. He hasn’t coached in 4 years, but is an interesting candidate.

Current George Washington Coach Karl Hobbs is reportedly also interested in the PC job. Apparently he backed off applying initially because it was assumed that Larranaga had the job.

PC Athletic Director Bob Driscoll remains in San Antonio at the Final 4 to interview potential candidates

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Who’s next in PC Search

By: Frank Carpano

So where does Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll go from here. After finding out that PC Alum Jim Larranaga planned to stay at George Mason (with an additional 3 years on his contract, thank you PC!), Driscoll must now go to Plan B.

The most frequently mentioned names are UMASS coach Travis Ford. But reports tonight indicate he could be headed to LSU.

Brown coach Craig Robinson is being touted as a coach on the rise. But he is unproven in the postseason.

The others being mentioned are Tim O’Shea at Ohio University and Kevin O’Neill who filled in for Lute Olson this past season at Arizona.

O’Shea has been at Ohio University since the 2001-2002 season, took his team to the Quarterfinals of the College Basketball Invitational.

O’Neill led Arizona to a 21-13 record this past season and a berth in the NCAA tournament. (Arizona lost in the opening round to West Virginia).
ONeill had the wildcats emphasized defense this past season. A departure from the wide open style employed by Olson.