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Old Sport Shorts: IU Soccer #2640

November 1, 2024 / / 0 Comments

There’s never been a better time to be an Indiana University sports fan with an undefeated football team, a promising basketball season for both the women and men, and a BIG Ten regular season soccer championship. Swimming was once all the rave, basketball has since gotten the most attention, but it’s been decades since a National Championship, and football could go 9-0 for the first time in history, but it’s been soccer that has had the most consistent winning ways. Here’s the back story: 

In 1976 IU soccer beat Hartwick 2-1 in the semifinals and lost the final to San Francisco 1-0 in Coach Jerry Yeagley’s first trip to the College Cup in Philadelphia. His son Todd was there; he was four years old. 

In 1978 the Hoosiers topped Philadelphia 2-0 in the semifinals but lost to San Francisco again 2-0 in the final. San Francisco went on to defeat IU for a third time in the 1980 finale 4-3. Finally in 1982 the soccer Hoosiers beat SIU-Edwardsville 1-0 and Duke 2-1 in eight overtimes for the school’s first-ever soccer national title and Jerry Yeagley’s first. His son Todd was once again there, only 10 years old.

The second title came in 1983 over Virginia 3-1 in the semis, followed by an overtime thriller against Columbia 1-0. They returned to soccer’s version of the Final Four in 1984 but lost to Clemson 2-1 after defeating Hartwick 2-1. Four years later in 1988 came the third title, won in Bloomington, over both Portland and Howard by the same 1-0 scores. 

Santa Clara beat them in 1989, 4-2 in the semifinals and again in 1991 2-0. It was son, Todd Yeagley’s, freshman year as a player. In his 1994 final game as a player, they lost to Virginia 1-0 after a decisive win against UCLA 4-1. The Bruins came back to haunt them in 1997, a 1-0 semifinal loss in three overtimes. 

Although coach father and player son did not win a national title together, a fourth title for the Senior Yeagley happened in 1998 over Stanford 3-1, and a fifth the following year over Santa Clara 1-0. This was after a four-overtime 3-2 marathon over UCLA. Back-to-back championships for the first time!

It wasn’t until 2003 that Jerry achieved his sixth and final trophy as head coach, following a couple years of disappointment. In 2000 they had lost the semifinal match to Creighton 2-1 in three overtimes and 2001 the title game to North Carolina 2-0. Victory was sweeter as father and son enjoyed #6 on the sideline together, Todd as an IU soccer volunteer assistant. It was Jerry’s 554th and final win at Indiana, an NCAA record. Mike Freitag, who played at Indiana, and was Jerry’s assistant for 11-years, took over the program in his place and claimed the second back-to back title and seventh overall by defeating Maryland and then UC-Santa Barbara on penalty kicks.

I guess you could consider the next seven Yeager-less years to be a draught – not just for soccer but for IU sports in general. The basketball banners were gathering dust, the 2007 Insight Bowl was a football bust, and Hoosier basketball didn’t even make the NCAA tournament from 2009-2011. There wasn’t much to cheer for until Todd Yeagley was named head soccer coach in 2012. He proceeded to win his first national title and the team’s 8th over Georgetown 1-0 in 2012. The Yeagley magic was back! However, it took him five more years to get back to the College Cup. The Hoosiers lost to Stanford 1-0 after two overtimes after beating North Carolina 1-0 in the semifinals. 

In 2018, I went to the Santa Barbara College Cup to watch them fall short to Maryland 2-0. The 2021 team beat Pittsburgh 1-0 in the national semifinals but lost to Marshall 1-0 in overtime in the title game. That season was played in the spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten-years had passed since a championship when they defeated Pittsburgh 2-0 in the 2022 national semifinals and lost to Syracuse on penalty kicks 7-6 after 2OT periods tied at 2-2. They were the first team since Maryland (2018) to make a championship game without conceding a goal throughout the NCAA Tournament and the seventh team all-time to achieve that feat. More misfortune followed in the 2023 Elite 8 loss to Notre Dame on PKs 5-4 after a 1-1 tie.

The 2024 Indiana Hoosiers just claimed their 35th Big Ten Championship, 19th regular season title, and fifth league crown in seven seasons. They had a final game against unheralded Trine that ended 4-1 at Jerry Yeagley Field before the tournaments started. The team is ranked only 16th because of a slow start to the season and hungry to end a bad streak of five College Cup losses in the last 12-years without that 9th national championship. Will they ride the football and basketball momentum to victory at last?

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Back Brace #2639

October 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

After the failed attempt of trying out the calf device to relieve my sciatica pain, I bought an inexpensive Sparthos back brace. It already seems to have helped, providing lumbar support when I sit and easing the discomfort when the dogs need to go out in the morning. I purchased it just in case today’s appointment with the pain management doctor gets cancelled again. An injection is supposed to generate immediate relief, so this brace is my back-up plan, after months of suffering. It’s taken over a month to finally see this doctor. I can only hope it’s not delayed further. 

Once I finally get moving in the morning, the pain usually goes away until later in the evening if I don’t have proper back support. Watching TV on the couch seems to aggravate the nerve. It didn’t happen last night – thanks to this brace. I then keep my left leg stretched out when I sleep to minimize the morning stiffness, but still struggled a bit until I put on this brace. It did not relieve all of the pain but made walking bearable. I’m wearing it now while I write but will take it off to go to the fitness center later. I’m not supposed to wear it more than three hours at a time, and usually by mid-morning I won’t need it. 

The pain has made me into a grumpy old man, reluctant to do much of anything. It’s even hard to focus on reading or watching TV. I did go to yesterday’s chair yoga class and continue to see the chiropractor. Audio books are a helpful distraction, especially when I’m walking on the treadmill. It’s the only exercise I’m allowed to do after prostrate surgery, as if I’m up to a strenuous workout with this sciatica issue. It definitely originates in my lower spine, shoots down my left leg, and feels like an Achillies injury. It can also take the form of a cramp in my calf. This is why I thought the pressure device might initially work – it had for others who recommended it. It only seemed to aggravate, so I traded it in for the back brace. 

OId Sport Shorts Ohtani vs. Judge #2638

October 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

I was looking for a fabulous finish to Shohei Ohtani’s stellar season with perhaps a World Series MVP, but instead he’s fizzled a bit. No home runs or stolen bases, just an injury scare. Instead, Freddie Freeman has stolen the limelight and has the Dodgers one game away from a sweep. His walk-off grand slam in Game One all but sealed the MVP award, plus he added two more homers, all on a bad leg. It was compared to Kirk Gibson’s feat in 1988, in dramatic fashion with two outs. Some reports indicated that both walk-offs occurred at 8:37 pm PDT, adding to the mystique. 

I bought a baseball card to celebrate the moment but was honestly hoping for more Ohtani cards to add to my collection of over 170. I would like to sell it, thinking that a Series MVP would add more value. He will undoubtedly receive the National League MVP and Aaron Judge will earn the American League prize. Judge, with another disappointing postseason performance, is just 1-12 in the first three games. Ohtani is 1-11 but has at least scored twice. Both hyped superstars have all but disappeared in their very first World Series appearances. 

Freeman is all but a MVP lock, but “it’s never over till it’s over,” Yogi Berra’s famous quote. He knows more about World Series play than anyone, but his Yankee Stadium ghost has yet to scare the Dodgers. There still could be four more games, and the stars could yet shine. The Yankees are certainly capable of winning four-straight, especially if Aaron Judge starts to deliver. We have to give the opposing pitchers credit for exploiting the weaknesses of these great players. With all the focus on them, it’s the other eight on each team that have made the difference. Bring on Game 4!

 

 

Old Sport Shorts: Exhibit A #2637

October 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The typically long wait between I.U. basketball seasons was significantly shortened by an undefeated football start. At the same time, however, the recruiting wars were not going well thanks to Dan Hurley’s UConn program. He first locked onto Montverde Academy’s Liam McNeeley after decommitting from I.U. and then wooed Eric Reibe and Braylon Mullins, two key Mike Woodson targets. Fortunately, we were able to land Montverde’s 6’7″ forward Trent Sisley, at least “temporarily,” as happens too frequently these days. We’ll have to once again rely on the portal to be competitive in the future.

The fruits of the 2024 recruiting class and portal were on public display for the first time at Hoosier Hysteria, during homecoming weekend, and in a charity exhibition game at the University of Tennessee a week later. Bryson Tucker, Langdon Hatton, Luke Goode, Kanaan Carlyle, Oumar Ballo, and Myles Rice joined last year’s regulars Mackenzie Mgbako, Gabe Cupps, Anthony Leal, Malik Reneau, and Trey Galloway on the court. Galloway and Tucker are still recovering from injuries, along with Jakai Newton. The rest of the team includes Shaan Burke, Jordan Rayford, James Goodis, Jaden Bobbett, Jackson Creel, Ian Stephens, and Dallas James – “Your 2024-25 Indiana Hoosiers!”

It was a challenging first assignment against a preseason Top 25 team that finished last year 27-9, won the SEC Championship, reached the Elite 8, and are coached by a well-respected veteran Rick Barnes. IU entered the game ranked 17th, while the Volunteers were judged 12th. Both teams had significant personnel losses from the previous year, and the ugliness of regrouping was obvious. 

Indiana started the game with four straight turnovers on offense, then proceeded to miss all eleven of their 3-point attempts. The Volunteers weren’t much better, going just 3-of-20 from distance. In the second half, the shots started to fall, as both teams eventually settled from opening jitters. Six points was the largest margin in Tennessee’s favor, but a Malik Reneau 3-pointer put the Hoosiers ahead 55-54, headed to that magic mark of 60. 

Myles Rice was credited with the reason for I.U.’s four-point victory. The Washington State transfer finished with 20-points and four assists. The Hoosiers got to 60 first and won 66-62. Reneau led all scorers with 21-points and a game-sealing dunk. Mgbako had 12-points, while Ballo pulled down 11-rebounds and added 6-points. “Exhibit A” was a solid way to start the season, before “Exhibit B,” the final exhibition game, on November 1st against Marian. 

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Quasimodo #2636

October 27, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Rather than “The Gimp with a limp” (See Post # 2635), I was more like Quasimodo yesterday, all hunched over when I tried to walk. The pressure brace that I bought for my calf, designed to relieve sciatica, instead further irritated the nerve. It was like my legs locked up and I could only move with my hands on my knees, bent over like the “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” His team won yesterday, by the way, in a rout over Navy. Watching football was about all I could do most of yesterday afternoon. I had been to the fitness center in the morning as normal and managed to get in a 2-mile walk on the treadmill before this all happened. They were not related, but once I sat down, it was miserable trying to stand up straight and walk. I’ve already harped enough on how many times I need to visit the toilet, so it was a miserable afternoon despite the IU Football victory over Washington.

I feel better this morning, able to do a few simple tasks without any pain. On Wednesday is my scheduled appointment with the pain management doctor. Hopefully, he won’t cancel again! Just in case, after returning the leg brace, I went ahead and bought the lower back devise, desperately trying anything to get relief. Thanks for bearing with me as I spew all my frustrations out with these words. I’ll then be headed to the treadmill after my wife returns from the dog park. 

I checked out the Xfinity streaming services this morning and found the SEC+ Network that will broadcast this afternoon’s IU basketball exhibition game with Tennessee. Like everything else these days, it wasn’t easy, but at least it was free! It’s football Sunday, so plenty to watch on TV, although the games we typically get here are not the ones I want to see. I could go down to the clubhouse where they have the NFL Network, but I’d rather stay home and suffer through the Red Zone broadcast. We’re attending a “Garden Party” tonight with those who share our small plot of vegetables and flowers. Hopefully, I can continue to stand tall today and save the Quasimodo look for Halloween.

Retirement is not without Hassles: The Gimp – Part 2 #2635

October 26, 2024 / / 0 Comments

It was in an April post, 6-months ago, when I first wrote about “The Gimp” in reference to my sciatica. See Post #2512. I continue to struggle with the pain in my left leg, particularly, in the early mornings when I let the dogs out. I hobble down the sidewalk, regretting that moment when I have to bend over to pick up the poop. My wife claims that I haven’t been proactive enough in getting treatment, despite an Ultrasound, MRI, numerous chiropractor sessions, ice, heat, two steroid treatments, and purchasing a brace that puts pressure on the nerve. She’s just as frustrated as I am, awaiting the services of a pain doctor that rudely rescheduled an appointment last week after a month of finally getting that appointment. What else can I possibly do?

She just left to take the dogs to the park, while I write this post. By the time they return, my leg pain will have dulled, and I will make my way to the resort fitness center. Walking on the treadmill, with the support of the side rails, is the only approved exercise I can do over the next month, following prostrate surgery. I’m anxious to get back in shape but there have been too many obstacles in the way. At least, I’m no longer in diapers but have yet to see any improvement in my bladder control. It’s just one more frustration in my life. 

I’ll take the dogs for their monthly grooming while my wife does her aquafit class, hurrying back for the IU football game against Washington. Ironically, it was a former IU quarterback, Michael Penix, Jr. that led the Huskies to the National Championship game last year. It could be our turn this year, although the undefeated season still has a long way to go. Without our starting quarterback today, it will be an even tougher challenge to remain in the playoff picture. 

Last night, the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman’s triple and walk-off grand slam to beat the Yankees in World Series game one was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s heroics back in 1988. Both limped triumphantly around the base path, despite their injuries. It once again reminded me of my morning sciatica struggles and Pulp Fiction’s “The Gimp.”

Retirement is not without Hassles: Misnumbered #2634

October 23, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The numbers on my post somehow got out of line and so I spent several hours readjusting them. It’s just another indication that I’m getting old, right in line with too frequent mistaken directions and memory lapses. I’m now in the 2600 numbers rather than the incorrect 2500s, after starting this retirement blog at the end of 2016. My last day of work was December 30th of that year, so 2,853 days have passed. The goal was a post every day but, so far, I’ve missed 219 entries. I’ve definitely gotten a little lazier every year, but some of this is related to health issues and travel.

Categories like open-heart surgery, prostate issues, and sciatica were never even considered when this all started. The first mention of the word “sciatica” was in Post #2543 (June 14, 2024), having never run across the condition prior to this time. Now, it’s a daily problem. I did have concerns about an aneurism when this all started, but never envisioned open-heart surgery. I was also about half-way through what would turn out to be a 15-year running streak. I now worry about what monster is lurking behind the next unopened door and wonder which portal will unveil good fortune?

Travel and sports are still favorite subjects of mine, but sadly I haven’t felt much like writing humorous poetry. Pets have become a bigger part of my life, after taking on a feisty puppy. Baseball card collecting has kept me busy, but I need to find something more constructive to do with my spare time. 

We continue to watch the Old Man series on Hulu, although I find it hard to believe his strength and resilience at that age. My job today is dusting, more in line with old man capabilities. Window washing is still beyond my skill level, so we’re bringing in the expert in a few weeks. Laundry continues to be my responsibility, with the exception of items that require ironing. Most of the lawn duties are handled by the HOA. It’s been 25-years since we’ve owned a lawnmower. Our pool guy is right down the street this morning, headed this way.

Another 2,000 plastic sleeves arrived in the mail yesterday, so I’ll be sorting baseball cards again today. I’m finished with my son’s boxes that I will keep here while he moves over to the Atlantic Coast temporarily. He’s renting his property here in our area, so this will give him an opportunity to rejoin his girls.

My wife has the day off from substitute teaching and will take our anxious pups to the park on their golf cart. I take them when she’s working, which has been four days a week of late. She also gets to go to her tap-dancing lesson while I hit the fitness center for a 2-mile walk on the treadmill. We’ll dine in again tonight and try to find something new to watch. Not much going on as I continue to recover from prostate surgery, at least my blog posts are no longer misnumbered.

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Diaperession #2633

October 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

“Diaperession” is what old men like me get when forced to wear diapers. It’s a humbling experience but not without a bit of humor. I made the “Baby Huey” reference in yesterday’s post (See # 2632) about my stylish gray Depends, hardly a fashion statement. I’ll try to be patient in the months ahead while recovering from prostate surgery. In my ways, I’m fortunate to have avoided cancer in each of these procedures this year. 

I may need to add a TV to the bathroom and a toilet to my office chair. It would certainly save a lot of inconvenient trips down the hall. Right now, once an hour is the norm, but I did manage several two-to-three hour stretches overnight. It’s certainly an improvement from every five minutes that wore me out on Day 1. I’m supposed to drink lots of water, but the catch is that it accelerates the cycle. 

I hope to get a little more sunshine today, but a dip in the pool could lead to infection, so I’m restricted to a comfortable chair. I’ve been very involved in two good books, “The Waiting” by Michael Connelly on my Kindle and the audiobook, “Persuader” by Lee Child. Both authors are favorites and have kept me distracted during this unpleasant time. The audiobook keeps me occupied while walking on the treadmill, the one form of exercise that is allowed for the next few weeks. I continue to struggle with the transition from running every day to finding new exercise outlets. A taped shoulder is an indication that I’ve yet to find a comfortable routine. 

Walking is plagued by sciatica discomfort in my left leg that ranges from stubborn leg cramps to unbearable pain. I bought a stimulating device on Amazon from the manufacturer, BeActive+, that several friends have found effective. I was waiting for the appointment with a pain management doctor before doing anything, but they cancelled my appointment yesterday. I nearly cried out of frustration after already waiting more than three weeks to see him. The soonest they could get me in was another 9-days, so I’m desperate for relief. What it tells me is that there are many folks in this area battling pain – so I’m not alone. 

This has been a constant battle since open-heart surgery in January, long before the very recent prostate procedure. Once I stopped running every day, my fitness level has suffered, and I battle weight gains. Every new routine that I’ve employed has been interrupted by discomfort, not that running was ever that enjoyable. However, a consistent exercise approach is important, and I’ve had to give up sit-ups and push-ups at the very foundation. It’s nagging leg pain, a sore foot, bicep strain, and surgeries that have constantly disrupted my active lifestyle, so no wonder I have “diaperession.”

Retirement is not without Hassles: Baby Huey Blues #2632

October 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

It’s probably better that I focus on writing about sports today rather than bladder control and Depends. I will say that the prostate surgery went well, but I feel like Baby Huey in his signature plastic panties, primarily worn as a precaution. It will apparently be some time before my bladder returns to normal. In the meantime, I will begin a “pain management” program for my unrelated sciatica. Relief is on the way!

In an uncomfortable situation like this, I refer to the movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” where Steve Martin wakes-up-side-by-side in the same motel room bed with John Candy….”Those aren’t pillows.” They break the awkwardness with the words: “See that Bears game last week?” I’ll use that same distraction in avoiding details about my current health issues.

Da Bears did win last week and had this weekend off. It was the remarkable Indiana football Hoosiers that made my day. Despite record-setting trips to the restroom, I was able to enjoy the stunning victory over Nebraska and a 7-0 start to the season. Baby Huey’s Ducks also claimed the top spot in this week’s polls after crushing helpless Purdue.

After a quick trip to the toilet, I’ll try to finish. Purdue is already looking forward to basketball, where they are expected to win the BIG, while I.U fans can’t wait for the Bucket Game and have a chance for a title and major Bowl appearance. Basketball is not a priority for once, even after a taste of hoops during Hoosier Hysteria on Friday night, all part of the Homecoming Hoopla! The exhibition game against formidable Tennessee is only a week away.

Aside from my love of the Hoosiers, Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers have made it to the World Series with a ticket to play Aaron Judge’s Yankees. The two likely season MVP’s will get a chance to compete against each other head-to-head for a Championship. Ohtani’s move from the Angels have led to his very first postseason experience and a chance for the World Series MVP, the perfect cap to a sensational season. 

IU’s QB Kurtis Rourke will miss next week’s Washington game with a thumb injury. Tayven Jackson replaced him in the second half of the Nebraska game and will be challenged with the task of maintaining the unblemished record. Michigan 
State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Purdue loom ahead on the schedule, followed by a Bowl game yet to be determined. The Ducks and Hoosiers top the BIG TEN standings, with what was unimaginable years ago before league expansion and the portal. There’s a lot to look forward to despite the Baby Huey Blues!

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Too Much Information? #2631

October 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

My last post was anything but humorous, but I’m feeling better this afternoon, more soreness than pain. I had an inspector look over some of the minor storm damage, while still expecting the screen repairmen. It’s great to have a home that can withstand such powerful, turbulent winds. I’m reminded of the story of the “Big Bad Wolf,” instead it was Hurricane Milton who huffed and puffed, trying to blow our house down. Fortunately, it’s constructed of brick, concrete, and steel, not straw or sticks and other vulnerable materials. I’m honestly surprised when they put up a wood-framed structure in our area. 

I’ve caught up on all the TV streaming series, now that we have power. This afternoon, I watched the 4th season, final episode, of Slow Horses on Apple, and last night it was Murders in the Building on Hulu. Tonight, should be the wrap-up of Bad Monkey, also on Apple. The new Bosch season starts soon on Netflix, one of the few channels that I currently don’t have access. Prime Video was just renewed, along with Max and Hulu, now part of the Disney Channel, who can live without that? I also have access to most of the sports channels, something my wife could live without, so I give her the Broadway Channel. Max may soon be traded for short-term Netflix renewal, trying to stay within some semblance of a budget. 


I had a big outing last night in my neighbor’s Miata at Farlow’s, one of the few restaurants in nearby Englewood still functioning after the storm, knowing I would be fasting tonight, recovering from surgery over the weekend, and catching up on sleep after a 5:30a start. To add to the torture, I also scheduled flu and Covid shots. It will be a quiet weekend of sorting baseball cards, watching the MLB Playoffs, IU football, and the NFL. An Indy friend is also stopping by for a night. He was there for my vasectomy 40-years ago and just in time to wave goodbye to my prostrate. That’s what good friends are for! My wife is tired of all my moaning and groaning, so he can provide some comedic diversion. I’ll return the favor, as I did all those years ago, when he’s tired of making frequent bathroom trips. Too much information?

 

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