IMPO

For football fans, there are a few events that occur during the off-season that are exciting to keep track of. Training camp, preseason games, and the one that starts today: The NFL Combine leading up to the NFL Draft. The best way to describe this process to the curious reader who is still learning about the sport is that the NFL Combine is the male equivalent to a beauty pageant. Men who are selected by a committee come together and get evaluated on their bodies and their fitness and yes, there is even an interview portion. All of this leading to the announcement of the winner: the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. For many though, just being drafted can be considered a win (I say overcome with emotion as I wipe a tear delicately from my eye.) The broad jump. The vertical jump. The bench press. The 3-cone drill. The shuttle run. And the most exciting event, the 40-yard dash. These are the events that will determine a players draft stock and inevitably, their future as a footba...

Two seasons ago in the NCAA, there was no doubt that there was a fight for the top spot in the Top 25 rankings. It was a fight that teams wanted to win. Two undefeated teams, two solid one loss teams, and one two loss team with a legendary coach and a well built team. In fact the highest ranked team with three or more losses was at No. 7. This season, the highest ranked team in the NCAA has three losses (likely four or more within the next week and a half) and four of the top ten have five losses. Some analysts have called this "the year where no one wants to win." March Madness lovers are wondering what is going to happen come Selection Sunday (March 13) and throughout the tournament. I, of course, will be spending an extreme amount of time studying the teams as I fill out my bracket but here is what I expect to see during the remainder of the regular season. Villanova The (currently) No. 1 ranked Wildcats will not end the regular season raked No. 1. The next three game...

As I sit here watching the All-Star Game and having seen much of the NBA's All-Star Weekend, there are a few things that I feel need to be said. Kobe Bryant During much of the early 2000s, I was not a Kobe fan. In fact, due to his arrogance, I despised him for a while but still found a way to respect his game. I have watched some of his "farewell tour" and must admit, I am a bit sad to see him retire at the end of the season. I agree with the simple statement by Magic Johnson, "There will never be another Kobe." In the post-Michael Jordan era, Kobe was the player who carried the entertainment and the ratings of the league on his back until Lebron James came into the league. Had it not been for Kobe and his style and caliber, the NBA would have gotten lost in a Brady-Manning world. With much respect, I say to Kobe, happy trails and I will miss watching you play. Minnesota Timberwolves My favorite part of All-Star Weekend is the individual competitions: Skil...

Last night, Super Bowl 50 was played between the explosive offense of the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos with their dominant defense and all I have to say is....I told you so. Every single one of my coworkers picked the Panthers to win and virtually ruled out Denver as even having a chance. I was the only one who picked the Broncos and here is why: 1. Peyton Manning No, Manning was not the difference maker in the game but two things regarding him swayed the mo-jo in Levi's Stadium in his direction. First, after an emotional conversation with his teammates Saturday evening in a team meeting and with speculation of this being his final game, there was some added motivation for the Broncos to win this one. Second, having been in three other Super Bowls, Manning was composed and comfortable with such a large stage which was evident from his first pass, a beautiful over the middle completion. 2. Defense Wins Championships As a young basketball player, my coach taught m...