Birthday

Last week was my birthday and I received a card from my parents that simply states.

"Don't think of it as another birthday. Think of it as the anniversary of the day the world was graced with your presence!"

I just thought it was just a simple card, but I got to thinking about how many people I come in contact in one day, and how many lives that can be changed by saying just one word to a person. I think of a story in one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books about how this kid carried the books of a fellow student all the way home. The owner of the books was the typical "nobody" in school, you know the kid that gets picked last in the pick-up game at recess, the nerd, geek, smelly kid, bad home life kid, you know there is always one of them in every class. The kid that carried the books home was the well-liked kid, friend of everyone, straight-A kid. A while after this happened, the geek wrote a letter to the straight-A kid that said that night he was going to kill himself, but because he helped him, talked to him on the way home, and just showed interest in him, he chose not to take his life.

All because someone carried his books!

I think of all the times that I could have done something for someone and didn't. It's like there isn't an I almost did help. You either do it or you don't.

I am going to take the time to help the next person I can because I have no idea the impact I can have on someone, just by giving someone your attention.

Books I got from my parents for my birthday:
Every Man, God's Man - by Stephen Arterburn and Kenny Luck
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy

I can't wait to read these and I will probably share them.

I will try to update with a little blurb from each chapter!
Have a Great Weekend!
DSD

2007 Indiana East/West All Star Game

The Indiana East/West All Star Basketball Games allow 175 of Indiana's top boy and girl players to show their stuff in all four classes, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A.

Link Here

The Third Annual Games will be held at the New Castle Fieldhouse! The largest High School Gym in the world! KENT BENSON, Games Chairman.

Congrats to all the players named!

Here's a list of all the local players who will be playing.

1A - Tiffany Lawson - Eminence
Tyler Adkisson - Eminence
Josh Neuhart - Bethesda Christian
David Henry - Bethesda Christian

2A - Kate Miller - Cascade
Katie Nease - Cascade
Jake Daugherty - Cascade
Lauran Thompson - N. Montgomery
Jessica Wiles - N. Montgomery
Mark Dunbar - Speedway
Taylor Dial - Speedway
Micheal Neese - Cloverdale
Tyler Bruce - Tri-West

3A - Julia Byrdwell - Danville

4A - Aimee Drabyn - Avon
Hillary Cheek - Avon
Allison Lutocka - Plainfield
Kayli Schafer - Mooresville
Coach - Steve Drabyn - Avon

Congrats to these seniors as it will be their final time representing their high school in competition!

DSD

Bruin Signs with Ancilla

Tri-West's Marco Moses has committed to play basketball at Ancilla College.

Congrats to Marco!!

That makes 2 from TW playing college ball! (Ricks at Rose-Hulman).

Gym Floors

SMU is getting a new floor in their gym reminiscent of older days with a new twist. Nice article on how things have changed. I imagine many floors will be made anew with the addition of the new 3-Point arc.



What is your favorite court of all time? I am partial to old school looking courts, like Indiana's but the lane needs to be filled with red. I also like to have the schools mascot as big as you can get it between the two 3-point lines. But, my all-time favorite court had to be Temple's. Those owl wings just intimidate me, or maybe it's the black inside the 3 point lane. I don't know but that had to be the coolest home court! I don't think it's still painted like that, but I definitely think they should bring it back. The picture is the only one I could find.


Locally, I really like South Putnam's Floor with the big eagle airbrushed pretty big. (oh by the way that is me in the picture on the left closest to the eagle) I like Cascade's because of the black painted lanes. Danville's doesn't have any volleyball lines on it, so I always thought they meant business on the court kind of like, volleyball season is over so let's play ball. New Castle's is simple but it has the cool wood. It's also the biggest high school gym in the U.S. Here's about it. I also like Eminence's gym floor because it has those real little boards in it I also am a big fan of DePauw University's floor. It is very old school but I am really drawn to the black 2 foot outlines around the court. It looks like the Pacers' court, only better. I am also in favor of the two toned stains that are being used in the a lot of the NBA arenas. I think it adds a nice touch.


Let me know what your favorite floor is.


Also, still on the Coach Hep loss, I read something on him that he one of his motto's was
"Have a Plan, Work the Plan, Plan for the Unexpected." I love this. You definitely need to have a plan in anything you do, and you mush carry that plan out, and while your plan is going on, there most certainly will be road blocks in it that you didn't account for that you must plan ahead for. Obviously, Hep's unexpected block was the fact that he happened to get brain cancer. But he planned for it because of the legacy that he left behind. I am sure that every one who came in contact knew Hep's plan and that plan was to touch as many lives as he could in the pursuit of living a Godly life and passing on the character traits to be a man of God. You can hear it in the voices and words of his former players of how much he meant to them.


In Hep's words, "Have a Plan, Work the Plan, Plan for the Unexpected."


Have a Great Weekend, I think we are going to be getting some much needed rain!!

DSD.

Local Honors, Awards, Commitments

Liz Bondi, of DePauw University, in Greencastle was named the Division III Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. Following a year in which she won an individual national championship in tennis and was an all-American forward on the national championship basketball team, DePauw's Liz Bondi has been named the Honda Division III Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year.

Gordon Hayward, of Brownsburg HS, verbally committed to play basketball at Butler U. Indy Star

Tyler Bruce, of Tri-West HS, was named the Indy Star's Suburban Athlete of the Year.

Coach Hep Passes

Terry Hoeppner, head coach at Indiana University passed away on Tuesday morning. I don't personally know Coach Hep at all, but I can honestly tell you that he meant more to Indiana University and the state of Indiana than anyone really knows. Here was a man who was changing the landscape of Indiana football, and fighting like crazy to instill in everyone how to do things the right way. From the traditions that he started to reach out to the community, most notably, "The Walk." Which was when the entire team would walk from Assembly Hall through parking lots down to Memorial stadium through a long line of people just to shake hands and chat on the way to the game. Obviously, there is a lot of coverage in Indiana about Coach Hep right now and every time I see a replay of some of the "Walks" he is right there with all the players, shaking hands with everyone that he can see. He wanted to get the community support and people to the games. He wanted to bring IU football back to bowl games, and eventually a trip to the Rose Bowl. You could see it in him. It wasn't like he did it just to schmooze people, he was real. Real enough that if I was going to go play football, I would have wanted to play for Hep. The nickname that he gave to Memorial Stadium was "The Rock." He wanted to always protect and defend "The Rock." The thing that I take away from that is that you have to have your priorities in line at home, and in your surroundings for it to carry beyond the walls of the stadium or locker room. You can see that Hep was the same no matter where he was, whether it be on the sideline or in a press conference. He wanted everyone to be a part of what he was doing, because "Coach Hep Wants You."

The state of Indiana lost a well respected man this week. Please be in prayers for the Hoeppner family, the team, and Indiana University.

Last night, on one of the Local News channels they interviewed some of the players and Josiah Sears, a FB, said that he will remember one saying that Coach Hep would say and that is "Never Give Up."

I think that most people know where Hep headed, but I will quote Brent Glasgow from the Hendricks County Flyer in which he said, "Although he wasn’t able to lead the Hoosiers to the promised land, if there is a place called Heaven, I know Terry Hoeppner will be there."

Image Courtesy of Indiana University.

Think about this...

I don't really know if Jay Leno wrote this, but either way it is incredibly good, We do have something wonderful right here and people are failing to realize how incredibly good we have it. I mean I am writing this... and hopefully something is reading, but how many countries can't do this because of their government's rules. We all need to be thankful for what we have.

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see.... "The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" Jay Leno

Congrats to the Spurs! TV Ratings, Sideline Reporters

The San Antonio Spurs were crowned NBA champs on Thursday night. Read Coach Finamore's blog about San Antonio stuff. It's in the Basketball Links on the right side. He hits the nail right square on the head when talking about the Spurs. This truly is an amazing team to watch.

Because TV ratings are down, ABC/ESPN seemed to always try to find a way to bring in the audiences. This year it was Eva Longoria. How many times did they film her just cheering?! Or when at the end Tony Parker and Longoria ran, hugged, and kissed!! It's like they were trying to make as much drama as they possibly could. No use getting all the other players' emotions, we have to get this shot of when Parker and Longoria kiss! I know, I know, there are plenty of guys who like seeing her, but honestly the only people watching at this point were pure basketball people, not the moms and wives longing to see if Eva and Tony would kiss. I love the Dan Patrick Radio show, but you can't ask a guy if he's nervous about his wedding on national TV? And another thing about the sideline reporters, they need to come up with another question beyond, "What are you feeling at this moment?" I mean how do you think he feels. He just won a championship! I don't think he feels down, or cheated, or depressed, or sad. I can answer that question simply as, "They all feel elated, or wonderful, or happy, or the perfect words are ' Michelle, there are no words to descibe it!'" I just think that everyone already knows how they are feeling, so there shouldn't be an interview. But if the player turns it down then the Media gets mad because you didn't answer their question and then Dan Patrick talks about you on his show. While I am on this topic of Sideline reporters, I think we can go away from talking to the coaches who are behind in the score at halftime as they are running away to the locker room. It usually goes something like this:

Sideline Reporter: "Coach, your defense gave up 20 fast break points in the first half.

What are you going to do get your team back in it?"

Coach: "Well, we need to get back on defense in a more timely manner in order to stop the break, we'll see how we come out in the second half.

What the Coach was thinking: "Well, we need to get back on defense a whole lot faster or we're running suicedes tomorrow, who is this lady, maybe jam the rebounder a little bit, to stop the outlet pass, I love running and talking at the same time, and hit some more baskets so they actually have to take it out of bounds to start their break, why is this lady talking to me, I have to sacrifice some of my offensive players to get my defensive stopper in the game, I am out of breath, water please, Talk to my assistant next time would ya"

I just don't see any point in the whole "talk to the coach as he's running to the locker room" interview. Maybe you have a different point of view, post a comment, but the questions are so vague and the coach gives vague answers because he actually has a team to coach and get ready for the second half. I think they should just not have the sideline reporters. But I guess, those brain stimulating questions that they ask, stir the mind of casual fans, so I guess there is a part for them but I just don't like them. They just ask questions that are rhetorical and anyone who is watching the game could probably answer them anyway.

Leave comment or email!

Have a great weekend!

Hebron Names Woman Head Boys' Coach

Brenda Drook has been named the Head Boys' Coach at Hebron High. She been the Boys' JV Coach for the past 13 seasons, and also the Head Girls' Volleyball coach for the past 5. She becomes the first woman to lead a boys varsity team in the state of Indiana!

Congrats to Coach Drook and to a successful season!!

"If it was any other woman, I might not agree with the (hiring), but because it's Drook -- and I've played for her before -- I think we'll be fine,'' Elliott said. "She made us better. The way she pushes every person to do their best makes it a good decision.'' - from nwi.com

Rodger Ward Jr. Article

I have met Rodger Ward Jr. many times. My grandma is close friends with him. He is the son of two time Indy 500 champ Rodger Sr. I can not remember anyone who looked at life with such an amazing point of view as he does. I am a pretty happy-go-lucky guy myself, and nothing really gets me upset, but Rodger's positive attitude is something amazing. I don't think he has ever had a bad day in his life. This article from the Hendricks County Flyer from May 23 I read, but didn't have the time to post about it. Rodger never really got into racing and following his dad's footsteps, but he felt the call of ministry and never looked back. I have heard him preach many times and not one time did I not laugh hysterically and at the same time take away an amazing and wonderful message from Christ through Rodger. At the end of this article there is a quote from Will Rogers that says, "If you find a job that you like, you will never work another day in your life." I think that is so true. If you are at a job where you feel like it's actually work and it doesn't delight you to go in every morning, then you should definitely think seriously about being there. Rodger is an amazing man and I am truly blessed to know him.

DSD

Drop a note, dropstepdunkblog@yahoo.com

A couple HS all-star games this week. I know there are some local players out there playing, I just need to post about them.

New Danville Girls Coach

Terry Hammons has been named the new Girls' Head Coach at Danville.

Terry Hammons has 26 years of experience coaching boys’ golf at Danville Community High School, but when the girls’ basketball season tips off in November, he will be a rookie all over again. Continue - Story from Hendricks County Flyer

Congrats to Coach Hammons.

O'Brien's In for the Pacers

Jim O'Brien has been hired as the new coach of the Pacers. He has a winning record from his stints in Philly and Boston. I find it odd that they would go after O'Brien instead of a young guy. But his focus will be on discipline and organization. Maybe the plan is to bring the Pacers back into contention and then bring in someone else. Who knows.... and who knows what Larry Bird's next move is next. I think there is going to be a lot of moves this summer and Bird is usually one to keep things under wraps until a news conference, ie. see the Jim O'Brien hire. He wasn't even a name mentioned at all by the Indy Star or even asked for a second interview. But I do have to say that the way Bird does things secretly is for the good of everyone. He wouldn't be able to get anything done at all. He is just that way. Good Luck to the Pacers and this summer as there will probably be lots of moves and trades. I look for them to trade Jermaine O'Neal for a contender in Western Conference and Jamaal Tinsley to anyone who will take him.

Drop a Note and be in prayers for Coach P at HoopScoop.
Have a Great Day!

DSD