STORRS – Reminders of John Toner’s influence on the University of Connecticut can still be found on a tour through the campus in Storrs. Start with Gampel Pavilion, the silver, domed arena that dominates the skyline. Walk from one end of campus to the other, making note of the new buildings and renovations that have […]
Strain developing between UConn’s Diaco and local media
August 19, 2014 by 2 Comments
STORRS – Yesterday was all about the decision. Today will be about the presentation. I’ve been covering college football since 1977. I’ve covered teams from the Big Eight, the Big 12, the ACC, the Big East, and the American Athletic Conference. I’ve been to the Orange Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl and the […]
We Miss You C
June 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
It has been three years and my heart still aches. It has been three years and tears still swell in my eyes when I least expect it. Clarence Clemons died three years ago today and the music world changed, especially for fans of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Saxophonist, Bruce’s sidekick, […]
AAC headed in wrong direction with tournament change
May 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The American Athletic Conference’s decision to hold the 2015 men’s basketball championship in Hartford is a great thing for the city, the state, the XL Center and the University of Connecticut. But moving the conference championship game from Saturday night to Sunday, as announced by the AAC on Wednesday, is a decision no one should […]
Will the Lakers be able to lure Ollie away from UConn?
May 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Mike D’Antoni’s resignation as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night quickly thrust Kevin Ollie’s name into the rumor mill again. And this time it could make things interesting for UConn, despite Ollie’s comment last month that he would not answer a call from the NBA – “not now in my life.” Head coach […]
Thank you Mr. Canfield
March 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment
When you spend so much time writing about others, it can be kind of embarrassing when someone writes about you. My longtime friend and former co-worker, Owen Canfield, wrote about me this week. And that doesn’t embarrass me one bit because there are very few people in this world that I trust and respect more […]
UConn, Louisville and AAC shown little respect
March 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
STORRS, Conn. – The pressure on the American Athletic Conference in its first season has been intense and steady. It’s not easy playing in the shadow of the Big East, especially when the old league is still playing quality basketball, still holding the conference party at Madison Square Garden and still grabbing high seeds to the […]
Just look at what Brown has done for SMU
February 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
As the Southern Methodist team bus rolled back onto the Mustangs’ campus following a road trip earlier this week, Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown seized an opportunity with the style and flair that has become characteristic of his amazing career. “After we lost [at] Temple, our athletic director told me the students were […]
Will Diaco’s “energy buckets” be enough for UConn football?
December 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
STORRS, Conn. – UConn introduced Bob Diaco as the new football coach of the Huskies on Thursday and Diaco played the room with a question-and-answer exchange that was anything but ordinary. Diaco invoked Pavlov’s dogs to describe his passion for football. Ring the bell. Salivate. Eat. It’s doubtful we will ever see Diaco foaming at […]
Manuel ready to “ramp up” UConn coaching search
December 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Don’t be surprised if there’s a new head football coach at the University of Connecticut by the end of next week. UConn athletic director Warde Manuel met with reporters before Saturday’s 45-10 victory over Memphis at Rentschler Field and said the search for Paul Pasqualoni’s successor would “ramp up” on Sunday. […]