Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
The win is a validation for Ed DeChellis who has struggled to put his alma mater on the college basketball map. The 27 wins this year were a school record.
Buie verbals to PSU following win - The Collegian Talor Battle's half brother Taran Buie committed to Penn State yesterday. The New York product has another year of high school left. They should play together for one season -- it'll be like the Crispin brothers 2.0!
JoePa cheers on Penn St. hoops, waxes about NYC - AP/CDT Joe Paterno was at both games in Madison Square Garden this week. He apparently spent a lot of time reminiscing about playing basketball during his youth in Brooklyn. Here is clip from the semi-final:
From the way you wrote that, it sounds like there was a conclave of basketball minds at MSG and you were just waiting for the white smoke and proclamation.
# posted by Muha :
Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:19:00 PM
Fans snatch up NIT ticket - The Colleigan Students bought 2,000 tickets for tonight's game. Perhaps they can start buying that many for regular season home games. They are filling up 25 of the 33 buses going to the game too. The Nittany Lions will have a real home court advantage.
I've said this before: I violate the journalist's creed when it comes to Penn State men's basketball because I'm a homer. This is the 20th season I've covered this program. There are a few people who've been involved longer with PSU hoops, but not many. I can think of assistant athletic director Dave Baker, play-by-play man Steve Jones, FightOnState.com editor Mark Brennan and maybe PSU basketball office secretary Pam Byron. I think that's it.
I like to see the team do well. That's because people such as Bruce Parkhill, Jerry Dunn and Ed DeChellis have recruited almost exclusively great kids with big hearts, real smiles and stories to tell. It makes you want to root for them when you get to know them a little.
I disagree with him about Steve Jones, but overall the column a great read.
The Nittany Lions better not be in awe of Madison Square Garden because Notre Dame, a member of the Big East, is quite familiar with it -- this year the Fighting Irish played there three times. Penn State did win in hostile Florida and I don't expect the Garden crowd to favor either team overwhelmingly, so there is hope there.
And they're off for New York - CDT Twelve buses full of Penn State fans left for New York at noon today from the Bryce Jordan Center. I took that trip twice and had fun both times. It s shame we don't have a railroad in Happy Valley, that would be even better.
NIT: Penn State vs. Notre Dame next Tuesday - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, March 26, 2009
NIT: Penn State vs. Notre Dame next Tuesday
Next Tuesday, Penn State will face Notre Dame (ESPN) in a rematch of the 2000 NIT semi-finals. I was there that night at and let's say it was more disappointing than the 1998 NIT semi-finals which I also attended.
Tip-off is 9 p.m. I am pretty sure ESPN has the coverage. I posted details about tickets last night.
Penn State NIT ticket information - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Penn State NIT ticket information
Students offered NIT semifinal package for only $20 - Penn State Live Details about NIT semi-final tickets have been released by Intercollegiate Athletics. Men's basketball season ticket-holders get first priority:
Penn State basketball student season ticket-holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Nittany Lions' Tuesday night, prime-time NIT semifinal game in New York City's Madison Square Garden beginning at 10 a.m. Friday. Tickets for students who were not season ticket-holders will be made available at noon. Intercollegiate Athletics will offer all students a $20 ticket and travel package for the NIT that includes a $10 semifinal ticket and same-day, round-trip bus transportation for $10.
Having done this twice, this is a great trip at an unbelievable price.
For students not wishing to take the bus, $10 tickets are sold separately.
Everybody else:
The sale of NIT semifinal tickets through Athletic Ticketing Services for Nittany Lion Club members and the general public begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26. Tickets are available by calling (814) 865-5555. Tickets will be allocated on a priority basis according to Nittany Lion Club point totals and no transportation arrangements are offered as part of this sale. Cost per ticket is $30. Tickets can also be purchased through
Hopefully, they will need to do this next for next Thursday too.
"I knew they were really good, probably a team that had a right or maybe an argument to be in the NCAA tournament," Donovan said. "Their team is very, very good - as good as any team we've played this year."
Penn State became only the second visiting team to beat the Gators on their home court this season, winning 71-62. They now advance to the semi-finals at Madison Square Garden -- a stated goal coming into the NIT. Either Notre Dame, who they fell to in the 2000 semis, or Kentucky awaits in New York next Tuesday.
F Jamelle Cornley dominated with 23 points and 12 rebounds, despite his ailing shoulder.
NIT: Penn State at Florida on Tuesday - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, March 21, 2009
NIT: Penn State at Florida on Tuesday
UF moves on to NIT quarters - Gainesville Sun Penn State now knows the next step in the NIT -- a trip to Florida to play the Gators on their home court, the O'Connell Center. Florida took out Miami 74-60.
Tuesday's game starts at 9 p.m. and the winner goes to the NIT semi-finals in New York's Madison Square Garden. No word on a telecast yet though.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Saturday, March 21, 2009 12:31:00 PM
What I meant to say was "UPDATED 9 a.m." to reflect the new information. That is what you get for trying to sneak in something quick while the baby naps.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, March 21, 2009 2:13:00 PM
Post a CommentPenn State vs. Rhode Island recaps - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, March 20, 2009
Penn State vs. Rhode Island recaps
Lions show off their focus - The Collegian The Nittany Lions got their revenge for an early season loss to Rhode Island, winning 83-74 in a wire-to-wire victory.
The Lions jumped out to a quick 20-5 start against the Rams and led wire-to-wire in the NIT second round game, putting them one step away from the semifinals and a trip to Madison Square Garden in New York. Either a road game at Florida or a home date with Miami awaits next week depending on tonight's outcome between the Gators and Hurricanes.
I'm hoping for Miami -- head-to-head with a cousin's alma mater, though if it is Florida, it would be against his wife's alma mater.
...it was with its most physical player, Jamelle Cornley, on the end of the bench in a T-shirt and jeans. The senior forward was a scratch after aggravating his injured left shoulder in Tuesday’s first-round win over George Mason.
Guards Stanley Pringle and Talor Battle — who had totaled only 23 points in the teams’ first meeting — led an end-to-end Penn State attack with 19 and 16 points, respectively. But forward Andrew Jones, who scored 14 points and grabbed 10 of Penn State’s 37 rebounds, was Cornley-like in the paint.
Cornley has at least four days to get his shoulder better and hopefully he can. One more win and the Nittany Lions head to New York's Madison Square Garden for the NIT semifinals.
NIT: Penn State vs. Rhode Island tonight - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
NIT: Penn State vs. Rhode Island tonight
Lions, URI to meet - The Collegian Lions find comfort in Brooks - CDT The Nittany Lions play Rhode Island tonight at the Bryce Jordan Center in a rematch of regular season game that Penn State lost. The Nits may not have the services of Jamelle Corney, who sat on the bench with his shoulder in a sling at the end of the George Mason game. The game is televised on FoxSports Pittsburgh which does not help people in greater D.C. Hopefully, they will get a better turnout tonight too, less than 6,000 were at Tuesday's game.
Penn State beats George Mason in OT - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Penn State beats George Mason in OT
Talor-made victory - The Collegian Talor Battle and the Nittany Lions defeated George Mason in overtime, 77-73. Jamelle Cornley left the game with a shoulder injury and watched with his arm in a sling from the bench.
Penn State hosts Rhode Island, Thursday at 7 p.m. -- a chance for the Nittany Lions to extract revenge for a loss back in November.
Penn State vs. George Mason on ESPNU - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Penn State vs. George Mason on ESPNU
Lions start NIT play - The Collegian Lions' focus shifts to Patriots - CDT Penn State takes on George Mason from the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. Mason was runner-up in their conference and both teams have identical 22-10 records. It is just Penn State's luck to play a green team on St. Patrick's Day. This strikes me as a pretty tall order for an opener.
Camp DeChelis (CDT) sprung up next to the Jordan Center. I need to write about this more extensively.
Penn State's bubble bursts: You can't spell Nittany without NIT - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Penn State's bubble bursts: You can't spell Nittany without NIT
Penn State left out of NCAA Tournament - The Collegian Sigh -- as recently as Friday afternoon, it looked as though Penn State would return to the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years. Sadly, their non-conference schedule and a series of upsets this weekend sunk Penn State's bid. They have to settle for the NIT which the are a #2 seed in. They play George Mason (my brother graduated from there), at home on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m (PennLive.com). Something tells me that big 13,000 crowd won't be repeated. Also, what bad luck to be hosting a team with green as a color on St. Patrick's Day.
Hopefully, Penn State can make a big run at the NIT and use it to build tournament experience. That formula worked nine years ago when a NIT semi-finals appearance preceded a NCAA Sweet Sixteen run in 2001. In 1998, they finished second in the NIT as well, losing to a Minnesota team that was full of cheaters. I attended the semi-finals both times at Madison Square Garden.
I saw the game will be in ESPNU. While I don't have ESNU, I have the next best thing through Verizon FIOS: ESPN360. Comcast sucks!
# posted by Brad :
Sunday, March 15, 2009 10:15:00 PM
Hopefully the Lions hold their heads high and represent themselves well in the NIT. I agree that it would still be a good experience to have a deep run in the NIT.
Next year's schedule better not be as light as it was this year though.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:26:00 AM
Sigh....Its a shame, but the upsets in the Pac-10 and SEC over the weekend doomed them.
Agree that the schedule needs to be upgraded. The committee showed that they do NOT care about how a team finishes, your conference record, or any big road conference wins. Otherwise, Minnesota and Arizona would not be in. Apparently, its more imporant to win a game in November or December than March.
# posted by TMBC :
Monday, March 16, 2009 9:43:00 AMPost a Comment
Penn State never leads, falls to Purude - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Penn State never leads, falls to Purude
Lions trail from start to finish in loss to Purdue - The Collegian Penn State is back on the NCAA bubble it would seem after never leading against Purdue in game 2 of the Big Ten Tournament. The loss puts Penn State right back on the bubble which got more crowded yesterday.
Now, the waiting games begins, are they in the NCAA Tournament or not? We shall find out tomorrow night.
Penn State solidifies its NCAA bid with a win over Indiana - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, March 13, 2009
Penn State solidifies its NCAA bid with a win over Indiana
Cornley powers PSU to first-round rout of Indiana - The Collegian Penn State won its Big Ten Tournament opener against Indiana last night, 66-51 in Indianapolis. Jamelle Cornley was dominant and showed no ill-effects of his aggravated shoulder injury, suffered against Illinois. The Nittany Lions crushed the Hoosiers despite getting terrible second half play from the bench after the game was well in hand.
Given that Penn State was thought to be in by some prior to last night's game, you can probably assume they still have an at-large NCAA tournament bid waiting for them.
They face Purdue in the second round of the tournament tonight at 9 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
While it looked like myself and four other random guys could have beat Indiana last night, State certainly did not look like a team ready for The Big Dance. I would say a win tonight will solidify their inclusion in the tourney bracket.
# posted by Cliff :
Friday, March 13, 2009 9:40:00 AM
How did they not look ready? Granted Indiana is terrible, but PSU was up 25 with 8 minutes left and all the back-ups started coming in. I'm not saying they are world-beaters, but they did what was needed.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, March 13, 2009 10:42:00 AM
I have to agree with Cliff. This isn't football, and DeChellis is no JoePa. With a tourney berth on the line, you don't put in your second string and let up with 8 to go in an opening round game. That's just stupid. They may have been up 25, but that shrunk to 15 in those 8 minutes, and the FG percentage fell way off.
Beating Purdue would go a long way to ensure the berth, otherwise they're going to need a lot of help. OSU won today, so it's possible that we can also pull off the upset.
# posted by Muha :
Friday, March 13, 2009 7:41:00 PM
Well, we're getting trounced early. If this is the last thing we show the selection committee, then we are NIT bound.
# posted by Brad :
Friday, March 13, 2009 9:33:00 PM
Muha, yesterday's game was on national tv. Everyone could see PSU was killing Indiana. DeChellis was pulling the starters to save their legs for tonight.
However, as Brad noted, that didn't seem to matter because Purdue is killing us. I think we are still in, but I'll caveat that by saying we probably now need both Maryland and Baylor to lose tomorrow. With victories, Baylor would clinch an automatic bid and Maryland would probably get in, and that may take the last available spots away from us.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, March 13, 2009 10:40:00 PM
Oh, and we're going to need to have Temple beat Duquesne to win the A-10 tournament tomorrow. So that's at least 3 games may impact our chances.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, March 13, 2009 10:56:00 PMPost a Comment
Will Penn State basketball make the leap to the big dance tonight? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Will Penn State basketball make the leap to the big dance tonight?
At 5 p.m. on ESPN 2, Penn State plays Indiana in the Big11Ten Tournament. The Nittany Lions are seeded sixth while the Hooisers are last and seeded eleventh. I can't watch it, but perhaps someone can text me the score.
Black Shoe Diaries has an excellent preview of the game. A win probably assures Penn State a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001, while loss could mean NIT.
I think we may need to beat Purdue to get in. Beating Indiana this year isn't going to impressive a whole lot of people.
Beat Purdue and we're in. No doubt. Lose to Purdue and we might get in; we might not get in.
# posted by Brad :
Friday, March 13, 2009 12:42:00 AM
Way to ride the fence, Brad!
I am willing to take a position. Penn State is in.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, March 13, 2009 9:29:00 AM
Post a CommentHas Penn State done enough to get to the Big Dance? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Has Penn State done enough to get to the Big Dance?
Last Saturday's disappointing loss at Iowa did not help the Nittany Lions cause, but ESPN thinks they are in the NCAA Tournament as of now.
Before the NCAA's though, Penn State has to play in the Big11Ten Tournament. The loss on Saturday dropped them to sixth in the conference, so they will play #11 Indiana on Thursday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2. A win there helps the Big Dance bid, a loss could push them out.
DeChellis, Battle, Cornley earn conference honors - The Collegian Ed DeChellis was picked as Big11Ten coach of the year by the media voters. G Talor Battle was All-Big11Ten, while F Jamelle Cornley was on the second team.
UPDATE 12:39 p.m.:David Jones' Patriot-Newscolumn on Penn State's schedule holding them back.
This is one of those no-win situations. They should be in already. However, I think a loss and they will definitely be out. They are likely safe if they win but they'd be a lock if they win two. Also depends on what other teams do.
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:18:00 AM
PENN STATE BEATS ILLINOIS AGAIN! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, March 06, 2009
PENN STATE BEATS ILLINOIS AGAIN!
Lions battle to last second - The Collegian Talor Battle drove almost the full length of the court and hit the game winner with .3 second left as Penn State beat #23 Illinois again, 64-63. It looks like it was epic -- David Jones of the Patriot-News calls it a miracle comeback. The final rebound was grabbed by Jamelle Cornley, who had earlier left the game with what sounds like a dislocated shoulder. Did the students storm the court? You bet!
13,091 were there last night, but about 50,000 are going to claim that they were.
A win over Iowa this weekend probably seals a tournament bid, though a loss there can probably be made up for with a strong showing in the Big11Ten tournament.
I agree. Beat Iowa and its a lock. That could be a tough game, given the really short turn-around (how did the schedule makers give PSU a road game that TIPS OFF 41 HOURS after their previous one?) Iowa is tough at home too.
I "think" we are in now. Winning a game in the Big Ten tourney could be tough, especially if we end up playing Wisconsin.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, March 06, 2009 8:20:00 AM
I could watch that all day! Go State!
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Friday, March 06, 2009 9:35:00 AM
The Iowa game isn't just a win-and-in game. We're talking about revenge from football season!
Huck the Fawkeyes!
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Friday, March 06, 2009 4:27:00 PM
It will take a lot more than a regular season basketball win to make me forget football losses to Iowa. Penn State will have to defeat the greatest Iowa football team ever in Kinnick Stadium with the captains marching off the field with the daughters of the head coach and great-great-grandaughters of Nike Kinnick jumping into the arms of the senior co-captains, forsaking their Hawkeye heritage and pledging eternal devotion to Joe Paterno.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, March 06, 2009 4:47:00 PM
Well, seeing as how Bowden now has to forfeit 14 wins from the '06 and '07 seasons, that pledging thing shouldn't be all that difficult.
# posted by Muha :
Friday, March 06, 2009 7:48:00 PMPost a Comment
Penn State vs. Illinois at 9 p.m. on ESPN - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Penn State vs. Illinois at 9 p.m. on ESPN
Big basketball game at Bryce Jordan Center tonight -- Penn State vs. #23 Illinois. A win and the Nittany Lions could be in. A loss probably keeps them on the bubble. Hopefully they will get a good crowd up there. ESPN Preview
We won! We won! The fans storm the court! Beat Iowa on Saturday and we're probably in (with a first round bye in the Big Ten Tournament, none of the less)!
You may not be able to spell Nittany without NIT, but that doesn't mean we have to go there!
WE ARE...
# posted by Brad :
Thursday, March 05, 2009 11:23:00 PM
PENN STATE!
# posted by WFY :
Friday, March 06, 2009 8:02:00 AM
Post a CommentProgress towards varsity hockey at PSU? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, February 20, 2009
Progress towards varsity hockey at PSU?
PSU looks at ice arena possibility - CDT The CDT has gotten wind of the latest feasibility study to building an arena at Penn State suitable for varsity hockey. This was discovered by blogs and message boards earlier this week. Before we get too excited, keep in mind that there have already been five feasibility studies about building an ice arena. The current study looks at building a 6,000 seat arena. I would not count on anything in the near term with the economy the way it is though there are donors lined up.
Are we closer to D-I hockey at Penn State? I cannot say, but I am glad it is on the radar.
Sources: Penn State beats Illinois in ugliest basketball game ever - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sources: Penn State beats Illinois in ugliest basketball game ever
Here is a brief Google chat I had with esteemed Penn State blogger Run Up the Score! of Black Shoe Diaries about last night's Penn State at Illinois basketball game:
me: what is the score? Run: 6-4. or it's functional equivalent. me: figures Run: it was the ugliest thing i've ever seen. me: already over? Run: oh, yes. it's over. we won. me: cool Run: 38-33. me: wow Run: final score. 17-15 at half. so they really lit it up in the second half. me: at least we won this "6-4" game Run: dude, i can't even properly describe it yet. it was just awful in a million ways. me: sounds like it
Final Score 38-33, Penn State. That is not a misprint or the women's score.
According to ESPN's Bob Picozzi, evidently they didn't have time to play the back nine.
# posted by Hendo :
Thursday, February 19, 2009 2:01:00 PM
This is awesome! The two teams that combined to play one of the ugliest football games ever have now combined to play one of the ugliest basketball games ever.
I can't wait to see what they'll do for an encore.
# posted by Brad :
Thursday, February 19, 2009 4:55:00 PM
Here's the best part!
"The teams' combined 71 points was the lowest total in Division I men's basketball since Monmouth beat Princeton 41-21 in 2005."
# posted by Anonymous Monmouth alumni :
Thursday, February 19, 2009 4:58:00 PM
Brad: Not quite -- football was vs. Iowa, basketball vs, Illinois
AMA: I saw that and thought of you.
I forgot to mention in the original post that a newspaper editor in Ohio I work with started our conversation today with "you must be ashamed..." I thought he was talking about Slimey Smiley, but he was in fact talking about this game. I could have a fun Wednesday morning next week when Penn State heads to Ohio State.
Cagers L3 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Cagers L3
Lions' skid extends to three - The Collegian The Nittany Lions continued to strengthen their NIT bid with a third consecutive loss, this time to Purdue in Indiana. Only a miraculous Big11Ten tournament run can get them in the big dance.
14,686 see Penn State's big dance dream die - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, February 09, 2009
14,686 see Penn State's big dance dream die
Fans pack BJC Sunday - The Collegian Flat showing dooms Lions - The Collegian The largest crowd at a Penn State men's basketball game in eight years saw the Nittany Lions fall to Wisconsin, 54-44. That makes two losses in a row for the Cagers, seemingly ending their bid for a trip to the NCAA Tournament. However, you still spell Nittany with N-I-T, so they can make it a meaningful season yet. A deep NIT run probably serves the team better than one-and-done in the Tourney.
Oops -- Big Dance dreams for Penn State take a hit - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, February 06, 2009
Oops -- Big Dance dreams for Penn State take a hit
Penn State falls to Michigan - The Collegian I hope you did not plan on filling out your bracket with Penn State after it defeated #9 Michigan State. Last night, the Penn State Nittany Lions basketball team lost to Michigan by 20. Ouch.
Its good that everyone was getting excited, but given the schedule down the stretch, I think it was a bit unfounded. Plus, numerous "experts" noted that given the weak non-conference schedule, Penn State may need to go 11-7 in conference to secure an at-large bid. I'm perfectly satisfied with a "You can't spell Nittany without N-I-T" bid! The program is getting better, which is all you can ask for.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, February 06, 2009 3:19:00 PM
Penn State basketball continues to impress - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, February 02, 2009
Penn State basketball continues to impress
Lions defeat No. 9 MSU - The Collegian It took about sixteen years, but the Nittany Lions men's basketball team finally won at Michigan State. They did this despite their terrible free throw shooting. This is a big win that makes thoughts of something beyond the NIT not as far-fetched.
You probably can spell Nittany with N-I-T - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
You probably can spell Nittany with N-I-T
DAVID JONES - PSU's position isn't as bright as you believe - Patriot-News Yes, the Penn State basketball team is looking better than average at 16-5 this year. They are 5-3 in the Big11Ten too which is highly unusual for them too. However, before you crown 'em remember they did not play anybody out of conference of note and still lost two of those games, so a Big Dance invitation is going to take some more strong conference play and a strong showing in the Big11Ten Tournament.
I don't know, I think PSU is going to the real tournament. They need to pick up some key victories down the stretch but I wouldn't count them out. The losses to Rhode Island and Temple hurts but they did beat Georgia Tech. Of course Tech is slumping this year at 9-10 so go figure.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 1:51:00 PM
Its N-I-T time baby! I'm glad the Lions are shooting for the NCAA, but lets be realistic. 6 of the last 10 are on the road, so getting to 9-9 in conference will be tough. But who cares, we're going to the N-I-T!!!!!! We hardly ever get treated to any postseason hoops, so I will enjoy it. Rejoice!
Oh, and for anyone who complains about the weather in Washington:
A certain bureau chief in an adjoining state wants to start spelling something. Over on Black Shoe Diaries, people are getting even more ahead of themselves.
Lady Spikers win second straight national championship - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Lady Spikers win second straight national championship
SIMPLY THE BEST - CDT The Penn State Nittany Lions women's volleyball team won their second consecutive national championship in Omaha last night. Like last year they beat Stanford for the title. How dominant was Penn State this season? They won 111 straight sets before dropping two in the semifinals. They won all three last night too.
PSU women's volleyball on the cusp of another title - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 19, 2008
PSU women's volleyball on the cusp of another title
Set for a repeat - CDT Defending champion Penn State returns to the NCAA women's volleyball final after defeating Nebraska in five sets in Omaha. The actually lost a set too, for the first time in their previous 111. They face Stanford, again, for the championship.
Lion mascot gets DUI - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Lion mascot gets DUI
Nittany Lion mascot charged with DUI - The Post A few people have emailed me about this -- the student who has been wearing the Nittany Lion costume, James Sheep, got charged with a DUI last Saturday. It is pretty easy to not drive drunk, but people keep doing it. I don't get it.
Sheep probably cost himself a trip to the Rose Bowl and makes the university look bad. No tears for him here. Idiot.
Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie
The reigning Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, is not only a Penn State alumna ('06 Journ), but a former goalie for the Penn State women's hockey team, the Lady Icers. On Frozen Blog has been featuring her recently:
Big11Ten Network, Comcast seal the deal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 20, 2008
Big11Ten Network, Comcast seal the deal
Comcast will carry BTN -- for now - Patriot-News More details on the Comcast-Big11Ten Network deal. Essentially, for the upcoming football and basketball seasons, BTN will be on expanded-basic cable in the Big11Ten footprint which does not include Philadelphia. In markets outside of the footprint, Comcast will offer BTN on a sports tier. After basketball season is over, Comcast may move it to the sports tier everywhere.
My suggestion to those of us outside of the footprint -- contact Comcast and request that BTN be on the sports tier. I don't mind paying a few bucks a month for more Penn State sports.
You are a little confused in the details of the BTN/Comcast deal.
You seem to have mixed up digital tier with a sports package. They are different.
We are talking about three different types of offerings.
Expanded basic - that's the analog channels offered by your cable company - they are usually the single and double digit numbers on your cable box.
Digital tier - that's all of those channels above 100 on your cable box.
Sports Package - that's a premium offering of a dozen or so specialty sports channels like the gazillion Fox Sports Net - Timbuktu etc that you pay an extra $5-$10 per month for.
Within the Big Ten market (not including Philly) for the upcoming football and basketball seasons, the BTN will be offered for free in the expanded basic tier.
With the Philly market, the BTN will be offered for free in the digital tier (NOT as a sports package).
After basketball season, with the Big Ten market, the BTN will be moved from the expanded basic tier to the digital tier. For 75% of Comcast customers that will have no effect, they will still get it free. For the other 25% they will have to upgrade to digital to still get it for free.
For Philly customers, there will be no change after the football and basketball - it will still be available for free in the digital tier.
Outside of the Big Ten market, individual cable systems will have the option of putting the BTN in the digital tier, putting it in a sports package, or not carrying it at all.
# posted by UncleLar :
Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:06:00 AM
Thanks for the clarification, UncleLar. I'm a cable Luddite who watches about three shows -- PSU, Nats and Caps.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, June 21, 2008 8:45:00 AM
Post a CommentBig11Ten Network, Comcast near deal? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, June 16, 2008
Big11Ten Network, Comcast near deal?
Big Ten Network, Comcast ready to call a truce - Chicago Tribune There are indications that Comcast subscribers will be able to get the Big11Ten Network in time for football season. Folks in Big11Ten Country get it as part of basic cable, while those of us out of it (which includes Philadelphia, apparently) will have to get it on a sports tier.
I will probably splurge and get the sports tier, since it is cheaper than going to a bar to watch the game. I am still not happy about the way it all went down though.
Ron Bracken retiring - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Ron Bracken retiring
Sharing a career full of memories and personal beliefs - CDT Ron Bracken, who has been at the CDT since 1967 (the year after Joe Paterno became Penn State head coach -- JoePa outlasts another one), is retiring on June 30. The eight Sundays proceeding his retirement will feature "highlights of his career" in the CDT. A farewell tour seems a bit much, but I see something interesting, I'll post it.
Over the last few years, Bracken has struck me as getting pretty grumpy about the state of the Nittany Lions (sound like anyone you know?). He was a lot more enthusiastic about covering the program when he came to Jock Lauterer's community journalism class when I was an undergrad.
Details on what is keeping the Icers from being D-I - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Details on what is keeping the Icers from being D-I
Money blocking Icers' D-I prospects - The Collegian A rundown of the issues preventing Penn State from having varsity hockey. Some of this information contradicts what I had heard last year. According to a source with direct knowledge of the hockey program and university fund raising, a lead donor for a new hockey arena had been identified, but the university had put a moratorium on construction projects for a while. This article seems to indicate that situation is not the current problem holding back a promotion to varsity status.
I think that Penn State will eventually get hockey up to D-I and when it does, it will be the most popular winter sport at Penn State most years.
A volleyball sweep: Penn State men win nat'l title too - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 05, 2008
A volleyball sweep: Penn State men win nat'l title too
Men's volleyball team wins national title - The Collegian Nittany Lions bring home national title - CDT Penn State volleyball has now swept the national championships! The men's team beat Pepperdine to win their second national title. Penn State is the only eastern team to ever win a title and they have now done it twice.
The women's team also won the title this academic year.
<strike>NIT</strike>tany Lions fall to Illinois in the last four seconds - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, March 14, 2008
NITtany Lions fall to Illinois in the last four seconds
Lions' season ends despite late rally - The Collegian First round KO - CDT If I had invested much more than a few bucks on PSU basketball jerseys on ebay over the years, my heart probably would have been broken yesterday. Penn State came back from 10 down in the second half and led by a point for what seemed like a minute and a half near the end of the game. They couldn't get one more shot through and Illinois did with less than four seconds left to pull off the win.
That will do it for the cagers this season. While it is disappointing they missed out on the NIT, there is hope. They played the last part of the season with mostly freshmen and return Jamelle Cornely from injury next year. A decent NIT run next year is a reasonable expectation at the very least for next season.
me if I'm wrong, but the Lions aren't out of the NIT selection yet right? They're out of the NCAA tournament, but maybe the NIT will look at them? Unless the 15-16 record eliminates them for a losing record.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Friday, March 14, 2008 12:33:00 PM
Up until a few years ago, a minimum of a .500 record was required to be eligible for any post-season play. A few years ago, the NIT expanded their field and relaxed some of the eligibility requirements, but I don't know if the .500 record was one of them. Anyone know?
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, March 14, 2008 2:18:00 PM
Actually, the NIT reduced their field from 40 to 32. But you're right that they removed the .500 record requirement.
Meanwhile, there's now a third tournament: The Collegiate Basketball Invitational.
Basketball: Penn State vs. Illinois at 2:30 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Basketball: Penn State vs. Illinois at 2:30
The resurgent Penn State men's basketball team begins its improbable run to the NCAA Tournament today as it faces Illinois in the Big11Ten Tournament at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The Nittany Lions are (15-15, 7-11 in the Big11Ten) despite losing their two best players, Geary Claxton and Jamelle Cornley, to injury. They know how to beat Illinois too, winning both games this season. After that, they need to win just through more tournament games to enter Big Dance.
Its been an interesting season for the cagers, no matter how today's game turns out. Keep in mind that both wins over the Illini were close, and without Cornley and Claxton we could be in trouble. I will hope for the best, but expect the worst....
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, March 13, 2008 8:19:00 AM
Big11Ten Network progress in Pennsylvania - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Big11Ten Network progress in Pennsylvania
David Jones of the Patriot-Newsreports on his blog that things are looking up for Pennsylvania cable subscribers who want to see Big11Ten Network. A deal is close for that will allow many Comcast subscribers will get it on expanded basic tier, except for the Philadelphia area which will have to pay extra.
This doesn't help me, but I know Penn Staters in the Keystone State will be pleased.
The Nittany Lions have done the cruelest thing possible -- given us hope. A win over Illinois in the Big11Ten tournament could thrust them into "can't spell N-I-T without Nittany."
STATE COLLEGE - A Lansing, Mich., TV personality named Hondo Carpenter took the Jordan Center court two hours before Michigan State's game at Penn State and pre-taped his postgame opening. It went something like this:
"Welcome to the Northwestern of the East where, before 6,000 fans, the Spartans whipped Penn State."
For the record, there was an announced crowd of 11,159 fans, some of whom rushed the court after Penn State won by nine. Final score: 85-76.
About once a year, Penn State shows signs of life and beats a men's basketball good team. That happened yesterday when Michigan State came to town.
Now build on it cagers! The season doesn't have to be a total loss, you have a winning record and can still make the NIT.
PSU men's basketball is depressing again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
PSU men's basketball is depressing again
After a promising 2-0 start to the Big11Ten season, Penn State has dropped five in a row. A season-ending injury to Geary Claxson seems to have ended any hopes of even a birth in the NIT.
After five years of being a cheerleader for coach Ed DeChellis, Patriot-Newscolumnist David Jones is losing faith. Jones is coming to this point 2 to 5 years after many others. He notes that DeChellis is a good guy who has gone through a lot, but just doesn't connect to his players. DeChellis is a Penn State grad who got his previous school, East Tennessee State to the big dance, but has only one NIT appearance to show for his career. I was hoping it would work out, but it seems as though it won't. The best question is whether Tim Curley will open up his wallet and bring in a big-time coach.
By the way, you can watch the Nittany Lions take on Ohio State on ESPN at 7 p.m.! Not even a THON tie-in was enough (Black Shoe Diaries) to get 10,000 tickets sold.
STOP THE PRESSES! When Penn State loses just ONE football game, Dave Jones wants radical changes, from Joe Pa's resignation to overhauling the strength and conditioning programs to questions about who should be leading the entire athletic department.
But we have 5+ seasons of literally pathetic basketball, with no big time recruits and ZERO NCAA tournament appearances and now Mr. Jones thinks a change needs to be made?!?! What a revelation!
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:59:00 PM
Talkin' trash about Badger basketball - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Talkin' trash about Badger basketball
I will admit that I don't care enough about Penn State basketball to make a bet on them. In lieu of a wager with dl004dlike one we have for football, I'm just going to blindside him with some trash talk.
The Nittany Lions are going to make the Badgers pay in tonight's game at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State is rolling down the road to mediocrity and they aren't going to stop until there is some Badger road kill behind them. Wisconsin is going to be blinded by the Lions film-strip inspired uniforms. Prepare to be intimidated by nearly announced 9,000 fans! Just watch out dl004d, the Nittany Lions aren't going to make only 47.2% of their free throws this time -- they'll bust through the 60% threshold. We're talking unstoppable. Come late February, you won't be able to spell Nittany without N-I-T baby. The Badgers are just a speedbump along the way.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 5:40:00 AM
I should have had you over for the game. It would have been a lot of fun... for me. As it was, the game barely held the attention of the crowd of Wisconsin fans in my living room.
# posted by dl004d :
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:09:00 AM
Perhaps next time, provided it is on at a decent hour.
Beano Watch 01.09.2008 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Beano Watch 01.09.2008
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had his post-bowls chat yesterday adn answered one Penn State question.
Mikey (Philly): Beaner, PSU returners 19 starters. Picking them again to play in the Championship Game???
SportsNation Beano Cook: No. The schedule will be tougher, playing at Wisconsin and Ohio State. The Buckeyes have almost everyone back. Penn State has not won at Ohio State since entering the Big Ten. What makes you think it will happen next year? It could, but I don't think so. Don't make your reservations to the Orange Bowl quite yet.
Given that Beano picked Penn State this past season, I'm quite happy he didn't again. I also agree that one has to go with the Buckeyes in the Big11Ten. However, if he is saying don't make your reservations for the Orange Bowl yet, well that means you might want to call AAA.
PSU men's basketball improving - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 07, 2008
PSU men's basketball improving
Difference makers - CDT Rebounds, second chances lift Nittany Lions past Illinois After losing three in a row on national television over Thanksgiving, the Nittany Lions are playing well. They have won their first two Big11Ten games, both on the road, to move up to 10-4. Half a dozen more wins and I'll be saying "you can't spell Nittany without N-I-T."
NHL in Beaver Stadium? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 21, 2007
NHL in Beaver Stadium?
I always through it would be pretty cool if there was a "battle for Pennsylvania" at Penn State's Beaver Stadium between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. Now I find out from Eric McErlain of Fanhouse that the Flyers are considering hosting the Pengyunz at Beaver Stadium next season. Michigan State did this in 2001 when they hosted Michigan.
Forgive the pun, but that would very cool, even though I can't stand either team. People still talk about what State College was like during the 2000 playoffs between the two teams, apparently it was quite a scene. I had graduated by then. Hopefully, this could be used as an opportunity to advance the cause of varsity hockey at Penn State. A well-placed source at Penn State told me that the money is there for a new arena, but the administration wants to hold off on building for a few years.
Lady Spikers win national title - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Lady Spikers win national title
PENN STATE WINS NATIONAL TITLE - CDT For the first time in eight years, the Penn State women's volleyball team has won the national championship! The Lions beat Stanford in Sacramento. Just by coincidence, the last time they won it, the football team played Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl. Deja vu all over again!
While we were in Muir Woods yesterday (more later), I was asked if "we were going to beat Stanford" on two occasions. I was wearing my Penn State hockey sweater at the time. One woman, a Nebraska fan, offered us a pair of tickets to the championship match; she didn't need them because the Cornhuskers were eliminated by Stanford in the semi-finals, Penn State beat Cal to advance to the title game. We declined the tickets, preferring to spend the evening in San Francisco instead of Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Loose is one thing. Loose is calm, relaxed, easily focused. What the Penn State volleyball players do, when they really get going, is something closer to frantic than loose. It's like a jailbreak, with the screaming and the fist pumping. Lots of yelling -- almost all of it at each other, and almost all of it to the good.
Or, as sophomore setter Alisha Glass explained it with a smile, "The other night, we were screaming and yelling while we were still warming up on the sport-court outside the gym. The other team is probably going, 'We haven't even stepped on the court.'"
Bad news for the other team: Penn State eventually steps on the court.
Penn State beats Virgina Tech - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Penn State beats Virgina Tech
Walker leads Lions past VT - The Collegian Mediocrity gives the Nittany Lions a warm welcome back following last night's 66-61 victory over Virginia Tech. Mike Walker had 17 points off the bench to earn Penn State's second Big11Ten/ACC Challenge win in the history of the tournament. Progress!
Even more important than representing the conference with honor (something only two other schools did this year) Penn State assured me bragging rights over the guy in the cubicle next to me.
Hoops: PSU vs. VT at 9:30 on ESPN2 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hoops: PSU vs. VT at 9:30 on ESPN2
Hokies gobble into Happy Valley tonight - The Collegian This is a big one! Bragging rights between me and the co-worker in the cublicle next to me are on the line. If it didn't start so late, I'd watch it.
Cagers televised at 10:30 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Cagers televised at 10:30
Penn State's men's basketball team is on ESPN2 at 10:30 a.m. They are playing in the Old Spice Classic this weekend. Yesterday, they fell to South Carolina (Black Shoe Diaries) in a game I saw bits and pieces of on ESPN. I think they play Rider this morning.
You know it is a tough night when 51 saves are not enough - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
You know it is a tough night when 51 saves are not enough
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- We hadn't seen the Penn State hockey club, generally known as the Icers, in about five years, so when we found out they were going to be nearby, we made sure to see them. Last weekend, they played a Friday and Saturday series with Navy, winning both games. We caught the Saturday night match-up at McMullen Arena. [flickr set: Icers: Penn State at Navy]
Penn State got off to a strong start, scoring the first goal early. Surprisingly, Navy responded soon after, but the tie didn't last long. Penn State netted another goal and went into the break up 2-1. Most telling was the Icers 17 shots to the Middies six.
The second period would be more of the same as the faster Icers dominated with speed and precision passing. In the third period, the Icers scored their final two goals while shorthanded. In total they had 57 shots on the night, while Navy had a respectable 30.
The Icers are ranked #3 in ACHA Division I. By the way, in May I spoke with someone close to the program and asked about getting a new hockey arena built which would be necessary for the Icers to move up to varsity, Big11Ten/NCAA competition. He or she said there is a lead gift for construction, but the university is holding off on big new construction projects for a while. Someday...
The No. 2 ranked Penn State Icers continue their road trip and ESCHL schedule this weekend with two games against the United States Naval Academy. The teams square off on Friday and Saturday nights at the McMullen Ice Arena in Annapolis, Md., with both games starting at 7:00 p.m.
For Division I athletes in sports like fencing, winning championships does not guarantee financial stability.
When I read that I immediately thought of Penn State's fencing team. Sure enough, when I click through to the article, I see a fencer, named Megan Luteran of Penn State. Go figure.
Penn State has won 10 of 18 national fencing championships. Despite that, they have had to clean up Beaver Stadium on Sundays to make money. They won't this year, something the article acknowledges, because Joe Paterno is making the football team do it.
Big11Ten officials, Spainer talk up network - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 29, 2007
Big11Ten officials, Spainer talk up network
PSU, Big Ten Network make case - Patriot-News PSU prexy Graham Spainer and Jim Delany, Big11Ten conference commisioner, met with the Patriot-News editorial board as well as the State House to talk about the Big11Ten network.
When it comes down to it, the Big11Ten Network is really overplaying its hand. I think very little of its programming is appointment television, so I don't expect to see a lot of Penn State fans with torches and pitchforks if they can't see men's basketball on a February Tuesday evening. The Big11Ten is sticking it to its own alumni and fans by demanding over a $1 per subscriber and insisting it be on basic cable.
The story linked here is packaged as a David Jones column, but it is straight news. I'm hoping he has a column later, perhaps Sunday.
20. The Stanley Cup playoffs (late spring, various NHL cities).
Sure it was the first round, but I did this in 2002 twice, both at MCI Center, both Capitals losses to Tampa Bay.
34. MLB Opening Day (April, various cities).
2005: Nats at Phillies* 2006: Nats vs. Mets 2007: Nats vs. Marlins*
*Actual Opening Day
41. An NBA game from courtside (winter-spring, any NBA city). You'll never again say they don't hustle.
1992 - Bullets vs. TrailBlazers - my mom got us company tickets.
61. Midnight Madness (October, all over the country). An annual late-night party at campuses across the country. (Say hi to Larry Eustachy if you see him.)
1999 (maybe 1998 too, I don't remember) at Penn State - It was technically "Late-Night Madness." You can debate whether this really counts though since it was Penn State and that was during the good old days when the were mediocre.
90. Little League game (spring, early summer, everywhere).
More on the Big11Ten Network - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
More on the Big11Ten Network
DAVID JONES - Big Ten tries to pump up network - Patriot-News Another column about the fighting between the Big11Ten and Comcast over the new cable channel. The conference is overplaying its hand.
Penn State and the Big11Ten - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Penn State and the Big11Ten
Am I the only one who was kind of disappointed in the Big Dreams series the CDT just ran about Penn State and the Big11Ten? I didn't really learn anything new in any of the stories. Perhaps my desire to read an examination of what joining to Big11Ten meant to Penn State's academics has colored my perspective. To me, that is the story that needs to be told.
McConnell Serio was not even a candidate for Lady Lions job - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 13, 2007
McConnell Serio was not even a candidate for Lady Lions job
McConnell Serio said she wasn't concerned she never became a candidate at Penn State, which still is looking for a women's coach to replace Rene Portland. Penn State's job description on its Web site stipulated the new coach must have at least five years college coaching experience.
"It's always been a media perception I was supposed to be the next coach at Penn State. It was not my perception," she said. "I'm where I want to be, where I'm supposed to be."
Penn State, Nittany Lions, college basketball, NIT, tickets, Madison Square Garden, Baylor
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# posted by
Brad the Fact Checker :
Saturday, April 04, 2009 10:33:00 AM