You Knew Damn Well I'd Come Again

Well, after nearly two weeks in Cairo, I was evacuated by the U.S. State department along with my friends Kyle and Emily. We were supposed to stay until May 2011 but left basically 4 months early. The Embassy started evacuating people as the protests against Mubarak worsened. AUC provided buses to the separate strip that the State department was using to fly three planes in continuous circles from Cairo to one of three "safe havens." We left our dorm at 10am-ish (3am in Ohio), passed Tahrir square where the protests were going on later in the day, passed a fair share of tanks and military men, and arrived at the runway around Noon. Once there, it was chaotic but as well organized as it could have been it seemed.

We waited in line until around 7 or 8pm when we got into the building. It was about 9pm when we started getting through security. We got onto a plane before midnight I believe but it was two hours before we actually took off. God only knows why. The flight was pretty miserable, as it was prioritized for families with kids 5 and under. There were crying babies and the airline itself was very shady. Worst flight of my life, but hey, it was to be expected as we were being evacuated so I can't complain. We arrived 2 hours later in Turkey.

After spending a few hours in Turkey and the people there not being able to switch our return flights home to that day (for whatever reason, as we had already paid for the return flight home), we purchased 870 dollar tickets from Lufthansa to go to Frankfurt, Germany and ultimately to Chicago. After that, the trip got even more interesting. We, luckily, were able to get some food before the plane started boarding. This whole trip, I was unable to get onto the internet to contact my parents, so we all used Emily's phone (the only international phone we had on us) and probably ran up a good 1 thousand dollar bill on it. We left Turkey for Frankfurt, which was about a five hour flight. Arriving in Germany, the first thing I did was buy a bottle of Captain Morgan Jamaican Rum, thinking I could drink it on the plane. The problem was not that I couldn't drink it on the plane, the problem was that I couldn't leave any in there on the plane. So if I opened it, it had to be empty. In eight hours, that bottle had to be empty. While I was up to the challenge, I did feel like I would so a fair share of sleeping on the plane so decided not to open it. I was wrong. Did not sleep much at all, maybe two hours. The flight was just around eight hours.

Getting into the United States was where I felt everyone's thoughts and prayers took over my life. The blizzard of the century hit and we thought we were going to re route to Atlanta or D.C. or somewhere where we could just actually land. There was about a two hour window that the weather had died down enough for us to land. Luckily, we made it in that window. Thank You GOD! Once we touched down on the sweet U.S. Soil and got past customs and immigration (slightly harder than getting into other countries haha), we found our way to the AMTRACK station courtesy of some very nice Chicago-ites...(Chicagoans? Chicagons? whatever) and purchased AMTRACK tickets from Chicago to Toledo, where Kyle's parents would get him and my brother would pick me up, since he lives close to the station. We found a spot to chill, grabbed an 8 dollar plate of Chinese food which I barely finished and kept me full for what was soon to be a very long train ride. Also, the first thing I bought after arriving back to America, which for some reason I had been craving in Egypt despite not having done it since my lovely summer roofing job, was a can of Skoal mint tobacco. For some reason, I just craved the relaxing buzz that I would get for it after not having done it in so long. So while we were waiting for our train, and pretty much a majority of the train ride, I was in a euphoric state of relaxation, watching movies, listening to songs (mostly Classic Rock and Country songs featuring themes of "going home"), and talking with a guy who was in Army Airborne. Call me white trash, hillbilly, southerner wanna-be, I don't care. I couldn't sleep because I was just too excited to see my family and friends that I just wanted to be awake and wanted to relax. So I bought a can of dip. After a long ass trip, a few vices (Alcohol and Tobacco) were justified.

The train ride back was supposed to be 4 hours long. Total time spent on train: Close to 9-10 Hours. We left late. We arrived very late. Supposed to arrive at 11PM in Toledo, we got there at 3:30am. My brother Aaron and sister Ali were still there waiting for me. Luckily, Aaron's work was cancelled the next day and Ali's classes were cancelled already. I gave them both big hugs and waited for my bags (well, one of my bags, since the other was still in Cairo as we could only take one piece of luggage) to get inside. Once inside, I told Kyle and Emily goodbye and got in Aaron's car. We dropped Ali back off at her apartment (took forever because of the WONDERFUL WEATHER) and got back to Aaron's house at about 5am. I immediately hopped in the shower (had not showered or brushed my teeth in nearly 50 hours and the dip wasn't helping my teeth feel any cleaner haha). I heard the bathroom door open while I was in the shower and a small "clink" next to the shower. I heard Aaron say "Austin check out the ledge of the shower." I immediately realized there was a fresh, unopened can of PBR waiting for me to celebrate my return to the U.S. of A! I pounded the beer right there in the shower while I just let the water and body wash clean me of my awful smell and horrible feelings. It was good to be back.

I got on Aaron's computer, responded to some of my 75 notifications on Facebook, let everyone know I was home safe and would be back in Tiffin the next day. Slept from 6am to 3pm. Aaron had a fresh pot of coffee greeting me when I woke up. I helped him carry some things out of his house before we got ready to head to Tiffin at 4:30. As we are in his car on our way home, about 10 minutes into our trip, his car starts stalling. Just my luck. Haha! We end up barely getting it to my cousins house, whose husband does work on cars. While we hung out with my cousin and her very cute kids, her husband tried fixing everything. However, there was no immediate solution to it. Aaron was pissed of course but I still had to find a way home. Naturally, I had to call on "ol-reliable" Zach White. My good ole' buddy in the Army came through big. I gave him the address, he put it in his GPS, and left immediately to come get me. No hesitation at all from him and the weather was not exactly nice. That is the essential being of a friend right there! A man who would go through hell and back for you without hesitating.

By the time I got back to my house in Tiffin, my Mom, Dad, other Brother, Tony, other sister, Abby, and not much later, my (basically) brother, Zeke Bowers were all at the house to see me. We went through pictures, ate some desserts, and bullshit for awhile about all the crap that I had gone through for the past 70 hours. Despite being ready to sleep, I decided to stop over at Whitey's apartment to see my good friends over there. A couple of my buddies from the Rugby team and Whitey's housemates were there to greet me and we each had a nice Captain and Coke together.

All in all, after a long trip, it has been going great here at home in the U.S. My dean, a retired Marine Captain who went through hell and back for the 3 of us to get us home safe, got us all into classes. The professors have been extremely helpful to let me get caught up and I, once again, realize I made a great decision going to Tiffin University. This place is absolutely incredible. The faculty here gives students more attention and help and prepares them for their futures better than any place I can possibly imagine. My Dragon Pride is overflowing this semester, despite our shitting sports programs (other than the Rugby team), haha. Things I am looking forward to that I could not do in Egypt include:
-Crossfitting with all my bloodbrothers at the Cellar to prepare for Marine OCS Seniors course.
-Going to Eddie Money with all my brothers and friends.
-Going to ALABAMA with my Bloodbrother Blaine and the other GRINDERS.
-Going to First Increment so I will hopefully be done with OCS by July 2nd and have the rest of summer to have fun.
-Being back home with family/friends in general.
-Being able to go to Michigan for family vacation end of July. (Wouldn't have been able to if I didn't get 1st Increment)

In conclusion, I'm taking the good with the bad as far as leaving Egypt early. I wanted to do a lot more, but things happen that are often uncontrollable. Improvise, adapt, overcome. Things have been great since I have gotten back. I feel like things have fallen in place perfectly in almost every aspect of my life. I thank God for everything that has happened. My hopes have never been higher and I am happier than I have been in a very, very long time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtuOAnsuZBY

There is a video of a song that I played a lot on the way home...and for what my BLOG title is attributed...Love THE NUGE and Tommy Shaw!

Arriving in Cairo

Well, after a 28 hour trip, we finally arrived in Cairo. First night was rough and I miss my family an incredible amount along with my friends but today was better. 4 months is a short period of time in my life and it will be worth it for my future I suppose. Me and Kyle have our room set up with a recently purchased TV to compliment my playstation. I have lots of books to read as well. Get to see campus tomorrow for the first time after an hour bus ride.

Found an outdoor gym that we are going to try to use for our CrossFit WODs but did one today in an indoor gym with C2 Rower and Treadmills. Should be able to improvise and do most of the WODs. Food is good so far and everything is cheap. Met a few cool people on the same floor as me and hopefully will get to know them better. That's all for now. 12:42AM here which means its 5:42PM at home...

"Lord, let me offer You the sacrifice of every thought and word--only first give me what I may offer You..." - Saint Augustine, Confessions 11, 2

Thanksgiving

I read an article today concerning Thanksgiving. It stated that it is the purest holiday because it is based around the one thing that every other holiday seems to forget: FAMILY/FRIENDS. Christmas is supposed to be about family and friends, yet gets pushed aside all to often because we are obsessed with decorating our houses and buying presents and spending money we don't have to spend. Halloween involves buying a useless costume that you are going to wear for one night of your life (almost as pointless as buying a prom dress or tuxedo). Easter season is usually consumed by my Mom harping on us to go to Stations of the Cross, the Good Friday services, and then the Easter Sunday service. Thanksgiving, however, has only two necessities: FOOD and PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT. It is the perfect day of the year to realize all the stuff we take for granted the other 364 days. I know I personally have a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful, first and foremost, that I have a country to live in that allows me to live as a free human being with rights and liberties. I am thankful for the men and women who do not get to celebrate this day and many other days because they are off on distant lands killing the assholes who think our way of life is a threat to them. I am thankful for the people that I go to school with who are training and preparing to one day continue that tradition of keeping this nation safe. I am thankful for my professors who teach and help my fellow students and I to prepare us as best as they can for our futures in serving this country.

I am thankful for my family and friends, without them I would be lost. I am thankful that my grandparents are still in good health and continue to see us on a regular basis. I am thankful my immediate family is as close and connected as we are. I am thankful that my aunts and uncles and cousins are able to see me on a regular basis as well. Just this past week I went to a bar with my cousin Melissa, my brother Aaron, and three of my good friends and had the time of my life. I am thankful to have my group of close friends that I have. I am thankful that I am able to hang out with my best friend Blaine often, despite living an hour away from him. I am thankful that my other best friend and bloodbrother Zach White is still there to motivate me, train with me, and have fun with me while we go to the same school. I am thankful for my morning lifting group, including my great buddy Kyle, Starr, and others that wake up early and bust ass with me so that we can better ourselves through fitness, and have FUN while doing it. I am thankful for the Rugby team and the friends I made on it as well. Playing rugby was the best decision I have made since college started. Before rugby, I had only a few friends on campus, now I have a lot more and have become more involved. It was the thrill of a lifetime...

I am thankful for my friends who I, unfortunately, do not get to see as often as I did in High School. You have all helped shape me in one way or another, and I would still go through Hell and back for any of you...

I am thankful for role models and sources of inspiration. I have too many and too diverse a group to name, but it ranges from the following:
-My Dad and Grandparents
-My friends who motivate me through their athletic careers (Joel, Ski, etc)
-My professors at Tiffin University who have motivated me to prepare as best I can for my career
-Historical figures such as Nathan Hale, Francis Marion, and William Wallace
-and yes, even fictional characters such as Rocky Balboa, Batman, Sam Fisher, Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne, etc

In conclusion, I am thankful for my faith. I had a rough few months not too long ago and ultimately, I feel like I am back on my faith and it is stronger than ever. My faith is the catch-all for everything I am thankful for. Without my faith, I am nothing and I have nothing. My work ethic, my family, my friends, and everything that I care about in life has all been giving to me from God, and for that I am THANKFUL.

PURE MICHIGAN!

Well it's been awhile since I have posted but this summer has been very busy. I have gone back to work at the local roofing company and spent the entire month of June on the road for 3 hours while not getting paid for it. We then would work our typical 8-9 hour day in the blazing sun. As the song goes, "Working hard all week puts the beer on the table."

It was all worth it come mid July, when our family went on the annual trip up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We have been going to "PURE MICHIGAN" every year since I have been born and I believe my Dad has been going there every year since his senior year of high school.

The Thursday started off with a five hour drive to Gaylord, Michigan, where the annual ALPENFEST was going on. The highlight of that night was probably the fact that we paid $0.00 to watch LIGHTS, the Journey Tribute band. They absolutely ROCKED THAT SHIT and I had an awesome time. It was probably the best start to a vacation we have ever had. During the intermission, my brother and I went to Tim's Pub and grinded out a Miller Light or two. When he left to go to the bathroom I got hit on by this drunk older woman who asked if I was "actually in the Marines" since I was wearing a USMC shirt. I was an ass to her and then we left to watch the rest of the concert. That night we stayed in the "Executive Suite" at the hotel.

The next night my other brother met up with the rest of us in MACKINAW CITY. I have probably said this before but that city is one of my favorite places in America. Driving along of the coast of the Great Lakes and seeing all the boats, kites, and random gift shops and tourists just brings a sense of joy to me that I can't find hardly anywhere else. We stay at the Parkside Inn which is literally right on the Mackinac Bridge, one of the most beautiful scenes in AMERICA.

My brother Aaron bought me a 4 Loko apparently as part of his plan to murder me that night and he started "Sailing away with Jerry." After spending some time reflecting on the beach just next to the Mackinac Bridge, we decided it was time to start the night off! We played euchre and had some beverages and ultimately headed to the DIXIE SALOON (which my Dad claimed was named because of the Dixie Highway, since the Saloon is not exactly in the "south")

We had a great crew that night at the Dixie Saloon. Along with myself, my two brothers, and my Dad, we had my 2 of my cousins, a girlfriend of one of my cousins, then one of my cousin's Husbands, Josh, who is probably the most fun person to hang out with ever. He bought pitcher after pitcher for us and I even bumbed a few cigarettes off him, which is rarely ever do! Well after everyone left and all that was left was my brothers, Josh, and myself, the shitstorm came. We got invited to a bonfire by some random lady and I hit on a girl that worked at a clothing store that I saw earlier when I was buying my cowboy hat. When my sister came to pick us up, I got into a car with a girl who invited me to the bonfire (out in the sticks). She backs up a little ways and my brother Aaron (THE LUMMOX) comes and pulls me out of the car in the middle of the road and throws me in the van my sister was driving. Probably for the best. My cousin Josh claims "she was a keeper. She almost had 6 teeth" but I think he was just being sarcastic. I still don't know.

Once back at the hotel room we were extremely loud and obnoxious and probably woke everyone up. Aaron was running into walls and jumping on the bed. Tony and I were wrestling on the bed and he bit my ear to the point that it was sore for almost the rest of the vacation. He kept saying "COMMON MR. MARINE! COMMON MR. MARINE!!" Apparently he does not understand that I'm not a Marine yet. Josh and my sister just sat there and watch us. Probably the funniest thing though was as soon as we got back, Josh starts walking for his motel room and Aaron goes "JOSH, WE GOT COLD COORS LIGHT!" and he literally, without saying a word or stopping his pace, just turns around right at his door and comes into our room to hang with us. All in All, a hilarious night.

After crossing the bridge the next morning and reflecting on the stupid shit we did the previous night, I rode with my brother Aaron through the Upper Peninsula Highway 2 west bound until we got to our destination. The week that followed has too many memories to describe but it consisted of a lot of swimming, cornhole, alcohol, grizzly wintergreen, fishing, bonfires, and failed attempts of hitting on women. We took a pontoon boat to the middle of the lake and swam for a few hours. We would drink all night and then wake up early to fish in Big Manistique lake. Perhaps the most fun night though was the night we spent at Pickelman's Pub for Karaoke night.

Pickelman's Pub has Karaoke every Friday night and it has become a family tradition to get as many of us there as possible and sing as many songs as possible. I believe there were five people in the bar who were not from our family/friends. Aaron was the MVP of karaoke that night with his 8 songs sang and I think I came in a close second with 6. Here is how the Karaoke broke down.

Myself=
Beer on the Table by Josh Thompson
Should Have Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith (with Aaron and Tony)
Need You Now by Lady Antebellum (with my sister Ali)
Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band (with my Dad)
Beer for my Horses by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson (with Aaron)
Water by Brad Paisley

Aaron sang JUMP AROUND, some Soggy Bottom Boys, and of course, TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT by Eddie Money with my mom playing the role of Ronnie Specter.

Other great highlights included our friend Dave singing "Rhinestone Cowboy" and my uncle Butch (straight out of the hills of Kentucky) singing "Toes" by Zac Brown Band, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and of course his most well known songs of "Neon Moon" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie." Classic.

Eventually the week came and went, but we all collectively agreed that it was the greatest year we have ever had up north. The fact that almost all of our family and friends were up there made it a week that none of us will ever forget. The night of karaoke at Pickelman's was the most epic vacation night I think I have ever had. It truly was Michigan in it's PUREST form!

Lessons From Weapons of Terrorism Class

Even though I have only had this awesome Professor and Class for not even half a semester yet, I already have learned an incredible amount. "Weapons of Terrorism" has so far been one of my favorite classes that I have had yet at my university. Other classes include "Homeland Security and the Legal Process", "Introduction to Criminal Justice", and "Arabic I". The professors that I have had so far at my university have been absolutely incredible.

For anyone that doesn't know, I visited two other colleges where I debated majoring in Criminal Justice and perhaps trying out for the basketball team. I never even visited Tiffin University when I decided to go there. I merely went on the web site and read the backgrounds and experience of all the professors that currently teach there. I was sold. So far as to my career at TU, my money has been well spent. Most of these professors are all former military, lawyers, federal law enforcement, etc, that have LIVED the stuff they teach and are now passing on their knowledge to "the next generation." So, without any further delay, here are a few lessons I have learned from my professor:

+Terrorism dates back to the Crusades (The Sicarii)
+He seems "just a little right-winged" (sarcasm; as he seems EXTREMELY RIGHT WINGED)
+He loves watching 24 and seeing Jack Bauer "torture the hell out of those terrorists."
+He thinks those terrorists deserve what Jack Bauer does to them.
+Public Sanctions DO NOT WORK
+If you truly want to stop terrorist attacks, the only effective method is to "Wipe their DNA off the face of this planet before they acquire weapons."
+Islamic Extremists do not want to Nuke us, because they know that we would wipe their entire existence from the history books and "turn Afghanistan into a giant flat mirror." ("and we definitely have the capabilities to do that.")
+He is not afraid to graphically describe what chemical and biological weapons do to a human body
+VX Nerve Agents are pretty dangerous...
+How to make Mustard Gas
+Bin Laden said he will only stop fighting us under two conditions: 1) we all become Muslim or 2) we are all dead. ("He forgot the third option, WE KILL THEM ALL.")
+He is NOT a fan of the Obama administration. Haha
+This man was a badass when he was 8 years old when he was "targeted" for being a Christian by all the Muslims. (He got them back let's just say that haha)
+I have never been so intimidated by a pink feather on a fedora hat...

Well I hope this list will help you understand why I enjoy this class and this professor as much as I do.

Looking Back: All-MAL Calvert Players in Boys Basketball

As basketball season approaches, I felt the urge to write an article concerning the past of Calvert Basketball. So here is a history of the all-MAL players that have gone through Calvert up to this year.

1986-87
-DENNIS WYSS (FIRST TEAM, 16 PPG 8.5 RPG, 67% FT)

1987-88
-DENNIS WYSS (FIRST TEAM, 17.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 76% FT)
-JEFF WALTZ (HONORABLE MENTION, 6 RPG)

1988-89
-DENNIS WYSS (FIRST TEAM TOP VOTED PLAYER, 17.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 74% FT)
-JEFF WALTZ (FIRST TEAM SECOND TOP VOTED PLAYER, 18 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 71% FT)
-ADAM SMITH (SECOND TEAM, 8.5 RPG)

1989-90
-ADAM SMITH (FIRST TEAM, 18.5 PPG, 11 RPG)
-DON FERSTLER (HONORABLE MENTION, 8 RPG)

1990-91
-DON FERSTLER (SECOND TEAM, 17 PPG, 9 RPG, 55% FG)

1991-92
-DAN HAMMER (FIRST TEAM, 17 PPG, 3.5 SPG, 55% FG, 7 APG)
-RYAN SHULTZ (SECOND TEAM, 18 PPG, 3 SPG, 51% FG, 4 APG)

1992-93
-RYAN SHULTZ (FIRST TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR, 25.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 77.5% FT)
-AUSTIN SMITH (HONORABLE MENTION, 14 PPG, 8 RPG, 60% FG)

1993-94
-BRAD MEIER (SECOND TEAM, 20 PPG, 55% FG)

1994-95
-JOSH MILLER (HONORABLE MENTION)
-ROMAN RISNER (HONORABLE MENTION, 65% FG)

1995-96
-JOSH MILLER (FIRST TEAM, 17 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3 SPG, 40% 3PT, 4 APG)

1996-97
-ROMAN RISNER (FIRST TEAM, 14.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 56% FG)
-TOM PUFFENBERGER (HONORABLE MENTION)
-RANDY WAIRE (HONORABLE MENTION, 44% 3PT)

1997-98
-TOM PUFFENBERGER (FIRST TEAM, 15 PPG, 2 SPG, 3 SPG, 72% FT)
-BRIAN FRANK (HONORABLE MENTION, 72% FT)
-DAN WALTER (HONORABLE MENTION, 42% 3PT)

1998-99
-DAN WALTER (FIRST TEAM, 19.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 SPG, 53% FG, 34% 3PT, 70% FT)
-DUSTYN RISNER (SECOND TEAM, 7 RPG, 56% FG, 73% FT)
-JOE WALTER (HONORABLE MENTION, 66% FG)
-JOE HARVEY (HONORABLE MENTION, 3.5 APG, 78% FT)
-MATT HAMMER (HONORABLE MENTION, 4.5 APG, 2 SPG)

1999-00
-JOE HARVEY (FIRST TEAM, 17.5 PPG, 34% 3PT, 75% FT)
-DUSTYN RISNER (SECOND TEAM, 14 PPG, 8 RPG, 2.5 SPG)

2000-01
-ANDY RITZLER (FIRST TEAM, 15 PPG, 2.5 SPG, 34% 3PT, 4 APG)
-NICK LUCIUS (SECOND TEAM, 7.5 RPG)
-TONY MASS (HONORABLE MENTION, 2.5 SPG, 34% 3PT, 6 APG, 77% FT)

2001-02
-PHILLIP BORER (FIRST TEAM, 56% FG, 4.5 APG)
-NICK LAY (HONORABLE MENTION, 56% FG)
-TONY MASS (HONORABLE MENTION, 3.5 APG, 72% FT)

2002-03
-PHILLIP BORER (FIRST TEAM, 16 PPG, 3 SPG, 58% FG)
-TONY MASS (SECOND TEAM, 3 SPG, 5.5 APG)
-NICK LAY (HONORABLE MENTION 7 RPG, 58% FG, 75% FT)

2003-04
-AARON MASS (FIRST TEAM, 13 PPG, 9 RPG, 59% FG)
-ERIK HUSS (SECOND TEAM)
-JOSH GRAHAM (HONORABLE MENTION)

2004-05
-AARON MASS (FIRST TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR, 16 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 65% FG)
-RYAN KOMMICK (FIRST TEAM, 16 PPG, 43% 3PT, 91% FT)
-JOSH GRAHAM (SECOND TEAM, 4 APG, 36% 3PT, 75% FT)
-BRAD WALLISER (SECOND TEAM, 4 APG, 40% 3PT, 54% FG, 82% FT)
-COREY DEBARBRIE (HONORABLE MENTION)

2005-06
-COREY DEBARBRIE (SECOND TEAM)
-KWAME CHRISTIAN (HONORABLE MENTION, 40% 3PT)

2006-07
-AUSTIN MASS (FIRST TEAM, 14.5 PPG, 72% FT)
-TROY KELLER (HONORABLE MENTION)

2007-08
-AUSTIN MASS (FIRST TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR, 18 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 60% FG)
-MIKE RUHLEN (SECOND TEAM, 11 PPG, 6.5 RPG)
-TYLER WISE (HONORABLE MENTION)

2008-2009
-LANDON WARNEMENT (SECOND TEAM, 15 PPG, 35% 3PT)
-RUSH ARBOGAST (HONORABLE MENTION)

Overall, Calvert has had a player named to the first team 12 out of the last 16 years.

Calvert has had four players win Player of the Year (or receive the most votes): Dennis Wyss, Ryan Shultz, Aaron Mass, and Austin Mass. There are a few others who most definitely should have won the award, but I will not get into that debate in this article (I'll save that for later this week).

Calvert has the most league titles, the highest win percentage, and the most league wins in MAL history.

This year the Senecas return two all league players in Landon Warnement, a sharpshooting and explosive guard, and Rush Arbogast, an undersized but freakishly athletic post player, who were 2nd and Honorable Mention selections last year, respectively. The Senecas also return Sophomore Guard Matt Frank who saw significant minutes as a freshman, Senior post player Adam Zahner, Senior guard Collin Debarbrie, and a barrage of younger players from an undefeated Junior Varsity Team. These players include guards Derrick Fry and Brandon Ritzler and the athletic and lanky John Dodson, the goalie for the Soccer team. Also returning is Daniel Raufer, the center on the undefeated JV team.

Good Luck to the Seneca Basketball team this year!

Some Thoughts on Leadership/Work Ethic

THE DEFINITE DOZEN OF SENECA BASKETBALL

To Stay In The Program:
1. BE COMMITTED TO YOUR ACADEMICS
2. BE COMMITTED TO HAVING CLASS
3. BE COMMITTED TO DOING THE RIGHT THING
4. BE COMMITTED TO THE PROGRAM

To Play Here:
1. BE COMMITTED TO HARD WORK
2. BE COMMITTED TO BECOMING A SMART PLAYER
3. BE COMMITTED TO OUR TEAM ATTITUDE CONCEPT
4. COMMIT YOURSELF TO A WINNING ATTITUDE

To WIN Here:
1. BELIEVE IN OUR SYSTEM OF PLAY
2. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
3. BELIEVE IN YOUR TEAMMATES
4. BELIEVE IN YOUR COACHES

I do not mean to sound pessimistic but I have been thinking about the lack of true leadership in my Town lately. While there are a select few in my former high school who truly bust ass in everything they do, whether it is athletics or academics, it seems like hard working athletes who lead by example are a dying breed. I feel like I was a successful leader in my days of high school athletics due in part to what I learned from my Dad and my two brothers, who were all incredible leaders.

My Dad having over 250 wins in his coaching career at Calvert, he was a very successful leader who was not afraid to tell players what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear. My oldest brother was the Point Guard on a the top ranked team in the state and an undefeated season. He holds the record for steals in a career and would most likely have shattered the career assists record despite having to overcome two very serious injuries throughout his 3-year varsity career. My second oldest brother was a great Center at Calvert who was the leading scorer and rebounder on a team that won back to back League, Sectional, and District Titles. He was the league player of the year and was one of five players on that team to get all-league honors. That year my brother was player of the year, Ryan Kommick also made first team, Brad Walliser and Josh Graham each made second team, and Corey Debarbrie made Honorable Mention. Five Senecas with all league honors. That was my freshman year.

My freshman year was a crucial time in my life. I had grown up admiring the Calvert athletes that came before and hearing stories about them. From hearing stories about Denny Wyss, Ryan Shultz, Dan Hammer, and Dan Walter to watching guys from the class of 2000 to the class of 2005, I picked up many things. My freshman year was a great wake up call for me. I played JV and did not have a particularly good year. I started, but I was an very average player. However, I learned an incredible amount from my brother Aaron and his fellow seniors that year, including Wally, Kommick, and Graham. From them I was given visual proof of the "winning formula" my Dad refers to. "Great kids will make the Great Plays" my Dad would tell me. My JV Coach my sophomore year always told us "Good things happen to Good people." Same concept. It worked for the four seniors and their team my freshman year and I took what I learned from them and incorporated it into my life.

Ryan Kommick played 3 sports yet was always in the gym before school started shooting free throws or threes. Aaron and Wally would lift AFTER going to AAU practice and busting their asses. And I guarantee their lifting was a little more intense than some of the stuff that they call a "workout" at Calvert. As I said before, this does not apply to everyone, but for most it is true. How many basketball players are shooting in the gym before school starts since I have graduated? I am gonna guess zero. Those four guys also NEVER missed open gyms, yet today we got guys who do not play any other sports other than basketball and yet do not come to open gyms, shoot, lift, or do anything to prepare for the upcoming season.

"Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail." - John Wooden

"Basketball is played in the winter, but players are made in the summer"

"The will to win is nothing compared to the will to prepare" - Bog Knight

I can recall a few things that I have been told that have stuck with me. When I played a bad game and missed a lot of shots in a fifth or sixth grade game, I was playing video games an hour after the game. My Dad came in and said "Playing video games? That should help you with your Free Throws." Hit me like a kick in the nuts but it was what I needed to hear, NOT what I wanted to hear. Another instance was when Aaron and Wally's team lost in the Regional Finals, making themselves only the second team to make it that far in the playoffs, and everyone was just distraught. Coach Frank, the assistant varsity coach came up to me in the gym after the game and told me "Now is YOUR time to work." From that point forward I can honestly say I did everything I could humanly do to prepare for my varsity career. Within a week I was on an AAU team, waking up at 5 AM to play basketball against guys who I learned a lot from, then going to Calvert to shoot before school. I would then shower in the locker room, grab my things and go to classes for the day. After school I would lift weights religiously then usually head home and then to the YMCA to get more shots in.

Summers did not change anything. While many people see summer as a "time off", I made sure I was working harder than everybody else. LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE. A leader unites others in working together towards a common goal. It was easy to unite my team when they saw what I was doing. I wanted to win. I wanted to dominate games. So I worked countless hours to make sure that every weakness I had became a strength. I played as often as I could against guys who were better than me. That's "Playing Up" as my Dad would call it. That is how you get better. I learned how to be a perimeter player from my brother Tony and how to be a post player from Aaron. I got the best of both worlds. I worked on becoming faster, quicker, a better jumper, stronger, a better ballhandler, a better shooter, and a better penetrater and passer. By the end of summer, the players on our team were supposed to have shot over 20,000 shots on THE GUN in our gym. I had achieved that by the first week of August. I was the only player who got over 20k in but we had other guys commit to working hard as well. Tyler Wise became an all league and all district point guard/wing man and Mike Ruhlen went from being a JV player his junior year to a 2nd team league and district player and Honorable Mention Northwest Ohio player.

There is also mental preparation that goes into being a good leader. Obviously I am writing this from a basketball players perspective, but the same can be said for any type of competition. You may be the best player on the team, but if you can't be a moral and mental leader as well, you are not worth a damn. Now many people who have ever played with me will make the argument that I have some extreme anger issues at time, which I won't ever disagree with. I have gotten incredibly angry at open gyms, weight lifting sessions, etc merely because I demand excellence out of myself and out of those who were going to play on the same team as me. However, when it was time to play games, I never lost my cool on the court ever.

Once again, LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE. It is the only way to lead. I feel that I carried on a tradition that dates back to before I was born. I learned to lead from Aaron, Wally, Graham, and Kommick. They learned to lead from my brother Tony's class. They learned to lead from the 2000 class and so on and so forth.

To continue on about Moral leadership, Coach Mason always told us "good things happen to good people." My group of guys my senior year were good guys. We stayed away from the temptations of high school. Partying, women, booze, tobacco, drugs, and everything else were never an issue with us. While we would occasionally get involved in minor mischief, it was never anything that you could classify us as "bad people." I will take it to my grave that that is a big part of why we accomplished what we did.

In conclusion, I am somewhat disgusted with guys at the school now that are not willing to make the sacrifices that the people before them made. I had the simple goal of leaving Calvert Basketball better than it was when I started there. When I graduated in 2008, we had the most league titles (8), the highest winning percentage, and the most wins. We beat Ottawa Hills and they now do not play us anymore. We set a record for the best ever defensive average by a Calvert Team. We won the sectionals my junior year and went undefeated in the league my senior year. I got to see two of my best friends win all league and all district honors as well as see my Coach win District and League COACH OF THE YEAR awards. As for me, I ended up making it All-State to go with a district and league PLAYER OF THE YEAR award. I became the the 7th highest scorer at Calvert since 1985. I was the first player to score over 30 in a game since Phillip Borer in 2003. I also became the third player to win to MVP awards from my Junior and Senior year, the other's being Jeff Waltz and Phillip Borer. I was player of the week once my junior year and once my senior year (both times against Hopewell Loudon haha). I played in two very fun all star games, one with my good buddy and teammate Mike.

Am I saying all this to brag? Obviously not. I am merely showing proof that the "Winning Formula" works. It worked for me. It worked for Aaron and his team. It worked for Tony and his team. It is so easy it is stupid. You do EVERYTHING YOU CAN BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY to OUTWORK the competition. You stay physically, mentally, and morally sharp. You turn your weaknesses into strengths. You have fun while you do it. Tony always told me that I have the rest of my life to do other stuff, enjoy High School while you can, because it ends sometime and the sports are things you will never forget. I will never forget the incredible noise in the gym for home games, the fans rushing onto the floor after clinching a league title, the adrenaline rush of scoring 30+ points and beating Ottawa Hills, or the ruckus we would cause in the locker room listening to "Kickstart My Heart" and "Glory Days" while showering. When you work hard, play hard, and make good decisions, you have nothing to regret. Even though my career ended in a very sad way, it was out of my control. I have no regrets and I never will...

Marine OCS: My Former Training Staff

Learning To Lead from Matthew Hashiguchi on Vimeo.

Coach Brickner's First MAL Title!

Congratulations to the Calvert Senecas Golf Team who captured their first LEAGUE TITLE under the leadership of Coach Scott Brickner! I have always admired Coach Brickner, even in High School. It is great to finally see his dedication to a great school and prestigious program pay off. I could not be happier for him. He was a big influence on me in high school and continues to influence me even now. I know my fellow classmate and bloodbrother Joel Ardner has also been influenced by him as well. It was always great to hear about the success of Joel under the leadership of Coach Brickner and I am sure that he learned lessons that he carries with him today as he golfs for Muskingum. Congratulations to Coach Brickner and the golfers of this years team that have worked hard to earn the title of League Champion.

Calvert Golf Page can be found here.

Chippendale's Dancers on JibJab

Here is a video Coffman made starring himself, myself, Smith, Blaine, and Joel. Unreal.

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LOST: Amazing Facial Hair

I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate an article on my blog to the amazing facial hair shown in the hit T.V. show "LOST." I am a huge fan of the show ever since an old colleague of mine introduced me to the show. As season 5 is now over with the incredible finale and we await the sixth and final season of the show, here is an article that will help us appreciate the beards, mustaches, and sideburns of the LOST UNIVERSE.

Freshman Year In A Nutshell

My freshman year at Tiffin University consisted of many good times and bad times. However, there were COUNTLESS more good times than bad times. The first semester started off rough. With basketball and my many high school friends leaving for the first time, I felt alone in Tiffin and was doubting my choice of Tiffin University as my next step after high school. However, as time went on I finally made the adjustment and began to love Tiffin and it's University more and more.

The following are things that I think are noteworthy events in my freshman year:

1) Got through TU Basketball Conditioning as one of the Top Conditioned players.
2) Earned a varsity uniform although ultimately stopped playing.
3) Made some friends from the basketball team.
4) Got a 3.8 GPA first semester and made DEAN'S LIST.
5) Became very close friends with my Tiffin Crew.
6) Became better friends with Keefe, Smith, and Wertz.
7) Remained in constant contact with my bloodbrothers such as Joe, Ski, Joel, Smorz, and the BG Crew.
8) Visited Ski in Baldwin Wallace a few times.
9) Visited BG many times for some great parties and made some new acquaintances.
10) Coached Calvert's Freshman basketball team through a full season with Coach Wally and became very good friends with him.
11) Made some very good friends at TU (Starr, Adam, Nick, etc)
12) Passed a Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test with a score of 252/300.
13) Improved my Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test score months later with a 266/300.
14) Got to play on a YMCA Basketball league team with my brothers Aaron and Tony.
15) Skipped a day of classes to fly down to Orange Beach, Alabama to stay with my brothers and Bryce for a week of SPRING BREAK! (This bullet point also includes eating at Lambert's Cafe, playing pool volleyball, and witnessing the creation of the "Black Doctor" drink)
16) Hung out with Tony, Bryce, and Blaine and watched Family Guy a lot after Y-League games eating Hot and Ready's!
17) Got to read an article about my bloodbrother Joel "LEONIDAS" Ardner winning a Golf Tournament and being named player of the week!
18) Got to watch my bloodbrother Ski run a race!
19) Went with Coach Wally to Bluffton for Halloween Parties dressed as "V".
20) Bought a US ARMY "Survival Guide" and a US Marine Corps "Hand to Hand Combat Guide."
21) Sledding outdoors in winter with summer clothes on with Ski, Joel, and Bowers.
22) Expanded my shot glass with donations from Tony, Aaron, Hootie, and myself.
23) Shot Whitey's M4 Assault Rifle multiple times.
24) Shot clay pidgeons with Smitty's "Mule" Shotgun.
25) Visited Mookie, Laura, Stover, and Hall in Dayton.
26) Partied and the BG Crew's New House!
27) Went to Yucatan Liquor Stand with my brothers and the Bluffton Guys.
28) Partied at the Meat Market.
29) Jumped into Robbie's pond naked.
30) Got on a "first name basis" with most of the late night workers at Denny's.
31) CAMPER PARTIES with Hootie!
32) Wore a Fu Manchu to a party in BG and a Party at Bryce/Tony's House.
33) Incredible road trip across 10 states with Joe, Keefe, and Bowers.
34) Receiving two citations for "Speeding and Alluding Authorities" while on said road trip.
35) Polar Bear jumps at Carmies and Whitey's.
36) Purchased a Coon Skin Cap.
37) Celebrated the New Year at the Octagon with my good friends.
38) Became friends with former High School rivals in basketball.
39) Increased my iTunes library extensively with over 4500 songs (mostly classic rock)
40) Countless Bonfire's, grilling, shooting, and other fun events at Smith's house.

Ardner named OAC Men's Golfer of the Week

NEW CONCORD, OHIO, April 27, 2009 - The Ohio Athletic Conference has announced that Muskingum College freshman Joel Ardner has been named OAC Men's Golfer of the Week.

Ardner fired a two-day total of 151 (77-74) to capture medalist honors at the Ohio Northern University Spring Invitational held at Colonial Golf Club this past weekend. He led the field in par-five scoring, pars and eagles. He registered the lone eagle of the tournament on the par-five 549-yard ninth hole.

Ardner's first place finish was the first of his career and the first for a Muskie since Dan Fisher won medalist honors at the 2007 OAC Championships.

Ski Patrol

As I recently posted an article about Joel "Leonidas" Ardner, I figured one of the major influences behind the Ninety Six Hour Project also deserved to have his accomplishments noted on my blog. Zach "Blewskers" Szablewski (or simply, Ski) in currently running at Baldwin Wallace. As a former brother-in-arms in the 96 Hour Project, Ski became a very close friend of mine through my last three years of high school and continues to be a great friend throughout college. In High School, Ski's accomplishments were many. His picture is currently retired on the athletics part of the Wall of Fame at Calvert. Our class finished with five athletes "on the wall." Next to Zach there is the previously mentioned Joel "Leonidas" Ardner for golf, John Stover for his accomplishments in football, Angela Reino for her incredible gymnastics performances, and myself for basketball.

Szablewski was honored in High School in many ways. A team captain, he lead by example through long hours of distance running and constantly striving to improve. His work ethic inspired many, and not just the runners. He won multiple MVP awards in track and cross country and his senior year was named MAL and District Runner of the Year.

Now that Ski is in college, he has been competing his ass off in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. His profile on BW's website reads:

Year	Freshman
Event(s)	Distance
Hometown	Tiffin
High School	Calvert
Major	Biology

While constantly practicing, working, and studying, Ski has little time for play but does manage to come home on a consistant basis to visit "The Tiffin Crew." I was recently able to watch Ski run at Frost Kalnow stadium, where he ran a 16:36 5k. In prime vintage Blewskers fashion, he was not happy with his times. However, As I have seen Ski's work ethic in action on and off the arena, I know that Ski's future for BW is as bright as his future in the "real world." Keep Truckin'.

Hail to our King, LEONIDAS!!!

I figured I should make a post about my comrade in "the project" and in my graduating class of '08, Joel Ardner. Previously known as "Hot Sauce" and now recognized as "Leonidas" because of his hard core effort in the weight room, Joel attends college at Muskingum and recently has become a prolific performer on the golf team. I enjoy reading about my former classmates and friends from high school and what they are up to nowadays. As I still talk extensively with Leonidas, I thought it would be nice to dedicate an article to his recent accomplishments.

Pictured to the right is Leonidas in action while in his Seneca uniform. During his tenure with the Senecas, Joel was a league champion and won MAL Player of the Year, or is it "Golfer of the Year?" Either way, it's impressive. He is also THE ONLY ATHLETE IN THE HISTORY OF CALVERT to be named FIRST TEAM MAL for all four years of High School. From his freshman year to his senior year, Joel was a FIRST TEAM league competitor. Leonidas also holds the record for lowest 18 hole score, with a 70 at the Ottawa Hills Invitational in 2007. Joel is also tied for the lowest 9 hole score with a 35, which he tied with Bill Jones in '94 and Chris Hall in '02. Lastly, he also holds three spots in the top ten best averages in the history of the program: 40.8 in 2005 (Ranks 5th), 39.3 (Ranks 2nd), and 37.6 (Ranks 1st All Time).

While attending Muskingum last semester, Joel did not make the varsity squad. However, through perseverance in the weight room, constant practice on the golf course, and a confident attitude bordering on cockiness, Leonidas has returned with a vengeance for the spring semester of golf. He has emerged as Muskingum's top golfer going into the Muskingum Spring Invitational. Good Luck to Joel "Leonidas" Ardner as his journey continues.

Muskigum Golf Schedule for the Spring:

Mar. 27-28 H Muskingum Spring Invitational at EagleSticks G.C. Apr. 4-5 A Denison University Invitational at Granville G.C. Apr. 6-7 A Mount Vernon Nazarene at Apple Valley G.C. Apr. 18-19 A OAC Spring Invitational at River Greens G.C. Apr. 25-26 A Ohio Northern Invitational at Colonial G.C. Apr. 30-May 1 A OAC Championships at New Albany C.C.

Congratulations to the Senecas!

As a former Seneca basketball player and captain, I still have a devout love for Calvert and the great tradition of excellence that our program has displayed. This year, two Senecas were given all league and all district honors. Landon Warnement (44), a fellow AAU baller and dedicated hooper, received 2nd team all district and 2nd team all MAL. He was Calvert's leading scorer at 15.7 points per game. Landon also made 44 three pointers and was second on the team with assists. His season high in scoring came against Cardinal Stritch, where he ended with 28 points, mixing in long range threes with slashing penetration to the basket and fast break points. Landon also received NW District Honorable Mention.


Rush Arbogast (42), a junior alongside Landon, received honorable mention all district and all league honors. Rush brought strength, quickness, and tremendous athleticism to the post for the Senecas. He finished with an 8 points per game average to go along with 56% FG percentage and 5.3 rebounds per game. Arbogast's season high in points was 15. Both players were among the leading Senecas in efficiency. Great season Rush and Landon.

Also very noteworthy is the record of the Calvert Junior Varsity team. Coach Mason's JV Senecas finished the season with a 20-0 record, with a couple close games at the end of the season to truly test the teams potential. Led by sophomores Derek Fry, Jon Dodson, and Brandon Ritzler, the JV team constantly demonstrated unselfishness, passion, and teamwork. Combining a 20-0 JV year with a Freshman-level championship under the guidance of Coach Brad Walliser, the future is looking good for Calvert if enough guys can commit and outwork everyone else in the offseason.