Monday Cardinal Couple -- "It's in the cup."

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MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Watson on golf


( Special correspondent David Watson brews the coffee for Cardinal Couple this morning. Today, he discusses a "good walk spoiled" -- the art of golf.)

I read recently that UT's Pat Summitt recorded a hole-in-one while playing golf. She was at the Sevierville Golf Club (Sevierville is in Tennessee and is the first town you run into on Hwy 66 headed south to Gatlinburg once you get off of I-40) Pat used a seven-iron on the Par-3, 112-yard third hole on the course. 

This is either a picture of Pat Summitt or "Auntie Sharon"

I've played this particular course before. We would vacation at times in that area when my kids were younger during the summer vacation months and take the kids to Dollywood, the water parks and other attractions in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. I would go play either this course, the Gatlinburg Country Club or Cobbly Nob. I usually pulled out the wedge on the hole that Pat aced. I never got close to a hole-in-one, much less stay on the green or get near it. 


I would join up with a two-some or three-some. I played eighteen holes with a guy once who claimed he invented the floppy disc. He should have invested that money he supposedly made in golf lessons. He was a horrible golfer. I haven't been to Sevierville or that area in a few years. I wonder if the divots I left in the fairways down there have healed. 

Pat was golfing with WBB announcer Debbie Antonelli, so we're pretty sure the event happened. She's a pretty credible type. I wonder if the four-some broke out in a rousing rendition of
"Rocky Top" when ball met cup?  


I've golfed for over 35 years. Never had a hole-in-one. I was talking to Paulie, your senile senior columnist here at Cardinal Couple. He had one at the age of 10. He's also bowled a 300 game. He claims to be the only person in history to do both of those things and also marry Sonja. 


Braggart. 

I've gotten close to holes-in-ones before. Last summer I was playing golf with my brother and his buddies in Louisville. We were at Seneca Golf Course and I lofted one up on a par-three there that looked pin-bound. A rarity for me. The ball bounced about ten yards in front of the pin, rolled right by and stopped about two yards from the couple. 


I didn't get the birdie  -- which would make perfect sense to anyone who has ever seen me putt. 

The University of Louisville has a new women's golf coach. She's a cute-looking young gal named Courtney Trimble. She comes from Central Florida and Auburn. She's even bringing her assistant coach with her. I used to like to bring my own caddy when I played. He finally grew up, though, and wanted to get paid for watching me moan, cry, grimace and use words that would get me kicked out of Mass. Kids. Whatcha gonna do with them? He's even threatened to bring in a conflict resolution manager over our current dispute over what a fair wage is for 30 minutes of grass-cutting. He even wants a gas-powered lawnmower. 

Ms. Trimble is taking over a pretty good returning nucleus of Lady Card golfers. Emily Haas and Katie Petrino will be sophomores this fall and were BIG EAST selections as freshmen. They lose two seniors, but Sara Karlsson, Maike Klein, Tara Lyons and Candace Wiley return also.

"On the tee for the Cards....Kaaaaatiieeee
Petrinoooooo!" 

I've never attended a UofL womens golf match. I wonder if the cheerleaders, LadyBirds and Louie the Cardinal Bird show up? Does Sean Moth or Jared Stillman introduce the starters as they take the first tee? Does the Kroger Crew run up and down the fairways tossing out golf towels and tees to the spectators? Is there a halftime intermission after nine holes where the coach stands in front of a white-board and designs shots and addresses putting? 


I'm putting attending a UofL golf match on my bucket list. Hopefully, they'll let me ride in a cart and shout out encouragement with a mouthful of nachos and a cold can of Ensure. 


"Be the ball, Katie! OOOOHHHH P---A---R---S!" 

I also wonder how long Tom Jurich looked for a coach. I've hear that Bobby Petrino is a pretty good golfer. He's available these days. Also, Pat Summitt might have considered the position. I'd love to see that icy stare of hers after Emily recorded a bogie or someone talked too loud during Tara's back-swing. I hope that Courtney does a good job coaching golf for the Cards. And, can you get thrown out of a golf event like you can in basketball or baseball? Are there "technicals" or sideline warnings? 


Someone once described golf has a "good walk spoiled". Some days, it's a pretty apt description. Then, there are those rare moments when a long putt drops or you nail one perfectly down the middle of the fairway. 


I played eighteen Saturday before the Belmont Stakes. Shot a 94 and a had a couple of pars. I was satisfied with that. I counted every stroke, too. Then, my golfing buddies and I went to a local establishment we like and had a few beverages and watched the race. The comradeship was great. The results of the race let something to be desired, despite the exciting finish. 

I'm spending today searching for Optimizer. My hope is that Paulie didn't get the voice-mail I left him about putting my Kentucky Derby winnings he still hasn't paid me for on the D. Wayne Lukas horse. Maybe I could buy Optimizer and ride him around the golf course instead of renting a cart. 


I wonder how comfortable he'd be spending time with me in the woods looking for errant tee shots? I've be-friended most of the squirrels and chipmunks where I normally play but I'm still convinced they hide my tee shots when they land deep in the oak and maple trees. 


Have a good week, CARDINAL COUPLE readers, and don't raise your head when you're in your downswing. 


--David Watson


( Thanks for the commentary, David! Not many know this about David, but he actually played eighteen holes once with a croquet mallet, pool cue and jack-hammer. He still hasn't beat that score. Tuesday Cardinal Couple features Sandy Walker. We're not sure if she plays golf, but we'd bet she'd beat David...regardless.)
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Sunday Cardinal Couple -- For Gwen Rucker, the other sport turned out pretty well.

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Rucker will vye for USA A2 Team spot


-Belmont Stakes Day: a recap


Welcome to SUNDAY WITH SONJA! 

Today we look at Gwen Rucker. She'll spend the end of June training and competing with 47 other volleyball players in Columbus, Ohio in the U.S. Women's Volleyball National A2 Team Program. The middle blocker from Lexington makes her second straight trip to compete with the elite. 


These athletes were selected through the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryouts held Feb. 10-12 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Players in college who had college eligibility remaining for the 2012 season that were not selected for the Women's National Team were eligible for the A2 program. 

For Gwen, volleyball is one of two sports she has excelled at. Louisville women's basketball fans will remember the freshman who arrived on campus with Becky Burke and Monique Reid and eventually became the starting center for Jeff Walz's National Runner-Up squad during the 2008-09 season. She and Keisha Hines manned the middle during that magical run. 


She was also playing volleyball for Louisville. She continued both her sophomore year, but to compete successfully in two major sports on the collegiate level is a tough task. Gwen decided to concentrate on just one...and Louisville Volleyball is a much richer and successful program because of it. An injury last year slowed the net-menace Rucker down but opponents from the BIG EAST and nationwide knew and respected the skills of the 6'2" spike-stopper.  

How will I best remember Gwen? It was a crucial game for the Cards in the BIG EAST Conference Tournament. Against Rutgers...and Gwen was assigned the task of containing the powerful and domineering Kia Vaughn. The Cards were playing their hearts out and emotions were high. Then, the ESPN cameras focused on what we like to refer to as "The Staredown".


Gwen and Kia during a stoppage in play. The picture above says it all. No fear, no backing down and a senior and a freshman taking a moment to see who would blink. 

The Cards went on to win that game in double overtime 87-82. I remember where we were watching it (because of the horrible appetizer I selected and eventually sent back to the kitchen for another choice) and I remember Paul standing up and yelling at the screen something to the effect of "Don't hit her Gwen, we need you out there!" 


Louisville went on to the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament that year, losing to probably the best ever UConn squad Geno ever had. Almost a month later they faced that same UConn team again in the National Championship game.


Gwen Rucker has faced challenges throughout her 16 years of education. She has stared them all down and come out on top.


Cardinal Spirit. No one can beat it.


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Sonja by the lillies in front of the paddock.

Absolutely fabulous day at Churchill yesterday watching live racing and the Belmont Stakes. Enjoyed the day at the Turf Club with good friends Panera managing partner Archie Karel, his lovely wife Tina, their son Andy and a couple of hilarious and great golfing buddies of "the Arch". 

Even though he killed the show pool by not following Paulie's advice (use Brian Hernandez, Jr. on the turf. ALWAYS!) Arch was the congenial, affable and out-going host he is every year we're fortunate enough to spend Belmont with them.  

The "boys" were having a rough 'go of it' early with their handicapping skills and the most common phrase at our table was "Why didn't we have that one?" I was biding my time. The hare may sprint out there, but the tortoise always wins. 


I gave you the exacta and trifecta yesterday in the article for the Belmont. If you followed my (and not Paulie's) advice...you had a good day in the wagering department. As far as Dullahan goes, we hope that the NCIS team is investigating his disappearance.

Paul always goes to talk to Louie at Churchill

Sometimes, you just have to smile and say..."I guess I'm just lucky that way." (Those are great lyrics from Joe Walsh's new CD. Go out and buy it.) 


Our day was a fun one. We always walk a lot at the track and go around and visit our "friends in different places" when Paulie and I are out there. 
And we saw plenty of them. 

Cletus finally got the party
guests to leave by hurling
his shot put and discus at them.

We ended a great Saturday at Cletus's graduation party. Another fun event. Listening to Paulie and Donald discuss sports is like listening to sports talk radio. Donnie with the photographic memory and Paulie with the non-sequiters and brazen commentary. Hey, they're easier to listen to than Domine or Lachlan... 


A big "thank you !" to Chris and Linda for having us over and putting up with "the Big Guy" and his ramblings. How he got on the topic of wet hand towels next to bathroom sinks, I'll never know...


Some days are just good from start to finish and yesterday was one. I hope your Sunday is good from start to finish and I've enjoyed my Sunday with you!


See you next Sunday and thanks for reading CARDINAL COUPLE!
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Saturday Cardinal Couple -- B.B. headed to Poland

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Becky Burke headed to Poland for Eurohoops


-Theophille, Okoro lead Cards in NCAA Track/Field


-Ky. High School Girls thump Ind. 75-47


-Angel movie?


-Belmont Stakes picks


Louisville womens basketball player Becky Burke has signed a contract to play for ROW Rybnik Poland in the highly competitive EuroBasketball leagues. 

Burke joins a team that went 15-11 in competition in the 2011-12 season. A scan of the roster from last year shows several former USA college stars were on the squad last season. Alexis Rack (Miss. St./San Antonio), Mekia Valentine (UCSB/N.Y. Liberty), Sybil Dotsy (Ariz. St.) and Rebecca Harris (Illinois) played for Rybnik last season.

Given the transient nature of players and rosters in Euro basketball, it's hard to say whether they'll be there in the upcoming season to help Becky learn the important phrases in Polish like pizza, cereal, remote control and Justin Bieber...but it's a great opportunity for the Clarks Summit, PA star who was UofL's long range specialist in her four years at the Ville. We'll always remember the "Beckster" for that big smile, too. 


Going from the red and black to the green and orange. Load up on the Cocoa Puffs, B.B. Just in case. We hear the Polish cereal brands aren't that great. 


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Results from Friday NCAA Outdoor Championships:

Four UofL womens track and field stars were in action yesterday in Des Moines, Iowa for the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Michelle Theophille tied for 6th in the high jump and Maggie Gilbertson tied for 17th. Theophille cleared six feet (or 1.83m...for
you metric fans) in her best attempt. 


In the shot put, Chinwe Okoro finished seventh with a toss of 56-5.75 and Khadila Abdullah grabbed eleventh place...hurling the ball 54-4.75. 


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The Kentucky All-Star girls basketball team took it to Indiana last night in Freedom Hall, pounding the Hoosiers 75-47. Kentucky Miss Basketball Sydney Moss led the way for the winners with 14 points and 11 grabs. She was proud of the feat:


" Been a lot of good Kentucky teams to come through here and to beat them by the second-biggest margin is saying a lot."


Moss is headed to Florida this fall to be a student-athlete and is the daughter of NFL great Randy Moss. 


Took the Kentucky squad a bit to get started, going scoreless in the first five minutes of the contest, played in front of a sparse crowd in Freedom Hall. Marion County's Bre Elder (Dayton) finally connected for KY and it was 39-27 at the half for the home team. Indiana was 0 for game from the three-point arc. 


The two squads will battle again today in Indy.


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Film in the works for #35? Charlie Springer spills the beans (hopefully not the popcorn) over at the very fine UofL Card Game. Give "The Observer" a read at the link below. 


Angel documentary


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OK, here they are. The CARDINAL COUPLE Belmont Stakes picks. A revised forecast, since the "scratch" of I'll Have Another. 

Not gonna happen...

Disappointment? Sure. Everyone wanted to see the California hero try for the Triple Crown. Tendinitis in the left front leg will make that something that isn't going to happen. We're guessing no amount of Aleve could have taken care of the pain (that's what Paul takes for his tendinitis) and it's a shame that the three-year old can't go...but the care, well-being and safety of the horse is the main thing here and Doug O'Neill made the right call. There are plans to walk him around
in the paddock area today. Previous plans to lead the post parade in the BELMONT STAKES have been scratched.


PAUL

Dullahan, you da man!

One of my favorite bartenders at Churchill gave me a DULLAHAN pin to wear earlier this week for Saturday. Didn't think too much of it at the time, but now I believe it is manifest destiny and the horse is my top pick here. His late-closing style is ideal for the lengthy Belmont stretch. I'll go with ATIGUN for second. Was impressed with his win on the undercard at Churchill on Derby Day and he's another who flies by them from the back. D.Wayne Lukas keeps bringing OPTIMIZER back for punishment in Triple Crown races and maybe he'll appreciate the added distance today...so we'll peg him for third. UNION RAGS should be good enough to pick up the pieces for fourth. 


I'll play exacta and trifecta wheels with these four and make sure they're included in a pick three that I'll start in the ninth race with my best pick of the day...Hierro. 


SONYA

"Hello, Sonja? I think we have
a live one Saturday. How's Co-Co?"

Bob Baffert is up to something. I figured he wouldn't toss BODEMEISTER in the Belmont, too far for the mile specialist, but he has entered PAYNTER. Ol' white-hair was puffing the goods on this one early in the Derby trail and he was impressive in winning a big allowance race at Pimilco on Preakness day. PAYNTER, at a price, is my top pick. I think DULLAHAN will be gobbling up ground at the end, and it wouldn't surprise me if he wins...but I'm picking him second today. ATIGUN comes out of Kenny McPeek's barn and is a closer who will like Belmont's surface. He only knows one speed and it is flying late. He'll get third. UNION RAGS will contest it for awhile before fading to fourth. 
It would not surprise me if "Ragsie" wins, though. 


I'll box these four in an exacta and put win, place and show money on Paynter, Dullahan and Atigun. By the time the Belmont Stakes, the 11th race on the Belmont card today, I'll also probably come up with a few "hunch bets"...paying particular attention to how speed is holding up on the rock-hard, lighting fast track. 


DAVID

I've chased OPTIMIZER in the first two legs of the Triple Crown so far. Not backing off now and that's my top selection. Trainer D.Wayne Lukas got a noggin thump from one of his horses earlier in the week. It would be fitting if they played Dean Martin's "Ain't that a kick in the head" during the post parade. Give me DULLAHAN for second and I don't care who comes in third or fourth.


Paul still hasn't paid me for my I'll Have Another score in the Derby. Something about the increased cost of UofL Football tickets. I'll call him later Saturday morning and tell him to invest my Derby winnings on any horse that nods and winks at the TV cameras during the post parade. These horses -- they're smarter than you think. 


Paulie, cue up a little Dino for me...


(Ask and you shall receive. Click the link below for classic Dean Martin) 


Ain't That A Kick In The Head?


NBC has the coverage again. Post time around 6:30 p.m. Good luck and remember that our selections are for entertainment purposes only. 
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Friday Cardinal Couple -- The Derby Dozen

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FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Louisville women's athletics has experience, success at the head coach level. 


-I'll Have Another has a close call Thursday morning.


Did you know that the University of Louisville has 12 women's sports that they compete at on the D1 level? 

Is this the UofL soccer coach?

Take a second and see if you can name all twelve. Then, after you've done that...count off how many that you've actually gone and watched in live competition. Finally, see how many of the 12 coaches -- the Derby Dozen, we'll call them -- you can name.  


Here's a short quiz on the current head coaches that guide UofL women's sports...and then we'll give you a list of all 12. Answers follow that.


1) Which UofL coach below played locally in high school in Louisville?


A) Sandy Pearsall         C) Arthur Albiero
B) Jeff Walz                 D) Anne Kordes


2) Which UofL coach has the longest tenure as a head
coach at Louisville? 


A) Mark Beckham         C) Kellie Young
B) Sandy Pearsall         D) Ron Mann


3) Which UofL coach was head coach at Massachusetts before taking the Louisville job? 


A) Laura Aubrey           C) Jeff Walz
B) Justine Sowry          D) Karen Ferguson-Dayes


4) What's the breakdown on the 12 coaches by gender?


A) 11 men, 1 woman    C) 5 men, 7 women
B)  4 men, 8 women     D) 3 women, 8 men


5) Which coach below did not win a conference title
in 2012? 


A) Anne Kordes             C) Jeff Walz
B) Sandy Pearsall          D) Arthur Albiero 


6) Which coach would have no use for a goalkeeper in their sport?


A) Arthur Albiero            C) Karen Ferguson-Dayes
B) Justine Sowry            D) Kellie Young


7) Which matchup below is incorrect?


A) Sowry & Field Hockey  C) Walz & Basketball
B) Pearsall & Softball        D) Moth & Water Polo


8) EXTRA CREDIT !!! Who was the softball coach at UofL before Sandy Pearsall? 


A) Tom Jurich                  C) J. Fred Muggs
B) Natalie Novosel           D) Art Vandoley


 (ANSWERS BELOW...KEEP READING) 


Here's a listing of the 12 coaches in women's sports at UofL and their years of service to the Cards: 


Basketball -- Jeff Walz ( 5 yrs. ) 
Cross Country -- Taryn Sheehan ( 1 yr. ) 
Field Hockey -- Justine Sowry ( 2 yrs. )
Golf -- Kelly Meyers Rothberg ( 12 yrs. ) 
Lacrosse -- Kellie Young ( 5 yrs. )
Rowing -- Laura Aubrey ( 5 yrs. ) 
Soccer -- Karen Ferguson-Dayes ( 12 yrs.) 
Softball -- Sandy Pearsall ( 13 yrs.) 
Swim/Dive -- Arthur Albiero -- ( 7 yrs. ) 
Tennis -- Mark Beckham -- ( 3 yrs. ) 
Track & Field -- Ron Mann -- ( 8 yrs. )
Volleyball -- Anne Kordes -- ( 1 yr. ) 

Is this the UofL water polo coach? 

The Cards are fortunate to have such a talented and caring group of individuals teaching and coaching the womens' athletes on campus. This time of year, they are busy planning for their upcoming seasons, holding clinics, evaluating talent for future teams and making sure their current athletes have a knowledge of what individual training and workouts they can do over the summer months to prepare for their events. 

Is this the UofL
swimming coach?

Coaching doesn't stop after the final whistle, buzzer or goal of the season. Hats off and a big thank you to the coaches and staffs who prepare the athletes we enjoy watching! Hopefully, today's article helped familiarize or remind you of the 12 individuals who have the title "head coach" of a women's athletic squad at UofL. Next time you see one of the "Derby Dozen"... thank them for a job well done!  Or, better yet...make a commitment to go out and watch his or her athletes compete in the 2012-13 season. 


(Now....to those answers!) 


1.  D. Anne Kordes played volleyball for her Dad here in Louisville at Assumption High School 


2. B. Sandy Pearsall has 13 years on the books as the Cardinal Softball coach. 


3. B. Justine Sowry was head field hockey coach at Mass. before taking the Louisville job. 


4. B. Jeff Walz, Ron Mann, Mark Beckham and Arthur Albiero are the four male coaches in the UofL womens' sports programs


5. C. Jeff Walz. The women's basketball team did not win the BIG EAST regular season or tournament titles last season. Wait until this year! 


6. A. Arthur Albiero's swimmers don't need a goalkeeper...but it might be an idea to use one to stop opposing swimmers from reaching the wall.


7. D. Louisville doesn't have a water polo team...but it might be fun watching Sean Moth coach if they did.


8. This was a trick question. Sandy Pearsall started the Softball program at UofL, so there was no head coach before her. Give yourself a point if you knew this. 




:-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-)




(And now...our biting and sarcastic commentary on how well or poorly you did. Maestro, hit it!!!) 


8 correct =  Congratulations! You are now an honorary CARDINAL COUPLE "Know it All" (Like we don't have enough of those lurking around the site..)


7 correct =   Your really know your coaches! Grab your whistle and get out there!


5-6 correct =   Not bad. We'll put you on the list as a possible 'fill-in' if one of the staff chimps quit here at Cardinal Couple. 


3-4 correct =   Average. You need to pay a little more attention during the starting lineup introductions instead of watching Louie and the LadyBirds...


1-2 correct =  Welcome to your first visit to the world of CARDINAL COUPLE! See our intern Timmy for a guided tour. (He'll expect a tip, be forewarned...) 


0 correct =   You've stumbled upon this site looking for birds, haven't you? Stick around, if you like...you may just learn a thing of two and have a little fun! 


v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v


Triple Crown contender I'll Have Another had a very close brush with collision and possible injury while training Thursday morning for the Belmont Stakes. Maybe they need a traffic cop or flight controller out there...


Link:


Close call for I'll Have Another
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Secretariat - Belmont Stakes 1973...Hughes wins semifinal...Softball today...Belmont PP's and picks

("He is moving like a tremendous machine." ). One of the best race calls in history to go with the best race in the history of the sport. Chick Anderson was the race caller on CBS at Belmont Park that day. He also was track announcer at Churchill Downs for 17 years.


THURSDAY @ CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Hughes, Okoro in NCAA Championships

-Ky. State Girls Softball Championships begin today

-2011 Belmont Post Positions and Predictions

-Cierra Warren undergoes knee surgery.

Okoro is a senior on
the women's track
and field team at UofL.

Two University of Louisville track and field athletes participated in the NCAA Championships yesterday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, IA. Men's distance runner Matt Hughes won his semi-final heat in the 3,000 meters and will run in the finals Friday night. Hughes won the event last year. Thrower Chinwe Okoro placed ninth in the discus throw after a sixth place finish in the qualifying round.

Today's action includes Cardinal high-jumper Rachel Gehret. Gehret won the high jump in the BIG EAST Championship earlier this year. The women's throwing team will also compete in the shot put and hammer tosses during the championships.

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Sixteen teams from across the state will vie for the title in the 2011 Kentucky State Softball Tournament beginning today at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro, KY. Locally, Louisville Ballard and PRP will take part in the action. The tournament runs three days...with the championship game scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday. The first round pairings:

Three Ballard Bruins,...Walker, Wise and Fairley

PRP vs. Montgomery County

Allen County-Scottsville vs. East Jessamine

North Laurel vs. Central Hardin

Walton-Verona vs. Hopkins County Central

Lexington Lafayette vs. Owensboro Catholic

Calloway County vs. Ashland Blazer

Ballard vs. Letcher County Central

Ryle vs. Magoffin County

Ballard is ranked #1 in the state and went 35-4 during the regular season. They are led in the pitching circle by senior Kayla Fairley. Fairley is a dominating pitcher who went 26-3 on the season with a 1.11 ERA. She's also not too bat at the plate...hitting .308 for the season with four home runs. Fairley was the Seventh Region Player of the Year. She has yet to commit to a college...but Louisville is her first choice.

Never can have enough good arms, Sandy....go after this girl and put her in the Cardinal red...

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The post positions and odds for the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes have been assigned and ANIMAL KINGDOM has been made the favorite at 3-1. The Kentucky Derby winner narrowly missed in the Preakness...running second to SHACKLEFORD who will also try the Belmont and is listed at 5-1. The post positions, jockeys and odds below:

Post 1:  Master of Hounds.  Garrett Gomez on board.  10-1
Post 2:  Stay Thirsty.  Javier Castellano rides.  22-1
Post 3:  Ruler On Ice.  Jose Valdivia, Jr. gets the assignment.  25-1
Post 4:  Santiva.  Shaun Bridgmohan in the saddle.  15-1
Post 5:  Brilliant Speed.  Joel Rosario is the jockey.  20-1
Post 6:  Nehro.  Corey Nakatani has the reigns.  9-2
Post 7:  Monzon.  Jose Lezcano in the stirrups.  35-1
Post 8:  Prime Cut.  Edgar Prado guides.  25-1
Post 9:  Animal Kingdom.  John Velazquez returns.  3-1
Post 10:  Mucho Macho Man.  Ramon Dominguez has the mount.  15-1
Post 11:  Isn't He Perfect.  Rajiv Maragh takes the call.  45-1
Post 12:  Shackleford.  Jesus Castanon goes for two straight.  5-1

Paul's Predictions:

I'm picking NEHRO here. He ran second in the Derby, sat out the Preakness and will love the added distance. He'll have to contend with ANIMAL KINGDOM, a threat in the long Belmont stretch. The question is how tired is ANIMAL KINGDOM after the Derby and Preakness? Look for MUCHO MACHO MAN to be gobbling up the speed at the end and just behind these two. I don't see SHACKLEFORD liking this extra distance and he'll fade late...Longshot special is PRIME CUT, with Edgar Prado on board. Prado knows Belmont and this horse has had six straight third place or better finishes in a row.

Sonja Says:

ANIMAL KINGDOM is my selection to win the Belmont Stakes. This horse can run forever and would have won the Preakness if Velazquez had moved him earlier. I can see NEHRO putting in a huge effort here but couldn't catch Velazquez in the Derby and won't here. I'll take SHACKLEFORD and SANTIVA battling for third. BRILLIANT SPEED is a live longshot to respect.

(David Watson is on vacation and has no selections for the Belmont Stakes.) We did ask CARDINAL COUPLE handicapper Tommy Boy about his picks but he hasn't finished his research and studies on the race as of this column posting. Respected charter Alan Patterson is trying to narrow it down between five horses as of yesterday and has MASTER OF HOUNDS, ANIMAL KINGDOM, NEHRO, SHACKLEFORD and MUCHO MACHO MAN on his short list...

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Lady Cards post Cierra Warren recently underwent knee surgery but is already up and around on crutches. We aren't sure what procedure was performed or her status for fall ball...but have some feelers out to try and find out. Up and around already is a good sign...

We absolutely love this collage that Charlie Springer
created last year of Cierra Warren! (Photo from UofL Card Game)
You can read Charlie's site daily at http://www.uoflcardgame.com/

Warren transferred to the University of Louisville last year after her freshman season at North Carolina. The bright and bubbly 6'5" center is expected to make a significant contribution to the Lady Cards in the 2011-12 season...after sitting out the mandatory year required for transfers from one D1 program to another. We had reports all last season that she was a force on the court during practice and look forward to her Lady Cards debut.

Warren was the "greeter" at the end of the huddle during UofL Cardinal pre-game introductions and...along with Shawnta Dyer, who returns after a red-shirt season...should give the Cards some pretty spectacular front line power.

GOOD NEWS! We have received confirmation from UofL that the surgery was minor, all things are GOOD on Cierra and she'll be ready to go for fall ball!

LOOK OUT, BIG EAST and LADY CARDINAL OPPONENTS...

FRONT LINE COMING TO GET YA...
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Four remain in College Softball World Series

Tennessee, Arizona, Georgia and UCLA play in the semifinal Sunday in Oklahoma City for the chance to advance to the championship bracket in the 2010 NCAA Softball Championships

The Vols, who eliminated Louisville from the tournament in Knoxville, take on Arizona in one of the semifinal matches. They beat Arizona 9-0 earlier in the double elimination format and if they win they secure one of the final two spots. A loss to the Wildcats would force a deciding second game today.

UCLA goes against the Georgia Bulldogs in the other semifinal contest. Georgia sent Florida to the sidelines last night with a 3-2 win. The Bulldogs also will need to win twice today if they are going to play in the championship series. Arizona ended Hawaii's season yesterday with a 5-1 beating.

Action starts at 3:30 and will be on the four letter network.

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DROSSELMEYER came flying down the Belmont stretch to win the Belmont Stakes yesterday at 13-1 odds...catching FIRST DUDE and holding off FLY DOWN for win.
A nice win for veteran trainer Bill Mott, a Churchill regular who had never won a Triple Crown race until yesterday. DROSSELMEYER got the win with Mike Smith aboard..a jockey change from Kent "Superman" Desormeaux.

A key factor? Definitely...Mike Smith is a veteran, cagey jockey who knows the New York strip well and is one of the most paitent riders out there. Smith let FIRST DUDE dictate the pace and waited for the midstretch before making the sweeping move to grab the lead.

Another factor that didn't hurt. DROSSELMEYER trained in aluminum pads on his feet at Belmont...which protected his feet from the abrasive Belmont surface. The win for DROSSELMEYER was his third in nine lifetime starts.

Trivia question...Who is Drosselmeyer?

He is one of the characters in the ballet "Nutcracker." Having sat thru yearly performances of the Nutcracker at the Louisville ballet when I was younger..I remembered the name and we featured DROSSELMEYER here in a column in CARDINAL COUPLE as one of our live longshots a couple of days ago.

We were rewarded with a $47 across the board return for our $2 win/place/show wager. We also put him in a $1 exacta box with ICE BOX, FLY DOWN, FIRST DUDE and STAY PUT..and that $20 investment brought back $72. Unfortunately, our $1 trifecta wheel did not have DROSSELMEYER on top and we donated $56 to the mutuals on that one.
Across the board on FIRST DUDE got us back a little show money.

An across the board on MAKE MUSIC FOR ME ended up in the recycling bin. So did an inexpensive .10 cent superfecta that had all the right horses but no DROSSELMEYER on top. Paul got the entire table with us at the Turf Club mad at him when he proudly displayed a $2 win/place/show ticket in the previous race at Belmont on WINCHESTER. This one went off at 21-1 and upset GIO PONTI in the Manhatten Handicap to give him $67 back for $6 wagered.

The card at Churchill wasn't as kind to us Saturday...we were pretty far down before hitting the late Pick 4 to get us back to close to even there.

Belmont preview

As we are known for doing occasionally here at CARDINAL COUPLE...horse racing prognostication and bold predictions below for the Belmont. Today's offerings come from our senior columnist and guy who has been setting Churchill Downs on fire with his Spring Meet success so far. Take it away, Paul!

The horse pictured here is FIRST DUDE. He ran a strong second in the Preakness to LOOKIN AT LUCKY. Since LUCKY isn't entered in the Belmont, logic would dictate that FIRST DUDE just might go off as one of the favorites and win this thing.

I ask you, though...when did logic have anything to do with horse racing?

Trainer Nick Zito prepares his horses well for the Belmont and he offers two of them for the starting gate Saturday in the third leg of the Triple Crown. ICE BOX and FLY DOWN cannot be ignored and should be included in any "gimmick" wagering you attempt.

I also like STATELY VICTOR for this race. Can't exactly put my finger on it...but I think he'll show up big.

I'm putiing FIRST DUDE, ICE BOX, FLY DOWN, STATELY VICTOR and STAY PUT in an exacta box. I'll also work them into a trifecta..with ICEBOX and FIRST DUDE on top, the rest wheeled down in second with them and add a couple more to the bottom part of the wheel.

FIRST DUDE treated me very well on Preakness Day...so I'll put a small across the board wager down on him, too.

You want a live longshot? Consider DROSSELMEYER. Don't go crazy on him..though. MAKE MUSIC FOR ME, the talented filly, tries the boys Saturday also. She could shock at a nice price.

Remember, all comments here and selections are for entertainment porpoises only (certainly!) and CARDINAL COUPLE does not make any claims of supernatural powers, psychic revelations or a decent crossover and 15 foot jumper.

Good luck, enjoy the Belmont and God Save the Queen.

Categorizing the Cavaliers

The University of Virginia's womens softball team is making its first ever apperance in the NCAA Championships. They'll play UofL at 4 p.m. Friday in Knoxville, TN. Let's take a look at the Cards first opponent.

The Cavs came in second in ACC league competition and faced Va. Tech in the first round of the playoffs. The Hokies were hosting the ACC Tournament and turned back to Cavs 1-0 to eliminate them from the event.

Virginia (33-21, 13-7) had two players hit over .300 for the season. Sarah Tacke (.362) and Nicole Koren (.308) They were also the Cavs leaders in home runs...with Koren knocking 12 out of the park and Tacke 10. The two also led Virginia in hits, RBI's and run scored. No word on whether they like the same music, wear matching outfits or take the same classes...

Freshman Melody Mitchell handled the majority of the pitching for Virginia and produced a 26-16 record. She has a 2.67 ERA and allowed 228 hits in 267.2 innings pitched. The Cavs staff allowed 42 home runs during the season while Cavs hitters managed 34 against opposing pitching.

It's hard to say right now who Sandy Pearsall which choose to open the regional play. Both Tori Collins and Kristen Wadwell have performed well for Louisville this year and Cavs batters struck out a total of 262 times. The Cards simply need to follow the script that got them this far. Jump on the opponent early with their offensive firepower and let defense and pitching seal the deal.

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Although the University of Louisville women's lacrosse season has ended, it doesn't mean the action has stopped at the University's lacrosse stadium. The Kentucky Lacrosse Association girls' high school state tournament will hold the finals on Thursday at UofL.

Kentucky Country Day and Collegiate will meet in the final game. KCD eliminated Sacred Heart 15-5 and Collegiate downed Ballard 14-7 in games at Assumption field on Monday.

The boys will he holding their semifinals and finals at UofL also, which begin Wednesday when Trinity faces KCD and Collegiate plays St. Xavier.

Jefferson County domination. I wonder what the elitist over at Cats Pause think about that? If they've heard of lacrosse....that is.

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Hard times for the NYRA. The not-for-profit governing body for New York horse racing is running out of money and may have to shut down after the Belmont Stakes is run. Their current cash position is in dire straights and there are doubts whether the historic summer meet at Saratoga will take place. Once again, a case of a state legislature failing to allow video lottery terminals in racing facilities. We all know the problems that has created here in Kentucky.

Trainer Richard Violette, also the president of the NYRA Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association sees a scenario where racing might be suspended in New York beginning June 6th. for two weeks. If a resolution cannot be reached in that time frame, the NYRA would close Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. The move would mean over 2,000 backstretch workers would be out of jobs and 3,000 horses would be taken off the grounds. Kentucky horse racing could be next. Less racing days, shorter field and lower prize purses are already in effect here.

The city of Saratoga Springs is hugely dependant on the influx of business created by horsemen and visitors who ascend upon Saratoga Race Course during the summer. A cancellation of racing would turn the scenic site into a ghost town.

Today is election day in Kentucky. Any candidate not in favor of allowing casino gaming in Kentucky race tracks won't be getting the vote or endorsement of CARDINAL COUPLE. Join us, won't you?

By Paul
5/18/10