December, 2005

Everyone loves lists. Especially deadline-weary broadcasters who need another story to fill a slow news period. So here's my take on the ten biggest local sports stories of 2005.

10. Blount County sweeps high school football titles. Maryville wins again in Class 4A. Alcoa wins again in Class 2A.

9. Lady Vols softball team makes first-ever College World Series appearance in June. They beat 6-time national champ Arizona in game one. They lose in the championship series to Michigan.

I'm getting some feedback on Peyton Manning. Here's my take on a recent email I received asking to put Manning's legacy (so far) in perspective, especially in relation to the 1997 Heisman vote.

Former LA Dodger skipper Tommy Lasorda once said a good baseball manager is only responsible for about ten wins a year. That's not much over the course of a 162 game season, but enough to make a difference in a close race for a division pennant. And let's face it, it's the big decisions that matter most. Ask former Red Sox (and current Dodger) manager Grady Little.

Funny you mention the Rams (posted comment). I was a huge LA Rams fan. 1968-1995. Gabriel, Olsen, Snow, Jones, Lundy, the Fearsome Foursome! They started the 1969 season 11-0 before losing their last three regular season games-- and then losing in the playoffs to Joe Kapp and the Vikings in the snow and ice.. at the Met in Minnesota. I just can't bring myself to root for the St. Louis Rams.

Colts or Titans? That is the question.

Without getting too Shakespearean-- that actually is the question I ponder when delivering sports to East Tennessee each night. This year, it's become especially critical.

With the Titans in the midst of a miserable season, and the Colts making a serious chase on NFL history, it makes one wonder where the coverage should focus. Then, of course, there is the Peyton Manning factor.

I've gotten comments from viewers I meet that range from