Heartbreak Hotel

Written by Lake Lewis

Watching the University of Maryland star players Christie Tolliver and Marissa Coleman come to the bench in tears in the closing seconds of a tough loss to the University of Louisville made me think of a statement I made 3 years ago. I was doing a show on ESPN Radio in Orlando, FL when this Maryland senior class had just one the National Title. I made the statement that a dynasty was being formed and that this Lady Terrapin team was going to become the “new” Connecticut. So in the final moments of tonight’s loss did I realize two amazing facts?

One, Maryland has had an incredible run in the last four years. This senior class has put together a resume that consist of a National Title (2006), ACC Regular Season and Tournament Championships (09), four-straight 20-win seasons, including two 30-win campaigns, and four consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, two consisting of losing in the final eight.

Two, Maryland is no Connecticut. For that matter no other program in the country is. And yes that includes Pat Summit and Tennessee.  No other program has sustained the type of winning and dominance of the Lady Huskies over a longer period. As I write this article they are in the midst of accomplishing something they did just a few years ago, an undefeated season. How many programs can lay claim to such a feat? Since ’95 The lady Huskies have won five National Titles (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004), two undefeated seasons (1995 and 2002), and this years team could make that a sixth National Title as well as a third undefeated team. This is what a true dynasty is.

Maryland will have its doubters of coach Brenda Frese who has had a tough time getting Maryland back to a place I thought was going to be common place after the 2006 championship. But before those who are quick to jump ship do so, remember where Lady Terrapin hoops was before she arrived in 2003. They were a once dominant program in the 80’s but had fallen on bad times as ACC Powers North Carolina, Duke, NC State, and Virginia were the conferences best teams. All Frese has done is take Maryland to a place that no booster or fan of this program would have betted on in 7 short years.

Maryland should be proud of the run they just witnessed over the last four years and continue to develop their program if they truly want to be one of women college basketballs consistent elite programs. Frese has been at Maryland for 7 years and has the ultimate trophy to her credit. Geno Auriemma has been roaming the sidelines at Connecticut for 24 years and his counter part Pat Summit has lead the Lady Volunteers of Tennessee to 8 National Titles (1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007, 2008 ) in her storied 35 year coaching career. Before the Brenda Frese detractors make noise do your homework, look at their successes and ask are things really that bad at Maryland? Or, did you get caught up and drink the red kool-aid back in 2006? I know I did.

NCAA Tournament Predictions

By: Ross Benjamin

Lets get started by keeping an eye on early upsets. For those of you who have followed the tournament over the years you are well aware of being awarded the #5 seed of any region is the kiss of death. As a matter of fact two of the #12 seeds were victorious last season with Western Kentucky defeating Drake and Villanova defeating Clemson. Since the 1990 tournament the #12 seeds have actually won 24 of the 72 games played versus #5 seeds. That equates to 1 out of every 3 games between these two seeds in the last 19 tournaments have resulted in a 1^st round upset.

Telling it like it is or Politically Correct

By: Ross Benjamin

I have been criticized on a couple of occasions for being too politically correct with my opinions on the air or in my articles. However there is a fine line between being politically correct and attempting to find something wrong with a subject matter just for the sake of argument. After having ample time to fully digest the selections by the NCAA Tournament Committee I have come to a resounding conclusion. They did a marvelous job with arguably a few exceptions.

Atlanta Falcon’s Ovie Mughelli is Flying High

Ovie Mughelli of the Atlanta Falcons

The sky’s the limit for Ovie Mughelli and the Atlanta Falcons and today is a new day for the team. Overcoming a dismal 4-12 season in 2007 as well as low expectations in the preseason, the Falcons beat the odds by completing the 2008 season with an unexpected 11-5 record, earning the fifth seed in the NFC Playoffs. The Falcons have truly put the drama of the past few years behind them. Under the direction of new head coach Mike Smith, Ovie Mughelli and the Falcons continue to move forward. Recently I interviewed Mr. Mughelli and we spoke of the Falcons successful season as well as his plans during the off season.

The Atlanta Falcons had a stellar season in 2008 by making it to the playoffs, what do you accredit to the team’s success?

I accredit the team’s success to the team’s unity. We played together as opposed to going in our own directions.  We took a page from the NewEngland Patriots of the past. We didn’t worry about contracts or super stardom.

Would you consider yourself a team leader and if so what steps do you take to boost the team’s moral before and during a game?

Yes, I am a team leader.  I’m in my 7th year in the NFL now and with Warrick Dunn leaving, for the 1st time I am one of the oldest guys on the team.  My responsibility is to “show” not only thru my work but by example as well.

NFL’s Rookie of Year & Falcon’s Quarterback Matt Ryan had a great season in 2008 and has been compared to Peyton Manning, what are your thoughts of the young QB?

First of all, I think I need to get more props because I said that Matt Ryan is like Peyton Manning on my radio show and on Comcast last year.  They’re both tall, goofy looking, and amazingly talented. Lol

Do you hang out with any of your teammates during the off season?

For me, the off season is time to spend alone away from the guys because during the season you’re forced to spend time with your teammates.  When the pre-season begins we spend a lot of time doing bonding exercises.  I’ve seen at least a dozen of my teammates out at events such as the super bowl, award shows, Pro Bowl, etc… so we always end up hanging out anyway.

What is your relationship like with Mike Smith?

It’s great.  We all have a good relationship with him because he treats us like real people and not just like some guys that play for him.  He lets me know when I make a good play and when it’s not such a good play. Because of the relationship we have, I respect that.

Now, that the season is over, how have you been spending your time off?

I travel, relax, visit family, and work on improving myself in preparation for life after the NFL. I’m also currently taking Business Classes.

Where do you spend most of your time?

I spend a lot of time on my couch in Atlanta watching my DVR and catching up on Lost, Heroes, 24, American Idol, and Smallville.

You’re known for doing a lot of community service, so tell me about “The Ovie Mughelli Project”. Also, what other community initiatives are you involved in?

My foundation’s goals are to empower kids thru education, health awareness, and learning about the environment. We want to help them be the best version of themselves possible. This will be our 4th annual football camp and clinic in my hometown of Charleston, SC.  Every year I push myself to make the next year bigger and better.

Are you involved in any community work in your native Nigeria? And are you Igbo or Yoruba?

Actually, I’m an Urhobo. We’re a people of Southern Nigeria.  Community service in my native land of Nigeria is definitely one my goals once I get more established.

How often do you go back to your homeland of West Africa?

I’ve only been once when I was a younger but I plan on going back soon.

Speaking of Nigeria, Soccer (aka football) is really big in your culture, do you play Soccer? And how did you become involved in American Football?

Several members of my family play soccer.  I happened to be better with both my hands and feet, Lol.  I don’t have the soft touch or finesse that it takes to handle the soccer/football.  I got into American football around the 4th or 5th grade.  We’d play football behind the building and I was always the best.  We played touch when the teachers were looking and tackle when they weren’t.  As the years went on people started to beg me to play on their teams and I just stuck with it.

What other extra curricular activities are you involved in during your spare time?

I’m very competitive so I take on every opportunity to compete in bowling, ping- pong, pool, and lots of video games.

In 2007 you had the opportunity to preside over the opening bell for NASDAQ. How did that opportunity present itself? And with the current financial state of the US, how do you invest and protect your assets during this economy?

I was in town for the NFL draft and they were looking for an athlete to ring the bell. The fact that I had just finished 2 Masters Degrees from the NFL’s Business Program, they thought I was worthy.  As far as protecting my money, you just have to be smart and understand that what you have right now will most likely have to last for the rest of your life.  Meaning you can’t spend beyond your means.

Last year you took part in Essence Magazine’s “Do Right Men”, how did you become involved with that and what was the outcome? Did you go out on any dates or meet any of the women who wrote in and voted for you?

I was already being honored by Essence for my work in the community and they asked me if I wanted to be one of the “Do Right Men”.  I didn’t get a change to formally meet any of the ladies but I have had numerous fans that voted approach me when I’m out in public.  I am still very humbled by the response.

In the Essence article it states you enjoy cooking. What is your signature dish?

Rosemary chicken with either mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, or macaroni & cheese.

You are among many athletes that interact with their fans thru Blogging (i.e.-Ovie has his own personal page yardbarker.com). How important is it for you to stay connected with the fans and why?

It’s one of the most important things to do as an athlete because they’re the reason that we play the game.  We do it for the fans!  I don’t think that any player should feel like they’re too big for their fans.  Shaking hands, signing autographs, taking pictures, and being cordial to fans should be things that we always take the time to do.  However, there are times that we really want privacy when we are with our families and the fans should understand that as well.

Recently, you had a contest on your Blog where you were given the name “The Drill”, what prompted you to start the contest?

My publicist set that up.  We wanted to see how the fans felt.  Being a fullback I really didn’t have a nickname.  The contest prompted hundreds of entertaining and outrageous suggestions.  I still laugh about some of the names that were submitted.

I understand you enjoy Reporting and conducting interviews (the Espy’s, etc.). Is a career in Broadcast Journalism on the horizon for you after football?

Definitely, because I’m already a pretty outgoing person and I’ve never been afraid of a camera or a microphone. I think that I’d really enjoy a career in Broadcasting and I’d definitely consider it after my football career.

I read in another article you are a huge fan of gospel music and you recently performed in the 10th Anniversary Superbowl Gospel Celebration. So tell me what is your favorite Gospel Song and why is it your favorite song? Also, who is your favorite gospel artist?

My favorite song is “Never Would Have Made It” because it reminds us that in life if you choose greatness, you still cannot make it with just your strength, intellect, and skills alone. You couldn’t make without the Lord. My favorite gospel singer is Marvin Sapp.

Finally, what can we expect from the Falcons next year?

This past year was just a warm up of what the Falcons can do. With a new coach, quarter back, and system we will be unstoppable. You can expect to see the Falcons go to the Super Bowl this year. Miami here we come!

Ovie Mughelli is represented by Destined for Success Management, LLC a strategic marketing and personal management company which operates on the cutting edge of business in the world of sports. Destined for Success Management assists professional athletes in business, economically, socially, and in the community.