Monday, June 21, 2004

Sports Prediction Time It looks like the Texas Longhorns have a great chance to win the College World Series this year. They picked up their second win last night in the double-elimination tournament, knocking off Georgia, 9-3. Their next game is set for Wednesday, where a win would put them into the championship round. Texas has solid pitching and good hitting, and coach Augie Garrido seems to have his club peaking at just the right time. They've rolled over three teams in a row (Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Georgia) from the SEC, which has the reputation as the best conference in the country this year. ***** ESPN aired a touching profile last night of Georgia freshman outfielder Jonathan Wyatt, whose older brother Craig suffered severe brain damage and fell into a coma following a serious auto accident nearly 10 years ago. Now confined to a wheelchair and still unable to speak, Craig is attending the games in Omaha and appeared thrilled to be watching his little brother play in college baseball's showcase. ***** I was lucky enough to attend the College World Series back in 1987 as a reporter for The Daily Texan. Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium has been the home of the event for the past 55 years. Anyone who's been will confess to the special atmosphere at the stadium, as well as the charm of local landmarks like the Mister C's Steakhouse and the Holiday Inn Omaha Hotel Central Holidome. Sadly, the Ak-Sar-Ben ("Nebraska" spelled backwards) horse racing track is now closed. ***** Wimbledon begins this week. After a dismal showing in the French Open, the American stars will no doubt fare better this time around. My predictions to take home trophies are Andy Roddick on the men's side and Serena Williams for the women. 2:16:39 PM    comment []