Back when I started broadcasting football, men's basketball and men's lacrosse in the 1991-92 season, there was very little overlap between the sports. In 1991, the men's basketball team opened its season against the University of Colorado. On Nov. 25. The final football game that season was Nov. 23. No overlap.
Since then times have changed. Fast forward to 2001, the first men's basketball game was on Nov. 17. The final football game that year was on November 17. Move 10 more years ahead, and in 2011, the first basketball game was November 11 and the final regular season football game was on Nov. 19.
So, as we can see, football has basically run the same schedule as always. Meanwhile, basketball has moved up a good three weeks as the Tigers opened their season on Nov. 5 against George Washington.
Let's not even bring up lacrosse which has become almost a year round sport. For the fan, it isn't that big a deal. You can move from one sport to the next with ease. The overlaps are actually exciting. For your favorite little radio announcer it is also exciting, although hectic.
But it struck me on Tuesday night as I was broadcasting the opening game of the basketball season that for many folks who work in college athletics it is a big deal. A big time consuming deal.
As I looked around SECU Arena, I saw many folks who work all the games. This has to be a very stressful time for them. Just from sports information,
Dave Vatz who is the football SID (sports information director) for Towson was sitting and working the game with
John Stark, who is the volleyball SID for the Tigers. Both of those guys were working their butts off to help out
Rob Knox, the basketball SID.
Plus there are all the others in the athletic department who are at just about every home game. The SID's aren't only at all the home games, but they regularly travel with their sports on the road.
It's true we all love the games, but this overlapping of fall and winter sports, and winter and spring sports puts a real strain on many who work in college athletics. When you see one of these fine people at the next game, tell them thank you. They would really appreciate it. I know I do.
As for what is happening on the playing fields, the Tiger football team has another real battle on its hands this Saturday against Stony Brook up on Long Island. For both schools, it could be do or die as far as the playoffs are concerned. Both teams come into the game with 5-4 records and 2-3 in CAA Football.
The Tigers are coming off a nice win against Delaware, while Stony Brook got taken to the woodshed by Richmond on the road. A win on Saturday, would guarantee the Tigers a non-losing season and continue their quest to go back to the FCS playoffs.
Meanwhile the men's basketball team had a great win against George Washington on Tuesday night. The Tigers beat the Colonels for the first time since 1981. Vince Angotti was the head coach and I had a full head of hair. Five coaches and millions of follicles later, the Tigers finally got on the right side of the scoreboard.
Great efforts all around as
Juwan Gray led the Tigers with 19 points in his first ever game as a Tiger.
Allen Betrand contributed a career high 18 points, while freshman
Jason Gibson poured in 11.
The Tigers will play Division III Bryn Athyn on Friday night and then face a very solid Kent State team Monday night. Both games at SECU Arena and both games starting at 7 p.m. Come on out and watch what is shaping up to be a very exciting hoops team.
Gordy Combs and I will have the call of the football game this Saturday starting at 1:45 p.m. on CBS Sports Radio 1300 and Towsontigers.com.
I will be with you on both of those same outlets Friday and Monday nights starting at 6:45 p.m. for the men's basketball games.
Until next week, GO TIGERS!!!
