Chalk Talk with Freddie Maggard

The quarterback position seems to still be wide open going into fall camp, but word has it that Hartline is taking advantage of summer work-outs to gain a slight lead.  During the summer months, one leader usually steps up to organize 7 on 7 and individual passing drills that are executed without the supervision of the coaching staff.  This may sound like an easy task, but it’s not.  Managing schedules around summer school, calling plays in the huddle, securing needed equipment, and motivating teammates to participate in the voluntary sessions requires responsibility and leadership that will be essential during the season.  So, does it mean that Hartline will automatically be named starter during fall camp?  No, but the fact is he has earned the trust of the coaches during the off-season which will give him a slight lead, but most importantly, he is gaining the respect of his peers. 

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Sunday was a big day for two prominent athletes with Kentucky connections.  Tyson Gay once again became world’s fastest man by posting an amazing 9.68 in the 100 meters.  The record didn’t count because of wind; I’m still not sure what that means, but still an incredible accomplishment. I was flipping channels and luckily stopped to watch his performance.  With interest in Olympic sports dwindling in recent past, Tyson is a refreshing story that can only increase attention for the summer games.  I was sold on Sunday, and will follow his historic quest for gold in the 08 Olympics.  Kenny Perry shot a 19 under to win the Buick Open, and hopefully captured a spot on the Ryder Cup Team that will be competing in Louisville later this year.  With Tiger Woods not participating, Perry will instantly become the fan favorite, and re-energize the home crowd for the Ryder Cup.  Going into the 4th of July weekend, here are some June stories I found interesting…….

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For the seasoned college football fanatic, summer time can be a long and anxious time of the year trying to survive the last few months prior to football season. An annual source of hope is the arrival of the pre-season football magazines to get a football fix during the dog days of summer. Most of the publications have Kentucky picked 5th in the SEC East, and one has the Cats, along with Louisville, as one of the national programs on the decline. I can understand the pessimism, but as usual, do not entirely agree with the expert’s bleak prediction for the 08 Wildcats. Here’s why……..

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Like most Universities across America, the Kentucky Wildcats are participating in voluntary, summer work outs. These sessions are intense, and heavily rely on player leadership to enforce attendance and pace. During June, the season seems like a year away, but in all reality, its right around the corner. Summers are used to improve speed, agility, strengthen passing arms, and installing timing with the skill players. To say I enjoyed summer work outs is overdoing it a little, but like most has beens; I’ve grown to miss those times spent with my teammates and the endless sarcasm that takes place in the training center and locker room.

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Word from the Cardinal Nation is that the next two years will be presumably spent rebuilding the program back to the level of national prominence experienced in the last decade. o be frankly honest, I’m not buying it. Louisville was a shaky defense away from an eight or nine win season last year, and with plenty of quality players remaining in the program, should be poised to resume its upper tier position in the Big East. Here’s why….

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I decided to go watch the Lexington Catholic-Newport Catholic game last night to check out Super Ace Nick Maronde throw against the Thoroughbreds.  Normally, with my limited attention span, watching half of a sporting event is more the norm than rarity; however I couldn’t leave the park last night until the completion of seven innings, and was very impressed with the left hander.  He had tremendous control, and like most stand-out pitchers, seemed to improve throughout the course of the game. 

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