Who's Got the Power?

3 Posts

Top five moments from the 2008 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships

Posted by adam_sp Jun 3, 2008

1. Interacting with the fans. The LaxPower crew quickly realized this weekend just how passionate lacrosse fans are across the country. From parents to children alike, we found out first-hand at our interview tent at LaxFest USA. Thousands stopped by throughout the weekend, but perhaps the most memorable were the laxers that performed a LaxPower rap piece, did back flips, and sang songs, just to name a few of the crazy moments. The fans at Gillette were passionate about lacrosse and every year there seems to be more of them. It's a great thing to see. And it was especially great to see just how enthusiastic the fans are about LaxPower. For some, it's a bookmark. But for many others, it's by far their favorite online destination.

2. LaxFest USA. Similar to a FanFest or mini carnival at a big time event, LaxFest USA was the place to be for fans over the weekend. Well, that is, if you weren't inside Gillette Stadium watching the games. This year's LaxFest included a gigantic outdoor retail lacrosse store, display booths, interactive entertainment, food vendors, games, live performances, photograph sessions and clinics with professional athletes. The area was bumpin' all weekend long – most especially the retail rent which had lines seemingly stretched all the way to Boston. Check out NLL star Dan Dawson as he gives you a tour around the LaxFest activities.

3. Exploring Beantown. Boston is a city rich with history and culture and the LaxPower crew had the opportunity to visit the Faneuil Hall District downtown. The area has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742 and still retains its historic charm today. During the day, Faneuil Hall is a bustling historical landmark. By night, the area transforms into a hip youth scene as thousands of young adults flock to the various watering holes and clubs. Be sure to check out Bell in Hand or McFadden's next time you are in the area.

4. Watching the games. What a weekend for lacrosse. Not only was the weather perfect, but the games could not have been more competitive. But in case you missed them, the first Division I semifinal game had Syracuse rally from an early deficit to dispatch Virginia in double overtime. Meanwhile, the second semifinal contest watched Johns Hopkins do the unthinkable and beat No. 1 Duke, 10-9 (this only a few weeks after the Blue Devils beat the Blue Jays by 11 goals). In the Division III final, Salisbury and Cortland put on a high-flying show before the Sea Gulls wrapped up their 8th title thanks to a 19-13 win. In the Div. II contest, New York Institute of Technology upset No. 1 Le Moyne, 16-11. And for the finale, Syracuse downed defending champs Johns Hopkins, 13-10, to capture its record 10th national championship. It doesn’t get much better than this folks…..

5. LaxPower Fan Awards. LaxPower held its second annual Fan Awards this weekend and some of the biggest and brightest names in the game came out to the Marriott Copley Place in Boston on Sunday, May 25 for the festivities. Awards this year went to best senior attack, best senior midfielder, best senior defender, best senior goalie, best senior face off, rookie of the year and coach of the year. Check out the video from the event below!

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The Sports Museum of America opens its doors

Posted by adam_sp May 15, 2008

It's amazing to think that a comprehensive sports museum never existed in America before today. And when one conjures up thoughts of sports museums and hall of fame's, the images of Babe Ruth and Cooperstown, Michael Jordan and Springfield and Joe Namath and Canton typically come to mind; These of course, all being individual museums representing just one particular sport.

But the trend changed on May 6, however, when the Sports Museum of America opened its doors in New York City. Now, for the first time in our nation's history, images, artifacts, videos and interactive features from over 50 professional sports leagues have been merged together to create one of the most unique and mesmorizing experiences a sports fan can have.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the grand opening of the museum last Tuesday in lower Manhattan. The day began with an amazing pep rally at Bowling Green Park just steps away from the museum doors. As hundreds of tourists snapped photos beside a giant bull statue adorned with a SMU jersey, some of the nation's most recognizable mascots danced around with fans in the park as pep bands played lively sports tunes.

Meanwhile, some of the nation's most recognizable and accomplished athletes took to the stage to introduce the museum. Never in my life have I been in the presence of so many sports legends at once. It was quite inspiring and a moment I will never forget. U.S. hockey gold medalist Jim Craig served as the MC for the event, while NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, tennis legend Billie Jean King and football great Tony Dorsett all provided additional commentary. Other sports greats in attendance on Tuesday included Mario Andretti, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier, Martina Navratilova, Pat LaFontaine, among many others.

After the pep rally, media members had the opportunity to take a tour of the museum and speak with the hall of famers. With every media organization there from the AP to Newsday to Sports Illustrated to ESPN, it was a madhouse, but I did have the opportunity to talk with track and field great Carl Lewis, basketball legend Bob Cousy, and hockey hero Pat LaFontaine; All true gentleman and great ambassadors for their respective sports.

Meanwhile, the museum is truly amazing. From the artifacts and videos to the memorabilia and interactive features, there is nothing that can compare. This is the ultimate sports fan's dream! You can see how it feels to get behind the wheel of a race car or even see what it's like to have a 100 mph puck come flying at you. Or check out the new home of the women's sports hall of fame. Even visit the amazing football wing which is now the permanent home of the original heisman trophy.

This project truly is also the first step in the downtown New York revitalization project after the events of 9/11. I can't think of a better way to jumpstart the project than with an amazing place like this.

I'm telling you, the next time you are in New York, put SMA on your must-do list.

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Delaware climbing up FootballPower I-AA rankings

Posted by adam_sp Oct 1, 2007

While Northern Iowa leads the FootballPower Division I-AA power rankings with a perfect 100.00 rating in week five, one must pay attention to the resurgence of Delaware this season, who have catapulted up the rankings to fifth at 99.54.

After five blowouts to open up the season against five quality opponents, the Blue Hens appear to have recaptured that magic a la Delaware Football in 2003. That year, of course, the Blue Hens finished with a 15-1 record en route to the national championship. That same 2003 team also stormed out to five blowout wins against quality opponents, like William and Mary, Citadel and Hofstra.

The Blue Hens have averaged 39 points-per-game and just 13 points allowed per game -- all while averaging 465 yards per game offensively. The squad has been nothing short of dominant.

Perhaps one can look at the dynamic duo of Omar Cuff and Joe Flacco as a huge reason why. Cuff, the starting tailback, has already totaled 565 yards on the ground while scoring 16 touchdowns through five games. 16 touchdowns!! Meanwhile, quarterback Flacco has thrown for 1333 yards with a 72.1 pass completion percentage and six touchdowns.

The outstanding play of Cuff and Flacco immediately have people reminiscing about the 2003 champions. As you may remember, running back Germaine Bennett rushed for 1625 yards and 21 touchdowns while Hall amassed 25 touchdowns and 2765 yards through the air.

It should be interesting to see where the Blue Hens head in the ratings from here, especially with Navy (96.45 rating), James Madison (99.17) and Richmond (98.68) on the horizon. But so far, all indications point towards up.

-Adam C. Warner