New Coach. New Season. New Program

When you look at a 14-18 record, you may not be impressed.  But behind every record, every team, and every coach, there is a story.  This is Sharon Dingman's story.  

But first....meet Sharon Dingman.

Dingman has been coaching for 18 seasons and posts a 350-229 record.  Before she came to Iowa, she coached at Illinois State, Butler and Auburn. 

In December of 2007, Coach Cindy Fredrick resigned her position with a 46-82 record during her four years at Iowa.  Her record in Big Ten Conference play was 9-71.  

So in March, Dingman was named Iowa's eighth women's head volleyball coach.  And she knew there was work to be done.  When she was hired, her goal was to get Iowa back on the winning track.  The Hawks finished 9th in the Big Ten at 6-14--the most wins for an Iowa team since 2000.  This was also the first time since 2000 the Hawkeyes haven't finished in one of the two bottom sports of the conference.  

But helping them win matches wasn't the only thing Dingman brought to the team.  Senior Laura Kremer says her senior year was the most successful, thanks to the coaching staff....

Freshman Mallory Husz says Dingman's attitude was nothing the team was used to...

Dingman not only led the team to the best season since 2000, but she also left a few more marks:

-Iowa won seven-straight matches from Sept. 13-27, tying the 4th longest winning streak in school history.

-She helped break the 39-match losing streak against Ohio State and a 18-match losing streak on the road in Big Ten play.  

-Iowa's upset over number 18 Wisconsin broke the 26-match  losing streak against the Badgers, going all the way back to 1994. 

-On November 14th, Dingman earned her 350th career win.

-This season, Iowa broke the average attendance record with an average of 1,146 fans.  

-Five of the 10 largest crowds in volleyball history were set this season, including the 2nd largest crowd in school history at 1,7466 against Michigan State.

-Iowa had their first winning record at home since 1998.  

So yes, the Hawks had a losing season with a record of 14-18, but that's returning from a 9-22 record in 2007.  In Dingman's first year as the Iowa head coach, she accomplished her main goal of turning the program around.  I'm just curious to see what she'll do in years to come....

If you didn't get a chance to see the women's team this season, I put together a few clips from random matches...enjoy.  

One Sad Day

Today was a sad day in my sporting life.

-The Suns lost--to the Lakers.  This is a big game for Suns fans because it's a division rivalry.  I absolutely hate the Lakers and I hate Kobe Bryant even more.  How disappointing!  Shaq's great-grandmother died so he wasn't able to play in tonight's game.  Hf he was there, we would have taken the W.

-Shonn Greene wasn't invited to New York.  Not like I really expected him to be a finalist for the Heisman, but there was still hope.  Last night and earlier today Todd McShay was talking on ESPN about how he really could be in the race.  I mean seriously, the guy went from no one in the country knowing who he was ....to the best running back in the country.  He had incredible stats, I mean come on!

-The worst: CC. Sabathia received the largest contract ever for a pitcher: 7 years, $161 million deal.  Ok, let's be honest--he wasn't going back to the Brewers but there was always a sliver of hope.  But he has been constantly talking about going back to California where he lives so I thought that's where he'd end up.  I'm temporarily devastated.

Distractions That Deter Me From Studying

So I'm sitting here trying to do my homework but I keep getting distracted.  I'm making a list of things that take away from my studying time:

Facebook:  This is an obvious one.  I don't even care about my friend's formal last weekend, yet I feel the need to look at her and pictures of people I don't even know.  

Spring break plans: 6 of us are sitting in my living room figuring out our spring break in FLORIDA!!! I'm ok with this distraction.  

The Hills: I have class Monday nights so I miss this every week.  I haven't watched the last two weeks so I'm catching myself up.

Gossip Girls: Again, I have class on Monday nights and I hear Bart Bass dies! I haven't seen the episode with the funeral and I'm getting impatient!

Food: I can't stop eating.

Sleeping:  I was reading for my women, sport and culture class and fell asleep on the first page. 

Brickbreaker: Addicting.  All I want to do is break my high score.

My roomates:  When I lock myself in my room I can still hear them talk through the walls.  

Checking my email: I haven't gotten an e-mail since about 3 p.m, yet I have checked it about 19 times since then.

AIM: I don't even talk to people, I just check away messages.

Jamie Wagner: my roommate.  She would talk to a wall and be entertained.

ESPN.com: I was continuously checking it for updates on the Wisconsin/Idaho State game.  What a pathetic game by the way. 

Christmas decorating: We decorated our apartment with Christmas lights, holly, garland, cut out snowflakes and hung them on our wall to avoid homework.

Texting: I probably received and sent 500 texts today.

Gretchen's candy: my friend across the hall brought candy over to our apartment to help us study and I have eaten the entire bag. 

My Facebook status: A guy I worked with at my internship this summer went to Marquette.  We had a bet on the Marquette/Badger game on Saturday and I lost.  So now I have to compliment Marquette in my status everyday...trust me it's hard to think of nice things to say.

BTN: So I missed the Badger game tonight because of class but now it's on the Big Ten Network...I'm rewatching it.

Gumby's: I keep adding more.  It's 12:56 a.m. and my roommate and I just ordered "Two-for-Tuesday" Pokey Sticks.   

The list goes on and on...and on.  Annnd on.

Good luck on finals!

NFL ready?

We've all been thinking it and we've all been dreading it...Shonn Greene going pro.  

He's was arguably the most consistent running back in the country this season.  He rushed for over a hundred yards in all 12 games and I have no doubt he will continue that trend against South Carolina at the Outback bowl.  

If you look back on his career at Iowa, it wasn't impressive until this year.  In his first two seasons he rushed for 378 yards, scoring only two TD's.  After being academically ineligible last season, he came back rushing 1,729 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry with 17 touchdowns.  Unbelievable.  

So he had an amazing year back--but is he ready for the NFL?  He's 23 years old and let's face it...probably ready to get out of college.  And in interviews a few days ago, he was asked about the draft and completely dodged the question.

It's likely he'll go early and to be honest, I think he could be ready.  But the scouting report says there are fewer teams than usual that are in desperate need for a running back.  They say if he does go pro, he may not be called until the late second or early third round--that makes me nervous. 

So let's hear it.  Are we losing Shonn Greene to the NFL?

Bowl Appetite!!!

Iowa: Outback vs South Carolina

Well, well, well...this one is exciting for Hawk fans!  At midseason it was looking like 2007 all over again, but we did it again and turned it around!!  Winning the last 5 of our 6 games was season changing and because of our awesome fans, we jumped Northwestern to get to Tampa.  Even better--against weak South Carolina.  I'm very confident with Iowa here...we got on a roll and it looks like our senior class isn't going to stop until they finish their career out how they should. 

Penn State: Rose vs USC

This was a no brainer but that doesn't mean Penn State doesn't have their work cut out for them.  They will be the underdogs in their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1995.  USC has won the last two Rose Bowls and hasn't lost too a Big Ten team since 1996.  

Ohio State: Tostitos Fiesta vs Texas

This really helps the Big Ten with another team in the BCS.  Ohio State has seen a lot of success in Arizona, winning the Fiesta bowl in '03, '04, and '06.  But not going to lie, I really don't have confidence in Ohio State against Texas.  Look at Ohio State against USC earlier this season--embarrassing.  Yes, they have come a long way since then, but a victory over Colt McCoy and the rest of the Longhorns is going to be a tough one. 

Michigan State: Capital One vs Georgia

This is the first time in 9 seasons the Spartans will play in a January bowl game.  This is going to be a fair game--Georgia was overrated in the beginning of the season (No. 1 preseason) and Michigan State was underrated.  I think I'm favoring the Spartans.  

Northwestern: Alamo vs Missouri

Not going to lie, Northwestern got screwed.  They lost the Outback Bowl to Iowa and they're playing Missouri.  In preseason polls, Missouri was up there at the top.  They finished the season 9-4 but they are a more solid team than the Wildcats.  If Northwestern DOES win, it would be just their second 10-win season in school history.  Even though they had 9 wins this season, I'm still not convinced.  Their team is not that good.  My opinion has stayed the same all season and their record isn't going to change that. 

Wisconsin: Champs Sports vs Florida State

As much as I hate Wisco, I'm a little disappointed.  My family is always down in Scottsdale, AZ over winter break and we were going to go to the Insight Bowl if the Badgers made it.  Even though I hate them, it still would have been fun to go to my first ever bowl game. I laugh at the fact that the first 5 weeks of the season Wisconsin was a BSC contender.  HA. What a turnaround this season was for them, poor Bret.  With all hostility aside, Wisconsin does not deserve to go to a Bowl game.  They finished out 7-5 when they should have finished out either 4-8 or 5-7.  They should have been beat by Fresno State in the beginning of the season and they definitely should not have beat Minnesota.  The only thing that saved them in that game were the two safeties.  And the Cal Poly game just makes me sick.  I say they got lucky.  They are lucky with their school history and they are lucky with Barry Alvarez as their A.D. 

Minnesota: Insight vs Kansas

I still think Minnesota is a better team than they got credit for.  Their season this year was a complete 180 from last year (1-11 in 2007).  The thing that really killed them was their four losses at the end of the season.  They were underrated all season and maybe at the close of the season they really were the team the whole country looked at them as.  But either way, props to the Gophers for a turnaround season.

I've got to say, I'm a little nervous with the competition the Big Ten is going to see in the bowl games....

10 Reasons to Love College Sports

10 Reasons Why College Sports Are Way Better Than Professional

10.  Mike Gundy, the Oklahoma State football coach, freaked out on the media after their win over Texas Tech.  Coach Gundy was upset with Jenni Carlson's column that suggested OSU QB Bobby Reid had a bad attitude.  He freaked out in the press conference and it shows loyalty to his team.  

9.  It's times like when Mario Chalmers hit a three with 2 seconds in the Championship game against Memphis.  It took them into overtime, which led to Kansas' victory over Memphis.  

By the way--the time Michael Flowers hit the three-pointer with 2 seconds left to beat #9 Texas is up there too.  And right after he hit the three he stole an inbounds pass--now that's heart.

8.  College athletes (hopefully) don't do steroids to get ahead of their fellow athletes.  They are pure and are actually as good as they perform without enhancers.  

7.  The fan based loyalty at college games is indescribable.  When there are fans who go to the school or are alumni of the school, they have more of a connection to the team--it's like their family.  Look at the student sections--Duke basketball, Wisconsin football's "Jump Around" and Penn State--what NFL team has gotten the whole stadium to do a white out??

6.  Rivalries.  There is nothing like a college rivalry game--it is the biggest thing of the season.  It was huge in the 90's and has died down a little but the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry is HUGE. For Iowa fans it's the Iowa State/Iowa game every year.  USC/UCLA.  And the whole country knows about the Duke/UNC rivalry--there's nothing like it.  

5.  College athletes don't play for money.  They play because they love the game, not for their million dollar contracts.  Alabama coach Nick Saban even said it: 

"The decision to return to this level came down to this question: Do I want to coach a bunch of immature, undisciplined football players...or do I want to coach college?"

4.  The last minute upsets by the underdog.  Iowa/Penn State two weekends ago was the biggest thing that's happened to our campus in years.  Texas/Texas Tech a few weeks ago.  What about George Mason who beat out top-seed UConn in overtime to make it to the Final Four.   And in what is called the biggest upset in college football history:  When Stanford upset #2 USC last year.

3. Tailgating.  There is no comparison to college football tailgating.  Most of the games have more people tailgating than the actual stadium capacity.  The only NFL team that is comparable are the Packers but it's still not even close.  

2.  It says something when Coach K--a college coach-- is the coach for the USA Olympic basketball team instead of an NBA coach.  

1.  Tradition.  The NFL has been around for only 40 years--by the 1920's Michigan and Notre Dame had already won 12 championships a piece.  Colleges have so many different traditions: cheers, colors, mascots, rituals on the field and each college is known for a different one.  

Fight with me if you must, but I will always think college athletics are better than professional sports.  You watch pro sports if you want to watch an awesome athlete.  You watch college sports if you love the game.  

My Week 11 Predictions

Iowa/Purdue

Iowa.  I'm a little nervous coming off the big win from last weekend--I hope our team isn't overly confident.  But then again, the momentum we've got going will really help us in the long run.  Our team wants to make it to a bowl game and this game is our opportunity to get there.  For Joe Tiller's last season, he's going to bring a challenge to Kinnick, but nothing the Hawks can't stop.  Our defense is undeniable and with Shonn Greene going for this 11th consecutive game with over 100-yards rushing--I have no doubt.  It goes to Iowa. 

Wisconsin/Minnesota

Wisconsin. Growing up in Madtown, this rivalry is just as familiar as the Iowa/Iowa State rivalry is to those who grew up here.  I know Wisconsin football and I know they hate Minnesota more than anything, this is their do-or-die game.  The Badgers have the upper hand with home field advantage, they have an amazing student section--Wisco is a tough team to beat at home.  Minnesota is also missing wide receiver Eric Decker to a high ankle sprain.  The Badgers have won their last two and they have their momentum back.  They finally lost that cockiness they've had for so many years--karma.  Anyway, P.J. Hill and John Clay are going to help Wisco walk away with the W.  

Penn State/Indiana

Penn State.  Just because they lost to us last week doesn't mean they aren't a great team.  They are going to bounce back and just embarrass Indiana (like every other team).  The Loins are pissed after last week and are ready to revive their offense.  Indiana has no competition, they've had injury after injury and no defense whatsoever.  Daryll Clark will bounce back this weekend after his performance last week.  Game to Penn State. 

Ohio State/Illinois

Ohio State.  There really isn't a reason Illinois should win this one, Ohio State is still wanting that BSC shot and they're going for it.  With Penn State's loss last week they are back in the running.  They don't lose on the road and Beanie Wells is healthy--he'll be getting the ball a lot I'm assuming.  They are playing more consistent and finally aren't in the lime-light this season with all of Penn State's success, which I think is an advantage to the Buckeyes.  But I still think Illinois won't go out without a fight.  But my pick is Ohio State.  

Northwestern/Michigan

Northwestern.  Michigan is a horrible team this year, but for some reason they have been able to pull off surprising games.  They're performance against Wisconsin came out of no where and after that week, everyone was starting to think they would actually See something out of Michigan.  But then after losing the next 5 in a row...it was over.  But then last week they came back and beat Minnesota?? But my guess is still on Northwestern-- neither team really has a solid offense but Northwestern is just more consistent than Michigan.  Both are sloppy and heavy in turnovers but I just don't think Michigan will pull through on this one.  

Bye: Michigan State.

HAPPY COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY!  Enjoy watching the Hawks while I'm working at Vitos from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. :-/