BENJAMIN YOUNG
Staff Writer
Welcome back to the Sports section, dear readers. Being that this the first Graphic issue of the new academic year, I want to take a few minutes to sound off on a few recent things that happened this summer in the wide world of sports that are close to my heart. I also want to give a little bit of head’s up to the freshmen about the state of Pepperdine Sports. A teaser, if I may: it is not at all what you think. You’ve been fed lies – read on and find the truth.
First though, I want to congratulate the men’s volleyball team on being stinkin’ awesome. Finally, a National Championship. I can now graduate with peace in my heart and pride in my school. The fact that we beat those Neanderthals from UCLA in their own place, then had the audacity to throw the celebration party on their turf pretty much sums up how dominant these Waves are.
I arrived in Washington D.C. on the same day the team gathered in Westwood to play the most important game in at least the past 10 years of Pepperdine sports history. My hotel was downtown, run-down and sans ESPN2.
Immediately, I started to panic. Where was I going to watch the game? Sweat formed on my brow. Then, aha! An ESPNZONE right across the street from my God-forsaken, ESPN2-void hotel. Salvation was mine and I was excited.
I waited until about 15 minutes before game time to make my way to the venue. I crossed the street and noticed something was wrong. The place was dark and the doors were locked. What? No, no, please do not tell me the place is closed because of a private after-prom high school party on the most important night of my young collegiate life. What to do? Like any good Pepperdine student would, I pulled up my bootstraps (rather, tied the laces on my sneakers) and took off straight for the ‘hood. Surely the ‘hood would have the game.
Ultimately I was wrong.
The ‘hood didn’t have the game. Nobody did. The only part of the game I saw was that last glorious Rooney spike to seal the deal. Thank God for Chris Berman’s Top 10. Wow, those are words I never thought I would ever say.
Hey, how about Alex Acker getting himself drafted by the Pistons? Maybe now he’ll learn how to play to defense. Psych! But on a serious note: whatever happened to Glen and those NBA-sized calves? No takers? That’s a shame.
Speaking of basketball, freshmen out there, listen up. You’re coming to Pepperdine thinking that this is a good basketball school. Wake up. This is not a good basketball school. This is a good volleyball school. That said, it is time to stage a revolution and throw your support behind the other sports at Pepperdine. The era of Pepperdine basketball is done. The era of multi-sport domination is beginning.
So, in these first few months of school, trek out to the water polo games. According to inside info we at the Sports section are privileged enough to have, they have a great shot to win it all. Basketball does not. Go to women’s soccer games. They’re good, too. Heck, go cheer on the golfers. Who knows, you might make friends with one who might go on to be the next Jason Gore.
Speaking of Pepperdine alumni in the pro-ranks, my personal favorite, Mr. Christie, has signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Ah the wonderful sweet scent of a great team getting better. At this point I would usually take a minute to espouse my hatred for the Lakers. But, you know what, who cares? They are awful. In fact, they are more awful than Pepperdine basketball against LMU last year. To rag on them is passé because they are not a threat to anybody. Well, except maybe to those who work at resorts in Colorado.
All that to say, here’s to a great year of Pepperdine sports, Maverick basketball dominance and being mascot-less for yet another year.
08-29-2005