In 25 hours and 4 minutes I will be done with school for the academic year.
It has been the most enjoyable year I've had in quite a long time. I've met some AMAZING people, we had a terrific basketball season, and the way the community is makes this a terrific place to live.
I am out of town Friday-Monday, then Tuesday-Friday is Bball camp 6am-6pm, then a quiet week that ends with TK's Bachelor party.
After that, June 15th I'm moving into my new Townhouse and we're locked and loaded for the rest of what will be an enjoyable summer.
Hope all is well, keep me updated with how things are going with all of you...(if anyone actually reads this)...
CoachMcCabe@gmail.com
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Count...
In case you're keeping track at home or work...
The total number of female students who have referred directly to me, their need of a tampon is 4...
Thanks...
The total number of female students who have referred directly to me, their need of a tampon is 4...
Thanks...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Greg Oden article
Dear Greg: Don't change who you are
By LZ GrandersonPage 2
I thought Greg Oden was pulling my leg.
Sure, "Switch" was hot for a minute but who actually knows every song by Will Smith? Least of all the guy who is supposed to be the NBA's next great big man? But Oden didn't blink when I asked him to give me a couple of bars of "Summertime," a classic, but Oden was what, 2 years old when it came out?
"Here it is, the groove slightly transformedJust a bit of a break from the norm ..."
"I don't want to go no further, you know, make him mad, copyright his stuff ..." Oden says with a smile.
His admiration of Smith doesn't end there. Not only does Oden own every CD but he also has all of Will Smith's movies and has seen every episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."
He also watches way too much CBS for a 19-year-old.
To look at Greg Oden -- his towering frame, dark skin, grizzly face -- he fits the stereotypical image of one not to mess with.
But to know Greg Oden, how could you not?
The future lottery pick has this refreshing affinity for some of the corniest things middle America has to offer. There's nothing edgy or hardcore about Will Smith and there isn't anything edgy or hardcore about his biggest fan -- pun intended.
"I wanted to be a dentist when I was younger," Oden says, ironic, considering he recently had 11 cavities filled because of his sweet tooth. "But then I started to get big and realized that my hands were so big, I'd kind of scare the little kids away.
"I just realized that basketball and going to the NBA was a possibility, and that's something that I want to use to better my family and possibly help the world if I can."
You want to help the world, Greg?
Don't change.
Stay the same warm, slightly goofy and totally un-hip person that you are. Love Will Smith, TiVo "The New Adventures of Old Christine," and if you want, wear a fanny pack on road trips.
OK, don't wear the fanny pack.
But do continue to be yourself.
One of the reasons why black men in general, and specifically those in the NBA have an image problem is because too many of us treat street cred as a precious commodity to obtain, as opposed to what it really is -- the byproduct of unfortunate circumstances. The rationale is so perverse that otherwise friendly players will scowl in photo shoots and spin tales about the hustle despite growing up attending private schools in the suburbs or in a loving home with two parents. Listen, regardless of what they will tell you, every black person older than 50 did not march with Dr. King and every black NBA player did not dodge bullets to get to school.
Members of the media will often blindly play along, walking into an interview with the story already written in their heads because, "Hey, it's a black ballplayer, of course he had it rough." They will edit video footage to show players looking menacing on the court and yelling toward the heavens while a voiceover describes them as a "beast" or "monster" over a hip-hop beat. They will leave clips of a smiling Greg Oden on the cutting room floor because it doesn't fit the theme they are going for. They will briefly mention how the death of his best friend, Travis Smith, affected his life because he died in an automobile accident but had it been a gang-related death it would have been the dramatic lead. I've already had an exchange with someone in the media wondering how Oden's love of Will Smith will affect his street cred. All I kept thinking was, "Greg Oden grew up in Terre Haute, Ind. How much street cred can he have?"
It doesn't help that shoe companies prefer their basketball players black, intimidating and with a high level of street appeal. It makes it easier to market their products to consumers who wear "Stop Snitchin'" T-shirts and the people who inspire them. This explains why the past two NBA MVPs -- Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki -- don't have their own shoe but Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady do. All are talented players but obviously the who-gets-what decisions are not based solely on wins. A shame considering there are tons of 30-something gym rats who would probably love to buy a Nash shoe if for no other reason than they can identify with him.
And there are plenty of young, black men who identify with Greg Oden. Not everyone is edgy, or hardcore, or from the streets. Some are warm, slightly goofy and totally un-hip, and they need someone they can relate to as well.
You can't control what people think about you but you can control what you think about yourself.
Very soon Greg Oden will be presented with that opportunity to help the world. But it won't come from writing a check or volunteering for a charity. It will come from his willingness to continue to say "Two and a Half Men" is his favorite TV show and "Parents Just Don't Understand" is the greatest rap song ever recorded.
Corny? Yes. But it's important to remember the street is not the only place where cred comes from.
By LZ GrandersonPage 2
I thought Greg Oden was pulling my leg.
Sure, "Switch" was hot for a minute but who actually knows every song by Will Smith? Least of all the guy who is supposed to be the NBA's next great big man? But Oden didn't blink when I asked him to give me a couple of bars of "Summertime," a classic, but Oden was what, 2 years old when it came out?
"Here it is, the groove slightly transformedJust a bit of a break from the norm ..."
"I don't want to go no further, you know, make him mad, copyright his stuff ..." Oden says with a smile.
His admiration of Smith doesn't end there. Not only does Oden own every CD but he also has all of Will Smith's movies and has seen every episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."
He also watches way too much CBS for a 19-year-old.
To look at Greg Oden -- his towering frame, dark skin, grizzly face -- he fits the stereotypical image of one not to mess with.
But to know Greg Oden, how could you not?
The future lottery pick has this refreshing affinity for some of the corniest things middle America has to offer. There's nothing edgy or hardcore about Will Smith and there isn't anything edgy or hardcore about his biggest fan -- pun intended.
"I wanted to be a dentist when I was younger," Oden says, ironic, considering he recently had 11 cavities filled because of his sweet tooth. "But then I started to get big and realized that my hands were so big, I'd kind of scare the little kids away.
"I just realized that basketball and going to the NBA was a possibility, and that's something that I want to use to better my family and possibly help the world if I can."
You want to help the world, Greg?
Don't change.
Stay the same warm, slightly goofy and totally un-hip person that you are. Love Will Smith, TiVo "The New Adventures of Old Christine," and if you want, wear a fanny pack on road trips.
OK, don't wear the fanny pack.
But do continue to be yourself.
One of the reasons why black men in general, and specifically those in the NBA have an image problem is because too many of us treat street cred as a precious commodity to obtain, as opposed to what it really is -- the byproduct of unfortunate circumstances. The rationale is so perverse that otherwise friendly players will scowl in photo shoots and spin tales about the hustle despite growing up attending private schools in the suburbs or in a loving home with two parents. Listen, regardless of what they will tell you, every black person older than 50 did not march with Dr. King and every black NBA player did not dodge bullets to get to school.
Members of the media will often blindly play along, walking into an interview with the story already written in their heads because, "Hey, it's a black ballplayer, of course he had it rough." They will edit video footage to show players looking menacing on the court and yelling toward the heavens while a voiceover describes them as a "beast" or "monster" over a hip-hop beat. They will leave clips of a smiling Greg Oden on the cutting room floor because it doesn't fit the theme they are going for. They will briefly mention how the death of his best friend, Travis Smith, affected his life because he died in an automobile accident but had it been a gang-related death it would have been the dramatic lead. I've already had an exchange with someone in the media wondering how Oden's love of Will Smith will affect his street cred. All I kept thinking was, "Greg Oden grew up in Terre Haute, Ind. How much street cred can he have?"
It doesn't help that shoe companies prefer their basketball players black, intimidating and with a high level of street appeal. It makes it easier to market their products to consumers who wear "Stop Snitchin'" T-shirts and the people who inspire them. This explains why the past two NBA MVPs -- Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki -- don't have their own shoe but Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady do. All are talented players but obviously the who-gets-what decisions are not based solely on wins. A shame considering there are tons of 30-something gym rats who would probably love to buy a Nash shoe if for no other reason than they can identify with him.
And there are plenty of young, black men who identify with Greg Oden. Not everyone is edgy, or hardcore, or from the streets. Some are warm, slightly goofy and totally un-hip, and they need someone they can relate to as well.
You can't control what people think about you but you can control what you think about yourself.
Very soon Greg Oden will be presented with that opportunity to help the world. But it won't come from writing a check or volunteering for a charity. It will come from his willingness to continue to say "Two and a Half Men" is his favorite TV show and "Parents Just Don't Understand" is the greatest rap song ever recorded.
Corny? Yes. But it's important to remember the street is not the only place where cred comes from.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Seniors last day...
The seniors last school day is today, and let me tell you how big of a circus it has been...(I won't, I'll spare you the details)...
It brings up the question...after behaving, being somewhat respectful the entire year...
What kind of high does someone get by being completely unruly the last day of school and not obeying any orders?
I don't quite understand that...
It brings up the question...after behaving, being somewhat respectful the entire year...
What kind of high does someone get by being completely unruly the last day of school and not obeying any orders?
I don't quite understand that...
Monday, May 14, 2007
End of School year...
The weather is warming up, and thank goodness, the end of the academic year is right around the corner.
Our seniors get out Wednesday, while we go until the 25th. It should be a good summer.
I am coaching an AAU team, we will compete various weekends during the summer months.
Also, I'm moving into a new place on June 15th, looking forward to that.
Hope all is well with everyone else, please keep me updated on what you're doing...
CoachMcCabe@gmail.com
Our seniors get out Wednesday, while we go until the 25th. It should be a good summer.
I am coaching an AAU team, we will compete various weekends during the summer months.
Also, I'm moving into a new place on June 15th, looking forward to that.
Hope all is well with everyone else, please keep me updated on what you're doing...
CoachMcCabe@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Innocent humor...
--Go to Google.com
--Click on Maps.
--Click on get Directions.
--From New York,New York
--To Paris,France.
--And read line # 23.
--Click on Maps.
--Click on get Directions.
--From New York,New York
--To Paris,France.
--And read line # 23.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Month...
Well, as if you couldnt tell, basketball season is over, so my life has slowed down quite a bit.
I would be posting more if there was more to talk about, but not much going on here.
I will figure out something soon!
Hope all is well!
I would be posting more if there was more to talk about, but not much going on here.
I will figure out something soon!
Hope all is well!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Why I Coach...
I will be posting various things about "Why I Coach"...
Today, is an email I received from a player a couple days after our season was over...
Thank you for everything that you have done for me this year, you might not know it, but you have played an outstanding role in my success this year. Everything that you say regarding basketball, I absorb it and use it on the basketball court, and it all has lead to major improvements in my game. I personally feel that you are a great coach, and an even better person, and I admire that. I believe that the skills that you have taught me will follow me for the rest of my basketball career. Once again I would like to thank you for EVERYTHING you have done for me this year, I appreciate it!!!!
Today, is an email I received from a player a couple days after our season was over...
Thank you for everything that you have done for me this year, you might not know it, but you have played an outstanding role in my success this year. Everything that you say regarding basketball, I absorb it and use it on the basketball court, and it all has lead to major improvements in my game. I personally feel that you are a great coach, and an even better person, and I admire that. I believe that the skills that you have taught me will follow me for the rest of my basketball career. Once again I would like to thank you for EVERYTHING you have done for me this year, I appreciate it!!!!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Season Finale
With our season that touched every bit on the scale of low to high, we unfortunately got beat this past Saturday in Warrensburg, by Rockhurst 58-53.
We didnt play our best game of the year, we didnt play our worst. We lost b/c we couldnt make the play(s) at the crucial times of the game. Every time there was a momentum change and we had a chance to take over, we couldnt quite do it.
As I told our guys after the game:
We're extremely proud of you, and losing this last game takes nothing away from our accomplishments this year. Unfortunately you all have seen how the low's of how life can be, and also seen some extreme highs. We're proud of the way you continued to work everyday. I also told them that the relationships that I have built with the guys will be something that will continue far beyond the locker room in Warrensburg.
We're extremely sad that we couldnt advance on, but we do understand that winning 22 games, our conference title and being one win away from the Final Four is still a pretty good year.
Still more work to do though.
Thanks for all your support this year. It has meant a lot.
We didnt play our best game of the year, we didnt play our worst. We lost b/c we couldnt make the play(s) at the crucial times of the game. Every time there was a momentum change and we had a chance to take over, we couldnt quite do it.
As I told our guys after the game:
We're extremely proud of you, and losing this last game takes nothing away from our accomplishments this year. Unfortunately you all have seen how the low's of how life can be, and also seen some extreme highs. We're proud of the way you continued to work everyday. I also told them that the relationships that I have built with the guys will be something that will continue far beyond the locker room in Warrensburg.
We're extremely sad that we couldnt advance on, but we do understand that winning 22 games, our conference title and being one win away from the Final Four is still a pretty good year.
Still more work to do though.
Thanks for all your support this year. It has meant a lot.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Keeps getting bigger...
With a dominating, 58-34, victory over Winnetonka in Sectionals, we now move on to face our biggest rival, Rockhurst for the chance to go to the Final Four.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16806357.htm
We play Saturday at 6pm, in Warrensburg.
Liberty v. Rockhurst is like KU v KSU, Duke v. Carolina. It is a HUGE rivalry.
Listen live:
http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/
Wish us luck!!
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16806357.htm
We play Saturday at 6pm, in Warrensburg.
Liberty v. Rockhurst is like KU v KSU, Duke v. Carolina. It is a HUGE rivalry.
Listen live:
http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/
Wish us luck!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Biggest game...
Tonight, we tip at 6:30, in what is probably the biggest game I've ever been a part of. Sure, I was lucky to be on the bench against KU 7 times, Big XII tournament, and so on.
This game tonight though, is like playing in the "Sweet 16" round of the NCAA tournament.
We had a good day of practice Monday, and a decent day yesterday.
A Super exciting time of the year! I'll let you know how we do tomorrow!!
This game tonight though, is like playing in the "Sweet 16" round of the NCAA tournament.
We had a good day of practice Monday, and a decent day yesterday.
A Super exciting time of the year! I'll let you know how we do tomorrow!!
Monday, February 26, 2007
March to State continues...
Holy cow what a weekend...
We beat Blue Springs South 43-40, with a 3 pointer as 2.1 seconds were left on the clock. We played one of our worst games of the year, so we are extremely fortunate to be able to advance. Now we move on to the "Sweet 16" so to speak. There are only 16 teams left, we play Wednesday night, against Winnetonka at St. Joe.
You can hear the game audio feed live on the internet, we tip at 6:30. (www.liberty.k12.mo.us)
As you could imagine, we're super anxious for Wednesday to get here, and we truly believe we have a realistic shot at winning the Championship.
Thanks for all your support. Look forward to hearing from you soon!
We beat Blue Springs South 43-40, with a 3 pointer as 2.1 seconds were left on the clock. We played one of our worst games of the year, so we are extremely fortunate to be able to advance. Now we move on to the "Sweet 16" so to speak. There are only 16 teams left, we play Wednesday night, against Winnetonka at St. Joe.
You can hear the game audio feed live on the internet, we tip at 6:30. (www.liberty.k12.mo.us)
As you could imagine, we're super anxious for Wednesday to get here, and we truly believe we have a realistic shot at winning the Championship.
Thanks for all your support. Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
March to State...
We have our opening game of Distrtict play tonight, against Blue Springs @ Blue Springs South. We have to win 6 games to win a State championship, and that is our focus.
We play tonight at 6pm, you can catch it on-line at Liberty.k12.mo.us.
I'll update more later!
We play tonight at 6pm, you can catch it on-line at Liberty.k12.mo.us.
I'll update more later!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Another update from L-Town...
The Liberty Bluejays won conference on Friday with a victory over Conference #2 Blue Springs South. We moved to 18-4, 10-0 with that win, and secured our conference championship. Afterwards we celebrated by cutting down the nets in front of a terrific home crowd. A terrific way to end our last home game of the year!
This past Monday we went to Rival Oak Park and got a win, which moved us to 19-4, 11-0. We have one remaining game, a conference battle v William Chrisman tomorrow, Friday the 16th.
After that, we play @ Blue Springs South v. either Blue Springs or William Chrisman in the first round of our district play. We hope to be playing our best basketball starting then.
The Royals pitchers and catchers reported today, which is cause for great joy in my life. I am hopeful that they will have a decent season, and I am definitely going to be out at The "K" this summer.
We had a couple of "Weather" days this past week. Which means instead of working, I was at the house, keeping updated on everything ESPN/CNN. It was a nice break, since I was a little under the weather anyways.
Hope everything is going well, a SUPER important week upcoming for us. We have worked hard to put ourselves in good position to make a run at this Championship, hopefully we will!!
This past Monday we went to Rival Oak Park and got a win, which moved us to 19-4, 11-0. We have one remaining game, a conference battle v William Chrisman tomorrow, Friday the 16th.
After that, we play @ Blue Springs South v. either Blue Springs or William Chrisman in the first round of our district play. We hope to be playing our best basketball starting then.
The Royals pitchers and catchers reported today, which is cause for great joy in my life. I am hopeful that they will have a decent season, and I am definitely going to be out at The "K" this summer.
We had a couple of "Weather" days this past week. Which means instead of working, I was at the house, keeping updated on everything ESPN/CNN. It was a nice break, since I was a little under the weather anyways.
Hope everything is going well, a SUPER important week upcoming for us. We have worked hard to put ourselves in good position to make a run at this Championship, hopefully we will!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Picture...
Well, The Jay's got another win last night, improve to 17-3, 9-0. We play #2 Columbia Rockbridge tonight @ Home on Senior Night.
For those of you that dont know, the picture is of KSU Super Fan, "Weird Robert". This has to make your Tuesday much better!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Update...
Well, the whirlwind of a week/weekend is seemingly over and things went as well as could be expected.
They ended up doing a 6 way by-pass on Thursday. The procedure lasted from 7:30am-2:00pm. The Dr. came out and met with myself, my uncle, my brother, and my mother around 2:15 and told us that his heart was "very happy". He was very encouraged how well everything went, and said that my father will feel terrific.
Thank you all for your support through everything. I have printed off dozens of emails and taken them to him to see. He has been blown away by the support.
It was great to see Melynda obviously. She was(is) such a terrific help for my family this week. She is always a great help to me, and that was very well illustrated Thursday-Saturday. Her folks were also, as always, tremendous in helping my mom, and just being around to lend a hand when need be. They are a terrific family, and Melynda is the absolute best.
We play Monday, Tuesday, Friday of this week. Monday is a conference game, Tuesday is against the #2 team in the State, Columbia Rock Bridge, and Friday is our "Courtwarming" game v Blue Springs South, the #2 team in the conference. If we win tonight, we could clinch the Conference title with a win on Friday. Super exciting week upcoming!
Look forward to hearing from you soon!! Oh, and how bout those Wildcats!!!
They ended up doing a 6 way by-pass on Thursday. The procedure lasted from 7:30am-2:00pm. The Dr. came out and met with myself, my uncle, my brother, and my mother around 2:15 and told us that his heart was "very happy". He was very encouraged how well everything went, and said that my father will feel terrific.
Thank you all for your support through everything. I have printed off dozens of emails and taken them to him to see. He has been blown away by the support.
It was great to see Melynda obviously. She was(is) such a terrific help for my family this week. She is always a great help to me, and that was very well illustrated Thursday-Saturday. Her folks were also, as always, tremendous in helping my mom, and just being around to lend a hand when need be. They are a terrific family, and Melynda is the absolute best.
We play Monday, Tuesday, Friday of this week. Monday is a conference game, Tuesday is against the #2 team in the State, Columbia Rock Bridge, and Friday is our "Courtwarming" game v Blue Springs South, the #2 team in the conference. If we win tonight, we could clinch the Conference title with a win on Friday. Super exciting week upcoming!
Look forward to hearing from you soon!! Oh, and how bout those Wildcats!!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Victory!
We have moved to 16-3 on the year after a win v. Park Hill by 22.
More importantly, I will be out Thursday-Sunday as I spend time with my familiy and friends as my father undergoes triple by-pass, Thursday 7:30am.
I have a wonderful family, terrific friends, and also, the best girlfriend anyone could ask for. I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such good people, it makes MY life easier, having these people with me.
If there is anything I have understood since my father had the heart attack on the 6th, it's that caring, compassionate, loving people can make the difference no matter the situation. Those of you fit into that category and I am extremely thankful and do not take you for granted.
Feel free to call/text/email me this weekend.
I look forward to passing along to you all the good news that is sure to follow this weekend.
Thanks again for all your support!!!
More importantly, I will be out Thursday-Sunday as I spend time with my familiy and friends as my father undergoes triple by-pass, Thursday 7:30am.
I have a wonderful family, terrific friends, and also, the best girlfriend anyone could ask for. I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such good people, it makes MY life easier, having these people with me.
If there is anything I have understood since my father had the heart attack on the 6th, it's that caring, compassionate, loving people can make the difference no matter the situation. Those of you fit into that category and I am extremely thankful and do not take you for granted.
Feel free to call/text/email me this weekend.
I look forward to passing along to you all the good news that is sure to follow this weekend.
Thanks again for all your support!!!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Park Hill @ Liberty
Check us out tonight, as we look to improve to 16-3 on the year. You can watch it live by clicking on this link:
http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/athletics/2003/
Let's go Jays!
http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/athletics/2003/
Let's go Jays!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Jays improve to 15-3
We got two good wins this past week, both by 20+ point margins. We had our shooting guard set a school record for # of three point makes, 8, in our friday night game.
We play Park Hill on Tuesday, then are off for a week, until we play #2 in the State, Columbia Rock-Bridge.
The good part of not having a game this Friday is that I can now be with my family and Melynda. My fathers surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am on Thursday, the 1st.
Things work out well, and this is just another case of it falling into place, and I am extremely thankful for that.
Hope things are going well!!
We play Park Hill on Tuesday, then are off for a week, until we play #2 in the State, Columbia Rock-Bridge.
The good part of not having a game this Friday is that I can now be with my family and Melynda. My fathers surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am on Thursday, the 1st.
Things work out well, and this is just another case of it falling into place, and I am extremely thankful for that.
Hope things are going well!!
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