The Worm Word

Preparing for My Extra Day

Tomorrow is February 29th; the day that happens only once every four years. I don't know why I have such an affinity for Feb. 29, I think it is like the change to daylight savings time; any extra time is appreciated. I just wish it had fallen on a weekend, then it would really feel like extra time gained. I also want to wish a special Happy Birthday to anyone celebrating theirs on the 29th, it would be tough to only celebrate every 4 years.

Lots of things are going on with the SIU Men's Basketball team. The 71 to 60 win against Bradley on the 26th was a great game to watch. That makes 5 wins in a row for the guys. I think we can make it 6 and take down Illinois State on Saturday. You can count on me being there. A special Congratulations to Bryan Mullins; he was named an Academic All-American by ESPN the Magazine. A 4.0 in Finance is hard to achieve for anyone, let alone someone who has to balance academics and athletics. I am really proud of you Brian.

If you didn't already know, the MVC tournament will begin next week. Don't forget to stop by the SIU store in the Hilton at the Ballpark. It will be located directly across from the SIU Alumni Association Hospitality Suite. There are going to be some really neat looking new items there. If you can't make it to the store, everything will be available at the SIU Alumni Association Online Store in the coming weeks.

I also want to let everyone know that the SIU Baseball team will be playing at Rent One Ballpark this weekend. There will be a doubleheader at 3pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. I may go because I love baseball so much. I am also looking forward to the Miners season starting in May. More details on them as we get closer to that season.

I hope everyone gets to do something fun on their extra day tomorrow.

Sezmore

I'm a Wormcicle

I don't like this weather. Last week the ice storm on Monday threw off my whole week. I didn't even make it to work on that Tuesday. Though I did make it to the Men's Basketball game against Drake on the 13th. I was beside myself with joy when we beat them 65 to 62. Then we took Wichita State at Wichita 74 to 67. Last night was the big win against Northern Iowa with a 67 to 47 win. This weekend the Salukis host Nevada for the ESPN BracketBuster. It should be a really fun game.

The Missouri Valley Conference will be starting up in just a few weeks. I want to remind everyone to go to the SIU Alumni Online Store to get your Saluki apparel to cheer on the dawgs. If you get to St. Louis and don't have just the perfect Maroon attire, visit the MVC SIU Store at the Hilton at the Ballpark, across from the Alumni Suite.

Just a few other great things to report: Katie Wilson, a SIU Softball outfielder, was named the State Farm MVC Softball Player of the Week. Congrats Katie! Cody Adams, a SIU Baseball Pitcher, was ranked in the top-50 prospects in the nation in "Baseball America's 2008 College Preview." The same publication picked SIU to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference. Great Job Adam!

The SIU 2008 Football schedule was released today. I would recomend taking a look at it here and adjusting your calendar accordingly.

Everyone needs to be careful if you have to leave the house today or for the next few days. The ice is really dangerous, so take your time and take lots of caution.

Sezmore

When I Said Super, I Meant Super

What a crazy week it has been already. Can you believe that the Giants won the Super Bowl? I was sitting on the edge of my seat for way too much of that game. 17 to 14, I just can't get over it. I keep seeing news coverage of the celebrations in New York and they look absolutely crazy.

Last night was also really intense. I decided to stay in and watch the numbers come in from the primaries, that and the weather was terrifying. I won't say who I like for either the primary or the general election coming up in November, but last night was exciting no matter who you are rooting for. The weather though, that was even more nerve wracking than the poll numbers coming in. I haven't heard of too much damage around Carbondale and Murphysboro, but my thoughts go out to all of those areas that were hit hard.

On the happier side of life; the Saluki Men took down Sycamores 80 to 69 last night. They obviously weren't too worried about the weather. This win means that the Salukis are now tied for 3rd with Creighton. The guys will get a few days to rest now; their next game will be on Feb 10th against Creighton at Omaha.

In case you didn't know; February is Black History Month. SIU has a number of events going on to celebrate the month of February. There is so much going on that I can't list it all in this blog, but if you are interested go here.

Sezmore