Safer Entry for UMass Students

If you were at last week's UMass hockey home-opener against BU, you probably either bought a ticket, got there very early, got turned away, or got involved in an ugly rush for the doors that police had to get involved in. If you were at Friday night's game against Providence you either waited patiently and orderly in a series of winding steel barricades, or in a single file line that wrapped around the side of the Mullins Center.

Neither of these things were present last week when things got a little out of control. The addition of the barricades added order to the student entrance, and this order spread all the way to the back of the line. The line was as close to single file as a triple digit group of college kids can possibly assemble, and when doors opened around 6 p.m. the entire line was inside the Mullins Center without incident.

So why was Friday night's game so much more under control outside than last week's game?

"[Last week] was a bigger crowd, a rowdier crowd," said a police officer stationed at the entrance, who wouldn't say much about last week.

Some things that could contribute to the smaller number of students could have been the games' proximity to UMass student's Halloween party time, and the fact that this was a regular home game against a Providence team who was 1-4-1 at the time rather than a home-opener against a very talented BU.

UMass worked a 3-3 tie against Providence Friday night, and dropped their game in Providence Saturday 3-2 moving the Minutemen to 0-4-2 on the season.

Student Section Fills Up Early at UMass Hockey Game

A swarm of students were turned away from the Mullins Center on Friday night as the student section filled up early for the University of Massachusetts hockey team's home opener against Boston University. Police had to get involved when the crowd of disappointed students became, as one student referred to them, "an unruly mob."

Students resorted to sneaking in Mullins Center side doors, discussing strategies of entering without a ticket, or calling an audible on their night and drinking the rest of it away.

"Should we just go get hammered?" said one student to his companions as they were some of many turned away at the door.

Police had to get involved when things got physical between two students fighting over access to a portable rest room just twenty feet from their desired entrance.

"Everyone getting arrested or blacked out tonight, it's UMass and the Mullins Center's fault," UMass student Hannah Perlmutter said after being denied entry to the game.

Another particularly upset student was Laura Lyman, who arrived at 5:50 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. game.

"I would say about one-third of the students that tried to get in got turned down," Lyman said.

At 6:50 p.m. a police vehicle pulled up to the crowd of students and the officer inside spoke to the mass of student bodies over the vehicle's loud speaker. "There are no more seats in the students section," could be heard from the vehicle. "Please clear the area."

Five minutes later, a boisterous collective cheer emanated from near the Mullins Center entrance. The students who did not disperse after the announcement by the police, and were still milling around the area, were let in and awarded for their persistence.

When asked why a formidable group of students were let in after so many were turned away, one of the people working security at the event said it was a matter of "too much too fast."

Now the question is, should UMass increase the number of free admission seats that are reserved for students?

Lauren Kirchberger arrived at 6:20 p.m., and was turned away immediately.

"Right when we got here we heard someone yelling that they're not letting anyone else in," Kirchberger said. "Especially if they know it's going to be a big game like BU, students should have priority no matter what."

"It's our school, so we should get a majority of the seats," Sarah Shaible added.

[Pictures of the student section at the start of the game]
[Picture of the opposite side at the same time]

Kameron Moore attempts to attend every UMass hockey game, and says that this is a common problem. He suggests that students try to get to games as early as possible to avoid being turned away at the door.

"I've been shut [down] most of the times I've been here for games," Moore said. "I blame myself for today. We just got here [at 6:45 p.m.]. We didn't anticipate for it to be this crowded."

The larger than normal crowd and the alarming rate of diminishing student section seats were most likely products of Friday night's game being the home-opener for UMass, as well as BU being a tough opponent and rival in the Hockey East division. The result was a gathering of 7,021 fans, a UMass hockey record for a home-opener, according to the UMass athletics web site.

[Listen to the crowd here]

Despite the huge crowd, those students who were turned away from free student section tickets did also have the option of buying tickets for $14, a price that not everyone was happy to pay.

"I would buy a ticket if it were under $10," UMass student Kelsey Crowell said.

Some students just can't afford that price in their current situation.

"Now there's a [large number] of kids running around with nothing to do because we can't afford full price tickets," Perlmutter said. "I have $7 on my UCard so that's not going to happen."

The Minutemen (0-3-1) dropped their second consecutive game to BU (3-0-1), this time 4-3 after the Terriers put up three goals in the second period. UMass' next game with be the first of two straight against Providence (1-4-0) who will enter the Mullins Center Friday night with the puck dropping at 7 p.m.

Hockey: UMass vs. BU Preview

The University of Massachusetts hockey team is coming home after starting its season with three straight road games. UMass (0-2-1) will compete in its home opener at the Mullins Center on Friday and will face Boston University (2-0-1) for the second straight game.

UMass battled BU to a 2-2 tie last Saturday night at Agganis Arena, and "The Mass Attack" now put their efforts towards "winning the two game set," head coach Don Cahoon said.

"We played well in the second and third periods last game, but we want the win," senior forward Brian Keane said. "We want to prove ourselves to ourselves, the school, and our fans. It's a big game."

They will have the chance to prove themselves to the school and fans at the Mullins Center on Friday, something that they haven't had the chance to do yet this season.

"I'm really excited," Keane said. "Anytime we play big teams like BU we get a great following and our student section is unbelievable. Probably the best in Hockey East."

For freshman members of the Mass Attack this will be their first time playing in front of the UMass faithful.

"It's going to be awesome," freshman goalie Jeff Teglia said. "I hear it's incredible. I can't wait. Hopefully the fans gives us the energy we need to win the game."

With the energy level as high as it will be, Coach Cahoon will have to make sure it doesn't become a distraction for the first year players.

"You've got to keep it between the glass," Cahoon said. "You can't be looking around and getting caught up with the event and the ruckus. Our guys have to keep a narrow focus."

One of the things that UMass will have to focus on is getting off to a good start. The Minutemen have not yet held a lead in any of their three games this season, and have constantly been playing from behind. When asked if playing with a lead for a change was a goal going into Friday coach Cahoon answered, "no question."

"Hopefully we'll have our best first period this coming Friday," Cahoon said.

Not all bad has come from the Mass Attack's recent experience playing from behind. The Minutemen have proven that they are capable of coming back in games and reducing leads.

"This year, in the games we've kind of been behind the eight-ball," Senior goalie Paul Dainton said. "With that said, we have shown the ability to get back in games whereas previous teams may have shut down or other teams might have shut down. Our guys just don't give up which is a huge positive."

Dainton's status for Friday is still up in the air after missing last game with a leg injury, but Dainton did practice fully on Wednesday.

"It feels fine," Dainton said. "It's one of those things where you just want to be 100 percent back so it's not lingering."

If Dainton can't go Friday, the likely starter would be Teglia, who filled in for Dainton in Saturday's game and gave the Minutemen 33 saves earning him HEA Rookie of the Week honors, according to the team web site.

"I try to prepare myself like I'm going to play every single game," Teglia said.

Despite the recent familiarity between UMass and BU, the Minutemen don't expect a duplicate of the last meeting.

"It's going to be a different environment," Cahoon said. "It's going to be a different game, probably even a different lineup so it's a whole new experience."

"We definitely know who we're playing against," Keane said. "But then again, I'm sure [BU wasn't] very happy with the way they played in the second and third [periods], so I think we're going to see a whole different team."

BU also presented some problems in key areas for the Minutemen and the two game set format could give UMass a chance to prepare and fix those problems.

"They won 59 percent of the draws," Cahoon said. "We always aim to win 55 percent of the draws. They have big, strong center-ice men and that presented some problems for us."

"They're a good fast team," Teglia said. "Their forwards are really skilled and they have a couple of good defensemen that are offensive minded as well. We just need to play to our strengths and I think we'll be fine."

Homecoming

"I played in the band all four years [I was] here," recent University of Massachusetts graduate Joshua Banks said. "So this was something I had to make the trip [from Maine] for. He was a special guy, and someone who will obviously be missed."

Banks speaks of UMass marching band leader George N. Parks, who died on September 16th on his way to perform with his band during UMass' game versus Michigan in "The Big House." Banks smiles, but speaks with a hint of seriousness and sadness while describing the kind of person Parks was, and what Parks meant to him.

"It's hard to put into words," Banks said. "I think I speak for a lot of people who knew him when I say he made me a better person."

16,421 people were in attendance for the UMass football team's homecoming game against Richmond on Saturday, and current students, alumni, and others celebrated the life of the UMass band leader as the band performed a special tribute to Parks at halftime.

Before the game, there was a more extended tribute to Parks in the Mullins Center, which also spread all over most of the campus. This event contributed to a larger than normal crowd for a UMass football game, as some atendees came mainly for the memorial.

"I came mostly for the tribute," Banks said. "But I wouldn't mind seeing UMass top it off with a win."

Richmond quarterback Montel White hit Tre Gray for a 15-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left to beat in UMass 11-10 in the game at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday, but the disappointing end to the game did not spoil what was a special day at the UMass campus.

The McGuirk Stadium parking lots and their surroundings were filled with cars and people tailgating by 11 a.m., with people travelling from other states to be a part of a very important homecoming. One could hardly hear someone talking directly next to them with the strong winds and loud music, but that didn't stop the masses from enjoying the homecoming festivities.

Those making long trips for the day included UMass alumnus Richard Williams who now lives in Philidelphia, Penn.

"My daughter goes here now so [my wife and I] made the trip partly to see her. When we heard about Parks we figured this was a good time."

"We're a UMass family," he added.

And those travelling for the day were not disappointed by the scene that was provided for them that day.

"We usually come for homecoming every year," UMass alumnus George Manchester said, who travelled from New Hampshire with his family. "But this year is special. It's definitely a little more emotional than usual."

Although Richmond prevented UMass from a win, there were more important themes to Saturday as a whole, and nothing could have prevented the feelings and emotions of those who were a part of it.

Why the Patriots Traded Randy Moss

When Randy Moss was traded from the Patriots to the Vikings last Wednesday, it left many people asking "why?" The story continues to get more and more interesting as bloggers, pundits, radio personalities and fans continue to talk about it and provide interesting opinions.

Now add in last night's game where Moss caught for 81 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings in their loss to the Jets, just a week after going catch less in the Patriots win over Miami, and just hours after it was announced that the Patriots made a trade to re-acquire wide receiver Deion Branch. The possibilities for conversation on this trade are endless.

After the trade went through, everyone from the Patriots end of the spectrum had nothing but great things to say about Moss, despite a little complaining on Moss' behalf, and an alleged "confrontation" between Moss and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. So if everything was fine why would the Pats trade such a great talent? What most players will say when a trade happens and there are no hard feelings is that "it's a business." So there is always the business side of things, and this piece from businessinsider.com looks at it from that angle. And when you think about it, if any team constantly looks at these things from a business perspective, it's been Bob Kraft, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. As the article puts it, "Ask Richard Seymour or Mike Vrabel about that."

Even with the Patriots public comments, some would say Moss' attitude came into play here. Some would say his age, expiring contract and what he would want for a new one was the big issue. Dexter Rogers from Bleacher Report explores the idea of race being a factor:

I think race and the fact Moss spoke his mind played a factor in why he was traded. Brady got paid rather quietly and Moss got traded very publicly. Why? It can’t be because Moss has lost a step. He’s caught more touchdown passes than any wide receiver in the NFL from 2007. It can’t be age. Brady and Moss are both 33 years of age. Brady is still a top-flight quarterback and Moss still is the most dangerous deep threat in the NFL. That being said, why was the trigger pulled on a trade for Moss while Brady quietly signed an extension? Moss spoke his mind. Being an African-American athlete who speaks his mind in an area historically that’s been encased by racism is one reason. Just ask Bill Russell. In short, it’s difficult to tell the truth, speak your mind and keep your job if you are African-American. Furthermore, African-American athletes usually have to haggle to get paid their just due. Vincent Jackson sits because he doesn’t get a fair contract.

Some decent points are made there, but he fails to mention the fact that Vince Wilfork, an African American himself, had a fairly public contract negotiation with the Patriots not too long ago. That one ended with Wilfork pulling in five years and $40 million. So I think this situation must go beyond that.

Maybe it was the public complaints about not being appreciated, which would have been a big thing. Maybe it was just a combination of little things and the Patriots just thinking this move was the best thing for the future of their organization. Whatever the reason, Moss is a Viking now, and there are bigger stories coming out of Minnesota right now, and the Patriots are moving on, so this conversation may be over.

There's one

Newcomer Max Hall of the Cardinals just took a huge hit by the Saints. His helmet popped off and his neck jerked very uncomfortably while hitting the ground. He appears to be fine sitting on the sidelines, but I guess you never really know with concussions.

UPDATE: Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion on Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how Green Bay handles it next week. They're coming off of a loss, they've already lost Ryan Grant for the season, and they really aren't contenders without Rodgers. He will want to go, but Green Bay has to balance Rodgers' future health with winning this upcoming game.

Concussions in Football

Another week, another lovely football Sunday. It won't be lovely for everyone, though. This week, just like every other week, there will a lot of violence. What can we say? It's a rough sport. Many men will be hit, some will be hit much harder than others, and someone will more than likely suffer a concussion.

These players entertain us to no end week by week, and they love to compete, but many times they are putting their life at serious risk to do so. Concussions in football happen all the time, and it isn't something to be taken lightly.

This is happening not only in the pros but in all levels of football. Are the higher ups in these organizations doing enough to better the issue? Is there anything that can be done to better the issue? Should rules be implemented to soften the hits? Should equipment be modified to better protect the heads of the players? How far do you take it before the game changes drastically?

These are questions that are constantly getting asked all over the news world, sports news world, and blogosphere. But before we ask those questions, we should probably ask this one. What exactly is a concussion? This piece from the New York Times explains:

Concussions
Contrary to popular belief, a concussion is not a bruise to the brain caused by hitting a hard surface. Indeed, no physical swelling or bleeding is usually seen on radiological scans. The injury generally occurs when the head either accelerates rapidly and then is stopped, or is spun rapidly.

Well, football is actually about to start now, so I should wrap this up, but I'll rapid-fire some more questions / links before it starts. How early in life are football players in danger? How much damage is being done to victims? What can we do to improve the atmosphere and prevent some of this? And could this negatively affect football as a whole?

Jess' Favorite Sports Moment

Let's see... a young baseball fan who lives in New York. I wonder what Jess Gannarelli's favorite sports moment is...

The 2009 World Series was a pretty special moment for any Yankees fan, especially since they won it in their brand new Yankee Stadium, and Gannarelli is no exception. As a fan "since [she] knew what baseball was," Gannarelli is no fair weather fan. This latest Yankee title, however, was slightly different for her than the rest. "I'm not sure it means more," Gannarelli said. "But since I'm older now I think I appreciated it more."

Gannaelli had some adversity to overcome before she could act out that appreciation. She was very sick on that fateful day, and as a result fairly medicated. Highly emotional, she called her mom to vent about the possibility of her falling asleep and not being able to enjoy the game. Gannarelli had a feeling that the Yanks would take that Game 6 and prayed that she would be conscious when that final out of the ninth went down. Luckily for her, she powered through, and when Matsui drove in his late inning runs, she called her mom again, this time to say "I told you so."

You can see her eyes light up as she talks about Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and yes, even Alex Rodriguez. When asked about her favorite moment from the playoff run she simply stated, "Every time A-Rod saved our ass."

"It was nice to see A-Rod have a nice October, since he usually doesn't," Gannarelli said. "I'm glad he finally got his ring."

As a previous resident of Georgia, she also has feelings for the Atalanta Braves, which made Mark Texiera's success on the Yankees equally fun to enjoy. "It was cool to see one of my favorite Braves players win it with my team," Gannarelli said.

It seems like a perfect storm of happiness in this particular sports moment for Gannarelli, except for the fact that she watched it all happen from the comfort of the great state of Massachusetts.