Make it back to back PSAC Tournament championships for the IUP men. They not only won again, but defeated Shippensburg, 24-6 entering the finale, on their home court. I’ve almost run out of superlatives to describe this program. The Crimson Hawks lost a lot of great players from last year’s championship team and still repeated as champions. Joe Lombardi and his staff did another incredible job of coaching these kids. Now it’s on to the NCAA’s where the 28-2 Hawks will try to bring home a national title.
· The IUP women simply ran out of gas in their quest to win the PSAC title at home. They played well in the first half but simply couldn’t score in the second half. IUP entered the game with some injuries and perhaps that factored in to the loss to Gannon. It’s a disappointing loss, for sure. Still, Tom McConnell’s team finished the season 28-3. Hopefully the Hawks can regroup and make another run in the NCAA Tourney.
· I’m concerned about the Penguins, and the players, staff and management should be concerned too. Just when it looked like the Pens had turned it around this week, they dropped back to back games over the weekend. Not only did they lose, they got dominated by the Capitals and Hurricanes at home! That’s not good. The Pens are 2-8 in their last ten games. That’s not the way you want to be playing with the playoffs right around the corner.
· Chris Archer looked pretty good in his first outing for the Pirates in the spring. Still, it’s hard to imagine he’s going to be anywhere near ready for the regular season unless he gets in a lot more work in the next couple of weeks. Archer seems to think he has solved some of the problems that have plagued him since he came over from Tampa. Let’s face it, the trade that brought him to Pittsburgh has been a disaster. It would be ideal for the Pirates if Archer pitches great and then they can deal him at the trade deadline. That’s what I’m hoping for.
· The Masters is just five weeks away! While the PGA Tour makes its way through the three Florida events, Tiger Woods has been on the sidelines. His back is a question mark again, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether he makes it back to Augusta to try to win back to back titles. My guess is Woods does tee it up at the Masters, even if he can’t walk. Golf’s biggest event will be here before you know it.
· It’s tough to win championships every year. Penn State has won eight of the last nine wrestling national titles. The Lions didn’t come close to winning the Big Ten title over the weekend, and they’re probably a longshot to win the nationals in Minneapolis in two weeks. For those of us who love Penn State wrestling, it shows you how spoiled we have become.
· Already tired of the NFL mock drafts? They’re really just beginning. I’ve seen tons already that have everything from the Steelers top pick to their entire draft, which doesn’t contain a ton of selections this year. I believe the Steelers will go heavy toward offensive players on the board, as the need is there for a wide receiver, running back, tight end and even a lineman. That said, if a great pass rusher is there it wouldn’t surprise me if the Steelers grab one to fill that need. Bottom line, you never know until the pick is turned in. The draft will be here before you know it.
