You don't want this, Ohio State

If there's anything we can do so that Ohio State doesn't advance to a national championship game in a sport, it's a job well done. Our men's volleyball team layeth the smacketh down on No. 8 Ohio State, 3-1, Friday evening. A season-high 1,873 showed up for the match, which might be more than some of the home basketball games this season. Patrick Durbin finished with 22 kills and Todd Chamberlain 16. After beating George Mason last week, is this team legit? (Ball State Sports)

Things would also be better if the men's basketball team can continue its hot shooting. (The Star Press)

Here's a blog post about Ball State diver Jessica Elzinga. She's pretty cute (Am I allowed to say that?) so I attempted to look at her Facebook profile so I could fill everyone in on some random information about her (probably a favorite movie) but she has it set to "friends only" who can view it. My last name's Friend! Come on! (Holland Sentinel)

It's next to impossible to figure out this women's basketball team of ours. Sometimes we look like we're finally turning the corner, the next, we're losing by double-digits to Kent State. Eighteen turnovers were turned into 21 points by the Golden Flashes. (Ball State Sports)

A Buffalo Bulls blogger implores everybody not to sleep on our men's basketball team. (Hoops Junkie)

Men's golf coach Mike Fleck is a smart man, having his team start the season in Mexico. (Ball State Sports)

Formen BSU football coach Charles "Wave" Myers passed away this past week. (The Star Press)

Ball State will be having Pro Day for senior football players on Feb. 28. (Scout.com)

Softball team is 1-3 on the year now, and gave No. 7 LSU a game! (Ball State Sports)

(Photo courtesy of Ball State Sports)

My random Jason Whitlock stories

It's a well-known rule in the blogosphere that if you're going to write a post about Jason Whitlock, you are required to use this photo.

Anyway, today, I thought I'd share two Jason Whitlock stories. Why, you ask? Well, Mr. Whitlock was gracious enough to e-mail me Tuesday night sharing his thoughts on this year's recruiting class (he thinks Inkster, Mich. DB Joshua Howard is going to get a long look at safety).

The first time I ever met him in person was at the 2006 Indianapolis 500, when I covered the event for the Ball State Daily News. That was a surreal moment for me, not necessarily because he was sitting to my left, but Tim Allen (yes, of Home Improvement fame) was standing to my right in the press conference room. So from left to right, we have Jason Whitlock, Phil Friend and Tim Allen. Which one doesn't fit? I tried to get the attention of our DN photographer, Rob Leistra, so that he could snap a photo, but alas, I couldn't do it without being obvious. I decided to introduce myself to Jason by telling him that I was writing for the DN, with him being a former DN'er himself. Apparently he misunderstood me, because he asked me if I wrote at the DN when he was there. That was followed by an awkward pause, a "no" answer from me and an "oh" response from Whitlock and that was the end of that. So much for the Ball State connection!

But four months later, he provided me with one of the best compliments I've ever received. In the Sept. 28, 2006 issus of the DN, I wrote a column blasting our defense and calling for the firing of defensive coordinator Mark Smith (big surprise!). In all honesty, it's by far the best column I wrote for the DN and probably the only one thing I ever wrote that resembled a column. Apparently Jason read it because the following day he sent me this e-mail:

Phil

Read your column about our defense. It had an attitude and some clever writing and it made a strong point. Good for you! Certainly better than anything I wrote when I was a student.

Didn't agree with everything, but that's OK. I read the whole thing.

Keep up the good work,

Jason Whitlock

If you ever needed a motivation boost for your writing, I think receiving an e-mail from a well-known national columnist would be it! Needless to say, that e-mail is obviously in my portfolio. Thanks Jason!

There you are, Peyton Stovall

There's the scoring machine we all once knew and loved. Peyton Stovall led the way tonight with 22 points as the Cardinals defeated Buffalo, 76-67, Wednesday night.

In a rare oddity, the Cardinals were forced to wait to fly to Buffalo today instead of yesterday because the Delaware County Airport didn't have the equipment to de-ice the wings. The best part is that Doug Zaleski actually used his blog to tell an interesting story, which hasn't happened too often.

Having flown to Buffalo with the football team last year, let me tell you I don't think leaving on game day is all that bad. The flight from Muncie to Buffalo is only 50 minutes if I'm not mistaken. I'd like to think that that wouldn't put any extra strain on a player's body, plus you get to sleep in your own bed, always a bonus.

Anyway, Anthony Newell tallied 14 points and Brandon Lampley 11 on 9-of-11 shooting from the free-throw line in the victory.

Rashaun McLemore, whom Zaleski wrote a feature on for Wednesday's Star Press, scored all of four points.

(Photo courtesy of Ball State Sports)

Ball State FINALLY announces Hoke's contract extension

Well, arguably the worst-kept secret in Ball State sports was officially announced today when Brady Hoke received what the school is calling an "enhanced contract." Seriously, is there absolutely any reason we just can't say pay raise. Did Heidi Montag wrote this story (or Dolly Parton for you older fellers)? I also love that the photo chosen to accompany the story is Hoke with defensive coordinator Mark Smith, the worst DC in the history of college football. Hoke's first order of business should be to fire him. But that probably won't happen and we'll ruin what could be one of the best seasons in the history of Ball State football because of our terrible defense.

Anyway...like CSTV reported, Hoke's base salary is now $240,000 per year plus includes additional and enhanced incentives for a variety of things. The new contract also includes a buyout clause in the event Hoke leaves before the completion of the contract.He's still under contract through the 2010 season, however, so there was no extension. I'm sure the BSU Daily News has already FOI'd (yes I used it as a verb!) this bad boy and we'll know what the incentives are soon enough. Hopefully one of them is: fire Mark Smith.

If you'd like another example of why Muncie residents suck, read the comments on The Star Press story.

That'll be all, Tracy Roller

Some very unfortunate news out of Muncie Wednesday as it is official that Tracy Roller will not return to the sidelines for the women's basketball team this season. Roller, who before a few weeks ago was the highest-paid coach on campus, is currently battling mononucleosis. We here (and by that I mean me) at The Sixth Ball Brother wish Tracy the best in recovering as quickly as possible.

I don't have a timeline in front of me, but I certainly hope she didn't get from the week or so she was up on the billboard trying to get people to buy season tickets. The Cardinals started the year 4-9 but have climbed their way to a 10-12 overall record and are tied for first in the MAC West. Although Lisa McDonald has done a fine job, this is certainly not the season we had hoped for.

(UPDATE: Lady Cards lose again, 69-58 at Miami)

The late Wednesday/Thursday morning links

I had all the momentum in the world and I lost it. The past two days have produced record hits to the Web site, and I have no idea why. I'm talking, hundreds more. Good times. But just when I think I can build a following with more cool posts, Mother Nature decides to slap me with bronchitis.

Last night and today have been miserable. I just started my new job and I wasn't sure if I could use sick days yet, so I sucked it up and went in. If the entire news team gets sick, I think we can easily look to one person, haha.

Get your Ball State baseball season preview! Get your peanuts! The weekend in Lexington for the NCAA Regionals in 2006 is something I will never forget, let's hope the Cards can get there again. (Ball State Sports)

Another big game for the BSU men's volleyball team as they play No. 8 Ohio State. One thing to keep in mind is that there are only about 50 Division I men's volleyball teams, so I'm not sure if being ranked 15th is all that special. (Ball State Sports)

Very interesting story by Tommy Conroy in Wednesday's DN about BSU expansion and how that's upsetting Muncie residents. Whatever. I tend to agree with most of the comments about how you don't see Bloomington or West Lafayette residents complain about their schools, yet Muncie residents hate Ball State very, very much. (BSU Daily News)

Not sure when this ran, but a feature on BSU Hall of Famer Phil Eatherton. (BSU Daily News)

Men's volleyball player J.D Gasparovic gets the MIVA Player of the Week award. (Ball State Sports)

Four new recruits for the womens' soccer team. (BSU Daily News)

BSU swimmer Stephanie Paul gets MAC Swimmer of the Week honors. (Ball State Sports)

Meet the Recruits: An Interview with Briggs Orsbon

(Ed. note: We have a special treat for you guys today. In what will be the first of hopefully a handful of these interviews, this is designed as an opportunity to get to know some of the recruits from the Class of 2008. Today, we have Briggs Orsbon, the three-star receiver from Crestview High in Ohio. I hope everyone enjoys.)

Phil Friend: The most intriguing thing Ball State fans probably want to know right now is what happened on Signing Day with Purdue? Brady Hoke said the Boilers offered you a scholarship, but you had already sent in your LOI. Had the scholarship been offered the day before, would you have considered going to West Lafayette?

Briggs Orsbon: For the record, I don’t think Purdue officially offered me. I haven’t heard from the Boilermakers since I committed to Ball State back in late November. They may have called Coach Hoke to see if I had signed yet, but they never contacted me, due to the fact that I had my LOI signed and sent in so early. If they had offered on Tuesday it still would have been too late for me. They had their chances to offer me earlier in the recruitment process and just never pulled the trigger.

PF: What attracted you to Ball State the most?

BO: First off the coaches. Stan Parrish is a very experienced coach that knows what he is doing. The location of the college is close to my home, which is convenient for myself and my family. Also the coaches stressed to me my role for the team and when I would be filling it. I wanted to go somewhere where I could play and win, and Ball State was the place.

PF: How familiar were you with the program before the coaching staff started recruiting you?

BO: I knew a little bit about the college, because I came on a visit with my brother four years ago. However I didn’t know much about the team or the program until I came on my first visit.

PF: Where did your brother end up playing football?

The visit wasn't for football at Ball State. He could have played at a D-2 or 3 college, but chose not to. So he just attended Miami University in Ohio.

PF: What other schools expressed the most interest in you, before and after you verballed to BSU?

BO: The schools that I was closest with were Purdue, Bowling Green and Akron. After my verbal I didn’t hear from any of them, which was really nice because they respected my decision and didn’t try to sway me.

PF: Did any schools recruit you as a quarterback?

BO: No schools were recruiting me as a quarterback. Many of them recruited me as an athlete because they weren’t sure where they would need me.

PF: Were there any reservations about not playing quarterback in college? Or were you OK with playing receiver from the beginning?

BO: My idea all along was to play wide receiver in college. To be honest, my junior year of high school I was scared because I had to play quarterback. I didn’t think the D-1 schools would offer me because they would never be able to see my ability at receiver.

PF: Are you going to miss playing QB?

BO: Maybe at times, but I have always thought of myself as a receiver. Playing quarterback allowed me to touch the ball every play, which is every playmaker’s dream. I sure won’t miss the criticism that comes with playing quarterback though!!!

PF: What current players on the team (or incoming recruits) have you gotten to know and bonded with already?

BO: On my official visit I got to spend a lot of time with Dan Ifft and Sean Baker. I haven’t had a chance to talk to any of the guys from my class yet though.

PF: What have you heard about your chances of playing next season and what are your goals?

BO: I’ve been told that I will definitely have opportunities to find playing time next year as a true freshman. I will likely be on most of the special teams and I’ll be the guy that will give Dante Love a breather now and then. A lot of my playing time will depend on how well I perform in practice.

PF: What do you consider your greatest athletic moment on the high school football field?



(Ed. Note: This is a SWEET play! Thanks to Briggs for sending this my way.)

PF: What do you plan on majoring in? And what do you intend to do within that field?

BO: I plan on being a business major. I’m totally sure what direction that I want to go with it yet, which is what is nice about Ball State, because I won’t have to decide until my junior year. Maybe working in the insurance field or possibly starting my own snowboard manufacturing company. It will be nice to be so close to Indianapolis though because it will offer a lot of internships and opportunities for me.

PF: You mentioned to me earlier that you hope to wear No. 5 at Ball State. Is there any significance to the number five for you?

BO: The number 5 has been in my family forever. My cousin had it, my brother, and now me. In every sport I wear it. My family is known at my school for wearing the number 5, but unfortunately I will be the last to wear it, because I am the last of my family.

PF: This is probably the most important question: What are you top five favorite movies?

BO: 1. The Prestige; 2. 300; 3. V for Vendetta; 4. Friday Night Lights; 5. Wedding Crashers

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!

We've got something special lined up for you later this week, I'll leave it at that. But for now, the goings-on of this past weekend.

The men's basketball take gave another strong MAC East team a run, but were unable to pull it off in the end, falling 70-61 to Akron. Ball State led 32-30, but the Zips responded with a decisive 21-6 run. Rashaun McLemore had 16 in the loss. (ESPN.com)

Doug Zaleski reminds us that this team's last signature win was the 2003-04 season opener against Xavier. For a time frame, I was doing my student teaching at Garrett High School when this happened. (The Star Press)

The women's basketball team gets back on track with an 80-64 win over the Zips. Lisa Rusche gets 20 points and 16 boards. (Ball State Sports)

Welcome to Ball State, Robert Martin. Don't be sad that you didn't hear from Cincinnati or Purdue. This is the school for you. (Indy Star)

The men's volleyball team continued its impressive start with a 3-2 win over No. 14 George Mason. (Ball State Sports)