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    <updated>2008-08-22T21:43:39Z</updated>
    
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<entry>
    <title>High School Football Survivor Contest</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2008/08/high_school_football_survivor.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=91" title="High School Football Survivor Contest" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2008:/sports/blog//5.91</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T21:18:02Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T21:43:39Z</updated>
    
    <summary>As we creep closer toward the start of the 2008 high school football season, we here at 69 Sports are introducing a brand new, season-long survivor contest. Here&apos;s how it works. Each week, you can pick a team who you...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>As we creep closer toward the start of the 2008 high school football season, we here at 69 Sports are introducing a brand new, season-long survivor contest.  Here's how it works.<br />
 <br />
Each week, you can pick a team who you think will win its game.  If you get it right, you stay alive and move on to the next week.  But here's the catch: You can't take the same team more than once during the season.  So if you pick Emmaus to beat Germantown in Week 1, you can't pick Emmaus for the rest of the year.  The winner of the contest will receive a prize pack valued at $250.<br />
 <br />
You can pick from any game within our Big Ticket coverage area.  Those games are listed on our website: www.wfmz.com/bigticket.  Once you go there, click on the "schedules" link, and from there you can sort all games by Week 1, 2, 3, etc.  You can submit your entry for each week by emailing us at radio@wfmz.com.  Please put "Survivor Entry" in the subject line.<br />
 <br />
This contest is being offered in conjunction with our weekly radio show, 69 Sports Saturday, which airs from 10am-12pm every Saturday morning, on ESPN Radio 1230/1320 and www.wfmz.com.  Each week on the show, we will run down the winners and losers for that week.<br />
 <br />
We hope this provides yet another channel through which to enjoy the high school football season.  So put on your predicting hats, and good luck!<br />
 <br />
The 69 Sports Team</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>69 Sports Saturday Baseball Predictions</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2008/03/69_sports_saturday_baseball_pr.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=88" title="69 Sports Saturday Baseball Predictions" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2008:/sports/blog//5.88</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-31T21:07:34Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-31T21:14:45Z</updated>
    
    <summary>On Saturday we took a little time on the radio show to make our preseason baseball predictions, and as you&apos;ll see below, they vary quite a bit from one person to another. If you want to add your thoughts on...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>On Saturday we took a little time on the radio show to make our preseason baseball predictions, and as you'll see below, they vary quite a bit from one person to another.  If you want to add your thoughts on who will win the divisions, send us an email and we may include it on the sports blog.</p>

<p>Troy Hein - AL East - Red Sox, AL Central - Detroit, AL West - A's, AL Wild Card - Cleveland<br />
                   NL East - Mets, NL Central - Cubs, NL West - Colorado, NL Wild Card - Braves<br />
                   World Series - Mets over the Red Sox in 6 Games</p>

<p><br />
Jim Vaughn - AL East - Red Sox, AL Central - Detroit, AL West - Angels, AL Wild Card - Cleveland<br />
                      NL East - Phillies, NL Central - Milwaukee, NL West - Arizona, NL Wild Card - Mets<br />
                     World Series - Angels over Arizona</p>

<p><br />
Tim McMaster - AL East - Red Sox, AL Central - Cleveland, AL West - Seattle, AL Wild Card - Yankees<br />
                         NL East - Mets, NL Central - Cubs, NL West - Arizona, NL Wild Card - Phillies<br />
                        World Series - Red Sox over the Cubs</p>

<p>Dave Rank (Starter's) - NL East - Phillies, NL Central - Cubs, NL West - Colorado, NL Wild Card - Mets<br />
                                      World Series - Phillies over Boston<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>NCAA &quot;Play-In&quot; Game Should Be Left &quot;At-Large&quot;</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2008/03/ncaa_playin_game_should_be_lef.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=87" title="NCAA &quot;Play-In&quot; Game Should Be Left &quot;At-Large&quot;" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2008:/sports/blog//5.87</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-18T23:52:46Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-19T00:31:36Z</updated>
    
    <summary>I first fell in love with the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1987. That was the first year that my father let me participate in his office pool. I picked Billy Donovan and his Providence College team to go to the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>I first fell in love with the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1987.  That was the first year that my father let me participate in his office pool.  I picked Billy Donovan and his Providence College team to go to the Final Four and didn't miss a game as the Friars actually did it.  Billy the kid and his coach Rick Pitino helped me finish second in that pool.  Since then I've watched as Pitino won the Championship twice at the University of Kentucky and Donovan won back-to-back titles coaching Florida.  Since I first started watching "the Dance" it's always been the little schools, like Providence in 1987, that have made it great.</p>

<p>As great as the tournament is, I believe it now has a flaw.  The play-in game was started in 2001 and with it the tournament expanded from 64 teams to 65 teams.  That's great.  The problem is that every year the two teams that are forced to "play in" are two teams that have already played their way in by winning conference tournaments.  Meanwhile the eighth place team from the Big East or the sixth place team from the PAC 10 get a free pass into the field of 64.  There's no question that if this year's Villanova team was to play one of the teams in tonight's play in game the Wildcats would probably win easily.  But that isn't the point.  Mount Saint Mary's and Coppin State won conference tournaments to guarantee themselves a place in the tournament, yet they're now forced to play a single game in Dayton, Ohio with the loser heading home having never gotten a true feel for what the tournament is all about.</p>

<p>How can we fix this problem?  I'm glad you asked.  Tournament organizers can make the play-in game a battle of "at-large" teams and not conference champions.  The winner of the game would then receive a #12 seed in the field.  Normally the lowest ranking at large bid ends up with an eleven or twelve seed.  If this system had been adopted this season, tonight's play in game would most likely feature a matchup between Kentucky and Arizona.  Isn't that a little more exciting than Mount Saint Mary's taking on Coppin State.  Almost every year, the game would pit a pair of teams from major conferences with national reputations.  Because of that, the game would bring in better ratings and it would be a win for everyone.  The biggest winner would be those little schools.  They ones that make this tournament so great to begin with.</p>

<p>Tim </p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Big Dance Survivor Contest</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2008/03/big_dance_survivor_contest.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=86" title="Big Dance Survivor Contest" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2008:/sports/blog//5.86</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-14T22:18:01Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-14T22:32:21Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Most March Madness contests are typically held after the brackets have been released. But we here at 69 Sports are giving you a shot at picking the champ before the field of 64 is even set, by playing the Big...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Most March Madness contests are typically held after the brackets have been released.  But we here at 69 Sports are giving you a shot at picking the champ before the field of 64 is even set, by playing the Big Dance Survivor Contest.</p>

<p><strong>The Contest</strong></p>

<p>In the 11:00 hour of our weekly radio show (69 Sports Saturday, presented by Scott Cars, on ESPN Radio 1230 & 1320, and wfmz.com), we will open up the phone lines.  Listeners will then get a chance to call in, and pick one team that they think will win the NCAA Championship.  But here's the catch: when a team is picked, that team is then off the board.  For example, if the first 5 callers pick North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA, Kansas, and Mount St. Mary's (hey, it could happen!), then the subsequent callers would have to pick someone else.  </p>

<p><strong>The Prize</strong></p>

<p>Whoever picks the national champion will win a prize pack consisting of 4 Lehigh Valley IronPigs tickets, and a $50 gift certificate to Bennigan's.  </p>

<p>Good luck, and we'll talk to you on Saturday!</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Signing Day is a Busy Day Around Here</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2008/02/signing_day_is_a_busy_day_arou.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=85" title="Signing Day is a Busy Day Around Here" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2008:/sports/blog//5.85</id>
    
    <published>2008-02-06T22:04:36Z</published>
    <updated>2008-02-06T23:00:00Z</updated>
    
    <summary>National Signing Day is when college football coaches set themselves up for the future. It&apos;s when the top high school athletes in the country sign their letters of intent to play at the next level. Today, a lot of football...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>National Signing Day is when college football coaches set themselves up for the future.  It's when the top high school athletes in the country sign their letters of intent to play at the next level.  Today, a lot of football players and a lot of other athletes from our area did that, putting pen to paper to secure their futures.  Here's a list of who signed and where they're heading.</p>

<p>Jared Holley - Pittsburgh Football<br />
Chanelle Price - Tennessee Track<br />
Jordan Oliver - Oklahoma St. Wrestling<br />
Abby Shaffer - Virginia Tech Track<br />
Ali Hartzell - Rhode Island Softball<br />
Ahkeem Smith - Temple Football<br />
Trevor Van Ackeren - Princeton Track<br />
Joe Orlando - New Hampshire Football<br />
Christy Jones - Michigan St. Field Hockey<br />
Justin Rivera - Bloomsburg Football<br />
Alex Schlener - Penn St. Field Hockey<br />
Caitlin Donnelly - Lehigh Field Hockey<br />
Mary Lawrence - Coastal Carolina Track<br />
Kevin McCarthy - Virginia Swimming<br />
Doug Marcincin - Lehigh Golf<br />
Brendan Mohler - Franklin and Marshall Golf<br />
Kevin Kroboth - Temple Football<br />
Ashley Williams - St. Joseph's Track<br />
Anthony Carter - Bucknell Football<br />
Natasha Tukeva - Rider Field Hockey<br />
Melanie Hay - Iona Softball<br />
John Laub - Richmond Football<br />
Dan Moller - Temple Baseball<br />
Rebecca Pany - Indiana Field Hockey<br />
Mallory Smith - Bucknell Field Hockey<br />
Vaughan Carraway - Temple Football<br />
Jeremy Rodriguez - Villanova Football<br />
Tyler Sands - Illinois Football<br />
Rayell Heistand - Connecticut Field Hockey<br />
Courtney Hamsher - Towson St. Soccer<br />
Lauren Leed - Central Michigan Field Hockey<br />
Malcolm Williams - Temple Football<br />
Francis Camarra - Holy Cross Football<br />
Corey Hertzog - Penn St. Soccer<br />
Lindsey Witmer - Toledo Volleyball<br />
Christina Patrick- Albany Field Hockey<br />
Laura Johnson - Drexel Soccer<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Berks County Football Wrap Up</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/12/berks_county_football_wrap_up.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=84" title="Berks County Football Wrap Up" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.84</id>
    
    <published>2007-12-14T20:34:44Z</published>
    <updated>2007-12-14T20:39:54Z</updated>
    
    <summary>As I&apos;ve mentioned on this blog before, I&apos;m writing a column for the new Berks County edition of High School Sports The Magazine. The following column appears in the December issue on news stands now... That’s A Wrap! It’s time...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>As I've mentioned on this blog before, I'm writing a column for the new Berks County edition of <em>High School Sports The Magazine</em>.  The following column appears in the December issue on news stands now...</p>

<p><strong>That’s A Wrap!</strong></p>

<p>It’s time to turn the lights out on another great season of high school football in Berks County.  Both Sections of the I-C were decided with head to head matchups in week ten.  Berks County took another big step with Wilson, Governor Mifflin and Muhlenberg all beating Mid-Penn teams in the opening round of districts.  Our goal at The Big Ticket is to bring viewers great moments from the gridiron.  Here’s a look back at some of the top moments and performances captured by Big Ticket cameras.</p>

<p>BEST GAME:  Governor Mifflin- 28, Manheim Township- 21 (OT).  The Mustangs got revenge for their only regular season loss in this District 3/6 semifinal.  A low scoring first half gave way to plenty of big plays after intermission.  The Mustangs overcame some interesting calls and a few defensive lapses.  In the end Sam Eagleson hit Casey Hughes in the endzone in overtime for the victory.</p>

<p>BEST INDIVIDUAL PLAY: Vaughan Carraway’s 108 yard interception return against Pottsville.  Carraway scored multiple long range touchdowns on offense and special teams, but none compared to this gem.  The Muhls went on to win the game 41-6, but only lead by one point before the pick.  Asked why he took it out of the endzone Carraway said, “I thought I was at the 20…” Whatever helps you in explain it to coach Yocum in the film room Vaughan.</p>

<p>BEST GAME PERFORMANCE #1:  Codie Butler (Conrad Weiser) vs. Muhlenberg.  The sophomore carried it 40 times for 266 yards in a 22-14 win over the Muhls.  28 of the 40 carries came in the second half as Butler wore down the Muhls defense.  He also scored both Weiser touchdowns in the game.  The win put the Scouts on the map in Section One and without it they wouldn’t have earned their first district birth in a decade.</p>

<p>BEST GAME PERFORMANCE #2:  Nick Wilkinson (Twin Valley) vs. Wyomissing.  This performance deserves mention because of what it may do for the Twin Valley program long term.  Wilkinson had 20 carries for 170 yards in the game.  He also completed a pass on a halfback option for 20 yards and made a key late game interception to help seal the game.  The win gave the Raiders a share of the Section Two title and clinched the first post-season game in school history.</p>

<p>BEST COACHING:  Twin Valley’s Jerry Wilczynski and Joe Domsohn.   Wilcynksi and Domsohn are co-coaches in Elverson.  It may have taken two to keep the Raiders on track after a 0-4 start.  Heading into week five they told the team every week was a Super Bowl and the team played like it ripping off seven straight wins to get to the Eastern Conference Championship.  The coaches also switched offenses after that bad start going from the spread attack to the “I”.</p>

<p>BEST BAND:  Exeter.  Over the course of the season I try to keep a running tally of the best marching bands that I see.  Exeter takes the cake this season for two reasons.  For one, the Eagles band is one of Berks County’s biggest and the group oozes with pride.  We get emails touting the musicians every season.  This season the Exeter band also helped to take the edge off of the football team’s 0-10 campaign.</p>

<p>Before the arguments begin remember, this list only includes plays and games captured by Big Ticket cameras.  See you next September!</p>

<p>Tim<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Extra, Extra, Read All About Berks County</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/11/extra_extra_read_all_about_ber.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=83" title="Extra, Extra, Read All About Berks County" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.83</id>
    
    <published>2007-11-16T02:43:56Z</published>
    <updated>2007-11-16T02:54:39Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Berks County sports fans have a new way to feed their hunger for news on their favorite high school teams. The inaugural issue of High School Sports The Magazine; Greater Reading Edition is now available at mini-mart type stores around...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Berks County sports fans have a new way to feed their hunger for news on their favorite high school teams.  The inaugural issue of <em>High School Sports The Magazine; Greater Reading Edition</em> is now available at mini-mart type stores around the area. </p>

<p>The Magazine is a free monthly publication and is packed with photos of local athletes.  Steve Miller is the publisher of the Reading version of the magazine.  You may recognize the name.  Steve is also the Boys soccer coach at Holy Name High School.  Mike Esterly is the Associate Editor and has done a large chunk of the writing for the first issue.  This is the first magazine of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania and will give local athletes some great exposure.</p>

<p>I'll be writing a monthly column in the magazine.  My first effort talks about the increase in respect for Section One of the  Inter-County League.  If you don't find yourself in Wawa's or Turkey Hills very often, you can also check out the magazine online at www.hsstm.com.  Enjoy!</p>

<p>Tim</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Week 8 Eastern Conference Poll</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/10/week_8_eastern_conference_poll.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=82" title="Week 8 Eastern Conference Poll" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.82</id>
    
    <published>2007-10-22T18:22:54Z</published>
    <updated>2007-10-22T18:25:11Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The Big Ticket staff is taking part in the new Eastern Conference Poll this fall. This is not our poll, but we get a vote in it each week. Here&apos;s how it looks after eight weeks. Eastern Conference Week 8...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The Big Ticket staff is taking part in the new Eastern Conference Poll this fall.  This is not our poll, but we get a vote in it each week.  Here's how it looks after eight weeks.</p>

<p>Eastern Conference Week 8 media poll<br />
The Eastern Conference media poll, with first place votes in parentheses, season record, total points based on 10 points for first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote, and last week’s rank.</p>

<p>Big School<br />
Rank    Team                                        Rec.     Pts.      Pvs.<br />
1.         Parkland (11)                           8-0       119      2<br />
2.         Delaware Valley (1)                  8-0       104      3<br />
3.         Hazleton Area                          7-1       90        7<br />
4.         Gov. Mifflin (1)             7-1       89        4<br />
5.         Liberty                                     7-1       77        5<br />
6.         Wyoming Valley West  7-1       59        1<br />
7.         West Scranton                          7-1       55        8<br />
8.         Berwick                                   7-1       50        6<br />
9.         Muhlenberg                              7-1       19        10<br />
10.       Freedom                                  6-2       16        NR<br />
Others receiving votes: Easton 11, Emmaus 10, Selinsgrove 5, Coughlin 4, Abington Heights 3, Dallas 2, East Stroudsburg South 1, Whitehall 1.</p>

<p>Small School<br />
Rank    Team                                        Rec.     Pts.      Pvs.<br />
1.         Dunmore (13)                           8-0       130      1<br />
2.         Southern Columbia                   7-1       108      2<br />
3.         Bloomsburg                              7-1       84        3<br />
4.         Wyomissing                              7-1       78        4<br />
5.         Line Mountain                          8-0       58        6<br />
6.         Wyoming Area                         7-1       54        5<br />
7.         Lakeland                                  6-2       46        7<br />
8.         Montoursville                            7-1       40        9<br />
9.         Loyalsock                                7-1       39        8<br />
10.       Marian                                     7-1       25        10<br />
Others receiving votes: Towanda 14, Millersburg 12, Jim Thorpe 10, Riverside 9, Northern Lehigh 4, Minersville 3, Pius X 1. <br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>D.J. Shines in Toledo Debut</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/10/dj_shines_in_toledo_debut.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=81" title="D.J. Shines in Toledo Debut" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.81</id>
    
    <published>2007-10-08T17:37:32Z</published>
    <updated>2007-10-08T17:39:55Z</updated>
    
    <summary>I&apos;ve spent the last four high school football seasons watching D.J. Lenehan set record after record playing quarterback for Wilson. When he enrolled at Division One Toledo this fall, I was confident that fans of the Rockets would eventually see...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>I've spent the last four high school football seasons watching D.J. Lenehan set record after record playing quarterback for Wilson.  When he enrolled at Division One Toledo this fall, I was confident that fans of the Rockets would eventually see the fireworks that I got to witness on a weekly basis.  But I had no idea he'd work his magic this soon.<br />
 <br />
In case you missed what happened on Saturday night, here's a quick recap.  After injuries sidelined Toledo's top two quarterbacks, D.J. was thrust into the starting lineup.  He became only the 2nd true freshman to ever start a game at quarterback for Toledo.  And he certainly made the most of his opportunity.  He was the definition of efficiency, completing 19-of-23 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown.  To throw just 4 incompletions in your first career start at the Division One level is absolutely incredible.  But even more impressive was his poise and polish when the pressure intensified.<br />
 <br />
The Rockets trailed by 12 entering the 4th quarter.  I imagine when D.J. saw that deficit on the scoreboard, he probably felt pretty comfortable.  After all, the uncanny ability to engineer a comeback was one of his trademarks at Wilson.  In fact, the last football game he started was the state championship game in Hershey, when he helped the Warriors overcome a 12-point, 4th quarter deficit to beat Jeannette and claim the crown.  How fitting that he'd open his collegiate career by overcoming the exact margin to earn another comeback win.<br />
 <br />
D.J. led the Rockets to a thrilling, 35-34 win, on Homecoming night in Toledo.  With the stands full of Rocket students and alumni, D.J. is already well on his way to winning the hearts of a horde of new fans.<br />
 <br />
So from all of us at 69 Sports, we'd like to extend a hearty congratulations to D.J. for his smashing collegiate debut.  I'm sure it'll be just the first of many magical moments to come.<br />
 <br />
Jim Vaughn</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>69 News Sports Staff Playoff Predictions</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/10/69_news_sports_staff_playoff_p.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=80" title="69 News Sports Staff Playoff Predictions" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.80</id>
    
    <published>2007-10-03T17:35:25Z</published>
    <updated>2007-10-08T17:45:11Z</updated>
    
    <summary>With the Phillies in the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, the 69 News Sports Department thought we&apos;d post our playoff predictions. Despite having three life long Phillies on staff, no one has picked the Fightin&apos;s to win...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>With the Phillies in the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, the 69 News Sports Department thought we'd post our playoff predictions.  Despite having three life long Phillies on staff, no one has picked the Fightin's to win it all.  Check out our picks and add your own picks by clicking on the comments link.</p>

<p>Troy's Picks<br />
NLDS: Rockies over Phillies in 4 / Cubs over D'Backs in 4<br />
ALDS: Red Sox over Angels in 5 / Indians over Yankees in 5<br />
NLCS: Rockies over Cubs in 6<br />
ALCS: Indians over Red Sox in 7<br />
WORLD SERIES: Indians over Rockies in 5</p>

<p>Tim's Picks<br />
NLDS: Phillies over Rockies in 5 / Cubs over D'Backs in 4<br />
ALDS: Red Sox over Angels in 4 / Yankees over Indians in 4<br />
NLCS: Cubs over Phillies in 6<br />
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees in 6<br />
WORLD SERIES: Red Sox over Cubs in 6</p>

<p>Jim's Picks<br />
NLDS: Phillies over Rockies in 4 / D'Backs over Cubs in 4<br />
ALDS: Red Sox over Angels in 5 / Yankees over Indians in 5<br />
NLCS: Phillies over D'Backs in 6<br />
ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox in 7<br />
WORLD SERIES: Yankees over Phillies in 6</p>

<p>Dave's Picks<br />
NLDS: Phillies over Rockies in 5 / D'Backs over Cubs in 4<br />
ALDS: Yankees over Indians in 4 / Angels over Red Sox in 5<br />
NLCS: Phillies over D'Backs in 6<br />
ALCS: Yankees over Angels in 6<br />
WORLD SERIES: Yankees over Phillies in 5</p>

<p>Ryan's Picks (Sports Photojournalist)<br />
NLDS: Phillies over Rockies in 4 / D'Backs over Cubs in 5<br />
ALDS: Red Sox over Angels in 3 / Yankees over Indians in 4<br />
NLCS: D'Backs over Phillies in 7<br />
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees in 5<br />
WORLD SERIES: Red Sox over D'Backs in 5<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest Eastern Conference Poll</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/09/latest_eastern_conference_poll.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=78" title="Latest Eastern Conference Poll" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.78</id>
    
    <published>2007-09-25T19:00:53Z</published>
    <updated>2007-09-25T19:03:05Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The 69 Sports Department has one vote in the new Eastern Conference Poll. Here is the latest edition of the poll that includes teams eligible for the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Eastern Conference Week 4 media poll The Eastern Conference media...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The 69 Sports Department has one vote in the new Eastern Conference Poll.  Here is the latest edition of the poll that includes teams eligible for the Eastern Conference Playoffs.</p>

<p>Eastern Conference Week 4 media poll<br />
The Eastern Conference media poll, with first place votes in parentheses, season record, total points based on 10 points for first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote, and last week’s rank.<br />
Big School<br />
Rank    Team                                        Rec.     Pts.      Pvs.<br />
1.         Liberty (12)                              4-0       129      1<br />
2.         Parkland                                   4-0       110      3<br />
(tie)      Wyoming Valley West (1)         4-0       110      4<br />
4.         Berwick                                   4-0       84        5<br />
5.         Daniel Boone                            4-0       56        6<br />
6.         Delaware Valley                       4-0       55        7<br />
7.         Muhlenberg                              4-0       50        8<br />
8.         Gov. Mifflin                              3-1       44        10<br />
9.         Easton  (1)                                3-1       41        2<br />
10.       West Scranton                          3-1       29        NR<br />
Others receiving votes: Whitehall 24, Hazleton Area 15, Selinsgrove 8, Abington Heights 4, Allentown Central Catholic 4, Pottsville 4, Lehighton 2, Dallas 1.</p>

<p>Small School<br />
Rank    Team                                        Rec.     Pts.      Pvs.<br />
1.         Montoursville (9)                      4-0       129      1<br />
2.         Dunmore (1)                             4-0       105      3<br />
3.         Wyoming Area (2)                    4-0       101      2<br />
4.         Bloomsburg (1)                        4-0       97        4<br />
5.         Lakeland                                  3-1       79        8<br />
6.         Jim Thorpe (1)                          4-0       73        6<br />
7.         Southern Columbia                   3-1       66        9<br />
8.         Wyomissing                              3-1       46        10<br />
9.         Minersville                                4-0       20        NR<br />
10.       Line Mountain                          4-0       12        NR<br />
Others receiving votes: Wilson Area 9, Athens 7, Millersburg 6, Pen Argyl 6, Marian 5, Hanover Area 2, Loyalsock 1, Northern Lehigh 1, Reading Central Catholic 1, Riverside 1, Shenandoah Valley 1, Towanda 1, Warrior Run 1.<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>BigTicket Friday, Radio Show Saturday</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/08/bigticket_friday_radio_show_sa.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=74" title="BigTicket Friday, Radio Show Saturday" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.74</id>
    
    <published>2007-08-29T23:06:14Z</published>
    <updated>2007-08-30T02:24:27Z</updated>
    
    <summary>With the start of high school football, it&apos;s going to be an awfully busy weekend for us and for fans. It&apos;s a good thing though, the start of the football season is something a lot of people look forward to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>With the start of high school football, it's going to be an awfully busy weekend for us and for fans.  It's a good thing though, the start of the football season is something a lot of people look forward to for months.  We are a part of that group, we start planning for the Big Ticket early in the summer to make sure we're ready to go.</p>

<p>Here are some thoughts on the Big Ticket this year, then I'll get to our new radio show.  You may have seen the commercials for this year's show, we have a new look and it includes flames.  That's all I'll say for those of you that haven't seen it, but check it out on Friday, I think you'll like the way things look.  Otherwise, things are still the same in a lot of respects.  Lots of highlights every Friday.  Tons of scores from all over our region.  We take a lot of pride in covering high school football with the same enthusiasm as the kids playing it every week.  We hope you enjoy it again this year.</p>

<p>Now to Saturdays.  Jim Vaughn and I are going to host a new radio show starting this week.  69 Sports Saturday, Presented by Scott Cars.  It's a 2 hour sports talk program that will give you the chance to participate through phone calls to the show via the Starter's hotline, and through emailing the show.  We'll be talking about the teams and athletes in the Lehigh Valley, and would love to hear from you during the show every week.  The show starts at 10am and runs until noon on ESPN Radio of the Lehigh Valley (1230AM & 1320AM) as well as on our website, www.wfmz.com<br />
Check it out, have some fun with us leading up to the games on Saturday afternoons.</p>

<p> See you on the Big Ticket Friday.</p>

<p>Troy Hein<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Angel 34 Foundation Keeping Busy</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/04/angel_34_foundation_keeping_bu.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=54" title="Angel 34 Foundation Keeping Busy" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.54</id>
    
    <published>2007-04-24T20:19:54Z</published>
    <updated>2007-05-09T14:17:33Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The next month should prove to be even busier than usual for the Angel 34 Foundation, including tonight when Desales and Moravian play a baseball game with all the proceeds benefiting Angel 34. The game is tonight under the lights...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The next month should prove to be even busier than usual for the Angel 34 Foundation, including tonight when Desales and Moravian play a baseball game with all the proceeds benefiting Angel 34.  The game is tonight under the lights at Limeport, first pitch set for 7pm.</p>

<p>On May 18th, we are happy to be co-hosting an event with the foundation.  It's a Bowling/Dance-A-Thon for high school kids, with the proceeds being split between Angel 34 and the foundation we set up last year for our former Sports Photographer Greg Baer's family.  Greg lost his battle with cancer just as Nicole Sheriff did a few years ago.<br />
Any kids interested in attending the event at Hampton lanes in Northampton should contact the foundation through their website, or Kim Davis at Northampton High School for more info.  Here's the address of the Angel 34 website: </p>

<p>http://www.angel34.com/</p>

<p>You will also see on the website that they have a new vehicle at Angel 34.  It's the ICEE van, and it'll be everywhere.  When you see it at an event, stop by, grab an ICEE and while you enjoy it realize that you're contributing to a great cause.</p>

<p>Hope to see you at Hampton Lanes....</p>

<p>Troy</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Manuel On The Hot Seat?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/04/manuel_on_the_hot_seat.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=53" title="Manuel On The Hot Seat?" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.53</id>
    
    <published>2007-04-11T21:04:46Z</published>
    <updated>2007-04-11T21:10:09Z</updated>
    
    <summary>It&apos;s a great question, one people have been asking me since this weekend. Is Charlie Manuel&apos;s job safe, or is this awful start (again) going to finally force the end of his tenure in Philly? Let me start by saying...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>It's a great question, one people have been asking me since this weekend.  Is Charlie Manuel's job safe, or is this awful start (again) going to finally force the end of his tenure in Philly?  Let me start by saying that the Phillies have missed the playoffs the last two years because of their bad starts.  If the Phillies hadn't opened up so poorly in 2005 and 2006, they might have won the wild card down the stretch.  So to say that the bad start isn't that big of a deal because the season is so long, would be ignoring history.  It does matter, and the fact that they are off to another awful start could really come back to bite them again in September.  Only time will tell.</p>

<p>It does make fans wonder about Charlie Manuel's job security, since he's the guy that will most likely be the fall guy for this if there is one.  It might be later this week, it might be in July, it could be in September, but another non-playoff season could mean the end of Manuel's days in Philadelphia.   If the Phils lose two more to the Mets tonight and tomorrow, I wouldn't be shocked to see Manuel leaving this week.  I might be wrong, but something's got to change, right?  </p>

<p>Enjoy the games...</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>National Signing Day In The Lehigh Valley</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/2007/02/national_signing_day_in_the_le.asp" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=5/entry_id=52" title="National Signing Day In The Lehigh Valley" />
    <id>tag:wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net,2007:/sports/blog//5.52</id>
    
    <published>2007-02-07T18:17:47Z</published>
    <updated>2007-02-08T01:56:23Z</updated>
    
    <summary>National Signing Day is as busy here as anywhere I&apos;ve ever worked. There are signings all morning, most of the afternoon, and we couldn&apos;t be happier for the kids who are getting the chance to play at the next level....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>69Sports</name>
        <uri>http://www.wfmz.com/sports/</uri>
    </author>
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://wfmz.com.ldh0105.fast.net/sports/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>National Signing Day is as busy here as anywhere I've ever worked.  There are signings all morning, most of the afternoon, and we couldn't be happier for the kids who are getting the chance to play at the next level.  But, because of the amount of kids, and the size of the area we cover, we can't get to them all.  So, we're providing you with a list of what we know for certain today.</p>

<p>Football: <br />
Dan Persa - Northwestern<br />
Oscar Rivera - Bloomsburg<br />
Allen Petros - Bloomsburg<br />
D.J. Lenehan - Toledo<br />
Max Bergen - Stanford<br />
Marc Quilling-Lafayette<br />
C.J. Marck - Connecticut<br />
Mason Robinson - Rutgers<br />
Tristan Roberts - Pittsburgh<br />
Jamie Pagliaro - William and Mary<br />
Michael Fay - Kent St.<br />
Owen Thomas - Penn<br />
Kitt Anderson - Temple<br />
Tyreek Spain - Temple<br />
Caleb Ruch - Rutgers<br />
Ken Pickell - East Stroudsburg<br />
Nate Dixon - Lafayette<br />
Mark Bigelli - Muhlenberg<br />
Mike Ryan - Connecticut<br />
Robbie Frey - Connecticut<br />
Richie Smith - Buffalo<br />
Richie Walls - Temple<br />
Gary Bardzak - Connecticut<br />
Brad Hallick - Stanford<br />
Derrick Morgan - Georgia Tech<br />
Travis Artim - Lehigh<br />
Austin Recker - Richmond<br />
John Fieger - Pittsburgh<br />
Terrell Dobbins - Albany<br />
Lou Falzone - Syracuse<br />
Rob Long - Syracuse<br />
Jermaine Pierce - Syracuse<br />
Keith Schrauder - Lehigh<br />
Justin Giles - LaSalle<br />
Colin Naugle - Delaware<br />
Mike Schrift - William and Mary<br />
Dan Jones - Lehigh</p>

<p>Field Hockey:<br />
Jenna Cacciatore - Ohio St.<br />
Angie Lucik - Michigan St.<br />
Amanda Huck - Michigan St.<br />
Michelle Edmonds - Virginia<br />
Britney Hausman - Drexel<br />
Jenna Horowski - Vermont<br />
Melissa McNelis - James Madison<br />
Loran Hatch - Old Dominion<br />
Becky Hilgar - James Madison<br />
Michelle Wimmer - Ursinus<br />
Alexandra Swayze - West Chester<br />
Patti Loughlin - West Chester<br />
Kira Eddlman - East Stroudsburg<br />
Alyssa Heimbach - Gettysburg<br />
Susan Cuifo - Drexel<br />
Kristy Kelly - Rider<br />
Teryn Brill - North Carolina<br />
Amy Hordendorf - Lock Haven<br />
Erin Terreson - Lock Haven<br />
Katie Brautigan - Kent St.<br />
Sarah Deane - Albany<br />
Krisha Giammarco - Hofstra</p>

<p>Girls Soccer:<br />
Sarah Oswald - West Chester<br />
Kailey Watson - West Chester<br />
Sarah Clark - St. Bonaventure<br />
Kara Perkoski - Rider</p>

<p>Boys Soccer:<br />
Tyler Fenstermacher - Mt. St. Mary's</p>

<p>Wrestling:<br />
Tim Darling - Penn St.<br />
Dave Crowell - Pittsburgh<br />
Chris Sheetz - Bloomsburg<br />
Zach Kemmerer - Penn</p>

<p>Volleyball:<br />
Kayly Weninger - James Madison</p>

<p>Girls Basketball:<br />
Kristin Scheitrum - Mt. St. Mary's</p>

<p>Swimming:<br />
David Gordon - Clemson<br />
Matthew Wehrman - Delaware</p>

<p>Cross Country:<br />
Brian Musum - Bucknell</p>

<p>Baseball:<br />
Kevin Mihalik - Lehigh<br />
Brendan McGahern - Lehigh</p>

<p>Golf:<br />
Eric Cogorno - Lehigh</p>

<p>Lacrosse:<br />
Bryan Reinert - CW Post</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

</feed> 

