by Jack Healey
It must’ve been something to have been at the UVM Patrick Gym on Tuesday night when Josh Speidel electrified the crowd with his first career points. I watched the ceremonies on video and I had a lump in my throat as big as a basketball. What a moment! I know the story was picked up by ESPN, The Today Show and I also watched the story being told on the CBS Evening News. It’s really what college sports should be all about.
The Vermont and New Hampshire Shrine football rosters were announced yesterday and I like the looks of that Vermont team. I still think the Shrine Game is a big deal and if you don’t think it is try telling that to the Shriner’s hospitals and to the players chosen to play in the game. What a tremendous honor!
The only question I have for the Shrine football committee is why announce the team rosters right in the middle of the high school playoffs? Many media outlets are busy reporting on the playoffs and probably don’t have the time or space to give the Shrine Game the publicity it deserves. Why not wait until the playoffs are over? Also the meet the players event is this Sunday at Dartmouth which is the same day as the Vermont boys basketball Division 1 state championship game at UVM. The timing could be better!
The Athletic is reporting that Chris Sale doesn’t need Tommy John surgery. That’s good news except that the Red Sox themselves are saying they are still seeking a third opinion.