What A Dope

Well, it happened. The Tour's critics are satisfied with another positive test for synthetic testosterone. As of late, the tour has not consisted of the test of the human body and what it can endure though France but it has consisted of surfaced doping allegations. Again. T-Mobile team member Patrik Sinkewitz "A" sample tested positive. This is the first sample they take, if it comes back positive, Sinkwitz can request a "B" sample to appeal the results. If the "B" sample is positive Sinkwitz will look at a possible ban from the sport. He could also be fired by his team and have to pay back his annual salary.

The news caused two German television stations to stop covering the race.

As a admirer of this sport, I am left with rolling eyes and head shaking. It is a shame that the integrity of the sport has been challenged so much in result of these drug tests. It is a real shame. Patrice Clerc, the President of Tour Amaury Sports Organization says it perfectly, "Riders are playing Russian roulette, in a way, when they are tempted to cheat."

In Sinkwitz's defense he is about to have surgery as a result and WD from the Tour on Sunday and "knew nothing about [the drug in his system]." This is the case for some of the athletes caught doping. Their trainers or doctors have to be so careful of the drugs or supplements they give the athletes. There is a black list that has so many names on it, it is practically a book. Mistakes can be made. But who are we supposed believe?

*Source: Daily Times Call. 19 July 2007.

Crash and Burn

Keep a lookout on the right side of the Peleton. Ouch.

Appreciate the Art

I have fallen in love with photography. My interest grows the more I use my camera and study photographs in National Geographic. I hope to start publishing some of my pictures. Here's one that struck my fancy on nationalgeographic.com.

Beautiful St. George

Where's Golf?

NCAA Regional Selection Day

St. George, Utah here we come. Only 9 hours away from beautiful Longmont, Colorado we will be teeing off on the 10th-12th of May. We are SO excited! The conference call was great, it's just like March Madness but not on tv. Anyway, the golf course, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, looks pretty amazing. Look for the results on golfstat.com on the 10th. It's live scoring.

Creative

Click here to see something creative.

It's Not Over Yet

We did it. We won. With a 3 shot lead over UTEP going into the final day, we ended up winning by 2 strokes over East Carolina University. My team is the greatest team in the world. Everyone contributed, Kathryn's amazing playing the first two days, DMC's steady playing the whole tournament, Meghan's big final round, and Stace's red numbers the last two days. Incredible team effort! Meghan, Stacey and I all had a birdie on the last hole. Way to make it interesting right? The ECU team watched it all. It was incredible and I'm grateful and honored to be a part of it. Onto regionals...

An Unwanted Countdown

I don't want it to happen. The realization of growing up has hit me as four of my teammates are about to graduate. This is our last tournament together and I am beyond sad. Our relationships have grown immensely since the day I came to Memphis and I consider them great friends. I don't want this chapter in my life, or theirs, to be over. I know this team with them on it and it is hard to stomach the thought of them not being here next year. It is a time all of us go through and I got a taste of it in high school when Kelly and Brianne graduated leaving Steph and I to fend for a state championship by ourselves. I have hope, why wouldn't I, because our fourth state championship was soon to follow. I must admit it is a bit different in college seeing as we aren't going for our second straight NCAA title. I wish. But it is something we all must endure. The pain of growing up. Needless to say, I am excited for them as they enter life after college. They are amazing people with potential unlimited and I know whatever they set out to do, they will do it if they truly want it. My last entry, the Tiger Woods quote fits in right about here. As my other teammates, three to be exact, who will be returning and I have to bring up some freshman next year. It will be different for all of us but who said change isn't a good thing?

“I think it's an honor to be a role model to one person or maybe more than that. If you are given a chance to be a role model, I think you should always take it because you can influence a person's life in a positive light, and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about.”
-Tiger Woods

Update

So a little update.

Travis came into town this weekend. I'm sure everyone knew that so it is really only news to me. Let me entertain you with the story. We were playing at Chickasaw CC and I was on the 4th hole walking over to my ball by the cart path. I hear the cart coming behind me and thinking it is just my coach I just kept walking. Then the cart pulls up next to me and HOLY MOTHER Trav is sitting in the cart too. I've never felt so surprised in my lifetime. I couldn't believe he was sitting there. I thought I was dreaming. It was very surreal. I was speechless. It was very cool.

We spent Easter weekend watching the Masters which was great. My family from Louisiana came up and we had a crawfish boil in our front yard. There was about a million pounds of crawfish and people ate for hours. It was a good time. Church on Easter followed by a sweet brunch made by me wrapped up the weekend. Not much happening but quality time for sure.

My car was in the shop for the past two weeks so I've been maneuvering myself through town on my friend's bike and various rides from friends. It sucked but when does car trouble not suck? It's fixed now so that's great.

Our last tournament before conference was held just outside of Atlanta. My teammate Stacey won which was awesome because she won there last year as well. So props to you Ms. Tate! Conference is on the 21st-25th which is very exciting.

School is over May 3rd for me. Hannah and Cady (my sisters) are flying out on the 1st to hang in Memphis and then drive back with me. Very stoked for that. Neither of them have been here yet and I'm anxious to see them.

10 Year Anniversary

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Tiger Woods' legendary win at Augusta National. This next weekend he will try to earn another green jacket this weekend. Phil Mickelson won last year and Tiger missed out on winning his last Masters for his dad, Earl who died last May. I predict a dominating performance by Mr. Woods even though he shot +1 yesterday.

Fun fact: 10 years ago, before he set the record of -18, he shot a front 9 score of 40 (+4).

Let the magic begin.

Yummy Gummies

This chandelier is made out of gummy bears. Incredible.

A Memphis Sunset

One of the Greatest...

Payne Stewart.

Winner of the 99th United States Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Died October 29, 1999.

One of the most charismatic players on the tour typically seen wearing knickerbockers and tam o'shanter caps. One of my favorite players to watch and certainly after he won the US Open in 1999. Recently I was lucky enough to visit the statue in memory of him just off the 18th green at Pinehurst No. 2. I did not play No. 2 (I played No. 8) but to be in that presence of where something so spectacular happened left me speechless.

Want A Sneak Peak?

Trailer

February 20th

The big day is in 3 days. Anberlin is coming out with their new album "Cities". I have downloaded three of their songs already and so far, its typical, amazing Anberlin. If any of you didn't know already, they are my all-time favorite. I could listen to anything they sing all day everyday. Their unique yet indie rock style is so appealing to me. Their lyrics are well written, and from what I've read, they are all genuine stories about the artists themselves. Needless to say, I'm excited. I already pre-ordered a copy and it is on its way to my house right this second. WOW.

Beautiful Mexico

What Next?

Has anyone ever seen a sign like this? I thought it was rather odd. But beneficial, I guess. Before we know it, the "normal" spaces are going to be so far away from the store, might as well walk from home.

Life Lessons From Wisconsin

After spending two days in Wisconsin in the cold rain and wind, I felt it was time to write another blog. I have thought up some lessons in reflection on the last two days that might come in handy at later moments in my life (or your life), so I wanted to share them.

-The world seems a whole lot bigger from 30,000 feet in the air.
-Rain is awesome, but some people don't think so.
-Cheeseheads are too expensive.
-Irish people are cool and so are their pubs.
-Time flies when you are playing golf for twelve hours.
-A school I.D. won't get you on a flight home in Madison, WI.
-Hot tubs can save your life.
-People who only compliment their own kid, suck.
-Seeing an old friend is a good reminder of how far you have come in life.
-Turbulance is my worst nightmare.
-Ironman competitors are amazing.
-Fluffy clouds can keep you occupied for hours.
-If your arms get numb, just flex them over and over.
-New Zealand natives shouldn't try to be gangstas.
-Taking an unplayable lie is sometimes the right decision.
-Teamwork will get you anywhere you want to go.
-A day off can be a good thing.
-Always be proud of who you are and who you play for.
-Make sure you get it to the hole; playing it safe never got anyone anywhere.
-A best friend makes you feel like you mean something to somebody.
-Everyone needs a tutor at something.
-Studying on a plane is hard.
-Singing to yourself after a bad shot is the best medicine.
-To take a bike on a plane to your desired location is only $8.

That is golf tournament number one. Who knows what I'll learn next trip!