NEW WEBSITE/BLOG

Over the last couple days I have been changing over to a new site.  I may even turn it fully functional by buying the URL name but right now its just a free site.  Basically its the complete compilation for you, agents, coaches and everyone else who wants to follow.  The site allows me to put up video, attach all my resumes, and blog about my experience.  Everything under one roof. 

The new website is http://www.trevorwittwer.webs.com/

I can even put up a donation page in case you are feeling generous.  We will see the reaction to the site first. 

Go check it out, comment, let me know what you think. 

This site will still be functional as I like to follow other blogs from it but I will do all my new posting on the new website.  YAHOO!!

Have a great Monday,
TJW

Part One of Family Invasion

Whats happenin' cyberspace?

I just realized I have not written on here for close to half a month.  I apologize.  The last fifteen days have been a little crazy and things are finally starting to slow down so I have some time to write.  I dont know how long this post is going to get but I am not about to proofread it.  In essence, excuse all errors you find and feel free to hold them against me.

Now, what has happened over the last few weeks.  First, we had a big game against Hagen-Haspe, the number three team in our league.  One of only about four good teams in our league.  We pulled out the win 99-91 in a shootout.  The first half was like a 100 meter dash.  Each team putting up points at a ferocious pace.  I think over 110 points were scored by halftime.  Definitely a fun game for the fans. 

Speaking of fans, I had a few special friends in the crowd for this game.  Not a nice german lady, but a few family members from across the pond.  My mother, Stan, Uncle Fred and Aunt DeDe along with cousin Meghan made the long trip to spend 10 days in Germany.  It was awesome to have them at the game and give them a little taste of what its like to be playing ball over here.  I played pretty well, 30 points 10 boards and 7 assists.  We had a nice crowd too which made for a great atmosphere.

After the game we got to spend the weekend in Werne and see the local sites, most notably the castle close by.  Not a crazy old castle that sits on a mountain peak but a nice modern castle that actually serves as an elite finance school.  It has been reburbished at least once.  Usually you can only walk around it but we got lucky and they were giving tours.  Although I had been to castle several times it was interesting to see the inside.  Not a big fan of the antique decor.  Lots of oversized pictures of goofy looking people in  interesting attire.  Most commonly accompanied by a horse or a sword. 

The most interesting thing for me about the castle was the two moats.  You must really want to keep somone out if you need TWO moats.  If I had two moats I would put alligators in the first moat and hippos in the second one.  Just try and get to my castle.

Side Note:  Hotels in smalls towns in Europe are interesting.  I went in the morning before everyone arrived and I said I would be back tonight and needed the room.  The guy goes in the back and gets a blank piece of paper and I write my name on it.  Thats it, thats my reservation.  When I brought Fred and DeDe to the hotel he was drinking at the bar with his buddies, gave me a key to the room and explained where it was.  Thats it.  No credit card, no down payment, just pay me whenever you guys want to leave. 

2nd Side Note:  So I picked everyone up from the train station.  Everyone thought it would be funny and not tell Trevor that his cousin Meghan was coming with.  I did enjoy the surprise immensely, we only had enough spots in the care for 5.  Now we had 6 people plus everyones luggage for 10 days, hmmmm, Nemitz improvision to the rescue.  Now take a second to think about this.  We have six grown adults for five spots.  I cannot see out the back window because the bags are packed to the ceiling.  Meghan is laying across 3 people in the back seat and I believe was holding a bag.  I am jammed in the front seat trying to drive and Stan is sitting comfortably in the passenger side wondering what the big fuss is about.  Alright, maybe Stan was a little uncomfortable too.  I had two goals, dont go over any large bumps because we might bottom out and don't pull up next to any police officers.  I almost failed the second goal but reacted quick enough.      

I was fortunate enough to get the week off from work so I was able to travel with everybody.  I picked up the Mercedes mini-van early Monday morning, we packed in, and hit the road.  No plan, no hotel reservations, no idea of where we were going, just trusting the navigation to get us to Berlin.  Personally, I like this way of traveling, it leads to more adventures.

I just decided I want to keep these posts shorter so tomorrow I will tell you all about our adventures in Berlin.

More Pictures:

Off to Berlin.....MOM before her happy face  ( I actually think this was after Berlin but lets pretend its on our way to Berlin and Mom has a smile on her face -- good camera work Stan :)  

TJW

17, Avatar, and Glass Everywhere

What a week, what a week, what a week.

I am late on the blog, I know.  My PR manager Trapper already emailed me from his dumb smartphone provided by Alltel telling me and I quote "quit being a lazy ****** bum, get off your ***, and write on your **** blog."  I copied that directly from my email but had to censor it a bit.  This is a family blog and we all know Trapper has a dirty mouth. 

Moving on to bigger, better, and more important things.  How does the number 17, Avatar, and glass relate fit into the grand scheme of my world.

Starting with the number 17. 

On Saturday, TVW picked up their 17th game in a row beating someone.  To be honest, I can't really think of who we played right now, and I am too lazy to figure it out, so if it comes to me when I am writing I will let you know.  Not that it matters anyways, I could call them the purple hillbillies and you would not know any better.  Well we dominated the purple hillbillies for forty minutes.  I think the winning margin was 37, well below the 50+ we had been beating the teams previously.´ We also failed to reach the 100th point mark, I believe stalling out at 90. 

So you see, all in all the game was a fail. 

Just another step closer to the hefty (yes like the bag) part of the season coming up, the home stretch.

To be honest, it gets really boring playing these bad teams.  Winning is fun, but winning by 50 just gets ridiculous.  The games turn into track meets I did not sign up for (like the fat kid who shows up for the hot dog eating contest to find out its the Olympics) and we have to set goals for ourselves in the games to keep them semi-interesting.  Isn't that what the other team is for?

Practice at times is more competitive than our games.  All in a days work for what we want to accomplish I guess.  Things should get a little more interesting tomorrow, but next week is when the real work begins. 

Avatar

If you have not seen Avatar, stop reading this dumb blog and go watch it.  Probably one of the coolest movies I have a seen and also a great message.  Make sure to see it in 3D as well.  Last Monday, we found a theater near-by that has late showings in English so we had to check it out.

This was not your average AMC, this movie theater was the full fledge movie theater experience.   They had a pool hall, lounge area, balcony overlooks, and large statues of The Simpsons.  This was the real deal, no joke.  Stadium seating with plush comfy seats, which came in mighty handy as Avatar pushed 3 hours long and into the morning hours for us.

I am a big fan of movies.  Lately we have been on a documentary kick and Avatar is thrown in for good measure.  If you have some downtime check these out


AVATAR -- CRAZY animation (if you can even call it that), also great message about environment and nice little parody to what may or may not have happened and that ís or isn't still happening in the great USA and other places around the world

FOOD INC. -- will change the way you look at food and eat

RELIGULUS -- hilarious yet thoughprovoking insight into christianity (not a family film for language reasons)


Call the Glass Man

I don't think this actually happened in the last week but I can't believe I forgot to tell you about this.  Someone shattered a backboard at the end of practice the other day.  We are not talking about just a broken rim or cracked backboard.  I am talking full-blown SHATTERATION.  Just for the record it was not me, unfortunately (cough cough Julian, our new post man).  I did have the perfect view of it though.  I was lying on a mat below the hoop but well away from the shatter zone.  Mr. Julian himself, not a small guy probably about 6'7 220, mozies up and just puts down a little baby dunk.  This is no, full blown aerial display of greatness followed by the phi slamma jamma hammertime but a "hey guys, what you doing," baby bambi dunk with a little front rim hang.  

Next thing I know, half of the backboard is laying on the ground in tiny pieces and Julian is standing underneath hanging onto the rim with the look of "did that just happen."  You know the look when someone does something, then they stand completely still, not wanting to move, hoping that for the first time in all the universe they will travel back in time to before their screw-up happened.  Yep, that look.

I was actually very happy for him.  If I had my camera at practice I would have taken pictures.  I know someone has a picture somewhere and when I get ahold of that, hello internet.  Great stuff, I always appreciate a good backboard breaking, even if I still have to wait for my chance. 

Case and Point, buy breakaway rims and you will not have your backboards lying on the ground in a million pieces.  Simple solution to an expensive problem.  Its like the EASY button from Staples.

I wrote an article in the newspaper about this situation as well, I will post it later.  You be the judge on how it was recieved. :)

Well, I need to get back to writing.  I am entering a writing contest for 5 g's and a full-time job and need to get back to researching and writing.

Hugs and Kisses
TJW

16 and counting

Hello Everyone.  Its a happy day today in Germany for 2 reasons:

Number one, the sun is shining bright today, good thing I have to be in the office, wouldn't want any of that sun on my skin. 

Number two is a rousing game of office homerun derby that took place yesterday.  Tramaine and I needed a little break so we decided to turn a piece of tinfoil and a water bottle into one of the most enteraining games of all time.  One drawback was we kept losing the ball amongst the shelves, books, and things in homerun alley. 

*****Not only is the sun out in this picture but it is an accurate representation of the what the tinfoil ball looked like after my hitting session.  Talk about a 2 for 1 on a Thursday, I bet you thought you would only get that kind of value on 2 x Tuesday (if you dont understand you need to watch more television).

Back to the reason I write this blog: basketball, instead of continuing to ridiculous entertain you with specific details of office baseball.  By the way, my patent is pending on the game so dont get any ideas wise guy. Patent pending, patent pending, patent pending.

Another Step Closer to Perfection

By:  Trevor Wittwer  (Editor-in-Chief of www.germanbasketball.blogspot.com)

TV Werne capped off its 3-game roadtrip with an impressive 50 point win over Hertener last Saturday, 107-57.  This marks the fourth game in a row TVW has scored above the century mark. 

They looked to be functiong well as a team.  With Hertener's sole American injured and not participating in Saturday's game, Hertener did not provide much resistance to the offensive onslaught of TVW. 

Defensively, TVW has looked better.  They caused Hertener players to play faster than they were capable, giving way to a number of steals and fast break points, but Hertener got into the lane far too frequently for Rosic's liking,

"We just flat out gave up too many easy buckets,"´commented Rosic after the game.  "We can't do that when it comes down to Hagen and Recklinghausen." 

These are a few aspects that TVW are sure to clean up as they continue on their quest for perfection. 

The players at TVW contiue to have their crossairs aimed on a championship.  Tramaine Aaron, a pivotal point of this team in his blog commented "We have to keep our eyes further down the road in a constant search of this league championship." 

Aaron knows they need to improve every game and keep the end goal of a championship always in the back of their mind. 

"We want that championship, but we need to focus our efforts on the next practice, game, or whatever is next on our schedule.  If we keep improving and take care of our business night in and night out, the wins will take care of themselves.  You got to love the journey though, this §$*! is fun! " Wittwer remarked after practice on Wednesday.  

This §$*! is fun and only time will tell whether or not TVW completes its quest of the coveted league championship.

TJW

P.S.

3 Cool things that happened to me this last week

1. Found organic beef

2. Found Almond Milk

3. Pounded homeruns off Aaron

What three cools things happened to you this week?  You always read about me, now its about you! What are you up to, drop a comment with your TOP 3!

FC WHAT???

FC Hollywood took the floor Saturday evening in Herford after a week hiatus.  Flashing.....lights...wait  FC Hollywood? Who is FC Hollywood?  Well, TV Werne 03 was dubbed FC Hollywood by an anonymous Herford writer who was responsible for putting together the game program.  This can most likely be attributed to the show fans get when they come watch TV Werne.  With such good looking guys like Aaron, Heptner and Manske deep ball of Haywood whats not to like.  Oh, and we can't forget the dribble drive of Freienstein. 

Tonight was nothing short of a best seller.  Multiple dunks, long range threes, and fluid ball movement left no one in attendance disappointed.  Basketball purest saw the execution, the spacing, and the crisp motion.  Thrillseekers got their fill of alley-oops, put back dunks, And 1s, and breakaway slams. 

The week off was prevalent throughout the first quarter.  TVW look unfocused and made numerous  uncharacteristic mistakes.  Simply put, they looked a little rusty.  To be completey honest, they simply couldn't pass nor catch the ball (essential elements of basketball).  If was almost like the ball was covered in this green monster slim that made it impossible to catch, or our hands were disconnect from our brains.  If you cant pass or catch your chances of scoring are pretty slim to none and slim left town a long time ago. 

After a stern warning from Rosic of TVW, they saw the light of Hollywood and decided to give the fans everything they paid for.  FC Hollywood, I mean TVW, would not score less than 30 points per quarter in the next three and call it a day finished with a convincing 111-57 victory.  I will have the game film up soon but it will have a password on it for security reasons.  If you would like to watch just shoot me and email or facebook message and I will give you the password.  I will use the same password for every film from now on. 

Great all-around victory.  I gotta keep it a little short this week as I got things to do.  Check out newspaper articles here, here and here.


Lovin' Life
TJW

P.S.  My men's team got a good win this week as well (without its coach because he had a game in Herford).  Thanks Andre for coaching.
 

Newspaper Article: SHOW ME THE MONEY

Spring is in the air, at least between the rain drops it is.  All the snow has melted and I am back to a dreary world.  Good thing I take my vitamin D.  Speaking of Vitamin D, it is going to be the next biggest thing since fish oil (i hope i dont need to talk to you about taking fish oil).  Its actually not even a vitamin but a steroid hormone.  Get your levels checked and optimize baby, your physical, mental, and emotional states will thank you.  All the info you need to know is right HERE

On a completely different note.  Here is another installment in the newspaper from a while back.

Wundergut Morgen Werne (Yes, I know “wundergut” is not a word in the dictionary but I invented it last weekend and I like it so sue me.)



I would first like to place a clause on my writing today. I cannot take credit for coming up with this idea. I stole it from a Facebook message my cousin, King David, sent me earlier today. The scenario he proposed and his evaluation prompted my writing today. The writing is original, the idea is not so much.


If you had 1 billion dollars and you spent 1000 dollars a day, how long would it take you to spend all your money? Take a second to think about it.


2749 YEARS.


Think about it, that is well over 35 lifetimes. Now, if you spend 1000 a day everyday of your life until you were 70, how much money would you need?


25.2 million dollars.


Yes 25.2 million dollars seems like a lot of money. Explain to me then how people who are making this or even a quarter of this are going broke? Believe me, it is happening all around you everyday.


I can only think of one explanation pure greed (and probably a terrible financial advisor).


People get caught up in the who’s who in life and imprisoned by shiny things. They live outside their means. On the outside everything looks great, big house and nice car, but on the inside is turmoil. Getting caught up in the never ending cycle of debt, things, and wants is very easy and extremely debilitating.


In my short time here on this earth I have come to a few conclusions. I would rather do the job of my dreams and make little than hate my job and make a lot. I believe the money will come if the passion and persistence is there.


It’s the everyday things in life that add up to a lot. Everyone loves hitting the jackpot but true joy comes from the mastery of everyday things. It comes from the people we come into contact with everyday; it comes from our families, our spouse, or our best friend. It comes from overcoming obstacles, facing adversity, or learning a new skill. That piece of paper issued by the government is simply a tool, not an end all be all.


Let your passions be your guide and not your paycheck. You make the money don’t let it make you.


TJW

Does Karneval mean anything to you?

"Wait....is that a guy....dressed up like a girl.....wearing his own skinny jeans" gasped an astonished Mr. Aaron as we pass a few Karneval goers.  

If anyone has seen the NBA commercials "where amazing happens" you might know where this is going.   

KARNEVAL...where guys can dress up like girls but dont have to change their jeans...HAPPENS

I really wish I had the actual picture here but we will have to work with what we got.  Visualize the above picture and the guy is wearing a long curly wig, a flamboyant hat, and make-up.  Now you have the idea... multiple that by a magnitude of ten...enhance...enhance...enhance...enhance...there ya go thats the image I am looking for. 

I think my bro Trapper described Karnevel the best, really got to the heart of it, when he prophecied about the pinnacle of the celebration which is Rosenmontag  "Rosenmonatag means rose monday, or is a corrupted version of rasenmontag meaning crazy monday and either way it is the moday preceeding ash wednesday and the start of lent. Its the highlight of karneval and the german version of Mardigras..........But in laymans terms quite literally means "PARTY!!!!!!"
 
Well done Trap, I couldn't have put it more elegantly myself. 
 
A wise man once told me that Germany has five seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Karneval.  I would like to counter this statement with it has only four: Oktoberfest, SimJÜ, Karneval, and Rain.  When each season ends the countdown to the next begins except for the rain thats an everyday, all year round thing.  It is simply the glue that holds everything together I guess.  Comic relief...maybe. 
 
Since this part of Germany shuts down completely after work Thursday and reopens again on Wednesday we did not have a game this weekend.  We had a different itinerary.
 

• Man Party Friday Night (Men Only)
• Party Saturday Night
• Pajama Party Sunday Night (Unable to attend because of this work thing  I have ot get up for at 7 am)
• Rosenmontag Parade and Party All DAY LONG (or as long as your party shoes hold up, somes lasted longer than others) (also only to attend after work)

Unfortunately I was unable to partake in all the festivities as I had to work on Monday but I enjoyed as much as I could. 

Here is a little collection of some of the craziness that is Karneval in Werne.  For even more pictures check out the NEWSPAPER'S PICTURES

ENJOY...

TJW

103-68

We won this last Saturday convincingly 103-68.  I will do a game recap late 

I have successfully put most of the games that I have online.  You can simply watch them online and do not have to download anything.  I think the best way to watch them is to press play and wait for the video to start.  Once it starts, press pause and go do something for 10-15 minutes.  When you come back you should be able to watch the video straight through.  The faster your internet connection the less you have to wait and vice versa.

Here are the links.......ENJOY!!!

vs. Hertener

vs. Herford

vs. Herne

vs. Dortmund

vs. Hagen Haspe

vs. Paderborn

vs. Citybasket Recklinghausen

So there you go, as more go online I will post them
If for some reason a link does not work, leave a comment and I will fix it

Smooches
Trevor

Newspaper Blog: Goals for 2010

Here is an article I wrote for a newspaper a few weeks back.  Also, its gameday today.  Don't know for sure if I am going to play,  I tore some muscle fibers in my butt.  The team we are playing is not very good so we should be alright.  Check facebook later this afternoon for a score.

Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen Sonnenschein.



I do hope your morning is going well and the sun is shining because as I write the outside looks dark and dreary. And no I am not writing at night.


Since last week was a reflection on 2009 I think it’s a natural progression to look to the future and see what is in store for 2010. Since you are reading this, you successfully completed the maze of 2009. Now, have you taken the time to write directions for your world in 2010 or are you simply flying by the seat of your pants (terrible American expression meaning no direction at all, doing whatever, whenever, wherever)? Have you identified what you want to accomplish in 2010 and mapped out how you are going to get there or are you simply taking whatever is thrown at you?


Since I can only really speak for myself, here are my 8 goals/aspirations for 2010.


1. Floss consistently. I have a tendency to floss every once in awhile instead of everyday. Too much information? Probably!


2. Win a league championship. I think its time, don’t you? The town, the organization, and the fans deserve it. If you don’t believe me, you haven’t been to a game recently. Case and point: Sixth Man.


3. Read at least one book a month on various subjects. I believe constant learning and reflection are cornerstones to a productive and fulfilling life.


4. Play basketball in Australia. 2 words: Warm weather.


5. Expand my culinary skills.


6. Reduce the toxic load on my body. If you have not figured it out yet, I am kind of health nerd. Not kind of, I am. Environmental toxins are all around us especially in things we use and eat everyday. Not only are these harmful to our bodies but also to the environment. I need to continue to educate myself and make smarter consumer decisions. Not only for myself but for the environment and the generations to come.


7. Increase my German vocabulary and usage in everyday conversation. I am still looking for that tutor.


8. Be better at picking up after myself. My roommates might appreciate this one. Evidence of this shortcoming can be traced to my childhood in conjunction with my compassionate, caring, and willing along with being an only child.


Take a second to think about what you aspire to do in 2010. Now, how do you get there?


TJW

Our House, in the middle of the street, Our House

So Tramaine skipped work today because he is

a) lazy

b) sick

or

c) smart to pretend he is sick so he can be lazy


How does Tramaine staying home benefit you?  Well, he just threw up on his blog a little MTV Cribs photo op edition of our house.  Its way easier for me to link you to his blog then try and do one myself.  Maybe in the spring look forward to a video version, but remember we are lazy with our freetime, movies or 24 might get in the way.  Remember underpromise and overdeliver.

Check it out HERE

Snowballs and Basketballs

Good Morning Everyone (and I dont care if you are reading this in the afternoon)

I woke up this morning to a nice dusting of snow today felt almost like I was back in the M.  The weather here on the other hand is perfection for snowball making.  Speaking of snowballs, we got into an impromtu scuffle on Sunday before one our meals at a sponsoring restaurant.  We decided why not blast some kids outside who were having a battle of their own. 3 vs 12, I like our odds.

The battle was swift, tactical, and glorious.  We came at them with brut force and impressive speed.  Eliminated our targets then retreated to higher ground.  We contiunued this assault until the enemy was beaten and bloody or until our hands were too cold to pack any more snowballs.

"You know what the worst thing about having a snowball fight without gloves is?"

"What Trevor?"

"Well let me tell you.  It's not how cold your hands get during the fight, it's when you get back inside and your hands start to warm up again.  The pain is soooo great but its soothed by the sweet smell of victory"

Greatest literarý transition EVER.

The Sweet Smell of Victory

TV Wernne traveled to Ibbenbüren this last weekend for a "thought to be" uncomfortable match-up.  The game was anything but uncomfortable for TVW as they picked up a 109-77 win on road.  TVW would score right off the tip on a nice connection from Wittwer to Haywood for an easy finish.  From that point on there was no looking back.  After the first quarter TVW lead by 7, 27:20, due to a slow start defensively.  They would fix their mistakes in the second and blow the game wide open extending the 17 point lead to 27 at halftime, 59:32.

The second half would bring much of the same as TVW pushed their lead to 37 at one point through a barrage of 3 pointer, fast break dunks, and precise passing against the deflated Ibbenbüren zone. A couple uncontested lay-ups by Ibbenbüren late would put the final at 109:77.  Daniel Freienstein saw very limited minutes all night as he is recovering from a pinched nerve in his back.  The TVW reserves recieved significant minutes again tonight and took full advantage with multiple players scoring in double digits lead by Wittwer with 42. 

I did after the game find the willpower to fight my way through all the ladies swarming Aaron to get a few words.

"Great game tonight Mr. Aaron, what are your thoughts on the nice win TVW earned tonight?"

"We knew what we had to do tonight, we had to come out with alot of energy and dominate the game from the start.  After a slow defensive start in the 1st, I think we took the wind out of their sails in the second and from then on it was game over."

Well put Mr. Aaron, and I have one more question, what happened on that breakaway dunk in the 1st half.  I think the ball landed in the 3rd row of the stands?"

"Well, you know what the outlet pass from Wittwer was a little short...."

"I saw the play the outlet pass was perfect."

"It was a little short."

"Could not have been any better."

"Agree to disagree, but because of the short outlet pass I think I just got too high and tried to put too much sauce on it.  You know when you put too much sauce on your sweet and sour chicken and it just doesn't turn out right.

"You can never have too much sauce on sweet and sour chicken and the pass was perfect!"

"How about too much ketchup on a hot dog?"

"Not really following you here..."

"Well, I just tried to be too dirty with it!"

"Dirty?"

"I tried to force the ball too aggressively through the cylinder in the basketball world we call a rim and simply threw it off the back quandrant of the circle."

"Thanks Mr. Aaron, its always great chatting with you."

In accordance with the mid fourth quarter prophecy proclaimed from Mersch's father, Mersch scored the 99 and 100th points with two free throws late in the game.  This excitement lead to a less than stellar post game breakdown by Mersch.

Aaron was a little disappointed by this aspect of Mersch's game.  "He's young, he's learning, but seriously come on Lukas." This was in response to the post game celebration when Mersch was instructed to breakdown the huddle, he responded with an emphatic "WHAT TIME IS IT!!!!"  No Lukas, that is what we do BEFORE the game how about TEAM ON 3, 1 2 3 TEAM.

Young Mersch was correct in his own right.  What time is it?  Time to go home.  So long, farewell auf wiedersehen, good-bye.  Good-bye!  Good-bye!  Gooooooood-bye!!

TJW

P.S.

Newspaper Article Links

RUHR

WA

I guess Ibbenbüren puts some video up after games, not too exciting but video none the less so check this out

SHOT GAME VIDEO

P.P.S

I spoke with Tyler Kaus a few days ago and he assured me he would get Gustavus Men's Basketball back on track.  That was exactly the reassurance I needed to hear Mr. Kaus, your my boy blue.

100th Post

I just noticed before I started writing that today is my 100th post.  So, I guess its happy century mark to my blog.  I dont think there is a better way to celebrate this special occasion than talking about a long overdue game, which I should have talked about two days ago.  Better late thán never right? I knew zou would agree with me.

Basketball:

Playing with Children

TV Werne (TVW) took the floor tonight with little resistance.  Paderborn Baskets jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead.  This would be the only lead Paderborn would have as TVW exploded on an 18-0 run to put the game finishing the first quarter with a 28-14 lead at the end.  After the first there was no looking back for TVW who subsequentially used extensive bench play throughout the rest of the game.  Werne's aggressive guard play was the catalyst to the 90:66 victory.  Paderborn's guards were simply too young and inexperienced to handle the suffocating Werne pressure.  Five players scored in double figures on the night for TVW.  Wittwer lead all scorers with 20, followed by Haywood and Aaron with 15 and 14 respectively, and finally Niehüser and Freienstein with 11 and 10. 

This was a good team win.  The younger players were able to see significant minutes and display their improvment for the less than stellar crowd. "I love when we can get those guys that work hard for us everyday in practice some time to shine, they deserve it," said Wittwer.  Werne definitely came and took care of business early and without remorse.  They hope to repeat that performance tomorrow when they travel to Ibbenburen who currently sits in fifth place in the conference.  Ibbenburen has proven to be a difficult place to play for TVW in previous years.  Just last year TV Werne went down to the wire but were saved by the magic fingers of beloved TVW alum Matt Goldsmith with a last second tip-in.  TVW will finish up their week of practice tonight and are looking forward to the road test on Saturday evening. -TjW-   

My Comments:

It was honestly like playing with children.  This team was very young as this is the second team for thier Bundesliga game.  The paper said they left a few of their guys at home as well.  Whatever excuse you might want to make the bottom line is that we went on an 18-0 run in the first quarter and then it was game over.  The starters played limited minutes and the young guys got some time to shine.  I was a little dissappointed with the crowd but it was expected we were going to win by a substantial margin.  And we did not disappoint.

The game itself was pretty boring, but it was good to get a good run in.  Our pressure is what gave us such a lead.  Their guards were simply too young, too inexperienced, and lacked proper fundamentals to break out pressure.  We simply exploited this with our quickness which lead to a lot of easy buckets.

Tramaine did throw a very nice alley-oop to me of which the aftermath can be see below. 

TJW 

In case you are practicing your German here are newspaper article links:

WA

Ruhr

TV Werne: 83 Dortmund: 64

Professionalish Sounding Quick Game Recap

Coastmode
TV Werne came out to a fast start in the first quarter but then cooled towards the end allowing Dortmund a two point lead at the end of the first.  The second quarter was the turning point of the game as TV Werne outscored Dortmund 29:12.  The second half was nothing short of mediocre as TV Werne maintained its lead built by an explosive second quarter.  TVW coasted to a cool 19 point victory in its final game of the first half of the season to remain unbeaten and on top of the league.  TVW simply had too many weapons for Dortmund to stop with four players scoring in double figures.

My Comments/Extremely Biased Game Recap

After about the second quarter every one into coast mode and maintained a comfortable lead.  They simply were not very good.  The best part about playing over here is that some coaches have the audacity to say ignorant and almost idiotic things in the paper that not only made themselves look bad but completely discredit anything they may do as a coach.

Before I get into the fun part of this blog, I'll just throw out a few comments about the game.  After watching the film we did not play that well.  We played well enough to win but anywhere close to our potential.  You could definately tell we were content with a 20 point lead in the second half.  Everyone had their moments but it wasn't even close to a consistent 40 minutes of focused effort, maybe 20 and I think that is even being generous.  The be honest the game was over at halftime.     

Back to the fun part.  Here is a quick synopsis of what the Dortmund coach decided to say after the game.  He basically said that our pressure was disrespectful to the word "press." He also stated that Recklinghausen and Hagen were better teams than us.     

This is why I try not to read the paper because of idiotic and senseless comments which can not be rationalized by any factual information.  My good Sir, here is my questions to you "did you even watch the game?"

My letter to the coach:

Dear Mr. Dortmund Coach 

I advise you to watch the game or even the game film before you decide to make comments about the game.  I think it would be agreeable if you decided to coach your own team instead of attempting to disregard a team that just pounded you by a convincing 20 points.  And might I add, would have been a lot more had we not had any sportmanship and kept the game reasonable, which I am finding to be a significant shortcoming in many coaches I run into. 

If our press was so dispicable, what does that say about your team's excessive turnovers (if I had to venture a guess 20+) and offensive execution.  Bigger problems may exist with your own team but sure, blame your poor offensive production and "forced" turnovers on our inability to run a press and play defense. I do, although, thank you for allowing me to re-live my football days as a cornerback intercepting passes and taking them to the house. 

How about taking responsibility for your own team and possible lack of preparation instead of demeaning your opponent.  As well, I find it very difficult to say that Team B and C are better than team A when Team A has beaten both Teams B and C.  If I am missing something in my math, please let me know. 

In the end, it is indeed "a game."  After you played tag with some children and were unable to catch them would you rationalize this by saying "I could not catch them because they were too slow and it doesn't matter because Freddy and Jimmy are faster anyways even after Freddy and Jimmy lost in a race to the other children.  Then follow up with a few demeaning comments, maybe about their mothers." Come on, have a little class, shake hands with your opponent, but if you continue to sulk on the side and force players to come to you that is your image.  Also, when you get pounded, look to help your team and try to refrain from demeaning your opponent on a public forum which in essence is demeaing your own team.  I am looking forward to us meeting again.

Good Day.
TJW

P.S. If you do continue to dimish the affects of your losses and attack the opponent, at least do it in a way that does not weaken the integrity or amplify the weaknesses of your own team.

Newspaper Blog: Christmas in the Airport or at Home?

I figured you need a little Christmas cheer so here is one of the articles I did for the newspaper right before Christmas or right after.  I don't remember.

I hope you ventured out into the cold to throw a snowball or two at the neighbors during the first real snowfall. I know a few of connected with friends. I do hope it stays through the week because “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” for you, because it’s almost guaranteed in Minnesota.

Wow, what an eventful last couple days. I began to contemplate this article sitting and observing at Amsterdam Airport. I had a lot of time on my hands as I was waiting for planes to never arrive. Unfortunately, I have to finish in a Holiday Inn instead of my home. I still love snow nonetheless.

Stress causes people to do crazy things

As I sat in the airport I was able to indulge in a favorite pastime of mine, people watching. One thing that really struck me was how stress causes people to do crazy things. I saw on multiple occasions people fight, argue, and push. Civilized manner was thrown to the curb and people resorted to truly animalistic behavior. Right before I was ready to give up on all civilization I was the recipient of a random act of kindness that kept me from writing off humans during Christmas time forever.

So there I was, seated next to a garbage can looking like a homeless guy talking to a computer. Mind you, I was actually talking to my mother on the internet but at a glance I probably did look a little crazy. I was telling her I hoped to be home by Christmas time but had no idea when I would leave the airport. After I finished talking a lady approached me. She told me, if I could not get home for Christmas I must call her and come to her home. She had a couple boys my age and I was not going to celebrate Christmas alone.

Amazing act of kindness for a complete stranger

This was a complete stranger inviting another complete stranger into her home for Christmas. She had no idea who I was but she knew I might not get home for Christmas and she would not allow it. What an amazing act of kindness for a complete stranger. I was at a loss for words but managed to squeak out a “Thank You.”

The holidays and travel is a recipe for stress. Don’t let a few moments of stress cloud the real meaning of Christmas time: selflessness, love, and peace. Nothing brightens someone’s day more than a random act of kindness. Give it a try.

Have a very Merry Chrismas!
TJW

CARL, its good to see you

Hello, my name is Trevor.  Its been too long so I felt like I should introduce myself again just in case anyone forgot.  I'm sorry that I had not written sooner but here are my pathetic reasons why I was too lazy to do so.

1.  Like a genius I forgot my computer in Aberdeen, SD of all places.  South Dakota is also prone to snowstorms so delivery was extremely delayed.  I do have some reservations with the delivery system though.  I think an illerate monkey could fly a hot air balloon around the world in the time it took my computer to go across the state of Minnesota.  What ever happened to the ruggedness of the mailman, through wind, snow and rain anyone?  You have become weak Mr. Mailman.  You and your posh UGG boots.

2.  Because of jet "lag" we have been coming into work a little late and so the percentage of "me" time (blog, facebook, random internet surfing etc...) has greatly shifted to "them" time (work, random google seraching, pulling my hair out etc...).  I have not found the time out of pure laziness to fit it into my schedule yet.  Facebook messages took precidence, sorry.

This is why I write you today with such vigor.  My time away has shown me how much I missed you.  Now what have you missed in the meantime?

Tangent:  Sometimes I am very inefficient and do a bunch of things at one time.  Like right now I went away from writing for over a half and hour to check scores I forget to check earlier.  Every blue moon my tactics pay off and today was one of them.  I had completely forgotten that GAC played UST last night and I started to get sweaty palms like a little school girl going to the first day of class.  When I finally navigated to the website my knocking knees turned into shear jubliation when when I read the score 56-51.  Great stuff.  On top of the conference baby, its almost like I never left.  I worked out with a couple of the guys this summer and I know the preparation they put into this upcoming season and I love it when those kind of people reap big rewards.  They deserve it. GAC, GAC, GAC!!

Well I am starting to get short on time and since my computer will arrive later this week I am going to give a buck shot approach on new happenings.

1.  It took me around 28 hours without including the time change to get all the way to Werne from Minneapolis.  I had a nice surprise when I got to London.  "Sir, your flight is cancelled."  My thoughts, "well at least I made it to Europe."  This was then followed with "Well, the next flight is at 4 this afternoon and we cannot guarantee it wont be cancelled, just watch the screens." My thoughts, "Im hungry but at least I am in Europe. Wait did she say 4 in the afternoon, what the H am I going to do in the London airport for 8 hours." Hello Tipping Point.  Good book by the way.

Fun Surprise:  As I was boarding the plane I saw a familiar black man and voila it was Tramaine.  That was nice. 

2.   I missed practice Saturday evening because of my late arrival.  Then on Sunday had to play a game against Recklinghausen, a team we had just beaten before I left but probably the best team we had played all year.  Taking into account all our foreign players arrived on Saturday, jet leg, and numerous other factors, we played alright.  We came back from an 18 point deficit in the second half to cut it to 2 but simply did not have enough power to get over the hump.  Fouls and desparate heaves by us late pushed the score back to 15 as a final.  The last couple minutes of the game got pretty chippy.  Recklinhausen doesnt ever want to shut their mouth so naturally a few altercations occurred.

Word to the wise:  If you are winning by a considerable amount and have the ability to run the clock out,  DO NOT try and score in the last couple seconds of the game or you will get  hammered!  Why will you get hammered? Because its disrespectful!

Case and point:  A guy tried to score with a few seconds left in the game and I hammered him.  There is no way I will be disrespected on our home court.  SORRY BUD!  It was my fifth foul and a flagrant so I willingly took a seat after a lengthy conversation with one of their players.

3.  I hurt my back in the game.  I am currently on high doses of ibprofuen and muscle relaxants and I have been limited in practice all week.  We will see what this weekend brings. 

4.  I have so many crazy stories about this game but they will have to wait for another time.  I have a meeting to attend.

Good to have you back,
Trevor