Stevens’ Soccer Expects Big Things In 2008

This coming from a press release by the Stevens Athletics Department written by Rob Kulish:

The Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer team has set a precedent for success under head coach Tim O’Donohue. In seven-plus seasons at the helm, O’Donohue has led the Ducks to a 114-14-13 record and five straight appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament, and 2008 should not be any different. Stevens returns eight starters and 18 letter winners from a team that won the Empire 8 Championship in its first season in the conference and went 17-1-3 overall.

An interesting note for those from around Edison, New Jersey or went to the Middlesex County Academy high school located there that Forward Mykel Pereria “will also push for some time on the front line as the season progresses” for the Stevens Ducks. Personally, I can’t wait to broadcast his games as I have seen him develop over the last four years and certainly he can be a great asset up front along side Terrance Johnson who scored 14 goals last season and led the team in both goals scored and total points (29).

The Ducks open the 2008 season by hosting the Stevens College Cup as the Ducks will take on No. 9 Redlands University on Saturday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. You can get more information on the team here: Stevens’ Men’s Soccer.

Phelps Fulfills Wish Of Young Friend With Cancer

It has been said time and time again that Michael Phelps is a machine in the pool but this story shows a different side of Phelps. For all the medals he has won, for all the mistakes he might have made (yes he is only 23 years old), here is a great thing this man did for a family going through a real tough time. A great piece here by Alan Abrahamson of NBC Olympics.com:

It was late, after midnight, and a little boy lay asleep in his bed. Just 11 years old, he was a desperately sick boy. He did not, as it turned out, have many more days left to live.

It was late, and Michael Phelps’ plane had been delayed, and so by the time he got to Stevie Hansen’s bedroom, Stevie could not be roused. No matter. Michael sat there on Stevie’s bed, holding Stevie’s hand. Just talking, certain Stevie could hear him. For two hours. Maybe longer. No one remembers exactly.

The next morning, Stevie woke up and said to his mom, Betsy, “I wish I had woken up. But I know he was here.”

Betsy Hansen sighed and said, “He was so thrilled.”

A little more than a year has passed since that night, since Michael quietly paid tribute to the fighting spirit and the soulfulness of a little boy who, before cancer took over his body, had himself been a swimmer, too — a boy who dreamed of one day being like his idol, Michael.

“He was an inspiration to me,” Michael said Monday. Continue reading “Phelps Fulfills Wish Of Young Friend With Cancer”