Bits and Pieces

-Interesting stuff category:

In the history of collegiate sports, there are two major sports records that may never be eclipsed. They are both the longest team winning streaks in the most prominent of American college sports; football and basketball.

 

The record for consecutive games won at the Division 1-A level is 88 by UCLA from 1971 to 1974. During that time period, the Bruins won the national championship 3 times, from 1971 to 1973. The record for consecutive games won by a Division 1 college football program is 47 from 1953 to 1957 by the University of Oklahoma. The Sooners won national championships in 1955 and 1956.

 

The Oklahoma streak started on October 10, 1953 with a 19-14 defeat of the Texas Longhorns. It ended on November 16, 1957 with a loss to Notre Dame, 0-7. The UCLA basketball streak started January 30, 1971 with a 74-61 victory over Cal Santa Barbara.  It ended January 19, 1974 with a loss to Notre dame, 70-71.

Notre Dame ended both streaks with 17 years separating the two events. This is common knowledge in the sports world. But, what fewer people know is that both streaks started following a loss to Notre Dame, as well. Oklahoma lost to Notre Dame in the Sooners’ season opener of 1953 on September 26, 28-21. The following week, they tied Pitt, 7-7. UCLA also lost to Notre Dame in basketball on January 23, 1971, seven days before their record streak began. (link)

I  knew that about the basketball being bookended by Notre Dame wins but don't recall ever having been aware of the Oklahoma streak being of the same ilk.  Of course, maybe that tie with Pitt the following week clouded the issue; certainly, the 'winning' streak started for Oklahoma following the tie with Pitt.  Very interesting stuff.

-Dave Smith steps down as Lady Lion basketball coach.  Holy Cow!  Doesn't the season start like tomorrow?  Good luck to the new coach and to Hannah LaMar and the rest of the team.

-And, talking about Lion basketball:  Looks like the boys are looking pretty good this year (talking with Jeff Doyle and Colin Nelson earlier today).  Lots of tall guys on the team this year.

-Adam Williams bowled a 300 game.  That's impressive.  Now how does one relate that to golf?  Not a par round - lots of those around.  Not shooting your age - though rare, it happens - our own Jack Butcher has several of them, Jack Lents has had a couple, just to mention a couple of guys who immediately come to mind.  How about a birdie round?  Think that's a really rare thing, so rare I have yet to hear of one.  A hole-in-one is more luck than skill and the more you try to get one, the less likely it's gonna happen.  I don't know.  Maybe there isn't an equivalent achievement in golf.  Got any ideas?

-Walked the golf course a little bit ago.  Eric was putting the finishing touches to the repair of the watering system up at #5 tee box.  And we heard the loons out on the lake - don't know if this is a stop over for them or a winter home.  Don't recall them being around in past winters; probably just a visit.

-Looks like Saturday will be good weather for golf.  Scramble scheduled to start at 10am.  Tomorrow also looks like a good golf day.  I like that. 

p.s.  Just saw in the Loogootee Tribune that Tya Harmon made 1st team all state in volleyball (her Mom probably told me that earlier today and it didn't register...).  That's impressive too!  Congrats to Tya, granddaughter of our own Patty Bowling.