HELLO SPARTAN NATION !!!!!!
Before I begin my Lakeview "stuff", I would like to take this opportunity to wish "GOOD LUCK" to one of my former student / athletes on some honors and awards he has and will soon receive.
Soon-to-be United States Air Force 2nd Lt. Zack Bell has received an appointment to begin pilot training (Vance A.F. Base; Okla.) following academy graduation in May. Zack is a 2003 graduate of Lakeview, and 2007 at D.G.S, having been a team member of basketball (1 year), baseball (4 years), and varsity football for 4 years. Zack was selected All-State as a punter and kicker in 2006.
In addition to his selection for pilot training, Zack was named to the MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE All-Academic team, having posted a 3.18 GPA over seven semesters at the academy majoring in military history. Zack finished his college career by kicking two field goals in the 2010 Independence Bowl, helping the Falcons defeat Georgia Tech 16-14. On a final note, Zack has been invited to attend the N.F.L. combine for kickers during mid-May in Los Angeles.
GOOD LUCK 94 !!!!
Physical Education classes have concluded their units on BASKETBALL, WEIGHT TRAINING, and FLOOR HOCKEY. I must say that we have a wide range of successes in the Basketball unit. Most of our students did a great job, and definitely reviewed their study guides before the written tests. Unfortunately, we had others who must have lost their's or chose to just "wing-it" before test day. OVERALL, I must say my classes did very well, and also worked very hard at getting missing work made-up!!
P.E. in all classes will now be switching to PICKLEBALL, BAGS, TABLE TENNIS, and in 6th grade, WIFFLEBALL. In addition, PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING will begin shortly.
On the Inter-scholastic basketball front, the SDEAA Conference Tournaments begin tomorrow (Monday; Feb. 28), with the BOYS squad hosting Lisle AT Lakeview tipping off at 4 PM. The Boys squad finished their regular season with 4 wins in their final 5 games, finishing 5 and 10 in conference. A win Monday moves the Boys club into the quarterfinals on Tuesday AT #1 seeded Burr Ridge, with tipoff at 5:15 PM. A win Tuesday moves the Boys into the semi-finals Wednesday; March 2nd at either Eisenhower or Jefferson. Tipoff time yet to bet determined. A win Wednesday places Lakeview in the Boys championship game AT Jefferson (tourney host) on Friday evening beginning at 7:30 PM.
On the Ladies side, Coach Little and his staff have just completed another OUTSTANDING regular season, posting a record of 13 wins and only 2 losses. By finishing as the #2 seed, the Ladies will host a home game Tuesday. With a win Tuesday, they will host again on Wednesday, with both games starting at 4 PM. A Wednesday win will move the Lady Spartans into the conference championship game on Friday; March 4th AT Jefferson beginning at 6 PM.
GOOD LUCK TO BOTH SQUADS AS THE "FUN PART OF THE SEASON" BEGINS...............REMEMBER............LAST MAN STANDING WINS!!!!!
On a baseball note, Spring Training has begun in Florida and Arizona for the M.L.B. teams, and it has not started well for my Cardinals. Much to the happiness of some of the Cincinnati Reds, Cardinals' #1 starter Adam Wainwright was diagnosed with a serious right elbow injury, and will have "Tommy John surgery" in the near future. This setback on the St. Louis front will obviously make the N.L. Central Division a tight race..........Hang in there Cub fans!!!!!!
Have a great week, and...............................
GO SPARTANS!!!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
CELEBRATING GEORGE to ABE to J.F.K to JIMMY to BARACK!!!!!!
HAIL TO THE CHIEFS!!!!!!
Hope this blog finds the 66 community doing well!! Good at this end!!
Before I go any further, I want to compliment the MANY Lakeview students in my class who have worked very hard.....the last 5 days.....getting all their makeup work completed from class. Some students had as many as 7 items to makeup. It is my hope that these....make that all my students..... work a little harder, so as to not put themselves into this situation in the future.
Physical Education classes continue to participate in Basketball and Weight Training (as well as Floor Hockey in 6th grade). It seems as though all the students are enjoying this time, and are working hard!
At the interscholastic end, the Lakeview Girls continue to roll along towards their Wednesday (Feb. 13rd) clash with Jefferson (AT Jefferson). Lakeview plays Burr Ridge at home on Tuesday. A win by the Spartans will move their record to 13-1, with Jefferson entering Wednesday L.V. game at 14-0. Lakeview's only regular season loss came at the hands of Jefferson, who came from a 19-6 first quarter deficit to win by 6. GO SPARTANS !!!!!!!!
On the Boys side, two victories this week (after a disappointing loss to Butler) have brightened the enthusiasm for everyone around the program. On Tuesday, a capacity crowd at "Pack-The-Place" saw the Butler Vikings score the first basket of the game, and continue to lead most of the way. POOR free throw shooting, as well as inconsistent ball handling and shooting spelled doom for the Spartans!
Wednesday and Thursday marked the first time that the Boys have been able to put back-to-back wins together, with TOUGH defense leading the way. A 44-40 win over Lisle was followed by a gutty 37-27 win AT JEFFERSON on Thursday. As anyone who has followed Lakeview basketball knows, playing at Jefferson is NO "Walk-In-The-Park". After a pre-game with horns and whistles, fireworks, LOUD music, and formal introductions, the Spartans got off to a 7-2 start, and lead the entire game. Everything that our club has done wrong all year (missed free throws, playing out of control, poor shot selection, uncontrolled passing, forgetting assignments) was done correctly for a large majority of the game. A very satifying afternoon!
On Friday, due to the positive support of athletics by our administration, our varsity reserves played the Cass reserves in a regulation game at Lakeview. The reserves have been great teammates all season, and have supported our regulars at all times. In addition, these reserves have worked extremely hard in practice, while not complaining about a lack of playing time!!!!! My hat is off to these players on our squad.
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Here is what this week looks like for our teams at Lakeview:
Monday (Feb. 21st)..............Sleep in!!!!...........DO HOMEWORK!!!!!.....Rest up for two tough games this week!!!
Tuesday (Feb. 22nd) .. BOYS AT BURR RIDGE...GIRLS AT HOME (vs. Burr Ridge).......4 PM tipoffs
Wednesday(Feb. 23rd)...BOYS AT HOME (vs. Jefferson)...GIRLS AT Jefferson......4 PM tipoffs
Thursday (Feb. 24) & Friday (Feb. 25) Practice for BOTH squads at Lakeview till 5 PM
Conference Tournament begins Monday; Feb. 28th...Opponents and locations to be determined!!
A couple of items on the high school level for basketball......
John Bonk (L.V. '09) and the Roadrunners of Nazareth Academy start their state 3A regional tourney play on Monday; Feb. 28th as they take on St.Francis (Wheaton) at 7:30 PM at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park. The following night, Dan Jurgutis (L.V. 07) leads the Mustangs of D.G.S. into 4A play at the Aurora West regional vs. Batavia or Glenbard North (Carol Stream) with tipoff also at 7:30 PM...... PLAY HARD!!!!!!!
On a final note, I will reward a can of Pepsi (at lunch) to the FIRST Lakeview student who comes to me (AFTER 7:45 AM; Tuesday; Feb. 22nd) having read this blog and can tell me ONE of the opponents Lakeview will face this week in basketball!!!!!
And ONE MORE THING................ Only 39 more days till the Cardinals opener in St. Louis vs. the San Diego Padres (Thursday; March 31; 3:15 PM...1st pitch)
Have a great week, and..........................GO SPARTANS!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Hope this blog finds the 66 community doing well!! Good at this end!!
Before I go any further, I want to compliment the MANY Lakeview students in my class who have worked very hard.....the last 5 days.....getting all their makeup work completed from class. Some students had as many as 7 items to makeup. It is my hope that these....make that all my students..... work a little harder, so as to not put themselves into this situation in the future.
Physical Education classes continue to participate in Basketball and Weight Training (as well as Floor Hockey in 6th grade). It seems as though all the students are enjoying this time, and are working hard!
At the interscholastic end, the Lakeview Girls continue to roll along towards their Wednesday (Feb. 13rd) clash with Jefferson (AT Jefferson). Lakeview plays Burr Ridge at home on Tuesday. A win by the Spartans will move their record to 13-1, with Jefferson entering Wednesday L.V. game at 14-0. Lakeview's only regular season loss came at the hands of Jefferson, who came from a 19-6 first quarter deficit to win by 6. GO SPARTANS !!!!!!!!
On the Boys side, two victories this week (after a disappointing loss to Butler) have brightened the enthusiasm for everyone around the program. On Tuesday, a capacity crowd at "Pack-The-Place" saw the Butler Vikings score the first basket of the game, and continue to lead most of the way. POOR free throw shooting, as well as inconsistent ball handling and shooting spelled doom for the Spartans!
Wednesday and Thursday marked the first time that the Boys have been able to put back-to-back wins together, with TOUGH defense leading the way. A 44-40 win over Lisle was followed by a gutty 37-27 win AT JEFFERSON on Thursday. As anyone who has followed Lakeview basketball knows, playing at Jefferson is NO "Walk-In-The-Park". After a pre-game with horns and whistles, fireworks, LOUD music, and formal introductions, the Spartans got off to a 7-2 start, and lead the entire game. Everything that our club has done wrong all year (missed free throws, playing out of control, poor shot selection, uncontrolled passing, forgetting assignments) was done correctly for a large majority of the game. A very satifying afternoon!
On Friday, due to the positive support of athletics by our administration, our varsity reserves played the Cass reserves in a regulation game at Lakeview. The reserves have been great teammates all season, and have supported our regulars at all times. In addition, these reserves have worked extremely hard in practice, while not complaining about a lack of playing time!!!!! My hat is off to these players on our squad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is what this week looks like for our teams at Lakeview:
Monday (Feb. 21st)..............Sleep in!!!!...........DO HOMEWORK!!!!!.....Rest up for two tough games this week!!!
Tuesday (Feb. 22nd) .. BOYS AT BURR RIDGE...GIRLS AT HOME (vs. Burr Ridge).......4 PM tipoffs
Wednesday(Feb. 23rd)...BOYS AT HOME (vs. Jefferson)...GIRLS AT Jefferson......4 PM tipoffs
Thursday (Feb. 24) & Friday (Feb. 25) Practice for BOTH squads at Lakeview till 5 PM
Conference Tournament begins Monday; Feb. 28th...Opponents and locations to be determined!!
A couple of items on the high school level for basketball......
John Bonk (L.V. '09) and the Roadrunners of Nazareth Academy start their state 3A regional tourney play on Monday; Feb. 28th as they take on St.Francis (Wheaton) at 7:30 PM at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park. The following night, Dan Jurgutis (L.V. 07) leads the Mustangs of D.G.S. into 4A play at the Aurora West regional vs. Batavia or Glenbard North (Carol Stream) with tipoff also at 7:30 PM...... PLAY HARD!!!!!!!
On a final note, I will reward a can of Pepsi (at lunch) to the FIRST Lakeview student who comes to me (AFTER 7:45 AM; Tuesday; Feb. 22nd) having read this blog and can tell me ONE of the opponents Lakeview will face this week in basketball!!!!!
And ONE MORE THING................ Only 39 more days till the Cardinals opener in St. Louis vs. the San Diego Padres (Thursday; March 31; 3:15 PM...1st pitch)
Have a great week, and..........................GO SPARTANS!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Sunday, February 13, 2011
B.B. SUCCESS..............FINALLY !!!!!!!!
Hey Spartan Fans,
First off.............Happy Valentines Day on Monday!!!!! I hope all the gentlemen out there pony up, and get your significant other something "special" for Valentine's Day!!!
7th and 8th grade Physical Education classes have been working hard daily during Basketball and Weight Training. On the 6th Grade level, we have begun the third rotation for Basketball, Weight Training, and Floor Hockey!!
Just a gentle reminder that all makeups from this trimester need to be completed by this Friday (Feb. 18). Failure to complete these will result in a zero for any missing work!!!! "GIT-UR-DONE!!!
Last night (Sat.; 2/12/'11), I had the pleasure of attending the fifteen year reunion of the Lakeview Class of 1995. Approximately 25 members returned for a night of Lakeview touring, recalling old times, trying to figure out who was who without looking at a name tag, and then..........probably a great night-cap at Another Round in Downtown Downers Grove. Due to previous Valentine's Day plans, I was not able to land at "The Round"! A special "Thanks" goes out to class member Tim Sularski who organized the event.
CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Little, his staff, and the Lakeview Girls Basketball squad. Their season continues to roll along with four wins last week in conference play. With only ONE conference loss, it appears that the Lady Spartans will have an opportunity to play for the conference championship on the last day of the regular season.... AT JEFFERSON; Feb. 23rd; 4 PM Tipoff!!!! Good Luck Ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the Boys side.........a very frustrating week of basketball (3 losses by a combined 13 points) came to a pleasant end as the Spartans defeated Westmont, AT Westmont on Friday, 44-40. After finally playing FOUR quarters of consistant basketball, the Boys' team posted their second victory of the season. On four occasions this year, the Boys have had leads, only to stumble in the fourth quarter!
THIS TUESDAY (February 15th)....the Boys will play their "PACK-THE-PLACE" game at Lakeview vs. the Butler Bulldogs. Fun games and activities start at 3:05 PM, with Tipoff at 4:00 PM.
"Pack-The-Place" was a rousing success for the Girls last Wednesday, as they defeated Eisenhower before a standing room only crowd!!!!! All games are important, but anytime these two teams get together...........WATCH OUT.............THE FUR WILL FLY!!!!!! Players know each other from rec teams and social get-togethers, thus heightening the drama!!!!
By the time my next blog publishes (Sunday; Feb. 20), Spring Training will be in full swing. Good luck to all your favorite teams................and my St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!!!
Have a great day, and..................
GO SPARTANS!!!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
First off.............Happy Valentines Day on Monday!!!!! I hope all the gentlemen out there pony up, and get your significant other something "special" for Valentine's Day!!!
7th and 8th grade Physical Education classes have been working hard daily during Basketball and Weight Training. On the 6th Grade level, we have begun the third rotation for Basketball, Weight Training, and Floor Hockey!!
Just a gentle reminder that all makeups from this trimester need to be completed by this Friday (Feb. 18). Failure to complete these will result in a zero for any missing work!!!! "GIT-UR-DONE!!!
Last night (Sat.; 2/12/'11), I had the pleasure of attending the fifteen year reunion of the Lakeview Class of 1995. Approximately 25 members returned for a night of Lakeview touring, recalling old times, trying to figure out who was who without looking at a name tag, and then..........probably a great night-cap at Another Round in Downtown Downers Grove. Due to previous Valentine's Day plans, I was not able to land at "The Round"! A special "Thanks" goes out to class member Tim Sularski who organized the event.
CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Little, his staff, and the Lakeview Girls Basketball squad. Their season continues to roll along with four wins last week in conference play. With only ONE conference loss, it appears that the Lady Spartans will have an opportunity to play for the conference championship on the last day of the regular season.... AT JEFFERSON; Feb. 23rd; 4 PM Tipoff!!!! Good Luck Ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the Boys side.........a very frustrating week of basketball (3 losses by a combined 13 points) came to a pleasant end as the Spartans defeated Westmont, AT Westmont on Friday, 44-40. After finally playing FOUR quarters of consistant basketball, the Boys' team posted their second victory of the season. On four occasions this year, the Boys have had leads, only to stumble in the fourth quarter!
THIS TUESDAY (February 15th)....the Boys will play their "PACK-THE-PLACE" game at Lakeview vs. the Butler Bulldogs. Fun games and activities start at 3:05 PM, with Tipoff at 4:00 PM.
"Pack-The-Place" was a rousing success for the Girls last Wednesday, as they defeated Eisenhower before a standing room only crowd!!!!! All games are important, but anytime these two teams get together...........WATCH OUT.............THE FUR WILL FLY!!!!!! Players know each other from rec teams and social get-togethers, thus heightening the drama!!!!
By the time my next blog publishes (Sunday; Feb. 20), Spring Training will be in full swing. Good luck to all your favorite teams................and my St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!!!
Have a great day, and..................
GO SPARTANS!!!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Thursday, February 3, 2011
OHHHHH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL.......!!!!!!!
Well Spartans................are we ready to go back to school ??????
What a wild week this has been!! I hope that all of the District 66 community has been able to weather the storm, and are getting back to some normalcy as the school week comes to an end.
Mine started out last Sunday in West Lafayette, Ind. where I had the pleasure of attending the Purdue - Indiana Ladies' Big Ten basketball game with Dr. Tiede. I think it was the quickest trip I have ever spent on I-65 during my times headed towards Indianapolis. NO TRAFFIC!!!!!
The Purdue- I.U. game featured two former Miss Indiana high school Players-Of-The-Year, Brittany Rayburn ('08) and Courtney Moses ('10). Talk about players who can do it all, these two Boilers are the real deal. After leading 30-21 at half, Indiana cut the lead to seven before Purdue's two best took over from both the inside and outside.......Final > 71-57.
What a great turnout by the Lakeview 8th graders last Monday night at Downers South!! The annual Incoming Freshmen Open House saw a TON of Spartans walk through the school officially for the first time. As well, 87 "incomers" (86 boys / 1 girl) stopped at the football booth for a "meet and greet" with the current Freshmen and the Freshmen coaches!!! VERY ENCOURAGING !!!!!! GO MUSTANGS.....HIT HARD!!!!!!!
Basketball for the Spartans this week consisted of two great practices, and two postponements which will be made up. "Pack-The-Place" originally scheduled for Wednesday will be made up on February 15, while the game today with Burr Ridge will be played as well, once a common free date is decided upon! Stay tuned!!!!
Next week, both the Boys and Girls teams will play Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. When the Boys are home, the Girls play the same team away, and vice versa.
Next week, the Boys play:
Tuesday AT Gower...........Wednesday AT Eisenhower.........Thursday Home vs. Westview Hills.........Friday AT Westmont
I would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Kevin Raher on the GREAT JOB he has done as my volunteer assistant. Kevin has given much of his time for our practices and games, fitting it in amongst schoolwork and baseball practice! THANKS KEVIN!!!!
Physical Education classes continue with their units of Basketball and Weight Training (and the 6th graders with Floor Hockey).
Don't forget to get those makeup assignments and fitness runs caught-up by February 18th!!!! Still alot of blank scores in my gradebook!!!!!!!
AND.................................Spring Training for pitchers and catchers begin in 10 days!!!!!!!
GO REDBIRDS!!!!!!!!
Finally....................................a special Happy Birthday goes out to my littlest one.......Krissy.........who turns 17 on Monday!!!!!!!! XXXXX OOOOOO :) :) :) !!!!!!!!
Roll Spartans!!!!!!!! Play Hard!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
What a wild week this has been!! I hope that all of the District 66 community has been able to weather the storm, and are getting back to some normalcy as the school week comes to an end.
Mine started out last Sunday in West Lafayette, Ind. where I had the pleasure of attending the Purdue - Indiana Ladies' Big Ten basketball game with Dr. Tiede. I think it was the quickest trip I have ever spent on I-65 during my times headed towards Indianapolis. NO TRAFFIC!!!!!
The Purdue- I.U. game featured two former Miss Indiana high school Players-Of-The-Year, Brittany Rayburn ('08) and Courtney Moses ('10). Talk about players who can do it all, these two Boilers are the real deal. After leading 30-21 at half, Indiana cut the lead to seven before Purdue's two best took over from both the inside and outside.......Final > 71-57.
What a great turnout by the Lakeview 8th graders last Monday night at Downers South!! The annual Incoming Freshmen Open House saw a TON of Spartans walk through the school officially for the first time. As well, 87 "incomers" (86 boys / 1 girl) stopped at the football booth for a "meet and greet" with the current Freshmen and the Freshmen coaches!!! VERY ENCOURAGING !!!!!! GO MUSTANGS.....HIT HARD!!!!!!!
Basketball for the Spartans this week consisted of two great practices, and two postponements which will be made up. "Pack-The-Place" originally scheduled for Wednesday will be made up on February 15, while the game today with Burr Ridge will be played as well, once a common free date is decided upon! Stay tuned!!!!
Next week, both the Boys and Girls teams will play Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. When the Boys are home, the Girls play the same team away, and vice versa.
Next week, the Boys play:
Tuesday AT Gower...........Wednesday AT Eisenhower.........Thursday Home vs. Westview Hills.........Friday AT Westmont
I would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Kevin Raher on the GREAT JOB he has done as my volunteer assistant. Kevin has given much of his time for our practices and games, fitting it in amongst schoolwork and baseball practice! THANKS KEVIN!!!!
Physical Education classes continue with their units of Basketball and Weight Training (and the 6th graders with Floor Hockey).
Don't forget to get those makeup assignments and fitness runs caught-up by February 18th!!!! Still alot of blank scores in my gradebook!!!!!!!
AND.................................Spring Training for pitchers and catchers begin in 10 days!!!!!!!
GO REDBIRDS!!!!!!!!
Finally....................................a special Happy Birthday goes out to my littlest one.......Krissy.........who turns 17 on Monday!!!!!!!! XXXXX OOOOOO :) :) :) !!!!!!!!
Roll Spartans!!!!!!!! Play Hard!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Sunday, January 23, 2011
TIME TO TEE IT UP ! ! ! !
Hello Bears and Packers Fans (and whoever else is out there) !
What a week this has been at Lakeview Jr. High School....Where do I start ??????
Basketball and Weight Training (and Floor Hockey in 6th grade) are rolling along with much fun being had (hopefully) by all participants. 6th grade will test on their current units tomorrow, and then rotate to their new units on Tuesday. Weekly fitness continues, and I must say, there seem to be a larger than normal number of students who have accumulated missing scores since the trimester began. Students need to see their teachers to make sure these get made up. Missing assignments at the end of the trimester will be converted into zeros, thus lowering that students grade.
On the interscholastic scene, Varsity Basketball has it's first week conclude with fairly good results. On the Ladies' level, Coach Little's squad has once-again gotten off to a great start as they have posted three wins last week. Following wins versus Westmont and Cass, the Ladies defeated perennial power Old Quarry on Friday by the score of 28-15.
On the Boys side, the Spartans got the regular season off to a great start with a come-from-behind win over Westmont by the score of 34-32. Following a horrendous Thursday loss to Cass, the Boys traveled to Old Quarry and battled the Warriors to the end, losing out by the score of 39-32. FREE THROWING SHOOTING has killed the Boys during the pre-season and this past week, including a horrific 3 for 18 at Old Quarry. I must say that the Boys energy level was outstanding at Old Quarry, lending hope that the coming games will end more successfully. As I stated in an earlier blog, one of my goals for our team this season was to improve as the season progressed. Some of our squad members (and very good athletes) did not participate in the J. V. season last year. This week, the BOYS will host Eisenhower on Monday, Old Quarry on Tuesday, and travel to Jefferson (Woodridge) on Friday. All games tipoff at 4 PM..
On the high school front, Lakeview alum Dan Jurgutis (LV '07) has been a stabilizing spot for the Downers South Boys Varsity Basketball squad. Following three years as a member of the St. Joe's program, Dan transferred back to D.G.S., and has been, according to Head Coach Jay Baum, "The missing piece of what the varsity needed to get to the next level." The Mustangs traveled to Proviso East last Friday night and defeated the Pirates in a show-down of top 20 teams. In addition, four members of the Lakeview '09 conference championship team are playing prominent roles for the one-loss sophomore team at South. Robert Mara, Andrew Jovien, Povilas Golokvocius, and Jeff Jelen have all excelled. In addition, John Bonk (also a member of this team) is starting for the varsity Roadrunners at Nazareth Academy.
GOOD LUCK to all our alumni as the seasons head down the stretch!!
AND FINALLY, all the "Good-natured" ribbing that has taken place in the Lakeview P.E. department will come to a halt this afternoon around 4:30, as the Bears and Packers N.F.C. title game will be decided. I must say that Miss Nyhlen is a great fan of her team, having taken "grief" all week from all the Bears' fans at Lakeview. Never once has she wavered in her support of her "Green and Gold", including her Pack outfit at school on Friday!! With Mr. Dvorak being a devout Bears' fan, it's been a long week being in-the-middle.
Have a great week, stop at Lakeview on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday and catch a Varsity Basketball game.....tipoff at 4 PM..........................and..................................
ROLL SPARTANS !!!!!!!!! PLAY HARD !!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
What a week this has been at Lakeview Jr. High School....Where do I start ??????
Basketball and Weight Training (and Floor Hockey in 6th grade) are rolling along with much fun being had (hopefully) by all participants. 6th grade will test on their current units tomorrow, and then rotate to their new units on Tuesday. Weekly fitness continues, and I must say, there seem to be a larger than normal number of students who have accumulated missing scores since the trimester began. Students need to see their teachers to make sure these get made up. Missing assignments at the end of the trimester will be converted into zeros, thus lowering that students grade.
On the interscholastic scene, Varsity Basketball has it's first week conclude with fairly good results. On the Ladies' level, Coach Little's squad has once-again gotten off to a great start as they have posted three wins last week. Following wins versus Westmont and Cass, the Ladies defeated perennial power Old Quarry on Friday by the score of 28-15.
On the Boys side, the Spartans got the regular season off to a great start with a come-from-behind win over Westmont by the score of 34-32. Following a horrendous Thursday loss to Cass, the Boys traveled to Old Quarry and battled the Warriors to the end, losing out by the score of 39-32. FREE THROWING SHOOTING has killed the Boys during the pre-season and this past week, including a horrific 3 for 18 at Old Quarry. I must say that the Boys energy level was outstanding at Old Quarry, lending hope that the coming games will end more successfully. As I stated in an earlier blog, one of my goals for our team this season was to improve as the season progressed. Some of our squad members (and very good athletes) did not participate in the J. V. season last year. This week, the BOYS will host Eisenhower on Monday, Old Quarry on Tuesday, and travel to Jefferson (Woodridge) on Friday. All games tipoff at 4 PM..
On the high school front, Lakeview alum Dan Jurgutis (LV '07) has been a stabilizing spot for the Downers South Boys Varsity Basketball squad. Following three years as a member of the St. Joe's program, Dan transferred back to D.G.S., and has been, according to Head Coach Jay Baum, "The missing piece of what the varsity needed to get to the next level." The Mustangs traveled to Proviso East last Friday night and defeated the Pirates in a show-down of top 20 teams. In addition, four members of the Lakeview '09 conference championship team are playing prominent roles for the one-loss sophomore team at South. Robert Mara, Andrew Jovien, Povilas Golokvocius, and Jeff Jelen have all excelled. In addition, John Bonk (also a member of this team) is starting for the varsity Roadrunners at Nazareth Academy.
GOOD LUCK to all our alumni as the seasons head down the stretch!!
AND FINALLY, all the "Good-natured" ribbing that has taken place in the Lakeview P.E. department will come to a halt this afternoon around 4:30, as the Bears and Packers N.F.C. title game will be decided. I must say that Miss Nyhlen is a great fan of her team, having taken "grief" all week from all the Bears' fans at Lakeview. Never once has she wavered in her support of her "Green and Gold", including her Pack outfit at school on Friday!! With Mr. Dvorak being a devout Bears' fan, it's been a long week being in-the-middle.
Have a great week, stop at Lakeview on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday and catch a Varsity Basketball game.....tipoff at 4 PM..........................and..................................
ROLL SPARTANS !!!!!!!!! PLAY HARD !!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach Dodd
Saturday, January 15, 2011
THIS YEAR IS ROLLING ALONG !!!
Hey Spartan Fans !!
Just a "quickie" this morning, with the hope that the Spartan Nation has gotten off to a great start in 2011 !! I have !!
As most of you know, I had some surgery in late September, and to make a long story short, have been feeling GREAT ever since!! VERY GOOD checkup yesterday, to the point that I asked my cardiologist if they were looking for a "poster child" for aortic replacement ? He said he would "get back to me" regarding my offer!! Should I hold my breathe waiting for that call ??????? Seriously, it is incredible what modern medicine can do in the 21st century !!!
On the Lakeview Basketball front, our Boys Varsity squad has participated in two tournaments thus far, and has done...........OK. Even though we currently stand at 0-4 record-wise, I feel that we are making strides to get better. These four games have given me a chance to evaluate my club, and the individuals on it. I feel we have 16 good athletes on our team, but not necessarily 16 good basketball players. It appears, and this has been substantiated, that quite a few of the players have only started playing basketball in very recent years. Our practices have been good, and the improvement levels are rising........AND THEY NEED TO KEEP RISING!!!!!!! As proof of the "good athlete" statement, one only needs to look at the final results of our recently completed Fall seasons. Many members of our Basketball team were also members of our undefeated Conference Champion Football squad or Conference Champion Cross-Country team. WE WILL KEEP GETTING BETTER, and that is one of my seasons goals!!!
On the Girls side of "hoops", I would like to congratulate Coach Jacob Little, and his squad for their great showing in the last two tourneys since new years! A strong showing in both the Downers Grove Mayors' Classic, as well as at the Westmont Rotary Tourney has once-again gotten the Girls off to a great start!! Twelve months ago, this same scenario took place, with their season ending in a GREAT VICTORY in the conference tourney. This included stunning wins over perennial powers Jefferson and the "Paul Bunyon" group from Old Quarry. I am going out on a limb here, and will mention something that not too many people know. Coach Little and his assistants (Brian Kukulski, Elizabeth Schwenkel, Beth Nyhlen, John Holakovsky, and Heather Wrzesinki) put in COUNTLESS hours with District 66 Girl Basketball players. These hours include extra intramural time, weekend basketball leagues and tournaments, and begin with Girls at not only Lakeview, but also Prairieview. GOOD LUCK LADIES as you start your regular season on Tuesday (January 18th at Westmont..4 PM tipoff).
Even though it's 23 degrees outside, with snow on the ground.......I am eagerly awaiting the start of the 2011 baseball season! Cardinal pitchers and catchers report to Florida in 29 days (Feb. 13), with the regular season starting March 31 vs. San Diego (at Busch)!!!!
Despite the fact that it appears that the Cubs will win the N.L. Central, National League, and the World Series, the "Cardinal Nation" will try to hang in there!! In acquiring Carlos Pena and Matt Garza, as well as having Sportsman-of-the-Year Carlos Zambrano all season, I ask how can the Redbirds match-up with mediocre talent the likes of Matt Holliday, Colby Rasmus, Adam Wainright, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina??????? A mediocre pitching staff of Carpenter, Wainright, Westbrook, Garcia, and Lohse will be no match for the power staff of the Cubs (Zambrano, Garza, Wells, Gorzelanny, and Stevens) ........Oh well, let's just look instead to 2012!
Back to basketball....I hope our fans in 66 have a chance to attend some of the 2011 HOME games at Lakeview. They all tipoff at 4 PM, and end at approximately 4:55 to 5:00 PM. Students are allowed to attend, as long as they are in abidance of school rules. IF ANY INDIVIDUAL WOULD LIKE A 2011 BOYS AND GIRLS SCHEDULE, ALONG WITH THE RULES OF ATTENDING, please e-mail me at tdodd@ccsd66.org and I will reply with the schedule, etc.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK........ROLL SPARTANS!!!!!!!.....PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Tom Dodd
Just a "quickie" this morning, with the hope that the Spartan Nation has gotten off to a great start in 2011 !! I have !!
As most of you know, I had some surgery in late September, and to make a long story short, have been feeling GREAT ever since!! VERY GOOD checkup yesterday, to the point that I asked my cardiologist if they were looking for a "poster child" for aortic replacement ? He said he would "get back to me" regarding my offer!! Should I hold my breathe waiting for that call ??????? Seriously, it is incredible what modern medicine can do in the 21st century !!!
On the Lakeview Basketball front, our Boys Varsity squad has participated in two tournaments thus far, and has done...........OK. Even though we currently stand at 0-4 record-wise, I feel that we are making strides to get better. These four games have given me a chance to evaluate my club, and the individuals on it. I feel we have 16 good athletes on our team, but not necessarily 16 good basketball players. It appears, and this has been substantiated, that quite a few of the players have only started playing basketball in very recent years. Our practices have been good, and the improvement levels are rising........AND THEY NEED TO KEEP RISING!!!!!!! As proof of the "good athlete" statement, one only needs to look at the final results of our recently completed Fall seasons. Many members of our Basketball team were also members of our undefeated Conference Champion Football squad or Conference Champion Cross-Country team. WE WILL KEEP GETTING BETTER, and that is one of my seasons goals!!!
On the Girls side of "hoops", I would like to congratulate Coach Jacob Little, and his squad for their great showing in the last two tourneys since new years! A strong showing in both the Downers Grove Mayors' Classic, as well as at the Westmont Rotary Tourney has once-again gotten the Girls off to a great start!! Twelve months ago, this same scenario took place, with their season ending in a GREAT VICTORY in the conference tourney. This included stunning wins over perennial powers Jefferson and the "Paul Bunyon" group from Old Quarry. I am going out on a limb here, and will mention something that not too many people know. Coach Little and his assistants (Brian Kukulski, Elizabeth Schwenkel, Beth Nyhlen, John Holakovsky, and Heather Wrzesinki) put in COUNTLESS hours with District 66 Girl Basketball players. These hours include extra intramural time, weekend basketball leagues and tournaments, and begin with Girls at not only Lakeview, but also Prairieview. GOOD LUCK LADIES as you start your regular season on Tuesday (January 18th at Westmont..4 PM tipoff).
Even though it's 23 degrees outside, with snow on the ground.......I am eagerly awaiting the start of the 2011 baseball season! Cardinal pitchers and catchers report to Florida in 29 days (Feb. 13), with the regular season starting March 31 vs. San Diego (at Busch)!!!!
Despite the fact that it appears that the Cubs will win the N.L. Central, National League, and the World Series, the "Cardinal Nation" will try to hang in there!! In acquiring Carlos Pena and Matt Garza, as well as having Sportsman-of-the-Year Carlos Zambrano all season, I ask how can the Redbirds match-up with mediocre talent the likes of Matt Holliday, Colby Rasmus, Adam Wainright, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina??????? A mediocre pitching staff of Carpenter, Wainright, Westbrook, Garcia, and Lohse will be no match for the power staff of the Cubs (Zambrano, Garza, Wells, Gorzelanny, and Stevens) ........Oh well, let's just look instead to 2012!
Back to basketball....I hope our fans in 66 have a chance to attend some of the 2011 HOME games at Lakeview. They all tipoff at 4 PM, and end at approximately 4:55 to 5:00 PM. Students are allowed to attend, as long as they are in abidance of school rules. IF ANY INDIVIDUAL WOULD LIKE A 2011 BOYS AND GIRLS SCHEDULE, ALONG WITH THE RULES OF ATTENDING, please e-mail me at tdodd@ccsd66.org and I will reply with the schedule, etc.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK........ROLL SPARTANS!!!!!!!.....PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!
Coach Tom Dodd
Monday, January 3, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR, and believe me.......IT IS A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!
Greetings to the Spartan Nation!!!!
It has been quite a while since I last "dropped in", so I have some things to cover!!
First off, a special "THANKS" goes out to the staff at Lakeview, and in particular my P.E. partners Miss Nyhlen and Mr. Dvorak. In my absence, they did a great job filling my substitutes in on every phase of our P.E. program. It sounds like P.E. rolled along with Mr. Stahoviak, Mrs. Mlyniec, and Mrs. Daly filling in. Mrs. Daly was my sub the day I dropped in to visit before Thanksgiving and my return, so I never had the opportunity to say good bye to Scott. He is currently filling a maternity leave along the north shore.
Bowling has come and gone, as well as the unit ALL the Lakeview students LOVE!!!!!!.......DANCING!!!!!! And once again this year, it was outstanding, culminated by the 8th grade ball-room dance the 17th of December! My special "THANKS" go out to Mrs. Garvey for once again doing an outstanding job as the 8th grade instructor!! As well, to all the parents who donated treats and attended "the gala event"!!!
Rollerblading started today, and it seems like everyone got off to a great start!!!!!! Stay on your feet and don't fall down!!!!!!!
My Freshmen Football Mustangs finished a strong season by going 6-3, with Mr. Zach Tomanovich (DGS '09) taking over my play calling, and winning four straight games. Brian Kukulski (Ide P.E.) assumed much of the Freshmen load in my absence.......Thanks Brian!
I know that a huge group of 66 parents, students, etc. followed my recovery on the CaringBridge. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring from all of these great people!!!!!! This only encouraged me to work hard during my recovery and rehab!!!!
My cardiovascular surgeon would not allow me to return to school until an 8 week period elapsed following my surgery. Sooooooooooooo, I took this time at home to prepare much paperwork for the 2011 football season. I am ready to go!!!!!!!
During the end of the 2010 football season, I had the opportunity to accompany some friends to see some great football. I accompanied Coach Slayden north to the University of Minnesota to see the Golden Gophers upset the Iowa Hawkeyes. Steven Slayden (LV -'04....DGS-'08) was asked to return to the at U of M cheerleading squad after a tragic car accident took the lives of two U of M members!! The Iowa / Minnesota game was a "barnburner" that came down to the last series before a Gopher win!! GOPHERS---27 HAWKEYES---20
The weekend before Thanksgiving, the opportunity came along to attend the Air Force-U.N.L.V. football game. While others went to explore the "fun" this trip allowed, I had the opportunity to visit the coaches at U.N.L.V., as well as catch up on old times with former D.G.S. head varsity coach Tim Mash. What a great day recalling old times, and even his mention of how tough Mr. Dvorak was playing offensive line when he was many times outweighed!! At the game, our traveling party secured pre-game field passes, at which time I had the surprise and distinct pleasure of meeting the United States Air Force THUNDERBIRDS, commanded by Lt. Col. Case Cunningham. This was a photo opp that I will never forget!!!!!!! AFA---35 UNLV---20
Following a GREAT and PEACEFUL Christmas with my family, I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the 2010 INDEPENDENCE BOWL in Shreveport, La.. Former Spartan and Mustang Zack Bell and the United States Air Force Academy Falcons were pitted against the Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech on December 27th. Following a great flight to Dallas, and a leisurely drive while listening to the Bears beat the Jets, I was afforded the opportunity of spending three days in a true football environment with Zack, Mr. and Mrs. Bell, as well as the players and coaches of the Falcons!! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!! Everything about these guys is FIRST CLASS!!!!! Manners on the elevator, holding the doors for females, pants pulled up with no boxers showing, on-time for meetings, "Yes Sir.....No Sir", and the list goes on and on!!!! Being around these guys make one know that our country is in safe hands.
As a bit of background information, Zack is in the middle of his fourth year at the academy. During his first two seasons, Zack served as the backup placekicker to an All-American, Ryan Harrison. Between his second and third year, Zack was asked to be an instructor at "Jack's Valley", the indoctronation point for all incoming cadets in July. Upon return from this three week period, Zack went immediately to the practice field, at which time he seriously hurt his leg. This wiped out his potential starting spot, and allowed another kicker to step in. It was not until the eleventh game of his senior year that the coaches finally figured out that, even though the regular kicker did well in practice, he just wasn't a "gamer". After going 5/10 in field goals, the coaches gave Zack a chance, and it paid off in the final regular season game and the Independence Bowl. In the regular season finale, Zack hit all six extra points, as well as two 40 yard field goals in Shreveport at the bowl. WHAT A WAY TO END A FOOTBALL CAREER!!!!!! AFA---14 Georgia Tech---7
A "kicker" to all this is the fact that Zack's grades are at a level where he will have the choice of picking what field he would like to be in upon graduation from the academy May 25th!!!!!! I told Zack I expected an F-22 "fly-over" at a Mustang football game in 2017!!!!!!!!!! Zack also has an interest in becoming a History instructor at the academy. Nice choices to have!!!!
WELL....................................Thanks for letting me catchup on my life......It has been quite a run since Sept. 28th!!!!!!!!
Drop me an e-mail and let me know what is happening with you!!!!!!! tdodd@ccsd66.org
ROLL SPARTANS!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Dodd
It has been quite a while since I last "dropped in", so I have some things to cover!!
First off, a special "THANKS" goes out to the staff at Lakeview, and in particular my P.E. partners Miss Nyhlen and Mr. Dvorak. In my absence, they did a great job filling my substitutes in on every phase of our P.E. program. It sounds like P.E. rolled along with Mr. Stahoviak, Mrs. Mlyniec, and Mrs. Daly filling in. Mrs. Daly was my sub the day I dropped in to visit before Thanksgiving and my return, so I never had the opportunity to say good bye to Scott. He is currently filling a maternity leave along the north shore.
Bowling has come and gone, as well as the unit ALL the Lakeview students LOVE!!!!!!.......DANCING!!!!!! And once again this year, it was outstanding, culminated by the 8th grade ball-room dance the 17th of December! My special "THANKS" go out to Mrs. Garvey for once again doing an outstanding job as the 8th grade instructor!! As well, to all the parents who donated treats and attended "the gala event"!!!
Rollerblading started today, and it seems like everyone got off to a great start!!!!!! Stay on your feet and don't fall down!!!!!!!
My Freshmen Football Mustangs finished a strong season by going 6-3, with Mr. Zach Tomanovich (DGS '09) taking over my play calling, and winning four straight games. Brian Kukulski (Ide P.E.) assumed much of the Freshmen load in my absence.......Thanks Brian!
I know that a huge group of 66 parents, students, etc. followed my recovery on the CaringBridge. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring from all of these great people!!!!!! This only encouraged me to work hard during my recovery and rehab!!!!
My cardiovascular surgeon would not allow me to return to school until an 8 week period elapsed following my surgery. Sooooooooooooo, I took this time at home to prepare much paperwork for the 2011 football season. I am ready to go!!!!!!!
During the end of the 2010 football season, I had the opportunity to accompany some friends to see some great football. I accompanied Coach Slayden north to the University of Minnesota to see the Golden Gophers upset the Iowa Hawkeyes. Steven Slayden (LV -'04....DGS-'08) was asked to return to the at U of M cheerleading squad after a tragic car accident took the lives of two U of M members!! The Iowa / Minnesota game was a "barnburner" that came down to the last series before a Gopher win!! GOPHERS---27 HAWKEYES---20
The weekend before Thanksgiving, the opportunity came along to attend the Air Force-U.N.L.V. football game. While others went to explore the "fun" this trip allowed, I had the opportunity to visit the coaches at U.N.L.V., as well as catch up on old times with former D.G.S. head varsity coach Tim Mash. What a great day recalling old times, and even his mention of how tough Mr. Dvorak was playing offensive line when he was many times outweighed!! At the game, our traveling party secured pre-game field passes, at which time I had the surprise and distinct pleasure of meeting the United States Air Force THUNDERBIRDS, commanded by Lt. Col. Case Cunningham. This was a photo opp that I will never forget!!!!!!! AFA---35 UNLV---20
Following a GREAT and PEACEFUL Christmas with my family, I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the 2010 INDEPENDENCE BOWL in Shreveport, La.. Former Spartan and Mustang Zack Bell and the United States Air Force Academy Falcons were pitted against the Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech on December 27th. Following a great flight to Dallas, and a leisurely drive while listening to the Bears beat the Jets, I was afforded the opportunity of spending three days in a true football environment with Zack, Mr. and Mrs. Bell, as well as the players and coaches of the Falcons!! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!! Everything about these guys is FIRST CLASS!!!!! Manners on the elevator, holding the doors for females, pants pulled up with no boxers showing, on-time for meetings, "Yes Sir.....No Sir", and the list goes on and on!!!! Being around these guys make one know that our country is in safe hands.
As a bit of background information, Zack is in the middle of his fourth year at the academy. During his first two seasons, Zack served as the backup placekicker to an All-American, Ryan Harrison. Between his second and third year, Zack was asked to be an instructor at "Jack's Valley", the indoctronation point for all incoming cadets in July. Upon return from this three week period, Zack went immediately to the practice field, at which time he seriously hurt his leg. This wiped out his potential starting spot, and allowed another kicker to step in. It was not until the eleventh game of his senior year that the coaches finally figured out that, even though the regular kicker did well in practice, he just wasn't a "gamer". After going 5/10 in field goals, the coaches gave Zack a chance, and it paid off in the final regular season game and the Independence Bowl. In the regular season finale, Zack hit all six extra points, as well as two 40 yard field goals in Shreveport at the bowl. WHAT A WAY TO END A FOOTBALL CAREER!!!!!! AFA---14 Georgia Tech---7
A "kicker" to all this is the fact that Zack's grades are at a level where he will have the choice of picking what field he would like to be in upon graduation from the academy May 25th!!!!!! I told Zack I expected an F-22 "fly-over" at a Mustang football game in 2017!!!!!!!!!! Zack also has an interest in becoming a History instructor at the academy. Nice choices to have!!!!
WELL....................................Thanks for letting me catchup on my life......It has been quite a run since Sept. 28th!!!!!!!!
Drop me an e-mail and let me know what is happening with you!!!!!!! tdodd@ccsd66.org
ROLL SPARTANS!!!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Dodd
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