Coach from the Couch

This weekend was jampacked with a little bit of everything for me.  Yesterday, I paddled in the Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival to support the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.  We survived two heats and finished second in our bracket by 1.2 seconds.  It was a long but fun day spent with family and friends, and we raised nearly $6,000 for a great cause.

The car was rolling uphill towards the summit.

Last night, the Phillies in typical Phillie fashion, made the city collectively hold their breath for 5 1/2 innings before they exploded.  Ryan Howard’s bomb still has not landed.  I’ll have a full wrap-up tomorrow after Game 2.

The car reached the summit.

Today had the makings of a great day.  Softball doubleheader at 9, Eagles-Niners at 1, Phils-Cards at 8.  Let’s just say o for 2 (and a half).

Despite a 13-6 lead, we found a way to let the boys from Majestic crawl back in and win 15-14 in extra innings.  Little did I know the Eagles were watching.  For the third week in a row, I’m left speechless after the game.  This defense coughed up a sizable lead, and yet again, mistakes crippled our comeback.  Two missed field goals and a Jeremy Maclin fumble sealed the deal.  This may be the final straw.  Alex Smith looked like Joe Montana; the defense looked lost, and our linebacker/safety by committee looked like a Pop Warner squad, failing time after time to take down a gimpy Frank Gore.  I’ve stood by Andy Reid for a long time.  No other coach has had an impact like he has on this franchise ever before.  But it finally looks like they’re being outcoached week after week.  Andy has thrived on controversy in past years, but this shot may be too tough to rebound.

The  “half” is that I pulled my groin during the softball game.  To say it’s been a long day would be an understatement.  Let’s hope Cliff Lee can win one for the gipper tonight and keep the coaster from barreling off the tracks.

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The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation funds research to find a cure for ovarian cancer, screening tests for early detection, breakthrough treatments and insure quality of life for those living with ovarian cancer.  The foundation is a unique 501© (3) not-for-profit organization.  To find out more about the foundation and you can help, please click here.