Aug. 12, 2011
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by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
Here is a compilation of Commodore news stories from the last week while I was on vacation…
Guard John Jenkins scored 24 points on eight three-pointers for Team USA and just wanted to thank his teammates for giving him the ball in his postgame interview. Watch highlights
The Commodore men’s basketball team will face a challenging non-conference schedule starting with a home opener against Oregon on November 11. Also, ESPN’s College GameDay will invade Memorial Gym for the first time for the Kentucky game.
Hard work has paid off for center Festus Ezeli, who didn’t pick up a basketball until he was 14.
ESPN.com’s Eammon Brennan thinks the Commodores have all the parts for a big season, but wonders if they have the ability to make a deep run.
James Franklin held his first two-a-day practice Thursday and even participated as a quarterback in a 7-on-7 drill.
The Commodores’ post-practice routine includes cooling off in ice baths to reduce muscle pain and soreness.
Vanderbilt and TSU worked out together in unsupervised 7-on-7 drills during the summer.
Franklin has the drive to jump start Vanderbilt’s football program.
Replacing the video boards in Memorial Gym and Vanderbilt Stadium could be a priority for future facility improvements.
Vanderbilt is working on a four-game football series with Massachusetts to start in 2012.
Jerome Boettcher of The City Paper looks at the position battles at linebacker and receiver.
Toughness should be the last thing you question about Jay Cutler. Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated portrays Cutler as a guy who doesn’t need the attention that comes with being a star quarterback.
Pitcher Navery Moore won’t be in a Vanderbilt uniform next season after he opted to sign with the Atlanta Braves.
Oakland A’s first-round draft pick Sonny Gray is scheduled to make his Double-A debut for Midland on Friday.
Derek Greene says the Commodores won’t miss a beat heading into the 2011 season. Greene was named interim soccer coach after Ronnie Woodard retired just prior to preseason camp.
Additional Commodore News
Football: Commodores feed off of Franklin’s energy, passion (Associated Press)
Football: Norman goes, Smith separates himself in two-a-days (The Tennessean)
Football: Offense features top threats at tight end (The Tennessean)
Football: Vanderbilt (game) plans ahead (The Tennessean)
Football: VU hesitant as defense dominates in full pads (The Tennessean)
Football: Offensive line shuffle may settle with Wesley Johnson at center (The Tennessean)
Football: Monahan aims for full season of good health (The City Paper)
Football: Smith likes way D.J. Moore plays (Chicago Tribune)
Football: Wednesday’s practice report (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Five to Watch– Jordan Matthews (VUcommodores.com)
Football: New desktop wallpaper available (VUcommodores.com)
Baseball: Casali picks up offense (Mlive.com)
Baseball: Baxter called up by the Mets (VUcommodores.com)
Baseball: The Firm of Shields and Price will help you with your pitching problems (MLB.com)
Quick Slant: NCAA reform considered at President’s Retreat (VUcommodores.com)
Soccer: Pair of Commodore defenders discuss preseason training (VUcommodores.com)
Women’s Golf: Duo drops U.S. Am matched (VUcommodores.com)
Open Football Practice Saturday; Paint the Town Gold
The Commodores will hold its only preseason practice that is open to the public this Saturday. Gates at the practice complex will open at 9 a.m., with the session getting underway around 9:30 a.m. Fans in attendance are invited to take part in the “Paint the Town Gold” initiative to distribute posters and schedule cards throughout Nashville.
Commodores Connect: Submit a Motivating Video for the Team
Coach Franklin is asking for inspirational video clips that can be shown to players throughout preseason camp. Make your suggestion today. One lucky fan will win a prize.
Videos of the Day
Coach Franklin has made it a priority for his team to learn the school’s alma mater and fight song.
Coach talks about the meaning of “Discipline” in the second installment of Franklin’s Fundamentals.
Photo of the Day
Joe Howell put together a 16-image gallery from Wednesday’s first practice in full pads.
Tweets of the Day
ESPN just announced time and tv for game at @UofLsports Dec. 2. 8:30 Eastern/7:30 Central on ESPN.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyVandyMBB
VandyMBB
The Tampa Bay Rays are giving away a David Price Superhero Figurine w/ his dog Astro on 8/21 http://twitpic.com/6418shless than a minute ago via Twitpic Favorite Retweet Replydarren rovell
darrenrovell
Song of the Day
Amos Lee was my artist of choice during vacation…