JDH SPORTS

I Love Hockey!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:10:00 +0000

More to the point, I love watching my boys play hockey. Devan had a solid weekend playing a little puck scoring a game winner with 3.6 seconds left. Solid play all weekend resulted in some pretty good stats but after getting a bye as the first seed they were upset by the 5th seed. Big D played pretty good but the teasm had some serious breakdowns that resulted in the loss.

Jordan finished his redshirt year at the Abbey. Great grades were the icing on the cake. Look forward to a strong 2009 season. It's good to have him back home for a bit. He ran into some friends from the Comets and they have the itch again. I think they are looking to play a few tournaments this summer. I can't wait.

Soccer, Hockey, Life

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Ok, been quite busy lately. A brief rundown of the goings on. Big J is enjoying himself at college. Practicing hard, studying hard. He's had a little playing time. Obviously not as much as he would like but it will come. He is behind 2 seniors.

Dev is really having a blast playing soccer. He is getting better by the day and gets lots of pt. I really look forward to next year, he should be quite good. He is also playing a little puck again. I am glad to see that. He is never happier than when he's in the rink. He has a tourney next month, it will be exciting to see him lace them up again.

The Abbey!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:48:00 +0000

It's official, we have moved Big J into the Abbey. It was a day marked by extreme joy and extreme sadness for everybody. I guess when you are as close to your children, and they to you, it makes it hard to let go. As proud as we are about what J has accomplished, it was very hard to pack up his stuff and move him into the Abbey. It will definitely take some getting used to not having him around all the time. Football Saturdays, the daily Detroit Tiger breakdowns, and the Detroit Lions bitch sessions will now have to take place over the phone. I will really miss that part of our relationship. I guess we can't keep them little forever (as much as we'd like to). Two more years and D will be off to college also, don't even want to contemplate that right now.

GO CRUSADERS!

Take Advantage

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:49:00 +0000

The dog days of summer are here. Older youth athletes have summer workouts and tryouts
for high school teams and the like. What about the younger athletes, what do they do? When my boys were young we did a lot of non-specific games. We played a lot of catch with both footballs and baseballs (hand-eye-feet coordination), played hacky sack (hand-eye-feet), wiffle ball, swimming, and good old fashioned tag. Anything to keep them up and moving. Make it fun and at the same time they will be working on a skill that will benefit them later on in their sports endeavors.

Avoid burnout, no kid can practice a single sport all year and not get tired of it. If they get burnt potential doesn't matter much. Keep it simple, keep it fun, that's what summer is for. There is plenty of time for the structure of competitive youth sports, don't forget to let them have some fun!

Back From Camp

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:29:00 +0000

The young one is now back from soccer camp. He is excited to play soccer again and says he learned a ton at camp. It's good to see him training hard and hitting the weights. I firmly believe that all kids need to have something, some kind of goals to keep them focused and on the right path. Devan certainly has soccer goals in mind. From talking to some of the other kids, he played very physical and was laying kids out all over the field. That's all those years of hockey coming into play.

Soccer It Is

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:46:00 +0000

As of today it looks like we have another soccer player. Devan is now at the Ralph Lundy Team Soccer Camp with Pinecrest High School. He has been working out with some of the kids from the team and with his big brother. He should be pretty good once he gets into the flow of things. It's been awhile since he has played for real.

Its great for him to get back into athletics after getting hosed from the baseball team. I feel he will get a fair evaluation from the soccer staff as they treated my other son very fairly.

Soccer Again!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:52:00 +0000

Looks like baby huey has decided not to pursue football in the fall but rather follow the man-childs' legacy on the pitch. Devan has decided to play a bit of soccer. He should do good as he is quite fast and strong. He will need to get in a bit better shape to keep up with Coach Martin and his maniac running.

Soccer camp in July for the boy. We are excited to see how it goes. Stay tuned!

Update

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:38:00 +0000

It seems Mr. Mike Ingram is on the run. As posted earlier he is wanted for child porn. Not surprised that he is on the lamb. I hope they find this creep and he gets what he deserves. Will keep everyone updated on this and Mr. Ahmed.

On a better note, I will get back to the original intent of the blog, youth sports and training. Coming soon.......

Disturbing News

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:02:00 +0000

For the second time this year an athletic acquaintance has been arrested. It is a very disturbing trend to say the least. Worst part about the recent indictment is we had alerted the Triangle Football Club, in the coaches review at the end of the season, that we felt there was improper conduct on the part of the coach. We did not suspect anything was going on, we just thought it improper that a coach would allow a team member to spend hours in said coaches room alone, just coach and player as well as other instances of improper conduct. To my knowledge this was never addressed as my son was promptly cut the following year(wonder why?), and coach continued to work with the kids.

I actually was good friends with Mr. Ahmed and was truly shocked when this news broke. Coach Ingram was an idiot, I knew something wasn't right with this guy.

So lets get right to it, here is both creeps who are in trouble(innocent until proven guilty):

Raleigh, N.C. — A former youth soccer coach has been indicted on charges of having child pornography on a computer.

A Durham County grand jury indicted Michael Anthony Ingram Monday on seven counts each of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Ingram hadn't been arrested by Wednesday evening. He couldn't be reached for comment.

The charges stem from videos and pictures on a computer hard drive that depicted minors engaged in sexual activity.

The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, but it was unclear Wednesday what prompted agents to search the computer.

Ingram was a soccer coach at Leesville High School from 2004 to 2006, when he moved to coach at East Chapel Hill High School. He also worked as a teacher's assistant at both schools.

The indictments allege that the pornographic videos and images were obtained between July 2004 and August 2007 – the period he was at the two schools.

Ingram also has coached in youth leagues across the Triangle, including working for the Triangle Futbol Club until February.

Dewan Bader, director of coaching for Triangle Futbol Club, said club officials asked East Chapel Hill High officials why Ingram resigned from the school after one year but couldn't get any details.

Ingram was let go from Triangle Futbol Club for failing to hold up his responsibilities, Bader said.

Raleigh, N.C. — A Wake County grand jury has indicted the co-owner of an Apex sports facility on charges involving sex offenses against children.

Richard James Ahmed, 47, of 210 Michelangelo Way in Cary, was indicted on indecent liberties with children, soliciting a child by computer and attempted dissemination of obscenity to minors.

Ahmed was arrested three weeks ago at a Raleigh park after a meeting had been set up with a 14-year-old girl he had met in an Internet chat room, police said. Ahmed told police he went to the park to lecture a girl about meeting people online.

He is the co-owner of Dream Sports Center in Apex, which offers facilities for basketball, roller hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and other sports and hosts camps and clinics for children ages 5 and up.

Must you travel?

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:54:00 +0000

I have been asked the question a lot. Does my young athlete need to play with the big clubs(which almost always involve a ton of travel)? My answer to that is no. Contrary to what the big clubs want you to believe, it is possible to land a college scholarship without traveling all over the country. It is possible to get recruited off the local High School team. It takes a bit of work on the parents part, but it can be done. If your son or daughter is good enough to play at the collegiate level then with a bit of effort on your part, your son or daughter will play college ball. We will get into this subject in greater detail later. It is time however to get back to the journey.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:59:00 +0000

It's a done deal. Big J will be a Belmont Abbey Crusader! A tough road for sure, but one that has made him both mentally and physically stronger. This lesson will serve him well in life.

Baby Hughie has been spotted on the soccer field and word has it that he's not half bad. As a youngster he was pretty darn good. Is there futbol in his future? Time will tell!

The Good And The Bad

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:54:00 +0000

It looks like the knee injury will be looked at in the future as a minor setback on Jordans road to college soccer. He has been offered a spot on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders. The letter of intent is sitting on the table now. It should be official soon. He really enjoyed his visit, liked the coach and the players. He is pretty excited.

Devan was the recipient of a nice hose job during baseball tryouts. Seems the team was pretty much picked long before tryouts. From the buzz at the school, he never had a chance. All indications are he played more than good enough at the tryouts. Whatever, temporary setback. Looks like he may play under the lights this fall and take a crack at some football. With his speed and mean streak, should be fun to watch!

Application Time

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Application time is in full force at our household. Big things happening in the next few weeks. baseball tryouts in early February. Soccer showcase early February. Both boys have been working hard getting ready for their respective sports.

Exciting times!

Michigan vs Florida

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:43:00 +0000

To conclude our stay in Florida we decided to go to the Capital One Citrus Bowl. What an excellent decision.

The four of us watched as the Wolverines one a hard fought and emotional game. We had the time of our lives. With gator fans everywhere the family displayed the colors proudly. From the tailgate to our boys hoisting Coach Carr and carrying him off the field, it was a truly memorable day. We have had many great days as a family, but this one seemed extra special. Maybe because my sons are getting older, I don't know, but it was a spectacular day.

GO BLUE! HAIL TO THE VICTORS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:35:00 +0000

What an excellent end to the year that was filled with such hardship on the field. The man-child played his first soccer since the injury.

Heading to the Tampa SunBowl we were very nervous, full of anxiety, and anxious all at the same time. As parents our only hope was to get through the tournament without injury. A few minutes here and there were all we wanted. Well, everything went extremely well. Over 30 minutes a game with one game of 50 minutes. No injuries, no hesitation. Jordan and his TFC teammates played their hearts out.

Starting the tourney with three dominate wins they went into the fourth game only needing a tie to move into the playoffs. It was a very good game with us getting an early 1 goal lead. 2 minutes left in a tie match the college boys from clearwater scored a heartbreaking goal to knock us out of the tournament. Not bad for a bunch of boys still in high school playing an age group up!

The Time Is Near!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:36:00 +0000

Very soon the boy will take the field for the first time since the injury. It is a time of apprehension and anticipation. He is very ready. We are too, just nervous as hell. He has put in a lot of time and effort to make it back for The Tampa Sunbowl, and I would hate for him to have any kind of setback.

We will also be partaking in a football game. The Citrus Bowl (Capital One Bowl) in Orlando Jan.1 will be a very good game. Michigan vs Florida, should be a dandy. A good reward for another trouble free year from the boys. Good grades, work hard, stay out of trouble, that's all you can ask.

The Lengths

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:57:00 +0000

The lengths some schools will go to to get the championship. I believe this is a problem that is much larger than anyone wants to admit. The recruiting of high school players will only become worse as high school sports veers ever so close to the mess that is college athletics. This is not a new practice just more wide spread. Read the complete article here.

Its all the same!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:45:00 +0000

Took the family north (back home) over Thanksgiving. Had the opportunity to watch my nephew play some basketball.

Its all the same everywhere. It doesn't matter which sport, doesn't matter which state, its all the same. Parents fretting about rankings, players fretting about rankings. Parents worrying about scouts, players worrying about scouts. The same petty nonsense here and there. Its all the same!

UM-OSU Again!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:36:00 +0000

Argh! It is not a happy day. Our beloved Michigan Wolverines fell again to the nuts. Around this house, nothing is worse. It has been a trying year. Unfortunate for the Seniors (they never beat the nuts), as Hart and Henne were bitten by the injury bug. I don't think they were anywhere near 100% for the game. They both have been outstanding Michigan men and will be missed. Jake Long, it has been a pleasure watching you play, truly dominate! The rest of the seniors-Good Luck and thanks.

To Mr. Carr,

Thank You for many years of great football, excitement, and a truly classy tenure at the finest institution in the country. We wish you the best!

Dreaded This Night!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:03:00 +0000

Last night was the night we all dreaded, High School Soccer Banquet Night. It was a very hard year. We tried to stay supportive of the program but to sit and listen to everything about the season, awards, all conference, all region, etc. just sucks.

All those awards were supposed to be my sons', not someone else. He trained his ass off getting ready for this season only to have it all taken away. He loves his HS team and wanted to lead them to great things.

Jordan did a great job of helping the team despite his injury. He coached the younger guys, giving them tips, and getting on them when they were lazy. For this he was recognized by his coaches and teammates, he received the coaches award. I am very proud of him. Many athletes pack it in when faced with adversity, he rose to the occasion. It has made him a stronger man.

On the rehab front it looks like he has gained back most of the muscle mass he lost due to the injury. Everything is looking good for at least a brief appearance in the Tampa Sun Bowl.

Doc Visit

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:59:00 +0000

Today we took a trip to Duke Sports Medicine for the monthly visit. We left with pretty good news. Jordan has been cleared to amp up the workouts. He can now run and do some agility drills outside, amp it up as much as he can handle. We are very pleased with Duke Sports Medicine and in particular Dr. Garrett and his staff. A million thank you's to them!

The Argument

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:12:00 +0000

My sons have this ongoing argument that gets revisited every so often. It's not a bad thing, I actually feel very lucky that they can have this argument. It usually starts when a friend asks the hypothetical question.

Who is better? Who could beat who? The exact question the other night was: "If Jordan was healthy, who would win in a game of posts, Devan or Jordan?" Well guess who got drug into this no win situation? Yeah, me.

They both plead their case. Devan and his 7 National Championships (bad coaches decisions cost them a world championship), Jordan and his National Championship and 2 World Championships. Now pressed for an answer I always side with Devan, he is the king of posts (usually when they are actually supposed to go in the net). This usually turns the argument into a "if 14 yr old Jordan played 14 yr old Devan, who would win?'.

My answer- I don't know, but it would be a heck of a game!

Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:15:00 +0000

We have been practicing hard. Hitting in the cage, fielding at the ballpark in SP. Devan is looking more comfortable every day. He is showing the passion that he used to display in Hockey. I haven't seen it in a couple of years. He really seems to be having a blast. Tryouts in February, I think he will be more than ready.

Another day......

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:23:00 +0000

Another day, more college interest. It is good to be back at it. We were quite worried after the ACL tear, didn't know if the coaches would still have interest. All is well.

One thing I can tell you is I would really hate to be the teams that face the boy when he is cleared to play. He's like a bull in the china shop right know. It looks like the Tampa Sunbowl over christmas will be the target date. We are excited.

It is time to continue with our original purpose with this blog. Hope everybody is ready.

College?

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:24:00 +0000

It looks like everything will turn out fine. Jordan is about a month away from returning to action. The college coaches seem to have a short memory regarding the ACL injury. They are lining up to take a shot at the wonder kid. It should be an interesting winter around here.