Washington, DC Sports Scene

As we head into December, here’s one person’s opinion of the DC sports scene:

- Redskins:  well, many people guessed at the beginning of the season that the Skins would be 8 – 8 this season.  So, with a 5 – 6 record, they seem right on track.   As a Skins fan, it is good to see the team with an experienced and proven coaching staff and GM (which is a far cry from the past couple of years).   There’s still a long ways to go — especially in improving the talent on the offensive line, WR and RB.  It is good to have a veteran QB in Donovan McNabb in place for the next few years.  But, it’s still a bummer to see that their highest paid player is a part-time player.  Heck, the highest paid player should be the hardest worker in practice and the one that produces at a high level on game days (think Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Alex Ovechkin).  They do have a tough road over the next 5 weeks as they face the Giants twice and a couple of other squads with winning records.

- Capitals:  well, fortunately, DC has the Caps.  After 1/4 way through the season, they have the best record in the NHL.   The games at Verizon Center are a complete blast — fun, riveting and exciting — and always sold out.  It’s now the “it” tix on the DC sports scene.  What a great core of young, fantastic players in Ovie, Semin, Green, Backstrom, etc.   And they should just picked up a good vet D to shore up the back line.  It should be a great few months coming up for the Caps.

- Wizards:  the record is not much better than last year but they’re playing a much more exciting brand of basketball.  And, there’s definitely a core of good, young talent that should grow over the year.  Although he’s been injured the past couple of weeks, it’s great to have John Wall here in DC.  And, Gilbert is regaining his smooth stroke.  I believe they’ll continue to improve throughout the season as the team starts to learn to play together.  No playoffs this year but they’re back on the right track — and following the Caps model of building a core of good, young talent.

- Nationals: no real update here since it’s the off-season but let’s hope they pick up a good veteran starting pitcher and a quality 1B.   The Nats fans love Adam Dunn but management might be seeking a 1B that both hits and plays a good defensive 1B (which is important with a young 2B and SS).

- DC United: I like the move of picking Ben Olsen as the head coach.  Yes, he’s young but the team seemed to respond to him.  The bigger news in the soccer world is Thursday’s announcement of where the World Cups will be played in ’18 and ’22.  One would assume that England is the favorite for ’18 and the US for ’22.

- Mystics / Freedom:   it’s good to see both women’s professional sports leagues continuing to fight the good battle.   I think it’s important for youth girls to have role models such as the WNBA and WPS players.

- Georgetown:  the Hoyas hoops team is off to a great start.  They have a tough game tonight against Mizzou, then the real excitement will start with the Big East action in the latter part of December.  They have a terrific group of guards in Freeman, Wright and Clark.   Mad props to the Lady Hoyas for their great start – victories in the past couple of weeks against the past national champions, Tennessee and Maryland.  Also, kudos to the Women’s Soccer team for their 3 NCAA Tourney victories as well as to the Football team for their 4 wins this season (big improvement from the past couple of years).

- Maryland:  I’m very happy for Coach Friedgen for garnering ACC “Coach of the Year” honors.  Good for him – quality, stand-up guy.  It’s good to see the Terps playing well this year.  And it looks like Gary Williams has another good, exiting squad.  Along with the Caps games at Verizon, one of the best and most exciting sports experiences in the DC area is watching an ACC hoops game at Comcast Center.

Veterans Day

As we honor Veterans Day today in the US, I think fondly of my three heroes and influencers in my life — my Father, my Uncle Art and the father of my longest and closest friend, General Guthrie.  I’ve blogged several times about the impact these three men have made on my life and I will continue to do.   My three heroes, who were all military veterans, have passed in the past three years and each one is resting peacefully at Arlington National Cemetery.

My father was a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, my Uncle Art was a retired Air Force Colonel and General Jack Guthrie was a retired 4-star US Army General.   I learned so much from these men — the important values of honesty, integrity, treating everyone fairly and with respect regardless of rank or race, etc.  They also taught me the joys of watching and avidly following Sports as well as embracing fun in life — having a good sense of humor and enjoying life to its fullest.

Why am I so heavily involved in non-profits, philanthropy, mentoring and community service?  There’s no doubt about the deep impact that two of my mentors, Ted Leonsis and Mario Morino, have made on me over the past 10 – 12 years.  After all, they are two of the leading philanthropists in the greater DC area.  For that, I eternally grateful.

But, in looking back at who impacted me when I was a kid, I absolutely think of Dad, Uncle Art and Gen. Guthrie.  Of course, I must also pay homage to their wives — my wonderful Mom, my beautiful Aunt June and the loving Mrs. “Buppy” Guthrie.   All of these people have shown me so much over the years.

As I promised my father, Uncle Art and General Guthrie on their final days on earth, I will continue to try to do my best to live life the right way – the way they taught me – and will continue to allocate a good portion of my life to giving back, helping others, mentoring others, teaching others, etc.   That is my promise to my heroes — and my small way to carry on the legacies these men taught me.

In closing, if you have the time, when you see a military veteran, please shake their hand and thank them for their service.  Don’t just do it today on Veterans Day, but on any of the other 364 days of the years.   I don’t necessarily care about your politics or beliefs — I ask you to thank them for their commitment and service to this country.  These are indeed brave men and women that are serving our country.  To Dad, Uncle Art, General Guthrie and all of the other military veterans, I love you and Happy Veterans Day.