Messages

72 Ryan's shot was off not only because of illness but whenever his opposition player closed out he would smack him in the face.   Ryan spoke to the officials about it but it kept happening so he let them know again and they just shrugged their shoulders as if not to care.   Thank goodness he has a calm demeanour with all that he has to endure during a game of holding, pushing, hitting and bumping with no call.

We will be there can't wait to watch the team live 

So do I 

Thank you so much we are very proud of him as he is a wonderful young man and oh so nice.   We will all miss Valpo so much as it has been such a fantastic place for him to grow as a person and a player, all credit to him and everyone at Valpo.   We arrive soon so we are looking forward to seeing everyone and watching Ryan and the team play live.   You will know who we are, we will be the ones with the big smiles     

Well what a game made even sweeter as it was against Detroit and at their place.  My throat is sore from all the yelling and screaming but it was worth it.   Can't beat a better team than Detroit, they still have no class.   What a game from Kevin, sweet shooting by Matt and thank goodness it was Rowdy at the end hitting those free throws.   But am I mistaken that when you get grabbed from behind it's a intentional?   Enjoy the ride home team that was a sensational come back from a team that didn't give up.       

Thanks Spartan but I don't see Ryan with his hair like that, well lets hope not 

I am so proud of my son and the team, great win on the road fellas 

Merry Christmas to everyone from Rowdy's family in Melbourne Australia, we miss him but skyped with him earlier so that made our Christmas special 

Am I the only one that sees how bad the away refs are and that you hardly ever win on the road?   The home town refs will make sure the home team wins and it was so obvious today.      It seems everyone just accepts that this is how it is well I can tell you it does not happen here in Australia.   We have neutral refs that don't favour the home teams and it makes for fair games.   I don't know how many college games I have watched where the home refs are so bad.   We were not that great but we were never going to win this game and the same against New Mexico, how many times did New Mexico go to the line?   Yes we lost but you know what there are more important things going on in the world than losing a basketball game.   Christmas is coming and God bless all the families that lost a child in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.   Yes we heard about it here and I can tell you all of Australia's hearts go out to everyone involved.   So get a grip people and count your blessings that if all you have to whinge about is a game of basketball then be very thankful.

G'day from Melbourne Australia.   It's now after 2am here and time for all of Ryan's family and friends that sat up to watch the game go to bed.   Great win by the team and a great game by Rowdy.   We can all sleep peacefully now as you all start your day.   Hooroo from all of us down here, Go Valpo!!       

wh 

After reading this story I thought I would add mine.   When we were at the airport ready to board our flight to visit Valpo for the first time before Ryan had accepted the scholarship, I overheard an American guy talking about Indiana and basketball.   I turned around and asked him what he thought about Valpo as we were going for a visit and he spoke glowingly about the school, coaches and basketball program.   If I remember right he went to Indiana State University but said he had a soft spot for Valpo.   It certainly made us feel better knowing that this might be the right school for Ryan and it sure was.   Nice to speak to someone that was neutral and to hear such nice things     

He has been named a reserve so if there are any injuries or illness he has a chance to go to London.   He has trained extremelly well and it's a shame he didn't make the team but we are really proud of him and how he has handled and carried himself at the Boomers camp and on and off the court.       

That I am unsure the camp was run by Andrej Lemanis (New Zealand Breakers Head Coach) and Marty Clark (Adelaide 36ers Head Coach and ex AIS Head Coach) with them consulting with Brett Brown but as to who made the decisions about cutting players?

Hi All, thought you'd like to know that Ryan has made it through the first cut of the Boomers selection for the Olympics.   He is in a squad of twelve to play China in a three game series called the YouYi Games.   Will keep you posted on how he goes and any further news.   

Thanks IrishDawg

I can tell you not many    He cuts it as soon as he gets home and just before he goes back and then maybe once in Valpo.   It's more finding the time and because he has no car has to rely on others to drive him and so it probably isn't that important.   Plus it almost becomes a superstitious thing, he had a wonderful year so why change anything so the hair stayed.   Anyway no one would recognise him with a buzz cut 

Whilst I am here can I also say a big thank you to everyone for the support, love and friendship Ryan received this year.   He could not have done what he did without you all.   We get him home in a weeks time and we are so excited as it's been a long year made even harder as we didn't get to visit this year.   He will return to Valpo ready for another big year with the team and we will be visiting again early next year.   So we look forward to re-aquainting ourselves with old friends and meeting some new ones so we look forward to seeing you all when we come back         

Haha!   Don't worry he will have it cut properly when he comes home next week 

Can't believe no one has posted about this so I think I will.

Congratulations to Rowdy who was honored with the Male Athlete Of The Year.

Congratulations to Will for being named Male Newcomer Of The Year.

And congratulations to Erik for winning the Hustle Award.

Well done to all three on their awards.

Congratulations Rowdy on being selected in the 25 man squad that will vie for a spot in the 12 man team that will travel to the London Olympics.   Fantastic recognition on your wonderful year, good luck and make us all proud   

I hope it doesn't end tomorrow either but if it does we have the Aussie Football season starting soon and we get Ryan home too, lots to be excited about here 

Yes Rowdy was under the weather.   I spoke to him a few hours before the game and he said he had a tummy bug and hadn't eaten all day, that didn't sound good so I was worried.   But I know he would not use that as an excuse as Detroit were better on the day and he tried his hardest just wasn't meant to be.   Well done guys you did us all proud when no one gave you any hope in finishing higher than 5th well you showed them.   Congrats to Detroit but shame on their fans and Jnr for carrying on the way they did, bad language and show boating.   At least our guys know how to win and loose with style,  class, grace and dignity, Detroit could learn a thing or two.   Now dad McCallum take your boy home and give him a clip around the ears because he was embarassing, that's what I would do to my son if he carried on the way that your son did even if I had to stand on a chair to reach him.   Needless to say that wont happen but karma is a b*^#h and you will get yours one day.   I was going to root for the  Horizon League team that made it if we didn't make it well that's not going to happen now and it's not sour grapes on my part just disgust in the way they carried on and the one sided commentating by those two muppet ESPN knobs.   Our guys you've had a taste and now you know what to do next year so the fire in the belly will burn brightly and I for one am looking forward to it all happening again next year and this time we will be there in person to cheer you all on.   Thanks to all the Valpo fans who have supported, befriended, cheered and clapped for Rowdy.   We all appreciated it and I know he has too.   He will be back next year and it will be onward and upward to bigger things for this wonderful group of young men.

Thanks to you all from Rowdy's family in Melbourne, Australia 

Well done Ryan for reaching 1000 points so far, the 31st player in Crusader basketball history.   

Well done Rowdy   

I have heard that the second tech on Ritchie was crap, also the tech on Matt was crap.   What's wrong with showing a bit of enthusiasm and emotion at hitting a 3?   I remember a couple of years back at an away game I was at, Brandon got a tech after hitting a 3 and all he was doing was showing the same enthusiasm and emotion.   The refs are a bit precious and need to grow a pair.   How sad for one of our own fans to get on the Milwaukee board and bag Ritchie, don't see any fans from any of the other teams getting on our board and bagging one of their own