Sports Notes

NASCAR

Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson on winning his third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. I do not get ESPN Classic so I missed the banquet but I read about some of the highlights. Previous three-peat champion Cale Yarborough was at the banquet and stood with Johnson. Judging by what I've read,it seems the entertainment was better this year though emcee Kevin Costner's apparent lack of knowledge of NASCAR was evident when he called Dale Earnhardt Sr "The Terminator",when of course the driver of the black #3 car was known as "The Intimidator". I hope NASCAR hires a bonafide,genuine NASCAR fan to host next year's award show. NBC newsman Brian Williams would be an excellent choice in my opinion as he is a true NASCAR fan and has a lot of charisma and down to earth charm.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Welcome Lane Kiffin as the new head football coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. Kiffin comes from the NFL,having coached the Oakland Raiders. If the name Kiffin rings a bell, it should. Lane Kiffin is the son of Monte Kiffin,who coached college football at North Carolina State and has been defensive coordinator with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1996. Monte Kiffin will assist his son as defensive coordinator at Tennessee. Bring on the 2009 season. Go Vols!!!!

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Congratulations to Tyler Hansbrough for becoming the all-time leading men's basketball scorer at the University of North Carolina. Previous record-holder Phil Ford was on hand and gave Hansbrough a congratulatory hug after Hansbrough topped Ford's record in a game December 18th in which the Tarheels defeated Evansville 91-73.