Real Sports Talk with E$

Wow.

It’s the last column I will write at Plymouth State University, and it doesn’t feel like I’ve done as many of these as I have. When I started writing these columns, not too many people read these things, except for a bunch of my buddies on the 6^th floor of
Grafton. When I started writing this column, I thought people really cared about my opinion on miscellaneous things that I cared about with sports, but I eventually caught on that all they care about were the bullet points that I put on the end of this. I can understand why, as I’ve never really been one to shy away from voicing my opinion. Me being as opinionated/vocal/loud as I am has gotten me in some trouble in the past (and will probably piss people off when this column is all set and done), but I’ve become a big believer in getting my opinion off of my chest. People don’t like being lied to (or so they claim), so what the hell is the point of being any other way?

There are so many people that I’ve come across over the years here at Plymouth State University, and it really blows my mind that my time is coming to an end here.

When I first got to PSU my freshman year, I’ll never forget move-in day. After my parents dropped me off, I started to ball my eyes out, as I knew my relationship with my parents was going to take its next step. I didn’t know when the next time I would see them would be, and it hit me all of a sudden when they left that I was really on my own. I had to get over that initial emotion, as my roommate, Steve Swiatlowski, arrived within 45 minutes, and I had to become this big, bad sonuva bitch, so he would know who the dominant one was within Grafton 621. The first night that we were there, we were written up, as we were being “too loud” despite the fact that we were laying in out respective beds, watching ESPN, and trying to figure out who the hell we were living with for the next few months. The two of us didn’t like each other for most of freshman year, but after we stopped living together, we became pretty good friends.  Anyway, not sure why I got into such detail with that, but I thought it was necessary to spill that information out there.

In other irrelevant (though I find interesting) sports news:

-In theory I don’t have to write about sports any more, but what the hell would the fun of that within a sports column be?

-With that said, time to rattle off some of my favorite PSU sports memories since I’ve written for The Clock.

-The first one that instantly popped into my head was back in 2012 when Kristen Guest and Nora Regan spray-painted/colored my hair green. I had put in one of my lacrosse articles, that if the team had won ten games in a row (they had won like five in a row), I would dye my hair green. I really didn’t think anyone would notice/acknowledge it, but low and behold, Molly Gleason commented on the article I put on the team’s Facebook that I was “the man”. I was a good spirit about it, and it’s something I won’t forget.

-Down in Salem, Massachusetts, I won’t forget when Ian McGilvrey scored the game-winning goal in November of 2014. I was down at Salem taking pictures of the game, and Gilly went straight to the glass where I was at, excited as hell, and the two of us were going crazy. The other kids on the ice for Plymouth met at that spot, and all six of us were going crazy. I won’t forget that moment, as that was when I knew that the hockey boys really gave a shit about Brillzy.

-Meeting Doug Flutie sophomore year was cool, as I got to shoot the shit with him, and pick his brain for about 20 minutes. One of the first jerseys that I had gotten was a blue San Diego Chargers Doug Flutie jersey, so he’s someone that I’ve always thought of as being the man. He was an awesome guy, and I was fortunate to meet him.

-So unless you live in UY Scuti(which, if centered where our sun is, would have a radius to Jupiter’s orbit), I’ve been apart of the women’s lacrosse team since 2012. In 2011, I wrote articles on the team, and that was about it. In 2012, I started to go to a few road games with the team, and in 2013, I became a manger. When we were coming back from one game (I believe Fitchburg?), instead of taking a bus to the game, we took like three vans. Well, HC Kristin Tracy was driving that fan, and shit got weird QUICK amongst the midfielders that were in that van. Anyone that was within that van knows what I am talking about, and there will be things said in that van I won’t forget.

-Last real memory that stands out to me with women’s lacrosse occurred over Spring Break of 2015. Chapman University had smoked the team, and it appeared that they weren’t going to be too successful against Claremont Mudd-Scripps, who was looked at as the best team that Plymouth was playing. PSU went into the game extremely loose, and pulled off a big 10-7 victory. A lot of things occurred between the span of the two games that really brought the team together (in my eyes, at least), and was awesome to see the team come together for that win. Easily in my top five, for happiest I’ve been to see a Plymouth team win.

Non-sports information of the week:

-Rest in peace Deb Field. I was unbelievably upset when I heard about this, as it really hurt me inside.

-No real rant of the week. It doesn’t feel right to do it this week

-Was glad to see that my prediction of the campus being a nightmare over Spring Fling weekend ended up being wrong. Good job Plymouth.

Time to start acknowledging people over the years (both good & bad)

-Clock people that I won’t forget during the time that I was here. There were so many people that came through the door into the office that left impressions on me. Ben King was a character that I will never forget, as his personality and persona was something that I developed over time. He was someone that would always be good for a laugh. Veronica Musch was the EiC that led the paper to be the most successful over the span that I was here (despite the fact she never read sports), and was someone I looked up to. Maegen Manson, Betsy McCarthy, Rachel Ferranti and Allie DeBlois were a big part of the crew that allowed the paper to be so successful that first year I was sports editor. That was an unreal group of kids, and I could only imagine how the paper would have been like if I was in that class. The next phase of people included Alex Hollatz, Chris Burbank (who replaced me during the 2012-2013 school year while I took classes at home over the Fall semester), Colin Murphy, Rich Duffy and Alex Cabeceiras. That was another fun group of kids that was really the last of the “core” of the clock when I first started writing. All of those guys and gals were a bunch of fun, and made editing nights and absolute blast every week (as the paper use to come out every week). The Spring of 2014 really had only one person graduate in Ali Myers, and she’s probably still looking for the pool in New Orleans. This past winter, Kelly Goodwin graduated, and she was another person that brought an awesome personality to the office. Now-a-days, there are a few great people that will continue The Clock next year. Current EiC Libby Barden has her feet under her, and is going to do a kick-ass job come the Fall. Ben Hunton, Cassie Pearson, Joe Boisvert , Sarah Liebowitz and a bunch of others will make sure that the ink keeps flowing on the paper. Tim Waugh has been one that I’ve enjoyed going back-and-forth with over the past two years, despite my sports section being considerably better than his A&E. Nina Weinstein is another person’s company that I have enjoyed tremendously, and will always appreciate her laughing at the stupid shit that I say. Last, but not least, Rachel Perelli has been in The Clock office for almost the whole time that she’s been on campus, and is someone who will go extremely far in life. She’s an awesome person, and will do great things in the “real world.”

-I’ve become extremely close with the Men’s hockey team over the past year and a half, and there are some unreal people on that team. I’ll miss shootin’ the shit with Tieg Alward, and discussing our love for New Orleans. Nothing will ever be like Ceasar’s Palace down at the ice arena, and Gordie is the man. The Euro’s are another great duo, and I look forward to crashing on your couch during next year’s hockey season. Kyle Brumfield was the first hockey kid I ever met in Calc-2, and is another person that will do wonders in grad school, and for the rest of his life. There are so many players that I really could go on and on about, as they are tremendous people. Credit that to Craig Russell, as he has developed a hell of a program that will win the NCAAs next year (no, I’m not kidding).

-To the Alex Connell and Joe Zmiyarch’s of the world, which basically includes a ton of other “smaller” people who have made me into who I am today, thanks for being a part of the ride.

-My meteorology people have meant a lot to me over the years as well. Rachel Sass, Kyle Martin and Kristen Guillemette were the original people who knew me as E$, and that nickname has stuck around over the years. The three of them will be people that I’ll never forget. Per usual, thanks for all of the support Rachel, as you have meant so much to me over the years. Kevin Lupo was another 2014 graduate whose company I really enjoyed, and am happy that he stuck around Plymouth this year. There weren’t really many people that I enjoyed particularly out of that graduating class, as most people were way too cliquey. Steve Lanciani, Katie Laro, Alyssa Mira (sorry, that’s what I know you as!) and a few other older alumni really shaped the meteorology path for me, and told me what the program was all about before I got into the meat-and-potatoes of the major. Some other met majors who I’ve enjoyed over the past few years include Zach Ruggiero Tom Wendling, Paul Trindall, Chaz Cole and Shawn Handler.

-Gotta get this one off my chest while I’m on the topic of meteorology people. Kissing peoples asses won’t get you where you want to be Alex Herbst. I can’t tell you how little I think of you, as you attacked me as a person last year when we were doing elections for AMS President last year. You don’t have to be in charge of everything that you are a part of in life, and that’s all you have given a shit about since you’ve been on campus at Plymouth. If you “cared” about this school as much as you have, you wouldn’t have taken as many roles on campus as you have, and let others be more successful at these spots. Also, don’t ever try to talk about all this stuff I’ve done for AMS. You don’t give two shits about what I’ve done, and were only looking out for yourself.

-While I’m on the note of people that have pissed me off/given me motivation, thank you, Kyle Ramsey, for belittling my sports section back in October of 2013. Unless you somehow turn into some sort of big time columnist, no one gives a shit about your opinion on sports. Even if they do, you’ll bitch about people over-editing it, and than under-editing it.

-Other people have been on the same meteorology plan as me, including Chris Harle. He’s another person I’ve become close with, especially the past two years. The memories that we made over storm conference this year was awesome, and I hope that you and me are able to get a job together at some weather station over the years. Thanks for supporting me with class and everything else, man.

-The crew currently at 27 Russell have kept me sane and laughing the past 20 months. Thanks for that, all four of you.

-Emily Kane, you’ll always be one of the coolest people I’ll ever cross paths with

-Not sure how Tommy Silva, TJ Palmer and Ethan Scannell have dealt with me all year (though, vice versa). It’s one hell of a crew that lives at 38D Highland, and besides dirty dishes, making messes, and breaking a toilet bowl seat, they’ve been good people. I think (but really guess) I’ve enjoyed living with you three knuckleheads all year.

-Dave Morgan and Ian Urquhart have been two of my good friends since they got to this campus in 2011. Ian, you’ll always be known as condom boy to me, and I’ll never forget that road trip we took in April of 2012. Dave is the beekeeper, and loves to talk about fantastic Italian sausage I cook. Always love it when you ask people random-ass questions Dave.

-I didn’t mention everyone that has been awesome within The Clock office, as Matt Ormsbee has been someone that has been awesome over the past few years. He’s the first one that will get to read this (as he’s editing it), and is someone who I really enjoyed working with. I could only wish that you would have volunteered to be my assistant.

-To Justin Siewierski, you got some big size 15 shoes to fill, pal. Don’t ever hesitate to ask me for help when (not if) you need it. Don’t let this sports section go to hell, which is how I inherited it. I still have people around here that will tell me how it is going.

-I can’t forget about the women’s lacrosse team, and the people associated with it over the years. I’ve been fortunate to meet so many interesting characters over the years, and allowed me to see what it is like to go insane when with a large quantity of girls over Spring Break. For the graduating seniors of this crew, I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed being around you over the past few years, and how cool it has been to see you guys grow up as well. All five of you are such strong individuals, and will go extremely far in life from the character that you have been able to develop, especially the past few years.

- It’s funny how you can become great friends with someone that was your CA, as I did with Angela Kondylis. She’s down in New York City now, and I can’t wait to hang out with her after graduation.

-Ford Lands, Joey Hilley, Nico Garofalo, Steve, Steiner, Scouler, Rocky and Zach Wells were the first group of kids that I really enjoyed freshman year of college. All of these knuckleheads were a part of the 6^th (or 4^th) floor of Grafton, and raised absolute hell while they were at Plymouth. I’ll never forget the brawl that we got into sophomore year, when we “fought” that other floor hockey team, or the stupid stuff that would get said by miscellaneous people over the years. It was great seeing the majority of you over Spring Fling last weekend, and I hope that we can all meet up in the not too far future. You were all great friends, and created memories with me that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.   

-Last, but certainly not least, are Tyler Cote and Matt Cann. Both of these guys were there for me when Steve would piss me off beyond belief freshman year. There are so many memories that I have with these two, whether it be the day that we skied/snowboarded at four different mountains in one day freshman year, the epic road trip that we did back to San Antonio in 2014, or when we would jump in the Pemi after it had just finished being frozen only a few days prior. You guys are life long friends that have meant so much to me over the past few years, and it will be awesome to go through the next few phases of life as we get older. The two of you are people that I can trust, and will always help me with anything that I need. I can’t wait to go to Las Vegas with you guys soon enough, and I am sure that we will have a blast out in Nevada.

-So that about does it with acknowledging people around this part of the world, and if I forgot you/the group you are associated with, don’t take it as a knock.

I really don’t have much more to add to this. It’s crazy for me to comprehend that I’m getting the hell outta this school. It’s been a ride, but it’s time to become a broadcast meteorologist. Don’t let the time you are here go to waste, as college is quite an adventure.

Real talk to the world, it’s time to meet Eric Brill.