Gardner building Bluejays into winners

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 16 November 2010 17:37

In the first season of his return as the Tabor College football coach, Mike Gardner did in one season what his predecessor couldn’t do in three: win four games.

Starting with a narrow 23-20 loss to a Kansas Wesleyan team that finshed its season 7-3, Tabor fans noticed the difference in the effort and organization from their team.

It seemed to me that, barring a few mistakes from a team Gardner had together for only a few weeks, Tabor was doing the right things.

In fact, take away a Coyote kickoff return for a touchdown and Tabor easily could have started the season 1-0.

The next week the Bluejays seemed more focused and better prepared as they shut down Bethany, 33-14, to come away with the first victory for Tabor since...

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Here are the top 5 worst athlete ’dos

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 02 November 2010 15:02

I have always owned a set of hair clippers. It’s not because I don’t like paying for hair cuts or that I try to keep as well-groomed as possible. In fact, I hardly ever use them.

I own hair clippers because every so often I get a wild hair to grow my hair as long as I can stand it. Of course, my venture into the realm of the long-locked doesn’t last long and always ends with an old-fashioned Army-type head procurement.

This is a practice I’m passing along to my almost 2-year-old son.

Lately, my head shavings have become fewer and farther between because of my incredible moving hairline. But this Sunday it felt right.

This self cut was unique, because it was the first time my daughter Rubi had witnessed the ritual. As my beard...

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New technology measures effort

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 19 October 2010 16:08

Advances in technology may help the New York Knicks out of the NBA’s Atlantic Division basement.

A microchip device sewn into the practice jerseys of the overhauled Knicks roster will help second-year head coach Mike D’Antoni keep track of who is and who is not putting forth effort in practices.

The device sends a signal to a laptop, gauging effort movement such as jumping, running and contact. The Knicks’ coaching staff looks at the data received to determine the amount of effort players are giving during practices.

Located above the numbers of all players, including key newcomers Amare Stoudamire, Raymond Felton and Anthony Randolph, the system, called LOAD, could be a valuable tool in teaching the young Knicks the level of...

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What happened to the vintage gym teachers?

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 21 September 2010 18:03

Does anyone remember the movie “Mr. Wood­cock” with Billy Bob Thornton?

Thornton played a junior high physical education teacher that used politically incorrect tactics to toughen and educate early-adolescence boys.

As with most Generation X males, I had a junior high P.E. teacher—back when it was still called “gym”—similar to the one depicted by Thornton.

In today’s coddle-our-kids-or-sue-the-school society, he would be fired immediately or never hired in the first place. But to me he ranks among the top three of my most memorable educators.

Did he sometimes embarrass you in front of your peers? Yes.

Did he bean you with a baseball when you crowded the plate? Yes.

Did he call you out when you missed a layup after a...

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