SB Nation User Blog: Romain El 82

5 Races to Watch in the Off-Season

Romain El 82 — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:42:19 -0000

Steeler football has come and gone once again for the year. No doubt, you've all got things to do or ways to entertain yourselves in the off-season, but there's most likely that sports void. Regardless of whether you follow other Pittsburgh Sports, such as the Pirates and Penguins (who are currently engaged in a hell of a series with the Capitals), there's still something missing. Thankfully for myself, this void is filled in perfectly with the NASCAR season.

Some don't care for NASCAR, and I don't believe I've met a gearhead on here yet, but I'm here to give you the top 5 races of the year, all of which will entertain even the biggest NASCAR cyinc.

The Daytona 500

Commonly known as the "Super Bowl" of NASCAR, this race is the first of the year for the competitors on the NASCAR circuit and is held at the famed Daytona International Speedway. With speeds approaching 200 miles per hour, the cars bump and slide around from the middle of the afternoon until shortly after dusk, when the race ends. This transition, along with the unpredictableness of restrictor plate racing - which forces the cars into large packs where even larger wrecks take place - would make any event exciting. Throw in the "Super Bowl" title and a million plus in prize money, along with the title "Daytona 500 Champion" that will stick with you 'til the grave.

Unfortunately, this event has already taken place for the year; however, it regularly occurs the Sunday after the Pro Bowl, so it's a perfect fit.

Excitement Factor: 9/10

Sports Equivalent: Opening Day (Baseball) mixed with Super Bowl mixed with Game 7 of Stanley Cup Finals

Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway

Although the "Southern 500" name is recently restored (the actual Southern 500 was run during the day on Labor Day weekend), this dusk-to-dark transition race is - arguably - the toughest test on the circuit. During most other events, the competitors race each other, during this one they must first race the track. The historic egg-shaped track built in 1950 (the owner didn't want to disturb his minnow farm at one end, so one corner was shortend) is always a test of skill, as the racing groove is small, the track quick, and the walls unforgiving as the drivers race inches from the wall. Nicknamed "the Lady in Black", for the black marks that will quickly accumulate along the walls of the track as the competitors bounce off it, and "The Track Too Tough To Tame", as no one finishes the race without getting a "Darlington Stripe" along the right side of the his car.

This event is occurring this Saturday night, 7pm, on FOX.

Excitement Factor: 8.5/10

Sports Equivalent: Steelers Defense. This track hits back...and hard.

All-Star Event

The best of the best racing in a 100-lap, no points, winner-take-all shootout. Winner takes home a million bucks, drivers don't have to worry about points, and car owners don't expect to bring the car home in one piece. Held annually on NASCAR's "home" track, at Charlotte, N.C. Lots of fireworks on display under the lights.

This event is occurring May 16th at 7pm, on SPEED.

Excitement Factor: 10/10

Sports Equivalent: A hockey shootout mixed with the HomeRun Derby mixed with triple overtime of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Coca-Cola 600

NASCAR comes off probably the most exciting race of the year in the All-Star race with its' longest race of the year, 600 miles held once again at Charlotte). Beginning in late afternoon and ending well after the sun sets, one must master the changing track, grueling conditions, and impatience of others as he navigates 600 miles towards the finish of this race.

This event is occuring May 24th, 5pm on FOX.

Excitement Factor: 8/10

Sports Equivalent: A 7-OT college football classic.

Sharpie 500 at Bristol

Bristol, the half-mile short track in the foothills of the Tennessee Valley, is the toughest ticket in all of sports. Though the track seats 160,000, the waiting list is longer than that of Packer season tickets. Described as "flying jet fighters in a gymnasium", this is true racing: bumpin', grindin', and tempers flarin'. Under the lights short-track action while a collesium of people look on...it doesn't get any better than this.

This event is occurring on August 22nd, 6:30pm on ESPN.

Excitement Factor: Off-the-charts.

Sports Equivalent: There is none. Pure adrenaline.

Pick a driver, pick a race, tune in and watch the excitement...there's nothing better!

Today (March 30) is my 21st B-Day

Romain El 82 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:02:16 -0000

I know this is a little premature, but after killing myself getting all my work done for this upcoming week, including taking a test early, I plan on having a great time for my birthday, as Monday and the weekend will be a blast. I haven't been posting much recently, as I've been very bogged down in school and real-life issues, but I have kept up-to-date on the happenings of this site. As usual, all the pieces are well-written and thought provoking; I only wish I had the creativity and talent of most on the site.

As a side-note, over the past few hours I've begun to feel rather old and strangely mature. Weird.

In honor of my 21st B-Day, here are my 21 Most Memorable Steeler Moments and Players. As always, thanks for reading.

-1998 Week 13 (Thanksgiving Game vs. Detroit)

This was the infamous "Coin Flip" game, and the only loss on my list. It's memorable, however this was the first live Steeler game for me. The Silverdome was rocking that day...too bad I was rooting for the Black and Gold.

-2001 Week 7 (Bucs)

My best friend from middle school/high school is a Bucs fan, and although the Steelers only won 17-10, they racked up 10 sacks, and this was a huge game for bragging rights between friends.

-2004 Week 8 (Pats)

This was the first week in a 2-week stretch where the Steelers established themselves as the team to beat in the NFL. Going into Foxboro, the Steelers put a dagger in early, capped by the pick-6 by Mr. Townsend, and ended the Pats 21-game win streak.

-2004 Week 9 (Eagles)

Week 2 of the undefeated barrage featured the Eagles coming to town. A thorough cross-state beatdown was higlighted by a frustrated T.O., as he was battered all day by the Steelers D, and ended up yelling at QB Donovan McNabb. Polamalu covered him all day and lit him up while going over the middle. Insult to injury? Hines did the "Eagle Flap" when he scored on a reverse.

-2005 Week 9 (Packers)

Another seemingly dull regular season game, this game was big for me as well, as my little brother and a gaggle of other close friends I know are Packer fans. Even better? Charlie Batch started and won his first game at Lambeau, Duce filled in well for Bettis and Parker, and Troy returned a fumble for a long TD against Favre.

-2006 Wildcard Round (Bungles)

The first game on the magical SB run, the Bengals came into the game thinking they were the big dogs (cats?) on the block after winning the division title, but their hopes were derailed as the Steelers put on a strong second half showing and pulled away.

-2006 Divisional Round (Colts)

The "unstoppable" Indianapolis Colts ran into a brick wall led by Joey Porter and Co. This game was highlighted by intense, hard-hitting action, and a very non-descript, unimportant tackle by 4th-string LB Ben Roethlisberger.

-2006 AFCCG (Denver)

Champ Bailey lost his jockstrap (courtesy of Cedric Wilson) and Ike Taylor caught a pass (courtesy of Snake-Bitten Jake). This was a blowout, and the first AFCCG victory I remember in my lifetime.

-SB XL

Not only was this "one for the Thumb", but it was my senior year of high school, and it was-of all places-in Detroit. I went to most of the pre-game festivities throughout the week, but the wallet contained too many moths and not enough Benjamins to get tickets for this oen.

-2006 Week 17 (Bungles)

After a rather disapointing season, the Steelers finished with a bang, ending 6-2. That's not all they ended; with an overtime victory, the Steelers ended the Bengals post-season chances. Santonio Holmes scored the game-winning TD. Us English majors call this "foreshadowing".

-2007 Week 9 (MNF, Ratbirds)

The first time the throwback uniforms were used, this rainy MNF game featured the announcement of the 75th anniversary team, many of whom were in attendance, and the battered and bruised Ravens getting schellacked by this Steelers Squad. Hines Ward decking Ravens like he was a contractor, Ben having 5 TD passes, and James Harrison ballin' all over made this night special for all.

***Just as a note...my hometown Lions 75th anniversary season was celebrated in style, with an 0-16 finish. Makes me all the more glad I'm a Steeler fan.***

-2008 Week 4 (Ravens)

Another MNF game vs. the Ravens, this game was controlled by the Steelers early before the Ravens came roaring back, then LaMarr Woodley scored his first NFL TD on a FR TD after a sack from Harrison. This was mere seconds after a deep pass to Holmes went for a TD after breaking 2 tackles. Once again, foreshadowing. Jeff Reed would kick the game-winning FG in OT.

-2008 Week 9 ('Skins)

Jason Campbell and the red-hot Redskins hosted the Steelers in this SNF match-up. Campbell was abused all night, as he was sacked seven times, and Byron Leftwich announced his return to the league in style. Steelers cruise to an easy 23-7 win.

-2008 Week 13 (Pats)

The Steelers finally got that elusive Foxboro victory en route to a huge 33-10 win over the Pats. Ryan Clark destroyed Wes Welker, and James Harrison beasted on anyone who tried to block him.

-2009 AFCCG

This game was so epically physical Ali had to turn away. The game was close until a late Polamalu pick-six. The air was taken out of the building, however, when Ryan Clark almost killed Willie McGahee, and both players lay on thee ground for several minutes, with McGahee having to be carted off the field. The Steelers proved who the #1 Defense was, and moved on to SB XLIII.

-SB XLIII

Epic.

My Top 5 Steeler Players of my Lifetime.

1) Hines Ward

Gritty player who does whatever it takes to get the extra 2 feet, let alone the victory. Has overcome so much to do what he's accomplished in his lifetime. Also, I played WR in high school.

2) LaMarr Woodley

A Michigan man, born and bred. My school played against Woodley in high school, and he was a beast. Then went to U of M, another huge bonus for me. Is now wreaking havok for the Steelers.

3) Kendrell Bell

Explosive, hard-hitting MLB who loved the game. I love his play and general demenor; unfortuniately injuries derailed his career and he left the Burgh after a short career here.

4) Greg Lloyd

Mean, nasty, scary S.O.B. Don't remember much about him, as I was still pretty young. Imagine Lambert, Lloyd and Porter on the same LB corps. Beyond scary. which brings me too...

5) Joey Porter

Always produced on the field, and was the vocal leader for a number of years. Got into a fist-fight with the Brownies. Always talking garbage and backing it up. Would want to tag-team with him in a bar fight. Total BAMF.

Looking over Pittsburgh from Marquette, MI.

Romain El 82 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:50:26 -0000

Bumped from the FanPosts. I'll just let the excellent story telling on full display explain why. Kudos to RomainEl82 for this. An impressive addition to an already diverse collection of offerings from him. If only he spent as much thought and passion writing his papers in college as he did finding unique ways to share his stories and love for the game here on BTSC. Hehe. Just playing! Or rather, talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Loved every word. Thanks for sharing.. -Blitz-

*******************************

The Pittsburgh Steelers are my team. Unlike most Steeler fans, my family, for my father is Steeler fan also, is not from Western Pennsylvania. We are not “transplants” like some Steeler fans my age or older.

My mothers' side of the family is concentrated in Oklahoma, and my fathers' side of the family was concentrated in Michigan, specifically Metro-Detroit.

I get asked all the time, up here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, "why are you a Steeler fan?". This comes from a few Lions fans, but mostly Packer and Bear fans. I usually give an answer like "because my dad was one" or "because I value everything their organization represents" or "because of their history".

Weeks before the Super Bowl, a bunch of my friends suggested we have a party for the Super Bowl. Naturally, as the Steelers got closer and closer, more and more people who knew me paid attention to their pursuit of the Lombardi.

Super Bowl night came after what seemed like a million-year wait. I showed up early to my friends apartment to help him cook up some grub for the game. I was wearing my white Polamalu jersey for the first time since I had gotten in (2005) and had my Terrible Towel tucked into my back pocket.

People began showing up, and one of the acquaintances finally asked the question I knew would be asked: "So you're a Steelers fan, eh? How long you been a fan? And why?"

Now, my good friends up here have seen my jerseys, the Terrible Towel hanging above my doorway, the flags and posters all over my room, the fathead, the mini-helmet and Iron City Beer can from the '70s, as well as pictures of my "Steel Curtain" jersey signed by the DL of the 70s team and my helmet signed by those on the 2005 Super Bowl XL team (both of which are kept safe back home), not to mention played Beer Pong on my table.

I turned to this person, the boyfriend of one of my other friends, and said "I've been a fan since I was a kid. The entire organization oozes class, from the Rooneys all the way down to the players. They make smart business decisions and reward those who work hard. They have the best players in the league. They have the best fans in the league.

"They instantly make people friends. When I was driving back up to Marquette I spun out after being cut off and was stuck in a ditch. An older gentleman pulled over and towed me out after it seemed the entire state of Michigan passed me by. As he was getting back into his car, I asked him if I could buy him a coffee or put gas in his car, and he chuckled and declined. "I'm just helping out a fellow Pittsburgh fan," he said, pointing at my jacket. And with that, he was off.

"I love them because the players give their all. They genuinely love the game. I'm not tall enough or fast enough or big enough to continue playing the game, but they are. Americans live out their fantasies through the players, and I can't think of a better team to idolize than our Steelers. You're telling me these faces aren't honest, hard-working people who love what they do and are grateful for the opportunity to play a game for a living?"

I offered to answer any questions they might have using my head and only my head. They asked me the records from year-to-year, team records, years in the Super Bowl, scores, current players heights/weights/colleges, and aced it all. Amazed, they asked how I knew it all.

It's a hobby, I said. It's impossible to not know all of this if you were a Steeler fan. I threw out the comment that the average female Steeler fan knew more about football than most people in the room, which (of course) riled up the room. Steeler fans are everywhere, I said. Watch any Steeler game, and one of the most cliché sayings about the Steelers is "they travel well". B.S., I said. They were puzzled. We're already there, I said.

After the Steelers won, I was left with my friend helping him clean up. He asked me about other Steeler fans; had I met any? Had I been to Pittsburgh? Etc. I told him Steeler Nation was the largest on the planet, and 3000 miles away you could recognize a friend for life because of a simple Towel. Pittsburgh, I said, was a fantastic city, and Steeler games were amazing, even though I've only been to the Steel City (and games in the Steel City) once.

I told him we're a big family. I told him that as a fan, no matter the opponent, you knew when the Black 'n Gold lined up, they would play 60 minutes, give it their all, and more often then not they would get the 'W'. I told him no matter where you were, if you were a Steeler fan, your turf was a little piece of Pittsburgh, PA. I told him that everything I said tonight, everything I feel as a Steeler fan, was authentic; the team, the fans, the city doesn't need to fake anything. We don't have to resort to gimmicks or any of that crap to get excited.

In a way, myself and my family are in our own 1970s version of Pittsburgh. The auto industries are struggling mightily, and my father accepted a buy-out offer and left Chrysler after almost 25 years of service [I'm putting a note in here: buy American cars. Those of you from the 'Burgh know what I'm talking about when I'm saying the region (Michigan) is going to be decimated if things keep going the way they are. Buy Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep-ok, there's my plug].

He's currently employed by the same company he worked for after graduating from U of M, Sikorsky Aircraft, in Connecticut. The only town I've ever known as "home", Rochester Hills, MI, won't be "home" anymore as of June; once my brother graduates high school, my mother and brother are moving out to Connecticut as well.

The only thing keeping myself (and I'm sure my father, who is currently living in a strange state, alone, with no friends and little lay of the land) going are the Steelers. And the way they scratched and clawed this year, refusing to lose, defines them-and my family-perfectly. Winning makes everything go away; losing is borderline apocalypse when things are going bad.

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't a team. They're a beacon of hope, they're a way of life. We are a lucky, lucky fanbase. Thanks for reading Steeler Nation.

[EDIT: I forgot to include this little fact: shortly before kickoff, my friend's sister, with whom he shares the apartment, asked me if I had any more Steeler jerseys, she was wondering if she could borrow one and wear it...I brought the rest of my jerseys over and we had eight people besides myself in Steeler jerseys, rooting for them. Made my night that much more special.]

AFFCG Trophy Broken!

Romain El 82 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:43:16 -0000

PITTSBURGH (AP)— Mere hours after winning the 2009 AFC Championship game and securing a berth in their record-setting seventh Super Bowl, the Steelers Lamar Hunt Trophy was broken.

When pressed for comment, Mike Tomlin chuckled. "After the game we just played, I think it's a very fitting symbol for not only our football team but the season as well. We've had a lot of injuries throughout the season, you know, but guys stepped up. It's a perfect metaphor for our season that will stand for years to come. It's just a shame Mr. Rooney will have to display a broken trophy."

Details about the damage of the trophy, as it passed from player to player in the Steeler locker-room post game were foggy, but one Steeler knew what occurred.

"I passed it off to Limas, and I don't know if he didn't have a firm grip on it, took his eyes off it or what, but all of a sudden I heard a clang and saw [the trophy] bounce off the floor," said Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Information regarding the repair of the trophy was not immediately available.

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

Romain El 82 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:17:06 -0000

I'm hearing now (via NFLN) that apparently Jason Garrett is on a plane to St. Louis...as the next Rams head coach? What? Apparently the Vikings DC (forgot his name, but that position appears to be a good one to snipe new HCs from) was the 'runaway favorite' for the job, until, you know, this happened.

Also hearing that Jon Gruden and Tampa's GM were fired today, opening the door for...Bill Cowher? to possibly take both positions. It's a job BC has been looking for; he gets full power, he's in the NFC, nice location, and has a relatively talented team.

I heard one other name thrown out there: a possible return to Tampa for Mr. Tony Dungy? Dungy retired because he wanted to spend more time with his family, ala Bill Cowher, but Dungy made his home in the greater Tampa area (and he was obviously a great coach for the Bucs, building the team Gruden won the SB with). Coming back to the same franchise he left less than a decade before would be unorthidox, to say the least.

[Edit: Mike Shanahan also wears both the HC/GM hat, and is currently available (I had forgotten about him). Look for him to be a possibility as well.]

When I thought life couldn't get any better...

Romain El 82 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:38:46 -0000

One of my friends directed me to this as well (where they find this stuff, I don't know).

But I didn't even know they made new episodes of "Jeopardy"...guess they do.

Enjoy (I don't know how to embed the videos, but if Blitz or someone wants to then go for it), I got a real kick out of it...the man got what he deserves (kinda).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD1GiJEi1cY&feature=bz301

L-O-Friggin'-L

Romain El 82 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:41:50 -0000

A few buddies of mine from back home were talking about football late last night, and the convo turned to the Steelers/Ravens game (I'm on the only one with a team IN the p layoffs, nevermind one left in the playoffs), and someone made a comment about Joe Flacco's eyebrows.

The inevitable "Chuck Norris' beard" comments/jokes were made, we talked some more, and finally went to bed. I awoke this morning to this picture in my email from one of those friends.

via img.photobucket.com

I have to say, I got a good 5 minutes of solid laughter in before I could finally breath again.

Enjoy, Steeler fans.

I'd like to throw a big "Happy Birthday" out

Romain El 82 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:21:22 -0000

to our fearless leader, Blitz. Today is his birthday, perhaps not a "big" one but it's his day nonetheless.

Blitz runs not only by far the best Steelers fansite but the best fansite of any kind I've ever come across, period, and his dedication to a quality product (and production of said quality product) really show. Everytime I log in (which is multiple times daily, if not hourly) there's always a new, exciting, meaningful, intelligent article or post by Blitz or some other awesome poster.

Just like the Steelers organization itself, I believe good people tend to gravitate towards a great, honest, hardworking person, and for BTSC Blitz is that person.

Happy B-Day bro, and hope it's a great one, and keep up the outstanding work.

Ok BTSC, I need some help

Romain El 82 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:56:39 -0000

To make a long story short, after negotiating with one of my professors, I finally got him to let me do an assignment on a Steelers game instead of a TV show (hey, they're close, right?).

Needless to say, we could pick any TV show from whenever we wanted, so I can do any Steeler game I want.

Ideally, I would like to do the MNF game against the Ravens from last year, but I do not have it on DVD and cannot find it. If anyone has a copy of that game, or knows where I can find one, please let me know! I have about two weeks to do the paper, so I have plenty of time to either wait for a copy of the game or choose another (SBXL or the Division game vs. the Colts also are options at this point).

I all know we turned off that blowout of a game enjoyed every freaking second of that massacre, so I'm hoping someone can help me out.

Thanks guys!

Report: Steelers to Stay with Rooneys

Romain El 82 — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:25:14 -0000

PITTSBURGH (AP)—Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney’s four brothers have agreed to sell a controlling stake of the team to him and his son, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Patrick and Art Rooney Jr. confirmed the deal in a story posted on the paper’s Web site Friday night. They and their other two brothers—Timothy and John—could get a total of $750 million after debt is taken out, according to the report.

Art Rooney Jr. said the brothers hope to get the deal wrapped up before a board meeting in December. Both sides want to get a deal done by then because they are worried about possible higher taxes once the Obama administration is in office.

“It’s a good deal. I’m happy for Dan. I’m happy for the rest of the family. I think young Art, Dan’s son, will do a fine job,” Patrick Rooney told the paper. “I think we’re doing the right thing.”

Art Rooney II, Dan’s son, is the team president.

Each brother owns 16 percent of the team, adding up to 80 percent, with another Pittsburgh family, the McGinleys, owning 20 percent. Those shares are not being sold. The Rooneys’ father, Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr., bought the franchise in 1933 for $2,500.

All this per http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AoyR.AjIhcuUilRex21ikdFDubYF?slug=ap-steelers-ownership&prov=ap&type=lgns

Excellent!