36 years later … ‘Do you believe in miracles? YESSSSSSSSS!’

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It was 36 years ago today when America watched a group of American amateur and college ice hockey players who formed the U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. I was in my 20s and glued to the television at my RVA apartment watching the game. Our team was not expected to win against the Russians but it was the Winter Olympics and I watched as much of everything that I could. That night was no different.

It began as a routine game and built from there. By the last few minutes no one was sitting, everyone was screaming, jumping up and down, and the electricity could be felt around the world. “Do  you believe in miracles?” It’s a line that has been passed down through the generations, and I still get chills watching the final minutes of that game.

The movie “Miracle on Ice” captured not only the stunning victory but also the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of that young team as they prepared to go up against the best in the world.

Perhaps one of the best recaps is from Doug Mataconis over at Outside the Beltway (see 35 years ago today: The miracle on ice).

Do you believe in miracles? A ragtag team taught us to never give up. Never.

The story of the 1980 Miracle on Ice

Gold Medal Moment

National Anthem heals at Redskins stadium

By Daniel P. Cortez
Correspondent

Update: Photos of Daniel’s performance.

Performing the Star Spangled Banner in front of 80 thousand screaming Redskins fans may be a daunting task for some, but I view it as great therapy. I’ll be singing it Sunday at 1:00 p.m. when the Skins play the Saints with my Air Force son along-side.

The extreme honor is actually a three-fer during the Redskins Military Appreciation Day program.

Not only do I get to display my vocal ability and represent Vietnam veterans, but the embattled team’s name will be validated by two actual Redskins during pre-game ceremonies.

Before anything, my son, Senior Airman Daniel P. Cortez II, stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and I are proud American veterans and humble descendants of the Tolteca Aztec Indian tribe. We are Redskins.

My relationship with the team dates back to Vietnam in 1971. There, news had reached front line troops that Hall of Fame coach George Allen would become the new Redskins coach. It was a badly needed morale boost for those of us of Native American heritage.

UCI Road World Championships to take place in Richmond September 19-27

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It has been the chatter of Richmond for several years as the city and surrounding areas prepared for a world-class cycling event. Now it’s only 51 days away.

For the first time in 30 years, the  nine-day Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships cycling event will be held in the United States and, even better, it will take place in Richmond from September 19-27, 2015. Cyclists from around the world will converge on Virginia’s capital city for this annual competition that will feature the best cycling has to offer including 12 Championship races for Elite Men and Women.

As described on the website, “It is a rare opportunity for the athletes to compete for their country, just as they do during the Olympic Games. Athletes compete in three different disciplines including the traditional Road Race, the Individual Time Trial and the recently introduced Team Time Trial. World Champions are crowned in each discipline.”

Priceless … 12-year-old Houston Rockets National Anthem singer reacts to congrats from J.J. Watt

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Twelve-year-old Nicholas Connor sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the Houston Rockets game, and his reaction afterward when congratulated by player J.J. Watt is priceless.  See J.J. Watt surprises 12-year-old singer following incredible national anthem.

It’s time to reinstate Pete Rose

Pete Rose

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Yes, I’m old enough to remember when Pete Rose was suspended from baseball. It was 25 years ago. I’ve also watched sports figures practically thumb their noses at the rules in the years since for a number of infractions but none have been penalized like Pete Rose who was banned for life.

It’s time already. Reinstate him and then put him in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Pete Rose is now 73 years old. He has, in my opinion, more than paid for his mistake. He has petitioned the new Major League Commissioner Rob Manfred to be reinstated (see ESPN’s Pete Rose petitions commissioner).

Jeb Bush picks University of Virginia to win NCAA championship

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Governor Jeb Bush has filled out his NCAA brackets and picked the University of Virginia to win it all. That’s right … Jeb predicts UVa will win the Final Four when all is said and done (see his Facebook post here).

That, according to the New York Times’ Nick Corasaniti (see Jeb Bush’s Pick to Win It All, and It’s Not Kentucky) who tweeted out the news on Tuesday.