I was the worst player on my high school baseball team. But during one drill, I was almost the best. It was a simple ground ball drill. As long as I took the proper “prep-step,” fielded the ball cleanly and threw the ball somewhere in direction of first base, I was allowed to get back […]
Category Archives: Sports Columns
Tanner’s Take: Finding valuable life lessons in a sports cliche -30-
This is my collegiate recap, something of a career-ending column to remember the past four years. So let’s take a look back. My first lesson in the Daily Bruin Sports section was to never use the tired phrase that coaches and players love to recycle: “We’re just taking things one game at a time.” It’s […]
Gabe’s Grumbles: Incoming freshmen class offers hope for men’s soccer next season
The Bruins have no choice but to be better next season, and their hope lies within the crop of top-ranked incoming freshmen. UCLA men’s soccer finished the season ranked 54th in the nation, recording a 7-10-1 record. Its winning percentage of .417 was the team’s worst since 1948. The 2017 season was the first year […]
Nick’s Notes: UCLA Athletics gaining momentum, bringing home national titles
As a transfer student, my time at UCLA is half that of the typical four years. Transfers have to settle for half the classes, half the experiences and perhaps most tragically of all, half the number of sporting events as a student. My shortened time here only made it all the more bitter when, in […]
Un-Connon Opinions: UCLA-USC rivalry continues to be strong in spirit but not in sports
According to UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, the USC-UCLA rivalry is “one of the most unique and storied rivalries in all of collegiate athletics.” The crosstown rivalry is nothing new to students and alumni who once flocked to games throughout the year, hoping their team would come out on top. But nobody seems to really […]
Wang’s Word: Men’s tennis success reflective of coach Billy Martin’s smashing career
When you think of sports dynasties, the coach and the team become nearly synonymous. Nick Saban and Alabama football. Mike Krzyzewski and Duke men’s basketball. Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. LeBron James and whatever team he’s on – OK, maybe not that last one. But here’s another one that should come to mind: […]
Smith Says: Josh Rosen deserves more recognition in the NFL Draft
Analysts are saying Josh Rosen won’t be the first quarterback off the board in the NFL Draft on Thursday night – in fact, he may not even be the second or the third. However, that’s the teams’ mistake to make. Rosen is the best quarterback in this year’s draft class and has the track record […]