Only one Australian golfer has won The Masters. Although Greg Norman (and Nick Price) share the low course record with an impressive 63, "the Great White Shark" failed to capture the green jacket. His performance is unfortunately, quite memorable. As written in USA Today (April 1996), "Greg Norman shot a startling 78 Sunday in the greatest collapse in Masters history, giving Nick Faldo his third green jacket and sixth major championship." Australia had provided nine Masters runners-up but not a single winner before 2013. That is until Adam Scott made history for himself and his countrymen. No wonder he screamed "C'mon Aussies!" when he nailed a 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole of regulation to tie for the lead. Two shots later, he defeated Angel Cabrera in a sudden death playoff to win the 77th Masters.
And much to my surprise, Australia has but one Catholic saint. Earlier this week, one of my students who hails from Down Under taught his classmates about her: St. Mary of MacKillop. He wanted us to know about her legacy, her ministry and that they are both from Western Australia. He was proud of their shared faith and homeland, so proud, they we were convinced his accent was louder and prouder than usual. He denied it, adding that his fellow countrymen don't all listen to AC/DC or Men at Work, but they do use words like "mate" and "cheers." Less than 12 hours later, I caught an interview with Adam Scott on the Golf Channel. He concluded the conversation by saying...wait for it..."thanks, mate. Cheers." That was fun to see.
Australians' authentic and deep love for their country has always inspired and intrigued me. My student has taught me it's not a blind love; he admits there is a collective recognition that social problems abound: intense racism, sexism and xenophobia. And yet the Land of Oz is home—it's motherland, it's a work in progress, warts, accents and all.
Three Aussies have made the final cut for the 2016 Masters: Adam Scott, Jason Day and Cameron Smith. At this point Day, who lives in the US but refuses to renounce his citizenship, is the only one in contention (he is 3 off the leader, Jordan Spieth). Perhaps he should call upon on the intercession of St. Mary of Mackillop; her prayer is a beautiful one. Or at the very least, should he sink a long put for birdie, yell "C'mon Aussies!" If and when he does, I'll raise my $2.00 cup of beer (no joke...more on that to come) and say "Cheers, mate." Photo Credits Adam Scott
I've said it before and I'll say it again: words have power. Though actions speak louder than words, words speak volumes.
"I love you."
"I hate you."
"Congratulations!"
"It's over."
Those are words that do not fall on deaf ears. And I will never forget the first time I encountered a set of words—powerful ones—that confused me.
I was teaching ethics, we were studying Life Issues and the writings of Pope John Paul II, a saint who wrote extensively on the sanctity of human life. He wrote of the Culture of Death, and referred to abortion as "an unspeakable crime." I wasn't sure what he meant. In due time, I came to understand that some acts are so grievous, so heinous that we don't speak about them—we can't. The emotion they evoke is too tragic. The reality is so painful that we cannot ever speak of them. To describe an act as "unspeakable" gave new insight unto its power. Wow. And yet, an experience I've had this past week has led me to yet another understanding. I leave tomorrow for Augusta, Georgia to attend the Masters Golf tournament. People keep asking me about it and...I don't know what to say. I can't even begin to speak about it. I don't know how to...I don't want to. For me, it's something different. I consider it an unspeakable... grace.
Most people refer to it as a "bucket list" activity, but even that sells it short. I'm trying to put it into another context, but I don't know what...or how. This notion of the unspeakable has helped. I've been to many golf tournaments, including three majors (US Open: 2006 Winged Foot, 2010 Pebble Beach and 2012 Olympic Club). Attending a golf tourney in person isn't the same as watching it on television. Reclined on one's couch, the viewer can see every shot as well as multiple golfers in the field. There isn't much lag time as the camera flies over one hole to the next. The low lull of the announcers offers a sweet accompaniment. I think watching golf, specifically The Masters, is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I think it's my favorite sporting event. But in person, your vision is limited to where you stand beside the tee box or around the green. How this will transpire at the 80th Masters? I know not.
The sheer beauty of Augusta National, a former nursery awaits. The vibrant greens, the pristine white of the bunkers, the neon of the azaleas—it's surreal. I know I'm biased—I love golf—but to me, it's heaven on earth. One one hand I know what I'm in for: Amen Corner, Magnolia Lane, the white jump suits each caddy must wear, the yellow flag, the green jacket, the roar of the crowds and the tears that I have never failed to shed when the winner is crowned. And on the other hand, I can't put words to what will be. I can share fun trivia (see below) and tell you what I know about the culture of the event: food and drink is incredibly low priced, fans place a leave a 3-legged stool beside a green of their choice and can leave it there all day—occupied or not. But ask me how I'm feeling about attending with seven friends, and I can't. It's unspeakable...a true grace....I'm so grateful. Let this posting be an invitation to consider the unspeakable graces in your own life. I can name a few, but I'll let them go unsaid.
Facts and Trivia (Thank you Malia!)
• The Masters is the most viewed golf tournament in the world, broadcast in more than 200 countries.
• Face value of a four-day badge at the Masters is a paltry $250. Unfortunately only a small number are available via lottery; most tickets are provided to members, corporate sponsors and players. Secondary ticket market prices can be in the high four figures.
• Jack Nicklaus is the oldest player to win a Masters Tournament, at 46 years, 2 months and 23 days in 1986.
• Tiger Woods is the youngest player to win, at 21 years, 3 months and 14 days in 1997.
• Gary Player was the first non-American to win the tournament (1961).
• Gary Player (1959-1982) holds the record for: most appearances, 52; and number of consecutive cuts made, 23.
• Nick Price and Greg Norman share the course record of 63, with their rounds coming in 1986 and 1996 respectively.
• In 2013, Guan Tianlang became the youngest player ever to compete in the Masters, at age 14 years, 168 days; the following day, he became the youngest ever to make the cut.
• The highest/worst winning score of 289 (+1) has occurred three times: Sam Snead (1954), Jack Burke, Jr. (1956) and Zach Johnson (2007).
• No amateur has ever won the Masters.
• Mark O'Meara played in 15 Masters before he won in 1998. The average number of attempts before a victory is six.
• Fuzzy Zoeller is the only player to win the tournament during his first trip to Augusta (1979).
• Lee Elder (1974) became the first African American to play in the Masters.
• Only three players have ever won back-to-back titles: Jack Nicklaus, 1965-1966; Nick Faldo, 1989-1990; and Tiger Woods, 2001-2002.
• Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus are the only living pro golfers who are Augusta National members.
• Avid golfer Dwight Eisenhower is the only US president to have been a club member.
• Amen Corner refers to holes No. 11, 12 and 13. In 1958 it was named by Herbert Warren Wind, aSports Illustratedwriter who noted: "Before playing them, pray."
• Rae's Creek was named after John Rae. It runs in front of the 12th green, has a tributary at the #13 tee and passes by the back of the green on #11.
• There are three dedicated bridges at Augusta National: the Sarazen Bridge at hole #15, to honor Gene Sarazen's double eagle there during the 1935 Masters; the Hogan Bridge at the #12 green, to honor Ben Hogan's then record score of 274 in 1953; and the Nelson Bridge at the #13 tee, to honor Byron Nelson's performance on holes 12 and 13 when he won the 1937 Masters.
• The course's bunkers are not filled with sand, but rather a waste product from mining aluminum. This produces bright quartz, which is why the sand traps at the Masters are so sparkly white.
• The ten cabins located on the grounds provide lodging for members and their guests. One is named Eisenhower Cabin because the Club built it for President and Mrs. Eisenhower to use during their frequent visits to Augusta National.
• In May, on the last day before closing for the summer, Augusta National's caddies play the course for free.
I think pranks are underrated. If I had my way, I would pull one, or at least encourage my students to at least once a week. Why? Because pranks keep up loose and laughing. They only succeed with creativity and careful planning. Quite often, they cost little, if anything. They mix up the norm and can be a source of joy. And today—April Fool's Day—is a day to celebrate them. I hope we never forget that!
I was reminded of the other meaning to April 1 thanks to a collaborative effort between the Golden State Warriors and Lyft. From "11:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm today, you can pick a target an tap into Prank Mode to request shenanigans for whoever's on your list." Lyft fondly refers to this as #PrankMode. Warriors Guard/Forward Andre Iguodala tried it out on teammate Festus Ezeli. Check it out On Kairos, the senior retreat I attended this past February, one of the young men in my small group shared how much he and his friends delight in pulling pranks. When he revealed that, I knew I found a kindred spirit. We discussed what makes for a good prank. Here are a few thoughts:
The element of surprise: this is a no-brainer. It's important to catch your audience and the intended victim off guard.
A good spirit: the prank you pull shouldn't cross a line. For example, Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha once tried to pull a prank on Dell and Sylvia Curry. Ayesha called to tell them she was leaving Steph because he had been unfaithful to her. His parents didn't find it funny; it's not. Granted they are devoted to one another, but the reality is even good people fail. A prank shouldn't be about serious topics—getting cancer, infidelity, or killing someone. Maybe you disagree.
The delivery—it's essential. Maybe you need to be dead pan in your delivery. Don't crack. Don't give up the ghost. Hold your stance.
I'm sure what makes for a good prank has been written about before—I hope it has! So I'll keep that list short, but share a favorite one I pull every year that follows those three steps. Here's the recipe for it. Prank: Rose Grams 101 Context: What was Valentine's Day like when you were in high school? Did some girls get all the flowers? Did friends send candy-grams to other friends? At St. Ignatius College Prep where I teach, the Asian Student Coalition (ASC) is in charge of selling rose-grams. These flowers cost $1.00 each and are delivered in the beginning of class with a note attached to the lucky recipient. Some students get one, others get thirty. Like the rest of high school, it is rife with drama. Who got what? How many? This ritual is ripe for a prank....so I pull it. Cost: nothing Prep time: even less except for the fact that this prank requires the right male student (meaning the kid you know can take it...do not pick a very shy boy or someone who is overly full of himself....go with a young man who is fun, has a great spirit but is unsuspecting) Time: Because these flowers are delivered in the morning on V-day, I usually wait until the end of the day or the day after to do this. Here's the announcement.
"Joey, thanks so much for the rose-gram."
Joey always looks up in surprise, not entirely sure what he just heard.
"That was very sweet of you. Thanks. It's beautiful.
At this point the entire class is looking at me AND looking at Joey. I never get this type of engagement when I'm lecturing. Joey's face usually turns bright red. Joey typically doesn't know what to do or say. Depending on the class, and how embarrassed I have made him feel, I will draw this out. I pick up the rose, smell it. Show the class, etc. If he's too embarrassed, it end it quickly.
This prank works because of the element of surprise, because it has a good spirit (high school kids need to not take things so seriously!...and see that their teachers don't either) and I have the delivery down. Even though it was a form of advertising for Lyft, I enjoyed seeing another example of the Golden State Warriors in on a good prank. It may cross a line—losing one's job is a scary subject—but given the success of the Dubs, cutting Festus is highly unlikely. Furthermore, I enjoyed this prank because of just how many people were in on it and the extent of planning involved to make it happen (way to go Murph and Mac, KNBR announcers). And to be honest, I wasn't surprised this is part of their culture. Fans everywhere recognize there is something different about this team. Perhaps their love of pranks plays a part in that. The March 7, 2016 cover story on Sports Illustrated, entitled "The Dubs: Ode to Joy" reveals other prank-like activity the Warriors employ. Rick Reilly writes: Silly Fines kitty "The goal of any Dub is to catch another Dub committing a Silly Fine and make him contribute between $250 and $500 to the kitty. To wit:
To Draymond Green for chewing gum in the White House ($500). "I didn't know it was allowed," he pleaded.
Center Festus Ezeli tweeting after the Super Bowl: "Happy for Eli Manning," he meant Peyton Manning ($250).
Kerr breaking only a small corner off his clipboard during a halftime rant in January. "Kind of weak-ass break," Green says. "At least break it in half." Kerr: "It was defective!" (Fine: TBD)
When the kitty gets big enough, there's a half court shooting contest. Winner takes all. Everybody gets a chance—equipment guys, trainers, even reporters. Except for Curry, who rescues himself. Unless everyone else misses."
I told my student that I'd like to write an article entitled "The God of Pranks." He said, "what do you mean by that?"
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure...but I think there's something there.
It's the Easter season. We are called to live in the light of the Lord. Joy is triumphant! Life and faith can get serious—too serious—and pranks take us out of that. They succeed because someone pays attention to our humanity and play on it. It can be tough to laugh at ourselves, and pranks ask us to do that. The best part is everyone else gets to as well.
Teachers: I'm on Spring Break, so I can't do this today, but if you need one fast, I found this
There is more than one way for Notre Dame men's basketball to win a game.
Their journey to the Elite Eight might be something akin to making sausage. You don't really want to see how it's done, but the end product can and should elicit but one word, "wow!" Above and beyond the excitement of March Madness, basketball is a great game because it's easy to understand. Unlike football with first downs, running clocks, off sides and a host of other penalties or baseball with its crazy scoring system, basketball takes little if any smarts for the average viewer to appreciate. Orange sphere must fall through a hoop with a dangling net. This feat is completed in a number of exciting, dramatic, flashy or practical ways from various distances. The points each team earns are visible on an understated scoreboard. All of that is true...and not true. Anyone who really knows hoops sees the intricacies and complexities woven in the offense and defense. Man to man or zone defense is JV, try a "box and one" or a "nickel defense" and now we are talking. Maybe you caught the moving screen or the offensive charge before the referee did. And maybe you didn't...but you still have an opinion about it. Here's my recommendation, as a fan of the game...as someone who knows how much they don't know, once again I am going to advocate for humility. I say this in particular to my fellow Notre Dame fans and alums. We are in the Elite Eight for the first time in back to back seasons since 1978-1979. Perhaps the carving or the skinning wasn't pretty, but we did it. Here are a few ways we can reframe our complaints and enhance the experience of other basketball teams everywhere. All recommendations are based on what I heard at the Irish Times in San Francisco—the official game watch locale of the SFND alumni chapter.
1. "Thanks for showing up in the fourth quarter Demetrius." Though true—Jackson went 1-for-9 and scored two points in the first half (not his typical showing), it feels much different than a back handed compliment. I understand the frustration, but I just don't see the point in bagging on the player who was awarded "Outstanding Playmaker (2015)" especially when he had two layups, two steal, two free throws and a key steal late in the game. Furthermore, I'm not sure that most fans sitting on their couches, sectionals or with me at Irish Times understands the level of competition in which these men (and women) participate. Jackson a 6'1" guard was up against players who had not only 50 lbs on him, but six to eight inches of height.
Maybe you could say something like "thank God Jackson turned it up in the fourth." And a great story in the New York Times will only make you root for him that much more.
2. Why doesn't Coach Brey wear a tie? I can't tell you how often I get asked this question; at least he's no longer sporting the mock turtleneck. Seriously? The man is a three time Big East Coach of the year, CBS and Sports Illustrated's National Coach of the year and led ND to the ACC tournament championship, which they won and we want to discuss his choice of apparel? Frankly, I don't understand why basketball coaches wear suits and ties, period. When I attended the De La Salle boys' Nor Cal semi-final game, I noticed that the head coach and his assistants were wearing matching DLS polo shirts, khakis and athletic shoes. I thought they looked very professional and sharp. I don't think they compromised the game to any degree by not dressing up. Rather, they were comfortable and prepared to do what they are supposed to do: coach. 3. Zach Auguste is too emotional One of my favorite moments during the game was with but six seconds left and Notre Dame up by five points and possession of the ball, the 6'10" forward was removed from the game. Sitting on the bench, he put his head in his towel and let all of his emotions go. He hid his face in a towel and let the water works flow. This should not be a point of criticism; I think the man who said that is made of teflon. I learned from the "Washington Post" article, incidentally titled "Why Mike Brey Doesn't Wear His Turtleneck Anymore," that coach and athlete worked together—to channel emotions, and passion into an even greater force.
The connection allows Brey to reach players, and even chastise them, in deeper ways than many coaches. Coming into this season, he wanted fiery center Zach Auguste to harness his passion, which last year led to him breaking his hand punching a basket stanchion. Brey prepared film clips, from both games and practices, of Auguste showing bad body language after a bad play. The pair sat and studied them in his office. “I was a type of an emotional player and sometimes I let it get the best of me,” Auguste said. “But over the course of the past few years I learned to channel it in a positive way and really use it to play my game at a high level.”
That high level translates to over an impressive stat: Zach Auguste trails only Ben Simmons for most double-double games this season (22 games). Cry all you want Zach, thanks for bringing all of who you are to what is undoubtedly an exciting, impressive program. You are a significant reason for that.
For so many years, it was painful to watch ND in the NCAA tourney. The past two years have felt surreal. As disappointing as last year's loss to Kentucky was, that game lives on as one of the best (and most watched) in tourney history. I know my loyalty to the Irish is fierce. I know I am not an objective bystander but I challenge fans everywhere to enjoy the ride. Don't lose sight of what these non-professional athletes and their coaches are giving their life to. I'll speak for myself here—it gives me life.
I think I use the word "context" in the classroom everyday. I say it because it's necessary for about 90% of the stories I tell. My favorite teachers told stories, many of which I remember to this day. I aim to pass along the good ones I pick up, and this posting is no different. I could still write my "Open Letter to Sports Illustrated" without the context, but something would be lost if I did. Here goes.... I ran into Walgreens' drug store last week to buy a candy bar. Yes, a candy bar. It's strange for me to realize and admit that was my sole purpose for entering into my neighborhood drug store, but it's true.
As I walked in, I ran into someone I had not seen in a long time. I wasn't up for talking to her—please tell me that you have felt this way before?!—so I decided I would browse for a few moments until other customers put some distance between us in line. Not really knowing where to go, I walked toward the back of the store where I encountered the magazine section. Standing front and center before me was the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (SISI). Since I opted out, I no longer receive what is a multi-million dollar issue for my favorite sports periodical. As I have always done in the past, I read the Editor's Letter. I delight in the editor's attempt to describe this issue in an intellectual or justifiable capacity. I realized how strange this must look: a 42 year old woman standing in the back of the store reading—yes reading—the SI Swimsuit Issue. I couldn't help but laugh about this, on the inside of course. I was hoping and praying that again I wouldn't run into another person I know. In my very brief review, an idea was born: my open letter to SI. Here it is. Dear Sports Illustrated, As a loyal subscriber for over ten years now, I want to give credit where credit is due. I'm sure you receive letters of both praise and contempt in response to the 52nd annual swim suit issue. Consider this to be both.
Two years ago, I checked the box that allows me to opt out of this issue. As I have written about before on this blog, I could no longer support what you are proud to promote. You complied by extending my subscription with an additional issue at no cost and much to my delight, you did not ask me to opt out on an annual basis. Thank you I want to add, that I believe you play a very smart game; no one would say otherwise. I see your efforts to keep magazine sales strong with regional covers and the like and this year's edition is beyond savvy. It's brilliant. It's not what you did, but how you did it. And that's why I write. For too long, I have felt that a magazine with exceptional writers and outstanding photography has a missed opportunity in the SISI. Where you failed, the ESPN body issue succeeds. Athletics showcases the beauty of the human body in a profound way and the athletes that you profile regularly, internationally and intentionally are absent from this particular periodical. But not this year.
As written on your website "UFC Champion Ronda Rousey has landed the SI Swimsuit 2016 cover wearing nothing but body paint." MMA fans would agree that it's high time that the bantanweight champion graced your cover. But I think it's unfortunate that it required a bikini and body paint to do so. Is it possible to include more athletes, both male and female into the SISI? Or better yet, could you have more than two issues feature a woman on the cover. In 2015, of the 52 you ran only Serena Williams, Sportsperson of the Year and the Women's National Soccer Team were profiled on the front. By the way, Good job Team USA. Second, I almost did a double take when I noticed your second cover model. I thought to myself, it can't be...no it is....a plus sized model. As written on CNN.com
Last year Ashley Graham was in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. In an ad.
This year the plus-sized model is one of the stars, a 2016 SI Swimsuit rookie.She's not the first model in the issue's history who is considered plus-sized, but her inclusion signals a trend for the 52-year-old tradition.
Last year Robyn Lawley, a size 12, broke the SI swimsuit mold. Size 12 is pretty average for most women, but not when you're in the same profession as Elle Macpherson and Tyra Banks.
Graham, a size 16, was the first plus-sized model in an ad in the issue's history (and will be in another ad this year).
"Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves -- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year," she wrote on Instagram.
Well played, SI. Well played. In your "Swimsuit Daily" you wrote, "that's right—all of your dreams have finally come true! A historic moment in SI Swimsuit history, we crowned not one, not two, but three individual cover models." The third model, proves a point I have often wondered about.
First, that's not my dream and never has been. But more importantly. many, too many of the swimsuits you feature don't deserve to be called a swim suit. I've never really understood how fish net qualifies as a bathing suit. Perhaps there is a version with UV enhancements. But rather than just pretend the triangular swath of fur worn by Kate Upton is a plausible or appropriate bathing suit top, this year, you just did away with it, period. Most viewers are already familiar with the strategic arm placement your photographers encourage. This year we have just that and a well designed bathing suit bottom. Your magazine continues to provide excellent material from which I raise questions—moral questions, trivia questions, dynamic questions. But I think it's important that you know the ones I raise from the SISI are far different than the others. For a magazine that claims to have a subscriber base that is 23% female, that has fewer than 5% of its content about women's athletics and even less on the cover, I will continue to ask that you play your game—a smart one—in different ways.
By the way, I noticed the editor of this issue is female. Again, good move. I urge you to seek talented female sportswriters. I can't name any from your periodical. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Anne Stricherz St. Ignatius College Prep Teacher, Sports and Spirituality Coach, JV girls' golf
