brad garland

Tomorrow marks the beginning of one of the greatest months of sports that I’ve had in a while. I fear losing my job, wife, and the arrival of my first child due to the greatness that is coming over the next month.

For those that don’t know, I’m from Dallas, and yes, I have been a Cowboys fan for years (I’m not even going to get into T.O. right now, maybe closer to training camp) and I’ve been a Maverick’s fan through and through. Grew up watching with my Grandma (who’s easily the BIGGEST Mav’s fan ever, I mean, she watched every game of their 13-59 season, how’s that not a fan?) and we watched every single game this playoff series. I’m positive I’ve turned a few more hairs grey but it has been worth it. Tomorrow marks the Mav’s first NBA finals in their existance and I think they have a good chance to pull it out. I’m fully aware and committed to losing the next, at minimum, 10 hours of my life watching the games. If Dirk is semi-hot, and we can keep pushing the tempo and driving, we’re tough to beat. GO MAV’S!

Also, on Friday marks the 1st day of the 2006 World Cup. In the past, the USA has been nothing but a joke to the World since soccer isn’t the #1 sport in the States (that will change if I have anything to do about it). I do believe we have a good shot to make it far. Win? I don’t know, yes we are currently fifth in the world but there are plenty of great teams above and below us. (I have no clue how England is #10, btw.) But I do think if we can play well we have a good shot to try for it. I’m a bit torn, though, as a fan. I want the USA to do well, of course, but I also can’t wait to see Brazil, England, Portugal, and France play. First game is on June 12th at 12pm EST and we play the Czech’s, should be a tough game but I like our chances. GO USA!

Side note: Here’s the Group schedule if you’re interested.

The last major and probably one of the single greatest thing that is happening to my wife and I is, within a week, the birth of our 1st daughter, Kate. How is it sports related you ask? Because she’s the next Mia Hamm, of course, gotta start her early. :)

UPDATE: Wow, Mav’s pulled it out after being 11 down. Great game! Mav’s up 1-0. Called Grandma after the game, first thing she said to me when answering, “Go MAVS!” Gawd, I love that woman.

[tags]sports, dallas, mavericks, USA, world cup, soccer, football, FIFA, Mia Hamm[/tags]