Some random thoughts collected from the past couple of weeks while smelling the pigskin in the air:
n News of the looming possibility of a new Penn State hockey arena and, with it, the implementation of Division I men's and women's teams is curious on several fronts. Such as: 1) Hockey is a popular draw among students, especially with plenty of Penguins and Flyers fans at PSU; 2) Even as a club sport, the Lions typically draw 2,000-plus; 3) With only so many nights in a week and so many entertainment dollars available, this will force both basketball programs closer to their potential or attendance at the Jordan Center will further suffer.
n Chuck Greenberg's pursuit and ultimate victory in acquiring the Texas Rangers is on a short list of the top historical achievements surrounding the Altoona Curve franchise. Greenberg has never stopped crediting his experience here for helping to provide his springboard to the big leagues. Congratulations to him.
n Given that Eastern League turnstiles get rusty in September, here's hoping the Curve play to a representative house as they pursue their first league championship.
n It does not speak well of the Curve or broadcaster Dan Zangrilli that a three-year relationship ended in the middle of Tuesday night's game.
n One more Curve item: Whoever is in charge of the music at Blair County Ballpark has failed to realize just how loud it is or is partially deaf.
n The Division I championship game of the Mansion Park Summer Basketball League, won by Guy Landolfi in double overtime over American Solutions Group, was the most well-played, high-level showcase of the league since The Donut and The Hill, when Doug West and Mike Iuzzolino and several Division I players graced the court in 1986. All six of this year's division finals will be shown on Altoona Public Access Channel 14 next week.
n The suspended games due to darkness in the Greater City Baseball League's championship series brought back memories of when the finals were played at Vets Field because of that very problem. It's long been debated within City League circles. Should the series be kept on home fields, where the settings are more intimate and appealing to respective followings, or at Vets, which can accommodate extra innings after dark? The first option is preferable - until a game has to be suspended. I will defer my opinion simply by asking WWRD - what would Rege do?
Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
