sports roundup

One of the reason the Winter Olympics were so great, was that it perfectly filled the gap between the end of the NFL and March Madness. Also, it's cold and there's nothing to do in February beside stay inside anyways. And the fact that every Winter event is compelling, while there's plenty of Summer events that aren't fun to watch.

March Madness

There's not much better than a good tournament. It doesn't matter who the teams are. And it's right around the corner.

Selection Sunday: March 14
First two rounds: March 18-21
Sweet 16/Elite 8: March 25-28
Final Four: April 3 and 5

Rugby

Crap, who knew the Six Nations tournament was already underway...I sorta knew there was going to be rugby in the spring but I didn't figure I had missed most of it.

What hurts it (aside from the lack of publicity) is that it's not a true tournament format. Instead it follows the Premier league and every team plays every team and they just go by standings. Of course you don't want to finish last and win the "wooden spoon." Seriously, check this out, this is one wooden spoon you don't want!

Last year, Ireland won going 5-0, while Italy went 0-5. This year with two games to go, France is 3-0, England is 2-1, and Ireland is 2-1.

If England wins it's next game, and Ireland can't get to 4-1, then the final match, England vs France on March 20th will determine the champion.

Here's a highlight from last year.



Soccer

In the Premier League, it's how it always is. 10 games to go, and Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal are all at the top. Again without a playoffs, it's hard to know when to pay attention. So I'm not.

In the more compelling UEFA Champions League, we're down to 16 teams, and they've already had the first leg of that round. The second leg is coming up on March 9,10,16,17.

Elite Eight: First Leg March 30/31, Second Leg April 6/7
Final Four: First Leg April 20/21, Second Leg April 27/28
Championship: May 22

Of course, it's all just a prelude to the World Cup, which goes from June 11 to July 11.

The U.S. kicks things off against England on June 12.

As for other sports, it's on my list to check out a curling club.

And here's a highlight reel of team handball: