The Road to the Stanley Cup Ends in Smashville

By Tyler Nations

The Nashville Predators brought energy and new life to Nashville when they became a team in 1997. There have been many seasons with the team not making the playoffs or making the playoffs, but not doing much about it. This year is different for many reasons. The Predators have added All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban, and his addition is the missing piece to this team’s puzzle. They have re-signed the players who have made this team better through the years, which will help keep the chemistry where it needs to be. Most importantly, team members believe in one another, and the fans let them know how special they are each and every game. There are a few sources who also believe in this team.

When I was a freshman in high school, I started going to the games. I went to opening night and the Predators played the Anaheim Ducks, in which they won 4-1. One of the main reasons I fell in love with this team was the way all the fans would feed off each other’s energy. One section of the stadium would start chanting followed by the other side. Predator’s fans are known as the “7^th man” because of how loud and supportive they are for the team. The reason they are called the “7^th man” is because there are six players on the ice for each team at one time, and the fans make that seventh man. The end of the season rolled around and it was playoff time. The Predators had never won a playoff series, but in 2011 that would change. I went to two games, and one was the sixth game in which they won the series. I had never been to a sporting event that loud or energetic. I knew this team would be special, and five years later, I was not wrong. Since then, the Predators have made the playoffs all but two seasons and seem to have found a consistent rhythm each season. This year they will bring the cup home for numerous reasons.

The schedule for the Predators this year is a bit different than usual. They have something to prove, and their schedule is tougher than prior years. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. They begin regular season play against the Blackhawks at home and the following night head straight up to Chicago, and face them again. The road games will be tough as usual just because of where they will have to play at. Multiple stretches in the season, they will go on road trips to places such as California and Canada. Overall, the schedule is more difficult but they will rise to occasion, and win games. (https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/7-critical-characteristics-of-the-predators-2016-17-schedule/c-886538)

Tim Campbell, a regional writer for NHL.com, has predicted the Nashville Predators will win because of how strong their goaltending and defense are. You know what they say: “Defense wins championships.” He also believes the chemistry and experience this team possesses will benefit them in the long run. (https://www.nhl.com/news/2016-2017-predictions-from-nhl-experts/c-282554762)

            The Predators’ odds of winning the Stanley Cup went up when trading for Subban, because of the impact he brings each and every game. Those odds will continue to get better as the season goes on. Subban has been paired with Roman Josi, who also knows how to put the puck in the net, and many are saying this duo is the best in all of hockey. (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2646746-early-odds-for-every-nhl-team-to-win-the-2017-stanley-cup/page/21) 

One of the more intriguing sources of them all is the new NHL ’17 video game, which simulated an entire season with the Predators finishing the season with 110 points. They went on to win the Stanley Cup as well. You might feel that a video game prediction is far-fetched, but the point is that people are buying into this team, and I think everyone should start believing they are the real deal. (https://www.easports.com/nhl/news/2016/nhl-17-season-simulation)

Many reasons show why this team has what it takes. They have the talent, they have the belief, and they have the fan base that will support them no matter what. The Predators have taken a big step forward to try and get to the point where they can bring the cup home to Nashville. This is going to be an exciting year of hockey, and at the end of it, the Predators will have the cup. 

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Why Are the Golden State Warriors Despised?

                                                                         By Karz Miller

                After winning the 2014 -2015 NBA championship 4-2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors proved that they were a pretty competitive and determined team. So competitive and determined that the following season they went 73 – 9, beating the previous record for the most games won in a single season (set by the 1995 -96 Chicago Bulls, who went 72 -10). Learn more about their push for 73 wins at http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/warriors/2016/04/14/warriors-get-73rd-win-set-nba-record/83018630/.

                If you live in Tennessee and watch basketball, you might be a Golden State Warriors fan because of their backup point guard Ian Clark. Clark is form the state of Tennessee and played at Belmont University from 2009 – 2013. Ian Clark has been an excellent role player in the Warriors success last year, coming up big in certain moments of their playoff run. Although Clark has not proved that he can be a starter for the Warriors yet, he has proved that when called upon he will guarantee some kind of production, and help   to put his team in the best position to win. Clark is very humble, realizes his job for the team, and does not complain at all about playing time or coaches’ decisions. The basketball fans of Tennessee can all see Clark being a success and an important piece to any team in the league.

                It seemed as if they were destined to win the NBA championship for the second time in a row while being up 3 – 1 on the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of the 2015 – 2016 season in a Finals rematch. Closing out the Cleveland Cavaliers in this series would have meant a lot to the Warriors, bringing them their fifth NBA title and being the first time in history that the franchise had won a title back to back. By Being up 3 – 1, that seemed like a very easy task, but it was easier said than done. The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed their way to a three game winning streak against the Warriors, closing the series four games to three, winning the NBA finals, and bringing Cleveland, Ohio, its first title in a sport since 1964 http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/20/.

                Losing what would’ve been their second title in a row left a really bad taste in the Warriors’ mouth as it would any other team’s, especially being up three games to one. In my opinion, no one felt sorry for the Warriors, and I’m pretty sure they knew that they couldn’t feel sorry for themselves. Everyone expects the Warriors to come back strong, even stronger than what they did this past season, but the moves they made during the off – season may just have made them the most hated and despised team out of any major sport.

                Just recently, the Golden State Warriors signed the 6- foot- 11 - inch guard from Oklahoma, Kevin Durant, to a $54 million contract. Durant is an outstanding scorer, which makes Golden State a much more difficult team to defend. Durant won the 2013 - 2014 league’s Most Valuable Player Award, which means the team has the possession of two MVP Award winners on the same team, Durant and Stephen Curry. This addition to their team has other teams and fans thinking that they are doing literally whatever it takes to win.

                Basketball fans all over the world were outraged with his decision, especially since Golden State was the team that prevented Durant from making it to the finals last season after they came back from 3 -1 to be Durant and the Thunder. Analyst Stephen A. Smith said this about Durant’s decision to join forces with the Warriors “Kevin Durant has absolutely ruined the regular season”, agreeing with most people on the opinion that his move was weak, disloyal and unfair, feeling as if the talent of the league isn’t being equally distributed throughout the teams. http://nesn.com/2016/07/stephen-a-smith-loses-his-mind-over-kevin-durant-joining-the-warriors/. If you watched any of the NBA preseason games, you got a sneak peek of the Warriors and what to expect during the regular season. After blowing out the Los Angeles Clippers, a top team in the Western Conference, the people of the basketball world question what they’ll do to others.

                Although Durant is the Warriors obvious main pick up during the off season, they also took the time to sign and trade for a few other solid players. Keeping the main core of their team, the Warriors added big man Zaza Pachulia, forward David West, and center JaVale McGee. With the regular season only five days, away this 18 man roster the Warriors have built seems determined and ready to go.

                My name is Karz Kamryan Miller and my major Is Mass Communications. I am currently enrolled at Motlow State Community College. By next year I plan on attending Middle Tennessee State University. After I graduate I plan on becoming a sports journalist for ESPN or Sports Center

Soccer Lifestyle

By  Ismael Omana

Growing up with siblings who have been rather successful in sports was a challenge for me. When I was attending elementary school, I wasn’t involved in any athletics, so it was hard to pick a sport going into school. http://www.kes.rcs.k12.tn.us/

My brother played soccer in college for a small school in Georgia. The pressure that my family was pushing on me to become somewhat of a star like him was increasing by the day. My sister also played softball in college but only her freshman year due to an injury. My sixth grade year was coming up, and I still had no clue what sport to try and attend.

 I attended Kittrell Elementary School in Readyville, Tennessee. The school wasn’t known for sports at all and didn’t have a boys soccer team at the beginning of my sixth grade year. One day near the fall, I was sitting in my homeroom class when I decided to actually listen to the announcements. I heard something about a boys soccer team being organized for the first year. I went home really happy that day because I felt like I was going to give the sport a shot.

 I attended the first meeting with my mom, and I got my physical the next day. We have to keep in mind that I had never even touched a soccer ball by this point. I was extremely nervous at tryouts, but I knew I had a strong work ethic. It would take a lot out of me to actually not make it. I had finished tryouts, and the list of who made the team was posted on coach’s door the next morning.

I woke up the next morning and rushed my mom to take me to school because I was curious to see if I had made it or not. I got to the school with a great feeling that I had made it. I showed up to his class, and I took a look at the door. My name was the first one on the list! I have never been so happy, and I knew it was a start to actually becoming something like my siblings. Everything seemed to be going my way, and our first game was coming up really quick.

I still didn’t know anything about soccer though, I was really confused about what position to play. I talked to coach one day after a practice session, and I asked him what position to dedicate my time to.

 He said, “You are an athletic kid, and you should go for any position you want to because I believe you are capable to play anything.”

 It was definitely a confidence booster for me, and I took his advice. I like being the center of attention, so I decided to play forward because those players are typically the goal scorers.

My first season went by quickly, and I was blessed to receive the award for most goals in my division. I was really happy, and it was a gift to be so good at a sport that I had no knowledge about. http://www.dnj.com/picture-gallery/sports/high-school/2016/05/11/oakland-soccer-2-riverdale-1/84225516/

 

 

 

After my elementary school season, I transferred to Oakland Middle School where I tried out for the soccer team. It was the school’s first year being open, so no one thought that we were going to be good. This is the year I broke my toe during practice, and our first game was the next day. I went to TOA in Murfreesboro, and they couldn’t really do much about a broken toe. Healing for that injury takes time, and that’s something I didn’t have. I was really sad, but I came back half way through the season! I received an award for being best forward player in our district. I felt extremely blessed to finally be dedicated to a sport.

Then after my middle school career, I played for Oakland High School. I didn’t play freshman year due to a knee injury. I came back sophomore year starting varsity the next three years. I had a few college coaches come see me play, but the school’s offer wasn’t sufficient enough for me. I received offers from three different colleges, but I decided not to take any because they were all really distanced from home. http://www.ohs.rcschools.net/Athletics/Boys%20Soccer/index.html

My senior year of Oakland High School I joined a club team for the off-season. I played for Nashville Futbol Club http://www.nashvillesc.com/ for one year, and I got plenty of soccer recognition. Colleges from all over the eastern side of town, came to all the tournaments. NFC. has been advancing with their soccer program. They have registered to become a real MLS team. In a couple years, Nashville will be known as a major soccer city.

In order to prepare for an event like this, you have to work hard. This requires soccer experience. I will be trying out for the Division 2 team next summer, so I need to be in shape in order to compete with professionals.

I have plenty of experience in the sport, and I’m currently getting prepared for some college tryouts for next summer. The main issue for getting prepared is the time to do it. I’m a full time student who also works the time I’m not at school. In order to be able to practice I will need to manage my time better. This will help me have time for working out getting in shape, and practicing all sorts of drills. In the near future I plan on transferring to play soccer for MTSU after my two years of Tennessee promise. The reason I didn’t go to MTSU straight after high school to play soccer was because of a knee injury that has been holding me back. I wish injuries didn’t exist, because it stops athletes from pursuing their dreams.

A Beginners Guide to DSLR Landscape Photography DIY

By Harley Phillips

Everyone loves looking at something profound.

Nature is the most beautiful work of art that will ever exist, and it was here long before us. I have always found myself taking photos outdoors because of all of the color that can brighten up any photo. It is possible for anyone to be an impressive landscape photographer. Anyone can take a pretty picture, however there are secrets behind taking a mesmerizing photo. Hopefully what is discussed in my blog will guide you on your way to becoming a stunning landscape photographer!

The following blog article will explain landscape photography. I put this blog together hoping to motivate more people to try landscape photography. I explain, the equipment I carry, getting to know your camera, and how to start finding inspiration.

What I'm Working with: (Also an affordable option for you!)

·         DSLR Camera (Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera)

·         Nikon D3200 $449.95 (Link for preview or purchase provided below:)

Nikon D3200

·         Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G (VR-Vibration Reduction, SWM- Silent Wave Motor, AS- Aspherical Lens Elements, A-M, Auto-Manual Mode) $199.95 Link for preview or purchase provided below:

af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-ed-18-55mm-f3.5-5.6g

·         24 MP CMOS sensor

·         Expeed 3 processing (same as used for the D4 and D800 series)

·         3.0", 920k dot screen

·         Full HD 1080p30 video (with 25p & 24p options)

·         Microphone Socket

·         4 frame-per-second continuous shooting

·         Guide mode

Lastly, is my travel worthy $10 Wal-Mart Targus tri-pod!

Targus-TG-5060TR-Tripod-With-3-Way-Panhead

 

Deciding what kind of camera, you want is completely up to you, it doesn't even need to be an expensive one unless you're looking to make a hobby or career out of photography. I am currently still perfecting my skills and have found exceptional use and quality with my equipment.

Part-One: Get to Know Your Camera

The first time I picked my Nikon up it was as if my mind had been opened to a whole new world of photography. No, my Nikon was not the first DSLR camera I messed around with, but it was the first one I had to myself and could play with for hours.

Although, DSLR cameras have automatic modes, there will also be times when you may need to adjust your camera settings. For landscape photography, this is an important step considering our world has day and nighttime.

      For a beginner, the link below will give you insite on the basics of getting to know your camera:

Getting To Know Your Camera

      Not only is there a lot of settings to mess with and think about when taking photos, cameras also tend to have a lot of abbreviated words. Unless you're educated in photography you'll most likely find yourself researching words, etc, quite often.

 Part-Two: Inspiration

GO OUTDOORS! Spend time outside on our beautiful planet. Think about what inspired you to want to try landscape photography.

    Be the lens, find a beautiful view and focus in on it.

   Go to that favorite waterfall of yours and scope out the surrounding area until you find its most attractive angle.

     This doesn't mean that you need to prepare to take the most amazing picture on earth of your favorite waterfall. This is just something to bring out creativity and open your eyes to view something more in-depth than before.

     When you feel as though you are ready to give it a shot, shoot it!

   The following link has a few awesome tips on Landscape Photography:

Tips On Landscape Photography

Part-Three: Things to Consider

            You don’t really need anything fancy when it comes to landscape photography, the pictures speak for themselves. Pay attention to the lighting, that’s one of the most important parts of shooting landscapes!

            Don’t spend all day hiking to a spot for a gorgeous photo that is poorly lit. Try to take photos that are not within an hour before or after sunrise and sunset. Continue practicing taking photos at the same place. The atmosphere around us is always changing meaning our photos will change some as well.

            Depending on the weather, the sky and the season will give you an idea about the atmosphere to expect. I cannot stress enough that your photos need to be attractive. Take photos that are so beautiful that others can feel emotion by looking at them.

            Some photos look even better when they are black & white, especially because of the vibe the photo gives off. Don’t be afraid to take switch things up.

Part-Four: Experience

                It’s not about how much experience you have. If landscape photography was about anything at all I would say it’s about patience.

            Find your inspiration, so you become interested.

Get to know your camera, so you already know what you’re aiming for.

Consider your surroundings and atmosphere.

Part-Five: My Experience

All photos throughout this DIY were taken with my Nikon D3200.

 

 

 

 

 

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Accidents Happen Everyday

By Ashton Fogle

            Growing up, I always wanted to become a dancer just like my aunt. My parents enrolled me in dance class when I was 3 years old, and I have been dancing ever since. (http://www.thedancersschool.com). Though I loved dance very much, it wasn’t the only thing I was interested in. 

On my 10^th birthday, I had asked my parents if I could try a new sport, soccer. When I told them what sport I wished to try, they were very shocked but also thrilled. My mom didn’t like the idea of her little girl playing soccer. She was very protective of me and didn’t want me to get hurt. My dad, on the other hand, loved the idea. He had played soccer when he was growing up, so of course that made me want to try it even more. He told me if I didn’t like it, then we would just keep trying until I found something I loved. Right then and there, I had made the decision to play soccer.

As soccer season started in summer of 2014, I was ready to play. I was eager to figure out what I wanted to do with my future. (http://arrowsup.org/girls_soccer) Our first game of the season, we won 2-0 against Cannon County. I scored the first goal. Then our second game we won 3-1 against Shelbyville. And then it all went downhill from here. Our third game of the season, we were playing Franklin High. It was 20 minutes into the first half. I was dribbling the ball down the field so close to scoring. I could feel the intensity running through my bones. As I was shooting, a girl came up behind me and completely took my legs out. I was planting my foot to shoot the ball. All of my weight was on my left leg, and that’s when the girl swiped my legs out from under me and I fell right on my knee. I heard the crowd gasp as I was falling. My teammates were running towards me asking if I was okay. I didn’t respond. I was in shock. I was in pain. All I remember is asking for water over and over again.  

In that moment I thought to myself, “What in the world just happened?” the light flashed before my eyes, and I wasn’t real sure if I was hurt or just got the breath knocked out of me. As I was lying there on the ground, my coach and a few of my teammates ran over to see if I was okay. I told them that my knee was hurting really bad, and I couldn’t straighten it. They asked me if I could stand up, so I tried, but I couldn’t walk on it. This was a pain I have never felt before. I thought it was all a dream. The trainer got there as I was trying to get up, and he carried me off the field. My mom was pretty upset because in high school soccer parents aren’t allowed to step on the field so she couldn’t even see if I was okay. The trainer took me off of the field and checked out my knee. He asked a few questions and said that I might have torn something. I looked at him and started to cry. All I could think about was, "Is this the last game I’ll ever get to play?" or "Am I going to have to have surgery?". My knee was swollen, it was throbbing and turning purple. My mom finally got to me and asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital, and of course I said no. I’ve never been to the hospital, and I was frightened of what they were going to say.

That night I went home and iced it. I couldn’t sleep at all through the night because the pain was horrifying. The next day, I went to school to see the trainer. I wanted to see if he knew anything before having to go to the doctor. He told me that my MCL could possibly be torn and I should stay off of my leg until I saw a doctor. A few days later, my mom scheduled an appointment for me with an Orthopedic surgeon. He told me that everything was fine I just needed to stay off of the knee for a couple of weeks until the swelling went down. He asked me to come back in a week or two for a follow up appointment. I did so, thinking nothing was wrong. After a few weeks I went back to dance and practicing a little with the soccer team. My knee didn’t feel the same though. I had told my surgeon that, but he persistently told me everything was fine.

After almost a year of dancing and playing on my knee, it turned out the surgeon I was going to wasn’t qualified for knee surgery, so I went to a surgeon who was qualified. His name was Michael Jordan(https://toa.com/physicians/michael-r-jordan-md) whom I personally thought was pretty awesome. Dr. Jordan told me I should get an MRI to see what was really going on inside my knee. It was going to take a couple of weeks to get the results back. During those couple of weeks, I was anxious, and scared to see what the results would be. I didn’t want my soccer or dance career to end. My results finally came back. The doctor asked me to come in so he could talk to me in person. I obviously knew something wasn’t right. Walking into the building to see the surgeon was terrifying. The doctor said there was some bad and good news. I had a torn ACL and meniscus and that I would require surgery and lots of therapy afterwards. After hearing that, my heart dropped, I didn’t know what to think. I had never had surgery in my life, and I just wasn’t expecting it. 

He scheduled my surgery for May 29, 2015. After surgery, I would have physical therapy for three months, twice a week, for two hours at a time. Therapy was very hard, especially right after surgery. You almost forget how to do some things, but once you feel that feeling of “oh I can do this”, it just gets easier and easier. During the three months of physical therapy, I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be after I graduate from high school. Physical therapy changed my perspective on things, and during it, I decided that I wanted to become a physical therapist. I want to help people get through tough times and I want to help them succeed just like I did. It’s 2016, and I am a freshman in college. I have not started playing soccer yet, but this year I did start dancing again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I got back in class. One day I will be ready to step back onto the soccer field and start playing again. I cannot wait until that day. 

Titans Showing Improvement

                                                                           By Jamal Dinkins  

                       After two back to back disappointing seasons for the Tennessee Titans, they have finally proved they could be contenders for the AFC South Championship. The franchise finished the 2014 season 2-14, suffering their worst season since 1994. The Titans have won a total of five games in the past two season as of Oct.23. Part of the Titans’ fan base blames coaching for the struggle over the past two years, and some may think it’s the player’s production why the Titans have not been winning games.

                 The 2014 Tennessee Titans team was led by head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was eventually released after losing to the Houston Texans and falling to 2-6 during the 2014 season. Whisenhunt was fired just 23 games into his job as head coach. Whisenhunt could have been a good coach to me, but I don’t think he understood what to do on the offensive side of the ball. He was replaced by Coach Mike Mularkey, who was brought in to be the interim head coach. Mularkey once served as assistant head coach/tight ends under Whisenhunt.

                 The Titans franchise is looking to turn things around this season by bringing in new General Manager Jon Robinson. The Titans also decided to re-sign coach Mike Mularkey after he was brought in as interim head coach. Jon Robinson showed that he was not scared to make big moves to better the franchise. Since his arrival, the Titans have had one of the most successful and dramatic off seasons in recent franchise history. The team traded for running back DeMarco Murray from the Philadelphia Eagles. De Marco Murray has showed that he is an elite RB in the National Football League. Many commentators believe that Murray is the most complete RB in the NFL, behind a much improved offensive line. The Titans struggled to protect their rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota last season. The Titans knew to have success in the future, they would have to protect its franchise quarterback.

                  Mariota seemed to be ready for his sophomore season in the NFL after showing his ability to run and pass the ball his rookie season. But coming off a slow start by throwing five interceptions in the first four games was not a good sign. Marcus looked to get back on track week five against a struggling Miami Dolphins team. The Titans dominated the Dolphins, winning 30-17. Mariota got back on track as expected by completing 20-of-29 passes for 163 yards, with three touchdown passes. His passer rating was 117.5, his best of the season.

                 Mariota and his team took on The Cleveland Browns in week six, looking to win back- to-back games since 2013. Mariota continued to stay red hot throwing three touchdowns and one interception. The Titans pulled off a 28-26 win over the Browns, who tried to make a late comeback in the fourth quarter. Learn more about how things stood out from the Titans win versus the Browns at www.titansonline.com/news/article.

                  The Titans come into week 7 ready for a AFC division showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. Looking to extend their 2 game winning streak to 3 games the Titans come up short once again against the Colts. The Titans have not beat the colts dating back to October 30, 2011. After that lost Sunday the Titans are now 0-10 versus the colts in the last 7 years. A couple of injuries for Titans fans to look out for. Delanie Walker has a bruised chest, Tajae Sharpe knee sprain, Spain more a significant bruise out 3-4 weeks, and Perish Cox is on the NFL’s concussion protocol list.

                 You can check out the 2016 schedule and see how the Titans are doing now at www. Titansonline.com/schedule/season. I plan to attend the Titans game on Thursday October 27, 2016. The Titans are preparing for a long time division rival against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hopefully the Titans can get a win in front of a loud and cheerful home crowd in Nissan Stadium Thursday night.

                 My name is Jamal Dinkins I currently attend Motlow State University and my major is Mass Communications. By next year I plan to graduate from Motlow and transfer too Middle Tennessee State University.