Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Unbalanced.
The Life and Career of Former Arlington Mayor, Tom Vandergriff
When you think of the State of Texas, what the first thing comes into mind? The Texas Longhorns? Dallas Cowboys? However, there was one man who was determined to bring a baseball team to Arlington. His name was Tom Vandergriff, and everyone should thank him for being persistent and making his dream a reality for the city. Let's learn more about Mr. Vandergriff's life and career.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about 10 hours ago in Unbalanced
John Jay Fails to Hold First Half Lead in Loss to Lakeland
See photos and video below On Tuesday February 10, John Jay traveled to Lakeland and treated its fans to a very entertaining first half. Good for a 36-26 lead, the plot turned, and the Lakeland basics were too much for the Wolves to get the curtain call they wanted.
By Rich Monettiabout 11 hours ago in Unbalanced
NBA Playoff Push 2026: One Down, 19 to Go
As I mentioned in my first story about the Stanley Cup Playoff race, the month of March is a very eventful one in sports. It's not just the NHL that enters the home stretch, it's also the National Basketball Association as well. Here's the thing: those of you who have read my stories in the near five years that I've been writing on Vocal notice something. I hardly write about the NBA. I mention the NFL, NHL, and MLB a lot, and I write about the CFL, but not the NBA. The reason is this: the NBA's lack of parity let me down for years. The only time I mention the NBA here is when I do game-by-game recaps of the NBA Finals.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout 18 hours ago in Unbalanced
Shane Lowry’s two-hole tailspin gives Nico Echavarria the Cognizant Classic win". AI-Generated.
Shane Lowry’s collapse over the final two holes handed victory to Nico Echavarria in a dramatic finish at the Cognizant Classic, turning what seemed like a routine closing stretch into one of the most talked-about moments of the PGA Tour season. Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner, had controlled much of the final round and appeared poised to secure another PGA Tour title. Playing with confidence and precision throughout the day, the Irishman built a narrow but steady lead as he approached the closing holes. His ball-striking had been reliable, and his putting solid enough to keep challengers at arm’s length. But golf’s unforgiving nature was on full display when pressure peaked at exactly the wrong moment. Everything changed on the par-3 17th hole. Lowry’s tee shot drifted just off line, leaving him with a delicate recovery from thick rough. His chip failed to stop close to the pin, and he missed the par-saving putt. The resulting bogey immediately tightened the leaderboard and brought Nico Echavarria firmly back into contention. Lowry still held a share of the lead heading to the final hole, but momentum had shifted. The par-4 18th delivered a crushing blow. Lowry found trouble off the tee, forcing him into a defensive approach shot that left a long and awkward putt for par. Under intense pressure, he could not convert. Another bogey dropped him behind Echavarria, who had calmly completed his round with a steady par finish. In the space of two holes, Lowry went from likely champion to runner-up, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional golf. For Echavarria, the victory was a defining career moment. The Colombian golfer showed remarkable composure in the closing stretch, especially after watching Lowry stumble. Rather than forcing aggressive shots, Echavarria relied on smart course management and consistent putting. His performance over the final few holes highlighted maturity beyond his years and underlined why he is considered one of the PGA Tour’s rising talents. “This win means everything,” Echavarria said after lifting the trophy. “I stayed patient, trusted my game, and waited for the opportunity. Golf is unpredictable, and today it went my way.” The Cognizant Classic has built a reputation for dramatic finishes, and this year’s tournament added another chapter to that history. Played under warm Florida conditions with swirling winds in the afternoon, the course demanded accuracy and mental strength. Several contenders struggled as pin positions became more difficult late in the round, but none felt the pressure more acutely than Lowry. Despite the painful ending, Lowry’s overall performance was far from a failure. He ranked among the leaders in greens in regulation and showed the consistency that has defined his career. However, his closing collapse will linger as a lesson in the fine margins that separate victory from disappointment. Golf analysts noted that Lowry’s conservative choices on the final holes may have contributed to his downfall, allowing tension to creep into his swing and decision-making. Fans reacted with a mixture of sympathy and shock. Social media quickly filled with clips of the final two holes, with many praising Echavarria’s calm demeanor while lamenting Lowry’s misfortune. Fellow players also expressed respect for both competitors, acknowledging the mental toughness required to seize such an unexpected opportunity. The win provides Echavarria with valuable FedEx Cup points and further secures his status on the PGA Tour. More importantly, it gives him confidence heading into the heart of the season, where he will now be viewed as a genuine contender rather than an outsider. For Lowry, the focus will turn to recovery and reflection. Champions are defined not just by victories but by how they respond to setbacks. With major tournaments still ahead, the Irishman will aim to convert this disappointment into motivation. In the end, the Cognizant Classic delivered a finish that captured the essence of professional golf: pressure, unpredictability, and the thin line between triumph and heartbreak. On a day when Shane Lowry faltered at the last hurdle, Nico Echavarria stepped forward and claimed a victory that may shape the trajectory of his career.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 21 hours ago in Unbalanced
Ready for the Stretch
It was a very interesting and fruitful Saturday for this hockey and wrestling fan. On that day, Chicago's United Center hosted the annual Elimination Chamber event, which serves as the final PPV (or PLE) stop before WrestleMania. While that was going on, the Colorado Avalanche hosted the Chicago Blackhawks, with the Avs donning the division rivalry alternates for the second straight game. The Avs were coming off a terrible loss to the Minnesota Wild, so we were looking to take that out on somebody.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsa day ago in Unbalanced
Stanley Cup Playoff Push 2026: Charge!!!
It's here, folks! The month of March is here! You know the drill when it comes to the month of March. It's one of the most insane months of the year in sports. Baseball starts at the end of the month, as does the United Football League. College basketball takes over with conference tournaments, followed by the big dance, and in the NHL and NBA, it's the last full month of the regular season. In both leagues, March plays the same role as September in MLB and December in the NFL: it's the beginning of the end.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsa day ago in Unbalanced
A Cacophony of Shenanigans
The Colorado Avalanche's resumption began with a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth, win #38 of the season. We were back to work on the following night, this time at home, but still facing a division foe. In this case, it's our oldest division rival: the Minnesota Wild. Our third meeting of the season against Minnesota, but it's the first time that the Avs hosted the Wild, as the previous two meetings were in Minnesota. It is also the second time that the NHL's top two defensemen, Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, battled each other this season (the third if you count the Gold Medal Game this year).
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 days ago in Unbalanced
A Blunt and Endearing Letter to Pittsburgh Steelers Fans
To any and all fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it has to be said: you guys are screwed. I'm sensing a trend here. First off, let's talk about the concept of "secondary teams." Many sports fans say they have that second team other than their favorite that they love. As for me, I kinda do, but I kinda don't. I'm a diehard Packers fan, but if I did have a secondary team in the NFL, it would be the Steelers. There was always something about how the Steelers carried themselves. Gritty, tough, never doing things the easy way. They're basically the Packers of the AFC.
By Clyde E. Dawkins4 days ago in Unbalanced
Back to Action
What an Olympics, am I right?! The 2026 Winter Games in Milan saw the NHL players participate for the first time in a dozen years, and regarding the Colorado Avalanche, eight of our players were in Milan representing five countries. Six of the eight left Milan with medals. Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta received Bronze Medals representing Finland. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews received Silver Medals representing Canada, and Brock Nelson received a Gold Medal representing the United States.
By Clyde E. Dawkins5 days ago in Unbalanced
John Jay Falls to Pleasantville and Irvington
Scroll just below for photos vs Irvington John Jay Falls to Precision Shooting of Irvington Click image for photos On Monday February 9, Irvington came up from the river and was far from all wet. Opening with a 12-2 lead, the Bulldogs bite from outside was a dagger the Wolves couldn’t match
By Rich Monetti5 days ago in Unbalanced
Somers Core Fore Shines at the County Center
Scroll to end for photos On Saturday February 7, the Somers Wrestling team embarked on a two day journey to the County Center and reaching the state tournament was on the agenda. Three qualifiers in total and three more hanging medals around their necks, Coach Ron DiSanto expressed pride beyond the podium.
By Rich Monetti5 days ago in Unbalanced
Avalanche easily Advances to Section One Finals
Scroll to end for photos On Wednesday January 28, the Avalanche laced up their skates and faced the Rockland Rockies for the semi final round of the sectionals. At the Brewster Ice Arena, the Avalanche didn’t wait long to start. They were on the board after only 18 seconds, and the tone set, Marcela Maurice was left beaming all the camaraderie that paved the way for an easy 8-0 victory.
By Rich Monetti6 days ago in Unbalanced
