SENIOR SUCCESS

Senior Night was massive. At least that's how the men's soccer team here described it. Captain and graduating senior Joe Yoffe added: "The only other word that could possibly work to describe this is legendary." We have to agree. After the baseball team dominated, the seniors headed over to the Ocean Deck to enjoy some food and drinks. Look for the giant Eagle logo to be upstairs starting soon. Thanks to everyone who came out and autographed that large piece of wood. Best of luck in finals, and if you need a study break check out some pics from Kid's Day at the Ballpark and Senior Night here.

SENIOR NIGHT A GO

Senior night festivities at the Ocean Deck are all systems go. Just got confirmation from owner/operator Ken Botts that the Deck will be ready to serve on Tuesday night April 21st. After honoring all the graduating seniors and the baseball team in their last home game of the regular season, we are inviting everyone beach side. The Flock would like all the seniors to place their John Hancock on an old Eagles sign we've had stored away. We hope it'll become an end of the year tradition where we can share some good times with the Flock's primary sponsor. See you at the game, and then follow the caravan over the International bridge.

HOW DID I MISS THIS?

Sir Mix-A-Lot, the King from BK, and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Two of those things are favorites of mine in the modern pop culture, and as the three unite (Captain Planet-like) in the new Crispin Porter + Bogusky advert for Burger King kid's meals they become one hilariously unbeatable break. Especially in an NCAA championship game that was close to unwatchable. I suppose that's why I missed the commercial on it's first airing. As soon as the Heels went up by 15 not quite five minutes into the game I was already switching back and forth between the game and the new season of The Hills.

Lot's of discussions on the advertisement all over the web already. Is it safe for children to see this content? Is it OK for Sponge Bob to sell out his family image for a troupe of ladies with bricks in their hot pants?

From a marketing standpoint it's an interesting case study. I'm not one to argue much with what CP+B does, and the BK Corp states that the ad is targeted to the young parents who have to purchase their own value meal in order to get the 99 cent kid's meal. It certainly is racy, but it's built up a huge audience, and those that feel threatened by it were probably already turned off by the huge headed King or the subservient chicken.

OCEAN DECK SENIOR NIGHT

At the baseball game on April 21st (it's the last regular season home game for any team at Riddle) we are asking every senior in the Athletic Department to bring their favorite faculty or staff member to the game. There will be a short ceremony where every senior gets introduced as they are escorted by their guest. The game will follow, and then there will be a special ceremony at the Ocean Deck afterwards for the seniors, their family, and their friends. It should be a special night where new traditions begin. Thanks to all the seniors for their dedication over the years. You will be missed.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

It's a big weekend for Eagle athletics. On Friday and Saturday the Sun Conference tennis championships come to Daytona Beach. The women's team opens play at 2:30 pm on Friday and the men's team follows up at 4 pm (same day). The championship action begins at 10 am on Saturday. Don't miss out as the #3 ranked men's team looks to repeat for the upteenth time as champs. The women's team will be looking to rally off of their high seed in the tournament.

As for track and field the conference championship begins on Sunday and will roll right on through Monday. The action starts each day at 10 am. Be there to cheer on our T&F team as they continue to set school records and send individuals and teams to the outdoor national meet.

WEEKEND GAMES

The baseball team is back in action tonight at 6 pm and will host a double-header on Saturday beginning at 1 pm. The Eagles, currently second place in the Sun Conference close out league play hosting Edward Waters University from Jacksonville.

Saturday is Kid's Day at the ballpark, and all kid's get in for free. There will be an autograph session between games of the double-header. There will also be a chance to win prizes after game 1. The weather's supposed to be great, the Eagles are primed, so make your way out to Sliwa Stadium and enjoy a little sunshine and baseball.

BASEBALL VS. CUBS

This past Wednesday the baseball squad squared off versus the minor league edition of the Chicago Cubs at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The night kicked off at 4:30 when the new owner of Red Tails (and an Embry-Riddle grad to boot), Hank Foley unveiled the new look of the bar on Beach Street. It's nice, too. The new look Red Tails has a touch of class and the bar looks like it should have been used on set of the famously filthy mouthed HBO series Deadwood. The upstairs is particularly striking with it's dark walls and white accents and the long mahogany bar. Foley scores extra points for sticking to decor that appeals to him (making the place original instead of same old dirty Daytona) with old aircraft photography and memorabilia adorning the walls.

The game didn't necessarily pan out as well as us Eagle fans had hoped, but it's tough when your opponent only throws 25 pitches in their half of the inning and you need to get all three outs. None-the-less it was a great night (even through the early April chill) at a great park.

Check out photos here.

BOO YEAH RON HOWARD

Ron Howard thank you for the autograph film posters. That's big time. Really. The man has a new film coming out in a month, and still remembers to pass along my business card along and autograph a couple posters for the Blue & Gold Gala. Tremendous.

Folks, come June 6th, you'll have the chance to bid on either a Frost/Nixon film poster autographed by Ron Howard, or an Angels & Demons ad (also autographed). Make sure to reserve your table. Hit up JMA at 386.323.5033 for more info.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

It was great to see a few members of the ERAU community out on the greens last weekend with our women's golf team. Dr. Johnson rode his way through the course all day Sunday, and on Saturday the head of the new Communications Department Steve Master was riding with the other Steve (Ridder that is). Thanks to everyone who came out.

LAMBDA CHI GIVES THE FLOCK A SHOUT OUT

Walking through the UC today we got a pleasant surprise. Not only was there a large bald man serenading us with song, but as we perused the banners hanging up Nicole spotted one that did us Flockers proud. Lambda Chi's prez Tucky Bowen was hearding sheep with the quote: "Join the Flock" bubbled in and around his mouth. We loved it so much we had to post about it. Thank you fine gentlemen from Lambda Chi, and best of luck with the new frat house.

NEWEST FLOCK MEMBER

Dear Henry,

Please come to Embry-Riddle. We love your sweet dance moves especially the one with the hands and the eyes where you are "looking at her." We need a kid like you - a party starter - someone who's ready to throw down.

Thank you for you earnestness. The sheer power you demonstrate on the dance floor is awe inspiring, and just watching you made me sweat. Keep up the good work. And seriously, think about early admissions to ERAU (Daytona Campus).

Bart Hain, eat your heart out.

WIN A GREEN JACKET!

This weekend marks the last home contest for our nationally ranked (5th) women's golf team. They are playing host to a huge field of teams on the Daytona Beach Golf Club (South) located at Beville & Ridgewood.

On Sunday, the Flock will be giving out a Green Jacket - the Master's is right around the corner. Come out and we'll have a putt off for the honor of winning a little extra St. Patty's Day garments for next year. Green looks good on everyone, especially in spring. So make it on out. Come for as little or long as you can. The girls will love it, and help send them on to nationals.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

We have slowly been transitioning over to the new name of Flock TV. Hope that you enjoy the blog, it's the same one as the old one, and at this point of the year it's fun to look back and reminise about a few things that we've done this year. We've been here at www.flocktv.blogspot.com since beginning of the spring semester, but we decided to bring our old favorites on over. Enjoy a look back at the fall semester in the following blog posts, and make sure to stay tuned.

RIP HUMAN CANNONBALL

Daytona Beach, FL: It was supposed to be a triumphant return to the Embry-Riddle sports complex for Adam Hinton, the Human Cannonball. It turned into a travesty. Fans lined up in the UC on Tuesday afternoon for the opportunity to get a picture taken with or even just touch the daredevil extraordinaire. His admirers reveled in his satin glow, dancing in the stands at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium.

Coming straight from an US Weekly photo shoot, the Human Cannonball was prepped to shoot himself out of a cannon for the first time at the aeronautical university he's called home for more than 5 years. He had jumped three students in an earlier stunt this year, and had taken his motocross game to the next level - besting the two top 10 year olds in a mad dash. This was supposed to be his crowning jewel; the stunt he is known for the most.

He waved farewell to his throng of adoring fans before entering the cannon. It was the last they would ever see of Mr. Hinton all put together. As the fuse was lit and slowly made it's way to lift off the cannon began to uncontrollably shake. Murmurs came from the crowd, soon swelling to pleas for the Cannonball to get out. It was too late.

When the blast came all that remained were shards of the once invincible superhero's cape. Shortly thereafter the Cannonball's head sprung out, like a cork from a champagne bottle. Where cheers and adoration were expected, silence crept up and choked the life out of the once bacchanalian crowd.

The Human Cannonball left behind a great legacy as America's foremost daredevil. He was a true treasure, and will be sorely missed.

A memorial segment on the Human Cannonball will be airing on FLOCK > TV early next week. Please help us pay homage to this great hero.

Long live Cannonball.

PICTURES HERE.

RING THE BELL FOR DINNER

Dinner will be served for several people at the Women's Soccer game tomorrow night. As our Eagles take on William Carey in the first round of the NAIA National Championship and the Human Cannonball attempts to take flight, those who have been starving themselves in preparation for D-Day will be giving there bellies one final rub down before the halftime ceremonies commence.

D-Day. Dog Day. As in the 2nd Hot Dog eating contest we'll have had this semester. Early rumors are already swirling. Defending champion (not only in hot dog eating, but round house kicks as well) Marino may already be on the outs. Despite word getting to the champ hours ago, he may have a previous commitment to attend to. Dude, seriously, have someone else pick your girlfriend up at the airport. She'll understand. And if she doesn't, at least you got to eat 80 hot dogs in ten minutes.

Let's, for argument's sake, say that Marino is in. The question then becomes who are his main rivals. Orientation Leader and ERAU employee Shane Ryan has tossed his proverbial hat into the ring and was quoted earlier as saying, "I've been known to eat food." Great point Shane. I think that certainly makes you a contender.


Hopefully we'll even get a shout from competitive eating champs Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi. At least we know there faces will be in the crowd, as we'll have 100 of each pasted to a popsicle stick for those fans lucky enough to line the railing at the game.

The champion will once again be crowned at halftime of the game. Get there early, and make sure you have great seat. I can guarantee you this is going to be a war. Word is if Marino is man enough to actually show, he plans on stealing dogs off his competitors' plates.

Who's hungry?

HUMAN CANNONBALL

The Human Cannonball is ready for take off. And he means business this time. I know, I know, Adam Hinton hasn't necessarily lived up to his big talkin' game in recent history. His golf cart jump over three suspecting students got him his first BOO of the year. He quickly followed that up by hustling a couple of ten year olds on a scooter. BOO number two had a little added bass to it.

But, you've got to trust me on this one, this is the real deal. We can't promise how far he'll get. It probably won't be too far. But he's going for it. He will shoot out of a cannon. Or something that resembles a cannon.

He'll probably get hurt. Scratch that. He will get hurt. All the more reason to come out and watch it. That and our Women's Soccer team will be storming the field as they take on William Carey in the NAIA National Soccer Championship at Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium.

RUMINATIONS ON A RIVALRY WITH FLAGLER

Oh it's sweet to win your rivalry game - especially on the road. I know that Bart just gave a tremendous speech on how Flagler really isn't our rival any more, and the News Journal approximated the same in this morning's paper, but it's still a big game and winning it is always sweet.

So in honor of Kanye West's new album dropping just like ERAU dropped Flagler we offer a little Heartbreak relief to the people in Red and Yellow.

College athletics are all about rivalries. And Flagler has been a gracious one. They hate us, we hate them. That's what makes a rivalry great. There has always been respect though. The Flagler fans get into the game, they get painted up, there gym may be a bread box in size, but the volume it packs (against ERAU) is awesome. There's energy. It makes you feel alive.

Unfortunately, the game might not be played any longer. From everything that Flagler coach Bo Clark has said, the now annual game may come to an end. Since the Saints left the (formerly) Florida Sun Conference a couple of years ago, the game hasn't lost it's intensity, but there is no longer anything on the line. It's a non-conference game. There are no championships to be won. No trophies to be hoisted.

The Mother Flocker doesn't want to see this game go away though. Why not make it like a college football game? The one's where you play for a trophy? No, it wouldn't be a conference championship (and real rivalries need to have a championship on the line - whether it be a national or conference 'ship), but it would be something that would keep the game important. Make it matter. Michigan and Minnesota always play for the Little Brown Jug. Minnesota and Wisconsin play for Paul Bunyan's Ax. LSU and Arkansa play for the Golden Boot. Why not ERAU and Flagler?

What if the two teams continued to play just one game a year? Alternate sites. One year St. Augustine the next Daytona Beach. Call it the Battle for Poseidon's Triton. Both schools are in beach towns. Have the triton be the trophy. Bring it to every game. The team that wins keeps it on their campus until the next year.

Don't let this game slip away. It's great for both schools. It means a lot to the kids on each campus. Playing for the Trident would keep the game relevant. These kinds of rivalries are so rare, it would be a shame for this one to vanish. Don't give every fan the heartbreak of losing this game - it's better off when it's just Flagler fans feeling defeated.

STATE OF THE FLOCK ADDRESS

Ladies and gentelmen, we give you Bart Hain. Hear where the Flock is headed. Get prepared to go nuts as we head into the year 2009 Anno Domini. Go 'head Bart, go 'head get down with your bad self.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

The canned food drive, which was designed by the SALT program (Student Athlete Leadership Team) was a huge success over the weekend at the Mitsubishi Shootout. As of right now - with the final tally not yet complete - over 1,000 cans were brought in by members of athletic teams and Greek life at ERAU. Each team was pair with either a fraternity or sorority and were asked to bring in as many canned food items as they could to help others have a great meal this Thanksgiving.

In other news, photos from the Daytona Mitsubishi Shootout can be viewed here and here.

SPEECH, SPEECH, SPEECH

Daytona Beach, Fl: Coming Monday Bart Hain will be giving a speech on his take of the state of the Flock, the volume of cheering, the war in Iraq and what sort of costumes to expect in the upcoming months. OK, maybe Bart won't be divulging information on Iraq, but he's got a few words to say, and hopefully you all will tune in and give a listen. It will be airing on Flock > TV late Monday. It's the only channel you get hear the speech on (exclusive rights baby!), so make sure to butter your popcorn early, take a seat, and tune in.

MUSTACHE MANIA IS EVERYWHERE

There is no doubt about it, since the Mother Flocker started Mustache Mania mustache sightings have been popping up like crop circles circa 1994. No, the Flock won't have another Mustache Mania event (it'll be Mustache Mania III) until Nascar Night on Wednesday February 11th. That's right ladies, we're giving your man enough time to shave that gorgeous mustache off before Valentine's Day (so you can't blame us if he decides to leave it on).

Recently rivals Brad Pitt and John Mayer have both been seen sporting pencil thin mustaches. Jennifer Aniston is apparently not the only thing they now have in common. You have some time gentlemen, but may the mustache always be on your mind. Our only question is when are Jennifer and Angelina going to start to grow them, too?

HOMECOMING

It was most definitely Homecoming 08 this past weekend. The Mother Flocker had the privilege of being front and center at the 20+ point victory notched by NAIA Hall of Famer Head Coach Steve Ridder's basketball team. There was plenty to be excited about. The Inaugural ERAU Hall of Fame inductees were announced. Boo Yeah! The Women's golf team was congratulated on the 2nd Place National Ranking at the end of last year. Whhhhaaaaaaaaatttt???? Coach Maria Lopez being name NAIA Coach of the Year. Ooooookkkkkkkaaaaayyyyy!!!! And the team having the best GPA out of any group at ERAU notching a 3.626 cumulative last semester. Yeeeeaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!

It was a great time with tons of old friends. Special shout outs to Stan Kuliavas, Paul Buckley, Michael Samperoney, Junior Horton and Mark Hogan the Real Hogan knows best.

Enjoy the pics here and here.

Very special thanks to the Celtic Band that performed before the game. Hopefully we can keep things wild at the games. Thanks to everyone that came out. You made us proud.

WHO ARE WE? VH1?

Women's Volleyball tonight at 7PM. Make it happen. It's 80s night. If you need inspiration, we've got it for you...

Poison
Kid n Play
Public Enemy
Mr. Rogers
Bell Biv Devoe
Guns n Roses
Motely Crue
Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce
Soft Cell
Salt n Pepa
Starship
Roxette
Prince
Madonna (serioulsy let's see some 80s prom and wedding dresses)
Michael Jackson
Eric B. & Rakim
Billy Idol
Spike Lee
Huey Lewis
Bon Jovi
Dirty Dancing
Dexy's Midnight Runners
Kenny Loggins
Breakin'

PATRIOT GAMES

Seriously, it was bonkers. Despite the final score (which in the end really didn't matter because we were sitting our main squad so they could rest up for the Sun Conference Championships this weekend) the Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC's got buck wild at the ERAU Soccer Stadium.

The chants never stopped. Everyone's boy Bart may have had to leave just a little bit into the second half, but he still managed to have a an impact as he sat on the hill outside of the stadium. And when the Army and Air Force ROTC's started the "Bart, give us a dance...Bart Bart, give us a dance" cheer, he gladly provided his signature hip shake.

We took a ton of pictures. Check them out here. And here. And here.

Congrats go out to Air Force for winning the Commanders Cup Trophy. It was well deserved. Camo Night, just to let you know, will be on Senior Night for the men's basketball team. February 18, 2009. Mark it on your calendar.

THE BIG TENT COMES DOWN - THOUGHTS ON THE CIRCUS

The Embry-Riddle athletic department had a resounding sweep this past weekend at the Three Ring Circus. The volleyball team won a hotly contested game against rival SCAD in five sets. Men's soccer came out on top of a 2-0 game against the Bee's as well. Hoops won a close five point game over Florida College.

Special thanks to our homeboy JMA for stepping into the Pitch N Burst Dunk tank this weekend. John Mark was got soaked for over an hour and a half, and loved every minute. Nobody can taunt your 7 year old future Nolan Ryan better than JMA.

Madame Imbrogs read a few fortunes to the crowds delight. The Human Cannonball didn't get shot out of a cannon, but did race two under 10 Champions in a scooter race. The G-Force dance team put together a great performance at halftime of the basketball game. Overall it was just a fantastic day.

Thanks to everyone that came out and helped, especially to RITA'S ITALIAN ICE for donating their delicious ice - the cotton candy was soooooooo good.

The Mother Flocker has just one request for next year...that we don't schedule three games on the same day ever again (especially when it's the day after Halloween and the day of the Florida/Georgia football game).

Check yourself before you wreck yourself - and check the pics here and here

DOG MAN GETS A TRIM!

Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform the viewing public, that the Dog Man as advertised in our Three Ring Circus has cleaned up a little bit. He is not completely beardless, and still has his shaggy locks, but we were informed last night that he will not be the mangy creature in the stands that you are accustomed to seeing. He will still be performing as the Dog Man that barks out cheers, he will just look a little bit more like a Westminster Show Dog.

Every dog has his day.

SHOWTOWN, USA

Back when other major economic collapse was hitting America, and the Dust Bowl was sweeping across most of the farming land in the heartland of America, people took their minds off their troubles by going to the circus or carnivals. The traveling shows provided entertainment of varied sorts. The Ferris Wheel was a popular destination for some, but most came to gawk at the sideshows or 10 in 1's.

Many of you may know of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. This once landmark staple of Americana is soon to go out of business. It will be the closing of Dreamland, wiping out a chapter of American history. The not so P.C. name of freaks and oddities that created the aura around Coney Island and the traveling sideshows were the big draw. People would flock to see the sword swallower or have their destiny (past, present, and future) read. They would stare at the dwarf and the giant. Mesmerized they would stand back of the snake charmer and recoil from the carnies, braving only enough contact to hand over a ticket or dime. Siamese twins would astound and those who would ingest fire would amaze. The bearded lady and alligator boy might share platform to be displayed.

The summers were the busy times for the sideshow performers, and when winter came they all needed a place where they could go to vacation. Since the rest of the world wasn't use to them, and would probably have been a little less understanding then their normal circus traveling party, most of the sideshow acts congregated in Gibsonton, Florida during the winter.

Gibsonton (or Gibton) AKA Showtown, USA is just 10 miles south of the Tampa area. It has a post office for small people where the counter is just three feet tall. Remnants from the old carnival rides still sit on many of the front yards. It's a badge of honor, and the more relics you have the better a citizen you are.

In the spirit of our Three Ring Circus this weekend we offer you this free history lesson on the great state of Florida. We hope you enjoyed it.

RUNAWAY WITH THE CIRCUS

There isn't a whole lot going on with Embry-Riddle Athletics this week. The volleyball team is going to play at Flagler on Thursday Oct. 30th. We know that a lot of people have already made the commitment to the 40 mile drive to cheer the gals on. The game will also begin what the two teams hope to be a yearly event: Dig for the Cure. Dig's will help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. There will be two jars set up when you walk into the game, one for Flagler and one for ERAU. Put some money in the latter, and make sure you wear some pink.

That's it until Saturday when the circus rolls into town. In order to get ready I would head straight to Blockbuster and rent the two seasons of Carnivale - the HBO show about a Dust Bowl era traveling carnival and sideshows. It was on back in the day with Deadwood and the last few seasons of the Soprano's (don't worry Soprano's Night is coming Jan. '09).

We've got a lot of things lined up. There will be a moon bounce castle, a dunk tank, a competitive basketball shot contest, the Sampson Stiker (see picture), and a lot of other assorted prize giving contests. We'll have our own sideshow performers wandering the grounds as well. The tattooed strong man will be in attendance. There will be a tent for our very own fortune teller. Come inside and see what her cards will tell you about your future.

The Three Ring Circus is coming. Don't miss it. Everything will be set up at 2PM with the biggest volleyball game to date starting at 3PM. The ladies are suiting up against the SCAD Bees, and if they win, they can win the conference regular season championship. After the game head back outside to enjoy the amusements (and to get that fortune read). Men's soccer will be playing at 6PM. And at 8PM the amusements shut down, and the first home basketball game takes place.

ARE YOU READY TO THROW DOWN?

INT. SHOT
A crowded college gymnasium. One section is filled with the college's student population. Camera pans over crowd who perform their varied cliqued cheers prior to the start of the game.

MEDIUM SHOT
Scoreboard. Slowly move in on the time. Countdown goes below ten minutes.

CUT TO entrance door.
Show dusty black tennis shoes shuffling in through the door frame.

CUT TO LONG SHOT
Old man. He knows every single person in the crowd, and acknowledges those that address him as he walks down the bleacher pathway. He clearly holds a significant place in the school's history (camera slowly dollies in to man's face as he walks).

CUT TO REVERSE LONG SHOT
Old man sits by himself on the far end of the bleachers with a bag of peanuts, placing a cane beneath his feet and starts eating.

JUMP CUT
Home team player introductions. Each player comes through after their name is broadcast over the PA system. They all have their own high fives to perform at the end of their team tunnel.

CUT TO
Close up on team's huddle as coach gives them last minute details about the game. Camera slowly paces back and just over the huddle you see the Old Man standing up and setting his bag of peanuts down.

CUT TO
Close up. Old man turns toward the camera, and cups his hands around his mouth (as he moves, the camera begins to pace backwards revealing the crowd all turning towards the Old Man...ready).

Just watch the video to see what happens next. The Mother Flocker wants to try and make this happen at the rest of the ERAU Athletic events this year. It would be awesome if we could pack the far side bleachers and have everyone doing it at the same time. This actually does happen at the Kissimee/St. Cloud high school basketball game. The Kissimee fans go nuts.

STEP RIGHT UP!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up! Come and see a panorama of the strange, bizarre, festive and unusual. On the inside of the ICI Center we will have beautiful women passing, setting and spiking. Absolutley positively jumping, leaping, diving. Then move on out to the great wide open; smell the crisp November air. Jump on the Moon Bounce, joust with knights of yore, test your skill with a baseball and see if you can't get your friends wet! That's right a dunk tank on campus, ladies and gentlemen. Step right up and prove you have the strength of Sampson to your special lady friend. Take a swing and see hard you can hit the hammer. Then give your body a break and see the men's soccer team. Number 6 in the nation. A goal scoring machine that stretches defenses with the speed of a bullet. Watch as our goalie flies through the air to make save after save; see our 11 headed monster strike at the opposing goal. Then exit the stadium and have your future read by our very own Madame Imbrogno. She'll read your Tarot cards while you watch as she shows you your life through her crystal ball. Then arm wrestle the tattooed strongman, and follow the ringmaster back into the ICI Center for the home opening basketball game. Come on in. See what everyone is talking about. It's the greatest show on earth! And it's coming November 1st. Don't be one of the few to miss out. The kids get in for free. Step right up, step right up ladies and gentlemen.

OLD SCHOOL

Flipping through an old photo book yesterday, the Mother Flocker got the great idea to post some old school pics. We've been talking about bringing some tradition to the campus, and though our athletic programs aren't very old, there is still a mint of unbelievable photographs to sift through. Our basketball team started out playing in a church's gym, and graduated to Silver Sands Middle School. It's a pretty unbelievable story. Especially when you consider they were the 2000 National Champions.

Like we've said in every UNI101 class that we've been to - we know that we aren't a Florida or Notre Dame. They have marching bands that are older than than ERAU is. Still, we can have that same unified school spirit that those schools do.

Hopefully looking at our recent past we can see the ERAU community that was present at the games. That's what we want to try and build back up. Make the sporting events places where you can meet old and new friends, and have a great time.

Our athletic director and head basketball coach Steve Ridder said it great last night when talking with a group on campus: "I bleed blue and gold." When he's been asked why he hasn't taken what some would see as a more high profile or big time job he get's "fired up." "I'm at a big time program. What this school produces, the people that it brings in, the relationships that are built here and last a lifetime. That's a big time college."

As we were walking away from the meeting we got to the parking lot and heard the sound of bagpipes. Now anyone that has seen Braveheart immediately perks up when they hear bagpipes. We went over to check it out, and found an entire Celtic Band playing in the parking lot at Embry-Riddle.

As of now we are trying to get them to perform at the Homecoming basketball game. Check out what some other notable schools have done with a Celtic Band. Including Notre Dame (check out the 3:00 mark). And by the way, they've only got about 1,000 more enrolled students than we do. No reason they should have more school spirit than us.

WOMEN'S SOCCER SENIOR NIGHT: THE END OF CHUCK NORRIS WEEKEND

The Lady Eagles finished up their 3 game week with another win - taking down St. Thomas 2-0. Sunday's game was the last home game of the year until the ladies host the 2008 NAIA National Tournament.

Prior to the game the seniors of the team were honored for their 4 years. Parents and friends got vocal in the crowd, and the at the end of the game the team was gracious enough to stop by and sign autographs for the kids that came out for the Kids Club and Kids' Weekend.

At halftime a game of Chuck Norris Says got underway. Unfortunately, the Mother Flocker couldn't stump three girls who were all named winners. They were just as tough as the women's soccer team.

CHUCK NORRIS (SAT)

The red Chuck Norris t-shirts came out for the men's soccer game, and there were more Walker Texas Ranger look a likes than you could shake a stick at. If Mike Huckabee had that kind of Chuck Norris clone support, he would already be crowned king of the US of A.

As for the game, it was a back and forth contest until the middle of the second half, when the Eagles exploded for three unanswered goals. All to Bart's delight.

Check the pics here, yo! Word to your mother.

SPIRIT ROCKS. CHUCK NORRIS ROCKS.

The Mother Flocker got his graffiti on today for the first time all year. "It felt good to have a spray paint can in my hand," he said after putting the finishing touches on the Spirit Rock. The Spirit Rock has been around for five years on the Embry-Riddle campus, and it serves to inform the student population of ERAU activities and provides physical embodiment of school spirit.

Make sure to check it out. It's right outside of the cafeteria as you walk towards the pool. It's the giant half red, half black stone sitting between the crosswalks.

Get ready for more Chuck Norris action tonight at the men's soccer game, and Sunday afternoon at 3PM for the women's soccer team's SENIOR NIGHT. Help us say thank you to those seniors that have given Embry-Riddle their all for the past four years.

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

The Flock got all up in some pink last night for Breast Cancer Awareness. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk folks (special thanks to breast cancer survivor Sally Sebastyan) came to the game to hand out information on their upcoming walk to find a cure. People: it is going on next Saturday Oct. 25th at the Riverfront Park in Daytona Beach, get a team and get out there.

We handed out pink t-shirts with Chuck Norris's likeness, and they were gone in a matter of minutes. Tonight (for the men's soccer game), we will have red t-shirts to hand out. We've got limited supply, so get there early.

Also, to recap, we had a Total Gym workout machine on hand, and during halftime 4 lucky contestants worked their bodies hard. Let me tell you, after testing this Chuck Norris approved machine out, it really does work. The top two finishers each received nunchucks.

Tonight, the Chuck Norris madness continues. We have got a ROUNDHOUSE KICK COMPETITION at halftime. Please be in the tightest jeans you have to make this stunt as difficult as possible. Prizes will be given for the top two.

Remember that BONUS BUCKS are being handed out at athletic events up through Homecoming. Bang a gong, let's get it on. Chuck Norris style.

The Mother Flocker has gotten a little bit more technologically savy, and so instead of littering our blog with photos, we are now up on Facebook (hit our fatch up by looking for Joe Flocker). We post all our photos there, and will be putting links to the pics here in the blog. Click here for a good time.

THREE8SIX.COM ARTICLE

The Village Voice of Daytona Beach has dropped their two cents on the Flock's Chuck Norris Weekend. They love it. Check the article here.

OOPS WE DID IT AGAIN!

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are coming to the game tomorrow night. Or at least we hope that you all will dress up as them and come to the game. Gentlemen, all you gotta do is rock some sweats and an undershirt - maybe some bling, definitely some earrings. Ladies, all you gotta do is bring a couple of Cabbage Patch dolls and hold them by their ankles and refer to them as Jayden James and Sean Preston.

Come out to the volleyball game at 6pm against rival Webber International - the only team to have beaten our 14-1 ladies squad - and then head over to the men's soccer game. At halftime of the soccer game we will be giving out prizes for the best costume. A winner in each of the categories (Britney and K-Fed) will receive an iTunes gift card.

Hang with the elite, and you won't even have to dress classy.

DEAR CHUCK NORRIS,

I want to inform you of an event we are having in your honor. Though you have never gone out of style, there has been an overwhelming resurgence of your good name in the celebrity world. The students of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are enamored with what you stand for and believe in, and for that reason we are hosting Chuck Norris Weekend in your honor.

We know that you have an incredibly busy schedule filled with punishing the wicked and crushing the axis of evil. It may even be impossible for you to board a plane due to your hands being licensed weapons. But, we did want to invite you to show up to the weekend we are holding in your honor.

It will be Friday-Sunday October 17-19th at all of our athletic events. T-shirts will be distributed, and we are hoping that as many of our loyal students will show up to our athletic contests that weekend in the clothes you have made famous: most notably either a beard or mustache.

Thank you for everything you have done for our country. You truly are an inspiration. Let us know if you can make the trip to beautiful Dayona Beach, Florida. We would be honored to host you.

With respect,

The Mother Flocker

* This letter has been sent to Mr. Chuck Norris's website.

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT A QUAIL (MAN) IS

This past Friday night saw the largest and rowdiest fan base at a game yet. People were hanging from the rafters at the volleyball game, as the team DOMINATED yet again.

It was superhero night, and the Mother Flocker said it was one of the best costumed events he has ever seen. It was estimated that 75% of the attendees showed up in some sort of costume. Notable superheroes that showed up: Superman, Hancock, the Domino's Pizza Noid, Quail Man (twice), TP Man and his arch nemesis Skidmark, the Incredible Hulk, Shaq Fu's Kazaam, Blank Man and in a bow to another great blogger the Mother Flocker dubbed a Texan draped in the state's flag and belt buckle the Lone Star Lunatic.

Both the women's and men's soccer teams dressed up - the ladies donning volleyball uniforms and capes, and the men's hoops team came out in an assortment of superhero get ups.

It was a phenomenal effort by everyone that was in attendance. Thank you. Enjoy the pics.