Try 2 Focus

“No arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.” – President Ronald Reagan

On to the D3 semis …

Posted by brvanlanen on November 7, 2009

courtesy of a last-second FG.

west-de-pere-wi

Image via Wisconsin High School Helmets (www.mghelmets.com)

Randy Hill has kicked longer field goals this season. Until Saturday afternoon, the West De Pere placekicker hadn’t kicked one bigger.

Hill’s 26-yard field goal as time expired propelled the Phantoms past Kewaskum 24-21 in a WIAA Division 3 quarterfinal game at West De Pere. The kick capped a 10-point, fourth-quarter comeback for the Phantoms, who have won 11 straight after dropping their opener at Seymour.

“I’m normally taught just to keep my head down and listen to the crowd, but I kicked it and I had to look up right away. I had to see it go through, if it did or not,” Hill said. “Thank God that it did.”

West De Pere let the game clock run down to 3.3 seconds before calling time. Sophomore Jay Tollefson snapped the ball to holder Michael Linssen and Hill split the uprights.

“I just wanted to stay warm, keep it loose,” said Hill who hit from 40 and 42 yards in warmups.

A strong defensive performance in the 2nd half, along with a strong running game made the winning FG possible.  More impressive was the fact the Phantoms were without Beau Bellmore most of the 2nd half.

Behind 21-14, the Phantoms dominated the fourth quarter. West De Pere held Kewaskum (10-2) to minus-4 yards on five plays while gaining 93 yards on 24 snaps itself.

The bulk of those yards came from Zac Rottier. Running behind tackles Rlki Kodanko and Tony Romenesko, guards Travis Feaker and Garrett Schuh, center Kyle Steuck, tight end Tyler Van Sistine and fullback Trevor Cherney, the junior reeled off 48 yards on 11 tries in the quarter filling in for Beau Bellmore.

Rottier had runs of 11 and 10 yards on the game-winning drive.

“It was scary at first because you never want to lose a player like Beau,” Rottier said. “It’s a tough loss, then I figured I had to step in. I had to prove that we’re a team and we can do this as a team.”

Bellmore, who rushed for 108 yards, was helped off the field by Romenesko and Steuck early in the third quarter. The Bay Conference player of the year returned to field one kickoff and take one lateral before retiring.

After basically cruising all season following the Seymour slip this was a hard fought victory.  Here’s what Coach T had to say:

“There were a lot of momentum changes in the game,” West De Pere coach Bill Turnquist said. “You know we jumped out to a really quick lead 14-0. We had a number of turnovers (three) that really hurt us. We haven’t been doing that all year.”

“We haven’t had that opportunity to fight back and score at the end of the game like this all year long,” said Turnquist of his team which had outscored its opponents 428 to 123 through 11 games. “This is a good one, one we can enjoy.” (Source: Last-second kick propels West DePere past Kewaskum – GBPG)

Up next for the Phantoms: a match-up with the high-flying Comets of Waupaca, with the winner earning a spot in the state championship game.  Game time and location TBA.

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Another Kagen challenger

Posted by brvanlanen on November 5, 2009

Now Howard physician Marc Trager has put his name in the  ring.

The Republican field of candidates running to challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, gets bigger today as Howard physician Marc Trager announces his run for Congress.

Trager, who served in the U.S. Air Force, will make a number of announcements today across the 8th Congressional District, in Green Bay, Marinette and Appleton.

“Our campaign will target the economic and social issues important to families in the district, bringing new ideas and a fresh approach to the needs of Northeast Wisconsin,” Trager said in a release.

Trager filed for candidacy with the Federal Election Commission earlier this week. Other Republican challengers include Marc Savard and Reid Ribble. (Source: Marc Trager seeks GOP nomination in 8th district – GB PressGazette)

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Wednesday Hero 11/04/09

Posted by brvanlanen on November 5, 2009

This Week’s Post Was Written By Greta

Col. Henry J. CookCol. Henry J. Cook
U.S. Army

Past National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, after serving over fifteen years with MOPH, gaining invaluable experience while in the positions of National Aide-de-Camp, Chapter Commander, Region Commander, National Junior Vice Commander and National Senior Vice Commander.

He was a career Special Forces (Green Beret) officer for thirty-three of the total forty-two years that he was on combined active and reserve duty. His combat tours began in 1967-68 when he operated behind enemy lines in for extended periods of time conducting operations with native guerrilla troops as the Executive Officer of the 4th Mobile Guerrilla. He saw additional combat in 1969-70 when he led a U.S. Special Forces Mobile Strike Force Battalion (MIKE FORCE), consisting of Green Beret officers and sergeants leading Cambodian mercenaries, again working behind enemy lines as well as reacting to attacks on friendly bases, often requiring that his unit be parachuted into hostile drop zones.

Later, he participated in Desert Shield (Saudi Arabia), Desert Storm (Kuwait) and Iraq, and Operation Provide Comfort (Support to Kurdish refugees in Northern Iraq.

For his valor and military skills, Colonel Cook was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold and Silver Stars, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, Special Forces Tab, and numerous other U.S. and foreign decorations.

Henry Cook is now twice retired, as a soldier and as a lawyer and resides in Diamondhead, Mississippi. He is a member of the Pro Bono Consortium representing veterans who appeal denial of claims and is a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. He’s been a member of the Mississippi Bar Association since 1978 and also serves as a Municipal Judge Pro Tem in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Other significant contributions to veterans by Henry Cook include: a major role in the creation of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Ocean Springs and helping raise over $500,000 to help MOPH members in Louisiana and Mississippi who lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. In addition to MOPH, he also belongs to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Special Forces Association (SFA), Special Operations Association (SOA), Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).

You can read more about Col. Henry in this PDF file on pages 31 & 32.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
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Riding the ground game into Round 3

Posted by brvanlanen on November 1, 2009

West DePere is moving on in the Division 3 playoffs in it’s quest for a state title after trampling the Green Bay Notre Dame Tritons.

west-de-pere-wi

Image via Wisconsin High School Helmets (www.mghelmets.com)

If the West De Pere football team plays like this, it could end up advancing to the program’s first state championship game.

The Phantoms dominated Green Bay Notre Dame in a 42-21 win in a WIAA Division 3 second-round playoff game at Notre Dame’s Ted Fritsch Field on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday afternoon it was a heavy dose of the ground game and senior running back Beau Bellmore.

Behind a strong and sturdy offensive line, West De Pere running back Beau Bellmore had one of the best games of his career, rushing 39 times for 316 yards and three touchdowns.

The 5-foot-9, 165-yard senior had 41 touches, just two fewer than Notre Dame’s entire offense.

The Phantoms (10-1) outgained the Tritons 425 to 276 in total yards and held the ball for 30 minutes, 17 seconds.

While West De Pere effectively has mixed in the pass with the run this season, it didn’t need to in this one. Notre Dame couldn’t stop the run, allowing 362 yards on 60 carries.

Coach Turnquist had high praise for his team after the dominating victory.

“It’s hard to explain,” said West De Pere coach Bill Turnquist, whose team has won 10 straight games. “We relied primarily on the run. Our kids liked that and enjoyed that. We stuck with it.

“(Bellmore) earned every bit of it. He had to twist and turn a number of times and get first downs. At the end of the third quarter, I thought we were going to take him out because he was banged up a little bit. He said he wanted to get back in.”

Notre Dame’s coach said what many in the area may be saying after seeing this Phantoms team first-hand.

“They have all the tools,” Notre Dame coach Mike Rader said. “They have got a good back. They have a good passing game and they have a good defense. You put all that stuff together, and they could go pretty deep.” (Source: Bellmore carries West DePere past Notre Dame – Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Up next: a home game next Friday or Saturday against Kewaskum.

 

 

 

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Send Washington a message

Posted by brvanlanen on November 1, 2009

The election for the NY-23 House race is this week.  With RINO Dede Scozzafava dropping out and backing the Democrat in the race it takes on even more importance.  As a reminder of the need to elect a conservative to this seat, here is the Doug Hoffman campaign ad done by Fred Thompson.

And let’s continue to send a message in the 2010 elections next year.

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Bring Bader Back rally moved!

Posted by brvanlanen on November 1, 2009

The rally orginally scheduled for Saturday, November 14 has been moved up 1 week.

The rally is now scheduled for Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 am.

Let’s show Midwest Communications that Jerry’s punishment was too severe and that it would be making a HUGE mistake by taking his show off the air.

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Rally in support of Jerry Bader

Posted by brvanlanen on October 30, 2009

An organized protest is in the process of being planned to show support for Jerry Bader and his radio program on WTAQ, a station of  Midwest Communications.

When: Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 am

Where: Midwest Communications

1420 Bellevue St Green Bay, WI

 

More details to be posted as they become available.

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Jerry Bader suspended

Posted by brvanlanen on October 29, 2009

Green Bay talk show host Jerry Bader has been suspended by Midwest Communications.

WTAQ talk show host Jerry Bader has been suspended for the next two weeks. General Manager Duke Wright made the announcement Thursday morning. Bader is suspended for an online story this week on Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and her reasons for dropping out of the gubenatorial campaign that has since been retracted. A decision on his future with WTAQ will come then. For now, comments and opinions can be shared by calling 435-3771, extension 2027. (Source: WTAQ)

Why?  Where’s the explanation from Midwest Communications as to why this decision has been made?  Is there intimidation coming from liberals who want to silence a “conservative” voice?

I’m not saying Jerry didn’t make a mistake going with the report as he did.    But that being said I have to agree with Kevin over at Lakeshore Laments.

I seriously believe he had the facts to back up his report when he posted it.

The severity of the action taken by Midwest Communications is questionable and points as well to a double standard if in fact there is pressure coming from liberals behind the scenes.

The liberal MSM reports rumors, innuendos and misinformation about conservative politicians on an almost daily basis.  Are they suspended or placed under “status review”?  Do they issue retractions and apologies the way Jerry did when he found out his sources gave him “bogus” information?

The answer is NO!

Midwest Communications needs to show that it has a backbone and not give into those who want to silence “conservative” talk radio.  In other words keep Jerry Bader on the air!

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Wednesday Hero 10/28/09

Posted by brvanlanen on October 28, 2009

Spc. Justin SlagleSpc. Justin Slagle
U.S. Army

Spc. Justin Slagle returns to Forward Operating Base Lane in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after an air assault mission in the Zabul province of Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2009. Even as leaders in Washington struggle with the next steps in Afghanistan, troops there are moving to better protect the Afghan people by separating them from Taliban influence and intimidation.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

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Taking care of business

Posted by brvanlanen on October 28, 2009

Having finally had the opportunity to see the Phantoms in action I can say this team is good. It’s obvious why it’s riding a 9 game win streak.  The 13-time Bay Conference champions showed why they won a share of the Bay title for the 4th consecutive year in a 1st round playoff game against Clintonville.

west-de-pere-wi

Image via Wisconsin High School Helmets (www.mghelmets.com)

Any hopes the Truckers had of an upset were quickly dashed as the Phantoms struck less than 2 minutes into the game.

Linssen’s 68-yard touchdown strike to Travis Mason, who got open behind the defensive back at midfield as the pass arrived, three plays in set the tone for the one-side game.

“It was a good confidence builder,” Linssen said. “It gave the defense confidence to go out there for their first drive, too, with the lead. It was nice to have.”

And the defense responded as the Phantoms built a 20-0 1st quarter lead.

Working in sync with an offense that scored touchdowns on its first three possessions — fullback Trevor Cherney scored on a pair of 1-yard runs — the West De Pere defense forced five straight three-and-outs by the Truckers (5-5) to start the game.

In fact the Truckers had a measly 59 yards total offense for the game.

“We felt we were ready,” West De Pere linebacker Ben Jensen said. “We knew they were a big running offense. We knew they hit hard. We were ready for them.”

West De Pere linebacker Zak Rottier foiled the Truckers’ best chance to put up points on offense when he intercepted an underthrown pass in the end zone late in the first half.

For the Phantoms even trickery worked though Halloween isn’t until Saturday.

West De Pere capitalized after the Rottier takeaway by covering 80 yards in only seven plays to extend its lead to 27-0 just before halftime.

The touchdown came on a hook-and-ladder play. Linssen threw a 6-yard pass to Mason on the outside at the Truckers’ 25. Mason flipped the ball to Bellmore a yard behind, and Bellmore scored on the 26-yard run. (Source: West DePere rolls over Clintonville in D3 – Green Bay Press-Gazette)

The end result a 35-7 victory that moves them closer to their goal of a state title.

Up next for the soaring Phantoms: the Tritons of Green Bay Notre Dame.

 

 

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