by Mike Held
Maybe you missed it because the rabbit ears to the television under your rock are broken, but there’s this mystical event called the Olympics going on in this little nobody city known as London. Jim Boeheim, assistant men’s basketball coach for team USA said “ London is a very clean city and the people are very friendly. And there are shops everywhere.” I’m glad to hear that Jimmy B is enjoying his little vacation to London. But, believe it or not, there are MORE Syracuse connections to the London Olympiad. Here’s a look into how these International Oranges have fared.
BASKETBALL:
Our man, Carmelo, turned in not just one of the best performances of the Olympics, but one of the best basketball performances of all times against Nigeria. In their 83 point victory, Anthony put up a new Team USA Olympic record with 38 points (beating out Stephon Marbury’s 31 from 2004) in a mere 14 minutes, which was just insanity. Pure, utter insanity. He shot an absurd percentage, including 10 for 12 from deep (also a new US Olympic record). But seriously, in 14 minutes? He was on pace for over 100 points. He did this all off the bench too.
‘Melo (not to be confused with Fab) has been a critical piece for Team USA, who is currently undefeated in the Olympic Basketball tournament.
Also representing the Orange for Team USA Basketball are Jim Boeheim and Mike Hopkins, both of whom are assistant coaches for the Team.
ROWING:
SU also sent two rowers to the XXX Olympiad. Mike Gennaro, an alternate rower from the class of 2011, didn't actually get the chance to compete, but he’s having a great time across the pond. According to his Twitter, he’s meeting a bunch of famous Olympians, watching Olympians and starting the Wave at beach volleyball games. Rock on, Mike.
On the female side, Team Canada sent Natalie Mastracci from the class of 2010. Mastracci was the first Orangewoman to medal this year at the Games. She was a part of the Woman’s 8 boat from Canada who took second place. From the sounds of her twitter, she is also having a blast in London, and even sharing the love by letting some people wear her medal. Congrats Natalie!
FIELD HOCKEY:
Shannon Taylor, Syracuse Class of 2010, competed for Team USA Field Hockey, who was recently eliminated from medal competition. However, Taylor’s impact was felt throughout the tournament. She scored the decicive (and only) goal in Team USA’s upset victory over Argentina. She has a reputation as a clutch scorer. After suffering their second loss of the tournament, Taylor and company will have a chance to salvage an eleventh place finish on Friday against an opponent yet to be determined.
TRACK AND FIELD:
The final Orange Olympian is Uhunoma Osazuwa. Competing for Team Nigeria in the Heptathalon, a Track and Field event combining seven competitions, Osazuwa did not finish the event. She ultimately placed in 35th place, with 2587 points. Her best finishes in the 7 events was 7th in the 100 meter hurdles and 8th in the 200 meter dash.
These Orange men and Women are making the university proud, and we wish them nothing but the best of luck in their future events.
