Animalist Instincts

As the legend goes, Punxsutawney Phil is more than 120 years old. Again, why doesn't Tulsa come up with a gimmick like this one? On the Feb. 2, the curmudgeonly little groundhog predicted an early spring while we were scraping snow from our driveways. Why do we know this?

Here is the plan. Let's congregate around the BOK Arena on the Oct. 1. Everybody bring a fighting cock. We can tag each bird with a date. The surviving rooster's corresponding date will determine when winter begins.

Like this wouldn't garner national attention. I can already hear PETA bristling at the thought. Who's with me?

Or come up with something else. What do we have to offer the world this is different, anyway?

On a less satirical note, spring is slowly creeping our way. What better way to celebrate the change in season than with a change in golfing equipment.

There is only one reason we'd talk golf in the dead of winter. That's right, the South Central Golf & Travel Expo returns to T-Town.

The event takes place this weekend, Feb. 9-11 at the Expo Center at Expo Square, 21st and Yale. What's new this year? Everything.

Equipment changes from year to year. Avid golfers salivate at catching the first glimpse of new technology on display. Demo areas are the hot spots. Especially for those of us not in the market for a $400 driver.

The three-time world long drive champion Sean "The Beast" Fister will be on hand. His longest recorded drive is 515 yards or twice as long as the average hack.

He will demonstrate at noon and 4pm on both Friday and Saturday. Another outstanding local teacher will be available to the public. Janice Gibson is a Tulsa native.

She attended Nathan Hale and played on the boy's golf team from 1976-79. Four years at Oklahoma State and a 12-year LPGA career speak volumes of her aptitude for the game.

Most recently she has taken the reign and launched the First Tee of Tulsa program. The wildly successful endeavor is a credit to her and those who support the game of golf. I strongly urge you to visit her booth and listen up.

Tickets are available at the door for $8. $3 off coupons can be found at the house the Oven Mitt built.

While You're There . . .

A quick walk across the parking lot will take you to the home of the 66ers. In the Expo Square Pavilion you will find quality D-League basketball.

You will no longer find point guard extraordinaire Will Conroy. As predicted by head coach Joey Meyer in the preseason, Conroy made the leap last week to the NBA.

"You never know who's in the gym watching. We could have a scout in here watching the practice today. You might want to take the day off and not go hard. You've got to fight it and play hard because you never know what they are looking for," said Conroy back in December.

His actions spoke at decibels equivalent to his words. He received the call from the Memphis Grizzles. A great fit indeed. Jerry West, the NBA Logo, is putting together a talented core of young players.

Conroy hasn't put his mark on the box score but his time will come. Learning a new offense will take patience. If he is given a fair shake--he will succeed. Good things and outstanding players are happening right here in Tulsa. We just have to open our eyes.

Super Duper

The Super Bowl played out as most experts agreed it would. The Colts prevailed and proved to be too much for the game but overmatched Chicago Bears.

Coach Lovie Smith obtained maximum effort throughout the season. The Bears lacked at one position and it showed. The quarterback is vital to a team's success and Rex Grossman let his team down. Again.

Indy's dynamic duo of Peyton Manning and coach Tony Dungy are admiral champions. Both have paid their dues and endured their fair share of criticism.

The game started out hot and heavy. An opening kick return for a touchdown gave the Bears what they desperately needed. The momentum soon shifted and the Bears offense failed to provide much of anything sans turnovers.

The game will go down in the record books for the extremely sloppy play. The SB was the first to be played in inclement weather. Ever.

The final score was 29-17 in favor of the Indianapolis Colts. I just can't wait to see what the experts and critics conjure up to bash Manning next year.

Yet, More Football

Major props go out to Thurman Thomas. The Oklahoma State great earned his bronze bust over a 13-year career in the NFL. He is the oft overlooked running back of his era.

He led the league in yards from scrimmage an unparalleled four seasons in a row. He revolutionized the position.

He played much larger than his slight frame. His ability to catch passes is now a staple for all running backs. Oklahoma State fans should be proud to have such immense representation in Canton Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The only game left is the Pro Bowl. Allow me to steal a Jeff Foxworthy redneck joke. If you gamble or even watch the Pro Bowl, you might be a degenerate. Who's with me?