2008 Olympic Gold Medalists

2008 Olympic Gold Medalists
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

...and on to the Finals

"Today was a good day" to quote a famous rapper. Got up early for our match at 9am vs. Georgia. Felt great in warmups and I really think that translated into the game. Phil was awesome at the service line as well as at the net. I would have to say he set the tone for the match when he came out bombing his jump serve and stuffing down the left sider for Georgia. Once he got hesitant it made my job very easy to run down his shots.

We started off game 1 up 8-1. The only way they got that first point was because I got stuffed after I scooped a ball. We sided out and Phil went on a 7 point run from the service line highlighted by a couple of aces and a bunch of blocks. From there on out it was more a question of what was going to be the final score of the first game. The points just kept coming in bunches and I think the first game score ended up being 21-12.

In the second game we again came out strong with a sideout and then went on a 3 point run. I think we switched sides up 6-1 and just continued to stretch our lead. I think it was 17-8 at one point. We gave up a couple of sloppy points on lazy passes and bad shots but the final score was 21-13 I think.

All in all it was a very solid effort by Phil and I and now we get to play in the Gold medal match vs. Marcio and Fabio.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Todd, that was just an awesome display of volleyball by both you and Phil. Congrats on your amazing run to the finals. I imagine it feels particularly sweet doing this after losing that first game to the Latvians.

You were both so sharp. Not only were you doing what you normally do - playing great defense and Phil serving and blocking big - but you were CRANKING the hits off of huge jumps and Phil was looking so agile. I couldn't believe he ran down that ball all the way off the court off of your dig - and you guys ended up winning the point.

Thanks for the great show, and you KNOW we're going to be going nuts watching you in the finals and cheering you on.

Cheers,

Drew

Anonymous said...

some photo's from the semi's sorry they appear in reverse


http://www.volleyballtribe.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=cm9sc6owyvm1

Jeff

Jody said...

That was a meeching of the Georgians. You and Phil utterly dominated all facets of the game. Phil was putting up a roof one the left side hitter and you were running down everything else.

Great to see you are back in top form for the finals!!!

Thanks for picking up the blog posts. Its awesome to get your prespecive and insight.

I wanted to see you guys vs. Emanuel and Ricardo to signify to the world a changing of the guard on at the top of the volleyball world. In my mind you guys are already there…

Good luck.

We'll be going crazy here is Chicago

Jody

Anonymous said...

Todd: Good Luck on getting the gold. You are an awesome role model with your strategic planning and disciplined workout. We're rooting for you from San Francisco.

W: a former ucsb golfer

nnnnnah said...

You guys were incredible! Good luck at the finals! When the Georgians did that weird play, your expression was priceless. Keep up the good work!!!

-Alex.

Anonymous said...

Wow! That was a HUGE match and you guys rocked! Amazing. Good luck with the last match we are rooting for you the whole way!

Anonymous said...

Todd,
You and Phil have us screaming in the SYV, even at 1:30 in the morning. Keep up the great work, and just know that we are pulling for you guy's, BIG TIME. Tell Melissa, we said hi, and have a ball. This is something most peaople can't even imagine experiencing.

Tom & Tracy

UmassJSP said...

I got an email from the AVP and it said the Womens and Mens gold medal games are on the next 2 nights at 11pm ET & PT. I hope that is right. Anyway tomorrow night we have a company outing at the Worcester Tornados minor league baseball game. I will have a few beers there and then come home and watch Todd and Phil's Gold Medal match. The champagne is on ice and I cant wait to sip it when that last ball hits the sand! Wooooo! I have been watching Beach VB since 1986 but the pressure I feel in these Olympic matches is at a new level. The Latvian match tore my heart out and when the Swiss came back in the second set it was white knuckle time. Great drama. Holly McPeak has been doing some good articles over on Yahoo for the games and Marlowe and Kiraly do a great job. All in all an excellent tournament that should generate a ton of new Beach fans. I dont know how Todd will sleep the night before the match as he must be amped up and sky high but the adrenaline will flow and I predict a 3 set win for USA. JUST WIN BABY!!!! Scott from Cape Cod

Parents of M and M Sisters said...

YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA!!! It is so fun reading your thoughts on your blog. Kansas City will be sending our positive golden winning thoughts! We can't wait to watch!!! You are rockin' hot!!!!!!
-Fellow Gaucho of class of 1996

kelly said...

Awesome job guys!!! Can't wait to see you wearing the gold around your neck!

Anonymous said...

You KINGS of the sand are a spectacular pair!!!! I had no interest in sports until I caught a look at The Sexy Beast… he sure is Yummy! We your FANS see Gold in your near future!
Estela

UmassJSP said...

WOW! Walsh and May were awesome. I have to give Misty the MVP. She reminds me of Derek Jeter when the Yanks were winning 3 straight World Series. She just always comes thru with the big play when you need it. Chinese team refused to go away so it was a great match except for the rain. It is 9am here so that means Todd and Phil are probably preparing to hit the pillows over there in Red China. Get some Z's and then get some GOLD!!!!!

Ken said...

Great work, both of you. Thanks so much for making the blog available to everyone.

I have played for over ten years. Watching you two has been my favorite part of this Olympics.

Your defense is so good sometimes it just leaves me shaking my head.

It also is such an inspiration. Everyone sees your athletic talent and your good sportsmanship. Both you and Phil are representing our country so well.

We hope you get the gold.

Todd Rogers said...

Drew- Thank you. See you in SB.

Jody- Thanks. I think everyone wanted to see that final but oh well.

UCSB Golfer - Come out to SF if you get a chance. For me that is next weekend.

Alex - Thanks.

Tom and Tracy- Thanks. Great seeing you at the Proclamation and Airport too. Thanks for all of the support over the years.

Scott - Your prediction was right on in three. How was the Champagne? Did you wake the neighbors?

M & M in KC - Thanks and go Gauchos!

Estela - I will have to let Phil know how you feel! :)

Ken- Many thanks. We do our best to be good role models. I hope that comes across.

Todd

ashley said...

Todd
You and Phil did such a great job on sunday at SB. It was such a great thing to see you play and I loved getting you and Phils signature. I know I can just get it anytime but I liked doing it this way. I know that you are always on the go with volleyball. So if you want some alone time with your wife or to go out to dinner, just call me and i will babysitt for you. You know that I would do anything for my Nater and Hannah. LOL jk I loved seeing Phil play and getting my picture with him. It is now my screensaver for my cell. Tell Phil that I said hi and tell him to shrink!!!! I FEEL SO SHORT!!!! Give nater a bid hug from me and I will see you at the soccer fields!!!!

love,
ashley cline