THE OCCASIONAL ORBITER Monday April 15, 2002 Vol. 69 Hi, hello and welcomd fellow Cowpersons of the Space variety to the latest edtion of your occasional reading. **** 'Boys Drop Season Opener **** The Space Cowboys lost the first game of the 2002 Spring Season last Tuesday. They fell victim to the "thuggy thuggs" of Barely Legal, sevety-eight (78) to fifty-eight (58), who consist of such fellow Holy Cross graduates as Lance and Joe Shickling, Andy Krallman and David Webster. These guys really took "it" to the 'boys right from tip off. The 'boys just were not connecting on their open looks and the 'thuggs took advantage. Not only were they shooting a very high percentage from the field, but they did so on fast break opportunities. The home team failed to get back on defense and gave up numerous uncontested points. All these miscues would lead to the early demise of the 'boys, trailing at halftime fourty-nine (49) to twenty-four (24). The second half did provide some reason for optimism. In the end they outscored the 'thuggs thirty-four (34) to twenty-nine (29). That is just proof that when playing well, they can compete with anyone. The 'boys just need to work on being ready to play when the game beins and not falling behind by such an insurrmountable deficit. There were as always though a couple bright spots for the Space Cowboys: "Big Man" Ben Keene came inmto the Spring season ready to play. Mr. Keene contributed four (4) points on two (2) of three (3) shooting. And newcomer, Fred Hedrington, who did struggled from the field, but showed glimpses of his capability. And the final bright spot for the 'boys was simply the fact the guard Michael Ash returned to the lineup. Although a little rusty, it was nice to see Mr. Ash back in the orange. **** Box Score April 9, 2002 **** Name No. Fgm Fga 3ptm 3pta Ftm Fta TP Rasp 1 1 5 0 3 0 0 2 K.Lubbers 10 2 5 2 4 0 0 6 N.Lubbers 23 6 11 3 7 0 0 15 Jeffries 24 4 14 3 9 0 0 11 Ash 30 3 11 3 9 2 3 11 Keene 44 2 3 0 0 0 1 4 Hedrington 45 4 14 1 2 0 0 9 Totals 177 22 66 12 34 2 4 58 35% 35% 50% Attendance: 10 (Anna, Batsche, Brinkman, Jack, Jessica, Kaylor Kidd, Mmrr, Rory) Season Attendance: 10 Special Thanks to Scorekeeper Christina Batsche **** Next Game Tuesday April 16th, 2002 **** The Space Cowboys will be in action once again this Tuesday April 16, at 7 P.M. at Sports of All Sorts in Florence. This will be a special game for the home team as they face the "thuggiest of thuggs" in Mains. Although the name is not familiar the basketball players on the team are. This team consists of former 'boy Dan Resing, along with Dan Gerwe, Jeff Elsbernd, Matt Trapp and others. This will be an emotion filled game as much trash taking has been going on since the possbility of the matchup arose. Both teams will be looking to pull back to the .500 mark after suffering defeats in their first game. The one negative to this game will bethe absence of John Rasp from the Space Cowboys. Mr. Rasp, who dorms with three (3) members of Mains will be attending class and unable to attend. With all he makings of a Kentucky-Louisville type of rivalry, we here at the Occasional Orbiter, on behalf of both of these ball clubs, would like to invite everyone out to witness this historic game and waht better way to lure out the fans than a special Space Cowboys giveaway. In honor of this memorable occasion the first 10,000 fans in attendance will recieve a free 3-D model of the Home of the space Cowboys, "big arena by the highway", the Sports of All Sorts Complex. This historic keepsake is nto something that you can get anywhere. It is brought to you only by the Space Cowboys and only if you come to see history in the making. Each model consists of the entire Sports of All Sorts complex, right down to the wind mill on the minurature golf course. Also, they will be distrbuted with a certificate of aunthenticty to keep the market of Space Cowboys collectables from overflowing with bootleg items. So come on out to the "big arena by the highway" to see our Space Cowboys take on the "thuggiest of thuggs" this Tuesday at 7 P.M. and take home a piece of history. Doors will open at 6:27 with pregame festivities beginning at 6:48. **** Down on the Farm **** Kevin Brinkman seems to be on the fast track back to the "big club". In his most recent outing for the Louisville affiliate earch Cowboys, Mr. Brinkman led them back from sure defeat with fifteen (15) points connecting on four (4) of his seven (7) three point opportunities. Mr. Brinkman is banging on the door and the Space Cowboys may have no other choice than to bring him back up and see if he can continue his hot streak. **** Ash Breaks Record **** Divided up over three different seasons, Michael Ash finnaly broke the record for consecutive games scoring in double figures. He did so in his first game back since injuring his ankle. Mr. Ash put in eleven (11) points in his comeback effort to extend his streak to fourteen (14) games. The 'boys will be looking for this type of consistent play to continue for Michael as he will be counted on heavily in the Spring season. **** News and Notes **** Injury Report: "Big Man" Ben Keene suffered a bruised knee in the 'boys lost last Tuesday. After committing yet another foul Mr. Big Man hit the floor hard and after leaving the game, did not return. He is listed as "day to day"....Once again the Space Cowboys officials have asked Michael Brinkman to come to the game dressed and ready to play. After years of waiting he may finnaly make his debut....Anyone interested in the Great American Ballpark paver can contact us here at the Occasional Orbiter for any questions. That will be all for this edition of your Occasional Orbiter. Any questions, comments, ideas or new subscribors? Email us at occasionalorbiter@hotmail.com. Also dont forget to check out the Space Ranch at http://www.geocities.com/spaceranch2001. Editor-in-Chief Nick "Stud" Lubbers Great Scott!