THE OCCASIONAL ORBITER Monday May 13, 2002 Vol. 73 Hi, hello and welcome fellow Cowboys of the Space variety to the latest edtion of your occasional reading. **** Shorthanded 'Boys Lose Heartbreaker **** The Space Cowboys failed in their attempt to reach the .500 mark last Tuesday when they fell to the "thuggy thuggs" of Plasti-Line fourty-eight (48) to fourty-five(45). With the struggling Michael Ash on the bench with his freshly pulled molars, Kevin Brinkman putting off his return with a sprained ankle and Fred Hedrington unable to attend due to our misprint of the gametime, the 'boys would be playing the game with zero (0) substitutes. To start out the game it did not seem to matter that there was no one to come in off the bench. It was a seesaw battle, that come halftime, the hometeam was thought to be in control with a twelve (12) point, twenty-nine (29) to seventeen (17) lead. Although they did not exactly shoot the perverbial lights out, the 'boys played well enough to gain the lead. Part of their excuse for the laxidasical second half was the, what seemed to be, extended half time. A longer than normal "breather" was given and the hometeam used it to lose their "touch" and fall out of "rhythme." Not only did they come out into the second half firing "blanks", but the 'thuggs came into it with a little enthusiasm and a bench overflowing with subs. They began to push the ball and quickly rept right back into the game. With four (4) minutes remaining and the ball loose under the 'thuggs basket, the unthinkable happend. The ball was tossed around and finnally after being bounced hard off the ground, it proceeded to go up and sit on the rim, only to fall through the hoop. That basket would tie the game (40-40) for the first time since the early minutes. It appeared that play was the breaking point for the 'boys as they almost fell over and died. First with the ball and ten (10) seconds remaining the home team committed an unforced turnover. After the 'thuggs failed to connect on their free throw attempts, the 'boys had one last chance. The ball was just on their side of mid-court, and the clock read two point seven (2.7) seconds. After being pushed all the way out to mid court, Nick Lubbers threw up a prayer that came up short. The 'boys fell, giving them a record of two wins and three losses at the midway point of the season. The autmosphere around the Space Cowboys clubouse is still a positive one, even after such a devastating loss. Although they still will not be at full strength in their next matchup (Keith Lubbers will not be present), things can only get better. Michael Ash will be returning to the lineup this week, and there is only one way he can go after his poor start (24%fg). Also look for improvement from John Rasp. Mr. Rasp showed what he is capable of when he filled in as an "emergency replacement" last winter, but has yet to live up to the expectations he created. HIs presence along with the surging Ben Keene and suddenly consistent Jeremy Jeffries should proovee leathal coming into the second half of the Sports of All Sorts Tuesday Night Spring Season. **** Box Score May 7, 2002 **** Name No. Fgm Fga 3ptm 3pta Ftm Fta TP Rasp 1 0 4 0 2 1 2 1 K.Lubbers 10 3 9 1 4 0 0 7 Brinkman 20 - - - - - - - N.Lubbers 23 7 14 4 8 1 1 19 Jeffries 24 5 12 3 9 0 0 14 Ash 30 - - - - - - - Keene 44 1 2 0 0 2 5 4 Hedrington 45 - - - - - - - Totals 197 16 41 8 23 5 10 45 39% 35% 50% Attendance: 14 (Brinkman M&K, Elsbernd, Jack, Kaylor, Kidd, Lenihan B&N, Lubbers J,J&K, Rory, Sears, Young) Season Attendance: 47 Special Thanks to Scorekeeper Mike Ash **** Next Game Tuesday May 14, 2002 **** The Space Cowboys will take the floor next, this Tuesday, May 14 at 6 P.M. at Sports of All Sorts in Florence. In searching for their third win and to reach the .500 mark, the 'boys will face the "thugg e. thuggs" of The Jam. In being such a "small market" team, the Space Cowboys have not had the time or money to put into the "scouting" department. Therefor nothing is known of this week's opponent. We do know, however, that this game is bound to be some sort of "titanic struggle" and will feature some fundamental basketball with "fantabular" action. But coming out to the "big arena by the highway" gives you much mroe than that. Last week's special Honorary Cowboy presentation has been tentatively rescheduled for this week's matchup. It was a late cancelation due to the absence of the recipient. There has been no confirmation that they will be present this week. If so, the cerimony will go on as planned. The mere chance of witnessing the first ever presentation fo the Orange Lanyard to one of the most loyal fans in the history of the Space Cowboys is worth the trip out I-75. So come on out. This Tuesday, May 14 at 6 P.M. Doors will open at 5:30 with pregame festivities following promptly at 5:32. **** Orange Lanyard Giveaway **** If the thought has crossed your mind that you are not the most loyal Space Cowboy fan around, but would still like to show some "love" to the 'boys, you too can receive your very own orange lanyard. All you have to do is write a simple paragraph stating why you want an orange lanyard. What it means to you, and your specific intentions for said lanyard. All submissions will be published in the Orbiter anonymously for the readers to vote on. And to lay to rest all the rumors floating around about the deadline, none has been given at the moment. But that doesn't mean this offer will last forever, so get your entry in today! Email it to us here at occaisonalorbiter@hotmail.com. **** Space Cowboys Softball Update **** The Space Cowboys softball teams finished their opening games out this past weekend. The Friday Night 'boys opened the season with a victory (5-3), as did the Saturday Night Co-Ed team (19-9). In their second game of the young season, the Sunday Morning team conpleted the Cowboys weekend sweep scoring ten (10) unanswered runs in the late innings to capture the victory twelve (12) to four (4). Although the season is very young, last seasons "expansion team" appears to be much improved and looking for a run at the title. You can now check out all the numbers for the Space Cowboys Friday and Sunday teams on the O-ffical website of the 'boys at http://www.geocities.com/spaceranch2001. Simply click on "Cowboy Softball" to gain access to schedules, results and all the numbers. **** Space Cowboys at the Movies **** This past week a few of the Space Cowboys settled in for a movie and decided to give their take on this "modern classic." The title: Wire to Wire 1990 Cincinnati Reds. This is a very motivating, yet heartfelt, tearjerking, action packed, romantically thrilling comedy. It features such scenes as the unforgetable foot race between Billy Bates and a cheetah. Who wins? You'll have to watch for yourself to find that out. Another great moment is when Luis Quinones claps as he jogs up the first base line after getting the winning hit in game three of the series. "This has to be one of the greatest movies of all time," said one Cowboy. "It's right up there with The Fast and the Furious and Coyote Ugly." Talk about a raving review! Pick up your copy of this outstanding film today. Since a member of the team had his own copy, we are unable to instruct you as to where one can be "rented". But if you would like to invest in a sure fire winner just go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6302985439/102-8626791-5595351. Look for "Space Cowboys at the Movies" to "occasionally" pop up in your "occasional" reading. **** News and Notes **** Injury Report: Michael Ash has fully recovered after having some teeth removed. Kevin Brinkman, although still not 100%(ankle), will be in the linewup on Tuesday....The 'boys "sub" problem could have been nonexistant had one "boy" headed his many reminders. Michael Brinkman, who has been asked to dress in each of the last few games for the 'boys was present, but failed to bring the proper "attire". How does it feel to have the entire weight of that loss on your shoulders?....Keith Lubbers will not be present for Tuesday matchup with the "thugg e. thuggs". Mr. Lubbers was unable to "reschedule" at work, but this should be his only absence of the season....Jeremy Jeffried coninuted his consistent play Tuesday night scoring double figures in a personal best third straight game. He has done so in four (4) of five (5) games so far this season....John Rasp's shooting woes continued as he failed to make a shot from the field. Give Mr. Rasp credit for not allowing his offense to effect his defense, he is still an all out hustle type of player on the defensive end. Space Cowboys management is confident last Winter Season was not a fluke. That will be all for this edition of the Occasional Orbiter. Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition becuase you never know when one may appear. Enjoy some "action shots" and orange lanyard humor at the interent home of the Space Cowboys, http://www.geocities.com/spaceranch2001. Also, send us any question, comments, suggestions, "shout outs", insults, quotes, jokes, and hollywood tidbits at occasionalorbiter@hotmail.com. Editor-in-Chief Nick "Stud" Lubbers Tape Down Your Ears!!!