Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat

The semi-final game to determine whether or not we played in the Silver Bowl (Div. 1 championship) came down to the last 2:05 of the game. So it went like this:

2:05 remaining in the game. The Steelsharks lead by a score of 13-12 AND they just stopped us and have the ball; 1st and ten. We have no (zero; zilch; nada; none) timeouts. It is all over but the crying for the Rangers, right? All they have to do is kneel down with the ball and run out the clock. We send out the defense with the age-old desperate admonition: Strip the ball (if they run a play). Of course, they wouldn't be dumb enough to run a play would they?

OMG! They ran a play! We stuffed them.

2nd down and 11. Clock is running. This time they will surely kneel down, right?

NO! They run a toss play! The runner is contacted first, by Martin Kucher, Markus Bernas strips the ball, and Franz Koloshar recovers the fumble!

Now, with a little more than a minute remaining, all we need is to get Raphael Hackl into field goal range (about 10 yards). But instead, Stefan Postal starts right, cuts back and weaves his way through Shark infested "waters" and scores!!! Rangers 18 / Steel Sharks 13.

After the kick-off, the Qb for the Sharks rolled to his left to pass, then decided to run, then pulled up and heaves a desperation pass back to the middle of the field (this is the cardinal rule to NEVER break; DON'T throw back to the middle of the field unless your are Brett Favre). Defensive lineman Martin Kucher (who was taking an angle to catch Qb as he scrambled) intercepted the ill-fated pass and sealed the win.

Never in my 32 years of coaching and 17 years of playing have I ever personally seen a finish like that. It shows why you coach the defense to strip and score. It shows why you never quit and you play to the finish of every play. It also shows why you know how much time you can run of the clock when the other team has no time outs.

Linebacker Armin Schneider had the quote of the day. "The Steel Sharks' president is also their head coach. After that, he should fire himself".

Well said, Armin.

After the game, a really welcome sight appeared on the field. For 32 years, Susan has attended and sat through heat, rain, sleet, snow at my games (not to mention listening to idiots in the stands who seem to know so much more than any coach and have the loudest way of exposing their diminished IQ). After the game, she walks out to greet me to share the joy of the victory or console me in loss. Today, after a long separation from this practice, I was glad to see her walking across the turf of the only real football field in the entire nation of Austria. Double win!

Since we didn't get our picture taken together when she visited the scrimmage in Salzburg for some unexplained reason, we tried to run the camera battery down taking as many pictures as we could. I posted some at the end of the blog.

So we now meet the Swarco Raiders 2 of Innsbruck in the Silver Bowl. We play at 17:00 on the natural turf of our home stadium in Modling on Saturday, June 11. We won the first meeting with the Raiders by a slim margin of 24-21 earlier this year. They missed a fg in the waning seconds that would have put the game in OT. This will not be a cake walk and we need to spend the two week preparation time to win the game. The actual game will just be payday for the time, sweat, and effort invested to earn the victory.

Below are the pictures we got of the players that we could catch and pull into the picture. I am sorry that I did not catch everyone to have a memory of them. We will get one more game to attempt to get at least one picture of everyone.

The apparition floating above Susan's head is Felix (Felixius Maximus) Schildorfer.

Stefan Postel, Susan, Me, and Mike Graetz

Susan, Me, Drago (Robert Dragotinitus)

Maximillian Boder and Me

Me, the ageless wonder; Franz Koloshar, and Susan

Benny Rabb, Me, Ulrich Hoeger, Susan, Peter Paukner.

Mike Graetz, Me, Raphie Hackl, Susan, Clemens Burian.

Me, Markus Bernas, Susan

Me, Maxi Lacina, Susan, Andy Reiter

Me, Johnathan Hepner, Susan

Last, but not least, Me, Defensive Captain Fritz Limbeck, Susan

Innsbruck

After our victory against the Steel Sharks that put us in the Silver Bowl, we drove to Innsbruck to scout the game between our potential opponents. The Raiffiesen Vikings were playing the Swarco Raiders for the unenviable task of playing us (The Kornmesser Rangers) in the finals

(The Silver Bowl).

Innsbruck, Austria in the background. We are at the Hungerburg station on Nordketten.

Across the valley from Nordketten. Innsbruck lies in between.

After a late (early morning) arrival at the Hotel Innsbruck, we arose and scouted the game in which the home team (Swarco Raiders) won. Following the game, we bought tickets to ride up one of the amazing mountains that surround this city. Home to two Olympics (1964 & 1976), Innsbruck is correctly mentioned as one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and possibly, the world. The Inn river flows through the middle of town. and it is surrounded by 8,000-9,000 foot peaks.

The first part of the trip up Nordketten is by an apparatus that looks like a train made into a chair lift. The cars angle up the mountain and the various entrances are accessible by steps rather than a flat platform. The car makes its way up and down the mountain between the base level and the Hungerburg station. There, one may stop, sample food and drink from outdoor restaurants, shop, or visit the Alpenzoo.

We continued up the mountain by loading onto the cable car that would transport us to Seegrupe near the top of the mountain. We moved up, passing over hikers and mountain bikers on trails, cabins, and lush forest. 3 mountain bikers, clad in their gear and pushing their bikes, loaded onto the cable car. Nordketten is a favorite for bikers to fly down the trails.

Almost to the Seegrupen; A hiking trail is visible on the lower right. Innsbruck is below.

Hey! That's us in that shadow.

We reach the top after a ride that one could only describe as breath-taking (because of the view, not because of the height/danger) There was a small platform with a cafe and observation deck. Below, a glider could be seen, serenely riding the air currents of the brilliant, sunny Alpine day. I was unable to take its picture but it looked so relaxing to just drift around like a kite over this amazing view. I don't know how he got up in the air or when he landed, but it sure looked fun.

At the top with my best friend! Seegrupe on Nordketten.

From the outdoor cafe/observation deck.

(Hey, they didn't have water at the cafe and all that mountain climbing makes you thirsty!)

Top of the world, Ma!

Beautiful view (and the scenery in the background is nice , too)

We made our way back down the mountain and proceeded to stroll around the old city center. Many sidewalk cafes, souvenir shops, and other vendors lined the narrow cobblestone streets. We ate across from the Mozart house. He was not born there, but he lived there at one time in his life. Following a meal of schnitzel followed by a dessert of Sacher Torte (a fancy way to say chocolate cake), we returned to the Hotel and exhausted, fell into bed. The next day, after touring the Swarovski Crystal Worlds*we returned to Vienna to prepare for the Silver Bowl to be played on June 11. I will be blogging about the game against the Steel Sharks that put us in the championship soon, so stay tuned.

Outdoor cafe in old downtown Innsbruck. To the left is the Mozart House.

* A video that shows the Crystal works may be found here. I didn't make it or "star" in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY4xpNiRtwk

A Perfect Regular Season

39-year old phenomenon, Middle linebacker Franz Koloshar displays how many teams are undefeated in Austrian Football. That team is the Kornmesser Rangers.

(Photos by Natascha Wallner)

Last Saturday saw the end of the regular season AND the perfect way end to it. Undefeated. The playoffs loom before us but right now, let's enjoy the 24th win in a row. 3 years worth of undefeated.

The Vienna Knights and the Kornmesser Rangers are intense rivals with no love lost. Although the Knights were out of the playoff hunt, they were intent on stopping our 23 game winning streak and leaving us with a little reminder of the feud between us.

The game started off well but a little "fumble-itis" struck our offense throughout the day. We would eventually find the end zone enough to pull out a 20-12 win. Stephan Postel, the Wide receiver-turned QB scored, Lars Gabler, the cannon ball, scored. Raphael Hackl kicked a couple PATs and caught a long pass from Stephan despite a hurt shoulder. Lucas Mimmler made an acrobatic catch on a long pass to keep a drive alive. The O-line blocked well as usual and Robert Holocher made a run during which he broke at least 3 tackles and stayed in bounds to keep the clock running.

Stephan Postel ran and threw in a successful combination all day.

The "Cannon Ball" Lars Gabler. Explosive and powerful.

Defensively, Fritz Limbeck made the only interception of the day. Other players had their chances and broke up passes but couldn't keep possession to earn an INT. The D-line got two sacks on two consecutive third downs to end drives and on the third one, they caused the QB to intentionally ground the ball before he got sacked a third time. Felix Schildorfer, Oti Kabieatiko, and Phillip Tippow fought constant double teams while Max Boder blitzed from linebacker to help pressure the Knights passer.

Felix Schildorfer in on the tackle. Armin Schneider is close behind.

Ageless Franz Koloshar patrolled the middle of the field from his Middle linebacker spot and Mike Graetz caused many bruises to arise on opposing ball carriers with aggressive play. Clemens Burian, who played both ways in the game immediately before the Team I game, stood in as corner when injuries required his second game of the day. Clemens performed admirably and has shown constant improvement during the year.

Defensive Captain Fritz Limbeck got an INT on this day!

Mike Graetz; the Predator

The playoffs await on May 28. The Steel Sharks of Traun will visit our stadium in Wiener Neustadt. With a victory we will advance to the championship game set for June 11.

Susan is due to give her Teacher of the year speech on May 27 and catch a flight to Vienna, arriving in time to see our game the 28th. I miss meeting her on the field after games, win or lose. Except for the team 2 game Saturday at Amstetten, that tradition has interrupted for the last time.

I have included some pictures (taken by Natascha Wallner) of our players and the new uniforms we wore. We are developing a "bad boy" image and we wore all black this game.

A perfect regular season in just a way of saying that our potential is unlimited. Now we have to realize our potential and win two more when they really count. Stay tuned.

Auf Wiedersehen

A Freudian Trip

The office / flat is on the second floor. Apartment 6 was his address for 47 years.

Although I am not a big student of Dr. Sigmund Freud, I AM aware of, and respect his place in history. He lived in the same flat in Vienna for 47 years. Only fleeing the Nazis in 1938 precipitated his move to London. I was reminded (on a recent episode of Amazing Race) that a museum was located where he earned his famous psycho-analysis fame. I decided to make a Freudian "Trip" to visit it.

The Schottentor U Bahn station was my "jumping off" point. From there, naturally, I got lost. I walked for about an hour, returning to my original point to try again. At this point the reader must realize that I uphold "Man-Law" and refuse to ask for directions. Instead, I look for "touristy" groups or that I assume should also be looking for these famous destinations. The one I fell in behind to day took me in the opposite direction. When I finally ascertained that they were headed in the direction of the Rathaus (Parliment building), I retreated and consulted a city map in the U Bahn station.

After about a 15 minute walk, I discovered the street on which the famous man lived and walked down a long street lined with academic book stores, outdoor cafes, and other shops. It was a glorious day and many people were also enjoying Sigmund Freud park, not far from his office / flat. The thing I noticed about this particular park was an abundance of bright red reclining lawn chairs. I later learned that the famous couch was covered with a reddish throw- type blanket and wondered if these chairs were in honor or reference to the famous piece of furniture.

I saw a small sign hanging horizontally that read "Freud". My powerful instincts for grasping the obvious told me that I was on the right track. I entered a quiet, cool, and darkened entry way and climbed up to the second floor. Apartment 6 was the famous address and I entered to a small welcome desk. The man explained that the self-guided tour was 7 euros and I could get the audio guide for 2 additional. Being a rich American, I took the audio player and commenced a tour that would take me through 3 small, cramped rooms.

The outer waiting room is as the Freud family hurriedly left it in 1938. There are pictures, certificates, and documents lining the walls. The furniture and knick-knacks are exactly as the film I later viewed captured them in the 1930s. One can view his hat, a satchel, and a walking cane that he employed when he went on walks, something he was known to enjoy.

The Freud Waiting Room. Noticeably missing are old issues of People Magazine, Psycology Today and Sports Illustrated

The next room is the place where the famous sessions took place. Noticeably absent is the famous couch. The Freuds took it to London and it now graces the London museum. The walls were lined with documents, pictures, and more certificates. I began to feel how much intellectual energy had coursed through this space during the years. I felt a little unsure that I was adding any to it in the least.

I moved into the room past the examination room into his library / study. Here he did much reading and wrote often. His chair had been specifically designed to fit his peculiar reading posture. He usually leaned back with one leg slung over and arm of the chair and leaned his head back, supported by nothing. He held the book up almost at arm's length. I wonder if he ever analyzed his reason for that? There was a mirror given to him by a friend. I was prominently displayed in the room. and through the audio player, it was explained that in it, he most certainly saw the result of the many skin cancer surgeries. I looked into in it and realized that I was staring into the mirror that Freud had also once stared into. But all I saw was myself and my insecurities. The abyss stared back. Where WAS that couch when I needed to engage in self-introspection?

I wandered into a video room where "home movies" of Freud in various activities such as birthdays and anniversaries were being shown. I sat through a few minutes of this, left and encountered a couple rooms with more documents (written in German), books and memorabilia. There were some photos of Andy Warhol and friends in Freud's appartment circa 1965 displayed for some reason.

The part of the flat that I seriously doubt that Freud had during its heyday was the gift shop. After a cursory few looks at some of the merchandise, I made my exit back down the stairs, through the cool, dark entry way onto the bright, sunny street. Although I didn't receive any psychiatric analysis, I did feel a sense of respect for the man, his dedication to a profession, and his contributions. Another famous resident of a city filled with a long line of historically significant residents.

Pardon me Miss, but the Doctor is NOT in. Do you have an appointment?

Following my tour, I was standing on the corner, talking on the phone to Susan. A small, older lady(who I later learned was named Silva; meaning forest) took an interest and when I hung up, asked me where I was from. I replied USA; Oklahoma and she smiled and we talked about Vienna, the States, life, you name it, for about 30 minutes. During the course of the conversation , she told me that there were places that the bomb damage from WWII could still be seen. Then, from a slightly bowed head, with tightly pursed lips, and looking at me through the top of her eyes, she added "from the Americans". I shyly shrugged with a "I don't know what to say" expression. Then I added "but NOW we are friends, right"? She brightened up and smiled, "Yes, now vee are friends". International incident over.

After a ride to the Volkstheater where I enjoyed some Asian noodles while sitting in the park at the Heldenplatz near the Hofburg. Then a Kaffee Americano at the Starbucks while I watched the people. I also brought along my Apple Macbook Air to check and return emails. I could have done that at the "Villa" but I wanted to join the other "hipsters" at Starbucks that hammer away at Apple computers while having overpriced coffee. I know someone must've thought they were witnessing some important American bigshot who was making tons of money right there on his magical Apple computer while being ensconced in such an exotic local. Or maybe they realized it was just an expatriated American coach that was emailing his best friend, who he was missing more than ever.

I returned, stopped by the PennyMarkt for some groceries and returned to the "Villa" to recount the day's events and to review some pictures which I have included on the blog. Thanks for the time you spent reading about my day.

An Amazing View and a Close Brush With Communism

Earlier this week, I rode the U6 to the Langefeldgasse station where I changed to the U4 and rode to the end of the line at Heiligernstadt. I then located the 38A bus and rode through winding streets on a gently rising incline that would culminate at a couple of attractions called Kahlenberg and Leopoldau.

The day was brilliantly sunny and the temperature was just on the cool and breezy side. A long sleeved pullover was welcome on this day. I have learned to pack at least one outer garment with me when I venture out. It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. The quaint outlying houses gave way to tree covered hillsides. The city bus continued to wind its way up what most Oklahomans would call a mountain. Not unlike foothills of the Rockies, the "mountains" around Vienna are much lower than the neighboring Alps. But the 500 foot elevation was noticeable going up and the on the descent.

Upon arriving at Kahlenberg, I encountered a cathedral built in 1683. From this point, King Sobiesky marched his army in 1683 to liberate Vienna from the Turks. But just steps beyond the impressive structure was something amazing. A view of the city of Vienna that cannot be described. The land, the Danube River (and canal), the city, all these sights combining into one tremendous panorama. Pictures do not do this view the justice it deserves but I am attaching them anyway.

On the other side of the lowest foothill of the Alps (as described in Fodor's Travel Guide) stands the fort built in the 12th century by King Leopold of Poland. The fort has decayed over the years but the walls remain. The view from this sight is equally amazing. I encountered some locals and as I passed I realized that they had said "Guten Tag" (good day) I had walked a few steps before it sank in on me that they were addressing me. I tossed a return "Guten Morgen" to them apologetically over my shoulder. I then heard some one say "Auslander" which means loosely, "not from around here". I gave them an enthusiastic "Ja"! and continued on as they chuckled. Later, they would take my picture with the backdrop of the grand view.

The Church at Kahlenburg; built in 1683

Spectacular view of the Danube, the Danube Canal, and the city North of them. Most of Vienna is out of the picture to the right.

The walls of the fort at Leopoldau. Built in the 12th century. The top of a building in the fort is in the background.

Upon return from the mountain I tried Turkish Kebap from a small street vendor. The cost was 2.50 Euros and I would describe it as Chicken Fried Rice (ish) They put a yogurt-like sauce on it and I also had some spices added. I sat in front of the U Bahn station and ate it while guarding it from an aggressive pigeon that was obviously not afraid of any human. I looked up at the wording on the building and realized it was named after the "Father of Communism" Karl Marx. Oh, no! Will being so close to such a thing creep into my psyche and contaminate my brain? Will I be tempted to address others as "Comrade"? Will I be allowed back into Oklahoma after surviving such a brush with "Socialism Gone Wild" I think that a few episodes of Fox and Friends should be sufficient to reprogram me back to see the true light if I have in fact, been brainwashed by my close proximity to such vulgarity.

Warning: Living here could lead to creeping Communism!

As I approached the U4 station to return, I saw a girl with a radio microphone for the station 88.6. She beckoned me and asked me for an interview. I replied that I would be happy to oblige. She then frowned and said that it had to be in German. I nodded in agreement and shrugged. The I added that I DID know their slogan "Ve spielen vat ve wollen" (we play what we want) She lit up and exclaimed, "Ok. Say that! Introduce yourself and say the slogan". I complied with my best radio voice, "This is Lyn Hepner from Altus, Oklahoma USA. Ve speilen vat ve wollen, Ja". I later had a picture taken of us both but the microphone with the radio logo didn't make it into the pic. I continued on, concealing my new found celebrity till now. Listen for me on 88.6 soon.

The day was a successful sight seeing experience but I am going to return to take Susan. I held some information about the trip back so as to be even better when she arrives. I am posting some pics of the experience. Sorry to block some of the scenery with my big self.

Guten Tag, auslanders"

Every Victory is a Blessing

Rangers 21 - Vikings II 20

Yesterday, We won by the thinnest of margins. In a game that was almost certainly headed to overtime for the 2nd time in 2 meetings. The point after touchdown attempt was no good following a TD with under 2 minutes left in the game. After Andy Reiter recovered the onsides kick attempt, our offense just had to kneel down 3 times to finish another close victory.

At half, we led 14-0 but the Vikings 2 team didn't get the memo that the game was supposedly over at halftime (something that we must have mistakenly believed). In a matter of minutes, the score was tied at 14 in the third quarter and the battle was gaining in intensity with every play. Our offense put the go ahead score in the end zone with about 4 minutes left. After yet another good kick return, the Vikings 2 drove down and scored (aided by some ill-timed penalties).

Emotions ran high during (and after) the game and conceivably, this rivalry could renew itself if we both meet in the final bowl game. But for now, the win is good. Over the years, I have found that every win in a blessing. I have been on both sides of winning and losing and although there are things about our victory that I would like to have done better, I will still take the "W". It feels better than a game in which we did all we could do and still lost. It is supposed to be about how you play the game, but then someone put a scoreboard into the equation and it is hard to overlook.

Raphael Hackl had a 75 yard TD pass reception thrown by the always-improving Stephan Postl. Raphie was also perfect in his PATs and of course, this ended up being the difference in the game. Andy Reiter had 2 interceptions and recovered the onsides kick to seal the victory.

Lars Gabler ran the ball well and added 2 TDs with the capable help of our O-line (Phillip Tippow, Drago, Luki Seidl, Benny Rabb, and Hermann Felix Simon Schildorfer V)

Defensively, we bent and had some breakdowns but met the goals of holding the opponent to less than we score and causing 3 turnovers. We also had some tackles for losses and qb pressures but the elusive qb sack was not accomplished yesterday.

The time for celebration is now past and we must focus our attention on the upcoming game against the Vienna Knights. As with all of our opponents, they are hungry to knock us out of the distinction of being the only team in the top two divisions in Austria that is unbeaten.

This week's practice is important, not only to prepare for the Knights, but to improve to be ready for the games to come. In the playoffs, there is not room for error and there are no "do-overs". It's win or go home. As stated earlier, I like the win part. Why?

Because every victory is a blessing