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SPORTS
Storm pushes envelope with Web video coverage HOCKEY
By Scott Calhoun Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com
The Toledo Storm is offering cutting-edge live visual broadband coverage of the club’s 2005- 06 home and away games.
The organization recently announced a one-season 72- game deal with B2 Networks, a company that describes itself as a provider of international tele vision and video broadcasting, pay-per-view and billing services. B2 has developed a large Internet broadcasting network providing live online video and audio coverage with numerous hockey and baseball minor league associations. 22 teams in the ECHL are affiliated with B2.
Fans will be able to access the coverage through the team’s Web homepage, www.toledostorm.com, and for $6 can watch Storm hock ey battle if they have high-speed broadband access and at least Windows Media Player 9.
“You’ll still be able to listen to the audio of every game for free through toledostorm.com,” said Media Relations and Broadcasting director Mike Miller.
Miller said a particularly inviting draw for fans will be the
Please see STORM, page 24
Start grad threatens UT streak ROCKET FOOTBALL
By Scott McKimmy Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com
Central Michigan quarterback and Toledo native Kent Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in business management in one hand and a pigskin in the other. Recently graduated, he can focus on football, leading his team in a run for the MAC West title.
At 3-1 in the conference, the Chippewas have an opportunity to grab a share of first place. But to do so, the Start High School alumnus and his cohorts have to play the inhospitable hosts to the Rockets at 1 p.m. Oct. 29.
While his UT counterpart, Bruce Gradkowski, has received kudos in most every category, Smith has “flown under the radar” since stepping up his play last year, according to second-year Chip pewa Head Coach Brian Kelly. He said the twotime MAC Player of the Week has dramatically developed his skills since the 2004 game against UT, when Central Michigan lost 27-22.
Though Smith was a junior at the time, Kelly respectfully viewed him as an underclassman still reaching his stride.
“The one thing you would think about a senior is, he’s reached his level of efficiency. [Smith] hasn’t even come close to it,” he said. “He’s really just a sophomore in my eyes, obviously only being a starter now a year and a half.”
SMITH
Smith’s production is reaching a very high level. NFL scouts have tagged him for monitoring since he ran a 4.5 40-yard dash on Junior Day, Kelly said, and his 6-foot-5 frame helps keep Smith’s high profile in sight. The transformation parallels a rags-to-riches tale.
“When I got here, he had not played; he was really on the scrap heap,” Kelly said. “He was really not fired up about his football career and kind of resurrected himself.”
Smith attributed his own recent accomplishments to opportunity. A new coach and revamped offensive formation enabled him to find his groove, and settle in and ride it out for the duration of his collegiate career. The next four games in large part could determine his value as a potential NFL draftee.
“We’re still focused, but in these last four games we control our own destiny. That’s a big encouragement, and it kind of gives us that momentum into these last four games down the stretch,” Smith said.
A lesser goal would be a big W on the record against Tom Amstutz and his T-town boys.
“I definitely mark this game on the calendar ev ery year. To get a chance to play against my hometown, that’s what I like,” Smith said. “I look forward to this game each and every year and hope I can end my career with a victory against those guys.”
As many MAC foes have learned, chalking one up in the win column against UT can be a mighty task.
“Before you’re going to be considered a successful program, you’ve got to go through Toledo,” Kelly said.
