HOME OPENER
4-4-08

I'm writing this as I prepare to depart for Miller Park for the Brewers Home Opener 2008...and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to do so. Not only because it makes it feel like spring...with summer on the way...but for the expectations I have for this year regarding the Crew. I really believe that this is the year the Brewers will make it back to the playoffs...the line-up is solid, the starting pitching should be solid as well...despite Eric Gagne's first outing, the bullpen looks good too!
The more I think about it, anything less than the playoffs would be disappointing.

One more note, off the sujbect, Brett Favre will not play for the Packers, or another team in 2008.

Respond to Jocko's blog here:

Has the date for the K-tech Channel 7 really changed? After all these years why the change and is it permanent?
Signed Dissappointed

I think that the brewers will have a hard time this year with their closer gone. The brewers should have ofered him more.Do you agree?

hey... your so cute!
:) amanda

Thanks! Jocko for answering my question about the coach of the year. It is nice to know that you do read your blog. And please keep up the good work with the sports program as we Love watching you on channel 7 especially when you and Jeff Thelen talk sports. You both are a riot!!!jb

Hey Jocko, heard a rumor that there is no longer a Channel 7 golf tourney, is that true?

jocko, its schalow and drews again, you got any other catch phrases for the 6-peat? fill us in

I was just wondering if there has been and news on where the annual Channel 7/K-tech Invitational was going to be this year? - M.C.H.

I didn't say you said Finke received an athletic scholarship, but you did say she signed a letter of intent. Well, they don't have letters of intent for D3 Schools. They only give oral commitments

WHAT DID YOU DO?
3-21-08

I had to work during the first round of the NCAA Tournament...although, it wasn't too bad...they were paying me to watch basketball all day, right? I am jealous of people who actually called in sick to work today or took time off...so tell me your story...

One more note...a big congratulations to my friends Dan and Nancy who got engaged a couple of weeks ago...both are big fans of the Jocko blog...and I love them....plus they're getting married in Vegas, baby...love it!

Question for you Jocko? I would like to know what it takes to be the coach of the year for channel 7? As this year in the big schools I think that you made a wrong choice! Did you even consider John Minnahan from the Everest girls program? He had the girls tied for first place took them all the way to sectionals before they lost out to the other first place team. All year he did a very good job with keeping his girls near the top of the conference even with their point guard out for the year with injuries and their leading scorering going down several times during the year. Since John took over the program he has done nothing but improve the program. I give him and his assistant coaches a great big "JOB WELL DONE". jb

jb,

Thanks for blogging on...I agree John Minnahan would have been a great choice for coach of the year...as was our winner Pattrick Galligan of Wausau West. But as I stated after all of our coaches were selected, we have nothing to do with the selection. Our coaches advisory board, made up of close to all of the area coaches in our viewing area, vote and select our coaches of the year. Let me say this, both John and Patrick are not only great coaches, but great people, as well.

Division III schools like St. Norberts don't have players sign for sports because they can't offer athletic scholarships. Players commit to those type of schools. Only DI & DII schools offer athletic scholarships.

Thanks for the information. I did not say Kelsey Finke of Wausau Newman received an athletic scholarship to play at St. Norbert. She did, however, commit to play hoops for the Green Knights, and I wish her nothing but continued success in the future! She will be missed around these parts!

its schalow and drews again, you better come and tape our games this year, but do you have any other good catch phrases for the six peat?

Oh, II will be there, my friends. I'll keep working on a catch phrase!

Jocko,
Do you know T.J. Draeger?

Why do you ask?

why don"t we start a campaign to boycot the olympics? just a seed to start somedialog.

I think Jeff Thelen is thinking about doing a blog about that.

This may surprise you but there are still a couple of us "old CUB" fans around and it would be nice if your sports department would at least give A LITTLE INFO and the score of CUB games on your TV sports reports.
Also I think the G.M. change was over due for the Bucks and TERRY PORTER would make a great G.M.

I promise, we'll be running plenty of Cubs highlights during the year. Of course, I still want to see the Brewers win the NL Central!
WHAT A WEEK
3-9-08

I've started this blog about 20 times but I don't know how to begin it...
Are you serious? Brett Favre really retired this past week? Seriously?
I think I've said it all on the air this week, but covering Brett Favre has been a pure joy and I will miss doing so.

On a related note, as sports director, I'm so proud of the way NewsChannel 7 covered everything that took place this past week. I especially want to thank Dale Ryman, Adam Kuhn, Sue Ramsett, Jeff Thelen, and the rest of the rest of the gang. We rocked this story from Tuesday morning and beyond.

While Dale and Adam were at the Favre press conference I was lucky enough to witness Iola-Scan's unbelievable comeback at the Boys State Basketball Tournament in Madison... which was then matched by Adams-Friendship's unbelievable comeback on Friday.
The Green Devils Lance Fritz actually came up to me after the game to thank me for all of the coverage...no, Lance I want to thank you and your teammates for reminding me why I'm so lucky to have the job that I do. By the way, Steve Klaas mentioned thoughts of retiring from coaching after the game...and for the love of the game...Coach, please stay...you not only teach the game of basketball(see the greatest 1-3-1 ever)...but you teach the game of life, which, of course, is even more important...you are truly a class act.

I was at the State Hockey, Team Wrestling, Boys Basketball Tournaments, and I'll be at the Girls Tournament this weekend...and while the Brett Favre retirement may be a nightmare...the state tournaments are a dream come true...

See you in Madison!

In 1992, I believe he was singing karaoke...

Oh, boy...somebody knows me to well...I'll have to find some pictures...or if you have some...send them to mjacques@wsaw.com

Channel 7's sports coverage is far and away the best in the area thanks for keeping me up to date with the latest in LOCAL sports Dillio from Rhinelander

Dillio...thank you so much for the kind words...you're welcome, but really, Dillio, it's my pleasure! Say hi to all my friends up in Rhinelander!

Hey Jocko- On the "End of an Era" webcast, you failed to mention what you were doing in 1992, or for that matter, show us a picture. What gives?

See above response...

Jocko this is ryan schalow and rick drews, we r going to dominate in '08, what do you think?

I love it...good luck and thanks for blogging on gentlemen! I still think "In the Mix for Six" is the best...but I did like "Got Six?" as well...

Sorry to sidetrack, but will WSAW also put additional NCAA tournament games on 7-2 and 7-3 similar to CBS in Milwaukee?

Thanks

Let me check and get back to you...or call the station and ask for our Program Director.

STATE
2-26-08

As teams start making their trek's down to Madison, it got me to thinking...which is usually not a good thing...but this time it is...I promise...

What is your favroite memory of a State Tournament...it can be boys basketball...gymnasitcs...going as a fan, parent, player....the old WISSA tourny in Milwaukee...whatever you want...I'd love to hear it...

FYI...I will be down in Madison for the hockey and team wrestling tournaments...I hope to see you there!

hay jock,o guess what look who,s goin to state a-f is hmmmm what do you make of that the master of the 1-3-1 are on their way to state wynn from a-f

Wynn from a-f!

What a great time down in Madison...I hope you were sporting a mohawk like the rest of the Green Devils fans! I told you earlier in this blog they were my surprise pick in Division 2!

Brett Favre is a baby, if the Packers would have signed Randy Moss there is no way Favre would have announced his retirement.

I hope you listened on Thursday to what Brett Favre had to say. He may have cried, but he is certainly NOT a baby!

Jocko! It was GREAT to see your smiling face down at state this weekend. We saw you at hockey and wrestling! Keep up the GREAT work!

Thanks a lot...what a great time at both tournaments...and I got to cover TWO state champions!

Where will this year's Newschannel 7/K-tech Golf Tournament be held?

At this time, that decision has not been made. As soon as it is, I will let you know.

Jocko,

Ron
Marshfield

Your exactly right Ron and now you get to celebrate the Tigers making ANOTHER trip to Madison!

hay jock ,o oh mighty sports caster on the air waves jst wounderin if your goin to check out this friday, s game a-f vs medford at spash d- 2 semi finale could be very insterining if a-f locks in the 1-3-1 defence hmmmm could be very instering if a- f has it locked in the MASTER AT THE 1-3-1 DEFENCE WYNN FROM A- F

You're the man WYNN FROM A-F...You're the man!
NEXT YEAR!
2-10-08

The Pro Bowl is in the books...another win for Mike McCarthy...

My question now is...what do YOU think the Packers record will be NEXT
season?

PS...thanks to Rich Seubert of the Giants for calling me...and appearing on NewsChannel 7 this past week...he's a class act...and why wouldn't he be...he's from North Central Wisconsin.

GOOO!! Rapids Hockey ! As fans, we have become spoiled with your success year in and year out. Good luck at State!!

Pat McDonald is a class act and I wish Rapids luck...and to Mosinee as well...

Mike,

I enjoyed your picks for the Channel 7 All-Stars. I do think you missed one. Derrick Nillissen of Bowler is 2nd in
the state in scoring at 27 points a game. This week in the playoffs he scored 42, 37, and 44 points. Keep up the good work.

Derrick has certainly had a great season so far...unfortunately, I have nothing to do with the voting...our coaches advisory board takes care of that. Good luck to Derrick and Bowler the rest of the way.

When are the Channel 7 basketball teams announced??

Girls on Thursday, Boys on Friday...47 Years Baby!

hay jack.o question for you if you wear to pick the four best boys basketball teams to make it to state who woood you pick to make it all the the way to mad town in d-1 in d-2 in d- 3 in d- 4 jst wounderin wynn from a-f

The A-F Rocks!

im not a packer fan but i personaly think they did really well this year. so i think next year they will have the same record as this year.

13-3...I'll take that!

I am cheering on my wonderful 9 year old son! I know channel 9 was in Wausau at the winter special olympics and just found it odd that channel 7 was NOT. I am an avid channel 7 watcher and was very dissapointed!!!!!!! Granted Sundays meet was cancelled but they still did it on saturday. Are you going to be doing coverage on the spring ones? I think it is about time that you do. But hey that is just one persons opinion. Have a wonderful day and I hope to see someone for channel 7 in the spring!

Give your son a high five from all of us at NewsChannel 7...and please e-mail us with more information in the spring.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the information!
Dawn from Medford

Great question Dawn and great to hear from you...it's been a while...It's just plain old luck for the home team...it would depend on the AFC or the NFC being the home team, who would get the home locker room...but yeah, it's as simple as that...

jimmy 909 19-0

I love it!

i think tyey will go 9-7

For real?

hay jocko i have a basketball question for you in division 2 boys who doo you pick to go all the way to win in the regional and sectional kinda wounderin if your pickin adams friendship as your sleeper hmmm who knows if they lock the 1-3-1 on someone they might pull of the biggest upset of the year . ty

It's official, I'm picking Steve Klaas and the A-F as my sleeper in D-2!

Hey Jocko! One quick thing regarding the Badgers last night:

-The guy you yell at in West Allis

BUTCH GOT IT...Not probably...BUTCH GOT IT!

Hey Mike,
just thought id let you know that on this sunday there is a youth wrestling tourney in stevens point and the kids would love it to be featured in a short story. last weekend news line nine made it to the W. West tourney It sure would be nice if you could gather a crew and make it to point.

Please e-mail me the information...
mjacques@wsaw.com

I think you must have met the witch doctor who shrunk you head

You are mean to me.

I have to agree with Butch from Medford, your head does look small in your picture. Kinda like that movie "Beetlejuice."

Just don't say it 3 times, or else you have the same head size as me.

Hey just a hair brain question for you, do you do any coverage on the Wisconsin Special Olympics? If you don't, why?

That's not hair brained at all...we cover all types of sports and we're always looking for a great story...I wrote that in my first blog when I came back...
I was actually going to emcee the State Special Olympics Opening Ceremony in Stevens Point last summer, but unfortunately it got rained out.
WHO ARE YOU CHEERING FOR?
1-29-08

I'm having a hard time deciding who I'm going to cheer for this Sunday...the Patriots...or the Giants...

I don't like the Pats, because they're too perfect.

I don't like the Giants, becuase they ruined my dream of going to the Super Bowl.

Question now is...who are you cheering for and why?

in your blog photo,,it sure looks like you have a small head,lol, butch from medford

It's weird, Butch, my head is shrinking, but my waist is expanding!

hay jock.o first i have to say your the coolest sportscaster in the face of the earth.and second jst wounderin if your goin to bring your sports team or your self down to adams friend and watch the master at the 1-3-1 defence boys basketball team its kinda a sight watchin the maters do their thing just wounderin

Thanks for the compliments...I love the A-F!

Brett Favre should come back because the PACKERS are a young team that is getting better every game, if they can go 13-3 this year think of the damage they could do next year with Favre? I'm talkin 14-2, 15-1, 16-0, you know the best.

Good point!

Go Pack Go

Go Pack Go

GO GIANTS!!! Rich Seubert is my cousin and will enjoy watching him play in the Super Bowl!! How awesome is that?!?!?

That is AWESOME...and thanks for reminding me...a local kid playing in the Super Bowl...I think you just swayed me...

Go Patriots !! Love watching a great quarterback, one who not only breaks individual records but wins big games, all of them ! He never makes the foolish mistakes that always costs his team. Remind you of anyone ??? hint--- He is the all time interception leader !

Why the Brett Favre hate?

I will be pulling for the Giants. I don't care if they beat the Packers, I will still pull for the Giants. How often in my lifetime will one of my former studetns play in the Super Bowl? Good luck Rich Seubert and the Giants!!!

Once again...that is awesome...Columbus Catholic has got to be proud!

J.T. You know whats funny?After the Packers beat the Seahawks we then had to cheer for the Giants to beat the Cowboys in which they did that gotten the Packers to the NFC Championship game oddly enough but only to lose to the Giants by a field goal in overtime that we once rooted for so on that note Im NOT going to watch the Superbowl lol! Jan.30th,2008

It's actually MJ...JT is more handsome...come on, you gotta watch for the commericials!

Yes i am hving a big problem with who to cheer for but am hoping for a game thats like 3pt differace Bill in adams

Go point Bill! Say hi to all my friends in Adams!

I don't know who i want to cheer for Mybe the Patriots to won or the Giants to won, But it will nice to see the Giants to won the game for one's than the Patriots.

Right!

I'll be sleeping

You looked a little tired.

BRETT FAVRE
1-24-08

I'm still sad about the NFC Championship...but now the off-season begins...or should I say, the Brett Favre watch...

Okay people, I'm leaving it up to you...

Should Brett Favre come back or retire and why?

I believe that Brett should come back as the elder statesman to help train his replacement, whomever that may be. His knowledge of the game is invaluable and it is time for a star athlete pass along that information. Mr Hawkeye

Well stated Mr. Hawkeye...by the way, you're not an Iowa fan, are you?

The Packers have a good young team that needs their young back-up quarterback to grow with them ! Brett, you need to retire !!

That's what this young team needs, is a leader...as he proved this past season...he is the right man for the job.

Brett Farve makes more huge mistakes than any high profile quarterback in NFL history ! Why do you think he is never mentioned as the greatest QB of all time ? All of Favre's records are because of longevity, both good and bad records. He needs to retire !!

Seriously? He IS the greatest ever, regardless of his big mistakes...and he is mentioned as one of the greatest ever.

Ya know for Favre being such a "good guy" why doesn't he go to the Pro Bowl? I thought that was an honor to be selected????

Too hot in Hawaii, I guess...I'll be glad to go for him.

me again. i'm the one that asked for more wrestling coverage. please could you also give more of the state's college scores. lot of the area's families have kids playing for these teams. thanks again

tom s.

Thanks Tom!

jocko,
packers should have lost by more. the play calling was terrible. still was exciting to see them go that far.
i want you to be ahead of your time. i know you guys only have so much time for sports. during basketball state playoffs another channel broadcasts all the games. why don't you guys at wsaw do something for wrestling. maybe a half hour between 630-7 and again at 1030-11. at least we wrestling fans would get some coverage during tournament time. there has been times on all stations that during sectionals and state there has been no coverage at all but we get see highlights of a conference basketball game. there was a time when we got to view the state wrestling finals. considering each wrestling team fields 15 wrestlers mostly, thats alot of families who would watch along with their fans. just a suggestion. keep up the good work.

Thanks for the suggestion Tom...we've been to a lot of wrestling duals and meets and plan to keep going all the way until state...

I really, really, really, hope and pray that Farve does not retire. He may be slowing down some, but there is still a lot of game left in that guy! Whatever his decision, we know it will be ending in the few years to come... I sure dread the day it does. It is fascinating to watch him play. I love the game against the Raiders Dec 9th. Farve made a TD pass and after the play went up behind one of the guys and smacked him on the butt. Farve makes watching football fun! Stay Farve, stay!!! Please!

I agree!

Brett Favre should come back for the 2008 season!

YES! YES! YES!

Brett will come back for one more year. He had a good year and still enjoys the game too much to retire. If he could avoid the cold weather, he'll do fine and will have a better shot at the Super Bowl. I do feel bad for Rogers.

I really hope he does, too!

no

I'm not sure what you mean.

M.J. Well JOCKO if history server us right it was only ten years ago when the Packers were in Superbowl 32 with the Denver Broncos and their QB John Elway was 38 at the time and retired after winning that Superbowl but recently it was reported last month that Bret made a statement to his hometown newspaper that he was going to come back another year so now we have to go through the official wait and decide mode well I say I hope he comes back because he got the Packers to win the division and to postseason as far as the NFC championship game and broke 6 records in one season too so thats why he should come back but remember folks its only up to Bret Farve! January 24th,2008

MJ...I haven't been called that in a long time. You have some great points, my friend!
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
1-17-08

Am I ever bummed out...I have to work on Sunday!

Okay, fine, I have to work and cover the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field...but I want to know what your doing for the big game?
Do you have any superstitions when you are watching?
What will you do if the Green and Gold win?
Please share with the rest of the class!

Go Packers!

THE BEST FANS
1-8-08

Hello Again Everybody!

Wow...welcome to my first blog of the new year...2008...holy cow...where did the time go? Seriously, 2007 certainly had it's ups and downs...but once again, I'm happy to be back at the desk at WSAW...Sue, Jeff, Mike, Stephanie are all great to work with and we have so much fun...bringing you the best that Northcentral Wisconsin has to offer! Plus Dale and Adam and the rest of the gang at the BIG SAW make coming to work so much fun! Although, I do miss my family when I come in!

One of the biggest reasons I came back was because of the passion and compassion fans in our area have for their local high schools and the students/fans are even better...I am treated so well at area events, it really makes me proud of the job I do, and how lucky I am to do it...I have my favorites, of course, but I want to know who YOU think has the best fans and why?

Jocko - I feel for you and all your Central WI Packer fans...it was very MN Viking like! I remember back in late January, 1999 in the HHH Metrodome..sitting behind the chewed ear of Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield and leaving with no victory. At least the Pack was only a 7 pt favorite..not 10 and indoors! Farve looked like the most miserable, coldest player on the field. Sorry for not getting into the blog earlier

Take care..Dan from Woodbury

Dan,

Coming from one of the biggest Vikings fans I know, thank you for sharing the pain. It was a sad day, that's for sure...and cold, real cold.

My best to your girls!

Hey Jacqo,
I think you and your counter-parts are the best thing to happen to Central-Wis. sports fans. I do hope that you relay to viewers, that the loss to the Giants, in my oppinion, was not because of Brett trying to do something on his own, because the team was out-coached. I feel McCarthy, as great as he was during the season choked, as did the entire defense. Who is Al Harris or Charles Woodson today? Not the guys they or we thought they were 24 Hrs. ago. Lee Koenig

Thanks for blogging Lee...I have to agree with you on everything...well said...

Jocko, Please stop over at the house or call before you leave to cover the game on Sunday. I have a gift for you to show LION support for the Packers ! The Division must stick together, right ?? I can NOT believe I just said that ! As always my friend, I wish you well. Bill

Bill,

Thank you so much for the Packers hat....Bill bought me a Packers sideline winter hat that are impossible to get...it's getting over 50 bucks on e-bay...but not to worry Bill, I'm keeping mine...

Thanks for being such a good friend here in Wausau!

I think Jocko has the best fans! lol
-ur favorite morning shooter

And I hope you're one of them!

The best fans?! Are you kidding me?! I thought for sure there would be some great "chatter" about the Pack's game this past weekend? There's nothing- what's up with that? Where are all the fans? Jocko?
C'mon people...show some pride for our #4!

You asked for it...you got it!

SPASH absolutely has the best fans! As a parent, it's so rewarding to hear comments from the community of the support the fans give the players, the outfits they wear, the cheers - not to forget the famous "rollercoster" at the football games! I have seen open letters in our local paper from residents who do not even have children in the schools sytem, but enjoy the sporting events and enjoy watching the fans! Hats off to the student fans of SPASH!!!

You know what? SPASH does have some of the greatest fans...they know how to have fun...and that's what it's all about!

It's gotta be SPASH!

See above...but I will add that the SPASH fans have been so nice to me the first time around, and since I've returned! Thank you SPASH!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
12-27-09

I'm actually off of work until January 2nd, but will be checking my blog every single day...because that's how much I love you...
So, let me turn it over to you...what's on your mind for 2008?

Jocko, Happy New Year ! Well, Michigan had a rocky year, but all ended well on New Years day. The Wolverines were finally healthy and they upheld the Big 10's honor against SEC power Florida. The Badger's let the Big 10 down, but could have easily won their game against Tenn. which I am sure you watched. I get tired hearing about how the SEC is better than the Big 10 , but they haven't proved it in head to head play in the last 24 games in bowls. Go Ohio State !!

Thanks and Happy New Year to you my friend...I can honestly say I was cheering for Michigan, as well...did I just write that? It's just too bad that Ohio State lost again...although, I don't feel too bad about it!

JOCKO!
WE SAW YOU SKATING ON CHRISTMAS(NOT XMAS) AND THOUGHT IT WAS HALARIOUS. IT'S TOO BAD SCROOGE WAS WATCHING THAT NIGHT. HE MUST OF HAD COAL IN HIS STOCKING!
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Thank you for the kind words...they mean a lot to me...I had a lot of fun doing that story...and hopefully we'll do some more like it...
FAVROITE SPORTS MEMORY OF 2007
12-16-07

Our own Adam Kuhn is currently working on a story that will air over the holiday about local athletes and their favorite sports memory of 2007. Mine, of course, is coming back to NewsChannel 7 on April 2nd.
Question now is...what is yours? It can be a national story, a local sports story, or even your own sports accomplishment...my friend Kiter might say beating Jocko on the golf course every time we played this summer. Dale Ryman will probably say working with me...now I want to know your favorite...

Why did we get ice skating stuff from you on xmas? I could careless about your skating skills. I feel like i was robbed of real sports by your skating on Tv.

Seriously...you felt "robbed" on Christmas Day, because of a story on TV? Wow. Let me try to explain...so you don't feel so "robbed"...Christmas Day there is absolutely nothing going on locally in sports. So our plan here at NewsChannel 7 was to give you a great story about a local athlete who is winning on and off the court(Dale Ryman's piece on Assumption Senior Liz Sigler who has diabetes) and something that would make you smile...which I'm sure it did to the local kids and their families that we met on the ice that day. I'm also sure it made others laugh as well from the positive feedback I have received...except for you of course...I really hope the rest of your day, minus the two and a half minutes you felt "robbed" was spent enjoying Christams Day with you family! Happy Holidays!

you were at SPASH TODAY THE BEST SKOOL IN THE CENRAL DIVISION

I was at SPASH on Friday to hand out the NewsChannel 7 Coach of the Year Award to Pete McAdams...and as always was treated like a king by the Panther fans! Thank You!

Jocko, jockster, jock strap, whatever the heck your name is....u know what ya'all's site needs....MORE DIRT TRACK RACING!!!!

I miss the musk

I think I miss the musk, too...for the best in DIRT TRACK RACING...check out this website, run by one of my all-time favorites...Michael Rigsby...or as I like to call him...RIGS!

www.dirtondirt.com

Hmmm... which is my favorite sports story...? Is it when I beat Jocko at golf at Sentryworld? Maybe. Or, Indianhead? Possibility. Or, which of the half-dozen times I smoked him at Greenwood Hills? Ah, yes - Greenwood. After Jocko eagled the 9th (good show!) to actually tie me at 40, I had to throw down and get serious by posting my own eagle plus a birdie on the back 9 for a 35, ending with a 75 on the day. What did you shoot on the back 9 that day, partner? (you asked for this, by the way!)

Your pal, Kiter

Kiter,

That's just hurtful...I will get you in 2008...unless you have a lower score than I do...

Jocko

PS...If anyone wants to take Kiter and I golfing next spring and pay for our round...we would love to go...

ARE YOU BUMMED OUT?
11-30-07

Alright everybody, down from the ledge...everything will be okay...

Sure the defense looked like it had more holes than swiss cheese...and sure Brett Favre got hurt and his streak maybe in jeopardy...and sure of other injuries on the defesive side of the ball...and sure Dallas looks really hard to beat...

Okay, somebody talk me off the ledge...will everything be okay?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE
11-20-07

It's hard to believe, but my son Luke Michael turned one today! Daddy had to work, but we had a big party for him on Sunday with the whole gang hanging out and having a good time! Elizabeth and Luke both had their pictures taken on Monday and they turned out AWESOME...so I just had to share with everybody!

In other sports news...congratulations to Stratford for bringing home their 5th straight title..."In the Mix for Six" is next.

Don't forget to watch the 2007 NewsChannel 7 All-Stars this Friday at 6 and 10!

Happy Birthday Luke! Daddy loves you...and you too, Elizabeth!

Hay mike.
my name is Shelley Stacy's sister i want to say thank you for thinking of my son Gage.And skyler think's that you are the best sports guy. so next time you are working say a big hello to skyler from nekoosa and if you could send her a pic of you thank you from shelley vavrina. And tell your wife thanks to. have a merry christmas GOD BLESS.

Hi Shelley! Thanks for the nice note...Shelley is my sister-in-law's sister...her son Gage has acid reflux just like our Luke. We helped her out a little, but it was certainly our pleasure! Please say hi to your daughter Skyler and thank her for being a fan...I'll get a picture to her right away! Happy Holidays to everyone down in Nekoosa!

Jocko: The kids are very cute! Great pics! Happy belated birthday to Luke!

Hey, how about some thoughts on the Brewers? Why are they trying to obtain a third baseman when they have the NL Rookie of the Year in Ryan Braun? Also, yea to acquiring Jason Kendall cuz he is really CUTE and he can also catch! :) Finally...nothing smarter than to find someone who can close and to relieve Turnbow of his duties. He's freakish...and he blows so many games! Come on...get rid of him already! Anyway...thought this would spark some conversation regarding my favorite WI team...GO BREWERS! (P.S. I LOVE BRETT FAVRE TOO! Don't get me wrong. GO PACK!) - Chat soon! - Allie

Wait a second Allie, are you saying you like Brett Favre more than you like Paul Molitor? By the way, I hope I'm still your favorite cousin...when are you coming for a tour of the station? I'm waiting...

It's good to see your kids didn't get their looks from their dad. Luckily, they got those from Carol. So, are these Packers for real or what? I need the scoop from someone on the inside. I'm sad that football season is nearing its end though. I love it SOOO much. I viewed the NewsChannel 7 All-Stars online. Technology is fantastic. Very nice job as always. It reminded me of the good ol' days when me, you and some guy named Matt put them together. I actually stole the idea and used it here at my wonderful TV station. The only real difference was that our team wasn't voted on by the coaches. I had the only vote. Well, that and I didn't call it the "NewsChannel 7 All-Stars." K-Tech wasn't involved either. It wouldn't have made much sense. Thanks anyway though.

-A Fellow Sports Director Somewhere in Pennsylvania

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your attention please...
Now batting, Greg Whitmer!

Hey everybody it's Whit...you know, the cute guy that used to work here at WSAW...

Thanks for writing in and stealing all my idea in sayings...I bet I would be a big hit in the Jamestown market!

Without getting too personal, I miss you, too...and so does Carol, which is weird...

Look for big things and big news from Greg in the near future...the guy is going places...and he knows me.

Hey everyone you better give a big "AWW" to these pictures or Jocko will yell at you! Just kidding, Mr and Mrs Jocko definitely know how to throw a first birthday party! We had a great time!
Nancy from the Stallis

Hello Nancy!

I'm sorry for scolding you for cheering for the Packers when Luke was tying to take a nap...I was just trying to be a good dad! I also understand it's hard to keep your enthusiasm inside!

Please come back to our house and cheer for the Packers soon!
RANDOM THOUGHTS WITH JOCKO
11-12-07

I can't tell you how happy I am that the Packers beat the Vikings...and better yet...are 8-1...they've got a tough stretch coming up...but it's already been a dream season to watch and to cover...

Gotta give it up for my buddy Cal Tackes and Stratford...is there something in the water over there? If it is...bottle it up Cal...I want some!

As long as I'm giving it up...Iola-Scan deserves props as well...undefeated and setting up an all-area D-6 final at the Camp...it's going to be a dandy folks...and of course, for the best coverage...the BIG SAW will be all over it in Madison...

I really thought SPASH was going to make it in Division 1...my hats off to Pete McAdams and my boy Mitch Sutton for another great year...I'm sorry I should say NewsChannel 7 All-Star Mitch Sutton...I have a feeling he'll be one again this year...

As long as we're talking about the All-Stars...2 notes...we'll be handing them out the day after Thanksgiving(November 23)...defense at 6pm and the offense at 10pm...and to 2-time All-Star Andy Crooks...hang in there bud, I have a feeling, you'll catch one more TD before your time is up at UW!

Respond to Jocko's blog here:

Just to let you know that the one sign that everyone missed taking of a picture of is:

Stratford Fan

I saw the sign on TV...it was great!
5 in a row...OUTSTANDING

Jocko, Sorry I missed you and my son Pat calling me on Saturday ! I wish Michigan would have been more fired up but I understand their need to rest the injured stars for this coming weekends Big 10 Championship and the Rose Bowl bid. Some teams just have bigger and better goals to play for ! Some things just never really change in the Big 10 ! ( HE HE ) Take Care, Bill McDonald

Bill,

I'm sorry that your beloved Wolverines not only lost to the Badgers, but then got beat by Ohio State...I think you need a hug...then on Sunday, the Lions lost...don't forget double or nothing Thursday!

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Luck Hunting!

Jocko,

Dan in the Stallis
#341

Danny,

I had a great time as well and I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep! I'm sorry for yelling at you and everyone else at Luke's party while he was trying to take a nap...and the Packers were whooping it up on the Panthers...my bad!

Got that Butch...probably, Butch got it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
11-6-07

I promised you Halloween pictures of Elziabeth and Luke and here they are. Elizabeth was not only a chef during the day...but a very beautiful Snow White for Trick or Treat. She had so much fun getting all the candy for daddy and for Luke, too...although he's still trying to figure out that Milk Duds taste better when you open the box first!
Someone recently asked me what is my proudest accomplishment in my life...without a doubt...you're looking at them my friends.

Hi Jocko - I am a Vikings fan living in Woodbury, MN...I am not sure it you have heard of this community or not, but there are alot of Vikings fans and Packers fans unfortunately in our community. My question to you is this...Even though the Purple do not have a viable QB, how do you plan on stopping the Man Child that is "AP" Adrian Peterson for those who did not witness the record last week.

Dan From Woodbury! Hope all is well..great pictures!

Dan from Woodury,

Thanks for writing in all the way from Woodbury(which, by the way is the hometown of weekend meteorologist Katie O'Brien)...I just wish I would have gotten your response sooner...I probably would have responded(before the game, of course) something like..."the Packers will not only shut down the Man Child that is "AP" Andrian Peterson, but will shut-out the Vikings 34-0"...okay, fine...Dan from Woodbury is actually one of my best buddies in the whole world...who isn't my best buddy in the whole world two days out of the year...Danny, I was just telling Dale Ryman the story of the night Antonio Freeman caught the TD pass on Monday Night Football back in 2000...only a few seconds had passed when I got an e-mail from Dan saying "Merry Christmas" with a unprintable word in the middle...I'll never forget the catch or the e-mail!
Thanks for writing in and say hello to your beautiful family for me!
THAT WAS AWESOME!
10-29-07
Picture this...Carol, Elizabeth, and Luke are all in bed...I'm downstairs watching the game...trying to be as quiet as possible...Brett Favre throws the overtime touchdown to beat the Broncos and I'm jumping up and down and pumping my fist, trying to be as quiet as possible...Carol calls my cell phone and asks me what's going on...I tell her the Packers won and you gotta see it...I went upstairs put on the TV and we watched the highlights together...That was AWESOME! My arm still hurts an hour later, but it was all worth it! That's why I LOVE sports...and Carol, Elizabeth, and Luke...

Stay tuned for some Halloween pictures!

I have heard you in the past make a comment about Nascar's Jimmie Johnson being a former resident of Antigo. I also heard the sports guy tonight mention this same thing. I know Johnson used to race in Antigo, but, can you please direct me as to where you have received information that he was actually an Antigo resident?? I have read Jimmie's bio pages, etc., and have never seen mention of him residing in Antigo. Thank You.

Great question. Dale once spoke with Jimmie down at Chicagoland Speedway and said that he lived in Antigo for a while...there's a great story on the web about the hotel he stayed in while he was there...but you'll have to find it yourself...it's pretty funny!

That's sweet that you tried to stay quiet... I scared my cat when I was jumping around at the end of the game. But wait, Carol called your cell phone? From within the same home? In other news, great to have you back. STRUVE

Alison Struve, you're so nice...and you're my favorite noon news anchor we have here at the BIG SAW! I'm glad I'm back, too!

FOR REAL?
10-24-07

So my question for you is...does this blog make me look fat? No, seriously, are the Packers for real? If you're a Packers fan like me, when the schedule came out...you went through it and looked at what games the Packers would win and the which ones they would lose...

Nobody at this point had the Green and Gold at 5 and 1... earlier on, I thought it might be a fluke...but I think this team is for real...Brett Favre is playing well...the defense is great...and the special teams have been special...

Of course not having a running game may come back to bite them in the well, you know, later on...but for now...I'm enjoying the ride...and I hope you are too!

M.J. Hey Jocko if you ever needed extra help in the sports department I submit to you weather man Chad Franzen for his info on sports that he answered to my inquiry so check it out! C.F. Interesting info on the possibility on forcasting snow but do any weather phenominoms such as as Elnino or others like that are going to factor how much snow we get during the winter season;and about your Colorado Rockies IF there is a game next week Monday people in Wisconsin are going to be rooting for the Packers on ESPN that nite too Chad!. October 23rd,2007!

For those of you not familiar with Denver, Invesco Field at Mile High is 2.50 miles away from Coors Field with Coors Field being near downtown Denver and Mile High just on the west side of I-25 (MouseTrap). For fans using the MouseTrap, there could be some massive delays depending on IF there is a game #5, and what time the game #5 would start. Fun stuff!
October 25th,2007.

WOW! That's the longest blog response I've ever gotten! Congratulations...I guess there was no need to worry after the Rockies lost 4 straight...I think Chad needs a hug...I can't wait to give him one!

JOCKO! Hey I was wondering if you were going to have the highlights from Tuesday's SPASH vs. Hudson game on the page? and who do you think will win on Saturday.SPASH OR EVEREST??? GO SPASH!

I hope you saw them....the SPASH fans have been great to me since I've been back. Thank you for making me feel good!
BUMMED OUT!
10-09-07

I no longer like the state of Illinois...not that I liked it before, but this weekend was the last straw...

First, the Badgers lost to Illinois on Saturday...it was ugly...losing Luke Swan for the rest of the season was bad enough...but Bucky has moved so far down in the polls, that they no longer have a shot at a National Championship...how stupid is that...the Bowl system has got to go...bring on a playoff system...

Then, the Packers lost to the Bears on Sunday...I was at the game, and at halftime, I was thinking...wow, the Packers are going to go 5-0...I couldn't believe it...then, I couldn't believe how bad the Green and Gold looked in the second half...but I did see Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, and Taylor Hicks at the game...and Andy Kendeigh...good times...

Let's not forget what the Cubs did to the Brewers...nice job against Arizona, Chicago!

Final thoughts? The Badgers and Packers will bounce back against some tough opponents this weekend and I will still not like the toll-infested state of Illinois!

I love watching you on tv! your great and this is the only news station i watch! oh ya your daughter is beautiful!

Thank you so much for watching me on the TV....And I agree...not that I'm great, but Elizabeth is beautiful.

You saw Jessica Biel AND Andy Kendeigh and THIS is how I find out? I'm sooo disappointed.

Kiter

AND I saw former NewsChannel 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter Jill Wunrow! She's even hotter than Jessica Biel!

Let's face reality. The Packers and the Badgers are both overrated, especially the Badgers. The Packers quick start is nice but they are an 8-8 team. Bucky on the other hand will have a hard time finishing .500 in the Big Ten (eleven). Their defense is about as stout as a screen door on a submarine, and with freshmen receivers the rest of the way the offense will become offensive.

When does basketball start?

Back away from the ledge my friend...everything will be okay...but I agree with you...can't wait for hoops!

ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY!
9-28-07

I told you my daughter Elizabeth was celebrating her 3rd birthday on Sunday and now here's proof. We all had a great time...including Luke, our 10 month old son...although he doesn't look to impressed that Elizabeth blew out the candles all by herself!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Daddy loves you!

Why does your picture look different from all the others?

I'm sorry, I can't help the way I look...it's just that everyone else looks so good...and I don't...thanks for pointing it out...oh, you meant the picture background...that's my picutre from my last job in Madison...I've had my picture taken here in Wausau about a month ago and it should be up on the webchannel shortly...let me know what you think...

Wow! I can't believe Elizabeth is three already! It seems like just yesterday I was shooting video of you holding her at the hospital telling her to say "Hi Jeff Thelen!" Remember that, Jocko? I do!

Hope all is well at the big 'SAW!
Amanda

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's former NewsChannel 7 Reporer/Goddess Amanda Lutz...Amanda came and videotaped Elizabeth and I only hours after she was born...I still have the the raw tape that you shot and just watched it recently...if you can keep a secret...it made me cry...Thanks for writing in Amanda...I miss you!

Not only does Elizabeth have some crazy curls, she has the personality to go along with it! Hope to see you soon!
Nancy from the Stallis

Nancy from the Stallis, you're becoming a staple on this blog...I'm proud of you...Elizabeth certainly has a fun personality...I think she gets that from her mother and her mother's friends...hey Nancy, do you like the Crew products I use in my hair...I hear Dan uses J. Crew in his hair!

Jocko!
I can't believe how much Elizabeth has grown. She looks just like you! Hope all is well being back in the big SAW. Green Bay is going great! I hope Jeff and Steph don't have to deal with too many of your antics in the evening ... :) Remember that one time Jeff and I took your picture off the wall in the lobby and replaced it with the old sports director's? Those were good times.
Angela Salscheider

Good times indeed...Angela, we certainly miss you around these parts...and here's the cool thing about WSAW...you noticed that Amanda and Angela both wrote in and were both here when Elizabeth was born...but they still check in with everybody here every once in a while...just like family! Talk to you soon sis...keep up the good work at FOX 11...I've heard good things!

Jocko,
I think that your children are so adorable!! Would love to see some more pictures of them, so keep posting them on your blog. Thanks for sharing!

A loyal viewer

Thanks for the nice comments...and since you asked, loyal viewer, I will keep posting pictures of the kids...Halloween is coming up...so stay tuned!

it's nice to see that Dale and Adam do such a good job. we never see you anymore, are you only working a few days a week?

They havne't done a good job...they've done a GREAT job!
Right now, I'm working Tuesday through Friday anchoring the 6 and 10 including the Hilight Zone...but I had some vacation I used...worked 3 of the past 4 Saturday/Sunday's...doing reports from Camp Randall or Lambeau Field...so I've had some Tuesday's off as well...but it's good to be missed, and I don't feel guilty being gone, knowing Dale and Adam are there to keep things going... Thanks for missing me!

Elizabeth and Luke are so cute:)

I agree and thank you so much from the Jocko family!

Hey Mikey, great pics of the kids. Luke has your eyes and I still can't get over Elizabeth's curls. Give me a call some night between newscasts and we'll shoot the breeze.
Cousin Leigh

That's my cousin Leigh Scheibe from Marshfield...should have been a NewsChannel 7 All-Star back in the day for the Tigers...I saw her play against Merrill back in '84(?)...she was AWESOME! Talk to you soon cousin Leigh!

Hi Mike, can you help me out with college football rules?

Stevens Point, WI

From what Bret Bielema explained to us in the post game press conference...Coach B said because Tyler Donvan scrambled, thus it was a running play, it was only a holding penalty on a run, giving the Badgers a 5 yard penalty(half the distance) and making it 3rd and goal...of course, if Luke Swan wasn't held on the play, Donavan would have thrown it to him...does that make sense to you?

You weren't on the Highlight Zone last week? Hmmm... didn't notice. Probably because they're was so much awesome FOOTBALL going on! Just kidding, Jocko. The show missed you, we missed you & we're glad you're back from vacation. Look forward to seeing you string another 3 years together without missing a HIGHLIGHT ZONE!!!

C'mon...you missed me, and I missed you and the show...glad to be back on the official show of high school football Friday night's...the HILIGHT ZONE! Thanks for watching and the compliments, too!

MISSING THE HILIGHT ZONE
9/21/07

As I told you in an earlier blog, I have some vacation that I had to use up before it was lost forever...so I was gone all week from work...I'm not really sure how they do it without me...just kidding of course...but here's the deal...it will mark the first time in 3 years that I will be missing a high school football friday night! and before that I had a streak of another 4 years or so...the reason I missed? My daughter Elizabeth was born...hard to believe...she'll be 3 years old on Sunday!

Needless to say, although I'm enjoying time with my family, I will certainly miss the fun that is "High School Football Friday Nights"...I know Dale and Adam will do a great job without me tonight...Dale would probabLy say, they'll do a better job without me...but that's Dale, being Dale...

On a related note, I just want to thank all the people that have come up to me at games, sent me e-mails, or like the Merrill band, have told me how great the Hilight Zone is, and they certainly count on it as being "The Official Show of High School Football Friday Nights"

Mike, I like your show on football. It is awesome.

Luke M.

Hey Luke, thanks for the nice comments...I think it's awesome and you're awesome, too! I like your name, as well!

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth! We know who is chief around your house now! If you thought the 2's were bad...you're in for a real treat with the 3's! Enjoy your time off...talk to you soon! - Much love from the Wein family

Ah, yes, the Wein family...my favorites from Marshfield! I love you guys, too!
CONGRATULATIONS!
9/7/07

I've got a couple of congratulations to give out.

First to our former sports reporter John Allee. John got married to the beautiful Melanie on September 1st. They are honeymooning right now in sunny Mexico and will continue to live right here in Wausau. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding...I was at the Badgers game...and I wasn't invited.

And a big shout-out to a good friend of mine and former co-worker down in Madison, Michael Rigsby. He has started his own website covering Dirt Track Late Model Racing. It is awesome! Even if your not a fan of racing, you'll certainly be impressed by the website...Michael's done a wonderful job and I'm happy that he's doing something he loves!
Check it out at www.dirtondirt.com

So Jocko, what did you think of the Everest/SPASH game!? How far do you think they'll make it this year? SPASH is amazing!!!!!!

SPASH IS AMAZING! So, is NewsChannel 7 All-Star Mitch Sutton!

Hey Mike,
Every time I watch sports on channel 7 I don't see you. Seems like Dale does every show lately. Whats going on?

Concerned Viewer

Concerned Viewer,

Thank you for your concern...I've been working the Tuesday through Friday shift here at the Big Saw...and because I've got some vacation time to use up and working a Saturday here or there (Badgers games) I've been taking Tuesday off as well...once my vaction gets used up...I'll be back at it...steady and strong...then you won't have to watch Dale all the time...so it's like an added bonus...ha, ha!

I'M MAD AND GLAD
9/3/07

Okay, first of all, I'm really mad...today's Brewers game was just plain awful...a stinker, if you will...probably the worst loss of the season...and I hate to call Ned Yost out, but seriously, some of his moves...i.e. Greg Aquino? Not too good, Ned...if the Brewers fail to make the playoffs...I'm pointing to today's game as a big reason why...

I'm glad the Badgers won on Saturday. They looked good and it was sooooo great to be on the field at the Camp...the only downer of the day was Andy Crooks was sidelined with a hamstring injury...he should play next week...two of my favorite parts of the game...seeing Jeff Thelen in the stands enjoying the game...and seeing Andy Crooks hug his parents after the game...good times.

I guess just about everyone that is a Brewers fan had to say that the game on monday was just down right awful! I agree we could sit back and blame Yost but we also have to agree that the bull pen has to come through better than they have of lately!! One can just be glad that we aren't CUBS fan with all the money they have spend they are just barely hanging on to first! Glad to see the Brewers play better the last couple of games and can only hope it is uphill from here on out. I'm not giving up yet but they sure make it hard on us don't they? We just have to remember they are young and hope we do have a few good years with these young ball players to come! Keep up the good work on the sports programs and hope to see you at one of our ballgames this fall here! JB

Good response JB...13 of their next 16 on the road scares me, but wouldn't it be great if they could actually do this, and make the playoffs? I hope to see you at the games this fall, as well!

I'm a little late on the welcome back, buddy; I like your reporting, but I gotta say - I thought Matt did a fantastic job as well and I wish he were still here, perhaps working with you. I hope he'd doing well. As it goes "you gotta do what's right for YOU" and I never begrudge someone for taking steps to improve themselves ... in ANY way. You do indeed head-up a good team of sports-guys and we welcome you back "home".

Thanks for the welcome back...it's never too late...I miss having Matt here...we had a great time working here together, but I know he's having a blast down in Madison. I also agree that we have a good team of sports guys...you know what, they're not just good...they're great! Thanks again for the welcome "home".

Your #1 fan,
Dan in the Stallis

Thanks Dan...Dan as you can see is the number 1 fan of the Jockster...anybody else want to debate him for that title...maybe the person who said I was cute...maybe that was Dan? "The guns" will work my friend...stick with it...

You are to damn cute!!

Well, thank you very much...again, I'm blushing...I've recomended my dentist, Dr. John Krasowski, many times on this blog...he's the man! But now I might have to forward my eye doctor's name, as well.

FRIDAY IS HERE!
8-24-07

It's FINALLY here...Friday night football...join us tonight for a live report from Thom Field in Wausau on NewsChannel 7 at 6... and then it's the Hilight Zone at 10! Be sure to bring those signs to the game and then blog on after the show and tell us who had the best game and the best highlights! We'll also have specail features right here on web channel www.wsaw.com
Dale, Adam, and I will see you tonight!

ONE WEEK
8-17-07

Okay, maybe it's my fault...all this talk about the Brewers on my blog has turned the Brewers good fortune, into bad fortune...
So let's ignore them for now...

Well, my friends, can you believe it? One week until Friday Night Football begins around the state of Wisconsin! With that, of course, comes the Hilght Zone...and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to get things going...and for you to bring your signs to the game, just like you did when I was here before...if you bring a sign to the game that say something about WSAW-TV, Jocko, Dale, or even our new guy Adam...you WILL be on the Hilight Zone that night!

Question now is, who's got the best team this year? The best fans?

Blog me about this or anything else that's on your mind.

Actually, I like the fact Dale tells us whats on his mind sometimes. I watch regularly, and he doesn't do it all the time. But if you listen to Jocko's sports, he editorializes as well, just in a different tone. I say Dale and Jocko are a great 1-2 punch. Better than any other duo we've had here in a while. Keep up the good work guys!

RN

I agree with you RN...I do editorialize once in a while as well, usually in a fun way...but it is what it is, right...I don't want to change Dale's style...that's part of his sportscast and he doesn't do it every night, just on Sunday...and thanks for the compliment from both Dale and myself... we'll keep up the good work, if you keep watching!

You have a wonderful smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Thank you for the compliment...if you could see me typing right now, I'm blushing and smiling... of course, I owe my new smile to my buddy, Dr. John Krasowski! I'll post my before and after pictures when my work is completely done!

Can't wait for Friday night football because I love that show that you guys do after the news! Love the sports cast. CB

Thanks CB...I'm glad you're a big fan of the Hilight Zone, because I am too! It's one of the reasons I came back to the area...and thanks for the compliment as well about the sportscast. You are nice!

Jocko,

In addition to the Ryman Reason thing, doesn't Dale know the premise of local sports journalism. It's not about him, it's about the team and the athletes. There is no room for editorializing in a five minute sportscast. It's not a matter of whether or not you or I agree with him, it's poor journalism, period.

As I've stated before, I don't mind what he is doing...and I don't think it's poor journalism...it's just another brand of it...the editorial has played a big role in the history of journalism...I don't think he's doing it to talk about himself, but it's a way for the viewer to get involved...just like you did. Thanks!
NOW I'M SCARED...
8-8-07

Remember that one time I blogged and I didn't save it properly so I had to start over...good times...not so much...

I'm actually blogging to you from Madison, where I spent the day with Bret and the Boys for Badger football media day...I really think this is going to be a special year for Bucky...be sure to check out my stories from the Camp, online or on the TV...including one on the pride of Wausau, Andy Crooks...Bret Bielema told me he's got some funky hair...must be a Lumberjack thing...i.e. Mark Zalewski's mohawk...

Okay, now to the scarey part...just what the heck is wrong with the Brewers? After the greatest game ever...the Crew have been AWFUL!
4 straight loses...we need to change their luck...maybe we could have everybody send their good luck charms to the station and I'll keep them on the set...if it works, we'll keep them up there until the Brewers win the World Series...so get those rabbit's feet, lucky pennies, diamonds, whatever it takes to turn this thing around and get the Crew in the playoffs!

Finally, I'm really glad the Barry Bonds Home Run Circus is over...not because he broke Hank Aaron's record, but because now, maybe, Barry will just go away...

I don't think that Barry will go away. I still think that the center of attention will still be on him but on the other hand I hope that he goes away from the publics eye and I agree with you totally on this issue.
James

Thanks for checking in James...yeah, Bonds won't go away, but at least it's been a little quieter now that he's broken the record.

Hey Jocko, Sorry we missed you while you were in Madison! Sure wish we had known you were coming down, because we would have loved to swing by and say howdy since you were in town. Now, granted, we lived in Wausau for a year, and love it there... but Madison is our hometown, and we had to come back! But... we sure would have loved to take a moment to say hi since you were back in "our" neighborhood again! Cheers from all of us in the WMTV NBC15 viewing area that miss you! Cheers, Mike and Patch

Hi Mike and Patch,

Thanks for the Cheers from Madison...it was nice to be back...that's for sure...I actually still go there quite a bit...so who knows, maybe we'll see you soon!

I had to read it to believe it! Jocko was back in Mad Town?!? I thought when you left us down here in Madison, you were gone forever... not that we wanted it that way, but little did we know you would be sneaking back into town like the family member everyone talks about in whispers at the family get togethers! It is great to see you have a blog, too!! Some of your viewers (or former viewers) in Madison certainly miss you Jocko! Glad to see things are going well for you up in the Wausau area. Grab a chicken dinner at 2510 if they're still alive up there! Take care Jocko. We miss you down here in Madison!

Are you buying the chicken dinner from 2510? Oh, yeah, they are kicken over there! Thanks for the kind words, and I do feel like the family member everyone talks about...but in a good way, right? Please give my regards to everyone!

Hank Aaron will always be the "KING". Sick of hearing about Bonds and turn the news down when anything comes on about him.

I'll keep the Bonds stories to a minimum...I don't want you turning the channel!

I too am glad the Barry Bonds thing is over and yes maybe he will go away!!!!! I'm sure for most of us out here the "King" will always be Hank Aaron! As far as the Brewer go they are stinking up the place lately. My family went down to the August 5th game and was loving it untilthe ninth inning hit. Wow talk about falling all apart. The only high light we had was that my three and a hald year old granddaughter had her picture taken with Bernie Brewer! She kept telling us that for two weeks that she was going to and it did happen now were trying to see if she can perdict what is going to happen down the stretch with the team itself!! I will still cheer as I have always done but it is getting a little harder these days.JB

IS THE BREWERS SHIP SINKING?
8-3-07

So, I'm already bummed out watching the Brewers game yesterday...I think Jill Mattek, our sports intern, thought I was going to cry...but then IT happens...IT is the ugly looking "incident" in the tunnel leading from the Brewers dugout to the locker room. Ned Yost said it was no big deal...and other Brewers pretended like they knew nothing about it....but Yost going nuts with Johnny Estrada, among others is nothing more than childish...and should NOT happen in the middle of a pennant race. Sure Jeff Thelen and I do that kind of stuff all the time walking back from the studio to newsroom...but it shouldn't happen to the Crew.
Here's the deal though...we will look back on August 2nd as a day that either turning the ship in the right direction, or lead to it sinking into the bowels of the NL Central...again. It's been 25 years since the Brewers have made it into the post season...that's a long time to wait and now it may all depend on one day and one altercation. My take? It's the kick in the butt this team needs...really needs. Sometimes young teams like the Crew need a distraction, and that's exactly what this is. Now it's time to focus on baseball. Your thoughts?

Oh my. You have a blog now! Wow! I'm impressed. - Megan Salois (Your Favorite Meteorologist)

Hi there Megain! Hey everybody it's my favorite meteorologist Megan Salois of WHO-TV in Iowa...Megan and I worked weekends at WQOW-TV in Eau Claire back in the day...Megan is not only on of my favorite meteorologists in the whole wide world, but one of my favorite people in the whole wide world...miss you Megan!

Jocko,

Nancy M from the "Stallis".

Nancy...good call! I need to start the "finger point" ASAP...Thanks for blogging Nancy, YOU ROCK!

Why does Dale always have to editorialize when he does sports? How about just giving us the information and leaving his personal views out of it. I don't care what he thinks.

I keep telling Dale, I don't care what he thinks, either...seriously, I love the fact that Dale has brought his popular Ryman Reason segment from the Quad Cities...it's good to stir the pot once in a while and I think he's doing exactly what he wants you to do...get a little fired up about it...it's nothing personal, of course...he is just giving his opinion and actually hoping for a response...who knows, maybe next time, you'll agree with him...although, I haven't yet...but that's another story all together!
MY FAVORITE BREWERS
7-12-07

As you can tell, I'm really starting to get a bad case of Brewer fever...which may explain this nasty rash that I have...although you never know what you'll catch working in our sports office...
I got to thinking the other day, which of course is never a good thing...but this time it is...who are my favorite Brewers of all time? Good question...
Here they are, top 3, by position...

First Base:
1. John Jaha...he was so solid
2. Cecil Cooper...Cooooooooooop
3. (tie)Billy Joe Robideaux, Joey Meyer...why not?

Second Base:

1. Fernando Vina...tough as nails
2. Jim Gantner...he went to the same high school as Jeff Thelen
3. Pat Listach...Rookie of the Year

Shortstop:

1. Robin Yount...Hall of Famer...The Kid
2. J.J. Hardy...I love J.J. Hottie
3. Bill Spiers...great hitting shortstop

Third Base:

1. Paul Molitor...Class act...could have had 5,000 hits if he wasn't injury-prone
2. Don Money....a classic
3. Jeff Cirillo...first and second time around

Catcher:

1. Ted Simmons...although the Brewers traded Sixto for him
2. B.J. Surhoff...a winner
3. Ned Yost...I wonder what he's doing now?

Left Field:

1. Ben Oglivie...Benji was the man
2. Greg Vaughn...Gotta love Vaughn's Valley at County Stadium
3. Geoff Jenkins...I'm glad he's back

Center Field:

1. Gorman Thomas...he was always my brother's favorite...tough as nails
2. Darryl Hamilton...the kid could hustle
3. (tie) Robin Yount and Paul Molitor...I like them better at their original positions

Right Field

1. Sixto Lezcano...greatest
2. Sixto Lezcano...Brewer
3. Sixto Lezcano...of ALL-TIME!

Right Handed Starter:

1. Jeff D'Amico...my golf and cards buddy
2. Jim Slaton...he bled Brewers Blue
3. Steve Woodard...too bad his arm gave out

Left Handed Starter:

1. Billy Travers...he was soooo cool back in the day...
2. Mike Caldwell...nobody better
3. Juan Nieves...can you say no-hitter?

Relief Pitcher:

1. Dan Plesac...the Sac Man
2. Rollie Fingers...a great golfer, too
3. Jamie Easterly...only Mike Wentland would appreciate this

Manager:

1. George Bamberger...he got them started
2. Harvey Kuenn...World Series Manager and a great wad of chew in his grill...all the time...
3. Del Crandall...the first manager I remember

Aaaahhhhh memories...who makes your list...you know what to do my brothers and sisters...

Respond to Jocko's blog here:

JOCKO, races in antigo at fair grounds every friday night (7PM sharp)big special on sat 18th of aug. (SPRINT CARS)reg show fri 17th it would be nice if you could make it that weekend!!!

Thanks for the blog...we will try and make it or at least send our racing guru Bill Holland. He's "in the groove"!

Jocko,

Bob from Antigo

Thanks for your kind words, Bob. Antigo Bass Lake Country Club looked great and so did our golfers and staff. Special thanks to Rheba Mabie for sharring her inspiring story with all of us.

I can tell you who my least favorite manager is.....

....Ned Yost!

Poor Ned...is he the scapegoat for all of this?

Shouldn't every Brewer be your favorite Brewer?

Catch the fever.

Oh, I've got the fever...and a nasty Brewers rash, too...Good point...every Brewer is my favorite Brewer. Sixto is now King Brewer.

Hey Jocko,

Right Field:
None

Great list my friend! That's weird...they all have either a tie to the Diamondbacks or to Arizona...hmmmmmmm...Jaun Acevedo...I remember Matt Vasgersian singing the Juan Acevedo song...good times. No right fielder? I have a suggestion for you...

Jocko:

Thans - Bill Hart

I know I forgot Hank Aaron...and I guess I should have had a designated hitter catagory...because I think Hammerin' Hank played mostly DH with the Crew back then...here's the designated hitter catagory...

1. Hank Aaron...will always be the King in my mind
2. Sixto Lezcano...the Sixto kid had to play DH a couple of times...
3. Jeffrey Leonard...come on...on flap down was awesome...

Hey Jocko, I can't sit here and say which Brewer is my favorite as I have so many. My family have been fans for years. When my kids were younger we took them to many games and now we are taking the grandchildren to them. I have one granddaughter and she went to her first Brewer game when she was nine months old. That was three years ago and the first week of August we are going again and this will be her fifth game. She sits through the whole game and knows almost all the players. Now this year her little brother is going to his first game at 7 months of age. We have always been a baseball family. Some of my fav's are Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Rollie Finers. BJ Surhoff and now it is Billy Hall. One story I would like to tell you is that my dad was also a big fan and he passed away five years ago and the very night before he died he watched the Brewers beat the Cubs and we all know he died with a smile on his face with that win! JB

What a great memory...I think your dad will smile in heaven if the Brewers finish ahead of the Cubs in the NL Central standings...your story reminds me of the day my grandpa died...he was pretty sick in the hospital and right before we passed away...we talked about the Brewers and who they were playing one last time...I'll never forget it...

Mike;

Gnomehunter

Gnomehunter...thanks for blogging...that's what makes this list so much fun...it's my list...and you can have yours...you can see I've added Hank...and you brought up some great names! George Scott was great...didn't he have a necklace with shark teeth on it? What about Kevin Seitzer...or Bob Skube? For those of you that lived in Milwaukee, do remember A & P trading/picture cards...

Jocko -

Your golf partner & roomie - CK

CK,

Thanks for blogging on brother...you're right D'Amico, if he would have stayed healthy could have been one of the best...Yost hit that huge home run in Boston in 1982...I'm telling you Kiter that if everything works out... this state is going to go NUTS!

Hey, Jocko...

Kevin...I mean Bill...you are a member of the True Blue Brew Crew

THE BREWERS
7-5-07

As a lifelong Brewers fan...my cousin Allie almost gave away just how long...I'm starting to get a little nervous about the Crew. Although lately, it's been a little shakey...but they will be in first place at the all-star break. That's why I'm nervous. Is this actually the year they are going back to the playoffs...I was way too young to enjoy it back in 1982...but, this place (meaning the great state of Wisconsin) will go nuts if the Brewers can get back to the promissed land...and what if they get to the World Series? I never thought that I would see it again...but you know what, I never thought I would see the Packers win a Super Bowl in my lifetime either...I was talking with my good friend Andy Kendeigh who works for the ABC station in Milwaukee and covers the Crew everyday...he thinks they can do it....and that's good enough for me...question now is...do you?

Respond to Jocko's blog here:

Okay, so ya got me on the Sixto Lezcano trivia. Here's one for you: Who is the only Brewer to be traded for a player to be named later only to become that player to be named later? (Hint: he played for the Seattle Pilots. You may have visited his batting cages while growing up in Miltown).

P.S. - I also was at the John Jaha granny game in '95... I think. I don't remember many of the opening days I attended for some odd reason.

I've actually tried to put that game out of my memory...I believe you're talking about Mike Hegan...and I did go to Mike Hegan's batting cage in Brookfield...it still didn't help...

LOOK AT ME! I'M BLOGGING AGAIN.
6-14-07

Hello again everybody and welcome to my blog here on www.wsaw.com

I'm going to have to be honest with you people (aren't I always?)...I never thought I would have a blog here at the big SAW ever again...and that's where my first blog begins...

As you may know, I left Newschannel 7 back in July of 2005 after spending 2 years here at WSAW as sports director. I then spent the next 20 months in Madsion at our sister station WMTV (NBC15). Everything was going smoothly until Matt Zahn (my replacement here at NewsChannel 7) called me and told me he was leaving and actually coming to Madison to work at the ABC/FOX affitliate. 5 minutes later my good friend, and now news director, Sue Ramsett called me and asked me if I wanted to come back...to make a long story short...I'm back as sports director here at NewsChannel 7.

I know these next 2 paragraphs are going to sound like I'm blowing smoke and talking about how great this place is, but I honestly believe it. I was lucky to work with Matt Zahn, Greg Whitmer (who's doing well as a sports director in PA) and let's not forget Andrew Fefer (who now works at WEAU in Eau Claire)...but the crew I have now is, dare I say, top notch. Dale Ryman, like myself, is coming back to this market after working in a larger one. He is not only great on the air, as you have seen the past couple of months, but behind the scenes is even better. And what can I say about John Allee. When I left, he was our sports intern...now, he's becoming a great sports reporter/anchor everyday. The best part? He's only going to get better.

Speaking of the best...my co-workers in the news and weather departments are just that...the best. I can't begin to explain how great it is to be back on the desk with Sue, Jeff, Mike, and now Stephanie, as well. The comradery that you see and we share is genuine. It feels like home...and so does this area.

I'm excited to be back and being YOUR sports director. I've heard so many nice comments about being back and the smiles I've brought to people's faces, that makes me smile everyday.

Finally, if you have any story ideas or comments feel free to respond to my blog or if you're quiet and shy like me...write to me at
mjacques@wsaw.com

Thanks for welcoming me back with open arms north central Wisconsin...I'm VERY happy to be back.

All my best,

Jocko

Jocko,

I am SO HAPPY you are back! I missed your sparkling white teeth, stunning brown eyes, and of course your great natural ability to present sports news to your loving viewers. Thank you for coming back to WSAW Channel 7! :)

Another comment about my teeth...they must look good..I don't know about the other stuff, but as I've said before, I'm happy to be back and knowing theirs viewers like you out there, makes it even better! Are you really a loving viewer?

Hey Jocko! You good looking guy you! I know how much you love Marshfield and how much fun you have had in the last xx (VERY SOON TO BE xx) years of your life visiting us. Remember cruising through the park with Grandpa Art and hanging out of the car windows to grab leaves? And how could you forget Dairyfest - the year of the storm when you told Jay about Uncle Duane! I will never forget the look on his face. Anyway...glad to see you have continued your devotion to your most favorite Brewer of all time, Six Toes!! :) I am still completely devoted to Paul Molitor too, and after your segment last week, I had to bring my life-sized Wonder Bread post of Molly out of retirement and hang it up in my bedroom again. My hubby doesn't like it, but I adore it! Thanks for the memories, the laughs and such. I am so glad you are back and am looking forward to Carol and the kids getting here so we can hang out! I love you! - Your favorite cousin

Sorry Allison,
I had to take out my age...I'm so old that I am now embarassed of my age. We had so much fun on our trips to visit you and the rest of the Scheibe clan in Marshfield. Let me tell you people...growing up, my family spent a lot of time in Marshfield and Thorp. So when I say this area feels like home, I really do mean it! I love you and I've told you before, one of the great things about working in this area, is knowing you guys are watching!

SixtoooOOOOO LEZCANOOOooo.... Is he still the only Brewer to hit a grand slam on opening day (1979, I believe)?

I love SIXTO LEZCANO...there I said it...I love him...he's my favorite Brewer of all- time....in fact, he's my favorite athlete of all-time...He actually hit 2 home runs on opening day...one in 1978 and the all-time greatest home run in Brewers history, when he beat Dick Drago and the Red Sox on opening day in 1980...FYI John Jaha was the only other Brewer to hit an opening day grand slam in 1995...on one of the coldest days in the history of the world(I was there).

Hi Jocko and welcome back.

Geoff Taylor

Dear Geoff Taylor,

Wow, that name sounds a little too familiar...almost like Jeff Thelen...weird...Please don't tell Jeff...but he is one of my favorite people I have ever worked with...while I wouldn't call him good looking...he is nice, funny, smart, and a joy to work with.

Thanks for blogging Geoff,

Mike Jackson...oops, Mike Jacques

Jacko,

Morning weatherdude... without the mutton chops to put your burns to shame!

Well, Mr. Chad...I did not leave it short...I in-fact made it all the way to the brick wall, about 20 feet wide of home plate...I wanted to do a Bill Murray and put it in the net...but there was a little league team there and I didn't want to hit them. Jeff and I did not sing the national anthem that night...thank goodness because there was some very attractive woman that sang it with a voice to match.

Jocko,

Keep up the great work! You are very funny!

It's funny you should ask about my teeth..when I was gone in Madison I was actually coming back to my dentist here in Wausau (Dr. John Krasowski) for a lot of work on the ol' choppers...I actaully had braces for a year, if you can believe that! I now have porcelain veneers on the tops and will be getting the same work done on the bottom...I had so much work done...root canals...I think 6 of them...but Dr. John is a life saver...and a teeth saver, too...I can't thank him enough for finally making my smile as beautiful as it is now...without getting too corny...and I'm sure I'll be made fun of for this, but when they were putting the finishing touches on the my top teeth...I started to cry...sappy, I know...but that's how happy I was! Thanks Dr. John....you're the best!

Jocko, you should go to antigo some friday nite to cover the 1/2 mile dirt races (at fair grounds) they race every friday at 7 pm. you never know someone might puy you in one of the race cars or trucks some nite !!! thanks #2

#2...Thank you so much for the invite...I would love to come to Antigo and climb into a car or truck...we'll also have to come up and cover the races...please let me know when we should come up!

WELCOME BACK, JOCKO! WE SURE MISSED YOU WHILE YOU WERE GONE!

Loyal Viewers in Marshfield

Thank you so much loyal viewers in Marshfield...I missed you too...I have relatives and many friends in Marshfield and it always holds a special place in my heart! Go Tigers!

Hey Jocko! We are so fired up that you are back! You're the best!

I'm fired up to be back! I keep telling people I'm the best...and finally somebody has listened...I'm just kidding...you're comments mean the world to me. Thank you.

you are the best thing they have done since you went to away. thank you
for comimg back we missed you.

Wow! Can you feel the love my brothers and sisters. I'm glad to be back and I missed you, too!

Hey Mike!
How is your return to Wausau going? Your chair barely got cold! Best of
luck and I look forward to your thoughts on the Packers' upcoming
season.
Your WDH newspaper partner, Carrie Hutton

Hi Carrie!
Great to hear from you. I'm glad things are going well for you at the Daily Herald. I was extremely grateful of the story Jacey Zembal did on my return. I'm looking forward to the Packers season and I hope to see you soon!

Hi Mike,

Could you tell me when is the last time
a large school won the boys state basketball tournament? Is there a
listing of all past large school winners. Thanks.. Mike

Mike,
Are you talking about a local large school state basketball champion?
Let me know and I'll follow up.

Hyadoing? Because you haven't posted a topic yet, I figured I'd help
start you off... Who's the better centerfielder: Gorman Thomas, Bill
Hall, or Willie Mays Hayes?

Hyadoing? Out of those 3...it's a hard choice...Gorman is a legend...but so is Willie Mays Hayes. Let me just say this...the greatest Brewers outfielder of all time...Sixto Lezcano.