Remembering The Decade: 2000-2009

Remembering the Decade: 2000-2009

Remember when Tiger Woods emerged on the spotlight and became famous, in 2000? Remember when all that glory and money and all his loyal fans disappeared, in 2009? Remember the 2001 Diamondbacks- the who?- to beat the Yankees in seven games in one of the most stunning championships won in all of sports history? Remember the New England Patriots- the team that won its one of three championships in four years- in 2002? In 2003, we had Miami (FL) rise on the scene again as the "U." In 2004, we had a rise in the game of men's tennis; a new Sampras emerged: Roger Federer, who soon took the game by force. Remember the emergence of the 'Dark Cloud' around baseball in 2005? Remember Barbaro? The World Cup Italy team in 2006, 'the Catch' in 2007, and many other sporting events in this decade made it unforgettable. This decade was one that sports fans young and old will never forget because of the upsets, the adversity teams faced to win championships, the reputations of blockbuster teams and players, the emergence of dynasties and the decline of superpowers- all packed into ten years.

     The 2000s were filled with the emergence of superstars, who changed their respective game to the next level- and established precedents that will be difficult to top. However, during the 2005-2009 seasons, new teams and players began to set higher precedents.

     The 2005 baseball year was a very dark, troubling, and confusing time. The lies and cover-ups had come full circle about steroids. The heralded stars of the game, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmerio, and Roger Clemens were all questioned for substance abuse during their playing years. Their legacies as players and their moral values were replaced by a cloud of shame. Through the years 2000 to 2006 the USC Trojans came onto the big stage in college football. Led by Coach Pete Carroll, the talent level kept coming, and old Hesiman winners or finalists were replaced with new ones the following years. It came to peak in 2005, when they emerged as national champions, they became #1 AP and BCS rankings, and soon the word ‘dynasty’ came back in college football.

Football in the year 2006 had soared to new heights- the Pittsburgh Steelers won their record tying 5th Super Bowl, and the Trojans and the Texas Longhorns faced off in the 'granddaddy of them all': The BCS National Championship. This game had all they hype one could ask for, with eventually Texas knocking off USC in the final 30 seconds, 41-38.

Another event in 2006, dealing with a sport often overlooked, was horse racing. The horse known as Barbaro became an instant favorite to win the Triple Crown, and in his final race, he injured his leg. The nation fell in love with the horse, and lived and died with the horse, and eventually, paid their respects when Barbaro died.

     In 2007 there were many numerous teams to watch in all sports, but the team to watch was the New England Patriots. Chasing history of perfection, a feat only done once by the 1972 Miami Dolphins, seemed more than probable against the New York Giants. The Giants came in a shaky and nervous team, while the Patriots seemed calm and collected. Led by Tom Brady, a three time champion, Randy Moss, and a stellar defense, they seemed to have everything all lined up to win another Super Bowl. However, the quiet Giants led by Eli Manning, stayed in the game for the most part. Deep into the game, one of the best plays in Super Bowl history happened.

     With less than two minutes to go, trailing 14-10 and own their own 30, the Giants' Eli Manning dropped back to throw. The Patriots brought an all out blitz, and seemed to have Eli wrapped up- however; he slipped out of arm tackles and heaved the ball downfield. David Tyree, hardly known as a wide receiver, leapt up, and caught the ball against his helmet; and was able to come down with the clean reception- called 'The Catch' by many. This set up the Giants improbable TD drive and with 31 seconds left, they took the lead and stole the Super Bowl and perfection from the Patriots winning by the score of 17-14.

     The definition of upset was made in the NFL and in the NCAA in 2007- and its now seems like many teams, college and pro alike, are getting upset recently, ruining a 'perfect season.' We also see a new generation of great college football players. In 2007, we saw the emergence of Tim Tebow from Florida, one of the first (if not the first) to win the Hesiman as a sophomore. This began Florida's rise towards dominance and it eventually led Tebow and The Gators to win 22 straight games from the mid part of the 2008 season to the near end of 2009.

     In 2008 the Philadelphia Phillies won the first championship the city of Philadelphia has seen in 23 years beating the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one in the World Series. Brad Lidge was a perfect 48 of 48 in saves, and the Rays also made their own history despite losing. The won the AL East with 98 victories, and got to the Fall Classic for the first time ever in franchise history. The Steelers, in early 2009, won their record 6th Super Bowl, passing the Cowboys and 49ers for most all time. The Penguins won the Stanley Cup in seven games against the Detroit Red Wings. The state of Pennsylvania was title happy in 2008 into 2009. The 2009 Lakers won their 17th NBA Championship, and many other historic sports events happened, including the third consecutive sophomore to win the Hesiman, Mark Ingram, from Alabama.

In short, the 2000 decade was one truly to remember. Whether one is a die-hard fan of hockey, basketball, or baseball, one could say that this past decade was one for the ages. The records, the team histories, and the history preserved will wait at least another decade to be accomplished. As for 2010-2020, we, a sportsnation, will see the rise of new teams, new players, and new schools rise to a new height- and come crashing back down- kind of like Tiger Woods.

What a great ten years and to another ten years, this is:

Erik Krueger

Sports Part-time Analyst