Davidson stuns Goliath (Scenes from Brickhouse Tavern)

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter.
After church and a nice meal at my niece Missy's house, Sean and I made the trip to Davidson to watch the Davidson Wildcats play Georgetown with other fans at the Brickhouse Tavern. The Brickhouse is Wildcat central for local fans who couldn't get tickets to the NCAA Regional in Raleigh, and we wanted to experience the game with other fans.
For the uninitiated, Davidson hadn't won an NCAA tournament game since 1969 before its first-round win over Gonzaga. And sophomore sensation Stephen Curry, the baby-faced son of former NBA player Dell Curry, has become the story of the NCAA Tournament after dropping 40 points in the first game.
Having our studio in Davidson and being big sports fans, we've all become Wildcat supporters and we've gone to many games at Davidson's Belk Arena.
In the past, I probably would have been photographing these games, but I was happy to get a chance to be a fan with Sean. Check out some great images from my friends and former co-workers David T. Foster III and Jeff Siner at the Charlotte Observer's website.
Curry started slowly and Davidson was in a deep hole, but true to a great script, Curry exploded for 25 of his 30 points in the second half and Davidson beat the No. 2 seeded Hoyas, 74-70, to advance to the Sweet 16 in Detroit.
Curry is a once-in-a-lifetime player and it has been so much fun to watch him play.
Congratulations to Coach Bob McKillop and all of the Wildcats!
Another Goliath awaits.

The fans sense a comeback at The Brickhouse

Davidson moves into the lead

Victory is complete

Davidson basketball photos (Part 2)

I got the opportunity to do some more sports photography Saturday when Davidson faced Furman in a Southern Conference matchup at Belk Arena.
Our son Sean tagged along as well and got some amazing shots. Sean first started taking pictures at the Carolina Panthers training camp with me about four years ago. He never ceases to amaze me with some of the photos he comes up with. (You can see one of his shots at the bottom of the post).
Davidson stayed undefeated in the conference with another strong showing from Stephen Curry and reserve sophomore guard William Archambault had a breakout performance with 28 points.
Thanks to my new friend Tim for making all of the arrangements.

The Davidson bench cheers as the reserves finish off Furman

Stephen Curry warms up

The fans were ready for a fight

Stephen Curry

Curry drives

Will Archambault had a huge game

Davidson coach Bob McKillop

Fans show their appreciation

The Record boys

Sean got many excellent photos and I really liked this one of Curry finishing off a great play

Basketball photos

Saturday was fun as I took in the Davidson College-College of Charleston basketball game with our son Sean.
Sean and I were a bit nonchalant as we rolled up very close to tipoff, and we ended up parking close to a mile from the arena. (Sometimes I really miss press parking). We hadn't anticipated the large crowd that turned out to see the Wildcats and super sophomore Stephen Curry.
We ended up in the nosebleed section which made my photography efforts a bit more challenging. (I also miss seats right on the floor but I'd much rather go to the game with Sean). I made do with a 70-200mm lens and got a few nice shots.
Davidson, which is undefeated in Southern Conference play, won easily and Curry scored 26 points. I had photographed Curry's father, Dell, when he played for the then Charlotte Hornets.
It's a rare treat to see such a talented player at a small college and we try to get to as many games as we can.
We're hoping Davidson makes another appearance in the NCAA Tournament in March.

Stephen Curry drives to the hoop

Davidson coach Bob McKillop talks to his team

More from Curry

McKillop congratulates Curry as he leaves the game

Merry Christmas!

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there,
the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke John 1:12

As we prepare to gather with family and friends I wanted to wish all of you a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
The Records - Chris, Betsy, Alison and Sean

Sean's 16th

Sunday we celebrated our son Sean's 16th birthday.We are fortunate to have much of our family living in the same area and we gather often for family events.(We wished Alison could have joined us but she is in London now - more on that later).
Happy Birthday Sean!

Betsy delivers the cake to Sean as, from left, Stephanie, Deb, Adam and Deven sing "Happy Birthday"

Yes, the photojournalist does group shots - even of his own family. We miss you Ali - wish you were here!

Sean is in technology heaven as he contemplates the uses for his new iPod Touch

Me with the Birthday Boy

Historic Pairing at The Wachovia

No, I'm not talking about my son Sean and I - but we did make an appearance at the Charlotte golf tournament.
Michael Jordan was paired with Tiger Woods in Wednesday's Pro-Am and they drew huge crowds. What a unique opportunity to see two of the greatest icons in sports in one place.
I had covered The Wachovia for The Charlotte Observer for the first four years of its existence. This was my first year attending as a fan and I welcomed a chance to hang out with my son Sean.
It was strange walking around with a point-and-shoot and a small telephoto lens. (I would usually carry three cameras and at least one huge telephoto lens).
Sean and I had a great day and he was able to score a few autographs. I snapped a few shots as we wandered around the course.
The Wachovia has become a fantastic event and it draws the top players in the world.

Tiger tees off

"His Airness" has a smoke

Tiger had some sweet Nike spikes

Sergio Garcia works the crowd

Super Bowl QB Peyton Manning was in a good mood

Adam Scott

Phil Mickelson blasts from the sand for a birdie

Tiger takes a break

Big John Daly lets one rip

Sean gets Adam Scott's autograph

Sean and I (thanks to the guy who snapped the photo!)