Impressive. That seems to be the only word to use to describe the following person.

While at the opening ceremonies of the Iowa Games this past weekend, I noticed an elderly man holding a torch in front of the podium near the end of the event.

He wore a red jersey with a matching pair of shorts.

The jersey had USA on the front.

The man was Melvin Larsen, the 2000 Iowa Games Male Athlete of the Year.

As his list of accomplishments continued to be read, my jaw dropped further and further. Gold medals, world records, national accolades and all at the age of 77.

After the ceremony, I was fortunate enough to get to interview Mr. Larsen for a story.

The friendliness, enthusiasm and wisdom he provided was refreshing to hear.

It was easy to see why he was the Athlete of the Year, regardless of his age.

Now, how can we teach this to the professionals?

Not Recognizing the Quiet Zone

Here we go again.

The Los Angeles Laker’s all-world center Shaquille O’Neal continues to bring more vigor to the world of basketball.

His new thing to talk about is the league’s stance on zone defenses and the fact that they will be implemented next season.

As a matter of fact, his exact words were that the change was “a stupid, idiotic rule.”

Shaq believes that the flow of the game will slow down and people won’t get to see what they paid for; showmanship.

Shaq’s ESP must be on the fritz or maybe he’s been talking to Miss Cleo, because he hasn’t seen into my thoughts.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the change.

The change is going to bring more variety to the thought-process of players, coaches and even the management of the league.

It’s also going to give the fans a chance to see more of a team element, not just one man trying to do too much by himself.

I do enjoy watching Iverson, Carter or even Kidd take over a game with their brand of flash and I realize there are advantages to the one-on-one, staredown type of matchup, but there is only so much of it that I can take.

I’m a big fan of the college game, and one of the reasons why is because of the changing styles of defense.

Implementing zones will diminish any chance for Steve Nash to “make that Canadian pass that he does so well”, in the words of Shaq (by the way, how insulting is that comment?).

So maybe Shaq will have to bump into two people in the crowd instead of one every time he touches the ball.

Big deal, and I mean BIG.

The superman in purple and gold shouldn’t have much, if any, dropoff in his offensive stats.

Still, it should be interesting to see how the diesel handles the situation in action.

Absurd Predictions

Welcome to “Let’s Make a Trade” (OK, not as catchy as the original, but you can’t really see me winning any Monty Hall look-alike contests either).

One week from today is the trading deadline for Major League Baseball.

That will be the last day that teams can swap players without getting into complicated issues such as waivers.

With everything being so muddled during this time in the season, I must turn to my trusted crystal ball to answer my questions.

1) Where will Jason Giambi go?

The Athletic’s slugging first baseman has been at the top of the list as far as big name players are concerned.

Several teams are looking for someone of his caliber, including the Cubs, Braves and Yankees.

With the Yankees’ farm system being what it is, they probably have the most to offer the A’s.

However, the A’s wouldn’t send their best position player cross-country to a rival that ousted them from the playoffs last year.

Look for Giambi on the move to Atlanta.

2) Will Fred McGriff really honor his no-trade clause?

In a surprising result, yes.

He’s already turned down the Cubs and he’s already been an Atlanta Brave.

When he said that he wanted to stay at home with his family, having already played on winning ballclubs, I believed him.

I think he would love to get another chance to get a ring, but he’s changed his life outlook.

I don’t see him moving anywhere.

3) Will the Yankees get a bat or an arm?

With the money they have, they could buy up half of Texas and put them in the outfield.

Right now, I think the Bombers will try and solidify their relieving core.

They will also get a hitter, but they’ll wait until playoff time creeps up on them.

4) What pitchers will leave the nest?

Pedro Astacio has too much interest in him not to be dealt.

He’ll go to the Cardinals.

Jason Isringhausen is also up on the block, although it doesn’t seem anyone is that interested.

I see him going elsewhere and becoming a set-up man, possibly lasting a couple of innings at a time.

Montreal has to be the unluckiest city in baseball history. The amount of talent that has slipped through the fingers of the Expos, only to flourish somewhere else, is ludricrous.

Look for yet another potential superstar to say goodbye when Uqueth Urbina changes locations.

And finally…

5) How many players will the Kansas City Royals lose?

I hate to talk about this, seeing as how the Royals are my hometown bunch, but it must be said. KC will probably go on a fire sale very soon, especially with contracts coming to a close.

Right now, I think only Jermaine Dye will get the boot, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Sweeney were close behind.

Now the real question. Will the fabulous trade be under the box or the behind the curtain?

Jonathan Lowe is a senior in meteorology from Kansas City, Mo.