Women Crushed Wednesday - Kayleigh Williamson

For the average American, the idea of running a half marathon, which is over 13 miles, is a daunting task. For some, however, it can mean leaving a legacy. This is especially true for Kayleigh Williamson, a 27 year old runner. You may not know her name yet, but you should. In February, 2017, Kayleigh became the first person with Down Syndrome to run in and complete the Austin Half Marathon.

Kayleigh finished the race with a time of 6:22:57, but her time is not what is important, it's her spirit. In an article by ESPNW, they mention that her training team pulled up along side her and offered to drive her to the end of the race so she could finish. She refused. Even though she was in a difficult position, being far behind the other runners, she decided, without hesitation, that she would finish the run on her own.

As she crossed the finish line, she was overtaken by emotion as was embraced by friends and family who were there to cheer her on. They even gave her flowers, in a welcoming embrace. As stated in that same ESPNW article, Williamson aims to complete a series of five races in Austin called the Austin Runner's Club Distance Challenge. Her goal is to compete in races every year until she successfully earns the Finisher's Jacket, the prize given to those who complete all five races in one year.

More so than the time it took her to finish the race, the important thing is that despite the difficulties and challenges, she persevered, and was able to finish. This was truly inspirational, and should be a lesson to everybody. When something feels too hard, push on, because if you really put your mind to something, it is achievable. Her story is a story of hope, determination and will. She is, without a doubt, a hero. And that is why Kayleigh Williamson is our Women Crushed Wednesday!

DanDanTony Sports - Episode 1

The time is finally here! The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived - our first podcast has been posted. Listen to the first episode here, or on SoundCloud!

There are a few corrections that need to be made. In the podcast, Dan Snyder made a few mistakes. When talking about the NFL draft, he mentioned the Wide Receiver from Western Michigan as Corey Coleman and it is actually Corey Davis. Also, the mentioned Wide Receiver Dede Schuster-Smith is actually Juju Schuster-Smith. When talking about Lavar Ball's other children, he stated that they will most likely end up at a smaller school. They have all committed to UCLA.

Here you can view the videos for Welcome to the Jungle, Another One Bites the Dust and Bulls on Parade.

Our source for "This Week in Sports History" can be found here.

We would like to thank you all for listening and hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook at DanDanTony Sports, on Twitter @dandantony, or send us an email at dandantonysports@gmail.com for a chance to have your question or comment read on a future episode!

Women Crushed Wednesday - UConn Huskies

In last week's edition of Women Crushed Wednesday, we talked about the David and Goliath matchup between Albany and UConn with a focus on the David side of the battle. This week we will be focusing on the Goliath. The University of Connecticut Women's Basketball team has won a record 109 straight games. That is not a typo. 109 straight victories. The Huskies started their NCAA tournament this week with a 1 vs. 16 matchup against the Albany Great Danes. While there were some bright spots for Albany, the game was absolutely dominated by UConn as the Huskies won 116-55. A 61 point win is special on any occasion, but it was even more impressive as they beat Albany by more points than the Danes scored. Following that game, the Huskies played the Syracuse Orange in the second round and won their 109th straight game outscoring Syracuse 94-64. There are people, who possibly rightly so, believe that this team is the best team in sports history.

UConn was thought to be in line for a "down season" and wasn't the number 1 team entering their first game. Many people thought that when you lose 3 players to the WNBA draft (numbers 1-3 overall) that things won't go back to the way they were. They have proven to the rest of the NCAA that they were as good as they have been for the past few years. Even without Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck, the Huskies have not missed a beat. According to ESPN, they shot an ABSURD 62.3% against Albany, 10% above their season average. Against Syracuse, they shot the exact same 62.3% from the field.

While the Huskies are the overwhelming favorite to win the NCAA tournament for the 4th straight year and 11th overall, they won't have an easy road. They will still (most likely) have to play Baylor, and either South Carolina or Notre Dame. With that being said, The UConn women are more than poised to cut down the nets, despite the fact that they did not return the three top draft picks. Gino Auriemma, who is quite possibly the best coach in basketball history, does have a knack for making each teammate play like the Most Valuable Player on the court, on any given night.

The UConn Women are the definition of dominance, and this is why the UConn Huskies are this week's Women Crushed Wednesday!

Women Crushed Wednesday - Albany Great Danes

A dynasty, loosely defined is a succession of power, particularly from one family or group. In sports, a dynasty can be created by a lengthy stretch of dominance by one team. There is one dynasty in particular that has won their conference title a league record 6 consecutive times. This would, of course, be the University at Albany Women's Basketball team. Albany did not have much success, if any, until the 2012 season, when coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson led Albany to their first ever NCAA tournament berth. From there the Danes would not look back, ripping off 6 straight conference tournament titles, leading to 6 straight NCAA tournament bids. This season, they draw the difficult task of being the first team since 2014 to defeat the UConn Huskies. This will prove to be a VERY difficult task as the Albany Great Danes are facing the juggernaut without Shereesha Richards, the all time programs leading scorer with over 2400 points and 1000 rebounds, and under first year head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee.

Despite not having the incredible play of Richards, or the guidance of Abrahamson-Henderson, The Great Danes will have 10 of their 13 players able to return next season. To have 10 players who have never lost a conference tournament, and who will all be presumably returning, is huge. While that might not help them this year as they take on the Goliath in Storrs, Connecticut, it will surely help when they return to playing America East opponents next year.

But it doesn't stop there. The Great Danes have another chance to make history on Saturday in trying to become the first team in 108 games to beat the UConn Huskies. While this outcome is HIGHLY unlikely, this is the time of year in which those who don't believe in miracles do acknowledge that crazy, unthinkable things can in fact happen.

Although nobody outside of the Albany team thinks they even have a chance to win their first round matchup against the Huskies, us Great Dane fans sincerely hope that we are wrong. 6 years, 6 tournaments, and a chance at an unthinkable history. That is why the 2017 University at Albany Women's Basketball team is our very first ever, Women Crushed Wednesday!