Jerrad's First Post - Caloia Mullet Countdown 2008

Caloia Mullet Countdown 2008 is now at *14 days. Kevin Caloia (pictured, far right), our Duck Blind Manager extraordinaire, has taken it upon himself to prove to us office members that he indeed can sport a pre-mullet while continuing to give 110% each day and doing so with a straight face. Subtracting the distance from Caloia's current hair length to his shoulder while computing the speed of hair growth, scientists now believe a full-blown mullet is imminent in less than 14 days. Caloia has been an inspiration to us all in the rare case that we too choose to grow this hideous 1980's hair style that according to Wikipedia, thankfully died in 1993 (debatable to say the least). It is still unproven why Kevin has chosen to sport a mullet, but sources tell me he has recently become infatuated with former Pittsburgh Penguin great Jaromir Jagr (pictured, far left) and simply decided to "go for it." We'll keep you up-to-date on the latest developments...

*Unproven, it could actually be 14 weeks or 14 months...

On to slightly more serious news...

During the off-season I often write stories about former Mallards players who are performing well in Minor League Baseball or in other professional avenues. It's fun and interesting to follow these athletes everyday struggles and triumphs in trying to reach that ultimate destination; Major League Baseball.

However, this blog provides the perfect forum to share what former Mallards employees are doing post life at the "Duck Pond." It is obviously true that Mallards baseball certainly wouldn't be where it is today without the help of our countless hardworking employees each year. Consider this segment Mallards Employee Alumni Part I (creative, right?)

Conor Caloia. Yes, Conor is related to the guy mentioned above (brothers), and he worked for the Mallards for five seasons (2003 to '06), first as an intern in '03 and later as Assistant General Manager in '04. After leaving Madison to work more closely in college sports, Caloia took a job with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as Director of Marketing for nearly two years. Today, Conor is a partner with former Mallards Field Manager Darrell Handelsman with the Wilmington Sharks baseball club in North Carolina, and serves as the team's Director of Operations. Kevin recently flew down to help his brother prepare for a Steve Miller concert the Sharks hosted.

Spencer Sweet. Sweet was hired a year after Conor in '04 as an intern, and was later promoted to Assistant General Manager as well, mostly overseeing the team's always-improving ticket system. He is currently enlisted in the Marines after having successfully completed the first portion of office training school at the training camp in Quantico, VA last spring. Spencer injured his foot during boot camp and, in turn, overcompensated, further damaging his hip. We're excited to report he recently had successful hip surgery to correct the problem.

Ryan Casey McShane. McShane was a PR intern in 2007 and was the brains behind the "Player Ingredient" graphics you might remember seeing in his game stories. (On our homepage, click on News, then select July 30 of 2007 for an example...) Ryan, a native of Arkansas, currently works for Taylor PR in Charlotte, NC and has just signed wireless provider Alltell to provide exposure for the growing client. He just completed a nationwide press junket with former football great Barry Sanders in promoting the company. McShane said "it was the time of his life."

More alumni updates to come in future blogs!

One last quick note...We'd like to thank everyone who has sent us names for our winter MSCR office basketball team set to begin in January. Keep 'em coming!

A few of the names provided so far:
"The Quackers"
"Pond Masters"
"Flying Feathers"
"Duck Droppings"


That's all I have for now...stay tuned to Thursday's installment of Maynard's Musings to be written by Operations Manager John Schmeltzer!