Falcons Mock Draft: All Seven Rounds

Round 1 (8th pick): Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
The Falcons' pass rush was nonexistent in 2014, as Kroy Biermann led the team with 4.5 sacks. Offseason acquisitions O'Brien Schofield and Adrian Clayborn will aid this struggling front seven, but this is still a need area for Atlanta. Dupree is a high-motor edge rusher capable of consistently wreaking havoc in the backfield and putting quarterbacks under duress. Dupree can make an immediate impact for the Falcons as a run-stopper. He is fundamentally sound at shedding blocks and can stymie running plays with his physicality and his 6'4"/269 lb-frame.

Round 2 (42nd pick): Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Because he is recovering from an ACL injury, Ogbuehi could fall out of the first round and into Atlanta's lap at 42nd overall. Ogbuehi was a star on A&M's O-line (much like the Falcons' first rounder last year, Jake Matthews). Ogbuehi is 6'5"/306 lbs and possesses some serious versatility. He can play essentially anywhere along the line and would be able to contribute right away on a unit that has been woeful of late. The Falcons allowed 31 sacks last season, so this pick figures to be an offensive lineman if they take an edge rusher in the first round.
 
Round 3 (73rd pick): Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
The Falcons made a clutch offseason move in re-signing Antone Smith, who is easily one of the most underutilized backs in the league. Meanwhile, Devonta Freeman showed some promise in his rookie campaign and figures to see more carries in 2015 given the departure of Steven Jackson. That said, Ajayi would be an outstanding addition to a rushing attack that has been wildly disappointing ever since the days of Michael Turner in his prime. Ajayi recorded a staggering 2358 yards from scrimmage in his final season at Boise State.

Round 4 (107th pick): Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
The Falcons were dead last against the pass last season. Kemal Ishmael stepped into a more prominent role in his second season, but Atlanta could benefit from drafting a couple of safeties seeing as Dwight Lowery and Josh Wilson are no longer in town. Holliman is as productive as they come (14 INTs, 44 total tackles in 2014). He is a true ball hawk who would bolster this secondary and could be molded into the Falcons' free safety of the future.

Round 5 (146th pick): Chris Hackett, S, TCU
The Falcons waived Zeke Motta in early April, so there is a possibility that Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn will double up on safeties in the draft. Additionally, William Moore has only played two full seasons since being drafted by the Falcons in 2009. Depth at the position is crucial for Atlanta, and one of TCU's finest defensive playmakers may still be on the board by this pick. Hackett may not be a thumper, but he displays noticeable football instincts and could be an asset to this secondary in the future.

Round 6 (185th pick): Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
Like Ogbuehi, Thompson has tremendous athleticism. He would be able to play in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's zone blocking scheme, a system in which quickness is emphasized and the big boys up front are asked to do a bit more running. Thompson springing Ajayi for a big gainer would be a dream come true for Falcons fans.

Round 7 (225th pick): Bryce Hager, ILB, Baylor
Similar to Hackett, Hager could grow and develop without being thrown into the fire right away. Hager could slide in behind Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu on the depth chart at middle linebacker. At 6'1"/234 lbs, he has an ideal linebacker build.

Round 7 (249th pick): Deion Barnes, DE/OLB, Penn State
With their final selection, the Falcons could snag another edge rusher and finish the draft like they started it. Barnes has a similar build to that of Dupree and is capable of playing with his hand in the dirt or standing upright. Barnes is an intriguing player who could develop into a viable option in Richard Smith's defense, regardless of whether it is a pure 4-3 alignment or if there is some 3-4 action mixed in there.

Why the Heyward-Miller Trade Will Benefit the Braves

John Heart, Atlanta’s new President of Baseball Operations, made a clear statement that an overhaul of the 79-83 club was about to begin with his decision to trade Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden.  The deal to bring the young RHP to Atlanta caused some animosity among Braves’ fans, as Heyward and Walden have proved to be staples of the Atlanta club.  However, the deal may be the beginning of a new era for the Braves

            While Heyward has been a leading producer for Atlanta, he has yet to live up to the expectations Atlanta fans set for him when he blasted the first hit of his career over the right field fence of Turner Field.  Throughout his stint with the Braves, Heyward showed signs of playing to the level he has shown he is capable of.  While the utility outfielder put on a performance that surely announced he was here to stay in 2012 with a .269 batting average and 27 homeruns, his production has slowed since then, due in part to injuries.  With the Bravos scheduled to pay Heyward $7,800,000 next year and then presumably lose him to free agency, the organization will be much better suited to cut the payroll and find a much cheaper replacement. 

            The 6’3 215lb righty joining the young Braves rotation, Shelby Miller, will undoubtedly bolster a young rotation plagued by injury.  With a 3.33 ERA in his three years in the pros, Miller will surely be an anchor at the front end of the Braves’ staff.  Miller was the nineteenth pick in the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft, and made his debut in 2012, and went on to finish third in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2013.  In addition to picking up a quality arm, the Braves also get Miller a year away from arbitration, meaning the Braves will substantially cut their payroll and have Miller around for at least the next three years.  The deal also brings 21-year-old Tyrell Jenkins, the number one prospect in the Cardinals’ system, into the Braves’ organization.

            This surprise move by Atlanta marks the start of an overhaul of the Bravos.  With this substantial payroll cut and acquisition of a young righty, John Hart is poised to take the team in a new direction.  One possible move includes dealing B.J Upton to cut an additional $13,050,000 off of their payroll in addition to losing the $13,000,000 that Dan Uggla’s contract is tying up after this year.  This move marks the beginning of an exiting time for Braves’ fans everywhere.  

Written by Dallas Blanton

Edited by John Shea Harman

Instant Replay in Baseball

                 October 23^rd, 2013, a day that many baseball fans will remember for a long time. On this day was Game 1 of the 2013 MLB World Series in Boston, Massachusetts. This game had everything that makes us as fans love playoff baseball, but also something that no one likes, a missed call. Before the game even started, the air in Fenway Park was electric. Attendants roared with excitement, players got pumped up, and everyone in Boston cheered to the point of shaking the 101-year-old stadium. It only took one inning for a controversial play to ignite the rage of thousands of fans. With runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the first inning, David Ortiz, the Red Sox 1^st Baseman, hit a weak grounder to Cardinals 2^nd Baseman Matt Carpenter. After scooping up the ball and flipping it to Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma for the potential double play, the ball slipped out of Kozma’s hand before he had complete control therefore ending the double play. On this play however, Dustin Pedroia, the Red Sox 2^nd Baseman, was called out on the throw to Pete Kozma. The real question is, did Kozma have control when he caught the ball? To most people on TV with instant replay it was easy to see that Kozma flat out missed the ball, but unfortunately the umpire on the field saw something totally different. After the umpire clearly missed the call, fans everywhere furiously screamed in a tidal wave of various verbiage. Just after the play, Red Sox manager John Farrell ran onto the field to argue the call. Flushed with red on his face he yelled at the umpire questioning how he could have missed such a simple call. But little do many know, arguments like these can only be solved with Instant Replay.  

NYDailyNews.com

            Next year, Major League Baseball (MLB) will introduce a new Instant Replay rule into all Regular season and playoff games. For those who don’t know, the new rule will allow each coach to be able to throw a challenge flag onto the field, allowing the umpires to take a second look in the replay booth and potentially overturn the original call on the field. My belief is that this new Instant replay rule is a good change for baseball in hope that it will revolutionize the game, end on-field debates, and always get the call right. Many will argue that it will take away from the history of the game, but if other sports in the U.S. have successfully implemented modern technology into the game than so can America’s original pastime.

            Every on-field debate that occurs in the game of Baseball ends up being a waste of time, energy, and money. For the last century baseball has been a game run by the human eye, and has always been a game of inches. But as athletes get faster, stronger, and more agile, making certain calls on the spot has been harder than ever. The human eye can only see something to a certain point and after that it is basically a judgment call. Umpires that are hired by the MLB have one job, that is to make the call they see that is most fitting and end it there. They aren’t paid to debate with coaches and deal with curse words and slander being thrown at them carelessly like trash. Along with that The TV station has to televise the argument, not only wasting time for the game, but wasting money as well for various advertisements and shows that have a schedule set beforehand. It is also a complete waste of energy for the coaches to run out there and scream at an umpire when calls rarely get overturned anyway. Implementing this new rule will end not only these useless on-field debates just like the one in Game 1 of the 2013 World Series, but will also end the poor treatment and in some cases death threats that umpires have received in the past for missing big calls. Although it is a big step for such an old game, the MLB is not alone in its journey for technological advancement.

MetsPunDit.com

              In today’s society the access to information is easier than ever. It seems that at the click of a button you can find out about any topic, anywhere, anytime. One can watch any sporting event from their Television, iPhone, iPod, Tablet, Desktop, Laptop, and in some cases even their wristwatch. Although technology has led us to this point, we still find it hard to implement these advancements into the highest grossing sport in the U.S. Football, Basketball, Tennis, and every other major sport that Americans watch has some form of instant replay to help make decisions that we as humans can’t. Some people are too quick to jump on the Excuse bus and conclude that we use technology as a lack of humans effort, but just look at what Instant Replay has done for the other sports that have implemented the rule, especially football. The National Football League’s ratings have been soaring ever since Instant Replay, mostly due to the fact that everyone wants the right call. What is the Excuse bus going to say next, Robot takeover? Putting the new Instant Replay rule in the game of Baseball won’t change the way the game is played; it will just change the results. It doesn’t matter whether it effects your team winning or losing because that is just life. What really matters is making sure that the call was correct and seeing what should’ve happened.

Gazzettenet.com

            One of the best parts about the game of baseball is the rich history that goes along with the game. Although the MLB hasn’t been around since the dawn of time, baseball still goes way back to the formation of the National League and the American League in 1876 and 1901. There is no doubt this long history has molded the game into what it is today, but controversy occurs when people try and stick with the same format forever. Lots of viewers have argued their part against instant replay, but where is this opposition coming from? Studies show that more than half the people who argue for no Instant Replay are of an older generation and have been around the game for quite some time. his comes to show that the younger generations have no problem with revolutionizing the game, so why should the older MLB fans? Arguing that baseball’s history is too precious to be messed with is a faulty argument within itself. Wouldn’t you rather be apart of the games history and be able to tell your grandkids one day, “Oh I remember when they finally implemented Instant Replay.” Change is inevitable in the society we live in today, and if you aren’t ready to move on, time will eventually catch up to you.

Baseball is and will always be America’s pastime, but as time will tell everything always has room for improvement. As technology advances everyday, more and more people are debating on whether or not this new Instant Replay rule should be implemented into Major League Baseball. Before taking sides on this topic you need to ask yourself three things. First, do you want save time, money, and lives by ending on-field debates? Next, would you rather get the call right or live by knowing you virtually cheated? Lastly, would you rather keep the same plain thing or revolutionize and be apart of history? All signs point towards the positive outlook of Instant Replay and hopefully that is where the rest of the United States looks too. 

By, Shea Harman

The Flightless Dirty Birds

By: Shea Harman and Brett Houdeshell

The 2013-14 season as a whole hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the preseason Super Bowl predicted Falcons. But before we get into this season lets backtrack a little. Atlanta ended their season merely inches away from the Super Bowl to a very good SF 49ers team. The end of the season is always a bummer for most teams, but you can’t go wrong with everyone playing their best, all the starters healthy, and your Hall of Fame tight end coming back for another season. Then it all went downhill. Most of you can probably guess what happened next, injuries. This year the whole roster was plagued with them ranging from offensive linemen, to special teams players, and even to wide receiver Julio Jones who is now out for the year. On top of this they have played multiple games without key starters such as Steven Jackson, Sean Weatherspoon, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Asante Samuel. All of these injuries along with lack of leadership have led to their abysmal record of just 3-9.

Julio Jones heading to the locker room after an injury.

(NFLSi.com)

Up to this point Atlanta’s season has been a bust and is pretty much over. Although they are tied with division opponent Tampa Bay they still sit at the bottom of the NFC South, and are also tied for the second worst record in the NFL. Coach Mike Smith has been quoted by saying that the rookies and second-string guys will be getting more playing time the week of the Bills game. Many would say that these actions signify the Front Office throwing in the towel, but I have other thoughts. Even with a lot of normal starters sitting, they did in fact win the game at Buffalo in overtime. To me, it doesn’t seem like the Falcons are giving up necessarily, but are looking for a new answer to the problem. Sometimes to find a new star you have to give the backup a chance to let his talents shine, which is now a days known as the Aaron Rodgers method.

If the season were to end today the Falcons would have the 4th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. All three teams in front of Atlanta will potentially need QB’s, which opens the doorway for their original plans. And with the 4^th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons select…Jadaveon Clowney from South Carolina. I can hear it now, sweet music to my ears. The Falcons defense was horrendous this season, so far placing 20th in the league for passing defense and having 30th worst defense overall. During the 2013 offseason one of the main goals was to upgrade our pass rush shortly after losing Defensive Captain John Abraham. Unfortunately, the only real shopping done on the defensive line was picking up free agent Osi Umenyiora, who is honestly getting on in years. But with our new addition of Clowney he would help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks along with taking up space in the running lanes. Many are opposing this pick by stating that his attitude will only cause problems on the field and in the locker room, but I have faith in the 6’6 250 lb. Defensive End. I believe that wise veterans on the team such as Steven Jackson and Sean Weatherspoon can coach him up and to make sure his actions are precise and his intentions clear.

Jadaveon Clowney making an athletic play for the sack.

(Elevenathletes.com)

     

    On a positive note, the Falcons drafts picks from 2013 have showed great potential so far. When veteran CB Asante Samuel was injured for a short period of time earlier this season, rookie Corner Desmond Trufant has stepped up big time. Aside from his tackling he is very versatile and can cover tight due to his amazing speed. In retrospect he resembles former Falcon Brent Grimes from his early days in the sense that he is not very physical, but can stay on your tail and “get up” when needed.

Desmond Trufant excited to be a Falcon shortly after the draft.

(FoxNews.com)

         Overall the Falcons main concerns this offseason should be focused on their Defensive/Offensive lines and secondary. It’s hard for us fans to remain optimistic about the future when your team can’t produce after having such high expectations. I do believe however, that it is important for Falcons fans to stay positive. While we are at the bottom of the league we must remember the night is darkest just before the dawn. Our team hasn’t given up yet, so why should you? Even in the game against New England, down big with 6 minutes Matt Ryan never quit and led the charge for a comeback. Although they didn’t win, that is the type of stuff defines heart and can potentially turn a team around. Maybe with a good offseason, healthy players, and a little bit of luck our Dirty Birds can too.

Atlant Braves: 2013 Season Recap

As sports fanatics we go through various situations that put us through a number of emotions. I’ll give you three scenarios and you tell me which situation you would prefer as a fan.

#1: It is September of 2011 and the most anticipated month for baseball fans everywhere.  The leaves in Georgia are starting to change colors as fall approaches, but as the weather gets a little colder, the air doesn’t cease to remain electric. The Atlanta Braves rolled into the final month of the regular season with a 8 and a half game lead in the Wild Card race on September 6th, and still found a way to loose grip of their playoff hopes. After losing the last fives games of the regular season in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals found their way into the playoffs on the last day of baseball. The only somewhat positive note about the whole situation is that the Braves had company in Boston do the exact same thing. But as the Phillies hung on to win in the 13th inning of the final game, so did the overlying feeling that this game wasn’t their only chance to clinch. This pain however did not slip away as easily as the changing leaves, and did not settle out till spring was in the air once again.

 Braves dugout after season collapse. (InsideBaseball.com)

#2: Hot, sweaty, rowdy, and ticked off. The fans in Atlanta will never let go the infamous rule that killed all hope. The infield fly call in the NL Wildcard game of 2012 was easily one of the worst calls in MLB history.  However, before the game was even played the Braves were already down about their luck. The one year they finally have a stable lead in the Wildcard standings, they are forced to play a one game playoff against guess who? That’s right, the St. Louis Cardinals, and just as fate would soon intend, the game would head in favor of the opposition. After SS Andrelton Simmons popped up a ball into shallow Left field, the Cardinals defenders got mixed up on who was to catch the ball, and it dropped, giving the Braves a new life down three in the bottom of the 8th. But soon enough the roars of the crowd turned into menacing boo’s. The Umpire Crew came to the conclusion that the infield fly rule was in effect, giving the braves another out and slaughtering the momentum. Enraged the entire stadium lit up in a frenzy throwing trash onto the field to show their displeasure. After taking an hour, all the debris was picked up and the game resumed play. Although there was still a chance for the Braves to pull out a win, it was far from possible. Without the fire of your fan base and luck not on your side, the braves were not destined for the playoffs. So for the second year in a row, the Braves missed the playoffs, with the Cardinals taking their place. The pain from this loss however, wasn’t centralized at all. What made this L even worse, was the fact that one of the greatest third basemen of all time, Chipper Jones, was retiring after the seasons end. His ambitious nature made him a person who never seeks to settle, but the taste left in his mouth after this one was not something anyone would love to end on. Once again, the Braves would have to look towards April, and a new start.

 Braves crew picking up trash after terrible call. (MLB.com)

#3: After two years of pure disappointment changes needed to be made, and those changes fortunately occurred shortly afterward. The 2012-2013 offseason was a historic one for the boys of the South, and the money that the Braves franchise seemed to be saving up was finally used. After singing free agent BJ Upton to a 5 year $72.52 Million contract, the braves traded to get BJ’s brother Justin. It was one of the first times in MLB history that two brothers would play on the same team, and along with Jason Heyward, looked to have the most explosive outfield in the entire league. Although Atlanta needed to fill the holes in their offense with big bats, there was an even bigger hole that needed to be filled. Who was going to replace future Hall of Famer Larry “Chipper” Jones. Well that was taken care of by the Upton trade. Chris Johnson, the 3rd former 3rd basemen for Arizona, was soon to become a vital part of the Braves offense. But enough of the offseason, where is the good stuff? Well the Braves would start off the season as intended, big bats shooting the team to a great start with Justin Upton leading the way with 12 Homeruns in the Month of April. The season would go on and the Braves would soon face more ups and downs. After cooling off a little in June, the end of July and early August were promising times for the Braves. Their 14 game win streak was among one of the best in the last decade and gave them a Giant lead in the NL East in which even they couldn’t lose grip of. More time would pass and once again the leaves were changing colors. The playoffs crept around the corner and the Braves finally clinched that long lost NL East title. So, happy ending right? No, the season was all but over in the mindset of Atlanta fans, but fate had something else in mind. In Georgia it is sometimes very hard to highlight positive playoff experiences from its professional sports teams. That thought would soon remain true as the Braves were set up to play the red hot Los Angeles Dodgers and were also soon to feel the same disappointment of losing in the first round yet again. Clayton Kershaw stormed into Atlanta, striking out 12 Braves through 7 hard pitched innings and forcing fans to question if home field was even an advantage anymore. Surprisingly enough Atlanta would soon battle back and make it a legit series, sending the NLDS to a game 4 back in LA. It was a low scoring game and the braves had a 2-1 lead with two outs and two on in the 8th. But as fate would soon have it, Juan Uribe blasted a two-strike pitch far over the Left Field fence, sending the ball and the Braves hopes of the second round, out of the park.

Justin (left) and BJ (right) Upton after huge signing in offseason. (Ajc.com)

Now you tell me which situation do you really think is best? This past season was easily their best season in years and a successful one all around. The Braves improved immensely as a ball club and brought a new life to a city that hasn’t been relevant in over a decade. As dedicated fans we are here for our teams through thick and thin, but it seems the closer we get to a championship, the more dismal the downfall is. Many people have given up on Atlanta teams claiming another title, but I am here to remind all that there is a bright future, and that nothing lasts forever. When recapping this past season many fans forget that the Braves were missing three of there top starters: Tim Hudson, Brandon Beachy, and Paul Maholm, along with their 7th and 8th inning dangerous duo, Eric O’flaherty and Johnny Venters. Just a little food for thought. The leaves may have already changed and the weather already gotten colder, but once again Braves fans find themselves looking to Spring, where the road to the ring begins. All that’s left to do now is wait for the return of Braves Country and Chop on.

By, Shea Harman 

Equality in Sports: America's Progress through Race, Gender, and Sexuality

By Shea Harman

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." - Martin Luther King Jr. On August 28th, 1963, the active pacifist from Atlanta, Georgia, started the greatest racial equality movement in history. This speech has not only influenced every aspect of civil rights, but started a revolution in sports as well. All of the achievements that happened in the past have translated to the world we live in today.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a huge impact on not only everyday American lives, but on the sports world as well.

WCHB News Detroit

Sports have been the main contributor when showing how our nations push for racial equality has effected every day events. Normal people have been given the ability to do extraordinary things, no matter the color of your skin, or how you speak, where you're from, or what you look like. Sports give us, as humans, the chance to show how none of that matters and teach us that the better-prepared man will always win. It is a willing testament to the definition of limitation, and how far you are willing to push yourself, no matter the resistance, or the haters, or even the negligent people who focus on simple attributes such as race. This only exemplifies the love of sports even more. Today we see so many athletes who have come against all odds to reach the goals they have been dreaming about since they were kids. Everyone loves a story where a young boy or girl has the ability to defy his upbringing, provide for his family, or even to find enjoyment through sport as the only happiness in their life.

Now for you statistical junkies, I haven't left any of that out. As progress shows, sports have offered many jobs to people of a minority race. Over the past couple decades the NBA, NFL, and MLB, have had the ability to incorporate all parts of society into their organizations. From a 2012 report, the percentage of African-American players in the NFL is now around 67%, which is a huge jump from the early days of football when African-Americans weren't allowed to play. The NBA has been known as a "Black League" for the last decade or so, and still holds the title belt today, reaching an amazing 78% African-American and a surprising 4% Latino as well. These two organizations first opened up sports to just African-Americans, but through vigorous pushes for rights and cultural integration, have influenced other ethnicities to join other sports. The MLB was actually the first real sport to break the color barrier with the help of Jackie Robinson, or to some, the most courageous man in history. Defying odds and having the ability to take mountains of criticism, he dreamed of living in a world where race didn't matter, and it's safe to say his hard work and determination has paid off. I wish I could say the MLB has lots of African-American participation today, but it only stands at a small 8 percent. On a more positive note, the MLB has had the ability to maintain a steady 28 percent Hispanic population over the past couple years. This racial diversity is not only great for the MLB as an organization, but the sport itself, being the second most culturally diverse sport in the world, just behind soccer.

 

Soccer is the most racially diverse sport in the entire world.

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Unfortunately, we know there is a world outside of sports that cannot be as easily integrated as these organizations. But let's not think negatively, the world of sports has influenced the real world in many different ways. One can easily say that teams/organizations have inspired the public to break other boundaries. Gender and sexuality are two prime examples of this uprising.

Women have been limited in sports before, but it is inspiring to see how women are now treated as equal in the workplace, at home, and as individuals of society. In my mind ever since Emilia Earhart flew across the Atlantic, women have never looked back. What's great about sports, however, is that women have able to fight for rights, and let their game speak for them. After decades of gains, they still are striving for improvement, with an example being Danica Patrick, the first woman to ever race in NASCAR.

The other big change happening in the world today is sexuality. Major accomplishments have been made in this year alone for gay members of society. Laws, bills, and marriage have all been debated on whether or not homosexuals deserve these rights. Fortunately, sports have been a great way for gay athletes to speak their minds and lead the way for change, in hope that many will soon follow. Just recently, Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards came out with big news, being the first active player to publically admit he was gay. The NBA was happy for his decision, as was the public, accepting him for his courageous act while battling all odds.

Jason Collins is a hero to many.

Kwaku Alston/SI

Progress has no time period, it never stops. It’s what keeps the world turning, and in order to be one with society, you must change with it. The nation has gone through tremendous change within the last few decades, and still seeks improvement today. Sports offer us a way to escape these problems and to go up against barriers like race, age, gender, and sexuality. Although sports don't represent the real world, they offer a way for players to be proud of where they come from and unite teams as a family and brotherhood. Yesterday was the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speech and today I'm proud to say his dream has finally become a reality.

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