myerstownherald.com

By ERIC FISHER
June is a time for the NBA and NHL finals, the U.S. Open and the start of summer vacation. It’s also, however, a time for report cards. Whether that’s a good time or bad time of the year depends on your grades.
Which sports figures will get their report card displayed on their family’s refrigerator? Which ones will be attending summer school?
It’s time to find out. Mr. Fisher is ready to hand out grades.
Andy Reid: A-. Andy showed tremendous improvement from November through January. He continued to demonstrate improvement with an excellent draft project and free agent signings. We’ll be expecting big things from Andy during the 2009-10 school year.
Ray Shero. A+. Ray did an incredible job from February through the end of the school year. He has a wonderful talent for recognizing what needs to be done, then recruiting others to help him.
Kobe Bryant: A. Kobe receives an “A” for his outstanding performance. Unfortunately, the “A” would be equally appropriate if it stood for “arrogance.” He needs to stop reminding other students and staff of his extraordinary talent.
Phil Jackson: A. Phil receives an “A” for his outstanding performance. Unfortunately, the “A” would be equally appropriate if it stood for “arrogance.” He needs to stop bragging about his outstanding projects, especially because he always seems to have the best student in the school in his group.
Raul Ibanez: A+. Raul has been an absolute pleasure to have in class since transferring from Seattle. He has performed beyond the wildest expectations.
Donovan McNabb: B. Donovan improved dramatically after the incident last November when he had to spend half the day seated in the corner. His performance got much better, but I can’t give him an “A.” (Note to principal: I expect Donovan’s mother, Wilma, to call to set up a meeting to renegotiate his grade.)
Allen Iverson: D. Allen remains very talented, but his past reliance on his ability has caused him to develop some very bad habits. Also, he doesn’t get along well with others unless they do things his way.
Brad Lidge: B-. Brad’s decline since last year’s A+ performance leaves us perplexed. Hopefully, some time off will enable Brad to figure out what’s wrong and return to his previous form.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: C-. Dale continues to struggle in almost all facets of his education. We’re hoping that separating him from his cousin Tony will enhance Dale’s performance.
Danica Patrick: C+. Danica still seems to think she can get by on her looks. Also, she needs to curb her quick temper. She has been involved in “incidents” with several of her classmates. Danica has spoken of moving to a bigger and better school, but she really should become proficient at this level before moving up to the next one.
Charlie Manuel: A-. Charlie has done a wonderful job. His fun-loving demeanor makes him a pleasure to have in class. Charlie needs to work on his speaking, particularly public speaking. Othewise, he’s doing very well. Students and teachers enjoy having Charlie as an integral part of our class.
Andre Iguodala. B-. Andre is a very good student, but he’s not quite as good as he seems to think. Andre shows flashes of brilliance, but he must develop more consistency to move into the elite club in which he already seems to consider himself a member.
Hershey Bears: A. Another championship year for this group. I know that “upper school” teacher Bruce Boudreau is looking forward to working with this group during the next few years.
James Harrison: A. James has developed into one of the best students in the school. He would be on track to be class valedictorian except that, to put it bluntly, his demeanor leaves a bit to be desired. His comments about the president certainly didn’t help his image, but there’s no denying his excellent performance.
Ruben Amaro: A-. Ruben was always a good “helper,” but he’s continued to excel this year while taking more of a leadership role. He’s still got some work to do this summer, however, to solidify this grade.
Cole Hamels: A-. Cole did tremendous work last fall, but he seemed to rest on his laurels as the year progressed. To his credit, Cole admitted that he was unprepared this spring. He recognized the source of his problems and has worked hard to overcome them.
Samuel Dalembert: D. Sam’s stubbornness is getting in the way of his progress. Unfortunately, the nickname “Sammy D” is taking on new meaning. Quite frankly, a change in scenery may be beneficial.
Roger Federer: A. Roger continues to be at the top of his class. He struggled with some self-doubt earlier this year, but that successful trip to France seems to have boosted his confidence. Not only does he excel, but he does so with style and grace. Nobody has a bad word to say about Roger. We’ll miss him dearly when he graduates.