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Still nervous about the Heat
during the regular season -- hard to get motivated for the NBA's long grind once you got that ring. But we're dipping a toe tonight as Miami takes the road against Dallas at -5.5.
After a long home stretch, punctuated only by a one-nighter to the Wizards, the Heat will be on its first road trip since Nov. 9-17. That road trip started with a win, and a cover, at Atlanta -- and a 4-2 mark SU, 3-3 against the spread.
Since then, Miami's started to get in a better groove. The team, and especially LeBron,
realizes there's work to do. (Witness his postgame weight-room workout after the humiliating home loss to the Knicks.)
Often, veteran teams coming off a championship or long playoff run do better ATS on the road -- see the Lakers and Celtics in 2009-2010 -- and a road trip can actually be the place where they get it together. Fewer distractions, more of a siege mentality.
So, in goes the toe. Wish us BOL, and we'll let you know how the water feels away from South Beach. | http://spaces.covers.com/blog/gfoss59/NBA/12202012-Heat-hits-the-road.html | 245 |
Updates on Andrei Markov, Cory Schneider and Andrew Ladd, plus a call for the AHL to better protect players like Jordan Eberle.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov could be returning to Montreal to heal his injured ribs after being forced to leave a recent KHL game to injury.
VANCOUVER PROVINCE: Canucks goaltender and player rep Cory Schneider considers the NHL’s threat to cancel the Winter Classic a “negotiating ploy”.
“If they want to save it, you’d think they would be more pro-active and start negotiating. We’re willing to talk about everything and they’re willing to talk about one thing and one thing only. There are many aspects of their proposal we don’t like and it’s not just the money. Both sides need to get back with no pre-conditions.”
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Jets captain Andrew Ladd will be taking part in “The Goals For Dreams Hockey Challenge” on November 17 at the Max Bell Centre at the University of Manitoba. Other notable NHLers potentially taking part include Dustin Byfuglien, Bryan Little, Jim Slater, Olli Jokinen, Jonathan Toews, Travis Zajac, Tanner Glass, Colin Wilson, Mark Stuart and Shane Hnidy.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples calls on the AHL to do a better job protecting players like Jordan Eberle from illegal hits whilst playing in that league. Eberle was the victim of a knee-on-knee hit during a recent game and was fortunate to escape serious injury. | http://spectorshockey.net/blog/nhl-lockout-canadian-corner-october-30-2012/ | 352 |
Ross County manager Derek Adams has tipped his former player Michael Gardyne to shine at Dundee United and gain a spot in Craig Levein’s international set-up.
The 26-year-old made 40 appearances for the Staggies last season as they gained promotion to the SPL.
Gardyne’s 15 goals from midfield attracted the interest of United who sealed a pre-contract agreement with the player in January.
And Adams sees no reason why the player can’t earn a place in the Scotland squad.
He told The Scottish Sun: “Like any player, Michael will have to adapt to his new club and win the right to play every week.
“But if he gets the chance to do that, I’ve no doubts about how well he will do.
“He is a special talent who was good for County and we were good for him.
“Of course, we didn’t want to lose him, but I’m delighted to see any player from this club move up in his career.
“Michael’s ability has never been in question and when it comes to catching the eye of the national coach, playing week in, week out in the SPL will make all the difference for him.
“I certainly believe he will gain that recognition.
“The Dundee United manager Peter Houston is part of the Scotland set-up and I’m sure Michael will get his chance if he performs as he can at Tannadice.”
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- Andy Murray quips ‘It’s panic stations now’ as Wimbledon fears grow | http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/dundee-united/107308-former-manager-tips-michael-gardyne-to-earn-place-in-scotland-squad/ | 414 |
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Derrick Rose scored a season-high 31 points and had 11 assists to outlast Ricky Rubio in a thrilling duel, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 111-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
Luol Deng had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Kyle Korver scored 13 points off the bench for the Bulls, who appeared to be on their way to a blowout early before Rubio led the Wolves back.
Rubio had 13 points, 12 assists and four rebounds. Luke Ridnour scored 22 points for the Timberwolves, who just couldn’t find an answer for Rose down the stretch.
The reigning MVP shrugged off a mid-game shooting slump to score on an explosion to the basket and then knocked down a little one-handed jumper for an eight-point lead with 2:30 to play.
Kevin Love finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, but his shooting woes continued as he made 5 of 18. Anthony Randolph scored 18 points.
The Bulls outrebounded Minnesota 47-30 and Ronnie Brewer scored 17 points to help them to their eighth win in nine games. But Rose was the leader as usual, hitting 4 of 8 3-pointers.
Rubio’s reputation grew when the Spaniard went up against Rose in international play, stripping him on two of the U.S.’ first three trips up the floor in an exhibition game.
The two went toe-to-toe again on Tuesday night. Rose played 42 minutes and got off to a blistering start with Rubio, who played a career-high 36 minutes, on the bench, but the two electrifying point guards were neck-and-neck for the final three quarters.
The Bulls knew the Wolves were playing their third game in three nights, and they came out throwing haymakers in an attempt to put them away early. Rose scored 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first quarter and the Bulls hit 20 of their first 29 shots.
The Bulls led by as many as 24 points in the first half and 53-32 with just over 4 minutes to play in the first half when the Timberwolves finally pushed back.
They outscored Chicago 20-2 over the final 5:11 to make it a game. Rubio was magnificent during the surge, assisting or scoring on all but two of the points. He set Love up for three 3-pointers, knocked down a jumper and a free throw and threw a one-handed lob to Randolph that sent the sellout crowd into a frenzy.
In the first nine games, Rubio came off the bench at the start of the game and third quarter. But this time Rick Adelman started the crew that finished the second quarter – Rubio, Love, Randolph, Anthony Tolliver and Ridnour – to start the second half.
Rubio kept dishing, setting up Randolph for a bank shot and Ridnour for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 70 with 3:45 to play in the third quarter.
Rose hit seven of his first eight shots, but had a heck of a time after that start. He missed five straight shots and scored just three points in the second and third quarters as the Wolves crept back in it.
NOTES: Bulls G Rip Hamilton did not play because of a sore left groin that has kept him out of five of the last six games. C.J. Watson was out with a sprained left elbow. … Wolves F Michael Beasley was in a walking boot before the game and said it is uncertain when he will return. He said he still feels some pain when walks, primarily when he is on his tip toes. … Korver went 3 for 3 from 3-point range and has now hit 13 of his last 20 from distance.
Updated January 10, 2012
w1 © 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
Switch to our mobile site | http://sportikaghana.com/2012/01/11/derrick-rose-scores-season-high-rubios-wolves/ | 818 |
David Beckham was the most notable inclusion when Great Britain's 35-man provisional Olympic squad was submitted on Friday.
It represented the latest stage in a process that will end with the announcement of Stuart Pearce's final 18-man squad on July 6.
There has been a huge amount of debate around who will be the three overage players in Pearce's squad.
Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have all been mentioned as potential candidates.
Beckham's name has been a constant though, mainly due to the influential role he played in getting the Olympics to London in the first place.
The 37-year-old's popularity remains undimmed, even though he has not played his club football in England for nine years now.
He was greeted with rapturous applause at Wembley on Saturday when given a special award for reaching 100 caps by UEFA, and Press Association Sport understands the former Manchester United midfielder remains among the players Pearce has submitted.
There is little doubt Beckham's presence would help sell tickets for the football event, which features Great Britain's group matches at Old Trafford, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium.
It is yet to be decided whether the Football Association will formally announce the 35-man squad.
However, it is also believed young goalkeeper Jack Butland remains in the squad.
Although they had previously stated no player who was selected for Euro 2012 would be involved in the Olympics, it is thought Pearce would be willing to bend the rules for Butland, who has been elevated to England's third-choice keeper.
Butland has expressed a desire to remain in Olympic contention, although his club side Birmingham would have to sanction the move. | http://sportinglife.aol.co.uk/olympics/news/article/22891/7801865/david-beckham-set-for-olympic-nod | 342 |
HOUSTON -- Facing a two-strike pitch with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth, Lance Berkman came ever so close to striking out to end the game.
Given a reprieve on his check swing by the umpire, Berkman came through with one of the biggest hits of the Houston Astros' bad season.Berkman singled in two runs against NL saves leader Matt Capps as the Astros answered Washington's late rally with one of their own in an 8-7 victory against the Nationals on Tuesday night."For me, a check swing is one of those calls in the game that there's very little consistency on it," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. "Nobody really knows what it is, what it isn't. If you check swing, to me, that means the pitcher beat the hitter. You know? If there's a gray, it should be a strike. There's a way to take a strike, and it's not in the form of a check swing. It works that way for both clubs."The Nationals grabbed a 7-6 lead with a two-run rally against Houston closer Matt Lindstrom on RBI singles from Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond.But Pedro Feliz reached on Ryan Zimmerman's fielding error to start Houston's ninth. He was sacrificed to second by Kevin Cash and pinch hitter Cory Sullivan's double off the wall in left field put runners on second and third.Capps (0-2), who leads the league with 17 saves and had only blown one opportunity, intentionally walked Michael Bourn to load the bases, but after getting a second out, Berkman drove the ball to left to win it. He finished with five RBIs."That's a good come-from-behind win," Berkman said. "I feel like we shouldn't have been in that position. I made a bad throw home, and that ended up costing us three runs. To be able to atone for that late in the game, that helps us."It was Berkman's 13th career performance of five or more RBIs. He's reached base safely by walk or hit in 21 of his last 22 games."I made a good pitch and I thought he made a pretty good offering at it," Capps said. "If I'm perfect, I don't have to worry about it. I tried to bear down and execute, and I felt like I did. He had a nice piece of hitting on his part. It's frustrating."Wilton Lopez (2-0) got the final two outs in the ninth for Houston, which owns the worst record in the NL."We just keep battling. Keep battling and good things will happen," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "The pitchers are doing their thing to pick up the hitters almost all year long, so it was nice to see the hitters come through. It was a team effort. It was huge."Lindstrom spoiled a solid seven inning performance by Houston starter Brett Myers, who allowed four hits and struck out 10 and walked three."It's always good to give your team a chance to win," Myers said. "I try to go out there and give our team a chance to win. If I make mistakes, then I try to pitch around those mistakes I do make. I try to get outs as quick as I can, so we can keep our offense in a rhythm."Houston took a 3-0 first inning lead on Berkman's two-run double and Feliz's had a sacrifice fly in the third for a 4-0 lead.Washington tied it in the fifth aided by two Houston errors.Hunter Pence's ninth homer gave Houston the lead at 5-4 in the fifth and Berkman's single added a run in the sixth off reliever Drew Storen.
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn is hitting .290 with 110 RBIs with the bases loaded. Astros shortstop Tommy Manzella had reached base safely in 14 of his last 17 games prior to Tuesday night. The Astros placed right-handed pitcher Chris Sampson on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. The Astros purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Casey Daigle from Triple-A Round Rock to replace Sampson on the 25-man roster. Before his error, Berkman was the only NL first baseman without a miscue this season. | http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300601118 | 886 |
Cam Newton: 'I did it the right way'
Newton's father, Cecil, was found by Auburn and the NCAA to have asked for money from Mississippi State in exchange for a letter of intent from his son, a violation of NCAA rules. Cam Newton said, "Everything I've done at this university, I did it the right way," in an interview Thursday with ESPN's Chris Fowler.
Newton was reinstated Dec. 1 by the NCAA "without conditions" and allowed to play for Auburn, a day after the school had declared him ineligible.
The NCAA had concluded a violation of Newton's amateur status had occurred, but "based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity, which led to his reinstatement," Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs, said in a statement.
ESPN.com reported Nov. 4 that a man, later identified as former Mississippi State football player Kenny Rogers, had called former teammate John Bond in 2009 and said he was representing the Newtons. Bond said Rogers solicited a six-figure payment to secure the quarterback's signature on a national letter of intent to Mississippi State.
Rogers has worked with sports agent Ian Greengross and has a company called Elite Football Preparation.
On Nov. 9, two sources who recruit for Mississippi State told ESPN of a pay-for-play scheme to gain Newton's services. The sources told ESPN that prior to Newton's commitment to Auburn, Cecil Newton told a recruiter that it would take "more than a scholarship" to get his son, then in junior college, to Mississippi State, a request the sources said the school would not meet.
Mississippi State turned its information over to the Southeastern Conference in January 2010.
The NCAA ruling said Auburn and the NCAA enforcement staff agreed Cecil Newton and the owner of a scouting service worked together on a pay-for-play idea. It did not formally name Rogers, who nonetheless was banned by Mississippi State in a letter from the school to his lawyer.
"During that time, the only thing that I could do and the only thing that I did was tell the truth ... the truth will come out," Cam Newton said of his meeting with the NCAA.
Newton was asked about his interaction with both Mississippi State, which he visited in late November, and Auburn, where he signed a letter of intent on Dec. 31, 2009.
"I had no dealings with nobody at Mississippi State during the time that I came to Auburn," Newton said. "But Mississippi State knows it was between Mississippi State and Auburn. And if you've been following this, there's no secret. But I felt that, as a whole, Auburn possessed what's best for Cam Newton, and that's why I decided to come here on my decision."
Newton told ESPN he hadn't directly asked his father what transpired between him and Mississippi State, but "at the end of the day, I can look him in the eye and know he has my best interests at heart."
He said telling Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen -- who had been an assistant at Florida when Newton went there two years prior -- he would be going to Auburn was difficult. ESPN reported Nov. 9 that Newton had told a Mississippi State recruiter that his father had chosen Auburn because "the money was too much."
"I'm not here to talk about any reports," Newton said.
"I called Coach Mullen. I told him what I had in my heart at the time. I talked to him and his wife, Miss Megan, and we had an excellent conversation. They wished me the best, and I wished them the best."
He described the conversation as "emotional," but added: "I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep at night without me saying I called Coach Mullen, man to man, not hiding behind anything, and being able to say I called him because of the respect I have for him."
Newton was asked whether anything could have been misunderstood in his conversations with Mississippi State after he decided to go to Auburn. "Through my eyes, I feel like nothing was misunderstood ... I'm clear with everything I said during that conversation," he said.
Cecil Newton has not commented publicly since the NCAA ruling was issued but released a statement Thursday through George Lawson, the Atlanta-based Newton family attorney, stating that he will not attend the Heisman Trophy award ceremony.
Cam Newton is the favorite to receive the Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York.
"For all of my 50 years of life, coupled with 25 years of marriage, I have made an exhausting attempt to be a good husband, father and generally a good person of integrity," Cecil Newton said. "The past 60 days have caused all that my family worked to accomplish to come into question.
"So that my son Cam Newton can receive all the honors and congratulations that he has worked so hard to accomplish without distraction, I have decided not to be in attendance at the ceremony as it will perhaps rob Cam and the event of a sacred moment."
Lawson said Cecil Newton cooperated with the NCAA throughout the entire process.
"Cam's father participated in the investigation truthfully and honestly in terms of what he knew and what he didn't know, regardless of the consequences," Lawson told WSB-TV in Atlanta.
Cam Newton was asked whether he thought his father had done anything wrong in the process. Newton said: "It's not for me to say, but I know if I pick up the phone, Cecil will be there."
"My love for him is unconditional," Newton said. "This situation can split a family, can split a team, can split any person's situations with anything, or it can bring a person together. Whatever me and my father have, it's me and my father. I respect him as a man; I respect him more being my father."
He said he and his father have not discussed the situation that ended with the NCAA ruling that his father had broken its rules.
"That's not something that I'm trying to get clarity of because I really don't care," Newton told Fowler. "At the end of the day, I can look him in his eye and he can look me in my eye and I can know that he has my best interest [in mind]."
He also said: "I'm not sitting up here saying that we all are prefect. Everybody's made mistakes. I'm not sitting up here saying what he did or what he did was wrong. Who am I up here to say that what he did is true or not. But I know that if I can call Cecil Newton right now, he'll pick up the phone."
Newton credited his teammates and Auburn coach Gene Chizik with helping him through the 24 hours between when he was ruled ineligible and then reinstated. "It was crazy for me," he said.
Newton, who was quoted earlier this season in Sports Illustrated as saying his father decided on his college choice, told Fowler he made the call himself.
"There are a lot of things we talked about; he was bringing up a lot of decisions, a lot of situations," Newton said. "But at the end of the day, I was still the one making the decision."
The NCAA and state officials continue to investigate the payment scheme, trying to determine who knew what and whether laws were broken.
Two lawyers from the Mississippi secretary of state's office met with Rogers and Doug Zeit, his attorney, for more than four hours Thursday afternoon in Waukegan, Ill.
Zeit said the discussion at his office was a "fact-finding mission" centered around an alleged conversation Nov. 27, 2009, when Rogers says Cecil Newton asked for up to $180,000 from two Mississippi State assistant coaches in exchange for his son's commitment to the Bulldogs.
Zeit said the two sides also discussed Rogers' phone calls made to Bill Bell and John Bond, two other former Mississippi State players who have been involved in the Newton saga.
"We basically talked about the same things we've been talking about for weeks -- Cecil Newton's solicitation and Kenny Rogers' involvement relaying that message," Zeit said. "We don't believe Kenny Rogers broke any laws and are looking forward to this situation being over."
Cam Newton was in Florida on Thursday for The Home Depot College Football Awards, where he picked up the Maxwell Award, given to the national player of the year, and the Davey O'Brien Award for the top quarterback. Earlier in the day, he won the Walter Camp player of the year award.
He was the SEC offensive player of the year after accounting for a nation-best 49 touchdowns and setting school records for both passing and rushing touchdowns in a season.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Moore, Bertuzzi battle over legal fees in failed lawsuit
DENVER -- After losing the first round in his legal battle against Todd Bertuzzi for a hit that broke his neck, former Avalanche forward Steve Moore is trying to slash the attorney fees he will have to pay.
Bertuzzi, a forward for the Vancouver Canucks, and other defendants wanted Moore to pay almost $161,000 in attorney fees and costs after a judge dismissed Moore's civil suit in October. Moore's attorney countered with an offer to pay about $80,000.
Moore hasn't played since a March 8, 2004, game when Bertuzzi grabbed him from behind, punched him in the head and slammed his head into the ice. Moore suffered three fractured vertebrae in his neck, a concussion and other injuries.
Bertuzzi was charged with assault and pleaded guilty in a Vancouver court, where he was sentenced to probation and community service.
Moore's civil suit accused Bertuzzi, Canucks coach Marc Crawford and others of conspiring to hurt Moore after Moore hit Canucks captain Markus Naslund in a previous game. The suit sought unspecified damages.
The judge said Moore's lawsuit would be better handled in Canada, where Moore's injury occurred and where Moore, Bertuzzi and most of the witnesses live.
State law requires that plaintiffs pay the defendants fees and costs when cases are dismissed before trial.
Moore's attorney, Lee Foreman, said in a court filing that the defendants' dollar request was "overreaching and almost laughable" and contained numerous duplicate charges.
Attorneys for Bertuzzi, Crawford and the Canucks and former Canucks general manager Brian Burke did not immediately return calls Thursday. Foreman was out of state and unavailable, his receptionist said.
Foreman has notified the Colorado Court of Appeals that he will appeal the dismissal of Moore's suit. The notice keeps the door open for Moore to appeal but does not obligate him to do so.
Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press
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Durant powers Thunder past Heat in finals openerBy Brian Mahoney
OKLAHOMA CITY — Kevin Durant showed LeBron James how to play the fourth quarter in the NBA Finals, scoring 17 of his 36 points to lead Oklahoma City Thunder to a 105-94 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday and a 1-0 lead in the series.
Teaming with Russell Westbrook to outscore the Heat in the second half by themselves, Durant struck first in his head-to-head matchup with James, who had seven points in the final quarter and was helpless to stop the league’s three-time scoring champion.
Westbrook turned around a poor shooting start to finish with 27 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for the Thunder, which surged late in the third period to take the lead for good.
Scoring in nearly every way possible, Durant finished 12 of 20 from the field and added eight rebounds. He and Westbrook alone outscored the Heat 41-40 over the final two periods, showing that maybe this time it will be offense that wins championships.
James finished with 30 points, his most in any of his 11 finals games, but had only one basket over the first 8:15 of the fourth, when the Thunder seized control of a game they had trailed for all but the final few seconds of the first three quarters.
For James, it was a painful reminder of last year’s finals when he averaged just three points in the fourth quarters of the Heat’s six-game loss to Dallas, taking almost all the heat for Miami’s failure.
Dwyane Wade had 19 points but shot just 7 of 19 for the Heat, while Shane Battier provided some rare offense by scoring 17 points, his high this postseason.
Oklahoma City improved to 9-0 at home in the postseason.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his team, pushed to seven games against Boston in a grueling conference finals that ended Saturday, preferred a quick turnaround ahead of the finals. But the fadeout suggested the Heat struggled against the young Thunder, whose core players are all 23 and younger and look as if they could keep playing all night.
James and Wade both were bent over, hands on knees, during one stoppage with about 7 minutes remaining. Durant kept pouring it on, racing down the court to throw down a fast-break dunk and later adding a 3-pointer that pushed it to 87-81 with 6 1-2 minutes remaining.
The Heat got within four points, but Durant hit two quick baskets and Westbrook added another for a 10-point lead with 3:35 to go.
Both Durant and James tried to downplay their individual matchup, Durant insisting it was about the team and James adamant that he didn’t care about the best player in the game argument.
It was James’ supporting cast that stepped up bigger to start, the Heat hitting five of their six 3-point attempts in jumping to a 29-22 lead after one quarter. Spoelstra kept Chris Bosh as a reserve, the role he has played since returning from a nine-game absence with a strained lower abdominal muscle. Battier hit his first three 3-point attempts in the opening minutes to spark Miami’s strong start.
Durant took only one shot in the second quarter, and it wasn’t until 9 minutes had passed. By then, the Heat had built a lead as large as 13 points, keeping it in or near double digits most of the period before the Thunder sliced it to 54-47 at halftime.
James quickly answered after Oklahoma City tied the game for the first time at 60-all midway through the third, banking in a shot and powering in for a layup and a quick four-point lead. The Heat pushed the lead back to five but the Thunder kept coming, finally pulling ahead for the first time when Westbrook darted into the lane and was fouled while scoring with 16.4 seconds remaining, the free throw making it 74-73.
Baskets by Durant and Sefolosha to open the fourth pushed it to a five-point lead, and the Heat never recovered.
Game 2 is Thursday in Oklahoma City. | http://sports.inquirer.net/48521/durant-powers-thunder-past-heat-in-finals-opener | 861 |
Azkals out to protect turf vs Singaporeans tonightBy Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE ROAD back to the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals was a long and tough one for the Philippines.
The Azkals earned a home match for reaching the Final Four again, one that means so much, having been deprived to host in 2010 because of the lack of a suitable venue.
Determined to rewrite history, the Azkals hope to make the most out of their advantage when they battle three-time champion Singapore in the first leg today of their home-and-away duel at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The second leg is slated Dec. 12 at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, but the Azkals would love nothing more than an edge that will put the Lions under pressure.
The semifinals will be decided on aggregate scores, with the away goals rule used to break the tie.
“We look at this as a 180-minute match,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “But we also want to take advantage early.”
Having won the last two meetings with Singapore, both friendly matches, the Azkals are brimming with confidence against the proud and defiant Lions, whose fiery coach Radojko Avramovic reminded the tournament upstart what they are up against.
“I think the Philippines should respect us more because we are three-time champions,” said Avramovic yesterday at the prematch press conference. “We can make them wait two more years to dream of the finals again.”
Coach Michael Weiss fanned the flames of brewing rivalry, saying the Azkals are not just going to give away that opportunity for playing the title easily.
“Why would I respect an opponent only because he has titles in the past? For what?” an apparently piqued Weiss said when sought for comment on Avramovic’s statement.
While Singapore has been a familiar figure in the biggest stage of the tournament, the Philippines continues to fight for recognition. And it’s this thought that has motivated the Azkals even more.
“We will not be complacent,” Palami vowed. “We intend to write our own history. We want to continue making an impact in this tournament.”
Led by captain Shahril Bin Ishak, Singapore will come into the game as the highest-scoring team in the tournament with its attack that has yielded seven goals in three games.
The Lions also have veteran Aleksandar Duric, who has scored twice against the Azkals in their last four meetings. | http://sports.inquirer.net/75381/azkals-out-to-protect-turf-vs-singaporeans-tonight | 553 |
Soccer betting odds
Real Sociedad's next stop in their challenge for Spain's final Champions League place is at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Can the Basque country side stay ahead of Valencia with victory over Sevilla?
With Lille snapping at their heels, Lyon cannot afford any slip-ups against hosts Nice in the race for third spot in Ligue 1 and the guarantee of Champions League football next season.
A win for Spurs against Sunderland will ensure fourth place and secure the riches of Champions League football next season - but only if chief rivals Arsenal drop points against Newcastle.
Sevilla clash with Sociedad in the race for fourth spot...
Will Nice spoil Lyon's bid for third place in France?...
Can Tottenham secure a fourth-place finish?...
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A quick look at the national sports code and the Olympic charter shows that they are virtually identical.
New Delhi: Sports code seems to be the hottest topic of discussion, the biggest bone of contention and the sole reason why IOA has been suspended. The International Olympic Committee has been squarely blaming the interference of the Government by way of bringing the National Sports Code for suspending India.
Story first published on: Thursday, 06 December 2012 07:32
What's the debate all about? A quick look at the two shows that they are virtually identical. Here is the decoded version of the sports code:
The tenure guidelines for the President in both are for a period of 12 years. In the Sports code it's for 12 years with or without a break and in the Olympic charter, it's for 8 years with a possible extension of 4 years.
For other office bearers the tenure guidelines state that the office bearer can hold the post for two consecutive terms of 4 years, with a cooling off period of 4 years before contesting again.
The age cap meanwhile in both the Olympic charter and the sports code for all officials is 70.
The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia have been urging the IOA to incorporate the sports code in their constitution for the last two years, but the Indian body wasn't willing to budge.
And here's why.
Several federation heads have been flouting the guidelines for years.
80-year old Prof VK Malhotra has become the President of the Archery Association yet again. He been in office for 33 years and will complete 37 years by the time his current term ends. He has exceeded his term by 21 years.
Jagdish Tytler has been at the helm of the Judo Federation for 16 years, flouting the guidelines. He has exceeded his term by four years.
And JS Gehlot of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation has held office for 26 years, exceeding the term by 14 years
Along with the cap on tenure, some like VK Malhotra have flouted the cap on age as well.
Incorporating the sports code, which is a mirror image of the IOC charter in the IOA constitution, could have saved India from suspension, but can there ever be a majority decision to usher in these changes? | http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/othersports/200295-ioa-vs-ioc-national-sports-code-decoded | 473 |
Aaron Rodgers walks off the CenturyLink Field turf on Monday night. (AP)It was reported on Tuesday that Green Bay Packers players would not be fined for their negative tweets after Monday night's 14-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in which officiating played a bit of a factor. What the NFL chooses to do with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the quarterback went off on his weekly radio show might be a different story.
When he got on the horn for his "Tuesdays With Aaron" show with Jason Wilde on Milwaukee's ESPN 540 radio, Rodgers went on a blistering tirade about the results of the game, and the league's seeming lack of concern about how games are affected.
The NFL's statement, which claimed that the Golden Tate touchdown catch was correctly called even though it wasn't, and Packers safety M.D. Jennings should have had an interception, was very much on Rodgers' mind.
But first, Rodgers wanted to extend an apology to the fans.
"Some stuff just needs to be said. First of all, I've got to do something that the NFL is not going to do, and I have to apologize to the fans. Our sport is generated -- the multi-billion machine -- is generated by people who pay good money to come watch us play. And the product on the field is not being complemented by an appropriate set of officials. The games are getting out of control.
"Like I said in the first week, I said, 'I'm OK with replacement refs as long as they don't have a direct impact on the game.' Obviously last night there was a direct impact on the game on multiple plays that we'll get into. But my thing is I just feel bad for the fans. Because they're pay[ing] good money to watch this. The game is being tarnished by an NFL that obviously cares more about saving some money than having the integrity of the game diminished a little bit."
Rodgers may have felt that way before the end of Monday night's game, but the issues common to most games officiated by the NFL's current replacement crews were going on in the Packers-Seahawks contest before that one controversial call. There were several questionable calls and non-calls through the game, the atmosphere was chippy on the field, and the replacement refs once again seemed to have no real concept of how to handle play-to-play administration.
"But let's remember who we are dealing with," Rodgers said, mentioning that these officials do not come from the fertile training grounds of the SEC and other major college divisions. "We're dealing with an NFL that locked out the players and said, 'We're going to stand firm on our position.' I don't any owner would be too upset about the deal that finally agreed to by both sides. This is an NFL that locked the players out … an NFL that gambled on some low-level referees, including the guy who makes the most important call last night, who's never had any professional experience."
And as a guy who was once locked out by the NFL over more than a few dollars, Rodgers shares the stance of most people -- he's aghast that the league would sacrifice the integrity of its product over a relative pittance.
"This is a multi-billion dollar operation against 16 to 17 crews of seven to eight of 35- to 50-year-old guys who want a little insurance on the back end, want to be taken care of for the job that they do, believe that their job is an important part of that shield, the NFL brand. It's obvious now more than ever — not just our game … but ours probably a little more than others — it's obvious the stance the NFL has taken."
In other words, it took an officiating meltdown for the players to see the refs' side of things.
As to the league's statement that the "simultaneous catch" aspect of the Golden Tate touchdown call was correct, Rodgers saved his best blast for last. He said that the statement was "unbelievable," and that the NFL was basically covering its butt.
This is the first time that a player of Rodgers' caliber and visibility has come out and openly declared that the NFL's position on its officials is not only affecting, but eroding, the quality and integrity of the game. Some might call it sour grapes, but Rodgers plays for the first team to lose a game it should have won due to the replacement officials.
Odds are, he won't be the last. And as a result, we haven't heard the last of these types of remarks. | http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/aaron-rodgers-apologizes-fans-blasts-nfl-over-ongoing-154229574--nfl.html | 949 |
Medvescak ZagrebIn June, Erste Bank Hockey League (Austria) team Medveščak Zagreb announced that it would play a pair of games in September inside the Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheater in Croatia built between 27 B.C. and 68 A.D. At one time it seated about 20,000 spectators as gladiators did battle until emperor Honorius banned the fights in the 5th century.
Earlier this week construction began on the rink for the two games to be played Sept. 14 and 16 featuring Medveščak Zagreb facing off against Tilia Olympija (Slovenia) and UPC Vienna Capitals (Austria). Over 150 tons of equipment were delivered on 22 trucks from Italy over six days to Zagreb.
Medveščak ZagrebAccording to the team, the rink dimensions will be approximately 187x85 and built on top of a wood platform. The stands will hold a little over 7,000 fans for each game and will be built in stages due to the terrain inside the amphitheater. A team spokesman says that the ice-making process is expected to begin on Saturday and over 18,000-square meters of special foil will be used to protect the ice from an average temperature of between 15-19 degrees Celsius (59-66 degrees Fahrenheit).
The entire event will cost around 500,000 Euros (approx. $627,000 USD) and will be paid for via ticket sales and sponsors and partners.
If they're looking for a way to spice up the pregame festivities, we hear there's a certain Spartan who hasn't worked a hockey game since spring of 2008 and has to have memorized his speech by now.
For more construction photos, check out Medvescak Zagreb's Facebook page where it is featuring daily albums of the progress in turning a Roman amphitheater into a hockey rink.
UPDATE: Here's a photo from Thursday morning inside. Click on the pic for a larger size:
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy
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MIAMI (AP) -- Dwyane Wade watched the 3-pointer drop perfectly through the net, then turned upcourt and extended the fingers on his right hand.
And he screamed.
" In kid-friendly terms,'' Wade would say later, " I was telling him he was hot."
That hand - that player - had never been hotter in a postseason game, either. And that's why Miami's season isn't over.
Playing what might have been his final game in Miami, Wade scored 46 points, 30 in the second half - both franchise records - and the Heat beat the Boston Celtics 101-92 on Sunday in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. He made 16-of-24 shots, 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and outscored the Celtics 19-15 in the fourth quarter.
" Phenomenal," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.
" Greatness," offered Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
Heat forward Quentin Richardson went even further, likening his teammate to a superhero.
" Sometimes, you know, he puts on the cape, man,'' Richardson said. " There's not a lot of things you can do when he's playing that way."
Boston would concur.
The Celtics still lead the best-of-seven 3-1, and get a chance to close it out in Boston on Tuesday night. But their worst fear came true Sunday.
Miami has hope.
" They did what they were supposed to do, which is defend the home court,'' Celtics forward Kevin Garnett said. " And now we're thinking the same thing going back home."
Richardson scored 20 points and Michael Beasley added 15 for the Heat, who wasted an 18-point, first-half lead before digging deep to extend the season.
Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 23 points. Garnett had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 16 and Ray Allen added 15 for Boston, which was bidding for its first 4-0 sweep of a series since 1986.
" It's not a big deal,'' Rondo said. " We just have to close it out now in five. We're confident."
So is Miami.
Leg cramps kept him off the court for the deciding moment of Game 3, the jumper that Pierce hit at the buzzer to give the Celtics a 100-98 win. So he spent Saturday getting his body right, chugging fluids, jumping into the cold tank, hanging out in the pool with his mother Jolinda, visiting from Chicago.
On Sunday, it showed, never more than down the stretch.
He shot 5 for 6 in the fourth quarter and made all four 3-pointers, all coming in a 5-minute stretch and the last putting Miami up 93-82 with 6:12 remaining.
" I just thought, time to be aggressive,'' Wade said. " Very aggressive. So I was shooting all those shots, no matter what was going to happen. And I started to make a couple, so I got hot at the right time. Just wanted to will my team to this victory."
Of course, it's never easy for Miami against Boston.
The Celtics were 6-0 against Miami this season, and had won 14 of the last 15 between the clubs since April 2007. And yes, Boston made a big run, getting within 96-92 on a free throw by Allen with 2:36 left.
Then a funny thing happened.
Or, more precisely, three funny things.
Not only did Allen - a 91 percent foul shooter this season - miss the second, he missed two more with 1:50 left, keeping it a two-possession game. And when Dorell Wright missed a jumper with 1:29 left, Beasley swooped in, got the rebound and scored, making it 98-92.
Exhale, Miami. The season will go until at least Tuesday.
Wade will opt to become a free agent after the season, and on the slim chance that this was his final home game in Miami, it was nothing short of scintillating.
" He just put it all on his shoulders,'' Pierce said. " And did a good job of it."
Trailing by six entering the final quarter and needing a rally to keep the season alive, Miami opened the fourth on a 25-8 run, fueled mostly by Wade. He hit a pair of 3-pointers about a minute apart, stopping after the second one to scream at his right hand, giving Miami an 85-80 lead.
" When his back is against the wall,'' Spoelstra said, " it's an utter defiance."
Miami played that way pretty much all day.
Garnett scored the opening basket, only to have Miami reel off the next 12 points. Richardson made his first four shots, three of them from 3-point range, staking Miami to a 15-5 lead.
Wade scored 14 in the first, Richardson ended up with 13, and the Heat seemed well on their way, up 31-14 late in the opening quarter.
That duo combined for two in the second quarter, though, and Boston began chipping away.
Thanks in large part to Glen Davis tripping over his own feet and tumbling to the court in a green heap, Beasley had an alley-oop dunk with 8 minutes left until halftime, putting Miami up 42-24.
The rest of the half was all Boston, which quickly turned the arena mood from celebratory to concerned. The Celtics outscored Miami 19-7 to close the second quarter, with the Heat making six turnovers and missing eight of their next nine shots after the Beasley dunk, and the lead was down to only 49-43 at the break.
" They played how they were supposed to play," Allen said.
In the third, Wade did the spectacular. Boston did the steady, which worked better.
Wade drove past Allen down the middle of the lane, dunked over the outstretched arm of Garnett and walked into the second row of seats, tying the game at 64 as the crowd roared.
But Garnett, Pierce, Allen and Rondo all had big baskets late in the third, and the Celtics took a 77-71 edge into the final 12 minutes.
But the fourth, thanks to Wade, was all Miami.
" I'm a rhythm player,'' Wade said. " And once I get in that rhythm, I think I can make any shot."
Each Heat player had a sheet of paper at his locker when he arrived Sunday, the words " Easy vs. Hard" typed across the top.
" Making everyone go to Boston,'' the sheet said, " is hard."
And it was.
Getting the Celtics to fly back to Miami will be even tougher.
NOTES: Richardson left the game in the second half with what the Heat called a bruised left hand. He wore a splint after the game on his left ring finger, but said he'll absolutely play in Game 5. ... Celeb watch: Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano sat next to Heat president Pat Riley (remember, Riles was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1967). Singer Gloria Estefan and rapper Common were also in the crowd. ... Rondo and Carlos Arroyo were assessed technicals for jawing at each other early in the third quarter. | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2010/04/25/27969_recap.html | 1,525 |
Beyond recovery: The story of Adam Sargent and Notre Dame
Beyond recovery: The story of Adam Sargent and Notre Dame (cont.)
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- In May of 1997, Notre Dame lacrosse star Adam Sargent drove his roommate's beat-up Datsun to nearby St. Mary's College for an 8 a.m. exam. Sargent ran a red light at the intersection of Notre Dame Avenue and Angela Boulevard, and an oncoming car smashed into the driver's side door.
The collision launched Sargent, who wasn't wearing a seat belt, through the passenger side door and across the street, where he landed against a telephone pole, atop a pile of mulch.
When the 21-year-old Sargent awoke from a fog of steroids and pain medication a week later, he had 48 staples in his head and no feeling from his chest down. For the next three months, he resided in a Chicago rehabilitation center where he began to develop the skills necessary to cope with the paralysis that would leave him bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Sargent had been a larger-than-life figure on the South Bend campus. His personality was so vibrant that coach Kevin Corrigan often entrusted the Irish's most important recruits with Sargent, even though he infamously misplaced one during an official visit. On the field, the 6-foot, 200-pound All-America-caliber defenseman played with such physicality that he was part of a tandem known as the "Bruise Brothers."
"The sadness was very deep and profound," recalled his mother, Roberta, of the time directly after the accident. "And I remember saying to God, 'If you don't give him his legs back, would you give him back his joy?'"
Nearly 15 years later, Adam Sargent still looms as a larger-than-life figure at Notre Dame. And the same spirit that once infused his life as a student and athlete now resonates through the school's administration and athletic offices. It even extends to the BCS title game on Monday night.
Sargent, 36, serves as the associate director in Notre Dame's Academic Services for Student Athletes office. It's a position of such importance that few people spend more time with Fighting Irish football players. And his role is one that's earned national acclaim, as Sargent has played a key part in helping Notre Dame pull off the rarest of double feats: The Irish are ranked No. 1 in both the polls and in Graduation Success Rate, the first college football team to achieve that in the BCS era.
"The dynamic there is so powerful because who he is and his story," said Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. "But none of it would matter if he were a disorganized, inattentive guy that didn't get it. He's got that, and his story and it makes for, well, the kind of graduation rates that we have."
At a school where the average SAT score of football players is 400 points below that average students, Sargent spends much of his time administering "choice therapy," persuading players that their academic goals should transcend eligibility and challenging them to make mature decisions. Notre Dame faculty athletic representative Patricia L. Bellia calls Sargent part "cajoler-in-chief" and part "drill sergeant."
Sargent's job also includes roles as life coach, therapist and motivator; he tracks players' classes, reports to coaches when any are slacking and arranges tutoring.
"Without Adam Sargent," said star linebacker Manti Te'o, "there would be no Notre Dame football."
Colleagues and administrators say that Sargent has rocketed to the top of his field, and Irish players say they receive a much greater appreciation of Sargent's role in retrospect than in real time. Players joke that he leads the nation in ignored phone calls, and fifth-year senior lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore recalled Sargent "always annoying me." Fellow senior Robby Toma called Sargent "irritating."
But all of the Irish upperclassmen come to the same conclusion of tailback Theo Riddick once they graduate: "I don't know where I would be without him."
The same spirit Sargent once infused into Irish lacrosse practices now permeates the Irish football program. Sargent meets with varied, younger versions of himself daily, so he knows exactly why every Notre Dame football player needs a graduate-level course in tough love. He says he's often least appreciated when he's doing his best work.
"He loves these boys," said Sargent's wife, Jenn, "like a parent loves them."
Athletic director Jack Swarbrick says no staff member is thanked more frequently and vigorously at postseason banquets. Former AD Kevin White called Sargent "the best of the best in my 31 years of administration."
Notre Dame takes pride in the fact that its Academic Services for Student Athletes is separate -- both physically and in reporting structure -- from its athletic department. But Sargent and his co-workers still maintain a bit of the locker room vibe, as Sargent curses enough that a "quarter jar" for swearing recently appeared in the office. Most importantly, Sargent is successful enough that the co-workers and students who deal with him on a daily basis don't think to view him through the prism of his accident.
Former Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis busted his chops, Jersey-style, because he quickly realized Sargent didn't want to be treated differently than anyone else. So when Sargent broke the news to Weis that he got engaged a few years ago, Weis immediately fired back, "Is she blind?" Sargent has limited use of his hands, so Weis would tease him for being lazy at lunch when he unwrapped his sandwich for him. Weis stressed that players didn't look at Sargent as a rolling cautionary tale.
"My eyes are of a parent with a kid with special needs," Weis said, referencing his daughter, Hannah, who is globally developmentally delayed. "I'm inspired by fact that the players looked at Adam with respect, like he was completely normal. Even though he was an athlete and had a freak injury, he never used that as a crutch. He wasn't acting any different than anyone else."
And that's the way Sargent wants to be treated. He doesn't tell his story unless he's asked, and he doesn't use his experience to motivate players or seek special treatment. He's reciprocated the embrace of the university. Along the way, he's become part of its identity.
"The accident had a part in shaping who I am, obviously," Sargent said. "But that's not what drives who I am. It was a defining moment in my life, but it by no means defines me."
Corrigan can pinpoint the moment when he knew Sargent would be okay. Corrigan visited Sargent repeatedly during his three-month rehab stint in Chicago. On one trip, he brought along his five-year-old son, Will, who was at that impressionable age where his father's players loomed as heroes. Like any parent, Corrigan worried how little Will would handle seeing Sargent immobilized.
Will walked into Sargent's room. Without hesitation, he popped up on his hospital bed and began chatting.
"It didn't mean anything to him," Corrigan said of Will, who is now a sophomore midfielder on Notre Dame's lacrosse team. "To him it was Sarg. I felt better from that point. It's Sarg. He's just not going to be walking."
Sargent said that the hardest part of his recovery was leaving the rehabilitation center, where the quest to return to normalcy is normal. Back in Rochester, he completed outpatient rehab and continued to confront a lifetime of re-learning simple tasks. Suddenly, basic things like the weight of a door, the shape of a doorknob and the cracks in the sidewalk became obstacles. Sargent's strong upper body and use of his arms allows him to wheel around, but he needed to develop a new awareness of the height of tables, the width of aisles and the location of bars underneath tables. He quickly discovered "what it meant to be a minority in this country."
After a few months at home, Sargent went back to Notre Dame in the spring semester of 1998. His girlfriend at the time found a suitable apartment with a spacious enough bathroom, wide enough doors and flat carpet that made it easy to wheel around. Sargent craved independence, and he achieved it thanks to hard work and a close-knit group of friends who offered help when needed. One of the biggest challenges Sargent encountered upon his return to Notre Dame was managing the reactions and emotions of others who were seeing him for the first time.
"It was something where you could see the sadness in their eyes," he said, "and it becomes your responsibility, in a lot of ways, to make them feel better about it."
His identity transformed from student athlete to former student athlete. His focus shifted drastically from athletics to academics, as his post-college plans before the accident had revolved around becoming a ski bum in Colorado for a year.
"So much of what I dealt with was like a recognition of our own mortality that 22 years olds don't, thankfully, normally have to face," he said of his return to campus. "It wasn't a momentary thing, it wasn't brush with something. It was my life now. I was dragging around a body that didn't work well."
Sargent had always been a decent student, the kind of athlete who liked to attend class lectures and realized he needed tutoring to compete. And even before the accident, Sargent would return home during the summer and on breaks and notice the difference between his mindset and that of many of his friends.
"I was growing in ways that my buds who were not in college or in other places weren't," he said.
That growth only accelerated when his focus shifted from weekend parties to becoming independent in his new body. He admits that he would've never have gotten a sniff at a school like Notre Dame without athletics, and suddenly he became even more grateful for the educational opportunity it provided.
"I came back with a very acute sense of urgency related to preparing myself for the rest of my life," he said.
Sargent graduated with a double major in history and anthropology and was accepted into a graduate program at Virginia. Even before the accident, Sargent was considering some type of educational career path. So when an internship opportunity opened up in the Academic Services for Student Athletes office, Sargent decided to sample a career before the absorbing the expenses of graduate school.
That internship led to a job, which led to a passion and, indirectly, a way for him to show his appreciation for the place that provided him with an education and nurtured him in a time of need. Notre Dame, the lacrosse program and alumni across the country overwhelmed the Sargent family by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for everything from medical costs to a customized van.
"I was forced to grow up very quickly and recognize not only that life is finite and fragile, but that there's no guarantees," said Sargent. "If I had not had the foundation of education that Notre Dame provided me, my guess is that I would have had very different options available to me."
Former Notre Dame linebacker Brian Smith's academic career arc is a testimonial to the depth of Sargent's influence. Early in Smith's career, he hated Sargent. "Whenever you would see Adam call," Smith said with a laugh, "you check your phone and put it right back in your pocket."
Sargent didn't think Smith was a serious enough student to partake in a summer program in London after a professor complained about his goofing off in class. Smith was irate with Sargent for reporting him late for study hall, which led to the former being forced to participate in grueling 5 a.m. "breakfast club" punishment workouts.
But by the end of Smith's academic career at Notre Dame, he'd taken Sargent's advice to heart. In his junior year, Smith took a course with the professor who had led to his London junket getting cancelled. The professor wasn't happy to see Smith's name on the class roll, but Smith took one of Sargent's challenges to heart -- he pushes players to become closest to the professors they like the least.
Smith ended up with an A- in the class. And while driving a teammate to an airport in Chicago, Smith actually decided to pick up one of Sargent's calls. "You crushed it this semester, congratulations I'm so proud of you," Smith recalled Sargent telling him.
Smith got picked up late this season by the Buffalo Bills, but remains a fringe player. To this day, he lights up when recalling that call from Sargent.
"That was one of my most proud moments," he said, "at Notre Dame as a student."
Sargent's role at Notre Dame is a critical one. NCAA schools spend tens of millions of dollars each year on shiny academic centers, robust staffs and dozens of tutors to ensure their athletes can remain eligible. At Notre Dame, the mission is slightly different. Sargent meets with all recruits when they visit, and he stresses that Notre Dame isn't for everyone -- that there are no puff majors and the academic component is very real. Colleen Ingelsby, a senior academic counselor who shares overseeing the football team with Sargent, said, "Eligibility is the basement -- we're not even talking about that. Guys will come in here and say, 'I just want to get Cs.' It's like, 'Come on, what are you getting out of here?'"
Early in his career, Sargent had a transformative moment. Still the same chatty and social Sarg, he developed strong relationships with all of his students. A female swimmer came into his office one day to tell him about a friend who'd committed suicide.
"I remember thinking, 'Oh my God, she came to me,'" Sargent said. "At that point, I knew it was time to develop my skills more than I had."
Sargent took a two-year masters program in counseling at Indiana University-South Bend, specializing in mental health. He completed the program while working full time, and he paid for it on his own while developing an entirely new skill set.
Sargent's advantage early on in his career, while working with the hockey and lacrosse teams, was that he'd once been a student athlete. And the same free spirit who was flighty enough to lose track of a recruit found himself keeping track of athletes just like him.
"You can't BS him," laughed Corrigan, who gleefully recalls Sargent giving him quite a bit of guff as a player. "There's nothing they're doing he doesn't really understand. At the same time, he's smart as hell and people smart."
The counseling degree provided Sargent with a way to better reach kids by challenging them to focus on their role in their academic issues. This occasionally prompts a deposit in the swear jar. But Sargent stresses that he relies a lot on his counseling background and rarely uses his own life experience.
"What we do here is not a social engagement," he said. "Maintaining good rapport is critical, but this is not a social endeavor. I'm not here to make small talk and chuckle. This is about getting to the core of the issue as quickly as possible. Counseling is asocial -- you get to the crux of what isn't going well and it's uncomfortable."
Sargent's blunt style resonates well with coaches. Weis thought enough of Sargent that when he couldn't attend his wedding, he called the reception hall and picked up the bar tab. Sargent meets with every recruit -- and his family -- when each comes on campus; he's with kids from the first time they step on campus to the time that they graduate. Kelly points out that when a Notre Dame recruiting class is signed, Sargent deserves a lot of the credit for pitching the academic aspect.
"I think his story talks about what we talk about with our kids, 'Notre Dame is going to take of their own,'" said running backs coach Tony Alford. "And he's living proof of that. I'd say that Notre Dame has taken care of him, but he's taken care of them, too."
The joy that Roberta Sargent prayed would return to her son has not only come back, but can be quantified in the joy that he brings to others.
Sargent met his wife, Jenn, online through Yahoo's dating site about four years ago. On their first date, the staff at Papa Vino's, a local Italian restaurant, began shooting them dirty looks as their dinner passed the three-hour mark and they cleared off the empty tables around them. Neither wanted to leave, as Jenn insisted it "felt like a minute."
The couple was engaged within five months and married near the one-year anniversary of that first date. As Jenn introduced her friends to Adam, one after another repeated the same thing, "You spend two minutes with him and don't realize that he's in the chair."
Jenn added: "The accident is an enormous part of his life and changed a lot of things for him. In typical Adam fashion, in the very best ways."
The joy can also be seen in the Coleman-Morse Center, where Sargent's few-octaves-too-high volume can be heard echoing throughout the building's first floor. His boss, Academics Services for Student Athletes director Pat Holmes, occasionally reminds him to close the door because of the confidentially of their subject matter.
"I've never seen a day that he doesn't come ready to work," said Holmes, "and ready to bust someone's chops."
The atmosphere in Academics Services for Student Athletes is so tight-knit that it's almost hokey, with Sargent referenced exclusively as "Sarg" by his co-workers and the players. Sarg and Colleen are so close that Jenn serves as the nanny for the Ingelsbys' twin three-year-olds, Will and Kate. Colleen is married to Notre Dame basketball assistant coach Martin Ingelsby, whose job comes with an inherently inconsistent schedule. Colleen says she's unsure how she'd juggle her own hectic job and family without Jenn, who has a complete understanding of Colleen's schedule because of Sarg. That leaves the Sargents and Ingelsbys in contact about 18 hours a day.
"It's odd," Colleen said. "From the outside looking in, people are probably like, 'You guys are crazy.'"
But it works. Colleen and Sarg share responsibility for the football team, and the Notre Dame players describe them as a good-cop, bad-cop tandem. Still, both deliver the same message, just in different ways. "Colleen is like the mom, and Adam is the jerk," said Weis.
Collen and Sarg communicate so much throughout the day that they often joke about cutting a hole in the wall of their adjoining offices to avoid all the back-and-forth screaming. They sheepishly admit they could start a scholarship fund if they religiously deposited quarters in the swear jar.
When Sarg and Jenn recently decided to adopt, Colleen wrote the following about Adam in her recommendation: "He is honest, open-minded and reflective. He is strong, sincere and values integrity. He listens. He works tirelessly to support the students he works with, holds them accountable and cares for them deeply."
The same realization that Corrigan had in that Chicago rehab center 15 years ago, when his son climbed on Sargent's hospital bed, has happened over and over again across campus. After a few minutes with Sarg, his spirit, energy and joy overtake any thoughts about that the accident changed him.
"He's one of the best human beings I've ever met," said former Notre Dame basketball player Zach Hillesland, who interned in the Academic Services for Student Athletes office for a year. "He's so wise and grounded, he had a keen understanding and awareness of the process of growing up."
That's because Sargent grew up fast and yet still maintains a sincere appreciation for exactly what his students are going through. He insists they don't care what he's gone through.
"Self-disclosure is highly overrated in terms of generating incentives in others," he said. "Students don't' care about my life. They don't. People don't care about that I learned this lesson, so you should learn it."
Many Notre Dame administrators beg to differ. They say that Sargent -- simply by living his life every day -- offers enough of a lesson. And nearly 15 years after his life nearly ended in a freak accident, Sargent is still bringing joy to the place that nurtured his recovery.
"I don't know the man that Sarg would have become," Corrigan said. "But I can't imagine he would have become any better of a man than he has."
He added: "I have a hard time to think of him without Notre Dame, or Notre Dame without him." | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130105/adam-sargent-notre-dame/index.html | 4,513 |
Oregon faces tough task in post-Chip Kelly era
Chip Kelly does everything fast, except, apparently, deciding on NFL jobs. Twelve days after his initial nine-hour meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, after what must have been some serious persistence by the once-scorned franchise, Oregon's wildly successful coach is in fact doing what we all assumed he would in the weeks and days leading up to the Ducks' Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State. He's leaving for the NFL.
The about-face may come as a shock to Oregon and college football followers, but the end result was expected from the time Kelly nearly joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this time a year ago. He'd accomplished nearly everything one man could accomplish in four years as a head coach (a 46-7 record, three Pac-12 championships and four BCS bowl appearances). Apparently torn between his Pennsylvania-sized ego and his affinity for the Ducks, Kelly finally got whatever assurance he needed to feel comfortable taking on a new challenge.
(Contrary to what you may read elsewhere, this was never about money, of which Oregon has plenty. It also wasn't about fear over pending NCAA sanctions, because then Kelly presumably would have left last year or last week.)
While the very end came suddenly, the eventual separation between Oregon and Kelly had been coming for nearly a year. Therefore, Ducks fans have had plenty of time to brace themselves for this day.
That won't make it any easier.
Kelly was synonymous with his fast-paced spread 'n' shred offense, but was the offense really the primary factor behind that 46-7 record? We're about to find out. While previously proclaiming he'll conduct a "national search," Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens is expected to follow through on last year's plan to promote offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. It makes sense. When a program is rolling the way Oregon's has the past four years, the obvious goal is continuity -- especially at Oregon, where, in a modern rarity, the entire staff has remained intact the past four years.
And Helfrich, a 39-year-old Oregon native who has long been thought of as a future head coach, knows the offense. With quarterback Marcus Mariota, all-purpose threat De'Anthony Thomas, tight end Colt Lyerla and receiver Josh Huff all returning, the Ducks could conceivably keep putting up 45 points every week and keep Winning the Day.
But that assumes Oregon's success was primarily a function of its schemes and play calling, perhaps an oversimplification. As Kelly frequently reminded reporters, "Win the Day" was a 365-day-a-year mantra, a three-word summation of the program's overarching philosophy. Oregon was such a machine in large part because seemingly every last player on the roster took on a part of Kelly's cocky personality and indifference to convention. The Ducks would attack, attack and attack some more until they wore you down. That required more than just a clever draw play on third-and-seven. That killer instinct was ingrained in their culture.
Take the game-turning touchdown drive in the aforementioned Fiesta Bowl. After watching Kansas State dominate most of the second quarter, cut an early 15-0 deficit to 15-10 and threaten to add another score, the Ducks seized on a costly Wildcats false start and an ensuing missed field goal. They drove 77 yards in five plays and 46 seconds to reassert control of the contest. It was a classic Oregon pedal-medal moment. Did it happen because the Ducks are trained to move quickly? Because Kelly got Lyerla involved at the right moment? Or because Kelly's teams follow their aggressive coach's lead and instinctively pounce?
Try as it might, Oregon won't be able to bottle and replicate the Kelly formula. In fact, it shouldn't even try. Helfrich is his own man, and quite different than Kelly, the mild-mannered Northwest native to Kelly's wired New Englander. At his own Fiesta Bowl postgame press conference, Kelly described his presumptive successor as "intelligent, detail-oriented, great manager of people, great friend, one of the funniest guys I've met in my entire life, but knows how to be serious when he has to be serious."
In the Oregon best-case scenario, Helfrich becomes its own David Shaw, the cerebral Stanford alum and former offensive coordinator who took over for fiery savior Jim Harbaugh and took the program to even greater heights. Two years after Harbaugh's potentially damaging departure to the 49ers, Shaw is firmly entrenched as a possible Stanford lifer, a more natural fit than Harbaugh ever was. Helfrich could do the same at Oregon. He may keep calling the same outside zone plays, but he can put his own stamp on the program. And Oregon fans won't live in the same state of constant anxiety over his possible defection.
In the worst-case, he becomes Oregon's Larry Coker, the offensive coordinator Miami promoted when Butch Davis bolted for the Browns even closer to Signing Day than this. The 'Canes reaped the short-term benefits of continuity, combined with a loaded roster, winning the national title in Coker's first year. Ducks fans would be in heaven if Helfrich climbs that last remaining hurdle which eluded Kelly. They'd be less thrilled if the program then imploded like Miami's did because Helfrich, like Coker, was far from the best available guy for the job.
Helfrich will be dealing with at least two daunting challenges. One is the NCAA. At this point it's not a matter of when, not if the Ducks get dealt major sanctions over the Willie Lyles recruiting saga. That much became clear when the Committee on Infractions rejected the school's request for summary disposition (a plea bargain) and proceeded down the road toward a hearing. The case is nearly two years old now. It won't end with a slap on the wrist. That will be one remnant of the Chip Kelly era.
The other will be the impossibly high bar he established. Oregon fans, some of them old enough to remember going 25 years (1964-88) without a bowl berth, are now conditioned to expect annual dominance. National championships are now the annual goal, and BCS berths the accepted minimum. The first time the Ducks go 8-4 -- and they will eventually go 8-4 (or worse) -- hellfire will rain down on the new coach for having the audacity to not win at the same absurd 87 percent clip as Kelly.
All of which will make the 2013 season crucial both for Oregon and Helfrich. When following a universally beloved coach, the worst possible thing you can do is have a bad first year. From purely a perception standpoint, it's almost impossible to dig out of that hole. But if Helfrich can produce at least a Pac-12 title in his first year (the glacial pace of the NCAA case may well push any postseason ban to 2014), he'll establish early confidence. Then it's a matter of sustaining that momentum -- no small feat.
The most remarkable aspect of Kelly's run is that no amount of attrition fazed him. The starting quarterback (Jeremiah Masoli) gets kicked off in the spring of 2010? Put the next guy in (Darron Thomas) and reach the BCS championship game. The senior leaders on both offense (Carson York) and defense (John Boyett) suffer season-ending injuries early in 2012? Move up the second-stringers and produce arguably the best team of his tenure.
That's the part no successor could possibly expect to maintain. Kelly's four-year run was nowhere near as easy to accomplish as the Ducks' offense often made it seem. We may more fully appreciate that four years down the road. | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130116/chip-kelly-oregon-future/index.html | 1,597 |
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were anything but saintly from 2009-11. News broke in March of this year that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams had established a bounty program that rewarded players for injuring their opponents. More than two dozen players were implicated in the scandal. Four players were suspended including linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who has been suspended for the 2012 season. Head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the season too, while Williams was suspended indefinitely. | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1211/anti-sportsman-of-year/content.14.html | 88 |
Seahawks defense short on marquee names, but not superstar play
RENTON, Wash. -- There were 53 cornerbacks selected in the 2011 NFL draft, and Richard Sherman wasn't among the first 33 chosen. If you think that doesn't grate on him, then you don't know Sherman, who was taken in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks.
K.J. Wright was also selected in that draft. He was the 15th of 40 linebackers chosen, going to the Seahawks in the fourth round. If you think that hearing his name called after 98 players were already off the draft board didn't upset him, you don't know Wright.
"There's a fire that burns in a lot of guys on the team," said Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas. "You hear it from them all the time, just walking around the locker room or just watching how they play and practice. A lot of guys that were undrafted or went in lower rounds felt they should have gotten more attention. Sherm believes he's the best corner in the league, and that the guys who got drafted before him shouldn't have gone before him. He's out to prove something. You can tell week in and week out."
The Seahawks defense has been outstanding this season, ranking first in fewest points allowed and fourth in fewest yards allowed. But the most impressive thing about the unit could be that Thomas is the only starter drafted in the first round. He was chosen 14th overall in 2010.
By way of comparison, the teams ranked directly above the Seahawks in total defense have at least three first-rounders among their starters. Pittsburgh and San Francisco have four each, and Denver has three.
"That statistic basically sums up the relationship that Pete and I have and the mixture of our philosophies," said GM John Schneider, referring to coach Pete Carroll. "What I mean is, we were able to meld them together. He's all about open competition all the time, so that means in terms of managing your roster and bringing people in you have a coaching staff that's willing to look at young people and work with them. Would you rather play with a veteran who knows what he's doing and runs 4.75 now, or would you rather play with the young guy that you know you can grow with who runs 4.48?"
Seattle is all about the best players being on the field, regardless of age or draft status. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson is an example. He was selected in the third round yet was named the starter after beating out big free agent Matt Flynn in training camp.
On defense, the Seahawks' starters are comprised of two players taken in each of the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds, with two others who weren't drafted at all. Tackle Alan Branch and linebacker Bobby Wagner were taken in the second; tackle Brandon Mebane and linebacker LeRoy Hill went in the third; end Red Bryant and linebacker K.J. Wright were drafted in the fourth; cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Kam Chancellor were picked up in the fifth; and end Chris Clemons and cornerback Brandon Browner went undrafted.
"We don't talk about it as a unit, per se, but it's definitely a motivating factor for us," said Chancellor. "The guys who weren't drafted high play on a high level and are hungry the whole time. Even our first-round draft choice is hungry still because there was a safety drafted ahead of him [Kansas City selected Eric Berry fifth overall, nine spots ahead of Thomas]. We feed off each other. Seeing the other person do well makes you want to do better. That's our competitive nature, and competing amongst each other makes the unit good."
The Seahawks are unlike some teams in that they specifically look for players who can fill particular roles. The first question they ask in draft meetings is not what a player can't do, but what he can do -- specific to the 4-3 scheme that they use.
For instance, much of the league looks for speed and athleticism at cornerback. Carroll, however, looks for size and tenacity. Last season the Seahawks were the only team with starting cornerbacks who were at least 6-foot-2. And with the 6-3 Chancellor at strong safety, it's an imposing secondary.
Carroll says he has spent much of his coaching career working with, and searching for, big corners. "When you're a bump-and-run [proponent], you learn to appreciate the effectiveness of guys who have that special length," he said. "You never want to go without it."
When you combine the players' specific abilities with good coaching and positive peer pressure, you get a defense that ranks among the league's best in multiple categories. Even when someone goes down with an injury or a suspension, as Browner did the last four games for violating the league's ban on performance-enhancing drugs.
"It's next man up," said Thomas. "No one heard anything about Brandon Browner or Richard Sherman before this season or late last season because they weren't high draft picks. But they fit our system. We ask our corners to step-kick and play thirds. It's really not that hard when you look at the big picture, but definitely put them in hard positions when we play man-to-man."
By step-kick, Thomas means stepping to the receiver and jamming him at the line, then kicking open your hips and staying on top of the receiver as you run with him. Said Thomas: "It's not complicated, but it puts a lot of pressure on our corners because everybody knows that we're a single-safety high defense, and we're either in some sort of thirds or man coverage."
And if people didn't know that players don't have to be taken in the first round to excel, the Seattle defense is a weekly reminder. | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130101/seattle-seahawks-defense/?eref=sircrc | 1,197 |
Stamford Peace is excited to announce its tryout schedule for the 2013 Spring/Summer AAU season.
ELIGIBILITY: Tryouts are open to the general public. Online registration and payment prior to tryouts is encouraged. If you are unable to complete the online registration, a downloadable registration form is also available on our website. Your registration confirmation (if you completed the online registration) or a hard copy of your completed registration form and tryout fee must be brought to tryouts. Our website is www.stamfordpeace.com
COST: $25 tryout fee (incl. reversible practice jersey); $550 registration fee for full season. The tryout fee for each player who makes a Stamford Peace team will be credited against their registration fee. Separately, Stamford Peace team members will be eligible for a special annual membership at the Stamford Family YMCA.
Note: This is a two day tryout process. (1/26 and 1/27) | http://stamford.patch.com/groups/events/p/ev--stamford-peace-2013-springsummer-aau-team-tryoutsa56f3e1a20 | 202 |
Latos strikes out 11 as Reds silence Pirates 5-0
By WILL GRAVES
PITTSBURGH (AP) Mat Latos spent Sunday morning trying to quell a queasy stomach.
All the Cincinnati right-hander really needed was a little bit of defensive help and an overpowering fastball.
Feeling lightheaded and chugging Gatorade, Latos fought off the bug and a shaky first inning to strike out a career-high 11 and lead the Reds to a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
"Sometimes when guys don't feel quite right, a lot of times they throw their best games," Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker said. "You settle down, you're concentrating, you try not to overthrow because you don't have the strength to do so."
Baker joked that he kept calling Latos "Michael Jordan" in the dugout between innings and Latos kept reassuring his manager he was OK.
Latos (2-2) certainly appeared to be fine while giving up two hits over six innings. So did the three relievers who upped Cincinnati's strikeout total to 17, tying a club record for a nine-inning game.
The biggest of the 17 whiffs came in the first as Latos tightroped out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam. Third baseman Todd Frazier got the first out with a spectacular diving grab on a liner by Casey McGehee, a smash hit so hard Latos started looking in left field for the ball only to see Frazier lift up his glove.
"Luckily I got it in the glove," Frazier said. "It almost snuck out at the end. I was holding it up there, trying to let him know. I knew Matty would do his thing. Whatever you can do to help is great, and he can help himself."
Latos then caught Nate McLouth looking with a 94 mph fastball to escape. The Pirates didn't get a runner to third during Latos' final five innings.
"We had a chance to take the game in a different direction in the first inning and we did not," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said.
Drew Stubbs had three hits, including a two-run homer, and scored three times for the Reds. Frazier added his first home run of the season as Cincinnati continued its strong play in series finales. The Reds are 8-1 on getaway days, including 5-0 on Sundays.
Charlie Morton (1-3) struggled to keep his sinker down and gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked two.
It was a far cry from the dominance Morton showed against the Reds last year, when he shut them out twice. He's still finding his way after offseason hip surgery and admitted he appears to have lost a feel for his signature pitch.
"I'm not saying I'm in overhaul, but I've got to tweak something to get my bread and butter back," Morton said. "That sinker is what I am."
Latos is more of a fireballer, though he's struggled this spring after being acquired in an offseason trade with San Diego. The 24-year-old dropped his first two decisions before bouncing back to pitch seven shutout innings against San Francisco on April 24, only to slip against the light-hitting Astros last week, giving up a career-worst 10 hits.
Command has been an issue, and so has the lack of a strikeout pitch for one of baseball's top young arms. Latos came in with 18 strikeouts in 28 2-3 innings. It took one game to get his groove back.
Latos struck out four straight at one point, and his only mistakes over his final five innings were a pair of harmless singles.
"He told me (after the game) that he wasn't feeling good," Frazier said. "It didn't look like it on the mound. Good for him. Hopefully he feels like that every time he pitches."
Pittsburgh rode stellar pitching and defense to scratch out a taut 3-2 victory on Saturday but had issues in both departments less than 24 hours later. The Pirates committed a pair of errors - including a botched pickoff attempt by Morton that led to the game's first run - and left nine runners on base.
Morton couldn't get his trademark sinker to sink and the Reds took full advantage. Frazier drilled a shot into the bleachers in the second for his first home run since Sept. 2, and Stubbs pushed Cincinnati's lead to 4-0 in the fourth when his fly ball sailed just over the wall in right-center.
Hurdle asked for a review but the call was upheld.
Staked to a sizable lead, Latos worked quickly. Relying heavily on a fastball that consistently clocked in the mid-90s, he rolled along and capped his day by getting Clint Barmes to miss badly at a slider to end the sixth.
NOTES: Pittsburgh All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen was given the day off. McCutchen is battling the flu and Hurdle said: "He's not in a good place physically." ... Latos' previous career best was 10 strikeouts, which he did three times. ... The Reds begin a three-game series in Milwaukee on Monday. Bronson Arroyo (1-1, 3.03 ERA) starts against Yovani Gallardo (1-3, 5.79). Pittsburgh is off Monday and continues a nine-game homestand Tuesday against Washington. A.J. Burnett (1-2, 8.04 ERA) starts for the Pirates against Edwin Jackson (1-1, 3.69). ... Cincinnati infielder Miguel Cairo went 0 for 4 in a rehab appearance with Class-A Dayton on Saturday. His return from a strained left hamstring is still uncertain.
Updated May 6, 2012 | http://stats.washingtonpost.com/mlb/recap.asp?lg=MLB&g=320506123&ref=hea&tm=&src= | 1,226 |
|Jan. 31 2:51 PM PT3:51 PM MT4:51 PM CT5:51 PM ET22:51 GMT6:51 AM 北京时间3:51 PM MST5:51 PM EST2:51 UAE (+1)17:51 ET - Smith had two assists as the Senators beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Smith has three points in seven games.
|Sep. 5 2:33 PM PT3:33 PM MT4:33 PM CT5:33 PM ET21:33 GMT5:33 AM 北京时间2:33 PM MST4:33 PM EST1:33 UAE (+1)17:33 ET - The Ottawa Senators have signed center Zack Smith to a four-year, 7.55-million extension. Smith's extension was completed less than a week after fellow center Kyle Turris signed a five-year extension with Ottawa worth $17.5 million.
Analysis: The 24-year-old Smith is coming off a career-best season in which he had 14 goals and 26 points in 81 games. He also provided a bit of an edge in racking up penalty minutes. The deal announced Wednesday keeps Smith under contract through the 2016-17 season. A third-round pick in 2008, Smith has played in 152 games with the Senators. He also helped AHL Binghamton win the Calder Cup in 2011. | http://stats.washingtonpost.com/nhl/playerstats.asp?id=4536&team=14&page=news | 302 |
SAN DIEGO -- The Padres came to terms with one of their three remaining arbitration-eligible players on Monday, reaching a one-year deal with reliever Luke Gregerson for $3.2 million.
The Padres exchanged figures with Gregerson on Jan. 18, offering him $2.875 million for the upcoming season. Gregerson, who is represented by O'Connell Sports, had asked for $3.75 million.
Gregerson, 28, was 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in 77 games last season and had a career-best nine saves. In four Major League seasons, all with the Padres, the right-hander has an 11-14 record and a 2.92 ERA in 290 appearances.
Earlier this month, Gregerson was the lone Padres representative selected to Team USA's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic.
With Gregerson in the fold for 2013, the Padres have two remaining arbitration-eligible players -- third baseman Chase Headley and pitcher Clayton Richard.
The team offered Headley $7.075 million for 2013. Headley's representation countered with $10.3 million. Headley made $3.475 million last season, when he finished fifth in the National League MVP vote.
Richard matched his career best in victories (14) last season. He went 14-14 with a 3.99 ERA and made all 33 starts, earning $2.705 million. He is seeking $5.55 million. The team offered $4.905 million.
Arbitration hearings begin Feb. 4 and run through Feb. 20. If a hearing is necessary, an arbiter, after hearing points raised by both the organization and player, will select the figure submitted by one of the parties. That decision is binding.
Pitchers and catchers report to the team's Spring Training facility Feb. 12. Position players report Feb. 15, with the first full-squad workout set for the following day. The first spring game is set for Feb. 22, when the Padres take on the Mariners in their annual charity game at the Peoria Sports Complex. | http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130128&content_id=41220418&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb | 430 |
This fascinating documentary presents the details of Eric’s life, who was perhaps best known as an athlete in the 1924 Olympics, as depicted in the Academy Award-winning film, Chariots of Fire. His story is told by David McCasland, author of Eric Liddell: Pure Gold, Eric’s daughter Patricia, and Rev. John Keddie, consultant on Chariots of Fire, along with fellow prisoners form the internment camp in China.
Growing up, Eric was a gifted athlete, excelling in rugby and later in track. He entered the 1924 Olympics in Paris and was favored to win the 100-meter race. But when he learned that he would have to race on Sunday, he refused. Instead, he competed in other races and still brought home gold for Scotland.
Now a national hero, Eric announced his intentions to go to China as a missionary. There he taught Chemistry and oversaw the school’s sports programs, sharing his faith at sporting events. He later married, then left teaching to become an evangelist By 1941, China was becoming more unstable and Japan was increasing its control. Concerned for his family’s safety, he sent them off to Canada while he remained in China. It wasn’t long until the Japanese began moving people into internment camps. There, Eric became friend and mentor to 300 children, many of whom were separated from their missionary parents. Fellow prisoners observed as he rose early each day to read and pray. He continued living out his faith in the camp and was admired and respected by all. In 1944, however, he began showing signs of a possible brain tumor and died the following year.
Eric Liddell was a humble man with a simple and personal faith whose life’s purpose was to glorify God. His life and legacy continue to impact people’s lives around the world.
Studio: Christian History Institutue
Time: 100 minutes
Eric Liddell: Champion of Conviction (DVD):
- Item Price: $12.95
- Listed On: March 14, 2012 | http://store.nicenecouncil.com/eric-liddell-champion-of-conviction-dvd/ | 430 |
Nike stuck by Lance Armstrong when the wind got up but the blizzard of evidence could not be held back: today, the sports kit maker terminated its sponsorship agreement with the disgraced cyclist "due to the insurmountable evidence" that showed, said Nike, that the man they backed "participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade".
A Nike statement reads: 'Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him. Nike does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in any manner. Nike plans to continue support of the Livestrong initiatives created to unite, inspire and empower people affected by cancer."
The announcement came moments after Armstrong revealed that he was stepping down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer-fighting charity so the group can focus on its mission instead of the doping allegations surrounding the former cycling champion. Last year, the foundation raised almost $30 million for the cause.
Hundreds of swimmers and their federations continue to list Armstrong as "hero", "inspiration" and more. Pressure will nose mount for those references to be removed, the charity side of the cyclist now a double coin: it helped people in need - and gave the cyclist a starry public profile at a time when, if a USADA report that lists his misdemeanours in sport stands up, he was cheating his way to fame.
Nike had long supported Armstrong throughout all the time he spent denying that he had ever done anything wrong in sport. That has now come to an end.
Some things will not change as Armstrong makes his way through a much-changed world. "My family and I have devoted our lives to the work of the foundation and that will not change," said the cancer survivor. "We plan to continue our service to the foundation and the cancer community. We will remain active advocates for cancer survivors and engaged supporters of the fight against cancer."
Meanwhile, Daniel Borochoff, founder and president of Chicago-based CharityWatch, says that it may take some time for donors to digest the allegations against Armstrong and only time will tell if that affects their donations to the foundation that bears a part of the former cyclist's name in a world which offers people a chance to donate to cancer research through many organisations.
"Individuals that admire and support an individual who is later found out to be severely tarnished, don't want to admit it, don't want to admit that they've been duped," Borochoff said. "People, though, do need to trust a charity to be able to support it." | http://swimnews.com/News/view/9791 | 547 |
ClimaCool Chest Grain Polo
If a great-looking shirt designed to keep you cool and dry was guaranteed to knock strokes off your game, your handicap would drop to zero the second you pulled this polo over your head, thanks to adidas Golf’s renowned ClimaCool technology.
- Open-hem sleeve
- Underarm mesh panels
- Contrast adidas brandmark at back-neck yoke
- 100% polyester ClimaCool Interlock | http://taylormadegolf.com/adidasgolf/climacool-chest-grain-polo/DW-CJ271.html?dwvar_DW-CJ271_color=Z24012&prefn1=tm_comfil_size&start=11&cgid=adidasGolf-men-polos&prefv1=2XL | 98 |
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Former South Carolina star has flashed his potential, but needs to be a vital cog in the Titans offense.
No, Daniel Graham is the one on the spot.
Have to agree cook is on solid ground.
Offensive cordinator Palmer said he loves the fact that Thompson should be able to step in in case of injury to cookie and provide the same threat and didn't rule out 3 tight end formations.
I think someone mentioned that Thompson is down to 250# and can run a 4.5. Couple that with the fact that he will likely need several yrs to learn how to block......if he plays soon it may be flexed out quite a bit.
If Cook plays like he did the last half of last yr, he has nothing to worry about. If...
247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports | http://ten.247sports.com/Board/28/Does-TE-pick-put-Cook-on-the-spot-9355060/1 | 218 |
Level 3 tournaments are not any ordinary tournaments that anyone can play. This is the higher than average players. This is where there are only good players. The ranking you posses must be high enough in order to get in. I haven't got in a single level 3 tournament this year now until June 2.
It was somewhere in Alpharreta in this very, very rich neighborhood. I had played level 3's the previous year but I had never won a match. This place was filled brand new million dollar houses. They had clay, hard, and hard indoor courts. The day I played my first round It was sunny, no clouds and really windy. I was hoping to play indoors but I had to wait forever to get on a court. My oppenent was this guy from chile and I saw him all the time at other tournaments. He was pretty good. He had a good serve and net game. The begining of the match was pretty even. My 1st serve was on 100% the first 3 games. I was bombing all of them. It was tied up until 4-4. Thats when I started finding my rhythm and he couldn't handle it. I had to hit more backhands than I normally do, and my backhand sucks. Our rallies were forhand smash to forhand smash then to sprinting side to side getting drop shots, the first set was really exciting and intense. I won 7-5. The second set he was still running pretty good and moving, but that was when I started to hit more winners and got more pumped. He made more mistakes, and I was just putting the ball corner to corner, angle to angle. My serve was just staying on top. I won the second set 6-2. I was so happy to win a Level 3 main draw for once, but most of all it was a good day for my serve and backhand. | http://tennisopolis.com/profiles/blogs/level-3-1st-round-win?xg_source=activity | 390 |
Wilson battles, but shines, to stop slide
Lefty tosses 8 2/3 shutout innings, strikes out 12 Orioles
BALTIMORE -- C.J. Wilson's dominant effort didn't unfold in traditional fashion: with the Texas left-hander dispatching opposing batters at ease. The way Wilson tells it, he was pitching practically in self defense as he steamrolled the Orioles' lineup en route to a 2-0 victory Friday night that snapped the Rangers' four-game losing streak.
"I was getting pretty upset, because after three innings, it was looking like I was going to have another short outing," Wilson said after striking out a career-high 12 and finishing one out shy of his first career shutout. "So I just really tried to force them to swing. They didn't swing, so they were strikes. It wasn't like I was trying to bounce three sliders in a row. I would take one shot maybe at a swing and miss, and the rest of them I'd try to throw strikes."
Wilson (12-5) was on target, allowing three hits in 8 2/3 shutout innings and remaining unbeaten in seven starts dating back to a 4-1 home loss to Baltimore on July 11. The left-hander walked one and really only had trouble with one Orioles hitter: Julio Lugo, who singled in the first and doubled in the third. Brian Roberts also doubled to lead off the ninth.
"[Wilson] just found the spot in that strike zone and he stayed there," agreed Rangers manager Ron Washington. "He and the umpire were on the same page all night. He threw some good changeups, spotted his fastball, threw a few breaking balls. But for the most part, he stayed off the middle of the plate and made them work for their at-bats."
What worked for Wilson against the Orioles?
"That's the problem, I had so many different pitches working -- everything except the curveball, pretty much," he said. "I had the slider, the changeup, the sinker, the cutter -- they were all kind of doing their thing. It was just one of those nights, I guess. The big thing was pitching on the corners of the zone -- down and away, down and in, whatever."
For a while, it looked like the Rangers were going to have to make due with a one-swing offense to preserve Wilson's gem. Mitch Moreland homered for his second straight start to help Texas snap a six-game road losing streak and halt the Orioles' five-game win streak at the Rangers' expense. It was the sixth shutout of the season for the Rangers, who improved to 13-22 against the American League East.
"Four-game skid, that was a little tough. I feel like that right there might have straightened us out," said Moreland.
Josh Hamilton, who entered the game in an 0-for-11 funk and hitless in three consecutive games for the first time since April, went 2-for-5 and drove in an insurance run in the seventh inning.
But even on a night when they completely handcuffed the Orioles, the Rangers still had to sweat out their victory. After Roberts moved to third on a ground ball for the second out of the ninth, Neftali Feliz came on to retire Luke Scott on a foul pop to the catcher and record his 30th save of the season. It was the Rangers' first save in seven August wins.
Following Roberts' double to right-center, Wilson got his 12th strikeout, catching Lugo swinging. Then Felix Pie grounded out, and out came Washington to make a pitching change that didn't exactly please Wilson.
"[Washington] knows I hate getting pulled. ... I was in closer mode already," said Wilson, a ninth-inning option for Washington for the past three years before being converted into a starter this spring.
Said Washington: "Of course C.J. wanted to stay in, but he'd gotten us 8 2/3 [and] it's Nefi's job to get us out of that game. He made easy work for Nefi to have to just get one out."
Another slimmest of margins -- two feet against an inexperienced left fielder -- had given Wilson a 1-0 lead. Moreland, who homered Wednesday at Tampa Bay, sneaked an opposite-field homer just inside the left-field foul pole and into the first row of the stands for a 1-0 Texas lead in the second. Moreland's third homer of the season came on a 3-2 fastball from Orioles starter Jake Arrieta and landed 335 feet from home plate, narrowly clearing the wall at 333 feet without a vigorous pursuit from Lugo, who was playing left field for the first time since 2008.
"They all count the same, don't they?" Moreland responded. "That's plenty enough for me."
Other than that, the Rangers largely squandered scoring chances, with throws by Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters twice thwarting rallies. Texas had a hit in each of the first eight innings.
Hamilton hit a first-inning double when Lugo misplayed his liner to left, but was stranded. After Moreland's homer, two-out singles by Andres Blanco and Julio Borbon put runners at the corners, only to see Borbon caught stealing.
In the fourth, David Murphy hit a one-out single and Taylor Teagarden drew a two-out walk, but Murphy was picked off second by Wieters for the final out. Teagarden grounded into an inning-ending fielder's choice with runners on first and second in the fifth.
Arrieta (4-5) departed after walking Michael Young to put runners at first and second in the seventh. The right-hander allowed two runs -- one earned -- on eight hits, while walking three and fanning three. Mark Hendrickson came on in relief and surrendered a broken-bat single to right-center by Hamilton, making it 2-0.
Wilson's effort even drew praise from the losing pitcher.
"I give a lot of credit to C.J. for his effort today," Arietta said. "He kept our hitters off balance, mixed it up and down, kept the ball down -- that was the biggest thing. It was a quality effort today."
Wilson had to weather only one iffy ball hit deep to the outfield. In the seventh, Adam Jones ripped a fly ball to the gap in right-center that was snagged by Borbon, in a full-out dive, for the second out of the inning. It was the 12th out in a streak of 16 Baltimore hitters retired by Wilson in a row at one point.
Pete Kerzel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. | http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100820&content_id=13703330&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex | 1,420 |
WreckEm247 takes a look at seniors from Texas Tech's 2012 defense that have exhausted their eligibility.
Veteran safeties D.J. Johnson and Cody Davis will be tough to replace.
The Red Raiders return their entire starting defensive line from 2012, which showed signs of improvement as the season progressed. Texas Tech’s only loss in the two deep is defensive tackle Leon Mackey.
Mackey had six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry in 2012.
Tech returns its entire 2012 two deep at linebacker.
The Red Raiders take their biggest hit defensively in the secondary, where they will have to replace all four starters from 2012. Starting corner Cornelius Douglas missed half of the season with a knee injury, so Bruce Jones logged several starts in his absence. Jones' return, in addition to nickelback Tre Porter moving to one of the other three spots, will soften the blow for the Red Raiders. The two veteran safeties will be tough to replace.
CB Cornelius Douglas
In six games, Douglas had 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions for 40 yards.
CB Eugene Neboh
Neboh had 41 tackles, and 12 pass breakups in 2012, including key break-ups in wins over West Virginia, TCU, and Kansas.
S D.J. Johnson
Johnson had 90 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, five pass break-ups, and two interceptions for 54 yards. The three-year starter ended his Tech career on a high note with 14 tackles in the Meineke Car Care Bowl win over Minnesota, which was the most by any Red Raider in 2012, and an interception late in the fourth that helped Tech rally back.
S Cody Davis
The four-year starter, who was arguably the leader of the Red Raiders defense in 2012, had 101 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss, seven pass break-ups, a quarterback hurry, and three interceptions for 88 yards and a touchdown his senior year. | http://texastech.247sports.com/Article/WreckEm247s-spring-preview-defensive-departures-119808 | 410 |
Dog Can’t Wait for Football Season
If there’s one thing Rambo loves, it’s milk bones. But if there’s another thing Rambo loves, it has to be football.
The English Bulldog is ecstatic that football is nearly back and can’t wait for the season to start. As a huge Houston Texans fan, Rambo was encouraged by the team’s first-ever playoff appearance (and first playoff win) last season, and is confident going into this season.
“He’s convinced Arian Foster is set for a monster year at running back, and that this is the year the Texas bring home the Lombardi Trophy,” said roommate Cote Billingsly. | http://thefluffingtonpost.com/post/29138166527/dog-football | 155 |
HOT FROM FOX...
GEORGE LOPEZ TO HOST "TAKE ME OUT" DEBUTING THURSDAY, JUNE 7 ON FOX
Multi-talented entertainer George Lopez will host TAKE ME OUT, the provocative and unpredictable new dating series premiering Thursday, June 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. TAKE ME OUT, based on the hugely successful international format, is a fast-paced, dynamic new series featuring 30 single women searching for a match and several brave bachelors who must make the ultimate first impression.
With an extensive career that encompasses television series, film, and stand-up comedy, Lopez will play matchmaker between the 30 female contestants and the men hoping for the chance to take one lucky lady out on an ultimate dream date.
"I am thrilled to be hosting such an entertaining new series," said Lopez. "Anything can happen on a show like TAKE ME OUT and I'm looking forward to the excitement."
"George's amazing energy, spirit and incredible comedic timing make him the perfect host for TAKE ME OUT," said executive producer Jeff Apploff.
Filmed in front of a studio audience and comprised of four rounds, TAKE ME OUT begins with a group of 30 beautiful, single women in search of finding a match made in heaven. Every week, the women are introduced to several bachelors one by one. Each woman stands at a lighted podium with a switch that controls her fate for a date: if she thinks it's a match, she keeps her light on; if her attraction has been short-circuited, then it's lights out and she waits for the next potential Mr. Right.
As the hopeful mate reveals more and more about himself, the women continue to turn their lights out as they lose interest - leaving only the flirty females still fascinated by him. At this point, the gentleman takes control of the game and eliminates the ladies by turning out the lights of those women he's just not into. During the last round, the bachelor will pose one final question to the two remaining women and will choose a winner to join him on a romantic fantasy date. Meanwhile, the remaining 29, plus one new woman, return during the next game for another chance at finding the guy who will light up their lives.
About George Lopez
Lopez is currently on a national stand-up comedy tour after hosting the late-night cable talk show "Lopez Tonight." He co-created, wrote, produced, and starred in the groundbreaking sitcom "George Lopez," which ran for six seasons. The show remains a hit with viewers in syndication, ranking among the Top Five comedies and Top 20 weekly programs in syndication. Lopez recently voiced the character "Rafael" in the animated blockbuster "Rio" and "Grouchy Smurf" in "The Smurfs." His other film credits include the box-office hit "Valentine's Day"; "Beverly Hills Chihuahua"; "Swing Vote"; "Henry Poole Is Here"; and "Balls of Fury."
In addition to his work in film and television, Lopez has an impressive career in stand-up comedy, with comedy specials "Tall Dark and Chicano" and "America's Mexican." His stand-up albums "El Mas Chingon" and "Team Leader" were both nominated for Grammy Awards in the category of Best Comedy Album. Lopez also published an autobiography, "Why You Crying?," that entered the Top 20 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Time magazine named him one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America, and the Harris Poll named him one of the Top 10 Favorite Television Personalities. Lopez has made more than 200 television comedy, talk show and hosting appearances, including co-hosting the Emmy Awards and twice hosting the Latin Grammys. Lopez also created The Lopez Foundation to foster positive, permanent change for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health.
TAKE ME OUT is produced by FremantleMedia North America. Jeff Apploff ("Don't Forget the Lyrics," "Million Dollar Money Drop") serves as executive producer. Jack Martin and Kevin Williams are co-executive producers. | http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/04/18/george-lopez-to-host-take-me-out-debuting-thursday-june-7-on-fox-454314/20120418fox02/ | 876 |
What an awful awful awful game. I went to this game and can attest that it looked even worse in person.
- For some reason D’Antoni played Jeffries and Anthony “I would not start in the D-league” Carter instead of Douglas and Fields.
- The isolation happy offense looked slow, boring and waiting to lose
- I am fine with calling the flying knee a foul against Carmelo
- If I only judged JJ Hickson by how he plays against the Knicks I would say he is a lock for the hall of fame. | http://thenewyorkknickspodcast.com/2011/03/04/cavs-beat-knicks-and-i-do-my-best-to-hold-back-the-little-girl-tears/?like=1&_wpnonce=e775df7899 | 116 |
Former Champions to raise awareness and funding for Youth Boxing Program
Five of boxing’s great champions will be in Myrtle Beach, SC on Friday, November 2nd as part of Boxing Legends events to raise awareness and funding for Find A Dream. With a combined 11 championship belts between them, former champs Ray Mercer, Michael Moorer, Buddy McGirt, Bobby Czyz, and Don Steele will participate in a celebrity golf outing at River Oaks Golf Club…and then convene at Boxing Legends Night at RODEO Bar & Grill for a “meet and greet” event on Friday night.
The champion boxers are all active participants in Find A Dream -a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that reaches out to underprivileged children and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling their potential. The boxing legends, along with other members of the Find a Dream team, are committed to contributing their time, expertise, and experience in working with young people to improve their self-confidence, discipline, and sense of worth. Other Find A Dream team members include boxing industry greats Hector Camacho Jr. and Al Bernstein.
Find A Dream has initiated a youth boxing program for disadvantaged children in Myrtle Beach. The program will serve the community by providing a positive, creative, and healthy outlet for youth in need of guidance and mentoring.
“I am excited about my involvement with Find A Dream,” said Moorer, former WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion. “The organization is all about working with underprivileged youth. My main objective is to work with kids and help provide a positive influence in their lives. I grew up in poverty, and know all about dealing with temptations and the hard choices kids have to make. We didn’t have organizations like Find A Dream, so to be able to give back is important and means a lot to me. I am excited about coming to Myrtle Beach to reach out to the community and get others involved!”
The Boxing Legends golf tournament at River Oaks is open to the public, with registration starting at 11:00 AM and a shotgun start at noon. Those interested in participating as a four man team or as an individual should contact Deby Emmanuel of Quantum of Myrtle Beach (843-293-0107…ext 222).
Boxing Legends Night at RODEO Bar & Grill at Broadway at the Beach is from 8-11:00 PM and is open to the public. The legends will ‘meet & greet’, be available for photos and autographs, and speak about their great boxing moments and their involvement with Find A Dream. General Admission tickets are $10 at the door. VIP tickets are $50. Those interested in tickets should contact Mark Krom of NextMedia (954-554-6374).
Rod Ricciardi, founder of Find A Dream, said, “We’re grateful for the contribution and support of local businesses like RODEO Bar & Grill, River Oaks Golf, Quantum, NextMedia, WPDE, and WBTW. It’s due to their efforts that we’re able to hold these exciting events and raise awareness and funding for Find A Dream!
About Find a Dream: Find a Dream is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that reaches out to community youth and young adults and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling a dream. For more information on Find A Dream, to donate today, or to learn how to get involved within your community visit www.findadream.org.
Company Contact Information Find A Dream Rod Ricciardi 1401 Doug Baker Blvd. #107-228 Birmingham AL 35242 205-249-6014 | http://thenumbers.marketplace.org/publicradio/news/read/22487160/find_a_dream_to_host_boxing_legends_events_in_myrtle_beach | 775 |
LONDON (AP) — As Oscar Pistorius offered his first defense against a murder charge, the head of the Paralympics was trying to reassure members Tuesday that the organization has a strong future even without its star athlete.
International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven told The Associated Press he has been in a state of "shock and disbelief" since Pistorius was arrested Thursday in the shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Having been central to plans to maintain the momentum from the record-breaking Paralympics last year, Pistorius has now been forced to pull out of all future races.
The South African helped to generate unprecedented interest in disability sports by becoming the first double amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics. Now Craven is acting quickly to ensure the Paralympics' progress is not damaged by the fallout from Pistorius' high-profile case.
"We've got so many stars coming through that this will not be an issue," Craven said.
"Even since this tragedy happened, it's still been 'London, London, London' and what happened there — a unique moment in times that still continues in the hearts and minds of people."
And in a letter to IPC members on Tuesday, Craven sought to shift attention from the "difficult and traumatic day" regarding Pistorius to remind how the London Paralympics succeeded in creating "a whole host of young world-class, medal-winning athletes."
Craven pointed to British sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who deposed Pistorius as 100-meter champion at the Paralympics, and Alan Oliveira, who took the 200 title in front of a crowd of some 80,000 in the London Olympic Stadium.
"It's upon their shoulders that the Paralympic movement will be moving forward and it's still continuing to be the most exciting times after London," Craven said by phone from the IPC winter sports championships in Spain.
Craven has experienced a "roller-coaster of emotion" since he was awakened Thursday with the news of the killing. Pistorius said at a bail hearing Tuesday that he mistook his girlfriend for a robber and the shooting was an accident, not premeditated murder. Continued...
"Shock and disbelief," Craven recalled of his initial thoughts. "I could not believe what I was hearing ... because of this total difference between Oscar, the person I knew — I won't say very well but I had interacted with him on many occasions in press conferences etc. and seen him compete — and the Oscar we were hearing about now in the media and with what happened."
Craven said he had not witnessed any change in Pistorius' mindset at the Paralympics even when the runner created a storm by suggesting rival Oliveira was gaining an unfair advantage by using lengthened blades.
"In the heat of competition — I remember when I was a wheelchair basketball player — the redness would come down particularly if I didn't agree with certain refereeing decisions, and I've seen it in other athletes," Craven said. "I think it's something that happens all the time in athletic competitions.
He said the dispute about the blades didn't bother him, and "didn't make me think there was anything different in London (with Pistorius) to what there had been before."
Craven has not made contact with the 26-year-old Pistorius since the Valentine's Day arrest. The Paralympic chief has expressed the organization's condolences to the family of Steenkamp, the model and law graduate who was cremated Tuesday at a memorial service in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Craven wants IPC members to "respect" the justice system.
"This is a police case and we have to remain impartial at all times," he said. "The South African law courts will decide Oscar's fate over the coming months and only then will the full story of what actually happened emerge."
The case has delayed planned announcements on television rights sales for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The IPC has yet to find a U.S. network to show its competitions live after NBC was criticized for broadcasting only 5 1/2 hours of Paralympic highlights from London.
"Meetings have taken place with U.S. television stations with a view to things being put right, definitely by Rio, if not by Sochi," Craven said.
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We love them. We hate them. We love to suffer over them, but they are our Detroit Lions. Paula Pasche discusses the team fans want so desperately to return to its glory years as they rebuild.
Pat Caputo is a sports columnist for The Oakland Press who covered the Tigers from 1986-98, and the Lions from 1998-2002.
A sometimes-irreverent look at Detroit's Boys of Summer, the Tigers, as they try to win their first American League Central title.
Matt Myftiu is news editor at The Oakland Press and has a background in sports writing and has had an unhealthy addiction to anything NASCAR for more than a decade.
Scott M. Burnstein, covered high school sports for both the Detroit Free Press and the Oakland Press, and is the author of the 2006 regional best-selling book, The Motor City Mafia - A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit.
Chuck Pleiness posts news about injuries, line combinations, transactions, who's starting and who's scratched. Follow the Red Wings along with Chuck Pleiness.
Kosmo is the all-knowing Oakland Press seer, of course.
Paul Kampe, a copy editor and page designer for The Oakland Press, is responsible for laying out the paper, hunting down spelling and grammatical errors and occasionally covering high school sports in Oakland County. | http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/02/19/sports/pro/doc51241a2640f04941183226.txt?viewmode=2 | 1,342 |
Bisenius becomes free agent
The Nationals have secured outright waivers on reliever Joe Bisenius, who elected to become a free agent, the team announced Thursday.
The Nationals bragged about his fastball, which was clocked as high as 95 miles per hour. But he wasn’t given much of a chance when he was called up in September.
Bisenius appeared in five games for Washington and allowed five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. | http://therocket.mlblogs.com/2010/11/11/bisenius-becomes-free-agent/?like=1&_wpnonce=76232868d7 | 95 |
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Held to commemorate the Edmonton Oilers 25th season in the NHL and the 20th Anniversary of their first Stanley Cup Championship, the Oilers staged the first regular season outdoor game in NHL history, dubbed The Heritage Classic. The game was staged at Commonwealth Stadium, home of the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League in front of a capacity crowd of 57,167 fans despite temperatures of 0ºF and a windchill of -22ºF.
Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur and Mark Messier pose at the MegaStars Game
The weekend of events also featured the Heritage Classic MegaStars Alumni Game, which featured past Edmonton Oilers stars from their 1980's dynasty, such as Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Bill Ranford and Glenn Anderson versus Montreal Canadiens greats representing their 1970's dynasty, along with a few players from their 1986 and 1993 Stanley Cup teams, led by Guy Lafleur, Steve Shutt, Guy Lapointe and Larry Robinson. Mark Messier even received permission from the New York Rangers to play in the MegaStars game for the Oilers, the only currently active player to compete in the contest.
Aside from the Oilers first NHL captain Ron Chipperfield and Russ Courtnall for the Canadiens all the players in the contest had won a Stanley Cup for either the Oilers or the Canadiens. Mark Napier held the distinction of being the only player in the game who had won a cup with both the Oilers and Canadiens.
The game was played in two fifteen-minute halves and was won by the Oliers by a score of 2-0 on goals by Ken Linseman and Marty McSorley. Goaltenders Fuhr and Ranford combined for 25 saves in the Oilers goal for the shutout. With his number 31 having been recently retired by the Oilers Fuhr stated "You can't ask for more to happen in one year. I should almost buy a lottery ticket."
The Oilers wore throwback jerseys from their Stanley Cup dynasty, an obvious choice, while the Canadiens wore their vintage jerseys based on their sweaters from their 1946 Stanley Cup championship team, which would later become their third jerseys.
Guy Lafleur stated "It felt like we were 10 again, but with the legs of 50-year-olds."
One of the highlights of the event was the sight of the players shoveling snow off the ice between halves like they did in their youth.
"Everybody is so happy to be involved in this," Mark Messier said. "It's unbelievable o see so many fans come out to see this game."
"The concept was just fantastic," added Lafleur.
The day prior to the MegaStars Game, the teams held a practice to get their legs moving and get used to the outdoor rink.
"The ice was hard, it was great, and I think it will be better (Saturday) after a little bit of use (Friday)," said Messier after the practice.
"It's just amazing to come back and for it to be that easy for everybody - to fit in, to say hello, to get out there and practice. It was just like we left off," added Messier."All the pieces fit comfortably together."
Glenn Sather, who coached the Oilers alumni, said that Friday's practice "was kind of a romantic moment."
Today's featured jersey is a CCM 2002-04 Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky practice jersey as worn during the Friday practice the day prior to the MegaStars Game.
It features Gretzky's name and number on the back as well as the NHL Center Ice logo on the right chest. Other added details is the CCM logo and stenciled "58" size tag on the font hem and the CCM logo just below the collar on the back.
Creating this simple practice jersey was not as easy as one would think, as all the separate elements were added individually to the jersey. A blank, white jersey was first purchased, along with a "donor" black Pittsburgh Penguins jersey for the Center Ice and CCM logos since a white Oilers jersey of this vintage was not available. Once the three logos was transferred over from the Penguins jersey, an Oilers crest, purchased separately on ebay was added to the jersey.
The size "58" tag was then made with our custom printing technique for added detail and finally the jersey was customized with Gretkzy's name an number in one color blue as worn during the practice to complete the project.
Here is an interesting interview with Wayne Gretzky about his participation in the MegaStars Game and his reluctance to participate in Old Timers Games, as well as his enlightened prediction that the Winter Classic would follow in the Heritage Classic's footsteps.
Next is a great video find, footage from the Friday practice session where today's featured jersey was worn as well as interviews with the players involved.
Here Wayne reflects on his favorite moment of the Heritage Classic, the Friday practice that today's featured jersey is from. | http://thirdstringgoalie.blogspot.com/2009/11/2003-04-edmonton-oilers-wayne-gretzky.html | 1,040 |
Ward Melville 27, Lindenhurst 21: The Patriots improve to 4-1 after Brendan Nieves blocked Lindenhurst's 38-yard overtime field goal attempt and Jake Biro's 28-yard run set up the gamewinning play, a 1-yard run by Brendan Hegarty. According to MSG Varsity, Ward Melville trailed 21-7 at halftime, later tying the game when Biro threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brendan Dooley in the third quarter.
Stony Brook 49, Charleston Southern 7: Kyle Essington threw five touchdown passes, including a 29-yard throw to Kevin Norrell and a 27-yard throw to Jordan Gush, to help Stony Brook improve to 5-1 overall, 1-0 in Big South conference play. Miguel Maysonet, who totaled 88 yards, set new records as the all-time leading rusher in both Stony Brook and Big South history. Head coach Chuck Priore said: "I told Kyle (Essington) we might be passing more based on what we saw on film. The ability of this offense is its balance. As long as we continue to do what's working, I'm content."
Stony Brook School 53, Southampton 35: According to MSG Varsity, the Bears (4-1) orchestrated a blowout win on the strength of 164 yards on 15 carries, two touchdowns, and seven tackles by Don Liotine, and two touchdowns, a fumble recovery and an interception by Ben Fye.
William Floyd 6, Ward Melville 1: The Patriots are 7-2 overall following the non-league loss.
Stony Brook 4, Port Jefferson 3: The Bears are 12-1 in league play after Angela Wong topped Rachel Collins in second singles for the win, according to MSG Varsity.
Garden City 2, Ward Melville 1: Liz Conley scored the Patriots' lone goal on an assist from Kelsey Catalano and Andre had nine saves, according to MSG Varsity.
Sachem North 3, Ward Melville 0: Ward Melville is 0-6.
McGann-Mercy 3, Stony Brook 0: Stony Brook is 2-4.
Greenport-Shelter Island 5, Stony Brook 1: Nate Hicks scored the Bears' lone goal and Lewis Meitz made 10 saves for Stony Brook (0-7).
Stony Brook 5, McGann-Mercy 1: Morgan Pius led Stony Brook (5-1) with three goals. | http://threevillage.patch.com/groups/sports/p/sports-flash-patriots-football-gets-ot-victory-seawol44cb43805d | 522 |
MIAMI -- The Oklahoma City Thunder may yet play in 10 NBA Finals and win six championships and lure NFL, NHL and MLB teams to Oklahoma City, but in the meantime, these guys are so young that when they cross the street somebody ought to hold their hand. Otherwise, Russell Westbrook will sprint into a parked car, and Kevin Durant will knock over a crossing guard, and Kendrick Perkins will just stand there and shake his head in disgust.
Yet again, our swarthy men of virtue drop the gloves and face off on top stories from around the NHL.
After much deliberation and conversation with scouts and NHL personnel people, here's how I see the first round shaping up the draft on Friday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. You can watch it live on Versus in the U.S., and on TSN and RDS in Canada, starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Television viewers have long relied on broadcasters to provide analysis and explanations about the often-questionable decisions made by NBA referees.
LOS ANGELES -- At 7:48 PDT as dusk gathered over the City of Angels, the Stanley Cup finally had its Hollywood ending.
Fans celebrate in the streets after the Los Angeles Kings take home the Stanley Cup.
LOS ANGELES -- On a night when his team scored six goals, enjoyed the advantage of an opponent that managed just 18 shots and earned frequent visitor status to the penalty box, Jonathan Quick was in mid-coronation, an apt place for an exalted King to be.
On the first page of the little blue book of hockey clichés, the Stanley Cup is referred to as a marathon and not a sprint, which is why the Los Angeles Kings' apparent 10K fun run to the first championship in their star-crossed history was as unseemly as it was improbable.
LOS ANGELES -- As they returned to Tinseltown for Game 6, the Devils desperately needed starring roles from Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, their ace forwards who combined for 68 goals during the regular season. Whether Kovalchuk has been hobbled by the bad back he downplays and Parise has been distracted by the impending free agency he won't discuss, the pair has been largely AWOL in losses and vital in victories.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Only two teams that trailed 0-3 in a Stanley Cup Final have ever pushed the series to six games: the Detroit Red Wings in 1945 and the famed '42 Toronto Maple Leafs, who won the championship with four straight wins. Now the 2012 New Jersey Devils can be added to that short list after defeating the Los Angeles Kings, 2-1, at the Prudential Center on Saturday night.
The New Jersey Devils fended off the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, winning 2-1 to extend the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup championship series another game.
Join Adrian Dater and Allan Muir as they blog all the action from tonight's Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final between the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersery Devils.
NEWARK, N.J. -- In all sports, the 0-3 series hole might as well be the equivalent of an open grave. The number of times that teams have overcome such a deep deficit can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And yet, the Devils haven't made their beds in the soil quite yet.
Yet again, our intrepid scribes set aside their quills to chew on the week's top news from around the NHL.
LOS ANGELES -- On the road again. It's a ballad better suited for a team in a country and western city. It could work in Dallas or Nashville, but the L.A. Kings will at least feel comfortable breaking it out for Game 5. With a chance to clinch before the local glitterati, the Kings instead are licking their wounds after a 3-1 loss to the Devils and will head for the gritty confines of New Jersey, a place where they have already won twice.
LOS ANGELES -- The Stanley Cup playoffs are supposed to be a marathon, but for the Los Angeles Kings, the spring of 2012 had pretty much been a 10K fun run where the organizers pass out sponsored T-shirts. The Kings had just loped along past the water stations known as the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues and Phoenix Coyotes and then put on a finishing kick that looked like it was going to sweep them past the New Jersey Devils and through the tape, ending the most soporific Cup final since the franchise entered the NHL 45 years ago.
The Los Angeles Kings will have to wait until at least Saturday to see whether the Cinderella skates fit.
LOS ANGELES -- In the 2012 Stanley Cup highlight film in a city that loves its movies, Game 3 will be a remake of the 1985 Bond opus, "A View to a Kill."
After two nail-biting periods, the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings remained tied 0-0 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals Wednesday.
The math is bad in New Jersey. No, it has nothing to do with the environment, the tax rates or delays in the ferryboats across the river. Even the Path trains are running on time. But the 3-0 deficit the team faces in the Stanley Cup finals against the Los Angeles Kings seems much bigger than the numbers themselves.
LOS ANGELES -- Honestly, do the 2012 Los Angeles Kings make any sense to you?
LOS ANGELES -- Dustin Penner, whose observations of the world are sharply drawn, is not the lunatic fringe of the Kings' magnificent run to the cusp of the Stanley Cup.
LOS ANGELES -- You're the New Jersey Devils, looking for answers as you stare into the abyss of failed power plays, a goalie you can't beat, changing forward combinations that aren't generating goals and a 3-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Kings.
In a series that at times has had the necessary offensive antidotes -- strong goaltending, neutral-zone clutter and bad ice -- the Kings used bursts of offensive brilliance for a second straight game to topple the Devils in overtime. After Jeff Carter's goal at 13:42 of OT gave them a 2-1 win, the Kings now head back to Los Angeles with a perfect 10-0 record on the road and perfectly positioned to win their first Stanley Cup.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Two years can sometimes go by like a flash. For Jeff Carter, who scored the overtime goal Saturday night that gave the Los Angeles Kings a 2-0 series lead over the New Jersey Devils, two years might as well have been another lifetime.
Join the conversation as Adrian Dater and Allan Muir blog Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals ...
GM: Dean Lombardi -- Hired 4/21/06; Former scout with Flyers (2003-06), GM of Sharks (1996-2003)
NEWARK, N.J. -- The Devils met their enemies in their opening-game loss to Kings on Wednesday night and they were right in the mirror. After superb effort that allowed them to survive a seventh-game overtime against Florida, outskate hot Philadelphia and thwart the rival Rangers, New Jersey must now rebound from a well-earned defeat in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals. "Honestly we didn't deserve to win," veteran Devils forward Patrik Elias said after his team's 2-1 overtime loss. "You need to have all 20 guys going in the Stanley Cup finals and we just didn't have that."
NEWARK, N.J. -- Before the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings could walk the walk in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals, the suits around the league had to talk the talk. So, with the general managers meeting in New York City Wednesday and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr addressing the media (separately, naturally), here are the bits of news from around the league:
The NHL's lion in winter is back in the spring.
On his way out of the room at Media Day at the Stanley Cup finals, Alexei Ponikarovsky looked at the familiar silver trophy decorating the NHL Network set and blurted to no one in particular, "Is that the real Stanley Cup?"
Regular season series: Devils win 2-0
NEWARK, N.J. -- Forget the silver hairs, the gaudy résumé dragging along the floor, the questions about age and even the ghosts he thought he'd buried long ago; Martin Brodeur stood tall with a legend's prescience and saved his case of the yips for a postgame leap into a pile of teammates.
Once again, our intrepid hockey scribes have thrown down the gloves to take on some of the Stanley Cup playoffs' big issues and stories as well as each other. Click here for last week's thrilling installment.
Make no mistake: the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils are rivals, bound by geography and defined by history. Their proximity is obvious looking across the Hudson, at the standings and in seeing the two teams battle six times annually during the regular season as part of the Atlantic Division. History is personal, made in the moment by the players involved and remembered throughout time by the fans on each side. It becomes the fabric that enthralls us all when it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
NEW YORK -- At some point, it's time to expect the unexpected, to look at the player who entered the postseason with one NHL game this year and see not a fourth-line plug but an integral piece of a winning puzzle. On a team that boasts such offensive talent as sniper Ilya Kovalchuk and workhorse Zach Parise, it would be easy to see players like Stephen Gionta, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier as bit players -- perhaps heroes for an evening. But night in and night out this spring, their impact continues to be felt, and on the backs of their fourth line, New Jersey pulled within a win of the Eastern Conference title by defeating the Rangers 5-3 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
On Sunday J.J. Henry led the Byron Nelson Championship by a stroke on 17, at which time he hit his tee shot six yards over the green, double-bogeyed the hole, finished tied for third and told the press, "I thought I hit a good shot but the golf gods thought otherwise." And with that, responsibility lay not with Henry, nor even a single supernatural force -- a soft-spiked, hard-hearted golf god -- but with a whole panel of multiple gods subjectively critiquing his performance, like the judges on American Idol.
What we learned from a thrilling overtime win that propels Los Angeles to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1993:
It's small picture time for the Phoenix Coyotes.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Zach Parise can usually be found sunny-side up, the kind of gentleman for whom every day brings a reason for optimism. So when the Devils' captain begged off his usual postgame obligations after the Rangers shut his team out in Game 3 Saturday afternoon, it was either a sign of frustration or a hint of fortitude and resolution to follow. On Monday night, Parise answered, lifting his team into a tie series and an entirely new posture. With two goals and an assist in the Devils' decisive 4-1 victory in Game 4 against the Rangers, Parise gave his teammates reason to smile anew. "Feels much better," said Devils forward Adam Henrique. "Zach pulled us up and it's a new series now."
What we learned from Sunday's series-extending Game 4 win for the Phoenix Coyotes:
NEWARK, N.J. -- The Devils figured out a way to get through the Rangers' vaunted defense; now they have to find ways to beat their goalie.
We asked two of our hockey scribes to put their heads together and discuss their impressions of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs thus far. Their consensus: surprises galore and a few dull moments in the east.
What we learned in Los Angeles' economical 2-1 win over Phoenix in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals:
NEW YORK -- The New Jersey Devils' David Clarkson is now 3-for-3. When he tipped in a high point shot from Adam Henrique past New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the 27-year-old winger scored his third goal of the postseason -- incidentally, his third game-winner of this spring. Clarkson himself has no answer as to why his stick has a certain Midas touch this spring.
What we learned in Los Angeles' decisive 4-0 win over Phoenix in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final:
While pondering Jeff Carter's natural hat trick in Game 2 and the systematic way the Los Angeles Kings are absolutely woodshedding the overmatched Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Final, it is worth remembering that some of the best trades are the ones you don't make ... and the ones that you do.
Does anyone get the feeling that this is 2004 all over again? It's the Stanley Cup playoffs, the pinnacle of NHL competition, yet there is such an unsettled feeling to this year's proceedings -- as was the case eight years ago. The similarities as I see them are: a collective bargaining agreement about to expire, unforeseen playoff runs by unlikely teams, and much ado about a boring brand of hockey. Let's debate, shall we...
Regular season series: Kings win 3-1-2
If these playoffs have told us one thing, it's that rest is for wimps. For teams that had a lot of rest and relaxation coming in, the results the next series have been rusty and rotten.
Regular season series: Rangers win 3-2-1
It is the growing sports epidemic of the 21st century, where being the best team in the regular season of any of the four major professional leagues has never meant so little for the postseason. In fact, not only are the trophy cases of such teams likely to be empty at playoffs' end, but these regular season champions are lucky if they get past their first playoff opponent.
Jonathan Quick carried more than his share of the load to help the Los Angeles Kings advance to the Western Conference Final.
John Tortorella was given the chance to counteract what Dale Hunter acted upon in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday night. And there is your difference as to why the New York Rangers are pushing on with their season, and the Capitals are all done.
It started out as yet another winter of discontent in New Hampshire for Slava Voynov, who last October unhappily began his fourth season as a pro hockey player in North America. Drafted 32nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2008, the Russian defenseman knew he'd likely have to spend some dues-paying time in Manchester before he got his shot in the NHL. But four years? Nyet.
Martin Brodeur was unstrapping his goaltending pads after another victory, about to be rushed to a TV interview, when a reporter on deadline made a request. Could he answer just one quick question?
Whatever John Tortorella said to his players before Game 6 Wednesday night, they totally ignored him. On a night when his New York Rangers could have eliminated the Washington Capitals and moved on the Eastern Conference finals, Tortorella's troops played a robotic, passion-free hockey game, with the thought bubble that seemed to say "It's OK, we can get 'em in Game 7 in our barn if we don't do it tonight."
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gave his stamp of approval to new St. Louis Blues ownership, saying the franchise's financial picture is much improved.
Much sweat and blood has been invested in a playoff season that has surprised many. Certainly, parity has played a part in the exits of top seeds and favorites in the early rounds, where the work harder/give more mantra is enough to make a difference. The Western Conference is evidence of that, as both coaches of the finalists, Dave Tippett in Phoenix and Darryl Sutter in Los Angeles, have long subscribed to that coaching credo. Same in the east where John Tortorella's Rangers and Dale Hunter's Capitals are set for a Game 7 on Saturday night because both men have their respective teams sacrificing everything physically to an utterly jaw-dropping degree.
Behind two first-period goals and 27 saves by goalie Martin Brodeur, the New Jersey Devils dropped the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal at the Wells Fargo Center Tuesday night, taking the series and advancing to the Conference finals for the first time since 2003.
On what may go down as one of the finest days in the history of the Phoenix Coyotes, captain Shane Doan's first thoughts were for the team's long-suffering supporters.
1. Marc Staal, Rangers. Staal had just two goals and five points on the season after his debut was delayed by long-term concussion issues, but after pounding home the winner in New York's I-can't-believe-that-just-happened 3-2 overtime win on Monday night, he's already matched those totals in the playoffs. The goal -- a laser from the blue liner that took full advantage of an Artem Anisimov screen -- is likely to go down as one of the greatest in Rangers lore, but it was the amazing defensive work in the third when he broke up a 3-on-1 twice on the same play that kept New York within striking distance and set the table for the remarkable comeback.
NEW YORK -- Call it the power of pessimism. With his team down in the waning seconds of a likely 2-1 defeat in Game 5, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was looking ahead.
The utter dominance of the Devils in their 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday night wasn't captured by the 4-2 final score.
All you needed for visual proof of the complete and total transformation of the Los Angeles Kings during the past 30 days was to watch the final two minutes of their Game 4 sweep of the St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon.
Ladies and gentlemen, for this afternoon's performance, the role of the New York Rangers will be played by the Washington Capitals. All shot blocking previously depicted by Mssrs. Girardi, Staal, Del Zotto and McDonagh will instead be handled by Carlson, Alzner, Green and Schultz. Especially Schultz. Big time Schultz. One man traffic snarl, that Schultz. Time to call roadside assistance to evacuate the impediment.
1. Shane Doan, Coyotes -- Dave Tippett didn't mention him by name, but when the coach praised the team's leadership in his post-game press conference, it was a clear nod to the play of his captain. Doan set the tone with his aggressive forechecking in the first, then created the game's only goal with a knockdown of hulking Hal Gill and a slick drive to the net. After that, he was the model of discipline, playing virtually flawless defense as the Coyotes clung to the thinnest of margins for 45 minutes before claiming their 1-0 victory.
Leave it to Phoenix goalie Mike Smith. When asked by NBC's Joe Micheletti after Friday's 1-0 Game 4 snoozer how his team keeps pulling off these tough road wins, he voiced what we all were thinking.
It was so easy to want to lose faith in the Los Angeles Kings all season long. Words such as "underachievers", "disappointments" and "#$%@!$%" were applied to them during a regular season that saw the coach get fired and the captain nearly traded.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Ilya Kovalchuk did not accompany the New Jersey Devils to Philadelphia earlier this week, but that doesn't mean he didn't make a side trip to Lourdes when everybody was looking elsewhere. The restorative waters on the other side of the great un-Zamboni-ed pond are said to promote healing better than those of Upper New York Bay, which probably has more to do with public relations than with the purity of the wet stuff in north Jersey.
Some might think the Hockey Gods owed one to the Nashville Predators for handling the Alexander Radulov/Andrei Kostitsyn imbroglio "the right way."
The game was over in the first overtime. Matt Hendricks crushed Ryan McDonagh with a clean hit, took the puck and fed Troy Brouwer with a backhand pass to the front of the Rangers' net. A shot into a wide open right part and the Washington Capitals would be going to Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. But Brouwer simply missed it, wide right.
1. Ryan McDonagh, Rangers -- This is a triple-OT, paint-by-numbers, no-brainer selection. 53:17 of playing time. Eight blocked shots. Three hits. Nine shots directed at the Washington net. And most of those numbers accrued after he was blown up by Matt Hendricks while he tried to move the puck out of the corner. There were plenty of heroic efforts on the night (Hendricks was a beast out there for the Caps) but McDonagh may as well have slipped on a cape and a cowl. Marc Bergevin could only watch and curse his predecessor for what might have been in Montreal.
MONTREAL -- In the coaching realm, when an organization hits the reset button, invariably it hires what it hasn't had: a players' coach is succeeded by a disciplinarian; a prison warden replaces a country club social director; Mr. Yin yields to Mr. Yang. But the storied Montreal Canadiens, who sashay down Ste. Catherine St. to a beat sometimes only they can hear, have extended one of sport's governing principles to the front office.
The game was destined to be about the Ilyas -- that is, the Devils' Kovalchuk and the Flyers' Bryzgalov.
The saying goes that you're never in trouble in the playoffs until you lose a game at home.
NEW YORK -- Enough talk about role players, fourth-liners and character-gritty-unsung one-off heroes. With one laser strike, Alex Ovechkin righted the hockey hierarchy, the emoting superstar with his fists in the air and his team on his back. With the lethal suddenness that befits the sniper he still is, Ovechkin rifled a game-winning 45-foot missile past Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist with 7:27 to play, giving the Capitals a 3-2 victory in what is now a 1-1 series.
1. Anze Kopitar, Kings -- Kopi was nails for the Kings, scoring a pair of first-period goals that flat-out crushed the spirit of the St. Louis Blues. The first was one for the highlight reels, a short-handed beauty that saw him take a crisp pass from Dustin Brown in the high slot, drive the net, hit the brakes at the edge of the crease then tuck it around a stunned Brian Elliott for a 2-0 Los Angeles lead. The second was the kill shot, a backhander off a sweet Justin Williams dish that came with just 17 seconds left in the frame. With L.A. desperate for a big game from its top line, Kopitar led the way.
I'm not sure what coach Dave Tippett said to the Phoenix Coyotes before Game 2 Sunday night, but whatever magnificent words of inspiration he offered sure did the trick. Dominant from start to finish, the Coyotes were full value for a surprising 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators.
1. Chris Kreider, N.Y. Rangers -- One goal, one assist for the kid who was playing his hockey on a place called Chestnut Hill just a few weeks ago. The Boston College product is now a favorite of New York. Kreider's slap shot from high in the slot past Washington goalie Braden Holtby was the game-winner for the Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. It might be tempting to call it a soft goal -- as that's what everybody seems to call a goal that comes from beyond 20 feet anymore -- but it wasn't. It was a great shot from the rookie, and he is one big reason why more and more hockey pundits are starting to think the Rangers might just win a Stanley Cup for the first time in 18 years.
You live by the one-goal-lead, sit-back-and-trap-it-up-from-there-sword -- you die by the one-goal-lead, sit-back-and-trap-it-up-from-there-sword.
NEW YORK -- Three weeks ago, Chris Kreider was a champion. With Boston College, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound winger helped the Eagles to their fifth NCAA title as the NHL regular season was coming to a close. Three days later, he signed with the Rangers, who drafted him 19th overall in 2009, and joined the top team in the Eastern Conference for a playoff run, getting acquainted with new teammates, a new coach and New York City.
The Nashville Predators controlled nearly every aspect of their series opener with the Phoenix Coyotes Friday night.
Regular season series: Predators win 3-1
Regular season series: Kings win 3-1
For the first two periods, this game was Ambien mixed with Melatonin. For the final 43 minutes 47 seconds, it was a triple-shot cappucino mixed with Red Bull and steroids followed by a 50,000-volt chaser of electricity.
NEW YORK -- Thanks to a defense-turned-offense that was unexpected and timely goaltending that was presumed, the New York Rangers are alive to play another game, the remaining top-seeded team after a first round of playoffs that cleared out a number of favorites and left eight fortunate and resilient survivors.
What? You didn't know the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers are set to meet tonight in a decisive Game 7?
It had been the closest series in NHL playoff history coming in, so did we already know that Wednesday's Game 7 between the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins would go to overtime? Yup.
NEWARK, N.J. -- It came as no surprise that a game between the Devils and Panthers went to overtime. After all, Florida led the league with 25 extra sessions this season; New Jersey was close behind with 22. If anything, it's shocking the teams hadn't needed more than regulation before Game 6 on Tuesday night. At times, it looked like a marathon was in the making as they traded chances early in the extra frame.
Whether it was Henrik Lundqvist shaking with anger at the final horn, Chris Neil barking through his 7-10 split teeth, John Tortorella clearly mouthing one of George Carlin's seven words you can't say on TV or Paul MacLean heatedly saying ... something ... through that Wilford Brimley mustache, everyone it seems got their two cents in to the referees during the Rangers' 3-2 stayin'-alive win over the Senators at Scotiabank Place.
It was the hot talking point after the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup with Antti Niemi between the pipes: Do you really need an elite goalie anymore to win it all?
1. Mike Smith, Coyotes. "I told our guys we were pretty good after we got it to 4-0," Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said. "Before that, it was all Mike Smith."
NEW YORK -- They didn't look all that different Saturday night, those Senators and Rangers. Both teams, backed by solid goaltending, undermined by impotent power plays, looked for any edge in a 2-2 series, however thin it might be. And in the end, it was Ottawa that found it, defeating top-seeded New York, 2-0, in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
The Penguins learned a tough lesson Sunday. You can only dodge a bullet for so long. Especially when you keep supplying the other guys with ammunition.
VANCOUVER -- The entire city wanted to believe. Who didn't? But down 3-1 in the first round of the NHL playoffs, the Presidents' Cup-winning Vancouver Canucks didn't look too solid heading into overtime in Game 5 at home, especially after giving up the tying goal to the Los Angeles Kings early in the third period.
Zdeno Chara looked like the hapless extra in a Steven Seagal movie fight, Patrice Bergeron was playing with an "upper-body injury" that could have been a concussion, Brad Marchand had a bloodied mouth from a miscalculated Fosbury Flop and Tim Thomas looked just, well, pooped.
1 Craig Anderson, Senators -- The formula's pretty simple. For a No. 8 seed to even entertain the thought of rousting the top seed from the playoffs, it needs some clutch scoring, contributions from an unsung hero and some Ronnie Biggs-type thievery between the pipes. The Senators got all three tonight, including a pair of goals from Jason Spezza -- his first in the series -- and a stellar debut from Mark Stone, the Team Canada World Junior star who made the most of his chance with a physical presence and a slick pass to set up Spezza's game-winner.
The San Jose Sharks traveled to St. Louis needing three wins to save their season.
It was a reverse-jinx theory that even some of the most superstitious types had finally abandoned, even as the playoffs began. The theory: Maybe it was the best thing for the Washington Capitals to enter the playoffs as a low seed this time around. No more "If this team doesn't win a Cup, the whole season will be a bust" beast of a burden expectations-wise.
Loading weather data ... | http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/hockey | 6,205 |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ubaldo Jimenez believes he is in a position to put his past two years of struggles behind him. In a 6-4 Cactus League victory over the Giants on Thursday afternoon, the Indians starter spun four solid innings in his continued comeback attempt.
Jimenez wants to show Cleveland that trading for him two seasons ago was not a mistake.
"The last two years have been really hard," Jimenez said. "They brought me over here because they believed in me. I haven't been able to show it, but I'm looking forward to doing that this year."
Jimenez, who was acquired from the Rockies in July 2011, allowed one run on three hits with two strikeouts and no walks in his third outing of the spring. The right-hander felt strong enough after his start against San Francisco to head to the bullpen, where he threw for a few minutes to bring his total to more than 60 pitches logged.
San Francisco's lone run against Jimenez came in the fourth inning, when Brandon Crawford contributed a sun-assisted triple with one out. Crawford sent a pitch towering over center field, where Cleveland's Michael Bourn lost sight of the ball. It dropped to the grass and Crawford sprinted to third for an easy three-base hit. Hunter Pence brought Crawford home with a single.
Despite that one hiccup, Jimenez was happy with his performance.
"I felt good," Jimenez said. "I was able to attack the strike zone and I threw all my pitches for strikes. Everything went good. I was trying to command my fastball and, what I did today different than the other days, I threw more breaking balls then before."
Giants right-hander Chad Gaudin -- a non-roster invitee in the mix for a long-relief role -- turned in three shutout innings in an emergerncy start. San Francisco right-hander Tim Lincecum was scratched from his scheduled start due to a blister on his right middle finger. Lincecum is considered day to day with the minor issue.
Pitching in place of Lincecum, Gaudin allowed two hits and ended with two strikeouts.
"That's what I train in the offseason for, to come into spring ready to do whatever I need," Gaudin said. "I'm ready for anything. I come ready to pitch no matter what, whether that's in the first, second, fourth or 10th inning."
The Indians' offense got things rolling in the home half of the fourth, when left fielder Ryan Raburn -- competing for a bench job -- delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded against Giants lefty Josh Osich. Raburn ended the afternoon with a pair of two-base hits, upping his Cactus League batting average to .550 this spring.
In the fifth inning, facing San Francisco pitching prospect Heath Hembree, Nick Swisher and Jason Giambi launched back-to-back home runs to push the Indians to a 6-2 lead. Following Swisher's three-run shot to right field, Giambi sent a baseball bouncing off the tin rooftop above the right-field bleacher seats for his first homer of the spring.
San Francisco countered with three runs in the sixth inning against Tribe right-hander Cody Allen, who is in the mix for a bullpen job. Crawford singled and scored on a base hit from Pence, and Brandon Belt brought two runs across the plate with a double down the left-field line. Allen exited after just two-thirds of an inning for the Indians.
Up next: The Giants will host a Dodgers split squad Friday at Scottsdale Stadium with first pitch slated for 12:05 p.m. PT. The game will be carried on sfgiants.com as Barry Zito makes his third appearance of the spring. In his first 4 2/3 innings, Zito allowed a combined two earned runs on four hits while striking out three. The Giants tied Los Angeles, 8-8, in their last meeting on February 26. | http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130307&content_id=42416936&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf | 838 |
Firefighters say kids playing with matches set their mobile home on fire. It happened around 10:00 Saturday morning at 1948 Forrest Park Court in Westbrooke Mobile Home Park. McCutchanville firefighters say the kids, around three and four years old, set fire to a mattress, causing heavy smoke and fire damage inside the home. The children and two adults also inside the home were also taken to the hospital. German Township and Scott Township Fire departments also responded to the scene. | http://tristatehomepage.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=11461 | 96 |
UFC heavyweight Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve (29-5-0) looks to extend his four-fight winning streak on Saturday when he takes on Mark “Super Samoan” Hunt (8-7-0) at UFC on FUEL TV 8. The seven-foot Dutchman will look to use his Stretch Armstrong-esque reach and formidable submission skills to knock Hunt — a former a former K-1 kickboxing champion— from the title, uh, hunt.
“I always want to show how much I’ve improved, how much better I’ve gotten,” Struve said. “I’ve added about 15 pounds of muscle since my last fight, and I’ve never felt stronger.”
Of course a weight gain that significant wasn’t accidental or the product of a diet based on Funyons and Skittles. It came from being as strict in the kitchen as well as the gym.
“I have about seven meals and two protein shakes per day,” he added. “I eat a lot of clean meats, vegetables, good carbs, and [minimally processed] foods. When the fight is over, I will have a snack, like pizza or a hamburger, but until then I’ll follow this meal plan as closely as possible.”
For portions, Struve consumes 300 grams of chicken or fish, and 500 grams of vegetables. Vitargo, a supplement he adds to his protein shakes, is a quick-digesting carb that the body can use to restore muscle glycogen and aid protein synthesis.
Here, a typical day's diet for the 25-year-old athlete:
MEAL #1 | 8:30 a.m.
High-protein yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken, eggs, fish oil, multivitamins, and extra vitamin C
Struve says: “Cottage cheese has a lot of protein … that the body will consume through the night. In Holland, the cottage cheese is more like yogurt; it just tastes saltier.”
MEAL #2 | 9:30 a.m
Oatmeal with non-fat milk
Struve says: “With the first meal of the day having high protein and the second being oatmeal (carbs), I have everything I need to perform the way I need to.”
Shake after training session #1: Water, Vitargro (carb), high-level protein
Struve says: "My shakes are consumed 10-15 minutes after training so my bloodstream is still going fast and my heart rate is up; this allows my body to absorb the nutrients more easily."
MEAL #3 | 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pasta with veggies
Struve says: “I'll be hungry again after about an hour, so all the carbs here will be absorbed quickly.”
MEAL #4 | 3:00 p.m.
Chicken or fish or meat with vegetables
Struve says: "Chicken with tomatoes is an easy meal to make and there’s a lot of nutrition in there. I prefer green vegetables, but will get whatever looks good in the supermarket.”
MEAL #5 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fish or chicken with vegetables
Struve says: “If I eat potatoes and bread, my stomach acid goes nuts. After a fight I don’t have to worry as much, so that’s a good time to have those [types of foods].”
Shake after training session #2: Water, Vitargro, high-level protein
MEAL #6 | 9 p.m. – 9:30 p.m
Fruit and coconut water
Struve says: "After my training session, I'll eat a banana, apple, grapes, or whatever is available at the market. I’ll also have coconut water to [re]hydrate my body."
MEAL #7 | 10:00 p.m. +/-
Cottage cheese with fish oil and vitamins
Struve says: “There are a lot of dairy farms in Holland, so cottage cheese is more affordable than it is in the U.S.”
Stefan Struve: Diet Tips for a Tower of Power
By Zack Zeigler February 25, 2013
How seven-foot tall heavyweight Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve added fifteen pounds of power | http://uk.ufc.com/news/feeding-the-skycraper-stefan-struve | 959 |
DURHAM, N.H.-- For the second consecutive season, and for the second time in school history, the No. 1-ranked University of New Hampshire football team has advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA I-AA Playoffs. The contest, vs. No. 7 ranked Northern Iowa, is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. The contest will be shown live on ESPN Game Plan and shown tape delayed on ESPNU at 9:30 p.m.
Northern Iowa arrives in Durham with a 9-3 overall record fresh off an impressive 41-38 home victory over No. 15 Eastern Washington. The Panthers have won five straight games and included in that string are victories over other top 25 opponents such as Western Kentucky on the road (23-20 OT) and Southern Illinois (25-24).
This will also mark the first-ever meeting between the Wildcats and the Panthers. Northern Iowa was the 2005 champion of the Gateway Conference, which was among the top-ranked leagues in I-AA throughout the season. UNH is 0-1 all-time vs. Gateway opponents after losing to Western Kentucky in the 1975 NCAA Division II semifinal contest (Rice Bowl), 14-3.
The Wildcats, at 11-1, have now posted the most wins in the program's history, and are coming off a decisive 55-21 home first-round victory over Patriot League champion Colgate. With the win over the Raiders, UNH now owns a 2-4 NCAA I-AA playoff record. It also marked UNH's first-ever NCAA I-AA victory at Cowell Stadium.
Northern Iowa features a very balanced and explosive offense led by quarterback Eric Sanders, who has 2,146 passing yards this season and has thrown for 18 touchdowns. The Panthers also run the ball very well and have been led in rushing by David Horne with 822 rushing yards, 14 TDs and 68.5 yards per contest.
Tickets will go on sale for the first round game on Mon., Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. at the Whittemore Center Arena, by calling 1-866-WILDCAT or by going to www.unhwildcats.com. Prices are $10 for under 18 youth and seniors, $15 for general admission /standing room only, and $20 for reserved seats. UNH students can buy tickets at the Whittemore Center Box Office and on game day for $5 with their student ID. | http://unhwildcats.com/sports/fball/2005-06/releases/archivepage.cfm-pid=5F958826-BDB7-0F43-A96785EABF277A0A.htm | 511 |
DURHAM, N.H. – Keith LeVan (Waltham, Mass.) caught two touchdown passes and threw for another one to lead the 15th-ranked University of New Hampshire football team to Saturday afternoon’s 35-30 upset victory against 11th-ranked University of Delaware at Cowell Stadium.UNH improved to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the CAA while Delaware suffered its first defeat of the season and is now 5-1, 3-1.
Following a scoreless first quarter, LeVan capped UNH’s 21-point second quarter with a 45-yard pass to Mike Boyle (Plymouth, N.H.) in which he caught a lateral from quarterback R.J. Toman (Mission Viejo, Calif.) in the right flat and found Boyle alone down the right sideline. The ensuing PAT by Tom Manning (Rome, N.Y.) gave the Wildcats a 21-3 lead at 2:44. That play came immediately after Justin Wright (Providence, R.I.) and Kamal Mohammed (San Diego, Calif.) stopped UD’s Fred Andrew short of a first down on a run off a fake punt.
Delaware marched 68 yards on 10 plays in the opening drive of the third quarter to pull within 21-10 at 10:22. Omar Cuff (22 carries-89 yards; seven catches-68 yards) capped the drive with an 8-yard TD run.
The combination of Toman-to-LeVan produced two touchdowns that extended UNH’s lead to 35-10. LeVan caught the ball at the front-left pylon on the first strike, a 28-yard pass play, at 5:27. On the next UNH drive, Toman evaded the blitz on 3rd-and-12 by rolling out to the left and he connected with LeVan deep along the sideline for the 36-yard scoring play at 1:01.
Toman finished the game 5-for-9 for 98 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 47 rushing yards on seven carries, after entering the game on the fifth play of UNH’s fourth drive of the game – a drive that culminated with a 1-yard run by Sean Jellison (Amherst, N.H.) at 5:17 of the second quarter that gave the ‘Cats a 14-3 advantage.
Delaware’s furious fourth-quarter rally began with a 54-yard TD pass from Joe Flacco to Josh Baker at 12:52 that trimmed the visitor’s deficit to 35-17.Ronald Talley then blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by UNH’s Manning, and the led to Flacco’s 31-yard pass play to Cuff that lift UD within 35-24 at 3:41.
UNH’s Boyle recovered the ensuing onsides kick attempt, but the Fighin’ Blue Hens stopped Toman on a 4th-and-1 to regain possession with 3:07 remaining. Delaware quickly covered 66 yards in 1:34 and Cuff’s second TD run of the game – a school-record 48th career rushing touchdown – trimmed the margin to 35-30. The two-point pass attempt from Flacco to Aaron Hicks was knocked down by Jeff Pammer (Northampton, Pa.) two yards deep into the endzone.
The Wildcats once again recovered the onsides kick – this time T.J. Wright (Agoura Hills, Calif.) off a high bounce at the UNH 47 yard line. With just 1:31 remaining and Delaware out of timeouts, the Wildcats ran out the clock on three plays to secure the win.
Flacco went 40-of-51 for 419 yards and two TDs. Both the attempts and completions are school records and the passing yardage ranks third for a single game.
Pammer finished with 11 tackles to pass both Czar Wiley (199-2002; 273 tackles) and Scott Curtis (1984-87; 278) on the program’s career leaderboard with 281.
Looking at UNH’s other statistical leaders, quarterbacks Santos and Toman were the top rushers on the day with 51 and 47 yards apiece, while the combo of Boyle (4-96 yds) and LeVan (4-90) led the way in receiving for the ‘Cats.
In the overall team numbers, Delaware produced 496 yards of total offense as compared to 413 by UNH.
New Hampshire returns to action Oct. 13 against Iona College as part of Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.unhwildcats or by calling 1-866-WILDCAT. Fans will also be able to watch the game online at UNHwildcats.tv. | http://unhwildcats.com/sports/fball/2007-08/releases/archivepage.cfm-pid=773761A1-B422-425B-0BDACD0F6FC489F5.htm | 1,016 |
June 19, 2012 -- At the 2012 Visa Championships, McKayla Maroney suffered a minor nasal fracture and a mild concussion following a missed landing during the warm-ups prior to the final senior women’s session. Since then, Maroney, her parents and coach have been working closely with several physicians, including Dr. Larry Nassar, the U.S. Women’s National Team doctor. Maroney has returned to the gym and her progress is being closely monitored.
A quote from McKayla Maroney
“My doctors and coaches are working together to find the balance between recovery and my wanting to get back into the gym and prepare for the Olympic Trials. My family and I appreciate all of the well wishes and support from my fans, friends, and teammates.” | http://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=10311&prog=wc | 160 |
Pulling a hamstring was an especially bad break for offensive tackle Charles Brown at USC’s pro day Wednesday.
Brown also missed the Senior Bowl because of a calf injury, and he didn’t do all the drills at the scouting combine either. None of this is a red flag, but it doesn’t exactly endear Brown to evaluators.
One scout told me that he thought Damian Williams might surpass Brown on his team’s draft board — in part because Williams is rising, in part because Brown is slipping.
I’d be shocked if Brown made it out of the second round — he’s an extremely talented player, with room for growth, at a position every team needs — but I don’t think he’s a first-rounder anymore.
More NFL draft posts: | http://usc.blog.ocregister.com/2010/04/01/nfl-draft-is-charles-brown-slipping/35893/ | 172 |
Friday, April 01, 2005
Greg Tonagel, Valpo's director of basketball operations, was named head men's basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. A former point guard at Valpo from 1998-04, Tonagel was part of six Mid-Continent Conference Championships.
As director of basketball operations during the 2004-05 season, Tonagel has been responsible for film exchange and assisting in on-campus recruiting, team academics, team travel, summer camps and coaching clinics.
As a sixth-year senior in 2003-04, he played the last 14 games, helping Valpo to its 8th Mid-Continent Conference Tournament title and 7th NCAA Tournament appearance.
In 1998-99, Tonagel's freshman season, he earned a starting position and helped Valpo win both the Mid-Con regular season and tournament championships for the fifth straight year. An outstanding free throw shooter, Tonagel set Mid-Con and Valpo records with 41 straight made free throws as a freshman. In recognition of his success in 1998-99, he was accorded honorable mention status on the All-American Farm Team by Successful Farming magazine.
Tonagel ranks just outside Valpo's all-time top 10 in assists and steals. He made 90 percent (117 of 130) of his charity tosses in his career.
A native of LaPorte, Indiana and graduate of LaPorte High School, Tonagel was selected to the Indiana All-Star Team following his senior year in 1997-98. He set LaPorte records for assists, steals and games played and helped LaPorte to the Indiana Final Four during his junior season.
A 2003 graduate of Valparaiso University, Tonagel earned a bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in education. | http://valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news-print/2004-05/6136/tonagel-named-head-basketball-coach-at-indiana-wesleyan/ | 378 |
NEW YORK -- With his single in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 8-3 Yankees win over the Royals, shortstop Derek Jeter tied Hall of Famer Paul Waner for 15th place on baseball's all-time hits list.
Jeter, who went 3-for-5 to run his career total to 3,152, is two hits behind George Brett for 14th place.
"It's hard to believe, if you think about it," Jeter said. "I really don't try to think about it too much. I just try to go out there and get some hits and do my job. I wasn't aware of it until they asked for the ball, but it's kind of cool."
The win was Jeter's 18th multihit game of the season. The captain said he feels as though he's in good shape physically, and his numbers are reflecting it this season.
The 37-year-old 12-time All-Star is hitting .348 with five home runs and 16 RBIs this year.
A-Rod emphatically breaks free of slump
NEW YORK -- One of the Yankees' most prolific hitters, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez entered Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Royals batting .276 and slugging just .404, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .773. The third baseman had just five home runs and 15 RBIs this season, and he had gone homerless and recorded only one RBI since May 6.
But Rodriguez put his early-season frustrations in the past -- temporarily, at least -- with two homers in the first three innings off Royals rookie Will Smith. The first was a two-run drive to left field, and the second was a solo shot to center field that gave the slugger his 60th career multihomer game.
Before the game, manager Joe Girardi said he thinks Rodriguez has fallen victim to some bad luck, and that A-Rod has still been hitting the ball hard. Rodriguez, who went 1-for-4 and was hit by a pitch on Tuesday, stole second when he reached on a single in the fourth inning.
"That's what Alex does," Girardi said. "He's a complete player. He's very heads-up, he's very smart and he knows how to play the game. If he sees the little opening they're going to give you, he's going to take advantage of it."
Rodriguez also put away the Royals in the ninth inning, throwing out Alcides Escobar at first on a play that nearly pushed home the tying run.
As far as the hitting goes, Girardi is not ready to give up on Rodriguez.
"He can get on a streak, and if he gets on a streak, he can carry you," Girardi said. "And if he feels good, that's a good sign for us."
Gardner, Robertson near rehab stint
NEW YORK -- As planned, Brett Gardner and David Robertson will travel to Tampa, Fla., on Thursday to begin rehab work, although Gardner is unlikely to swing a bat before Monday. Upon arriving at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Robertson will play catch for the first time since straining his left oblique.
On Wednesday, Gardner underwent an MRI exam on his injured right elbow that revealed a healed muscle, although the left fielder still feels stiffness, likely from a bone bruise, according to manager Joe Girardi.
"He will still go to Tampa for treatment, working out his legs and stuff," Girardi said, "but our hope is he will start hitting off a tee on Monday."
Robertson is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, but a return that early is out of the question. Girardi said the right-hander is targeting a return during the Yankees' June 1-3 series in Detroit.
Righty Rafael Soriano is the Yankees' closer in the interim, and Girardi would not say how he will arrange the back end of his bullpen once Robertson returns.
"Here's my prayer: Let's just get Robby back," Girardi said. "Let's just get him back to where he's comfortable and get him in a game before we start making official decisions."
Teixeira plans to adjust new approach
NEW YORK -- First baseman Mark Teixeira returned to the No. 3 spot in the Yankees' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals after spending the previous two games batting seventh for the first time since his rookie season.
"The competitor in me says I want to hit where I've always hit," Teixeira said. "We've had a lot of success, and we've won a lot of games with me hitting third. It does mean something, but numbers are numbers. I don't think on anyone's Hall of Fame plaque it says where they hit in the order."
Teixeira hopes that dropping down in the order will help jumpstart his offensive production. Hampered by severely inflamed bronchial airways that have lingered since the first week of the season, Teixeira entered the series finale hitting .229 overall, and .209 in 19 games this month -- well below his lifetime .283 average in May.
Over the course of his career, Teixeira is a .287 hitter in the No. 3 spot, and it's where he's produced the majority of his power numbers.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he moved the switch-hitting Teixeira back to the three-hole because he liked his first baseman's chances against Kansas City's starter, left-hander Will Smith, who was called up from Triple-A Omaha to make his big league debut on Wednesday.
"You look what Mark has done over [this] period as a right-handed hitter -- he's been outstanding," Girardi said. "We have not swung the bats particularly well against left-handers so far this year, so I'm going with some track record and putting some guys where they've had a lot of success."
Teixeira attributed his early-season struggles to a new approach that hasn't worked. His .248 average last season led to some criticism, and he's tried to raise it by swinging at pitches he isn't driving for power. However, the difficult stretch this season has made Teixeira think he's putting the ball in play too much. Instead of waiting for a pitch he can hit for a home run, he's swinging at pitches and making outs.
"I've just been putting too many balls in play, I think," Teixeira said. "While last year, 39 home runs but a low batting average wasn't good enough, I think I'd rather hit 39 home runs than 20 or 15. I'd rather drive in 111 runs than 80. I'm going to be more aggressive."
Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak. Steven Miller and Ethan Asofsky are associate reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. | http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120523&content_id=32089684¬ebook_id=32119478&vkey=notebook_nyy&c_id=nyy | 1,477 |
Jones forced to quit
Cardiff Blues lock Deiniol Jones has confirmed he has been forced to retire after losing his battle against a shoulder injury.
Jones arrived at the club from the Celtic Warriors in 2004 - and went on to become the first player to make 100 appearances for the region.
However, having gone on to play 175 for the Blues - as well as winning 13 caps for Wales - Jones has been forced to hang up his boots.
The 34-year-old said: "I had an operation on both shoulders in November because they were getting too painful for me to continue playing and there was quite a bit of damage in both of them.
"After rehab, one shoulder has improved pretty well but the other one is at the stage where there is no hope of getting back to the strength and stability needed to play rugby.
"So, the advice I have been given by the surgeons is that I have to retire from the game.
"It has been a massive blow for me and it's a hard pill to swallow at the moment.
"However, if I take a step back and look at what has been achieved in the eight years I have been here at the Blues, then I am really proud to have been part of the development and progress that has been made." | http://web.orange.co.uk/article/sports/jones_forced_to_quit | 264 |
(Reuters) - Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss has been hospitalized for several months with an undisclosed form of cancer, USA Today reported on Friday, citing an unnamed source.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that Buss, 79, has spent time in the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to his son Jim.
Officials at Cedars declined to comment, citing privacy laws. The Lakers team office also declined to comment.
Buss purchased the National Basketball Association team in 1979. The team has won 10 NBA championships since then.
(Reporting By Deena Beasley; Editing by Gary Hill)
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp | http://whmp.com/LA-Lakers-owner-Jerry-Buss-hospitalized-with-cance/11472566?newsId=193715 | 158 |
wild.com is the official Web site of the Minnesota Wild Hockey Club. The Minnesota Wild, wild.com, "The State of Hockey" and State of Hockey flag image are trademarks of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2013 Minnesota Sports & Entertainment and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved. | http://wild.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2010020646 | 139 |
By Brian Moylan, Hollywood.com Staff
Yes, last night was about Blair crying. It was about Blair crying because people don't think she's pretty anymore, because people think she isn't loyal, because Malcolm won't love her the way she deserves to be loved, because Abi is really freaking mean to her. Whhaaaaa. That's what Blair said. She just sat there in the ocean in her sneakers (which is disgusting and no one wants to walk around in soggy trainers) and let people be mean to her.
So, after a reward challenge that dealt with balls and an immunity challenge that dealt with balls (Skupin won, possibly aided by the alien creature that appears to be growing on his shoulder) Blair didn't have any balls to go against her original alliance that treated her like crap since the beginning of the game to go with the nice people and Jonathan Penner, who would get her to eat the apple in the Garden of Eden if she gave him the chance. Yes, no balls at all. But Skupin did and got with the old Team Lesbian members and ousted Artis, a silent but venegeful god on Team Evil. Now if we can only get rid of Abi and her awful stink face and irrational temper and all will be quiet on the western front.
Yes, Blair is a big crybaby and so am I and currently I am pissed that I didn't save my original Survivor recap and all my jokes about balls and Blair and Abi and my Malcolm slash fiction are lost for the ages. I know I should save more. I know I should back up. It's my fault, really. My punishment is two days of sitting in the ocean in my sneakers. I hope it doesn't give me West Nile Virus (it will not). I'll make it up to you next week, I swear.
Follow Brian Moylan on Twitter @BrianJMoylan
[Photo Credit: AP Photo]
'Survivor' Recap: Blair Gets in the Game
'Survivor' Recap: Blair Finds a Hidden Immunity Idol
'Survivor' Recap: Blair Goes Mud Wrestling | http://wixx.com/news/articles/2012/nov/19/survivor-recap-blair-is-a-crybaby/ | 442 |
As we move closer to the start of the 20th season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, I take a look back at the top 20 moments in the history of the ballpark. Selected moments had to relate directly to the action on the field at the time. No orchestrated events such as World Series anniversary celebrations or Orioles Hall of Fame inductions were eligible.
20. Wieters’ debut
19. Nomo tosses only no-hitter in Oriole Park history
18. Orioles rally from nine-run deficit against Boston
16. Showalter takes the helm
15. Palmeiro homers in Oriole debut
14. Griffey’s Warehouse shot
13. Sparring with Seattle
12. Davis defies the odds
11. Hoiles’ slam stuns Mariners
10. Game 6 of 1997 ALCS
9. 1993 All-Star Game
8. Moose misses perfection
7. Eddie comes home
6. Bonilla’s slam in first playoff win
5. A beautiful place for a ballgame – April 6, 1992
It was both unusual and perfectly natural.
The Orioles had never played a home opener away from 33rd Street, but, still, it felt very much like home at 333 West Camden Street with the historic B&O Warehouse, the Bromo Seltzer tower, and the city skyline providing a beautiful backdrop.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened 19 years ago as the new “old” ballpark that would become the standard by which new parks are judged. The dignitaries came, including President George H. W. Bush who threw out the honorary first pitch — in the dirt — to catcher Chris Hoiles.
Then, after years of waiting for a new ballpark, the Orioles took the field at their downtown home as newly-signed veteran Rick Sutcliffe took the mound to deliver the first pitch in Camden Yards history. After making just 24 starts in his final two seasons with the Cubs, Sutcliffe was brilliant in his first game in Baltimore, stifling the Cleveland Indians in an old-fashioned contest that lasted just over two hours.
Sutcliffe delivered a five-hit shutout, striking out six and walking one in a 2-0 victory for the Orioles.
Baltimore received all the runs it needed in the fifth when Hoiles’ automatic double over the left-center wall plated Sam Horn with the first run in Camden Yards history and Billy Ripken’s suicide squeeze drove in Leo Gomez with the second and final run of the afternoon.
With 44,568 rising to their feet with two outs in the ninth — as they had hundreds of times at Memorial Stadium — Sutcliffe fanned Indians first baseman Paul Sorrento looking on an away fastball. The first game and the first win was in the books at the new home of the Baltimore Orioles.
The opening win set the tone for a surprising season after the 1991 club had lost 95 games in its final season on 33rd Street. The Orioles went an impressive 89-73, finishing seven games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and in third place.
All these years later, it still feels like it was only yesterday when Cal Ripken and the Orioles took the diamond at the Yard for the first time. It was both new and familiar. But most importantly, it was perfect.
Camden Yards firsts on Opening Day
First pitch – Rick Sutcliffe delivers a high fastball for a ball at 3:20 on April 6, 1992
First batter – Kenny Lofton flies out to right fielder Joe Orsulak
First hit – Paul Sorrento singles to left-center in the top of the second
First strikeout – Sutcliffe fans Mark Whiten in the top of the second
First Orioles hit – Glenn Davis singles up the middle in the bottom of the second
First run and first extra-base hit - Sam Horn scores on a Chris Hoiles automatic double in the bottom of the fifth
First win - Sutcliffe strikes out Sorrento to earn the 2-0 shutout | http://wnst.net/mlb/top-20-moments-in-camden-yards-history-no-5/ | 831 |
What If Google Were Run By Replacement Engineers?
Frustration over the NFL's not-ready-for-primetime replacement referees has inspired web designer Erik Johnson to present Google as if its search engine had replacement engineers at the controls. The result is a web page that looks a lot like the standard Google Search page — with a note that it is sponsored by the NFL.
Entering text in the Replacement Google search field yields real Google results. But they have nothing to do with your search terms, unless by some miracle of fate you were hoping to learn more about "Movies with Shaq in them," answer the question "Does Canada have Sonic restaurants?" — or simply read about "Turtles."
It seems that some of those "replacement searches" sometimes brought server error messages, as word spread about Johnson's spoof site. So be patient if you hit a roadblock.
In actual NFL news, spokesman Greg Aiello deflated rumors that the NFL and the referees' union were close to a deal, saying that he would not call such a conclusion "imminent" — "but talks are proceeding." | http://wutc.org/post/what-if-google-were-run-replacement-engineers | 227 |
It’s been a great year for baseball. Heavily contested division races where many went to the final week. The San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s both won their divisions. And it’s the only sport without union issues (for now).
The MLB At Bat app is the only way to listen to live games on your mobile device. And it has now gone free for the postseason. An essential, for the baseball fan. | http://www.148apps.com/news/mlb-bat-free-postseason/ | 94 |
Team Argos-Shimano 14th in opening team time trial at Tirreno-Adriatico
Omega Pharma – Quick-Step set the fastest time in the opening team time trial at Tirreno-Adriatico, ahead of Movistar and BMC Racing Team. Mark Cavendish has the honor of wearing the leader’s jersey in the first stage tomorrow.
Team Argos-Shimano started as the second-to-last team at 15:45. It was a wet circuit. Orica-GreenEdge, the winner of last year’s team time trial, set an early best time. Shortly after Orica-GreenEdge finished, Movistar was even quicker around the circuit. For a moment Movistar dreamed of another win to repeat the team’s victory in the 2012 Vuelta, but it was Omega Pharma – Quick-Step in the end that outpaced all the other teams.
Team Argos-Shimano came in 14th, at 51 seconds slower than the winners. “It was a hard time trial for the team today,” said sports director Marc Reef. “After 5km Koen de Kort and Albert Timmer were dropped, and after a few more kilometers Ramon Sinkeldam was dropped as well. I think everyone did as much as they could, so that’s OK. We will see how it goes in the coming days.”
1. Omega Pharma-Quick Step (BEL) 00:19:42
2. Movistar Team (Spanje) 0:00:11
3. BMC Racing (Verenigde Staten) 0:00:16
4. Cannondale Pro Cycling (Italië) 0:00:18
5. Astana Team (Kazachstan) 0:00:20
14. Team Argos-Shimano (NED) 0:00:51 | http://www.1t4i.com/team-argos-shimano-14th-in-opening-team-time-trial-at-tirreno-adriatico/ | 402 |
John Lineker Credits His Manager With Helping Him Win At UFC on FUEL TV 6
Posted by Joseph Lee on 11.13.2012
He had a plan...
In an interview with MMA Junkie, flyweight John Lineker gave his manager Alex Davis credit for helping him win at UFC on FX 6.
Lineker (20-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was heavy for his UFC debut and lost by submission to The Ultimate Fighter 14 cast member Louis Gaudinot in a catchweight fight at UFC on FOX 3 in May. But he then hired a manager who helped him to get ready in order to gain his eventual win over Yasuhiro Urushitani by decision.
On his first fight: "In my first fight in the UFC, it was the first time I had ever traveled outside Brazil. I had no help or support, and I really suffered from that. This time around I had my trainer, Marcelo Ribeiro, with me the whole time – and Alex Davis, who now is my manager, organized everything and came with me to make sure things ran smoothly. It was a huge difference from the first time around."
On the next flight to Brazil: "It is a 24-hour flight from Brazil to Macau, and Alex was worried that this would give my opponent a big advantage since he was coming from Japan, which is only a five-hour flight and just a one-hour time difference. Not only that, but this is only my second time traveling outside of Brazil. Alex made us do a 24-hour layover in Paris, made me work out when we landed and insisted I not sleep until it was nighttime in France. We then repeated the same thing when we got to Macau. In the beginning, I was thinking he was being a pain, but I now know that this made a big difference and enabled me to adjust to the different time zone and not be affected by jet lag. I was able to fight three full rounds without tiring."
On who he wants to thank: "I would like to thank God, my trainer Marcelo Ribeiro for his dedication and Alex Davis for giving me 100-percent support. I am really happy to have been able to show a little of what I can do. I will continue to improve, I will look for the 125-pound title, and I will bring the belt back to Brazil and to my hometown of Paranagua." | http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/262753/John-Lineker-Credits-His-Manager-With-Helping-Him-Win-At-UFC-on-FUEL-TV-6.htm | 502 |
Maximum Fighting Championship held their MFC 36 event at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The main card was broadcast live on AXS TV.
Here's a list of results from the event:
Graham Spencer def. Mukai Maromo via submission (north-south choke) - Round 3, 1:01 - for vacant lightweight title
Elvis Mutapcic def. Sam Alvey via unanimous decision (48-46, 49-45, 48-46) - for middleweight title
Mike Hackert vs. Smealinho Rama via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 2:28
Jonatas Novaes def. Kurt Southern via submission (armbar) - Round 3, 1:06
Jason Zentgraf def. Clay Davidson via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 4:57
Wes Swofford def. Jay Silva via KO (strikes) - Round 1, 0:41 | http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/273787/Quick-Results-for-MFC-36-Event.htm | 200 |
Jackson return held back
Canberra Capitals will be without star player Lauren Jackson for Friday night's clash against Sydney University at the AIS Arena.
Source: 7pm TV News ACT | Duration: 40sec
A space rock slams into the Moon with a force of five tonnes of TNT, creating a bright flash of light.
An exhibition of rare photos of John F. Kennedy and his family reveals a link to another tragic event.
Australian opener David Warner launches a scathing Twitter attack on two News Limited journalists. | http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-30/jackson-return-held-back/4342652?section=sport | 104 |
Recap: Sacramento St vs. UC Davis
Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - Corey Hawkins erupted for a game-high 29 points as he led the UC Davis Aggies to an 87-76 win over the Sacramento State Hornets in non-conference action in The Nest.
Hawkins, who was perfect at the free-throw line (9-of-9) and shot 9-of-15 from the floor overall, added seven rebounds and five assists for the Aggies (1-2) in the victory. J.T. Adenrele and Ryan Sypkens contributed 19 and 15 points, respectively, while Ryan Howley captured a game-high 15 rebounds.
The Hornets (3-1) were paced by Dylan Garrity with 22 points, John Dickson tacked on 18 points, six rebounds and six steals, followed by Mikh McKinney with 13 points and a team-best seven boards.
Both teams shot under 38 percent from the field in the first half, but thanks to a 5-of-12 showing behind the three-point line in the period, it was Sacramento that moved out to a 33-24 advantage at the break.
In the second half UC Davis stormed back with a sizzling 64.7 percent accuracy from the floor, 7-of-12 on the perimeter and a perfect 12-of-12 at the charity stripe, en route to the double-digit win.
The Aggies pulled off the victory despite being outscored 20-13 at the free- throw line and turning the ball over 21 times.Game Notes | http://www.abc24.com/sports/cbaskm/l.ncaa.org.mbasket-2012-e.64029/game.aspx | 327 |
BY TROY MARONEY
12:56 AM CST, December 8, 2012
It was his only basket of the night and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Brookings Bobcats.
With less than 10 seconds to play and the score tied at 50-all, senior forward Braxton Carlson rebounded a miss by fellow senior Kaleb Vig, and laid the ball over the rim without coming down to the floor, to give the Bobcats the lead, and ultimately the 52-50 come-from behind win over Aberdeen Central at Bob Jostad Gymnasium on Friday night. The Eastern South Dakota Conference game was the season opener for both boys’ high school basketball teams.
“I’m happy with the win,” said Brookings head coach Travis Engebretson. “I felt our communication was extremely poor and you put the two together, our defense wasn’t very good because of it. Give our kids credit. We were down seven and we clawed, we scratched and showed a lot of character tonight and are very happy to find a way to win a game early in the season.”
Despite knocking down 6-of-12 three-point attempts, the Golden Eagles trailed 24-22 after the first half; a half that was marred by missed shots and turnovers.
The third quarter saw Central regain the lead, and in the fourth, the Eagles stretched it out to eight points on a Brady Mohr three-pointer with seven minutes to play.
“We had the game under control in the fourth quarter, but lost it by fouling and not rebounding,” said Central boys’ coach Brent Norberg. “I thought we should have won the game. This is a tough one to swallow.”
Still trailing by seven points with less than four minutes on the clock, Konner Beste knocked down a three-pointer to pull the Bobcats within three at 46-42, and then Tyler Nagy gave Brookings a 50-48 lead on his third trey of the night with less than 40 seconds remaining.
The Golden Eagles hustled the ball down the floor and Josh Hilgemann drove hard to the basket, drew the defense and dished to Carter Paulson for a two-footer to tie it back up at 50-50.
Brookings took a time out to set up a final play and it looked like it was going to work as Vig sliced through the Golden Eagle defense, but his driving layup skipped off the front of the rim and Carlson was there for the put-back, which prompted an Aberdeen Central time out.
The officials reset the clock to 5.5 seconds, which wasn’t quite enough time as the buzzer went off before the Golden Eagles could get off a shot and the Bobcats escaped with the win.
Nagy led all scorers with 19 points as Vig added 17. Carlson’s offensive rebound was his 10th board of the night as the Bobcats outrebounded Aberdeen Central 39-26.
“First games show what you’re not good at. We need to get more rebounds. We knew coming in that rebounding would be a deficiency because we’re not big,” said Norberg about the Golden Eagles, who were out-rebounded by 13.
Our seniors stepped up and made some free throws in the fourth quarter. I thought we played a good third quarter.
Mohr led the Eagles with 18 points while Hilgemann and Aaron Lorenz chipped in 10 apiece.
Aberdeen received just two points off the bench.
“They’re sophomores (reserve players) playing in a game with full court pressure,” said Norberg. “They played hard. They’ll get better and better each game. They helped us. We knew this first game on the road we’d have to lean heavily on the seniors.”
Aberdeen Central will play its home-season opening game on Tuesday, hosting Watertown at 7:30 p.m. at Golden Eagles Arena.
“They are good and have one of the best players in the state (Tanner Heiser),” said Brent Norberg, whose brother Brian Norberg is the Watertown coach. “Our part is to get rid of this one and move on. It’s going to sting because we had it and gave it away.”
ABERDEEN CENTRAL: Josh Hilgemann 3-5 3-4 10, Carter Paulson 1-10 1-2 3, Braden LeGrand 2-5 1-2 7, Brady Mohr 5-10 4-4 18, Aaron Lorenz 3-10 2-2 10, Jacob Goehring 0-1 0-0 0, Tyler Block 1-1 0-0 2, Logan LeGrand 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 15-42 11-14 50.
BROOKINGS: Zach Kress 1-2 0-0 2, Braxton Carlson 1-6 0-1 2, Tyler Nagy 7-18 2-4 19, Kaleb Vig 6-12 5-6 17, Zach Page 1-6 0-0 2, Mikey Daniel 1-2 1-2 3, Konner Beste 1-3 4-6 7. Totals 18-49 12-19 52.
Aberdeen Central (0-1)|14 22 34 50
Brookings (1-0)|11 25 32 52
3-point field goals -- Aberdeen 9-19 (Hilgemann 1-1, B. LeGrand 2-3, Mohr 4-7, Lorenz 2-7, Goehring 0-1); Brookings 4-13 (Carlson 0-4, Nagy 3-6, Beste 1-3). Fouled out -- Mohr. Total fouls -- Aberdeen 18; Brookings 15. Rebounds -- Aberdeen 26 (Paulson 7); Brookings 39 (Carlson 10). Turnovers -- Aberdeen 19; Brookings 15. Assists -- Aberdeen 9 (Hilgemann 2, Mohr 2, L. LeGrand 2); Brookings 5 (Vig 3). Steals -- Aberdeen 5 (Hilgemann 2); Brookings 9 (4 players with 2 each). Blocked shots -- Aberdeen 1 (Paulson 1); Brookings 0.
Copyright © 2013, Aberdeen News | http://www.aberdeennews.com/sports/aan-high-school-basketball-brookings-squeaks-by-aberdeen-central-20121207,0,3598561,print.story | 1,342 |
Eurostar supports England 2018 World Cup bid
|Author: Roger Heywood||Published: 28th May 2010 09:16|
Eurostar, the carbon neutral provider of high-speed passenger services between the UK and the continent has officially signed as a partner in support of the bid for the FIFA 2018 England bid.
The latest tie-up with another major sporting initiative follows the announcement by LOCOG for Eurostar as a sponsor and the International Rail Services Provider for London 2012.
Eurostar is well used to carrying teams and supporters for football, rugby and other major supporting events. It is a natural partner as it operates around 50 trains daily between the UK and the continent.
England 2018 Bid's CEO, Andy Anson, said:
The fact that England is easy to get to and easy to get around is an important selling point of our bid.
Eurostar is a fitting example of our world-class transport system and we are delighted to be working with them for the remainder of this campaign."
Eurostar's Commercial Director, Nick Mercer, commented:
With London directly linked to the European high-speed network it is a complete no-brainer that Eurostar should become a partner in FIFA's England 2018 bid.
Eurostar excels at carrying large numbers of people city centre to city centre. Access to the candidate host cities by rail is easy from St Pancras International being next door to King's Cross and with main London stations linked by underground.
Eurostar is also able to respond quickly to demand and run extra services or indeed special charters." | http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Wiltshire/Bradford-On-Avon/BA15/News/Sport/165386-Eurostar-supports-England-2018-World-Cup-bid | 318 |
BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a South Carolina man is among the leaders of a veterans charity accused of operating a $300 million illegal gambling ring.
[VETERANS CHARITY SCANDAL: SPECIAL COVERAGE
Family members say Johnny Duncan is outgoing, friendly and did nothing wrong. But the former national commander for the veterans charity, Allied Veterans of the World, does have a checkered past.
Duncan pleaded no contest in Florida more than two decades ago to setting up a fake charity, called Army Navy Union, to sponsor bingo games. He was sentenced to six months of probation and ordered not to operate bingo games in Florida.
Duncan was among 50 people arrested last week. Allied Veterans is accused of running nearly 50 illegal gambling parlors. Authorities say group leaders gave little to charity and spent millions on themselves. | http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mostpopular/story/Former-commander-previously-convicted/pmAaBM73a06EsRYB2kGx8A.cspx | 182 |
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Men's Soccer Falls 5-1 to Behrend in AMCC Semifinal
11/1/2012 — ERIE, Pa. - Penn State Altoona men's soccer was eliminated from the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Tournament on Thursday afternoon when they were defeated 5-1 by Penn State Behrend in the tournament's semifinal round.
Behrend, the top seed in the tournament, will host #2 seed Medaille College on Saturday, November 3 in the AMCC Championship.
Penn State Altoona found itself down 1-0 at halftime after Behrend got a goal from Jake Gamble at 24:50.
The second half featured a flurry of offense early in the period, as both teams combined for five goals in the span of 7:12.
Scores by Behrend at 58:20 and 60:27 made it 3-0.
The Lions got on the board at 61:34 when Dan Kennedy (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy) found the back of the net to cut his team's deficit to 3-1.
But Behrend added two more goals to its lead, holding a 5-1 advantage by 65:32.
Brandon Moss (Springfield, NJ/Jonathan Dayton) made six saves for Penn State Altoona in the loss.
Photo: Penn State Altoona's Dan Kennedy scored the lone goal for his team on Thursday. | http://www.altoona.psu.edu/sports/fullstory.php?id=2055 | 293 |
Jeff Fisher, Rams prepare for Arizona Cardinals
This is what St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is dealing with when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals quarterback situation.
It has not been decided if John Skelton or rookie Ryan Lindley will be the starter for this Sunday's game when the Rams and Cards meet for the second time this season.
In Arizona's 23-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, Skelton completed 2-of-7 throws for six yards with no touchdowns or turnovers. Lindley followed that up going 9-of-20 for 64 yards, no touchdowns and a lost fumble.
The former Titans head coach discussed how he would deal with not knowing who the opposing quarterback would be.
"We have to prepare for their offense," said Fisher. "We have to look at the first game and what their approach was and be prepared to adjust."
The Rams earned a 17-3 victory the first time these two teams met in a Week 5 Thursday night contest. In that game, the Cardinals threw 50 passes to only 17 rushing attempts despite it being a seven-point game going into the fourth quarter.
With running back LaRod Stephens-Howling showing progress, the return of Beanie Wells and the flux at the QB position, it's fair to say the Rams will see a more balanced attack come Sunday.
- Karlos Dansby, Cardinals linebacker - Friday May 10Dansby tells Doug & Wolf how excited he is to be back and how he plans to contribute
- Calais Campbell, AZ Cardinals defensive end - Monday May 6Big #93 talks to the guys about the new coaching staff and becoming more of a leader
- Calais Campbell, Cardinals DE - Friday May 3Campbell talks about his inaugural charity golf tournament debuting this weekend. Also, he gives his
- Andre Ellington, Cardinals RB - Thursday May 2Arizona's 6th round pick joins the show to reminisce on his college career and talk about what he br
- Earl Watford, Cardinals 4th Round Selection - Wednesday May 1Earl Watford talked to Doug & Wolf about his strengths and being drafted out of a small school. | http://www.arizonasports.com/40/1590212/Jeff-Fisher-Rams-prepare-for-Arizona-Cardinals?nid=11 | 442 |
Writer: J P Fear
Date:Tuesday December 5 2006
Aston Villa Memory Lane
Aston Villa News and Record
Aston Villa v Bristol City
Saturday 21st February 1970 Football League Division 2
Programme cost One Shilling (5p)
Villa line up.
Villa Manager Vic Crowe
Villa sit on the bottom of Division 2
Not good reading for the Villa Faithful in 1970 but interestingly Villa were still top of the league when it came to support, even with this poor form Villa averaged a home gate of 27,916. This was far more than most of the teams in the Division 1 above them.
Inside Article: Top gates at Old Trafford.
How many fans must go through the turnstiles to enable a club to pay its way?
An Interesting question-with answers ranging from 5000 for a fourth Division side to 37,000 at Elland Road, the home of the Champions Leeds United. Leeds said recently their running costs amount to £7000 a week despite their pace making position in the league it’s their only Income.
In the Second Division, we are pleased to record that our average attendance of 27,916 makes us the best supported club in the Midlands, keeping us ahead of Blues and Leicester. Villas record attendance for this season was a whooping 54,470 against the Blues on October 18th (Villa 0 – 0 Blues)
Villa scored another 22 league goals this season and despite their efforts were relegated at the end of the season to Division Three of the Football League.
Why pick this programme? It was the debut of a certain Andy Lockhead who featured in the “Player Profile”
ANDY ALWAYS A HANDY SCORER
Andy Lockhead, our new centre forward signed from Leicester City on Thursday last week, has proved himself one of the most reliable goal-scores in the business since springing to a regular league place with Burnley in 1962.
This quiet spoken Scot from Glasgow scored over 100 goals in his career with the Lancashire clubs, winning one Scottish U23 cap in the process. He also gained experience of European competition and as a well travelled, well proven marksman, he commanded a £80,000 fee when moving to Leicester City in 1968.
Andy always a first division player since he joined Burnley as a 16 year old prospect, he tasted a long and unsuccessful relegation fight with the Filbert Street Club.
Andy Lockhead is a marksman who on two separate occasions has scored five goals in a game, against Chelsea and also against Bournemouth in the Cup.
Let’s hope he can manage a few for Villa.
Adverts in the Villa “News and Record”
Crowther and Brown Vauxhall, Lozells Road
Prices for a Viva HA were £528 (Basic model) and £566 (De Luxe).
Harry Parks “The Leading Midlands Sports Outfitters”
Official Suppliers to Aston Villa. Football boots by Adidas, puma, Mitre and
Dormston Meat Pies available at the ground and the pubs and clubs throughout the Midlands. (can’t remember these at all)
Advert: “Have you seen Villas NEW Souvenir Shop
Rosettes 2/6d & 7/6d
Aston Villa Scarves (University Style) 15/-
Available in Claret and Blue and Yellow and Blue
Colour Photographs all players 2/-6d
Children’s T-Shirts 7/6+9d p&p
Programmes All Aston Villa Home Programmes 1/- +6d p&p
Worth noting the shop was open match days but closed from 3pm to 4.30pm -6pm
To allow the staff to watch most of the game?
Ansells, Bittermen. You can’t beat’em So join’em.
Villa lost the game to Bristol City 0-2 with the home crowd of 26,830 going home disappointed.
Top of the Music Charts was
Love Grows where my Rosemary Goe’s by Eddison Lighthouse
1970: Soviet probe collects moon rock
The Russian space probe, Luna 16, has landed on the Moon to collect samples from its surface. It is the first time an unmanned probe has been used to bring objects back to Earth from space. The probe landed at the Sea of Fertility, a region which has not yet been explored. It is collecting samples of rock and dust using an electric drill at the end of a mechanical extendable arm to cut small cores from just under the topsoil. In addition to the drills, the probe is equipped with a television camera.
By Col 8
Date:Tuesday December 5 2006
We Deserve To Finish Higher (Saturday May 18 2013)
Pre Season Takes Shape (Friday May 17 2013)
Something For The Weekend (424) (Friday May 17 2013)
Lambert Sticking To His Policy - No Big Signings (Friday May 17 2013)
Shaun Maloney Speaks To Vital Wigan About Stan (Friday May 17 2013)
Mystic Mug Sits On Fence To Beat Lawro! (Friday May 17 2013)
Clark Ruled Out Of Wigan Match (Thursday May 16 2013)
An Interview With A Wigan Fan (Thursday May 16 2013)
Lambert Tips Gabby For England Recall (Thursday May 16 2013)
I'm Sure It's A Healthier Place Now (Thursday May 16 2013)
|1.||Pride of Lions||799|
|Man Utd||3||-||0||Aston Villa|
|16. Aston Villa||37||10||10||17||-22||40|
|Jay Relishing Stoke Challenge
» Southampton : 18/05/2013 17:00:00
|Barmpot Decision - I'm Not Frustrated - Honest
» Wigan : 18/05/2013 16:49:00
|Issues Resolved - Time To March On
» Southampton : 18/05/2013 15:22:00
|Shaun Maloney - Vital Latics POTS - The Video
» Wigan : 18/05/2013 14:46:00
|We Deserve To Finish Higher
» Aston Villa : 18/05/2013 14:31:00
|West Brom v United Preview
» Man Utd : 18/05/2013 13:37:00
|Chelsea v Everton Preview
» Chelsea : 18/05/2013 13:10:00 | http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=40857 | 1,378 |
Sheets gave up only 4 earned runs, not 6. not that it makes me warm and fuzzy, since we still lost. just saying. sheets’ ERA is still 2.13, and without his stuff last night, sheets battled for 6 innings.
i say no to a 5 man rotation, by the way. i want to take the best 5 and have them pitch as much as possible. im not sure when hanson is coming off the DL, but maybe give huddy another start and then see if he needs to skip one, or see how minor does in his next try, before picking the top 5 and going with it. heck, sheets might be hitting a bump in the road and could use a breather. maybe let him skip a start. but, i wouldnt just do a 6 man rotation.
Lets assume the Braves and Pirates clinch the wild card before the final series of the season when they face each other. They would face each other 4 games straight. It would basically be a 4 game series where the first 3 games are meaningless and the 4th game is for all the chips. Weird scenario. Win 1 of 4 and win it all. But that 1 win has to be the right game.
The Braves will sweep the Padres. The six man rotation seems great. And Frank Wren is one of the best GMs in baseball. I’m a little worried about the state of position players in the farm system though.
walker “Frank Wren is one of the best GMs in baseball. I’m a little worried about the state of position players in the farm system though.”
Wren is really good. I say this offseason needs to be about locking up the young players, then spend the next few years drafting the crap out of high upside, toolsy players. no more of these 22 year old crafty lefties, topping out at 88mph.
I certainly agree that the playoff scenario is a joke. The Braves will probably be better than at least one of the teams getting a pass from the one-game playoff. The Braves may be better than two of those teams. Because MLB thinks geography should be a major factor in playoff seeding, the Braves will be forced in to the one-game playoff instead of an inferior team or two.
There has to be a way to get MLB its money and attention while still appropriately awarding regular season success and avoiding punishment for those teams that happen to play in strong divisions.
Morning radio here in Atlanta was positing that Hanson was pissed about having to make a rehab start in Gwinnett because he looked at it like a tryout given how well everyone is doing in the starting rotation (this was on 790theZone this morning and I only heard the tease about it).
Does this make much sense to folks? It doesn’t to me. Why isn’t it just to get him sharp and make sure he feels ok after throwing in a game situation?
Curt @8, I think the Braves will sign Prado for $10M-$12M a season. Quality thirdbasemen are hard to find and that’s a reasonable price for Prado, who can be an everyday thirdbaseman and can also play other positions. Unless a thirdbaseman falls in their lap, I think Prado is the guy for the next few seasons.
I think they may go cheap in left and try to get a pretty good centerfielder, if they can’t re-sign Bourn. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go with a platoon of Reed Johnson and someone else in left, with Johnson also serving as the primary back-up outfielder.
Steve @10, I guess you didn’t hear whether they had a source or if the 790 folks were just speculating?
I can’t imagine that being the case. I could sort of understand if he were a veteran position player but pitchers usually always make rehab starts after injuries, so I can’t imagine Hanson is oblivious to this fact.
Not to sound snobby but it seems sports talk radio often overlooks and/or doesn’t understand the nuances of baseball. In their defense, baseball does have all these unique little nuances and rules and customs, many of which exist for good reasons, but that are very different from other sports. Sports talk radio gets by on broad appeal of all sports and on controversy, things that don’t play well with baseball.
The Braves have enough money to keep either Prado or Bourn. PICK ONE AND SIGN HIM!
No seriously, if Prado wants 11 million for 5 years sign him. He’s extremely versatile and too valuable. Plus the state of 3rd basemen around the MLB is pretty sad. Hang on to him.
I assume Wren already has plans to give Heyward, Freeman, And Kimbrel their deals to allow us to control them through their arbitration and a couple of their free agency years. Thats important because you know we eventually can’t keep all three for the rest of their careers.
Shaun – regarding local sports talk, I would tend to agree with you, but Chris Dimino is a very sharp baseball guy, and I’m not just saying that because he has been on our show a couple of times. He also has some deep connections with the players.
Now, do I agree with that assessment of this Hanson start, no. I can’t imagine a scenario where Hanson is not part of the rotation, even as bad as he has been. Particularly, post-AS break the last couple of years.
Curt @13, yeah, there are a few guys who know what they are talking about when they talk baseball. I like what I’ve heard from Dimino. He’s one of the few. I just wonder if he was involved in the Hanson talk, if someone actually had sources or if it was speculation.
I actually think Hanson in some ways has been a little underrated. I realize he’s been inconsistent and he’s not the pitcher we all hoped he would be. But he’s given the team decent innings, if nothing else. He’s going to have some blow-ups and he rarely shuts teams down but for the most part he’s going to go out and give you an outing that keeps the team in the game to some degree or another, if the offense does its part. He’s one of those players that gets judged on his expectations instead of what he actually offers.
Gonzalez said Hanson uttered an obscenity at him and pitching coach Roger McDowell after they told him the plan.
“Which is good,” said Gonzalez, who laughed upon mentioning the incident to reporters. “He wants to get back in there. That’s why he was grumpy.”
After meeting with Gonzalez and McDowell, Hanson told reporters, “I’m not in a good mood,” then changed from his workout gear and left the clubhouse to go catch a flight back for the Monday game at Gwinnett.
Fellas – podcast question: I am subscribed to ABT on iTunes. Sometimes I listen to it at work on the website and then don’t download it for that week, since I already listened. Does NOT downloading it prove problematic for you as far as having ratings numbers? Do they count via subscribers or via downloads week-to-week? Not like you’re vying for Kevin Smith’s or Adam Carolla’s #1 & 2 seats or anything…or are you??
Hey Anne. First off, thanks for asking and caring. We measure our “listens” by each time the mp3 file is accessed. And that’s the same as when you listen to it on the site or via iTunes. All of which to say, either way is fine and results in the same “listen.”
on Hanson, come on, now it is wrong and diva behavior for a guy to show his frustration by cussing a bit? what is better, he smiles and says “Great!”. “Thank you sir may I have another!”
What a load of talk radio/blog fodder bs. Sounds like high school musical. “Did you hear, Tommy frowned and said a dirty word”.. get over it.. lets hope he sorts it out and comes back strong, and the fact that he is slighly grumpy about it..being his career and everything…only a good sign | http://www.atlantabaseballtalk.com/show-196-a-week-of-good-signs-for-the-braves/?cp=1 | 1,794 |
Get to Know Us: Fahd Khan
The Faces Behind AucCom
by Sarah Brown
Khan is in charge of managing and developing the awesome services Auctiva Commerce provides its customers. He keeps the Web performance and products stable, manages release cycles and gets the software out there, he says.
He began at Auctiva, Auctiva Commerce’s parent company, as an intern, more than four years ago when he was studying computer science at California State University, Chico. He really likes working at Auctiva because the company has “good people,” and he works with a great team, he says.
He also likes that he gets to solve problems and provide needed tools to online sellers.
“We try to gauge from the forums what people need,” Khan says.
With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, Khan recognizes the need for tools that help his customers succeed.
“You need to have easy-to-use, fast tools to compete,” he says.
The Store Designer has been one of Auctiva Commerce’s successful integrations that allow business owners to easily manage the look and feel of their online presence. Khan has been watching Auctiva Commerce Stores grow over the years as his team develops these new tools for them. One store in particular, Bakery Bits, stands out to him as a successful enterprise that came out of the Auctiva Commerce software.
Foosball and soccer aficionado
When Khan needs to take a break, co-workers may find him in Auctiva’s game room, which features air hockey and foosball entertainment. Foosball is quite the rage on the Auctiva campus, and Khan is one of many who compete for top recognition at Auctiva as a foosball master.
“Auctiva is actually where I learned to play foosball really well,” he confesses.
Khan is not only good in this table version of soccer; he’s also a huge fan of “real” soccer. He likes soccer so much, in fact—go FC Barcelona—that if he had his own TV show, it would center around discussions of soccer, he says.
He also enjoys acoustic music and started learning to play the guitar about five months ago. Khan’s something of an open book, he notes, but there is one thing few people know about him: “I can cook very awesome Pakistani dishes!” he says.
His favorite? Chicken Karahi. | http://www.auctivacommerceblog.com/theteam/2012/05/get-to-know-us-fahd-khan/ | 533 |
Socceroo changes for Denmark friendly
Australia’s playing depth is set to be tested against Euro-bound Denmark following a host of changes for Saturday’s soccer friendly in Copenhagen.
AUSTRALIA’S playing depth is set to be tested against Euro-bound Denmark following a host of changes for Saturday’s soccer friendly in Copenhagen.
It is the second time Aston Villa midfielder Herd has been drafted into the national squad only to withdraw with injury.
Brett Holman is in doubt for this weekend’s match and the 8 June World Cup qualifier in Oman because of the expected arrival of his second child.
Carl Valeri (Sassuolo) and striker Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus) have been allowed to complete club commitments before joining the Socceroos in Muscat.
Valeri’s club is pushing for promotion to the Serie A next season while Kennedy’s Japanese side has a midweek Asian Champions League fixture in Adelaide.
The disruptions are far from ideal for the Socceroos before clashing with the world No.10 Denmark at the Parken Stadium on Saturday.
The Danes are using the match to prepare for Euro 2012 where they face Germany, the Netherlands and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal next month in the group stages.
Australia will use the run against the 1992 European champions to test out their combinations before starting the final stage of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Socceroos will take on Oman in Muscat on Friday week before heading home for the clash against arch rivals Japan in Brisbane on 12 June.
Australia will head to Muscat full of respect for world No.92 Oman after losing 1-0 to them last November at the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex.
German-based Mitchell Langerak has replaced Federici following his second season as No.2 goalkeeper at Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.
Herd has not been replaced.
The fitness of Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson, who have not played since the end of their A-League seasons two months ago, will be tested later this week.
The Socceroos have played Denmark twice, with Australia winning their last encounter 1-0 on the eve of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. - AAP | http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/sport/more-sport/socceroo-changes-for-denmark-friendly.htm | 465 |
Mercedes-Benz.tv: Formula One TV Commercial 'Decision' Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg once again appear together in a Mercedes-Benz video clip. In a humorous discussion, a man and his pregnant wife try to decide which MERCEDES GP PETRONAS F1 driver should take them to the hospital.
Copyright 1999-2013 | AutoRacing1 is an
independent internet online publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed
by IndyCar, NASCAR, FIA, Sprint, or any other series sponsor.
This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed without | http://www.autoracing1.com/hotnews.asp?tid=52846 | 126 |
Handling imbalance hurting Lotus in Canada
|By Dieter Rencken and Matt Beer
||Sunday, June 10th 2012, 15:05 GMT
Lotus team boss Eric Boullier says drivers Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen have had to battle an imbalanced car throughout the Canadian Grand Prix weekend so far and are not to blame for the squad's disappointing grid positions.
Grosjean will start seventh in Montreal, while Raikkonen only managed 12th on the grid amid hydraulic problems.
"This is one of the worst qualifying sessions we have had since the beginning of the year," said Boullier. "Our aim from the beginning of the season was to have a car that was easily balanced and very easy to exploit for the driver, and this weekend we never put the right balance with the right level of grip together.
"That is why the driver was trying to get the best of the car, but doing small mistakes - and could not put a proper lap together. And when you have time differences less than a tenth it costs a lot of positions."
Asked if the problems were related to the way the E20 warmed up its tyres, Boullier admitted that the car remained very temperature-sensitive.
"With the parc ferme system you focus on the race set-up and our team did build a very nice car, which is saving the tyres, easy to drive most of the time and that is clearly a clever target to achieve," he said.
"But it is true as well that when we do not have the right temperature we are struggling in the race because obviously we need to anticipate [weather]. If you want to qualify nicely, and you have different weather conditions Saturday and Sunday, that is why it is hard to handle a complete weekend." | http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100276 | 371 |
The NFL released their 2011 schedule last night, while locking out their players for the 38th straight day. Perhaps it's no surprise then that the schedule release was somewhat muted compared to the hysteria of recent years. One of the highlights of seeing the NFL sked for the first time is checking out the national primetime matchups, especially who squares off on Monday Night Football. All games (except the Week 1 DH that begins at 7:30) are 8:30 ET starts on ESPN with Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden calling the action. Here's the MNF sked, with some thoughts below.
Week 1: New England @ Miami, Oakland @ Denver
Week 2: St. Louis @ New York Giants
Week 3: Washington @ Dallas
Week 4: Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay
Week 5: Chicago @ Detroit
Week 6: Miami @ New York Jets
Week 7: Baltimore @ Jacksonville
Week 8: San Diego @ Kansas City
Week 9: Chicago @ Philadelphia
Week 10: Minnesota @ Green Bay
Week 11: Kansas City @ New England
Week 12: New York Giants @ New Orleans
Week 13: San Diego @ Jacksonville
Week 14: St. Louis @ Seattle
Week 15: Pittsburgh @ San Francisco
Week 16: Atlanta @ New Orleans
The MNF sked has some intriguing games, but is mostly a letdown. After 13 divisional rivalry games on last year's schedule, this year MNF is down to 9 divisional games. From a brief glance, the sked doesn't have the great, must-see, highlight games that you would expect. Surprisingly, SB XLV reps Pittsburgh and Green Bay only get one game a piece. Even the rivalry games don't stand out as there would be better divisional matchups on the table. I would have hoped we could be spared from Vikings/Packers for another year (my God, it'll be the first Vikings/Packers game in Lambeau that Brett Favre will watch as a fan!!!). It also seems like this is the 34th straight year the Jets and Dolphins will play each other on Monday night. Cross-divisional matchups like Rams/Giants and Ravens/Jags don't exactly cause masses of NFL fans to start circling their calendars either.
It's interesting to look at the late-season MNF schedule since those games cannot be flexed like their Sunday Night brethren. The league is counting on those games to feature good teams and mean something. That's why I can't understand the three week run of Chargers/Jags, Rams/Seahawks, and Steelers/49ers. Seriously? St. Louis vs Seattle? Didn't we all have to suffer through that once already? The best matchups appear to be Weeks 9 and 16 featuring CHI/PHI and ATL/NO. Of course, with the topsy turvy nature of the NFL nothing's certain, but as we sit in April, the MNF schedule gets a C at best. | http://www.awfulannouncing.com/Page-364.html?companionBottom=25&companionRight=0&h=516&jsLoadDateTime=09-03-12:21:25:01&layoutType=Vert&pid=1061_p&simpleLayout=false&w=300&wid=widget_VERT_93bfc5fb-f178-43c3-9d33-cc2ada37a184 | 613 |
As two big games loom for Mesa Desert Ridge in the next couple of weeks, it was the right time for the defense to give the offense a chance to rest.
Scottsdale schools Chaparral and Notre Dame may feel extra pressure Friday night when they meet in a Division II football game that will have playoff implications.
Phoenix Sunnyslope quarterback Mike Humphries, saddled with no passing yards through the first half, completed 10 of 12 passes for 143 yards in the second half to lift Sunnyslope to a dusty 14-7 victory over host Phoenix Barry Goldwater in Division II play Friday night.
Goodyear Desert Edge coach Rich Wellbrock has heard all season about his team's schedule, but on Friday its answered a lot of critics, dominating Goodyear Estrella Foothills 52-7 at Estrella Foothills High School in a non-division game.
Yuma Catholic senior running back Kody Hazlett knew that undefeated Buckeye had to get by him and his team before it could call itself a great team. | http://www.azcentral.com/sports/preps/prepsregionsdex.html | 217 |
Two more meet victories kept the Baldwinsville girls swim team undefeated as it matched the CNY Counties League’s other unbeaten side, West Genesee, stroke for stroke in the pool.
In last Tuesday’s meet at Nottingham against the combined Syracuse city squad, the Bees got two titles from Kaitlyn Martin on the way to a 94-84 victory.
Martin began her work in the 200 freestyle, where she held off teammate Samantha Sidorakis, 2:06.24 to 2:08.66, and followed it up by claiming the 100 freestyle in 59.31 seconds.
Emma Atkinson was busy, too. After teaming with Lauren Guild, Brooke Atkinson and Megan Eubank to win the 200 medley relay (2:10.21), she went to the 200 individual medley and won in 2:33.51, just ahead of Amanda Johnson (2:34.42) in yet another 1-2 B’ville finish.
Sidorakis pulled away to win the 100 backstroke in 1:05.80. Charis Parker, in 26.98 seconds, claimed the 50 freestyle ahead of Allie Connor (27.82 seconds). Marissa Foriero earned second place in the 500 freestyle in 6:12.88.
B’ville returned home Friday night to face Oswego, and it was more superior peformances on the part of the Bees, who made it 6-0 with a 55-38 romp over the Buccaneers.
Again winning twice, Martin edged Allie Connor in the 50 freestyle, 27.30 seconds to 27.51, but didn’t stop there, going to the 500 freestyle and claiming that event in 5:49.63 as Margaret Walsh (6:03.81) earned second place.
Charis Parker took on a larger role, too, starting when she teamed with Martin, Sidorakis and Connor to swim the 200 medley relay in a swift 1:59.54. Right after that, in the 200 IM, Parker prevailed in 2:20.71, later adding a title in the 100 breaststroke in 1:09.13.
In a unique 100 butterfly race, Connor and Atkinson had a dead heat, each finishing in 1:06.12, but Johnson was alone atop the 200 freestyle (2:12.99) and Sidorakis earned first in the 100 backstroke in 1:07.55. To close it out, Sidorakis joined Connor, Martin and Elena Margrey as B’ville, in 4:03.30, got past Oswego (4:04.56) to win the 400 freestyle relay.
All that was left, before the Oct. 17 showdown with West Genesee, was a meet this Thursday against Cicero-North Syracuse at the Le Moyne College pool. | http://www.baldwinsvillemessenger.com/news/2012/oct/07/bville-swimmers-sweep-past-syracuse-oswego/ | 601 |
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The Baltimore SunAcross baseball circles, the Orioles' acquisition of right-hander Jason Hammel was seen as pre-spring training snoozer. But over his first four starts in a Baltimore uniform, Hammel has made the majors take notice. Hammel -- who came to Baltimore with a...
Baltimore Sun reporterBecause of a flurry of trade activity earlier in the day that featured three teams and 11 players changing addresses, the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Orioles Wednesday night with just a 22-man roster and without three regular members of their bullpen....
Each morning, Monday through Friday, I'll hook you up with reading material to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday -- that way I'll have an excuse to do the same at the start of mine. Running it back:...
The Orioles so badly needed to avoid the sting of another close loss that it wouldn't have mattered who got the game-winning hit. But it was particularly satisfying for them to gather around home plate in the 10th inning Wednesday night, awaiting Nolan...
As a rookie in the big leagues, Orioles left-hander Zach Britton has encountered plenty of celebratory firsts this season. On Friday night, in an uninspiring 8-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Britton experienced several rather unpleasant ones, including...
ReutersThe Sports Xchange MLB Team Report - Texas Rangers - INSIDE PITCH The Rangers will join the rest of MLB's melting pot on Monday. They will start a pitcher who has spent time with another major league club. When righty Alexi Ogando headed to the DL...
ReutersThe Sports Xchange By Michael Eldridge, The Sports Xchange Cabrera leads Tigers in 2-1 win over Rangers ARLINGTON, Texas - Miguel Cabrera's three-hit game helped push the Detroit Tigers to a 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Friday night at Rangers...
Fort Worth Star-TelegramARLINGTON, Texas _ Nick Tepesch met the Ron Washington standard for a starting pitcher Friday night. The right-hander kept the Texas Rangers in the game. So did Joseph Ortiz, Jason Frasor, Robbie Ross and Cory Burns. The Rangers' offense, though,...
ReutersMLB Team Report - Texas Rangers - INSIDE PITCH It really doesn't matter what challenge you give 1B Mitch Moreland these days, he's up to the task. Even if that means being down 0-and-2 to Justin Verlander. Despite being in that hole Thursday, Moreland...
ReutersThe Sports Xchange MLB Team Report - Texas Rangers - INSIDE PITCH Fortunes can change in a heartbeat in the world of professional sports. Right-hander Justin Grimm was named the American League Rookie of the Month for April. Just two weeks later, his...
Tribune reporterMINNEAPOLIS — It was like a scene out of Camelback Ranch in late February. Only this time, the White Sox went through a 50-minute workout five hours before Tuesday night’s game as manager Robin Ventura reinforced his vow to make his position...
ReutersThe Sports Xchange MLB Team Report - Texas Rangers - INSIDE PITCH In what may be the most-anticipated pitching matchup in Rangers Ballpark history, righty Yu Darvish will square off against 2011 Cy Young/MVP winner Justin Verlander when the Rangers open...
Apr 25, 2012 |Story| Baltimore Sun
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Oxford United reject loan enquiry
The U’s have had no formal transfer offers for any of their players so far during the January transfer window, but have received an enquiry over the availability of one unnamed player.
But with the squad stretched by injuries and suspensions, Wilder is reluctant to let anyone leave.
He said: “As we’ve seen with the numbers at the moment I can’t afford to let anyone go.
“Although players are coming back it can quickly change, so it has to be right and it wasn’t at the moment.
“Nothing concrete has come in, it was a loose approach about a player who hasn’t been playing regularly.”
The exception could be Luke O’Brien, whose short-term deal expires next week.
The 24-year-old was brought in as cover for Liam Davis, who returned from injury in November, but has had minor niggles since.
Wilder will make a decision after tomorrow’s trip to Bradford.
He said: “Luke’s done great for us, but there has to be a pathway for him to play.
“The reason Luke has played and it got extended is because we’ve had issues with Lev (Peter Leven) and Liam.
“Obviously if those continue we might look to extend Luke.” | http://www.banburycake.co.uk/sport/oxfordunited/unitednews/10155202.Oxford_United_reject_loan_enquiry/ | 325 |
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From BR Bullpen
John Thomas Allen
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 180 lb.
- Debut April 19, 1932
- Final Game September 26, 1944
- Born September 30, 1905 in Lenoir, NC USA
- Died March 29, 1959 in St. Petersburg, FL USA
Biographical Information
Pitcher Johnny Allen was working as a bellboy in a hotel when he was discovered by New York Yankees scout Paul Krichell. He reached the majors with the Yankees in 1932 and went 17-4 that year, leading the American League with an .810 winning percentage. He won 15 games the next season, but after holding out for a raise and suffering a sore arm, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians following the 1935 season.
Allen won 20 games for the Indians in 1936. He then won his first 15 decisions the next year, one less than Walter Johnson's AL record, before losing a 1-0 game on an error by Odell Hale. He ended the season with a 15-1 record and a .938 winning percentage, a record at the time (since broken by Elroy Face). Through his first six years in the majors, he went 85-30 and had an impressive .739 winning percentage.
Allen won his first 12 decisions in 1938 and was chosed to start the All-Star Game before suffering an injury that sent his career into decline. Over the next six seasons, he had a record close to .500 with the Indians, St. Louis Browns, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Giants.
Following his playing days, Allen became an umpire in the Carolina League. He died of a heart attack at age 53.
Notable Achievements
- AL All-Star (1938)
- 2-time AL Winning Percentage Leader (1932 & 1937)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1932, 1933, 1936 & 1937)
- 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1936)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1936 & 1938)
- Won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1932 | http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Johnny%20Allen | 484 |
Team USA reached double digits for the third time in five games to remain undefeated in the Pan Am Qualifier tournament in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. won its last three games against Colombia (13-6), the Dominican Republic (8-3) and Panama (10-2), defeating Panama on Wednesday. With Royals general manager Dayton Moore in attendance, lefthander Danny Duffy (Royals) got the victory with five innings of work, giving up four hits and one run.
Angels farmhand Mike Trout went 3-for-6 with a homer, two runs and three RBIs to pace the American offense, continuing his hot tournament. Trout is 9-for-16 (.563) through five games with six runs, four RBIs and that home run.
Team USA finished pool play undefeated and now gets a day off before moving into the medal round. It's scheduled to face Nicaragua on Friday, then in the following days plays Venezuela, Canada and Cuba to finish the round on Oct. 11.
Canada is in Pool B with Cuba and lost 4-2 to the Cubans on Tuesday despite seven strikeouts in five innings from Phillippe Aumont (Phillies). Yoennis Cespedes hit a bases-clearing double in the sixth to rally the Cubans from a 2-1 deficit. Cuba's 5-0 record was the best in Pool B.
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Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar homered in his major league debut on Sunday, but that wasn't the only big day for the Profar family this week. The Rangers have also signed Profar's younger brother, Juremi Profar, a 16-year-old third baseman from Curacao.
At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Profar has the size, hands and arm strength to play third base, while showing flashes of power in games from the right side. He isn't as high-profile of a prospect as Jurickson Profar was when he signed with the Rangers for $1.55 million in 2009, but like his older brother, Juremi was also a standout at the Little League World Series. Profar was a shortstop and pitcher for Curacao's 2008 Little League World Series team that played in Williamsport, Pa. and reached the international semifinals, where he homered and struck out nine batters while allowing one earned over 4 2/3 innings in an 11-4 loss to Japan. Profar had homered twice in one of Curacao's previous games in Williamsport against Italty to help propel his team to the international semifinals. Profar also played on Curacao's 2007 Little League World Series team that reached the international championship game.
Profar will likely begin his career in the Dominican Summer League, where he'll probably be teammates with Dominican shortstop Luis Terrero, another international free agent the Rangers signed last week.
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January 12, 2013
Bargain Bin Free Agents
At this point in the offseason, few impact free agents remain on the market, save for Scott Boras clients who’ve been hurt by the new CBA’s draft pick compensation system. Assuming Mike Napoli and Francisco Liriano eventually ink with the Red Sox and Pirates, respectively, only seven of the top 50 free agents have yet to find a home.
However, there are still some decent values waiting to be dug up by teams that are willing to look in the bargain bin. Last year, injury reclamation projects like Bartolo Colon, Oliver Perez, and Pat Neshek, bench bats like Jonny Gomes, Jeff Keppinger, Wilson Betemit, and Gregor Blanco, and unremarkable relievers like Fernando Rodney all went on to have strong seasons after signing in January, most of them with contending teams. (Rodney, who entered the year with a 4.42 ERA in his previous five seasons, became one of 2012’s best stories, posting a 0.60 ERA and finishing fifth in AL Cy Young voting.)
None of those players made many headlines by signing, but several of them proved pivotal in their teams’ playoff runs. Here’s a look at 10 low-profile free agents who are still unsigned and could have a similar impact this season.
Last season, Hafner roughly matched his career walk rate and Isolated Power and bettered his career strikeout rate, but his overall line was dragged down by a BABIP 80 points below his career average, which may have been the result of bad luck. If that luck turns in 2013, Hafner could be a potent weapon against righties and a league-average hitter against lefties, at least until his next injury. But he’ll have to find an AL team with an opening at DH, since it’s been almost six years since he last wore a glove in a game. | http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19368 | 407 |
All stats are from the period between December 3 and 8.
This week’s update includes World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval’s winter debut, Hector Sanchez being off the chain, few precious details about the guys in the lesser known Colombian and Nicaraguan leagues, and a neat little note about an upcoming All-Star Game.
Let’s get into it with notes from the Dominican League.
|Joaquin Arias||SS||DWL||Aguilas||Fresno (AAA)/San Francisco||FA 11|
|Edward Concepcion||RHP||DWL||Cibao||San Jose (A+)||FA 06|
|Adalberto Mejia||LHP||DWL||Cibao||Augusta (A-)||FA 11|
|Luis Rojas||RHP||DWL||Cibao||San Jose/AZL (rookie)||Rule V 11|
|Francisco Peguero||OF||DWL||Cibao||Fresno (AAA)/San Francisco||FA 06|
|Rafael Rodriguez||OF||DWL||Cibao||Salem-Keizer (short-season)||FA 09|
|Jackson Williams||C||DWL||Escogido||Fresno||07 (supp.)|
|Justin Fitzgerald||RHP||DWL||Escogido||Richmond (AA)||08 (11th round)|
|Kelvin Marte||LHP||DWL||Escogido||San Jose/AZL||FA 07|
|Roger Kieschnick||OF||DWL||Escogido||Fresno/AZL||FA 08|
|Omar Javier||RHP||DWL||Estrellas||York (Atlantic)/Newark (Can-Am)||FA 12|
|Fabio Castillo||RHP||DWL||Este||Houston org (AA/AAA)||FA 12|
|Angel Villalona||1B||DWL||Este||Dominican Summer League (rookie)||FA 06|
|Willy Lebron||RHP||DWL||Licey||Kansas City org (AAA) in 2011||FA 12|
|Juan Ciriaco||2B||DWL||Licey||Fresno||Rule V 07|
Aguilas: Joaquin Arias sat for about a week after his winter debut November 25 but returned to the Aguilas lineup with four hits in three straight games. He went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI December 7 against Este. Arias has 18 at-bats so far.
Cibao: Edward Concepcion returned to action December 4 with the dreaded appearance: one run allowed with no outs recorded. Guy can’t catch a break. Thanks to the bad day, his winter ERA stands at 27.00 (three runs over one inning)… Francisco Peguero went hitless in three games last week. He’s not seeing the ball well at all with 13 strikeouts and one walk over his last 10 games. His season batting average for Cibao is .197…Adalberto Mejia, Luis Rojas, and Rafael Rodriguez did not play.
Escogido: Jackson Williams picked up three hits last week, including a double. He also walked twice in the December 3 contest against rival club Escogido. Those were his first walks all winter…Justin Fitzgerald, Kelvin Marte, and Roger Kieschnick did not play.
Estrellas: Omar Javier had a rough outing December 7 when he allowed six runs in 2/3 innings. The worst part is all six runs were unearned. The same thing happened to him in his last start, when he allowed three runs, all unearned. The good or bad luck has his ERA at 1.82 despite 15 runs allowed over 24 2/3 innings this winter.
Este: Fabio Castillo is still looking good for los Toros in relief, with another 1 2/3 scoreless innings over two appearances last week. He allowed one hit November 5 against Escogido. Castillo hasn’t allowed a run since November 28. You have to go back to November 20 to find the last game where he allowed an earned run. His winter ERA is 0.66 in 13 2/3 innings…Angel Villalona did not play.
Licey: Willy Lebron and Juan Ciriaco did not play. Que aburrido.
Tuesday features the stars from the Dominican League against the stars from the Venezuelan League in an All-Star clash. I can’t find details on where the game will be held, but I’ll write about it in next week’s update if any Giants are in the game.
What a perfect segue to the Venezuelan League notes.
|Boof Bonser||RHP||VWL||Margarita||Fresno/AZL||FA 11|
|Mitch Lively||RHP||VWL||Margarita||Fresno||FA 08|
|Yusmeiro Petit||RHP||VWL||Margarita||Fresno/San Francisco||FA 11|
|Edwin Escobar||LHP||VWL||Lara||Augusta||Trade 10|
|Guillermo Quiroz||C||VWL||Lara||Tacoma (Seattle org)||FA 12|
|Daniel Mayora||C||VWL||Caracas||Richmond||FA 12|
|Jesus Galindo||OF||VWL||Caracas||Augusta||FA 09|
|Pablo Sandoval||3B||VWL||Magallanes||San Francisco||FA 02|
|Jean Machi||RHP||VWL||Magallanes||Fresno/San Francisco||FA 11|
|Hector Sanchez||C||VWL||La Guaira||Fresno/San Francisco||FA 06|
|Ehire Adrianza||SS||VWL||La Guaira||Richmond||FA 06|
Margarita: Yusmeiro Petit threw an absolute gem December 5 in a win over Caracas: eight scoreless innings, three hits, and three strikeouts. Okay, so he walked four, but Petit earned his first win of the winter and pitched the best game of the year, including his exploits in Fresno and San Francisco…Boof Bonser and Mitch Lively did not play.
Lara: Guillermo Quiroz had two hits in 16 at-bats last week and picked up a pair of RBIs. He’s had a lot of work in the Venezuelan League with 114 at-bats…Edwin Escobar did not play.
Caracas: The downward spiral continues for Daniel Mayora. He appeared in only one game last week and went 0-for-4. He’s hitting .227 over his last 10 games. I also realized he’s 27. I feel silly for pushing him as an option for the Giants. Mea culpa…Jesus Galindo did not play.
Magallanes: Pablo Sandoval showed no signs of slowing down after his power show in the World Series with a huge 2012 Venezuelan debut last week. He has five hits in 15 at-bats and he went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs on December 8 against Caracas. They love the Panda in his home country league. Every year he returns to play there and the media and fans go ape crazy. We echo the sentiment stateside…Jean Machi threw 2/3 innings in one appearance last week and gave up one hit and no runs. He’s working to whittle down his inflated 7.20 ERA with two scoreless efforts in December.
La Guaira: Hector Sanchez won’t be outdone by his San Francisco teammate. The catcher is killing it for La Guaira with a five-game hitting streak and a .343 batting average since November 23. He connected for his first home run of the winter on December 4 against Anzoategui and drove in four runs that game…Ehire Adrianza did not play.
Down in the Puerto Rican League, Johnny Monell is officially bananas and Gaspar Santiago is pitching well.
|Cristian Otero||SS||PR||Manati||AZL||11 (18th round)|
|Gaspar Santiago||LHP||PR||Santurce||Salem-Keizer||10 (28th round)|
|Johnny Monell||C||PR||Caguas||Richmond||07 (30th round)|
Santiago got back on track with two strong outings last week. He pitched three innings and allowed two hits and two walks. I’ve had my eye on Santiago for a while and I’d like to see what he can do, even if his 2012 year with Salem-Keizer was disappointing (22 2/3 innings, 15 appearances, and 16 walks)…Monell is the hottest hitter in any league right now, with a .339 overall average and a .382 clip over his last 10 games. Monell hit safely in three straight games and had two doubles and two home runs. The catcher has five homers and 12 RBIs in 56 at-bats but I like his walk rate more: 12 walks to 10 strikeouts…Cristian Otero did not play.
I was able to get some information on happenings in the Colombian League!
|Carlos Willoughby||2B||LCPB||Monteria||Augusta||FA 07|
|Leonardo Fuentes||OF||LCPB||Cartagena||AZL||FA 09|
Leonardo Fuentes’ club, Cartagena, is a half game behind league leading Monteria. Fuentes saw action in one game and went 1-for-3 with a double…Carlos Willoughby is on the top club in the league. At 10-7 Monteria has the best record. Willoughby hasn’t played yet.
In Nicaragua, Wilber Bucardo keeps getting better.
|Wilber Bucardo||RHP||LBPN||Leon||DNP||FA 04|
Bucardo got the start December 4 for Leon and was superb with five innings, five hits, a walk, and a strikeout. He runs his record to 3-1. Sadly his club (Leones de Leon, heh) has the worst record in the league at 11-16, seven games back of first place.
Cameron Lamb went to the Houston Astros in the minor league portion of the Rule V draft, so he will no longer be included in these updates. Also, the Australian Baseball League will not be featured unless another Giants pitcher turns up there.
There’s another month left to the main winter leagues and the smaller leagues (Colombia and Nicaragua) run into January. So you’re stuck with me until the end of the year. Here’s a quick guide for the regular season end dates of each league.
Puerto Rican League
See you next week! | http://www.baycityball.com/2012/12/10/winter-leagues-digest-december-10/comment-page-1/ | 2,374 |
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For some, riding a bike is transportation, a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get from A to B. For others it's recreation, an activity to test their own physical capabilities, stay in shape. For some local cyclists, the bike has become a vehicle that can change lives, maybe even make the world a better place.
Cycling helped Kelyn Akuna see the world. Now he's hoping it will help aboriginal youth see their way in the world.
Akuna, 28, is a former member of the United States track cycling team. Since he started riding at age 16, he raced at events in France, Australia, New Zealand and Trinidad. He came to Burnaby to train on the indoor track at the Harry Jerome sports centre, fell in love with a woman who would become his wife and decided to stay.
Originally from Hawaii, Akuna has a keen interest in aboriginal culture. As he settled into his new country, he began looking for ways to combine his two passions. He approached his training colleagues at the Burnaby Velodrome Club about getting access to the track for aboriginal youth. They loved the idea.
Then he took his fixed gear track bike and a stationary trainer to a jujitsu class at the Urban Native Youth Association in East Vancouver; that was the most popular program so he knew he'd have a big audience for his demonstration.
"Oh my gosh," says Amy Johnson of her reaction to Akuna's pitch. The manager of sport and recreation at UNYA had no concept of what track cycling looked like. But when she saw the kids' eyes light up, she knew they had to be a part of it.
"Youth drive our program and they were excited about it," says Johnson. "It's cool there's opportunities like this for them to try. We're thrilled."
Since starting the Aboriginal Youth Cycling program in April, Akuna's managed to get about 36 young people to make the trek to the track from their homes in East Van, North Vancouver and other parts of Burnaby. About a half dozen are now regulars at the Friday afternoon sessions.
"When the kids first come to the track they're intimidated," says Akuna of the 200 meter high-banked wooden oval. "But by the time they leave they've got a huge grin."
Tom Littlewood knows that grin. It's on his own face every time he swings a leg over the top bar of his mountain bike. That bike saved his life. And if it could get him back on the road to health, he knew it could help others too.
A youth counsellor who worked with local police departments, Littlewood spent most of his days chained to his desk sorting the problems of troubled young people, and most of his evening pasted to his couch. Eventually his sedentary ways caught up to him; his weight ballooning, his heart struggling, his doctor advised him he could go on pills for the rest of his life or he could get on a bike and ride his way back to health.
LIttlewood chose the latter and never looked back. But he also looked forward, to the way his own transformation through cycling could be extended to his clients.
The light bulb went off when he stumbled into the mechanics' training workshops in the basement at Cap's cycle shop in Sapperton. That's where trainees, some of them tattooed and pierced like many of the street kids he dealt with, learned the intricacies of tuning derailleurs, lacing spokes and adjusting brakes.
"This is exactly what I was looking for," says Littlewood. "The worm on the hook was bike mechanics, but what these kids really needed was life skills, they needed to know how to deal with frustration and anger, how to defuse situations through conflict mediation, they needed to know how to cook, how to budget, how to shop, how to present themselves."
Littlewood created Sanctuary Foundation to do just that; giving the kids a tangible trade channeled their energy in a positive way, gave them an outlet that could earn them money and with it, independence and responsibility.
"The kids wanted skills that were green, portable. They wanted a trade that would let them travel, that was karma-free," says Littlewood of the 16-week program he devised. "Bike mechanics fed the need for them to reengage in society."
Sanctuary Foundation thrived for 12 years, first out of the Cliff Block in New Westminster, then a warehouse on Royal Oak in Burnaby. Eventually it broadened to refurbishing computers and skis. And it even reached overseas; the bikes his kids learned to repair were shipped to Cuba where Littlewood set up a parallel program for Cuban youth who put the bikes back together, distributed them into their communities and then maintained them.
"These kids were part of the cycling world now," says Littlewood, who still runs into some of his charges nine years after the program ended when funding ceased. Most have jobs, many have families, responsibilities.
Even as the Sanctuary Foundation foundered, Littlewood carried on two-wheeled evangelism; he took in aboriginal youth for skills training while running a bike touring company at Colony Farm in Coquitlam and he's cultivating school groups for a similar venture he now runs at the River Market in New Westminster. He also keeps a blog extolling his own physical and mental transformation through cycling.
Though he'd been around the bike business his whole life, Gord Hobbis didn't appreciate the kind of impact bikes could have on people's lives until he saw a photo from a project in Jamaica in the late 1980s to which Cap's cycle shop had donated 1,000 pairs of aluminum bike fenders. How would anyone use so many fenders, he'd wondered. They'd all been hammered flat to build roofs for houses.
"I guess everything is useful to someone," says Hobbis, who's hoping a steel container of donated beater bikes will have a similar impact somewhere in southern Africa. The collection was initiated by one of his employees, Brek Boughton, who's currently riding a specially equipped cargo bike through wintery conditions to Tuktoyaktuk to raise money and awareness for The Bicycle Empowerment Network.
When the container is shipped to Africa it will be converted to a shop where locals will be trained to refurbish them. Some of the bikes will be donated to the community, others will be sold.
"A bike can have two or three lifespans," says Hobbis, who already has more than 200 bikes awaiting shipment to Africa. "It can help someone get a job, it can help them get to a clinic, it can turn an all-day journey to get water into a two-hour excursion."
Hobbis says the emotional connection cyclists forge with their bikes make them an ideal vehicle for social change.
"A bike is often your first freedom," says Hobbis. "Your first best memory of a bike is often finding one under the Christmas tree. Now you can go anywhere and that creates a bond."
Kelyn Akuna hopes the link he's creating between bikes and aboriginal youth will give them the tools to tackle the bigger challenges they'll face in life.
"Everything they learn here they can apply to real life," says Akuna. "Taking them out of their usual environment also resets their perceptions of what they can achieve, takes them out of their comfort zone; if you can grab on to this, then you can continue to grab on to other opportunities."
For more information about the Aboriginal Youth Cycling program go to www.aboriginalyouthcycling.com
For more information about Tom Littlewood's cycling journey, go to www.cycle-therapy.ca
For more information about the Bicycling Empowerment Network, go to www.benbikes.org.za
To follow Brek Boughton's journey to the far north, go to www.cyclingintothedark.com | http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/136979498.html?mobile=true | 1,646 |
FALMOUTH, Mass. (AP) -- A youth hockey league on the Cape is combining sun and ice in a new energy efficient hockey rink.
The Falmouth Youth Hockey League officially opened its new solar-powered, 49,000 square foot ice rink on Saturday.
The $6 million arena, with an NHL-sized rink, seats 700 and is built to use half the energy of similar facilities.
It has about 3,300 solar panels on its rooftops and carports. It's also built with efficiency features, including a system that recovers waste heat from the refrigeration system and uses it to melt snow and heat water for ice resurfacing.
The hockey league built the rink with money from private donors and league supporters.
The solar energy system was provided through an agreement with ConEdison Solutions, which will own and operate it. | http://www.berkshireeagle.com/preps/ci_20873666/mass-hockey-league-opens-solar-powered-rink | 175 |
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Group A - Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic' started by JaredSS07, Jun 15, 2012.
vs Greece vs RussiaJune 16, 20.45 CETNational Stadium Warsaw
with all eyes on the Poland v Czech game, this may be one of the most neglected games of the tournament. However, I don't think it's going to be as easy as many think... Russia should still go through though...
The Greeks have scored
Terrible defending by Russia. Good finishing from Karagounis.
HELLAS!!! HELLAS!!! HELLAS!!!
Greece scores, but as long as there's not a winner in the other game - both will go through!
Wow Greece is the first team that actually played 10 man defense the whole game.
Better than there 1 man defense for the first two games, in the first half at least.
No, this is just terrible to the eyes.
Maybe for you. For those of us rooting for Greece, this is better than the crap we saw in games 1 and 2.
No, it's not. That's what Russia gets for not capitalizing on many chances. Greece had one chance and scored. Kudos to them. Greece isn't the only country that defends and counter-attacks. They play to their strengths. Their is nothing wrong with that.
What a joke of a call.
AHHHHHHHHHH. Drilled the post...so close.
Yes! He can walk again!
HELLAS!! HELLAS!! HELLAS!!!!!
That is the way you get a result.
i was cheering for greece , because it seems in every freakin game they play they get an unfair decision from the refs , the 2 imaginary yellow cards ( red ) against poland , the offside goal against the Czechs and the uncalled pk now , they atleast deserved to go through to the next round although i wouldve prefered the russians to go alongside them instead of the czechs
exciting game! Not the most technically sound but a thriller due to the stakes!
MOTM for me is Samaras. His holdup play, his clearing, his touches, his creativity was just plain fun to watch. Didn't get on the scoresheet, but he had a HUGE impact on the game.
Greece was very bad against Poland and Czech Republic and now they're through? Unbelievable....
Possibly Germany vs. Greece
Why does greece advance when russia had better goal difference?
What a way for the Russians to go out of the competition!
Well, this is not like Eurovision where you make it to first or second place because your neighbours vote for you; here you win if you are good (or at least less crap than the others).
The first tie-breaker is head to head.
Congratulations to Greece ! from an Irish Fan
Congradulations to Greece. Im stunned Russia is not going through this group.
Greece plays great defensively, but they really need to cut back on the flopping, whining, fake injuries, etc (aka: Italian styled soccer)... its rather annoying and disrespectful to the sport.
Italy has been great thus far this tournament so no need to insult them, but the fake injuries, diving, whining was embarrassing for the Greeks today. | http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/greece-vs-russia-june-16-national-stadium-warsaw-r.1946390/ | 703 |
Eden Park’s Mark Perham is one of the world’s best turf managers.
With 27 years behind him in turf management of both golf and stadium facilities, Mark has experienced all the satisfactions and frustrations that the profession has to offer.
During his near ten year stint as turf manager he has witnessed many changes in the sports landscape, including the increased expectations of turf quality, as well as the frequency of sporting events on it. Mark has globe trotted the world investigating sporting stadiums to bring together the best innovations and technologies of turf science and applied to Eden Park to create a surface that is regarded as one of the best playing surfaces in the world.
“The quality and expectations from the players has changed quite a bit, especially for rugby. The players don’t like to get muddy anymore,” Perham said with a laugh.
“The increase in games means constant maintenance, but we’re lucky since we’re pretty well resourced. It can be pretty tough for those who lack the facilities and resources.”
In fact the schedule for Eden Park is absolutely frantic. The stadium will host a BLACKCAPS v South Africa One Day International on March 3rd and must then get ready for a rugby league match between the Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagle just 16 hours later.
“Unfortunately it means working all night. Hopefully the cricket should finish early,” Perham said with a grin.
“New Zealand will win quickly.”
While Perham may be as busy as ever, the increase in events has seen a wide range of highlights during his time at the Park.
Not surprisingly he cites last year’s World Cup as a major highlight, but also refers to hosting two of the Chappell Hadlee matches in the 2009/2010 series and international fixtures in any sports as something that him and his team always treasure.
The next big ticket items that the Eden Park staff are preparing for is the BLACKCAPS games against Zimbabwe and South Africa. One Twenty20 against Zimbabwe and a Twenty20 and ODI against South Africa will be played at the venue during February and early March.
Perham says everything is ready to go, even though a large amount of his crews’ time has been has been spent on the renovations to No.2 Ground.
“Number one looks great. Best I’ve ever seen it at this time of year. It should be pretty good to bat on.
“Number Two ground is (also) coming along nicely. It’s been the main focus since the world cup and should be close to finished by end of next week. That’ll be used for a lot of domestic cricket so that’s pretty exciting.”
While we can expect a good surface for the batsmen in the upcoming limited overs games, Perham doesn’t believe flat and fast is always best. He believes the ideal surface is very dependent on the format being played.
”Times are changing. In Test matches and the longer version of cricket there needs to be something more for the bowlers like we have seen in the recent India v Australia series, while batsmen probably get decks to their liking during the shorter formats of the game.”
Take his word for it. Who are we to argue with 27 years of experience? | http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/news/grassroots/3/edens-landlord--mark-perham/9427/article.aspx | 694 |
Photo by Ken Pishna via MMA Weekly
Young Canadian Rory MacDonald suplexed Nate Diaz repeatedly to cruise to a dominant unanimous decision (30-26x2, 30-27) win at UFC 129: St. Pierre vs Shields.
MacDonald scored early and dominated the early stages of the round. Diaz forced a clinch but ate some shots on the break. MacDonald landed a sharp superman punch. MacDonald nearly got a nifty trip but Diaz sprang right back up. MacDonald seemed to control the initiative throughout the first round.
MacDonald used a nice wrestling switch to take control of an early clinch. Then he pressed forward after they separated. Diaz forced a clinch but ended up pressed into the cage. Diaz reacted to a nice trip by pulling guard. Diaz got back up after enduring some hard shots from the standing MacDonald. Then MacDonald took him down with a nice knee tap and ended up back in Diaz' guard. MacDonald backed away and let Diaz stand back up. Diaz caught him with a straight left. They clinched and Diaz landed a few punches but MacDonald ended the exchange with a sharp uppercut. Diaz connected. Then they went back to wrestling in a standing clinch. Diaz tried a nice trip but MacDonald sprang up. MacDonald landed a combination that Diaz answered. MacDonald ended the round with some sharp punch-kick combos.
Diaz went for a leg lock and took some hard shots early in the third. Then MacDonald slammed him hard not once but twice. Diaz tried for another leg attack and ate more hard shots before being brutally slammed again. Diaz fought his way back to a clinch position but MacDonald got a double leg to put him on his back again. A sharp elbow cut Diaz badly.
Diaz is the younger brother of Strikeforce welterweight champ Nick Diaz. He is the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5. Diaz went 5-3 as a lightweight in the UFC before jumping to welterweight where he racked up 2 wins and a loss prior to tonight's bout.
MacDonald came into the fight off his first career loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 125. He won the first two rounds of that fight before allowing Condit to rally and get the TKO stoppage with just 0:07 left in the fight.
More UFC 129 Results from Bloody Elbow:
- Georges St. Pierre Slips Past Jake Shields
- Jose Aldo Holds Off Mark Hominick
- Lyoto Machida Clouts Randy Couture
- Vladimir Matyushenko Mops the Floor With Jason Brilz
- Ben Henderson Whips Up On Mark Bocek
- Claude Patrick Edges Daniel Roberts
- Ivan Menjivar Clocks Charlie Valencia
- Jason MacDonald Triangles Ryan Jensen
- John Makdessi KO's Kyle Watson With Spinning Back Fist
- Pablo Garza Submits Yves Jabouin | http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/4/30/2145471/ufc-129-results-nate-diaz-vs-rory-macdonald | 583 |
Bloody Elbow takes a look at the current fight lineup of UFC on FX 6, set for Brisbane, Australia on December 14th (the 15th in Australia). This card also doubles as the TUF: UK vs. Australia finale.
Australia has become one of the best places to hold a UFC event just for crowd atmosphere alone. You can tell the fans are very knowledgeable and are incredibly enthusiastic. This December they host their 4th overall show and their 2nd in 2012. It also doubles as the season finale for The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes (UK vs. Australia).
The main event pits the show's coaches George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson, with the latter returning to lightweight following a 1-1 stint at 145. Also on the main card is a key middleweight fight between Hector Lombard and Rousimar Palhares. None of the aforementioned four won their most recent fight, and three of them were knocked out.
There are also two TUF finales expected to round out the main card in the welterweight and lightweight divisions.
The preliminary card is pretty good, with Chad Mendes taking on Hacran Dias and Anthony Perosh fighting Joey Beltran. More fights for the prelims (likely from TUF) will be announced later next month.
It should be noted that Bruce Buffer will NOT be the ring announcer for this one as the UFC has the TUF 16 Finale in Las Vegas. The replacement for that night is unknown.
Here's the fight card at a glance, set for December 14th (15th in Australia) in Brisbane:
Ross Pearson vs. George Sotiropoulos
Hector Lombard vs. Rousimar Palhares
TUF WW Finalist 1 vs. TUF WW Finalist 2
TUF LW Finalist 1 vs. TUF LW Finalist 2
Chad Mendes vs. Hacran Dias
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Anthony Perosh vs. Joey Beltran
Seth Baczynski vs. TBA | http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/10/29/3572040/ufc-on-fx-6-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson-fight-card | 429 |
Blue Hens Struggle From The Field as University of Delaware Drops 64-50 CAA Tilt at James Madison
January 23, 2013
File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell
• Boxscore (HTML) / PDF
HARRISONBURG, Va. -- The University of Delaware men’s basketball team could never get going offensively as James Madison used a dominating defensive and rebounding effort to post a 64-50 Colonial Athletic Association victory over the Blue Hens Wednesday night at the JMU Convocation Center.
The Dukes snapped a two-game losing streak and won their fourth straight home game as they improved to 10-10 overall and 4-3 in league play. Delaware, which dropped its third consecutive game following a 3-0 conference start, fell to 8-11 overall and 3-3 in the CAA.
Rayshawn Goins recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Dukes, who improved to 6-12 all-time against Delaware. A.J. Davis scored a team-high 16 points off the bench on 7 of 11 shooting from the field, while Andre Nation added 12 points and Devon Moore chipped in with 10. James Madison recorded assists on 17 of its 21 field goals and held a commanding 48-32 advantage on the glass, including 18 offensive rebounds.
Delaware, which had its six-game CAA road winning streak snapped, shot just 28.9 percent from the field and hit only 13 field goals for the night. The Blue Hens also went just 3 of 12 from three-point range although UD, which entered the night tied for seventh in the nation in free throw shooting, did go 21 of 27 from the foul line. Devon Saddler (at right) led the Blue Hens with 16 points and six rebounds, while Jarvis Threatt reached double figures for the ninth consecutive game as he poured in 12 points, although he finished just 1 of 9 from the floor.
Josh Brinkley contributed seven points and six boards but Jamelle Hagins, who entered the game leading the nation with 11.7 rebounds per game, was held to just four points and four boards.
Delaware scored six of the first eight points of the contest but James Madison erupted for a 12-0 run, punctuated with an emphatic dunk by Davis, to go up 14-6 seven minutes into the game. Saddler answered with four consecutive points for UD but the Dukes countered with another 12-0 spurt, taking a 26-10 advantage on an Enoch Hood dunk with 4:12 to play in the half.
Delaware, which opened 3 of 19 from the field, broke a seven-minute scoreless stretch with two free throws by Threatt and a bucket by Saddler. James Madison went back up 14 points, before the Blue Hens scored four of the final five points of the period to cur the margin to 29-18 at the break.
Delaware finished the half just 5 of 22 from the field and 0 of 7 from behind the arc as the Blue Hens posted their lowest first half output of the season.
Two free throws by Threatt to open the second half brought UD back within single digits but the Blue Hens missed their next six shots from the floor, while three-pointers by Goins and a jumper by Taylor Bessick made it a 37-20 game with 14:53 remaining.
Carl Baptiste converted Delaware’s first second half basket with a tip-in at the 13:41 mark, but four consecutive JMU points gave the Dukes a 41-22 margin with 12 minutes to play.
Delaware made a run with six consecutive points on a Baptiste jumper, two Kyle Anderson free throws and a floater in the paint by Saddler to close within 41-28 with 10:24 on the clock. But the Dukes countered with three straight points, and the lead grew to as much as 21 when Davis dunked home an alley-oop to make it a 58-37 contest with 4:09 to play.
“Congratulations to James Madison, they out-played us, out-hustled us, and out-coached us tonight,” said seventh-year UD head coach Monté Ross. “Defensively we did some good things, but we just didn’t do a good job of rebounding the basketball. If Kyle, Jamelle and Jarvis don’t shoot well, it’s going to be tough for us to win.”
Delaware will take the weekend off before heading to rival Drexel on Monday for a 7 p.m. game at the Daskalakis Center that will be televised by the NBC Sports Network. | http://www.bluehens.com/teams/mens-basketball/stories/2013/january/012313a.html?DB_OEM_ID=8500 | 973 |
Rookie Anibal Sanchez has been alive a little longer than Roger Clemens has been in the major leagues.
The 22-year-old Sanchez, who was about 3 months old when Clemens made his major league debut in 1984, outpitched the seven-time Cy Young Award winner last night to lead the host Florida Marlins to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Sanchez said he wasn't nervous facing the 43-year-old Clemens. But he said his wife was probably nervous for him, just like when he won his major league debut in Yankee Stadium June 25. Sanchez said his relatives were monitoring the game on the Internet from Venezuela.
``Today, everybody talked to me because everybody knows who is Roger Clemens. I don't know who was more excited," Sanchez said. ``I'm really happy. He's a great pitcher and I have a lot of respect for him."
Sanchez (2-0) was making his third career start and first at Dolphin Stadium. He didn't allow a hit until pinch hitter Willy Taveras singled to lead off the sixth. Sanchez pitched seven shutout innings, giving up two hits, striking out two, and walking one.
Clemens (1-3), making his fifth start of the season, lasted five innings, giving up two runs and seven hits with seven strikeouts.
``I'm not here to be just OK," Clemens said.
Mets 6, Cubs 3 -- Steve Trachsel won his seventh straight start, and New York used a four-run fourth inning to win at Chicago.
Trachsel (9-4) gave up two runs on three hits in six innings. The former Cub hasn't lost since May 17, a span of 10 starts.
Diamondbacks 4, Brewers 3 -- Johnny Estrada hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Arizona.
Luis Gonzalez doubled to lead off the ninth against Brewers closer Derrick Turnbow (4-5). Estrada drilled Turnbow's next delivery 392 feet into the seats in right field for his seventh homer.
Giants 5, Phillies 3 -- Barry Bonds made a significant contribution to host San Francisco's victory without getting a hit.
The 41-year-old slugger walked twice, scoring both times, stole a base, and made a sliding catch in left field to help Matt Morris (8-7) to the win.
Cardinals 5, Dodgers 0 -- Chris Carpenter (8-4) threw a two-hitter and David Eckstein had four hits to help host St. Louis to its fifth straight victory.
Reds 3, Rockies 1 -- Adam Dunn homered in the first inning and Aaron Harang became Cincinnati's first 10-game winner, leading the rejuvenated Reds over visiting Colorado.
Pirates 7, Nationals 4 -- Jason Bay drove in two runs and Jose Bautista homered among his three hits, helping host Pittsburgh beat Washington.
Angels 4, Devil Rays 0 -- John Lackey (8-5) pitched a five-hitter for his second consecutive shutout, Vladimir Guerrero was 3 for 4 with a tiebreaking home run, and host Los Angeles picked up where it left off before the All-Star break.
The two-time defending AL West champions, who were nine games under .500 and a season-worst seven games out of first place June 30, are 9-1 since and only 2 1/2 games behind the division leaders.
Rangers 2, Orioles 1 -- Kevin Millwood (9-5) and three relievers combined on a six-hitter, and Texas capitalized on one shaky inning by Kris Benson (9-8) to slip past host Baltimore.
After scoring 15 runs one night earlier, the Rangers got their only runs on fourth-inning sacrifice flies by Michael Young and Mark Teixeira.
Mariners 5, Blue Jays 3 -- Gil Meche won his fifth straight decision and Adrian Beltre drove in two runs to lead Seattle at Toronto.
Meche (9-4) allowed three runs and six hits, striking out five and walking one in six innings.
Twins 3, Indians 2 -- Jason Tyner's RBI single in the 10th inning lifted host Minnesota over Cleveland.
Torii Hunter got things going in the 10th with a one-out single off Edward Mujica (0-1). He advanced to third on a single by Jason Kubel, and Tyner followed with a rope to right field that scored Hunter.
Tigers 10, Royals 9 -- Carlos Guillen hit a game-winning homer off Jeremy Affeldt with one out in the ninth inning, lifting host Detroit over Kansas City. | http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2006/07/15/sanchez_outduels_clemens/?camp=pm | 974 |
Final: Kings 120-95: The upset bug hit the Celtics as they were steamrolled by the Sacramento Kings, who hit 23 of 36 shots in the second half and cruised to an easy win. Marcus Thornton scored 36 for Sacramento. Ray Allen scored 26.
Fourth quarter, 5:00, Kings 110-86: An embarrassing defensive effort for the Celtics, who have allowed the Kings to make 19 of 30 shots in the second half and cruise to a win. Marcus Thornton has 36 points.
End of third quarter, Kings 93-74: By far the worst quarter of the year for the Celtics. Sacramento scored 41 points on 14-for-20 shooting (70 percent). Marcus Thornton and Isaiah Thomas combined for 23 points as the Celtics look tired and may be just conceding and preparing for tomorrow night at Denver.
Third quarter, 1:43, Kings 87-70: The Kings are 14-for-19 shooting in the quarter and are running away with this game. This is the game the Celtics thought they could get and now it's turning into a blowout. The Celtics have had energy from the opening tip while this is Sacramento's Super Bowl.
Third quarter, 9:46, Kings 63-51: Sacramento has scored the first 11 points of the quarter in 2:14, including 7 of those by Isaiah Thomas as Rajon Rondo continues to look uninterested in playing this game. The Kings are 5-for-5 shooting in the third quarter while the Celtics are 0 of 3.
Halftime, Kings 52-51: The Celtics showed some life in the second quarter but continually gave up easy baskets to the Kings off the fastbreak. Sacramento has more energy than the Celtics and it's curious because Boston is coming off a entire day off Thyrsday. Ray Allen has 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting while Paul Pierce has 15 on 4-for-11 shooting.
Second quarter, 4:35, Kings 43-40: The Celtics are beginning to heat up with Ray Allen draining two 3-pointers over the last three minutes. He has 10 points while Paul Pierce is 3-for-9 shooting but is getting to the free throw line.
Second quarter, 8:31, Kings 34-27: Sacramento is reading passing lanes and taking advantage of the Celtics' laziness with passes. Boston has five turnovers and Rajon Rondo is having one of those no-impact games so far with no points and two assists in 11 minutes. Paul Pierce leads the Celtics with 8 points.
End of first quarter, Kings 26-20: As poorly as the Celtics played, they only trail by six. They made just six baskets in the quarter compared with 12 for the Kings. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo are a combined 2-for-11 shooting. DeMarcus Cousins went right at Greg Stiemsma when Kevin Garnett exited and he has 8 points.
First quarter, 5:06, Kings 14-10: Sacramento on a 6-0 run as the Celtics have missed five consecutive shots, including a missed dunk by Ray Allen. The Kings are without Tyreke Evans (sprained left ankle) so they are spreading the wealth with 4 points apiece from DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Thornton.
First quarter, 8:08, Celtics 8-6: Lots of Celtics fans here in Sacramento as Kevin Garnett already has two jumpers on counterpart DeMarcus Cousins. Another solid start for KG. | http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2012/03/updates_from_ce_107.html | 707 |
Jets pull out of skid
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Darrelle Revis ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown and the New York Jets did just enough to beat the Miami Dolphins, 24-6, last night and end a three-game losing streak.
Mark Sanchez threw a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes and ran for another score as Rex Ryan’s Jets - who called this a “must-win’’ game - capped a tough week by pulling out a victory and sending the winless Dolphins to their fifth straight loss.
With the losses mounting and the season already on the brink of spinning out of control for the Jets (3-3), they had to deal with some infighting as Holmes called out the offensive line for not protecting Sanchez. Right guard Brandon Moore fired back, saying those comments could have a “fragmenting effect.’’
New York’s anemic offense finally woke up late in the second quarter, leading to Sanchez’s 5-yard touchdown run on a quarterback draw. The Jets led, 14-6, at the half.
Then the Jets marched 79 yards in 13 plays in the third quarter, setting up Nick Folk’s 28-yard field goal for a 17-6 lead. They took up nearly half the quarter on that drive, with Sanchez completing consecutive 24-yard passes to Dustin Keller and Joe McKnight.
That was in stark contrast to the early going. It took the Jets until 6:17 remained in the half to get their initial first down. They were outgained, 203 yards to 34, at that point. But they were in front thanks to Revis.
In the first quarter, Matt Moore, playing quarterback with Chad Henne out for the season after shoulder surgery, threw outside to Brandon Marshall. But the receiver had cut inside at the goal line, and Revis easily caught the errant pass.
Revis weaved through the Dolphins without being touched to tie the longest interception runback in Jets history. Aaron Glenn went 100 yards against Miami in 1996.
Miami’s Reggie Bush left in the third quarter with his right arm hanging at his side - it was announced as a neck injury. Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith limped off dragging his right leg late in the third quarter. | http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2011/10/18/jets_pull_out_of_skid/?camp=pm | 482 |
Rudy Gay wowed a sold-out crowd by scoring 20 points off the bench in his Toronto debut, leading the Raptors to a 98-73 rout of the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
Amir Johnson had 19 points and matched his career high with 16 rebounds for the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan also scored 19 as Toronto welcomed Gay with a winning effort two days after the high-scoring forward was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade that included Detroit.
John Lucas scored 17 and Aaron Gray had 7 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors.
Blake Griffin had 17 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers, who were without point guard Chris Paul (bruised right kneecap) for the sixth straight game. Los Angeles forward Matt Barnes served a one-game suspension for striking Minnesota’s Greg Stiemsma on Wednesday.
Gay wasted little time exciting his new fans: He scored 7 points in the first quarter.
Pacers 102, Heat 89 — David West scored 30 points and Paul George added 15, leading Indiana to its 13th straight victory at the expense of visiting Miami.
Miami was led by LeBron James with 28 points and Dwyane Wade with 17.
Indiana led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, and Miami never got closer than 12 in the fourth.
Knicks 96, Bucks 86 — Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points, Amare Stoudemire had 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench, as New York extended its winning streak to three games with a victory over Milwaukee at Madison Square Garden.
J.R. Smith had 17 points and Tyson Chandler pulled down 20 rebounds in New York’s fourth straight win over Milwaukee.
Nets 93, Bulls 89 — Brook Lopez scored 20 points through three quarters, then host Brooklyn turned to the bench to beat a banged-up Chicago squad.
Andray Blatche scored all of his 11 points in the fourth quarter and MarShon Brooks had 9 of his 13 as the reserves scored the Nets’ first 20 points of the fourth.
The Bulls, who played without ailing starters Joakim Noah (foot), Carlos Boozer (hamstring), and Kirk Hinrich (elbow) while losing for just the third time in 11 games.
Lakers 111, Timberwolves 100 — Pau Gasol had 22 points and 12 rebounds in his return to the starting lineup and Kobe Bryant nearly had a triple-double in leading Los Angeles past host Minnesota.
Bryant had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists and Steve Nash added 17 points and seven assists for the Lakers, who played without Dwight Howard due to a sore right shoulder. They beat the Wolves for the 20th straight time, the longest active streak in the NBA.
Mavericks 109, Suns 99 — O.J. Mayo scored 20 points to lead six Dallas players in double figures and the Mavericks, despite the absence of Dirk Nowitzki, added to their mastery of Phoenix with a win over the host Suns.
Darren Collison added 19 points for the Mavericks, minus Nowitzki for the second game in as many nights because of a sore right hip.
Goran Dragic had 19 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds for the Suns, losers of 11 of 12 in the series.
Grizzlies 85, Wizards 76 — Mike Conley scored 18 points and Tayshaun Prince added 14 in his Memphis debut, sinking a pair of key fourth-quarter jumpers in a win over visiting Washington.
76ers 89, Kings 80 — Thaddeus Young had 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored 21 to lead Philadelphia over visiting Sacramento.
Tyreke Evans scored 29 points and Isaiah Thomas had 24 for the Kings. The Kings have lost six of seven.
Pistons 117, Cavaliers 99 — Brandon Knight had 20 points and 10 assists, and Detroit never trailed against Cleveland at home.
Greg Monroe added 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons, who played without newly acquired point guard Jose Calderon, who needs to resolve visa issues before he can suit up.
Jazz 86, Trail Blazers 77 — Al Jefferson had 21 points and hit two one-handed shots in the lane to clinch host Utah’s victory over Portland.
Nuggets 113, Hornets 98 — Ty Lawson had 21 points and 13 assists, Andre Iguodala scored 24, and host Denver beat New Orleans for its sixth straight victory. | http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/02/gay-scores-points-debut-for-raptors/KSUctzk3e0sNHdce6mTZYM/story.html | 921 |
WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Sophomore Corey Bradley (Holyoke, Mass.)
scored one goal and assisted another today as the Brandeis
University men's soccer team upended Babson College, 3-1, in a
rematch of last season's ECAC semifinal contest.
Brandeis (1-0-1) took a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute, as senior Evan Duval (Wilbraham, Mass.) hit a perfect service off a free kick that sophomore Tyler Morrill (Newmarket, N.H.) was able to knock past Babson senior goalie Chris Necklas (Guilford, Conn.) for the game's first goal. The Judges then made it 2-0 when junior Alex Mithoefer (Chappaqua, N.Y.) headed in a cross from sophomore Bradley at 29:35.
Babson (2-1) cut its deficit in half early in the second stanza, as senior Jonny Hakala (New Ipswich, N.H.) hit a cross that first-year Harrison Heller (Fort Wayne, Ind.) redirected in front of the net. Junior Tim Winn (Sutton, Mass.) then followed it in for his team-leading third goal of the season at 51:38 to make it 2-1.
The Judges added an insurance goal in the 69th minute, as Bradley took a lead pass from junior Ben Premo (Florence, Mass.) down the left side and lofted a perfect shot over a leaping Necklas and into the back right corner. That would be enough for the stingy Brandeis defense, which held the Babson offense to very few quality opportunities in the second half.
Brandeis netminder Taylor Bracken (No. Andover, Mass.) made five of his six saves in the first half to improve to 1-0-1 on the season. Babson senior Chris Necklas had four stops in the losing effort for the Beavers. | http://www.brandeisjudges.com/sports/msoc/2007-08/news/babson?dec=/printer-decorator | 413 |
British Judo and Tottenham Hotspur Support Highlands School InitiativeFriday, 26 October, 2012 - 02:12pm
The British Judo Association, the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of judo in Great Britain launched an exciting partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Highlands School on Tuesday 23 October.
The partnership has been created to provide judo at the school for two days a week where it is delivered in both curriculum and extracurricular and the development of an after school club.
Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons and Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker were on hand to meet and greet guests, sign autographs and also take part in a Q & A session with children from the school.
Enfield Judo Club product and former British international Siobhan O’Neil led a judo display of the programme featuring the pupils and young international judoka.
Through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation judo is then provided at a variety of venues across the catchment of the foundation through Premier League 4sport programme and linked to their youth club network. British Judo then looks to promote the sport across the area as part of its wider engagement programme and feeding young people through to local clubs.Back to News | http://www.britishjudo.org.uk/news/british-judo-and-tottenham-hotspur-support-highlands-school-initiative | 258 |
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Photo illustration by 731; Photographs by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images; Winslow Townson/Getty Images
On an oddly steamy night in April, Fenway Park is gussied up with bunting as the Boston Red Sox prepare to host the Texas Rangers. The owner’s box is a mix of corporate and academic types, including hedge fund managers and the president of a nearby liberal arts college. The atmosphere feels more book party than bleacher brawl. Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner holds court in the center of the room, recounting the experience of witnessing one of the two other teams he co-owns win a big game—well, a sort of big game. “People say it must have been fun, but watching the game was hell,” he says. “The fun came later.” The trophy his players captured that February night is the marginal Carling Cup, and the team is Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League. Although it lacked the prestige of a Premier League title, the cup helped fans warm to the team’s new custodians.
As chairman of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Werner, along with his partner John Henry, took control of Liverpool in October 2010 for a cut-rate price after paying off about $300 million worth of the club’s debt. Henry concedes they knew “virtually nothing” about the Premier League, or soccer for that matter, before buying the club, but recognizing the global reach and moneymaking potential of the sport didn’t require much expertise. The U.S., soccer-resistant for so long, is now home to the owners of five of the 20 clubs in the English Premier League. Manchester United, owned by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Glazer family, is the most valuable sports team in the world, according to a Forbes estimate. Arsenal, controlled by St. Louis Rams’ Stan Kroenke, is the fourth-richest club. Liverpool is the eighth.
Photograph by Rex/AP Photo
On July 25, Werner will preside over a rare collision of worlds as Fenway’s pitcher’s mound and foul lines will be replaced with penalty areas and soccer goals. In one of 39 games being played in North America this summer by high-profile foreign clubs, Liverpool will battle Italian stalwart Roma, which happens to belong to a Red Sox minority owner, Thomas DiBenedetto. No doubt Werner is hoping some of the Fenway magic will rub off on his soccer team, and not DiBenedetto’s.
While he and Henry weren’t exactly welcomed by the Red Sox faithful in 2002, when they bought the team and New England Sports Network for $700 million, their ruthless methodology of sourcing untapped streams of commercial revenue helped secure top talent and usher in the franchise’s most successful era. The Red Sox won the World Series in both 2004 and 2007 and remain a perennial contender. In the past decade the number of corporate sponsors jumped from 35 to 95. “[Werner and Henry] spent money, reorganized the team, and fixed a ballpark that everyone said couldn’t be fixed,” says Massachusetts-born Bill Simmons, editor-in-chief of ESPN’s online review Grantland (to which I regularly contribute). “They couldn’t have been better owners coming out of the gate.”
Starting in 2007, FSG began expanding its portfolio, buying a 50 percent stake in Nascar team Roush Racing for $50 million. Seeking an acquisition with more “worldwide appeal,” says Werner, it turned to Liverpool, a club teetering on the verge of bankruptcy after North American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett drowned it in debt. “Someone mentioned Liverpool’s games against Manchester United draw an estimated 500 million global television audience,” says Werner. By contrast, only 16 million people, on average per game, watched the 2011 World Series. “Coming from MLB, we simply could not relate to that number.”
Werner was also attracted to the fact that the Premier League operates without the curious socialism of America’s sports leagues: salary caps, organized drafts, and revenue sharing. “In baseball, when you acquire a franchise, you are one-thirtieth of an industry,” he says. “If we sell a Liverpool jersey to a supporter in Jakarta, we keep 100 percent of that.” Sam Kennedy, president of Fenway Sports Management, says the Liverpool deal opens new markets to Fenway’s corporate partners, including Boston-area companies such as New Balance and Dunkin’ Donuts. “Red Sox Nation can only expose a sponsor to six states,” he says. By enabling FSG to expand its corporate relationships worldwide, Liverpool can act as a global amplifier.
Photograph Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images
The final piece of FSG’s worldwide marketing machine came in April 2011 with the signing of LeBron James. In exchange for acting as James’s global marketing representative—the Miami Heat star may be divisive at home but is widely beloved in Asia—FSG offered him a minority ownership share in Liverpool Football Club. (Asked why James eschewed more traditional agencies, his business manager Maverick Carter said, “I admire [them] but they don’t own sports franchises last time I checked.”)
Liverpool is far removed from its glory days. Beginning in the ’90s, the historically great club struggled to adapt to the globalization of English soccer, and was eclipsed by Manchester United both on the field and commercially. Werner is confident he, using the methodologies perfected at Fenway, can restore Liverpool’s fortunes—even though he’d never been to a Liverpool game before buying the team.
Results have been mixed so far. Before the 2011 season, FSG splashed $179 million on a crew of underperforming players, who failed to qualify Liverpool for the elite European tournament, the Champions League. In May the club posted an $80 million loss for 2011. “No supporter will take pleasure where we are right now,” says Werner. Henry concedes the last 18 months have been humbling. “Our first year and a half was spent learning as much as we could, and we are just now really beginning to understand what we have to do differently.”
Julian Finney/The FA/Getty Images
In January 2012, Liverpool announced the most lucrative jersey deal the sport has ever seen, a $40 million-a-year partnership with a New Balance subsidiary called Warrior. And over the past three months, FSG executed a radical overhaul of Liverpool’s management team. They fired manager Kenny Dalglish, a man worshipped by players and fans, and hired the young coach Brendan Rodgers. “I genuinely think a club of our status and value to the football world, we can go [win] again,” says Rodgers, before adding, rather ominously: “But it’s going to take time, and whether it will be in my time, I’m not so sure.”
Having suffered through the Red Sox’s collapse last September and slow start this season, ESPN’s Simmons wonders whether the expansion into English soccer is wise—or if it’s pulling focus from the daunting enough task of beating the New York Yankees. “I think [the Red Sox success] went to their heads,” he says. “They got a little greedy, almost like someone who wins a ton of money gambling in Vegas and starts to think they’re invincible.” | http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-19/for-fenway-sports-group-liverpool-is-the-real-moneyball | 1,623 |
Bears set to make third Holiday Bowl appearance
Senior OT Earns First-Team Pac-12 Honors for Football and Academics
Bears Set To Make Third Holiday Bowl Appearance
Weekly Radio Program Airs Live on 910 AM
Keenan Allen selected as team's offensive MVP; Mychal Kendricks and D.J. Holt share defensive MVP honors.
AFTER CAL: Agreed to terms on an undrafted free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings on May 1, 2012 ... posted a solid all-around performance at Cal's 2012 Pro Day with 39 bench press reps of 225 pounds that would have been third at the 2012 NFL Combine and a 4.70 40-yard dash that would have been fifth among defensive linemen in Indianapolis ... on 2012 Cal Pro Day bench press - "It's just like clockwork. All of us have been doing this for eight to nine weeks, almost every single day. It's easy by now. You get a little adrenaline because the scouts are watching you and everybody is cheering you on."
CAL CAREER (Career Stats): Played in 42 games with 18 starts from 2008-11 ... recorded 55 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss (-61 yards), 8.0 sacks (-49 yards), one forced fumble and five pass breakups ... earned first-team Pac-12 All-Academic honors as a senior after being a second-team Pac-10 All-Academic selection during both sophomore and junior campaigns ... two-time first-team ESPN All-District® 8 pick as a junior and senior.
2011 (Game-By-Game Stats): Played in all 13 games with nine starts, contributing 30 tackles to rank second among the team's defensive linemen behind Trevor Guyton ... also second on the team with 4.5 sacks (-25 yards) and fourth with 7.5 tackles for loss (-30) ... added a forced fumble, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry ... had his biggest game of the season at Oregon with a career-high seven tackles, a season-high-tying 2.0 tackles for loss for a season-high 12 yards, a sack for a season-high 10 yards, a forced fumble and a pass breakup ... had four tackles each at Colorado, vs. Utah and vs. Oregon State ... added a sack against both the Beavers (-9 yards) and Utes (-2 yards), as well as a total of 2.0 tackles for loss (-4 yards) against the Utes and 1.0 tackle for loss (-1 yard) against the Buffaloes ... had three tackles in the Holiday Bowl vs. Texas ... had 1.5 sacks (-4 yards) against Presbyterian ... other pass breakup came in season-opener vs. Fresno State, while quarterback hurry came against USC ... posted two tackles at Stanford ... had single tackles vs. Fresno State, at UCLA, vs. Washington State and at Arizona State ... picked up first-team ESPN All-District® 8 for the second consecutive year and first-team Pac-12 All-Academic honors for the first time ... earned the team's Dink Artal Award on the defensive side of the ball for the player best exemplifying Cal spirit ... earned a spot on Phil Steele's midseason third-team All-Pac-12 squad.
2010 (Game-By-Game Stats): Played in all 12 games and moved into a primary starting role with starts in each of the season's first nine games before coming off the bench in the final three ... recorded a career-high 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (-10 yards) and 1.5 sacks (-9 yards), as well as a career-high two pass breakups ... twice had a career-high-tying four tackles vs. Colorado and UCLA, adding 1.0 tackle for loss and 0.5 sacks for no gain vs. the Buffaloes, and 0.5 tackles for loss (-1 yard) and a quarterback hurry against the Bruins ... had a pair of tackles in back-to-back contests at Oregon State and Washington State, also picking up a sack for nine yards against the Beavers ... had single tackles vs. Arizona State and Washington, as well as a pass breakups at Nevada and vs. Oregon ... had a huge year in the classroom, earning first-team ESPN All-District® 8 and second-team Pac-10 All-Academic selections.
2009 (Game-By-Game Stats): Played in 12 games off the bench and finished the season with seven tackles, a career-high 3.0 tackles for loss (-18 yards), a career-high 2.0 sacks (-15 yards) and one pass breakup ... recorded all of his sacks and tackles for loss in the season-opener vs. Maryland, with the 3.0 tackles for loss tying for the most by a Cal player in 2009 while both were career highs ... had three tackles and his first career pass breakup vs. the Terrapins ... added two tackles in the second game of the season vs. Eastern Washington and then one each at UCLA and at Washington in the regular-season finale ... second-team Pac-10 All-Academic selection.
2008 (Game-By-Game Stats): Played in five games off the bench, recording five tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss (-3 yards) ... had a season-high four stops in his collegiate debut against Colorado State ... his other stop was a tackle for loss (-3 yards) in the regular-season finale vs. Washington ... second-team Pac-10 All-Academic selection.
2007: Redshirted ... did not play.
HIGH SCHOOL: Took a prep year in 2006 at The Hun School of Princeton after his 2005 senior season at Father Ryan High School ... listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals, which also ranked him the No. 24 prospect on its top-50 listing for prep schools ... had 60 tackles and 12.0 sacks in 2005 as a senior at Father Ryan and posted nearly identical numbers in 2006 at The Hun School of Princeton with 62 tackles, 13.0 sacks and an interception.
PERSONAL: Full name is Ernest John Yaw Owusu Jr. ... born May 26, 1988 ... parents are Ernest and Margaret Owusu ... graduated from Cal in December of 2011 with a bachelor's degree in political economy.
OWUSU'S CAREER GAME HIGHS
LAST UPDATED: May 16, 2012 | http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/owusu_ernest00.html | 1,318 |
Tennessee wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers hauls in a 47-yard touchdown pass while defended by Middle Tennessee cornerback Kenneth Gilstrap during game last season. (AP Photo/Adam Brimer, Knoxville News Sentinel)
Former Calhoun High standout and current Tennessee receiver Da'rick Rogers (above) was picked by Fox Sports South as the Southeastern Conference's top receiver on Thursday in their rankings of the top 10 receivers in the conference.
Rogers will enter his junior season at Tennessee this fall after leading the conference in receptions and receiving yards as a sophomore. This honor is just one of many Rogers has received in the preseason. He was recently named a Preseason 2nd-Team All-American and First Team All-SEC by Phil Steele. | http://www.calhountimes.com/view/full_story/19210413/article-College-Football--Rogers-ranked-as-SEC-s-top-receiver?instance=home_local_bullet_news | 152 |
CORPUS CHRISTI — It isn't easy being Giselle Carreon's younger sister.
Carroll senior setter Gabby Carreon has handled the pressure associated with it quite well this volleyball season, however.
Gabby was a sophomore when Giselle was a standout senior setter for the Tigers. Gabby actually started several matches in her older sister's place that season when Giselle went down with an injury.
Now that the 2011 Carroll graduate Giselle is playing volleyball for Texas A&M-Kingsville, Gabby has the limelight all to herself with the Tigers and she's thriving in it.
"She wants to make a name for herself and not be under her (sister's shadow anymore)," Carroll junior hitter Cassie Valent said of Gabby.
Carreon was the difference maker for the Tigers (16-7 overall, 2-1 in district play) in their recent 25-14, 25-22, 25-10 home sweep of rival King.
"Carreon's a very smart setter," Mustangs coach Glenn Jacobs said. "She knows who to get the ball to in the right situations."
Carreon not only finished with a match-high 29 assists against King, but she also had three key kills in Game 1. She then made the biggest play of the match, as Carreon's perfectly placed tip stopped the Mustangs' 8-2 run late in Game 2 to help Carroll take that game and ultimately the match.
"Gabby really did look up to her sister but now that it is her turn, she really wants to show the world what she (can do)," Tigers senior middle blocker Mari Mirelez said.
Brianna Cribb averaged 29 kills, as Aransas Pass split its District 30-2A volleyball matches against Tidehaven and Vanderbilt Industrial this past week.
Cribb's match-high 30 kills led the Panthers (20-8, 5-3) past Tidehaven, 25-27, 25-12, 25-18, 25-21. Cribb also had 28 kills in the Cobras' 25-17, 25-20, 26-28, 25-19 victory over Aransas Pass.
So far so good for Flour Bluff's state-ranked volleyball team in 31-4A play this season.
The 20th-ranked Hornets (23-5) improved to 7-0 in district play with their convincing 25-7, 25-14, 25-11 win over Alice this past Friday.
Katie Johnstone had 34 assists and five aces to lead Flour Bluff, which also got 12 kills from Brooke Luby, 10 kills and three blocks from Shelby Harper and a combined 14 digs from Amanda Almond and Grace Bomba.
Eve Hinojosa and Stephanie Canales-Garza combined for 18 digs for the Coyotes.
George West took over sole possession of first place in 31-2A with its 25-23, 25-13, 25-21 volleyball triumph over Banquete recently.
Kelsi Bartlett's 15 kills, Mary Cansino's 32 assists and 12 digs, Kaylee Brysch's six blocks led the Longhorns (26-4, 7-0), who also got two aces each from Marley Snider and Brysch.
Moody's volleyball team remained in second place in 31-4A by outlasting Ray, 25-23, 23-25, 25-16, 21-25, 16-14 this past weekend.
Alyssa Salinas' 15 kills and two aces, Jennifer Cantu's 15 assists and 10 digs and Nneka Gutierrez's three blocks led the Trojans (6-1 in district play).
Mika Mierzwa's match-high 43 digs and 39 kills, Raelynn Soliz's 38 assists and Marcy Davila's and Victoria Uribe's combined six blocks led the Texans (18-8, 5-2).
Rockport-Fulton picked up its biggest win of the volleyball season thus far in beating defending 30-3A champion Sinton recently, 25-23, 21-25, 17-25, 25-18, 15-13.Victoria Hull's eight kills, Shayla Ledger's 20 assists, Peyton Foster's three aces, Chloe Loscascio's eight digs and MonaLisa Nguyen's three blocks led R-F (8-11, 3-0).
Jeannel Huston's 13 kills, Courtney Reopelle's 20 assists, Sierra Gorman's 15 digs and five aces and Halie Vogt's three blocks led Sinton (12-17, 2-1).
Taft remained in second place in 31-2A with a key 26-24, 25-21, 25-17 volleyball victory over Banquete this past weekend.
Caitlyn Guajardo's 27 kills, Rylie Robertson's 34 assists and Chelsea Martinez's four aces led the Greyhounds (20-6, 6-1).
Bianca Buitron and Ayana Gomez combined for 17 kills for the Bulldogs (16-10, 5-2).
West Oso rebounded from its 30-3A opening loss by winning its next two district matches.
The most recent was the Bears' 25-9, 25-16, 25-15 sweep of Orange Grove.
Brittany Clark had eight kills, four blocks and three aces for West Oso (11-13, 2-1), which also got 18 assists from Lizzy Valdez and 21 digs from T'Aundrea Davis.
Selena Velasquez and Savannah Kirchoff combined for 17 digs for the Bulldogs (4-11, 0-3). | http://www.caller.com/news/2012/oct/02/coastal-bend-girls-sports-notebook-100212/ | 1,200 |
Help The Age's online sport reporter, Will Brodie, further his sporting education. Put him straight.
Will Brodie The cricket world is divided after Australia's radical "bowlers only" selection policy delivered a shock first Ashes Test triumph at Trent Bridge.
Will Brodie Australia's 2013 Ashes squad: Michael Clarke (C), Brad Haddin (VC), Jackson Bird, Ed Cowan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter...
Will Brodie Tough times call for some lateral thinking. Make that radical thinking. There's nothing tougher than the prospect of back-to-back Ashes embarrassments.
Will Brodie England gleeful over decision to sack four of its struggling Test cricketers.
Will Brodie Debate over the selection of Australia’s second Test team is growing louder as the visitors lick their wounds after their heavy defeat in Chennai.
Will Brodie Melbourne's two T20 teams clash in the opening Big Bash Twenty20 game of the summer, with plenty of big names expected to light up Etihad Stadium. | http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/people/michael-clarke/by/will-brodie | 231 |
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