Monday, Jan. 4 through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021
Issue No. 362
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Eleven-year-old Charlie Woods emulating his father |
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Get in the Swing of Things in 2021
by Andy Dolich
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I recently wrote a piece on how football coaches embarrass themselves by coming up with all types of lame excuses for how and why their teams lost games. Just say "We Lost" and move on. ("We Lost" -- December 14, 2020 -- https://conta.cc/2JU8FVT)
While listening to some sports banter on the radio I heard a commercial for golf club shafts “guaranteed” to help a hacker. I am more than capable of giving my mediocre game its own shaft. That being said, it did make me think about all the ways manufacturers dig deeply inside golfers' confused craniums to break out their credit cards.
If swingers could channel all the helpful aids on the market they would magically change their Charles Barkley break dance of a swing into the angelic arcs of Adam Scott.
Don’t know about you but I’m going to need a PhD in “Swing Theory” to help me decide what to buy.
Shafts
Recoil, Titanium, Matrix HD, Nano Fusion, Graphite, Dynamic Gold, Aerotech Steel Fiber, Rayon Kuro Kage, Project X HZRDUS, Recoil, Kryptonite, Platinum.
Balls
Multi-layer, 1,2,3,4 or 5 piece, thermoplastic, multi-layer, Ionomer Resin, Balata, Hyper Dimple, Surlyn, Rubber Banded, Soft, Hard, White, Yellow, Green, Pink, Lime, Orange and glow in the dark.
Swing Trainers
Spread Stick range Whip Trainer, Medium Impact Ball, Super Sonic X10 Swing Speed Trainer, Plane Swing Power Slider, SKLZ Gold Flex Swing Trainer. If none of these work, take the Pill (single shot training ball) or better, take a double shot of Sauza Tequila Swing Trainer at the 19th hole.
Digital Rangefinder
Do you need one to find the nearest driving range? If you do, how about Easy Green, Coolshot Pro Stablized, Precision, Slope, Eyeball, Caddie, Laser or Night Vision rangefinder.
Clothes
If you come dressed as if you just played in the PGA Championship at Harding, your stitched logo $450 sweater isn’t fooling anyone!
Golf Shoes
Spiked, spikeless, bio hybrid, boot, sandal, soft, plastic, metal, forged or maybe bare feet.
Grips
Fingertip, align core, oversized, sonar, cord, dri-tac, velour, rubber, ribbed, MultiCompound, wrap.
It wasn’t until I saw an 11-year-old named Charlie playing in a father-son event that my confusion relating to golf gadgets was immediately cleared up. The tournament featured his first-ever eagle on a Par-5 which he took in stride. If you happened to watch Charlie play, his swing is a carbon copy of his dad’s, who has won 82 professional tour events with 15 majors along the way.
So no matter what gizmo, gadget, thing-a-majig, contraption, doohickey or accountremont calls out to you, there is a bottom line. The Swing is the Thing. Get thee to a pro and unless your name happens to be Eldrick Woods, don’t teach your young ones. Get them lessons on how to develop the ultimate gold secret, a Sweet Swing.
Fore!
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is COO of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of the book:
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San Francisco 49ers 23
Seattle Seahawks 26
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Irrepressible tight end George Kittle cannot help but be a force whenever he takes the field and in the last 49ers game of the 2020 season he did not disappoint. Kittle caught seven passes good for 68 yards but one of them was a remarkable, one-handed catch in which he secured the ball, tumbled forward and hit the ground and then started running downfield again, only to be finally tackled. (A season with a healthy George Kittle would be welcomed by all 49ers fans.) The Niners (6-10) dropped their final game to Seattle (11-5), 26-23, as the Seahawks scored 20 points in the fourth quarter. The Niners also lost the turnover battle, 1-0, and ended the season with a minus 18. With the loss the Niners finished out of the playoffs, after having contended for the Super Bowl in February. Coach Kyle Shanahan “can't wait” to begin assembling his new team, to be bolstered by 12 picks in the NFL Draft on April 29. (Kittle is pictured above after his own Lambeau Leap against the Jacksonville Jaguars in December of 2017.) Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco 49ers Schedule |
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Golden State Warriors 137
Portland Trail Blazers 122
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Other-worldly Warriors guard Steph Curry enjoyed a career-high, 62-point night in Golden State’s 137-122 win over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening, bringing their record to 3-3 in the young NBA season.
“It’s just a privilege to coach him,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said of Curry. “Not just because of his talent, but just because of the way he carries himself, the way he leads. We are incredibly blessed as an organization to have Steph leading the way. What a performance tonight.”
Enjoying little rest, the Warriors return to Chase Center on Monday evening at 7 p.m. as they host the Sacramento Kings.
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Warriors & Kings Schedules |
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Carlos Hyde, running back, Seattle Seahawks
by Kenny Karst
It figures. In a 2020 NFL season where virtually nothing is predictable, former San Francisco 49ers fan favorite Carlos Hyde signed with the division rival Seattle Seahawks. And then, due to a non-COVID related illness, Hyde didn't make the trip to Phoenix this week and missed out on the Seahawks' playoffs party. Seattle's 26-23 victory in Arizona over San Francisco on Sunday, in the 49ers' season "home" finale, sealed the Seahawks' number three seed in the NFC Playoffs, and a date to play the number six seed Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Round. Seen above (28) in 2016, high-stepping out of the grasp of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon (20), the Cincinnati native initially gained notoriety as a star running back of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was selected 57th overall by San Francisco in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After backing up the 49ers' all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore, in his rookie 2014 season, Hyde surfaced as the starter in 2015 and continued in that role through 2017. He then played for both the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, and the Houston Texans in 2019 before signing with the Seahawks on May 28, 2020. In his seven-year NFL career, Hyde has 4,427 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. Whether he sees action with the Seahawks during the playoffs remains to be seen.
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San Jose State Spartans 13
Ball State University Cardinals 34
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The San Jose State Spartans took a perfect 7-0 record into the 2020 Offerpad Arizona Bowl against the Ball State University Cardinals on Thursday, Dec. 31 in Tucson, AZ but suffered a 34-13 defeat. The Spartans 7-1 record and .875 winning percentage is the best at San Jose State since the 1940 team finished at 11-1 with a .917 winning percentage. The loss ended San Jose State's four-game bowl winning streak dating back to the 1990 California Raisin Bowl win over Central Michigan. For a game recap, click here.
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SJSU's Brent Brennan Fifth in Associated Press National Coach
of the Year Balloting
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New York, N.Y. -- For the first time in the 32-year history of the Associated Press college football coach of the year award, a San Jose State University football coach received a first-place vote. Head coach Brent Brennan received three first-place votes and finished fifth in the balloting for the wire service's national college football coach of the year honor. In the recently concluded 2020 season, San Jose State University was undefeated in the regular season, won the Mountain West championship and accepted a bid to represent the conference in the Offerpad Arizona Bowl won by Mid-American Conference champion Ball State, 34-13, on December 31. San Jose State was one of the last four remaining undefeated teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) before the Offerpad Arizona Bowl defeat, and was ranked 19th in the Associated Press poll prior to the bowl. For a full report, click here. Photo by Kym Fortino
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Saint Mary's Broncos 63
Sacramento State Hornets 45
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Saint Mary's guard Tyler Kuhse recorded 17 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in the Gaels' 63-45 victory over the Sacramento State Hornets at UCU Pavilion in Moraga on Wednesday, Dec. 30. Caption and photo
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Freshman Jabe Mullins narrowly missed recording his first double-double, finishing with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Caption and photo
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Many sports figures are drafted into the military in times of war.
Only God knows what Ted Williams would have done in baseball if he had not served in World War II and Korea. One sports figure received a lot of press when he gave up a lucrative contract ($3.6 million) to enlist and serve his country. Unfortunately, his move resulted in a worst case scenario. Which Arizona Cardinals football player was killed in the 'war on terror' that followed the attacks of 9/11/2001?
(See answer below...)
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Saint Mary's Gaels 70 (OT)
Pacific Tigers 78
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Saint Mary's guard Taycee Wedin scored 15 points as the Gaels opened their West Coast Conference season with a 78-70 overtime loss to the Pacific Tigers in Moraga on Wednesday, Dec. 30. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Guard Jade Kirisome hits a 3-pointer to give the Gaels a brief lead late in the fourth quarter. Kirisome finished with 11 points, hitting 3 of her 6 three-point attempts. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Pacific Tigers redshirt senior Valerie Higgins led her team in points (26), rebounds (6), blocks (3), and steals (4). To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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In the Shadow of Obscurity |
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Author Arif Khatib (above left)
As a person who has traveled the world and chronicled his journey, and recently completed his memoirs for his family, Arif Khatib set out to create a book that would combine three of his passions: sports, history and social justice, while shining a much-needed light on the contributions of forgotten and unheard-of athletes of color. The Shadow of Obscurity: Toiling in a Reluctant Society realizes his vision.
Author Pete Elman (above right)
Pete Elman is a musician, journalist, author and teacher. Originally from Washington, D.C., he grew up loving rock and roll, sports and history. His father, a Justice Department lawyer who argued cases in the Supreme Court—most notably Brown vs. Board of Education—imbued in young Peter a strong sense of social justice.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Fremont, CA native Pat Tillman is the answer. From a resource for answers comes this: "An investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) concluded that Tillman and an Afghan militia soldier were killed by friendly fire when one allied group fired upon another in confusion after nearby gunfire was mistakenly believed to be from enemy combatants. http://bit.ly/2LgyNdT is the wikipedia entry about Pat Tillman.
author Narda Zacchino.
Got something to say to or ask T. Buff about? Do you have an interesting trivia question you would like to see offered? Write him at one.t.buff@gmail.com
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BUS 106 — Professional Sports in the Pandemic: Searching for a Future
That Works
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Quarter: Winter
Date(s): Jan 20—Feb 24
Drop Deadline: Jan 22
Tuition: $470
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Day(s): Wednesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Unit: 1
Instructor: Andy Dolich
Status: Open
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On March 11, 2020, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. NBA games were immediately cancelled. In rapid succession, much of the country sheltered in place and daily routines drastically changed, including the sports world. Get ready for the “New Different.” From games played in “the bubble” to fanless venues, sports executives have been experimenting with ways to keep their businesses running while also trying to keep fans, players, and staff safe. The business of sports has often been a trailblazer in creating innovative business models, crafting improved customer experiences, and widening community engagement. The “New Different” in sports has seen some winners and a number of “what were they thinking?” failures. This course will focus on the latest developments in the spectator sports business and what lessons they have learned—and continue to learn—during the ever-changing dynamics of COVID-19. Students will hear from thought leaders from major Bay Area teams and sports organizations who are shaping the “New Different” for the future of sports. Tentatively scheduled are Rick Welts, Golden State Warriors; Al Guido, San Francisco 49ers; Sohrob Farudi, Fan Controlled Football; Mindi Bach, Oracle Sports; and Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway. Sports fans and business managers of all industries interested in restructuring how they go to market should find this course valuable.
Andy Dolich, President, Dolich Consulting; Chief Operating Officer, Fan Controlled Football League
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. (COO of FCF Fan Controlled Football) He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, a co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office, and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, January 4 through
Sunday, January 10, 2021
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Monday, January 4
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ Portland, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, January 5
Wednesday, January 6
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls, 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 7
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Washington State Cougars, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Washington Huskies, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) @ San Diego, 4 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) vs. Pepperdine, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) vs. Santa Clara Broncos, 6:30 p.m.
USF Dons (WBB) @ Pacific Tigers, 7 p.m.
Friday, January 8
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Fresno State Bulldogs, 6 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) vs. Oregon State Beavers, 2 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Oregon Ducks, 6 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) vs. Washington Huskies, 12 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) vs. Washington State Cougars, 6:30 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) @ Santa Clara Broncos, 3:30 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) @ Loyola Marymount, 6 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) vs. USF Dons, 1 p.m.
Sunday, January 10
Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) @ Fresno State Bulldogs, 4 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) vs. Oregon Ducks, 1 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) vs. Oregon State Beavers, 3 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) @ Fresno State Bulldogs, 12 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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