Monday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021
Issue No. 408
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Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today!
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez,
T. Buff
Contact us at: TheUltimateSportsGuide@gmail.com
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While Justin Wilcox's Cal record is just 25-27, he has been rumored to be the next coach at Washington, USC and Washington State |
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Playing with the Right Stuff
by Dave Newhouse
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When Justin Wilcox was getting into coaching, his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox, imparted some sage advice.
“It had a lot less to do with sports,” the younger Wilcox recalled. “It was more about how you treat people, humility, hard work, and perseverance.”
As Cal’s football coach, Wilcox knows all about perseverance. For he has, currently, the toughest job in college football. Cal is the only FBS school this season to have a game postponed or canceled. The Nov. 13 USC contest in Berkeley was rescheduled for Dec. 4 because of — Wilcox’s contention — spurious pandemic reasons.
Ninety-nine percent of the Cal players had been vaccinated for COVID, yet 24 players missed the Nov. 7 Arizona game, mostly because of positive coronavirus tests. That number increased to 40 before the aborted USC game, and that’s when the City of Berkeley’s health department stepped in, accusing Cal of failing “to abide by public health measures,” which Wilcox denied adamantly as COVID isn’t strictly a Cal campus problem.
So how good a coach is Justin Wilcox? Well, his Golden Bears hadn’t played in three weeks, but they steamrolled host Stanford, 41-11, on Saturday while amassing a Big Game-record 636 yards. And even though Cal is 4-6 with UCLA and USC ahead, and Wilcox’s five-year coaching record at Cal is 25-27, he is rumored as the next coach at Washington, USC and Washington State have openings as well.
“I am fortunate to have the job I have,” he said before the 124th Big Game. “You’re on one or two (coaching availability) lists, but I don’t give up. We can be successful here.”
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Dave Wilcox, Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for the
San Francisco 49ers
He didn’t sound as someone about to jump ship, despite the difficult academic roadblocks at Cal that impact recruiting, and his receiving the lowest Pac-12 Conference head coaching salary at $3.05 million annually.
But prior to the Big Game, I interviewed both Wilcoxes and Jeff Tedford, the former Cal coach, who hired Justin as linebacker coach in 2003.
“He was a real bright youngster,” Tedford remembered, "who worked hard, had integrity and loyalty, and was great with kids. So he had the characteristics of a head coach, which really has nothing to do with X’s and O’’s. It’s a learning process.”
But this persistent pandemic led to a shortened season (2020) and has canceled or rescheduled numerous games.
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Former Cal coach Jeff Tedford finished 82-57 (.590) in a school-record
of 139 games
“I can’t imagine anyone going through what they’re facing today,” said Tedford, now retired after coaching Cal and Fresno State. “One day it’s one thing; the next day, everything’s different. It’s definitely not in any coaching manual.”
Can Justin Wilcox survive; does he possess the right makeup?
“Sure he does,” Tedford said. “The composure and poise he has shown, he can survive. He’s done a great job with the situation.”
Dave Wilcox concurred.
“He’s had his share of stuff; I don’t talk to him too much about it,” said the father, a San Francisco 49ers legend. “But I did ask him why he decided to be a coach. He said, ‘I’ve asked myself that, too.’ He was showing some humor, but he’s handling things well. I assume he gets to sleep once in a while. He’s got to be doing a great job, because Cal has to do things differently because of its academics. Cal’s a different place, that’s for sure.
“The things he has dealt with the last couple of years, it takes a special person to do that. He feels sorry for the players. But Justin’s stubborn enough to say, ‘We’re going to do this, to win eight or 10 games, or go to the Rose Bowl.’ He’s the kind of person who wants to show them.”
Cal and the Rose Bowl game parted company after the 1958 season, and to reunite after 63 years would be a lifetime coaching achievement. But 45-year-old Justin Wilcox should be taken seriously.
“As long as we’re doing everything we can to take care of our players, we can sleep at night,” he said. “We don’t see ourselves as victims. The way the players show up everyday, the way they drive on, that’s the reward right there.”
On top of everything thrown his way, Justin tore his Achilles this season, and coached for a while using crutches with his foot in a special boot. He’s since healed well, and whatever decision he makes regarding the future. it will be on two steady feet.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. His most recent book, The Yankee Way, is available in bookstores and on amazon.com. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Letters to the Editor
49ers Post-Game Team: ATTN: Donte Whitner
Please take this brief missive in the spirit in which it is written:
Question: is it okay if I send you a pair of socks as an early XMAS present?
I'm diggin' your regular fashion style, and of course respect your football expertise and smash-mouth career, but 'Bro, the
"straight-legged dress slacks with no-socks" look went out
a decade ago, if it ever really existed.
True, I can say this because a) you don't know where I live, and b) freedom of the press and all that stuff, but the sans socks look does not meet your customary high standard of style, which is the real reason so many of us Niner fans watch the show!
We're still friends, right?
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears 75, San Diego Toreros 70 (Men's BkB)
Cal Bears 75, Southern Utah Thunderbird 68 (2 overtime, Men's BkB)
Cal Bears 41, Stanford Cardinal 11
San Francisco 49ers 30, Jacksonville Jaguars 10
Features
In Praise of Montana, by Howard Pearlstein
Playing with the Right Stuff, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Haikus©️
Organizations
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
Sonoma Raceway
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San Francisco 49ers 30
Jacksonville Jaguars 10
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A “Fireside Chat” several weeks ago with 49ers coach Kyle Shananan and general manager John Lynch is being linked to have possibly energized the play of talented wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Whatever the cause, the results are to the Niners liking as Aiyuk caught all seven of his targets for 85 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, leading the 49ers in all three categories. Final score: San Francisco 49ers 30, Jacksonville Jaguars 10. The Niners (5-5) next game is against the Minnesota Vikings (5-5) for separation in the playoff battle at Levi's Stadium on Sunday,
Nov. 28 at 1:25 p.m.
FOX • KNBR 680 AM • 104.5 FM • 107.7 FM “The Bone"
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Gabe Kapler named NL Manager of the Year
Gabe Kapler continued to reap the rewards of a 107-win season today as he was named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, becoming just the second manager in Giants history to capture the award.
Kapler received 28 first-place votes, totaling 143 points. The Brewers’ Craig Counsell finished second, while former Cardinals manager
Mike Shildt came in third.
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Belt accepts QO, will stay with Giants in '22
A mainstay in the middle of the Giants' lineup for more than a decade, first baseman Brandon Belt will be returning to San Francisco in 2022. He accepted the $18.4 million qualifying offer ahead of the deadline last Wednesday evening.
President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi had made it clear that retaining Belt would be a priority for the Giants, who have watched the 33-year-old veteran develop into one of the top hitters in baseball over the past two seasons. Belt was limited to 97 games due to injury this past season, but he was an offensive force when healthy, slugging a career-high 29 home runs and posting a .975 OPS while hitting in the heart of the Giants’ order.
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Nominate a Community Champion Today
This holiday season, we are celebrating Community Champions who are dedicated to improving and supporting our communities. Nominate a person in your community who you believe has demonstrated courage, strength, and self-sacrifice while lending a helping hand (self-nominations accepted).
We will select one Community Champion each week in December, highlighting five in total, to receive recognition on our social channels. Each Community Champion will also receive a special gift.
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THE BIG GAME
Cal Bears 41
Stanford Cardinal 11
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Fans reach out to touch The Stanford Axe after the game.
California defeated Stanford, 41–11, in the 124th Big Game at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on November 20, 2021 in Stanford, California.
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California offensive lineman Valentino Daltoso (#61) celebrates with The Stanford Axe after the game. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Stanford cornerback Ethan Bonner (#13) pushes California quarterback Chase Garbers (#7) out of bounds after a 25-yard gain in the first quarter.
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California wide receiver Trevon Clark (#80) takes a Chase Garbers’ pass 84 yards and Cal’s first touchdown early in the second quarter. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Stanford defensive tackle Dalyn Wade-Perry (#50) knocks the ball from California running back Damien Moore (#28) early in the first quarter.
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Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (#17) can’t quite intercept the ball in front of California tight end Jake Tonges (#85). © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Stanford sophomore wide receiver John Humphreys (#5) catches a 2-point conversion above California cornerback Lu-Magia Hearns III (#15) in the fourth quarter. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. © 2021 Alex Ho.
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Hokusai's The Great Wave
A thought during today's 49ers game...
The announcers were talking about the Jaguars newbie QB -- about how one of the things an NFL QB has to learn is that the pocket is smaller, that you can't step aside from a hit or sack with as big a step as you did in college, because there will be another defensive player on the other side.
And it made me remember Joe Montana, how he barely moved in the pocket, sometimes just leaning away from the DL or DB player coming for him, leaving them looking a bit confused...a still center on a field where everyone else was moving -- running moving pushing shoving.
And after a couple of Super Bowl wins, the TV people were showing film of him in high school, and it was the same thing -- he was the same QB there, standing in and only slightly shifting to avoid being hit or sacked. Not something a person could learn to do -- something a person had as part of his own sensibility.
And that vision of a perfectly still center surrounded by chaotic movement made me think of a famous painting done in 1830 by the Japanese master Hokusai, usually known as The Great Wave.
There it is, wave rising tumbling crashing but there, near Mount Fuji, is a place of stillness, unmoving unflappable that makes sense of all the wildness around.
There have been a lot of fine and even great QBs in addition to Joe Montana, but that still center was a thing Montana had and did that no other QB I've ever seen could do.
Howard Pearlstein
Oakland, CA
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Chofis Named Finalist for MLS Newcomer of the Year
Chofis tallied 12 goals and four assists in 2021
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Eduardo 'Chofis' Lopez is one of three finalists for the 2021 Major League Soccer Newcomer of the Year.
Chofis scored a team-high 12 goals, including three game-winning goals, and added four assists for San Jose during his debut season in MLS. Chofis' 12 goals are the most by a Quakes player in his first season with the club since Ariel Graziani in 2002 (14). Among all newcomers in MLS, Chofis ranks second in goals (12), first in non-penalty kick goals (11), and tied for first in goals + assists (16).
Chofis was named to the MLS Team of the Week on three occasions (Weeks 25-27), was the MLS Player of the Week in Week 26, and was selected as the MLS Player of the Month for September.
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Cal Bears 75
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 68 (2OT)
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Cal head coach Mark Fox questions a call late in the game, as the Golden Bears survived a double overtime contest with the visiting Southern Utah Thunderbirds, 75-68, at Haas Pavilion on November 18.
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Scoring leader for the Golden Bears with 29 points, Andre Kelly (#22) goes up under pressure for two more points in the second half.
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Coming off the court for the final time (at least he thought so, only to return to the action minutes later) Cal's Andre Kelly (#22) receives support and accolades from his teammates. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Which 49ers player opted to have part of his finger amputated rather than miss any regular season games?
(See answer below...)
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Cal Bears 75
San Diego Toreros 70
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Fifth-year player Grant Anticevich (#15) puts up another three-point shot and hit 3 for 3 from behind the arc and ended the game as the high scorer with
17 points, as the California Golden Bears played host to the San Diego University Toreros. Cal gained control late to defeat San Diego, 75-70, for its first win of the season on Monday night, November 15 at Haas Pavilion.
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"Good things come to those who wait"
and we have decided we don't want to wait any longer. The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Reopening October 1st. We will be open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, 3pm til close. Friday through Sunday 12pm til close. Look forward to seeing all your smiling faces once again.
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Tahoe National Forest
Fishing Information
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I'm lucky to live right next to the Tahoe National Forest, with fish-filled creeks, rivers and lakes, on its 871,495 acres. Every year on November 15 California fishing licenses for next year (2022) are available at sporting goods stores and on line and is a great Christmas gift: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing
Paul Matson
Licensed Fishing Therapist
Ultimate Sports Guide
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entry will be published!
This week's winner of the USG/Sports Today's Sports Haikus (c),
published below as the S/T Prize in recognition of his winning entry,
is Jerry Monkman of South San Francisco, whose entry and Renaissance persona, demonstrate a unique DUAL-appreciation of
self-deprecating one-liners and transparent media bias.
Rodney Dangerfield
Would have played in the PAC 12
They get no respect.
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In modern terms, to illustrate Mr. Dangerfield's humor, and the Haiku's
relevance to Bay Area sports, see below:
"The sign on the bar said: 'girls - topless, bottomless', I went inside and there was nobody there!" "(Yesterday, I tried to watch The Big Game and flipped through every channel. There was nobody there!)"
(As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
"Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published)!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in.
To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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O/T Trent Williams
Jags astute double-coverage of 49er Speed-Merchant and O/T Trent Williams in the end zone spoiled a Touchdown Party. "Man, it was such a blur," Williams said. "But once I saw Jimmy throw it, I'm like, 'Oh, yeah, it's my time now. I've got to go up and get this.'
"As soon as I left the ground, I got blasted. I don't know who hit me.
I felt like there was like ten people right there. It's definitely way harder than it looks, for sure. I got definite respect for receivers now."
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps with a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room.
Why not bring those memories to life?
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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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Stanford Business School
Winter, 2022
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High-Performing Teams:
Lessons from the Sports World
According to basketball legend Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Without organization-wide teamwork, leadership, and trust, sustaining a championship level of performance—in sports or business—is highly unlikely. How do leaders of the most successful sports franchises overcome the hurdles of free agency, arcane rules, injuries, egos, salary battles, operational challenges, and the human element? How can these lessons be effectively applied to every type of business?
In this course, we will look at how sports organizations achieve smooth and superior transitions from year to year, especially after the rigors of championship seasons. Difference makers in the world of sports, including team executives, general managers, athletic directors, coaches, media observers, and athletes, will discuss the elements necessary to create and maintain elite-performing organizations, and reveal how a prevailing commonality among all of them includes a powerful culture. Students will leave the course able to apply broad relevant concepts to their challenges, such as alignment of goals, adherence to culture, and pervasive interactive communication, as well as numerous operational pearls of wisdom from guest experts.
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting; EVP, Fan Controlled Football
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won’t Go Pro and LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
BUS 209
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:50 pm (PT)
10 weeks, January 12 – March 16
2 units, $640
Refund Deadline: January 14
Course Format: Live Online
Registration begins 11/29
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Sonoma Raceway and the City of Elk Grove will be hosting a celebration of Elk Grove native Kyle Larson’s 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Monday, Nov. 22
The event will begin with a parade down Elk Grove Boulevard at 2 p.m. The parade starts at the Boulevard Bistro (8941 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624) and concludes in the Old Town Square approximately four blocks away. This will be followed by awards for Larson from government leaders and Sonoma Raceway. Media availability will follow the presentations.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott had the tip of his left pinky finger amputated after the 1985 season when it was crushed while tackling running back Timmy Newsome, and a bone graft surgery would not have allowed him to start the 1986 season. Although another injury sidelined him for the season's last two games in 1986, he still led the league with a career-best 10 interceptions.
What are we to believe? It's noted in the answer that Lott had the pinky amputated. The info at this link, https://bit.ly/3cAr98x, states he cut off his own pinky. What do you think? Googling Ronnie Lott will get you
lots more info.
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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For the best real estate listings homes and property on
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Consider!
DO YOU LOVE SPORTS?
And are you a techno-wizard who would like
to be involved in the Bay Area Sports scene?
The USG/Sports Today needs an "influencer."
We need You!
The Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today needs people with social media savvy, website technology knowledge and
e-marketing skills. Advance your career, add to your resume, and learn from sports industry professionals!
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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, Nov. 22 through
Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021
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Monday, November 22
San Jose Sharks vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 23
Wednesday, November 24
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Ottawa Senators, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 25
Las Vegas Raiders @ Dallas Cowboys, 1:30 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs, 12:30 p.m.
Friday, November 26
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 27
San Jose Sharks @ Washington Capitals, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Bears @ UCLA Bruins, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 28
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:25 p.m.
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers, 12:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks, 4 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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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Become an Advertiser!
Economical and rewarding
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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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 and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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