Monday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021
Issue No. 363
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Golden State Warriors 106
Toronto Raptors 105
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With 4.3 seconds left on the clock, Golden State guard/forward Damion Lee sank two free throws and the Warriors (6-4) eked out 106-105 victory against the visiting Toronto Raptors (2-7).
Steph Curry, the NBA’s second-leading scorer, finished with just 11 points on 2-of-16 shooting (1-of-10 from 3-point range), as he was hounded relentlessly by Raptors defenders.
The Warriors next take to the court on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers (6-3) at Chase Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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Warriors & Kings Schedules |
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Jared Goff, quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
by Kenny Karst
He didn’t start it. But he finished it. Boy, did he ever. With three pins in the broken right thumb of his throwing hand, former California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff led his number six seed Los Angeles Rams into Seattle last Saturday to play an NFC Wildcard game against the division rival, three seed Seahawks in the teams' third match-up this season. Given Goff’s handicap, one might expect the home team Seahawks would prevail. Not so fast. Final: 30-20, Rams. Multiple Seahawk procedure penalties and dropped passes, two turnovers, five Los Angeles sacks of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson and his pick-six interception in the second quarter ended the Seahawks' season. After Rams starting quarterback John Wolford went down in the first quarter with a neck injury, Goff came off the bench and had a respectable throwing game with his less-than-perfect hand, completing nine passes on 19 attempts for 155 yards and one touchdown. Goff, the pride of Berkeley's Bears who was raised in nearby Novato, grew up as a 49ers fan and wears number 16 in honor of Joe Montana, played three seasons for Cal from 2013 to 2015. After his junior year with the Bears, Goff decided to forgo his senior year and was chosen by the Rams as the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. In 69 regular-season games over his five-year NFL career, Goff has thrown for 18,171 yards and 107 touchdowns for an overall passer rating of 91.5. He won the NFC Championship in 2018, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2017, 2018), and holds the NFL record for most completed passes in a single game at 45
(tied with Drew Bledsoe). The Rams travel to the frozen tundra of Green Bay, Wisconsin to play former Cal Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this Saturday, January 16, in an NFC Division playoff game. “Bear versus Bear,” in forecasted 27-degree weather at Lambeau Field,
begins at 1:35 p.m. PT on FOX.
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Cal Bears 60
Washington State Cougars 71
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Cal scoring leader Andre Kelly (#22) lead the team with 11 points and five rebounds as the Golden Bears (5-7,0-5 Pac-12) fell to the visiting Washington State Cougars (9-1,2-1 Pac-12), 71-60 on January 7 at Haas Pavilion.
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New to the Golden Bears as a graduate transfer from Penn, guard Ryan Betley (#00) drives his way into the lane on his way to scoring over WSU center Volodymyr Markovetskyy (#15). Betley ended the game with 10 points and five rebounds. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Fighting late in the second half to close the gap, Cal employed a full court press which caught WSU small forward Andrej Jakimovski (#23) between the pair of Cal defenders, graduate transfer Makale Foreman (left) and sophomore Joel Brown (right). Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Seven-foot forward/center Lars Thiemann of Germany (#21) emphatically slammed down a dunk early in the second half, two of his career-high 10 points, five rebounds and one blocked shot for the game.
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Saint Mary's Gaels 64
Santa Clara Broncos 66
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Santa Clara junior Keshawn Justice scored 23 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18 seconds left, to lead the Broncos to a 66-64 victory over the Saint Mary's Gaels on Saturday, January 9 at UCU Pavilion in Moraga. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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WOW! Only ten teams have won the Super Bowl as a Wild Card entry. This year has a good chance of producing #11. My space is limited, so I will say my hope is it will be Tom Brady with the Bucs.
The first wild card winner was led by a quarterback who played for my beloved Pats and with the 49ers! What team was the first to win a Super Bowl and was also a wild card team?
(See answer below...)
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Saint Mary's Gaels 56
USF Dons 73
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San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova scored a career-high 32 points as the Dons defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels, 73-56, at UCU Pavilion in Moraga on Saturday, January 9. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Pictured above, Boston Red Sox minor league coach Bianca Smith on Jan 4, 2021 in a tweet from the Red Sox, welcoming Smith to the organization as a coach and making her the first black female in MLB history
(photo from @RedSox)
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It’s a brand new world for Women in Sports
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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Recently the Boston Red Sox hired Bianca Smith, the first black female coach in professional baseball history. She was assigned as a minor league coach in the Boston organization.
On November of 2020 Kim Ng was hired as the general manager of the Miami Marlins, first woman GM and first Asian-American. And there are other women ascending into the professional baseball world. But there is one category in Sports where woman are under represented, as Sports Agents.
Rachel Luba is an upcoming star in the sports agent field and was named to Forbes Under 30 list in 2021 of the Young Entrepreneur stars. Luba currently represents Trevor Bauer, who won the Cy Young award in 2020 with the Cincinnati Reds and today is the most famous free-agent pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Last year Bauer declined the team’s qualifying offer of $18.9 million to stay and pitch in 2021. Rachel Luba is currently negotiating a contract on behalf of her client and pitching the star with different clubs.
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Monterey native Rachel Luba has launched the first
female-owned sports agency
At 29 Rachel Luba is an attorney and baseball agent in a male-dominated field. She did not play baseball but was a gymnast during her high school days in Monterey, CA were she was born. Since high school her major career objective was to be a sports agent. She received her degree in Communications from UCLA, where she also was a gymnast and later, in 2016 graduated with a law degree from Pepperdine University.
Luba worked for the Major League Players Association and also for the Beverly Hills Sports Council on salary arbitration cases. Now she is close, perhaps, to making big news for her biggest client, Trevor Bauer.
The New York Mets, under their president (ex-Oakland A’s president Sandy Alderson) just acquired superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor and right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland team. The trade puts the Mets in the ‘thick of things', against their top rival, the 2020 NL East champion Atlanta Braves.
There are other teams trying to come back into contention, like the Los Angeles Angels, who need to give the great Mike Trout more support and catapult that club to their first playoffs since 2014.
In the American League there is no team in need of pitching more than the Angels, . especially starting pitching and someone of the caliber of Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer would be a big fish to catch for a team with the biggest Trout.
Rachel Luba could soon find a suitor for the No. 1 free agent pitcher in the baseball market and when that happens, she would have landed her biggest high profile athlete. By then the whole world would have learned of that. Good luck to her as an agent in her young career in the business.
Stay well and stay tuned.
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead announcer for the Oakland A’s for Spanish radio on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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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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Award-winning NASCAR Executive Jill Gregory was named
Executive Vice President and General Manager at Sonora Raceway
CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 5, 2021) – Acclaimed NASCAR executive and sports marketer Jill Gregory has been named the new Executive Vice President and General Manager at Sonoma Raceway. Speedway Motorsports President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith made the announcement Tuesday.
Named by Adweek one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports” for the past two years, Gregory assumes leadership of the historic 1,600-acre property where she attended her first NASCAR road course race as a teenager.
“Growing up in nearby Modesto, my cousins brought me to NASCAR races at Sonoma when I was in high school,” Gregory said. “I’ve been a true fan of this place for most of my life, and now I’m blessed with a leadership opportunity to return and inspire others to have the same love for the region that I do.”
Gregory will follow Steve Page who announced his retirement last August after nearly three decades at the helm of Sonoma Raceway.
“Starting with the vision of Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith, I’ve always admired the company’s efforts to grow the sport of NASCAR and embrace innovative, new opportunities,” added Gregory. “I look forward to taking that same aggressive approach to further establish Sonoma Raceway as not only a premier destination for NASCAR and NHRA events, but also elevating the historic road course as a year-round tourism and driving-experience attraction.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Two executive committee members promoted to new positions
Monterey, Calif., January 5, 2021 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca today announced the promotion of two executive committee members to new positions that will help guide the business of Laguna Seca Recreation Area through 2021. Jeanie Sumners will be promoted to Director of Marketing, and Barry Toepke will be appointed to a new position of Director of Heritage Events and Public Relations.
“Both Jeanie and Barry are leaders not only in the company, but also in the community,” commented John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Both are highly respected in the industry and community and have a drive and vision for taking this facility to the next level. Together, they have a combined 57 years of experience being associated with or employed at this iconic track and recreation area.”
Jeanie Sumners has been with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for 20 years, and prior to that a volunteer for seven years. She expands her responsibilities by overseeing brand and event advertising, promotions, collateral materials, and overall branding direction of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Sumners also plays a vital and visible role in the Monterey community as a brand ambassador and is involved with a number of professional organizations.
With more than 30 years’ involvement in historic racing on the Monterey peninsula, Barry Toepke becomes Director of Heritage Events and Public Relations. One of the world’s preeminent historic car races and lifestyle experiences, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a wholly owned event of the County of Monterey, thereby making the team responsible for all aspects of the annual gathering. He also will be working with the governing committee, serving as lead of both the selection committee and new sanctioning body, as well as functioning as the primary point of contact for the hundreds of race participants who annually attend. Toepke will continue overseeing the public relations department.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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From being the Heisman bust to Super Savior, Jim Plunkett
led the Oakland Raiders to the first Super Bowl win by a Wild Card team. The Raiders defied the odds after they lost their starting quarterback for the season, due to injury. They came closer as a team under Jim Plunkett who led them to an 11-5 record and earn a Wild Card berth.
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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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Caleb Chance, photo by Jean-Paul Toshiro; Anthony Grigsby Jr., photo by David Gershon |
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Megan Coddington, photo by Chase Bryson |
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The 2020 Year End Special Edition asked players and coaches to respond to a pair of prompts:
2020 Taught Me... and...2021 Will Be...
To read their responses, click here.
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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 11 through
Sunday, January 17, 2021
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Monday, January 11
Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12
Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 14
Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) @ Colorado, 11 a.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) @ Utah, 2 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) vs. Colorado State, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) @ Colorado State, 5 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. BYU, 8 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) @ Portland, TBA
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ BYU, 5 p.m.
USF Dons (WBB) vs. Portland, 6 p.m.
Friday, January 15
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns, 6 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ Colorado, 2:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) @ Utah, 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 16
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears (MBB) @ Utah, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal (MBB) @ Colorado, 12 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans (MBB) vs. Colorado State, 4 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBB) vs. Gonzaga, 5 p.m.
USF Dons (MBB) vs. BYU, TBA
San Jose State Spartans (WBB) @ Colorado State, 12 p.m.
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBB) @ San Diego, postponed
USF Dons (WBB) vs. Gonzaga, noon
Sunday, January 17
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 6 p.m.
Cal Bears (WBB) @ Utah, 11 a.m.
Stanford Cardinal (WBB) @ Colorado, 11 a.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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Need a website designed or tuned up?
We can help!
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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