September 11 - September 17, 2023

Issue No. 502

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Preserving College Sports

Why

College Sports

Is Best

by Andy Dolich

College athletics is in the midst of the most transformational period in its history.

Close to 2,000 athletic departments throughout the US generate $25.5 billion in media rights while attracting over 190 million enthusiastic, ticket-buying fans.

This dynamic industry is evolving in real time, in interesting and complex ways. The recent implosion of the Pac-12 has created waves of uncertainty and speculation about the future.

College athletes were recently permitted to profit from the rights to their Name, Image, or Likeness (NIL) while on their schools’ playing fields and beyond. What do these seismic changes mean for college athletes, educators, coaches, administrators, corporate sponsors and fans today and tomorrow?

While the debate on how the DNA of College Athletics now and in the

future should be defined, I give you this list of why multiple millions of Americans will continue to be supporters of their Alma Maters.

Why College Sports Is Best

Defines America

Regional loyalty

Multiple sports

Legendary good luck icons on

Campus

Rushing the field or court after a

big win

Generational loyalty

Affordability of tickets

Student Athletes

Legendary Rivalries

School colors

Mascots

Tailgating

Fight Songs, Marching bands,

Drum majors, Baton twirlers

Alma Maters

Famous Alums

Cheerleaders

Card Stunts

Halftime Pageantry

Pep rallies

Tailgates

The Heisman Trophy

More games than the pros

Fraternities & Sororities

Passion

Women’s sports

Bonfires

Frozen Four

Olympians

College Sports Halls of Fame

across America

Pageantry

Storied Campuses

Stadiums and arenas that have

seen it all

Longest arc of fan involvement

Midnight Madness

March Madness -- the greatest

sports tournament ever.

Coaching legends

Hall of Fame players

Emotion

Signing Day

Spring Football

Recruiting wars

TV Exposure

Radio networks

Fanatical Alumni

Booster Groups

Student sections

Legendary broadcasters

No labor interruptions

Athletes who have won Rhodes

Scholarships

Bowl Games

A true National Championship in

football

Titanic upsets

Family feuds

Polls

The Past, Present and Future

College Gameday on ESPN

Games in the snow

Teams coming out of the tunnel

Broadcasts of more games in

more sports than anyone.

All Americans

Academic All Americans

Walk ons

Community Investment

D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JC

Colleges don’t move from one

state to the next.

* * *

Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive for professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer teams. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in

Sports Today! click HERE.

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Director of Sales: Ann Cooke

Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).

Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,

Shelia Young

Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Letters to the Editor

Fossil Fools

Thursday's U.S. Open women's singles semi-final between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova was dramatically interrupted after a protest by climate activists. One of the gents glued his feet onto the concrete, which delayed the match for 30-40 minutes. I suppose we should just be glad only his feet were glued.

Methinks these folks doth protest too much. As much as sponsors want viewers to stay glued to their sets, unless the sponsor is Elmer's Glue, such a display does not do much to help either viewership or the environmental movement.

Coco Gauff at the 2022 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.

Photo by Ed Jay.

And congratulations to COCO for her U.S. Open Championship in New York! What a fantastic performance over a worthy opponent, ranked #1 in the world. And equal pay for women for over 50 years.

Tennis anyone (:

Robert A. Moselle, Esq.

https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus

Appreciative!

Those photographs, as usual, are worth the price of admission! (Oh, wait! I’m not paying.)

They are superb, even in the sports I don’t like!

Penelope Matson

Nevada City, CA

Donate Today! -- Click Here!

Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

Cal Bears 10, Auburn Tigers 14

Oakland A's 2, Los Angeles Angels 1

Oakland A's 5, Toronto Blue Jays 6, 10 innings

Oakland Roots SC 1, Las Vegas Lights FC 3

San Francisco Giants 6, Colorado Rockies 3

San Jose Earthquakes 0, DC United 0

San Jose State Spartans 59, Cal Poly Mustangs 3

Features & Commentary

A Revival Is In The Works, by Dave Newhouse

Don't Wait to Donate! -- Now At #502! -- Your Support is Welcome!

Keena Turner from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Pickett's Charge, NFL Style, by Robert Moselle

Redo of Last Week's Redux -- It Was All Upside Down, by Howard Pearlstein

Why College Sports is Best, by Andy Dolich

Organizations

Cal Bears

Golden Gate Fields

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

Received from Stuey, Nevada City, CA

Robert (Bob) Scheer, a part-time Berkeley resident and former congressional candidate, was honored as a Guest Coach, part of a two-day USC athletic department tour for four faculty selected by the USC athletic department as inspiring teachers for many athletes. The honor included attending the Trojans vs. Stanford Cardinal game at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 9. Bob has been a professor at the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism for 25 years. He is also publisher of the daily news website, ScheerPost. Also pictured is wife Narda Zacchino, former associate editor of the Los Angeles Times and deputy editor of the

San Francisco Chronicle. Score: USC 59, Stanford 10.

Rickey's Sports Lounge

Rickey’s Sports Lounge in San Leandro is returning to life, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic shutdown and the passing of its previous owner, Ricky Ricardo. Photo by Ed Jay.

A Revival Is In The Works

by Dave Newhouse

It's always cathartic to see something resuscitated when its obituary almost was written. And there was Rickey’s Sports Lounge, one step from the casket not so long ago, breathing fresh air last week with a second chance at life.

Under Ramonn Smith’s new ownership, together with a new name and a new perspective, Rickey’s also has a new kick in its step at its San Leandro location.

There were 150 people there last Wednesday, and the place was rocking, a distinct turnaround from its smallish crowds during the pandemic that prompted an ownership change.

Tina Ricardo, widow of the late Ricky Ricardo, who built Ricky’s into a nationally known saloon, wore herself out over 30 years of ownership devotion, and so she sold the bar this year to Smith and two silent partners. A change already has taken place.

For one thing, the bar name, formerly Ricky’s Sports Theatre & Grill. It’s now Rickey’s Sports Lounge, with an added “e” possibly for enterprise, because the bar is remodeled inside along with a renovated nightly agenda.

“Rickey’s has been there so long,” said Smith, “but I wanted to bring it back with a more up-to-date feel — not just a Raiders bar, but a bar for all sports.”

Thus there are logos around the bar of all Bay Area sports teams, though still with Raiders’ silver-and-black paint dominating. The Raiders are gone, but they still are the swizzle stick that stirs Rickey’s cocktails.

The innovative Smith has added Turkey Wing Tuesday, Karaoke Wednesday, DJ music Friday through Sunday, a smoking area for cigars, birthday parties seven days a week, and a Raiders' tailgate party on Sundays. Bar-restaurant hours: 3-11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“A year and a half ago, a friend, Andre Cornwell, said ‘What’s up with Ricky’s?’ ” Smith recalled. “April 2022 is when we started talking to Tina, November 2022 is when we purchased Ricky’s, and we opened April 13 on my 50th birthday.”

But the grand scale opening was last Wednesday when promoter Arif Khatib worked his magic, helping Smith entice a huge crowd that brought laughter, singing and good times back to Rickey’s, once again with an “e” in its revised name.

Promoted by author Arif Khatib, Remember Their Sacrifice, (right), the gala event drew enthusiastic fans to mingle with sports celebrities and purchase signed copies. Also pictured, Oakland A’s centerfielder Billy North (1973-78) and author Dave Newhouse,

Goodbye, Oakland. Photo by Ed Jay.

In its heyday, Ricky’s (without the “e”) was named the No. 2 sports bar in the country behind the “Cheers” bar in Boston.

"The only reason Ricky’s wasn’t No. 1: ‘Cheers’ was on television every week,” Khatib said. “But we wanted to bring attention (Wednesday) that Rickey’s is open. And the event was a lot of fun, and everybody had a good time.”

Smith, the new owner, has Oakland roots, graduating from Skyline High School in 1991 before playing baseball at Southern University, getting his degree in 1997. He then worked at AT&T and owned the 44 Restaurant in Berkeley before turning his sights on the eventually renamed Rickey’s.

Showing up Wednesday were former athletes Bill North, Mike Felder, Nate Branch, Sherman White among others, plus retired Oakland A’s clubhouse manager Steve Vucinich. North flew down from Washington state for the event.

“Rickey’s, to me, is saved,” said North. “It was a grand re-opening. There was a lot of love in the air.”

And a future, too.

Rickey's Sports Lounge in its previous incarnation. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page. Photo by Ed Jay.

* * *

Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. 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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San Francisco 49ers

Pickett's Charge: NFL Style

by Robert Moselle, Esq.

https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus

On July 3, 1863, the Union and Confederate Armies were locked in a death struggle near the crossroads town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. What began as a skirmish between cavalry and infantry quickly morphed into one of the largest battles in American history. Pickett was ordered to charge up Cemetery Ridge. The assault is best known today as Pickett's Charge, named for Virginia General George E. Pickett.

On Sunday, 160 years later, in a different Pennsylvania town, the Pittsburgh Steelers were destroyed by the San Francisco 49ers.

General Brock Purdy and his troops had executed their orders and game plan to perfection. The Steelers QB, first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett, had sported a perfect preseason Passing Rating and had led the Steelers to an unblemished preseason. Hopes were high.

"Charge," he said! And before he knew it, S.F. led 7-0 on their way to a complete and total victory, and just like Gettysburg, Pickett’s "Charge" was a monumental disaster.

Pickett was asked years following the war what caused the assault to fail. He responded rhetorically, “I’ve always thought the Yankees had something to do with it.” 160 years later, so did the 49ers.

* * *

San Francisco Giants 6

Colorado Rockies 3

Oracle Park, San Francisco -- Sunday, September 10

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Keaton Winn struck out nine over six innings to earn his first MLB victory as the Giants defeated the Colorado Rockies, 6-3, at Oracle Park on Sunday, September 10th.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Second baseman Thairo Estrada hits a home run in the second inning, his second in as many games. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Right fielder Mike Yastrzemski makes a leaping catch near the wall in the second inning. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Closer Camilo Doval pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his 37th save of the season. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Sportswriter Andrew Baggarly (right) talks with San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (left) before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park. To view an annotated game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

United Airlines

Rock 'n' Roll!

Sep. 30 -- Oct. 1, 2023

San Jose

Oakland A's 5

Toronto Blue Jays 6 (10 innings)

Oakland Alameda County Coliseum

Monday, September 4

Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Adrian Martinez (55) jogs on the field before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. C aption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Third baseman Jordan Diaz hit one of four A's home runs, his tenth of the season. C aption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics centerfielder Lawrence Butler hit two home runs during the A's 6-5 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays on Labor Day at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Left fielder Tony Kemp makes a sliding catch in the ninth inning. C aption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Luis Medina leaps over the third base line before the game. C aption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.

Oakland Athletics shortstop Nick Allen (2) and Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. talk during the fourth inning. To view an annotated game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Cal Bears 10

Auburn Tigers 14

Memorial Stadium, Berkeley -- Saturday, September 9

Under the lights and a West Coast primetime, nationally televised game on ESPN, the Golden Bears hosted the visiting SEC representative Auburn University Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Saturday evening. Stern defenses from both sides made for the low offensive production, as Auburn defeated Cal by the score of 14-10 in the Golden Bears home season opener. Above, taking aim in warmups, Ben Finley (#10) got the start ahead of Sam Jackson V (#5) who would come in and lead the Bears downfield for

their only touchdown late in the second quarter.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Pacing like a caged animal (Bear) before the game, fifth year senior and team co-captain Jackson Sirmon (#8) keeps an eye out for the

rest of the team to take to the field for warmups.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Redshirt junior Craig Woodson (#2) yells emphatically after making the stop to end an Auburn drive. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Lunging the ball over the end zone line late in the second quarter, sophomore Jadyn Ott (#1) scores to give the Bears the lead before halftime. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Cal's Kaleb Elarms-Orr (#53), the game’s leading tackler with 13, delivered a hit on Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne which caused a fumble. Cal teammate Jackson Sirmon, (not pictured), caught the ball in the air at the 31-yard line and returned it for an apparent touchdown. However, the officials had inadvertently blown the play dead when Thorne went out of bounds, not realizing the ball had been fumbled. Cal ended up with the ball at the Auburn 31-yard line with 13:33 left in the first quarter. To view a game photo album,

visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

San Jose State Spartans 59

Cal Poly Mustangs 3

CEFCU Stadium, San Jose -- Saturday, September 9

San José State junior running back Quali Conley (#7) rushes 10 yards into the end zone for the Spartans’ first touchdown of the game. San José State defeated Cal Poly, 59–3, in a non-conference game at CEFCU Stadium on September 9, 2023 in San Jose, California.

San José State graduate offensive tackle Jaime Navarro (#54) celebrates with senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (#2) after Cordeiro scrambles for a touchdown in the second quarter.

San José State senior running back Kairee Robinson (#32) leaps over the outstretched hand of Cal Poly redshirt junior cornerback Xavier Oliphant (#6) for a touchdown in the third quarter. © 2023 Alex Ho.

San José State red-shirt junior wide receiver Charles Ross (#4) celebrates his touchdown reception with Malikhi Miller (#12). San José State defeated Cal Poly, 59–3, in a non-conference game. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. © 2023 Alex Ho.

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San Francisco Giants

The Hawaiian Islands are near and dear to all

of us at Giants Vacations.

Like so many, we are deeply saddened by the devastation on Maui caused by the wildfires. Now more than ever, the Aloha Spirit calls to us, which is why Giants Vacations has made a heartfelt donation to the Maui Strong Fund.

We are looking forward to hosting the 8th annual Giants Vacation in Paradise in Kona this November and hope you will join us in one

of the few remaining spots.

Travel with Mike "Yaz" Yastrzemski, Duane Kuiper, Jon Miller,

Dave Flemming and Mark Hallberg

Fairmont Orchid | Kona, Hawaii

November 29 - December 4, 2023

BOOK NOW!

Oakland A's

Come out to the ballpark on Friday, Sept. 22, to steal this one-of-a-kind T-shirt honoring Esteury Ruiz breaking the A's Rookie Stolen Base Record. While supplies last.

Buy Tickets!

Goodbye, Oakland

Scheduled book signings with authors Andy Dolich and Dave Newhouse

to be announced

For purchase at bookstores or

through Triumph Books

https://www.triumphbooks.com/goodbye--oakland-products-9781637272152.php

Donate Today! -- Click Here!

Oakland A's 2

Los Angeles Angels 1

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Traditional Japanese dancers perform on the field before the game started. Caption and photo by Rich Yee .

The Angels' Shohei Ohtani juggled his bat as he stepped up to the plate. Caption and photo by Rich Yee .

The Angels' Andrew Velazquez was tagged out at third base by Jordan Diaz in the seventh inning. Caption and photo by Rich Yee .

Plenty of Shohei Ohtani fans showed up to wish him success. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.

Caption and photo by Rich Yee .

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

The baseball season is almost over for the Bay Area. With the 49ers trouncing the Steelers, the football season looks like it may be better. Let's hope it

stays that way.

With that said, let's tawk football trivialities...

Jerry Rice was the first San Francisco 49er to score 1,000 points in a 49ers career (1985-2000). Who has the second highest point total for the 49ers?

(See answer below...)

Sports Precis

Re-do of Last Week's Redux --

It Was All Upside Down

by Howard Pearlstein

Last week things weren’t making much sense. Trey Lance traded to Dallas where he can get the training and playing time he needs. Except it became all about the price -- the draft’s creepy undercurrent. Did we pay too much? What’s a top pick supposed to cost? Echoes of Oscar Brown Junior’s song about a slave auction:

Here’s a quarterback that you need / buy this kid with lots of speed.

Lots of spirit can run or pass, knock that defense on its ass. Bid ‘em in.

The money thing was bad enough, but then it got worse and really ugly -- petty and mean-spirited: “But what if he actually succeeds with them?”

THAT’S the bad thing?

Yeah -- 43% of 9ers fans think it is, according to Niners Nation.

A talented kid, his universe of upside stopped and stalled by broken bones and broken hopes and the demands of the business. Write him off like a hit-man, screwing on the silencer, saying: “It’s not personal, kid -- it's just business.”

But it IS personal -- it’s his life.

And almost half of the 9er fans are scared that he’ll actually succeed?

Post-COVID America – almost half of everyone is pissed off about everything all the time. Elections. Inflation. Crime. Electric Cars. The Internet. Health Care. Whattayou hate? Marlon Brando in The Wild One: “Whattayou got?”

TV journalists tell us not to be happy when politicians get prosecuted. “It’s not a happy day – it’s a sad one.” Wrong. It’s a sad day when public officials do the crime, but a happy one when they get to do the time. That’s when we win.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a local congressman with stacks of hundred-dollar bills in the freezer, or a senator or a judge or someone from the White House. This isn’t about politics. This is about Bad Mood America.

During the year of COVID House Arrest, people had no place to go – no job, no restaurants, no theaters, no live sports on tv. Just binge-a-thon reruns of Law & Order, CSIS and etc. Good Guys vs Bad Guys.

Stuck at home, anyone who told you anything you had to do was a Bad Guy. Stay at home, rotate your tires, get a smog check, get vaccinated, keep your distance, wear a mask.

A hundred million people in America came down with COVID 19 (99,596,741) and over a million of them died -- (1,104,000) -- a nasty gagging choking death. And Dr. Fauci was the Bad Guy? Really? Everyone all cranky, like America was a pair of pants that don’t fit right anymore. Gotta blame someone.

But it's ok to make Trey the Bad Guy? Ok to hope he fails because he didn’t live up to draft day cost-justifying hype?

That’s our world now? A bunch of mean-spirited hateful schmucks? It‘s bad enough he's exiled to Dallas and Astroturf, and still a rookie. Takes time and work to learn it all and I hope he can get it in Dallas. He didn't get it here. And learns to slide. It’s his life we’re talking about.

The bumper sticker? Don’t be a schmuck – Wish him good luck.

AND

Nick Bosa’s back, completing the Defense, so the 2022, “Wish I’d said that,” comment from long-time pal Czechpoint Charlie is once again valid: “Any team who plays the 9ers will get stuck between the Brock and a Hard Place.”

A happy ending for all this pain and hateful prickiness?

Brock’s Niners vs. Trey’s Cowboys in the 2023 NFC Championship Game.

Go Niners.

* * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

An old friend once said, "Howard, you live your life like you're trying to fill in a dust jacket blurb." Well, then all I have to do is write a book that will get published.

Keena Turner -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

I would see former 49er Keena Turner at sport shows, 49er events and charity golf events often. I believe I received this autograph at a 49er Christmas charity event. He is always a pleasure to meet and very friendly. He also held annual charity golf events to benefit the Boy & Girls Clubs and always invited teammates

Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer

A Sports Fan & Sports Celebrities

(Left to right) NBA Hall-of-Famer Chris Mullin, sports fan Gene St. Onge, ex-Warrior Dorell Wright, and Bonta Hill, 95.7 broadcaster. (Rear) Ex-Warrior Festus Ezeli. Taken at the first game of the 2022 NBA Western Conference Finals against Dallas at Chase Center.

Photo by Chris Holliday.

Have a photo to share? Send to: theutimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Christian Lundgaard Sets Official Track Record During Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Qualifying at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

New Record of 1.06.461 bests Helio Castroneves’

23-Year-Old Record of 1.07.722

Photo provided by T.M. Hill

MONTEREY, Calif., September 9, 2023 – The freshly repaved surface of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca delivered on its high-grip promise today during qualifying for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Finale. Christian Lundgaard raced into Laguna Seca lore by eclipsing the 23-year-old track record with a blistering 1:06.461 lap with an average speed of 121.226 miles per hour around the 2.238-mile 11-turn Monterey circuit.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Lundgaard broke the longstanding record of 1:07.722 that was set by Helio Castroneves during his qualifying run at the 2000 CART Honda Grand Prix of Monterey.

“It is pretty cool, I must say,” says Lundgaard, upon hearing the news he set the track record. “Coming to such a historical track, we expected it to be a lot quicker, but I don’t think we expected to do this. It’s pretty cool to have the track record here. The track is just awesome.”

continued...

For a full report, click HERE.

www.weathertechraceway.com

Sonoma Raceway

DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals Once Again

Fuel Summer Fun in 2024!

July weekend dates remain unchanged for next year

SONOMA, Calif. (August 31, 2023) – Nitro will again rumble through wine country when the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals thunder into Sonoma Raceway the weekend of July 26-28, 2024, the series announced today as part of its 2024 season schedule release.

The 2024 date will remain the same weekend as the event this past July, and the tradition of the Friday night session lighting up the sky will kick off this thrilling three-day event. The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will again immediately follow a stop in Seattle next summer.

“It’s great to have NHRA back in July, the heart of Summer,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “We are proud to bring this adrenaline-pumping event to our enthusiastic fans and love being a West Coast stop on the schedule.”

Every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans extra access to see the cars up close and the teams in action. Tickets and camping information for the 2024 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals weekend can be found by visiting SonomaRaceway.com or calling 800-870-RACE (7223).

continued...

For more information, click HERE.

www.sonomaraceway.com

San Jose Earthquakes 0

D.C. United 0

Audi Field, Washington D.C.

Saturday, September 9

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, D.C. United 0

San Jose battle for point on the road, earn eighth

shutout of the season

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United played to a scoreless draw on Saturday evening at Audi Field in Washington D.C. Goalkeeper Daniel tied his season-best of eight saves in a Man of the Match performance to help the Quakes battle for their eighth shutout of the season.

Both sides played scoreless through the first half. D.C. United nearly took the lead early in the second half, but had a goal recalled for offside.

The Quakes almost broke the draw in the 64th through Jeremy Ebobisse hitting the side netting on a breakaway. Goalkeeper Daniel made a diving save in the 70th minute to deny D.C. a shot into the top right corner. San Jose would be reduced to ten men in the 90th minute, but would battle to earn a crucial point on the road.

continued...

For more information, click HERE.

www.sjearthquakes.com

Oakland Roots SC 1

Las Vegas Lights FC 3

Cashman Field, Las Vegas, NV

Saturday, September 9

Oakland Drop All Three Points in Las Vegas

Oakland Roots settled into the match early with a majority of possession in the opening ten minutes of play. Their control led to a penalty when Wolfgang Prentice was pushed from behind in the box. Johnny Rodriguez stepped up for Oakland, converting the penalty and giving Roots a 1-0 lead.

Coach Noah Delagado had to make an early substitution and adjust his system when Captain Tarek Morad went down with a head injury 20 minutes into the game. Tryavone Reid replaced the defender, offering Oakland a different attacking approach.

The pace of play slowed in the first-half heat as Oakland Roots lost some control but managed to maintain their 1-0 advantage heading into halftime against Las Vegas.

continued...

For more information, click HERE.

www.oaklandrootssc.com

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Cal Bears

Cal's Defense Shines In Loss To Auburn

Bears Force Four Turnovers In 14-10 Defeat

BERKELEY – Defense kept the California football team within striking distance into the final minutes of its home opener on Saturday against Auburn, but the Golden Bears weren't able to turn takeaways into enough points, falling 14-10 in front of 44,141 at California Memorial Stadium.

Cal's defense forced four turnovers, including a fumble forced by safety Patrick McMorris with just over four minutes remaining in the game. That gave the Bears the ball in Auburn (2-0) territory, needing a touchdown trailing by just four points.

Quarterback Sam Jackson V hit wide receiver Trond Grizzell for 11 yards and an Auburn unnecessary roughness penalty added 15 more, quickly putting the Bears at the Tigers' 15-yard line. However, the Bears weren't able to find the end zone, and Auburn subsequently picked up the third-down conversion it needed to run out the rest of the clock.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.calbears.com

Stanford Cardinal

B1G Win over Minnesota

Card improves to 6-1 on the season

STANFORD, Calif. – Elia Rubin and Kendall Kipp combined for 33 kills to lead No. 5 Stanford in a 25-21, 19-25, 25-16, 25-16 win over No. 10 Minnesota, Saturday, to wrap up the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge at Maples Pavilion.

Stanford (6-1) hit .304 as a team, while holding the Gophers (3-3) to a .205 clip. The Cardinal tallied 58 digs and matched its season-high with 13.0 blocks. Stanford again served tough, totaling eight aces. The Cardinal improves to 12-3 all-time versus Minnesota.

Rubin recorded a match-high 17 kills, three blocks and a season-best three aces in the win. The sophomore added 11 digs for her second double-double of the season. Kipp hit .382 with 16 kills to go with nine digs, five blocks and three assists.

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By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.

www.gostanford.com

San Jose State Spartans

SPARTANS RUN PAST CAL POLY, 59-3

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Kairee Robinson finished with 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to lead San José State (1-2, 0-0 MW) in a 59-3 win over Cal Poly (1-1, 0-0 Big Sky) from CEFCU Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Robinson's 124 yards is his fourth career 100-yard game. He also tied his career high with two touchdowns, including a 32-yard score in the third quarter. Quali Conley scored twice on the ground with 60 yards. His two touchdowns are the first since joining the Spartans.

The Spartans' 267 rushing yards are the most since December 5, 2020 against Hawai'i when they ran for 288 yards. This is the first time with at least five rushing touchdowns since September 9, 2016 against Portland State.

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.sjsuspartans.com

Saint Mary's College Gaels

XC | Stanziano Paces Gaels to Second Place Finish at the Waves Invitational

MALIBU, Calif. — The women of the Gaels cross country squad made their way south to Alumni Park in Malibu to preview the 2023 WCC Championship course at the Waves Invitational. In a shorter, four kilometer race, the Gaels placed second in the nine team field with a team score of 68. WCC foe Gonzaga was the only team to finish better than the Gaels, with a team score of 23. Saint Mary's was the second best finishing WCC team, finishing better than LMU, Pepperdine and host Santa Clara.

Rayna Stanziano paced the Gaels in her first race of 2023 with a time of 14:01.7. It was Stanziano's 10th top-10 finish in her illustrious Gael career. Stanziano found herself in second place heading into the final stretch of the race, but was narrowly edged out by Gonzaga's Rosina Machu for the number two spot. Molly Dreher, also in her season debut, stayed just behind Stanziano as the Gaels number two runner for the entirety of the race, placing 12th with a time of 14:10.8.

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For a full report, click HERE.

#GaelsRise

www.smcgaels.com

USF Dons

Volleyball Concludes Utah Classic,

Falls at Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- In its final match of the Utah Classic, the University of San Francisco volleyball team (3-6) fell to Utah (4-4), 3-0, Saturday afternoon at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

COLORADO STATE BLOCK PREVENTS PACIFIC FROM EXTENDING WINNING STREAK

Fort Collins, Colo. – Host Colorado State defeated Pacific, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 25-21 on the second day of the Ram Volleyball Classic.

The Tigers (5-3) hit at a .175 clip but could not contain a potent Rams attack that hit .259 for the win. Biamba Kabengele and Alexa Edwards had 20 and 15 kills, respectively in the loss for Pacific. The Tigers' Jenna Heller had a double double with 44 assists and 15 digs in the loss. Megan Nishimura added 14 digs and eight assists.

Colorado State (5-4) was led by Malaya Jones and Annie Sullivan, who had 14 and 12 kills, respectively. It was the frontline of the Rams that proved to be the difference as Naeemah Weathers had six blocks and Sullivan and Karina Leber had four blocks in the win. Also, in the victory, Emery Herman had 35 assists.

The three-day tournament will wrap up on Sunday when Pacific faces #14 Baylor at 10 a.m. (PT)/11 a.m. (MT).

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For a full report, click HERE.

www.pacifictigers.com

St. Francis Yacht Club

Daily Weather Briefings with Quantum Sails

Rolex Big Boat Series event sponsor Quantum Sails will be hosting Daily Weather Briefings every race day at 0730. All sailors are invited to tune in for the forecast and to hear local knowledge about San Francisco Bay conditions and currents with Jeff Thorpe from Quantum Sails and experts from Sailflow Weather. They will share in-depth forecasts, local knowledge and expert tips. Come with questions and prepare for your day on the water!

And for drop-off sail service and expertise, visit the Quantum Sails tent at Regatta Plaza at the top of the docks.

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For a full report, click HERE.

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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Ray Wersching

Ray Wersching played for 11 seasons, from 1977-1987. He kicked 409 of 425 PATs and 191 of 261 field goals. He totaled 979 points, breaking San Francisco 49ers kicker Tommy Davis' mark of 738 points in 1969.

(Because I intend to use the site again, I can't tell you where this question and answer came from.)

This link, https://bit.ly/38LJ2Py, will take you to a list of the San Francisco 49ers scoring leaders.

How good was Rice? Take a look at this Wikipedia entry, https://bit.ly/3h49Jnb .

Go Patriots!

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