August 8, 2022
Issue No. 445
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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Bill Russell
Interview
by Bruce Macgowan
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By now you’ve heard and read much about Bill Russell, who passed away last week at the age of 88. As a reporter, unlike many others I always appreciated his bluntness and honesty.
In 1981, while I was working for a radio network in NYC, I had a chance to talk extensively with Russell after a charity dinner in midtown Manhattan. Here are some of the highlights.
On the success of the Boston Celtics, who won 11 titles during Russell’s 13-year career: “The big difference is that we had guys who all knew their roles, and everyone contributed. We played a controlled game. Some people say that in a number of our championship years we weren’t the best team. But in the playoffs when it counted, we were the better team. There’s nothing mysterious about it. This stuff about another team can’t win the big one or that it choked? That’s a crock”
On playing for legendary coach Red Auerbach: “I can’t imagine working any harder for any other coach. He had an attitude that if we started practicing Monday morning that by Tuesday afternoon we’d be in shape to play that night. Red later became a great basketball executive because he’d been one of the few guys who ran a franchise who knew what he was doing.”
On his rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain, the media played it up that the two men hated each other, but in fact they were great friends. But it was much different on the court: “Wilt was what you would call a vertical player; he’d play more up-and-down. I was a horizontal player who played side-to-side. To counter Wilt, I would try to get him to play my game, which didn’t work as well for him. As far as any rivalry on the court goes, I never had a rivalry with anyone. That’s not important. I wasn’t interested in that. I just wanted to play the best I could.”
I interviewed Russell shortly after the Celtics, with emerging star Larry Bird leading the way, won the NBA title. This was one year after rookie Magic Johnson sparked LA to a crown in 1980. Even though many said this was the start of a new era for the NBA, others still felt that pro basketball still lacked the national popularity it needed to succeed. Russell vehemently disagreed: “I’ve been hearing a lot of crap about how basketball is in trouble, but right now it’s the only major sport that has seen a major boost in attendance. Cable TV, however, has changed everything. But if someone bases the popularity of a sport simply on TV rating point, I think they’re being stupid.”
As for the “increased violence in sports,” Russell also told me he sharply disagreed with that. “Sports is probably less violent than it was when I played because now you have instant replay. You can see the same play on the nightly news over-and-over. They’re merely using basketball on TV to have something to put between the commercials, so they like the violent plays or fights. It’s entertainment.”
At the time of my interview with Russell, he had just finished another year as an analyst on network TV. I asked him if he enjoyed it or if he had preferred coaching the Seattle Supersonics a few years before in the mid-1970s: “I’m glad the season is over now so I can take it easy but no, I don’t miss coaching at all. As you get older you know more about what you like and don’t like. I did it and it was time to move on.”
When Russell was a player-coach in Boston, my friend Jim Barnett, who played his rookie season under Russell, said he had an unusual style of coaching. “Our guys would take the floor for practice and work out and Bill would sit on a bench at side court, smoking a cigarette and reading his newspaper. Once in a while he’d see something that amused him and would let out that famous cackle of his. Then he’d fold the paper, stand up and tell us: 'Ok guys, we’re done.' ”
"On the night we’d be playing a game he’d say something like, 'Ok, who are we going against tonight? The Warriors? No, it must be the Lakers. No, wait a minute, it’s the Sixers. OK, let’s just go out and get this shit done!' ”
What about rating players and coaches and front office executives? Who did Bill Russell think were the best ones? “I never rate anyone, coaches, players, anyone. I don’t worry about such things. It’s not important.”
Finally, Russell was famous for being sometimes curt with the fans. He was very blunt when he told me the reason. “It’s impersonal. I’d rather give someone a handshake and look into their eyes and engage them. Besides, in the 1960s, if I wasn’t an NBA player, I would be just another ni@%$r to most of those people.”
“The only time I ever saw Russ sign something was when this older lady kept pleading and almost crying that she wanted him to sign this scrap of paper,” Barnett remembered. “Bill kept saying ‘no’, but she wouldn’t give up as she was practically crying. So, he finally signed her little scrap of paper, but it was the only time I ever saw him do that.”
As you might surmise, Bill Russell was unlike any other NBA player, both on and off the court. We will not see another like him ever again.
Editor's note -- Sports Today photographer Rich Yee was lucky enough to collect Bill Russell's autograph in 2001. See Bill Russell, From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee below.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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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: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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This canine deserves a $200 million deal. |
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"I know I am getting better at golf because I am
hitting fewer spectators."
-- Pres. Gerald R. Ford
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Letters to the Editor
Scapegoats Wanted: Inquire Within
To paraphrase Sports Today's most frequently referenced ex-President, (RN), "You won't have Jimmy G. to kick around anymore." We'll have to
wait for the man who prowls the bowels of Levi's stadium, mic. in hand, after 49er games to parrot party lines to let us know the new nominees.
In the interim, the S.F. Giants have more candidates than an Arizona GOP primary. However, "Scapegoat" is not a game I choose to play. Many blame Gabe Kapler and his staff as well as Farhan and his posse.
As I watched Kap's temper flare at an umpire's ridiculous behavior in a recent Dodgers game and the subsequent ejection, it is clear he is
aware enough of all the factors which have caused this unfortunate post-All-Star game downward slide. To pick on any particular player misses the point. We won 107 games last year. Lots of teams vastly improved while The G-Men chose to largely stick with the formula and squad which had worked so well.
However, an extraordinary number of injuries has depleted that lineup. The infield is replete with names which are new to me. Before a recent game vs. the Cubs we even plucked their shortstop and put him in our lineup. No Craw, Longo, Joc, Thairo, DeSclafani or (drum roll) Buster Posey. Everybody loves a Mercedes, but we didn't know ours would be parked at third base.
Hang in there, fans. My one recommendation, based on the words of a woman of great wisdom, would be to shave the beard, Kap, or at least get a little trim. I don't blame it for the losses, but it is a reflection of the troubles you face on a daily basis. To put it succinctly, Trim
and Win.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
Executive Director
Monterey, CA
Congratulations to Bryant Young!
One my all-time favorite 49ers has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame! A 14-year NFL career, all with the Niners -- a savage tackler who
won a Super Bowl in his rookie season. His acceptance speech shows what a class person he is.
Here is a link to that speech on YouTube:
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
Bill Russell May Be Second
Bill Russell and Michael Jordan have be called the best basketball players of all time. I disagree. If you didn't see Elgin Baylor play, you missed an opportunity to see why I have this opinion. I believe Elgin was the best basketball player of all time! He could do it all. Rebound, hang in the air, play defense, hella shooter, and he had that competitive passion for the game. Nobody could do what Elgin could.
Elgin started the debate about who was the best. He's been described as Humble, Dignified, and Kind. Read his book: Hang Time: My Life in Basketball. And check his statue at Staples Center when you are in LA.
Arif Khatib
Founder and President Emeritus
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Author: In the Shadow of Obscurity..Toiling In A Reluctant Society
Remember Their Sacrifice....Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color
Film Producer: Because They Believed
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 3, San Francisco Giants 7
San Jose Earthquakes 3, Austin FC 3
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Inter Miami CF 1
Features & Commentary
ADC Partners presents Jen Rottenberg
Bill Russell --An Interview, by Bruce Macgowan
Bill Russell, From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Bryant Young Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dick Vermeil Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
Mabadala Silicon Valley Classic, by Ed Jay
Moveable Feast or Famine, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Haiku -- The Sanctum Revisited, by Robert Moselle
Organizations
Cal Bears
Oakland A's
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Stanford Cardinal
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Moveable Feast Or Famine?
by Dave Newhouse
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By standing in a Bay Area airport terminal and staring at the giant board of incoming and outgoing flights, you might come to realize that local sports teams could fill that same board by themselves.
For the Bay Area has endured more sports transiency than anyplace else in America. With one team, the Raiders, leaving the same city, Oakland, twice, that separates this region from all other abandoned sports locations.
Except for the hockey Sharks, who are homegrown and haven’t left
San Jose, every other sports franchise hereabouts originated somewhere else or started here and then left for another city or state, unless they just died in between.
The San Francisco 49ers became our first major league team in 1946, but they now play in Santa Clara. The hovering seagulls at Kezar Stadium and the fierce winds at Candlestick Park could make anyone anxious to leave.
The Warriors arrived in San Francisco from Philadelphia, then moved
to Oakland, and then returned to San Francisco, a rather unique turnabout.
The Giants play in a beautiful baseball facility, but that almost didn’t happen. After years in chilly Candlestick — I remember watching Willie Mays shiver in centerfield during a Friday night pitching change — the Giants tried hard to leave, but were unsuccessful over and over again.
In the 1980s, there were two ballpark initiatives that failed in San Francisco, and two more that failed in Santa Clara County. That’s when Giants owner Bob Lurie and then mayor Dianne Feinstein decided it would be best to share the Oakland Coliseum with the A’s. But like Attila the Hun being cut off at the gates of Rome, the Haas family, which owned the A’s, blocked that plan.
Lurie's Giants then were headed to Toronto until an Arizona meat packer, Bud Herseth, stepped in financially in the eleventh hour to prevent that move. However, the Giants were next headed to Florida, in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region, before Peter Magowan bought the team and kept it in San Francisco. And, today, the Giants play in lovely Oracle Park. So many crises, but they’re now a distant memory.
Then there are the A’s, who arrived from Philadelphia and Kansas City, and are always leaving Oakland without yet departing. Owner Charles O. Finley had them moving to Denver, before that was thwarted. Later, co-owners Steve Schott and Ken Hofmann had a henchman, Ed Alvarez, looking for sites all over the East Bay, but the A’s remained in Oakland. Still later, A’s owner Lew Wolff scouted Fremont and Santa Clara as future homes, but he failed twice. And now, owner John Fisher has the A's Las Vegas-bound if he can’t get his ballpark built on the barely wide enough, ship-heavy Oakland Estuary.
Remember that airport terminal message board? Well, the City of Oakland has lost a dozen sports franchises, including the hockey Seals, the football Raiders and Invaders, the basketball Warriors and Oaks, soccer’s Clippers and Stompers, and various tennis teams that either moved or disintegrated.
That’s enough total loss to give Oaklanders aerophobia, or fear of flying.
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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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Oakland A's 3
San Francisco Giants 7
August 6, 2022
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San Francisco Giants designated hitter LaMonte Wade Jr. hit a two-run home run as part of a 4-run sixth inning as the Giants defeated the Oakland Athletics, 7-3, at RingCentral Coliseum on Saturday, July 6, in front of 40,065 Bay Area sports fans. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Jakob Junis on Becoming A Giant, Adding New Pitches and Starting after the Will Clark #22
Retirement Ceremony
Jakob Junis shares his baseball journey from a growing up in the Midwest to becoming one of the key members of the current Giants starting rotation. Junis also discusses the intricacies of perfecting his craft by adding new pitches to his arsenal. Junis then details his relationship with Giants alumni and talks about the emotions of being the starting pitcher after the Will Clark #22 Retirement Ceremony.
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A huge thank-you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Oakland A's Broadcast Auction during the game on July 8. With the funds raised, we will continue to take an innovative and dynamic approach to improve the quality of life in Oakland and the East Bay through our educational programs, youth sports initiatives, and various volunteer efforts. We are already looking forward to next year's event!
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Bryant Young Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
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CANTON, OHIO - Bryant Young and his presenter Edward DeBartolo Jr. unveil Young's bronze bust during the 2022 Pro Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 6, 2022 in Canton, Ohio.
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SJSU Legend Dick Vermeil Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
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CANTON, Ohio - San José State legend Dick Vermeil was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Vermeil is the 28th head coach to ever be inducted and joins fellow SJSU alum Bill Walsh (1931-2007), a 1993 inductee. Bryant Young, who coached the defensive line at SJSU in 2010, was also inducted.
"We are excited and proud that the Hall of Fame selected legendary Spartan, Dick Vermeil, to be recognized for his career," San José State Football Head Coach Brent Brennan said. "Coach Vermeil's storied career is only surpassed by the quality of man he is and the volume of lives he has touched. All Spartans are proud today!"
#AllSpartans
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Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic |
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Daria Kasatkina wins the Mubadala Final defeating Shelby Rogers, 6-7,6-1,6-2. This was Kastakina’s second finals appearance as she was also played on Sunday in 2021. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
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With Katsakina’s victory, she will be ranked in the top 10 of WTA rankings. The highest in her career. She is already the top rated Russian player.
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Shelby Rogers had a fantastic Mubadala week defeating some much more highly rated competitors to reach the Final including no. 3 WTA ranked and tournament top seed, Maria Sakkari. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
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Coco Gauff eyes a strong return to Naomi Osaka which helped her win the match. The matchup between the two is predicted to be a rivalry for years to come, given the young age of both players. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
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(Left) Four-time Grand Slam Champion Naomi Osaka and French Open Finalist, World ranked #11, Coco Gauff prior to their match. Gauff would prevail,
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For our 1-on-1 podcast series, in association with Sports Today,
over the next few weeks we will bring you a few of our latest podcasts, which cover topics ranging from cryptocurrency, brand marketing, college conference realignment, women's sports, the Oakland A's, Boston accents, how to get a good night's sleep, and so SO
much more. Enjoy!
Dave Almy & Andy Dallin
Principals
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Jen Rottenberg, Head of Partnerships, Athleta
We talk with Jen about the Athleta’s approach to sports marketing, their partnerships with Simone Biles and Alison Felix and what makes them so impactful, why partnership depth is better than breadth, and what she’s looking for in new opportunities.
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1-on-1: Sports Business Conversations, the ADC Partners podcast is available on your preferred podcast platform. |
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Bill Russell -- From the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee |
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In 2001 NBA legend and Hall of Fame member Bill Russell came out with a book titled Russell Rules. On Thursday, May 31, 2001 he did a book signing at Kepler's Book Store in Menlo Park and I was there.
I arrived about an hour before the signing and purchased two books, then got into the long line that had already formed. When I got to the front of the line I greeted him and I remember he gave me a slight smile and nodded his head. After he signed my two books I
thanked him and shook his hand.
As a long-time autograph collector, I have known for years that Bill Russell was one of the hardest athletes to get an autograph from because he simply did not like signing. When I left his table I felt like the luckiest guy alive. His book is still in my collection in mint condition. Sadly Bill Russell passed away last week on July 31, 2022.
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Autograph Stories Invited! |
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Have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity
to share a sports moment with our readers.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Sad. I did not get the answer to this question while competing in a trivia night contest at
What does a 'Backwards K' in baseball
scoring indicate?
(See answer below...)
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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 entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
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The Sanctum Revisited:
The Persona Within
We have all heard the expression, you have to think "outside the box," and Sports Today has occasionally released information on
The Sanctum,
the highly secretive laboratory located deep within Chase Center and so effectively utilized by the Warriors to help secure their recent
NBA Championship, and now made available to the San Francisco Giants in an act of
Bay Area sports unity.
So, what is the "vibe" of those who populate
The Sanctum? Based on what has been
related to me, and which I can reveal,
Positivity and Pride are core values.
Not hubris, but self-esteem and satisfaction derived from achievement.
This Haiku reflects the collective persona
of those who go beyond the Linear
to achieve victories for the Warriors and G-Men. (Who knows, but based on my information,
as reflected below, perhaps an invitation
will be extended the 49ers.)
* * *
Will Clark Bryant Young
San Francisco Rules the World
Get out of the Way
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Contributed by Robert Moselle
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
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Fall Camp Opens Friday
August 5-23 Practices Open To The Public; All Workouts Scheduled To Begin At 9:30 AM PT
BERKELEY – Cal will report to its 2022 fall camp Thursday afternoon and hold its first practice at FTX California Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 5. All of the team's fall camp practices held from August 5-23 are scheduled to be open to the public and begin each day at 9:30 a.m. PT. A daily schedule is listed below.
Admission is free and attendees can enter FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium through Gate 2 located in the Northwest corner of the stadium and proceed to the concourse level through Stairwell 6 to available seating on the west side of the stadium in Sections E, EE, F, FF, G and GG. All other sections of the stadium including the field and North Tunnel will be closed to public access.
2022 Cal Football Fall Camp Open Practice Schedule
DAY, DATE – START TIME/NOTES
Monday, August 8 – 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 9 – Off Day, Wednesday, August 10 – 9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 11 – 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 12 – 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 13 – 9:30 a.m., Sunday, August 14 – Off Day, Monday, August 15 – 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 16 – 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 17 – 9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 18 – 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 19 – 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 20 – 9:30 a.m., Sunday, August 21 – Off Day, Monday, August 22 – 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 23 – 9:30 a.m.
*End of fall camp open practice/media availability schedule on Tuesday, August 23 (regular-season schedules begin Wednesday, August 24)
*Unless otherwise noted all events listed above at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif.; All times Pacific; Schedule subject to change
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Willis Wins World U20 Title
Incoming freshmen place first and third in women's 800
CALI, Colombia – The Stanford track and field community can't help but be excited after stirring performances by Roisin Willis and Juliette Whittaker at the World Under-20 Championships, which concluded last Thursday.
On Wednesday, Willis set a meet record of 1:59.13 in the women's 800 final to capture the title, and Whittaker took third in 2:00.18. Willis and Whittaker will be freshmen at Stanford this fall.
On Thursday, Garrett Brown concluded his freshman season by placing fourth in the men's pole vault at 17-2 ¾ (5.25 meters).
Willis came through 400 in 59.41 and held the lead until Switzerland's Audrey Werro bolted into the lead as they approached the final turn. However, Willis responded with a kick and passed Werro over the final 50 meters to take the victory.
Willis broke two minutes for the first time while running the second-fastest time ever by an American high school runner. The record-holder is Whittaker, at 1:59.04. They now are the third- and fourth-fastest U.S. runners ever under 20.
Willis becomes the third athlete with Stanford ties to win a World U20 gold medal. Last year, Udodi Onwuzurike, a Stanford freshman in 2022, set a Nigerian U20 record of 20.21 to win the gold in the men's 200. Olivia Baker '18 won gold for the U.S. in the women's 4x400 relay in 2014.
Brown cleared his first four heights, catching 17-2 ¾ on his first try. However, he hit a wall at 5.35 (17-6 ½), a height cleared by the first three placers.
Thus concluded a fine freshman season for Brown, who, on July 9, broke the Stanford freshman record by jumping 17-9 ¼ (5.42). Olympian Toby Stevenson set the previous mark of 17-8 ¾ (5.41 meters) in 1997.
The final 2022 Stanford athlete competing this season is Onwuzurike at the Commonwealth Games. Onwuzurike placed second in his heat (21.18) in the first round of the 200 on Thursday and races in the semifinals on Friday in Birmingham, England.
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SJSU's Tobruk Blaine Earns Madison Keys Kindness Wins Award
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- San José State's Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development, Tobruk Blaine, is the recipient of the 2022 Madison Keys Foundation Kindness Wins award. Blaine currently leads the Beyond Sparta Program for San José State Athletics, one of the top life skills programs in the country, with numerous student-athletes earning internships with Fortune 500 companies within Silicon Valley.
"Tobruk runs a comprehensive life skills program and has built meaningful partnerships within the San Jose community that have benefited our tremendous student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "She continues to lead the Charge for the department in our efforts to build champions in the community and we are thankful to Madison Keys and the foundation for selecting Tobruk for this great distinction. Congrats Tobruk on this well-deserved recognition."
KINDNESS WINS is a platform for kindness, on and off the field of play. By identifying and supporting professional athletes as our champions, and elevating organizations and individuals who show and encourage kindness through sport, we are demonstrating that even in the most competitive environment, acts of kindness are possible, and their outcomes are impactful.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BEYOND SPARTA PROGRAM
- Won first-ever Mountain West SAAC Community Service Award in 2021-22
- Over 10,000 hours of engagement by student-athletes through Beyond Sparta program
- Economic impact of $293,000 from donations and service
- A total of 236 opportunities for coaches, staff and student-athletes to participate in community service
- Community Service hours surpassed 8,900 for the 2021-22 year
- All 22 intercollegiate sports participated in community service
- Nearly 1,300 hours of professional and career development for student-athletes
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Saint Mary's College Gaels |
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Gaels Down Under 2022 – Day 2
SYDNEY — The second day of the foreign tour in Australia wrapped up on Friday night, as the team continued to get acclimated to being in another hemisphere. The team rested up overnight and was ready for a 9:00 am practice, their first full practice of the trip.
Unlike Thursday's stretch and shootaround, Friday's practice had the feel of a typical Saint Mary's practice. The team used the KGV Recreation Centre as their practice facility on Friday, which featured a concrete wall with local artwork on the far side of the gym. The team got some shots up, worked on defense, and got a good sweat in for their first full practice in Australia.
In the team huddle following practice, the Gaels huddled around freshman point guard Aidan Mahaney, who celebrated his birthday. While it won't technically be his birthday in the United States for one more day, this is his first time spending his birthday abroad.
"It's a blessing, I feel like I'm coming into Mr. Wessels's hometown," joked Mahaney, as the two walked back from practice side-by-side. "They've been showing me around, him, [Kyle Bowen] and [Alex Ducas], so I couldn't be happier with where I'm at right now."
"Obviously having my family here as we go on the trip has been great, it's great to see them and catch up," Wessels stated.
Both Mahaney and Wessels are freshman on this year's Gaels roster, and the experience they've gained in their first few months of being around the team has been invaluable.
"I've been coached by Coach Bennett since I was about seven or eight, back in the day, but to be able to really get coached by him for real this time is totally a blessing, and all the coaches as well," said Mahaney. "They've all been really great to us and have showed us a lot of different tricks that we can use in our bag going through the season."
Those statements were echoed by Wessels, who has only been in the Gaels system for a few months, but has quickly gotten the hang of things from both his teammates and his coaches.
"I only got to Saint Mary's about three months ago, so the guys have been really cool, showing me around Moraga and California," Wessels said. "Being back in Australia, I've had coaches that have coached under Randy Bennett, so similar coaching styles, and now it just feels like I'm taking the next step. And at the same time, it's been a pleasure to show the guys around my hometown."
The team will practice on Saturday as they continue preparations for their first game of the foreign tour. Saint Mary's will square off with the Hills Hornets on Sunday afternoon, or Saturday night back in the Bay Area. Local tip-off time of that game is set for 3:00 pm, or 10:00 pm on Saturday in California.
Saint Mary's 2022 Foreign Tour Game Schedule
Date Team Site Time (Local) Streaming
Aug. 7 Hills Hornets Castle Hill, Sydney 3:00 pm LISTEN
Aug. 8 Centre of Excellence Alexandria, Sydney 10:00 am
Aug. 9 Melbourne United Keilor Park, Melbourne 7:30 pm LISTEN
Aug. 10 SE Melb Phoenix Wantirna South, Melbourne 7:30 pm LISTEN
Aug. 12 Perth Wildcats Floreat, Perth TBA
Aug. 14 Joondalup Wolves Joondalup, Perth 5:00 pm LISTEN
For a full report, click HERE.
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Women's Soccer to Host Chinese National Team
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- The University of San Francisco women's soccer program and head coach Jim Millinder have announced an upcoming scrimmage against the Chinese Women's National Team on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 5:00 p.m. at Negoesco Stadium.
"Anytime you get a chance to play an international opponent like the Chinese Women's National Team it's a great experience for our team," Millinder said. "They have a great history in the women's world game and our team is excited to play them. We will use this match and look forward to our opener up at Portland State on August 18."
Entry to the exhibition match will be free to the public. No live stream or live statistics will be available for the match.
For updates and more information on the USF women's soccer program, be sure to follow @USFDonsWSoccer on Twitter, @USFDonsWSoccer on Instagram and @USFDonsWSOC on Facebook.
For a full report, click HERE.
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Seven Broncos Named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced that 2,155 Division I student-athletes earned Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the 2021-22 academic year including seven Santa Clara softball players.
The seven Broncos from the 2021-22 squad - Lauren Anderson, Emma Bickford, Sarah Ellersick, Bailey McLaughlin, Sammy Needham, Morgan Salmon and Ashley Trierweiler - who earned higher than a 3.5 GPA were recognized.
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
For a full report, click HERE.
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The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps 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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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Natural Colour and jockey Pedro Terrero wins The 52nd Running of Luther Burbank Handicap $75,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:45.86. Trained by Manuel Badilla. Photo: Shane Micheli/ Vassar Photography
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San Jose Earthquakes 3
Austin FC 3
August 6, 2022
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Austin FC 3
Quakes extend undefeated streak against Austin FC to five
AUSTIN, Texas – The San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC played to a 3-3 draw on Saturday night in Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The result sees San Jose extend their unbeaten streak against Austin to five
(2-0-3).
Austin opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Julio Cascante, before San Jose tied the game two minutes later with a goal from Benji Kikanović.
The Quakes next took a 2-1 lead in the 20th minute when a corner kick was cleared, finding Paul Marie who launched a rocket shot way beyond the 18-yard box into Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver’s net.
The home side scored two more goals to take a 3-2 lead into halftime and for most of the second half until the Quakes found the equalizer in the 88th minute via header by Jeremy Ebobisse for his 13th goal of the season.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose to prepare for their next road match when they face FC Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 13. The match will kick off from Toyota Stadium at 6 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California Plus, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 5-10-9 record (24 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
- San Jose is now 2-0-3 all-time vs. Austin FC, including a 1-0-2 road record.
- The Earthquakes are now 5-5-6 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
- Defender Paul Marie scored his first goal of the season and third goal of his MLS career. He also tallied an assist on Kikanović’s goal, marking his first assist of the season and second assist of his MLS career.
- Forward Benji Kikanović scored his fourth goal of the season and eighth goal of his MLS career. He has now tied his single-season career-high in goals (2019).
- Midfielder Cristian Espinoza tallied an assist on Kikanović’s goal, marking his ninth assist of the season and 39th assist of his MLS career. He has now assisted four of Ebobisse’s 13 goals this season and is one assist away from tying Chris Wondolowski for fourth-most in assists in club history.
- Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his 13th goal of the season and 40th goal of his MLS career. He now ranks tied for third in goals in MLS this season. He also tallied an assist on Kikanović’s goal, marking his second assist of the season and 11th assist of his MLS career.
- Goalkeeper Matt Bersano made his first MLS start, playing 90 minutes and making three saves.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, Austin FC 3 – 3 San Jose Earthquakes, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 – Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, Attendance: 20,738, Man of the Match: Paul Marie
Scoring Summary:
ATX (1-0) – Julio Cascante (Diego Fagundez) 6’, SJ (1-1) – Benji Kikanović (Paul Marie, Jeremy Ebobisse) 8’, SJ (2-1) – Paul Marie (unassisted) 20’, ATX (2-2) – Sebastian Driussi (Ethan Finlay, Alex Ring) 26’, ATX (3-2) – Sebastian Driussi (unassisted) 44’
SJ (3-3) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Cristian Espinoza) 88’
Misconduct Summary:
ATX – Sebastian Driussi (caution) 23’, SJ – Tanner Beason (caution) 39’, ATX – Brad Stuver (caution) 60’, SJ – Jackson Yueill (caution) 84’
AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver; Ruben Gabrielsen, Jon Gallagher, Julio Cascante, Nick Lima; Dani Pereira, Sebastian Driussi (Felipe 86), Alex Ring (C); Ethan Finlay (Rodney Redes 74), Diego Fagundez (Owen Wolff 74), Maxi Urruti (Moussa Djitte 87). Substitutes not used: Washington Corozo, Danny Hoesen, Zan Kolmanic, Jhohan Romana, Andrew Tarbell (GK).
SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 7; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 2
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Matt Bersano; Paul Marie, Nathan, Tanner Beason, Tommy Thompson (Jack Skahan 82); Judson (Jan Gregus 78), Jamiro Monteiro, Jackson Yueill (C); Benji Kikanović (Cade Cowell 78), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza. Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Oussseni Bouda, Emi Ochoa (GK), Shea Salinas, Niko Tsakiris.
SHOTS: 12; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 3
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On the team message for tonight’s match:
“We need to insist, bring confidence that they can do it. It’s about believing in ourselves and these guys believe in themselves. You can control what you can control in soccer. Like I’ve said it’s the most unpredictable game. In one second the ball can go in or can go out. In the last games we were a little bit unfortunate. Obviously this happens in soccer. You can win or lose. But if you see the process, if you see the team playing offensively and defensively with those limitations, they are doing a good job. We need to keep insisting.”
On an update on goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski’s injury:
“The only news that we had before coming here is that he’s going to be out around seven days. He is improving, he’s a player that cares a lot about the team. He’s a big player inside the locker room and hopefully he recovers quick, but at the same time Matt Bersano had a very good game tonight. We need to congratulate him because he helped us.”
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San Jose Earthquakes 0
Inter Miami CF 1
August 3, 2022
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Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin (#2) deflects San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell’s (#44) pass. Inter Miami CF defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 1–0, in a MLS regular season week 24 match at PayPal Park on August 3, 2022 in San Jose, California. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Judson (#93) controls the ball in front of Inter Miami midfielder Gregore (#26). © 2022 Alex Ho.
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San Jose Earthquakes defender Tommy Thompson (#22) passes with a header. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin (#2) injures San Jose Earthquakes striker Cristian Espinoza (#10) going for the ball. Espinoza subsequently left the field under medical supervision. © 2022 Alex Ho.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Competition seen at the
24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bonhams Renews Partnership for
Monterey Pre-Reunion
at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 4, 2022—Bonhams, the premier international auction house for the finest collectible cars, today announced a multi-year renewal of its 12-year-old partnership with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Bonhams will continue to be the Official and Exclusive Auction Sponsor for the Monterey Pre-Reunion weekend, held this year August 13 and 14.
Bonhams will provide race entrants and their guest with lunch and refreshments both days while showcasing a collection of their extraordinary motor cars that will be offered for sale at Bonhams Quail Auction on August 19.
“Bonhams is delighted to be back on sacred ground at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for another Monterey Pre-Reunion race weekend. Over the years we have showcased the very finest in collectible motorcars, and this year - in conjunction with the 24 Heures du Mans celebration -- will be no exception with the inclusion of the ex-Briggs Cunningham 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight”, explained Mark Osborne, Bonhams’ Global Director of Motorsport.
“We are further honored - and excited - to continue to support this pre-eminent event. We look forward to the great camaraderie that so epitomizes the weekend, and to some thrilling action on the track,” Osborne added.
Bonhams has a long affinity for the Monterey community, having started its sale at Quail Lodge 25 years ago. During this time, it has become one of the world’s most prestigious motor car auctions. Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a leading international auction house with a reputation for experienced connoisseurship that extends across its global network with more salesrooms than any other auction house.
“Race entrants greatly appreciate Bonhams stepping forward and taking care of them during the two busy race days,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“We value their participation and look forward to seeing which cars from their collection will be brought in for pre-sale inspection.”
The 25th edition of the Bonhams Quail Auction takes place at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, Calif. on Friday, August 19 as a live auction, with telephone, internet and Bonhams app bids all welcome.
For information or to purchase a beautiful catalog, which allows admission for two, visit Bonhams.com.
Tickets for the Monterey Pre-Reunion, August 13 and 14 are available at the gate or in advance online at WeatherTechRaceway.com. The Monterey Pre-Reunion is a two-day precursor to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Aug. 17-20, that will be celebrating the kick-off to the 100th anniversary of the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then on Sunday, Aug. 21, the inaugural Corkscrew Hillclimb and Community Day will take center stage with cars racing reverse up the famed hill for the first time ever.
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World Dog Surfing Championships |
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The World Dog Surfing Championships, officially the Norcal Dog Surfing event & World Championships, is an annual dog surfing contest in Northern California, founded in 2016 and organized by TasteTV. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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The backwards "K" symbol is used in baseball to note when a player
strikes out looking
In other words, the batter does not swing the bat and is called out on strikes. Fans, television media, and some scorekeepers use the backwards K to help keep track of strikeouts where a batter is caught-looking
at the third strike.
New York Mets fans are credited with being the first
to hang K placards indicating strikeouts but
sometimes referred to as the 'Father of Baseball,'
used the 'K' to indicate a strikeout in the
early days of the game. This link will
on and off the field."
in Berkeley.
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, August 8, through
Sunday, August 14, 2022
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Monday, August 8
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Angels, 12:37 p.m.
Thursday, August 11
Friday, August 12
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers, 5:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:15 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, August 13
San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ FC Dallas, 6 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Detroit City FC, 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 14
San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 11:10 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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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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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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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
510-915-5664
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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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