Monday, January 24, 2022
Issue No. 417
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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, 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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A fan holds up a sign as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is interviewed after an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Letters to the Editor
Attention MLB! Why Not Just Automate It All!
Reportedly, an automated strike zone will be used at some Triple-A ballparks in 2022 after lower-league experiments used Hawk-Eye optical cameras to call balls and strikes, while the human (emphasis added) home plate umpire wore an AirPod in his ear to receive and execute the call from the software.
So, what's next? With gambling ubiquitous on apps and with team owners and sports "insiders" included as principles in these wagering empires, the inevitable scenario has arrived: the Irresistible Forces of wagering, technology and payroll-reduction meet the Immovable Object, Pure Baseball!
Announcers? All together now, in your Best Robotic Monotonal Voices (punctuation deliberately omitted), "He hits it high, he hits it deep" ... crackle crackle … “due to technical difficulties we cannot say if it is outa here.”
To those who would de-humanize Baseball, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" Or, in Baseball parlance: Grab Some Pine, Meat!
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
Stephen A.: "Jealousy, the jaundice of the soul"
Dak - GONE! That Baaad Man? GONE! JimmyG'? Rockin' it! And ain't nothin' you can do about it! "Jealousy, the jaundice of the soul" (John Dryden, The Hind and the Panther - 1687). That's all it is with you. Your mockery of Jimmy G. is pathetic and reveals your deep insecurity.
"Charisma's not somethin' built up in your head, you either got it or you don't, you understand what I said?" R.W. Banks, 1976
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
Fantasy Football
My idle fantasy this past week was about one more 49ers-Bengals Super Bowl. And full disclosure, not until after both of their completely unlikely last-second wins, it seems, well, maybe a little more than just maybe...
And thru the game, despite missed catches and this and that, I kept thinking, well maybe not... but maybe...
And there it is...with a rather high hurdle to jump before getting there.
But still, both underdogs playing at the opponents' stadium, the 9ers underdogs enough to have the Chronicle sportswriters picking Green Bay to win, except for one, who had to make the opening paragraph a solid disclaimer of "I know it's ridiculous BUT...” all alone picking the 9ers to win this one.
Damn -- a fulfilling day.
Howard Pearlstein
Oakland, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears (M) 71, Arizona Wildcats 96
Cal Bears vs. Stanford Cardinal (women's gymnastics)
Golden State Warriors 102, Detroit Pistons 86
San Francisco 49ers 13, Green Bay Packers 10
San Jose Sharks 1, Tampa Bay Lightning 7
San Jose State Spartans (M) 56, UNLV Rebels 81
Stanford Cardinal (M) 79, Arizona State Sun Devils 76
Features & Commentary
Allegiance to Allegiant? by Andy Dolich
Amazon 49ers Season Continues, by Bruce Macgowan
Another Moment to Savor, by Dave Newhouse
Sports Haikus©️
Trouble in Paradise, by Pete Elman and Gary Caine
Organizations
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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San Francisco 49ers 13
Green Bay Packers 10
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Scoop & Score! Exquisitely executed by San Francisco safety Talanoa Hufanga, who picked up the loose ball and scored a touchdown from six yards out to tie the Divisional Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers at
10-10. The scoring gift, in the fourth quarter, was set up by a blocked punt by defensive lineman Jordan Willis close to the Packers' goal line. With their 13-10 win, the Niners advance to play the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game on Sunday afternoon, January 30 at Sofi Stadium
at 3:30 p.m. on FOX
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Amazing 49ers Season Continues
By Bruce Macgowan
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Three Must Win wins in a row, all on the road. Three straight heart-stopping victories. What can the 49ers do to top that? San Francisco’s stunning 13-10 win Saturday night over the favored Packers, arguably the best team in football, turned snowy Lambeau Field into a mausoleum. Imagine those crestfallen Green Bay fans shuffling off into the cold Green Bay night with the snow falling. How do you think they felt?
The Packers were supposed to win this game but Aaron Rogers, the greatest QB in the history of the Cal Bears, was anything but great against the 49er defense. They sacked him FIVE times. And after Green Bay’s first drive of the game, where they scored a touchdown, the Niners’ defense slammed the door in their faces.
The much-maligned 49er special teams also made two huge game-turning plays: blocking a field goal and blocking a punt which they took in for a TD.
And what about 38-year-old kicker Robbie Gould who, if I recall, is something like 19-of-19 on field goal attempts in the post season. You could tell his game-winning boot was going to go through the uprights as soon as it soared over the Packers’ front line with clock clicking down to 0:00. A Hollywood scriptwriter couldn’t have come up with a more dramatic ending!
These last three weeks have been amazing. There was the overtime win at Los Angeles as Shanahan once again beat his old buddy, Sean McVay. At one point in that game, the Niners were down 17-0. Then that sloppy, but stunning win at Dallas where the Cowboys self-destructed with 15 penalties. Dallas still almost won it but not on this day. And then what more can you say about the greatest defensive effort of the season for the Niners on a freezing night in the snow?
Now the question is, what do the Niners do with Jimmy Garoppolo next year? Let’s just suppose for a minute he quarterbacks the Niners to their second Super Bowl in three years. Do you seriously get rid of a guy like that?
Trey Lance is the future QB but he’s only 21. He looked good in his second start late in the regular season this year but again, the young man is only 21. Wouldn’t it be better if the Niners let him have another year of apprenticeship under Jimmy G to learn the hard knocks of the NFL? Of course, money is always a big factor in the decision over what will happen next year, so we’ll see. No matter though, because Jimmy G will have no problem finding a new home next season if he is cut loose.
Two things you have to say about Garoppolo; yes, the guy can’t scramble and he sometimes makes poor decisions trying to force a pass into tight coverage. But he has also won something like 68 percent of the games he has started. And then the guy played with a torn up right thumb and a sprained right shoulder and the Niners won again. Garoppolo is gritty, has courage and heart and knows how to pile up the victories.
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Samuel is indeed a special player, one who doesn’t
come along very often
Meanwhile, how about the Niners’ front line? Arik Armstead is finally looking like a first round draft pick while Nick Bosa is the ultimate enforcer. That guy can wreck things for an opposing quarterback in a frightening manner. Coming off a concussion the week before, Bosa shrugged it off and had another solid game. The Pack’s O-line focused on him much of the night and that allowed other 49er defensive linemen and linebackers to get in Rodger’s grill and make life miserable for him.
And what about Elijah Mitchell? This guy came out of nowhere when Raheem Mostert went down in the home opening win over Detroit. Mitchell has simply turned into one of the top five or six runners in the NFL. Jimmy G kept handing him the ball and he ground out key yardage.
“He runs downhill,” says tight end George Kittle. Kittle, who made a brilliant one-handed catch along the sidelines, for the most spectacular looking play of the night.
But it’s defense that wins games, and the 49ers seem to really have it going right now. Even their injury riddled secondary came up with a few big plays. The Packers' Aaron Jones did catch nine passes and former Palo Alto prep star DaVante Adams had six more, but the Niners defensive backs kept them both out of the end zone.
Give Niners’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans the credit for coming up with a terrific defensive game plan.
And finally, is Deebo Samuel going to get some recognition from the national media and the fans outside of Northern California? This guy is one of the most electrifying players in the game. He can run, he can catch, he has amazing quickness and speed, and he can break through tight coverage and go the distance. Saturday night Samuel wasn’t even at his best but he still managed to run for 38 yards and caught three passes for another 44 yards. Samuel is indeed a special player, one who doesn’t come along very often.
The failures of Jimmy G and the Niners’ defense in the Super Bowl two years ago were a distant memory Saturday night. The Niners needed Garoppolo to be merely adequate and not make too many mistakes. He had one interception but two other passes just missed being picked off by the Packers. And he made some pin point throws late in the game to put the Niners in field goal range.
And give Robbie Gould credit one more time for being clutch for two long field goals into the snow.
One concern? The injuries, which always pile up in the final weeks of the long, brutal NFL season. All-Pro tackle Trent Williams was limping noticeably afterward and Deebo Samuel had to hop off the field on one leg late in the game. Samuel was also blasted in the ribs in the third quarter and had a difficult time getting up. San Francisco cannot afford to lose either of those guys if they hope to keep winning. Once again, the 49ers will play a road game in this year’s playoffs. Once again, they’ll probably be the underdogs. But with three straight Must Wins games on the road over the last three weeks, how can you doubt the 49ers chances?
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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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Hey, no quarterback (Otto Graham) played in more league
title games, 10 in 10 years
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Another Moment to Savor
By Dave Newhouse
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I’m an old man, realizing that my life ahead perhaps can be written in a short story, whereas the preceding years would fill an encyclopedia. And just included in my 83 years, 5 months on this planet, mostly invested in sports, was the unforgettable Nordic-like scene Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Snow was falling, the wind chill made you shiver, and the visiting team from weather-friendly California seemed out of place in a climate suitable for seals and polar bears. And the San Francisco 49ers, adding to the negatives they faced, were challenging the NFC’s top-seeded Packers, whose quarterback likely is the league’s Most Valuable Player, with their own oft-criticized quarterback, who should have been placed on the NFL’s injured reserve list.
Yet Jimmy Garoppolo is moving on to the NFC championship game, while Aaron Rodgers now faces the winter of his discontent. And I’m trying to figure out where the 49ers’ extraordinary 13-10 victory belongs on my list of memorable sports occurrences. Since I saw my first 49ers game in 1948, that requires some mental ping-ponging since I was there for The Catch, The Play (a stomped-on Stanford trombonist), the Cal crew’s sinking (against Stanford), and many other indelible happenings, topped only by Kirk Gibson’s improbable World Series home run off Dennis Eckersley.
But here’s where the 49ers’ triumph in the frozen tundra stands alone in my mind: The unexpected heroes. Critics pegged Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams, and placekicker Mason Crosby as game-changers for Green Bay, and Garoppolo, Deebo Samuels, and George Kittle for the underdog 49ers.
So how about Jordan Willis, Talanoa Hufanga, and Jimmie Ward? Who? Exactly. Willis blocked a Packer punt that Hufanga picked up and scored for the 49ers’ only touchdown. Ward blocked a Packer field goal attempt to keep the contest within reach for San Francisco. Without these three, the Packers would be advancing to the NFC title game. Because of them, Robbie Gould was as good as gold with his deciding 45-yard field goal through the snow, wind and chill.
Special teams were the game-decider for the 49ers, and the game-killer for the Packers. That’s why, with all the strategizing that goes into a postseason face-off, no one ever looks at the unsung players on a team’s roster. But Willis, Hufanga and Ward have earned their deserved place in franchise history.
As for the franchise itself, I started going to 49ers games in 1948, so I’ve seen plenty of heroes in red and gold. As for indelible moments, Joe Montana to Dwight Clark, of course. But I may have some Niner sleepers, beginning with John Brodie. In Minnesota weather even colder than Saturday’s at Lambeau Field, Brodie played, heroically, in short sleeves, throwing two touchdown passes as the 49ers won their first NFL playoff game, 17-14, in 1970.
Brodie had other heroic performances, but my sports encyclopedia includes the entire Bay Area. I saw my first football games in 1948, in San Francisco and at Stanford, when I was 10. My first hero was Bill McColl, the Stanford end who caught and even threw passes in college. He later attended medical school while playing for the Chicago Bears, and then did missionary work in Korea. His son, Milt, played for Stanford and the 49ers before also entering the medical field.
I could go on and on, believing that my early sports heroes are overlooked by today’s what-have-you-done-lately game-changers. But Otto Graham of the old Cleveland Browns (1940s-1950s) could quarterback as good as the best I’ve seen. Otto who? Hey, no quarterback played in more league title games, 10 in 10 years.
Finally, something else that’s special about these 49ers: Their highwaymen mentality, winning in Dallas and Green Bay on successive weekends. They weren’t expected to win either game, but found a way each time. Green Bay scored a touchdown on its opening drive, but the 49ers shut down Rodgers thereafter, The Niners have improved, incrementally, with each performance, making them a dangerous opponent. We’ll find out just how dangerous against their ancient rival, the Los Angeles Rams, in a third straight road game, this one for the NFC crown.
How much can an old fella take? I’m speculating that my encyclopedia will receive a new insert.
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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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Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV, aka Desert Dome |
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Allegiance to Allegiant (?)
By Andy Dolich
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Oakland Raider Nation was immortalized through John Facenda’s voice on the NFL’s famous ode to the Raiders entitled “The Autumn Wind” which was first recorded in 1974. It quickly became the anthem of those that were loyal fans of the Silver and Black in Oakland and throughout the football world.
The Raiders and the NFL worked together on the team’s relocation to Las Vegas. The Raiders said their final goodbye to their legions of fans in Oakland after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-16 on December 15, 2019.
It is said that Karma is the sum of a person’s actions in previous existence viewed as deciding their fate in the future. The 2020 season was the debut of the newly named Las Vegas Raiders. Here are a few Karmic coincidences based on the team's leaving Oakland for the second and final time.
The 2020 season at their Desert Dome, aka Allegiant Stadium, was played without any fans due to Covid-19 protocols. Tens of millions of dollars from food and beverage, parking, sponsorship, merchandise and other stadium revenues were lost.
In May 2021, Damon Arnette, a former first round draft pick, was involved in an incident where a video was released of him brandishing several firearms and threatening to kill someone.
In June 2021, team Chief Financial Officer Ed Villanueva and team Controller Araxie Grant resigned.
Raiders President Marc Badain resigned on July 19, 2021. Badain served a pivotal role in the team’s move from Oakland to Southern Nevada and the construction of the $1.9 billion dollar Allegiant Stadium. He had been with the organization since 1991.
In late July 2021, VP of Strategy and Business Development Brandon Doll, another key business operations executive, resigned.
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The Site of Silver & Black Success
Jon Gruden’s decade-long email trail of inner thoughts became a national story on October 11, 2021. Five games into his fourth season as the team’s head coach, in the midst of a 10-year $100 million dollar contract, he resigned. He was replaced by special teams coach Rich Bisaccia
On November 2, 2021, Raider receiver Henry Ruggs III was charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter after the car he was driving crashed into another car at 120 mph which killed a 23-year-old woman and her dog. Ruggs was clocked at 156 mph on a Las Vegas city street at 3:39 a.m. He was released by the Raiders the next day.
John Madden left a giant hole in the heart and souls of Oakland Raiders fans and the pro football world on December 28, 2021, when he passed away at the age of 85.
General Manager Mike Mayock was fired by team owner Mark Davis on January 17, 2022 after three seasons with the franchise.
Rookie Nate Hobbs was arrested for DUI on January 3 and then cited for reckless driving at 110 mph in a 65 mph zone on January 16, which came to light on January 21.
The two most talked about Black Holes are located in outer space and days gone by at the Oakland Coliseum during Raider games.
In scientific terms, a black hole is an area of such immense gravity that nothing—not even light—can escape from it. Black holes form at the end of some stars' lives. The energy that held the star or unique stadium location together disappear collapses in on itself, producing a magnificent explosion.
Which wind will blow into the Las Vegas Raiders way in Autumn of 2022?
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A black hole is an area of such immense gravity that nothing
—not even light—can escape from it.
The Autumn Wind aka (The Karmic Wind)
The Karmic Wind carried Football Fate
Blustering from the Oakland Estuary to the Vegas Desert
Never fool with Mother Nature
You might be inviting future Failure
Oakland roots created a Nation
That wore their gear and filled a role
With Silver and Black exclamation
There will only ever be one original Black Hole.
He smirked deserting Oaktown
Letting millions of loyal hometown fans down
And the cacti did shake, quiver and quake
As he gladly deposited a massive Nevada tax enriched take.
The Karmic Wind was an Oakland Raider
A football factory that felt like Home
They’d knock visitors Round and take names Later
The Autumn Wind is now an air conditioner blowing in a Desert Dome.
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Golden State Warriors 102
Detroit Pistons 86
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Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson led all scorers with 21 points as the Warriors defeated the Detroit Pistons, 102-86, at Chase Center on Tuesday, January 18. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Jose Sharks 1
Tampa Bay Lightning 7
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San Jose Sharks players enter the ice prior to their match with the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday evening, January 22.
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Cal Bears 71
Arizona Wildcats 96
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Pregame social hour winds down as Arizona assistant coach Steve Robinson chats with Cal head coach Mark Fox as the California Golden Bears (9-10,2-6 Pac-12) played host to the nationally ranked #3 Arizona Wildcats (16-1,6-0 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sunday, January 23.
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Doing his best to stop an easy alley oop pass to Arizona’s leading scorer, Christian Koloko, Cal's Lars Thiemann (#21) draws the personal foul midway through the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Chasing down the referee to offer more of his thoughts, Cal coach Mark Fox reacts to being given a technical foul midway through the first half. Fox received his second technical foul just before halftime and was sent to the locker room. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Jordan Shepherd, Cal's leading scorer, launches himself to slam down two of his 21 points. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Sage Hopkins Signs Four-Year Extension at San José State
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Longtime San José State women's swimming and diving coach Sage Hopkins has inked a four-year extension, announced by Director of Athletics Jeff Konya on Wednesday. Hopkins is currently in his 16th season at SJSU and his new contract will run through the 2025-26 season.
"I would like to express my gratitude to Jeff Konya and Interim President Perez for the new contract that I've recently signed," said Hopkins. "San José State is a vibrant, diverse, and transformational University that is led by a world-class faculty and blessed with an incredible student body, and I look forward to working under the leadership of President Perez and AD Jeff Konya.
Hopkins became the first head coach in the SJSU program to win over 100 dual meets and currently has a school record 111 victories. A two-time Conference Coach of the Year (2012, '13), Hopkins led the Spartans to back-to-back WAC Championships in 2012 and '13, and tallied a winning record in 12 of the last 14 seasons in dual meets. The Spartans have had unprecedented success in the classroom under Hopkins' guidance, earning College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-America team accolades in each of the last 17 semesters.
#SpartanUp
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
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Stanford Cardinal 79
Arizona State Sun Devils 76
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Stanford guard Michael O'Connell scored a season-high 16 points as the Cardinal held on for a 79-76 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils at Maples Pavilion on Saturday, January 22. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Freshman Harrison Ingram notched his fourth double-double of the season after recording 13 points and 10 rebounds. Caption and
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Sophomore Brandon Angel is fouled by Arizona State forward Jalen Graham while shooting a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in the game. Angel made all three free throws to give the Cardinal the lead. Caption and
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The main scoreboard displays the final score after an NCAA college basketball game between Stanford and Arizona State in Stanford, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. The Cal Bears are the next home opponent for the Cardinal on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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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!
The Ultimate Sports Guide/Sports Today!
thanks you for your many entries!
This week's triumphant entry focuses on a reasonable topic:
WAITING TO EXHALE:
SURVIVAL OF THE HUMAN SPECIES!
Bad breath is never pleasant, for either exhaler or recipient. However, deadly, virus-infused breath takes halitosis
to a new and unacceptable level.
There is no exemption for multi-millionaire athletes who lie about vaccination, refuse to comport with societal norms and who disgrace their own parents who united to
defeat polio, smallpox and other plagues.
Kudos to Australia who sent the Joker packin'
and to New York where the Brooklyn Nets keep
Baby Kyrie from his sandbox. Aaron "I've been immunized" Rodgers? The Fates will deal with his hubris.
A few hours together in an elevator,
would solve all their problems.
-- RAM
Monterey, CA
JOKER'S WILD, AND SO ARE HIS FRIENDS
KYRIE, AARON and NOVAK
SELF-ABSORBED BABIES
TRES ATLETAS STUPIDOS
LEAVE BEFORE THEY BREATHE
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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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Golden State Warriors
Mid-Season Report Card
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Trouble in Paradise
by Pete Elman and Gary Caine
Incredibly, it was his first ever buzzer-beater and it could not have come at a better time. After arguably the worst—and most shocking—loss of the season Thursday night against a depleted visiting Indiana team, a debacle that featured him tossing in 39 points in 44 minutes, the baby-faced assassin took it upon himself against Houston. I will not allow us to lose this game, said the Nullifier—and he delivered.
But only a blind man would pretend that this team does not have significant issues. After an explosive start, they now face the same challenges that Steve Kerr knew they would eventually have to face. And they aren’t coasting these days—they are grinding.
So for these observations I have enlisted the generous help of my fellow East Coast expatriate and noted Warrior whisperer, Gary “G-Man” Caine. Gary and I revisited the November 1 issue of Sports Today, in which we broke down where the Dubs were at after only six games and updated where the team is at now. This is our mid-season report card:
Is there a reliable second scorer? Not exactly, but they do have three reliable additional scorers---Wiggins, Poole and, hopefully, Rocco’s Dad, who is flashing signs that the old Klay is back. Give the man some slack—he’s only been out for 2 ½ years. And let’s not forget that nobody in any major sport has ever successfully returned from both an Achilles and ACL surgery.
There is no height, no bruising rebounder or shot blocker: Kevon Looney has been playing the best ball of his career, but he will wear down without help, which won’t be coming soon from James Wiseman, who underwent another surgery in December. The Warriors’ brass continues to lead the league in lack of transparency when it comes to injury reports.
Will Steph and Draymond’s health hold up? Of all the questions, this is unquestionably the most important. We are watching in real time what happens to the team without number 23. They are struggling so much defensively that they are unrecognizable from the squad that led the league in that category until recently.
Moreover, without Draymond there is no rhythm or flow to the offense; his absence is clearly affecting Steph. Despite Friday’s heroics and his unflagging competitive drive, Curry is, at the halfway point, already showing signs of physical wear—and, uncharacteristically—pressure.
Steph, throughout his career, has never lacked confidence. But lately he has been out of sorts; too many quick missed 30-footers (even a few air balls) and overall subpar play. Kerr must find a way to reduce his minutes—while chasing wins--so he’ll be ready for the playoffs.
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Moments after Steph Curry's buzzer-beater on Friday night.
Photo by Gary Caine
The rotation and substitution pattern is in a state of limbo in the wake of Klay’s return and Draymond’s absence. And the role players, who started the season like gangbusters, have for the most part regressed to the mean.
22-year old Jordan Poole continues to impress but is wildly inconsistent. He can take over a game like he did Friday, keeping the team close so that Steph could do his thing and send everyone home happy. But he can also heave up forced threes, drive the hoop recklessly (and often get stuffed), and lose focus on defense.
Damion Lee, Nemanja Bjelica, and Juan Toscano-Anderson have returned to form, but Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II have been a revelation. First-round pick Jonathan Kuminga has been a pleasant surprise. The 19-year old is raw-- but very talented. Kerr will use him sparingly.
Wise man Andre Iguodala, 37, has regressed on offense, but his defense and floor leadership remain strong. As long as the staff monitors his minutes he should be ready to contribute in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the low-maintenance Andrew Wiggins continues to be steady and solid—and is now an All-Star.
But let’s be real; without Draymond’s presence, this is not the same team. They will have to tread water until he returns, which might be longer than folks expect. Disc injuries which cause sciatic pain are not something you trifle with.
The team must reduce turnovers; their margin for victory is small. But a top four seed in the West is realistic, with home court in the first round. If Green returns soon, Klay continues to round back into form, Steph gets his shot back—and all three stay healthy--they could challenge for the top seed in the West.
Back in November we posed the question: Can Steve Kerr’s philosophy, namely; pass the ball, protect the ball, play swarming defense, and implement Don Nelson’s small ball style, put them in position to advance to the Conference finals? The answer will be revealed in the next 35 games.
Coach Kerr does not get enough credit for the job he does. This is a man who has succeeded everywhere he’s been, has stared down tremendous adversity, and always comes out the other side better for it. He has kept the team competitive. Did anyone back in October think the Warriors would be 34-13 in late January?
The health of two future Hall of Famers may determine the outcome of the season. One of them may be the greatest defensive player the league has ever seen, while the other is the greatest shooter of all time. There may be Trouble in Paradise, but don’t bet against Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Pete Elman / Gary Caine
Monday, January 24, 2022
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From 2000-2011 Elman wrote a column for the Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition and covered sports for the Bay Area News Group. In 2013 he penned an acclaimed children's book and recently co-authored a book on unsung minority athletes entitled In the Shadow of Obscurity; Toiling in a Reluctant Society. He is currently teaching 13 courses on popular music and sports at Bay Area colleges. For earlier articles by Elman published in the Ultimate Sports Guide, click HERE.
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No. 7 Cal Bears Down
Stanford Cardinal in Season Opener
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No. 7 Cal women's gymnastics opened the 2022 season with a win over Stanford on Sunday afternoon, January 16, at Haas Pavilion. The Bears won a tightly contested match, 196.325-196.275. Above, in her first collegiate meet, Cal freshman Jordan Kane competes on balance beam for the Bears against Stanford. Caption by Jared Prescott, photo by Rich Yee.
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Cal freshman Madelyn Williams competes in her first collegiate competition as she takes second place on the uneven bars with a 9.875 score. Caption by Jared Prescott, photo by Rich Yee.
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Freshman Brenna Neault transitions from high bar to low bar in the Cardinal's first uneven bars rotation of the 2022 season. In her first collegiate performance, Neault scored a 39.225 in the all-around competition, making a lasting impression on the NCAA gymnastics community with scores of 9.75-or-better on all four apparatuses. Caption by Maddie Heaps, photo by Rich Yee.
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Cal sophomore Andi Li and super senior Nina Schank chalk their hands in preparation for the uneven bars in Cal’s season-opening win over Stanford.
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Fifth-year Kyla Bryant prepares for what would end up being a career-best and NCAA-best (this year) all-around day during 15-minute touch period warmups on beam. Her all-around score Sunday, Jan. 16 of 39.675 then led the nation for best all-around score seen in the new season and included her matching career-best scores on bars (highest score given throughout the meet of 9.95) and beam. She would go on to earn Pac-12 Gymnast of the Week recognition for her efforts throughout the meet. Caption by Maddie Heaps,
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Cal freshmen Mya Lauzon and Jordan Kane celebrate after Lauzon’s first
career collegiate beam competition, where she scored 9.85.
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In the first meet of her fifth year with Cal, Nina Schank smiles after landing her tumbling pass on floor exercise. Caption by Jared Prescott, photo by Rich Yee.
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Cardinal gymnasts cheer on their teammates during the floor rotation, as Stanford stormed back from a half-point score deficit after its first two rotations to close to a .1 point margin after floor. The second half of the meet saw the Cardinal flip the script with 49.000+ scores on both floor and beam to nearly record a tie with its Bay Area rival. With the meet tied at the end of television coverage, a last-minute score change for Cal gave them the .05-point victory, topping the Cardinal 196.325-196.275. Caption by Maddie Heaps,
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2021 uneven bars NCAA Champion Maya Bordas prepares for a routine in Cal’s season opener against Stanford. Caption by Jared Prescott, photo by Rich Yee.
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2021 NCAA Champion Maya Bordas talks with Cal co-head coach Elisabeth Crandall Howell before competing on the floor exercise. Bordas scored a 9.775 on the last routine of the meet to help Cal defeat Stanford by .050.
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Cal freshman Mya Lauzon hugs co-head coach Elisabeth Crandall-Howell after completing her first collegiate meet. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. |
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By the time you read this, we will know who will be competing in the Conference Championship games
this coming weekend.
What team has appeared in the most Conference Championship games?
Hint: It is an NFC team.
(See answer below...)
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Jamaree Bouyea (#1) was the leading scorer with 14 points as the Dons defeated Davidson, 65-60, on November 13 at Chase Center.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
Jamaree Bouyea Named to Lou Henson Award
Mid-Season Watch List
BOSTON, Mass. – The Mid-Season Watch List for the 2021-22 Lou Henson National Player of the Year award was announced on January 12. Jamaree Bouyea, a graduate student in his fifth year for the Dons, was named to the prestigious list.
Returning for a fifth year for the Dons, Bouyea has proven to be one of the elite backcourt talents in the country this season as the Seaside native currently ranks first in the West Coast Conference in total points (332), made field goals (121) and total minutes (631) while also sitting third in points per game (17.9), total steals (29), made three-pointers (43) and minutes per game (35.1).
Playing and starting in all 18 games for USF so far this season, Bouyea has tallied double figures in 15 of these 18 games, including eight 20+ point performances. Notably, he has also led USF in scoring in 11 of the 18 contests.
For updates and more information on the USF men's basketball program, follow the Dons @USFDonsMBB on Twitter, @USFDonsMBB on Instagram and @USFDonsMBB on Facebook.
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San Jose State Spartans 56
UNLV Rebels 81
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San José State RS freshman forward Shon Robinson (#2) powers over UNLV junior forward Victor Iwuakor (#0). UNLV defeated San José State, 81–56, in a Mountain West Conference game at Provident Credit Union Event Center, San José State University on January 17, 2022 in San Jose, California.
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UNLV junior guard Justin Webster (#2) and freshman guard Keshon Gilbert (#10) steal the ball from San José State sophomore guard Omari Moore (#10). © 2022 Alex Ho.
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Earthquakes Announce 2022 Preseason Schedule
Quakes to spend two weeks in Santa Barbara
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes today announced the team's 2022 preseason schedule, presented by Intermedia.
After players report for COVID testing on Tuesday, Jan. 18 and Wednesday, Jan. 19, the Quakes will undergo physical examinations on Thursday before training in San Jose on Friday. The team will then depart for a two-week training camp in Santa Barbara, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 22.
After training in solidarity for one week, the First Team will be joined by the Quakes' Second Team and will train alongside one another for the remainder of camp. The Earthquakes are currently pursuing a friendly while in southern California.
The Quakes will then return to San Jose on Friday, February 4 before playing friendlies against USL Championship sides Monterey Bay FC and Sacramento Republic FC on Thursday, February 10 (11 a.m. PT) and Friday, February 18 (12 p.m. PT), respectively. Both matches will take place behind closed doors at PayPal Park.
The Earthquakes will play their regular season opener vs. the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, February 26 at PayPal Park. Tickets for all 17 home matches, including the season opener, are available here.
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Advertise in Sports Today!
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. We will be open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, 3pm til close. Friday through Sunday 12pm til close. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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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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Dear History Lover:
This holiday season consider giving the gift of education with this film. It’s intended for all ages and released at the right time with the prevalence of systemic racism, and social justice as a current topic.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Oakland, CA - Oakland Roots kick off the 2022 USL Championship season on March 12th away at Rio Grande Valley as the team looks to build on an appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals in 2021.
“We work in the beautiful game and there is nothing more enjoyable than games on the field,” said Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “With the announcement of the schedule, we are one step closer to watch parties and our special nights at Laney. We can’t wait to get started and feel that energy again."
Roots home schedule gets underway with the home opener versus Monterey Bay FC on March 26th. The season is then filled with intriguing matchups throughout the summer. Roots travel to avenge the playoff loss away at the 2021 USL Champions Orange County SC on May 7th. Oakland took the current league champions to penalties before being knocked out in the Western Conference Semifinals. Then on August 13th Roots will get the chance to renew a NISA rivalry with USL newcomers Detroit City FC as they travel to the site of the 2020 NISA Championship Final in Hamtramck. Roots will wrap up their home schedule versus Birmingham Legion on October 1st, before ending the regular season with two games on the road.
The only team Oakland will face three times is NorCal rivals Sacramento Republic. Oakland played out three draws against the NorCal side, before winning the season series in the fourth and final matchup by a scoreline of 2-1. Oakland will host Sacramento on May 28th while also traveling up to Sacramento on July 9th and August 27th.
Limited Single Game tickets will become available starting in early March, however you can guarantee access to every potentially sold out match now by securing a 2022 Membership or Flex Plan. Group experiences are also available.
Contact tickets@rootssc.com or call (510) 488-1144 for more information about how Roots can help you plan your next group event.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Coastal Roots Hospitality to provide high-level catering for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
New catering will be available for Pit Row Suites
and Champion's Club
MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 19, 2022 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will have a new flavor in the 2022 season – literally.
The world-renowned track has partnered with Coastal Roots Hospitality, which will provide a new level of catering for the Pit Row Suites and exclusive Champion’s Club this upcoming race season.
Coastal Roots Hospitality is a fixture in the Monterey community with its three outstanding and highly popular restaurants – Tarpy’s and Montrio in Monterey, and Rio Grill in Carmel. These iconic restaurants have created the foundation for Coastal Roots Events & Catering, one of the premier E&C companies on the peninsula. Now, the distinctive flavors of those restaurants will be a part of the VIP experience at WeatherTech Raceway.
“We are pleased to have Coastal Roots Hospitality and its delicious food coming to our Pit Row Suites and Champion’s Club,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway. “We aim to provide the most exceptional experience we can, and adding a caterer with this level of expertise, and a sterling reputation in the community, is a big deal. All aspects of our guests’ experience will be exceptional – food, beverage and service.”
WeatherTech Raceway and Coastal Roots Hospitality united in June of 2021 to make the company a preferred hospitality partner for events and track rentals of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Given the outstanding feedback from guests, the partnership is extending to the Pit Row Suites and Champion’s Club for the 2022 season.
“We are thrilled to bring our brand of cooking to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and share it with the track’s clientele,” said Ken Donkersloot, president for Coastal Roots Hospitality. “Our executive chefs and senior catering leadership are excited to bring the exemplary service and new flavors of Monterey County cuisine and freshness to heighten the VIP experience for guests.”
For 30 years, these restaurants have served the Monterey County area. Coastal Roots Hospitality embraces a foundation of Giving Back to the Community which aligns well with WeatherTech Raceway’s philosophy of community engagement.
To purchase tickets for all eight 2022 premier events at WeatherTech Raceway, including Pit Row Suites and Champion’s Club, click here. For more information about Coastal Roots Hospitality, visit www.coastalrootshospitality.com.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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San Francisco 49ers
With the highly unlikely victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers have become the leader with 17 Conference Championship appearances.
Prior to their victory, they were tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers with 16. https://bit.ly/3fOW8zf will take you to a listing showing Conference Championship
appearances by team.
My beloved Pat's are third with 15 CC visits...
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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, Jan. 24, through
Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022
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Monday, January 24
Tuesday, January 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 26
San Jose Sharks @ Washington Capitals, 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 7 p.m.
Friday, January 28
Saturday, January 29
Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Florida Panthers, 3 p.m.
Sunday, January 30
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams, FOX, 3:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Carolina Hurricanes, 2 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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* Economical rates
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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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
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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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