Monday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020
Issue No. 345
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A demure styling choice will help you fit right in... |
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Flying Fashionistas, aka Pedal Powerers
by Andy Dolich
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More pedal power to anyone who hops on their favorite two wheeler and takes off down the highways and byways of Northern California. I have no idea how anyone actually completes the Tour de France let alone the Tour de Grocery Store. One of the few positives of Covid-19 is how many more of us are peddling all over the place. When did you ever think traffic jams of two wheelers would be commonplace.
It seems to me that recreational cycling is a much better way to get around the Bay Area, while doing your part to squelch the petro-burning damage done every time the key turns in your gas guzzler. Cardiovascular conditioning is a positive that comes from those uphill climbs. Putting more muscle on the legs makes for quicker break aways from your local Peloton and elicits the occasional wolf whistle.
Okay, now that I have paid my positive dues to those who mechanically push pedal to the metal, it's time to hit the hand the brakes and ask some of you highly disposable income peddlers: What is the story with your garish garb?
The 2020 Tour de France started on August 29 – did you not get a call to ride?
Why do you insist on pouring yourself into those neon colored, form fitting, logo encrusted, Spandexed Lycra cycling togs? I’m guessing that you aren’t being paid to ride for Bora-Hansgrohe, Astana Pro Team, or Trek-Segefredo. I need some help in understanding some of the other silly stuff you “Wanna be Touristas” do. I see many of you spending more time in masked mocha lines and depositing your padded derrieres in coffee shops around town.
Super Aerodynamic Helmets
Any knucklehead who goes without one is asking for major noggin trouble. However, those super swept back helmets make you look like the original “Alien.” How many of you space age cyclists need customized cranium caressers if your top speed is 23 mph?
Click Clack Shoes
I spend a fair amount of time in java joints. When the biker gangs hit the concrete six feet apart in lines or inside hardwood floors, they seem to be channeling Savion Glover breaking into a heavy tap routine. If I wanted to hear your damn click clack cycling shoes while catching up on the day's news, I’d buy a ticket to “Stomp.”
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A well-coordinated look is important for the mocha lines
Gloves
I’m totally confused by the glove thing. Full fingered, three quarters, half fingered, no fingered. I’m thinking that the real use is holding a piping hot breakfast sandwich on your morning ride.
Hand Signals
Those hand signals for your turns and lane changes are greatly appreciated. I’m sure drivers who are texting, talking, brushing their teeth, shaving, adjusting their masks, writing a presentation on their laptops while going over the speed limit will swear they never saw you until they forced you off the road. I appreciate all the one-fingered hand signals you use on drivers not paying attention.
You Look Silly
Just think if everyone dressed like you when participating in their favorite sport. Should schoolyard hoopsters turn up in full NBA uniforms? Would your kid’s Little League coach show up in a form fitting Major League uniform? Do you dress like Serena or Roger when smashing balls into the net at the local courts?
Would you wear a NASCAR flame retardant jumpsuit and crash helmet every time you went to plug in your Tesla?
The Yellow Jersey
Here is my solution. Why don’t all serious cyclists just wear a Yellow jersey, Yellow mask and Black compression shorts. “Look at me, Ma. I’m King of the Covid Cycling World!”
If you completed the entire 3,642 kilometers of the Tour de France over the last few years, I sincerely apologize. Congratulations. Wear whatever you want!
Stay safe, keep cycling with a helmet and cool looking mask.
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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 COO of the Fan Controlled Football League (FCFL) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies.
Dolich is also co-author of the book:
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Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I had to respond to Andy Dolich's hilarious piece on driving range no-nos. It was wonderfully entertaining and put a smile on my face long after I finished the read.
As a guy who played the God-given game for 60 years, I like to think I've seen it all. Andy reminded me of things I have seen but had forgotten completely. There are a few other observations I've seen at the range I would love share with Andy some day.
Here is one of them: You have just hit 27 consecutive balls, with the same club, with the same awful results. Can we PLEASE dismiss with the THREE practice swings before each shot!!!??!
Nice to see a golf-centric piece.
Toodles,
Mitch Juricich
Former host and creator, Hooked on Golf
San Mateo
Dear Editor,
I write to commend you for your reprint of the San Francisco Chronicle report on the potential closure of the iconic Ricky's Sports Theatre & Grill in San Leandro, due to Covid-19.
If every sports fan who ever toured the facility or had a drink and dinner and met the owners of this facility were to donate just $10, perhaps closure could be avoided.
I have been a fan and friend for more than 40 years, was fortunate enough to know the father of Ricky and his brother Bob, and have loved every moment I've ever spent there. Many election night events and homeowner associations and local clubs have met there. I have also put my money where my mouth is and I donated. Here's hoping your readers will as well.
The Raiders will always live there in memories and hearts.
Shelia Young
San Leandro Mayor Emeritus
Editor's note: To donate, click HERE. (The San Francisco Chronicle reprint appears further below.)
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San Francisco Giants 4
Arizona Diamondbacks 2
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San Francisco second baseman Donovan Solano hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Giants a lead they would not relinquish in their 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Sept. 6 at Oracle Park. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria (10) throws the ball to first base to complete a double play after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) during the fourth inning at Oracle Park
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San Francisco Giants 4
Arizona Diamondbacks 3
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The San Francisco Giants pulled off a 4-3 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Oracle Park. This was the first match up between Madison Bumgarner and his former teammates since joining his new team. 'Bum' threw 72 pitches in four innings and took the loss. The former ace of the Giants staff is now 0-4 with an ERA of 8.44. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Hot hitting first baseman Brandon Belt has figured prominently in the recent Giants surge and presently sports a lofty .340 batting average. His heroics continued on Sunday, when inserted as a pinch hitter Belt delivered a
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The Diamondbacks Kole Calhoun (56) was out on a force play at second base in the top of the eighth inning but the elevated Donovan Solano was not able to double up Arizona's fleet-footed Ketel Marte at first. Photo by Rich Yee.
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Wow! Talk about excited...now HERE'S a fan! To view a game photo album,
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Oakland A's 8
San Diego Padres 4
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Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the A's 8-4 victory over the San Diego Padres at RingCentral Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 5. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Oakland A's 0
San Diego Padres 7
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Playing in front of a large but silent crowd, the Oakland A's welcomed in the San Diego Padres on Friday evening, Sept. 4 to RingCentral Coliseum. Unfortunately the A's failed to mount much offense and fell to their quests,
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One way to keep San Diego's ultra-talented Fernando Tatis Jr. from wrecking havoc is to throw him out at first base. But it didn't happen enough, as Tatis' record-breaking season continued on Friday night as San Diego rolled to a 7-0 victory. Tatis went 2-for-5 with a double and a seventh-inning homer -- his 14th of the season to move him into a tie with Mike Trout for the Major League lead.
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Odds to win the 2020 World Series |
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San Francisco Giants -- 160/1 |
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Oakland Athletics -- 12/1 |
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For Your Handy Use
2020 San Francisco Giants Schedule
2020 Oakland A's Schedule
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Joe Panik, second baseman, Toronto Blue Jays
The San Francisco Giants chose Joe Panik 29th overall in the first round of the 2011 draft out of St. John's University in New York, and he spent the next three years developing in the Giants' minor league system before being called up on June 21, 2014. Later in October, Panik's two-run home run in Game 5 of the 2014 National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals propelled the Giants to a 6-3 victory, advancing them to the 2014 World Series. On Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, Panik hit a solo home run off of ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, with the Giants winning the game 1–0. The next night, Panik hit a solo home run off of Dodger closer Kenley Jansen in the top of the ninth inning, again lifting the Giants to a 1–0 victory, and becoming the first player in MLB history to homer for his team in back-to-back 1–0 victories. After being designated for assignment by the Giants in August of 2019, Panik signed with the New York Mets and became a free agent at the end of the season. He then signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2020, and has compiled 71 at bats in 30 games this year, with 18 hits and a .254 batting average. Caption and photo by Kenny Karst.
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In 2019, I set career highs in a number of offensive categories, including touchdowns and rushing yards. In college, I received the Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Concept and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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At 7'7", Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan were the tallest basketball players in NBA history. Who was the shortest and at what height?
(See answer below...)
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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation,
and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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Fishing Hypnotherapy -- Is It Fair? |
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Uncle Paul, the USG's Licensed Fishing Therapist, displays one
of his many successes
Visualizing Streamside Success Made Easy
By Uncle Paul
Licensed Fishing Therapist
Fact: Relaxation through Fishing Hypnotherapy will make you a better citizen. Fiction: You may do things you don't want to do when hypnotized.
Some time ago I had the privilege of meeting a leading sports hypnotherapist. Assembled were several accomplished golfers reviewing her system of gradually improving their game through hypnotherapy and practice. Her credentials were as impressive as the list of golf luminaries whose games she had dramatically improved. Overnight results were common, but constant gradual improvement is the norm.
With the first sunrise of opening day in the California stream fisheries far behind us, we at the Ultimate Sports Guide Counseling Center have leaped at the chance of forming the world's first ever Fishing Hypnotherapy Center. Ultimately we will offer one-on-one sessions, group sessions and even phone and interactive fishing hypnotherapy.
The following summary is intended to help you improve your mental game and fishing ability, and to make it possible for everyone at long last to allow the subconscious to become more receptive. This is your big chance to achieve a natural and safe state of mind, if you don't already have one. Is it fair? I don't know, but time will tell.
Step One: Letting Go of Accumulated Tension
For the moment we must rely on self-hypnosis for lack of a staff. I recommend slowly swinging a Superduper Mepps spinner or Panther Martin about eighteen inches from your face in a relaxing pendulum motion suspended from your rod on clear, three-pound test Berkley Trilene. If looking at a treble hook swinging past your face with barbs makes you nervous, take it off and save this lure for fishing purposes only. (Minors should have adult supervision.)
Gradually, with proper training and practice, you will relax easily, go under quickly and be open to the power of suggestion (your own or that of a trusted friend or trained professional), not to mention feeling rested when you “awake.”
Gone now are the worries of work, the Pandemic, the economy, the smokey air, taxes and car payments. Gone is the tension arising from feelings of guilt engendered by spending quality time communing with nature, shooting pool or playing cards all night with your fishing buddies. From head-to-toe the body relaxes further and further until it becomes difficult to remain conscious.
Close your eyes and the lure will stop moving, your hands will lie resting on the ground and a sense of tranquility will surround you. Some should call it a day right here and now, others may choose to continue. Either way, it's OK.
Step Two: Mental Rehearsal
This next concept is huge. Only positive images will help your situation.
Try to picture looking down into the canyon. Vertigo free, rod and reel at the ready, baited up to cut down on noise and commotion streamside. Empty beer cans are carefully secured so as not to clang on the way down. The approach is meticulously planned so as to arrive without a sound and unobserved, appearing like a ghost downstream from the pool in question.
Now imagine the first cast arcing through the air like a rainbow, landing perfectly in the vortex of white water, drifting perfectly down the middle of the pool directly into the face of a large native German brown trout oblivious to everything.
Always, always remember the subconscious can only respond to positive commands. Therefore, “Don't get tangled up in a tree,” is a useless command. “I will cast perfectly,” however, can be quite effective.
Step Three: Your Special Needs/Individualized Focusing
Some hard-hitting personal questions need to be answered honestly here. Am I hung over from last night? Is it right for someone of my skill level to be using live hellgrammites for bait? What about power bait, night crawlers, marshmallows or cheddar cheese? Do I feel good about myself knowing that a California Department of Fish and Wildlife truck stocked this pool yesterday? Why have I left the barb on my hook? Why did I lie to my partner and send her downstream to the inferior pools? Was it wrong to tell her I was using salmon eggs? Should I have told her I've scouted this pool? Who has the lunches? Did I put on enough sunscreen and insect repellent?
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Licensed Fishing Therapist Uncle Paul prepares to enjoy his day's reward
This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. We all have our own personalized requirements, which are sometimes hard to confess and face head on. We have it on good authority that if these needs aren't addressed honestly, the rest of your Sports Fishing Hypnotherapy will be time and money down the drain.
Says Debra Chase, our first and still premier client, “Before coming to the Fishing Hypnotherapy Center I was really sick and tired of all the big ones always getting away. I was a wreck. My mental tension was always interfering with the mechanical skills needed to land that occasion lunker. Now I feel relaxed, confident and poised, and am enjoying a much higher success rate than ever before. In fact, it's working so well that for the first time in my life I'm starting to use catch and release!”
Whatever happens out there, please remember the words of John Buchan. “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.”
Relaxation and the power of positive suggestion are the secrets here, in all three steps. While fishing many never be the same again, remember that if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Let us know if you think it's fair and how it worked for you by writing to Uncle Paul, Licensed Fishing Therapist, @ theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Colorado Rapids 1
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San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski scores a goal on a penalty kick in front of an empty stadium as the Quakes tied the Colorado Rapids, 1-1, at Earthquakes Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5. Caption and photo
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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Tyrone Curtis "Muggsy" Bogues (born January 9, 1965) is the shortest player to ever play in the National Basketball Association. The 5-foot, 3-inch Bogues played point guard for four teams during his 14-season career in the NBA. Muggsy is pictured above with Manute Bol, at 7-feet, 7-inches, one of the tallest players to have played in the NBA. (Bol was with the Golden State Warriors during the 1988-1990 and 1994-1995 seasons and became a fan favorite for his three-point attempts.) ~Wikipedia
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Ricky's Sports Bar --
GoFundMe page established to help
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SAN LEANDRO (CBS SF) — A well-known San Leandro sports bar may have to close after 74 years because of the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic on business, the bar’s owners said last week. Financial struggles could shut down Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill at 15028 Hesperian Blvd., which has been
open since 1946.
“Nobody wants to be in this spot,” owner Tina Ricardo said in an interview.
“I hope to get it back open.”
Ricky's has been closed during the shelter-in-place order and still has bills to pay, wrote supporter Dr. Robert Gingery, a vascular surgeon, on a GoFundMe page to raise money for the bar. Gingery is friends with the owners,
Tina and Ricky Ricardo.
To help this valuable and venerable community treasure, please visit the GoFundMe page: Save Ricky’s Sports Bar organized by Robert Gingery
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Who Am I?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo!
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Jimmy Garoppolo played college football at Eastern Illinois. As a senior in 2013, he broke Tony Romo's school records for career passing touchdowns, career passing yards, and passing touchdowns. In the same season he also won the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Garoppolo was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and played backup to Tom Brady in two Super Bowls. In October of 2017, Garoppolo was traded by the Patriots to the San Francisco 49ers. He won his first five starts as quarterback and including his two victorious starts for New England, earned him a 7–0 record as a starter, a feat last accomplished by Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.
Garoppolo signed a $137.5 million deal with the 49ers, at the time the largest contract in NFL history on an annual basis. His second 49ers season ended prematurely after he tore his ACL in Week 3 of the 2018 season. In 2019 Garoppolo came back to lead the 49ers to their first 8–0 start since 1990 and guarantee their first non-losing season since 2014. The 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC final to reach the Super Bowl, only to fall to Kansas City, 31-20.
To enjoy the 49ers victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last September,
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, September 7 through
Sunday, September 13, 2020
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, September 7
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:15 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:10 p.m..
Tuesday, September 8
San Francisco Giants vs. Seattle Mariners, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, two games starting at 3:10 p.m.
Wednesday, September 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Seattle Mariners, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 6:10 p.m.
Thursday, September 10
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:10 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros, 12:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Seattle Sounders, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 11
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Saturday, September 12
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, two games starting at 2:05 p.m.
Sunday, September 13
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1:25 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 11:35 a.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 8 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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Need a website designed or tuned up?
We can help!
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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