Monday, January 3, 2022
Issue No. 414
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
Contact us at: TheUltimateSportsGuide@gmail.com
Sports Haiku
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! wishes our readers a  
Very Happy New Year!

Thank you for your many entries. This week's selection process was intense, and the top entry reflects that intensity within the current sports environment, best exemplified by a gentleman whose emotional range is unmatched, from faux outrage to mock sadness, all within one sentence! 

JACQUES DIAMOND, take your place on the Haiku Podium
with your Haiku, published by Sports Today!

Jacques' entry speaks to those who are both amused,
and often repulsed, by the subject of his Haiku,
one Stephen A. Smith, of ESPN's First Take!

First Take? Y'all can have it!

DAK LeBRON KYRIE

THAT BAAAD MAN AARON RODGERS

LATER STEPHEN A
Deep Stephen A. thoughts:
"I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, You're wrong!"

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

To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
West Coast College Athletics:
A Prolegomenon: Chapter Two
I have 3 Points to make --
"Get Your WCC Hoops On"
by Robert Moselle

As Sports Today's Prolegomena to Future West Coast College Sports continues to expand, below is an overview of the WCC Hoops Scene. These stats are impressive. Gonzaga's power speaks for itself, but the whole conference "Deserves Some Respect" (thank you Rodney Dangerfield, a Sports/Today! regular source).

We invite news from all West Coast teams and Conferences, in all sports. Remember, the West Coast is anywhere West of Oklahoma, areas where College Factories control the media and garner more attention than warranted when compared to West Coast Sports.
The Prolegomenon aims to remedy that sad state of affairs.

Robert Moselle, Esq.
USG/ST Marketing Director
12 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IN #WCCHOOPS 

1. CONFERENCE STRENGTH. The 80-game WCC schedule begins with 75 percent of all conference games featuring at least one top 100 team in the NET.

2. LOOKING UP AT THE ZAGS. Gonzaga has been ranked in the top five of 39 consecutive AP polls. It has been over two years (Dec. 9, 2019) since the Bulldogs were not voted a top five team.

3. BYU AGAINST THE BEST. Under Mark Pope, BYU is a noteworthy 22-14 (.611) against Quad 1/2 opponents.

4. SAN FRANCISCO TREATS. Resurgent USF (13-1) enters the new year with the most wins in college basketball.

5. GAELS AGAIN MARCHING TO MARCH. Saint Mary's (12-3), the winningest program in California for over a decade, is well on its way to another post-season tournament. The Gaels have appeared in either the NCAA or NIT for 13 consecutive years.

6. DON'T FORGET SANTA CLARA. The Broncos (10-5), currently No. 87, are in the top 100 of the NET for the first time since the 2012-13 season. They boast victories over teams from the Pac-12, Mountain West and Big 12.

7. WINNING. Portland (9-6), LMU (7-5) and San Diego (7-6) give the WCC seven teams with winning records as conference play begins. The Lions have beaten two teams from the AAC and USD knocked off its first Mountain West opponent.

8. MORE WINNING. The five winningest teams in the WCC -USF, BYU, Saint Mary's, Gonzaga and Santa Clara- have combined to win 81% of their games (58-14), best among all non-FBS conferences.

9. NOTHING SOFT. The WCC has posted multiple victories over teams from likely multi-bid conferences: Pac-12 (6), Mountain West (9), Big 12 (3), AAC (2) and ACC (1).

10. NO FLUKES. Every metric used by the NCAA Selection Committee agrees on the WCC top teams: NET (four in top 50), KenPom (four in top 40), Sagarin (four in top 40), KPI (four in top 40), BPI (four in top 50) and SOR Strength of Record (four in top 40).

11. BRACKETOLOGY. The WCC, with four projected NCAA Tournament teams, trails only the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and Big East in probable NCAA bids. The conference is tied with the ACC (4 bids) and ahead of both the Pac-12 (3) and AAC (2) among multi-bid leagues nationwide.

12. MAKING HISTORY. If current projections hold, four NCAA bids would set a record for the WCC.

Follow #WCCHOOPS on Twitter (@WCCHOOPS), Instagram (@WCCSPORTS) and Facebook (@WCCSPORTS)
###
Reprinted courtesy University of San Francisco
Chris Fortney / Assistant Athletics Director, Communications & Content
2335 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94117
Letters to the Editor

Editor's Note: Sports Today, to use journalism jargon, 'goes to bed' late Sundays, post games. However, we believe Mr. Monkman's letter will maintain relevance regardless of which 49ers QB starts, which one finishes, or which team wins because there is one constant: UNCERTAINTY. Next week will bring forth experts who favor JimmyG or Trey, or, as Mr. Monkman has proffered, Nate Sudfeld. We hope you appreciate the fresh perspective and passion of Mr. Monkman's letter.

Media Critique and Prediction
I consume my fair share of sports talk and commentary, be it on KNBR or local television. This past week on KNBR, there were two guest hosts, Donte Whitner and somebody else, equally confident in his own opinion.

Donte stated, "JimmyG WILL START. That has been the plan and JIMMYG WILL START and play the game." The other fellow, your garden variety "I have to have an opinion so here it is," stated, "THIS IS THE START OF THE TREY LANCE ERA."

The discussion was basically guesswork, because opinions were predicated on DISINFORMATION or MISINFORMATION. Nobody can believe a word of any Niner pronouncement. Shanahan? Seriously? Thumb injury -- so you left JimmyG in, but you have complete confidence in Trey? Or did you leave him in so you could NOT FOCUS on a way to help your rookie cornerback so you could use JimmyG to deflect criticism from yourself?

I listened carefully, and all I've heard has been useless verbiage. So let me utter the TWO WORDS I did NOT HEAR in the many hours of media discussions. The two words which may save the Niners. If JimmyG's injury is as severe as some say, or Trey is too unprepared to play with the adults, as some contend, there is only one path to ultimate victory. NATE SUDFELD, MR. INEVITABLE!

He's not injured, he has experience, and he has been deliberately hidden from media scrutiny by the Brass. Just remember where you read about it. In Sports Today! No agenda, just pure unadulterated sports.

NATE SUDFELD is a 49ers QUARTERBACK.

Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games
Cal Bears (M) 74, Arizona State Sun Devils 50
Saint Mary's Gaels (M) 87 vs. Yale Bulldogs 60
San Francisco 49ers 23 , Houston Texans 7

Features & Commentary
John Earl Madden, by Dave Newhouse
John Madden Album, photos by Ed Jay
Just Win, Baby!, by Pete Elman
Sports Haikus©️
Prolegomenon, Part II, by Robert Moselle

Organizations
Oakland Roots
San Jose Earthquakes
San Francisco 49ers 23
Houston Texans 7
In place of injured quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco rookie Trey Lance assumed the starting role on Sunday as the 49ers (9-7) sought to assure themselves a playoff berth with a 23-7 win. Unfortunately the New Orleans Saints (8-8) stalled their hopes with a win of their own. Lance overcame an inconsistent first half and threw for 249 yards, a pair of touchdowns, one interception, and added 31 yards on the ground for a 116 passer rating. The Niners last game of the regular season takes place on Sunday, January 9, at Sofi Stadium in a showdown against the Los Angeles Rams (12-4).
CBS • KNBR 680 AM • 104.5 FM • 107.7 FM “The Bone"
49ers Schedule
San Francisco 49ers
Ex-49ers LB Patrick Willis, DT Bryant Young among Hall of Fame finalists for Class of 2022

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed the 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2022. Former San Francisco 49ers stars Patrick Willis and Bryant Young are among those names. This is the first time Willis has been named a finalist.

The 49ers made Willis the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2007, and he spent eight seasons with San Francisco before retiring after the 2014 season. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and is a five-time first-team All-Pro.

San Francisco made Young the No. 7 overall draft pick in 1994, and he spent 14 seasons with the team. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a first-team All-Pro in 1996.

Credit: David Bonilla www.49erswebzone.com
John Madden
Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and Hall of Fame broadcaster John Madden, in conjunction with KCBS Radio, at one time hosted an annual BBQ event for friends and sports stars at his Goal Line Productions in Pleasanton. Among the invited guests was Ultimate Sports Guide photographer Ed Jay and here is a selection of photos from his archives.
John Madden and San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.
Hall of Fame and former Oakland Raiders coach Tom Flores and John Madden.
John Madden and Oakland Raiders former general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Al Hart, legendary KCBS news anchor and John Madden at his BBQ Event.
Tom Albanese, owner of Campo di Bocce, and John Madden at his bocce event.
John Madden at halftime in 2014. Photo by Ed Jay. Madden archives.
Hall of Fame and former San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci and John Madden. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo by Ed Jay. Madden archives.
A Personal Goodbye
Madden retired from coaching with the highest winning percentage (.759) of any pro football coach with at least 100 victories

For a video of humorous Madden moments, click here


John Earl Madden
April 10, 1936 – December 28, 2021


by Dave Newhouse

As I write this, I’m looking at a holiday card Virginia and John Madden sent in mid-December, wishing for “Peace and Happiness” in the New Year. Though I hadn’t maintained contact with John in recent years, his and Virginia’s holiday card arrived annually, a thoughtful gesture from a wonderful couple.

And this will be their last holiday card together as John died December 28 from lingering health issues at 85. Those who knew him well, and even those who didn’t but thought they did because of his captivating personality and versatile achievements, aren’t feeling much peace or happiness over his passing.

For John Madden, unlike anyone else with a sports pedigree, was truly iconic. He was a Hall of Fame football coach, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and what constitutes a Hall of Fame businessman as his Madden NFL is the most popular sports video game in history. That triumvirate belongs to him alone forever.
Madden NFL sold more than 130 million copies by 2018 and is the only officially licensed National Football League video game series

That multi-successful aspect of his background is well-known, because he was such a visible and likable public figure. But there was another side of Madden that wasn’t so public, or so visible, yet likable after careful consideration.

Yes, he was public, but he also was private, especially when he coached the Oakland Raiders. There were times following practice when he wasn’t engaging with the Bay Area media. So after the players and nearly everyone else had returned to the locker room, Madden stayed on the field with somebody he called back, and they engaged in a long “conversation,” lasting up to an hour if necessary, until the media finally gave up and left.

Madden once was so upset with something I wrote as the Raiders beat writer for the Oakland Tribune in the late 1970s, that he called me into his office. He talked about the pressures of coaching — he and owner Al Davis hadn’t spoken in six weeks over offensive strategy differences — and then he reached into a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of pills for his ulcer. Thus he provided me with an exclusive story.

But this was during the final weeks of the 1979 season, just before he retired from coaching with the highest winning percentage (.759) of any pro football coach with at least 100 victories. His celebrity then ascended higher, by accident. Miller Lite approached Davis about promoting its beer. Davis refused, but he suggested Madden as an alternative. Madden then was seen on television bursting through various Miller Lite props, and straight into America’s heart.
Madden's role as a pitchman for Miller Lite earned him a
national following

Madden couldn’t always be counted upon to return a reporter’s phone call; he admittedly was difficult to reach. But he was a players’ coach for certain. It was common to see him in the locker room, chatting with his Raiders, for he was their friend as well as their coach, a relationship which isn’t so common in the NFL.

And we mustn’t forget the bond John and Virginia formed with Darryl Stingley after his crippling hit by Jack Tatum during an Oakland-New England exhibition game. The Patriots’ charter plane was about to leave after the game when Madden personally interrupted their departure, demanding that they leave someone behind with Stingley, which occurred. The Maddens then visited Stingley often in an Oakland hospital, and even took in the player’s wife, thereby writing a new chapter in humanism. And now, sadly, John Madden and Darryl Stingley both are gone.

I feel most fortunate that John Madden contributed two forewords for books I’ve written: Jim Otto: The Pain Of Glory and Before Boxing Lost Its Punch. I was invited to fly back on a Raiders' charter to Canton, Ohio, for Madden’s Pro Football Hall Of Fame induction, which I turned down for professional reasons. But I did accept an invitation to Madden’s coaching retirement party, and I’ve enjoyed interviewing his sons, Mike and Joe, including on the Brown University campus where Joe played Ivy League football. And wife Virginia Madden has always been a considerate and wise interviewee.

Lastly, John Madden was a Hall of Fame family man too, even watching his grandchildren play football, a comforting feeling as his life was nearing its perfect ending.

Goodbye, coach.

(For a video of humorous Madden moments, click here.)

* * *
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.
Cal Bears 74
Arizona State Sun Devils 50
Cal guard Joel Brown (#1) receives defensive attention from Marreon Jackson (#3) on Sunday, January 2, as the Cal Bears played host to Arizona State Sun Devils (5-8,1-2 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. The Golden Bears (9-5,2-1 Pac-12) started the new year on a positive note with a 74-50 victory.
Cal's leading scorer, Jordan Shepherd (#31), finished the game with 16 points. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
In a break in the action from a botched rebound, Jamiya Neal (#55) of the Sun Devils pleads his case for possession but Cal's Makale Jordan (#10) makes his own pitch late in the first half. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
Cal coach Mark Fox takes a moment to share instructions with Lars Thiemann (#21) late in the game. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
Hardly Trival by T. Buff
What a Rose Bowl!
The Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Utah Utes 48-45
and 93 points is a lot of points.

The Vegas over/under betting line was 64 points. What is the record for number of points scored in the 121-year history of the Rose Bowl? 

(See answer below...)
Saint Mary's Gaels 87
Yale Bulldogs 60
Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson scored 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting to lead the Gaels to an 87-60 victory over the Yale Bulldogs on Tuesday, December 28 at UCU Pavilion in Moraga, CA. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. 
Guard Tommy Kuhse scored 11 points while recording four assists and a steal.
Saint Mary's Gaels forward Dan Fotu (42) grabs a loose ball in front of Yale Bulldogs forward Isaiah Kelly during the first half.
Junior Kyle Bowen scored nine points and pulled down seven rebounds. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. 
Still Together

Just Win, Baby
by Pete Elman

Somewhere, in the lush Elysian Fields of green lined with silver and black, three older men are seated around a table. Two of them, despite their years, still carry themselves with the confident jaunt of the quarterbacks they once were. The third man projects a unique blend of charisma and leadership.

Smiles abound, and a pitcher of Oakland-brewed craft beer is passed around. It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon, a perfect day for a football game. The men have just watched a game on their heavenly high-definition big-screen TV, and they could not be happier with the outcome.

“That kid, Carlson—My God—he has ice water in his veins—he never misses!” exclaims George Blanda, (Raiders, 1970-75) who wore the pirate on his helmet between the ages of 43-48. “I knew if we got it past midfield those Baltimore Colts were toast.” He smiles, taking a long swig.

“They’re now called the Indianapolis Colts, George,” drawls the amiable long-haired Southerner sitting next to him, who learned how to carouse at the feet of Joe Namath. “But man, I sure love that kid Carr. He reminds me of somebody else back in the day.”

“You mean yourself, right, Snake?” The third man, dressed in a white track suit with slicked back hair and an indecipherable accent somewhere between Brooklyn and Alabama, says, with a trace of sarcasm.

“Yeah,” he continued, “I remember some of your plays, Kenny, and I swear this number four sure can pull a rabbit out of the hat—29 times in the fourth quarter now, right?”

“That’s right, Mr. Davis,” agrees the Hall of Fame quarterback, (Raiders, 1968-79). “That California boy’s a gamer.”

“You know, since we’re all up here now, Snake, let’s drop the formalities-- call me Al.” (Al Davis, Raiders, 1963-2011) The three men laugh heartily. It is the seasoned laugh of champions, one that over decades has been honed through hard work and heartbreak, triumph and tears. They have earned it.

Just then the phone rings. Stabler picks it up.

“Hey there, Freddie,” says the Snake, a huge grin across his face. “This must be important for you to be calling us up from down there.

“You saw the game? Wasn’t that something, ‘sticky fingers?’ Our guys seemed to have rediscovered their inner Raider! That boy Renfrow, he is sumpin’ else, ain’t he?

“What’s that you say, Fred? Oh yeah, he’s the spittin’ image of a young Biletnikoff, that’s for sure. You know he walked on at Clemson and helped them boys win two championships? You take care, number 25. What are you, now, 78? Don’t be in a hurry to join us.”

And as fellow Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff (Raiders, 1965-78) is about to say goodbye to Stabler, he says, solemnly, “One more thing, Snake, I think you fellas might have a fourth for your bridge game soon.”

Just as they are about to toast the third thrilling win in a row by their beloved former team, crashing down the field, making a racket the likes of which are rarely heard in these parts, charges a large man loudly spewing what seems like a string of expletives—but upon further listening are actually a string of exclamations—“wham,” “doink,” “woosh” with the occasional “jiminy” mixed in.

“What’d I miss?!” John Madden (Raiders, 1969-78) bellows. “Did we pull it out?! Well, goddammit, DID WE?!”

“Yeah, coach,” they say as one, looking at each other, “We won. Welcome home.”
Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow caught seven passes for 76 yards and one touchdown as the Raiders won again on a late minute field goal by Daniel Carlson, 23-20, over the Indianapolis Colts

Back on earth. With 54 seconds left and the game tied 20-20, Derek Carr—on the road, embattled, beaten up, bruised, hurried and sacked all game, faces a third and ten from the Colts’ 48. But he escapes the rush and somehow finds the unflappable Hunter Renfrow, who makes another great catch for a first down.

Renfrow has been brilliant all season, and will most likely break Tim Brown’s team season record for receptions next week. And, predictably, Daniel Carlson wins it at the horn with a 33-yard chip shot and the Raiders’ playoff hopes, remarkably, are still alive. Whatever happens next week, the Raiders are no longer the laughing stock of the NFL.
* * *
And somewhere up there, in the lush Elysian Fields of green lined with silver and black, the man in the track suit, surrounded by his old friends, who are now a happy quartet, raises his glass in a familiar toast.

"Just Win, Baby."
 
Pete Elman
Oakland, California
January 2, 2021

* * * * *
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.
San Jose Earthquakes
Earthquakes Sign Defender Paul Marie
to New Contract
2018 first-round SuperDraft selection to remain with San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes today announced that the club has signed defender Paul Marie to a new contract for the 2022 season with a club option for 2023.

"Paul is one of our longest tenured players and took on a bigger role with the team in 2021," said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. "We value his versatility at the fullback position and felt signing him to a restructured contract early in the offseason was a priority."

Marie, 26, is entering his fifth season with San Jose after being selected in the first round (No. 12 overall) of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. He has since tallied two goals and one assist in 43 appearances, including 16 starts. Marie set career highs in appearances (22), starts (9) and minutes (1,001) in 2021. The Saint-Aubin-des-Bois, France native previously competed for the France U-16 National Team and was a three-year starter at Florida International University from 2015-17.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes sign D Paul Marie to a new contract for 2022 with a club option for 2023.


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"Good things come to those who wait"
and we have decided we don't want to wait any longer. The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Reopening October 1st. 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.
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?
Because They Believed
Dear History Lover:
After toiling in a reluctant society for the past several years with our documentary, we can now announce that our film, Because They Believed, is available online! 

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. 

Please click on this link for the trailer and to order: https://streetdreamsproductions1.vhx.tv/
Stanford Business School
Winter, 2022
High-Performing Teams:
Lessons from the Sports World

According to basketball legend Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Without organization-wide teamwork, leadership, and trust, sustaining a championship level of performance—in sports or business—is highly unlikely. How do leaders of the most successful sports franchises overcome the hurdles of free agency, arcane rules, injuries, egos, salary battles, operational challenges, and the human element? How can these lessons be effectively applied to every type of business?

In this course, we will look at how sports organizations achieve smooth and superior transitions from year to year, especially after the rigors of championship seasons. Difference makers in the world of sports, including team executives, general managers, athletic directors, coaches, media observers, and athletes, will discuss the elements necessary to create and maintain elite-performing organizations, and reveal how a prevailing commonality among all of them includes a powerful culture. Students will leave the course able to apply broad relevant concepts to their challenges, such as alignment of goals, adherence to culture, and pervasive interactive communication, as well as numerous operational pearls of wisdom
from guest experts.

Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting; EVP, Fan Controlled Football
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. He is a co-author of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won’t Go Pro and LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the
Ultimate Sports Guide.

BUS 209
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:50 pm (PT)
10 weeks, January 12 – March 16
2 units, $640
Refund Deadline: January 14
Course Format: Live Online
Registration begins 11/29
Where The Bay Comes To Play!



Oakland

Roots SC
OAKLAND ROOTS ANNOUNCE JUAN GUERRA AS THE CLUB'S NEW HEAD COACH

Oakland, CA - Oakland Roots have appointed Juan Guerra as the Club’s new Head Coach to lead the team into the 2022 USL Championship season and beyond. Guerra was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and has extensive experience with North American soccer, having played or coached in the USL and NASL for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, New York Cosmos, Indy Eleven and Phoenix Rising.

“Oakland, when you talk about the fan base, the supporters, the diversity that the city has, the character of their people, they are hard working and they don't back down, they push forward, they always want to grow and improve so that drives me.” said Guerra.

“The opportunity to build something special and different in Oakland is one I wanted to be a part of. The goal is to make this organization one of the top organizations in North America and work together with the players, the staff, the fans and the community to reach that common goal.”

After first playing in the United States with Florida International University, Guerra returned to his home country to play professionally in the Venezuelan top division with Monagas, Carabobo, Deportivo Lara and Caracas -- including a brief loan spell in Spain with Las Palmas. During this time he also earned six national caps for Venezuela.

Guerra returned to the United States to play with the Tampa Bay Rowdies for two seasons before joining the New York Cosmos under fellow Venezuelan Head Coach Gio Savarese. His final year on the field was in the USL for Indy Eleven, who also gave him his first coaching opportunity under Martin Rennie. Most recently Guerra worked alongside Rick Schantz at Phoenix Rising for the 2021 USL Championship season. 

“We are incredibly excited to bring Juan to Oakland,” said Roots VP of Soccer Eric Yamamoto. “He has a deep knowledge of this league having played and coached in both the East and West and we can’t wait to get started in 2022 with Juan at the helm.”

“We had many ups and downs in 2021 but we are ending the year on an incredible high,” said Roots Chair Steven Aldrich. “Our new coach will lead us into 2022 and help us build the foundation for an even brighter future at Oakland Roots. Juan brings a supreme understanding of the USL and excitement for the Roots' purpose on and off the field.” 

Welcome to the family, Juan.
Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff
In 2018 the Georgia Bulldogs beat the Oklahoma Sooners, 54-48. 102 points were scored.

https://bit.ly/3FSEQww is the wiki game recap and https://bit.ly/3qFR1Xc is the Britannica Rose Bowl history.

Happy New Year!
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy
Montrose, Colorado
For the best real estate listings homes and property on
Colorado's Western Slope, visit www.montrosecoloradorealestate/PropertySearch.html
Consider!

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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles


Click here for 2019 editions.

Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Jan. 3, through
Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022
Monday, January 3
Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 4
San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 5
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 6
Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Buffalo Sabres, 4 p.m.
Friday, January 7

Saturday, January 8
San Jose Sharks @ Philadelphia Flyers, 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 9
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1:25 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy the
 Ultimate Sports Guide website!

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
Jake Hirshman
Andy
Jake Hirshman
Andy Dolich
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.
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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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.
Contact Information:
Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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.