|
December 18 -- December 24, 2023
Issue No. 516
| |
|
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| |
|
Brock Purdy, above, receiving a trophy after being named the
2017 Arizona High School Player of the Year. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback retuned to Arizona on Sunday and completed 16-of-25 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns in the Niners 45-29
win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals jumped to a 7-0 lead with a TD run by James Conner, and Arik Armstead's absence was evident after that seven-play, 75 yards start. 7-0 AZ. The Niners predictably answered, as Christian McCaffery (CMC) followed Kittle/Woerner blocks and local boy Brock Purdy found Deebo Samuel who would glide into the end zone -- "a piece of cake," to make it 7-7.
Next was what may have been the play of the game. Charvarius Ward intercepted a Kyler Murray pass when AZ went for it on fourth down and ran it back 66 yards for a TD. 14-7, SF. Any momentum AZ might have generated was halted, although they did kick a 58-yard FG after Nick Bosa sacked Murray and Fred Warner and Javon Kinlaw stuffed the run. 14-10 SF.
The Niners would punt on their next possession and the Cardinals' offensive line helped their run game lead to another FG. 14-13 SF. After a nasty personal foul knocked Brock out of the game, he soldiered back and led a 10-play, 75-yard TD drive with a 22-yard pass to Jauan Jennings, a pin-pointer to Brandon Aiyuk and a 19-yarder to George Kittle to the 10, capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass to CMC. 21-13, SF at Halftime.
The start of the third quarter saw Brock hit Kittle for 35 yards and CMC for 41 yards. Four plays, 75 yards. 28-13 SF. Murray returned after he had recovered from a Clelin Ferrell crunch-down (as in "don't mess with Brock"), and after passes to TE Trey McBride, AZ kicked a 28-yard FG. 28-16 SF. Juszczyk gathered the AZ kickoff on the SF 40, Brock hit Aiyuk for 22 and it was RUN-CMC time with some patented zig-zag moves, and behind Aaron Banks and Trent Williams CMC ultimately would run it in from the two-yard line: 35-16 SF, end of 3rd quarter.
Emari Demercado scored on a 50-yard run to make it 35-22 (the 2-point conversion failed). 35-22 SF. After the kickoff, CMC, Deebo and Jordan Mason, along with former Arizona High School Player of the Year, Brock Purdy, led the charge and Brock hit Deebo with a precision, back-shoulder 19-yard TD pass. 42-22 SF. A Charvarius Ward encore interception led to a 49er FG. 45-22 SF. Sam Darnold came in for Purdy. After the Niners punted, the Cardinals scored on a TD pass with about a minute left to make the final score: 45-29, SF. Brandon Aiyuk covered the futile onside kick to slam the door shut.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals Game Highlights (14:32)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--47FjCWgrU
Okay, so I had a couple of Arizona Cardinals jokes ready, pre-game,
but in all fairness, they didn't really deserve the ridicule as they demonstrated a strong offensive line and showcased some bona fide talent. But duty calls:
Q: What do the Cardinals and the Post Office have in common?
A: Neither delivers on Sundays!
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
The Splashback Brothers
Golden State's game vs. the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday was a demonstration of Warriors chemistry and improved efficiency as The Dubs prevailed 124-120.
Wiggs was back in form after a beard-trim and haircut (a reliable indicator of a fresh attitude), and Stef and Klay combined for 61 points as Stephen Curry hit his 3,500th pointer. Brandin Podziemski continues to impress, (a natural rebounder!) and Klay's shot has returned along with renewed confidence.
It was a hard-fought, back and forth game with plenty of tension which, with the Splashback Brothers' revitalization, gives cause for optimism as the season rolls on.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
| |
|
Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Stanford (MBkB) Cardinal 82, Idaho Vandals 64
Special Features
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
Features & Commentary
Be Careful What You Wish For, by Howard Pearlstein
Draymond and the Warriors, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Sergio Romo, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Seven Footers in the Fraser, by Andy Dolich
Spread Christmas Cheer -- Your Support is Welcome!
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
| |
|
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
| |
|
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
| |
A sport with no Draymond Green noise... | |
Don't Miss Your Chance -- Spread More Xmas Cheer!!! | |
|
Donate Today And Add Your Name
To The List Below
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Sports Today is a dynamic sports journal distributed each Monday to the sports industry and media professionals, colleges and universities and avid San Francisco and Northern California sports fans.
FREE of charge since 2014, each issue provides
extensive professional and collegiate team coverage, unmatched photo essays, schedules, scores, humor and much more. Our contributors are highly respected journalists, authors and photographers who provide a wide array of in-depth articles and images, and our Letters to the Editor delights readers.
Your end-of-the-year donation, of any amount, will help offset costs of production, internet-related service fees, and other items related to this unique, highly acclaimed FREE weekly sports journal.
| |
|
or send to: Christopher Weills, Publisher,
Sports Today, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704
or theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
| |
|
A.Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Andy Dolich
Robert Flammia
| |
|
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
| |
|
Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Narda Zacchino
| |
Giants Finalize 6-Yr Deal With KBO Star
Jung Hoo Lee
Maria Guardado @mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to receive it regularly in your inbox.
Days after Shohei Ohtani officially became a Dodger, the Giants finalized their first big splash of the off season, announcing a six-year, $113 million deal with KBO star Jung Hoo Lee on Thursday. The contract includes an opt-out after the 2027 season.
One of Korea’s best players, Lee was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes after seven seasons in the KBO, allowing him to seek an opportunity in Major League Baseball. If he stays in San Francisco for the entire contract, the Giants will also owe the Heroes an $18.825 million posting fee, bringing their total outlay to nearly $132 million.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sfgiants.com
| |
|
Attend the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour with stops in Sacramento, San Jose and Napa
Open House at Oracle Park is Saturday, March 9
The Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024 is a new, reimagined experience for Giants fans that transforms the traditional one-day
San Francisco-based event into an expanded series across Northern California. Current and former Giants players, coaches, broadcasters and Lou Seal will caravan to meet fans in their local communities
-- including Sacramento, San Jose and Napa -- to sign autographs, participate in Q&A sessions, distribute merchandise and more.
The tour will end with an Open House at Oracle Park on Saturday, March 9 providing fans with access to often restricted ballpark locations -- including the field, clubhouse, broadcast booth and dugout. Meet-and-greets and autograph opportunities with Giants alumni and photo opportunities with Lou Seal and the World Series Trophies will also be available. Fans in San Francisco will be able to interact with players in Scottsdale, using new technology. The Giants Spring Training game in Scottsdale will be broadcast on the scoreboard during the event.
Event tickets are required for the Open House at Oracle Park.
Claim up to 10 complimentary tickets.
| |
A’s manager Mark Kotsay will have several new coaches for the upcoming season. Photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Get to Know the Two New Faces on
Kotsay's Staff
Martín Gallegos @MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter.
To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive
it regularly in your inbox.
The A’s coaching staff is going to have a bit of a different look for 2024.
Two new faces were added to A’s manager Mark Kotsay’s staff for the upcoming season: Bobby Crosby and Dan Hubbs. Crosby inherits the first-base coach position from Mike Aldrete, who will join Chris Cron as a hitting coach. Hubbs will take over as bullpen coach, replacing Mike McCarthy.
Here’s a closer look at the two new coaches:
Crosby hardly needs an introduction. Formerly a shortstop with the A’s who won American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2004, Crosby has risen through the organization as a coach, most recently serving as manager of the Double-A Midland RockHounds from 2021-23. Over that time, he’s had the opportunity to work closely with top prospects such as Zack Gelof, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler, all of whom made their big league debuts with Oakland last season.
“Bobby and I were teammates,” said Kotsay. “It’s exciting to have him on board. I think Bobby is cut from the same cloth that I am in terms of the grinding mentality and what it means to be an Oakland Athletic. I think his relationships with the younger players that he developed in Double-A will help and be impactful for our younger guys.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.athletics.com
| |
|
Author Dave Newhouse, Bettina Flores and author Andy Dolich
at an Oakland book signing
| |
Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
|
Golden State Warrior forward Draymond Green (23) runs off the floor after spinning and hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic
and receiving a flagrant 2 foul at Footprint Center in Phoenix
on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
| | |
|
|
Draymond
and the Warriors
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
| |
|
SAN FRANCISCO – Draymond Green has been an outstanding player for the Golden State Warriors and has been part of the Warriors championships for years as they ruled the NBA. However, his 2023-24 Warriors team is, at best, “mediocre.”
Although it is not Christmas yet, their record of 12 wins and 14 losses is not pretty, one you would not like to wrap in a box and give to a friend. If they want to make another run at the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy, they have to improve very soon, and Draymond Green is making that much more difficult. The Warriors look ‘old’ playing some teams that are younger, quicker, and bigger than they are.
Fans can see this and would tell you the same because there are no mysteries in the NBA. Many years ago, when my sons were teenagers, we took a vacation trip to Yellowstone National Park. One morning, as we woke up and walked out of our cabin, we saw a Buffalo lying beside the cabin wall just outside the door, not moving. We later reported it to a park ranger. I remember he told us, “You have to leave him alone; he is old, and he is dying, and he just cannot keep up with the herd.”
If the Warriors cannot ‘keep up with the herd” of younger and faster teams, maybe they should leave Draymond Green alone; they are finding out that it is much more difficult to carry this player, as good as he is, under these circumstances. They might not be able to win this year, and Draymond’s antics are becoming much more frequent and publicized.
During the Chicago Bulls’ dominant years I covered them, broadcasting all Warriors games for Spanish radio, home and away, and traveling with the team. I remember the antics of Dennis Rodman, who led the NBA in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons between 1991 and 1998.
Rodman is in the Hall of Fame; he was wild on the court, but he produced and even visited North Korea and spoke to that country’s dictator; which was “entertaining.” Rodman was indeed a character, he transcended sports.
On one occasion, Rodman was suspended for 11 games for kicking a cameraman. But Rodman was a ferocious defensive player who brought good news to the Bulls organization for many years. He also traveled to North Korea with a Harlem Globetrotters basketball team member and a crew to shoot an episode for an HBO series.
Green is no Rodman and has been suspended indefinitely for taking a shot at Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic. In the regular world, where most people live, not just in professional sports, many employees are referred to a psychologist for anger management.
I do not know if that is what Mr. Green needs, but I know the Warriors do not need these antics from Green, especially this season when they are not a dominant team. If you have to focus more on the suspensions of a player than his productivity, that is never good news. Especially in this social media era where billions of people carry their news in their telephones.
* * *
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
| |
|
Vancouver, B.C. --
Fisherman's Paradise
| | |
|
|
Seven Footers
in the Fraser
by Andy Dolich
| |
|
I have been lucky enough to reel in some rather large finny creatures in my travels. During the weekend of December 1st, I had the always welcome opportunity of returning to the Fraser River in British Columbia, home of the great white sturgeon. I am always searching for the elusive giants that are cruising the depths.
I lived in Vancouver in 1999-2000 while working for the Vancouver Grizzlies. Dave Doroghy, one of my colleagues at the Grizzlies, knew I was interested in fishing, and through him I became better acquainted with all of the incredible outdoor activities in British Columbia. He introduced me to Rick Hansen, the CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, who's a passionate advocate for people with disabilities in Canada and around the world.
This is the 36th anniversary of his life changing journey.
| |
My first 7 footer was estimated at close to 275 lbs. | |
When Rick was 15, a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Rick is a force of nature on many fronts, and his passion for fishing conservation is legendary. That love led him to create the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society in 1997, when the species was in major distress. A mandatory catch-and-release program was created, and the fishery is now one of the most vibrant in North America. Rick invited me out on the Fraser River in search of white sturgeon on his customized boat on Nov. 7, 2000, and I was hooked. | |
|
That's how a sturgeon bite
bends your rod
| |
That's what a big sturgeon does to the fisherman | |
|
The Legendary Rick Hansen approving my second seven footer.
Photos by Tony Nootebos from BC Sportfishing.
The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America and the third-largest species of sturgeon, behind the caviar-bearing beluga and kaluga. White sturgeon are found in four major areas on the west coast of North America, including the Sacramento River, which empties into San Pablo Bay, the Columbia River system in British Columbia and Washington, the Snake River in Oregon and the Fraser River system in British Columbia.
Upside of Sturgeon fishing:
* You aren't out in an ocean that can turn you green.
* British Columbia and other locations are spectacularly beautiful,
with wildlife everywhere.
* The tackle is relatively light.
* The bite of a five-pound fish can be the same as a 500-pound
monster.
* The species is 100 million years old.
* A big fish can be 100 years old.
* There are giants swimming down below.
* All fish are released.
* Every tagged fish is scanned for scientific research enhancing the long term protection of the species. Each fish is measured for length and girth. Untagged fish receive a digital tag.
* * *
Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society
Priority areas include: mortality, habitat erosion, in-river fishery technology and recruitment of juvenile stocks. Inspired by Founder and Honorary Chair, Rick Hansen
BC Sportfishing Group - Sturgeon & Salmon Fishing
| BCSFG
https://www.bcsportfishinggroup.com
BC Sportfishing Group Best Sport fishing in British Columbia. Book Your Fishing Adventure 1.877.796.3345 · BC Sportfishing Group - Your Guides. Sturgeon Fishing ...
Rick Hansen Foundation
Rick Hansen Foundation
https://secure.rickhansen.com
Make Canada Accessible for All — Give today to help create an accessible and inclusive world for people with disabilities. Help remove barriers for people with disabilities. Give the gift of access today. Breaking Down Barriers.
* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
| |
Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 58: Federal Judge Highlights NIL In Transfer-Related Order
| |
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
This week, a federal judge entered an order in favor of the States of Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia and against the NCAA that temporarily enjoins the NCAA from enforcing NCAA Bylaw 14.5.5.1.
The Bylaw deals with restrictions on the eligibility of athletes who transfer from one school to another.
Thus, you may be wondering what its relevance is to a newsletter focused on NIL.
Judge Bailey does make references to NIL within the 31-page order.
On Page 9 of the order, he describes the process of schools wooing players to transfer from one institution to another.
"Once an institution lures an athlete to transfer to their school (often with the promise of NIL money), the institution does not want anyone else to take the student-athlete as a transfer," wrote Judge Bailey.
I found it interesting to see a federal judge put that in writing. We all know this type of "NIL" activity is occurring rampantly, but I don't recall a judge ever acknowledging same. It flies in the face of the NCAA interim NIL policy, which continues to preclude such type of inducement-related activity.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
|
Kicking Points in the NFL is on my Mind!
The Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey just set a record, 30 consecutive field goals starting an NFL career. The record broken was a mere 16. It would be wild if Aubrey continued the streak to establish the record for
most consecutive field goals.
Who has the most consecutive field goals made
during regular season play?
Answer below...
| |
|
Check out Season 3 of The Charge
on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The debut of season three for The Charge, San José State's All-Access Show, aired last Friday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Bay Area. This episode told the story of the Jenkins brothers on the football team, men's golf having a global experience in Japan, the new professional women's soccer team Bay FC, and the WCC championship men's water polo team.
Additional showings of this episode will be on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 22 at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Bay Area. There will also be several re-airs throughout January on NBC Sports California.
Season 3, Episode 1
- First segment: Meet the Jenkins twins that helped lead the football team to a second consecutive bowl game and the first Mountain West championship in 2020.
- Second segment: The men's golf team took a global trip to Japan to compete in a world/amateur golf tournament.
- Third segment: Professional women's soccer is back in the Bay Area as Bay FC will partner with SJSU.
- Fourth segment: The men's water polo team captured the inaugural West Coast Conference championship in stunning fashion.
#AllSpartans
| |
|
Stanford Cardinal 82
Idaho Vandals 64
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Sunday, December 17
| |
Stanford Cardinal center Maxime Raynaud recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Cardinal emerged from their finals break to defeat the Idaho Vandals, 82-64, at Maples Pavilion on Sunday, December 17th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
|
Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
| | |
|
California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
| |
|
Be Careful What You Wish For
by Howard Pearlstein
Actually, I’m the one who needs to be careful – perhaps you’re wiser than I am.
About a month ago, I made a prediction (maybe just a wish) for 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown to make a breakthrough on the field soon. I’d seen him playing for Penn State for a few years, and then Defensive MVP in the Rose Bowl Game. (Remember when the ROSE BOWL was Big Time?) I knew why the 9ers were amazed he was still available in the third round and traded up to get him.
But when he got his 49er shot, my reaction was “NO! Not playing FOR an injured Hufanga, playing WITH Hufanga -- a world class duo like Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman.” So, ok they’d been linebackers and not safeties, but still…
Hufanga’s Kick Six against Green Bay will be on highlight reels forever. And Bowman – also third round and also Penn State. Was the universe telling me something? Maybe not, but …
Anyway, the topsy swerviness of the situation made me remember Peter Cook as the devil in Bedazzled explaining to Dudley Moore he needed to specify the exact details of a wish, otherwise he was going to mess up the choice. (“It’s not personal – it’s my job.”)
I was going on to some other things about the 9ers, but checked my email and got distracted.
I saw an article which just said the Warriors can’t afford to keep Draymond anymore and… WTF? Some guy with his head stuffed so far up his own John A Fissure he’s oxygen-deprived? I decided I can’t afford to read this guy any more lest I lose whatever I have left of my soul. Like every day he makes a trade with the ghost of Roy Cohn to cut out his sense of decency with a sharp pointed tool in trade for being King of the World with a passel of mean-spirited adjectives.
I don’t remember his name, an advantage of being old -- not worth the effort it would take.
Something bad has happened with Draymond and that’s it? Do you know what happened? Do you care? Physical? Mental? Concussions? Brain tumor? Subarachnoid hemorrhage? Family emergency? After all these years we’ve seen him busting his ass, an integral part of the magic we get to enjoy and you say “So what? He’s not fun anymore, just shitcan him.” Like Draymond’s not a person, just a roster selection on a piece of paper.
Like who the f—k are YOU? Someone whose opinions matter? I don’t think so and here’s why: In 1780 French revolutionary Nicolas Chamfort, a Jacobin, quoted his own nom de plume M. de Lassy saying, “A man should swallow a toad every morning so that he might meet with nothing more disgusting during the rest of the day.”
He was wise enough to attribute the observation to someone else, knowing his own Jacobin compadres’ concept of fraternite as: “Be my brother or I’ll kill you.”
90 years later, in 1890, Emile Zola took it farther and advised a young writer how to survive the toxic hypocrisy of reading the daily newspaper: swallow a live whole toad every day, and over enough time he might become immune to the poison, enough to read those writers without gagging or vomiting.
My opinion may not be worth anything, but I must say that you sir, are that toad, and your venom is toxic enough for someone to accept mass school shootings as Free Speech. With all the due respect you deserve, sir, I’m not that someone.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
| |
Sergio Romo -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
|
Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Sergio Romo has always been known as a fan-friendly player. One year he hosted a Christmas toy drive where anyone who donated a toy would receive an autograph and photo with him. I donated a toy, and he signed a baseball for me and added the three years the Giants won the World Series with him. I also got this photo with him. He is truly a super nice guy in person.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| |
|
Earthquakes Acquire Preston Judd in Trade with LA Galaxy
Forward amassed three goals and two assists in debut 2023 MLS season
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired forward Preston Judd from the LA Galaxy in exchange for $100,000 of General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2024 and $100,000 of GAM in 2025. The Galaxy could receive up to an additional $50,000 of 2025 GAM for performance-based incentives.
“Preston is a physical and energetic young forward with the ability to finish,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “He has worked hard over the years to earn his place in Major League Soccer and will be an asset to our front line.”
Judd, 24, was originally selected 35th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by the Galaxy, later signing a first-team contract with the club on April 4, 2022. After earning his MLS debut at the beginning of the 2023 season, he went on to score three goals in six starts (17 appearances).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
| |
|
Your Tickets Are Waiting
Whether you are getting them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one this holiday season, make sure to get your tickets now! Prices may increase as events approach and our hospitality experiences sell out!
**Stay Tuned for more information on Ferrari Challenge and
GRIDLIFE Coming Soon**
Trans Am Speedfest
The Trans Am Series has been thrilling fans and drivers alike since 1966, with a range of classes that include production-based entries all the way up to the iconic 850-plus horsepower Trans Am class. Come see America’s muscle like Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers competing against European-based Audi and Mercedes-AMG for racing honors on Monterey County’s iconic racecourse, Trans Am’s spiritual Monterey home.
Supporting the modern-day racing is a full grid of the original Historic Trans Am racers of the past that made the series so dominating. These historic Trans Am cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s will once again roar to life on the same track where driving legends once competed in door-to-door and paint-swapping action.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
| |
|
New Racing Surface to Greet Drivers at Sonoma Raceway; Bay Cities Paving & Grading
to Repave Iconic Racing Surface
Photo courtesy Brandy Falconer
SONOMA, Calif. (December 5, 2023) – Racers and fans are about to be treated to a newly paved surface at California’s busiest racing facility.
Sonoma Raceway announced today a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing the best racing experience for fans and drivers alike. The world-renowned road course will undergo a comprehensive repaving project in preparation for the June 7-9, 2024 NASCAR race weekend.
“Our racing surface is in use more than 300 days per year,” said Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “While our headline event is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, our raceway is used by car clubs, automotive enthusiasts, corporate clients and manufacturers on a daily basis. It’s important that we continue to upgrade this first-class facility for everyone who comes to Sonoma Raceway.”
Local area business Bay Cities Paving & Grading of Concord, CA has been awarded the contract for the project.
“We’re thrilled to have our repaving project managed by a Bay Area company,” Flynn said. “This is part of our continuing effort to work within our community while producing world-class events that bring in guests from around the country and the world.”
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
| |
|
Cal Topped By Ole Miss In San Antonio
Tyson Leads Five Double-Figure Scorers In 88-78 Loss
SAN ANTONIO – The California men's basketball team saw all five starters score in double figures but it could not slow down a hot-shooting Ole Miss in an 88-78 loss at Frost Bank Center on Saturday.
The Rebels (10-0) shot 57.1% (12 of 21) from 3-point range and 52.5% overall as they remained one of four unbeaten teams in the country. Cal (3-7), which lost its second straight game, never led in the neutral-site contest that was played as part of the 2023 Hall of Fame Series.
Jaylon Tyson scored a team-high 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting and Grant Newell had 13 points – including 10 in the first half – to go along with seven rebounds. Fardaws Aimaq recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Keonte Kennedy and Jalen Cone added 11 points apiece.
The Golden Bears reached 78 points for the third straight game and sixth time this season on 41.7% shooting, but trailed by double digits for the majority of the contest. Ole Miss jumped out to a 10-point advantage, 14-4, just over five minutes into the game. Cal cut its deficit to six, 28-22, on a 3-pointer by Tyson with 7:56 remaining in the first half, before the Rebels stretched it back to an 11-point difference by halftime.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: CK Hicks/Cal Athletics
www.calbears.com
| |
|
Stanford Falls at Virginia Tech
Cardinal now 2-1 on the season
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Sophomore Daniel Cardenas avenged an early season loss, but No. 16 Stanford fell at No. 10 Virginia Tech, 29-7, Sunday, at Cassell Coliseum.
Stanford (2-1) dropped its first dual of the season to the Hokies (3-1), winning just two of the eight bouts.
Cardenas, who is ranked No. 8 at 157 pounds, registered a 15-7 major decision over seventh-ranked Bryce Andonian, who defeated the sophomore with a major decision of his own on Dec. 2 at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Cardenas gave up an early takedown, but responded with a pair to lead 7-4 after the first.
Andonian went down to start the second and cut the lead to 7-5 with an escape. Cardenas went to work, scoring his third takedown of the match, and led 10-6 going into the final period. After tallying an escape, Cardenas recorded another takedown and secured riding time for the win. The Arvada, Colorado, native improves to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in duals this season.
continued...
By Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Sam Janicki
www.gostanford.com
| |
|
SPARTANS BACK IN ACTION ON MONDAY AT CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – The San José State women's basketball team (4-6, 0-0 MW) is back in action after two weeks off to take on Cal State Northridge (2-6, 0-0 Big West) on Monday afternoon as the Spartans start to wind down their non-conference schedule.
The Spartans are coming off a 73-47 loss at Hawaii on December 3.
Semaj Smith recorded her third-straight game with double-digit points off the bench.
Freshman Sydni Summers, in her first-career start, had three 3-pointers for the fourth-straight game.
Summers is sixth in the Mountain West in 3PT FG per game, averaging 1.89.
Freshman Jyah LoVett is fourth in the Mountain West in steals per game (2.67) and sixth in assists per game (3.0).
Amhyia Moreland is tied for eighth in the Mountain West in rebounds per game at 6.6.
The Spartans rank atop the Mountain West in offensive rebound percentage at 35.7 percent.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | Final Pac-12 Match Up and First Against "East Bay" Ahead for Gaels
SEATTLE – Saint Mary's Women's Basketball will take on the Washington Huskies for the final time as a member of the Pac-12 on Saturday, before coming home to host Cal State East Bay on Monday.
The Gaels will get the full spectrum in competition over the next two games, taking on the undefeated Huskies of the Pac-12, and the NCAA Division II Pioneers.
SMC is 1-3 all time against the Huskies, with the win coming in the most recent meeting between the two, as the Gaels won 91-81 on November 8, 2013 in Moraga, Calif. Saint Mary's center Ali Bamberger returns to play at Washington for the first time since she was a member of the Huskies as a freshman.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Bamberger scored 106 points that lone season with UW, and when she crossed 1,000 career points in the second game of this season, she and her father Eric Bamberger became just the second father-daughter tandem in NCAA Division-I history to score 1,000 points in their career, as Eric scored 1,225 points at Saint Mary's. Brad Sellers' 1,960 points at Wisconsin and Ohio State and his daughter Shayla Sellers' 1,030 points and counting at Purdue Fort Wayne are the only other D1 father-daughter combo with 1,000 points.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
#GaelsRise --- Photo/Tod Fierner
www.smcgaels.com
| |
|
Leite and dos Santos Post Career Highs, Dons Defeat Portland State on the Road
PORTLAND, Ore. – Propelled by career highs from Luana Leite and Debora dos Santos, the University of San Francisco women's basketball team (3-7) powered past Portland State (5-4), 74-63, Saturday afternoon at Viking Pavilion.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
San Francisco recorded the first points of the game when dos Santos scored a turnaround jump hook in the lane for a 2-0 advantage with just 10 seconds off the clock.
The Dons continued to shoot the ball efficiently during the opening minutes of the quarter, scoring on four of their first six field-goal attempts, capped off with a Freja Werth second-chance layup to give the team an 8-6 lead at the 7:37 mark of the first quarter.
The two teams continued to trade baskets throughout the first quarter, with neither side holding more than a two-point lead. The Vikings pulled ahead late and had a four-point advantage, 18-14, after the first 10 minutes of action.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.usfdons.com
| |
|
Cold Shooting Sinks Women's Basketball at Oregon State
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Cold shooting was too much to overcome as Santa Clara women's basketball fell at Oregon State 80-52 Friday night. The Beavers came out hot to start and the Broncos offense couldn't get anything going until the second half.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Oregon State (8-0) scored the first 10 points of the game as Santa Clara (9-3) missed its first 10 shots from the field. The Broncos found themselves down 21-7 after the first quarter.
The offense didn't come around in the second quarter either, as Santa Clara went 5-of-17 from the floor in the period and entered the half down 20.
In the second half the Broncos were able to get their offense going a bit, scoring 34 points in the final 20 minutes but still struggled to shoot it, finishing the half at 30.0-percent.
Tess Heal and Marya Hudgins led the offense with 17 points each. Hudgins also added a team-high seven rebounds. Olivia Pollerd chipped in nine points as well.
Raegan Beers led all scorers with 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds for the double-double. Talia von Oelhoffen scored 18 with seven rebounds and seven assists while AJ Marotte added 10 points.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Christina Leung / Santa Clara Athletics
www.santaclarabroncos.com
| |
University of Pacific Tigers | |
|
PACIFIC SWIM STARTS STRONG IN DAY ONE OF UNLV INVITE
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Pacific men's and women's swimming kicked off the first day of the three-day UNLV Invite in Las Vegas. The Tigers cruised through Sunday's ten finals events, with the men scoring 102 points and the women 77 on the first day.
Sunday started with prelims for six events, consisting of the 500 Free, 200 IM and 50 Free. Junior Jadyn Phillips jump started the morning clocking a 5:05.74 to lead the Tiger women. On the men's side, sophomore Ethan Cole came in at 4:37.13.
Following with the 200 IM, junior Noemi Melendez improved to 2:09.38, dropping nearly a full second from her seeded time. Senior Aidan Scott clocked a 1:52.14 for the Tiger men.
Ten women raced in the 50 Free prelim, with half of them improving from their seeded times. Junior Paige Sondgeroth led them all with a 23.91. Melendez dropped nearly half a second, clocking a 24.40, but senior June Akpata improved the most, moving to 25.33, dropping 1.44 seconds.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
| |
 | |
UC Davis Gymnastics Releases 2024 Schedule
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Gymnastics is set to showcase their talent four times at home throughout this 2024 season at the UCU Center. The Aggies will compete at 10 different meets this year, kicking it off with their home opener against Causeway Rivals Sacramento State.
The 2023 MPSF Champions will open the campaign as hosts against Sacramento State on Sunday, Jan. 8 in the UCU Center. Davis will take on their local rivals head-to-head one more time later in the season.
UC Davis will then head north for a two-day meet with the University of Alaska Anchorage on Friday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 21.
The Aggies won't be gone for too long because they are set to host the next weekend Sunday, Jan. 28. The team will be battling it out with Gustavus Adolphus College.
Back on the road, the Aggies will have three straight away meets. They will first meet back up with the team in Green, Sacramento State on Friday, Feb. 2. The Ags will then head down to the bay to San Jose State on Friday, Feb. 9 before heading to Colorado. There, UC Davis will standoff against host Air Force Academy and Centenary College on Friday, Feb. 16.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Fall to No. 13 WWU on Saturday
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay women's basketball dropped a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon against No. 13 Western Washington, 79-55 at Pioneer Gymnasium.
GAME SUMMARY
The Pioneers opened with the game with the first four points, layups from Kayla Rosemon and Jaela Richardson, but the Vikings scored the next 10 points unanswered, and did not look back in the opening quarter. WWU led 24-6 through the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Vikings continued to pull away, outscoring the Pioneers 21-11 to take a 45-17 lead into halftime.
While the third quarter was even at 20-20, the Pioneers outscored WWU in the fourth quarter, 18-14, highlighted by eight made free throws and five field goals. However, the Vikings finished the game with a 79-55 victory.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo/Rob Edwards / KLC foto
| |
|
CAREERS AT ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB
WORK FOR THE BEST
Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club is steeped in nearly a century of yachting traditions. From the beginning, St. Francis Yacht Club’s membership has included many of the Bay Area’s most prominent citizens and greatest sailors. The Club’s annual regatta schedule is one of the most active in the world and it has been consistently rated the #1 Yacht Club in America. Career opportunities at StFYC are many and varied—with three dining facilities, private party and event spaces, docks and small boat fleets, a robust 2,400+ membership, and a private island in the Delta—the club requires a talented staff to meet the needs of members and guests and to maintain its top-notch facilities.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
| |
Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
|
Adam Vinatieri is the man who holds the record for the most consecutive field goals in the regular season with 44.
Vinatieri spent most of his career playing for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. He spent ten years with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowl rings and spent another 14 years
with the Colts.
Vinatieri finally retired at the age of 48 in January of 2020. This link will take you to the info and the answer to the question of who holds the record for consecutive field goals, including playoffs...
* * *
Thank goodness there are just three more weeks of the NFL season.
4 out of 6 ain't bad on my betting card, but it ain't a winning result.
I can look at it being only three more tries to recover my losses or, which is probably more the case, I can stop my losing streak
now until next year!
Go Celtics!
| | |
|
|
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
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
| |
|
Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
| |
|
“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
| |
|
"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. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
| |
Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
|
Stanford MBkB Cardinal 82, Idaho Vandals 64, December 17, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Hoodslam Oakland. December 4, 2023.
Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal (WBB) Bears 76, Nevada Wolf Pack 49, December 9, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita..
Cal (WBB) Bears 70, Gonzaga Bulldogs 78, December 7, 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal (WBB) Bears 74, Saint Mary’s Gaels 69, December 2, 2023. Photos by Darren Yamashita.
Stanford Cardinal (FB) 23, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56, November 25, 2023. Photos and captions by Alex Ho.
Cal Bears (FB) 33, UCLA Bruins 7. November 25, 2023.
Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
Golden State Warriors 118, San Antonio Spurs 112, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (WBB) 74, San Jose State Spartans 51, November 24, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
UC Davis Aggies (FB) 31, Sacramento State Hornets 21, November 18, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBB) 60, Montana State Bobcats 63. November 17, 2023. Photos and captions by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 57, Weber State Warriors 61, November 12, 2023. Photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
| |
|
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, December 18, through
Sunday, December 24, 2023
| |
|
Monday, December 18
Tuesday, December 19
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20
Thursday, December 21
San Jose Sharks vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 22
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 23
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Costal Carolina Chanticleers, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 24
| |
|
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
| |
|
FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| |
LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
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 foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
|
Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
* Economical rates
* Sponsorship opportunities
Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
| | |
|
5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
| |
|
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!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
| |
|
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 helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq. is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
| | | | |
