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This weekend marked the 51st Head of the Charles, the largest long distance rowing event in the world with more than 11,000 athletes and 2,500 crews coming from over 60 countries to compete.
The event this year was historic for Nobles Crew on many dimensions. For the first time we had four crews (2 girls, 2 boys competing) comprising 14 athletes representing our school. As coaches, Lizzy Antonik and I could not be prouder of what was achieved on the water, and it has set us up for spring in the best possible way.
The boys' four finished second overall and were the top North American crew, beating not only every other ISL school, but also every boys' high school and club program in the country. Last year we finished 72nd out of 85 and were over 2 minutes down on the top ISL school, Belmont Hill. With this performance, Nobles wins the Metropolitan District Commission Cup for the best performance in the regatta by a Massachusetts high school
The girls moved from 66th to 18th in another strong international field of 85 and went from being nearly 2 minutes down on the top 2 ISL schools last year (Newton Country Day and Winsor) to being one of the top 2 ISL schools this year and only 15 seconds down on Winsor.
Our entries in the double sculls represented the first-ever participation by Nobles in elite sculling HOCR 2015 Boys Varsity Crewevents, and both crews delivered highly creditable performances.
In what everybody in the sport describes as a coxswains race, with really challenging turns and shifts in wind direction along a 3-mile course, we had four of our coxswains competing, two for our fours and two for outside crews. They steered near perfect courses to shave valuable seconds off their boats' times. Our scullers did a great job of navigating the course on their own while rowing.
All of that said, our teams would not have been able to compete this year were it not for the incredible support of the entire team (and a number of parents) who helped Nobles earn its entry spots in the regatta in return for volunteer service over the weekend. The regatta relies on the results of the spectator survey you supported in its relationship with the Commonwealth of Mass, and the many sponsors of the regatta. Fred Schoch, the Executive Director of the Regatta, expressed his heartfelt thanks.
As our crews passed the commentary stand yesterday, it was announced to thousands of spectators that our rowers were competing in honor of their friend and classmate, Casey Dunne '17, and honor her they did.
Boys IV (4+):
Bow – Geoff Skelly '17
2 – Iain Sheerin '17
3 – Hayden Folgert '16
Stroke – Aidan Crawford '16
Cox – Katie Hooker '16
Boys double (2X)
Bow – Trevor McEvoy '17
Stroke – Calvin Kinghorn '17
Bow – Meryl Rueppel '16
2 – Lizzie Trull '16
3 – Alexis Lelon '16
Stroke – Hillary Umphrey '17
Cox – Katherine Paglione '16
Bow – Helena Jensen '17
Stroke – Hanna McNeil '17
-Joshua Accomando, Head Coach for Varsity Boys Crew
Photo credits: boys' boat and girls' boat, Michael Dwyer. | https://www.nobles.edu/news/historic-weekend-at-head-of-the-charles/ | 737 |
In 1938 four rowers, representing the Fort William Rowing Club, earned the distinction of becoming the first crew to claim a team victory for northwestern Ontario at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, doing so in the Junior 4's event.
The crew consisted of Murray Teeple as stroke, George Nickerson and Jim Miller (both of whom learned their rowing skills while competing in Kenora) and George Moors in the bow position. The crew gained entry into the final event of the Junior 4's by qualifying in the 2nd heat of the preliminary round of competition against crews from Lachine, Quebec and Buffalo, New York. In the final heat of the event, Fort William was matched against crews from Winnipeg, the University of Toronto and Lachine.
Fort William took an early lead in the final race and went on to finish the mile and 550 yard course in the remarkable time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds. The crew crossed the finish line an impressive four boat lengths ahead of the 2nd place Winnipeg team to claim the 56th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Junior 4's championship title. The victory was a double triumph for Fort William inasmuch as they had been defeated by Winnipeg crew at the Northwestern International Rowing Association's Regatta just one week prior.
Fort William's time marked the fastest record finish in the Henley Junior 4's final on the St. Catharines course since the event was first held there in 1903. Their record remained unbroken for the next 14 years of Henley competition, proving just how outstanding the accomplishment made by these northwestern Ontario oarsmen truly was.
Standing (left to right):
George Moors(bow), George Nickerson, Jim Miller, Murray Teeple (stroke).
Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 17, 1988 | https://www.nwosportshalloffame.com/team-profile/9bdbafe9-b191-4992-b96b-9a8088a8afbb | 372 |
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Who Is Gymnast Trinea Gonczar And Why Was It So Difficult For Her To Face Larry Nassar?
“He does that to me all the time! You're fine!” Trinea Gonczar recalled saying in HBO's "At the Heart of the Gold."
The impact statements read at Larry Nassar's trial in 2018 detailed the horrific instances of abuse perpetrated by the former USA Gymnastics doctor. The painful testimony from scores of women who suffered because of Nassar's crimes garnered international attention. The task at hand ever since his conviction has been to unravel the mystery of how, exactly, he was able to get away with such heinous behavior for so long.
This is precisely the question at the center of Erin Lee Carr's new HBO documentary, "At the Heart of the Gold." Amongst the many people interviewed in the new film is Trinea Gonczar, a victim of Nassar's whose story has become a focal point for understanding the situation writ large. Who is Trinea Gonczar and how did she come to know Nassar in the first place?
Trinea Gonczar is a gymnast who was treated by Nassar over 800 times for pain and injuries incurred during her career over the course of decades, according to The Huffington Post. She had trained at the Twistars club (where Nassar volunteered) in Lansing, Michigan from the age of 6, according to The Cut. While John Geddert, the head coach at Twistars, was known for cruelty, Nassar became available to the young athletes as a less harsh and much more jovial counterpart. When Gonczar was 9-years-old and her injuries were more serious, he began inviting her back to his home for private care. Gonczar developed a loyalty to Nassar because, according to her, the treatments ultimately worked.
“Larry fixed my ankles,” Trinea said to The Cut. “He fixed my shins. He fixed my knees. He fixed my shoulders. He fixed my wrists. We called it ‘the magic of Larry’ — he could fix you so you could compete. And I always wanted to compete.”
Nassar remained a supportive figure in the background of Gonczar's life, even accompanying her to a major surgery at the age of 15, according to The Cut.
Gonczar now remembers other girls telling her about some of the more questionable procedures performed on them.
“He does that to me all the time!” she recalled saying in "At the Heart of the Gold." “You’re fine.”
In "At The Heart Of The Gold," Gonczar wonders how Nassar managed to manipulate her so thoroughly, sometimes even with her mother in the room.
"I'm trying to remember back to these 'treatments.' I'm thinking back, like, 'How the heck didn't any — how did he do that?' And then I remember, I don't think there was a silent moment. I mean, I don't think he ever stopped talking. 'What's happening today? How's your family?'"
When Nassar was ultimately arrested in September of 2016, hard drives containing 37,000 images of child pornography included pictures of Gonczar, according to NPR. But before his capture, Gonczar was stunned to have learned that Nassar had been accused of anything at all, despite having been one of the many subjects of his illicit gaze. And even though she was molested over what her lawyers estimate more than 840 times, Gonczar still considered Nassar somewhat of a confidant.
Gonczar believed that the treatments she received were legitimate wanted to believe there had simply been a misunderstanding.
"I felt really bad for our gym, you know, all these people that love this person, like, so much love for him," she said to NPR of the discovery. "You know, it's like when you really realized that there's another side to someone, and at that point I was kind of still like, I knew that it was not good. I knew that things were not good, and I knew that this had happened to me, but I was not in a space yet where I was like, 'I'm going to come forward.'"
Through therapy, Gonczar was able to confront the memories of her abuse that she had tried to ignore, deny, and repress, according to NPR. That's when she found the courage to talk to authorities about what had happened to her. As more victims began telling their stories about Nassar in 2017, her idealistic picture of the doctor changed.
"I was so furious. Like, I literally want to kill him at that moment to hear her story. I was just so angry for this poor girl," said Gonczar to NPR. "And, like, that's when I really transitioned myself into the decision of I can't support him anymore and I need to support the girls. Like, I need to be here for these girls. I need to make friends with these girls, like, I need to, however I can, be there for them."
"I started to have heavy guilt about other people that had come to me when I was younger ... And then I [began] thinking, 'Oh my god, did I silence these people? Did I stop them from stopping him?'" Gonczar added in "At The Heart Of The Gold."
Gonczar would go on to give a powerful impact statement during Nassar's sentencing. While Nassar had remained steadfast throughout his trial, Gonczar's words in particular appeared to sting.
"I had to make an extremely hard choice this week, Larry," she said to him in court in January of 2018. "I had to choose whether [to] continue supporting you through this or to support them: the girls. I choose them, Larry. I choose to love them and protect them. I choose to stop caring for you and supporting you. I choose to look you in the face and tell you that you hurt us, you hurt me. I hope you will see it from me in my eyes today that I believed in you always until I couldn't anymore. I hope you cry like we cry. I hope you feel bad for what you've done. I hope more than anything, each day these girls can feel less pain. I hope you want that for us, but this is goodbye to you, Larry, and this time it's time for me to close the door. It's time for me to stand up for these little girls and not stand behind you anymore, Larry.
"Goodbye, Larry. May God bless your dark, broken soul," she concluded.
In a conversation with WBUR Radio of Boston, Gonczar reflected on the importance of her confrontation with Nassar at court.
"That moment, for me, was 1000 percent between he and I," she said. "It was a moment that the world saw that was extremely heartbreaking for me and, to be honest, heartbreaking for him. I never understood that this person could be the same person as the person that did this to all these girls and did so much harm. But now, as I go forward, I can understand, for these other amazing ladies and athletes and women, how this ruined a part of their life because they didn't know him the same fashion that I knew him."
Speaking with HBO about her process of healing in the wake of the trial, Gonczar emphasizes the value of reconciliation on her well-being.
"Being with my fellow sister survivors has helped me tremendously," she said. "Our shared experience helps us to understand and support each other completely. It has also been very helpful to work with other survivors of sexual violence. They teach me something new about myself every day.
Gonczar also underscored the importance of trusting in victims when they speak up.
"People often think there is a more complex solution on how to help survivors, but really the most important thing is to listen to and believe them," she said. "I hope viewers see that more often than not, predators are closer and perhaps more familiar to us then people think. Most people imagine predators as strangers in a white van driving down the road; we think we could spot them clearly. But statistically they are usually people we already know and maybe even trust. I hope that by sharing our stories, viewers can learn how to prevent something similar happening to themselves or a loved one."
Nonetheless, Gonczar's relationship to her memories of Nassar remain complicated. In "At The Heart Of The Gold," Gonczar discusses her ambivalence.
"I find it hard to look at him as like a criminal," she says. "Aside from all of the things he did. Because that's not — I don't know another criminal. I don't know another serial child molester. He was so good at being who he was on the other side of that. He was, I mean, he was awesome. I hate even saying that because it's counter-intuitive of what the heck's happening to us. He was awesome. That's why we all loved him."
"At the Heart of the Gold" begins airing on HBO May 3. | https://www.oxygen.com/martinis-murder/gymnast-trinea-gonczar-larry-nassar | 1,938 |
The Shorewood High School and Messmer Athletic Departments are proud to announce the appointment of the new football coach for the 2024-25 season. Keith Roberts has accepted the position and will be our co-op team’s head football coach.Keith is currently a physical education teacher for Shorewood School District. Coach Roberts spent the last two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Messwood Greyhounds Football program and first as head coach. He is a 2006 Lincoln College Preparatory Academy HS graduate located in Kansas City, Missouri. Coach Roberts played both football and baseball at Missouri Valley College, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 2012, along with a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Cardinal Stritch University in 2016.
In the last 12 years, Keith has experience as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. Most notably, he was part of a Milwaukee Marshall High School program from 2016-2019, where they achieved a city conference title as well as a first-round playoff victory. Relocating to Chalmette, Louisiana, the following year, he coached football at Chalmette High School, where they won a District 8-5A championship, along with another first-round playoff win. We welcome our new head coach and anticipate great performances from our student-athletes next year. Go Messwood!
About Shorewood High School
Shorewood High School is dedicated to ensuring equitable learning spaces, promoting growth for all learners, and fostering excellence in all of our students. With a comprehensive curriculum and a team of dedicated teachers, SSD has been nurturing leaders and change makers for many years. Committed to inclusivity and diversity, the Shorewood School District believes in creating a safe, respectful, and vibrant community where every student can thrive.
About Messmer High School
Messmer High School participates in the Milwaukee and Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs and is one of three schools in the Messmer Catholic Schools system, providing education for nearly 1,300 students from grades K4-12. Messmer Catholic Schools is an anchor on Milwaukee’s northside and committed to providing a faith-based education empathizing with strong literacy and STEM skills. | https://www.shorewood.k12.wi.us/apps/news/article/1885070 | 440 |
The Ireland Men’s Sevens squad, sponsored by TritonLake, is gearing up for an exciting finale at the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in London.
Update – Ireland into quarter-films
"Ruthless off set-piece"
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) May 20, 2023
Head Coach James Topping has announced a formidable squad of 13 players, including five new additions, as they aim to make their mark in the tournament. With their sights set on the European Games in June and the opportunity to secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ireland Men are determined to deliver a strong performance on the grand stage of Twickenham.
Leading the team as captain for the eleventh and final stop of the 2023 Series is Harry McNulty, whose leadership and experience will be vital in guiding the squad through the intense competition. The recent additions to the team, Chay Mullins, Matthew McDonald, Hugo Lennox, Dylan O’Grady, and Gavin Mullin, bring a fresh perspective and added depth to the roster following a commendable sixth-place finish in Toulouse.
Currently ranked eighth in the overall World Series standings, Ireland Men are eager to conclude the season on a positive note and continue their momentum as they shift their focus to the European Games in Krakow later in the summer. The upcoming London Sevens will serve as a crucial opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and make a strong impression against formidable opponents.
Drawn in Pool B, Ireland will face tough challenges from Argentina, Fiji, and Japan. Their campaign kicks off on Saturday morning with an intense encounter against the formidable Fijian squad, known for their speed, agility, and flair. The Irish players will need to bring their A-game to overcome this daunting opposition.
Later in the day, Ireland Men will go head-to-head with Japan, a team that has shown great resilience and determination in previous tournaments. This match promises to be an exciting clash of contrasting styles, with Ireland’s physicality pitted against Japan’s tactical prowess.
In their final pool match, Ireland Men will face Argentina, a side known for their fierce competitiveness and skillful play. This encounter will undoubtedly test the Irish players’ abilities and provide a thrilling spectacle for fans.
With the tournament spanning across two days, the final day will feature the playoff matches, where teams will battle it out for their final standings. Ireland Men will be determined to secure a prominent position, showcasing their growth and potential on the world stage.
Rugby enthusiasts can catch all the action from London by tuning into the World Rugby Sevens Series website and app, witnessing the thrilling battles, breathtaking tries, and electrifying moments of the tournament.
As the Ireland Men’s Sevens squad takes to the field at Twickenham, they carry the hopes and expectations of a nation. With a blend of experience, fresh talent, and unwavering determination, they aim to leave an indelible mark on the London Sevens and pave the way for a successful campaign at the European Games
You can watch all the action from London on the World Rugby Sevens Series website and app.
Ireland Men’s Sevens Squad:
Harry McNulty (UCD RFC) (capt)
Chay Mullins (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht/IQ Rugby)
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC)
Matthew McDonald (IQ Rugby)
Niall Comerford (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Connor O’Sullivan (Lansdowne FC/IQ Rugby)
Billy Dardis (Terenure College RFC)
Hugo Lennox (Skerries RFC)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)
Bryan Mollen (UCD RFC)
Gavin Mullin (UCD RFC)
Dylan O’Grady (UCD RFC)
Sean Galvin (Lansdowne FC)
Ireland Men’s Sevens Schedule:
Saturday, May 20 –
- Ireland Men v Fiji – 10.23am
- Ireland Men v Japan – 1.31pm
- Ireland Men v Argentina – 5.35pm
Sunday, May 21 –
- Play-off matches. | https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/ireland-7s-rugby-london-preview-team-fixtures-tv-details | 891 |
The Doncaster Mile, historically known as the Doncaster Handicap, stands as a pinnacle event in the Australian horse racing calendar. Hosted annually at Randwick Racecourse amidst the vibrant Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, it captures the essence of premier mile racing down under. This Group 1 race unfolds under handicap conditions, welcoming competitors of various classes.
With a generous prize pool of $4,000,000, it attracts elite talent and enthusiasm from across the globe. Mark your calendars for April 6, 2024, when the next chapter of this storied race will be written at Randwick Racecourse.
Getting the latest tips on the Doncaster Mile 2024 is essential to form a winning strategy. Let's dive into this guide.
A Storied Past: The Legacy of the Doncaster Mile
The Doncaster Mile, also known as the Doncaster Handicap, is recognised as the premier mile race in Australian horse racing. This Group 1 event, held at Randwick Racecourse, draws a field of 20 Open Class horses, chosen by a ballot system based on their benchmark rating. The 1600m race, with a spacious 600m run to the first turn, minimises the impact of the barrier draw, ensuring a competitive field.
Renowned for its rich history and significant prize pool of $4 million, the Doncaster Mile is a highlight of The Championships on the first Saturday of April, amidst the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. It's the crown jewel in a day filled with high-calibre racing, including the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, Australian Derby, ATC Sires' Produce Stakes, and the Country Championships Final.
The race's legacy, dating back to its inaugural running in 1866 with Dundee emerging victorious, is embellished with victories by racing legends like Winx, Grand Armee, and Sunline. The handicap nature of the race levels the playing field, allowing up-and-coming three-year-olds to challenge seasoned champions, making it a focal point of betting intrigue. Additionally, the winner gains automatic entry into the autumn's crown jewel, the $5 million Group 1 WFA Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Expert Betting Guide on the Doncaster Mile
Placing a bet on the Doncaster Mile is a seamless process, especially through online betting platforms. We highly recommend reputable bookmakers such as Neds for its user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive market coverage.
Simply create an account, find the Doncaster Mile market, and select the odds of the horse you wish to back. These platforms offer a straightforward path to participate in the action, ensuring you're well-equipped to support your favourite with just a few clicks.
Doncaster Mile 2024 Date and Time: Mark Your Calendars
Mark your calendars! The prestigious Doncaster Mile 2024 event is set for a thrilling Saturday, April 6, at the celebrated Randwick Racecourse. While the exact start time of the race remains under wraps, anticipation continues to build for this highlight of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Stay tuned for updates on the scheduled times to ensure you don't miss out on any of the action.
Experiencing Doncaster Mile 2024: Venue Highlights
The action-packed Doncaster Mile 2024 is set to dazzle punters and horse racing aficionados at the iconic Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, April 6. Nestled in the heart of Sydney's racing circuit, this venue is renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-tier facilities, promising an unforgettable day of world-class horse racing. Prepare to immerse yourself in the thrill and pageantry of one of Australia's most celebrated racing events.
Roll of Honor: Doncaster Mile Winners (2007-2023)
Steeped in tradition, the winners of the Doncaster Mile from 2007 to 2023 have etched their names into Australian horse racing lore. These champions, each with their unique story, have triumphed in one of the most competitive fields in racing, showcasing determination, speed, and skill. Here's a retrospective look at the illustrious winners:
• 2023: Mr. Brightside
• 2022: Mr. Brightside
• 2021: Cascadian
• 2020: Nettoyer
• 2019: Brutal
• 2018: Happy Clapper
• 2017: It's Somewhat
• 2016: Winx
• 2015: Kermadec
• 2014: Sacred Falls
• 2013: Sacred Falls
• 2012: More Joyous
• 2011: Sacred Choice
• 2010: Rangirangdoo
• 2009: Vision and Power
• 2008: Triple Honour
• 2007: Haradasun
These thoroughbreds and their connections have not only claimed victory but have also become a part of racing history, their achievements celebrated by enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Catch the 2024 Doncaster Mile Live: Your Viewing Guide
Tune in to the excitement of the 2024 Doncaster Mile no matter where you are, with a variety of live viewing options to suit everyone's preferences. For fans of traditional broadcasting, Channel 7 continues its longstanding partnership with Autumn Carnival Racing, offering free-to-air coverage. Enhance your viewing experience by accessing Channel 7's live broadcasts via the 7plus app, ensuring you won't miss a beat of the action.
For those seeking more specialised racing content, Sky Racing's channels, including Sky Racing 1, Sky Racing 2, and Sky Thoroughbred Central, will broadcast the Doncaster Mile, available through pay TV subscriptions. Additionally, streaming options are plentiful; TAB and Sportsbet account holders can stream Sky Racing directly or utilise the Sky Racing Active app for an immersive live racing experience. Don't forget to explore other bookmakers for racing broadcasts, as many offer exclusive viewing options—reviews are readily available for guidance.
For live streaming enthusiasts, Racing NSW also offers the race live through their platform, accessible on their website or their dedicated app. However, for the ultimate racing ambience, consider watching trackside. Many Australian pubs will screen the race live, but nothing compares to the electric atmosphere of witnessing the Doncaster Mile at the Randwick Racecourse, where you can experience the thrill firsthand. | https://www.sportsoddshistory.com/doncaster-mile-2024-ultimate-guide-to-field-betting-odds-expert-tips-and-race-results/ | 1,261 |
Outside of the Herschel Walker trade, the most frequent reader request for further investigation off of our "great what-if moments in Minnesota sports history" series happened more than 70 years ago.
Talk about rewriting a lot of the past!
Writes reader Barry Y.: "Do you know the story of John Wooden and the Gophers? Due to bad weather conditions, the phone lines went dead causing the Gophers to lose John Wooden as their head coach. By far, the biggest 'what if' ever."
Joe N. and Tim K., among other, had basically the same request.
So what might have happened if this particular bit of history was altered? Well, let's examine the facts:
*First, as you might know (and as Barry suggested), there is a great back story to all this. Our own Sid Hartman has written about it multiple times – including nearly a decade ago, upon the death of Wooden at age 99.
As the story goes, Gophers athletic director Frank McCormick tried to hire Wooden as men's basketball coach in 1948. The two sides had an agreement, pending McCormick getting approval from school president James Morrill to let Wooden hire his own assistant coaches – which was going to cost extra money.
McCormick obtained the approval, but bad weather knocked out phone lines – preventing McCormick from getting back in touch with Wooden to tell him. They were supposed to call at 6 p.m., Wooden said many years ago. By the time he reached him, it was too late: Wooden, thinking the Gophers had lost interest, had accepted an offer from UCLA, even though (as Sid wrote) it was the preference of Wooden and his wife to stay in the Midwest.
Wooden went on to win 10 national titles with UCLA. The Gophers … did not.
So would the Gophers have become a national power with Wooden? Would that have been their history? It's possible. But there are other things to consider.
*When they failed to land Wooden, the Gophers had a pretty good consolation prize: Ozzie Cowles, a Minnesota native who was pried away after just two seasons as Michigan's head coach – the second of which ended with a trip to the NCAA tournament (which had a field of just eight teams at the time).
Cowles actually had a really good run with the Gophers. In his first seven seasons after being hired in 1948, Cowles led the Gophers to a .686 winning percentage – pretty similar to Wooden's .713 mark in his first seven years at UCLA after taking that job.
*Wooden was tempted in 1950 to take the vacant job at Purdue – his alma mater. But he decided to stay at UCLA to fulfill a three-year commitment and in reality stayed much longer of course. Maybe if he had taken the Minnesota job, it would have been easier for him to slide back over and take the Purdue job, depending on what the terms were here and how things were going. Then we might be talking about a different kind of regret.
*Wooden had strong seasons from the start with UCLA, but he didn't win his first national championship until 15 years after taking the job – the 1963-64 season. Would Wooden have lasted that long, to realize ultimate success, in Minnesota considering no coach in Gophers history from 1948-present has lasted more than 11 seasons?
*All that said: It's entirely possible that the stars might have aligned. Cowles had a lot of talent to work with on those Gophers teams – including Jim McIntyre, Whitey Skoog, Chuck Mencel and Bud Grant.
The Gophers never won a Big Ten title nor did they qualify for the hard-to-crack NCAA tournament field under Cowles, a defensive-minded coach. Perhaps the combination of their talent and Wooden's coaching acumen would have put Minnesota on a path to greatness and multiple championships.
Let's say Wooden would have coached the Gophers through the 1974-75 season, his final year at UCLA. The NCAA sanctions stemming from the Bill Musselman era in the early 1970s never would have happened.
Maybe the entire frustrating course of Gophers men's basketball history, including the academic fraud scandal of the 1990s and the fits and starts ever since then, is altered? (Though, um, UCLA had an NCAA title game appearance vacated just a few years after Wooden left because of an eligibility issue).
This much is heartbreakingly true: Wooden won 10 championships with the Bruins. No other program in its entire history has won that many titles.
What if that was the Gophers' history instead? Would there be a statue of Wooden outside Williams Arena right now?
It's a valid question, and we're left only to wonder. | https://www.startribune.com/what-if-john-wooden-had-taken-the-gophers-basketball-job-in-1948/570173652/ | 982 |
The Off-Season: Caveat Emptor- Part Two
By Tim Kabel
January 22, 2022
The other day, I wrote my first article in this series, which I am calling Caveat Emptor.
The subject of that article was Steve Kemp. Steve Kemp’s Yankee career was a disappointment for everyone. As I stated in my article on Thursday, it was not his fault. He suffered some major injuries in his first season as a Yankee. The worst one was the line drive to his eye that permanently affected him. He was never the same player again. In the strict sense, the Kemp signing may not fit the adage of Caveat Emptor, because there were no warning signs. Also, Kemp’s precipitous decline as a Yankee was the result of his injuries. However, I look at Caveat Emptor more in the sense of being careful with every purchase or signing, not just the risky ones.
Every free agent signing involves a certain level of chance and uncertainty. Then, there are those impulse buys that are just not a good idea from the outset. For example, if Hafbor Julius Bjornsson, the actor who played the Mountain on Game of Thrones purchased a Mini Cooper, that would be classified as a bad idea. Another example would be the gadgets that we purchase at fairs and festivals. The device that turns an onion into a flower so that you can batter and deep fry it, leaps to mind. Then of course, there are the Boxcar Willie and Slim Whitman record albums, which used to be hawked endlessly on the local TV stations, for some unknown reason. Purchasing one of those might have seemed like a good idea at the time but in retrospect, it probably wasn’t.
The next signing that I wish to discuss falls into the category of being a bad decision right from the start. In 1981, the Yankees lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only did George Steinbrenner apologize to the fans and engage in purported fisticuffs with California hooligans, but he reached the conclusion that the Yankees were focused too much on power and home runs. The Bronx Bombers suddenly became the Bronx Burners, with an emphasis on speed. They even concentrated on running drills during spring training. As part of this obsession with speed, the Yankee signed Dave Collins, Collins had a very good year for the Cincinnati Reds in 1980, hitting .303 with 79 stolen bases. In 1981, his season was limited to 95 games, and he stole 26 bases, while batting .272. The Yankees signed him to a five-year deal, worth about $750,000 a year.
For those of you who don’t remember, or blinked, Collins did not fulfill his contract. He did not last all five years with the Yankees. He didn’t last four years either. On and on… He was gone after one season. Wait, it gets better. Collins did not have a clearly defined role on the Yankees and played three different positions in his one year as a Yankee. He batted .253 with 13 steals in 21 attempts. The Bronx Burner burned his way right out of town. Bad free agent signings happen every year and no team is immune to them. The fact that Collins was an impulse buy who just didn’t work out is not a cause for shame. When you factor in the length of the contract, it becomes more problematic. It’s what happened afterward that is truly pitiful.
In 1983, the Yankees traded Dave Collins to the Toronto Blue Jays for Dale Murray and Tom Dodd. Tom Dodd had a two-week Major League career with the 1986 Baltimore Orioles and batted.231 with one home run. He had a grand total of three Major League hits. Dale Murray was a fairly ordinary relief pitcher, who pitched for the Yankees for two years. He also bore a striking resemblance to Mr. McFeely, the mailman on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. So, the Yankees traded one of their major free agent acquisitions, who lasted with them for only one season, for a mediocre, journeyman relief pitcher and a fellow who had a grand total of three Major League hits, with another team. Wait, it gets even better.
As if the trade wasn’t lopsided enough, the Yankees also gave up Mike Morgan, who had a Major League career that lasted 25 years and is one of 29 players in baseball history to appear in Major League Baseball games in four decades (1978-2002). He was an All Star in 1991, and a member of the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Morgan was not a great pitcher by any stretch of the imagination but, he had a decent career, and he has a World Series ring. So, we can all agree that signing Collins was a bad move that became markedly worse when they traded him and Morgan for not a great return.
But wait, it gets even better yet.!
Apparently, someone decided that Mike Morgan and Dave Collins were not enough for Dale Murray and Tom Dodd. the Yankees threw in someone else. That player was Fred McGriff. McGriff finished his Major League career with 493 home runs, the exact same number as Lou Gehrig. He won a World Series Championship with the Atlanta Braves in 1995. He had 2,490 career hits and 1,550 RBI. His career batting average was .284. He received Hall of Fame consideration and might conceivably get in someday. Imagine Fred McGriff with that left-handed swing playing his career as a New York Yankee. Well, at least we had Dale Murray.
The initial signing of Dave Collins was a bad decision that led to other bad decisions. I’m not implying that Dave Collins was a terrible player, and he apparently speaks highly of his time with the Yankees and praises their organization. Well, why wouldn’t he, based on the contract they gave him? He was not a good fit, and it was not a good idea to sign him. His signing falls solidly into the Caveat Emptor category.
The Yankees would have been better off purchasing a boxcar full of Slim Whitman albums. | https://www.startspreadingthenews.blog/post/caveat-emptor-part-two | 1,266 |
Cllr Ian Gilchrist got to sample the facilities, also used by Olympic skeleton champions Lizzy Yarnold and Amy Williams for their UK training, during a visit in the closing weeks of his tenure as Mayor.
He was given an introduction to the sport by Donna Creighton, a former international skeleton and bobsleigh athlete, before taking to the track where athletes practice their starts – an all-important aspect of the sliding sports where medals can be won and lost.
“It all felt very authentic and felt like I was doing the same as them – obviously not as well and not as fast but nevertheless it did feel the real thing,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic facility and the athletes who have trained here have made the city of Bath very proud.”
The Mayor was joined for the taster session by Dan Evans, Head of Sport for the Bath Chronicle. Click here to read Dan’s account of the day or click on the video link below.
The British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) offers taster sessions on the push-start track – visit www.bbsa.co.uk/get-involved/, email [email protected] or call 01225 384343 to find out more. | https://www.teambath.com/2018/06/03/bobsleigh-skeleton-push-start-track-taster-day/ | 268 |
Petit Le Mans class winners Team Falken Tire have announced their intention to join the GTLM class of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (USCC) for next season.
However, the team’s brand new 2014 spec Porsche 911 RSR will be absent from January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, their season instead set to begin at the second round of the season – the 12 Hours of Sebring when they are expected to be one of relatively few privateer teams in the class.
Both of the team’s regulars drivers will return as the squad make the move to the new series that combines the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series fields with Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler set for a fifth full time campaign on Falken tyres
“I am very excited and honoured to be returning with Falken Tire, especially after a victory like the final Petit Le Mans.” said Sellers. “After all the work, it was truly breathtaking. It’s very important I have continuity in a program and I am glad Wolf and Derrick will be returning as part of the program as well. I am very hopeful for the future of our program.”
“I’m very happy to return to Falken as they continue in the TUDOR United SportsCar series,” added Henzler. “It is an exciting time for racing and I’m glad to be a part of it with Bryan Sellers. To win Petit Le Mans was unbelievable and shows how dedicated this team is to win. I look forward to what we can do in the new series with the new car.”
Team manager Derrick Walker will also remain with the outfit as team manager, the team being run from Walker Racing’s Indianapolis workshop.
“To go out in the last ALMS race on top, it was a great victory for Falken Tire. They worked so hard to get this victory. It’s great to see Falken continuing on into the United SportsCar Series,” said Walker. “The commitment they’ve given to racing has been amazing. They’re a very determined company to produce quality tires in the toughest environment.
“This news is great for racing. When you look at the new 911, it’s a bigger step from the current car in terms of optimizing what it needs for a very competitive GT series. It will have all the things every racer needs: more downforce, lighter, more power, more grip, more mechanical grip. Porsche is continuing to make a serious commitment to GT racing and I couldn’t be happier.” | https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2013/11/team-falken-tire-announce-united-sportscar-plans/ | 553 |
Maccabi’s football masters (over 45s) completed their Israel tour with a hard-fought victory over Anglo Israel Masters, their third game in five days.
The 14-man squad, which included members of the gold medal-winning Maccabiah Games squad, had suffered two heavy defeats at the hands of Israel Masters, despite some outstanding goalkeeping by Lenny Wyse.
In the final match, captain Jon Holman put Maccabi ahead from distance but Moshe Frankfurter equalised minutes later.
Quickfire goals from Martin Lerner and Marc Morris put the visitors 3-1 early in the second half but a brace from David Kovler levelled the scores.
Maccabi went on to win 6-3 with Morris completing his hat-trick and Holman adding the other. Morris top-scored with five goals but player of the tour was keeper Wyse.
Stuart Lustigman who organised and led the tour said: “This was the fifth Masters’ tour in seven years and although the programme was very demanding, we experienced Israel in a way that just would not happen during a normal visit.
“The players came to Israel with football on their minds but left with Israel in their hearts. Mission accomplished.” | https://www.thejc.com/life-and-culture/sport/masters-round-up-m42b37k2 | 264 |
Super Lod Lions pulled off an impressive victory at the European Club T20 tournament in Ipswich.
Winners of the Israel Cricket Associations one day Dudi Silbowitz trophy, the Lions team included Yaniv
Razpurker and Matan Razpurker from the Neve Yonatan team, while Elan Ilan Umerdekar from Lod Rangers made the trip to Ipswich where they were warmly received by the organisers.
After beating local club Easton CC in a warm-up match the real business started with a comfortable four-wicket win over Copdock, chasing down the 137 needed for victory.
SLL’s’ Anim Solomon won the man-of-the-match award for his bowling figures of four overs for nine runs, including a wicket. He also added 14 runs with the bat.
Shalom Rubin was the star performer in SLL’s’ second match as they beat Rome Capanelle of Italy. Rome’s score of 110 did not challenge the powerful SLL batting line up as they cantered home by four wickets. Yaniv Razpurker (2-28) impressed with the ball.
With a place in the semi-finals already secured, defeat against Ipswich CC mattered little in a game where SLL posted 106. Ipswich won by three wickets off the penultimate ball of the match.
The last four match against Rome Capanelle was a close-run affair, with the Italians posting a testing 166-4 from their 20 overs. Matan Razpurker was the pick of the SLL bowlers. He conceded only 18 runs and claiming two wickets.
SLL’s hopes were dealt a blow when Eshkol Solomon, Israel’s man of the tournament at the 19th Maccabiah Games, was taken to hospital with a hand injury.
The Lions recovered from the early departure of Anim Solomon, with Yefeth Nagavkar (36) and Shalom Rubin (22) maintaining a healthy rate of nine runs an over.
And it was left to captain Isaac Massil (36 not out) and Yaniv Razpurker (65 not out) to put on a crucial 98-run partnership to steer SLL home by seven wickets.
Razpurker received the top player accolade for his explosive performance with the bat.
In the final, Copdock CC raced to 70-1 after 10 overs but Nagavkar changed the course of the game with two wickets in two balls. He missed out on a possible hat-trick as the ball flew through the vacant slip area.
Eshkol Solomon claimed three wickets as SLL were set 147 for victory.
Yefeth. Nagavkar (20) and Anim Solomon (19) helped SLL make an excellent start with 35 runs coming off the first five overs, but it was man-of-the-match Razpurker who took the game away from Copdock with an unbeaten 64. Massil (20) and Solomon added valuable runs as SLL held their nerve to lift the trophy.
The Israeli Day League leaders return to domestic action this week when they take on Young Ashdod. | https://www.thejc.com/life-and-culture/sport/razpuker-leads-lod-home-gmlmd869 | 672 |
The Egypt international wrote in the Daily Mail: "In fact, this season we will finish in the top ten. Listen, we have a really good manager, Steve Bruce has experience in the Premier League. The players he brought for the club are from the top level, like Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore from Tottenham, Danny Graham, Yannick Sagbo and Gedo. They are really quality players.
Hull winger Elmohamady: We'll finish in top ten - no problem
Video of the day: | https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/hull-winger-elmohamady-well-finish-top-ten-no-problem-3982203 | 109 |
Sportpension Noichl St Johann in Tirol
Sportpension Noichl, St Johann in TirolThe Sportpension Noichl is a small hotel minutes from the Harschbichlbahn ski lift offering convenient access to the St Johann ski area, including direct access from the pistes in good snow conditions. The rooms have self-catering facilities and most have balconies with views of the surrounding mountains.
It is a 5 minute walk from the hotel to the centre of St Johann, as well as to the nearby swimming pools, tennis courts and ice rink. There is also an ice rink within a 2 minute walk, and a number of ships, restaurants, cafes and bars on the walk into town.
All 8 rooms have a private bathroom and flatscreen tv, and wifi is available free of charge. The hotel has a table tennis table, a Tirolean wood cottage and barbecue facilities for the warmer months, while there is also a ski storage room for guests.
Ski passes can be bought on site and guests are offered a 10% discount on equipment hire. There are cross country trails within a kilometre and a number of golf clubs win a 20 minute drive.
Hotel rooms: 8
Sportpension Noichl, St Johann in Tirol
A-6380 Sankt Johann in Tirol, | https://www.ultimate-ski.com/ski-resorts/austria/st-johann-in-tirol/accommodation/sportpension-noichl-st-johann-in-tirol/ | 298 |
Epic, eight-month showdown
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced an epic, eight-month poker showdown starring 14 social media influencers coached by WSOP mentors. According to an official news release Thursday, WSOP will roll-out the first phase of its Road To The Table initiative this week via Instagram.
influencers will team up with some of the world’s top WSOP players
Split into five times, the 14 social media influencers will team up with some of the world’s top WSOP players. These seasoned mentors will then help the influencers “master the game and become poker legends,” stated Playtika, a division of WSOP’s parent brand Caesars Interactive Entertainment.
WSOP general manager Guy Ceder said the initiative aims to “bring the love for poker and WSOP to a wider audience and show people just how much fun playing poker can be.”
Road to the table
WSOP will reveal the identities of the 14 mystery influencers live on Instagram this week. According to the news release, viewers will get to see the influencers “open their secret WSOP boxes to reveal their competitors.”
The eight-month tournament will build up to a December 2022 poker showdown in which the five teams will go head-to-head at an undisclosed location in the US. Playtika states the Road To The Table will additionally give poker fans access to live videos and opportunities to interact with WSOP legends and the social media celebs.
Feel-good poker push
Ceder has expressed great excitement at rolling out the “unique eight-month-long campaign.” He also expressed his firm’s hope that WSOP players are “excited for this new adventure and that they will pick up a few new poker skills and tricks from our soon-to-be poker legends.”
multiple recent stories leaving a bitter taste in the mouth
Despite the optimism of Ceder, the news of the new campaign comes at a turbulent time for official WSOP partner GGPoker, with multiple recent stories leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.
Controversial events include Bryn Kenney’s evasiveness in addressing accusations of cheating. Poker player Lauren Roberts has also claimed GGPoker broke the law by fostering and facilitating some of Kenney’s activities. The firm also took a hit for its decision to keep Dan Bilzerian on as a brand ambassador despite his appalling attitude towards women, empty promises, and general bad press. | https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2022/04/29/wsop-ups-entertainment-ante-with-poker-showdown-featuring-14-social-media-influencers/ | 528 |