Bleacher Report - Articles by Rojo Grande

Chip Kelly Shows Cleverness and Class in Playing LeGarrette Blount

Rojo Grande — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:25:10 -0500

The reputation of University of Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly has followed the same path as his Pasadena-bound ball club—from the dung heap to the parlor.

After last year's impressive 42-31 Holiday Bowl victory over Oklahoma State, expectations were high for Oregon's 2009 season. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, running back LeGarrette Blount, and Nick Aliotti's tough defense would all be coming back.

Then during the offseason, head coach Mike Bellotti moved up to Athletic Director and handed the coaching reins over to offensive coordinator Kelly.

In one of the ugliest demonstrations of Division I football in modern times, Kelly's first trial by fire proved to be a blowtorch in a fireworks factory. Boise State, in spite of playing poorly themselves, managed to lay a 19-8 poop patty on the pathetic Ducks.

But before the embarrassed Oregon squad could shower the stink off, the "Punch Heard 'Round the World" ensured the stench would linger much longer. In frustration, Blount had unleashed a nasty sucker punch on a taunting Bronco linebacker.

In the days following, a visibly nervous and shaken Kelly faced the cameras and microphones, trying to salvage the few remnants of dignity left.

Having to explain the dismal performance of his once-proud team would have been enough for any coach to bear. But having to answer for and suspend his star running back (in his senior season, no less) must have been beyond the pale.

Nevertheless, Kelly did what he had to do and quickly leveled a season-long suspension on Blount, leaving the door open for Blount to continue to practice with the team and redeem himself—off the field of play.

It must have seemed to Kelly as if he had been exiled from the warmth of the parlor to duties outside, behind the barn, tending the dung heap.

But the season had to continue, the schedule had to unfold, the games had to be played.

Mercifully, a four-game home stand awaited the battered Ducks. Each game brought victory along with steady improvement as the raw offensive line began to gel. Then two straight road wins instilled confidence and trust among the team and coaching staff.

In the midst of the inspiring resurgence, redshirt freshman LaMichael James had been steadily making a name for himself as Blount's replacement.

After a huge home win against USC, Kelly and his team were once again earning the respect of their fans and the national talking heads. Amazingly, Oregon had clawed its way back from disaster into actual contention for the BCS title game—if they could win out.

Coach Kelly then announced the Pac-10's assessment that Blount had satisfactorily demonstrated conduct worthy of a return to competition. Although Blount was cleared to play, Kelly remained non-committal as to when or if that might happen.

After all, James, Kenjon Barner, and Masoli had established a strong running game up to this point.

BCS title hopes were dashed the following weekend when a strong Stanford team held off the Ducks 51-42 at Palo Alto. Kelly refused to insert Blount.

Two more wins followed against the Arizona schools. In the overtime nail-biter against the Wildcats in Tucson, Kelly again danced with the ones who "brung" him, denying Blount a chance to play.

Last night, in the Oregon-Oregon State Civil War, Kelly showed his keen sense of timing, genius, and heart in finally allowing LeGarrette Blount to get some burn.

Make no mistake, the game itself was the centerpiece. With all that was on the line—Rose Bowl, Pac-10 Championship, bragging rights for the state of Oregon—it was an incredibly entertaining and well-played ball game.

Blount's part in it was just a subplot. However, let us examine some not so subtle indicators that by inserting Blount when he did, Kelly may have truly earned his way back into the parlor.

It came at a time when both teams were tiring. Blount's fresh legs and eagerness to prove himself were a welcome relief—especially to James, who was gasping for breath and beginning to limp on the sidelines. The team was visibly inspired by Blount's steam-rolling style.

It was a sign of respect to the Beavers. That Kelly chose this game, this opponent, to finally bring in the hammer spoke volumes as to Kelly's sense of history and the urgent significance of winning.

It sent a message to the Buckeye state. Rather than utilize the element of surprise on Jan. 1, Kelly chose to remind—maybe even showcase—an even more potent running attack to Ohio State's vaunted defense.

And...it just might have kept alive a young man's dream and reinforced the positive message of redemption and lessons learned.

After the debacle in Boise, I was at the head of the line of those questioning Kelly's ability as a leader and tactician.

After last night, I'll not question those qualities again.

A Portrait of Pancho Gonzales: Wimbledon 1969

Rojo Grande — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:02:11 -0500

Not far from my place, there stands an old windswept pine, so hardened by the elements that even on a calm day it exhibits the posture of resistance. It seems unrelenting in its refusal to bow.

More than once, the old tree has symbolized for me the human traits of stubbornness, perseverance, endurance and toughness. Its sinewy skin and tightly-clenched roots tell of a life filled with challenge and pain. Yet it still stands there in defiant victory.

That sun-bleached, aged pine has not merely survived...it has actually thrived. The perplexity of that thought has often brought to mind a particular person. As I set about to research this story, it became clear that my subject was one such person.

Ricardo Alonso Gonzalez, the son of Mexican immigrants, faced the winds of adversity from the onset of his tennis career.

As a young minority teen-ager in 1940s Los Angeles, he was shunned by the upper levels of society. Gonzales often spent time watching tennis enthusiasts unwind at neighborhood parks and public courts.

He was intrigued by the combination of power and finesse that tennis required and would emulate the moves he so diligently observed through the fence. Thus was laid the self-taught foundation of Pancho Gonzales' fabulous career.

Tennis became his obsession and predictably, his studies and social skills suffered. Truancy and trouble with the law soon followed. Then, a year of juvenile detention.

Though his talent was by now undeniable, his rowdy reputation and cultural roots ensured his exclusion from LA's upper-crust tennis clubs.

Gonzales persisted, training on the public courts, and by the age of 20, he surprisingly won his first U.S. Championship title. He followed up with another U.S. title the next year and in 1949 he turned pro.

Between 1952 and 1961, he won eight U.S. Professional Championships and was regarded as the best player in the world in that span.

In those days, Grand Slam tournaments were amateur-only, denying Gonzales entry due to his professional status.

One can only estimate the number of Grand Slam titles he might have won between 1949 and 1968, the year the Slams were finally "open" to professionals.

Gorgo, as he was known in tennis circles, consistently dominated the likes of Frank Sedgeman, Tony Trabert, Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad and Roy Emerson during his glory years. He prospered by relying on one of the most feared serves ever in men's tennis - and a potent net game. He was equally adept playing on grass or clay.

At well over six feet tall, his imposing presence was enhanced by a panther-like quickness. The most devastating weapon in Gonzales' arsenal however, was his competitive fire.

Some who knew him might argue it was his off-court conflicts which fueled that fire into a burning will to win. Others in his inner circle took that perception a step further, considering it more of a "rage" to win...

Known to be temperamental and sullen, Gorgo was generally not well-liked and seemed to relish the life of a loner. His six marriages testify to his fierce independence and hot temper.

In a career extending long past his peak years, Pancho continued to compete at a high level well into his 40s, eventually hanging up his racquet at 44. His tenure at the highest level of competition included at least 91 singles titles and 10 pro tour championships.

For such a long and colorful career, one event remains as a vivid portrait of Gonzales the person, the athlete, the legend: an unforgettable match against his former student. It was Wimbledon 1969.

The record-setting contest was not a "Battle of the Titans" pitting No. 1 against No.2 in a climactic finals showdown. It was instead a first-round clash between a 41-year-old greying grandfather and a hungry young lion whom many at Centre Court considered the best first-day player.

The aging Gorgo, in a script appropriate for Hollywood, was to meet his rising understudy, 25-year-old amateur Charlie Pasarell.

What was predicted to be a competitive, yet routine battle turned into an epic 5 hour, 12 minute war: the longest match in Wimbledon history.

Set One

Interest and attendance was high for this particular match as the Wimbledon crowd had seen little of Gonzales over the years, due to the professional ban during his prime.

The student/teacher relationship provided an element of intrigue. Pasarell's ascending status among the tennis elite helped fill the seats as well.

The tie-break had not yet been instituted in tennis, so combatants simply played on until one player achieved the two-point margin of victory.

The first set established the tone for the entire match.

Between Gonzales and Pasarell, there were 45 held serves. Neither player established a dominance. It was basically a point/counter point struggle.

This single set took on the characteristics of an entire match, with fatigue and muscle cramping eventually affecting play...especially for the elder pro.

Finally, as the sun was sinking low, the young Puerto Rican upstart placed an exquisite lob in Pancho's backhand corner for a winner on his 12th set point.

Game (24-22) and set (1-0) to Pasarell.

Set Two

Physically weary and with daylight fading, Gorgo made repeated requests to suspend play. The umpire, Harold Duncombe, was firmly and curiously unrelenting.

When the fiery missile of Pancho's will met the brick wall of Duncombe's refusal, a classic Gonzales tantrum ensued.

As a statement of protest, Gonzales reportedly threw the set. After play was postponed, he stormed off the court, refusing the customary bow to the Royal Box.

A stunned crowd, which had been equally divided in their support, became unanimous in their boos.

Game (6-1) and set (2-0) to Pasarell.

Set Three

For Pancho, the bright morning sun was symbolic in its contrast to the dusky hues of the previous night. He seemed energized and gathered mentally, ready for the task at hand.

Pasarell appeared willing to continue his tactics of the first day: repeatedly hoisting lobs, hoping to tire the seasoned legs and neutralize the net game of his former teacher.

"Charlie, I know what you're doing...and it ain't working!" hissed Gonzales on a changeover. Was the teacher exploiting a known weakness in the student?

The set progressed as a tit-for-tat affair, both men holding serve. At 4-4, Gorgo's once deadly serve began to shorten and Pasarell's became stronger. Momentum started to swing in favor of the younger man.

Then oddly, as if taking to heart Poncho's earlier verbal jab, Pasarell deserted the lob and reverted almost exclusively to his forehand. It failed him twice, in crucial chances to break serve at 8-8 and 10-10.

With Gonzales up 14-13, the young Puerto Rican prolonged the set (and saved set point) with three straight service aces. Then, serving again at 14-15, Pasarell betrayed himself with two disastrous double-faults.

Gorgo broke serve with a brilliant forehand pass - and another titanic set, which included 29 held serves, was over.

Game (16-14) and set (1-2) to Gonzales.

Set Four

The double-faults clearly unhinged Pasarell's concentration. Smelling blood in the water, Gonzales began to envision victory, even as his body was beginning to wilt.

The boos of the previous night were all but forgotten as the crowd came alive, sensing the history being played out before them. Pancho, rather than Charlie, seemed to feed off the buzz.

By now, both men were beginning to struggle physically. At 3-3, Gonzales found success in moving his opponent back-and-forth across the baseline, peppering him with angled shots.

Two lost serves and another critical double-fault by Pasarell brought the match to even.

Game (6-3) and set (2-2) to Gonzales.

Set Five

Like two punch-drunk heavyweights, the combatants staggered to their opposite ends for the decisive set. In 1969 there were no timeouts for TV or rest stops at the changeover. It was a quick swipe with a towel and a swig of water...period.

The June sun was now high in the sky. Fatigue had stolen the sting from both players' power strokes. They resorted to caressing the ball with english and finesse. Pasarell had returned to his lob. Gonzales leaned on his racquet between points, gasping for air.

As if dancing with death, Gonzales served at 4-5, down 0-40. Pasarell sent two lobs just wide and Gorgo hit a center-line ace to wipe out three match points and get to deuce. Six deuces later, Pancho saved his serve, 5-5.

Gaunt and grey, on the verge of the crippling stages of dehydration, the die-hard Mexican looked every bit the part of a haggered old tree still refusing to bow to the elements.

At 5-6, and again down 0-40, Gonzales found a reserved vigor and hit a smash, a cross-court volley and another ace to erase three more match points and draw even at 6-6. He saved another match point at 7-8. Riding a wave of successful first serves, Pancho became the aggressor, Charlie the defender.

After fighting off seven match points, Gorgo had the "dignified" Wimbledon crowd worked up to a lather as if it were World Cup Finals.

Finally, at 9-9, Pasarell faltered and lost serve at love.

Then, in the 112th game, Gonzales valiantly held serve as Pasarell's lob at match point went long.

Game (11-9), set (3-2), and match to Gonzales.

If the tennis gods were cruel in depriving Wimbledon of Pancho's presence during his prime, they at least were benevolent in granting her this spectacle...and on Centre Court at that!

Pancho Gonzales somehow recovered enough to win his next two rounds, then lost to Arthur Ashe in the quarterfinals. In an all-Aussie final, Rod Laver defeated John Newcombe in that memorable event, Wimbledon 1969.

To say that Gonzales influenced the game of tennis would be an understatement. This match in particular provided the impetus to finally institute the tie-break: a scoring concept which had been gradually gaining favor among the players.

Its intent was to shorten sets which had progressed to a 6-6 impasse. At that point, the tie-breaker would come into play, presumably to hasten the set's outcome.

Earlier in Gonzales' career, rule changes were introduced to handicap his dominant serve and immediate approach to the net. When Gonzales simply found other methods of domination, the rules were disbanded.

For over 25 years, Gonzales had an endorsement deal with Spalding. Then, after retiring from competitive tennis, he was Tournament Director for Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for 16 years.

Yet when he died of cancer in 1995, he was virtually penniless and friendless...except for his last wife, Rita, and their two children. Rita's brother, Andre Agassi, paid for his funeral.

~ ~ ~

After having drafted this piece, I went back to visit ol' Mr. Pine Tree. I don't know why, but I was half expecting him to be leaning a little lower, colors a little more pale...

Nope. He was still standing tall, showing the ravages of time for sure, but proud and very much alive, not unlike my memories of one of tennis' all-time greats.

We keep our heroes alive by celebrating our memories with others who knew them and by introducing them to others who did not.

I hope Pancho Gonzales came alive for you.

Sources: tennisforum.com
             guardian.co.uk
             wikipedia.org
             news.bbc.co.uk
             nytimes.com

Poncho photos: 1. bmarcore.perso.neuf.fr
                     2. josealamillo.com
                       3. zing.vn
                       4. thaindian.com

-for my friend, m.

Man O' War and Secretariat: A Match (Race) Made in Heaven

Rojo Grande — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:50:01 -0500

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.
It is the honor of kings to search it out." *

So explains the many mysteries of this world, indeed the universe, and the possibility that some of the answers are there for us to uncover.

In the world of sport, the search for answers has led to breakthroughs in nutrition, equipment design, training techniques, playing surfaces, and the like.

However, not every mystery will be solved this side of eternity.

Yet we persist in digging, probing, and excavating tons of information in hopes of finding the ounce of truth: who is the fastest, the strongest, the greatest?

Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis or now, Usain Bolt?

Pele or Maradona?

Babe Didrickson Zaharias or Jackie Joyner-Kersee?

No definitive answer will ever come, given the disparity of eras, conditions, circumstances and information. We're left with finding solace and satisfaction only in the pursuit of facts and in our final subjective opinion.

In that vein, one of the most cruel and taunting of mysteries arises from the sport of kings: who was the greatest racehorse of all time?

We may have our personal favorites such as Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Citation, etc., but the consensus top-two equine champions of all time are none other than Man O' War and Secretariat . The match up of these two superb athletes makes for one of the most exquisite fantasies one could imagine.

Separated by decades, there may be only a handful of humans still alive who were witness to the incredible feats of both horses. Even so, because the constantly-evolving sport was so different for both horses, an accurate comparison is impossible.

Nevertheless, allow this writer to provide some pertinent facts concerning the two front runners for the title, Greatest Racehorse of All Time. Then, if you haven't already done so, you can make your decision.

Man O' War and Secretariat's uncanny similarities were more numerous than their differences. Both were big, strong, imposing stallion thoroughbreds. Chestnut in color, each was known affectionately as "Big Red."

Secretariat was blessed with refined features and chiseled musculature, pleasing to the eye. Man O' War was half-a-hand taller and slightly more bulky in frame...ruggedly handsome. Neither horse would have met rejection from an amorous filly.

War was foaled on March 29, 1917; Secretariat on March 30, 1970. Each had 21 races and competed only as 2 and 3-year-olds. Part of the mystique surrounding these two specimens is the wild speculation as to "what might have been" had they continued racing as 4 and 5-year-olds.

What separates these two subjects from all other outstanding horses is the way they dominated during their racing years. Man O' War's record was 20 wins, 1 place. Secretariat had 16 wins, 3 place and 1 show.

If happenstance had placed the two stallions in the same time warp, it would have seemed as if twins were sent to thrill the sporting world for a few brief, magical years... and settle the issue once and for all. But it was not meant to be, and we must look at each horse individually, on his own merits.

Man O' War

Out of Mahubah and sired by Fair Play , Man O' War was foaled before the introduction of European bloodlines. He was truly "All American." He raced on tracks far inferior to the fast surfaces of today.

He so dominated his competition, he was handicapped regularly with weights of 130 pounds as a two-year-old and 138 pounds as a three-year-old. This meant giving up over 30 pounds to his rivals...an incredible disadvantage by modern standards!

Testifying to his brute strength and willful heart, he was still able to set three world records, two American records and three track records in his career. His only loss was a controversial race where poor horsemanship by the jockey cost him a perfect record.

In the Sanford Memorial, before starting gates were implemented, Man O' War was caught facing the wrong way when the barrier fell. Giving the field a huge head start, and in spite of several jockeying errors, War still managed to finish second by a half-length to a horse named Upset .

As a three-year-old, the rugged chestnut easily won the Preakness and the Belmont before they were regarded as jewels in the Triple Crown. His owner, fearing the Kentucky Derby came too early in the year for a young horse to run a mile-and-a-quarter, opted out of that race. Thus, what later became known as the Triple Crown was denied Big Red.

The champion stallion was Horse of the Year in 1920 and entered horse racing's Hall of Fame.

Man O' War was retired to stud as a four-year-old, siring the likes of Crusader , Battleship, and War Admiral . His grandson, through Hard Tack , was the legendary Seabiscuit . He produced 64 stakes winners.

The great Man O' War died in 1947 of an apparent heart attack.

Secretariat

Sired by the famous Bold Ruler and out of Somethingroyal , Secretariat was foaled one day after Man O' War's birthday anniversary.

His racing career lasted only 16 months but the standard he set during that time has been unequalled since.

At a time when television sports coverage was exploding, Secretariat acquired the phenomenon known as "star power." After his two-year-old successes, expectations which would have weighed heavily on a lesser athlete, seemed to fuel the stallion's fire.

Like the greatest two-legged athletes, Secretariat always seemed to come through in the big races. As a three-year-old, he set track records in the Preakness and Belmont which still stand. Of course, he had earlier won the Kentucky Derby in record time, and went on to become the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown.

In 21 races, the big colt set two world records, three track records and one American record. He was Horse of the Year in both his competitive years, running against some of the best horses in racing history. Of course, an induction into horse racing's Hall of Fame followed his brilliant career.

Secretariat retired as a four-year-old, eventually siring 57 stakes winners. At 19 years he developed laminitis, a painful and incurable hoof disease, and was put down in 1989. His most noted offspring were Lady's Secret, A.P.Indy , Storm Cat and Smarty Jones .

Man O' War and Secretariat: each dominated their half of the 20th century. They stand so obvious in their position as the best of the best...almost demanding a match race.

Maybe someday, on the other side of eternity, (after waiting for the right moment of course) I'll propose a best-of-seven match race series - on differing surfaces, at differing distances to settle this thing once and for all.

I have a feeling it will be a standing-room-only event.

Until then, we'll just have to use our imagination.

* scriptural reference: Proverbs 25:2

primary sources: angelfire.com

truevine.net

Triumph and Tragedy: Where Heroes Are Forged

Rojo Grande — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:02:46 -0400

I walked through the beautiful campus of my former high school the other day. One cannot traverse that sacred ground without reflecting on the rich history of academics and sports Grants Pass High School has been blessed with.

Yes, the structures where I once studied, mingled, and competed during the 1960s are long gone but the legendary names still live on in modern venues: Russ Werner Track Complex, Mel Ingram Field, Heater-Newman Gym.

Side-by-side in a lengthy display near the student commons - among the literal tons of championship hardware - sits an odd perplexity: two first-place trophies from the 1948 Oregon Class A Football Championships.

One, despite its nearly 62-year-old vintage, is remarkably polished and without blemish. The other appears to have endured a rough life, bearing the dings, tarnish and scratches of some earlier trauma.

The contrast of those two trophies in itself, is enough to pique the curiosity of even a casual observer. But why two trophies for the one championship?

This is the story which answers those questions.

~ ~ ~

Mel Ingram is still considered one of the greatest athletes to ever don a Gonzaga Bulldogs uniform. He was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, track and baseball. He had a short stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but soon left professional baseball to pursue a career more conducive to his personality and leadership skills: coaching.

Eventually, in the mid-1940s, Ingram landed his dream job as head football coach at Grants Pass High School, in the fiercely-contested Southern Oregon Conference. It was here the "Gray Fox" established yet another legacy for himself. In a 20-plus year career, he led his teams to four state championships and numerous playoff appearances.

His first state title came on December 4, 1948, a 6-0 defensive battle against Portland powerhouse Jefferson High. Grants Pass had earlier defeated Albany and conference rival Medford, to earn the honor of meeting the Dems in Portland's Multnomah Stadium.

The following morning, the jubilant contingent of coaches, players and family began its long journey back to Grants Pass. In those days (before Interstate 5), Highway 99 was a narrow two-lane route with long straight stretches through the fertile Willamette Valley. Then it became a winding mountain road south of Eugene.

Some of the players and family were traveling home in cars, but most of the team chose to ride in the older Greyhound bus that had been chartered especially for the championship trip to Portland. The gesture was meant as a sort of "reward," considering the usual school bus was not known for its comfort features.

The team made a lunch stop in Eugene before proceeding south through the hilly Umpqua region, stopping once more in Roseburg to fuel the bus. Coach Ingram, who had ridden thus far with his boys, decided to complete the final leg of the victory journey in a car with his wife.

From Roseburg south, Old Highway 99 traversed a series of mountain passes with steep inclines and wooden guard rails. At the foot of one of these passes, near the tiny hamlet of Sunny Valley, several riders on the bus noticed a distinct "rocking" or "swaying" as the old Greyhound passed a large truck.

The darkness of early December was beginning to fall and the driver had been advised to not delay or make any unnecessary stops, as a surprise rally was beginning to form at the high school in honor of the returning heroes.

At about 5:15 pm, the bus crested the summit of Sexton Pass and was making its final descent into the Rogue Valley and Grants Pass. Team members had been passing the championship trophy back and forth—kissing it, hugging it, admiring it.

Some 11 miles away from a crowd of hundreds of expectant townspeople, assistant coach (and soon-to-be athletic director) Jess Loffer noticed the driver suddenly having trouble controlling the bus' steering. The front tires caught the loose gravel on the road's shoulder and, in one moment, triumph turned to tragedy.

The bus skidded sideways and rolled onto its top, breaking through the flimsy guard rail, eventually coming to rest with its rear section hanging over an 80 foot embankment. The just-fueled gas tank exploded, and the aft portion of the bus became a blazing inferno. The flames quickly spread through the entire coach.

Players who were not stunned or knocked cold by the initial impact forced their way out through windows, as the doors were jammed shut. Those exiting the rear of the bus tumbled to further injury down the steep embankment.

In a matter of minutes, the entire rear section of the bus broke loose and plummeted in a ball of fire to the base of the cliff. In a time well before cell phones and laptops, passing motorists picked up the injured and rushed them down the highway toward the hospital.

Word of a terrible accident eventually made its way to the waiting throng at the high school. From there, the once-giddy crowd made its way to the hospital, overcome now with grief and panic.

When details of the tragedy finally began to solidify, the toll was two dead and 25 injured. Coach Ingram was asked for a comment:

"I am too stunned yet to get my wits together. But this, I can say: from all reports, my boys kept their heads. That teamwork they displayed on the football field throughout the season was still in evidence. They were helping each other and following the instructions of their coaches..."

Indeed, eyewitness reports from the athletes themselves, in a later investigation, testified particularly to the heroism of coach Loffer and one of the deceased victims, Sterling Heater.

Loffer was instrumental in establishing an atmosphere of calmness, assisting player after player off the bus in the confusion and searing heat.

Ray Altpeter, the student manager, testified Heater, a varsity lineman, had ushered him through a window and then retreated back into the bus, presumably to help another victim. He must have been overcome by flames or smoke, as he did not return alive.

The charred remains of Heater and Al Newman, a seldom-used bench player who had finally earned his letter in the championship game, were found in the two separate pieces of the bus.

The truck driver who was passed by the bus in Sunny Valley later testified that the Greyhound appeared to have a broken spring as it went by.

At the funeral, representatives from schools as far away as eastern Oregon were in attendance. The entire football team and student body president from Grants Pass' bitter rival, Medford, was present to witness the solemn event.

It took some time for the stricken school and community to recover. However, three years later, Ingram took his team to the pinnacle again, bringing home his second of four championship trophies.

And speaking of trophies, Harold "Porky" Dotts, all-state guard, was clutching that precious hardware at the moment tragedy struck. He is credited with getting it off the bus—possibly using it to break open an escape route.

Since the trophy was damaged, the OSAA, Oregon's high school sports governing body, wanted to replace it with a shiny new one. The stipulation was that the damaged trophy be returned.

Grants Pass vehemently protested, saying in effect, "Forget it! We'll keep this one!"

The OSAA, under the scornful eye of an entire state, relented and made an exception, allowing Grants Pass High School to keep both. Thus explains the quandary of the two trophies.

~ ~ ~

As I concluded my campus walk, I was filled with pride and gratitude for the legacy of excellence I was once a part of. I was lucky enough to have played three years during the Gray Fox's tenure. The additional legacy of heroism uncovered in my research on this story was icing on the cake.

Something struck me as I walked past the impressive, modern football facility: it seemed more than coincidence that Mel Ingram Field happens to lie just adjacent to Heater-Newman Gym. Yes, it seemed even fitting - the two of them together - the memory of the father lying next to the memory of his boys.

Experiencing the jubilation of winning a championship at the highest level is a rarity. Thankfully, almost as rare is the deep grief of losing a child, a sibling or a teammate approaching the prime of life. Yet a small, southern Oregon city on a chilly December day in 1948 experienced both in less than 24 hours.

I am grateful to Richard Bayless, a member of that 1948 team, for his first-person account of the tragedy, which was my primary source. I am continually amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit to recover and move on from such pain.

Other sources: Grants Pass Daily Courier

The Bend Bulletin

Ellensburg (Wash.) Daily Record

Portland Trail Blazers Face New Challenges

Rojo Grande — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:59:36 -0400

Fifty miles east of Portland Oregon looms the volcanic edifice known as Mt. Hood. She stands there taunting, challenging the adventurous soul to conquer her steep slopes and claim the crown waiting at her summit.

It takes little imagination to view her dramatic presence as the symbol of a city's quest. A city longing to re-enact a storied expedition to the top which only a few old-timers can remember.

It seemed a daunting task only three years ago as the Portland Trail Blazers milled about the base camp—preparing, dreaming, making ready for the ascent.

Now the team is gathered in the rare air of Hood's shoulder, with the summit clearly in sight...and in mind.

While the path to this point has been anything but easy, the final assault which lies ahead will test even the most fit and skilled of climbers.

~ ~ ~

Logic might suggest that with the young core of Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden coming into their own as elite players, the going would become easier. And with a second unit arguably good enough to start for some NBA clubs, the suggestion seems even more valid.

Yet those very positives bring with them a whole new set of challenges which will require a shift in overall strategy.

Coach Nate McMillan is no longer working in the nursery. His toddlers have grown into virile young men. The potent juices of competition, rivalry and self-confidence are beginning to flow.

At one time, the chaotic classroom could have been brought to order with a stern glare. Today's young stallions must now be harnessed in leather like a team of Percherons, with one heart and one mind.

The wide-eyed recruits of boot camp which once responded in lock-step to "The Sarge" are now combat-tested vets (albeit young vets) who's allegiance may be torn between team and self preservation.

McMillan must counter any rumblings of self-ambition with a vision of team goals. Athlete and agent must understand that a championship ring is the ultimate measure of success—and with Portland, probability is on their side.

With such a deep, talented club, playing time will certainly be another issue. No one wants to be sitting on the bench, except for a quick breather. Everyone wants to play - to contribute directly to the cause. Unfortunately, only five players are allowed on the court at one time and only so many minutes are available.

This is where the wisdom of the coaching staff and management shines: since 2006, the cornerstone of Portland's long-range plan has been a culture of character. Who else to buy into a team-oriented vision than players who are unselfish, sacrificial in nature and team players?

This is not to say there won't be bumps in the road. The desired attributes of competitive, aggressive, tough play often carry with it an abundance of confidence and ego. Keeping those qualities on the court and directed only at the opponent will serve the team well.

Portland deftly utilized the element of surprise last year. That will not be a weapon in the arsenal this year. The word is out now, and the league will be prepared to give the Trail Blazers their best game.

In fact, after last year's overachieving 54-win season, the pressure may have increased for 2009-10. Anything less than a second-round playoff appearance will be considered a disappointment. And in the years following, only a title contention or (dare I say it?)...the ultimate prize will satiate the city of Portland.

General Manager Kevin Pritchard and company have anticipated these new challenges. The problems they create are the kind of problems teams and coaches only dream about because having them means the franchise is on the verge of something great.

"That's what you want," McMillan said. "you'd rather have these kind of expectations than none at all."

~ ~ ~

So there she stands, out there on the horizon—the grand old lady of Portland. Men even now are snapping their carabiners, harnesses and ropes together - linking up for the final assault.

The toughest challenge lies ahead. If...when...they conquer that old lady, we can lay the ancient stories aside. We'll have tales of our own to tell.

quote: Lindy's Pro Basketball

Rojo's Roundup: Looking Forward

Rojo Grande — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:19:54 -0400

In the northern hemisphere, autumn beckons.

The long, hot days of summer have faded and the cool air of the night is brisk, though welcome. It's a time for chimney-checking and firewood stacking.

If track and field truly has a time of respite, this would be it. Time to rest, reflect, re-focus, and re-fuel...for most of us.

Even as I write, high school and collegiate cross country teams are already well into their season. And marathoners, true to their name, never seem to quit.

However, with the closing ceremonies of last Friday's pre-championship meet in Daegu, South Korea, the track and field season unofficially ended.

Looking back, it was a remarkable season indeed. The post-Olympic year is typically a down year, but just when the sport needed it most, athletes came through with Olympian-esque performances which left us stunned—and expectant for the season to come.

Without a World Chamionship in 2010 and the London Games nearly three years away, track and field will need some help in its quest to regain significance among sporting fans.

Promoters must arrange the most tantalizing matchups possible. When the top two or three athletes in any event are in direct competition, people notice. Additionally, under these conditions, excellent marks are usually the result.

Athletes, agents and governing bodies must continue to polish the image of the sport. The mishandling of sensitive gender, race and doping issues tarnished an otherwise stellar season in 2009.

Media must respond. Aside from Usain Bolt's undeniable feats, mainstream media missed a ground-floor opportunity to capitalize on the remarkable exploits of other stars—and the recaptured attention of former fans returning to the fold.
Athletes must seize the moment. The conditions and environment are ripe for greatness. Except in only a very few events, domination by one athlete is no longer an issue. Competition is keen, as young athletes push the veterans. A few world records in the next two years would do wonders for the sport.

Let us look ahead to some major areas where we should expect to see some outstanding performances:

Sprints

Usain Bolt. Every time he steps into the blocks, the world holds its breath. And now, talk of running the 400 meters and eventually the long jump? The scary part is that Bolt was not in peak condition in 2009. Away from the track, Bolt is the sport's greatest ambassador, in the mold of Meadowlark Lemon or Muhammad Ali.

Bolt's closest competitor is American sprinter Tyson Gay, who came on strong in the late season despite a painful groin injury. Gay is not getting any younger, and probably sees 2010 as his best opportunity to show the world what he's got. After surgery this offseason, the groin should not be a problem—or an excuse. (To Gay's credit, he never once used the injury as an excuse.)

Former world record-holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica battled injuries this year as well. A healthy and conditioned Powell has the ability to run faster. He's the x-factor.

Hopefully, we will see Bolt and Gay compete in the 200 meters in 2010 as well.

For the women, American Carmelita Jeter, like Gay, peaked when all others faded at the end of the season. She established herself as the second-fastest woman in history, behind only the legendary Flo-Jo. In 2010, she will be the woman to beat.

In the 400 meters, Leshawn Merritt (men) and Sanya Richards (women) show no signs of relinquishing their American stronghold.

Hurdles

In the absence of Cuba's Dayron Robles and China's Liu Xiang, Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados conveniently established himself as king in the men's 110 meter hurdles. Robles and Liu, with American Terrence Trammell will return in 2010 to provide a very interesting rivalry in that event.

Distance Running

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele dominates the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races. Some of his finishes in 2009 have been nail-biters, at least to those outside looking in. One gets the feeling Bekele, out of boredom, sometimes toys with his competition. He runs with a smile. In 2010, we'll once again ask, "Can anyone really challenge him?"

Shot put

One of the most intriguing and exciting rivalries of 2009 came in the men's shot put. Poland's Thomasz Majewski and USA's Christian Cantwell always seemed to draw attention to their event. One would leap-frog the other with seemingly every throw—and this happened in numerous meets. They truly are the cream of the crop and promise much excitement in 2010.

Pole Vault

The women have captivated the pole vault crowd in recent years. Yes, the skimpy attire and pretty faces have drawn the worldwide audience in, but the performances and drama has kept them entranced.

Most of that drama has centered on the queen, Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia. When she plants her pole, fans are not wondering "will she win?" They wonder "will she set yet another world record?"

She stumbled in Berlin at the worlds, failing to even medal, but came right back the next week with a world record. Poland's Anna Rogowska threatens to emerge from Isi's shadow in 2010.

High Jump

Again, it's been the women making the headlines in this event—notably one woman, Blanka Vlasic of Croatia. She has been creeping closer and closer to the world record, falling a silly centimeter short in 2009 at 2.08 meters. It's only a matter of time. Will that time be in 2010?

This has been only a brief discussion of the highlights to expect in Track and Field for 2010. Much more comprehensive analysis has been done elsewhere. Please search the net for more detail—and expect great things next year!

"Rojo's Roundup" itself will now take a respite from a fantastic season. The track and field community at Bleacher Report has responded beautifully to a great season, with your literary contributions and excellent commentary. We had several AOTDs emerge from the wonderful writers here.

Please continue to check in for updates and any breaking news. And contribute an article anytime. The indoor season is right around the corner.

Now, Rojo has some wood to chop...

2016 Olympic Bid Race Too Close To Call

Rojo Grande — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:57:22 -0400

Four years ago, it was a two-horse race.

London and Paris were the runaway contenders for one of sport's most valued prizes. They battled to the wire for the honor of hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics.

London prevailed, winning by a nose.

Now, with only a week to go in the 2016 sweepstakes, four horses are within a neck as the finish line approaches.

On Oct. 2, the International Olympic Committee will convene in Copenhagen, Denmark to make its final decision.

Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro—all in a full lather—are drawing on every reserve to claim the bittersweet prize.

Bitter, because the victor will be forced to extricate from its citizens the monies and patience necessary to undertake such a huge project.

Sweet, because the winner will lavish upon itself the immense influx of tourist spending, local employment and worldwide publicity.

Since June of 2008, when all the bidding cities were reduced to the present short list, a feverish campaign of persuasion has been launched by the four contenders. In the spring of 2009, a 10-member committee visited each venue, evaluating the feasibility of hosting such a prestigious event.

Three cities had high marks in that evaluation. Tokyo fell just short of an "A" due to a perceived lack of local support.

Now the time has come for all parties involved to make their final presentation before the 115 voting members in Copenhagen.

Heads of State have been beseeched by rabid citizens to attend on behalf of their prospective host nations.

American president Barack Obama, a Chicago native, has been non-committal. However, several hundred Chicago citizens, including Oprah Winfrey, will make the trek to Copenhagen. UPDATE: Associated Press is reporting Obama will join his wife, Michelle to plead Chicago's case in Copenhagen.

Former IOC chairman, Juan Antonio Samaranch and Spain's King Juan Carlos say they will be present to add their gravitas to Madrid's cause.

New Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expressed a desire to make the trip on Tokyo's behalf, but it was not set in stone as of this writing. UPDATE: Associated Press now reports Hatoyama will indeed make the trip.

Brazilian president Luiz Ignatio Lula daSilva will be present to lend his clout in support of Rio.

Although the formal presentations and arguments have already been made, next Friday's meeting will be a time of summation and passionate oratory on the part of each city's representatives.

And although Olympic regulations forbid any political pressuring of the 115 voting members, which of them can escape the flurry of texts and tweets flooding in from common people around the globe?

In one week, one city will collectively rejoice as if...well, as if they had won Olympic gold.

Chicago - Was awarded the Summer Games in 1904 but the Games were moved to St. Louis to coincide with the World's Fair.

Tokyo - Hosted the Games in 1964. They won the bid in 1940 but the Games were cancelled due to World War II.

Madrid - Has never hosted a Summer Games. Barcelona was the host city in 1992.

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, let alone South America, has never hosted an Olympic Games.

UPDATE: Universal Sports will have live online coverage of each city's final presentation followed by the ultimate decision.

Tyson Gay, Carmelita Jeter Stun Sprint World

Rojo Grande — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:11:12 -0400

Just when we thought the outdoor Track and Field season was winding down, several brilliant performances at Sunday's Shanghai Golden Grand Prix meet gave track fans a reason to look ahead.

Typically, this late in the season, times and distances diminish as athletes are nursing nagging injuries and fatigue. It has, after all, been a long and memorable Track and Field season.

However, two American sprinters served notice that even more memorable times may be forthcoming. And for American track fans, any challenge to the surging Jamaican sprint teams is welcome news.

Tyson Gay lowered his own American record in the men's 100 meters, running the second fastest time in history, 9.69 seconds, equaling Usain Bolt's old world record set in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And this, with a painful groin injury which will require surgery in the off-season.

Gay's previous American record was a blistering 9.71, set only weeks ago in a second-place finish to Bolt at the Berlin World Championships.

It was at Berlin where Bolt set his new astonishing world record of 9.58.

Jamaica's Asafa Powell finished a distant second to Gay on Sunday in a respectable time of 9.85.

Carmelita Jeter (who has been thriving of late, as her competitors have been wilting under late-season weariness) also established herself as the second fastest woman in history with a scorching time of 10.64 in the women's 100 meters. Jeter just inched under Marion Jones' best mark of 10.65 set in 1998.

Jeter, who recently tagged a 10.67 at the World Athletic Finals in Greece, still has some work to do to approach the world record.

The late Florence Griffith-Joyner put that mark almost out of reach in 1988 with a Bolt-esque time of 10.49.

Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown was distant runner-up to Jeter on Sunday, again with a respectable time of 10.89.

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, who missed his much-hyped showdown with the world in Beijing, stole the crowd's favor in his hometown, Shanghai.

In his first performance since coming up lame in the Olympics, Liu came in second in a photo finish with American Terrance Trammell. The winning time was 13.15.

Liu's entrance back into the hurdles mix assures an interesting year ahead with the likes of Cuba's Dayron Robles, Barbados' Ryan Brathwaite, and Trammell all establishing themselves in Liu's absence.

Russian vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva also won in her expected duel with Poland's Anna Rogowska. After clinching the win at 15'-11", Isinbayeva failed in three attempts at her 28th world record.

The efforts of Gay, Jeter, and Liu sent positive signals to a Track and Field fan base eager for a resurgence of their sport, following years of decline due to doping scandals and poor marketing.

And now, at least a glimmer of hope exists that the untouchable marks of Flo-Jo and Bolt are within reach.

Rojofact: Carmelita Jeter is the sister of NBA point guard Pooh Jeter.

Women's Pole Vault Pioneer, Stacy Dragila Retires

Rojo Grande — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:24:13 -0400

In 1994, as a junior in college, pole vaulter Stacy Dragila casually cleared a height of 10 feet. She was stunned to learn her clearance was a new American record.

In 2004, at the peak of her incredible career, Dragila set an indoor record of 15 feet, 9 2/5 inches at the World Indoor Championships.

It was possibly one of the most short-lived world records in history, as Stacy's young Russian rival, Yelena Isinbayeva, elevated the record by two inches only moments later.

The torch was passed...and Isinbayeva has been lighting the path ever since.

In that 10-year span, Dragila and her sport rose together from their awkward, insignificant beginnings to heights of world prominence and respect.

It was once thought that women lacked the upper body strength required to successfully compete in the pole vault.

Because of pioneers in the sport such as Stacy Dragila, "chicks with sticks" is now one of the most-watched and anticipated events in all of track and field.

And its not just the skimpy uniforms and fashion-model looks.

These ladies demonstrate the cutting edge of technique, strength and execution.

It was on Stacy Dragila's watch that women's vaulting transitioned from a circus sideshow act to a legitimate world-class event. At the turn of the last century, the IOC could no longer deny the sport's widespread appeal and was forced to include it in the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.

There, Dragila rightfully stepped in to claim the first Olympic gold medal ever awarded in women's vault. She went on to win two World Championships in 2001 and 2003. She set numerous world records in her long and successful tenure.

In recent years, age (she's now 38) and injury slowed the feisty competitor. This week, after 14 years in the sport, and overseeing the success of her torch-bearing protege, Dragila graciously ended her career.

Thank you Stacy, for giving us another reason to be a fan of track and field!

New Epidemic Poised To Strike NBA (humor)

Rojo Grande — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:47:34 -0400

Amid dire warnings of potential outbreaks of H1N1 flu (swine flu), comes further word from the CDC (Coming Dynasties Commission) that several major cities in the USA and Canada are at risk of yet another rare infectious disease.

This new threat is actually an old strain re-emerging from the 1970s, commonly known as Bp. Best estimates of a timeline for the onset of Bp have the initial outbreak beginning as early as this winter. The malady is expected to steadily increase into a full-blown epidemic through at least 2013.

The virus apparently targets a specific sector of the populace: professional basketball fans. Hence, this common risk factor puts every NBA city on high-alert status.

Symptoms include a dramatic and irrational fear of failure, feelings of inferiority, and uncontrollable fits of rage.

Researchers have determined from records of the previous outbreak in the 1970s and another less severe episode in the early 1990s, that one NBA city curiously had a built-in immunity to Bp: Portland, Oregon.

Through further research, disease specialists in Portland were able to isolate an antigen to Bp (scientifically known as Blazerphobia).

The good news coming from the CDC is this: the only known vaccine and/or cure for Blazerphobia is an injection of its counter-strain, Blazermania.

An unlimited supply of this vaccine will be introduced beginning this fall. It is strongly recommended that all at-risk persons consult with their doctor or health care adviser concerning inoculation.

Free samples will be available at all Trail Blazer home and road games beginning this year.

Memo to Oregon Ducks: This Time, Throw it on the Dung Heap...

Rojo Grande — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:25:00 -0400

After last year's 37-32 home loss to Boise State, Oregon refused to let it go.

Instead, they picked it up, rolled it around in their fingers, smelled it—even savored it. Then they put it in a backpack, carried it around for a year, occasionally peeking inside to see if it was still viable, still able to inspire.

This year, it finally came time to dump the contents of that rucksack under the pretense of 'motivation'. What came tumbling out was the same rotten pile of Bronco poop that was deposited on the sacred Autzen turf a year ago.

Carrying that pack of crap around for a year only tainted and defiled a program that knows better. Oregon resorted to the very tactics of dirty play and cheap shots inflicted on them in 2008.

When a team gets inside the collective head of its opponent in such a manner, that team, in effect, outnumbers its adversary. Oregon took the bait.

Thursday night's game was ugly. Boise State played like a typical late-August team with visions of grandeur. However, the reality of rust and nerves and their own shortcomings quickly set in.

The Ducks played like a typical mid-April spring training team.

Oregon was...shat upon. Again.

Some losses are worthy of clippings and quotes on the locker room wall.

This loss (all of it) is worthy of the dung heap.

Take it there, leave it there...and start all over again on Monday.

What Is the Future of Track and Field?

Rojo Grande — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:58:25 -0400

Baseball has its A-Rod, golf has its Tiger, tennis its Fed and now, track and field has its Usain Bolt.

In a post-Olympic year, typically a down year in terms of interest, athletics enjoyed one of its most successful runs in recent memory.

Ravaged the last two decades by doping scandals, inept marketing, and a disinterested media, the sport has survived only on the merciful life support of die-hard track fans and dedicated athletes.

Then, in four-year intervals, the Summer Olympics would provide an adrenaline-like injection for a temporary boost.

In Beijing, despite the anti-climactic no-show of sprinter Tyson Gay and hurdler Liu Xiang, Dr. Bolt went to work. With three gold medals and three world records, he got the patient out of bed and jogging up and down the halls.

The recovery continued through the winter indoor season, the collegiate outdoor season, and into the various national qualifying for this year's World Championships in Berlin.

There, the good doctor signed the patient's release by dramatically demolishing his own world records in the 100 and 200 meter sprints.

While Bolt has been the single-most factor in the revived interest in athletics, the brightness of his shining has helped expose many already-established stars. The likes of Ethiopian distance king Kenenisa Bekele, Russian vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, and Croatian high Jumper Blanka Vlasic have benefited beyond their own fame from Bolt's renown.

The real test of whether track and field is truly on the mend or whether it might relapse into its former ill state will come in the next two years.

Without the booster shot of an Olympics or a World Championship until 2011, the sport must utilize the current momentum—and make a few lifestyle changes.

Indeed some changes are already underway:

Drug testing in the sport is at an all-time high. Simply testing is not enough, however. Casual attitudes about its use seem to be less prevalent, and Bolt's idol status along with a very public denouncement of PEDs will certainly help.

A new Diamond League series will be implemented next year. With its monetary incentives and two stops in the USA (Eugene, Oregon and New York), it promises to increase international top-level competition beyond Africa and Eurasia.

Media attention, especially within the USA, appears to be on the rise—and more positive.

There is more focus on developing an athletics "culture" within the scholastic sector.

Sponsors and meet promoters are loosening their pocketbooks as agents are demanding a larger piece of the pie for their clients.

Even Bleacher Report's own Track and Field page experienced a sizable surge during the recent Worlds. The domain was a flurry of articles, comments, and new members (17) for two weeks—including three AOTDs during that period.

By the way, a front page option on the drop-down menu would vastly improve track and field's visibility on Bleacher Report. (Are you reading this, Zander?)

At any rate...the future of track and field finally and ultimately rests on the shoulders of the athletes themselves. They must continue to push the envelope beyond our imaginings, both in performance and character. Dr. Bolt has set the standard.

And while it may seem now that no one can touch his lofty standard, let us remember names like:

Bob Beamon...

Emil Zatopek...

Carl Lewis...

Jesse Owens...

image credit: IGN.com

Rojo's Roundup: Track and Field Season Not Over Yet

Rojo Grande — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:08:36 -0400

Contrary to popular belief, the 2009 Track and Field season did not end with the World Championships in Berlin. There are still three prestigious meets to come.

Then, the outdoor season will transition into Cross Country for the distance runners and a time of rest and healing for others.

There were two meets last Monday which, for the casual fan, may have flown under the radar. They were the Zagreb Grand Prix, held in Zagreb, Croatia and the Aviva British Grand Prix, held in Gateshead, Great Britain. Click the links to see results.

This Friday, Sept. 4, is the sixth and final meet in the Golden League Series in Brussels, Belgium. Among an all-star cast scheduled to compete, three athletes are still in the running for the million dollar jackpot: distance legend Kenenisa Bekele, 400-meter icon Sanya Richards, and vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva.
UPDATE: Golden League meet just completed. Read highlights.

The following week, Sept. 13, the World Athletic Finals will be held in Thessoloniki, Greece. In this, the traditional end of the outdoor Track and Field season, all the top world athletes will be on hand to make their final "statement" of 2009.

On September 20, China will host the Shanghai Grand Prix, featuring Usain Bolt and Isinbayeva. It is possible that former World Champion hurdler Liu Xiang, who has not competed since Beijing, will test himself there against American Terrence Trammell.

The expected re-match of Bolt and Tyson Gay in Brussels will not happen, although both will be present—Gay in the 100m and Bolt in the 200m.

A former athlete from India has some heartfelt advice for the maligned Caster Semenya, the South African 800m World Champion caught up in a gender controversy.

The classy Tyson Gay, who has not openly made an issue (or excuse) of his groin injury, will undergo surgery for same and promises a real challenge to Usain Bolt next year.

Finally, this writer asks the question: "Among Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, or Usain Bolt, who most dominates his particular sport?"

Interesting read, but note, he writes for a swimmer's site.

The Golden League meet in Brussels will be carried on NBC TV and live online at Universalsports.com.

The World Athletic Finals can be seen live on Universalsports.com

The Pleasure and the Pain: Visual Stimulus for the Sports Purist

Rojo Grande — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:45:19 -0400

It was a heartless ruse, I admit - using the subtle sensuality of lady and lace to lure you into my slideshow. But since you're already here, why not explore the possibility of arousing a less erogenous, yet equally sensitive zone. The world of sport has a way of spanning the gamut of our emotions like few other areas of life. Perhaps only birth, love, and death can press beyond the limits of ecstasy and agony which sport evokes in us. We may even discover a different form of sensuality which lies hidden in our soul, far beneath skin and lace... Come, enter this pictorial parade of the pleasure and pain of sport. photo: picfor.me

Begin Slideshow

Rojo's Roundup: Track and Field World Championships, Looking Ahead

Rojo Grande — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:21:52 -0400

Rojo will regrettably be away from a computer the next few days. Here are some events to look forward to on Wednesday and Thursday at the Track and Field World Championships in Berlin.

Wednesday

Men's Decathlon, day one

Men's Discus Final

Men's 1500 meter Final

Women's 100 meter Hurdles Final

Women's 800 meter Final

Thursday

Men' Decathlon, day two (Final)

Men's 200 meter Final (new WR?)

Men's 110 meter Hurdles Final

Women's High Jump Final

Women's 400 meter Hurdles Final

As you can see, lots of action, including semifinal qualifying in most other events remaining.

Remember...TV coverage on Versus and NBC and live online coverage on Universal Sports.com.

Enjoy...and become a member of the B/R Track and Field community.

Usain Bolt ~ Tyson Gay Rivalry Reminiscent of Ali ~ Frazier

Rojo Grande — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:31:03 -0400

The tall, talkative, showman who floated like a butterfly, yet stung like a bee...

The silent, muscular bull who left his opponents in a crumpled, smoking heap...

One made his entrance upon the world stage in a dramatic and shocking fashion. The world could not hide from him.

The other methodically worked his way up the ladder, quietly leaving a legacy of destruction in his wake. Eventually, he could no longer hide from the world.

When the natural course of things finally brought the two together, Earth was gifted with not one, but three precious diamonds—forged in intense pressure and heat—which have remained resistant to the decay and tarnish of time.

Muhammad Ali was larger than life. He had the charisma and physical gifts of a Greek god. The public mobbed him at every opportunity—and he loved it. He was a poet and a prophet. There was not a hidden, dark corner of the world where his name was not known.

Joe Frazier was reserved and content to stay in the shadows. He was old school. What Frazier lacked in speed and nimbleness of foot, he made up for in power and heart. He trained, planned, honed and imagined in privacy, while Ali shouted from the rooftops.

The trilogy of their three classic fights ended with Frazier's corner throwing in the towel after the 14th round in Manila. Both fighters were near death. Technically, Ali won by TKO. Most who witnessed the fight, fittingly called it a draw.

The world of sport has rarely been treated to such a rivalry—Frazier winning the first, Ali winning the second, and a literal fight to the edge of death in the third.

~ ~ ~

The tall, ebullient showman who runs like a cheetah, and plays like a kitten...

The serious, stoic machine, whose every movement is efficiently choreographed...

One made his entrance upon the world stage like a bolt from heaven. The world could not hide from him.

The other meticulously disposed of his adversaries seemingly in the shadow of the other. Eventually, even he could no longer hide from the world.

When the natural course of things finally brought the two together, a race for the ages left the world stunned in wonderment.

Usain Bolt may as well rule the world. He is more popular than Obama and Putin. He frolics with the crowds and they love it. He does things with his charmed body no one could have imagined. And yet, there's a sense that even more lies within.

Tyson Gay is content to let his rival shine...for now. He is the only one on the planet who has a ghost of a chance. What might have been, had Gay's groin injury not hampered his start?

Gay will return to the shadows to examine, prepare, imagine and dare...

In race number one, a diamond of a different hue has just been given to the world of sport.

Will another follow?

Rojo's Roundup: Track and Field World Championships, Day 2

Rojo Grande — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:59:35 -0400

What a pity.

On a day when British sensation Jessica Ennis achieved a season-best 6,731 points to win gold in the heptathlon...

...and Valerie Vili from tiny New Zealand captured gold in the women's shot put...

...and sprinter Tyson Gay ran the third fastest time in the history of the men's 100 meters, setting a new American record in the blistering time of 9.71...

...most of the world will only remember the lightning bolt that struck Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

Simply enjoy this wrap-up of Usain Bolt's incredible day by Bleacher Report's own Alex Dimond.

And here's another picturesque viewpoint from our own Sudeshna Banerjee.

The rest of the day's activities can be found here.

Remember...the World Championships continue for seven more days. Follow them on TV (NBC and Versus) or online (Universalsports.com)

Have fun!

Rojo's Roundup: T&F World Championships, Day 1

Rojo Grande — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:16:37 -0400

The first day of competition at the Track and Field World Championships in Berlin is in the books. Three World Champions were crowned, there were the usual disappointments and surprises, and the impending collision of runaway freight trains (Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay) was still on course.

Highlights of the day were: Linet Masai (pictured) of Kenya surprising the Ethiopians in the women's 10000 meter race and American shot-putter Christian Cantwell unleashing a 2009-best effort to defeat his Polish rival.

Rojo, ever in pursuit of the next breaking story, is on the run. Read these and other stories at the Universal Sports site below.

Universal Sports is one of the best track and field sites online. Go there to surf for the stories of your liking or to view live webcasts of all the action. You won't be disappointed!
http://www.universalsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23000&SPID=13055&SPSID=105551

Remember...the championships don't end with Sunday's men's final in the 100 meters. There are many other stories in the making.

Enjoy the Worlds!

-Rojo

Rojo's Roundup: Track and Field World Championships

Rojo Grande — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:04:43 -0400

Next weekend's IAAF Outdoor Track and Field World Championships in Berlin are rivaled only by the Summer Olympics in pageantry, passion and global interest. In the final days before such an event, many stories are unfolding.

This edition of Rojo's Roundup features several items pertaining to those very World Championships.

~ ~ ~

Here's a comprehensive look at each event, previewing the expected finalists with the stories behind the stories:
http://berlin.iaaf.org/news/kind=109/index.html

~ ~ ~

An American's perspective on which events will shape the future of a USA squad trying to find its way back to prominence on the world stage:

http://theviewfromthefinishline.blogspot.com/2009/08/ten-american-stories-to-watch-in-berlin.html

~ ~ ~

The latest Usain Bolt/Tyson Gay hype:
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-sport/bolt-gay-set-for-berlin-showdown-20090810-eevc.html

~ ~ ~

"It's unusual for me to lose, and I don't know how to come second." Those are the words of Russian vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva after a rare second-place finish at the recent London Gran Prix. She's out to prove it was just a fluke.
http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=27159

~ ~ ~

A look back at the origins of the IAAF World Championships:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/280777,athletics-worlds-moves-on-from-pioneers-lewis-and-bubka

~ ~ ~

In addition to the tribute Berlin will pay to Jesse Owens, Team USA will honor the hero of the 1936 Summer Olympics with a special patch on their uniforms:
http://www.shannonrowbury.com/blog/

Remember...NBC and Versus will televise the World Championships. Check local listings.

Being There

Rojo Grande — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:01:51 -0400

My chopper's tail rotor was non-functional. We went down through the triple canopy jungle and amazingly landed upright. Trees had pierced the belly of our craft like so many pungie stakes. But we survived the crash.

The enemy was closing in.

Then someone emerged, seemingly out of nowhere, braving the hail of small arms fire to pull us out. Thank you for being there.

~ ~ ~

The stinging line drive was knuckle-balling in my direction. It's erratic flight fooled me, but knowing someone was backing me up, I was able to gamble on an all-out lunge to catch the thing.

I missed.

But someone was there - and the runner was held to a harmless single. Thanks for being there.

~ ~ ~

With a single-point lead and only seconds to go, we just needed to play good defense and not foul. My man took it upon himself to win it. He gave me a good head fake, then elevated, fading away for an uncontested, open shot...

I heard someone rushing up behind me, growling as he hurled all 6' 11" of his frame over my back. The sound and the sight of that leather sphere landing in the third row will forever be etched in my mind. Thanks for being there.

~ ~ ~

On a long road trip to take care of some unsavory business we sat in the car for hours, barely saying a word. It wasn't words I needed, only someone's presence. Thank you for being there.

~ ~ ~

Venturing into a strange new world of sportswriters, I felt lost and friendless. Clicking that "publish" button for the first time was one of the scariest moments in my life.

Eventually, someone found me, encouraged me, and took me under their wing. Thank you so much for being there.

~ ~ ~

I hope some day I can be there for you.

American Athletes Must Make a Statement in Berlin

Rojo Grande — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:56:05 -0400

In 1936, the great Jesse Owens let his actions speak, as he defied "Herr Fuhrer" and his Aryan supremacist regime.

In time, the evil Hitler machine which threatened to crush the world met its own crushing end.

Ronald Reagan let his words speak, as he challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!"

In time, the symbol of isolation and oppression did come down, and hope and freedom opened up new channels of communication and cooperation.

Now, once again, an American contingent goes to Berlin to make a statement.

The 2009 IAAF Outdoor Track and Field World Championships will be held in Berlin, Germany August 15-23.

Though Berlin, and even the world may hear the statement, the intended audience is none other than the good old USA.

American track and field has been on an upward climb in recent years—clawing its way back from near extinction in the late 1980s and 1990s. Doping scandals, inability to draw international competition, fan apathy and almost nonexistent reporting have dealt crippling blows to the sport.

While American T&F was in ICU, the rest of the world made hay.

African nations such as Ethiopia and Kenya forged an ironclad monopoly on distance running.

Tiny Jamaica dominates the sprints.

The always-strong eastern European nations have carved out their niche - owning a majority of the field events.

While strong competition is welcomed and is good for the sport, America has been playing catch-up.

But just as a runner who hangs back in a race and waits for the moment to make a move, America is methodically picking her way back through the pack. She's right on the shoulder of the leaders again—ready for the final kick.

Eight reigning Team USA World Champions will be defending their titles in Berlin. There are also eight Team USA members who are 2009 world leaders in their events.

Then consider the 20 Olympic medalists, 28 World Championship medalists, and 10 American record holders.

For America, the underdog role just doesn't work anymore.

With the world's best facilities, training, and financial support, there are no more excuses for the Americans. The pressure is on to perform now.

This will be Team USA's first return to Berlin for a major international competition since Jesse Owens posterized Adolph Hitler.

That hallowed ground demands a statement be made.

This time the message may not change the course of the world.

But it just may cause a T&F fan (and a few million of his friends who remember the glory days) to once again rest in the knowledge that all is right with the world again.

Television coverage schedule
(all times Eastern)

August 15       1-3pm           NBC
August 16       2-4pm           NBC
August 17       1-4pm           Versus
August 18       1-3pm           Versus
August 19       1:30-4pm   Versus
August 20       1:30-3:30pm Versus
August 21       1:30-3:30pm   Versus
August 22       1-3pm            NBC
August 23       2-4pm            NBC

Rojo's Roundup: Track and Field from around the Net

Rojo Grande — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:45:10 -0400

Take a spin on this carousel of Track and Field tidbits from around the world from July, 2009. Click on the link of interest to you.

Read about amazing 70-year-old Becky Sisley (pictured above), who intends to wring every moment out of life. Her story is an encouragement to young and old alike.
http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/sports/trackandfield/17704981-41/story.csp

After the back-to-back boycotts by the USA and Soviet bloc in 1980 and 1984, the modern Olympic movement was on the edge of extinction. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the desperate gamble in the high country of Colorado which some say saved the Olympics.
http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=32758

Speaking of those 1984 Olympics, a short reflection by the women's javelin contingent from the UK.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jul/26/whitbread-sanderson-paish-javelin-la-olympics

Ever wonder what happened to Liu Xiang, the Chinese hurdles hero whose nagging injury prevented him from triggering nationwide pandemonium in Beijing? He looks fit and limp-free, but why don't we see him hurdling?
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/24/content_11767441.htm

Big money comes to professional track and field. As part of the Grand Prix track circuit, the Golden League Series offers a million dollars to the athlete who can complete the six tour stops undefeated. Last year, Kenya's Pamela Jelimo, Olympic 800 meter champion, won the jackpot. Read the story of how it changed her life. Or...maybe not.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jul/26/pamela-jelimo-athletics-kenya

India considers a bid on the 2020 Summer Olympics. The money quote? "Problems are fun."
http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ForSureshKalmadi-problems-are-fun/articleshow/4823560.cms

With all the media hype pumping the expected showdown between Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay at the Berlin World Championships, the discourse between the two has been civil and rather mild. Gay has just turned up the volume—in a nice sort of way.
http://www.universalsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=13055&DB_OEM_ID=23000&ATCLID=204765637
This is also a great site to watch video clips of competition.

Looking for a sports-related vocation of the future? Try the sports surfacing industry.
http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/display_article.php?id=34350

Enjoy!

photo credit: duckhenge.uoregon.edu

Usain Bolt Vs Tyson Gay: The Clock Is Ticking...

Rojo Grande — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:27:48 -0400

To many Summer Olympics fans, the world was cheated last August when the two pretenders to the "World's Fastest Human" mantle failed to engage. Tyson Gay was a no-show, due to a serious hamstring injury.

The world, as it turns out, was not cheated.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, even without the impetus of his American rival, managed to cover both 100 meters and 200 meters faster than anyone in history.

Amazingly, in both record-breaking performances, Bolt seemed to ease up before crossing the finish line.

The popular question among sprint fans for weeks afterward was "What might have been...?"

Indeed, with Gay pushing Bolt—or Bolt pushing Gay—"What might have been...?"

On second thought, considering that provocative question, maybe the world was cheated.

Now, after a year of healing and training for Gay, and months of media frenzy and notoriety for Bolt, the stage is once again set for a showdown at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin in mid-August.

The two duelists appear to be peaking in both confidence and execution at just the right time. Both have been active in summer meets and have posted excellent times in both 100 and 200 meter disciplines.

And, perhaps to fuel the fires of ratings and speculation, they have not competed head-to-head so far this year.

At the just-completed Aviva London Grand Prix meet, Bolt laid down an impressive 9.91 in the 100 meters into a stiff headwind. Gay likewise defeated the field in the 200 meters in typical Bolt fashion, jogging across the finish line in 20.0.

The American has established world-bests this year in both the 100 (9.77) and 200 (19.58).

The Jamaican, who claims he is at 85% form, is right on Gay's heels with respective times of 9.79 and 19.59 this year.

Bolt's world records are 9.69 and 19.30.

Perhaps the question "What might have been...?" will become the statement, "I saw it happen!"

Stay within a click of Bleacher Report's Track and Field page for further updates as the gamesmanship and hype now goes into overdrive.

TV/online coverage of the World Championships will be provided by Universal Sports and NBC.

Classic Olympic Duels: 1960 Decathlon

Rojo Grande — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:50:48 -0400

The decathlon is one of the most grueling competitions in all of sport. It consists of ten events, negotiated over two days. Points are awarded based on the order of finish as well as the distance, height or time achieved in each event. Final standings in a decathlon competition are therefore expressed as total accumulated points.

The particular events are designed to test the athlete's speed, strength and endurance - in essence, an entire track meet in one competition. Because of the versatility and overall athleticism required to win, the Olympic decathlon champion is often referred to as the "World's Greatest Athlete".

This is the story of one of the most dramatic battles for that coveted distinction. As you will read, this struggle for gold and glory carried with it some very interesting under currents.

The 1960 Rome Olympics was one of the most memorable in terms of drama, future legends and athletic achievement in all of modern Olympic history. Names like Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Wilma Rudolph, Al Oerter and the Russian sisters Irina and Tamara Press were but a few of the jewels set in the crown of Rome that year.

Among the gathered elite, probably none drew more attention than the top two decathletes in the world at that time: Yang Chuan-Kwang of Formosa (Taiwan) and the American world record holder, Rafer Johnson.

The decathlon in those days had worldwide appeal, due primarily to its dominance during the 1950s by Bob Mathias, who shocked the world by winning the 1948 Olympic gold as a 17 year old kid.

Yang, better known as C.K.Yang, was a member of the Takasago - an aboriginal tribe who inhabited Formosa long before the Chinese arrived. His athletic skill was recognized at an early age. He developed his art to the extent local facilities and competition would permit. He was good enough to finish eighth in the decathlon at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Eventually, track and field officials raised enough money to send him to the US to train.

After a year of extension courses where he acclimated to American culture and learned the English language, he enrolled at UCLA in 1958 at the ripe old age of 25.

Rafer Johnson grew up in the farm country of central California. He was heavily recruited as a high-schooler by every major college football program on the West Coast. However, the above mentioned Bob Mathias who hailed from nearby Tulare, was Johnson's hero.

And track and field was his passion. That passion had resulted in a silver medal in the decathlon at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Johnson shunned the glorious promises and opulent offers of his football suitors and chose the legendary track coach Elvin "Ducky" Drake as his mentor.

Yes, that Ducky Drake - track maestro at UCLA.

Yes, that UCLA - where C.K. Yang was now training and competing.

Is a fascinating picture beginning to emerge?

Drake suddenly had one of those delicious and dangerous dilemmas coaches only dream about: how does one guide two of the world's best athletes (in the same discipline) without showing partiality?

"He handled that situation wonderfully. To this day, neither C.K. nor I know which one of us he favored, if he did. That's why we've stayed so close all these years," Johnson would later say.

"It was a unique relationship, like a father and two sons," Yang would also later reflect. "And not once did Ducky ever show favoritism to either of us."

Needless to say, a strong bond of friendship and brotherhood developed between the two athletes and Drake became the father figure.

In a prelude to the hype surrounding their Olympic duel, the two competed at the AAU National Championship meet in Eugene, Oregon that year. This meet provided enough tense drama of its own. After eight events, it came down to Yang and Johnson battling it out for championship honors.

Johnson launched a monstrous 233-foot javelin throw which garnered enough points to break the decathlon world record before the tenth event even began. Sports writers later called his new record total 8683 points "staggering" and "stunning".

Almost lost in the buzz was the fact that C.K. Yang also surpassed the old record by 69 points in finishing second.

The two friends and rivals easily qualified for their respective Olympic teams.

As the Olympic decathlon got underway in Rome that September, the heavens released a prophetic statement in the form of thunder and lightning.

Rafer Johnson was the thunder - a chiseled physique, who dominated in the strength events - the shot, discus and javelin.

Yang was the lightning - quick and lithe, with a knack for running and jumping.

A heavy downpour drenched the stadium field and track. It was a distinct disadvantage to Yang, as the track was flooded for the 400 meter race and the 16-pound shot was like a greased cannonball in his smaller hand.

"My goal in those days," recalled Johnson "was to try to keep C.K. from annihilating me in his two best events, the vault and the 1500 meters. Then I would try to annihilate him in my two best events and his two worst events, the shot and discus."

Johnson did annihilate Yang in the shot and discus but faltered severely in the 110 meter hurdles. Only a personal best in the vault got him back in contention, although Yang won the vault.

The American held a slim 55 point lead after the first day.

Better weather provided a good back-and-forth skirmish the second day.

"Rafe and I loved competing against each other," Yang remembered. "We needed each other, in a way."

The crowd was amused as each athlete politely waited his turn to secretly consult with coach Drake regarding strategy and execution between attempts.

The scorebook revealed that after nine events, Johnson only needed to stay within 10 seconds of Yang in the 1500 meters to win gold.

It was Yang's best event.

"I figured I had an outside chance to win after nine events," Yang mused "until I found out Rafe and I were in the same 1500 heat. I knew he would never let go of me unless he collapsed. I knew he would win. He is that way."

For nearly three laps Johnson dogged Yang, staying two strides behind. Yang desperately and courageously found another gear on the final lap, trying to shake his shadow.

"I had one advantage," admitted Johnson " And I don't think C.K. knew this at the time - this was my last decathlon. I was prepared to run as fast as I had to in this last race of my life."

Johnson did not relent, matching Yang's final kick stride for stride.

Yang's hoped-for collapse by Johnson finally did come - but only as they crossed the finish line. They fell together in a bittersweet embrace.

Yang won the battle but lost the war.

Johnson victoriously recieved his gold medal on the podium's highest step as his friend and former teammate accepted the silver.

* * *

Rafer Johnson never competed again. C.K.Yang eventually demolished the decathlon world record with 9131 points in 1963. He also briefly held the world record in the pole vault at 16'-3.5".

Elvin "Ducky" Drake died in 1988.

Yang summed up this incredible Olympic duel with this short quote:

"It was a remarkable time for all three of us. Same school, same coach, different nations."

Johnson and Yang remained lifelong friends until 2007, when Yang himself succumbed to a cancer-related stroke.

source credits: Seattle Times
Los Angeles Times
Time Magazine

Galen Rupp: Can He Challenge the Africans?

Rojo Grande — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:29:15 -0400

A rite of passage was celebrated at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field last week.

At the moment Oregon's Galen Rupp crossed the finish line in the 10,000 meters, he stepped into the next phase of his already brilliant career.

As if to say both "Thank you" and "Goodbye", he lifted the prominent "O" on his yellow jersey and kissed it.

Winning his final race in the Oregon green and yellow, before a huge home crowd, was the perfect sendoff into the vast and challenging world of professional/international running.

Only hours after winning the USA Track and Field 10k championship, Rupp hired an agent to help guide him through the jungle that is professional sports.

That agent is none other than the golden-spiked Michael Johnson, reigning world record holder in the 400 meters. With the legendary runner Alberto Salazar as his trainer, and now Johnson as agent, Rupp appears to be in good hands.

And it doesn't hurt that Nike's Phil Knight is in his corner...

With seven national titles under his belt this year alone, Rupp has been hyped as the next Steve Prefontaine. Though he shuns the hype, Rupp will certainly be tested in the next big meet of the summer, the IAAF World Championships in Berlin, starting August 15.

There, the Huck Finn-ish Galen Rupp will come face-to-face with the dominance of the African runners of Ethiopia and Kenya.

Pure dominance...as in typically running the 10k a full 30 seconds faster than Rupp's personal best (27:33.48). Kenya's Josephat Muchiri Ndambiri has 2009's best time of 26:57.36.

The world record is 26:17.53 by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele.

Rupp has developed a strong final kick, which is a hallmark of today's African runners. He is also headed to the mountains - for some high altitude training as he prepares for the Worlds.

It is not with fear and trembling, but respect, that Rupp faces his new frontier:

"I'm excited about Berlin. I want to stick my nose in there and try to kick with the Africans. That's what it's all about."

quote credit: Doug Binder, The Oregonian

The Pocket

Rojo Grande — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:52:08 -0400

It was summer, in the late 1950s. I was a young kid about to enter the "Sandblasters", an intermediate baseball league, just a step below Little League.

My old hand-me-down ball glove was feeling it's age, so I was saving my money for a new one. The fact that all my friends were sporting new gloves may have fueled my motives as well...

Finally the day arrived when I had enough cash to plunk down $8.95 at the Montgomery Wards store and buy my very own mitt. I didn't care that it was a Hawthorne, Wards' economy "house brand".

It had a great new-leather smell and it was a Stan Musial signature model.

After the initial thrill began to wear off, I noticed it was rather stiff and felt awkward in my hand. It had no "pocket", like my old glove.

A pocket is important in a baseball mitt. It is the very heart of the glove—a vague, but tangible "sweet spot" inside the webbing, where every hit or thrown ball would ideally be captured.

In the mind of a yet unspoiled and innocent lad, the pocket held a certain mystique—a magnetic attraction to any spherical horsehide object in motion.

My older brother told me how I could quickly form a pocket in my new glove: oil the mitt generously with goose grease, place a ball in the web of the glove, then close the glove around the ball and tie it tightly with a rawhide shoelace.

For some yet unknown reason, it was also important to place the bundle under my pillow and sleep on it.

The next morning I anxiously unwrapped shoelace, glove and ball to behold my masterpiece.

My attempt to produce a feature only time, repetition and use could form, left me with a greasy, stinky glove—a grimy pillow case—and still no pocket.

* * *

A ready-to-eat microwave meal may be convenient, but it will never have the flavor, nutrition or satisfaction of a slowly simmered stew.

Clever marketing tells me I don't have to break-in my new/old stone-washed, faded jeans. I am led to believe some peasant washer woman has already scrubbed the life out of them at river's edge.

In an effort to circumvent the natural maturing process, some of our greatest athletes have turned to "trainer's little helper" in order to reach their career goals a little sooner.

A writer takes a questionable, yet effective shortcut to achieve a notoriety only years of wadded-up misfires can produce.

Need I expound on the virtues of a fine, aged wine as opposed to a jug of Ripple?

Most good things in life take time. The cheap imitation ultimately disappoints.

* * *

I put that greasy Stan Musial signature glove on the shelf and played ball that summer with my faithful old mitt.

Eventually the strings rotted away and the cotton stuffing began to spill out. The new glove which replaced it was my introduction to a new journey in the lessons of "seasoning".

People are a lot like a baseball glove.

We begin some new task feeling a little stiff and awkward. The first few balls hit our way may bounce off the heel of the glove - or escape like a spilled ice cream scoop off the top of the webbing.

We may be tempted to bypass the break-in period.

But then, after a few more stinging line drives and bad hops, we loosen up a bit and a comfortable sweet spot begins to form in the very heart of our being.

We return to that innocent child-like "knowing" that the object of our endeavor will eventually find it's mark.

It's called "the pocket"...and there are no shortcuts.

Beyond The Draft: Trail Blazers' "To Do" List

Rojo Grande — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:15:15 -0400

Note: The following discussion is not about particular positions or individuals. Nor is it
         concerned with speculation concerning the draft or free agency. Its simply a
         short list of percieved weak points in the team which need to be addressed
         in order to advance to the next level.

It's hard to argue with success.

And the season just completed by the Portland Trail Blazers was, by all standards, a success.

The team improved their regular-season record by 13 wins. They surged in the late season to share the Northwest Division crown with the Denver Nuggets. They finished fourth overall in the Western Conference, gaining a homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

All this, while fielding one of the youngest teams in NBA history...

Do you feel a "but..." coming?

Well, here it is:

But...the Trail Blazers were exposed as a team lacking in areas only the elite title-contenders display night in and night out.

I want to highlight four areas the team needs to improve on, in order to step into the rare air of "championship contender".

Win on the road

The Blazers know how to win at home, sporting one of the best home records in the league. And they actually had some impressive road wins—most notably, in games east of the Mississippi River.

Portland's big downfall was their dismal road record against Western Conference foes.

Intra-conference games, as we know, make up the bulk of the regular season schedule. The best teams find ways to prevail on the road—especially against potential playoff foes.

A common goal of most elite teams is to win all home games and at least half of all road games. For title contenders, this usually manifests as a handful of home losses and a .650 or better road record.

The key element to any successful road team is a fearless, us-against-the-world attitude and a deep-seated focus on the league's ultimate prize. I believe the Blazers have this inherent trait—albeit in a primitive, undeveloped form.

Chemistry, experience and maturity will eventually draw it out.

Killer Instinct

Ever watch "Wild Kingdom" or "Untamed World"? If so, you've seen the cute little lion cubs toy with their food. They had no part in its procurement. As the cutelings get a little older though, and they become responsible for their next meal, the play ceases, and a quick and sure kill becomes the modus operandus.

In this analogy, The Trail Blazers are adolescent lions. More than any Portland teams of the recent past, they are learning to put opponents away.

Still, there were a few games where the weaker team was allowed to escape and live another day.

Portland has a tendency to play to the level of its opponent. This is not the trait of a champion.

The first cousin of "Killer Instinct" is "Toughness".

As with most young teams, the Trail Blazers have a reputation as being "soft". Joel Przybilla and Brandon Roy modeled toughness this year, but it needs to become a team identity.

The 'softness' was put on center stage in game one of the playoff series with the Houston Rockets.

Portland looked like a ninety-pound nerd slapping the schoolyard bully with a wet noodle. Houston stole the homecourt advantage, took it home, and never gave it back.

Winners carry themselves with an aire of confidence and boldness which says "We're not moving aside. You'll have to go through us!"

Defensive rebounding

Portland was among the best in the league at gathering their own misses.

This distinction was nullified however, by allowing their opponents too many second chances. The culprit in most cases was poor positioning by the forward and center.

Ultimately, this weakness can be traced back to inferior backcour defense. The frontcourt players had to move out of rebounding position to cover for inadequate perimeter defense.

It should be noted that one Mr. Greg Oden, a rebounding machine, (also a fouling machine) found himself on the bench early and often.

Defense is a hallmark of the NBA greats and should be a practice priority for Portland in the off-season.

Fan Apathy

Who ever thought these two words would be linked together regarding Portland?

Trail Blazer fans have always been some of the greatest fans in league history.

Admittedly, this is more of a pet peeve based on my own observation.

Living in southern Oregon, I don't get to attend many Trail Blazer games. But in the few times I've been in the Rose Garden, a strange phenomenon has always struck me: The most rabid fans are in the upper reaches, while the more 'dignified' sit-on-your-hands crowd fills the lower bowl, close to the floor.

Now don't get me wrong—the Garden rocks! And its one of the most feared venues for NBA opponents.

It just seems it could be much more so, if the 'best' seats would become the most vocal, crazy seats.

In my opinion, Blazermania has yet to reach its historic proportions.

When I begin to see those season ticket holders hoisting signs, spilling beer and shouting down the Kobes, James' and Garnetts in the first three quarters with fourth quarter intensity, then I'll know we're getting close.

Until then, we have some things to work on...

The NBA: Where Dynasties Will Never Again Happen

Rojo Grande — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:16:20 -0400

The Los Angeles Lakers just won their 15th NBA championship in franchise history.

With the win, Laker coach Phil Jackson passed the legendary Red Auerbach as all-time NBA coach, with 10 championship titles.

Kobe Bryant is flaunting his fourth NBA championship ring. Impressive.

Such lofty achievements inevitably lead to talk of impending dynasties. But dynasties in the NBA have gone the way of analog TV, the dodo bird, and the mighty Ming—and there are several reasons why.

It might be helpful to first define the term "dynasty" as it relates to basketball. To honor the great NBA dynasties of the past, a worthy definition should include a string of at least three consecutive titles.

Using that standard, only four dynasties have reigned in the history of the NBA: the Minneapolis Lakers, the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Bulls, and the post-2000 Lakers.

Although they were not able to string three championships together, the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s could arguably be included in the "dynasty club" based primarily on their dominance of that decade. They won five titles and appeared in the finals eight times between 1980 and 1989.

San Antonio provided the last great attempt at a dynasty, winning four crowns from 1999 through 2007. Too many "non-finals" years in the interim disqualifies the Spurs from the club.

Here is the breakdown of each team's dynasty years:

Minneapolis Lakers—1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954

Boston Celtics—1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969

LA Lakers—1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988

Chicago Bulls—1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998

San Antonio Spurs—1999, 2003, 2005, 2007

LA Lakers—2000, 2001, 2002

The last "great" dynasty was that of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. That reign was ruled by two of the game's all-time greats: Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson.

These days, due in part to manipulation from the commissioner's office, the league is much more balanced and hopes of ever seeing another great dynasty are but a vapor.

Here are some reasons why:

Suitcase Mentality

Dynasties take years of relationship, chemistry, and loyalty to develop.

For whatever reason, today's players are generally less loyal and more prone to sell their services to the highest bidder. Gone are the days when players actually planned to settle in a city and give their entire careers to a single locale.

And it's not entirely the player's fault. It's just the nature of the game's fluidity in these times. General managers, who love to tinker, keep the non-core players always looking over their shoulder.

The rule of the day: Keep your bags packed.

Shorter Careers

Dynasties always have at least one grizzled vet known affectionately as "Pops."

Back in the day, when a workman was worthy of his wages, it was not unusual for a player to put in 20 years. It was almost a necessity, in order to stockpile a comfortable retirement. Never mind that after 20 years of pounding up and down the court, the sunset years often meant a permanent limp and a couple missing teeth.

Today's players could retire on a year's pay. The love of the game keeps them going for another 10 years. Then, it's either greed or pain which compels them to stay in the game or leave.

Microwave Society

Dynasties are the result of long-range thinking.

Too many clubs these days are looking for instant gratification. They want success right now, by God, and will do whatever it takes to get that ring.

In some cases, as in "Trader" Bob Whitsett's turn-of-the-century Portland Trail Blazers, it becomes a self-inflicted fragging. In other cases, as in last year's Boston Celtics, it works out...once. This year, they watched the playoffs from their armchairs after the second round.

Over-Stimulated Populace

Dynasties must be maintained.

In today's super hi-tech, virtual world, our natural stimulus thresholds have become desensitized. What once was ecstatic has become mundane. We seek a bigger thrill.

Once a championship is achieved, will it lose its savor after two...or three more? That's a question which never needed to be asked a few short years ago.

As players and fans, the signs and times demand that we now ask it.

Political Correctness

A dynasty's life force is in its winning attitude.

When we begin to see our children's teams refrain from keeping score for fear that one team will inevitably feel like "losers," can that thinking be far from the higher levels of competition?

In today's game, if an NBA team happens to approach dynasty level, the cry will surely emanate from somewhere in the cellar that "it's not fair." Even more mechanisms will be put in place to handcuff the strong and fortify the weak.

The very essence of sport has always been the survival of the fittest.

* * * * * * * * *

As a Portland Trail Blazer fan, I am aware of the urge to project a few years down the road, join my fellow fans, and proclaim "Dynasty!"

Portland is a young team, with a solid core, who over-achieved this year in establishing a 54-28 record—and a playoff spot to boot! The team has a tremendous upside.

Management has had the patience to mold the team literally from the ground up. If ever a team was built with dynasty in mind, it would be my Blazers.

Anything less than an eventual championship or two would be unacceptable. I think they're capable of more.

By my criteria, the San Antonio Spurs fell just short of dynasty status. Do you think any Spurs fan is bemoaning that fact as he gazes at the four championship banners up in the rafters? I think not.

Dynasty in the NBA is dead.

Let it go.

Oregon Duck Men, Women Settle for Silver Lining

Rojo Grande — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:40:04 -0400

As the headline suggests, it was not a "blue sky" ending for the University of Oregon track and field team. Indeed, it was amid thunderstorms and rain delays that the just-completed NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships were contested.

Of course, every competitor had to deal with those conditions, but only the Oregon contingent was left searching for that silver lining after coming ever so close to gold. Both the men's and women's teams came home with second-place trophies in the prestigious national meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was track powerhouse Texas A&M that won both titles.

On the men's side, A&M eked out a narrow two-point victory, scoring 26 of their 48 points in the final two events. Oregon, Florida, and Florida State tied for second with 46 points apiece.

For the women, Oregon won second place outright with 43 points while A&M took the title with a score of 50. Arizona State and Florida State were right behind Oregon with 41 and 40 points, respectively.

After the initial let-down when the final points were tallied, it was not difficult for Oregon to find that silver lining. Several outstanding individual efforts gave the young Ducks something to savor, both in the present and looking toward the future.

The most dramatic performance for the Ducks (and possibly for the meet) was the double-win of the boyish Galen Rupp in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Rupp nearly lost his shoe on the first lap of the 5,000, dropped to the back of the pack after making an "equipment adjustment," and fought his way back to eventually take the lead with just over a lap left.

Incredibly, it was Rupp's sixth national championship of the school year. He had earlier won the NCAA Cross Country Championship and three titles in the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Multiple personal records and several Oregon school records were set during the four-day meet. The U of O had six individual champions—four by the men and two by the women.

Men's champions were Rupp in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, Ashton Eaton in the decathlon, and Andrew Wheating, who gutted out a .06-second win in the 800 meters.

Champions for the women were Rachel Yurkovich, who unleashed three monstrous final throws in the javelin, and Brianne Theisen, who stepped up to win the heptathlon.

The Duck men were hoping for a triple-crown sweep after taking the national titles in Cross Country and the NCAA Indoor earlier in the year. Both the men and women won the Pac-10 Conference Championship as well.

With so many underclassmen gaining team points, the future for Oregon track and field looks promising. The refurbished state-of-the-art facilities and excellent coaching at Eugene have also attracted top high school talent.

Perhaps soon the athletes and fans will no longer have to grasp at silver linings. Blue sky is a much better alternative.

But then, this is after all, rainy Oregon. And they are called the Ducks...

Calendar Note

The USA National Track and Field Championships will be held June 25-28, 2009 at Eugene's Hayward Field, home of the Oregon Ducks. The meet will feature the USA's top professional and college athletes, with a sprinkling of some of the best high school prospects. No team scores will be kept as it is a competition to determine the nation's best individual performers.

Giant Killers: The Power of 'One'

Rojo Grande — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:46:34 -0400

In a series called "Giant Killers," the story of tiny Rochelle High School winning the Texas Class-A Girls Track Championship last weekend would seem fitting enough.

Note: Rochelle's total enrollment is a whopping 59 students.

Note again: the competition in Class-A included 56 other schools, and this is the second straight year this same team has won the title.

But that is not the real story at all...

When Rochelle track coach Jym Dennis congratulated his team on its surprising upset, he issued only one handshake... then one hug.

The recipient? A freckle-faced senior, Bonnie Richardson, who is the Rochelle High School girls track team.

Richardson single-handedly took on the entire Texas Class-A field and brought home the gold—again.

She won two events outright, then finished second, third, and fourth in her remaining events. Obviously, as the only member of her team, she could not compete in the relay events, which other teams relied on for bonus points.

The incredible young lady has other talents, too. She was the Class-A Division ll high school basketball Player of the Year, class valedictorian, member of the National Honor Society, and Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

She is also a class "A" person.

"Whatever she does, no one is more dedicated or quicker to share the credit. She's an unbelievable kid. I hate to see her go" said Rochelle High School principal Steve Butler.

Richardson earned a full scholarship to Texas A&M, where she will major in nutrition. Texas A&M track coach Pat Henry sees Richardson as a candidate for the heptathlon, due to her versatility on the track and her rugged 5'11" frame.

Henry's track credentials are legendary. His expertise, along with A&M's facilities, will be quite a change from Rochelle's primitive dirt track, and the challenges of competition at the next level will be yet another giant standing in her way.

Not a problem, thinks A&M heptathlete coach Jim VanHootegem,

"She's got size, intelligence, motivation, and she's a ferocious competitor..."

Then, as if to address the giant head-on, he added,

"That's something you can't teach."

Update: On Saturday, June 13, the Texas A&M Aggies won both the men's and women's NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The University of Oregon men's and women's teams took runner-up honors.