Griffin, Baylor Win Record-breaking Alamo Bowl

A thrilling, back-and-forth, record-shattering Alamo Bowl had barely ended when Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III already started hearing the chants.
"One more year! One more year!"
One more year? There's still the craziness of what happened Thursday night to get through first.
Griffin wasn't dazzling in possibly his last college game — and didn't need to be — yet No. 15 Baylor still pulled out an incredible Alamo Bowl victory in the highest-scoring regulation bowl game in history, beating Washington 67-56 in the wildest shootout of this bowl season or any other in memory.
If this was RG3's final showcase before jumping to the NFL, it was a gripping goodbye to watch. One of the nation's most electrifying players was upstaged by an even more exciting nail-biter that shattered the previous record for points in regulation set in the2001 GMAC Bowl.
"We went out in style!" Griffin shouted to his teammates. He paraded the Alamo Bowl trophy around the field before taking it to the front row of the stands and his mother, who's already been looking at her son's NFL draft prospects.
Griffin said he was still catching his breath after this one.
 "I want Baylor nation to enjoy this," Griffin said. "It's not about me. I've got about two weeks. I'll enjoy this the next day, and then the next day, and then I'll make it."
The previous bowl record for a regulation game was 102 total points set in the 2001 GMAC Bowl between Marshall and East Carolina. That game went to double overtime and ended with a combined 125 points — which still stands as the overall bowl record.
Baylor, which won its first bowl game since 1992, and Washington (7-6) also set a bowl record for total offense in a game with 1,397 yards.
Griffin had an unremarkable night, throwing just one touchdown pass and running for another. But Terrance Ganaway starred ably in his place, rushing for 200 yards and five touchdowns. His last was a 43-yard run with 2:28 left to seal Baylor's first 10-win season since 1980.
Washington quarterback Keith Price outplayed his Heisman counterpart, going 23 for 27 with 438 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for another three scores.
"I think we'll have a hard time this bowl season to see a quarterback play as well as he did," Washington coach Steve Sarkisian.
Griffin was 24 of 33 for 295 yards — and his only touchdown throw came on the game's opening drive.
Blown out in four other games against ranked opponents this season, the Huskies finally made one interesting. Not that it started that way after Baylor ran up 245 yards of offense alone in the first quarter — awful even by the standards of Washington's defense, which is among the nation's worst.
Then the most award-winning QB in the country suddenly stopped looking like even the best one in the Alamodome.
Price, a sophomore who threw a school-record 29 touchdowns in his first year as the starter, began cutting into a 21-7 deficit with a 12-yard scoring strike to James Johnson. Seven minutes later he tied the game when Devin Aguilar somersaulted over the goal line after catching a 1-yard lob.
The overwhelming crowd of Baylor fans — decked in green-and-gold Heisman shirts and armed with signs such as "Superman wears RG3 socks" — stood in stunned silenced. That gave way to disbelieving gasps on the next series, when the typically sure-handed Griffin fumbled after getting popped by Andrew Hudson.
After that, it was practically a free-for-all of big plays.
A 56-yard touchdown dash by Chris Polk. An 80-yard touchdown catch by Washington's Jermaine Kearse two plays into the second half. An 89-yard scoring rumble by Baylor's Terrance Ganaway. Kearse again, catching and darting for 60 yards before getting dragged down, setting up Price's fourth touchdown toss the next play.
Back and forth, back and forth. One after another. In all, five plays covered 50 or more yards, three of them for scores.
"That was crazy," Baylor coach Art Briles said.
For an Alamo Bowl short on drama and light on matchups in recent years, it was a thrilling scoring spree that overshadowed the mere novelty of featuring the Heisman winner. And that in itself was a rarity for a bowl of this stature: Not since Ty Detmer took BYU to the Holiday Bowl in 1990 had a Heisman winner played in a bowl before New Year's Day.
Plenty came to see this one.
Anticipating a surge of Heisman gawkers, Alamo Bowl officials added 800 temporary seats and opened up others with obstructed views that required ticket-buyers to sign a form acknowledging the poor sightlines. Those seats sold, anyway, and the announced attendance of 65,256 was the fifth-largest in the bowl's history.
Others had better seats.

 That includes Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, who kicked for Baylor in the late 1980s but was here on business scouting Griffin in case the fourth-year junior enters the draft. Griffin's parents, two sisters and fiancée watched the nail-biter with front-row seats.
Griffin acknowledged this week his parents are looking at his draft prospects but denies having any substantial talks with them.
Win or lose, it was an impressive finale for Washington after stumbling into the postseason losing four of its last six. Particularly against a ranked team after then-Top 25 opponents Nebraska, Stanford, Oregon and USC all crushed the Huskies by an average of 24 points.

Bulls Rally To Stun Lakers On Derrick Rose’s Winner

Derrick Rose drove the lane and lofted home a smooth floating shot for the winning points in the Chicago Bulls’ opener, just in case anybody doubted the youngest MVP in NBA history can shoulder the expectations that come bundled with that shiny new trophy and a huge contract extension.
Yet Rose realized the Bulls’ dramatic comeback and his beautiful winner were only possible becauseLuol Deng did a whole mess of dirty work against Kobe Bryant.
Rose scored 22 points and hit a short go-ahead shot with 4.8 seconds to play, and the Bulls rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 3:44 for an 88-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
“If it weren’t for my teammates, making the steal and getting the ball to me at the end, there’s no way I could have gotten that shot off to help us win that game,” Rose said.
That credit went straight to Deng, who scored 21 points and stole Bryant’s pass with 16.9 seconds left to set up Rose’s winner before finally blocking Bryant’s short shot right before the buzzer. Rose was grateful the Bulls hung on to win the clubs’ first Christmas meeting, but even happier about their poise in an early test.
“We definitely don’t want to be in a situation like that, but we fought our way back,” said Rose, who went 9 for 13. “We just played harder. We stepped up our intensity on the defensive end. Throughout the whole game, our defense wasn’t there. I mean, we showed spots of it, but we didn’t keep it consistent. Then, at the end, we played defense.”
Carlos Boozer had 15 points for the Bulls, who have designs on a championship run after leading the NBA with 62 regular-season victories last season. But Chicago appeared headed for a mildly surprising loss in the first game of a season filled with high expectations until Rose and Deng bailed out the Bulls, who finished with a 17-5 rally.
The Bulls had to score the final seven points to earn their first road win over the Lakers in six tries.
Deng scored nine points in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play and two free throws in the final 45 seconds. One possession before he stretched to block Bryant’s final shot, Deng alertly intercepted Bryant’s pass to Pau Gasol out of a trap, setting up Rose’s winner.
“He threw a lob pass, and I was able to get to it,” Deng said. “As soon as we got the ball, I knew we were going to score.”
Until the final minutes, the Bulls were thoroughly disappointed with their effort, while the Lakers were pleased by their passion and execution after a tumultuous preseason. Chicago struggled mightily against coach Mike Brown’s new defensive schemes for the Lakers in the second half, managing just 25 percent shooting (12 for 48).
Bryant scored 28 points and committed eight turnovers while playing with a torn wrist ligament for the Lakers, but couldn’t finish strong in his NBA-record 14th Christmas Day appearance. Los Angeles still led 87-81 on Bryant’s jumper with 54 seconds left, but Deng and Rose took the game away from him.
“I saw a lot of positive things,” Bryant said. “Defensively, we were terrific. We did a good job, and we’re just going to get better. We’re going to be very good defensively.”
Bryant wore a compression sleeve on his right arm while playing without a brace on his right wrist after getting hurt last week. He appeared to have trouble handling the ball, but displayed a fairly smooth jump shot and his usual superb footwork.
Gasol added 14 points for the Lakers, but was held scoreless in the fourth quarter while committing four fouls. Los Angeles also played without suspended center Andrew Bynum and departed sixth man Lamar Odomin the debut of Brown, who replaced 11-time champion Phil Jackson.
“We played pretty good basketball until right down the stretch,” Brown said. “There were a lot of things that went wrong down the stretch where we didn’t quite finish the game.”
Los Angeles began the second half with an 18-7 run, clicking on both ends while claiming a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Chicago finally awoke after Los Angeles pushed its fourth-quarter lead to 82-71 with 3:45 to play, and the Bulls’ game-ending run was abetted by four straight missed free throws by the Lakers.
The Lakers’ 13th straight Christmas appearance was the second straight for the Bulls, who returned to the holiday slate last season for the first time since the last of Michael Jordan’s six championship campaigns in 1997.

Colts For 2nd Straight Win

Reggie Wayne followed the script Thursday night.
And just like his previous 11 seasons in Indianapolis, he had it down.
Wayne made one of his trademark moves to outmaneuver aHouston defensive back with 19 seconds left, freeing himself for a 1-yard touchdown catch that gave the Colts a stunning 19-16 victory over AFC South champion Houston. The five-time Pro Bowler celebrated by flinging his hands into the air, pointing toward the fans he loves and hugging his teammates before heading to the Colts' locker room for possibly the final time.
"I said if this is going to be the last game, I want to go out with a bang. It was great," Wayne said. "It was a great feeling to go out. Hopefully, I'll be back but you never know."
Wayne, whose contract is up after the season, certainly made a strong case to return with the Colts in 2012.
The five-time Pro Bowler finished with eight catches for 106 yards, the biggest, of course, giving Indianapolis (2-13) a second win in five days. It was Wayne's third 100-yard day of the season and put the Colts' No. 2 all-time receiver in position to match another franchise record with eight straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Indy's suddenly strong finish could jeopardize the Colts' stronghold on the No. 1 overall draft pick, having tied the league's other two-win teams -- St. Louis and Minnesota.
But Wayne and his teammates could care less about that chase. They wanted a win, and some of them wanted to win for teammates such as Wayne, Robert Mathis and Jeff Saturday, who were cornerstones of one of the league's model franchises. All of them have expiring contracts.
"I was kind of in my hotel room thinking today and kind of know it's the last home game of the season here and there's question marks about what can happen in this future, and I was thinking if it ever got to the point in the game where somebody needed to make a play, it wasn't probably going to go anywhere but (Wayne)," quarterback Dan Orlovsky said. "I think he deserved that opportunity."
Orlovsky finished 23 of 41 for 244 yards with the one touchdown and won his second straight after losing his first nine NFL starts. Even sweeter, he beat the team he played for the past two seasons.
For Houston, it was a bitter reminder that they hadn't completely swung the balance of power in the AFC South.
Having already clinched the franchise's first playoff berth and still playing for a first-round bye, the Texans (10-5) seemed poised for a playoff tuneup in Indianapolis.
Instead, they looked anything but playoff-ready.
Houston settled for two field goals in the red zone, didn't convert a third down until getting a lucky bounce late in the fourth quarter, its running game was stymied late and the defense helped the Colts with three penalties on the decisive drive.
"The last two were absolutely unnecessary on my part," rookie defensive end J.J. Watt said after being called for two of the penalties. "That's on me. I can't do that. I can't hurt our football team like that."
Houston is now 0-10 in Indianapolis and hasn't scored more than 20 points in a game since T.J. Yates took over as the starting quarterback.
Yates was solid, 13 of 16 for 132 yards with a rating of 101.0, and Arian Foster had a big day rushing 23 times for 158 yards.
But when the Texans had to sustain drives or punch it into the end zone, they squandered away scoring chances.
"We make one play offensively at the end, the game's over," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We make one stop at the end, the game's over."
At the start, the game certainly looked as if it would be a repeat of the Texans' 34-7 season-opening blowout when Brian Cushing beat the Colts blockers on the game's first play, sacking Orlovsky and stripping the ball. Foster ran for 8 yards on the next play, then scored on a 9-yard burst off the left side to give Houston a 7-0 lead.
The teams traded five field goals over the next 58 minutes, but the Colts never had the lead.
Then somehow Orlovsky got rolling. He connected with Pierre Garcon for 11 yards and Jacob Tamme for 10. After a 3-yard completion to Donald Brown, Wayne caught a 34-yard pass on third-and-7 to keep the drive alive with 51 seconds left. Houston's three penalties moved the ball to the Houston 1, and on first-and-goal, Orlovsky lobbed the pass to Wayne, who hauled it in for the momentous catch.
"It's big," Wayne said. "For one thing, not knowing what my future's going to be, just wanting to get a win, couldn't get anything better than this."
NOTES: Before the game, Colts owner Jim Irsay told NFL Network that if Peyton Manning plays next year, it will be in Indianapolis. ... Wayne also moved past Rod Smith for No. 18 on the NFL's career receptions list. Smith finished with 849. Wayne now has 854. ... Houston's four-game winning streak came to an end. ... Adam Vinatieri missed a 42-yard field goal just before halftime, ending his streak of 33 consecutive field goals made at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Celtics Forward Jeff Green At Work Last Season

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers stressed that we'll find out more about Jeff Green's mystery health ailment on Friday and, while it's dangerous to speculate, a couple thoughts as we await further clarity from the team and player:

* The Celtics were confident enough in Green's health to formally announce his signing on Saturday, but a day later Boston agreed to a one-year, fully-guaranteed minimum deal withSasha Pavlovic. To some, it was a head-scratcher considering Pavlovic's struggles here last season and the fact that Boston already had two-deep depth behind Paul Pierce on the wing in Green and Marquis Daniels (and with seemingly more pressing needs at shooting guard and center). If Green is to be sidelined for any prolonged period of time, it's clear the Celtics needed more depth, especially given Daniels' own injury history.

* Regardless of the severity of the ailment, you can't help but feel bad for Green. Rivers noted this week how Green flew into town early in order to hit the ground running at training camp -- especially after being thrust into the fire when he was acquired at the February trade deadline. "One of the reasons he came in the day before [camp started last week], the one thing he wanted to do was start early and not fall behind," said Rivers. "Because he felt like that really hurt him when he was traded. So, obviously you can image he’s a little frustrated."

* It's hard to blame Ainge given the seemingly freak nature of this scare, but Boston's general manager will hear even more groans from the hindsight crowd if Green is missing in action to start the season. In dealing away Kendrick Perkins (and Nate Robinson) at February's trade deadline, the Celtics acquired Green, Nenad Krstic, and a future first-round draft pick (top 10 protected and originally property of the Los Angeles Clippers) from Oklahoma City. Krstic bolted overseas during the lockout and that first-round pick's value has potential to dip if the Clippers improve with the recent addition of Chris Paul to a young core.

* There's been a lot of questions in the Mailbag and Twitter about whether Green's contract would be voided if he's simply unable to pass his physical moving forward. It's probably prudent to see what the team announces Friday before even considering that path. One thing to note, even by theoretically removing his $9 million from the Celtics' current cap, the team is still over the luxury tax threshold (let alone the salary cap) and would still be limited to mere minimum contracts to fill out its roster.

* More than anything, let's remember that we're talking about a person's livelihood here. Hopefully the news tomorrow reveals only a minor concern, but let's also maintain perspective that health is paramount to anything related to wins and losses on the basketball court.

Sports Shoes Are Great Gifts For Athletes

A good athlete knows their form and shape. To get the best size though, it is advisable to measure the feet when someone is standing. This will give the correct size of the foot as no part can be bent when standing. This is important as getting the footwear that fits well without much trouble can make one feel like they own the entire universe once they do well in field events. When going to buy footwear, carrying an extra pair of socks is important. This will give one the chance of testing them in full proportion. The socks can help fill in the space that will be required to get one performing well. To avoid chances of the footwear being too small, the socks should be carried along since they will be part of the routine when wearing the footwear. I presume the common assumption that the regular is that the shoe will be 'broken into'. This should never be the case, as the shoe are supposed to fit right from the start. One should never have to 'break-in' a shoe. If the shoe does not feel comfortable from the start off, one must not buy it.

Buying footwear has never been an easy task since they come in so many colors, style and even quality. When going for shopping, keen interest should be given to the best sports shoes. As a sports person, getting a pair that fits well is crucial. When performing any activity, you should be happy and comfortable to see good results. It is believed that when it is cold, feet do shrink and when it gets too hot, they expand. To get a pair that will fit perfectly, you need to go shopping when temperatures are hot in order to reduce chances of the footwear failing to fit when it is hot. This conditions has left many wondering at times not knowing how to handle such cases. This is when most people regret their purchases.

The quality of the footwear should be a determining factor about any given pair of footwear. It will be wrong to buy any given pair too expensively and lose its meaning. Good sports footwear should be chosen depending on their purpose, size and even the quality. This will ensure that they serve longer than the ordinary. After making a purchase, time should be dedicated to the footwear for them to adjust to the motions. Before any big outdoor activities that will make the wearer go running, they should be made comfortable by ensuring that they adapt to the conditions by taking a walk in them around the house. This makes everyone feel comfortable and get used to one another. Even though decent quality running shoes can be expected to last a long time, for someone just starting out or someone who is an experienced runner a new pair will very probably be on their list of things to buy soon.

Training Course Of Tennis

A tennis expert will say that there is a variety of shots you can use and a whole lot of tennis strategies to apply! The key is to analyze the situation and act accordingly. For instance, at times you might want to put up 'neutralizing' tennis strategies and at other times 'offensive' tennis strategies. Neutralizing tennis strategies are used to nullify or neutralize opponent's advantage. There must be pattern in your opponent's play. Your opponent must have some strength. Tennis expert advice: Try and prevent the opponent from making use of it. For instance your opponent might be good with the forehand rather than backhand. If you play a backhand move, you will prevent them from using the forehand to their advantage. According to tennis experts, mostly it is used as a defensive shot but can be used as an offensive shot too. The shot is powerful as the ball stays low. This makes it hard for your opponent who has to hit a low ball while on the run. A tennis expert will tell you that the tennis slice is a good tennis strategy to take on the opponent unprepared.

Of training course, at some position some more income could possibly be desired, particularly at the beginning, when you purchase children tennis racquets, sports activities gear and so on. It is not also substantially, but it need to be considered. In some sports activities it is much more apparent these types of as a basketball staff creating a surge and scoring a whole lot of factors and then possessing issues creating a shot when the other staff starts coming back again. You see coaches attempt to handle momentum by way of time outs and managing various plays in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. So how can this advantage you in the sport of tennis? We here at Best Tennis Rackets Headquarters hope you'll be able to look beyond your own ill-fated starts using the sawed away solid wood tennis racket and consider placing your little one off with courses.

In some sports activities it is much more apparent these types of as a basketball staff creating a surge and scoring a whole lot of factors and then possessing issues creating a shot when the other staff starts coming back again. You see coaches attempt to handle momentum by way of time outs and managing various plays in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. So how can this advantage you in the sport of tennis? Most people can probably remember that you did not really have much satisfaction on Saturday early morning when you could not control your own racket not to mention establish reliable connection with the ball as well as keep up a rally! It is utterly incredible taking a look back two decades at the rackets that the youngsters began with. Sure, if ones last name ended up being Agassi, Chang or Sampras you used to be competent to use the extra-large and heavy chunk of wood and gun forehand winners to both corner but unfortunately your own last name is most likely some thing besides the people listed above.

Trampoline Can Be Used For Exercise

A trampoline will make kids the favorite of the neighborhood. While there are plenty of home trampolines to choose from in the retail market, one brand combines innovation with the latest in technology and safety - Skywalker. A Skywalker trampoline combines safety and fun with durability. Each frame is constructed using rust-resistant galvanized steel to provide maximum durability. Every trampoline and enclosure system features Skywalker's interlocking T-bracket technology that adds a little extra strength at each frame joint. The safety enclosure net is designed to stay put and attaches at the spring so that there is no gap between the net and the actual jumping mat. It comes pre-installed from the factory. A variety of color options are available for the edging that lines the trampoline jumping mat including red, blue, and green.

A Skywalker trampoline is available in a variety of different sizes to fit any size yard, each with a mesh enclosure for safety. Each trampoline comes with a one year warranty on the frame and a 90 day warranty on parts, as well as meeting or exceeding ASTM safety standards. The square trampoline actually provides more usable space when compared to the more commonly found round trampoline. For example, when you compare the 13' trampoline with the 12' round trampoline, the square one actually provides 35% more jumping area. Our current lifestyle is mainly responsible for this problem and that is why it is always better to be engaged in some physical activities, be it outdoor or indoor. Trampolining could be a good choice for the people who want to shed weight desperately. You can easily start your cardio exercise with the help of this device. However you should always supervise your children when they are using it. It is always better to follow some tips when you are going to buy one.

When ordering a trampoline, bear in mind that you want to continue to keep your youngsters joyful, nutritious and dependable. There are quite a few mother and father out there that could validate why you should use a trampoline enclosure for basic safety, as they have lived the tragedy. If that trampoline is a little something that your kids just have to have, make positive you get the insurance that will continue to keep them safe. A trampoline can be used for both a game and exercise purpose. Nowadays you can find them in many fitness centers also and many people use them for fun purposes also You might be wondering why it is used for a workout. The trampoline is considered to be one of the best ways of doing aerobic exercise. Most of the health experts accept this fact that aerobic workouts help to clear toxic ingredients from our body and make our lymphatic system more effective.

The Breaststroke Has A Rich Competitive History

The breaststroke, is performed by pulling your legs up to your buttocks, turning your feet out, away from your body and then straightening out your legs. This takes concentration to be able to master. Swimming is a great way to exercise, to spend leisure time or even to pursue as a competitive sport. Whatever the reason be to take up swimming, it is essential to acquire knowledge about the various techniques involved in the many swimming strokes in order to serve the purpose at its best. There are four basic swimming strokes: the crawl swimming technique, the backstroke, the breaststroke and the butterfly stroke. This is the most popular stroke and beginners usually find it easier to learn. The technique involved is to float on one's belly in the water and to propel yourself by rotating the arms in a windmill type of motion while the legs should perform a fluttering motion. During recovery, the hands should be cupped, allowing the hand and the wrist to relax. For the leg movement, the knees should be bent slightly and the legs are kicked alternatively. Downward kicking is emphasized in this technique for maximum propulsion.

To perfect your breaststroke kicking, lie on your stomach, raise one leg and bring your foot up to your rear end. Turn your foot out and straighten your leg. This is the same motion that you will be doing in the water so you can also get the movement down and it will become second nature to you. Do this exercise on each leg one at a time, doing at least 20 repetitions on each leg at a time before you enter the water. When you do get into the water try to do several laps just practicing the kick, at this point do not worry about how fast you are going or how your breathing is working with each kick. Focus on the kick and if you are doing it correctly. The breaststroke has a rich competitive history. Its was the first stroke used in competition after the Dark Ages and all the remaining competitive strokes developed from it.

There are many recorded cases of athletes passing out from staying underwater too long in breaststroke races. The rules were changed in the late 1950s to ensure that the majority of these races would be swum on the surface. Presently, breaststroke swimmers are permitted to stay underwater only during one stroke cycle after the start and after each turn. After that, some part of the body, usually the head, must appear above the normal flat surface of the water once during each stroke cycle. Breaststroke swimmer use a shoer, sermicircular armstroke and a kick that goes by various names, although it is most commonly called a whip kick. Swimmers almost come to a complete stop when they recover the legs forward. Thus, breaststrokes must exert more force than swimmers in other strokes simply to accelerate the body back to racing speed during each stroke cycle and this makes the stroke a very rigorous one to swim.

Fencing - Fascinating Sport

To me, fencing is a rather fascinating sport. It is a combination of boxing, the martial arts, combat and ballet. Great fencers are great athletes with quick reflexes, great balance and outstanding stamina. People who succeed at fencing are disciplined, focused, resilient, creative and clever. Great fencers are quite cerebral and they are also very adept at anticipating what their opponent will do next. To be successful at fencing you must know how to attack, how to defend and how to counterattack. The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a pool fence is making sure it complies to Australian standards. Whether building it yourself or having it built by fencing contractors, you need to comply with these strict standards. There are a few different types of fences you can choose from, but the best thing to do is to choose a fence that suits the style of your home, is within your budget and blends in with your house and garden.

When I counsel a fencer, or for that matter any athlete, I always ask them how they got interested in their sport. I am also curious about what they love about the sport, when they started and if they have competed in or played other sports. Knowing this information is helpful in understanding the fencer's motivation and in understanding his or her personal sport psychology. Some of the fencers I have counseled have told me that they were motivated and intrigued by dueling scenes they had seen in movies about Zorro and The Three Musketeers. Generally made from aluminium, tubular fencing is constructed from vertical metal balusters and will suit most home and landscaping styles. It doesn't require much maintenance and is a good style of fence if you have children and animals as it is hard wearing. It is very secure and comes in a variety of colours to suit any home. A solid brick fence will be a permanent feature but is better if you have a larger area. If you need to fence off your pool as well as a patio or BBQ and a part of the garden then you might want to consider a brick fence. A brick fence, however, is an expensive option so make sure it fits within your budget.

Recently, a top young fencer who was suffering with some performance anxiety came to talk to me to get some help with the mental part of his fencing. During the initial interview, this youngster explained that the dueling scene in the Star Wars film got him hooked on fencing. In fact, I integrated Star War images in the hypnotic technique that I taught this youngster to better his performance. Also used for roofs, Colourbond is great if you are working to a budget as it is cost effective. It comes in a variety of different colours too, so you may want to match your roof, if it happens to also be made from Colourbond, or have it blend in with your garden. You can also create a garden along this fence and within a few years have it hidden from view.

High Jump Training

The bar is set at a predetermined height and jumpers attempt to clear the bar. There are special high jump shoes with spiked heels used for gaining additional traction in the run up to the foul line. The approach to the bar is often more important than the actual take off. If you approach at the wrong angle or run without enough force, clearing the bar is more of a challenge. Jumpers run at an angle of 30-40 degrees, and it takes between 8 and 13 strides to get to the jumping line. There are many different styles of jumping. Rather, its first recorded event took place in 19th century Scotland. (Though there were similar events in the Olympiad and it is contested that the high jump has been occurring since ancient Greece, the Scottish version was almost identical, if not more elementary, than the jump of today.) In the good old days, jumpers gained momentum and strength by scissoring over the bar.

Within the first three steps of their approach they have already started their curve. Because it is hard to tell how fast you are accelerating and traveling during the curve, this leads to inconsistent jumps and poor performance. A simply ritual like rocking back on your back foot or doing two skips to start your approach lets your body know you are high jumping again. It can help you get incredible consistent because your muscles will get used to the repetition. You may not currently jump in any of your exercises but I believe jumping will benefit in your performance all the way across the board. A persons jumping ability is not a natural born talent as most believe, you can train your body to improve your jumping ability. Not only does high jump training improve your jumping ability, you will see positive results in other areas of performance.

The idea is to create a high jump training program that involves vertical jumping, fast action, and powerful movements. So in the process you will improve your cardio, strength, balance, coordination, and speed ability. I prefer choosing exercises that are exploding, which practically means your are putting a lot of energy into each exercise. Most exercises that I use would fall into plyometrics, but there are more specific vertical jump training exercises out there today. I believe that plyometrics is a better system, in that it is more of a total body workout. Some general exercises that I would recommend would be: wall vertical jump, different types of leg squats, jump roping, and jump boxes. The most vital component of any exercise program is proper warming up and cooling down. You will realize that jumping puts a lot of stress on your muscle, joints, and tendons. This why it is so important to properly stretch and cool down your body.

My Favorite Sport - Boating

You can prevent your family and visiting friends from turning into the Hulk from swimming in your pool by following certain basic practices. Giving green hair to those you care for does not make you thought of kindly and can definitely make for anger. When the sun is beating down, working out in the water also keeps your body temperature regulated. Face it, when summer is at its peak, it's hard to muster the energy to undertake a workout in the heat and/or humidity, right? When you take a water aerobics class - whether in a group setting or in the comfort of your own backyard - you can get a good workout in 30 minutes. Water resistance offers a way to build muscle strength and flexibility and working out in the water help you build a healthy heart and lungs.

Buying a boat in Hong Kong makes sense for a whole range of different reasons, with economic, geographic and social aspects all taken into consideration it is among the Asian region rated as the best place for boat ownership. Hong Kong law is extremely kind on boat ownership, with virtually no taxes on owning pleasure boats, and with only a nominal yearly license charge to the Marine Department, making it at the top of Asian countries for owning a boat. Boating is a favorable leisure activity for many. The sheer joy of going cruising on the pristine clear water is hard to resist. But a little careless attitude has often leads to some severe boating accidents. Following are some of the reasons behind such mishaps.

The three navigation instruments that a boater should start with are a compass, a VHF radio, and a depth finder. Everyone uses their boat in different ways and for different purposes. As a sail boater, one would think I would have different needs than a power boater. What I have found is that sail boaters and power boaters use the same basic instruments. you will need to have the proper stainless steel fitting. The right way of fastening lifelines and handholds such as pulpits and stanchions to the boat's superstructure and to the deck is by ensuring that you check the condition of the boating fittings.

Old people's winter exercise

In winter, the temperature would drop sharply. However, old people may still hold passion to do exercise. It is easy for them to be in danger when they are doing winter sports early or late per day. The common diseases would be fractures, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, etc. Therefore, old people should not do outdoor sports if the temperature is too low. When doing exercise, they must take every factor into consideration. Otherwise, respiratory diseases would be caused to undermine the healthy condition. It is suggested by the experts that old people may take care body feature, time and sports items to avoid danger.

First of all, the sports time should not be long as the one for young players. The people in senior ages may adjust the sports time according to the body condition. Such as climbing mountain, senior people in cities may take bus or long-time drive to reach the mountain and then start climbing. The longer time people in senior ages use, more exercise amount they would pay for. In order to avoid any accident in cold winter, old people may make use of the limited time and hold it in full control.

Secondly, old people should learn to get sports gear prepared in advance. There is misconception for lots of people that ordinary exercise may not ask for special sports gear. In fact, it is necessary to get the sports gear. At least, old people should ensure wearing the sports clothes with lax, comfortable and easy design. Old people may take on or off the clothes easily when doing exercise in winter. In order to avoid any danger for respiratory diseases, old people should put on the clothes in time for keeping warm.

In addition, once old people get the full sports gear, old people may learn to control the sports pace. As we know, the sports pace may influence the comfort feeling by too faster or slower exercise. It is shown by research that fast jogging and mountain climbing may be listed as acute exercise for old people. During winter if old people climb mountain twice a week, it may not be the regular sports and old people may fully control the sports pace. The wise choice for winter exercise for old people may start from the sports with short and slow sports items. Especially in winter, acute sports would influence the respiratory system easily. So the people in senior ages may fully take care of the details for exercise items.

Sports Channels

    
    Watch live sports if you are tired of drama series and fiction, then go for sports, because sports are the new way to hold entertainment. Sports, as a medium of entertainment, are accepted and appreciated everywhere. It has become an integral part of the society. There are many people crazy about sports. They do not want to miss any opportunity, to catch the telecast of any sport.
Due to the craze of people for sports to watch them live, people go to any limit. Sports lovers don't leave any occasion, where they can watch their desired sports. Looking at the craze of people, many sports channel telecast sports matches. Viewers gather to watch them. The joy of watching any sport, is in watching it with friends or family. It multiplies the joy of winning and lessens the sorrow of losing any game.
    Millions of eyes stick on the TV sets, when any important match takes place. Holding their breath, they glue their eyes to know what's gonna happen next. Although there are many viewers who watch matches on TV, the priority of sports lovers is always live sports. In every case, no sports' devotee would refuse to watch live sports, if given an opportunity.
    This way, the importance of sports has been increasing day by day, because it keeps one away from the fabricated world, and lets one enters the real adventure. Sports mainly seize the attention of men. They are the main devotees of every sport. Women also participate and show interest in sports, but their number is always less compared to men. However, both men and women jointly increase the figure of sports lovers, who switch to a sports channel to accomplish their desires.
    These channels also help in popularizing the sports by broadcasting them to each and every corner. With the help of the channels, the number of viewers, crazy about sports, is increasing day by day. This definitely has an effect on the TRP of the channel. These channels serve sports direct from the playground, and give viewers a feel, that they are watching the match or game live. The sense to watch sports live is more than anything for the hungry sports lovers.
    Talking about the sports, every country adores different sports. Sports have the capability to make people go crazy for it. They can compel one to celebrate wholeheartedly, and also bear the potential to make one cry. Therefore, sports channels are coming ahead to fulfill the desires of viewers, because they know that sports is the need of the hour.

Aneke thrilled to replace Osaze

Leading scorer in the NPL Jude Aneke has said he is thrilled to replace injured Osaze Odemwingie in the Eagles squad for matches against Botswana and Zambia. Last week, Kaduna United striker Aneke set a new all-time record in the NPL of 20 goals in a season.

"It's a surprise for me but I believe I deserve it just like Ahmed Musa scored 18 goals last season and was rewarded with a call-up to the Super Eagles," Aneke said. "It's been great for me to be where I am within two years of playing non-league football. The credit must go to my coach Maurice Cooreman.

"My next target is to make a good impression with the Eagles, if I get to play."

The 21-year-old is also set to join Belgian club Gent soon.

Osaze has been ruled out of the Eagles matches because of a knee injury he suffered in training.

The Eagles host Botswana in Benin City on Saturday and three days later they tackle Zambia in another friendly in Kaduna under new coach Stephen Keshi.

Nigeria will line up a formidable team as they begin again under a new head coach soon after the short reign of sacked coach Samson Siasia.

Can Eagles soar with Big Boss?

At last, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has been handed the opportunity he had long dreamt of, to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria, more than 16 years after he captained the national team to lift the Nations Cup at Tunisia’94 and also led the Nigerian team to its first World Cup appearance same year.

Many had tipped the former Super Eagles’ captain, popularly known as the Big Boss, to succeed Dutchman Clemence Westerhof as Nigeria’s coach. Even the Dutch tactician himself predicted that Keshi had the qualities to succeed him as Nigeria’s coach giving his phenomenal influence as captain of the Super Eagles. But Keshi had to wait since then till Wednesday, November 2, 2011 to actualise that ultimate ambition of his.

What is, however, agitating the minds of most soccer-loving Nigerians, particularly, those that have followed Keshi’s career both as a player and as a coach, is whether the Super Eagles would fly under the Delta State-born ex-international.

An ex-international, who would not want his name in prints, recalled that it was Keshi that introduced mafia syndrome in the national team.

“I have my fears that Keshi may not succeed as Super Eagles’ coach. He believes in the divide and rule principle of leadership. Don’t forget that he was the one that introduced mafia syndrome in the national team. That was how he earned the nickname, Big Boss,” he recalled.

Already, many people have expressed doubts as to whether the former New Nigeria Bank (NNB) FC of Benin would not repeat the same mistakes Coach Samson Siasia made as handler of the senior national team. Although his record of qualifying tiny Togo for the 2006 World Cup in Germany remains legendary, Keshi’s ability to manage players has been a major source of worry to many observers and football analysts.

“I have a great deal of respect for Keshi, particularly, for leading Togo to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but my fear is that he lacks the ability to manage his players,” Kaduna United’s Belgian tactician, Maurice Cooreman, noted.

Cooreman cited Keshi’s celebrated row with Togo’s inspirational captain, Emmanuel Adebayor, which led to the latter’s suspension from the national team during the first tenure of the former as coach of Togo. It was widely alleged that both parties fell apart because Adebayor refused Keshi’s move to become his manager.

Keshi, also, had similar experience with Sevilla of Spain forward and former African Footballer of the Year, Fredrick Kanoute, while he was coaching the Eagles of Mali.

A coach that would confine his best player to the bench in a crucial game when the said player was not injured or serving match suspension due to card offence, certainly, has a man-managing deficiency. A mature coach should know when and where to draw the line between personal ego and professionalism.

For ex-international, Jonathan Akpoborie, Keshi might not fair better than Siasia, not necessarily because he is not qualified as a coach, but for the simple reason that the job of rebuilding the Super Eagles would be too enormous for the Big Boss or any indigenous coach for that matter.

Keshi in for trouble -Owolabi

Ex-international, Dr Felix Owolabi (MON), has warned that the new Super Eagles’ manager, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, could be in for trouble in his new assignment.

Owoblow, who over the weekend, bared his mind on the state of Nigerian football in an interview he granted Sportsville, said he has fears that Keshi might end up going the way of Samson Siasia.

The Ibadan-based former Green Eagles winger, noted that Keshi might not perform any magic with the Eagles given the environment he is going to operate in.

He pointed out that what Nigerian football needs at the moment was a re-building process and not tasking a coach to qualify the nation for one competition or the other as the NFF has mandated Keshi to do.

“I just hope they are not bringing Keshi to kill him. Keshi has been mandated to take us to South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the Brazil 2014 World Cup where they want him to reach the quarterfinals. If I were Keshi, I will tell them to keep their job because it is to me, a tall order given how down our football has gone.

“What we need now is to start a re-building process, to plan for the future, to correct the mistakes that has brought our football to where it is today, and no coach can build a solid team in the midst of competitions. As we all know, the problem of our football goes beyond coaching.

“The environment is not conducive for any coach to perform. Keshi needs to be very careful, he needs all the prayers to succeed,” Owolabi said. It would be noted that Keshi was last week named the new Super Eagles’ manager after the board of the nation’s soccer governing body, the NFF sacked Coach Samson Siasia for failing to qualify Nigeria for the 2012 Nations Cup in Gabon/ Equatorial Guinea.

Keshi is expected to face his first baptism of fire as new Eagles’ manager when Nigeria will face Africa’s team of the moment and giant killer, Botswana, in an international friendly at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on November 11.

Botswana had during the Nations Cup qualifiers, put up a five-star performance that saw the team beat Tunisia home and away.

NFF to interfere in Eagles' coach duties

Nigeria Football Federation president, Aminu Maigari has hinted that the new Eagles' coach would not be allowed to wield absolute powers, recalling that Samson Siasia had absolute authority over the affairs of the team during his 10-months spell but still had shortcomings. .

Maigari declared in Abuja that the federation, in the new dispensation, would guard against dressing room disharmony by paying attention to little details, which are capable of causing disaffection between players and coach.

"We gave Siasia too much powers. But obviously he failed to manage the situation well.

"We would get involved with the team's conduct this time around and we would introduce a code of conduct to check the ex

NFF may announce Keshi as Siasia's replacement on Wednesday

The choice of Keshi as successor to Samson Siasia, who was sacked on Friday after the NFF board meeting, was agreed by the majority of the board even though some of the members argued that the former Togo coach was not technically better than Siasia.

A member of the NFF board, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian over the weekend in Abuja that majority of the members wanted the former Super Eagles assistant coach to step into he job, having come second during the interview that produced Siasia as the coach.

The board member also revealed that the decision to give Keshi the job was informed by the insistence of the federation that it did not want a vacuum in the Super Eagles technical crew since the team was expected to reconvene soon for the 2013 African Nations Cup qualifying series.

"The Federation is going to announce Keshi as Siasia's replacement as coach of the super Eagles on Wednesday, but his full status I am not in a position to say now because some board members are against giving him a full contract. There are strong indications that it would be on acting bases, because we are still weighing the options of hiring a foreign coach for the Eagles.

"His choice was based on the simple fact that he attended the interview with Siasia. We want to avoid the situation of inviting fresh applications from other coaches. We just want somebody to start working on acting basis until we finally resolve on the possibility of hiring a foreign coach. For now, we have settled for Keshi," the source noted.

Asked why the board decided to sack Siasia despite Nigerians' call that he be given a second chance, the board member noted that Siasia's greatest undoing was his arrogance to the technical committee members, as well as the clause on his contract.

"The reports and recommendations of the technical committee were very unfavourable. They said that Siasia was very arrogant to them; that he talks down on all of them, and was not ready to listen to suggestions.

"They gave an example of an incident when the technical committee wanted him to remove injured Chibuzor Okonkwo since he had not been playing for Heartland, but he refused. During the match against Guinea, it was obvious Siasia was biased and sentimental in his selections. He fielded his boys," he noted.

On the conditions that would have saved Siasia from sack, the board member said; "I can tell you the general feeling of most members was that if Siasia had resigned immediately after the match, he would have been retained, but his overconfidence was his greatest undoing."

Siasia deserves another chance -Dosu Joseph

Speaking to Tribunesports Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, during a friendly match between Dream Team V and Westerlo FC, Dosu said Siasia has helped the country to build a strong team and there was the need for him to continue to make the Eagles stronger .

Dosu stated " We should remember that the same Siasia has won for this country the African Youth Championship and has also helped the counrty to earn the Silver Medal in 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament. It is unfortunate that he could not qualify Nigeria for the 2012 AFCON but we can still hope he can do better, we should not sack him but give him the chance to redeem himself.''

The former Julius Berger FC of Lagos goalkeeper feared that the notion of immediate results from Nigerian teams would only give the country temporary relief.

''If we are looking to the future and with the team Siasia has now, then we have to let him be, our penchant for quick results will always backfire.''

He reasoned that if Nigerians could endure with Dutch coach, Clemens Westerhof for five years, then asking Siasia to go after less than a year could be destructive. "Westerhof didn't do very well in his first year but in another four years, we were proud of the team he raised for us at USA '94 World Cup. On this premise, I urge more time for Siasia.''

Oliseh inexperienced for Eagles -Peters

Renowned coach, James Peters, has frowned at the planned hiring of former Nigerian skipper, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh, as the chief coach of the Super Eagles, insisting that he lacks the cognate and requisite experiences to take over the job.

Speaking to the media at the Glass House recently, the former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) assistant general secretary technical, emphasized that the proposed hiring of Oliseh is a breach of professional ethics, likening it to conferring a fresh Law School graduate with the title of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), just as he maintained that the former Eagles midfielder must start from junior team or clubside.

“I won’t support the proposal to give Oliseh Super Eagles’ job because he lacks the cognate experience.“It is wrong to give our highest national team to a coach without experience. “It can only happen in the coaching profession. It is not possible for the law profession to confer a SAN on a fresh graduate who just passed out of the Law School.

“We need indigenous coaches to handle the Super Eagles but not Oliseh.

“He is not ripped for the job. If Oliseh must coach our national team, he should start with the junior teams not our most senior national team. He can only do that if he gathers the prerequisite coaching experience,” JP noted.

Asked if he was rooting for the sacking of Coach Samson Siasia and Super Falcons’ Chief Coach, Uche Eucharia, the former BCC Lions handler quipped that a coach is as good as his last match, insisting that having failed, they should honourably resign or be booted out.


“What was obvious is that they have failed and must pay the ultimate penalty of failure.“Coaching job is all about hiring and firing and anybody who is afraid of sack has no business taking up coaching as career.“Siasia and Uche have failed the nation, they should be sacked,” he said.

I'm interested in Eagles' Job Amokachi Galadima backs Siasia

AS uncertainty surrounds the sack of the Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia over his failure to qualify the country for the Africa Cup of Nations final by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), former national team midfielder, Daniel 'The Bull' Amokachi has declared his interest in coaching the national team.

Amokachi said on Monday Night football show on Supersport that he is as qualified as any other interested coach to handle the Super Eagles anytime the post is declared vacant.

According to the USA 94 star, he has what it takes to be next coach of the Eagles going by his experience as a player, former national team assistant coach and a certified coach who is also and instructor to the bargain .

Amokachi who also revealed that the immediate past Super Eagles coach, Amodu Shuaibu is interested in the job said,'' I, Daniel Amokachie is interested in Super Eagles job, I have worked in various areas in the past, I have won WAFU cup with arguably unknown players, played at the World Cup, have coaching certificate, so who says I am not qualified or cannot coach the Super Eagles,'' he asked.

The former Everton player addded, ''are you saying Stephen Keshi who qualified an unknown Togolese team to the World Cup is not qualified or Amodu Shuaibu who also qualified the country for the world cup cannot coach the Super Eagles, so we are all interested and as for me I will apply for the job once it is time to apply.

It will be recalled that another former Super Eagles midfielder and captain, Sunday Oliseh has also shown interest in the national team job.

Meanwhile,FORMER Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has profe solutions to the recent dwindling fortunes of the national teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.

To him the issue should be treated with utmost care and those that are knowledgeable in the game of football should rally round to find lasting solutions to this mirage of problems on time to save the game from total collapse.

"Since I am not an insider, I am not privy to what is happening in the Nigerian Football Federation. It is somebody that is involved in the day to day administration of football that would be able to tell you what the problem is. I have been out of the scene for six years so I will not be able to know what exactly is happening.

"Yes we are all disappointed with the current situation as regards football in our country but it is normal in football and it happens in sports generally. What is important for us is to get ourselves together and sit down and see what we can do to address the issue.

"This can only be done by getting those people who are knowledgeable in the game. Millions of Nigerians who are out there can offer suggestions and are even more knowledgeable than me and have seen it all. What is important is for us to try and win peoples' confident at the moment.

"The Football Federation has the responsibility of trying to win peoples' confidence for now and try to prove the ability to run the game in the country. The people have lost confidence in what is happening today. I think we have to restore our confidence before anything is done.

On the recommendation of the NFF Technical Committee who called for the sack of Super Eagles Chief Coach, Samson Siasia for failing to qualify the team for the 2012 Africa Nations Cup, Galadima stated that Siasia should not be totally blamed for the failure but Nigerians should accept the failure as a nation and try to bounce back from the disappointment .

Durant's Team Wins Charity Basketball Game

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Kevin Durant had 42 points, 26 rebounds and 11 assists for a triple-double in his charity basketball game Saturday night, leading his team to a 176-171 victory in overtime.

Durant and a star-studded White team including LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to beat a Blue team that featured All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.

It was the latest in a series of exhibition games across the country as NBA players stay in the spotlight while locked out by the league.

Players and owners have an ongoing dispute over how the league's revenue should be split up and what salary cap system should be in place.

At halftime of the game, Durant presented an oversized check for $100,000 to Single Parents Support Network of Oklahoma City. 

L.S.U. Suspends 3 Players for Game Against Auburn

Top-ranked Louisiana State will be without its two best players for Saturday’s game against Auburn, according to multiple reports.

Tyrann Mathieu, left, has emerged as one of the college game's top defensive players.

The dynamic cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and the bruising tailback Spencer Ware have been suspended, along with a reserve defensive back, Tharold Simon. In a news conference Wednesday night, L.S.U. Coach Les Miles would not confirm the suspensions, calling the situation a matter of “internal discipline.”

After overcoming an early suspension to the starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson, L.S.U. (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) appeared to be on a seamless path to meet No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5 for a slot in the SEC title game. The winner of that contest is expected to have an inside track to the national title game.

But Saturday’s game in Baton Rouge against No. 19 Auburn (5-2, 3-1), the defending national champion, suddenly becomes more problematic. L.S.U. had been listed as a three-touchdown favorite.

Mathieu, a New Orleans native, has emerged as a folk hero in Louisiana, earning the nickname Honey Badger for his fearless play. He has been considered an outside contender for the Heisman Trophy after beginning the season by scoring a special-teams touchdown after ripping the ball away from Oregon’s Kenjon Barner on a punt return in the season-opening blowout of the Ducks.

Since then, Mathieu has emerged as the country’s most aggressive ball hawk. He has forced fumbles, nabbed two interceptions and registered 1.5 sacks. At just 5 feet 9 inches and 175 pounds, Mathieu has become a larger-than-life figure, with Honey Badger Takes What He Wants T-shirts becoming the rage on campus.

Ware is not as flashy, but his 512 yards lead L.S.U. and his 6 touchdowns are tied with the backup Michael Ford for the team lead.

Simon’s absence will also hurt the Tigers. He is the team’s fourth-leading tackler and might have started against Auburn, which runs a frenetic spread offense that forces teams into schemes that employ multiple defensive backs.

Russell Wilson Puts Wisconsin on Target for Title Run

MADISON, Wis. — The legend of Russell Wilson as a Wisconsin quarterback began with a dare from Badgers receiver Nick Toon on the 30-yard line of Camp Randall Stadium: “Bet you can’t hit the crossbar from here.”

Wilson flashed a quick smile before unleashing a 40-yard spiral that collided with the crossbar with such force that the sound — DOINGGGGGGG! — echoed through Camp Randall.

“I just shook my head,” Toon said of his reaction that July afternoon.

With his arrival as a one-year transfer from North Carolina State, Wilson is ringing in a new era of Wisconsin football, which has always been heavy on steak and light on sizzle. The addition of the dynamic Wilson marks an evolution for the Badgers from their between-the-tackles roots.

Wisconsin will still have plenty of tight ends and fullbacks lumbering onto the field, but the skills Wilson displayed in amassing 76 passing and 17 rushing touchdowns during his three years as the starting quarterback at N.C. State will add a shot of third-down innovation to the methodical Badgers.

“He’s so accurate on the move; that’s the part that amazes me,” Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema said. “It’s kind of overwhelming.”

Wilson’s most notable pass may have been forgoing the chance to play in Auburn’s productive spread offense for the Badgers’ pro-style attack, a choice that puts No. 11 Wisconsin on the outskirts of the national title conversation. Wilson arrives as a complete package: athletic enough to be picked in the fourth round of the baseball draft, magnetic enough to be elected a Wisconsin captain after less than two months on campus, and smart enough to graduate from N.C. State in three years.

He is also preparing for his final college football season in the aftermath of a difficult year, one in which he struggled to hit minor league fastballs, endured a public break from N.C. State’s football program and buried his father.

But the legend of Wilson is growing here. Asked about the crossbar strike, he said with a smile: “I thought I was standing on the 40. But whatever.” 

A Positive Upbringing

Wilson’s grandfather Harrison Wilson Jr. served as the president of Norfolk State. His father, Harrison Wilson III, attended Dartmouth and bypassed a chance to play in the N.F.L. to attend law school at Virginia. After law school, he went to training camp with the San Diego Chargers and earned the nickname Professor before being released when the team made its final roster cuts.

Harrison Wilson III and his wife, Tammy, sent their three children to the prestigious Collegiate School in Richmond, Va., a K-12 private school with an annual tuition that starts at more than $17,000. Russell’s older brother, Harrison IV, said that he and Russell “stuck out like sore thumbs” because they were African-Americans in a school in which about 90 percent of the students were white.

So when Charlie McFall, who coached Russell and Harrison IV, received a complaint that he recruited Russell to play sports there, he replied, “If I recruited him, I did when he was in kindergarten.”

The tales of Russell Wilson’s athletic prowess began in fifth grade, when he was the ball boy for his brother’s high school games. During a game, a referee hollered over to the Collegiate sideline for a ball, and Russell responded by throwing a laser across the field.

“The official said, ‘Oh my goodness.’ And I thought to myself, I’m going to hang around for Russell,” said McFall, who retired as the coach and athletic director after Wilson led Collegiate to three straight state titles and a 31-2 overall record. “He’s very accurate with a great touch, and he’s been that way since elementary school.”

Wilson watched his older brother go to Richmond and play baseball and football, the sports their father played at Dartmouth.

Don't blame me for Eagles' loss – Ayenugba

AS Nigerians continue to ponder the way forward for football, the man at the centre of the Eagles heart-breaking 2-2 draw with Syli Nationale of Guinea who pushed the Eagles out of the 2012 African Cup of Nations, Dele Ayenugba has exonorated himself from blame for the loss.

Eagles coach, Samson Siasia placed the burden of the goalkeeping on the shoulders of Ayenugba after he suspended first choice Vincent Enyeama. Many Nigerians expressed fear over the absence of Enyeamah but Siasia and goalkeeper's trainer, Ike Shorunmu assured that Dele was as good as Enyeamah.

But after conceding two goals, many blamed him, saying that Enyeamah would not have conceded the goals that brought misery and pain on the nation.

But Dele Ayenugba spoke for the first time after the disastrous outing in Abuja and said that nobody should hold him responsible for the loss.

"Nobody should point accusing fingers at me. It was a collective thing. We played as a unit and lost collectively", the man who said that he was still feeling the pangs of defeat said. "It's sad that we did not qualify for the Nations Cup.

But trying to find scape goats is not necessary. We played as a unit and there is no need for buck-passing", the former Enyimba keeper said.

Odemwingie lifts West Brom out of relegation zone

West Bromwich Albion condemned struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to a fifth straight Premier League defeat thanks to goals by captain Chris Brunt and substitute Peter Odemwingie in a 2-0 win at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

Brunt opened the scoring in the Midlands derby in the eighth minute by running on to Billy Jones' cut-back, smashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Odemwingie made the game safe in the 75th-three minutes after coming off the bench-when the Nigerian striker arrowed a low finish into the corner after Paul Scharner's backheel.

West Brom's first home win of the season lifted the team into mid-table, while Wolves remained just a point above the relegation zone.

Odemwingie responded to being dropped by scoring the decisive second goal as West Brom gained its first top-flight win over Wolves for 29 years in a pulsating Hawthorns clash.

It condemned Wolves to a fifth successive defeat - their worst sequence at the top level since 1984.

Baggies head coach, Roy Hodgson, also celebrated his first managerial win over his Wolves counterpart, Mick McCarthy, at the sixth attempt. Wolves had more of the play during the opening 45 minutes but the home side looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Shane Long was a constant threat and caused plenty of problems for Wolves skipper, Roger Johnson, and his fellow defenders. After the break, Albion took command with Paul Scharner excelling in midfield and Jerome Thomas impressing on the flank. Wolves were the first to threaten and a cross from Stephen Ward found its way to Jamie O'Hara on the far side of the Albion box but his left-footed shot was blocked by debutant Billy Jones.

Baggies keeper, Ben Foster, turned aside a cross-shot from Adam Hammill after he had skipped past the challenge of Jones. But Albion went ahead through their first meaningful attack via Brunt after eight minutes.

Youssouf Mulumbu picked out the run of the over-lapping Jones and he cut the ball back across the area to Brunt who hammered a rising shot past Wayne Hennessey from 12 yards out.

Wolves retaliated and came close to equalising five minutes later. Foster blocked Milijas's low drive but the rebound fell to Doyle inside the six yard box only for Albion defender Jonas Olsson to make a superb block tackle. Wolves defender Christophe Berra became the first player to be booked after 26 minutes after a mis-timed challenge on Long.

Albion were now looking more menacing on the counter-attack. It needed a fine tackle from Ward to prevent Long doubling his team’s lead after Thomas had sent the ball into the danger area. Long then burst clear down the left flank before squaring the ball for the recalled Paul Scharner but he needed a second touch and curled his shot past the far post.

Jazz ahead Kirilenko indicators along with Euro group

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has signed a 3-year contract with Russia's CSKA team that he can terminate if the NBA lockout ends.
The deal was announced on the team's website.

Kirilenko will become an unrestricted free agent once the 2011-12 NBA campaign begins but has expressed a desire to play for the team that drafted him 24th overall in 1999.

The 30-year-old grew up in Russia but gained dual citizenship recently.
He averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds last season but battled injuries.
Kirilenko started his pro career in St. Petersburg when he was 16 and joined CSKA a year later.

Kirilenko said on the website he was glad to be back where he spent his adolescence.
He said the money he earns in Russia will go to his Kirilenko's Kids charity.

Tom announces $3000 incentives for MVP

PRESIDENT of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator David Mark will be special guest of honour at tomorrow's 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying cracker between Nigeria and Guinea at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Also expected are Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Governors of Bayelsa, Delta and Nasarawa States, cabinet ministers, senators, members of the House, the Inspector General of Police and other highly-placed Nigerian political and business leaders.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also invited the three children of deceased Eagles' legend Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal who are based in Nigeria. Olatunde, Bolanle and Abosede Muda-Lawal will all be part of the crowd cheering the Eagles to qualify for the African Cup of Nations, 31 years after their father scored the final goal that nailed Algeria and handed Nigeria her first Cup of Nations trophy.

Meanwhile,PEPSI, the official beverage of the African Cup of Nations has announced a whopping N50 million winning bonus for the Super Eagles of Nigeria should they beat Syli Stars of Guinea tomorrow and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012.

There is also a princely some of N100 million for the Super Eagles players should they repeat the feat of the 1994 Eagles in Tunisia by winning the next edition of Africa's world cup being hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.


Announcing these motivational packages for the Super Eagles at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, Mr. Jimi Awosika, Managing Director, Insight Communications and Spokesman for Pepsi said the N50 million bonus award to the players is a clarion call to the players to fight for the honour of their fatherland and ensure that the glory of our football is restored.

Meanwhile,TOMTOM, the Official Candy of the Nigeria national football teams, has announced incentives for the Super Eagles who are in a must-win situation as they line up against the Syli Nationale of Guinea at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The Most Valuable Player will receive a reward of $3,000 (about N475,000), among other incentives for the Nigerian team which is fired up to deliver the ticket for the 28th edition of the African Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next January.

For every shot on target, the Super Eagles will have $500 (about N80,000), courtesy of TomTom.

According to Mrs Bimbo Alabi, Senior Manager (Medicated Candies), Cadbury Nigeria Plc, TomTom would always go all out to motivate the Super Eagles and all other national football teams to deliver soothing results to the teeming Nigerian football supporters.

Pistons' Wallace waives hearing in DUI case

Detroit Pistons centre Ben Wallace has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of drunken driving and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon.
Wallace and his attorney were in 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills on Monday and they indicated they would waive a hearing to determine whether there was enough evidence for him to stand trial. The case will move to Oakland County Circuit Court.

Defense attorney Steve Fishman said he would look at reports in the case before deciding how to proceed.
Police in nearby Bloomfield Township said the 37-year-old Wallace was arrested during a traffic stop about 3 a.m. Sept. 24 after officers observed a Cadillac Escalade being driven erratically. Police said they found an unloaded pistol in a backpack.

Agent for Browns' Hillis told him not to play sick

Fearing Peyton Hillis was weakened from strep throat and could risk injury, his agent advised the Browns' bruising back not to play on Sept. 25 against Miami.
Hillis left Browns Stadium about two hours before kickoff, a decision that has led to speculation he was upset over ongoing negotiations with the club on a contract extension.
However, agent Kennard McGuire told The Associated Press that Hillis was too sick to play, and that he could have jeopardized his career if he played at less than 100 per cent.
"I would give him the same advice to him or any of my clients as if he were my son," McGuire said in a phone interview. "The game is physical enough, and the way Peyton plays the game, he needs all the elements of his physical game. Him being sick, and the level of his sickness, is the equivalent of being injured.
"Not only could he have hurt himself but he could have hurt his team. Nobody embodies Cleveland like Peyton Hillis. If anyone wants to point a finger, point it at me."
In the aftermath of Hillis' decision not to play, suspicions have been raised about the 25-year-old's motives and some have questioned if he sat out in protest.
On Sunday, citing unidentified sources, ESPN reported that some players in Cleveland's locker-room wondered if Hillis' contract situation was a factor in him deciding not to play.
McGuire, like coach Pat Shurmur, was disturbed that if there were teammates who felt that way, they should have had the "courage" to speak out publicly.
McGuire said Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with Cleveland, has been affected by contract talks with the club.
"He's human, of course it's on his mind," said McGuire, adding he has been in "constant contact" with the Browns. "Would it affect him being a pro? No. Does he feel underappreciated? Yes. He's human. We all in life have a perceived value of our worth now, and he doesn't take for granted what he's earning now.
"But we do believe that he's deserving of something that mirrors his production of last year."
Hillis carried Cleveland's offence in 2010 under former coach Eric Mangini. Acquired in a trade from Denver for quarterback Brady Quinn, Hillis didn't take long to storm into the hearts of Browns fans with a bulldozing running style that matched this blue-collar football city's hard-working identity.
During the off-season, Hillis won a fan vote over Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick to grace the cover of the Madden 12 video game.
Last season, Hillis caught 61 passes and became the first player in team history to rush for more than 1,000 yards, make 50 catches and score 10 TDs in the same season.
He's in the final year of a rookie contract that will pay him $600,000 US and Hillis wants to be rewarded for his breakout season.
In the past month, the Browns have given contract extensions to several players they have identified as part of their future "core." Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas, tight end Evan Moore, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and linebacker Chris Gocong have all received new deals.
Hillis would figure to be in line for an extension, but McGuire indicated the sides aren't near a deal.
"Both the Browns and I are in constant communication," he said. "The fact that the Browns are in contact sends a message that both sides want to procure an agreement. It's just that we are not aligned at this time as to what that value is. Details of these talks will always remain between me and the organization."
There are other factors that may be holding up an extension for Hillis.
Shurmur has installed a West Coast offence, which puts a premium on passing and could significantly reduce Hillis' carries. Also, second-year back Montario Hardesty is healthy after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, and the Browns are trying to figure how to best use him and Hillis in the same backfield.
The Browns may also be wary of giving Hillis a huge contract for fear his aggressive, pounding style will take its toll, lead to injury and shorten his career.
Hillis only had 10 carries in Sunday's 31-13 loss to Tennessee, fuelling belief the Browns might be punishing him for the contract issue — or not playing a week earlier.
Afterward, Hillis said he wanted the ball more, but didn't complain about the low number of touches.
"Take it up with the coach," Hillis said. "I'm just running the plays that he tells me to do. I'm just riding the tide and waiting my chances and opportunities and trying to get things done when I can."
On Monday, Shurmur, who is filling the dual role of offensive co-ordinator, insisted Hillis' attempts were not limited because the Browns were trying to "devalue" the back or for any other off-field reason.
"Absolutely not," Shurmur said. "It's a non-issue."
Shurmur said Hillis remains a major piece in Cleveland's offence as the Browns head into their bye week.
"He's a terrific player," he said. "He's a big part of what we do. And again, if I were here a year ago and I could have felt all this, I might have a different answer. The running back in any offence, especially ours, is a very important piece and he needs to touch the football."
Also this week, several of Hillis' teammates defended his decision to sit out a week earlier.
"You've got to be at your best to play this game," said linebacker Titus Brown. "This is the NFL. If Peyton was able to play, he would have played. He loves this team."

Buchanon back with Redskins after 4-game suspension

Wa cornerback Phillip Buchanon had been back again about the area Wednesday, getting offered their four-game suspension with regard to violating the actual NFL's plan upon performance-enhancing ingredients.

Buchanon experienced the actual gentle exercise prior to the gamers became popular for any five-day bye-week split.

The actual 10-year experienced was not permitted to possess any kind of connection with the actual group throughout their suspension.

"It had been various personally, inch he or she stated. "Honest error. Points occur, and so i simply place it within The lord's fingers, as well as We anticipate attempting to help to make performs. inch

Buchanon rejected to express that material triggered him or her to become hanging.

The actual Redskins will have to reduce a person in the 53-man roster to create space with regard to Buchanon. Trainer Paul Shanahan stated he'll help to make which proceed later on 7 days, along with Buchanon possibly actively playing towards Philadelphia following the l8rs.

"He's likely to assist all of us immediately, inch Shanahan stated. "I've obtained to look at right here within the next little while which kind of form he is within, as well as ideally he is able to assist all of us towards Philly. inch

Buchanon hurt their make throughout the pre-season, however Shanahan stated this "looked fairly good" throughout the exercise. Due to the damage, Buchanon is going to be confirming towards the Redskins Recreation area instruction space with regard to remedy this particular 7 days whilst their teammates tend to be aside taking pleasure in time away.

"I experienced my personal l8rs 7 days the very first a month, inch he or she stated.

Buchanon, within their 2nd 12 months using the Redskins, is actually likely to lead about the pennie deals. DeAngelo Corridor as well as Josh Wilson would be the beginners, whilst Kevin Barnes, Brandyn Thompson as well as Byron Westbrook possess just about all observed actively playing period from cornerback this year.

Als' Whitaker wins CFL weekly honour

Tailback Brandon Whitaker, who scored three touchdowns to lead the Montreal Alouettes past the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night, was named the CFL's offensive player of the week.

Whitaker, the CFL's rushing leader with 906 yards, ran for 113 yards and a TD and added five catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns. With the win, Montreal moved to within two points of first-place Winnipeg in the East Division standings.
Winnipeg defensive back Jovon Johnson captured defensive player honours. Johnson had three tackles and two interceptions — returning one 27 yards for a touchdown — in the Bombers' 25-24 road loss to the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night. Johnson, who has a league-best six interceptions, also returned four punts for 33 yards.

Marcus Thigpen of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was named top special-teams player after returning a missed field goal try 118 yards for a touchdown in a 55-36 win over the Calgary Stampeders in Moncton, N.B., on Sunday. Thigpen also returned three punts for 17 yards and added six catches for 139 yards and two TDs.
Toronto defensive end Ricky Foley received the top Canadian award. The native of Courtice, Ont., had six tackles and two sacks to lead the Argos past Winnipeg.

Canadian women advance to FIBA semis

Kim Smith of Mission, B.C., led a balanced attack with 13 points and Canada advanced to the semifinals of the FIBA Americas Championship women's basketball tournament with a 66-49 win over Jamaica on Wednesday.

Canada (3-1) finished second in Group B in the Olympic qualifying tournament and will face the first-place team in Group A on Friday.

Group B winner Brazil will face the second-place team in Group A in the other semifinal.

The tournament winner will get an automatic berth into the 2012 London Olympics. The other three teams that made it to the semifinals will have another chance to qualify for the 12-team Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer.

Miranda Ayim of London, Ont., added 11 points for Canada, while Mission's Teresa Gabriele had seven rebounds and four assists.

Nicole Louden led Jamaica with a game-high 22 points.

Canada was effective offensively shooting 44 per cent from the floor, compared to 26 points for Jamaica.

Als' Whitaker is victorious CFL every week honor

Tailback Brandon Whitaker, that obtained 3 touchdowns in order to guide the actual Montreal Alouettes after dark Edmonton Eskimos upon Fri evening, had been called the actual CFL's unpleasant participant from the 7 days.

Whitaker, the actual CFL's hurrying innovator along with 906 back yards, went with regard to 113 back yards along with a TD as well as additional 5 attracts with regard to sixty four back yards as well as 2 touchdowns. Using the earn, Montreal relocated in order to inside 2 factors associated with first-place Winnipeg within the Eastern Department rankings.

Winnipeg protective back again Jovon Manley taken protective participant honours. Manley experienced 3 takes up as well as 2 interceptions — coming back 1 28 back yards for any landing — within the Bombers' 25-24 street reduction towards the Toronto Argonauts upon Sunday evening. Manley, that has the league-best 6 interceptions, additionally came back 4 punts with regard to thirty-three back yards.

Marcus Thigpen from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats had been called best special-teams participant following coming back the skipped area objective attempt 118 back yards for any landing inside a 55-36 conquer the actual Calgary Stampeders within Moncton, D. W., upon Weekend. Thigpen additionally came back 3 punts with regard to seventeen back yards as well as additional 6 attracts with regard to 139 back yards as well as 2 TDs.

Toronto protective finish Roublesome Foley obtained the very best Canadian honor. The actual indigenous associated with Courtice, Ont., experienced 6 takes up as well as 2 bags in order to guide the actual Argos previous Winnipeg.

NBA labour talks to resume this week

With one round of cancelations behind them and more significant ones looming without a new labour deal soon, representatives for NBA players and owners will meet Tuesday and perhaps Wednesday for talks aimed at ending the lockout.
The union has canceled a regional meeting with players Tuesday in Miami so its negotiators can meet with league officials in New York instead, a person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the details are supposed to remain confidential.

Both sides said after meeting last week they hoped to talk again this week, but scheduling conflicts threatened to make that difficult. Union executive director Billy Hunter was supposed to travel to Miami on Monday to brief players Tuesday, and some members of both bargaining teams will be unavailable from Wednesday evening through Friday evening because of the Jewish holiday.

It's unclear who will take part in the talks, though the expectation is it will again be small groups. NBA Commissioner David Stern, Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver, Spurs owner Peter Holt, who leads the labor relations committee, and senior vice president and deputy general counsel Dan Rube represented the NBA last week. Hunter, NBPA president Derek Fisher of the Lakers, attorney Ron Klempner and economist Kevin Murphy were on the union side.

The bargaining session, first reported by CBSSports.com, comes just days after the league postponed training camps and canceled all 43 preseason games scheduled for Oct. 9-15.
The remainder of preseason play would be in jeopardy without an agreement by early next week, and the Nov. 1 opening of the regular season could be scrapped by the middle of next month.

The slow pace of the negotiations has left players frustrated, but they insist still united with the lockout nearing the three-month mark.

"We support Billy 100 percent, we support D-Fish 100 percent," Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony said after an exhibition game Sunday in Philadelphia. "My main thing, we've just got to stick together. As players, we're sticking together."
Yet he also didn't rule out decertification of the union, a tactic NFL players used during their battle with the league but one that Hunter and Fisher have continued to reject thus far.

"If that's where we got to take it, that's where we got to take it," Anthony said. "Whatever it takes to get a season, that's what we want to do."
Two issues remain in the way of that. Players are resisting owners' desire for a hard salary cap, and have said owners want their share of basketball-related income to drop into the 40s after they were guaranteed 57 percent under the deal that expired at the end of the day June 30.

The news has been bad, but players still hope a deal can come in time to avoid losing games to a work stoppage for only the second time.

"Every report that you guys in the media is hearing, we're hearing the same exact thing, and we're just trying to get something done and hopefully something can get done," Houston Rockets player representative Kyle Lowry said. "If not, we're going to stick together as players, the players union, and hopefully something gets done."

PLIMPTON! STARRING GEORGE PLIMPTON AS HIMSELF

In PLIMPTON! STARRING GEORGE PLIMPTON AS HIMSELF, directors Tom Bean and Luke Poling construct a compelling portrait of the extraordinary life of the quintessential everyman.

George Plimpton became known to the general public for being a veritable jack of all trades, spearheading what he called “participatory journalism” while writing for Sports Illustrated. Rather than simply write about the Detroit Lions, for example, he became a Detroit Lion, embedding himself in the team to gain a first-hand perspective on their culture and dynamics. He parlayed such escapades into a career as a successful author and television personality. Before, during, and after these adventures, Plimpton’s circle was a bit more rarefied – as the founding editor of The Paris Review, he helped to discover some of the leading writers of the second half of the 20th Century. The film explores the disparate sides of this complex but always strangely likable and approachable figure.

Currently in post-production, the project is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign, with nearly 250 individual backers so far raising over 60% of the $25,000 target – funds to cover licensing fees for the extensive archival footage featured in the film. The campaign wraps on August 26, so there’s still time to contribute. Additional information about the project and the filmmaker may be found on the doc’s website.

Plimpton led a fascinating life – besides integrating himself into a ridiculously varied number of careers as a sort of chameleon-like showman (though a distinctly humble one at that), he hobnobbed with celebrities, politicians, and the intelligentsia, and passionately kept his beloved journal, THE PARIS REVIEW, afloat with his own money, often to his own financial detriment. The film successfully captures his very full life, in large part by smartly using archival footage of Plimpton himself to, in essence, tell his own story. Appropriately, it seems that, even posthumously, the protean Plimpton takes on yet another role – as autobiographer/narrator of his own biopic.