Active Team Sports : 2007 : January : 02

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Perhaps it's time to revisit this topic in light of one of the most exciting bowl games I've ever seen.

In overtime, Boise State decided to go for a two point conversion, and beat the Oklahoma Sooners 43-42. The Boise State Broncos did for college football what the Utah Utes did a couple years ago. They reminded the BCS that the little guy deserves a chance at the big boys. I understand the strength of schedule argument, but shouldn't they at least get a shot at the National Title?...Have a chance to earn the right to play in the national title game? If they really don???t deserve a shot at the national title (because they play in a smaller conference than Ohio State or Florida), they would probably get eliminated in the first round by the playoff system anyway.

Historically, sports have shown us that the best team the entire season through doesn???t always have what it takes to win when it counts. It just doesn???t seem to be a fair assessment, especially when people use the argument that a playoff system will never be implemented because of all the revenue that would be lost on bowl games. The thought of compromising crowning an NCAA football champion that is truly the best because of money--that shifting the game around for the sake of entertainment instead of in an effort to uphold the integrity of the game and collegiate sports is even an option--makes me sick. Especially from a former student-athlete???s perspective.

What about a four team playoff that includes teams like Boise State if they finish undefeated? One thing is for sure, Boise State made a lot of people think twice. Congrats to them on their great season.

What do you think?

(Photo provided by Getty Images, taken by Jeff Gross)

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: football, ncaa, trish-oberhaus

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Welcome to 2007! With the coming of the New Year, athletes commonly think about making nutrition resolutions to go along with their training . Good thing, given only three to four percent of Americans follow all of the Dietary Guidelines established by the government. Americans need food help, but the question arises: How can we best teach the nutrition message?

This topic was discussed at a conference hosted by the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy (Boston, Sept 19-21, 2006) and attended by about 250 dietitians, nutrition researchers and professionals who work in the food industry. The following are a few key messages:

* Today's children are "Generation XL." The obesity rates in children have tripled since 1980, in large part because kids are less active. We need to get kids playing outside instead of being inside on "screens."

* The dietary habits of three-year old kids carry into teen years. Hence, kids who eat lots of fruits and vegetables will likely keep enjoying them as they age. But kids who eat lots of fast food will also carry this habit into adulthood.

* Omega-3 fats (fish oils) are essential for brain function and fight inflammation, such as occurs with heart disease. Eating (fatty) fish once or twice a week is a wise idea.

Making a winning diet

The government's Dietary Guidelines tell us what should eat, but the trick is teaching people (including athletes) HOW to do so. Three eating practices that implement the messages of the Dietary Guidelines and lead to better nutrition (and future health) are:

1) Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

2) Cook at home more often (for lower-fat food, smaller portions).

3) Eat together as a family. (Children who eat family meals tend to eat more vegetables and fruits.)

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

(Photo provided by Bongarts, taken by Martin Rose)