Active Team Sports

Big Ten Conference Tournament Preview

Trish18 — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:08:24 GMT

A couple of weekends ago I went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to visit one of my best friends and watch the University of Michigan softball team take on Michigan State and Northwestern. I saw four games and quickly fell in love with the Michigan softball program.

They play amazing softball. They have one of the most legendary coaching staffs in the game. The Wolverines have a rich tradition that they revere and make a point to celebrate. This season they opened and dedicated one of the nicest softball stadiums in the nation. They have a loyal, fun fan base of which I am glad to now be a part.

The Wolverines crushed Michigan State in the two games I watched. Two grand slams, several home runs and a mercy-rule ending. It was one of the most potent offensive displays I have ever seen.

The two games against Northwestern were quite the opposite. Low scoring, decided by one run and the teams split. Not only hard-fought duels between top-20 teams and conference rivals, but the outcome was to decide who took the Big Ten conference lead and, therefore, who would host the conference tournament. I took this video below of Michigan coming back in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the second game and maintain their share of the lead conference standings-it was intense:

Since the standings were still tied at the end of regular season and their respective run differentials were also equal, a coin toss would decide which co-conference champ would host the Big Ten tournament. Northwestern won the toss and is hosting the tournament that opens today.

I have a lot of respect for Northwestern's program having competed against them several times in the cross-town rivalry at Loyola Chicago. But this weekend I'll be pulling for No. 2 Michigan to pull out the win over top-seeded Northwestern. Go Blue!

College Softball Players Carry Opponent Around Bases

Trish18 — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:35:41 GMT

An injured Kirk Gibson hitting a pinch-hit walk-off home run off in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Joe Carter crushing a walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series. Becky Marx sending one over while trailing UCLA to tie the game and get University of Michigan back in the title hunt at the Women's College World Series. These home runs are seared into my memory. They repeatedly make highlight reels and are iconic in the world of sports. But a home run in the recent Western Oregon and Central Washington softball contest perhaps should be celebrated above all.

A post-season appearance hinged on the outcome of the game. Western Oregon senior Sara Tucholsky had never hit a home run in her career. Tucholsky came to the plate in the top of the second inning of the second game with two runners on base and a 0-0 score. She had just three hits in 34 at-bats this season, but she drove a pitch over the centerfield fence.

In her excitement, she missed first base on her home run trot and reversed direction to tag the bag. She tore a ligament in her knee in doing so and crumbled to the ground. While she crawled back to first base, her two teammates crossed the plate, leaving her the only offensive player on the field.

The umpires confirmed that the only option available under the rules was to replace Tucholsky at first base with a pinch runner and have the hit recorded as a two-run single instead of a three-run home run. Any assistance from coaches or trainers while she was an active runner would result in an out.

And then an opposing player, Mallory Holtman, asked if it would it be OK if she helped carry her around and touch each bag.

"Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me," Holtman explained. "She hit the ball over her fence. She's a senior; it's her last year...I think anyone who knew that we could touch her would have offered to do it, just because it's the right thing to do."

Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Tucholsky off the ground and supported her weight between them as they began perhaps the longest and most crowded home run trot in the game's history.
Accompanied by a standing ovation from the fans, they finally reached home plate and passed the home run hitter into the arms of her own teammates. Then Holtman and Wallace returned to their positions and tried to win the game.

Central Washington did rally for two runs in the bottom of the second, but Western Oregon held on for a 4-2 win-the winning run a result of one of the most astounding acts of sportsmanship I have ever seen.
Check it out, and add this home run to the list of most memorable ones you have ever seen:

May 2008 Snapshotz Winner

Trish18 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:44:40 GMT

We are a TEAM!
This was taken before the first pitch on opening day. The boys were so excited to be together for their first game.

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April 2008 Snapshotz Winner

Trish18 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:01:43 GMT

Hard Hitter
In a blowout game, #72 makes a great tackle!

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Lisa Fernandez Left Off Beijing Roster

Trish18 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:25:43 GMT

Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and one of the best pitchers in the world, wasn't good enough to beat out Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott to make the U.S. National Team's final Olympic roster as the team readies for Beijing.

A few weeks ago, Fernandez admitted she was having a tough time getting her skills back, but was confident she could still play at a high level.

"I think I still have it," she said. "I think the advantage I have is my experience. I have the heart."

And she does. I've followed Fernandez's career dating back to 1994 during her days at UCLA, where she led the Bruins to two NCAA championships. I watched her win a gold medal in the first Olympic Games that included the sport of softball. Every girl on my softball team had the Lisa Fernandez Louisville Slugger bat.

The truth is her vast amounts of experience and heart weren't enough to earn her a spot in the Olympic rotation. When I interviewed Fernandez at the 2007 World Cup of Softball and asked her if she was planning on mounting a comeback, I believed she had a good chance of making it. Not only did she dominate opponents in the batter's box with world-class style, but was a skilled third baseman and very strong hitter.

However, head coach Mike Candrea didn't think Fernandez got back to her usual dominating self after taking three years off to start a family.

"I was really hoping she would get close to where she was in 2004," said Candrea. " I wanted her to go out on top."

So while 37-year-old Fernandez has been left off the Olympic roster, she has been named a replacement player in the event someone gets injured. I don't think Candrea made a mistake but I sincerely wish that the Olympic roster allowed for one more player. I believe she is still the greatest softball player to ever play the game and appreciate the tremendous role she played in advancing the sport and giving female athletes someone to look up to.

Do you think Lisa Fernandez should have been included on the Olympic roster because of her versatility and experience-or does Team USA have the most solid squad possible now?

The 2008 USA Softball Olympic team roster:

Monica Abbott, Salinas, Calif. (University of Tennessee '07)

Laura Berg, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (Graduate '98)

Crystl Bustos, Canyon Country, Calif. (Palm Beach C.C.)

Andrea Duran, Selma, Calif. (UCLA '06)

Jennie Finch, La Mirada, Calif. (Arizona '02)

Tairia Flowers, Tucson, Ariz. (UCLA '04)

Vicky Galindo, Union City, Calif. (Cal '05)

Lovieanne Jung, Fountain Valley, Calif. (Arizona '03)

Kelly Kretschman, Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. (Alabama '01)

Lauren Lappin, Anaheim, Calif. (Stanford '06)

Caitlin Lowe, Tustin, Calif. (Arizona '07)

Jessica Mendoza, Camarillo, Calif. (Stanford '02)

Stacey Nuveman, La Verne, Calif. (UCLA '02)

Cat Osterman, Houston, Texas (Texas '07)

Natasha Watley, Irvine, CA. (UCLA '05)

March 2008 Snapshotz Winner

Trish18 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:45:36 GMT

The Big Stretch
Dylan Sutherland a Novice AAA player for the Barrie Colts stretching out for the pass hoping to put the puck in the net.

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Maradona's Hand of God Goal Revisited

Trish18 — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:27:04 GMT

Former Argentinian soccer star Diego Maradona has issued something of an apology to British fans for the infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. Maradona knocked in the first goal of Argentina's 2-1 win with his hand, an act that went unnoticed by the referee. He went many years without admitting that it was, in fact, a handball.

Maradona has since said he did it because the English goalkeeper was very tall and he couldn't get his head on it. He also called the tipped goal "something that just came out of me. It was a bit of mischief." A bit of mischief??! Huge understatement.

Nevertheless, he was quoted in a London tabloid last week as saying, "If I could apologize and go back and change history I would." However, he shortly thereafter said that the paper changed his words and what he actually said was, "A long time has passed since that and that history can't be rewound."

It is unfortunate that Maradona, who is highly regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time--second only to Pele--will likely be remembered in such a controversial, negative way.

One-handed Basketball Player

Trish18 — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:51:08 GMT

Dax Crum has been playing basketball for Southern Utah University for three years. He is averaging six minutes per game for the Thunderbirds and is doing so with only one hand.

Crum was born with just one small finger on his right hand and has been playing basketball with one hand his whole life. He chose to walk on at Southern Utah in basketball instead of accepting a soccer scholarship and worked three jobs to pay for school until this semester.

Recently, he played a career-high 16 minutes, made a 3-pointer and shut down Missouri-Kansas City leading scorer Dane Brumagin.

"Just those 16 minutes against UMKC were worth it all to me," he said.

Good luck to Dax Crum in the rest of his inspirational athletic career.

February 2008 Snapshotz Winner

Trish18 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:02:09 GMT

Selena in the air
Selena had received the ball from the 3rd baseman and was turning a double play.

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Longest Winning Streak in the Nation is Over

Trish18 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:09:39 GMT

The Brandon (Florida) High School wrestling team's national record of 459 consecutive victories-the longest record held by any high school team in any sport and spanning nearly 34 years-has been broken. South Dade High School recently defeated Brandon, 32-28.

The tournament Brandon was participating in when they lost was by far the sternest challenge to their streak and was even titled the Jim Graves "Beat the Streak" Tournament. Seven of the opposing starters had placed in the state competition and had a crowd cheering, "Beat the streak!" behind them. Also, the top-four teams-Brandon being the top-ranked team-in Florida were competing.

While South Dade handed Brandon its first defeat since 1973, Brandon is quick to look to the future. The squad is poised to forget the loss and quickly refocus on building another impressive streak by focusing on advice from upperclassman Kevin Timothy: "Next year we start back at one."

Do you think any team in any high school sport will ever top Brandon's streak?

Team is Special

Trish18 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:54:00 GMT

(A special guest blog from Josh Centor's NCAA blog, The Double A Zone)

Harvard's Laura Brady talks about being part of a team - and some of the tradition that goes along with it:

I still remember like it was yesterday... the sound of my alarm clock going off at 8:45 a.m.... five-mile run at 10 a.m.

Should I eat breakfast? Which sneakers should I wear? How should I pace myself? The five freshmen, including myself, headed down to the rink that cold morning for a five-mile running test with the team.

The captains that year, Nicole Corriero, Kat Sweet and Julie Chu, along with the rest of the team, were stretching and warming up as we hustled to the locker room to get changed for our final preseason testing. We all joined together as Corriero spoke in a serious tone "Alright ladies, lets get this done as a team" and then we were off.

We left the athletic area at what seemed to be an unbearable pace with the upperclassman yelling at us to run faster and I thought to myself that there was no way I would be able to keep up for five miles. We crossed the bridge and took a right along the river. Then suddenly, not three minutes into the run, we turned into Leverett House and continued to sprint up the stairs to the senior's room where food and snacks were waiting for all of us. There was no five-mile run, what a great surprise. I thought to myself, "This is Harvard hockey."

Coming in as a freshman - not really knowing what to expect - can be a very scary thing.

I remember arriving on campus, moving into my freshman dorm, trying to meet as many people as possible and feeling completely lost. I wondered what my teammates would be like, whether I would get along with my roommates, what kind of classes I was going to be taking and how I was going to avoid getting lost around campus. All these thoughts were rushing through my mind as I unpacked my bags and awaited my roommate's arrival.

Fortunately for me, although these are valid concerns, I soon realized that having a team to rely on made this transition much easier. I was excited to meet my teammates, especially those in my class as I would be spending the next four years with them. After meeting the other freshmen hockey players, Brenna McLean, Jessica Mackenzie, Adrienne Bernakevitch and Sarah Vaillancourt, I no longer felt alone or lost. The five of us would grow over the next four years and become best friends. We were all excited to meet our other teammates, but even more excited about embarking on a journey for the next four years.

The seniors on our team my freshman year went out of their way to take the five of us under their respective wings. We were always in their rooms, watching movies, hanging out and it was great to have a group of upperclassmen to ask about hockey, school, and other aspects of college life. Even though we spend most of our time during the week down at the rink or on the bus for road trips, I found that I still devoted the majority of my free time to hanging out with my teammates.

Having this core group of friends to rely on was the most helpful thing as a freshman, with my teammates constantly supporting me through tough times and pushing me to be the best person and teammate I could be.

After four years, and now moving into the role of a senior helping our team's new members each year in the same fashion, I can sincerely say that although I have enjoyed many aspects of campus life, my experience at Harvard has been defined by our team culture.

I am sure that other teams have different team cultures but according to my experience, I have found that team traditions and team bonding such as the five-mile run prank discussed above, are just as important as our training both in terms of team success as well as maximizing the Harvard experience. Our team culture emphasizes the importance of every member of the team working for each other toward one common goal. It is just as important for a player on the first line or a player on the fourth line to take part in this effort.

Unfortunately, I am struggling with a serious back injury which has prevented me from participating on the ice so far this season. As difficult as it is for me to sit in the stands as a senior captain and watch practice and games, I still feel very lucky and fortunate to be a part of such a great team and be surrounded by my best friends.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned at Harvard is the importance of being able to play as part of a team. It is a skill that requires a lot of work but the rewards are vast. Not only is it a skill that is necessary for future success but more importantly, many of the strongest friendships I have made over the past four years have been Harvard hockey players. I am so grateful to be a part of such a hardworking, funny, caring, inspiring group of people and I consider these girls my family. It is a weird feeling now looking down at the freshmen thinking that just three years ago, those inexperienced eyes used to be mine. Now I am responsible for keeping these traditions and to uphold the culture of Harvard hockey, so that one day, they too will make the freshmen wake up early for that five-mile run... or some other prank. We've got to keep new recruits on their toes!

(Check out http://www.thedoubleazone.com to stay up to date on what's going on in collegiate athletics on and off the field. I've been a big fan of the blog for almost a year now-updated regularly and interesting material.)

Beach Soccer World Cup

Trish18 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:17:00 GMT

There is no need to wait years for another World Cup soccer match. The World Cup action continues Tuesday the 6th as United States takes on Portugal--on the sand. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is in full swing as teams fight to determine who will be claimed World Champion.

Group play concludes tomorrow to determine who will continue on to the quarterfinal round to take place November 8. After a day's rest, the action continues this weekend with the semifinals on November 10. Sunday, November 11 will be the culmination of the tournament when the world's best beach soccer team is crowned.

The competition was originally organized in 1995 as the Beach Soccer World Championships. The Beach Soccer World Championships were administered by Beach Soccer Worldwide, a Spanish-based organization, with FIFA's endorsement. FIFA took over the tournament in 2005, when the first Beach Soccer World Cup took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was won by France (without any head butts, to my knowledge).

Beach soccer is an exciting variation of the game. The ball is modified to be slightly softer and the compact pitch allows players to score from anywhere. This leads to high-scoring games, with an average of 60 attempts at goal in a single game, with an approximate scoring rate of one goal every three to four minutes.

The major rules differences are:

* Shoes are not allowed, although ankle guards are permitted.
* Throw-ins are taken from the sidelines, and can be taken with either hands or foot.
* Goal kicks are taken by the goalie using his hands.

An additional notable variation is that each team fields five players and has unlimited substitutions to get them through three 12-minute periods. Every beach soccer match has a winner, with the contest going down to three minutes of sudden-death overtime, followed by penalty kicks if the score is still tied.

Check out this short highlight reel of the best beach soccer goals. You will be amazed at how they move the ball.

Taking One for the Team

Trish18 — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:37:00 GMT

The Washington State basketball team committed all of their available scholarships for the 2008-2009 while one highly touted recruit remained unsigned and out of luck.

Until Taylor Rochestie volunteered to give up his own scholarship in order for the program to sign the promising recruit Marcus Capers.

Rochestie is giving up his scholarship because his family can afford to pay his tuition to attend Washington State next year. With the Cougars going 26-8 and advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament last year, Rochestie figures this is a way to give back to the program and help keep it among the nation's elite for years to come.

"When I first learned of this option to open up a scholarship by giving up mine, I thought it sounded great,'' Rochestie said in a press release. "I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to be in a situation where I could help the team out.''

This is one of the most inspirational examples of being a team player and the selfless acts that often result
from belonging to a team.

However, do you think coaches might take advantage of financially-privileged recruits and encourage them to pay their own way for the "greater good" of the program?

10 Tips for an Active Lifestyle

Active Toby — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:47:00 GMT

Hey everyone, Trish and Toby here. We're firm believers that the active lifestyle involves more than just being physically active--it's about being intellectually and socially active too. We compiled a list of 10 tips for being active in all areas of life. Because no matter what stage of life you are in, you should always strive to be the best version of yourself.

1. Maintain a positive mental outlook. There's a clear connection between living well and having a cheerful outlook on life. Research has found that people who think positively about life live an average of seven and a half years longer than negative thinkers.

2. Avoid processed food. Eating processed, boxed, canned and frozen meals guarantee that you are eating unnecessary chemicals, sodium, sugar and fat. Eat fresh, natural food and eliminate trans fat from your diet.

3. Reduce stress. We're so focused on being go-getters that we often forget to de-stress. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like--walk on the beach or in a park, read a book, visit a friend, play with your dog, listen to soothing music or watch a funny movie. Don't forget to take some time to focus on clearing your thoughts and giving your mind, body and spirit a chance to rejuvenate.

4. Invest in a quality pair of shoes and socks. Visit a specialty store that understands that every foot and foot strike is unique. When your feet are happy, so are you. Comfortable, supportive and well-fitting shoes and synthetic socks are worth the investment of time and money.

5. Socialize. Having a social network is important to the body, mind and spirit. People who are socially active tend to be healthier, happier and less likely to become depressed. To stay socially active, make a point of getting out of the house. Make plans with your friends to go out to lunch or better yet, make plans to exercise regularly with a friend or group of friends. Exercising with others is usually more fun than exercising on your own--and it can help you stick with your exercise program. Try joining our online community today!

6. Exercise your brain. The key to keeping your memory sharp is continuing to challenge it. Having a book on hand and discussing what you've read with friends or a book club is one way to keep your brain in good shape. Crosswords, Sudoku and puzzles are also excellent ways to keep your brain agile. There is always more learning to do. Find out what works for you.

7. Volunteer. Donating your time at an aid station during a race or soup kitchen over the holidays, puts life into perspective. Be thankful for all you have and give to others who are less fortunate.

8. Omit high fructose corn syrup from your diet. Widespread use of this highly modified sweetener is making us and our children unhealthy. High fructose corn syrup bypasses the digestive process and goes straight to the liver, where it gets turned into fat. Combined with the typical American high-fat diet, the result is increased danger of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Try using honey as sweetener instead. As an added bonus, ingesting locally grown honey before allergy season helps your body acclimate to some pollen levels in advance.

9. Maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family, friends and loved ones. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets--anything that keeps you involved with others--reduces stress and enhances health. Having a strong network of family and friends and a broad range of activities will support your health.

10. Give yoga a try. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes when your body is limber and flexible. Plus, yoga reduces the chances of injury. Try a beginning yoga class to enjoy the wide range of benefits--your mind and body will both thank you.

Comments are encouraged--please share your tips for staying healthy and active with the rest of us.

Padres vs. Rockies: Instant Replay Needed?

Trish18 — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:46:00 GMT

While using technology in football has gotten a bad rap lately, the argument for implementing the use of it in baseball got a boost last night at the end of the Padres-versus-Rockies game.

The last game of the MLB regular season was the best game of the year. But instead of focusing on how great of a game it was, the talk among the sports community is about the controversy that ended it.
The Padres were playing the Rockies for the National League wild-card spot after the teams ended the season in a tie. The Rockies were hot, having won 14 of their last 15 games to get to this point. But things didn't look too hot after Jorge Julio gave up a two-run home run in the top of the 13th inning, putting the Rockies in an 8-6 hole.

The Rockies battled back to tie it up again and, with no outs, Matt Holliday was standing 90 feet from clinching a playoff spot. This is where the controversy began. A sacrifice fly was hit to right field and Holliday tagged up and sprinted home with the season on the line. The throw from right field came loose as Holliday slid in head-first. Safe! Or was he?

The umpire didn't call him safe at first. Replay shows Holliday missed the plate on an incredible block by Michael Barrett. Barrett then picked up the ball to tag Holliday as he lay on the ground. But for some baffling reason--after hesitating and waiting until Barrett reached to tag Holliday for the second out--the ump decided to call him safe.

Maybe the umpire just missed the call. Is it possible he was trying to make up for the fact that an earlier ball that was ruled a double was actually a Rockies homerun? Perhaps Holliday sold his slide by not getting up and scrambling to touch home plate. We'll never know what was going through his mind, but it seems clear enough that Holliday still hasn't scored the winning run.

Since games such as this one are so important, do you feel instant replay would be an asset to assure accurate calls?