sportsbylady

The Fabulous Colorado Rockies

2007-06-01T18:26:00.000-06:00

SO I get 4 free tickets to see the Rockies vs. Cardinals on Wednesday. I'm pretty excited about it. Great seats (thirdbase side, 9th row), 2006 World Series Champs... Puljos, Ekstein, Rolen, Encarnacion.... Sure. It'll be fun. Rockies are on a seven game winning streak, I'm pumped.

No, not while I'm there. Rockies lose a sad effort to the Cardinals... who by the was are way under .500 entering June. But we are talking about the Rockies here and Ekstein's on the DL.

So the next day, my roommate gets 2 more tickets, this time on the firstbase side, row 2. I'm pumped. I've never really had a back-to-back Rockies experience. Plus, who knows, maybe Puljos will make some diving play into our laps. One can dream right?

Wrong. No Puljos, no Ekstein, instead I'm stuck with staring at Speizio's ass all game. And then the one semi-close catch (about 3-4 seats over) Encarnacion can't even make the catch and the ball bounces into the stands and some lame guy gets it and thinks twice about giving it to some kid. Bummer. Rockies lost both games I went to. It was sad.

But, I refuse to give up hope for the Rockies. Granted 80% of the fans at any given time are rooting against the Rockies and ticket sales are up because of the Yankees in June. WOW.

People don't understand how great Coors Field is. The Colorado Rockies have built an outstanding organization. They just need to win, a lot of games. They just need an outstanding pitching staff, a reliable bullpen and some more dominant hitting.

One day.... mark my words... one day, The Colorado Rockies WILL make the play-offs. They WILL win a penant and they WILL advance to a World Series. They may not win it, but that's when the coat-tale/fair weather fans will emerge. I just think it's lame they have to wait until then.

Bottom line, I'm a baseball fan. This is where I live, this is where I grew up. I saw Coors Field being built. I saw the Rockies make their first and only play-off wild-card berth. I saw them flop after that. But I will continue to see them play, whether it's against the Cardinals, the Yankees or even the Royals. I'm will go to watch baseball.

LIVE from the mtn.

2007-06-01T18:19:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to the mtn.- The Mountain West Sports Network. This is where I currently work. We cover all sports in the Mountain West College Conference: Air Force, BYU, CSU, UNLV, UNM, Utah, San Diego State, TCU and Wyoming. This Network was created for a multitude of reasons, but regardless, it is the only network to cover one specific college conference. Others are thinking about it, one is trying to launch in Fall '07 (BIG10 Network), but it doesn't matter. It's already been done. So the bar has been set and if you are a student, fan, alumni, or affiliate of the Mountain West Conference, you need to be watching the mtn. And if you're not any of the above, check it out anyway. You may not personally care about Men's Tennis or Women's Water Polo, but people do. and that's why we cover it. Join us tomorrow, live from

Join the NPPL: National Professional Paintball League

2006-04-27T13:48:00.000-06:00

Paintball is the third most popular extreme sport. In the last 15 years it has gained popularity in over 40 countries and is reportedly the most searched sport for supplies on eBay, spending over $225 million a year.

Paintball combines the childhood game of capture the flag with hide and seek, but with a paintball gun and strategery. There are only 7 people per team per game who combine to capture the flag and take sacrafice for their teammates. The object of the game is to capture the opposing team's flag, while protecting your own. But it's not all about the flag. It's about the singled assassination (with paint) of each player. Who is shot first, which players sacrafice themselves for the cause, who is the most aggressive player and which barriers to overcome first.

ESPN2 recently picked up the NPPL World Series, using graphic aids to assist the viewer in figuring out the game. Each game is played with 7 minutes maximum, and the winner is determined after the best of 3 games. It is a sport where males and females can compete equally, where youth is not the dominant factor. Although it requires some physical ability, it is strategic.

Scoring is determined on a 100 point scale. You can still win, even if you don't caputre your opponents flag first.

32 points for grabbing the opponent’s flag first
40 points for hanging the opponent’s flag first
21 points for shooting out all of the 7 opponents (3 points per player)
7 points for keeping all your players alive at the end of the game ( 1 point per player)

For example, 100 points is awarded to your team if you grab and hang your opponent's flag first, you kill all your opponents and all of you team is in.

If teams have the same points at the end of a game, it is considered a draw. But, if the teams are tied at one game each, and they draw on the third game, there is a sudden death, one-on-one shoot-out.

For more information visit www.nppl.tv or www.nationalpaintball.com

Beware of Avalanche

2006-04-27T13:00:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when hockey wasn't around. It was like getting your pinky toe chopped off...you can walk without it, but it's a lot harder than you think.

Well, the NHL is back and so are the Avs. It'd been awhile since they won two Stanley Cups in a row. So after a nice break, they are back in the play-offs. The best part... they're up 3-0 in the series over the number 2 Dallas Stars. But Dallas denies this being a problem, because they can come back, they can win this game. Sure. But can you win four in a row?

Only two NHL teams have come back in a 3-0 playoff deficit: the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs rallied to beat Detroit and the 1975 New York Islanders to defeat Pittsburgh. The Stars can't even get out of a 2-0 hole, the last time in the '68 quarterfinals as the Minnesota North Stars defeating LA 4-3.

But, they are correct in saying it's not over until it's over. You never know because those two teams made amazing come-backs, why can't the stars? Because they're playing the Avs.

Alex Tanguay's game winner last night in overtime (Avs 4-3) was the second time in two days the Avs beat the Stars after tying the score in the third period.

"The goal at the end gave us some energy, and we got a fortunate break around the net," Avs coach Joel Quenneville said. "The games have been really close, two games in a row could have gone either way." (ESPN.com)

But Stars goalie Marty Turco says, "We're going to expect to win. Nothing has been handed to them yet." (ESPN.com)

Okay, fair enough. But we'll see you tomorrow in Denver for game 4.

Officiating

2006-04-27T12:42:00.000-06:00

I'm going to give you this disclaimer, right off the bat: I am an official, a ref and an umpire.

Many officials base their knowledge of a sport on how they used to play it. Many officials take classes and go through extensive training. Some have known to be biased. Some have known to let things go. Others are extremely strict and follow the rules by the book, regardless of who you are. Some are intense and hard core. Others are push-overs and easy to argue with. But however officials officiate; they are the official, which is why they are called officials.

My interest in officiating began as an athlete, umpiring baseball and softball in the summers as a teenager. In college, I began working at the Intramural Office at the University of Colorado. Officials were needed. I became a broomball supervisor, inner-tube water polo official and most exciting, a dodgeball official.

Dodgeball at CU can be the most competitive sport at CU (even comparable to DI football), it just depends on the teams that are playing. Some teams yell at their opponent, curse and attempt to intimidate the weaker players. Some teams react with comments like, "dude, it's just dodgeball...chill out." Others respond with yo momma comments or even worse profanity than they received.

The thing about dodgeball is that it is fun. It is competitive. A game can look like you will lose, but all of a sudden a basket is made and your whole team is back in the game. It can change at any instance. That's why people like it. It's not over 'til its over.

But many times the officials pay. We call rules like crossing the center line and the guy who threw it yells in my face. I give him a warning. Fair enough. The next time, I call him out because he's trying to cheat, saying he blocked it with the ball, when it clearly hit him in the shoulder. He argues. I say sit down. The third time he reaches over the line as a sub to retrieve a ball, I make him give it to the other team. He complains with insulting comments toward my character. I throw him out of the game. He wonders why.

Don't mess with the refs. Treat them with respect and they will treat you with respect. I pride myself on being a skilled, fair, unbiased official and when people say I think the guy on the other team is cute and that's why I didn't call him out, it's wrong. When they say I don't like that guy because he pissed me off last game, it's wrong. Each game is new, each game I'll give you a chance. But I remember the times you spit on my face while you were yelling at me, or the times you called me a bitch under your breath. I'm not afraid to throw you out...

But my officiating isn't just in organized sports. I am an unofficial rule interpreter for the card game CANASTA, I hosted an oil wrestling competition, where I was the ref, solely to entertain the audience. I've also officiated a Beirut Tournament, to ensure the alcohol-impaired contestants weren't cheating. People keep asking me to officiate because of my technique and reputation as an official. It's fun, so I keep doing it.

Just keep in mind though, that refs, umpires and officials are people too. Not just someone to piss you off or change the pace of a game. I can't be bribed. I can't be bought. So don't try.

The Denver Nuggets in the 2006 NBA play-offs

2006-04-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

Ten years ago, the statement "the Nuggets are in the play-offs" would have been followed by a chuckle or two. But after the 2006 play-off standings were set today, the Nuggets are the third seed in the West and will face off against the LA Clippers on Saturday at 10:30pm.

Many not sure how the Nuggs will do, including Charles Barkley who says, "this is the most wide-open I've ever seen the NBA playoffs. If the Clippers make it to the Western Conference finals, I wouldn't be shocked, and if Denver makes it to the Western Conference finals I wouldn't be shocked. " (ESPN.com). Chris Sheridan, ESPN writer, predicts the Clippers will take the Nuggets in 7 games, even though they haven't made it to the second round in 30 seasons.

In the West, 2005 defending champions the San Antonio Spurs face the Kings, 2005 MVP Steve Nash and the Suns face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the Grizzlies try to match up against Dirk Nowitzki and his Dallas Mavericks and of course the Clippers and the Nuggets.

In the East, the Bucks play Chauncey Billups and his Pistons, Good 'ole Shaq will bring his Heat against the Bulls, Pacers and Nets and the Wizards face LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Denver Nuggets have been quite successful since its make-over a few years ago and of course since they signed Carmello Anthony from Syracuse. But George Karl and Mr. Kroenke obviously expect a little more and hope to bring home a Championship.

The Great Barry Bonds

2006-04-21T08:43:00.000-06:00

Barry Bonds is a part of the 700 Homerun Club with just two other players: Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755). He needs only 7 more homeruns to surpass the Great Bambino. He surpassed his godfather, Willie Mays who is the sole member of the 600 Homerun Club. Bonds is the current single season homerun leader, with 73 in 2001.

After being on the DL for all but 14 games of the 2005 season, Bonds has started the 2006 season by not starting. He has played in 11 games and sat 3. He has no homeruns yet. It could be due to knee and elbow injuries, as Giants' Manager Felipe Alou says. Or it could be the never ending steroids issue. Or it could be that his new TV series on ESPN, Bonds on Bonds is taking up too much of his time.

Regardless, Bonds is around for his 20th season for one reason: to become #2 on the career homeruns list. Why stop when you're only 7 homeruns away from being the second greatest hitter of all time? Bonds is not expected to reach Hank Aaron’s 755 mark, at least not this season.

But what most want to know is what's up with the steroid deal. It's comparable to Pete Rose's continual denial of gambling, up until last year when he finally revealed the truth we all knew. Steroid use could potentially take Bond's credibility away, never allowing him into the Hall of Fame, despite his countless records.

Yet many insist that he passed every drug test he's taken and that should be enough to drop the subject. Maybe that’s why Bonds on Bonds is being made—to enhance Bonds’ public image, which is known for not being so great. The reality show or ‘documentary’ as ESPN is calling it, is a way for people to see what it’s like to be one of the greatest, or depending on your position, worst athletes alive today. Regardless, if the stats show, and they’re legitimate, let the man play.

Beirut-The Most Popular College Sport

2006-04-21T00:49:00.000-06:00

Beirut, or Beer Pong is known as a competitive collegiate sport of drinking. It is similar to ping pong, except without the paddles and with beer.

Two teams face off against each other at the opposite end of a table. Ten cups are lined up in a triangle.

Teams have 2 ping-pong balls and alternate turns throwing the balls in the opposite team's cup. Each time it lands inside your cup, you or your teammate have to drink it.

The object: to get the other team drunk by making it in their cups.

Extra or 'house' rules depends on which house uses which rules. Sometimes bouncing it in constitutes two cups and when both players make a shot, they get the balls back and another turn as a reward.

Other variations include, as soon as a ball hits the table (such as a bounce) the opposing team is able to block the ball with their hands or with their mouths by blowing it. People use beirut as a form of entertainment at a party, as a way to socialize. But regardless, it is still competitive, it involves drinking and is therefore one of the most popular sports in college.

Golf Plays: Tennis Pays

2006-04-21T00:33:00.000-06:00

CU Men's Golf Team was suspended last week. When the team was in California on a tournament, the coach took players to a strip club to celebrate a recent victory. All players attended but one Mormon player, who refused to go out of respect for his religion. Many players were underage and alcohol was involved. They were caught by NCAA and University officials. The sole remaining player attended the next tournament alone.

However, due to recent budget issues, CU has cut the best Tennis Team the Buffs have ever had. This season it is the first time in CU history the men's team has reached the Top-25, with a current record of 17-6. Many officials say the team was the right choice and they couldn't cut a woman's team due to Title IX and other reasons.

The options for players on scholarship include allowing players to transfer to any school and still keep their scholarship. But many players, including juniors entering the last season, say they just want to stay a Buff.

sunny colorado

2006-04-13T23:45:00.000-06:00

The grass is green. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Lately, there have been some beautiful days.

For those of you walking to class, you may have noticed the 'beach bums' laying out on their bath towels on Farrand Field or in their front lawn. More dogs are walking their owners and people are playing frisbee in between class.

What else can you do? The question is what can't you do? Pick up softball games, hiking, Intramural outdoor sports, football, catch, slip and slide, soccer, hackey-sack, jogging and more.

Just because you may not be involved in an organized team sport, the weather is still a great excuse to get out, exercise, me involved and fuel your competitive fire. Whatever your flavor may be, there is something in the sun for you to do.

Dodgeball: a way of LIFE

2006-04-13T22:51:00.000-06:00

It's not just on the playground anymore...dodgeball has reached the collegiate level and it's collegiately competitive.

CU's Intramural program 2 sessions a year of dodgeball at many levels of ability (open is the most competitive, then A, B and C levels). But dodgeball has peaked the popularity of Intramurals at CU with over 80 teams.

People dress up, make uniforms, or even wear traffic jackets or a blow-up water duck-anything to distract their opponent.

Rules are fairly universal: you get hit you're out. You catch a ball, the thrower's out and a teammate comes in. If you make a basket, your entire team comes in. More competitive or CU specific rules include: not crossing the center line, dodging out of bounds and 2 people being hit by the same ball...all of which get you called out.

In general, IM goes by the honestly policy-you have to call yourself out. But because we don't live in a perfect world, refs are there to confirm/deny arguments and put cheaters in their place.

My very own team "Throws Like A Girl" is at the highest competitive level. But we are an unconventional team. Dodgeball is co-ed and most teams have the minimum number of girls-2. But my team is made up of 5 softball girls and 4 football guys. We use the strength of our ladies to throw off the other team. They don't expect us to throw harder than they do.

We are 1-1-1 and play tomorrow night for our final game before the play-offs. You can support us next Thursday at 8pm for our first tournament game.

Click Here to catch an opportunity to play IM sports or for a complete copy of Dodgeball rules.

Title IX: good or bad?

2006-04-06T01:18:00.000-06:00

Many people believe Title IX was helpful. Many blame Title IX for programs being cut.

Title IX states, "No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be exclude from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid."

Title IX is a part of the 1972 anti-discrimination laws. It has a three-prong requirement in reference to intercollegiate athletics.
1-Financial Aid
2- Accommodation of Interests and Abilities
3-Other Areas

Financial assistance is based on the number of male/female athletes. It must be financially proportional between the genders. In other words, a school must give as much money to male athletics as they do to female athletics.

The sports and competitive level must accommodate the interests and abilities of the students. A school may not offer women's archery if there are no athletes willing to participate, just to fulfill the gender requirement.

Finally, other areas include benefits, treatment, opportunities including equipment and supplies, game/practice scheduling, travel, housing, publicity, recruitment, etc. and must be equivalent.

Title IX forced Universities and high schools that receive federal aid to re-evaluate their athletic distribution. At the time, in order to accommodate to female athletes, schools did not have enough money to just create these programs for women, and were forced to cut male programs. For example, at the University of Colorado, there used to be Division I Men's Wrestling and Men's Baseball. But when Title IX came into effect, those programs were dropped.

However, recently the Department of Education issued a 'clarification' policy within Title IX that threatens to reverse the past 34 years of women/girls in sports. This policy asks schools to show they are providing information and opportunities to their female students by sending out an email survey asking interest/ability to play. If the student does not reply the school interprets this as a lack of interest and schools can use the emails as a justification of meeting their obligation to female athletes.

You can send an email to Secretary Spelling and ask the new Clarification policy be withdrawn.

Whether the government absolutely needed to step in, women in sports were bound to happen. But Title IX has put women ahead and given them an opportunity, that is yet to equal men's athletics, but it is a start (if it will ever happen). It is unfortunate that at the time Title IX was initiated many programs were cut. But what Title IX does not do, is prevent schools from bringing back those programs. In fact, here at the University of Colorado many believe baseball should be brought back. But if baseball is a Division I sport, CU will implement softball. It is beneficial for all, but it's all about the money.

CU Softball

2006-04-06T00:37:00.000-06:00

March 12, 2006
CU Softball was in Hastings, Nebraksa this weekend in the Icebreaker Tournament. They played Division II and Junior College Teams which is unusual for the club program.

Junior, Captain and Shortstop, Miranda Mesloh says, "It’s tough. You just feel like it’s such a disadvantage against junior colleges and community colleges because people are on scholarship, people that are looking for more than just school. They’re using softball as a tool in their life right now. We’re playing for fun. Not just for fun… we’re competitive, but we have more going on in our lives than just softball…everyday.

Despite the losses, the team stayed competitive with these delveloped programs. Freshman Brittany Joseph thinks playing harder teams will help in the post season.

"It’s early. I think we have a lot of chemistry. We can match up to really solid teams when we’re solid, but it’s early. We’ll get better with time," says Joseph.

By playing Divison II teams, CU is able to prepare for the toughest competition they will face in the Club National Tournament in April.

It takes a lot of work on and off the field to be a part of a club team. Practices, tournaments, fundraising, scheduling—it’s a self-run program. But softball is more than just a game.

Mesloh says, "all my family is in Nebraska. I’m out in Colorado… softball is my family."

It's also about fun.

"My experience with CU Softball has been nothing but wonderful. Maybe not so much that I love softball and stuff, but the girls on it," says Joseph.

Winning and playing well may not be the best part; it's the friend you make and the fun you have that keeps you coming back.

"I love the team and I love playing softball, "says Mesloh. "When we’re down on the field I always think to myself how much I love to play this game."

Powerlifting... now there's a sport

2006-03-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Unlike most weightlifters in the gym who worry about the beach body look or getting in shape, powerlifting is about strength. It's about low reps at high weight. Its lifts consists of military press, dead lift, clean and jerk, squats, snatch and bench press.

Powerlifting is used to prepare for competitions such as World's Strongest Man Competition, the Olympics, local Strongman Competitions, Strongest Man Alive . For each individual lift, there are different competitions

Most of the competitors don't have the beach-body/muscle look. They are thick, mostly uncut, bulky people. Some have associated steroid use with this sport, which only the Olympics regulates. The Bulgarians and East Germans have been known to cheat in the Olympics by using steroids.

2002, 2003, 2005 World's Strongest Man Marius Pudzianowski is not only the World's Strongest Man, but third in the World's Strongest Bench Press. He can bench press over 600 pounds, which is comparable to a small car (like the Geo Metro). He's 6'1" and 291 pounds and is from Poland, where he is considered a superstar.

Such competitions involve intense training and discipline. For example, dieting is very rigorous. Mass amounts of calories must be taken in each day to have enough energy to power his muscles for such strenuous lifts. A protein shake is usually added to supplement high protein and complex carbohydrate intake.

There are many other supplements a powerlifter can choose from, especially those considered “unnatural” but are still allowed in most competitions. One is creatine.
Creatine helps muscle-water retention. Oxygen is used to help build the muscle after it is worked out. Having mass amounts of water storage assists in the process. However, this can add water-weight to the athlete.

Many people confuse powerlifting and body building. Body Building is not about strength, but rather continuous repetition and body shape. Body builders are more concerned with a cut, sculpted look and watch their body fat. Again, powerlifters are concerned with strength.

Look for Mariusz Pudzianowski in the 2006 World's Strongest Man Competition.

Lacrosse

2006-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

In the past 10 years the sport of lacrosse has grown in popularity. More famous on the east coast, lacrosse has spread to the midwest and across the country like a plague. Many young athletes are choosing lacrosse over traditional or major spring sports including baseball, tennis and track.

It is similar to hockey and to soccer, but it has it's own unique characteristics, including off-sides. There are 10 people on the field, 3 offensive, 3 midfield, 3 defense and a goalie. The field is divided into 3 parts. When team A is in scoring position (at Team B's goal) they cannot have more than 6 people in that third of the field. Likewise, Team B cannot have more than 6 people (no including the goalie) to defend those 6 offenders. If an extra person crosses the midfield line, they are considered offsides.

Similar to hockey, there are penalties by the minute and a penalty box. In addition, players can go behind the goal.

The University of Colorado has it's own lacrosse team; at the club level. The team faced off against Missouri Saturday winning 10-3. CU started off early with 2 goals by #5 Jon Atwood, who had two more by the end of the game, making 15 goals in 5 games.

CU managed to hold the eleventh leading scorer, Chris Wolf, to one goal against freshman goalie Kevin Moriarty, who entered in the last five minutes of the game. The team is now 5-0 and will trael to California over spring break. You can get any and all lacrosse info online at www.colorado.edu/studentgroups/coloradomenslacrosse.

A nice crowd gathered to support the team before the snow. The game was also broadcast via CUTV on Channel 63.

A Dream Come True

2006-03-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Reinbrecht
revised by Alysen Hargrove

Taylor Hargrove, is doing what every little kid dreams... playing pro baseball.

Hargrove started his baseball career in the Southeast Denver Baseball League, but was able to shine in the state at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Colorado. He lettered 4 years in soccer and baseball at TJ. “We went to the state championship in 1997 my sophomore year for baseball. And I kicked for the football team in 1999 for two playoff games. We lost in the final four to Pomona."

But baseball was his first love. “Losing the state championship got my attention” Hargrove said. “Up until then, baseball was my god, my main priority. After that loss, I wanted to just give it up. But my Pastor coached me through it. He said ‘God gave you a gift. You should stick with it. What other ways can you use it?’ So I decided I could serve God through sports.”

At 5 feet, 7 inches and 180 pounds, Taylor is smaller than most of today’s prototypical athletes. He was scouted by Division 2 schools, including Nyack College, along the upper Hudson River in New York. Taylor chose Nyack first because of its strong ministerial program, second for its baseball program and a “sweet” scholarship. New York it was, and a degree in pastoral ministry.

“My Senior year in college, 2003, I was hoping to be a late round draft pick by the Phillies. The summer before I ran a 6.54 60-yard dash and played so well I was getting some attention. Plus, I was having an amazing senior year leading the Conference CACC in 11 out of 13 offensive categories. My college coach ran into the same regional Phillies scout and talked about how well I was doing. Excitement built for me as the taste of the dream was getting sweeter.

But Jesus had something else in store for me. I partially tore the MCL in my knee in the last two months of the season. It hurt deeply but there was something special about only having Christ to rely on. Despite only playing half of the season I was still named Conference Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All American.”

The following year, in April, 2004, Hargrove found favor with Triple A Manager of the New York Mets, John Stearns. He was in extended spring training with the Mets for 12 days. “I had a great tryout and got the opportunity of a lifetime. It was an awesome experience,” Hargrove says, the “awe” still in his voice. “Everything after that has been icing on the cake.”

After being released from the Mets he signed with the Quebec City Capitals. “My journey was one of pro ball, or being a baseball missionary, or both.” Hargrove would like to be both pastor and player to his team. “Being on the team takes the pastor off the pedestal,” he says. “If I’m on the team I’m playing with them. They’re my friends, my brothers...I know the temptations, the joys, the sorrows, the pain. If I’m their chaplain, then I only see them at home games, plus I’m not living with them every day. It’s not the same.”

“I was with Quebec for a month, then traded to the Richmond Roosters in the Frontier League. I was playing play a lot, but then got released out of no where. Over 30 guys got released during the time I was there. At that point, I was out of money and I was tired. So after 5 months of traveling, tryouts and trades I went home to recoup and get out of debt. I had covered over 25 states, 7000 miles of driving and two countries.”

In 2005, Hargrove was given the chance to play for the Sioux City Explorers in Sioux City, Iowa. He played with them the whole season and his family was able to come and watch him play, something they could not do while he was in school in New York and playing in Canada.

This will be Hargrove’s third year playing pro ball. This season he’s headed to Rockford, IL and the Frontier League’s Rockford River Hawks.

Hargrove is a second baseman and shortstop but he’s learned to be a utility player. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get on the field,” he says.

He’ll report May 8th for tryouts, and if his team makes it to the playoffs, the season goes into September. And there's always the possibility of being picked up by “the Show”...if that's meant to be.

What does a minor league player pull down? “I get about $850 a month, plus a host family to live with, and they might feed me. Or not” he adds. “We get $18/day on the road for meals. Sometimes we’re sponsored, or sometimes a ‘clubby’ will provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or .99 soup. Hey, it’s not bad to be able to do something you love!”

Now 24 years old, during the off-season Hargrove is an Assistant Coach at Thomas Jefferson for the varsity baseball team. He also teaches private hitting lessons at Mark Johnson’s Triple Crown, and is a substitute teacher. He is working towards his ordination and also preaches from time to time.

“It has been an amazing story that God has written and I thought I would share it. There is a Psalm that says 'delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.' I learned that and am still learning that, as the journey with God and baseball continues. I would label it living the dream.”

You can catch Taylor Hargrove and the Rockford River Hawks at rockfordriverhawks.com . Their season kicks off in May.

Intramural Sports: A way of life

2006-03-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Fifteen thousand students are doing it each year... are you? Intramurals is the largest program, with the most participants at the University of Colorado.

And no wonder students participate. Intramurals offers every sport imaginable. You can pick from traditional sports such as soccer and basketball or more exotic sports like dodgeball, innertube waterpolo or broomball.

Annie Mulvany, Assistant Intramural Director says, "People should participate because it’s fun. It’s a good way to be with your friends. It’s a good way to relieve some stress and it’s a good way to burn some calories and be active in your life."

That's more than enough reasons for seven-time intramural champion, Steve O'Neill, who enjoys participating in several sports year-round, including basketball and flag football.

"Intramural sports just gives me a way to kind of relax, as weird as that sounds. It kind of gives me a chance to just break away from sitting in the classroom and doing homework and all that kind of stuff, to get out there and still have that competitive spirit that I have."

Steve's basketball team, The Skittles, took the A+ Championship Thursday night, for his second basketball win. With Steve putting up 15 points and helping on the boards, they came back from a 12 point deficit to win by 5.

Even if you don't have the chance to play all the time, you can still take Steve and Annie's advice and relieve some stress. All it takes is a little effort to get the paperwork in, then it's up to you to earn your t-shirt as an intramural champion.

You can check out Steve's dodgeball team, Thursdays at 8pm in Carlson Gym as they look to give Steve his eighth career championship.

Tribute to Kirby

2006-03-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

2,304 hits. 207 homeruns. Six Gold Gloves. 10 consecutive All-Star teams (1986-1995). Minnesota Twins baseball hero is gone. At age 46, Kirby Puckett passed away yesterday after suffering a stroke Sunday morning.

It is rare a professional athlete stays with one organization, but Puckett was with the Twins for 12 seasons. The centerfielder and big hitter led the Twins to 1987 and 1991 World Series Titles before he was forced to retire early, in 1995, due to glaucoma.

With a career batting average of .318, Kirby had attained the highest batting average for a right-handed hitter since Joe DiMaggio. Kirby was elected to The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2001 with 82% of the votes.(423/515).

Kirby was an All-Star 10 times and was the third youngest player to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He was also nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

He is remembered for many things, but two exact plays come to mind in the 1991 World Series. The leaping catch against the wall that would've given Ron Gant at least a double and put the Braves on top in the series. And in the bottom of the 11th, Kirby hit a walk off homerun that led the Twins to a World Series Championship in the next game.

With all his successes, Kirby will be remembered as a great ball player and Minnesota Twin hero. He will be missed.

I'm talkin' 'bout Baseball...

2006-03-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Most teams are in 'sunnier' parts of the US, most in Florida, many in Arizona. Spring Training is underway and teams are able to figure out the pros and cons to their roster as well as the strengths and weaknesses (especially to the players they recently aquired).

Remember how the White Sox won the World Series last year? Well, the Rockies beat them 8-1 today and 6-1 yesterday. It may be one of the only times we can say they are undefeated and be serious!! Does that mean the Rockies will at least be in the play-offs this year... not necessarily. In all honesty, don't get your hopes up.

But, it doesn't mean the Rockies won't show up this year. It also doesn't mean the White Sox will suck. There is this little thing called the World Baseball Classic that's taking players elsewhere to train.

With Major League Baseball having such a high number of international players, it may be confusing for the public as to which team their favorite player is representing... so here are a few names that might help you out.

Player Name	MLB Team	World Baseball Team
Derek Jeter	NYY	USA
Javy Lopez	Orioles	Puerto Rico
Ivan Rodriguez	Tigers	Puerto Rico
Jeff Francis	Rockies	Canada
Brian Fuentes	Rockies	USA
Juan Uribe	White Sox	Dominican Republic
Johnny Damon	NYY	USA

But a lot of players opted not to play in the World Baseball Classic... such as Pedro Martinez, who just backed out of the Dominican Republic's line-up and Yankee's star Hideki Matsui opted not to play.

Some things to look forward to this season... Red Sox traitor Johnny Damon became a Yankee (the mortal sin of a Red Sox loyal) and 42-year old Barry Bonds (708) looks to pass Babe Ruth (714) as the second most homeruns in history.

In any case... baseball is in the air. Whether it be in Florida or Arizona or around the world, it's time for baseball.

The Art of Softball

2006-03-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

People not in the sport don't know about softball. Most think it’s a lazier version of baseball. Although similar in terms of rules and design, it’s a completely different sport. There are two types of softball, slow-pitch and fast-pitch. Yes, slow-pitch is much more laid back and less athletic, but fast-pitch requires extreme skill and athleticism, just like baseball.

Fast-pitch softball is played on a softball field, fence distances between 200 and 230 feet to right field and leftfield. Bases are 60 feet from home (90feet for second base) and the pitching rubber is 43 feet from home (40 feet in high school). There is no pitching mound like in baseball, but a rubber to push off from and an 8 foot chalk circle around the rubber.

The circle serves as a "rule" for base runners. In softball you cannot lead off or leave the base before the ball is released from the pitcher's hand. When the pitcher is in the circle with the ball, the base runners must decide if they will stay at their current base-or try to advance. This is a way to distinguish each play and require runners to not lead off. Runners cannot take a lead until the ball is released from the pitcher's hand.

Pitching is one of the most important aspects about softball and distinguishes it from other sports. It is thrown underhand and is the only position at which that occurs. Most types of pitches are fastball, drop, rise, off-speed, curve, change and knuckle-change-each one using the seams of the ball to create movement and spins to throw off the batter. A strong pitcher has several pitches and is also very good at ball placement (putting the ball to the exact location in reference to the plate that the catcher is looking for).

Another distinction between softball and baseball is slap-hitting. This is where fast runners learn to make contact with the ball from the left side (as a left-handed hitter) to use their speed to get to first base. There are various forms of slap defense including pulling the second baseman next to the pitcher and putting the first baseman a few feet from first base to make the out.

In comparison to baseball, the rules are generally the same- three outs per inning, infield fly rule, same positions, umpires, coaches, batting, etc. A softball is 12inches in diameter, so it is much larger, but in no way is it softer. It is more difficult to hit a softball over the fence and homeruns are rare, but it dose not mean softball players are not as good of hitters as baseball players; it is just a different type of game.

CU Softball Pitcher Ariel Quigley

Sports Photography

2006-02-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

Sports Photography is a developing field of photography. Beyond that, photographers specialize in a particular sport.

My good friend, Ilana Sochaczewski, is an aspiring sports photographer. She has captured mostly every sport, from CU Softball, to the Denver Nuggets, but specializes in snowboarding photography.

Ilana has a degree in advertising, but although her love for photography didn't earn her a degree in college, she is still pursuing it. She takes photos and writes regularly for Happy Magazine.

Originally from California, in order to continue her chosen sport, Ilana moved to Breckenridge, Colorado to be closer to the action she loves to capture. Ilana has been to snowboarding photography camps in hopes to further her knowledge as a photographer and a snowboarder. She is hopeful for starting her own women in sports magazine.

Ilana has covered...

Hot Dogs and Hand Rails	Big Bear, CA
Icer Air	San Francisco, CA
Thanksjibbing	Aspen, CO
Grand Prix	Breckenridge, CO
Winter X Games 10	Aspen, CO

Well, what does she have to say about sports photography? "I like to shoot snowboarding because it is fun to capture a moment within the speed of a trick. It is a moment that cannot be captured with the naked eye. And then there is the artistic aspect of using the snowboarder to create a work of art: something that other people could appreciate and enjoy."

Ilana has captured snowboarders such as 2006 Gold Medalist Shaun White (above) and skier TJ Schiller (below). Needless to say, Ilana has a chance to see some of the greatest winter athletes and can capture one single moment of their life (usually a great one) to share with those who could not experience it live, and those who may never make it up to the mountain.

The sport of Curling

2006-02-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

What exactly is curling? Well, beside my new favorite Winter Olympic sport, curling is very similar to shuffle board, but on ice. Please, don't be offended, let me elaborate.

Curling consists of "throwing" eight 42-lb rocks across 130ft ice to a target. Teams consist of four players, with the Skip acting as the last thrower. Each match is called an END and a game consists of 9 ENDS (10 in tournament play).

The other three players "sweep" the ice in front of the rock as it slides down the ice in order to increase the speed. The sport is based on strategy and skill. The thrower must use proper form and yells to teammates when they should sweep and in what direction.

To win an END, the team closest to the center target gets the win and is awarded one point for each rock in the HOUSE (the target).

Currently, in the Olympics here are the remaining games you can pick up.

Women's gold medal match: Sweden v. Switzerland, 5:30 p.m. Thursday
Women's bronze medal match: Canada v. Norway, 1 p.m. Thursday
Men's bronze-medal game: USA v. Great Britain, 1 p.m. Friday
Men's gold-medal game: Canada v. Finland, 5:30 p.m. Friday

In professional curling, there is specific equpiment you must use. The most noticable are the shoes. Only one foot is the sliding foot and the other foot is the push off foot. It depends which one you prefer.

Olympic curler Skip Pete Fenson has led the USA Team to the bronze medal match Friday, at 1pm. When watching Fenson compete, he is very agressive, strategic and has no problem yelling loud for his teammates to sweep.

If you want to pick up curling, just remember you're going to have to carry around eight 42-pound rocks in your back seat. But don't forget the brooms!

Olympic Athletes: Amateur or Professional?

2006-02-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

In the 1970s and 80s The Soviet Union's athletes dominated the gold, silver and bronze of the Olympics. Those athletes were supported by the government and required to train as if it were their job. But they still signed the required paperwork saying they were amateur athletes.

In 1986 the professional/amateur requirement was deleted from the Olympic charter to prevent the further monopoly of the Soviet athletes, allowing "all the world's great male and female athletes to participate."

Since then, we've seen professional athletes sweep the world with their predictable wins as well as no-names setting world records.

Did professionalism take over the Olympics?

Let's take, for example, current Olympic/professional athletes that make up the 2006 USA Men's Hockey Team (click to see the roster with their NHL team). The National Hockey League took a break in its season to allow its selected players into the games. Obviously the USA wanted to send its absolute best to compete with other nations such as Canada or Sweden. But is this the best way?

Men's Basketball has also sent All-Star Teams including Jordan's Dream Team in Barcelona. But what about baseball? Major League Baseball does not allow its players time off, but instead sends AAA or AA players who have not made it to the highest professional level.

Or for sports where the Olympics is "the next level," such as softball. Being on the Olympic Softball Team is the highest level you can take fast-pitch softball. They are the professional athletes, that is until the IOC voted it down along with baseball for the 2012 games.

Or Gymnastics. Everyone recalls Kerri Strug who helped the USA win the gold in 1996. Her dream was to become an Olympic Athlete. Isn't Kerri Strug exactly what the Olympics is about?

Now it’s become about drugs and which enhancements are allowed by the IOC and which are banned. Who's kicked out after four year's of training and who just slipped by with the right kind.

All Olympic athletes are required to take the Olympic Oath, now swearing against illegal substances, when it used to be about the glory of the sport.

Let's take the Olympic Games back to what they are supposed to be: competing for the love of the sport, showing your dedication to something you love and representing your country, making yourself, your family, your country proud.

Sports Announcing: my new love!

2006-02-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colorado is the chance to take Sports Announcing. Yes... it is really a class! It's taught by Larry Zimmer, the voice of CU Football and former play-by-play for the Broncos (just to name a few).

Our class meets once a week in a classroom where we learn new things and listen and anaylze our previous broadcasts. The rest of the time we attend basketball/hockey/baseball/lacrosse or other games.

Sports Announcing isn't all about getting into games for free and sitting in great seats in the media section (although that is a plus). It's about entertaining your listener while keeping them informed and interested.

The first thing they teach us is PREPARATION. It's pretty obvious anyone would do a horrible job if they didn't know the players and their numbers. But it's about more than that. You have to fill the time. You have to talk about Richard Roby's fourth career double double, or Jackie McFarland playing against her older sister at K-State. Do you ever sit there listening to a game on TV or radio and hear something you didn't know? That's the color's job. That's what you have to find out. It's all about PREPARATION.

I did my first LIVE TV game for CU Women's Club Hockey this past weekend. TV was different because there is replay, commercial breaks, a monitor to worry about and a side-line reporter. I still had fun. I found I am more comfortable on TV as a sports announcer than an anchor. I did my second LIVE TV appearance yesterday as sports anchor for CU's campus newscast. I was more nervous reading info than looking at a game and telling you what's happening.

Women's basketball was a blast to do. I did play-by-play and I was quite impressed with myself. I had taken the time to memorize the players names/numbers on both teams and had done COLOR reserach as well. As they say... it was all about preparation!

If you can't catch a broadcast live on TV on SCOLA, channel 63 in Boulder/Denver, then you can click on the radio games below to listen to my broadcasts. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I love talking!

Women's Basketball 2/8/06 vs. Kansas State

Men's Basketball 2/4/06 vs. Kansas State

Do you Canasta?

2006-02-09T17:07:00.001-07:00

Canasta is a South American card game, originating in Montevideo, Uruguay in the 1940s. By 1950, it was so popular it almost replaced Bridge. There are two types of regular Canasta: Classic Canasta and Modern American Canasta. There is also Canasta Caliente, which adds two additional cards worth -100 points (which is for more advanced players). It's best to familiarize yourself with the rules of Canas ta and playing the game. You have to get in the game to understand it.

But, I'd like to introduce you to the newest form of Canasta out there: Hargrove House Rules. My family has been playing Canasta for over three years. We have taught many people the game, including the 2005 CU Softball Team, close friends, other relatives (besides the five of us) and on lookers. But, more recently, there is a group of us known as THE CANASTA. It includes myself and my sister, the founders of the group, along with Bryan, Scott, Katie, Marissa and Tommy. Granted not 100% of THE CANASTA is available all the time and currently only 5 can really play regularly. But, none the less, we are THE CANASTA.

Take a look at one of our rules: we incorporate Modern American Canasta rules with a few additions and variations. For example, in Modern American Canasta, going out concealed is not playing a single card until you can go out and you must have a canasta. You earn an additional 100 points for your efforts and you surprise the opposing team with possibly a handful of negative points. But in House Rules, going out concealed is simply going out with with a canasta. You can contribute to your team's melds and you are granted 1,000 points for your clever strategy.

Take last night's match-up: Hargrove sisters, Alysen and Robyn vs. AC, Bryan and Scott. We had just discussed the 'going out concealed' addition when the following game the Hargrove's had over 320 points melded, but no canasta. AC had maybe 100 melded, but nothing serious. Then out of left field, Bryan goes out concealed with a canasta of queens. He left me with a caliente in my hand and put AC up by 1,200 points.

You thought that was good.

The very next hand it was the exact oppoiste: AC melded a lot of points and Robyn and I had nothing. After about six rounds, Robyn asks (which is required in all forms of Canasta) "Want to go out?" Of COURSE I DID! She went out concealed with a canasta of sixes putting us within 200 points.

In the end, as this was a rematch from last week's Hargrove sweep, AC ended up beating us with a total score of 5,325 to 4,875. The series is now tied at one each for AC vs. Hargrove.

Game 3 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 18 in Ft. Collins.

Superbowl XL

2006-02-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

The BIG story is about BIG BEN. At 23 years, 11 months and a few days, Ben Rothlisberger is the youngest Quarterback to win a Superbowl (Dan Marino, the youngest to play in a Superbowl).

Shaggy Ben finally got rid of his beard after he had grown it since the loss to Cincinnati in October.

He let David Letterman shave it on The Late Show Monday night.

Despite his desire to get rid of the 'good luck charm,' the city of Pittsburgh formed a website, pledging allegiance to his beard. Check it out: http://steelers.redcolony.com

I guess all you can do is, congratulate the guy, celebrate and prepare for next year’s season.

Those of you who watched the Superbowl for the commercials, how about Bud Light? Just in the first quarter they had three memorable ones...

The one with the guys being chased by the bear and guy #1 offers the bear a Bud Light and his friend runs by and takes it, leaving guy#1 to fight the bear.

Or the one with the revolving refrigerator full of Bud Light?

Or the one where the guys go on the roof with their toolboxes acting as a cooler to “clean the gutter” or “repair the roof” and the one guy actually is repairing the roof and falls through.

I laughed. Whatever your reasons for watching the Superbowl, it was as an entertaining show/game with something for everyone.

Superbowl XL Highlights
Ben Rothlisberger	youngest QB to win Superbowl
Steelers	1 of 3 teams to win 5 Superbowls (49ers and Dallas)
Bill Cowher	WAS the longest tenure coach without a ring

Credibility

2006-02-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

My good friend Miranda recently played a coed intramural soccer game. She plays Division III softball and lettered in volleyball, basketball, track and men’s golf in high school. She is quick on her feet and will sacrifice her body to make a play in any sport. She is a deserving competitor. Yet, when she went to play intramural soccer a couple days ago (remember this is college recreational sports here) a guy on her team would not pass her the ball when she was open, help her on defense and made comments about the other team’s women. What does it take to get some credibility? Does she have to score a hat-trick and then make amazing saves in the goal the second half? How can women compete with men and get the credit they deserve?

Not all men/women are like that. Miranda and I and three other ladies from our softball team joined up with some of our guy friends to form a dodgeball team. We called ourselves “Throws like a girl” because all the girls on our team could throw better than most of the men on the other teams. Instead of the minimum 2 girls and 5 guys, we played 4 and 3 or 3 and 4 each game. We utilized our players based on their strengths as players, not based on gender.

It’s not just in coed sports either. Take a look at the world of professional sports. It doesn’t take an idiot to see that it is male dominated. The only televised female sports that come to mind, not including the Olympics, are college basketball and skiing/snowboarding. After college, women have to throw in the towel or play in slow-pitch softball leagues or coach a team to stay involved in sports. But men can play minor league baseball or arena football and those are non-major professional sports. There are so many women with the same skill level in their respective sport that should have the ability to continue at a semi-professional level.

Maybe some men are scared of athletic women. But, for the record, athletic women does not equal lesbian. Some men may be intimidated by a woman who is more athletic than they are. There’s nothing wrong with that. A lot of women are smarter too. But it’s not about men versus women or women versus men. It’s about giving credibility when it’s deserved.

When Miranda was on the men’s varsity golf team in high school, she usually finished in the top three and was supported by the guys on her team. But when she went to tournaments, the opposing teams were the ones to give her looks. Remembering the situation, she said, “I wanted to be seen as an equal” and not as the girl on the team. Miranda is a good golfer. That’s what she wanted to be known for, not known as the girl on the guy’s golf team.

It may not be the number one issue in sports today, but it is still a problem for female athletes--getting the recognition they deserve. If you see a great catch, or incredible lay-up or just some good overall performance, whether the athlete is male or female, I hope you can give them a pat on the back.

Instant Replay: Friend or Foe?

2006-02-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Instant replay has affected professional sports since its introduction in into the NFL in 1999. But is the newest technology in the old sport of football a blessing or a curse? Some may argue the digital technology used in the NFL and NHL to assist officials causes them to be lazy.

Try to recall this situation: Broncos and Patriots, 2005 play-offs. That hits close to home for a lot of us and conveniently, we appreciated the call…Patriots on their own five-yard line, third and goal. QB Tom Brady throws an interception to Champ Bailey, who returned the ball 100 yards to the Denver 1-yard line. Patriots’ tight end Ben Watson had appeared to knock the ball loose through the end zone, which would have resulted in a touchback and giving the ball back to Brady at the 20-yard line. The officials called Bailey down at the 1 yard line. But, the play was challenged.

Conveniently the entire system of instant replay was unable to assist their call and thus the officials were forced to stick with the call on the field. As an official, you can’t expect to make every call the right call. You are human. Wait, that’s why they initiated instant replay… because they don’t trust judgment calls anymore. Is it necessary to have a camera make the final call in hockey and football? Or can we just stick with the traditional players and traditional officials? Why not have instant replay for every sport?

Officials and their controversial calls add to the excitement of sports. Does Joe Torre get a chance to throw out a flag when blue calls Jeter out a second when he clearly slid under the tag? George Karl doesn’t have a chance to argue over a foul called on Marcus Camby. The game is played on the field and called on the field. A player can’t change what he did, but thanks to instant replay, an official can.

The addition of the replay system created new rules and new requirements for the games of football and hockey. It changed the sports. If it was allowed in baseball or basketball, it would interfere with the game and ruin it.

If it weren’t for instant replay, fans would still have excuses to shout at the refs “what are you blind?” or “are we watching the same game?” Is that what kind of game you want to go to?