Thursday, May 28, 2015

Two-time Olympic fencer Kelley Hurley appears sharper than ever in qualifications for 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

After struggling to make the U.S. Olympic team in London -- but then winning a bronze -- epee fencer Kelley Hurley is performing better than ever internationally and appears to have locked up a spot on next year's team. My story on Hurley for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/May/27/Epees-Kelley-Hurley-Is-Rolling-Toward-Rio

Reaser could emerge in 49ers' cornerback competition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Keith Reaser, who sat out all of 2014, has the tools to earn a job at cornerback for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reaser-Could-Emerge-at-Cornerback-305333611.html

Peers still consider Woodson one of NFL's best

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 39, Charles Woodson of the Raiders is voted onto NFL's Top 100 list by his peers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Woodson-Still-Considered-a-Premium-Talent-305328131.html

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

George Missailidis made a vow in high school to stay fit and active and at 55 he's competing again in triathlons and has big goals

In the early 1980s, George Missalidis was one of the first triathletes. Then came work and raising a family, and the triathlon career was put aside. But at age 55 he's competing again, thanks to a vow to stay fit and active his whole life. My profile of him for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/may/26/living-triathlon-lifestyle-Missailidis/

American goalball players connect with Russians on goodwill trip

On a recent trip to Moscow, several U.S. Paralympic goalball players and coaches  were able to spread the word about Paralympics sports, goalball and inclusion for blind athletes with kids. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/May/26/Goalball-Exchange-Trip-Brings-United-States-And-Russia-Together

Dockett being patient with his rehab with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is taking his time to get back on the field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Darnell-Dockett-is-Being-Patient-305022231.html

Madden a big believer in Del Rio

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Raiders coach John Madden says he believes Jack Del Rio is the perfect head coach for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Madden-Believes-in-Del-Rio-305018511.html

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Justin Smith's departure opens door for several candidates

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers won't be able to replicate Justin Smith's production, but they have been adding candidates to replace him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Expect-Fierce-Competition-to-Replace-Smith-McDonald-304266661.html

Raiders get to see rookies vs. vets in OTAs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Today marks the start of OTAs, when rookies get to be on the field with veterans for the first time. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Eager-for-OTAs-to-Begin-304262101.html

Free-agent QB from South Carolina faces long odds with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Dylan Thompson had big numbers his senior season at South Carolina, but the free agent with 49ers has some technical issues to fix. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-South-Carolina-QB-Faces-Long-Odds-to-Make-49ers-304125071.html

Max Valles could help Raiders' pass rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Max Valles of Virginia is a raw talent with big upside as a pass rusher. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-Valles-Can-Grow-into-Pass-Rusher-304120241.html

Friday, May 15, 2015

After Marine Capt. Eric McElvenny lost his leg in Afghanistan, he set his sights on a new mission: to become the fastest amputee Ironman triathlete ever

Eric McElvenny was a captain in the Marine Corps, doing his job in Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. He lost a good portion of his right leg and wasn't certain what life would hold for him as a person with a disability. But McElvenny challenged himself to become a triathlete and has completed multiple Ironman and half Ironman races. Now he wants to break all records for speed in the sport. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/12871240/endurance-sports-former-marine-eric-mcelvenny-lost-leg-became-ironman

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

New kid on 49ers' (pass) block: Mike Davis

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Mike Davis has multiple talents, including a fine ability to pass block. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Rookie-Davis-Brings-Multiple-Skills-at-Running-Back-303455151.html

Raiders giving ex-Auburn star Michael Dyer a chance

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Dyer had two outstanding seasons as a running back at Auburn, then had off-the-field troubles that followed him to three other schools. Now he's been signed by the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Giving-Former-Auburn-Standout-a-Chance-303448901.html

Maya Madsen, committed to fitness and health since she was a teen, continues to lead the way for others and her family

Since the 1980s, Maya Madsen has been teaching fitness classes. She's also a vegan who cooks healthy, fresh meals for her three growing sons. My feature on her for U-T San Diego's Active San Diego series: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/may/12/maya-fitness-mom-exercise/

Monday, May 11, 2015

With his mother as inspiration, endurance athlete Sam Fox is ready to tackle the 48-state "Tour de Fox" to battle Parkinson's disease

Sam Fox has been touched by the daily battle his mother, Lucy, has in dealing with her Parkinson's disease. Now the endurance hiker/runner/cyclist will embark on a cross-country Tour de Fox to raise money and attention for fighting the disease. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/12833946/endurance-sports-sam-fox-taking-lower-48-states-fight-parkinson-disease

Friday, May 8, 2015

Can Andy Lee hold on to his punting job?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran 49ers punter Andy Lee will be challenged in camp by a younger and far less expensive rookie draft choice. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Heat-Will-be-on-Andy-Lee-to-Keep-His-Punting-Job-303076911.html

Raiders believe Edwards will improve now as a pro

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mario Edwards Jr. was a bit of a disappointment in his senior year at Florida State, but the Raiders' No. 2 pick has slimmed down and geared up for his rookie NFL season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defensive-End-Edwards-Has-Big-Potential-303072541.html

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Undrafted Fresno State WR Harper could catch on with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: There are several reasons to believe Josh Harper could make the Raiders roster in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-Harper-Could-Catch-on-With-Raiders-302922491.html

Fans at Big 12 tennis matches this season have had a screaming good time, thanks to a new rule

The new fan decorum rule adopted in the Big 12 this season allows fans to cheer, chant and get loud through the entire match -- even during points and serves -- which has led to more fan involvement and bigger crowds. But not everyone likes the rule. My story for ESPN.com's Tennis section: http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/12839972/big-12-tennis-taking-fan-experience-next-level

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Young soccer standout Kasey Harvey and her parents are taking aggressive approach to fighting cancer

Since being diagnosed with cancer, Kasey Harvey has lost her hair and has battled through treatments that have left her weak and in horrific pain. But the 13-year-old soccer standout is using her iron will to fight the disease with everything she has, and she and her parents are using a proactive approach that includes workouts, yoga and consuming mass calories. My profile of Kasey for U-T San Diego's Health section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/may/05/tp-strong-willed/?#article-copy

49ers couldn't pass on Harold in third round

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners weren't looking for an outside linebacker in the third round, but when Virginia's Eli Harold was there for the taking, they couldn't pass. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Harold-Was-Too-Good-for-49ers-to-Ignore-302575331.html

Raiders' perception nationally is changing

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a fine draft and a busy offseason, the long-dormant Raiders franchise is starting to change perceptions nationally. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Busy-Productive-Raiders-Have-Changed-Perceptions-302570231.html

Monday, May 4, 2015

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Baalke's Day 3 picks, including a Gore-like RB, are intriguing

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mike Davis of South Carolina, an all-purpose, three-down, workhorse running back, is among a flurry of interesting picks by 49ers GM Trent Baalke to wind up the 2015 draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Baalke-Makes-Intriguing-Picks-on-Drafts-Final-Day-302319311.html
Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Huge lineman from Miami could muscle his way into Raiders' right-guard spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Draft-Guard-in-Fourth-Round-to-Compete-for-Starting-Job-302320881.html

49ers surprise by picking safety Jaquiski Tartt on Day 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jaquiski Tartt, a safety from Samford, is 49ers' Round 2 pick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Draft-Safety-Outside-Linebacker-on-Day-2-of-Draft-302276361.html

Raiders get defensive end, tight end in Rounds 2 and 3

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mario Edwards Jr. and Clive Walford are Raiders' picks in Rounds 2 and 3. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Beef-Up-at-Defensive-End-and-Tight-End-302272431.html

Arik Armstead is 49ers' top pick in first round

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 6-foot-7 defensive end Arik Armstead of Oregon is taken with the 17th overall pick of the draft by San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Get-Tall-Athletic-Defensive-Lineman-Arik-Armstead-302062831.html

Raiders get their man, wideout Amari Cooper

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, Oakland selects Amari Cooper. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Draft-Dynamic-Receiver-Amari-Cooper-302044121.html