U.S. Paralympics launches Gateway to Gold program

U.S. Paralympics has announced the creation of its Gateway to Gold program that will seek new athletes for its sports programs in talent-identification camps across the U.S. It's the first time the Paralympic program will actively seek athletes who may be eligible to compete. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2013/September/30/US-Paralympics-Launches-Gateway-To-Gold

Rich Froning's work ethic and faith fuel his climb to the top of the world in grueling CrossFit competitions

Rich Froning has evolved from 120-pound high school infielder to nearly 200-pound sculpted athlete. Froning has won three straight CrossFit world championships, a sport that puts qualifiers through four days of multiple events that test strength, agility and endurance. My story on Froning for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9748178/endurance-sports-faith-drives-three-crossfit-champion-rich-froning

Next WR up for 49ers? It's Jonathan Baldwin

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The injury to Quinton Patton means that Jonathan Baldwin is the next wide receiver to get an audition as a No. 2 option to Anquan Boldin. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baldwin-May-Get-Next-Shot-at-Wide-Receiver-225812771.html

Raiders fans have heard it before: McFadden is hurt

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden's injury raises a dark cloud over Raiders running game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-an-Old-Story-Raiders-McFadden-Injured-Again-225804351.html

Flynn has rough day in loss to Redskins

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt Flynn, starting for the concussed Terrelle Pryor, is sacked seven times, loses a fumble and throws an interception for a Washington TD in Raiders' loss to Redskins. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Flynn-Has-Rough-Day-as-Raiders-Lose-225734581.html

Fresh ideas, cool innovations are featured in student projects from around the globe in solar-powered homes built by college teams in Solar Decathlon

Solar Decathlon will be held in California for the first time, in Orange County, in early October, an event that features innovative, energy-efficient homes designed and built by college students from around the U.S., Canada and Europe. My story for the Homes section of U-T San Diego. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/26/solar-decathlon-college-competition-home-energy/

Even without Pryor, Raiders may run on Redskins

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website. The big question is whether Terrelle Pryor will be cleared to play Sunday vs. Washington. But even if he can't, the Raiders may be able to run on the Redskins' defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-be-Able-to-Run-on-Washington-225507882.html

NaVorro Bowman lights a fire under 49ers' defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman saw that his team needed a spark, so he provided it in victory over Rams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bowman-Shows-that-49ers-Defense-isnt-Dead-225513322.html

49ers bounce back with win over Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After two straight lopsided losses, the 49ers get back to basics in a pounding 35-11 victory over the Rams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Regain-Their-Spirit-in-St-Louis-225453822.html

Raiders rookie corner D.J. Hayden having a rough time

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie cornerback D.J. Hayden missed six tackles vs. the Broncos, part of a rough three-game initiation to the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hayden-Hasnt-Yet-Turned-the-Corner-225348932.html

As 49ers go into Rams game, run defense needs repair

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The past two seasons, San Francisco's run defense has been among the best in the NFL. This year? It stinks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Defense-is-Getting-Run-Down-225202832.html

Niners still seeking a No. 2 wide receiver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Where's Quinton Patton? Where's Jon Baldwin? Since start of regular season, two young wideouts have been ignored or inactive, yet 49ers need another option to complement Anquan Boldin. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Still-Looking-for-No-2-Wide-Receiver-225037282.html

Flynn may have to step in for Pryor vs. Redskins

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Unless Terrelle Pryor is cleared after concussion tests, the Raiders will have to turn to Matt Flynn vs. Washington this Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Forgotten-Flynn-May-Get-HIs-Chance-225031302.html

Raiders, as expected, are no match for Manning & Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though Terrelle Pryor plays well, the Raiders' defense is defenseless in loss to Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Manning-and-Broncos-Overwhelm-Raiders-224968992.html

Niners face work to keep season from slipping away

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Since 1990, only 24 percent of teams that have started the season 1-2 have made the postseason. The 49ers need to right their ship quickly. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Need-to-Rebound-Quickly-or-Season-Could-Slip-Away-224869842.html

Niners, knocked down again, appear lost

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What happened to the 49ers? That's what almost everyone seems to want to know after a second straight loss. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Looking-for-Answers-After-Falling-to-Colts-224798852.html

Raiders eager for test. vs. Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders will go up against powerful Broncos on "Monday Night Football." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Eager-for-Ultimate-Test-vs-Broncos-224565401.html

Niners working to get back on track

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers hope to get healthy vs. the Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Kaepernick-Hope-to-Get-Back-on-Track-224567211.html

After two games, 49ers' Frank Gore stuck in neutral

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers aren't opening holes for Frank Gore, who has just 60 yards on 30 carries. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Hope-to-Get-Ground-Game-Off-and-Running-224420981.html

How can Raiders get the ball to Marcel Reece?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In two games, Pro Bowl http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/Raiders-Believe-in-Reece-as-a-Playmaker-224413721.html

fullback Marcel Reece has just two carries and one reception -- numbers that need to get better.

At 44, off-road triathlete Shonny Vanlandingham remains one of the world's best, and she's still hoping to win the long-elusive U.S. championship race

Shonny Vanlandingham ran track, played college basketball and is one of the best off-road cyclists ever, so she's been a top-notch athlete since she was a girl growing up in Texas. And, since becoming a triathlete, she's even won a world championshp. But at 44, she's still hoping to win her first U.S. championship race. My story on her for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9683994/endurance-sports-road-triathlete-shonny-vanlandingham-going-strong-age-44

Will Broncos' new LT give Raiders an opening for blitz?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Broncos are on a roll offensively, but the loss of All-Pro tackle Ryan Clady gives Oakland's league-leading pass rush something to shoot for. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-Exploit-Broncos-Fill-in-Left-Tackle-224243161.html

Team USA defenseman Anne Schleper may be just 23, but in her hockey resume is long and distinguished

Anne Schleper has won an NCAA title at Minnesota, a professional championship in the Canadian women's league and two World Championships with Team USA. Now the 23-year-old defenseman is eager to help the U.S. re-claim the gold medal at the Sochi Games. My story for USA Hockey. http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/286068?referrer_id=752796

Flag warning: 49ers' penalties have been a problem

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Through two games, the 49ers' have been penalized 23 times, tied for most in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Penalties-are-a-Warning-Flag-for-49ers-224083011.html

At 36, Raiders' Woodson playing like a youngster

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Charles Woodson has been one of the defensive bright spots for Oakland in two games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Woodson-Has-Been-Super-for-Raiders-224077091.html

49ers' loss of Williams puts focus on Dorsey

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers' offseason signing of Glenn Dorsey is even more important now with the loss of nose tackle Ian Williams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Dorsey-Now-the-Man-in-the-Middle-223919971.html

Raiders lose starting safety Branch

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Tyvon Branch, one of only two returning starters on defense in 2013, may be out for a long time. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Loss-of-Safety-Branch-is-Signficant-223914341.html

Raiders get first win over hapless Jaguars

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland won a game it had to, picking on the stumbling Jaguars. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pryor-McFadden-Lead-Raiders-to-Win-No-1-223846151.html

Niners again overmatched by Seahawks in Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the second straight time, the 49ers are crushed by the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field, giving Seattle a leg up in the NFC West race. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Crushed-Again-in-Seattle-223860341.html

Can 49ers' Justin Smith turn tables on Seahawks?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the 49ers last played the Seahawks, they were demolished. That was without defensive end Justin Smith, however. Will his return mean a different outcome? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Have-Their-Beast-Back-223636191.html

Jaguars may be ripe for Raiders' plucking

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In their home opener, the Raiders face a Jaguars team that appears inept and injured. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jags-Present-Great-Opportunity-for-Raiders-223627201.html

New athletes selected to carry the positive messages of USOC's Team for Tomorrow program

Paralympic snowboarder Keith Gabel is thrilled to have been selected for the U.S. Olympic Committee's Team for Tomorrow program, in which he'll be making public appearances at youth sports clubs and clinics, carrying the positive messages of hard work, health and success through sports. He's one of 12 new athlete "ambassadors" selected to the program for 2013-14. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014/Features/2013/September/12/US-Athletes-Help-Build-Team-For-Tomorrow

Can 49ers' revamped kickoff unit corral Seahawks?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners did much to improve their kickoff-coverage unit in the offseason. Now that group faces its first big test against the Seahawks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Hoping-for-Special-Effort-on-Kickoff-Coverage-223479151.html

Raiders' Streater off to hot start in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Rod Streater showed in the opening game of 2013 that he may have a special connection with Terrelle Pryor. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Streater-Off-to-a-Great-Start-223470331.html

Four decades after he last ran for Oregon, Steve Prefontaine's legend is stronger than ever in Eugene and across his home state. "Pre" lives on in the hearts and minds of those who watched him gut out victories, as well as those born long after he died at age 24

At Oregon, where the football program has grown to be one of the strongest in the nation, one athlete stands above the rest: Steve Prefontaine. The cross country and middle-distance star, who last raced for the Ducks in 1973 -- before dying in a car accident two years later -- has legendary status in Oregon, where almost everyone knows his name. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section on Pre's still-growing legacy: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9657775/endurance-sports-steve-prefontaine-legend-growing-40-years

Boldin's presence could be huge in 49ers game at Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin's attitude -- as well as his ability -- could be a difference-maker in Sunday's showdown in noisy Seattle for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-Could-be-X-Factor-in-Seattle-223144481.html

Raiders' McFadden off to a slow start in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Darren McFadden, hoping to regain the form that made him one of the NFL's best a couple of seasons ago, had a tough opening game vs. the Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-Out-of-Step-With-Game-1-Run-Game-223137431.html

U.S. women's hockey team spends a day at the beach in San Diego to get ready for Sochi Olympics

The sun, sand and surf of San Diego are a long way from the hockey rink at Sochi, Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics. But this past week, the U.S. women's hockey team spent a day doing team-building exercises on the sand, hoping to sharpen their performance on the ice. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/283982?referrer_id=752796

Reid doesn't play like a rookie in 49ers' debut

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie starting safety Eric Reid lives up to his billing, with some big hits and big plays in season-opening win over Packers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-Looks-Just-Fine-222971741.html

Raiders' D doesn't looks so defenseless vs. Colts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2012, the Raiders' defense was a weakness. In a season-opening loss to Indianapolis, Oakland shows its D may have some teeth this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Shows-Signs-of-Life-222966121.html

Pryor looks like the real thing in Raiders' opening loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor shows how dangerous he can be in a season-opening loss to the Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Lose-an-Opener-but-Gain-a-Quarterback-222887751.html

Kaepernick-Boldin duet is sweet in 49ers' opening victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yes, the Packers stopped Colin Kaepernick from running wild on them. But no, they didn't stop him from beating them, as Kaep and Anquan Boldin combined for 13 completions and more than 200 yards. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Boldin-are-Dynamic-Duo-in-Victory-222900081.html

New book about Junipero Serra reveals a much more complex personality of the founder of California's mission system

Junipero Serra was almost 56 by the time he came to California, an old man by the standards of the 18th century, and already had done and accomplished much. He was a combative and driven man who often made enemies of his superiors. My book review in U-T San Diego of the new book, "Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father." http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/08/serra-man-on-mission/

In rematch, Packers hope to corral 49ers' Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The last time the teams met, the 49ers trounced the Packers with Colin Kaepernick's running and throwing. Now Green Bay says it is better prepared to stop him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Packers-Hoping-to-Corrall-Kaepernick-in-Opener-222679411.html

Can McFadden break free in opener vs. Colts?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders are to beat the Colts in the 2013 season opener, they better be able to run the ball with Darren McFadden. No matter who the QB is this season, McFadden is the key to the Raiders offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-a-Key-in-Raiders-Opener-vs-Colts-222674621.html

Five reasons 49ers could be great ... or fall short in 2013

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are a favorite to go to the Super Bowl this season, but just winning the NFC West will be tough enough. Five reasons why the Niners could go all the way ... or fall short of their goal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Poised-for-Run-at-Super-Bowl-222530561.html

Raiders need these things to avoid a dismal 2013 season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are a popular choice to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2013. Could that change? Perhaps. But these five things would have to happen: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/Most-Predict-Bleak-Times-for-Raiders-in-2013-222523491.html

After years of disappointment, SDSU football resurgence includes three straight bowl games, an outright conference title and an ability to recruit from every part of the country

Head coaches Brady Hoke and Rocky Long have taken San Diego State football to new heights after years of disappointment. The Aztecs have gone to three straight bowl games for the first time in their history, won big games on the road and recruited as well as any non-BCS program in the country. Though they've started out 0-1 this season, SDSU football appears to be on the right track to long-term success. My cover story for the fall edition of San Diego State's 360 Magazine, which will publish soon. (Also included in this digital edition: my story on NCAA champion triple jumper Shanieka Thomas): http://issuu.com/sdsu360mag/docs/360fall2013 

Heather "Anish" Anderson, Josh Garrett complete Pacific Crest Trail in record times, averaging more than 40 miles per day while trekking as many as 16 to 18 hours every day to reach Canada from border with Mexico

Heather "Anish" Anderson and Josh Garrett are true endurance athletes, having speed-hiked the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail in record times. Each did the trek solo, but finished within two days of one another. Their story, for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9629683/endurance-sports-josh-garrett-heather-anderson-master-pacific-crest-trail

Niners sign receiver Harper off Seahawks' practice squad

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners snatch wide receiver Chris Harper from rival Seahawks just days before season opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Pluck-Versatile-Receiver-Away-from-Seahawks-222175721.html