Young hockey standout Abby Roque doesn't back down from anyone on the ice ... including the bigger guys she plays against

Abby Roque has been called a "rink rat." She's the daughter of a former hockey player, coach and NHL scout, and she's been a standout hockey player against boys her whole life. Now she's on the U.S. Under-18 women's team that heads into the World Championships in January, eager to help the U.S. win a gold medal. My story for USAHockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/461346?referrer_id=752796

Niners must choose a coach who can get the most out of Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One of the primary concerns for the 49ers in their search for a head coach should be to choose someone with an open mind, flexibility and the imagination to use Colin Kaepernick to the best of his abilities. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Must-Choose-a-Head-Coach-Who-Can-Work-With-Kaepernick-287217021.html

Raiders should give McKenzie more time

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie has been on the hot seat, but Raiders owner Mark Davis should make the smart move and keep him at least another season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-Deserves-More-Time-With-Raiders-287212441.html

49ers shouldn't overlook Fangio in search for Harbaugh successor

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a great track record of success in San Francisco and his players believe in him. The Niners shouldn't overlook him as a candidate for head coach. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fangio-Deserves-Opportunity-as-Head-Coach-287104071.html

Raiders defense needs significant upgrade in offseason

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland spent big last offseason to make its defense better, yet injuries and mistakes negated any improvement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Defense-Still-a-Weak-Link-287103071.html

Teen skiing standout Julia Krass had a sensational breakout year in 2014

Julia Krass, at age 16, made the Olympic team as a freeskier, visited the White House, helped her high school soccer team win a state championship, won her first medal on the Dew Tour and was accepted to Dartmouth. Not a bad year. My story on her for TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/December/30/2014-What-A-Year-For-Julia-Krass

In parting ways with Harbaugh, 49ers taking a giant risk

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: History shows the 49ers may regret losing Jim Harbaugh. When franchises let successful head coaches walk away, they often tumble into mediocrity. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Have-Made-a-Huge-Mistake-287019761.html

From ashes of 2014 emerges a franchise QB for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yes, the Raiders were horrible in 2014, finishing 3-13. But they now have a QB to build around. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Emerge-From-Horrible-Season-With-a-Franchise-Quarterback-287015721.html

Raiders end season the way they began it, with a loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A loss at Denver caps a 3-13 season of turmoil ... and growth. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-End-2014-in-Usual-Fashion-With-Another-Loss-286972701.html

49ers give Harbaugh a victory in farewell appearance

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A victory over the Cardinals in Jim Harbaugh's final game as 49ers head coach was reminiscent of earlier victories, powered by a hard-running Frank Gore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Give-Harbaugh-a-Farewell-Victory-286972991.html

Sophia Shaver eager for U-18 World Hockey Championships

Newcomer Sophia Shaver wasn't sure what to expect when the U.S. U18 women's national hockey team played Canada in a three-game series earlier this year. But after contributing two assists in a Game 3 win over Canada, Shaver can't wait for more action to come. http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/460976?referrer_id=752796

Harbaugh is the focus of 49ers' season finale

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As strange as it seems, Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals is likely to be Jim Harbaugh's farewell performance with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/All-Eyes-are-on-Harbaugh-Entering-Sundays-Game-286866761.html

Raiders a much different team in rematch with Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland was beaten badly by Denver earlier this season, but the Raiders team that faces the Broncos in season finale is much different. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-a-Much-Improved-Team-in-Rematch-With-Broncos-286866421.html

Niners: Say it ain't so, Justin Smith

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers are hoping defensive end Justin Smith won't retire after Sunday's game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Fangio-Hopes-Justin-Smith-Will-Continue-Playing-286777181.html

Can Raiders break their road hex in Denver?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland hasn't won a game away from home all year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-to-Break-Losing-Streak-on-Road-286775041.html

Sled hockey standout Kelsey DiClaudio excited about growth of women's game, possible Paralympic spot on 2018 team

No woman ever has played for the U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team, but Kelsey DiClaudio could be the first four years from now. She's excelled against men for several seasons. My story on her for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/December/23/Talk-To-The-Sled-Kelsey-DiClaudio-Charges-Ahead

Ellington showing he can add spark to 49ers attack

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Bruce Ellington's audition for 2015 playing time is so far a success. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ellington-Showing-49ers-He-Can-be-a-Playmaker-286676471.html

DJ Hayden, finally healthy, is getting his chance and proving his worth

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One of the factors in the Raiders' recent surge has been the play of a trio of young cornerbacks, including the team's No. 1 pick in 2013, DJ Hayden. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hayden-Finally-Showing-What-he-Can-Do-286674541.html

When a runner stumbled at NCAA Cross Country Championships, sportsmanship trumped times

When Baylor's Annie Dunlap was having problems finishing the NCAA Cross Country Championships, falling three times, a teammate and a runner from Minnesota stopped to help her finish the race. My story for ESPN Endurance: http://espn.go.com/blog/endurance/post/_/id/2493/sportsmanship-trumps-times-at-ncaa-cross-country-championships#more

Eddie Vega is setting barefoot marathon records ... and picking up a few, painful injuries in the process

Eddie Vega calls himself the Barefoot Bandito. In 2014, he'll run more than 100 marathons in bare feet, including in all 50 U.S. states. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/12065980/endurance-sports-eddie-vega-50-barefoot-charity-runs-50-states

Niners' offensive line, for one game, comes together in a big way

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The return of tackle Anthony Davis and center Marcus Martin were big reasons the 49ers offensive line again was effective running the football again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offensive-Line-Shows-it-Can-Still-Dominate-286568781.html

Raiders' old man keeps making big plays

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Charles Woodson, in his 17th season, comes up big vs. the Bills -- just as he has all season long. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Old-Man-Woodson-Keeps-Making-Plays-286565711.html

Surprising Raiders top Bills for third straight win at home

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Buffalo Bills came in hot to Oakland, but the Raiders cooled them off, winning for a third time in five games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Surprise-Bills-to-Win-Third-Straight-at-Home-286515981.html

49ers build big lead, then let it slip away in OT loss to Chargers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers built a three-touchdown lead and had things well in hand ... but then collapsed, losing to San Diego in overtime. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Let-One-Get-Away-Yet-Again-286485451.html

Homeowners beware: the holiday season can be a high time for burglaries

There are many things homeowners can do during November and December to thwart burglaries, which in some areas of the country go up during the holidays. My story for U-T San Diego's Homes section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/19/home-protection-during-holiday-season/

Former Paralympic swimmer Mikhael Keyser is waiting for a new heart

Mikhael Keyser overcome the loss of a leg when he was young, then became a college and Paralympic swimmer and then a successful coach. But now his heart is failing at the age of 31 and he's awaiting a heart transplant to save his life. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/December/19/Friends-family-rally-around-Operation-Mikhaels-New-Heart

With nothing on the line, decimated 49ers face Chargers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With reserves expected to play big roles Saturday night, the 49ers will face a Chargers team still fighting for the postseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Battered-Struggling-49ers-Will-Try-to-Rebound-286359561.html

Bills defense will be difficult test for Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Bills' pass defense is one of the best in the NFL, having shut down Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers. Now QB Derek Carr of Oakland will test it. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Face-Tough-Buffalo-Defense-Sunday-286355551.html

Where have all the 49ers' running backs gone?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: On Saturday against the Chargers, the 49ers top two running backs are likely to be Alfonso Smith and Phillip Tanner. Who? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Once-Deep-Running-Back-Corps-is-Depleted-286235441.html

Raiders vs. Bills features Mack vs. Watson matchup

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two of the best rookies in the NFL meet up Sunday, with Khalil Mack vs. Sammy Watson in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Game-Sunday-Features-Two-of-NFLs-Best-Rookies-286231631.html

After winning two silvers, Jincy Dunne hopes to help lead U.S. to gold in U18 Women's World Hockey Championships

Jincy Dunne, 17, may be the best hockey player in America for her age group. She's already played for the U.S. senior national team and in two Under-18 World Championships. This time, she thinks U.S. can win gold. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/458021?referrer_id=752796

These may be the last days of Frank Gore with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For 10 years, Frank Gore has been a standout player and leader on the 49ers, yet that time may be coming to an end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Fans-May-be-Seeing-the-Last-of-Frank-Gore-285965661.html

The clock is ticking on Sparano's time with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Many Raiders would love to keep playing for head coach Tony Sparano, but everyone knows that's not likely to happen. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sparano-Knows-His-Time-is-Almost-Over-285961151.html

Borland hopes to quickly rebound from injury

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When Chris Borland went out with an injury Sunday, the Seahawks running game flourished. Borland hopes to return for the 49ers next game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Borland-Hopes-to-be-Ready-for-Chargers-285833341.html

Murray continues to impress Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The sample size is small, but Latavius Murray is playing like a professional, starting running back. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Murray-Looking-More-and-More-Like-a-No-1-Running-Back-285831031.html

49ers' loss in Seattle seals non-playoff fate

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A loss in Seattle drops the 49ers to 7-7 and kills the 49ers hopes for the playoffs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Playoff-Hopes-Officially-Squashed-in-Seattle-285771821.html

Chiefs' third-quarter eruption dooms Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland was in the game at Kansas City until a disastrous third quarter that helped drop it to 2-12. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Doomed-by-Bad-Third-Quarter-vs-Chiefs-285763211.html

Focus is on 49ers offense in rematch with Seahawks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If there is any hope for the 49ers, the offense must provide it with a dynamic performance vs. the Seahawks Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Burden-is-on-49ers-Offense-in-Seattle-Sunday-285623921.html

Raiders 3rd-down efficiency a key vs. Chiefs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In their first meeting, the Raiders' offense and defense was terrific on third downs in victory over Chiefs. Can Raiders do it again? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/First-Priority-for-Raiders-Third-Down-Efficiency-vs-Chiefs-285618501.html

Forecast for 49ers in Seattle: cloudy, at best

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For now, beating the Seahawks in Seattle Sunday seems like an impossible task for struggling 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Picture-Looks-Bleak-for-49ers-in-Seattle-285500171.html

Raiders will try to beat Chiefs a second time in four weeks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Raiders pull off a second victory over Kansas City? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Up-and-Down-Raiders-Face-Stumbling-Chiefs-285495171.html

After her breakthrough season on skis, Paralympian Oksana Masters is excited about making even greater progress in 2015

Oksana Masters shocked almost everyone, including herself, by winning two medals in cross country skiing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Now the former Paralympic rowing medalist is focusing on skiing over rowing and says she's hoping for progress over podiums in the coming season en route to the next Winter Games in 2018. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/December/10/In-second-season-on-skis-Oksana-Masters-aims-for-progress-not-podiums

Becca Gilmore, 16, plays well beyond her years as a member of U.S. Under-18 team at World Championships

Becca Gilmore is physically talented, a fast skater and good scorer. But it's her vision and ability to recognize what's happening on the ice that have her tabbed as a future star. My story on her for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/455814?referrer_id=836196

It appears Brooks may be on his way out of San Francisco

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The writing is on the wall that linebacker Ahmad Brooks may be playing his last season for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Brooks-May-be-in-Final-Season-With-49ers-285226291.html

Raiders' Rivera showing he may be long-term answer at tight end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mychal Rivera got off to a slow start this season, but has now become an impact receiver for Derek Carr and the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rivera-Catching-On-With-Carr-285222801.html

So when did the 49ers start to unravel?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers' hopes appear dashed for 2014. When did things start to come apart? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hopes-Could-Soon-be-Over-285096941.html

In a negative season, Sparano is keeping Raiders positive

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Tony Sparano may be interim, but he deserves praise for keeping Raiders focused and playing hard in light of wins over Chiefs and 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sparano-Keeping-Raiders-Positive-During-a-Negative-Season-285091261.html

Raiders stun 49ers, perhaps killing SF's playoff hopes

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr outplays Colin Kaepernick as Raiders shock 49ers, 24-13, in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Shock-49ers-to-Win-Battle-of-the-Bay-285032601.html

My newest book released: "Tiger Woods Makes Masters History"

My latest book, "Tiger Woods Makes Masters History," will be released Dec. 15th. It's one of a series of youth non-fiction books for ABDO Publishing in its Greatest Events in Sports History series. This is my fifth book for ABDO.

49ers must regain momentum with strong showing vs. Raiders

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners still seem to be a bit shocked by their loss to the Seahawks, but a decisive, efficient performance vs. Oakland Sunday could help launch a drive to playoffs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-to-Regain-Momentum-vs-Raiders-284880881.html

Raiders must start quickly vs. 49ers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has been a slow starter in games in 2014, and that can't happen vs. the 49ers on Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-to-Keep-Game-Close-284877171.html