Born into an active family, Brittany Russell has continued to find the joy in being fit and exercising in new and interesting ways

Brittany Russell was an All-America water polo player in college, so she's always been fit. Now as an adult, she lives a life focused on staying healthy, eating right and getting the most out of life. My profile of her for the U-T San Diego's Active San Diego series: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/28/russell-competitive-athlete-exercise/

49ers' Aldon Smith appears ready to rebound

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aldon Smith has incentives to fuel his fire for 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Aldon-Smith-Appears-Ready-for-a-Rebound-301559341.html

McKenzie in a position of power going into Round 1

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Reggie McKenzie use his No. 4 pick, or trade it? Either way, he figures to make Oakland better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-in-a-Powerful-Position-Entering-Draft-301556381.html

San Diego State lacrosse defender Anna Cholewczynski is good for team chemistry -- and the chemistry research she's doing in the laboratory

Anna Cholewczynski comes from a family of scientists in Maryland, and she is no different. Since her sophomore year, she's been involved as part of a chemistry research team at San Diego State, exploring cures for cancer and other diseases. The only difference between Cholewczynski and the other researchers on her team is that she gets to suit up in helmet and pads and pound on opponents in Aztecs lacrosse games. My story on her for SDSU's 360 Magazine: http://issuu.com/sdsu360mag/docs/360spring2015_/23?e=1330685/12453306

At some point in this draft, 49ers will select a WR

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Trent Baalke may not use his top pick on a wide receiver, but all indications are, the team will pick a pass catcher (or two) at some point. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Wont-Pass-on-a-Pass-Catcher-301432631.html

McKenzie, Del Rio appearing to be a unit for this draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie appears to have made new head coach Jack Del Rio a partner in this year's draft planning. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Appears-to-be-Big-Part-of-Draft-301426141.html

Some see weaknesses in Arik Armstead, the 49ers' potential No. 1 pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead is a big talent physically, but at least one NFL scout believes he's a risk. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Possible-49ers-Target-Armstead-Has-Some-Critics-301100881.html

Ex-Raiders coach Gruden a big admirer of Derek Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: While some knocked rookie QB Derek Carr, former Oakland head coach Jon Gruden sees great things in him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Carr-Admired-by-Gruden-301096991.html

Raiders interested in Clemson pass rusher Beasley

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Might the Raiders trade down and then pick Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley? It seems to be one likely scenario. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Show-Interest-in-Clemson-Pass-Rusher-Beasley-300932321.html

Gamblers betting 49ers will have a great fall

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are a hot item for bettors ... who believe they won't reach their projected number of wins in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gamblers-Are-Betting-49ers-Will-Fall-in-2015-300929611.html

Three-time Olympic shooter Matt Emmons feels better than ever as he aims toward Rio Games in 2016

Matt Emmons has been to three Olympics and won a gold, silver and bronze, but he's feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally than ever before. My story on him for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/April/21/Healthy-Happy-And-Honed-In-Shooter-Matt-Emmons-Targets-Fourth-Olympic-Games

Will Jarryd Hane be anything more than a gamble for 49ers?

Daily 49ers  blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aussie rugby star Jarryd Hayne signed with the 49ers this offseason. What can 49ers expect from him? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Hayne-Experiment-Pays-Off-300796811.html

Raiders' Del Rio eager for next camp phase

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio expects 100 percent participation at voluntary minicamp that begins Tuesday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Eager-for-Next-Phase-With-Raiders-300793491.html

Baalke discounts need for getting WR in the draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM Trent Baalke indicates 49ers would be fine without getting another receiver in the upcoming draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Smokescreen-Niners-Baalke-Downplays-Need-for-a-Wide-Receiver-300656881.html

Kendall Hunter looks good to go for 2015 season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kendall Hunter looks fit and strong in comeback from knee surgery. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hunters-Return-Could-be-Big-Boost-for-49ers-300291051.html

Rumors: Raiders may be interested in trading for Adrian Peterson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Adrian Peterson has been reinstated by the NFL, and the Vikings hope to get him back up and running in 2015. But if they can't mend their fences, the Vikes could trade him ... to Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rumors-Have-Raiders-Interested-in-Adrian-Peterson-300287691.html

Is Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead a good fit with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Many mock drafts have the 49ers selecting Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead in the middle of the first round. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-New-Safety-Allen-is-Still-Improving-300087031.html

Raiders betting that safety Nate Allen is on the rise

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nate Allen, 27, is coming off his best year in the NFL with the Eagles and now could start for Oakland in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-New-Safety-Allen-is-Still-Improving-300087031.html

49ers' Baalke may be interested in a Borland-type linebacker

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: TCU linebacker Paul Dawson doesn't have great athletic numbers, but he -- like former 49ers linebacker Chris Borland -- is always around the ball, and the 49ers have shown interest in drafting him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Show-Interest-in-a-Borland-Type-Linebacker-299844601.html

At 79, former submarine commander Jerry Sullivan keeps shooting hoops ... despite heart attack, bypass surgery and assorted physical ailments

Jerry Sullivan, at 79, is a man in constant motion, whether it's working around the house, walking, playing golf or playing basketball, his passion. Sullivan believes in getting the most out of life and never sitting still. My profile of him for U-T San Diego's Active San Diego series: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/14/sullivan-man-motion-basketball/

Bennett Beach isn't as fast as he once was, and he's dogged by a painful disorder that makes running difficult, but he's still the Iron Man of the Boston Marathon, getting set to complete his 48th straight race

In 1968, Harvard freshman Bennett Beach ran the Boston Marathon. He admits now that he didn't really know what he was doing and was ill prepared. So, he came back the next year to see if he could do better. And then he returned every year since. Beach now holds the record for consecutive Boston Marathons completed. This year, he'll try to complete his 48th straight. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Cornerback-Competition-Could-be-Fierce-299697231.html

49ers' cornerback situation may not be as dire as some fear

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The stockpiling of cornerbacks in the 2014 draft may prove to be an important element for the 2015 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Cornerback-Competition-Could-be-Fierce-299697231.html

Crabtree crosses the Bay to sign with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The signing of wide receiver Michael Crabtree doesn't give Oakland an elite receiver. But it benefits the offense in many ways. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Benefit-in-Several-Ways-by-Signing-Crabtree-299691871.html

Boldin is confident that 2014 was just a "fluke" season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Anquan Boldin believes the 49ers will come roaring back in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-is-Confident-Tomsula-and-49ers-Will-be-Fine-in-2015-299567961.html

One expert: Raiders should take Cooper over Williams at No. 4

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A former NFL pro player personnel director says Leonard Williams will be a good player, but Oakland should take wide receiver Amari Cooper at No. 4 because he'll have more impact. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Williams-or-Cooper-Raiders-May-Get-More-From-Cooper-299564511.html

A good sign: Vernon Davis is with team

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Vernon Davis is taking part in voluntary team workouts this week, a good sign after his down year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Davis-Appears-Motivated-for-a-Rebound-299336261.html

Is McKenzie finally putting Raiders on right path, through the draft?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Additions in free agency are nice, but GM Reggie McKenzie's No. 1 task is to build the Raiders via the draft, something the franchise has failed at in the 21st century. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-Long-Term-Keepers-From-Draft-299331751.html

49ers have gone from first to worst in NFC West

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: NFL.com just ranked the 49ers' roster as the worst in the NFC West. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-See-49ers-as-Worst-Team-in-NFC-West-299198611.html

Raiders' "Jelly" wants to roll all the way to being "the best"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin "Jelly" Ellis started 14 games at defensive tackle as a rookie and now says he wants to be one of the NFL's best at his position. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defensive-Tackle-Justin-Ellis-Wants-to-be-the-Best-299194301.html

Ex-49ers QB Garcia critical of team's ouster of Harbaugh

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former QB Jeff Garcia compares ouster of Harbaugh to the disastrous firing of Steve Mariucci after the 2002 season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Garcia-49ers-Ouster-of-Harbaugh-is-Similar-to-Mariuccis-299056361.html

Bulked-up Taiwan Jones may have multiple roles in 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Special teams standout, who's gone from 180 to 205 pounds, may also play both offense and defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Jones-May-Add-Extra-Value-299051351.html

49ers now get to see the new-look Colin Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Colin Kaepernick, fresh off a long tutorial session with Kurt Warner, will take part in offseason workout program that begins Tuesday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Get-a-Chance-to-See-New-Kaepernick-298903721.html

Raiders will re-sign receiver Andre Holmes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Andre Holmes, a restricted free agent, got no offers from other teams so will re-sign in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Holmes-is-Staying-With-Raiders-298907991.html

Ten stories to track for the 2015 Major League Baseball season

With Opening Day now here, here are 10 storylines to watch for the 2015 season. Can the Giants repeat? Can anybody beat the Nationals? Can Mike Trout get even better? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Season-2015-Major-League-Baseball-298668121.html

Thomas could be vital piece of 49ers' offensive line in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers gambled on Brandon Thomas in 2014, taking the injured Clemson star after he blew out his knee. Now with Mike Iupati gone, Thomas (or Marcus Martin) could step right into the position. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Draft-of-Brandon-Thomas-in-2014-may-pay-off-in-2015-298769061.html

McKenzie may move down in draft to get more picks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have the No. 4 pick in the draft, but it wouldn't be shocking if GM Reggie McKenzie dealt the pick for extra choices. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-Could-Move-Down-in-Draft-298585971.html

Defensive tackle Antonio Smith became expendable for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Antonio Smith started all season for the Raiders in 2014, but Oakland cut ties with him because of his price tag and signing on Dan Williams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-Now-Wilhoite-is-Back-in-49ers-Plans-298237711.html

Wilhoite is back in 49ers' plans for 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Michael Wilhoite was on the trading block just a few weeks ago, but now is penciled in at inside linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-Now-Wilhoite-is-Back-in-49ers-Plans-298237711.html