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

49ers' Patton working toward a breakout season in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In two seasons, Quinton Patton has just six receptions. Now he's guaranteeing a big season in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Patton-Says-Third-Year-Will-be-His-Best-305176721.html

Rod Streater happy, energized to be back playing

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders receiver Rod Streater had a tough time just sitting and watching in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Streater-Eager-to-Play-Again-305171341.html

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

Vernon Davis working hard to rebound in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Vernon Davis appears motivated in first OTAs of offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Vernon-Davis-Looks-Eager-to-Rebound-304909291.html

Norton will demand defenders to be "on point"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has a reputation for demanding that players meet his high expectations. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-linebackers-Will-Lead-the-Way-Under-Demanding-Norton-304906791.html

Tomsula wants 49ers to pick up the pace

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jim Tomsula has the 49ers operating at a quicker pace in OTAs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tomsula-Wants-49ers-to-Operate-at-a-Faster-Pace-304718651.html

Murray eager to prove he's Raiders' No. 1 back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Latavius Murray is excited about prospect of being the lead running back for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Latavius-Murray-Eager-to-Build-on-Success-304714211.html

One analyst: 49ers have had worst offseason in entire NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: ESPN analyst Mike Sando gives 49ers a D-plus. Is it really that bad? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offseason-Moves-Still-Getting-Bad-Reviews-304575891.html

Carr's agent says finger injury is a "nonstory"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The agent for Raiders QB Derek Carr says the finger injury that is keeping Carr off the field in OTAs isn't serious at all. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Agent-Says-Finger-Injury-Isnt-Serious-304568731.html

Lakeshore Foundation in Alabama has been a rock for Paralympic movement

The Lakeshore Foundation near Birmingham, Ala., has provided a base for Paralympic athletes and teams to train and improve for many years. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/May/21/US-Paralympians-Have-A-Home-At-Lakeshore-Foundation-In-Alabama-brought-to-you-by-GBCVB

Underrated Ian Williams a key to 49ers' defensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: On his way out of town, 49ers' star defensive lineman Justin Smith says Ian Williams is one of the NFL's best nose tackles. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ian-Williams-May-be-a-Key-to-49ers-Defensive-Line-304424491.html

DJ Hayden says he's healthy, good to go for 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback DJ Hayden, often injured, appears ready to be an impact starter in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hayden-Says-Hes-Ready-to-Go-304419251.html

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

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

49ers' center Kilgore says he's taking his time about returning to field

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Don't expect 49ers center Daniel Kilgore, injured last season, to return to the field for OTAs and minicamp in June. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Kilgore-Taking-His-Time-to-be-Ready-303750911.html

Del Rio says Carr will throw deep more often in 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jack Del Rio says Derek Carr has the skills to be a good deep-threat passer in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Raiders-Will-Throw-Deep-More-Often-in-2015-303757241.html

49ers could have as many as 12 picks in 2016 draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Trent Baalke has the 49ers in great position for the 2016 NFL draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Already-in-Nice-Position-for-2016-Draft-303604051.html

Amari Cooper already impressing the Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first practices, receiver Amari Cooper looks like the star Oakland has hoped for. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Excited-By-Coopers-First-Practices-303609351.html

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/

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

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

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

49ers bring in five undrafted free-agent wide receivers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers, who drafted just one wide receiver, have signed five undrafted free-agent pass catchers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Bring-in-Five-Undrafted-Rookie-Wide-Receivers-302771111.html

Raiders see TE Walford as "Total Package"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland believes it got perhaps the best tight end in the draft with Miami's Clive Walford. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-See-Tight-End-Walford-as-Total-Package-302764571.html

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

Baalke, who bypassed cornerbacks, apparently likes what he has

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Many observers thought the 49ers needed to draft a cornerback or two. Trent Baalke obviously disagreed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Bypassed-Cornerbacks-in-Draft-302430311.html

Raiders' seventh-rounder Debose could bring fine returns

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Even if Andre Debose never catches a pass as a wide receiver, he could help the Raiders in a big way on special teams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Seventh-Rounder-Debose-is-a-Fine-Return-Man-302424891.html

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