Ellington appears to have a fan in his new head coach

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly says he sees a lot to like in speedy receiver Bruce Ellington, who has received little playing time at wide receiver with the 49ershttp://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kelly-Sees-Big-Potential-in-Little-Bruce-Ellington-370509401.html

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Del Rio indicates he'd love to see Donald Penn return

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders coach notes he'd love to have Donald Penn and indicates the two sides are still working on a new deal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Penns-Departure-from-Raiders-May-Not-be-a-Sure-Thing-370513061.html

Sue Ring-Jarvi opened doors (and skated through them) as a pioneer of women's hockey in Minnesota

Sue Ring-Jarvi fell in love with hockey as a post-graduate student at the University of Minnesota and helped establish a women's club team in the late 1970s. Eventually, that morphed into a highly successful national varsity program. She went on to become a coach and hockey official and is credited with being a pioneer of the female game in her state at every level. Plus, she's still a die-hard player on a serious club team. My story on her for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/14831342/weekend-warriors-pioneer-women-hockey-minnesota

Niners' dysfunction still visible for all to see

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Colin Kaepernick situation this week revealed that the Niners' leadership may still be sailing in foggy seas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Dysfunction-Hasnt-Yet-Disappeared-370271631.html

Raiders ability to overpay free agents will be key

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Normally, overpaying for something isn't good. But in the NFL, having so much salary cap space that must be spent can be a good thing for a team in search of impact free agents such as cornerback Sean Smith. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Cap-Space-Will-Allow-Team-to-Overpay-for-Impact-Talent-370266291.html

Baalke: 49ers can't have too many pass rushers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Trent Baalke knows he needs to add pass rushers to the 49ers this offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Says-49ers-Need-More-Defenders-Who-Can-Rush-the-Passer-370124081.html

Raiders can add pieces to aid Carr's continued development

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is receiver a priority need for the Raiders in the draft? No. But would adding yet another speedy pass catcher aid Derek Carr's ability to throw deep? Of course. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Another-Deep-Threat-Receiver-Would-Aid-Carrs-Development-370116401.html

U.S. national team linemates Cameranesi and Skarupa have their Minnesota and Boston College teams headed toward the Frozen Four

Forwards Dani Cameranesi of Minnesota and Haley Skarupa of Boston College are former U.S. World Championship linemates who rank among the best scorers in women's college hockey this season. My story for USA Hockey's Kaz Watch series: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/615917?referrer_id=718465

Former Eagle Mathis not high on Chip Kelly as a head coach

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly has his supporters and his detractors. Count guard Evan Mathis, who was cut by Kelly during his time in Philadelphia, among ex-Eagles with a low opinion of the new 49ers head coach. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Another-Kelly-Critic-Surfaces-Among-Former-Eagles-Players-369974791.html

Cornerbacks will be in Raiders' spotlight at the Combine

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Eli Apple may be the prime target of Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie at this week's NFL Combine. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-May-Focus-on-Cornerbacks-at-Combine-This-Week-369970621.html

49ers will meet with Kaepernick's reps at NFL Combine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area: Colin Kaepernick's representatives will meet with the 49ers' brass this week at the NFL Combine in a gathering that will shine more light on his future with the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Have-a-QB-on-Their-Radar-at-Combine-369822661.html

Is an Eric Wedde-Raiders marriage likely?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Chargers Eric Weddle seems like a perfect fit for Oakland ... or is he? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Would-Weddle-be-a-Nice-Fit-at-Safety-for-the-Raiders-369828921.html

Young Marine wife was devastated after her husband was killed in Afghanistan, and turned to drinking. Through running, she's regained her life...

Brittney Hogan was only 21 when she learned her husband of 18 months was killed in Afghanistan. Soon, she was drinking all day, not working, had no energy and was lost. When a friend suggested she run with her, it opened her world again. Soon, she gave up drinking and started training. Now she's built her world around fitness and has started a fitness-clothing line. My story on her for DiscoverSD, the Union-Tribune publication: http://www.discoversd.com/news/recreation-health/

Kelechi Osemele may be Penn replacement

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ravens lineman Kelechi Osemele may wind up to be replacement for Donald Penn on Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Penn-Seemingly-Out-Raiders-Will-Look-Elsewhere-369667211.html

Which tight end will emerge from 49ers pack?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners have several tight ends, but will any emerge as an elite pass catcher?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Which-Tight-End-Will-Emerge-in-Kellys-49ers-Offense-369429601.html

Low-round pick Trent Brown has high upside for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard-tackle Trent Brown may turn out to be bonanza as a seventh-round pick in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Second-Season-Trent-Brown-May-Find-a-Home-on-49ers-Line-369672101.html

Would Malik Jackson make his way to Oakland?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Would Broncos' loss of Malik Jackson be Raiders' gain? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Broncos-Jackson-Might-be-a-Good-Fit-With-Raiders-369119931.html

Athletic Staley welcomes Chip Kelly's offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Left tackle Joe Staley says he's already doing extra conditioning to be ready to play in a faster-paced offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Athletic-Staley-Appears-Suited-for-Kellys-Spread-Attack-369124121.html

Runner, triathlete, skier, paddler ... Jan Guenther, at 56, still is an athlete for all seasons

Jan Guenther didn't become interested in being athletic until she was almost out of grad school. But once she was hooked, she was hooked for life. Thirty years later, she's still an elite cross-country skier and national-champion triathlete. My story on her for ESPN's Weekend Warriors series: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/14801816/weekend-warriors-jan-guenther-do-just-every-sport

Boston College defenseman, Clarkson forward both were inspired to achieve hockey greatness by older siblings

Defenseman Megan Keller of Boston College and forward Cayley Mercer of Clarkson are two of the best players in college hockey this season thanks to inspiration and guidance from older siblings. My story for USA Hockey's Kaz Watch series: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/612819?referrer_id=718465

This time, Baalke's draft class needs to be superb

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trent Baalke's draft classes from 2012-2015 were so-so. Some hits, some misses, some wait-and-sees. He can't afford a so-so draft in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Needs-to-Find-Stars-in-Upcoming-Draft-368974931.html

Carr's two-year stats put him in elite company

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Through two seasons only one QB, Dan Marino, has thrown more TD passes than the Raiders' Derek Carr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Second-Year-Improvement-Indicates-Good-Things-Ahead-368969111.html

Why did 49ers' guard Brandon Thomas just disappear?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going into the 2015 season, the 49ers had high hopes for guard Brandon Thomas, a former Clemson star. Yet he never played a down. What happened? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Thomas-Was-49ers-Mystery-Man-in-2015-368845481.html

Rookie Feliciano may have laid the foundation to starting in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Feliciano was inserted into the right guard spot in the Raiders' final three games and performed admirably. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Jon-Feliciano-Opened-Door-of-Opportunity-Late-in-Rookie-Year-368839411.html

One San Diego backyard gardener weathers the drought with new tactics, producing bountiful fruit trees

Don Caton, who has orange, tangerine and kumquat trees in his back yard, is using water-rationing use guidelines, a recycling system and artificial turf to produce a bumper crop. My story for the Union-Tribune's Homes section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/feb/12/home-watering-drought-citrus-bumper-crop/

49ers' schedule expected to be toughest in NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: An analysis of opponents shows the 49ers' schedule is the toughest in the NFL for 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Schedule-Will-be-Especially-Difficult-in-2016-368621571.html

Raiders reverse course, re-sign safety Nate Allen

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two days after releasing safety Nate Allen, they re-sign him ... and save some money. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Bring-Back-Safety-Nate-Allen-368616891.html

Methodical McKenzie's planning, approach are paying off

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once, Raiders fans wanted GM Reggie McKenzie fired. Now he's being praised. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-McKenzie-Methodical-Methods-Are-Producing-Results-368485181.html

Niners' woeful pass rush needs a transfusion

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The pass rush was weak in 2015 and should be a priority in draft and free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Woeful-Pass-Rush-Needs-Some-Help-368476541.html

What will the Raiders do with void at both safety spots?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: First Charles Woodson retired, then Nate Allen was released. GM Reggie McKenzie will be shopping for safeties this offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Allen-Gone-Raiders-Need-Safety-Help-368329741.html

Reggie Bush says he isn't ready to retire

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Reggie Bush says he's not quitting yet, at age 31, but with his 49ers deal expired, will he return? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Dont-Seem-Like-a-Good-Fit-for-Bush-368324161.html

This is the era of terrific goaltending in women's college hockey, with standouts everywhere among top teams

Ann-Renee Desbiens, Katie Burt and Sydney Rossman are among the best of the best goaltenders in college women's hockey in 2015-16, and the top candidates to win the Patty Kazmaier Award. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/610349?referrer_id=718465

After down year, Torrey Smith may thrive under Kelly

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly's offense might be just the tonic for wide receiver Torrey Smith. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Torrey-Smith-Could-Thrive-in-Kellys-Offense-368173861.html

Will Raiders choose to pay to keep Denico Autry?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Denico Autry was thrust into a bigger role in 2015 and grew into it at defensive end ... but he's now a free agent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Bigger-Role-Autry-Showed-Raiders-His-Value-in-2015-368048501.html

Odds are, 49ers won't be in 51st Super Bowl, either

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The first post-Super Bowl odds for 2016 have been posted in Las Vegas, and the 49ers' odds to make it rank only above the woeful Cleveland Browns. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Odds-Are-49ers-Wont-be-Playing-in-51st-Super-Bowl-Either-368043101.html

McKenzie has good recent history of signing free-agent linemen

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rodney Hudson and Dan Williams are two reasons Raiders fans can be confident GM Reggie McKenzie can upgrade the Raiders' lines this offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzies-Success-With-LInemen-in-Free-Agency-a-Good-Sign-for-Raiders-367822841.html

Kelly's offense doesn't use a fullback, so where does that leave Miller?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What will happen to fullback Bruce Miller now that Chip Kelly is running the 49ers offense? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Will-Bruce-Miller-Have-a-Role-in-Kellys-Offense-367816141.html

Years of landscaping, hauling hay bales and rock have helped New Englander Cathy Merrill become one of world's best armwrestlers

Just six years ago, Cathy Merrill of New Hampshire never had tried armwrestling. Then, on a dare from a friend, she won a contest at a fair. Now she's a world champion. My story about her for ESPNW: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/14716552/cathy-merrill-51-one-best-armwrestlers-world

Short track speed skater April Shin is making her moove

At age 17, April Shin is getting her first opportunity to skate for the U,S. national team in Europe. Then she'll be off to the Youth Olympic Games. It's the experience she needs to take the next big step in her short-track speed skating career. My story on her for the U.S. Olympic website, TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/February/04/Speedskater-April-Shin-Steps-Up-Her-Game-In-Preparation-For-Winter-Youth-Olympics

Gabbert says he's eager to get started in new offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After resurrecting his career with the 49ers in 2015, quarterback Blaine Gabbert says he's excited to learn Chip Kelly's scheme. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-Comeback-Season-49ers-Gabbert-Eager-to-Get-Started-367673491.html

College rivals Sarah Nurse and Sarah Potomak are teammates when they return north of the border

Top Canadian forwards Sarah Nurse of Wisconsin and Sarah Potomak of Minnesota are rivals when they meet on the ice in college hockey but teammates when they return home. My story for USA Hockey's Kaz Watch series: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/606919?referrer_id=718465

New York paper reports Kaepernick wants to be a Jet

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It promises to be a topsy-turvy offseason for Colin Kaepernick, whose status with the 49ers prompts plenty of speculation, including a report Tuesday night that the QB wants to play for the Jets. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-Kaepernick-Wants-to-Play-for-Jets-367527321.html

Raiders worried about Mario Edwards' neck injury

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. has a neck injury that is still being tested by doctors, so his status for 2016 is uncertain. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Concerned-About-Edwards-Long-Term-Health-367518471.html

Former Navy rescue swimmer Joe Avery found his life's work and direction when he watched a Kevin Costner movie

Joe Avery was bound for a life in science but it took a sharp turn into fitness when he watched a film called "The Guardian." Now he's living a life focused on health and better conditioning. His story for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/feb/02/tp-ocean-of-enthusiasm-rescue-swimming-became-hi/

Raiders apparently headed toward 2016 season in Oakland

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mark Davis tells columnist Tim Kawakami that his team is close to finalizing a deal with O.co Coliseum for the 2016 season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/It-Appears-Raiders-Will-Stay-Put-For-Another-Season-367382791.html

Attention on 49ers during SB week isn't ... positive

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jed York's joke and Colin Kaepernick's career trajectory have become fodder for Super Bowl week media. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Attention-on-49ers-This-Week-Isnt-Necessarily-a-Good-Thing-367377221.html

Baalke says 49ers are committed to giving Hayne a shot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Jarryd Hayne experiment didn't produce dividends in 2015, but GM Trent Baalke says 49ers will give Hayne another shot in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Says-49ers-are-Committed-to-Giving-Hayne-Another-Chance-367230211.html

McKenzie believes continuity with Del Rio's staff will pay off

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie is excited for the chemistry and continuity he has with Jack Del Rio and his staff. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-McKenzie-Excited-by-Chemistry-With-Del-Rio-367226251.html