Declan Farmer is a U.S. sled hockey veteran, even at 19

Declan Farmer isn't 20 yet, but he's a veteran of the U.S. sled hockey team, a terrific scorer and Paralympic gold medalist. Now, he's starting to get excited about the next Games two years from now. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/November/30/No-Longer-The-Young-Guy-Declan-Farmer-Leads-Team-USA-Into-World-Sled-Hockey-Challenge

Niners' Baalke says he's responsible for 1-10 season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM Trent Baalke says the blame for this season falls on his shoulders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-GM-Baalke-Accepts-Blame-for-Teams-Collapse-403595346.html

Raiders' fans giving team a boost on home field

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After surviving years of bad teams, Oakland's fans are going crazy for the Raiders this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-Says-Roar-of-Fans-is-Energizing-Raiders-403590196.html

Has Kaepernick played his way into 49ers' future?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers keep losing, but Colin Kaepernick keeps improving. Is he playing his way back into the team's future plans? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Is-Kaepernick-Playing-His-Way-into-49ers-Future-403396396.html

Mack leaps into spotlight in win over Panthers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack has a touchdown and strip-sack of Newton in Oakland victory over Carolina. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mack-Has-Taken-a-Great-Leap-Forward-403402926.html

Raiders drive for two 4th-quarter scores to beat Panthers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr recovers from injured finger to lead team to fourth-quarter rally and win over Carolina. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Roar-Back-to-Knock-Off-the-Panthers-403286016.html

49ers ALMOST get their second win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco makes it close, but falls to Dolphins for 10th straight defeat. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Come-Close-to-Breaking-Losing-Streak-403270306.html

Paralympic swim champion Michelle Konkoly had the time of her life in Rio, but now awaits start of med school

After winning four medals at the Rio Paralympics, including two golds, swimmer Michelle Konkoly is eager to get back into the pool for a while before she starts med school. My story on her for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/November/22/After-Rio-High-Paralympic-Champion-Michelle-Konkoly-Is-Ready-To-Dive-Back-In-At-CanAm-Open

Can Raiders re-gain running mojo vs. the Panthers?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders' running game was stuffed vs. Texans. Can it rebound vs. Carolina?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hope-to-Get-Running-Attack-Back-on-Track-403024256.html

49ers were actually good last time they faced Dolphins

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are a far different team than they were in 2012 when they last played Miami. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Much-Has-Changed-Since-49ers-Last-Defeated-Dolphins-403027666.html

Raiders getting ready to stop Cam Newton

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cam Newton may not be up to his MVP form of a year ago, but the Raiders know he's dangerous. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Prepare-for-Big-Challenge-Containing-Cam-Newton-402887396.html

Dawson still kicking, even if 49ers aren't

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: While the 49ers are horrible in 2016, place-kicker Phil Dawson still ranks among the NFL's best, even at age 41. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Dawson-Still-Excellent-on-a-49ers-Team-That-Isnt-402884176.html

Swordplay has been Karen Lieu's sport of choice since she first saw the TV coverage of fencing at the 1992 Olympics

The first time Karen Lieu saw fencing on TV during the Olympics at Barcelona, she was transfixed. When she discovered she could take fencing classes in college, she was forever hooked. My story about her for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18114862/weekend-warriors-how-karen-lieu-shares-love-fencing-everyone-knows

Can 49ers' Kelly survive this horrific season?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now 1-9 with the 49ers, Chip Kelly may be held responsible for the slide to oblivion ... or will he? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Speculation-Heats-Up-About-Chip-Kellys-Future-402472006.html

Undrafted Richard playing a high-impact role for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jalen Richard is a small man who makes a big impact, as he showed again in win over Houston. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Little-Richard-Playing-a-Large-Role-for-Raiders-402462686.html

Carr leads Raiders rally to beat Texans in Mexico City

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr throws two TD passes in the fourth quarter as Raiders beat Texans 27-20 in Mexico City. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-is-Mr-Clutch-Again-as-Raiders-Rally-to-Beat-Texans-402375615.html

Jennifer Gibson's job is about science, food, sports and a desire to feed the Bears (in Chicago)

Jennifer Gibson is the sport science coordinator and sport dietitian of the Chicago Bears, a varied and interesting job she loves. Her story, for ESPNW's "Cool Jobs" series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/18084206/jennifer-gibson-cool-sports-job-chicago-bears-sports-science-coordinator-dietitian

In most every game, 49ers fall flat in second half

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have a script, and it isn't a good one. Almost every Sunday, they play tough for about a half ... and then get dominated in the third and fourth quarters. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Going-From-Bad-to-Worse-in-the-Second-Half-402271556.html

Brady throws 4 TD passes in defeat of 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners lose ninth straight game as Patriots pull away in the second half. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Patriots-Dominate-49ers-in--402173306.html

Del Rio's Raiders must shut down Texans' run game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Texans' best hope for beating Oakland Monday night will be to run the ball and take the pressure off Brock Osweiler. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Texans-May-Come-Out-Running-vs-Raiders-401901385.html

Is it possible for 49ers to shock Patriots?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Does San Francisco have the ability to upset the Patriots this Sunday? Probably not. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/To-Avoid-a-Ninth-Straight-Loss-49ers-Will-Have-to-Shock-Patriots-401894655.html

Raiders have been big winners in the turnover wars

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland is one of the NFL's best teams in giveaway/takeaway ratio. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Been-Big-Winners-in-the-Turnover-Battle-401705525.html

Patriots' star Gronkowski will miss 49ers matchup

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At least the 49ers won't have to deal with the Pats' Rob Gronkowski Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Wont-Have-to-Deal-With-Gronkowski-401698865.html

Kari Castle is still flying high, feeling blessed that she found hang gliding and paragliding

Kari Castle may not be rich or famous, but one of the world's best hang gliders and paragliders is among the happiest and feeling like the luckiest. My story on her for Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, in November-December 2016 issue: https://issuu.com/us_hang_gliding_paragliding/docs/hgpg1606_issuu

Janikowski's long-range misfires are a concern

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sebastian Janikowski has been an important piece of Raiders franchise for years, but are his accuracy problems from 50 yards or more a troublesome issue for the rest of 2016? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Will-Need-Janikowski-to-Regain-Long-Range-Accuracy-401497075.html

Little-known Kirkland playing a key role for Raiders offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Arkansas standout Denver Kirkland, who wasn't taken in the draft, is now a key piece of Raiders' offensive success. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Undrafted-Offensive-Lineman-Playing-Key-Role-for-Raiders-401280866.html

Kaepernick is improving as his end with 49ers nears

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As his future as a 49er gets shorter and shorter, Colin Kaepernick is playing better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/As-His-Exit-Looms-49ers-Kaepernick-Continues-to-Improve-401279766.html

Best move for Raiders? Being patient with McKenzie

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two years ago at this time, fans were clamoring to fire GM Reggie McKenzie. Now they're glad that didn't happen. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Best-Move-Was-Being-Patient-With-McKenzie-401118625.html

49ers solve one problem but get burned by another

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco plugs its leaky run defense, only to get torched by Cardinals' passing game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Fix-One-Problem-Then-Get-Burned-by-Another-401112585.html

Niners rally to tie, then allow Cards to win at the end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A last-second field goal by Arizona gives San Francisco its eighth straight loss. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Late-Rally-Cant-Stave-Off-Eighth-Straight-Defeat-401035076.html

49ers must stop Johnson to stop the Cardinals

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The only way SF can beat Arizona is to contain running back David Johnson. Even then, it will be tough. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Know-They-Must-Stop-Johnson-to-Beat-Cardinals-400841171.html

Can Carr avoid a late-season slump?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Derek Carr avoid the second-half troubles he had in 2015?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-Raiders-Carr-Avoid-a-Second-Half-Slump-400836641.html

Army veteran and taekwondo athlete Corbin Stacey seeks victory on and off the mat

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Corbin Stacey ranks No. 4 in the world in his Paralympic taekwondo classification and carries with him a positive attitude about everything. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/November/10/For-Army-Veteran-And-Taekwondo-Athletes-Corbin-Stacey-Every-Day-Is-A-Victory

Ultra runner Michael Versteeg sets record for completing the Arizona Trail in less than 16 days

The Arizona Trail is 800 miles of rugged path, through deserts, peaks and canyons. Some of the trail forces travelers to scramble or bushwhack through overgrown branches and bushes. But Michael Versteeg ran the trail, completing it in 15 days, to break the fastest known time of completion. My story on Versteeg for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2016/11/news/the-story-behind-michael-versteegs-record-setting-830-mile-arizona-trail-run_158623

Raiders rolling along with a rushing revolution

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders wanted to become a better rushing team in 2016. It happened. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Pulled-off-a-Rushing-Revolution-400699761.html

49ers lose Armstead for remainder of season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now the 49ers have lost their No. 1 pick of 2015, Arik Armstead, for the rest of the year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Poor-Defense-Loses-Arik-Armstead-400705511.html

Austin Howard is once again proving worth to Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Austin Howard didn't win the right tackle job in either of the past two training camps, yet has stepped in to be an invaluable performer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Howard-Once-Again-is-a-Saving-Grace-for-Raiders-400550561.html

Kelly not interested in playing the blame game for D

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly says it's not Jim O'Neil's fault the defense has been so bad for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Kelly-Not-Putting-Blame-on-ONeil-for-Defensive-Woes-400431581.html

Mack continues to play better and better each week

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders defense has been much better of late, and that may be due in part to the play of Khalil Mack. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mack-is-Leading-Revived-Raiders-Defense-400400931.html

Morning, noon or night? Is there a best time to exercise to get the most benefits?

Some athletes are morning exercisers. Some get their workouts in at night. Does it make a difference? My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-exercise-time-of-day-20161107-story.html

The Raiders' dominant O-Line was too much for Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders once again showed that their investment in physical blockers up front is paying huge dividends. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Has-Become-a-Force-400267281.html

Quinton Patton may finally be catching on with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quinton Patton had his biggest day as a pro in 49ers' game vs. Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Patton-Helps-49ers-Offense-Come-to-Life-400259411.html

Raiders are super in win over Super Bowl champs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders put together a complete game to beat Denver, 30-20, to take over the top spot in the AFC West. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Look-Super-in-Beating-Super-Bowl-Champs-400206251.html

Drew Brees-led Saints are too much for 49ers defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Saints offense overpowered the weak 49ers defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-Picked-Apart-by-Saints-and-Drew-Brees-400192401.html

It's Raiders' lightning vs. Broncos' thunder this Sunday

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sunday's AFC West clash will feature Oakland's dynamic passing attack vs. Denver's outstanding defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/AFC-West-Clash-Its-Raiders-Offense-vs-Broncos-Defense-400014151.html

49ers defense could be picked apart by Brees & Co.

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What chance to the 49ers have of stopping Saints QB Drew Brees? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Brees-Powered-Saints-Will-be-Tough-for-49ers-to-Contain-400006841.html

Smith committed to 49ers after trade deadline passes

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Torrey Smith wasn't traded, which is fine with him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Torrey-Smith-Still-a-49er-Getting-Ready-for-Saints-399839441.html

Raiders' Mack is starting to heat up as a pass rusher

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The last time Khalil Mack faced the Broncos, he had five sacks. Now, here come the Broncos again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Khalil-Mack-is-Starting-to-Roll-399844061.html

Popularity and success of rugby in the United States is on the horizon thanks to Olympics, sevens and women's programs

There's no way the United States is ready to compete with the world's rugby superpowers. New Zealand, Australia, France, Fiji and Great Britain have nothing to fear from Team USA's Eagles now or in the near future. But because of the inclusion of the game in the Olympics and the growth and success of U.S. teams in rugby sevens and the women's games, the growth and exposure of the game right now is rapid. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.co.uk/espn/story/_/id/17853300/why-rugby-verge-big-united-states

At 41, four-time Olympian and Boston and New York marathon champion Meb Keflezighi is starting his transition into athletic retirement

Running great Meb Keflezighi says he'll do just two more marathons in his career, to end with 26 -- the distance in miles of the event. The four-time Olympian and winner at Boston and New York is 41 now, and starting to transition to a post-marathon world. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/17938105/meb-keflezighi-2009-nyc-marathon-champion-ponders-life-running