For Olympian and Cal water polo standout Luca Cupido, 2016 was one amazing year

After moving to the U.S. from Italy for his senior year of high school, Luca Cupido has made all the right moves. He helped Cal win an NCAA championship, made the U.S. Olympic team and was selected an All-America and Academic All-America. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/09/From-Italy-To-Cal-To-Rio-Water-Polo-Star-Luca-Cupido-Is-Riding-High

So far, Raiders are subtracting, not adding

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The NFL free-agency period has begun with Oakland allowing several players to leave while -- so far -- not signing anyone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Off-to-Slow-Start-in-Free-Agency-415884953.html

Niners will bring fullback back into offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Signing of former Ravens Pro Bowl fullback is a signal the 49ers offense will be much different in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Offense-Will-Feature-a-Fullback-Again-415887813.html

Raiders & Murray are ready for split-up

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It seems certain now that Latavius Murray will go to another team in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Murray-Headed-Toward-a-Split-415781293.html

49ers sprinting into free agency with quick signings

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer, Pierre Garcon, a top fullback, linebacker and another wide receiver agree to terms with the 49ers as free agents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Off-to-a-Fast-Start-in-Free-Agency-415778813.html

New mom Brenna Huckaby is fresh off a snowboardcross world title and charging toward 2018 Paralympics in Korea

After a great 2015 season, Brenna Huckaby took a year off to give birth to her daughter. Now she's back on the slopes and even better than ever, apparently, with two world titles. Her goal is to get to the next Paralympics in 2018. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/07/Back-On-Snow-New-Mother-And-Newly-Crowned-World-Champ-Brenna-Huckaby-Back-At-Elite-Form

49ers' release of Bethea opens door for Ward & Tartt

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt may play bigger roles at safety in 2017 following the release of veteran Antoine Bethea. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Betheas-Release-Opens-Doors-at-Safety-for-49ers-415683473.html

Raiders have multiple FA options at inside LB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kevin Minter of the Cards and Zach Brown of the Bills are two of the less expensive -- but productive -- options for Oakland on the free-agent market for inside linebackers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Have-Options-at-Linebacker-Other-Than-Hightower-415686213.html

U.S. players recall the warm, small-town feel of Women's World Hockey Championships in Vermont in 2012

Players recall that the city and views were beautiful, the fans were warm and the atmosphere was electric when the U.S. hosted the Women's World Hockey Championships in Burlington, Vermont in 2012. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/763248?referrer_id=2266128

Smith out, Kerley stays as 49ers remake receiving corps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers already are reshaping a receiving corps that ranked as perhaps the worst in the NFL in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Receiving-Corps-is-Getting-a-Major-Makeover-415577983.html

Nurse who took up running when she was nearly 50 now feels more fit, healthy and energized than ever before

Once Annie Herrin began to run, five years ago, she discovered a new, liberating lifestyle. Now the nurse, 54, has qualified for the Boston Marathon a second time. My story on her for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-herrin-20170306-story.html

Pats' Hightower seems a good fit for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When free agency kicks off Thursday, Pats linebacker Dont'a Hightower would seem a good fit with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Get-Into-Bidding-for-Patriots-Linebacker-Hightower-415482243.html

Lynch definitely would trade No. 2 pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lynch says he wouldn't hesitate to trade No. 2 overall draft choice. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-49ers-Would-Trade-No-2-Overall-Pick-415480233.html

Skicrosser Tania Prymak gaining speed in Olympic quest

Tania Prymak is gaining momentum on the slopes and looking like she'll be the first American woman to compete in skicross in the Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/23/Tania-Prymak-Is-Likely-To-Be-The-First-US-Woman-To-Compete-In-Olympic-Skicross

Lynch excited by interview with Kizer

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM John Lynch says Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer is impressive in interview and exciting on the field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Excited-by-What-Hes-Seeing-of-Quarterbacks-at-Combine-415329643.html

Del Rio: Raiders are "just getting started"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jack Del Rio is happy his team turned a corner to 12-4 in 2016, but he believes the best is yet to come. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-Says-Raiders-are-Just-Getting-Started-415326543.html

Raiders may decide to release DT Dan Williams

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Dan Williams gets a big salary, yet didn't produce much for the Raiders in 2016. That could lead to his release in the next weeks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/High-Priced-Williams-Could-Be-a-Roster-Casualty-415226443.html

Shanahan has at least one playmaker: Carlos Hyde

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan says he's a fan of running back Carlos Hyde and believes he'll only get better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Has-At-Least-One-Playmaker-in-Hyde-415222463.html

Kaepernick will opt out of final year with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The agents for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick have told all NFL teams that Kaepernick will opt for free agency next week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kaepernick-Divorce-With-49ers-Will-Become-Official-415103163.html

Peterson to Raiders? It may not be a good fit

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adrian Peterson is now a free agent and some suggest Oakland is a good landing spot for him. But spending a load of money on a 32-year-old running back may not be in Reggie McKenzie's plans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Peterson-to-Raiders-Might-be-a-Long-Shot-415108563.html