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/