The Ultimate Fan

Final Spot on 2012 Olympic Wrestling Team To Be Determined Live In Times Square On June 7

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:51:23 -0400

The U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle wrestling will be held in New York City on Thursday, June 7.

The event will be held alongside the USA vs. Russia international freestyle dual meet set for Times Square in New York City, also on Thursday, June 7.

Three wrestlers will participate in the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off:

· Shawn Bunch, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC)
· Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC)
· Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

The U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off became necessary because the United States had not yet qualified to compete at the London Olympic Games at 60 kg/132 lbs. in men’s freestyle prior to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling in Iowa City, Iowa, April 21-22.

According to the Olympic Trials Procedures for Men’s Freestyle Wrestling, USA Wrestling could hold athletes out of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in order to participate in Olympic Games Qualifying Events. Bunch and Humphrey were chosen to train for the Olympic Games Qualifiers.

Also according to the Olympic Trials Procedures, the winner of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the weight class would also become eligible for the Secondary Olympic Trials if the United States was able to qualify the weight class. Scott was the champion at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City.

On April 27, Bunch placed third in the World Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Taiyuan, China, which qualified the United States to compete in the London Games at 60 kg/132 lbs. At that event, the top three athletes in each weight class qualified their nation to participate in the Olympics.

Based upon the Olympic Trials Procedures, as the athlete who qualified the USA for the Olympics, Bunch moves directly into the best-of-three Championship Series for the Olympic berth.

Earlier on June 7, there will be a single preliminary match between Humphrey and Scott to determine which athlete advances to the Championship Series against Bunch. The match is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Times Square.

Bunch will face the Humphrey/Scott winner in the first match of the Championship Series at 6:00 p.m. in Times Square. The second match will be held at approximately 7:20 p.m. If necessary, the third match will be held at approximately 8:20 p.m.

Bunch was ranked No. 2 at 60 kg/132 lbs. on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He placed second in both the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2011 World Team Trials. He was a member of the 2009 U.S. World Team and has won two U.S. Open titles. He was an NCAA runner-up and two-time All-American for Edinboro and hails from Leavenworth, Kan.

Humphrey was ranked No. 1 on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He placed ninth in the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Humphrey won the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2011 U.S. World Team Trials. He is a two-time University World Championships medalist. He was an NCAA runner-up and two-time All-American for Ohio State and hails from Indianapolis, Ind.

Scott was ranked No. 3 on 2011-2012 Freestyle Team USA. He won the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, defeating Logan Stieber in the Championship Series. He went undefeated in five matches at the 2012 Freestyle World Cup. He was third at the World Team Trials the last three years and was a 2008 U.S. Open runner-up. Scott was a 2008 NCAA champion and four-time All-American for Oklahoma State and hails from Waynesburg, Pa.

The international dual meet between the United States and Russia will feature the other six U.S. men’s freestyle wrestlers who won titles at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and will represent the United States this summer at the London Games.

The U.S. lineup will feature Olympic Trials champions Sam Hazewinkel (55 kg), Jared Frayer (66 kg), Jordan Burroughs (74 kg), Jake Herbert (84 kg), Jake Varner (96 kg) and Tervel Dlagnev (120 kg). Competing in the dual at 60 kg will be Olympic Trials runner-up Logan Stieber.

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. has also announced two additional Senior-level exhibition matches featuring top stars in both men’s and women’s freestyle wrestling.

There will be a battle at 74 kg/163 lbs. in men’s freestyle between college wrestling sensation and three-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake (Ithaca, N.Y./New York AC) and a two-time Olympian and NCAA champion Matt Gentry of Canada.

Dake has won three NCAA titles for Cornell University, and became the first wrestler ever to win NCAA Div. I national titles at three different weight classes. Dake placed an impressive fourth at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in freestyle wrestling. Gentry, who grew up in Oregon, was an NCAA champion for Stanford University. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for Canada and has qualified to compete again at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Gentry recently beat a strong international field to win the Pan American Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Florida.

The women’s match will be a battle between two-time U.S. World Team member and three-time FILA Junior World medalist Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./New York AC) and 2011 U.S. World Team Trials runner-up Ashley Hudson (Wildwood, Mo./Gator WC-OCU).

Maroulis competed in the 2008 and 2011 World Championships for the United States. She was recently second at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Hudson was a WCWA college national champion for Oklahoma City University, and has won a USA Wrestling University Nationals title.

In addition to the U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg, the USA vs. Russia dual meet and the two Senior-level exhibition matches, there will be a number of Beat the Streets high school and junior high school youth wrestling matches held in Times Square at 3:00 p.m.

Below is the most current tentative schedule for all of the wrestling competition set for Times Square on Thursday, June 7.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS WRESTLE-OFF AT 60 KG
At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7

Preliminary Match
Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC) vs. Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)

Best of Three Championship Series
Shawn Bunch, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC) vs. winner of Humphrey vs. Scott match

TENTATIVE BEAT THE STREETS GALA COMPETITION SCHEDULE
At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7
1:00 PM – U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Humphrey vs. Scott preliminary
3:00 PM – Beat the Streets youth wrestling exhibition matches
6:00 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 1 – Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner
6:10 PM – 55 kg women’s freestyle exhibition – Maroulis vs. Hudson
6:40 PM – USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet – 55 kg, 60 kg, 66 kg matches
7:10 PM – 74 kg men’s freestyle exhibition – Dake vs. Gentry
7:25 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 2 – Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner
7:40 PM - USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet – 74 kg, 84 kg, 96 kg, 120 kg matches
8:20 PM - U.S. Olympic Trials Wrestle-off at 60 kg – Championship Series Match 3 (if necessary)– Bunch vs. Humphrey/Scott winner

Russia, USA To "Grapple In The Apple" June 7

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:31:00 -0400

USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. has announced that a team of talented athletes from World champion Russia will face the U.S. Olympians who will represent our nation in the London Games in Duffy Square in New York’s Times Square on Thursday, June 7.

This major international freestyle wrestling match, billed as “The Grapple in the Big Apple,” will be the featured competition for the 2012 Beat the Streets Gala and Benefit, which will be held following the dual meet at Roseland Ballroom. Included in the Gala is the Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony.

This is the second straight year that Team USA has battled Russia as part of the Beat the Streets Gala in Times Square. In 2011, the United States defeated World champion Russia, 5-2, in a dual meet there. It was the first sports event ever held in historic Times Square, and thousands of fans packed the area to see history in the making.

The Russian lineup for the Beat the Streets Gala has not yet been finalized. The final roster will be provided to USA Wrestling at the conclusion of the Russian National Wrestling Championships next week.

The U.S. team for the dual meet has been determined. It will feature six of the athletes who earned spots on the men’s freestyle team for the London Games with victories at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City, Iowa, April 21-22.

Included on the U.S. roster are four past World medalists:

    2011 World champion Jordan Burroughs at 74 kg/163 lbs.
    2009 World silver medalist Jake Herbert at 84 kg/185 lbs.
    2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
    2011 World bronze medalist Jake Varner at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Burroughs will have significant local interest, as he is a native of Sicklerville, N.J., where he was a New Jersey state champion for Winslow Township High School in 2006.

The other two athletes who will compete for Team USA in London, Sam Hazewinkel at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Jared Frayer at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., will also wrestle on the U.S. team in Times Square.

The U.S. Olympian at 60 kg/132 lbs. has not yet been determined. A Special Wrestle-off for the spot between Shawn Bunch, Reece Humphrey and Coleman Scott will be held at a date and location to be announced shortly.

Competing in the Beat the Streets dual meet at 60 kg/132 lbs. will be Logan Stieber, a 2011 NCAA champion for Ohio State who placed second behind Scott at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City.

“Anytime you wrestle the Russians, you have to be ready. They are very good, very deep and you can’t look past anyone. We are just coming off of the Freestyle World Cup, and we need our Olympians to compete again. But this is not just about preparation for the Olympic Games. It is an important match that has been on our schedule and we are looking to win,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones.

Coach Jones sees the Grapple in the Big Apple as another step forward for the athletes and the men’s freestyle national program.

“At the World Cup, the great thing is that we got to gel as a team. These guys like each other, will fight for each other and want to make the USA the best nation in the world. We came together as a team. We learned a lot about ourselves at the World Cup. We are now working in tactical and technical areas, and in our training camp next week will work on those areas of concentration,” said Jones.

The USA vs. Russia event is free to the public, and will be shown on the largest single-faced LED screen in Times Square. A television partner for the event will be announced shortly.

This is the third straight year in which a major Olympic-style competition has been featured as part of the Beat the Streets Gala.

In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Competition was in all three Olympic styles and featured numerous U.S. World Team members and national champions.

Once again this year, a card of exhibition matches will be held in Duffy Square, featuring Beat the Streets athletes from middle schools as well as from the Public School Athletic League.

A complete schedule of events will be announced shortly.

U.S. Roster For Beat The Streets Gala
At Duffy Square in Times Square, New York, N.Y., June 7
55 kg/121 lbs. – Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids)
60 kg/132 lbs. – Logan Stieber, Monroeville, Ohio (New York AC)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Jared Frayer, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Jake Herbert, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Jake Varner, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids)
National Freestyle Coach – Zeke Jones, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Coach – John Smith, Stillwater, Okla.
Coach – Mark Manning, Lincoln, Neb.
Coach – Lou Rosselli, Columbus, Ohio
Coach – Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa
Medical and Support Staff – Daryl Miller (athletic trainer), Cyrus Poitier (massage therapist), Jenn Gibson (Nutritionist), Fred Roberto (Chiropractor)

Russia, USA To "Grapple In The Apple" June 7

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:39 -0400

Mr. T Goes From Gold To Green

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:22:39 -0400

Publisher Mohawk Media has launched its Mr. T series through its range of environmentally-friendly, paperless Eco Comics.

Mr. T joins other famous names at Eco Comics including Dracula, Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, and Tough Guy.

The Hollywood hard man, renowned for his image of Mohawk haircut, gold chains and catchphrases, previously appeared in print in the publisher’s graphic novels.

Editor Stuart Buckley says: “It was always our intention to release the Mr. T graphic novel as a comic book series. Each chapter was intentionally structured to be the same length as a comic book.

“However, we’ve had to adjust to market demands. The graphic novel has sold out. The digital titles of Eco Comics have no print run, and so will never sell out, meaning every T fan can order a copy. The added satisfaction is that the environment hasn’t suffered as a result of paper production.

“The clean cut art of JL Czerniawski makes this series a joy to behold in any format.”

“This is great, and I am truly humbled,” is how Mr. T describes becoming the star of a comic book in the foreword. And in the world exclusive interviews throughout the series, he goes further, including stating why he is an even tougher comic book hero than Wolverine.

Series writer Chris Bunting adds: “I’ve gone to great lengths to do things never attempted, such as making T as close to a super hero as possible while retaining his classic persona. After over twenty-five years of fame, this action icon finally gets a rogues’ gallery, and even a new catchphrase. Old and new T fans can expect plenty of other surprises too.

“Plus the amazing formats offered by Eco Comics really help bring this classic character into the digital age.”

The first five issues of Mr. T are available to order now in various digital formats via the Eco Comics store: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics The US dollar cover price is 0.99 for the first issue, and 1.95 for subsequent issues.

John McEnroe Tennis Academy Names Kleger Director Of Tennis, Expands To Westchester, Long Island

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:15:34 -0400

The John McEnroe Tennis Academy today named New York native Lawrence Kleger as its new Director of Tennis. Kleger, a 25 year coaching veteran, has been the Executive Director of Tennis at Sportime Clubs since 1998, and an Assistant Academy Director at JMTA since September 2011. He was hand-picked by McEnroe for the position.

Additionally, JMTA is also announcing its expansion to Long Island and Westchester, with new annexes of the Academy to be housed at Sportime Bethpage in central Long Island, a six court indoor facility that has long been Sportime’s high performance training home, and at Sportime Lake Isle, a brand new eight court facility in the Town of Eastchester in southern Westchester.

The Bethpage and Lake Isle annexes will make training opportunities for Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut residents easier and closer to home, while, at the same time, giving those students pathways to training at the original Academy at Sportime Randall’s Island. These moves are the latest in a series that are designed to expand the McEnroe Academy’s impact on the growth of tennis and the lives of young athletes in the New York area.

“There are few if any people who understand my philosophy and are as well respected in coaching as Lawrence Kleger,” said McEnroe. “Lawrence‘s track record in developing well-rounded young tennis players speaks for itself, and we are very excited to have him in this position as we expand our reach to help those interested in playing competitive tennis in the tri-state area.”

“I am a big believer in John’s philosophy, which is multi-faceted, but starts with a non-residential academy setting, offering a world-class coaching staff and training methods. I know that we are going to produce some great young tennis players, and I am excited to take this new position,” Kleger said. “The Academy is off to a great start in its first two years and I am looking forward to helping grow it even further in my new role.”

Kleger has coached more ranked junior tennis players than any other tennis coach in the history of the USTA Eastern Section, and is most proud that his students have won 18 USTA Eastern Year-End Sportsmanship Awards. In addition to running high level programs at JMTA, and at Sportime Clubs in Syosset and Bethpage on Long Island, he is also the personal coach of Noah Rubin, who now trains at JMTA and who has been Lawrence’s student since the age of 7. Rubin is a top American prospect and achieved a career-best #18 ITF junior world ranking for boys 18 and under this January (despite having just turned 16 in February) and is top ranked in U.S. 16 and under standings.

Believe in Heroes: Hemsworth, Lee, Artists Cover 'The Avengers' at Wizard World Philadelphia

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:03:36 -0400

“The Avengers” fever has hit the world by storm, with the newly-released feature film racking up huge box office numbers and critical acclaim, and interest in all things related to the blockbuster franchise soaring. What could be better for fans than meeting some of the men and women who have made the characters and stories such a huge hit?

At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, fans can meet Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, Stan Lee, co-creator of the franchise and its characters, and more than a dozen comic book artists who have worked on numerous titles. Hemsworth, who also stars as the ‘Huntsman’ in Universal’s big revisionist fairy tale SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN opposite Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart this summer, will attend the event on Saturday, June 2, while Lee will be on hand from Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3. Lee is simply one of the most influential leaders in the comics industry, as he has been for decades. Both will meet fans, be available for photo ops, sign autographs and discuss their respective roles in the franchise’s success.

But it doesn’t stop there. Lou Ferrigno, known to millions as “The Incredible Hulk” from the 1977-82 hit TV series and provided the voice for The Hulk in the current film, will also be on hand from Friday through Sunday, June 1-3.

And at least 15 creators, whose credits in addition to the flagship “Avengers” include popular titles such as “Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates,” “Avengers Assemble,” “Mighty Avengers” and “Avengers Academy,” will have Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Artist Alley tables, featuring their “Avengers” work and sketching for fans. Among the talented artists are Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Harvey Tolibao, Ariel Olivetti, Kate Bradley, Jim Calafiore, Mike Lilly, Khoi Pham, Tom Raney, Mark Stegbauer, Miguel Sepulveda, Tom Raney, Jamal Igle, Alitha E. Martinez and Rodney Ramos.

Other top celebrities such as William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”), Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Body of Proof”), WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, “Burn Notice”) are also scheduled among more than 60 special guests at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the event, including hours, celebrities, creators, vendors, VIP and photo opportunities, programming schedules, evening entertainment, autographs, sponsorship and volunteer information and more, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

Hamilton's Homers a 'Glove' Story

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:56:05 -0400

Triple crown talk might be a bit premature for Rangers’ slugger Josh Hamilton. But 30 games into the season, his gaudy .406 average, 14 home runs and 36 RBI lead all of baseball. And the summer heat hasn’t even hit Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Hamilton’s torrid opening stretched, buoyed by the 16th four-homer day in history Tuesday in Baltimore, has the Rangers off to their best start in team history at 20-10. He mixed in a double with those four, two-run bombs, for 18 total bases, most in a single game in A.L. history, on a 5-for-5 night. By the time you read this, he may have played today’s doubleheader at Oriole Park, right up there with The Ballpark on the hitter-friendly scale.

Coming off a good but, for his standards, unspectacular 2011, Hamilton made at least one slight gear adjustment this year, adding two new colors, all red and Royal/red, to his custom-designed Carbon Fibre® II Digital® Pro Franklin batting gloves.

On Tuesday, he picked out a pair of the Royal/reds (like the ones pictured here). Good choice. Don’t be surprised if a stylish pair looking a lot like these ends up behind glass in Cooperstown one day soon.

'Tranzloco' Latest Muse Productions Project

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:55:00 -0400

Chris Hanley’s Muse Productions, the independent production house behind American Psycho, The Virgin Suicides, Buffalo ‘66 and Spun, fresh off a Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers is set to produce Tranzloco, from an original screenplay penned by cult favorite Will De Los Santos (Spun, and the upcoming Mama Black Widow). Tranzloco will also be De Los Santos’ directorial debut.

Jonathan Fong from Muse Productions will also produce. Bradford L. Schlei of Stone Canyon Entertainment is executive producing and Vincent Maraval’s Wild Bunch will handle international distribution.

Budgeted at under $5 million, Tranzloco, which is only being described as a story of brotherhood, forgiveness and acceptance, takes place in the Lincoln Heights, Echo Park and East Hollywood neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Casting begins later this month with principle photography commencing this August.

Costas Pinch Hits For Michaels At WFUV Gala

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:05:15 -0400

NBC Sports Emmy Award-winning “Voice of Monday Night Football” Al Michaels becomes the fifth recipient of the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting from WFUV Radio on Thursday night. His NBC colleague and fellow Emmy-winner Bob Costas, also a contributor at MLB Network, will pinch hit and accept the award on the behalf of Michaels at WFUV Spring Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City from Fordham’s powerhouse 50,000-watt National Public Radio Station.

Michaels has a family wedding which will force him to miss receiving the hardware in person.

Scully, a proud product of Fordham and WFUV where he honed his broadcast skills before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, was the inaugural recipient (2008) of the honor that bears his name. Previous recipients also include: Dick Enberg (2009), Ernie Harwell (2010), and Pat Summerall (2011).

Michaels on Scully: “There’s nothing better than receiving an honor with Vin Scully’s name attached to it. I’ve been listening to Vin since I was six or seven years old growing up in Brooklyn and he’s been a tremendous inspiration.”

Scully on Michaels: “Al Michaels is truly a master at his craft, and the consummate professional. He has brought excellence to the airwaves in all of his assignments – from the Super Bowl to the World Series, and everything in between.”

St. Pierre, Williams Help Launch 'Cool' New Product

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:58:39 -0400

They haven’t been in the limelight as much for their athletic ability in recent months, but both UFC star Georges St-Pierre and tennis legend Serena Williams continue to prove they have more than their share of star power. The two unlikely partners teamed up for a series of events in New York recently, touting their involvement with MISSION Athletecare and their new ENDURACOOL product. While Williams and St. Pierre fight in different ways on the tennis court and in The Octagon, their worry about recovery from injury and overheating at key points in competition is something any athlete on any level can identify with.

“It is such a worry about overheating when you are competing,” St-Pierre said, “and this technology helps battle that. It works so much better than ice when you are training in any sport, I think it can be a big asset to improve the competitive nature of the UFC or any place where you have a chance of overheating.”

When dry, the fabric acts as a super-absorbent cloth – but when it’s wet and snapped in the air, the technology activates, cooling the fabric to nearly 59 degrees in just a few minutes. The cooling effects last for hours, and are easily reactivated by simply re-wetting the towel. The fabric also has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 45 to provide sun protection when covering the skin.

“The first time the lab team demonstrated the technology, I was blown away,” added Williams. “They put the fabric in 125 degree water. They wrung it out and snapped it in the air. Within minutes the temperature of the fabric measured 59 degrees. The opportunity for this technology in Tennis is huge. When we have a break in between matches, we need to cool down fast”

Although there is some question as to whether the revolutionary new fabric can be used in professional competition at this point (both Williams and St-Pierre are huge advocates, as are golfer Sergio Garcia and Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard), the athletes said they will do all they can to help get the word out and the fabric adopted as part of their event routine. “I am using it as I start training, and I can’t see why it would not be good for everyone,” St-Pierre said. “It changes the way you can recover and is a positive for any athlete who is overheating, it is great to be involved with the MISSION.”

Nearly 12,000 Compete In The New Jersey Marathon And Long Branch Half Marathon

Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:00 -0400

Nearly 12,000 competitors ran, jogged, walked and wheeled their way through today’s 16th Annual New Jersey Marathon and Long Branch Half Marathon on a cool, crisp, breezy morning down the Shore. Jason Page, 38, of Durham, N.C. won the men’s marathon in 2:33:13, while Megan DiGregorio, 24, of White Marsh, Md., running in her first marathon ever, took the women’s first place medal at 3:00:44. Samuel Spencer, 50, of Brick, N.J., won the wheel competition, covering the 26.2 miles in 1:45:51. The New Jersey Marathon course wound its way through eight New Jersey shore towns in all, including the start at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, to Monmouth Beach, Deal, Allenhurst, Lock Arbour, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and the finish along the Long Branch Promenade.

The Long Branch Half Marathon was won by Sean Stevens, 28, (men) of New York (1:14:58), Bronawyn O’Leary, 36, (women) of Cliffwood Beach, N.J. (1:26:24) and Celso Seabra, 38 (wheel) of Elizabeth, N.J. (1:15:59). O’Leary was The New Jersey Marathon winner in 2011.

“I was a little unfamiliar with the course,” said Page, competing in The New Jersey Marathon for the first time and a late addition to his running schedule. “The wind was strong in the second half of the course, but the crowd and volunteer support was great and really helped me.”

“I have been a middle distance runner and miler, and I thought I’d try to move to the marathon,” said DiGregorio. “I felt good, and I never hit the wall. I was in around sixth place at mile 20 and just kept going.”

More than 8,700 competed in the Long Branch Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay and more than 3,100 ran The New Jersey Marathon. Many participated on behalf of dozens of charities throughout the state and the country, raising thousands of dollars.

The New Jersey Marathon is administered by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, which conducts road races nationwide, including the Allstate 13.1 Marathon® Series.

Major sponsors of the New Jersey Marathon include Barnabas Health, Investors Bank and United Healthcare.

For full results visit www.njmarathon.org.

The New Jersey Marathon 26.2 miles
Men
1. Jason Page, Durham, N.C., 2:33:13
2. Bennet H Gg, Joenkoeping, Sweden, 2:33:59
3. Joshua Korth, New York, 2:38:33
4. John Reuland, Princeton, N.J., 2:40:17
5. James Register, Middletown, N.J., 2:44:05

Women
1. Megan DiGregorio, White Marsh, Md., 3:00:44
2. Elisabeth Drew, Warren, N.J., 3:02:25
3. Amy Maier, Philadelphia, 3:04:42
4. Kelly Gillen, New York, 3:04:44
5. Jennifer Sober, Deep Creek Lake, Md., 3:07:49

Wheel- Men
1. Samuel Spencer, Brick, N.J., 1:45:51
2. Tyler Warren, Walden, N.Y., 2:14:13
3. Richard Airey, Point Pleasant, N.J., 3:06:43

Long Branch Half Marathon 13.1 miles
Men
1. Sean Stevens, New York, 1:14:58
2. Cliff Gerber, East Brunswick, N.J., 1:15:52
3. Felix Olivo, Carteret, N.J., 1:18:09
4. Tim Seeley, Lansdale, Pa., 1:18:29
5. Josh Maio, New York, 1:20:24

Women
1. Bronawyn O’Leary, Cliffwood Beach, N.J., 1:26:24
2. Danielle Kays, Bel Air, Md., 1:26:30
3. Sarah Graham, Princeton, N.J., 1:26:35
4. Caitlin Dorgan, Red Bank, N.J., 1:26:39
5. Dactilia Booth, Long Branch, N.J., 1:28:09

Wheel-Men
1. Celso Seabra, Elizabeth, N.J., 1:15:59
2. Mike Luciano, Edison, N.J., 1:24:08
3. Tim Rehm, Tinton Falls, N.J., 1:38:11

Agassi Back In N.Y. To Face McEnroe In July

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:51:27 -0400

Andre Agassi, who twice won the US Open and was a finalist four other times, will return to New York to compete for the Boston Lobsters of World TeamTennis on July 19 as part of the Johnny Mac Tennis Project benefit night. Agassi will take on John McEnroe, captain of the NY Sportimes, with proceeds going towards the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP), to provide scholarships, coaching, transportation and other financial assistance to qualified young tennis players in the greater New York area.

Martina Hingis, top singles player for the Sportimes, will also participate.

Last year, McEnroe faced Bjorn Borg in the first JMTP benefit evening in front of a sold-out Sportimes Stadium crowd.

Johnny Mac Tennis Project recipients will attend the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, which is completing its second year at Sportime Randall’s Island. Ticket prices for the match will be $250, $150 and $60; please consult your tax advisor concerning the tax deductibility of ticket purchases. Tickets for the Benefit night on July 19, and for additional NY Sportimes home matches on July 10, 13, 18 and 25, can be purchased by calling 1-888-WTT-NYC1 or by visiting www.nysportimes.com.

“This year’s Johnny Mac Tennis Project Night will highlight three of the most popular and exciting players ever to play the sport,” said Sportime Clubs and NY Sportimes CEO Claude Okin. “Andre Agassi has become a notable humanitarian and ambassador for tennis as a life changing opportunity. We are thrilled that he will be part of this great night to benefit our efforts to improve the lives of young people and young players here in New York City.”

Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning To Headline David Tyree’s Charity Bowl June 5 at Chelsea Piers In N.Y.

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:19:02 -0400

“Elite” Giants quarterback Eli Manning is on his way to compete in yet another super “Bowl,” and this time the big game is for charity. “David Tyree’s Charity Bowl,” to benefit Children of the City and The Legacy Center, will be headlined by the two-time Super Bowl MVP Manning and his ’08 champion teammate Tyree on Tuesday night, June 5, at 300 NYC, Pier 60 Chelsea Piers in New York City at 6:30 PM.

Manning and Tyree, who teamed for one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history in ’08, will be joined by soon-to-be-announced Super Bowl champion Giants players.

There are three ticket categories: tickets to bowl and mingle with Giants players are priced at $325 per person/$2,200 per lane; tickets to bowl with Giants players, elite access lounge and group photo with Eli are $1,000 per person/$8,000 per lane; and tickets to private bowling lanes with Eli and photo opportunities are $1,500. Corporate sponsorships are also available.

Tickets are available by calling Abby Meadows at 718-436-0242, extension 20 or by visiting the following sites: charityhappenings.org, www.childrenofthecity.org and www.tlcnyc.org.

'Ballhawks' Hits YouTube Screens

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:50:30 -0400

It was almost two years ago that I spoke with Ballhawks director Mike Diedrich for what was then BaseballDigest.com and is now Going9Baseball.com. Like many independent films, getting screens is the ultimate challenge. But today, there are more options than ever, and Diedrich and his team have succeeded in placing the film on YouTube Movies, while “in the process of submitting the film to ITunes and Hulu and hope to have Ballhawks available on these and other platforms by late spring or summer.

Definitely worth a click and four bucks, especially for Cubs fans, who might be in need of a pick-me-up this year…

Charities Across The State And Beyond Benefit From The New Jersey Marathon

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:40:00 -0400

Running 26.2 miles is for most a daunting, challenging task. For many, completing a marathon is a “bucket list” item. Or at least a distinct personal measure of accomplishment.

But for others, diseases and conditions like cancer, autism, cerebral palsy, paralysis, muscular dystrophy and diabetes, to name a few, can make every day seem as challenging as running a marathon. For charitable and non-profit organizations in the Garden State and beyond, these worlds come together at The New Jersey Marathon at the Shore on May 6.

Dozens of these groups have a long history of partnering with The New Jersey Marathon for fundraising opportunities, awareness and even inspiration as they continue to fight for these important causes. From not-for-profits as large and wide-ranging as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and American Cancer Society to more local ones like Central Jersey Brain Tumor Support Group and Kick Cancer Overboard, the The New Jersey Marathon’s association with them greatly enhances the event’s participants, supporters and fans.

“The work done by these charities every day is inspirational, and fits in perfectly with the mission of The New Jersey Marathon,” said Joe Gigas, race director. “We are pleased that so many groups have partnered with us, and we are honored to play a part in helping these selfless individuals continue what they do in assisting those in need.”

Although the fundraising aspect of The New Jersey Marathon is critical, many groups find ways to connect even more closely with the event. Central N.J. Brain Tumor Support Group, for example, will have four brain tumor survivors on the course after placing two last year. Often people run on behalf of friends and loved ones, like Team LADACIN’s captain Joseph Walker, whose brother Conor has both cognitive and physical disabilities. Every one of the runners with National Hospice are participating in memory of a loved one who, sadly, were stricken with conditions for which there was no cure.

“At the end of the day, if we can help one child, one family at a time, we are doing our job,” summed up Claudette Bardwil, president of Autism Family Times with Brianna, Inc., “and The New Jersey Marathon has been a key contributor in the work we do.”

Some of the charities who are “going the extra mile” to maximize the value of their New Jersey Marathon experience include:

• THANC Foundation (www.thancfoundation.org) - A gentleman is running his first marathon in honor of his brother in law who has been battling one of the cancers THANC supports.
• Wellness Within (http://wellnesswithin.org) – Patti Brown, from across the country, volunteers in support of her 40-plus year friendship with life-long NJ resident Beth O’Reilly.
• Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group (www.njbt.org/startCNJBTSG.cfm) – Funds raised from the 2011 team supported a National Brain Tumor Conference, “2011 Diagnosis Brain Tumor: You Are NOT Alone IV,” in October in Edison.
• Autism Family Times (www.autismfamilytimes.org) – One of the team members ran the 2010 N.J. Marathon with a PICC line (a type of catheter) as she was battling Lymphoma, serving as an inspiration to all.
• Team LADACIN (www.ladacin.org) - Funds raised through the N.J. Marathon have supported vital therapy and rehabilitation, assistive technology, transportation, and child care services, shaping and changing lives.
• Push To Walk (www.pushtowalknj.org) – Five clients will be racing in handcycles, hugely important because PTW’s efforts as a team benefit those individuals and others with paralysis.
• Team JDRF (www.jdrf.org) – The Team JDRF Challenge program not only helps participants meet and exceed endurance training and their fundraising goals, but in turn helps JDRF improve the lives of all people affected by Type 1 diabetes.
• Cure CMD (www.curecmd.org) - One of its greatest achievements was facilitating the inclusion of a young determined man with CMD (congenital muscular dystrophy), Alex Van Hook, as the first power chair roller in the Long Branch 1/2 Marathon for 2 years in a row. Now in his first year at RIT, Alex will be replaced by Jennifer McNair to lead the Cure CMD charge in May.
• Kick Cancer Overboard (http://kickcanceroverboard.com) – One of the models at their annual fashion show, whose four-year-old nephew has Leukemia, gathered 100 volunteers for last year’s N.J. Marathon, raising enough money to send him and his family on a cruise for cancer victims.
• National Hospice (www.runtoremember.org) – One runner, Scott Richard Herman from Manchester, Conn., is running in memory of Cele “Bubbie” Herman and Hal Rosenberg. Half of the money Scott raises will go to the National Hospice Foundation, which will send the other half to a hospice selected by Scott in Conn.

A full list of New Jersey Marathon beneficiaries and non-profit partners can be found at http://www.njmarathon.org/community_beneficiaries/beneficiaries.aspx and http://www.njmarathon.org/participant_info/fundraising.aspx.

Events for The New Jersey Marathon take place May 4-6. The centerpiece of the weekend is the full marathon on Sunday, May 6, beginning at Monmouth Park in Oceanport and meanders through eight beautiful New Jersey shore towns, including Monmouth Beach, Deal, Allenhurst, Lock Arbour, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove before reaching the finish line on the Long Branch Promenade (north of Pier Village). The marathon will start at 8 a.m., and the first corral of the Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay is scheduled to start at 6:50 a.m.

Chris Isaak, Al Michaels, Christiane Amanpour, Michael Dorf To Be Honored at WFUV Spring Gala May 10

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:05:31 -0400

A remarkable trio of music, news and sports broadcasting legends and a philanthropic community leader will be honored on Thursday night, May 10, at WFUV Radio’s Fifth Annual Spring Gala 2012 at Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway) in New York City. Charismatic singer-songwriter Chris Isaak will be feted as WFUV’s “Artist of the Year” and receive the WFUV Sound & Vision Award; Christiane Amanpour, renowned global affairs anchor for ABC News, will receive the Charles Osgood Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism; Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Al Michaels, NBC Sports’ “Voice of Sunday Night Football,” will receive the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting; and City Winery founder Michael Dorf will be honored with the inaugural WFUV Community Service Award. WFUV is licensed to Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York.

The benefit in support of New York’s “Rock and Roots” public radio station will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City. An anticipated audience of more than 400 donors will be treated to a performance by the musically-rich and high-energy Chris Isaak, accompanied by his full band. The set is expected to include a performance of his best-known song “Wicked Game” from his debut album Silvertone, and brand-new music from his latest album Beyond the Sun.

In lasting tribute to legendary broadcasters Charles Osgood and Vin Scully, both of whom started their careers at WFUV, the station established two annual Lifetime Achievement Awards in their names in 2008, and they were the inaugural recipients.

The annual gala, now in its fifth year, has raised more than $2 million for WFUV. These much-needed funds enable WFUV, a public radio station broadcasting from Fordham University in The Bronx, to provide a unique blend of music, news and sports services, and to train the next generation of broadcasting talent.

WFUV Radio’s Annual Gala 2012 will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by dinner, awards and live entertainment. The Gala will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City. Attire is “festive.” Individual tickets are $1,000 and $2,500; tables are $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.wfuv.org/gala, email infoevents@fordham.edu or call (212) 930-8898.

Hoops Fans Can 'Hang' With Horford, Knight Tonight

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 -0400

Social media has helped bring fans closer to star athletes than ever. Some pros, of course, are more accessible than others, many even responding personally to tweets and Facebook messages.

PlayUp, the first social network app exclusively for sports fans, will give fans a chance to participate in live chats, known on the site as “hangout rooms,” with hoops legends Al Horford of the University of Florida and Brandon Knight of the University of Kentucky, for tonight’s NCAA Championship game.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of two of the best teams in NCAA history, and I know the importance of the Final Four,” said Horford. “This is the time where ‘good’ teams become ‘great’ ones, and we’ll be following the games and seeing which team makes the jump in PlayUp.”

Duke’s Jay Williams connected with fans during Saturday’s semifinal matchups in his live PlayUp hangout room.

No Mayhem Needed To Access Live NCAA App

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:45:12 -0400

The ‘Mayhem’ character in ads for Allstate has become something of a pop culture phenomenon. If not quite as popular the Gecko, at least he’s not the Caveman…

Mayhem may seem to be the kind of guy who, while he might try to derail the whole process by coating the floor with slippery wax or unbolting the baskets, might actually enjoy the NCAA Tournament.

And if you could keep him away from the arena, for example by watching online, all the better for the rest of fandom.

As a proud sponsor of the NCAA, Allstate has a limited supply of FREE March Madness Live codes available. While supplies lasts, anyone who accesses the link will be able to watch the Final Four from their phone, tablet or computer via the March Madness Live app!

5300+ Run For It In Queens

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:47:35 -0400

More than 5,300 competitors ran, jogged and walked Saturday’s Allstate Life Insurance(SM) New York 13.1 Marathon® and Karhu 5K on a warm, windy morning at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Teklu Deneke, 32, of Bronx, N.Y., by way of Ethiopia, completed the half-marathon in a blistering 1:05:48, besting the field by nearly three seconds. Meagan Nedlo, 29, of Marblehead, Mass., was the women’s half-marathon winner, finishing in 1:17:22, easily outdistancing the women’s field by more than nine minutes, finishing sixth overall.

The 13.1-mile race featured approximately 4,500 runners while the 5K attracted around 835 competitors.

“I started to push hard around the sixth mile,” said Deneke of his 13.1 victory. “I felt good, it was a good, flat course.”

“The wind and the turns were the real challenge,” said Nello, who was running the course for the first time and led from wire to wire. “When I came up on the second loop by the Unisphere, there were some runners on the first loop, so I had to do some dodging and weaving, almost like an obstacle course.”

In the 5K race that preceded the 13.1, three runners “Beat the Bear,” winning a pair of Karhu shoes for besting the time of Brady Becker of Danbury, Conn., who wore a full bear costume, as event sponsor Karhu means “bear” in Finnish.

Stefano Piana-Agostinelli, 40, of N.Y. by way of Italy, was the men’s 5K winner, clocking in at 17:38. Angelique Demeo, 16, of Staten Island, who runs for Tottenville H.S., was the women’s 5K winner, breaking the tape at 19:08. Paina-Agostinelli and two others beat Becker’s time of just over 18 minutes to win the Karhu shoes through the promotion.

“It was hot in there,” said Becker of the Karhu bear suit. “For the first mile, I felt like I was carrying an animal, and I had to get used to breathing through the bear’s mouth. It was kind of like running in a sauna.”

PlayUp Re-Ups To 2.0

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:14:34 -0400

PlayUp, which bills itself as the first social network app exclusively for sports fans, socializers and gamers, today launched version 2.0 of its popular app, adding several requested features, including:

Choose your favorite leagues to easily see live scores, stats and hangouts for the sports you care about most.
View “Live Now” Scoreboards by individual sport via mobile
Enhanced interface with bigger and brighter graphics
Improved navigation and user experience including faster load times, better calendars, and quicker access to live updates.
Enhanced Facebook and Twitter integration to invite all your friends to share in the excitement!
Receive notification alerts when fans add you as a friend or when you are invited to a game
Message easily across multiple rooms with “Recent Hangouts” for the latest action you and your friends have been following

Since launching in October, PlayUp has climbed to the #3 most downloaded free sports app in iTunes (#1 in 28 countries worldwide), offering sports fans real-time scores and stats as well as private and public fan hangout rooms to chat about the action taking place during more than 30,000 live sporting events a year.