MLB, football, and basketball

Hi. Here's the second half of my posts this weekend. First of all, an article on White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome raising money for the Children's Hospital of Illinois: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080113&content_id=2344771&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080116&content_id=2347477&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about the nominees for the Bart Starr Award given out annually at the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast. This year's nominees are Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson,and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. The award "honors NFL players who show exemplary character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community". Here's the article: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=261.

Next, a few articles about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, who is considering retiring to spend more time with his family and on his many other ventures. As much as I'd love to see him stay, as both a Christian and a big Colts fan, I can totally understand if he decided to retire. The first article is about the players on the team and how much they want Dungy to return, but they would also understand if he didn't: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/SPORTS03/801140373.

The second article about Dungy's decision (the Indianapolis Star has ran articles every day this week I think) is about Dungy's decision itself. Here's a quote from Dungy about how he's making his decision:

"We'll probably do a lot of praying about what we want to do," Dungy said Monday afternoon. "We'll probably come to some decision this weekend and be ready to move forward on Monday one way or the other.

"It's really just making sure that I'm doing the best job I can do as a dad, and I do think that is my No. 1 job. And if I'm doing that, can I still do enough to be a good coach for the Colts? If I think I can, I'll be back."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/SPORTS03/801150404/1247/NLETTER12.

The last article on Dungy, for now, is his blog post about the season and his decision from last Tuesday. Here's a quote from him:

So many people want to know what I am going to do next year and most of the media believe I have made up my mind already. They don't believe me when I say that my wife and I will sit down this week and talk and pray about what is best for our family. But that is what we're going to do. I really enjoy coaching and wish I could do it forever, but I do know that God has placed a family in my care and I have a responsibility to them first. So we'll reach a family decision this weekend.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/49dac150-6d51-426c-a85d-67f8aef57573.

Also, an article on Purdue women's basketball player Lauren Mioton publishing a recipe book to help her hometown of New Orleans: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?LIST_ID=1&STORY_ID=13870.

Here's another article about a fund-raiser for New Orleans, this one with Heat center Shaquille O'Neal and Saints runningback Reggie Bush teaming up for a fund-raiser during the NBA All-Star Game weekend in New Orleans: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ai5Y_85Gi9RMvzrRNA8aeld.T4h4?slug=ap-oneal-bushparty&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about former Pirates and Braves 1st baseman Sid Bream, a Christian, re-joining the Pirates organization as a coach with their Class-A State College team: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10578914/rss.

Here's an article about University of Buffalo head football coach Turner Gill, a Christian, signing a contract extension to stay with the team: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10578894/rss.

Also, an article about the girl that got booed last Sunday at the Colts game when she was recognized for winning her age group of the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. Why was she booed? She was wearing a Patriots jersey, the team that she was representing and the hated rival of the Colts. Patriots owner Robert Kraft got upset and invited the girl, Anna Grant, to be honored before the Patriots home game tomorrow afternoon. It's a nice gesture, but anything Patriots is going to be booed in Indiana regardless. And she realized that it was the jersey, not her. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3198479.

Here's a good article by former MLB outfielder Doug Glanville about fear in sports and life, and how it sometimes drives people to do anything to succeed: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/opinion/16glanville.html?_r=1&oref=slogin (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350277&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, some articles about Christian MLB players signing new contracts this week. First, a couple of articles about Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson and his new deal: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=As.rEICINK7WfqWWrtfWeNE5nYcB?slug=ap-tigers-robertson&prov=ap&type=lgns and http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5746. Other Christian players include the Braves Mark Teixeira (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080117&content_id=2349888&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl) and Matt Diaz (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350763&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl), and the Rockies Matt Holliday and Willie Taveras (http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350393&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col).

Here's an article about Colts coach Jim Caldwell, also a Christian, who is apparently next in line to become the Colts head coach whenever Tony Dungy decides to retire, should it be this year or in the future: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/SPORTS03/801170498/1058/SPORTS03.

Also, an article about Florida men's basketball head coach Billy Donovan, a Christian, and how much he's enjoying coaching his young team this year. He's had to completely start over without his whole starting line-up from his two-time defending national championship teams. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AgQQqtJ8euO9t4QN6qODXZw5nYcB?slug=jn-donovan011708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Lastly, an article about Rockies pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, a Christian, signing as a free agent with the Reds today: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080119/SPT04/301190047/1071/.

Post 2: football, MLB, NBA, and music

Hi. Here's the second batch of articles that I have to post today.

First, a note about Christians that made the NFL Pro Bowl this year from Sports Spectrum's The Daily. The game will be in February in Hawaii:

PRO BOWL BROTHERS: Among those players named to the NFL Pro Bowl teams, there is always a strong representation from players who are willing to profess their faith in Jesus Christ publicly. Here are some of the Christians who will be playing football in Hawaii in February. AFC: Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego; Troy Polamalu, SS, Pittsburgh. NFC: Jason Witten, TE, Dallas; Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle; Tony Richardson, FB, Minnesota; Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay; Tommie Harris, IL, Chicago; Patrick Willis, IL, San Francisco.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071219.php (more on Witten later in this post).

Along with that, here's a funny note about what Saturday's little boy had to say about him making the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year:

Reaction to the NFL's Tuesday announcement that five Indianapolis Colts will play in the 2008 Pro Bowl game Feb. 10 dominated locker room discussion Wednesday at the team's Westside complex.

That was a change for center Jeff Saturday, whose selection for the third consecutive season didn't exactly wow his 7-year-old son at home.

"Jeffrey said, 'What?' I said, 'I made the Pro Bowl,' " Saturday recounted.

"He's like, 'All right, let's go sledding.' "

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/SPORTS03/712200437/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, wanting a chance to start next year, after doing pretty well starting most of this year: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=320494.

Here's an article about the great coaching job that Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, has done this season considering all of the injuries to the team. Also mentioned is Colts assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, also a Christian. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=3161166.

Also, another article about former MLB pitcher turned Christian singer Kent Bottenfield. He's released two albums so far, the latest one in September called Back in the Game. Here's his website for more: http://www.kbott.com/site.php?content=home. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2334325&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about new Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis playing Santa for boys at a children's home for foster boys near Detroit earlier this week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2335092&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about how Suns forward Grant Hill, a Christian, is enjoying playing more this year because he's finally injury-free after several injury-filled seasons: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlpRqDEA6qFAU87ZC2KfIkI5nYcB?slug=jy-hill121907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's the other article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian. It's about the foundation that he and his wife started, The Jason Witten S.C.O.R.E. Foundation, which supports women and children who are victims of domestic abuse after his mother was a victim herself. Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-12-19-insider_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about the Camouflage Kids attending the IU/Coppin State game at IU this afternoon. The Camouflage Kids are families who have a parent serving in the military. Families have also attended games at Butler, Valparaiso, Purdue, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, Michigan State, Air Force, Auburn, Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame this year. Here's the article: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122007aab.html.

Here's an article about Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney bringing presents to needy kids (includes video of the news segment): http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7518003&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Lastly, a great article about LSU defensive end Anthony Zehyoue (pronounced "Zay-yew"), who, with help from a priest, escaped civil war in Liberia along with his mom and siblings to join his dad in Louisiana when he was five. Here's a quote from him about that:

"How did we get out of that?" he said. "Why did God choose us?"

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10540623/3.

Sunday Post #2: football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello, again. Here's the second post from tonight. I'm trying to divide up all the articles and stuff that I have to post so that it won't be so overwhelming for everyone. First of all, a great Christian article about the Lions and how last season God used starting quarterback Jon Kitna, then back-up quarterback Josh McCown (now with the Raiders), and wide receiver Mike Furrey to bring the team together and win souls off the field, even as they struggled to win on the field. Now the team is having an amazing season this year, today's loss to the Cardinals not withstanding. Here's the article, including a couple of vidoes with Kitna and Furrey: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D5C73473-97BD-484A-8AEBFDC539C2150E&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Baylor track star Nichole Jones: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=AC8A85E2-99A5-4CD7-8062DA0C4C47EB87&method=display.

Next, a Christian article about Delaware State men's basketball head coach Greg Jackson, and how the death of his wife made his faith in God stronger: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=BEB647A3-407E-48A6-8AE09717BA277706&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Boise State soccer player Nicole Tadman, who is also the wife of Boise State football player Marty Tadman: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=EC581394-7932-4589-9AA9AA8E67695936&method=display.

Also, a first-person Christian article by Columbus Crew defender Jed Zayner, who I just have to point out went to college at IU: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=5099C84F-29A1-4C62-B49A90591BBF6D65&method=display.

Sticking with IU, here's a blog post by IU runningback Bryan Payton, a Christian, and an excellent essay that he posted about late IU football head coach Terry Hoeppner, a Christian. Hoeppner died last June from complications from brain cancer, and the essay is about Hoeppner and his effect on Payton and the team. Here's the end of the essay:

God works in mysterious ways. I’m not sure why God took Coach Hep from us but I do know that there was a purpose for it. Hep feels no more pain, no more suffering; he has no worries, no sickness. Knowing that was, and still is, very comforting. I believe that God placed Coach Lynch as Hep’s assistant head coach for a reason. Coach Hep had full faith in him and so do the players.

Terry Hoeppner was an extraordinary man. He had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives and he will never be forgotten. We miss him dearly and this season is dedicated to him.

Here's the article: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/11/coach-hep-remembered.html.

Next, an article about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and how her fight with cancer has inspired others. Here's a couple of quotes from her about inspiring others:

"When they say that, it really gives me a lift because it's at that time I know for sure that I'm not going through it for nothing," Yow said. "That means a lot to me. I have to go through it. I accept that, and I'm not panicked about it because the Lord is in control. But it just would be so saddening if I had to go through it and I couldn't help people.

"But then I see I'm helping others in a greater way than I ever have," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "That's the amazing thing, you know?" ...

"If you start to dwell on the wrong things, it'll take you down fast," Yow said. "Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I think of is I'm thankful. I'm thankful for another day."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AsoIwk4Tl7lw3eIgNSVvsU5.T4h4?slug=ap-ncstate-yowsfight&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a Christian article from the Saved in Sports Blog about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/11/02/kurt-warner-the-first-thing/.

Also, a Christian article about former Yankees player and current broadcaster Bobby Murcer, and his battle with brain cancer: http://www.guidepostsmag.com/WEEKLY_FEATURE.ASP?DATE=11/19/2007.

Lastly, an article about Bills safety Donte Whitner, who hosts a contest for single mothers to win a day at a spa. He does it to honor his single mother and grandmother that raise him. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071102/SPT02/711020346/tbd/.

That's all for tonight. I'll add some more later this week.

MLB, football, and NBA

Hello! First of all, an article about Illinois women's soccer player Courtney Bell and her soccer/missions trip to Mexico over the summer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes: http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/100907aai.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, and his long wait to get the post-season and the unbelievable success that he Rockies are having. In his 11th season with the Rockies, he's finally playing in not just the post-season, but the World Series. However, before the season the Rockies discussed trading Helton to the Red Sox, but it fell through. It's probably one of the best trades that never happened. Here's a quote about it from Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, also a Christian:

"Things happen for a reason," O'Dowd said, "and that (trade) didn't happen for a reason."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=AqZ6aKYeUG3CJiZ8.M8FNcI5nYcB?slug=jp-helton101007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, and how his career got to his current role as Cardinals starting quarterback. Unfortunately, he tore ligaments in his non-throwing elbow in last Sunday's game, but he might still be able to play this Sunday (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10417426). Here's the original article: http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10400866.

Here's an article about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, and how his previous playoff experience with the carefree Red Sox is helping his current team: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071010&content_id=2260476&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle.

Also, an article about Georgia wide receiver Demiko Goodman and how he's made the most of his chances to play. Here's a quote about him and a quote from wide receivers coach John Eason:

Everybody at Timothy Road Baptist Church knows who Demiko Goodman is. And it's not because he's a Georgia football player.

It's just that on any given Sunday there's no telling what kind of outfit he might turn up in. When it comes to clothes, he is no shrinking violet.

"I'm not sure what you call it, but he's quite sporty," said Bulldogs wide receivers coach John Eason, who attends the same church. "It's a fashion show with him. I've seen some pretty neat outfits."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/10/10/gafoot_1011.html.

Staying with Georgia football, here's a good article about head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and how he's been able to spend more one-on-one time with his players this season since he gave up the calling the plays on offense late last season. It sounds like both he and the players are personally better off for it. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/10/11/gafoot_1012.html.

Next, a Christian article about basketball player Anthony Tolliver, who finished his career at Creighton last spring and is trying to make the Cavaliers team in training camp this fall. However, if that falls through he was also drafted by the CBA's Butte Daredevils. Here's the article from The Christian Sports Blog: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/anthony-tolliver-speaks-about-his-faith.html.

Here's an article about the MLB Action Teams where MLB players work with local high school kids to promote volunteering at their high schools. One of the main MLB players involved in this is Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071011&content_id=2260847&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, a neat article about Michigan high school soccer player Hannah Hackbardt, who won a contest to get to meet Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. Here's a quote from the article about it:

... In her winning contest entry, she expressed her long-term goal of becoming a professional soccer player as well as her commitment to her teammates, whom she'd like to lead to a District title, and her assertion that "nothing is impossible with God."

This is a sentiment she shares with Lions quarterback, Jon Kitna. The NFL veteran has been outspoken about his faith and its influence on his athletic performance. He and his wife are founders of the Eternal Blessings Foundation, which supports various Christian ministries and he credited his faith for his "miracle" comeback in September, when he rebounded from a first quarter concussion to rally the Lions to a late victory.

Just as Kitna is part of a team prayer group and hosts a Bible study for teammates at his home, Hannah also leads her team in prayer. She attends Grace Community Church in Howard City and attends youth group every Sunday night.

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet Jon Kitna," commented Hannah when notified she had been named a regional In My Shoes winner. "I know Jon Kitna always stands up for what he believes in. He is a strong team leader and achieves amazing things on the field."

Here's the article: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0314425.htm (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Also, another article about Trot Nixon, this one about his playing against his former team, the Red Sox, after going to the Indians as a free agent before this season: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=288782.

Lastly, an article about LSU quarterback Matt Flynn, who's finally getting a chance to start this season after three years of backing up JaMarcus Russell, who was drafted by the Raiders last spring. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's not the way I was looking at it in high school when I signed, but I feel very fortunate to be able to stick it out and have such a great team that I'm able to lead," Flynn said. "I wouldn't trade being on this team and this one year for anything - not for four years starting somewhere else. I feel very blessed."

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101107acv.html.

baseball, football, etc.

Hi. First, a couple of articles about college teams reaching out to their communities. The first is about the Oklahoma baseball team helping out a residentinal childcare facility for boys: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/101207aah.html.

The other article is about the Arkansas football team spending time with children with disabilities in Little Rock (includes video): http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54108 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/135).

Next, an quote from Red Sox 3rd baseman Mike Lowell about teammate Manny Ramirez's hitting in the ALDS:

"We saw the way he was swinging the bat," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I can't say we knew for sure he was going to do what he did, but we knew his at-bats were good. With his God-given ability, we feel pretty confident with him in that spot. I don't think there's anyone else on our team we'd rather have hitting behind David than him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071006&content_id=2254029&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about the sons of the late Mike Coolbaugh throwing out the first pitches of Game 3 of the NLDS in Colorado. Coolbaugh was the 1st base coach for Rockies Double-A Tulsa team when he was hit in the head by a pitch and killed in July. The Rockies have really reached out to the family to help them out. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10393033.

Also, an article about Seahawks fullback Mack Strong, a Christian, having to retire last week because of a neck injury. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I've played a long time, 15 years. I felt like I was pretty lucky, pretty blessed," a teary-eyed Strong said Monday after learning that a herniated disc in his neck is pinching his spinal cord -- and ending an unheralded, improbable career that began as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 1993.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10396345/2.

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian. The article isn't all that flattering about Drew, but here's a good quote from Drew in it:

"I've always been pretty much a family man and blessed with the ability to play baseball," Drew said. ...

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers6oct06,1,1120224.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger&ctrack=4&cset=true (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071008&content_id=2256958&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, getting the starting job last Sunday after starting quarterback Matt Leinart broke his collarbone and is out for the year. Here's a quote from Warner about getting the job because of Leinart's injury:

"This is what you want to do every time you enter a season," Warner said. "Every time you come back to play, you want to be in there playing every snap. So I'm excited about that part of it, relatively speaking. Obviously, I'm disappointed for Matt. You never want to get this position and take over a job due to an injury."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287643.

Unfortunately, Warner tore elbow ligaments in his non-throwing shoulder during that game last Sunday, and is out indefinitely. However, the Cardinals did sign Tim Hasselbeck, also a Christian, to be the new back-up quarterback, after he was released by the Giants. Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3066197&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Here's an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and the 10th anniversary of All Pro Dad, which he's been a part of since it began. The organization's goal is to help dads to be an important part in their kids' lives. They're running an event in Indianapolis in November, with Dungy, wide receivers coach Clyde Christianson, and punter Hunter Smith, both also Christians. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=89614927-4064-4dfd-bc1e-549b858da527.

Also, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his autobiography that he recently released, "The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story". I don't know anything about the book, but I just thought that I would sent the information along: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071009&content_id=2258612&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's a quote from a blog post from IU runningback Bryan Payton about their game on October 6th when they beat Minnesota:

As you probably know, I scored three touchdowns. It was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to get in there and make plays for our team. But at the same time I'm not going to sit here and dwell on it. I was very happy to have my parents there to see everything. They were so proud. It felt like high school again.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/halfway-mark.html and here's the blog site: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, having to get a new cell phone number after receiving threatening phone calls before their game against LSU on October 6th. It's prett sad that people would do something like that. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10398747.

Here's another Christian article about Panthers safety Mike Minter, a Christian, retiring before the season and what he's up to now: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5679.

Also, an interesting Christian article about a lady in Moldova, Marika Sofianu, who became a Christian through Tae Kwon Do: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5680.

Here's a note about Saints quarterback Drew Brees donating $2 million to his alma mater Purdue for an student athlete-academic center that I thought was interesting:

Time of uncertainty: Things worked out OK for Brees

When he was reaching the decision to donate $2 million to create the Drew and Brittany Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center at Purdue, the former Boilermakers quarterback recalled a time when he wasn't sure which would mean more to his future, academics or athletics.

Not highly recruited, Brees had offers from Purdue and Kentucky and was unknown as a college freshman.

"I remember stepping on the field the first day of two-a-days and seeing six other quarterbacks and just saying to myself, 'Well, at least I'm going to get a great education,' " Brees said. "I did get that, but not only that, a lot of great memories and the opportunity to play in the NFL and donate back in this way."

Yeah, that football thing did work out. Brees is in the second year of a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/SPORTS/710120433/1247/NLETTER12.

Next, an aritcle about Twins outfielder Lew Ford becoming a free agent: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=288717.

Here's an article about former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming Nebraska's new interim athletic director today: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101607acm.html.

Lastly, a great interview with Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, after he was awarded the NLCS MVP Award last night after the Rockies swept the Diamondbacks. I haven't read the article yet, but I thought I'd go ahead and send along the interview video anyways. In it, he thanks God twice. Here's the link to the article with the video (you may have to download the video program, unfortunately): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268550&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB, football, basketball, and music

Hello! I finally have time to get caught up some here. I just have to say first of all that last night my mom and I went to "Hoosier Hysteria", IU basketball's first practice, last night. It's always a good opportunity to check out the new team and get excited about the upcoming season--as if we need any help getting excited about basketball here in Indiana! It was a very exciting night here in Hoosierland. A note from last night: after the men's basketball team was introduced, head coach Kelvin Sampson singled out a couple of players, one of whom was junior college transfer DeAndre Thomas. Sampson said that Thomas had lost 58 pounds in 8 weeks, going from 356 pounds to 298 (and he's still huge!). Sampson said that he was able to do it with "a lot of hard work and the grace of God."

The first article is an interesting Christian article about the Colorado Rockies team from the "Saved In Sports" blog. They seem to be a Christian team that is reluctant to be labeled as such. Here's the article: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/colorado-rockies-nice-guys-can-finish-first/.

In the above article, there was a link to another good Christian sports blog, "The Christian Sports Blog" by freelance writer Lee Warren: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/.

Next, an article about 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, a Christian, letting go of a grudge against Ravens head coach Brian Billick for the way Dilfer wasn't brought back by the Ravens the season after helping them win the Super Bowl in 2001. Here's a quote about it from Dilfer:

Dilfer felt disrespected when Billick didn't contact him personally after the Ravens dropped him, and that hurt has festered. The quarterback has lobbed several verbal shots at the coach since then, culminating in a critical interview in the Baltimore Sun in February.

"I regret many of the things I said in February," Dilfer said. "What I do stand by is the fact that I'm heartbroken that I didn't get the chance to repeat and go through the struggles of what that entails. Where I've been wrong ... is I haven't been able to let it go.

"I feel very hypocritical," Dilfer said, "because I'm dealing with my sixth grader every day and talking to her about relationships and how to handle these relationships, and yet I'm a 35-year-old man and I can't let something go in the past."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3048284.

Here's an article about how veteran Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, has become a father figure for the young team: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=283678.

Also, an article about Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, a Christian, and how he has become more important to the team's offense this year in his second year with the team. Unfortunately, the former IU quarterback was injured last week and is questionable for this week. Here's the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/03/AR2007100302271.html?nav=hcmodule (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Here's an article about Buccaneers kickoff/punt returner Mark Jones before their loss to the Colts last Sunday. Here's a few great quotes from him about trying to get the first kickoff return for a touchdown in Bucs history and his being released and then re-signed by the Bucs this year:

If you return kickoffs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's important to keep the faith.

That's why it helps to be the son of a preacher.

"That's how I approach all of them, that this is the one," said Mark Jones, the latest player attempting to end the Bucs' franchise-long streak of 1,862 kickoff returns without a touchdown. ...

But the fourth-year pro from Tennessee, who has been signed or released six times by the Bucs, never stopped believing. It's a lesson he learned growing up the son of a minister in Wallingford, Pa.

"That was pretty much it. I just stayed consistent to the Word and continued to work out physically and stay in shape," Jones said. "I didn't talk bad about anybody or ask why or tried to figure it out myself. I just said, 'Lord, it's in your hands.' " ...

Now, about being the first to return a kickoff for the Bucs?

"I know what I did the past (three) weeks," he said, "but I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me this week."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/SPORTS03/710050450.

Next, an inspiring article about Jordan Ewart, a freshman basketball and baseball player at Pendleton Heights High School in Indianapolis, who plays with a prosthetic leg. He plays on a level playing field with other "normal" kids, even though he lost the lower part of his leg in a lawn-mower accident when he was four. In a recent freshman football game he had three sacks. It just goes to show that if you set your mind to it you can do anything, no matter what apparent limitations you might have. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/SPORTS0202/710050465/1247/SPORTS.

Here's an interesting article about University of San Diego freshman forward Rob Jones, the grandson of the infamous Jim Jones of Jonestown fame. He's the son of the Jim Jones, Jr., the adopted son of Jim Jones and his wife. Just a warning, the article is kind of graphic as it tells about what happened with the mass suicide at Jonestown. Jim Jones, Jr., was away from the compound playing basketball when the suicides happened, so he survived. I knew very little about what happened, so it was interesting, but hard to take too. There's also a video of the ESPN "Outside the Lines" segment about it, which I haven't watched. Here's a quote from Rob Jones about his dad:

"I thank God every day," says Rob, now a freshman forward at the University of San Diego. "I'm a real lucky man just to have a father and that he's there supporting me in whatever I do, no matter what."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3047543.

Also, an article about how a few successful veteran NFL quarterbacks have gone from being starters, to backups/mentors, and then back to at least short-term starters. The 49ers Trent Dilfer (a Christian), Cardinals Kurt Warner (a Christian), and Rams Gus Frerotte all became starters because of the injury and/or ineffectiveness of the younger starting quarterbacks. Just a note: since this article was written, Cardinals starting quarterback Matt Leinart was injured and is out for the year, making Warner the starter. Here's a quote from the article about Dilfer, Warner, and Frerotte:

It is not inconsequential that, in addition to being terrific teammates, each of the three O.G.'s (that's "old guys" or "original gangstas," depending upon your musical orientation) is an even better father and husband.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkixaeqtkTqXo2Cjy5OMhpo5nYcB?slug=ms-thegameface100507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's another inspiring article, this one about Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie is giving up his basketball scholarship next season so that the team can give it to a top recruit: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/100507aaz.html.

Next, an article about the gruesome arm injury suffered last season by then Wake Forest quarterback Ben Mauk. While trying to recover a fumble early last season, players fell on his arm and shoulder, breaking his upper arm and severely injuring his shoulder. He had a plate with eight screws put in his arm and a separate surgery to tighten the shoulder with three metal anchors. Even with some pain, he has been able to return to playing college football after transferring to Cincinnati for his senior year this year. He's helped turn around the football program there, leading them to the #15 ranking this week. Here's a quote from him:

Ben Mauk has given some thought to what he'll do when his football days are done.

"I've thought I'd be somehow involved in churches, maybe being a youth pastor or a motivational speaker, something like that," he said.

This kid could give some speech.

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/100507abp.html.

Here's a good quote from Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, and then Braves general manager John Schuerholz about his being traded to the Braves from the Rangers on July 31st and hopefully making the playoffs next year:

... When Teixeira thanked John Schuerholz and told him how much he'd enjoyed these past two months, the Braves general manager reminded him that he hadn't yet experienced ultimate jubilation.

"I told him, wait until you have somebody pour champagne on your head," Schuerholz said. "That is really fun."

How many players thank the GM for trading for them? I thought that was neat. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071005&content_id=2251761&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a Christian note from Thursday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about Rockies outfielder Willy Taveras, who, in last night's NLCS game against the Diamondbacks, made a game-saving catch and walked in the winning run in the 11th inning:

ROCKIES ADD WILLY: It's nice to be able to add a .320 hitter to your lineup as you being an important series. The Colorado Rockies did that on Wednesday by adding Willy Taveras to their roster for the NLCS. Taveras, who missed the last month because of a leg injury, gives the Rockies' offense another guy who can get on base. He's no power threat, but his on-base percentage of .367 is fourth-best on the Rockies. Additionally, he led the team in steals with 33 this season. But best of all, if you like to know which athletes to watch because you like to follow fellow Christians, note that he was the Real Life subject in the July-August edition of Sports Spectrum. Among the things he said was that his favorite Bible passages are "Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. You put everything on God, and He will take care of you."

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071011.php.

Next, Colts punter Hunter Smith and his group Connersvine's self-titled debut contemporary Christian music album is coming out on October 23rd. Here's their website for more information: http://www.myspace.com/connersvine.

Lastly, a preview of the articles in the new November/December edition of Sports Spectrum Magazine is available on their website, including Bucks guard Michael Redd, Bears head coach Lovie Smith, Louisville football head coach Steve Kragthorpe, Bengals defensiveback David Pollack, and the Senators Mike Fisher: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/.

MLB, football, and Petty

Sorry that I haven't been able to write for a few days. It's been kind of a hectic week. So here's a kind of long list of articles. First, an article about some of the Phillies meeting with President Bush at the Oval Office on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221689&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how having more patience while hitting has helped him to improve his batting average this season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2223910&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, getting his 200th hit of the season on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221688&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's a good Christian article about Christianity's place in sports, especially focusing on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian. Here's a quote about Tebow:

In a post-game interview after the Florida-Tennessee game last week, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow calmly assessed the Gators' performance, thanking fans and his teammates for their support.

Then, as he does after almost every game, he thanked, "My Lord and savior Jesus Christ for everything he's done for me."

Here's the article: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070922/NEWS/709220327 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=250).

Also, a good article about Dustin Eglseder, who won the Cubs Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch Competition. The contest was kind of like American Idol, in that fans tried out to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and the winners were voted on by fans. Eglseder, who just recently finished chemotherapy treatments for a rare form of bone cancer, won the contest and sang the song during the 7th Inning Stretch in the Cubs game last Saturday. It was just a nice story for him to win after going through the cancer treatments this year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2224019&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Last Thursday night I watched part of the Southern Mississippi/Boise State game on ESPN. During the game, the broadcasters spent a few minutes talking about Boise State senior safety Marty Tadman. They showed on the screen somethings about his life, how he had some troubled high school years, but at 18 had a religious experience and became a Christian minister. They also mentioned how he hoped to continue his career in the NFL, but if not he would continue solely with his ministry instead. I thought that was really cool, so I googled him and came up with an article from his local newspaper in Orange County, California, from a couple of years ago. I couldn't find anything more recent though, but it's a really good biographical article that tells about how after being involved with drinking and drugs in high school, he hit rock bottom, where God found him. After that he became a Christian and his life did a complete 180. He's now a part-time Southern Baptist preacher and speaks around the Boise State campus and elsewhere in Idaho and Utah. Here's the article: http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/sports/sports/article_653386.php.

Next, a Christian blog post on the Saved in Sports blog about NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and how he and his wife Patty (both Christians) turned the heartache after their son Adam's death in a race practice at age 19 seven years ago into good by starting Victory Junction Gang Camp for terminally/severely ill children. Today Petty races from God and his son Adam. Here's the blog post: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/kyle-petty-racing-for-the-son/. Here's an article from the blog with more about the Petty's: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302700/nascar_star_kyle_petty_races_for_his.html.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, and how his defense has improved since the Braves caught a depth-perception problem that he had before last season. Also helping his defense has been increased playing time the last couple of months this season. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/bravesnot_0923.html.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim. Kim Hudson is a licensed attorney who was prepared to be the main breadwinner for the family in case the whole baseball thing fell through. She worked until Tim solidified his place in the Majors and she also plans to go back to working after he retires. Now she spends time as her husbands lawyer and helping to raise money for the two organizations that they are mainly involved with, the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Atlanta and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Here are a couple of quotes from both Kim and Tim Hudson:

In his rookie year, the Hudsons had given little thought to the impact a major-league salary and image could bring to the world beyond their own. Then, on a community outreach caravan with the A's, the couple met a terminally ill girl.

She told them that her final wish was to "go to Disneyland, but that was probably too expensive, so she would probably just go to a Sacramento Kings game," Kim recalls. "She was 9, bald, with railroad staples across her head from brain cancer. She was not complaining. My first instinct was to grab a checkbook and make that Disney trip happen.

"For weeks after that we talked about her and what we wanted to do. God puts things in your path and you either act or you don't. Children are put there to guide us in the direction we should go." ...

"You realize how lucky and blessed you are to have healthy kids," Tim says. "I play a kid's game, and I can use that platform to help kids."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/kimhudson_0923.html.

Here's an AWESOME Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and how he's lead a Christian revival with the Lions since he came there as a free agent before last season. The article talks about how their Christian beliefs has helped to bring together a fractured team and how important their beliefs are to their success on the field. The article also mentions other Christians on the team, including wide receiver Mike Furrey, linebacker Boss Bailey, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and kicker Jason Hansen. Here's a quote:

Maybe it's the dozens of coaches and players who pack hotel conference rooms for chapel on Saturday night, or the players and families who cram into a basement for Bible study on Mondays, or the ever-expanding circle of prayer after practice on Wednesdays. And Thursdays. And Fridays.

Or maybe it's Jon Kitna, the starting quarterback, who overcame a concussion last Sunday to lead the Lions to victory and then called his return a miracle, who decorated his locker with drawings of the cross and prints of scripture, who is absolutely convinced that his presence in Detroit is not a happenstance.

But a mission.

From God.

"(Kitna) has a way of touching people," said his coach, Rod Marinelli. "You can feel it all over the field."

A lot of his teammates can, too.

There is a spiritual movement bubbling in Allen Park. The quarterback is the conduit.

"I'm not naive enough to think that my life is about football," Kitna explained this week. "God uses football to shape me. But he also uses it to give me a platform to speak, to proclaim the gospel."

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230629 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, another good Christian article, this one about Titans center Kevin Mawae and how he became a Christian after his older brother was killed in a car accident several years ago: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230414/1027 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5671).

Here's an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, who isn't complaining about not being the starter (yet), even though he's played better than the starter Matt Leinart. Here's a quote from Warner about it:

"I still feel like I can play at a very high level," Warner said. "I think there's a lot of teams out there I could start for. You know your window is only so big — you want to play as much as you can. I've thought about it; I would love to be out there playing. But, right now, this is where it's at.

"I love being a Cardinal. I love working with Matt."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2007-09-23-Cardinals-Warner_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, a couple of articles from an incident during last Sunday's Colts/Texans game when Texans special teams player Cedric Killings injured his neck while tackling during a kickoff. Killings will be okay (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10378013/rss). Here's some quotes from Colts lineman Dwight Freeney and head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, about it:

"The ref was pushing me away," Freeney said. "I wanted to go tell him, 'Hang in there. We're praying for you.' Something like that...." ...

"After the Everett incident I think we're all sensitive to that," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "Everyone is hopeful and prayerful that he's going to be OK."

Here's that article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240373.

Here's a quote from Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, also a Christian, in the second article:

"You don't have the luxury of choosing when to lay up or hit a guy hard," linebacker Gary Brackett said. "Obviously, you want to wish him and his family well and you pray for him and you want to make sure he's all right. But you've still got to play the game."

Here's the second article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=An_qFH3f3KNP23ueinxS1rh.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dangerousgame&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, and the tackle he made on a punt return during that Colts/Titans game last Sunday: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240369.

Lastly, a good Christian article about Twins outfielder Lew Ford and how his faith has helped him out through all of the ups and downs of his baseball career: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5670.

sports misc.

First of all, an article about the North Carolina-Pembroke head football coach Pete Shinnick, and his emphasis on family. He and his other coaches have their kids with them in their football offices, and he also makes sure that he and the coaches frequently have their evenings free to spend with their families. Here's the article: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=269624 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Focus on the Family joining with the NFL to fight a pro-gambling bill in Congress: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20253076/ (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5651).

Next, an article about Major League Lacrosse's Denver Outlaws Matt Hanna and what he does to help others, both with lacrosse and in the community as a whole: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=780.

Here's an article about Bluffton University (a Christian college) baseball head coach James Grandey attending a Braves game, sitting in the owner's box at Turner Field. It was Grandey's first return to Atlanta after the Bluffton team's fatal bus crash there on the way to a tournament in Florida last March. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10295438/rss.

Also, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton's (a Christian) return to the Reds lat Sunday after an injury. Here's another quote from him about the significance of his return being just in time for the Reds Faith Day on Sunday:

... He was just happy Sunday that he was able to return to Cincinnati in time for the Reds' Faith Day at Great American Ball Park where Hamilton and his wife, Katie, Reds video coordinator Johnny Narron and NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz addressed the several thousand fans that stayed after the game with the Padres to listen to them speak and then a post-game concert by a Christian rock band [MercyMe].

"Compared to what I've been through in my life, it wasn't much," Hamilton said of the injuries. "It's all part of God's plan for me. He obviously had a plan for me to get out there and be able to talk today."

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/SPT05/708140325/1035/SPT.

Here's a couple more articles about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, being named by President Bush to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AjUkZ3zHdwzVRsUvG0k9cJ1.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungy&prov=ap&type=lgns and http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6931632.

Next, a couple of articles about Braves manager Bobby Cox's record-breaking ejection last Tuesday. Cox argued a called third strike against Braves 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, after Jones argued the call. By arguing Cox was able to draw attention away from Jones and keep him in the game. That became huge when Jones later knocked in the winning run in the 9th inning. So no matter what anyone may think about Cox's huge number of ejections, he has a reason for it. Here's a quote about it from Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian:

... "He went out and had Chipper's back. That's why we love playing for him. I've never seen him get ejected just to get ejected. There's always a reason."

Here's that article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/14/cox_0815.html.

Here's a quote from MLB umpire Dale Scott about Cox's ejections:

Cox's intentions weren't to spark his team. Instead, he was simply once again protecting one of his players -- something that has drawn respect from many of the umpires who have played a role in the setting of this record.

"One thing about Bobby is he protects his players," veteran umpire Dale Scott said after Cox was ejected on May 26. "He goes out there and makes sure his players don't get run. He does his job. It's not because umpires are looking to get him, it's because he steps up and gets his guys' backs. Some managers kind of let the guys go. He doesn't. I think that's why he has a lot of ejections. That's a good attribute for him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070814&content_id=2148876&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about IU football team's jersey patch and helmet decal to honor their late coach Terry Hoeppner, who died from complications from brain cancer in June: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/SPORTS0601/708150436/1069/SPORTS0601.

Also, an article about Heat rookie guard Daequan Cook surprised kids by helping to teach them swimming safety, along with a surprise visit from Dwayne Wade: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/cook_wade_lts.html?rss=true.

Lastly, I've been watching the Little League World Series a lot since it started yesterday afternoon. One of last night's games was between Lake Oswego, Oregon and Warner Robins, Georgia, and one of the players on the Oregon team is Mitch Lomax, son of former Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax, a Christian. During last night's game, Neil Lomax was interviewed during the game on ESPN, and he was asked about all four of his kids. He replied with something like (sorry, I didn't remember the exact words) "God has really blessed us with four healthy kids." Also, Lomax's oldest son is a quarterback at Boise State, who is currently trying to win the starting job there. Here's the website for the Little League World Series: http://www.littleleague.org/worldseries_2007/index.html.

football and Armstrong

First, an article about new U. of Miami football head coach Randy Shannon and his strict rules for the team. Some of them, like no guns, seem kind of obvious to me, but I guess they're not. I think that his rules would probably be good for any team, college or pro. It would help solve a lot of the behavior problems, that's for sure. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10281262.

Here's an article about the Virginia Tech football team taking it upon themselves to help the college community to heal after the shootings there last April: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AoBORtOp907MxHKw5f__qyN.T4h4?slug=ap-virginiatechschallenge&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the Colts hosting a group of kids from Indiana Children's Wish Fund last Saturday. The kids all face life-threatening illnesses, and their wish was to see the Colts at training camp. Here's the article: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6886914.

Here's an article about free agent Pacer Darrell Armstrong hosting a kids basketball camp to raise money for his foundation for premature babies. Two of Armstrong's three kids were born premature, so it's a cause near to his heart. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070804/SPORTS04/708040473/1088/SPORTS04.

The last articles are the transcripts from some of the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speeches and the speeches of their presenters. They're all good to read through. The first one is from former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Here's a quote from his speech, talking about how he and his fellow hall-of-famers and their families:

And then I met their wives and their families and I realized that it's not only about the gift God gave us, but equally important is the help that God gave us. It's the people that God put in place to support us on our journey. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961687.

The next Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Oilers/Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, a Christian. Here's a quote from his speech:

I'd first like to say how honored and blessed I am to be here. If someone had told me when I was a kid that one day I would play in the NFL and let alone be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I wouldn't have believed them. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be standing up here today, and I'd like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me and my family so much.

As much as I'd like to take credit for everything that's happened in my career, I know it was only because of how the Lord blessed me that I was able to accomplish what I did. My part was the easy part: just go out and use the talents and abilities God gave me. God blessed me with the size, the desire to play the game. He kept me injury free and brought many wonderful coaches and players into my life, and for this I'm very thankful.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961666.

Another Hall-of-Fame speech is from former Lions tight end Charlie Sanders. Here's a quote from his speech:

Thank you. First of all, let me give thanks to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and his graciousness that I humbly stand before you here today.

I've always believed that God had a plan for me, and that my life was written long before I would ever realize the outcome. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961658.

Also, the enshrinement speech of former Bills runningback Thurman Thomas. Here's a quote from him about his kids:

My 10 year old sweet little Annika Lee. We wanted a boy so bad that we were blessed again with another girl. All I can say is thank you, God, for giving us that little girl. She is growing up to be just as lovely and beautiful as her sister. Annika Lee, I love you baby.

Last but not least we decided to give it one more try. We prayed hard and we finally got our little man, Thurman III. He is everything that we had dreamed for, a blend of all five of us. Little Thurman, daddy loves you, man. Alright.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961680.

The last Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Cardinals cornerback Roger Wehrli. Here's a quote from the end of his speech:

Finally, many of you know me as a man of faith. I believe that God has guided each and every move I've made. He's put the right people in the right places to bring me here, and I thank Him with all my heart for taking a little guy from a little town with little dreams and making me fit to wear the title of Hall of Famer.

Thank you all very much and God bless.

Here's that transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961670.