bowl games, NFL, basketball, etc.

Hi. Happy 2008!

The first article is about Central Florida runningback Kevin Smith, who came close to setting the NCAA record for most rushing yards in a season in their Liberty Bowl loss to Mississippi State. Here's a quote from him:

His motivation is the purest of all.

"Motivation for me is going to the hotel and knowing I've got a game," he said. "Motivation in football is football itself for a person like me. I love this game and have loved playing this game since I was younger. I've been blessed to not miss a year. Me holding that pigskin and knowing I'm going to hold that pigskin motivates me enough.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3169011&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines and http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3173238.

Here's a couple of articles on Illinois star defensive lineman J Leman, a Christian, whose Illini lost to USC in the Rose Bowl today. Here's a quote about him from the first article:

His interests extend beyond the football field and the broadcast booth. He's a devout Christian and, in general, a sponge for information who wants to be "a lifelong learner."

Here's that article: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?LIST_ID=1&STORY_ID=12611.

Here's a couple of quotes about him in the second article:

The sharp-dressed TV wise guy wandered up to the dais where Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman was sitting on Saturday morning. The TV reporter had a white three-ring binder in his hand and a camera following close behind.

During an awkward moment, the reporter offered Leman what was allegedly a stolen copy of Southern California's offensive audibles. The binder even had the Trojans' logo on the cover.

"You sure you don't want it?" the reporter asked.

"No, we're good," Leman told him. "We don't need a cheat sheet."

"It isn't real anyway," the reporter admitted.

It wouldn't have mattered if the playbook were authentic. The reporter had picked the wrong Illinois player to frame. ...

NFL scouts certainly don't have to worry about Leman's character. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in speech communication in less than four years and earned a master's degree in human resources earlier this month. He was awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is given to college football's best player in terms of academic success, athletic performance and community leadership.

Leman remains actively involved with his parents' nondenominational church, Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Champaign, which [head coach Ron] Zook regularly attends.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3172780.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, trying to avoid the apparent "Heisman jinx" on Heisman Trophy winners in bowl games. Unfortunately, Tebow and Florida lost to Michigan in the Capital One Bowl today. Here's a quote from the article about a conversation that Tebow had with former Florida Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, also a Christian, about the jinx:

"I've never been very superstitious, so I'm not going to start now," he said.

Tebow, though, was concerned enough that he talked to 1996 Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel about it shortly after winning college football's most prestigious award three weeks ago.

Wuerffel's advice?

"Plain and simple, you don't change," Tebow said. "You are the same person. You go about everything the exact same. You work as hard as you can. You do everything you did before you won it. Maybe other people's perception is different about you, but your perception about you and how you do things isn't different at all."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/30/sports/FBC-Capital-One-Bowl.php.

A note about Tebow that I heard during their game today: He's going to spend his Spring Break in the Phillippines working at his parents' orphanage their with his "brothers and sisters" there.

Here's an article about Colts safety Bob Sanders, who signed a big contract extension with the team last week. Here's a quote from him about it:

... "It's exciting. I've always wanted to be here. The organization is great. I think I fit. It's definitely a blessing.''

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/SPORTS03/712310383/1058/SPORTS03.

Also, several Christian articles from Sharing the Victory Magazine from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The first article is about Raptors guard Anthony Parker, who is probably better known as the older brother of Tennessee star women's basketball players Candace Parker. Here's a good quote from him from the article:

You know, the Lord has blessed us with certain talents, and I think we should desire to give Him the glory through those talents. That doesn’t necessarily mean trying not to compete your hardest. When you’re blessed with something, you have to do it the best you can. Whatever it is! If your passion is basketball, if it’s playing the piano, if it’s painting a masterpiece—whatever your passion or desire is, you have to give it your all. And when you do that, you’re giving the glory to God. And whatever attention you get from that—if it’s hitting the game-winning shot or selling your art for thousands of dollars—whatever attention you get from that, it’s important to give Him the glory and praise for blessing you with the talent.

That’s something that I’ve really come to realize: that God’s plan for me is to share His Word. And He’s given me basketball as a platform and a vehicle to do that.

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=6D0127A7-3C68-4D7D-86D8340EA0487F4C.

Here's another FCA article, this one about Washington State head men's basketball coach Tony Bennett. He learned basketball and coaching from his father, former college coach Dick Bennett, also a Christian. The article also mentions some of the Christian players on the team: Taylor Rochestie, Daven Harmeling, and Rob Cowgill. Here's a quote from the article about Bennett:

Bennett, who accepted Christ in eighth grade during an FCA Camp in Colorado, and his team are throwing college basketball convention on its ear—and not just during games. After a particularly poor Saturday practice earlier in the preseason, Bennett’s players arrived at the gym the next day, fully expecting to be chewed out and run mercilessly. Instead, Bennett gathered his team and said, “I don’t want to practice today. We showed a lot of weaknesses yesterday; but I want to honor the Sabbath as much as I can this year. Today, I want you to spend time with family and honor the Sabbath.” His players were stunned.

Bennett then organized a 20-minute chapel. Virtually the entire team showed up.

“Me and [senior forward] Rob Cowgill were looking at each other going, ‘Coach is the man!’” said junior forward Daven Harmeling, a Christian. “How many other coaches do that?”

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=A8DB28F2-8D65-4674-965835016F260E2D&method=display.

The next FCA article is about the Drake women's basketball team, who succeeded against all odds last season when playing extremely short-handed because of injuries and illness when the team put God first. They compared their problem to the story of Gideon in the Bible, and used that to bring the team together and win their conference tournament with only seven players. Here's some of the Christian coaches and players mentioned in the article: head coach Amy Stephens, former assistant Micah Parker (who left the team after the season to concentrate on ministry), assistant Todd Voss, and player Lindsay Whorton. Here's a quote from the article:

In the end, according to Parker, the players and coaches understood it was God’s story.

“As a team, we really focused on Who we were playing for,” Parker said. “We talked about how there was no need to be ashamed; they needed to trust Him and remember who they were playing for. They really gave God all the glory.” That’s what Whorton will always remember. “Last season will always remind me that God can use something as simple as basketball, which has no eternal implications, and use it to teach me about His character,” she said. “I learned things about God and His character during that season that I will never forget. The purpose of all that was for Him to be glorified.”

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=92DBD9C1-8CD8-45F3-875FC60118280CEB&method=display.

Here's an FCA article about North Carolina assistant women’s basketball coach Charlotte Smith, who also played at North Carolina and in the WNBA, and worry: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=D7F7534E-BAA0-408A-96F340BCE5C141D2.

Also, an FCA article about Stanford wrestler Tanner Gardner and anxiety. Here's a good quote from him in the article:

How I deal with anxiety in my sport: “Prayer is a great way to deal with anxiety. A lot of people pray before their matches, but I found it is really important to pray before my practices, as well. Competing against your own teammates can cause anxiety, so when I pray, it takes the stress off.

“I also pray at my matches. I never really pray to win my match; I just pray that whether I win or lose, I compete to the best of my ability and represent God in an appropriate way.”

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=79801A63-75EC-44E3-BCDD21BFEB7275C7.

The last FCA article is about Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver. The article, written in first-person format, talks in part about how his Christian Seahawks teammates, including runningback Shaun Alexander and fullback Mack Strong (who had to retire earlier this season because of a neck injury), help him to grow in his faith. Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=7238BEE1-6200-43A6-939E57E2005423D6.

Next, an article about 76ers forward Kyle Korver, a Christian, being traded to the Jazz last week. Here's a quote about him from 76ers president Ed Stefanski after he made the trade:

"I want to thank Kyle for the positive impact he has made on this team and the city of Philadelphia through his play on the court and, even more importantly, his philanthropic efforts off of it," Stefanski said.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aog7T39iNkMe8d80a3T4OCN.T4h4?slug=ap-jazz-76erstrade&prov=ap&type=lgns. Also see Korver's website: http://www.kylekorver.com/.

Lastly, an article about why Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, a Christian, and why he should continue to coach at Florida State, even at 78: http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/stories/2007/12/29/gimme5_1229.html.

NBA, football, MLB, etc.

First of all, a Christian article about new Lakers guard Derek Fisher, a Christian, and his decision to leave the Jazz in order to go to Los Angeles where his infant daughter could get treatment for cancer: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/september/15.25.html (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

Here's an article about Saints quarterback Drew Brees and the things that he and his wife Brittany have done to help out in New Orleans since he signed there as a free agent before last season:

Brees did more than play. He invested himself in the community.

While the vast majority of Saints players live in the suburbs, he and his wife, Brittany, bought an antebellum home in the city's historic Uptown district.

They put the Brees Dream Foundation to work on a variety of fronts: a charity fishing tournament, a youth football classic, events and activities for children's hospitals, and a $2.5 million drive to raise funds for youth programs and rebuilding schools, parks, playgrounds and athletic fields.

In May, Brees issued an invitation to his old fraternity, Sigma Chi. More than 80 members, a third of them from Purdue [his alma mater], came to New Orleans for a week to work with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes and experience the city's unique culture.

Community and quarterback embraced. The NFL honored Brees as its Walter Payton Man of the Year, an award he shared with his old San Diego teammate, LaDainian Tomlinson.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/SPORTS03/709040386/1100.

Next, a great article on Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and how he's a role model to his players, and how there are things more important than winning for him with his team. Here's a quote:

Success for Richt is defined more by people than percentages. The coach wants to win, but who doesn't? However, God and education are what he believes his mission at Georgia is about. If victories come too, well, that's fine.

But those first two are near and dear. It's why when the coach came back from his mission trip to Honduras this summer he started to talk about going back next May. This time he wants to take some players along.

"I'd love to have them," Richt said. "There's 28 bunks for the guys. I'd love to fill those bunks with those guys and let them see it."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/09/03/ugafoot_0904.html?imw=Y.

Here's an article on Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, and how he's working to feed the hungry in Atlanta and his other work in the community. Here's a quote about his work to start a Christian school in Atlanta:

He also is an educator with strong feelings about spiritual instruction. Smoltz helped establish Kings Ridge Christian School in the Atlanta area.

"Our area did not have a private Christian school," he said. "It's another option for people. We tend to gravitate toward that because of overcrowded public schools and some people want an extension of their home to be in the educational process. We finally got our first building. We're embarking in a big campaign to build the campus out."

The Kings Ridge school runs its own fundraising campaign. So Smoltz has multiple avenues for helping others.

Here's the article: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188281&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about the NBA working in South Africa to help those in need there. The group of current and past players are led by Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo and Bobcats center Emeka Okafor, and also includes Spurs forward Bruce Bowen, Bobcats center Primoz Brezec, Hawks guard-forward Josh Childress, Magic forward Pat Garrity, Suns center Sean Marks, Kings guard Kevin Martin, Knicks forward Malik Rose, and former NBA players Steve Smith and Jim Jackson. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/news/southafricadevel_070904.html?rss=true. Here's a webpage with more information about the trip, which is going on now: http://www.nba.com/global/africa_bwb_2007.html.

Here's an article about the nominees for MLB's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is for community service. The nominees include several Christians, including last year's winner, Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols. Here's the article: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188314&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week of September 2nd: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188644&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, winning the AL Pitcher of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188786&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.

Also, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, apologizing on Tuesday for criticizing the Cubs fans for booing him after a bad performance on Monday. However, I think that he had every right to be upset about his home fans booing him. I think that it's rude for fans to boo the home team in most cases. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188742&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's an article about former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy and his new book The Scouting Report: Youth Athletics that is about the importance of coaches and parents helping kids to enjoy competing in sports: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2189082&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Next, the webpage for pro cyclist Amber Neben, a Christian who competes in the top races in the U.S. and Europe: http://www.amberneben.com/. I found the website link in an article in the current issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/.

Lastly, a good Christian sports blog that I found out about recently, Saved in Sports Blog: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/.

sports misc.

First article for today is about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton (a Christian) and the write-in votes that he got for the All-Star Game. He led the Majors in write-in votes, but it wasn't near enough to make the team. Maybe rookie of the year though? We'll have to see. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/SPT04/707010377/1078/COL02.

Here's an article about Browns center LeCharles Bentley and his attempted return this season from a career and life-threatening knee injury. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

"It's unbelievable how far I've come in the last few months," Bentley said in a phone interview from Arizona, where he has been rehabbing and working out for the past few months. "I feel so blessed to even be in a position to think about playing again. I've come so far. I'm not going to stop now." ...

"People are quick to want to kill a dream. But a lot of work and a lot of prayers later I'm ready to play again. I've been blessed."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2922740.

Next, an article about Reds manager Jerry Narron's (a Christian) firing by the Reds last weekend. One thing that impressed me about Narron after he was fired was that he said he was sorry about the Reds record. How many fired managers/coaches every apologize after they're fired? And it obviously wasn't even all his fault either. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPT04/707020322/1078/COL02.

Here's a good Christian article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols and the Cardinals' Christian Family Day: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5619.

Also, a couple of articles about a new church outreach program centered around reaching non-Christian through golf: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5621 and http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5620. Also, here's the program's website: http://www.inhisgripgolf.com/.

Here's an article about Jazz guard Derek Fisher (a Christian) and his decision to leave the Jazz to be with his family during his daughter's cancer treatments. Here's a quote from him about it:

"Life for me outweighs the game of basketball," Fisher told reporters after flying from New York to meet with Jazz owner Larry H. Miller and other team executives.

"When it comes to decisions related to them," he said of his family, "I do what's best."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2924068&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Next, a quote from a somewhat surprisingly humble Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano (a Christian) and who he would vote for in the All-Star Game Final Vote, which included himself:

"The only thing I was surprised at was that Chris Young of the San Diego Padres was not on the team. He deserves to go. Honestly, he's the one who deserves to go in that group."

So Zambrano would vote for Young?

"Last year, I was watching the Cy Young and who it was going to, and at the last moment, I wanted Brandon Webb to win because he had better numbers than anybody who was competing," Zambrano said. "That's the same thing here. I think Chris Young has better numbers."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070702&content_id=2062498&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about some appearances that Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Christian) is going to make next week to promote his new book Quiet Strength: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/LOCAL/707060519/1247/SPORTS.

Also, I just happened to find a link to a YouTube page with video of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller's last second Indiana state championship winning shot for Washington High School from a few years back: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7N-qQfgn9MA.

sports misc.

First, a couple of notes from games that I've seen this weekend. The first one was from after the Tigers/Twins game yesterday when the Tigers Craig Monroe was interviewed after the game on FOX. He said in part, "...God-given ability...".

The other was from today's Braves/Pirates game, where some of the Braves players were interviewed before the game on TBS about Mother's Day. Jeff Francoeur said that on Mother's Day his family would always go to church and then go on a picnic.

Next, a few articles. The first is one about Nationals outfielder Ryan Church and his having to deal with his younger brother Matthew, an army ranger, being deployed to Iraq. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I knew Matt was going to have to go anyway, but it really didn't set in until he was getting ready to be deployed," Church said. "Andy didn't really set in until after Matt left. Both of these guys are giving their lives up on a daily basis. You never know what's going to happen. Spring Training was one of those things where I let it go. I had to come to grips with it. It's in God's hands. All we can do is pray about it...."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070509&content_id=1954662&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about former University of Houston football player Wade Koehl. He was signed as an undrafted free agent after the NFL draft by the Saints and is trying to make their team. Here's a quote from his former head coach at Houston Art Briles:

Houston head football coach Art Briles said that Koehl is “everything you’re looking for in a man, in a Christian and a player. He’s the total package. There are no ghosts. There is no baggage. He’s the real deal. He’s an excellent role model and an excellent, excellent human being.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5575.

Also, an article about former IU football player Anthony Thompson, who was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Here's a quote about him:

Thompson, a second-round draft pick of the Phoenix Cardinals in 1990 who played five NFL seasons with the Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, works at IU as the assistant director of the Varsity Club, the athletic department's fundraising arm. For the past five years, Thompson has also served as pastor at Lighthouse Community Church in Bloomington.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/SPORTS0601/705100540.

Lastly, an article about Jazz guard Derek Fisher, who arrived during their playoff game against the Warriors after returning from his baby daughter's cancer surgery. Here's a quote:

"It's been unbelievable," Fisher said. "God is so good. My daughter is doing very well. We had a successful operation in New York. I flew back. She has a form of cancer called retino-blastoma. We could have lost my little girl had we waited any longer."

After Williams picked up his fourth foul with 3:35 remaining in the third quarter, Fisher walked into the arena and immediately entered the game to a rousing ovation.

"My loyalty is always with family and faith first. I had to get permission from my wife to get here. My coach and teammates welcomed me with open arms. They kept me on the active list. They didn't have to do that."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-10-jazz-warriors-game-2_N.htm?csp=34.

MLB, etc.

First, an article on the time and money that Indians outfielder and native Louisianan David Dellucci has donated to the people hit by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast area: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070416&content_id=1901991&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, receiving the Man of the Year Award from the Players Choice Awards: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070416&content_id=1902768&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about what Brewers outfielder Geoff Jenkins does in the Milwaukee community: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070417&content_id=1914313&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Last night during the Braves/Mets game on TBS, the Braves broadcasters interviewed former Brave and current Met Julio Franco, a Christian. The first thing that they asked him was if he still planned on playing until he was 50 (he'll be 49 in August). He answered something like, "My God hasn't abandoned me this far."

Here's a good article on the late LSU and Jazz great Pete Maravich and couple of new biographies and DVD on him that are coming out: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5563.

Lastly, an article about the All Pro Dad Father and Kids Experience in Indianapolis that Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, is involved with: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4766. The All Pro Dad website is: http://www.allprodad.com/.