football and Phillips

Hi. First of all, a couple of articles about 49ers defensive linebacker Patrick Willis, a Christian, who won The Associated Press 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award last week. Here's a quote from him about it in the first article:

"The good Lord has blessed me with skills that are uncommon, but are just something that I do naturally," he said. "I also know I couldn't do it by myself, without help from my fellow linebackers or that D-line. Knowing that, I just stay humble. Whether it's in the movies or whether it's in real life, you see guys that got bigheaded, and they're in for a rude awakening."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3181099.

Here's the second article about Willis, which goes into more detail: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtW.1imYba4V8xBeEGMuwnc5nYcB?slug=ap-nfldefensiverookie&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander, a Christian, and how he's been willing to share time at runningback to help the team, for now. Here's a quote about that from Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren:

"You've all seen it ... you can go to other sports - typically in this situation, that player, an MVP player, (causes) some sort of problem," Holmgren said. "There's something that comes up that's not very healthy for your football team. Someone's mad.

"None of that has taken place. And that's a real credit to the young man, I think. Because he's used to playing a lot. He's used to being the man, and now his role has changed."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-04-3701551599_x.htm (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/28).

Here's a good article about Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith, a Christian, who plays tonight in the GMAC Bowl against Bowling Green. Here's a couple of good quotes about him from Tulsa head coach Todd Graham, also a Christian:

Tulsa coach Todd Graham learned the full impact of quarterback Paul Smith on his program when he was on a recruiting trip in southern Oklahoma and heard a prospect bragging.

Not about Smith's record-setting numbers as the school's leading passer. Not about the way he directed Tulsa's confusing spread attack that led the nation in total offense.

"I've seen your quarterback," the player told Graham. "He was basically preaching down here and doing praise music."

That's the hidden aspect to the triple threat Smith has brought the Golden Hurricane in a remarkable career: a strong arm, good enough wheels and a big heart.

"Just the impact that had on him and just how impressed he was with that, just how he represents our university has been remarkable," Graham said.

"And then you combine all the intangibles he has -- the character, the discipline, his faith -- you combine that with the fact that he is a phenomenal football player."

The combination won Smith the Wuerffel Award, which honors one college football player each year for community service work in addition to great performances in the classroom and on the field.

Smith, who graduated last month with a 3.84 grade-point average, makes frequent speaking engagements as president of the campus Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and also has mixed in visits to soup kitchens and other service work along with passing for a school-record 4,753 yards this season. ...

And what will help Smith's legacy linger is his heart. After all, Graham had to explain to his disappointed 5-year-old son, Michael, why Smith wouldn't be around after this season. The two have become friends as Smith stuck around after practice to play with him and carted him around when the Golden Hurricane were on the road.

It was a role reversal for Smith, who remembers tagging along when his father, Ron, was the offensive coordinator on a state championship football team whose players treated Smith like family.

"I remember the ones that took time to talk to me. I always kind of made that commitment to myself to always make time," Smith said.

Time for faith, family, football and plenty more.

"He's incredible. He's got a gift," Graham said. "I think that's what makes him so great. He knows that the good Lord has blessed him with the talents that he has, and he really stays grounded and really stays humble in his approach.

"Man, he's a winner too, though. You say all those nice things about him, but he's intense. He's a competitor."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10560566/rss.

Also, an article about Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, who's trying to take his team to the next level after leading them to their first bowl game in years. Here's a quote from him about it:

Croom is more convinced than ever that State can make a run for the title, despite the fact the Bulldogs have the second-smallest athletic budget in the SEC.

"My daddy was a minister and he used to preach a sermon, 'Use what you got,'" Croom said. "That's always stuck with me. There's no use crying about what you don't have.

"If you're going to be in this race, you better run to win. If you are in this SEC football business, you've got to decide. Are you going to run to win? Or are you just going to give in? I came here to win."

Here's the article: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jan/05/mississippi-state-football-season-in-review-for/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/298).

Here's an article about former Yankees 1st baseman Andy Phillips, a Christian, signing a minor league contract with the Reds last week: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10559625/rss.

Lastly, a great article about LSU tackle Ciron Black, a Christian, and his relationship with 8-year-old Mikey Conger. Conger is battling cancer-related problems at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, and the two connected through LSU football. Someone sent Black an e-mail about Conger. Conger used to wear #70 when he was healthy enough to play football, which just happens to be Black's number at LSU. Black then posted this message on Conger's website:

Hey Michael, " the note began, "I recently saw your story and wanted to have the honor to write in your guest book. My name is Ciron Black. " ...

"I am the left tackle for the LSU Tigers football team. I'm also number 70 and I saw you wearing that jersey number, that's a great number by the way :). You know some people see us as heroes because of how we play but the truth is people like yourself are the real heroes. I see all the small problems I face are nothing compared to the hardships that you may go through. God has a plan for all of us and for some reason he put it on my heart to write you tonight. If it is at all possible I would love to talk to you. My number is ***-**** anytime, day or night, if you need someone to talk to. Hang in there buddy and just know that anything is possible through Christ."

Your friend, Ciron Black

P.S. I would love to write your name on my wrist tape as I get ready to take the field on Jan. 7th for the national championship. Let me know if that is OK.

Black and the Congers then became friends. Unfortunately, Conger is not doing well, with LSU's big game in the national championship game against Ohio State tomorrow night. Here's another quote about Black:

Ciron said his character was molded by his parents, Sandra and Ronnie, both whom are preachers. Missing church was never an option, he said. Sometimes he had to be pushed in school but, when it came to getting into trouble, Ciron was never a problem.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AlcVTFyD9b5jhTJcEO9H3MA5nYcB?slug=jn-ciron010508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

basketball & football, especially coaches & SEC

Hi. Happy New Year! This will be my last post of the year.

First, a good article about basketball player Wayne Simien, a Christian formerly with Kansas, the Timberwolves, and the Heat. He was released by the Heat and is currently rehabbing a knee injury so that he can return to play with some team in the NBA next season. Simien and his wife and daughter are living in Indianapolis now while he's rehabbing. Here's a quote from him:

Simien said he was in no hurry to give up basketball and perhaps pursue a career as a minister. A man of deep faith, he’d said in the past that might be an avenue he’d like to explore someday.

“That was in my heart at the beginning when I first had a transformation in life,” Simien said. “One of the great things I learned to look into the last few years is you can be a minister in every area of life and not be ‘Pastor Wayne’ or ‘Preacher Wayne.’ I still have it in my heart. But it’s my main focus trying to live it out every day of my life and administer with people.

“I am working in the inner city, working with high school kids here in Indianapolis in one of the poorest areas around. It is really fulfilling that desire.”

Here's the article: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/dec/25/former_jayhawk_upbeat_despite_release/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/260).

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and how his style of coaching has worked through all of the years that he's coached in two different stints with the Redskins: http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071226/SPORTS01/238927720/1005/sports (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next, an article about Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., who struggled this year with the terrible Dolphins team after playing in the national championship game with Ohio State last year. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I think God just puts you in situations where he wants you to fight," Ginn said. "That's the only thing that I can take out of it ... You go from a 12-1 team (at Ohio State) to a 1-15 team ..."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071228/SPT02/712280358/1066/.

Here's an article about the wives of the head coaches of the teams playing in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (CFA Bowl) tomorrow night in Atlanta -- Linda Bowden, wife of Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, and Suzanne Tuberville, wife of Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville -- who are all Christians. Here's a couple of quotes:

Q: How do you balance the demands of football and family? How do you get used to new towns when you move or travel?

LB [Linda Bowden]: My son was in three high schools. The first thing we do is get involved with church and Bible study. That’s been my rock and foundation. The people there don’t care about what happens on Saturdays. ...

Q: If you were going to offer advice to someone who’s new to the coaching life, what tips would you offer?

ST [Suzanne Tuberville]: If I was talking to a young woman who’d just married a football coach, I’d tell her to get involved in your church, your kids’ school, your community. You’re going to have a lot of time on your hands.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/living/content/shared-blogs/ajc/social/entries/2007/12/28/catching_up_the_cfa_coaches_wi.html.

Also, an article about Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, who turned around the football program at Mississippi State and lead the team to its first bowl game since 2000. They beat Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl last night. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3170858.

Here's an article about Illinois head women's basketball coach Jolette Law, who became the coach before this season after being an assistant coach at Rutgers under C. Vivian Stringer for several years. She returned to the Midwest and the Big Ten after having played at Iowa. Here's a quote from her about taking the Illinois job:

It was the call of the Midwest and the Big Ten that were pivotal in Law deciding to take this job. With Rutgers' success, she'd had other opportunities to become a head coach.

"God had been wrestling with me for some time," she said, smiling. "And Coach Stringer kept telling me, 'You're ready, you're ready, you're ready.'"

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=3170965.

Next, an article about the IU football team playing in the Insight Bowl tomorrow in Arizona. They dedicated the season to their late head coach Terry Hoeppner, who died last June from brain cancer. Here's a quote about IU kicker Austin Starr and Coach Hep:

The program from June’s “celebration of life,” is still in Starr’s locker in Bloomington. It’s the only one he owns, so he didn’t bring it to Phoenix.

He’s memorized the details of Hoeppner’s face printed on the cover, as well as the Jeremiah 29:11 passage his late coach loved.

Here's the article: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105458 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/222).

Here's an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and about how he's been more involved with the team as a whole this season. In past seasons he ran the offense, but he gave up that job late last season. The move has seemed to help him and the team as a whole: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/28/bowlricht_1229.html.

Also, an article about Tennessee quarterback Eric Ainge, a Christian, and about how winning their bowl game, the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year's, will define his legacy at Tennessee. However, he wishes that his legacy would be something else. Here's a quote about that:

"Wins, rings, championships, all that kind of stuff, obviously that's what everybody wants, and I understand how it works," Ainge said. "But at the same time, being remembered as a good person who grew up at the university in the great place of Knoxville and used the system to my advantage and being a good teammate. That to me is what is most important."

Here's the article: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/dec/29/sp-ainge-looking-to-define-legacy/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/401).

Here's an article about Georgia defensive lineman Michael Lemon, who has had to deal with the death of his best friend a few years ago and the murder of his mother last winter. Here's a quote about how he's dealing with the deaths from their team chaplain Kevin "Chappy" Hynes:

"Michael Lemon is a very quiet, very introverted young man," said Kevin "Chappy" Hynes, the team chaplain. "I wouldn't say he's handling it well. I wouldn't say he's not. I don't know. I do know he's internalizing it."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/29/sports/FBC-Sugar-Bowl-Lemons-Burden.php (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/233).

Lastly, here's the NFL Wild Card Playoff games schedule for next weekend, for your information: http://www.nfl.com/schedules?seasonType=POST&season=2007#Week.

the Heisman, football, basketball, MLB, and Christmas music

Hello. First of all, I just finished watching the Heisman Trophy Award Show, and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, won!!!!!!!! The piece that they showed on him during the show was great, and the conversations with him were too. He mentioned that his priorities are #1 his faith, #2 his family, #3 academics, and #4 football. He thanked God three times during his acceptance speech. What is so awesome about him is that not even the secular media can talk about him in depth without mentioning his faith and character. His head coach at Florida, Urban Meyer, even mentioned that his Christian faith, which had a big affect on him. Also, his hero growing up, former Florida Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, was there with the rest of the former Heisman winners. It was talked about how Tebow looked up to him both as a player and as a Christian. I went to college in Tennessee and quickly became a Tennessee football fan, and thus a Florida-hater, since Florida is Tennessee's biggest rival. But I gotta like Tim Tebow, even though I never thought I'd like a Gator. I'll send on articles and hopefully videos about him winning the Heisman as I can.

Here's an article about Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander, a Christian, who recently returned to play after missing some games because of injuries. He's had to battle injuries both this season and last, after winning the MVP and helping to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005. Here's a quote from him about it:

I know what it's like to hear it from your colleagues in a press box. But I don't know what it's like to hear it if you're Shaun Alexander. So I asked, and I was surprised how resilient -- or immune -- he is to the criticism that seems to follow him everywhere.

"I'm a man of faith, and I read the Bible," he said. "And one of the Scriptures says, 'Let me not be too rich or too poor.' If I'm too rich I might find I don't need God. If I'm too poor I might steal or insult God.

"I kind of feel like that with the fans. Let me not be so involved with what they say, but, at the same time, let me love what they say. Because if I fall in love too much with what they say I might feel like, hey, they're cheering for me. Good, I'm great. But if they cheer for me bad, then I'll feel miserable.

"I do respect and honor what they do because we have great fans. But I'm like, OK, let me love with what the fans do, but, at the same time, not take it so much to heart that it can throw me off."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10510347/rss.

Next, a great Christian article profiling 27 NCAA Division I-A and I-AA Christian starting and back-up quarterbacks who are involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at their colleges. Here's the list: Tim Tebow (Florida), Paul Smith (Tulsa), Colt McCoy (Texas), Erik Ainge (Tennessee), Ben Mauk (Cincinnati), Kinsmon Lancaster (Louisiana-Monroe), John Parker Wilson (Alabama), Mike Kafka (Northwestern), Stephen McGee (Texas A&M), Tim Bessolo (Sacramento State), Karsten Sween (Wyoming), Nick Hill (Southern Illinois), Daniel Evans (North Carolina State), Grant Throckmorton (Virginia Tech), Josh Freeman (Kansas State), Greg McElroy (Alabama), Blake Barnes (Georgia), Case Keenum (Houston), Jarod Bryant (U.S. Naval Academy), Carson Coffman (Kansas State), Chase Patton (Missouri), Tim Hiller (Western Michigan), Tom Zetts (Youngstown State), Joe Craddock (Middle Tennessee State), Ryan Roberts (Baylor), Chase Clement (Rice), and B.J. Coleman (Tennessee). Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=4BA537B4-6209-46FB-89B535CCC69B399A.

Here's a Christian article about Appalachian State head football coach Jerry Moore, who next Friday night will lead his team in their third straight NCAA Division I-AA national championship game in an attempt to win their third straight national championship. Here's a great quote about him, and something similar to what was mentioned by the broadcasters when I watched them win the national semi-final game last night:

“His legacy is not wins and losses and national championships,” said David Daly, FCA’s area director for Northwest North Carolina. “It’s what a difference he makes in kids’ lives.”

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D8A903C9-A38A-4FFA-9C6701C788FEC4AC&method=display.

Also, a Christian article about Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, and how he made it from the projects to the NFL with the help of his mom and his faith: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=72F524CA-6FF9-48A4-9F2A726EEBAD9103&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Mississippi State women's basketball player Alexandria Hagler, who overcame a poor home life and some bad decisions in high school and college to be redeemed and renewed by God, thanks to a Christian friend and teammate Bethany Workman. Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=EA1ABF3B-607D-4522-A1046B24214D9701&method=display.

Next, a Christian article about Carson-Newman College football head coach Ken Sparks: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=665AC857-C7D7-43DB-B0AFA90171C993FC.

Here's a Christian article about Western Michigan women's basketball player Michelle DeNooyer: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=CDB45A77-AF71-44E9-B025DF6260E9320B.

Also, a Christian article by Jets wide receiver Brad Smith: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=8FA704D7-3601-4F7E-A299E6395FC23ADD.

Here's an article about the Jimmy V Foundation launching the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer fund. The late Jim Valvano was the head coach of the men's basketball team at NC State along with current NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and they became good friends. Valvano died from cancer, and Yow is currently fighting a long battle with breast cancer. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AhQOdARyhYQe2xGDUj.ZPI5.T4h4?slug=ap-yow-cancerinitiative&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, some Christian Christmas music information. First, a link to free downloads of two great Christmas songs from Christian music artist Aaron Shust, "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel": http://www.aaronshustmedia.com/holiday/.

The other is a great article about the story behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writing the words to the poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", which were later set to music. Longfellow wrote the poem during the Civil War, but its message of peace and God is still true in the world today. In the Christmas cantata that I'm singing in at my church, we're singing this song to another tune. Here's the article: http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/Edit_I.Heard.the.Bells.html.

football, MLB, etc.

Hi. Here's some more articles, and I'll try to post as many as I can today. First of all, a couple of articles about Falcons runningback Warrick Dunn reaching 10,000 yards for his career on Thanksgiving against the Colts. This article includes about his charity, Homes for the Holidays, which helps to provide homes for single mothers (click on the link in the article for pictures of one such house). The article also mentions how excited Dunn was for Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, to be there to see it, since Dungy was Dunn's first coach when they were both with the Buccaneers. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/11/23/falside_1123.html.

The other article is a blog post from Tony Dungy about the game, and he had this to say about getting to be there to see Dunn's 10,000 yard:

... So it was great for me to see him reach that milestone personally, and I think the Lord set it up to happen on a night when I was present.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/8a8b15b6-c516-440b-955c-5a25e9c1c129.

Next, an article about the Mississippi State football team and their head coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian. They have a good chance of making a bowl game this year, with the bowl announcements tonight. Here's a quote about Croom from their athletic director Larry Templeton:

The other thing going for the Bulldogs is Croom. Widely regarded as one of the true gentlemen in the game, there's a significant amount of sentiment around the country that would love to see the first black coach in SEC history make it to a bowl game.

"I think all of those come into play. I'd be naive if I didn't think that," Templeton said. "What I have sensed happening is that everybody is pulling for this guy to be successful. Not because he's the black football coach. Because of the integrity and character of the man and the way he's gone about doing it."

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/112307aah.html.

Here's a good Christian article about Tigers 1st base coach Andy Van Slyke from The Christian Sports Blog. Here's a good quote from him:

As a Christian and a father, he has learned how to keep the game of baseball in perspective.

"A lot of times throughout the year we have a tendency to put baseball on the throne," Van Slyke said. "But as Christians, that's the battle. We have to ask ourselves who's going to be on the throne today."

Here's the article: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/andy-van-slyke-making-impact.html.

Also, an article about star track and field sprinter Allyson Felix, a Christian, who was also nominated for the Sportsman of the Year Award from Sports Illustrated: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/11/08/layden.felix/.

Here's an article about Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, who is having a break out year in his first year with the Patriots. Here's a good quote from his dad, Leland:

Leland and Shelley know the only sure way to cover their son.

"We cover him in prayer," Leland says.

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2007-11-23-sw-wes-welker_N.htm.

Next, an article about Lions kicker Jason Hanson, a Christian, and his television acting debut on a local kids TV show in Michigan: http://www.mlive.com/sports/grpress/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/119578650616020.xml&coll=6 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Here's an article on former Braves outfielder Otis Nixon and his recovery from drug abuse. In turning his life around he became a Christian and is now working on becoming an ordained minister. It's kind of ironic having articles from both Nixon and Van Slyke in this post, since Nixon's best known for his home-run-saving catch of a ball hit by Van Slyke, who was then playing for the Pirates, in the early 1990's. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/11/25/whatever_1126_web.html.

Also, an article about Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, and his getting better with age: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=310109.

Here's an article about Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson speaking to student athletes at Southern Methodist University: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071125/SPORTS02/711250650/1050 (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071126&content_id=2307411&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Lastly, an article about Illinois defensive player J Leman, a Christian, being named a finalists for the Lott Trophy, which honors the college football Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?LIST_ID=1&STORY_ID=10086.

Okay, that's all for now, I'll post more when I can.

sports misc.

First of all, the last three articles from the NBA's trip to South Africa to conduct a basketball camp and help out the community. The players involved were Spurs forward Bruce Bowen, Bobcats center Primoz Brezec, Hawks guard/forward Josh Childress, Suns forwad/center Sean Marks, Magic forward Pat Garrity, Kings guard Kevin Martin, Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, Bobcats forward/center Emeka Okafor, Knicks forward Malik Rose, and former NBA players Jim Jackson and Steve Smith. Here's the articles: http://www.nba.com/global/bwb_africa_day_3_recap.html, http://www.nba.com/global/bwb_africa_final_day_recap.html, and an article about Emeka Okafor's reflections on the trip: http://www.nba.com/global/okafor_070909.html.

Here's a neat article written in a first-person format by Will Jauss, the 11-year-old son of Dodgers coach Dave Jauss about he and his family's summer with his dad. During the school year he and his family live in Boston, but they spend the summer in Los Angeles with his dad while he's coaching. The article gives some neat insight into what it's like to be a "baseball kid": http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsJvdQFHAQsKOUa9BT.Uax05nYcB?slug=ys-willjauss091007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Shock 6-8 center Katie Feenstra, a Christian, who played collegiately at Liberty University, a Chrisitan college. Her team is currently playing in the WNBA Finals against Phoenix. Before this season she was traded to the Shock after spending two years with San Antonio, which was good for the Michigan native. Here's a couple of quotes from the article:

Feenstra could have stayed closer to home to go to college and/or played in any major conference she wanted to. Her faith led her to Liberty, where her older sister also played. Liberty has dominated the Big South and made the NCAA Sweet 16 in Feenstra's senior season. ...

"I think they figured, 'Katie's from Liberty, she's a Christian, she's gonna play soft, she's from the Big South -- what's that?' I had to prove myself. I had to do that in San Antonio, and I had to do that here in Detroit. So it's a battle, constantly, but I think it's started to change."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=3012543.

Here's an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, winning the MLB Clutch Performer of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070910&content_id=2199636&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 9th. Here's a quote from him:

But Wilson seems to have found a comfort zone while hitting in the no. 8 spot for the Pirates. He's averaging .304 in that position, tops in the NL.

"I try to take pride in everything I do," said Wilson. "If I'm going to be hitting eighth, I'm going to try to be the best eighth hitter that I can be. Wherever I hit, I have to do my job."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070910&content_id=2200103&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Auburn football head coach Tommy Tuberville supporting a fellow Christian football coach, embattled Mississippi State football head coach Sylveter Croom. Ironically, Mississippi State upset Auburn today, which I guess proved Tuberville right! Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AmKxUPXfeklpMyMa1TCYl_l.T4h4?slug=ap-tuberville-croom&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about John Jackson, an Indianapolis-area guy who is private contractor working for the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq, and a huge Colts fan. Here's an interesting quote about him and Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian:

The father of a 25-year-old daughter, Jackson hopes to one day meet Colts coach Tony Dungy, whose work with All-Pro Dads inspired Jackson to help create an Iraq chapter.

"This is a guy who epitomizes everything I think a man should want to be," Jackson said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/SPORTS03/709110397.

Here's an article about Heat guard Dwayne Wade winning the NBA's Community Assist Award for August: http://www.nba.com/heat/community/wade_communityassist_070911.html?rss=true.

Also, an article about the six finalists for the MLB Players Association's Man of the Year Award. One finalist was chosen from each division by the fans, and then last week the players then voted on a winner from among the six finalists. The finalists are Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols (a Christian), Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Twins outfielder Torii Hunter (a Christian), Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, Mets pitcher Tom Glavine, and Padres pitcher Jake Peavy (a Christian). Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070911&content_id=2201399&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, I had been wondering if Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Chrisitan, would be eligible for the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Unfortunately, a player had to have played in the Majors before coming back, and Hamilton had only played in the Minors. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2206844&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

sports misc. and some music

Sorry that I haven't posted for awhile. I've been busy, so I'm going to catch up some tonight.

First of all, an article about Knicks guard Nate Robinson and the basketball camp that he hosted a couple of weeks ago. He sponsored 75 kids to attend the camp who couldn't afford it otherwise. Robinson did that because when he was a kid growing up in Seattle, Gary Payton, who was then playing for the Sonics, sponsored Robinson and his brother to attend his camp. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/robinson_070826_camp.html?rss=true.

Here's an article about Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, a Christian, hosting "Brian's Baseball Bash" to raise money for The University of Maryland Hospital for Children. Here's a quote about it:

Andy MacPhail, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, came to the party, along with several of Roberts' teammates, and liked what he saw.

"I've been around baseball now, working in it, for over 30 years and been around it all my life ... and it's really rare to find someone as committed to the fans and to causes that matter as Brian is," MacPhail said. "You might run into two or three of those guys in your entire career, no matter how many teams you're with. He's a special guy. I think he enjoys it; I think he gets a certain energy from it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070826&content_id=2172811&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a few articles about the Little League World Series (LLWS), which concluded last Sunday. The first article starts with an awesome quote from Dalton Carriker, the player for Warner Robins, Georgia, that hit the walk-off homer to beat Japan in the world championship game:

Dalton Carriker remembers falling down to one knee and praying in the first-base dugout moments before his at-bat in the bottom of the eighth inning on Sunday.

"Please God," he said, "give me the strength to help my teammates."

I thought that it was great that he didn't pray to hit a home run, just for the strength to help his teammates. Dalton Carriker might be a name to remember. Here's that article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070826&content_id=2172326&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another article about the LLWS world championship game, including how the Georgia team tried console the crying Japan team after the game: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/08/26/little_0827.html?cxntnid=brv082707e.

The last LLWS article is about all of the appearances that the Warner Robins, Georgia, team will be making because of winning the LLWS world championship. Last year's world champ, from Columbus, Georgia, was kept busy for weeks afterwards. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/stories/2007/08/27/llwssideb_0827.html?cxntnid=brv082707e.

Also, a Q & A article with Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian. Here's a great quote from him about putting last season (when they won the Super Bowl) into perspective:

What's your perspective on last season?
"Everything man makes is to manipulate man into wanting more. Everybody wants to know who the next Super Bowl winner is and everybody in Indianapolis wants a second one because the first one wasn't enough. That's the nature of the beast. What I've come to realize this past offseason is I want to give my life to God and his institutions, his purposes, and live in this world and play football and play music. Ultimately, I give my heart and my life to God."

Here's another quote from Smith, this one about his Christian music group, Connersvine:

So you cut your first album?
"It comes out Oct. 23. And our single, 'Live For You,' is on the radio and has been picked up by multiple stations all over America."

The album name?
"Self-titled."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS03/708270362/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an interesting article about former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann, who is now a pastor and works with coaches: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=65eb56ce-1428-4f24-9419-fadaaa278683.

Here's a link to his blog, which is also interesting: http://www.mycolts.net/jehrmann/blog/Sports__Culture__Coaching_and_Parenting

Next, an article about how Athletes in Action's (AIA) ministry with Major League Soccer (MLS)has grown: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=247.

Here's an article about Mississippi State football head coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, and how he's been working on rebuilding the MSU football program almost from scratch: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/082807aec.html.

Also, an article about Florida State football head coach Bobby Bowden and his son, Clemson football head coach Tommy Bowden, who are both Christians. In conjunction with the Florida State/Clemson game coming up on Monday, the Bowdens have promoted a contest to see which team's fans can give the most blood. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-bobbytommybowdenpromoteblo&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Here's a quote from new Cubs outfielder Craig Monroe about the fact that there's no padding on the walls at the Cubs' Wrigley Field:

He is aware there is no padding behind the ivy on the outfield walls.

"That comes with it," he said. "I hope He's with me, and I'll be fine. I'm going to run into it, that's how I am."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070828&content_id=2175744&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Right now I'm listening to the IU/Indiana State football game, and IU wide receiver James Hardy was penalized 15 yards for "excessive celebrating" for going down on one knee in the end zone after he scored a touchdown. Since when is there anything wrong with that?!

Lastly, today I got the latest CD's from Casting Crowns and Point of Grace, which both came out last Tuesday. Casting Crown's CD is called The Altar and the Door and Point of Grace's CD is called How You Live.

Yankees, Braves, Catchings, and Croom

First, an article about the Yankees hosting Buses for Baseball, which is for kids who can't otherwise afford to go to a Major League game. Those on the Yankees involved with the kids included Johnny Damon, Mike Myers, and Miguel Cairo. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070717&content_id=2091970&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Yankees 1st baseman Andy Phillips, a Christian, and how much better he's playing now than last year and earlier this year. Last year he was dealing with the illness of his wife, and this spring his mom was seriously injured in a car accident. But everyone is doing fine now, and so is he on the field. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070717&content_id=2091745&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy&partnered=rss_nyy.

Next, an article about the Braves Christmas in July program, where they collect new toys that are donated by fans at some games in June, and then the players and others hand deliver them to kids in local hospitals. Those involved with the Braves included Tim Hudson and his wife, Matt Diaz and his wife (Christians), Jeff Francoeur and his fiancee (Christians), and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. I think that just the fact that the players came and spent time with them meant more to the kids than the toys though. I thought that this last part of the article about Francoeur was great:

Then there was 12-year-old Darcy Chaffin of McDonough, Ga.

Her spirits rose when Diaz, his wife, Leslee, Braves Spanish broadcaster Fernando Palacios, and former Brave Marty Perez dropped in to visit. Her spirits soared when she heard that Jeff Francoeur was in the building. While she enjoyed her visit, as the group moved on, no one knew what was going to happen next for Chaffin or Francoeur.

At around 2:45, more than two hours after the visiting began, the Braves players met in the hospital lobby to leave for Turner Field. As Francoeur was leaving, his fiancé, Catie McCoy, shouted at him to turn around. Chaffin, wearing a robe and a sanitary face mask, pushing a portable IV, with her nurse and parents in tow, had made her way down to the lobby just in time to catch Francoeur before he left.

The Braves right fielder turned around, walked back to where the group was standing, his face aglow with his signature smile. He then took a knee, gave the girl a big hug and posed for a couple of pictures.

"I looked around the whole hospital for him," she beamed afterward.

It was the kind of miracle that only happens at Christmas -- or in Atlanta, Christmas in July.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070717&content_id=2092061&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Here's an article about Fever forward Tamika Catchings, a Christian, helping take care of her sister Tauja's little boy: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/SPORTS05/707180400/1223/SPORTS05.

Lastly, a Q & A article about Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian. Here's a quote from him about why he took the job at Mississippi State after losing out on the same job at Alabama:

... But at the same time, you know, I am one of those people who believe that the good Lord has things planned for your life, and I've always thought to prepare myself for the eventuality of whatever came along. ...

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/071807aal.html.

baseball misc. and Riley

First of all, a quote from Angels rookie outfielder Terry Evans on hitting a 2-run homer for his first Major-League hit in his first start last Wednesday:

"What an amazing blessing for my first hit to be a home run, for my dad to see it, and to win the game," Evans said. "I wanted to contribute in some way."

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/angels/la-sp-angels21jun21,1,955737.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-angels. (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=2041661&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp)

Here's a quote from a Q & A article with Astros rookie outfielder Hunter Pence:

MLBPLAYERS.com: How did it feel to be named the National League's Rookie of the Month for May?

Pence: It was humbling. It was a humbling thing to win that award. It is a big deal and it's something that can never be taken away. I'm really proud of that honor. On the other hand, I take it with a grain of salt and just move on. The focus needs to stay on today.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070622&content_id=2042179&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about the charity work that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. does and doesn't want anyone to know about. A note about the autographed balls that the article mentioned he was selling at the Reds/Mariners game this weekend: the balls sold out before the game even started. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070622/SPT04/706220390/1071/SPT.

Here's an article about 9th Inning Ministries, which was at the College Baseball World Series the past week plus. At the World Series, they passed out free bottles of water to the fans, coordinated baseball clinics in Omaha and Lincoln, sponsored an evangelistic breakfast featuring College World Series players and former Major League pitcher Kent Bottenfield, local hospital visits by professional and College World Series players, a Bible study for the series players. Here's their website: http://www.9th-inningministry.org/. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5612.

Also, an article about 9th Inning Ministries breakfast at the College Baseball World Series, which included Kent Bottenfield, and World Series players: Mississippi State pitchers Justin Pigott and Aaron Weatherford, and Louisville catcher Justin Haywood. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5613.

Here's an article about pitcher Mike Maroth (a Christian) being traded last Friday from the Tigers to the Cardinals: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070622&content_id=2042251&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a couple of quotes from Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano about former teammate Michael Barrett (both Christians) after Barrett's trade from the Cubs to the Padres:

In his four starts since the scuffle June 1, Zambrano is 3-1 with a 1.14 ERA (four earned runs over 31 2/3 innings) while striking out 35. Did he learn from that incident?

"I think you have to have pride," Zambrano said. "All players have to have pride. I was embarrassed by what I did to one of my teammates. I was embarrassed. I said, 'That's enough. ... I'm an All-Star. I'm a good pitcher and I have to settle down and shut it off and start a new season and start a new rally going.'"

He's done just that....

...Zambrano may have done well with Bowen, and catcher Koyie Hill, but he does miss Barrett, traded to the Padres on Wednesday.

"It's sad," Zambrano said. "Nobody wants to be traded. I know he didn't want to be traded. It's sad to watch him go. I wish him the best. It's sad, because he was my teammate. He was the guy behind you for four years. He's a good guy, great guy."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070622&content_id=2042697&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Lastly, I found another Christian athlete's website, this time San Antonio Silver Stars Ruth Riley's: http://www.ruthriley.com/.

mostly MLB misc., etc.

First of all, an excellent Christian article on Mississippi State pitcher Justin Pigott. Mississippi State beat Clemson to make it to the College World Series. It includes an audio quote from him. Here's the article: http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/SPORTS030102/706080345 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=226).

Here's an interesting article about renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Here's a quote about him:

On a Sunday in January 2006, Andrews was rushed from church to St. Vincent's with a heart attack....

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/06/10/0611andrews.html.

Next, a quote about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his last start:

Did Zambrano stop pointing his finger to the sky in his latest outing June 6? He definitely seemed less emotional. Have the Cubs told him that his super-heightened emotional state for starts is no longer the way to go?-- Dan G., Louisville, Ky.

Actually, Zambrano did point -- it's his way of thanking God -- but you must have missed it. A Milwaukee reporter actually asked me about that during the game. As for his emotions, Zambrano has had a tough few days, with his birthday blowup in the dugout and tearful meeting with Barrett the next day. Let's hope he can channel his energy into his pitching.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070611&content_id=2019647&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's an article about former boxer, etc. George Foreman and the his new Christian book that was just published: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5603.

Also, an article about former Falcon Greg Brezina and how he became a Christian and changed his life: http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local_sports/story/6546919p-5826391c.html (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5604.

Here's an interesting article about the Brewers Gabe Gross, a Christian, and his career as a quarterback at Auburn before switching to only baseball, and other two sport stars on the Brewers: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070611&content_id=2020251&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil.

Next, an article about Cubs outfielder Cliff Floyd and his dad, who's in very poor health in a hospital ICU. That family could probably use some prayers, especially with Father's Day coming up on Sunday. Here's a quote from him about that:

Floyd has not played for the Cubs since Thursday in Atlanta, and had returned to Chicago over the weekend to be at his father's side. Is it hard to concentrate on baseball?

"It's not hard," Floyd said. "My mind is on winning. I can leave my dad where he is. You do a lot of praying and talking to the man upstairs and know it's out of my control. Me sitting there is a good thing because I can keep my eye on things, but in terms of him getting better, it won't help.

"Believe it or not, being around the boys has helped me tremendously," he said of his teammates.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070612&content_id=2021873&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article that I came across just today about Ta'Shia Phillips, who finished her basketball career at Brebeuf Jesuit High School in the Indianapolis area this past season. She won the Marion County High School Female Athlete of the Year Award. At the height of 6'6", she might be one to watch for next year at Xavier. Here's a quote about her from her high school coach Kendall Kreinhagen, when nominating her for the award:

"It's called the County Athlete of the Year, but you've got to look at them as student-athletes, and that's what Ta'Shia is," Kreinhagen said. "She excels on the floor but she also excels off the floor in the community. She helps out through her church, mentoring in youth basketball, and she did what it took to help out our younger players by staying after practice with them.

"She gives back."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/SPORTS0217/706130505.

Lastly, a Christian audio interview with Astros 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg on Sports Spectrum Radio: http://www.rbc.org/radio_and_tv/sports_spectrum/programs/55750.aspx#. Also, here's a link to the Sports Spectrum Insider blog: http://insider.sport.org/.