Chiney Ogwumike, Malcom Jenkins, Auggie Singh...and the notebook

During my first time around as a sportswriter I loved days when I had a notes section. So many times I covered an event or wrote a feature and there were great quotes or things observed that would never have gotten into the paper without this dedicated space.

Now that I am back in the game I have not had this luxury. Over the past few weeks some nuggets have stayed in the notebook and I haven’t been able to share.

So, I thought I’d use this space to share some outtakes from my interviews—high school, college, and pros.

I hope you enjoy these!

December 6, Auggie Singh, San Jose Mercury News high school field hockey player of the year

Auggie and her red bandana.
Photo courtesy of Sergio and Patricia Singh.

Senior Auggie Singh led Archbishop Mitty to a California Central Coast Section championship over Los Gatos by scoring the lone goal. Over the course of the season, she scored 30 times and chipped in 8 assists.

Auggie shared what’s with that red bandana:

“Yes, I have been wearing the SAME red bandana since I was nine! My parents were inspired by a national Argentinean field hockey player, Vanino Oneto, who also wore a red bandana. They got me one and ever since then, it’s been like my trademark and my lucky charm. I had started doing pretty well with it as a kid and have carried it with me, and plan to wear it throughout my field hockey career. I wear it to all of my tournaments and games, and it is just always something I rely on and something to set me apart from others.”

November 25, the Long Beach State-Stanford women’s basketball game

This was Stanford’s first game after they earned the No. 1 ranking. They defeated Long Beach State 77-41. 

At the time Chiney Ogwumike had earned player of the week honors from both the Pac-12 and espnW.

“Rebounding against Chiney is extremely tough,” said Long Beach State coach Jody Wynn. “She is not just a great athlete, but she has a killer instinct, which separates the good from the great. And…she is a great player.”

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer on senior Josyln Tinkle, who led all Cardinal scorers in this game with 18 points: “Jos likes to score. She never met a basket she didn’t like.”

November 18, the New Orleans Saints-Oakland Raiders game

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins picked off a pass from Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer and ran it back 55 yards for a touchdown. It was his first interception in nearly two years.

“When we have fun, we make plays,” said Jenkins, of why the then-ranked No. 32 defense in the league was starting to play better. “What comes first…the chicken or the egg? Do we have fun, then make plays or make plays and then have fun? We come in with the mindset to have fun and play well. We take advantage of every snap, every play.”

Brandon and Rich Marshall from the Olympics...The Food

I knew at some point Brandon and Rich would get around to talking about the food!

Breakfast of Champions

Brandon eating breakfast

No account of a trip would be complete without a discussion about the food. In a sport where your ability to compete is dependent on maintaining your weight, wrestlers are really missing out at the Olympics. There is some amazing food in London.

For the general public there is a great variety of food to choose from. My favorite is always food from the street vendors. As you walk along the streets you will be overwhelmed by the delicious aroma. I would recommend the Cornish pasties if you are running late to your event. It’s easy to eat on the go and quite filling. If you are more adventurous you would love the paella. Simmering in a giant cast iron pan, this mixture of flavors will warm you up in the damp English weather. 

The café in the Athlete’s Village is the largest in the history of the games. According to the London press, the athletes in the village will consume 25,000 loaves of bread and 75,000 liters of milk during the Olympics. They will eat more than 19 tons of eggs and approximately 330 tons of fruits and vegetables. The dining area is a place of camaraderie and ‘star’ gazing. Jordan Burroughs (FS 74kg) tried for more than a week to get a picture with the US gymnastics team. As soon as he did, interrupting Gabby Douglas’ lunch, he tweeted it to his followers!

No mention of food would be complete though without the golden arches. Yes, McDonald’s has a big presence at these games. Not far from the Olympic Stadium, McDonald’s built a two-story temporary restaurant. It is reported they serve 1,000 customers in an hour! It seems strange that fast food would be so central to a sporting event. I guess if it’s okay for Usain Bolt it can’t be all bad…..as long as you work it off like he does! Personally, McDonald’s has made it possible for me to communicate with friends, family and all of you at home. Nothing like free Wi-Fi with a side of fries! 

Brandon and Rich Marshall from the Olympics...Olympic Dreams

Brandon and Rich share their amazing experience.

Collision of Dream and Reality

Brandon and Rich and Brandon's
Olympic flag

Hanging in my room is an Olympic flag. My Uncle Scott gave me the flag as a reminder of why I work, train, and strive to be the best−on and off the mat. Through the years I have had the privilege of collecting signatures of Olympic wrestlers on this flag. Each night I close my eyes and dream about adding my signature someday. It would be an accomplishment beyond measure to sign that flag next to:

·         Rulon Gardner, who won Olympic gold in 2000 and bronze in 2004

·         Cael Sanderson, who won Olympic gold in 2004 and went undefeated four years
at Iowa State

·         Stephen Abas, who won Olympic silver in 2004 and was a three time NCAA
Division I champion

·         Jamill Kelly, who won Olympic silver in 2004

·         Dremiel Byers, who is a two-time U.S. Olympian

…and now Spenser Mango, another two-time U.S. Olympian.

So many names…there is not enough time to list them all. These are men that I admire for their character, spirit, and sportsmanship. Until now there has always been one dream that has seemed out of reach. 

Sitting in the Excel Center watching Greco-Roman wrestling I had one opportunity after another to meet and speak with Olympic greats. I was able to talk strategy with Kenny Monday, who won Olympic gold in 1988 and silver in 1992, and Dennis Hall, a 10-time U.S. national champion, world champion, and Olympic silver medalist in 1996.

I talked about college and my goals with Dan Gable, who won Olympic gold in 1972 and only lost one match in college! We reminisced about when he was my camp instructor at Camp of Champs along with these Olympians:

·         Ben Peterson, who won gold in 1972 and silver medal in 1976

·         John Peterson, who won silver in 1972 and gold in 1976

·         Barry Davis, who won silver in 1984

Kiki Kelley and Brandon

I met Christina “Kiki” Kelley, benefactor of the Kiki Cup, and we talked about her interest and involvement in wrestling. Each of these individuals was encouraging and offered their support and guidance as I continue to grow into this wonderful sport. They know that it is important to reach out to young athletes to keep that spirit alive in the United States. They represent the very best of the spirit of competition and mentorship. It was an overwhelming experience to be surrounded by so many greats in the sport.

The Russian Bear and Brandon

During a break in competition I went out to the open area for a breath of fresh air. There were big banners lining the walkway. One was of particular interest to me. It depicted Rulon Gardner and Aleksandr Karelin as they faced each other in the gold medal match in Sydney in 2000. As I posed for a picture next to the banner I recalled Karelin’s amazing history. He was undefeated in international competition for 13 years (1987-2000) and went six years without giving up one point. He won Olympic gold for Russia in 1988, 1992, and 1996. In September 2000 he faced Gardner and lost the match, marking his retirement from the sport. As long as I can remember I have dreamed of meeting the Russian Bear. I longed to see how I would measure up to the 6’3” master of the mat. As I started to walk away from the banner I heard a voice say, “I know him.” As I turned to go back to my seat, there he stood…Aleksandr Karelin. He pointed again at the banner and said, “I know him.” “Me too.” I replied. What more could I say? We spoke briefly and posed for the picture of my lifetime. Suddenly my dream was no longer out of reach.

As Victor Hugo wrote, “each man should frame his life so that at some future hour, fact and his dreaming meet.” The Olympics seems to be the ultimate clash of dreams and reality for so many. Some dream of gold, some dream of competition, some dream of opportunity…. all dream that their reality will be as good as they dream. In the future, when they ask who has signed my flag, someday I will respond again…… me too! Occasionally we find a moment in life that exceeds our expectations and dreams.

Brandon and Rich Marshall from the Olympics...Observations

Today, Brandon and Rich Marshall share some observations from London.

Heart of an Athlete

I was so excited the Olympics were in London this time. At least we wouldn’t have to worry about a language barrier. Well, that couldn’t have been further from reality! Every place we look there are people of different nations. Just sitting in one restaurant we have heard German, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Italian and English. The amazing thing is….everyone is talking to each other.

Brandon in front of the flags of all the nations
competing at the Olympics

Competition grabs the interest of people worldwide. In every nation young people share a single dream – faster, higher, stronger. They struggle and train for years to achieve this goal. Then for two short weeks they join together to create an event like no other. Some will win medals, but all strive to achieve their goals. Not everyone can go home with the coveted gold, but what the athletes win is beyond measure.

In this one small restaurant I had the chance to share in that experience. Without understanding a word of what they were saying I felt each person’s pride in their nation’s best.

Nowhere is there more pride though than in the host city. London has welcomed the world with open arms. The organizers have thought through every detail. Waiting is minimal…crowds are given room to roam…and the people of London are eager to help.

There are no borders, no barriers, and no discontent.

For one moment we all have the heart of an athlete.

Brandon and Rich Marshall from the Olympics...Wrestling Predictions

Many of you remember Brandon Marshall, who has been featured in this space a few times. He is a high school wrestler who had Tommy John surgery earlier this year and came back in June to compete at FILA Cadet tournament and Junior Nationals in July. Brandon is in London at the Olympics with his dad, Rich, watching the wrestling competition. Rich has wrestled and coached however for these purposes he really would just like to be known as Brandon’s dad. Both have graciously agreed to share their insights and experiences with us. Here is their first guest blog…enjoy!

It’s In the Bag!

Brandon and Rich with all their gear

Two guys and two backpacks – off to London to watch the best wrestling in the world! I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t wrestling. I was rolling on the mat when I was four months old while my dad coached the high school kids. I could shoot before I could walk. My dad and I have traveled for the last dozen years to practices, matches, and tournaments. Along the way we have met and been taught by some of the greatest men and Olympic champions who have become lifelong friends and mentors.

So what more could London have in store for us? The best in the world will allow us to share their dream for a few short days. We will wave our American flag to show our support to these dedicated individuals. Each one has their own story and we naturally have our favorites. Whether it’s the win when it counts from Coleman Scott (FS60kg) or the fun-loving personality of Jake Herbert (FS84kg), each wrestler adds to our enjoyment. I hope to be able to see Ellis Coleman (GR60kg) go for his signature Flying Squirrel move for the win.

My dad is confident that we’ll see Justin Lester (GR66kg) and Dremiel Byers (GR120kg) on the podium for Greco, and Jordan Burroughs (FS74kg) for freestyle. Clarrisa Chun (48kg) and Elena Pirozhkova (63kg) could bring it home for the women.

Jordan Burroughs and Jake Herbert

We never want to underestimate any of the others though. It’s the Olympics and it’s anyone’s to win! Probably the most important to us personally, sharing this trip as father and son, are Jared Frayer (FS66kg) and Sam Hazewinkel (FS55kg). Jared is a new dad, going out there to win it for his girls back home. Sam is continuing the family tradition of being an Olympian. His dad (Dave) and uncle (Jim) were not only twins, but were also on the 1972 U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling team.

These athletes will unknowingly reignite the fire in our hearts to renew our love of the sport. I always thought the time I spent with my dad during wrestling was great because it’s all about wrestling. After getting to know the remarkable men I have met in wrestling, I know that is just the surface. In reality, this time with my dad is great because it’s all about us! We hope you’ll follow us on our journey and remember – just wrestle!

Portland Timbers...and the Building of a Fan Base

Soccer has a hard core group of fans. This group had been complaining for years that they would have to get up at 3am to watch certain major European matches at pubs. Recently, the games have been shown at better times here in the United States and more soccer coverage in general has become available.

Timbers Army photo
by Craig Mitchelldyer.

Along with this increase in access to good soccer matches (here and abroad) something interesting has been going on in Portland. Three years ago, Major League Soccer (MLS) awarded an expansion team to the city. And, a group of fans emerged that this side of the Atlantic hadn’t seen before. They are called Timbers Army and they stand…chant…sing…the entire time. They even sang the National anthem last year before a match.

Timbers Army has created a completely different environment and are changing people’s thoughts about attending a soccer match, especially one at JELD-WEN Field.

As evidence of this, it was just announced that the waiting list exceeds 7,000 for season tickets.

I talked to Mike Golub, Chief Operating Officer of the Portland Timbers, to learn more about starting up a new team and the unique fans.

PJ: What was your marketing strategy in starting up this new team?

Mike: The focus for the whole business of operating on the marketing side is to create an impactful advertising corporate partnership—bringing on the right companies that share the right values here in Portland. The sponsors could tell our story, as well. PR, social media—online communication, was built aggressively. Our community outreach is recognized as one of the most philanthropic in the state. We use the power of sports for good. Our umbrella campaign is “Stand Together.” We have hundreds of appearances for our players and give donations. We have meaningful broad and deep relationships with groups doing good things in the community.

PJ: Tell me about Portland’s soccer history.

Mike: Portland has a rich history of soccer—four decades. Starting with the NASL in the mid-1970s through 1980s…the first iteration of the Timbers was in 1975. We’ve had great support and many on that original team helped grow the sport in this region. University of Portland is coached by a former Timber and it is a national power. There was a re-introduction of the Timbers in 2000s…a minor league team. They had great crowds. Ultimately, we were awarded the MLS expansion team in 2009. We tap into the history of the Timbers and it has helped define the present existence in a unique way. The league itself thought of us as an expansion team with 35 years of history.

We are perceived as the people’s team. Our focus has been to be a major league team…to present ourselves and conduct ourselves commensurate with a major league team. And, we present ourselves as Portland—that has been our major theme.

PJ: How did you capitalize on this fan support?

Mike: We knew we had diehard soccer fans that we were going to capture. Then there were those people who knew the game, but would not call themselves die-hards. We wanted to bring them into the tent. Beyond that we brought in more general sports fans and casual fans who caught the excitement in the process. We have a great core of existing soccer fanatics and knew it had grown. We knew those with a passing interest would catch the bug and we think we’ve done it.

PJ: You have a unique atmosphere. Tell me about how you created this.

Mike: We had a supporters group that started on a small scale 10 years ago. Timbers Army has helped cultivate the conditions to flourish. We work with them and meet with them. We keep 5,000 seats for supporters who stand/chant all game. We embraced their growth, which is a big part of this.

PJ: Do other teams find it intimidating coming to play at your field? Do you consider this a home-field advantage?

Mike: Big Time! To a person the players say this is one of the best environments in North America. It reminds them of Europe. A TV sports executive who was here recently said he’s been to all the big sports events around the world and this is the best atmosphere he’s seen. We think we have something special here. We think the culture around the club and the city is great. Players love being part of it. When the city embraced the Timbers it make it that much more fun for the players to be here. They enjoy being here.

PJ: What’s next?

Mike: We’re obviously proud of what we’ve done so far. We need to stay hungry and keep at it every day. We want to do right by our fans and our corporate partners. We still have folks who are on the waiting list for season tickets. It’s a hard ticket to get and there are still a lot of folks who have not experienced it. We’d like to invest more in the community. We’re not taking success for granted and we are helping the sport grow.

To read more about how the team is doing this season check out http://www.portlandtimbers.com/

Heather Petri...and the Two-Minute Drill

U.S. water polo player Heather Petri has a lot of hardware.

·         Three Olympic medals

·         Two European Champions Cups with Vouliagmeni Nautical Club

·         One National League title with Flamengo in Rio de Janiero Brazil

·         Three Pan American Games titles

·         Two World Championship titles

Heather looking to pass

You’d think after a while it would just be a job…and she would be blasé about competing in her fourth Olympics. Not Heather. She actually got goose bumps while I was talking to her—while sharing her memories of the Games in Sydney. She still feels that first time competing in the Olympics excitement.

The goose bumps came back at the end of our conversation, while she was talking about how fortunate she is to do what she loves and give back by participating in Swim Across America, which raises money and awareness for cancer research.

Both speak volumes on Heather’s grace and dignity and what she stands for.

After reading our conversation, I know all of you will be standing with me and cheering loudly for her in a few weeks in London and well beyond.

PJ: Three Olympics, three medals. That’s an incredible feat. Which one means the most to you?

Heather: Yes, it’s been a bonus…a blessing to return home with medals from the Games I’ve competed in. Each represent a different story and I was a different person as part of those teams. It is a snapshot of me when I was on those teams. All are so different. I think the first one had the biggest impact. The Sydney experience, whether we won or not would’ve been great. I was so new when I joined the team in January and the Olympics were in August. I had never played international water polo. I tell people it’s like I was on a fast, high-speed train speeding past and my eyes were like saucers, wide open, pressed against the windows. I loved every second. When I look back it’s all memories of joy…so incredible.

PJ: What is it like to compete in the Olympics? We at home stop everything to watch. Even people who typically aren’t sports fans are Olympics fans.

Heather: I get chills just thinking about it. For two weeks the way you feel about the Olympics is how I feel about it every day. When I wake up, do a swim set, etc., I keep my goals in my mind and use that feeling to keep me motivated and keep it fun. It’s the same feeling you have for two weeks, I harness it every day. To go to one Olympics is incredible, two is…well…four is a dream, a blessing.



Heather Petri.

PJ: What are your goals this time around?

Heather: It may be cliché, but we have a gold medal in mind. We have the confidence leading up to the Games to think we can do it. Our team is talented. We have the right mix for our team with youth and veterans. The right chemistry and we are supportive of each other. We’ve had adversity. We placed sixth in the World Championships. We’ve had our struggles, but we’ve worked through them and are tighter as a team.

Our goal is to play four consistent quarters. Good teams play one good quarter. If we can sustain this immediate goal and a team beats us with another four good quarters, then it’s a good match. If we can do that, put together four good quarters, we are capable of anything.

PJ: I know that philanthropy is important to you. You have been involved with three organizations up to this point, including Right to Play, and are looking to do more.

Heather: Yes, training is so full-on right now, that it’s hard to coordinate dates—to really get into it. I am excited…I have a lot of ideas. I want to continue this in my life, whether I get a job with the [Right to Play] or another organization. It’s inspiring to think about.

PJ: You are an ambassador for Right to Play. Tell me about the organization and what you do.

Heather: I met other Right to Play ambassadors at the Olympics in 2004. It wasn’t until after 2008 that I got involved. They had a booth in the Olympic Village so we could all learn about it. I met the founder, Johann [Olav Koss], who is an inspiring man. It’s so simple…every child should be able to play. What I love the most is that we get to play. When I look at my life, my parents supported me in all the sports I tried. If they hadn’t, my life could be different. We almost moved to Colorado and I think what path my life would have taken if we moved? I’d be a different person.

So far, what I’ve done is help Johann and others in the organization with donors and kids/parents to show what Right to Play does, and where the money goes. I understand how it’s helped me in America, and people around the world have so much less than we do.

Besides building play areas, they focus on longevity in sports. They pick team leaders, who learn simple games like ball toss and also teach life skills, communication skills, hygiene, conflict resolution, etc. Kids want to play, but don’t realize they are learning until later. The team leaders are part of the community to ensure this lasts. Some organizations do temporary fixes; this organization leaves a lasting impression.

I met a team leader from Uganda. It was so cool. She taught two tribes of little boys. Every Tuesday they would come to play. When they had a war, it was the boys who helped the parents solve their problems. OMG! I can do something so small and it can lead to that…that is special!

PJ: You are also involved with Athletes for Hope.

Heather: Yes, this organization was founded by Mia Hamm and other athletes [Andre Agassi, Andrea Jaeger, Jeff Gordon, Lance Armstrong, Mohammed Ali, Tony Hawk, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning, Cal Ripken, Jr., Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Warrick Dunn]. It is a community-based volunteer program for athletes. You can tell them when you are available and they will help you search options. I used them to work at a food bank and hospitals where I visited cancer patients. They understand the life of an athlete. For them to do this is cool.

PJ: Tell me about Swim Across America.

Heather: As the name says…they organize swims across America and the proceeds go to cancer charities. When I was a kid, my aunt had a double mastectomy and needed bone marrow. When I saw this I knew I wanted to give back. There is a swim in the Bay Area on Sept. 29. A ferry drops you off at the Golden Gate Bridge and you swim to Chrissy Field—about a mile-and-a-half. It’s so inspiring. Last time I did this with my friends and we swam as water polo. We brought a ball with us and wrote names of all the people we were swimming for. On the ferry we passed the ball around and others signed names—I’m getting chills! It’s amazing to see how many people you can touch. One friend got up and said…I’m swimming because I can. It is so simple. I’ll always remember that. There are people who can no longer do what they want to do…I can do this. It’s a cool way for me to do what I love and give back!