All ProSports

By: Juliana Buonanno

Ponte Vedra High School

Despite the hardships, abuse and rejection that Dr. Mark Crear faced throughout his childhood, he never quit or gave up.  He used these things to motivate and drive him and has had a career that very few athletes have matched.  Mark won the 1996 Olympic Silver medal with a broken arm and the 200 Bronze medal with a double hernia.  Both medals came in the 110 meter high hurdles.

Mark talks about his time at the  University of Southern California, the experiences at the Olympics and advice that he gives high school students looking to compete at a high level.  He is an inspiration to all and has overcome many obstacles on his remarkable journey to success.

Listen to the rest of Dr. Mark Crear’s podcast below:

interview with Dr. Mark Crear, 1996 Olympian.

Sportz Ventures

By Matt Valentine

Remember when the only thing the Knicks really had to worry about was how high the would be seeded in the playoffs. Yea the memory is probably a little foggy for most people, its been a while since the likes of Patrick Ewing or John Starks have graced the court of the worlds most famous arena.

These days the Knicks find themselves in the headlines more for their off the court dealings then their on the court play (which has been improving under new coach Mike Dantoni). As usual its Stephon Marbury whose grabbing all the headlines with the on going saga that’s been playing out for quite some time in the big apple.

Its a battle of wills between the Knicks front office and its once star player who cannot reach an amicable end to their relationship. The Knicks don’t want Marbury, Marbury refuses to play for the Knicks and yet there he is every night on the bench, sometimes in uniform, sometimes not, mostly just there doing a whole lot of nothing.

So when will this all end? The Knicks have been playing their last few games with just two men on the bench and just two healthy gaurds and when asked to go into the game Marbury has apparently refused.

The Knicks thought they had found a solution to their problem when they made a”blockbuster trade” that his been more bust then blockbuster. They acquired guard Cuttino Mobley from the Clippers in the Nov. 21 deal that sent Zach Randolph to L.A. only to discover that Mobley had a heart ailment that may end his career.

With Nate Robinson out with a groin injury the Knicks find themselves in the extremely undesirable postion of needing Marbury to play. Marbury won’t play, won’t accept a buyout package form the Knicks for his own freedom, but will sit there and collect his multi-million dollar paycheck.

Sounds like a pretty good job to me.

By Matt Valentine

After a career spanning 18 seasons with two different ball clubs Mike Mussina announced his retirement yesterday from major league baseball.

Mussina is just the second pitcher in the last 100 years to retire after winning 20 games in a season. the only other pitcher to do so was Sandy Koufax in 1966. Mussina finished the 2008 season with a 20-9 record and an ERA of 3.37.

Now the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not Mussina should be headed to the Hall of Fame.

There are compelling arguments to be made on both sides of the issue, but its this writers opinion that while he will not be a first ballot hall of famer, Mussina will eventually find himself on the hallowed ground of Cooperstown, NY.

So let’s take alook at some of Mussina’s hall of fame credentials.

Over his 18 year career Mussina compiled a record of 270-153 with an ERA of 3.68. While not entriely dominant it should be noted that Mussina did all of this in the potent AL East where he pitched 10 years for the Baltimore Orioles and eight with the Yankees.

Furthermore, consider the era of baseball that Mussina played in, the so-called steroid era ,and Mussina was remarkably consistent. In fact, only one AL pitcher has had more consectutive 10 win seasons then Mussina who compiled 17 straight ten win seasons from 1992-2008.

Mussina reached 15 wins in a season 11 times and his .638 career winning percentage is sixth-best on the all-time list among major leaguers with at least 500 career starts.

He was also one of the best defensive pitchers in the game winning a total of seven Gold Glove awards as the leagues best fielding pitcher.

Also, Mussina’s win total markes him one of only 32 pitchers in the leagues history to have amassed that many wins. And while he never won a Cy Young award he finished in the top 6 in voting a total of nine times in his career.

Perhaps the biggest mark against Mussina will be his lack of a World Series ring, but he was instrumental in getting the Yankees there in their epic series with the Boston Red Sox in 2003.

Now that Mussina is officially retired from the game the debate will begin and i for one am hoping its a debate that ends in Cooperstown.

By Matt Valentine

I haven’t written much about the NHL this season so I figured I’d take a spin around the league and see what’s been happening on the ice so far.

In the Eastern Conference the Rangers remain a real threat, and legit Stanley Cup contender leading the east with 34 points and trailing the San Jose Sharks by just 3 points for the early Presidents Trophy race. The Penguins remain a top competitor and Evgeni Malkin recently made a piece of NHL history notching a natural hat trick (3 goals with no goals in between) in the Penguins win over the Islanders.

The Devils have fared better then most people thought they would especially without the services of goaltender Martin Brodeur having won 5 straight games behind the strength of backup goalie Scott Clemmensen.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the east so far has been the play of the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are currently first in the Northeast division with a 14-4-4 record. They have played outstanding hockey at home posting a 7-1-1 record and are red hot in their last 10 games with an 8-1-1 record.The Bruins goalie Tim Thomas has been dominant so far this year with a league leading 1.88 goals against average.

The Washington Capitals are another team playing their best hockey at home and after a slow start are starting to heat up. They’re leading the Southwest division with a 12-7-3 record, and have yet to lose a game in regulation at home. Ovechkin has been on fire lately with 8 goals in his last 8 games and is sure to threaten for the leagues scoring title once again.

In the Western Conference things are shaping up as most expected. The San Jose Sharks are currently the class of the conference and the league with an 18-3-1 record, but as we all know they have a history of choking in the playoffs so calling them a Cup contender should be withheld for the moment.

The Red Wings remain a strong bet to repeat and continue to play at an extremely high level. Their 14-3-4 record is good enough for second best in the conference and has given the a comfortable lead over the up and coming Chicago Blackhawks who continue to improve every game.

As usual the Canucks and Flames are both teams to keep a close eye on and currently stand 1 and 2 in the Northwest division.

Ok that’s our spin around the NHL for now be back later with more.

By Matt Valentine

It’s been a long while since the New England Patriots were not the number one team in the AFC East heading into week ten. Fortunately for Jets fans that time has finally come.

Lead by a resilient offense that refused to lose despite some questionable defensive play calling the New York Jets defeated the Patriots 34-31 in overtime Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.

The Jets actually led the game 24-6 shortly before half time, but relinquished a 19 yard TD pass from Matt Cassell who connected with Jabar Gafney just before the half ended to make the score 24-14. From that point on it seemed that New England had all the momentum climbing back into the game and eventually knotting the score at 24.

The Jets were able to muster little offense until their final drive in the 4th quarter when Brett Favre led his team on64 yard 14 play drive that ate up 7:50 on the clock. The drive was capped by a Thomas Jones touchdown run after the Patriots committed two fouls on the drive to keep the Jets alive.

After the ensuing kickoff the Patriots and QB Matt Cassel drove down the field in just over a minute, with Jets playing mostly prevent defense, a decision which struck many as odd. Cassel connected with Randy Moss who made a spectacular grab to tie the game at 31 with just one second remaining on the clock.

The Jets sideline looked completely deflated after the touchdown and many, including the games commentator Chris Collinsworth, questioned why the Jets would suddenly change their defense, which had played bump and run on Moss the entire game, and allow him to run free into the end zone.

As is the case with all NFL games that end regulation in a tie the ensuing possession was determined by a coin toss which the Jets won. The Jets took the ball and never relinquished control, getting a huge third down conversion from tight end Dustin Keller on a third and fifteen when they were backed up deep in their own end.

After the Jets drive finally stalled at the Patriots 34 yard line the Jets called on place kicker Jay Feely to seal the victory. Feely’s attempt sailed just inside the right upright giving the Jets a 34-31 victory and sole possession of first place in the AFC East.

The loss nullified a spectacular performance from Patriots QB Matt Cassel, who was 30 of 51 on the night for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran eight times for 62 yards, all career highs. Favre was 26-33 on the night for 258 yards and 2 TD.

This marks just the second victory for the Jets in their last thirteen games against New England. The Jets face the undefeated Tennessee Titans next, while the Pats will square off against their other division rival the Miami Dolphins who defeated the Patriots earlier this year.

By Matt Valentine

Ok, by this time in the fantasy football season you’re either a playoff contender or not. Either way there is still satisfaction to be gained. Maybe you knock off one of your leagues top players, or maybe you need a win to secure a playoff spot. Whether you’re a contender or not you’re still going to want to play your best players, so here are the top 5 running backs for this week in fantasy football.

1. Michael Turner- Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this year. Matt Ryan has played above and beyond expectations and free agent signee Michael Turner has performed likewise. Turner has one of the most favorable match ups in fantasy this week when he faces off against the 27th ranked rush defense of the Denver Broncos. Though the Falcons have been moving the ball well through the air they are more likely to put the ball in Turners hands and work off the play action pass. Turner could have an explosive week and is a must start in every league.

2. Matt Forte- Chicago Bears

Forte is pretty much a must start every week, especially after the performance he put last week against a stout Titans defense. With Rex Grossman taking the snaps Chicago will have to lean a bit more heavily on its running game then they did when Kyle Orton was under center and that’s good news for Forte owners. The even better news is that Forte will be playing a Green Bay defense which has been pretty dismal against the run this year ranking 28th overall and surrendering 154.6 yards and one rushing touchdown per game. Forte has also been getting done in the passing game so he’s a great play this week.

3. Frank Gore- San Francisco 49ers

Gore has had a nice comeback season after his disappointing year last year. He has rushed for over 90 yards in five games this season and is facing the St. Louis Rams this week, a very nice match up for any running back. The Rams are giving up 160 yards on the ground so far this season and Gore could come close to matching that total. Since Mike Singletary took over the head coaching the duties the Niners have shifted from a pass first team, to a power running team which more then compliments Gore’s sweet fantasy match up. If you have Gore he better be in your lineup this week, and if you’re facing Gore…pray.

4. DeAngelo Williams- Carolina Panthers

Williams has been somewhat of an unexpected surprise this season as it was expected that Jonathan Stewart would shoulder the bulk of the carries. So far Williams has performed admirable when given the chance and was one of the few bright spots in last weeks horrific game between the Raiders and Panthers. This week Williams will face off against the dismal Detroit Lions who allow 161.2 rushing yards and 1.56 rushing touchdowns per game. While a split in carries may occur Williams is still in line for a big day and should find the end zone.

5. Chris Johnson- Tennessee Titans

The explosive rookie was stifled last week by Chicago’s run defense and has to be aching to get back on the field and strut his stuff. He will have a good chance to do it this week against a Jacksonville defense which has struggled agains the run all season. Johnson rushed for 93 yards against the Jags in the season opener and added 34 yards receiving and a touchdown. A similiar performance should be expected this week so start Johnson if its an option.

By Matt Valentine

In a decision that was more of a formality then an actual vote, Indians lefty Cliff Lee took home this seasons American League Cy Young award.

Lee had a resurgent season going 22-3 with a  2.54 ERA. He received 24 of 28 first-place votes and 132 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay finished second in the voting with four first-place votes and 71 points. Francisco Rodriguez the record setting closer of the L.A. Angels finished third in the voting with 32 points.

Lee is perhaps one of the most unlikely Cy Young winners in recent history considering his dismal performance in the 2007 season. Lee was an 18-game winner in 2005, but was injured in spring training the following year and performed so poorly he was sent to the minors. Upon his return to the big leagues Lee finished the 2007 season with a 5-8 record and a 6.29 ERA.

Lee earned himself a spot in the rotation this season after a strong spring training and became the American leagues best pitcher from April on. In fact, Lee was so dominant at the beginning of the season that his ERA stood at a miniscule 0.69 following his first 7 starts. At the All-Star break Lee was an impressive 12-2 with a 2.31 ERA and had worke dhis way from fifth in the rotation to ace of the staff.

Perhaps most impressively is that Lee did this with an incosistent Indian club behind him, and though the team rallied late in the season to finish with an 81-81 record none of that would have been possible had it not been for the stellar performance of Lee.

Lee led the AL In ERA and finished second, behind Halladay, in complete games (four) and innings pitched (221 1-3). Lee also finished the season with 170 strikeouts.

Lee is the first Indians pitcher to win 20 games since Gaylord Perry did it in 1974 and is just the third Cy Young winner in franchise history.

Week 11 is here and for most fantasy leagues it begins the final push to the playoffs. Week 11 is a special time for fantasy owners, its the week where byes go bye-bye and securing a playoff spot may be just a win away. with that said let’s take a look at some of the most favorable QB match ups this coming Sunday.

1. Donovan McNabb vs. Cincy

The Bengals suck its really that simple and if you’re a McNabb owner you’re probably happy as hell about it because thats who he’ll be facing this weekend. McNabb has been strong since coming off the bye in week 8 averaging about 25 fantasy points per game and tossing multiple TD passes in all but one game. The Eagles are in a must win situation this week and should attack Cincy on all cylinders. Expect McNabb to have a solid day as long as Westbrook doesn’t steal all the thunder.

2.Brady Quinn vs. Buffalo

Quinn made his NFL Debut last week with a favorable matchup against the hapless and Bailey-less Denver Broncos defense and it was a solid debut indeed. With Quinn in the lineup the Browns are much more productive and protective of the ball as Quinn prefers a dink and dunk style offense to the down the field game of Derek Anderson. Buffalo has been absolutely depleted by injuries on the defensive side of the ball and barely even resemble the team that started out the season red hot. Quinn should put together a multiple touchdown effort and throw for good yardage, a good start for anyone who plucked Quinn off the waiver wire.

3. Matt Ryan vs. Denver Broncos

Obviously its good to play the Broncos if you’re a QB and better if you’re a fantasy owner who owns a QB facing them. Ryan has posted three straight multi-touchdown games and has really found a groove with WR Roddy White, and WR Michael Jenkins. Given Quinn’s performance against this defense I expect Ryan to pick up right where Quinn left off and likely exceed Quinn’s totals. A 300 yard multi-TD effort is well within reach.

4. Ben Roethlisberger vs. San Diego

Ok, so Big Ben has come up pretty small in a number of games this year, but I think he has a chance to get back on track against the Chargers this week. After all, the Chargers do have the worst rated passing defense in the league  giving up an average of 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. Given Ben’s lack of protection that may be a bit much to expect but a multi-td 200-250 yard performance is within reach as long as he stays healthy and on the field.

5. Jake Delhomme vs. Detroit

After you see that tag line there should be no reason to wonder why Delhomme is on the list, its simple he’s playing the Detroit Lions. The Lions suck in every single phase of the game and Carolina should dominate the game though they should’ve dominated last weeks horrow show against Oakland and didn’t. However, Delhomme should find the end zone at least twice and should put up over 200 yards passing so its still a very, very good matchup.