December Issue

Stealth Police Interceptor

Ford debuted the ultimate stealth Police Interceptor concept at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show on Nov. 1st, 2010, in Las Vegas. This customized

version of its all-new Police Interceptor sedan goes undercover that’s not only stylish but full of high-tech surprises.

Another Poll Is Now Open For YouTo Vote For The Best Athlete of Your Choice

Congratulations to our Five Finalists For the 2010 Premier Player

oF College Football award

Vote at www.premierplayers.com and call 800-470-0250 to purchase your tickets.To purchase your tickets for The 2010 Premier Player of College Football Charitable Award Dinner

at 5p.m.,January 15th, 2011, at the University of South Florida Marshall Center.

Denard Robinson, Quarterback, University of Michigan Wolverines

Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, University of Arkansas Razorbacks

Ricky Stanzi, Quarterback, University of Iowa Hawkeyes

Jake Locker, Quarterback, University of Washington Huskies

LaMichael James, Running Back, University of Oregon Ducks

features & departments

features

6 November Upsets

8 Teams To Watch

15 Season To Be Bowling

16 BCS Schedule (Tear Out)

24 Moore Magic

departments

12 Sound Off 20 Fitness

26 Travel

28 Review/Book

30 Community

PREMIER PLAYERS �

Congratulations to our Five Finalists For the 2010 Premier Player

oF College Football award

PUBLISHINGCEO & PUBLISHER

Carnell Moore

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSSteve WrightMarc Jenkins

Monique Davis DotsonBill Renje

Sam Smoot

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERCherrielet P. Mercado

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Write to us at:P.O. Box 341064

Tampa, FL 33694-1064Call us at:

800-470-0250

AP PHOTO CREDITSEric Gay p5

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Steve CannonSteve Campbell

John A. BowersmithCathleen AllisonApril L Brown

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Al GoldisCharlie Riedel

Fred Beckham p8,9George FreySue Ogrocki

Andy BlenkushAmy Sancetta

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Sue Ogrocki p12Tom Olmscheid p13Rick Bowmer p15

Tom Pennington p18Reinhold Matay

Xinhua, Meng Yongmin p30

Content Disclaimer & Use The opinions expressed in Premier Players Magazine and on Premier Players Online do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers and or their agents. For use of any material used in Premier Players Magazine or on Premier Players Online, please contact the publisher

at 813-833-3495.

Connecticut players pose with the trophy after winning the women’s NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game against Stanford, April 6th, 2010. The Women of UConn are at it again, this time with the most consecutive wins on the line, too.

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� PREMIER PLAYERS

Northwestern beats #13 Iowa, 21-17Southern Mississippi beats #25 Central Florida, 31-21Notre Dame beats #14 Utah, 28-3#23 South Carolina takes down #22 Florida, 36-14Southern Cal beats #18 Arizona, 24-21#19 Texas A&M tops #8 Nebraska, 9-6Oregon State beats #20 Southern Cal, 36-7

November Upsets

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1) Clemson’s Jamie Harper (8) runs for a first down as North Carolina State’s Terrell Manning (35) tries to stop him during their game, Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2010, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Clemson beat No. 25 NC State, 14-13. 2) #6 Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy (12) walks off the field after losing 24-21 to #10 LSU in an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2010. 3) North Carolina’s Joshua Adams extends the ball over the goal to score around the defense of #24 Florida State’s Mister Alexander in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2010 in Tallahassee, Fla. 4) Texas A&M’s Terrence Frederick (7) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Oklahoma’s Kenny Stills (4) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2010. Texas A&M beat #8 OU 33-19. 5) Texas Tech’s Eric Ward runs with the ball against Missouri during an NCAA college football game at Jones AT&T Stadium, Nov. 6th, 2010, in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech beat #12 Missouri, 24-17. 6) Nevada cornerback Marlon Johnson comes up for the tackle on No. 4 Boise State running back Doug Martin (22). No. 19 Nevada stopped #4 Boise State perfect season with a 34-31 upset win Nov. 26th, 2010, in Reno, Nev. 7) Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett passes during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Little Rock, Ark., Saturday, Nov. 27th, 2010. The #12 Razorbacks stunned the #5 Tigers, 31-23. 8) Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) attempts to catch a pass as he is defended by North Carolina State cornerback C.J. Wilson, right, during an NCAA college football game, Nov. 27th, 2010, in College Park, Md. Unranked Maryland beat #23 NC State, 38-31. 9) Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles, right, leaps over Oklahoma State cornerback Brodrick Brown, left, in an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Nov. 27th, 2010. No. 13 Oklahoma beat 9th ranked Oklahoma State, 47-41. 10) Minnesota running back DeLeon Eskridge (23) goes on a 19-yard run against Iowa during an NCAA football game, Nov. 27th, 2010, in Minneapolis. Minnesota pulled out a 27-24 win against #24 ranked Iowa.

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� PREMIER PLAYERS

he 2010-11 Men’s NCAA Basketball season has tipped-off and now it is time to focus on which teams will make the most noise throughout the long campaign and be poised for a run down the stretch of

February and March. As always there are strong favorites as well as sleepers and Cinderellas amongst the 346 schools in the 32 conferences which make up Division I; the only question is who are they? Here’s who to look for during the ’10-‘11 season. The favorites for the year have to begin with the defending National Champion Duke Blue Devils as they are returning much of the squad from ’09-’10. Duke has eight players from last season on their roster and four of them are major contributors (Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Mason and Miles Plumlee) along with the additions of Stephen Curry’s younger brother and Dell’s youngest son Seth Curry (transferred from Liberty last season and was ineligible) and super freshman point guard Kyle Irving. The absence of Jon Schyer could be big, however Curry and Irving definitely seem capable of filling the void. The real question for Duke is whether the Plumlee brothers can provide enough in the paint to make up for the departure of Brian Zubek. The Blue Devils are solid on both sides of the ball being ranked number one during the preseason and have kept that rank dominating opponents on their way to a 5-0 start (before publication of this issue) including an impressive blowout of the then fourth ranked Kansas State Wildcats, 82-68, on a neutral court. With this group of talented players and Coach K on the bench pulling the right strings this team could easily return to the Final Four and become the first repeat NCAA champs since the Florida Gators did it in 2006 and 2007. Despite an early loss this year already, the Michigan State Spartans are also a heavy favorite to cut down the nets following the conclusion of the season. This team is led by returning players Korie Lucious, Durrell Summers, Delvon Roe, Kalin Lucas (coming off of ACL surgery last season) and of course one of the best coaches in the land Tom Izzo (13 consecutive NCAA

by marc Jenkins

tournament appearances and six Final Four trips in the past 11 seasons). He also have a few key additions coming to East Lansing such as Adreian Payne and Keith Appling (ranked 26th and 27th respectively in ESPN’s top 100 recruits for 2010). The Spartans are a tough, physical team that has the ability to fight in every game despite what the scoreboard reads. The Spartans rebounded from the upset loss to Connecticut by defeating the 11th ranked Washington Huskies, 76-71, in their next game which shows the resilience and character which this team is made of. The Big Ten is arguably the toughest conference of the 32 and Michigan State is the cream of the crop. The only question is will their grueling schedule get the best of them or will they be primed and ready to go for Izzo’s seventh Final Four appearance in the past 12 years. If Lucas can

Duke, Other Top Teams To Watch During the

2010-11 Men’s NCAA Basketball Season

Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen dribbles the ball up court.

PREMIER PLAYERS �

remain healthy all season, and they play as well as they did during the previous season and tourney, then it is a great possibility of seeing the Spartans and the

Blue Devils in the Championship game on April 4th. Kansas State is another favorite that was on the wrong side of an early season defeat. The Wildcats were embarrassed by Duke in an essential home game (at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri). That loss should only provide fuel to their championship fire as their roster is a talented and experienced group. Senior guard Jacob Pullen is the catalyst of this team. As he goes so do they, and a lot is expected of him to lead the Wildcats back to the Elite Eight and possibly even further this time. Pullen will have some help in attempting to lead K-State deep in the tourney with the emergence of sophomore guard Rodney McGruder. McGruder is a combo guard who is similar to Pullen, but instead of them fighting for the ball, they actually complement one another. The Wildcats will have their hands

full in the Big 12 this season with Kansas, Texas, Missouri and Baylor. All of them are ranked in the Top 25 entering the year, but Kansas State should be able to reach the conference’s pinnacle. If they don’t believe that, head coach Frank Martin will help them realize it with solid preparation. Now that we have gotten the favorites out of the way, it’s time to mention a couple of teams that could be sleepers and wind up playing in the Final Four. Normally, the Connecticut Huskies aren’t surprising anyone. However, things are slightly different this go round as they are my top sleeper team to reach the Final Four. Led by junior guard Kemba Walker, the Huskies are looking great early on during the year as they have already knocked off (at the time) second ranked Michigan State and ninth ranked Kentucky in consecutive games along with sporting an undefeated record (at the time of publication). UConn catapulted themselves from unranked at the beginning of the season all the way to number nine with their impressive victories and record. Look for the Huskies to make some serious noise come tournament time and possibly play for a National Title. A couple more sleepers to keep an eye out for who have the capabilities to reach the Final Four are the Richmond Spiders, the Washington State Cougars, the Saint Mary’s Gaels and the Dayton Flyers. The season is underway and before you know it the time will come for the Madness of March to begin, happy NCAA basketball season to all.

Duke, Other Top Teams To Watch During the

2010-11 Men’s NCAA Basketball Season

Duke’s Kyle Singler pulls down a rebound.Michigan State’s Durrell Summers puts up a shot. Connecticut’s Kemba Walker goes up for a basket.

sound off

1) A BYU fan cheers during a game against New Mexico at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, Nov. 20th, 2010. BYU beat New Mexico 40-7. 2) Oklahoma State fans AJ Batiste, left, from Springfield, Mo., and Chris Hill, right, from Dallas, cheer before Oklahoma State’s football game against Oklahoma. Hill holds an image of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy. 3) Rochester Lourdes Eagles wide receiver Reed Bjork (2) celebrates with fans after the Eagles defeated the Holy Family Catholic Fire 48 - 14 in the Class AAA Championship football game. 4) Ohio State fans show support for their team before they take on University of Michigan. 5) Florida State fans at an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Nov. 20th, 2010, in College Park, Md. 6) Oregon fan Max Maurer, known as duck vader. 7) Oklahoma State fans David Hahn, left, from Wichita, Kan., and Evan Kuterbach, right, from Dallas, at the game against Oklahoma, Nov. 27th, 2010.

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A member of the Minnesota Gopher dance line performs during an NCAA college football game.

Oh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year alright, especially if you are a college football fan! This year sees no less than 35 bowl games to be played in a little over three weeks of football filled goodness, starting with the New Mexico Bowl on December 18th and culminating in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on January 10th in Glendale, Arizona. The only problem with all this football is trying to work out exactly which games are the most worth watching. Thirty-five games at between three and four hours per matchup is a serious undertaking in a season where friends and family want to hijack your Bowl watching priorities. Thankfully, we here at Premier Players have analyzed, dissected, and watched hours of game film, in order to provide our faithful readers with a guide to the five can’t miss games of the season. Let the feast of football begin:

continue pg 18

PREMIER PLAYERS 1�

T

‘Tis The S e a s o n

To Be Bowling

By Steve Wright

Oregon running back LaMichael James (21) runs the ball in for a score as Oregon State cornerback James Dockery (4) defends. James will lead the Ducks against the Auburn Tigers for the national title on January 10th, 2011.

1� PREMIER PLAYERS

1 Auburn Tigers

Tostitos BCS Title Game, Glendale, AZMonday, January 10th, 2011

8:30 P.M. ET

New Mexico BowlBYU vs. UTEPDecember 18, 2:00 P.M. ET

uDrove Humanitarian BowlNorthern Illinois vs. Fresno StateDecember 18, 5:30 P.M. ET

New Orleans BowlOhio vs. TroyDecember 18, 9 P.M. ET

Beef ‘O’ Bradys’ St. Petersburg BowlSouthern Mississippi vs. LouisvilleDecember 21, 8 P.M. ET

Las Vegas BowlUtah vs. Boise StateDecember 22, 8 P.M. ET

Poinsettia BowlNavy vs. San Diego StateDecember 23, 8 P.M. ET

Hawaii BowlHawaii vs. TulsaDecember 24, 8 P.M. ET

Little Caesar’s Pizza BowlFlorida International vs. ToledoDecember 26, 8:30 P.M. ET

Independence BowlAir Force vs. Georgia TechDecember 27, 5 P.M. ET

Champs Sports BowlWest Virginia vs. NC StateDecember 28, 6:30 P.M. ET Insight BowlMissouri vs. IowaDecember 28, 10 P.M. ET

Military Bowl East Carolina vs. MarylandDecember 29, 2:30pm ET Texas BowlIllinois vs. BaylorDecember 29, 6 P.M. ET Alamo BowlOklahoma State vs. ArizonaDecember 29, 9:15 P.M. ET

Armed Forces BowlArmy vs. SMUDecember 30, 12 noon ET New Era Pinstripe BowlKansas St. vs. SyracuseDecember 30, 3:20 P.M. ET Music City BowlNorth Carolina vs. TennesseeDecember 30, 6:40 P.M. ET

Stanford vs. Virginia Tech

Wisconsin vs. TCU

vs.

2 Oregon Ducks

Tostitos BCS Title Game, Glendale, AZMonday, January 10th, 2011

8:30 P.M. ET

Holiday BowlNebraska vs. WashingtonDecember 30, 10 P.M. ET Meineke BowlSouth Florida vs. ClemsonDecember 31, Noon ET Sun BowlNotre Dame vs. MiamiDecember 31, 2 P.M. ET Liberty BowlGeorgia vs. UCFDecember 31, 3:30 P.M. ET Chick-fil-A BowlSouth Carolina vs. Florida StateDecember 31

Dallas Football ClassicNorthwestern vs. Texas TechJanuary 1, Noon ET Outback BowlFlorida vs. Penn StateJanuary 1, 1 P.M. ET Capital One BowlAlabama vs. Michigan StateJanuary 1, 1 P.M. ET

Gator BowlMississippi State vs. MichiganJanuary 1, 1:30 P.M. ET Rose BowlWisconsin vs. TCUJanuary 1, 5 P.M. ET Fiesta BowlConnecticut vs. OklahomaJanuary 1, 8:30 P.M. ET Orange BowlStanford vs. Virginia TechJanuary 3, 8:30 P.M. ET Sugar BowlOhio State vs. ArkansasJanuary 4, 8:30 P.M.

GoDaddy.com BowlMiddle Tennessee vs. Miami (Ohio)January 6, 8 P.M. ET AT&T Cotton BowlLSU vs. Texas A&MJanuary 7, 8 P.M. ET Papajohns.com BowlPittsburgh vs. KentuckyJanuary 8, Noon ET Kraft BowlNevada vs. Boston CollegeJanuary 9, 9 P.M. ET

Ohio State vs. Arkansas

Connecticut vs. Oklahoma

vs.

1� PREMIER PLAYERS

AdvoCare V100 Independence BowlAir Force vs. Georgia TechDecember 27th

If rushing the ball is your thing then this is the bowl for you. Both Air Force and GT run similar triple option attacks so this looks set to be the fastest ball game of the season. Tech is leading the nation in rushing at a ridiculous 327 yards per game and Air Force is right behind them at 317 per contest. The key to the game could be the health status of Yellow Jacket QB Josh Nesbitt. The senior broke his arm in early November against Virginia Tech but has vowed to suit up for the bowl game. Without him, Tech somehow has become even more one dimensional. Put it this way, with or without Nesbitt the over under for passes thrown in this one will be in the high single digits, and I for one am ok with that.Valero Alamo BowlOklahoma State vs. ArizonaDecember 29th

There are always a couple of bowls that just provide nothing but sheer offense and this is one of the 2010 games that has all the ingredients to continue that trend. Oklahoma State was a couple of plays here and there away from being a major player on the national stage this year, and their games are always entertaining. Wide receiver Justin Blackmon is an absolute monster and he has led the Cowboys to be first in the country in total offense. Arizona, for their part, loves to throw the ball and is ninth in the country in passing offense. The best part for points lovers is that both teams have been somewhere between inconsistent and terrible on defense all year. Get the popcorn in and settle down for a good old fashioned shootout.Capital One BowlAlabama vs. Michigan StateJanuary 1st

The Capital One bowl selectors pulled off something of a coup this year as this game is much more attractive, and feels much more high profile, than a number of the actual BCS games. Alabama, remember, was looking like going 28-0 up on Auburn in the Iron Bowl before a Mark Ingram fumble defied

the rules of physics to roll 19 yards inbounds down the sideline and through the end zone for a touchback. Michigan State is co-champs of the Big Ten, but is the only school of the three not to be invited to a BCS Bowl. Both teams are very good, and both feel they have something to prove. This will be the premier Non-BCS matchup of the season, and could be something very, very special.Rose Bowl GameWisconsin vs. TCUJanuary 1st

The Grand Daddy of Them All has a little extra intrigue this year, and as a result it is hands down the best BCS game outside of the national title clash. The TCU Horned Frogs come into this game angry that once again, despite a perfect season, they do

not have a shot at winning the BCS National Championship title. This year, however, TCU at least gets to play angry against a school from one of the big conferences as they meet Wisconsin in Pasadena with a huge point to prove. It will not be easy, as the Badgers were able to hold off Ohio State and Michigan State to make their first Rose Bowl appearance in 10 years. The key will be the matchup between the pounding Wisconsin running game, lead by John Clay and Montee Ball, and the vaunted defense of TCU. If the running game can be stopped, then TCU will have their BCS revenge.Tostitos BCS National Championship GameAuburn vs. OregonJanuary 10th

So the previous 34 contests between 68 of the finest schools in the nation have all been leading up to this game between two of the three teams with zero losses on their resume at the end of the regular season. Can Cam Newton continue his improbable season and lead the Auburn Tigers to their first national title since a share in 1993? Can LaMichael James cap his spectacular year by leading the Oregon Ducks to their first national title ever? Does Auburn have the defensive ability to slow down the blur offense that has torn through all comers in 2010? Will the SEC crown a national champion for the fifth consecutive year? So many questions, it’s time for some answers.

TCU coach Gary Patterson holds the Mountain West Conference championship trophy while celebrating a 51-10 win over New Mexico. The Horned Frogs wrapup another undefeated season but will not have their shot at the national title. TCU will take on Wisconsin

in the Rose Bowl.

continue from pg 15

fitness

he regular college football season has comes to an end. We eagerly await the BCS bowl football matches. We will experience disappointment, excitement, and every emotion

imagined as we await our favorite teams to play. Players, and many fans, have endured physical and mental strain throughout the season. The players will have several weeks to prepare for the opposing team. Those who almost made it to the post season will have time to nurse their physical and mental wounds. Fans will have time to rest their vocal cords before the big games. The excitement and stress is sometimes overwhelming. However, the antidote to stress is relaxation. This is the perfect time to restore the mind, body, and spirit

connection with restorative yoga. Restorative yoga poses are designed for those who are fatigue, weak, sick, injured, or stressed out from daily life. It, as well as yoga in general, helps to trigger the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The PNS is responsible for balancing the body and bringing its response system back into equilibrium. When we stimulate the PNS we are able to lower heart rate, blood pressure, improve the immune system and keep the endocrine system operating efficiently. Restorative yoga focuses on relaxation, renewal, and soothing your nervous system. Practicing restorative yoga will help you renew, heal, quiet your mind and encourage you to release deeply held tension. B.K.S. Iyengar introduced “props” to help the student modify poses. Props consist of blankets, bolsters, straps, and other props to safely support the

Yoga & Athletes

20 PREMIER PLAYERS

TBy Monique Davis Dotson

1. Moving Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose)

Lie on your back with your legs bent and arms by your sides. Exhale completely. On an inhalation that lasts 4 counts, lift your hips up off the floor as you raise your arms to the ceiling and then to the floor behind you, so they end up next to your ears. On a 4-count exhalation, bring your hips down and your arms back by your sides. Repeat this as many times as you like, breathing smoothly and evenly and moving with grace and sensitivity. The last time you lower your hips, lift your arms and extend them overhead next to your ears.

2. Jathara Parivartanasana Variation (Revolved Abdomen Pose Variation)

Draw your knees into your chest and drop them to the right as your arms open out into a T shape. Turn your face to the left. Notice what you are looking at when you turn your head. Soften the muscles around your eyes and relate to what is actually happening, let go of frustration, anxiety, and stress. Stay here for 5 breaths, then release your arms, bring your knees back to center, and lower both feet to the floor.

PREMIER PLAYERS 21

body in various postures. Props allow the body to move towards a state of balance, provide support, and be conducive to total relaxation. Restorative yoga poses move the spine in all directions, putting into practice the ancient yoga idea that a healthy spine promotes well being. Incorporating restorative yoga will benefit players, as they need to focus and heal their physical bodies. Fans will find restorative yoga as equally beneficial when game day excitement causes tension. Players and fans alike will have a healthy stress reducer in restorative yoga. Add these healthy restorative poses from Yoga Journal into your daily activity. Namaste & Go Team Go!!

4. Parighasana (Gate Pose)

From Down Dog, lower your knees to the floor and slowly roll up, vertebra by vertebra, so you end standing on your knees. Extend your left leg out to the side in line with your right knee. On an inhalation, reach your arms out to the sides. As you exhale, slowly lean to the left, sliding the back of your left hand down your left leg. This arm placement allows for complete external rotation of the left arm, a perfect support for the function of the heart and lungs. Reach the right arm overhead. Don’t stress about it, stay with your breath and the feelings in your body. Place a blanket under your knee if you feel any type of strain. Remain here for 3 to 5 breaths.

3. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

From your position lying on the floor, roll all the way to the right and move into Downward-Facing Dog: Come onto your hands and knees, tuck your toes under, and very slowly straighten your legs and lift your hips toward the sky. To maintain the relaxation effect in the brain, allow your head to dangle as you move into the pose. If you want to try Down Dog as a restorative pose, place a block or bolster under your forehead. Hold for 5 breaths.

5. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Pose)

From Parighasana, bring your torso and arms back by your sides. On an exhalation, bring your knees together, sit down on your heels, and then shift your buttocks to the floor to the left of your feet. Swing your legs around in front of you and straighten them, coming into Dandasana (Staff Pose). Engage your legs firmly and invite the backs of the thighs to make contact with the floor, a powerful technique for grounding and calming the nerves. With a long spine and open chest, walk your hands forward and hold on to your legs wherever you can reach. Then exhale and fold forward. To do a restorative version of this pose, place a block or blanket under your forehead and allow the upper back to round. Acknowledge how you feel, center your thoughts, breathe, and stay here for as long as you like.

24 PREMIER PLAYERS

omination in sports can only be defined in one way; to control the major aspects and factors in a single game or season of games in a manner which results in a lopsided or impressive decision. The Women’s UConn Huskies basketball team is and has been the

epitome of sports dominance during the opening decade and change of the 21st century. Since entering this millennium the Huskies have won six National Championships, been to eight Final Fours, 10 Elite Eights and produced three undefeated seasons (including back-to-back ones in 2008-09 and 2009-10). This season the Lady Huskies are picking up right where the program has left off over the past 11 plus seasons, continuing to dominate. UConn just recorded their 86th consecutive victory and have been atop of the AP Top 25 poll for a record 47 consecutive weeks, which are both streaks that don’t have an evident ending appearing anytime soon. Head Coach Geno Auriemma has turned a program completely around that had just one winning season in the 11 prior to his arrival (1985-86) to winning seven National titles since. Auriemma has racked up a 738-122 record since the ’85-’86 season with an amazing 354 of those victories coming since the start of the ’99-’00 season. The Lady Huskies have began the 2010-11 season in search of a three-peat and off to an 8-0 start (at the time of publication) including a tough contest in a rematch of last season’s National

By Marc Jenkins

Semi-final game (and a possible preview for this season’s National Title Game) versus Baylor in which they would eke out a 65-64 victory. That is the closest that any opponent has come so far during the ’10-’11 campaign as the Lady Huskies are averaging 83.4 points scored per game and just allowing 44.0 points per game (1st in NCAA). The Lady Huskies are led by the top player in the country, senior forward Maya Moore who is well on her way to putting together another season worthy of being named the Naismith Player of the Year again. She is averaging 23.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, filling up the stat sheet in every major category. Moore has also recorded two major milestones this season as well grabbing her 1,000 career rebound while at Connecticut and then followed that up a few games later by breaking the record for most total career points in school history (breaking former teammate’s Tina Charles record of 2,346 points) after scoring 17 points against Sacred Heart University to bring her total to 2,355. Barring injury at the conclusion of the season Moore will own the top three scoring seasons in Lady Huskies’ history. Moore is receiving ample help in the form of junior guard Tiffany Hayes and freshman guard Bria Hartley. Hayes has improved during this her third season at Connecticut averaging 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and four assists per game in the

D

Moore Magic For UConn As The Win Streak Continues

#31 Stefanie Dolson, Center#34 Kelly Faris, Guard

absence of fellow junior backcourt mate Caroline Doty who will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL in her left knee. Doty’s absence has also allowed the freshman Hartley to get more playing time and shine in it as she has put up 13.5 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game en route to possibly competing for Big East Freshman of the Year honors. The trio of Moore, Hayes and Hartley, along with some excellent role players including sophomore guard Kelly Faris and freshman guard Samarie Walker, should lead them as far as they went last season. The only unknown is will they get there unblemished as they have in the previous two seasons? With coach Auriemma calling the shots he should be able to guide the team through whatever presents itself to this talented group of basketball players. They definitely have some tough games ahead of them on their schedule including at Stanford (in a rematch of last season’s National Championship Game), at St. John’s, at North Carolina, at West Virginia and at Georgetown. All of those teams are ranked in the AP top 25 and each one is on the road which should truly show what this year’s version of the Lady Huskies are all about. The Lady Huskies are once again displaying their dominance during the opening month of the season and it doesn’t seem as if anyone will impede the progress that they are attempting to make. Their destiny is to become the first team to win three consecutive National Titles since the Pat Summit and Chamique Holdsclaw-led 1995-96 – 1997-98 Tennessee Lady Vols. Those Lady Vols teams lost a combined 14 games during that three year stretch. If the Huskies can continue running the table then the Maya Moore/Geno Auriemma Lady Huskies could go down as the greatest group ever to play women’s NCAA basketball during a three year stretch.

#11 Samarie Walker, Forward

#14 Bria Hartley, Guard

#23 Maya Moore, Forward

home of

travel

Glendale & Phoenix, AZ

naturesahuaro ranch Park9802 North 59th Ave.Glendale, Arizona 85302glendaleaz.com

wildlife world Zoo & aquarium165th and Northern Ave. (State Route 303)wildlifeworld.com

eats avanti restaurant2728 East Thomas Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85016avanti-az.com

Max’s Sports Bar6727 N 47th Ave.Glendale, AZ 85301

Jimmy Buffett’s margaritaville6751 N. Sunset Blvd., #E109Glendale, AZ 85305margaritavilleGlendale.com

sHOpsarrowhead towne Center7700 W. Arrowhead Towne CenterGlendale, AZ 85308westcor.com

biltmore Fashion Park2502 E. Camelback Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85016westcor.com Cerreta Candy Company5345 West Glendale Ave.Glendale, AZ 85301cerreta.com

Vizcaya Meseum & Gardens

Coral Castle Museaum

Coronado Café2201 North 7th St.Phoenix, AZ 85006coronadocafe.com

Tarbell’s Restaurant3213 E. Camelback Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85018tarbells.com

artsarizona broadway theatre7701 W. Paradise Ln.Peoria, AZ 85382azbroadway.org

Phoenix art museum1625 N. Central Ave. northeast corner Central Ave. & McDowell RdPhoenix, AZ 85004phxart.org

Glendale & Phoenix, AZCoronado Café

desert botanical garden1201 N. Galvin Prkwy.Phoenix, AZ 85008dbg.org

grand Canyon national ParkVillage Loop Rd.Grand Canyon, AZ 86023havasupaitribe.com

The Waterfalls of Havasupai

Phoenix Skyline

Cowboys

review/book

Excerpt from A Chosen Bullet: A broken man’s triumph through

faith and sports -By Bill Renje

PREMIER PLAYERS 2�

leaseGod—don’tletmegooutlikethis.ThethoughtracedthroughmyheadasIfeareddeath

whilegaspingforair.Abulletfroma9mmgunhadjustrippedthrough my neck, severing my spinal cord and deflating my right lung before finding its final resting place. This is where my story begins—theearlymorninghoursof June17th,1989. Afriendof mineandIhadleftapartytopickupsomedrugsonawell-knowndrugcorneron135thStreet,southof KedzieinRobbins,Illinois.Wenoticedadrugraidunderwayaswepulledintothelotwithmedriving.InascenethatcouldhaveappearedontheTVshowCOPS,wesawguysweassumedtobedrugdealerslinedupfacedownonthegroundwiththeirhandsbehindtheirheads.Jailnotseeminglikeaverygoodoption,mybuddynervouslysaid“Getoutof here”andIagreed.Andthen,outof theshadows,cameaplain-clothes,undercover police officer. Onfoot,heapproachedthedriver’ssideof mycarwithhisgundrawn,tellingmeinnouncertaintermstogetoutof thecar.AsIdrovepasthim,ignoringhisorder,Iheardthesound of a loud firecracker goingoff,onlyitwasn’tafirecracker but a gunshot, andinaninstantmylifechangedforever.Thedriver’ssidewindowshatteredandasplitsecondlatermybodywentnumb—everythingseemedtosilentlygointoslowmotionasIknewinthatmomentIwasparalyzed.Imovedmyarmtoreassuremyselfthatmyarmsstillworked,buttherestofmybodyfeltfrozen. AsIregainedmybreathintheambulance,IrealizedIwasn’tgoingtodie.Iallowedmyself todriftinandoutof consciousnessandeventuallyfellasleep.Intheemergencyroom,thenursetoldmethattheyweregoingtocallmyparents.“Pleasedon’t,”Ibeggedthem.ThelastthingIwantedwasformymomanddadtobeawokeninthemiddleof thenightbythatdreadedcall.Seeminglyonlysecondslater,theyarrived.Therelaytheirfirstborn son—broken, paralyzed, beaten down, and at what truly was“rockbottom.” Overthecourseof thenextfewdaysinintensivecare,allIhadwastimetothinkhowmuchIhadunderachieveduptothisstageof myyounglife.Ihadjustgraduatedhighschool,yetlackeddirectionwithafocuslargelyongoingfromoneparty

tothenext.Istartedsmokingpotrecreationallyasafreshmaninhighschoolandhadlongsincegraduatedtoharderaswellasmoredangerousdrugs.Now,almostamonthshyof myeighteenthbirthday,Iwasafailure,anunderachiever,leftwiththe“whatifs”andthe“would’ve,should’ve,could’ve”justlikesomanyof thoseteamsIfollowedgrowingup… AChosenBulletisthestoryof whatmypassionasasportsfanandanathletehastaughtmeinlifeandthestrugglesthispassionhelpedmetoovercomefromthedaya9mmbulletripped through my neck from five feet away. My life has been contrastedbydeepdarknessandthengloriouslight,characterized

byovercomingthroughperseverance,stainedby first underachieving and then finally experiencingsuccessthatfewwilleverknow.Withthesupportof myfamilyandeventuallymydeep-abidingChristianfaithprovidingmyfoundation,thesevaluesandlessonsintertwinedwithmythirty-threeyearjourneyasaChicagofantotakemefromtragedytotriumph.Allthewhile,mylifelongexperiencesof rootingforthe

teamsof myyouthandstudyingmyhometownheroeshashelpedmoldandshapemetobecomethepersonIamtoday:fromabottomed-outpermanentlyparalyzedteenagertoatwo-timeParalympicgoldmedalist,averyhappilymarriedman,ablessedfatherof threechildren,andasuccessfulbusinessman. BeingaChicagofanincludesalltheelementsof reallife:exhilarationbutmoreoftenfrustration,victorybutmoreoftendefeat,triumphbuttoooftentragedy.BeingaChicagofanhastaughtmeallaboutbeingaccountable,overcomingadversitythroughhardwork,struggles,andseizingthemoment,aswellasthe pitfalls unfilled potential. We too often focus on the negative insportsand,tobesure,there’snoshortagetothedarksideof athletics.AChosenBullet,however,isastoryaboutlessonslearnedfromtoughlifeexperiencesaswellasteachablemomentsastoldfrommylife’sperspectiveaboutthemenandteamsI’vewatched,studied,andemulatedthroughoutmylifeandtheinfluence they’ve had on me. VisitBillRenjeathiswebsite:www.achosenbullet.com

Bill & Amy Renje

P

30 PREMIER PLAYERS

community

hen most people think of NBA center Dwight Howard, they probably think of his dominance in the paint, his humorous commercials, or how he practically flew for a moment at the

2008 All-Star Slam Dunk competition while wearing his superman cape. His towering height and ability to block any basketball that comes near the rim may seem intimidating, but he has proved to be one of the most generous players in the NBA. In 2009, Howard was a finalist for the Jefferson Award for Public Service due to his involvement with the Dwight D. Howard Foundation. The foundation was founded in 2004 to encourage youths to strive for excellence in everything they do. Howard motivates children to focus in school by rewarding their hard work with scholarships and grants. Not only does the Dwight D. Howard Foundation recognize the importance of education, but it also puts an emphasis on family values. The foundation works hard to improve family relationships by teaching children and adults how to contribute to their community. Howard also hosted the Howard & Howard Father/Son Basketball Camp with a goal to “bridge the gap” between fathers who do not live or consistently stay in contact with their sons. The camp, along with the Howard & Howard Girls Basketball Camp, also teaches lessons of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The Dwight D. Howard Foundation works with Orlando Youths in foster care to maximize their opportunities in life. Howard will be celebrating this holiday season with Orlando teens in foster care at his Christmas Holiday Event. In August 2010, Howard launched The Dwight

Howard Fund to help children who were victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The DHF is designed to help the children overcome the trauma with nutrition, education and sports. Dwight Howard is a role model to the children that he mentors. To join Howard in his efforts, you can visit www.dwight-howard.com or www.dwighthowardfund.org.

W

Howard Dominates on the Court and in the

Community

Dwight Howard, right, of NBA’s Orlando Magic, claps hands with children on the Great Wall in Beijing, China.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) shoots over Toronto Raptors’ Reggie Evans (30) and Andrea Bargnani.

By Sam Smoot

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