Sports Beat column - February 22, 2008

Sports Beat

February 22, 2008

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

theAttendance must be down in DC or the Virginia Caps wouldn¹t be advertising and offering discounts to Baltimore residents, next thing will be the Wiz doing the same thing in Baltimore . Both teams were stolen from Maryland , the Wiz dealing a double blow to first Baltimore then Prince George ¹s County and the Caps moving their home games to DC and their training center from Piney Orchard to Northern Virginia . Baltimore City or Baltimore County should build a modern facility and take the Wiz and Caps back even though I think the Caps are headed to Richmond or the Tidewater area in the future. I understand the Tidewater area would like to get the Wiz also. The Caps have a very good team led by a great young player in Alex Ovechkin and some other good players like Mike Green, Thomas Fleischmann, Alexander Siemen, Ollie ³The Goalie² Kolzig and David Steckel. The Caps and Wiz could make it in Baltimore today.

ROGER CLEMENS THE GREATEST?

I heard a reporter recently say that Roger Clemens was the greatest pitcher of all time, I don¹t know what the reporter was sniffing but he isn¹t even the best I¹ve heard of or have seen. Clemens was good but was he the greatest? I don¹t think so. Coming from DC the greatest was Walter ³Big Train² Johnson my father saw him pitch and to him he was the greatest. I thought Bobby Feller was the greatest and yes I did see him pitch. Virgil ³Fire² Trucks was right in the great category (by the way you can still get his great book, write to him at 1016 Waterford Trail, Calera, Alabama 35040-7613). It¹s a great book by a great man. I highly recommend it. There were a lot of others during my lifetime like Sandy Korifax, Early Wynn, Warren Spahn, Jim Palmer, Lefty Grove, Cy Young, Christy Mathenson, Don Newcombe, Satchel Paige, ³Prince² Hal Newhouser, ³Chief² Allie Reynolds, Whitey Ford and a lot of others who didn¹t need anything to help them fire the ball. Give me Trucks, Feller, Wynn, Korifax (tho his career was cut short), or a Paige and I¹d match any of them against Clemens. As Frank ³Bevo² Shore said ³these young ones haven¹t seen Trucks, Feller or Korifax, if they had Clemens would be an after thought².

HOW ABOUT LOCAL PITCHERS?

When I was growing up in DC there were a lot of good high school pitchers. To name a few: Frank ³Bevo² Shore, Jim Wexler, Garland ³Bill Dailey, Gene Wall, Gene Milito, Ed ³Lefty² DeSimoine, Billy Smith, Billy Nolan, Stan Bobb, Sonny Wise, Damien Crane, Dave Daggenhardt, Billy Wright, George Bickerton, Dickie Smallwood, and Jack Pope. I am sure there were more but these are some of the ones I remember.

NATS NOTES

The Nats have signed lefty pitcher Odalis Perez to a minor league contract. Perez was 8-11 with the K.C. Royals. Ross Detwiler continues to impress folks in Florida , he can really bring it. Jim Bowden expects the Nats finish above .500 this season. J.J. Hardy gets a one year contract from the Brewers. Trott Nixon gets a minor league contract from Arizona . Shawn Chacon gets a one year, 2 million dollar deal from Houston, he was 5-4 with the Pirates in 2007. Pitcher Byrung-Hyun Kim signs with the Pirates. Russell Branyan gets a minor league contract from the Brewers. If Nick Johnson looks healthy in Spring Training look for him to go to Kansas City in a deal. Reds give Brandon Phillips a four year contract. Next to sign with the Nats probably will be Daniel Boone after the Nats added Bret Boone to their roster to go along with Brother Aaron Boone and their father Bob Boone who is Bowden¹s chief assistant. Ron Villone signs a minor league contract with the Cardinals.

ORIOLES OUTHOUSE

Brian Roberts is open to a trade to a winning team, he¹d like to get a deal like Erik Bedard. Jay Peyton may be gone soon. If I were the Orioles I¹d go after Coco Crisp. Coco Crisp wants to be traded by the Red Sox. Ian Kinsler gets a five year deal with the Texas Rangers. The Orioles look like the anchor team in their division. Relief pitcher Chris Ray hopes to be back by late August, look for George Sherrill to close. The Detroit Tigers signed Joel Zumaya. Bubba Crosby has signed a minor league deal with Seattle . Erik Bedard will be Seattle ¹s opening day pitcher. Nelson Cruz signs with the Rangers. Humm, the Orioles got some damaged goods in the Houston trade, pitcher Troy Patton has arm problems.

FIFTY BEST DC AREA BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Ever since I talked about the Stonewall AC vs. DC Stars basketball game I¹ve been asked about who I thought the best 50 were. I have to eliminate McKinley Tech and John Carroll players because they were teams and they were parts in the scheme of things that Dutch Uslainer and Bob Dwyer put together. Who knows if they could do the same things as they did as a team? So my 50 best that I played with, against or saw: Elgin Baylor; Jim Wexler; Lonnie Herzbrum; Willie Jones; Wilbur ³Ducie² Smith; Bobby Carroll; Earl Hawkins; Jack George; Gerry LeCompte; Frank ³Bevo² Shore; John Lithicum; P.A. Dyer; Dave ³Zeke² Zirkle; Bobby Cooper; Jack Freidrich; Dave Daggenhardt; Jerry Eckholm; Jay Buckley; Dicky Wells; Earl Hawkins; Donnee Gray; ³Checse² Halloway; Bob Kessler; Shorty Simmons; Dale Adams; Joe Kolley; Mac Beasley; Jim Shipman; Puddy Sheehan; Pat Clarke; Wayne Cook; Dudley Peters; Doc Winegardner; Gary Mays; Steve Datcher; Bill Hampton; Robbie Smithers; Billy Wright; Bobby Hampton; Harold Polin; Jay Ferber; Tucker Dunn; Frank Cohen; Ed Cole; Devin Doolin; Jimmy Pantos; Bobby Lomax; Jack Sullivan; Willie Wood, and Bob Johnson. I probably left out a few and I apologize for that.

Frese Gives Birth to Twin Boys
Frese delivers couple's first children

Maryland women's basketball head coach Brenda Frese gave birth to twin boys on Sunday morning at a Maryland area hospital. The twins are the first children for Frese and her husband, Mark Thomas. Markus William was born at 10:21 a.m. and weighed five pounds, five ounces and measured 18.5 inches long. Tyler Joseph was born 30 minutes later and weighed six pounds and 12 ounces, while measuring 19.25 inches. Frese, 37, and babies are healthy and doing well. Frese has been at the Maryland helm for six years. Her plans to return to the sideline will be announced at a later date. The Lady Terps then went out and beat Duke 76-69!

Langhorne's Jersey to be Honored on Senior Day
No.1 will hang in the rafters

One of Maryland 's all-time greats will be honored on Sunday, Feb. 24 when the women's basketball team hosts Florida State . The Terps will honor Crystal Langhorne's No. 1 in a ceremony at the conclusion of the game. Her jersey number will hang from the rafters alongside former Terrapin greats Vicky Bullett, Shay Doron, Tara Heiss and Jasmina Perazic. Crystal Langhorne became Maryland 's all-time leading scorer and rebounder this season. She is the only Terrapin women's basketball player to score 2,000 points and the first to grab 1,000 rebounds. One of two players in Maryland men's or women's basketball history with 1,000 boards, she is the school's all-time leading rebounder, while also becoming the only men's or women's player in College Park to have 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Langhorne owns or ranks in the top five in 12 career records at Maryland . She recently broke the program mark for field goals made in the win at Duke. Langhorne is the Maryland women's basketball program's only multiple All-American, garnering the recognition by the Associated Press and the United State Basketball Writers Association in the last two years. She was also a Kodak/WBCA All-American last season. Langhorne is a three-time All-ACC honoree, twice earning a spot on the first team, and was the 2005 ACC Rookie of the Year. The ACC's Preseason Player of the Year this season, she holds the school record for career ACC Player of the Week (6) nods, earning the honor three times this season. Langhorne also is among the all-time greats in NCAA history. She was the 106th player all-time to collect 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Her career 65.2 field goal shooting percentage ranks in the top five in NCAA Division I women's basketball history. It also ranks in the top 10 in NCAA history across all divisions. Langhorne is a three-time national player of the year candidate and she was a finalist for the WBCA's Wade Trophy and John R. Wooden Award last year. She was the NCAA Albuquerque Region Most Outstanding Player in 2006 the year the Terps made their national championship run. A three-time ACC Honor Roll honoree, she was an ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American last year. The fourth-ranked Terps return to action against the Seminoles this weekend. Maryland will also honor its seniors for Senior Day prior to the start of the game. The 2007-08 senior class is the winningest class in the history of the program. Tickets for Sunday's game which tips off at 2 p.m. are still available for purchase through the Comcast Center Ticket Office, by calling 1-800-IM-A-TERP or by visiting www.umterps.com.

Florida State (15-9, 5-4 ACC)
When: Sun., Feb. 24 2:00 p.m.
Where: Comcast Center (17,950) College Park , Md.
TV: None
Radio: Maryland Radio Network (Flagship: ESPN 1300AM Baltimore ).
Webcast/Audio: ACC Select/Maryland All-Access.
Audio link available at www.umterps.com

Quick Hits
Maryland is ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press poll and No. 5 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll. The Terps boast the most wins in the nation and were the first team to 20 victories. Playing 14 games in the first 31 days of the season, they have played the most games of any team in the nation (28). Maryland plays its last four games of the season over a 14-day stretch, a stark contrast to the beginning of the season when the Terps played six games in the first 14 days of the season. Maryland's current record through 28 games is the best since the 1988-89 campaign. Senior Laura Harper is Maryland 's all-time blocks leader after breaking the record vs. Boston College . Junior Kristi Toliver was named ACC Player of the Week this week for the second time this season. She was also named a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award. For the first time in the history of the program, Maryland has won 10 ACC games in three-consecutive seasons. Maryland has recorded four-straight 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. A Terrapin has earned ACC Player of the Week honors eight times in 14 weeks of the season. Langhorne is the league's active leader with six career weekly nods. Maryland is one of 12 known teams in NCAA history with four 1,000-point scorers on the roster. The Terps have had at least one player with a double-double in 24 of their 28 games. Three Terps overall were selected preseason candidates for the Wade Trophy and two are on the Midseason Wooden list. Three are on the midseason Naismith Award candidate list.

Toliver Selected Finalist for Top Point Guard Honor Junior Kristi Toliver was selected a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, presented to the nation's top Division I women's basketball player. Toliver is joined on the list by eight other point guards. Toliver is the only point guard in the ACC on the list of final nominees. Toliver is third in the nation in assists per game (8.0), threatening the ACC's single-season record. She is also averaging a career-best 16.9 ppg. Toliver was a finalist for the honor last year, as well.

10 Cubed
For the first time in the history of the program, Maryland has won at least 10 ACC games in three-consecutive seasons. Under head coach Brenda Frese, the Terps have posted at least a .500 record in ACC play in five of her last six seasons at the Maryland helm. It is the first time the Terps have had five-straight .500 or better campaigns in conference action since the 1993-94 season.

Coming Up
Maryland returns home for the final regular-season game of the year. The Terrapins host Florida State on Sunday, Feb. 24. On that afternoon, the Terps will honor its most winningest senior class in the history of the program for Senior Day.

Simon pounds out decision win; retains USBA title! Local fighters highlight "Rising Star Promotions" boxing card.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation

Philadelphia's LaJuan Simon used a swarming, non-stop offensive attack to successfully defend his hard earned USBA middleweight belt, and remain undefeated, against the resilient challenge of Elco "The Animal" Garcia, from Albuquerque , New Mexico . Headlining the entertaining seven-bout fightcard at the "House of Blues" theater in the Showboat Hotel & Casino, Simon awed the good-sized crowd with his arsenal of punches. En route to his ten round unanimous decision victory, Simon continually battered Garcia with his pinpoint accuracy. The soon to be 29 year-old fighter (Feb. 25th) also hurt Garcia often with his power and the sheer volume of his punches constantly overwhelmed the gut sy Mexican fighter. Snapping Garcia's head back with big right hands and banging his body with a two-fisted assault, Simon quickly took control of the fight and built up a comfortable lead going into the latter rounds when it appeared that the stronger, better skilled prospect began to slightly tire. By this time it was to no avail as Garcia, bruised and bleeding from a cut over his left eye, was sapped of his power and surviving entirely on sheer will and guts. Garcia, now 19-7 (9 KO's), suffered three straight knockouts: at the hands of contender Eric Regan and former world champions Vernon Forrest and Raul Marquez, prior to his getting back to his winning ways eleven months ago (TKO 4 vs. Cabien St. Pierre: 03/10/07). To his credit the still dangerous Garcia did come to win, and at times did have his moments, but the 36 year-old longtime resident of Ignacio, Colorado was no match for Simon; who was making the first defense of his USBA championship.& amp;n bsp; Judge John Riley had it 97-93, while both Alan Rubenstein and John Stewart scored it 98-92 for Simon, who captured the regional title with his dominating unanimous decision win over Detroit's Corey Johnson last September, in their twelve round clash for the then vacant crown. With a style that typifies a true "Philly fighter", Simon is a real crowd pleaser and appears destined for bigger and better things. Improving to 18-0-2 (9 KO's) with the credible win over Garcia, the likable, hard working Simon is merely a few fights away from stepping up to the next level, and getting his well deserved shot at a major titleholder. In the co-feature bout, Venezuelan born Patrick Lopez made short work of the difficult Jonathan Tubbs in a scheduled eight round battle of Jr. Welterweight southpaws. Lopez, now fighting out of Londonberry, New Hampshire landed the cleaner, straighter punches and displayed his superior boxing skills against Tubbs, now 10-5 (3 K O's), and the loser of his last three straight bouts. After out-boxing his Rochester , NY opponent over the first three rounds, Lopez drilled Tubbs with a stinging overhand left, midway through round four, which hurt the 25 year-old boxer. Driving his stunned foe to the ropes, the former two-time Olympian unleashed a vicious flurry, landing several shots to the wobbly fighter's head. Driving another headshot into the now defenseless fighter, Lopez is smartly pulled off by referee Sam Viruet at the 2:04 mark, giving Lopez (now 12-1) his tenth win by knockout. The one-sided win was an impressive showing by Lopez, who rebounded from his lone loss this past July (UD 10) to the highly regarded Fernando Angulo.

On the Raising Star Promotions undercard:
Popular Wildwood, NJ light heavyweight Chuck Mussachio was surprised by North Philadelphian Zerffr ino Al bino and his deceptive 3-4 pro record, and struggled to scratch out a six round draw. Claiming to have injured his right hand early in the bout, Mussachio appeared to have done enough to get the win against the light-hitting Albino, a loser in three of his last four fights. Unfortunately for Mussachio, who enters the ring to Frank Sinatra music while sporting a Fedora, the people that matter the most - the three judges, did not see it that way. Judge Rubenstein saw it like most at press row; 59-55 for Mussachio, while Judge Stewart had the same score for Albino. Judge Riley scored it 57-57, ruling the bout a draw, and the only blemish to an otherwise perfect 11-0 record for the local fan favorite.

Nearby Pleasantville, NJ middleweight Dwayne Davis opened the show, making his pro debut against Rondu Campbell, from Brooklyn, NY . The powerfully built , well- conditioned Davis was out-boxed by the taller, lankier Campbell whose pesky jab offset the infrequent multiple punch combinations of his inexperienced foe. While judge Rubenstein did see the fight 39-38 for Davis , both Judges Stewart and Riley scored it 39-37 for Campbell . With the split decision victory Campbell improves to 2-0-1, while Davis is now 0-1.

Also making his pro debut was light heavyweight Lavern Harvell, pitted against winless Rafael Jastrzebski. The heavy handed Harvell, from Atlantic City , pounded away on the rugged, yet too easy to hit, Jastrzebski whose face was bleeding and bruised by th e end of round one. Well-respected cutman Danny Milano, a Clifton , NJ native, had his hands full with the head first brawler, but to his credit kept the courageous brawler in the four round fight. Harvell kept thrilled large group of fans as he boxed well and stunned Jastrzebski on several occasions, winning the bout 40-36 on all three judges¹ scorecards. Jastrzebski fell to 0-5-1.

Gritty welterweight Manuel Guzman, from Reading , PA , upped his record to 4-5 (2 KO's) with his four round unanimous decision victory over Philadelphia 's Kareem Robinson, now 2-5 (1 KO). Guzman, a decent fighter when he comes ready to fight, dropped the 6'5" Robinson twice in round one and had his way with the fighter who appears better suited for the bask etball c ourts than a boxing ring; verified proof being that Robinson has not even won a single round from any judge, dating back to late 2004! Robinson has now lost his last five fights and made Guzman look more like Jake LaMotta, as Guzman drove his giant opponent to the ropes, kept his forehead buried into Robinson's chest and pounded away at the hapless fighter. All three judges had it for Guzman; 40-34, 40-35 & another 40-34.

The lively crowd was brought to their feet as Atlantic City hometown favorite Pat Majewski registered a second round knockout against his most formidable opponent to date; Victor Paz, out of the Bronx, NY. Scheduled for six rounds, it was obvious early on that Majewski was not planning on going the distance, as the powerful middleweight clubbed Paz with both hands and also displayed a nice jab to take round one. Paz, with a draw sandwiched between two pairs of loses in his last five fights, also had been knocked out in thre e of thos e four losses and in Majewski was facing a very potent puncher. While pursuing Paz and continually tagging him with his jab and working his down sliding foe's body, Majewski crushed the susceptible Paz with a head rattling left hand, dizzying Paz and forcing the hurt fighter to cover up. Majewski bangs away and drops Paz with a big volley of punches. As the stunned and damaged fighter arises and beats the count, referee Wayne Hedgepeth doesn't like what he sees in the willing boxer and waves off the onslaught at the 3:00 mark of round two. A big win for Majewski, as the local, young prospect sends his extremely large throng of supporters home very happy. "This was my first 6 rounder, and I fought my fight," stated the gracious Polish fighter. "I felt my jab was the key, I didn't let his experience affect my good fight plan and I am very happy with the outcome."

The boxing fans that made there way to the "House of Blues" at the Showb oat Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City , were treated to a good, solid and exciting fightcard put on by Rising Star Promotions. Boxing shows like this one will keep the fans coming back.

Mike Indri can be contacted at RBFNJMIKE@aol.com

PRO AM EVENT AT PIKESVILLE ON 2/29

Jake Smith¹s Baltimore Pro Boxing has a big event on February 29th at the Pikesville Armory. The main event pits Jesse Nicklow against Richard ³Tiger Lee² Hall. Others on the card include former Michigan State LB Seth Mitchell, Maurice Winslow, Lenwood Dozier and making his pro debut Mark Tucker.

WE GET LETTERS

Dear Fred, Regret to inform that my wife, Jeanne Driscoll O¹Steen, 45 is hospitalized with emphysema and inoperable and untreatable lung cancer. We bid your prayers in these times of travail. Regards, Bob O¹Steen, wouldabeen 43. Fred Plummer

Fred, Our prayers go out for Jeanne. Bill

Hi Bill, Good to hear from you. I am getting along quite well since the knee replacement. Only have two more therapy sessions scheduled at the local hospital gym. Looking forward to spring when I will spend more time at my Shenandoah Valley properties. How is your health? My sister had the aortic valve replaced in her heart. I believe Tom Vaden had a mitral valve replacement. Modern medical procedures have come a long way in keeping our bodies on the move. Take care and keep in touch, Ken

Ken, Good report. Bill

Bill, Would anyone have a photo of a 1980 minor league player named Tim Lewis? He played for the Alexandria Dukes in the Carolina League. Please respond to: David Vincent at grandSlams@aol.com.

Subject: Giesla Stering O'Keefe Fred, for the life of me I can't remember if I (or anyone, for that matter) told you about Giesla Stering O'Keefe's death on Christmas Eve. She graduated in '45, was Hildegard Stering's sister. She and her husband, George, both died that day, and I went to their funeral at Fort Meyer last Monday, to be with Hildy and her family. I was out west then, and when I returned was so occupied with Bev Rausch's death that I didn't think to let you know. Hope someone else did. Best regards...........Anne Ferguson Macon Fred, Thanks for passing this along. Bill

Bill, On December 29, 2007, while in Texas spending the holidays with my daughter and family; I was so fortunate to have a 5 hour lunch with Loma Allen, class of 48, along with Raymond Asay, also class of 1948. I have not seen Loma since 1948, and Ray 3 times since 48. I will tell you that we certainly did not have enough time to tell all of our lies. ha ha Loma's wife picked up the tab - believe me she is a most wonderful person!!

On Tuesday, February 12, 2008, on the way home from taking my wife to the doctors we stopped in to vote in the Maryland primary election. There was a short wait and while waiting struck up a conversation with one of the chief judges and said that I applied to be an election judge via the internet and was advised that would be contacted shortly about an assignment, however, I was not contacted. The chief judge said if you want to work now can use you as he was short and would swear me in. I said will have to take my wife home, but he said we can use her too, so we both became election officials at our precinct. Due to the weather the polls closing time was extended from 8:00PM until 9:30. We arrived home at 11:30PM. We will be officials for the national election this coming November. A great experience for us.

Now - anyone out there that has something of interest to relay to your classmates, please forward it on to me. There is one requirement when providing the info to me - you must include your name and class year! Repeat include your name and class year. I do not know who the address of "dipsydoodle@anywhere.com is. Thanks for your interest. Fred Plummer

Letter from Fred:
Fred, Don Schweitzer emailed Lucia Sligh Clark '47 that his wife, Charlotte Sullivan Schweitzer '47, is now in a rehabilitation home. About 20 years ago Charlotte had a heart transplant and the combination of non-rejection drugs and several strokes have weakened her condition. Charlotte's family, and her dear friend Lucia, would appreciate the prayers of all being offered for her recovery. Sincerely, Anne Ferguson Macon '47

Fred, Anne, Our prayers are with you. Bill

Fred, Just a note to advise that my cousin, Marie Skinner Hicks (Class of 43/44?) was layed to rest this week at Cedar Hill Cemetary after a long illness. Dick Mooers (Class of 52).

Fred, Thanks for the information. Bill

Bill, Last month, Ken Thornton celebrated his 75th birthday. Ken is still teaching three "spinning" (bike classes for non-gym people). He and Trudy were taken to dinner at a lovely restaurant by 22 of Ken's students, most of who are probably half his age or close. These people really, really love him. Fred Plummer

Fred, Good report Bill

Bill, Just had my MRI and have new brain tumor #4. I am going into the hospital for procedure, radiation or surgery in March. I will let you know how all comes out. Noose

Dear Noose, My prayers are with you, please keep me posted. Bill

SPORTS NOTES

Our deepest sympathy goes to Tom Dugan and his family on the death of his wife, Mary Murray Dugan. She was a long time aide to John Garrity (former judge and State Senator). She also worked on behalf of people with disabilities and Special Olympics. She was an outstanding person and will be missed. Sympathy also goes to the family of Nate Randolph. Nate was the trainer of the DC Divas of the Independent Womens Football League. He too will be missed.

Condolences goes to the following families: Albert Vincent Pohl Jr. (Pallotti HS grad) Lloyd M. Carter (grad of Central HS and retired C&P Telephone Executive) Daisy Hawkins Boyd (grad of Dunbar HS) Geane Lillian Leibovitch (grad of Central HS) Bob Howsam (co-founder of the Denver Broncos & GM of the St. Louis Cardinals & Cincinnati Reds) Brookie Stevens (former WMAL radio personality and first female airborne traffic reporter in DC) at age 45. Joyce Ebel Killette ( Madeira School grad) Rosemarie Kelly Hickey ( Holy Cross Academy grad) Robert Waygh Hamilton (Coolidge HS grad) Larry S. Tolson (Suitland HS grad) Mark Lee Norman (Oxon Hill HS grad & principal of Elizabeth Rieg Special Center ) Howard E. Whitlow (Theo. Roosevelt HS grad) George Peter Cokines (Western HS grad) Joanne Garber Loughran (Wilson HS grad)

Eric Knight is the new football coach at Crossland. He has a 175 wins, 78 loss record at Potomac and Forestville . He joins Tom Green who left Surrattsville for Eleanor Roosevelt.

SIGN UP FOR THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION¹S KIDNEY WALK

May 4th, at Salisbury Zoo @ 9:00 a.m. May 4th at Lake Elkhorn @ 8:00 a.m. June 1st at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore @ 8:00 a.m. For Baltimore Zoo and Lake Elkhorn walks contact Kelly Meltzer at 410-494-8645 or email kmeltzer@kidneymd.org For Salisbury walk contact Lois Morgan at 410-546-1969 or email rmorgan118@comcast.net Get on the ³GO DUTCH² train at the Dutch Bull Roast on April 6th at Padonia Park , 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Contact Beverly Ruppersberger at 410-252-2505 or email Bev@dutchforcongress.com or call Carol Merkel at 443-799-9958. I wonder where Jack Ellis, Eddie Graham, Dean Ashbaugh, Roger Flather, Francis Starr, Marian Diehl, Phyllis Thayer, Linda Gerik, Kay Oliphant Robinson, Dede Powell, and Shirley Brown are today? Pat Darr and Tom Marquardt are still doing their great ³Wine etc.² column in the Annapolis . Frank Gansz is the new special teams coach at SMU. A speedy recovery and prayers to Dave Foggo on his recent accident. Look-a-Likes: Richard Keen and Nawaz Sharif, Tim T. and the late John Candy, John pocket and Chris on Project Runway, and Paul Weasel and Nervous Norvus. The Washington Kastles (DC pro tennis team) has picked up Serena Williams, her sister Venus is with the Philadelphia Freedoms. Juan Dixon moves from Toronto to the Detroit Pistons, his fourth NBA team in five years. Seen at the Florida State vs. Maryland Men¹s basketball game MD Hall of Famer Benny Alperstein and his lovely wife talking to former Terps men hoops coach Lefty Driesell. Jason Kidd finally made it to Dallas . In college basketball Bowie State beat Elizabeth City 78-66. In boy¹s basketball Gwynn Park 75, Largo 63 and the game ended in a brawl. I¹ve lost track of Phil Sullivan, I¹ve heard someone spotted him with the ³Spice Girls². Kevin O¹Dea has joined the NY Jets as Special Teams coach.

Where are John Gowland and Greg Madalone these days?

Donnie Neuenberger failed to qualify for the NASCAR Nationwide Camping World 300 at Daytona Beach last week.

New offensive coordinator for the Redskins is Sherman Smith.

In district high school boy¹s basketball
HD Woodson 64 Anacostia 55
Tech 64 Spingarn 30

The Ravens have so much talent they need 19 assistants for coach Harbaugh, 19?

In the SMAC:
Stone                  81                     LaPlata                         48
Lackey               77                     McDonough                 58
Chopticon          41                     Leonardtown                26
Huntingtown      61                     Patuxent                       47
Good Counsel    64                     St. Mary¹s Ryken        56

In Men¹s College Basketball:
Maryland 82 Florida State 72
Va. Tech 69 Maryland 65

Gleneg defeated Calvert 40-35 to win their second straight 2A-1A wrestling championship. Big college lacrosse double header on March 1st at M&T Bank Stadium. First game at 12 noon Virginia vs. Syracuse . Second game at 2:30 p.m. Johns Hopkins vs. Princeton . By the way, note to CM IV jousting is the state sport and has been for years, lacrosse a few years ago was made the State Team Sport. Jamal Lewis gets a three year contract from the Cleveland Browns. What well known Baltimore sports figure was seen at Scores and Fantasies recently? The Dream Team of Comedy Friday, March 21, 2008 at 8:00 PM Music Center at Strathmore Mojo Live Presents The Dream Team of Comedy Featuring: Joe Torry Reynaldo Rey Mike Brooks Tony Woods Chris Thomas Mojo Live presents the 'Dream Team of Comedy' show featuring nationally known actor/comedians Joe Torry and Reynaldo Rey with special guest comedians Mike Brooks, Tony Woods, and Chris Thomas.

VICTORY EDITION
Dear Friend: Kim and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your help in the Primary race. With the Associated Press and The Washington Post declaring me the winner, we are moving forward with our general election planning and organization. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since we started planning this primary campaign. You have marched in parades, knocked on doors, held events in your homes, and contributed generously. It was a great feeling to hear that every polling place in the District had Kratovil signs and 60 polls were manned by cold, wet volunteers. We are taking a little break with the boys and will return refreshed to work the General Election plan. I look forward to seeing you soon. - Frank Kratovil

FINAL ELECTION RESULTS
Kratovil: 26,289
Robinson: 20,305
Harper: 10,979
Werner: 7,999

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are lots of ways you can help the Kratovil for Congress campaign, including door-to-door literature drops, phoning voters, and attending/supporting events. For opportunity details click "Ways I Can Help" below. Thank you for your support!

* WEBMASTER COMMENT:
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