Sports Beat column - April 21, 2006

Sports Beat
April 21, 2006

McCaffrey's World by Bill McCaffrey

Sunday concludes a big weekend for locals. NBA playoffs start, Big Eastern Reunion, JOCKS event, Pimlicoâ¤s first big weekend of racing, suddenly red hot Orioles in the big apple and Marylandâ¤s menâ¤s basketball on the downgrade or maybe its really an upgrade.

The Washington Wizards open the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers open their guest for the NBA Championships and because the NBA is the way it is, they really do have a shot with their big three of Butler, Arenos, and Jamison but a lock of an NBA big man they are at a disadvantage.

Good Counsel grad James Gist may leave Maryland Uâ¤s Menâ¤s basketball team for Karl Hobbo and GWU Strawberry and Ebekoe are testing the NBA waters and may not be back in College Park next season.

The Orioles have finally found out their bats are hitting the baseball and not for knees.

Bruce Chen has suddenly found out he may be better as a sports writer (he writes a column for the Baltimore Examiner) then a pitcher for the pitching poor Baltimore Orioles.

The big Eastern Reunion at Maryland University on Saturday and of course the BIG 2006 JOCKS Reunion also on Saturday at the same time of the Eastern event. The JOCKS will induct the following:
Nick Argyropoulos, Roosevelt HS;
John Grinell, W-L HS;
Nelson Harvey, W-L HS;
Alvin Lann, McKinley Tech HS;
"PeeWee" Morris, Anacostia HS;
Dave Zatz, Eastern HS;
and Post humously, Sal DeGiorgi, Eastern HS; and Jimmie Trimble, St. Albans HS.
It's $40 at the door, late questions call Joe Warren at 301-918-8100, fax 301-918-8124 or see Horace Highsmith, Joe or the â¤¦Rugmanâ¤? at the door.

Frank Shore told me this week he would be there and I think heâ¤s taking the well known â¤¦Dakota Redâ¤? with him. I wonder if they have taken in Bill Collins, Shore, Elgin Baylor, the Hitzelberger Brothers, Mule and Joe, Bill Nolen, Bill Dailey, Jack Frederick, Bill Gaskins, Willie Wood, Dave â¤¦Zakeâ¤? Zirkle, Jay Ferber, Charlie Pratt, Ed Cole, Alva Griffin, Don Abrams, Buzy Reynolds, Slick Spasoff, Gary Mays, Jim Wexler, Jack Pope, Billy Wright, Bo Wiggles, Len Kanthal, Joe Kolley, Bill Tallent and Jim Dameron?

Coming up on April 29th and 30th the NFL draft.

The Ravens plan to dump Ray Lewis and Kyle Boller. â¤¦Airâ¤? McNair is not the answer to the Ravens QB woes and anybody who does probably would like to buy the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Prince Georgeâ¤s County Special Olympics is coming up at the Sports and Learning Center on May 4th, unfortunately I will be unable to attend.

The State Special Olympics will be coming up on June 9th & 10th at Towson University. For more information call 800-541-7544 or visit www.somd.org.

Don't forget get your tickets early for the fifth annual Leslie Moore Scholarship Foundation Dinner on May 8th at Martins West. The Foundation has 15 in college and 5 more will be honored on the 8th. Plus a great group of sports legends will be there including the great â¤¦Broadwayâ¤? Joe Nameth, Carl Eller, Brooks Robinson, Raymond Berry, Gale Sayers, Leroy Kelly, Ken Houston among others. For ticket information call one of the following:
Cindy Ortman @ 410-793-3905 x2195
Robbie Davis @ 410-560-3200
Patrick Pannella @ 410-465-3253

St. Mary's high school lacrosse again has a very strong team, this week they lost a tough one to Baltimoreâ¤s number one team Mt. Hebron, St. Mary's is number two. Two of St. Mary's key players are Christian and Catherine Carr, both are granddaughters of Carole West Cullenane (I wonder if they are related to Ruth & Shirley Carr).

Another up and coming girls lacrosse player is Andrea Brawner of Kent Island high school JV team.

Yet another younger star on the rise is Trey Cole, a senior catcher on BCCâ¤s baseball team, heâ¤s headed to St. Maryâ¤s College to play for coach Lew Jenkins baseball team. Trey is Hal Coleâ¤s son and Ed Coleâ¤s grandson. He reminds me a lot of Bill Collins who played for the Milwaukee Brewers and is in DeMathaâ¤s and GWUâ¤s athletic Hall of Fame. Bill Collins was the brains behind bringing major league baseball to the DC area and should be part of any DC ownership.

DC DIVAS HOST BURN

The longest running and most intense rivalry NWFA history enters its 6th season when the D.C. Divas host the Baltimore Burn in the season opener for both teams. If you like smash-mouth, tough football then you will love the Divas against the Burn on April 22nd.

Game day will also feature a moon-bounce, face-painters and clowns for the kids. We're also introducing the new D.C. Divas dance team and an expanded cheerleading squad. Doors open at 5:30pm and Kickoff is at 7pm. Directions to the game day parking area can be found at http://www.dcdivas.com/html/homefield.html

The Divas have won 3 in a row and 4 of the last 5 against the Burn and have evened the overall series at 5-5. The Divas feature All-Pro Quarterback Allyson Hamlin and one of the best receivers in all of women's football, Nikki Williams. The Divas defense returns 10 starters from a team that recorded 7 shutouts in 10 games.

D.C. Divas season tickets are still available for $50. VIP plans are available for the first time and feature 50 yd line seating, a free t-shirt, waiter service and other great amenities for only $99. Individual game tickets are now available online!

For fans who have already purchased season tickets Please double-check your tickets and make sure you are with us on Saturday June 17th for our regular season finale. (Some of the tickets have a misprint of the 11th). We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

For all the latest information on the Divas, visit www.dcdivas.com

STAY TUNED...... Look for more on the Divas in an upcoming issue of the Washington Post Style section. Coming May 6th: expanded food and beverage options at all home games.

Go Divas!
Rich Daniel
D.C. Divas General Manager

LETTER FROM DC DIVA COACH

Dear Diva Nation:

The sleepless nights have arrived. The season opener must be right around the corner. A big part of coaching is that, no matter who we are playing, you never feel like you are fully prepared. So you watch film over and over. You draw and redraw plays. You move your practice schedule around. You play the game, each and every down, and quarter, in your mind. Over and over and over again. You want it to be perfect. You need it to be perfect. Having the Baltimore Burn as your first game, you know it has to be perfect.

The schemes are in. The timing is down. The hitting is intense. And yet, until we step on the field the butterflies will be there. I am so proud of our Team. They have been working SO hard since January. Allyson Hamlin has become the leader and QB we have always envisioned. She is poised. She is confident. And she is ready to lead the Divas to our ultimate fate. Where that is I am not sure. But I know that by studying hard, practicing hard, and playing hard we will get there together. And to me that is more important than wins or losses. Our success has always been be measured by the depth our relationships, our ability to communicate effectively, and having fun. If you can do those things day in and day out the "W's" will take care of themselves.

It is so very important that we do not start slow. Baltimore plays with a lot of emotion. That intensity has to be matched and exceeded from the first whistle. If not, we are in for a long day. The Burn offense has the capability of scoring points in bunches. And the Burn defense is built around not giving up the big play. They have big hitters sprinkled throughout their defense led by #47. In order for our running game to be productive the O-line must keep their focus. Being a Diva fan, a Burn fan, or just a regular hard-nosed football fan, you will enjoy this game no matter the outcome. It is what football rivalries are all about. There will be drama. There will be big scores. High stakes, miscues, rewards, failures, and lots of punishment. There will be explosive tackles, and exciting play on both sides.

The key to victory for the Divas is Focus. If we can maintain our poise, our patience, and execute the big plays when the opportunities present themselves, we can be successful. Regardless of the outcome, for the Divas this game means much more than a "W" or an "L". For us it is Life or Death, and we intend to play it that way. See you all there on Saturday the 22nd. This one is a CAN'T miss.

Sincerely, Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach

Youthful Inspirations to Raise Funds for Voices Magazine

Youthful Inspirations hosts "COVERSTORY" Fashion Show on April 23

April 14, 2006 Youthful Inspirations, Inc. a journalism program for children, will host "COVERSTORY" a benefit fashion show for "Voices" the Children's Magazine at 5:30 PM on April 23, 2006 at The Engineers Club at 11 W. Mount Vernon Place Baltimore, Maryland. The event will showcase young reporters from â¤—Voicesâ¤ magazine, and a special guest performance by Navasha Daya, lead singer of Fertile Ground. Proceeds from the fashion show benefits the production of the childrenâ¤s magazine, â¤—VOICESâ¤.

Youthful Inspirations is a non-profit organization, which hosts the Youthful Inspirations Enrichment Program. Founded in 1998 by Darlene Walker, its desire was to motivate and inspire young people to become leaders in their schools and communities, to encourage high academic achievement and explore skills associated with journalism. The program exposes students to basic journalism skills, and includes both academic and social components designed to enrich the lives of its participants. Youthful Inspirations offers the opportunity for young students to interact with their peers in the Northeastern Region, in an effort to achieve the following goals: Strengthening writing, organizational, communications and public speaking skills; support youth leadership and community activism; instill a sense of pride and ownership in studentsâ¤ accomplishments; and enhance interpersonal skills and creativity. The program produces a semi-annual children's magazine "Voices".

"Voices" a new and innovative childrenâ¤s magazine created by children ages 6-17 from Baltimore, New York and Philadelphia. Voices Magazine helps their readers to make intelligent buying decisions and support the companies that invest in the future of their children. With billions of people invested in the education of our youth and committed to helping ensure the success of a future generation of leaders Voices reaches a core market of people who are very loyal to the companies that support these future leaders. The magazine includes articles, creative writing, artwork, interviews and opinions on a wide array of topics. Our young reporters have interviewed many celebrities, politicians, athletes, and community leaders which increase the popularity of the magazine and attract a large audience. Individuals like Whoopi Goldberg, Sonya Sanchez, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Governor Ehrlich, Bill Cosby, Judge Mathis, Joseph Haskins and Raheem DeVaughn have supported the program by allowing the children to interview them. Many establishments including The Lyric Opera House, Port Discovery, Baltimore County Public Schools and Sam's Club, to name a few, have supported the program allowing children to attend events and conduct interviews to produce a dynamic magazine.

The magazine is circulated at Barnes and Nobles, Reisterstown, MD, Baltimore County Public Schools, small businesses and churches throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. In the future â¤—Voicesâ¤ plans to increase their subscription base to include children from all over the world, incorporate more school systems and ultimately, work with young reporters from other countries.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets are available for $25 in advance and $35 at the door. The Engineers Club is located at 11 W. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, Maryland. Call Donna LeCointe for more information: (301) 379-6329.

Frese, Terps Earn Top Honors From GBall Magazine
Frese named top coach; Terps earned No. 1 ranking in publication.

After winning the program's first-ever NCAA title, the Maryland women's basketball team was recently named the No. 1 team in the nation by GBall Magazine, a national women's basketball web publication. It is the second No. 1 ranking the Terps have earned after being unanimously selected as the nation's top team in the ESPN/USA Today Poll following the championship game. Terrapin head coach Brenda Frese was also tabbed its National Coach of the Year.

The Terps topped Duke, 78-75, in overtime on April 4 to capture the 2006 NCAA Championship. Maryland rallied back from a 13-point deficit, the second-largest comeback in an NCAA title game. The Terps had all five starters reach double figures, with Laura Harper, Kristi Toliver and Shay Doron each leading the way with 16 points apiece. Maryland also limited the nation's leading scoring team to 11 points below their average and just 38.5 percent shooting, The Blue Devils led the nation with a 49.8 field goal percentage this season.

In her fourth season at the Terrapin helm, head coach Brenda Frese was the fifth-youngest coach in NCAA history to win an NCAA title. Leading Maryland to its first-ever NCAA Tournament final and the program's second national championship game in school history (AIAW appearance in 1978), Frese guided the team to a school record 34 wins, while the Terps broke numerous other school marks including points (3,166), rebounds (1,720) and blocks (195).

Since arriving to College Park, Frese has recruited three-straight top-10 classes, including two-top five classes. Sophomore Crystal Langhorne and freshman Marissa Coleman were each named ACC Rookie of the Year in back-to-back seasons. In four years under Frese, nine Terrapins have been named to the All-ACC squad, including first teamers Langhorne and junior Shay Doron. Six Terp rookies have also garnered conference All-Freshman team nods since her arrival.

For more information and the full top-10 poll, visit www.gballmag.com.

GBall Magazine Final Top 10
1.       Maryland (34-4)
2.       Duke (31-4)
3.       North Carolina (33-2)
4.       LSU (31-4)
5.       Tennessee (31-5)
6.       Connecticut (32-5)
7.       Rutgers (27-5)
8.       Stanford (26-8)
9.       Oklahoma (31-5)
10.     Ohio State (29-3)

SPORTS NOTES

Doc Walker's ProView Happy Hour Networking
4/25/06, 6-8 p.m.: Tommy Joe's Restaurant
4714 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 654-3801 www.tommyjoes.com

The great "Big Bad Daddy Voodo" band is at the Rams Head in Annapolis on Sunday.

- Old Virginia Tobacco Co. celebrates its 35th year in business!!

- April 22, 2006, Saturday 12 to 5 PM
- Reston Sheraton

- Meet and share a special cigar with these cigar makers
- Each will be bringing a special cigar made exclusively for this event!!! You will receive these special cigars at the door. 15 cigars in all:
- Ashton , Robert Levin
- CAO, Tim Ozenger
- Camacho, Christian Eiroa
- Davidoff, Henke Kelner
- Fuente, Carlito Fuente
- La Aurora, Jose Blanco
- La Flor Dominicana, Litto Gomez
- La Gloria Cubana, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo
- Macanudo, Benji Menendez
- Padron, Jorge Padron
- Punch, Daniel Nunez

PLUS
-Free Food
- Live Music By 'EZGO'
- Cash Bar
- Cost $150 in advance, $200 at the door
- Tickets available at all Old Virginia Tobacco stores, 800-999-6882 or on the web oldvirginiatobacco.com

The Latin American Baseball Museum (LABM) of Washington, DC is sponsoring an open lecture, discussion, and book signing with:
David Maraniss, author of "Clemente:The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero".
WHEN: Thursday, May 18th 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: Center for Association Leadership 1575 Eye Street, NW (McPherson Square Metro stop) Washington, DC

Please RSVP to: Jim Carr Diaz at hispaniks@aol.com

Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following who recently passed:
Marshall Turner - former John Hopkins AD
Edsel Martz - great amateur baseball coach
Bill Garland - WWII Air Ace who flew 35 combat missions and an outstanding baseball umpire
Fred Christensen - WWII Air Ace who had 6 German plane kills in one day
Geaton A. DeCesaris, Jr. - Well known area builder who was a 1973 graduate of Frederick Douglas HS

Thanks to Jack Hoffman on the information on Bill Garland and Edsel Martz.

LETTERS

Bill,
How could the Washington Capitals have one of the greatest young stars in the NHL in Alex Ovechkin and be such a bad team.
"Big Al"

Big Al,
Poor front office and poor coaching that's how.
Bill

Bill,
Did you ever find out where Judy Hurst was today and her married name?
Johnny O.

Dear JO,
No
Bill

Bill,
The original Tuckers was at Pennsylvania Ave. & Minnesota Ave. SE in the little strip mall facing Pennsylvania Ave. Yes the steaks were razor thin but the hamburgers and fries were not bad. Talked to Pat Clarke today and he said that he played golf with Charlie Pratt, Jay Ferber and another. They play every Thursday.
Fred

Fred,
I think they generally play with Chuckles Enterline or Harry Jones. The other two Tuckers were near Andrews on Route 4 and one in Northeast. I use to like those greasy Shanty burgers, or the Club LT's, buy them by the bag hamburgers.
Bill

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