Sports Beat column - August 31, 2007

Sports Beat
August 31, 2007

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

It was unanimous this past Saturday when Jake Smith brought his Baltimore Pro Boxing to the Ocean City Convention Center for a Pro-Amateur event. Everyone in attendance was unanimous in saying Jake had done it again with a top show. Former WBO World Cruiser-weight champion Boone Pultz ran his record to 261-1 with a unanimous decision over Jerry Simpson. In a battle for the East Coast championship Mike Paschall upped his record to 13-01-1 with a unanimous over Richard Stewart. Jessie Nicklow went to 13-0-1 with a unanimous decision over Anthony Little. Tim Coleman ran his unbeaten record to 12-0 by ringing up a unanimous decision over Rich Lee Hall. Ryan Belasco stopped Jose Torres in a four round decision. There was one amateur fight.

Pro-AM fights coming up are:
September 27th
Michael's Eighth Avenue, Ballroom Boxing

October 12th
Burns Arena, Jake Smith's Baltimore Pro Boxing

October 29th
Rosecroft Racetrack, Gene Molovinsky Keystone Boxing

Whatever happened to the Evander Holyfield vs. "Has been" Rahman fight?

Veronica L Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions

Purchase tickets now and be part of this boxing extravaganza, September 7, 2007 at The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia . Joining Ms. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions in support of bring exception boxing viewership to the world are FightingCity.com who will be filming the event and Comcast Sportsnet who will be showing the matches on a tape-delayed basis as well as on demand.

Don Elbaum, Matchmaker, is assembling an action packed under card that will feature top prospects as well Legendary Blue Horizon favorites.

Fresh off his explosive knockout victory on the big David Diaz-Erik Morales Pay-Per-View card in Chicago , Joey ³Minnesota Ice² Abell will be back in familiar surroundings when he headlines a big night of boxing. Abell sports an impressive record of 15-1 with all of his wins coming by knockout, has responded very well since his lone defeat at the hands of Arron Lyons that took place at The Legendary Blue Horizon last December by racking up six straight stoppage wins.

"Sergeant" Samuel Brown is coming off a four round unanimous decision over Charles Dillard on June 16th in Metropolis, Illinois and has a record of 4-2. Dillars, a three-time veteran of the War in Iraq , has made three appearances at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

The third eight-round fight will feature Legendary Blue Horizon favorite, Elad Shmouel. The Jr. Welterweight from Tel Aviv, Israel will once again bring his all action style when he takes on an opponent to be named. Shmouel has a record of 17-1 with eight knockouts. Shouel has thrilled the Blue Horizon crowd over the last two years as he is 5-0 with two knockouts at "The Blue".

Steve Chambers Upsher, the Jr. Welterweight. will bring in a record of 14-1-1 with four knockouts when he makes 16th Blue Horizon starts in a six round bout against Damon Antoine. Antoine of Akron will be looking for his second consecutive upset as he is coming off a majority decision over Gerry Grealish (6-0) this past June 20th. This will be Antoine¹s second appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon as he previously fought to a no-contest with Steve Chambers Upsher on February 10, 2006.

Rounding out the card will be Gee Culmer of Philadelphia (10-1, 3 KO¹s) taking on twenty seven fight veteran James North of Weston, West Virginia in a six round middleweight bout.

Alex Perez of New Jersey will risk his undefeated record of 8-0 with six knockouts against Darian Ford of New Orleans in a Jr. Middleweight bout scheduled for six rounds. Ford has a deceiving record of 11-15 with four knockouts but he holds victories over former world champion, Charles Murray and perennial contender Ivan Robinson.

Jules Blackwell (4-0, 2 KO¹s) of Phoenixville, PA will take on Joseph Rosa (1-0-1) of Bronx , NY in a battle of undefeated featherweights scheduled for rounds.

Naji Murray, who made an impressive debut at the Legendary Blue Horizon on June 1st will take on Scott Tuggle (1-0, 1 KO) of Indianapolis , Indiana in a middleweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Purchase your tickets TODAY and enjoy an exhilarating night of boxing at ³The Blue² Friday, September 7th. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. with the first bout at 7:30 P.M. Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $60 VIP, $47 Ringside and $40 General Admission.

In keeping with fan and patron suggestions, ComcastTix.com is now the official ticket processing agency for ³The Blue². Please remember that all ticket sales are final, all ticket sales within 10 days will call only until noon event day. All tickets after that must be purchased at the on-site ticket window. You can purchase tickets by calling 800-298-4200.

Jimmy Lange to Host Benefit for Diego Corrales October 6 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
Tickets now on sale for event featuring four bouts, including Robles-Bailey

Popular Northern Virginia fighter Jimmy Lange will host a special evening of boxing and entertainment to benefit the family of deceased former world champion Diego Corrales on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. The event, a joint production between Jimmy Lange Enterprises and Ice Promotions, will feature professional boxing, live musical entertainment, a three-course meal and a silent auction.

Tickets are limited for this intimate affair with table seats (includes three-course dinner) available for $350, $250 or $175; with a limited number of general admission tickets selling for $100. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (703) 536-6060.

Lange (28-3-2, 20 KOs), who captured the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental America¹s 154-pound title against Fontaine Cabell last May, sparred with Corrales in Florida at trainer Buddy McGirt¹s Vero Beach gym several years ago where he developed a great deal of respect for the battle-tested warrior.

"Chico was one of the few modern boxers who, win or lose, always left everything out there at the end of the day. He had a tremendous heart and was a great crowd-pleaser who gave 100-percent every time in the ring," said Lange, about Corrales, who died on May 7, 2007, is survived by his wife, Michelle, and was the father of six children, including a son, Diego, born in June 2007. "I look forward to honoring him on October 6 and helping raise funds for his family."

A cocktail hour starts at 6:00 pm with doors opening at 7:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by Emil Stucchio & The Classics, whose popular songs include "Till Then," "P.S. I Love You" and "You'll Never Know". Matchmaker Joe Hensley promises an exciting four-bout fight card, including a hard-hitting, six-round showdown between undefeated cruiserweight ³JC Superstar² Juan Carlos Robles (9-0, 4 KOs) of Waynesboro, Va., and dangerous William ³The Storm² Bailey (7-12-2, 4 KOs) of Portsmouth, Va. Former D.C. resident Charles Norwood (2-1) of Roanoke, Va., and Baltimore¹s Ron Reaves (2-0) are scheduled to square off in a four-round, junior middleweight contest with two additional fights to be added.

O'Donnell Leads Field Hockey to Win in Season Opener
O'Donnell and Muracco score twice each

Top-ranked Maryland scored four goals in the second half to put Central Michigan away, 5-0, in field hockey action in Evanston , Ill. Freshman Katie O'Donnell had a pair of goals and a pair of assists to pace the two-time NCAA Champion Terps. Playing in her first-collegiate game, Katie O'Donnell scored an unassisted goal less than two minutes into the game. The score remained, 1-0, in the Terps (1-0) favor until they broke open the score in the 37th minute. Junior Susie Rowe converted on one of Maryland 's nine penalty corners, with assists coming from senior Janneke van Leeuwen and O'Donnell.

Last year's ACC Rookie of the Year and third team All-American, sophomore Nicole Muracco tallied back-to-back goals in the 44th and 58th minutes, padding the lead. O'Donnell assisted on Muracco's second goal. Two seconds before the game was over, O'Donnell capped the afternoon off with the team's fifth goal of the day at 69:58. The Terps were dominant, attempting 23 shots, while the Chippewas only had two. Maryland also had nine penalty corners, shutting out CMU in the category. All-American senior goalkeeper Kathryn Masson posted her first shutout.

Maryland wins its season opener for the 11th-straight year.

No. 1 Field Hockey Terps Post Another Win
Maryland sweeps Midwest trip, defeating Northwestern, 6-0

No. 1 Maryland field hockey closed out its season-opening trip with a second-straight victory, defeating host Northwestern, 6-0, on Monday afternoon. Junior Susie Rowe and freshman Katie O'Donnell each tallied a pair of goals to lead the team to victory. The two-time NCAA Champions are 2-0 on the season, outscoring its opponents, 11-0, over the two games. Maryland was coming off a 5-0 rout of Central Michigan on Sunday. With Monday afternoon's win, the Terps extend their win streak to six games, dating back to the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year. The Terps left no room for doubt, scoring four of their six goals in the first half. Sophomore Nicole Muracco, who had two goals in the win against the Chippewas on Sunday, was the first to score against the Wildcats (1-1) in the sixth minute.

Classmate Ameliet Rischen scored for the first time this season in the 11th minute, getting a hand from senior Janneke van Leeuwen and sophomore Alexis Pappas on the penalty corner. Another five minutes later and the Terps added to their advantage. Junior Susie Rowe gave Maryland a 3-0 lead as freshman Katie O'Donnell dished off the pass to Rowe. O'Donnell, who had a big game against CMU, scoring twice while handing out two assists, got on the board against Northwestern in the 31st minute. In the second half, it was Rowe and O'Donnell who each scored again, while the defense held on to the shutout and ended the game by the final margin of 6-0. Maryland peppered the NU goalies with 31 shots, while Wildcat goalkeeper Emily Kyle made 11 saves, with assistance from her team, which posted two more. Terrapins Kathryn Masson and Alicia Grater ombined for seven saves in the cage. Maryland returns east for a big matchup at No. 6 Old Dominion on Friday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. The Terps have won the last three meetings, but trail in the all-time series, 22-17-1.

#1 Maryland (2-0) 4 2 - 6
Northwestern (1-1) 0 0 - 0

GOALS: NU, None. MD, Nicole Muracco (un), 5:46; Ameliet Rischen (Janneke van Leeuwen, Alexis Pappas), pc, 10:28; Susie Rowe (Katie O'Donnell), 15:43; Katie O'Donnell (Bri Davies), 30:10; Susie Rowe (ps), 41:31; Katie O'Donnell (Ameliet Rischen), 46:57. SHOTS: NU 10, MD 31. PENALTY CORNERS: NU 5, MD 10. SAVES: NU, Emily Kyle 11 (6 GA, 70:00), Team 2; MD, Kathryn Masson 5 (0 GA, 35:00), Alicia Grater 2 (0 GA, 35:00). ATTENDANCE: 175.

GLENVILLE DROPS BOWIE STATE 29-19

Glenville State¹s Jerry Seymour rushed for a game high 220 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Pioneers to a 29-19 season opening victory over the Bulldogs of Bowie State. Glenville State drew first blood at the 8:55 mark of the opening quarter, when Jerry Seymour rushed 44 yards to paydirt. Alex Amick missed the extra point but the home team led 6-0. The Pioneers crossed the BSU end zone again, this time courtesy of a 14-yard run by Jared Dearing. Amick converted the extra point this time, increasing the Glenville State le ad to 13-0. Rodney Webb (78 yards) put the Bulldogs on the board with 9:51 left in the second quarter, rushing for his first collegiate touchdown from nine yards out. Ronald Walls¹ extra point sailed wide left, but trimmed Glenville State ¹s lead to 13-6. Peter Mensah rushed for a 4-yard TD and Walls added the extra point, tying the game at 13-13 with 6:13 left in the first half.

The Bulldogs went four and out on the opening possession of the third quarter. The Glenville State Pioneers took possession at the BSU 38 yard after a very short Bowie State punt. Seymour, a transfer from Division I Central Michigan, rushed for his second touchdown of the evening at the 11:57 mark, this time from three yards out. Amick¹s extra point was good, shifting the advantage back to Glenville State at 20-13. Mr. Seymour rushed up the gut for a 7-yard TD with 2:31 left in the third, incre asing the Pioneers lead to 26-13 heading into the final quarter of play. Amick booted a 35-yard field goal with 14:45 left in the fourth quarter to pad the Glenville State lead at 29-13. BSU¹s Mensah (59 yards) recorded his second touchdown run of the night, pounding six yards to the end zone. The extra point pass by Jason Scott was picked off by Michael Hardin but did not convert into two points for the defense. Scott ended the game with a game high 141 passing yards, completing 12 of 31. Glenville State accounted for 331 total offensive yards (286 rushing) and Bowie State rolled up 300 yards in total offense. Bowie State ¹s Tristan Martin led all receivers with 46 yards and Ricardo Silva along with Robert Petty led the Bulldogs defense with eight tackles each.

Bowie State University will not play again until Saturday, September 8th, when the Bulldogs travel to the nationally ranked Newberry (SC) College Indians. Glenville State will travel to California (PA) September 1st for a non-conference matchup. For additional information about Bowie State football, contact the Office of Sports Information at (301) 860-3574 or log on to www.bsubulldogs.com. Bowie State University¹s Rodney Webb has been named Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Rookie of the Week for Week One. Webb, a 5-9, 208 lb. freshman running back (Baltimore, MD Milford Mill Academy), rushed for a team high 78 yards (longest of 21 yards) on 11 carries and scored one touchdown in the Bulldogs¹ season opening 29-19 loss at Glenville (WV) State University last Thursday night. The Bulldogs will be idle until Saturday, September 8th, when BSU travels to nationally ranked Newberry (SC) College. Kickoff time at Newberry¹s Setzler Field is set for 1:00 p.m.

SPORTS NOTES

Please join in the fun and support The West County Rotary who is sponsoring a MONTE CARLO EXTRAVAGANZA To benefit The 100 Club of Anne Arundel County Sunday, November 4, 2007 1-5 P.M. Cancun Cantina, 7501 Old Telegraph Road , Hanover , MD 21076 Tickets: $45 per ticket ($50 @ the Door) Contact: George Lane @ 410-305-0900, Charles Parks @ 410-437-3139 or Fred Keeney @ 240-423-6937. Activities include: $5 in starter chips/tickets Line Dancing, DJ Music, Band Music by Black Cadillac, Table games, Money Wheels, Silent Auction, Door Prizes Crab Raffle and 50/50 Raffle.

Killarney House is sorry to say that Monday¹s August 27th performance by Ronan Kavanaugh and Atlantic Bridge has been postponed. They will play at Killarney House on Monday, October 8th. We apologize for an inconvenience this may cause. Congratulations to Senate President, Mike Miller on receiving an honorary juris doctorate from Washington College. Is Iron Chef Bobby Flay in the area? Has Cat Cora and Iron Chef, been seen in the Waldorf area? Rumor has David J. serving as a judge on Bravo¹s ³Project Runaway² and the ³Hoagie Man² trying out for Bravos Top Chef. Lets see if this years high school officiating has improved.

Is the FBI keeping an eye on college and pro football? Had some great calls this week from Dan Droze who told me John Schroeder was having some health problems, please add him to your prayer list. Also please add Skip Bullen and his wife to your prayer list. Also heard from Jimmy Wexler, Patrick Pannella, Bunk Athey, and Leon Albin. John Linthicum¹s grandson Alex is working out with the freshman football team at Guilford . I look for Virginia Tech, West Virginia , Boston College and Towson to have good seasons on the gridiron. Is the Baltimore Orioles front office having second thoughts about extending Dave Trembley's contract?

WE GET LETTERS

Bill, I see you are still a rascal, and always will be. But glad you still have your sense of humor. Regarding the good Colonel Bud Suraci, yes, I have to admit we have been exchanging emails. Guilty as charged. Guess what we write back and forth about? You of course, silly. Colonel Bud always lets me know what is going on up there with you and your recovery from his calls and his visits and we even exchanged phone numbers because of you. So if there is more to this story than that Colonel Bud will just have to let us both know. How about it Colonel Bud, are you and I an item for the column?

As far as crazy Colonel Phil is concerned you can tell him for me ŠŠŠŠŠŠŠŠŠŠŠ my computer censured those naughty words and sent them out to cyberspace, Love all the wonderful football, hope our Redskins have a chance this year. Dreamy David Beckham now getting some real play time with the LA Galaxy and US Open Tennis coming soon. also. I remember the Toddle House on Georgia Avenue very well. Don Cohen and I, Carol Marks and Wally Hudgns, probably Oscar Pererson and Shirley Hudgins. Remember the prettiest gals at Roosvelt were Patsy Martin, Carole West Cullinane, Jackie Harding, Patsy Loveless, Dorothy Scates, Marlene Billy, Mary Lee Roach.

Favorite burger places are ³Chases on the Beach², here in New Smytha Beach , Florida and the old little Taverns. We could never get enough of those little wonders, could we? Everyone remembers Walter Winchell I¹m sure and where in the world is Ma Perkins these days? Possibly having tea with Mary Worth. Checking out Mark O¹s website, especially the ³Searching for² section. Thanks again for the column, my hometown connection down here in the swamp. Wondering if Judge Ernie Loveless was any relation to Patsty Loveless? Blessings and love to all, Dale

Dale, How about the Maholic sisters and the Hayden sisters (Bobbie and Pat ), Ann Roger¹s sister, Martha, Claire Gates, Aileen Kragh, Harriett Ross, Ruth Ann Rafferty and many others who were dream makers in the DC area in the 1950's.

Are Mazzone and Crowley the next to leave Birdland? Didn¹t Dale work at Ida¹s Department store?

I really liked the area around Bell Vocational high school Nicoloudis Audrey lived in the 1400 block of Monroe St. NW, Jeanette Bode lived with her aunt at an apartment at 14th and Park Road, NW, Judy Hurst hung out at a hamburger joint at 14th and Park Road, and the Hayden sisters lived around the corner on 16th Street and Claire McCarthy went to Sacred Heart and Carol Womack lived in the same area as did Evelyn Gregory. I felt like I ws in heaven around there with all those beautiful angels there.

The Harpo Marx-Raghead Ray show is terrible.

Also when is MNF going to ax Toni Cornheiser? He is an ugly addition on the show.

SUPPORT LOCAL SPORTS!!