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Sports

Mark Schremmer

2012-04-20 15:28:27

Q: What was the key to the success of the Pittsburg State women’s basketball team this season?

A: The Pittsburg State women’s basketball team had a remarkable season indeed. Pitt State advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 1998 and advanced to the Elite Eight in San Antonio. There, the Gorillas fell 61-58 to Shaw (N.C.), the eventual national champion. The 2011-12 Gorillas broke more than 20 school records, including most wins in a season (27), fewest losses (6), longest win streak (14), most rebounds and most blocked shots. “It was a record-setting year,” said Pitt State coach Lane Lord, who earned MIAA and regional coach of the year honors. “We had the most wins in a season, and we broke that by five. We started the season 14-0. I could just go on and on.” In one season, the Gorillas elevated themselves from an upper-half team in the MIAA to one of the best in the nation. Pitt State finished second in the MIAA, won the program’s first NCAA Tournament game, earned the South Central Regional title and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. Lord said the success started with his senior class of Britnee Foster, Courtney Tate, Amanda Orloske, Brooke Conley and Larissa Richards. Conley (12.5) and Richards (11.1) each averaged double figures in points, while Tate, Foster and Orloske provided a strong work ethic and valuable minutes. “Our five seniors were great role players,” Lord said. “They brought unselfish play and leadership. I think this senior class left their legacy for most wins but also because of their character.” The strong character of the seniors allowed standout freshman forward Lizzy Jeronimus to flourish. The Shawnee Mission West product helped take the Gorillas to a new level by leading the team in points (15.8 ppg) and assists (95), while being second in rebounds (6.8 rpg). She earned honorable mention All-America honors. In order to compete for a Division II national championship, you must have Division I quality players. Pitt State’s football team won a national title with the likes of Nate Dreiling and John Brown, who could compete at the D-I level. Jeronimus made the same type of impact for the Gorilla women. “We had good players in our program, but we really needed a program changer,” Lord said. “When I recruited her I thought she could play in the Big 12 or anywhere in the country.” The great thing for the Gorillas is that they will have Jeronimus for three more seasons. “I think her best basketball is ahead of her,” Lord said. “As she matures physically, she’s going to get even better. When you have one of your best players who is one of your hardest workers and is a leader, that’s a recipe for success. She’s a 4.0 student and her work ethic is unbelievable.” Along with Jeronimus, the Gorillas will return a nucleus of players that includes Drew Roberts, Alexa Bordewick, Morgan Westhoff, Lauren Brown and Y’Cedria Devers. “Our expectations are very high,” Lord said. “I think we can compete at the highest level.”

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Sports

Mark Schremmer

2011-12-27 11:14:58

Q: The Pittsburg State Gorillas football had a losing record two years ago and finished just at .500 last year. How did they make such a rapid turnaround in order to win the 2011 NCAA Division II national championship?

A: The resurgence of the Pittsburg State football program has been remarkable indeed. However, the reason for the turnaround can’t be attributed to one person or one team strength. No, it’s not that simple. In order for Pitt State to capture its first national title since 1991 with a 35-21 win against Wayne State, numerous coaches, players and pieces had to fall into place. But if you are going to make a list of factors that led to the Gorillas’ resurgence, then that list must start with Pitt State head coach Tim Beck. Before taking the role of head coach in 2010, Beck was an assistant coach for the Gorillas for 23 seasons. He had offers to coach other places during that time, but instead he stayed at his alma mater on the staff of legendary coach Chuck Broyles. Beck had the unique fortune of serving as defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator for the Gorillas before taking the role of head coach. Those experiences could do nothing but help him in his new position. Beck’s leadership and knowledge, combined with the enthusiasm of a second-year head coach, set the Gorillas on the right path. His hire of Steve Rampy as offensive coordinator also was integral. The rest of the coaches are a mix of veterans and former players to make one of the better staffs in all of Division II. However, the resurgence didn’t begin and end with the coaches. As any good coach knows, a championship can’t be won without talented and driven players. The Gorillas had plenty of both. You can’t talk about the Pitt State defense without mentioning linebacker Nate Dreiling. After his sophomore season, the Hutchinson High School product is already a two-time All-American. Dreiling finished the season with 139 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, three sacks and seven interceptions. Only a sophomore, Dreiling exudes the confidence and leadership of a longtime player. The exciting thing for Gorillas fans is that they will get to watch him play for two more seasons. Dreiling, however, will be the first to mention that the success of this championship defense includes many names beyond himself. Luke Stringer, Gus Toca, Paul Robinson, Jason Peete, Spencer Worthington and Aries Herrion make just a short list of the players who took this defense to the next level this season. The offense was fueled by senior quarterback Zac Dickey. What makes the hometown product special is that his leadership abilities may even outweigh his great athletic talent. In his first season as the unquestioned starter, Dickey took the role of quarterback and leader extremely seriously. He worked to gain knowledge of Rampy’s offensive system and finished with a stellar year. Dickey completed 60 percent of his passes on the season for 2,290 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. The quarterback was surrounded by a strong offensive line, quality running backs and a stellar corps of wide receivers. And when you talk about the receivers, you must start with John Brown. The wideout and special teams star, who plays much bigger than his 5-11. 170-pound build, led the team with 61 catches for 1,216 yards and 12 TDs. He also returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns. Brown was as electric as any player in all of Division II this season and often the difference maker for the Gorillas. But the list doesn’t end there. This championship team was built on the blood and sweat of more coaches and players than I can mention in this article. However, I would be wrong if I left out the fans. There’s no doubt that this fan base played a huge role in Pitt State’s championship season. Fans were in full force during home playoff wins against Washburn, Northwest Missouri State and Delta State. And for those watching on ESPN2, there was no doubt that Gorilla fans outnumbered Wayne State’s crowd by a large margin. In all, the key point is that Pitt State is back on top of the Division II football mountain. With the likes of Beck, Dreiling and Brown leading for years to come, there’s no reason to think the Gorillas can’t remain national title contenders for the foreseeable future. Mark Schremmer is a contributor to TeamKong.com and KPREPS.com, websites dedicated to covering Pittsburg State and Kansas high school football, respectively. A Pittsburg native and Pittsburg State University graduate, Schremmer is assistant news editor at The Topeka Capital-Journal and has covered sports in Kansas since 2000. Brought to you by GMG Teamsports

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Sports

Mark Schremmer

2011-11-21 13:07:27

Q: St. Mary’s-Colgan’s football coach Chuck Smith recently earned his 300th career win. What is the significance?

A: The St. Mary’s-Colgan Panthers’ recent win against Lyndon earned coach Chuck Smith his 300th career victory as head coach of a Kansas high school football team. The victory makes Smith only the sixth coach in state history to achieve the milestone, joining Silver Lake’s C.J. Hamilton, Clifton-Clyde’s Ed Buller, McPherson’s Tom Young, Sedan’s Les Davis and Smith Center’s Roger Barta. Hamilton, Young, Barta and Smith all are active coaches. Smith had a 300-63 record at the time of the milestone win. Only Barta needed fewer games to reach 300 wins. The Smith Center coach boasted a 300-58 record when he captured the milestone in 2009. Nationwide, an Oct. 27 story on ESPN.com listed Summerville, S.C., coach John McKissick (1952-present) as the winningest high school football coach of all-time with 592 victories at the time of the article. The story listed the top 20, starting with McKissick at 592 and ending with Calallen-Corpus Christi, Texas coach Phil Danaher at 374 wins. It’s difficult to know for sure, but from this list and other lists from various news outlets it should be safe to assume Smith’s milestone puts him somewhere between the top 100 to 200 coaches nationwide. Smith remains humble about the accomplishment. “It’s a neat milestone,” Smith said. “It puts me with some neat people. But I think about the coaches that work just as hard or maybe even harder that don’t have that success. So my thank you goes out to all of the coaches in the state of Kansas who work with kids whether they win or not, because they’re making America better. I really believe that.” Smith grew up in Atchison, and then played football collegiately at Pittsburg State University. His first head coaching job came in 1979 at Topeka Hayden. Smith directed the Wildcats to a 3-6 record that season. He hasn’t had that many losses in a season since. Smith married a Colgan graduate, Beth (Wachter) Smith, and took over the Panthers football program in 1980 from Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame coach Frank Crespino. At Colgan, Smith built a family literally and figuratively. Chuck and Beth raised seven children (Lori, Christy, Nick, Sarah, Mark, Jeff and Chas). Those seven children resulted in four quarterbacks and three cheerleaders. All four sons played in the Kansas Shrine Bowl and all four went on to play at Pittsburg State. Smith’s extended family at Colgan also has been important. Defensive coordinator Wayne Cichon has been with Smith for 29 of his 32 years at Colgan. “I owe a special thanks to Coach Cichon,” Smith said. “I just turn the defense over to him, and he does a great job with it every year.” The extended family also includes numerous other assistant coaches over the years, loads of All-State players and even more players who just knew their role. With that family, Smith entered the 2011 season with five state championships (1984, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) and 11 state championship appearances. Those accolades include four consecutive state championships and 66 consecutive wins, which was a state record at the time. The run also included seven consecutive appearances in the state title game. Brought to you by Vietti’s Auto Body and GMG Sports

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Sports

Mark Schremmer

2011-10-20 09:40:17

Q: How will the recent changes in classifications impact area high school sports teams?

A: The Kansas High School Activities Association recently released new classifications in football for the 2012 and 2013 seasons and in all of the other sports for the 2011-12 school year. In football, which is based on enrollment of the freshman, sophomore and junior classes, several area teams were affected. The largest 32 schools play in Class 6A, the next 32 play in 5A, the next 64 play in 4A and the next 64 play in 3A. Up to the next 64 schools can compete in 2-1A, but the schools with an enrollment of fewer than 100 students can choose to compete in 8-Man Division I. The state’s smallest schools play in 8-Man Division II. The Frontenac Raiders, which have been a 3A school for more than a decade, moves to 4A for the 2012 and 2013 football seasons. With an enrollment number of 199, Frontenac will be the second smallest school in 4A. Frontenac previously had been among the largest 3A schools. This is a particularly difficult jump for the Raiders as 4A has the widest school range of any of the classifications. For instance, 4A’s largest school is Maize South with an enrollment number of 564 and the smallest is Goodland with 197 students. That means the 4A’s biggest schools are more than two-and-a-half times as large as Frontenac. It is the only classification where the gap is even double. However, Frontenac will be in one of the classification’s smaller districts with the likes of Independence (425), Parsons (285), and Girard (264). With two teams making the playoffs out of each district, those odds are in no way insurmountable. The St. Mary’s Colgan Panthers will make the jump to 3A after being a perennial contender in 2-1A for decades. With an enrollment number of 120, Colgan will be the smallest school in 3A. The largest school will be Burlington with an enrollment number of 195. The good news for Colgan is that this means it should be able to compete in the Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League again. The past two seasons, the Panthers have had to play five 2-1A district games. Since none of those teams are in the CNC, they have been unable to play more than four league games and have been ineligible for the conference title and individual league honors. For the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Colgan will compete in a district with three other CNC teams in Southeast (193), Riverton (189) and Galena (166). That means Colgan will be able to play the league requirement of five games. Colgan also will play new opponents like Columbus, the CNC’s newest member, and Anderson County. The Northeast Vikings drop back to 2-1A after playing the past two seasons in 3A. With an enrollment number of 116, Northeast will be 2-1A’s second largest school. The Vikings have bounced back and forth between the two classes in recent years but have struggled to compete on both levels. The lack of Colgan in its district should help. Northeast will now be paired with Lyndon (115), Jayhawk-Linn (114), Oswego (107) and Olpe (72). Several area schools also are changing classifications for the 2011-12 school year in all of the other sports, which are based on enrollment for the entire high school. The Pittsburg Purple Dragons drop from 5A to 4A with 717 students. Pittsburg will be 4A’s largest school, while Haven will be the classification’s smallest school with 258 students. The Dragons will remain in 5A for football. While Frontenac moves to 4A in football, the Raiders will remain in 3A for all of the other sports. However, Colgan will move up to 3A in all sports. The Panthers will be one of the smallest schools in 3A with 166 students. Typically a baseball and basketball powerhouse, Colgan could have extra competition statewide with the likes of Silver Lake in baseball and Scott City in basketball. Northeast, with 155 students, will drop to 2A in all the sports. The Vikings will be among the largest schools in 2A. Brought to you by GMG Team Sports and Vietti Auto Body & Alignment.

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Sports

Mark Schremmer

2011-09-28 15:24:57

Q: Columbus and Iola high schools are planning on leaving the Southeast Kansas League. What does that mean for area athletics?

A: Conferences are in flux. Traditions are taking a backseat as individual schools are moving to athletic leagues they feel fit them best. While this best applies to the current cluster in college athletics, the Big 12, conference realignment is also occurring in local high school athletics. Iola is set to leave the SEK for the Pioneer League before the 2012-13 school year, and now it appears Columbus will depart the SEK for the Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League in 2012-13. This means the SEK will have seven member schools remaining with Pittsburg, Fort Scott, Independence, Chanute, Coffeyville, Labette County and Parsons. Conference realignment for colleges mainly deals with the almighty dollar and football. The reason for high schools leaving their leagues isn’t quite as simple. For Columbus, which should find out in the next month whether the CNC school principals approve its application, the move has more to do with trying to reduce travel costs and putting the kids in a more favorable position competitively. “Our board has been looking at it the past year,” Columbus athletic director Todd Napier said. “They looked at travel costs and the potential savings. And they looked at the potential advantage there would be competitively in some of the sports.” Fewer 50-mile drives to Coffeyville and more 14-mile drives to Cherokee definitely play a role. The move also means that instead of being the smallest school in the SEK, Columbus will be the CNC’s largest. However, even those factors aren’t cut and dry. While Columbus should save some money in travel costs by competing in a league with schools of closer proximity, they will still play many of those SEK schools in sports with large schedules like basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The savings is reduced more when you factor in that Columbus will likely have to charge less at the gate for CNC contests to stay consistent with the league. Competitively, coaches for the individual sports were split on the decision. Some coaches feel playing in the larger SEK prepared the teams for district and regional competition, while others said playing in the CNC will give the teams more confidence as they are likely to have improved regular season records. Moving to the CNC also means that the Titans won’t be able to compete for a league championship in wrestling, soccer and boys and girls tennis because the other conference schools don’t have those programs. In the end, the board members decided there were more pros in switching to the CNC. The result could mean another hiatus in the traditional Coal Bucket football game between Pittsburg and Columbus. However, it could start a new rivalry between the Titans and the St. Mary’s Colgan Panthers if the two schools can work out the scheduling kinks. The open spots in the schedule also could mean a return of the likes of Webb City, Mo., and Joplin, Mo., on Pittsburg High’s football schedule. Bottom line, unlike in the Big 12, the fans don’t lose in this decision. Games will remain competitive, and some new rivalries could be kindled.

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Sports

Laura Caleal

2005-12-29 14:04:00

QUESTION: What is the U.S. Senior Open?

ANSWER: The U.S. Senior Open is one of thirteen national championships conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) each year. It is the largest event on the Champions Tour and is considered to be the most coveted title in men's senior golf. This summer, the Senior Open will be contested at the historic Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, KS, July 3rd - 9th. It will be the largest international sporting event ever held in the state of Kansas, with crowds exceeding 150,000. Some of the biggest names in golf such as Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Hale Irwin, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite, and Craig Stadler will be competing for this year's national title.
QUESTION: Why is there a fee to volunteer for the 2006 U.S. Senior Open?
ANSWER: Volunteering for any USGA Championship is a unique experience and does require a volunteer fee. Volunteers for the 2006 U.S. Senior Open are required to pay a $110 volunteer fee (a $250 minimum value). This fee covers the cost of the volunteer package. The volunteer package includes the following: two Ashworth Championship golf shirts, one Ashworth Championship windshirt, one hat or visor, one credential valid for all seven days of the Championship, one volunteer gift, one ticket to the Volunteer Appreciation Party, meals while on shift, a 20% discount in the Merchandise Pavilion (advance Saturday only), and preferred parking.
QUESTION: How many volunteers are needed for the Senior Open?
ANSWER: We will need at least 2,800 volunteers to help put on a successful Championship. We currently stand just shy of 1,400 volunteers. We have positions available on many great committees including: VIP Transportation, Merchandise, Gallery Control, Access Control, Leaderboards, and many more. For a list of available committees please visit our website at http://www.2006ussenioropen.com/.
QUESTION: How do I sign up?
ANSWER: You may visit our website at http://www.2006ussenioropen.com/ to sign up on-line. If you would prefer to have a hard copy mailed to you please contact Markel Maybin in the Championship Office at (620)728.0600 x 105. You may also reach him via e-mail at mmaybin@2006usso.com.
QUESTION: I know nothing about golf. Is that okay?
ANSWER: You need not worry about golf experience. We will have a training session for each committee a month before the Championship. You will also be equipped with a volunteer handbook that offers a guide to the Championship. Volunteering at the U.S. Senior Open is an enjoyable experience and will serve as the social event of the summer. Our goal is to ensure that your volunteer experience is a memorable one.

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-11-01 16:19:00

How well do you know Troy Aikman?

QUESTION 1: Troy Aikman retired in 2000, so he cannot come back to the NFL as a player because he has been retired for over five years.    
 True
 False
QUESTION 2: How many pass yards did Troy Aikman have throughout his career?
 41,029
 29,780
 35,892
 32,942

QUESTION 3: How many Super Bowl MVPs did Troy Aikman win during his career?
 3
 9
 4
 1

QUESTION 4: According to a Sports Illustrated article, who was Troy Aikman's favorite receiver over his career?   
 Michael Irvin
 Alvin Harper
 Joey Galloway
 Ted Lilly

QUESTION 5: Troy started 164 games, but how many did he play total throughout his career? 
 164
 165
 170
 167
QUESTION 6: Troy Aikman played for which college(s)?      
 UCLA and Oklahoma
 UCLA and Virginia Tech
 UCLA
 UCLA and Pittsburgh State
QUESTION 7: Troy Aikman was the most accurate quarterback of the 90s.     
 True
 False
QUESTION 8: How many touchdowns did Troy throw over his exceptional career from 1989-2000?
 198
 135
 165
 228
QUESTION 9: Troy was also fairly accurate with throwing the ball to the other team. How many interceptions did he throw?  
 92
 163
 141
 200
QUESTION 10: What was Troy's average gain per completion?  
 7.0
 11.3
 9.33
 5.1
Here are the correct answers:
1.  True
2.  32,942
3.  1
4.  Michael Irvin
5.  165
6.  UCLA and Oklahoma
7.  Correct
8.  165
9.  141
10.  11.3

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-10-01 14:59:00

1: :  For what team did Tony Dorsett play after he left the Cowboys?         Pittsburgh Steelers   Minnesota Vikings   Denver Broncos   Houston Oilers     QUESTION 2:  In what year did Roger Staubach win the Heisman Trophy?           1965   1964   1962   1963     QUESTION 3:   The Cowboys had the first selection in the 1974 draft. Who did they take?          Randy White   Ed "Too Tall " Jones   Tony Dorsett   Thomas Henderson  QUESTION 4:   Troy Aikman graduated from UCLA, but where did he begin his career?               Oklahoma   Miami   Texas   Stanford   QUESTION 5:   Which of these players won the Super Bowl MVP despite his team's loss?            Chuck Howley   Roger Staubach   Randy White   Harvey Martin   QUESTION 6:   The Cowboys were originally called the Dallas Texans.             False   True  QUESTION 7:   Which of these Cowboys won the Super Bowl XII MVP trophy?         Tony Dorsett   Michael Irvin   Harvey Martin   Duane Thomas   QUESTION 8:   Who was the Cowboys quarterback for the team's only win in 1989? QUESTION 9:   What Cowboy won an Olympic gold medal in 1964? Here are the correct answers: 1.  Denver Broncos2.  19633.  Ed "Too Tall" Jones4.  Oklahoma5.  Chuck Howley6.  False, The Dallas Texans moved to      Kansas City and became the KC Chie

How well do you know the Dallas Cowboys?QUESTION 1: :  For what team did Tony Dorsett play after he left the Cowboys?         Pittsburgh Steelers   Minnesota Vikings   Denver Broncos   Houston Oilers     QUESTION 2:  In what year did Roger Staubach win the Heisman Trophy?           1965   1964   1962   1963     QUESTION 3:   The Cowboys had the first selection in the 1974 draft. Who did they take?          Randy White   Ed "Too Tall " Jones   Tony Dorsett   Thomas Henderson  QUESTION 4:   Troy Aikman graduated from UCLA, but where did he begin his career?               Oklahoma   Miami   Texas   Stanford   QUESTION 5:   Which of these players won the Super Bowl MVP despite his team's loss?            Chuck Howley   Roger Staubach   Randy White   Harvey Martin   QUESTION 6:   The Cowboys were originally called the Dallas Texans.             False   True  QUESTION 7:   Which of these Cowboys won the Super Bowl XII MVP trophy?         Tony Dorsett   Michael Irvin   Harvey Martin   Duane Thomas   QUESTION 8:   Who was the Cowboys quarterback for the team's only win in 1989? QUESTION 9:   What Cowboy won an Olympic gold medal in 1964? Here are the correct answers: 1.  Denver Broncos2.  19633.  Ed "Too Tall" Jones4.  Oklahoma5.  Chuck Howley6.  False, The Dallas Texans moved to      Kansas City and became the KC Chiefs7.  Harvey Martin8.  Steve Walsh9.  Robert Hayes

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-09-01 14:36:00

: Football is underway for the 2005 season.  How about some trivia on the NFL?

ANSWER: Try these and see how you do.1. Who was the first player who entered the season at age 30 or older to lead the League in rushing?Curtis Martin, Marion Motley, Jim Brown, Steve Van Buren2. Who had the longest NFL playing career by a Heisman Trophy winner?Paul Hornung, Tony Dorsett, Vinny Testaverde, Jim Plunkett3. Who rushed for 200 yards or more fourtimes in one season?Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Gayle Sayers4. How old was George Blanda in his last NFL season?46, 47, 48, 495. What tight end has the most receptions in one season?Shannon Sharpe, Kellen Winslow, Ben Coates, Tony Gonzalez6. What was the first network to televise a pro football game?NBC, ABC, CBS, Mutual7. Who is the only player to lead the NFL in four different statistical categories?Sammy Baugh, Steve Van Buren, Bill Dudley, Don Hutson8. Who was the youngest coach ever in the NFL?John Madden, David Shula, John Michelosen, Harland Svare9. What team won nine consecutive post-season games?Cowboys, 49'ers, Packers, Steelers10. Which one of the following has notrushed for 100 or more touchdowns?Marshall Faulk, Barry Sanders, John Riggins, Marcus Allen Here are the correct answers:  1. Who was the first player who entered the season at age 30 or older to lead the League in rushing?Marion Motley 2. Who had the longest NFL playing career by a Heisman Trophy winner?Vinny Testaverde 3. Who rushed for 200 yards or more four times in one season?Earl Campbell 4. How old was George Blanda in his last NFL season?48 5. What tight end has the most receptions in one season?Tony Gonzalez 6. What was the first network to televise a pro football game?NBC 7. Who is the only player to lead the NFL in four different statistical categories?Bill Dudley 8. Who was the youngest coach ever in the NFL?Harland Svare 9. What team won nine consecutive post-season games?Packers 10. Which one of the following has not rushed for 100 or more touchdowns?Barry Sanders

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-08-01 08:22:00

:  How about some sports’ trivia on John Elway?

ANSWER:  Try these and see how you do.

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-07-01 11:46:00

: How about some sports' trivia?

ANSWER: Try these.  The answers are on page 18.   1. Who holds the World Series record for RBI's in a game? Billy Martin,  Bobby Richardson,  Tony Kubek,  Bobby Aliva2. In what year did Cal Ripken start his consecutive games played streak? 1982,  1983,  1984,  19853. Only two players have ended the World Series with a winning home run. One was Bill Mazeroski, who was the other? Kurt Gibson,  Joe Carter,  Reggie Jackson,  Mickey Mantle4. Who was the first player to hit a grand slam home run in the World Series? Elmer Smith,  Tony Lazzeri,  Gil McDougald,  Mickey Mantle5. Who was the first pitcher to hit a home run in the World Series? Jessie Haines,  Jack Bentley,  Rosy Ryan,Jim Bagby, Sr.6. Which of the following did not steal three bases in one World Series game? Willie Davis,  Ty Cobb,  Honus Wagner,  Lou Brock7. Who holds the World Series record for most series with four or more home runs? Reggie Jackson,  Babe Ruth,  Duke Snider,  Mickey Mantle8. Who holds the World Series record for most hits in a game? Kiko Garcia,  Kirby Puckett,  George Brett,Paul Molitor9. Who has pitched the most complete games in the World Series? Christy Mathewson,  Whitey Ford,  Bob Gibson,  Cy Young10. Who pitched 14 innings in a World Series game? Waite Hoyt,  Jack Coombs,  Red F. Aber,  Babe RuthHere are the correct answers:  1. Who holds the World Series record for RBI's in a game?Bobby Richardson 2. In what year did Cal Ripken start his consecutive games played streak?1984 3.Only two players have ended the World Series with a winning home run. One was Bill Mazeroski, who was the other?Joe Carter 4. Who was the first player to hit a grand slam home run in the World Series?Elmer Smith 5. Who was the first pitcher to hit a home run in the World Series?Jim Bagby, Sr. 6. Which of the following did not steal three bases in one World Series game?Ty Cobb 7. Who holds the World Series record for most series with four or more home runs?Duke Snider 8. Who holds the World Series record for most hits in a game?Paul Molitor 9. Who has pitched the most complete games in the World Series?Christy Mathewson 10. Who pitched 14 innings in a World Series game?Babe Ruth 

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Sports

Adrian Hopper

2005-06-01 11:06:00

: How do you choose a country club?

ANSWER: Typically, when someone mentions belonging to a country club, it seems there is a rather inaccurate perception of what a country club is all about. Golfing and golf courses are what come to mind first. Of course, golf is definitely a desirable option but there are many variations to consider when choosing a country club. When you are looking for a country club, it is important to decide whether you are looking for a club geared towards a family environment or more tuned to a business atmosphere. You want to choose a country club that offers a perfect package for every lifestyle. Most country clubs offer an extensive variety of amenities that make it appealing to spend time in the club community, including the recreation center, clubhouse, restaurant and reception areas. You also want to make sure the club offers a well-maintained golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and grill. When making your decision, be sure to check out the entire premises to ensure that it has a comfortable family atmosphere, friendly staff, and to visit with other members about the club.Many clubs offer a myriad of cultural and educational activities that provide a focal point for many of the members. It is easy to find others who share the same interests and want to get together to share in activities. Make sure that the country club can accommodate these activities should you choose to participate.For the golfers, you want to make sure the pro shop is fully stocked with all your golfing needs such as balls, apparel, and more. Make sure the club has tremendous character that you can enjoy for years to come.

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-06-01 10:48:00

: How about some sports’ trivia?

ANSWER:  I get to hear it all the time.  See how you do with these:

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Sports

Pam Larkin

2005-05-01 08:59:00

: It seems as though every time I watch ESPN and Chris Berman, he's got a nickname for most of the players.  Did anyone ever keep track of them?

ANSWER: As a matter of fact, after a little searching on the Internet, I found the following list composed by members of the Rotisserie Newsgroup. As they say, all credit goes to Chris Berman and ESPN.    ASHAWN "LITTLE" ABNERRICK "SEE YA LATER" AGUILERAMIKE "ENOUGH" ALDRETTIOR MIKE "MARIO" ALDRETEDOYLE "BRANDY" ALEXANDERDANA ALLISON "WONDERLAND"BILL ALMON "JOY" OR BILL "TOASTED" ALMONROBERTO "REMEMBER THE" ALOMARSANDY "REMEMBER THE OTHER" ALOMAR JR.BRADY "BUNCH" ANDERSONJOAQUIN "THE DOG" ANDUJARTONY "BROTHERS IN" ARMASDON "GUNS OF" AUGUSTBSCOTT "HAY" BAILESMARK "BEETLE" BAILEYSCOTT "TALLULAH" BANKHEADFLOYD "UP AND DOWN THE" BANNISTERMARTY "GRIN AND" BARRETTKEVIN "SMALL MOUTH" BASSRANDY "LARGE MOUTH" BASSBILLY "LIMA" BEANEGEORGE "TACO" BELL    OR GEORGE "LIBERTY" BELLBRUCE "EGGS" BENEDICTANDY "MERCHANT OF VENICE" BENDSTODD "MERCEDES" BENZINGERDAMON "BLUE" BERRYHILLKARL "THESE ARE THE" BEST "OF TIMES"BUD "PAINT IT" BLACKLANCE "YOU SANK MY" BLANKENSHIPBERT "BE HOME" BLYLEVENBRUCE BOCHTE "BALL"RANDY BOCKUS "IS WILLING"WADE "CRANBERRY" BOGGSBARRY "U.S." BONDSPAT "NORTH OF THE" BORDERSDARYL "PLEASE COME HOME TO" BOSTONSID "COFFEE AND" BREAMGREG "CROCODILE" BROCKHUBIE "BABBLING" BROOKSBOB "BULLDOG" BOWERBRITT "THIRD DEGREE" BURNSRANDY "BURNING" BUSHBRETT "TARA" BUTLERCGREG "LIFE IS A" CADERETIVAN "BUBBLING" CALDERONSYLVESTER "WHEN THE SWALLOWS     RETURN TO" CAMPUSANOJOHN "CANDYMAN" CANDELERIATOM "COTTON" CANDIOTTIJOSE "CAN YOU SEE" CANSECODON "ROSES" CARMANMARK CARREON "MY WAYWARD SON"RON CEY "HEY"    OR RON "BORN IN THE US" CEYSTEVE "KENTUCKY FRIED" CHITRENWILL "THE NATURAL" CLARKMARK "CRYSTAL" CLEARDAVID "SILI-" CONEED "CHICK" CORREAHENRY "AVA-" COTTOJOSE "WON'T YOU TAKE ME ON A SEA" CRUZTODD "CARRIBEAN" CRUZDKAL "JACK" DANIELSRON "OH MY" DARLINGERIC "THE RED" DAVISGLENN "MR. OUTSIDE" DAVISJODY DAVIS "EYES""EYE OF THE" STORM DAVISBILL "HELLO" DAWLEYJEFF DEDMON "DON'T WEAR PLAID"ROB "BOMBA" DEER    OR ROB "REIN" DEERJIM "TWO SILLOUHETTES ON" DESHAIESBO "BEUNOS" DIAZBILL "DORAN" DORANRICH "280Z" DOTSONBRIAN "NUMBER 10" DOWNING "STREET"KELLY "CHURCHILL" DOWNSCURT "DEVIL WITH THE     BLUE" DRESSENDORFERDAN "SALAD" DRIESENMIKE "WELL" DUNNELEON "BULL" DURHAMJIM "WASHER AND" DWYERELEE ELIA "KURIAKIN"DAVE "RIGHT" ENGLEFSTEVE "A BRIDGE TOO" FARR"EL" SID FERNANDEZCECIL "IS NO" FIELDERCURT "MODEL-T" FORDBOB "AIR" FORSCHJOHN "GENERALISSIMO     FRANSCISCO" FRANCO"STARVIN'" MARVIN FREEMANJIM "BELA" FERGOSIROLLIE "CHICKEN" FINGERSGOSCAR "SIX-TO-FIVE" GAMBLEGREG GAGNE "WITH A SPOON"ANDRES "THE GIANT" GALARRAGA MIKE "LEGGO" GALLEGOWES "KENNY THE" GARDNERDAN "MAN FROM" GLADDENTOM "HEARD IT THROUGH THE" GLAVINEDWIGHT "JOHNNY BE" GOODENMARK "AMAZING" GRACEMARK "FEDERAL" GRANTJOHNNY "PASS THE" GRUBB"FETTUCINI" ALFREDO GRIFFINJOSE "MOTHER" GUZMANTONY GWYNN "AND BEAR IT"HMOOSE "ANTLERS" HAASVON "PURPLE" HAYESJEFF HAMILTON "JOE FRANK AND REYNOLDS"MIKE HEATH "BAR"DANNY "DUNG" HEEP    OR DANNY "URIAH" HEEPDAVE "HARRY AND THE" HENDERSONTOMMY "BEN" HERRJAY "THURSTON B." HOWELLLAMARR "WHERE DOES IT" HOYTKENT "BUY A VOWEL" HRBEKGLENN "MOTHER" HUBBARDCHARLES "MOSCOW ON THE" HUDSONTOM "EX-" HUMEBRUCE "PATTY" HURSTIGARTH "CLOCKWORK" IORGJBO "DIDDLEY" JACKSONCHRIS "BARTLES &" JAMESDION JAMES "AND THE BELMONTS"STAN "YOU CAN" JAVIER "WAY"GREGG "THE HAMMER" JEFFRIESJIMMY "HANDYMAN" JONESWALLY "ABSORBINE" JOYNERKJIMMY "FRANCIS SCOTT" KEYDANA "FIELD GOAL" KIECKERERIC "BURGER" KINGBOB "YOM" KIPPERRON "MA AND PA" KITTLEJOE "WILHELM" KLINKRAY "I DUB THEE" KNIGHTCHUCK "NEW KIDS ON" KNOBLAUCH    OR CHUCK "CHIP OFF THE OL'" KNOBLAUCHJOHN "I AM NOT A" KRUKLMIKE "IZOD" LACOSSMIKE LAGA "BEER"STEVE "GREAT" LAKEDENNIS "FLUORESCENT" LAMPDAVE "DON'T" LAPOINTTIM "PRAISE THE" LAUDNERVANCE "COMMON" LAWAL "CIGARETTE" LEITERCHET "BITTER" LEMONJEFF "SUGAR RAY" LEONARDJOSE LIND "ON ME"JOHN "TONIGHT, LET IT BE" LOWENSTEINED "MERRILL" LYNCHSTEVE LYONS "AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY"MSHANE "CONNIE" MACKGREG "APPA" MADDUXBILL MADLOCK "D.A."DAVE "MARY" MAGADANRICK "JUNK" MAHLERCANDY "MAN" MALDANADOKIRT "WHAT WAS THAT" MANWARINGMIKE MASON "JAR"DON "WELCOME HOME" MATTINGLYODDIBE "YOUNG AGAIN" MCDOWELL"ME AND" WILLIE MCGEEFRED "CRIME DOG" MCGRIFFMARK "EVE OF DESTRUCTION" MCGWIREBOB MELVIN "AND THE BLUE NOTES"JIM "LOVE ME TWO TIMES" MORRISON    OR JIM "PEOPLE ARE STRANGE" MORRISONJOHN "HOLY" MOSESEDDIE "EAT, DRINK AND BE" MURRAYNTIM "GOLDEN" NAEHRINGGENE "FULL" NELSONAL "PAUL" NEWMAN    OR AL "-FRED E." NEWMANPAUL "BUENOS" NOCEMATT "NO" NOKESPJIM "HANKY" PANKOVITSMARK "TRANS-" PARENTDAVE "PARALLEL" PARKERTONY "JALA-" PENAMELIDO "SHUFFLE" PEREZPASQUEL "ROADMAP" PEREZKEN "GOODBYE, MR. " PHELPSERIC "KER-" PLUNKJIM "HOUND DOG" PRESLEYJOE "ACTUAL RETAIL" PRICEKIRBY "UNION GAP" PUCKETTRTIM "PURPLE" RAINES    OR TIM "TORRENTIAL" RAINESJOHNNY "MANTA" RAYRANDY "EVER" READY    OR RANDY "ROUGH AND" READYGARY REDUS "A BEDTIME STORY"JERRY "ROLLS" REUSSCRAIG REYNOLDS "WRAP"JIM "PORK FRIED" RICEJOSE "BLAME IT ON" RIJOCOOKIE "DAYS OF WINE AND" ROJASBRUCE "2 MINUTES FOR" RUFFINSMARK "TOSSED" SALASJUAN "PLAY IT AGAIN" SAMUELRYNE "CARL" SANDBERGRAFAEL "EVIL WAYS" SANTANABENITO "EL DUCCE" SANTIAGOSTEVE "ALTO/TENOR" SAXMIKE "PRE-" SCHOOLERBILL "BEETHOVEN" SCHROEDERMIKE "NOVA" SCOSCIATOM "LEAVE IT TO" SEAVERBOB "ICE STATION" SEBRAKEVIN "ALKA" SEITZERLARRY "SATIN" SHEETSERIC "WIN, PLACE AND" SHOWRUBEN "HIGH" SIERRADON "ON-" SLAUGHTDARRYL "RHUBARB" STRAWBERRY    OR DARRYL STRAWBERRY "SHORTCAKE"   OR DARRYL STRAWBERRY "FIELDS FOREVER"ANDY "DICK" VAN SLYKEJOHN "IRISH EYES ARE" SMILEYFRANKLIN "TICKET" STUBBSBRUCE "3-PIECE" SUTTERTFRANK TANANA "DAIQUIRI"ANDRES "DOUBTING" THOMASFRED TOLIVER "TWIST"ALAN "HAVE GUN WILL" TRAMMELMANNY "KINGSTON" TRILLOSTEVE "RAINBOW" TROUTJOHN "HOUSE OF" TUDORUJOSE "GAME-WINNING" URIBEVBOBBY "BE MY" VALENTINEDAVE "RUDY" VALLE    OR DAVE "DEATH" VALLEYFRANK "101 STRINGS" VIOLAOZZIE "LIKE A" VIRGILWTIM "ELI" WALLACHGARY "HOSPITAL" WARDBOB "INTENTIONAL" WALKMITCH "NOAH" WEBSTERWALT "THREE BLIND" WEISSBOB "EBONY EYE" WELCHGLENN "SURFIN' U.S.A." WILSONTODD "WE ARE THE" WORRELLBUTCH "OIL AND" WYNEGARYRICH "NOT READY" YETT

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Sports

Rocksey Powell

2004-04-01 13:46:00

Question: Do you have any history of the ice hockey’s original days in Wichita?

ANSWER:   Ahhh.. the memories... such sweet memories... and to think, Ice hockey in Wichita has only gotten better since.The first ice hockey game was played in Wichita on November 28, 1932, between the Wichita Alaskan Club and Kansas City, with Wichita winning by a score of 5 to 4.  The first professional game was played the following season between the Wichita Blue Jays and St. Louis with Wichita winning by 4 to 2. The Semi-Pro Industrial Hockey League was prominent in Wichita between 1941 and 1954. After the war and the return of many players from the armed forces, the ice hockey semi-pro program was re-activated in 1946 at the Alaskan Ice Palace.The games were held on Sunday nights, November through March. There were hundreds of loyal fans with an entertainment atmosphere prevailing. The Beech band played for every game, prizes were given for lucky number programs, and between periods, featured figure skating exhibitions by professional and semi-professional skaters kept all eyes on the ice.The teams were composed mostly of local players who had been skating at the Alaskan Ice Palace since they were youngsters, although some players were brought in from Colorado College, Boston, and Chicago. The "All Star" team played against Tulsa, Dallas, Colorado College, and the University of South Dakota.The last of these hockey games was played in 1954 because the Alaskan Ice Palace was converted to a roller skating rink at that time. The Blair House apartments on South Hydraulic now stand on the location of the old Alaskan Ice Palace.Wichita Ice Hockey was re-activated in 1967 by Cliff Wade, ex-semi-pro player. The new organization, Ice Hockey Booster Club, was made up of ex-players and fans wanting to support ice hockey both professionally and on an amateur basis. The business group promoting the acquisition of a professional team in Wichita was unsuccessful. The club turned to promoting amateur hockey for both adults and youth. Bill Naill and Cliff Wade worked to get the adult hockey started, and Bob Coslett worked to organize the youth hockey program. Joyce Mercer served faithfully in the capacities of secretary and treasurer helping to organize the new youth hockey group. Local names playing on the re-organized team included Bill Naill, Cliff Wade, Bill Barbour, Jim and Bill Richardson, Bob Coslett, Allen Buzzi, Fred Hunt, and Ernie Smith. The youth group started with three boys, Gary Wade, Alvin Coslett, and David Fralie. Gary is the only remaining player today, in 1973. The youth group built up to 65 to 75 players in 1971, and held that many 2 years later.  In 1974, Wichita, Youth Hockey, Inc. was fully affiliated with the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States, and was funded by dues from players, uniform subscriptions underwritten by local businesses, and by subsidies received from the sale of advertisement in the program. Each Christmas, players sold English holly to help in the costs of the program. Bill Naill sponsored and coached, along with Cliff Wade the Wichita Jets, a 6 to 10 year old team. Wayne Mercer coached the Wichita Bombers, aged 11 to 14. Bill Coons coached the Wichita Hawks, aged 15 to 19. Beginners were coached by Rocksey Powell and Sharon Farmer. The Wichita Flyers, Men's Team, was sponsored by NJ's Datsun, and was coached by Leonard Furnas and John Simo.

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Sports

Jeff Haughton

2004-02-01 09:19:00

: How did the Sport, Boat & Travel Show originate?

ANSWER:  The Sports Show first opened in the mid-1950s at the Wichita Forum Building. For these five decades, several generations of families have come seeking all kinds of outdoor fun.  In 2004, the show focuses on opening up this family adventure to new generations. Features for families will include a special appearance by President Theodore Roosevelt, avid sportsman and conservationist and one of the greatest American presidents.  Keith McGough, the creator of “Theodore Roosevelt Today”, is a lifetime admirer of the not-often-found ideals of America's hero from 100 years ago. McGough ended his business career at age 50 to professionally portray President Theodore Roosevelt as a national professional speaker. He has appeared before national and state associations, Fortune 500 companies and classrooms across the country.Other activities for families include the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Trout Fishing Pond where kids can catch their first trout of the season and the Department of Wildlife's Electronic Target Shooting System.  Water fun seekers will find great deals on new fishing and ski boats. Campers and RV travelers who prefer the freedom of RV travel will find the latest models and special value pricing.  Catfish pro Dennis Halgren from Illinois, is set to talk to show visitors about his secrets for championship fishing and Phillip Hain demonstrates casting techniques and the correct use of new bait products on his Travelin' Fish Tank, a 40' long glass aquarium.  Additionally, there will be giant exhibits of boats, RVs, vacation ideas, travel packages, motorcycles, personal watercraft, fishing tackle and supplies; hunting accessories, hunting and fishing pros, waterfowl and turkey calling seminars, snake and reptile education and more. The 50th should prove to be quite a celebration!

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Sports

Rocksey Powell

2004-01-01 11:40:00

: Hockey never ceases to amaze me. It seems like it would be hard enough to get a heavy flat rubber puck into a net if you were on dry land... but on ice skates too? When and where did this game originate?

ANSWER:  My research shows that hockey's origins have been claimed by many communities. Windsor Nova Scotia, Montreal, Quebec and Kingston, Ontario.  But it was Deline, North West Territories where the first documented reference to the game occurred.  Sir John Franklin, the explorer who discovered and traveled throughout Northern and Arctic Canada, recorded in his diary a first ever reference to the game of hockey. While wintering at the fort at Deline NWT, on Great Bear Lake, Franklin's men played a game of hockey where they strapped on skates and Franklin documented this in a diary entry.  Toronto history buff Joseph Nieforth unearthed a letter written by Franklin in November 1825, which says:  "Till the snow fell the game of hockey played on the ice was the morning's sport."   Franklin's personal journal, published in 1998 by the Champlain Society contained the following entry by Franklin in October 1825:"Friday 20th... We were visited by the first decided snow storm which continued without intermission 36 hours. Though this change put a period to the amusements of skating and the evening games on the ice we could not but rejoice, as there was now sufficient snow on the ground for the putting in practice the winter modes of traveling."   Martin Jones, a lawyer from Dartmouth, NS has published "Hockey's Home: Halifax-Dartmouth - The Origins of Canada's Game". He claims that the game was first played on Lake Banook in Dartmouth in the early 1800's.Thomas Chandler Haliburton, a judge and writer (19th century Sam Slick) in Windsor, Nova Scotia penned a reference in his writings. Haliburton wrote in 1844 about his childhood memories and he spoke of his time at King's College shortly after the turn of the century and of boys "(playing) hurley on the Long Pond on the ice." The long pond reference is apparently that of a pond on Howard Dill's pumpkin farm in Windsor, 60 km northwest of Dartmouth.A game played in Kingston in 1855 between teams from the Royal Canadian Rifles, stationed in the British Garrison there, is claimed to be the first organized hockey game played in Canada. The game was played on the harbor ice and had as many as fifty men to a side and is still debated as to whether it was a "hockey game" or not.James Creighton, born in Halifax in 1850 had relocated to Montreal in 1870, and introduced the game there. On March 3rd, 1875, Creighton and friends played the first game of organized hockey inside a rink. Creighton's game featured nine skaters a side and followed "Halifax Rules" written by Creighton himself. The introduction of hockey in Montreal was successful and the game grew quickly.Four years later W.F. Robertson, a student at McGill University in Montreal decided to adapt the sport of field hockey to ice hoping to keep the McGill football club in shape during the winter. This game had fifteen men a side, and used a lacrosse ball with the edges cut off as the puck. This reduced the damage caused by the lacrosse ball wildly bouncing out of control.From the games played in the early 1800's in Windsor Nova Scotia, hockey spread to Quebec by 1875, then into Kingston, Ontario in 1886, and south to Toronto in 1888. By 1890, the game had arrived in Winnipeg and then to Victoria, British Columbia becoming a truly Canadian game.More next month...

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Sports

Rocksey Powell

2003-11-01 09:16:00

:  What are some tips on buying gem stones or beads for a ring, watch or other jewelry?

ANSWER: Generally, the price of any gemstone is determined by: size, cut, quality (color/clarity/treatments), and type. Some questions to ask about quality are:   Has it been treated? (see below)    Is the stone natural or synthetic?    Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or     inclusions?    Is the color even throughout the stone?    How good is the color? Is it vivid?    If you are buying the stones for earrings or    cufflinks, are the stones well matched?    There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for:   Irradiation: It is common to irradiate aquamarine, London blue topaz, emerald, and diamond as well as other stones. This treatment brings out color and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the stones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment.    Heat Treatment: Amethyst, aquamarine, ruby, tanzanite and topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance color.    Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis, rose quartz, amethyst and citrine are often dyed. Black onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing.    Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.    Fake Stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. Avoid Laboratory-made products also known as synthetics.