Defensive Deficiency For Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys defense hasn't generated much good news lately. They’ve allowed 103-points in the last three games, and Sunday against Philadelphia, they allowed the Eagles to convert 56-percent of their third downs. Stopping their opponent seemed impossible.

“Well it’s always a combination of things,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells. “We have got to get better pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit, we are having trouble doing. So, I'm going to change a few things to try and help that this week.”

The loss to Philadelphia has created a feeling of unrest, testing the character and patience of every player in the locker room. A team that had a chance to wrap up a division championship now hopes they can beat Detroit, while the Eagles lose to Atlanta.

“People need to just start playing, and stop talking so much,” says Cornerback Terence Newman. “That's the just of it. It’s a show me league, so all the talking is not going to do anything.”

“I think a trend in the NFL is, when you lose, sometimes players point fingers at coaches, sometimes coaches point fingers at players, but we're all in this together,” said Linebacker Bradie James. “Really the drama is us not being consistent, that's the constant drama that we all can change. It is time to start talking about it and get it done.”

Every team in the league struggles at one time or another, so Parcells is trying to stay positive.

“That's why I won't let the negativism that permeates this town, from week to week, stay in place, because if I'm negative about it, then I'm afraid my players will be. If I don't have hope, than who has it? You sure as hell don't have it, talking to you, ha ha ha ha!”

It is a little late for quick fixes, so Parcells is taking the positive approach, hoping that approach will help change a defense that continues to get worse and worse.

Darryl And Sharlene Sydor Become United States Citizens

Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park provided a real life history lesson this week, as students watched the parents of two classmates, become naturalized citizens of the United States. The parents are Dallas Stars Defenseman Darryl Sydor and his wife Sharlene. They have been living in the United States for 14 years, but it wasn't until now that they decided to become naturalized US citizens.

“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”

The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.

“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”

The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.

Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”

Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.

His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”

“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”

Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”

UTA Students March For Football

The University of Texas at Arlington Campus was echoing with the sounds of change, a change in school policy that would bring back football. The rally was organized by Sam DeBerry, who formed a group known as Mavericks for Football Now.

“The time for football is now,” he told a small crowd gathered in front of the Student Center. “It doesn't matter how good the teams basketball team is, it doesn't matter how good a schools baseball team is, in the State of Texas, its football.

Not all of the students listening to DeBerry agreed. Marcus Fisher, a Junior Criminal Justice major, said other sports already on campus, need their support now. “Who here has been to a basketball game? Who goes to campus traditions? How many campus traditions have you all been too?

DeBerry response was supportive. “If we already had a football team this discourse wouldn't happen.”

After a brief rally, it was off the Presidents office, to present a petition with 3-thousand signatures. Less than 50 students took part in the march, and that small group made a statement in itself.

“Once we get a football team here, people will be proud of UTA,” said DeBerry during the march. People will be proud of the tradition and prestige.” The small turnout said a lot about student support of sports on campus. “Yeah, exactly,” DeBerry explained.

UTA dropped football 22-years ago. At the time, University administration claimed the sport was costing the school 1-million dollars a year, attracting average attendance of only 5,600. They claimed football wasn’t worth the financial burden any longer.

UTA still has a football stadium but lately, it’s been home to nothing but track meets, soccer and high school football games. But if the students get their way, they'll have a club football team playing here next spring. The school hasn’t approved a club team yet, and DeBerry has yet to collect 15-thousand dollars that he projected it will take to start the program.

Once DeBerry and his followers arrived at the University offices, the school president had a representative meet them.

DeBerry told Frank Almas, Vice President of Student Affairs at UTA, “We understand the University's position on football, but we don't agree with it.”

“For us to be starting out from scratch, it would mean 400-to-500 dollar per student, per semester and that is what is really the frightening thing,” said Bob Wright, Director of Public Affairs at UTA.”

When asked about football on campus next year, Wright replied, “No football next year, it will be a long time before we can have an NCAA team. We would love to have one, the question is just who's going to pay for it.

In the end, it was a peaceful march, but the future of football on the UTA campus is at least 5 years away. That’s when the school will conduct a second feasibility study, to bring the sport back.

UTA has already received approval from students to raise tuition 2-dollars per semester credit to bring football back, but because of the low voter turn out in April 2004, administration officials chose to wait another five years.

Berkner Kicker Gets His Name Back

It’s hard to find Zach Olen in a crowd of students at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. He stands 5-10, average build, and before Saturday, it was even harder to hear him called by his real name.

"They called him freshman," says Berkner Linebacker Bryce Elam Ray. "Nobody knew his name, until they started asking."

Jim Ledford, the Head Football Coach at Berkner, knows kids will be kids. "Well the kids were just saying things, like 'hey kicker get over here,' those type of things," said Ledford. "Don't let anyone kid you, he's earned his stripes."

Olen's pressure kick came Saturday afternoon at Texas Stadium when he was called on to kick a 31-yard field goal to win the game, as time was running out. Olen, or "kicker" as his teammates call him, was perfect as Berkner beat Dallas Carter 31-29.

Olen every move he made. "I just kept my head down, kicked the ball, and it went in," he says. "It felt great." He laughs when he's questioned about his victory dance as he circled the field.

Not only did Olen win the game, but he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and his coaching staff.

"He's Zach now," says Ray. "I don't call him kicker anymore. Today we were having breakfast, and I said, is it okay if i still call you freshman? He was like, yeah that's cool. I'm just going to call him Zach from now on."

Ledford recognized Zach's ability during tryouts, and encouraged his parents to be trained by a professional place kicker. "I saw what he was doing, and I saw his mind set, i talked to his parents, and I told them i thought he could be a really good kicker one day. Our whole deal was to put him in the middle of the field, and let him kick, and I knew if they didn't block it, he was going to make the kick. He's money."

Says Zach, "When I first got on the team, everyone pretty much called me kicker and that's all I was known by. Now I'm hoping they'll call me Zach or something.

As a football player, Olen had two strikes against him, one, he was a kicker, two, he was a freshman, but with his game winning kick, he has made a "name" for himself.

The Chart

The decision for the Cowboys to go for a two point conversion early in the second quarter in Sunday's game against the Redskins wasn't a snap decision. It had to do with an age old formula, better known as "The Chart."

"That was on the chart," said Head Coach Bill Parcells. "When it was 5-to-0 Redskins, we said if we score, I asked the coaches, what's it say up there, and he said, it says two."

But because the play failed, the question remains, was it the right decision?

Gil Brandt, former Cowboys Director of Player Personnel, has written about the chart and its use by coaches for NFL.Com.

"The proof is do you win or do you lose. That's the whole proof. And if you win, you're a genius," Brandt says.

The Chart was initially created in the early 70's by two coaches at UCLA, Dick Vermeil and the late Tommy Prothro. Today, variations exist, but basically the chart exists to increase the probability of success when facing certain point differentials.

One week ago in Carolina, the chart also said to go for two after Dallas scored a touchdown with 9:47 left in the game. The Cowboys went up by 7-and eventually won, so going for two never became an issue.

Football has many examples of chart uses and omissions. An omission occurred in the fourth quarter last year in the game between Texas A&M and Clemson. An extra point gave the Aggies a two point lead, even though the chart said to go for two. The Aggies lost that game on a field goal.

The two-point conversion has been a rule in College Football since 1958, but the NFL didn't adopt it until 1994.

One thing the chart doesn't say is whether to wait until late in the game, or not.

Says Parcells, "Maybe someone's does, but the ones I know about, don't."

Brandt bases his use of the chart on the following, "If you feel it's a low scoring game, then I would put it in early. If I felt it was going to be a 41-38 shootout, I would probably wait until the 3rd quarter to use it."

Every since the NFL-AFL merger, Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt tried to get the two point conversion added, but it didn't pass until 1994. The main reason, it created just another opportunity to second guess the head coach.

Brandt says this is the chart that was orginally developed by Vermeil and Prothro:

THE CHART

LEAD BY...................TRAIL BY
1 point Go for 2..........1 point Go for 1
2 points Go for 1.........2 points Go for 2
3 points Go for 1.........3 points Go for 1
4 points Go for 2.........4 points Decision
5 points Go for 2.........5 points Go for 2
6 points Go for 1.........6 points Go for 1
7 points Go for 1.........7 points Go for 1
8 points Go for 1.........8 points Go for 1
9 points Go for 1.........9 points Go for 2
10 points Go for 1........10 points Go for 1
11 points Go for 1........11 points Go for 2
12 points Go for 2........12 points Go for 2
13 points Go for 1........13 points Go for 1
14 points Go for 1........14 points Go for 1
15 points Go for 2........15 points Go for 1
16 points Go for 1........16 points Go for 2
17 points Go for 1........17 points Go for 1
18 points Go for 1........18 points Go for 1
19 points Go for 2........19 points Go for 2
20 points Go for 1........20 points Go for 1

Dean Karnazes: The Fittest Man In The World

Storms were moving in when Dean Karnazes arrived at the American Airlines center in downtown Dallas. Running 50-marathons in 50-days covering all 50-states is staggering, but Karnazes is the man Men's Fitness called "the fittest man in the world."

“I read his book,” says Mike McMullen of Dallas “I loved it, so I thought I'd come out to meet him and run with him.”

Near the starting line, Karnazes address the 75-runners who have registered to run the race with him. “This has been the most amazing experience of my life,’ he says. “Incredible, and its not about me, its about you guys joining together so, thank you so much for being here. We've got a hearty group. We've got some weather, its going to make it all the more interesting.”

“I think he's crazy, but I think his mission to educate us on the inactivity of our youth, is an awesome mission,” says Andi Smith of Dallas. “It was great he could come to Dallas so we could do this.”

Karnazes finishes his talk to the small crowd as lightning strikes in the distance. “Lets go have some fun, let's eat, let's laugh, and let's do a marathon. So thank you all,” as cheers erupt from the runners.

Kanazes starting running his 50-marathons in a row on September 17th so Dallas was his 24th marathon in a row. For the first 15-miles or so, it rained hard, making the run even more challenging.

“The rain felt really good actually,” said Karnazes. “In fact, I talked to a lot of runners. I never heard one of them say I don't like the rain.”

To prepare for his 50-marathons in 50-days, Karnazes used ultra marathons to prepare for 50-marathons in 50-days.

“I've run a number of 100-mile races, 200-mile races, I once ran 350-miles, to train my body in order to do a marathon without too much damage,” he explains.
“Beyond a head cold, I feel like my body is getting stronger every day. It’s remarkable. I feel like my legs are getting stronger, I'm getting conditioned to doing this in a way, its almost spooky.”

Karnazes has inspired runners across the country with his mission of extreme fitness. Most of those running with him, have read his book Ultra Marathon Man.

“Inspiraion is a two way street,” he says. “People say to me, I inspire them, I hear some of the stories out here, and it brings me to tears. I'm just a runner. I'm just a normal everyday guy, that is passionate about what I do, and I think anyone could be doing what I'm doing. I really don't think I'm gifted in any sort of way. I'm just passionate about it, and I feel like I’m the luckiest man on earth,” Karnazes explains.

“What I want to do is inspire this country to get more active, to make physical activity a priority in their life. That is as important as any other activity. We have a huge health problem in this country and I think if we can collectively turn things around, we'd all be happier. I think together as a group, we're touching a lot of people in a very positive way,” Karnazes says.

Karnazes left Dallas with 26-more marathons to go. “Ha Ha Ha,” Karnazes laughs. I'm not doing it. When I signed up to do this, they told me there would be no math, so I'm not doing any math here.

That’s fine, but he’s still got a long way to go, and barring injury, he will run make it. By the way, 7-marathons a week adds up to a cool 183.4 miles. The 50-marathons in 50-days adds up to an amazing, 1310-miles.

Buck Showalter Fired as Manager of Texas Rangers

John Daniels has been the General Manager of the Texas Rangers for exactly one year, so replacing manager Buck Showalter on the anniversary of his promotion, was his toughest decision yet.

“Anytime you make a personnel change, regardless of the position or the level, its emotional,” said Daniels at an afternoon press conference. “This was a very tough decision on that front, one that I don't take lightly, one as an organization we don't take lightly, and one we thought through quite a bit before making a final decision.”

Showalter's first year on the job was the 2003 season. One year later, he won 89-games, and was named manager of the year. But when he signed on, Texas was a team that began cutting their payroll, a fact that many believe lead to the teams sup par performance the last few years.

Said Daniels, “I don't think the payroll is fair excuse for anybody, whether it’s in my position, or the manager’s position, or a lack of payroll. There are teams with lower payrolls in the playoffs right now.”

Despite spending less on salaries, Daniels felt the Rangers simply underachieved with Showalter as his field boss. The team finished with a losing record and third in the American League West three straight seasons.

“When I say we weren't an 80-or-82 win team, and this isn't just me, I think if you ask the staff or ask the players, I think they expected to be better.”

The last two times Showalter was fired, the teams he left won championships. New York was the first, and Arizona was the second five years later, bringing new meaning to the term, hired to be fired.

When he took the job in 2003, Showalter knew all about that track record. “That's okay,” he said shortly after being hired. “If that's the case, I'd gladly sacrifice that, as long as they save me a championship ring.”

The bottom line is the Showalter just didn't enough games for the Texas Rangers. Now it’s up to Daniels to find someone who will. It will be his most important decision since taking over as the youngest General Manager in the Major Leagues.

Mavericks Spend Preseason in Texas

NBA training camps opened World Wide this week. Examples include the Phoenix Suns who traveled more than 6-thosand miles to practice in Italy.

Or the LA Clippers who traveled just as far to practice in Russia.

Or the Philadelphia 76ers who will practice in both Italy and Germany.

Or the San Antonio Spurs who traveled 5-thousand miles to France.

But for the Dallas Mavericks, they couldn't find a more welcomed place to hold training camp than Denton, Texas. That’s right, Denton, Texas. Total travel time, 45-minutes by bus.

“Amazing,” said Amina Igeh, a Student at the University of North Texas. “I never thought this would happen to UNTTTTTTT,” she screamed.

terry
“We're in good old Denton, Texas,” said Mavericks Guard Jason Terry. “Ha Ha, go figure, but its good.”

“Its awesome, this is so amazing,” yells Kristi Lu, another UNT student. “It’s like not even a big place, but they came here anyway, so that's really awesome.”

The decision to stay in Texas was made by Head Coach Avery Johnson.
“Yeah, stay close to home, but get away,” he said. “Its only for a couple of days.

If it’s any consolation, the Mavericks are staying at a very nice resort, just a few miles away. The resort is across the highway from the Texas Motor Speedway. This may not be Russia, France or Spain, but as we're told, once the players finish two a-days, they're too tired to do anything but eat and sleep anyway.

“I would love to play in front of some German fans,” explained Mavericks Forward Dirk Nowitzki. “It hasn't worked out the last couple of years, and that's all right, but we're trying to get ready for an NBA Season. I would love to be there and represent the Mavericks over there, in my home country. Instead, we get to go to beautiful Pittsburgh this year.”

The Mavericks will play eight preseason games, followed by the season opener against San Antonio on Thursday, November 2nd.

Remembering Byron Nelson

They came to North Richland Hills, Texas by the Thousands, to honor golf legend Byron Nelson.

They traveled by bus, by private limo, and some, not surprisingly, of naturally, by golf cart.

Among them, PGA tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who says Nelson, changed the way tournaments are conducted today.

Said Finchem, Byron's leadership created a standard with the tournament here, that has done so much for people, that its being emulated around the country and around the world and has changed how people go around and interact with tour golf.”

Ben Crenshaw traveled from Austin, Texas to pay his respects. “He spent sixty years promoting the game of golf, in every way that he could, an unbelievable example for us all.”

Dallas native Justin Leonard grew up in the shadows of a golfing legend. “The reason a lot of us are here to pay our respects is what he achieved away from the game,” said Leonard. “He did it by not just winning golf tournaments, but what he did for the game of golf. We respect him as a person, not just as a player.”

Nelson protégé and friend Ken Venturi was among the first to eulogize. “The game of golf would not be what it is today without Byron, not only a great champion, but the finest gentleman that ever was,” he said.

In the end, it was Peggy Nelson, his wife of nearly 20-years, who enjoyed every moment of their life together.

“I just knew my prince charming was out there somewhere. but it wasn't until I waited for God to lead me, that I found him, or more accurately, he found me,” she said. “This man was even better than a prince, because his nickname was Lord Byron. He taught me how to treasure every moment we had, but insisting that we celebrate our anniversary every month, because as he said, I will never have enough time with you.”

Peggy continued with a eulogy that no one will ever forget. “Thank you for loving him so much,” she said. “I want you to know the last words from him on Tuesday before I left for church, for bible class, I'm so proud of you, and I know he would want to say that to every one of you. Thank you.”

Dallas Cowboys Defense Steps Up Against The Redskins

Sunday night was an evening for the Dallas Cowboys defense to build a little confidence.

“I said defense, three points, that's pretty good. That was my first comment to the team,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells on Monday.

Allowing no offensive touchdowns against the Washington Redskins is certainly a start. Dallas finished the night with 6-sacks, five more than one week ago during the season opener in Jacksonville.

“It was tremendous,” said Cowboys Linebacker DeMarcus Ware. “I mean the Cornerbacks where out there covering and giving us time to get to the quarterback. The defensive lineman were getting pressure on Redskins Quarterback Mark Burnell on those five step drops, because we were playing up. Give it up to the offense for just putting points on the board.”

Just as important, was the Cowboys defensive performance on third down. Washington converted only 2 in 14-attempts.

“It’s always positive when you can give opposing teams different looks,” says Defensive end Marcus Spears. “I always think, that anytime you have a defense and your getting the upper hand, by making guys guess what coverage they're going to get, not knowing how many guys are going to come, it definitely puts you at an advantage.”

Said Cowboys Linebacker Greg Ellis, “The coaches did a good job preparing us, took this game really, really serious, and I say that, not just by going out on the field and trying to execute, but early in the week, the practice week, everybody just concentrated and studied and worked hard this week.”

“Those guys were like pit bulls tonight,” said Cowboys Cornerback Terence Newman laughing. “Its funny, the coaches were saying, we don't need any German Shepard’s. We need pit bulls. W had some pit bulls out there tonight.

Coming out of training camp, the Cowboys were expected to be an aggressive and improved bunch of players on defense. It didn't happen in week one, but that certainly changed in week two against division rival, the Washington Redskins.

Quarterback Controversy Brewing In Dallas

It’s obvious that the Quarterback controversy for the Dallas Cowboys is heating up. In the season opener in Jacksonville, veteran Drew Bledsoe played more like a rookie than a veteran.

“I haven’t watched it yet to be honest with you,” said Bledsoe. “I know what’s on it and I know it is going to be very disappointing when we watch the film.”

Bledsoe had a terrible day, completing just 16 of 33 passes for 246 yards. His three interceptions totaled three times more than his touchdown passes. Head Coach Bill Parcells dismissed any notion that backup Tony Romo should see more playing time.

“I don’t think that should be a consideration right now,” Parcells said. “So don’t make anything out of this, because Bledsoe is starting next Sunday. So that’s it. But we’ll see what goes on this week. I told you I was getting Romo ready top play. And at some point in time, I’m hopeful I will be able to play him this year. Now, I don’t know when, where or under what circumstances. But that shouldn’t be the story for today, because it’s a non-story.”

Parcells still says he would like to play Romo “at some point” this season, but he would not say when that would be, or under what circumstances. Romo has yet to throw a pass in an NFL regular-season game.

“I'm not thinking anything about that right now other than trying to correct some of the mistakes we made as a team,” Parcells said. “There was a lot to go around here today. It is certainly not just the Quarterback position. There are several positions that I don't think played well.”

Backup Tony Romo would like to see some playing time, but isn’t sure when the circumstances might be right. “Individually you always want to get on the field but not because somebody got hurt or something is going wrong,” he said. “You just want it to be because you are a talented player you're hopefully the top player at that position.”

While Bledsoe's turnovers did hurt the team...Parcells says he hasn't lost any trust in his starting Quarterback.

Parcells remains adamant that Bledsoe remains his starting quarterback, however, as is the case with any Quarterback controversy, he didn’t rule out the possibility that Romo might get playing time before the end of the season.

Practice Squad Leads To A Roster Spot For Jamaica Rector

Cowboys Wide receiver Jamaica Rector had a great training camp and an even better preseason.

“Rector was our top producer here in preseason, you can't ignore that,” says Cowboys Head Coach Bill Parcells.

Rector was busy during the preseason, mainly because the team’s top two receivers, Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn, were injured during training camp.
As a result, he finished the preseason with 20-catches for 245-yards. That was tops on the team. More importantly to him personally, he made the team.

“I speak positively about the kid, because he really listened to me last year, about what he needed to do and he took it to heart,” says Parcells. “He trusted me, and he parlayed that into something.”

Last year, he was on the practice squad but this year, he is expected to return punts on opening day.

Says Parcells, “I'm giving him more and more stuff that he needs to do. He’s got to take that same thing, and allow it to expand his versatility now.”

Rector says he loves the challenges that Parcells keeps adding. “I thrive off that,” he says, “That's juice to me, I need to do this. Everyday, I go home, and I just picture it in my mind, this is what I need to do, and Bill, Parcells is in my head also, that's juice to me too.”

Rector wore number-6 in high school, where he was 1-A, all state performer in both track and football at Celeste, north of Greenville. Everyday, he dreamed about playing in the NFL some day.

“Oh yes, it was there, every day all day,” says Rector. “I would even go out by myself, run probably like a mile or two, out to the triangle we called it triangle, and just go to the field, just zone out, just zone out on the field, and picture the NFL.”

Rectors’ experience on the practice squad and his ability to absorb coaching, is what finally earned him a roster spot. He's learned a lot but for him, the fun is just beginning, and should start as the punt return specialist when the Cowboys open the season in Jacksonville on September 10th.

Cowboys Final 53-Man Roster

Here is a look at the final Cowboys Roster, as submitted to the League Office on Septembe 2nd, 2006

NO NAME POS HT WT EXP COLLEGE
76 Adams, Flozell OT 6-7 340 9 Michigan State
14 Austin, Miles WR 6-3 215 R Monmouth Univ
50 Ayodele, Akin LB 6-2 250 5 Purdue
24 Barber, Marion RB 6-0 220 2 Minnesota
11 Bledsoe, Drew QB 6-5 238 14 Washington St
57 Burnett, Kevin LB 6-3 240 2 Univ. Tenn.
99 Canty, Chris DE 6-7 300 2 Virginia
54 Carpenter, Bobby LB 6-2 257 R Ohio St
93 Coleman, Kenyon DE 6-5 295 5 UCLA
75 Colombo, Marc OT 6-8 320 5 Boston College
84 Crayton, Patrick WR 6-0 205 3 NW Okla State
29 Davis, Keith S 5-11 205 4 Sam Houston
37 Elam, Abram S 6-0 210 R Kent State
98 Ellis, Greg DE 6-6 270 9 North Carolina
69 Fabini, Jason OT 6-7 309 9 Cincinnati
47 Fasano, Anthony TE 6-4 258 R Notre Dame
95 Ferguson, Jason DT 6-3 310 10 Georgia
55 Fowler, Ryan LB 6-3 250 3 Duke
26 Glenn, Aaron CB 5-9 185 13 Texas A&M
83 Glenn, Terry WR 5-11 195 11 Ohio State
65 Gurode, Andre C 6-4 312 5 Colorado
86 Hannam, Ryan TE 6-2 255 5 Northern Iowa
97 Hatcher, Jason DE 6-6 295 R Grambling
42 Henry, Anthony CB 6-1 208 6 South Florida
46 Hoyte, Oliver LB 6-3 250 R NC State
17 Hurd, Sam WR 6-2 195 R N Illinois
56 James, Bradie LB 6-2 250 4 Louisiana State
52 Johnson, Al C 6-5 311 3 Wisconsin
92 Johnson, Thomas DT 6-2 302 2 Middle Tenn St
21 Jones, Julius RB 5-10 211 3 Notre Dame
33 Jones, Nathan CB 5-10 192 3 Rutgers
63 Kosier, Kyle G 6-5 305 5 Arizona St
91 Ladouceur, L.P. LS 6-4 255 2 Cal
1 McBriar, Mat P 6-1 223 3 Hawaii
77 McQuistan, Pat OT 6-6 315 R Weber St
41 Newman, Terence CB 5-11 195 4 Kansas State
81 Owens, Terrell WR 6-3 224 11 Tenn-Chatt
39 Polite, Lousaka FB 6-0 248 2 Pittsburgh
71 Procter, Cory G 6-4 305 2 Montana
66 Ratliff, Jeremiah DE 6-4 305 2 Auburn
85 Rector, Jamaica WR 5-10 186 1 NW MO State
35 Reeves, Jacques CB 5-11 192 3 Purdue
62 Rivera, Marco G 6-4 309 11 Penn State
9 Romo, Tony QB 6-2 225 4 E. Illinois
51 Singleton, Al LB 6-2 250 10 Temple
96 Spears, Marcus DE 6-4 298 2 LSU
4 Suisham, Shaun K 6-0 205 2 Bowling Green
28 Thompson, Tyson RB 6-1 220 2 San Jose State
13 Vanderjagt, Mike K 6-5 218 9 West Virginia
94 Ware, DeMarcus LB 6-4 257 2 Troy St Univ
25 Watkins, Pat S 6-5 211 R Florida St
31 Williams, Roy S 6-0 229 5 Oklahoma
82 Witten, Jason TE 6-5 265 4 Tennessee

Injured Reserved
88 Pierce, Brett TE 6-5 263 3 Stanford
70 Whitley, E.J. OT 6-5 293 R Texas Tech

Practice Squad
48 Bjork, Carl-Johan LB 6-0 253 R No College

Reserve/Suspended
32 Coleman, Marcus S 6-2 209 11 Texas Tech

Dallas Cowboys Make Final Roster Cuts

Training Camp for the Dallas Cowboys is finally over, and for the players, the regular season can't start fast enough.

“Definitely,” says Defensive Tackle Jason Ferguson. “We're tired of preseason, come on,” he says laughing, “I’m tired of two a days man, we want to get back to our regular season schedule, and get ready for this team, because we want to see what we've got.”

“We've been waiting for that,” says Safety Roy Williams. “Honestly, this preseason thing is getting too long and too drawn out. We're ready to start the regular season.”

Now that their roster is set, their focus on Jacksonville and the season opener can begin. There will more personnel adjustments, but for now, Bill Parcells hopes its a group that will earn him his first playoff win in Dallas.

“They are willing to work, they're not a lazy team,” says Head Coach Bill Parcells. “I've tried to spend a lot of time, situationally with them on, you know, I always tell them that I want a smart team, and you see signs around the locker room that ‘dumb players do dumb things, smart players do smart players very seldom do dumb things,’” he says.

During training camp, Parcells spent hours with fourth draft round pick, Wide Receiver Skyler Green, trying to develop him into a kickoff and punt return specialist, but in the end, it didn't work out. He didn’t survive the cut.

Offensive tackle Rob Pettiti lost his job to Marc Columbo, despite drawing praise from Parcells for his off season improvements. But Columbo's 1.6-million dollar signing bonus may have been the biggest factor.

Half of the 6-wide receivers who made the team, have never caught a regular season pass. Jamaica Rector, who spent last year on the practice squad, made it after leading the team with 20-catches in preseason.

Miles Austin is one of two rookie receivers to make it, along with San Antonio native, Wide Receiver Sam Hurd, who worked extensively with Terrell Owens during training camp.

“Physically, I've gotten in better shape,” says Hurd. I was in shape but playing a football game is different than just workouts, so I've gotten in a lot better shape, and mentally, I'm stronger. I've got the will to keep driving, keep driving, and don' stop.”

But the inconsistent play of Kicker Mike Vanderjagt caused the Cowboys to keep two kickers. Shaun Suisham showed that he has a strong leg to handle kickoffs, until Vanderjagt gets his act together.

“I won't stew over it at all,” says Vanderjagt. “I'll just go out and kick 1-hundred field goals a day until I figure out what went wrong.”

Not since the mid 90's did the Cowboys have keep just two quarterbacks, but Drew Bledsoe and Tony Romo are the only ones left after a long training camp.

Says Bledsoe, “I just finished 14-training camps and 14-preseasons, so, yeah, it gets a little monotonous after a while, you start not to like the guys on your own team, because your competing against them every day.”

“Our expectations are up a little bit, just because the way we played, by no means are we ready for the Super Bowl,” says Tight End Jason Witten. “I just think everyone is excited, and the confidence is getting up, you put all this work in, you go to a camp like Parcells. I mean, the season is fun now. It’s time to come together and play.”

“This is a long process,” says Running Back Julius Jones. “Training camp, preseason games, I'm just happy that its over and we can get to Jacksonville and start to really count these games.”

Cornerback Terence Newman would like this to be his first Pro Bowl year. “We like to watch the offense do what they do, hopefully they can stay on the field a long time, and keep us off the field,” says Newman. “We’re just ready to buckle down to get ready for some games that mean something.”

Wide Receiver Terrell Owens, who missed 21-practices, made his debut in the last pre season game, but remains behind schedule.

“I know the reason I'm here is obviously, to help catapult this team into the playoffs, and into the Super Bowl,” says Owens. “Obviously everyone wants to see 81-on the field. I want to be on the field. I like to play the game. I know what's ahead for this season. We've got a great team here, we've got a chance, and it’s going to be imperative that everybody is on the same page.

So except for the playoffs, now comes the most exciting week in professional football, the opening of the regular season. Dallas will travel to Jacksonville, with 9-rookies on their roster, and that's a lot of inexperience at the backup positions, no matter how you look at it.

Here is a look at all the Cowboys cuts on Saturday September 2nd.
• QB Matt Baker
• OL D'Anthony Batiste
• WR Damarius Bilbo
• LB Rocky Boiman
• DE Stephen Bowen
• WR Terrance Copper
• TE Tony Curtis
• LB Junior Glymph
• WR Skyler Green
• RB Keylon Kincade
• OT Rob Petitti
• S Willie Pile
• OT Dennis Roland
• C Matt Tarullo
• NT Montavious Stanley

Wide Receiver Terrell Owens Gets Fined

(Irving, Texas) - Cowboys Head Coach Bill Parells tried to downplay the impending crisis at Valley Ranch. “Is this the Cuban Missile Crisis?” he asked before starting his daily press conference.

Parcells knows there is controversy in the air, but never confirmed that the team had fined Wide Receiver Terrell Owens for being late for a team meeting on Friday and scheduled rehab for an injury.

“I'm not acknowledging that that happened,” said Parcells. “Its a hypothetical.”

Team owner Jerry Jones seemed upset that the information leaked out.
“I promise if I find out, how that type of information gets out, within our organization, the ones responsible will not be part of the Dallas Cowboys organization,” he said.

Owens was fined and he confirmed the fine himself.

“There is really not an explanation,” said Owens. “I just over slept, and I was late, and that was the consequences of that, so not anything I tried to do intentionally. It’s not the first time and it probably won't be the last time. I'm not perfect by any means, and like I said, its just one of those things that happens.”

Said Parcells, “Listen, he has a history of what? I don't know about that history. I don't know if he was fined by other teams for being tardy, I have no idea whether he was or not.”

Owens said it was the only time since he joined the Cowboys that he's been late checking in at Valley Ranch. Obviously, everything he does is being closely monitored.

“Its been different because I am who I am, so anything that I do is going to attract any attention, and you guys are going to blow it out of proportion. I don't really worry about that. I get it. I know who I am. I know the attention that I get from the media, so I know I'm under a microscope. It’s very unfortunate that I got fined, and I was late, and in that, to my teammates, I apologize and so I just got to move on.”

“Whatever opinion anyone else is totally irrelevant, to my line of thinking,” said Parcells, “Because they don't have all the facts, and I do.”

Said Jones, “There is an old adage, that sometimes, whether it’s bad or good, keep them talking about you, so from that standpoint its all good.

So while Owens admits that he was late and missed valuable meeting and rehab time, he still doesn't know when he'll be back on the field, and the season opener is now less than two weeks away.

Injuries Hurt Players Chances

The missed practice time of the top three receivers for the Dallas Cowboys has been the focus of many reports from training camp, but the pressure of getting back on the field is highest on players who aren't guaranteed a spot.

“You can't get in tune with this game watching, you just can't do it,” says Head Coach Bill Parcells. “Particularly the line positions. You can just can't do it. You just can't do.”

Linebacker Rocky Boiman, a fifth year player out of Notre Dame, suffered a compound fracture of his thumb last week, but he's back on the field. He knows he can't make the team riding a bike, or standing on the sidelines.

“I'm not in position where i've been here for 10-years, or anything like that,” says Boiman. “I've got to be out here, and show what i can do. Just have suck it up and go!”

In the first preseason game in Seattle on Saturday night, Bobby Carpenter was trying to get back on the field, even though he had a tough time standing up. Third year pro, Wide Receiver Patrick Crayton, who sprained an ankle in Seattle, has experienced the pressure of having to return.

“It’s a big different, he's like, uh oh, we can't deal with that,” says Crayton. “Because to him, you haven't showed him anything, especially being a rookie.”

Parcells doesn't want injured players on the field during practice, he thinks they’re a distraction to the rest of the team. He would prefer to have that workout outside the lines, until they're healthy enough to participate inside the lines.

Rayfield Wright And Troy Aikman Enter Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton, Ohio was a popular spot for Cowboys fans this weekend. “We made our pilgrimage,” said one fan from Texas, who traveled the miles to see Former Cowboys Offensive Tackle Rayfield Wright inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Is anybody more deserving that Rayfield, I asked. “No sir, he's the man.”

But the most popular jersey of the day was Former Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman's number 8. One fan was wearing Aikman’s number 8 from UCLA.

How long have you been an Akiman fan? “Ah since UCLA, 87, and 88,” he said.

But despite two more additions, fans still feel the Cowboys have been slighted when it comes to the number of members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Said one fan, waiting in line to enter the stadium for the ceremonies, “They need a whole enshrinement for nothing but Cowboys, add on to the ring of honor.”

But support for the two latest additions was overwhelming. So much so that Aikman made it a point to recognize the following.

“Thank you,” he said in tears. “Your support meant so much to me as it did through out my career, football is a great game that as afforded me many things and provided much happiness. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family, and friends. A high school coach once told me you have a lot of acquaintances and very few friends, for most that’s probably true, but not for me. The many friendships in my life have made me feel every single day, like I'm the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today.”

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones was in the audience when the first player he ever drafted after he bought the team. “It just reminded me how important a team is to him, was to him,” he said. “What a team player he is, his recognition of his teammates, and the fans, and the coaches they played in it, were just heart warming.”

Jones said he feels like he is going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with Aikman. “Of course you do, I know my eyes are red, I wasn't going to take my sunglasses off, I've been crying for 30-minutes during his comments.”

“Obviously, just a range of emotions, the loudest reception, and the most emotion, was on Troy Aikman and Rayfield Wright,” said Dale Hellestrae, a former teammate of Aikman. “It was spectacular to see it.”

While Aikman and Wright may have delivered the most emotional speeches of the day, for Wright, the long wait was finally over.

Offensive lineman are taught to protect the quarterback, the same way that the secret service protects our nation’s president,” said Wright. “In this case, Roger Staubach was our president, and the director of the secret service, was our Offensive Line Coach Jim Myers. He built an offensive line that was unmatched. And today, I can not accept this honor, without bringing Coach Myers and his offensive line into the hall with me.”

“You know his first game was against Deacon Jones and he shut Deacon out,” said Myers. “He came there as a split end and a weak safety, and they tried to make a tight end out of him, tried to make a defensive guy out of him, but he came over to the offensive line and made a coach out of me,” Myers said laughing.

The cowboys representatives in the Pro Football Hall of Fame now stands at nine, that's seven players, but its a number that will certainly grow in the future, especially with names like Running back Emmitt Smith and Offensive Lineman Larry Allen, and perhaps even Wide Receiver Michael Irvin.

But for now, these two cowboys are the focus, joining a select group of only 235-people, who make up the pro football hall of fame.

“I think the whole event was such a dramatic event, all the speakers, all the enshrines, I think they all did such a great job,” said Wright. “I think they spoke their hearts, you know, in every situation, it was just a true blessing, just to be a part of such a great class. It really was. And I'm honored.”

Said Aikman, “In a lot of ways, this has been a lot of fun, because it has made me look back on my career and the people that have meant a lot to me over the years, that have helped me get here, and at the same time, I am looking forward to as I mentioned, that we've celebrated the career, and I feel like I have a few different times now, with the Cowboys Ring of Honor, and then when I retired. I hope there are other things. I hope there are other things in life for me down the road that I'm remembered for as much as what I was or am as a football player,” he said.

Dallas Stars Introduce Five New Players

As they entered a room at the American Airlines Center, all the off season acquisitions by the Dallas Stars formed a small parade. The work by General Manager Doug Armstrong earned him a contract extension through 2011, but this day was all about his five new players.

“I see character, leadership, talent, but most importantly, I see players that want to win a championship,” said Armstrong. He thanked team owner Tom Hicks for the extension, which wasn’t revealed to Armstrong until earlier in the day.

Darryl Sydor returns to Dallas, having a won another Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay. He is one of two defenseman joining the team.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Sydor. “I was not excited to get that phone call, but I told Army (Doug Armstrong) that when he called this time, it was better hearing his voice this time than it was last time.”

While Sydor was traded from Tampa bay, he is joined by Jaroslav Modry in a trade from Atlanta, two defenseman the Stars hope will improve their team.

“Obviously we're going to be fighting for lots of ice time on the ice,” says Modry. “It just brings competitiveness to the team, and its just going to raise the level of the play.”

Eric Lindros is one of two Centers joining team. He hopes to find health in Dallas, after playing in just 33-games with Toronto last year.

“I know if I get on a roll, and health is out of the equation, I know I can play and contribute,” said Lindros. “I look forward to it.”

Dallas expects to put a team on the ice that is strong at the Center position after signing Jeff Halpern as a free agent as well.

“Hockey has always been my life,” said Halpern. “This seems to be the team right now, where I'm the most comfortable, and I feel I have the best chance to win.”

Right Wing Matthew Barnaby comes to Dallas as a tough player and a fighter.

“As you get older in your career, and you play a lot of years, you realize that winning is the most important thing,” says Barnaby. “As I started out, I did a lot of things that were T.O. like, without the T.O. capabilities. I was very excited when I got the call on July 1st, and was told I was being bought out by Chicago, but that's not a normal situation.”

The stars are hoping they have become a much better team. On paper, they should have a lot more depth up the middle, and in hockey, that's always a good thing.

Junior Golfers With Great Blood Lines

The American Junior Golf Association prides itself in developing Golf’s next generation. Every year, Justin Leonard and Deloitte have sponsored the tournament, the same event that Leonard first played in, more than 20-years ago.

“We get some great players through here, and it is fun,” says Pro Golfer and Tournament Sponsor Justin Leonard. “I'm beginning to feel my age, when I see friends of mine, their kids are coming a playing in this tournament, so that feels good and bad.”

So when the youngsters teed it up at Northwood Club last week, the names were impressive, Tway, O'Meara, Wadkins and Stewart. All are next generation golfers.

Tway, is Kevin Tway, the son of Bob Tway, winner of 8-PGA tournaments, including the PGA Championship in 1986, when he holed a bunker shot on the final hole to win.

“Its been a great year,” said Tway at the time. “Hopefully I can keep practicing, getting better, but for this to happen is just unbelievable.”

“He's been through every level,” says his son Kevin Tway. “My dad played junior golf, and now pro golf, so he tells me what I need to know to become a professional golfer.”

Kevin celebrated his 17th birthday by winning the 2005 US Junior Amateur. His dad's experience in golf means everything.

“He's my swing coach, he's played golf all his life so he knows what to expect, all the ups and downs, so he helps a lot,” says Kevin Tway.

Shaun O'Meara will be a Senior in high school this fall, His dad is Mark O'Meara, the winner of 16 PGA tournaments, including Major wins at the 1998 Masters and British Open.

When he won in 1998, Mark said “For me as a young person growing up, very good career, very nice career, I feel very fortunate. I've met a lot of great people in the game, so to win this tournament here, is very, very special.”

“He doesn't come to many of my junior tournaments, but when he does, he'll help me analyze my round after, help me practice a little bit,” says his son Shaun O’Meara. “Honestly, the up sides, outweigh the downsides. You see Shaun O'Meara, and you want to say, oh he's going to be good because his dad is a good golfer, but you know just because he's my dad, doesn't mean that I can golf that well. I'd love to play half as good or a fourth as he's played in his life.”

Travis Wadkins has graduated from high school, and will play college golf at Wake Forest this fall. His dad is Lanny Wadkins, who won 21-PGA tournaments, including the 1977 PGA Championship, the Byron Nelson in 1973, and the Colonial in 1988.

After the Colonial win, Wadkins said “I can't tell you the excitement of winning here this week, this is just fantastic.”

He son uses his dad’s knowledge to learn the game. “It is definitely an advantage, the knowledge he has of the game, he's been playing professionally for over 30-years now. I mean he has more knowledge than most people have of any aspect of this game. He has passed a lot of that knowledge down to me, and my little brother too, so, its been a real benefit.”

And then, there is Aaron Stewart, the son of the late Payne Stewart, winner of eleven PGA tour events, including the 1989 PGA Championship. He lost his life in a plane crash in 1999, only 4-months after winning his second US Open Championship.

“You know I stroked the ball well all day long,” said Stewart after winning the US Open in 1999. I hit a lot of great putts. I just said give yourself a chance. I went through the same routine on every putt.

His son Aaron knows people are watching. “Your in the spotlight more, if your playing well so its easier for the coaches and everyone to see you play well, but it can be a disadvantage because people kind of expect a bit more out of you, but, I guess you've got good genes, so I guess that helps too.”

It’s hard to go wrong with names like O'Mera, Tway, Wadkins and Stewart, famous names in the world of golf, but for these young men, its all about trying to establish their own identity.

Junior Golfers Are The Future

They're young golfers still learning the game of golf, and range in age from 12 to 18.

“They haven't even got hair on their legs yet,” says Tournament Guest and Actor Burton “Bubba” Gilliam, “But I'm going to get all the tips I can get from them, these guys are good, and they hit it a mile.”

They’re members of the American Junior Golf Association, the best young players in the country, playing in same AJGA events that PGA Touring Pro Justin Leonard participated in during his younger days.

“They're brilliant,” says Leonard. “They're going to be the leaders of this community and others, you know, and to be able to help them out like that, that's the reason we're here.”

Players like Highland Park's Cody Gribble who shares the course record at Northwood Club. He’s only 14.

“I do hold the record, 64, last year,” says Gribble. “I shot it in the second round here at age 14, it was fun, it was a good day.”

This year he's already turned the ripe old age of 15. Lila Barton will be a Junior at Highland Park High School next year, and already has a Texas State High School Championship under her belt.

“I have a new partner this year,” she says, “But I've won it the last two years, and it’s played on my home course. Its just so much fun to be able to play with someone.”

Also in the field is 17-year old Aaron Stewart, the son of late golfer Payne Stewart

“He taught me to be a great competitor,” says Stewart about his father. “He taught me to always have fun out there and be polite. Like in the Ryder Cup, when he gave that putt to Colin Montgomery, just to be a good competitor and always play fair.”

The American Junior Golf Association represents some of the best for the future in the game of golf, and having great blood lines, like Stewart, is always a bonus.

Mavericks Bid For NBA Title Falls Short

In a cold hallway, beneath the American Airlines Center, two days after being eliminated from the NBA finals, members of the Mavericks discussed the teams future.

“It was a great run,” said Guard Jason Terry. “Hopefully we can get back to this level next year again.”

“We definitely know what it takes now,” said Guard Devin Harris. “We’re just looking forward to next year and the guys getting better.”

“Obviously, there still needs to be some work done,” said Head Coach Avery Johnson.

They left not as NBA Champions, but as a team with unfilled dreams. Gone is their chance of winning the teams first ever title, and in its place, a feeling of unfinished business.

“The feed back that I'm getting is that they want to try it again,” repeats Johnson. “They want to come back and go to work harder and practice even harder. They liked what we did, they liked the approach we had in practice, and they want to come back and see if we can win it.”

Despite losing to Miami in six games, the season had more highs than lows. Beating San Antonio in the Western Conference semi finals was a big accomplishment, and remains one of the highlights of the season. It’s a moment Forward Dirk Nowitzki still points toward. “The moment that sticks out the most was game seven in San Antonio, he says. “I mean, that's something we'll always remember, you know like I said, in that series, that was always our big brother that was beating up on us, and to go there and win on their home court, in game seven was a very special moment for this organization.”

Despite not winning a title, the Mavericks seem to have a lot of things working in their favor for next season. Guard Jason Terry, who is a free agent, sounds more like a player determined to resign and win a championship in Dallas, and not a player who is looking for opportunity elsewhere.

“More than anything is that we've been together now two full years,” he says. “Last year getting to the second round and not making it, this year, getting to the finals and not quite completing the task, so it makes you that much more hungry to come back next year with the same team, and really do something special.”

His return would mean virtually no change in the core of this team, and that would be a positive.

Says Guard Jerry Stackhouse, “We feel we can do it, and I think that's half the battle. A lot of teams go into a season not knowing if they can reach this level, and win, and now we know we can do it.”

The bottom line is that just being in the NBA Finals was invaluable experience, not just for the players, but for their head coach who completed his first full season on the job.

“Obviously, as the head coach, I think I've got to figure out a way that if we're in this situation again, we just got to figure out a way to get it done,” he says. “I feel we're close, you guys saw it, you watched it. We're not a team that's far off. Now, we need to simmer, we've simmered, and we've tasted it, and it tasted good, we just need to add just a little bit more Creole seasoning to it.”

Of course there is no guarantee that the Mavericks will reach the NBA Finals again next year, or even in their lifetime. After all, it took 26-years to get to this point, but the foundation has been laid, and the odds of them returning to the finals have been greatly increased.

Byron Nelson One Step Away From Congressional Gold Medal

Byron Nelson has earned a lot of respect over the years, but last week, that respect took on another dimension. The House of Representatives passed a bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the US Government can give a civilian. It still has to be approved by the Senate.

Representative Michael Burgess introduced the bill, which was approved by the House.

“Well we all know Byron Nelson by so many different titles, now we're going to know Byron by another title, National Treasure,” Burgess said. “This is an honor that is reserved for people who have really been of outstanding achievement throughout their lives.”

The Bill still needs to be passed by two thirds of the Senate for Nelson to receive the award. Over the years, Congress has awarded 137 medals. The first ever was given to George Washington. Only four athletes have received the award, including Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, and Roberto Clemente. Nelson would be the fifth.

Byron says the medal is really deserved by all the people who have contributed their time to his tournament.

“The work they have done, the people that supported it, deserve the medal that I'm getting, but I'm honored. I don't know what else to say, but I'm honored and I'm thankful,” Nelson says.

It’s been a week filled with recognition for Nelson, who was also commissioned an admiral in the Texas Navy during opening ceremonies on Tuesday.

Says PGA Tour Player Chad Campbell, “Byron as a person, I think what he's done on and off the golf course, you couldn't ask for a better man.”

PGA Tour Player Corey Pavin is just as excited. “I'm glad that its coming his way, and its a great honor,” he says. “He understands exactly what it is, and he's very respectful of everything. I'm just tickled pink for him.”

“What is it, a certain percentage of the US Senate has to okay it, and hopefully a lot of those people play golf," says PGA Tour Player Justin Leonard.

The Senate has until the end of September to approve Nelson's Congressional Gold Medal, after that the process would have to start all over again, but right now, its obvious, that his support is growing.

Dallas Mavericks Set for Playoff Run

The Dallas Mavericks are a team that has been retooled so many times that it’s hard to imagine how many players have worn their uniform. When the season began, their alumni base stood at 177, but no NBA championships.

Twice, they have reached the Western Conference Finals, and twice they have failed. Head Coach Avery Johnson played on the 2003 team, a team that lost to San Antonio.

“This team has Darrell Armstrong, that team had me, so we know who wins in that area, right, ha ha ha,” Johnson says laughing.

The Mavericks are so different that except for two players, the entire team has been replaced since they lost to the Spurs in 2003. The only holdovers are Adrain Griffin, who left and came back, and Dirk Nowitzki, the only player who has been here the whole time.

So how does a team maintain its consistency and continue to win a very high level? “Well that's a great question ha ha ha,” smiles Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban. “I think Donnie Nelson, the teams President, has done a great job of drafting, we've really focused on chemistry. I mean we really learned out lesson after the Western Conference finals years there, and we've tried to get younger with guys who are open to learning and buy into the team concept. Obviously Head Coach Avery Johnson has had a huge impact.”

Bill Walton, NBA analyst for ESPN’s Television Coverage, likes what Cuban and the Mavericks are doing. “Their ability to sustain excellence over time comes directly from Mark Cuban,” he says. “His driving, challenging, demanding personality that's always in a positive, constructive and upbeat frame of mind, creates a work environment where everybody says, ’I want to be a part of the Dallas Mavericks,’ and how special is that.”

Its special because Dallas has become a consistent winner. Not only did they tie the franchise record for wins this year, but over the last six seasons, they are averaging an amazing 56.6 wins per year. Through it all, there has been one constant, and that’s Nowitzki.

“For one, they have a super star player, and I don't know that Dirk has always been truly appreciated for the sensational talent that he is, but the bottom line is that he has gotten better ever year,” says Mavericks Play By Play man Chuck Cooperstein. “Then you bring in a guy like Josh Howard. Jason Terry is not Steve Nash, but he does things differently than Steve Nash that compliment what's going on. They brought in some nice complimentary players to fill in around the star, Dirk Nowitzki.”

Jason Terry has now played in Dallas for two seasons, while Josh Howard just completed his third. In fact, eleven players are back from last year's team and that in itself is a change from previous years, filled with roster turnovers.

“Well it’s very difficult, I mean we brought in nine new players one year,” says Mavericks Assistant Coach Del Harris. “I've been here the entire Mark Cuban era, so I've seen them all come and go. “We brought in nine new ones one year, seven new ones one year, and we still won. This year, we didn't bring in that many new ones, so I think the carry over from last year, and not having that many changes, helped us a good bit.

Says Johnson, “Our team that we have assembled, we went to the semifinals last year, so we have some sense, some idea of what's going to happen. We got some new guys in that are going to play some minutes for us that haven't been to the playoffs. We have a combination of players. A lot of our competition has won Championships, and a lot of things like that, and we're trying to break through that barrier.”

“The mix just happens,” says Mavericks Forward Jerry Stackhouse. “Sometimes the mix isn't good, you can have a lot of good players on the same team, and it not be a good team, but you get that right mix. I think we've been able to have a formula, to have the right mix together. Also, there is no secret in this league. Whenever you’re changing players, your changing salaries and slots, normally determined by the caliber of player you are. So you trade a good player, normally your going to get a good player in return.”

Guard Jason Terry credits head coach Avery Johnson. “He’s Consistent, right there at the helm. I mean you look at Avery and what he's done, the coaching staff, the mentality of the players coming in, willing to do the extra things to get the job, and that's the difference.”

Walton likes what the Mavericks are about, and shares his enthusiasm. “The dream the goal, each step along the way to get incrementally better, they have done that because of Mark Cuban, because of Avery Johnson, because of Don Nelson, because of Donnie Nelson, this incredible building, the fans, its all right there, its time to throw the ball up and get down to business,” says Walton.

Of course, another reason the Mavericks have had so many changes throughout the years is that they've never been to the NBA Finals. So until that happens, the search for the right mix will continue.

Honoring Byron Nelson

The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving has been home to the EDS Byron Nelson Championship since 1983. This year to honor the golf legend, the resort has added museum sized displays, filled with Byron Nelson's memorabilia.

“That's just going to add so much for our patrons and our sponsors,” says Pat Bolin, the 2006 Tournament Director. “When they come out and enter the promenade and the Hall of Champions and be able to see the world class memorabilia, that tells the life and history of Byron Nelson, they’ll enjoy it.”

John Blanton is the Director of Marketing for the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Every time you hear Byron talk about his contributions to the golf game, his proudest moment is talking about this tournament, and what it’s done for charity, families and kids in the area of need.”

The display also covers Nelson's early years, his Major Championships, his career as a TV Broadcaster, and of course his streak of 11-straight wins. Nelson loves woodwork, and has been building clocks for years, so a Clock Tower was added in his honor.

“For us the Clock Tower was a symbol,” says Rob Cowan, Director of Golf at the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Byron has always had an affinity for clocks and clock making, giving gifts to his friends, and we wanted to make the entry grand. We certainly wanted to dedicate something in his honor, and that's what we’re able to do. It’s just a beautiful entry for us on the side of the clubhouse.”

Says Bolin, “He makes clocks for all the staff out here, he loves the Four Seasons staff and they are so excited when they get a piece of Byron's work. So, they dedicated that clock tower to Byron for their great friendship that they have with Byron.”

And if that's not enough, the finishing hole on the TPC Course has a new lake this year, designed to catch those errant tee shots.

“The lake is tough,” says Robert Boisvert who will play in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship this year. “That's where I usually hit it, unfortunately, now it’s a hazzard.

No truer words were ever spoken, because as I watched his tee shot at 18, he hit his drive into the new lake. He dud recover nicely, by taking his shoes off, standing in the water, and hitting his iron from the edge of the lake perfectly on the green. "Thank You! Thank You Very Much!" he yelled, as he pulled his legs out of knee deep water.

Byron Nelson's Wall of Champions will no doubt be a topic of discuss in the Clubhouse, but out at 18, its all about the new lake and how to put the finish touch on your round, and how to stay out of the water.

Bus Stops In Dallas

Former Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis was in Dallas on Tuesday, as a guest of SMU's Athletic Forum, but his life hasn't been the same since the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in Detroit two and half months ago.

“Well life is totally different as a champ,” says Bettis. “You get a couple of free meals, ha ha ha, and you get a lot of hand shakes, but its fun.”

Bettis played for 13-years, becoming the NFL's fifth all time leading rusher. His totals reached 13, 662 yards, but more importantly, he finally won a Super Bowl.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” he said during the Super Bowl XL post game celebrations. “I decided to come back and win a championship, and mission accomplished, so with that I have to bid a farewell.”

Bettis has since retired, and signed a contract to become a studio analyst for the NFL’s Sunday night games to be carried by NBC. But those early years in the league were tough.

“If I had know what I know now, then I think I could have put up some really, really, really astounding numbers early in my career, and not taken so much of a beating,” says Bettis.

Bettis has always played like a bowling ball on the football field, and knows a thing or two about bowling. In fact, Bettis rolled a perfect 300 game in competition and wanted to become a professional bowler while growing up in Detroit. So, as luck would have it, in June, he will become the first inductee into the Celebrities Bowling Hall of Fame in St Louis.

Says Bettis, “Its a shame that I can get into the Bowling Hall of Fame before you can get into the Football Hall of Fame, but hopefully, that will happen. But if it doesn't happen, at least I can say I got into ‘A’ hall of fame.”

It has been an incredible year for Jerome Bettis, and this fall, he'll be watching football with a different eye. But for now, the man they call the bus, is making a lot of stops around the country.

Young Jockey's Are Good Friends On And Off The Track

Sunrise at Lone Star Park is always a busy place, but this week its busier than usual. That's because trainers and jockeys have moved back in, to prepare for another thorough bred season.

For Quincy Hamilton and Justin Shepherd, it means more time in the saddle. As Jockey's, they're rising stars, having already combined for nearly 700-wins.

“I came here to Dallas, and we've become pretty good friends,” says Shepherd before he’s interrupted by Hamilton. “You should say Dallas Fort Worth (Dallas Fort Worth) because people, I'm serious you should, just because people in Fort Worth don't to hear about Dallas, right?”

Well, Hamilton is probably right. But competing on the track as a Jockey is one thing, but competing against your best friend is another. Justin Shepherd and Quincy Hamilton have known each other since the sixth grade. Today, they remain best of friends, but out on the track its all about the competition.

Hamilton is 22, married and the father of a 15-month old daughter. Justin is 19, single, and gets to baby sit a lot. Needless to say, riding horses is in their blood.

“How many people go out to ranches and pay to ride horses, when every day, we can come out here and do what we love to do for free, and then we end up getting paid in the afternoons,” says Hamilton. “I wouldn't trade it for anything, its pretty amazing that being so young like we are, we already have a career and a future established for us.”

Of course lineup up a ride in the gate, before a race, can be tricky if your best friend is making fun of you in the gate next to you. “It makes it more interesting. It’s a very competitive sport, and there is nothing I like better than beating him, ha ha ha”, laughs Shepherd. “You kind of get past all the friendship, you want to win races, you take care of everybody, and just make sure that everyone gets around there safe.”

Lone Star Park is begins its tenth year of racing in Grand Prairie on Thursday.

Youngsters From Iraq Get a Taste of Texas

The Arabic language can be heard on the soccer fields in Frisco this week. In the stands, the flag of Iraq is being proudly displayed by fans, cheering for members of Iraq's 14-and under National Soccer team.

The Dallas Cup isn't about the Manchester United teams of this world, its about the diversity of the world,” says Gordon Jago, Executive Director of the Dallas Cup

For these youngsters, this weeks Dallas Cup, represents a week long escape from their war torn country. A network from Iraq is providing daily updates on the team’s progress.

“We report all the news to the Iraqi people,” says Husam Dhumed, a reporter for Alhurra TV. “They’re in touch, because they want to know everything about them.”

The players don't know the English language, but they love soccer. They've only been in town for four days, but that's long enough to master video games, and take their on field celebrations to another level.

In a game on Tuesday, their second of the Dallas Cup, Iraq beat Monterrey 6-to-0. All the players are experiencing life in America first hand, by staying in homes with families.

“The boys are just thrilled to be here,” says Jennifer Helm, a resident of Frisco, Texas. They feel like its a great privilege to be part of this. I know my family as well as the other host families, are just overjoyed to be a part of all this, international experience.”

And it didn't take long for them to acquire a taste for American food. “Hamburgers,” says one youngster. “Fried Chicken,” says Mizher Alhashimi, the team’s interpreter.

One think is very clear, their favorite flag is the flag from Iraq.

Hall Of Fame Racing Makes Texas Debut

The Crowd around the Hall of Fame Racing garage wasn't for team NASCAR Tony Raines, but for former Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman. He along another former Cowboys Quarterback Roger Staubach saw their NASCAR Racing team make their Texas Debut on Sunday.

“Its kind of reliving your old athletic life, in a different way though,” says Staubach. “I still have my ankles taped but I'm not playing today, but this is still a big deal as far as rooting for our team.”

“You know, I've said throughout the year, if we can be in the top twenty-five by the end of the year, then it would be a successful year for us,” says Aikman. “I'm going to stick with that until the end of the year.”

Next to driving the car, the biggest job for Raines is posing for pictures with his famous owners. There is always a crowd around the car, sponsored by Dallas based Texas Instruments. They’re promoting their new DLP technology for High Definition Televiion.

Ironicaly, on Sunday, Raines was also trying to keep up with the leader board of The Masters, since the race and the final round of The Masters was being played out at the same time.

“That would be nice,” says Raines talking to members of his team. “Will you post me once in a while?”

Fox announcers recognized Hall of Fame Racing at the start of the Samsung Radio Shack 500. “Tony Raines is their driver, 55-starts, and he has never won one of these events, and he starts deep in the field.”

Raines was driving in only his second race this season, after replacing Terry Labonte who drove the first five for Hall of Fame Racing. As a former Champion, Labonte is allowed certain exceptions. Now, its time for Raines to drive the car for the rest of the season.

“I think they've got the makings of a good team there,” says Labonte. “It’s just so hard, the fans just don't understand how difficult it is to have a new team. The whole deal is kind of geared against you.”

During Sunday's race, Raines got boxed in during his first pit stop, "Tony Raines can't get out of his pits because Casey Mears is right there,” explained the announcers from the Fox Telecast.

Later, Raines finished 24th without incident, two laps behind the winner.

“As we come back to tracks a second time, I think you'll see this car perform better,” says Raines. “That’s usually the sign of new team, building that notebook.”

Hall of Facing did finish in the top 25, but they're still not challenging for any wins. It’s a competitive sport and apparently, it will take Hall of Fame Racing some time to notch their first win.

Big Money Golf

If you like golf and like risking big money with a chance to win even more, than Big Stakes Match Play Golf is for your. The winning team from the tournament in May in Las Vegas will win 2-million dollars. The only problem is, that it will cost 1-hundred thousand just to get in.

“It is the richest purse in golf,” says Mark Santini, Director of Sales and Marketing for Big Stakes Golf. “Right now the players championship which just concluded, I believe, was an 8-million dollar purse, so these guys are playing for money even Tiger hasn’t played for.”

It’s for serious players, with a serious game and serious money. Just playing in this qualifier cost 30-thousand, but if you were one of the four winners here, you earned a 70-thousand dollar discount. Teams rely on money men like Ron Treat of Cave Creek, Arizona.

“Yes its a gamble,” says Treat. “But its kind of a fun gamble, something you can kind of get involved in. We have a hand shake agreement with the players.”

But that's the team investor's perspective. Someone has to play, and players from mini tours are lining up. Members of the PGA, European, Champions and Nationwide tours aren't eligible. Players dream of earning a portion of a 2-million dollar prize.

“I want to get out of debt to start with,” says Warren Schutte of Phoenix, Arizoa. “Most mini tour players are in debt. It would be nice to sleep at home one night, and not having to worry about actually making some credit card payments for a change.”

Craig Spence, his partner, is from Phoenix as well. “It would probably go straight into the house, yeah, most of it, buy my wife a little something, maybe even myself a little something.”

Because of the success last year, they doubled the teams from 64-to 128 teams, it has changed the odds, but it still better odds than you'll find anyplace in Vegas.

Former Cowboys Safety George Teague Still Defends The Star

Former Dallas Cowboys Safety George Teague was as shocked as anyone when the Cowboys signed Wide Receiver Terrell Owens to a contract.

“I was a little speechless, I think because I really didn't know what it meant,” said Teague at Harvest Christian Academy. “I guess I didn’t know how it was going to affect the fans, and everything.”

As the Athletic Director and Head Football coach of Harvest Christian Academy in Watauga, its his job to teach Discipline and Character to kids of all ages.

Ever since that incident at Texas Stadium on September 24, 2000, Teague has become known as the defender of the Star, when he stopped Terrell Owens from showboating at midfield, and disrespecting the Cowboys Star.

Said Owens at his signing press conference, “I know a lot of people are going to hit me with questions about the star, and no disrespect, you know, did I have at that particular time. I was just a competitor. But just as Emmitt did, when I stood on that Star, I'm going to embrace it from here on out.”

What did Teague thing about his comments. “I heard the same I'm sorry that he said to Donovan McNabb when he was playing with the Eagles, and it didn't really mean anything. It was the right thing to say, at the right time, in front of the right people. That's all. (Just words?) Just words.”

Teague went on to offer the following observation. “I can for give Terrell Owens for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.

Teague says he has all the respect in the world for Jerry Jones as an Owner of the Dallas cowboys, but…..

“I know he passed up on some other guys, maybe because of some character issues,” he says. “In hindsight, as an owner though, I can see him saying, well now that I was worried about all these character traits, I haven't been winning, like I was in the past, so maybe I need to revert back and take a risk, on a guy that may be able to take us to that next level. So, does that mean I still agree with him, probably not, but I can see as owner trying to make money, trying to win football game, I can see why he would want Terrell Owens here.”

“I can for give Terrell Owens ah for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.”


Teague will forever be known as the defender of the star, and he hopes his former nemesis learns something about respect.

Graford Texas Proud of Texas A&M Coach Billy Gillispie

If you’re looking for a reason to drive to Graford, Texas, the scenery is certainly worth the trip. It’s a town with a population of 578, and one flashing light. But if you’re a basketball fan, there is another reason to drive there, because its the home town of Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Gillispie.

“He used to work up here,” says Judy Morrow working behind the counter at the local grocery store. Morrow's Grocery Store is where Gillispie worked as a youngster. It’s a town that taught him more than just basketball.

“They get up at daylight, and they work until dark, and that's the reason that I'm so proud to be from there,” says Gillispie. “It helps you develop a very good work ethic. If you’re not a worker in that town, they don't have much patience with you.”

Judy Morrow watched Gillispie grow up on her street, and isn't surprised by his success at Texas A&M and how he is able to motivate his players. In this town, he's known as Billy Clyde.

Is he a nice guy? “He really is,’ says Judy Morrow. “I know that sounds really corny, but he's just a super person, and basketball is nearly his whole life, I mean up there with his family and everything.”

Dan Morrow owns the grocery store where Gillispie used to work. “I think he's doing a great job, I'm an Aggie Graduate, Class of 61, so I'm glad he's here, and hope he stays. The whole town is proud. Anyone who knows bill is proud that he's such a good kid and has had so much success. He put Graford on the map again. We've had other graduates who have done well.”

Folks used to sit on the old benches to watch Gillispie and his teammates play basketball. He played a lot of different sports before he graduated in 1978, but this is the town where he learned the game. And the court is not a basketball court any more, it’s a food court, the cafeteria.

In the school library, it’s easy to find old high school pictures of Gillispie. And the librarian is more than just a good source, she's his aunt.

“I think its fantastic,” says Mary Ann Gillispie. “I'm proud of him, he's worked hard, has earned everything he's getting.”

And she's not surprised that his players can win their share of games. “He is so good, he has such a way of working with the kids and getting them ready, and getting them all geared up to go, no I'm really not.”

Robert Ray still teaches at Graford, and taught Gillispie in both shop and agriculture classes.

“He was a student that probably had the strongest work ethic of any student that I've had,” says Ray. “I remember him mowing lawns, not with the riding mowers, the old push mowers, working at the store, and he always had two three guys going continuously, he was a go getter, and apparently still is.”

At "The Cafe," you can usually find Dirk Leach, who was on the same high school team with Gillispie. He says it was obvious, that his old teammate would eventually become a coach, because he understood the game at age 12.

“Oh yeah, he watched it all the time, he was a sports fanatic, read the paper, watched sports on TV all the time, but like I say, during junior high and high school, he was definitely the coach on the floor, but ah, he was the coach then,” says Leach.

“I think he's doing a great job,” says Bill Johnson, a resident of Graford. “He's done a great job, I think he's a really good coach, dedicated, he's made Aggies out of almost everyone around here.”

And Leach is an aggie as well? “Oh yeah, I am now,” he says laughing. “He's on the right track? Give him a year or two to recruit, he's going to be a deadly, deadly team.”

Gillispies’ friends say his dream job may be in the pros someday, so don't be surprised if he moves on someday.

“I knew the sky is limits for him, and his goal is to be the Lakers coach, you know, so watch out, that's all I can say,” says Leach. “I think his goal to be in the pros, I really do.”

In the meantime, folks in Graford will always keep an eye on their native son.

Dallas Cowboys Sign Wide Receiver Terrell Owens

The Dallas Cowboys signed Wide Receiver Terrell Owens today. It ended days of speculation that Owens would end up in Dallas, after the Cowboys released Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe says he and Terrell Owens won't have to be close friends to make their relationship work, and that may be a good thing. Still, Bledsoe wants to get off to a good start with Owens, who very publicly burned the bond with his
last two quarterbacks.

"I'll be a better teammate, a better person, a better man in live," Owens promised. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity."

"We'll spend some time together in the locker room, maybe go out to dinner," Bledsoe said Saturday, shortly after the Cowboys signed Owens to a three-year, $25 million contract. "But ultimately, it's going to be a relationship built on mutual respect
on the field. If there's a relationship off the field, that's a bonus."

Not since Michael Irvin have the Cowboys had a receiver like Owens, a big and physical presence player, with a flare for making the big plays. It's why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he considered the deal a worthwhile investment, even if Owens' previous antics "will open the door for scrutiny." Bledsoe agreed -- and said he's not worried about Owens' damaged relationships with his last two quarterbacks, Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia and Jeff Garcia in San Francisco. Owens squabbled with Garcia before ultimately hinting that the 49ers needed to bench him. He later questioned Garcia's sexuality.

"I think our team got better today, and I think I became a better quarterback," says Bledsoe.

Jones said he's looking forward to see how Bledsoe and Owens play together. He's also counting on the quarterback to help keep the receiver from being a problem in the locker room. "I think Drew Bledsoe will step up," Jones said. "He's a dynamic leader."

Irvin, who has remains close to the organization, says "This move for Dallas puts them -- and I'll say it -- in the Super Bowl," he said. He praised the move for how it will change the Cowboys offense. "You talk about what kind of problem they're going to have when Drew gets up in T.O's face," Irvin said. "He'll be up in T.O.'s
face and kissing him on the mouth saying, 'I love you. That's the
way to make those plays."

"It was much more than the commitment from the team economically," says Drew Rosenhaus, Owens' agent. "It was the great head coach, the outstanding tradition, and a team on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender. You've got everything you're looking for."

Says Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones, "He's in tremendous shape. On top of that, he's a competitor. We feel he can be very productive for us the next three years."

Jeff Gordon Visits Lockeed Martin Plant in Fort Worth

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon finished 5th in Las Vegas, Nevada at the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 on Sunday for his best finish of the season so far. Monday, he was headed back to Charlotte, North Carolina, and to stop in Fort Worth for a few hours, to visit and tour the Lockeed Martin Aeronautics plant.

“It’s such an honor to have you here,” said an employee of Lockeed Martin as he walked into a hangar, housing an F-16.

His tour guide was Bill Gigliotti, an F-35 test pilot. It appears, that both Gigliotti and Gordon have a need for speed.

“We have a job that is very similar in that way, but we don't really feel the speed that Jeff does everyday going on the race track,” says Gigliotti. “You know we go a lot faster. Certainly being on a race track at 180 miles per hour, probably feels very different then when I'm up there at 400 miles per hour.”

Gigliotti ushered Gordon into a cockpit of an F-16. “So the question of the day,” says Gordon, “Is how true to life was top gun, ha ha ha. I get asked that question all the time. ‘Days of thunder,’ that really happens right?” says Gordon. “Well there you go,” Gigliotti says laughing out loud.

“I certainly believe you have to get in a certain mindset to get out in a race car and compete like we do. It takes a whole lot more than that to get out there in a fighter jet an F-16, and do battle.” Gordon says.

Gordon wil be back in Fort Worth for the Samsung Radio Shack 500 on April 9th. He finished 5th on Sunday, and is currently 9th in the standings. His best finish in Texas is 2nd. He missed the Nextel Chase for the Cup in 2005, finishing 11th overall, narrowly missing the top ten.

“Making the Chase, yes it’s important because if you make the Chase, you've got a chance at the championship, but I don't want to just make the Chase.” he said. “Last year, I think in some ways we could have made the chase, but we would have been a non factor. I want to make the chase and be a factor for the championship.”

Gordon also had a chance to test an F-35 simulator, a plane that won’t begin full tests until August 2006. He didn’t get to fly on this day, claiming his experience with the Navy Blue Angels a few years ago, was enough.

“It’s only because the aircraft is far more capable than my body is capable of, and unless you’re trained for it, its tough. It’s an impressive experience, but not necessarily a fun experience.”

After a round of interviews with Televison and Radio crews, Gordon left, headed home before traveling to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, for Sunday’s race, the Golden Corral 500.

Marsha Sharp To Retire As Head Coach At Texas Tech

Her voice echo’s on the floor of Reunion Arena in Dallas.

“Here we go, lets go, lets go, lets go!” It’s the voice of Marsha Sharp, the Head Basketball Coach for the women’s basketball team at Texas Tech. It’s a voice folks in Lubbock have heard for 24-yers.

“Everything is in attack mode,” she tells her players during a practice in Dallas. “Square first then jump,” she yells.

Later during an interview after practice, Sharp talked about her career and why she announced she was leaving as the schools Head Coach. “You just have that gut feeling, that maybe its time to try and do something a little bit different, to accept some different challenges, to do some things a little bit differently,” she says. “I don't know, a lot of people have asked me if there is one particular reason, and probably not. It’s just a culmination of things, that maybe its time to change direction. “

Sharp’s crowning glory remains a National championship in 1993. She has 571-wins, is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but that doesn't even begin to describe her career.

“I think that I've been a part of something really special in the growth of women's basketball, not just at Tech, but nation wide,” says Sharp.

Texas Tech will play their first game against Oklahoma State Tuesday, March 7th as the 5th seed in the Big 12 Women’s Tournament, but her players know, every game they play from now on, might be the last for their departing coach.

“I think all of our emotions are high and we're trying to win a couple of ball games and get into the NCAA tournament,” says Guard Erin Grant. “So I think its a little bit more pressure this time around.”

Says Forward LaToya Davis, “She's one of the most amazing coaches, I mean, she might get in your face a couple of times, but you know its for good. It’s great, I mean it’s sad she's retiring, but I know its for a good reason.”

Sharp's next job will be as Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects at Texas Tech. She's done amazing things for the women's basketball program at Texas Tech. The program will certainly miss her.

Brad Wilkerson Ready To Take Over Centerfield For Texas

Outfielder Brad Wilkerson is one of three players the Rangers acquired when 2nd Baseman Alfonso Soriano was traded to Washington. The trade also included Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher. Now, as he prepares for another season, Wilkerson finds himself playing for his third team since turning pro five years ago.

“Its not too bad,” says Wilkerson. “I've played against some of these guys. This is a great bunch of guys they already have here, great core of players that go about their business the right way. I feel like I'm going to fit in right away.”

Wilkerson hit .248-last year, but is a career .268-hitter. He was hampered by a right forearm injury last year, but he says he's healthy again, and may become the teams leadoff hitter this year. He's patient at the plate.

“He's going to take a walk,” says Manager Buck Showalter. “He's going to play good defense. He's a baseball player. He loves to compete and has that look in his eye. I think he's real excited to be here.”

“This team has got massive power,” says Wilkerson. “I think by me maybe fitting in at the top of the order, getting on base and scoring a lot of runs, I feel like that's going to be my biggest job this year. I feel \the way I play the game, and what I bring to the table, especially the way this team plays the game, I feel I'm going to fit in right away.”

The Rangers outfield is crowded this year, but Wilkerson is expected to be the guy in Centerfield.

“Yeah, this guy is front line outfielder,” says Showalter. He’s capable of playing everyday. I like his ability at left handed pitching. Statistically, it’s very intriguing. We were lucky to get a guy of his caliber.”

No matter what team, Centerfield is always a key position. But for Texas, they're outfield is expected to revolve around Wilkerson. He's a good defensive player, but Texas is expecting a whole lot more.

SMU Women Prepare For Post Season

Rhonda Rompola just completed her 15th season as the Women’s SMU head basketball coach, but a loss to Tulane to end conference play, has toughened her teams chances for an NCAA bid.

“For us to have any kind of chance at post season play, I think we've got to win a couple of more games,” says Rompola. “But I’m going to look at as a positive, that was our wake up call, and our team needs to take that wakeup call and we've got to out and so something with it.”

SMU is hosting the Conference USA Post season tournament, and has earned a first round bye. But she is concerned about her teams last performance. “We had some problems with communication the last time,” she says to her players during practice. “We had some problem defending their shooters, and we got to be ready to defend them.”

They're home record this season, is a respectable 11-and-5, but they prefer, not be good hosts as the post season approaches. The first tournament games will be played at Moody Coliseum on Thursday, March 2nd.

Says Senior Forward Sarah Davis, “Yeah, we kind of want to give them the tennis locker room, that's the worse locker room here at Moody,” Jokes Davis. “You know I'm kidding, we don't want to be too nice because we want to take care of our business.” Davis is one of only three seniors on this years team.

“The tournament shows what you’re made of,” says Senior Guard Kendall Shead. “Some people rise to the top, or blend in at the bottom.”

“Its really who's playing well that night,” says Rompola. “I mean Rice is a hot team right now, Tulane is a hot team, we're playing at home, and we want to play like, when we go out and step on the floor, we want teams to fear playing us.”

Winning the conference post season tournament is SMU's only hope of making the NCAA tournament, because an at-large bid might be out of reach. The good news is that the tournament is on their home court.

Rangers Pitching Coach Rudy Jarimillo Has Prostate Cancer

When spring training began for the Texas Rangers, optimism about the upcoming 2006 season was at all time high.

"It was one of those you didn't want to end," said Ranagers Manger. "You couldn't draw up any better."

But three days into their training camp, medical news about their hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo turned that optimism into concern.

"I had a biopsy about three weeks ago and it came back positive," said Jaramillo. "I've got a couple of cancer spots in my prostate, and i'm going to get it taken care of.

Jaramillo made it a point to tell the players about his prostate cancer before their fourth practice, and he also told them he'd have to leave to have surgery.

"Yeah, no doubt about it, the urologist said I need to have it done within two months," says Jaramillo. "They gave me some options, but I prefer to have the surgery, go in there and cut it out, that way in my mind, I'm relieved, so I can just go on.

Jaramillo is one of the most respected hitting coaches in the game today. He still dreams of being a manager some day, but right now, he has a lot more than just baseball on his mind.

"I don't tell Rudy anything expect get it done and get it right," says Manager Buck Showlater. "our guys are going to rally around him. Rudy takes this on like he takes on everything, don't tell him he can't do something"

General Manager Jon Daniels expressed similar thoughts. "My thoughts are exclusively with Rudy getting the best treatment that he can, and getting better. That's where all of our heads are right now," he said.

Michael Young credits Jaramillo for helping him win the 2005 American League Batting title last, and now finds himself pulling for a guy who fine tuned his game.

"He tries to downplay everything, saying its no big deal guys," says Young. "We love the guy, we thing he is best, and we're all going to be praying for him"

Jaramillo was unphased by the news that he had cancer. "When the doctor told me, it didn't phase me," he says. I have faith and I believe in today's technolgy. It happens all the time, so its nothing new. I'm real strong, and i'm just going to take car of it."

Jaramillo remains optimistic that he can be back for opening day, but a lot will depend who quickly and how well he recovers.

Avery Johnson Participates In His First NBA All Star Game

Avery Johnson will be coaching the Western Conference All Stars in Houston this weekend. Not bad for a man who played for 16-years, but never made the All Star team.

“Yeah, somebody made a lot of mistakes,” Johnson says laughing. “You know fans and coaches made a lot of mistakes. I’ll hold them all accountable.”

But this year, Johnson has not gone unnoticed. In the first four months of the season, he was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month all by once.
Even better, is that his staff gets to share in the All Star experience.

Rolando Blackman was an all star player, and now gets to be an all star coach. “I think the most fun is to be a player of course, to actually get out there and be in part of the game, but I'm going to enjoy it though, through the national anthem, throughout the whole game, no matter what, we would to like to win anyway,” says Blackman.

Mavericks assistant Larry Riley says, “Lets face it, we're like ever body else, we enjoy being around people who are at the top, or at the pinnacle of their profession, and so that's what its all about for me.”

Joe Prunty was on the staff of the Western Conference All Stars last year as an assistant with San Antonio. His advice for Johnson is simple.

“Ah win, win the game, go win the game and just enjoy it. I don't think I need to give him any advice on it, but that would be it, if anything.”

“I'm glad to see it,” says Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “We've got a lot of young coaches, like Joe Prunty who, you know they really deserve it.”

Johnson loves to toy with the idea of manipulating the all star team. “We want to wear the guys out from all of our enemies,” says Johnson. Ask if Dirk Nowitzki won't play any minutes at all, Johnson replied, “He might play five, ha ha.”

The last time a mavericks coach lead the Western Conference All Stars was three years ago when Don Nelson was given the honors. Now its Avery Johnson's turn in his first full season as head coach. The game is Sunday in Houston.