|
|
Sacramento
Sports News is an online sports publication of SacNews.Net. If you
would
like to submit articles, photos or information to Sacramento Sports News via email,
send them
to:
sports@sacsports.net.
Editor/Publisher
Joe Blenkle
Photographers
Joe Blenkle
John Blenkle
sports fans have visited
Sacramento Sports News
|
|
|
|
2009-10
KINGS
STATISTICAL
LEADERS
(Updated Feb. 7, 2010)
|
|
|
PLAYER |
Points
Per
Game
20.7
|
|
|
Kevin
Martin |
|
|
|
|
|
Jason
Thompson |
Rebounds
8.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tyreke
Evans |
Assists
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Spencer
Hawes |
Blocked
Shots
1.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyreke
Evens |
Steals
1.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jon
Brockman |
FG %
50.6%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beno
Udrih |
FT%
84.0
|
|
|
|
News Headlines
Updated: Sunday, Feb. 7,
2010 - 1 p.m.
EARTHQUAKES ANNOUNCE PRE-SEASON
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2010) - The San Jose
Earthquakes announced the remainder of their preseason schedule today. The
team travels to Phoenix for one week, from Sunday, Feb. 7 continuing on
through Saturday, Feb. 13. The Quakes then return home until they travel
across the pond to London from Thursday March 4 until Sunday, March 14.
While in the Phoenix area, San Jose will train every day at the Arizona
State University Soccer Complex and play two exhibition games. Both
matches will be against the Kansas City Wizards with the first taking
place on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 10:00 a.m. PT and the second on Saturday,
Feb. 13 also at 10:00 a.m. PT.
The Earthquakes will then return home to continue their
preseason training from Monday, Feb. 15 through Wednesday, March 3. During
that stretch, they will train and play some exhibition matches in the
area.
From Thursday, March 4 until Sunday, March 14 the Quakes will
be in London, where they will train at club partner Tottenham Hotspur FC’s
training ground. The team will play a number of matches during that time
period. The full schedule of games in London will be announced in the near
future.
Other preseason exhibition matches will also be announced in
the near future. San Jose opens the 2010 regular season on Saturday, March
27 against defending MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The match kicks off at 6 p.m. PT and will air live on Fox Soccer Channel.
JERRY RICE NAMED TO HALL OF FAME
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2010) - The National
Football League announced today that WR Jerry Rice has been named to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame. He becomes the 14th San Francisco 49ers alum to
be selected. In
addition,
DE/LB Rickey Jackson, who played for the 49ers from 1994-95, was also
named a Hall of Famer.
A 20-year veteran, Rice holds several NFL records, including
career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and touchdown
receptions (197). Rice, a 10-time All-Pro who was selected to 13 Pro
Bowls, won three Super Bowl championships with the 49ers (1988, ‘89, ‘94).
The Crawford, MS, native, played his first 16 seasons in San Francisco,
where he holds nearly every 49ers receiving record. Rice then played for
the Oakland Raiders (2001-04), before finishing his career with the
Seattle Seahawks (2004).
A'S TRADE EVELAND TO TORONTO
OAKLAND, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2010) - The Oakland A’s have
traded left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland to the Toronto Blue Jays for a
player to be named later or cash considerations, the club announced today.
Eveland began and finished the 2009 season in the A’s starting rotation,
but spent most of the year at Triple-A Sacramento. He was 2-4 with a 7.16
ERA in 13 games, nine starts, over three stints with Oakland and 8-6 with
a 4.94 ERA in 21 starts with the River Cats. The 26-year old left-hander
was originally acquired by the A’s from Arizona in the Dan Haren trade
following the 2007 season and went 11-13 with a 4.92 ERA in 42 games, 38
starts, in two seasons with Oakland. Eveland was designated for assignment
on Monday.
EVANS JOINS FORMER PLAYERS IN
COMPETITION
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2010) - Tyreke Evans will
join forces with former Sacramento Kings and Monarchs greats Chris Webber
and Nicole Powell (currently a forward for the New York Liberty) for the
2010 Haier Shooting Stars competition on Saturday, February 13 in
conjunction with NBA All-Star Saturday Night at American Airlines Center
in Dallas.
The competition will showcase four teams consisting of three players each,
featuring one current NBA player, one current WNBA player, and one on-air
television analyst and legend. Teams will be challenged by six numbered
shooting locations of increasing difficulty, with each team attempting to
make all required shots in numeric order in the fastest time.
The field includes Team L.A., consisting of three-time NBA
All-Star Pau Gasol, three-time WNBA All-Star Marie Ferdinand-Harris of the
Los Angeles Sparks, and NBA TV analyst Brent Barry, winner of the 1996 NBA
Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Team Dallas features nine-time NBA All-Star Dirk
Nowitzki, WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Silver Stars, and
TNT analyst and former NBA champion Kenny Smith. Team Atlanta rounds out
the squads, featuring four-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson, 2009 WNBA Rookie
of the Year Angel McCougherty of the Atlanta Dream, and NBA TV analyst and
former Atlanta Hawks NBA All-Star Steve Smith.
Evans currently leads all rookies in scoring and ranks in the
top-10 in most statistical categories among rookies, averaging 20.7 ppg
(.461 FGs, .270 3pt, .795 FTs), 4.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.54 spg, and 36.9 mpg
in 43 games. He was named NBA T-Mobile Western Conference Rookie of the
Month for November and December.
Webber finished his seven-season tenure with Sacramento as
one the team’s all-time greats, ranking first in Sacramento-era history in
rebounds, third in scoring, and second in field goals made. His No. 4
jersey was retired by the organization during a halftime ceremony vs. Utah
on February 6, 2009.
Powell played five seasons for the Sacramento Monarchs
(2005-2009), highlighted by a 2005 WNBA Championship and selection to the
2009 WNBA All-Star team.
S.F. SIGNS CURTIS AND SMITH
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2010) - The San Francisco
49ers today announced that they have signed TE Tony Curtis and CB Keith
Smith to future contracts.
Curtis (6-5, 251) was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the
Dallas Cowboys out of Portland State in 2005. He went on to play in 36
games (six starts) in three seasons with Dallas, recording 11 catches for
50 yards and three touchdowns. Curtis also gained playing experience
overseas, seeing action in nine games (four starts) as a member of the
Cologne Centurions in 2007. In 2009, he spent three games (Weeks 3-5) on
the Baltimore Ravens active roster, but was inactive for each contest.
Curtis, a 26-year old native of Seaside, CA, played in 22
games in two seasons at Portland State after transferring from Fresno (CA)
Community College.
Smith (5-11, 191) rejoins the 49ers after spending eight
weeks on San Francisco’s active roster in 2009. He saw action in three
games for San Francisco, recording two tackles and five special teams
stops.
Smith was originally selected in the third round (73rd
overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. After spending five
seasons with Detroit, he was released prior to the start of the 2009
season. He has played in 71 career games (5 starts), registering 118
tackles, four interceptions, 14 passes defensed, one sack, one forced
fumble and one touchdown.
A 29-year-old, native of Leesville, LA, Smith played
collegiately at McNeese State.
49ERS NAME ASSISTANT O-LINE COACH
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2010) - The San Francisco
49ers today announced that they have named Ray Brown assistant offensive
line coach.
"Ray is a great addition to our team, particularly for our
young guys," said head coach Mike Singletary. "He exemplifies what it
means to be an O-lineman. He has a tremendous work ethic and is an
outstanding communicator. He'll do a great job assisting Mike Solari in
helping our offensive line become a dominant unit."
Brown, 47 joins San Francisco’s coaching staff after serving as the
assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills the past two seasons.
Prior to coaching in Buffalo, he spent the second half of the 2006 season
as a special assistant on the Washington Redskins coaching staff, working
with the offensive linemen.
Originally an eighth round selection (201st overall) by the
St. Louis Cardinals in the 1986 NFL Draft, Brown went on to play 20
seasons in the NFL with four different franchises – Cardinals (1986-88),
Redskins (1989-95, 2004-05), 49ers (1996-2001) and Lions (2002-03). He
played in a total of 265 games with 202 starts, lining up at both guard
and tackle throughout his career. Brown was a member of the Washington
Redskins 1991 Super Bowl (XXVI) Championship team, and later earned Pro
Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors while playing right guard for the
49ers, in 2001.
Brown was born in Marion, AK, and went on to become an
All-Southland Conference selection at Arkansas State.
KINGS' JASON THOMPSON TO MISS TWO
GAMES
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2010) - Sacramento
Kings’ forward Jason Thompson will miss tonight’s game versus the San
Antonio Spurs and Friday night’s contest versus the Phoenix Suns to attend
a family funeral on the East Coast.
EARTHQUAKES ANNOUNCE SCHEDULE
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2010) - The San Jose
Earthquakes announced their 2010 Major League Soccer schedule today. The
Quakes open the season at home on March 27 against the defending MLS Cup
Champions, Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium at 6 p.m. on Fox Soccer
Channel.
The Quakes play four of their first six matches at home to start the
season. The Earthquakes enjoy a balanced schedule with no road trips or
homestands longer than two games at a time. San Jose has many marquee home
matchups on their schedule, including a visit from Seattle Sounders FC on
Saturday, July 31 and match-ups with their two biggest rivals, the Los
Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, Aug. 21 and the Houston Dynamo on Saturday,
Oct. 16. San Jose will also be visiting the new Red Bull Arena on
Saturday, Aug. 28.
The Earthquakes will appear on national television six times
in 2010 with two matches on ESPN2/ESPN Deportes, three matches on Fox
Soccer Channel and one match in Spanish on Telefutura. The Quakes first
appear on national television on Fox Soccer Channel on March 27 against
Real Salt Lake in their home opener. Other highlights of the national
television schedule include Fox Soccer Channel’s broadcast of San Jose’s
first ever match with the Philadelphia Union on July 10 at 2:30 p.m. and
the Quakes’ Aug. 21 home match against the Galaxy at 1 p.m. at Buck Shaw
Stadium.
All MLS teams are on a break during the group stages of the
World Cup, and San Jose is off between their games on June 5 at FC Dallas
and their game on Friday, June 25 at Real Salt Lake. The Quakes conclude
their 2010 campaign with three of their last five games on the road,
traveling to Columbus and D.C. United in successive weeks, then returning
home for the Houston game on Oct. 16, and Chivas USA on Wednesday, Oct.
20. San Jose closes its season on the road in Kansas City with the Wizards
on Saturday, Oct. 23.
The San Jose Earthquakes have significantly reduced season
ticket prices for the 2010 Major League Soccer season. Season tickets
start as low as $204. Season ticket prices have been reduced in all
sections; Premier Midfield will now be $40 per game ($50 in 2009), Center
Circle $30 per game ($35 in 2009), Sideline $20 per game ($30 in 2009),
Goal View $15 per game ($20 in 2009) and Supporters Section $12 per game
($18 in 2009). For more information on season tickets, to renew season
tickets or to place a deposit, call the Earthquakes Front Office at
408-556-7700.
A'S DESIGNATE PETIT FOR ASSIGNMENT
OAKLAND, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2010) - The Oakland A’s
have designated infielder Gregorio Petit for assignment, the club
announced today. The move was necessary after claiming infielder Steve
Tolleson off waivers from Minnesota earlier today. Petit spent most of the
2009 season at Triple-A Sacramento where he batted .244 with five home
runs and 32 RBI in 98 games. He also had two stints with the A’s and went
7 for 31 (.226) with a double and a RBI in 11 games.
OAKLAND ANNOUNCES TRADE & SIGNINGS
OAKLAND, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2010) - The Oakland A’s
have acquired infielder Adam Rosales and outfielder Willy Taveras from the
Cincinnati Reds for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later,
the club announced today. The A’s also agreed to terms with free agent
outfielder Gabe Gross on a one-year
contract
and claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
To clear space on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated Taveras and
left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland for assignment. An additional roster move
to get Tolleson on the 40-man roster will be announced later.
Rosales spent most of the season with Cincinnati, where he
batted .213 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 87 games. He appeared in 57
games at third base, 11 at first base, six at shortstop and four at second
base. The 26-year old right-handed hitter also hit .349 in 30 games for
Triple-A Louisville. Rosales was originally a 12th round draft pick of the
Reds in 2005 and made his Major League debut in 2008, hitting .207 in 18
games. He was Cincinnati’s Minor League Hitter of the year in 2007 after
combining to hit .286 with 41 doubles, 11 triples, 18 home runs and 79 RBI
in 136 games with Single-A Sarasota and Double-A Chattanooga
Gross hit .227 with six home runs and 36 RBI in 115 games
with Tampa Bay last year. He started 71 games in right field and four at
designated hitter and made just three starts against left-handed pitching.
Gross made his Major League debut with Toronto in 2004 and is a .239
career hitter with 39 home runs and 161 RBI in 552 games over six seasons.
After spending two years with Toronto (2004-05), the 30-year old
left-handed hitter also played for Milwaukee (2006-08) and Tampa Bay
(2008-09).
Tolleson combined for a .266 batting average, 27 doubles,
eight home runs, 40 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 130 games for Double-A New
Britain and Triple-A Rochester in the Twins farm system last year. He was
originally drafted by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2005 draft and
is a .276 career hitter with 33 home runs, 183 RBI and 67 stolen bases in
500 minor league games over five professional seasons. The 26-year old
right-handed hitter has played primarily second base and shortstop in his
career, but has also appeared in games at all three outfield positions and
third base.
Eveland began and finished the 2009 season in the A’s
starting rotation, but spent most of the year at Triple-A Sacramento. He
was 2-4 with a 7.16 ERA in 13 games, nine starts, over three stints with
Oakland and 8-6 with a 4.94 ERA in 21 starts with the River Cats. Taveras
batted .240 with a home run and 15 RBI in 102 games with Cincinnati. He is
a .276 career hitter in 643 games with Houston (2004-06), Colorado
(2007-08) and Cincinnati (2009).
A'S AGREE TO TERMS WITH WUERTZ
OAKLAND, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2010) - The Oakland A’s
have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Michael Wuertz on a
two-year contract through the 2011 season with a club option for 2012, the
club announced today. Wuertz was the only arbitration eligible player
remaining on the A’s roster.
Wuertz was one of the top set-up men in the American League in 2009 as he
went 6-1 with four saves and a 2.63 ERA in a team-leading 74 appearances
for the A’s. He led American League relievers and tied for second in the
majors with a career-high 102 strikeouts, which was the sixth-highest
strikeout total by a reliever in Oakland history. In addition to
strikeouts, Wuertz also had career-highs in saves and innings pitched
(78.2), and matched his best in wins.
Wuertz spent the first 11 seasons of his professional career
with the Chicago Cubs organization before he was dealt to Oakland prior to
the start of Spring Training in 2009. He has 372 career strikeouts in
341.0 innings, an average of 9.82 per nine innings. The 31-year old
right-hander spent four seasons with the Cubs from 2004 to 2008 and was
13-7 with a 3.57 ERA in 265 appearances.
EARTHQUAKES TO CONSTRUCT TRAINING
FACILITY
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2010) - The San Jose
Earthquakes announced today that the club will construct a dedicated
training facility at the site of the potential new stadium. Construction
on the Amway Global Training Facility will begin Thursday, Jan. 28 and
will open this spring.
“For the first time in club history, the team will have a dedicated
training facility,” said general manager of soccer operations John Doyle.
“This facility will be a major boost for our coaches and players in their
daily preparation. Along with the addition of staff and resources, we are
continuing to build the soccer side of this organization.”
The project, which will cost over $1 million, will be
available not only for the first team but also for future Earthquakes
youth academy squads. The location of this facility is adjacent to the
proposed site for the new Earthquakes stadium on Coleman Ave in San Jose.
“The construction of our practice field is another of example
of our ownership’s commitment to this team,” said executive vice president
David Alioto. “Our ownership group is focused on winning and this
facility, along with the additional investments in team staff and
infrastructure, reinforces that goal. We have a very strong relationship
with Santa Clara University and we believe this new facility allows all
parties to have the flexibility they deserve with their training and
events. The addition of an Earthquakes-specific training field will
provide our technical staff a valuable resource as they continue to build
this team.”
The Amway Global Training Facility will feature one natural
grass field with room for additional fields. The team currently trains at
West Valley College and Santa Clara University.
SMITH REPRESENTS 49ERS IN LONDON
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2010) - In
anticipation of the 49ers upcoming game in London against the Denver
Broncos on October 31, 2010, quarterback Alex Smith has been invited to
serve as a studio guest analyst for
BBC
(British Broadcasting Corporation) on Super Bowl Sunday. Smith will be
breaking down the game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis
Colts, as well as discussing the 2010 Halloween match-up at Wembley
Stadium. He will also conduct a media tour in London in the days leading
up to the Super Bowl.
“I’m definitely excited to go over to London and not only
represent the 49ers, but the NFL as well,” said Smith. “I think it will be
a fun opportunity to do a little broadcasting work for the Super Bowl,
while also having a chance to build anticipation for our game next year
against the Broncos. I know our team is excited for the opportunity to
play in front of our fans overseas.”
In addition, a team of 49ers cheerleaders are heading to
London to perform at the NFL’s official London Super Bowl party, an event
that will be attended by more than 2,000 fans.
MEXICO FACES BOLIVIA AT CANDLESTICK
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2010) - The San Jose
Earthquakes and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) announced today that the
Mexican National Team will face Bolivia on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at
Candlestick Park in San Francisco, presented by Visa. The match kicks off
at 8 p.m. PT and will be the first of six matches that Mexico will play in
the United States in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A Visa presale begins Jan. 28 and tickets go on sale to the
general public at 11 a.m. PT on Friday, Jan. 29. Tickets for the game are
available by visiting www.Tickets.com
or calling 1-800-225-2277. For group tickets and to purchase suites, fans
should call 1-877-QUAKE-01. Tickets range from $25-$80. A special two-pack
that includes a ticket to the Mexico-Bolivia game and a ticket to the
Earthquakes season opener against Real Salt Lake on March 27 can be
purchased for $30.
QUAKES SIGN DANVILLE NATIVE
WONDOLOWSKI
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2010) - The San Jose
Earthquakes announced today that the team has signed forward Chris
Wondolowski to a new contract. Per league and team policy, terms of the
deal were not disclosed.
"We are happy to sign Chris to a new contract,” said General Manager of
Soccer Operations John Doyle. "He is a hard-worker and a local player, who
played well for us last year after we acquired him. He gives us a lot of
options because of his versatility and he is a good finisher.”
Wondolowski was acquired by San Jose in June of 2009 and he
appeared in 14 games for the Earthquakes, scoring three goals and notching
one assist. One of his most memorable moments from 2009 came on Aug. 22
against Kansas City at home when he scored the stoppage-time winner.
He arrived in San Jose via trade amidst his fourth year with
the Houston Dynamo after starting his career with the Earthquakes in 2005.
For the Dynamo, he played in 37 games, scored four goals and notched two
assists, helping them win MLS Cup Championships in 2006 and 2007. In 2008,
he scored three goals in international competitions and helped the Dynamo
reach the final of the SuperLiga tournament.
A native of Danville, Wondolowski was drafted by the
Earthquakes in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft and spent the 2005 season
with the team, helping them win the Supporter’s Shield. He appeared in two
games in the regular season for the Quakes. He also played in all 12
reserve league matches and led the team in scoring with eight goals.
KINGS ROOKIES NAMED TO ROOKIE
CHALLENGE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2010) - Sacramento
Kings rookies Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi were selected to the 2010
T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, February 12 in
Dallas during NBA All-Star 2010. The participants in the T-Mobile Rookie
Challenge & Youth Jam were selected by the NBA's assistant coaches, with
each team submitting one ballot.
The last time a Kings player participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend was
in 2004 when Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic were members of the Western
Conference All-Star team. Stojakovic also was a 3-Point Shootout
participant that year, finishing second. Evans and Casspi become the
seventh and eighth Kings players to play in the Rookie Challenge, joining
Brian Grant and Michael Smith (1995), Tyus Edney (1996), Michael Stewart
(1998), Jason Williams (2000), and Hedo Turkoglu (2002).
Evans is averaging a team-leading 20.8 points (45.8 FG%, 79.1
FT%), 4.8 rebounds, a team-high 4.9 assists, 1.50 steals, and 37.1 minutes
per game in starting 40 contests this season. A two-time Western
Conference Rookie of Month award-winner, Evans leads all rookies in
scoring and minutes played, and is second in assists and steals.
Casspi, the first Israeli-born player in the NBA, is
averaging 12.2 points (47.5 FG%, 39.6 3pt%, 63.3 FT%), 4.8 rebounds, 1.4
assists, and 27.6 minutes per game in 42 appearances, including 16 starts.
Among rookies, Casspi is ranked third in three-point field goal
percentage, fourth in field goal percentage, fifth in scoring and tied for
fifth in rebounding.
JUSTIN SMITH NAMED TO PRO BOWL
SQUAD
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2010) - The San
Francisco 49ers today announced that DT Justin Smith has been named to the
2010 NFC Pro Bowl squad. Smith, who had been selected as an alternate at
defensive tackle, replaces Minnesota DT Kevin Williams who will not play
in the game due to injury. It marks the nine-year veteran’s first Pro Bowl
appearance.
The 49ers will now have five representatives playing in the game – RB
Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, LB Patrick Willis and P Andy Lee – marking
the highest San Francisco delegation since the team sent six players
following the 2002 season. In the past 60 years, the 49ers have sent
five-or-more representatives to the Pro Bowl 34 times.
“This is a great opportunity for me to represent my team in
Miami … it’s been a long time coming,” said Smith. “To be able to go there
and play with four of my teammates makes it even better.”
Smith started all 16 games for the 49ers in 2009 and ranked
second on the team with six sacks. He led all 49ers defensive linemen in
tackles (90), quarterback pressures (78) and quarterback hits (52), while
adding two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Smith has now recorded at least five sacks in eight of his
nine NFL seasons. A relentless and explosive defender, Smith heads into
the 2010 season with a current active streak of 139 consecutive starts,
which is by far the longest streak of any current NFL defensive lineman (Arz.
DT Darnell Dockett is 2nd with 81).
49ERS TO HOLD GOLD RUSH AUDITIONS
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2010) - The San
Francisco 49ers are hosting open auditions for the opportunity to join the
49ers 2010 Gold Rush Squad. The Gold Rush, presented by Coors Light, are
one of the NFL’s premiere performance groups. Preliminary auditions will
be held on Sunday, March 28 at Maples Pavilion at Stanford University.
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and auditions will start promptly at
11:00 a.m.
Applicants will be required to learn a short dance combination taught by a
professional choreographer and perform that routine in a group in front of
a panel of judges. They will be judged on dance ability, crowd appeal,
showmanship and individual applications. At the end of the preliminary
audition, a group of finalists will be selected.
Finalists selected on March 28 must be available for a finals
prep class, interview and final dance audition during the week of March
29th – April 2nd.
Those interested in auditioning should visit
www.49ers.com to download an
application. All applications and application fees must be received, along
with a 5x7 photo, by March 24, 2010.
To prepare for these auditions, the Gold Rush Director will
host workshops throughout March which will include a dance clinic,
audition tips and an information packet. For detailed information about
the workshops, visit www.49ers.com or
call (650) 336-1049.
Over the past 27 years, the 49ers Cheerleaders have
established a reputation as one of the NFL’s premiere performance groups.
The squad has been featured on many national television shows, performed
for numerous USO tours around the world, and appeared in four Super Bowls.
As a 2010 team member you can participate in these special events, cheer
at each 49ers home game, work with our Junior Cheerleader program,
participate in the annual swimsuit calendar photo shoot and more.
UFL TO MOVE REDWOODS TO SACRAMENTO?
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2010) - According to an article in the
Jan. 26 edition of The Sacramento Bee, the United Football League
may move its San Francisco franchise to Sacramento for the 2010 season.
The team, currently known as the California Redwoods, would undergo a name
change to more reflect its Sacramento surroundings and play its games at
California State University, Sacramento. The deal is said to also include
replacing the CSUS grass field with artificial turf. To read the complete
article, go here:
UFL Club May
Come To Town.
KINGS' BROCKMAN X-RAYS NEGATIVE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2010) - Sacramento
Kings forward Jon Brockman suffered a bruised left hip during practice
today. Subsequent X-rays and a CT Scan performed at the UC Davis Medical
Center proved negative for any acute injury.
Brockman will be listed as questionable for tomorrow night’s
matchup (1/26) versus the Golden State Warriors.
GIANTS RE-SIGN MOLINA FOR ONE YEAR
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2010) - In
returning their catching position to the player that has held the position
since 2007, the San Francisco Giants have signed two-time Gold Glove
winner Bengie Molina to a one-year contract, club Senior Vice President
and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.
Per club policy, financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Molina, who hit .265 (130-for-491) with a career-high 20 home runs
along with 80 RBI in 132 games for the Giants last season, has been one of
the best offensive catchers in Giants history. His .278 average since
joining the team in 2007 is the highest among all San Francisco catchers
with at least 350 games while no other backstop has matched his 256 RBI
over any three-year span.
Last season, the 5-foot-11, 225-pound catcher was one of the
top offensive players at his position in the NL, ranking second in home
runs, RBI and extra base hits (44) and fifth in doubles (25). A proven
hitter in clutch situations, Molina, who is a career .290 hitter with
runners in scoring position, led the entire National League with 11
sacrifice flies in 2009 while ranking tied for first with 22 game-winning
RBI and eighth with 28 go-ahead RBI.
One of just four active catchers to have won multiple Gold
Gloves, Molina joins Ivan Rodriguez (13 Gold Gloves), Yadier Molina (two)
and Joe Mauer (two) as the only backstops to take the honor more than
twice, having claimed the American League award in 2002 and 2003.
“We are fortunate to re-sign Bengie and keep him in a Giants
uniform,” said Sabean. “He has been one of the better offensive catchers
since he has been with us and with his knowledge and leadership is a big
asset for our strong pitching staff.”
Molina owns a .276 lifetime average with 205 doubles, 139
home runs and 675 RBI over 1,244 games during his 12-year big league
career with the Angels (1998-2005), Blue Jays (2006) and Giants (2007-09).
The Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico native has posted a .280 or better average
five times, while registering at least 10 home runs in eight campaigns,
including each of his last seven seasons.
With a .994 career fielding mark, the 34-year old owns the
sixth-highest fielding percentage among active catchers. Since 2007,
Molina has thrown out 72 attempted base stealers, the third-most among
active ML receivers.
The Arizona Western Community College product has helped
guide his club to the post season on three occasions, including the 2002
World Championship with the Anaheim Angels. In 29 October contests, he has
posted a .264 average (24-for-91) with seven runs, four doubles, a triple,
three home runs and 12 RBI.
He is the oldest of the three Molina brothers who are all
catchers in the Majors. Jose, who is currently a free agent, helped the
Yankees to a World Series title last season, while Yadier is currently the
starting catcher in St. Louis.
SOLARI NAMED 49ERS OFFENSIVE LINE
COACH
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2010) - The San
Francisco 49ers today announced that they have named Mike Solari offensive
line coach. Solari replaces Chris Foerster, who was hired by the
Washington Redskins earlier today.
Solari, 55, rejoins the 49ers and brings more than 20 years of NFL
offensive coaching experience to San Francisco, after having previously
served as the tight ends/assistant offensive line coach for the 49ers from
1992-96 under legendary coach Bob McKittrick. Solari most recently spent
two seasons (2008-09) as the offensive line coach for the Seattle
Seahawks. Under his direction, tackle Walter Jones made the Pro Bowl in
2008.
Following his initial stint with the 49ers, Solari spent nine
seasons as offensive line coach for Kansas City (1997-2005), three of
which came under current 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye
(1998-2000), who held the same position for the Chiefs at the time. With
Solari directing the Kansas City offensive line, the team averaged 126.8
rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL during that time span.
The Daly City, CA, native was promoted by the Chiefs to
offensive coordinator in 2006. During his 11-year tenure in Kansas City,
the team finished in the top 10 in rushing on seven occasions, in the top
five four times, and ranked 6th in the NFL in total offense (359.2 yards
per game) over that span. Solari was one of just six assistant coaches in
team history to record more than a decade of service with the franchise.
Solari’s line produced a trio of Pro Bowl offensive linemen
in 2004 and 2005, in guards Will Shields and Brian Waters, as well as
tackle Willie Roaf. Kansas City became the first club to accomplish that
feat since Dallas from 1993-96. Thanks in part to his strong line, the
Chiefs offense led the league in total offense in 2004 (franchise-record
418.4 ypg) and 2005 (387.0 ypg).
While with the 49ers from 1992 to 1996, Solari was largely
responsible for the development of tight end Brent Jones, who made four
Pro Bowl appearances, and was instrumental in the team’s successful Super
Bowl XXIX season.
Solari began his NFL coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys
in 1987, where he was the assistant offensive line/special teams coach for
two seasons. He moved on to the Phoenix Cardinals for one season, working
with Gene Stallings before joining him at the University of Alabama
(1990-91).
His coaching career began at Mission Bay (CA) High School in
1976, followed by stints at Mira Costa Junior College (1978) and U.S.
International (1979). In 1980, he helped lead Boise State to the NCAA
Division I-AA Championship. He also spent time at the University of
Cincinnati (1981-82), Kansas (1983-85) and served as the offensive
coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh (1986).
A former offensive lineman at San Diego State, he was a
teammate of Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards and Carolina Panthers head
coach John Fox.
LIGHTNING SUSPENDS DAY-TO-DAY
OPERATIONS
STOCKTON, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2010) - The Stockton
Lightning has suspended day-to-day operations for the 2010 season
effective immediately.
The Lightning will continue to research playing opportunities
after the folding of the arenafootball2 league (af2) at the conclusion of
the 2009 playing season. The
largest
indoor football league in the country, the Arena Football League (AFL),
ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2008 season and recently the
AFL and af2 have formed a new league for the 2010 season, Arena Football
One.
Dan Chapman, president of the Stockton Lightning, released
the following statement:
"It is with a great deal of disappointment that the Stockton
Lightning have decided to suspend operations for the upcoming 2010
football season. With the transition of the AFL and af2 developing into
the new "Arena Football One" league, the proposed "lower tier" that was
initially outlined did not become a reality. Furthermore, we have
determined that the business model for the "upper tier", which caters to
larger markets, is not financially sustainable for our organization at
this time. For these reasons, we feel as though we have no other viable
options to play arena football this season"
Season ticket holders who had committed to the upcoming
season will be refunded.
SAN FRANCISCO'S GORE NAMED TO PRO
BOWL
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2010) - The San
Francisco 49ers today announced that RB Frank Gore has been named to the
2010 NFC Pro Bowl squad. Gore, who had been selected as the first
alternate at running back, replaces St. Louis RB Steven Jackson who will
not play in the game due to injury. It is Gore’s 2nd Pro Bowl appearance
after having been selected to the game in 2006. The 49ers will now have
four representatives playing in the game – Gore, TE Vernon Davis, LB
Patrick Willis and P Andy Lee – marking the highest San Francisco
delegation since the team sent six players following the 2002 season.
With this year’s game taking place in Miami, FL, the Coral Gables High
School graduate and University of Miami star will play in his hometown for
the first time as a professional.
“It’s amazing. It’s the first time that I will get to play in
Miami since I left,” said Gore. “Last year, I couldn’t play because I was
injured and now God blessed me to play this year. To be in the Pro Bowl,
it means a lot. I felt that missing some games this season, and to still
be able to make a special game like this is a great opportunity. All I can
say is that it’s a blessing.”
Gore rushed for 1,120 yards on 229 carries and tied the
franchise record with a career-high 10 rushing touchdowns in 2009. He was
also a threat out of the backfield in the passing game, registering 52
receptions for 406 yards and a career-high three receiving touchdowns.
Gore has now logged four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons (2006-09),
becoming the only player in 49ers history to record four such seasons.
With five 100-yard rushing games in 2009, he tied RB Joe Perry for the
most 100-yard rushing games in franchise history (20). Gore, along with
Pro Bowl TE Vernon Davis, became just the second set of 49er teammates to
each have at least 13 touchdowns in season. In 1995, WR Jerry Rice had 17
and RB Derrick Loville notched 13.
Gore finished the 2009 campaign ranked tied for second in the
NFC (tied for eighth in the NFL) in scoring (78 points). Additionally, his
1,120 rushing yards ranked fifth in the NFC and tied for 11th in the NFL.
He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Weeks two and 14.
GIANTS SIGN LHP JONATHAN SANCHEZ
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2010) -
Left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez has agreed to a one-year contract for
the 2010 season, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian
Sabean announced today. Per club policy, financial terms were not
disclosed.
Sanchez, 27, finished the 2009 season with an 8-12 record and a 4.24 ERA
in 32 games (29 starts) for the Giants. After a brief stint in the
bullpen, the four-year Major League veteran pitched San Francisco’s first
no-hitter in 33 years, an 8-0 win vs. San Diego on July 10 at AT&T Park.
Beginning with his no-hitter, Sanchez concluded the season with a 6-4
record and a 3.46 ERA over his final 16 starts. He finished the campaign
ranking fourth in the National League with 9.75 strikeouts per 9.0 innings
and a .221 opponents’ batting average.
Named the 2006 USA Today Organizational Player of the Year,
Sanchez has gone 21-30 with a 4.81 ERA and 429 strikeouts in 121 games (66
starts) during his Major League career with San Francisco.
A'S AGREE TO TERMS WITH DAVIS,
KOUZMANOFF
OAKLAND, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2010) - The Oakland A’s
have agreed to terms with third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and outfielder
Rajai Davis on one-year contracts to avoid arbitration, the club announced
today. The A’s have one arbitration eligible player remaining on the
roster: right-handed pitcher Michael Wuertz.
Davis began the 2009 season as the A’s fourth outfielder but played
himself into a starting role in center field and ended up hitting .305 in
125 games. He started 86 of the A’s final 114 games beginning June 1 and
hit .324 over that span, which was the fourth best mark in the American
League. Davis also stole a career high 41 bases to become the first
Athletic to steal 40 bases since Rickey Henderson had 66 in 1998.
Kouzmanoff was acquired from San Diego Saturday after batting
.255 with 18 home runs and a career high 88 RBI in 141 games with the
Padres in 2009. He also committed just three errors to set a National
League record for fielding percentage by a third baseman with a mark of
.990. Kouzmanoff matched his career high with 31 doubles and has hit at
least 18 home runs in each of his last three seasons.
49ERS SIGN SCHOTTENHEIMER AS SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2010) - The San
Francisco 49ers today announced that they have named Kurt Schottenheimer
special teams coordinator.
“I am very thankful that we were able to add Kurt to our coaching staff,”
said head coach Mike Singletary. “He brings with him invaluable experience
from more than 30 years of service in the NFL and college coaching ranks.
Kurt has a diverse background and a tremendous knowledge of personnel,
both of which will serve the 49ers well in producing a top-notch special
teams unit.”
Schottenheimer, 60, brings over 30 years of coaching
experience to the 49ers, including 22 seasons in the NFL. He spent his
first eight seasons in the league as a special teams coach, holding that
position first with the Cleveland Browns (1987-88) and then with the
Kansas City Chiefs (1989-94). Schottenheimer’s units regularly ranked
among the league’s top 10 annually in various major special teams
statistical categories. Following his productive run leading the Chiefs
special teams, he went on to coach Kansas City’s defensive backs
(1995-98), before being promoted to defensive coordinator (1999-2000).
Schottenheimer spent three more seasons as a defensive
coordinator in the NFL, serving one year with the Washington Redskins
(2001) and two seasons with the Detroit Lions (2002-03). He most recently
served as the secondary coach in Green Bay from 2006-08. It marked
Schottenheimer’s second stint with the Packers, having coached defensive
backs for the team in 2004, before spending one year as the secondary
coach for the St. Louis Rams (2005).
Before entering the NFL, Schottenheimer worked 10 seasons as
a college coach: William Patterson College (1974 – defensive coordinator),
Michigan State (1978-82 – linebackers/defensive backs), Tulane (1983 -
defensive), Louisiana State (1984-85) and Notre Dame (1986).
A junior college All-America quarterback at Coffeyville (KS)
Junior College, Schottenheimer led the nation in passing as a sophomore.
The following year, he transferred to the University of Miami where he
started for two seasons at defensive back and earned his degree in 1971.
Schottenheimer and his wife, Colleen Duffey, have two
daughters, Steele and Sloane. He is the younger brother of former NFL head
coach Marty Schottenheimer and the uncle of current New York Jets
offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
A'S GET KOUZMANOFF FROM SAN DIEGO
OAKLAND, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2010) - The Oakland A’s
have acquired third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and minor league infielder
Eric Sogard from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielders Scott
Hairston and Aaron Cunningham, the club announced today.
Kouzmanoff batted .255 with 18 home runs and a career high 88 RBI in 141
games with San Diego last year. He also committed just three errors to set
a National League record for fielding percentage by a third baseman with a
mark of .990. The 28-year old right-handed hitter matched his career high
with 31 doubles and has hit at least 18 home runs in each of his last
three seasons. Kouzmanoff made his Major League debut appearing in 16
games with Cleveland in 2006 but has spent the last three seasons with San
Diego. He is a .261 career hitter with 62 home runs and 257 RBI in 456
games.
Sogard hit .293 with six home runs and 51 RBI in 117 games
with Double-A San Antonio last year and ranked ninth in the Texas League
in batting. He had 58 walks and struck out just 47 times to rank fourth in
the TL in plate appearances per strikeout (11.28). The 23-year old
left-handed hitter has played second base in his three years as a
professional and is a .292 career hitter in 304 minor league games. He was
originally the Padres second round pick in the 2007 First-Year Player
Draft.
Hairston was acquired by the A’s from San Diego last July and
hit .236 with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 60 games with Oakland after
batting .299 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in 56 games with the Padres. He
hit .265 overall and is a .252 career hitter with 58 home runs and 162 RBI
in 460 games.
Cunningham spent most of last season at Triple-A Sacramento
where he batted .302 with 11 home runs and 48 RBI in 83 games. He also
batted .151 with a home run and six RBI in 23 games over three stints with
Oakland. Cunningham made his ML debut with Oakland in 2008 and is a .211
career hitter in 45 games.
49ERS TO PLAY DENVER IN LONDON OCT.
31
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2010) - The National Football
League today announced that the San Francisco 49ers will battle the Denver
Broncos in London, England. The matchup will take place on Sunday, October
31, 2010 at Wembley Stadium. It will mark the 49ers third game ever at
Wembley Stadium, as the team played two preseason contests in the historic
venue. CBS will broadcast the game in the United States beginning at 10:00
a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET & 5:00 p.m. UK).
“The 49ers organization is excited to be part of the NFL’s 2010
international schedule,” said 49ers President and CEO Jed York. “London is
a wonderful venue for two of the most storied franchises in NFL history to
square off. The international games have been so well received in recent
years that it will surely be an exciting experience for our players,
coaches, staff and fans. We support the league’s initiative to bring NFL
games to the international stage, and are looking forward to playing in
front of our fans in England.”
The game marks the 10th time the 49ers will play on the
international stage, but just their second regular season game and first
as the home team. San Francisco last played internationally on October 2,
2005, when they battled the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City in front of
103,467 fans at Azteca Stadium. The game marked the first international
regular season game in NFL history.
“I am thrilled about the chance to represent the NFL
internationally,” said 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. “I have no doubt
that our players will be ready to go. What a great opportunity it is for
us to play in such a setting.”
“I’ve never been to London, but I’ve always wanted to go,”
said All-Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis. “I couldn’t think of a
better way to get to visit England than to go there doing something I love
to do … playing football.”
“I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity since
they started playing games over in London,” said Pro Bowl tight end Vernon
Davis. “I’ve always wanted to go overseas and now I get to go over with my
teammates and play football. I can’t wait to go over there and show all of
Europe what 49ers football is all about.”
QUAKES TAKE IKE OPARA IN MLS SUPERDRAFT
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2010) - The San Jose Earthquakes
announced today that the club has selected Generation adidas and Wake
Forest All-American defender Ike Opara, who led Wake Forest to the College
Cup in 2009, with the third overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
“We have had our eye on Ike for a long time and we are excited that he was
available at the number three pick today,” said general manager of soccer
operations John Doyle. “He is a very athletic player with great size and
strength. He has also played at a winning program the past three seasons
and has experience at the international level.”
Opara played eight matches for the United States U-20 team in
2009 and was a key member of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup team. He started
all three games for the U.S. in Egypt last fall.
The Durham, N.C. native helped lead the Demon Deacons to the
College Cup last season as junior before falling in overtime to eventual
champion Virginia. He appeared in 17 games, scoring three goals and
notching two assists. The 20-year-old defender earned All-American honors
from the NSCAA, Soccer America, College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer
and was named a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, which is given
to college soccer’s best player. He was also selected as the ACC Defensive
Player of the Year for the second straight season and earned All-ACC first
team accolades.
“We got the top defender in the draft today,” said head coach
Frank Yallop. “He had an outstanding combine over the weekend and we have
seen him play a number of times over the past couple of years. He is an
excellent defender, who has a great combination of athleticism, speed and
power.”
As a sophomore, he was named a finalist for the Soccer News
Net College Player of the Year and was selected as a First Team
All-American by Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News. He also earned
NSCAA and Soccer America Second Team All-American honors, while earning a
spot on the All-ACC First Team. In his freshman year, he was named to
Soccer America’s First Team and the All-Freshman squad and was selected to
the All-ACC Freshman Team.
“I am happy to be selected by San Jose,” said Opara. “First
and foremost I’m going to bring a good attitude to the team. I look
forward to hopefully building a special franchise and helping this team
get to the MLS Cup sometime in the near future.”
The 6’2” defender played in 65 games in his three year career
with Wake Forest, scoring eight goals. Opara helped the team to the
regular season ACC championship and anchored a defense that held opposing
offenses down all season long in 2009. He was a part of three teams that
made the College Cup and helped the Demon Deacons win the national
championship as a freshman in 2007.
PORTS, CATS TO BATTLE IN EXHIBITION
SERIES
STOCKTON,
Calif. (Jan. 13, 2010) - The depth and strength of the Oakland
Athletics farm system will be on display before the minor league
season officially kicks off this spring, as the Stockton Ports will be
taking on the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the A’s, in
a two-game exhibition series on April 6 and 7.
The Ports, 11-time California League Champions, will host the first
exhibition game at Banner Island Ballpark on Tuesday, April 6 at 6:35
p.m. The final game will be at Raley Field in Sacramento on Wednesday,
April 7 at 6:35 p.m.
Not only can fans get a preview of this season’s Stockton
club, led by new manager Steve Scarsone, but fans can also see a high
number of the top prospects in the Oakland organization in this
exhibition series.
“This exhibition series has been a highlight on our
pre-season schedule for a couple of years and it’s an event we look
forward to. It’s always exciting to meet our new team, and to also see
and congratulate former Ports who had have made it up to Sacramento,”
said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. “We look
forward to watching a close exhibition series and welcoming our fans
to Banner Island Ballpark for another exciting year of Ports
baseball.”
Ports season ticket holders can enter the April 6 game at
Banner Island Ballpark for free, while mini-plan ticket holders must
pay $2 for tickets. Tickets for the general public for the April 6
event cost $5. All tickets are for reserved seating.
Tickets to for the first exhibition game at Banner Island
Ballpark will be available online at
www.stocktonports.com, over
the phone at (209) 644-1900 or at the ticket office at Banner Island
Ballpark starting in mid-March.
The Ports will open the 2010 season on the road at Visalia on
Thursday, April 8 before hosting their home opener on Thursday, April
15 against Visalia at 7:05 p.m.
For information about season tickets, mini-plan ticket
packages, group outings or luxury suites, please contact the Ports
front office at (209) 644-1900 or visit
www.stocktonports.com.
JOIN OUR YAHOO
SACRAMENTO SPORTS NEWS GROUP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -
Everyone is invited to come and join our Sacramento Sports News message
group at Yahoo. Feel free to leave messages and share ideas with other No.
California sports enthusiasts and receive news of updates to this web
page. Click on this link to go to the sign-up page and join the fun today!
Sacramento Sports News Yahoo Group.
