By Robert H. Kelly
(PASADENA, TX, August 30, 2007) Every fall, the staff at TexSport Publications does their prediction of the top 10 high school football teams in Texas. Below is our picks in each of the five classes and their ranking.
So without further ado, here are TexSport Publications' picks for the top 10 teams in Texas. ENJOY!!!
CLASS 5A
1 Southlake Carroll
2 Cedar Hill
3 Austin Westlake
4 Euless Trinity
5 Pearland
6 Cypress Falls
7 Abilene
8 Lufkin
9 Katy
10 Garland
CLASS 4A
1 LaMarque
2 San Antonio Alamo Heights
3 Waco
4 Texas High
5 Copperas Cove
6 Lamar Consolidated
7 Frenship
8 Highland Park
9 Corpus Christi Calallen
10 Brenham
CLASS 3A
1 Liberty Hill
2 Celina
3 Giddings
4 Canyon
5 Llano Wimberley
6 Monohans
7 Cuero
8 West Orange-Stark
9 Gilmer
10 Abilene Wylie
CLASS 2A
1 Mart
2 Tatum
3 Cisco
4 Cotulla
5 Idalou
6 Holliday
7 Farmersville
8 Refugio
9 Childress
10 Jefferson
CLASS 1A
1 Alto
2 Windthorst
3 Golthwaite
4 LaVilla
5 Wolfe City
6 Joaquin
7 Groveton
8 Sundown
9 Shiner
10 Harper
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
TEN OLYMPIANS CROWNED AT U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM BOXING TRIALS
From USA Boxing Press Release
(HOUSTON,TX, August 25, 2007) Ten U.S. Olympians were crowned on Saturday night at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Boxing at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Two bouts will be contested on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions to determine the remaining two spots.
Light flyweight Luis Yanez (Duncanville, Texas) met Malcolm Franklin (Rialto, Calif.) for the second time this tournament. Yanez, 2007 Pan American Games gold medalist, got off to an early start, and was up 9-2 at the end of the first. Yanez did not let up in the second building a commanding 20-4 lead. Franklin received two eight counts in that round and Yanez scored 11 points. Up by 19 at the end of the third, Yanez went on to win a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team by a score of 35-11. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication, the 11 years really paid off. Its one of the best memories of my life, especially because my family and friends are here,” Yanez said. “In the second round, he was hurt, I was trying to stop him but also protect myself and my lead.”
Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) faced Qa’id Muhammad (Atlantic City, N.J.) in the flyweight division with an Olympic berth on the line. Warren took a commanding lead in the first round and was up 15-1 going into the second. Warren made quick work of Muhammad, building a 20-point advantage to stop Muhammad at the 1:11 mark of the the second round. With this victory, Warren is now a member of the U.S. Olympic Team. An Olympian in the 2004 Summer Games, Warren is the first boxer in 30 years to compete in two Olympic Games. “This is the sport I love, Qa’id is a good kid, I never look down on anybody, anything can happen in the ring,” Warren said. “I’m going to get that gold medal and put it around my mom’s neck.”
Bantamweights Roberto Marroquin (Dallas, Texas) and Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.) competed in a bantamweight rematch of the first day of the tournament. In that bout, Marroquin was victorious. However, Russell came out looking for revenge and wasted no time, dropping Marroquin to the canvas with a hook. At the end of the round, Russell was up 9-2. Each boxer scored four points in the second round, making the score 13-6 in favor of Russell. Russell maintained his seven point lead going into the fourth round and went on to defeat Molina 25-13. As a result, Molina and Russell will face off again tomorrow. Sunday’s bout will determine who makes the Olympic Team. “All my hard work paid off, I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Russell said. I have to stay focused and humble. I never had a dream to become a professional or world champion, I had a dream to become an Olympian.”
It was a battle between the Williams in the featherweight division when Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) and hometown boxer Hylon Williams (Houston, Texas) faced each other in the hopes of keeping their Olympic dreams alive. R. Williams came out strong, scoring six points in the first to H. Williams’ two. R. Williams preserved his lead in the second round, but H. Williams began to chip away. Down four going into the fourth, H. Williams would not go down easily. In a remarkable comeback, H. Williams defeated R. Williams, 20-16. The two will box each other again tomorrow to determine who earns a spot on the Olympic Team. “I just put pressure on him and boxed smart, this time I was down going into the fourth,” Williams said. “I had to rally to go back and get the W. It would be a dream come true if I was to win tomorrow.”
Sadam Ali (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Miguel Gonzalez (Celveland, Ohio) were paired in the lightweight bout of the night. It was a close second round with Ali earning a slight 4-3 edge over Gonzalez. The two were separated by only one again in the second round with Ali having an 8-4 lead. However, Ali pulled away in the third, scoring 10 points and holding Gonzalez to only two. Ali went on to defeat Gonzalez 22-10 and earn a spot on the Olympic Team. “I had a hard bracket from the start, I did what I had to do to win, this is what I worked hard for. This is what counted,” Ali said. “It felt good seeing the score after the third round, I can adapt to any style. I do whatever I have to do to win.”
Light welterweights Javier Molina (Commerce, Calif.) and Danny Garcia (Philadelphia, Pa.) battled it out in the ring tonight. Molina started off strong and jumped out to a 9-1 lead after the first. Molina preserved his lead in the second, landing some big punches, making the score 15-4. Although Garcia scored five points in the third, it was overshadowed by the eight points Molina earned. He went on to defeat Garcia 26-12 and was named an Olympian. “I came out big in the last three rounds. In the final round, I just tried to maintain my lead,” Molina said. “I kept on moving to stay up, he’s a strong kid so I didn’t want to box him. Ever since I started boxing, I waited for this moment.”
Winners’ bracket champion Demetrius Andrade (Providence, R.I.) and challengers’ bracket champion Keith Thurman (St. Petersburg, Fla.) competed in the welterweight division. Both boxers got off to a slow start, with Andrade, a member of the 2007 U.S. Pan American Team, earning a slim 1-0 lead. Andrade increased his lead to four by the end of the second and five by the end of the third. Andrade left nothing to chance, with the fourth round being his best. He went on to defeat Thurman 21-13 and also earned a spot on the Olympic Team. “We have boxed so many times, it comes down to who’s smarter,” Andrade said. “I’ve been boxing since I was six and I found out about the Olympics when I was eight and I just wanted to get there. It takes focus, discipline, and the will to win.”
Middleweights Shawn Estrada (Downey, Calif.) and Daniel Jacobs (Brooklyn, N.Y.) battled it out for a spot on the Olympic Team. Estrada held Jacobs scoreless in the first and held a 6-0 lead. Allowing only one point against, Estrada increased his lead to 9-1 at the end of the second and led 15-6 going into the fourth. Estrada went on to win 24-14 and will box in the 2008 Olympics. “I tried to focus myself on getting the win. I had the will, courage and desire to win,” Estrada. “I had a hard bracket but I took it day-by-day.”
Christopher Downs (Fort Carson, Colo.) faced Yathomas Riley (San Diego, Calif.) in the light heavyweight division. Up 5-1 going into the second round, Downs connected on his punches in the second and led 12-2 by the end of round two. Although he scored only three points in the third round, Downs maintained his lead, and had an 11 point cushion going into the final round. Downs went on to defeat Riley 21-11 and earn a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. “It’s always a good win for the oldest guy in USA Boxing. I feel like I need to thank all my teammates for pushing me,” Downs said. “It was extremely tough bracket and all eight competitors earned their way here. It’s good to see that we (the Army team) can ambassadors inside and outside the ring.”
Heavyweights Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) and Quantis Graves (Cut Off, La.) met for the second time this competition. After becoming acclimated to each other, Wilder took a 2-0 lead at the end of the first. Wilder held Graves scoreless in the second as well and increased his lead to six. Graves was able to score six points in the third, but it was not enough to take the lead. Wilder won the bout by a score of 12-9 and to earn a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. “It’s a very overwhelming feeling, I dedicate it all to my little girl. My plan was to go out there and have fun, I knew I was stronger.”
Wilder made the team in only his 21st bout, and reflected on his progress. “This Deontay would have stopped last year’s Deontay,” Wilder said.
Super heavyweights Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Kimdo Bethel (Albany, N.Y.) met in the final bout of the evening. Hunter was up by two by the end of the first and held Bethel to one point in the second. He maintained his lead and was winning 10-6 going into the final round. Hunter defeated Bethel 14-7 and was named an Olympian. “I’m still not believing its true, I learned dedication from my father. I work hard, I have two of the best trainers,” Hunter said. “I work on my conditioning and my physical strength, which helped me in this bout.
The two bouts will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday with the winner earning the title of U.S. Olympian.
(HOUSTON,TX, August 25, 2007) Ten U.S. Olympians were crowned on Saturday night at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Boxing at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Two bouts will be contested on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions to determine the remaining two spots.
Light flyweight Luis Yanez (Duncanville, Texas) met Malcolm Franklin (Rialto, Calif.) for the second time this tournament. Yanez, 2007 Pan American Games gold medalist, got off to an early start, and was up 9-2 at the end of the first. Yanez did not let up in the second building a commanding 20-4 lead. Franklin received two eight counts in that round and Yanez scored 11 points. Up by 19 at the end of the third, Yanez went on to win a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team by a score of 35-11. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication, the 11 years really paid off. Its one of the best memories of my life, especially because my family and friends are here,” Yanez said. “In the second round, he was hurt, I was trying to stop him but also protect myself and my lead.”
Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) faced Qa’id Muhammad (Atlantic City, N.J.) in the flyweight division with an Olympic berth on the line. Warren took a commanding lead in the first round and was up 15-1 going into the second. Warren made quick work of Muhammad, building a 20-point advantage to stop Muhammad at the 1:11 mark of the the second round. With this victory, Warren is now a member of the U.S. Olympic Team. An Olympian in the 2004 Summer Games, Warren is the first boxer in 30 years to compete in two Olympic Games. “This is the sport I love, Qa’id is a good kid, I never look down on anybody, anything can happen in the ring,” Warren said. “I’m going to get that gold medal and put it around my mom’s neck.”
Bantamweights Roberto Marroquin (Dallas, Texas) and Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.) competed in a bantamweight rematch of the first day of the tournament. In that bout, Marroquin was victorious. However, Russell came out looking for revenge and wasted no time, dropping Marroquin to the canvas with a hook. At the end of the round, Russell was up 9-2. Each boxer scored four points in the second round, making the score 13-6 in favor of Russell. Russell maintained his seven point lead going into the fourth round and went on to defeat Molina 25-13. As a result, Molina and Russell will face off again tomorrow. Sunday’s bout will determine who makes the Olympic Team. “All my hard work paid off, I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Russell said. I have to stay focused and humble. I never had a dream to become a professional or world champion, I had a dream to become an Olympian.”
It was a battle between the Williams in the featherweight division when Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) and hometown boxer Hylon Williams (Houston, Texas) faced each other in the hopes of keeping their Olympic dreams alive. R. Williams came out strong, scoring six points in the first to H. Williams’ two. R. Williams preserved his lead in the second round, but H. Williams began to chip away. Down four going into the fourth, H. Williams would not go down easily. In a remarkable comeback, H. Williams defeated R. Williams, 20-16. The two will box each other again tomorrow to determine who earns a spot on the Olympic Team. “I just put pressure on him and boxed smart, this time I was down going into the fourth,” Williams said. “I had to rally to go back and get the W. It would be a dream come true if I was to win tomorrow.”
Sadam Ali (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Miguel Gonzalez (Celveland, Ohio) were paired in the lightweight bout of the night. It was a close second round with Ali earning a slight 4-3 edge over Gonzalez. The two were separated by only one again in the second round with Ali having an 8-4 lead. However, Ali pulled away in the third, scoring 10 points and holding Gonzalez to only two. Ali went on to defeat Gonzalez 22-10 and earn a spot on the Olympic Team. “I had a hard bracket from the start, I did what I had to do to win, this is what I worked hard for. This is what counted,” Ali said. “It felt good seeing the score after the third round, I can adapt to any style. I do whatever I have to do to win.”
Light welterweights Javier Molina (Commerce, Calif.) and Danny Garcia (Philadelphia, Pa.) battled it out in the ring tonight. Molina started off strong and jumped out to a 9-1 lead after the first. Molina preserved his lead in the second, landing some big punches, making the score 15-4. Although Garcia scored five points in the third, it was overshadowed by the eight points Molina earned. He went on to defeat Garcia 26-12 and was named an Olympian. “I came out big in the last three rounds. In the final round, I just tried to maintain my lead,” Molina said. “I kept on moving to stay up, he’s a strong kid so I didn’t want to box him. Ever since I started boxing, I waited for this moment.”
Winners’ bracket champion Demetrius Andrade (Providence, R.I.) and challengers’ bracket champion Keith Thurman (St. Petersburg, Fla.) competed in the welterweight division. Both boxers got off to a slow start, with Andrade, a member of the 2007 U.S. Pan American Team, earning a slim 1-0 lead. Andrade increased his lead to four by the end of the second and five by the end of the third. Andrade left nothing to chance, with the fourth round being his best. He went on to defeat Thurman 21-13 and also earned a spot on the Olympic Team. “We have boxed so many times, it comes down to who’s smarter,” Andrade said. “I’ve been boxing since I was six and I found out about the Olympics when I was eight and I just wanted to get there. It takes focus, discipline, and the will to win.”
Middleweights Shawn Estrada (Downey, Calif.) and Daniel Jacobs (Brooklyn, N.Y.) battled it out for a spot on the Olympic Team. Estrada held Jacobs scoreless in the first and held a 6-0 lead. Allowing only one point against, Estrada increased his lead to 9-1 at the end of the second and led 15-6 going into the fourth. Estrada went on to win 24-14 and will box in the 2008 Olympics. “I tried to focus myself on getting the win. I had the will, courage and desire to win,” Estrada. “I had a hard bracket but I took it day-by-day.”
Christopher Downs (Fort Carson, Colo.) faced Yathomas Riley (San Diego, Calif.) in the light heavyweight division. Up 5-1 going into the second round, Downs connected on his punches in the second and led 12-2 by the end of round two. Although he scored only three points in the third round, Downs maintained his lead, and had an 11 point cushion going into the final round. Downs went on to defeat Riley 21-11 and earn a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. “It’s always a good win for the oldest guy in USA Boxing. I feel like I need to thank all my teammates for pushing me,” Downs said. “It was extremely tough bracket and all eight competitors earned their way here. It’s good to see that we (the Army team) can ambassadors inside and outside the ring.”
Heavyweights Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) and Quantis Graves (Cut Off, La.) met for the second time this competition. After becoming acclimated to each other, Wilder took a 2-0 lead at the end of the first. Wilder held Graves scoreless in the second as well and increased his lead to six. Graves was able to score six points in the third, but it was not enough to take the lead. Wilder won the bout by a score of 12-9 and to earn a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. “It’s a very overwhelming feeling, I dedicate it all to my little girl. My plan was to go out there and have fun, I knew I was stronger.”
Wilder made the team in only his 21st bout, and reflected on his progress. “This Deontay would have stopped last year’s Deontay,” Wilder said.
Super heavyweights Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Kimdo Bethel (Albany, N.Y.) met in the final bout of the evening. Hunter was up by two by the end of the first and held Bethel to one point in the second. He maintained his lead and was winning 10-6 going into the final round. Hunter defeated Bethel 14-7 and was named an Olympian. “I’m still not believing its true, I learned dedication from my father. I work hard, I have two of the best trainers,” Hunter said. “I work on my conditioning and my physical strength, which helped me in this bout.
The two bouts will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday with the winner earning the title of U.S. Olympian.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Three Texas Boxers Advance to Finals at U.S. Boxing Olympic Trials
By Robert H. Kelly
(HOUSTON, TX, August 24, 2007) The challenger round of the 2007 U.S. Olympic Team Boxing Trials saw three Texans fighting to keep their Olympic dream alive and eventually get their ticket punched to Beijing for the Olympic Games in 2008..
In order to keep their dreams alive, their matches tonight were a must win in order to face the undefeated boxer in their weight class Saturday night
First up for the Texas was featherweight (125-pound class) Hylon Williams, Jr. of Houston. Williams fought Shmeuel Pagan (Brooklyn, NY) in a bout that was closer than the score indicated. He defeated Pagan 49-20 in the match that saw Pagan take a standing eight count just seconds before the bout was over.
Both boxers seemed to take the first round to feel each other out, with Williams eventually emerging as the aggressor. His combinations of jabs and uppercuts kept Pagan off balance and it seemed the Brooklyn native was destined to go down early.
Pagan showed somewhat of a comeback in third round as he landed punch after punch. Once or twice in the round, Williams seemed to be backing up to get away from him.
The second Texans’ match of the evening saw 2006 Under 19 World Champion Jerry Belmontes (Corpus Christi, Texas) facing off against Miguel Gonzalez (Cleveland, Ohio) in a lightweight (132-pound) match. Gonzalez, who competed in the 2004 Olympic Trials, defeated Belmontes on a 21-12 decision.
In the third and final match for the boxers from the Lone Star State was a bout of welterweights as Dallas’ Charles Hatley faced off against 2006 National PAL Champion Keith Thurman (St. Petersburg, Florida).. The match seemed to be going the way of Hatley, when in the third round, his combination of punches and jabs stunned Thurman resulting in a standing eight count.
The fans, VIPs, and media were aghast when the announcer declared the decision 23-14 in favor of Thurman. Hatley’s corner men raised their hands in disgust, showing their obvious displeasure with the decision.
Williams will face Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) on Saturday for the second time in the trials. He lost to the Ohio native 17-16 in the winners’ bracket on Thursday evening.
He will join light flyweight (106-pound) Luis Yanez and bantamweight Roberto Marroquin in the finals. Yanez, who is a two-time U.S. champion and Marroquin, who was a member of the 2007 Pan American team are undefeated at the trials.
The first bout of the finals is set at 7:00 PM Saturday at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
(HOUSTON, TX, August 24, 2007) The challenger round of the 2007 U.S. Olympic Team Boxing Trials saw three Texans fighting to keep their Olympic dream alive and eventually get their ticket punched to Beijing for the Olympic Games in 2008..
In order to keep their dreams alive, their matches tonight were a must win in order to face the undefeated boxer in their weight class Saturday night
First up for the Texas was featherweight (125-pound class) Hylon Williams, Jr. of Houston. Williams fought Shmeuel Pagan (Brooklyn, NY) in a bout that was closer than the score indicated. He defeated Pagan 49-20 in the match that saw Pagan take a standing eight count just seconds before the bout was over.
Both boxers seemed to take the first round to feel each other out, with Williams eventually emerging as the aggressor. His combinations of jabs and uppercuts kept Pagan off balance and it seemed the Brooklyn native was destined to go down early.
Pagan showed somewhat of a comeback in third round as he landed punch after punch. Once or twice in the round, Williams seemed to be backing up to get away from him.
The second Texans’ match of the evening saw 2006 Under 19 World Champion Jerry Belmontes (Corpus Christi, Texas) facing off against Miguel Gonzalez (Cleveland, Ohio) in a lightweight (132-pound) match. Gonzalez, who competed in the 2004 Olympic Trials, defeated Belmontes on a 21-12 decision.
In the third and final match for the boxers from the Lone Star State was a bout of welterweights as Dallas’ Charles Hatley faced off against 2006 National PAL Champion Keith Thurman (St. Petersburg, Florida).. The match seemed to be going the way of Hatley, when in the third round, his combination of punches and jabs stunned Thurman resulting in a standing eight count.
The fans, VIPs, and media were aghast when the announcer declared the decision 23-14 in favor of Thurman. Hatley’s corner men raised their hands in disgust, showing their obvious displeasure with the decision.
Williams will face Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) on Saturday for the second time in the trials. He lost to the Ohio native 17-16 in the winners’ bracket on Thursday evening.
He will join light flyweight (106-pound) Luis Yanez and bantamweight Roberto Marroquin in the finals. Yanez, who is a two-time U.S. champion and Marroquin, who was a member of the 2007 Pan American team are undefeated at the trials.
The first bout of the finals is set at 7:00 PM Saturday at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Texas Boxers Advance at Olympic Trials
Photo caption: Houston's Hylon Williams (red) punches at Rico Ramos in his 125-pound class bout at the U.S. Boxing Olympic Trials in Houston. (photo by Kristine Kelly-TexSport Publications)By Robert H. Kelly
(HOUSTON, TX, August 21, 2007) On the first day at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, fans saw six out of seven Texas boxers win their bouts advance to the winner bracket in the 2008 USA Boxing Olympic Trials. A lone Texas boxer went into the consolation round as day one concluded in the seven day trials.
During the afternoon session, all five Texas boxers advanced with Luis Tanez (Duncanville, Texas) defeated Malcolm Franklin, from Rialto California 27-12 in the 106-pound weight class.
In the 119-pound class, Roberto Marroquin of Dallas won a close decision 18-17 over Gary Russell, Jr. (Capital Heights, MD). Los Fresnos’ Sergio Perales also took a close decision 15-14 over California’s David Clark.
Dallas’ Charles Hatley, competing in the 152-pound division, defeated Anthony Campbell 24-15 to advance.
In the most lopsided bout of the session, Jerry Belmontes, from Corpus Christi destroyed Columbus, Ohio’s Antton Slaugher 22-1
The evening session saw Houston native Hylon Williams stop Troy Wohosky 30-8 to round out the winner’s bracket.
In the lone Texas defeat of their day, Juan Leija, from Alvin saw a tough match against Rau’shee Warren when the referee stopped the match 1 minute 6 seconds in the second round.
Day 2 saw Williams, Yanez, Marroquin and Belmontes win their second bouts, with Hatley being stopped 1:22 in the third round by Demetrius Andrate.
The best bout of the day was the come from behind win by Leija over John Franklin of the UA Army, 33-20. Leija was helped by the tremendous fan support at ringside. Clad in yellow t-shirts reading “Team Leija,” family, friends, and teammates from his boxing club in Alvin yelled, screamed, and went crazy every time he threw a punch.
When the result was announced, Franklin, who was visibly upset, stormed from the ring, hurling obscenities and ranting about how he was wronged.
Leija, who is a student at Santa Fe High School, show his joy by jumping up and hugging his coach and manager. He will now advance, along with all of the day 2 winners, to the semi-finals in Wednesday.
Action continues on Wednesday with bouts at 12 noon and 6:00 pm.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
NEW INDYCAR TEAM FORMED IN HOUSTON – TO COMPETE IN 2008
(HOUSTON, TX, August 16, 2007) – Kingdom Racing, announced today the formation of a new IndyCar Series™ team with the intent to compete in the 2008 season. Kingdom Racing is owned by Houston businessman George Del Canto and a team of racing, financial and sports marketing professionals that have successfully built and advised multi-million dollar businesses. The team’s premier focus will be to win on the race track, create value for sponsors, and to change people’s lives through on-track ministry events.
“The team’s vision is to deliver the word of God through Motor Sports. To reach this goal, we must field a championship caliber race team, as only front-runners earn credibility and deliver value to the sponsors’ investment,” said Del Canto in announcing the team. The team will be comprised of experienced race professionals with a winning history in IndyCar and other major racing series. Names of race team staff to be disclosed at a later date. “We have been meeting with key race personnel since 2006, and are now approaching potential sponsors as we gear up to run in 2008,” said Del Canto.
Kingdom Racing will work with sponsors that embrace their mission, and have brought on sports marketing firm - Counterpointe Sports - to handle the marketing and implementation of all sponsorship programs. “We are extremely excited about this one-of-a-kind opportunity,” said Counterpointe Sports President Steve Martin. “We have managed sponsorships with several racing clients in the past, but Kingdom Racing has the potential to be very special. We look forward to pursuing and managing the right sponsors that will help make this race team a great success.”
Backing Kingdom Racing’s vision is a powerful group of Directors from Texas businesses and faith-based organizations. Those advisors include: Jim Beckett – Founder & CEO of Beckett Publications; Dave Berry – President of the Corporate Division of NWYC, and former Director of First Plus Financial IndyCar and NASCAR sponsorship programs; Robin Blakely – President of The Essenza Group; Jim Cote – President of Master’s Men and former Corporate Chaplain of Interstate Batteries; Randy Ford – Chief Operating Officer of National Write Your Congressman Dallas; Craig Foster – Driver/Owner Rolex Series and a prominent Atlanta Business Owner; Brad Hays – McCollum Group and Founder, Bible in the Boardroom; Wallace Henley – Second Baptist Church, Houston, Assistant Pastor, Author and former White House and Congressional Aide; Bill Lawrence – Founder and Executive Director of Leader Formation International, Professor (Ret) at Dallas Theological Seminar.
According to Dr. Ed Young, Pastor of Second Baptist Church, “I appreciate the vision of George Del Canto and the proposed outreach efforts of Kingdom Racing. This truly is a unique format for taking the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world.”
THE INDYCAR SERIES is the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States. It hosts 17 events in 2007 - including the Indianapolis 500 – which is the world’s largest single-day sporting event and a heritage of 91 years. ESPN International Networks and Syndication delivers the Indianapolis 500 and all IndyCar Series events to over 344 million homes across 203 nations around the globe.
“The team’s vision is to deliver the word of God through Motor Sports. To reach this goal, we must field a championship caliber race team, as only front-runners earn credibility and deliver value to the sponsors’ investment,” said Del Canto in announcing the team. The team will be comprised of experienced race professionals with a winning history in IndyCar and other major racing series. Names of race team staff to be disclosed at a later date. “We have been meeting with key race personnel since 2006, and are now approaching potential sponsors as we gear up to run in 2008,” said Del Canto.
Kingdom Racing will work with sponsors that embrace their mission, and have brought on sports marketing firm - Counterpointe Sports - to handle the marketing and implementation of all sponsorship programs. “We are extremely excited about this one-of-a-kind opportunity,” said Counterpointe Sports President Steve Martin. “We have managed sponsorships with several racing clients in the past, but Kingdom Racing has the potential to be very special. We look forward to pursuing and managing the right sponsors that will help make this race team a great success.”
Backing Kingdom Racing’s vision is a powerful group of Directors from Texas businesses and faith-based organizations. Those advisors include: Jim Beckett – Founder & CEO of Beckett Publications; Dave Berry – President of the Corporate Division of NWYC, and former Director of First Plus Financial IndyCar and NASCAR sponsorship programs; Robin Blakely – President of The Essenza Group; Jim Cote – President of Master’s Men and former Corporate Chaplain of Interstate Batteries; Randy Ford – Chief Operating Officer of National Write Your Congressman Dallas; Craig Foster – Driver/Owner Rolex Series and a prominent Atlanta Business Owner; Brad Hays – McCollum Group and Founder, Bible in the Boardroom; Wallace Henley – Second Baptist Church, Houston, Assistant Pastor, Author and former White House and Congressional Aide; Bill Lawrence – Founder and Executive Director of Leader Formation International, Professor (Ret) at Dallas Theological Seminar.
According to Dr. Ed Young, Pastor of Second Baptist Church, “I appreciate the vision of George Del Canto and the proposed outreach efforts of Kingdom Racing. This truly is a unique format for taking the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world.”
THE INDYCAR SERIES is the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States. It hosts 17 events in 2007 - including the Indianapolis 500 – which is the world’s largest single-day sporting event and a heritage of 91 years. ESPN International Networks and Syndication delivers the Indianapolis 500 and all IndyCar Series events to over 344 million homes across 203 nations around the globe.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
MEN’S CLAY COURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS MOVES
(WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., August 8, 2007) The USTA today announced the 2008 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships will move to the River Oaks Country Club, keeping the second longest-running USTA National Championship in Houston. Only the US Open has a longer history. The event has been held for the last seven years at the Westside Tennis Club in Houston where it attracted record attendance and strong fields.
The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, an ATP International Series event, was first contested in 1910 and held every year since, with the exception of 1928. Former champions at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships consist of many of the all-time greats in tennis. Bill Tilden won a record seven singles titles from 1918 to 1927. Other past winners include Bobby Riggs, Tony Trabert, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, and Andy Roddick.
“We’re thrilled that the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships has found a new home in the River Oaks Country Club and will remain in Houston,” said Jim Curley, Managing Director, Tournament Operations, USTA. “Jim and Linda (McIngvale) have done a wonderful job with the event the past seven years and we expect Houston tennis fans will enjoy the same world-class tennis at River Oaks.”
One of the oldest tennis clubs in the country, River Oaks Country Club has hosted the prestigious River Oaks International since 1931 on red clay, making it the oldest event in North America still played at its original location on its original surface. The club has a permanent stadium that seats up to 3,400.
This year, the club featured a special exhibition where Martina Navratilova played against Monica Seles. Last year, Pete Sampras played his first match since winning the 2002 US Open at River Oaks in an exhibition against Robby Ginepri that was streamed live on the internet on USTA.com. The club also hosted a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s event in 2005 and 2006.
The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, an ATP International Series event, was first contested in 1910 and held every year since, with the exception of 1928. Former champions at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships consist of many of the all-time greats in tennis. Bill Tilden won a record seven singles titles from 1918 to 1927. Other past winners include Bobby Riggs, Tony Trabert, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, and Andy Roddick.
“We’re thrilled that the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships has found a new home in the River Oaks Country Club and will remain in Houston,” said Jim Curley, Managing Director, Tournament Operations, USTA. “Jim and Linda (McIngvale) have done a wonderful job with the event the past seven years and we expect Houston tennis fans will enjoy the same world-class tennis at River Oaks.”
One of the oldest tennis clubs in the country, River Oaks Country Club has hosted the prestigious River Oaks International since 1931 on red clay, making it the oldest event in North America still played at its original location on its original surface. The club has a permanent stadium that seats up to 3,400.
This year, the club featured a special exhibition where Martina Navratilova played against Monica Seles. Last year, Pete Sampras played his first match since winning the 2002 US Open at River Oaks in an exhibition against Robby Ginepri that was streamed live on the internet on USTA.com. The club also hosted a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s event in 2005 and 2006.
Houston Dynamo to Host "Dynamo's Summer Soccer Ball"
HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, August 8, 2007) –2007 is proving to be another fantastic year for the Houston Dynamo and we’re ready to celebrate in style! To celebrate this year’s success, and the fans who make it all possible, the Dynamo front office is pleased to announce that it will host the “Dynamo’s Summer Soccer Ball.”
The event, which will be open to the public, will be held at Planeta Bar-Rio, 6400 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77057 on Wednesday, August 15, from 7:00 p.m. onward. $3 well drinks and beer specials will be offered to those in attendance. Also, for those wishing to watch the D.C. United-LA Galaxy SuperLiga Semifinal, a 20’x30’ viewing screen will be provided. Parking will be free on site.
In addition, we will have a special raffle and prizes for early arrivals, so please be sure to get there early. Children are permitted at the event as long as they are accompanied by an adult. One more thing: please leave your tux at home. We ask that you dress up in Dynamo gear and come support your team!
In attendance at the celebration will be Houston Dynamo players, coaches, and front-office staff, along with Houston Dynamo mascot, Dynamo Diesel, and the Dynamo Girls. The event is sure to be…well….a ball, so come join us as we honor our team’s achievements in 2007!
The event, which will be open to the public, will be held at Planeta Bar-Rio, 6400 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77057 on Wednesday, August 15, from 7:00 p.m. onward. $3 well drinks and beer specials will be offered to those in attendance. Also, for those wishing to watch the D.C. United-LA Galaxy SuperLiga Semifinal, a 20’x30’ viewing screen will be provided. Parking will be free on site.
In addition, we will have a special raffle and prizes for early arrivals, so please be sure to get there early. Children are permitted at the event as long as they are accompanied by an adult. One more thing: please leave your tux at home. We ask that you dress up in Dynamo gear and come support your team!
In attendance at the celebration will be Houston Dynamo players, coaches, and front-office staff, along with Houston Dynamo mascot, Dynamo Diesel, and the Dynamo Girls. The event is sure to be…well….a ball, so come join us as we honor our team’s achievements in 2007!
Houston Lands Mens Gymnastics Championships for 2008
By Robert H. Kelly
(HOUSTON, TX, August 8, 2007) Houston will has been selected as the site for the 2008 national championships for men's rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, along with the dicipline of trampoline in May 22-24 2008. The events will be held at Reliant Park.
This will be the first time in many years that the mens and womens championships will be contested at different times and locations.
Texas is the most active state in terms of mens gymnastics, with 22 of the 86 men competing at this years nationals coming from the Lone Star State.
Notable Texans who will be competing at this years nationals include former national all-around champions Sean Townsend and Todd Thornton, American Cup all-around champion Jonathan Horton and 2004 Olympic team alternate Raj Bhavsar.
Check back with TexSport Publications for further information and updated news on this event.
(HOUSTON, TX, August 8, 2007) Houston will has been selected as the site for the 2008 national championships for men's rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, along with the dicipline of trampoline in May 22-24 2008. The events will be held at Reliant Park.
This will be the first time in many years that the mens and womens championships will be contested at different times and locations.
Texas is the most active state in terms of mens gymnastics, with 22 of the 86 men competing at this years nationals coming from the Lone Star State.
Notable Texans who will be competing at this years nationals include former national all-around champions Sean Townsend and Todd Thornton, American Cup all-around champion Jonathan Horton and 2004 Olympic team alternate Raj Bhavsar.
Check back with TexSport Publications for further information and updated news on this event.
TURNER SPORTS INKS DEAL WITH THE AMERICAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
(ATLANTA, GA, August 8, 2007) PlayON! Sports, a division of Turner Sports, and the American Basketball Association (ABA) announced today an agreement to provide online streaming of the league's games on an exclusive ABA broadband channel beginning with the 2007-08 season. Throughout the season, which begins November 10th, select regular season and playoff games will be available both live and on-demand via the broadband channel, marking the first time that the ABA will offer online streaming of its basketball games. Web streaming of the games will be on a subscription basis and will initially include approx. 300 games featuring ABA teams in the US, Canada and Mexico. All games will be available internationally. Additional details regarding the schedule and teams will be available upon the start of the season.
"The American and international teams that comprise the ABA are known for both their spirited play and athleticism. We are thrilled to expand the PlayON! Sports portfolio with the ABA, and give basketball fans around the world access to the excitement of the league from the comfort of their computer," said Phil Sharpe, SVP/GM of the PlayON! Sports.
"We are very pleased and proud to be a part of Turner Broadcasting and are excited that we can bring the live action of ABA basketball games worldwide," said Paul Riley, VP of ABA Media. "Fans will be able to see virtually every team in the league, and once they do, they will realize why the ABA has grown as it has. It is fast-paced and exciting basketball - and now the world can see it."
The ABA joins an expanding portfolio of PlayON! Sports properties including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun) and United Soccer League (USL). PlayON! Sports is a division of Turner Sports which operates and manages new media businesses for sports properties, including NASCAR.com, PGATOUR.com, PGA.com.
"The American and international teams that comprise the ABA are known for both their spirited play and athleticism. We are thrilled to expand the PlayON! Sports portfolio with the ABA, and give basketball fans around the world access to the excitement of the league from the comfort of their computer," said Phil Sharpe, SVP/GM of the PlayON! Sports.
"We are very pleased and proud to be a part of Turner Broadcasting and are excited that we can bring the live action of ABA basketball games worldwide," said Paul Riley, VP of ABA Media. "Fans will be able to see virtually every team in the league, and once they do, they will realize why the ABA has grown as it has. It is fast-paced and exciting basketball - and now the world can see it."
The ABA joins an expanding portfolio of PlayON! Sports properties including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun) and United Soccer League (USL). PlayON! Sports is a division of Turner Sports which operates and manages new media businesses for sports properties, including NASCAR.com, PGATOUR.com, PGA.com.
IOC President Jacques Rogge Addressing the World
(LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, August 8, 2007) Today marks the beginning of the final year’s countdown to the Olympic Games in China, which will open on 8 August 2008 in Beijing. In front of thousands of people during an official ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, IOC President Jacques Rogge addressed the sports movement, the people in China and those all over the world watching Beijing in anticipation of the Games in 12 months’ time. He symbolically handed over the invitations to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of countries hosting upcoming Games - China, Canada, Great Britain and Russia, as well as to the NOC of Greece, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were hosted back in 1896.
The full text of the President's speech
"All my greetings to the people of Beijing and China and indeed to the world, since many people are watching live around the globe.
Today, we are sending the invitation to come to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to a record number of National Olympic Committees.
The representatives from all these NOCs are present, about which I am delighted.
This marks the beginning of the final year’s countdown to the Olympic Games in China.
The world is watching China and Beijing with great expectations.
The athletes also have great expectations and they are all looking forward to competing in the state-of-the-art Beijing venues.
Many of them will have a taster of what is awaiting them as today also marks the start of pre-Olympic test event competitions.
With one year remaining until the Opening Ceremony, we have reached a place from which we can see both vast achievements behind us and the great potential that lies ahead.
Beijing and China will not only host a successful Games for the world’s premier athletes, but will also provide an excellent opportunity to discover China, its history, its culture and its people, with China opening itself to the world in new ways.
Cultural interchange, respect and understanding will be the win-win of Beijing 2008 for the people of Beijing, China and of the world.
Since July 2001, the Organising Committee, lead by President Liu Qi, has worked extremely hard to give Beijing an Olympic shape. Venues are almost finished and look fantastic.
I would like to thank the BOCOG team, the government and all the people involved in the preparations for their sustained efforts and dedication over the last six years and for the good relationship we have established.
The Olympic Games are the celebration of the values of Olympism and of sporting ideals by the youth of the world. They engender dreams and inspiration in the hearts of young people everywhere.
I therefore call upon you all to enjoy the Games one year from now."
The full text of the President's speech
"All my greetings to the people of Beijing and China and indeed to the world, since many people are watching live around the globe.
Today, we are sending the invitation to come to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to a record number of National Olympic Committees.
The representatives from all these NOCs are present, about which I am delighted.
This marks the beginning of the final year’s countdown to the Olympic Games in China.
The world is watching China and Beijing with great expectations.
The athletes also have great expectations and they are all looking forward to competing in the state-of-the-art Beijing venues.
Many of them will have a taster of what is awaiting them as today also marks the start of pre-Olympic test event competitions.
With one year remaining until the Opening Ceremony, we have reached a place from which we can see both vast achievements behind us and the great potential that lies ahead.
Beijing and China will not only host a successful Games for the world’s premier athletes, but will also provide an excellent opportunity to discover China, its history, its culture and its people, with China opening itself to the world in new ways.
Cultural interchange, respect and understanding will be the win-win of Beijing 2008 for the people of Beijing, China and of the world.
Since July 2001, the Organising Committee, lead by President Liu Qi, has worked extremely hard to give Beijing an Olympic shape. Venues are almost finished and look fantastic.
I would like to thank the BOCOG team, the government and all the people involved in the preparations for their sustained efforts and dedication over the last six years and for the good relationship we have established.
The Olympic Games are the celebration of the values of Olympism and of sporting ideals by the youth of the world. They engender dreams and inspiration in the hearts of young people everywhere.
I therefore call upon you all to enjoy the Games one year from now."
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
HOUSTON TAKERS VETERANS CAMP IS HERE
(HOUSTON, TX. August 7, 2007) Well fans, veterans camp is finally here and everyone is excited about the new look that the ABA Houston Takers have made. Coach Sam Smith believes that this will be a promising season of success as the Houston Takers take on the South Division of the Blue Conference. "This camp will separate the pretenders and contenders and the fans are welcome to come out and witness the awesome atmosphere of competition," said team owner Larry Leonard II.
The Houston Takers will be entering their second season under the ownership of Leonard and the team has been quite busy this off-season in bringing in a quality head coach and general manager to complement the push for the title. "It's exciting to be part of an organization that aims for excellence and takes pride in making sure the right players are signed and ready for our campaign," stated GM Nichols.
The veterans camp will be open to the public and all fans are invited to come and enjoy what they will be witnessing this season. It will be held at Reagan High School Pavillion, 413 E 13th Street, Houston TX 77--8 in the heart of Houston Heights. And - 81 year old Howard Judah will be in shape and ready to go at the camp as well.
The Houston Takers will be entering their second season under the ownership of Leonard and the team has been quite busy this off-season in bringing in a quality head coach and general manager to complement the push for the title. "It's exciting to be part of an organization that aims for excellence and takes pride in making sure the right players are signed and ready for our campaign," stated GM Nichols.
The veterans camp will be open to the public and all fans are invited to come and enjoy what they will be witnessing this season. It will be held at Reagan High School Pavillion, 413 E 13th Street, Houston TX 77--8 in the heart of Houston Heights. And - 81 year old Howard Judah will be in shape and ready to go at the camp as well.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Bay Area Toros Drop Third Game of Series 7-6 to Texas Heat
By Robert H. Kelly
(TEXAS CITY, TX, August 4, 2007) The Bay Area Toros scored five runs in the eighth inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Texas Heat, as they dropped the third game of their current series 7-6.
Shortstop Cassidy Dresch went 2 for 2 with one run, while second baseman Josh Odell went 2 for 4 scoring two runs and accounting for three RBIs.
The Toros will play a double header on Sunday, with the first games starting at 2:00 PM. The second game will follow the conclusion of the first, with both games being played at Texas City’s Robinson Stadium.
(TEXAS CITY, TX, August 4, 2007) The Bay Area Toros scored five runs in the eighth inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Texas Heat, as they dropped the third game of their current series 7-6.
Shortstop Cassidy Dresch went 2 for 2 with one run, while second baseman Josh Odell went 2 for 4 scoring two runs and accounting for three RBIs.
The Toros will play a double header on Sunday, with the first games starting at 2:00 PM. The second game will follow the conclusion of the first, with both games being played at Texas City’s Robinson Stadium.
Summer Olympics 2008 Cities
By Ken Cheong
China will host the prestigious Summer Olympics in 2008. Already, Olympics fever has gripped China and we'll probaby see another exciting Olympics in 2008. The two cities that will host the Olympics in China are Beijing, which is the nations capital and Qingdao, a seaside city in the province of Shandong, in north-east China. Let's get to know these two Olympics cities better.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital for China. It was also a capital for the last two monarchies that ruled China before being overthrown by Sun Yat Sun in 1911 and has been the capital since Mao Tse Tung declared China a People's Republic in 1949.
Beijing is located in northern China, close to Tianjin Municipality and partially surrounded by Hebei Province. The city covers an area of more than 16,800 square kilometers (6,487 square miles) and has a population of 13.82 million people. Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn, particularly during the months of May, September, and October when people can enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies.
As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as being the China's most important center for international trade and communications. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.
Beijing is also the tourist capital of China, boasting of favourite tourist sites such as :
Great Wall of China
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven
Ming tombs
Tiananmen Square
Beijing will also be the host for the Summer Olympics in 2008. Already, Olympics fever has gripped the city as construction of new buildings, hotels and stadiums, sprucing of tourist facilities, cleaning up of air and water pollution takes on a fervent pace.
Qingdao is a bustling city located in Shandong province, in the North East of China.
Qingdao will be the site for sailing events for the Summer Olympics as Beijing is not by the sea.
Qingdao city lies on undulating hills with luxuriantly green trees and buildings noted for their attractive architectural styles. The red colour of the tiled roves, green colour of the trees thills and blue of the sea contrast beautifully. All this along with its beautiful climate, make the city well-known as a summer and health resort.
The city occupies an area of 10 654 km2. The city is located in flatlands, with mountains spurring up nearby. The highest elevation in the area is 1133 m above sea level. The city has a 730.64-kilometer coastline. Five significant rivers that flow for more than 50 km can be found in the region.
Qingdao is estimated to be the home for more than 7 million inhabitants, of which around 2.6 million is residing in the Qingdao urban area.
Qingdao enjoys mild summers and relatively warm winters, with the average July temperature at 23.8°C and the average January temperature at -0.7°C. The city gets most rain in June and July, at an average of 150 mm.
Qingdao has very strong German influence in the 19th century and many German influenced buildings can still be seen. In fact, Qingdao beer is famous throughout the world, and every year, hundreds of thousands of people, both local and overseas gather in Qingdao for the annual Beer festival.
Qingdao attracts many tourists due to its seaside setting and excellent weather. Parks, beaches and sculpture -- as well as some unique architecture -- line the shore. Qingdao's major attractions include:
* Ba Da Guan, the older area of town with some surviving German architecture.
* Laoshan, a famous Taoist mountain.
* Lu Xun Park, named after Lu Xun, a famous modern Chinese writer.
* Qingdao Beer Museum, on the site of the old brewery.
* Qingdao Naval Museum
* Qingdao International Beer City, the primary site of the annual Qingdao International Beer Festival.
* Qingdao Underwater World
* St. Michael's Cathedral, a Gothic/Roman cathedral designed by German architect Pepieruch, completed in 1934.
* Zhan Qiao (Zhan Pier)
* Zhanshan Temple, Qingdao's only Buddhist temple.
Qingdao has such nice weather and scenary that the China ruling party has a large rest and retirement santuary in Qingdao for it's retired cadres
About the author: Ken Cheong spent 7 years working, living and travelling in China. He publishes articles on his website at http://www.chinese-culture.net
China will host the prestigious Summer Olympics in 2008. Already, Olympics fever has gripped China and we'll probaby see another exciting Olympics in 2008. The two cities that will host the Olympics in China are Beijing, which is the nations capital and Qingdao, a seaside city in the province of Shandong, in north-east China. Let's get to know these two Olympics cities better.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital for China. It was also a capital for the last two monarchies that ruled China before being overthrown by Sun Yat Sun in 1911 and has been the capital since Mao Tse Tung declared China a People's Republic in 1949.
Beijing is located in northern China, close to Tianjin Municipality and partially surrounded by Hebei Province. The city covers an area of more than 16,800 square kilometers (6,487 square miles) and has a population of 13.82 million people. Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn, particularly during the months of May, September, and October when people can enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies.
As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as being the China's most important center for international trade and communications. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.
Beijing is also the tourist capital of China, boasting of favourite tourist sites such as :
Great Wall of China
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven
Ming tombs
Tiananmen Square
Beijing will also be the host for the Summer Olympics in 2008. Already, Olympics fever has gripped the city as construction of new buildings, hotels and stadiums, sprucing of tourist facilities, cleaning up of air and water pollution takes on a fervent pace.
Qingdao is a bustling city located in Shandong province, in the North East of China.
Qingdao will be the site for sailing events for the Summer Olympics as Beijing is not by the sea.
Qingdao city lies on undulating hills with luxuriantly green trees and buildings noted for their attractive architectural styles. The red colour of the tiled roves, green colour of the trees thills and blue of the sea contrast beautifully. All this along with its beautiful climate, make the city well-known as a summer and health resort.
The city occupies an area of 10 654 km2. The city is located in flatlands, with mountains spurring up nearby. The highest elevation in the area is 1133 m above sea level. The city has a 730.64-kilometer coastline. Five significant rivers that flow for more than 50 km can be found in the region.
Qingdao is estimated to be the home for more than 7 million inhabitants, of which around 2.6 million is residing in the Qingdao urban area.
Qingdao enjoys mild summers and relatively warm winters, with the average July temperature at 23.8°C and the average January temperature at -0.7°C. The city gets most rain in June and July, at an average of 150 mm.
Qingdao has very strong German influence in the 19th century and many German influenced buildings can still be seen. In fact, Qingdao beer is famous throughout the world, and every year, hundreds of thousands of people, both local and overseas gather in Qingdao for the annual Beer festival.
Qingdao attracts many tourists due to its seaside setting and excellent weather. Parks, beaches and sculpture -- as well as some unique architecture -- line the shore. Qingdao's major attractions include:
* Ba Da Guan, the older area of town with some surviving German architecture.
* Laoshan, a famous Taoist mountain.
* Lu Xun Park, named after Lu Xun, a famous modern Chinese writer.
* Qingdao Beer Museum, on the site of the old brewery.
* Qingdao Naval Museum
* Qingdao International Beer City, the primary site of the annual Qingdao International Beer Festival.
* Qingdao Underwater World
* St. Michael's Cathedral, a Gothic/Roman cathedral designed by German architect Pepieruch, completed in 1934.
* Zhan Qiao (Zhan Pier)
* Zhanshan Temple, Qingdao's only Buddhist temple.
Qingdao has such nice weather and scenary that the China ruling party has a large rest and retirement santuary in Qingdao for it's retired cadres
About the author: Ken Cheong spent 7 years working, living and travelling in China. He publishes articles on his website at http://www.chinese-culture.net
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Toros Lose to Heat 22-4
By Robert H. Kelly
(TEXAS CITY, TX, August 2, 2007) The Bay Area Toros dropped to 10-23 for the season as they lost the second game of their five game series against the Texas Heat 22-4 at Robinson Stadium in Texas City.
The Toros are 1-1 in this current series versus the Heat, winning the first game of the series 4-3 on Thursday night.
The Toros were ahead in the game 2-0 until the fourth inning when the Heat scored four runs, taking the score to 4-2 for the Heat. The Toros came back in the sixth, scoring another run to make the score 4-3 for the Heat.
Then came the eight inning, where the Heat erupted for eleven runs, adding six more in the ninth to take the score to 22-4.
Five Toros pitchers saw action, including starter Jason Bleeker who was given the loss. He is currently 2-5 for the season.
John Schoenholtz and Nate Pudwell face nine batters in the eighth, giving up a total of nine runs on five hits.
The Heat’s Ryan Leger pitched seven innings giving up four runs, all of them earned, while striking out five. The win raised his record to 5-1 for the season.
The Toros and the Heat play a double header on Saturday with game time at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
All remaining home game for the Toros will be played at Texas City’s Robinson Stadium.
(TEXAS CITY, TX, August 2, 2007) The Bay Area Toros dropped to 10-23 for the season as they lost the second game of their five game series against the Texas Heat 22-4 at Robinson Stadium in Texas City.
The Toros are 1-1 in this current series versus the Heat, winning the first game of the series 4-3 on Thursday night.
The Toros were ahead in the game 2-0 until the fourth inning when the Heat scored four runs, taking the score to 4-2 for the Heat. The Toros came back in the sixth, scoring another run to make the score 4-3 for the Heat.
Then came the eight inning, where the Heat erupted for eleven runs, adding six more in the ninth to take the score to 22-4.
Five Toros pitchers saw action, including starter Jason Bleeker who was given the loss. He is currently 2-5 for the season.
John Schoenholtz and Nate Pudwell face nine batters in the eighth, giving up a total of nine runs on five hits.
The Heat’s Ryan Leger pitched seven innings giving up four runs, all of them earned, while striking out five. The win raised his record to 5-1 for the season.
The Toros and the Heat play a double header on Saturday with game time at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
All remaining home game for the Toros will be played at Texas City’s Robinson Stadium.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Dynamo Down DC United 1-0, Win Group B of SuperLiga
By Robert H. Kelly
(HOUSTON, TEXAS August 1, 2007) The Houston Dynamo, on the goal from forward Brian Ching, defeated D.C. United 1-0 to win Group B of SuperLiga 2007. With the win, the Dynamo will face CF Pachuca in the semifinals in Houston on August 15.
Both teams were finishing off play in Group B, with the knowledge that a victory for either team would secure a place in the semifinals
For the third time this season, the Dynamo and United faced off with each team having won a previous game. DC United topped the Dynamo in Washington on May 26 by the score of 2-1 while the Dynamo edged United 1-0 at home on July 8.
Ching’s goal came in the second half as forward Nate Jaqua fed him a perfect pass and he punched it pass DC goalkeeper Troy Perkins for the score.
The goal, which Ching scored from 15 yards out, was his first in the tournament.
The first half, which was plagued with spirited but unproductive play, saw neither team able to gain an advantage. Both teams seemed to be sluggish and never found the punch they needed to put the ball in the goal.
The second half found both clubs playing a bit more aggressive but without the intensity that was evident in previous tournament games.
The Dynamo will next play a scheduled MLS game on the road against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, August 4.
(HOUSTON, TEXAS August 1, 2007) The Houston Dynamo, on the goal from forward Brian Ching, defeated D.C. United 1-0 to win Group B of SuperLiga 2007. With the win, the Dynamo will face CF Pachuca in the semifinals in Houston on August 15.
Both teams were finishing off play in Group B, with the knowledge that a victory for either team would secure a place in the semifinals
For the third time this season, the Dynamo and United faced off with each team having won a previous game. DC United topped the Dynamo in Washington on May 26 by the score of 2-1 while the Dynamo edged United 1-0 at home on July 8.
Ching’s goal came in the second half as forward Nate Jaqua fed him a perfect pass and he punched it pass DC goalkeeper Troy Perkins for the score.
The goal, which Ching scored from 15 yards out, was his first in the tournament.
The first half, which was plagued with spirited but unproductive play, saw neither team able to gain an advantage. Both teams seemed to be sluggish and never found the punch they needed to put the ball in the goal.
The second half found both clubs playing a bit more aggressive but without the intensity that was evident in previous tournament games.
The Dynamo will next play a scheduled MLS game on the road against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, August 4.