July 29 - August 4, 2011 CHECK US OUT at scoreatl.com Vol 7 NO 26 2 | Score Get In The Game!

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 3 Starting Lineup CAN’T MISS THIS WEEK Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg The Fletch gives his opinion on the Braves’ blown call and also weighs in on a major shift in Atlanta sports GENERAL MANAGER Bob Houghton 4 radio. Managing Editor Stephen Black ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Business manager Marvin Botnick 5 In our cover story, Evan Shapiro breaks down the NFL labor agreement and how it affects the Falcons. Sales Rubin Reisler Design Intern Julian Strayhorn II “Big B” gives his insight on recent Atlanta sports news in his column. BEAT WRITERS Josh Bagriansky (Hawks), Stephen Black 7 (UGA), Dave Cohen ( State), Joe Deighton (Thrashers), Ricky Dimon (Falcons), Fletcher Proctor (Braves), Thomas Watson (Tech), Brian Jones (Preps) The is in the midst of their playoff season, as Jason Parker reports. STAFF WRITERS Drew Collins, Erica Cohen, Sean Conway, 12 Sharon Jackson, Jack Morbitzer, Jason Parker, Ben Poplin, Scott St. Lifer, Jay Thomason, CONTRIBUTORS C.C., Brian Katrek, Alex Ewalt, Tad Arapoglou, Team Scoop and Voices Dean Zindler, Zander Lentz, Kevin Dankosky, Mitch Evans, Chris SHOT OF THE WEEK... COVER design by DJ Galbiati Dimino, Matt Stewart, Fred Kalil, Nick Cellini, Dave Marshall, Cover Photos courtesy of jimmy cribb/ Greg Smith, Steak Shapiro, Beau Bock, Roy Hickman, Dave Cohen, Bob Rathbun, Courtney Capps, Bill Hartman, Chuck Dowdle, Dan Kamal, Dennis Scott, Jeff Batten, Jeff Measor SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mitch Albom, Dave Kindred, Barry Bloom 6 SCORE LIST - TRIVIA School 11 Score More 12 GSU listing 13 CALENDAR 14 Tech - UGA CHEROKEE/FORSYTH: Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Forsyth Central, North Forsyth, Sequoyah, South Forsyth, West Forsyth, Woodstock COBB: Allatoona, Campbell, Harrison, Kell, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, Marietta, McEachern, Mt. Paran Christian N. Cobb, INSIDE AT SCORE N. Cobb Christian, Pebblebrook, Pope, S. Cobb, Sprayberry, Score Atlanta is looking for new sales associates Walker, Walton, Wheeler, Whitefield Academy DEKALB: Arabia Mountain, Chamblee, Columbia, Decatur, Druid Hills, as well as writing and graphic design interns. Dunwoody, Lakeside, Marist, Miller Grove, M.L. King, Paideia, Redan, St. For sales positions, e-mail Bob Houghton at Pius X, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Tucker FULTON: Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Douglass, [email protected]. For writing in-

Grady, John’s Creek, Lovett, Mays, Milton, Mt. Pisgah, North Springs, ON THE ternships, e-mail Stephen Black at sblack@ Northview, Riverwood, Roswell, Tri-Cities, Westminster, Woodward Academy scoreatl.com. For graphic design internships, GWINNETT: Berkmar, Brookwood, Buford, C. Gwinnett, Collins Hill, Dacula, FUNDAMENTAL LEARNING: The Hawks are winding down their Kia Hawks Summer Tour, which Grayson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Meadowcreek, Mill Creek, Norcross, began on July 7 in LaGrange. The tour consisted of 20 clinics in 25 days throughout the Atlanta metro area. The e-mail DJ Galbiati at [email protected]. North Gwinnett, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, South Gwinnett, Wesleyan clinics focused on teaching the fundamentals of basketball to youths at recreation centers in LaGrange, Doraville, Feel free to call 404-256-1572 to speak with FAYETTE: Whitewater, Sandy Creek, Starr’s Mill someone about any of these positions. NEWTON: Eastside Stone Mountain, Scottdale, Decatur, College Park, Lithonia and Covington. Photo courtesy of the .

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 4 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game!

Blown call being overblown; Zone wins drive-time battle, causes lineup changes fter six hours, 39 minutes and 19 innings, SHUFFLING DECK … so tied to listening through commercials to Aa bad call on a play at the plate ended Speaking of Mike Bell, his radio show hear the outcome of teases like I have been Can You Believe... a marathon /Pittsburgh Pirates received a new time slot, apparently respond- recently with Matt Chernoff throwing out game and apparently signified the end of the ing to 680 The Fan’s response to 790’s rising teases during the afternoon drive. If he stays ...He Said That? world. At 1:50 A.M., Twitter was about to ex- ratings. Even though 680 didn’t do it because creative, fewer dials will be switched over to plode with #worstcallever messages flooding of ratings (per an AJC article), and I am sure P&B, considering the two seem synced up “There is not one cyberspace. (Do we still call it cyberspace?) 790 isn’t doing it in response to 680’s sched- commercial-wise these days. The obviously missed call was the topic of ule change (because Steak wouldn’t make fun sense of doom both sports radio morning shows the next day of the station he works for, right?). Pollack HEWITT BEING HEWITT … and even ESPN.com ran a story called “Worst & Bell grew by 33 percent (it took a while Did I read correctly in a recent Sports or gloom.” Call Ever.” for the duo to figure out how much longer Illustrated that Paul Hewitt was the coach My response: really? The “worst call they’d be on the air), going from three hours of the US’s U-19 team? I guess I shouldn’t ever?” Are you serious? This is a July series (4-7 p.m.) to four hours (3-7 p.m.). This also be surprised that the team finished fifth That was Georgia head coach between the Braves and the Pirates. I realize in the recent 2011 FIBA U19, probably means that a bad past few months for the 2 Mark Richt at SEC Media Days. the Pirates are struggling to finish above .500 Live Stews just continued. First the 2LS’s because the timeouts were used incor- for the first time since 1992 while competing deal with Sporting News Radio ended and rectly. Hewitt, who now coaches George As a Georgia alum and diehard for the NL Central crown (and the right to they returned to simply being live and local Mason, had some interesting quotes in the Bulldog football fan, I want lose to Philadelphia in the NLDS), but come SI piece, especially in regards to a player in Atlanta, then the show’s hours were re- nothing more than for this to be on. Worst call ever? How about last year duced by one. Doug and Ryan now just punch he missed out on while at Georgia Tech, when Jim Joyce called a runner safe, ruining the clock from 1-3 p.m. every day. I haven’t Jeremy Lamb, the former Norcross stand- true, but if Richt really cannot a perfect game? How about the Cardinals/ tuned in much since the hour reduction, but out who just helped UConn win the na- feel the pressure on him then Royals in 1985? How about a tional title. Hewitt at one point questioned I will be interested in hearing if the original his head is in the sand. I hope game that actually mattered? If the situation callers, some of which were ignored with the Lamb’s desire to be there. Lamb went out was reversed, I would probably be miffed… national show, will still call in now that the and scored 35 points in one of the elimina- Richt turns it around but there for about 20 minutes. Then I’d move on. Stews have returned to their Atlanta roots. tion games, following it up with a 21-point is pressure, Coach. Sorry. Perry Laurentino of 680 The Fan’s The The reason for the Pollack & Bell switch effort, so I wouldn’t question his desire to Rude Awakening was calling for instant re- probably has something to do with Chuck be there. Hewitt continues to astound and play on all plays. I am sure 790 The Zone’s & Chernoff’s move to afternoon drive, and amaze even though he isn’t even at Tech Mike Bell will now continue to beat the drum after two weeks of listening, I will say that anymore. Hmm. in EARLY December (SEC for “lasers and sensors on the uniforms!” Pollack & Bell might just be in trouble. The SEC Media days was last week and I am Championship game) and in a bowl game on Can people just relax? Every year there Zone was clearly going after the younger amazed that no one locally called out Geor- or after January 1. I would have thought that are maybe two bad calls like this OVER audience while going against Buck & Kin- gia head coach Mark Richt. As a Georgia the AJC’s Mark Bradley would have jumped THE ENTIRE SEASON. Each team plays cade, but now Chuck & Chernoff can court grad and diehard Bulldogs football fan, even on this, but instead I guess he jumped off the 162 games. There are 30 teams. Think about that demographic. The Zone might be in a bit I can recognize that Richt is on the hotseat. “RICHT MUST GO” bandwagon to stand up that. It is like plane crashes. You only hear of a pickle. Chuck & Chernoff’s chemistry I have defended him the last two years from for him. Wow, things must be turning around about them because they are so rare. Un- doesn’t seem as forced as Pollack & Bell’s being called “on the hotseat” by various me- for Coach Richt. less every call, including balls and strikes, but you cannot split those two up because dia members, but there is no question about Finally, the ACC media days also took is reviewed, then people need to stop call- Pollack is your tie to , mo- it now. Richt said at one point there is “not place earlier this week. I wonder if any trees ing for replay. And if baseball ever DOES reso than Dave Archer would be. Arch and one sense of doom or gloom” in Athens. As a fell during the media days and if they made start instigating replay after every play, like Bell do have the better chemistry, but with Georgia fan, that is great. But come on, your any noise. After all of the SEC coverage, it college football, those who called for it are college football approaching, you would hate head would be in the sand if you didn’t know seemed no one was there. not allowed to say ONE WORD about five- to lose out to the Kang, Chuck Oliver. And there was heat. I hope Richt turns it around in Proctor can be reached at hour nine-inning games. P.S., not since Brandon Adams have I been a big way and Georgia winds up playing in the [email protected].

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 5

NFL ends lockout; Falcons benefit from new CBA, look to re-sign free agents he NFL lockout is over, football is back Without a CBA and rules concerning salaries, result in fewer injuries and longer careers for re-signing some free agents. Right tackle Tin action, and fans haven’t had to miss free agency and other labor issues, the league players. This was a crucial point for the play- Tyson Clabo is enjoying his new free agency much (save for the cancelled Pro Football was in disarray. The chaos was short-lived, ers. As Falcons QB Matt Ryan told the Atlan- but hopes to stay with the Falcons. “I’m ex- Hall of Fame game). Atlanta fans can rest as- however, as the league appealed to the Eighth ta-Journal Constitution, “I think it’s good for cited [about free agency],” he told the AJC. sured that Falcons players are satisfied, owner Circuit Court of Appeals, which stayed the the wear and tear on the body. From a player “Hopefully, Atlanta will do what they need Arthur Blank is happy, and everything is co- ruling on April 29 and ultimately vacated it safety standpoint, it was something that is to do to keep me.” pasetic. Many people still don’t know what on July 8. The lockout was official. very important to the NFLPA.” Players will Unfortunately, Clabo may be too expen- the lockout was all about, though. In short, it receive greater health benefits, too, including sive now for the Falcons to re-sign, especially was about money and the distribution of NFL THE NEGOTIATING TABLE ... over $1 billion for post-career injuries. if they sign a new defensive end. Amongst revenue. The previous collective bargain- Neither side wanted to continue the lock- Despite both sides winning their ma- the other free agents, most will probably be ing agreement (CBA) between the National out and, in the following weeks, representa- jor demands, there was some compromise re-signed, though with some exceptions. Mi- Football League Players’ Association and the tives from the players’ union negotiated with as players did not get the opt-out clause they chael Koenen is an excellent kickoff guy, but NFL owners had the owners taking $1 billion the owners, including Atlanta’s own Arthur wanted (meaning they cannot back out of the the new rule pushing the kickoff point to the of the league’s $9 billion revenue for growth Blank, to reach a compromise. Throughout 10-year deal early), and owners did not get 35-yard line may render his skills less valu- and development and players then getting 57 these talks, Blank updated fans through let- the extra two games per season they wanted able. Koenen is also the team’s punter, and percent of the remaining $8 billion. Basically, ters, assuring them that he and the other own- (it remains at 16 per season). the Falcons took Miami punter Matt Bosher owners and players ended up splitting the $9 ers were being reasonable in their requests in the draft, so Koenen probably won’t be billion 50-50. and that everyone wanted to resolve things EFFECT ON FALCONS ... back with Atlanta. Also, running back Je- After the 2010 season, however, the peacefully. Thankfully, he was right, and on It is appropriate that the new CBA passed rious Norwood has played well but has been owners voted not to continue the CBA with July 25 right here in Atlanta, the owners and in Atlanta, because the Falcons should benefit frequently injured, playing in only 57 of his the NFLPA because they wanted a bigger cut players reached an agreement on a new 10- greatly from the new rules, particularly finan- 80 regular season games. With another run- of the revenue to help pay for investments for year CBA. Both sides fared well. cially. The Falcons, with their frugal spend- ning back (fifth-round pick Jacquizz Rodg- new stadiums and other expenditures. The The most important change, the issue that ing, will fall $18 million under the $120 mil- ers) already signed, it’s unlikely the Falcons players didn’t believe that the owners were sparked the entire fiasco, is the new revenue lion salary cap this season, and if necessary, will re-sign Norwood. The other free agents, losing money as a result of paying player sal- split. Now owners get a slightly larger cut, can go even lower by renegotiating veterans’ , Matt Bryant, Harvey Dahl, aries. They thought maybe some of the own- 53 percent, leaving players with 47 percent. contracts. “We won’t be in a situation where Brent Grimes, Mike Peterson, Jason Snel- ers had fabricated pay disputes as a front to While the players get a marginally smaller cut the cap will mandate those decisions,” team ling and Eric Weems, look like they will re- renegotiate their own revenue-sharing agree- of the pie, though, they actually end up with president Rich McKay told the AJC. “We’ll turn, though it’s not a sure thing. Linebacker ments. Whether this is true or not is impossi- better salary deals. There is now a salary cap be in a good place.” So, while other teams Stephen Nicholas just re-signed for a 5-year, ble to say, but nonetheless the players soundly of $120 million (plus $22 million in benefits) will have to cut players to meet the cap, the $17.5 million dollar deal, so Atlanta fans can resisted any pay cuts. per team, and owners must spend 99 percent Birds can focus on signing the players they expect to have him around for a while. The owners tried to bargain and work out of that cap in the 2011-2012 season. Not only need and negotiating with free agents. One last major perk of the new CBA for an agreement, but the players remained stal- does this mean that all teams will now have One major new player is WR Julio the Falcons is a possible new stadium. With wart. On March 11, the players’ union offi- relatively equal payrolls for players but also Jones, the sixth pick of the NFL draft. Due the extra cut of the revenue Blank is getting, cially decertified, the first in a series of moves that the money will be distributed more fairly to the “entry-level compensation system” in he and the club are planning a $700 million resulting in 10 NFL players (including Peyton throughout the team, with the star players the CBA, rookie pay is greatly reduced, so open-air stadium, about a half mile north of Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees) filing shaving a little bit off of their fortunes to bol- the Falcons won’t pay nearly as much for the Georgia Dome downtown. The stadium an anti-trust lawsuit against the league and ster the other players’ salaries. Also, the mini- Jones as with previous draft picks. As for could be finished as early as 2017, so Fal- owners. In response to this lawsuit, the league mum salary will increase $50,000 this year, free agents, the Falcons had 11 at press time. cons fans should start looking forward to locked out all of the players. with further increases annually. In addition to While they have enough money to comfort- new digs. Hopefully, there won’t be a lock- On April 25, though, the Minnesota U.S. these salary changes, new work rules, short- ably re-sign many of them, they also need to out in six years. District Court ruled the lockout as invalid ened offseason workouts and five consecutive sign a high first-round draft pick for their de- Shapiro can be reached at and ordered the league to resume operations. days off during bye weeks should hopefully fense, meaning they might have to sacrifice 404-256-1572.

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 6 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game! Score crunching the List NUMBERS BY BRIAN JONES BY Scott st. lifer

FOOTBALL IS BACK: After 130 Days it took for the NFL’s days of the lockout, the NFL more than Thumbs up TO Thumbs down to went back to work this past Tuesday, owners and players to which means the Falcons are now de- 132 reach a collective-bar- HITTING STREAKS INCOMPETENCE fending their NFC South title. Players gaining agreement start practicing on Friday and will have 1 their first preseason game on Aug. 12. Length of the Braves- I’m happy that the NFL is back, but honestly, I wasn’t too worried that we Pirates 19-inning game, would miss any games. the longest for both fran- 6:39 chises SECONDARY DAWGS: The SEC Me- dia Days took place last week in Birming- ham and media members who covered Total pitches thrown in the event picked Georgia to finish second the game in the SEC East behind South Carolina. 608 The Gamecocks had 114 first-place votes 2 while Georgia tallied 38. I have to say the Boise State game is big for UGA, but the Eric O’Flaherty’s minus- Jerry Meals game next against South Carolina is gi- cule ERA which leads all Dan Uggla gantic for many reasons. 0.94 of baseball The two-time All Star’s bat has finally The duration of the 19-inning marathon on Tuesday between Atlanta and Pitts- NO RESPECT: ACC Media Days took come around. Currently in the middle place this week and the media members Craig Kimbrel’s strikeouts of a career-high 17-game hit streak, burgh must have caused umpire Jerry did not have a lot of love for the Jackets. In per nine innings, the most the ACC Coastal Division, Georgia Tech was 14.29 out of any on the Braves’ staff Dan Uggla has regained his renowned Meals to lose some of his edge. Some predicted to come in fourth place. That’s not swing. During the streak, Uggla is hit- are calling his missed call that ended 3 a big deal because when Paul Johnson took Saves by Kimbrel thus far, ting a gaudy .328 (21 for 64) and has the game the worst thing to happen to over in 2008, Tech was picked to come in fourth and they ended up tied for first. a franchise rookie record raised his average up 26 points to .199. the Steel City since Sid Bream’s slide. 31 for saves in a season PLAYOFF TIME: While the Falcons are gearing up for the 2011 season, the Ramblin’ Wreck Force are in the playoffs and looking to Consecutive games in NFL Georgia Tech athletics are in one big “rambling end the season with an Arena Bowl win. which Dan Uggla has After over four months of discussions, the lock- wreck” after the NCAA placed the school on four They have reached the playoffs and will 17 reached base safely out has been lifted. On Monday, the owners and face the Cleveland Gladiators on Sunday year’s probation and issued other sanctions for player representatives signed a 10-year collec- the football and men’s basketball programs. The at 3 p.m. If you can’t make it to Cleve- Braves record against tive-bargaining agreement. This paves the way 4 land, you can watch the game live on the East, football team must vacate their 2009 ACC cham- www.arenafootball.com. second best behind Phila- for training camps and free agency to begin by pionship triumph over Clemson, while basketball 19-17 the end of the weekend. TALENT GALORE: What’s in the delphia will have limitations on scholarships. water at Stephenson High School? As of Tuesday, 11 players from the Jag- Georgia players on the Atlanta Tennis Championships uars’ football team have committed to preseason All-SEC first Rose’s Thorn Division 1 schools. Mike Davis (Florida) team, second most in the After accumulating temperatures of 140 degrees Former NBA guard Jalen Rose received a 20- and Jafar Mann (Florida) are the most 6 league on the court last year at the Atlanta Athletic Club, day jail sentence for a drunk driving accident notable of the bunch and it’s projected the tournament took full advantage of its new are- last March. He also received a year of probation. Stephenson will have 14 to 17 play- na, Racquet Club of the South, in Norcross. The 5 ers sign Division 1 scholarships. Head Running backs (Richard His blood-alcohol level was at 0.12 percent, Samuel) on Georgia’s new venue provided spectators with more natural coach Ron Gartrell has to be feeling roster to have carried the over the legal Michigan limit of 0.08 percent. He pretty good about his team. 1 ball in college shade and a larger indoor space. goes down as this week’s “Fab Flop.” TRIVIA my two cents SANITY Are fans too hard on umpires and offi- Maybe I’m being a Braves homer here, QUESTION cials in general? I think they are. In the wake but I think McKenry should’ve left no doubt at last of Jerry Meals’ blown call that gave and put a real tag on Lugo. I realize “We’ve missed OTAs. We’ve The Braves defeated the Braves an extra-innings win over MLB teams want their to missed some very important Pittsburgh, some of the national avoid contact as much as possible things, especially for our the Pirates, 4-3, on media called it the worst call ever. these days, but tagging the sliding younger players who are just Tuesday night in 19 Like The Fletch, I think that a lot Lugo a bit harder wouldn’t have now coming into the system. of our fellow media members are endangered either player. We’re trying to cram a lot of overreacting. Yes, the call was wrong, but things that we’ve missed into innings. What is the When I first saw the play, it I can easily see how Meals could’ve was not easy to tell if Pirates catch- been confused. After 19 inning of a few weeks. It’s going to be last time the Braves er Michael McKenry got Braves umpiring a game in this heat and hu- tough, but they don’t call us runner Julio Lugo with the tag. He midity, I can’t put much blame on the professionals for nothing.” played 19 innings? kind of “Ole’d” the tag, as Meals said guy for missing a call like that. - Falcons CB Dunta Robinson Answer on Page 14 after the game. Lugo thought he was safe, Black can be reached at as he didn’t feel the tag on his leg. [email protected]. on the end of the lockout

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 7

Falcons don’t need to sign a big-name free agent; Tech, UGA predictions made ootball is back! cause of the new rule that was implemented, going to sign a big-name free agent because lina the following week is huge in so many FThose three words were something NFL the Falcons could be without these players they feel comfortable with the players they ways. If the Bulldogs find a way to beat the fans have wanted to hear since the lockout until next week because free agents can’t sign have on the roster. Do they need another de- Gamecocks, that would give them a lot of began in early March. I have to say it was a with a team until Friday at 6 p.m. It’s important fensive end? Yes, but they feel the current momentum for the rest of the season and they very interesting four months because no one to sign the draft picks, especially Julio Jones, defensive ends they have on the roster can could very well represent the SEC East in the really knew how it was going to play out. but the Falcons have to find a way to get some contribute just as effectively as one big name conference championship game in December. There were many experts who player. Head coach Mike Smith al- As for the Yellow Jackets, the ACC Media thought the lockout would end ways said he has eight starters on the Days are wrapping up and the ACC media mem- after the Fourth of July week- defensive line because they are always bers selected Tech to finish fourth in the ACC end. But in reality, July 25, 2011 rotating players. So Smith, along with Coastal division. Is that a little low? I think so, will go down in the NFL history Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, wants because Tech has a chance to go 8-4 and finish as the day players and owners to focus on other areas of the team third in the division. It’s not so much about the agreed to a historical Collective such as re-signing Blayock, Dahl and talent on the team, the schedule just favors the Bargaining Agreement that will Clabo, which is a very good possibil- Yellow Jackets. They don’t have to play Florida last for 10 years. ity since the Falcons are well under State and their toughest game is at Virginia Tech. At the end of the day, the the salary cap. Other than that, they can win the rest of their only event that was cancelled And one more thing on the Falcons; games if the defense shows improvement. was the Hall of Fame Game: make sure you make it out to Nor- teams will report to training cross High School on Aug. 5 for the PLAYOFF ACTION … camp on time and a full season Falcons’ annual Friday Night Lights One team that doesn’t need to improve is will be played. With that said, LOCKOUT LIFTED: Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff are in good spirits knowing there will event. Fans can watch the team take the Georgia Force, as they have reached the be a full NFL season this year. The interesting thing to come is free agency which has still these next couple of weeks will yet to take place. The Falcons have 11 free agents who need to either be re-signed or let go. part in a scrimmage and get the play- playoffs and will play their first round contest be crazy because teams are try- Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons. er’s autographs after the event. There against the Cleveland Gladiators on Sunday ing to sign veteran free agents, is also a fireworks display when the at 3 p.m. The Force finish the regular season “Here’s what I think: the Falcons are not going to sign a big-name rookie free agents and draft picks scrimmage ends. This is the fourth with an 11-7 record and have a chance to win free agent because they feel comfortable with the players they while grinding it out in training consecutive year the Falcons have their first ever Arena Bowl Championship if have on the roster. ‘Do they need another defensive end? Yes, but camp to get ready for the upcom- done Friday Night Lights and each they win the next two games. The Force came they feel the current defensive ends they have on the roster can ing season. year it has been a major success. back this year after a three-year hiatus, and contribute just as effectively as one big name player.’ ” since their return, the attendance for the home TIME TO FLY … of the veteran free agents back in a Falcons LOCAL FOOTBALL … games has increased. In fact, in their final So with the lockout officially over, the Fal- uniform, especially Clabo, because he was the SEC Media Days took place last week home game of the season, the Force had close cons are ready to take flight for the 2011 season. team’s best offensive lineman last year. and the media members were pretty high on to 10,000 fans, which was the largest crowd Players started to report to Flowery Branch on But what about other free agents in the Georgia. They chose the Bulldogs to finish in of the season. The Force is a very good Arena Tuesday and should begin practice on Friday. market? The top free agent could be Oakland second place in the SEC East behind South Football team, and if you have not watched As the Birds get ready for the season, there are Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who the Fal- Carolina and nine players were selected to the them play, make sure you log on to arenafoot- plenty of signings that have to be made. cons could be going after. There were even All-SEC team, including first-team selections ball.com on Sunday and support the boys in There are nine Falcons players who are talks that the Falcons were looking at Ray Ed- Aaron Murray and Cordy Glenn. black and blue. free agents including Tyson Clabo, Harvey wards from Minnesota at one point. As big as the game against Boise State Deighton can be reached at Dahl, Matt Bryant and Justin Blaylock. Be- Here’s what I think: the Falcons are not is on Sept. 3, the contest against South Caro- [email protected].

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 8 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game!

Atlanta Sports Academy helps local athletes earn college scholarships he Atlanta Sports Academy (ASA) offers dents in the transition from high school to place for those athletes who did not qualify Not only does Atlanta Sports Academy post-graduate sports programs for stu- collegiate athletics. academically to play collegiate athletics, but look to help its students through athletics Tdents who have completed their high school Though the two were successful with fo- also for those who were lightly recruited. A and leadership, but ASA participates in a eligibility and are seeking assistance with ob- cusing on athletics, they were not completely number of Atlanta Sports Academy’s students number of community service projects. In taining athletic scholarships at four-year col- satisfied. In April 2010, with the aid of Ira were high school honor graduates. May 2011, Atlanta Sports Academy joined leges and universities. The student-athletes Dawson, the Atlanta Sports Academy began Last year, in its first seasonn its first the Dawson County community for Walk for who enroll in Atlanta Sports Academy’s pro- the academic portion of the institution. This season, Atlanta Sports Academy’s football Kenny Stewart, a walk that raised money for gram benefit by: earning higher scores and addition included study hall, ACT/SAT prep- team finished with an impressive 8-2 sea- the medical care for Stewart, an 11-year-old grades for college acceptance, building bet- aration through Kaplan and GED completion son. This year they expanded to two teams, cancer patient. Additionally, Atlanta Sports ter self-discipline for further success in col- assistance. With these changes came a loca- Black and Silver, and will play teams such Academy volunteered at CHOICE for Kids lege, and providing more time for students tion move as well, as the academy moved into as Shorter College and Valdosta State Uni- in DeKalb County. to mature prior to playing collegiate sports. a townhouse in Hampton, Ga. Subsequently, versity. ASA’s basketball team finished with “Giving back to the community and as- The program pushes students in practice, tests all the hard work and dedication of the found- a 23-7 record in 2011. This year marks the sisting others is a mission of ASA. We be- their character and leadership, and gets them ers led to a full campus in 2011, which houses inaugural baseball season. lieve in order to be success in business and more focus on their education. over 200 student-athletes. In June 2011, Atlanta Sports Academy life, we must lend a hand to others,” said Founded in 2009 by former University The Atlanta Sports Academy now has held its official ribbon cutting ceremony. Marketing and Communication Director, of North Carolina football player Damon more than 25 coaching and staff members, ASA celebrated this groundbreaking Lakisha Brooks. Dawson and former Auburn University foot- including its own academic department with event with more than 75 friends, family, city Though Atlanta Sports Academy has im- ball player Viondi Pate, Atlanta Sports Acad- accreditation partnerships with National High officials, business owners and media. During, pressively grown over the past two years, we emy is the only sports academy in the state School and Word of Life Christian Academy the ceremony, ASA honored a special young can only expected greater things in the future. of Georgia. With little funding, Dawson and and three athletic programs: football, basket- man, Kenny Stewart. He was recognized as “The best is yet to come,” said Dawson. “We Pate initially worked from their virtual office ball and baseball. an honorary 12th man for the upcoming 2011 work diligently to expand and make a name in downtown Atlanta. The primary focus of “This is a dream come tru,” stated CEO football season. Stewart was diagnosed with for Atlanta Sports Academy. I’m excited to the program was to assist high school stu- and Co-Founder Damon Dawson. “We are cancer two years ago. After initially beating see where we go from here.” dents with obtaining and maintaining their making a difference in so many kids’ lives.” his illness, it returned and found the young Brooks can be reached at football development, while supporting stu- Atlanta Sports Academy is not only a man fighting for his life. [email protected].

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 9

Dream stay hot after All-Star weekend t looks like the Dream have come alive. points to help the Dream take down the Tulsa Since losing to the New York Liberty on Shock, 76-68. IJuly 13, they have won four consecutive games. It was another good shooting day for On July 16, the Dream took on the Chicago Sky McCoughtry, who was 11-of-22 from the and, thanks to 24 points by Angel McCoughtry, field and 15-of-19 from the free throw line. Atlanta took down the Sky, 76-68. Three days With the win, the Dream improve their later, the Dream took on Indiana and won big, record to 7-9, which puts them in fifth place 84-74. McCoughtry had a solid game, scoring in the Eastern Conference. This should be a 15 points in the win, but three other Dream crucial weekend for the Dream, who will take players scored in double digits, including Erika on a struggling Los Angeles Sparks team on de Souza (15), Iziane Castro Marques (10) and Friday and will have a Sunday afternoon con- Lindsey Harding (19). test with the Sun. The following day, the Dream packed their bags and traveled to Washington to face LEARN FROM THE DREAM ... the Mystics, and with a huge performance by If you want to learn from a season pro McCoughtry, the Dream won, 86-79. Mc- like McCoughtry, then head over to the Chas- Coughtry scored a season-high 33 points. tain Park Gym on Aug. 5, as the Dream will “Before the game, I was thinking how hold a Skills Academy for boys and girls I heard Michael Jordan say one time, he al- grades 3-8. The kids will get training sessions ways picked his spots before the game - and with the players, a t-shirt and a ticket for a fu- that’s what I did,” McCoughtry told reporters ture game. For more information, go to wnba. after the game. “I picked my spots where I com/dream or send an email to SkillsAcad- would probably hit the most shots.” [email protected]. After the All-Star break, McCough- Jones can be reached at try outdid herself, scoring a season-high 37 [email protected].

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 10 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game!

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 11

Wilkins in Brazil; ASG shopping Hawks Lockout ends, Falcons report to camp ormer Hawk great Dominique HAWKS TO BE SOLD? … fter 132 days, the NFL lockout ended practices throughout May and June at FWilkins will lead a group of ex- The Atlanta Spirit Group have long Aon Monday. It did not take long for Buford High School. Most of those NBA players to Rio di Janeiro, Bra- been rumored to be looking for a buyer players to report to team headquarters same guys took part in a strength and zil later this month. The trip is a part for the Atlanta Hawks, and reports in the in Flowery Branch, as they arrived in conditioning program with Jim Launer of the league’s “Basketball without Atlanta Journal-Constitution say that bunches on Tuesday morning. Training of Ignite Elite Athletic Training. Finally, Borders” program, which serves as a there may be lingering interest in buy- camp officially kicked off on Thursday, however, all systems are go for players “global development program” for the ing the team. Sources told the AJC that 15 days before the Falcons’ first pre- and coaches to return to their normal NBA and FIBA, inspiring positive so- the buyer is moving quickly and has the season game against Miami on Aug. 12. offseason routine. cial changes through the world via the ability to purchase an NBA Franchise. “It’s back to football and back to game of basketball. Despite the rumors, this would still work,” head coach Mike Smith told the FREE-AGENT FRENZY … “Basketball without Borders has only be the beginning of a long process, Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I look The Falcons could begin negotia- seen amazing success over the last de- as buying an NBA team is a tedious and forward to getting back out there on the tions with their free agents on Tuesday cade thanks to the tremendous efforts extensive process. If a buyer shows legit- practice field with my coaches and our evening, but they were not allowed of FIBA, our marketing and community imate interest, he or she would have 30 to players.” to make any re-signings until Friday partners, and the many members of the 90 days to negotiate the details of a deal. Quarterback Matt Ryan was the evening. Under terms of the new col- NBA Family who have joined us along The Spirit Group took nine months first player to arrive on Tuesday. lective bargaining agreement, the team the way,” said Kathleen Behrens, NBA to purchase the Hawks back in 2004. “I think everybody is excited to could be without nine of its free agents Executive Vice President of Social Re- finally get back to work and all of this in camp until Aug. 4, when the league’s sponsibility and Player Programs. “This INVESTIGATION CONTINUES … stuff is behind us at this point,” Ryan new business calendar begins. program embodies the NBA’s commit- The NBA mourned last year when said in his opening press conference. Atlanta did not waste any time mak- ment to growing the game of basketball former Hawk center Lorenzen Wright’s “I was very excited to get up here. We ing sure free-agent linebacker Stephen globally while also using our sport to body was found in a secluded field in put in a lot of hard work this offseason Nicholas will be back on board. ESPN’s address critical social issues in commu- Memphis. Wright was apparently shot as players. I know that the coaches put Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday nities around the world.” to death, but police have had trouble in a lot of hard work this offseason as that Nicholas and the Falcons agreed on Wilkins will be heading up a bas- finding any legitimate leads. well. I just wanted the opportunity to terms of a five-year contract. A fourth- ketball camp for youths in Rio during “We are a long way from solving kind of talk to them about some things. I round draft choice in 2007 out of South his time in Brazil. Among those join- this crime,” said Memphis Police Direc- was just kind of like a kid on Christmas Florida, Nicholas recorded 78 tackles ing him are former NBA players Al- tor Toney Armstrong last week. morning.” and one last season. lan Houston, Sam Perkins and Adonal Bagriansky can be reached at During the lockout, approximately Dimon can be reached at

SCORE MORE Foyle. The camp runs July 29-Aug. 1. [email protected]. 30 players participated in twice-a-week [email protected]. SCORE MORE

Beltran move could energize lineup G-Braves fan experience second to none arlier this month around the All-Star was supposed to give the lineup a pow- he Atlanta Braves are in the thick of to the game with the Habers. Don noted break, the popular trade rumor in- erful right-handed bat, and while Uggla a playoff push. Their stadium, Turn- a couple things: “The draft beer was ex- Evolving the Braves dealt with the team had slugged 18 home runs entering the Ter Field, was grand enough to host the tremely cold and tasty. Trey had a special looking to move pitcher Derek Lowe. Pirates series, his average is still around 1996 Olympics and is updated often; the experience at seven-years old. He’ll never Now with the trading deadline upon .200 instead of .260. His RBI count is big-screen monitor looking down from forget it.” us the Braves, as of Wednesday, were only at 40, a pace well below the 93 he above centerfield is an example. The G-Braves provide entertainment waist-deep in Carlos Beltran trade ru- averages per season. Martin Prado is the While, it’s great to catch a game at for the fans between every half inning. mors. The Mets outfielder is a switch- only other starter who is a regular righty Turner Field, the scene can’t compare to hitter who is having quite a year while and while Jones is also a switch-hitter, the baseball experience up I-85 in Law- UNIQUE PROMOTIONS ... seeking a new contract. The career .282 Beltran would be nice to have in there as renceville. Just off the intersection of Ga. Don’t be surprised to see a dance hitter is hitting over .290 with the high- a right-handed bat. Highway 20, The Gwinnett, or G-Braves, contest between teens from a church est on-base, slugging and OPS percent- Beltran also seems to rise up when offer their own very special show. Cool- youth group and senior citizens above ages of his 14-year career. the calendar switches to October. In 2004, ray Field hosts teams from the AAA In- one of the dugouts as the teams switch when Beltran was acquired by the Astros ternational League from April through sides. Every game, in about the third or BIG BAT ... for the playoff run, the outfielder slugged August. Being a minor league park in a fourth inning, fans will embarrass them- Beltran has missed a large portion of 23 home runs with 53 RBIs in 90 games, major metro area has advantages. selves while entertaining the crowd in the last two seasons, but seems healthy then hit four home runs against the Braves inflatable sumo wrestling suits. Young this year and has hit 15 home runs as in the NLDS. Beltran followed that up EASY ACCESS ... fans that don’t get selected to race in of Monday. ESPN.com is reporting with four more home runs in the NLCS The commute to Coolray (especially circles until they achieve maximum diz- that the Braves have considered dan- against St. Louis. In 2006, after slugging when you factor in the usual bottlenecking ziness can do an 80s dance and almost gling former first-round draftee Mike 41 home runs for the Mets in the regular heading into Turner Field parking lots and certainly see themselves on one of the Minor, a left-handed starting pitcher, season, Beltran knocked three more ding- then the “healthy” walk to the ballpark) is biggest big screens in the minors. in trying to acquire Beltran, who could ers in the NLCS but his team fell again to surprisingly efficient from anywhere north And, oh yeah, the product on the platoon in centerfield or in right field. the Cardinals. In 22 postseason games, of I-20 in the metro area. Ticket prices are field is pretty good, too. The G-Braves The Phillies, Red Sox and Giants are Beltran has 11 home runs. a fraction of the prices of the big league are anchored by top-level starting also in the chase for Beltran. Now, it The Braves have plenty of pitching club. And, although the stadium lacks the pitcher prospects Julio Teheran and may be necessary to make a move with prospects in the system with Julio Tehe- brick façade at Turner Field, every seat is a Mike Minor. The future stars are one Chipper Jones still ailing and All-Star ran, Randall Delgado, Arodys Vizcaino good one. Adam Haber, an eight-year-old game out of first place in the Southern Brian McCann on the DL due and 2011 first-round pick Sean Gilmartin fan from East Cobb, appreciates the view: Division and a half game out in the to a strained oblique. (not to mention Brandon Beachy). “Going to Gwinnett games is always fun wild card race. What would Beltran mean for At- Proctor can be reached at [because] we like sitting close to the ac- Conway can be reached at lanta? The Dan Uggla trade and signing [email protected]. tion.” Don Griffin and his son, Trey, came [email protected].

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 12 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game!

Panthers recognized in preseason publications; Former golfer Fowler honored ost of the college football preseason Another magazine that does a nice job first-team defense. GSU also had two special running back Donald Russell and tight end magazines focus primarily on the FBS with the FCS coverage is Phil Steele’s col- teams performers honored in Schlechter and Alex Smith. Russell rushed for 430 yards and Mconference teams, but there are a couple that lege preview. In this year’s issue nine Pan- sophomore return specialist Albert Wilson. three touchdowns last season. do a pretty good job of covering the FCS thers were recognized. Punter Bo Schlechter Senior tight end Arthur Williams and senior Alan Fowler, a recent men’s golf gradu- conferences. The Sporting News has a page was named to the magazine’s preseason All- offensive tackle Clyde Yandell were recog- ate, has been named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon for each league including the Independent America fourth team after averaging 44.5 nized as Players to Watch among indepen- All-America Scholar. The honor was recent- schools, of which Georgia State is until the yards per punt during the Panthers’ inaugu- dent teams. Georgia State football opens the ly announced by the Golf Coaches Associa- 2012 season. ral season. Three standouts from the Georgia season Friday night Sept. 2 vs. Clark Atlanta tion of America. It is the second straight year The year’s publication features a write- State offense were named to the Phil Steele in the Georgia Dome. (WCFO-AM 1160 and that Fowler has been selected. He concluded up on the Panthers, South Alabama and Preseason All-Independent team in sopho- WMLB-AM 1690) his career this past April finishing in the top Texas-San Antonio and the players to watch more running back Travis Evans, sophomore 20 at the CAA Championship for the fourth include GSU running back Travis Evans, Jag- wide receiver Danny Williams and senior NEWS AND NOTES … year in a row. uars linebackers Enrique Williams and Road- guard Joseph Gilbert. Defensive lineman The AJC was reporting that Georgia Dave Cohen is in his 28th season as the runners quarterback Eric Soza. We will see Christo Bilukidi and outside linebacker Jake State football had picked up two transfers “Voice of Georgia State Athletics” on WRAS- both Williams and Soza this season. Muasau, both seniors, were named to the from the University of Kentucky. They are FM (88.5) and WCFO-AM, Newstalk 1160.

League prepares for playoff season as Douglasville and Berkeley Lake lead e are nearing the end of July, which LEADING THE PACK … Bucks had identical records at 17-9, and met summer ball”. Wmeans the Sunbelt Baseball League As the playoffs draw near, the top two Wednesday during the final night of the regu- “As the [Sunbelt] league has developed the is nearing its playoffs. The SBL is a col- teams in the league are former MLB catcher lar season. The two teams played in a virtual past couple years, each team has sort of devel- legiate summer baseball league that allows Todd Pratt’s Douglasville Bulls and coach playoff game for the league’s coveted bye. oped their own identity, their own way of doing college baseball players a chance to remain Karl Garcia’s Berkeley Lake Tides. If these While some might think that wins and things. It has gotten to become a real fun, com- competitive in their sport after the college losses aren’t as important in a summer league, season ends. The league was established in two teams hold their current positions, they petitive atmosphere,” Garcia said. 2005 and is represented by more than 50 will receive a bye in the first best-of-three the players and managers feel otherwise. “Al- While all the players have had fun and got- universities in the southeast United States. round of the upcoming playoffs (a six-team though our main objective in this league is ten in good work this summer without having to The league uses wood bats versus alumi- format with two teams receiving byes). Pratt’s for each individual player to improve and get worry about school, the teams still want to finish num to give the league more of a profes- Bulls have been nearly invincible this season, ready for next year’s college season, winning the season out on top of the league. The ques- sional feel, as many alumni of the Sun Belt losing only three of 25 games. The Lake Tides is still a huge goal,” said Lake Tides pitcher tion is: can anybody beat the Bulls or Tides? league have gone on to sign professional are in a tighter race with the Brookhaven Ross Ripple. “Collegiate athletes cannot just Parker can be reached at contracts. Bucks. As of press time, the Lake Tides and hide our competitive instincts just because it’s 404-256-1572.

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m JUly 29 - AUGUST 4, 2011 Score Atlanta | 13

tions for qualified coaches in all age groups. For informtion Rev. George Moore Strok Awareness 5K Run/Walk. Aug. 6. At- BASKETBALL email Craig Deneau at [email protected] lanta, St. Philip AME Church, 8:00 AM. 404-432-2616. SOFTBALL Dream. July 31 at Connecticut 5 PM. August 2 vs. New York 7:30 Grayson Athletic Association. Ongoing. Football coaches needed Hip Hip Hooray Schools Back 5K. Aug. 6. Canton, 8:00 AM. 770- AYSA Spring Season. Ongoing - North Park - Cogburn and Bethany - PM. August 7 vs. Seattle 3 PM. August 9 at Washington 7 for eighth grade and all age groups. For information call 633-5511. Alpharetta. Fees: If Alpharetta Residential Property Tax IS NOT PAID PM. August 11 at Phoenix 10 PM. Duane Davis at 678-300-0282 or visit www.gaasports.org. at the primary residence of the player, then the Non-City Resident Fee Club Sport, “Where Atlanta Comes To Play!” Registration Flag Football. GSL – Georgia Sports Leagues. Georgia’s Largest CAMPS must be paid. After Jan. 13, $10 late fee is charged. Ongoing - Men’s League plays on Sunday evenings at the Flag League. Registration ongoing. We offer 7-Man, 8-man, Nike Basketball Camps. Camps located in Snellville, Roswell, Ken- Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club. For more info or to register GYMNASTICS Youth and Co-Ed styles of play around Atlanta. We play ALL nesaw, Oxford and Jonesboro. For more information or a free bro- Gymnastics Classes at Gymnastics AcademyofAtlanta. Ongoing visit www.usclubsport.com year round. For information please contact (678)799-0159 or chure, visit 1-800-645-3226 or visit www.ussportscamps.com. - 3126 Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, Ga. For information call 770- Open Recreational Basketball. GSL — Georgia Sports Leagues. email [email protected]. Visit www.georgias- Club Sport, “Where Atlanta Comes To Play!” Registration Ongoing for 975-8337 or visit www.gymnasticsacademyofatlanta.com. Georgia’s Best Sports Leagues. Registration ongoing. We portsleagues.org. Sand & Indoor Leagues and Tournaments League games played Gymnastics Classes at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center Ongoing - 927 offer “Top Gun,” “B,” “C” and Co-Ed styles of play around Arena Indoor Football. Ongoing. Youth and Adult Leagues. Youth every day and night at the Brookhaven Boys and Girls Club. For Killian Hill Road Lilburn, Ga. For information call 770-921-5630. Atlanta. We play ALL year round. For more information please 7 vs. 7; Adult 6 vs. 6. For information, call 678-714-7454 or more info or to register visit http://www.usclubsport.com/ Atlanta School of Gymnastics in Lawrenceville. Ongoing. Class- contact (678)799-0159 or email mark@georgiasports- e-mail [email protected]. www.atlantasil- Jack City Baseball. Ongoing. Atlanta Braves pitcher Vladimir es for tots through teens. Cheerleading classes for ages 5 and leagues.org. Visit www.georgiasportsleagues.org. verbacks.com/indoor. Nunez is now conducting pitching lessons. To schedule a les- older. For information call 770-277-9434. Roundtable Fundamental Basketball Camp Boys and Girls. Ris- Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting ongoing son, call 770-513-4121. The Little Gym of Snellville. Ongoing. Noncompetitive gymnas- ing 6th-10th Graders (Current 5th-9th Graders) June 7-11. registration for the upcoming GHSA High School season in tics and motor-skills development classes and camps. For 9am-2pm. St. Francis High School, Alpharetta. Contact football. We hold weekly training meetings. For more infor- VOLLEYBALL ages 10 months-12 years. For information call 770-982- Coach Huff [email protected]. mation, contact Irvin Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail Gwinnett Sports Center. Registration ongoing. For information call 0901 or visit www.tlgsnellvillega.com. [email protected]. Jerry Robison at 678-491-0203 or visit www.gscfun.com. RACING BASEBALL Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine. July 29 at At- Braves. July 29 vs. Florida 7:35 PM. July 30 vs. Florida 7:10 PM. July HOCKEY SWIMMING & DIVING lanta Motor Speedway 31 vs. Florida 1:35 PM. August 1 at Washington 7:05 PM. August Peachtree Booster Club. Ongoing - Pickneyville Roller Hockey Swimming lessons. Ongoing - Alpharetta City Pool - Alpharetta, Ga. SpeedTech Racing School. July 30-31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway 2 at Washington 7:05 PM. August 3 at Washington 1:05 PM. Au- Rink. Fees: $95 for 12-game season, $30 out-of-county fee. - 1825 Old Milton Parkway. For information call 678-297-6107. Thursday Thunder. August 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway gust 5 at 7:10 PM. August 6 at New York Mets 7:10 For information visit www.pbcsports.org. Dynamo Swim School. DynaBabies, Preschool, Grade School, Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine. August 5 at At- PM. August 7 at New York Mets 1:10 PM. August 8 at Florida 7:10 Adult Classes. Youth Swim Team. Call us (770) 457-7946 Ext lanta Motor Speedway PM. August 9 at Florida 7:10 PM. August 10 at Florida 7:10 PM. SOCCER 16 www.dynamoswimschool.com NASA. August 5-7 at Road Atlanta Gwinnett Braves. July 29 at Durham 7:05 PM. July 30 vs. Indianapo- Challenged Soccer. Ongoing. For mentally and physically disabled Gwinnett Aquatics. Ongoing - 2800 Quinberry Drive and Bethany lis 7:05 PM. July 31 vs. Indianapolis 2:05 PM. August 1 vs. In- youngsters. For information call Ken Higgins at 770-985-0434. Church Road. For ages 5-18. Swim team and lessons avail- OFFICIATING dianapolis 7:05 PM. July 2 vs. Indianapolis 7:05 PM. August 4 Hall of Fame soccer clinics. Ongoing on Fridays Clarkston Com- able. For information call 770-972-4055. 9RCorp Sports Officials. Ongoing. Provider of sports officials for at Charlotte 7:15 PM. August 5 at Charlotte 7:15 PM. August 6 munity Center. For under-6 through under-12 players. Fees: Senior Water-Exercise class. Ongoing - Mountain Park pool - multiple sports including basketball, flag football, & softball. vs. Charlotte 7:05 PM. August 7 vs. Charlotte 2:05 PM. August 8 Looking for additional officials. For information call Dennis Free. For information call 404-508-1050 or visit www.clark- Lilburn, Ga. Fees: $1 per class. For information call 770-546- Reagan at 404-213-0588 or email [email protected]. at Scranton Wilkes-Barre 7:05 PM. August 9 at Scranton Wilkes- stoncommunitycenter.org. 5:30-7 PM. 4650. 10-10:50 AM. Barre 5:35 PM. August 10 at Scranton Wilkes-Barre 7:05 PM. Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association. Needs boys youth and SwimAtlanta Sugarloaf at Kid’s Village. Ongoing. Swim team, High School officials for 2010 season. Games are played August 11At Scranton Wilkes-Barre 7:05 PM. TENNIS lessons, lap swimming, master’s program, water aerobics Spring, Summer, and Fall. Great way to earn extra money and Prospect Watch. Ongoing - Buckhead. Baseball pitching and hitting Technique Clinics. Ongoing - Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. Tuesdays and scuba available. For information call 678-442-7946. get some fun aerobic exercise. For more information, please lessons by a former college and minor league coach. For infor- (serve/volley) and Saturdays (forehand/backhand). Fees: $18. visit www.GALAXREF.com or email [email protected]. mation call 404-869-7966 or visit www.eteamz.com/tryouts. For information call 404-790-4772 or email jimhines01@ya- YOUTH REGISTRATION Atlanta Peachstate Football Officials Association. High School Adult Baseball League Metro Atlanta. Ongoing. MSBL 18+, hoo.com. 2 PM on Saturdays, 6:30PM on Tuesdays. Soccer-Soccer Alley. Ongoing - 3265 Roswell Road- Atlanta. For in- Football Officials needed. We are in need of people who want 28+, 38+, and 48+. Sunday League contact info is Tennis camps for kids. Ongoing weekly. Lost Mountain Tennis formation call 404-266-0762 or visit www.starsoccerclub.com. to officiate high school football in the Atlanta Metro area. No 770.785.2588, e-mail [email protected]. MSBL 18+ Center. For information call 770-528-8525. Tucker Youth Soccer. Ongoing - 2803 Henderson Road Tucker, Ga. experience is necessary. We have weekly training sessions. Saturday League contact info is 770-436-8114, e-mail At- For information call 770-414-0538 or visit www.tysa.com. For more information go on our web site www.apfoa.com or [email protected]. MSBL 18+ Midweek Wood bat league LACROSSE Track and Field - Peachtree City Flash Youth Track Team regis- call Keith @ 678.592.1194. contact info is 770-436-8114, e-mail AtlantaMABL@aol. Lacrosse. Ongoing. Registration for 1st-8th grades. For informa- tration. Ongoing - Riley Field - Peachtree City, Ga. For ages com. MSBL 18+Fall League contact info is 770-436-8114, ATLANTA SPORTS COUNCIL tion call 404-216-5870, email jasona@bagatawaylacrosse. 6-14. For information call 770-631-3552 or email ptcflash@ Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Dec. 31, 2011. Georgia Dome. For tickets, call e-mail [email protected]. For more information com or visit www.bagatawaylacrosse.com. bellsouth.net. about our Atlanta Adult Baseball League, please visit our 404-444-4444. To reach the Atlanta Sports Council call 404- Double Stixx Lacrosse. Ongoing - Leagues, Travel Teams and Gymnastics - Georgia Gymnastics Academy. Ongoing. For regis- 586-8510 or visit www.atlantasportscouncil.com. website at www.AtlantaMSBL.com. Tournaments for youth, high school and adult’s boys and tration in Lawrenceville call 770-962-5867; in Suwanee call TNT Sports. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hitting lessons by girls. More information about the best lacrosse programs in 770-945-3424. MISC. Rob Blair, former college coach, Snellville. To set up a free Georgia can be found at www.doblestixxlacrosse.com or by Gym Elite. Ongoing. Registration for ages 2 and older. Cheerlead- Club Sport. Club Sport opens registration for summer leagues on pitching or hitting analysis call. 678-344-5876. contacting Chris Smith at [email protected] or ing for ages 6 and older. For information call 770-242-0678. May 1st with league play beginning in June. Club Sport is Atlanta’s Jack City Baseball. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hitting. Instruc- 404-550-5322. Youth Soccer Training. Ongoing. Start age 3 and up. For infor- recreational sports and social group with over 10,000 participants tion with former pro Keith Whitner. 18-y looking for high school mation, call 678-714-7454, e-mail info.indoor@atlantasilver- each year on 1200 teams in 120 leagues. Each season Club Sport players. The new location is inside Velocity Sports in North Gwin- RUNNING backs.com, or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. offers leagues in flag football, softball, soccer, sand and indoor vol- nett. For more information call 770-633-0948 or visit jackcity.net. 2nd Annual Hope Center 5K and 1K Fun Run. Aug. 6. Loganville, Corpus Christi Youth Basketball League Registration is now under- leyball, basketball and more. Club Sport is where Atlanta comes to Jack City Sports Center. Indoor T-Ball League being offered at 8:00 PM. 770-601-3782. way for our 29th season! Boys and girls ages 5 through 14, any play! For more information about Club Sport, upcoming events, Jack City Sports Center. 10 game season with games on Falcon 5K. Aug. 6. Flowery Branch, 7:30 AM. 770-633-2863. skill level, are welcome. Cost: $90 per child/$85 for siblings. Fee photos or interviews with the owner, please contact Rich Alvarez at Sundays. $125 per player. Team rates available and ques- Viking 5K Run & 1K Fun Run. Aug. 6. Gainesville, 8:30 AM. 770- includes uniforms, field trips, skills clinics, 9 games and maore! 678-994-0793 ext. 818 or visit www.usclubsport.com. tions can be directed to 770-513-4121. GOkickball “Atlanta’s Premier Social Experience”. Providing 561-1050. Register while space is still available Saturdays October 11 & 18, social, co-ed adult kickball leagues throughout metro-Atlanta Atlanta Finest 5K/1K/Fun Run. Aug. 6. Atlanta, 7:30 AM. 404- 2008, 10 AM to 12 PM. Location: Corpus Christi Church Sports centered around having a good time, meeting new people, and FOOTBALL 231-9064. Arena, 600 Mountain View Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. playing recreational games of kickball at local parks. Registra- Force. July 16 at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM. July 23 at Iowa 8:05 PM. Dennis McCormick 5K and Fun Run. Aug. 6. Suwanee, 8:00 AM. For info, call 770-469-0395, email [email protected] or visit tion is open now for summer season. Join the fun! For more Collins Hill Athletic Association. Ongoing. Accepting applica- 770-962-8425. the league’s website (www.ccybl.net). information and to register, go to www.gokickball.com/atlanta.

A l w ay s a t s c o r e a t l . c o m 14 | Score Atlanta Get In The Game!

Eight Dawgs named All-SEC; football picked to finish second ight Georgia footballers were named to “We have some quality competition BRAVES HONOR McGILL … Ethe preseason All-SEC team during media coming to town with Alabama, Mississippi Former tennis coach and Georgia ath- days in Hoover, Ala. Six Dawgs were named State, Georgia Tech and others,” said distance letics legend Dan McGill will throw out the to the first team, which was the second-most coach Jeff Pigg. “It will be a fun opportunity first pitch at the Braves game on Sunday. The among all SEC programs. Quarterback Aaron for our freshmen and some other newcomers honor was bestowed as one of McGill’s 90th Murray, tight end Orson Charles, offensive to the program to start the year off and their tackle Cordy Glenn, kicker Blair Walsh, punt- collegiate careers off at home. We will get birthday gifts. er Drew Butler and return specialist Brandon a chance to see where everyone is and what McGill coached the men’s tennis squad Boykin made the first team. Center Ben Jones they need to do to get where they need to be for 34 years, winning two national titles and defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson made for later in the season.” and cementing the Bulldogs as one of the the second team. Other meets include the Georgia State nation’s top college programs. The Athens Also at media days, Georgia was picked Invitational in Hampton, a trip to South native also served as the school’s sports in- to finish second in the East. Bend, Ind., for the Notre Dame Invitational formation director and started the athletic and a trip to Madison, Wisc., for the Wiscon- department’s fundraising branch, the Geor- CROSS COUNTRY … sin Invitational before heading to Knoxville, gia Bulldog Club. The Georgia cross country team announced Tenn., for the SEC Championships on Oct. Currently, McGill is the curator of the its 2011 schedule on Tuesday. The slate is high- 29. The NCAA Regionals will take place Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Hall of lighted with the season-opening home meet at in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Nov. 12, where the Fame, which is housed in Athens. the team’s home course in Bishop. The Georgia Bulldog harriers will have a shot at qualify- Black can be reached at Invitational will take place on Sept. 3. ing for the NCAA Championships. [email protected].

ACC coaches, players meet in Pinehurst as football season nears embers of the media were on hand as ACC Swofford also made mention of the hefty fine how about you?” Johnson asked a reporter. coaches and officials gathered for the ACC levied against the Yellow Jackets. “I will say it’s MKickoff, which is one more sign that college the biggest fine that I’m aware of that the NCAA PRESEASON PICKS … football season is close. With Georgia Tech in has levied, and the fine, relative to what actually Georgia Tech was picked to finish fourth the headlines because of their recent NCAA vio- occurred in terms of the players, was big.” in the ACC Coastal Division. Virginia Tech lations, the meetings promised to be provoca- was picked to finish first, followed by Miami tive for head coach Paul Johnson and company. JOHNSON FRUSTRATED … and North Carolina. The Yellow Jackets were Despite the words of encouragement from picked to finish ahead of Virginia and Duke. SHOWING SUPPORT … the commissioner, Johnson was bombarded The Hokies received 66 of 71 first-place votes ACC commissioner John Swofford had with questions about the NCAA’s ruling dur- from members of the media. Florida State re- a few positive words to say to reporters about ing his hour-long session at the mic. As usual, ceived 65 of 71 first place votes in the Atlan- Georgia Tech officials in the wake of the Johnson didn’t pull any punches when he grew tic Division and was picked to win the ACC NCAA probation announcement. “I think at tired of the onslaught. championship. “We don’t pay much attention Georgia Tech, you’ve got people in (president “I’m not even going to comment on that to the preseason polls,” said Johnson. “Wheth- G.P.) ‘Bud’ Peterson and (athletic director) anymore,” Johnson said at one point. “I’ve an- er we are picked high or low, in the end, you Dan Radakovich who are very ethical people swered all I’m going to answer about that.” When have to do it on the field.” who are committed to doing things the right reporters didn’t stop, the coach got especially Watson can be reached at way,” Swofford said. brash. “I take away that I’m going to move on, 404-256-1572.

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