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Home , Charcandrick West, Clark Hunt, Dan Reichert, Dayton Moore, Ed Hearn (baseball), Ewing Kauffman

The odds of playing in a are microscopic he victory of our Kansas The Yankees went on to play in the World less winning the World Series. Very few ever get the 1,280 players on a MLB 40- City Royals will be discussed and celebrat- Series that year against the . the opportunity. man roster, reach the World T ed by Royals fans for decades. Our team The Yankees lost the Series that year 4 games to I often wonder what ever happened to that Series. This number is actually had a tenacity about it that is seldom seen in any 3 on the famous young third lower this season as the Royals sport. As a former pro ballplayer and Kansas City Bill Mazeroski baseman I filled have 11 players on their current Royal, I want to congratulate the Royals organiza- famous walk-off in for in 1984 World Series roster who were tion and players for this great accomplishment. home in the after he got hurt. members of the 2014 World In the MLB playoffs last year, Royals fans were bottom of the I think his last Series team. Greg Pryor treated to one of the most incredible games ever ninth . name was Brett. Congratulations to our boys ‘85 World Series Champ played in – the wildcard game When I attend- Many young in blue for beating the odds and Contributing victory over the Oakland A’s. We went on to ed that - boys and girls making all of Kansas City proud! Writer sweep both the and Baltimore header at age chase dreams of Orioles to earn the right play in the World Series 11 in 1960, it becoming some- Even though the odds are stacked against against the . was not even a one they admire. anyone ever playing in a World Series, you and Going into the 2015 postseason, most of us remote dream of Or doing some- everyone you know can improve the odds of living feel that we had improved our odds to bring mine that I would thing heroic. a healthier life by making positive lifestyle choices. Kansas City its first World Series championship ever play on that Some dream In 1991, I was 42 and feeling the aging in 30 years! From someone who knows about field. Yet, as a 28 about hitting a process. I made my own decision to make the odds to play in a World Series, it is not that year old, I would in the personal changes in my diet to improve the way easy to do! walk into Munici- bottom of the that I felt. In 1960, I was a young boy living in Rootstown, pal Stadium in ninth inning to I felt so much better I decided to enter the Ohio, just outside of Akron. On June 26, 1960, my 1978 as a player to play win a game in the majors. dietary supplement industry. It has turned to dad drove my brothers and me to Cleveland, Ohio against “my” Indians! Whatever those dreams might be, odds against be another one of those World Series moments to watch the play the New York At that time, I never imagined I would ever play a young boy becoming a big league baseball play- in my life! Yankees in a doubleheader. in a World Series, but it did happen when I was a er are staggering. Approximately one in every 200 Since 1994, my company, Life Priority, has On that Sunday, I walked into my first big member of the when we won high school baseball players, or about .05 percent, helped thousands of customers understand league park and it took my breath away! The the . will be drafted or sign with a major league team to how they can control the odds of staying healthy Indians played their games then at Cleveland The “odds” were infinitesimal that I would make play in the minor leagues. About 5.6 percent of through the addition of the right dietary supple- Municipal Stadium which had a seating capacity of it to the majors and even after I was established high school players advance to play at some level ments. over 78,000. On that day I was one of 57,000 fans in the majors, there was certainly no guarantee of college baseball. The numbers show reaching I invite you to investigate the “game-changing” that watched our Indians split the doubleheader. I would ever play on a World Series club, much the majors after developing in the minor leagues is products offered at www.lifepriority.com. It is no easy task. much easier to be a winner in life when you “feel” These statistics show only a select few will get like one! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: NOVEMBER 2015 an opportunity to play in MLB and then the odds If you have any questions about Life Priority become even less to play in a World Series. products, please visit lifepriority.com, call Life Hockey Heartland All 32 major league clubs have 40-man rosters Priority at 1-800-787-5438 or email us at Report Soccer Report or 1,280 players total. Every season, only two [email protected]. page 10 page 11 teams with a 25-man roster, or just five percent of

High School Top Health & Performers Fitness page 18 Report page 12 Sporting PLUS: Lee’s Summit Royals are World Champs ...... 2 Chiefs turn to West ...... 5 Soccer Report College Football - KU, MU, KSU ...... 7 page 9 And Special insert THE KCIC HOCKEY GUIDE Contributing Writers Steve Fisch, Publisher Alan Eskew (Editor), James Peuster, Marc Bowman, 11730 W. 135th St., #18, OP, KS 66221 Dr. Lynn McIntosh, Greg Pryor, David Smale, Phone/Fax: (913) 764-2050 Scott Moreland, Dr. Stephen Gradwohl, David Garfield, Dr. Shane Jackson, Cameron Bishop Email: [email protected] www.kcsportspaper.com Published Monthly Facebook: Entire Contents Kansas City Sports & Fitness Magazine © Kansas City Sports & Fitness 2015. Twitter: KCSportsMag The views and opinions of the contributing writers contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and Contributing Photographer/Cover Photos opinions of the editor and/or publisher. Scott Thomas 18th straight year - 121

2 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com WORLD CHAMPIONS Moore’s blueprint decks out KC in Royal Blue

By ALAN ESKEW, Editor training in 2005, beaten out by Calvin Pickering. After winning two trophies in their organization. In 2006, left-hander Mark Redman was the Kansas City, Robinson dealt and But from 1993-2001, they were drafting primari- Royals’ underserving Royals’ representative utility infielder Bill Pecota to the Mets for Greg ly for sign-ability, not talent. In those years, the Celebrate, Kansas City! at the All-Star Game. Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds and Keith Miller. Royals’ first-round picks were , Matt Smith, Juan LeBron, , , Celebrate! , Matt Burch, , Mike Stodolka and Colt Griffin. Early in the 2006 season, Glass decided to fire Celebrate the Baird and on June 8, 2006 was 2015 World Series introduced as the Royals’ general . Moore is the architect of the Royals’ turn- Champions, conquerors around, but it was a slow rebuilding process. While was drafted the year before of the , he arrived, the Royals picked the comeback kids! and in the first round in 2007-08. Gordon looked like a bust at first, but the Royals ut while partying like it’s 1985, the last time switched him from third to left field and his the Royals not only won the state champi- career flourished. Bonship but the World Series, beating the St. Moore made smart trades, acquiring center Louis Cardinals, let’s also be humble, remember- fielder and shortstop Alcides ing how far down the Royals were for many years. Escobar from the Brewers for . After the strike ended the 1993 season in He obtained and from August, after replacement players in spring train- the Rays. ing 1994, after the death of owner and Kansas Moore enlarged the international scouting City Royals founder in 1993 the department and on Sept. 27, 2006 they signed a team became a laughing stock. 16-year-old Venezuela by the name of The team was placed in a trust with a frugal Salvador Perez and on Dec. 31, 2006 a 17-year- budget, ownerless and rudderless until David old Dominican right-hander by the name of Glass, the Wal-Mart mogul, purchased the club, . Two years later they signed a which was finalized in April, 2000. skinny Dominican right-hander by the name of From 1995-2012, the Royals had one winning Yordano Ventura. season, 2003 when they went 83-79. In a 14-year Embarrassing does not describe those At the trading dealing on July 31, 1999, Leading into this season, Moore signed free span, 1999-2012, they endured 11 seasons of 90- years aptly. staff ace was sent to the Oakland agent right-handers Edinson Volquez, plus losses, including a stretch of four 100-loss The Royals had the best in the majors Athletics for Blake Stein, Jeff D’Amico and and , plus designated hitter Kendrys seasons in five years, 2002-2006. in the late 1990s and early 2000s with Johnny Brad Rigby. Morales and right fielder Alex Rios. “Never, say it can’t get worse,” manager Damon, Carlos Beltran and Jermaine Dye. After the 83-win season in 2003, the Royals With the Royals perched atop of the American said during a 19-game losing streak As the trio reached free agency and the Royals entered the free agent market, signing League Central in late July, Moore made a couple in 2005 because with the Royals it could and unable to afford them, they unloaded them, but Juan Gonzalez to a $4 million contract. The often- of blockbusters with the postseason in mind. would get worse. received little in return. For Damon they got injured Gonzalez appeared in 33 games for the He acquired from There were bonehead plays. Outfielder Kerry Roberto Hernandez, A.J. Hinch (yes the same one Royals, hitting five home runs and driving in 33 the Athletics and right-hander from Robinson leaping for a fly ball at the wall, only to who is the Astros manager) and Angel Berroa. For runs. Plus the Royals added catcher Benito the Reds. have it land in front of him. Ken Beltran, they obtained , Mike Wood, Santiago that year also. Cueto pitched a two-hitter against Houston in Harvey struck in the back by a Matt Stairs’ relay and cash. For Dye – drumroll please – Twenty-three games, 15 of them losses, deep Game 5 to clinch the Division throw. Harvey stuck behind the Royals’ tarp while they received Neifi Perez. into the 2002 season, Allard Series and a two-hitter against the Mets in Game chasing a foul ball. Manager Tony Pena showering You want more bad trades, twice they traded Baird decided to fire manager in 2 of the World Series. Zobrist proved to be an with his uniform on in Minnesota. Manager Trey . The first time to the Mets, receiving Detroit. Muser found out initially from the media, invaluable acquisition after second baseman Hillman chewing out the club on the field after a , and Rick Anderson. In not Baird, that he had been dismissed. Omar Infante went down with an injury. victory at Surprise, Arizona. spring training 1994, general manager Herk So while the Royals were making horrible Moore’s blueprint reached its apex this year, Harvey was the Royals’ lone All-Star selection Robinson sent Cone to the Blue Jays for Chris trades and decisions and the losses mounted, making it a Royals’ blue November. in 2004 and did not make the team out of spring Stynes, Tony Medrano and David Sinnes. they had high draft picks on which to rebuild

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 3 How many of the ‘Comeback Kids’ will be coming back to the Royals in 2016? By ALAN ESKEW, Editor the Royals, who were behind 3-1 going into the Comeback kids is probably not strong enough. the to start a 2015 World eighth. Then the Royals tricked the Mets and Webster does not have an appropriate word to Series game. Left-hander , was 1-0 he Kansas City Royals trailed in all four of treated themselves to another sweet victory. describe the 2015 Royals. with a 3.52 ERA in three postseason starts last their World Series victories and in three of Zobrist and Lorenzo Cain drew year, needed elbow surgery, like Holland. James T them they trailed late -- real late. walks with one out. The Mets Shields, the No. 1 starter in 2013-14, signed with They were behind in all three of their postsea- committed an error, Mike the . The Royals signed free son triumphs in the American League Division Moustakas and Salvador Perez agent Edinson Volquez to a two-year contract to Series against the Astros, including lagging by a stroked run-producing hits and replace him. The Royals did a rental ace in a July 6-2 deficit in the eighth inning of Game 4. the Royals seized a 5-3 lead. trade with Cincinnati, acquiring Johnny Cueto, Manager acknowledged he was thinking Wade Davis closed it out with a who is a free agent that will likely sign elsewhere. about his postgame congratulatory speech for two- save. The biggest question is whether Gordon, the Houston, when the Royals did the improbable and In Game 6, Matt Harvey longest-tenured Royal will be a Royal in 2016. won 9-6. muted the Royals’ offense on Gordon, a four-time left-field Gold Glove winner, is Against Toronto in Game 2 of the American two hits for eight scoreless eligible for free agency. Gordon, who turns 32 on League Championship Series, Blue Jays innings and talked his way into February 10, could command a high-dollar, multi- left-hander had befuddled and baffled going back out for the ninth. He year contract from another club that the Royals the Royals before a Ben Zobrist flare fell in had Cain down in the count 0-2 might find too expensive to match. That occurred shallow right for a and the floodgates opened to lead off the inning, but ended last year with Butler. for another inexplicable Kansas City victory. up walking him. Eric Hosmer Rios signed a one-year deal with the Royals. The Royals rallied to win two ALCS games against doubled Cain home and wound They did not pick up his option for 2016, making the Blue Jays. up scoring the tying run on a him eligible for free agency. In World Series Game 1, the Royals were down mad dash home from third on a If they both bolt, the Royals will need two start- a run and down to their final two outs. Alex ground ball. The Royals pre- Thomas Scott by Photo ing to flank Cain in 2016. Gordon’s ninth inning home run tied it and the vailed in 12 innings. The Royals were outscored 55-39 through the Don’t expect the Royals to pay Holland, who is Royals won a 14-inning marathon. “Never give up, came through again,” Cain first six innings of their 16 postseason games. arbitration eligible, $13 million not to pitch next In World Series Game 4 trick-or-treaters called said. “We’re the comeback kids, if you want to From the seventh inning on, the Royals outscored year as he rehabs from elbow surgery. He is a it an early Halloween to get back home to watch call us.” their opponents 51-11. non-tender candidate. The Royals will have to be In seven of their postseason triumphs, they creative to keep Holland in the fold. were behind ty multi-runs, breaking the postsea- Madson and Chris Young, the Royals’ son record of the Yankees set in 1996. No. 4 starter in the postseason, are also both So after the World Series parade, what’s next? free agents. There were several changes on the club that took The Royals will need to strengthen their rota- the San Francisco Giants to the seventh game in tion for next year and a left-hander is preferred. the 2014 World Series. With Vargas out likely all season and the Royals started Game 7 in 2014, but still weighing the pros and cons on whether Danny was not on the postseason roster in 2015. Neither Duffy is better as a starter or a power reliever, the was closer Greg Holland, who underwent recon- club would like to find a capable lefty to plug into structive elbow surgery in September after logging the rotation. And remember, the Royals dealt four seven 2014 postseason saves. of their best left-handed prospects to acquire , who sat out 2014 after elbow Cueto and Zobrist, so they have no lefty in the surgery, and Ryan Madson, who had not pitched high minors ready to move into the rotation. in the majors in three years, picked up World The Royals would like to retain Zobrist, but the Series victories. bidding will be steep for him. It is doubtful they can Designated hitter went to Oakland afford to keep both Gordon and Zobrist. and right fielder Nori Aoki signed across the bay Before the last piece of confetti was swept off with San Francisco. , 22 home the Kansas City streets after the World Series runs and 106 RBIs, replaced Butler. Alex Rios parade, general manager Dayton Moore was supplanted Aoki. already planning for 2016 and getting back to the Yordano Ventura was the only Royals’ starter in Fall Classic for the third straight year.

4 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Chiefs look West to replace Charles hen went down with “The things we’ve been doing, we feel pretty you want to do fast. You’ve got to let things devel- I was impressed by the way a non-contact, right knee injury in the good with what Charcandrick is doing,” coach op because everybody out there is fast.’” he ran.” W third quarter of an 18-17 loss to the said. “Just with some of the things West broke out in Week 7, rushing 22 times for West was nearly lost for , the hushed we’re doing right 110 yards and a words after scoring his first crowd was immediately worried about the star now, Charcandrick touchdown, lead- NFL touchdown. running back’s health. kind of fits that.” ing the team to a “Man, I can’t even explain it Later their concern grew over who would The first game 23-13 win over the right now,” West said. “It’s a replace him once the worst was confirmed that sans Charles was a Pittsburgh blessing. For where I’m coming Marc Charles was lost for the season to a torn ACL. disaster as Kansas Steelers and from, it’s a blessing.” Bowman The first choice appeared to be , in City managed just snapping a five- Indeed, West’s road to Contributing his third year out of Arkansas, or little-known 57 yards rushing game losing becoming a starting NFL run- Writer Charcandrick West, a second-year pro from with West and streak. ning back has been convoluted. Abilene Christian. Wide receiver and return spe- Davis carrying the West had After starring in football and a sprinter on the cialist De’Anthony Thomas was another option. ball 14 times for only another big game track squad at Springhill (La.) High School, he , who had three carries in 2013 46 yards in a 16-10 in the Chiefs’ 45- committed to Louisiana Tech, but failed to make with Seattle, was promoted to the active roster. loss to the Minne- 10 victory over the grades and ended up at Abilene Christian, rushing The Chiefs also considered bringing in a veteran sota Vikings. Lions in London. for 28 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards. He free agent back. West remained He rushed for 97 was looking forward to playing in the NFL. Ultimately, the team decided to go with West confident and con- yards on 20 car- “I talked to a lot of teams,” he said. “I thought as the primary back and Davis as a secondary tinued to learn from ries, including a for sure I was going to be drafted in the later option, while keeping Thomas in his accustomed Charles. touchdown, and rounds.” role. “Jamaal taught caught four pass- He was not picked. While Davis had fallen to third on the depth me just to be more es for an addition- “Ooo… that was a heartbreaking moment,” chart prior to Charles’ injury, the decision to fea- patient,” West said. al 25 yards. he said. “That was a heartbreaking moment. I ture West was at least partially due to his running “The things he’s Thomas Scott by Photo “Charcandrick just felt that I’ve got to keep fighting. It’s not the style. The 227-pound Davis is more of a power taught me just make me better and better. As I’ve is a good player,” Reid said. “We’ve known that. first time that I’ve been counted out. I’m here now back, while the 205-pound West’s speed- game is listened and learned from him I just get better and It’s just a matter of him getting enough opportuni- and that’s all that matters.” similar to Charles slashing running style. better each and every day. (It’s) just patience, ties to go out and show it. And he did that. He runs West signed with the Chiefs last year as an Featuring West also permitted the Chiefs to using my eyes, getting a good read. He’s telling hard. He’s stronger than what you think. He’s not undrafted free agent, but was waived at the end stay closer to their original offensive game plan. me, ‘you know the first couple of years everything the tallest guy, but he’s put together pretty well. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 5 What would do? e all know the have Hunt made millions and lost millions in his nity to go from worst to first and vice versa. all over the place in the past not been in the since 1970 business ventures. He owned part of The difference of 8-8 versus 10-6 is a nine seasons and this year is W with Lenny Dawson at quarterback; they the Chicago Bulls, playoff appearance. With mediocrity another rough start, but the haven’t won a playoff game since 1994 with Joe Worlds Of Fun throughout the NFL – the league toughest part of the schedule is Montana at quarterback and this year is looking and the Kansas calls it parity – a 9-7 record might behind. The remaining schedule bleak with the season-ending knee injury to City Wizards, get a wildcard appearance includes only one surefire play- Jamaal Charles. who morphed this year. off team, the . There are controllable and uncontrollable into Sporting The Chiefs have bounced I’ve said it before and I’ll say James issues when it comes to sports and each year pro- Kansas City. it again; good teams find a way Peuster fessional franchises do their best to put out a win- Hunt is also to win and bad teams find a way Contributing ning product to win games well as fan support. in the Inter- to lose. Writer The challenge of it all is to put out a consistent national Tennis In the Bengals game, the Chiefs kicked seven product that gives you the opportunity year after Hall of Fame. In field goals and lost. In the Broncos game at year to make it to the playoffs. 1967 he founded World Arrowhead, Denver scored twice in the final The Chiefs have found very interesting ways to Championship Tennis in 1967, the precursor to minute, including running back a Charles’ fumble win us over year after year, only to break our modern men’s professional tennis. for the winning touchdown. In the Bears game, the hearts with either poor starts or in the first round of The sports world in general owes a huge debt Chiefs blew a lead late to fall again. All examples the postseason. of gratitude to the man who had vision. Lamar of how to lose, not to win. I’m not calling out Clark Hunt, the current Hunt passed away in December of 2006. From The Chiefs organization has to look at the owner, but I do wonder what our organization 2007 to 2014 the Kansas City Chiefs were 49-71 current situation and decide how to make it would be like if Lamar Hunt, his father, was still with one division title, one wild card appearance better, not just how to ease the pain. It’s easy alive and making decisions. and no playoff victories. for all of us armchair quarterbacks/general man- Lamar Hunt wasn’t afraid to take chances; he The Chiefs have struggled to find the winning agers to critique the play calling, clock manage- went up against the NFL with the formation of the identity they had in the 1960s and early 1970s, ment and execution, but seeing the Chiefs fans Texans and the League. lost in the 1980s and regained in the 1990s. endure another subpar season is starting to wear He owned a professional soccer team in Dallas, The Chiefs make “pleasant” moves to win fan on the community. remember the Tornadoes in the North American support, but not necessarily football games. We This is something Lamar Hunt would not have Soccer League with Kyle Rote Jr. and coach were 1-3 before losing Jamaal Charles to a sea- taken lightly. Ron Newman. son ending injury and 2015 looks like we may Lamar made a run at some of the top college have to catch a few breaks to make it to the post- James “JP” Peuster can be reached at players during the 1960s and formed one of the season. The Chiefs did snap a five-game losing jpegsports.com. Listen to JPEG Sports 24/7 at best teams of the American Football Leagues. streak with a victory over the . jpegsports.com or on Wednesdays 3 to 4 p.m. The Chiefs seem to be on ESPN 1510 AM and 99.3 FM on the radio dial. going through the same identity crisis the Royals did after the passing of Ewing Kauffman. CHIEFS LOOK WEST| FROM PAGE 5 We would be good once in a of training camp, only to be added to the Chiefs camp and when he first got here. He’s just learned while, but not great. taxi squad the next day. He eventually saw duty in some of the fine points of the National Football Kauffman died in 1993 and it six games at the end of last season. League. He took advantage of an opportunity and would take 21 years for the Royals He continued to progress and eventually did a nice job of it.” to be great once again with a became the primary backup to Charles. While West embraces the opportunity, he was lot of lean years of 90 and 100 “When I got here I knew my chances were stunned by Charles’ devastating injury. loss seasons. small, so I just gave it my all, and I’m here today,” “Charles is one of the tougher guys in the NFL,” Let’s hope the Chiefs don’t he said. “There were just so many moments I he said. “So, I’m thinking he’s going to get up. need 20-plus years to be good or could of gave up, but I just kept pushing. To be To see that brought tears to my eyes. It’s heart- great again. The schedule of the starting in the NFL is amazing.” breaking to see one of my friends go down, my NFL provides teams the opportu- Reid was impressed with West’s work ethic. brother go down.” “He worked his tail off last year,” Reid said. A Chiefs’ axiom is “next man up,” which was “You could see his talent. You could see it during put to a severe test by Charles’ season-ending surgery. West hopes to answer the call. “I’m just going to step up and do my part,” he said. “Whatever they call on me to do, I’m going to be there. Whatever the team needs me to do; I’m going to be ready to do that. “We know we’ve got to pull in. It isn’t just me. You can’t replace Jamaal Charles. He’s one of a kind. We’ve all got to put it in, piece by piece by piece to help us win each and every week.”

6 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Beaty working energetically to turn around KU football avid Beaty didn’t hesitate when offered media session after media session, Beaty has a guys better.” well under their average the Kansas football head coaching job bounce in his step and preaches a positive mes- Mangino also taught Beaty some other invalu- (52.7 ppg). D last December by athletic director sage while knowing this is a process, just like it able lessons. Quarterback and former Sheahon Zenger. was for former KU head coach Mark Mangino, “If you’ve ever spent any time around coach Bishop Miege star Ryan Willis, Beaty, who served as an assistant at Texas who inherited a los- Mangino, I think who started three October A&M (2012-14) and previously two terms as a KU ing program and the one phrase games against Baylor, Texas assistant coach (2008-09; 2011), knew how spe- built it into a national that people Tech and Oklahoma State, cial it was at Mount Oread. power with winning always have com- showed he could be the signal David “We have an excellent genuine love for this the most games in mon ground with caller of the future with throwing Garfield program,” Beaty said. “We are humbled to be school history in is ‘keep sawing for a KU freshman record 330 Contributing here, and I’ll tell you this: It took us no time 2007 (12-1) and wood,’ “ Beaty yards and two touchdowns Writer because we absolutely love this place. The com- earning an Orange said. “That’s prob- while completing a freshman munity is great. My wife and kids absolutely love it Bowl victory. ably the thing that record 35 passes, two shy of tying a school mark. here. We have friends, we have a lot of different Beaty, a Garland, we have started “Our guys played their tails off. They just kept relationships already developed. Texas, native, with and we are playing,” Beaty said. “Our defense played with “There’s a lot of things about this place that arrived at KU as going to continue unbelievable heart, courage.” captured me when we first got here, but one of the wide receivers with. I hate losing. Kansas was overmatched in its next game at things that always sticks out in my mind is going to coach in 2008, a courtesy KU Athletics Photo However, I under- No. 14 Oklahoma State, where the Cowboys gave any KU sporting event, and when the game is year which saw Kansas go 8-5 and win the stand that everything is a process and we under- the Jayhawks their 36th-straight loss away from actually imminent with the win - the victory is Insight Bowl. He’s thankful for the opportunity stand part of the process is learning to stay posi- with a 58-10 blowout. Beaty imminent - you get to hear that low, building, ‘Rock Mangino gave him and knows what it takes to tive in the eyes of adversity. was unhappy with his team’s execution, but proud Chalk, Jayhawk,’ chant. I can assure you I’ve be successful. “So we as coaches are going to continue to of their effort while knowing there’s still time to get been to some of the finest venues in the country, “I’m not sure I deserved it, but he gave me a stay positive and we are going to stay positive better in November. I dare say in the world, and there’s not much that chance. I’ll be forever grateful to him,” said Beaty, with our players, with each other, because we He’s instilled a great work ethic with his players captures you like that moment here at the a master at building relationships and one of the believe in what we are doing and we know that it’s and energized his team with bringing his own University of Kansas, and I’m proud to be back best young recruiters in the country with deep ties going to finally kick in. To borrow from (Mangino), phrase to Lawrence since he arrived the first day: here and be a part of that.” to the Lone Star State who came to KU after serv- we are going to keep sawing wood and that’s the “Earn it.” He has made practices extremely While Beaty was thrilled to be the next coach, ing as wide receivers coach at Rice for two sea- way they are going to get this thing done. competitive with players battling for positions he was also a realist who knew the uphill climb sons (2006-07). Kansas has 10 verbal commit- “... You never know which swing is going to be and playing time daily. Kansas faced. Thin on scholarship numbers and ments for 2016 and six are from Texas, including the one,” Beaty added. “Never know which touch “It’s going to continue like that as long as I’m talent, most observers predicted KU to win at most offensive lineman Chris Hughes and linebacker is going to be the one where you break through. here,” Beaty said. “You have to go out and earn one or two games this season. And in KU’s most Hunter Harris. We are looking forward to that.” everything you get. Nothing in life is going to be winnable game in the season opener against FCS “Coach Mangino taught me you (recruit) every KU almost broke through on Oct. 17 in handed to you - on the football field or in the pro- foe South Dakota State, Kansas lost, 41-38. day. And we do it every day. We are trying Lawrence with a 30-20 loss to Texas Tech. fessional world - it has to be earned.” The Jayhawks lost their first seven games and to make this thing better by creating a competitive Despite the defeat, Kansas had its best game of KU’s young players have certainly earned it this it appeared quite possible they would go 0-12 in environment and the way you do that is bring in the year and outplayed Tech the second half. The season. The Jayhawks have the nation’s most Beaty’s initial season. better what you’ve got. Keep trying to find better Jayhawks were down just 23-20 in the fourth quar- first-time players (37) and second-most first-time But game after game, practice after practice, than what you’ve got and that will make those ter while holding the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

we lose ball games, but at the same time they’re going to praise you when you’re up and win Missouri Lock-ed in at quarterback ball games. By BRIANHNA MARTIN, Contributing Writer Andy, was an offensive lineman from 1986-89 at Missouri had topflight wide receivers, but Lock has “With me being the new guy on the team I just Missouri. His granddad, also, played at Missouri. few major weapons to assist him as the Tigers’ have to ask my teammates how they cope with it rew Lock was thrust into the limelight But the transition from offense stalled and sput- and kind of lean on them.” and the Missouri starting quarterback high school to the rugged tered. Besides the outside pressure, Lock has to D ahead of schedule as a true freshman SEC defenses would chal- “I need to get in tune with cope playing road games in hostile environments after junior Maty Mauk was suspended for lenge almost any quarter- our wide receivers, work and stadiums. violating team rules. back as a true freshman. extra on my footwork, and “Emotional stability is what we call it” Missouri Mauk was reinstated in late October, but six “It’s definitely different,” make correct and diagnose coach Gary Pinkel said. “When things are days later coach Gary Pinkel suspended Mauk for Lock said. “I’ve realized it’s a defenses a little more,” Lock going crazy out there, are you under control? the remainder of the season, leaving Lock firmly lot quicker than high school said. “Pretty much every- Are you focused and can you manage in front of entrenched as the starting quarterback. football and the guys are a thing you can think of 80,000 people. Mauk’s suspension has allowed Lock to garner lot bigger, but I feel like I’m I can improve on.” “We try to train our guys and give them tools to valuable playing time in the Southeastern developing well and learning Lock tries to ignore the work with so that they stay focused. We have Conference, while most players are redshirted as a lot every single week. outside pressures of being a techniques that we teach these guys now and a freshman. “I’m glad that I get to learn quarterback on a team that they work. With the younger guys it takes a little Lock was a four-star recruit out of Lee’s early instead of learning my is failing to live up to expec- bit longer. Summit, where he completed 405 passes in junior year and only having tations after winning SEC “Everyone has to do better, everyone has to 643 attempts for 5,779 yards as a junior and one year to put everything division titles the previous improve and that’s what we work on. We’re all in senior. He threw 63 touchdowns and only into action.” two years. this together and I have good coaches and I have 12 interceptions. With Lock at quarterback in Mauk’s absence, “I’ve had Twitter deleted for three weeks now, good players and we just have to focus up and get There was little doubt he would wind up at the Tigers beat South Carolina, but lost to so I kind of just hide away,” Lock said. “People are our minds right.” Columbia. The Tigers are in his DNA. His father, Vanderbilt, Florida and Georgia. In the past, going to be upset when CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 7 ‘Cook-ing’ up a quarterback controversy t happens in practically every fan base. and run with.” He came to Manhattan as a wide receiver, not The Cats have struggled Unless it’s a championship-caliber team— The only one whose opinion really matters also a quarterback, and as a walk-on. since the Oklahoma State I because of the quarterback—the most popu- was impressed with Cook’s game against the Co-offensive coordinator Dana Dimel reached game, losing on a last-minute lar man in town is the back-up quarterback. Cowboys. out to Cook, and he field goal to the Cowboys. The Certainly, the thought is, if the guy who looks so “It was very good. knew he had a next week they had a last- stellar holding a clipboard on the sideline had his I thought he played multi-talented player minute loss to TCU before chance, he could, and would, lead the team to with poise,” coach Bill on his hands. embarrassing losses to victory. It is called “a quarterback controversy.” Snyder said. “He “He was really Oklahoma and Texas. David There’s not as much evidence on fifth-string played smart. He good at Hutch,” Hubener went 27 of 69 for Smale quarterbacks included in the controversy. made some mistakes, Dimel said. “The 293 yards, with one touchdown Contributing But that’s exactly where Kody Cook, a starting but you have to coaches at Hutch and four interceptions in the Writer wide receiver for Kansas State entering the remember we have a said, ‘This guy’s a three games since OSU. This is season, finds himself. plethora of offense really good player, not an indictment of Hubener; the offense as a K-State suffered injuries or illness to the first and he’s had a week an athletic player.’ whole has struggled. four quarterbacks on the depth chart in the first of investment in it. We tried him at But that has left plenty of folks wondering if three-plus games. Cook, who was listed as a “He was a quarter- quarterback a little Cook is the answer. It’s not a slam dunk, for sev- first-team receiver, was thrust into the quarterback back some time ago bit, but eventually eral reasons. Cook has seen limited action since position. and he’s on the field a we saw wide the Oklahoma State game, and he hasn’t dazzled. All he did at ranked Oklahoma State was lot as a receiver, but receiver was his He didn’t play at all against TCU because of the throw for 122 yards and two touchdowns and rush his retention has been best spot.” shoulder injury. Against Oklahoma, he threw eight for another 87 yards and one touchdown. In all, great. He did as well courtesy KSU Athletics Photo He redshirted in passes and completed one and had one intercept- he led the Wildcats on four touchdown drives. as you would expect. We couldn’t ask for 2013, but saw action in every game last season, ed. He also rushed for 19 yards on 11 carries and Oh yeah, that was in the first half. any more.” including 11 starts. He finished third on the team had two catches for 38 yards. K-State’s offense stalled in the third quarter “Some time ago” was at Louisburg (Kan.) High in receptions (20) and fourth in yards (251). He Against Texas, Hubener again was dinged up and Cook injured his shoulder early in the fourth School in 2010, and most recently in the 2012 jun- tied his career high in catches (three) in each of on the first play from scrimmage and Cook was quarter. ior college national championship game. Cook the final two games of the season. back under center. He ran two plays and both lost “Starting” quarterback Joe Hubener came back was an all-conference wide receiver at Hutchinson This season, he was expected to be a key con- yardage, and Hubener was back on the next into the game and led the Wildcats to a go-ahead Community College, but he was moved from tributor replacing the two-headed receiving mon- series. Cook finished 1-for-2 for 10 yards passing. score with 3:01 left. But the debate started. receiver to quarterback in the second quarter of ster of Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton, both who It is clear switching back and forth has affected “I knew Kody was going to do what he did,” the title game after the starter broke his hand. had more than 1,000 yards receiving last season. Cook. Plus Cook’s absence on the wide receiver running back Justin Silmon said. “Kody is going Cook was named the Salt City Bowl MVP, throw- In the first three games this season, Cook crew has affected the whole offense. The question to make plays whether he is at receiver or ing for 272 yards and five touchdowns and rushing caught eight passes for 148 yards and two touch- is more than just who would be more effective at quarterback.” for another TD. downs. Against Louisiana Tech, he caught four QB. If Cook is the quarterback, the Wildcats weak- Said receiver Deante Burton “He really gave “They just kind of threw me in there in that passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns in a en an inexperienced and short-handed wide everything he had. That really is a tribute to the game,” Cook said. “I wasn’t the backup. I just -overtime victory. But when Hubener went receiver position. Is it worth it? kind of person he is, and that really wore off on had a good game and that’s my story at quarter- down on the opening offensive drive in the next That makes it a dilemma and a controversy. our team. That is something we can all pick up back in college.” game, Cook’s receiving duties took a back seat.

KU’S DAVID BEATY| FROM PAGE 7 Lawrence. I think he really takes pride and coach at Naaman Forest High School in Garland, MU’S DREW LOCK| FROM PAGE 7 starters (30). Beaty knows quite well this youth joy in that.” a Dallas suburb, from 1994-96. With more than Upperclassmen are trying to make sure Lock movement bodes well for the future. KU’s assistant coaches and former players 20 years of coaching experience and stops at and the offense do not take the brunt of the blame “Absolutely,” he said in the days before the deeply respect Beaty. such places as Rice (Beaty was the offensive that the Tigers lose as a team collectively. Baylor game on Oct. 10. “There’s no doubt. When “The one thing about him every day he brings a coordinator there in 2010) and Texas A&M, he “It’ll never be like that because we’re too close,” you have a situation that maybe we’re in right certain amount of energy that you have to match,” is back at Kansas and working hard to bring a junior linebacker Michael Scherer said. “Offense now, which is a lot of young guys getting to play - running backs coach Reggie Mitchell said. “And winner to KU football. isn’t doing very well and I mean we all know it. and we talked about that way back in spring ball, that’s contagious, not only with the coaches but And he’s not about to stop working until cham- Nobody needs to bring it up, nobody needs to way back in fall camp, that there’s going to be with the players also.” pionships are won on a consistent basis. point it out and say “hey, it’s your fault.” We just go opportunity for young guys to get on the field here. Mitchell knows why Beaty is so great at building Beaty knows Mangino won just two games his about our business and do what we do.” “Sometimes the progress doesn’t happen as relationships. first year at Kansas in 2002, then six games dur- While the Tigers are no longer in the race to fast with the win and loss column as you’d like it “I think the thing that helps is that he’s honest, ing his second season while leading KU to a bowl get back to the SEC championship game, they to. However, I’ve seen a lot of those situations turn and people can see that,” Mitchell said. “They can game. And four years later in 2007, Mangino was still hope to become bowl eligible with six or pretty good in the future for those teams because tell. With coach Beaty, you see right up front. National Coach of the Year with guiding the more victories. you give them something which you can’t give What you see is what you get.” Jayhawks to the most successful season in “We just have to keep our minds clear and be them, which is experience. They’re gaining so Former KU All-American receiver Dezmon school history. positive because we still have a lot of the season much valuable experience.” Briscoe is another huge Beaty fan. Beaty knows it will take time, but wants to go. Time is dwindling down but we still have a The Jayhawks are fighting for Beaty. “Coach Beaty developed me as a receiver, Lawrence and the entire state of Kansas to be lot more football to go,” senior offensive lineman “I love coach Beaty,” sixth-year senior running but he also developed me as a man,” Briscoe appreciative of his team and eventually hear that Evan Boehm, who is another Lee’s Summit prod- back Taylor Cox said. “I feel he is a guy that really said. “When he came to KU, he took me under hallowed “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” chant echo uct. “These next five games are most important.” genuinely cares about us. He and the whole his wing and really helped me mature off the field. throughout Memorial Stadium at the end of every Lock completed 62 of 127 passes, 48.8 per- coaching staff are wonderful. I’m definitely excited We have a great relationship and still communi- home game as KU nears another victory. cent, for 538 yards, with two touchdowns and about the future of this program. cate to this day.” “We are going to earn the support of our fans two interceptions over his four October starts. “I think he’s just a stand-up guy and really val- Being honest, relating great with others, and one person at a time and we are not going to Overall, in his first eight games, Lock is 77 for ues the community. He’s building a strong relation- earning his way has helped Beaty rise up the sleep until we can give everyone something to be 152 for 763 yards with three touchdowns ship with the community and the people of coaching ranks from his first job as an assistant proud of at Memorial Stadium,” Beaty said. and three interceptions.

8 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Sporting Lee’s Summit moves forward into 2016 ne of the oldest and largest soccer clubs many state and national in the state, Sporting Lee’s Summit is events,” Cox said. “We have O an all-inclusive, year-round program for plenty of capacity there as our kids from 3 to 63. programs continue to grow.” Founded as the Lee’s Summit Soccer Associ- One of the most exciting divi- ation in 1992 with 55 teams and about 600 sions at Sporting LS is its Academy, which is an affiliate of Sporting KC. Marc “Our goal is to encourage Bowman our top one-percenters to transi- Contributing players, the club has grown to include 4,300 play- tion into our Academy and into Writer ers in their recreational division and another 2,100 the Sporting KC Academy,” players in their spring and fall competitive division. Cox said. The club was the 14th program to join Sporting The highly-successful program includes KC, becoming Sporting Lees Summit (Sporting 11 teams (ten boys and one girls team) and 176 LS) in January. elite Academy The club also players which feed hosts a wide variety into high school of training camps, varsity programs. participates in “That’s the first Sporting KC step,” Cox said. Academy and “We take them in includes a well- sixth to eighth regarded special- grade and prep needs program. them for high “We do a lot of school programs. fun things here,” If they’re good said Sporting LS enough, they president Ron Cox. go into Sporting “It starts at age three and it goes all the way KC Academy.” through to adult. The oldest participant was 63, a Sporting LS teams and/or players boasts three Brazilian, in the adult rec league. It’s an all-encom- Missouri State championships and regional cham- passing program.” pions. In July their U16 team won the USA Cup The recreational division has seven regular- National Championship. The USA CUP is ranked season games in the spring and fall, along with in the top 5 tournaments in North America. eight games in the summer for the adult division. The club’s training program is one of the best in U17 and younger have the same spring and the , developed by Hastings fall schedule, but also play season-ending University coach Chris Clements and by technical tournaments. director Zoran Savic,assistant coach of Sporting The competitive division runs all-year round. KC. Cox. the club President; was named Missouri More than a thousand kids participated in last Youth Soccer Coach of the Year in 2008 and spring’s session and nearly 1,100 participated this received a “Champions of Character” award from past fall. While some kids play in both sessions, the NAIA last year. it’s usually a different group in each session due to Training programs are available throughout the participation by the kids in other activities. summer and also in winter. “It’s mostly different kids,” Cox said. “Some do “Training, we feel, is a big milestone,” Cox said. fall football, or in the spring its high school soccer “We have 1,000 kids in non-league activities, for girls. The seasons are a lot different. Hundreds these include camps, clinics, community events, of kids do that.” and more.” The club plays the majority of all club games at The Winter I session runs six weeks from Legacy Park. December through mid-January, followed by “We’re fortunate enough to have 12 full-sized Winter II which runs through February. varsity fields,” Cox said. “We carve them up Most teams play a 45 minute match each and each weekend we play on 16 different fields. week, while some teams will also have a training We schedule 180 matches per weekend and on a session during the week. Winter camps and clinics typical weekend 9,000 spectators come through include a two-hour session called Finishing Camp. our gate.” Sporting LS will also hold a goalkeepers camp The club hopes to grow league participation as well. over the coming years. “The winter sessions are exciting. It gives kids “Legacy Park is amazing and has been home to CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 9 Kansas City Ice Center ready to open outdoor rink By DAVID SMALE, Contributing Writer financially,” Nelson said. “When we added the resulted from the merger of the Kansas City Youth The coils are filled with glycol, a chemical simi- second rink it provided the revenue stream to be Hockey. There are some Friday and Saturday lar to Freon. It takes a few days for the concrete to he leaves are changing color. The days are able to break even on an annual basis.” nights that we can’t get public skating in because get cold enough that it’s possible to get thin layers shorter and the nights are brisker. Daylight of ice to freeze. T savings time has ended. That can only “When we turn on the compressors, the coils mean one thing. It is time to open up the outdoor that run underneath the concrete will chill the floor rink at the Kansas City Ice Center. and the ice layer by layer,” Nelson said. “When that floor is frozen, the water will freeze to it in small layers. “Even if it’s 35-40 degrees at night, we should be able to get that base down,” Nelson said. “It is really neat to skate on an outdoor rink,” “When it gets down below 32 degrees, that’s KCIC general manager Dean Nelson said. when we can flood it at the maximum level. We “It’s kind of like having a backyard rink. There can put a lot of water on there. are times when there’s nobody around at 1 p.m. “If you drive by late at night or early in the on a weekday. morning, you might see me out there with a big “I put on the skates and skate around. It brings you back to your childhood. The best time of the Nelson and his staff are working to prepare the year for me is the holidays when I can get on the rink for a November 9 grand opening. They need ice with the kids and mess around. It’s therapeutic to be on schedule because the calendar is already for me to get out the on the ice.” full and getting fuller. Nelson grew up in Minnesota, so being on the “Right now we’re busting at the seams with all ice is a way of life. He also knows that the addi- of our programs,” he said. “With the Kansas City tional revenue generated by a second rink is very Stars house programs, we’re at full capacity. Plus important to the business. we house about 80 percent of the practices with “As a one-rink facility, it’s very hard to make it the KC Mavs, the traveling hockey teams that

SPORTING LEE’S SUMMIT| FROM PAGE 9 “One problem for some special-needs players an opportunity to stay active,” Cox said. The kids is with audio-sensory perception,” Cox said. We are cooped up in the house in the winter and this use to play outdoors at Legacy Park, however of all the hockey. It will give each team an extra fire hose. We put many layers on there to get ice lets them burn off some of that energy. It takes many of our Special Needs players were distract- practice per week, once we open that up. And it that’s an inch thick.” them away from the gaming stations and keeps ed by the loud noises, some became frustrated will guarantee the public skates except when The ideal thickness is three-quarters of an inch, them fit.” and confused. Our Coordinator felt like less noise there’s a special event. but Nelson will probably get it to about an inch There are approximately six-to-eight teams in would improve the overall program.” “Our goal is to be skating on that sheet by thick because of the likelihood of warmer daytime each age bracket and are evenly divided between The club hopes to replicate its success in an November 9. We want to start practices that temperatures. If it’s warm enough, the top layer boys and girls. Registration for Winter I ends Nov. outdoor space, utilizing existing, undeveloped evening. There are a bunch of other events that will melt and run off. If there is enough of a frozen 7, while Winter II registration runs through Dec. 1. property at Z Sports. are already scheduled, like the first Winter Classic base, even with warm days they won’t have to Additionally, Sporting LS hosts a sports per- “We need to create space,” Cox said. “Our goal December 12-14, so the community relies on my start over. The ice also can’t be too thick, because formance session which runs 12 weeks starting is to create an outdoor space, so that it’s injury- staff and me to get that rink ready. We have a lot it’s tough to keep it frozen with the glycol system. Nov. 9. The hour-long program (5:30-6:30 p.m. for proof and accessible for wheelchairs with fences of people depending on us.” It’s kind of like a Zamboni machine you might nine and younger, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for age ten and like tennis courts. It’ll look like a Futsal court or One big revenue stream, well as one of the see at a professional hockey game. The Zamboni older) helps train kids in a variety of physical skills. tennis court, but be outside. We are looking for highlights for the KCIC staff, is the public skates puts a new, thin layer on the ice, which freezes “They’ll do speed and agility, flexibility, lateral partners. We’re looking for somebody to come in on from 8-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also there right away. movement with cones, hurdles, ladders,” Cox said. and help us develop that space. If there are any are public skates Saturday from 12:45-2:45 p.m. Nelson is looking forward to the colder days “We try to teach a quick first step, balance and lat- groups that would like to come in and partner, we and on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. and nights, and not just because it’s in his blood. eral movement, all without a soccer ball.” would like to hear from them.” “Anyone can come out for the public skates,” “We would like to have what we’ve seen in the The Sporting LS winter training programs The youngest Sporting LS players also play at Nelson said. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been late summer, cooler than normal temperatures,” are hosted at Z Sports, which also plays host to Z Sports. There are approximately 100 to 120 skating since you were a kid or are just lacing he said. “Last year we lost the ice a couple of many summer training programs. The 34,000 three-year olds in the program. them up for the first time. You’ll have the wall-hug- times when we had 70 degrees in the middle of square foot indoor arena at Z Sports contains “There’s a trend that kids are not active,” Cox gers, and you’ll have novice skaters who are out January. You never know what you’re going to get three indoor fields and four full-sized varsity fields said. “We want to change that trend to get them there learning how to stop—sometimes the in Kansas, but if we can stay a little cooler, that outside and is also the site for the club’s special- involved early on and we want to do that with old- boards help them stop. Then there are the more would be great for us.” needs program. fashioned recreating. We want to get them used to advanced people are out there just enjoying the The schedule is set. The plan is in place. And “We’re growing our special-needs program,” doing activities at least two times a week. We ice with their families.” the work is nearly done. Cox said. “It’s a fantastic program. Tim Adkins is keep them outside and get them busy.” Nelson and the staff started the prep work in Beginning November 9, there will be nightly the coordinator. He’s been doing it for a number of The club is actively looking for groups to mid-October, when they cleaned up the sport activity on the outdoor rink at the KCIC. On the years. Our vision is to continue to add players. We partner with the marketing and development of court and repainted the lines. The sport court is weekends, you have an opportunity to be part of want to build facilities to take on more special- this program. used for roller hockey and for off-ice training dur- that activity. needs players.” “We want to partner with community-minded ing the spring, summer and fall months. Around While the program is indoors, Sporting LS organizations like Children’s Mercy Hospital. Our November 1, they turned on the compressors Call 913-441-3033 or visit KCIceCenter.com would like to move the program outdoors, where messages are very similar--to improve overall beneath the surface of the sport court, which for more information on the Learn to Skate and youngsters can enjoy the full recreational benefit. children’s performance you need adequate sleep, get the concrete down to about 10 to 12 Learn to Play Hockey Programs available at KCIC Moving the program outside would also help the good eating and recreating habits.’” Cox said. degrees Fahrenheit. and to get more information on public sessions, program expand from its current 25-players. adult hockey, parties and more. 10 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Competition, skill development & fun bring growth for Stars ric Schmitz is a realist. He knows that most of far as getting more kids involved. “The travel teams are where have our select program, which is a level the kids playing youth hockey will never see “The programs that have gotten the kids involved we’ve seen the effects of the above the house program. They offer Ethe ice in an NHL game, much like participants in basic skating skills and basic hockey skills have unification the most,” Schmitz more ice time and more competition. We in any other youth sport. But he’s also an idealist. helped us the most, especially in the younger years. said. “We’re definitely seeing can get them that experience, so that next He believes there’s great joy in learning to play The ‘Learn to Play’ improvement. It’s helped the year they can try again for the travel the game of hockey and his goal is players—the kids program at the different levels. team, if that’s their goal.” to provide as many opportunities wanting to start to The Squirts (ages 9-10) divi- Dean Nelson, general manager of the as possible. skate and the sion has seen the most effect. KC Ice Center, says that the trickle-down “It’s all about making it fun for the kids wanting to The Double-A program really effect of having more kids trying out for kids,” said Schmitz, the new hockey play hockey—we has a strong team.” the highest level has helped every level. director for the Kansas City Stars at get those players into So what does Schmitz “It really has,” Nelson said. “When we the Kansas City Ice Center. “If they the program before tell the kids who don’t had the tryout for the Kansas City Jets come to the rink and they’re a kid who actually getting them on a make the travel teams? “I (high school travel team), we had a larger wants to play hockey, if you work with team.” tell them to keep working on it,” he number of kids who didn’t make the them in providing good instruction and practices, The merger of area youth hock- said. “That’s what we strive for. I want squad. Those kids will filter back to the you’ll help these kids develop their skills. But at the ey programs into the Kansas City to give every kid an opportunity to suc- recreational level, which will make those end of the day, they have to have fun.” Youth Hockey Association has ceed and be successful. If it wasn’t this levels stronger. Schmitz has been involved in youth hockey at the helped the quality of play in the year that worked out for them for the “There are kids who might have made KCIC for eight years. “We’re seeing steady improve- Stars program. At least early indica- travel teams, the house level will pro- the Jets in the past, but the competition ment,” he said. “We’ve been building for years, as tions say so. vide great access for them. Then we CONTINUED | see page 2 KCIC’s adult league hockey players have “ice in their veins” wo years after retiring from a Hall of Howe would certainly understand one of the outdoor rink, I thought, ‘I think I can still do and I oversee everything,” he said. “I make Fame career with the Detroit Red Wings the reasons for playing in the adult hockey this.’ I think most of the other guys are the sure the scores get tallied, make sure the Tin 1971, Gordie Howe signed on with the leagues at the Kansas City Ice Center. same. If you grew up playing hockey, and rosters get set, make sure the guys are paying Houston Aeros of the World Hockey “If you grew up playing tennis or racquet- that’s all you know, you’re going to play.” and make sure that any infractions are dealt Association. The WHA was an upstart ball, you would continue to play as long as There’s an expression in sports for athletes with properly. I do basically what any league league formed to compete who don’t seem to be affected by pressure. commissioner does, without the big compen- against the NHL. They are said to have “ice in their veins.” In a sation package.” Howe, who had spent Participants in the KCIC adult 26 years with the Red Wings, leagues ranges in age, skill level was lured to the Aeros because and even demographics. Prender- they had signed Mark and Marty gast says that a couple of players Howe, teenage brothers with a travel from Columbia, Mo., for great deal of potential. Oh yeah, the weekly games. Others hail they also were Gordie’s sons. from Lawrence or St. Joseph. They played together for four The games are generally played seasons with the Aeros and Sunday afternoons and evenings three with the Whalers before and after 10 p.m. on weeknights, Gordie retired in 1980 at the so there’s definitely a commitment age of 52. necessary. While Howe was an outstand- “It’s hockey,” Prendergast said. ing player with many records to different way, it’s true with hockey players. “Most of the guys have played hockey for a his name, his goals, points and “I don’t think of myself as a 57-year-old long time. They understand the deal. It goes accolades are not what he remembers most you felt you could stay on the court,” said goalie,” Prendergast said. “I think of myself as with the territory.” about his career. Tom Prendergast, commissioner of the adult a hockey player. I’m sure these other guys feel At the KCIC, there are 21 teams of 13 play- “I always refer to that as my greatest hockey leagues at the Kansas City Ice Center. the same way.” ers each covering three divisions. “The A level accomplishment and excitement,” the elder “Hockey guys are the same way. Prendergast says his role as commissioner is for guys who played in college and spent Howe said of sharing the ice for seven “I’m 57 and I always played goal. A couple is like that of any other league commissioner, their whole life playing hockey at a high seasons with his sons. of years ago, when my boys were playing on with one big exception. “I set the schedule, level,” Prendergast said. “We have some guys CONTINUED | see page 3 STARS HOCKEY | from page 1 was so great they couldn’t make it this year. sion of “Learn to Play Hockey,” the natural But with only about 1,000 kids playing “We’ve seen a lot of kids get involved But they’re just as talented. It also gives feeder of the Stars program. youth hockey in the entire metro area in because their parents played. But we’re you more numbers, and there’s strength Schmitz knows it’s an uphill climb. He grew Kansas City, Schmitz knows he has to be starting to see kids whose parents didn’t in numbers.” up playing hockey in Superior, Wisc., a suburb more creative. He’s not worried. play hockey. They’re learning a little more Each of the area rinks has of Duluth, “I think we can grow by 500 kids or even about the sport or they heard a friend talk its own house league—Line about. If you have pro- Creek, Independence, St. grams where kids are Joseph, Mo., Topeka and the enjoying it right off the KCIC. The Stars are the name bat, that’s how we’re of the in-house program at the going to grow it. We can KCIC. The KCIC has four teams do that. in each age group. “We want to continue “Mostly they’ll play against to provide opportunities each other, but we will have a for these kids, whether game against the Junior they want to play at the Mavericks or the Line Creek top level or play at a Saints or the St. Joe Griffons,” Nelson said. Minn. There was high-level competition on double it to recreational level.” The Stars program has 250 kids involved, every rink or pond. “I didn’t have to be 2,000 in the not counting the ones in the travel programs. involved in a travel program because there next five years,” he said. “I think that’s doable. For more information on the KC Stars That’s up significantly in the four-plus years were plenty of opportunities in my area,” he We have to get the word out there. We have youth programs, visit kcstarshockey.com. that Nelson has been at the KC Ice Center. said. “We didn’t have to go too far to play to get people in the building to see what For information on the new KC Youth Hockey There are also 70 kids involved in each ses- hockey at a competitive level.” it’s about. Association, visit kcyouthhockey.com. Growth of hockey in KC starts with “Learn to Play” program ean Nelson doesn’t have any children, forward and backward. start much earlier—at about age 3 or 4. They ball. Whether they run fast or run slow, they but he can relate to one of the joys of From there they graduate up to the second learn to crawl, then walk, then skate. What’s can still do it. Dearly parenthood. level called “Little Stars.” There, they learn better than watching your kid take his second “Hockey is a little different. If you can teach Nelson is the general manager of the how to stop, how to turn and how to pivot ‘first step.’ That’s skating in Minnesota.” those basics at an early age and they can Kansas City Ice Center, where every eight The “Learn to Play Hockey” program is have some success with it, plus be part of a weeks a new session of “Learn to Play more necessary in areas like Kansas City, team, they’ll stick with it longer. That’s what is Hockey” gets started. Kids come into the where it’s not the expected progression. going to grow hockey in this area. It’s not just program from various skill levels, but they all Nelson says that hockey is the area’s fifth the kids who started young, but the ones who improve during each eight week session. most popular team sport, so it’s not a stick with it. The next session starts November 14. foregone conclusion that kids will be able “I don’t want to offend the soccer fan, but “It’s no different, I would expect, than a to, or even want to, play hockey. soccer and hockey are very similar except proud papa watching his kid learn to walk or “It’s hard to develop hockey players,” hockey is played while sliding around on a ride a bike,” Nelson said. “The kids who are he said. “You have soccer, as well as sheet of ice on a thin blade. Kids, like adults, in the ‘Learn To Play Hockey’ program could football, basketball and baseball. All four migrate toward things they do well.” play for the next 10 years. I’ll get to watch of those can be played outdoors for 10 The Kansas City Ice Center also utilizes a them progress through the years.” months out of the year around here. program from USA Hockey that breathes “Learn to Play Hockey” is a program Nelson from forward to backward. They Hockey is one life—and revenue—into the push for new developed after he arrived at the KCIC a little also work on basic stick-handling that is fighting hockey players. “Try Hockey For Free” is a more than four years ago. A similar program and shooting skills. to keep going. twice-a-year event scheduled every was in place, but the few kids involved had to Level 3 skaters are called “All Nelson says November and February. share the ice with the kids in the “learn to Stars.” At this level skaters work that hockey is It’s a one-hour program that exposes kids skate” program. on passing while moving, tight harder to play to hockey. They get a USA jersey that comes “It wasn’t really growing,” Nelson said. “At turns, catching passes with their than any of the free from USA Hockey. “It’s something they that time I thought we needed a program that stick and shooting. By the time other sports. can take home with them,” Nelson said. was focused on kids who wanted to learn to they finish level 3, they’re ready “Soccer is “We have the skates and the equipment at the play hockey, not just skate, and that’s what we to join a hockey league. growing in KC Ice Center. We get the kids all suited up. It set out to do. Now we have 70 kids enrolled in Most “Learn to Play” partici- Kansas City gives them their first experience with hockey. every session.” pants are in the 3-10 age group, because any- “It goes nicely with our program, but it’s a The range of skills of the kids entering the though there are a few older body can do it,” one-day program, where ‘Learn to Play program varies. kids. “In Kansas City, some of the Nelson said. Hockey’ is an eight-week program.” The first level of students are called kids start a little later,” Nelson “On the elite To sign up for the next session of “Learn to “Rookies.” They learn how to hold a stick and said. “They get the bug and they want to level, it’s very hard. But on the social level, it’s Play Hockey” or the February “Try Hockey walk on the ice. They learn how to get back up play hockey. very good for the majority of kids who want to For Free” go to the KCIC website, kcicecen- when they fall down and how to push off, both “Where I’m from in Minnesota, the kids do it. If you can run, you can probably kick the ter.com. Do it, to make “Papa” Nelson proud. ADULT HOCKEY | from page 2 who played semi-pro hockey. The B league is a common theme in the C/D league. As the player, he lowered his shoulder, carried him is for guys who played high school hockey, Howe’s can into the boards, then left him crumpled on the and also have been playing their whole attest, it can ice. He wasn’t defending a teammate; he was lives. The C/D league is for novice players, create an defending his son. plus older guys and gals. Once you get out extra edge. There’s no checking in the KCIC adult on the ice, you’ll know where you belong. During the leagues, so this scene won’t be repeated. I don’t have to tell you.” first season of But playing with your own flesh and blood Prendergast says that you’ll also know the WHA, one definitely is a lure to participants of all ages. when it’s time to hang up the skates. “It’s a of the younger contact sport; you’re still going to get some Howes got To learn more about the Adult Leagues at incidental contact,” he said. “But, there is a checked into the Kansas City Ice Center, visit kcicecenter difference in the speed at the different lev- the boards a .com and select the Adult Hockey tab. els. As long as their bodies allow them to bit after the whistle. Gordie was on the ice for CREDITS: Photos in The Hockey Guide provided play at the level they think they can play at, that shift and saw it from center ice. Instead courtesy the following contributors: Bob Klem, then they’re going to do it.” of lining up for the ensuing face off, Gordie John Boma, The KC Stars and The KC Jets. The advantage of playing with your sons took off. As he got closer to the offending All articles by David Smale. Jets’ high school success means success for KC Ice Center ith the success of the Kansas City “I think we would compete with a lot of Kansas City. The ones we’re developing now 90 percent of the kids who play hockey will Jets—two league titles in the last the teams, which are the smaller are eventually going to get to high school and ever play, even in Minnesota, where I grew up. W three years—there’s more interest in schools.” I’ll get them.” After high school, you go on to college to the team from a fan’s and future participant’s The youth program at the KCIC has done a It’s a “chicken and egg” thing, from a good focus on your career, or you go to work, and standpoint. And that means nothing but good nice job of feeding the Jets, according to Jets standpoint. Nelson says the success of the you don’t play competitive hockey any more. things for the Kansas City Ice Center. coach Gary Emmons. Jets over the past few years has pumped “Now, in the Kansas City area, we have a The Jets, the elite high school traveling “We graduated about eight or nine (players energy into the youth program. legitimate high level team that all the kids can team that’s housed at look up to. They can the KCIC, won the say, ‘I want to play for Midwest High School Coach Emmons and the Hockey League cham- Jets.’ Because of the pionship this past success they have, and spring after winning the experience that their first title in the Gary brings to the table spring of 2013. (he played 13 years of The Jets are the professional hockey, only Double-A high mainly with the San school program in the Jose Sharks organiza- area. Double-A is a tions, college hockey at classification for larg- Northern Michigan er high schools. The where he was a two Jets represent the time finalist for the entire Kansas City area, from) last year, so we have a good return- “The Hobey Baker Award and rather than a specific high ing group,” he said. “The whole key young played for the Canadian school. So their oppo- is what the youth program is kids National Team), there’s nents in the MHSHL doing. The better the youth really something to shoot for. are similar programs program the better they are look up Gary comes to the rink from surrounding when they get to high school and to the Jets players. The Jets players come out all the time, including for camps and clinics, states Nebraska try out for the Jets. for the camps and clinics and work with the so the younger kids get a chance to meet and Iowa. A majori- “Dean is doing a knock-down job with the young kids,” says Nelson. “Just having a Gary and talk with him. That’s a goal for a lot ty of the teams are of the young kids. in Iowa, which fits JETS HOME 2015-2016 SCHEDULE AT KCIC “Before, they could play youth hockey in since the league Date Opponent Varsity JV this area, but they had to look somewhere used to be called the Iowa Hockey League. else to play high-level high school hockey. But how do the Jets compare with some Sat. 11/28/15 Ames Little Cyclones 4:00 PM 6:00 PM Now they can stay at home and still play at a teams from some traditional hockey hotbeds? Sun. 11/29/15 Ames Little Cyclones 10:50 AM 9:20 AM high level. The Midwest Hockey League is Kansas City Ice Center general manager Dean Sat. 12/5/15 Cedar Rapids Roughriders 5:40 PM 4:10 PM very competitive, very well structured and Nelson says they’re not that far off. Sun. 12/6/15 Cedar Rapids Roughriders 10:50 AM 9:20 AM very respected throughout the Midwest. “We recently took the Jets up to Rochester, And just like with any successful team, the Minn., my hometown, and competed against Fri. 1/1/16 Des Moines Oakleafs 3:30 PM 2:00 PM more success the Jets have the bigger the the Southeastern Minnesota elite team,” Sat. 1/2/16 Des Moines Oakleafs 2:00 PM 12:30 PM crowds that come to see them. All home Nelson said. “In the fall in Minnesota they Sat. 1/23/16 Lincoln Jr. Stars 5:40 PM 4:10 PM games are free (see schedule), which also have the Elite League, and they play by area, Sun. 1/24/16 Lincoln Jr. Stars 10:50 AM 9:20 AM helps attendance. not by high school. Sat. 1/30/16 Sioux City Metros 5:40 PM 4:10 PM “There’s more of a buzz around them,” “We took the Jets up there and they com- Nelson said. “When the better teams from peted. We didn’t come out on the good side Sun. 1/31/16 Sioux City Metros 10:50 AM 9:20 AM our league come to play, the stands are full. on the scoreboard, but we were competitive. Sat. 2/20/16 Omaha Jr. Lancers 5:40 PM 4:10 PM It helps the rink.” And it’s always a thrill to The purpose of taking them up there was Sun. 2/21/16 Omaha Jr Lancers 10:50 AM 9:20 AM back a winner. more than just the scoreboard. It was about competing and showing the kids what the youth program. The numbers are through the successful high school program has been For more information on Jets Hockey, visit next level looks like. We weren’t embarrassed. roof. The summer camps he provides are real- feeding our youth program as well. their website, kcjets.com. They were very good games. ly starting to develop some hockey players in “High school is the highest level that Sporting KC Academy lifts U15 trophy By MARC BOWMAN, Contributing Writer about individual player development, but if you “It teaches you values outside of soccer,” said train technically, tactically, physically and the can couple that with the team development it forward and team captain Colin Innes from Olathe. psychological part of it comes into play. Those he future of soccer in America is bright, bodes well down the road. I think that gives them “We have responsibilities every day that we have are the four pillars of our game. We mix those and nowhere in America is it brighter than with our core values. We always have a team- T in Kansas City. first mentality. The growth of youth soccer in the area is “We want to have a winning mentality and a shown in the rise of youth organizations like tremendous work ethic on and off the field, and Heartland Soccer – the largest youth soccer then the fourth is being intelligent on and off the organization in the United States – and the field. We feel if we mix all that stuff together we’ve opening of world-class facilities such as got the recipe to continue to develop players.” Swope Soccer Village. Two players developed by SKC Academy will participate in National team duty. Cameron Duke from Olathe and Mason Visconti from Lee ‘s Summit will attend the National camp in November in Bradenton, Florida. One highlight of this growth came this summer Meanwhile, the mix created a strong team when Sporting KC Academy won the U15 champi- which drew inspiration from the previous season onship, becoming the first boys’ team from the when they qualified for Nationals but lost in the region to capture a national United States Youth early rounds. Soccer crown at any age level. “That was a really motivating factor because it The 3-1 win over Fewster FC (Maryland) was our first experience being in the National capped an unbeaten (9-0-0) run through nationals Championship,” said Knox, who goes to after qualifying from the Midwest regional with a 5- Rockhurst High. “We were looking for redemption 1-1 mark. They also won the Kansas State Cup in from teams that were in it last year, beat us, and May and the USYS Region II Championships even another edge. We talk about our culture all to do and then when we get on the field we have then went and won the championship, and we in June. the time at Sporting KC. We have a tremendous to work our hardest just to keep our spot on the were looking to go back there and prove that we Perhaps most amazing is a third of the roster culture and environment. team and to be able to travel. So, it teaches us also could win a championship.” was actually “playing up” – kids who were young “It’s demanding but they love it. Kids have been hard work.” And the team earned the redemption it enough to qualify in the U14 age bracket and were part of the success here; they really latch on to it. I Said Parry, “Our whole plan here is to have was seeking. mostly competing against older players. attribute that to our staff. We have an unbelievable a systemic approach to how we do it, how we CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Despite their relative youth, these players had a training staff.” secret weapon: experience. They have been play- Besides Parry, who played at Rockhurst ing together for several years. before a ten-year professional career and 16 “Basically, that team’s been together since they years coaching experience; the staff consists of were U12,” academy director Jon Parry said. Istvan Urbanyi, head coach for U16 and U18, “We’ve had them a couple of years; some are in who played professionally in Europe for 13 years their third years. The thing I’m proud of is they’re with two years in MLS and coached the Maldives all from the KC area.” National Team; U14 coach Josh Gardner, who Playing together gives them an edge on the played professionally in MLS and with Sporting pitch. They know what to expect and how to get KC; and U12 coach Matt Trump, who played the best out of their teammates. at Baker University and teaches in the Olathe “We have the chemistry,” said midfielder School District. Roman Knox from Shawnee, who assisted on the Responding to a directive first goal in the championship match. “We know to all teams, Sporting KC developed it’s academy what this person’s going to do if they get the ball from scratch eight years ago. and the whole scenario on the field, so we know “It was difficult,” Parry said. “We went through what to expect and how to talk to this person and a lot of challenges. But we have a tremendous how to encourage this player. ownership group who have invested more in youth “You know where someone’s either going to soccer than anybody has before and has commit- make the run because you’re under pressure or ted to it. And we got an award for best facility you’re going to know someone’s coming on so (Swope Village). We opened up locker rooms. It they open up to give you options.” really changed our dynamics.” Jacob Hall from Overland Park scored had a One unique feature of the Sporting KC goal in the 76th minute to seal the championship. Academy is the first team shares locker room “We’ve been working together for quite a facilities with Sporting KC players, who train at the while,” Hall said. “We just have this chemistry same facility. The environment exudes an atmos- together. We were able to come together and phere of total team commitment. make it all the way through to Nationals and win.” “The most important thing here is the culture The team mentality is a testament to the char- and the environment we’ve created,” Parry said. acter of the U15 players, but also to a coaching Part of the SKC Academy culture includes staff dedicated to developing good players and developing the individual in addition to the player. good people. Each individual has chores they must do before “Our main objective is to develop professionals they can play. Whether it’s pumping up balls or to play on the first team,” Parry said. “It’s really filling water bottles, everyone has a duty. Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 11 BOD POD measures body composition Does muscle really weight and more defined physique. 20 percent body fat athlete has far better muscle 10 minutes or less and is easy. More and more, studies, doctors and fitness definition and looks healthier. Both may even Muscle Metrics has designed a more than fat? experts are changing the conversation. They are wear the same size clothing since muscle is more custom-built mobile trailer to he quick answer is, yes. By volume, muscle shifting fitness compact. bring convenient body composi- weighs approximately 18 percent more goals to focus far The great tion testing to your location. T than fat. more on overall news is there Muscle Metrics travels to The 600 human body muscles make up 40 health and well- is a way to sci- gyms, cross fit clubs, high percent of body weight. 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SPORTING KC ACADEMY| FROM PAGE 11 Hall and his teammates hope to continue their “It kind of pushed us because we lost in nation- “groove” into the coming season as they try to als the year before,” said Hall, who attends Blue defend their national title, and most have hopes of Valley Northwest. “We wanted to prove something; playing professional someday. that we’re better than other teams.” “Hopefully it’ll lead to an Academy champi- As the season progressed, the U15s began to onship, this summer,” Innes said. “I’m like any feel they had a good chance to succeed. soccer player; I want to be a professional soccer “Once we made it to nationals and we won our player when I grow up. I’d hope to someday be in first two games and we just beat the defending one of the better teams in Europe, but I’d like to national champs, we got a feeling that if we keep someday play for Sporting.” playing like this we can definitely pull this off,” said The players may dream big, but not too big. Innes, from St. Thomas Aquinas. “And we kept “It still remains to be seen if any of these guys playing like that all the way.” can be world-class players,” Parry said. “But that’s Said Hall, “I had full confidence in my team, that what our ultimate goal is. If we can produce world- we would be able to win the national champi- class players, guys who can play in the onship,” Hall said. “I think it all started at State Champions League, then I think that goes hand- Cup, when we started to get our groove on, start- in-hand with playing with their respective national ed beating all these teams and basically winning teams and their home clubs. So, our ultimate goal the championships.” is to provide them with that pathway.” Reach 70,000+ readers in Kansas City Sports & Fitness and tell them about your business! December issue deadline: 11/24/15 Call 913-764-2050 for details

12 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com

Assessing body movement to treat pain ow well do you move? Do you ever think systems (the part of the injury to your shoulder, with a multidisciplinary team of about it? What, are you supposed to? brain controlling movement) back or ankle is you have practitioners. The treatment H Yes, and well, no. has the amazing ability to had a previous injury to the might include a chiropractic Movement or how you move is usually auto- change the movement or same joint. Why? Altered adjustment of a joint, matic, we really don’t think about it. We do notice movement patterns of your movement patterns! Your Neurokinetic therapy (NKT), when we are throwing a ball and feel pain in our body to work around the program changed but soft tissue work, exercise, shoulder, or feel pain in the lower back as you get pain. An example is like a never changed back. self-release techniques, up after sitting. limp from a sprained ankle. Go to the mall and acupuncture or laser. Dr. Stephen Pain is a warning sign something is not moving Think of the brain and the watch people walk, do We use the SFMA to meas- Gradwohl,DC or working correctly. motor control center like the their arms swing or are the ure the progress. If you have Contributing When you have pain something is amiss, but CPU (central processing movements stiff. These are suffered from chronic pain or Writer what about when you don’t have pain or the pain unit) of your computer. all signs besides pain of reoccurring injury or just want to move is only intermittent. Movement patterns are like altered movement. better, schedule an appointment with our office Unless there is acute trauma, like from a motor software that can and will If you want to have your for an examination. We will evaluate with orthope- vehicle accident, when we evaluate a patient we be changed or re-written movement evaluated see a dic tests, chiropractic evaluation and of course watch how they move. Does their mid (thoracic) because of pain or dysfunc- doctor trained in the the SFMA. spine rotate and extend as it should? When they tion in the system. Selective Functional bend over can they touch their toes and if they We used to think after Movement Assessment Stephen C. Gradwohl, D.C has been in practice can how do they go about it? injury and once the patient (SFMA). This is a proven for 30 years. In addition to his Doctor of I have had patients be able to touch their hands was pain free the changed method to examine faulty Chiropractic degree Dr. Gradwohl is a certified chi- on the floor yet their low back (lumbar spine) movement pattern or motor movement patterns and be ropractic sports physician, is certified in acupunc- doesn’t really participate in the movement. Or the control of the limp from an able identify what is not ture and active release technique. He is also a young gymnast that can do a backbend, but the ankle sprain would just working. Level lll Neurokinetic Therapy specialist and a movement all occurs in lower back. These alter- change back to a preset. We can develop treat- Loomis Digestive Health specialist. In addition, he ations in movement will eventually result in some What we know now is ment strategies to treat is a Diplomate of the American Board of type of pain. most of the time this does pain and movement Chiropractic Orthopedics. You can reach Dr. It is fascinating how amazing the human not happen. problems that may be a Gradwohl at the Optimal Health Center (OHC) by body is. That is why current distance from the per- calling 913-888-3338. You can also find OHC When the body undergoes injury, pain, discom- research tells us the No. 1 ceived pain. online at ohckc.org. fort or tightness, the brain and motor control predictor you will suffer an SFMA was developed

14 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Stop rolling your IT Band ’m always surprised by the number of runners inflammation and/or failure of the muscle system stretching forces to the muscles attaching to the For example, the gluteus who say things like “I have tight IT bands, but to efficiently dissipate forces. The odds of an IT band, which can change how the muscle fires in medius and/or gluteus maximus I it is okay because I foam roll them.” band actually being short are very low. Even if it the short run. may not be doing their job to The first problem is the acceptance it is okay to was short, the idea that a foam roller is going to You also apply direct force to the muscles control single-leg alignment have a chronically ‘tight’ tissue. Under normal cir- during the contact phase cumstances no tissue should hurt or cause dis- of running. comfort all the time. Specific and active muscle The second problem is the idea that massaging training is required to optimize Scott what hurts until the end of time is better than actu- muscle function and improve Moreland ally fixing the cause of the pain. your running efficiency. Contributing The IT band, or Iliotibial band, is a strong So if you’re constantly rolling Writer fibrous stretch of connective tissue that runs from out your IT bands, think deeper. the outside of the hip, down the lateral part of the That kind of massage is fine for short-term man- thigh and attaches to the tibia bone just below the agement, but for long-term relief and injury pre- knee. Two muscles, the tensor fascia latae and vention you must work on your movement pat- the gluteus maximus have attachments into this terns. tissue, and by virtue of their attachment can use If you aren’t sure how to do this on your own, the IT band to produce and stabilize movement at find a physical therapist you can trust and make both the hip and knee. an appointment! Here’s why I challenge the long term benefit of foam rolling the IT band. It is incredibly strong, like Scott Moreland, DPT is a physical therapist and a steel-belted tire strong. As a physical therapy movement specialist at CORE Strategies Physical student in anatomy class, it took multiple scalpels Therapy, Sport Performance & Medical Fitness in to cut through them. “stretch it out” fails to address the underlying below the IT band and can change their function Overland Park. The CORE team specializes in Given its structure, it would take an extreme cause of the problem. as well for a short period of time. rehabilitation and performance training for clients amount of repetitive stress to actually cause this You might be thinking, “I roll my IT band and I In fact, these are strategies I prescribe in of all ages and activity levels. To learn more about tissue to change on a cellular level. Something far know it works.” therapy for their short term benefit but always CORE’s sport specific programs visit www.corep- above what most runners will exert on this tissue. Don’t get me wrong, rolling out an IT band can in conjunction with a strategy to address the tkc.com. Contact Scott at [email protected] So when an IT band hurts it indicates tissue have short-term benefits. In doing this you apply underlying cause. or call 913-322-4000.

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 15 The time is now to become CEO of your body eep! Beep! Beep! It’s wake up time. ics, force production and neuro- Your eyes open as you flip the covers back muscular recruitment. B and roll into the shower. Fifteen minutes 3. Understand the importance later teeth are brushed, clothes are on, off to of a diverse exercise program. work you go. Most people perform one spec- trum of exercise. People that do Yoga, do Yoga. People that run, run. A healthy exercise program Dr. Shane will be diverse and should Jackson,PT Another day at the office - sitting and working encompass a variety of exercise Contributing on the magic machine. But, how did you do it? strategies. The strategies Writer Seriously, how did you get to work? involved should include: Chances are, on any given • Corrective exercises day, you probably do not to restore mechanics and think about brushing your postural tone. teeth, showering, walking to • Yoga- or Tia Chi-like work, changing your new- exercise to improve born’s diaper, navigating the strength, flexibility and internet, assessing a curb or mental focus. trusting a fellow commuter to • Resistive exercises to keep their four-thousand improve strength, stability pound hunk of metal in the and bone density. respected lane. • Cardiovascular exercise Many of us fail to acknowl- including multiple methods. edge the fundamental aspect Cross training is important that permits exploration of our to avoid repetitive injuries needs and desires until • Sports specific training something goes wrong. if necessary. In short, we take our bodies 4. Avoid doing the same for granted. activities and workouts I have heard many patients say “I used to be in over and over. Your exercise habit should be great shape,” or “I played sports in high school” or avoiding habits. “I never had any pain until I turned 30.” There is really no reason to go through life a For those whom I am talking too, and that stranger to your own body. You should seek includes almost all of you, I invite you to answer assistance, listen and feel your way to a new you. this question: What have you done to maintain, Make yourself at home and stop waiting for a preserve, or revitalize your body for the past 10- “better time” that may never come. 20-30 years? Did you let it go to the wolves? Let nature run Dr. Shane Jackson is the Director of the its course? Watch the company profits wither, with- Physical Therapy Department at Rowe Neurology out intervening? Drive the car without changing the Institute in Lenexa. He has a Doctorate of Physical oil? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Therapy from Des Moines University-Osteopathic Many people want to change but they do not Medical Center. Dr. Jackson specializes in the use have the education, accurate description or practi- of manual skills in conjunction with neuromuscular cal information to address their needs. reeducation and individualized exercise prescrip- So, they run the machine without knowing how tion with the goal of correcting faulty movement to drive. This gas pedal without a steering wheel patterns and restoring optimal joint mechanics. leads to faulty movement mechanics, abnormal Along with his wife Dr. Brandi Jackson, he stress on joints, joint degradation and eventually founded Optimum Physical Therapy and motivation - Pain! Performance Center in North Kansas City. He is How do you avoid pain? Become the CEO of also Clinical Director for Physical Sagacity, a web- your body! based, exercise video platform that works to edu- 1. Listen to Albert - Albert Einstein said, “The cate and empower patients and facilitate success significant problems we face cannot be solved at in pain relief, reach patient goals, and promote a the same level of thinking we were at when we healthy life style. created them.” If you are interested in your own video exercise 2. Develop a conscious awareness of your program email [email protected] or body. This will most likely require guidance from a contact Dr. Jackson directly email sjackson@opti- skilled individual. EXERCISE IS NOT LIFTING A mumptpc.com. To reach him at Rowe Neurology WEIGHT! It’s lifting a weight with correct mechan- Institute visit neurokc.org or call 913-894-1500.

16 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com Get the stress out veryone deals with stress differently. form and helps you feel rested. However, stress affects your body in some Exercise is extremely impor- E common ways. tant to your health and helping Stress can cause depression and anxiety or to keep your energy levels up. it can cause obesity, high blood pressure, heart This is just as important, if not disease and many skin conditions. None is good more so, as taking time to relax. for you. Physical activity helps relieve Some symptoms are body aches and pains, depression and anxiety. Dr. Lynn fatigue, irritable, headaches, lack of energy and Exercise helps you sleep, have McIntosh,DC problems sleeping. energy and is great for your Contributing Many people can quickly tell you how they deal health overall. It increases Writer with stress. They eat more or eat less. They sleep endorphins production, which are transmitters that more or sleep less. They could be moody or quiet. make you feel happy. However, lingering Life’s challenges can stresses eventually take seem overwhelming, but their toll on the body’s keeping a sense of health system. It’s impor- humor can also help you tant for your health to turn get through them. Most things around when you stressful situations don’t are in stressful situations last forever. Deal with and deal with them in a them and move on. Don’t positive manner. let them linger and • Develop a positive atti- become more of a prob- tude – Learn to recognize lem than they need to be. your limits and say “No” Practice relaxation when necessary and time techniques and seek pro- is limited. fessional help when • Spend some time to stresses become over- get organized – Don’t try to be perfect. Work on bearing. Take care of good friendships, plus enjoy one thing at a time. Don’t try to stretch yourself to peace of mind and good health when you can deal cover too much at once. It isn’t helpful and usually with life’s stresses successfully! the job does not get done well. • Learn to relax – Schedule down time for your- Dr. Lynn McIntosh is a board-certified self. You have to take care of yourself if you want chiropractor licensed in Kansas and Missouri. to be in prime form to take care of others. In addition to being licensed to provide general • Be sure to eat well – Consume healthy foods chiropractic care, she is also a certified chiroprac- and take time to sit and enjoy your meals. Eating tic sports physician, working with athletes from on the run isn’t good for your digestive system and multiple disciplines on specific sports-related you usually make poor food choices. problems. She’s also a certified acupuncturist. • Keep a regular sleep schedule – Keeping a To learn more call 816-753-4600 or visit schedule of sleeping about seven hours a night at KansasCityChiropractic.com. the same time helps keep your body in perfect

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 17 U.S. ARMY HIGH SCHOOL

NOVEMBER 2015 Grain Valley’s Alex Thiessen, Blue Valley North’s Andy Sims and Future Soldier Rikki Li selected as U.S. Army High School Top Performers

By NICK McCABE, Contributing Writer focuses on the sport year-round to maximize his opportunity. ach month Kansas City Sports & Fitness “I still feel like I have a very long way to go Magazine teams up with the U.S. Army before I prove myself and start to get recognized E to honor High School Top Performers. by schools,” he said. This month we visited Grain Valley, Blue Valley Thiessen is just enjoying the run his Eagles North and the Olathe Recruiting Center to honor squad is on right now, having advanced all the three Top Performers in the Kansas City metro. way to the state quarterfinals. “We’re just trying to go as far as we can,” Thiessen said. “Grain Valley has never had a Alex Thiessen district title and we’ve done that. We’re just trying Grain Valley to set as many firsts as we can.” Student/Athlete Andy Sims Grain Valley’s boys’ varsity soccer program was established just eight years ago. That does Blue Valley North not mean you should discount Alex Thiessen’s Football Coach school record for goals scored in a single season. Grain Valley 30 times in 25 matches so far he has found the A Blue Valley North remarkable resurgence back of the net, a mark that would set a earned Andy Sims U.S. Army Coach record at a lot of schools. of the Month honors. Thiessen, our U.S. Army Top The Mustangs had struggled for Performer, is a junior, so he can pad his more than a decade but cratered to a record next year. 1-26 mark in three seasons from “I’m definitely a representation of my 2011-2013. team,” Thiessen said. “My team puts a Sims arrived last year. His first lot of trust in me and gives me tons of squad posted a 2-7 record, but the opportunities to succeed and I’m just seeds of success were planted with a glad they trust me and let me represent much more competitive season. them for things like school records.” Still, perhaps nobody outside the Thiessen’s individual success has program expected what North has led to great team accomplishments. done in 2015. The Mustangs have After a solid if not spectacular 11-6 reeled off seven straight wins to finish start, the Eagles have won eight the regular season at 8-1. The finale straight matches including a 1-0 victory was a matchup of 7-1 teams with a over the second-ranked team in the district title on the line. The underdog state, Sedalia Smith-Cotton, to capture Mustangs trounced Shawnee Mission the program’s first-ever district title West 49-21. “It’s just so exciting,” Thiessen said. Blue Valley North “It’s been awesome,” Sims said. “You look at a lot of the things we do “Our kids have done a fantastic job and it just seems like we’re miles ahead We’re very excited to show that improvement and better team chemistry.” so far. You know, it’s one of those of where we were in the beginning of the season. to get better and be more cohesive and have Thiessen hopes to play college soccer and CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

18 NOVEMBER 2015 KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com TOP PERFORMERS| FROM PAGE 16 programs that’s not necessarily been a football around us, everyone’s got a different perspective school, at least in the last 15 years or so. You look now on North football. It’s been an honor playing at the kids who have been through the mud and for him.” the muck of losing and they’re still standing. Those A great regular season is in the books. Now the kids, they’re hungry, they’re eager.” Mustangs hope to make some noise in a tough The main catalyst is two-year starting quarter- Kansas Class 6-A playoff bracket. back Joey Dolan, who has thrown for more than “This will be a new experience for these kids,” 2,500 yards in nine games, including four 300- Sims said. “The only thing you can do as a coach, yard passing games. no matter where you’re at in your program, is you “He’s definitely changed this program around,” want to be playing your best football at the end of said, Dolan, who is a senior. “The community the season. I think we’re getting close.”

Rikki Li Future Soldier / Olathe East Future Soldier Rikki Li wants to be a surgeon. show that I have a lot of experience in the medical Li, an Olathe East High School senior, is a model field. It was all thanks to a booklet.” student with a GPA that ranks fourth out of 457 Li is a first-generation American. Her parents students in her class. She is a writing tutor, mentor moved to Olathe from China just before she was for freshmen students, drum major in the marching born. band and holds down two jobs. “I’ve been here my whole life,” Li said. “I never She had numerous educational and career really connected with anything culturally in China. opportunities and last summer, she decided the It’s always been about being an American for me. best way to accomplish her life goals was to join Being able to serve my country and do what I can the Army. is pretty awesome.” “Honestly, it was a spontaneous decision,” Li Just a few weeks after high school graduation, said. “Prior to this summer I hadn’t heard anything Li will ship out to Fort Sill in Oklahoma to begin about the Army, really. A recruiter came to my her Army career. house and talked to me, gave me a booklet and “I’m super excited to go to basic training,” Li inside there was a list of specialties I could do. said. “Seclusion from everything in the world, just “I looked up the medical category and there being able to focus on one thing and not worry were a lot of them. I thought this could help me about anything else.” CONTACT YOUR LOCAL U.S. ARMY CAREER CENTER GRANDVIEW: 816-763-3193  INDEPENDENCE: 816-795-0158  KANSAS CITY, KS: 913-788-7168 NORTHLAND CENTER: 816-505-1268  OLATHE: 913-764-2113  LEAVENWORTH: 913-682-3800 BLUE SPRINGS: 816-229-1747  LIBERTY: 816-415-8130  ST. JOSEPH: 816-279-2524  WARRENSBURG: 660-747-8921

Interact with our new website: www.kcsportspaper.com KANSAS CITY SPORTS & FITNESS NOVEMBER 2015 19