Since this is my ninth straight season of being a part of the AIA365.com broadcast team, and co-host of THE most listened to high school football wrap-up show in the state, I figure I would put together my prognostications for this year's playoffs. So, feel free to rip away either now, or wait until after the state title games to do it then. Either way, enjoy my thoughts.
Let's start with Division 6, eight-man football. They are in the semi's now, so we will start there.
One semifinal is a game I will be broadcasting on AIA365.com with my good friend Chris Martin, Bagdad vs. Gilbert Christian at 2 p.m. at Shadow Mountain High School.
Gilbert Christian has put up some impressive numbers this season, including scoring nearly 90 points in a game. The Knights are led by quarterback Bailey Anderson, who threw ten touchdowns in that game alone. However, the Sultans have a tough defense, but I'll go with scoring..Gilbert Christian wins and will play Pima for the title. Mogollon isn't as strong as in year's past and Pima has been tough for the last couple of years now. With that said, Pima wins the D6 state title, in a close game over Gilbert Christian.
Now to D5: This one is tough. Any one of about 6 teams could win. I like ALA, NW Christian, St. Johns (in the upset) and Joy Christian. Now, you are probably thinking I'm homering that pick with St. Johns. A little, but I have reason. Having talked to other coaches and watching some film, I am confident if SJ gets there, they can pull the upset. The Redskins have a nice team that is well coached and won't give up. The Shamrocks are a BIG team, but some there think they are already planning for the semifinals. If that's true, the Redskins can win..and I think will. I like ALA beating NW Christian, but this could be opposite. The Crusaders want revenge on the Coyotes from a loss earlier this year. I think Joy Christian beats St. Johns. I think JC is just too much for the upset minded Redskins. I have ALA winning the state title, beating Joy Christian's chance at winning two state straight state titles in two different divisions. JC won the D6 title last year before moving up. A team that could cause some headaches is Round Valley. They are unknown to the valley teams and that plays into their hands. Watch out for the Elks. This division could go any way and won't be surprised if it does, but this is how I think right now. Winner: Arizona Lutheran Academy.
Now D4: I have Show Low winning this division all the way, with very little trouble in my opinion. Advancing to the semis are: Show Low, Blue Ridge, River Valley and Seton Catholic the defending D5 champs. I took River Valley over Snowflake because I have heard some good things about the Dust Devils. I saw the Lobos beat Seton earlier in the year and they are a tough, physical team. Wouldn't be surprised if it's three mountain teams in the semis, I just like RV a little more. Show Low beats Blue Ridge again, Seton over River Valley. Show Low wins by 10-14 points. I love Kyle Johnson the Seton QB. He has a GREAT arm, but there isn't enough weapons for the Sentinals to the the Cougars. Winner: Show Low.
Onto D3: There are three teams that can win the state title. Williams Field, Saguaro and Desert Edge. All have speed and great offenses, but Williams Field impressed me on defense. They have some kids who can hit and tackle. Of course Saguaro have the 1-2 punch of Luke Rubenzer at QB and Christian Kirk at..well..everything. He is to them now as D.J. Foster was for the Sabercats when he played there. My semi picks: Williams Field, Queen Creek, Desert Edge and Saguaro. I have QC beating Peoria. But, the Panthers could give QC a run, but the Cougars are healthy with a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield. Desert Edge-Saguaro SHOULD be for the title game, but they still play in the semis. Offensive records could be broken in this game. A lot of speed, but I will take Saguaro slightly over Desert Edge. The last time WF and QC played, the Black Hawks dominated. Williams Field is without its starting QB for the rest of the year and he is a good one. But, I believe in the rally effect when a teammate goes down, especially with a good coaching staff at Williams Field. It will be a closer game but WF wins. Saguaro beats Williams Field in the state title game with speed and play making, however Williams Field should keep it close. Winner: Saguaro.
Now D2: This is Salpointe's state title to lose. They are a very good football team and some think they could give Mountain Pointe a run in D1. But they won't play, so let's forget it. Here are my semifinal picks: Salpointe, Centennial, Chaparral and Mesquite. The first three are locks IMO, but..watch Campo Verde here. They are well coached and have some nice wins. But, defense wins championships and Mesquite has that so we will go with them. Salpointe-Centennial will be VERY entertaining. Both have speed, both play good defense and both hasn't really been challenged. The Coyotes lost to Chandler in week one with a lot of mistakes. Bad tackling and turnovers cost them against the Wolves. Since then, they have been very good. However, Salpointe has beaten two good teams from out of state, Liberty from Henderson, Nevada and Crespi from Encino, California, both blowouts and both on the road. That's big. Salpointe wins, but Centennial will make it interesting. Chaparral is playing at a high level right now and should get QB Sean Paul Brophy back this week, which is huge. If he stays healthy, they will get to the title game. Mesquite is very good on defense, but not enough offense to keep up. Chap wins. The title game will be amazing and I'll be honest, Chap wins if they play the perfect game. No turnovers or dumb penalties. That's what it's going to take to beat the Lancers. This game is at the UofA and it makes a difference. Salpointe wins, but this could be a very close game. Winner: Salpointe Catholic.
Now...D1: Again..this is Mountain Pointe's title to lose. They are very very good. All three facets of the game are nearly flawless. A good reason they are one of the top-ten teams in the nation, according to MaxPreps. The way they beat down nationally-ranked Bishop Gorman in game one, at their home, was beyond impressive. The Pride have steamrolled since then. They took apart Chandler quickly. Beat down Hamilton. Just dominated along the way. The only question is, who are they going to play for the title. Here's my final four: Mountain Pointe, Desert Ridge, Hamilton and Chandler. Pretty cut and dry for me here. Hamilton could face a challenge from Pinnacle if they play, but that's about it. What a semifinals. I LOVE Desert Ridge and what Jeremy Hathcock has built there. He finally has enough talent and depth where he doesn't have to play everyone both ways. Not to mention the Morrison brothers who are deadly on offense. However, they get the best team maybe in the last five years in Mountain Pointe. Sorry my friend, the Pride advance. Hamilton...Chandler. Nothing more needs to be said really. The Wolves FINALLY got their first win over Hamilton since Hamilton has been open, which is 18 years. This time, Chandler is the better team. IF they stay focused on the task at hand, they can beat Hamilton. BUT..this is where coach Steve Belles shines. I'll take the Huskies but by a field goal. So...Mountain Pointe...Hamilton for the title. The dominant team versus the program. Like I said, Mountain Pointe will have to beat themselves to lose the title. In my opinion, they don't. The Pride win the state title over Hamilton. Winner: Mountain Pointe.
I have to add, I talked to Mountain Pointe head coach Morris Vaughn for a good half-hour last Saturday at the selection show. I want to play for him. Old school coach and is incredibly smart. He told me that Desert Ridge, Chandler and Hamilton are all better than his team. It's all coach speak, but he had examples for why and I listened. He told me Chandler has the best athletes and I think that's true. I told him sometimes it takes coaching and belief. That's Hamilton and Mountain Pointe.
The best part of all of this we will get to see this all play out on the field. This will be a great playoff season D1 through D6.
All the best to the coaches and players that will take part in this great event. I hope for no injuries and fair play among everyone.
Before I end this, I want to give a clap to Marcos head coach Roy Lopez, who has been put on leave at the school and won't coach the Padres in the first round. He has always had time for us and is a good man. As of this writing, I don't know what happened at Marcos, but I hope it isn't serious and we will see him at another program soon. All the best coach.
Don't forget to catch myself, Curt Blakney, Ben Gabrielson and James Mello for the AIA365.com Friday Night Wrap-Up Show, this Friday night from 9:30-11:30 p.m. on AM 860 in Phoenix and on ArizonaSports.com. Join us then.
Dave
Dave
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Your Phoenix Suns?
Tonight is the beginning of another season of the Phoenix Suns. Many media cohorts have said the Suns will win anywhere from 20 to 25 games. I happen to agree with them, but it's a different era of Suns basketball. I've lived in Arizona all my life and my fandom with the Suns goes back since birth. I remember players I looked up to as a kid. Alvin Adams, Paul Westphal and others. Then as I got older, the players changed. In came new players, Kevin Johnson, now head coach Jeff Hornacek, Charles Barkley to name a few. Then the recent run with Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire and of course, Steve Nash. Those teams were fun and those memories are pretty good. I look around U.S. Airways Center, and see some of those names in the Ring of Honor, along with former trainer Joe Proski, the late Cotton Fitzsimmons and of course, my idol, broadcaster Al McCoy.
Long gone are those names and teams, and the team is going through a massive rebuild. Ever since Robert Sarver bought this team, the air of enthusiasm has emptied out of the arena. Some have said it may be in his best interest to sell the team and get out of the business. Who knows what the future holds. Heck, maybe this rebuild will finally give this city, and Suns fans, what they have long wanted out of this organization, an NBA title. Only the future holds the answer to that.
People have asked me for a couple of months, "Dave, why do you even want to bother with the Suns this year, they suck." Well, that could be, but suck also pays the bills along with success. As bad as this team may be, they are still a fixture in Phoenix. All of the memories of success and failure, are all ingrained in the minds of longtime Suns fans. I giggle at fans of other teams in town that bash and poo-poo the Suns, forgetting that their team has gone through equally as tough trials and tribulations like Suns fans are going through.
Here's the simple fact as fans of the hometown teams. We are all in this together. Cardinals, Coyotes, Suns and Dbacks fans should wish each other well and hope for success, because that helps everyone out. It helps the economy, it helps every team's ad rates, yes remember it's all still a business. See, that why the new owners of the Phoenix Coyotes are at the season opener for the Suns. They get it. It's about a team atmosphere, with everyone working for one common goal: Victory.
So, with that said, I wish all the success in the world to the Suns and everyone involved in the organization because even though this year could be very rough, in the future I feel it all will be worth it.
Dave
Long gone are those names and teams, and the team is going through a massive rebuild. Ever since Robert Sarver bought this team, the air of enthusiasm has emptied out of the arena. Some have said it may be in his best interest to sell the team and get out of the business. Who knows what the future holds. Heck, maybe this rebuild will finally give this city, and Suns fans, what they have long wanted out of this organization, an NBA title. Only the future holds the answer to that.
People have asked me for a couple of months, "Dave, why do you even want to bother with the Suns this year, they suck." Well, that could be, but suck also pays the bills along with success. As bad as this team may be, they are still a fixture in Phoenix. All of the memories of success and failure, are all ingrained in the minds of longtime Suns fans. I giggle at fans of other teams in town that bash and poo-poo the Suns, forgetting that their team has gone through equally as tough trials and tribulations like Suns fans are going through.
Here's the simple fact as fans of the hometown teams. We are all in this together. Cardinals, Coyotes, Suns and Dbacks fans should wish each other well and hope for success, because that helps everyone out. It helps the economy, it helps every team's ad rates, yes remember it's all still a business. See, that why the new owners of the Phoenix Coyotes are at the season opener for the Suns. They get it. It's about a team atmosphere, with everyone working for one common goal: Victory.
So, with that said, I wish all the success in the world to the Suns and everyone involved in the organization because even though this year could be very rough, in the future I feel it all will be worth it.
Dave
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Bubba Fund Raising Efforts Update
Most of you who have read this blog, follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you know the last week or so my niece Nikki and I are getting stuff together for a fund raising drive for a special nine-year-old boy who is about to go through another round of treatments to try and shrink a softball sized tumor so doctors can remove it. It's Stage 3 liver cancer, but the last treatment saw the tumor shrink slightly. Bubba is his name, kinda it's what he goes by so that's fine by me. Nikki has put together a charity softball event for Sunday, October 27th. I'll post the link to all of her information at the end of this blog. The part that Nikki has trusted me in helping is an idea I had that is growing thanks to the help of a few others. We have contacted quite a few sports entities in town for donations for a raffle and a silent auction. We weren't turned down once with more coming. We will start the raffle in the next day or so and have a great event planned leading into the softball event. I'll have more information soon, but keep Saturday, October 26th open. We are planning on getting together at a place for fun, karaoke and raising money for this wonderful boy and family. But..more later..:) I am getting help with the Saturday event from a couple of amazing people who I went to high school with in the sprawling metropolis of St. Johns, Arizona. Thanks you so much to Kevin Burdick and Jodie Troutman Hedges.
One thing we are doing is a raffle and a silent auction to participate in. Or if you just want to swing by and make a donation that's fine too. The raffle drawing will take place sometime on the 27th. You do not need to be there to win. You will leave contact information on your raffle ticket. If you can't make it and want to make a donation, I will post information on how to donate at the end as well. Here is a list of some of the raffle prizes.
Phoenix Coyotes - Autographed picture and puck from fan favorite forward Paul Bissonette.
Phoenix Suns - 11 x 13 autographed picture of guard Goran Dragic
Arizona Diamondbacks - autographed picture of pitcher Josh Collmenter
We will also have more in the raffle, which I will announce soon.
As for the Silent Auction we have two items. The sheets for these will be at our event on the 26th or the softball event on the 27th. Or if I know you..WELL...:)..you can communicate with me on where things are on the auction if you can't attend either event. I want everyone to have a chance to win these great things and raise some money. Here are the items:
Arizona Cardinals - autographed football from defensive end Calais Campbell.
Arizona Diamondbacks - A voucher for 4 dugout box tickets to any game next season, except opening day or any possible playoff games. These are the seats directly behind the home, or away, dugouts. Any closer to the field and you would be playing. If you win the auction, there is a sheet listing with what you need to do to get the actual tickets.
I'd like to thank everyone that has helped us out with the donations. It doesn't surprise every one who has helped, or is helping, us to collect items to help raise money for this family. I especially want to thank every media relations person who lead me in the right direction to make this happen. You know who you are. Everlasting thanks.
So, remember..keep Saturday, October 26th open and I will send out information on what we are doing when I have everything good to go. And don't forget the 27th for the softball event. Here's the information for that.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1428645457361697&set=a.1424149777811265.1073741831.1423692474523662&type=1&theater
Here is the information on how to donate if you want to, and can't come to either event.
Donations are being accepted at all Chase Bank locations. Just make a deposit to account # 2979862961 or online at www.gofundme.com/TeamBubba
Thanks everyone.
Dave
One thing we are doing is a raffle and a silent auction to participate in. Or if you just want to swing by and make a donation that's fine too. The raffle drawing will take place sometime on the 27th. You do not need to be there to win. You will leave contact information on your raffle ticket. If you can't make it and want to make a donation, I will post information on how to donate at the end as well. Here is a list of some of the raffle prizes.
Phoenix Coyotes - Autographed picture and puck from fan favorite forward Paul Bissonette.
Phoenix Suns - 11 x 13 autographed picture of guard Goran Dragic
Arizona Diamondbacks - autographed picture of pitcher Josh Collmenter
We will also have more in the raffle, which I will announce soon.
As for the Silent Auction we have two items. The sheets for these will be at our event on the 26th or the softball event on the 27th. Or if I know you..WELL...:)..you can communicate with me on where things are on the auction if you can't attend either event. I want everyone to have a chance to win these great things and raise some money. Here are the items:
Arizona Cardinals - autographed football from defensive end Calais Campbell.
Arizona Diamondbacks - A voucher for 4 dugout box tickets to any game next season, except opening day or any possible playoff games. These are the seats directly behind the home, or away, dugouts. Any closer to the field and you would be playing. If you win the auction, there is a sheet listing with what you need to do to get the actual tickets.
I'd like to thank everyone that has helped us out with the donations. It doesn't surprise every one who has helped, or is helping, us to collect items to help raise money for this family. I especially want to thank every media relations person who lead me in the right direction to make this happen. You know who you are. Everlasting thanks.
So, remember..keep Saturday, October 26th open and I will send out information on what we are doing when I have everything good to go. And don't forget the 27th for the softball event. Here's the information for that.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1428645457361697&set=a.1424149777811265.1073741831.1423692474523662&type=1&theater
Here is the information on how to donate if you want to, and can't come to either event.
Donations are being accepted at all Chase Bank locations. Just make a deposit to account # 2979862961 or online at www.gofundme.com/TeamBubba
Thanks everyone.
Dave
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
And Then It Just Hit Me.....
I'll explain the title in a moment but I wanted to share something that I'm working on that has been rewarding in a few different ways. However the subject matter of this task isn't a good thing at the moment. Let me explain:
Last month, my beautiful niece Nikki started posting information about her 9-year-old cousin "Bubba" who was diagnosed with Stage 3 liver cancer. 9 Years Old and is being treated at the children's hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center off the US-60 and Dobson Road. I admit, it didn't really hit me until later on what that actually meant to me. I shared her information with my friends and honestly just let it be. Then one day, everything was clear to me. Good friends of mine were doing a radioathon for Phoenix Childrens Hospital, an awesome facility in central Phoenix. I was listening to my friends tell stories on the air about the kids they have met and getting emotional about it. At first I was jealous because in my 22 years of my career, I have never had a chance to do something that rewarding, that meaningful to someone I didn't even know. Then it hit me on my way home from work..I can help. By the time I got home I had a game plan in my head on what I could do to help Nikki and Bubba out. With 9 years covering sports on the side, I'd like to think I have a pretty good working relationship with all four pro sports teams here in town and Arizona State. So I told Nikki that I had an idea for a raffle or silent auction to help raise money for Bubba's family to help take care of bills, or whatever they need during his treatment. I sent emails out to everyone in hopes we can collect some things to hold a raffle. Here is a list of things I have to pick up this week:
First I have to thank the Phoenix Coyotes, and if you know me I hold these people in high regard anyway because of how they run things. They have donated an autographed picture and puck from Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette. That happened pretty much within a hour or two of sending them an email. Next was the Arizona Diamondbacks. We are still working to finalize something with them, but are confident that we will have something pretty cool to raffle off. More later on that. Same with Arizona State, they are reviewing everything and we hope to hear back from them soon and again, things look great from them. Next was the Phoenix Suns, who have donated an autographed picture of guard Goran Dragic. Next was the Arizona Cardinals, who have donated an autographed football from this years team. All of this has come together in about a week. What an awesome response from these guys in such short time. Details on the raffle and how to buy tickets are coming soon. Stay tuned to my Facebook page or on Twitter for more information. And if you have Twitter and aren't following me, what's the deal?? haha. Follow me at @davezorn72 if you want.
I'm looking to add more raffle items, so if anyone has a business or can get us donated gift cards or stuff like that let me know.
Nikki has done a tremendous job setting up a softball event in East Mesa on Sunday, October 27th. If you are on Facebook, like Bubba's page do a search for: Team Bubba - Kicking Cancer's Butt. All his updates and information on events are on the page. If this works right, here's the info on the event.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1428645457361697&set=a.1424149777811265.1073741831.1423692474523662&type=1&theater
On the page itself is information on a garage sale they are having on October 12th as well. Also on that page is his touching story and what he is going through right now.
If you can't go to the event or garage sale, or you don't want to buy raffle tickets, but you want to help. You can. Donations are being accepted at all Chase Bank locations. Just make a deposit to account # 2979862961 or online at www.gofundme.com/TeamBubba
All proceeds raised go right to Bubba and his family.
Now, you may ask me why am I doing this. My answer is simple and maybe a little lengthy so bare with me. Most, if not all, of you know I have a 6-year-old son Ethan. Some of you have even spent time with him. I thank God Ethan is in good shape and I don't even know how I would be if he was in Bubba's situation. I know I would appreciate the help and I know they do, they have already expressed it. Plus, after a long time not talking to each other, this has been incredible coordinating this with Nikki, which at least for me, has made us closer. I love this girl so much you all have no idea. Then again, I always have. Plus, it feels good to make a difference, as small as it is. If nothing else, I hope to teach Ethan the lesson I am learning as I go. It feels really good and rewarding and I can see myself doing this again. Thanks for reading this and if you help out, my dearest thanks from Nikki too.
Dave
Last month, my beautiful niece Nikki started posting information about her 9-year-old cousin "Bubba" who was diagnosed with Stage 3 liver cancer. 9 Years Old and is being treated at the children's hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center off the US-60 and Dobson Road. I admit, it didn't really hit me until later on what that actually meant to me. I shared her information with my friends and honestly just let it be. Then one day, everything was clear to me. Good friends of mine were doing a radioathon for Phoenix Childrens Hospital, an awesome facility in central Phoenix. I was listening to my friends tell stories on the air about the kids they have met and getting emotional about it. At first I was jealous because in my 22 years of my career, I have never had a chance to do something that rewarding, that meaningful to someone I didn't even know. Then it hit me on my way home from work..I can help. By the time I got home I had a game plan in my head on what I could do to help Nikki and Bubba out. With 9 years covering sports on the side, I'd like to think I have a pretty good working relationship with all four pro sports teams here in town and Arizona State. So I told Nikki that I had an idea for a raffle or silent auction to help raise money for Bubba's family to help take care of bills, or whatever they need during his treatment. I sent emails out to everyone in hopes we can collect some things to hold a raffle. Here is a list of things I have to pick up this week:
First I have to thank the Phoenix Coyotes, and if you know me I hold these people in high regard anyway because of how they run things. They have donated an autographed picture and puck from Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette. That happened pretty much within a hour or two of sending them an email. Next was the Arizona Diamondbacks. We are still working to finalize something with them, but are confident that we will have something pretty cool to raffle off. More later on that. Same with Arizona State, they are reviewing everything and we hope to hear back from them soon and again, things look great from them. Next was the Phoenix Suns, who have donated an autographed picture of guard Goran Dragic. Next was the Arizona Cardinals, who have donated an autographed football from this years team. All of this has come together in about a week. What an awesome response from these guys in such short time. Details on the raffle and how to buy tickets are coming soon. Stay tuned to my Facebook page or on Twitter for more information. And if you have Twitter and aren't following me, what's the deal?? haha. Follow me at @davezorn72 if you want.
I'm looking to add more raffle items, so if anyone has a business or can get us donated gift cards or stuff like that let me know.
Nikki has done a tremendous job setting up a softball event in East Mesa on Sunday, October 27th. If you are on Facebook, like Bubba's page do a search for: Team Bubba - Kicking Cancer's Butt. All his updates and information on events are on the page. If this works right, here's the info on the event.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1428645457361697&set=a.1424149777811265.1073741831.1423692474523662&type=1&theater
On the page itself is information on a garage sale they are having on October 12th as well. Also on that page is his touching story and what he is going through right now.
If you can't go to the event or garage sale, or you don't want to buy raffle tickets, but you want to help. You can. Donations are being accepted at all Chase Bank locations. Just make a deposit to account # 2979862961 or online at www.gofundme.com/TeamBubba
All proceeds raised go right to Bubba and his family.
Now, you may ask me why am I doing this. My answer is simple and maybe a little lengthy so bare with me. Most, if not all, of you know I have a 6-year-old son Ethan. Some of you have even spent time with him. I thank God Ethan is in good shape and I don't even know how I would be if he was in Bubba's situation. I know I would appreciate the help and I know they do, they have already expressed it. Plus, after a long time not talking to each other, this has been incredible coordinating this with Nikki, which at least for me, has made us closer. I love this girl so much you all have no idea. Then again, I always have. Plus, it feels good to make a difference, as small as it is. If nothing else, I hope to teach Ethan the lesson I am learning as I go. It feels really good and rewarding and I can see myself doing this again. Thanks for reading this and if you help out, my dearest thanks from Nikki too.
Dave
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Big Things Happening
Big things are on the horizon for yours truly. If you've known me for a while, you know that football season is the busiest season of the year for me. I've challenged myself to put myself out there more from now until the end of the year. That's not an ego thing, that's a career goal thing. This time of year reignites the fire I had 22 years ago when I started in radio. It's a fire I wish I had year around, but on-air jobs are few and far between and that's why I take what I can get, when I can get it. With that said, here is what I am doing the next few months at least.
1. First and foremost is the biggest thing. I am entering my ninth season as co-host of the AIA365.com Friday Night Wrap-Up Show. We start next Friday, August 30th on AM 860, heard valleywide. I'll have online info on Twitter and Facebook when I know for sure if you can listen online. It will be myself and cohost Curt Blakeney for another season. We always have fun, some surprises and you never know when an upset will happen, especially this season. Our show will be on every Friday night from 9:30-11:30, once again on AM 860.
2, This I am pretty excited about. This is the first year I will be a part of the Tackle The Trib high school football pick em contest as a VIP. Trust me, the whole VIP thing isn't going to my head and never will. But, it's a group comprised of myself, East Valley Tribune writers, ABC 15's Craig Fouhey and a cast of characters from AIA365.com including PBP and Saturday radio show co-host Jim Grieshaber, who I plan to crush. Just kidding Jimmy...sort of. So look for my picks each week, Thursday, I think, in the East Valley Tribune or at Varsity.evtrib.com
3. This last one may be the most difficult. I've decided to start a weekly podcast. Of course it will be sports related, but putting all my thoughts on paper and how I want to go about it will take some time. It's something I've always wanted to do, I just have to sit down and plan it out. It will encompass all I do during the week, my thoughts and maybe occasional guests if the thing takes off. The possibilities are endless in my mind, I just have to get it started. Once I do, the rest is easy.
So, there's my immediate future. Either find me on radio on Friday nights, my picks in the Trib on Thursday or coming soon to a website near you, the podcast. Lots of stuff on the table, but it's time to give this thing a serious run. Hope you enjoy all of my endeavors and I appreciate the love and support I've received along the way.
Dave
1. First and foremost is the biggest thing. I am entering my ninth season as co-host of the AIA365.com Friday Night Wrap-Up Show. We start next Friday, August 30th on AM 860, heard valleywide. I'll have online info on Twitter and Facebook when I know for sure if you can listen online. It will be myself and cohost Curt Blakeney for another season. We always have fun, some surprises and you never know when an upset will happen, especially this season. Our show will be on every Friday night from 9:30-11:30, once again on AM 860.
2, This I am pretty excited about. This is the first year I will be a part of the Tackle The Trib high school football pick em contest as a VIP. Trust me, the whole VIP thing isn't going to my head and never will. But, it's a group comprised of myself, East Valley Tribune writers, ABC 15's Craig Fouhey and a cast of characters from AIA365.com including PBP and Saturday radio show co-host Jim Grieshaber, who I plan to crush. Just kidding Jimmy...sort of. So look for my picks each week, Thursday, I think, in the East Valley Tribune or at Varsity.evtrib.com
3. This last one may be the most difficult. I've decided to start a weekly podcast. Of course it will be sports related, but putting all my thoughts on paper and how I want to go about it will take some time. It's something I've always wanted to do, I just have to sit down and plan it out. It will encompass all I do during the week, my thoughts and maybe occasional guests if the thing takes off. The possibilities are endless in my mind, I just have to get it started. Once I do, the rest is easy.
So, there's my immediate future. Either find me on radio on Friday nights, my picks in the Trib on Thursday or coming soon to a website near you, the podcast. Lots of stuff on the table, but it's time to give this thing a serious run. Hope you enjoy all of my endeavors and I appreciate the love and support I've received along the way.
Dave
Sunday, August 11, 2013
No One Like Jim
Today (Sunday) we lost one of the best professionals I've come across in my 20-plus years in journalism. Former Arizona Republic Phoenix Coyotes beat writer Jim Gintonio died of cancer. I first remember Jim by reading his Media column in the Republic when I was in high school and college. As a radio guy, I wouldn't miss it. It was good fun to see who he was going to criticize next. During this run as a media critic, he got the name "Gin Tonic" by a valley personality who he wrote about on occasion. I first met Jim when I started covering the Coyotes for then Metro Networks back in 2004. He was always great to me, even though I gave him more crap then anyone in this business. Mostly because he let me do it and give it right back to me. It was never personal between he and I, it was more schoolyard picking on and I loved it. I have a few stories about Jim I'd like to share.
It's amazing the relationships Jim had with people and the players he covered. Believe it or not, former Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov loved Jim. Well, loved to pick and have fun with him. Bryz was just a different dude. Another one that liked to have fun with him was former Coyotes forward Danny Carcillo. He maybe was one of the most ruthless toward Jim. His last year with the Coyotes, he purposely stopped by the Blackhawks locker room to say hi to Danny. Carcillo was working out post game in the hallway when they saw each other. Danny tells him in mid-stretch "hey Jim..I heard you were retiring..it's about time." Jim returned with "when was the last time you played man." Carcillo was a scratch for a few games that season. I laughed after he said it and we walked back to the media center and I told him that may be the funniest thing I'd ever heard him say. Jim says "He loves me."
One thing I admired about Jim is he never wanted any attention on him, right until the end. The night the Coyotes presented him with a jersey with his name on it, signed by the team he never stopped smiling. I guess he never knew he was thought of the way the team thought of him.
Of all of the memories of Jim, this one is my favorite. If the Coyotes, or the opposing team, made him rewrite his story late in the third period this phrase came out of Jim's mouth. "Those no good rotten bastards!!" Now..that could be directed to someone on the opposing team, Bryz, the refs, or on occasion his computer. He had a love hate relationship with his work computer, mostly hate. It will be a while, if ever, until I walk into the media center at Jobing.com Arena and not hear "you no good rotten bastards" especially late in the game. That killed me..every time.
Jim was friends with everyone. We all knew him, loved him and respected the hell out of him. Not only that, travelling beat writers liked Jim too. Jim would go out of his way to update them on Coyotes stuff if they needed it.
Toward the end of is career, Jim discovered Twitter and Facebook. You never know when you would hear from Jim, but I always knew I would. Even if it was something simple like mentioning the attendance from a D'backs game, when he would chime in with "did you count them?" It was a cool avenue for Jim, one that I'm not sure he totally got a grasp of, but had fun with. As I write this the word "gintonio" is trending on Twitter in Phoenix. That's the first time Jim has been trendy. Had to take the final shot my friend.
Now for one more. One year he got an intern from ASU to help him during games. Some blonde-haired girl from Canada that lived hockey. I mean this girl came in blazing the sport. She was from Edmonton and knew what she wanted to do. Jim took her under his wing and showed her the ropes. From covering the team daily to game coverage. After a while you just saw this girl was pretty good, really good actually. So one day I asked Jim, "so, it's been a few weeks, what do you think of Sarah." He looks down, smiles and says "she's good, definitely knows the game and probably will cost me my job..(laughing)." Of course, smart ass me says "we can only hope so." Jim knew as Sarah got the gist of things around the arena and the team that when he decided to retire, or the paper decided for him, that the job of beat writer for the Coyotes was in more than capable hands. Sarah, if you are reading this, he thought the world of you and enjoyed the time with you very much.
When I say he was humble, he was. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he didn't talk about it much with a lot of us. I'd be a pest and ask him how things were with treatment and everything. He was very short with me but thanked me for asking. Last season, the Coyotes gave him passes to come to a game with his girlfriend. He told me then that he was going to stop chemo and just enjoy life. An angel came to his side in the woman in his life. I never saw him smile as much he did when he was with her. She made his final days the best of his life, I can just tell.
Finally, one thing I learned from Jim is this. He was never ego-driven, high and mighty and full of himself like some are in this profession. Jim lead by his actions and his work. He was a good writer and even better person and if I can live out my days as good as Jim did, I'm a lucky, lucky man. Good bye my friend. You were a good guy and games at Jobing.com Arena won't be the same without you around even if it was chiming in on social media. Thanks for your friendship over the years.
Dave
It's amazing the relationships Jim had with people and the players he covered. Believe it or not, former Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov loved Jim. Well, loved to pick and have fun with him. Bryz was just a different dude. Another one that liked to have fun with him was former Coyotes forward Danny Carcillo. He maybe was one of the most ruthless toward Jim. His last year with the Coyotes, he purposely stopped by the Blackhawks locker room to say hi to Danny. Carcillo was working out post game in the hallway when they saw each other. Danny tells him in mid-stretch "hey Jim..I heard you were retiring..it's about time." Jim returned with "when was the last time you played man." Carcillo was a scratch for a few games that season. I laughed after he said it and we walked back to the media center and I told him that may be the funniest thing I'd ever heard him say. Jim says "He loves me."
One thing I admired about Jim is he never wanted any attention on him, right until the end. The night the Coyotes presented him with a jersey with his name on it, signed by the team he never stopped smiling. I guess he never knew he was thought of the way the team thought of him.
Of all of the memories of Jim, this one is my favorite. If the Coyotes, or the opposing team, made him rewrite his story late in the third period this phrase came out of Jim's mouth. "Those no good rotten bastards!!" Now..that could be directed to someone on the opposing team, Bryz, the refs, or on occasion his computer. He had a love hate relationship with his work computer, mostly hate. It will be a while, if ever, until I walk into the media center at Jobing.com Arena and not hear "you no good rotten bastards" especially late in the game. That killed me..every time.
Jim was friends with everyone. We all knew him, loved him and respected the hell out of him. Not only that, travelling beat writers liked Jim too. Jim would go out of his way to update them on Coyotes stuff if they needed it.
Toward the end of is career, Jim discovered Twitter and Facebook. You never know when you would hear from Jim, but I always knew I would. Even if it was something simple like mentioning the attendance from a D'backs game, when he would chime in with "did you count them?" It was a cool avenue for Jim, one that I'm not sure he totally got a grasp of, but had fun with. As I write this the word "gintonio" is trending on Twitter in Phoenix. That's the first time Jim has been trendy. Had to take the final shot my friend.
Now for one more. One year he got an intern from ASU to help him during games. Some blonde-haired girl from Canada that lived hockey. I mean this girl came in blazing the sport. She was from Edmonton and knew what she wanted to do. Jim took her under his wing and showed her the ropes. From covering the team daily to game coverage. After a while you just saw this girl was pretty good, really good actually. So one day I asked Jim, "so, it's been a few weeks, what do you think of Sarah." He looks down, smiles and says "she's good, definitely knows the game and probably will cost me my job..(laughing)." Of course, smart ass me says "we can only hope so." Jim knew as Sarah got the gist of things around the arena and the team that when he decided to retire, or the paper decided for him, that the job of beat writer for the Coyotes was in more than capable hands. Sarah, if you are reading this, he thought the world of you and enjoyed the time with you very much.
When I say he was humble, he was. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he didn't talk about it much with a lot of us. I'd be a pest and ask him how things were with treatment and everything. He was very short with me but thanked me for asking. Last season, the Coyotes gave him passes to come to a game with his girlfriend. He told me then that he was going to stop chemo and just enjoy life. An angel came to his side in the woman in his life. I never saw him smile as much he did when he was with her. She made his final days the best of his life, I can just tell.
Finally, one thing I learned from Jim is this. He was never ego-driven, high and mighty and full of himself like some are in this profession. Jim lead by his actions and his work. He was a good writer and even better person and if I can live out my days as good as Jim did, I'm a lucky, lucky man. Good bye my friend. You were a good guy and games at Jobing.com Arena won't be the same without you around even if it was chiming in on social media. Thanks for your friendship over the years.
Dave
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Remembering Jessi
One year ago today was the longest and roughest day of my life. Up until July, 20th 2012, I thankfully never knew anyone involved in a mass shooting or major catastrophe. I guess I was naive in thinking it wouldn't happen to me and then it did. I woke up that morning and do what I always do, check my Twitter feed for the latest news and information before heading into work. What I saw I couldn't believe. My friend Jessica Ghawi (Redfield) was gunned down in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. I didn't know what to do or say at that moment. My heart sank and I lost my breath a little trying to make sense of something so senseless. All day she was the face of this shooting. CNN, Fox News, etc all started to tell her story, which in a way was comforting but was also too much to take at the same time. Let me tell you about my short time with Jessica.
Jess was just starting out, fresh out of college and so desperately wanted to be in the world of sports broadcasting. She had that drive and determination to make it and wouldn't take no for an answer. When I first was introduced to this beautiful, Texas redhead was via email. She covered the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, that happened to be the affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. We exchanged emails and tweets often, mostly about players coming up to Phoenix and going back down. We'd trade information on how the guys were doing, pretty much helping each other out. I think she became a Coyotes fan because of the interaction not only with me but a host of others and would have our backs during the beginnings of the ownership mess. Her and I talked a lot about that in the early stages of it. She then moved to Denver and started doing everything. Even if it was to tag along and hold a mic cord, she did it. Jess made a lot of friends in the media there and touched so many people. She is the definition of hard work pays off as she was starting to become what she always wanted to be professionally.
One event I can't shake is the fact she escaped a shooting in Toronto just months prior to the events in Aurora. I was watching it unfold in CNN when she started to tweet she was in that very same mall. I, along with others, helped her get to safety as authorities there get things under control. She was shaken, as most of us would be, by the situation and I was glad to help get her to a safe place. She later blogged about the events of that day in Toronto.
http://jessicaredfield.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/late-night-thoughts-on-the-eaton-center-shooting/
Then, a year ago overnight. She wanted to see the first showing of The Dark Night at a theater in Aurora. Some of her last Tweets before the shooting, she basically taunted everyone, ok writer Jesse Spector, that she was seeing the movie and YOU weren't. Again, fiery, lovable, funny Texas redhead that she was all the way until the end. A short time later she was gone.
Much has been made about how to avoid these terrorist-style events and there have been a couple since the Aurora tragedy. The school shooting in Connecticut and the bombing at the Boston Marathon come to mind. As with most cases, it's turned political. Too many guns, not enough guns, guns in the hands of crazy people all just words coming out of mouths. Is there a way to stop this kind of violence? I don't know. I think both sides of the issue have their points and their problems. I am pretty sure on this though, these things will continue regardless. I truly believe there is no way of stopping this, I'm sorry to say. I just hope I don't ever have to go through the emotion of losing someone in events like this again.
Jess, I miss you and think about you often. Even know I've been in this business for over 20 years now, you are still an inspiration to me and you fuel my drive to get better each and every day and I thank you for that gift.
I leave you with a smile. The video i'm posting is an interview she did while in San Antonio with Coyotes defenseman Chris Summers. Okay, it isn't an interview more than it is a gag reel of her. Heels on ice Jess, c'mon girl what did you think would happen..;)
Thanks and rest in peace my dear friend.
DZ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8l1gZTPoA
Jess was just starting out, fresh out of college and so desperately wanted to be in the world of sports broadcasting. She had that drive and determination to make it and wouldn't take no for an answer. When I first was introduced to this beautiful, Texas redhead was via email. She covered the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, that happened to be the affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. We exchanged emails and tweets often, mostly about players coming up to Phoenix and going back down. We'd trade information on how the guys were doing, pretty much helping each other out. I think she became a Coyotes fan because of the interaction not only with me but a host of others and would have our backs during the beginnings of the ownership mess. Her and I talked a lot about that in the early stages of it. She then moved to Denver and started doing everything. Even if it was to tag along and hold a mic cord, she did it. Jess made a lot of friends in the media there and touched so many people. She is the definition of hard work pays off as she was starting to become what she always wanted to be professionally.
One event I can't shake is the fact she escaped a shooting in Toronto just months prior to the events in Aurora. I was watching it unfold in CNN when she started to tweet she was in that very same mall. I, along with others, helped her get to safety as authorities there get things under control. She was shaken, as most of us would be, by the situation and I was glad to help get her to a safe place. She later blogged about the events of that day in Toronto.
http://jessicaredfield.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/late-night-thoughts-on-the-eaton-center-shooting/
Then, a year ago overnight. She wanted to see the first showing of The Dark Night at a theater in Aurora. Some of her last Tweets before the shooting, she basically taunted everyone, ok writer Jesse Spector, that she was seeing the movie and YOU weren't. Again, fiery, lovable, funny Texas redhead that she was all the way until the end. A short time later she was gone.
Much has been made about how to avoid these terrorist-style events and there have been a couple since the Aurora tragedy. The school shooting in Connecticut and the bombing at the Boston Marathon come to mind. As with most cases, it's turned political. Too many guns, not enough guns, guns in the hands of crazy people all just words coming out of mouths. Is there a way to stop this kind of violence? I don't know. I think both sides of the issue have their points and their problems. I am pretty sure on this though, these things will continue regardless. I truly believe there is no way of stopping this, I'm sorry to say. I just hope I don't ever have to go through the emotion of losing someone in events like this again.
Jess, I miss you and think about you often. Even know I've been in this business for over 20 years now, you are still an inspiration to me and you fuel my drive to get better each and every day and I thank you for that gift.
I leave you with a smile. The video i'm posting is an interview she did while in San Antonio with Coyotes defenseman Chris Summers. Okay, it isn't an interview more than it is a gag reel of her. Heels on ice Jess, c'mon girl what did you think would happen..;)
Thanks and rest in peace my dear friend.
DZ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8l1gZTPoA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)