Here is an excerpt of an article on this is Nottingham (Post)
NOTTINGHAM Forest have completed the signing of USA striker Robbie Findley, subject to securing a work permit.
The 25-year-old international has penned a two-and-a-half year deal at the City Ground.
A number of other clubs, including Premier League Bolton, were interested in Findley, who was a [...]
Major League Soccer (MLS) Rumors – For the time between the games
2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all-time, has a new lease on his boxing career after undergoing career-changing foot surgery and signing a promotional contract with Boxing 360.
“We’re very happy to sign a former Olympian like Jason,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi commented. “We believe that Jason has a big future and we’re going to do everything possible to help make him world champion.”
The 30-year-old Estrada (16-3, 4 KOs) was one of the most highly-decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition, as well as the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. The highlight of his amateur career was representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics, although planter ficitis in his right foot severely hampered his training and performances.
Estrada embarked on his pro career, putting off foot surgery, but earlier this year a podiatrist strongly recommended an operation because the problem was adversely affecting Jason’s spine through improper walking, as well as his ankle, and constant shocking was extremely painful.
Surgery this past May sidelined Estrada until October and now he’s raring to go. “Waiting to get back in the ring wasn’t really bad until the last month or two because my foot hadn’t healed,” the gifted heavyweight explained. “I haven’t felt this good since two years before the Olympics. I had hurt my hand in the Golden Gloves. That set me back but I had fights all over the world and everything went downhill from there. Top amateurs have busy schedules and it became all work, no fun, and then I had planter ficitis during training camp for the Olympics. I never really had any time to rest my body. Fighting made my foot worse but, in a way, it’s been like a blessing in disguise because I’ve had a chance to rest my body during the time I’ve been off (Jason hasn’t fought since this past February).”
Estrada, fighting out of Providence, has fought everyone and anybody put in the ring with him, never turning down a fight, and none of his opponents has had a losing record (311-101-15 combined record of his opponents) when they fought “Big Six.” His three losses were all on the road in the backyards of former world champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin and Travis Walker. During his 6-year pro career, Estrada has never been floored, never mind stopped, and the quick-handed, slick-footed heavyweight has unfinished business to take care of, starting January 13 in Oklahoma, when “Big Six” makes his Boxing 360 debut in the main event against an opponent to be determined.
“I don’t know how much rust I’ll have,” Estrada noted. “In training, my timing’s been great and everything’s been smooth – no pain in my foot, back, elbow, shoulder or anywhere. The time-off gave my body much needed rest. I’m a different fighter, too. Now I know about the business of boxing having sat in with my father and promoters. I know that it’s not easy getting into championship fights. In the ring, I’m more experienced and smarter.
“I’m hoping something big happens for me in the next 4 ½ years,” Jason added. “I’m done after that because I’m not one of those guys who want to fight into his forties. I signed with Boxing 360 to get positioned for a world title fight. I want to be able to win at least one of the big belts and make some good money for my family and start a business after boxing. Boxing 360 doesn’t have too many fighters, so they can give special attention to each of their fighters. I know that they will put in the time and effort for me. I’ve never felt better, in or out of the ring.”
Jason’s most impressive performance as a pro arguably was a one-sided,10-round win by decision against former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs) in their April 4, 2008 ESPN2 FNF show headliner.
“Boxing 360 believes that Jason Estrada is one of the most talented heavyweights in the world,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy remarked. “We were at ringside for his last fight against Adamek and it was a lot closer than the judges scored it. Jason stayed right there with Adamek and, knowing Adamek is a player in the heavyweight division, Jason knows that he is, too. The Klitschkos aren’t going to be around forever and we’re going to get Jason in position for a legitimate world title fight. Jason’s never been beaten-up and he’s a young 30. No heavyweight today has more boxing skills than Jason and now, after his foot surgery, he’s healthy again and the sky’s the limit.”
DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University head wrestling coach Dave Grant announced the signing of six grapplers to National Letters of Intent Thursday.
“Ryan [Ludwig] and Dominick [Moyer] have worked extremely hard bringing these guys in,” Grant said. “It’s a great recruiting class, not only because of their athletic accomplishments, but academically. They’re strong students that care about wrestling and their academic endeavors.”
Grant’s final signing class at NIU consists of three wrestlers from the state of Illinois, and three out-of-state recruits representing Indiana, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Three of NIU’s six signees are currently ranked nationally by Wrestling USA Magazine.
Ethan Davis of Monett High School in Missouri, the same high school that produced current NIU senior Dakota Greenhaw, headlines the group. Davis, ranked No. 17 at 140 by Wrestling USA Magazine, was a state champion at 140 as a junior and 119 as a freshman. Davis posted a perfect 45-0 record last season and ranks sixth in school history in victories with 132. He also has garnered all-America honors three times at the NHSCA National Tournament in Virginia Beach, placing fifth at the tournament last spring as a junior.
Tyler Argue, a native of Matteson, Ill. and brother of current Huskie Charles Argue is ranked 18th in the nation at 140. The Mount Carmel product posted a 49-16 record with 15 pins last season for the Caravan and took fourth place in the state championships at 135. Argue took fifth and sixth place at the Ironman and Dvorak Tournaments respectively as a junior.
Ranked 23rd in the country at 119, Nick Harrison hails from Stillman Valley, Ill. A two-time state champion at 119, he won the state title in 2009 and 2008. Harrison has amassed a 128-12 record and has been named all-conference and all-state the last three years of his career at Stillman Valley High School.
A two-sport athlete, Jackson Bratcher of Marion, Ind. has posted a 107-7 record during his high school career. He went 38-1 and took third place at 171 in the state championships as a junior. Jackson placed fourth at the FloNationals last spring as well. He also played fullback and nose tackle for the Panther football team.
Thorian Twyner has turned in a 110-8 record in three years at Orion High School. Last season, the Orion, Ill. native posted a 40-1 mark and took first place at the state championships last year at 125. A three-year letterwinner, Twyner has won his team’s MVP honors the last two seasons and is a three-time all-conference, all-area and all-state selection. In the classroom, he was named to the Honor Roll in 2008, 2009 and Fall 2010 and is a member of the Orion’s Environmental Science Club.
Ryan Smith of Honesdale, Pa. has been named all-area by the Scranton Tribune all three years of his career at Honesdale High School. He has compiled a 73-36 mark and tallied 24 pins during his high school career. Smith also excels off the mat. He is a two-year honor roll student and a member of the student council.
“This group really tightens up the lighter weights within our roster. Every one of these student-athletes has experience and success in national level competition,” associate head coach Ryan Ludwig said. “They are hard-nosed competitors that like to push the pace. They have that competitive fire we are looking for. They fit in well with our team philosophy here at Northern.”
The Huskies return to the mat, Saturday, Nov. 27 when the Huskies travel to Bloomington, Ind. to compete in the Indiana Duals. Northern Illinois will face off against UNC-Greensboro, Indiana, Old Dominion and Liberty. The Huskies open the day against Old Dominion at 8 a.m.
Courtesy of Joe Summins, Assistant Director of Media Relations
OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University wrestling and head coach Greg Williams are excited to announce the signings of six new recruits that will promise to help the Wolverines continue to climb in the rankings.
“We feel great about the level of commitment these six young men bring into our classroom and wrestling room,” Williams stated. “They are all accomplished wrestlers on a national level as well as great students.”
Kyle and Chase Cuthbertson, twins from Scottsboro, Alabama, were both five-time State Champions in Alabama. Both were ranked high in all high school wrestling polls before heading out and serving LDS Church missions. Kyle was 61-0 his senior year with a record of 58 pins. He is also fourth in the nation in all time victories with 275. Kyle was the runner-up as a junior at the High School Nationals and also was an All-American in freestyle his senior year. Kyle was also one of the four regional Dave Schulz Excellence Award winners, which recognizes top wrestlers who also excel in the classroom and in their communities.
Chase was 58-1 his senior year with 50 pins. He also is on the all-time wins list with 267 victories through his high school career. Chase also was an All-American, placing fourth in freestyle in Fargo his sophomore year in high school. Kyle and Chase will compete at 174 and 165-pounds respectively next season.
Logan Addis is a senior from Mingus High School in Mingus, Arizona. He is a four-time All-American in freestyle and greco-roman wrestling at the Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo as well as a two-time state champion in Arizona. He is currently ranked 13th in the country. Logan will compete at 157 in 2011-12.
Brian Chamberlain is the returning state champion from Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Washington. He was also a sixth place finisher as a freshman. He will be seeking his second title this year at 215-pounds.
Chris Mayolo, a senior at La Center, Washington, is a two-time All-American last year, placing fourth in freestyle and sixth if greco-roman at the Junior Nationals in Fargo. He is also a two-time placer in the state of Washington. He is currently ranked 14th in the country. Chris will compete at 149 next year.
Derek Thomas from Layton High School in Layton, Utah, will be seeking his second state title this year for the Lancers at 189-pounds. He will compete at 184-pounds for the Wolverines and will join his past teammate, Adam Fager, who will be returning from an LDS mission next fall. Derek was also a very talented quarterback for the Layton football team and had a tough time deciding which sport to pursue in college.
“Utah Valley wrestling is getting better every year,” Williams added. “This group confirms that wrestlers around the country are taking notice and feel that they can excel here. We are very excited about this group of young men. They will fit in great with the leaders we already have in our room. We are expecting great things from every one of them.”
Courtesy of James Warnick, Utah Valley University Athletics, Asst. Sports Information Director
Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris has signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the move brings Harris, who lives in Pompano Beach, closer to home. “Al is excited to be playing in his hometown,” his agent, Jack Bechta said. “He has intimated to me [...]
Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner Efrain Escudero has finally found a new place to call home after receiving his somewhat-surprising release from the UFC in mid-September. Though speculation on his future seemed to focus on Escudero’s likely signing with Strikeforce or Bellator, it turns out upstart promotion Shine Fights has swooped in and inked the [...]
Five Ounces of Pain
Over the weekend, Freddy Schuman, a die-hard Yankee fan known for his ritual of bringing signs to games at Yankee Stadium – along with a frying pan, which he hit with a spoon to encourage the crowd – died at 85.
He was so beloved over the years that he inspired more than a few obits and tributes, like the previously-linked one from the New York Times, this one from HuffPo, and a moment of silence at the Stadium. But perhaps the most fitting way to remember hm is how BuzzFeed did it – with 16 of his signs from over the years.
We’re not going to post 16, but we can’t resist posting some of Freddy’s finest work, both from BuzzFeed’s tribute and elsewhere. Off we go.
Usually his signs were pretty hopeful/in good spirits…
…but not always. And while he’d usually be spotted with his signs at Yankees games…
…every once in a while he’d make his presence felt somewhere else. And despite that shamrock on the frying pan…
…he apparently appreciated traditions and cuisines the world over. But mostly…
…he was a fan. A fan who irritated some people, but a fan nonetheless – and one who seemed to have genuine appreciation for the fellow fans who made him something of a household name.
The NYT’s obit mentioned that he once said, “If not for the fans, then I’m nobody.” Really, that’s true of everything in sports, but the fans make things happen, and the fans helped make Freddy Sez, if nothing else, then definitely not a nobody. Freddy Schuman, RIP.
[H/T Buzzfeed]