October 2009 Archives

To celebrate his 50th birthday Austin businessman Steve Hicks hosted 100 friends at a Caribbean getaway; Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys entertained. Hicks turns 60 in February and will mark the milestone in a dramatically different way: rallying 49 people to join him in bicycling 850 miles across Texas.

On March 6, 2010 Hicks and his fellow bicyclists will set out from the Louisiana/Texas border and head west, averaging 60 miles a day. Starting from Orange, they'll wind up in Presidio two weeks later on March 20.

Hicks, owner and executive chairman of Capstar Partners, conceived of the ride, the Rise Across Texas Challenge, as a fundraiser for the Rise Schools of Texas, which educate typical children alongside those with developmental disabilities. Lance Armstrong is the ride's honorary captain; Mack Brown and Gene Stallings are honorary coaches.

Hicks is appealing to riders as determined as he is. "For my 50th I showed lots of people a good time, but for my 60th I want to give something back to the world," he says. "Some adventurous types have already signed on for the full ride. Anyone raising a minimum can join for part of the ride, too."

Proceeds will launch a campaign to build a permanent home for the Rise School in Austin, which currently leases space. Subsequent funds will benefit Rise Schools in Dallas, Houston, and Corpus Christi.

Hicks is not an elite biker -- far from it, at least now. When not recruiting sponsors, he's relearning something that one proverbially never forgets. "I got my cycling merit badge as a Boy Scout, and that's pretty much it," he says. "Right now I'm trying to get used to being on the bike without falling." Never fear, though: Kevin Livingston, six-time Tour de France Rider and U.S. National Champion, has agreed to train the riders for their venture.

Towns slated as ride stops include Kountze, Montgomery, Brenham, Bastrop, Austin, Wimberley, Kerrville, Leakey, Brackettville, Del Rio, Sanderson, Marathon, and Marfa.

Event sponsors to date include DMX, Harden Healthcare, Livestrong, Mellow Johnny's, Pedal Hard and Texas Monthly. Trek Travel is the official bike tour operator.

For more information on the Rise Across Texas Challenge, please visit riseacrosstexas.org

SOURCE Rise Across Texas Foundation

Amtrak put their Northeast Corridor passengers into the spirit of the upcoming Amtrak Series today by polling passengers on board two trains running between New York and Philadelphia about their baseball team preferences. The fans polled aboard Amtrak Acela Express trains #2165 and #2170 chose the New York Yankees over the Philadelphia Phillies by a 1.7-to-one margin. Participating passengers were given their team's official Championship Series t-shirt for voicing their preference.

Three hundred thirty-four (334) passengers received Yankee tee-shirts, and 197passengers favored the Phillies tee-shirts.

For all baseball fans, a World Series involving two east coast powerhouses means that Amtrak is the best way for fans to travel to the games.

Few American icons have a history as closely linked as that of baseball and train travel. From the beginning of "the national pastime," baseball players have traveled by train. When the Phillies and Yankees met in 1950, the teams traveled by train, and for this year's World Series, appropriately dubbed the Amtrak Series, the most convenient and comfortable way for fans and players to travel is on board Amtrak.

Amtrak offers three services between New York and Philadelphia - Acela Express, Northeast Regional, and Keystone. There are 15 Acela Express frequencies in each direction, 21 Northeast Regional frequencies in each direction, and 10 Keystone frequencies in each direction every weekday, making it convenient for Phillies and Yankee fans to travel to see their teams. Reservations can be made online at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn double points for travel - including to the Amtrak Series -- through December 19 just by registering at Amtrakguestrewards.com.

The Amtrak Series features the hometown teams from two of Amtrak's busiest stops - New York and Philadelphia. During fiscal year 2009, New York was Amtrak's busiest train station with more than 7.8 million passengers boarding or alighting at Penn Station. Philadelphia's 30th Street Station ranked third, with 3.7 million Amtrak passengers using the station to board or detrain (Washington, DC was second).

In addition to fans, the Yankees and Phillies players will also be traveling to the World Series by train just as their predecessors did when the teams first met in the 1950 World Series. This year the Phillies and Yankees will be traveling via chartered trains, just as professional teams from all of the major sports have this year. During fiscal year 2009 Amtrak operated 32 sports charters including six for Major League Baseball teams. These chartered trains allow players and coaches to travel in a relaxed atmosphere before and after their games.

Fans can do the same. Amtrak's Acela Express and Northeast Regional services offer passengers wide seats with lots of leg room and a cafe car with a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, making the 91-mile trip between New York and Philadelphia a home run! Reservations for a trip to the Amtrak Series can be made at Amtrak.com.

Source: Amtrak

NBA Star/Author and CEO of Christie Sports Management Athletes Training Firm Doug Christie will be inducted into Pepperdine University Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills, Calif. A reception will be held at 5 p.m., with dinner and the awards presentation at 6 p.m.

The Pepperdine University Department of Athletics has announced that seven of its all-time greats, Doug Christie, Geoffrey Clark, Bob Ctvrtlik, Katherine Hull, Kelly Jones, John Rettberg and Rod Wilde will all be honored at the ceremony.

"The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame is enriched each year as they continue to add some of the most distinguished and accomplished student-athletes in the program's history," said Pepperdine Director of Athletics John Watson. "These are seven individuals that are very well deserving of this honor. We look forward to honoring them and recognizing their achievements, both what took place at Pepperdine and in their professional lives."

The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1980. These seven will join 77 individuals and 12 teams that have already been enshrined.

To be eligible for induction, nominees must have competed, coached for or rendered an extraordinary service to Pepperdine University Athletics. After a list of nominations was gathered, Pepperdine's Hall of Fame Committee made the decision on this year's inductees.

"I'm extremely honored to have been chosen for this years' Pepperdine Hall of fame induction along with such an elite class. My years attending Pepperdine were some of the best of my life, from all of my teammates and their diligence, hard work and support, to Coaches, Tom Asbury, Bob Hawkins, Bob Williams and David Campbell, and all the wonderful staff I am forever grateful," states Doug Christie, on the heels of a stellar 14 year NBA career where Doug played with NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. Christie established himself as a premier perimeter defender. During his seasons with the Sacramento Kings (2000-2005) Christie was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team consecutively, as well as being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and was also recognized as one of the league's best all around players. Christie has since co-written a best selling book with his wife Jackie, titled: No Ordinary Love, A True Story of Marriage and Basketball! as well as in 2009 Doug founded Christie Sports Management Athletes Training Firm, his company that trains athletes and NBA players in Mind, Body and Basketball. This induction is a solid testament to the strong foundation Doug received while attending Pepperdine University and carries with him throughout his professional career and beyond.

About Pepperdine: Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The University is located on 830 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. The University is recognized nationally for its excellent academic programs and enrolls approximately 7,500 full-time and part-time students in its five colleges and schools.

About Doug Christie: Doug Christie Former Pepperdine Wave ... Played three seasons (1989-90 through 1991-92) ... A guard/forward from Seattle, Wash. ... A two-time All-American (1991 and 1992) ... The WCC Player of the Year in both 1991 and 1992 ... MVP of the 1992 WCC Tournament ... A four-time WCC Player of the Week ... As a senior, led team in scoring (19.5), assists (4.8) and steals (2.0) ... As a junior, led team in scoring (19.1), assists (4.8) and steals (2.2) ... As a sophomore, averaged 8.9 points and led the team in assists (4.0) ... Ended his career #13 on Pepperdine's all-time scoring chart with 1,392 points (now #15) ... On career lists, still ranks #3 in assists (395), #3 in steals (168) and #10 in blocked shots (86) ... Team won both the WCC regular season and the WCC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both 1991 and 1992 ... Selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics ... Had a 15-year career in the NBA.

For more information visit:

www.dougchristie.com

www.pepperdine.edu

SOURCE Christie Sports Management/Athlete Training Firm

One of America's most recognized resort golf courses, the Blue Monster at the famed Florida golf resort - Doral Golf Resort & Spa - is joining the PGA TOUR's TPC Network through a licensing agreement.

The changeover becomes effective November 1, 2009, with the name and logo changes occurring immediately. It will become the TPC Blue Monster at Doral. Other aspects of course re-branding will be integrated over time.

"We're excited about expanding our affiliation with the PGA TOUR and joining forces with the TPC Network," said Mark Jeffrey, general manager of Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort in Miami, Florida. "The Blue Monster has a longstanding history as a host venue with the TOUR and this new partnership undoubtedly will further elevate the visibility and award-winning reputation of Doral's marquee golf course."

The Blue Monster Golf Course has played host to PGA TOUR tournaments since 1962 and now is the site of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship. For more information about the PGA TOUR's TPC network of resort, daily fee and private clubs, go to www.tpc.com.

About Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort

Situated on 650 tropical acres, the award-winning Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort is one of Miami's premier resorts. All 693 luxuriously-appointed Miami accommodations, including 96 suites, boast individual balconies/patios, guest-controlled air conditioning, two-line telephones for high-speed Internet/fax access and electronic safes with rechargeable capabilities for your laptop. With over 110,000 square-feet of flexible meeting and function space Doral is the perfect location for corporate events, meetings, receptions and unforgettable social events. For dining, guests can choose from five delectable restaurants in Miami, including Windows on the Green, The Atrium, Terrazza Restaurant and Cafe, Champions Bar & Grill and Bungalou's Bar & Grill. The resort is gearing up to debut a new restaurant and bar at the end of 2009. Located only seven miles from Miami International Airport, the hotel also features the acclaimed Jim McLean Golf Center, The Blue Lagoon aquatic recreation area and nine retail shops. Visit www.doralresort.com.

SOURCE Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort

International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC") today announced that Forbes has named ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy the Most Powerful Woman in Sports. In selecting its list, Forbes focused primarily on individuals "whose decisions affect the largest sports-related revenue streams--be they from teams, leagues or corporate sponsors."

The article dated October 14, 2009, states France Kennedy's "26-year career at ISC spans a period that expanded the sport past its Southern base." The article added, "She rose to president in 2003 and to CEO this June. Analysts say she's played a big role in most all of the company's acquisitions and improvement projects dating back to the 1990s."

"It is truly an honor to be included in this prestigious list alongside many colleagues and marketing partners," said France Kennedy. "This recognition is a testament to the continued strength of NASCAR and its commitment to the fans. Our team continues to provide the most thrilling and innovative experiences in motorsports entertainment while continuing to broaden the reach of our industry. Without the focus and support of our outstanding senior management team and all ISC employees, this honor would not have been attainable."

France Kennedy sits atop a list of the 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports which includes: Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer for World Wrestling Entertainment; Heidi Ueberroth, President, International Business Operations for the NBA; Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer for Coca-Cola North America; Virginia McCaskey, Principal Owner of the Chicago Bears; Jamie McCourt, Chief Executive Officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers; Rita Benson LeBlanc, Part Owner and Executive Vice President for the New Orleans Saints; Denise DeBartolo York, Principal Owner of the San Francisco 49ers; Kathryn Carter, Executive Vice President for Soccer United Marketing; Sarah Robb O'Hagen, Chief Marketing Officer for Gatorade; and Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive Officer for the Women's Tennis Association. The complete article may be found at www.forbes.com.

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway® in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York. In addition, ISC promotes major motorsports activities in Montreal, Quebec, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock-Car Montreal.

The Company also owns and operates MRN® Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network; the DAYTONA 500 Experience(SM), the "Ultimate Motorsports Attraction" in Daytona Beach, Florida, and official attraction of NASCAR®; and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise. In addition, ISC has an indirect 50 percent interest in Motorsports Authentics®, which markets and distributes motorsports-related merchandise licensed by certain competitors in NASCAR racing. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.iscmotorsports.com.

SOURCE International Speedway Corporation

Study demonstrates cheerleading is comparable with other female sports but industry leaders emphasize need for proper training and supervision

Injury risks associated with cheerleading are no greater than most other sports, according to a recent study released by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA).

Using two existing studies, the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injuries annual study and emergency room data from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, AACCA conducted a thorough analysis of the number of injuries per participant to determine risk of injury.

Contrary to some recent media reports, the AACCA analysis found that the risk of injury from cheerleading is comparable with other female sports when participation is factored. In fact, cheerleading ranks third in female sports and eleventh in risk among injuries for all high school athletes.

"It can be readily documented that cheerleading in the U.S. is a reasonably safe and healthy activity for our youth," says Dr. Gerald George, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Kinesiology at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, a noted sports safety expert and the editor of several sports manuals, including the AACCA Manual. "Furthermore, a critical analysis of current injury statistics readily verify that the risk of injury associated with cheer participation is well below that of many popular sport activities currently being conducted in the elementary and secondary schools."

Dr. George adds, "Like any sport or activity, the risk of injury rises to an unreasonable level in the absence of proper training and supervision. That is why it becomes so important that cheer coaches and school administrators take advantage of the Safety Certification and Educational Programs offered by AACCA."

Jim Lord, executive director of AACCA and author of the report cautioned that, like all sports, safety must always take top priority. "The data analyzed in this study clearly shows that the risks associated with cheerleading are very much in line with the risk of other sports. It also shows that there is room for improvement in the enforcement of safe practices at all levels of cheerleading."

In many states, high school cheerleaders follow the guidelines of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Beginning this year, the organization is adding cheerleading to its annual injury surveillance study conducted by The Ohio State University.

Susan Loomis, spirit director for the NFHS, has endorsed the AACCA study adding, "This study by the AACCA shows that our efforts to create reasonable safety rules and to encourage coaches' education are critical to keep cheerleading as safe as possible, in line with other high school sports at the very least."

Lord is optimistic that the use of correct data, along with a continuing emphasis on safe practices by coaches through its Safety Certification and Education Program, will further improve safety awareness.

"The AACCA formed a partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2006 that required that college cheerleading coaches must be safety-certified," Lord said. "The NCAA has reported that there have been no catastrophic injury claims since that time. We see that as a success we can replicate in cheerleading at all age levels."

To view AACCA's full annual sports injury study, visit www.aacca.org/safetystudy

SOURCE American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators

What does it take to be named the "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots"? According to Katie Pelczar of Dedham, Massachusetts - the winner of Ocean Spray's first ever tailgating recipe contest - it takes mixing sweet and savory flavors with the irresistible tang of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail and Ocean Spray cranberries. Pelczar's tantalizing Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread tailgate recipe, which exemplifies the spirit of tailgating and highlights the versatility of the cranberry, will be showcased at the New England Patriots Tailgate party on October 18.

Pelczar was among the three finalists today who participated in Ocean Spray's Tailgating Recipe Contest cook-off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Finalists whipped up cranberry-inspired tailgate recipes using equipment provided by Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place.

Well known Chef Ming Tsai, host of Simply Ming and chef/owner of the award-winning Blue Ginger restaurant in Wellesley, Massachusetts, announced the winner. Pelczar's recipe was awarded the title of "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots" and she received a prize package including two tickets to the New England Patriots' October 18 game against the Tennessee Titans.

"The recipes were imaginative, bringing the flavors of fall to the grill and the gridiron. It was difficult to choose," said Ming Tsai. "The judges and I felt that Katie Pelczar's recipe displayed the true versatility of the fruit with Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread."

Ming Tsai, a football enthusiast, also got in on the action by preparing several of his favorite tailgate recipes, including his Blue Ginger Cranberry Chicken Wings and Cranberry-Ginger-Soju Fizz cocktail. To view his cranberry inspired tailgate recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com or www.ming.com.

The contest was open to New England residents with a passion for cranberries and tailgating. The recipes had to be original and reflect the overall theme of tailgating. Creations were judged on creativity, use of product, taste, overall appearance and ease of preparation. The respected panel of judges included Chef Ming Tsai, Pro Football Hall of Famer John Hannah and Cindy Taccini, senior test kitchen manager at Ocean Spray.

"Showcasing the versatility of the cranberry and our products year-round is part of everything we do at Ocean Spray," said Larry Martin, vice president of marketing at Ocean Spray. "While cranberry inspired holiday favorites are top of mind this time of year, we're giving consumers yet another reason to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of cranberries."

The recipe contest was held at Gillette Stadium in conjunction with Ocean Spray's "Patriot Place Bog." The free-standing, 1,500 square foot cranberry bog - created using more than 2,000 pounds of cranberries - is on display and open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 17 and to fans attending the Patriots game on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit Ocean Spray's "Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place." The nature trail, which is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk every day, sits on 16-acres behind the Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place and is a part of a 32-acre wetland system. Visitors seeking light exercise or fun, educational activities for children are invited to enjoy the cranberry bog and wide variety of wildlife and plant life from the trail, bridge or observation platform, which extends across a six-acre pond.

Tailgate Recipes

The winning recipe will be posted on the official New England Patriots website www.patriots.com, delivered to thousands of Patriots fans via the Patriots Now newsletter and featured on www.oceanspray.com.

Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread

Recipe by: Katie Pelczar

    INGREDIENTS:

    1 cup Ocean Spray(R) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
    1/2 cup water
    1/4 cup Ocean Spray(R) Cranberry Juice Cocktail
    1/4 cup raisins
    1/4 cup sugar
    2 tablespoons cider vinegar
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    1 teaspoon chopped garlic
    16 slices bacon
    8 slices hearty whole-grain bread
    4 teaspoons mustard
    1 large apple, sliced
    1/3 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

Directions:

Preheat grill to high.

Bring cranberries, water, cranberry juice cocktail, raisins, sugar, vinegar and ginger to a boil in cast-iron pot or Dutch oven. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.

Meanwhile, heat oil in small cast-iron skillet. Add onion and garlic; saute until soft and slightly brown. Stir onion mixture into cranberry mixture.

Cook bacon on griddle until crisp. Spread 4 bread slices with mustard. Top with bacon, apple and cheese. Spread cranberry mixture on remaining 4 bread slices. Place bread slices, cranberry side down, on cheese to form sandwiches. Grill sandwiches on griddle until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Serve with remaining cranberry mixture.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Score big with other game day treats, including Ocean Spray's Ultimate Party Meatballs. For more recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com

Ultimate Party Meatballs

    Ingredients:

    1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray(R) Jellied Cranberry Sauce
    1 12-ounce bottle Heinz(R) Chili Sauce
    1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Directions:

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

SOURCE Ocean Spray

The prestige of a first-rate golf course open year round transcends the borders of Chile and South America -- High-end homes and mountain and seaside scenery surround two international-standard golf courses.

The alliance between the "Las Brisas de Chicureo" and "Las Brisas de Santo Domingo" real-estate projects has led to an exclusive golf course in Chile. Unique in South America, it allows golfing from the Andes to the Pacific, blending the best natural scenery, culinary, viticultural, and property attributes.

With the beginning of an internationalization process that is already renowned beyond national borders, both real-estate complexes -- associated with illustrious Chilean businessman Eduardo Fernandez Leon -- joined forces in a single sports concept, with majestic golf courses, sports infrastructure, social areas, an elegant club house, and an unmatched selection of property alternatives. Both projects were conceived with an impressive golf course as the backbone, and designed by the celebrated U.S. company Gage Davis.

The route includes the challenge of golfing against the imposing scenery of the Andes, the chance to visit some of Chile's largest vineyards, enjoying seafood and local cuisine, and finally improving your handicap with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset on the Pacific Ocean. All this within less than 130 km. Simply unbeatable!

Seduced by the weather, economic stability, price convenience, and standard of living of this region at the end of the world, a significant number of foreigners are considering Chile as a place to vacation and even settle down. The safety, construction quality, convenient prices, and fine sports infrastructure of these complexes are more than convincing arguments. Although close to Santiago, both complexes enjoy superb scenery and unexplored areas.

The golf course at Las Brisas de Chicureo (http://www.lasbrisas.cl), near Santiago, has over 180 hectares of native forest and fauna, 36 holes, intense green elevations, and undulating fairways, reaching a semi-desert trail of hawthorn, bunkers, and striking ravines.

On the coast (on the way to Rapel V Region), Las Brisas de Santo Domingo (http://www.golflasbrisas.cl) offers 27 holes of great natural beauty and the intense Pacific Ocean in the background, plus a crystal clear 2.2 hectare pond hidden between the seaside and the woods.

SOURCE Las Brisas de Santo Domingo; Las Brisas de Chicureo