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November 2 -- November 8, 2026
Issue No. 666
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Ralph Waldo Emerson
May 25, 1803 -- Aprl 27, 1882
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Note: Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 0, San Diego Wave FC 1
Cal Bears (WP) 14, UCLA Bruins 12
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Colorado Rapids 2
San Jose Earthquakes 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Stanford Cardinal 31, North Carolina State Wolfpack 28
Features & Commentary
Manny Pacquiao, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Multi-ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Opposing Offensive Strategies & Quandaries, by Carl Macki
Out with Crackerjacks, by Steve Chain
Letters to the Editor
Thank you for your article on the great Laguna Seca motorcycle races at Laguna Seca in the 1980s which helped Laguna Seca take its place as a prestigious, global racetrack. Well-written and informative.
Ray Fuentes
Ed: To enjoy the article Ray mentioned, click Sports Today, #665.
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Opposing Offensive Strategies
& Quandaries
Have An Opinion?
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49ers Skipper Kyle Shanahan and Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson make fascinating subjects for a study in contrast and comparison because few coaches better demonstrate how a shared offensive foundation can produce
strikingly different systems.
Both speak much of the same offensive language:
pre-snap motion, play-action deception and a
running game designed to make every call
strengthen the next.
Shanahan favors disciplined outside-zone structure,
bootlegs and clearly defined quarterback reads;
Johnson counters with a broader running menu,
rotating backs, inventive personnel packages
and greater freedom to adapt.
Their methods differ— but both aim to keep
defenses reacting instead of thinking.
-- Afterword --
Bears-49ers Arms Race:
Desperation vs. Efficiency alters NFC balance
The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers are locked in a high-stakes, indirect front-office proxy war that has reshaped the NFC playoff landscape. By pulling off consecutive blockbusters, both franchises have drastically altered the power balance on the path to Super Bowl LXI.
The two contenders collided behind the scenes while chasing the same target: former Colts All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Chicago heavily pursued Buckner, but general manager Ryan Poles balked at Indianapolis' asking price. 49ers GM John Lynch aggressively swooped in instead, securing Buckner for a lone 2027 fourth-round selection.
That masterclass in efficiency panicked the Bears. Desperate to counter San Francisco's defensive upgrade, Chicago pivoted to an ultra-aggressive backup plan, sending Tennessee a king's ransom—two first-rounders and a fourth—for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
The additions create a fascinating philosophical divide between two franchises likely to collide in January:
- The 49ers Asset Management: Secured an elite interior force in Buckner while preserving premium draft capital to sustain their depth.
- The Bears All-In Gamble: Surrendered their draft future but landed the league's ultimate pocket-collapser. Simmons arrives with an 80.5 pass-rush grade (5th in the NFL) and a league-leading 20 run stops.
By overpaying for Simmons, Chicago matched the 49ers' defensive firepower but severely limited their future flexibility. While San Francisco won the value battle, both teams now possess the terrifying interior forces required to dictate postseason trench warfare. The path to the Super Bowl will be won or lost in the middle of the defensive line.
Conceived and illustrated by Carl Macki. Comments?
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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2026 WNBA Champions!!!!
Golden State Valkyries 68
Atlanta Dream 63
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, October 31, 2026
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Valkyries Crowned 2026 WNBA Champions in Game 7 Victory
Over the Dream
WATCH HERE!
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Sat, Oct 31, 2026, 7:33 PM
Gabriella Rizzo
In just their second season the Golden State Valkyries earn the title of 2026 WNBA Champions after defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the Finals on Saturday night at Chase Center. Gabby Williams was unstoppable on both ends of the court, recording a team-high 30 points and four blocks. She scored more points in one half (28) than any player in a postseason game in WNBA history to help close out Game 7. Williams becomes the only player to have 30+ points, 4+ blocks and 2+ steals in a finals game. Her performance solidified her as the 2026 Finals MVP.
continued...
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Real Salt Lake 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, October 31, 2026
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Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral #1 of Real Salt Lake gestures after
the Quakes score in the second minute...
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The Quakes celebrate Ousseni Bouda’s #7 goal in
the second minute.
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Right striker Preston Judd #19 of the San Jose Earthquakes
leaps to keep the ball in play in the second half.
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The Seismic Union celebrates Dia de Los Muertos
during the match
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Cal Bears 14
UCLA Bruins 12
Spieker Aquatics Center, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, October 31, 2026
| California Golden Bears attacker Beso Akhvlediani (8) scored four goals as the fourth-ranked Bears upset the top-ranked UCLA Bruins, 14-12, before a sold-out Spieker Aquatics Center crowd on Saturday, October 31st. | |
Sophomore goalkeeper Aran Pina reacts after
one of his 14 saves.
| California Golden Bears players react after a goal against the UCLA Bruins during the fourth quarter at Spieker Aquatics Complex. | |
The upset win earned head coach Kirk Everist
his 500th career victory.
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California Golden Bears fans cheer after a goal by attacker Tomas Perrone (not shown) during the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Spieker Aquatics Complex.
To visit a photo album, visit
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Colorado Rapids 2
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
| Left centre back Reid Roberts #18 of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates with Ousseni Bouda #7 (above) after Roberts' goal in the 15th minute of the match...The San José Earthquakes tied the Colorado Rapids 2–2 in a MLS Matchday 33 game at PayPal Park on Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026 in San Jose, California. | Goalkeeper Nico Hansen #41 of the Colorado Rapids punches the ball away in front of centre back Daniel Munie #5 of the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half. | |
Right striker Preston Judd #19 of the San Jose Earthquakes levitates above right centre back Rob Holding #6 of the
Colorado Rapids in the second half.
| Jamar Ricketts #2 of the San Jose Earthquakes dribbles over Noah Cobb #24 of the Colorado Rapids in the second half. | |
Daniel Munie #5 of the San Jose Earthquakes meets Rob Holding #6 of the Colorado Rapids head-to-toe in the second half.
To visit a photo album, visit
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
All photos and captions by Alex Ho.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppugBWuYkoo
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Bay FC 0
San Diego Wave FC 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Sunday, November 1, 2026
| San Diego Wave FC defender Mimi Van Zanten #16 with the ball in front of Bay FC midfielder Agostina Holzheier #30 in the first half. The San Diego Wave defeated Bay FC 1–0 in a NWSL match at PayPal Park on Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 in San Jose. | |
Bay FC head coach Emma Coates talks to the assistant
referee during the first half.
| San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio #8 battles Bay FC defender Jenna Nighswonger #31 in the first half. | |
San Diego Wave FC goalkeeper Sandra Paños #12 leaps
for a save in the first half.
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Bay FC defender Aldana Cometti #21 leaps for a header in the second half. To visit a photo album, visit
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
All photos and captions by Alex Ho.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msfmp4P3ARM
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Stanford Cardinal 31
North Carolina State 28
Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA
Friday, October 23, 2026
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Stanford quarterback Davis Warren surveys the field from the pocket as his offensive line battles North Carolina State's defense. The photograph captures the developing play during the
Cardinal's victory over the Wolfpack.
| Stanford's No. 52, AJ Seidler, joins his teammates in a sideline huddle during the Cardinal's matchup against North Carolina State. The photograph captures a moment of unity and communication during Stanford's winning performance. | Stanford's No. 58, offensive lineman Kahill House, raises his arm on the sideline during the Cardinal's victory over North Carolina State. The moment captures the emotion and energy surrounding Stanford's home win. | Stanford students cheer from the stands at Stanford Stadium as the Cardinal take on North Carolina State. The student section brings energy and school spirit to the atmosphere surrounding Stanford's victory over the Wolfpack. All photos and captions by LaNair Haynes II. Instagram: @itsjustlanair | | |
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Giants lose McCray, Roxby to waiver claims as 40-man shuffle begins
Foley, Gage, Basabe outrighted to Triple-A; Giants have to reinstate 16 players from 60-day IL by Monday
October 29, 2026
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
By Maria Guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- One day after the Brewers were crowned World Series champions, the Giants made their first moves of the offseason, trimming five players off their 40-man roster.
The club announced Thursday that outfielder Grant McCray and right-hander Braxton Roxby have been claimed off waivers by the Mariners and Nationals, respectively. Right-hander Jason Foley, left-hander Matt Gage and infielder Osleivis Basabe also cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento.
More cuts are expected to be made in the coming days, as the Giants still have 16 players who will need to be reinstated off the 60-day injured list by Monday. Their only unrestricted free agent thus far is right-hander JT Brubaker, who hit the open market on Thursday.
The most notable name among the initial roster purge was McCray, a 2019 third-round Draft pick who appeared in 102 games for the Giants from 2024-26. The 25-year-old had long been viewed as one of the best athletes in the organization, but he slashed only .170/.235/.323 with 95 strikeouts in 247 career plate appearances (38.5%) and lost ground to other young left-handed-hitting outfielders like Drew Gilbert, Turner Hill, Bo Davidson and Scott Bandura this past season.
Foley, 30, joined the Giants on a one-year, $2 million deal last offseason, but he was inconsistent in his first season back from right shoulder surgery, logging a 4.15 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 26 innings. Gage, 33, also struggled to establish himself as a dependable bullpen piece this year, recording a 5.60 ERA over 27 1/3 innings before suffering a season-ending left elbow strain in early July.
continued...
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"Join us for Great Food,
Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Are you looking for an opportunity in Sales?
The Ultimate Sports Guide seeks talented souls to join our growing company in a Sales capacity. Social Media knowledge and skills a Big Plus!
If you like Sports, consider joining the USG Team. Send along your resume and get ready
to Play Ball!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
p.s. -- The handsome gentleman above is a
regular at USG's Central Coast office.
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Athletics designated hitter and outfielder Brent Rooker (left) on May 2, 2026 against the Cleveland Guardians. Photo by
Darren Yamashita.
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Rooker, A's aiming to come back strong and healthy
by Martín Gallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat
newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And
subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
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WEST SACRAMENTO -- Brent Rooker’s 2026 campaign was nothing at all like he or the Athletics envisioned.
Coming off his second All-Star selection the previous season, Rooker was dealt a blow early with a right oblique strain in April. Missing just over two weeks, the slugger later dealt with left knee soreness in May that led to his placement on the injured list on June 12 and resulted in having to undergo season-ending arthroscopic knee surgery in July.
As opposed to playing 162 games in '25, Rooker finished '26 limited to just 48 games, batting. 200 with a .670 OPS, 10 home runs and 29 RBIs.
Rooker was just one of several key players who missed the majority of the year for the A’s in what was a frustrating 64-98 season. Shortly after the final game of the regular season last month, Rooker sat down with MLB.com to discuss his injury-riddled campaign and look ahead to 2027.
continued....
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Ballers Fam,
We’re deep into the off-season, but we’re still scary good at baseball.
Of course, you can never take a “Baller Out The Bay” but we did send a contingent of 9 past and present all-star Ballers to South Korea to become a part of the first-ever American team to compete in the KBO Fall League.
Playing with the Long Beach Coast (we’re frenemies, for now) our B’s are undefeated in the KBO Fall League and just clinched the 1-seed in the playoffs.
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This trip to South Korea has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. An opportunity so special that legendary coach Don Wakamatsu, our SVP of Baseball Operations, even came out of managerial retirement to lead the squad.
So how can you follow along?
The KBO Fall League Semi-Finals and Finals will take place on October 29th and 30th and will be streamed live on the KBO YouTube channel.
The first postseason game will be on Thursday at 8pm PST and we’ll be having an official watch party at Oakland Athletic Club, located at 59 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
And for a behind-the-scenes look, Ballers shortstop Tremayne Cobb Jr. has been filing regular reports from the road alongside our guy Esai Santos and first baseman Jeter Ybarra.
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49ers Expand In-School Youth Football Program Into Mexico City
Oct 29, 2026 at 03:00 PM
The San Francisco 49ers are furthering their mission to positively impact communities and grow the game of American football by expanding 49ers Flag Mexico presented by Banorte in Mexico City.
In partnership with the 49ers Foundation and NFL Mexico, 49ers Flag Mexico is a school-based initiative designed to expand free access to flag football for youth across the country. Earlier this year, the team launched the program in Los Cabos before adding Monterrey to its service areas. By product of this announcement, the 49ers have now integrated flag football into the physical education (PE) curriculum at nearly 100 schools across the country.
"We believe every student deserves the chance to play, learn, and grow through sport, regardless of their background, gender, or financial situation," said Sofy Navarro, Director of Program Impact & Strategy for the 49ers Foundation. "By expanding 49ers Flag Mexico into Mexico City, we're making flag football free and accessible to thousands of students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. We can't wait to continue building on the momentum we've already seen in Los Cabos and Monterrey this year and build towards the future of football."
The Mexico City expansion was celebrated yesterday with an event at Escuela Primaria Benito Juarez for teachers and students from 49 local schools. Coach Kelly (Arely Monserrat Pérez García), Head of Program Education for 49ers Flag Mexico, led an educational coaching clinic instructing 70 PE teachers on how to teach the basics of flag football.
Meanwhile, 100 students took part in 49ers EDU lessons covering science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The event culminated in a flag football skills and drills clinic for all students, led by the newly trained PE teachers. 49ers Alumni Alfredo Gutiérrez was also on-site to help coach the teachers and students.
continued...
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It’s no wonder fans at Kansas City Chiefs games are shocked when stories of Taylor Swift, enjoying her chicken tenders dipped in both ketchup and ranch dressing, circulate in Arrowhead Stadium.
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Pork Belly Bomb
On the other hand, Kansas City fans have their own
explaining to do when it comes to their food tastes
in the exclusive sales of the Pork Belly Bomb.
The Pork Belly Bomb consists of a rich cream cheese
and Boursin cheese filling. Coated with Parmesan cheese and sour cream and onion chip crust top, it is finished with thick-cut candied bacon and red pepper jelly.
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Skittles Dirty Soda
If that doesn’t shake up your digestive tract, you can finish
this monster with a Skittles Dirty Soda -- a fruity soda
topped with a layer of freeze-dried Skittles.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
(Have a food item to share with our discerning reviewer?
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com)
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Lendeborg Explodes for 34 Points in Warriors' Win Over the Clippers
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November 1, 20268:40 PM PST
Yaxel Lendeborg scored a career-high 37 points in the Golden State Warriors 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night at Chase Center in the first of back-to-back games. The rookie drained six 3-pointers and shot 81% from the field in his second 30-point performance in just his seventh game of his career. The Warriors had four players score in double figures and shot 54% from the field as a team with 22 total 3-pointers. Their largest lead reached 22 points in Golden State's
fourth consecutive win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr-WKrgoBE
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Senators score four straight, pull away from Sharks
Stutzle, Cozens, Pinto each has goal, assist in win; Batherson runs point streak to seven for Ottawa
By Max Miller
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
October 31, 2026, 5:04 PM
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SAN JOSE -- Tim Stutzle, Dylan Cozens and Shane Pinto each had a goal and an assist for the Ottawa Senators, who pulled away with four straight goals and defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-1 at SAP Center on Saturday.
Drake Batherson scored to extend his point streak to seven games (six goals, six assists) and Ridly Greig had a short-handed goal for the Senators (9-5-1), who had lost two straight and are 1-1-1 on a five-game road trip. Samuel Ersson made 22 saves for his first victory with Ottawa, and Jake Sanderson had two assists.
"From the drop of the puck till the end of the game, we were on top of our game," Ottawa coach Travis Green said. "They've got a good offensive team, and I thought we did a real good job playing behind them and making them play in their zone."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMUcSI8hodQ
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OAKLAND, October 28, 2026—The Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame announced today it will induct five retired professional athletes at its 28th Annual Induction and Community Awards Ceremony on February 24, 2027. MESHOF will also present awards to five community supporters. The ceremony will be held at Scott’s Seafood Pavilion, #2 Broadway
in Oakland, California.
For more information, click this link.
| Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
To the Valkyries in a Moment...
I'm still not feeling in the spirit for watching the Golden State Valkyries play in the final game of the WNBA Championship (after major surgery) and instead I'll
watch the highlights at 11.
The hoopla around the series has raised my interest
to look at where this women's basketball league
came from. It startled me to find the league
has been around since 1997!
When looking at the stats and where the teams are located, the names of the head coaches in the league drew my attention leading to my first
WNBA trivia question.
What percentage of WNBA coaches are male?
Of course you won't know but you may find
the answer surprising...
-- answer below --
| Manny Pacquiao -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
A friend of mine went to Manny Pacquiao’s training camp at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles to watch him train.
After the training session my friend was able to get
Manny’s autograph on this magazine cover and his
trainer Freddy Roach and strength coach Alex Ariza.
My friend then gave me the signed
magazine as a gift.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 208: The Big Ten Did Not Raise The Cap; It Built
A New One
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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On Wednesday afternoon, reports started coming out saying the Big Ten had adopted conference rules aligned with the Protect College Sports Act (which is still not law), raising the cap on payment to athletes from $21.6 million to $49 million. That sounded promising. A couple of hours later, Ross Dellenger posted that the Big Ten is not independently raising anything. It is permitting roughly $27 million in school-affiliated third-party NIL, all of which must still clear the College Sports Commission, and it is penalizing any member school that goes past that number.
So, the revenue-share pool under the House v. NCAA settlement is exactly what it was on Tuesday. What changed is that the one category of money the settlement deliberately left uncapped, third-party NIL that a school helps arrange, now has a ceiling inside the Big Ten. The rule passed unanimously, took effect immediately, requires each school and its senior athletics staff to attest to compliance, and carries what the conference describes as escalating financial penalties and other discipline. The stated rationale is to let members begin to plan, budget, and build rosters approximating the bill's economic structure, before the House of Representatives has cast a single vote on that structure.
The conference's summary limits institutional involvement in arranging third-party NIL agreements to $27.5 million per school. Added to the roughly $21.6 million a school may pay directly under the settlement, that produces a total of about $49 million in compensation the school either pays or touches. The rule does not replace CSC review. Every arranged deal still has to satisfy the valid business purpose standard and the CSC's range of compensation. Athletes, according to the Big Ten, remain free to pursue NIL with any entity, associated or not, on their own.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2026
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A historic starting grid at Laguna Seca.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca celebrates its 70th anniversary — Legends of Motorsport to be the highlight feature of the 2027 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
“70 Years of Laguna Seca: Legends of Motorsport” will celebrate the people, machines, and moments that have shaped seven decades at the iconic California circuit.
MONTEREY, Calif. (October 29, 2026) — In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Laguna Seca, the 2027 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will present “70 Years of Laguna Seca: Legends of Motorsport,” a sweeping tribute to the people, machines, innovation, art, design and culture that have defined the automotive and motorcycle worlds across seven generations at Laguna Seca.
Rather than celebrating a single marque, the 2027 Reunion will honor the extraordinary breadth of motorsport history that has unfolded at Laguna Seca since the circuit opened in 1957. Throughout the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Legends of Motorsport will come to life as a living exhibition, pairing significant race cars and motorcycles with the drivers, riders, designers, engineers, team owners and personalities who made them legendary. Together, they will tell the stories of seven decades of competition, innovation, and unforgettable moments at one of the world’s most revered racing circuits.
Legends of Motorsport will be brought to life through a series of featured pillars that celebrate the many dimensions of motorsport and its influence across generations. Racing Legends and Drivers will reunite celebrated competitors with the machines and moments that defined their careers; Collectors and Influential Personalities will showcase the visionaries who have preserved, championed and shaped automotive history; Art & Photography will capture motorsport through the eyes of renowned artists and image-makers; Designers and Builders will recognize the creative minds, engineers and craftspeople responsible for some of the world’s most iconic machines; and Fashion & Lifestyle will explore how motorsport’s distinctive style, energy and culture have influenced life far beyond the racetrack.
continued...
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Brian Flynn Named President of Sonoma Raceway
Following more than three years of elevating the business performance of the largest motorsports facility in Northern California, Flynn was promoted from Executive Vice President and General Manager to
President of Sonoma Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (October 26, 2026) – Accomplished motorsports executive Brian Flynn has been promoted from executive vice president and general manager to president of Sonoma Raceway. Speedway Motorsports President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith made the announcement Monday.
For more than three years, Flynn has elevated the business performance of Northern California’s largest motorsports facility while continuing to expand Sonoma Raceway’s reputation and event calendar as a race fan, tourist and corporate event destination in wine country. Sonoma Raceway annually hosts thousands of guests from around the world for signature events such as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race, the Ferrari Challenge North America, the DENSO NHRA Nationals and the Velocity Invitational. Under Flynn’s leadership, Sonoma Raceway has earned the Speedway Motorsports Acceleration Award for the past two years, recognizing year-over-year gains in financial performance.
continued...
| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Current Gender Representation
Among WNBA Head Coaches
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As of now, 46% of the WNBA head coaches are male. This statistic reflects the ongoing gender dynamics within the league, which has seen a mix of both male and female coaches over the years.
This representation highlights the league's commitment to female empowerment while also acknowledging the presence of male coaches in leadership roles.
(Condensed AI answer.)
This link will take you to info showing some of the controversy around the stat...
Go Patriots -- Go Celtics -- Go Valkyries
| | Bears Fall To Wolfpack, 31-10 | | |
Cal Completes Road Schedule At Virginia On
Nov. 14 Following Bye Week
By: Cal Athletics
RALEIGH, N.C. - The California football team was tied with NC State at halftime before the Wolfpack took control in the second half in a 31-10 victory over the Golden Bears at Carter-Finley Stadium.
The Wolfpack scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions after halftime to earn the victory.
Heading into a bye week, Travers Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi said he wants his players to "attack at every growth opportunity I can establish. Challenging our group, but I believe in them and I believe that they'll reflect myself as far as continuing to fight."
The Cal defense had held NC State to just 108 total yards in the first half.
Early in the second quarter, the Bears (3-6, 2-4 ACC) trailed 10-0 and had registered only one first down. They then proceeded to march 75 yards in seven plays. On 2nd-and-4 from the NC State 30, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele rolled left and lofted a deep pass for Chase Hendricks, who batted the ball and still managed to come down with it on the goal line.
continued...
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Cardinal Outrun in Second Half, Falls to Louisville on the Road
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Lincoln Kienholtz threw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and rushed for another score to lead Louisville to a 52-24 win over Stanford on Saturday.
Louisville (5-3, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) recorded its first win over the Cardinal and brought Stanford its first loss in two weeks.
The Cardinals scored on back-to-back turnovers and outscored Stanford 21-7 in the third quarter to break the game open. Stanford led twice in the second quarter and tied the score at 24 in the third quarter before the hosts pulled away by scoring 28 unanswered points. Tre Richardson caught 10 passes for 140 yards for Louisville, which amassed 545 yards of offense, a balance of 249 yards through the air and 296 rushing. Isaac Brown led Louisville with 139 yards rushing and scored on a 75-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
continued...
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Spartans to Hold Senior Day on Sunday Against Utah Tech
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San José State men's soccer team (6-7-3, 3-3-2 MW) will play Utah Tech (2-12-2, 1-6-1 MW) on Sunday, November 1, at 6 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex for Senior Day. The game will be shown live on MW+.
The Spartans can clinch a berth to the Mountain West Tournament with a win or a loss from UC Davis.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | | |
Antonie Kelnarova is on pace to be the first Gael to reach 400 kills in a single season since 2007.
VB | Rested Gaels Host Pacific in Single Game Weekend
MORAGA, Calif. — After playing 22 contests in their first nine weeks of action, the Saint Mary's volleyball team will enjoy their first single match week of the season, playing host to NorCal rival Pacific for a Halloween clash. Pacific is the lone WCC foe that the Gaels have yet to face here in their strong 8-2 conference start.
continued...
Photo by: Tod Fierner / Saint Mary's Athletics
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Dons Get Key Win Over
LMU, 2-0
LOS ANGELES -- In need of a win to stay in the hunt for a spot in the West Coast Conference Championship, San Francisco Men's Soccer earned a critical 2-0 shutout victory at LMU Saturday night.
With the win, the Dons improved to 6-6-4, 2-2-3 in WCC play.
USF went up 1-0 in the first half when David Raphael converted on a penalty kick. Later in the 85th minute, Marci Killeen collected a loose ball off a corner kick and punched in the second goal of the night to seal the Don victory. Brayden Beason earned an assist on the goal.
continued...
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Offense Leads Women's Soccer to
4-0 Win at San Francisco
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SAN FRANCISCO — Santa Clara women's soccer defeated San Francisco (3-9-3, 0-6-2) 4-0 on Saturday. The Broncos (8-2-8, 4-0-4) scored three times before halftime and finished with an 18-12 edge in shots, including 10-3 in shots on goal.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | | Tigers Honor Seniors in Hard-Fought Decision Against No. 12 Portland | | |
STOCKTON, Calif. – The University of the Pacific men's soccer team celebrated Senior Day at Knoles Field on Saturday evening, battling nationally ranked No. 12 Portland before falling 4-1 in West Coast Conference action from Knoles Field.
Pacific (3-11-4, 2-3-2 WCC) honored its senior class in its final home match of the 2026 season.
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Aggies Bounce Back To Sweep Hawai’i On Halloween
Score: UC Davis 3, Hawai'i 0 (25-15, 27-25, 25-20)
Location: Davis, Calif. (University Credit Union Center)
Records: UC Davis 12-11 (8-4), Hawai'i 19-4 (11-1)
DAVIS, Calif. — A special clash on Halloween ended in treats for UC Davis volleyball, securing a sweep against top seeded Hawai'i on Saturday, Oct. 3
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Pioneers Sweep Menlo for Second Consecutive CCAA Victory
HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay volleyball team earned its second consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, sweeping Menlo 3-0 in CCAA action at Pioneer Gymnasium. The Pioneers claimed the match with set scores of 25-18, 25-20 and 25-22, improving to 9-12 overall and 7-4 in conference play.
East Bay opened the match with an efficient offensive performance, recording 13 kills on 33 attempts with just two errors for a .333 hitting percentage in the first set. The Pioneers limited Menlo to a .211 hitting percentage and took the opening frame 25-18 to establish an early advantage.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, November 2, through
Sunday, November 8, 2026
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Monday, November 2
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Calgary Flames, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3
Wednesday, November 4
San Jose Sharks vs. LA Kings, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 5
Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m.
Friday, November 6
San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 7
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars, 5 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Minnesota United, 4 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Northern Illinois Huskies, 1 p.m.
Sunday, November 8
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1:25 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat, 6 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young. Dave Newhouse (dec.)
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Technology Advisors: Silas Everett, Gaurav Chaulagain
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired), Elliott Smith (dec.)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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