|
June 9 -- June 15, 2025
Issue No. 593
| | |
NBA Finals--
Jump Ball!
GAME TWO
| | | |
After the three (3) seconds of ecstasy the Pacers experienced in their Game One victory, it was back to earth in Game Two. OKC had a collective Double Espresso and came out with a near-perfect performance, with five players scoring 15 or more points and a personality change on Defense, with steady pressure on Tyrese Haliburton and other key Indiana scorers.
The question is, with the series knotted at one game each, did the Pacers' victory in Game One instill enough confidence and bravado to overcome the steady diet of gloom and doom from the so-called experts, and a revitalized Thunder. OKC was due to be in top form on Sunday, but as zealous home crowds await, Tyrese, Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin and company will similarly recapture their magic and, literally, "rebound" and win at least one on Wednesday or Friday. This series is far from over.
The two best teams have earned trips to the Finals. In my opinion, it's still "PICK 'EM!" (5:30, ABC)
YOUTUBE: #4 Pacers at #1 Thunder | NBA Finals Game 2 Highlights | June 8, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-uccuqoiac (14:11)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
NBA Finals graphic by Carl Macki
* * * * * *
| | |
Selected Shots from the French Open
| | | |
It took five and a half hours but on Sunday Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open for the second straight year, in a stunning comeback, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2). Alcaraz earned the win after dropping the first two sets and defeated Sinner after five sets and three tiebreaks.
Men’s singles Final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aERKJuBtIGw
Winner beats Sinner!
American Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed, beat No. 1 seed Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 Saturday at the French Open final. Sabalenka just didn't lose, Coco WON, contrary to Sabalenka's initial statement. In her post-match news conference Saturday, Sabalenka said Gauff won the final "not because she played incredible" but because of Sabalenka's own poor play. On Sunday, Sabalenka walked back those comments in an Instagram statement giving credit to Gauff for her championship victory. “Yesterday was a tough one,” Sabalenka wrote. “Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win. She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned.”
American Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed, beat No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52VQbqUIF0 (12:00)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
| | |
Contents
Games
Bay FC 1, Portland Thorns 0
Golden State Valkyries 95, Las Vegas Aces 68
Oakland Ballers 5, Glacier Range Riders 2
Oakland Roots SC 0, El Paso Locomotive FC 0
Oakland Soul SC 1, Stockton Cargo SC 2
Features & Commentary
Carney Lansford, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, by Ed Jay
It's the "Kinda Sorta Maybe" Time of the Season, by Howard Pearlstein
Marshall, Riegels, Corrigan, by Dave Newhouse
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Stars on Ice, by Rich Yee
Times Are A Changing, by Lydia Chain
Organizations
| | |
A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
| | |
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
| | |
Golden State Valkyries 95
Las Vegas Aces 68
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, June 7, 2025
| |
Golden State Valkyries Julie Vanloo (#35) passes to a teammate as the Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 95-68, on Saturday afternoon, June 7 at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA.
Photo by Rich Yee.
| |
Aces Dane Evans rushes past Valkyries Kate Martin (#20)
at midcourt. Martin finished with 12 points. Photo by Rich Yee.
| |
Forward Kayla Thornton (#5) lead the Valkyries with 22 points
and 11 rebounds. Photo by Rich Yee.
| |
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase was very happy with the
95-68 point win over the Aces. The next Valkyries game is Monday, June 9 in Los Angeles versus the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m.
Photo by Rich Yee.
| | |
Jim Marshall picks up a San Francisco fumble in 1964 and heads for the end zone — the wrong end zone — resulting in a 49ers safety and lifetime infamy for the Minnesota Vikings defensive end
| | | | |
Marshall,
Riegels,
Corrigan
by Dave Newhouse
| | |
We’ve all made travel blunders in our lives, believing we were heading in one direction and winding up somewhere else. But the whole country didn’t read about it or attach a lifetime nickname to us because of it, unlike what befell a misdirected Jim Marshall.
That’s Jim “Wrong Way” Marshall, who picked up a 49ers fumble at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco in 1964, got twisted around and took off 66 yards for the wrong end zone, scoring a safety for the home team. Luckily, the Minnesota Vikings, for whom Marshall played defensive end, won the game, 27-22. Unlucky for Marshall, he’s the only reason anyone remembers that game.
Anyone, that is, but Roy Riegels, who also earned the “Wrong Way” appellation long before Marshall, by costing Cal an 8-7 defeat to Georgia Tech in the 1929 Rose Bowl. And like Marshall and a certain challenged pilot, Riegels lived with it an entire lifetime, yet offering solace to Marshall.
That pilot was Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan, whom in 1938 took off from Long Beach to New York City, and then flew from Brooklyn to Ireland, although his flight plan was filed to return to Long Beach. Oh, well, oceans — the Atlantic does look like the Pacific.
| | |
Pilot Douglas Corrigan flew from Long Beach to New York City
and on to Ireland in 1938 when he was supposed to fly
back to Long Beach
| | |
One mistake, and Marshall, Riegels and Corrigan were branded for a lifetime. And even beyond, as Marshall was the last of the three to die at 87 a week ago after a long hospitalization for an undisclosed illness. Of course, his errant run was part of his obituary.
Celebrities live under a different spotlight, with much higher wattage, than most of society. And to fully grasp that wattage, I reached out to one celebrity who knows exactly what another celebrity went through by also making a historic sports gaffe.
So after Marshall ran the wrong way, Riegels, who owned an agricultural business in Woodland, CA, near the state capital in Sacramento, wrote Marshall a sympathetic letter.
| | |
Cal’s Roy Riegels is speeding the wrong way with a Georgia Tech fumble that led to a safety and an 8-7 loss for the Golden Bears
in the 1929 Rose Bowl game
| | |
“I told him,” Riegels said to me at his home, “not to let this bother him, that he’ll receive a lot of kidding for the rest of his life, and he’ll just have to learn and take it, and laugh with the crowd.”
Marshall never responded, so it’s not certain that he found the same lightheartedness that Riegels managed to obtain, even though his 65-yard run also resulted in an eventual safety that produced a different, negative, outcome.
“I suppose I could suffer over what happened long ago,” Riegels added in our 1977 interview, “but I’m not the kind who suffers. I guess I could hide from it, too, but I’m not about to hide. I’ve always worked hard to do the best I can. The way I see it, if I hadn’t been trying, I wouldn’t have been on that football field in the first place. What happened then is just one of those things in life you have to accept.”
Regardless if you are a star or otherwise -- and Riegels and Marshall were both stars. Riegels was an All-Coast center for Cal. His teammate, tailback Benny Lom, said, “Roy was one of Cal’s great centers. In three years, he never centered a bad snap. He was a smart player with a good sense of timing.”
Except for that Rose Bowl game. Lom, a defensive back, chased Riegels, playing linebacker, down the field, tackling him at the
1-yard line. Lom’s subsequent punt was blocked out of the end zone for a deciding safety.
Marshall was, similarly, highly regarded as a member of Minnesota’s Purple People Easters defensive line. He played in four Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls over 20 seasons, setting a league record by playing in 282 consecutive games, and recovering another league record 29 opponents’ fumbles.
But about his wrong way run, which I observed as a spectator that day, the normally reserved Marshall said many years later, “You know what, think about the worst mistake you’ve ever made, and think about a hundred, two-hundred million people seeing you make that mistake and teasing you about it every day of your life. How would you feel?”
That’s hard to say. Most of us didn’t play pro football or fly a plane.
| | |
* * * * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
| | |
Bay FC 1
Portland Thorns 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, June 7, 2025
| | |
Bay FC defender Alyssa Malonson (#20) scores past Portland Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby #1 in the first half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| | |
Bay FC defender Alyssa Malonson (#20) celebrates her first half goal and the first goal of her professional career.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| | |
Stars on Ice
SAP Center, San Jose, CA
Sunday, May 18, 2025
| | |
Newlyweds Madison Chock and Evan Bates put on a stellar performance at the Stars on Ice performance at SAP Center in San Jose on May 18th. The young couple has been skating together since 2011 and have since won every title there is to win in skating, including gold at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. They were definitely a crowd favorite as they performed perfectly synchronized moves across the ice and thrilling acrobatics. To
view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
| | |
Escape from Alcatraz
Triathlon
San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 1, 2025
| | |
On the 45th anniversary of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon,
triathletes began the race with a jump off the San Francisco Belle into a frigid San Francisco Bay. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.
| | |
Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival, written by Andy Dolich and Dave Newhouse (Triumph Books), transitioned from hard cover to paperback in April.
The book, dealing with Oakland’s disappearance as a major sports town, has sold in excess of 3,000 copies, thereby prompting the move to paperback.
All aspects of Oakland’s sports dissolution is covered by the authors, including interviews with civic leaders, economists, politicians and sports figures, plus in-depth studies of team owners who lifted Oakland to the top of the national sports scene, then left for San Francisco and Las Vegas (twice), stamping Oakland as America’s most abandoned sports city.
Sports commentator Chris Berman wrote on the book cover: “Goodbye Oakland takes us through all of it, from when the sky was the limit to when the bottom fell out.”
Oaktown is trying to recover with minor-league baseball and men’s and women’s soccer, but it’s a significant uphill climb.
| |
|
Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
| | |
Matt Chapman versus the Seattle Mariners, April 5, 2025.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
| |
'We're battle-tested': Chapman
plays hero for Giants with
huge walk-off homer
Maria Guardado @mi_guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- No one plays more close games than the Giants and the Braves, who are tied for the Major League lead with 27 one-run games this year.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the first two games of their current three-game series have each been decided by one run, with the Giants managing to narrowly eke out wins both times.
Down to their last out, the Giants rallied for another dramatic walk-off win on Saturday afternoon, when Matt Chapman cranked a two-run home run off Pierce Johnson to propel his club to a 3-2 victory over the Braves at Oracle Park.
continued...
| | |
The purest form of basketball officially returns this month to the streets of downtown San Jose with the 2025 Slam Jose! 3x3 Hoops Festival powered by Hoop it Up!
San Jose’s newest annual hoopsfest style tournament features a 2-day, weekend competition on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. Games are scheduled to be played on Saturday from 10am - 6pm and Sunday
from 10am - 4pm.
All Pro Am divisions - men's, women's wheelchair divisions and will compete for $5,000 first place cash prize. Each runner up will receive $2,500 cash.
Off the court, the Link Up Expo will take over
Plaza de Cesar Chavez with a vintage clothes and
sneaker expo featuring over 75 vendors. Food trucks
will be on site and curated by Feast Mode.
Interested in signing up? Use promo code SJY50 to receive $50 off registration.
| | |
Jacob Wilson versus the Philadelphia Phillies, May 25, 2025.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
|
Wilson continues torrid rookie
pace vs. Orioles
Martín Gallegos / @MartinJGallegos
WEST SACRAMENTO -- Phase 1 of the balloting for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game is now underway, and there is no shortage of superstar shortstops vying for spots on the American League side.
Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson and Bo Bichette are probably the first few names that come to mind for most as starting candidates for the position. If it were up to Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino, though, the decision would be an easy one: Jacob Wilson.
“He should be the starting shortstop for the American League,” Severino said following Saturday’s 7-4 loss to the Orioles at Sutter Health Park. “He’s unbelievable.”
continued...
| | |
If you enjoy our FREE publication,
a contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| | |
"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
| | |
Oakland Ballers 5
Glacier Range Riders 2
Glacier Bank Park, Kalispell, MT
Friday, June 6, 2025
| |
Almanza, Tatum, Bullpen Account for Oakland's Fifth Consecutive Win
Ballers take fourth consecutive victory in Kalispell and fifth overall
by Nevada Cullen
KALISPELL, Mont. -- Oakland's bullpen entered Friday without having allowed an earned run in its first 11 innings of the series against the Glacier Range Riders. By using an opener to begin Friday's contest, the Ballers had a tall task on their hands to continue the scoreless streak.
Four relief pitchers combined to hold the Range Riders to just two hits and one walk over 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out six. The dominant bullpen performance carried the Ballers to a season-high fifth straight victory, clinching the series against Glacier with a 5-2 win.
Xavier Casserilla smacked an opposite-field solo shot in the first, and JT Mabry slapped an RBI single to right in the second to give Glacier a 2-0 edge. Those were the lone two runs allowed by Oakland's opener, Ethan Paulson.
Christian Almanza got one back for the Ballers in the fourth. He slugged a solo blast to right center, as his fourth long ball of the season beat the tall wall and fell 406 feet from home plate.
Oakland finally got to Glacier starter Grant Taylor in the fifth. Nick Leehey nearly homered to right, but had to settle for a leadoff double off the wall.
continued...
| | |
Oakland Roots SC 0
El Paso Locomotive FC 0
Oakland Soul SC 1
Stockton Cargo 2
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Saturday, June 7, 2025
| | |
Roots' Peter Wilson (#9) and Wolfgang Prentice (#7) streak toward the ball during a particularly contentious point
during the match
| | | | |
Times
Are A
Changing
by Lydia Chain
| | |
R
Though it may feel strange to have hope in a time when much of our country and specifically, parts of this Golden State are in turmoil, at least we can all still have faith in soccer.
Speaking of faith, the feelings at the Roots game were positive as always, but this time we got an extra match and a chance to see the Oakland Soul play in this year’s Roots/Soul doubleheader, the women’s inaugural match on the Coliseum’s pitch.
Both teams came out with fire in their bellies, but as the Soul have previously lost to Stockton Cargo, 3-1, at their home opener no less, it was clear they wanted to prove themselves. The play was end-to-end, with so many attempts, and finally all that beautiful soccer culminated in a goal for each team. Unfortunately, the Soul lost 2-1 to Stockton in the end.
| | |
An elated Sam Tran (middle) of the Soul celebrates after
having tied up the match
| | Malia Yamamoto signs local players' team jerseys | | |
I supposed if one is looking at general improvements, they may have lost this meeting, but only by one and Soul pushed until the final whistle blew. There may have been one more goal scored on Soul’s keeper, Dina Frenkel, but she remained tough through the end of the match. She had made some incredible saves and tried to vocalize the best strategies to try to help Soul pull the match out of the fire. Though that didn’t happen, so many little girls who came to the match with their own soccer teams were not too phased— they were just beyond thrilled to watch.
What really stood out was the desire and drive that the women have. It felt like they know we still have to fight harder to exist and have our own teams. Have our own leagues. Have our own passion respected! It made me want to throw on my boots to get out there and play again… if only I didn’t have that busted ankle…
This week’s gallery show which I viewed between matches, near section 105, featured entries and winners of the Wearable Technology Competition in which entrants were asked to integrate Circle CI’s tech into some “enhanced Oakland Soul jersey[s].” The competition was run through the Oakland Unified School District and open to local middle and high schoolers who wanted to take on the challenge.
One winning idea, which I think is fantastic, was thought up by a teenager who just wanted to be able to have their non-soccer educated friends understand what was happening during the match. There were also Soul-branded giveaways including Photo Booth prints and koozies, furnished by Circle CI, who are a sponsor of the Soul.
| | |
Big brother and baby sister makes use of the Soul x CircleCI
photo booth between matches
| | The Roots match, the second half of the doubleheader, had me holding my breath and muttering to myself, attempting to remain silent as to not reveal my Roots allegiance. The match was exciting— seeing both Oakland and El Paso Locomotive were truly giving it their all felt a bit like maybe the Roots had a bit more hope. It was a very physical match, and several yellow cards were given, but there wasn’t a whole lot to show for all of both teams’ efforts. Neither team was able to capitalize on any of their passes or play to actually score. Regardless of the nil-all draw, it was a fun match to watch. And we didn’t lose! | | |
Roots' Wilson charges toward his own goal to cut off
Locomotive's Wahab Ackwei
| | Kendall McIntosh was back in action, and off of injury leave, signing autographs for fans | | El Paso Locomotive are the fourth-ranked team in the USL this season, and they have been on a roll. The fact that this is the first match with Benny Feilhaber leading our Roots, could be a sign of positive things to come? It’s been less than a week but there is still the excitement surrounding his move which suggests, perhaps, upward trajectory could be possible. | | Wolfgang stayed to take photos with each fan who wanted one, and to sign every child's item. Parents were thrilled... | | |
Wolfgang signs autographs for some very excited young fans.
All photos by Lydia Chain
| | |
SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS AND BART SIGN CO-PROMOTION CAMPAIGN
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to promote public transit usage for San Francisco Unicorns home games at the Oakland Coliseum for the 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC) season.
- San Francisco Unicorns will support BART with player activations and bespoke, multi-channel digital content to help guide fans to the stadium and promote the public transit system’s convenience.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 30, 2025) — The San Francisco Unicorns will collaborate with BART, the Bay Area’s rapid transit network, to help promote the inaugural home games at the Oakland Coliseum and the convenience of using public transport to travel to Cognizant Major League Cricket matches at the stadium.
As part of the shared marketing campaign, BART will provide branding opportunities on digital screens at high-traffic stations in Downtown San Francisco and Oakland, and print station banners at select stations.
BART will also run informative Unicorns scrolling messages highlighting the upcoming games and the best routes to the Oakland Coliseum, and will provide additional coverage in its weekly e-newsletter, BARTable This Weekend, which will also feature sweepstakes opportunities to win tickets and premium match packages for Unicorns matches.
In return, the Unicorns will partner with BART to deliver an engaging selection of player-driven content, focusing on sharing gameday journeys and the simplicity of using public transit on matchdays. BART will also have branding, a dedicated page on the Unicorns’ website, and various gameday promotion opportunities.
Ticket discounts for BART users with a special discount code will also be available, while the transit network will also receive a booth space at the San Francisco Unicorns Family Day on June 8, 2025, which has attracted upwards of 2,500 attendees in recent editions.
continued...
| | |
Carney Lansford -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
| | |
A few years ago I had the chance to meet former Oakland A's Carney Lansford at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Oakland. He was one of the honorees that evening. When he came up to make his acceptance speech, I remember him telling several funny stories about his baseball career and having the room filled with laughter. After the ceremony I went up to congratulate him on his induction and ask him to sign the program book for me, which he gladly did.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| | Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 135: DOL Steps Into Zakai Zeigler's College Sports Eligibility Case | | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
I've been watching the Zakai Zeigler case develop, and it's fascinating on multiple levels. Here's a Tennessee guard who did everything right—graduated in four years, set school records, earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors twice—and now he's asking a federal judge to let him play a fifth season because the NCAA's four-season rule is allegedly anticompetitive. A decision in this case could reshape how we think about eligibility in the NIL era.
Zeigler's argument is pretty straightforward. If the NCAA really cares about the "student-athlete model," why punish kids who graduate on time? He's proposing what seems like a reasonable middle ground: let players who finish their degree in four years without redshirting play a fifth season. It's hard to argue with rewarding academic achievement, especially when we're constantly told that education comes first.
But here's where it gets interesting—the financial stakes are massive. Zeigler's team estimates his NIL value for a fifth year at $2-4 million. That's not pocket change. We're talking about serious money that transforms this from a feel-good story about academic achievement into a high-stakes economic battle. The NIL landscape has completely changed how we think about these eligibility fights.
The NCAA's response is predictably aggressive and, frankly, a bit harsh. It is essentially calling Zeigler selfish, arguing that his gain comes at the expense of incoming freshmen. Its brief estimates that if all eligible seniors took a fifth year, 20-25% of roster spots would be taken away from high school graduates. That's emotionally compelling—nobody wants to see teenagers lose their dreams because seniors are sticking around.
continued...
| | |
WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
| |
June 3, 2025
Summer is heating up at Laguna Seca
The motorsports season is in full swing, but the busy summer at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is just getting started! Lock in your plans now for incredible weekends full of thrilling competition, VIP experiences, entertainment,
family fun and so much more.
| | |
S’more racing? Join us for camping!
Camping is the perfect way to enjoy the Laguna Seca Recreation Area with a scenic, trackside stay in the oak-covered rolling hillsides. Experience the thrill of racing from the comfort of your campsite in one of six different locations around the track. Secure your spot today for the ultimate family getaway!
| | | |
Sonoma Raceway to Join NASCAR’s First-Ever In-Season Challenge in 2025
SONOMA, Calif. (June 5, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway is proud to announce its participation in NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Challenge, a groundbreaking new addition to the NASCAR Cup Series that will debut this summer. For the first time in its history, Sonoma will serve as one of the marquee tracks hosting a round of the highly anticipated midseason tournament, which introduces a fresh layer of competition and fan engagement to the NASCAR calendar.
The In-Season Challenge will span five weeks, from June 28 through July 27, 2025, and feature a $1 million prize for the ultimate winner. The challenge begins with a three-race seeding period to determine the top 32 drivers who will advance into a single-elimination tournament bracket. From there, each week will feature head-to-head matchups, with drivers competing to finish ahead of their designated opponent in each round to move forward in the tournament. This head-to-head format brings a new sense of urgency and strategy to the Cup Series, as only one driver from each pairing can advance toward the final showdown at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Sonoma Raceway will play a pivotal role in the bracket stage of the In-Season Challenge. The historic Toyota/Save Mart 350, set for Sunday, July 13, will serve as the third race of the bracket and mark a turning point in the elimination format. Notably, it will also be California’s only NASCAR Cup Series event in 2025. Known for its technical road course layout and breathtaking setting in Northern California wine country, Sonoma’s inclusion adds a unique challenge for drivers as they navigate elevation changes, tight turns, and strategic pit sequences—all while battling for tournament survival.
“This is a landmark moment for both Sonoma Raceway and the sport of NASCAR,” said Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The In-Season Challenge introduces an exciting, high-stakes format that energizes the summer portion of the season, and we are honored to host one of the key elimination rounds here in Sonoma. Fans can expect an intense and memorable weekend of racing.”
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be broadcast live on TNT, with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. PST. In addition to the main event, fans attending race weekend can look forward to a full lineup of entertainment, interactive fan experiences, and opportunities to engage with NASCAR’s top drivers as the tournament unfolds.
Tickets, camping, upgrades, premium options and much more are all available at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223].
| | |
RELIVE THE ACTION OF THE 2024 ROLEX
BIG BOAT SERIES
And mark your calendars for September 10-14, 2025!
Sixty years, one excellent regatta! Take a moment to watch a recap video from the 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series, and mark your calendars for next year. We look forward to seeing you on the water September 10-14, 2025, at St. Francis Yacht Club!
| | |
If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| |
Alexy Collects Second National Championship In Indiana
Alexy Clocks Fastest Time In The World
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Recent Cal graduate Jack Alexy collected his second gold medal of the 2025 Toyota National Championships after a first-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle.
After securing the top seed in the morning session, Alexy doubled down on his preliminary performance by posting a lifetime best time of 21.36 in the event, marking the fastest time in the world this season.
At the conclusion of the national championships, Alexy has now qualified for two events at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, including the 50-meter freestyle, after a first-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle earlier this week.
Former Golden Bear Trenton Julian recorded a personal best time in the 200-meter individual medley after clocking 1:57.59, finishing third in the event.
continued...
Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network
| |
Men's Rowing: Season in Review
Stanford men's rowing is trending upward after
strong 2025 season
STANFORD MEN'S ROWING is on the upswing as evidenced by its performances in 2025.
The Cardinal improved in every category at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships on New Jersey’s Cooper River Lake. Stanford was ninth in the varsity eight (12th last year), eighth in the second varsity eight (13th), 16th in the fours (19th), and 12th in the Ten Eyck standings (14th).
In placing third in the B Final of the 1V8+, Stanford completed the 2,000-meter course in 5:27.11 – its fastest time in years and faster than anyone in the Grand Final. Stanford’s 5:34.85 in placing second in the 2V8+ B Final also was among the fastest in school annals for that boat.
The team reached these accomplishments with a young lineup.
Of the 27 who competed, 21 were underclassmen, 23 are returning, and only four were seniors or graduate students.
Of the 18 (including coxswains) on either of the eights at the IRA Championships, 13 were underclassmen and all but three are returning.
The 1V8+ boat at IRA’s consisted of three freshmen, two sophomores, one junior, one senior, and two graduate students.
continued...
Photo: Richard C. Ersted/ISIphotos.comom
| |
SJSU Releases Early Bird Single-Game Tickets for Football
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Single-game tickets for San José State’s six home football games at CEFCU Stadium are now available, with limited-time early bird pricing running through July. Tickets can be purchased [here].
The Spartans kick off the 2025 home slate on Friday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m., taking on Central Michigan under the lights at CEFCU Stadium.
This season promises to be the most fan-engaging in Spartans history. With exciting collaborations with the San Jose Sharks and San Francisco Giants, a unique Vintage T-Shirt Series, and themed celebrations like Homecoming, Education Day, Health Care Awareness, and Military Appreciation, there’s something for every fan.
New this year: exclusive special event ticket packages that include limited-edition items only available through package purchase — the perfect way to elevate your game day experience.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action — secure your seats now and join us for an unforgettable season of San José State football.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
SB | Taylor Lane and Chelsea Bennett Honored as CSC Academic All-District Team Members
GREENWOOD, IN — Congratulations to Saint Mary's Softball's very own Taylor Lane and Chelsea Bennett on being named members of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. The Academic All-District Softball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom.
In her fourth year with the program and third of competition, Taylor Lane continued to provide a solid pop of power in the Gaels lineup this year. The redshirt junior hit 0.255 for the year with four doubles, a triple, three home runs and 20 driven in while starting primarily at first base in 33 games. Lane graduated this spring with a degree in special education and a 3.68 GPA, but does have an additional year of eligibility after redshirting her first year in Moraga. Lane was also a WCC Honorable Mention All-Academic team member.
Chelsea Bennett put up her best season to date in the circle, serving as one of the Gaels top bullpen arms in 2025. The Warriewood, Australia native made 14 appearances, 10 of which were in relief in her junior campaign, working 37 innings and putting up a career-low 3.78 ERA. She finished her third year as a biology major at Saint Mary's, maintaining a 3.75 cumulative GPA. Bennett was named a first team member of the WCC All-Academic team this past season for the first time in her career as well.
continued...
Photo: SMC Athletics / Piper Westrom
| |
Jay Duncan Selected for Third Straight TopConnect Symposium
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Jay Duncan, an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of San Francisco, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 TopConnect Basketball Symposium taking place at the Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista on Monday, June 9.
"I am thankful to be invited back to TopConnect for a third straight year," said Duncan. "Dr. Richard Sander and his staff do an outstanding job connecting us with athletics directors. This event really helps assistant coaches who are aspiring to be head coaches prepare for future leadership opportunities."
Duncan earns an invitation to the event for a third straight year as it marks the fourth straight year an assistant coach from San Francisco has been invited. Additionally, it will be Duncan's fourth time at the symposium after also being invited in 2021 as an assistant coach at SMU.
TopConnect, developed by ETSU Athletics Director Dr. Richard Sandler, identifies the top assistant basketball coaches in the country and connects them with mid-major Athletics Directors, providing tremendous networking and leadership development opportunities for both parties.
In its eighth year, TopConnect develops educational programming that allows these top assistant coaches to hear from a variety of successful leaders and speakers. The 2025 symposium is headlined by a panel of prominent and successful coaches and industry leaders.
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
| |
Santa Clara Athletics Wins 2024-25 WCC Commissioner's Cup
SAN BRUNO, Calif. – For the first time since 2006-07, Santa Clara Athletics has won the West Coast Conference Commissioner's Cup – an all-sports award presented at the end of each academic year to the league's top performing school in conference play.
Dating back to the 2001-02 school year, the Commissioner's Cup has become an annual tradition celebrating WCC athletic excellence. The award is based on a point system, reflecting the finish of each team in conference play. The institution with the highest point total after combining the men's and women's point totals is honored with the prestigious award.
"What an incredible honor it is to win the 2024-25 WCC Commissioner's Cup," said Director of Athletics, Heather M. Owen. "This is a testament to our University and its unwavering support of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, to our athletics department, and to those who have worn the Bronco uniform. Earning this season's Commissioner's Cup acknowledges our relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the field. I am thrilled for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters, and I am thankful for our Santa Clara community and all that it does to support our department."
This is just the third time in program history that Santa Clara has been awarded the Commissioner's Cup. In addition to 2006-07, the Broncos also won the cup for the 2004-05 school year.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Men’s Basketball Hires Canadian Charles Hantoumakos as
Assistant Coach
STOCKTON, Calif. – The ties to Canada further deepened Wednesday for the Pacific men's basketball program with the hiring of Charles Hantoumakos as an assistant coach, announced by head coach Dave Smart.
Hantoumakos, a native of Toronto, has spent the last 20 years coaching basketball, including the last 10 with Canadian National Basketball teams. Most recently, he was on the U19 Junior National Team staff in 2025 and the U18 Junior National Team staff in 2024 that earned a bronze medal at FIBA Americas.
"I'm incredibly honored to join Coach Smart's staff and become part of the Pacific Tigers men's basketball program. The vision for what we're building here is truly inspiring, and I'm thrilled to be part of it. I'm ready to bring relentless energy and commitment every single day to help us push this program forward and contribute to something special," Hantoumakos said.
In addition to his national team duties, Hantoumakos was the program director and head coach of Fort Erie International Academy from 2021-24 and were national champions in 2022 and again in 2024 with a 26-1 record. He has prior experience as the head coach of Thornlea Prep from 2018-19, Athlete Institute Bears from 2017-18 and Bill Crothers Prep Basketball from 2011-17.
continued...
| |
Chelsom Selected to Defend USA Cage At Men’s Junior World Championships
IRVINE, Calif. – USA Water Polo dropped their roster for the World Aquatics Men's Junior World Championships (U20) on Friday, June 5th at noon, calling redshirt sophomore Baxter Chelsom to action.
Hailing from Los Angeles, Calif., the goalkeeper debuted his career defending the cage in the 2024 season. Logging 171 minutes in collegiate waters thus far, he has made 50 saves across ten games. He had a career-high of ten saves against the formidable USC team on September 8th, 2024 and only allowed three goals against Redlands and UC Merced.
Joining a daunting roster scraped together by head coach Jack Kocur, the roster of 15 looks to compete in Zagreb, Croatia starting competition on June 14th at 10:00 a.m. PST. They will go on to face off against Hungary at 8:30 a.m. PST on the 15th, and Montenegro the following day at 8:30 a.m. as well. The team will play in the top bracket, and a champion team will be crowned on June 21.
Live stats and video will be available to cheer on our Aggie representative, more to come.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Carmona Named to USTFCCCA Division II All-West Region
Highest finish in department history as a CCAA member
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - With the 2024-25 athletic year complete in NCAA Division II, the CCAA announced its final standings for the year for the Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup. Since joining the CCAA, Cal State East Bay had its highest finish in department history, placing fourth among the 12 CCAA member institutions.
Cal State East Bay's final standings score was 70.28. The fourth place finish surpassed the previous high of sixth, set twice, as recently as 2021-22.
"The highest finish East Bay has had in the Hiegert Cup is a testament to the outstanding effort of our coaches and student-athletes this year," stated Cal State East Bay Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Allison Kern. "I am so proud of the work our entire department has put in to continually raise the bar and compete at a higher level. I look forward to seeing our teams exceed expectations and set new standards for Pioneer Athletics."
continued...
| | | | |
Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
| | |
If you enjoy our FREE publication,
a contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| | |
San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
2025/26 Schedules
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, June 9, through
Sunday, June 15, 2025
| | |
Monday, June 9
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Los Angles Sparks, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:07 p.m.
Thursday, June 12
San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies, 12:10 p.m.
Oakland Soul SC @ Academica SC, 7 p.m.
Friday, June 13
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Kansas City Royals, 5:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Orlando Pride, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Kansas City Royals, 1:10 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm, 5:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 4:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Kansas City Royals, 11:10 a.m.
Oakland Soul SC vs. Cal Storm, 6 p.m.
| | |
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, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Software Engineer / Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| | |
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. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
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.
| | | | |
