LOS ANGELES–Tom Kelly, the broadcast voice of USC football and men’s basketball for five decades, died Monday (June 27) of cancer in Encino. He was 88.
Kelly first called play-by-play of USC football and men’s basketball games in 1961 and he was mikeside on Trojan games almost yearly until 2003. He did so on radio from 1961 to 1965 and 1973 to 1988, then on TV from 1989 until 2003. He described the action of five USC national championship football teams, five Heisman Trophy winners and 92 first team All-American footballers.
He also hosted the USC Sports Magazine Show on FOX Sports Net West 2 and was the executive producer/host/narrator of the Trojan Video Gold series, highlighting the history of USC football. In 2001, he was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.
After getting injured while playing football at Northland College in Ashland, Wis., the Minneapolis native helped with his college’s radio broadcasts. His broadcasting career continued in Duluth, Minn., Des Moines, Ia., and then Peoria, Ill., before coming to Los Angeles to work at KNX-AM on the recommendation of Jack Buck.
A 2005 inductee into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Kelly was one of Southern California’s most versatile and accomplished announcers. He did play-by-play for just about every sport imaginable–from football, basketball, baseball, track and boxing to billiards, swimming and golf. He won numerous awards, including four Golden Mikes, two AP and UPI California Sportscaster of the Year trophies, and an Emmy. He was inducted into the Golden State Boxers Hall of Fame in 2003.
In addition to calling USC games, he was a sportscaster for KNX-AM and KCBS-TV, sports director for KTTV-TV (from 1966 to 1972), did play-by-play for the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and the USFL’s Los Angeles Express, and also worked for CBS Radio and ESPN. He served as president of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association in 1973-74.
An avid golfer, he was able to combine his passion with his work during the final years of his broadcasting career by hosting the popular “Golf The West” travelogue on FOX Sports Net West.
Kelly is survived by his wife Danusia, along with four children, Kathleen Kelly Borisoff, Colleen Kelly, Kevin Kelly and Christopher Kelly, a stepson, Patryk Jaskolski, and six grandchildren.
WNBA 2016: Nennka fighting for a rebound during Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2016. (All Photos by Curtis J. Moore / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, Ca – The Los Angeles Sparks bounced back to the win column 80-73 over the Connecticut Sun. For the second game in a row Nneka Ogwumike lead the Sparks in scoring, she had 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, and 7 rebounds. Candace Parker scored 10 points but here best points came late on back-to-back possessions late to help secure the victory.
This game was up for grabs based on poor shooting by both teams until about 3 minutes left in the game. A big difference in this Sparks team that knows how to win even when it needs to be ugly.
The win moves the Sparks 13-1 back into first place in the Western Conference, with a half-game over the Minnesota Lynx. Now Lynx are 13-2 after their loss to the Washington Mystics 87-63. The Sparks handed the Lynx their first loss of the season 94-76 on Friday night.
For the Sun was the sister Chiney Ogwumike who scored 16 points, 8 rebounds in the losing effort. None the less both sister left the court with their heads up high knowing they are both in WNBA floor together.
The Sparks have a busy week at home with three more games at Staples Center. They will face off against Dallas Wings on Tuesday June 28th at 7pm.
Chess Tutors – GMG players under the tent at USC campus on June 25th 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – The Chess Tutors Grand Match Gala on the campus of University of Southern California in the courtyard for the 12 Annual Gala. This years event took place on June 25th, 2016 with over 300 kids ready to face of intellectually through the game of chess. What’s not to love kids from all over, having the opportunity to use their minds. The current back to back 2014 & 2015 Champions Open Charter Magnet School were back to defend their crown proudly.
Ali Ellington (Co-Founder/Teacher) was asked the question, WHY? “My father taught me how to play chess in the second grade and it was one of the greatest things ever.” Growing up in a neighborhood where the culture was too Box or fight as a way of competition. Ellington was learning from the greatest game ever played. When Ellington was in fourth grade he engaged with the neighborhood bully who was maybe in 8th grade, but this time it was different. He began to teach him how to play chess. From then on the bully was shown how to use his mind verse his fist for competition. The first of many students were introduced to this great game of chess from “The Duke of Chess” Ali Ellington.
Mr. Ellington
Red Carpet
The group Chess Tutors offers an after school program at many schools throughout Greater Los Angeles. The program has reached approximately 100 schools within 20 school districts. Their continued success is widely due to their staff and the parents understanding and adhering to the policies. They have a five phase approach which is the basis to their program.
Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a chessboard, a checkered gameboard with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. Chess is played by millions of people worldwide, both amateurs and professionals. Chess is believed to have originated in India, some time before the 7th century, being derived from the Indian game ofchaturanga. Chaturanga is also the likely ancestor of the Eastern strategy games xiangqi, janggi and shogi. The pieces took on their current powers in Spain in the late 15th century; the rules were finally standardized in the 19th century.
To get your child involved in this great program or for more info please go to Chess Tutors
WNBA 2016:The Showdown Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Sylvia Fowles looking over the defense during the Showdown Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – The self proclaimed #Showdown was a heartbreaking loss for the Los Angeles Sparks 72-69. The Minnesota Lynx reserve guard Renee Montgomery drops a three pointer from the corner with an assist from Lindsay Whalen going through the paint with 2.8 second for the victory.
The Sparks had a few seconds to tie but they were fouled first, Candace Parker went to the line and missed the first shot on 1 an 1. Parker was forced to miss second one when Toliver stole rebound and it appeared that she made a three to tie the game but the basket didn’t count as time expired. Even if it did count her foot was on the line making it a two pointer. It would have been a great storyline for Toliver to make that shot for the tie after leading her team with 20 points, 50% from behind the arc. Toliver spoke on the significant of today’s game, “We both brought out the best in each of us.”
The Minnesota Lynx applying tough defense during The Showdown game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The first half of play was like a wave; back and forth where neither team was able to impose their will. In a low scoring half, the Sparks held a 1 point lead 39-38 at the break. They both shot in the low 40% from the field. The Lynx had the edge in points in the paint 22/18 which kept them in the game.
The Lynx center Sylvia Fowles 6-6 frame was a force in the paint on both sides of ball. Her height caused trouble for the Sparks on some of their shots. Fowles finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds and a low post bucket with .28 seconds to tie the score again. All star Maya Moore only had 8 points in the game and due to foul trouble throughout the game she was on the bench. Moore let the refs know about her phantom 2nd foul when she picked up her third foul in 2nd quarter, “See that’s why missing that call hurts!”
Candace Parker was held to 9 points in the Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Just think if the Sparks didn’t get outrebounded 42/29 in the game. The big three pointer in the corner by Toliver with 3:14 left in 3rd Quarter could have been the breakaway time with 54-47 lead that forced Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve to call a timeout. As the fourth quarter went too many second chance points was the difference in this close game.
If there is a silver lining in this Sparks loss, they didn’t play their best but still had great chance to win. It’s just one win and one loss in the big picture. The Sparks will have three games at home next week to regroup with some home cooking.
Scott McCarthy, Vice President/General Manager ESPNLA; Jeff Fisher, Los Angeles Rams Head Coach; Peter Burton, Vice President/Market Manager, KSWD – Entercom – Los Angeles; Kevin Demoff, Los Angeles Rams Chief Operating Officer (Courtesy Photo LA Rams)
ESPNLA NAMED THE OFFICIAL FLAGSHIP RADIO HOME OF THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
Multi-year agreement includes extended game-day broadcasts, two one-hour weeknight shows, weekly prime-time segments with coaches and players, and extensive cross-promotion.
Entercom’s The Sound 100.3FM has also reached a multi-year agreement with the Rams and will serve as their official FM home, exclusively simulcasting ESPNLA’s game-day broadcasts and creating their own Rams programming.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Rams announced today a five-year agreement with ESPNLA 710AM, which will serve as the Rams’ official home and flagship radio partner. The agreement covers pre-season, regular-season, and post-season games, with extensive pre and post-game shows, producing an eight-hour game-day broadcast. The Rams have also reached a multi-year agreement with Entercom’s The Sound 100.3FM, who will simulcast game-day broadcasts and serve as the Rams’ official FM home.
“We look forward to reaching football fans across the Los Angeles community through our partnership with ESPNLA 710 and The Sound 100.3,” said Kevin Demoff, Los Angeles Rams chief operating officer. “Both stations have a strong connection to their audience and we welcome the opportunity to provide their listeners with exclusive game-day programming, unique daily insight, and access to our team throughout the year.”
Highlights of the agreement, which runs through the 2020-21 season:
Five-year agreement for ESPNLA 710AM to be the official home and flagship radio partner of the Los Angeles Rams
Eight-hour broadcast for every game including:
Three-hour pre-game show
Two-hour post-game show
One-hour weekly Coach’s Show with Jeff Fisher, Mondays at 7 p.m. PT during the season
One-hour game preview show Thursdays at 7 p.m. PT during the season
Weekly segments with head coach Jeff Fisher and star Rams players
Daily “Rams Report”
Scott McCarthy, vice president and general manager, ESPNLA, added, “Like all Southern California sports fans, we at ESPNLA are thrilled that the Rams have come home. The Rams are a world-class franchise, and we look forward to working with them to bring their exciting games to Rams fans across the Southland. Adding compelling Rams programming to our market-leading lineup of on-air talent and our fantastic existing relationships with the Los Angeles Lakers, USC and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim really elevates ESPNLA to the next level.”
As part of the flagship agreement, ESPNLA will be responsible for all radio production efforts and for selling virtually all of the advertising inventory in the game-day broadcasts and ancillary programming. ESPNLA will also broadcast live from all key Rams events, including every home game, training camp, and the Rams Draft Party.
ESPNLA will also build and manage an extensive Rams Radio Network, feeding game-day broadcasts to radio stations across Southern California and markets beyond.
Game-day broadcasts will be simulcast on Entercom’s The Sound 100.3FM, the leading classic-rock music station in Southern California with a powerful signal covering Los Angeles and Orange County. The Sound 100.3FM will also create exclusive Rams programming, including regular segments on the popular “Mark in the Morning” show.
Peter Burton, vice president and general manager of The Sound/100.3 FM, said, “We are excited to be welcoming the Los Angeles Rams to their official new FM home at 100.3 The Sound. Along with our terrific partners at ESPN, we look forward to delivering excellent game-day coverage to Rams fans throughout Southern California.”
About the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams – Los Angeles’ original professional sports team – stand as one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League and since its founding in 1937, have garnered three World Championships and sent 29 of its members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a professional sports team, the organization is committed to being a valuable civic partner and serving the greater Los Angeles area 365 days a year. For more information visit www.therams.com and follow the Rams on Facebook and Twitter, @RamsNFL.
About ESPNLA
ESPNLA serves fans with total coverage of sports in Southern California and beyond. ESPNLA 710AM provides sports talk, local and national play-by-play, and breaking news coverage. ESPNLA is the official home of the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Lakers, University of Southern California Football and Basketball, College Football Playoff, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and has a broadcasting agreement with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Live streaming and podcasts for select content are available on ESPNLA.com, the #1 sports website in Southern California. Follow ESPNLA on Facebook and Twitter, @espnlosangeles.
About The Sound 100.3FM
KSWD-100.3 the “Sound” serves classic rock fans in Southern California and is owned and operated by Entercom Communications Corp. Entercom (NYSE: ETM) was founded in 1968 and is the fourth-largest radio broadcasting company in the U.S. Entercom’s portfolio includes 124 highly rated radio stations in 27 top markets. Entercom is focused on investing in local communities, content, and talent, while reaching and engaging with 40 million people a week. With the integration of SmartReach Digital into their product suite, Entercom delivers unparalleled ROI by connecting brands to audiences through their branded sites and over 4,000 events a year. Entercom is a Philadelphia based company. More information is available at www.Entercom.com, Facebook and Twitter (@entercom).
NFL Legend Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson host Third Annual Hall of Fame Golf Invitational benefiting The Young Warriors Foundation presented by Flotek in Newport Beach, Ca on June 13th, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Jason Hill & Chris Tucker
Jim Brown & Jason Hill
Jason Hill & Bo Jackson
Newport Beach, Ca – The Eric Dickerson 3rd annual Hall of Fame Golf Invitational is so much bigger than just a time of golf. Dickerson does this to help an organization call the Young Warriors Foundations which he lends his time and money.
This golf event gives so much then just a day of golf for a bunch of Hall of Famers and guest. The real winners are the many fatherless boys who find guidance, love and support. The boys who were able to make to tournament that day were able to talk and mingle with strong men and few role models to look up to.
Founder of the Young Warriors Foundation Jason Hill has taken his trials as youth to fuel his passion for others who are growing up without a father in the home. One of their Warriors cries is #FatherLessNoMore !
This year golf tournament was played at Pelican Hill Golf Club on the North Course in a scramble format. After lunch and warm ups the groups that included Bo Jackson, Richard Dent, Jim Brown, Ronnie Lott, Tim Brown, Laurence Taylor, Marcus Allen, Thurman Thomas and a bunch more.
Jim Brown
Nigel Lythgoe
Marshall Faulk
It’s so fitting that this event occurred the week of Father’s day for the Young Warriors to feel the love and support. This Sunday June 18th, 2016 on Father’s Day the Eric Dickerson HALL OF FAME Youth Football Camp presented by his foundation with Young Warriors Foundation.
WNBA 2016: Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks game during the 20th WNBA Season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker driving the lane during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – From the opening tip you could tell that the Los Angeles Sparks were on a mission. The Sparks won their 11th game in row 77-71 over the Phoenix Mercury. Candace Parker looked for her offensive to start the game and the first basket in the second half. Parker finished with 24 Points, 11 rebounds in the game.
Late in the fourth quarter with the score 73-69 with 3:39 left in the game Sparks coach Brian Agler called a critical time out to gather his troops. Out of that time out the Sparks left with an empty possession on shot clock violation. But they played solid defense to score a basket and force Phoenix to call a timeout 75-69 1:12 in the game.
Nneka Ogwumike going hard at Brittney Griner during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The team took a four point lead into the half after setting the tone being the aggressor. Phoenix would not go away quietly that kept battling behind the aggressive play of their guard Diana Taurasi who dropped 7 points if first half and 15 to finish the game. She was forced to miss big minutes in first half due to early foul trouble. Most real basketball fans were waiting for Taurasi to explode, but it never happen.
Sparks reserve guard Chelsea Gray stepped up in the game with her defense and smart play on the offensive side of the ball as well. Gray played 16 plus minutes spelling Essence Carson who had a slow start but finished with 12 points for the game. Gray’s play was better than her stat line. Four of the five starters scored in double figures for the night. The Sparks out scoured the Mercury 42-22 in the paint.
Center Brittney Griner dropping 2 of game 8 points during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The Sparks could have easily fell into a trap looking forward to next Tuesday’s matchup with the undefeated Minnesota Lynx. These two teams will be facing off in the first or second round of the playoffs barring some hefty injuries bugs.
The Battle of the WEST WNBA giants will be at Staples Center Tuesday June 21st at 12:30pm for the Camp game spectacular. Nneka Ogwumike spoke on the match up, “It should be a special game, playing the best.”
WNBA 2016: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 14, 2016. (Photo by Curtis J. Moore / fi360 News)
Nneka Ogwumike
Chelsea Gray
Jantel Lavender
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks 10-0 now after defeating Chicago Sky 98-85. Nneka Ogwumike recorded her 6th double-double of the season finishing the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds. This team is finding a way to win, no matter who number is called.
Candace Parker had little of a breakout game being the second leading scorer with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists on 50% shooting from the field. The Sparks had five players scored in double figures, with four of five starters in that group.
WNBA 2016: Chelsea Gray being helped up by her teammates during Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 14, 2016. (All Photos by Curtis J. Moore / fi360 News)
A bright spot for the Sky was guard Cappie Pondexter 20 points to lead her team. Center Erika de Souza crashed the boards pulling down 12 boards in defeat. The Sparks jumped out to 11 point lead by halftime on the Sky 48-37.
The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Phoenix Mercury this Friday 17th at Staples Center. They will have to get past Brittney & Phoenix before facing off the Minnesota Lynx who are also perfect thus far this season.
WNBA 2016: New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game during the 20th WNBA Season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Forward Jantel Lavender driving to the basket during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game during the 20th WNBA Season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – Oh what a night the Los Angeles Sparks defeat the New York Liberty 100-77. The Sparks defense and pace of play was the key. No Liberty starters scored in double figures in the game. This year Coach Agler has a full team to start the season and it shows.
The Sparks started the game strong scoring 27 points in first quarter on their way to the century mark. They hadn’t scored over 100 points in a game since the 2014 season. How fitting that the hundred point of the game was made at the free throw line by Jantel Lavender. Lavender lead the Sparks with a game high 22 points. “I’m finding my place off the bench to score.”, said Lavender on her new role.
They had five players score in double figures Kristi Tolver 19 points, Nneka Ogwumike 18 points & 10 rebounds, Essence Carson 15 points. Look who’s missing from scoring double digits, the star Candace Parker who only need 5 points, 5 rebounds in the win.
Tonight was a statement game by the Sparks to the WNBA that they are poised and ready to go. It didn’t matter who was their opponent on the court. The Sparks keeping the record unblemished to start the season now 8-0 after the win. Last season after eight games team was 0-8 then got first win in 9th game of season.
Nneka Ogwumike after a steal on the break at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
New York’s leading scorer Shavonte Zellous finished with 12 points off the bench. They shot 42.6% from the field which was not enough. They were out scored in the paint by 40 to 30 points by the Sparks. The Sparks also dominated fast break points 13-0.
This Sparks team is playing as a team for Agler, who knows how far they can go. Even at halftime they were celebrating by having their new banners re-revealed from 2001 & 2002 Championships teams. They will play in Dallas on Saturday, June 11 against the Dallas Wings at 5:30pm.
Nov 14, 2015 UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scrambling for a late 4th quarter touchdown during second half of Washington State vs UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca(Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
LOS ANGELES – UCLA and head football coach Jim Mora have agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2021 season, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero.
In his first four seasons at UCLA, Mora has equaled the school record for most victories over a four-year span (37) while leading the Bruins to wins in 11 of their last 12 non-conference matchups, four consecutive bowl appearances, two school-record tying 10-win seasons (the eighth and ninth in UCLA history) and more than 70 team and individual school records.
Last season, the third straight in which UCLA has made an appearance in the Top 10 of the AP Poll and the first such stretch for the team since 1984-89, eight Bruins, including first-round selection Kenny Clark and second-round pick Myles Jack, were chosen in the 2016 NFL Draft. The total of eight players selected in this draft was the most of any Pac-12 school, the third most of any school in the country and the most UCLA has had drafted since the draft went to seven rounds in 1994. Additionally, UCLA has never had more players selected over a four year span since the draft went to seven rounds than the 20 chosen during the Mora era.
With kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn capturing the Lou Groza Award last season, four Bruins under Mora have now captured a total of five national awards – Eric Kendricks (2014 Butkus Award, 2014 Lott Trophy), Anthony Barr (2013 Lott Trophy) and Xavier Su’a-Filo (2013 Morris Trophy).
Mora’s impact at UCLA has extended well beyond the football field, however, having recently made the largest donation by a sitting head coach in UCLA history this past August. Earmarked for the Wasserman Football Center project, the donation is in addition to the role Mora has played in both the development of, and fundraising efforts for, the Bruins’ new state-of-the-art football specific training facility.
He also hosted the USC Sports Magazine Show on FOX Sports Net West 2 and was the executive producer/host/narrator of the Trojan Video Gold series, highlighting the history of USC football. In 2001, he was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.
