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CareerBuilder Challenge Unveils New Spectator-Friendly Amenities

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Press Release
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2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation
2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation

CareerBuilder Challenge Unveils New Spectator-Friendly Amenities

To Welcome Fans of 2016 PGA TOUR Event

 

With new courses comes enhanced hospitality venues on the TPC Stadium Course at PGA WEST that make for an up-close-and-personal fan experience at Jan. 18-24 event

 

LA QUINTA, Calif. – The new home of the CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation – the TPC Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST – not only means new challenges for some of the game’s greatest players, but new and fun ways for fans to watch those players.

 

Golf fans watching the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge will enjoy a spectator-friendly experience as they watch the world’s greatest golfers navigate the deep bunkers, water hazards on nine holes, railroad ties and other creations from the fertile design mind of architect Pete Dye on the Stadium Course. Along with the return of the Bob Hope Club presented by H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Bob Hope Square and Club 17 presented by Hyundai comes two Oases – one on the front nine, one on the back – better sightlines for spectators throughout and a liberal dose of Adirondack chairs spread among both PGA WEST courses.

 

Official rounds for the event, which features a $5.8 million purse are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 24, with Sunday’s final round returning to the Stadium Course for the first time since 1987.

 

“The Stadium Course was designed to allow fans maximum opportunities to see their favorite players and once again, with our enhanced hospitality venues and the perfect nature of this course for walkers, we will provide our fans plenty of ways to see and experience the CareerBuilder Challenge from an up-close-and-personal viewpoint,” Tournament Director Bill Tait said. “Our Oases are built to not only provide an extra level of comfort and services, but to provide fans with views of several holes without leaving that venue.”

 

The Oases are a new amenity designed to provide fans with unparalleled, three-dimensional views of the action. Perched on elevated mounds on the Stadium Course, both feature upgraded concessions and bathroom facilities and table-and-chair seating. The front-nine Oasis offers views of the second green in the distance, the third tee, the fifth fairway and the eighth tee. The back-nine Oasis offers great views of the 12th green, the entire 13th hole, the 15th green and the 16th tee.

 

The always-popular Bob Hope Square returns again with a phalanx of food trucks, giving fans a place to unwind, relax, enjoy the latest culinary creations and take part in a host of interactive golf games and promotions. This year’s Bob Hope Square, however, will surround the practice putting green, so fans will be able to stroll around, eat, drink and watch the players practice putting.

 

Bob Hope Square also provides views of the range and the first and ninth holes of the Stadium Course.

 

“You’ll be able to have a lobster roll and watch putts roll on the putting green or the ninth green,” said Managing Director Scott Easton.

 

Also returning for the fourth year is Club 17 Presented by Hyundai. This time, however, Club 17 will give fans a bird’s-eye view of the Stadium Course’s notorious par-3 17th hole — “Alcatraz.” The sports-bar atmosphere will once again be a popular gathering place to watch players take on one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking holes on the PGA TOUR. It also provides views of two other holes: the 16th green and the 11th fairway.

 

“Imagine stepping onto the 168-yard 17th hole with a true island green tied for the lead. It makes for one heck of a finish to an exciting tournament,” said PGA WEST General Manager Chad Johnson.

 

The Bob Hope Club presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation will give fans a bird’s-eye view to that exciting finish. Perched above the 18th hole of the Stadium Course, the Bob Hope Club provides the pinnacle of hospitality, with catered food from some of the top restaurants in the Coachella Valley, a fine beverage selection, comfortable seats and one of the best seats in the house to watch players finish their rounds.

 

One of the biggest changes from previous years is on that 18th hole. Tournament officials made it possible for fans to watch the action from right around and behind the hole – another amenity the Stadium Course provides spectators.

 

Tickets to experience these amenities are available at www.CareerBuilderChallenge.com, where limited time specials on daily and all-week grounds badges are available.

 

About CareerBuilder®

As the global leader in human capital solutions, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of the recruitment process from acquire to hire. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing job distribution, sourcing, workflow, CRM, data and analytics in one pre-hire platform. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

 

About the Clinton Foundation

The Clinton Foundation convenes businesses, governments, NGOs, and individuals to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change. Because of our work, more than 30,000 American schools are providing kids with healthy food choices in an effort to eradicate childhood obesity; more than 85,000 farmers in Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania are benefiting from climate-smart agronomic training, higher yields, and increased market access; more than 33,500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions are being reduced annually across the United States; over 400,000 people have been impacted through market opportunities created by social enterprises in Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Asia; through the independent Clinton Health Access Initiative, 9.9 million people in more than 70 countries have access to CHAI-negotiated prices for HIV/AIDS medications; 85 million people in the U.S. will be reached through strategic health partnerships developed across industry sectors at both the local and national level; and members of the Clinton Global Initiative community have made more than 3,400 Commitments to Action, which have improved the lives of over 430 million people in more than 180 countries.

Learn more at http://www.clintonfoundation.org, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ClintonFoundation and on Twitter @ClintonFdn.

 

About Desert Classic Charities

Since its inception, Desert Classic Charities, the charitable entity that organizes the PGA TOUR event in the Coachella Valley, has contributed more than $56 million to a wide range of Coachella Valley charitable organizations and Eisenhower Medical Center.

 

The scope of giving is broad and includes support for structured and mentoring programs for children, social services, and food and safe shelter for the less fortunate. Desert Classic Charities is dedicated to continuing its mission to serve human needs in the Coachella Valley and beyond by generating funds and opportunities every year through the event.

 

About PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.
Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 32 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2014, tournaments across all Tours generated a record $140.5 million for local and national charitable organizations, after surpassing $2 billion in all-time charitable contributions early in the year.

The PGA TOUR’s web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Who’s town is this….. Trojans?

By
Suga Brown-Faal
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NCAA College Basketball first half game action during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NCAA College Basketball first half game action during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NCAA College Basketball USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) throwing down a moster dunk in the second half during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NCAA College Basketball USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) throwing down a moster dunk in the second half during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Westwood , CA – Tonight the UCLA Bruins hosted the USC Trojans at Pauley Pavilion. These two highly competitive rivals have played for a grand total of 244 games for the right to say they are the kings of Los Angeles. And the crown gets the strut back to the Eastside of town with the USC Trojans final score USC 89 UCLA 75.

The Pavilion was all a buzz with almost 13,000 fans coming to see the crosstown rival show. The Trojans did not disappoint. The Bruins were offensively lukewarm at best and defensively downright subzero freezing even a blind man could see that the Bruins had no answer for the Trojans set your soul on fire offense. USC’s Chimezie Metu had an awesome night with 21 points, Jordan McLaughlin with his acrobatic aerial over the head layups. Even the non-Trojan fans were in ah of the beauty and effortless manner in which he delivered those unanswered shots.

NCAA College Basketball UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) throwing down a dunk in the second half during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NCAA College Basketball UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) throwing down a dunk in the second half during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Bruins were not asleep at the wheel altogether, offensively they had four players score double digits Tony Parker 27, Thomas Welsh 16, Aaron Holiday 11 and Isaac Hamilton 10. UCLA made a 9 point run trying to close in on the lead but it was all in vain as the Trojans clearly have learned from their mistakes in the past and decided not to put the second half in neutral but to move full steam ahead with a mission of closing the game out and play every last second.

NCAA College Basketball USC Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) showing air time on a jumper in the second half game action during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NCAA College Basketball USC Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) showing air time on a jumper in the second half game action during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Trojans have earned bragging rights until their next meeting with the Bruins on February 4th. With tonight’s win the Trojans been able to say 106 times that L.A. is their town. I’m pretty sure I heard a Bruin whisper, “for now”.

Both teams should have some great games ahead in the Pac-12 with conference play now in full swing. The Bruins & Trojans will go on the road next week to face Oregon & Oregon State.

 

UCLA FOOTBALL PROMOTION AND NEW HIRES

By
Press Release
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Ucla Football Coach Jim Mora. Photo by Jevone Moore
Ucla Football Coach Jim Mora. Photo by Jevone Moore

LOS ANGELES – UCLA head football coach Jim Mora announced today the promotion of Kennedy Polamalu to Offensive Coordinator and the hiring of position coaches Marques Tuiasosopo (quarterbacks/passing game coordinator) and Rip Scherer (tight ends), pending official approval by the UC Board of Regents.

“As we continue to evolve as a program and tailor our philosophies and schemes to the strengths of our players, what you will see is a multifaceted offense incorporating tight ends and fullbacks into our schemes,” said Mora.  “Our objective is to be a big, strong and physical offensive unit that has flexibility of personnel groupings. I know we have the right men in Kennedy, Marques and Rip to implement this philosophy.”

Polamalu, who will continue to coach running backs in addition to his new role, capped off his second season at UCLA with running back Paul Perkins becoming the Bruins’ first back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher since DeShaun Foster in 2000-01. Under Polamalu’s guidance, Perkins, who finished 2015 as one of the nation’s top 25 rushers in terms of yards and garnered second team all-conference honors, led the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards during the 2014 season while totaling the second-highest rushing yard total in school history (1,575 yards).

A four-year letterman (1982-85) as both fullback and linebacker at USC, prior to coming to Westwood, Polamalu served as the Trojans offensive coordinator and running backs coach from 2010-12 in his second stint with the team.  During his first tenure as an assistant coach at his alma mater from 2000-03, he served as running backs coach (2000), special teams coordinator (2001) and running backs coach/special teams coordinator (2002, 2003).

From 2004-09, Polamalu worked in the NFL ranks as Tennessee Titans running backs coach following the 2009 season, Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach (2005-09) and Cleveland Browns running backs coach (2004-05). While in Jacksonville, both Fred Taylor (2007) and former UCLA great Maurice Jones-Drew (2009) earned Pro Bowl honors as the Jaguars offense totaled the third most rushing yards in the NFL over that time, including four Top 10 rushing finishes. In 2009, Jones-Drew finished fourth in the NFL in rushing (1,391 yards), fourth in scrimmage yards (1,765) and second in total touchdowns scored (16). In 2008, Greg Jones became the highest paid fullback in NFL history.

Mora on Kennedy Polamalu – “Kennedy has been instrumental in developing game plans with us for two years now.  Play calling is a function of preparation during the week and understanding tendencies, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who prepares better and understands tendencies more than KP.  He brings a real element of toughness to this staff.  He’s disciplined, he’s organized and he’s extremely well respected, revered really, by our players.”

Tuiasosopo, named 2015 Pac-12 Recruiter of the Year by Scout.com, returns to Westwood as quarterback coach/passing game coordinator after spending the previous two seasons as associate head coach (Offense)/tight ends coach at USC.  Prior to joining the Trojans, the Washington Husky standout and former NFL quarterback served as tight ends coach at UCLA in 2012.  An intern in the Bruins’ football office during the 2011 season, Tuiasosopo was elevated to the quarterback coach position for the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

A second round pick by Oakland in the 2001 NFL Draft, Tuiasosopo played seven seasons at quarterback for the Raiders (2001-06, 2008) and one for the New York Jets (2007) following a highly decorated collegiate career in which he lettered four seasons (1997-2000) for the Washington Huskies.  Named 2000 Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and 2001 Rose Bowl MVP, while at Washington, he set UW’s career total offense record with 5,879 yards and 33 touchdowns passing while rushing for 1,495 yards and 21 TDs. The first true freshman to start at quarterback for Washington, two years later, in a victory over Stanford in 1999, he became the first NCAA Division I player to pass for 300 yards and rush for 200 yards in a game.

Mora on Marques Tuiasosopo – “Marques and I obviously share an alma mater and our fathers were both together at UCLA in the 1970s as player and coach, but the most important similarity is our attention to detail.  Marques is a tactician.  He knows being a quarterback inside and out, having competed at the highest level in the NFL.  He also has a very commanding presence, which is what it takes to play and coach this particular position as well as deliver our message on the recruiting trail.” 

With 33 years of full-time coaching experience (27 collegiate, 6 NFL), Scherer returns to the sidelines after three seasons overseeing UCLA Football as Associate Athletic Director.

Scherer, who joined the Bruins following two seasons as assistant head coach/quarterback coach at Colorado and six total seasons as a quarterback coach with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers (2009-10) and Cleveland Browns (2005-08), has coached in each of the Power-5 Conferences and held head coaching positions at both James Madison and Memphis.  In his final two seasons with the Browns, Scherer added assistant head coach duties to his responsibilities under head coach Romeo Crennel.

Notable from Scherer’s time in the NFL was his work with young quarterbacks.  At Carolina (under head coach John Fox), Scherer was integral in the development of former Bruin quarterback Matt Moore, who led the Panthers to a 4-1 record while starting the last five games of the 2009 season while generating a 104.9 quarterback rating after veteran Jake Delhomme sustained an injury.  In Cleveland he helped develop Derek Anderson, who was selected to the 2007 Pro Bowl after throwing for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns, as the Browns boasted the eighth-best offense in the NFL in terms of scoring and passing yards per game.

Perhaps the foremost of his collegiate coaching accomplishments came during his time as head coach at Memphis when he guided the Tigers to the university’s first-ever win over in-state rival Tennessee, 21-17 – a victory tabbed as “Upset of the Year” by several news organizations and one which came at a time when the No. 6 Volunteers were led by quarterback Peyton Manning.

Mora on Rip Scherer – “Rip is a football coach, plain and simple.  It’s what he was born to do, and he has been a tremendous resource to me, our staff and players these past three years.  His wealth of football knowledge is surpassed only by his integrity, and you will not find anyone more respected in professional and collegiate football circles around the country than Rip Scherer.  His level-headed approach and professionalism make him the ideal fit for this staff.”

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FWAA NAMES 2015 FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA TEAM

By
Press Release
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FWAA All-American Freshman Team
FWAA All-American Freshman Team
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)
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)

DALLAS (FWAA) – The 15th annual Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team has a southern feel to it and includes four players who will help decide the College Football Playoff National Championship tonight in Glendale, Ariz.

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley and cornerback Marlon Humphrey face off against Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt when their teams meet at University of Phoenix Stadium. Ridley and Humphrey are among eight players from the Southeastern Conference on the Freshman All-America team, the most of any conference. Alabama and Clemson led the list with two players each, along with fellow SEC member Missouri and Texas.

The Big 12 had five players on the team, with the Pac-12, Big Ten and ACC earning three slots. Each of the Division I conferences is represented on the team along with Notre Dame. There are 24 different schools represented on the 29-man team.

The First Year Coach of the Year went to Houston’s Tom Herman, who guided the Cougars to a 13-1 record and a 38-24 win over Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Herman was the offensive coordinator at Ohio State during its 2014 national championship season, and drew praise from the FWAA panel with his high-scoring attack that took Houston to the American Athletic Conference title in his first season.

Oct 8, 2015 NCAA Football Washington Running Back Myles Gaskin cutting back during Washington vs USC game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Jevone Moore\Full Image 360)
Oct 8, 2015 NCAA Football Washington Running Back Myles Gaskin cutting back during Washington vs USC game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Jevone Moore\Full Image 360)

Incoming FWAA president Mark Anderson led the 10-person panel of nationally-prominent writers that represent each of the FBS conferences in the selecting the team. Both true freshmen (19 players) and redshirt freshmen (10 players) were considered for the team and are so noted on the list below.

2015 FWAA FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA TEAM

OFFENSE (12)
QB • Josh Rosen, UCLA (6-4, 210, Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
RB • Saquon Barkley, Penn State (5-11, 222, Coplay, Pa.)
RB • Myles Gaskin, Washington (5-9, 192, Lynnwood, Wash.)
RB Mike Warren, Iowa State (6-0, 200, Lawton, Okla.)
WR • Penny Hart, Georgia State (5-9, 170, Buford, Ga.)
WR Richie James, Middle Tennessee (5-9, 171, Sarasota, Fla.)
WR • Calvin Ridley, Alabama (6-1, 188, Coconut Creek, Fla.)
OL William Clapp, LSU (6-5, 303, New Orleans, La.)
OL • Will Noble, Houston (6-4, 290, Leander, Texas)
OL • Mitch Hyatt, Clemson (6-5, 295, Suwanee, Ga.)
OL Max Scharping, Northern Illinois (6-6, 311, Green Bay, Wis.)
OL • Connor Williams, Texas (6-5, 283, Coppell, Texas)

DEFENSE (12)
DE Walter Brady, Missouri (6-3, 255, Florence, Ala.)
DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech (6-5, 256, St. Francisville, La.)
DT • Terry Beckner Jr., Missouri (6-4, 300, East St. Louis, Ill.)
DT • Christian Wilkins, Clemson (6-4, 315, Springfield, Mass.)
LB T.J. Edwards, Wisconsin (6-1, 238, Lake Villa, Ill.)
LB • Dre Greenlaw, Arkansas (6-0, 222, Fayetteville, Ark.)
LB • Malik Jefferson, Texas (6-3, 232, Mesquite, Texas)
DB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama (6-1, 192, Hoover, Ala.)
DB Kareem Orr, Arizona State (5-11, 195, Chattanooga, Tenn.)
DB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan (6-1, 205, East Orange, N.J.)
DB • Andrew Wingard, Wyoming (6-0, 194, Arvada, Colo.)
DB • Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh (5-11, 185, Aliquippa, Pa.)

SPECIALISTS (5)
K • Justin Yoon, Notre Dame (5-10, 185, Nashville, Tenn.)
P • Austin Seibert, Oklahoma (5-10, 210, Belleville, Ill.)
AP • Christian Kirk, Texas A&M (5-11, 200, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
KR • Kavontae Turpin, TCU (5-9, 152, Monroe, La.)
PR • Antonio Callaway, Florida (5-11, 198, Miami, Fla.)

ASU Defensive Back Kareem Orr covering during Arizona State Sun Devils vs. UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
ASU Defensive Back Kareem Orr covering during Arizona State Sun Devils vs. UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

HEAD COACH
Tom Herman, Houston (Finalists: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan and Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh).
• Denotes true freshman

Celebrating its 75th season, the Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization, consists of more than 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com or 214-870-6516.

2015 FWAA FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA COMMITTEE
Mark Anderson, Las Vegas Review Journal (MWC)
Mark Blaudschun, AJerseyGuy.com (ACC)
Andrew Greif, OregonLive.com (Pac-12)
Mike Griffith, MLive Media Group (Big Ten/Independents)
Tommy Hicks, Mobile Press-Register (Sun Belt)
Ron Higgins, NOLA.com (SEC)
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star (Big 12)
Doug Smock, Charleston Gazette (American Athletic)
Phil Stukenborg, Memphis Commercial Appeal (C-USA)
John Wagner, Toledo Blade (MAC)

NFL Wild Card Road Warriors

By
Jevone Moore
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Nov 29: NFL first half action Pittsburgh Steelers vs Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Washington. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nov 29: NFL first half action Pittsburgh Steelers vs Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Washington. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NFL AFC Match up Pittsburgh vs Denver game action from 2015 season. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
NFL AFC Match up Pittsburgh vs Denver game action from 2015 season. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

NFL Football – The Wild card weekend in the NFL is always great with the absence of College Football. The NFL make the most out this weekend by playing two games on Saturday and two on Sunday for the fans maximum enjoyment. The road team won each game this weekend starting with the red hot Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Houston Texans 30-0.  Then the Cincinnati Bengals gave Pittsburgh a hand wrap victory 18-16 due to losing their cool at the end. Now that is what we call a lack of institutional control, behind the leadership of Marvin Lewis.

Nov 29: NFL WR Tyler Lockett on kickoff return in the second half action Pittsburgh Steelers vs Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Washington. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nov 29: NFL WR Tyler Lockett on kickoff return in the second half action Pittsburgh Steelers vs Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Washington. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Sunday Games followed suit with the Seattle Seahawks escape the frozen tundra at hands of the  Minnesota Vikings 10-9. The afternoon NFC match up of slogans “Discount Double Check” vs “You Like That?!” The Green Bay Packers defeated the Washington Redskins 35-18.

The NFC and AFC top two teams get the chance to rest and heal the bodies while No. 3 – No. 6 get to settle things on the field. All players in the NFL know that every team in the playoffs have the same record now Zero Wins & Zero Losses.

Nov 22 : Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith making moves in the pocket during NFL Game action at the Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nov 22 : Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith making moves in the pocket during NFL Game action at the Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

This week games will feature on the AFC side Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos & Kansas City Chiefs vs New England Patriots. For the NFC side Seattle Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers & Green Bay Packers vs  Arizona Cardinals. Having all four road teams win again this week would be like winning the Powerball lottery it’s just not going to happen. Wild Card wacky weekend was great football but this week will be even better.

The Road to Super Bowl 50 is coming soon and you can see who’s team will hold up the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Women of Troy Triumph Over The Bruins

By
Jevone Moore
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NCAA Women's College Basketball first half game action during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360
NCAA Women's College Basketball first half game action during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Guard Jordan Adams on a drive to the basket during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Guard Jordan Adams on a drive to the basket during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca – The Women of Troy protect their home court defeating the visiting Ucla Bruins 71-68. The Trojans just had more hunger and vigor for the ball and getting up and down the court. They just played like a team that need a win more. Coach Cynthia Cooper has to be proud how her team performed.

The Ucla Bruins came into this game ranked #15 in the AP poll and tied for 1st in Pac-12 conference. The Lady Bruins had won the last three in a row against the Women of Troy before this 86th meeting. The Pac-12 conference is currently ranked No. 1 in the RPI with nine members in the Top 100 and seven in Top 50.

USC Point Guard Brianna Barrett coming down the court during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Point Guard Brianna Barrett coming down the court during the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Trojan point guard Brianna Barrett did everything for her team but score, 5 rebounds, 7 assist. She run the offense and defense like a true field general before fouling out late in 4th period.  They other starters all finished in double figures lead by Temi Fagbenle with 20 points & 15 rebounds.

The Bruins today just could find their stroke shooting 23% if first half from the field, and finished with 31.2% for the game. You could see the frustration on the Bruins face when shot after shot would not fall. It seem to spill over to energy were they just seemed a step slower stuck in 2nd gear most of the night. Guard Jordan Canada came alive in the second half find a little rhythm and finishing with 26 points to lead all scorers, 7 assists & 3 steals.

UCLA Guard Jordin Canada on the break during the second half the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
UCLA Guard Jordin Canada on the break during the second half the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Both teams have to get better so they can compete the rest of the way in the Pac-12 conference. Cooper had a game plan and tonight the Women of Troy executed it well. As the Bruins came on strong but it was too little to late as final score reflected. These teams may have one last dual in the Pac-12 tournament to settle the draw.

The Ucla Women’s Basketball will travel to the Northwest to face the Washington Huskies on Friday Jan 15th. The USC Women of Troy Basketball team will play Washington State Cougars on Friday Jan. 15th on the PAc-12 network at 8pm.

UCLA Lajahna Drummer on the jumpshot for two during the first half of the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
UCLA Lajahna Drummer on the jump shot for two during the first half of the college basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Trojans Need 4 OT To Beat Arizona

By
Suga Brown-Faal
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USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) advance the ball during the college basketball game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) advance the ball during the college basketball game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC Trojans guard Julian Jacobs (12) slices between two Wildcats during the college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)
USC Trojans guard Julian Jacobs (12) slices between two Wildcats during the college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

Los Angeles, CA – Today the USC Trojans hosted the Arizona Wildcats at the Galen Center chalked full of mystery suspense and nail biting drama, with this enormous  4 OT victory going to USC , final score USC 103 Arizona 101.
And the Oscar for best men’s Pac 12 basketball team that wanted to win so bad they could taste it goes to the USC Trojans!!! But oh baby those Wildcats made the Trojans work for every last one of those 103 points. This game went into not one, not two, not three, but four overtimes! It was incredible.

Let’s start from the beginning both teams came out ready to play which was quite a surprise since Arizona had just played a dogfight of a game against UCLA on the 7th and as well as USC had just narrowly dodged a lost to Arizona State. But neither team showed signs of fatigue everybody looked suited up and ready to get down to business.

That first half for all intensive purposes went to USC. By the end of the first Jordan McLaughlin and Elijah Stewart were both in double digits. But the Wildcats were looking more like the Tasmanian devil with a total of 17 rebounds in the first. 12 of them courtesy of Kaleb Tarczewski. And those rebounds worked as an anchor to on the Trojans ankle as to not let them run to far ahead.

But that second half belonged all to the Wildcats. In the last 5 1/2 minutes of the game Arizona went on a 12 point run to tie the game with 1 minute and 24 seconds remaining. Now here’s where the drama ensued … Nikola Jovanovic put up a layup that would put USC in the lead by two points with one minute two seconds remaining on the clock but in the last 32 seconds of regulation play Kadeem Allen served up a crowd pleasing layup making the score 73 all. The Trojans had two more opportunities to close this out in regulation time but they couldn’t make it happen. Now this is where the orchestra would cue the dramatic music…. Because this battles is officially going into overtime.
Doing four periods of overtime it was a proper street fight. I mean steals, blocks, and showboating dunks on both ends of the court. But at the end it was the team that executed the best fundamental basics that would take home this victory. Yes the whole game hinged who could bring it at the line and the Trojans where hitting them free-throws at a staggering 78%.
This game had it’s fair share of highlights but USC’s Elijah Stewart really stood out tonight hitting five out of eight 3-pointers and four out of five free throws giving him a game total of 27 points. Made props to the Wildcats Allonzo Trier with 25 points and 2 steals and the California export York Gabe shooting 6 for 6 at the line.

USC’s has dodged the big L bullet for second time this week in conference play. Being a young team they still have to learn how to effectively close the game out in the second but I must say they had nerves of steel tonight. Just fearless! Myself and almost 7000 fans all agree this was a great game. The drama continues for USC on January 13 as a meet up with their crosstown rivals UCLA to see who gets bragging rights for the city of Los Angeles.

The Pacific Tigers Escape With The Win

By
Michael Ewing
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Game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 9th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 9th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 9th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 9th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The Lions of Loyola Marymount came into Saturday afternoon looking to get their first conference win on the season as they welcomed in the Pacific Tigers. With a final score of 60-58 the Lions came up just short of getting that first win. These two schools had faced off a total of 52 times dating back to the 1953-’54 season, with the win, the Tigers now lead the all time series by exactly one game with a 27-26 head to head record. LMU entered the contest fresh off a lopsided defeat at the hands of conference leading St. Mary’s. Pacific came in with the intention of bouncing back from a nip and tuck loss to Pepperdine on Thursday.

Both teams came out running, with neither group afraid to fire from deep. The action was fast and furious, but after trailing most of the half, LMU was able to put a string of points on the board and take a 31-30 lead at halftime. Early on it was the Tigers’ Maleke Haynes that set the tone. His break necking speed and uncanny vision enabled him to be a one man fast break. The Lions quickly made an adjustment going to a full court press in effort to get the ball out of Haynes’ hands. The problem with that approach was that Haynes had no problem facilitating the ball to his teammates. Haynes finished the first half with an impressive 4 assists and a few hockey assists for good measure.

With just under 8 minutes to go in the half, the Lions found themselves trailing by 7 points. That is when LMU found their groove defensively. David Humphries clamped down, finding his way into passing lanes for many tipped passes to go along with his three 1st half steals. Humphries was also a spark on the offensive end as he led the team with 8 points at halftime. Adom Jacko was in foul trouble early when he was called for a couple ticky tack fouls which in turned landed him on the bench for a large portion of the half. In his short time on the court Jacko was active, with 6 points and 5 rebounds.

The second half saw both teams going basket for basket all the way down to the wire. The lead changed hands 5 times in the half and the teams were tied 6 times, needless to say it was exciting basketball. Alec Kobre came alive for the Tigers in the second half as he tallied 14 points and 19 for the game. With 3:46 remaining in the game Kobre connected on a 3 point field goal as he was fouled. He was able to convert the subsequent free throw which put his team ahead by two at 52-50. The following possession for the Lions ended in a turnover and Kobre was again fouled on a jump shot the next trip down court. With the game appearing to slip away, Lions’ point man Brandon Brown stepped up, scoring the next 5 points of the game including an acrobatic layup in traffic with contact. The deficit was trimmed to just 1 point until Pacific was able to find a basket and extent the lead back to 3. With 1:26 to play Buay Tuach made a sensational drive to the basket with two defenders draped on his back and one meeting him in mid air, he was able to sink the shot and draw a foul. Tuach converted the 3 point play to knot things up at 58 with just over 1 minute to play. Pacific guard Ray Bowles, then brought the ball up court and made a dazzling pass inside to big man Jacob Lampkin for the go ahead bucket. LMU could not convert on their next opportunity, but they were able to force Pacific in to a missed field goal on the other end. With 19 seconds remaining Adom Jacko skied over 3 men to grab his seventh rebound of the evening, LMU coach Mike Dunlap decided not to use one of his two remaining timeouts, but rather let his guys run as they had been doing all game. Brown received the outlet pass, he dribbled up court and tried to find an open teammate, but none were to be found. Ultimately the ball was deflected out of Brown’s hands for a turnover and the Lions were not able to get the potential game tying shot off.

The 1,595 fans on hand were treated to a highly entertaining and competitive contest, unfortunately for the LMU faithful, the result was not as they hoped. With the loss the Lions fall to 0-5 in conference play and 7-9 overall on the season. Pacific now find themselves in the middle of the pack with a 3-3 conference record. Pacific will be in action next when they visit St. Mary’s on Jan. 14. LMU will now hit the road as they head north to face off against San Francisco on Jan. 14 followed by Santa Clara Jan. 16.

2016 CareerBuilder Challenge Field

By
Press Release
-
2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation
2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation

 

Patrick Reed, Billy Horschel Join Californians Brendan Steele, Kevin Na

In 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge Field

 

The 2014 event champion and 2014 FedEx Cup champion are two of nine top-50-ranked players committed to Jan. 18-24 event

 

LA QUINTA, Calif. – Patrick Reed, who set a PGA TOUR record for lowest 54-hole score with his three consecutive 63s en route to winning in the desert two years ago, and 2014 FedExCup champion Billy Horschel are two of the latest players committing to the CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.

 

Joining Reed and Horschel among many of the best players in the world for the Jan 18-24 event are Southern Californians Brendan Steele (Idyllwild) and Kevin Na, who grew up in Diamond Bar and played many events in the Coachella Valley as one of the top junior golfers in the country.

 

Reed, who is ranked 10th in the Official World Golf Rankings, Na (23rd) and Horschel (41st), give the CareerBuilder Challenge three more players currently ranked in the top 50. They join Paul Casey (22nd), Marc Leishman (25th), Phil Mickelson (36th), Robert Streb (39th), Anirban Lahiri (40th) and defending champion Bill Haas (43rd).

 

Those nine, along with Steele, will compete on two new courses: the TPC Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST, which join longtime tournament mainstay La Quinta Country Club. Official rounds for the event, which features a $5.8 million purse. are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 24.

 

“As we saw two years ago, Patrick Reed is capable of overpowering a course in spectacular and record-breaking fashion,” said Tournament Director Bill Tait. “He is one of the most exciting players in the world and our tournament is glad to welcome him back. Billy Horschel, meanwhile, is one of those players who combines electric play with a wonderful, fan-friendly personality that promises to connect with our fans.

 

“We take a lot of pride in welcoming back Brendan Steele and Kevin Na, who have always been good friends to the tournament and who come with their built-in rooting sections.”

 

Reed arrives with built-in confidence, having made 25-of-27 cuts in 2015. He began the calendar year by winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions to become the fourth player to win four times before turning 25 – joining a rarefied group of players that includes Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy (Jordan Spieth joined that group later that year). No golfer is more consistent and few are as driven as the player who went wire-to-wire in the event formerly known as the Humana Challenge in 2014 – courtesy of those three 63s.

 

“The good thing with me is I’m never satisfied,” Reed told PGATOUR.com. “When I shot three 63s in a row, everyone thought it was the greatest thing that ever happened. I wasn’t satisfied. I could go through each round, and pick out shots I didn’t make. Those are the things that stick in my mind. That keeps me from letting up.”

 

The fiery and outgoing Horschel displays similar passion for the game as well as a love of the pro-am format. He said he relishes the three-day pro-am because chatting with amateurs clears his mind and lets him enjoy the game better. And he gets to enjoy it on courses he looks forward to playing.

 

“The course conditions that week are, by far, the best that we play all year,” Horschel said. “There’s not one spot of grass out of place. The greens roll true. I love La Quinta Country Club. It’s an old-school golf course, not overly long. Just put it in the right spots and you can score well.

 

“Now we’re going to the Stadium Course and the Nicklaus Tournament, two courses that I’ve played during Q-School that I think are really good, and are actually going to make it an even better tournament because I think those courses are tougher. Those courses, especially that Stadium, you get a little wind blowing in there and you better watch out coming in.”

 

Steele is another fan of the event, although his love of the event comes with a local twist. The Idyllwild native and UC Riverside graduate played many a tournament in the Coachella Valley and spent many a day watching players at the event formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic. Last year, Steele was one of the contenders coming down the stretch, before finishing T2 – his best finish of the season en route to $1.75 million year. This season, he has already notched a third-place finish at the CIMB Classic in November.

 

Na, a former No. 1-ranked junior player who turned pro at 17, made 23-of-27 cuts last year, with seven top-10s and more than $2.8 million in earnings. He has steadily climbed the world rankings and enters 2016 as one of the hottest golfers on the PGA TOUR, with two runner-up finishes and a third in his last three events. He is sixth in FedExCup points.

 

Tickets to see all of these stars up close are available at www.CareerBuilderChallenge.com, where limited-time specials on daily and all-week grounds badges are still available.

 

About CareerBuilder®

As the global leader in human capital solutions, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of the recruitment process from acquire to hire. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing job distribution, sourcing, workflow, CRM, data and analytics in one pre-hire platform. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

 

About the Clinton Foundation

The Clinton Foundation convenes businesses, governments, NGOs, and individuals to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change. Because of our work, more than 30,000 American schools are providing kids with healthy food choices in an effort to eradicate childhood obesity; more than 85,000 farmers in Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania are benefiting from climate-smart agronomic training, higher yields, and increased market access; more than 33,500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions are being reduced annually across the United States; over 400,000 people have been impacted through market opportunities created by social enterprises in Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Asia; through the independent Clinton Health Access Initiative, 9.9 million people in more than 70 countries have access to CHAI-negotiated prices for HIV/AIDS medications; 85 million people in the U.S. will be reached through strategic health partnerships developed across industry sectors at both the local and national level; and members of the Clinton Global Initiative community have made more than 3,400 Commitments to Action, which have improved the lives of over 430 million people in more than 180 countries.

 

Learn more at http://www.clintonfoundation.org, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ClintonFoundation and on Twitter @ClintonFdn.

 

About Desert Classic Charities

Since its inception, Desert Classic Charities, the charitable entity that organizes the PGA TOUR event in the Coachella Valley, has contributed more than $56 million to a wide range of Coachella Valley charitable organizations and Eisenhower Medical Center.

 

The scope of giving is broad and includes support for structured and mentoring programs for children, social services, and food and safe shelter for the less fortunate. Desert Classic Charities is dedicated to continuing its mission to serve human needs in the Coachella Valley and beyond by generating funds and opportunities every year through the event.

 

About PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 32 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2014, tournaments across all Tours generated a record $140.5 million for local and national charitable organizations, after surpassing $2 billion in all-time charitable contributions early in the year.

The PGA TOUR’s web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

 

JOHN BAXTER RETURNS TO USC AS SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

By
Press Release
-
USC Trojans wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the National Funding Holiday Bowl between the USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday Dec 30th, 2015. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
USC Trojans wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the National Funding Holiday Bowl between the USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday Dec 30th, 2015. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)

LOS ANGELES—John Baxter, known for producing extremely productive special teams units, has returned to USC as its special teams coordinator after spending a season at Michigan, USC football head coach Clay Helton announced today (Jan. 7).

Baxter, who most recently was at USC in 2013, has 34 years of coaching experience.

“We are very excited to welcome back John Baxter to our Trojan Family,” said Helton.  “He is one of the most respected coaches in our profession at any position.  His units have been near the top of the collegiate special team efficiency rankings almost every year.  Having worked alongside him in the past, I know Coach Baxter as one of the best teachers and skill developers in football today.  We look forward to our special teams rising to greater heights under him.”

Baxter was Michigan’s special teams coordinator in 2015.  The Wolverines finished 12th nationally in ESPN’s special teams efficiency ranking (they were No. 1 two-thirds of the way into the season) after being 96th the previous year.  Michigan was third nationally in kickoff returns, Jabrill Peppers was 19th in punt returns, Jehu Chesson returned a kickoff for a TD, UM allowed only 3 kickoff returns longer than 30 yards, Blake O’Neill had a Michigan Stadium record 80-yard punt and 43% of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and Kenny Allen hit 18-of-22 field goals and 44% of his kickoffs were touchbacks (O’Neill and Allen entered the season as non-scholarship players).  Michigan won the 2016 Citrus Bowl.

Baxter, 52, spent 4 years (2010-13) at USC as the associate head coach and special teams coordinator.  He added the tight ends to his coaching duties in 2013.

In 2013, fullback Soma Vainuku made the All-Pac-12 first team as a special teams player and Nelson Agholor was an All-American second team pick as a punt returner. USC blocked 6 kicks, returned 3 punts for TDs in a game to tie an NCAA record and allowed no punt return yards in 8 games.  The Trojans won the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl.

In 2012, USC ranked ninth nationally on ESPN’s special teams efficiency chart.  Punter Kyle Negrete was a finalist for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.  USC played in the 2012 Sun Bowl.

Baxter was named the 2011 FootballScoop.com Special Teams Coordinator of the Year.  For the second consecutive year, USC blocked 7 kicks in 2011.  The Trojans also had a scoring kickoff return, made a 2-point conversion and converted a fake punt for a first down while ranking No. 8 nationally in special teams efficiency by ESPN.  In 2011, placekicker Andre Heidari made Freshman All-American first team and All-Pac-12 first team, and his 88.2% field goal percentage was third in the nation among kickers with at least 10 made field goals (and the best among freshmen kickers).  Tight end-fullback Rhett Ellison made the All-Pac-12 first team as a special teams performer.

In 2010, USC’s special teams blocked 7 kicks and punts, returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown, scored 5 times on 2-point conversions, had a defensive PAT and made first downs on a fake punt and fake field goal.  Troy was seventh nationally in ESPN’s special teams efficiency ranking.  USC ranked high nationally in punt returns (seventh at 14.6) and kickoff returns (17th at 24.5) with wide receiver Ronald Johnson placing 12th nationally in punt returns (14.2).  Wide receiver Robert Woods made the All-Pac-10 first team as a kick returner.  Johnson was a sixth round pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

In 13 years (1997-2009) at Fresno State, Baxter was the associate head coach and special teams coach in addition to handling either the tight ends (1997-2001, 2003, 2009) or wide receivers (2002, 2004-2008).

Baxter turned the Bulldogs’ special teams into one of the top units in the nation annually.  During his time, Fresno State blocked 84 kicks and punts (including a national-best 49 from 2002 through 2009) and scored 39 special teams touchdowns (with 3 safeties).  The Bulldogs topped the nation in fewest punt return yards allowed in 2004 and 2005.  A.J. Jefferson led the nation in kickoff returns in 2007.  Clifton Smith’s 189 punt return yards with 2 touchdowns against Weber State in 2005 were Fresno State game records, while his 5 career scoring punt returns also was a school mark.  Six of Baxter’s Bulldog kickers and punters earned All-Western Athletic Conference first team honors.

During his time at Fresno State, the Bulldogs posted a 100-66 record, played in 10 bowls (1999 Las Vegas, 2000-01-02-03 Silicon Valley, 2004 MPC Computers, 2005 AutoZone Liberty, 2007 Roady’s Humanitarian and 2008-09 New Mexico) and won the WAC title in 1999.

Along with his coaching duties at Fresno State, Baxter developed the highly-successful and nationally-regarded program, “Academic Gameplan.”  His innovative and comprehensive study-skills program teaches students the rules, fundamentals, techniques and life skills needed to succeed in the classroom.  “Academic Gameplan,” which is now being used at schools throughout the country, was a key reason for the academic success of the Fresno State football program, which during Baxter’s tenure produced 141 Academic All-WAC players and an NCAA APR score nearly 20 percentage points higher than the national average.

He was selected as the Clovis Co-Citizen of the Year in 2006, along with Fresno State head coach Pat Hill.

Baxter began his coaching career at his alma mater, Loras College, where he served for 5 seasons (1981-85) as a student assistant (working with the running backs) during his undergraduate time.

He then moved on to Iowa State for 2 seasons (1986-87) as a graduate assistant working with the defensive line and special teams before the first of 2 stints at Arizona.  He was with the Wildcats in 1988 (as a graduate assistant working with the defensive backs and special teams), went to Maine in 1989 for his first full-time job coaching the outside linebackers and special teams when the Black Bears made it to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs and returned to Arizona in 1990 and 1991 as the tight ends and special teams coach (the Wildcats played in the 1990 Aloha Bowl).  He then was at Maryland for 2 seasons (1992-93) handling the running backs and special teams and Tulane for 3 years (1994-96) in charge of the tight ends and special teams before going to Fresno State.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Loras in 1985 and then his master’s in higher education from Iowa State in 1987.

He prepped at Loyola Academy in Chicago (Ill.).

He was born on June 28, 1963.  He and his wife, Jill, have 2 daughters, Kelly, 19, and McKenzie, 17.  His father-in-law is former Utah and Weber State head coach Ron McBride.

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