FWAA NAMES 2015 FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA TEAM

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January 11, 2016

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)

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)

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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January 11, 2016

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 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)

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)

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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January 10, 2016

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)

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)

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)

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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January 9, 2016

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)

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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January 9, 2016

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

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Press Release

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January 8, 2016

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

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

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January 8, 2016

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 12^th nationally in ESPN’s special teams efficiency ranking (they were No. 1 two-thirds of the way into the season) after being 96^th the previous year. Michigan was third nationally in kickoff returns, Jabrill Peppers was 19^th 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 (17^th at 24.5) with wide receiver Ronald Johnson placing 12^th 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.

# # #

USC Gets Past Arizona State

By

Suga Brown-Faal

-

January 7, 2016

NCAA College Basketball game action 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)

Arizona State Sun Devils forward Willie Atwood (2) splicing between USC defenders Julian Jacobs & Nikola Jovanovic 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)

Los Angeles CA – It almost look like it was going to be Groundhog Day of the Washington lost for the USC Trojans on tonight’s game against the Arizona State Sun Devils. But the Trojans were able to shake that demon and pull off the win against the Sun Devils with a final score USC 75 Arizona State 65.

Both teams came out being very physical and energetic but Arizona State just couldn’t connect with the hoop so USC proceeded to take full advantage of their bad luck. The first half stats really made it known that USC ran wild with their field goal percentage of 51%, 3- points shots at 55.6% and free-throws at 50%. Another contributing factor was that Darion Clark had a total of 10 rebounds which allowed the Trojans opportunities for those fast break points they are famous for.

USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) on the block of ASU 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)

The Trojans really had their way with the Sun Devils. Showing that they really know how to play good team ball. Just about every Trojans that stepped out on the court had a point contribution given validity to head coach Enfield’s theory of unselfish ball wins games. Fact as of January 7, 2016 USC holds the first and second position in the Pac 12 for players with the most assist Julian Jacobs 1st & Jordan McLaughlin 2nd.

By the end of the first half USC had amassed a 10 point lead over Arizona State which had the Trojans coming out of the half overly confident and making careless turnovers that allowed the Sun Devils to chomp away at the lead and get within 2 points with only 1 minute and 49 seconds remaining in the game. But in true Hollywood dramatic fashion USC was able to put 10 points back to back sealing their win all the while bring a crowded house of fans to their feet.

USC Trojans guard Julian Jacobs (12) on a layup over Arizona State Sun Devils forward Eric Jacobsen (21) in the first half 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)

This young Trojan team is realizing that conference teams are much stiffer competition and that the only way that they’re going to be able to win is if they play as a team and keep their composure.

The Trojans are having one of their best seasons ever but the test will be if they can maintain it through to the second half.

St. Mary’s Tames The Lions

By

Michael Ewing

-

January 7, 2016

Loyola Marymount Lions guarding guard Emmett Naar (3) during St. Mary's vs Loyola Marymount Men's Basketball in the first half at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 7th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 7th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The Loyola Marymount Lions kicked off their home conference schedule on Thursday night as they welcomed the Gaels of St. Mary’s University. St. Mary’s came in strong and took a 73-48 victory. The Lions were looking to pick up their first conference win of the season, after a woeful 0-3 road trip to open WCC play. Conversely, St. Mary’s came into Gersten Pavilion red hot, having won 7 straight games. The Gaels also stake claim to a West Coast Conference best 4-0 record thus far in conference play, and a conference leading 13-1 overall record.

The first half started off slow for the Lions, as they quickly found themselves down 18-8 after only 8 minutes of play. A key contributor to the early deficit was the Gaels dominance on the glass. LMU was finally able to grab their first rebound after nearly 9 full minutes had run off the game clock. After the shaky start LMU was able to find a little bit of a rhythm, starting with their ability to close out on St. Mary’s dangerous 3 point shooters. The Lions got themselves back into the contest and closed the gap to only 5 points with about 7 minutes to go in the half when Adom Jacko threw down a thunderous dunk over his late arriving defender. The final 5 minutes of the first half, however, belonged to St. Mary’s as they closed the half on a 7-0 run, with their star, Emmett Naar leading the way for them. Naar’s stellar first half ended with him drawing a hard contact foul while slashing to the basket as he did repeatedly throughout the game. He was able to regain his composure and connect on both ensuing free throws, as he ended the half with a remarkable 10 point, 3 assist, and 4 rebound halftime stat line while helping his team to a 33-21 halftime lead.

The Gaels came out in the second half with even more intensity than they showed in the first half, as they bullied the Lions on both ends of the floor. St. Mary’s showed why they are one of the most efficient teams in the nation from deep, as they connected on 62.5% of their 3 point attempts in the second half. They also demonstrated how stifling their defense can be as they held LMU to a putrid 36% from the field on the night. The deficit grew larger for the Lions as the night went on, however, the Lions does have something to be encouraged and excited about. As Adom Jacko again had an impressive showing, scoring 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds against a very big and physical defense. Jacko will continue to be a nightmare for his opponents this season as he gains confidence and familiarity with his new team.

As the dust settled St. Mary’s walked away with another impressive win as the scoreboard read 73-48. With the win St. Mary’s improves to 14-1, and 5-0 in conference. They could possibly find themselves in the top 25 rankings when the next polls are released on Monday. LMU drops to 7-8 overall and 0-4 in conference. They will look to get off the schneid on January 9th at home when Pacific University comes to town.

Relocation to Los Angeles ALL IN!

By

Jevone Moore

-

January 6, 2016

11 October 2015: Oakland Raiders fans during action in an NFL game with the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Oct. 25, 2015: Oakland Raiders Defense End Khalil Mack (52) and San Diego Charger Running Back Branden Oliver (43) exchanging jerseys after a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – Three NFL teams have given official relocation notice that they are ready to move to Los Angeles. Just as we have thought the St. Louis Rams, the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers all want to be in one of top markets in the United States. This will be like winning the lotto for one of these franchises getting the luxury of having “Los Angeles” in their name. Endorsements, merchandise, naming rights, there will be new revenue flying in the air.

Here are statements for NFL and the Teams:

NFL STATEMENT

Three teams – the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, and San Diego Chargers – each submitted applications to our office today to relocate their franchises to the Los Angeles area beginning with the 2016 season. Each team submitted the appropriate documentation in support of its application as required by the NFL Policy and Procedures for Proposed Franchise Relocations.
The applications will be reviewed this week by league staff and three league committees that will meet in New York on Wednesday and Thursday — the Los Angeles Opportunities, Stadium, and Finance committees. The applications will be presented for consideration at next week’s league meeting in Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday. The relocation of a franchise requires the affirmative vote of three-quarters of the NFL clubs (24 of 32).

RAMS STATEMENT

“The St. Louis Rams informed the National Football League today that the Rams propose to relocate to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The relocation would be effective for the 2016 NFL League Year.”

San Diego Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers handing off the football. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

CHARGERS STATEMENT

Today the San Diego Chargers submitted to the National Football League the team’s application to relocate to Los Angeles.

We have tried for more than 14 years, through nine separate proposals and seven different mayors, to create a world-class stadium experience for fans in San Diego. Despite these efforts, there is still no certain, actionable solution to the stadium problem. We are sad to have reached this point.

What happens next is in the hands of the NFL’s owners, who will meet in Houston on January 12-13. The Chargers have pledged from the outset to respect whatever decision the League ownership makes.

RAIDERS STATEMENT

“In accordance with the relocation policies, the Oakland Raiders submitted a relocation package to the NFL. The matter is now in the hands of the NFL’s owners. An owners’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas on January 12 and 13, 2016.”

So all three teams will have the opportunity to present their proposals to NFL owners and the 32 owners will cast a vote. If you were an owner how would you vote? Do vote yes, to allow a teams to add more money to revenue sharing? Do vote no, so you can make your city build you new stadium because of your treat to move to Los Angeles? Who really knows why or how these owners will come up with their decision. A few votes will be just based on that’s my boy of course I going to vote yes.

If one of teams do get approval then where will they play as Carson or Inglewood stadium get built. One stadium in Los Angeles does what the extra revenue, rent money for few years. USC, which operates the Coliseum, has a contract that says the stadium can host only one NFL team, and it is willing to do so. So will Dodgers or Angels Stadium step up if NFL let’s two or three teams in Los Angeles?

Let’s watch and see ……………….. WHO’S READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

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