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APRIL 2014

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VOL 5/ISSUE 1

The 2014 BMW i8

Departments & Features

Carnell Moore Jeff Louderback

813-833-3495

8

A Home Run For Kids

10

Advice For A Significant Life

14

Who Would You Take With #1 Pick?

16

Dashon Goldson Reflects On Everyday Life

24

CJ Motte Wants More For The Bulldogs

30

College Players In U.S. Women Pool

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I want to start by saying thank you.

I know they say that when you dream you eventually wake up. Well, for some reason, I’ve never had to wake up. Not just because of my time as a New York Yankee but also because I am living my dream every single day.

Last year was a tough one for me. As I suffered through a bunch of injuries, I realized that some of the things that always came easily to me and were always fun had started to become a struggle. The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward.

So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last. As I came to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold off saying anything until I was absolutely 100% sure.

And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball.

I’ve experienced so many defining moments in my career. Winning the World Series as a rookie shortstop, being named the Yankees captain, closing the old and opening the new Yankee Stadium. Through it all, I’ve never stopped chasing the next one. I want to finally stop the chase and take in the world.

For the last 20 years I’ve been completely focused on two goals: playing my best and helping the Yankees win. That means that for 365 days a year, my every thought and action were geared toward that goal. It’s now time for something new.

From the time I was a kid, my dream was always very vivid and it never changed: I was going to be the shortstop for the NY Yankees. It started as an empty canvas more than 20 years ago, and now that I look at it, it’s almost complete. In a million years, I wouldn’t have believed just how beautiful it would become.

So many people have traveled along this journey with me and helped me along the way: I want to especially thank The Boss, the Steinbrenner family, the entire Yankees organization, my managers, my coaches, my teammates, my friends and of course, above all, my family. They taught me incredible life lessons and are the #1 reason I lasted this long. They may not have been on the field, but they feel they played every game with me, and I think they are ready to call it a career as well.

I also couldn’t have done it without the people of New York. NY fans always pushed me to be my best. They have embraced me, loved me, respected me and have ALWAYS been there for me. This can be a tough, invasive, critical and demanding environment. The people of this city have high expectations and are anxious to see them met.

But it’s those same people who have challenged me, cheered for me, beat me down and picked me back up all at the same time. NY made me stronger, kept me more focused and made me a better, more well-rounded person. For that I will be forever grateful. I never could have imagined playing anywhere else.

I will remember it all: the cheers, the boos, every win, every loss, all the plane trips, the bus rides, the clubhouses, the walks through the tunnel and every drive to and from the Bronx. I have achieved almost every personal and professional goal I have set. I have gotten the very most out of my life playing baseball, and I have absolutely no regrets.

Now it’s time for the next chapter. I have new dreams and aspirations, and I want new challenges. There are many things I want to do in business and philanthropic work, in addition to focusing more on my personal life and starting a family of my own. And I want the ability to move at my own pace, see the world and finally have a summer vacation.

But before that, I want to soak in every moment of every day this year, so I can remember it for the rest of my life.

And most importantly, I want to help the Yankees reach our goal of winning another championship.

Once again, thank you.

Derek Jeter

Matt Bruback Line Drive Becomes A Home Run For Kids

Former minor league baseball pitcher Matt Bruback invented the Miracle Belt, initially to help athletes improve their balance. The product has since proven helpful to children with disabilities.

By Jeff Louderback Chances are, Matt Bruback is one of the few pitchers in professional baseball history who feels grateful about taking a line drive off the knee.

The injury spurred him to create a weighted belt that was originally designed to help baseball players with balance and body awareness, but the Miracle Belt (www.miraclebelt.com) evolved into a product that benefits children with autism and ADHD, PREMIER PLAYERS 8

improving concentration, focus, and sensory deficits.

Bruback – who was drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of high school in 1997, spent a year at Manatee Community College in Florida and then signed with the Cubs in 1998 – was pitching at Double-A West Tennessee in the Cubs system in 2001 when the fateful liner was struck.

In his second start at that level, Bruback delivered a 91 mph fast ball that was ripped up the middle and

drilled his right knee cap. The injury disrupted his balance and pitching rhythm resulting in diminished velocity and a lack of command. Since his lower body wasn’t providing the support and stability needed to stay balanced, Bruback started coming across his body when he pitched causing him to develop biceps tendinitis.

Later, while playing for Bowie Baysox (the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles), Bruback placed a 20-pound sandbag on his shoulders

while doing leg lifts, which would eventually spark a life changing decision.

“For years, coaches pulled on my uniform to try to get me to feel my balance point to improve mechanics, so I would have better command of my pitches,” Bruback said. “They would tell me, ‘You just need to focus on staying back.’ Coaches can tell you and even show you, but until you feel it yourself, you will not be able to do it. I couldn’t relate to what they were trying to get me to feel, but I suddenly did when I put the sandbag on my shoulders.”

Inspired by what he believed would help improve his mechanics and propel him to live his Major League dream, Bruback created a weighted belt to make him more aware of his body positioning.

“The belt gave me the feeling of being grounded which allowed me to feel my mechanics. Without being able to feel my mechanics and make timely adjustments, it’s difficult to stay consistent on the mound,” Bruback said.

Bruback’s mother, Vickie, crafted the first prototype using material they found at Home Depot. Bruback’s sister, who is a graphic designer, developed a visual design of how the belt would look, and then she created marketing materials to present the product to manufacturing companies.

That is how the concept behind the weighted belt was born. At the time, it was called the Balance Pro Sportbelt™, which was also found to help golfers with body awareness and weight shift.

After the 2006 season, Bruback was a free agent and considering signing with a professional team overseas in either Israel or Italy.

While contemplating his next move, Bruback received a call from Catherine Behan, a San Diego-based therapist who had originally bought the belt to improve her golf game but discovered other therapeutic uses for autistic children who have little or no control of their bodies.

Bruback had a tough decision to make. “Do I continue my professional baseball career and continue working

towards my goal to pitch in the majors, or should I focus my energy on helping children with developmental disabilities?” Bruback asked himself.

Shortly after his chat with Behan, Bruback brought the belt to Sarasotabased Community Haven, a nonprofit organization for adults and children with disabilities. There, the product was redesigned by occupational and physical therapists to help children with sensory needs. Therapists at Community Haven saw what they termed “miraculous” benefits from using the belt, so Bruback named it Miracle Belt™. He also added the Sensory Belt™ for larger-sized children, teens and adults.

“With the positive encouragement I received during the conversation with Catherine and the results at Community Haven, the decision was easy to focus my attention on helping the children,” said Bruback, who pitched in the minors for nine seasons. “I love baseball, but essentially I gave up one dream to pursue another, one that will have a lasting impact on children with developmental disabilities. There is no better feeling than helping improve the life of a child.”

Used by parents, teachers, and therapists in all 50 states and over 30 countries, the Miracle Belt has helped more than 10,000 children. Therapists have reported the Miracle Belt has contributed to children with disabilities reaching milestones originally thought not possible.

The first article on the Miracle Belt was published on Easter Sunday back in 2007 and caught the attention of Drs. Frank and Lisa Lanzisera, who live in Bradenton, Fla. and are the parents of a child with Down Syndrome. The Miracle Belt helped their 10-year-old boy walk for the first time.

"We tried many things over the years to help in our son's development.

At 10 years of age he was unable to walk unassisted,” the Lanziseras explained in an email. “We knew the problem was his balance.

“After reading about the Miracle Belt™ in the newspaper, we immediately ordered one online. Our son is now walking all around the house

without any help. In fact, he constantly surprises us when he just walks into the room,” they added. “We've dreamed of this moment for 10 years. So, in our mind, the Miracle Belt truly is a miracle!”

The Miracle Belt and Sensory Belt are being used to treat children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and ADHD, helping them become calmer and more focused. The Miracle Belt was specifically designed for infants and children weighing less than 75 pounds while the Sensory Belt was created for children, teens, and adults weighing more than 75 pounds. The belts have been researched and tested “child safe” under Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) guidelines.

There was a time when reaching the Major Leagues is what drove Bruback, but now he gets inspired by seeing how the Miracle Belt and Sensory Belt are making a dramatic impact in the lives of children with sensory disorders, and their families who are striving to do whatever they can to help their children.

“The belt centers children. They begin to understand how to use their muscles and learn how to use their body more effectively,” Bruback said. “It is remarkable to me that a line drive off my kneecap 12 years ago has resulted in improving the lives of thousands of children.”

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Former Player Provides Advice To A Significant Life

By Jeff Louderback “Your life matters.”

That is the message that veteran pastor Dan Hettinger and former Major League player and broadcaster turned motivational speaker Darrel Chaney passionately embrace in their movement to encourage and inspire others in a time and amid an economy that has created substantial challenges and painstaking setbacks for many men.

Hettinger, who is a hospice chaplain in Colorado and has served as a minister at churches nationwide, met Chaney when the two resided in the Atlanta area. The friendship inspired Hettinger to write “Welcome to the Big Leagues: Every Man’s Journey to Significance, The Darrel Chaney Story.”

The engaging book illustrates the respective stories of Chaney and Hettinger. It details Chaney’s struggle for significance as a utility infielder striving to remain in baseball at a time when players were not rewarded with salaries that provided financial comfort for the rest of their

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lives. “Welcome to the Big Leagues” also follows Chaney when his playing days ended and he encountered a myriad of peaks and valleys while striving to provide for his family and feel a sense of purpose. In the book, Hettinger also describes his arduous path as a pastor overcoming unexpected hurdles while planting and growing churches across the country.

Hettinger and Chaney met after Hettinger relocated to the Atlanta area from Princeton, N.J. to open a church. They launched a men’s Bible study group and learned they had common interests – their Christian faith and a love for baseball.

“I noticed that Darrel had a self-deprecating way about him, despite all of his achievements,” Hettinger said. “He played in three World Series and got to experience winning a World Series. He hit his first home run off Juan Marichal.

He gave Bobby Cox his first career managerial win with a walk-off home run.

“Darrel was successful as a player, even though he felt otherwise. He felt that he was just a utility infielder,”

Hettinger added. “What Darrel was doing is what I have done and many men in today’s society do.

“There is a tendency for a man to measure his worth with the wrong system – to compare his life with others and not feel content with his place on the team,” Hettinger said.

“When a man knows who he is in the eyes of God, he experiences his significance. Every day has unlimited potential.”

Chaney, who is now 65, played 11 Major League seasons for the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. He was part of three National League pennant winners, and the 1975 World Series champions, while playing for the Reds.

Yet, since he was a utility infielder on one of the greatest clubs in Major League history (the 1975 Reds), Chaney endured self-doubt about his value on the team. He experienced these same feelings after his baseball career when he was surprisingly dismissed from a broadcasting position for the Atlanta Braves at TBS after just two years, and in subsequent positions in corporate America that saw him downsized.

Chaney and Hettinger agree that one of the most poignant stories that illustrate the “Your Life Matters” matters message in “Welcome to the Big Leagues” takes readers to 1973. Chaney was used sparingly – a pinch-hit appearance here, a pinch-running spot there, a late-inning defensive replacement, an at-bat in the midst of a lopsided game to give starters a rest. The previous season, he was platooned with Davey Concepcion, but Concepcion had emerged as one of the top shortstops in the game, leaving Chaney in a utility role on a Reds team that had reached the World Series in 1970 and 1972.

A second round pick of the Reds in 1966 out of Morton High School in Hammond, Ind., Chaney had played parts of four seasons in the majors yet had never carved out a starting role. In 1973, his playing time significantly declined, and prior to the last game before the All-Star break in July, Chaney decided to approach manager Sparky Anderson.

“Can we talk a minute?” Chaney said, as he peaked his head into the manager’s office. He was comfortable talking to his skipper since Anderson managed Chaney in the minors.

“I’m glad you came in. I’ve noticed your attitude has been off a little lately, and it is affecting the guys on the bench,” Anderson said.

Chaney expressed his frustration about the lack of playing time.

“I’m glad you want in the game, so let’s go position by position and see where I can put you in.”

Anderson mentioned how, though Chaney was an infielder, he had the versatility to play the outfield if needed. Then the manager pointed out how Ken Griffey was a Rookie of the Year contender in right field, Cesar Geronimo was a Gold Glove center fielder and George Foster was the team’s best power-hitter.

The infield featured Tony Perez at first, Joe Morgan at second, Concepcion at shortstop and Pete Rose at third. All four players were perennial All-Stars, and each one except

for Conception is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Anderson pointed out that those guys were fixtures in the everyday lineup.

“I get your point, Sparky. Thanks for your time,” Chaney said as he slid from his chair, stood up with a heavy heart and prepared to walk out, feeling embarrassed about bringing up the subject.

Anderson asked Chaney to sit back down.

“Here is your purpose. If Pete gets sick, I will need you to play third. If Davey gets injured, you will play shortstop.

If Joe needs a breather, you will play second. Do you understand?” Anderson explained. “I need you. If I need a bunt, you are one of the best bunters on the team. If I need a pinch-runner, you are one of the fastest and smartest baserunners we have. If we are going to be competitive, we need you to be the best utility player in the majors.

“Darrel I want you to be ready when the game comes to you.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be ready!” Chaney responded Chaney left the office renewed, feeling that his presence on the team was valuable.

“Purpose has an amazing affect on a man’s motivation,” Chaney said. “When people read this book, I want them to feel inspired that there is hope for today and tomorrow based on my experiences and Dan’s experiences.

“During my baseball career, and also since I retired, I have been like many men who wonder, “Do I matter? Does my life matter? Am I important to people?” Chaney added.

“Your life matter not because of whether or not a person says it does, but because God says it does,” Chaney said.

Hettinger and Chaney are traveling around the country delivering speeches to groups and organizations that “Your Life Matters.”

“This is not just an inspirational message in a book,” Hettinger said “This is a movement we are striving to create. Everyone matters, regardless of the mistakes they have made and the hardships they are enduring.”

In 1976, the Reds traded Chaney to the Atlanta Braves, where he was the starting shortstop of one season followed by three more years as a utility infielder before he retired after the 1979 campaign. His post-Major League days have included the stint as a baseball broadcaster and a series of corporate jobs while building a life with his wife, Cindy, and their children. For Chaney, “Welcome to the Big Leagues” and his role in the “Your Life Matters” movement has given him what he calls his greatest sense of purpose.

“Everyone wants success. Everyone wants to be significant. I’m no different,” Chaney said. “I have experienced a lot of self-doubt and many setbacks over the course of my life, but now I wake up knowing that I am spreading a message that is meaningful and instrumental to children and adults alike.

“I have experienced a lot of times and days when I have not made an impact or I haven’t felt like I was making an impact,” he added. “I no longer feel that way because I am significant in God’s eyes, and it is our hope that everyone recognizes they are significant and they matter, too.”

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Ford Shelby GT500 The New Shelby GT500 sets a performance-driven design standard with new downforce-generating front grilles, aggressive splitter, new quad exhaust system and two new forged-aluminum wheels. It also has a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft toque.

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PREMIER PLAYERS 11

Who Would You Take With The #1 Pick?

What would you do if you were the Houston Texans who, at least on paper, could seemingly use a high-ceiling quarterback with the first pick of the NFL draft?

Would you choose the beloved yet enigmatic Texas A&M product Johnny Manziel, who some believe is the best quarterback available in the draft? How about selecting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the University of South Carolina standout who could be paired with J.J. Watt as a feared pass rushing duo?

Set for May 8, the NFL Draft is rapidly approaching and, as it is every year, speculation is rampant. The order is subject to debate, but most draft experts include Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Derek Carr and A.J. McCarron or Jimmy Garoppolo as the best available quarterbacks.

Scouts agree that none of those names will evoke comparisons to Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning, but teams like the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings desperately need quarterbacks and are likely landing spots for the aforementioned candidates.

Here are snapshots of the top quarterbacks who will be chosen in the upcoming NFL Draft:

Manziel recently trademarked the term “Johnny Football” and now, according to media reports, he has filed for a trademark for “The House That Johnny Built.”

There is no doubt that Manziel is accompanied with glitz and fanfare that some teams might consider unwanted distractions. Yet his high ceiling on the field is difficult to ignore. NFL media analyst Mike Mayock calls Manziel the best quarterback in the draft.

At 6-foot-1, Manziel is considered undersized. Russell Wilson and Drew Brees have thrived despite hearing that criticism. So has Robert Griffin III, at least before he was slowed down with his knee injury.

The Texans could give the promising Case Keenum a chance to further develop under center, and take Clowney to join Watt and create a disruptive pass rush. University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles is another alternative, though some Texans fans are clamoring for the team to select the in-state sensation that is Manziel.

Teddy Bridgewater

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M Also known by his nickname of “Johnny Football,” Manziel is a dual-threat quarterback who has a penchant for partying and was involved in an autograph signing scandal that damaged his reputation in some eyes.

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The Louisville product is considered the most polished pocket passer in college football, but he has his detractors because his slender frame leads to questions about his durability in the fierce NFL. Bridgewater has a high football IQ, though, and he has the leadership and management skills you want in a franchise quarterback.

The same questions that surround Bridgewater were also attached to Aaron Rodgers, who slipped down to the Green Bay Packers. Chances are, he will not drop that far with so many teams in need of a high ceiling quarterback.

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field with zip and velocity. Yet there are questions about his poise and whether his gaudy college numbers were a result of his program’s screen-heavy offense. As a senior, 33 percent of Carr’s throws were screens.

Carr features a quick release, but he will need time to develop. Of course, that is not always an option when a team drafts a quarterback high in the first round.

Blake Bortles Last year at this team, Blake Bortles was not a household name among NFL draft enthusiasts. Now, he is since some experts believe that the Texans could make him the top overall selection.

Scouts agree that Bortles could use some work with his footwork, and he would benefit from shortening his release, but they also are impressed with his leadership, demeanor. athleticism, accuracy and size.

Bortles is considered a “boom or bust” prospect, so that could prevent Houston from taking him first overall. He is not as polished as the bigger name quarterback prospects, but his upside is high enough that most scouts agree he will be one of the first five quarterbacks drafted.

A.J. McCarron McCarron is a media darling from the University of Alabama while Garoppolo has rocketed up the draft board after a stellar career at Eastern Illinois.

Derek Carr Is Derek Carr a product of the Fresno State system? That is what NFL general managers have to answer.

Carr accurately makes tight throws to all areas of the

Jimmy Garoppolo PREMIER PLAYERS 15

Dashon Goldson On-the-field intimidator reflects on his mother’s influence

By Jeff Louderback On the field, hard-hitting Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson wants wide receivers to feel fear when they roam across the middle. It’s why he was a two-time Pro Bowler in six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before the Bucs signed him to a five-year, $41.25 million deal in 2013, making him one of the game’s highest paid defensive backs.

Opinions vary about the niche Goldson has carved as an on-field intimidator. Though the hits that have drawn fines have appeared legal, some opposing players on the receiving end have expressed displeasure while teammates and even rivals (like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) rave about his penchant for old school football. Those who know Goldson off the field tell of a gentle soul who wears dreadlocks and is fashion-conscious, passionate about helping at-risk children and can never get enough of his Jamaican mother’s cooking.

Now 29, Goldson could have easily taken a path that led far from the fortune of playing in the NFL. His route could have ended in prison or even death, like many of the kids he grew up with in the often tumultuous streets of Los Angeles.

Goldson’s mother, Desrene, moved to the United States from Jamaica three decades ago and eventually arrived in LA. One of six children – he is the oldest boy and is the second oldest of the bunch – Goldson barely knew his father, who was incarcerated when he (Goldson) was a toddler. Desrene eventually remarried and Goldson’s stepfather, Kevin Irons, served as a role model.

“Growing up, my mother and my stepfather gradually moved us to PREMIER PLAYERS 16

better areas, and drove all of us to school and activities,” Goldson said.

“They did a good job of making sure we were not on the streets and getting into trouble.”

The neighborhoods he was raised in were still occupied by drugs, gangs and bad elements, Goldson explained. “Football became my escape,” he said. “It wasn’t just a sport. It was a way to focus all of my energy on something productive that pointed me in a positive direction.”

It is Desrene who taught her son discipline, a dedicated work ethic and the importance of always having a strong love for his family. Even amid all the temptations in rough neighborhoods, Goldson managed to stay out of trouble.

“No teacher ever had to call me,”Desrene said. “No fights.

Nothing.”

Though Goldson’s mother and stepfather encouraged him to play sports, football was not on the approved list. Desrene wanted him to play soccer while Kevin envisioned him excelling at basketball.

In the summer after his fifth grade year, Goldson tasted the exhilaration of delivering a hit on the football field for the first time.

“Across the street from our house there was a park where Pop Warner league games were played,” Goldson recalled. “One day I saw a group of kids playing what you would likely compare to rugby. One kid would get the ball and everyone else would try to tackle him.

“One day, some kids asked me to play, and I started laying cats out,” Goldson said with a smile.

At the park that day was a coach in the Pop Warner league who saw Goldson and asked if he had ever played football.

“No,” Goldson said.

“Do you want to?” the coach

responded.

“Yes, but my mom and dad would never let me,” Goldson said.

Goldson learned that the entry fee was $100. Knowing that his parents would never sign the permission form, he signed their names and used his birthday money to make his organized football debut.

“I played the rest of that season and would hide my uniform and pads until I got to the park,” Goldson said.

“Eventually, my sister told my parents, but they let me finish the season.”

If Desrene and Kevin had their way, Goldson would have never returned to the gridiron. It was his youth league coach, former UCLA cornerback Bobby Hosea, who taught Goldson how to correctly tackle and who convinced Goldson’s parents to let him pursue football.

“He visited my stepfather and told him, ‘Dashon will not eventually buy you a house playing basketball, but he will playing football,’” Goldson recalled with a laugh.

Hosea later coached Goldson in high school, knocked on his door in Redondo Beach during college break to run with him and still remains an encouraging influence, helping with Goldson’s summer football camps.

Hosea and Darian Walker - who was a few years older, lived in the neighborhood and starred on the high school football team and showed an interest in keeping Goldson on a safe path – were two of Dashon’s most important influences growing up.

Goldson was a standout at Narbonne High School, which also produced Nnamdi Asomugha, who ironically now plays for Goldson’s former team, the 49ers. In 2002, Goldson was among nine players in his class who earned Division I scholarships, but he didn’t earn a continued on page 20

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Before Tampa Bay, Goldson picked off 14 passes during his four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers while delivering devastating blows.

continued from page 16 qualifying SAT score. Schools like USC, UCLA and Wisconsin backed off. The University of Washington kept its interest in Goldson and recommended that he head to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.

Accustomed to the urban streets of LA, Goldson found himself away from his family for the first time and in the remote wheat fields of Coffeyville, Kansas. The population?

Around 10,000.

“I didn't know what homesick was all about until my mom and dad left me in Coffeyville,” Goldson said. “I wasn’t sure I would stay there, but eventually I settled in.”

In junior college, Goldson was teammates with Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph and New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs among other NFL players. He was an All-American and reached his original objective of playing at the University of Washington, where he developed into an NFL prospect and earned a degree in American Ethnic Studies.

A fourth round pick of the 49ers in 2007, Goldson was moved to start the Highest Point Foundation in 2009. The foundation provides outlets for at-risk youth through sports programs to help them stay off the streets and in formidable activities. Through the Highest Point Foundation, Goldson also strives to help individuals who have been incarcerated better adapt to life after getting their freedom back.

“Lots of people go back to crime because they have trouble finding work and a place to live, and they just don’t know how to readjust to everyday life,” Goldson said. “My foundation is all about helping people who regain their freedom successfully transition into productive lives, and it is also about guiding at-risk youth to make the right choices in life so they don’t end up incarcerated.”

Goldson was actively involved with the Highest Point Foundation in San Francisco. Now that he is getting acclimated in the Tampa Bay area,

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Dashon brought his punishing hits to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense last season. Here the free safety hits Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) after a reception

he is making plans to help at-risk youth and individuals who are released from jail or prison in his new home region.

Goldson still talks to his mother on a regular basis and is quick to say that he is craving her homemade meals.

“Curried chicken, especially.

Beans and rice, too,” Goldson.

“There is no cooking quite as good as my mom’s cooking.”

In the midst of a first season in Tampa Bay that has seen the Buccaneers struggle under Greg Schiano, Goldson publicly stepped up to defend the embattled secondyear head coach, reflecting the

loyalty that he learned from his mother as a child. He remains an onfield intimidator but off the field, Goldson is a self-described family man who likes simple pleasures.

“I could have joined a gang and fallen into drugs, but I knew that was the wrong direction. I had friends who went that route, and that is not what I wanted. I focused on football,” Goldson said. “Just because I have reached the level I have in the NFL, though, that hasn’t changed who I am and who I was taught to be. I believe in playing hard on the field and living right off the field.”

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Dayton Soared High During March Madness It’s called March Madess for a reason.

Every year in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, the unexpected happens. Giants fall. The Davids of the college basketball world – otherwise known as Cinderellas in what is fondly called the “Big Dance” – emerge. Typically, in the Sweet Sixteen round, traditional powers clash, but in recent years unexpected but beloved participants like Butler, VCU, Florida Gulf Coast and Wichita State have created accelerated excitement.

This year, though Mercer University’s stunning upset of Duke was monumental, the most grandest Cinderella slipper was filled by the University of Dayton.

A program rich in tradition, the Flyers reached the NIT finals in back-to-back seasons in the early

1950s when that was the most significant college basketball tournament, and under the legendary Don Donoher, UD was a frequent NCAA Tournament participant and even reached the 1967 championship game when it lost to the John Wooden-led UCLA Bruins.

It had been a long time since the Flyers advanced deep into the Big Dance. 1984, to be exact.

Under Donoher, UD topped LSU, seventh-ranked Oklahoma, 15th ranked Washington before falling to Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas, which one the title.

Since 1990, UD has reached six NCAA tournaments. The program has endured lean stretches, and the Flyers were considered a “bubble” team on Selection Sunday. They finished the regular season 23-10 after falling to St. Joseph’s in the

Atlantic 10 Conference tournament.

Archie Miller, who was hired in 2011 and was 20-13 and 17-14 in his first two seasons with the Flyers before the breakout campaign this season, saw his team paired with in-state rival Ohio State in the opening round.

UD’s presence in the Big Dance was expected to be short-lived, but it rallied for a 55-53 victory over the Buckeyes before stunning Syracuse, 55-53 and Stanford, 82-72. The Flyers were overmatched by Billy Donocan and the University of Florida in the Elite Eight, falling 62-52. Yet the March Madness magic was a valuable tonic for a basketballcrazy city that has endured its share of ups and downs in recent decades, just like the Flyers.

Similar to other Midwestern cities in the late 1800s and early

University of Dayton Flyers celebrate after causing the first major upset of taking down their in-state rival Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

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1900s, Dayton was an industrial haven full of inventors and innovators. Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright, who owned and operated a bicycle shop in the city, invented and perfected powered flight. The cash register was invented in Dayton as well, and in 1900 the city had more patents per capita than any other community in the country.

Dayton was the 40th largest city in the United States in 1940 and was home to a myriad of Fortune 500 companies. There was a time when Dayton featured the largest collection of General Motors employees outside of Michigan, but a decline started in the 1970s and continued over subsequent decades. Gradually, factory and automobile jobs have disappeared. As a result, the population has diminished.

Dayton had 260,000 residents in 1960. The 2010 census showed 141,000 people.

In the 21sts century, Dayton has started to rebound. Bolstered by the presence of WrightPatterson Air Force Base, and a plethora of high-tech companies, fortunes are improving. The Dayton Dragons, which is Midwest League Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, boasts the longest sellout streak in professional sports. A Forbes Magazine study in 2013 named Dayton home of the happiest employees.

UD Flyers basketball is a vital source of that happiness. Though Ohio is obsessed with Ohio State football – and in southwest Ohio, where Dayton is located, the Reds are popular – Dayton is first and foremost a college basketball town.

In 2012-13, the Flyers had an average attendance of 12,438, which ranked 26th in Division I basketball.

Over the last 17 years, UD has been in the top 30 programs in average home attendance. It has never been outside of the top 35 since the UD Arena debuted in 1969.”

Dayton has hosted the first round play-in games for several years, but this season brought a source of civic pride and exhilaration that has not

Proud Sponsors been seen since the Elite Eight appearance in 1984.

March Madness is a national phenomenon, and for Miller, more chances for March magic will

continue. Amid UD’s run through the tournament, the brother of University of Arizona head coach Sean Miller received a contract extension through the 2018-2019 season.

Flyers Forward Kendall Pollard dunks over Stanford for another victory.

PREMIER PLAYERS 23

PREMIER PLAYER

Motte says little, plays big Goaltender CJ Motte was part of the Ferris State team two years ago that reached its first Frozen Four and NCAA championship game. If he had his way, Motte would surrender the personal recognition for a berth in the Frozen Four and a national championship for Ferris State University. That dream fell short.

Motte recorded his fifth shutout of the season in second-seeded Ferris State’s 1-0 victory over third-seeded Colgate, putting the Bulldogs one step away from the Frozen Four. He deflected the attention and instead pointed at teammates for securing the win.

“It was definitely one of the better games I’ve ever played,” Motte said. “But I’ve got to give a lot of credit to everyone else on the team - blocking shots, keeping guys to the outside, backchecking.”

Ferris State was edged by North Dakota, 2-1, in the next round. The Bulldogs ended their season at 29-11 -3. A junior, Motte completed one of the school’s most impressive seasons in net as he helped guide Ferris State to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) RegularSeason Championship in its debut campaign and, of course, the NCAA Elite Eight.

Winner of The 2014 Premier Player of College Hockey award, Motte was also one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award along with being nominated for the inaugural Mike Richter Goaltender of the Year honor.

Motte has a 48-29-10 career record, and his 28 total wins in net this season was the second-best single-season mark in school history behind Mike Brown’s 30 victories in

PREMIER PLAYERS 24

the 2002-2003 campaign.

Motte’s brother, Tyler Motte, plays for the University of Michigan.

Before joining the Wolverines, 19year-old Tyler played two seasons for the Ann Arbor-based U.S. National Team Development Program. He is selected in the fourth round of last summer’s NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

CJ, who is 22, laced up his skates for the Traverse City North Stars in the North American Hockey League in 2008-09 before spending the next two seasons with Waterloo in the U.S. Hockey League. Unlike his brother, CJ did not draw much attention. Ferris State was the only school that offered him a scholarship, and he was not drafted by an NHL team.

This season, Motte ranked among the national leaders all season in victories and winning percentage and helped FSU to a school-record and nation-leading 16-game unbeaten streak that stretched from late October until early January. His performance in net also helped the Bulldogs rank among the nation's top 10 teams all season. Ferris State ascended to second in the polls.

“It's been great for me to watch C.J. over the last three years develop from a backup goaltender his freshman year to where he is now,” Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels said. “He's earned it through his work in the weight room and practice. It means a lot to him but it means a lot to our program.

“C.J.'s personality is the exact personality he has in street clothes,” Daniels added. “He's very calm, very cool. He's a person of very few words.”

PREMIER PLAYERS 25

DALLAS

By Jeff Louderback Dallasites are certainly not bashful.

In a New York minute, they will tell you that everything is bigger and better in Dallas. Their city is nicknamed the “Big D” for good reason, they proudly boast.

In Dallas – where loyal supporters of the Cowboys had the audacity to call their franchise “America’s Team” - majestic skyscrapers, elegant suburban estates, sprawling ranches and a multitude of mega-malls dot the landscape. Here, larger-than-life characters symbolize what this city is all about. Big business. Big cars. Big hair. Big-time sports. And, most evident, big attitude. In recent years, Dallas has also become more cosmopolitan with lavish hotels, haute restaurants, trendy entertainment districts with a bustling nightlife and prodigious cultural venues.

“There is a lot of culture in Dallas, and it’s about time because we are one of the largest cities in the United States,” said Everson Walls, who was born and raised in Dallas, spent most of his NFL career with the Cowboys and still lives in the city with his wife, Shreill. “Regardless of what your interests are, Dallas has diverse restaurants, night spots and attractions, so you will not have a problem finding something to occupy your time.”

Perhaps from the legendary TV show that carried the city’s name, Dallas is still envisioned as a city of skyscrapers by many outsiders when it is actually a tapestry of charming neighborhoods where entertainment is alive. Uptown – which is defined by its high-rise residential towers, historic homes and posh hotels, restaurant and shops – is an ideal area to base your Dallas visit.

W Dallas Victory Hotel

Hotel ZaZa Nestled in the Uptown area just north of downtown, Hotel ZaZa is a stylish sanctuary that attracts entertainers and professional athletes like The Magnificent Seven Suites which include the Asian-themed, 2,145 -square-foot Crouching Tiger and the self-explanatory, 2,010-square-foot Rock Star – are the definition of unabashed luxury. Dragonfly, the hotel's restaurant, is so popular that reservations are a must, especially on weekends. (Hotel ZaZa, 2332 Leonard St., Dallas, 800-597-8399, www.hotelzaza.com) Nikita, a dark two-level lounge bar and 60 kinds of vodka, is another trendy Uptown nightspot, as is Cru, a restaurant that is also frequented for its wines. (Nikita, 3699 McKinney Ave., A306, 214-520-6454; Cru, 3699 McKinney Ave., A306, 214-526-9463)

Walls

Not far from Uptown and surrounding the American Airlines Center (home to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and NHL’s Dallas Stars)

Victory Park is another posh playground. The W Dallas Victory Hotel is the highlight here. With 252 Texas-sized rooms accentuated by amenities like 32-inch plasma-screen TVs and comfortable W signature beds, the accommodations alone make this an in-demand spot. Craft Dallas, where chef Tom Colicchio serves his James Beard Award winning culinary delights; and Ghostbar, an immaculate rooftop ultralounge, have transformed the W into a must-see haunt. (W Dallas Victory Hotel, 2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, 214-397-4100, www.starwoodhotels/whotels) “Ghostbar is definitely the hottest new nightspot in Dallas,” Walls said.

“It has an incredible view of downtown Dallas and a glass-floored deck. It’s definitely the place to see and be seen.”

Turtle Creek, which claims it is the city’s most lavish neighborhood, touts the Mansion on Turtle Creek, the impeccably restored Italian Renaissance-style estate of a Texas cotton mogul. The 143-room five star and five diamond hotel reflects elegance, especially in the $2,400-anight Presidential Suite. The house car, a Lexus sedan, will shuttle you within

a five-mile radius free. The restaurant, where chef John Tesar prepares contemporary American cuisine, is superb. (The Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, 214-559-2100, www.mansiononturtlecreek.com)

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For live music, Deep Ellum is a must-see district of shops, cafes, galleries, restaurants and bars in warehouse settings. Located three blocks east of downtown and one of the city’s entertainment hubs, this is where Stevie Ray Vaughn and Edie Brickell got their start.

The Green Room is Deep Ellum’s version of the Hard Rock Café. Chandeliers are crafted from drum cymbals and plates are signed by band members. (The Green Room, 2715 Elm St., Dallas, 214748-7666, www.thegreenroom.com) Club Clearview is a key part of the Deep Ellum experience. Connected to three other dance-oriented bars (Art Bar, Blind Lemon, and Red Complex), it offers an eclectic mix of dance-oriented and live bands.

(Club Clearview, 2803 Main St., Dallas, 214-939-0077).

Deep Ellum is a longtime nightlife staple, but South Side on

Deep Ellum Lamar is emerging in popularity.

South of downtown, South Side on Lamar is housed in a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. merchandising center and includes nine floors of lofts and a basement level "indoor street” leading past an assortment of retail spots. Standard & Pours Coffee & Stocks - a Wall Streetthemed coffee shop, bar and live music venue, is one. (1409 S. Lamar St., 214-565-0383, www.standardandpours.com) A block north, Poor David's Pub, where aspiring songwriters perform,

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

is another. (1313 S. Lamar St., 214565-1295, www.poordavidspub.com) If you want to recreate a scene from the movie Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s Dallas has live country music and a mechanical bull. (1135 S. Lamar St., 214-421-2021, www.gilleysdallas.com) Once primarily a haven for business travelers, Dallas has reaped the benefits of philanthropists and now features an array of impressive and opulent museums.

Situated along 68.4 acres on the city’s north side and known as America’s largest area exclusively focused on cultural and performing arts, the Dallas Arts District includes the Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Collection of Asian Art, the I.M. Pei -designed Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. In 2009, the $275 million Dallas Center for the Performing Arts will open and host a 2,200-seat opera house, a 600-seat theater and a Grand Plaza connecting the various venues.

A grand element of the Dallas Arts District and covering a full city block, the Nasher Sculpture Center is an urban oasis of art and nature with a 55,000-square-foot building and a 1.4-acre garden dotted with 20 large sculptures from the collection of Dallas philanthropist Raymond Nasher. (2001 Flora Street, Dallas, 214-242-5177, www.NasherSculptureCenter.org) Continued on next page

Dealey Plaza Walls is enshrined with other Cowboys great like Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson and Ed “Too Tall” Jones in the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, which is part of the African-American Museum. (3536 Grand Avenue at Fair Park, Dallas, 877-852-3292, www.aamdallas.org).

History buffs will tell you that no trip to Dallas is complete without a visit to Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963.

Today, the Sixth Floor Museum examines the life, times, untimely death and legacy of President Kennedy. Some claim Cubans, Russians or the CIA was involved. The Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald fired his rifle at least three times from a window perch on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. The red-brick warehouse contains the museum, where exhibits recreate the social and political atmosphere of the time, describe President Kennedy's lasting impact on American culture. (Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm St., Dallas, 214-747-6660, www.jfk.org) In Texas, football and barbeque are kings. Dallasites are quick to tell you that cooking hot dogs and hamburgers over charcoal briquettes is not the true definition of barbeque.

“For Texans, barbecue is a noun and not a verb,” Walls said with a laugh. “It involves cooking meat like pork shoulder, beef brisket, and ribs slow over hardwood until it becomes smoky and tender.

Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse is the veteran barbeque restaurant in Dallas. (325 N. St. Paul St., Suite P5, Dallas, PREMIER PLAYERS 28

214-979-0102. Connoisseurs of Tex-Mex, the city’s other indigenous cuisine, rave about Mia's (4322 Lemmon Avenue, 214-526-1020).

Bob Bassen, who played in the NHL for 15 seasons including a three-year stint with the Dallas Stars, prefers a different side of Dallas.

“Within two hours in about every direction, you can find lakes and rivers where the bass fishing is remarkable,” said Bassen, who lives in Dallas with his wife and children.

“When I played, I would go fishing in as many cities as I could.”

The aptly named Bassen recommends a trip to Lake Texoma, about a 2 ½ hour drive from Dallas. An 89,000 acre lake on the Red River along Texas and Oklahoma border, Lake Texoma (www.laketexoma.com) is a resort area where striper fishing, golf and water sports are prevalent.

Golf, Bassen says, is also a top draw in Dallas. Home to the PGA’s Byron Nelson Classic, TPC at the Four Seasons Resort and Club (4150 N. McArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-7172400, www.fourseasonsresort.com/dallas) is the most spectacular course in the area. Bear Creek Golf Club (3500 Bear Creek Court/DFW Airport, 972/456-3200, www.bearcreek-golf.com) is another top-rated course. For a true championship golf experience, play the Tour 18 Dallas course, where 18 of the best-known holes in golf are reproduced. (8718 Amen Corner, Flower Mound, 800-9465310; www.tour18golf.com) Of course, Walls is partial about sports in Dallas, and most Dallasites are no different. The Rangers have been to two World Series in recent years. The Mavericks are now a perennial NBA power, and the NHL’s Stars have won a Stanley Cup, but in Dallas, the Cowboys reign supreme.

“This is a franchise with a lot of history, and many legacies,” said Walls, a four-time Pro Bowler when he played for the Cowboys from 1981-1989. “When it’s Sunday, and the Cowboys are at home or on the road, the city is entranced. If you’re one of the few non-football fans in Dallas, it’s a great time to do your grocery shopping.

You’ll have the store to yourself.”

Byron Nelson Golf Classic

AT &T Stadium - Home of The Dallas Cowboys PREMIER PLAYERS 29

NEXT: College Players In U.S. Women Pool USA Basketball is preparing for a changing of the guard as it announced six collegiate players in the national team pool this year.

"I'm thrilled that there's six college kids, because whoever's the coach in 2020 is going to need players to step in, because there's not going to be any Diana (Taurasi) or Sue (Bird) or Tamika Catchings or Lindsay Whalen," said UConn's Geno Auriemma said, the Olympic coach in 2012 and 2016. "There are a lot of players that have won a lot of gold medals that aren't going to be around in 2020. And I think USA Basketball needs to start identifying who that next group of players is going to be."

The six college players complement Taurasi, Bird, Catchings and seven other members of the London Olympic team that won the gold medal. From the 33-player pool, the team will be chosen for the 2014 World Championship and 2016 Olympic teams.

The Americans won the world championship in 2010 and have five consecutive Olympic gold medals.

"When I was invited to the minicamp, it was kind of like, `Wow. Like, I have an opportunity to try and be on the 2016 Olympic team or the World Championship team,"' Stewart said. "When you see things like that, it's even more motivating because you want to be a part of that."

Stewart is far from a rookie with USA Basketball.

She's always been playing beyond her years, moving up age groups in international competitions. She's on pace to be the first player to win a gold medal for the U.S. at every major international competition. All that's missing are the World University games, World Championship and Olympic golds. She could conceivably get all three in the next three years.

This isn't the first time that college players have been part of the national team pool. Maya Moore played for the U.S. at the 2010 World Championship in the Czech Republic while she was enrolled at UConn. Three college players were part of that pool.

Six is the most since the U.S. started using pros in 1996.

Dolson was elated to be part of this squad's pool.

"Words can't describe it," Dolson said. "If you would have told me this a few years ago, I would have thought you were crazy. For me, this honor, the

#30 Breanna Stewart, UCONN Height: 6-4; Position: Forward; Class: Sophomore Hometown: Syracuse, NY; High School: Cicero North

ability to try out, it's just awesome, really cool. It shows what hard work does, and I'm really proud of myself."

A chance to be with the best in the country was an honor for the college players.

"Being part of this group means so much," Notre Dame's McBride said. "It's something you always think about, the opportunity to play with the best of the best. To have had the chance to practice at the USA Basketball mini-camp was a blessing all to itself, but to be included with them as part of this player pool is humbling."

The U.S. most likely won't announce its roster for the worlds until late summer. The worlds start on Sept. 27 and run until Oct. 5 in Turkey. (AP Story)

#0 Odyssey Sims, Baylor Height: 5-8; Position: Guard; Class: Senior Hometown: Irving, TX; High School: MacArthur

#25 Alyssa Thomas, Maryland Height: 6-2; Position: Forward; Class: Senior Hometown: Harrisburg, PA; HS: Central Dauphin

#21 Kayla McBride, Notre Dame Height: 5-11; Position: Guard; Class: Senior Hometown: Erie, PA; HS: Villa Maria Academy

#23 Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, UCONN Height: 6-0; Position: Forward; Class: Junior Hometown: Anaheim Hills, CA: HS: Mater Dei

#31 Stefanie Dolson, UCONN Height: 6-5; Position: Center; Class: Senior Hometown: Port Jervis, NY; HS: Minisink Valley