Wild World Of Wednesday Without Whining

UFC Fan Expo: The Second Annual UFC Fan Expo will feature some of the Brightest and Biggest stars in all of MMA. The Fightergirls booth will be no exception! Guests include Shar Jackson, Shonie Carter, Debi Purcell, and Wes Sims. Autographs signings will be available at the Fightergirls booth (#1238). Fightergirls will be showcasing their New line for the season. Don't miss it!

Big Wednesday: What are you doing tonight? If you're in Huntington Beach check out Duke's from 7-10pm. There will be drink specials, raffle prizes, and more. Tonight's event is presented by Rip Curl.

Not Out Of Mind: Although I haven't covered much in the world of women's football lately it still exists. Check out the Southern California Breakers website for info on their season. The last game this year is on June 5th against the Los Angeles Amazons. For complete women's football coverage make sure you check out Women's Football Talk.

Today In Sports History

1925 - Ty Cobb became the first major league baseball player to collect 1,000 extra-base hits.

2002 - Robert Horry drains a three to beat the Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals

Happy Birtday to Jay Feely

5 Questions With Coach Lee

Dion A. Lee, CEO and Head Coach of the Las Vegas Showgirlz can be found all over the Women's Football Talk programming when he isn't working on his team or other contributions to women's football. He stopped his busy schedule enough to be a guest for five questions today:

1. Describe your coaching experiences that have led you to the Showgirlz. What other coaching experience do you have? Have you coached sports other than football?

Coaching goes back to 1994 for me as a full-time thing. After my college career I went back to my high school (Carson High, in Carson, CA) and made my coaching debut as the Defensive Back coach. That year I coached and developed one of the best secondary in the City, 3 out of 4 were selected on the first team All-League team and All-City team that year. I knew all along that I wanted to coach for a living. In my second year I was promoted to the defensive coordinator position. But as life goes on I went back into my true love full time, entertainment promotions. From 1996 to 2001, I made my living in the entertainment industry as an Urban Marketing Specialist.

The need to get back on the field came in 2001, when I saw an ad for a head coaching position at Pasadena High. When I answered that ad the position was filled but I was asked to join the staff as a Defensive Back coach. The following year I was promoted to Defensive Coordinator. From 2001 to 2005 I helped put Pasadena back on the map and we were the top defense in the C.I.F in 02, 03 and 04. I was also the head Track and Field coach, again building the program up by recruiting heavily on campus to get us rolling. In track we won two boy league titles while I was there, but was more proud of building the girls program from 10 girls to over 75 and help them make it out of league and into the C.I.F. After the 04 season I was interested in becoming a head coach as the head coach was stepping down. But again life happens and my wife and I decided to move to Las Vegas. I drove back and forth from Pasadena to Vegas for the next 2 years to continue teaching and coaching Track and Field. Before we moved, I had befriended Aubrey Duncan of the Los Angeles Amazons. He wanted me to help coach his team of women football players. At first I just laughed, "women, right!!!" It wasn't until I went to a WPFL Championship in the Fall of 04 that I saw a game live.........and I loved it!!!! I told myself I have to get involved. So in the Fall of 2005, I went to Dallas Texas and presented the Las Vegas Showgirlz as a team to add to the WPFL line-up.

The Spring of 2006 is when we got started and never looked back, the first tryout was a little disappointing, we only had 7 players make it out that day, but we had 10 different media outlets there to see us. We ran practice as though we had a full team knowing that the news was going to cover a select few anyway. Players started seeing on us on the news and in newspapers and the next week we had 20 new girls out there. The week after we had 30 more new ones plus the other 30 or so others. Now we have a team. That year we had over 120 women come out and tryout for the team. I told the ladies that it is going to take us 5 years before we are on top of this Women's Football "thang". We went 2-5 in 2006, 2-6 in 2007, 5-3 in 2008, and 8-0 in 2009 losing in our first appearance in the WFA National Playoffs. In 2010, this is the year - just like I planned 5 years ago!!!

2. Tell me about your annual conference - what was your motivation, inspiration, and how did it all come together?

The annual camp and conference is nothing new, it was just something that wasn't being done in women's football. There are 100's of camps and clinics for football players and coaches all over the nation but none were open or for women football players. I have been around the women's game since 2005 and saw a need for our product to get better. We had good players but the true football fan wants to see great players. So after talking to a few coaches out there we talked about the needs of the players and created the WFCC or the Women's Football Camp and Conference.

At first the Camp and Conference was not welcome with open arms. Even though it was a great idea, the leagues out there didn't feel in was needed. They felt that all the owners would get together and talk and recruit each other out of each others' leagues and the same with the coaches. They thought that teams would be lining up to recruit their players.

As you can see they were all wrong....lol! The purpose was to get everyone that wanted to improve their game on and off the field to come and experience that. To learn the game, to be taught by others, to get the latest in coaching, to find out how to get sponsors, how niche marketing is what we do, how to sell season tickets and getting fans in the stands, to come together and work together.

In 2008 we had 42 campers there, in 2010 we had 73 campers and 13 management staff attend. Has it hit the numbers that we expected? No, not even close, we have what - 100 teams or so out there!!! We were looking at 2 coaches from each team, 2 management staff and 4 players, giving us a total of 800 attendees for the Camp and Conference. Very real listed numbers. We will get there on day some, as of today, March 5th, we have over 130 signed up for the January 6th, 2011 Camp and Conference.

3. What sports have you personally been involved in throughout your life? What do you do now for fun, competition, or health & fitness?

I have been involved in several sports from the age of 5 to now. I started playing sports at the age of 5 with flag football and basketball. I stuck with football and track throughout high school and college. Later I earned a D1 scholarship to attend and graduated from Cal State University of Long Beach. I played Defensive Back and later switched to Wide Receiver, earned All Big West Conference in Track and Field.

What I do now as far as competition is compete against my two kids and wife in everything; from racing to the front door, playing the Wii System, Bingo and Candyland. I get a little more fit by working out, side by side with the ladies that I Coach in football. Other than that, walking and running at work as a Recreation Sports Specialist for Clark County Parks & Rec.

4. Who are your role models and why? Do you consider yourself a role model? Why or why not?

My role models are to this day are still my parents. They have always shown me the way. They have helped me become the man that I am today.

I see myself as a role model to many out there. Coaching is a position where you are looked as a role model, a teacher, a leader. I am a leader and believer and I show that in my everyday work habits to help build Women's Football.


5. Tell me something that may surprise people to know about you.

Wow, that's a hard question, but as I think about it, most people don't know how funny I am. I should of been a comedian.....lol!

5 Questions - Women's Football

There has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming seasons of WFA and IWFL, the LFL, and IWFFA so I thought we could revisit some of the great interviews that have been here with current and former players.

BJ Coletta, Women's Football Talk

Wendi Kali, Portland Fighting Fillies

Amanda Garcia, Southern California Breakers

Joy Barry, Southern California Breakers

Becky Leetch, Southern California Breakers

Vanessa Santiallan, Southern California Breakers

Jody Van Zanten, Southern California Breakers

Oh yes, you saw me mention the LFL. It seems like there is quite a bit of discussion about this league lately - more than past seasons. If you don't know what the LFL is then you can look here.

To keep up on everything in the world of women's football, check out Women's Football Talk. The blog and radio show is one of the most comprehensive locations for everything women's football.

Mid-November Blogspotting

Open Mic: The Women's Football Talk group has a new show that debuts tonight. Women's Football Open Mic will be hosted by Wendi Kali. Wendi has been a guest for 5 Questions as well.

Glam Slam: Speaking of football, today's post on A Glam Slam discusses the future of college football fashion. This is a newly launched blog, check it out!

Did I Already Share This? I can't remember if I ever shared the link to the Twitter Girls of Photo Ball Marker. PBM are a fun company with a fun product that is a great gift idea.

It's Getting Dark Earlier: This doesn't mean that you can't still try to squeeze in a round of golf in the afternoon. I tried this just over the weekend and so did Heather. I'm guessing my round was a bit warmer though.

Bad Golf: Yeah, I play plenty of bad golf myself. The One-Eyed Golfer has an interesting post about a documentary that covers a tournament that I want to enter. The Average Man Invitational has a big prize and very low requirements. I'm gonna try to catch the application window for next year and see if I can get in!

Saturday Football - May 30, 2009

Another Saturday means that there are more IWFL and WFA football games to follow:

Check Women's Football Talk for the list of games being broadcast today.

The IWFL is very good about keeping scores updated on on Twitter. If you aren't following them already I would recommend that you do.

The IWFL site has a complete list of games today as does the WFA website.

The Southern California Breakers have ended up with a bye week today as the New Mexico Menace had lost several players to injury and would not be able to have a full enough roster to play. Instead, they have rescheduled the last home game of the season for next Saturday and they will host the California Quake. Since the Quake beat them in both meetings last season, the Breakers are anxious for redemption and are excited to have this opportunity. They weren't scheduled to meet the Quake this year, however, with New Mexico's absence the league made it possible. This should be a good one!

I'll be on the sideline next week for the game that will be played at Irvine High School and attempting to provide updates through Twitter. I think I have the new phone down to a reasonable proficiency so we'll see how that goes!

I also wanted to mention a great way to connect with all of the teams in both leagues. The Women's Tackle Football Group is a network where players, coaches, and fans can interact. You can find your favorite players, video, and other content here so check it out.

Sunday Sports Wrap - May 23 2009

Football: I'm sad that I didn't make it out to the Breakers vs. Amazons game last night here in Los Angeles. The outcome - Amazons 33, Breakers 0. The updates for all of the IWFL games played yesterday can be found on the IWFL website. In addition, on Saturdays you can find some updates and scores for selected games by following the IWFL on Twitter. Of interest to me was how many games are still very lopsided. There was another game this week in which one team put up at least 70 against their opponent. Although there were about 5 games that had final scores that looked like they were good games, I believe we will still see these one-sided games until the league matures. There were only two WFA games yesterday and those both had much closer scores. Be sure to tune in to the Women's Football Talk radio show this afternoon at 3:00pm PST for full coverage of scores and some recaps. I won't be making my usual call in this week as I will be out hiking the hills of Los Angeles with some friends. I'll be back to calling the crew next week though.

NBA Playoffs: Well the Nuggets beat the Lakers at home so the Lakers returned the favor last night. Close game, though. Tonight is Game 3 of the Magic vs. Cavs series. Both of these finals series are really quite good!

Freeway Series: The last game of the Angels visit to the Ravine is today. The series is split so far. I remember the last time I was actually at the stadium for an Angels visit. Somehow I was lucky enough to sit next to a couple of Angels fans on that particular Sunday. They were interesting folks that acted like I didn't exist and kept bumping me and even pointed at something while nearly poking me in the face. That year the Dodgers swept them and it was very nice to watch the two walk out in disgust. Angels fans are usually much nicer I thought...yeah right...

Today In Sports History

1902 - Cleveland third baseman Bill Bradley is the A.L.'s first player to hit a home run in each of four consecutive games, a record not matched until Babe Ruth does it June 25, 1918.

Happy Birthday to Bartolo Colon and Brad Penny

Sunday Breakers Wrap - May 17, 2009

Last night the Southern California Breakers hosted the Tucson Monsoon at the Capistrano Valley High School field. This was the second meeting for the two teams with the last match ending up with a 14-13 victory for the Monsoon. This was just last Saturday in Tucson. Now, the Monsoon would bring their 4-0 record to Southern California to face the 2-2 Breakers. Here's how it went down:

First Quarter: The Monsoon were the first to start on offense but could not capitalize. The Breakers started their first drive on the Monsoon 45. With 11:14 showing on the clock, during the Breakers second offensive play, Vanessa Santiallan (28) ran 45 yards for a touchdown. The point after attempt was no good and the score was 6-0. Without wasting time, Santiallan ran in for another TD with 9:03 on the clock. Elaine Iba (81) made a key block to enable the score. The first point after attempt was good but called back due to a penalty. The second attempt was also good and the score was now 13-0, Breakers. The Breakers struck gold again at 6:35 on the clock when Monique Boone (39) caught a pass for a touchdown. The point after kick by Joy Barry (22) was good and the score was now 20-0. The first quarter excitement for the Breakers continued when Barry intercepted a pass with 3:09 on the clock. The drive and quarter ended with a completion to Iba with 0:02 left in Q1 on the Monsoon 1 yard line.

Second Quarter: The Breakers waste no time and score with 14:50 on the clock via a QB keeper by Shawna Murphy (18). A bad snap foiled the point after try although Barry made an effort to run it in. The score was now 26-0. The remainder of the quarter had the two teams going back and forth on possessions. With 3:02 on the clock, the Breakers fumbled and allowed the Monsoon to start on the So Cal 13. With 0:56 left in the half, the Monsoon socred but failed to make the point after. The score was now 26-6. The Breakers got the ball back and ran out the clock into halftime.

Third Quarter: The Breakers start on offense after the half on the Monsoon 45. Michelle Jacot (25) made the return to give the team this favorable starting point. The team couldn't capitalize and gave the Monsoon possession back at 13:09. Later in the 3rd, the Breakers fumble with 8:12 on the clock. The Monsoon are unable to cash in and the quarter continues with back and forth possessions. The Breakers fumbled again with 1:46 left on the clock but the Monsoon again fail to take advantage of the opportunity.

Fourth Quarter: Boone recovers a fumble for the Breakers with 11:50 on the clock but the team can't convert. There is more back and forth before the Breakers strike again. Santillan runs in a TD with 8:51 showing on the clock but the point after is no good. The score is now 32-6. With 3:41 showing on the clock the Breakers fumble again but the Monsoon is unable to convert. The Breakers get the ball back at 1:49 remaining and run out the clock. The final score is 32-6.

Coach Manny told me during the game that he felt that it was important not to run up the score on the opposing team. He explained that Vincent Smith, head coach for the Monsoon, had the chance to score at the end of the previous week's game but didn't. When I told him that I had heard of another final score in the IWFL earlier that day that ended up 77-7 he was quite disappointed. "This is what makes players quit", he told me. Indeed, although it may feel good to score over and over it does not help the other team's morale. I've heard others say that they need to score as much as possible in order to assure a playoff spot at the end. If there are similar records then points decide. Basically, you have league morale on one hand and winning your division on the other. Which should prevail?

At any rate, you can listen to the broadcast of this game here which includes my halftime interviews with Becky Leetch and Vanessa Santillan. In addition, today at 3:00 PM PST is Women's Football Talk where I'll be on to give my game recap.

The next Breakers game is in Los Angeles against the Amazons next Saturday, May 23.

Saturday Football - May 16, 2009

Yes, it is another Saturday that is full of football. Again, there are many broadcasts of games if you can't get out to find a game in your area. First, check below for a live game near you:

For an IWFL game check the schedule here You can also follow the IWFL onTwitter.

For a WFA game check the schedule here. The WFA can also be followed on Twitter but they haven't updated as frequently yet.

If you can't get out to see a game live, Women's Football Talk has put together a list of broadcasts here.

I'll be on the sideline tonight for the Southern California Breakers hosting the Tucson Monsoon. Women's Football Talk will have a broadcast of the game that you can listen to live here. In addition, you can catch tweets about this game from me in real time. WFB Talk will also be tweeting updates from this and the Sacramento Sirens vs. Seattle Majestics game.

Are you ready for some football!?

Sunday Sports Wrap - May 10, 2009

There is so much sports to follow today including some awesome rivalries and playoff action:

NBA: All I can say is GO LAKERS!! Everyone now assumes the team's dominance since Yao Ming's season has ended.

Golf: Congrats to John Daly for making an impression on the European Tour. Here's to getting back on track!

MLB: The Dodgers and arch-rival Giants have split a three game series so far. The Giants stuck it to LA on Friday 3-1 but then Dodgers came back with a strong 8-0 shut out. Go Dodgers!

Women's Football Talk: Don't forget to listen to WFB Talk Radio today at 3:00 pm PST for recaps of yesterday's games and more.

Today in Sports History

Happy Birthday to Pat Summerall, Jerome Williams, and Emily McEnroe

And another historic tidbit - 1908 - The first Mother's Day observance took place during church services in Grafton, WV, and Philadelphia.

Saturday Football - May 9, 2009

If this is your first time here you may think I'm losing it. What I you mean "Saturday football"? College football starts in the fall. You're correct, the NCAA starts up later in the year. I am talking about professional women's football - the IWFL and WFA have games today.

For the WFA - check the schedule for the entire league here.

For the IWFL - check the schedule for the entire league here.

The IWFL also has a You Tube channel.

The 2-1 Southern California Breakers travel to the 3-0 Tucson Monsoon today. Next week Tucson will return the favor and travel here to So Cal. I'll have the full recap for that meeting next Sunday.

If you don't have a team in your area Women's Football Talk has put together a list of broadcasts for some of the teams.

Several teams/players also have You Tube channels - here are what I have found so far:

New York Sharks

Modesto Maniax

Miami Fury

California Quake

DC Divas

Central PA Vipers

Let me know which I am missing! Enjoy your Saturday!

Sunday Breakers Wrap - May 3, 2009

Last night the 1-1 Southern California Breakers hosted the 0-2 Modesto Maniax at Capo Valley High. The evening started out quite chilly with a definite wind coming from the Pacific but things heated up in the second half quite nicely for So Cal. Here is how things went down:

First Quarter: Modesto was the first to start on offense. They were unable to capitalize and had to punt on a 4th and 17 situation. On their first offensive play, the Breakers Vanessa Santiallan (28) ran for a touchdown with 13:01 on the clock. However, a holding call wiped the points off of the board and the team was unable to make a score stick during their opening drive. At 5:16 on the clock, the Breakers intercepted the Maniax but fumbled and put Modesto in scoring position on the 12 yard line. Modesto had to settle for a 3 point try but could not convert with 3:30 on the clock. The Maniax put together some impressive plays and were able to contain the Breakers' running game for the first quarter which ended at 0-0.

Second Quarter: With 8:12 showing on the clock, Jennifer Myszkowski (54) made a big catch to put the Breakers on the 28 yard line of the Maniax. Santillan ran for a first down in the same drive with 7:17 showing on the clock. At 5:48 on the clock So Cal manufactured another first down that put them on the five yard line. Elaine Eba (81) then made a catch to put So Cal on the one. With 5:02 showing on the clock Santillan ran in for the TD. The resulting PAT was no good due to a bad snap. The score was now Breakers 6, Maniax 0. The Breakers had another chance with 0:42 showing on the clock but could not convert and gave the Maniax a chance with 0:15 left in the half. An interception by Joy Barry (22) put an end to the Maniax hopes of scoring in the first half.

Observations: At this point in the game I noticed that the Maniax QB had the use of the hard count down pat. Fortunately for the Breakers, they practiced and conditioned to watch the ball as opposed to listening to the count and were not drawn offside. Both teams are doing a good job of containing the run so far and each are having timing issues with the pass. Modesto was quite impressive with their professionalism and dedication to the game. During the warm-ups, they were a team that was very disciplined and in synch with each other and really had the Breakers on notice during the first half.

Halftime: SCAT (South Coast Agility Team) was back again to provide halftime entertainment. I had never seen a basset hound doing dog agility but they had one on the field nonetheless. I guess there is hope for my lazy bloodhound yet!

Third Quarter: The Breakers start out strong and with 14:45 on the clock Santillan runs for another TD. Jill Cosh (7) does a QB keeper to make the 2 point conversion and the score is 14-0 Breakers. Tutu Leomiti (53) makes key stops on defense during the Maniax possession and quells their hopes for a score. With 11:07 showing in the quarter, Kayla Clark (38) runs in for a TD. The point after is no good and the score is now 20-0 Breakers. Clark struck pay dirt again at 7:58 on the clock with another TD and Santillan carried the 2 point conversion in to make the score 28-0 Breakers. Priscilla Gardner (43) helped shut down the Maniax D along with Leomiti during this quarter.

Fourth Quarter: At 12:54 on the clock Michelle Jacot (25) ran in another TD for the Breakers. The resulting PAT was foiled by a bad snap but Joy Barry (22) nearly ran in for the score. The scoreboard now reads Breakers 34 and Maniax 0. At 10:19 on the clock Monique Boone (39) intercepted a Maniax pass and ran it back to their 35 yard line. On the same drive, Santillan ran in the TD with 9:44 on the clock and Barry kicked in the point after. The score is now Breakers 41 and Maniax 0. On a later drive for the Breakers, Jacot makes a long run to extend the drive and Shawna Murphy (18) showed that she can gain yards on the QB keeper. Diana Hernandez (46) put another 6 on the board for So Cal with 4:03 left in the game. After three point after attempts (do-overs from penalties), Barry makes the kick to make the score 48-0 Breakers. In the waning minutes of the game the Maniax tried to get at least one scoring drive together and could not convert. With 0:19 showing left in the game, Jacot ran in one more Breakers TD and Barry added the point after to make the final score 55-0.

The Breakers advance to 2-1 and get ready to travel to Arizona to face the Tucson Monsoon. The team will be back at home on May 16 to host the very same Monsoon at Capo Valley.

Tune in to Women’s Football Talk today at 3:00 pm PST to hear my game recap as well as correspondents from around women’s football for other games from this weekend.

Saturday Football

Not the NCAA but IWFL action all over the country. I will be at the Southern California Breakers game against the visiting Modesto Maniax. This is the first road game for the Maniax who have an 0-2 record. The Breakers are looking for redemption after their 0-42 loss against the Amazons last week to make their record 2-1.

I will test out doing a few live updates via Twitter at the game tonight. I promised someone that I'd at least get halftime and end game scores up but I will try for a few more. I've got to see how my crummy phone battery life and juggling it, the camera, and my notebook work out.

If you can't make it to an IWFL game tonight there are several that have live audio and/or video. The list of available games can be found at the Women's Football Talk blog.

As always, I highly recommend going to a game in person and supporting your local team. Ticket prices are very inexpensive and there are teams nationwide. Check the entire IWFL schedule for times and locations.

What are you doing tonight?

Sunday Sports Warp - April 18, 2009

Wow! How the day flies by. Here it is after 1:00pm PST and I haven't posted yet. Yeah, I almost forgot! Oops! I've been very busy lately to say the least. I'm not complaining though - I am grateful to be working.

Women's Football Talk: Don't forget to listen at 3:00pm PST to Women's Football Talk. They've got correspondents keeping them up to date from around the country on all the latest women's football action.

Go Lakers: So far, so good - the guys are up against the Jazz so far in Game 1.

Go Dodgers: The Dodgers have been doing rather well so far at this preliminary stage of the season. They're hosting the Rockies today at Chavez Ravine.

Today In Sports History

1986 - Michael Spinks beats Larry Holmes in 15 for heavyweight boxing title

1991 - Evander Holyfield beats George Foreman in 12 for heavyweight boxing title

Winter X Games and What Else Am I Missing?

Yesterday's ranting talked about what I've been missing...well...I am also missing the Winter X Games. Where have I been? The games started on January 22 and will end tomorrow, January 25. I still can't believe that this is the 13th Winter X Games. How time flies. So you don't miss anything - check this link for all of the results. The events with snowmobiles have been very interesting with riders attempting double backflips and other insane tricks.

Even though I missed watching it, Serena Williams has advanced to the 4th round of the Australian Open. Rafael Nadal is still in the mix and looking like he means it as usual.

Have you ever watched the movie Hooligans? It's been out since 2005 and I finally caught it on cable last night. Never having lived in the UK, I can't comment on how accurate the depiction is but it sure was interesting to watch.

Listen to Women's Football Talk tomorrow starting at 3:00 pm PST as I have the honor of being a guest host! This weekly show interviews players, coaches, and others involved in women's football around the country. Call in or listen and light up the message board! Try not to miss it!