Santa Barbara's Sports News and Information
It’s a wonderful reunion of sorts – it is Family Day, after all….And not just any kind – it’s Santa Barbara Bank & Trust Family Day with the SB Foresters -- Sunday afternoon baseball at its best – a packed house under clear blue skies at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium on the beautiful campus of UC Goleta.(Editor’s Note: The writer is giving Goleta some love here – it’s actually the University of California, SANTA BARBARA – even though, yes, it may appear to be in the … [Read more...]
Fit, Fun & Fantastic – Megan CotichShe steps back beyond the 3-point arc along the court’s left baseline. Takes a coupla dribbles. Blonde ponytail dances in perfect rhythm. Lets fly a lefty jumper in one smooth, silky motion.In seemingly slo-mo, the basketball gracefully takes flight ... lifts easily off her fingers … spins effortlessly like Earth’s orbit as gravitational forces soon gently tug it from the sky.And, when the ball’s trajectory completes its mission … [Read more...]
It’s a compact model with personality plus! Comes with a BIG heart and most incredible smile.We’ve been friends for half her life. And a tiny fraction of mine.Maddie is ten.We keep in touch via Messenger Mom – both Laura and Dad, Jeff – are my wonderful colleagues at our great community bank. Whenever asked, they share her snapshots of her life. Always fun to hear the updates!But the personal visits with Maddie are rare — usually just once per year.And the good … [Read more...]
It was an emotional day for sports…Seemingly a contrast of athletic sorts, united by one universal loving gesture…On the national landscape was the game of GOLF and all its rich traditions…Rich purses.The world’s best players individually going head-to-head on one of the game’s most beautiful courses, in one of the most prestigious tournaments -- on a warm and beautiful day in Augusta, Georgia.It was, of course, The Masters…And it was Phil Mickelson’s date … [Read more...]
He’s come a long way...Literally. Figuratively.From his birthplace in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.To the golden coast of Santa Barbara.And for Fred Clough –the son of a U.S. Diplomat – there were many, many stops along the way. He found his calling years ago in this special place we call home.A lawyer by training and profession -- in his latter career years, he served as General Counsel in Corporate America.Newly retired as of April 1, Clough has left his mark on the … [Read more...]
LOVIN’ LEADBETTER LIFEOn my way to my workout – the most amazing thing happened … fell in love with Santa Barbara.Again.Same thing happened yesterday. Different reason.Today it started when I decided to SHAKE THINGS UP A LITTLE. Instead of a morning jog from my new flat – thought:“WHAT THE HECK? WHY NOT ENJOY THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE?”Hello, huh?So I zipped over (as in drove) to Shoreline Park, laced up my sneakers and headed by foot(s) … [Read more...]
We interrupt this WeissCrax column for a real sports story. Randy Weiss – our self-proclaimed “Sports Geraldo” – went deep undercover in search of “truth, justice and The American Way” at Saturday’s Orchard to Ocean Race.He filed this exhaustive, exclusive, investigative report:COMMUNITY CHARM BY SEA, BY AVOCADOCarpinteria, CA – It’s the look that first grabs you. That carefree expression of sheer enjoyment that makes everything seem so right in the world.The … [Read more...]
Thought life was hectic … then it really exploded. Yes – joined Facebook.WHOA!Now I’m stealing time I didn’t even have, tracking lives of my best friends (53, so far) — sharing intimate and mundane stuff, including with some long-lost amigos last seen in the early 1970’s.Where did the years go? And how did I ever survive without all this useful info?But it was a local friend’s 6:44 p.m. Friday “wall posting” (4 comments as of Sunday 12:01PM) that truly touched … [Read more...]
Let’s face it…. Pretty much everyone in the working world knows – whether they dare admit it or not -- that life would be incredibly great if they only got “a little action” at lunch.There, I’ve said it!Just to be clear — we’re talking something sexy here to get the heart rate up. Maybe even get a little hot and sweaty?Both my guy friends agree. In fact, they call this phenomenal experience a ‘NOONER.To me, it’s always meant JOGGING. Check it … [Read more...]
He’s the type of guy who can do it all…and usually does.Soccer. Hoops. Baseball. Floor hockey. As a player. As a coach.But more than anything else, Desmond Banning is my best friend. We met at work seven years ago. He delivers our mail and always-inspiration.“Thanks for coming in today,” he tells others during his daily rounds around the building.“Nice to see you today, Desmond,” I say when he stops by my executive suite.“Thank you,” he replies, “Nice to be … [Read more...]
It’s Tuesday morning and that means one thing: SPINNING CLASS! Here’s the 4-1-1…4:11AM – No chance of hitting the alarm’s snooze bar – I’m up!Today, everyone in Mankind – Womankind too—will be gunning for one of 24 bikes in the 5:45 a.m. spinning class (think exercise on stationary bikes) at my health club.Every second counts! It requires crisp military-like precision to successfully complete this covert athletic operation. I want MY bike today!4:17 … [Read more...]
The words shot out of my mouth with zero hope of pulling ‘em back...“Sure. Sounds like fun.”It was my response to my friend Mike’s “Why-don’t-you-join-me-on-Sunday” prompting.The truth is…I hadn’t been surfing in nearly 40 years!!Growing up on the East Coast, skim boarding was my game. That little round disc thrown at water’s edge provided many rocket rides. Had a big surfboard but was always a hassle lugging to the beach. Plus, once there – no waves. … [Read more...]
