Ohio State womens soccer head coach Lori Walker-Hock paces the sidelines in the second half of the game against Florida Gulf Coast University on Sept. 7, 2018. Credit: Casey Cascaldo | Former Photo Editor

No amount of wins accumulated, players coached or practices held could prepare a coach to guide a team through a pandemic and postponed season.

Between adapting to a life of social distancing to shifting gears following the Big Tens postponement of fall sports, 2020 has brought a new set of challenges to coaching. From womens soccer coach Lori Walker-Hock, who is entering her 24th year as Ohio States head coach, to Jen Flynn Oldenburg, who was hired to be the womens volleyball coach in January, Ohio State coaches have been forced to adapt and lead their teams into the unknown.

Having to adjust to coaching at the university made Oldenburg feel like she was drinking through a firehose, but she said the pandemic shifted her mentality.

You kinda feel behind because youre trying to figure this all out, and then the pandemic hits and I feel like Im on the same page as everybody else. Were all dealing with the unknown and dealing with whats next, Oldenburg said Aug. 20.

In 1997, Oldenburg was entering the second year of her playing career at Ohio State while Walker-Hock was beginning her first year as head coach of the womens soccer program.

Walker-Hock has accumulated 254 wins in her time at Ohio State, but getting to 255 will require a slightly longer wait.

Describing going through the offseason process almost like a rookie coach, Walker-Hock said her lack of familiarity with the situation has not impacted her core leadership skills.

Im as solid as Ive ever been as far as what I believe in and what it takes to be a championship team and how do we get there, Walker-Hock said Aug. 19.

The leadership aspect was also echoed by Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day, who noted that it is the job of a coach to lead in times of uncertainty.

Being the head coach at Ohio State, theres a lot of things you have to work through, but the No. 1 thing is to be a leader and to take care of your players, show them some direction and how much you care for them, and be real, solve their problems, and advocate for them, Day said in an Aug. 12 Zoom conference with media members.

With Ohio State football coming off a 13-1 season and returning several key contributors for 2020, the postponement pushed back an opportunity for the team to fulfill its potential.

Ohio State mens soccer coach Brian Maisonneuve, who had improved on the teams 2018 record by winning six additional games in 2019, also said the postponement decision along with the lost spring training impacted the momentum built up by the previous years team.

We did have a lot of good momentum going. I thought the guys turned some corners and we were really coming together, Maisonneuve said Aug. 20. I thought last spring was going to be an important spring, and it was unfortunate that it got canceled and now the fall got canceled.

Maisonneuve said that they will fill the void left by postponed games with training.

The pandemic has not only impacted the coaches ability to interact with their current players, but it also has put a strain on the recruitment of future players.

Day and Oldenburg stressed the importance of building relationships with the recruits, an element which has remained unchanged.

Oldenburg said the use of virtual spaces, such as Zoom, has allowed the interaction to continue without the ability to host recruits at Ohio States campus. The available technology mixed with her staffs ability to identify talent has left the new coach with a sense of confidence when approaching recruiting.

We can evaluate talent and I feel pretty good about our ability to do that, Oldenburg said. Now its just about getting the right people that fit where we want to go.

The loss of spring sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Maisonneuves ability to see some 2021 recruits play soccer. Despite the added difficulty, the third-year head coach noted that everyone is in the same boat.

Its hard because youve got to see some of these kids live and see them compete with their club teams and high school teams, and we just havent had that ability, Maisonneuve said. Weve watched a lot of video, but its different when you see them live.

Although the situation is unprecedented, the common response from Ohio States coaches is to move on from the decision and focus on player and team development.

The games may not be in sight, but the preparation continues for Ohio State fall athletics.

The mentality is when we get a chance to play, we are going to be ready, Oldenburg said.

Read more here:
Ohio State coaches new and old navigate unchartered territory - OSU - The Lantern

Over the last several years, the scouting department of the Dallas Cowboys has done an outstanding job filling the roster to the point where it almost becomes disquieting when a pick doesnt work out. There are many different factors that come into play concerning a player fitting the mold or not, but when things dont seem to be working, the player personnel department usually gets a big ol strike against them in terms of the evaluation of the player.

But what if thats not it at all? Lets suppose the evaluation wasnt that wrong after all, and its been deficiencies in the coaching staff that has attributed to the lack of success for the player. Is that something we can wrap our mind around? Why not. After all, there have been so many positive things said about the coaching staff where Cowboys fans feel more confident about this team maximizing their potential. And when that happens, there could be some forgotten names who suddenly reemerge along the teams depth chart. Here are three players who could be in for career years this season.

Well start with the easy one. For the first time since he was drafted, the news about Trysten Hill has been positive. Last years second-round pick, Hill did next to nothing make fans feel good about his selection. He was late to meetings and falling asleep because apparently listening to Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas was not interesting enough for him. But most importantly, his play on the field was just nonexistent.

But things are much different for Hill in year two. New defensive line coach Jim Tomsula has praised him for his willingness to learn, and relentlessness in asking questions. The dedication is also showing up on the practice field. Hill has been active in the trenches, more consistent in showing his strength, and unlike practices in the past, his name surfaces here and there as a guy making plays.

This is positive news for Cowboys fans because the raw ability of Hill is there. If he can be coached up, hes got real chance to be a difference-maker for the defense.

BEFORE: Possible roster cut

AFTER: Roster spot looks safe, and hes got a good shot at being a part of the DT rotation (although the Gerald McCoy injury aids his chances there)

When youre a fourth-round pick, nobody is overly-concerned if you dont pan out. Players like Ryan Switzer, Charles Tapper, B.W. Webb, and Matt Johnson are nothing but afterthoughts as they all cant be like Dak Prescott. And it was getting to the point where third-year player Dalton Schultz was drifting into purgatory as well. For the last two years, hes been the third wheel when it comes to tight ends. First, he was behind Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin a couple years ago, and then behind Jason Witten and Jarwin last year. And entering this season, it looked like once again hed be no. 3 on the depth chart behind Jarwin and recently acquired free agent Blake Bell.

Not so fast. Schultz has been showing a lot of improvement this year. It couldnt come at a better time because although there is excitement surrounding Jarwins ability in the passing game, the team still needs a reliable blocker. Schultz could be the perfect man for the job.

BEFORE: No. 3 on the depth chart

AFTER: No. 2 on the depth chart

Fans mostly just remember the teams three defensive backs when it comes to the 2017 draft haul as Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Xavier Woods have all carved out key roles in the secondary. But theres another guy from that draft class still hanging around on the roster, seventh-round pick Noah Brown. and he is making his usual training camp appearance. Typically around this time, hell be doing very ordinary things that will keep him on the bubble. That is, if he somehow manages to stay healthy.

So far, he hasnt gotten hurt this year, and whats even better is that he has been showing up and making plays. New head coach Mike McCarthy speaks highly of his progress as Browns battled his way through injuries. And with special teams appeal, all things are pointing to a roster spot for Brown.

BEFORE: On fringe for the last WR spot

AFTER: Earns that last WR spot

The rest is here:
The combination of great scouting and better coaching may provide new life for these Cowboys players - Blogging The Boys

New non-profit based in the Delaware Valley helps under-served individuals achieve their highest life potential.

Many individuals and families living in the Delaware Valley area have been struggling to work their way out of difficult circumstances to achieve their fullest potential. To Great Lengths is seeking to find those individuals and providing them with the tools required to change those circumstances.

Based on a firm belief that a positive mindset and willingness to work hard are essential to achieving ones full potential, To Great Lengths is partnering with a variety of local employers, health care service providers, life coaches and financial advisors to offer additional services to ensure each individual has a tremendous chance to achieve greatness. There will be scholarships as well as financial assistance offered to help aid the individuals skillset and potential. With all these valuable resources available, there is an exceptional opportunity for the individual to gain the knowledge necessary for a successful future.

The first event, the Silly Walk Contest and Fundraiser, will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington, DE from 1:00-4:00 P.M. It will pay tribute to the famous Monty Python skit Ministry of Silly Walks featuring John Cleese. Contestants will be judged on creativity, style, and of course, silliness! There will be loads of prizes, t-shirts and special silly libations will be flowing. To Great Lengths is currently looking for hardworking, deserving individuals to work with to help them reach to their highest potential.

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.togreatlengths.org

About:

To Great Lengths, LLC is a nonprofit organization committed to serving children, adults, families and the community at large. Through its uniquely designed programs and services, To Great Lengths offers a wide variety of opportunities and resources in education, mental health, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and much more.

Contact Information

To Great Lengths, LLC. Mike McGowan 610-909-5589 http://www.togreatlengths.org

More:
Non-Profit To Great Lengths Launches with 1st Annual Silly Walk Competition at Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington, DE - PR.com

Neighbors please be mindful of social distancing guidelines while you do your part to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. See the latest guidance from the CDC here.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Join here at 8:00pm PT on September 9th

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82858941579

Debs presents A LIVE SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE for your listening pleasure, in the warm, cozy, comfort, and safety of your own home. Delight and savor in marvelous musical talents** as they lift your spirit, touch your heart, illuminate your soul, inspire your mind, and brighten your night. Sit back, relax, rewind, restore, rejuvenate, and revel in the healing power of music. These stellar singer/songwriters are all at the top of their game.

**Erin Boheme, Vicki Burns, Tania & Jeff Grubbs, Teresa James, Jenna Mammima & Tom Castonzo, Sue Maskaleris, Maci Miller, Donny Most, Daniela Spagnolo.

This concert is being produced to support creativity and live music while giving back to the community. All proceeds go directly to the Innocence Project, an amazing organization that finds the necessary DNA evidence to finally free innocent victims from prison, after decades of being falsely accused, wrongly convicted, and unjustly incarcerated. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Please send donations via PayPal to maxie.solters@gmail.com as a friends/family transaction so there won't be a fee!

In consideration of the entertainers, please plan to join PROMPTLY AT 8:00PM PT. There will be no admittance during performances. It is mandatory that you are MUTED and OFF VIDEO throughout the entire concert. You can use the CHAT ROOM to applaud, comment, and kibbutz with other attendees. Please use only positive and supportive language. If you need to communicate with the host for any reason, feel free to text me at 818 326 9003.

For participation at a future event, contact Debs at sleeplessinstudiocity@gmail.com

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Page "Sleepless in Studio City"Where You Can Revel in Past Showcase Videos Now Published For Your Viewing Enjoyment

Many of these skilled virtuosos are featured on DrDebzz' Call-In Talk Radio Advice Show "Sleepless in Studio City" Airing Nightly Sun-Fri 9PM PT / midnight ET at AmericanHeartsRadio.com. Hear them in live interviews revealing the meaning of music in their lives, advice for aspiring artists, what they believe is the key to finding and keeping love, and much more.

Celebrated columnist, lauded life coach, skilled family mediator, DrDebzz offers heartfelt help, inspiration, positivity, a nurturing spirit, and transformative tools.

DrDebzz has been deemed The new relationship GURUa West Coast Dr. Laura and East Coast Carrie Bradshaw! Fans describe her as a soulful gifted fun impressive radio personality; with a captive confident soothing melodious and simply lovely voice; an alluring way of telling her-story; so "spiritually alive and giving LOVE to humanity.

Free Phone Corona Coaching Sessions are available for a limited time. Set up a Complimentary Consultation at 818-326-9003; allthatdezz.webs.com; or sleeplessinstudiocity@gmail.com

Read more:
Debs' Jazz Vocalist Showcase & Benefit for The Innocence Project - Patch.com

Roger Budd Tompkins had plenty of impressive numbers.

He can claim two state titles, 88 wins and a four-year run of 34-1 in his first four seasons as the Frankenmuth High School varsity football coach. He added Class C Coach of the Year honors in 1969 and was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993.

Tompkins, 86, died Saturday in South Boardman, near his hometown of Traverse City.

But Tompkins left his biggest footprints in Frankenmuth, taking over the varsity head coaching job in 1966 and putting together a 34-1 record in his first four seasons, including back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons in 1968 and 1969. In 14 seasons at Frankenmuth, Tompkins was 88-37.

The reason he did not win 100 games or serve as a varsity head coach beyond 1979 says as much about Tompkins the person as Tompkins the coach, according to his former players.

Hes a major reason I got into coaching and who I became, why I pursued the career I did, former Frankenmuth player and coach Ralph Munger said. He often told me that if you spend eight years in one place, youre probably going to find its time to move on. In this case, we never talked about switching coaching jobs.

Tompkins left the Frankenmuth head coaching job, opening the door for Munger, who was coaching the freshman team. Tompkins remained a coach, taking over the freshman program for eight seasons. Munger went on to coach at Frankenmuth and Rockford, compiling a 335-109 record before retiring in 2019.

It shows the type of teacher he was, the fact that he really enjoyed networking and getting to know people on a very personal level, Munger said. Its a little easier to do that with ninth-graders. They are more impressionable. And back then, ninth grade was the first year that young men played football. He was their first coach.

Jeff Reinbold played for Tompkins at Frankenmuth, then went to Northern Michigan, thanks to Tompkins.

Budd told me it would be fun to play there he had played there, Reinbold said. That was in 1974, and they were winless so he thought I might be able to get playing time right away. The next year they won the national championship.

One of the most unselfish things Budd did was go down to the freshman level so that Ralph could come in and coach at the varsity level. Budd was a tremendous mentor to those young kids. He was a good motivator, but his follow-up after with guys that needed his help was what made him special. Even when things didnt go well for them after football or after school, he was there when they needed him.

Football was simply one vehicle for Tompkins, who starred at Northern Michigan University. Tompkins organized deer-hunting and fishing trips for students and taught a fly-tying class after school. He became a talented artist and woodworker, sending unfinished work to a special-needs son of a former player, asking the son to finish the piece.

Budd Tompkins saw things in people that they did not see in themselves, Bill Tucker said. Tucker, a 1979 Frankenmuth graduate, is a pastor at Concordia-San Antonio.

I talked to him a couple years ago for the first time in 35 years, and he remembered so many details, things like a gift I sent to his son that I had forgotten about. We hadnt talked for 35 years, but he knew details about me and what I had been doing because he really cared about people.

Not just football players.

He could reach young men, and it didnt matter if they were football players or not, Munger said. He had a real knack for bringing out the absolute best and making individuals believe they were capable of things they probably didnt think they were capable of.

You didnt have to be a 4.0 student or a star athlete. It didnt matter. What was important to Coach was your heart and you as an individual. He was one-of-a-kind.

Tompkins taught some classes, but his primary role at Frankenmuth was as a guidance counselor.

Coach was fighting hard for me to get an appointment to Air Force, because thats what I thought I wanted to do, Tucker said. But I wasnt sure. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a pastor, and the first person I told was Coach.

But it wasnt a stress-free conversation.

We met and he started talking about the Air Force and everything he had done and what I had to do then he stopped talking and looked at me, Tucker said. He asked me if I had something on my mind. I told him I wanted to be a pastor. I wasnt sure how he would react because he had worked so hard for me to get into the Air Force.

So much depended on how he reacted because my decision was so fragile. But without missing a beat, he said, You know Bill, thats sounds like a great idea. By that night, he had already contacted colleges and got the ball rolling so I could go to Concordia-River Forest.

After he left Frankenmuth, Tompkins became an assistant coach for Jim Ooley at Traverse City, helping the Trojans win a Class A state title in 1988.

He was an old-school type of guy hard-nosed and tough, Munger said. We moved here when I was a junior, but we didnt have a house yet. My dad would bring me and drop me off. During the lunch break, I would go home with Coach, take a nap, eat a lunch, get to know the teammates.

He was always there to help.

Tompkins is survived by his wife Gretchen Tompkins.

We called Gretchen Ma Coach because she was right there with Coach helping us, Munger said. They were both willing to spend time with us. I would go over to the house and Ma Coach would always pour me a glass orange drink. We would just sit and talk football.

The thing about Coach though is that such a small part of what made him special was football.

Tucker graduated from Concordia-River Forest in 1983 and attended Fort Wayne Seminary.

Coach was an amazing person, and its sad that he died but Im glad for his life, Tucker said. Ive had lots of coaches and teachers and mentors who have had an impact in my life.

None have had as big an impact as Coach Tompkins.

MORE

Northern Michigan meets Hollywood for football movie that would give Rudy goosebumps

Originally posted here:
Players remember Frankenmuth football coach Budd Tompkins as one of a kind - mlive.com

USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down how the College Football Playoff will be different this year. USA TODAY

As the Football Bowl Subdivision begins playing Thursday night in all its weirdness and resilience, the college football world we are used to is going to look very different. In many places across the six conferences trying to play this fall, there will be no fans, no bands and no tailgates. Its going to be strange.

But perhaps the strangest omission from the 2020 season will be the utter lack of anxiety and innuendo about the job status of various coaches whose teams lose more than their fans think they should. In a normal year, the coaching carousel is its own cottage industry, weaving together the interests of search firms, agents, news media and boosters. This year, there will be virtual silence on this front.

When you ask people whose job is to track potential head coach openings how many changes they expect to see following the 2020 season, the typical answers range between one and five, most of which would be attributed to retirements or the NFL plucking a college coach. But firing a coach in the thick of COVID-19? Unlikely at best, logistically impossible at worst.

South Carolina's Will Muschamp is among those coaches who could have been on the hot seat this season but likely will be spared.(Photo: Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports)

If nothing else, COVID-19 has temporarily brought some common sense to a business that has spent the past couple decades turning fiscal irresponsibility and emotional immaturity into an art form.

Last year alone, Florida State committed just over $18 million to fire Willie Taggart after a mere 21 games. Rutgers, a school that was already swimming in buyouts, added another $8.47 million to get rid of Chris Ash. Arkansas had to shell out $10 million to fire Chad Morris, just a couple years after an $11.9 million buyout agreement with Bret Bielema which Arkansas stopped paying, leading to an ongoing legal dispute.

And if this season had gone off without being disrupted by a global pandemic, wed be speculating now about whos next to start living the buyout life. Will Muschamp at South Carolina? Clay Helton at Southern Cal? Tom Herman at Texas? Up until now, theres always been some fan base so fed up with their coach that the money is no object.

But just look around at how dramatically the landscape has changed. Bracing for the heavy financial hit of playing a season with limited attendance or no fans at all, athletics departments of all sizes have cut sports, cut pay and furloughed workers. Layoffs are expected at dozens of schools. Even Texas, an athletic department that generated nearly $224 million in revenue during the 2018-19 fiscal year, announced Tuesday that it was laying off 35 staffers and leaving 35 more vacant jobs unfilled on top of other cuts and salary reductions.

In that kind of financial environment, do you really think schools are going pay football coaches not to coach?

Which university is going to lay off, furlough and ask for pay cuts and then turn around and admit they have a bunch of cash to pay a fired coach and his assistants and then hire a new coach? said a one person who works in the coaching movement world andspoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.

There are only a few schools where you could even imagine firing a coach even being within the realm of possibility this year, and none of them are big-time jobs. More likely is that any movement would be created by a few older coaches who ride off into the sunset after a very hard year.

And thats going to require a significant mindset change in a sport where fans and big-money boosters typically start grumbling about their coaches at the first sign of trouble, particularly if they had already been tagged as underachievers. Or maybe the mindset wont change and the same people who campaign online that they need to make a change will continue to do that.

The difference this year is their anger has no chance of scaring the people making those decisions.

More than ever, administrators understand that coaches deserve a pass for anything that happens this season. Theyve spent the past six months on Zoom calls, navigating countless unexpected issues from the pandemic. Schedules have changed. Rosters have evolved due to opt-outs. Recruiting has been a mess. Most anticipategames will either be forfeited or lost because of key players or position groups that test positive for COVID-19 and have to be quarantined. Winning and losing is secondary; the goal is simply to get through it.

But will fans be as forgiving? That remains to be seen. No sport is more emotionally-driven in its decision-making than college football, and if somehow the SEC, ACC and Big 12 pull off a season that feels semi-normal, the temperature is naturally going to rise.

At some point, though, reality has to set in. And under these circumstances, firing a coach even a bad one would not only be an optics disaster but a financial fiasco.

Eventually, the coaching carousel will return to normal. But for now, theres no such thing as a hot seat.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

More here:
Opinion: There is no such thing as a coaches' hot seat in college football this season - USA TODAY

When you think of finding a side hustle, you might picture yourself finding an obscure job as a bike courier three nights a week or maybe even walking your neighborhood dogs. Both of these positions can be fun and pay extremely well depending on who you work for.

There are endless opportunities for part-time, enjoyable, profitable side hustles. However, if you take on any of the following side gigs, you could end up with a new career.

1. Day trading

Day trading is the purchase and sale of a stock, bond, or security all within the same day. Many entrepreneurs are drawn to day trading because its fast-paced and risky, but with the right skills, day trading presents a potential for serious profit.

If youre curious about day trading, RJO Futures published a guide on how day trading works. RJOs article explains that whether you trade from a large firm or on your own, youll need three tools:

Be aware that if you enjoy day trading and get good, you might want to go full-time. Its possible to turn day trading into a career, but the learning curve is steep.

2. Investing in real estate

Real estate is a lucrative industry, but its not for everyone. Popular among entrepreneurs, investing in real estate requires long hours of study, extensive research, and getting your hands dirty.

Usually, real estate investors have side hustles to supplement their income. However, many people get into real estate as a side hustle and end up turning it into a career.

If you want to get started in real estate, dont jump to investing right away. Take the expert advice from the folks at Bigger Pockets and start by learning about the industry. Get a part-time job as an assistant property manager to pick up industry knowledge and learn your local landlord-tenant laws. If youre going to invest in real estate to rent out, youll be a landlord at least for a short period of time until you hire a property management company.

If you know someone who can help you make your first investment, you dont need to wait. However, to be successful you have to think outside the box to gain a full spectrum of industry experience.

3. Content writing

Every business needs content writers and many are willing to settle for any level of proficiency. If you have any writing skills, you can easily pick up some content writing gigs on job listing sites.

If you love writing, you might start out writing one blog per week and decide you want to pursue writing full-time. If its truly your passion, stick with it and youll find the right clients who will pay you generously for your work.

4. Coaching

Whatever people are struggling with, theres a coach to save the day. Life coaching and business coaching are the most popular, but you can coach people on anything youre passionate about.

Being a coach isnt easy. Even people who intentionally start a career as a coach struggle. What most people dont realize about coaching is that passion does not equal profit. Coaching is a hard sell, but life coaching is especially difficult. Running a coaching business requires more than business skills you need to be proficient at helping people solve their problems.

If youre good at helping people solve their problems, theres a chance you might get addicted to being a coach. Theres nothing more satisfying than helping people grow and transform their lives.

5. Thrifting

Its not hard to find sellable items at your local thrift stores. However, you need an eye for what people want to buy. If youve got that eye, you could end up with a new career.

For example, Natalie Gomez, a former merchandise planner at Macys, took on thrifting as a side job and wound up making thousands of dollars. Gomez was interviewing for a new job when she realized she was already making a good living selling clothes.

Enjoy your side hustles

Even if you dont turn your side gigs into a career, take on gigs you enjoy. Money is necessary, but its never worth sacrificing your happiness.

Link:
Taking the gloom out of Zoom - The American Genius

Coco Gauffdismissed that it made any difference. But as she rallied from a one-set hole in the U.S. Open first round for a second straight year, this much was noticeable: silence.

Gauff, the 16-year-old U.S. tennis sensation, was eliminated on the opening day of a fan-less major by No. 31 seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

It was no upset. Sevastova is ranked six spots higher than No. 51 Gauff.

But it took the 30-year-old Latvian four match points to finish Gauff, who had already rebounded from a 2-4 hole in the second set. As a grinding third set wore on, it conjured memories of Gauffs trio of three-setters from 2019 at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, all of which she won.

But this one was different. The atmosphere the screeching of train cars in Queens replaced the raucous Louis Armstrong Stadium crowds pulling for Gauff a year ago. And the result Gauffs first defeat in the first round of a Grand Slam in her fourth main-draw appearance.

I compete just as hard with fans or not, said Gauff, who had 13 double faults and 40 unforced errors. I could have played better today.

US OPEN DRAWS: Men | Women

The environment was a new experience for everybody. No ticketed spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic, and few people at all watching in person.

Gauff could have been reminded of her not-too-distant junior days before she burst onto the scene last summer, becoming the youngest woman to reach Wimbledons fourth round sinceJennifer Capriatiand the youngest to reach the U.S. Open third round sinceAnna Kournikova.

I just got on tour a little over a year ago, so I still have a lot to learn and a long ways to go, she said. Im playing against people older than me who have been in more situations, difficult situations, than I have. I think the biggest thing is I just need experience.

She will get that. Gauff, who is also entered in doubles, will after the U.S. Open head to Europe for her first French Open main-draw appearance. She won her one and only junior Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

She showed precociousness off the court on June 3, delivering a speech off the cuff at a peaceful protest in her Florida hometown, demanding change and promising to use her platform to spread vital information.

This summer I learned a lot about myself, Gauff said Monday. I learned that I can overcome a lot of things on and off the court. I still hope I can be that way and use my platform in that way.

Sevastova moved to 2-8 for 2020, the wins over Gauff and Serena Williams. The Latvian marveled at Gauffs movement, awareness and backhand.

Its uncomfortable to play her, said Sevastova, a 2018 U.S. Open semifinalist. I wish I would play like this when I was 16 years old.

Williams begins another quest for a 24th Grand Slam singles title on Tuesday. She will hope to have better luck than the group of U.S. women who have gone 1-8 so far. A total of 31 Americans are in the 128-player draw, the most since 1993.

MORE: Seven U.S. Open players put in bubble in the bubble

OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!

KazakhAlexey Lutsenkowon the sixth stage of the Tour de France on a day with late climbs (but not a summit finish) that didnt significantly impact the overall standings.

Lutsenko, not a yellow jersey contender, won his first career Tour stage from a seven-rider breakaway just after the start of a 118-mile day. Spains Jesus Herrada was second, 55 seconds behind, followed by Olympic road race champion Greg Van Avermaet and American Neilson Powlesson his 24th birthday.

The last American to win an individual Tour stage wasTyler Farrarin 2011.

TOUR DE FRANCE: Standings | TV, Stream Schedule | Stage By Stage

Great BritainsAdam Yatesretained the race lead, three seconds ahead of pre-race co-favoritePrimoz Roglicof Slovenia. Another Slovenian,Tadej Pogacar, is third, seven seconds behind. Hes followed by a group 13 seconds back that includes defending championEgan Bernalof Colombia.

Yates, fourth in the 2016 Tour, is expected to give up the lead well before the Grand Tour hits Paris in two weeks.

I still want to win a stage; thats what we came here to do, said Yates, who took over the maillot jaune on Wednesday after Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe was penalized 20 seconds for taking a bottle inside the last 12.5 miles. Well play it day by day, see what happens.

The Tour continues with stage seven on Friday at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold. A mostly flat stage, after early hills in a windy region of France, is an hors doeuvre for Pyreneean stages on Saturday and Sunday.

OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!

MORE: USA Cycling names Olympic team finalists

2020 Tour de France standings for the yellow jersey, green jersey, white jersey and polka-dot jersey through stage six of 21 Overall (Yellow Jersey) 1. Adam Yates (GBR) 27:03:57 2. Primoz Roglic (SLO) +:03 3. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) +:07 4. Guillaume Martin (FRA) +:13 5. Egan Bernal (COL) +:13 6. Tom Dumoulin (NED) +:13 7. Esteban Chaves (COL) +:13 8. Nairo Quintana (COL) +:13 9. Romain Bardet (FRA) +:13 10. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL) +:13 12. Thibaut Pinot (FRA) +:13 16. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) +:15 20. Richard Carapaz (ECU) +:41 38. Sepp Kuss (USA) +7:52

Sprinters (Green Jersey) 1. Sam Bennett (IRL) 129 points2. Peter Sagan (SVK) 117 3. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) 93 4. Caleb Ewan (AUS) 75 5. Matteo Trentin (ITA) 71

Climbers (Polka-Dot Jersey) 1. Benoit Cosnefroy (FRA) 23 points 2. Michael Gogl (AUT) 12 3. Nicolas Roche (IRL) 11 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO) 10 5. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) 10

Young Rider (White Jersey) 1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) 27:04:04 2. Egan Bernal (COL) +:06 3. Enric Mas (ESP) :15 4. Sergio Higuita (COL) +:34 5. Dani Martinez (COL) +4:18

OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!

TOUR DE FRANCE: TV, Stream Schedule | Stage By Stage | Favorites, Predictions

More here:
Coco Gauff eliminated in U.S. Open first round - Home of the Olympic Channel

COLUMBIA, Md. (WJZ) University of Maryland head football coach Mike Locksley made a plea to the public Thursday asking for anyone with information about the homicide of his son Meiko Locksley three years ago.

Howard County police announced they have doubled the reward to $20,000 for information in the homicide three years after Locksley was killed.

We believe that there is someone out there who knows what happened. And I implore anyone who may have any information regarding this incident, no matter how small, whether they saw or heard something that night to please report that information to the police, Police Chief Lisa Myers said.

Meiko, who was 25 at the time, was found with a single gunshot wound to the chest in the 5500 block of Harpers Farm Road in Columbia around 10:20 p.m. on September 3, 2017. He was transported to Shock Trauma where he was pronounced dead.

You know, three years ago today we received a knock on our door down in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, that wouldforever change our world our familys lives, Mike Locksley said. Were here today with as a family and with Meikos loved ones to reach out to the public to again ask that if anyone has any information in regards to this case that you come forward.

Police said they started their investigation immediately, and despite serving several search warrants they have not yet gotten the clues needed to close the case.

We canvassed the community to find anyone who may have seen or heard something. We tried to learn as much as we could about Meiko,and his acquaintances and contacts, Capt. Cory Zirk said. We have even served search warrants seeking evidence and information in this case. And while I cant provide all of the details of the investigation, over the last three years,I can assure you that we have left no stone unturned.

Police suspect Meiko was targeted and they dont know at this time if the motive was drug-related or some sort of dispute.

We dont think this incident was random, Zirk said. Our detectives believe that this act of violence was likely committed by someone Meiko knew whether the motive was arobberyor had something to do with drugs, or an ongoing dispute remains to be confirmed.

Police are urging someone to come forward with information.

Someone out there knows what happened over the course of three years. We know that new information can come to light, relationships and friendships and other circumstances may change, Zirk said. If there was something holding you back from giving information to the police back then, we are asking you to reconsiderand come forward now. You may have that one small detail that may seem insignificant to you, but maybe the last piece of the puzzle for our detectives.

Mike Locksley was coaching at the University of Alabama at the time of his sons murder before later moving to Maryland to coach the Terrapins. His sons unsolved murder is never far from his mind.

I grew up in the southside of Washington, D.C., where violence and gun violence was a normal occurrence, and I understand the code that goes along with growing up and these environments, he said.

Still, the family is pleading for answers.

Mike Locksley got emotional talking about his son.

First of all, I was very proud of him in a way he carried out last name. He was a great son, caring was not perfect as no child is, he said. He dealt with struggles with mental health issues, and he was a talented athlete, smart. Gone too soon. But were very thankful for the 25 years we did get to spend with him.

We wantclosure. Were not mad. Were not angry anymore were hurt. We miss him, Locksley said. We would just hope that if someone has any information that they would just come forward to maybe bring some closure. The Circle of Life isnt built for parents to bury children, for us thats been really tough to endure for the last three years.

Meiko used to play football for the University of New Mexico and then Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania. He was working at a Subway store just minutes away from where he was killed.

We also, as a family, we want to send out our prayers to anyone that has endured losing a child. We send our heartfelt prayers, Locksley said.

Police believe that this is a case that can be solved, but they need people to come forward with information.

Anonymous tips can be left at 410-313-STOP or hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

Here is the original post:
UMD Football Coach Mike Locksley Pleads For Information In Son Meiko Locksleys 2017 Homicide, $20K Reward Offered - CBS Baltimore

Coronavirus in Mississippi By Rick Cleveland, Sports Columnist | 24 hours ago

Three facts you should know about author John M. Barry, the former football coach whose masterful historical literary works include both The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Greatest Plague in History and Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America:

Barry, who once coached football at the high school, small college and major college levels, remains a huge fan of the sport who admits to watching replays of games from yesteryear on the SEC Network.

Because of his exhaustive research for his book about the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-19, Barry has become a renowned expert on pandemic preparedness to the extent that both the (George W.) Bush and Obama administrations sought his advice. During the current pandemic, he has authored articles for scientific journals, as well as opinion pieces for the New York Times, Washington Post and several magazines. On any given day, you might catch him on NBCs Meet the Press, ABCs World News Tonight, PBSs The News Hour or numerous NPR shows.

Despite his love for football and his knowledge of pandemics, Barry doesnt have a hard-set stance on whether or not college football should be played during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The season begins in Mississippi Thursday night when Southern Miss plays host to South Alabama.

Its a very difficult question, Barry said. I will say it would be a travesty for any university to play if students are not on campus. Why do universities exist? To provide entertainment for fans or for education? Any so-called school that does play without on-campus instruction should start paying their athletes.

Many college conferences have decided not to play this fall, including the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Big Ten, and the Pac-12. The Southeastern Conference delayed its season until Sept. 26 and will play conference games only. Conference USA will play a full schedule, although one league school, Old Dominion, decided not to play.

Said Barry, I think you can play if you are doing everything right with testing, social distancing, masks and all the protocols and if the rate of community transmission is low. I feel the same way about football as I do about living life. I think we should strive to be as normal as possible and to err on the side of caution.

Southern Miss will adhere to all suggested and ordered protocols, including allowing only 25% capacity (about 9,000 fans) to attend the game. While the community transmission rates in Hattiesburg and Forrest County are improving in recent weeks, there were still 102 new cases last week (down from over 200 in late July and early August).

Beth Wynn / Mississippi State University

John M. Barry (far right), with Mississippi State president Mark Keenum (left) and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey when Barry spoke at MSU in 2017

During the Spanish Flu pandemic that killed at least 50 million worldwide and 675,000 in the U.S., the effect on sports, college football in particular, was similar to what we see today. Some conferences played, some didnt. In Mississippi, Southern Miss did not play, while Ole Miss and Mississippi State played reduced schedules.

One of the most powerful sports stories from the pandemic a century ago was in hockey, Barry said. Professional hockey actually canceled the Stanley Cup championship series when both teams had several players become ill.

The series was tied 2-2-1 with just he deciding game remaining to be played. It never was. One player died. One coach never fully recovered from the disease and died a few years later. It remains the only time in history the Stanley Cup was not awarded after the playoffs had begun.

The so-called Spanish Flu, said Barry, left many of those afflicted with long-term health problems.

There were complications, mostly neurological in nature, that did not show up for years, Barry said. There is so much we dont know about this virus and its long-term health effects. We do know that many who are asymptomatic nevertheless have lung damage and heart problems. Thats why we should err on the side of caution.

Barry lives in New Orleans where he is currently Distinguished Scholar at Tulanes Bywater Institute and a professor at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. In 1973, he was a graduate assistant, coaching wide receivers, for one of the most successful teams in Tulane history. Benny Ellender was the head coach of a Green Wave team that won nine games and lost three and defeated then arch-rival LSU, ranked No. 8 in the nation, 14-0.

Ellender, awarded a 10-year contract after the season, turned down an offer to become the Ole Miss coach he always regretted that, Barry said. Ken Cooper subsequently got the Ole Miss job, and two years later Tulane fired Ellender.

As for Barry, he quit coaching and began writing highly acclaimed books. Now 73, he has a new one in the works. You might not be surprised to learn it will be about the current pandemic.

Donate to our newsroom to help keep our reporting accessible to all. We rely on donations from readers like you to allow us to produce in-depth, sustainable journalism that provides accountability to those in power. Please consider supporting our small nonprofit newsroom with a tax-deductible gift.

Rick Cleveland, a native of Hattiesburg and resident of Jackson, has been Mississippi Todays sports columnist since 2016. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelors in journalism, Rick has worked for the Monroe (La.) News Star World, Jackson Daily News and Clarion Ledger. He was sports editor of Hattiesburg American, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. His work as a syndicated columnist and celebrated sports writer has appeared in numerous magazines, periodicals and newspapers. Rick has been recognized 12 times as Mississippi Sports Writer of the Year, and is recipient of multiple awards and honors for his reporting and writing.

X

by Rick Cleveland, Mississippi Today September 2, 2020

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

1

Republish This Story

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Read more from the original source:
Coach-turned-author John Barry still loves football but urges caution during pandemic - Mississippi Today