A GRIP ON SPORTS

If I really wanted to take a day off, today would be the day. Nothing much in the way of local stories, not a lot from the local college's conference connections and very little from the professional ranks. But those are often the days when, while trying to find tracings, you end up with nuggets. And we found one. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS

I'm not a rollercoaster guy. Mainly it has to do with heights – to say I hate them is an understatement; it's more like an irrational fear – but it also has to do with the constant up and downs. Speed is fine. Give me a ride that races around corners and stretches the boundaries of centrifugal force anytime. But rollercoasters? No thanks. What does this have to do with sports? I think you know. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS

It's Saturday. You have things to do. We have things to do. Let's get right to it. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS

Yesterday was a good day. After eating lunch with a bunch of folks and talking sports, got to go on the radio and talk sports for three hours. Then, en route to the Spokane Valley to cover a high school basketball game, got to listen to Bud Nameck and the first part of the Cougar game. After writing, headed home and got to listen to Tom Hudson, Matt Santangelo and the end of the Zag game. Yep, this retired thingee is cool. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS

We're going in a different direction today, one you'll see off and on as the weather warms – and the local sports news thins. We spent much of yesterday afternoon glued to the television, watching a heavyweight fight, though the guys on the screen weren't boxers. It was a knockout though. And it was the best action of the weekend, though I don't believe anyone involved broke a sweat. Read on.

Jamie Redman of Spokane crossed paths with a former University of Idaho track star as she works out with the U.S. Women's Rowing Team at the Olympic Training Center near San Diego.

Redman took time out to chat with former Olympic decathlete Dan O'Brien, who won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.  O'Brien is one of the Center's ambassadors to athletes training for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He helps Redman and other athletes prepare for the pressures of the Olympic spotlight.

Redman, a product of Lewis and Clark High School and Yale University, said the U.S. Team training is hard work, but the center has a wealth of professional trainers, therapists and dieticians to help them hone their way toward London.  Said Redman:

“In between rows, I’m trying to utilize the many resources the O.T.C. offers the athletes: the newly renovated and expertly staffed Performance and Rehab Center; the delicious dining hall (serving plenty of vegetables, but no desserts, alas); the sports psychology and nutrition counseling; the on-site laundry facilities; the big-screen TVs in the Athlete Lounge… I am *so thankful* for the opportunity to train at this marvelous complex!”