NBA Star Doug Christie Is Announced as One of the Honored Athletes to be Inducted Into the 2009 West Coast Conference Hall of Honor
Pepperdine University Alumni, Doug Christie, To Be Honored During The West Coast Conference Basketball Championships
NBA star Doug Christie was officially announced as one of the six all time greatest athletes, along with two top coaches, from the West Coast Conference (WCC) to be inducted into the 2009 Hall of Honor. Other inductees include Hank Gathers, Clive Charles, Tom Meschery, Bernie Bickerstaff, Joe Ellis, and Carroll Williams. Christie and the honored guests will formerly be inducted at the 2009 WCC Hall of Honor Brunch on Saturday, March 7th at the Orleans Arena and honored the next day during halftime of the first men’s basketball semifinal game on March 8th.
Christie is being honored for his outstanding athletic achievements across the WCC’s eight respective institutions. In 1991-1992 the 6’6″ shooting guard was the WCC’S MVP; Christie was also named an All-American member of the All-WCC First Team, as he led Pepperdine in scoring, assists, and steals. His 1,392 career points made him the university’s 15th leading scorer while 395 assists placed him third in Pepperdine history.
“Swingman” Christie attracted dozens of NBA basketball scouts who came to see him play. He was selected 17th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Seattle Super Sonics. Christie went on to play with NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. During his season’s with the Sacramento Kings (2000-2005) Christie became known to be one of the league’s best defenders and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, in 2000-01 again in 2001-02 as well as being named to the NBA first team in 2002-03.
“It is an honor to be amongst such great company and to be honored by the WCC and represent Pepperdine University,” said Doug Christie.
Doug Christie:
Doug a 14-year NBA star married to wife Jackie, has three children and is the cofounder of Jackie Christie, Inc. the parent company to the couple’s businesses.
The West Coast Conference:
The West Coast Conference was formed in 1952 to provide a convenient venue for five San Francisco Bay Area schools to compete in basketball. Since that modest beginning, the Conference has evolved and grown to become a nationally recognized and competitive force in intercollegiate athletics, with 13 league-sponsored sports: baseball; both men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis; and women’s volleyball and crew. The eight WCC members span the western coast of the United States. The Conference is characterized by the stability of its membership–only two conferences have been together longer.
For More Information: www.nba.com/playerfile/doug_christie
wccsports.cstv.com
Registration Now Open for the Inaugural December 6, 2009 Santa Barbara International Marathon
Scenic Event Boasts Boston Qualifying Status and Mediterranean-Like Climates
The organizers behind the inaugural Santa Barbara International Marathon are pleased to announce registration is now open to the public and available at www.sbimarathon.com.
“This marathon offers a breathtaking, scenic course and the opportunity for runners from all over the world to qualify for the Boston Marathon’s 2010 and 2011 race seasons,” says Santa Barbara International Marathon, LLC., chief organizer Rusty Snow. “We couldn’t be more excited to launch this great event.”
Starting December 4-6, 2009 the Santa Barbara International Marathon has three incredible days planned, including: the Marathon, Children’s Festival, Corporate and People’s Relays, Lecture Series (featuring two time Olympic Marathoner Ed Eyestone) and a Health and Fitness Expo.
Located in Southern California and nicknamed “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara has long been the home of world-class sporting events, including the AVP Pro Tour and the Tour of California. Voted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of 2009′s “Distinctive Destinations,” Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine, Mediterranean-like climates and is considered a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
This inaugural event expects to draw 5,000 runners who will receive outstanding support from 1,000 volunteers and 15,000 spectators on a course peppered with exquisite scenery, Californian vistas, gorgeous mountains and a breathtaking coastline. Organizers of this event are confident it will become one of the top 10 marathons in the world within the next five years.
For more information or to register visit www.sbimarathon.com. For interview requests or sponsorship information contact Mitch Delaplane at mitch@pitchpointpr.com.
Source: Santa Barbara International Marathon
Rabobank Pro Cycling Team to Compete in 2009 Amgen Tour of California
California Team Includes Cycling Stars Oscar Freire, Robert Gesink
he Rabobank Pro Cycling Team will compete in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race, the third year of the team’s participation. Rabobank’s California team will include cycling stars Oscar Freire, 3-time World Champion and winner of the green jersey (points classification) in the 2008 Tour de France, and Robert Gesink, Best Young Rider (2007 and 2008) and stage 3 winner (2008) of the Amgen Tour of California.
The fourth annual professional cycling road race takes place from February 14th – 22nd, traveling through 16 host cities down the coast and through the Central Valley, along a demanding 9-day, 750-mile course. Under a 3-year sponsorship agreement, Rabobank is the Official Bank and a Founding Partner of the Amgen Tour of California through the 2011 event.
To celebrate the race, Rabobank is offering two new “Spring Classic” and “Grand Tour” CD products in its bank branches and at the Rabobank tent in the race’s Lifestyle Festival. The race passes through many towns where Rabobank currently has a presence or intends to grow.
The full Rabobank team for this year’s Tour will include Mauricio Ardila, Stef Clement, Oscar Freire, Robert Gesink, Pedro Horrillo, Bauke Mollema, Grischa Niermann, and Pieter Weening, under the leadership of Sports Director Erik Breukink, former Dutch cycling champion and winner of 4 stages and best young rider in the Tour de France. Cycling legend Hennie Kuiper — World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, winner of Paris-Roubaix and 3-time Tour de France stage winner — will provide cycling insights and race commentary at private Rabobank events.
Rabobank, a AAA rated global financial services leader and one of the largest, safest banks in the world, has sponsored a cycling team for 12 years. The Rabobank Cycling Team consists of a professional team — the 3rd ranked UCI ProTour team in the world, a continental (development) team, and a cyclo-cross racing team.
Watch for the Rabobank Pro Team as they race in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California:
Saturday February 14: Sacramento (prologue)
Sunday February 15: Davis to Santa Rosa
Monday February 16: Sausalito to Santa Cruz
Tuesday February 17: San Jose to Modesto
Wednesday February 18: Merced to Clovis
Thursday February 19: Visalia to Paso Robles
Friday February 20: Solvang (time trial)
Saturday February 21: Santa Clarita to Pasadena
Sunday February 22: Rancho Bernardo to Escondido
Source: Rabobank
Polaris RUSH Will Revolutionize Snowmobile Industry
‘Feel the RUSH’ and Ride Longer, Harder, and Ride Again Tomorrow on the All-New Terrain-Dominating PRO-RIDE RUSH
Polaris Industries Inc. launched its Model Year 2010 600 RUSH snowmobile, the first snowmobile with a truly progressive-rate rear suspension. The 600 RUSH’s bottomless suspension is designed to absorb the toughest bumps, transferring the load to the super-rigid PRO-RIDE chassis which isolates the rider from spine tinglers. No longer will riders leave the trail feeling bruised and beat up after a long day.
“The new Polaris 600 RUSH truly marks a turning point for the snowmobile industry,” said Scott Swenson, vice president, Snowmobile Division of Polaris Industries Inc. “The progressive-rate rear suspension has been proven in Motocross; Polaris has now become the first company to bring it to snowmobiles. This innovative suspension combined with the new super-rigid PRO-RIDE chassis provides riders with an unprecedented level of rider-active control including improvements in acceleration and cornering.”
“Polaris has really nailed it with this sled,” said Levi LaVallee, Professional Sno-Cross Racer and X-Games Gold Medalist. “The Rush puts you in the ideal riding position to transfer my weight for launch, and to set the front end for cornering. It has wicked control and a suspension that refuses to give up.”
Boasting the proven 600cc Polaris Liberty engine, the 600 RUSH is designed with improved chassis rigidity and engine mounting to deliver more power to the ground. In addition to meeting the Polaris standard of industry-leading ride and handling, the 600 RUSH also delivers aggressive styling, weight reductions, and improved reliability.
The limited production 2010 Polaris 600 RUSH will be available at local dealers beginning fall, 2009, and will be offered as part of the 2010 Polaris Snow Check program beginning in March 2009. For more information and to experience a virtual test ride, go to http://www.polarisrush.com/.
Polaris 600 RUSH Specifications:
Engine & Drivetrain:
600 cc Liberty Engine with Liquid Cooling
2,599 Cyl-Displacement (cc)
2 Cleanfire Injection Carburetion
P-85 Drive
P2 Driven Clutch
Dimensions:
Est. Dry Weight (lbs./kg.) 459 / 208
Overall Length (in./cm.) 108 / 274
Overall Width (in./cm.) 48 / 121.9
Overall Height (in./cm.) 46 / 117
Ski Center Distance(in./cm.) 42.5 / 108
Fuel Capacity (gal./liters) 11 / 41.7
Suspension:
Front Suspension IQ Adjustable
Front Travel (in./cm.) 9 / 22.9
Walker Evans Piggyback Front Shocks
Pro-Ride Rear Suspension
Rear Travel (in./cm.) 14 / 35.6
Walker Evans Front Track Shock
Walker Evans Comp. Adj. Rear Track Shock.
Track (W x L x H in.) 15x121x1.25 RipSaw 2-Ply
Features:
PERC Reverse
Multi-Function Display Gauge
Black Color with Rush Graphics
Polaris reserves the right to change specifications at any time without
incurring obligations.
For more information, visit http://www.polarisrush.com/
Italian and American Win the ING Miami Marathon
Sold-Out Field of 15,000 Elevates Miami Event to Largest Distance Race in South Florida
A trio of Americans took home three of the four titles at the seventh running of the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon(R). Americans Michele Suskek of Colorado won the women’s ING Miami Marathon, and Pat Hayburn of Pennsylvania and Susanne Larsen of Michigan won the men’s and women’s half marathons, respectively. Italian Benazzouz Slimani was the first European to win the men’s marathon. This year’s edition of the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon included the largest number of participants, with a sold-out field of 15,000 for the combo distance event.
Thirty-four-year-old Slimani closed strong to win the 26.2-mile race with a time of 2:16:49. In a decisive win, Slimani stepped ahead as the leader early and maintained a strong pace the entire race. “This is my first race in the United States and this is such beautiful city, culture and country,” said Slimani. “I am very happy to win my first American race here and look forward to running more races in the United States.” Kenyan Jynocel Basweti secured second place in the marathon, staying within sight of the leader the entire race; he completed the marathon is a time of 2:18:14. Basweti’s fellow countryman Edward Tabut rounded out the top three finishers with a time of 2:18:30.
Michele Suskek pulled off an exciting come-from-behind victory in the women’s race, making her final pass in the last half mile to win by 20 seconds, with a final time of 2:43:31. “With two miles to go, I could see the leader ahead and pushed the pace,” said the twenty-six-year-old female champion. “I never thought about passing her and was just praying my pace was good enough.” Suskek had heart surgery in 2003 for complications from Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Now fully recovered, she had hoped for a personal record.
“I was 30 seconds off my personal best today, but I’m happy with the final result.” Suskek bested Kenyan Zeddy Chepkoech, who held the lead for most of the 26.2 mile course. Chepkoech finished in second place with a time of 2:43:51. Ecuadorian Sandra Ruales Mosquera finished in 2:50:36 to capture the third place.
The men’s division of the ING Miami Half Marathon was won by Pat Hayburn of Pennsylvania in 1:11:12. “The field spread out a bit early and I was actually able to enjoy the race a bit,” said Hayburn. “The course is really beautiful — the cruise ships and seeing the sunrise as you run — it’s a big difference from home.” Hayburn held to the fast pace by his teammate, training partner and next-door neighbor Kevin Cunningham, who earned second place with a time of 1:11:32. Jose Gutembergue Ferreira of Brazil ran a 1:13:00 to claim third place in the 13.1-mile contest.
Suzanne Larsen of Michigan captured the ING Miami Half Marathon title by finishing in 1:20:38. She handily staved off second-place finisher Karina Navarette Duena of Ecuador, who finished in 1:23:50. “I felt really great, but coming from Michigan, I knew this would be a great race,” said Larsen. “It’s a treat not to run on ice this time of year.” Mexico-native Yamile Alaluf took third place in the women’s half marathon with a time of 1:24:54.
Now in its seventh year, the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon has grown to become South Florida’s largest distance running event. A total of 12,376 racers started the race under ideal temperatures of 61 degrees at American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. Of the total starters, 12,219 racers finished both the marathon and half marathon courses today, with 2,630 completing the 26.2-mile course. The marathon traveled to the vibrant Miami Beach neighborhoods and back along picturesque causeways, showing off the best of Miami’s communities before finishing at Bayfront Park. The half marathon had 9,589 finishers on the 13.1-mile course, for a finish rate of 98 percent.
“Today’s sold-out race was a tribute to the vibrancy of the city, the support of ING and our sponsors, the dedication of our volunteers and the determination of our racers,” said Gaby Pozo, race director of the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon. “The ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon is a showcase of our community and the vibrancy that is Miami.”
Joining the runners today were a very special group of middle-school children from the Miami-Dade County School System. As part of the ING Run for Something Better, nearly 4,000 children completed the Final Mile of their own marathon. Having trained through the winter, the children completed 25 miles of running through the free fitness program prior to today. They completed their Final Mile today under picture-perfect skies, and with the company of Congressmen Kendrick Meek (Fla.), who joined the children for the run.
“To every racer today, including the 4,000 children who ran the ING Run for Something Better Final Mile, we extend our congratulations,” said Ann Glover, chief marketing officer, ING Americas. “As a company, ING’s goal is to help make it easier for people of all ages to achieve success — whether it’s running a marathon or preparing for a safe, secure financial future.”
For more information on the results of the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon, please visit www.ingmiamimarathon.com. Next year’s ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010.
Race Highlights
- 15,000 Total Entrants
- 12,376 Total Starters and 12,219 Total Finishers
- 2,630 athletes finished the marathon
- 9,589 athletes finished the half marathon
- Total Prize Purse: $28,000
- Age of youngest participant (half marathon): 12 years
- Age of oldest participant (half marathon): 82 years
- U.S. states represented: 50
- Countries represented: 55
- Number of volunteers: more than 2,000
- Temperature at the start (6:15 a.m.): 61 F (partly cloudy)
- Temperature at the finish (1:00 p.m.): 74 F (sunny)
- Nearly 4,000 schoolchildren from Miami-Dade County middle schools participated in the Final Mile as part of ING’s Run for Something Better
Men’s Marathon Open Division Winners
1. Benazzouz Slimani (Italy) 2:16:49
2. Jynocel Basweti (Kenya) 2:18:14
3. Edward Tabut (Kenya) 2:18:30
4. David Tuwei (Kenya) 2:19:50
5. Mike Korir (USA) 2:35:13
6. Claudio Marcelo Nunez (Ecuador) 2:41:29
7. Pablo Tipantuna (Ecuador) 2:42:09
8. Mark Pepin (USA) 2:44:18
9. Moacir Capistrano (Brazil) 2:44:20
10. Matt Woods (USA) 2:44:22
Women’s Marathon Open Division Winners
1. Michele Suskek (USA) 2:43:31
2. Zeddy Chepkoech (Kenya) 2:43:51
3. Sandra Ruales Mosquera (Ecuador) 2:50:36
4. Kristijna Loonen (Belgium) 2:53:19
5. Jessica Haouache (USA) 3:08:17
6. Nancy Rojas (USA) 3:10:48
7. Heather Goodfellow (USA) 3:12:58
8. Stephanie Stevens (USA) 3:14:02
9. Guadalupe Duran (USA) 3:15:56
10. Bouchre Franz (USA) 3:18:15
Men’s Half Marathon Open Division Winners
1. Pat Hayburn (USA) 1:11:12
2. Kevin Cunningham (USA) 1:11:32
3. Jose Gutembergue Ferreira (Brazil) 1:13:00
4. Marius Acker (USA) 1:14:10
5. Brooks Grossinger (USA) 1:14:38
6. Freddy Alvarado (PR) 1:16:34
7. Ben Ingram (USA) 1:16:37
8. Jonathan Mederos (USA) 1:16:45
9. Elliott Mason (USA) 1:16:51
10. Joseph Elsakr (USA) 1:17:11
Women’s Half Marathon Open Division Winners
1. Suzanne Larsen (USA) 1:20:38
2. Karina Navarette Duena (Ecuador) 1:23:50
3. Yamile Alaluf (MEX) 1:24:54
4. Ana Garcez (Brazil) 1:26:29
5. Lizbeth Rodriguez (MEX) 1:27:47
6. Janine Peart (USA) 1:28:07
7. Isabelle Piller (USA) 1:28:34
8. Carol Postigo (USA) 1:28:35
9. Katie Churchill (USA) 1:28:41
10. Tami James (USA) 1:29:10
Men’s Wheelchair Division Winner
1. Piery Ramirez (USA) 1:40:13
Women’s Wheelchair Division Winner
1. Jessica Matassa (CAN) 2:07:14
Men’s Handcycle Division Winner
1. Brian Mitchell (USA) 1:20:47
Women’s Handcycle Division Winner
1. Vickie Horne (USA) 2:31:56
Source: ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon