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LISTEN TO ATLANTA’S SPORTS LEADER JAN 13 - 26, 2005

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VOL 1 NO 1

INAUGURAL ISSUE: THE NEW EDGE ON ATLANTA'S SPORT SCENE!

Get In The Game!

02 I SCORE ATLANTA

REMEMBER WHEN… SCORE ATLANTA LINEUP PUBLISHER/EDITOR I.J. Rosenberg PRODUCTION MANAGER Roy Hickman BUSINESS MANAGER Marvin Botnick ART DIRECTOR Shan D. Wallace DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Cunningham REPORTER Jared Wallace CONTRIBUTORS Dean Zindler, Mitch Evans, Richard Diamond, Joe Haines, Brian Katrek, Chris Dimino, Mike Bell, Matt Steward, Fred Kalil, Nick Cellini, Dave Marshall, Greg Smith, Steak Shapiro CARTOONIST Rick McKee COPY EDITOR Tim Darnell ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Greg Smith, Lorie Markowitz, Craig Kroeger, Scott Butler CLASSIFIEDS Beth Ann Rosenberg ASSISTANTS Susan Hickman and Marsha LaBeaume 790 THE ZONE FOUNDERS Andrew Saltzman, Steak Shapiro ZONE STATION MANAGER Neal Maziar ZONE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Matt Edgar ZONE SALES MANAGER Chris Young ZONE MARKETING DIRECTOR Leslie Smith ZONE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alexandra Maistrella, Eileen Rosenstein, Gary Blitzer, Joe Haines, John Fraser, Leah Doyle, Michael Hoffman, Sara Hanna

FALCONS POSTER INSIDE

4 5 7 29 34

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCORE Atlanta will be published twice in January and February and then weekly beginning March 10 by Score Publishing, LLC. Subscriptions are $65 a year. Send payment with name and address to: SCORE Atlanta, 290 Carpenter Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, Ga. 30328.

CONTACT US MAIN NUMBER I 404 256 1572 FAX NUMBER I 404 236 8913 EMAIL ADDRESS I info@SCOREatl.com WEBSITE I www.SCOREatl.com

No, that’s not our graphic artist putting a Falcons uniform on Brett Favre. He was Atlanta’s second round pick in 1991 but was traded the next year. We can only wonder what would have happened if he would have stayed here. But then again if he did the Falcons may have never gotten Michael Vick.

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Our cartoonist Rick McKee draws his feelings about Barry Bonds and his alleged steroid use when it comes to the slugger chasing our own (and steroid free) Hank Aaron who owns baseball’s all-time home run record. ____________________________________________________________ He covered the Atlanta Braves during his great run of the 1990’s and after a four-year hiatus I.J. Rosenberg is well-rested and ready to rejoin the ranks of the city’s sport journalist. He writes about founding Score Atlanta and what it will bring to sports fans here. ____________________________________________________________ The spin on Atlanta sports, an inside look at what is happening on the Atlanta sports scene. ____________________________________________________________ Steroids. It’s an issue that not only affects professional athletes but all the way to our youth. Our sport medicine expert Dr. Dave Marshall takes a look at how the drugs can damage our children. ____________________________________________________________ Every week Score Atlanta and 790 The Zone will reward a male and female student athlete of the week award. And yes, the student does have value in this honor. ____________________________________________________________ We introduce you to Dean Zindler, our memorabilia expert who takes a look at card collecting. ____________________________________________________________ A complete calendar of upcoming sporting events, everything from basketball to lacrosse to registration for youth leagues.

TEAM PAGES I COLUMNS

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1 COVER BY SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/GETTY IMAGES 8 GOLF 15 HAWKS 16 BRAVES 18 FALCONS 31 GEORGIA 32 TECH 33 YOUTH SPORTS

PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 03

Archer finds a home with microphone

addition of former Falcon quarterback T heDavid Archer to the 92.9 Dave FM broad-

cast team has worked quite well. Archer has brought his on-field, in-the-huddle expertise, along with his personal knowledge of Falcon history, into the booth. This has equated to a much more entertaining and insightful game broadcast for listeners. Combined with the significant play-by-play upgrade from the voice of Georgia Tech, Wes Durham, and another former Falcon Chuck Smith, the guys have meshed very well together to bring the listening audience an exciting, entertaining and enjoyable broadcast. We look forward to listening through this year’s playoff run and for years to come. But that’s not all for Archer. He’s been able to parlay his Falcons radio gig with morning and afternoon radio stints on 790 The Zone a couple of days a week; a weekly feature on Fox Sports Net South; and some color analysis for one or two college football broadcasts last season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Archer gets picked up to do more college football work on radio, TV, or possibly network NFL stuff down the line. Way to go, Dave.

A LITTLE VISION, PLEASE …

As part of its effort to gain a foothold with local professional sports teams and their fans, I sure hope Comcast is interested in broadcasting some Braves spring-training

HATS OFF TO BLANK’S BOYS

games this year on their new BravesVision channel. This would be a perfect follow-up move to what Comcast perceives to be positive consumer reaction to its two-year experiment with FalconVision.

MAYBE CHIP CAN PLAY OUTFIELD ...

The Braves look to have made a couple of bold moves so far this winter by bringing in local product and right-handed all-star Tim Hudson and returning John Smoltz to the starting rotation. These two aces will serve as the foundation, but the 2005 Braves still have some unresolved issues. Most notably, we are a little over a month away from the start of spring training and currently they have five guys in the broadcast booth but only one in the outfield. I don’t think they brought in Chip Carey to throw anybody out from the WGST booth (or is that the 96 Rock booth? Damn, I’m almost as confused as ClearChannel is ...) We’re either about to hear of a couple of midlevel free agent signings or there may be an all-out free-for-all at spring training for those two outfield spots.

SLICES, DICES AND A SAGER BABY …

Local high school basketball phenom Louis Williams will get the chance to feature his talent on ESPN2 on Feb. 3. ESPN2 will broadcast the feature game between South Gwinnett and Arlington Country Day

(Jacksonville) from the Arena at Gwinnett Center. If you have a chance to see this kid, do it; he may very well go straight to the NBA in next summer’s draft, although Dennis Felton over in Athens will try to convince him otherwise … With all of the holiday cheer now out of the system, one local note can’t go without being mentioned. Congratulations to TNT /TBS sideline workhorse Craig Sager. Not only did Sager turn 50 recently, but he and his wife Stacey welcomed the addition of daughter Riley on Dec. 24, 2004. Congratulations, Sagers! A well deserved congratulations to the brass at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The game pulled its highest rating cable rating since moving to ESPN in 1992. Coupled with an unopposed primetime New Years Eve timeslot on ESPN and a nationally compelling intra-state match up, the bowl’s long standing relationship with the ACC & SEC finally paid off in the biggest of ways. Stuck in the mire of the second tier bowl confusion, it would be great if those smart people could somehow figure out how to move Atlanta and the game to the next logical spot. In a room with four televisions, a computer, two VCRs, a TIVO machine, a transistor radio and a fridge full of soda, the masked media critic spends his days covering our extensive market of TV, cable and radio stations, broadcasting crews, internet sights and newspapers. He can be reached (at maskedcritic@scoreatl.com) but only between 1-6 a.m. when he is moonlighting as a short order cook.

PEACH BOWL A RATINGS BONANZA …

A Racing Monument

The Falcons

South Gwinnett High Boys Basketball

Four cities, including Atlanta, have been asked to submit plans for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum. This would be a huge bonus for downtown and would seem to fit nicely in a triangle with the Dome and Phillips Arena. Daytona and Charlotte may be the favorites but don’t bet against it if the Atlanta Sports Council gets involved.

OK, so they’re an obvious choice but this has certainly been an exciting season in a town whose pro football campaign typically ends after a couple of games. And you have to love a coach who actually cares about the fans.

How many high school teams have fans who line up a few hours before the game? Oh, and there is Michael Vick sitting in the crowd and don’t forget about the February game that will be broadcasted on ESPN 2. Of course, it’s not hard for Comet fans to get excited when their backcourt includes perhaps the country’s top prep player.

Georgia Basketball

Hockey

Fan Criticizing Peerless Price

It’s hard to blame Coach Dennis Felton. The second-year head man is still dealing with the mess Jim Harrick left behind. Still, it’s hard to stomach a loss to Stetson, who beat the Bulldogs for the first time since 1936.

The Thrashers’ new owners must be pulling their hair out and how about the NHL stars playing in the old Iron Curtain countries who actually have to carry their own equipment. What’s amazing is that most have forgotten how long it took for Major League Baseball to recover from its last work stoppage. And hockey is no national pastime (at least, not in our part of the world).

Enough, already. Haven’t you ever heard of a slump? Price is never going to be one of the league’s best, but he’ll improve as Michael Vick gets more comfortable in the pocket. And don’t begrudge his millions. He didn’t hold a gun to anyone’s head.

14 FRIDAY: Georgia gymnastics vs. Auburn, Athens, 7:30 p.m. Don’t laugh; the Gym Dogs are very entertaining and this is a great way to spend a Friday night without high school football.

games. If you’re watching this one at home don’t hit the kitchen too often. There should be a lot of offense in this one. Kentucky Wildcats at Georgia, Channel 69, 1 p.m. It is

15 SATURDAY:

St. Louis at Falcons, Fox, 8 p.m. Most everyone thought the Falcons would be hosting the Packers but the cheese heads went down and in come the Rams. The Falcons beat St. Louis the second week of the season as Vick had one of his better passing

ROAD ATLANTA

always nice to see Tubby Smith come back to Athens. Kentucky leads the series 102-21 though two of those losses came to the Bulldogs last year. Not going to happen this year. Georgia continues to struggle and likely will only win a few games in the SEC this season.

THUMBS DOWN TO PRICE BASHERS

16 SUNDAY: Georgia Tech at N.C. State, FSN, 5:30. No matter how talented you are it is always tough to win on the road in the ACC. And Raleigh has never been a favorite of the Yellow Jackets.

21 - 23 FRIDAY TO SUNDAY: The Atlanta Golf Show, Gwinnett Center. More than 100 booths and plenty of discounts on merchandise. Gates open Friday and Sunday at noon and Saturday at 9 a.m. It’s worth the $8 admission price, and the door prize is a round with two friends with former Master Champion Tommy Aaron.

NUMBERS CRUNCHING THE

14,333 Total number of combined miles

Georgia Tech basketball freshmen women basketball players Giuliett Ancora (from Australia) and Chioma Nnamaka (Sweden) traveled to get to Atlanta this year.

33.5 Sack total among Patrick Kerney (13), Rod Coleman (11.5), Brady Smith (6) and Travis Hall (3) on the season. The Falcons group was the second highest behind Indianapolis (37).

1,412

Games played by Hawks center

Kevin Willis.

17 Running backs with equal or more carries than Michael Vick (120) this season but all have fewer yards than the Falcons QB (920).

The combined number of wins among Braves starters Jaret Wright (15), Russ Ortiz (15), Antonio Alfonseca (6) and Juan Cruz (6) last year. None are coming back this season.

SANITY

AT LAST

"I think it's our duty to answer the call for help. Anything anyone can do goes a long way, and as professional SANITY athletes we're fortunate enough to be in a position to be able to help." - Hawks star Antoine Walker on why he donated $20,000 for support of tsunami relief efforts in Asia

23 SUNDAY:

NFC Championship Game. At press time we’re not sure who will be competing for the NFC title. But regardless of whether the Falcons are in this game or not, don’t miss 790-The Zone’s NFC/AFC party at the Tabernacle.

24 MONDAY: Chicago Bulls at Hawks, FSN, 7:30 p.m. Record-wise, they are two of the worse. But both have a lot of young talent. The top four scorers from the Bulls are all under the age of 25.

SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2005 SEASON - SEE BACK COVER W

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Get In The Game!

04 I SCORE ATLANTA

SCORETOON

by Rick McKee

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 05

After flirtation with business world I realize sports is my home

W ell, I’m back.

Now, I’m not going to bore you with the details of what I’ve been doing the last four years. Suffice it to say that after 13 years of sports writing for The Atlanta JournalConstitution (many of them covering the Braves) I decided one day to change my focus and try Wall Street and then retail. Then, about three months ago, it came to me that writing is what I want to do. Thus, SCORE ATLANTA was born. Like our radio ad says, “It’s not your daddy’s newspaper” (and that, by the way, is no slap at the AJC. Their sports section continues to be one of the best, and I have all the respect in the world for my old friends there.) SCORE ATLANTA is not going to be a section full of scores and game stories. We are not a daily newspaper. We will hit the streets on Thursday, going twice this month, two issues in February, and then publish weekly from March forward. We will look at the past, present and future of our sports in this town – the Hank Aarons, the Michael Vicks and the Josh Smiths. We will have something for everyone to read. So look carefully through these pages. The graphic photo on the cover was taken by none other than Scott Cunningham of Getty Images, who has been shooting Atlanta sports for more than 30 years. We have a throwback photo of Brett Favre in a Falcons’ uniform on page 2 and on

will be published twice in both January and February and then go weekly in March …. the page across is a column highlighting our city’s radio, TV and media personalities. Then there is our cartoonist, who has so skillfully drawn the connection between Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. We have team pages and notebooks on all the pro teams, as well as additional pages on Tech and Georgia. We even have our own “Sportsbabe,” who gives us the female perspective on … well, everything. We cover high schools and youth and we delve into sports medicine, golf, car racing and sports memorabilia. And take a look at some of our vintage photographs, including our weekly feature where we find a star from the past. This issue is Randy Rhino, one of Tech’s greatest with a last name that is fun to market. A favorite of mine is “Face Off,” where we take a hot local subject and let two media types write their opinions. This week it’s Channel 11’s Fred Kalil (who gets as much airtime as the news guys) facing the alwaysdapper Matt Stewart of Comcast Sports

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Southeast. Then check out the best darn sports calendar in town. Oh, I forgot: It’s all free. We’ll distribute ourselves much like Creative Loafing, starting off in more than 400 locations throughout the metro area. By fall, we hope to cover more than 800 locations with a circulation of 50,000. We will also be inserting special sections into SCORE, including a summer sports camp guide in March and a golf course section in April. I’m fired up because Atlanta has so much going on when it comes to sports and there is plenty of room in this town for another voice. As I said, the AJC does a super job covering the sports world. But our world will be just Atlanta. And we’ll be working closely with not only the teams but the other media outlets in town such as Comcast Sports Southeast and especially 790-The Zone. I’m a huge fan of what has been built from scratch over there, a successful business and a nationally recognized

spot on the dial. You may be wondering – does that mean that their on-air slipups will go unnoticed by our media critic? Nope. Does that mean that we will ignore 680 The Fan? Nope. But we have the ability to take their sports expertise and put it on paper. I’ve always thought that Chris Dimino would be a great baseball writer, and Steak, Beau, Mike Bell and the whole lineup will add their opinions every week. And while we will be offering our critiques from time to time, the tone of SCORE ATLANTA will be very positive. Now, more than anytime I can remember, sports are dominated by athletes like Ron Artest and Barry Bonds and stories such as steroid use and labor strikes. But as I have made my way around these last two months visiting the pro teams, colleges, high schools and the players, I have noticed so many good things too. That is what SCORE ATLANTA is planning to bring you – from Vick to the Bulldogs to the 10-year-old Little League sensation next door, who keeps breaking your window. Man, it’s great to be back … I.J. Rosenberg grew up in Atlanta and has been going to sporting events here for so long that he can remember when the Hawks played at the Coliseum at Georgia Tech and fans would get a face full of Pete Maravich sweat when the ball-handling magician routinely found himself on a fan’s lap. I.J. can be reached at ijrosenberg@scoreatl.com

Get In The Game!

06 I SCORE ATLANTA

believe an asterisk should be placed I firmly next to Barry Bonds name if he breaks Hank

Aaron’s home run record. Two words for you here, before and after. Look at pictures of Bonds before his home run hitting took off and then again after. I covered Barry Bonds during his outstanding college career at Arizona State. I know we all gain weight with age, but come on! It will be tough to get the asterisk since baseball (until possibly this year) has never tested for steroids. Remember when Mark McGwire hit 70 in one season, it was later revealed he was “juiced” on andro, again not banned at the time by baseball. His 70 stood until Barry Bonds broke the record with 73. Victor Conte, owner of the now famous Balco lab in northern California, has implicated Bonds, Marion Jones and others as steroid users. Conte admits he provided the steroids to the athletes. Yet because of the strongest union in all of sports nothing will ever be done about it. The asterisk is something baseball’s writers could do, they’re not controlled by the union. The writers are a powerful, in my opinion way too powerful, group. They control who gets into the Hall of Fame. They could easily make

sure an asterisk is placed next to Bonds’ name. The guy used performance enhancing drugs, Hank Aaron by all accounts never lifted weights! Talk about all natural! To put Bonds ahead of Hank in the baseball record books would be gross miscarriage of justice. Fred Kalil, the sports director at WXIA (Channel 11), is one of the hardest working and

up watching Hank Aaron. He was my I grew hero. When I played wiffle ball, I was

always No. 44. To me, he is and always will be the home run king, just as Milo Hamilton announced as Hank rounded the bases on April 8, 1974. I don’t want to see Barry Bonds break Hank’s record. But it’s going to happen. I hate it even more now that it appears Barry

Should an asterisk be placed by the name of Barry Bonds if he breaks the all-time home run record set by Braves Hall of Famer Hank Aaron? most popular television personalities in town. In addition to anchoring the sports nightly at 6 and 11, he does Falcons Face to Face Saturday nights at 7, he steers Falcons Game Day Live Sunday mornings at 11 and then later that evening at 11:35 he does Falcons Extra. Oh, and he will be the Falcons starting fullback in Saturday’s playoff game.

was juiced-up. That taints his accomplishment in my book. Hank’s 755 homers came naturally. How many of Bonds’ homers are the result of his God-given talent? How many came from Victor Conte’s laboratory? We’ll never really know. Bonds is a great ballplayer, maybe one of the greatest of all time. But now, forever tainted.

All that said, Major League Baseball SHOULD NOT even think about putting an asterisk by Bonds’ eventual home run record. Baseball turned a blind eye to Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Bonds as they bulked-up beyond belief and made a mockery of Roger Maris’ single-season home run record. They cashed in the gate receipts, racked up billions in television-rights fees and proudly announced that “baseball is back!” from the unspeakable 1994 strike. “Chicks dig the long ball! Hip, hip hooray!” Now some want to put an asterisk by the name of Barry Bonds. Need I remind you, Bonds played by the rules that baseball created and has never been disciplined by MLB for steroid use. He hasn’t broken the rules – at least not the ones that were written. He didn’t cheat, at least not according to baseball’s drug policy. If anybody needs an asterisk by his name, it’s Bud Selig, who allowed all this under his watch. Matt Stewart can be seen nightly on Comcast Sports Southeast and is one of the busiest play by play announcers in town, working not only football but also basketball and baseball. He has done a super job of building the audience for Friday night’s CSS High School Football Game of the Week.

FACE OFF NEXT ISSUE: SHOULD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES BE TESTED FOR STEROIDS?

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 07

After the days of Deion and Jamal, Herock the new Mr. Manners for NFL

wonder what happened to Ken E ver Herock, the Falcons player personnel

Mavericks, the Philips Arena display board ran what’s called a Kiss Cam where they focused on couples, who then notice they are on camera and typically smooch. But on this night, the fun ended with a shot of flamboyant Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who was sitting next to one of the club’s assistants. Suddenly, court announcer Ryan Cameron broke in and said, “Who is the benefactor now?’’ Cuban wasn’t too thrilled. By the way, Cameron has some great pipes for the job.

director for almost nine years? The former Oakland Raider brought some big-time players to the Falcons, including spotting a diamond in the Mississippi rough named Brett Favre (although debate continues to this day about who was responsible for letting the surefire Hall of Famer slip away to Green Bay). Nonetheless, Herock, who still lives here, now works for Competitive Edge Sport, a company that prepares athletes for the allimportant NFL draft combine experience. Herock works with players on the way they present themselves to NFL teams at the combine. Each team attending the combine can talk to 60 players in an interview that last up to 15 minutes. Some teams videotape the interviews so they can review the responses to what can be very tough questions. “I teach them to say the right things, right down to how to shake hands and how to look people in the eye,” Herock told The Tennessean. “I tell them what I did on the other side of the table to try and trip them up. And, above all, I show them the importance of telling the truth, of being accountable.” Sounds like the NBA needs someone like Herock.

No one knows more about the NFL than Lenny Pasquarelli. If his name sounds familiar, he was the Falcons’ beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for most of the ‘90s. Now at www.ESPN.com, he routinely breaks stories, but his knowledge of the game, both from a strategic and talent level is as good as they come. Pasquarelli still makes his home in Suwanee and benefits from the fact that on the internet he can write until his heart is content, as opposed to being confined to a certain space when he worked for the newspaper. And the website allows this news hound to break a story at any time. Interestingly, when it comes to the NFL, two of ESPN’s best are both AJC alums, the other being Chris Mortensen.

AN ATLANTA SMOOCH FOR CUBAN ...

TUCKER FLIES HIGH ...

Give thumbs up to those putting on the entertainment at the Atlanta Hawks contests. During a recent win over the Dallas

CHECK OUT LENNY ...

For the last 48 years one of the country’s best youth football programs has been stationed off Lawrenceville Highway. Since they

began keeping records in 1969, the Tucker Lions are 952 of 1,119 and have won numerous championships in both the Georgia Youth Football Conference and most recently the United Youth Football Conference. Also, over the holidays their 115-pound team beat the bigger, 135-pound Adamsville club in the first Frank Ski Kids Foundation Tournament. And the Lions took home a big prize: $10,000 in grant money, which will go toward scholarships, equipment and field improvements. (Famous Alum Alert: Georgia kicker Kevin Butler played for the Lions.)

HIGH FIVE FOR RODRIGUEZ ...

The Spin has always been a big fan of sportscaster Jeff Hullinger, who recently left Atlanta. But his replacement, Ken Rodriguez, has done a super job of replacing Hullinger. First, Rodriguez always has a lot of energy. But he also has really done a good job pushing the High Five brand, which the station uses for high school football on Friday night. The segment always opens with some crazy scene, such as Halloween weekend when Rodriguez was taped coming up out of a lake with his hand and fingers (get it, High Five) out of the water. Rodriguez actually backed up Hullinger for a few years before leaving for Fox Sportsnet and returned when Hullinger left. And speaking of Hullinger, he is doing just fine. He joined WTSP TV in July of 2004 as sports reporter and weekend sports anchor.

AROUND THE ATL ...

We’re hearing that former Braves second baseman Mark Lemke will be involved in the pre-game radio show for the team on WGST, which wrestled the broadcast rights away from WSB and will simulcast games on 96 Rock … When SCORE ATLANTA introduced itself to the Georgia State University Athletics Department, it realized that former Falcons PR boss Charlie Taylor is the Panthers associate athletics director for sports communication. Taylor also handles the color commentary on basketball games … There might not be a more charitable bowl than the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. In 2004, they gave away more than $410,000 to charities and educational institutions … Don’t tell anyone, but there is a way you can get the toughest ticket in town these days: to a Georgia Tech basketball game. Ninety minutes before each home contest, the team puts single game tickets on sale. The price is $30 and you can only buy four … In its recent issue featuring the metro area’s best high schools, Atlanta Magazine wrote this about High Meadows: “Sports for kids should be playing outdoors, and nobody does it better than High Meadows, which has a junior master gardener program, a pony ring and a rope course on its verdant 40-acre campus’’ SCORE ATLANTA wants to know when it can sign up.

Tech has always been known for G eorgia great publicity photos, putting Marylyn

Monroe on their 1952 media guide wearing a Yellow Jackets sweater and waving a Tech pennant. Another favorite came in 1974 when Randy Rhino, Tech’s only three-time AllAmerican was sent down to the old Lion Country Safari in Henry County to take a picture with, yes, a real live rhino. But the rhino was more like a pussy cat. Her name was Sally, the football Rhino said, “They tried to get her to chase me. They asked me to slap her on the nose and then run. I would slap her, run and she just kept eating.’’ Rhino, however, had a fabulous career as a defensive back at Tech. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints but said he didn’t have the speed to play in the NFL. However, he was a star in the Canadian Football League and a stint in the old World Football League. He comes from quite a football family, playing with his brother Danny at

NIKE

Tech while Tim played with Heisman Trophy winneGeorge Rodgers at South Carolina and the youngest, David, went to Florida State on a baseball scholarship. It all started with their father Chappell, who played at Tech during the 1950s and it has continued with Randy’s son Kelley, who was an All-ACC punt and kickoff returner in 2001. And three years ago a dream came true for Randy when athletic director Dave Braine brought him back as the team chiropractor, also allowing him to bring his practice to the Edge Athletics Center. “Nothing is better than hanging around young people,’’ said Rhino, who was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and also coaches a 12-year-old All-Star baseball team at Chastain Park. And whatever happen to Sally the rhino? Randy is not sure but he said of the photos, “Every news-

ALL PHOTO courtesy of Georgia Tech

paper in the country got them and ran them.’’ We’ll catch up in the next issue with the big man they called Bells ...Former Atlanta Hawks center Walt Bellamy.

This was one of the publicity photos Tech shot of Randy Rhino in 1974 with Sally the rhino at Lions Country Safari.

A few years back Tech took Randy, his son Kelley and father Chappell to the Atlanta Zoo for another photo with another rhino.

Randy with his father Chappell at son Kelley’s graduation from Georgia Tech.

CHECK OUT THE MIKE VICK EXPERIENCE ON PAGES 20 - 21 W

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Get In The Game!

08 I SCORE ATLANTA

PGA Tour Radio’s Brian Katrek hosts a golf show every Sunday morning at 9 AM on 790 - THE ZONE, and his Southern Golf Weekly program on Comcast Sports Southeast will enter its third year in March.

Gant pounding the ball on a new field of dreams…East Lake Golf Club balls to an open hole, and found out which one If a thorough look at your equipment still I am a lucky man. I hit the farthest. I noted my swing, my driver, doesn't produce the kind of distance you are A few weeks ago, I played golf at the nicest golf course I have ever played and with a great group. The course was East Lake Golf Club, home of the TOUR Championship. The group included TOUR Championship Executive Director Todd Reinhart; Wille Celluci, from Buckhead’s fabulous Palm Restaurant; and former Braves outfielder Ron Gant. Gant is an avid golfer now and claims that at 39, his baseball days (a two-time AllStar) are behind him. But can he hit a golf ball! At 6 feet, 195, he looks like he could step right back onto the diamond. And when he really swings at it, not many hit the ball farther than he does.

GOLF BALL TECHNOLOGY IS CONFUSING

One way to make sure you are playing with the right ball is to test some yourself. During one of my home course’s slow periods, I recently took five different sleeves of

and my launch conditions, and I will give you specific results next week as we draw closer to the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando, where equipment is the focus. The point is, everyone is different. And the ball that says it is the longest on the box might not be the longest for you.

SPEAKING OF THE PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW IN ORLANDO It is at the end of January at the Orange County Convention Center. It is not open to the public, but if you are in the golf industry, or know someone who is, it is a must see. Just imagine the Georgia World Congress Center filled with golf stuff. Closer to home, you can get the same feel on a smaller scale at the Atlanta Golf Show, from Jan. 21-23 at the Gwinnett Civic Center. There are lots of great things to see and do. For more information visit our website at www.atlantagolfshow.com.

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looking for, here is a tip. Try swinging harder. During the previously mentioned round with Ron Gant, we discussed how Tiger Woods and other TOUR players hit the ball so far. Gant is the same height, much stronger than Woods, and can swing the club much faster. The problem is, TOUR players hit it dead on the sweet spot almost every time, and most of us don't. So if you are going to miss the ball anyway, you might as well swing hard at it. The Georgia State Golf Association will hold a golf rules seminar on Feb. 14 at the Atlanta Athletic Club beginning at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $50 and includes lunch, a rulebook and other handouts. For more information go to www.gsga.org. Brian can be heard "On the Green" on Sunday mornings from 9-10 a.m. on 790 The Zone, and on "Mayhem in the AM," weekdays 6-10 a.m. on 790 The Zone.

BRIAN KATREK’S LINKS OF THE WEEK COURSE: Bear's Best ADDRESS: 5342 Aldeburgh Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024 TELEPHONE: 678.714.2582 TOLL FREE: 866.511.BEST COURSE DESIGNER: Jack Nicklaus YARDS: 6,857 PAR: 72 THE SKINNY: These are 18 of designer Jack Nicklaus' favorite holes from his over 200 golf course designs. I LIKE: Forecaddies. They make the round special and keep everything moving. I DISLIKE: The 18th hole. A 480 yard par 4 is great in Castle Rock, Colorado, where the original hole is. But here in Atlanta, the air is not as thin, and that hole is a monster.

JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 09

Listen up Atlanta, I’m the SportsBabe and I’m here to stay ….

Let me introduce myself. I’m H eyTheya’ll! Sports Babe. I love all kinds of sports

IT’S LIKE FINGERS ON CHALKBOARD Smokers ... Mike Martz ... Ron Dayne ... Spinach ... The Olive Garden ... Sammy Sosa ... Warren Sapp ... Bread sticks ... Jim Nantz ... Sparrows ... Dick Vitale ... Dream Job ... Tony LaRussa ... Daniel LaRusso ... S.A. Smith ... Brazilian jujitsu ... Tank Abbott ... Tank Black ... Vince Carter ... Dugan Fife ... Jackson Browne ... Judd Hirsch ... Judd Nelson ... Donn Nelson ... Tony Franklin ... Domes ... Buffalo wings ... Pimps ... Winos ... Terry Bollea ... NHL players ... Nickels ... Anyone named Mitch ... Toy soldiers ... Mascots ... Kobe ... Kerry ... Cigars ... Sir Elton John ... France ... Butch Davis ... Pinstripes ... Shots ... Wrist watches ... Sears and Roebuck ... Corduroy ... Tubas ... Sarah Jessica Parker ... Dave Parker ... Parker Posey ... World Series of Poker ... The Taliban ... Insects ... Male cheerleaders ... Cardio machines ... Franco Columbu ... The Ravens ... War ... Cassette tapes ... Joe Besser ... Jean shorts ... Tennis ... Motocross ... Tattoos ... The Pro Bowl ... Balks ... Throat guards ... The White Sox ... Soccer ... Shovels. Nick Cellini, who can be heard every weekday morning on 790-The Zone on “Mayhem in the AM” from 6-10, may be the station’s most opinionated host. But then again there is Beau Bock and Matt Chernoff and Doug Stewart.

– watching and playing. What’s better than cuddling up in front of the big screen and cheering for your favorite team? Well, I can think of a few things, but I digress. Football rocks and the Falcons have made it an incredible year. Let’s hope the playoffs will be a wild ride. I like wild rides! And Mike Vick is such fun to watch, but I digress again. The NCAA tournament is one of the best sports events ever – especially if I get into a pool, and even better if I win it (which has happened). The Braves are a great team and Smoltz is going to be exciting to watch as he makes his way back into the rotation. Anyway, this column is all about YOU asking me, The Sports Babe, questions. I can answer them all – from a woman’s point of view. This will be helpful to you guys out there trying to figure out how to get your gal to enjoy sports with you or how to make her understand why its so much fun to watch the same game you can see at home from a sports bar with 357 of your closest buddies. This being the first edition of SCORE ATLANTA, I am going to editorialize a bit – since you don’t yet have any questions, but bring ‘em on, boys! First of all, how did the sports world miss the fact that Georgia football will return almost their entire team next year – and not rate UGA in the top 10 going into the new season? That is what I heard on television: a coaches’ poll that has Georgia at No. 12. No way! I do understand USC being ranked No. 1 going into next year; after all, they are the national champions two years running and with almost all of the team returning next year, by all rights they should be ranked right up there on top. But leaving out UGA is a big mistake. Go, ‘Dawgs! Prove ‘em wrong.

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Next: Have any of you seen the latest health club promotion? There are five fast-food chains partnering with a large health club chain. If you bring a receipt from any one of these fattening dining experiences, you get one month free at the health club. That’s right – eat a two-pound cheeseburger and you too can run on a treadmill for free. For a month, which is just about how long it will take you to work that cheeseburger off. After you have your heart attack, that is. I think the idea is a good one – endorsing exercise in partnership with relatively unhealthy eating establishments. But isn’t that the wrong target audience? I mean, are those guys who chow down massive burgers, French fries, fried chicken, and even

fried pies really going to don some cute little workout shorts, a ratty old t-shirt and actually show up at a gym? For one, I would like to see some new guys at my gym, but I’m not so sure one of these types is what I had in mind. So, guys, send in the questions and I look forward to next time! You can find the SportsBabe at a Dunwoody deli every Sunday morning, putting down a bagel with cream cheese and two strips of lox. But if you want to ask her a question send the SportsBabe an email to sportsbabe@scoreatl.com.

Excuse waitress... Uh, I believe I ordered the LARGE cheeseburger and spandex shorts...

Get In The Game!

10 I SCORE ATLANTA

Not your

Good food, alley-oop dunks and Nicolete Sheridan things on my mind for the inaugural S ome issue of SCORE ATLANTA, a publication

the city sorely needs and that the Zone is thrilled to be a part of … How sweet is it to think that the Falcons home crowd contributed to more illegal procedure penalties for their opponents than any other in the league … Is it safe to finally say that T.J. Duckett is a big-time back and that the Falcons clearly did not blow their first round pick on him?

SOME RED MEAT AND WINE ...

Not too many towns have the premier steak houses as the ATL. You can't go wrong on a big night out with the wife, your buddies or the key client when you hit up Bones, The Palm, Chops, New York Prime, Morton's, Ruth's Chris, McKendrick's, Stoney River, Killer Creek or Merlot. They all provide what top steak places are supposed to: a big-time atmosphere with food worthy of the steep prices … I love watching Will Bynum take guys off the dribble almost as much as I love watching Ismail Muhammed finish one of his alley-oops … Dennis Felton is recruiting his butt off around the South … I can't wait until the best show on television comes back with another full season of episodes. I'm talking about HBO's “Entourage,” of course … Is “Desperate Housewives'” Nicolette Sheridan looking a little banged up or what?

great bottle of wine and a few different courses in a heartbeat … Roy Williams John “Houdini.” Who would you has a great chance to win the whole rather have throwing at the start of a playoff series – Jaret Wright and thing with this year's Carolina Mike Hampton or John Smoltz and squad but somehow you know Tim Hudson? That's why the it just ain't gonna happen … Braves have a real shot to make It sure is going to be fun some noise this year. Let's just hope to see what D.J. Schuerholtz can work some magic Shockley brings to the with right and left field. If anytable next season … body can ... Randy Johnson and Simply put, Calvin Pavano to the Yanks, the first Johnson, you are $200 million payroll in league ridiculous. history. God, I love rooting Steak Shapiro is against that team … A-Rod, the the co-founder of most defining moment in your 790-The Zone and entire career was that sissy slap host of “Mayhem in at first base last October. You the AM” from 6-10. think he needs to have a big As you can see he is post-season next time around? a big fan of T.J. … There's nothing like great Duckett but did not gumbo. ...I can watch “True T.J. tell you that he Romance” again and again. Duckett frequents those restaurants with RED MEAT AND SOME VINO ... the big man and I have no need for those the Falcons halfBrazilian steak houses where PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES back always picks they bombard you with the meat up the tab. police. I will take a leisurely dinner with a

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Daddy’s sports paper.

JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 11

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Get In The Game!

12 I SCORE ATLANTA

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SCORE ATLANTA I 13

GEORGIA’S SOURCE FOR OVER 120 COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES www.tumblersandtotes.com 4055 OLD MILTON PKWY - ALPHARETTA, GA

770.777.4888 MON-SAT: 10 - 6:30 • SUN: 1-6

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14 I SCORE ATLANTA

Score Atlanta caught up with Hawks rookie Josh Smith, who, at barely 19 has become the new dunking sensation in the NBA. As a rookie, Smith says all the right things, but our rookie reporter Jared Wallace was able to get a little out of him about his slamming ability. _____________________________________________________ When was your first dunk? JS: The first time I ever dunked was in the seventh grade. But the first time that I dunked in a game was my first game in the eight grade. How often did you dunk in high school? JS: A lot. I had almost 300 dunks my senior year. Do you have a favorite dunk to perform? JS: The windmill. I have always liked the windmill, so I would say that is my favorite one. Do you have a favorite dunk for this season? JS: I would say the backwards alley against the Mavericks (pictured). Yeah, I liked that one. Have you ever measured your vertical leap? JS: They measure it during the workouts. It’s 40 inches. Are you interested in competing in the NBA Slam Dunk contest? JS: I have thought about it, but they have to ask me first. What do you think it would do for attendance at Phillips Arena if you went out and won something like that? JS: I think it would help get more fans in the stands. They want to see excitement, that’s what the fans are in the stands for. It is said that David Thompson of NC State could pull a penny off the top of the backboard, do you think you can do that? JS: No (laughing), I haven’t tried that. Have you ever tried? Or even thought about trying? JS: No (laughing again), I don’t think I can. Have you ever talked to Dominique Wilkins about dunks? JS: No, but Kevin Willis always brings it up about how he (Dominique) used to fly around the court back in the days when they used to play together. Do you think that you remind Kevin Willis of Dominique? JS: Well, Kevin has never actually told me that but probably a little bit. PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

TRAVEL GIRL

SCORE MAJOR POINTS WITH YOUR WIFE OR GIRLFRIEND - PAGE 27 W

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SCORE ATLANTA I 15

For every Tuesday game at home, fans can purchase 2 game tickets for the price of 1 in the $25 & $45 sections!

Youth movement under way; key is making good choice in next draft

n the surface, you may not think the Atlanta O Hawks have anything to be optimistic about, especially when you look at their recent history.

The Hawks had only five wins as of Jan. 7, 2005, and no more than 10 road wins per season since the NBA players’ strike-shortened 1998-99 season, which was also the last time the team finished with a winning record. So, you might be wondering - why bother? Simple. This team does have potential. There will be those who laugh and say I’m crazy, but hear me out for a minute. Like most fans, it isn’t easy to look past the team’s record because it isn’t pretty. But the team has shown signs of life recently. I was at the 113-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks, and the Hawks looked pretty impressive for much of that game. I also attended a practice recently, and let me tell you, these guys work extremely hard. It’s clear new Head Coach Mike Woodson will accept nothing less from his players than their best effort. Speaking of players, in spite of their doubters (and there are many of them) this team does have some talent. The problem is the team either seems to be too young or too old in many places. The Hawks have four rookies, ranging from 19-23 years old. Regarding the

team’s rookies and their development, Woodson said, “Watching our young kids develop has been very satisfying. They have gotten better since this summer. Prior to Utah (summer league) they had no clue. They went out to Utah and represented the team well, but still, coming into camp, they didn’t know what this league was about. They have really worked their butts off since then to improve their games, and I think they have.” The youth does not stop there. Al Harrington, in his seventh year in the league, is only 24 and Boris Diaw is only 22. The elders on the team are Kenny Anderson at 34 and Kevin Willis at 42; Tony Delk turns 31 this

month. But all of these guys can run the floor with Antoine Walker (who has been the most consistent player thus far), Harrington, and rookies Josh Smith and Josh Childress. But the Hawks don’t have a true point guard to handle the ball, push the tempo and control the offense. Plus, they need to acquire a center who can fit into the same system. And if the Hawks are looking for a half-court based team, they will have to make many different moves because the current roster just doesn’t have the size to play that style. Let’s assume the Hawks are looking to play more of a Phoenix Suns/Seattle Supersonics type of game, which seems to work once you have the horses. How do they get to that point? DRAFT BETTER!! Excluding this past draft, Boris Diaw is the only player drafted by the Hawks who is still with the team since 1998. One player out of the last 16 drafted. Incredible. The only productive players recently drafted by the Hawks were traded on draft night, such as Pau Gasol and Jamaal Tinsley both in 2001. But the Hawks will certainly have a high draft pick again this year, which could be the start of a new era for the franchise. We shall see.

Despite being only 24, Al Harrington has already played 7 years in the NBA, totalling 385 games. PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

Coming to the rescue: Team pledges tsunami support

Hawks players, coaches and trainA tlanta ing staff have collected $64,000, which

will be donated to UNICEF in support of tsunami relief efforts in Asia. Hawks forward Antoine Walker organized the team contribution and personally pledged $20,000 to the cause. Walker, who is involved in a number of community activities through the Hawks, also has his own charitable foundation entitled The 8 Foundation. Hawks Antoine Walker, Al Harrington and Predrag Drobnjak are currently on the NBA All-Star ballot. The Hawks are also hoping to get one of the team’s three prominent first-year players – Josh Smith, Josh Childress and Royal Ivey – into the rookie game. Josh Smith is also a candidate to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Competition, but the NBA has not given word if he has been selected.

ALL-STAR CHOICES COMING ...

Continuing with the organization’s numerous philanthropic endeavors during this season of giving, the Atlanta Hawks visited patients at two local hospitals on Dec. 21, 2004, while also taking disadvantaged families on Wal-Mart shopping sprees. Players, coaches, front office staff, dance-team members and mascots split into two groups to spread a little holiday cheer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston by visiting with patients and families, passing out gift bags and signing autographs. Rap star Bow Wow joined the Hawks group at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. A third group of players and coaches took five needy area families on a $500 shopping sprees at the Wal-Mart located at 4725 Ashford-

DRIVING IN THE COMMUNITY ...

“Pistol Pete” Maravich played for 10 seasons in the NBA and was a fan favorite in Atlanta. PHOTO by Scott Cunningham

BENNIE’S SHOES

Dunwoody Road. Wal-Mart also donated $500 gift cards for each family to shop for food, toys and clothes. The Hawks players and coaches also made a food donation to the families.

The Hawks retired a #17 jersey in Ted Turner’s honor during a recent celebration, honoring the 24 years in which he owned the team before Time Warner merged with AOL in 2001. Ironically, Turner has a jersey hanging in Phillips Arena, but “Pistol” Pete Maravich does not. Not only does Maravich have a stat line that includes the following accolades – elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1987); All-NBA first team (1976, '77); All-NBA second team (1973, '78); All-Rookie team (1971); fivetime NBA All-Star; one of 50 greatest players in NBA history (1996) – but let’s not forget the man had “Pistol” on the back of his jersey. Ken Carter made national news when he locked out his undefeated varsity basketball team in order to push them to improve their grades. Carter not only closed the Richmond (Calif.) High School gym, he banned all basketball-related activities and was prepared to cancel the entire season because several players had not lived up to the classroom achievements they had agreed upon in signed contracts. Carter came through Atlanta to promote “Coach Carter,” a new movie based on his life starring Samuel L. Jackson. During his visit he attended a Hawks practice to meet and spend a few minutes talking to players. ... The Hawks will be holding post-game concerts this winter. After the Jan. 17 contest against the New Jersey Nets at 2:00 p.m., the Hawks will host a special post-game concert featuring gospel recording artist Donnie McClurkin. And after the Feb. 5 game against the Indiana Pacers at 7 p.m., the Hawks will feature contemporary Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen.

COACH CARTER VISITS HAWKS ...

DOMINIQUE RETURNS TO THE COURT...KIND OF

Dominique Wilkins recently held his Drive for a Cure charity basketball tournament, a six-team event held at Philips Arena to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Coaching a team contributed by Cingular Wireless, ‘Nique roamed the sidelines, exhorting his team to exhibit some of the same skills that made him such a fan favorite during his time as a Hawk. The event raised more than $35,000 for cystic fibrosis research. … Head Coach Mike Woodson and Assistant Coach Herb Brown each received their NBA Championship rings on Dec. 10 in Detroit during a pregame ceremony before a Hawks-Pistons contest. Woodson and Brown were both assistant coaches with the world champion Pistons last season. The Hawks then defeated the defending champs to culminate the great night for their new coach.

TURNER’S JERSEY IN PHILLIPS; BUT NOT PISTOL’S ...

COLE HAAN SHOES ON SALE FOR $99 - PAGE 4 W

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16 I SCORE ATLANTA

Turner Field is available for private use, including the Grand Entry Plaza, which holds 1,750. For more info, call:

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Schuerholz throws gem with move to get Hudson

six years on the Braves beat for the I1991spent Atlanta Journal-Constitution, beginning in when John Schuerholz took over as gen-

eral manager. I remember meeting Schuerholz for the first time, sitting in his office at AtlantaFulton County Stadium, and the first thing I noticed was how perfect everything seemed. Schuerholz was dressed immaculately, not a wrinkle to the found, and everything on his desk was in order. When he spoke, he looked right at me and his words were direct as there was no doubt who was in charge of the team now. While I had no idea he would take the Braves from worst to first in just one season, I knew success was inevitable. He had the look of it. Some 13 straight division titles later, Schuerholz is no different then when he first walked through the team’s door and the acquisition of Tim Hudson may have been his most brilliant move ever. Hudson’s numbers are as good as any, going 92-39 with a 3.30 ERA in the friendlyhitting American League. But perhaps the most impressive statistic is that during his career in games where he has received run support of four or more he is 75-2. Team’s will do anything to get a pitcher of

Hudson’s quality and somehow Schuerholz continues to pick up such arms. It started in 1993 when he signed Greg Maddux. There also has been Denny Neagle, Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz. Somehow in addition to the stable of home grown starters the Braves have had, Schuerholz has been able to fill in with some of the best arms in the game. Part of that has to do with the fact that the organization has had the solid prospects to trade. But the other part is Schuerholz is just very, very good at his job and for 14 seasons has been able to keep getting up in the morning and do his best. That’s unusual. Even dynasties (we’re talking since the 1970s) like the Cowboys,

Steelers, Celtics and even Canadians had an off season occasionally but not Schuerholz’s Braves. Sure, it’s easy to criticize the team for their struggles in October, but the fact that they are 1,341-859 since 1991 is certainly one of sport’s great accomplishments over the last two decades. Schuerholz has the longest tenure with one team by four seasons over any other GM in baseball. Why? Because he never losses his edge, never sits back and waits for something to happen. I will never forget back in 1993 when the Braves had fallen quite a ways behind the Giants in the division and I had all but written them off. Schuerholz was furious with my criticism, defending his team, but he knew they needed some type of spark. Having been to two straight World Series and a young rotation which also included Maddux, most GM’s would have done nothing. But Schuerholz pulled off the trade to get Fred McGriff and the rest is history. What Schuerholz did by getting Hudson shows at 64 he as good as ever, and Braves will be the favorite to win another division title. And who knows, Hudson may be the one that pulls them to the second world title everyone wants to see.

When Fred McGriff came to the Braves in 1993, He ignited a 5419 run and the Braves caught the Giants to win the division title, finishing with 104 wins. PHOTOS courtesy of the Braves

Spring training around the corner; Sutter’s HOF chances look better spring training tickets are now B raves available. Look at it as an entertainment combo; you can see the Braves prepare for a run at their 14th consecutive division title, and there’s some place called Disney World that is nearby. The Braves will be participating in their eight spring training at Cracker Jack® Stadium at the Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex. This will be a chance for the fans to see Braves stars such as Chipper Jones, Johnny Estrada, John Smoltz and Tim Hudson play alongside prospects that are trying to make an impression on the major league club. Prices for the game are $13 for the lawn, $18 for bleacher and upper level seats and only $21 for lower level seats (all prices include tax). To buy tickets call 407.839.3900 or go to www.atlantabraves.com. Unfortunately, former Braves All-Star Dale Murphy may never be enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame. He certainly should be there. A player needs 70 percent of the vote to be elected, and the highest percentage Murphy ever received is 23 percent in 2000. Murphy was one of the best in the 1980s, he was second in home runs behind Mike Schmidt and second to Eddie Murray in RBIs; both are in the Hall. Murphy was tops in total bases over the same span. He was also no slouch as a defensive player, winning five Gold Gloves as an outfielder - not bad for a former catcher.

MURPHY’S LAW ...

Former Braves reliever Sutter has a strong change of getting in next year. This past year he received almost 68 percent of the

SUTTER’S CASE ...

It was close but Dale Murphy received enough votes to stay on the Hall of Fame ballot. PHOTOS courtesy of the Braves

GEORGIA FORCE

manager in the majors who has won World Series in both the American and National Leagues. … THIS IS HOW OLD YOU ARE: The majority of current college sophomores were first graders when the Braves won the first of their 13 consecutive division titles in 1991. vote, and his vote total has increased every year since 2000. Sutter has 300 career saves and was clearly the best closer of his era. Sutter has been credited with introducing the split finger pitch to baseball as well. Sutter is known for his career with the Cardinals and Cubs, but he did spend from 1986-88 in Atlanta. Ed Sudol, the umpire behind the plate when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record, died on Dec. 10, 2004, at the age of 84. In addition to witnessing Aaron's historic 715th home run off L.A. Dodger pitcher Al Downing on April 8, 1974. Aaron’s historic homerun wasn’t the only event Sudol was blessed to be a part of; he also was also behind the plate for Jim Bunning's perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets in 1964. He worked the World Series three times in 1965, ‘71 and ‘77.

UMPIRE FOR AARON’S 715 DIES ...

Braves general manager John Schuerholz was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual Baseball America Awards Gala, held at the Anaheim Marriott on Dec, 12, 2004. Schuerholz is the only general

SCHUERHOLZ HONORED ...

2005 HALL OF FAME RESULTS Wade Boggs* Ryne Sandberg* Bruce Sutter Jim Rice "Goose" Gossage Andre Dawson Bert Blyleven Lee Smith Jack Morris Tommy John Steve Garvey Alan Trammell Dave Parker Don Mattingly Dave Concepcion Dale Murphy Willie McGee Jim Abbott Darryl Strawberry Jack McDowell Chili Davis Tom Candiotti Jeff Montgomery Tony Phillips Terry Steinbach Mark Langston Otis Nixon

474 393 344 307 285 270 211 200 172 123 106 87 65 59 55 54 26 13 6 4 3 2 2 1 1 0 0

91.9% 76.2% 66.7% 59.5% 55.2% 52.3% 40.9% 38.8% 33.3% 23.8% 20.5% 16.9% 12.6% 11.4% 10.7% 10.5% 5.0% 2.5% 1.2% 0.8% 0.6% 0.4% 0.4% 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0%

ANYONE WITHOUT AT LEAST 5% OF THE VOTE IS DROPPED FROM THE BALLOT.

TICKETS START AT $7 - CALL 404.249.6400 - SEE PAGE 12 W

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SCORE ATLANTA I 17

Force on TV 9 times including NBC Georgia Force fans will now have the opportunity to watch the Force an additional nine times on TV during the 2005 season. Fox Sports Network (FSN) and the Arena Football League (AFL) have reached a multi-year agreement to carry regular season games on 11 of FSN's owned and affiliated regional sports networks. FSN regional telecasts are in addition to the AFL's exclusive Sunday afternoon national window on NBC. The Force's nine televised games on FSN is second most in the AFL, having one other televised game this season on NBC scheduled for Sunday, May 8, vs. Tampa Bay. SAME OWNER, ANOTHER TEAM: This season the Force will play under new management after Falcons owner Arthur Blank bought the team last summer. Honestly, who doesn’t love this man? … More than 450 athletes at all positions came out to show their abilities through various drills during open tryouts held at the Georgia Dome. In 2002, Force offensive specialist Markeith Cooper earned a roster spot by making the team through an open tryout.

PULLING FROM THE NFL: The Force added four rookie free agents, each with multiple years of NFL experience, including former Bear and Dolphin Ernest Grant (OL/DL); Bronco Scottie Montgomery (WR/DB); Saint Jimmy Robinson (WR/LB); and Bear and Cowboy Dave Volk (OL/DL). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

FORCEFUL BROADCASTING: The Georgia Force and Big League Broadcasting have reached an agreement for Sports Talk 790 The Zone to serve as the “official flagship radio station of the Georgia Force.” The exclusive deal includes live play-by-play coverage for all 16 regular season games and playoffs, a pre- and post-game show as well as ancillary programming. Sports Talk 790 The Zone has served as the Force's radio partner since the team's inaugural Atlanta season in 2002. For the fourth straight season, David Hubbard will handle the play-by-play duties, while Chuck Oliver is back for a second year as color analyst. New additions to the broadcast booth this season will feature various Atlanta Falcons players providing their analysis during broadcasts of home games.

A TRUE CONTEST FOR FANS: Blank has endeavored to listen and involve the fans with the Force, just as he has with the Falcons. In that spirit, the Force, along with WXIA 11 Alive, gave fans the opportunity to select the 20th and final spot on the Force's 2005 cheerleading squad. … The Force officially opened their 2005 training camp last week at the Atlanta Falcons training facility in Flowery Branch. The Force conducted all their training camp operations in a newly constructed facility, unprecedented among AFL teams.

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Pyle (Not Gomer) headed to Stars

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) has named Gwinnett Gladiators Head Coach Jeff Pyle as one of four coaches for the 2005 ECHL All Star Game in Reading, Penn. Pyle will serve as co-coach of the American Conference for the game, which is set for Jan. 26, 2005. Selected by a vote of league coaches, Pyle makes his second coaching trip to the game after serving as a co-coach for Western Conference squad in last season’s ECHL All Star Game in Peoria, Ill. Pyle guided the Gladiators to a Central Division championship. Pyle was head coach and director of hockey operations for the Mobile Mysticks from 19982002 before the team voluntarily suspended operations in preparation for its move to Gwinnett. Pyle is just the third coach to be selected to the ECHL All Star Game as a coach in consecutive years, joining Doug Shedden (LA, 1998 and ‘99) and Rick Vaive (SC, 1997 and ‘98). THREE ALL-STAR GLADIATORS: The ECHL has also recently announced that rookie forwards Brett Engelhard and Jeff Campbell, as well as defenseman Jim Jackson, were named to the American Conference squad for All Star Game. A rookie out of Michigan Tech, Engelhard was loaned to the St. John’s Maple Leafs of the American Hockey League, where he has appeared in four games since being called up on Dec. 14. Engelhard leads Gwinnett in goals

scored with 14 and is second in that category among ECHL rookies. Campbell ranks fifth in ECHL rookie scoring with 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 29 games. Now in his second season with the Gladiators, Jackson leads all ECHL defenseman with four power play goals on the year. From Marquette, Mich., Jackson was named the ECHL Plus Performer of the Month for February 2004. KID’S CLUB SPECIAL EVENTS AND PACKAGES: Kid’s Club members receive free bowling and a special price on food and drink. Upcoming parties include rock climbing with Gladiators players at Adrenaline Climbing on Feb. 13. On March 6 the Gladiators will be hosting a miniature golf tournament at Malibu Grand Prix. On March 20, Kid’s Club Members are invited to participate in a “chalk talk” with the Gladiators before the team plays the Columbia Inferno. Finally, on April 2, Kid’s Club members will be able to participate in a special meet and greet with popular cartoon Character SpongeBob SquarePants before the Gladiators face off against the Charlotte Checkers. Check out the Gladiators website for more details on these special events. In addition, the Gladiators have unveiled a new three-game “Superus Funus” pack. The package includes tickets to Gwinnett Gladiators’ home games on Feb. 27, March 3 and April 2.

Get In The Game!

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Jim Mora’s dad can be heard every Saturday at Noon on FOX Sports Radio, broadcasted locally by

790 THE ZONE!

A lot has changed with the Falcons since that horrible loss to Dallas in ‘81 is not used to hosting football A tlanta playoffs games. The Braves, yes...The NFL, no.

Asked recently if he was growing a beard, Falcons coach Jim Mora said, "No. It's a lazy beard. No superstitions like that. Don't baseball guys do that sometimes? This thing's coming off. I would leave it but there's too much grey in it. I don't have any grey up here. I'm going, 'Dang. Maybe I am turning grey.'' PHOTO courtesy of Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

I remember when I was senior at Lakeside High School in 1981 when the Falcons hosted the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. The Falcons had their best team ever and were favored not only over the Cowboys but many felt they would go to the Super Bowl. It was a cold, late afternoon start at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and a few friends (my father gave me his tickets) and I made our way to the seats which were in the upper deck on the 35-yard line. Dallas led by three after the first quarter, but the Falcons came back hard and led by seven late in the third quarter. Also, the Cowboys had lost quarterback Roger Staubach to an injury. But mixed with a horrible John James punt and some magic from Danny White, the Cowboys scored the last 14 points to win. I remember walking away devastated, and, while the Falcons did make it to the playoffs the next season (dropping a first round game to Minnesota), the team took a

long time to recover from that loss, not seeing the postseason again for nine years. But with the change of ownership, the hiring of Jim Mora and the Michael Vick factor, I think the Falcons are going on a run similar to the Braves. Unlike the previous ownership, which at times was unable to support the front office with resources, Blank has brought in all right people to build the Falcons both on and off the field. Jim Mora may be a big part of the plan but there are others too. The team has a strong marketing arm and its constant attention placed on the fans and community is paying off. I saw this work elsewhere when I spent eight years covering baseball. The organizations that remained competitive year after year did more than just bring in talented

players. The Cardinals were a great example. When I used to visit St. Louis the stadium was always clean and the service there was impeccable. Their scouts, their minor league department, their marketing, their general manager were always in sync, and they have remained consistent, in the race every year. I felt the same way when I made a visit to Flowery Branch for the first time, being welcomed by someone with a smile on her face and walking into an immaculate facility. No matter what happens Saturday night, I feel strongly that in a few years the Falcons are going to be an organization that resembles some of the most successful ones of the past. I grew up in the 70s and still remember the teams that the Cowboys, Steelers and Dolphins put on the field. They were not one-year wonders but franchises that were solid in all aspects. A town that struggled with sports when I was a kid was metamorphosed into a major league city by the Braves. Now the Falcons are ready to take us to another level and having a team to root for from April until February is something all Atlantans can get used to doing.

Reversal of fortune for Falcons falls on the shoulders of the player-respected Mora

looking at what has been the difW hen ference between a Falcons team in

2003 that stumbled and bumbled its way to a 5-11 record, and the current playoff bound contingent that won the NFC South by going 11-5, there are many who point to the singular presence of Michael Vick as being the main reason for the turnaround. After all, to put a twist on that infamous utterance once made by Reggie Jackson, Michael Vick is who stirs’ the Falcons drink. Without him, they are basically what they have been over the course of 39 years: a-bottom-ofthe-NFL-barrel loser. However, when their whirling dervish of a quarterback is in the lineup, the Falcons are transformed into one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch. It sounds plausible – Vick is 23-12-1 as Atlanta’s starting quarterback – but there’s a more tangible reason for the team’s 180degree turn between last year’s disappointment and this season’s resurgence. Jim Mora. From the very first day that he arrived on the scene at Flowery Branch as head coach, Mora has set the tone for all things related to the Falcons. Whether it’s employ-

JIM ELLIS PORSCHE

ing a day-night practice schedule at training camp, picking out game day uniform ensembles, or acting as a sideline cheerleader at the Georgia Dome, his coaching style has been all encompassing and unmistakable. Mora’s passion and intensity are contagious, filtering through his coaching staff down to the players that he’s been charged with leading. And they are ALL very willing to follow their rookie head coach. Greg Knapp came along with Mora from San Francisco to tutor Vick and run an offense that is still in its infancy. Alex Gibbs was coaxed out of retirement, and all he did was take a group of much-maligned offensive lineman and turn them in to a front

five that opened holes for the league’s topranked rushing game. And Ed Donatell, once Mora’s position coach in college, came on board to reconfigure a sieve-like defense from a 3-4 scheme into an opportunistic 4-3 alignment that more comfortably fit the personnel on hand. What’s different between last year and this campaign is approach. Mora and his staff brought to the table a non-stop pace that started in mini-camp and continues to this day. The belief was that if the players worked their drills at a fast pace in practice they would gain an edge in the games. This theory has been borne out during the season and seems to have given them a necessary

edge in close games. The bottom line for this team has been a commitment to work hard, from play to play, and game to game. While chemistry is sometimes overrated in sports, it’s not in regards to the 2004 Falcons. Everyone has a mutual sense of belief in what they’re doing, and that emanates from Mora, a person the players like, respect, and enjoy playing for. To a man, they all point to Mora’s own relentless work ethic as being the main reason why they trust him so deeply. The perfect example of this lies in the words of Ed Jasper. After their resounding 56-10 loss to the Chiefs, Jasper said, “I know one thing that will happen this week…Jim will fix it.” And maybe Mora is in fact the Falcons very own Mr. Fix-it, because everything that was wrong with them last year has been meticulously mended since his arrival. Mitch Evans can be heard Monday through Friday from 6-10 am, as well as before and after every Falcons game, on their radio flagship home, 92.9 dave-fm, and can be seen on Comcast’s Falconsvision from 4-5 pm as host of Falcons Daily He can be reached at mevans@z93.com.

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SEPT. 12 @ SAN FRANCISCO:

Falcons 21, San Francisco 49ers 19

Led by RB Warrick Dunn's two touchdowns and an opportunistic defensive effort, the Atlanta Falcons opened the Jim Mora era with a 21-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. With the victory, the Falcons ended a 10-game losing streak to the 49ers in games played out by the Bay. DT Rod Coleman secured the Falcons’ victory by batting down a two-point attempt with 44 seconds remaining.

SEPT. 19 IN ATLANTA:

Falcons 34, St. Louis Rams 17

PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

Michael Vick showed the possibilities that exist in Atlanta with the new West Coast offense completing 14 of 19 for 179 yards and a touchdown. Vick also recorded his third career 100-yard rushing game with 109 yards. Dunn added two more touchdowns and the front four on defense had four sacks. The play of the game went to DE Brady Smith, who stripped the ball from Rams QB Marc Bulger and caught the fumble in the air for a touchdown.

SEPT. 26 IN ATLANTA:

Falcons 6, Arizona Cardinals 3

OCT. 3 @ CAROLINA:

Falcons 27, Carolina Panthers 10

The Atlanta defense forced four fumbles from the Cardinals, three of which came inside the Falcons 20-yard line. Late in the fourth quarter Vick ran 58 yards on a bootleg – the longest run of his career – to seal the game. The Falcons made two field goals to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 1986 and for only the third time in team history.

Vick has long been the Panthers’ nemesis, but this time the Falcons used a strong rushing attack and powerful defense to beat Carolina for the 11th time in 13 games. The defense forced three turnovers with the backbreaker coming on a CB Kevin Mathis interception that was returned for a touchdown. The 4-0 start matched the team’s best record since 1986.

OCT. 10 IN ATLANTA:

Falcons 10, Detroit Lionts 17

After three years without a road victory, the Lions made it back-to-back with a victory over the Falcons. Detroit harassed Vick into making three turnovers, including a fumble in the final minute that sealed the victory. For much of the game, Vick looked uncomfortable in the Falcons' West Coast offense, fumbling three times (losing two of them) and also suffering an interception that led to Detroit's go-ahead touchdown.

Falcons 21, San Diego Chargers 20

OCT. 17 IN ATLANTA:

After struggling for three quarters, Vick rallied Atlanta from a 10-point deficit with an electrifying fourth quarter display. He ran for one touchdown, threw for another and then helped run out the clock in the Falcons' 21-20 victory. Vick threw for 130 of his 218 yards in the fourth quarter. The Falcons matched their victory total from all of last season, when they struggled to 5-11 record.

Warrick Dunn

Falcons 10, Kansas City Chiefs 56

OCT. 24 @ KANSAS CITY:

The Chiefs shredded what had been the NFL's leading defense against the run, with KC’s Priest Holmes and Derrick Blaylock each scoring four touchdowns rushing in a stunning rout. The Chiefs were down 3-0 in the opening minutes of the game, but they then roared back with a 35-0 blitz and totaled 271 yards rushing against a humiliated defense that had led the league with an average yield of only 74.5 yards on the ground.

OCT. 31 @ DENVER:

Falcons 41, Denver Broncos 28

Vick accounted for 367 offensive yards to help to a surprisingly easy 41-28 win over the Denver Broncos, who got a record day from embattled QB Jake Plummer in his futile attempt to play catch-up. Vick threw two touchdown passes to WR Peerless Price and had 252 yards passing and 115 rushing – both season highs. Vick went 18-for-24 for a passer rating of 136.1.

Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14

NOV. 14 IN ATLANTA:

Bolstered by the return of DT Coleman, the Falcons had a season-high seven sacks and pressured Bucs QB Brian Griese into an interception that ended the day for coach Jon Gruden’s Tampa Bay squad. Atlanta scored touchdowns on its next two possessions, with both drives finished off by RB T.J. Duckett scores. Vick was 8 of 16 for 147 yards, but ran for 73 on just nine carries. Dunn rushed for 76 yards, and Duckett added 53 on the ground. PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

NOV. 21 @ NEW YORK:

Falcons 14, New York Giants 10

Vick ran for 104 yards and threw two first-half touchdown passes to Pro Bowl TE Alge Crumpler to lead the Falcons over the Giants, spoiling Giants rookie QB Eli Manning's first start. Manning had one final shot to win the game, but LB Keith Brooking broke up a fourth down pass to seal the win. Vick finished the game 12 of 20 for 115 yards. He also carried 15 times for his third 100-yard rushing game this season and fifth overall, a league mark.

Falcons 24, New Orleans Saints 21

NOV. 28 IN ATLANTA:

The Falcons once again jumped out to an early lead only to see it disappear, but this time it was a little bit different as the Falcons gave up a fourth quarter lead for the first time this season. However, late heroics from Vick and Crumpler resulted in an amazing touchdown with only 1:22 left in the game to complete the comeback victory.

DEC. 5 @ TAMPA BAY:

Falcons 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27

The Buccaneers proved they had the formula to contain Vick. Vick was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles – and the Bucs scored after each of the turnovers to delay the Falcons from clinching the NFC South championship. Anytime the Falcons looked to get anything going on offense the Bucs would force a turnover to stop them in their tracks.

DEC. 12 IN ATLANTA:

Falcons 35, Oakland Raiders 10

DEC. 18 IN ATLANTA:

Falcons 34, Carolina Panthers 31 (OT)

The Falcons won their first NFC South title with a win over the Raiders. Duckett set a team record by rushing for four touchdowns in one game, and Atlanta clinched just its third division title in franchise history. Atlanta last won a division title in 1998 on its way to its only Super Bowl. Only two current players were also on the 1998 team: Brooking and DE Travis Hall. The Falcons were down to their final play, but they had the right guy for that perilous position. Vick ran for a 12-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal with less than two minutes left in regulation, literally flying through the air to get the Falcons into overtime. K Jay Feely kicked a 38-yard field goal in overtime to snap the Panthers' five-game winning streak and deal a serious blow to Carolina’s slim playoff hopes.

DEC. 26 @ NEW ORLEANS:

Keith Brooking

Falcons 13, New Orleans Saints 26

The Saints got a break when the Falcons decided to rest Vick, Crumpler and Duckett. Vick was replaced by rookie QB Matt Schaub, who completed 17 of 41 for 188 yards. He was sacked three times and intercepted twice. Atlanta led the NFL in rushing with 169.6 yards per game but had only 93 yards against the Saints.

JAN. 2 @ SEATTLE:

Falcons 26, Seattle Seahawks 28

It was another meaningless game for the Falcons, who had clinching the NFC South and a first-round bye two weeks prior. Vick played just over one quarter and was taken out of the game after going six of seven for 35 yards and one TD. He left in the second quarter after complaining of numbness in his left hand. The Falcons scored a late touchdown to pull within two points but a failed two-point conversion play sealed the result.

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1978-79

1995-96

NFC WILD CARD Dec. 24, 1978 vs. Philadelphia Final Score: 14-13 W Attendance: 49,447 In the first playoff game in team history, the Falcons left the hometown crowd with a story to tell for years to come. The Birds were trailing 13-0 before Atlanta QB Steve Bartkowski threw two touchdown passes in the final five minutes to spur the come-from-behind victory over the Eagles.

NFC WILD CARD Dec. 31, 1995 @ Green Bay Final Score: 20-37 L Attendance: 60,453 Falcons QB Jeff George threw for 366 yards and two scores and the Falcons scored the most points by an opponent at Lambeau Field in the playoffs, but the defense could not contain the high-powered Packers offense. At halftime the Falcons trailed 27-10, but pulled to within 10 points in the fourth quarter. Green Bay, however, closed out the game with 10 unanswered points of its own to seal the victory.

1980-81 NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME Jan. 4, 1981 vs. Dallas Final Score: 27-30 L Attendance: 60,022 The Falcons suffered another second half breakdown against the Cowboys in the divisional playoffs. Atlanta held a 24-10 lead at the start of the fourth and a 10-point lead with only five minutes to play, but once again QB Danny White, this time as the starter, led a late comeback to overtake the Falcons by three points.

1998-99 Divisional Playoff Game Jan. 9, 1999 vs. San Francisco Final Score: 20-18 W Attendance: 70,262 Falcons head coach Dan Reeves returned to the sideline for the first time after having open heart surgery nearly one month earlier to lead his team to a 10th straight win. Atlanta won the way they had all year: they ran the ball (136 yards), stopped the run (55 yards) and controlled the clock (32:43 in time of possession).

PHOTO by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME Dec. 31, 1978 @ Dallas Final Score: 20-27 L Attendance: 60,338 One week after an amazing fourth quarter comeback against the Eagles, the Falcons were shut out in the second half after leading 20-13 at the break. After an injury to starting QB Roger Staubach late in the first half, the Cowboys turned to Danny White, who led the charge in the second half.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Jan. 17, 1999 @ Minnesota (OT) Final Score 30-27 W Attendance: 64,060 Atlanta trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter to the highest scoring offense in NFL history. Late in the fourth and up by seven, Vikings K Gary Andersen missed his first field goal of the season, and the Falcons were able to score a late touchdown to force overtime. Falcons K Morten Anderson kicked the game winning field goal to send the Falcons to their first Super Bowl in team history.

NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS Jan. 9, 1983 @ Minnesota Final Score: 24-30 L Attendance: 60,560 Atlanta scored three touchdowns in the game but not one came from the offense. The special teams accounted for two scores and an interception return by S Bob Glazebrook was the other. However, the Falcons could not hold on to a 21-13 lead, giving up 14 points in the fourth quarter.

SUPER BOWL XXXIII Jan. 31, 1999 vs. Denver Final Score: 19-34 L Attendance: 74,803 The magic from the NFC championship game could not carry over for the Falcons as they fell to the defending champion Denver Broncos. Atlanta drove the ball inside the Broncos’ 20-yard line three times in the first half and had to settle for two field goals and one missed. In the second half, QB Chris Chandler threw three interceptions which sealed the fate for the Falcons. In the last game of his career, Broncos QB John Elway was named Super Bowl MVP.

1991-92

2002-03

NFC Wild Card Dec. 29, 1991 @ New Orleans Final Score: 27-20 W Attendance: 68,794 The first road playoff win in franchise history came at the expense of the Saints in a 27-20 thriller. The score went back and forth throughout the contest with both teams leading in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 20 and only 6:27 to go, Falcons WR Michael Haynes turned a 7yard hitch pass into a 61-yard touchdown run for the win.

NFC Wildcard Game Jan. 2, 2003 @ Green Bay Final Score: 27-7 W Attendance: 65,358 In front of a full house, the Falcons, led by QB Michael Vick, made history as they broke Green Bay’s perfect home record in the playoffs. Atlanta’s defense held Green Bay to only 56 yards rushing and gave up only one touchdown on the first possession of the second half. It was the Packers first postseason defeat in 14 games played at Lambeau Field. It was also the Packers only home loss all season.

1982-83

NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF Jan. 4, 1992 @ Washington Final Score: 7-24 L Attendance: 55,181 In the nation’s capitol, the Falcons were plagued by six turnovers and no rushing attack in a 24-7 loss to the Redskins. In heavy winds and rain, both teams knew they had to run the ball effectively to have a chance. Unfortunately, Atlanta was playing without three of their top running backs and could not keep pace.

NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME Jan. 11, 2003 @ Philadelphia Final Score: 6-20 L Attendance: 66,452 Nine penalties and an interception return for a touchdown were too much for the Falcons to overcome in the divisional playoffs against the Eagles. Atlanta had one touchdown called back for holding and QB Michael Vick had a 39-yard interception returned for a touchdown by S Bobby Taylor.

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A look back at the 2004 Rams... SEPT. 12 IN ST. LOUIS:

DEC. 5 IN ST. LOUIS:

Rams 17, Arizona 10

The Rams had a strong showing by the defense, which held Arizona to 260 yards of offense. They also got a strong performance by Marshall Faulk (22 carries, 128 yards).

Rams 16, San Francisco 6

SEPT. 19 @ ATLANTA:

Rams 7, Carolina 20

Rams 17, Atlanta 34

The defense wasn’t able to contain Michael Vick on this day, giving up 109 yards rushing to the Falcons QB.

Rams 25, New Orleans 28 (OT)

The Rams held a three-point lead with 28 seconds in the game but lost in a heartbreaker to the Saints in overtime.

Rams 24, San Francisco 14

The Rams improved to 26-0 when Marshall Faulk rushes for over 100 yards in a game; he went for 121. OCT. 10 @ SEATTLE:

Rams 33, Seattle 27 (OT)

The Rams overcame a 17-point deficit with only 8:42 left and then won the game in overtime to complete the amazing comeback. OCT. 18 IN ST. LOUIS:

Rams 28, Tampa Bay 21

The defense once again came up big for the Rams, forcing four turnovers by the Buccaneers and helped St. Louis come away with another close win.

2. AN EXCITING, EARLY RUN by return man Allen Rossum. St. Louis is awful when it comes to covering kicks and Rossum is perhaps the best.

Rams 7, Arizona 31

The usually potent Rams offense just plain stunk in the loss to Arizona. In the first quarter, the Rams had no first downs and negative 20 yards of offense.

Rams 20, Philadelphia 7

In need of a win, the Rams came through by beating the Eagles, who played without Terrell Owens, to keep their playoff hopes alive. JAN. 2 IN ST. LOUIS:

Rams 32, New York Jets 29 (OT)

With a Jeff Wilkins 31-yard field goal in overtime the Rams finished at 8-8 and won the playoff spot in a tiebreaker over the Saints. JAN. 8 @ SEATTLE:

Rams 27, Seattle 20

St. Louis was back in Seattle and was able to pull off their third win of the season over the Seahawks. Bulger threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

Oct. 24 @ Miami:

3. SPEAKING OF THE CROWD, the fans need to get

Rams 14, Miami 31

The Rams might have suffered their lowest point of the season against the Dolphins, winning their first game of the season.

down and boogie inside the Dome. The players have said it and so has coach Jim Mora, the crowd has played a huge role and 60,000 free rally towels will be handed out.

NOV. 7 IN ST. LOUIS:

RUN, RUN, RUN. With T.J. Duckett back and Warrick Dunn having an extra week to rest, the Falcons need to power over the Rams, who gave up 136.3 yards on the ground.

Rams 22, New England 40

The Rams really never seemed to have a chance against the defending Super Bowl champs; three turnovers, five sacks given up and 10 penalties.

5. DON’T CHANGE ANYTHING they did in the regu-

Mark Bulger

NOV. 14 IN ST. LOUIS:

lar season. In his first season as a NFL head coach, Mora has played aggressively. No reason to change now.

Rams 23, Seattle 12

This time around the Rams jumped out in front of the Seahawks, but they were able to hold on for the win.

6. FORCE TURNOVERS. The Rams were the worst team in the NFC when it came to turnover differential.

NOV. 21 @ BUFFALO:

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, turn Michael Vick loose. Now is not the time to worry about the West Coast offense.

Rams 17, Buffalo 37

The Rams went into halftime with the game tied at 17, but in the second half they were destroyed by the Bills in every phase of the game.

SCORE ATLANTA PREDICTION: Except at fullback, the Falcons are healthy and their defense has come through big. They have lost just once this season at the Dome and that’s not going to happen against the Rams.

NOV. 29 @ GREEN BAY:

Rams 17, Green Bay 45

Isaac Bruce had nine catches for 169 yards and a score, and Marc Bulger went 35-of-53 for 448 yards and two scores, but it wasn’t nearly enough.

FALCONS WIN 24-17

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QB Chris Chandler had to play, throwing six interceptions as the Rams were dismantled by the surging Panthers.

DEC. 27 IN ST. LOUIS:

OCT. 3 @ SAN FRANCISCO:

early. Bulger is much better than when he faced the Falcons earlier and the Rams were fifth in the league in passing, averaging 265.8 yards a game while Atlanta gave up 220.4 (22nd).

DEC. 12 @ CAROLINA:

DEC. 19 @ ARIZONA:

SEPT. 26 IN ST. LOUIS:

1. STICK IT EARLY to Rams quarterback Marc Bulger

Steven Jackson ran for 119 yards on 26 carries, his first 100-yard game but Bulger went down with a sprained shoulder after a sack and did not return.

GO TO SCOREATL.COM FOR ALL PAPER LOCATIONS W

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College presidents, skylights and Shoney’s

want to know why we'll never have a Y oucollege football playoff? Take a look at

the guys calling the shots. I bet you half of all university presidents got their butts kicked by the jocks back in college. The sting from all those wedgies is clouding their judgment. Either that or their bowties are too tight …

I REALLY THINK the Gators will win the SEC next year. Just look at their new guy. Urban Meyer looks like a head football coach, unlike Notre Dame's Charlie Weiss, who looks like he should be working the register at Shoney's in Franklin, Tenn. “Oh, wow! A hundred dollar bill. I'll have to get my manager to make change…"

TOO BAD WE CAN'T put Barry Bonds in a time machine and see how well he would have done at the plate against Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson, although it would have been tough to swing the bat with a Rawlings sticking out of your ear …

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT of Barry Bonds, he claims he paid over $15,000 to the BALCO Labs for "flax seed oil." I know GNC can get expensive, but 15 grand?!!! I hope he got some free ginseng with that purchase …

MY MOM'S THEORY on how the NHL (if it ever returns) can improve viewership: get

rid of the helmets. The players all look the same with their current lids. It would be more fun to see their faces and mullets. Of course, they'd have to play with a Nerf puck …

ONE THING I LOVE about this year's Falcons: you don't hear anyone talking about themselves in the third person … other than Jim Mora, who continues to credit a lot of his coaching success to Jim Mora …

SPEAKING OF THE THIRD PERSON … Hey, Ray Buchanan! How'd that Raider thing work out for you and Warren Sapp? …

ARTHUR BLANK MADE HIS BILLIONS in thehome improvement business, right? So how come he can't put a big honkin’ skylight in the Georgia Dome? I'D RATHER WATCH “Steel Magnolias” on The Lifetime Network than sit through an NBA game on TV … FINAL THOUGHT: When it comes to women, I remember what my Dad always said. Forget the 8's and 9's. Two 5's always make a 10.

When he’s not flipping hamburgers at an undisclosed restaurant, Mike Bell can be heard mornings from 6-10 on 790 The Zone’s Mayhem in the AM.

This Saturday’s Basketball Lineup on CSS... 12 NOON - Seton Hall at Pittsburgh 2 PM - UAB at East Carolina 4 PM - Kansas at Colorado 6 PM - Illinois at Northwestern 8 PM - Lipscomb at Jacksonville

Fact or Fiction: Baseball went 518 miles

has it that the longest home rum in L egend professional baseball history happened

right here in Atlanta. In 1954, the then-Boston Braves sent down a slugger named Bob Montag in exchange for a player named Chuck Tanner (the same Chuck Tanner who would go on to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates to a world championship and would later return to try and accomplish the same feat with the Braves). Anyway, it wasn’t long before Montag began earning a reputation with his new team, the Atlanta Crackers, as their very own version of Babe Ruth. Montag would slam 39 home runs out of Southern Association stadiums in ’54, many of those flying out of Ponce de Leon Ballpark, the Crackers’ home field. During one particular game, Montag clobbered a ball far beyond the first base line and over the right field fence … in the same direction where ran a set of train tracks. Now, back then, it wasn’t uncommon for a train’s conductor to slow his iron carriage a bit if there was a game going on at ol’ Poncey, and take in some of the action. A few days after this particular Montag homer, the slugger was taking batting practice at the stadium, in preparation for an afternoon game. One of the Crackers’ trainers came onto the field, and said, “Montag, there’s a guy outside the stadium who wants to see you.” Montag walked

outside of the stadium where a Norfolk & Southern train conductor was waiting for him. The man was holding a baseball covered with coal dust and soot, but Montag was able to barely read what had been written on the baseball. It said: “Atlanta to Nashville to Atlanta – 518 miles,” arguably the longest home run in baseball history. This is only one of the many legends born of the Atlanta Crackers era, a time during which the city’s history of championship baseball and excellence was born. From 1901 until their last season in 1965, the Crackers won more league pennants and championships than any other team in professional organized baseball save the New York Yankees. In fact, the Crackers were often called “the Yankees of the minor leagues,” and, on occasion, even wore the same style of pinstriped uniforms as their northern counterparts. The Crackers played in one of the game’s most successful and stable minor leagues, the Southern Association, against such teams as the Chattanooga Lookouts, Birmingham Barons, Little Rock Travelers, and New Orleans Pelicans. The Crackers were members of the Southern Association - originally a Single-A and then later a Double-A league from 1901 until 1961. Atlanta led the league in attendance more than any other franchise.

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They are also the league's all-time winningest team. In 1962, the Crackers joined the Triple-A International League, where they won their last championship in 1962, when they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (yes, the Maple Leafs) to win the Junior World Series. In 1965, the Crackers played their last season in the brand new Atlanta Stadium that the city built for the soon-to-be-relocating Milwaukee Braves. The following year, the Braves moved south, and moved their Triple-A franchise to Richmond, Va., where they remain today. Tim Darnell is an Atlanta-based writer and editor. He is author of the only book ever written about the team, entitled "The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball." For more information on Tim Darnell, visit www.atlantacracker.com.

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According to Newsweek, more than 300,000 students between the eighth and 12th grades used steroids last year and one third were girls.

Attention! Educate our young athletes early on the use of steroids

the Six Million Dollar Man? The R emember 1970s TV series featured Steve Austin, an

astronaut who was given a robot-like bionic arm and legs and resulted in super-human speed and strength. Today, instead of bionic limbs, athletes young and old are turning to drugs to enhance strength, speed, and performance on the playing field, trying to “gain an edge” over opponents. The recent Balco laboratory scandal implicated several high-profile athletes including Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, and Marion Jones in the use of illegal, performance-enhancing drugs. There are many performance-enhancing substances available, both legal and illegal, but the oldest and most well-known are anabolic steroids, sometimes called “’roids,” “juice,” or “pump.” Anabolic steroids are naturally occurring or synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone. They have the metabolic effect of increasing muscle mass and strength (anabolic effects). They also promote the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and body hair and deepening of the voice (androgenic effects).

Anabolic steroids should not be confused with corticosteroids, such as prednisone and hydrocortisone, which are commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions like dermatitis and asthma. Corticosteroids do not have the effect of increasing muscle size or strength (anabolic effects). The synthetic anabolic compounds manufactured for athletes are designed to maximize the anabolic effects while minimizing the androgenic effects but it is physiologically impossible to completely separate the two effects. As a result, the side effects of steroid use reflect the androgenic properties and include testicular atrophy; reduced sperm count; prostate enlargement; and enlarged breasts in males. In females, androgenic effects include increased facial hair; deepening of the voice; and reduced breast size. Some side effects are reversible when the drug is discontinued, but others may be permanent. A very important but often overlooked side effect is the psychological impact steroids have on users. These include aggression (sometimes referred to as “’roid rage”),

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mood swings, and mania. It is common for athletes to become depressed and even suicidal when the drug is discontinued, leading to psychological dependency. Some other side effects seen in both sexes are shown in table 1. Despite knowledge of the harmful side effects of steroids, its use in young athletes continues to be on the rise. A recent report in Newsweek estimated that 300,000 9ththrough 12th-graders used anabolic steroids last year. The best way to reverse this alarming and dangerous trend is to educate young people, as soon as they start playing competitive sports on the dangers of steroid abuse. We must also educate their teachers, coaches, administrators, as well as parents and physicians caring for them about the outward signs of steroid use, and not to “look the other way” if they suspect steroid use in one of their student athletes. Remember, if you want to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and improve your performance in your sport, there is no substitute for proper nutrition, rest, and hard work on the practice field. Anabolic steroids are not the answer.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS • • • • • • • • •

Acne (sometimes severe) High Blood Pressure Heart Disease Liver Disease Cancer Blood Clots and Stroke Muscle Cramps Sleep Disturbance Premature Closure of Growth Plates in Teenagers Resulting in Stunting of Growth • Risk of Hepatitis and HIV if Injecting Needles are Shared

www.choa.org Dr. David Marshall is an orthopedist and the head of sports medicine for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. You can email David Marshall at sportsdoc@scoreatl.com.

Get In The Game!

30 I SCORE ATLANTA

TO ADVERTISE or if you want to have a

SCORE ATLANTA RACK in your establishment... Call us at

404 256 1572

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 31

The Bulldogs will hold their spring coaches football clinic on March 10th & 11th. For more information, call:

706.542.1307

With Meyer and Spurrier in house, time for Richt to prove himself again

a win over Wisconsin in the W ith Outback Bowl the Georgia Bulldogs

improved to 42-10 in four years under Head Coach Mark Richt, the second-best run for a Georgia senior class behind the 43-4-1 record that resulted in a national championship and three straight SEC titles in the early 1980s. With that in mind, it seems crazy some people are saying that Richt will have to “prove” himself in the upcoming season. Here’s their reasoning: David Greene, David Pollack, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown and Will Thompson are all graduating, and juniors Odell Thurman and Thomas Davis have declared for the draft. This would be a great loss for any team to suffer, but after the recruiting classes that Richt and his staff have brought in over the last four seasons, the Bulldogs will certainly retool with talent. However, the biggest question mark on the Bulldogs’ chances on winning another SEC East crown revolve around the new coaches coming into the division. Since Richt came to Georgia, the two teams that have given him the most trouble in the East are Florida and South Carolina. Ironically, it is these two teams that are bringing in highly touted coaches.

SCORE ATLANTA

First, there is the “ol’ ball coach.” Steve Spurrier is making his return to the college game by taking over the Gamecocks. Everyone knows Spurrier’s reputation for dominance in the college game, and quite frankly he scares people – especially Georgia fans. Then there is the new phenom of college football in Florida’s new head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer became the hot coach on the market after he led Bowling Green to national success in only two seasons. His stock then broke records after he led Utah to an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl win, the only non-BCS team to make a BCS bowl ever.

With the two new coaches coming into the conference Richt suddenly takes on the role of the middle brother. Meyer is now the new, hot young coach who everyone wants to see. Spurrier is back in the role of the older brother who pushes other people around but still has everyone’s respect. Does Richt really have to “prove” himself? Sadly, to some he does. He has to prove that he is truly one of the best coaches in the country and that he deserves everyone’s respect and admiration for his ability. I don‚t see any reason that Richt would be intimidated by other coaches because he has already had to live up to arguably college football‚s greatest current coaching legend. Let‚s not forget that he was an assistant under the legendary Bobby Bowden, serving as the team‚s offensive coordinator just before coming to the Bulldogs. For all the success that Spurrier and Meyer have achieved, their combined efforts pale in comparison to what Bowden has done in college football. So, Richt shouldn‚t lose any sleep over this new challenge.

With new coaches at South Carolina and Florida and the loss of key players, Georgia head coach Mark Richt has his work cut out for him in 2005.

CONGRATULATES DAVID POLLACK ON THE LOMBARDI AWARD Greene could be a BIG WINNER come NFL Draft Day

veteran who spend a lot of A ntimeNFLondraft the telephone with league player

personnel directors told the Score that one of the big surprises in next April’s draft may be Bulldogs quarterback David Greene. “He’s a winner,’’ said the expert who went on to add that Greene has good arm strength over the middle and while he needs to improve on the deep outs he is bigger than most people think and he’s “very bright.’’ At this point Greene is projected as a second rounder but our man has him falling some in the late first. The top QB pick is expected to be California’s Aaron Rodgers with the next tier being Arizona State’s Andrew Walter, Kyle Orton of Purdue and Matt Leinart of Southern Cal if he leaves school early.

ALL IN THE FAMILY ...

Tasha Humphrey is the first freshman in Lady Bulldog history to be named SEC Player of the Week on two occasions. The first honor came in her debut week as a collegian. PHOTO courtesy of UGA

One of the early signees for the baseball team was Redan’s P.J. Phillips, one of the top 50 prospects in the country. Back in 1999, his brother Brandon signed with the Bulldogs but never made it to Athens, drafted by Cleveland and making it to the big

Others on that list include Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. … Wesleyan School diver Webb Worthington has signed to dive for the Bulldogs.

LOOKING FOR A COACH ...

leagues in 2002...Going to the College World Series last year, the Bulldogs (45-23) have 27 games this season against teams that advanced to the NCAA Regionals and the final game of a three-game set against Tech will be at Turner Field with a date and time to be announced. The Diamond Dogs open Feb. 18 against Elon at Foley Field. Continuing to strengthen a program that is already one of the best nationally, the golf program signed Brian Harman of Savannah, perhaps the top junior golfer in the country. How good is Harman? He was named player of the year by the American Junior Golf Association for the secondstraight year.

The women’s soccer team is hunting for a new direction after Sue Ratberg resigned after a 4-9-5 season, finishing ninth in the SEC. In five years Ratberg’s teams went 4945-9 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament twice. …Three volleyball players made the All-SEC team, juniors Julia Petruscke and Alexandra Oquendo and senior Margot Wallace. … Maria Taylor of Centennial High School in Roswell has signed a volleyball scholarship. … The Lady Dogs gymnastic team took a big hit when Adrienne Dishman was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Dishman was a member of the 2001 Junior Olympic team and was figured to make a big impact this year.

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Get In The Game!

32 I SCORE ATLANTA

The Yellow Jackets have outscored their opponents 96-24 in the last 2 bowl games.

Patience needed: Give Gailey another season before judging him

1987, after every game, I sat in thenI nGeorgia Tech Head Football Coach Bobby

Ross’ office on the Sunday following, reviewing Saturday’s contest. I was The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Yellow Jackets beat writer, and Ross was in his first year on the Flats. Those times together were tough as the Jackets won just two games that year and three the next before Ross pulled everything together and eventually won a national championship. I realized more than ever that a coach needs time during that transitional period to get his system and players in place. I also found out that coaching at Tech is a lot different than other places; its academics and emphasis on engineering makes recruiting much harder. Today, Chan Gailey finds himself three full seasons into his tenure as Tech’s coach and some feel next season will make or break him. His team put up an impressive 54-19 win over Syracuse in the Champs Sports Bowl, but that has done little to relieve the pressure. Gailey does have strong support from athletics director Dave Braine, who has a record of strong hires. Braine is the one who brought in basketball coach Paul Hewitt who,in his fourth

season last year, took the Jackets to the NCAA Tournament final game. And I’ve read that Braine calls Gailey his best Tech hire. In what has become a win-now-or-seeyou-later world of college football, Gailey goes into next season with a strong group. Ten starters are returning on defense. There is tailback P.J. Daniels, who – when healthy – is one of the country’s best running backs. There is also fabulous wide receiver Calvin Johnson. And finally there is quarterback Reggie Ball who, like Gailey, took tremendous heat last season but at times, like against Syracuse, shows that he can be very good.

The biggest obstacle for Gailey is his schedule and the fact that five of his games are against Auburn, Virginia, Miami, Virginia Tech and Georgia. A case could be made that all five of those teams could be in the top 10 next season. The key for Gailey and Tech is twofold. The first is holding onto leads, a problem which former coach George O’Leary also had. The Jackets had ACC champ Virginia Tech defeated on Oct. 28, 2004, but fell apart in the fourth quarter. The second is that they also continue to struggle after a big win, as they did after beating Clemson in early September and then getting beaten badly by North Carolina the next week. I think Gailey is going to do what it takes to push Tech up a notch. We have to remember he is coming off nine consecutive years in the NFL, and that this is his first major college head coaching job. It does take time to get it all in place, especially the recruiting and working with a new staff. It’s a mistake to judge Gailey on his first three seasons. Let him have a full year with a healthy Bell and a mature Ball who can get the football to Johnson. Tech fans may then find themselves with a coach they want to keep for a long time.

Tech head coach Chan Gailey is from Gainesville, GA, and was an all-state quarterback at Americus High School.

Behind strong freshman class, Diamond Jackets again in rankings

Tech baseball team is ranked T heNo.Georgia 13 in the nation in Collegiate

Baseball's preseason top 25 poll and No. 19 in Baseball America's preseason top 25. Tech opens the 2005 season on Feb. 11 against Georgia State. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 44-21 record in 2004, including an 18-5 record and a first-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They also return 20 letterwinners from last season. Georgia Tech also boasts a nine-man freshman class that has been ranked as the fifth best recruiting class in the nation by Baseball America. The recruiting ranking was given to the Yellow Jackets by Baseball America.

Georgia Tech played in its eighth straight bowl game this season at the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Tech entered the game with the nation's best winning percentage in bowl games among teams with at least 20 bowl appearances. … The Yellow Jackets improved on their record by routing Syracuse. Tech's record stands at 22-11 for a winning percentage of .667 in postseason play. The Jackets lead such national programs as Southern California (28-15, .651) and Penn State (23-12-2, .649) in that category. Tech ranks sixth all-time in bowl victories with 21 and 13th in appearances with 32. … Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson and K Travis Bell were named first-team freshman AllAmericans by Rivals.com, which is a network of team sports and specialty channel Web sites.

LET’S JUST PLAY BOWL GAMES ...

Cheytoria Phillips not only serves Yellow Jackets on the basketball court, but the junior forward is also serving Georgia Tech in another way. Phillips is a member of the school’s

PHILLIPS A PRESENCE ON THE BOARDS ...

Kasha Terry is considered one of the top shot blockers in the country. PHOTO courtesy of Georgia Tech.

Student-Athlete Advisory Board which takes one person from each sport, except football which has two, and these student-athletes meet with the athletics director each week to discuss issues about Tech athletics. Even more impressive is her involvement on the ACC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board. On this board, she not only speaks for the women’s basketball team, but for Georgia Tech. Each school from the conference sends only two students to participate on the committee and Phillips is proud to be one of them. Megan Harpring, sister of former Georgia Tech standout Matt Harpring, has shown many similarities to the way her brother played ball for Georgia Tech. Megan is a versatile player and can handle all three point positions. She is a dangerous three-point shooter and is top notch from the free throw line with a career .829 percentage coming into this season. She has shown no signs of losing that average this season as she is near the top of the ACC once again. Also, she is the only player on the team to have never missed a game in her career.

LIKE BRO, LIKE SIS ...

Georgia Tech head volleyball coach Bond Shymansky has been named the 2004

VOLLEYBALL COACH HONORED ...

Tachikara/American Volleyball Coaches Association East Region Coach of the Year. Shymansky, in his third season as head coach, had led Georgia Tech into the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the second straight year, with a 27-6 overall record this season. The 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year, Shymansky led the Yellow Jackets to a perfect 16-0 ACC record for the first time in school history. In three seasons, he has a 9416 record, including a 44-4 mark in ACC matches. He has also led Tech to three NCAA Tournament berths, including an appearance in the NCAA Region Finals in 2003 … Former head coach Shelton Collier (19912001) was named as the AVCA East Region Coach of the Year in 1991.

VOLLEYBALL PLAYER TURNS PRO ...

Former Georgia Tech volleyball AllAmerican Lynnette Moster has signed a oneyear professional contract with the Carolina Gigantes of the Puerto Rican professional league. The league competes from January until April and features 10 teams from around the Puerto Rican area. Because of league rules, each team is allowed to have only two players on its team from outside Puerto Rico. Moster joins former UCLA Bruin Kristee Porter as the only Americans on the Gigantes squad, which won the Puerto Rican league title in 2004. Moster ended her career at Tech as the all-time career kill leader with 1,859 and third on the career dig list with 1,456 while becoming the first player in school and ACC history to earn All-American honors three times. The Carolina Gigantes team begins play on Jan. 15. Fans may follow the team's season at www.lasgigantes.net.

TICKETS TO ALL GEORGIA TECH SPORTING EVENTS...1.888.TECHTIX W

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 33

Listen Everyday... ________________ Mayhem In The AM • 6-10 Steak Shapiro, Mike Belland Nick Cellini

Southern Comfort • 10-1

NBA keeping eye on strong senior class

school basketball is up and gunning H igh throughout Georgia. It brings to mind that

it was not long ago, the state was largely an afterthought for most college recruiters. After all, Georgia had proven itself a source of abundant football talent and had supplied many Division 1 programs with ample personnel. But the tide has shifted. The state, while still known for its gridiron resources, is now a must-stop for all levels of college basketball recruiters. The past few years have witnessed lottery picks, ranging from Kwame Brown of the Washington Wizards to the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard. In addition, Randolph Morris, a Kentucky freshman, was a consensus top-10 player nationally and is playing a major role this year for Tubby Smith. The 2005 class is no exception. Many polls have talented 6’2” senior Louis Williams at the top of their list, and, while he has penned a commitment to Dennis Felton’s Georgia Bulldogs, there is no certainty he will end up there if a lottery or otherwise high draft pick is available. And Williams heads a senior class that, while it may not have the 2004 class’ star power, is nonetheless loaded with serious talent. The upcoming junior class will be just as recognizable with top 50 players such as Dunwoody’s Anjuan Wilderness and Javaris Crittendon from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. On the whole, both girls and boys high school basketball in Georgia has improved dramatically.

Matt Chernoff and Chuck Oliver

2 Live Stews • 1-4

Family sports legacies are nothing new and we have more budding stars in Georgia, Trey Lang, son of former Atlanta Hawk Andrew Lang, plays at Westminster; Brendan Heyward, son of ex-NFL star Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, suits up for Whitefield Academy; and 6’10” freshman Ralph Sampson III at Northview … Interesting to note that no private school above Class 1A boys is ranked in the top 10, and out of the 50 schools ranked in all boys classifications, only four come with private school credentials. The girls are marginally better with six private schools ranked in the top 50.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON ...

Ryan and Doug Stewart

The Big Show • 4-7 Chris Dimino and Chris Cotter

Rasheem Barrett (Marist) has signed with Auburn; Daniel Emerson (Norcross) with Western Kentucky; Rashad Chase (Mays) with Georgia State; Ousmane Cisse (Community Christian) with Kansas State; and Lewis Clinch (Crisp County) with Georgia Tech … Congratulations to Coach Ron Bell of Marist who notched his 600th career win recently. That number is not only a testament to longevity, but to success as a coach. Bell has always been regarded as one of the high school game’s finest teachers and coaches. Richard Diamond, who played basketball at Pace Academy where, because of his smooth shooting, drew comparasions to Tech star Mark Price, owns a pianting and decorating company but spends his extra time coaching at Lovett School.

BE COMMITTED ...

In each issue of Score Atlanta this basketball season, enter to win 2 tickets to a Georgia or Georgia Tech home basketball game! Just fill out the form below and mail to CSS at the address provided.

Great news: Parks overflowing with kids

hen I was growing up in the 1970s, there were just a handful of large youth organizations. There was NYO (Northside Youth Organization) at Chastain, Tucker, Central Dekalb, Glenwood Hills, Briarcliff Community Sports, Sandy Springs, Forest Park and a few others. Today, however, there are sprawling programs everywhere. Roswell alone has more than 200 recreation programs. Score Atlanta is making a commitment to covering youth sports, and in every issue I will fill this column with notes from parks around the metro area. So here we go … Powder Springs took two of the six championships in the North Georgia Youth Football League, winning the 75-pound division over Acworth 14-0 and the 95-pound division over New Hope 14-0. In the other classes, South Cherokee (85) beat Fair Oaks 19-14, East Cobb (105) knocked off Powder Springs 30-0, Milford (115) beat South Cherokee (15-0) and New Hope (135) slipped by Fair Oaks 36-20. … In the middle school division, which goes by the North Georgia Football League, McEachern won the seventh-grade championship over Roswell while Pebblebrook took the eighth-grade title with a win over Milton. The NGFL continues to grow as there are now 27 schools. … In the United Youth Football Association, Tucker continued its dominance, taking the 115-pound title (over Fayette County) and 135 (over the Atlanta Colts) while

CROWNING THE WINNERS ...

In this issue, win tickets to... GEORIGA TECH vs VIRGINIA TECH - Jan. 22

the Lions lost at 85 pounds to North Henry and at 100 pounds, Peachtree City dropped Alpharetta.

GEORIGA vs VANDERBILT - Jan. 22 GEORIGA TECH vs WAKE FOREST - Jan. 27

With all the great high school football that is played in Gwinnett, it is no surprise that two of their middle school teams won the first annual Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Youth Football Championship. The games matched the best from the Gwinnett Football League (GFL) and the NGFL. Collins Hill won the eight-grade game, beating Pebblebrook 20-14 while Brookwood beat McEachern 27-0. The Brookwood team is coached by former Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry, who is quoted on the GFL website as saying, “It really did feel like a real college bowl game. The GFL championship felt like the Super Bowl for us, and I guess this is like the Pro Bowl, even though the weather was not quite as nice.’’ The games were played at McEachern High School.

GWINNETT TAKES PEACH BOWL TITLE ...

• No purchase necessary • Must be at least 18 to enter • Entries must be received by Thursday January 20, 2005 • For a complete set of rules or for an alternate method of entry, log onto www.css-sports.com

MAIL ENTRY FORM TO:

Road to March Madness Ticket Giveaway Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast 2995 Courtyards Drive Norcross, Georgia 30071

Name ____________________________________________________________

To all youth organizations, Score Atlanta will print your registration dates. Email your information to jwallace@scoreatl and be sure to include a callback number for verification. Also, please include a deadline date for registration. Greg Smith, who was a star baseball player at Westminster, went to Florida. Still a kid, he coaches the 12-year-old All-Star Team at the Northside Youth Organization. He can be reached at gsmith@scoreatl.com.

SEND US YOUR REGISTRATION NOTICES ...

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Address __________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ____________________________________________________ Email Address______________________________________________________

Get In The Game!

34 I SCORE ATLANTA

STUART WHITE Woodstock High School

MARIA NIARCHOS

Stuart White is an 18-year old senior wrestler who holds the school record for wins in a career with 50, so far. He finished second in the regional tournament last year, losing only to the eventual state champion. This year Stuart is expected to compete for the state title in the 189-pound weight class, and he is looking to being invited to the Senior National Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stuart hopes to be offered a wrestling scholarship with his performance there, but he also says that he isn’t getting his hopes up about it because Georgia wrestlers aren’t heavily promoted. Away from the mat, Stuart is currently taking two college courses, and he teaches algebra and pre-algebra 1 at the middle school. He is also active in the drama department, and he’s so good that he recently won the Region Actor Award

The Walker School Maria is a 17-year-old senior basketball

player who is only the fifth player in school history to score 1,000 points in her career. She

also reached that milestone faster than anyone else and has the opportunity to become the school’s all-time leading scorer before her already impressive career is over. Head coach

Barry Foy has been very impressed with

Maria’s transition this year from her natural position as a wing player to predominantly playing the post because of the team’s lack of

size this season. Maria’s season high in points is 24 and rebounds with 16. Academically,

Maria has proven herself to be a solid B student in the classroom.

Hey AD’s, get your students in the game!

High School Athletic Directors can nominate their Student-Athlete of the Week by sending an email to JWallace@SCOREatl.com Please include the name and age of your nominee, their accomplishments in both athletics and academics, as well as a contact number.

If you can’t see this,

You need to see us.

Each winner will receive a plaque and only one male and 1 female student-athlete can be nominated each week.

Brian A. Kahn, O.D.

for more info, please call

404.256.1572

Buckhead Place 3312 Piedmont Road, N.E. Suite 500

404 237 0757 www.visionsource-kahneyegroup.com

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 35

OUR SPORTS MEMORBILLIA EXPERT!

Message to Mom: PLEASE DON’T throw my baseball cards away!

cards, autographs, tickets, proB aseball grams … most of us have collected these at one time or another. If you are fortunate enough to still have some of these items from your youth, what are they worth? Maybe, like many of us, your items have been lost over time or thrown out by dear old Mom. How do I start collecting again or begin for the first time? These are just some of the issues I will address in this space in the future. Card collecting has gone through a transformation over the years. Gone are the days of putting cards in the spokes of your bicycle, card flipping, and even getting that cherished piece of gum in a pack of cards. Growing up, Topps Baseball Card Co. was king. Now there are literally a dozen different brands in the marketplace issuing several sets of cards for every sport. Packs of cards use to run around 10 to 25 cents. Today the average price per pack is $3.50. Cards have definitely changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: starting

a card collection can be both fun and easy for all ages. There are no set rules on how to collect cards. Some of the most popular ways include collecting a certain team, player, or year. There are several excellent books and Web sites that can help you get started. Beckett Publications is one of the hobby’s leading price guides for all sports (www.beckett.com) as well as Sports Collectors Digest (www.krause.com). Even though card and sports memorabilia has moved into the realm of big business, there is still room for everyone. Starting a collection is just a pack away. The bottom line is to enjoy and have fun with your hobby. THE PITCH ... Just this last month Sportscards Plus (www.sportscardsplus.com) and Sotheby's (auction.sothebys.com) sold Babe Ruth's signed bat used to slam the first home run in Yankee Stadium for $1,265,000, a record price for a baseball bat at auction …

POPCORN, PEANUTS, CRACKER JACKS ... The sports auction giant Mastronet (www.mastronet.com) recently sold a 1914 Cracker Jacks Baseball Card Set for $800,000, the most expensive set on record ever sold in the hobby … If you’re a diehard NFL fan you don’t want to miss the NFL Experience at this year’s Super Bowl-JEA Park in Jacksonville, FL. The NFL Experience is an interactive theme park offering games, displays and attractions including free autograph sessions with more than 50 NFL superstars. Also, the Topps Super Bowl Card Show runs concurrently from Jan. 29 to Feb. 6. Visit www.superbowl.com for details. Dean Zindler, one of the country’s leading sports collectibles experts, still has the first baseball card he ever bought ... a 1978 Biff Pocoroba (Phil Niekro’s catcher) that his best friend traded to him for a skateboard ... you can email Dean Zindler at dzindler@scoreatl.com

NOW FOR MY STATS... NAME: Dean Zindler POSITION: Owner of Zinders Sports Collectibles BATS: Right THROWS: Right DEBUT: 30 year collector & full time sports memorabilia dealer for over 15 years. ON THE FIELD: Works with several of the major hobby publications to help catalog items and establish pricing in the industry. Recognized within the hobby as one of the leaders in vintage sports cards and memorabilia. Winner of numerous customer service awards. Bought and sold millions of dollars in sports and non-sports memorabilia.

www.zindlers.com

We specialize in providing items for CHARITIES to use in their SILENT AUCTIONS. To learn more how your Charity can enhance its fundraising by adding a Silent Auction RISK FREE, please visit our website at

www.zindlers.com ZINDLER’S Memorabilia Short List...

Zindlers Sports Collectibles

1955 Milwaukee Braves Team Signed Baseball ......................................................$500 1961 Milwaukee Braves Team Signed Baseball ......................................................$475 1962 Milwaukee Braves Bobbin Head Doll ............................................................$250 Babe Ruth Autographed Display Piece ................................................................$2500 Brooklyn Dodgers Autographed Display Piece ......................................................$2500 29 autographs including Jackie Robinson, Campanella ,Koufax, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Don Drysdale,Chuck Connors, etc.

1983 Topps Baseball Set ........................................................................................$75 1984 Topps Baseball Set ........................................................................................$50 1985 Topps Baseball Set ......................................................................................$100

Baseball Sets: 1959 Topps Baseball Set 1974 Topps Baseball Set 1975 Topps Baseball Set 1976 Topps Baseball Set 1977 Topps Baseball Set 1978 Topps Baseball Set 1979 Topps Baseball Set 1980 Topps Baseball Set 1981 Topps Baseball Set 1982 Topps Baseball Set

PO Box 920244 I Norcross GA 30010 800.257.2201 I FAX: 770.447.9487 I dean@zindlers.com I www.zindlers.com

Football Sets 1973 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$400 1974 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$300 1975 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$300 1976 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$350 1977 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$250 1978 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$150 1979 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$150 1980 Topps Football Set ..........................................................................................$50 1981 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$200 1982 Topps Football Set ..........................................................................................$75 1983 Topps Football Set ..........................................................................................$50 1984 Topps Football Set ........................................................................................$200 1985 Topps Football Set ..........................................................................................$50

....................................................................................$3500 ......................................................................................$400 ......................................................................................$500 ......................................................................................$250 ......................................................................................$250 ......................................................................................$200 ......................................................................................$175 ......................................................................................$125 ........................................................................................$50 ......................................................................................$100

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Get In The Game!

36 I SCORE ATLANTA

ATLANTA’S MOST COMPLETE

LISTING & CALENDAR OF SPORTING EVENTS COVERING THE METRO AREA

what’s on

SCORE atlanta is happy to list your sporting event. You can submit it by email, fax or letter. Please submit a descrption of your event, a contact

DECK WHAT’S ON DECK is broken down by sport or event in the following order.

1 BASKETBALL __________________________________________

1 BASKETBALL Georgia State - Men’s. Jan. 13 @ Troy 8 PM. Jan. 15 vs Campbell (DH) 4 PM. Jan. 17 vs GardnerWebb 6 PM. Jan. 23 vs Mercer 2 PM. Jan. 26 vs Troy 6 PM. Jan. 28 @ Mercer (CSS-TV) 7:30 PM. Feb. 3 @ Gardner-Webb 7 PM. Feb. 5 @ Campbell 1 PM. Feb. 11 vs Belmont (Homecoming WeekCSS-TV) 7:30 PM. Feb. 13 vs Lipscomb (Homecoming Week) 2 PM.

2 BASEBALL __________________________________________

3 FOOTBALL __________________________________________

4 HOCKEY __________________________________________

5 SOCCER __________________________________________

6 GOLF __________________________________________

7 TENNIS __________________________________________

8 LACROSSE __________________________________________

9 RUNNING __________________________________________

10 CYCLING _________________________________________

11 BOATING __________________________________________

12 TRACK & FIELD __________________________________________

13 EQUESTRIAN __________________________________________

14 SWIMMING __________________________________________

15 CARD GAMES __________________________________________

16 YOUTH REGISTRATION __________________________________________

17 TRYOUTS __________________________________________

18 SOFTBALL __________________________________________

19 GYMNASTICS __________________________________________

20 MISC

GET UP CLOSE

Georgia State - Women’s. JAN. 13 vs Lipscomb 6 PM. Jan. 15 vs Belmont (DH) 2 PM. Jan. 20 @ Florida Atlantic 7 PM. Jan. 22 @ UCF 2 PM. Jan. 27 vs Campbell 6 PM. Jan. 29 vs Gardner-2:00 PM—Feb. 2 vs. Mercer-6:00 PM—Feb. 5 @ Campbell (DH)-4:00 PM—Feb. 7 @ GardnerWebb-7:00 PM—Feb. 10 vs. UCF-6:00 PM—Feb. 12 vs. Florida Atlantic-2:00 PM. Kennesaw State - Men’s. Jan. 15 vs USC Upstate 4 PM. Jan. 19 @ Armstrong Atlantic 7:30 PM. Jan. 22 @ Augusta State 4 PM. Jan. 26 vs GS&SU 7:30 PM. Jan. 29 @ Francis Marion 4 PM. Feb. 2 vs Armstrong Atlantic 7:30 PM. Feb. 5 vs Lander 4 PM. Feb. 9 vs Clayton State 7:30 PM. Feb. 12 @ North Florida 4 PM. Kennesaw State - Women’s. Jan. 15 vs USC Upstate 2 PM. Jan. 19 @ Armstrong Atlantic 5:30 PM. Jan. 22 @ Augusta State 2:00 PM. Jan. 26 vs GC&SU 5:30 PM. Jan. 29 @ Francis Marion 2 PM. Feb. 2 vs Armstrong Atlantic 5:30 PM. Feb. 5 vs Lander 2 PM. Feb. 9 vs Clayton State 5:30 PM. Feb. 12 vs North Florida 2 PM. Clark Atlanta - Men’s. Jan. 15 vs LeMoyne-Owen 8 PM. Jan. 17 vs Miles 8 PM. Jan. 20 @ Lane 7:30 PM. Jan. 22 @ Kentucky State 8 PM. Jan. 27 vs Tuskegee 8 PM. Jan. 29 vs Stillman 8 PM. Feb. 1 @ Claflin 7:30 PM. Feb. 3 vs Morehouse 7:30 PM. Feb. 5 @ Fort Valley State 8 PM. Feb. 8 vs Albany State 8 PM. Feb. 10 vs Paine-Clark 8 PM. Feb. 12 vs Benedict 8 PM. Clark Atlanta - Women’s. Jan. 15 vs LeMoyne-Owen 6 PM. Jan. 17 vs Miles 6 PM. Jan. 20 @ Lane 6:30 PM Jan. 22 @ Kentucky State 5:30 PM. Jan. 27 vs Tuskegee 6 PM. Jan. 29 vs Stillman 6 PM. Feb. 5 @ Fort Valley State 6 PM. Feb. 8 vs Albany State 6 PM. Feb. 10 vs Paine 6 PM. Feb. 12 vs Benedict 6 PM. Emory - Men’s. Jan. 14 @ Chicago 8 PM. Jan. 16 @ Washington (Mis.) 1 PM. Jan. 21 vs New York 8

name and number. The WHAT’S ON DECK email is: info@ScoreATL.com, the fax: 404.236.8913 and the address is SCORE PUBLISHING 290 Carpenter Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.

PM. Jan. 23 vs Brandeis 1 PM. Jan. 25 @ Oglethorpe TBA. Jan. 28 vs Carnegie Mellon 8 PM. Jan. 30 vs Rochester 1 PM. Feb. 4 @ Rochester 8 PM. Feb. 6 @ Carnegie Mellon 1 PM. Feb. 11 vs Washington (Mis.) 8 PM. Feb. 13 vs Chicago 1 PM. Emory - Women’s. Jan. 14 @ Chicago 6 PM. Jan. 16 @ Washington (Mis.) 3 PM. Jan. 21 vs New York 6 PM. Jan. 23 vs Brandeis 3 PM. Jan. 25 @ Oglethorpe 6 PM. Jan. 28 vs Carnegie Mellon 6 PM. Jan. 30 vs Rochester 3 PM. Feb. 4 @ Rochester 6 PM. Feb. 6 @ Carnegie Mellon 3 PM. Feb. 11 vs Washington (Mis.) 6 PM. Feb. 13 vs Chicago 3 PM. Mercer - Men’s. Jan. 13 vs Campbell (DH) 7:30 PM. Jan.15 vs Gardner-Webb (DH) 4:30 PM. Jan. 21 @ Troy TBA. Jan. 23 @ Georgia State TBA. Jan. 28 vs Georgia State 7 PM. Jan. 31 vs Troy 7 PM. Feb. 3 @ Campbell 7 PM. Feb. 5 @ Gardner-Webb (DH) TBA. Feb. 8 vs Savannah State 7 PM. Feb. 11 vs Lipscomb 7 PM. Feb. 13 vs Belmont 2 PM. Mercer - Women’s. Jan. 13 vs Belmont (DH) 5:15 PM. Jan. 15 vs Lipscomb (DH) 2 PM. Jan. 20 @ UCF 7 PM. Jan. 22 @ Florida Atlantic 7 PM. Jan. 27 vs Gardner-Webb 7 PM. Jan. 29 vs Campbell 2 PM. Feb. 2 @ Georgia State 6 PM. Feb. 5 @ Gardner-Webb (DH) 6 PM. Feb. 7 @ Campbell 7 PM. Feb. 10 vs Florida Atlantic 7 PM. Feb.12 vs UCF 2 PM. Oglethorpe - Men’s. Jan. 14 vs Centre 8 PM. Jan. 16 vs Sewanee 1 PM. Jan. 19 @ LaGrange 8 PM. Jan. 22 vs Millsaps TBA. Jan. 25 vs Emory 8 PM. Jan. 28 @ Hendrix 8 PM. Jan. 30 @ Rhodes 1 PM. Feb. 2 @ Maryville 7:30 PM. Feb. 4 vs Southwestern 8 PM. Feb. 6 vs Trinity 1 PM. Feb. 11 vs Depauw 8 PM. Feb. 13 vs Rose-Hulman 1 PM. Oglethorpe - Women’s. Jan. 14 vs Centre 6 PM. Jan. 16 vs Sewanee 3 PM. Jan. 19 vs Wesleyan 8 PM. Jan. 22 vs Millsaps TBA. Jan. 25 vs Emory 6 PM. Jan. 28 @ Hendrix 6 PM. Jan. 30 @ Rhodes 3 PM. Feb. 4 vs Southwestern 6 PM. Feb. 6 vs Trinity 3 PM. Feb.11 vs Depauw 6 PM. Feb. 13 vs RoseHulman 3 PM. Morehouse - Men’s. Jan. 15 vs Miles 7:30 PM. Jan. 17 vs LeMoyne-Owen 7:30 PM. Jan. 20 @ Kentucky State 8 PM. Jan. 22 @ Lane 7:30 PM. Jan. 25 @ Miles 7:30 PM. Jan. 29 vs Tuskegee 7:30 PM. Feb. 3 vs Clark Atlanta 8 PM. Feb. 5 vs Florida Gulf Coast 7:30 PM. Feb. 7 vs Albany State 7:30 PM. Feb. 8 vs Fort Valley State 7:30 PM. Feb. 10 vs Benedict 7:30 PM. Feb. 12 @ Paine 7:30 PM. Georgia Tech - Men’s. TICKETS AVAILABLE @ ENCORETICKETS.COM. Jan. 16 @ NC State 5:30 PM. Jan. 22 vs Virginia Tech 4 PM. Jan. 27 vs Wake Forest 8 PM. Jan. 30 @ Maryland 5:30 PM. Feb. 2 vs Florida State 7 PM. Feb. 5 @ Duke 1 PM.

Jan. 22 vs Vanderbilt 4 PM. Jan. 25 @ Florida 7 PM. Jan. 29 @ Alabama 8 PM. Feb. 2 vs LSU 7:30 PM. Feb. 5 vs South Carolina 4 PM. Feb. 9 vs Arkansas 8 PM. Feb. 12 @ Kentucky 3 PM. Georgia - Women’s. Jan. 13 @ Kentucky 7 PM. Jan. 16 vs Auburn 2:30 PM. Jan. 23 @ Mississippi St. 3 PM. Jan. 27 vs Florida 7 PM. Jan. 31 @ Tennessee 7 PM. Feb. 3 @ Alabama 8 PM. Feb. 6

vs Kentucky 2:30 PM. Feb. 10 vs South Carolina 7 PM. Feb. 13 vs Clemson 3 PM. Atlanta Hawks. TICKETS AVAILABLE @ ENCORETICKETS.COM. Jan. 14 @ Boston 7:30 PM. Jan. 15 vs Charlotte 7 PM. Jan. 17 vs New Jersey 2 PM. Jan. 19 @ Miami 7:30 PM. Jan. 21 @ Chicago 8:30 PM. Jan. 22 vs Boston (NBA TV) 7 PM. Jan. 24 vs Chicago 7:30 PM. Jan. 26 @ Minnesota 8 PM. Jan. 28 vs Miami 7:30 PM. Jan. 29 @ Memphis 8 PM. Jan. 31 vs Orlando 7:30 PM. Feb. 2 @ Detroit 7:30 PM. Feb. 4 @ Philadelphia 7 PM. Feb. 5 vs Indiana 7 PM. Feb. 7 vs LA Lakers 7:30 PM. Feb. 10 @ Orlando 7 PM. Feb. 12 @ Milwaukee 8:30 PM.

2 BASEBALL Georgia Tech. Feb. 11 vs Georgia State 2 PM.

3 FOOTBALL Atlanta Falcons. TICKETS AVAILABLE @ ENCORETICKETS.COM Jan. 15 vs St. Louis 8 PM. Georgia Force. Jan. 29 vs New Orleans 7 PM. Feb. 4 @ Los Angeles 10:30 PM. Feb. 12 vs Arizona 7 PM.

4 HOCKEY Nothing Scheduled.

5 SOCCER Nothing Scheduled. Feb. 8 @ Clemson 7 PM. Feb. 13 vs NC State 6 PM. Georgia Tech - Women’s. Jan. 13 vs Maryland 7 PM. Jan. 17 @ Duke 7 PM. Jan. 23 @ Miami 4 PM. Jan. 26 vs Clemson 7 PM. Jan. 30 vs North Carolina 2 PM. Feb. 3 @ Maryland 7 PM. Feb. 6 vs Wake Forest 3 PM. Feb. 10 vs NC State 7 PM. Feb. 13 vs Arkansas(Gwinnett Arena) 1 PM. Georgia - Men’s. TICKETS AVAILABLE @ ENCORETICKETS.COM. Jan. 15 vs Kentucky 1 PM.

6 GOLF Nothing Scheduled.

7 TENNIS Georgia Tech - Men’s. Jan. 13-15 Puerto Rico Classic All Day. Jan. 17-20 USTA/ITA National

FOR THE BEST SEATS IN TOWN - GO TO ENCORETICKETS.COM W

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 37

LISTING & CALENDAR Indoors All Day TBA. Jan. 28 vs Princeton 3 PM. Feb. 6 vs Wofford 9 AM. Feb. 6 vs Georgia Southern All Day. Feb. 12 @ Middle Tennessee State 2 PM. Georgia Tech - Women’s. Jan. 19 vs Georgia State 3 PM. Jan. 29 vs Baylor 12 PM. Feb. 13 @ Ohio State 12 PM. Georgia - Men’s. Jan. 13-17 SEC Indoors TBA. Jan. 24 vs William & Mary 2:30 PM. Jan. 29 vs Louisville 1 PM. Feb. 6 vs Furman 1 PM. Feb. 13 vs Ohio St. 1 PM. Georgia - Women’s. Jan. 14-16 TBA Las Vegas, Nev. All Day. Jan. 21-23 TBA Athens, Ga. All Day. Jan. 28 vs Georgia Southern 3 PM. Jan. 30 vs Baylor 1 PM. Feb. 3-6 TBA All Day. Jan. 17 Adult USA 123 Tennis Clinic - Columbus, Ga. - Cooper Creek Tennis Center - 4816 Milgen Rd.

13 EQUESTRIAN Georgia. Feb. 5 @ South Carolina TBA. Feb. 12 @ Auburn TBA.

14 SWIMMING Georgia Tech. Jan. 22 vs Clemson 12 PM. Jan. 29 vs North Florida & Emory 12 PM. Georgia. Jan. 15 vs Texas 1 PM. Jan. 22 @ Tennessee 2 PM. Feb. 5 vs South Carolina 1 PM. Feb. 11-13 SEC Diving Championships All Day.

15 CARD GAMES Nothing Scheduled.

8 LACROSSE Feb. 7-May 28 Spring Field Lacrosse Program Peachtree City, Ga. - Riley Field - 201 Wisdom Rd.

9 RUNNING Jan. 14-16-2005 North Georgia Adventure Race Blue Ridge, Ga. - Chattahoochee National Forest. Jan. 15 Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K Run & Walk - Warner Robins, Ga. - Museum of Aviation Robins AFB Hwy 247 at Russell Pkwy - Marathon and Half 8 AM 5K Run/Walk 8:15 AM. Jan. 15 HOGPEN HILL CLIMB 17K & PIGLET 5K - Helen, Ga. - Fest Hall Downtown Helen Edelweis Drive Noon. Jan. 17 Freedom Run - Morrow, Ga.- Clayton College & State University -5900 North Lee Street - 9 AM. Jan. 22 USA Patriotic 5K Road Race Decatur, Ga. Medlock Park - Scott Circle between Druid Hills & N. Decatur Road. Jan. 29 POLAR BEAR 5K/1 MILE/CUB RUNS - Marietta, Ga. - Cub runs 9:15 AM - Johnson Ferry Baptist Church - 955-Johnson Ferry Road - 1 Mile 8 AM 5K 8:30 AM. Jan. 29 St. Joe's Jog 5K and One Mile Fun Run - Athens, Ga. St. Joseph Catholic Church/School - 134 Prince Ave. - Fun Run 8:30 AM - 5K 9 AM. Jan. 30 The Hughston Orthopedic Hospital 5K - Pine Mountain, Ga. Callaway Gardens - 8 AM..Jan. 30 The Hughston Orthopedic Hospital Half Marathon - Pine Mountain, Ga. - Callaway Gardens - 8 AM. Jan. 30 The Hughston Orthopedic Hospital Marathon - Pine Mountain, Ga. - Callaway Gardens - 8 AM. Feb. 5 7th Annual WCA 5K - Watkinsville, Ga. Westminster Christian Academy 1640 New High Shoals Road 8 AM. Feb. 5 Memorial Health Tybee Marathon, HalfMarathon & 5K - Tybee Island, Ga. Butler Avenue at 5th Street - 8 AM. Feb. 5 26th Annual Walton Raider Chase - Marietta, Ga. Walton High School - 1590 Bill Murdock Rd - 1 Mile 8:30 AM - 5K 9 AM. Feb. 5 Run For Success Atlanta, Ga. - Georgia Tech football stadium - 225 North Avenue - 9 AM. Feb. 5 CdLS Awareness 5K Run/Walk - Decatur, Ga. - Medlock Park - 10 AM. Feb. 12 FOURTH ANNUAL “CHATTAHOOCHEE CHALLENGE” 10K Road Race - Roswell, Ga. Chattahoochee Nature Center - 9135 Willeo Road 7:30 AM. Feb. 12 Spartan 5K/Spartan Sprint Athens, Ga. - Athens Academy Campus - 1281 Spartan Lane 5K - 9 AM - Spartan Sprint - 10 AM.

10 CYCLING

16 YOUTH REGISTRATION Jan. 15 Northview Jr Titan Football - Duluth, Ga. Nothview High School Media Center - Parsons Rd. Feb. 4 Hart County Little League - Hartwell, Ga. Hart County Recreation Department Powell Rd.

17 TRYOUTS Jan. 13 Independent Baseball League Tryouts Clarkston, Ga. - Georgia Perimeter College - 555 North Indian Creek Drive.

18 SOFTBALL Georgia Tech. Feb. 5 vs Chattanooga (DH) 1 & 3 PM. Feb. 9 @ Georgia Southern (DH) 2 & 4 PM. Feb. 11 vs Boston College 10 AM. Feb. 11 vs Northwestern 2 PM. Feb. 12 vs Bethune-Cookman 2 PM. Feb. 12 @ Florida Atlantic 5 PM. Georgia. Feb. 4 @ UCLA (DH) 6 & 8 PM. Feb. 5 @ CS-Fullerton 3:30 PM. Feb. 5 @ UCLA 6 PM. Feb. 6 @ CS-Fullerton 12 PM. Feb. 11 vs Appalachian St 4 PM. Feb. 11 vs Winthrop 6 PM. Feb. 12 vs Jacksonville St. 12 PM. Feb. 12 vs Team TBA TBA. Feb. 13 vs Team TBA 2 PM.

19 GYMNASTICS Georgia - Women’s. Jan. 14 vs Auburn 7:30 PM. Jan. 21 @ Kentucky 7:30 PM. Jan. 28 @ Arkansas 8 PM. Feb. 4 vs Florida 7:30 PM. Feb. 11 @ LSU 8 PM. Feb. 13 @ Oklahoma TBA.

20 MISC Jan. 15 Boat Rock "Float the Boat" Bouldering Competition 2005 - Atlanta, Ga. - Boat Rock 1221 Boat Rock Rd SW 8:30 AM. Jan. 23 AFC/NFC Viewing Party - Downtown Atlanta - The Tabernacle 3 PM. Feb. 12 Martial Arts – Saint Valentine's Day Classic - Athens, Ga. - Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities East - Campus Drive, Building 1690, University of Georgia - 8 AM. Jan. 15-16, Jan. 22-23, Jan. 29-30, Feb. 5-6, Feb. 12-13 Guided Hikes Chattahoochee Nature Center Alphretta/Roswell Area - 1 & 3 PM. Feb. 12 Chattahoochee Challenge - Chattahoochee Nature Center 7:30 AM.

Nothing Scheduled.

11 BOATING Nothing Scheduled.

12 TRACK & FIELD Georgia Tech. Jan. 14 & 15 Kentucky Invitational All Day. Jan. 21 & 22 Niswonger Invitational All Day. Jan. 28 & 29 McCraven Memorial All Day. Feb. 4 & 5 Meyo Invitational All Day. Feb. 12 MTSU Invitational All Day. Georgia. Jan. 21 & 22 Clemson Invitational All Day. Jan. 29 Illinois Quad Meet All Day. Feb. 4 & 5 Collegiate Invitational All Day. Feb. 11 & 12 Virginia Tech Challenge All Day.

ENCORE TICKETS

PHOTOS on pages 36-37 by Scott Cunningham/GETTY IMAGES

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JAN 13 - 26, 2005

SCORE ATLANTA I 39

HOT TICKETS EVENTS CALENDAR 1.15 ..................Falcons playoff game 1.17 ..................Hawks vs. Nets 1.18-23 ............Stomp 1.22 ..................Tech vs. Va. Tech 1.28 ..................Joe Cocker 1.28-30 ............The Graduate 2.01 ..................Josh Groban PLUS we have tickets for concerts, theatre and can service your ticket needs in any city! TO ORDER TICKETS BY PHONE CALL

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Copyright 2005 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All right reserved. Score Atlanta will be published twice in January, two times in February and weekly beginning in March. Views expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (articles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for reproduction without written permission from the publisher.

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