Drew Brees and His Path to the Super Bowl

In January 2006, Drew Brees was facing shoulder surgery for a torn labrum while the city of New Orleans was still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina that happened mere months before. Now, in 2010, both are looking at a revitalization, with a little help from one another. In the spring of 2006, Drew entered free agency while rehabbing his shoulder with an uncertain future and few many teams interested in him other than his own Chargers and the New Orleans Saints.

Brees signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 just months after his shoulder surgery. The Saints were in desperate need of a quarterback to turn the team around and bring life back to the city and Brees proved to do just that.  The city of New Orleans also provided the perfect opportunity for the already charitable player to expand and help a community desperately in need. The Brees Dream Foundation has donated more than $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities since its inception

Now, Brees, the Saints, and the city of New Orleans are onto the world stage, though many eyes have been on them all season. The Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts in South Florida, with no doubt that many will be rooting for this comeback kid. Drew Brees has proven that resurrections can happen for athletes, teams and cities.

Watch below for Drew Brees at the 2009 San Diego Celebrity Golf Classic to see what he has to say about following your dreams and his future.

No Comments »

San Diego Hosts Surfside Cup: College and High School Lacrosse Tournament

SportsForce has partnered with the Surfside Cup. WomensLax.com is hosting the event which will serve as the season opener for the 5-time defending national champion Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats will be facing off against Atlantic-10 Champion UMass Minutewomen. The event will take place Saturday, February 6^th at 8pm at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. The game will showcase some of the nation’s top women’s lacrosse players.

Sunday, February 7^th will also feature a high school tournament, a coaching seminar, a youth clinic, and a high school shooting clinic. The clinics will be led by Northwestern Lacrosse Coaches, including 2009 World Cup Champion, Lindsey Munday, of Team USA. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.womenslax.com and also at the gate the day of the event. Gates for the Northwestern/ UMass game will open at 7pm.

WomensLax.com’s Ashley Gersuk said of the event, “The inaugural Surfside Cup was very well-received by an enthusiastic and growing San Diego Lacrosse community in 2009 and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2010. This weekend promises to be exciting for lacrosse players, coaches, and enthusiasts of every level.”

No Comments »

Top 2010 Football Commits in Video

No Comments »

College Football World Prepares for National Signing Day

National Signing Day for college football marks the deadline in which the nation’s top talents must make their final decisions in regards to which prestigious college programs they will grant their services to. Possibly facing the toughest decision of their lives, these young men have wisely chosen to take it down to the wire in order to explore all of their college football options. The miscalculation of playing for the wrong coaches or system could cost them a chance to play in the NFL. Due to the significance of these decisions, we at SportsForce are honored to be heavily involved with the college recruiting goals of some of the country’s top student-athletes. Our unique relationship with student-athletes and their families allows us to assist in securing the proper college recruiting exposure for them, while ultimately seeking what is most beneficial to the student-athlete during the college sports recruiting process. So far this year we’ve had the pleasure of covering some of the nation’s most elite football players such as Dillon Baxter [USC], Brennan Clay [Oklahoma], Ricky Seale [Undecided] , Damien Williams [Arizona State] and Kenny Stills [Oklahoma] just to name a few. In a year where college football has been shaken up by a multitude of coaching changes, a little recruiting guidance could go a long way.

With four of the top ten players in the nation undecided on where they will play ball, many of the top college recruiters will be working overtime this year. Plenty of big names are still up for grabs; most recognized is the massive offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson (2), who many believe is the best player in the nation and is expected to head to either Ohio State or Florida. Surely the return of Florida head coach Urban Meyer doesn’t hurt the Gators chances of landing Henderson. Keenan Allen (5), who has been compared to NFL star Ed Reed, is suspected to be a Clemson Tiger on signing day. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (8) is expected to leave Oregon in order to attend The University of Nebraska, while top ranked running back Marcus Lattimore (10) currently looks as if he’ll be staying home in South Carolina and playing for the Gamecocks. Other Notable predictions are Outside Linebacker Christian Jones (20) to stay in Florida to play for the Seminoles and Wide Receiver Markeith Ambles (24) to USC.

Wednesday February 3^rd is when all the college football recruiting speculation and uncertainty will end, but the day should not expire without a few surprises. Anything is possible since this is the last chance for many teams to improve their rosters in order to make a run at next year’s championship game. National Signing Day TV specials should be airing on local channels all across the country, so don’t forget to tune in as some of the most prestigious college football programs fight to the very end for the nation’s top remaining talent.

[ x] – Committed college

(#) – National ranking based from Rivals.com

No Comments »

Female Student Athlete of the Week: Katie Kuklok

Sport: Girls Basketball Positions: Small Forward Height: 5’9” Class: 2011 School: Poway High School Poway, CA

It’s still early in the season and Katie Kuklok is already a repeat Athlete of the Week.  Kuklok became the all-time leading scorer for Poway Girls Basketball this past week. The 5’9” forward is only a junior and broke the record while having an 18 point game in a win over Vista. Kuklok hit the record early in her career compared to those that came before her and still has plenty of time to rack up points beyond it.  Kuklok’s coach, Jay Trousdale, told the San Diego Union-Tribune: “‘We’ve had a lot of capable scorers in this program, but Katie is the pure gym rat,’ Trousdale said. ‘She’s gotten the record the right way while there’s been a lot of success as a team.’”

To view Katie’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/kkuklok

Scouting report and highlight video courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

No Comments »

Male Student Athlete of the Week: Joe Hudson

Sport: Basketball Positions: Point/ Shooting Guard Height: 6’1” Class: 2010 School: Escondido High School Escondido, CA

Escondido upset the No. 1 ranked Torrey Pines this past week with senior guard Joe Hudson leading his team with a career high of 40 points in the game. The final score was 69-64 with Hudson contributing more than half of Escondido’s points. He also made 9 of 10 free throws in the game. Hudson has been averaging 25.4 points per game and has nailed 72 three pointers on the season. Hudson is considered one of the best shooters on the West Coast, according to ESPNU, and can score from any spot on the floor. He has good burst speed and agility to separate himself from defenders. The 6′1″ captain is committed to Wyoming.

To view Joe’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/jhudson

Scouting report and highlight video courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

No Comments »

Gonzalez Sports Academy Has Grand Opening

The Gonzalez Sports Academy is celebrating its Grand Opening Wednesday,  January 27^th. The facility which is owned and operated by the Gonzalez family and world class athletic trainer, Bob Foley boasts state of the art equipment and training tools for athletes of all sports and levels.

The Gonzalez Sports Academy (GSA) offers:

29,000 square foot indoor facility
Speed & Agility Area
Two (2) 180 ft long running track
Weight Training Area
Four (4) Batting Cages
Strength & Conditioning
Two (2) Pitching Mounds
Juice Bar
Three (3) Professional size Volley Ball Courts
Gift Shop
Five (5) acres of outdoor training space

The Grand Opening promised a chance to explore the facility  and try out the training areas as well as a meet and greet with some pro-athletes including Adrian and Edgar Gonzalez, Tony Gwynn, Jr., Dave Roberts, Paul Molitor, Zeke Moreno and Nick Hundley. For more information on the GSA visit: http://gonzalezsportsacademy.com/

1 Comment »

SportsForce Alum is a Standout in England

SportsForce Alumni Cameron Gypsyn is making a name for himself across the pond as he has become as stand out for Team Northumbria. Cameron is at Uni in the UK and has been training with the Newcastle Eagles 1st team (professional) and playing with the 2nd team. Also, he is at Great Britain national under 20’s team camp with main team assistant coach Tim Lewis. The Daily Chronicle reports on his standout season, below.

TEAM Northumbria star Cameron Gypsyn jets back into Tyneside this week – still on course to become a dual international for his adopted country.

The California-born forward holds a UK passport and has already represented Team GB in volleyball.

But Gypsyn tried out for Tim Lewis’s Team GB under-20 basketball squad last month.

And it is understood the TN rookie impressed at a talent identification camp showcasing the best of the country’s emerging hoops stars.

“Cameron has settled in well to the EBL second division and his numbers have made a few people sit up and take notice,” said skipper Chris Pearce.

“He was invited down to the talent camp after Team GB got in touch with our coach Greg Modzelewski.

“And now we’re just waiting to hear how he got on.”

Gypsyn is due to fly into Newcastle tomorrow after spending the festive period back home in the USA.

And TN’s versatile 6ft 7in close-season capture will be thrown straight back into the EBL action as Modzelewski’s men prepare for a gruelling double-header on the road.

“We’re away at Kent and Brixton this weekend, so it’ll be quite a shock after the Christmas break,” added Pearce.

“The bad weather hasn’t affected our practice schedule too much, though, and we’re in pretty confident mood.

“We’re traditionally strong heading into the second half of the season, but we have plenty of work to do if we’re going to climb the table.”

—Full Article at Chronicle Live

—See Cameron’s Full SportsForce profile here

No Comments »

Coaching Changes Affecting 2010 Recruiting Class

Each year the first week of February and the National Signing Day for college football becomes the pinnacle of years of hard work for many of the most prestigious football programs in the country. This year the world of college football has been shaken up by notable coaching changes and even health issues and the lure of the NFL. At SportsForce we are heavily involved in the recruiting goals of numerous top student-athletes. Because of this unique relationship we build with student-athletes and families are able to learn firsthand of many of the recruiting decisions and thoughts that families have when deciding what college is the right fit for them.

The USC Trojans (9-4) were recently voted the college football program of the decade and captured two national titles under Pete Carroll’s reign. With the departure of Carroll to the Seattle Seahawks, the University of Southern California should be prepared to lose some of their top- ranked or at least potential recruits. Recalling Lane Kiffin back to USC leaves much to be desired and could prove to be disastrous. His one-year stop at Tennessee (7-6) was quite disappointing, especially if you consider the reputable and expensive coaching staff. Following the uncertainty at the coaching position both Dillon Baxter and Kyle Prater were second guessing their decisions to play for USC, but Lane Kiffin deserves credit for persuading them to stay. Lache Seastrunk, a once potential high-profile recruit for the Trojans cancelled his visit altogether and for the moment looks as if he is headed to another PAC-10 powerhouse in Oregon.

Florida (13-1) faced a similar scenario as Head Coach Urban Meyer announced his resignation due to health reasons in late December, but a day later decided to take an indefinite leave of absence instead. The expected return of Meyer must have been a key factor for Ronald Powell, the top ranked recruit in the 2010 class, when he picked Florida over USC. It is believed that Sharif Floyd, another highly sought after recruit may have discussed college choices with Powell and chosen Florida so the two can play alongside each other. The pairing should provide the Gators with an extremely solid defensive line for the next couple of years.

Not only will these coaching changes play a role in determining the outcome of the recruiting class, but it also may be a factor in whether college players chose to stay for another year or enter the draft. When Notre Dame let Charlie Weis go, it probably made it easier on Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate to leave as underclassman. As signing day quickly approaches keep a close eye on how these coaching changes and uncertainties are affecting player decisions and team dynamics.

No Comments »

Male Student Athlete of the Week: Troy Leaf

Sport: Basketball Positions: Guard Height: 6’2” Class: 2010 School: Foothills Christian, El Cajon, CA

Foothills Christian guard Troy Leaf broke the all-time leading scorer record for the San Diego Section. Leaf broke the record in a loss to Hoover this past Monday, scoring 21 points on the night and bringing his total to 2,982 points. Leaf has been averaging 29.5 points per, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.9 steals per game on the season. Leaf is committed to UC Santa Barbara. Leaf is currently out with a separated shoulder, but is within grasp on becoming one of only six players in the state to break the 3,000 point mark.

To view Troy’s complete SportsForce profile click here –http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/tleaf

Embed Video Code:

Scouting report and highlight video courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

No Comments »