With the recent turn in economic events, our initial pitch to potential sponsors was to provide a small fund that would sponsor children of parents who had recently been laid off or lost their jobs to continue in their sporting activities. The sponsor we identified was Generational Equity of Dallas, TX.

Generational Equity was introduced to us as a company rich in philanthropic activity which includes the funding of an orphanage in Nigeria, a Belize faith based mission, and support for fighting colon cancer. Generational Equity also has several ex-collegiate athletes including a member of the 1989 SMU Mustangs football team (the first year after the death penalty).

When Generational Equity agreed to sponsor our initiative, we began to evaluate organizations that could help us connect with the right child athletes. One on our short list was the Dallas Area YMCA Town North branch. Upon reviewing their scholarship programs, we were introduced to an eight-week swimming program they offered that helped provide essential swimming skills to kids who, for a variety of reasons, couldn’t swim.

Though the exposure to a swimming program at the YMCA could serve as inspiration for a child to take up the activity as a sport, we were more convinced that the donation would be put to good use as 100% of the participants would leave the program with essential skills that could mean survival in the right situation.

Town North YMCA Swimming Out Reach

On June 18th 2009, I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Diddy Fullbright and Micaela Gomez on site at their swimming outreach program at the Sierra Vista apartment complex in North Dallas. Sierra Vista was one of the two apartment complexes they selected to reach out to this year.

“Our residents are primarily Hispanic and 95% have children”, commented Margo Rodriquez, manager of the Sierra Vista apartments, “We have found that a large percentage of our resident adults do not know how to swim and do not have the ability to teach their children. This summer, we set out with the YMCA to do something about it.”

The YMCA program conducts four daily swimming classes at the apartment complex’s pool. The classes began this week and run Monday through Thursday until August 9th.

“Between our 2 separate outreach programs, we have over 50 kids learning vital swimming skills. The parents are responsible for a $15 fee for the entire program and the rest is paid for by a donation from Generational Equity,” commented Micaela Gomez of the Town North YMCA. “Each child starts the program with a skills evaluation and finishes the program with a follow up evaluation to measure progress.”

The class that I attended had participants ranging from 3 to 14 years of age that had little to no swimming skills. One very young child had Down’s Syndrome and it was very touching to see the smile on her face as she made progress in one of the water exercises.

Swimming: Sport and Survival Skill

Swimming is a sport that has been put on the world sporting radar screen by the greats who have represented their countries in the Olympic games of the modern era. In a 2006 post, though dated with regards to Michael Phelps, the Top 10 swimmers of all time are highlighted. Swimming is also a sport accessible to all via community and school programs that take transform young people into competitive athletes. However, in addition to being a sport, swimming is a fundamental skill that can be a means of survival for children and adults alike.

Town North YMCA

Town North YMCA was established in 1958 and provides sports related programs for children and adults in the greater Dallas metroplex. Town North YMCA is part of the Greater Dallas YMCA.

Generational Equity

Generational Equity is based in Dallas, TX and is the leader in Merger and Acquisition Services, Business Evaluation, and Exit Strategy Planning for middle market businesses worldwide. Generational Equity provided sponsorships through MidwestSportsFans.Com and DallasSportsFans.Com for the 2009 Summer Swimming Outreach Program by the Town North YMCA of Dallas, TX. Generational Equity has offices in Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Connecticut.

Time: 9:30 PM Eastern Standard

Venue: San Diego Sports Arena, CA

The Fighters

Their Previous Match

The official score cards read: 50-45 and 50-44 and 50-44 for Urijah Faber in one of the most challenging fights Faber had faced in years.  Though the judges scored in Faber’s favor (10-9) for the first two rounds, Jens Pulver landed several significant blows that showed both Faber and the world he was there to fight.  It was the first time in years that WEC audiences had seen someone send a message to Faber–it was the first time in years they had seen a fight go past the 2nd round.  In the third round, however, Pulver, sporting swelling under his right eye, began to fight on the defensive as Faber’s conditioning and fighting style continued at a pace  unexpected by the challenger.  Though Faber finished the 5th round, he knew it was not a fight that would go in his favor.  In an an interview after the fight, Jens admitted that Urijah “dictated the fight”.  Still, he accomplished what no other 145 pounder could accomplish in recent years–he took Faber the distance.

Though the WEC is notorious for exchanges of words both pre and post fight, this one ended with two accomplished professionals complimenting each other on both their abilities and performances in the fight.

Urijah Faber

Until 2008, Urijah Faber simply walked into the ring and eliminated opponents in fraction of the time allotted for his fights.  In 2007, examples of Urijah Faber’s dominance in the extreme cage fighting would include his submission of Dominik Cruz in 1:38 into the first round or Chance Farrar who submitted at the 3:19 mark of round one.  In 2008, however, things changed.

On June 1 of 2008, Urija Faber was take to a decision after rounds in his first encounter with Jens “Little Evil” Pulver.  The fight was exemplary of their strengths and ended in an unrivaled display of sportsmanship where both fighters praised the other’s ability in the ring.  On November 5, 2008, Urijah Faber’s world significantly changed in a first round technical knock out (TKO) he experienced as a result of an explosive set of blows by Mike Brown that not only lost him his title but knocked him off of a pedestal that showcased him as one of the unique and unstoppable fighters in this format.

Jens Pulver

After 30 professional fights and a solid track record in the UFC, Jens Pulver made a statement on December 12, 2007 by defeating Cub Swanson in his WEC debut in a mere 35 seconds via a choke hold.  This quickly sky rocketed him to a title bout with then WEC champion Urijah Faber where he took Faber the distance which forced a decision after five rounds.  Though he lost the decision, he accomplished things no fighter before him had done–he survived the first two rounds with Faber.  Beyond survival, there were several points in the fight where he placed doubts as to whether Faber could beat him and in the end made Faber work harder than he ever had in recent years.

On Nov 5th, 2007, to the surprise of many, Jens Pulver incurred his second defeat in the WEC, by technical knock out (TKO), at the hands of Leonard Garcia.

In an interview posted on Versus site, he stated that he “is excited” and “expects things to be different this time”.

What’s On The Line

Both fighters have ground to make up due to recent losses.  Urijah’s loss in particular was unexpected and cast doubt on him being considered one of the top MMA fighters in the world..   This isn’t one of those “get your confidence back” fights however.  These two fighters are arguably the most skilled 145 pound fighters in the world and they both are fighting to get back what they’ve lost which ups the adreniline and ultimately what is on the line with this fight.  For the winner, it is back on the title track.  For the loser, it could set back dreams for 18 months or more to come.  NOT A FIGHT TO MISS!

To this date, the only time that Urijah Faber has had that had more riding on it was a street brawl in Indonesia where he found himself in a fight for his life.

After being down by two goals in the first period, The Dallas Stars came back to tie up the game in the second period with a clock racing power play pass by Jere Lehtinen to Stars forward Mike Ribiero who buried it for the goal. From there, the game remained at 2 a side throughout regulation play and overtime. Though over a period of tied hockey seems boring, the game featured incredible goal tending performances by both Marty Turco and Jason Labarbera. On one third period play, Labarbera literally robbed Mike Ribiero of a goal line opportunity.

After making it through the first three shooters in the shootout, Mike Modano found himself in a “must score” situation. And that he did which opened the shootout to a sudden death situation. After Vancouver’s Alex Burrows was stopped by Turco, James Neal pulled through under pressure to provide the game winning goals.

With two goals by Mike Modano, one by Ribiero, and a game winner by James Neal, the Dallas Stars showed how they can combine both veteran and rookie talent to bring home a win on the road.

“Mexico is the country with the most NFL fans outside of the United States,” said NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue in a statement. “Our fans in Mexico are knowledgeable and passionate and they are ready for this next step. They have supported our American Bowl games in record numbers and NFL programming has been part of television in Mexico for many decades.”

While traveling in Mexico this holiday break I picked up a copy of an American newspaper called The News. I’ve always enjoyed the paper as they cover current events with a completely different perspective often revealing facts and data that you cannot find in mainstream domestic journalism. Headquartered in Mexico City, the home of a Dallas Cowboys pre-season game in Aug of 1994 which set a record attendance for the Dallas Cowboys at 112,376, it shocked me to see an article that was “down on Americas team”. Though I read it in disagreement, I could not help but nod my head at several points made in the article.

In the sport of golf, there is a simple notion that regardless of how many 300 yard drives a player makes, generally 6″ putts define the game. The article entitled “Dallas Doesn’t Prosper With Excess Star Power” carried the same notion. The 6″ putt? The upcoming Philadelphia game. The 300 yard drives leading up to this? Pacman, T.O., and Romo’s stardom.

Despite the distractions of the media and the personalities that make up the team, the success for the Dallas Cowboys comes down to one game.

After reading the article, it dawned on me that The Dallas Cowboys have more riding on this Philadelphia game tan a shot at the NFC playoffs. What is riding on this game is their international reputation. When an American football team is successful, its fame swells worldwide. In Dallas, we will always stand behind our team regardless of the outcome. But when The Dallas Cowboys enter the NFC playoffs, the bigger win will be felt as support for America’s team reverse worldwide. There is a lot riding on the next couple of games. I am confident that The Dallas Cowboys will use this opportunity to prove to the world who they are!

Do you think it matters what the rest of the world thinks or should we just concentrate on our Dallas fan base?

Eriksson started the week with two goals in an overtime win against the Phoenix Coyotes. His second goal was the overtime game winner. The Swedish born player followed the Phoenix performance by logging his first hat trick in the NHL in a win over Columbus. He finished the week with a goal against Ottawa in front of a home crowd at The American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

Loui Eriksson congratulated by teammates during scoring streak.

The 23 year old NHL forward came to the Dallas Stars organization as a 2nd round draft choice (33rd overall) in the 2003 NHL entry draft. He spent the majority of the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the previous AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, the Iowa Stars. After transitioning to the NHL, Loui Eriksson is now proving his scoring leadership as he skates along side a talented and veteran Dallas Stars forward lineup in the 2008-2009 season.

Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers and Patrik Elias of the New Jersey Devils were named to the “Second Star” and “Third Star” positions.

Loui Eriksson’s Statistics For The Past Five Games

Dallas Stars forward Jere Lehtinen has only logged 194 career penalty minutes.  More importantly, the Dallas Stars forward has yet to log a single penalty minute during the 2008-09 season.  He is not an overly physical player nor is he known for putting game ending hits on opposing players.  So why did the simple act of finishing a hit draw such disbelief from Ottawa head coach Craig Hartsburg?  No one wants to see an injury take place during a game.  But just because a player is shaken up as a result of a completed check, does that mean there has to be an insinuation of foul play?  It shouldn’t as players like Jere Lehtinen are simply trying to contribute to their team by playing an energetic role when the game calls for it.

The Ottawa Senators emerged from tonight’s game victorious in a 5-4 overtime win.  Unfortunately, Daniel Alfredsson did not return to the game due to an upper body injury suffered from the hit.

Sean Avery

Hand picked by Brett Hull, Sean Avery came to the Dallas Stars for the 2008/2009 NHL season under a contract with $15.5 million in incentives over four years. His arrival to Dallas, however, came under scrutiny by fans and players alike. For the 28 year old Canadian born forward, the Dallas Stars would be his fourth team in seven years in the NHL. For the Dallas Stars, his 23 games would prove to be an expensive miscalculation that unsettled the locker room and caused an embarrassing situation for the entire NHL.

Sean Avery likes controversy. Almost as if he sponsored it, DMagazine played up Sean Avery as the most hated player in the NHL in its November 2008 issue. In a league where enforcers and instigators are part of the game, however Avery took the role beyond the limits. Known for on-ice commentary that crossed personal lines, Sean Avery was closely watched by officials and NHL management alike. After a 2007 incident in which he purposely screened New Jersey goal tender Martin Brodier, the league actually created a rule which sought to prevent the incident from happening again. It is known as The Avery Rule. So why would a skilled and fairly clean cut team such as the Dallas Stars take the risk?

After losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2007 season Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Stars were on the prowl for chemistry changers. Bret Hull, a previous teammate and roommate of the feisty Avery, convinced owner Tom Hicks that Sean Avery possessed the character and drive needed by the team.

Dallas Stars fans appreciate players who bring excitement to the game. Whether it be a Brendon Morrow, who balances the role of leader and tough guy, or a Steve Ott, who combines goal scoring and a shake it up style of play, the crowd always comes alive when the glass shakes or the gloves are dropped. As a two-time leader in penalty minutes in the NHL, Sean Avery’s arrival gave rise to one question, “Doesn’t the team already have the role of instigator covered?” After quickly crossing the 400 penalty minute line in November of a lack luster season, it became evident the Dallas Stars probably need a few more pucks in the net and a fewer minutes in the penalty box.

Whether it be his “no show” appearances at a Dallas Stars Fall fundraiser lunch or his penalty minute collection in the first half of the season, rumors in Big D were that Avery was even less of a hit in the locker room than he was for the fans at The American Airlines Center. So on December 2, when Sean Avery decided to solicit a group of reporters in Calgary, Alberta to make derogatory comments about Flames defensemen Dion Phaneauf’s girlfriend, both the NHL and The Dallas Stars organization said enough. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman immediately handed down a 6 game suspension which ended on December 13th, 2008. Midday on December 14th, The Dallas Stars announced that they would be ending their relationship with Sean Avery.
The question at hand is not whether Sean Avery would go or not; the question is what to do with him? If the team decided to try and break their contract based on a conduct clause, they might face legal ramifications down the line that would further distract both players and management. A second option would be to hope his contract is bought out–but who wants a behavior problem at this point in the season. Another option is to send him to the minors to let him mix it up with young players fresh out of the Canadian Western Junior Leagues. The upside is that for every game he missed in the minor leagues, the Dallas Stars would not have to pay him and perhaps he would go away.
The bottom line is that Tom Hicks and The Dallas Stars showed professionalism and class on multiple fronts as they dealt with Sean Avery. First, they took care of the problem quickly. Second, they chose not to disrespect Sean Avery, which would do nothing but add fuel to a fire. They made neutral to favorable statements in the press and wished him personal and professional success as he transitioned to his next role in professional hockey.

What I don’t think Sean Avery realizes is what he has done. There are fans who feel that off-ice commentary should not warrant being suspended or kicked off of a team. After all, when compared with the deeds of proverbial losers such as Todd Bertuzzi and Eddie Shore, Sean Avery’s mere words do not even belong in the same ball park.

What Sean Avery doesn’t realize is that he did not just piss off some suits, a referee, fans, or another player. His actions have put friend and NHL great Brett Hull on the hot seat. It has caused fans to question Brett Hull’s capabilities as a general manager. I would think that the two people active in NHL management that would be on the “respect at whatever cost” list would be Wayne Gretzky and Brett Hull. They were both great players and have great potential in management. In many respects, they made the luxury of playing in the NHL a possibility through their accomplishments. Having disrespected 50% of that list is the negative statistic that Sean Avery should really think about!