In the June 10 issue of the Ring boxing magazine, El Paso boxer Antonio Escalante is ranked No. 10 on the list of most exciting boxers in the world.
- Felix
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Baseball/Softball Rankings, April 28
Baseball
Class 5A
1. La Cueva
2. Rio Rancho
3. Eldorado
4. Carlsbad
5. Onate
6. Cibola
7. Las Cruces High
8. Hobbs
9. Sandia
10. Mayfield
Softball
Class 5A
1. La Cueva
2. Rio Rancho
3. Cibola
4. Las Cruces High
5. Carlsbad
6. Sandia
7. Onate
8. Valley
9. Mayfield
10. Eldorado
Class 5A
1. La Cueva
2. Rio Rancho
3. Eldorado
4. Carlsbad
5. Onate
6. Cibola
7. Las Cruces High
8. Hobbs
9. Sandia
10. Mayfield
Softball
Class 5A
1. La Cueva
2. Rio Rancho
3. Cibola
4. Las Cruces High
5. Carlsbad
6. Sandia
7. Onate
8. Valley
9. Mayfield
10. Eldorado
Mine That Bird look back
One year later, Mine That Bird brings back great memories
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
EL PASO — Last year at this time, Mine That Bird was an afterthought for many horse racing insiders.
The now 4-year-old gelding was discarded by many at 50-1 odds at post time of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.
But by the end of the race, Mine That Bird had earned instant fame. Getting a brilliant rail-hugging ride by jockey Calvin Borel on his way to one of the greatest upsets in Kentucky Derby History. Mine That Bird won at odds of 50-1 and returned $103.20 for his loyal backers. Only Donerail’s win at odds of 91-1 in 1913 was a bigger upset.
So a year later, what are the connections of Mine That Bird up to? Owners Mark Allen and Leonard Blach and trainer Chip Woolley are in Louisville, Ky., this week and will be there for the 136th running of the Run for the Roses.
“It’s been a great time so far,” Woolley said. “Being back in Louisville has given me a chance to see some great horses, meet with some friends and just take a step back and remember last year’s race. It was a wonderful race, a very nice reward for all the hard work. Mine That Bird is a good horse, he ran an incredible race. I’m also grateful I’m healthy this year. Last year I was hobbling around on a broken leg and couldn’t do as much. This year is different.”
Mine That Bird joined a select group of horses last year to win the Derby. He is a gelding and other than Funny Cide in 2003, no gelding had won the race since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.
"If someone had given me 100 opportunities to bet on that
race, I would not have picked Mine That Bird with any of those picks,” local racing fan Greg Berry said. “He wasn't on anyone's pre-race radar. But when he began to move, I never saw a horse running faster in the last quarter than he was."
After a brilliant two-year-old campaign in Canada, in which he earned the Sovereign Award as the top 2-year in that country, Blach and Allen purchased the horse for $400,000 and raced the horse twice at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
Mine That Bird ran second and fourth in the Borderland and Sunland Derbies before embarking on his Triple Crown run. After the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird ran second in the Preakness and third in the Belmont. He hasn’t run since finishing out of the money in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“Being back at Churchill this week has brought back so many great memories and feelings,” Blach said. “Obviously, this week there is no pressure and not nearly as many media commitments. The Kentucky Derby is great race, the atmosphere here is unbelievable. To be a part of it even this year is unique. There is so much history and to think about what Mine That Bird did brings a smile to my face.”
Mine That Bird’s win in the Derby and subsequent success in the Triple Crown races was good news for the Sunland Derby. This past March, the Sunland Derby was a graded stakes event, meaning more top-notch horses ran in the race and were Kentucky Derby caliber.
Endorsement and Conveyance both ran in the Sunland Derby and qualified for the Kentucky Derby, although Endorsement suffered an ankle injury and was pulled out of the race.
“The Sunland Derby was already a good race before it got graded,” Woolley said. “To see that race get graded in part because of what Mine That Bird did was a good deal for the track and New Mexico racing.”
The win for Woolley in the Derby was by far his signature win and just how hard is it for a trainer or a jockey to get a win in the world’s most famous race?
One of the country’s top trainers, Todd Pletcher is 0-for-24. D.Wayne Lukas, who is a well-known trainer, was 0-for-12 before his first win and several top jockeys are still don’t own a win.
Mine That Bird is currently in Roswell, where Blach and Allen make their home base. But he will be back in training at Churchill Downs later this month and could run in next month’s Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.
There have been many great upsets in the Kentucky Derby and several close finishes. But there are some who are pushing for the Kentucky Derby to be downsized from 20 horses to perhaps 14. There is also some sentiment that more stock be put in how a horse does as a three-year-old and not as much as a two-year-old. Mine That Bird’s graded earnings and much of his success came as a two-year-old before the Kentucky.
Horses are entered into the race depending on their earnings in graded races.
“Things have gone pretty smoothly over the years in determining who gets in the Derby,” Woolley said. “Sure, there are a few horses that don’t get any, but it’s minimal. Most of the Kentucky Derby winners go on to do well. Mine That Bird proved he was worthy by doing well in Triple Crown.”
Added Blach: “I like how things are now. If they were to change how they determine how you get in the Derby, owners and trainers would really have to work their three-year-olds very hard to get in that race.”
Mine That Bird helped the Kentucky Derby draw 16.3 million viewers for last year’s race, the highest since 1992. He also aided Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in other ways besides helping its signature race become graded.
“Our business for the Triple Crown races were very good, better than in previous years,” said Dustin Dix, the director of racing operations at Sunland Park. “People really got into the Triple Crown and wanted to learn a great deal more about racing. It was a special day last year when Mine That Bird won. It was a great run.
Mine That Bird’s success in last year’s Derby meant different things to many different people. But the victory also reminded sports fans that upsets are part of the sports fabric, particularly in horse racing’s biggest and most-anticipated race of the year.
Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; (915) 546-6374
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
EL PASO — Last year at this time, Mine That Bird was an afterthought for many horse racing insiders.
The now 4-year-old gelding was discarded by many at 50-1 odds at post time of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.
But by the end of the race, Mine That Bird had earned instant fame. Getting a brilliant rail-hugging ride by jockey Calvin Borel on his way to one of the greatest upsets in Kentucky Derby History. Mine That Bird won at odds of 50-1 and returned $103.20 for his loyal backers. Only Donerail’s win at odds of 91-1 in 1913 was a bigger upset.
So a year later, what are the connections of Mine That Bird up to? Owners Mark Allen and Leonard Blach and trainer Chip Woolley are in Louisville, Ky., this week and will be there for the 136th running of the Run for the Roses.
“It’s been a great time so far,” Woolley said. “Being back in Louisville has given me a chance to see some great horses, meet with some friends and just take a step back and remember last year’s race. It was a wonderful race, a very nice reward for all the hard work. Mine That Bird is a good horse, he ran an incredible race. I’m also grateful I’m healthy this year. Last year I was hobbling around on a broken leg and couldn’t do as much. This year is different.”
Mine That Bird joined a select group of horses last year to win the Derby. He is a gelding and other than Funny Cide in 2003, no gelding had won the race since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.
"If someone had given me 100 opportunities to bet on that
race, I would not have picked Mine That Bird with any of those picks,” local racing fan Greg Berry said. “He wasn't on anyone's pre-race radar. But when he began to move, I never saw a horse running faster in the last quarter than he was."
After a brilliant two-year-old campaign in Canada, in which he earned the Sovereign Award as the top 2-year in that country, Blach and Allen purchased the horse for $400,000 and raced the horse twice at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
Mine That Bird ran second and fourth in the Borderland and Sunland Derbies before embarking on his Triple Crown run. After the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird ran second in the Preakness and third in the Belmont. He hasn’t run since finishing out of the money in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“Being back at Churchill this week has brought back so many great memories and feelings,” Blach said. “Obviously, this week there is no pressure and not nearly as many media commitments. The Kentucky Derby is great race, the atmosphere here is unbelievable. To be a part of it even this year is unique. There is so much history and to think about what Mine That Bird did brings a smile to my face.”
Mine That Bird’s win in the Derby and subsequent success in the Triple Crown races was good news for the Sunland Derby. This past March, the Sunland Derby was a graded stakes event, meaning more top-notch horses ran in the race and were Kentucky Derby caliber.
Endorsement and Conveyance both ran in the Sunland Derby and qualified for the Kentucky Derby, although Endorsement suffered an ankle injury and was pulled out of the race.
“The Sunland Derby was already a good race before it got graded,” Woolley said. “To see that race get graded in part because of what Mine That Bird did was a good deal for the track and New Mexico racing.”
The win for Woolley in the Derby was by far his signature win and just how hard is it for a trainer or a jockey to get a win in the world’s most famous race?
One of the country’s top trainers, Todd Pletcher is 0-for-24. D.Wayne Lukas, who is a well-known trainer, was 0-for-12 before his first win and several top jockeys are still don’t own a win.
Mine That Bird is currently in Roswell, where Blach and Allen make their home base. But he will be back in training at Churchill Downs later this month and could run in next month’s Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.
There have been many great upsets in the Kentucky Derby and several close finishes. But there are some who are pushing for the Kentucky Derby to be downsized from 20 horses to perhaps 14. There is also some sentiment that more stock be put in how a horse does as a three-year-old and not as much as a two-year-old. Mine That Bird’s graded earnings and much of his success came as a two-year-old before the Kentucky.
Horses are entered into the race depending on their earnings in graded races.
“Things have gone pretty smoothly over the years in determining who gets in the Derby,” Woolley said. “Sure, there are a few horses that don’t get any, but it’s minimal. Most of the Kentucky Derby winners go on to do well. Mine That Bird proved he was worthy by doing well in Triple Crown.”
Added Blach: “I like how things are now. If they were to change how they determine how you get in the Derby, owners and trainers would really have to work their three-year-olds very hard to get in that race.”
Mine That Bird helped the Kentucky Derby draw 16.3 million viewers for last year’s race, the highest since 1992. He also aided Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in other ways besides helping its signature race become graded.
“Our business for the Triple Crown races were very good, better than in previous years,” said Dustin Dix, the director of racing operations at Sunland Park. “People really got into the Triple Crown and wanted to learn a great deal more about racing. It was a special day last year when Mine That Bird won. It was a great run.
Mine That Bird’s success in last year’s Derby meant different things to many different people. But the victory also reminded sports fans that upsets are part of the sports fabric, particularly in horse racing’s biggest and most-anticipated race of the year.
Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; (915) 546-6374
Endorsement out of Derby
Sunland Derby winner Endorsement will miss Saturday's Kentucky Derby due to an ankle injury. Endorsement won the March 28 Sunland Derby, beating favorite Conveyance. Conveyance is slated to run in the Kentucky Derby.
- Felix
- Felix
More on Mine That Bird
Looks like 2009 Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird could run in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Chuchill Downs on June 12. Mine That Bird hasn't run since the Breeders' Cup Classic last November.
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-
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mayweather vs. Mosley
For you boxing fans out there, don't forget about Saturday night's welterweight clash between Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. The two veterans are two of the best in the world and Saturday's fight promises to be a classic battle.
I still believe Floyd is the better fighter overall and his defensive exploits will be too much. He wins by decision.
Also, keep an eye for Mexican welterweight Saul Alvarez on the undercard. Alvarez is an up and coming fighter, he's just 19, but many consider him to be the next great Mexican icon in the boxing ring.
Any thoughts on Saturday's card?
Felix
I still believe Floyd is the better fighter overall and his defensive exploits will be too much. He wins by decision.
Also, keep an eye for Mexican welterweight Saul Alvarez on the undercard. Alvarez is an up and coming fighter, he's just 19, but many consider him to be the next great Mexican icon in the boxing ring.
Any thoughts on Saturday's card?
Felix
Monday, April 26, 2010
NMSU football story
I'm going out of the box on my blog here by posting a football story. But here is one on a couple of El Paso kids trying to find playing time for the Aggies at New Mexico State.
Felix
Former El Paso high school players trying to make mark at NMSU
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
LAS CRUCES — A pair of former El Paso high school football players are making a push for playing time next fall for the New Mexico State football team.
junior Ruben Escarcega and freshman Jake Swenson are both competing for the Aggies under second-year head coach DeWayne Walker. Both players redshirted last fall.
Escarcega is playing at right tackle, while Swenson is a right guard. Both have seen extensive time on the field during spring practice, which ends May 1 for the Aggies.
Swenson was one of the first players to commit to Walker after the former UCLA defensive coordinator was hired in December of 2008. Swenson attended Montwood High School during his prep career.
Swenson, a 6-foot-6, 314-pounder, said last year’s redshirt campaign it was a learning experience for him and one that he has used to his benefit.
“I got to practice against the first team and I learned a lot about what it will take to be successful at the college level,” said Swenson, who was one of the top linemen in El Paso during his high school career. “It’s been a learning process, but I feel like I’m doing some good things. I just want to get on the field and help the team in whatever situation I can.”
Swenson did suffer a left knee injury and will miss the final week of spring practice.
Escarcega, the former Del Valle standout, spent two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell before signing with the Aggies.
“There is a transition from JC to Division I,” Escarcega said. “But I feel like I have made enough progress and I’m in a spot where I feel I can contribute. I picked up a lot of things last year while sitting out.”
New Mexico State offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier said both players have a chance to contribute in the fall.
“Ruben has made a bunch of progress,” Lenzmeier said. “Right now, he’s the No. 1 at right guard. We did sign a guard who will come in the fall and challenge for a spot, but Ruben is doing some good things. Jake is a big kid, who is young and maturing. I’ve been able to work with him more this spring and he’s picking things up every day. We feel like our depth is good on the line and both of them add to it.”
Last year, the Aggies struggled on offense in every aspect. The team scored just 126 points during a 3-10 season. The Aggies got a new offensive coordinator in Mike Dunbar and both offensive linemen believe the offense will be good.
“We’re doing a variety of things on offense and that will make us more effective,” Escarcega said. “We’re still learning, but making progress.”
The Aggies will attempt to qualify for bowl game for the first time since 1960 under Walker, who was considered an up and coming assistant when at UCLA.
“Coach Walker is a good coach and we believe in what he is doing,” Swenson said. “We are working hard every day and he wants us to be a winner in every aspect.
Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6374
Felix
Former El Paso high school players trying to make mark at NMSU
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
LAS CRUCES — A pair of former El Paso high school football players are making a push for playing time next fall for the New Mexico State football team.
junior Ruben Escarcega and freshman Jake Swenson are both competing for the Aggies under second-year head coach DeWayne Walker. Both players redshirted last fall.
Escarcega is playing at right tackle, while Swenson is a right guard. Both have seen extensive time on the field during spring practice, which ends May 1 for the Aggies.
Swenson was one of the first players to commit to Walker after the former UCLA defensive coordinator was hired in December of 2008. Swenson attended Montwood High School during his prep career.
Swenson, a 6-foot-6, 314-pounder, said last year’s redshirt campaign it was a learning experience for him and one that he has used to his benefit.
“I got to practice against the first team and I learned a lot about what it will take to be successful at the college level,” said Swenson, who was one of the top linemen in El Paso during his high school career. “It’s been a learning process, but I feel like I’m doing some good things. I just want to get on the field and help the team in whatever situation I can.”
Swenson did suffer a left knee injury and will miss the final week of spring practice.
Escarcega, the former Del Valle standout, spent two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell before signing with the Aggies.
“There is a transition from JC to Division I,” Escarcega said. “But I feel like I have made enough progress and I’m in a spot where I feel I can contribute. I picked up a lot of things last year while sitting out.”
New Mexico State offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier said both players have a chance to contribute in the fall.
“Ruben has made a bunch of progress,” Lenzmeier said. “Right now, he’s the No. 1 at right guard. We did sign a guard who will come in the fall and challenge for a spot, but Ruben is doing some good things. Jake is a big kid, who is young and maturing. I’ve been able to work with him more this spring and he’s picking things up every day. We feel like our depth is good on the line and both of them add to it.”
Last year, the Aggies struggled on offense in every aspect. The team scored just 126 points during a 3-10 season. The Aggies got a new offensive coordinator in Mike Dunbar and both offensive linemen believe the offense will be good.
“We’re doing a variety of things on offense and that will make us more effective,” Escarcega said. “We’re still learning, but making progress.”
The Aggies will attempt to qualify for bowl game for the first time since 1960 under Walker, who was considered an up and coming assistant when at UCLA.
“Coach Walker is a good coach and we believe in what he is doing,” Swenson said. “We are working hard every day and he wants us to be a winner in every aspect.
Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6374
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