1495 Sports Magazine by 1495Sports

Greetings Sports Fans: Welcome to the Second Edition of the 1495 Sports Magazine. 1495 Sports has been a part of some amazing events during these last few months. Hopefully this second edition reflects the growth of the site, while capturing the spirit of all of the programs that we were a part of. 1495 Sports has grown to have a Pinterest page, while continuing to remain extremely active on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Just wanted to thank Brad Kurtzberg and Christian Arnold for their invaluable contributions to both the site and the magazine. Also thank you to our fans who made the growth of 1495 Sports to the point to where we were able to cover Arthur Ashe Kids Day, the Runyon 5K and now have a relationship with Family Wrestling Entertainment. Know that everyone involved with 1495 Sports is dedicated to continuing to grow the brand as a positive sports outlet! Looking forward to our continued growth and interactions with our fans! Sincerely,

Stacy Podelski Stacy Podelski Coordinator/Owner 1495 Sports www.1495sports.com

The Magazine

Table of Contents *Kurtzberg’s Corner: Curtis Martin Reflects on His Hall of Fame Career ........................ Page 1 By: Brad Kurtzberg *Ecuador Downs Chile 3-0 in Friendly at Citi Field ............................. Page 3 By: Christian Arnold *1495 Sports Photo tribute to the Chile/Ecuador Soccer match at Citi Field ............ Page 5 By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Inside Look at Family Wrestling Entertainment ................................... Page 7 By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Photo tribute to FWE X at Carle Place, Long Island .............................. Page 10 By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Community Relations Spotlight: The Runyon 5K ................................. Page 12 By: Stacy Podelski *Kurtzberg’s Corner: Defending Champions Still looking for Respect .................................. Page 14 By: Brad Kurtzberg *1495 Sports Photo tribute to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day ............................................. Page 16 By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Photo tribut to the Athletes in Your Community ............................... Page 17 By: Stacy Podelski

By: Brad Kurtzberg Jets fans are looking forward to this weekend

Martin feels it was his competitive nature that helped him to excel despite the fact that he was not in love with the game. “I prided myself on being the best at whatever I needed to do. I’m that type of guy, I’m very competitive even if I don’t like to do something, it’s just I’m determined to be the best at it,” Martin said. “I don’t like second place, I don’t like playing second string. It’s just the way I’m wired.”

when former Jets and Patriots running back Curtis Martin will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Martin has run for 14,101 yards in his career which places him fourth all-time. 10,302 of those yards came in a Jets uniform, which makes him the most productive running back in franchise history. Martin also ran for 90 touchdowns in his career and in 2004, became the oldest player ever to win a single season rushing title at the age of 31.

In 1995, Martin was drafted by the New England Patriots and began a string of 10 consecutive NFL seasons gaining 1,000 yards or more. His first NFL coach, Bill Parcells, had and continues to have, a huge influence on Martin’s life.

In a telephone media conference, Martin reflected back on his career, his debt to Coach Bill Parcells and where his life would be without football. It has been about six months since Martin found out he was being enshrined in Canton, but it still doesn’t seem real to the Pittsburgh native. “It’s just starting to hit me and I have a problem really understand this,” Martin admitted. It’s something that was so far outside of my dreams and aspirations. It probably won’t hit me until I get to Canton.”

“Bill Parcells not only had a huge impact on my career but he had a huge impact on my life,” Martin said. “My career wouldn’t have been half of what it was if it wasn’t for Bill Parcells. I think he not only taught me how to be a running back, but he taught me how to be a professional and not just how to be a professional, but to be a man. He was the first man I looked up to and he’s still a huge part of my life.”

Ironically enough, Martin was not a big football fan growing up and only played the game at his mother’s insistence. “Football was never a dream for me. I ended up playing football just to stay out of trouble and stay alive,” Martin explained. “I grew up in a bad neighborhood and it was always something my mother forced me to do just so I could stay out of the neighborhood that I grew up in...There is a part of me that questions if I would be living or involved in something I shouldn’t have been involved with [without football]...That’s why I say even though I wasn’t a fan of the game and didn’t want to play, that football saved my life.”

One thing Parcells helped Martin with was holding on to the football. In his rookie training camp, Parcells made sure Martin knew how important it was not to fumble the football, something the running back later became known for. 1

“I remember being a rookie and we were in training camp and I fumbled the ball a couple of times,” Martin recalled. “Bill Parcells made me carry the ball for maybe like a week straight everywhere I went. I wasn’t allowed to be seen without the ball. When I was eating lunch, I had the ball in one hand and when I was eating dinner, when I was in meetings, I had the ball in one hand. He told the entire team to knock it out of my hands whenever they saw me and I was penalized if they were able to knock the ball out of my hands, even if we weren’t on the field, even if we were in the meeting room. So I think the attention that is put on me taking care of the ball made me really focus and that was a huge part of my game. I took pride in not fumbling because I felt like giving the ball up was letting my team down.” After three seasons in New England, Martin followed his mentor to New York and signed with the Jets. “The only reason I came to New York was because of Bill Parcells.”

“I think my statistics put me in a place that I don’t necessarily rate myself. I definitely don’t think I am the fourth best running back in the history of the NFL. I think I have the fourth most yards and that’s it. I think there are several running backs who are much more talented and gifted than I am. I don’t say that modestly, but I really think so.” Curtis Martin Martin also had high praise for fellow Pitt Panther and Pennsylvania native Darrelle Revis. “Revis is probably one of the most talented guys in the entire NFL,” Martin said. “To me, he gets my vote for most valuable defensive player in the NFL. That’s a guy 1 who is so talented that the only other person who I would compare to him is Deion Sanders and I actually think he’s a better tackler than Deion was.” Now that he has earned the highest individual honor in professional football, Martin was thinking about his place in the history of the game. “I think my statistics put me in a place that I don’t necessarily rate myself. I definitely don’t think I am the fourth best running back in the history of the NFL. I think I have the fourth most yards and that’s it. I think there are several running backs who are much more talented and gifted than I am. I don’t say that modestly, but I really think so.”

Martin sees some similarities between Parcells and current Jets Coach Rex Ryan. “I think that Parcells and Rex are two guys who are very similar with different personalities. They demand respect and that is similar. I just think they have a different way of expressing themselves. Parcells is a guy who keeps everything close to the vest while Rex Ryan is very outspoken and I think both of their styles are very effective.”

In the end though, Martin will be taking his place this weekend among the all-time greats of the game, an honor Jets fans know he richly deserves.

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Ecuador Downs Chile 3-0 in Friendly at Citi Field By: Christian Arnold

“They played well. Ecuador scored nice goals and they’re very fast. They have such speed, that it’s difficult to stop. But those are virtues that they have and they leveraged them. We have to be able to counter attack those and it’s great merit by Ecuador.” Chilean head coach Claudio Borghi

It was over as quickly as it started. The Ecuadorian National soccer team defeated the Chileans 3-0 in front 31,901 people at Citi Field. It was the second time Ecuador has come to Mets ballpark to play in an international friendly. Last year they took on Greece on June 7th. That game ended in a tie. Tonight was a stark contrast to last years, as Ecuador dominated the play and was able to jump to an early lead in the first half. Narisco Mina scored in the 10th minute off a cross from Jamie Ayovi to give Ecuador a 1-0 lead. It was four minutes later that Ayovi was able to score a goal of his own with Antonio Valencia getting the assist.

“It was great opponent that we faced,” Ecuador’s head coach Reinaldo Rueda said, through a translator, after the game. “Which motivated us a lot. It was a great game with a good result and a lot of intelligence.”

Valencia had several chances of his own throughout the game, but was not able to convert on any of them.

Coach Rueda added that his team felt and confident and he hopes they can continue that for three points in the World Cup qualifiers.

Chile was able to adjust and create some opportunities as the game progressed. Chile looked to have scored their first goal in the second half, but the shot rang off the post and then Ecuadorian keeper Alexander Dominguez saved the rebound.

Chilean head coach Claudio Borghi was very complimentary to the Ecuadorians after the game, saying they were “superior in all senses.” “They played well,” he said. “They scored nice goals and they’re very fast. They have such speed, that it’s difficult to stop. But those are virtues that they have and they leveraged them. We have to be able to counter attack those and it’s great merit by Ecuador.”

Jefferson Montero sealed the win scoring the team’s third goal in the 67th minute off a field length pass from Dominguez. After the game one reporter said it was the best game he has seen Ecuador play.

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Antonio Valencia (r) tallied two assits to help lead Ecuador to a 3-0 victory over Chile during an international soccer match held at Citi Field. Photo by: Stacy Podelski / 1495 Sports

Coming into tonight’s match-up with big question was how well the players would perform on the field. Chile had not played on the Citi Field playing surface before, a practice at the stadium on Tuesday was cancelled, so they only first felt out the surface prior to the start of the game. Ecuador had played here before, but the rain that fell throughout the day added a challenge for both sides.

“I think they performed very well despite the challenges,” he said. “The rain made the field very fast. An area of the field was a little difficult, but they played with great professionalism.”

Rueda praised his team’s ability to quickly assimilate to the field.

He called the trip a great experience. “Our trip here was extraordinary and I was very surprised with the number of Ecuadorians here,” Borghi said.

While Chile’s performance raised some concerns after the game, at least in the eyes of the press, Borghi tried to stay positive and reflect on the chance he and his team had to come to the United States and play against Ecuador.

“I think they performed very well despite the challengesThe rain made the field very fast. An area of the field was a little difficult, but they played with great professionalism.” Ecuador’s head coach Reinaldo Rueda 4

Check out 1495 Sports TV: Video chat Series

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1495 Sports Inside Look at: Family Wrestling Entertainment In order to be successful in the world of profes-

sional wrestling, one must have a colorful character. You need to go beyond the normal self in order to really capture the fans attention and to get them to buy into your character. New York City is considered to be a mecca for most sports, but most importantly for most pro-wrestling fans-the Big Apple has helped to build such iconic companies like the WWE and ECW. Some of the biggest names from Hulk Hogan to Triple H have made their reputation. In 2011, a company called Family Wrestling Entertainment was born right in the heart of the Big Apple. Bringing a blend of upcoming future stars, and veterans that fans have seen on television-the independent wrestling organization vows to bring good quality and family friendly pro-wrestling to their fans. 1495 Sports had the opportunity to get a unique inside perspective of what Family Wrestling Entertainment, or what fans commonly call the company FWE by attending the 10th Show at Carle Place and chatting with some of the stars from the brand. FWE brings not only the energy of the City, but the colorful characters that fans can buy into. Not only that; but the in ring wrestling action from bell to bell has grown the company a cult like following. In an exclusive chat with 1495 Sports to promote FWE X the Director of Talent Relations Mike Law sat down to give his perspective of the company as both an executive and as a former professional wrestler. “Family Wrestling Entertainment brings more family orientated programming and shows to our fans,” said Law. “We bring some of the biggest names to our shows and like to think that we are a homegrown product.” 7

By: Stacy Podelski

Law has done everything from ladder matches to wrestling legends such as Tito Santana now brings his experience and knowledge to what will be the future of professional wrestling. The executive gave members of the 1495 Sports his thoughts on what makes Family Wrestling Entertainment special. “What you are going to find is a little bit of everything. There will be the comedic stuff from guys like Colt Cabana. You have the young guys like Matt Taven, and the high flying of Wes Draven-who can do some incredible things on the ring,” said Law. “When you see one of our cards and you see the talent that we have, these guys and gals are going to go out of their way to give you the most bang for your buck.” Law’s words ran true during the show at Carle Place as every person on the FWE roster gave 1,000 percent in giving their fans their money’s worth. 1495 Sports also had the opportunity to get the perspective from some of the upcoming stars in the company, as guys like ‘The Firebird’ Jorge Santi, Adrenaline Express, Azriel and Draven gave their thoughts on the company as well as what it is like to be a professional wrestler. Santi who is always striving for greatness, the young lion who can bring both a solid areal game along with mat skills spent some time with 1495 Sports in an exclusive one-on-one chat and prior to the FWE X Show in Carle Place.

“I like to make sure that the crowd goes home and feel like their money was well spent,” said Santi in a pre FWE X press conference. “If you want a high flyer, I am your guy. If you want a technical bout I can tie you up in knots.” Santi also had this to say on what his mind frame is before a big match, “I like to try to keep it mellow before I go out to the ring. If you get too excited or anxious you may make mistakes.”

On getting in the ring and wrestling Draven had this to say, “Every time I get into the ring I am very excited. I love professional wrestling. There is always a little bit of nervousness, because you want to make the fans happy.” Some of the more memorable characters Mr. PEC-Tacular Jessie Godderz, Damien Darling, Joey Ace, The Midnight Sensations and Azriel shows love to the fans of Family Wrestling the Funky Fresh Boyz all Entertainment during FWE X. gave 1495 Sports profesPhoto by: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports sional wrestling fans some great interviews.

Azriel, who has spent time in both singles and tag wrestling, brings a Luchador skill set to the ring. The young lion who has been compared to the great Eddie Guerrero shared what it was like to transition from tag to singles competition.

Some of the things that will impress professional wrestling fans about FWE is how easily accessible their stars are. Every single person in the show was available to mingle and interact with fans either prior, during intermission or at the end of the night.

“Psychology is probably one of the biggest adjustments,” Azriel said to 1495 Sports. “In tag wrestling you can rely on someone else, where as in singles wrestling there is just you and your opponent.”

Not only has that but Family Wrestling Entertainment also given back, as part of the proceeds from FWE X went to the Myelin Repair Foundation, which is working hard to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Wes Draven who brings a high-flying martial arts style to the ring on a nightly basis, maybe small in stature but not in spirit, as Draven amazes with is in-ring ability.

With the upcoming FWE Back 2 Brooklyn Show already selling out quickly, and the buzz around the brand growing daily-one knows it is just a matter of time before all of the names on the roster are known everywhere.

“I am trying to show that professional wrestling is not just for the bigger guys, I am trying to show everyone that a little guy like me can hang with the big dogs,” said Draven.

For more information Family Wrestling Entertainment, their stars and upcoming shows fans of are encouraged to check out the official site below: http://www.fwewrestling.com/

Sam Shields of the Midnight Sensations ‘The Firebird’ Jorge Santi

Erica Dee LiBassi and Joey Ace Fans interacting with the FWE Talent

Photos by: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports

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1495 Sports Community Relations Spotlight: The Runyon 5K By: Stacy Podelski

Since 2009 the Runyon 5K will have raised over $2 million dollars, which 100% of all donations to the Foundation are used to support cutting-edge scientific research.

There are many walks and runs that a person can partic-

ipate in to help find a cure for cancer, but for four years now The Runyon 5K allows for baseball fans the opportunity of a lifetime-the opportunity to take in the sights of legendary Yankee Stadium. Staring from The Grand Hall, 4,000 cancer survivors, family members and supporters were able to get a full tour of what is known as the Cathedral of Baseball. Participants were able to explore from the basement level to the upper concourse and even touch the hallowed warning track circling the field where the Bombers won their World Series in 2009. Not only were participants able to get an amazing experience, but they were also helping in finding a cure for cancer, as the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides the brightest and best young scientists with funding so that the devastating disease will be no more.

“The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation supports the most brilliant young scientist across the country,” said Lorraine W. Egan, President & CEO, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation about the Runyon 5K. “We have racers here who are cancer survivors, those who are supporting a family member or a loved one who has cancer today.”

On hand to help support the Runyon 5K were Yankees-greats Ron Blomberg and Mickey Rivers who have both lost loved ones to the disease.

“The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation supports the most brilliant young scientist across the country. We have racers here who are cancer survivors, those who are supporting a family member or a loved one who has cancer today.” Lorraine W. Egan, President & CEO, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

Michael Gargiulo, Anchor, NBC4 New York gives the speech as Ron Blomberg, Mickey Rivers (t) and Lorraine W. Egan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Photo: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports

“It is a very simple thing, to be able to come out here and raise money for the most destructive disease in the world,” said Blomberg about being at the event. “It is an honor for me to be asked to do something like this.” Blomberg who is able to gain a firsthand look at cancer as his son is a physician, while is daughter is a doctor-so the star takes time out to visit hospitals throughout the country to visit children who have cancer. “My goal is to help this cause, my goal is to beat this,” Blomberg said. “Unfortunately I have had a lot of my friends die from cancer-it is a terrible disease and to be able to come out here and do something it is great.”

Rivers, who is remembered as one of the fastest Yankees of all time echoed Blomberg’s sentiments on being a part of the event telling 1495 Sports, “I think it is great to be out here today, it is for a great cause. It is a tremendous day and turnout.” It was in fact a tremendous day, as one only knows it will be a matter of time that with the combined forces of the passionate runners and walkers at the Runyon 5K and the scientist at the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation before a cure is found. Until then there is still a ton of work to do and for those wanting to find out more about the groundbreaking research at the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation are encouraged to check out the foundations website below:

http://www.damonrunyon.org/

Defending Champion Giants Still Looking For Respect By: Brad Kurtzberg No recent Super Bowl champion has re-

If throwing the ball is the key to success in modern NFL offenses, then defensively, the most important thing to do is to stop opposing teams from throwing the ball on you. The best way to do that is by putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the Giants do that as well as anybody in the league. Throw pass rushers like Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul at opposing passers and most are likely to be thrown off their game as the pressure comes at them in waves.

ceived less respect than this year’s New York Giants. Despite winning their second Super Bowl in the last five years, most experts look at the Giants as more like the team that went 9-7-0 during the regular season than the team that beat the Falcons, Packers, 49ers and Patriots to win a title. Sports Illustrated picked them to finish in second place and to miss the playoffs. Pro Football Weekly also have the Giants in second place but at least picked them to make the postseason as a wild card. Sure, these Giants have weaknesses, but in this age of the salary cap and free agency, what NFL team doesn’t? Here’s the thing that many of the so-called experts overlook: the Giants are strong in the right areas of the game and that plus the way the organization is run, are the keys to their consistent success. The modern NFL is a passing game and last year proved that. Ten quarterbacks surpassed the 4,000 yard mark in passing last year and three of them threw for more than 5,000 yards. The Giants have a clutch quarterback in Eli Manning who has no proven that he is indeed in the upper echelon of NFL passers. Manning is cool under pressure and plays his best in big games. He has already won a pair of Super Bowl titles and led his team to late game-winning drives in both of them. 14

If you can move the ball through the air and prevent opposing teams from passing on you, that’s a pretty good way to ensure you will win a lot of football games. The days of “three yards and a cloud of dust”, “run to daylight” and “ground and pound” are more or less a thing of the past. You still need a serviceable running game to win in the NFL, but few teams rely on it as their primary method of attack anymore.

Jason Pierre-Paul waits to interact with fans at the NFL Back To Fooball event, held in Central Park at the end of August. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports The Giants also have great continuity in their organization, something other successful teams like the Patriots, Steelers, Eagles and Packers have also used as a model for consistent success. Coach Tom Coughlin has been with the Giants since 2004 and management doesn’t panic and fire him when the team struggles with injuries or even one slightly less than successful season. General Manager Jerry Reese has been with the organization since 1994 and at his present position with the organization since 2007.

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The franchise has a definite philosophy and direction which they follow religiously despite fans or media outcries that they aren’t doing things the “right way.” Remember last year after the lockout when the Eagles were signing big name free agent after big name free agent and the Giants were losing a few starters but not replacing them with anybody from outside the organization? The fans were angry and the media critical but the Giants stayed the course and got the last laugh. The Giants won the Super Bowl, the Eagles missed the playoffs. Super Bowl hangover is an issue for most title winning teams, but if any team can overcome it, it is the New York Football Giants. The lack of respect they are getting around the league will only help as they start their title defense Wednesday against the Cowboys. 15