Mile High Sports Magazine: November 2012 by Drew Wallace

This Month in the MHS World

Gettin’ Iggy Wid It All-Star shooting guard Andre Iguodala dishes on landing in Denver, Olympic gold, math and pocket squares | As told to Vanessa Hughes Rod Thorn from the Sixers called me and I knew it was something when I saw his name on my phone. I was like, “This isn’t just a ‘You’re doing great’ call.” I knew it was important. He was like, “I know this is kinda crazy timing, with you being in the Olympics, but we decided to move you. You’ll be going to the Nuggets. Dwight Howard will be going to the Lakers and we’ll get (Andrew) Bynum.” We just talked about our past and how we got along and our relationship. We had a great relationship. (He said,) “I’m happy you’re going to Denver. I appreciate everything you did for us and our team; you did a lot more than people recognize or realize. I just want to wish you the best.” We had a really good conversation. It was like 15 minutes. Usually a trade call lasts two minutes. I saw Masai (Ujiri) that morning. He was on the same floor as me. I was like “Hey, what’s up?” After the trade, my agent was like, “We’re going to meet Masai.” I’m like, “That’s so crazy; I just saw him earlier.” I got to the room and he was like, “Man, you don’t even know—I wanted to tell you earlier, but I couldn’t.” He was like five doors down. It was crazy. We all understand, it’s a business. When you’ve been somewhere for so long, you don’t know how to react. Part of me was like, “Yes, I’m glad I got traded”—because of the situation I was in in Philly and for whatever reasons what the perception of me was there, not as a bad person, but just as a player. At the same time, I feel like we’d just gotten over the hump (in Philadelphia), and we were going to move forward; I was really confident. In Philly, I was pretty much like the point guard. I led the team in assists. If they had the hockey assist (in the NBA), I’d have a lot more assists. I initiated the offense to get everything going. That was my role and I was really criticized for it. So when the first thing they want you to do is pass, you start passing first and scoring became secondary. So on this team, I’ve got to get my confidence back. Shoot first, pass second and just be on the attack and be aggressive. The NBA’s kind of like a fraternity; you know all the guys. That’s the first thing I thought: I’m back with Andre Miller in the high-speed offense, so this should be a lot of fun. Those were the best years of my career. People don’t understand how important a point guard is to a lot of players. He’s part of the reason that I was able to get the contract I got (with the Sixers), because I was really effective; he made the game easier for me.

Ty (Lawson) and I have a mutual friend. Two summers ago, we met up and played cards at a friend’s house (in L.A.). I’m talking smack to him, he’s talking smack back and we hit it off pretty well. Ty doesn’t know I’ll always remember him. I said, “I’ll never forget you because of the way you tried to cheat.” He always tries to mess up the game (laughs). He’s a sneaky guy. (At the Olympics), we had to build camaraderie in a short span of time. People don’t realize that. Teams like Argentina have been playing together since they were like 15 years old. They’re like 34–35 years old, so they’ve been together almost 20 years. We were together for six weeks. We had to really come together as a team, sacrifice for one another. That whole process was really what it was about for us and it was great. (An) NBA championship would be the peak. That’s the ultimate goal I think for any player in the NBA if you’re passionate about the game. It’s so hard to win an NBA championship. A lot of great players haven’t had the opportunity— Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley. Guys that have really been on top of their game for a long time never got a chance to even compete for it. Some guys never get to the Finals. For me to get there, that would cap off my career. My son has (my Olympic gold medal). It’s sitting on the dresser in L.A. My jersey is on top of it; everybody signed it. And my medal is underneath it. I’ll probably put it in a safe deposit box. I might get a duplicate and have it around the house. (My son), Andre II, he’s five now. And (my daughter), London, is three. I’ve got a great relationship with both (of my kids). Andre’s playing basketball now. He just had his first practice last week so that’s kind of funny. He’s in L.A. Seems like when I was in the Eastern Conference, whenever we played against Western conference teams, whenever we went on road trips, my numbers always got up higher and higher. I was like, “I would love to play in this conference because the style of play would fit me.” So now that I have the opportunity, I’m just trying to make the most of it. There will be some really good battles. There are a lot of good two-guards in the Western Conference. From Kobe Bryant, of course, to Kevin Durant, you go down the line. Eric Gordon, who’s underrated, is one of the best scorers in our league. Night in, night out, you can look for high-scoring games and you’re November 2012 | milehighsports.com

This Month in the MHS World going to be competing against some guys who can shoot the ball. OKC’s an up-and-coming group. It will be interesting to see how they grow together or if they grow apart. The San Antonio Spurs put themselves in the mix year in and year out. They probably have one of the greatest coaches of our time, Gregg Popovich. People seem to count out the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have a really good team. I think (other NBA) teams know how good we are. We’re trying to fly under the radar right now. We’ve still got some growing to do together. I’ve got to learn the guys; they have to learn me. That’s a goal of mine—(to be an NBA All-Star again). The first thing you have to take care of is winning. If you (only) make it once, I call it “the fluke.” If I make it there most of the time throughout my prime, I’m 28, maybe until I’m 33-34, and I can sneak in an NBA championship there, I’ll call it quits. My body can play till I’m about 40, but this grind is crazy on you mentally. That’s definitely a goal of mine in the next few years. I don’t love the nickname, but it’s to the point now where I don’t really care. They’ve been calling me “Iggy” since Pop Warner football. It came from my brother because they called him Iggy. He was older than me. He and I were complete opposites, so I didn’t want to be in the same category as him. I’m 28 now and they still call me Iggy, so it doesn’t bother me much anymore. I like Andre or ’Dre. Most people call me ’Dre, but Andre Miller’s on the team too and everybody calls him ’Dre. I don’t want to be called “A.I.” (as in Allen Iverson), either. “Nine,” (my number), is fine. Nine sounds good. Denver is an outdoor city. The sun is always out. Where I live, I just look out my window and people watch. The people are so nice. Everyone smiles. I came from Philly, so it’s a little different. It’s weird. Everybody I walk by says, “Hi.” Everybody’s smiling, (asking) “How’s your day going?” I’m right downtown, all settled in. It took me one day to find my place. It was easy. I’m not a fan of looking around, so you give me three or four options and we’ll go with this one and if I find something better later, we’ll work that down the line in the offseason. I enjoyed math and my math teacher in high school said you should be a math teacher. In college that was going to be my major, but I left after my sophomore year. I just got in contact with the people at (University of) Arizona about going back to school. They have a great business program and lately I’ve been really into finance. I had an internship last summer with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch in private banking. It was in New York. I shadowed a venture capitalist one day. I (also) shadowed a hedge fund manager. So that was really intriguing and I really

milehighsports.com | November 2012

enjoyed that experience. I’m just trying to open up as many avenues as possible so when I’m done playing, I can go in whatever direction I feel like. I follow a lot of different tech stocks and consumer product stocks. My business manager and I have a business plan. Athletes need a lot of help in this area as far as managing their money and I have a great relationship with a lot of the young players, so possibly (I’ll be) helping some young guys out in that aspect. My stylist just left (Denver). He just cleaned my closet out. Oh my goodness. It was like a four-day project. It was crazy. The West is a little different than the East Coast feel. I feel like the East Coast, especially Philly, has a lot of culture so you can mix it up a lot. Whereas here, it’s a little bit more laid back. I feel like the Europeans, the way they dress and their appearance, it’s versatile. It always looks well and won’t look out of place, so we’re going with that look now. It’s kind of a European theme. Not really the fit, but the look. We’re doing a lot of blazers with jeans or blazers with slacks and pocket squares, not too many ties. A nice, clean look. I’ve really been into golf. I’ve played a lot this summer. I’m not good, though. I’ll be good in about four or five years, so I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ve always had a passion for reading. I did a book drive in Philadelphia, so I’m going try to continue something like that here (in Denver). Definitely for young kids, getting them to enjoy reading because for most kids it’s like dreadful to read. You get them to enjoy it and then they’ll learn something from it—that’s the ultimate goal. My favorite author, if I had to pick one, is Malcolm Gladwell. I’ve read all of his books. There haven’t been too many authors where I’ve read multiple books by the same author. He’s had five or six books and I’ve even read a few of his essays. I’m a foodie. I like sushi and Asian bistro restaurants a lot. I like going to the movies. I try to see a lot of different movies. I’ve seen He Got Game so many times. I know it word-for-word. Catch Me If You Can was a great movie. Friday was one of my favorite movies. Love and Basketball was awesome. I’ve seen that a million times. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a great movie.

Follow Iguodala @mindofai9 @mindofai9 www.mindofai9.com

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milehighsports.com | November 2012

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DEPARTMENTS nOtebOOk

16 TimeouT WiTh… Corey BreWer

One-on-one with the Nuggets forward By Robin Carlin

18 you Should KnoW… Jim Gillen

Denver Nuggets head athletic trainer/travel coordinator By Chris Bianchi

20 A liGhT AT The end of The Tunnel

The Rockies down season could be the start of something big By James Merilatt

22 World ClASS

Denver fields a winner at FIBA 3X3 World Tour By Doug Ottewill

24 dreW’S neWS

The cartoonist’s unique take on Colorado sports By Drew Litton

26 CompAre And ConTrAST

Who are the Nuggets, and who can they become? By Robin Carlin

28 WACKy TrAdiTionS in SporTS Fans do some crazy things By Lisa Belkov-Snyder

30 mAKe iT A movemBer To rememBer

Use your soup strainer to raise awareness and research funds By Steve Quinne

32 youTh movemenT

The Rapids spent the 2012 season getting younger By Chris Bianchi

34 The WeeKend WArrior: reC hoopS Guy Presented by CU Sports Medicine

36 norm’S noTeS

An equal opportunity offender

38 Good STuff / BAd STuff

What we like / don’t like about sports this month

40 BiG Boy Toy

For Derek Wolfe of the Broncos the bigger the better By Doug Ottewill

42 The plAyer - JAmie SmiTh

MHSM Scouting Report By Doug Ottewill

44 home SWeeT home

Broncos tight end Joel Dreessen returns to his roots By Julie Browman

48 A SporTS QueSTion from

A BeAuTiful Girl – KAilA evenoff

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Presented by GO Guide

Why are there three periods in hockey?

OpiniOnS

54 Bold in Gold

The Nuggets set sights atop the West By Doug Ottewill

50 Behind The Wheel – STeve heSS

56 1977

The best year of my life By D-Mac

58 CAllinG iT liKe he SeeS iT

Taylor Branch calls the NCAA onto the carpet By Ken Reed

Letter from the editor

Out of the Box The Nuggets do it differently

t the risk of sounding less than impartial, I’ve got a confession to make: I love the Denver Nuggets.

If you’ve read my garble during the past 10 years, you probably already knew that. I know; it’s not cool for media types to profess their affection for any team they’re covering. Heaven forbid anyone with a pen and a forum have a rooting interest. Objectivity is rule No. 1 in J-School, a place I’ve never been. My desire to see the Nuggets win stems from a lifelong relationship with the team. Before I was born, my dad tried out for the Denver Rockets on a whim. I had a Maxie the Miner pennant on the wall of my bedroom. As a little hoopster, I attended the old Denver Pro Basketball Camps, where guys like Mike Evans, Blair Rasmussen, Elston Turner, Kiki Vandeweghe and Bill Hanzlik would show us how to dribble, pass and shoot. When I was in college, my mom began buying season tickets, and she and I have been going to Big Mac or Pepsi Center ever since. And when we started publishing Mile High Sports Magazine back in 2002, everyone from Jeff Bzdelik to Kenyon Martin has been accommodating —win or lose. It’s true; the Nuggets are my team. But that hasn’t ever stopped me from being objective. It’s never stopped me from bemoaning the fact that for more than a decade, Denver has never had a true, sharp-shooting two-guard. I liked Nene the person, but couldn’t stand Nene the player. And I pull for George Karl like no other coach, but I won’t try to convince you he’s Phil Jackson until he wins that elusive ring. But objectivity doesn’t always mean being critical. And for me, when being objective and being a fan meet, it’s a beautiful thing. Here’s what I observe about the Nuggets that I appreciate as a fan: The Nuggets don’t make excuses. They’ve never whined about the fact that Denver is not a preferred, “superstar destination.” They don’t complain about being a small-market team. They’ve never subscribed to the theory that an NBA franchise can’t win without a megastar paired with another superstar, maybe two.

The Nuggets don’t make excuses. Instead, they’ve accepted the landscape of today’s NBA and worked hard to build a winner despite it. They’ve been creative through the draft and free agency. They’ve subscribed to out-of-the-box thinking, refusing to believe that winning a championship can only be done a certain, proven way. And they’ve remained competitive even though they lost their franchise player; there was no “rebuilding” phase.

If and when the Nuggets ever win a title, they’ll have done it by being smart, tough and disciplined—not flashy. And they won’t lose by giving up or buying into the notion that an NBA title will never find its way to a place like Denver. Will they win one? This year, it’s not likely; although they’ve got a puncher’s chance. That’s objective. But it’s also all a fan can ask of his team. On Oct. 1, I received a text from Dan Mohrmann, one of our staff writers. “How much for your yellow Gallo jersey?” he inquired. I didn’t own one—that I knew of. But apparently, the Nuggets elves had brought a few gifts over to the office.

They were sprinkling a little “gold” on everyone, in celebration of the team’s gold jerseys, a brilliant new addition to the season inspired by none other than Josh Kroenke. By my estimation, the ideas of Kroenke, paired with those of general manager Masai Ujiri, are always out of the box—bold and many times gold. I’d been given a new jersey—a nod to the past, but with a mindful eye on what’s ahead. But I wasn’t about to sell it. That’s my team.

Doug Ottewill Editor-in-Chief

THE BIG THREE (OTTEWIll’S GOlD, SIlVER AND BRONzE RECOMMENDATIONS) GOLD – NOODLES (p.80) – Jon Ackerman sits

down at Noodles with Kenneth Faried (no joke) to talk life, hoops and living in Denver.

milehighsports.com | November 2012

SILVER – THE NEW GUY (p. 1) – You probably already saw it (flip a few pages back), but Vanessa Hughes’ Q&A with Andre Iguodala is revealing and refreshing.

BRONZE – THE WHEEL (p. 66) – Pencils Robinson goes Philly-style with Colorado’s best prep reporter, Neil Devlin.

Contributors

ADVERTISING SALES Account ExEcutivEs Chris Dolge – The Buffalo Braves. Will McKinlay – The ones with the short shorts.

DISTRIBUTION

tHis MontH’s toPic: WHAT’S THE BEST BASKETBALL UNIfORM Of ALL TIME?

Story Behind the Story Featuring photographer Don Cudney Don cudney has been to a lot of photo shoots. He’d be the first to tell you that the experience isn’t anything like what we see on television. You don’t get to shoot all day. there’s rarely a catered luncheon with several varieties of caviar. there might be a nice car outside, but a limo would be unusual. And there’s never (if anyone can help it) a guy yelling, “Work it, baby! Make love to the camera!” that’s definitely not the case when shooting the modern athlete. When they’re ready to shoot, it’s Bam! Bam! Bam! And it’s over. before they arrive it’s a whole lot of… …hurry …up …and wait.

his actual number. the public learned of the new gold uniforms on oct. 1; we took photos on sept. 7. furthermore, neither Mile High sports nor Don had ever photographed faried. since college, he seemed to be one of the more animated figures in all of sports, a trait that every photographer cherishes. true to form, faried was as good as advertised. the antics that nuggets fans see on the court were on full display, and Don captured the essence of faried perfectly. And the second-year power forward was in no rush, either. He was a great sport, taking plenty of time to make sure everyone got what was needed. After the shoot, we were sworn to secrecy—no tweeting, no facebook posts, no leaking of any kind. As such, Don waited.

but the cover of the magazine you’re holding was done differently. to begin, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Although nothing had been released to the public at the time, we were privy to a secret: the nuggets were going to unveil a new uniform and we’d been granted permission to photograph kenneth faried in the slick, never-before-seen duds. in fact, the jersey that he was wearing that day was so new, that it didn’t even feature

milehighsports.com | november 2012

normally the first one to share his creations with twitter followers (@doncudneyphoto) and fans, Don did what he was asked: He sat on the photos and showed no one. finally, on oct. 1, he was allowed to share. And now, you hold the secret in your hands. Here’s a shot of Don and kenneth—right after someone yelled, “that’s a wrap!”

Distribution coorDinAtor Amber Merilatt – Wyoming Cowboys away “browns.”

EDITORIAL

RADIO

EDitor-in-cHiEf Doug Ottewill – Manual Thunderbolts. sEnior EDitors Brian Dvorak – Golden State Warriors’ “The City” jerseys. Michael Stock – Harlem. Followed closely by the Generals. Ted Yhedri – Boston Celtics. contributing EDitors Clinton Doaks – Minneapolis Lakers. Norm LaChatlier – 2012 Baylor Bears. What? Drew Litton – Space Jam’s “TuneSquad” unis. Red Schaefley – New York Knickerbockers (home whites). contributing WritErs Jon Ackerman – Blue rainbow skyline Nuggets jerseys from the Alex English era. Chris Bianchi – I hate you Doug. Gimme the Brooklyn Nets. Julie Browman – Nuggets baby blues. Robin Carlin – Ole Miss Rebels. Jimmy Cautosin – LSU Tigers. Vanessa Hughes – Minnesota Timberwolves. D-Mac – Celtics nut huggers. Daniel Mohrmann – North Carolina baby blues. Woody Paige – Tennessee Vols. Steve Quinne – San Diego Clippers. Ken Reed – UCLA Bruins. Simple. Classy. Cool colors. Championships. Pencils Robinson – George Washington Patriots. Pat Rooney – Chicago Bulls. forMEr ProofrEADEr Laura Rothenfeld – Cleveland Cavaliers (Craig Ehlo style). contributions MHSM will consider, but assumes no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, manuscripts, photographs and illustrations. All such materials not accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope will not be returned. Haas Rock Publications, LLC retains all reprint rights for submitted materials.

stAtion MAnAgEr Casey Light – Wheat Ridge Farmers (Dave Logan vintage).

CREATIVE

Mile High Sports 975 Lincoln Street, Suite 201 Denver, CO 80203

WorkHorsE 45 Shane George – Des Moines Dragons (biased). Drew Wallace – Jerry West’s baby blue Lakers. contributing PHotogrAPHErs Jathan Campbell – Denver Nuggets navy (alternates). Don Cudney – Vintage Nuggets. Getty Images – L.A. Lakers. Randy Parietti – Denver Rockets. Bill Swartz – French High Buffaloes.

ExEcutivE ProDucEr Josh Pennock – Cleveland Rockers. It’s a shame the WNBA couldn’t make it work in Ohio. RIP Rockers. on-Air Hosts Marcelo Balboa Lance Britton Brian Brown Irv Brown Peter Burns Conner Cordova Dario J. Correa Jimmy Doogan Josh Dover Garrett Duman “Coach” Eklund Andrew Fogoros Eric Goodman Kurt Hansen Travis Heath Lindsay H. Jones Meegan Kiefel Adam Kinney Mark Kiszla

Mark Lammey Reed Marks Jason McBride Matt McChesney Mark McIntosh Renaud Notaro Zach Pugh Joe Rico Marcello Romano Todd Ross Jenny Dean Schmidt Matt Sierra Lisa Snyder Brandon Spano Gil Whiteley Dan Williams Joe Williams Andy Zodin

HAAS ROCK PUBLICATIONS PrEsiDEnt James Merilatt – Hickory Huskers. Accounting Kathy Merilatt – SMU Mustangs, the Koncak Years. in-HousE LEgAL counsEL William T. Sawyer, Esq. – Harvard Crimson. legal@milehighsports.com

Cast Your Vote!

PICK THE SNOW ANGELS COVER GIRL MODEL in november, Americans are deciding the leader of the free world. but that’s not the only important election taking place. MHSM readers will also be determining who will grace the cover of our 10th annual snow Angels issue in December. With nearly 50 candidates to choose from, it won’t be an easy choice. so log onto milehighsports.com, see the options and exercise your all-American right to vote!

ANYONE NEED A

Cold

oNE? Hoops FANs, MEET

CArlA. She’s got you covered this season. And more importantly, she’s got cold Coors Light. Carla wants to make this basketball season memorable with cold Coors Light. So if your idea of a good time involves raining threes, thunderous slam dunks and lightning fast action, hail Carla. She’ll help you celebrate a win with Coors Light as cold as the Rocky Mountains. Photo taken at Sports Column, official home of Denver’s best sports fans, Carla and Coors Light.

Q&A with

JOSH KROENKE

THE FACE

p.60

OF THE

HOCKEY 2012

Mailbox HOCKEY

JOSH KROENKE

THE BRONCOS

DAN O’DOWD

JORDAN KEALI, BRONCO BILLY, KEN REED, AND WHATEVER ELSE WAS ON YOUR MIND

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GAME FACES The 10 people to watch this season

PANNING FOR GOLD

The history behind the CC-DU trophy

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Bringing equality to the ice

WHAT YOU ACTUALLY WROTE US ABOUT

HOCKEY

THE BRONCOS

While the cover shot of your last issue was phenomenal, I find that writing or talking about hockey at this point fairly useless. I appreciated your efforts to still cover the sport—sans Avs—but (excuse my bluntness) I just don’t seem to care. The Eagles? College hockey? And this new Cutthroats team? Please. Football is all I really need to get me through hockey “season.” What a pathetic joke the sport is becoming. Sit this season out, dummies. None of us care. Jerry Webster, Denver, Colo.

I know you guys over at Mile High Sports are busy with all things sports, but I was wondering if you are as emotionally exhausted by this Broncos season as I am already. This is one whale of a rollercoaster and it’s barely midway through! Vince Martinez, Submitted via email Editor’s Note: Vince, we’ve invested in once-perweek counseling for the staff, plus a masseuse comes to the office on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you’re strong enough, check out milehighsports.com, where Chris Bianchi and his staff of junior sports maniacs are busily posting something about the orange and blue about every 37 seconds.

How about shooting me an email when your next issue comes out. In 2013, my wish is that you just nix the hockey coverage and give us more Broncos. Burt Szotaberg, Northglenn, Colo. I really enjoyed Dan Mohrmann’s piece on the Gold Pan Trophy and the rivalry between CC and DU. Without question, it was a tidbit of local sports trivia of which I was unaware. The irony, however, is that for such a “great” tradition, I don’t believe many people are aware of it. Maybe Denver isn’t that hockey hotbed we’d like to think we are. J.T. Krantz, Submitted via email

THINGS WE WISH YOU’D WRITTEN US ABOUT

Boy, oh, boy! Isn’t it great watching the Buffs return to greatness? Wish in one hand…

Editor’s Note: So, my takeaway from last month’s feedback is that everyone is about as apathetic toward hockey as I suspected. For the record, the majority of our hockey correspondence is of the “I don’t care” variety (as sampled above). While hockey is certainly a great sport, I question—as your editor—the value in putting together a “hockey” issue. Those of you who truly enjoy our efforts to talk puck, you’d better let me know ASAP. Otherwise, the old hockey issue may go the way of the NHL—on ice.

Gil Whiteley always says he has a “relationship” with his celebrity callers. What does that mean? That definition rests somewhere between kidney donor and grocery store checker.

JOSH KROENKE In reading Woody Paige’s one-on-one with Josh Kroenke, I found myself liking this young man more than I’d originally anticipated. The trap for a youngster like Josh, who comes from a very affluent family, is to indulge in the benefits provided by previous generations. Clearly, Josh did not do this. It would have been easy for any kid with the last name of “Kroenke” to sit back and lack drive or vision. It’s obvious that Josh Kroenke avoided those pitfalls. The Nuggets and their fans should be proud to have a young, ambitious owner. Ulysses T. Johnson, Submitted via email Editor’s Note: Couldn’t have said it better myself, U.

DAN O’DOWD Correct me if I’m mistaken, but did I see that James Merilatt referred to the Rockies’ Dan O’Dowd as a “Great Boss?” Jim, Submitted via email Editor’s Note: Anonymous “Jim,” thanks for the note. And, yes, you saw that right. Surely this is one of our wiseacre radio callers who simply swiped a Yahoo! email address just to keep things interesting. Or perhaps not…

editor@milehighsports.com 12

milehighsports.com | November 2012

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8 THINGS YOU’LL LEARN iN THE NOTEBOOK

your local sports radio lineup

The Nugget head trainer doubles as the team’s travel agent. (p. 18)

Dexter Fowler made himself a lot of money in 2012. (p. 20)

Somewhere in the Netherlands, there’s a Dutch version of Dr. Naismith. (p. 22)

Jocks-turned-announcers aren’t the brightest bulbs on the string. (p. 28)

Having a mustache increases a man’s earning potential. (p. 30)

NOT EVERYONE IS A FAN OF THE LOVABLE MASCOT OF THE ROCKIES. (p. 38)

Fixing the ice requires a hockey game to be three periods. (p. 48)

For some people, an hour of cardio per day just isn’t enough. (p.50)

LEADERBOARD What’s up? What’s doWn?

Denver nUGGeTS

Heading into the season, the blue and yellow are a trendy pick in the West.

milehighsports.com | November 2012

ColoraDo avalanChe While the NHL lockout continues, the Avs are out of sight and out of mind.

Timeout With

COREY BREWER Denver Nuggets Forward | As told to Robin Carlin

My dad put a light outside on our basketball court, so my brother and I used to play basketball outside at three o’clock in the morning.

I hate when people dIg In theIr nose In publIc.

I’m from the country. I mIss the land and the trees. If I wasn’t playIng basketball, I’d be farmIng. we raIsed tobacco, corn, soybeans–all kInds of stuff. and we had a couple of cows and some horses runnIng around In the barn. we also had chIckens, goats and a bunch of pIgs.

I’m not a bIg car guy; I lIke trucks. I have a sIlverado that’s raIsed up wIth bIg tIres.

I have a mInI-bulldog named ChIef, and a pet goat named bIlly. I was a Dallas Cowboys fan when I was a kid, but now I like the Tennessee Titans—they came to town in 1999, so I’ve been a big fan since then.

I Was an I love the bahamas InDIana Winning the national my mom makes these pork PaCers Fan championship—two of them—in 2006 chops with green beans and mashed and 2007 during my groWIng sophomore and junior potatoes—that’s my favorite. year at Florida were uP. I lIkeD my favorite college reggIe memories. I go back I played football and ran track in high school. I ran there every summer. I admIred the 200, the 400, and I was the state high-jump MIller. It’s great. champion. I jumped 6-foot-9. steve mcnaIr. My little boy, Kellen (“Kb”), always waKes up and says, “daddy, daddy, i love you.” it’s really cute.

lately, I’ve been lIstenIng to hunter hayes’ “wanted” and a lot of 2 chaInz. 16

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Life Is my favorIte movIe. I love I’m crushIng on eddIe murphy. ever sInce hIgh school, me and my frIends would quote that movIe.

eva mendes.

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YOU SHOULD KNOW WHO:

Jim Gillen WHat:

Denver nuggets heaD athletic trainer/travel coorDinator WHY: From the days of Dikembe mutombo’s finger-wagging, through the horror years of the late 1990s, on to the Carmelo Anthony era and to the young and talented nuggets of today, there perhaps has only been one constant through all those teams, coaches and uniforms: Head athletic trainer Jim Gillen. ¶ in his 22nd year of overseeing the nuggets’ trainers, Gillen is just as important to the nuggets’ success today as he was when the nuggets upset the Supersonics back in 1994. The Kansas native crossed town in the early ‘90s to join the nuggets after working in the Broncos’ strength-andconditioning department in the late ‘80s under famed trainer Steve “Greek” Antonopulos. ¶ Gillen’s job today is filled with different responsibilities. From working with strength-andconditioning coach Steve Hess to booking the team’s hotels on the road, Gillen is one of the many unsung heroes behind the baby blues. ¶ But while Gillen puts in long hours at Pepsi Center—up to 80 hours a week in-season—Gillen also finds time to donate his time and money off the court as well. Gillen founded the High School Athletic Trainer Award scholarship nine years ago, which annually grants a $2,000 award along with an Automated external Defibrillator (AeD) to three high school training programs. ¶ “i’ve always wanted to give back,” Gillen said of his motivation for starting the foundation. “High school athletic trainers have the same background as i do, but they have to struggle with supplies. There’s no money there for anything.” by Chris bianChi

@chrisdbianchi

The (currenT nuggeTs Team is) so young and They wanT To do whaT’s righT. They seem To have a differenT level of appreciaTion for whaT you do for Them. in 22 years, This mighT be The besT Time To be in This organizaTion. - Jim gillen

milehighsports.com |November 2012

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A Light at the End of the Tunnel The Rockies down season could be the start of something big | By James Merilatt

ow bad was the Rockies season? In the end, they couldn’t even lose right. At the end of a 2012 campaign in which Colorado became irrelevant before Memorial Day, fans had only one thing to root for down the stretch—reaching the 100-loss plateau. But a 13-inning victory in the 160th game of the year kept that “dream” from being realized, ensuring that the “Year of the Fan” didn’t deliver one high note for those who don purple apparel. But that doesn’t mean the season was a total loss. While everyone was busy tuning out the Rockies, the team was showing some positive signs. In the midst of the worst season in franchise history, there were glimmers of hope for the future. Their outfield should be set for years to come. Carlos Gonzalez just turned 27 and is fresh off his first All-Star campaign. Dexter Fowler will be 27 by the start of next season and he just completed the breakout season Rockies fans had been looking for from the center fielder, flirting

.285/12/56 “ We know where our weaknesses lie and we have challenged everyone in the organization to get this fixed!” – rockies owner Dick Monfort, in an email to season ticket holders during the 2012 season

with .300 all year long. And Tyler Colvin, also 27, solidified his spot in right field by showing he could hit for average (.293) and had a little pop in his bat (18 HRs). The infield is also loaded. Troy Tulowitzki had a disappointing season, to say the least, as injuries limited him to only 47 games. But at only 28, he’s still one of the best young players in the game. And it appears as though Colorado has found his double-play mate, with 23-year-old Josh Rutledge looking like he’ll be a permanent fixture at second base. Jordan Pacheco, who will be 27 in January, proved to be a .300 hitter and a versatile option at either corner position, while Chris Nelson, also 27, started to live up to his first-round potential with a 100-hit and .300 batting average season. The biggest highlight from the season, however, occurred behind the plate. For years, the Rockies have been in search of “the catcher of the future,” trotting out prospects like Chris Iannetta, Jayhawk Owens, Ben Petrick and

others, only to see a serious of misfortunes derail their careers. But in 2012, Wilin Rosario finally was able to break the pattern. The “Baby Bull,” who will be 24 by the start of next season, provided the biggest power bat in Colorado’s lineup, slugging 28 home runs during his rookie campaign. Will this spell success down the road? Time will tell. But keep in mind, the Rockies have a history of bouncing back from terrible seasons. Prior to this year, the most losses Colorado had endured in a season was 95; they reached that level of futility in 1993 (their inaugural campaign) and 2005. In each instance, the Rockies were in the postseason two years later; they earned a wild card berth in the strikeshortened 1995 season and enjoyed their unforgettable “Rocktober” run in 2007. Yes, 2012 was terrible. But perhaps the foundation was built for a big run in 2014.

@jamesmerilatt

The batting average, home run and RBI totals for Nolan Arenado, the Rockies’ top minor-league prospect, this season in Tulsa (AA)

cashing in

The highesT-paid cenTer fielders in baseball

The only downside to Dexter Fowler’s breakout season? It came in a contract year, meaning the rockies are going to have to open the checkbook to keep him in purple pinstripes. How much? Here’s a list of the five center fielders with the largest salaries in Major League Baseball in 2012:

MaTT KeMp (DoDgErs)

adaM Jones (orIoLEs)

$20,000,000

$14,250,000

milehighsports.com | november 2012

Josh haMilTon (rAngErs) Yoenis cespedes (A’s)

andrew MccuTcheon (PIrATEs)

$12,000,000

$8,580,000

$9,000,000

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World Class

Denver fields a winner at FIBA 3X3 World Tour | by Doug Ottewill Here’s something else you probably didn’t know: Denver was oh-soclose to having yet another world champion.

ere’s something you probably didn’t know: FIBA, which is essentially the organization that governs basketball on an international level, recently launched a global three-on-three basketball tournament. Similar to local events such as “Hoop It Up” FIBA’s concept aims to involve as many hoopsters as possible. But the purest form of basketball, once relegated to parks, gyms and driveways in America, has now gone global. Five qualifying tournaments (Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Spain and New York City) were played throughout the summer, with a world champion being crowned in Miami in September.

In a summer that saw multiple local Olympians, most notably four-time gold medalist Missy Franklin, a three-on-three basketball team from Colorado found themselves playing for a world title in Miami. Aurora’s Patrick Hannaway and Denver’s Corey Campbell, Chris Holloway and Derek Griffin, who works as a sales representative for Kroenke Sports, first qualified by winning the 2012 Hoop It Up event held at Jeffco Stadium. The win earned them an allexpenses-paid trip to New York, where they played in FIBA’s 3x3 World Tour Tournament, held at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets. The NYC tournament had 15 teams representing the USA, Canada,

Puerto Rico and one team all the way from Russia. After an opening game loss, Denver rebounded by winning their pool. Ultimately, they faced an undefeated team from Puerto Rico in the tournament final— and won. Along with the North American crown came a $12,000 check. That win secured a trip to Miami for a shot at the world title. In a 12-team bracket, Denver, after losing Hannaway to a tournamentending knee injury in game one, managed to advance to the final six slots. With no substitutions, the team lost in an NYC-rematch to Puerto Rico, who had qualified as North America’s runner up. As such, Denver narrowly missed out on the $30,000 prize and the title of world champ.

@dottewill

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul Editor’s choice for a hypothetical “Team USA” three-on-three entry via Twitter (Who’s on your team? @dottewill)

alternative hoops

The mosT noTable variaTions of Dr. naismiTh’s game 3-on-3 – Even FIBA agrees that a basketball game that requires fewer players, and is boiled down to the basics—pass, pick, dribble, shoot – is tough to beat.

Like volleyball has beach volleyball, swimming has synchronized swimming, we want three-onthree (basketball) to be part of it.

”

– Patrick baumann, fiba secretary general, on the possibility of making three-on-three an olympic sport

milehighsports.com | november 2012

h-o-r-s-e – It’s a great way to improve one’s shooting skills or, in some instances, show your buddies you take and can make a shot that would get anyone yanked from a junior high game. 6-on-6 – At times called “netball,” this iteration was largely associated with the evolution of women’s basketball, this early version of ladies hoops pitted three forwards against three guards. Each team had guards on one end of the court and forwards on the other. Only forwards were allowed to shoot, while guards could only defend. The WNBA is terrible, but it’s light years ahead of this game. 21 – Twenty-one is a spinoff of simply “one-on-one.” In 21, up to three free throws are awarded after a made basket.

The winner must land exactly on the number 21 to win. Going over results in a penalty, usually a score back down to 13.

Korfball – While not exactly basketball, Korfball, a game invented by the Dutch, is very similar. There’s a high hoop (11-foot-5) in the middle of the court and there are eight players on each team (four men, four women). Korfball has never taken off in the US. Then again, neither have wooden shoes. KnocKouT – A camp favorite, knockout is a fun game with an unlimited number of participants. The shooter (beginning at the charity stripe) must make his shot before the man in line behind him does. If he doesn’t, he’s “knocked out.” Last man standing wins. slamball – Officially registered and trademarked, this is basketball in its most violent sense. Utilizing trampolines and “full” contact, injuries are as common as baskets.

Drew's Views Drew LittoN sums up the moNth iN CoLoraDo sports

milehighsports.com | November 2012

YEAR OF THE BRONCOS FAN HERE’S TO ALL YOU BRONCOS FANS. FOR WATCHING EVERY GAME IN YOUR LUCKY SEATS. FOR NEVER WASHING YOUR LUCKY JERSEYS, AND FOR PUTTING UP WITH THE SMELL OF THOSE JERSEYS. HERE’S TO ALL THE FANS AND ALL THEY DO.

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GIRL’S TAKE PRESENTED BY

Compare and Contrast November BIRTHDAYS Who are the Nuggets, and who can they become? | By Robin Carlin

veryone agrees that Denver is a top team in the West, but exactly “how good” they will become is the subject of great debate. The Nuggets are deep and talented, but because of their collective youth, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

Here’s a quick look at the team’s projected starters, where each player is now, and who he could become in a best-case scenario.

Ty Lawson Comparable to (but better than): Tony Parker now | Aims to be: Tony Parker in his prime Like Parker, Lawson is a small, lightning-fast guard who can push the tempo and penetrate in the half court. But for the Nuggets to be great, Lawson needs to exhibit the scoring consistency of Parker when the Spurs were collecting rings.

Jonathan Herrera (Rockies) – Nov. 3

Ty Lawson (Nuggets) – Nov. 3

John Grant, Jr. (Mammoth) – Nov. 7

Martin Rivero (Rapids) – Nov. 13

Guillermo Moscoso Jesse Schwartzman (Rockies) – Nov. 14 (Outlaws) – Nov. 14

Quincy Miller (Nuggets) – Nov. 18

Zane Beadles (Broncos) – Nov. 19

Kenneth Faried (Nuggets) – Nov. 19

Brock Osweiler (Broncos) – Nov. 22

Drew Pomeranz (Rockies) – Nov. 22

Gabriel Landeskog (Avalanche) – Nov. 23

andre IguodaLa Comparable to (but better than): Rudy Gay | Aims to be: Scottie Pippen Pippen was one of the NBA’s most versatile players, sound in every aspect of the game, on both ends of the floor. The good news for Denver is that Iggy, their accomplished starter, is extremely comparable. Don’t believe me? Look at his “sans Jordan” stats:

Iguodala: 15.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.7 spg, 46.1 fg% 33.1 3p% Pippen: 16.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg, 47.3% fg% 32.6 3p%

danILo gaLLInarI Comparable to (but better than): Nicolas Batum | Aims to be: Kevin Durant Batum, you say? Not exactly flattering, but statistically speaking, it’s a fair comparison —and therein lies the problem. The Nuggets need more from Gallo. He’s got the ability to score and is solid from the foul line. But, he’s had trouble staying healthy and getting his jumper to find the net. If Gallo is great, so will the Nuggets.

KenneTh FarIed Comparable to (but better than): Joakim Noah | Aims to be: Dennis Rodman Noah’s stats may be better, but looking at their per-36-minute projected stats, Faried was a far more productive player last season (12.2 rebounds and 16.4 points versus Noah’s 11.6 and 12.1). Now that the kid has Coach Karl’s confidence, his numbers should skyrocket.

JaVaLe Mcgee Comparable to (but better than): Nene | Aims to be: Kevin Garnett Finding a “comparable” for McGee isn’t easy; there aren’t many players in his mold. Garnett is more of a finesse player, but if McGee becomes a consistent scorer with a bit more touch, look out. It could be argued that even Nene’s ball skills are better, but the Nuggets prefer the toughness of McGee. McGee has only missed seven games in the last two seasons while Nene’s history of injury is well-chronicled. Nene typically disappeared in the postseason, and that’s when McGee shined the most in Denver. Get the idea? There are plenty of reasons for optimism surrounding the Nuggets. Greatness hinges on their key players reaching their potential.

@carlinrobin

1&6 26

milehighsports.com | November 2012

FORGOT ABOUT DRE? Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got something to say, But nothin comes out when they move their lips, Just a buncha gibberish, And mutha******* as act like, they forgot about Dre - Dr. Dre and Eminem, chorus to “Forgot About Dre” Seemingly every year, the basketball world wants to write off an aging Andre Miller. But just because Miller won’t likely be a starter, and just because he won’t get the buzz that surrounds Ty Lawson doesn’t mean he isn’t a huge key for the Nuggets. Miller proved in the playoffs that he’s one of the game’s elite—still. Thus, George Karl and Masai Ujiri showed huge confidence in him by offering up a $14.6 million, three-year deal. Look for the wily guard to repay the favor in spades. Ya’ll know me. Still the same ol’ G.

Number of games Timofey Mosgov finished with double-digit rebounds, and number of games he finished with double-digit points.

Loveland 4-Paks are actual lift tickets that can be used by anyone on any day of the season. Use them yourself on 4 different days or share with friends and family all on the same day. No restrictions. No black outs. 4-Paks only available through 11-18-12. 4-paks are not available for purchase at any ticket window.

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Wacky Traditions in Sports Fans do some crazy things | By Lisa Belkov-Snyder

ports are fun to play, but they’re also just as fun to watch thanks to a rich history of crazy fans and sportsspecific or even team-specific traditions that have spanned across the decades. Even though we as fans (and members of the media for that matter), aren’t scoring the game-winning goal, we still get heavily involved in the sport and in our teams through a number of ways. I’ve selected a couple of the many traditions that have defined the “sport” of watching sports.

A Good Old-FashiOned

Horse Tale

There’s always a party at Sports Authority Field and, as crazy fans know, it’s BYOH: Bring Your Own Horse! Yep, last month there was a very macho man, beard and all, who had stuffed himself into a semilife size fuzzy white horse costume with bright orange reigns to boot. That earned him the honor of “CRAZY FAN OF THE WEEK.” But he’s not alone. Even before the fall season kicked off, a crazy corn maze in Greeley took on Manning Madness. While I have no clue as to the amount of planning this artistic marvel took, I can only assume it was a tremendous labor of love. Obviously, some do-or-die fans were Broncos/Manning crazy to create something like this and welcome the best quarterback in the league to the Mile High City. As I really don’t know the specifics behind the maze, l can’t help but admire the outcome—in the maze, on the field and in the locker room. As the phrase goes, “A horse is a horse, of course of course.” But a Bronco by all accounts is a stud to be reckoned with.

36 The number of footballs that the home team must provide the referee for each National Football League game.

milehighsports.com | november 2012

“C” of Red Greater solidarity comes from tens of thousands of your fellow sports fanatics all wearing the same color. Its beginnings may have come from the NHL’s Calgary Flames during the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals. The Edmonton Oilers’ fans were in the midst of “Hat Trick Fever,” as they tried to win their third-consecutive championship. In response, Calgary promoted “C of Red” to encourage their fans to come dressed entirely in red. During next year’s firstround playoffs, Calgary’s opponent responded with the “Winnipeg White Out.” Now, it is extremely popular among colleges and of course our favorite NHL team, the Colorado Avalanche and their “whiteout” game. I hope we’ll get to see one of those again real soon.

The No. 1 Heckler You’ve probably sat next to him or in front of him and maybe even had the pleasure of receiving a massive beer spill from him. Or her. Yeah, the ladies are just a little passionate about their sports. Don’t go there. Heckling is one of the least favorable traditions in pro sports fandom, but jeers and taunts are as common at games as the cheers and applause. You’ll recognize the dude or dudette as an ardent fan of the home team: They’ve got season tickets that have been in the family for decades and they always sit directly behind the visiting team’s bench. The heckler taunts players through a megaphone or their very own big mouth and makes fun of coaches’ outfits. Do you know one? I do. Find me at a Nuggets’ game this season, and I’ll point HER out!

Call LIVE with Lisa! any weekend morning between 9a–10a on Mile High Sports Radio (AM 1510 | FM 93.7 | milehighsports.com) and let me know what rings familiar to you.

livewithlisa1510.com

Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein. – Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann in 1996

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Make it a Movember to Remember

Use your soup strainer to raise awareness and research funds | By Steve Quinne

y mustache has been winning awards for the better part of a half-century. Ever since I was awarded “best mustache” in Mrs. Matterhorn’s kindergarten class, I knew these bristles on my upper lip would take me places. But until recently, I never knew how much good they could do for others. Back in 2003, a group of 30 “Mo Bros.” in Melbourne, Australia, decided the mustache needed to make a comeback (some of us knew it had never gone away). In just one year, they realized that the month of “Movember” could be more than just a force in men’s fashion— it could be a force for change in men’s health. More than 450 participants raised $54,000 (Australian) for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia in 2004. Not bad for a group of guys whose national coat of arms features a kangaroo and an emu. Fast forward to 2011 when more than 850,000 men (and supportive women and children) registered with movember.com to help raise money and awareness for men’s health initiatives and issues in more than 15 countries across three continents—up almost 100 percent from the 447,000 that registered in 2010. The Movember movement looks to eclipse the one million

mark this year and should raise more than $150 million (U.S.) for organizations like The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, as well as a Global Action Plan that helps more than 100 prostate cancer researchers around the globe collaborate. Participation is easy. Begin the month with a clean-shaven face. For the entire month, grow and groom your mustache. Do not join the mustache to the sideburns (that’s a beard) or to the chin (that’s a goatee). Conduct yourself like a true country gentleman. You can make your participation official by registering and pledging/raising funds at movember.com. And for the month of Movember, it’s okay to take the “silent” out of the “strong and silent type.” Movember participants are encouraged to schedule their annual doctor’s checkups during the month and to speak openly about men’s health issues. After all, it’s the best way to ensure we’ll celebrate many more Movembers in the years to come.

a shaRP uPPeR lIP FIve musTache sTyles ThaT jusT can’T be beaT The Chevron Popularized by Tom Selleck, this classic American style says, “I’m here to party, but I handle my business.” Looks best with a pair of jean shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. The ImperIal If you were an army general in the 19th Century, this look was military issue. Now, it’s the best way to identify you as someone who spends weekends recreating the Battle of Chickamauga. Requires only slightly less grooming than a prized Pomeranian. The DalI Those who have ever contemplated the surreal Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening know what I’m talking about. It’s somewhat ironic how orderly and neat this particular style can be. The Walrus Wilford Brimley and Craig Stadler not only sported the style, they shared the girth. I’m fairly certain this mustache style is what John Lennon had in mind when he wrote the lyrics, “Goo goo g’joob.” The horseshoe The mustache of choice for Steve Quinne and Hulk Hogan alike. As with hand-grenades, close only counts here.

@stevequinne

4.3

The average percent more money a mustachioed man makes compared to his clean-shaven counterparts. It pays to have a cookie duster! Source – Quicken & The American Mustache Institute, 2009

every Halloween I shave my mustache in order to participate in Movember. It’s truly the most frightening day of the year. – Steve Quinne

milehighsports.com | november 2012

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Youth Movement The Rapids spent the 2012 season getting younger | By Chris Bianchi

he Colorado Rapids might not have made the playoffs for the first time in three years, but the burgundy still managed to take several big steps towards a stronger future in 2012. From the surprise contributions from first-year players to the emergence of younger players and to several key re-signings during the season, progress was made at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Oscar Pareja’s first season, even if the scoreboard didn’t sometimes reflect it. The emergence of younger players such as Martin Rivero (left) and Tony Cascio along with the key re-signings of Drew Moor, Jeff Larentowicz and Matt Pickens, amongst

others, helped make the Rapids’ 2012 season one to build upon in 2013. The Rapids entered the 2012 campaign as the second-oldest group in Major League Soccer. But during the course of the season, younger players stepped up and younger additions were made, such as the acquisition of 27-year-old Hendry Thomas, as Colorado appeared to make a concentrated effort to build towards forming a younger group. So while the Rapids will watch the 2012 MLS Cup playoffs on their televisions this year, they took major steps to ensuring they’ll be back out on the pitch for the 2013 postseason and beyond.

coloradorapids.com

The approximate length, in months, of the Rapids’ winter vacation, significantly shorter than most of the other local professional teams.

FIVE TO WATCH | This season’s key addiTions for The rapids The boys are, and I have said this numerous times, the boys always give us what they’ve got on the field. And despite of the frustration that we have during the season, they face every game with a lot of pride and energy..

”

– Rapids head coach oscar pareja on his team in September.

for the rapids, 2012 served as a building block towards a stronger future. and in the process, the rapids were able to uncover several players who will be major assets for the team moving forward. While there’s never a guarantee that any player will return, these guys contributed to pareja’s squad significantly in their first season and look like they could be keepers for next year and potentially down the road:

Hendry THomas The Honduras international only arrived in August, but he’s already established himself as a critical part of Colorado’s midfield. Teaming up with Jeff Larentowicz at defensive midfield, the former English Premier League player has been a bulldog and tackling machine from day one.

milehighsports.com | november 2012

marTin rivero He’s becoming a staple of this page, and for good reason. The quiet yet confident 22-year-old Argentine helped orchestrate the offense out of the Rapids’ midfield in 2012, and looks like an anchor in the Colorado midfield for years to come. Rivero was a surprise omission from mlssoccer.com’s “24 under 24” list in September.

Luis ZapaTa The attack-minded lef t back made his impact felt through his near-constant ventures forward, proving himself to be a major asset on the attacking end with his crisp deliveries. While on the older side at 32, the Colombian could once again find himself as an option for Pareja in 2013.

Tony CasCio The rookie out of the University of Connecticut scored the game-winning goal in the Rapids’ road opener in Philadelphia and was a major contributor in year one. With a combination of size, surprising quickness and a wicked shot, the 22-year-old may have earned extra minutes in his sophomore campaign.

Jaime CasTriLLon A part of the Colombian influx into Commerce City, Castrillon was among the Rapids’ best goal scorers and seemed to find a way to simply put the ball in the back of the net. The former Colombian international’s goalscoring touch will likely be welcomed back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

THE WEEKEND WARRIOR PREsENTED by

THE WARRIOR: Rec Hoops Guy

Featuring Josh Dover, writer on milehighsports.com and host of Pregame on Mile High Sports Radio

ec Hoops Guy is hard to define. He’s not necessarily identifiable, unless you happen to catch him at the gym —or talk to his significant other.

On the court, he’s easy to spot. His game is decent, even if it’s a shadow of its former state. Many times, Rec Hoops Guy just can’t give it up. He used to be a real ballplayer. And he’s not quite ready to relinquish that lot in life. Worse, sometimes he can simply be trying to prove to the world he is the player his former coach could not see. He’s been bitter since high school or college, when the Old Ball Coach gave him a steady dose of pine. Now, he’s got the most expensive Nikes on the market and insists on proving his talents at a gym near you.

KNEES

Off the court, he’s harder to detect. Ask his wife or girlfriend, however, and she’ll provide plenty of clues. He leaves a smelly gym bag with sweaty sneakers in the middle of the family room floor, ready for the next game. He mysteriously skips out on weeknight ongoings. “Gotta game,” he says under his breath before slipping out the door. He’s builds schedules around the many leagues in which he plays. She knows.

ACL and meniscus tears are the most common “serious” knee injuries to basketball players. These generally require some type of surgery and are not to be taken lightly. But perhaps more common is tendonitis in the knees. Pounding and running can be tough on aging knees. Proper footwear is key, as is proper warm-up. But if and when hoopsters feel a constant nagging pain not caused by a sudden injury, it’s likely tendonitis. The key in treatment and recovery is rest and rehab, which are the only true solutions. Ibuprofen can help on a game-bygame basis, but the problem is simply being covered, and potentially worsened.

And while Rec Hoops Guy is relatively harmless, his risk for injury is high. He plays too many games to completely avoid the odds. Twisted ankles. Knee disasters of all kinds. Foot problems. You name it, the old ballplayer is likely to suffer one or two, even when he is decent shape.

FOOT

Plantar fasciitis, one of basketball’s most common injuries, occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is damaged from being overstretched or overused. Stretching is a no-no, as that can only worsen the healing process. Blood flow is essential to recovery, so again, proper footwear is key. By the same token, massage and stimulation can aid recovery. Wearing cold wraps at rest can also be effective. But the key, especially at the first sign of detection, is rest.

ANKLES

But, our friends from CU Sports Medicine are willing to help. Enjoy—tips and tricks for Rec Hoops Guy.

The rolled ankle, it’s easily the most common injury to this poor guy. Step on someone else’s foot and it’s one to five weeks of recovery—like clockwork. The key, however, is two-fold. First, it’s critical to identify the severity and type of sprain that’s been suffered. This is a key determination in deciding if it’s a “nagging” injury, or if it’s actually dangerous to continue play. Always consult a doctor for that diagnosis. Secondly, and perhaps the biggest, most common mistake, is rehab. All ball players get them, but it’s the rest and rehab that count most. Ankles will often “feel better” before they “are better.” Ask a doctor or rehabilitation specialist what exercises are best for strengthening those ligaments that have been damaged.

The Weekend Warrior is brought to you by the physicians at: The CU Sports Medicine team provides cutting-edge care for a full spectrum of activity-related injuries. Whether you’re a competitive or recreational athlete—or even a Weekend Warrior—CU Sports Medicine specializes in results-oriented programs to get you back in the game. Contact CU Sports Medicine at either of their convenient locations: Denver 2000 S. Colorado Blvd. / Colorado Center Tower One / 720.848.8200 | BoulDer 311 Mapleton Avenue / 303.441.2219 34

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Norm’s Notes An Equal Opportunity Offender Is Derek Wolfe the next J.J. Watt? Only if Joe Mays is the next Brian Cushing. Can George Karl find enough minutes to keep everyone happy? I hear he’s devoting at least 20 minutes to the pregame sing-along. Do you like the grandiose talk coming out of Larry Eustachy? It beats having a guy with Mr. Magoo-like vision. Should fans cheer for D.J. Williams when he returns to the lineup? If he can beat out Keith Brooking. Why isn’t Jim McElwain getting more heat? Temperatures are usually cooler as you travel north.

CaN WE oFFICIaLLy MaKE FuN oF THE PEoPLE WHo DouBTED PEyToN MaNNING? Don’t bother; he’ll probably make a commercial about it. are the Nuggets going to regret the JaVale McGee contract? Only if by “Nuggets” you’re referring specifically to George Karl. Why do so many players leave the Rockies and then play better? They’re no longer on a terrible team.

Is Knowshon Moreno’s career in Denver over? I’m still waiting for it to begin. Do the Nuggets have anyone who can knock down an open jumper? That brand of rough play was reserved for the ‘90s Knicks. Is this the year Joe Scott gets the Pioneers to the Big Dance? Will next year be the year you don’t ask this question? How much are you missing the avalanche? Slightly more than I’m missing the Grizzlies and Rage.

are you getting tired of the footballrelated excuses coming out of Boulder? It’s rapidly approaching “Churchill” status. 36

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Does Von Miller’s sack dance annoy you, too? Not as much as the silly eyeglasses craze he started.

Will the Buffs be able to keep Tad Boyle? Are they going to be able to pay him to coach the football team, too? Should Tulo be playing in the World Baseball Classic? It’s not like he plays between April and October. What’s your win-total prediction for the Nuggets? About two more than my age at my last romantic interlude; you figure it out. Is John Fox too conservative to coach a Peyton Manning-led team? I really don’t think politics plays any part in their relationship. Is the NHL now a secondary sport? Only because I can’t spell “tertiary.” What are you most thankful for? Deep-fried turkey!

GOOD STUFF

BAD STUFF

Things we LIKE about sports

Things we DON’T LIKE about sports

Postseason Baseball Every pitch. Every out. Every inning. It’s nearly impossible to dislike the best playoffs in sports.

The New Golds Or should we say the new rainbows? It’s a new look with an old twist or just basketball beauty.

Not Experiencing Postseason Baseball As noted to your left, these games are outstanding. Ehem, Rockies?

The Lumberjack If you like his game, give No. 52 a listen on Mile High Sports Radio (Tuesday mornings at 8:00 a.m.).

Turnovers Simply put, the Broncos D doesn’t create enough of them, and the O makes too many.

King of the Month

BUFFS BASKETBALL

Roll, Tad, roll. For the first time in decades, there’s an unquestionable excitement about hoops in Boulder.

NYC Drama Whether one is a Tebow fan or not, it’s both funny and ironic watching the “show” that follows him.

Welcome to the WAC At last, Joe Scott and his Pioneers aren’t traveling to Middle Southern Alabama Tech U.

Tool of the Month

THE TRUTH?

“I couldn’t stand that f***ing dinosaur for one more season.” – Jim Tracy.

The NHL Out of sight, out of mind, eh boys? Get it figured out before everyone just forgets.

SNOW ANGELS COVER GIRLS VOTING CONTEST And you thought President was the only thing you’d be voting for this month, right? Wrong. This is truly your chance—as an American—to make a difference. Log onto milehighsports.com beginning Nov. 5, click on the “Snow Angels Cover Girl Voting” link and weigh in on the lucky lady YOU would like to see on our next cover. Friends, foes and family, remember, America needs you.

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Buffs Football Did you ever think we’d be more excited about CU hoops than CU football, in November?

Thursday Night Football We liked Friday for high school, Saturday for college, Sunday for NFL and MNF to make us forget it’s Monday.

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SUNDAY DRIVE POWERED BY

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For Derek Wolfe of the Broncos, the bigger the better | by Doug Ottewill Hometown: Negley, Ohio First Car: Ford Ranger (“Paid 400 bucks for it.”) tHe Car: 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT speCs: Engine – 400-HP, 4.2-liter V8; Transmission – Automatic; Top Speed – 170 mph; 0-60 mph – 5.1 seconds; Color – Grigio Granito; Interior – Handcrafted chocolate brown leather. stiCker priCe: $79,564 (as tested)

milehighsports.com | November 2012

ne night after the San Francisco Giants had secured a spot in the 2012 World Series, the Broncos’ first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft is settled comfortably in the driver’s seat of a car that used to belong to the general manager of the Giants. “Really?” he asks upon learning of the car’s past. “I really like the black on brown.” This particular rig, a Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT truly owned by the man who runs the best team in the National League, is, at worst, “gently used.” Derek Wolfe, the 36th pick this past summer, is anything but gentle. He’s rough and tumble, but he does, in fact, have a penchant for fine automobiles. In fact, he’s expressed an interest in owning a Maserati more than once before. The car, like Wolfe, is a finely tuned machine. Both big and powerful. Both representing the very upper echelon of their species. Both “athletes” in every sense of the word. “I’ve always been a truck guy,” says Wolfe, who’s got a gigantic truck parked in front of his home. “But I’ve also always wanted a fast car.” No sooner than the words escape his mouth, he eases—then stomps—on to the gas pedal. A smile comes across his face, and the ride has just begun. “Peyton Manning was the first guy on the team to text me when I got drafted.” - Wolfe, on his recollection of draft night “In South Florida, everywhere you look, somebody’s got a Maserati.” - Wolfe, on observing cars in Florida “Chris (Bianchi) was like, ‘Hey, you want to take some pictures with a model?’ I was like, ‘Okay.’” - Wolfe, on participating in MHSM’s annual Snow Angels issue “I like Denver. There’s a lot to do.” - Wolfe, on his new residence “Peyton is a great guy. He’s got kind of a dry sense of humor, but he’s really funny.” - Wolfe, on Manning “Where I grew up, it was very rural. We lived on a Black Angus farm. We had about 110 head.” - Wolfe, on his rural upbringing in Ohio “My goal – eventually – is to have three cars. I’m going to keep my truck; I’m probably going to keep that for a long time. And then, get something faster, like a Maserati. And then, something older, like a straight up American muscle car.” - Wolfe, on his plans for future car shopping

“The last time I walked into a nice showroom, I was in Florida. It was right after OTAs. I thought I might want to get a Panamera. I was looking at one, just standing there. I had just gotten out of a workout. I’m wearing a tight cutoff shirt, shorts and high socks with workout shoes on. And the guy’s like, ‘Can I help you?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I was thinking about test driving this.’ And

he said, ‘Not in here you’re not.’ I was like, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Not in here your not – serious customers only.’ I showed him my black card and said, ‘Is this serious enough for you?’ And I walked out.” - Wolfe, on a bad car shopping experience “If I get bored, I buy dumb stuff. Not even expensive stuff, just dumb stuff.” - Wolfe on a personal bad habit

“I drove up to Breckenridge, and you know those zip lines off the highway on the way up? When you drive past them, everybody stops and tries to stare. I’m like, ‘What the hell?’ It’s towers where people zip line – let’s not get in an accident over them.” - Wolfe, on his mountain driving observation November 2012 | milehighsports.com

Smith is a smart player, often making plays with his head, long before the ball reaches his feet. Learning the game in Europe, Smith brings a savvy brand of play to MLS.

Unfortunately for Smith, injuries have dotted his career in Colorado. Both in 2009 and again in 2011, Smith has suffered major knee injuries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; specifically having to surgically repair his ACL on both occasions. He has, however, come back both times, too, gritting out the sevenmonth rehab period. Smith has shown heart and toughness in the process.

Launching rocket shots has always been a specialty of Smith, who has managed to find the back of the net, even when his minutes have been limited due to injury. His keen offensive sense is complemented by a strong boot.

MHSM SCOUTING REPORT

NAME

JAMIE SMITH

POSITION: MIdfIEldER AGE: 31 HEIGHT: 5'8" WEIGHT: 164 lbS. ExPERIENCE: fOURTH yEAR WITH THE COlORAdO RAPIdS; AbERdEEN fC (SCOTTISH PREMIER lEAGUE) PhotograPhy By Don CuDney Photo | @DonCuDneyPhoto 42

milehighsports.com | November 2012

REAdING bETWEEN THE lINES ONE RAPIdS PlAyER JUST CAN’T PUT A bOOk dOWN When Colorado Rapids midfielder Jamie Smith walks into the Tattered Cover bookstore on the 16th Street Mall, the store’s workers know him by name, and it’s not necessarily because of his talents on the soccer field. The baristas at the nearby coffee shop know exactly what kind of java this bookstore regular likes, and every nook and cranny of the store has been explored by the veteran soccer player. Smith is a total bookworm. From science fiction to history to biographies, the Scot reads everything and anything, and he’s done so his entire (literate) life. Smith estimates he reads at least two hours a day and sometimes, on the night before a road game, he’ll read up to six or seven hours at a time. That’s why Smith and fellow midfielder Jeff Larentowicz are roommates on the road (“not lots of talking,” he says); they both can’t stop flipping pages. “(I read) as much as I can,” Smith says. “I do have Facebook, but I haven’t checked it for a while.” The 31-year-old midfielder has played in his native Scotland, the Netherlands and now Colorado (since 2009), but everywhere he’s been he’s used reading as a means to pass time away from the field. He lists Lord of the Rings as one of his favorite books, or trilogies, but he also remembers a book about the Bosnia-Serbia fighting that he read in the past year that also resonated with him. In fact, at this late-October photo shoot, Smith bought a used book (All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy) on his way out the door. Smith used to spend two or three days a week at the Tattered Cover when he first arrived with the Rapids in 2009, biding the time away from the field curled up in a chair, reading. Funny enough, Smith’s wife isn’t a reader. But he’s trying to get his three kids to be, and his 12-year-old daughter is already an avid reader like her dad. In the meantime, the proud father and midfielder is busy pursuing—and enjoying—his two primary passions, soccer and reading. “I think (reading) just comes natural,” Smith says. “I read at night time to try to fall asleep. I just enjoy reading.”

November 2012 | milehighsports.com

1 Digs FEATURING THE WELCOMING HOME OF BRONCOs TIGHT END

JOEL DREESSEN

LOCATION:

PARkER, COLO.

Tour by Julie browman PHoToS by JaTHan CamPbell

1 – Joel Dreessen just very well may be living the American dream. Growing up in Ft. Morgan, , he helped the Mustangs win a 3A state championship in 1999. Then, at Colorado State University, he enjoyed a very successful career, leading his team to three bowl appearances. This year, through NFL free agency, he chose to leave a very good Houston Texans team and sign with his hometown Denver Broncos. Joel, his wife, Stacy, and their two-and-a-half-year old son, Dylan, love their Parker home. Just about 20 minutes away room the facility, the five-bedroom, six-bath, 5,900-square foot home is Joel’s getaway from the busy and demanding life of an NFL player. 2 – When it comes to the living room, “We spend 99 percent of our time here,” says Joel. The centerpiece of the room is a huge L-shaped couch perfect for watching one of the two channels always on the Dreessen’s television. Those two channels are the NFL Network and the Disney

milehighsports.com | November 2012

Channel. The room has the perfect setup. Just to the right of the couch is a huge beanbag. With a smile on his face and a laugh in midair, this is where you’ll see Dylan occasionally vault from the end of the couch to the bag. Who needs an amusement park when you have this setup? 3 – In the living room, hanging up on the wall, is a sign that says, “Blessed.” Joel and Stacy both feel incredibly fortunate to end up back in Colorado, surrounded by family and friends. “We just feel so blessed to move here to Colorado, be back home and live in this house,” Stacy says. Joel and Stacy found their home in Parker, thanks to one of Joel’s best friends—Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Erik Pears, who played and lived with Joel at CSU and also lives in the neighborhood. One night, the three were having dinner together and Erik mentioned the house across the street was for sale. Quickly after that, the Dreessens bought the home.

4 – Part of the appeal of the Parker home is the outdoor space. The home itself sits on a couple of acres, but it’s the open space behind the house that the Dreessens felt strongly about. Because of the conservation easement, nothing can be built behind their home. This ensures the couple, “Will always have a view. We see everything out there, even mule deer and cattle.” 5 – The Dreessen’s kitchen fits the style of the house. While it’s a big home, it has a very comfortable feel. There’s no doubt who does the cooking in the house. “I’m the cook,” Stacy smiles. “Joel grills, but I wouldn’t say he cooks. He can make some good scrambled eggs, though.” 6 – Just to the left of the front entrance way is Joel’s office—a place to watch some film, but also a place to walk down Memory Lane. The shelves behind the desk are filled with helmets, awards and pictures from Joel’s playing days throughout the years. He has his helmet from his high school days at Fort Morgan, “Which I’m not sure I was supposed to keep,” and also from his first year in the league with the New York Jets. One of his prized possessions in his office is his MVP award from his time at CSU.

November 2012 | milehighsports.com

9 8

7 – Off to the right of the entryway is the Dreessen’s dining room. Although the room is not used a lot, the table serves as a reminder of Joel’s former home in Texas. “I like this table because it reminds me of a Texas barbeque joint.” Joel spent five seasons with the Houston Texans and enjoyed his time in the Lone Star State. As a matter of fact, the couple still has an 800-acre ranch near Amarillo. “Texas suited me well.” 8 – Joel can’t take credit for the couple’s serene and peaceful master bedroom. “Stacy did all of this. I have no idea how to do this stuff.” The room is decorated with wedding pictures, warm and neutral colors, and a TV. However, the couple doesn’t have a chance to enjoy it much. “Dylan falls asleep at about 8:45 p.m., we watch about 10 to 15 minutes of television, and then we are out by 9:00 p.m.” 9 – With his 5:10 a.m. wake up call, sleep is hard to come by at the Dreessen household— these days, even more so. Stacy and Joel had a baby girl in October. “I’m pumped to have a baby girl,” Joel grins. They named her kyla. “It’s really the only name we could agree on.” 10 – One of the benefits of having such a big backyard is the ability to get a little creative. “On my 30th birthday party, I made a minibaseball diamond outside and we had some stick ball games.” As far as his thoughts on turning 30? “I was sad,” he laughs. 11 – The downstairs is just as comfortable and welcoming as the upstairs, but there’s something in the basement that draws Joel to spend time there. “There’s this great icemaker; so when I’m icing my knee, I can sit and watch television,” he smiles.

milehighsports.com | November 2012

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A SPORTS QUESTION FROM

A BEAUTIFUL GIRL

THE GIRL

Kaila EvEnoff

Age: 25 Occupation: Nanny and professional sports team dancer Favorite Team: Seattle Seahawks Favorite Athlete: Shannon Miller

THE QUESTION

Why arE thErE thrEE pEriods in hocKEy? Why not four pEriods or tWo halvEs liKE othEr sports? THE ANSWER there certainly is a randomness to “three,” isn’t there? and despite exhaustive research (Google, refresh. Google, re-enter, refresh), there isn’t a conclusive, historically factual answer. ¶ the biggest reason cited deals with the ice. the early days of hockey were relegated to a frozen pond. there weren’t any ice rinks, so when the ice began to get too choppy, the players would simply move to another area of the lake. But when hockey moved indoors, the need to “repair” or “flood” the ice became a key factor. it seemed that it generally took about 20 minutes to mess up the ice. ¶ once the ice needed repaired, a process called “flooding” would take place. prior to the invention of the Zamboni, this was a laborious task, involving a lot of manpower and plenty of time, as water was manually pushed around the rink. once the rink was frozen, play would resume. ¶ perhaps a 40-minute game seemed too short and 60 felt just right. or perhaps the boys repairing the ice said, “twice is plenty, eh?” But either way, the three-period game, which allowed for two separate sessions of ice repair, evolved. ¶ With that story in mind, there was one other, somewhat rhetorical, discussion that consistently popped up on the old internet: Why are basketball games four quarters, soccer games two halves, baseball games nine innings and boxing matches 15 rounds? it might be argued that hockey is no more random than any other game. - Ted Yhedri, MHSM senior editor

Photo by Jathan Campbell

@jathancphoto

milehighsports.com | November 2012

for more images of Kaila, log on to milehighsports.com

ticketS available Starting at $15 2012-13 SeaSon Schedule OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Mon 28

11 18

ALT

6:00

Tue

ALT

7:00

ALT

5:00

Thu 1

PHI ALT2

6:00

Fri

DET HOU

MEM 7:00

ALT

7:00

PHX 6:00

Wed

ALT2

6:00