Four Corners Sports September 2016

content Don Vaughan PublISHER

Cindy Cowan Thiele EDITOR

Rick Hoerner Dorothy Nobis Tom Yost CONTRIbuTING WRITERS

| 12 | Determined cowgirl Kinley Nygren is a bundle of energy.

She loves to talk about her horse, lacie, running barrels, competing in pole bending and flag racing. She waters, feeds and grooms lacie and is emphatic that strawberry conditioner (the same kind she uses) is the best for lacie’s mane because “it makes it silky soft.”

| 14 | Sports and 36 years of volunteering

Josh bishop Curtis Ray benally CONTRIbuTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Suzanne Thurman

Thirty-six years ago, Damon lynch was asked to take over the fifth and sixth grade bYAFl (bloomfield Young America Football league) lions team until they could find a head coach after the previous coach resigned.

DESIGNER

Clint Alexander Tonya Daniell SAlES STAFF

lacey Waite ADMINISTRATION For advertising information Call 505.516.1230

| 4 | Female wrestler blazes new trail Have you ever heard the story about the young lady who bucked the trend in Farmington by competing in a male-dominated sport? That young lady is Destiny bailey and that male-dominated sport is wrestling.

www.fourcornerssports.com

| 8 | County Notes

STORY IDEAS and PHOTOS

| 9 | Fantasy Geek

Please send to editor@tricitytribuneusa.com Majestic Media 100 W. Apache Street Farmington, NM 87401 505.516.1230 www.majesticmediausa.com Four Corners Sports magazine is published six times a year by Majestic Media. Material herein may not be reprinted without expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Four Corners Sports magazine. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. © 2016 Four Corners Sports magazine.

| 24 | The First Tee

by Tom Yost

| 26 | Fall Sports Preview It’s an even numbered year, which of course means once again the NMAA changes the district alignment and yo-yos schools upside down, make local scheduling a disaster and force drastic travel changes throughout the county.

| 30 | NASCAR Nellie

by Rick Hoerner

| 18 | Connie Mack Recap | 31 | Fast pitch softball There are few things Farmington residents can always count on. Of course there are the proverbial death and taxes, then there is the extremely high probability that Connie Mack World Series time is the perfect time to fertilize the yard. After all, it is likely going to rain and perhaps rain heavily.

The 12u New Mexico Sting softball team from Farmington, New Mexico, arrived in West Covina, California, with the expectation of competing for a national championship in uSSSA fast pitch softball.

| 32 | Durango Cryotherapy

| 22 | Editorial Columnist

by Rick Hoerner

SEPTEMBER 2016

Jason Skeens, Chief Cryotherapy Operator of Durango Cryotherapy is a wall of a man. He served nine years with the 82nd Airborne and still looks combat ready.

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Piedra Vista’s Destiny Bailey making a lot of ‘first ever’ headlines in the wrestling world Story by Tom Yost Courtesy photos Have you ever heard the story about the young lady who bucked the trend in Farmington by competing in a male-dominated sport?

Wrestling, which is the style used in the Olympic Games. Freestyle wrestling is Bailey’s favorite style.

That young lady is Destiny Bailey and that male-dominated sport is wrestling.

“My favorite wrestling style is freestyle and then Greco-Roman,” said Bailey. “In GrecoRoman there are mostly throws and opponents don’t attack your legs. Freestyle is a lot faster paced and there aren’t so many rules as in folkstyle.

Destiny is heading into her sophomore year at Piedra Vista High School and wrestles for the boy’s team in the 132-pound weight class.

Women’s wrestling catching on

I got started in grappling since the age of 3,” said Destiny. “I then naturally progressed into wrestling from there. I wrestled in middle school because my brother was also competing in wrestling.”

Women’s wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the United States at the high school and collegiate level, but the only style available to women at the collegiate level is freestyle.

Her father, Robert, got Destiny and her brother into grappling for all the right reasons.

Destiny’s the first female

All-American from Mexico

“We started her in grappling and she didn’t like it,” recalled Robert. “I didn’t want my kids to be victims, so I forced her to go at the start.

Then she found out she was good at it, and the better she got, the more attention she got – and she liked the attention.”

The sport of wrestling has two primary disciplines: Folkstyle and freestyle.

Folkstyle wrestling includes more rules and involves competitors engaging one another while standing and while down on the mat.

This discipline is the most common with high

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school and collegiate men’s wrestling.

The freestyle format was what Destiny used to become the first female All-American from the state of New Mexico in Fargo, North Dakota, recently. Destiny finished in eighth place in the 143-pound weight division. The irony was that she was scheduled to compete at the 132pound weight class, but wasn’t able to make weight and had to move up to the 143-pound weight class.

Freestyle is her favorite The other style is called freestyle, and involves mostly the standing position. It is faster paced and wrestlers are allowed to lock hands and throw their opponent to take them down.

Freestyle is where you will find Greco-Roman

SEPTEMBER 2016

Her father Robert said it was bittersweet because of the weight problem and how she could have done in her original weight class.

“I thought it was awesome to have her as

the first female from New Mexico to get AllAmerican in freestyle. I do have mixed emotions because she didn’t make weight and she probably would have finished in the top five in her weight class had she wrestled at her true weight.”

Lots of challenges The many challenges facing Destiny – or any female in a male dominated endeavor – are almost too many to count. And Bailey faces even more challenges because of the geographical disadvantage of living in the Four Corners.

n’t have a partner to wrestle against,” explains her father. “She has to do a lot of work on her own, except when she makes trips to Albuquerque. She does folkstyle here and has plenty of people helping her with folkstyle, but she is going to compete in freestyle in college and it is an uphill climb because of the challenges.”

“You have to have the passion and the drive to want to do this with the training being so intense,” explained Gallegos. “You are out there for six minutes in a match and put in a lot of work for that match and sometimes don’t get the results that you want. Destiny has that drive and motivation about it, and it is all she wants to do.”

Closest freestyle practice partners are in Albuquerque

Moving women’s, girls’ wrestling ahead in New Mexico

The only place Destiny can find practice partners with which to wrestle freestyle is in Albuquerque with Coach Eddie Gallegos, who is the Team Leader for New Mexico/USA Wrestling.

It has become Gallegos’s mission to bring more women’s and girls’ wrestling to the forefront of New Mexico.

The fact that Destiny spends most of her time wrestling against male competitors is one thing, the fact that she has nobody in the area to practice the freestyle format makes what she is accomplishing even more impressive.

“I have known Destiny for a couple of years,” said Gallegos. “She approached me at a tournament and then her dad asked if I would coach her. … We hit it off really well.”

“In the United States women’s wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the nation,” said Gallegos. “Unfortunately, there are more options for girls outside of high school than there are in high school – and we need to change that.”

“It is difficult as the only girl in San Juan County to wrestle freestyle, because she does-

Coach Gallegos knows what it takes to excel in the sport of wrestling, regardless of gender.

As for Destiny, she takes what she can get, either in high school against male competitors

SEPTEMBER 2016

Four Corners SporTS

5

or against other females outside of high school. Either way she is ready to take on all comers.

“I prefer to wrestle against guys more than girls,” said Destiny.

“Boys are a lot stronger than girls, but girls are a lot more aggressive and usually have better technique. Some guys don’t care about the gender difference – and other guys start freaking out and don’t go as hard as they could.”

Destiny has set goals of improving her technique, getting quicker footwork, and working on strategic methods used to “trick” her opponents. She has set her sights on improving in national competitions and achieving a wrestling scholarship to Wayland Baptist University upon graduation from piedra Vista High School.

paving the way for young women perhaps the ultimate goal of trend-setters like Destiny is to pave the way for future generations of young women to have the confidence to involve themselves in sports such as wrestling.

“I would tell a young girl not to be shy getting into wrestling,” said Bailey. “Work through it, as there are a lot of people who are critics, but also a lot of people who are amazed by it.”

And as a father of a daughter having success in wrestling, robert Bailey offers this advice: “Surround your daughter with the people and coaches who are going to care and are going to push them to be their best – like Coach Gallegos and Coach Levi Stout. other coaches look at having a girl on the team as an inconvenience. I can take Destiny to Al-

buquerque and they welcome her with open arms, but many coaches in the area view her as an inconvenience.”

Destiny Bailey will continue the path and overcome the many challenges that the sport of wrestling has presented. that is what trendsetters do and Destiny is definitely a leader in that area.

For more information on how to get your daughter or son involved in wrestling, please visit www.newmexicowrestling-usa.com

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SEPTEMBER 2016

CATCHING UP WITH THE COUNTY new coaches, college signings and games to watch FHS girls basketball Brady Rivers returns to the head of the bench this season as he takes over the helm of the lady Scorpion Basketball team from danny Secrest. Rivers previously served as the head coach at Shiprock and most recently as the assistant coach for the Piedra Vista boys.

navajo Prep ad Rainy crisp had the interim tag taken off of the athletic director position at navajo Prep. crisp took over for Mike tillman in the middle of basketball season last year. crisp will continue to coach the girls basketball team and the Eagles volleyball team.

Bloomfield boys basketball the Bloomfield Bobcats didn’t have to look far for a new head basketball coach to replace devon Manning. assistant coach Randy crockett will take over the reins this winter

jazMInBENALLY

tyREnKING

naVajo PREP

FaRMInGton HIGH ScHool

Bloomfield ad legendary basketball coach Steve Scott has stepped down as Bloomfield’s athletic director. cecil linnens will replace Scott, moving over from Kirtland central.

navajo Prep football

claytonCORLEY

navajo Prep will have a new football coach on the sidelines this fall. Victor crawford takes over a squad that dominated 1aaa but will have unique challenges moving up a class

FaRMInGton HIGH ScHool

diamond for north dakota’s Valley city State Vikings navajo Prep’s jazmin Benally will continue her two-sport career in basketball and volleyball signing at Iowa lakes community college in Estherville, Iowa.

aluMnI jake Mccasland throws a no-hitter Former Piedra Vista ace jake Mccasland threw a no-hitter for the augusta, Georgia’s Greenjackets of the South atlantic league.

Mccasland shut down the delmarva Shorebirds with only one runner reaching base on an error in the third inning while striking out five.

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zandERDALE SHIPRocK HIGH ScHool

SIGnInGS Farmington’s tyren King signed with little Priest tribal college to continue his basketball career. little Priest is located in Winnebago, nebraska Shiprock catcher zander dale will hit the

SEPTEMBER 2016

Farmington’s clayton corley has signed his letter of intent to run track for the university of the Southwest in Hobbs.

Games to watch September 9 - PVHS Volleyball Invitational the best local teams meet for a preseason tournament September 30 - totah cross country Invitational

Return of The Fantasy Geek THE FANTASY GEEK

The Fantasy Geek’s Projections

RickHOERNER The NFL season is upon us, so many sports geeks will be all consumed with watching their favorite team’s training camp workouts. However, the majority of those of us in the Fantasy Football Geekdom is preparing for our all important draft (or drafts). With the rise of daily fantasy sports like Draftkings and Fanduel, fantasy player evaluation is constant So here is the annual preseason draft levels for the upcoming Fantasy season based on standard scoring and rosters Before you draft, here are some points to consider when making your draft list: 1. know Your Point System – Most leagues use a standard scoring format, but knowing your league’s rules are essential. is your league quarterback heavy? if the same scoring is given to QBs as Running backs, QBs become more valuable or if your league allows QBs as a flex then planning for two may change your draft strategy. For example, while in a 10-team league managers can wait for a quarterback because there is little difference between 1-10, but with two quarterbacks, you may need to pick them up earlier.

2. know Your Positions – A lot of leagues have PPR scoring, or Points Per Reception. This changes the values of wide receivers, tight ends and especially running backs.

3. Last Year Doesn’t Matter - With free agent moves and trades, make sure you know who is where and if their circumstances have changed.

4. Your Rooting interests Don’t Matter - Don’t play favorites and don’t avoid players on teams you hate. Somebody in your draft will do this so they may be easy to predict as the draft progresses. if you have to have someone from your favorite team, before the last two rounds take their kicker.

5. The Schedule Matters – A lot of your competitors will watch the schedule closely to make sure they don’t have too many players on the Bye Week. Forget the byes when drafting your regular starters. it’s not that big of a deal.

Actually, it may be better to have them all at one time and take the hit.

6. Watch Out For Rookie Hype - Rookies will be getting plenty of talking head time, but

SEPTEMBER 2016

Four Corners SPORTS

9

buyer beware. rookie quarterbacks on bad teams usually mean disaster. rookies that are expected to carry the load at running back will be worth taking a shot at.

7. Avoid “running Back by Committee” - this NFL trend makes fulltime, three down backs worthy of early picks. Being stuck with a shared backfield back can be the downfall of a solid team.

8. Check on Injuries and those recovering Injuries can kill your chance of league dominance so injury history matters. If you draft a high risk player, pick up their backup if you can.

9. Stick to Your plan – this is always the toughest part especially if you are on either end of a snake draft. Waiting for 22 picks to happen usually means your list is getting crossed off quickly. this is why I try to use a level system instead of rating each individual player. the level system makes sure you draft for points not for position.

10. take Your time - With the spread of online drafting there is pressure to be ready right away with your pick. Just because other managers have their pick queued up and ready to go doesn’t mean you have to. If you are given 90 seconds, use them.

the Fantasy Geek’s Level System the Level System is really simple. rate 24 players at Level 1. this makes sure that in a 12 team league you are guaranteed to get two of

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Four Corners SportS

SEPTEMBER 2016

these players and, depending on your draft positions, likely three.

Choose the one that best fits your needs regardless of position. All Level 1 players must be gone before you move down a level.

Level 2 contains Quarterbacks up to 12, 18 running backs and wide receivers, and up to 12 tight ends. this makes sure to cover two running backs, tw0 wide receivers, one tight end and a W/r flex. Choose your first Level 2 from a position you did not acquire in your Level 1’s. If you have all Level 1’s across the board, call me. I want in your league. obviously if one position is flying off the board, you go with that position first before all 18 are gone. If that should happen, there still should be Level 2 at other positions.

Again, finish Level 2 before moving down to Level 3 Level 3 is where you find your backups, covers for possible injuries, and make some reaches. this may also be a place to get a DSt if there is one you are really high on. Save the kickers for the end or perhaps round 15. Keep a balance between positions – one back up at quarterback, one at tight end. Load up at running back and wide receiver So there you – go more than enough players to fill your roster. Add a few of your own sleepers and you can easily cover yourself for your draft. remember, this is not a priority list. Choose players you like and enjoy the ride. Good Luck this season.

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Determined cowgirl

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SEPTEMBER 2016

With family support and her horse Lacie the sky’s limit for 5-year-old Kinley Nygren Story by Dorothy Nobis Photo by Curtis Ray Benally Kinley Nygren is a bundle of energy.

She loves to talk about her horse, Lacie, running barrels, competing in pole bending and flag racing. She waters, feeds and grooms Lacie and is emphatic that strawberry conditioner (the same kind she uses) is the best for Lacie’s mane because “it makes it silky soft.”

Kinley has enjoyed participating in rodeos “for a lot of years,” she’s quick to say. Those “lot of years” amount to about three and a half years – which is impressive, given that Kinley is just 5 years old.

Kinley’s new horse, Lacie, is a quarter horse and was purchased from a family in Alabama, Kinley’s mother, Shannon McConnel, said. “We found her (Lacie) on line,” McConnel explained.

“We were looking for a good ‘kid’ horse – which is hard to find – a horse we could train

and at a good price. We were very fortunate to find Lacie, and the people we bought her from have become really good friends.”

For Kinley’s dad, Cody Nygren, watching his daughter on a horse getting ready to rodeo wasn’t easy.

Already a fierce competitor, Kinley wanted a horse “that goes fast,” she said. “I don’t want to lose anymore.”

“I didn’t grow up around horses and I don’t ride, and horses have a mind of their own,” Nygren said. “My biggest fear was that she’d get hurt. But I support her.”

Kinley’s love of rodeo is shared by her mother. “I grew up doing rodeo,” McConnel said.

“And I wanted her to try it out. She was 18 months old when she participated in her first rodeo. She had a miniature pony, ‘Trigger,’ and they did barrels, poles, goat tying and flags.”

“We worked with her with a lead rope until she was three,” McConnel added. “Then we got her Elsa (the horse Kinley had before Lacie) and she rode by herself.”

Nygren and McConnel agree that having a cowgirl – even a 5-year-old one – can be expensive. “It isn’t an investment,” Nygren said with a smile, “but it’s worth it for her.”

The horse, the feed, the horse trailer and the veterinary bills all add up, McConnel admitted. But there’s more to being a little cowgirl than having the right horse and the right equipment, Kinley is quick to say.

* Kinley Nygren 34

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Sports and 36 years of volunteering Football, drag racing and rodeo just a few sports that have kept Damon Lynch busy Story by Dorothy Nobis Photos by Curtis Ray Benally Thirty-six years ago Damon Lynch was asked to take over the fifth and sixth grade BYAFL (Bloomfield Young America Football League) Lions team until they could find a head coach after the previous coach resigned.

Lynch is still waiting for his replacement.

Not that this 1976 graduate of Bloomfield High School has any complaints. In fact, much of his life has revolved around BYAFL and the kids and parents who participate.

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“I enjoy being around kids,” Lynch said.

“They keep me young and they’re fun to be around. The stuff they say and do and teaching them, not just about sports, but about life and preparing them about getting older is rewarding.”

Teaching those kids to work hard and prepare for games – and realizing they’re not going to win every game every time — is as important to Lynch as watching them play football. Many of those kids Lynch coached years

SEPTEMBER 2016

ago have kids of their own, and Lynch is especially enjoying coaching that next generation.

Coaching high school players too It isn’t just the “young guys” that Lynch coaches, however. He’s been an assistant football coach at Bloomfield High School off and on for about 13 years. There is a difference in coaching the young guys as opposed to the high school players, Lynch admitted. The young guys are anxious to learn, to play, to be mentored and to be part of a team.

“Coaching the (high school players) is a challenge because they have such a much bigger life,” he said. “they have cars and girls and it can take a while to get them focused. they’re still maturing and developing their personalities. As a coach and mentor, it can be a challenge to figure out how to get that personality to work for you.”

“Sometimes,” Lynch added with a laugh, “it takes a whisper in the ear or a yell in the face (to get them to work). But you do whatever you have to do. I try to be a positive guy and I try to be upbeat and not negative (with them).”

Hard work recognized Janet Mackey has worked with Lynch for more than 15 years in the BYAFL and nominated Lynch for the 2015 Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Christine Donisthorpe Leadership Award.

“He has coached sports for youth, high school and young adults for about 35 years,” Mackey stated in her nomination. “He has been a YAFL coach since the 1980s, coached junior high and high school football since the mid1990s, and was part of the (semi-professional football team) roughnecks in 2008-2009. He has donated his time, talent and sponsorship – all the while encouraging these kids and young adults to do their best and be their best – in all they encounter, not only in sports, but in life.

He teaches his kids to win with humility and to lose with dignity.”

“Damon has quietly, yet effectively, influenced so many of our children and our grandchildren,” Mackey said recently, “into being solid and productive citizens. He has inspired, motivated and mentores so many young lives and for so many years.”

Lynch’s dedication to football and to the players was evident when, 15 years ago, the YAFL field at rio Vista Middle School in Bloomfield was renamed the Damon Lynch Football Field. Many former players, friends and families shared in that celebration.

Beyond football Football is a passion for Lynch, but it isn’t the only sport he has embraced over the years.

At the age of 12 or 13, Lynch took up another sportrodeo. “I did bull riding and, later on, some bare back riding,” Lynch remembered. “I had afriends who were doing rodeo, which got me interested in it. I went to rodeos in New Mexico and southern Colorado until I was about 30. I stopped because it took too long to

recover from the bumps, bruises and broken bones – that’s how it is, the older you get.”

“My mother (Erva Lynch, a former mayor of Bloomfield) could never bear to watch me ride,” Lynch said with a smile. “She was there, but kept her eyes covered and would ask afterwards, ‘How did he do?’”

From rodeo to drag racing With his rodeo days behind him, Lynch discovered another challenging sport – drag racing. “the same guy who got me into coaching football, was into drag racing,” he explained. “I worked at the pNM plant with Jerry Shockey and I found ’67 Camaro that was for sale. I bought it and fixed it up and started racing in 1984.”

Shockey and Lynch worked together and became fast friends at pNM. the two have a mutual admiration society and share a respect for each other. Lynch laughs when he “blames” Shockey for involving him in football and drag racing, and Shockey is more than happy to take the blame.

“I’ve told his wife, Ginger, that she has every reason to hate me for getting Damon into drag racing and football,” he said with a laugh. the first time Shockey, his wife, Mary and their sons, Victor and Jamie, went with Lynch to a drag race in Grand Junction, Colo., evolved into an adventure.

“Damon borrowed his dad’s truck to haul the car,” Shockey said. “We got to Silverton or ouray and the brakes went out of the truck. We got the brakes fixed and when we got to Grand Junction, the truck’s starter burned out.”

“We unloaded the car and were pushing it to

the staging lane (on the track) and he ran over Victor’s foot. Mary took Victor to the hospital and Jamie sat in an ant pile at the track,” Shockey said, laughing. “But Damon stayed with the car and went racing. I knew then he was hooked and would keep on racing.”

Still racing race rear engine dragsters Lynch continues to race rear engine dragsters in races in Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Grand Junction Colo. His family supports him and often serves as his pit crew. “It’s a thrill,” Lynch said of racing. “I love going fast and I enjoy competing against myself. It’s a challenge to make the car run better and faster.”

Lynch races from March until the football season starts. Football ends in November or later, depending on how the high school team does.

Football is still his passion Football remains Lynch’s passion, however, Jerry Shockey said. “It takes a lot of time and patience to coach football and Damon loves it.

He’s good with the kids and football keeps kids out of trouble.”

Shockey paused for a moment, then added, “Damon’s a good person and an amazing guy and I admire how he works with the kids.”

If racing and football took a lot of his time, cupid made sure Lynch found his soul mate. A longtime bachelor, Lynch met his wife, Ginger, while they were both working for pNM. “We were engaged for two years, and I began thinking he might not be ready to be married,” Ginger said. “However, once we ‘tied the knot,’ he pretty much became a husband and a father to my son.”

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Lynch met Ginger’s son, Aaron, when Aaron was almost 1 year old. “Aaron crawled up to Damon, grabbed his leg and stood up,” Ginger said. “Damon didn’t have children, but he took on helping me raise my son and they have shared a strong father-son relationship.”

While Aaron immediately bonded with Lynch, Ginger said it took her a little longer to “bond” with Lynch’s drag racing.

“Initially, racing wasn’t interesting to me,” she admitted. “It’s an acquired taste, I guess, but once we were married, I felt like this was something I needed to support him in. It’s scary to watch him race, but I know that it’s something he enjoys.”

“I think I’ve become a fairly good apprentice for him as sometimes it’s only me and him at the races and I do whatever I can to help.” Ginger added.

and he wrestles. When I want to play (which is often), I get with the kids and play.”

The Lynch’s family has expanded to include three grandsons, Aiden, 8, Myles, 5 ½, and Gavin, 2.

“They take a lot of time, but it’s all good time,” Lynch said of his grandsons. “Aiden is in the third grade at Ladera Elementary School

“Damon is a good grandpa and I think a lot of it is because he’s been around youngsters for most of his life, through football,” Ginger said. “He’s the most patient person I know. He’s never too busy to stop whatever he’s doing or just take time to play or wrestle with the

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SEPTEMBER 2016

(grandsons). He’s a great teacher and he’s able to get on their level to explain things to them.”

“He also makes a place for them to rest,” Ginger added. “All three will climb up on his lap when he’s sitting in his recliner to watch TV. It’s a precious thing to see.”

the countless hours spent with sports, began taking a toll, however.

Janet Mackey relayed a comment Lynch made. “Ginger said I had to give up something, so I’m giving up work.”

retirement And he did. Lynch retired from pNM in 2014. “It freed up my time to do more (volunteering),” said Lynch.

Lynch’s volunteering took him down a different path than his parents, Erva and Eddie, and his brother, Curtis, traveled. His mother was a member of the Bloomfield City Council and also served as the city’s mayor.

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His father, grandfather and brother were all volunteers with the Bloomfield Fire Department (his father and grandfather helped build the department) and his brother is currently serving on the Bloomfield City Council. His sister, Carla Shull, attends all of Lynch’s games and most of his drag races.

“We were raised in community involvement,” Lynch said. “Bloomfield is a small town and that’s where and why you do it. It’s not a lesson you learn, it is just something you Do.” While Lynch never thinks about carrying on the Lynch legacy in the political arena, he does think – and enjoy – the community service he does with the kids. “Football is how I try to make things better,” he said. “It really makes me happy and it is all worthwhile.”

Happily retired, enjoying his family – especially his grandsons – and giving back to his community keeps Damon Lynch busy. And watching his grandsons and the football players he coaches, is his reward for his community service. In the end, it’s a win for everyone.

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2016 CONNIE MACK RECAP Three sure things in life: Death, taxes and it’s going to rain during Connie Mack Story by Rick Hoerner Photos Curtis Ray Benally There are few things Farmington residents can always count on. Of course there are the proverbial death and taxes, then there is the extremely high probability that Connie Mack World Series time is the perfect time to fertilize the yard. After all, it is likely going to rain and perhaps rain heavily.

Just like last year, Mother Nature did not disappoint, and just like last year the weather made for an interesting Series.

For the host team the Series begins in

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mid-June with the city championship, and once again the Strike Zone came out on top with a win over the Four Corners Clubsox.

With changes to the seeding of the teams to a random selection, the championship matchup was a repeat of the opening round of the tournament with the Clubsox falling to the eventual champs and having to work their way back.

stunned the Southern California Renegades behind a brilliant pitching performance from Drew Gillespie in a 2-1 win. Drama was the norm in the opening round as two of the tournament perennial favorites, Midland and East Cobb, faced off in a rare first round game. The matchup was a classic with East Cobb’s Xzavion Curry blasting a three run walk off home run in the eighth inning.

Early on the host team was the star of the show. After the annual celebratory parade and opening ceremonies the Strike Zone

The Strike Zone magic continued in round two as the host team sent EnFuego Elite to the loser’s bracket. The Dallas Tigers and

SEPTEMBER 2016

2016 CMWS All Tournament Selections

East Cobb Yankees joined the Strike Zone in the winner’s bracket .

Round 3 saw the Strike Zone’s magic come to an end with a loss to the hot swinging Dallas Tigers. The next day the host team’s season came to an end as they were no-hit by the D-BAT 17 squad. It was here at the end of Round 4 that Mother Nature decided, once again, to become the dominant player at the Series.

The semi-finals consisted of three teams, each with one loss: the Dallas Tigers, D-BAT 17, and the Southern California Renegades and the undefeated East Cobb Yankees. As is usually the case, there are no easy outs for teams that are this close to reaching a title. In the first semi the Dallas Tigers looked to have a com-

manding lead on the Renegades, but Southern California rallied and made it a game in the 5th, cutting the Tigers lead to 7-4 before falling to the Tigers 8-6. In the second game the undefeated Yankees jumped out to a 5-0 lead and looked to be cruising toward a spot in the Series final. But in the bottom of the 7th D-Bat did the unthinkable, putting up six runs in the inning for a walk-off 6-5 win and a spot in championship on Friday.

With three teams left, the Dallas Tigers won the all-important coin flip putting them automatically in the championship game, leaving a rematch between D-BAT and the East Cobb Yankees. For the second consecutive year the championship was threatened by Mother Nature as rain loomed in the Farmington forecast. Once again East Cobb jumped out early,

C -Braxton Fulford, D-Bat 17U 1B-Billy Zinnershine, East Cobb Yankees 2B-Brayden Webb, Dallas Tigers 3B- Dylan Ditzenbberger, Dallas Tigers SS- Xzavion Curry, East Cobb Yankees Utility -Jimmy Glowenke, D-Bat 17U OF-Heston Kjerstad, D-Bat 17U OF-Tucker Maxwell, East Cobb Yankees OF-Zach Deloach, Dallas Tigers OF-JJ Bleday, Midland Redskins DH- Canaan Smith, Dallas Tigers P1- Garrett Gooden, East Cobb Yankees P2-Jacob Mesa, Southern California Renegades P3-Andre Gillespie, Host Strike Zone P4-Noah Sifrit, D-Bat Elite 17U Clubhouse Gold glove Xzavion Curry, East Cobb Yankees Clubhouse Big Stick Canaan Smith, Dallas Tigers Team Sportsmanship - Colton Nighthawks Batting ChampBrayden Webb, Dallas Tigers MVP - Xzavion Curry, East Cobb Yankees but there was to be no late inning heroics this time as the Yankees shut down D-BAT 10-2 getting a spot in the finals against the Dallas Tigers.

After last year’s tragic finale, where what happened on the field was as important as watching the clock, the 2015 championship game was the first to be called by time. 2016 will be the one that was called a tie because of the weather.

Rain began to fall immediately in the first inning and continued throughout the night.

With the constant threat of game suspension, or the ever increasing possibility of the game ending, every single at-bat became critical. As the Yankees and Tigers battled each other, and an increasingly assertive third opponent, the two title contenders battled to a 4-4 tie in the 4th inning when the field became just too unplayable and the game was suspended.

Ninety minutes later the committee had to do what was in the best interest of both teams and called for co-champions.

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While neither team could be overly thrilled with the results, both seemed to understand the direness of the situation and accepted the outcome. So for back-toback years the crown jewel of the Farmington summer came to an end without true resolution, and of course the backlash and questions once again followed.

Beavers, Evans and Parker inducted into Connie Mack Hall of Fame The Connie Mack World Series Hall of Fame added three new members this year welcoming East Cobb Yankee manager Jim Beavers, Midland coach Dave Evans and 1978 National League Most Valuable Player, outfielder Dave Parker.

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From the outside, it would seem a simple solution to build in another day – just in case. However, many of these young players are missing fall sports or the beginning of high school or college, and additional teams, means less space for adjusting to the whims of Mother Nature.

The Committee will have to look once again at its procedures and schedules, which they will surely do. Until then, planning begins for next year’s Series, so stock up on the fertilizer.

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The timeline of a hero it’s a funny thing about beginning your second half of a century. The immortals aren’t and the heroes fade away. Getting old means that those you looked up to in your youth are getting even older.

So in the past couple of months we’ve lost Prince and David Bowie, Glenn Frey and Maurice White, Severus Snape and Hans Gruber in one moment; and in the sporting world, The Greatest in two sports – Muhammad Ali and Gordie Howe.

The death of Ali and the aftermath that followed really had me thinking about our national heroes, especially when it comes to sport.

Sports heroes are fascinating things. The public wants to lift them up and the public wants to crash them down. This was never more relevant than the past month when Muhammad Ali’s death, the ordeal of Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson and LeBron James’ redemption were the stories, not only in sports, but in the news as well. These are the stories of fallen heroes with and without redemption.

Athletic redemption Ali is a character study of athletic redemption.

RickHOERNER Editorial columnist i remember quite vividly my dad just hating Ali. He rooted for Frazier, swore heavily when Ali beat Foreman and cheered when he lost to Spinks. For Dad he was the ideal of what was wrong with our country and with sport. Ali was a draft dodger and a motor mouth, cocky to the point of arrogant. But something changed as they both grew older. He sadly watched Larry Holmes dismantle The Greatest and i sat there confused. However looking back historically, he was likely right in line with a large part of the American public.

What Ali did transcended sport. consider his stance on being drafted. He once said, “ …

Want me to go somewhere and fight for you?

You won’t even stand up for me right here in America for my rights and my religious beliefs.

You won’t even stand up for my rights here at home. “ As the Vietnam war progressed this language may have become standard by the ‘70s, but in ’66, in the midst of the civil Rights movement that few Americans even understood, this language was career suicide for a black athlete. And for Ali, it was. He was stripped of his heavyweight title and found guilty of draft evasion before finally winning his appeal to the Supreme court. Ali lost four years of his athletic prime. imagine that for a moment – four years. can you imagine any athlete doing that now? Giving up your career for principle? Not a chance. There’s too much money involved. Air Jordan would be gone and for Peyton Manning, Nationwide would have left his side. Athletes today have too much to lose, so they sit on the sidelines on most social issues knowing the risk of getting involved. But Ali did it. it took time for Ali to become the beloved figure he finally became. it’s horribly ironic that Ali lost what he valued most: his voice. Let’s be perfectly clear however, he would have been front line for Black Lives Matter and a voice for the underprivileged. That’s what hero worship

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does. His athletic skill overshadowed his political affiliation and those that would’ve despised him for his beliefs, loved him as an athlete.

The other side of the spectrum On the other end of the spectrum is O.J. Simpson. ESPN’s brilliant documentary, directed by Ezra Edelman, on the rise and fall of The Juice was incredible. From a historical perspective it had it all poverty, race, elitism, celebrity and the reckoning that more money buys more justice. i remember proudly writing one of my earliest book reports on Simpson and his rise from the projects of San Francisco to the Heisman trophy to the brilliant 2003 yard season. if there was an athlete that transcended the norms of society in the ’70s, it was Simpson. He was the anti-Ali. While Ali looked to lead Black America, Simpson looked to avoid it. The Watts riot was in USc’s backyard. Tommie Smith and John carlos were being kicked out of the ’68 Olympics, Simpson was leading USc to the Rose Bowl avoiding the fray.

With the marketing of Hertz, Simpson became the first African-American lead pitchman.

He won the sports competition the Superstars, became a broadcaster, a marketable actor, albeit not a very good one. Simpson had it all – until June 12, 1994.

Five days later Simpson would become a national phenomenon leading the police on the slowest high speed chase in history. Simpson’s star power kept the police at bay and allowed him to dictate the rules for his pursuit and arrest for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, a young man at the wrong place at the wrong time. It interrupted the NBA Finals as millions watched his lifelong teammate Al Cowlings drove a white Bronco yards ahead of a massive police escort and thousands of fans cheering on a hero accused of a brutal double murder.

In the Trial of the Century, Simpson’s Dream Team of lawyers got him acquitted’ proving justice is as good as you can afford. After the Rodney King beatings, black America celebrated and white America looked on in shock. A racial divide that the majority of America believed had worked itself out was as strong as ever and perhaps always will be.

Simpson believed his life would go back to his version of normal, but it never did and now he sits in a Nevada prison as perhaps the biggest fallen hero in modern times. Thank goodness there was no social media in 1995.

burying The Drive, The Fumble and The Shot in style. Playing the Warriors made James perhaps the most famous underdog in sports history. Back to back 40 point games and conceivably the most decisive defensive play in Game 7 history brought home a title and the hero returns.

Everyone has their heroes. It’s a little death inside when they fall from an unrealistic grace. A public who doesn’t even know this person places the ideals they see for themselves on sports heroes, politicians and celebrities that should be kept for those who serve the public good – nurses, teachers, police, firemen and military soldiers.

Tina Turner once sang, “We don’t need another hero.” Yes we do.

In between Ali and Simpson sits LeBron James James, a prodigal son who returned home and delivered a championship to his home town. James’ pedestal at the top began in high school. By the time he left St. Mary’s he was already projected on a path toward greatness. He was drafted by his hometown team in Cleveland and became an immediate star leading the Cavaliers to the finals after his fourth season, but it wasn’t enough. In 2010 James would take his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat beginning a run of six consecutive finals appearances.

Back in Cleveland, frustrated fans associated with perhaps the most cursed sports city in the country began burning their LeBron gear and sports fans began a hatefest with the Miami Heat. Cavs owner Dan Snyder, who also owns Fathead, sold all LeBron Fatheads for $17.41, coinciding with the birthdate of Benedict Arnold, the famous Revolutionary War traitor. LeBron goes from hero to villain leaving home to chase a ring. Flash forward four years and two titles later the fallen hero returns home. If there was such a substance that returned burned items to their original luster, it would have made millions. There was no anger, no remorse. The sports hero really is as long as your fandom. He plays for you and you love him, he plays somewhere else and you don’t.

Fickle doesn’t begin to describe hero worship.

This spring LeBron ended Cleveland’s 52 years of sports misery

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Another summer filled with fun and success With the summer coming to a close, The First Tee of San Juan County, NM chalks up another successful summer.

Highlights included:

ToMYOST The First Tee

Toney and Jones graduate as Eagle Participants from First Tee Belle Toney and Kyla Jones graduating as Eagle Participants from The First Tee and moving on to the Air Force Academy and New Mexico State’s Professional Golf Management Programs, respectively.

Belle was accepted into the Air Force Academy after finishing her career as a state qualifier in golf and a state champion with the Junior RoTC at Piedra Vista High School – not to mention being a naToney tional ranked marksman.

Kyla finished her high school career as a decorated Junior RoTC officer at Kirtland Central High School and a second place finisher in the Class A-4A State Golf Championships as an individual. Kyla will be pursuing a career in golf at New Mexico State University with multiple RoTC and golf organization scholarships to help her Jones pay for her schooling.

These two young ladies have been in The First Tee for more than six years, and represent the best of the life skills and curriculum that The First Tee has to offer. They are both goal-driven and will be successful in any endeavor they choose to pursue in the future.

with a score of 24 under par in the highly competitive event. Each year, major donors are invited to compete against each other for The First Tee Corporate Cup. Past winners have included Animas Credit Union and Church’s Chicken.

Congratulations to Team Bayless Drilling and thank you to all who donate and participate in helping The First Tee of San Juan County, NM reach over 8,500 youth per year.

Girls only Golf Program LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Program was started this summer with 10 young ladies participating in the Girls only Golf Program at Civitan Golf Course. The program is meant to help teach The First Tee curriculum in an environment in which young ladies can thrive comfortably. The participants in the program engaged in athletic and social endeavors that

LPGA/USGA Girls Golf, from L to R: Ali Caldwell, Ashlyn Velarde and Annie Yost. helped with confidence and self-esteem. The Piedra Vista High School Girls Golf Team mentored the younger participants throughout the summer, building lasting relationships and providing role models to the participants. The program was a great success in its first summer and will continue to grow throughout the coming years.

PGA Junior League The PGA Junior League expanded its reach in its third year with new teams from San Juan Country Club entering the mix. The PGA Junior League is a team golf concept that introduces young participants from 6 through

Team Bayless Drilling wins corporate challenge Team Bayless Drilling won the 5th Annual Corporate Challenge presented by Church’s Chicken on August 6 at Riverview Golf Course.

The team consisted of Tucker Bayless, Ben Reese, Greg Drake and Mike Stark, and won

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Team Bayless Drilling (L to R: Ben Reese, Tucker Bayless, Greg Drake and Mike Stark)

SEPTEMBER 2016

PGA Junior League from left Noah Dineyahze, Kylie Manus, Conner Neff and Mari Caldwell 13 years old into a fun and friendly competitive format. Players form teams of two players and play a scramble against two players from another golf course in a 9-hole match. Participants learn concepts such as communication, teamwork, decision-making and sportsmanship – to name just a few.

This is the third year that the PGA Junior League has been operating in San Juan County and includes 10-person teams from Aztec, Farmington, Kirtland and Cortez, Colorado. The teams traveled throughout the county and into southwestern Colorado to play matches against other area golf course teams. With over 80 participants involved in just the third year, the PGA Junior League continues to build momentum going forward.

Quinn Yost wins drive and chip qualifier Quinn Yost and Sebastian Massey will be heading to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the sub-regional of the 2017 Drive Chip and Putt at Grayhawk Golf Course after qualifying out of Albuquerque in their respective age divisions (Yost 12 through 13 age division, Massey 10 through 11 age division). Both participants made it to the subregional last year as well, with Massey making it all the way to the Regional Qualifier in San Diego, before finishing fifth.

The Drive Chip and Putt is a national skills challenge hosted each year by the Augusta National Golf Club on the Sunday before The Masters. Participants must qualify locally, then finish top two in the sub-regional and first in the regional before making it to Augusta National. The skills challenge consists of three drives, chips and putts, Quinn Yost winning the Boys 12-13 age group at Drive Chip and Putt local qualiďŹ er which are scored based on distance and accuin Albuquerque. racy.

This is quite an accomplishment for these two young men, two years in a row.

PIEDRA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

San Juan County fall sports preview

Even year district alignment changes create scheduling musical chairs Story by Rick Hoerner Photos Curtis Ray Benally It’s an even numbered year, which of course means once again the NMAA changes the district alignment and yo-yos schools upside down, make local scheduling a disaster and force drastic travel changes throughout the county.

This year is no different as Piedra Vista, Kirtland, Bloomfield and Navajo Prep make the most dramatic moves. Kirtland and Bloomfield have been here before moving up and down between Class 4A and Class 5A, but for Piedra Vista, which came in as the last of the 6A schools and Navajo Prep, which came in last of the 4A schools, the move up will be more than a challenge.

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FOOTBALL Piedra Vista moves up to 6A and the timing could not have been worse for Jared Howell’s Panthers. The Panthers finished in the final four of last year’s state playoffs in 5A and are bringing enough back to have been a serious threat.

However, the Panthers move to one of the most difficult districts in the state. 6A defending state champion, Cleveland is in their district. So are state qualifiers Cibola, Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista. Obviously there will be no week off for the Panthers in district play.

Like the Panthers, Bloomfield and Kirtand

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Central will move up a class to 5A making the district a six-team race joining Farmington, Aztec, Gallup and Miyamura. With the exception of Gallup, each of these teams have put strong teams on the field over the past three years.

Bloomfield has been a dominant 4A program and should remain competitive. For Kirtland Central, 4A seemed to get them back in the mix, but moving up a class will be tough on the Broncos who have struggled against the local teams when playing out of district and have yet to beat the Bobcats. Farmington and Aztec should be the teams to watch with Miyamura being the unknown factor in the district race.

The last time Navajo Prep lost a district

football game was in 2010. They were the dominant team in District 1AAA, but the Eagles are making the jump to 4A this season despite having under 300 students. As the last team on the cut line between 3A and 4A the Eagles will get tested right away against 5A Kirtland Central. new coach Victor Crawford will have to replace All-district quarterback Dakota Haliburton to keep the spread game going.

VOLLEYBALL Piedra Vista volleyball was the dominant force in District 1AAAAA volleyball for over a decade and was constantly a threat for the state 5A championship. With the program Coach ron Becker has built the Panthers will still be competitive in 6A. The district the Panthers moved into is tough with Cleveland reaching the finals last year, Volcano Vista in the final four and Cibola in the final eight.

With the Panthers gone, the 5A district is up for grabs. Farmington has been the team on the upswing, but will be starting over with new head coach and former Scorpion Alana rowland. Aztec Tiger coach Anna Strauss always has her squad playing at a high level and miyamura finished third in the district last year.

Adding 4A district champion Kirtland Central and Bloomfield to the mix should make for an interesting district season.

With rainy Crisp taking over the athletic director duties at navajo Prep there was talk that the Eagles may be looking for a new volleyball and basketball coach. However, Crisp will stay on in both positions while juggling the time restraints of the AD. At 3A the Eagles have been nothing less than state contenders, usually thwarted by Texico. The new district will include last year’s district runner up Wingate, Shiprock who finished third and Thoreau.

FArmInGTOn HIGH SCHOOL

BOYS SOCCEr Piedra Vista boys soccer has struggled the past few seasons with coaching changes as well as other personnel problems so moving up to 6A makes for an even more difficult 2016 season. Three teams from the new district qualified for state including rio rancho that made it all the way to the semifinals.

In 5A Farmington has been dominant and that should continue this season. Aztec should finish right behind the Scorpions. Adding Bloomfield shouldn’t be much of a threat after going winless in 4A last season in a very tough district. Both Gallup squads struggled last year as well so the district is Farmington’s to lose.

AZTEC HIGH SCHOOL

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GIRLS SOCCER In 5A, Aztec and Farmington have been the teams to beat and one or the other, and occasionally both have made it to at least the semifinals. If only they could get by Los Alamos and Academy now. Both Kirtland and Bloomfield finished in the middle of the pack in a district that features Hope Christian, Sandia Prep and Bosque teams that are traditionally among the best in the state. The Gallup squads finished with only one win between them and likely will not be much of a factor.

Piedra Vista finished third in the district last year only losing to the two perennial favorites.

Things won’t get any easier for the Panthers moving up. Every team in the district qualified for state with all four seeded in the top seven teams and Cibola winning it all.

Stacy Irwin’s Navajo Prep Eagles may be one of the only teams in the county that will benefit from moving up a class. Gone are Hope, Sandia Prep and Bosque as Prep joins a new district of Desert Academy, The Academy for Technology and Classics and the team that should be the favorite in Rehoboth Christian.

CROSS COUNTRY The change in districts will make cross country very interesting this year. in moving to 6A the Panthers will have to contend with Rio Rancho, Cleveland and Cibola all which finished in the top six in the state for the boys. It’s no better for the girls. Cleveland is the defending state champion, Rio Rancho finished second and Volcano Vista finished third. Tough competition for the Panthers While losing a PV team that finished in the top five in both boys and girls looks to be an advantage for the remaining schools, adding Bloomfield and Kirtland to an already tough district that includes the Gallup schools and Aztec will make district 1AAAAA perhaps the most competitive districts in the state at any level Navajo Prep’s cross country team also moves itself into a new and tougher district.

The Eagles join Shiprock who finished 7th among the boys and will be the defending state champions for the girls. Prep’s boys finished third at state and returns all of their top five runners. While Prep’s girls finished fourth but lost their top runner, Sarah Chacon, to Fort Lewis.

Good luck to all our local teams.

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NOT THE SAME WITHOUT JUNIOR Olympics were OK but Nellie likes watching sports with her head always looking left NASCAR Nellie loves her NASCAR races.

But she loves ‘em best when Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport’s most popular driver, is racing.

which makes NN happy. It is fun to be named the Most Popular anything, and NN has always been proud of the fact that she was named the Most Popular Resident of the Big House eleventeen times in a row. It would have been twelveteen, but Lindsay Lohan had her own special ingredient cookies that twelveteenth year and NN lost the majority vote.

Whatever.

NN doesn’t even care if Junior is winning, she just wants him racing. NN will stand in the middle of her wine crawl space and hoot and holler when Junior passes a car – any car, but especially the cars who are driven by the Never Ever Will Be the Sport’s Most Popular Drivers.

NN is a die-hard member of Junior Nation and no other nation matters, except, of course for the United States of America nation. Just sayin. . ..

So, since Junior’s been out of the 88 car after suffering a concussion (and NN has contacted her BFFs in the Race Car Mafia world to hunt down whoever gave Junior that concussion and make ‘em suffer by watching every film clip of Brad Keselowski there is available. NN and her Race Car Mafia BFFs know what torture is, just so’s ya know), NN doesn’t follow the races as closely as she would.

NN still watches the races, because it’s the only thing on TV at that time of the day/night, except for the Olympics, which NN watched and rooted for Michael Phelps and Simone Biles and Nathan Adrian and Ryan Murphy, and Ali Raisman and Conor Dwyer. NN was rooting for Ryan Lochte until he thought the men’s room was a demolition derby. Ole Ryan didn’t take a medal in that derby, but he did manage to collect a whole lotta bad attention and media – not to mention losing prob’ly millions of dollars in sponsorships. Whatever.

Watching swimming and gymnastics and track and field is exciting, but NN is used to watching sports with her head always looking to the left, then to the right and always ALWAYS for the 88 car. Just so’s ya know.

So Junior is out, Jeff Gordon drove Junior’s car (not great, NN must note, but in Jeff’s defense, he’s about six inches shorter than Junior, and they prob’ly hadda put wood blocks on the pedals so he could reach ‘em and a booster chair in the seat, so he could see over the steer-

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ing wheel. Just sayin. . . .) and Junior Nation flew the 88 flag at ¾ mast, in honor of its general.

NN had hoped that the ever-so-cute Chase Elliott would have won six or eight races by now, but ole CE has been in a slump. Not like a bad slump, but enough that NN sent him some of her best cookies, on accounta she knew they would make him feel better.

The USPS, however, confiscated said cookies, saying there was a “questionable” ingredient in them and turned the aforementioned cookies in to the Drug and Cookie Enforcement Squad, who ate said cookies and said they weren’t of the “quality” somebody as important as CE should have, so they “destroyed” them. Whatever.

Chase can still make the Sprint Cup Chase, which NN is pretty sure they’ll rename the Chase Chase when he makes the cut. NN would prefer it be called the Junior Chase, but since Dale Earnhardt Jr. the sport’s most popular driver, won’t be eligible for the chase on accounta he’s hadda stay outta the 88 car while the Race Car Mafia and NN’s BFFs “look into” the cause of Junior’s concussion, Junior will have to settle for being the sport’s most popular driver again, for the gazillionth time, which isn’t a bad thing and it does bring him sponsor money, which is something Ryan Lochte won’t be able to do.

CE was, hisownself, named the Infinity Series Most Popular Driver a coupla years in a row,

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Chase is also the voice of Mark Set-Go on Nickelodeon’s “Blaze and the Monster Machines” children’s video game. NN is excited for Chase to be Mark Set-Go and is pretty sure he rakes in thousands of dollars doing that. Maybe Ryan Lochte should check into “voice overs” now that he won’t appear in Speedo ads anymore. Just a thought, RL...

NN was also pretty happy to hear Kyle Busch call Bad Brad Keselowski a “dirty racer” after the two had an “incident” at Bristol. NN is over being a hater of KB on accounta he’s a HUGE Denver Bronco fan, which absolves him of all faults and failures, but remains a BBK hater on accounta he’s pretty much a not-nice-guy and will never be a sport’s most popular driver or a voice on a kid’s video game. Just so’s ya know.

NN is hoping Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the track soon. When Junior’s not racing, NN tends to enjoy a little more of her Sweet Cherry Pie wine, which is good for David and Marcia Arnold at the Wines of the San Juan, but prob’ly not so good for NN, especially when she has to meet with her PPD (Personal Probation Dude) on Monday mornings.

NN also enjoys prob’ly too many plates of Nasty Nachos when Junior’s not racing, which has caused her to add the 25 pounds her military style mafia nurse practitioner told her to lose six months ago and if NN doesn’t lose ‘em, the MSMNP threatened to put NN in a Home For Fatties in an out of the way “facility” in the part of the North Pole that is not inhabited by Santa and Mrs. Claus or anybody else who is nice and might have cookies or Nasty Nachos.

Whatever.

FAST PITCH SOFTBALL Farmington’s 12U New Mexico Sting team competes in national championship Story by Tom Yost Courtesy photos The 12U New Mexico Sting softball team from Farmington, New Mexico, arrived in West Covina, California, with the expectation of competing for a national championship in USSSA fast pitch softball.

After five straight defeats, they came back to Farmington having learned valuable lessons and having the opportunity to bond together one last time in a vacation paradise.

“The trip was very fun,” said Sting Coach Terry Maness. “The girls learned that it takes a lot of hard work to be successful and that you cannot just show up and expect to win. You have to bring your ‘A’ game – every game – if you want to win.”

The Sting played three pool play games to begin the tournament after qualifying at a high level throughout the year.

“The seeding for the pool was determined by how our team did throughout the season and how many points we accumulated from other USSSA C-Class division tournaments,” said Maness. “We were the third or fourth seed, point wise.”

The first game of Pool B was against Easton Elite - Acosta, followed by losses to the California Rage Gold and A Cut Above.

TEAM ROSTER Blaize Bingham Nicole Brimhall Ellie Duncan Gerilynn Delegarito Delayna Garnenez Akaysia Grogan Shandiin Harper Taryn Maness Mia Mascarenas Evany Morales Zoriah Plamer Ayianna Sandoval Madilynn VanRiper

“That shows that we do things the right way,” said Maness. “We may not have shown it with our score, but we showed it with our personality, hard work, dedication and attitude towards the game.”

Off the field, some of the team members got to go watch the Boston Red Sox play against the Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels while others visited Universal Studios and a local water park.

And even more special was that a few of the girls on the team got to experience the beach of the Pacific Ocean for the first time in their lives.

The Sting were unable to win any of the pool play games which created a low seed for the first game of the 32-team, double-elimination bracket play.

“We should have competed better in two of the three pool games, but the trip and the swimming and the beach played a factor in not performing as well as we could have,” explained Maness.

After losing the three pool games, the 12U Sting lost to the eventual national champions USSSA Pride - Indian. They then faced an elimination game and were sent home after losing to the Utah Freakz.

The silver lining in the five defeats suffered by the 12U Sting was that they earned the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award out of 32 teams.

While eight of the young ladies have been together on the team for four years, many of them will be competing against each other for Piedra Vista and Farmington High School for the next five to six years.

“In hindsight, maybe some of our success throughout the year was a hindrance to us in California,” explained Maness. “I think our girls thought the success would just continue. I don’t think they realized that we were playing some of the best of the best teams in the country.”

And when the 12U New Mexico Sting finished their final game together, the culmination of being together for all those years came out in an emotional way.

“Some were way sad, and there were mostly a lot of tears,” said Maness. “Six of them move on to high school, six of them are able to stay and play another year. It was a bittersweet day when it was all over.”

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Durango Cryotherapy: Restoring movement 180 degrees below zero Story and photos by Ben Brashear Jason Skeens, Chief Cryotherapy Operator of Durango Cryotherapy, is a wall of a man. He served nine years with the 82nd Airborne and still looks combat ready. His shoulders barely fit through the doorway as he leads first time client Claire Roser of Durango toward the open door of the Impact whole body cryotherapy sauna or WBC sauna— an octagonal booth roughly six-feet in height with an opening for her head to fit through.

A digital display on the side of the cryosauna puts Skeens in control of the entire session. From the display he can control duration and ambient temperature of the sauna (-180 degrees Fahrenheit for new clients). He is required, as a safety protocol, to press a "continuation button" every 30-seconds. If that button is not pressed every 30-seconds, Skeens tells Roser, the cryo-sauna will automatically shut off.

Roser is tense. Standing in her white bathrobe and requisite black neoprene booties she is concerned how cold the session will be.

Skeens assures that she will do fine considering her experience with ice baths. Roser, a long distance runner has been treating her chronic muscle soreness with ice baths following her every trail run. Skeens adjusts the height of the base platform of the sauna with several thick foam pads and has Roser step into the machine. He checks to see that her head will adequately be above the escaping liquid nitrogen vapors.

"I feel that my main job here is to help clients navigate that fight or flight emergency response. I watch their breathing and encourage them to breathe with their diaphragm.

After a few sessions of WBC most people look like they are just sitting in a hot tub, relaxed and calm," Skeens says.

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Cooling the chamber is accomplished with liquid nitrogen vapor dispensed through several ports located inside the cryo-sauna.

Skeens points out to Roser where the ports are located, just above waist height, and sug-

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gests that she rotate about one revolution per minute. "Like you're on a rotisserie," he jokes.

Because nitrogen displaces oxygen several precautions have been taken. Skeens is CPR certified and is a certified cryo-sauna operator through Impact Cryotherapy. The room has been fitted with an oxygen monitor and clients are continually reminded to keep their head above the escaping vapors. Skeens is critical of cryotherapy chambers that require clients to breathe in the nitrogen vapor. Although they are harmless, Skeens says, if enough nitrogen is inhaled, it can cause clients to become lightheaded and even pass-out.

"You know, it seems that we have been misdirected to think that cold is the danger," Skeens says. "Yes, that is a concern but we're taking a lot of precautions to deal with that— no moisture in the chamber, no wet or damp clothing (to prevent frostbite) and any metal or jewelry is not allowed. It's the nitrogen vapors that can cause problems. The hardest thing to

get through to people is maintaining their breathing without looking down into the chamber."

Whole body cryotherapy is a relatively new treatment developed in Japan in 1978 by Toshiro Yamauchi M.D. to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Yamauchi had measurable success in lessening his patients perceived pain and in increasing their mobility. Its use was later adopted by medical centers in Germany in 1982 and in Poland in 1989. After gaining European Medical Device approval, much of Europe has incorporated WBC as a supplementary treatment for arthritis and traditional physical therapy.

Despite not having medical device approval from the FDA, WBC has over the past decade made its way into the United States as professional athletes in the NBA and NFL have adopted it as an aid to post-workout recovery.

And it is now becoming a popular treatment for recreational athletes, public servants, and the military and has even crossed into the spa and beauty markets. Skeens is not dismayed by the lack of FDA approval as he says that although the use of WBC may have originated in the medical field, the way it is being used now is not intended to cure anything. He says that cryotherapy is in the realm of ice baths and contrast showers. It's simply a way to trigger the body's natural ability to heal itself.

There are basically three categories that WBC falls into according to Skeens— general health, athletics, and cosmetics or beauty. "If you want to get into the meat and potatoes of cryotherapy research look into the athletic community," he says. "On the health spa side of things you're going to see a lot of 'bunk' with regard to claimed benefits. You know you'll hear that it burns calories or helps with weight loss and you know, it may be a side effect, sure, but it may just be that you are losing water weight. We don't make any claims and don't claim it will cure anything. We want people to try it and tell us their results. I can only attest to my experience, but I was banged up from the military, 'ruck' marching and jumping from planes. I felt better after the first session overall, but after the 5th or 6th session I noticed that my joint, neck, and back pain was gone. It wasn't immediate but it is better. I can say that all the Motrin and pain killers didn't do what cryotherapy has done for me and yeah, I know that I am the 'cryotherapy guy' but I was, and I am, one of the most skeptical guys here," he says.

Assertive Wellness Center Durango Cryotherapy 140 Rock Point Drive Durango, CO 81301 Phone: (970) 385-7577 Toll Free: (855) 215-7577 E-mail: support@assertivewellness.com Further Information Check out Durango Cryotherapy at: http://drshaunayoung.com/durangocryotherapy/ Now, you may be asking yourself if WBC is in the realm of ice baths why not just jump into a tub of ice and save a few bucks? It all comes down to your intentions and delving into an age-old argument that goes beyond the scope of this article. What can be said though is that notable sports trainer and author Gary Reinl, Kelly Starrett Ph.D. and even Gary Mirkin M.D., the very doctor who coined the rest, ice, compression, elevation or R.I.C.E. modality are now arguing against using ice and ice baths to treat inflammation and minor overuse injuries.

Their argument summed up in a few words is that the direct application of ice and ice baths actually shut down the lymphatic system, inhibit tissue repair, and encourages congestion in damaged and inflamed tissue. They believe that movement, compression, and profusion are required for a speedy recovery. Accordingly, they concede that ice can be used as a simple analgesic to reduce pain and ice baths have their place in cooling the body's core temperature back to homeostasis after intensive training.

How then does whole body cryotherapy differ? Essentially, WBC works by chilling the ambient air temperature anywhere from -166-to -220 degrees Fahrenheit, which, in turn decreases the skin temperature to roughly 34-degrees Fahrenheit in a very short amount of time. It is this rapid cooling of the skin that triggers a systemic response— there is the 'fight-or-flight' response that calls for an increase in endorphin, adrenalin and noradrenalin production. Then there is the vascular response that causes blood to quickly move from the extremities toward the core of the body. As blood moves to the core it becomes nutrient dense, richly oxygenated, and ripe with pain-killing endorphin. After the threeminute session has finished, it is the drastic contrast in ambient air temperature that

causes immediate profusion, blood rushing to the extremities, to sore, damaged, overworked muscle tissue and joints.

"You will have an endorphin and adrenalin release and those are natural pain killers, blood rushing into the core and flushing back out can potentially reduce swelling and inflammation which, again is a huge thing even if it is only temporary. And, for me, that's way better than the Motrin horse pill I was taking everyday," Skeens says.

Skeens has finished prepping the cryosauna for Roser. He has her push down the tall wool socks she is required to wear to the tops of her black neoprene booties and then assists her into the cryo-sauna. He asks her to duck down allowing him to fold over the cyrosauna's top door, sealing the sauna around her shoulders. She hands her bathrobe to Skeens over the top of the sauna in exchange for a pair of warm gloves. Liquid nitrogen vapors begin to fill the sauna and spill down the outside as Roser slowly rotates.

For the next three minutes Skeens is consistently checking-in with her. He notes her breathing and anticipates the 'flash' of her pupils dilating, the subtle indicator of the 'fight-or-flight' response. Roser is nothing but calm as Skeens jokes that it must not be cold enough for her. Next time, he says, she'll get a level 2 or 3, -200-to -220 Fahrenheit. The session ends and as Roser steps from the cryosauna the immediate rush of blood to her extremities becomes apparent as her skin flushes red. Giddy from endorphins, she says she is hooked and can't wait to try a colder session. She is hopeful the session has helped her sore muscles.

Durango Cyrotherapy has been in operation since April of 2016 and according to Skeens is currently treating several members of the Fort Lewis Cycling team, Crossfit athletes, law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency responders and combat veterans. Current cost is $60.00 per session. There is an introductory 'buy-one-get-one free' offer and a 50 percent Cryo-Warrior discount for active service personnel, veterans and emergency responders.

"Come try it and see what it does for you," Skeens challenges. "I am kind of a square peg slammed into a round hole around here," he says regarding Assertive Wellness that houses Durango Cryotherapy. "It takes a long time and a lot to convince me. And fortunately, I have been amazed at the results."

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Kinley Nygren

continued from

13

“I have special clothes,” Kinley said with a sparkle in her eye and a broad smile. “I like pink and purple shirts and sparkles. I like the sparkles.”

The sparkles are on her long sleeved shirts and her cowgirl boots. And she wants the black helmet she wears when she’s in the rodeo arena to have “something” on it, she said.

Kinley and her two best friends – Taylor Armenta and Tyler Workman – rodeo together and participate in Junior Rodeos and Pee Wee Races. “We go to as many rodeos and we can find,” McConnel said. “That’s a few a month and they’re mostly local. Kinley, Taylor and Tyler do most of the rodeos together and they have a lot of fun.”

With about 90 kids taking part in the rodeos, they have fun, but they all like to win. “I like to win stuff,” Kinley said. “What I really want for this year is to win a diamond.”

While a diamond may or may not be among Kinley’s prizes this year, she always has a family fan club that cheers her on.

“Rodeo is a family tradition,” said Jeri McConnel, Kinley’s aunt.

“Kinley’s uncles, cousins, second cousins and extended family – pretty much all the family has participated in rodeo. Rodeo requires the responsibility and care of an animal, which is good for any child. Rodeo develops perseverance – you’ve gotta stick with it and practice, even when you aren’t winning, which is a valuable lesson for life.”

“Kinley is enthusiastic about trying to do better each time she rides, and that is another life lesson that children need to learn,” Jeri McConnel said. “Rodeo is also a family event for Kinley. Her family supports her and cheers for her. I think rodeo is a family sport and that is definitely good for kids.”

Shannon McConnel began competing in rodeo when she was 5, and had the backing of her family as well.

“I rode sheep first and then, when I was 9, my parents bought me a horse to rodeo on. My mom and dad were both into rodeo (when I was) growing up, so my brothers and I followed in their steps.”

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“My mom ran barrels and my dad was a phenomenal bull rider,” McConnel added.

the risk takers,” Nygren said, “which Papa stresses about.”

“Both of my brothers ride bulls professionally now. My biggest challenge (with Kinley doing rodeo) is getting over my fears of something happening to her. Finding the time to practice isn’t easy with (her) starting school and soccer season starting at the same time.

But her dad and I work together to make time for her to ride. Kinley comes first, no matter what.”

“Cody’s always been there for Kinley and supportive of her,” Nygren said. “They both really enjoy the great outdoors and spending time together. He has taught her to be responsible, work hard and be kind and friendly to others.

She likes to do everything her dad does and she is his life.”

It isn’t just rodeo that keeps Kinley happy, however. “I like to play with (beach) balls because I like the way they bounce. And I like swimming and snowboarding,” she said.

When asked why she is so special, Kinley didn’t hesitate with her response. “Because my mom and my dad made me special,” she said. “I love him (pointing to her dad) so much because he’s my father. And I love my mother just the same.”

Kinley’s “Papa,” Nate Nygren, also loves his granddaughter.

“The best part of being Kinley’s Papa is just that – being her Papa,” Nygren said. “I’m grateful for spending time with her, I love taking her on trips, spending as much time with her as I can, and watching her mature and grow into such a great granddaughter.”

“Kinley and her dad are very similar to each other, as they look a lot alike and are both very outgoing, adventurous, competitive and quite

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“She is so much fun to be around,” Nygren added of his granddaughter. “She is thoughtful, kind and polite. She is everything to me. I love her so much and am very proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She has a great attitude about life and she will talk to everyone and loves everyone.”

Surrounded by a family who loves and supports her, Kinley enjoys rodeo, swimming, snowboarding, camping and playing with her beach balls. And, at the ripe young age of 5, she also knows what she’s going to do when she grows up.

“I’m going to do towing and stuff like you do,” she said, pointing to her mother, who owns Aztec Towing. “I want to be with Aztec Towing.”

McConnel and Nygren shared a laugh and both shook their heads at their daughter.

But there is little doubt that, if Kinley Nygren wants to own and run Aztec Towing – or anything else she chooses to do – her parents will support her and, determined and over-achiever that she is, she’ll accomplish it.