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        <title>Football Chick</title>
        <description></description>
        <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1007&amp;module_name=sblog_info&amp;sblog_id=</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:26:11 +0100</lastBuildDate>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:26:00 +0100</pubDate>
        <item>
            <title>THE UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE (UFL)</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=17339</link>
            <description><![CDATA[TURNING FANS INTO HEROESAs a fan, what could
actually increase the excitement of attending a professional football game? How
about being able to go down on the field during pre-game, talk to players,
coaches, get a few autographs, snap pictures, and a free bag of gear? Yeah, I’d
say that would increase the excitement!!



The new United Football
League (UFL) with teams in Florida, New York, Nevada, and California, decided they
would do things different for the fans. I got to tag along with folks at the
VIP Fan Experience at a recent Florida Tuskers game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
From the looks of things, this VIP treatment is catching on quick with fans. 



The emails came in soon
after the game stating the fabulous results, “My kids think I’m a hero now
cause I brought them down on the field.” Ralph Vuono, Senior Director of
Marketing for the United Football League (UFL) says those messages from several
fathers confirm the league is on the right track with their new fans. “That’s
awesome and that’s what you want. Because if the kids’ are saying, ‘I want to
watch the game and go to a game, then the parents are going to take them.”



As a way to generate a
following for this four team league, the UFL created the VIP Fan Experience. The
idea came from input by fans and blog sites before a down was played. League
officials decided to incorporate this simple but unique method to bring folks
closer to game day action. “One of the things they’ve never experienced at a
professional football game is going on the field before a game which a lot of
us take that for granted because we’ve been around this business our entire
life,” says Vuono. “We didn’t realize that most people who go to a football
game have never done that.” 



The
UFL VIP Fan Experience includes pre-game field access, a ‘swag’ bag full of
hats, t-shirts, and concession vouchers. And most importantly, people meet and
interact with players, coaches, and league officials. They can get autographs
and pictures and enjoy the excitement of what is about to take place on the
field. “I’ve been to just a few pro football level events but I’ve never had
the opportunity to actually go down on the field to meet the players,” says
Kristi Fralic who had the VIP treatment at the last Tuskers game. “I’m really
excited to be here.” 



As
a player on the sidelines, I must admit the familiar feel. Players doing their
thing, some on their own and some with one or two others. Camera folks running
around, media setting up, trainers scurrying about, and the who’s who chatting
amongst themselves. Several players stopped and signed autographs for the fans
including Tuskers Head Coach Jim Haslett and former Baylor Bear Matt Bryant,
the Tuskers kicker.





About
40 Tusker fans young and old strolled the sidelines the night I tagged along,
the most of any UFL game so far. Richard Jones found it a great benefit offered
to any level of ticket holder, “It’s something up close and personal and you
don’t see that in other pro leagues.”  And,
a number of fans from the UFL Access board believe this is what sets the UFL
apart from other leagues. One fan posted the VIP experience “is awesome and
exactly what the country needs, a fan friendly pro sports league.” 



Ben
Barilich, Marketing Coordinator for the UFL, is key link to the VIP Fan
Experience. He organizes and coordinates the event, the fans, and the bag of
gear. His attention to detail gets noticed, “Everyone had shirts that fit
because Ben took the time to ask everyone what their size was. This was a nice
personal touch,” noted Tusker fan Bob Bluestone.



For
this Football Chick, I applaud the UFL for creating a wonderful experience for
fans. Everyone I talked to walked away knowing they would be back to the
Tuskers next game. Parents seemed just as star-struck as their kids watching
the likes of Tatum Bell, Michael Pittman, Brooks Bollinger, Chas Gessner, Tim
McGarigle, and Odell Thurman. Me, I was hoping to meet former Buckeye LB Anthony Schlegel, but unfortunately that did not happen. Next time...



To
get the VIP treatment for any UFL game, fans can log onto www.uflaccess.com and email News Director
Nation Hahn. Hahn calls this experience “the epitome of fan friendly.” 



There
are plenty of players with NFL experience and Texas ties in the UFL. Hopefully it won’t be
long before there is a UFL team in Texas.
Potential cities thrown out there include Austin
and San Antonio,
but what about Frisco! We are the capital of sports in Texas with the professional and minor league
teams here including the Dallas Stars and Texas Tornados, Frisco Rough Riders,
FC Dallas, and Donnie Nelson’s new basketball team. Frisco is home to
incredible training facilities like The Fieldhouse and  Zoom Sports Performance (Athletic Republic)  where Florida Tuskers
RB Shaud Williams trains. And, PizzaHutPark
is a venue well suited for the high caliber, fan accessible football these guys
are playing. I am, for one, thinking this is a great idea…Frisco Fire…how’s
that for a name? To learn more about the league, check out their website: www.ufl-football.com . For more information on the Florida Tuskers, go to www.tuskerhouse.com .

 

Stay
inspired and Bring it!

 

Kip

#45

 

 

 

 

 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=17339'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond LCA</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16797</link>
            <description><![CDATA[(This is part two of a discussion I had with members of the coaching staff at Legacy Christian Academy. There guidance gives these young people great tools for real life.)  Two new coaches join the LegacyChristianAcademy athletic staff
this year. Both take seriously the school’s mission statement to create strong
leaders with Biblical convictions. 



Christy Williams, a seasoned
club coach and former coach at Skyline, comes on board to head the Eagles
Volleyball program. Williams first order of business re-establishes the goal of
‘oneness’. She tells the young athletes they were called to travel on the same
road and in the same direction together, “Oneness is my number one goal. We are
really young and Ephesians 4:1-6 is my way of communicating this.” 



She wrote to them, ‘I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some
path that goes nowhere. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God
and Father of all, who rules overall, works through all, and is present in all.
Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.’” And, this
conveys Williams’ conviction 2009 is just the start of a great Volleyball
system, “My long term goal is to work together as a team and build a program.
Next year we will be more competitive than this year and in three years even
better than two years ago.”



And even though these twelve
are young and inexperienced, Williams expects them to help mentor and lead. She
requires they walk along side the junior high volleyball players to “help them
keep perspective on life and their Christian walk.” 



Athletic Director Andrew
Embry likes what he sees and praises Williams’ efforts to refocus the program,
“Her attitude is great. She is very positive and stayed positive when she only
had eight girls. She is now up to twelve. They are being pushed which is good.
It is a different mentality, a tweak towards hard work and discipline and that
yields fruit.” 



Williams scouted out the
Eagles district opponents and feels good about Legacy’s ability to play and
succeed. And, she reported the parents noticed a shift in the girls’ play when
they won their season opener against Garland Christian, “A lot of the parents
said it was so good to see them working together and enjoying the game.”



Edward ‘Skip’ Lane also
brings a new dynamic to Legacy. The long time Canyon Creek coach brings his
experience to the Eagles as the Head Track Coach and Speed and Strength Coach
for all athletes. 



Utilizing the new space at LCA
for sports training, Lane incorporates all the athletes into a strength and
conditioning program not just the football players, “No athlete is left behind.
From football to golf, everyone has the opportunity.” AD Embry embraces this
philosophy and the new strength training techniques even though the students
are not accustom to it, “It helps their walk with Jesus Christ. I think it
parallels. As a Christian, your walk is many times difficult. It is not easy
especially outside Legacy Christian. If you’re not fighting, you’re failing
meaning that if your are not fighting in your walk with Christ, you are
failing. It takes character, guts, and discipline to cultivate that
relationship with Christ.”



Athletes are flipping huge
tires in the field, pulling weighted sleds forwards and backwards, throwing
medicine balls, and doing more explosive and dynamic training as well as the
typical weight training associated with sports. “It is very taxing and the
students are doing a great job with it,” says Lane. 



Training will go year round with
Coach Lane.
“There is no such thing as an off season,” says Lane. “It gives us an edge to
continue to train and have periodization year round to help build our programs
as a whole.”Lane, an Engineer by day for
Raytheon, has worked with USA Track and Field athletes for over 15 years both
at the collegiate and professional level. His love, however, remains with
younger athletes, “The younger kids don’t have bad habits to break. You can
teach them the proper way to lift and run.”



In taking over the cross
country program, Lane plans to promote and build upon the four athletes he has
this Fall, “Anyone who is not in a Fall sport, cross country would be very
beneficial for them like soccer or tennis because of the endurance they need
for their sport.”



The seasoned coach reminds
his athletes that cross country is more than just running. He examines their
mechanics, arm swing, speed, and core strength. In addition he helps develop
the mental aspect of the sport, “You have to understand the concept and strategy
of running. It is mental. It is getting ready to compete, nutrition, and
putting those things together and help them be successful.”



For both Coach Lane and Coach Williams, the focus
remains on these athletes success in and out of their chosen sport. Preparing
them for life beyond LCA and beyond athletics. Embry agrees, “It’s not easy for
a 14 to 17-year-old to be set in an arena where everyone is watching and sees
your mistakes and your successes. Bottom line: how is my relationship with
Christ. That is not a scapegoat. That is my identity. That is where my peace,
my joy, my strength come from, not home plate, not in the end zone, not
shooting a three-pointer, or spiking the ball.” Stay inspired, work hard, have fun! Kip #45 

 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16797'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>New &amp; Unfinished</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16697</link>
            <description><![CDATA[(I love sitting down and talking to coaches! Next to our parents, they influence our kids almost more than anyone else. LCA is home to exceptional coaches who influence this generation to lead and perform by example especially when facing adversity. Here is a portion of my conversation with a few of coaches. You'll meet new coaches Skip Lane and Christy Williams a little more next time.) _________________ LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY'S FALL SPORTS“I’ve got the best classroom
in the school”, says Legacy Athletic Director Andrew Embry. And, with that
belief, Embry goes to work everyday preparing LCA athletes for life.  “We don’t have the opportunity to test in a
classroom. When we test, we test in front of thousands of people, it goes in
the Dallas Morning News, the internet and everyone sees it. There is a little
more to it when we test, so we better be prepared.”

 

Football



Right now Fall sports are
being put to the test including football, cross country, and volleyball. For
the Eagles football program, the test looms large. The team enters this season
as District Champions and the State Runner-up. They finished last year just
three points shy of a state title. And, while 12-2 is a great record, the team
left some ‘unfinished business’, “With the taste the kids have in their mouth
right now, they know they need to work a little harder, go a little bit longer,
push a little bit more to make up that three points needed from last year,”
says Embry



Head Coach Mike Hall, the
current Texas Private School Coaches Association Coach of the Year, positioned
‘unfinished business’ as the team motto for this year. He believes it’s time to
take care of it, “We made great progressions last year. There are still more
steps to take and never be satisfied. We’ve got to be hungry because we
remember how it felt to be so close yet so far.” Embry echoes Hall’s sentiment,
“I don’t want any more red ribbons. Red is second. I want a blue one. That’s a
championship. That’s a first place ribbon. I have enough red, I don’t need
anymore.”



After losing a large group
of key seniors, the Eagles enter this season young and inexperienced in some
areas. Returning just four offensively and five defensively, Legacy developed
from within and gained some great talent from the outside. Legacy Defensive
back Connor Ward takes over as the Eagles’ prime quarterback and Joshua
Atkinson comes from American Heritage as the second quarterback in Hall’s 2-QB
system. 



Atkinson, a junior, also
contributes at wide receiver, a position he has never played before but says
it’s a role feels comfortable in, “We started playing 7 on 7 and I actually
like it. I thought, ‘I can get the hang of this.’” 



LCA senior Nathanael Mattay makes
a return to football at receiver and defensive back. He played his freshman
year then made contributions to LCA with the band and as Drum Major. After
seeing the big hole the seniors left, however, Mattay decided to return after
prompts from the coaching staff, “The coaches were always throwing in little
comments about coming back and playing football because of how much of an
athlete I am, as they would say. I never really paid any attention to it until
I realized just how many seniors were leaving.”



Several other players return
who remember the difficult title game run. Andrew Journey, a senior running
back and DB who rushed for nearly 1200 yards last year. Coach Hall says he
enters the season in great shape and sits ready to make a huge impact. 



Blake Snider, a senior 6’6”
280 lb lineman, returns and already is being recruited along with junior Burke
Morris, a 6’4” 265 lb lineman. Hard-hitting junior linebacker and tight end Ben
Trotter joins the Eagles. His contribution provides LCA some much needed depth
in those areas. 



Coach Hall says he loves the
chemistry of this team. With only five seniors carrying the leadership role, he
cites the team quickly has grown into a family, “The plus of being a small
group is that they are not at all looking at each other going ‘who is going to
be a leader’. They are all taking a leadership role. At camp, they were
phenomenal.”

 

 

Cross Country



In their second year as a
Fall sport, Cross Country athletes welcome a new  coach to LegacyChristianAcademy. Skip Lane joins the
staff as the Head Track Coach and Speed and Strength Coach for all athletes.Currently, there are four
members of the Cross Country team Melissa Meeks, James Byrd, Ian Huxham, and
Rhett Allen. Lane believes he can build on these four athletes and promote it
more throughout the school. “Anyone who is not in a Fall sport, cross country
would be very beneficial for them, like soccer, tennis, and basketball.” Track
and field, says Lane, enhances every other sport. 



Lane trains athletes from
the junior high and high school level to Division 1 and professional. He knows
that building the endurance factor in each athlete is key no matter what sport.
And, with cross country, he notes, it is more than just running, “You have to
understand the concept and strategy of running. It is mental.” 

 

Volleyball



Volleyball also supports a
new Head Coach in Christy Williams. Coming off a year the program struggled,
Williams aims to bring unity back to the team. “Oneness is my number one goal.
We are really young and Ephesians 4:1-6 is my way of communicating this.”



Williams, a seasoned club
coach, says her long term goal is to build a program based on the new
commitment of the young athletes she has today, “Next year we will be more
competitive than this year and in three years even better than two years ago.”



With only eight girls
starting out on the team, Williams is now up to 12. And, while some may look at
this as a negative, Athletic Director Embry believes the team will reap their
new sense of purpose and discipline, “They have been working hard and in my
opinion hard work pays off and nothing replaces it.”



 _________  Stay inspired,Kip #45 

   <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16697'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:56:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>PCTC</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16367</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Tony Dungy Red Zone
Kickoff 2009

 

When you enter the red zone
in football, the intensity and pressure increases. You find out if the training
you’ve done as an individual and team comes together to put points on the
board…or deny points in the case of defense. Tony Dungy, NFL Super Bowl winning
Coach for the Indianapolis Colts, recently shared with area players his keys
for success in the red zone. 

 

In front of thousands of
young athletes, coaches, and fans at PrestonwoodBaptistChurch,
Dungy and other notable NFL players and coaches offered insight on four
elements: Performance, Conditioning, Teamwork, and Character (PCTC). 

 

Starting with Performance, Dungy made an example out
of Colts back up QB Jim Sorqi. While Sorqi rarely sees action in a game, Dungy
says he works and prepares as if he starts. He studies the specifics of his
craft, becomes the set of eyes to see what Peyton Manning can not, and he stands
confident to take over if needed. And, Sorqi himself says Performance requires
a commitment to doing your job 100%.

 

How incredible that Dungy
took the QB we know least about and made him the example of Performance. We all
know what Manning can do, right? That’s the key to Performance - you give 100%
no matter your position or place on the team.

 

Conditioning, the second key to success in the red zone,requires more than just lifting weights and attending practice.
According to John Torine, the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Colts,
nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest all play a major role in players
executing at their best level. According to studies, sites Torine, athletes
need to be in bed before midnight to be ‘training ready’. He revealed to all of
the players they need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

 

Physical conditioning and
preparation goes without saying, but what about mental conditioning? Football,
like many sports, requires a high level of mental preparation. Peyton Manning put
it this way, “Pressure is something you feel when you don’t know what you’re
doing.” Thus, conditioning your mind to make the proper decisions when called
upon moves you past average. 

 

Michael Irvin, former
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver, echoed Manning’s focus on decision making. Having
learned from experience, Irving
told the young football players to act wisely in who they hang around and who
they follow, “Do not decide to give something in 15 minutes that will cost you
15 years.” 

 

I can’t help but pause
here for reflection. This is crucial in many of our lives. We feel pressure
everyday at work and at home. And for many of you, daily pressure exists in regard to eating and exercising. How well are you conditioning your mind to make the right decision
in 15 minutes that will not cost you 15 pounds later? How many of you physically
condition well, then sabotage everything you just worked hard for by eating
fast food or a dinner too high in sugar, fat, or alcohol?

 

Think about the situations
you face that trigger you to drop the ball in the red zone so to speak. Start
preparing your mind to make better decisions. Roll play in your head choosing different
so you score the kind of points you want. 

 

Teamwork,
another key to success,hinges on a
certain chemistry among players. Dungy says his teams have been made up of 53
guys who may not be the best in talent, but they are 53 guys who have chemistry
together and will get the job done. The key, according to Dungy, is focusing on
the relationships. He went back to Sorqi as an example. Sorqi may never play a
down in the game, but he gets everyone ready. “When we win, I win,” says Sorqi
who Manning trusts to step in at any time.

 

I hope all this is sounding
familiar. I can not help but make the comparison between the keys to success
Dungy shares with what many of you have asked with regard to weight loss and a
healthier lifestyle. We’ve talked about commitment, nutrition, hydration in
this blog. We’ve mentioned surrounding yourself with right people and making
wise decisions in the face of tough feelings as a part of a new healthier
lifestyle. But where do we derive the above things? Dungy says for football
players, they come from Character,
the fourth and final key to success in the red zone. I think that holds true
for the rest of us.

 

State Championship Head
Coach Randy Allen of Highland Park
confirmed Dungy’s conviction about Character with the audience, “I’d rather
have a player of average ability and great character than a player with great
ability and average character.”

 

Character relates to your
attitude and actions when no one is looking. It defines your work ethic and
decision-making. It enables you to put points on the board or deny points
selflessly and in unity with your team. You alone decide what your Character
gets you. Talent alone is not enough and sometimes a barrier to the hard work
and chemistry needed to define success in the red zone.

 

Kip Fit Tip: Ask yourself how you are doing in each of these areas. Be honest in
your evaluation and change what is needed for you to achieve a healthier
lifestyle. When the intensity and pressure increase in life, how well prepared
are you to perform clean eating and moving? Do you give 100%? Have you
conditioned yourself to respond appropriately both mentally and physically to
the demands of exercising and eating right? How well does character drive your
decision making? Do you cave to peer pressure? Do you surround yourself with
others who are leading the kind of lifestyle you desire? 

 

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16367'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>DISCOVERING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16167</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ 

This week, working a
conditioning camp for football players at Zoom Sports Performance, I realized I
contained the secret to the fountain of youth! At 43, I demonstrated
the cone drills and then the final sprint and ladder timed drill. My
21-year-old counterpart exclaimed he’d rather be in bed. And, when my friend asked
him why he was allowing me to do it, he replied, ‘because she loves it and I
knew she would.’ He’s right!

 

So what enables me to keep
up with and in some ways surpass 20-somethings? What’s the secret to the
fountain of youth? What gives me more energy and desire? 

 

The answer lies in two key
things which I recently shared at Eden’s Organic Garden Market Days. First, you have to answer this
question: Are you ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal to lose
weight and keep it off.

 

If you answer ‘yes’, then
it’s time to quit making excuses. The next 365 days will pass, what will be
different a year from now? It starts now! Workout even if you don’t ‘feel’ like
it. Go to the gym or head out into your neighborhood even if you feel
uncomfortable and embarrassed.

 

For some of you who follow
this blog, we started talking about ‘readiness’ back in January. So, how are
you doing? Entering into the 4th quarter of the year, you should be
well on your way to a changed lifestyle. If you’re not or you’ve stumbled along
the way, then consider this your chance to answer the question again and get a
different result. 

 

Family get-togethers,
vacations, birthdays, and holidays are no longer excuses to indulge. Genetics,
your age…nope, you can’t use those either to get you out of doing what you need
to do to reach your goals. If you’re like me and the fat deposits on your body
quicker than your best friend, then all that means is you have to work smarter
and harder.

 

Taking the easy way out
stops now. Drive thru fast food is not an option for you or your kids. Rain,
snow, sleet no longer mean you can get out of doing what’s right. 

 

The second key involves
clean eating and moving. That should not be a shock to you. How else could I,
at 43, keep up with those half my age out on a football field or sprint up five
parking lot ramps during boot camp following 20 jump squats and 20 pushups?

 

By now I am certain you
discovered diets don’t work. No quick fix or deprivation diet will yield you
the results you want long term. And, whatever diet you choose, better make sure
it’s something you can do for a lifetime. When you stop or go off the diet, I
can pretty much guarantee the weight will return and so will your lack of
energy. 

 

Clean eating provides a
healthy relationship with food, steady weight loss success, and a beautiful
body. In fact 80% of the body you want directly involves the diet you employ. 

 

Some basic principles of
clean eating include:

5 or 6 small meals every day eating every 2-3 hours combining a lean protein (chicken) with
     vegetables and complex carbohydrates (sweet potato) never missing breakfast avoiding processed, refined foods depending on fresh fruits and vegetables measuring your portions drinking 2 liters or more of water per day  

For nearly ten years,
clean eating moved me an overweight housewife and mom to fit, professional
athlete who engages in sports right along with her kids. The clean eating
lifestyle improves and renews your body without denial and without going
hungry. The cost of clean eating is no more than a regular grocery bill. There
are no pre-packaged meals or supplements. 

 

I highly recommend the
Clean Eating Magazine and Tosca Reno’s series of books The Eat Clean Diet. It
is easy to follow if you hate to cook like myself yet wonderfully creative if
you do.

 

Equally important in
remaining youthful is exercise. Again, if you are not seeing the results on
your body you want, the first place to look is your nutrition. The second place
to review focuses on the type, intensity, and duration of your exercise.

 

Only a small portion of us
can blame metabolism and genetics as the true culprit. Inconsistent eating
leave the body thinking its starving and holds the food as fat. Sedentary
lifestyles decrease metabolism. Yet, metabolism is not a fixed number. You can
change it. More lean muscle mass increases metabolism. 

 

Your exercise program
needs to include:

cardio exercise at least 5 days a week to lose
     weight for a minimum of 30-50 minutes where your intensity is testing you heart rate between 60-80% of your maximum resistance/weight training at least 3 days a
     week working all the major muscle groups of the body regular stretching changing up your exercise routine every 8-12
     weeks make sure you check with your doctor before
     starting any exercise program  

Truth be told, a casual
stroll through the neighborhood three nights a week will not cut it. It may
sound like I am demanding perfection. No, but I do want you see how easy it is
to give an excuse. And, I do want you to see the reality of life. It involves
dedication, discipline, and hard work. You got this!

 

Kip Fit Tip: check out www.collagevideo.com
or www.beachbody.com for great DVD’s to
use at home. They are cost effective, provide a means to workout at home if you
can’t get to a gym or rec center. Stay Inspired,Kip #45   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16167'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>HANG'N @ EDEN'S ORGANIC MARKET DAY</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16051</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If you want to know how to go from an overweight mom to a World Champion professional football player, then come hang with me and the gang at Eden's Organic 3rd Anniversary Market Day tomorrow morning from 9-Noon.
Located: 4710 Pioneer in Balch Springs
I'll be sharing my story about losing weight and keeping it off! And, I'll take your questions about fitness, nutrition, and how to incorporate that into your everyday family life! This is about a lifestyle that can fit into your daily routine!
Hope to see everyone there!!
Stay inspired,
Kip #45 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16051'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:40:40 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>RINGS ARRIVED</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=16024</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ 
The hardware arrived! Just days ago, during a ceremony hosted by Cowboys RB Deon Anderson and our own Diamonds Madness Man, the silver hunk of metal incrusted with purple and clear ice gemstones, my name, and #45 was placed in my hands. This large, beautiful piece of jewelry now rests comfortably on my finger! 
As I sat and listened to the awards ceremony, I could not help but think this might be the most celebrated yet unknown group of athletes ever gathered in one room. You see, every so often, a team comes along that defines an era in time. I believe that team is the Dallas Diamonds. Winning world titles in 2004, 2005, 2006, and last year in 2008, the Diamonds created a legacy that labels them one of the best, if not the best, women’s professional tackle football franchise in history. 
Just check this out: during their championship run in 2004, the Diamonds went 12-0 including 5 shutouts, scoring 478 points in the regular season and allowing 89 against. Moving to 2005, the Diamonds, again, go 12-0 with 6 shutouts, scoring 417 points during the regular season with 82 points allowed. 
After back to back Championships, the girls of the gridiron did not let up. In 2006, they achieved a modern pro-football record of consecutive wins with 28 before losing to arch rival Houston Energy. Nonetheless, the Diamonds put 415 points up on the board for the season and allowed only 134.  
This brings us to the 2008 championship season where we went 11-0 with five shutouts, scoring 423 points during the regular season and allowing only 33 points against us. In the title game, we battled the Chicago Force in sudden death over time, winning the game 35-29. 
So, when I say the Diamonds define an era, here are the stunning numbers in total including regular season and playoffs: four championships in five years, three undefeated seasons, one loss, a 28 game consecutive win streak, 18 shutouts in 44 games, 2071 points scored, 428 points allowed, an average of 47.06 points scored per game and 9.72 points allowed per game!!
Even during this 2009 season, we finished 8-0 with four shutouts, racking up 429 points during the regular season while allowing only 41. 
I doubt Diamonds owner Dawn Berndt knew when she created the Diamonds in 2002, her team would come to define women’s professional football. Clearly, however, the various athletes who have made up this team over the years and the coaches who guided us raised the bar for the sport of women’s professional tackle football. Teams across the nation changed their game in order to compete with the caliber of the Diamonds. 
This is a good thing! A few weeks ago, the Boston Militia, a team smaller in stature overall, played the game of their lives and beat us, the reigning champions, in a decisive victory 34-12 in the first round of the IWFL playoffs. And capturing the IWFL title for 2009, the Kansas City Tribe, a team we shutout once and beat twice last year. Kansas City stepped up their game and came in as underdogs this year to grab their first World Championship Title. 
During these past two seasons, I’ve had the honor to play along side these incredible yet unknown and undervalued athletes. Many of them have become dear friends. They hold a special and unique place in my heart due to the experiences, hard work, battles on and off the field, joys, and spiritual connections. 
As I think about next season, I look forward to playing again. Will I? I don’t know. Right now, I’m enjoying the view on my finger while I contemplate my next move. 
(special thanks to Robert Powell for helping me with the stats!!) 
Stay inspired,
Kip #45 
 
 
 <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=16024'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ADDICTED</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=15442</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If Today was your Last Day 
 Last week while scanning the vast sea of itunes Rock, I stumbled upon Nickelback. I tried it. Just once to see if it gave me a good feeling. You know, the kind of feeling that takes you away and makes you forget about the negative people and forces in your life. 
The result of just one hit? I’m addicted!! 
While not new to the music scene, Nickelback made an enormous first impact on me. “If Today was your Last Day” explodes with truth and inspiration to boost even the laziest person off their couch and game remote. Let’s take a look: 
“Each day’s a gift, and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride” 
If you’ve been a regular reader of Football Chick, then you know this song describes a simple but powerful life mantra I often encourage you to adopt: Don’t waste any more time with excuses. Today is the day to make the necessary changes to reach your goals. Often, it is the first step that is the longest stride towards better health and longevity. 
Chorus
“If today was your last day 
And tomorrow was too late 
Could you say good bye to yesterday 
Would you live each moment like your last 
Leave old pictures in the past 
Donate every dime you had 
If today was your last day” 
This reality set in today when I learned of the death of one of my Mom’s friends. Diane was my favorite of her friends. She was vibrant, creative, out-going, joyful, and the life of the room. She died too young and before seeing her new Grandchild. 
We are not guaranteed tomorrow. What would you do, say, or share if today was it for you? I doubt most of you desire to be entrapped by food and weight issues, and spending countless dollars and mental gymnastics worrying about food and what you look like. Life is far to precious and too short to be in bondage to this. 
If today was your last day, how would you live it different? 
 
“Against the grain should be a way of life 
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight 
Every second counts cause there’s no second try 
So live it like you’ve never live it twice 
Don’t take the free ride in your own life” 
Living against the grain these days involves difficult but necessary choices. It requires skipping the fast food joints, saying ‘no’ to sodas, stopping gluttonous activity and binging and purging. It involves sticking to your clean eating lifestyle no matter the date on the calendar, who makes fun of you, or the restaurant you visit. 
The prize of a healthy and fit lifestyle is worth the discipline of clean eating and daily exercise. If you want a free ride in this life, then you’ll deal with the consequences of it at some point. More than likely, it leads to premature death, diabetes, heart and joint issues, and the like. You do not get this life twice. You have one shot to live a lifestyle than enables you to function in body, mind, and soul the way God intended. 
“Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart 
You know its never too late 
Too shoot for the stars regardless of who you are 
So do whatever it takes 
Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life 
Let nothing stand in your way 
Cause the hands of time are never on your side” 
Some of you tell me you hide in emotional eating related to troubled relationships. Forgive! Mend the brokenness you feel or delivered to someone else. Do whatever it takes to heal. 
And, if you’ve been waiting on someone else to mend your heart, then let me make things clear: stop waiting and do whatever it takes to move on. You may live with a painful memory but you can stop emotional eating over it. Don’t waste another moment in this life eating your sorrows away. The hands of time are NOT on your side. Now is the time to forgive and strive for the dreams you left behind. 
I am so addicted to this Nickelback song, I posted the song link on Facebook, made it my call back and ring tone, and now I’m blogging about it! So, if today was your last day…would you?
________________ 
Motivational Tip: Read a autobiography or biography of one of your heroes. Whether an athlete or not, more than likely, he or she offers some great insight as to their success in their given field. Adopt some their principles as your own. 
Nutritional Tip: Skipping meals slows your metabolism. Eat proportioned meals and snacks on schedule. Your body will burn up the energy you provided at a more efficient rate. You’ll begin to notice about every two-and-a-half hours, your body will say it needs more food. 
Fitness Tip: Keep a training log! Research proves writing down your plan and accomplishments is key. You can see your progress, remember what exercises and weights you did, and have a tangible record of your success. 
Fun Football Fact: Dallas Diamonds are in the playoffs in our DRIVE FOR FIVE! That means we need funding for our travel to Boston. You can make donations at this website below through a secure paypal transaction. 
 http://www.relevantlabs.net/se.ashx?s=705E3F006B0493D0 
 
www.nickelback.com 
www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com 
www.iwflsports.com 
 
Stay inspired,
Kip #45 
  <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=15442'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:02:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>EVERY KID IS AN 'AT RISK' KID</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=15256</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ 
Anthony Dorsett aims to change that with Dorsett33 Football Camps 
One of the greatest thrills in life involves coming face to face with athletes you’ve admired. During my two season with the Diamonds, I’ve had the incredible honor to meet some of mine including former Cowboys WR Drew Pearson. Nothing compares, however, to the weekly training I experience with the guys of the NFL and CFL at Zoom. 
Several times a week, we work side by side on our agility skills, develop strength and speed, and push ourselves beyond what we thought we could do. So, when my friend Anthony Dorsett, Jr. (AD) decided to create a camp for kids to share his professional knowledge and enthusiasm, it was a ‘no brainer’, I jumped on board. 
And, as we talked one day about the motivation behind Dorsett33 Football Camps, I vowed to help him. We both share a concern for the health and well-being of today’s kids. 
We agreed the definition of an ‘at risk’ kid has changed. No longer does it only apply to kids coming from lower socio-economic areas. The term applies to kids living here in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, The Colony, and so on. “TV and video games are parenting the kids more than the parents actually are,” says AD, son of legendary Cowboys RB Tony Dorsett. 
AD plans to help change this trend with the launch of Dorsett33 Football Camps. “We are seeing more kids playing video games and not getting outside and being active enough, so we are stepping up as a place where kids can find mentors, big brothers, and big sisters to fill that gap.” 
Both of us remembered our youth years with a focus on outside activity. Dorsett wants to see kids move and take care of their mind, body, and soul, “What comes with football is a good attitude and confidence in yourself. You have to get your mind right to retain the plays and learn stuff. You have to take it from the classroom to the field. You have to make sure your body is in the right place and conditioned properly. And, of course, with your soul, you want to make sure everything is aligned properly. The clearer your head is the clearer things are in your life and the better you can perform out there on the court or the field or whatever the case may be.” 
Dorsett33 Camps begins a new chapter for the former NFL player. AD played high school ball locally at JJ Pearce in Richardson, followed by an outstanding career at the University of Pittsburgh and eight seasons in the NFL with two Super Bowl appearances. Now he desires to give back to his community, “This serves a bigger purpose than football,” he says, “It’s about helping kids with education as well as athletics. It’s not something I had to think long about. I want to give back. I see more kids with issues than ever before.” 
Former Minnesota Viking Jake Reed, some of my Diamonds’ friends, along with other professional players join Dorsett during the non-contact two-day camp. While learning fundamental football skills for each position, kids 8-18 receive instruction on core strength and flexibility. “Jerry Rice told me that flexibility is the key to longevity,” explains Dorsett. “I’ve seen it and tested it out. There is less chance of muscle injuries and it benefits you in the long run.” 
And, of course, the door is open for girls at Dorsett33 Camps, a rare and welcomed shift for football training. Anthony said he just invited a local softball player to attend, “Even if they never play women’s professional football, they will come out here at learn how to throw the ball, learn how catch a ball, and learn how to backpedal. Worse case scenario, they can sit down with their Dad on Sunday and enjoy the game a little bit better.” 
Dorsett understands that girls want to play the sport and he supports the idea. One of his cousin’s played for the women’s tackle football team in Pittsburgh and several Diamonds players have trained with him at Zoom. When AD invited me out to the field with him, I went through the same drills and conditioning as the guys. AD, the Zoom trainers, and the other players are completely behind women playing football. So, if you are a girl and you want to play, then make every effort to be at his camp. 
After two days of hard work, Dorsett believes the boys and girls will walk away with a better understanding of physical activity rather than video games, better fundamentals of football, and a step closer to their dream. “If you have a dream of being that player, this guy is in front of you right now. Go and talk to him. Go ask him how he did it. Don’t be scared,” he says. “They are people just like you are and started exactly where you are.” 
Two Dorsett33 Football Camps are set for this summer at LibertyHigh School in Frisco. The first takes place June 19th and 20th from 8:30am to 3:00pm.The second camp follows July 17th and 18th. For more information or to sign up visit www.dorsett33.com or www.zoomsports.net or call 972-731-0055. The cost for the 2-day camp is $150. 
 
     <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=15256'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:59:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>BETTER THAN WHEN HE FOUND IT</title>
            <link>http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&amp;site_page_id=301&amp;sblog_id=529&amp;post_id=15201</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Former UTA player aims to improve women's football
 Mikal Black, Diamonds Assistant Coach, grew up in a time when little boys believed they could do anything. Over time, he saw little girls grow up to become corporate executives, Secretary of State, and run for President. Now he finds himself in a world where a little girl can grow up and play football. “We had our shot and we played the game. If some of my effort goes towards helping women’s football, then haven’t I left it a little better than when I found it?” 
 Before joining the Diamonds staff in 2005, Black watched a number of games to support his friend Michelle Gailey, who retired this year. “I don’t know what I was expecting but it was better than I expected.” Accepting an offer from former Head Coach Todd Hughes, Black jumped at the chance to coach the Diamonds Lines. 
 Never coaching before, Black took things slow at first. He learned from the other coaches and drew from his own experience. From the 4th grade through his Junior year in college, Black played the game earning All-District and All-Academic honors at ShermanHigh School. 
 “Coaching is just teaching,” says Black. “It’s trying to get people to understand the game the way you understand it and why you do what you do. It’s one thing for players to just do whatever you tell them to do. You need to try to get them to understand it.” Holly Headen, who plays on the Diamonds OL sees how Coach Black’s experience guides the team, “He speaks from a player's point of view.  He comes up with out of the box drills to simulate what the opposition is doing in order to help us see what we are doing wrong and how to correct it.”  
 A quick study, Black now finds himself as Assistant Head Coach and he reveals, his philosophy on coaching changed somewhat with that role, “It’s no secret I’m the a__kicker of the staff, but I can’t be a 24/7 a__ kicker.” Blacks says he talks to the veteran players different than the rookies. He believes the rookies need time to learn his antics are not personal but team driven, “I can’t just throw the new folks in to the system. It is a slower approach like building a house. You start with a foundation. If you screw up the foundation, then the rest doesn’t matter.” Ann Richardson is one veteran who learned from Black, “He really taught me the fundamentals of a lineman and what their job is,” says Richardson. “The best thing he taught me was to stay low or I would get run over.” 
 Although frequently asked what it is like to coach women, Black maintains he coaches women the same as men, “I treat them just like guys. At some point you quit looking at them as women football players and you look at them as football players.” Richardson believes that philosophy comes across to the team, “I just think of him as a really good dad. He takes the time to teach you and then he watches from the side line to see you perform. As a player, you want to make him proud so you do your best.”Earning several Championship Rings with the Diamonds, Coach Black says his proudest memory came in 2007 during a loss to So-Cal ending any hope of a playoff slot. Down 19-0 at the half, Black watched his girls battle back and almost take the victory, “At half it would have been easy to just quit. We lost by 3 points but we did not quit. It was, ‘ok, you may beat us, but we are not going to lay down.’ We almost came back and won it. It was my proudest moment.” 
 And that moment fits with Black’s view of why women play the game.They play for the true love of the game, he says. And, he believes his contribution is not about the Championships and the coaches, but the players, “We’ll remember the hard work and friendships more than the outcomes,” says Black. “The goal is to compete as hard as you can and look beyond winning to having fun.” 
 
Black and the Diamonds (6-0) head to Houston this Saturday, June 6th to take on the Energy (2-4). For more information on the Diamonds visit www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com and www.iwflsports.com .
 
Stay inspired,Kip #45  
  <a href='http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=529&post_id=15201'>(more)</a>]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
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