AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Inks Groundbreaking Contract With Top Athletes
Pro Beach Tour relationship with players secured through next Olympiad
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball has signed a new contract with its top-ranked athletes, it was announced today. The four-year agreement is effective immediately and has been signed by the top American players and many of their counterparts, including US Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh, Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser and others.
“We are thrilled to have a long-term deal with the AVP and are committed to forming a true partnership with the new management team to grow the sport – the momentum that we are seeing is exciting,” said Kerri Walsh, two-time Olympic gold medalist and member of the AVP Players’ Committee. “We want to grow together and bring our sport to an even higher level. We all love beach volleyball and look forward to operating as a united front with our tour.”
Signing a new agreement with the athletes was the top priority for the new management team, led by new CEO Jason Hodell.
“We are very excited to have completed a four-year agreement with our players,” said Jason Hodell, CEO, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball. “Only genuine teamwork between the players, their representatives and our management team made this agreement possible.”
The new agreement features progressive revenue-sharing, profit-sharing into bonus pools, a joint focus on important growth initiatives for the sport, and defined transparency and cooperation on sponsor marketing and activation initiatives, to include sponsor category-sharing and coordinated exclusivity.
“The player contract extension provides a foundation for the players to work closely with our tour to achieve great things in the future,” said Todd Rogers, who along with his partner Phil Dalhausser won a gold medal in Beijing. “The AVP tour represents the best of beach volleyball in the US and in the world – and we are excited for the future of the sport.”
“We look forward to further forming a strong, productive partnership between AVP management and athletes. Working together, we can really build and enhance the sport we all love,” said Al Lau, Vice President of Sport Development and Player Relations for the AVP.
“The players have a shared vision with AVP management and with RJSM pertaining to the consolidation and promotion of the sport of volleyball. There are significant growth opportunities present in the sport right now that we intend to capitalize on in partnership with the AVP pro tour,” said athlete representative Ryan Morgan of MAG. “We are looking forward to the next four years and beyond.”
Source: AVP.com
2008 Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Sammy Wanjiru Selects 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for U.S. Debut
Former Chicago Marathon Champions Evans Cheruiyot, Patrick Ivuti and Lidiya Grigoryeva to Contend for Repeat Championships
2008 Olympic Marathon gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru (KEN) today announced he will make his first U.S. appearance at the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in an attempt to better his current personal marathon record (2:05:10). With two sub-2:06 marathons to his credit and the benefits of Chicago’s sleek course, the 22-year-old Kenyan’s goals are within reach.
“My plan for the fall is to lower my personal record and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course offers the best opportunity for me to achieve that this year,” said Wanjiru from Kenya. “My only focus between now and October is to prepare and train aggressively for my best performance yet.”
Wanjiru has quickly made a name for himself in the world of distance running, first capturing the half marathon world record in 2005, lowering it in 2007 and winning three of the four marathons in which he has competed. His Olympic gold medal performance last summer in Beijing was the first ever for a Kenyan athlete in the marathon and marked his first World Marathon Majors (WMM) victory. This spring, he captured a second consecutive WMM win with his fastest time yet at the 2009 London Marathon (2:05:10).
“Sammy is certainly the athlete to watch in this sport right now and we are honored to be able to host him at such a pivotal point in his career,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. “We have had the pleasure of witnessing four previous world records in Chicago and if conditions are right, the enthusiastic sports fans in this city could have the opportunity to see that again.”
Challenging Wanjiru for the title will be 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion Evans Cheruiyot (KEN) and 2007 champion Patrick Ivuti (KEN). Cheruiyot, 27, has competed in only three marathons including his WMM debut in Chicago last fall. He broke the tape in a personal best 2:06:25, an impressive feat considering the unseasonably warm weather.
Ivuti, 31, will make his third Chicago appearance this fall, returning to the site where he posted the closest margin of victory in Chicago Marathon history in 2007. Amid record heat and humidity, Ivuti thrilled fans with a shoulder-to-shoulder sprint against two-time World Champion Jaouad Gharib (MAR), crossing the finish line only half a second ahead of Gharib (2:11:11). In 2005, he made his marathon debut in Chicago where he posted his current personal best (2:07:46) in a fifth-place finish.
Reigning women’s Chicago Marathon champion Lidiya Grigoryeva (RUS) will defend the title she earned in Chicago last October with a finish time of 2:27:17. Grigoryeva, 35, is the 2007 Boston Marathon champion and owns a personal best of 2:25:10 set in Los Angeles in 2006. Her primary contender is 2005 Chicago Marathon champion Deena Kastor (USA) who has already set her sights on lowering the American marathon record she currently owns (2:19:36).
“Today’s announcement significantly advances the depth of our elite athlete field for the October 11 race and continues the tradition of world class marathon competition in Chicago,” said Pinkowski.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most competitive marathons in the world. In its storied history it has hosted some of the great names in the sport including Steve Jones, Joan Benoit-Samuelson, Khalid Khannouchi, Catherine Ndereba, Deena Kastor and Paula Radcliffe. Currently, the 2009 start line will feature four former Chicago Marathon champions, eight World Marathon Major victories and two Olympic medalists.
In its 32nd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 runners including a world class elite field and 1.5 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising $10 million for a variety of charitable causes while generating an estimated $140 million economic impact to its host city.
The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on the race and how to get involved is available at the event Web site, chicagomarathon.com.
www.chicagomarathon.com
Source: Bank of America
Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Rhys Millen Set World Record to Take Pikes Peak Time Attack Title
World Champion Driver Rhys Millen Claims Ninth Mountain Win
The 87th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has a new world record holder today – the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe. World Champion driver Rhys Millen piloted the Genesis Coupe to his ninth overall class title, breaking one of his two world records in 17 trips to the Hill Climb.
“Driving the Genesis Coupe for the first time at Pikes Peak in front of thousands of fans is an amazing experience,” said Millen. “Nothing compares to the pressure and thrill of Pikes Peak while competing against yourself for the record.”
Millen set the record time of 12 minutes, 9 seconds (12:09.397) more than 1 minute and 23 seconds faster than his nearest competitor in the rear-wheel-drive Time Attack Class. At the finish line on the summit of Pikes Peak, Millen reported that the car that never skipped a beat, no matter how hard he challenged the diverse terrain and high altitude, and finished with both rear tires down to steel belts. Millen utilized the Genesis Coupe’s rear-drive layout to its full potential, power-sliding his Genesis Coupe mere inches away from guard rails, trees and 2,000-foot cliffs, while besting his own record of 12 minutes, 31.61 seconds by 22 seconds.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America, second only to the Indianapolis 500, and a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs. First run in 1916, this year marks the 87th running of the thrilling “Race to the Clouds.”
The race is run on a course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the oxygen-depleted 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength. The thin air also robs engines of up to 30 percent of their power at the summit. It’s a true test of endurance for competitors and vehicles.
This year the race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi-truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro truck and motorcycle classes with a field approaching 200 competitors.
With more than 16 years of racing experience, Rhys Millen has established himself as one of the premier rally/drifting drivers in North America. Born in New Zealand in 1972, Rhys is the son of famed rally and off-road racer Rod Millen. Rhys joined Rod in the U.S. as a teenager and soon afterwards established himself as racer by taking first at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the Open Division and winning Rookie of the Year. He won the Formula Drift championship in 2005 and the Red Bull Drifting World Championship in 2008.
Millen and his team are an ideal match to help launch Hyundai’s motorsports effort with the Genesis Coupe. Millen’s driving credentials include movie stunts, multiple drifting championships, a Pikes Peak world record and his recent New Year’s Eve Las Vegas truck flip. But behind Millen’s success in the driver’s seat is a full team of engineers and fabricators that know how to maximize the potential of a race car.
Millen had his first opportunity to test drive the Genesis Coupe’s performance credentials when he performed precision driving for the car’s debut advertising campaign airing during Super Bowl XLIII. Millen flogged a Genesis Coupe for a full three days during the filming process at Road Atlanta racetrack, and the car never stopped asking for more.
Source: Hyundai Motor America
Former Wrestling World Champion Bobby Lashley Joins Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling
HISTORIC SIGNING MAKES LASHLEY THE FIRST EVER ACTIVE MMA FIGHTER TO CONCURRENTLY COMPETE IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING
Bobby Lashley has signed a contract with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, making him the first-ever active pro wrestler in the western world to simultaneously compete as an active MMA fighter. He made the announcement on various ESPN interviews in New York.
“I want to do both because I can. TNA is giving me the opportunity to compete in both sports which I have a passion for,” said Lashley. “I will bring MMA fans to wrestling and wrestling fans to MMA.”
“This is a great opportunity for Bobby to do something that has never been done before. He is the perfect ambassador for both sports. We are excited to have him join TNA, he is a true star that brings so much to the table as a member of our roster,” stated TNA President Dixie Carter.
Prior to signing with TNA and fighting in MMA, Lashley was a two time ECW World Champion while in the WWE. During this time, he headlined many world wide pay-per-views and quickly became one of the most exciting stars in professional wrestling. As a collegiate wrestler, Lashley made a name for himself winning three national amateur wrestling championships. Since his MMA debut last December, Lashley has dominated each of his four fights and is currently undefeated with a record of 4-0. His most recent victory over Bob Sapp on June 27, 2009 ended via submission in round one.
Lashley first appeared for TNA in Philadelphia at the “Lockdown” pay-per-view event in April 2009 to the surprise of many TNA fans, followed only by a brief appearance on TNA iMPACT! Since then, fans have been left wondering when and if he would return to TNA as a full time member of the roster. “It’s our intention to make history and we’re looking forward to having Bobby make an immediate impact in TNA,” stated Carter.
“TNA iMPACT!” airs every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Spike. Cross The Line to TNA Wrestling, the most innovative experience in professional wrestling today. Join the TNA Superstars, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division inside the six-sided ring.
Source: TNA Entertaiment LLC
Tony Romo, Jerry Rice, Charles Barkley and Other Superstars Show Off Celebratory Skills in Lake Tahoe
Second Annual Korbel California Champagne Spray-Off Competition Features Sports and Entertainment Celebrities
During the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship — often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity events, many players took the opportunity to show off their locker-room celebratory skills in the second annual “Korbel Celebrity Spray-Off.”
Participating players included winner Tony Romo, runner-up Jerry Rice, and third place finisher Charles Barkley among more than 35 other celebrity participants. Players were judged on champagne cork distance and style of the champagne spray.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, took the title of “Spray Off Champion” when he ‘went long’ with the cork and impressed the crowd with his stylish champagne spray.
Former NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver, Jerry Rice and Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Famer won over the crowd with their exciting champagne sprays and long distance corks. Jerry Rice, known for being light on his feet, used his star dancing skills to earn style points while Barkley’s finish in the Spray-Off was guaranteed to be higher than his place in the golf tournament.
Each player had his own unique style – some focusing on cork distance while others took advantage of the chance to entertain and spray the crowd. The Spray-Off made for an amusing competition – whether it was Jack Wagner’s amusing dance moves or Ben Roethlisberger drenching the crowd, the competition proved to be full of laughs.
Other style-makers of the “Spray-Off” included Trent Dilfer, who put on his rally cap for extra style points, Joe Theismann who was determined not to let the rookie athletes show him up, Mario Lemieux who performed a complete 360 degree spin and spray, or Jim McMahon in his signature bare feet and striped pants who got the crowd involved.
Slam dunks of the Spray-Off included NBA greats, Michael Jordan (always classy with his signature cigar), Anfernee Hardaway, Marcus Allen, and Shane Battier.
Hockey players seem to have an advantage as they showed they had some serious champagne-spraying know-how as their spray’s had the most flair and style. Brett Hull, Pierre Larouche and Mario Lemieux, all two-time Stanley Cup Champions, showed off their champion sprays.
NFL All-Pro Football Players were out and ready to go the distance. Ben Roethlisberger, John Elway, Mark Rypien and Jim McMahon, all Super Bowl champs have had plenty of experience popping the cork on champagne to celebrate victories.
Former baseball greats, Ozzie Smith, Bret Saberhagen, and Joe Carter participated in the competition, and all hit home runs as far as champagne spraying goes.
“We are thrilled to again be a part of such a great event with the American Century Golf Championship,” said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars. “Korbel is the perfect celebratory beverage, and it was great to have some fun with it during the second annual “Spray-off” event.”
Football Players: Ben Roethlisberger, Jerry Rice, Mark Rypien, Tony Romo, John Elway, Sterling Sharpe, Jim McMahon, Joe Theismann, Chris Chandler, Lawrence Taylor, Vinny Testaverde, A.J. Hawk, Trent Dilfer, Marshall Faulk, Matt Ryan, Trent Green, Derek Anderson
Basketball Players: Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Anfernee Hardaway, Marcus Allen, Shane Battier
TV Personalities: Maury Povich, Kevin Nealon, Brian Baumgartner, Joe Buck, Bruce McGill, Jack Wagner
Hockey Players: Jeremy Roenick, Brett Hull, Mike Eruzione, Mario Lemieux, Dan Quinn, Pierre Larouche
Baseball Players: Ozzie Smith, Bret Saberhagen, Joe Carter
Other participants: Dale Jarrett, Herman Edwards
Complete list of participants:
1. Maury Povich – Television Host
2. Kevin Nealon – Actor, SNL, Weeds
3. Brian Baumgartner – Actor
4. Joe Buck – FOX sports announcer
5. Bruce McGill – Actor, Animal House
6. Jack Wagner – Actor, The Bold & The Beautiful
7. Jeremy Roenick – NHL All-Star, San Jose Sharks
8. Brett Hull – Former NHL All-Star
9. Mike Eruzione – 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Captain
10. Mario Lemieux – NHL Legend
11. Dan Quinn – Former NHL Center
12. Pierre Larouche – Former NHL All-Star
13. Ozzie Smith – MLB Hall of Fame Shortstop
14. Bret Saberhagen – Former MLB Pitcher/World Series MVP
15. Joe Carter – Former MLB All-Star Outfielder
16. Ben Roethlisberger – NFL All-Pro Quarterback, Super Bowl
Champ-Pittsburgh Steelers
17. Jerry Rice – Former NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver
18. Mark Rypien – Former All-Pro NFL Quarterback
19. Tony Romo – NFL All-Pro Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
20. John Elway – NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
21. Sterling Sharpe – Former NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver
22. Jim McMahon – Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback
23. Joe Theismann – Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback
24. Chris Chandler – Former All-Pro NFL Quarterback
25. Lawrence Taylor – NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker
26. Vinny Testaverde – Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback
27. A.J. Hawk – NFL Linebacker, Green Bay Packers
28. Trent Dilfer – Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback
29. Marshall Faulk – Former NFL All-Pro Running Back
30. Matt Ryan – NFL Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons
31. Trent Green – Former NFL All-Pro Quarterback
32. Derek Anderson – All-Pro Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
33. Charles Barkley – NBA Hall of Famer
34. Michael Jordan – NBA Legend
35. Anfernee Hardaway – Former NBA All-Star
36. Marcus Allen – Hall of Fame NFL Running Back
37. Shane Battier – Forward, Houston Rockets
38. Dale Jarrett – NASCAR Champion Driver
39. Herman Edwards – Former NFL Head Coach
Celebrate responsibly.
Source: Korbel