Wednesday, August 27, 2008
LET THE 2008 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON BEGIN
As the start of the 2008 high school football season gets underway John Millea of the Minneapolis Star Tribune takes a look at the evolution of the game.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS ARE GETTING NOTICED
Here are some of the top women’s basketball players for Minneapolis South. South is coming off a banner 07-08 season. They went to the State Tournament where they lost to St. Paul Central in the Class AAA Championship game 81-63.
Tayler Hill who is considered one of the top senior’s to be this fall has her college choices of Rutgers, Pittsburg, Marquette and Duke. One of the schools that are not on her final list as of now is the University of Minnesota.
Both Tayler Hill and teammate Tyish Smith who are both All State guards are to appear on the front cover of the Minnesota Girls Basketball Breakdown Publication.
Former Minneapolis South Guard Taquioa Hammick who will be playing at Winthrop this year is expected to make an impact as a freshman.
Look for Minneapolis South women’s basketball team to make a statement this season in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Tayler Hill who is considered one of the top senior’s to be this fall has her college choices of Rutgers, Pittsburg, Marquette and Duke. One of the schools that are not on her final list as of now is the University of Minnesota.
Both Tayler Hill and teammate Tyish Smith who are both All State guards are to appear on the front cover of the Minnesota Girls Basketball Breakdown Publication.
Former Minneapolis South Guard Taquioa Hammick who will be playing at Winthrop this year is expected to make an impact as a freshman.
Look for Minneapolis South women’s basketball team to make a statement this season in the Minneapolis City Conference.
MINNESOTA NATIVE TREVOR MBAKWE LEAVES MARQUETTE BASKETBALL
Trevor Mbakwe who played at St. Bernard’s High School in St Paul has left the men’s basketball team at Marquette and will transfer to Miami-Dade Community College this coming season. Trevor’s decision to leave caught the Golden Eagles coaching staff off guard.
Monday, August 25, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN'S RA'SHEDE MAKES PROGRESS
This is a story I found on Gopher Hole by Nadian Babu about Minneapolis Washburn's Ra'Shede Hegeman. The road to becoming one of the nation’s premier high school TEs hasn’t been a typical one for Ra’Shede Hageman. From playing at Washburn High School in Minneapolis as opposed to transferring to talent-rich Eden Prairie or Wayzata, to thriving in a nontraditional home life, Hageman has used hard work, a close family and life experiences to put him in position to choose where he wants to play college football and pursuit an education. At 6-6, 260lbs, Hageman has worked his way to becoming one of the most coveted TEs in the nation and touts an offer list that few can match including Ohio State, Florida, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and of course his hometown Golden Gophers among many other options.
But the road to elite national recruit wasn’t easy. In a detailed and in-depth two part interview, GopherHole.com profiles Hageman through the eyes of his father, Eric Hageman, and Ra’Shede himself. Eric discusses Ra’Shede’s recruitment and the factors that are going into their decision-making process, the easy decision to stay at Washburn HS, as well as detailing Eric and his wife’s decision to adopt Ra’Shede and his younger brother Xavier when Ra’Shede was seven years old.
Few interviews get this in-depth through the eyes of both parent and recruit, but it reveals the incredible relationship that families have and how love and support are imperative to an individual fulfilling a life dream and one’s fullest potential.
GH: What is your association with the University of Minnesota?
EH: I went to the U for law school. My wife went there for undergrad, and went there for law school as well, so that’s where we met.
GH: Where did you go to undergrad?
EH: Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. I played defensive back on the football team there in the late 80’s.
GH: So, are you a big Gopher fan, or do your root for your undergrad?
EH: It’s hard to root for Ivy League football, so I am a Gopher fan. I grew up listening to Ray Christensen so I’ve been a huge fan all of my life.
GH: Would you love to see Ra’Shede wear maroon and gold?
EH: Yes. Absolutely, that would be my preference.
GH: What kind of influence do you have over his decision?
EH: I don’t know. He will take it into consideration, and I think ideally he’d like to stay home and go to the University of Minnesota. That’s not the only consideration for him; it’s one. He wants to go somewhere that has a strong football program. I think the biggest thing right now that’s been holding him back, is he wants to wait and see if the Gophers truly have turned the corner. I keep telling him that they have and their program is on the upswing, but he needs to see that with his own eyes and not just listen to the hype from me and Coach Brewster.
GH: Do you think that’s the only thing that’s prohibiting him from committing to the U? Do you think if Minnesota does well this year, that will be the deciding factor?
EH: I don’t know if it’s the only deciding factor, but it’s a big one; it will go a long way to help him decide. I am pretty sure that if the Gophers on-field performance was on par with those other schools (Florida, Ohio State, and Wisconsin), he already would’ve committed to the Gophers.
GH: On the flip side, how important is it to him to get playing time right away? He could probably make an immediate impact at the U, where as at a program like OSU, he may have to sit out for a few years.
EH: I don’t think he really looks at it like that at all, I think he’s confident enough in his abilities that he feels he can be able to come in and play fairly quickly. I don’t think it’s a huge factor.
GH: There have been some rumors about him possibly not passing NCAA Clearinghouse, can you comment on that?
EH: We don’t know yet, he does have his whole senior year ahead of him. I think he’s going to work hard his senior year, and hopefully that won’t be a problem. Obviously, the coaches feel that he’s going to be a qualifier, and I think that helps him to know that if the coaches think he can do it, he’s just got to do it.
GH: Is the problem mainly with the ACT and having to re-take that?
EH: Yes, but like with anything, it is a combination of grades and the ACT. He’s got to bring up one or the other, or both, preferably. Hopefully that will happen; I think it will.
GH: As far as academics go, what kind of tools has Minnesota told you about to ensure that he is academically successful when he gets to college?
EH: I think almost any Division-one program has academic support programs in place, and it’s hard for me to differentiate between them all. All of them offer lots of help; however much you need basically. If you need more intensive one-on-one tutoring, they can offer that, if you just need study group time, they offer that. I feel confident that wherever he goes, there will be academic support for him, and it’s reassuring to know that as an athlete you get more academic help than the average undergraduate.
GH: There aren’t many top football players that come out of the city of Minneapolis public schools, most are in the suburbs and private schools. Did you ever think of transferring Ra’Shede to one of the football powerhouses?
EH: No way! No way! We are committed to the city, and certainly, we want to help support the city of Minneapolis, and Minneapolis public schools. My wife is a Minneapolis South graduate, we live in the city, and we think this is important. We thing it’s unfortunate that people have felt like they need to leave the city of Minneapolis to have opportunities because it’s just a matter of making the most of what’s there. We want to make the situation better, not make it worse by leaving. A lot of people had given up on the quality of play in the city, both in football and basketball, but we think that Washburn is poised to be a strong contender in both sports this year. Hopefully we’re going to help the resurgence of Minneapolis!
GH: Ra’Shede excels in both football and basketball, why didn’t he play in the Howard Pulley league this summer? Was it to focus on football?
EH: He played Pulley the past three years, after his 8th, 9th and 10th grade years, he but not this summer. It was a really intense commitment; Pulley involves a lot of travel to a lot of different places and long bus rides. He really, truly loves playing basketball; it was just daunting to have another summer of that much travel when he wanted to be doing some other things. He wanted to be able to work out at Game Speed Academy and be part of the training program at Washburn.
GH: Ra’Shede’s friends with a lot of the other top players in the state, has their decisions on where to attend school influenced him at all?
EH: I don’t think so at all. They are friends in the sense that they are friendly with each other and they all communicate on Myspace or text each other and talk a little bit, but they’re not the kind of friends that spend a lot of time hanging out together. I think he’s known Moses (Alipate) for a long time, they played basketball together, and they’re certainly friends, but it’s not the kind of intense friendship that would influence a college decision.
GH: You have a very unique family situation, in that you have adopted Ra’Shede and his brother. Do you mind answering a few questions on that?
EH: I suppose so, Ra’Shede is a little reluctant to talk too much about that because he doesn’t want to highlight that aspect of his life too much. Obviously, he’s adopted, he’s never been able to hide the fact that he’s adopted, his parents are two white lawyers and we don’t look like him (laughing).
GH: How old was he when you adopted him?
EH: He was about 7 and a half, and his brother (Xavier) is a year and a half younger.
GH: How did you and your wife come about the decision to adopt?
EH: We wanted to adopt first, and integrate children into our family before having biological children (they have 3 biological children ages 6, 2, and 10 months). We wanted to make a difference. There are tons and tons of kids that are in foster care in Minneapolis. I mean, you see pictures on bus stops all the time, 348-ADOPT, they all need homes. We wanted to do something that would help make a difference in people’s lives. When my wife was in law school, she worked for an organization called the American Council on Adoptable Children. It basically works with kids that are considered “special needs” adoption, or hard to place kids because they’re older, or sibling groups, people tend to want to adopt only babies, or just want to adopt one kid. If you’re older, and there’s two of you that need adopting, it’s very difficult. Ra’Shede and Xavier had been in 12 different foster care placements. Then they actually entered an adoptive placement that failed, and that was a disaster for them. Then they got sent back into foster care. We just wanted to do something to make our lives more meaningful.
GH: That’s quite a challenge to take on.
EH: Well, Ra’Shede is 6’6, 263 pounds, the grocery bill is going to be a little heavy these days (laughing)!
GH: At least you didn’t adopt Michael Phelps, he consumes 12,000 calories a day!
EH: I don’t know, Ra’Shede could give him a run for his money. He seems to gain weight at a rather rapid pace, a little out of control.
GH: I know you’ve made it to Wisconsin and Ohio State, have you made it Florida as well?
EH: I sent Ra’Shede down there with his coach in June. They met up with Coach Meyer. I didn’t get a chance to go, but I heard reports on how it went, and it sounds like it was a good visit. All these places, everywhere you go, they have incredible facilities, stadiums, and a lot of it comes down to the people because the facilities are all great.
GH: Where have you been most impressed with the people?
EH: I like them all. Coach Lewis for the Gophers is great. Ra’Shede really likes him a lot as his position coach; that’s been a good relationship. With almost all the coaches that are involved in recurring Ra’Shede, I like them personally. I couldn’t really differentiate too much. The Coach that’s recruiting Ra’Shede at Wisconsin, Bob Bostad, he’s a great guy too. The person you have most contact with is not the head coach, and that’s true of every school. At Florida, it’s John Hevesy, at WI it’s Bob Bostad, at OSU, it’s Dick Tressel, Jim’s brother. Those are the contact people, they’re the ones you know, the ones that come to the school, email you, and send letters.
GH: What’s next for Ra’Shede?
EH: I don’t know the schedule yet, no visits have been set up. I know that he wants do official visits, the issue is the time – whether it will work out during the season or after.
GH: When do you think he may commit?
EH: I’m not sure. I know he wants to feel confident about his academic situation before he commits, and he wants to take the ACT again, and feel better about it. Talk to him, he’s in no hurry to commit. He doesn’t feel any pressure at all. I know a lot of people are exhorting pressure on him, but he’s going to take his time. Ra’Shede is not very caught up in it. He certainly is willing to wait and see.
GH: Have any schools put deadlines on you?
EH: It’s hard to say exactly. So far no schools have put that kind of pressure of him. I know Ohio State has a class that’s almost filled up – yet they still said they have a spot for him, and they’ll wait for him. That could change, if all the sudden, they have some great tight end that wanted to go there, they do already have one. Florida has one tight end that’s already committed too. Now, if they have another tight end commit, they might say “we’re full,” but Ra’Shede doesn’t seem to care about that. If it happens, it happens. I think his feeling is, if a school wanted him enough, they’d make sure they had room for him. The Gophers have been good with that, they have never indicated that they might fill up and there may not be room for him. Wisconsin has also made that very, very clear, that they’ll wait as long as it takes, no pressure, no matter when he decides, there will always be a spot for him.
Ra'Shede Hageman on eating, recruiting and persevering Date: August 19, 2008Topic: Football Recruiting A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009...A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009. But Brewster’s goal of working with Hageman like he did Antonio Gates won’t be easy as two of the nation’s premier programs – Ohio State and Florida – have visions of the Minneapolis product playing in Columbus or Gainesville.
In a Part 2 of GopherHole’s in-depth conversation with the Hageman family, Ra’Shede discusses the recruiting battle that will have some of the nation’s top coaches filing the stands at Washburn High School this season, the intense workout routine he battles through twice a day, and the impact that his parents have had on his life.
GH: You’re generally listed as a tight end, is that what schools are recruiting you as? Or can you play other positions?
RH: Yes, they are recruiting me as a tight end. I can also play defensive end.
GH: Is defensive end a position you’d be willing to play?
RH: Yes.
GH: You seem to be growing bigger every day, is there going to come a time where you may be too big to play tight end?
RH: Right now, no. But when I do go to college, and they start feeding me the right way and I start lifting the right way, then it may be a possibility that I’d get too big.
GH: How big are you now?
RH: I’m 6’6 and I weigh 260 pounds.
GH: Your Dad (Eric Hageman) mentioned that you consume a lot of food, what is a typical meal plan for you?
RH: I eat two breakfasts, and then a snack, 2 lunches, a snack in between, 2 dinners, and then a midnight snack. I continuously eat. Not fatty fast food things like cheeseburgers but rather sandwiches, Subway, Chipotle, Quiznos, ribs, and pork sandwiches.
GH: What is your workout schedule?
RH: In the mornings, I wake up by 7 am, and I go out to Eden Prairie to Game Speed, and I work on my quickness and agility for about two hours with Mark Ellis. After that, I go back to Washburn and lift weights for about 1 ½ hours. Then I condition, and get back to working out again. So, I work out twice a day, and I’ve got conditioning in-between. Then I go home and relax for the rest of the day.
GH: Your Dad has also mentioned that you were waiting things out, and wanted to see how the Gophers would do before committing. How much improvement do you need to see? A few games, or do we need to make it to a bowl game?
RH: Obviously they have to do better than the 1-11 that they were last year. I definitely want to see them use their tight ends in a way I could see myself playing. They don’t have to be a bowl contender, but I want to see that they are an up and coming program; a developing program.
GH: Out of the four schools that you’ve narrowed it down to (Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Florida) which one utilizes their tight ends in a way you’d want to play?
RH: The one I like the best is Wisconsin. They’re more of a tight end team, they use them all the time. I can definitely see myself playing there. I’m still giving all the other schools a chance because they’re all using their tight ends. Tim Brewster told me they are going to start more than they have been, so that’s why I’m going to give them all a chance.
GH: Speaking of Coach Brewster, I’ve heard through the grapevine that you are a little intimidated by him in person, is that true?
RH: Intimidated? I think he’s a really good person, I’m not intimidated by him, but it’s sometimes kind of hard to believe all of the things he says. He is an up and coming coach, so obviously he has to sell it, but some of the stuff he says…he could just be being sarcastic. I still believe him and respect him, but I think he’s a sarcastic guy.
GH: How would you describe Urban Meyer?
RH: He’s more serious, he really doesn’t have to advertise his school. Florida does that talking for itself, obviously, because they have such a strong football program. So he’s not like, “you have to go here, we’re going to be so good,” he just tells you the history of their program and what they’ve already accomplished and how strong their program is.
GH: What about Jim Tressel?
RH: Same thing. He has such a strong football program too. All three schools, other than Minnesota, have good reputations and established programs. It’s not like they have to feed you this hype like, “we need you to make this team better.” They talk more about the fact that they have a strong program, and we’ve been to all these bowl games.
GH: What is your relationship with Bret Bielema?
RH: We have a connection because I’ve been to Wisconsin quite a few times, and it’s not just because of football, I’ve had basketball camps there too where he’s stopped in and said, “hi.” He and I have not a strong relationship, but it’s getting up there. We don’t talk a lot, but he sends me letters and tells me how his team is doing, so I’m starting to get a connection with him.
GH: Would you say Wisconsin is showing you the most love right now?
RH: It’d be a tie between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
GH: Obviously, Florida and OSU are powerhouse football schools. Do you ever look at it in the sense that if you go to one of those, you may sit the bench for a few years, but if you stay home, you can make an immediate impact?
RH: Yes, that is true. Florida and Ohio State are definitely powerhouse teams. If I do end up going there, I’ll have to realize that I will probably have to be red-shirted before I can play. At Minnesota it is very different, they don’t use their tight ends as much, but there may be a chance I can play right away. I definitely do see the differences and the positives and negatives.
GH: Are you worried about the Ohio State class filling up, since they’re almost at capacity?
RH: Yes, that is true. They do tell me how many spots they have, they’re rushing me a little bit. If anybody really wants me on their team, they’ll let me think about it, and really make the right choice. I’m kind of worried about OSU filling up, but at the same time, I don’t want to rush into such an important decision.
GH: You’ve taken unofficial visits to all four schools, when do you think you’ll take your official visits?
RH: I do want to start early, after around September 1st. I want to talk to the coaches and make appointments to go out there as soon as possible.
GH: Ideally, when would you like to commit by?
RH: After my football season, probably the weekend of my last game.
GH: After not playing summer ball, are you still planning on playing with Washburn this year?
RH: Yes, I’ll start basketball right after football. I’ve got to keep conditioning.
GH: Besides the football aspect, what else are you looking for in a school?
RH: I want a school with strong academics and tutoring programs. I want to study African-American studies, so I need a school with a good program.
GH: What actions are you taking to make sure you qualify?
RH: There are a few things I’m working on, I’m definitely going to take some ACT prep classes, so I can be prepared for that. This past year, I started re-taking some classes to make up for my freshman and sophomore year grades, so I’m going to continue doing that. It’s gotten me a lot closer to where I need to be. I’m just going to go hard this next year, stay focused, and keep on doing what I’m doing.
GH: So you’re saying you had a strong Junior year?
RH: Yes, and it’s improving my overall GPA.
GH: Your Dad mentioned that you really don’t like to talk much about your tough childhood. Obviously, you do have a unique situation, would you like to comment on that at all?
RH: If it wasn’t for them (his parents), I don’t really know where I’d be right now. I don’t know if I’d even be playing sports, and I wouldn’t be who I am right now. It really makes me think, if they wouldn’t of taken me in , where would I be at? Would I still be in school? Would I be in foster homes? I have no idea, I am just so grateful to them.
This article comes from GopherHole.comhttp://www.gopherhole.com/The URL for this story is:http://www.GopherHole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=808
But the road to elite national recruit wasn’t easy. In a detailed and in-depth two part interview, GopherHole.com profiles Hageman through the eyes of his father, Eric Hageman, and Ra’Shede himself. Eric discusses Ra’Shede’s recruitment and the factors that are going into their decision-making process, the easy decision to stay at Washburn HS, as well as detailing Eric and his wife’s decision to adopt Ra’Shede and his younger brother Xavier when Ra’Shede was seven years old.
Few interviews get this in-depth through the eyes of both parent and recruit, but it reveals the incredible relationship that families have and how love and support are imperative to an individual fulfilling a life dream and one’s fullest potential.
GH: What is your association with the University of Minnesota?
EH: I went to the U for law school. My wife went there for undergrad, and went there for law school as well, so that’s where we met.
GH: Where did you go to undergrad?
EH: Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. I played defensive back on the football team there in the late 80’s.
GH: So, are you a big Gopher fan, or do your root for your undergrad?
EH: It’s hard to root for Ivy League football, so I am a Gopher fan. I grew up listening to Ray Christensen so I’ve been a huge fan all of my life.
GH: Would you love to see Ra’Shede wear maroon and gold?
EH: Yes. Absolutely, that would be my preference.
GH: What kind of influence do you have over his decision?
EH: I don’t know. He will take it into consideration, and I think ideally he’d like to stay home and go to the University of Minnesota. That’s not the only consideration for him; it’s one. He wants to go somewhere that has a strong football program. I think the biggest thing right now that’s been holding him back, is he wants to wait and see if the Gophers truly have turned the corner. I keep telling him that they have and their program is on the upswing, but he needs to see that with his own eyes and not just listen to the hype from me and Coach Brewster.
GH: Do you think that’s the only thing that’s prohibiting him from committing to the U? Do you think if Minnesota does well this year, that will be the deciding factor?
EH: I don’t know if it’s the only deciding factor, but it’s a big one; it will go a long way to help him decide. I am pretty sure that if the Gophers on-field performance was on par with those other schools (Florida, Ohio State, and Wisconsin), he already would’ve committed to the Gophers.
GH: On the flip side, how important is it to him to get playing time right away? He could probably make an immediate impact at the U, where as at a program like OSU, he may have to sit out for a few years.
EH: I don’t think he really looks at it like that at all, I think he’s confident enough in his abilities that he feels he can be able to come in and play fairly quickly. I don’t think it’s a huge factor.
GH: There have been some rumors about him possibly not passing NCAA Clearinghouse, can you comment on that?
EH: We don’t know yet, he does have his whole senior year ahead of him. I think he’s going to work hard his senior year, and hopefully that won’t be a problem. Obviously, the coaches feel that he’s going to be a qualifier, and I think that helps him to know that if the coaches think he can do it, he’s just got to do it.
GH: Is the problem mainly with the ACT and having to re-take that?
EH: Yes, but like with anything, it is a combination of grades and the ACT. He’s got to bring up one or the other, or both, preferably. Hopefully that will happen; I think it will.
GH: As far as academics go, what kind of tools has Minnesota told you about to ensure that he is academically successful when he gets to college?
EH: I think almost any Division-one program has academic support programs in place, and it’s hard for me to differentiate between them all. All of them offer lots of help; however much you need basically. If you need more intensive one-on-one tutoring, they can offer that, if you just need study group time, they offer that. I feel confident that wherever he goes, there will be academic support for him, and it’s reassuring to know that as an athlete you get more academic help than the average undergraduate.
GH: There aren’t many top football players that come out of the city of Minneapolis public schools, most are in the suburbs and private schools. Did you ever think of transferring Ra’Shede to one of the football powerhouses?
EH: No way! No way! We are committed to the city, and certainly, we want to help support the city of Minneapolis, and Minneapolis public schools. My wife is a Minneapolis South graduate, we live in the city, and we think this is important. We thing it’s unfortunate that people have felt like they need to leave the city of Minneapolis to have opportunities because it’s just a matter of making the most of what’s there. We want to make the situation better, not make it worse by leaving. A lot of people had given up on the quality of play in the city, both in football and basketball, but we think that Washburn is poised to be a strong contender in both sports this year. Hopefully we’re going to help the resurgence of Minneapolis!
GH: Ra’Shede excels in both football and basketball, why didn’t he play in the Howard Pulley league this summer? Was it to focus on football?
EH: He played Pulley the past three years, after his 8th, 9th and 10th grade years, he but not this summer. It was a really intense commitment; Pulley involves a lot of travel to a lot of different places and long bus rides. He really, truly loves playing basketball; it was just daunting to have another summer of that much travel when he wanted to be doing some other things. He wanted to be able to work out at Game Speed Academy and be part of the training program at Washburn.
GH: Ra’Shede’s friends with a lot of the other top players in the state, has their decisions on where to attend school influenced him at all?
EH: I don’t think so at all. They are friends in the sense that they are friendly with each other and they all communicate on Myspace or text each other and talk a little bit, but they’re not the kind of friends that spend a lot of time hanging out together. I think he’s known Moses (Alipate) for a long time, they played basketball together, and they’re certainly friends, but it’s not the kind of intense friendship that would influence a college decision.
GH: You have a very unique family situation, in that you have adopted Ra’Shede and his brother. Do you mind answering a few questions on that?
EH: I suppose so, Ra’Shede is a little reluctant to talk too much about that because he doesn’t want to highlight that aspect of his life too much. Obviously, he’s adopted, he’s never been able to hide the fact that he’s adopted, his parents are two white lawyers and we don’t look like him (laughing).
GH: How old was he when you adopted him?
EH: He was about 7 and a half, and his brother (Xavier) is a year and a half younger.
GH: How did you and your wife come about the decision to adopt?
EH: We wanted to adopt first, and integrate children into our family before having biological children (they have 3 biological children ages 6, 2, and 10 months). We wanted to make a difference. There are tons and tons of kids that are in foster care in Minneapolis. I mean, you see pictures on bus stops all the time, 348-ADOPT, they all need homes. We wanted to do something that would help make a difference in people’s lives. When my wife was in law school, she worked for an organization called the American Council on Adoptable Children. It basically works with kids that are considered “special needs” adoption, or hard to place kids because they’re older, or sibling groups, people tend to want to adopt only babies, or just want to adopt one kid. If you’re older, and there’s two of you that need adopting, it’s very difficult. Ra’Shede and Xavier had been in 12 different foster care placements. Then they actually entered an adoptive placement that failed, and that was a disaster for them. Then they got sent back into foster care. We just wanted to do something to make our lives more meaningful.
GH: That’s quite a challenge to take on.
EH: Well, Ra’Shede is 6’6, 263 pounds, the grocery bill is going to be a little heavy these days (laughing)!
GH: At least you didn’t adopt Michael Phelps, he consumes 12,000 calories a day!
EH: I don’t know, Ra’Shede could give him a run for his money. He seems to gain weight at a rather rapid pace, a little out of control.
GH: I know you’ve made it to Wisconsin and Ohio State, have you made it Florida as well?
EH: I sent Ra’Shede down there with his coach in June. They met up with Coach Meyer. I didn’t get a chance to go, but I heard reports on how it went, and it sounds like it was a good visit. All these places, everywhere you go, they have incredible facilities, stadiums, and a lot of it comes down to the people because the facilities are all great.
GH: Where have you been most impressed with the people?
EH: I like them all. Coach Lewis for the Gophers is great. Ra’Shede really likes him a lot as his position coach; that’s been a good relationship. With almost all the coaches that are involved in recurring Ra’Shede, I like them personally. I couldn’t really differentiate too much. The Coach that’s recruiting Ra’Shede at Wisconsin, Bob Bostad, he’s a great guy too. The person you have most contact with is not the head coach, and that’s true of every school. At Florida, it’s John Hevesy, at WI it’s Bob Bostad, at OSU, it’s Dick Tressel, Jim’s brother. Those are the contact people, they’re the ones you know, the ones that come to the school, email you, and send letters.
GH: What’s next for Ra’Shede?
EH: I don’t know the schedule yet, no visits have been set up. I know that he wants do official visits, the issue is the time – whether it will work out during the season or after.
GH: When do you think he may commit?
EH: I’m not sure. I know he wants to feel confident about his academic situation before he commits, and he wants to take the ACT again, and feel better about it. Talk to him, he’s in no hurry to commit. He doesn’t feel any pressure at all. I know a lot of people are exhorting pressure on him, but he’s going to take his time. Ra’Shede is not very caught up in it. He certainly is willing to wait and see.
GH: Have any schools put deadlines on you?
EH: It’s hard to say exactly. So far no schools have put that kind of pressure of him. I know Ohio State has a class that’s almost filled up – yet they still said they have a spot for him, and they’ll wait for him. That could change, if all the sudden, they have some great tight end that wanted to go there, they do already have one. Florida has one tight end that’s already committed too. Now, if they have another tight end commit, they might say “we’re full,” but Ra’Shede doesn’t seem to care about that. If it happens, it happens. I think his feeling is, if a school wanted him enough, they’d make sure they had room for him. The Gophers have been good with that, they have never indicated that they might fill up and there may not be room for him. Wisconsin has also made that very, very clear, that they’ll wait as long as it takes, no pressure, no matter when he decides, there will always be a spot for him.
Ra'Shede Hageman on eating, recruiting and persevering Date: August 19, 2008Topic: Football Recruiting A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009...A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009. But Brewster’s goal of working with Hageman like he did Antonio Gates won’t be easy as two of the nation’s premier programs – Ohio State and Florida – have visions of the Minneapolis product playing in Columbus or Gainesville.
In a Part 2 of GopherHole’s in-depth conversation with the Hageman family, Ra’Shede discusses the recruiting battle that will have some of the nation’s top coaches filing the stands at Washburn High School this season, the intense workout routine he battles through twice a day, and the impact that his parents have had on his life.
GH: You’re generally listed as a tight end, is that what schools are recruiting you as? Or can you play other positions?
RH: Yes, they are recruiting me as a tight end. I can also play defensive end.
GH: Is defensive end a position you’d be willing to play?
RH: Yes.
GH: You seem to be growing bigger every day, is there going to come a time where you may be too big to play tight end?
RH: Right now, no. But when I do go to college, and they start feeding me the right way and I start lifting the right way, then it may be a possibility that I’d get too big.
GH: How big are you now?
RH: I’m 6’6 and I weigh 260 pounds.
GH: Your Dad (Eric Hageman) mentioned that you consume a lot of food, what is a typical meal plan for you?
RH: I eat two breakfasts, and then a snack, 2 lunches, a snack in between, 2 dinners, and then a midnight snack. I continuously eat. Not fatty fast food things like cheeseburgers but rather sandwiches, Subway, Chipotle, Quiznos, ribs, and pork sandwiches.
GH: What is your workout schedule?
RH: In the mornings, I wake up by 7 am, and I go out to Eden Prairie to Game Speed, and I work on my quickness and agility for about two hours with Mark Ellis. After that, I go back to Washburn and lift weights for about 1 ½ hours. Then I condition, and get back to working out again. So, I work out twice a day, and I’ve got conditioning in-between. Then I go home and relax for the rest of the day.
GH: Your Dad has also mentioned that you were waiting things out, and wanted to see how the Gophers would do before committing. How much improvement do you need to see? A few games, or do we need to make it to a bowl game?
RH: Obviously they have to do better than the 1-11 that they were last year. I definitely want to see them use their tight ends in a way I could see myself playing. They don’t have to be a bowl contender, but I want to see that they are an up and coming program; a developing program.
GH: Out of the four schools that you’ve narrowed it down to (Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Florida) which one utilizes their tight ends in a way you’d want to play?
RH: The one I like the best is Wisconsin. They’re more of a tight end team, they use them all the time. I can definitely see myself playing there. I’m still giving all the other schools a chance because they’re all using their tight ends. Tim Brewster told me they are going to start more than they have been, so that’s why I’m going to give them all a chance.
GH: Speaking of Coach Brewster, I’ve heard through the grapevine that you are a little intimidated by him in person, is that true?
RH: Intimidated? I think he’s a really good person, I’m not intimidated by him, but it’s sometimes kind of hard to believe all of the things he says. He is an up and coming coach, so obviously he has to sell it, but some of the stuff he says…he could just be being sarcastic. I still believe him and respect him, but I think he’s a sarcastic guy.
GH: How would you describe Urban Meyer?
RH: He’s more serious, he really doesn’t have to advertise his school. Florida does that talking for itself, obviously, because they have such a strong football program. So he’s not like, “you have to go here, we’re going to be so good,” he just tells you the history of their program and what they’ve already accomplished and how strong their program is.
GH: What about Jim Tressel?
RH: Same thing. He has such a strong football program too. All three schools, other than Minnesota, have good reputations and established programs. It’s not like they have to feed you this hype like, “we need you to make this team better.” They talk more about the fact that they have a strong program, and we’ve been to all these bowl games.
GH: What is your relationship with Bret Bielema?
RH: We have a connection because I’ve been to Wisconsin quite a few times, and it’s not just because of football, I’ve had basketball camps there too where he’s stopped in and said, “hi.” He and I have not a strong relationship, but it’s getting up there. We don’t talk a lot, but he sends me letters and tells me how his team is doing, so I’m starting to get a connection with him.
GH: Would you say Wisconsin is showing you the most love right now?
RH: It’d be a tie between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
GH: Obviously, Florida and OSU are powerhouse football schools. Do you ever look at it in the sense that if you go to one of those, you may sit the bench for a few years, but if you stay home, you can make an immediate impact?
RH: Yes, that is true. Florida and Ohio State are definitely powerhouse teams. If I do end up going there, I’ll have to realize that I will probably have to be red-shirted before I can play. At Minnesota it is very different, they don’t use their tight ends as much, but there may be a chance I can play right away. I definitely do see the differences and the positives and negatives.
GH: Are you worried about the Ohio State class filling up, since they’re almost at capacity?
RH: Yes, that is true. They do tell me how many spots they have, they’re rushing me a little bit. If anybody really wants me on their team, they’ll let me think about it, and really make the right choice. I’m kind of worried about OSU filling up, but at the same time, I don’t want to rush into such an important decision.
GH: You’ve taken unofficial visits to all four schools, when do you think you’ll take your official visits?
RH: I do want to start early, after around September 1st. I want to talk to the coaches and make appointments to go out there as soon as possible.
GH: Ideally, when would you like to commit by?
RH: After my football season, probably the weekend of my last game.
GH: After not playing summer ball, are you still planning on playing with Washburn this year?
RH: Yes, I’ll start basketball right after football. I’ve got to keep conditioning.
GH: Besides the football aspect, what else are you looking for in a school?
RH: I want a school with strong academics and tutoring programs. I want to study African-American studies, so I need a school with a good program.
GH: What actions are you taking to make sure you qualify?
RH: There are a few things I’m working on, I’m definitely going to take some ACT prep classes, so I can be prepared for that. This past year, I started re-taking some classes to make up for my freshman and sophomore year grades, so I’m going to continue doing that. It’s gotten me a lot closer to where I need to be. I’m just going to go hard this next year, stay focused, and keep on doing what I’m doing.
GH: So you’re saying you had a strong Junior year?
RH: Yes, and it’s improving my overall GPA.
GH: Your Dad mentioned that you really don’t like to talk much about your tough childhood. Obviously, you do have a unique situation, would you like to comment on that at all?
RH: If it wasn’t for them (his parents), I don’t really know where I’d be right now. I don’t know if I’d even be playing sports, and I wouldn’t be who I am right now. It really makes me think, if they wouldn’t of taken me in , where would I be at? Would I still be in school? Would I be in foster homes? I have no idea, I am just so grateful to them.
This article comes from GopherHole.comhttp://www.gopherhole.com/The URL for this story is:http://www.GopherHole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=808
Friday, August 22, 2008
THE UNITED STATES BRYAN CLAY WINS THE 2008 OLYMPIC DECATHLON
Bryan Clay from the United States has become the first person to win the Olympic Decathlon since 1996 who was from the United States Of America. Bryan Clay finished 8,791 total points. Here is the story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST VOLLEYBALL LOOKS TO MAKE A STATEMENT THIS YEAR
Minneapolis Southwest is determined to make some noise again this year in the Minneapolis City Conference in volleyball. Here is an article that Brian Stensaas did for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. We will have to see how well the Southwest volleyball team will do this year.
MISTY MAY-TANOR AND KERRY WALSH WIN GOLD AGAIN
American’s Misty May-Tanor and Kerry Walsh won an exciting beach Volley Ball match to win the Olympic Gold. They beat China’s team consisting of Jie Wang and Jia Tian. Misty May Tanor and Kerry Walsh haven’t lost a beach volley ball match since 2007 in Boston Ma. Here is the article from the St Paul Pioneer Press.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
FORMER HOPKINS BASKETBALL STAR GETS ARRESTED IN WISCONSIN
Former Hopkins basketball star Anthony DiLoreto got arrested in Wisconsin as he was planning on being the get away driver in a bank robbery that went bad. He was said to have a short-barreled shotgun. Here is Tim Harlow’s report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
UNITED STATES SHAWN JOHNSON WINS GOLD IN BALANCE BEAM
United States Shawn Johnson won the Balance Beam competition in the Beijing Summer games. The United States was second in the all around competition earlier in the games.
PRESS CORE MESS AT THE OLYMPICS
You ever wonder what it is like for a reporter to do in interview from a world wide event like the Olympics. Sean Jensen from the St Paul Pioneer Press takes us for an inside look at what it takes to get an interview at these Olympic Games.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
DULUTH NATIVE KARA GOUCHER SHINES IN OLYMPICS
Duluth Minnesota’s Kara Goucher qualified for the 5,000 meter Olympic run final. Her time was 15:00.98.
Here is the story from the St Paul Pioneer Press.
Here is the story from the St Paul Pioneer Press.
MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY BELL IS BACK PLAYING IN ITALY
Troy Bell who is from Minneapolis Minnesota is playing basketball back in Italy this season. He is playing in Vanoli Sorensina. The team name is Gruppo Tribolidi. Troy Bell is looking forward to this upcoming season.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
DEVOE JOSEPH IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Devoe Joseph who is one of the top incoming men’s basketball recruits who has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Minnesota has been cleared to play by the NCAA Clearing House. There were some concerns about the eligibility of Devoe Joseph because he is from Canada.
THE UNITED STATES MEN'S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM GETS REVENGE
Team USA Men’s Basketball team gets some revenge over Greece in the preliminaries of Olympic play. Team USA beat Greece by the final score of 92-69. This is the box score of the game between the USA and Greece.
Greece beat the USA to knock them out of Olympic play in the last Olympics. Team USA now advances to the next round of games. Team USA now has to prepare to go out and play Spain this coming Saturday.
Greece beat the USA to knock them out of Olympic play in the last Olympics. Team USA now advances to the next round of games. Team USA now has to prepare to go out and play Spain this coming Saturday.
HOW YOUNG IS TO YOUNG TO COMPETE IN THE OLYMPICS
There has been a lot of talk by people around the sporting world in regards to the age of the China’s Olympic gymnastics were too young to compete in the Olympics. There was a report in China’s news paper that broke the story. Here is a story from John Leicester from the Associated Press.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
JAKE DEITCHLER FROM ANOKA MINNESOTA COMES UP SHORT IN FANTASTIC FIRST ROUND MATCH
Jake Deitcher who is from Anoka Minnesota is an Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestler who went up against Kanatbek Begaliev of Kyrgyzstan Wednesday in the first round of the Olympic wrestling tournament in the Olympics. Here is the Minneapolis Startribune story on the fight.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
UNITED STATES SWIMMER MICHAEL PHELPS GOES FOR GOLD
United States Olympic swimmer Micheal Phelps has become very popular in the Olympics. He has become one of the most popular swimmers in Olympic history. He is only 23 years old.
Here is an article about Michael Phelps that I found in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26868919.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUg7Kk8P3iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Here is an article about Michael Phelps that I found in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26868919.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUg7Kk8P3iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Monday, August 11, 2008
BRAZILIAN ACAI BERRY
The Most Amazing Fruit You’ve Never Heard Of By Steven Kalishman, J.D.Co-author, “Wellness Connexion: Simple Secrets of Ageless Vitality”http://www.wellnessconnexion.com/
It’s been called the “Wonder Food,” “Milk of the Amazon,” “The World’s #1 Superfood,” “The Most Nutritious and Powerful Food in the World,” and even the “Viagra of the Amazon!”
According to a Real Age magazine article entitled “Wonder Foods,” “Packed with twice the disease-fighting antioxidants of blueberries, acai has already made Oprah’s list of Top 10 Superfoods (#1), and The Washington Post called the blackberry-flavored fruit ‘the new pomegranate.’” The London Times boasts: “Acai [has] the nutritional content that makes other fruits blush with inadequacy.” Vogue positions acai as: “the next big workout cocktail.” Men’s Journal exclaims: “[Acai is] the fruit that packs a punch.” The Wall Street Journal headlines: “Acai Replaces Wheatgrass in Blenders at Juice Bars.” Good Morning America featured acai as one of “The Next Big Things for 2006.” NBC Today's Matt Lauer hosted a road show from the Amazon Rain forest in Brazil, reporting that locals now call the legendary Acai Berry the “Viagra of the Amazon!”
In his bestselling book “The Perricone Promise,” Dr. Nicholas Perricone called the acai berry “…one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world…nature’s perfect energy fruit.”
Acai is a small, round, dark purple berry with amazing nutritional properties. Its appearance is similar to a grape, but it has less pulp and a single large seed.
The acai berry is packed with nutritional value – proteins, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. It also has a low glycemic index. It is such a complete food that the Brazilian people living along the Amazon River can survive on it as their sole source of food and demonstrate amazing vitality and energy. For countless centuries, the people of the Amazon have revered this unique fruit for its health-producing properties, used it in the treatment of numerous ailments and prized it as a source of health and vitality. Recently the remarkable health benefits of acai have been validated by modern science. Because of its unparalleled antioxidant levels and superior nutrient content, acai is now regarded as one of the world’s top super-foods.
Acai contains concentrated levels of anthocyanins – a powerful family of antioxidants that assists in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. Acai is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9), vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, amino acids, complex carbohydrates and trace minerals.
The acai berry grows in clusters on the acai palm, a genus of 25-30 species of palms native to tropical Central and South America. These tall, slender and attractive palms can grow to be nearly 50 feet tall, with nine-foot leaves. The prime commercial source of acai is an area where several rivers converge within the Amazon estuary, emptying along the northeastern corner of Brazil into the Atlantic Ocean.
The USDA recommends consumption of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day to maintain an adequate supply of food-derived antioxidants. Research indicates that only five percent of the U.S. population consumes even five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says fruit intake is critical to good health, and that people who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Because of the way produce is grown, picked, treated and stored, fruit is far less nutritious than it used to be. One way to measure the antioxidant capacity of a food is called ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity). Foods with high ORAC values are desirable for their ability to neutralize free radicals, thus inhibiting the ability of the free radical to cause cell damage. The ORAC measurement, developed by a scientist at the National Institute of Aging in 1992, has proven to be a valuable tool in quantifying the health benefits associated with consuming fruits, vegetables and other antioxidant containing foods and supplements.
With an ORAC score of 1,027 per gram, acai boasts the highest ORAC score against the superoxide free radical of any fruit or vegetable ever tested. The acai fruit is the star among such well-known antioxidants as blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, cranberries, blackberries and pomegranates. By comparison, acai has 10 times the antioxidant power of cranberries.
Phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color and disease resistance of plants – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments.
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy functioning cells. Antioxidants are agents that inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals, which cause damage to cells through oxidation (like a cut apple turning brown). By donating an electron to unstable free radicals, antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to maintaining good health.
Oxidative stress occurs in the body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals, which cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids and DNA – the blueprint for cell reproduction. Oxidative stress is involved in the aging process and numerous health issues.
Tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, environmental chemicals and excessive amounts of sunlight are all prolific contributors to the formation of free radicals. Other causes include high-fat diets, stress, insufficient sleep and strenuous exercise.
Polyphenols are a class of powerful antioxidants that play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, heart failure, stroke) and that have been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. Polyphenols are also thought to be responsible for the French Paradox: a diet relatively high in fat, yet a decreased incidence of heart disease. This is attributed to the amount of polyphenols present in the grapes used to make French wines.
One of the best ways to enjoy the variety of health benefits of acai is by drinking a nutritional beverage called “MonaVie,” which utilizes a proprietary method to make freeze-dried acai powder, the most effective and concentrated form of acai. MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of acai and 18 other nutrient-dense fruits. MonaVie’s “Active” formula also contains the added benefits of esterified fatty acids and glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.
The acai used by MonaVie is certified organic. MonaVie contains a powerful variety of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. It is estimated that MonaVie products have 20-30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red wine. MonaVie is also good for the skin. Dermatologist Doris J. Day, M.D., was quoted in the February, 2007, issue of People Magazine: “This is an easy way to get great skin. MonaVie’s juice is only 20 calories, and it delivers tons of antioxidants and flavonoids.”
It’s been called the “Wonder Food,” “Milk of the Amazon,” “The World’s #1 Superfood,” “The Most Nutritious and Powerful Food in the World,” and even the “Viagra of the Amazon!”
According to a Real Age magazine article entitled “Wonder Foods,” “Packed with twice the disease-fighting antioxidants of blueberries, acai has already made Oprah’s list of Top 10 Superfoods (#1), and The Washington Post called the blackberry-flavored fruit ‘the new pomegranate.’” The London Times boasts: “Acai [has] the nutritional content that makes other fruits blush with inadequacy.” Vogue positions acai as: “the next big workout cocktail.” Men’s Journal exclaims: “[Acai is] the fruit that packs a punch.” The Wall Street Journal headlines: “Acai Replaces Wheatgrass in Blenders at Juice Bars.” Good Morning America featured acai as one of “The Next Big Things for 2006.” NBC Today's Matt Lauer hosted a road show from the Amazon Rain forest in Brazil, reporting that locals now call the legendary Acai Berry the “Viagra of the Amazon!”
In his bestselling book “The Perricone Promise,” Dr. Nicholas Perricone called the acai berry “…one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world…nature’s perfect energy fruit.”
Acai is a small, round, dark purple berry with amazing nutritional properties. Its appearance is similar to a grape, but it has less pulp and a single large seed.
The acai berry is packed with nutritional value – proteins, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. It also has a low glycemic index. It is such a complete food that the Brazilian people living along the Amazon River can survive on it as their sole source of food and demonstrate amazing vitality and energy. For countless centuries, the people of the Amazon have revered this unique fruit for its health-producing properties, used it in the treatment of numerous ailments and prized it as a source of health and vitality. Recently the remarkable health benefits of acai have been validated by modern science. Because of its unparalleled antioxidant levels and superior nutrient content, acai is now regarded as one of the world’s top super-foods.
Acai contains concentrated levels of anthocyanins – a powerful family of antioxidants that assists in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. Acai is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9), vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, amino acids, complex carbohydrates and trace minerals.
The acai berry grows in clusters on the acai palm, a genus of 25-30 species of palms native to tropical Central and South America. These tall, slender and attractive palms can grow to be nearly 50 feet tall, with nine-foot leaves. The prime commercial source of acai is an area where several rivers converge within the Amazon estuary, emptying along the northeastern corner of Brazil into the Atlantic Ocean.
The USDA recommends consumption of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day to maintain an adequate supply of food-derived antioxidants. Research indicates that only five percent of the U.S. population consumes even five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says fruit intake is critical to good health, and that people who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Because of the way produce is grown, picked, treated and stored, fruit is far less nutritious than it used to be. One way to measure the antioxidant capacity of a food is called ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity). Foods with high ORAC values are desirable for their ability to neutralize free radicals, thus inhibiting the ability of the free radical to cause cell damage. The ORAC measurement, developed by a scientist at the National Institute of Aging in 1992, has proven to be a valuable tool in quantifying the health benefits associated with consuming fruits, vegetables and other antioxidant containing foods and supplements.
With an ORAC score of 1,027 per gram, acai boasts the highest ORAC score against the superoxide free radical of any fruit or vegetable ever tested. The acai fruit is the star among such well-known antioxidants as blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, cranberries, blackberries and pomegranates. By comparison, acai has 10 times the antioxidant power of cranberries.
Phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color and disease resistance of plants – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments.
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy functioning cells. Antioxidants are agents that inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals, which cause damage to cells through oxidation (like a cut apple turning brown). By donating an electron to unstable free radicals, antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to maintaining good health.
Oxidative stress occurs in the body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals, which cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids and DNA – the blueprint for cell reproduction. Oxidative stress is involved in the aging process and numerous health issues.
Tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, environmental chemicals and excessive amounts of sunlight are all prolific contributors to the formation of free radicals. Other causes include high-fat diets, stress, insufficient sleep and strenuous exercise.
Polyphenols are a class of powerful antioxidants that play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, heart failure, stroke) and that have been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. Polyphenols are also thought to be responsible for the French Paradox: a diet relatively high in fat, yet a decreased incidence of heart disease. This is attributed to the amount of polyphenols present in the grapes used to make French wines.
One of the best ways to enjoy the variety of health benefits of acai is by drinking a nutritional beverage called “MonaVie,” which utilizes a proprietary method to make freeze-dried acai powder, the most effective and concentrated form of acai. MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of acai and 18 other nutrient-dense fruits. MonaVie’s “Active” formula also contains the added benefits of esterified fatty acids and glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.
The acai used by MonaVie is certified organic. MonaVie contains a powerful variety of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. It is estimated that MonaVie products have 20-30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red wine. MonaVie is also good for the skin. Dermatologist Doris J. Day, M.D., was quoted in the February, 2007, issue of People Magazine: “This is an easy way to get great skin. MonaVie’s juice is only 20 calories, and it delivers tons of antioxidants and flavonoids.”
MEN’S USA OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL TEAM PLAYING THROUGH PAIN
As the stabbing tragedy to the coaches in laws the USA Men’s Volleyball team beat Venezuela in a rough match. On Saturday Todd and Barbara Bachman who are from Lakeville Minnesota were attacked. Todd Bachman who is the president and CEO of the Bachman’s flower shop was killed in the attack.
This is Jim Souhan report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune on the accounts of the tragedy.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26472194.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUiacyKUU
This is Jim Souhan report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune on the accounts of the tragedy.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26472194.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUiacyKUU
Saturday, August 9, 2008
ROYCE WHITE AND RODNEY WILLIAMS IN PORTLAND TO SHOW THEIR STUFF
Royce White who has verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Minnesota and Rodney Williams who is undecided at this time where he is going to be going to college but will be a SR this year at Robbinsdale Cooper are taking part in the Nike Global Challenge.
Rodney Williams is considered one of the top recruits in the state of Minnesota.
http://www.primetimepdx.com/ngc/
Rodney Williams is considered one of the top recruits in the state of Minnesota.
http://www.primetimepdx.com/ngc/
USA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM BEATS THE CHECH REPUBLIC IN FIRST GAME
With President Bush in attendance the United States Women’s basketball team beat the Chech Republic by the final of 97-57. Diana Taurasi ended the game with 17 points.
http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/story/10925430
The next Women’s USA basketball game will be on Monday when they go up against China.
http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/story/10925430
The next Women’s USA basketball game will be on Monday when they go up against China.
CHINESE MAN STABBED THE IN LAWS OF USA MEN’S VOLLYBALL COACH
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune a Chinese man stabbed the In Laws of the USA’s Men’s Volleyball head coach. The victims were Todd and Barbara Bachman was from Lakeville Minnesota. After the stabbing the man committed suicide by throwing himself off a 130 foot balcony.
Here is the article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26470189.html?page=1&c=y
Here is the article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26470189.html?page=1&c=y
Friday, August 8, 2008
LET THE OLYMPIC GAMES BEGIN
Today is the first day of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games which are being held in Beijing China.
Check out NBC Sports Coverage of the games for live updates through out the summer games at http://www.nbcolympics.com
Also reporting from the Olympics are reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Reports from the reporters can be found at http://www.startribune.com
Check out NBC Sports Coverage of the games for live updates through out the summer games at http://www.nbcolympics.com
Also reporting from the Olympics are reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Reports from the reporters can be found at http://www.startribune.com
Sunday, August 3, 2008
RAYMOND COWELS PICKS SANTA CLARA
Raymond Cowles from Hopkins has made a verbal commitment to play basketball at Santa Clara according to Ryan James of Minnesota Preps. Other schools that showed interest in Raymond were Iowa, Northwestern Iowa, Western Michigan, UW-Milwaukee and UW- Green Bay. He is a solid player.
Former Gophers Basketball coach James Ware who was the University of Minnesota Assistant coach at the University of Minnesota is now an Assistant Coach at Santa Clara and that was another reason that Raymond Cowles picked Santa Clara.
Former Gophers Basketball coach James Ware who was the University of Minnesota Assistant coach at the University of Minnesota is now an Assistant Coach at Santa Clara and that was another reason that Raymond Cowles picked Santa Clara.
Friday, August 1, 2008
FORMER MINNESOTA GOPHER BASKETBALL PLAYER LAWARANCE MC KENZIE TO PLAY OVER SEAS THIS SEASON
According to Larry Mc Kenzie his son Lawrence Mc Kenzie has signed a one year deal to play with the FYR Macedonian Super league BC Feni Industries for the 2008-2009 basketball season.
Lawrence Mc Kenzie went to Minneapolis Patrick Henry High school then went on to the University of Minnesota. In his last season at University of Minnesota he averaged 11.8 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game. He was voted to the 3rd team all conference team and he had a career high of 26 points on February 21 2008 when he scored 26 points against Michigan.
Lawrence Mc Kenzie went to Minneapolis Patrick Henry High school then went on to the University of Minnesota. In his last season at University of Minnesota he averaged 11.8 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game. He was voted to the 3rd team all conference team and he had a career high of 26 points on February 21 2008 when he scored 26 points against Michigan.
A & A MILL WORK TAKES ON EL-AMINS FISH HOUSE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP
In one of the best championship games in years, A & A Millwork was playing to defend their 2007 Pro City Championship and it looked like they were going to be successful for much of the game. Johnny Gilbert was controlling the paint and scored on some nice put-backs and Tyrell Sledge was playing great perimeter defense and scoring on some very athletic plays. Moe Hargrow was also proving difficult for the Fish House to deal with.
For a great share of the first-quarter the teams traded baskets in a very fast paced game, but the Mill seemed to be taking the higher percentage shots although at the end of the quarter they trailed by 3-points, 27-25. Jamil Statan was the leader for the Fish House in the first quarter.
The second quarter was also very fast paced but ragged. Both teams pushed the ball up the court and made very few passes prior to taking failed shots. The first quarter was definitely better played. Each team had more than their share of unforced turnovers. Johnny Gilbert and Jamil Statan continued to control the paint for their respective teams so many of the shots were coming from beyond 15-feet.
Neither team was able to get any traction and has remained within a couple of points. At the half the Fish continued to lead 41-40. Jamil Statan led the Fish with 10 points and 5 rebounds followed by Travis Bush with 6 and Dan Coleman with 5 rebounds. For the Mill Tyrell Sledge and Johnny Gilbert led the way with 8 points each, James Walker 5 and Moe Hargrow 3.
At the beginning of the second half, A & A seemed to be taking control. After trailing at the half they took the lead and maintained it throughout the third quarter. Moe Hargrow started to lead his teammates with some nice defensive stops, scored on his jumper and dropped a few dimes (assists) at the basketball. Johnny Gilbert continued his strong low-post play and Tyrell Sledge was effective with the ball. At the end of the third the Mill led 68-62.
The momentum started to swing early in the fourth quarter. Jamil Statan, Dan Coleman along with Gopher teammate Travis Busch stepped up their play. Jamil scored at the basket, Dan finished a couple of runners while Travis played tough defense and made some nice steals and rebounds. Kevin Henderson is also made a quite difference for the Fish with his defense and passes.
With three-minutes remaining in the game it was tied at 75.
In the next two-minutes Dan Coleman hit two jumpers and Jamil Statan a layup and the Fish House took a 79-75 lead. At the 45.7 mark the Mill got to within two-points on a lay-in by Johnny Gilbert. At that point A & A was forced in to a fouling strategy and the Fish were up to the task, knocking down their free-throws and they went on to win this excellent game 87-83.
Jamil Staten led the fish with 29 points and 8 rebounds and Dan Colman registered 15 points and 11 rebounds. For the Mill, Johnny Gilbert finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Tyrell Sledge 17 points and 7 assists and Moe Hargrow 14 points.
Congratulations to El-Amin’s Fish House on winning the 2008 Pro City Summer League Championship. It was a well deserved as they finished with the season with only one loss to the Errol Carlstrom Playaz in their final regular season game.
I would like to thank Tony Geer with Community Hoops Productions for working with me on this project. Also a big thanks to Rene Pulley for letting me cover the summer league and all those who have supported me this summer while I have tried to provide you with an in depth look at the league.
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