Category: sports

Athletes I Call Family

r3t5nom2 Comments

Much like the majority of sports, they are most fun to watch when they are  being done by those who are good at the sport. And as a photographer, it is way more fun to take pictures of them.

I am blessed with family and friends who are more than just good at the sports they make a part of their lives.

My little sister Chloe is one of the most amazing gymnasts that I have ever laid eyes on. She is 12 years old and is the gymnast who represents Baja California at the Gymnastics Nationals and last year’s first place national champion on beam, second place national champion on floor and third place national champion overall.
This is her below:

My friend Stosh is an amazing surfer who has won many surf competitions and is a well-known surfer in mexico. I have taken photos of him for years and have managed to get photos published on surf magazines.This is him below:

My best friend Angel Carreon is not a professional skater or a majorly well-known person but my god is he a great skate boarder. I have taken pictures of him skating for many years as well but the difference is that he doesn’t have the tittle attached to his name. I absolutely admire him as a person as well as a skater because he always manages get back on his feet and never complain.

This is him below:



Whats your sport?

Let’s Pause and Reflect

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After the Divisional Playoff games this past weekend, I am left speechless. I know I constantly preach that anything can happen in the NFL. After this weekend, once again, I was right.

Well, not about all the games. I was 2/4 this weekend, and considering the miracles that took place, I cannot be blamed. The unpredictable has once again unfolded. Let’s discuss the craziness of the Divisional Playoffs. Ya, it’s about to get crazy.

Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.

Easily the best game of the weekend, the Saints and ‘9ers engaged in a battle of sheer firepower. With the exception of the first quarter, the game quickly evolved into a “Game of the Year” candidate.

I was jumping out of my seat during every single play. I would have never predicted the 49ers to be in this position at the beginning of the season.

If Jim Harbaugh doesn’t win Coach of the Year, I don’t know who else could win. Harbaugh has taken full control of San Francisco, and has evolved them into a solid football team.

The rushing touchdown by Alex Smith and pass from Smith to Vernon Davis in the last 9 seconds provided excitement until the clock hit zero.

I loved everything about this game. Even though I predicted the Saints to emerge victorious, I commend the 49ers for their success.

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The cruel reality of soccer

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Last Wednesday I experienced what three weeks of inactivity can do to a student athlete.  We played the Dunn School in soccer and boy was it a wake up call.  We lost if you were wondering, but it was more of the journey than the destination right.

My journey at least was very educational. For one I learned that after spending three weeks of break mostly most running between sofa and kitchen during commercials, I made a scientific discovery about myself. I cannot go and play a 90 minute game after those three weeks.  In fact I can only play about a ten minute game before my vision narrows, I begin to hyperventilate and beg my coach to take me out.

Now that is obviously not a good thing, but I rallied in the second half and played the entire half, albeit I ran much less.

Although I am an athlete, I do believe that running should be a sin.  In conjunction with that I love to play goalie, and defense.

Worst Person in Sports #10, 11, and 12-Wait and see

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For our 10th installment in the series of just straight up bad sports figures, I’m coming to you with not one, not two, (starting to sound like LeBron) but THREE athletes/coaches/owners that I just can’t STAND. First I’m going to tell you about a player I can’t stand, then a coach and then owner.

So first, let me introduce you to Michigan State running back and most devoted person in the world Nick Hill.

Yup. That’s him. You can tell by the incredibly unnecessary tattoo. Looks like something right out of “300”, huh? The mascot of Michigan State is indeed a Spartan, so he got that part right. It’s ominous and threatening, as a Spartan should be, so that’s good. So why, readers, do I have a problem with that? I don’t hate him for it. But personally, I’m not a big fan of tattoos. Friends of mine have asked me about ideas for tattoos and I always respond, “How about you don’t get one?” But, what really bugs me about this particular batch of ink is that so many things could happen that could render that tat POINTLESS! For example, let’s say he gets kicked out of Michigan State for whatever happens. What then, Mr. Hill? Gotta go to a surgeon to get it removed or risk looking like an idiot. That’s an unnecessary cost and a painful one at that.

“Backinphilly, leave him alone, he’s just showing school pride.”

I’m sure there are other ways to display pride other than permanently turning yourself into a billboard.

The crappy coach today is new Washington Redskins defensive backs coach…Raheem Morris.

WHAT?!?!?!

Talk about dropping to a new low. About a week ago, former Coach of the Year Raheem Morris was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a very disappointing season, where the team was originally slated to make the playoffs. However, thanks to injuries and poor defensive play, the team faltered and failed miserably.

Really Tampa? You fire a guy that has been a solid coach since Day 1 because of things that he couldn’t control?

Ya, Tampa was dumb, but not nearly as dumb as the one they fired. Morris left a head coaching job to become a defensive ASSISTANT! There are so many vacant head coaching positions in the NFL right now, and he only applies for the defensive ASSISTANT? NOT EVEN A COORDINATOR?

Lookin’ good, Raheem. You might be one of the only employed people in the country looking to go DOWN in rank. And seriously? The Redskins? If you couldn’t win in Tampa, what makes you think that Washington gives you a better chance? At least Tampa has a quarterback.

Alright, one more. How ’bout Jets owner Woody Johnson?

This week, Johnson stated that his quarterback, Mark Sanchez is NOT lazy as many analysts have accused him of being. He stated that Mark is in the building first and leaves last everyday, always putting in extra work. He apparently does more work than any other quarterback.

Really?

Then why, might I ask, is he such a terrible quarterback?

The man can’t throw to his own team. I watched the Giants-Jets game. Is he color-blind? Maybe. His throws came closer to blue jerseys than they ever did to green. And what about the fumbles? I mean, dude, taking a snap isn’t as easy as it looks. But, it’s not as hard as you make it look. He’s afraid of pressure from defense, he throws into double and triple coverage far too often, and this franchise and its owner thinks they can build a team around this guy? What is wrong with you, Woody?

I’d make that face and hand motion too if my quarterback didn’t know who his teammates were. Why defend a man when his own offensive line won’t? Something tells me Mark Sanchez won’t be playing for the New York Jets for too much longer. I give him one more year and then he’s finished. Woody, don’t say a player is working hard unless he’s proving it on the field. People either think you’re lying, or crazy.

Alright, guys. That’s three for the price of absolutely nothing ’cause you don’t have to pay to read this. Next week, we go back to one person per article. This was just for the special 10th release. See you next week!

And we’re back/Worst Person #9-LSU

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How ya been, readers? I’ve been trying to figure out how long it’s been since I’ve last expressed my extreme disappointment in the wide world of sports. So without further ado, I bring you a new installment in the worst person in Sports.

It’s not just one person. This team is a disgrace following last night’s BCS championship game between Alabama and LSU. The final score was 21-0 in favor of Alabama. Many people blame Les Miles, coach of LSU for not substituting his quarterback Jordan Jefferson for backup Jarrett Lee.

Honestly, who cares?

If you can’t throw the ball, then run the ball. This team was ranked number 1 in the country and couldn’t score against a team that they beat earlier in the season 9-6. Once again, the defense for both sides was stellar. But, only one offense really came to play, and only one touchdown was scored throughout the whole contest.

That’s right, 5 field goals and one touchdown and a missed extra point.

LSU could not stop Alabama from getting into field goal range. To be honest, as a player, I have no sympathy for their deplorable offensive attack, or lack there of. The team needs to really re-evaluate. But, maybe it’s time to re-recruit. Both Jefferson and Lee are leaving the school because they’re seniors. This might be it until LSU can find a new starting quarterback.

Also, for my next worst person, I’m adding a special surprise for the readers. Enjoy!

Worst Person #8-(2nd time on the list)-Jerry Sandusky

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This must be one BAAAAAD dude, huh?

He’s now the first athletic figure to make my list twice, and he did it almost in a row (Damn Jerome Simpson). So Congratulations to Jerry Sandusky (insert sarcastic tone of voice.)

Now let’s get to it. Mr. Sandusky was taken to jail for his sorry ass to rot. But this is far from over. He is able to post bail and is expected to do so. This trial is not over by a long shot.

I stand by my thoughts that this will not end until Mike McQueary comes forward and tells the jury EXACTLY what he saw on the night he witnessed Sandusky with a young boy.

Unfortunately, like a situation I am currently dealing with, (And Thank You OVS for your continued support), the truth lies with the coward.

McQueary wants to hide. But, he can’t. He’s become one of the most popular internet searches in the world thanks to a pedophile. He didn’t commit the crime. He simply didn’t handle the crime.

Check out this article for all the details about Sandusky and the 10 victims that testified.

The children need you, McQueary. Please! SHOW YOURSELF!!!!

Maybe I’m crazy BUUUT…

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After this past weekend of NFL action, and after the Eagles lost on Thursday night, it shocks me to this that the Eagles are STILL not mathematically out of the playoff race. But now things need to get serious.

The Eagles must win every game remaining for any chance. Also, the Cowboys may not win more than one more game and the Giants may not win more than two. The Cowboys’ must also win one more game for the Eagles to make it. That win must come against the Giants.

Really guys? I can’t be put out of my misery yet because the season is still salvageable. I can’t quit on this team yet because NONE OF THE NFC EAST TEAMS WON THIS PAST WEEKEND. Each team failed to one extent or another. The Cowboys crashed because of coach Jason Garrett calling an unnecessary timeout. The Giants lost by 3 points to the undefeated Packers (Both teams played poorly, but it’s the Packers for God’s sake). The Redskins are a mess and now hold the same record as the Eagles (4-8)

This division has always been very competitive. But usually, the teams were at least closer to elite status.

If the Eagles lose one more game, the season can end and I can stop going crazy.

The Eagles face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday in a must win game. A loss ends the season. The Dream Team needs to keep dreamin’.

You’ve just gotta believe

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As I’m sure many NFL fans and my readers are aware of, the Eagles have fallen far short of their expectations. They have dropped to the very unimpressive record of 4-7. The Eagles lost a lot of games they should not have.

Now I agree. The Eagles don’t deserve a spot in the playoffs this season. They have not played nearly well enough. But, the league is full of surprises.

I looked through the standings and at first look, with the division leading Cowboys at 7-4 and the second place Giants at 6-5, the lowly 4-7 Eagles appeared, to me, out of the running.

Then I started digging and realized…We aren’t finished yet.

While the Eagles have lost 7 games, only one was a division game. They have won 3 division games. And so the scenarios begin.

If the Eagles win all of their remaining games, the Cowboys (who the Eagles play one more time) lose 3 games and the Giants lose 2 games, the Eagles win the NFC East. It’s that simple.

“But wait, Backinphilly! If the Cowboys only lose 3 games, that means they win the other 2 that they have and would only tie the Eagles at 9-7.”

You are right, obnoxious quotation. Enter the tiebreaker.

The Eagles’ division record would stand at 5-1 while the Cowboys would stand at 4-2 or 3-3 depending on if they lose to the Giants twice. Either way, the Eagles win the tiebreaker and the Cowboys get to hit the rodeo early this year.

The easiest way the Eagles make it to the playoffs is by winning out. But that alone does not assure them a spot in the postseason. Yes, it is still possible for the Eagles to lose one more game and still make the postseason. However, that involves the Cowboys losing 4 out of 5 and Giants losing 3 out of 5, which are odds that are highly unlikely.

This lies on the success of the Eagles and the failure of the Cowboys and Giants.

IT CAN BE DONE!!!! THE PLAYOFFS ARE IN SIGHT!!!!

FMX In BCS??!!

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I had the opportunity to go and take photos for Monster Energy of an FMX (Freestyle motocross) show in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico which is located in BCS (Baja California Sur)last Saturday Night. Because I was taking photos for Monster I was allowed to hang out set up my camera gear up close to the big air jump and the Monster tent. The pictures that are shown were all taken by me.
monster
The FMX team that was partaking in this show was AMAZING. The riders were such talented athletes and young as well. riders
There were some insane tricks done at this show such as; The tsunami, Superman Seat Grab, and the Hart Attack.

The Tsunami: tsunami

The Superman Seat Grab: Superman seat grab

The Hart Attack: hart attack To top off the night, one of the most incredible aspects of that night was the fact that the FMX riders stuck every landing and managed to not fall once. At one point I overheard the riders talking about how bad the ramps were and how “sketchy” they were, but regardless of the condition of the ramps they went out and gave the fan filled crowd a hell of a show.

Worst person #7-Jerome Simpson

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If any of you are familiar with soccer, you would know that very frequently, players take a dive and fake injuries. This almost never happens in football. Apparently, Bengals tight end Jerome Simpson thought he was playing soccer.

During a scramble for a fumble by Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Simpson pulled Browns linebacker Scott Fujita from the pile. Fujita then gave Simpson a little shove, but Simpson SLIGHTLY overreacted. Take a look at this ridiculousness.

Crazy right? That’s not even good acting. Last time I saw acting that bad, Jerry Sandusky was saying that he was innocent.

What? Too soon?

Gimme some suggestions for my worst people in sports. If you think of something I would love to hear from ya.