Author: Sports Radio Service

Feature: Things are going well for SJSU’s Foley

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By Ana Kieu

In the classroom, everything has gone according to plan for fifth-year senior outside linebacker Brett Foley. It’s been the exact opposite on the football field.

This season, Foley started a MBA program at San Jose State, right on track with the plan he laid out as an 18-year-old. After graduating from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif., Foley knew he wanted to redshirt as a freshman so he could finish his undergraduate studies and start an MBA program while still playing football.

“Taking a redshirt and getting that fifth year to start a MBA was my plan from the beginning and it ended up working out,” said Foley, a 2019 San Jose State Dean’s Scholar and two-time Academic All-Mountain West honoree More recently, he was one of five Spartans recognized by the National Football Foundation as a college graduate continuing to play the game as a graduate student. “I’m very excited about that.”

Foley’s plan for football after finishing high school? That ended up being a little more complicated.

After his junior year of football at Archbishop Mitty, the high school quarterback and pitcher had surgery on his throwing shoulder. His arm was never quite the same. One season after being named the San Jose Mercury News’ Freshman of the Year in baseball, he was forced to give up pitching.

FOOTBALL STILL AN OPTION
But with the throwing motion of a football less straining than that of a baseball, Foley was still able to play quarterback. He was named first team All-West Catholic League as a senior after throwing for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns and running for 599 yards and 11 more scores.

Despite the accolades, Foley knew a position change was likely at the college level. Having played both sides of the ball for the Monarchs, he marketed himself to college recruiters as a defensive player.

Foley eventually chose to stay at home to play college football, signing with the Spartans in 2014. Foley redshirted the 2015 campaign before playing sparingly the next two seasons.

“With a couple coaching changes, we shifted our schemes a few times.” Foley said. “I went from outside linebacker to defensive end and then back to linebacker. I was moving all over the place.”

HIS BEST MOVE IN FOOTBALL
Prior to his junior season, one more change was proposed. This time to the offensive side of the ball.

“Moving to tight end was the best move I made at San Jose State, I love it so much more,” Foley said. “It suits me far better than linebacker ever did. Running in space, using my speed, my athleticism. I like having the ball in my hands, running around the field. In high school at quarterback, I ran a lot. I threw a lot. Making plays on offense was something I always loved.”

Foley played in all 12 games his junior season. He made his first career catch in a win against UNLV, a one-yard touchdown from Josh Love. This season, he tallied a career-high three catches in the game against New Mexico.

Foley believes being close to family is a big reason why he was able to navigate all the ups and downs of his collegiate career. It’s just an eight-mile drive from Foley’s high school stadium at Archbishop Mitty to his current home field, CEFCU Stadium.

“Growing up in the area, it was the best decision of my life to come to San Jose State,” Foley said. “Being close to my family has been amazing. They come to every game. My mom has about 30 people at her tailgate, all my family friends, everyone I grew with up has been here, supporting me all the way. It’s been the best time of my life.”

PURSUING A SAN JOSE STATE MBA
There’s yet another change on the horizon for Foley, the switch from student-athlete to a career in business. After this season, he’ll have one year left in the MBA program before moving on to a full-time job.

“Doing the MBA, I’m hoping to get as much experience as possible and meet as many people as possible to get my career started,” Foley said. “Playing football my whole life, I don’t really have much job experience. I’ve been pretty much a full-time athlete since the day I started walking. The MBA is helping me see what I like and don’t like. What areas I’m good in and what areas I might not be good in.”

Foley has also used his past three summers to gain experience and make valuable connections. He first worked with Ameriprise Financial in the summer of 2017, then the Xactly Corporation in 2018. Last summer, Foley worked at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, Calif.

“They were all different types internships and that’s what I was looking for,” Foley said. “Broaden my perspective on what profession I might get into.”

“Coach Brennan really encouraged it too. I’m not sure about other programs but I think that’s pretty rare. He was all about me finding internships and getting experience that will help me the rest of my life.”

However the rest of Foley’s life unfolds, he’ll certainly have a plan and he’ll be able to roll with the punches.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: 30 Years Since the World Series, Loma Prieta Earthquake

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By Amaury Pi-González

It has been 30 years later after that unforgettable October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake that stopped the Oakland A’s vs. San Francisco Giants World Series. Then-MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent decided on the classic postpone for 11 days. The A’s won two games prior to the earthquake and two more after in sweeping the Giants to win their fourth World Series in Oakland and ninth in total since they started playing in Philadelphia over 100 years ago.

That day was an unforgettable day as Evelio Areas Mendoza and yours truly were ending our pregame show on radio, when just minutes past 5 p.m., the earth shook Candlestick Park. Many people at the press box ran to the elevators, and many were trapped there because all electricity was lost. I remember fist images that I was able to see was that of KPIX CH 5 then-anchor Ana Chávez and the shot of the Bay Bridge, where cans fell into the bay. At that time, the whole world stopped, and we realized that when “mother nature” speaks, the World Series seems insignificant.

We became news reporters and witnesses. Manolo Alvarez, who was covering the game for WQBA AM in Miami came over and asked me how many more earthquakes were coming next. He is from Miami, where they are famous for hurricanes and not earthquakes, and had no idea. I explained to him that usually the after shocks are lesser in intensity. It was a 6.0, a very strong quake and we were lucky in the Bay Area as casualties were not as high as anticipated minutes after it happened.

It was a night to remember for all of us at that game were all of a sudden witnesses and interviewed. I remembered the experience for a few outlets in Mexico and Latin America. For me, that was one of the most hectic moments in my life and the most powerful earthquake I have ever felt to date.

Just a few days ago, we felt another shaker — this one, 5.4, almost 30 years to that October 30, 1989 shaker.

Amaury Pi-González is the pioneer in establishing Spanish baseball play by play in the Bay Area. With 40 years experience in radio and television in the Bay Area with the A’s, Giants, Warriors games as well as in Los Angeles with the Angels and Clippers for Fox TV play by play. Inducted into three Hall of Fame, BARHOF (Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame), The Cuban Sports Hall of Fame(Miami), and The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders look to keep it going against Packers Sunday; Can Garoppolo help keep the streak alive?; plus more

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On Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Talk about the Oakland Raiders’ last win. It was electrifying defeating the Chicago Bears in London. After taking a 17-point lead, the Raiders saw the Bears come rushing back with three touchdowns in the third quarter, but the Raiders just got by with a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

#2 Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw 25-32 for 229 yards and zero on touchdowns and interceptions.

#3 Taking a look at the San Francisco 49ers, the thrill of victory has them up 5-0 in the game against the LA Rams. They got some great defense working.

#4 For the 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo is having a great defense on the other side of the ball is giving him peace of mind and actually some confidence to throw the ball when the 49ers can get a substantial need.

#5 The Sacramento Kings conclude their preseason against Melbourne’s national team last night at Golden 1 Center. The Kings started preseason in Mumbai, and finished off the last three in Sacramento. Reports have been the Kings will have their hands full playing in an improved Western Conference.

Tony does Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal Football podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: UCLA comes calling tonight at Stanford Stadium on Pac-12 Thursday Night Football

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On the Stanford Football podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1  Despite losing 10 key contributors from its two-deep depth chart and having five players out of the lineup, Stanford Cardinal (3-3) head coach David Shaw has taken his team and developed them into winning ways such as the way they were able to defeat the Washington Huskies (4-2), 23-13.

#2 Jerry talks about Stanford quarterback David Mills, who went 21-30 for 293 yards, and one touchdown.

#3 There was very doubt that coach Shaw and the Cardinal, who were 16.5 points underdogs against the Washington Huskies in the October 5th game, could pull this one off, but the defense was certainly key as the Cardinal won by ten points.

#4 Stanford head coach David Shaw and UCLA head coach Chip Kelly will meet tonight at Stanford Stadium. It’ll be like old times and Shaw hopes to pull off another win at Stanford Stadium.

#5 How does Stanford quarterback David Mills stack up going against the Bruins defense and Chip Kelly’s game plan?

Jerry Feitelberg does the Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Fresh off their bye week, the Raiders head to Lambeau Field for tough test from Green Bay

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By Joe Hawkes
SRS Contributor

ALAMEDA–Following their bye week in Week 6, the Oakland Raiders return to the football field in Week 7 as they travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. The Raiders (3-2) are riding a two-game winning streak after starting the season 1-2.

Kickoff for this matchup is at 10:00 a.m. PT.

This will be the third meeting for Oakland against an NFC North opponent this season, having splitting games against the Minnesota Vikings (lost) and the Chicago Bears (won).
As the Raiders continue their 49-day stretch from the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the Silver and Black will look to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Packers.

The last time the Raiders defeated the Packers: Sept. 13, 1987 when the franchise was still in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Packers, 20-0, in Green Bay.

Prior to their Week 6 bye, the Raiders rallied past the Chicago Bears, 24-21, in Week 5 in London. The matchup between Chicago and Oakland was the NFL’s first game at the newly built Totteham Hotspur Stadium.

The Raiders started fast against the Bears, jumping out to a 17-0 lead before heading into halftime before Chicago scored 21 unanswered points. Late in the fourth quarter, Oakland would utilize a 13-play, 97-yard drive that would be punctuated by running back Josh Jacobs’ second rushing touchdown of the game.

Jacobs finished the game with 26 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while becoming the first running back in Raiders history to post a 100-yard rushing game against Chicago.
The running back leads all rookies rushers in carries (88), yards (430), and touchdowns (4). His 430 rushing yards are the most in franchise history by a running back through the team’s first five games.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide is the early favorite to win AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year and possibly, the NFL’s Rookie of the Year if he continues to have a great season.

Quarterback Derek Carr, who earned his 17th-career fourth quarter comeback, played remarkably against the Bears. Carr completed 78.1 percent of his passes (25-of-32) for 229 yards. His 73.3 completion rating leads the NFL, and is challenging Drew Brees’s all-time mark of 74.4 set last season.

On the season, Carr has thrown for 1,117 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions with a 96.7 passer rating.

More importantly, the offensive line kept Carr upright by not allowing a sack by Chicago’s defense for only the second time since 2017.

Former Raiders linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack, who was traded to Chicago prior to the start of last season from Oakland, was a non factor. Mack’s biggest play of the game was when he recovered a fumble after Jacobs went the wrong way on a pitch in the third quarter that ignited Chicago’s comeback.

Oakland’s defense turned in a stellar performance, racking up four sacks and two interceptions for the first time since 2014.

Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst had his first career multi-sack game and cornerback Gareon Conley and linebacker Nicholas Murrow each notched an interception off Bears backup quarterback, Chase Daniel.

Conley’s interception with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter would seal the win for the Silver and Black heading into their bye week.

Green Bay (5-1) is entering Week 7 coming off a 23-22 victory over their division rival, the Detroit Lions in the final seconds on Monday Night Football to close out Week 6.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 24-of-39 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jamaal Williams chipped in with 14 carries for 104 yards.

Following Sunday’s game, the Raiders will travel to the Lone Star State to face the Houston Texans in Week 8 for their fifth-straight game away from Oakland before returning home to close out their NFC North schedule against the Lions on Nov. 3.

The Packers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 9.

 

 

Larry and Elaine Spalding donate $500K to Spartan Athletics Center

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By Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE–San Jose State University recently announced that it has received a $500,000 gift commitment from Larry and Elaine Sparling. This gift will support the Spartan Athletics Center, the future home of San Jose State football and men’s and women’s soccer.

“Larry and Elaine Sparling believe in the direction of this Athletics program and understand the importance of the Spartan Athletics Center,” said Marie Tuite, San Jose State’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “I spend quite a bit of time with this wonderful couple and I can tell you they support the efforts of our coaches and student-athletes. They are so positive and encouraging when it comes to the important work our coaches are doing. They are terrific Spartans and we are so thankful and appreciative of their generous gift.”

The Spartan Athletics Center will include new locker rooms, an auditorium, coaches’ offices, position-specific classrooms, stadium game day suites, and a state-of-the-art athletic training room that will be accessible to all student-athletes.

ABOUT THE SPARLINGS
Though the Sparlings didn’t graduate from San Jose State, they’re longtime supporters of Spartan football. Over the years, they’ve driven their RV all over the U.S. to watch the football team compete. The Sparlings are leadership donors to the Spartan Athletics Fund and attend many Spartan sporting events. They believe that by supporting San Jose State, they’re investing in their community and helping their neighbors and friends succeed.

“I love the fact that at San Jose State we can be so connected to everybody, from the coaching staff to the athletic director and the university president,” said Larry. “We know how crucial the Spartan Athletics Center is for all the athletes at San Jose State. I like donating to student-athletes because we can tell how much it means to them to play their sport and get a degree from a great college.”

In 1966, the Sparling family took over Tiny Tots, a cotton diaper home pick-up and delivery service based in Campbell, California. At that time, they had only 80 customers, two Kenmore washer-dryers, and a delivery vehicle. However, the couple helped grow the business before Larry’s sister and brother-in-law took the reins. Over the past 50 years, Tiny Tots has laundered more than 680 million diapers. Tiny Tots has offered free Diapering 101 classes to members of the community since 1980, as well as monthly support groups, workshops, and CPR trainings. Larry went on to found Healthcare Laundry Services.

“This gift from Larry and Elaine Sparling is a tremendous support to the university and our athletics program,” said Interim Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Tower Foundation Peter Smits. “By investing in the Spartan Athletics Center, they are establishing a legacy that will help countless generations of Spartan student-athletes. We thank them for their contribution to San Jose State.”

“The Sparlings have always been very dedicated supporters of SJSU Athletics,” said SJSU Football Head Coach Brent Brennan. “This gift will make a huge difference to our football program, as well as Spartan soccer and all of athletics. Thank you, Larry and Elaine!”

To learn how you can support Spartan Athletics, please contact Joshua Thiel, Deputy Athletics Director for Advancement, at 408-924-1697 or joshua.thiel@sjsu.edu.

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
The founding campus of the 23-campus California State University system, San Jose State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study — offered through its eight colleges.

With more than 35,000 students and nearly 4,370 employees, San Jose State continues to be an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and the state, annually contributing 10,000 graduates to the workforce.

San Jose State is proud of the accomplishments of its more than 270,000 alumni, 60 percent of whom live and work in the Bay Area.

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE ATHLETICS
San Jose State sponsors 22 (nine men’s and 13 women’s) NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports programs for approximately 470 student-athletes annually. In football, the Spartans are a member of Division I’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the NCAA’s highest level of competition.

The Spartans’ primary conference affiliation is with the Mountain West. Selected teams belong to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and the Golden Coast Conference (GCC).

San Jose State has 10 NCAA team championships and 52 NCAA individual titles. Sixty-two Spartans have competed in one or more Olympic Games. San Jose State athletes have won seven gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals at the Olympics.

Sacramento Kings defeat Melbourne United 124-110

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By London Marq

SACRAMENTO–The NBA preseason is coming to a close and the Sacramento Kings played host to Melbourne United for their final exhibition game. The Kings new coach, Luke Walton, used the international tilt to get a good look at some fresh prospects such as this year’s second round pick Kyle Guy, who was drafted using the 55th pick.

That being said, Marvin Bagley was dominant in the first two frames. He scored 22 in the the opening half and nearly had a double-double with 9 boards. He would finish with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Yogi Ferrell also had a big night, going 5-6 from beyond the arc and finishing with 24 points.

Despite the efforts of Bagley and Ferrell, Melbourne United was competitive on the first half. A late second quarter run was where the Kings really started to distance themselves, going into the half with an 11-point lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Kings were fully in control and the quarter ended with a 27-point Kings advantage.

After winning their previous two games, this game will help the Kings maintain cohesion and momentum going into the regular season.

Final: Sacramento defeated Melbourne 124-110.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Can Raiders make it three in a row against the Pack?; Garoppolo, 49ers take lots of confidence to Seattle this Sunday; plus more

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On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 For the Oakland Raiders, they’re nice and rested from their jet lag after their trip to London on October 6th and a bye week on October 13th. Now they prepare to play a Green Bay Packers (5-1) team, who are coming off a 23-22 narrow edge victory against the Detroit Lions last Monday Night Football. Can the Raiders pull off their third straight win at the Frozen Tundra this Sunday?

#2 The Packers got a late field goal in the fourth quarter — a 23-yarder with just over a minute left in the game from kicker Mason Crosby after quarterback Aaron Rogers took two knees before electing to kick a field goal for the one point win.

#3 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has no doubts and lots of confidence going into these games, on Sunday against the LA Rams Garoppolo threw 24-33 for 243 yards and their fifth straight win 20-7.

#4 The Sacramento Kings picked up their first preseason win against the Utah Jazz Monday night with a 128-115 victory. The Kings’ Buddy Hield was all over the place with 23 points and he was the key to the offense in the Kings win.

#5 In the baseball playoffs, the Houston Astros took a 2-1 ALCS lead over the New York Yankees on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. The Astros’ Garrett Cole threw for seven innings, four hits, five walks, and seven strikeouts.

London Marq does Headline Sports podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Comeback game last Sunday may prove to Barracuda to be ready for Ontario Saturday

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On the Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 Down 2-0 in the second period to the Bakersfield Condors, the San Jose Barracuda made a comeback scoring three unanswered goals at SAP Center last Sunday to end up beating the Condors 4-3.

#2 This was the second straight win for the Barracuda who handled the San Diego Gulls on Friday with authority in a 5-1 and exhibited the ability to attack the net and shoot without hesitating.

#3 After the Cuda’s first loss of the season to the Ontario Reign 5-0 it looked like coach Roy Sommer changed the offense up a bit what was those changes?

#4 In that second period the Condors led the Barracuda 3-2 but in the third period the Barracuda got goals from Noah Gregor and Ivan Chekovich to tie and go ahead

#5 The Barracuda host the Ontario Reign next Saturday Oct 19th at SAP Center for a 1:15pm matinee, Ontario took the Barracuda to the woodshed last time they met after the way they won their last two games do you see a different outlook for Saturday’s game?

Marko Ukalovic is a San Jose Barracuda beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks on two-game win streak, take on a successful Canes team tonight at SAP Center

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On the Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The San Jose Sharks coming back from a three-game road trip that went 1-2 and after going 0-4 in the first four games got their legs and beat the Chicago Blackhawks for their first win of the season on Thursday, October 10th, but it was the addition of Patrick Marleau that seemed to change the mood in the dressing room.

#2 What were some of the vast improvements you saw after Marleau’s return to the Sharks?

#3 In the game against the Calgary Flames on Sunday night, the Sharks got goals from Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc, and Tomas Hertl and got some great goaltending from Martin Jones, who stopped 30 out of 31 shots for the win.

#4 It’s been only two wins, but in those two wins, the Sharks looked like a different team after losing their first four games.

#5 The Sharks host the Carolina Hurricanes (6-1-0) Wednesday night at SAP Center. How much of a test would you say this game will be as the Sharks take on a very talented Canes team?

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com