MONSTER MATCHUPS AT SELLAND THIS SUMMER

The Fresno Monsters are the valley’s newest hockey franchise.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer-

Valley hockey fans who’ve been starving for a team since the Fresno Falcons folded in December now have one to call their own again. The fledgling Fresno Monsters, a junior hockey organization, announced their arrival to the Central Valley at a news conference Monday morning at Selland Arena, where they will play their home games. The first home date is scheduled for September 18.

“With the departure of the Falcons, I felt it was imperative that we stepped up and brought hockey back in, not only for the fans, but for the youth hockey players of Fresno,” said Monsters head coach and former Falcon Brandy Semchuk. “And that was really the initiative to get this whole thing going.”

The Monsters will consist of players between the ages of 17-21. Their roster will be filled with players trying to earn a college scholarship or just waiting until they’re old enough to play professionally. Some of the players could be the property of teams in the National Hockey League and are just waiting to be old enough to move up into the NHL’s minor league system. Every player must compete in junior hockey before moving up.

Semchuk says he’s dedicated to bringing a championship-caliber team to Fresno.

“I’m extremely proud that I am part of this endeavor,” said Semchuk. “And I’m really excited about putting a first-class product, a first-class hockey team, and hopefully a championship team, bringing that back to Fresno as soon as possible.”

The Monsters will play in the Western States Hockey League.

Semchuk has plans to create a high-octane type of tempo for his club.

“I can promise you we’re going to bring an exciting team, a fast-paced exciting brand of hockey back to Fresno,” he said.

For more information, go to the team’s website at fresnomonsters.com.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

CASEY’S AT BAT DOOMS M’S; WILL HE MAKE BREWERS’ ROSTER?

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer-

Former Fresno State third baseman Casey McGehee continued his hot hitting this spring, belting a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Seattle Mariners 9-7 Monday. It was McGehee’s sixth homer of the spring, tying Corey Hart for the team lead. That doesn’t include McGehee’s grand slam against the Australian National Team, which did not count towards spring training statistics.

McGehee is second on the team in RBI with 15, trailing first baseman Prince Fielder. Casey is batting .370 (20-54).

The Brewers wrap-up the spring season Saturday against the Dodgers. If McGehee makes the big league club, he will be in San Francisco when the Brewers take on the Giants in the season opener Tuesday, April 7.

McGehee told me today he has no idea if he’s going to make the big league club, nor does he know what his batting average is. “Don’t tell me,” he said. “I don’t want to jinx anything.”

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

CHECKING IN WITH CASH

By James Gilliland
VSP MMA Columnist

The heavyweight division in the Central Valley is still expanding. One of the fighters making an impact is Clovis native Brandon Cash, and he’s made a name for himself rather quickly.

Cash, who also works as a tattoo artist, is also tattooing his opponents. He’s undefeated with five victories, winning three of his fights by technical knockout.

Life for Brandon hasn’t always been so easy. “I learned to be tough on my own at an early age,” said Cash. “Not fighting tough, but emotionally tough.”

Sports would play an important role in Brandon’s life and keep him out of trouble. “I started sports earlier than I was supposed to,” said Cash. “Most kids had summers. I was traveling across the United States wrestling and having fun.”

But Brandon would find trouble, leading to him being expelled from the Clovis Unified School District. “My wrestling coach Chris Hanson told me to quit being a knucklehead. He took me under his wing and got me back into Clovis Unified,” said Cash. “I got my head on the right track for a couple years.”

After high school, Brandon wrestled in college and after watching some of the first Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) he was hooked on mixed martial arts (MMA). “I started getting into boxing and kickboxing,” said Cash. “I just liked the fact I can choke someone unconscious.”

Before pursuing a fight career, he dealt with some personal ups and downs, and became a father. His son’s name is Clayton. “I want him to be proud of me,” said Cash. “I want him to have stuff I never had.”

Knowing he wouldn’t be satisfied with a nine-to-five job, Cash left the Central Valley for Huntington Beach, where he started training in MMA with former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

He lost interest in training but continued working in Huntington Beach.

Cash recalls what inspired him to get back to training and become a fighter. It was after watching the UFC reality show ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ “I was watching guys I can beat with the little training I had I knew I could beat them,” Cash said.

With encouragement from friends and family, he started training again after moving back to the valley.

He began training with local MMA favorite Casey Olson. He then started working out with Team Buhawe alongside noted valley fighters Mike Moreno and the Evangelista brothers. “I love what I’m doing,” said Cash. “There are not enough hours in the day for me to train. I wish I can fight every month, but you have to take time off.”

Brandon feels that he’s more confident rather than cocky, but knows he has room to improve. “I’m probably at 20 percent where I can be on my feet,” said Cash. “Wait until I’m 100 percent. You’re going to see some good stuff.”

Cash says he’ll fight anyone.

“Whoever, it doesn’t matter. We can get in the ring too if you want to fight,” said Cash. (I respectfully declined) “I know I can stand in the middle of the ring with anybody.”

Cash has fought for numerous valley promotions, including PureCombat.

His next goal is to fight for the bigger promotions. “Nothing’s wrong with fighting for the PFC or Wargods, but the big shows and big pay-per-views is big money,” said Cash.

For most fighters, having sponsors is a way to make money when they’re not fighting. The fighters will have shirts and fight shorts that include all their sponsors logos and brands. “It’s hard to make it fight to fight without good sponsors.” said Cash. “A lot of my sponsors are more friends, not just sponsors. I could shake their hands and go on picnics together.”

One of his sponsors, Youngs Floor Covering, helped him by having the cast on his hand removed after he broke his wrist in his last fight. He won that fight by knockout in 26 seconds.

After his hand is back to full strength, Cash will get back to training and preparing for another fight. His next fight will be sometime in May.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Catching Up With Laura Luethke

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer-

It’s only been less than a year since Laura Luethke won the individual WAC Women’s Golf title, leading Fresno State to its first team championship in school history at the same time. Luethke has won at every level she’s played in, from high school (two-time state champion) to college. Now, she’s working on becoming a winner at the highest level possible: the LPGA Tour.

The road to that goal is just beginning.

Laura is her own fundraiser. She raised about $4,500 dollars by hosting a golf tournament at Riverbend Golf Club last month. That money will be used to play in mini tournaments next month, starting with the Cactus Tour in Phoenix April 6. She will play in three tournaments in Arizona, as well as few in Southern California in the California Players Tour.

“I’m really thankful to all the people that came out and helped me with that,” Luethke said. “That will be enough to definitely get me through the month depending on how I do in the tournaments. I’m excited. Just to go to new places, travel a little bit. I’m looking forward to it.”

Luethke says raising money to play isn’t easy.

“The financial part is kind of the hardest part,” she said. “Getting enough money to play in the tournaments and be able to travel kind of takes some time and preparation. But right now I’m enjoying it. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m having fun.”

Another major adjustment for Luethke was making her own schedule. Gone are the days when Bulldogs head coach Angie Cates had that all taken care of. Now, it’s up to Laura to take care of it herself.

“It’s kind of weird not having a practice routine that someone else has set up for you,” said Luethke. “I just kind of have to be more organized and do it more for myself. All the stuff that Angie used to do for us I have to do it on my own now, so its harder.”

Luethke is also coaching herself, save for the times her dad Ed (a former All-American golfer at Fresno State) helps her with her swing. Lessons haven’t been necessary as of yet.

“I like just playing and trying to figure it out,” she said. “I’ve actually been hitting the ball pretty good lately, so I haven’t really been too concerned about changing my swing.”

The mini-tours lead up to the biggest stage for every young golfer: Q school, or qualifying school. If Luethke does well there in September, she could get her LPGA Tour card pretty quickly.

“I know it’s going to take some time on the mini tours, but I feel if I get on a roll that it can be sooner than the next couple of years,” Luethke said. I feel like I can get there (LPGA Tour) this year or the next year.”

The drive down that road to her goal may be a very short one.

THIS AND THAT: Q school sectional qualifying will be held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs September 17-20… Luethke graduated from Fresno State with a degee in Communiations… She’s 22 years old… Also gives lessons at Riverbend… Uses former Bulldog All-American Nick Watney’s success on the PGA Tour as motivation.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

RYAN COLBURN

The Bulldogs’ junior lefty quarterback has thrown only five passes in his collegiate career, but that could change dramatically if he wins the starting signal caller job over Ebahn Feathers, Matt Faulkner and Derek Carr. Ryan talked with George Takata about what it’s going to take to be the person who will succeed Tom Brandstater, his high school days at Visalia’s Central Valley Christian (where he went 31-5 as a starter), and the media hype surrounding the quarterback position this spring.

GEORGE TAKATA: What are your goals entering the spring season?

RYAN COLBURN: My goals really are to become consistent. Develop chemistry with the ones (first teamers), get that timing and rhythm with all of our wide receivers. We have a couple new additions to the coaching staff that have been great. We’re really trying to develop our passing game, our deeper passing game to be a threat. My job is to continue to see personal growth in the weight room, in the classroom, on the field- in every aspect.

GT: This is the opportunity you’ve been longing for since you came here from Central Valley Christian. Talk about the challenges and excitement you have to try and get this job.

RC: I think you used a good word and that’s excitement. Like you said, I’ve been waiting a long time. I’m very excited about the chance to possibly be the guy this coming season. I’ve done everything I feel that I can in the last four years to become prepared and now it’s time to go play and relax and enjoy my time.

GT: Do you feel you have a leg up on the competition because you’ve been here longer than everyone else?

RC: Yeah. I mean I don’t know how four years of experience couldn’t be an advantage (laughs) but at the end of the day you still have to come out, you have to prepare and perform consistently. And the guy who does that the best is going to be the starter.

GT: Would you say it’s a friendly competition?

RC: No question. We’re all friends and we all want to see each other improve but we all want the job. It’s hard because I want to see them improve, I want to coach them up and help them, but at the same time I’m competing against them. So it’s a tightrope you try to walk. But definitely friendly.

GT: Talk about having Jeff Grady as your coach and play-caller this year.

RC: Very excited about it. I’ve known Jeff since I’ve been here, one of the few consistencies for me since I’ve been here. Jeff actually coached me quite a bit in 2006 when coach (Steve) Hagen was really focused on Sean (Norton) and Tommy (Brandstater). I know him really well. I know the system that he likes. I know the teaching points that he’s coaching us and he’s very good with quarterback fundamentals. He knows the game of football very well and I think he’s going to do a great job.

GT: You have that winning background from your CVC days. Have you kept that mentality since you’ve been here and have continued to build on that here?

RC: I’d like to think so. I consider myself a pretty fierce competitor. The past is something you try not to dwell on but you definitely pull from it. And you say I’ve done this. I do know how to play. Since I haven’t played for so long you pull back and you really use that and say I know how to compete and I know how to win. Just go out and play and have confidence in yourself.

GT: Does the media overhype the quarterback story at Fresno State or is it justified?

RC: It’s one of the two guys on the field that touch the ball every single play. So it’s in the spotlight. There’s a lot of competition out here at a lot of positions that won’t get talked about as much. But at the end of the day the quarterback is the leader of the offense. And the success you have on offense is going to be pulled from how well your quarterback position is performing. So no, I don’t think it’s overhyped, but at the same time you can say we get too much credit and too much blame But it’s part of the position.

GT: Let’s say you had to interview for the job. If you were to sit in Coach Hill’s office and he says, ‘why should I make you my starting quarterback?’ What would you tell him?

RC: I’m going to do everything in my power to prepare and to help us win.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

THE DREADED FANTASY SEASON

I’m a sucker for punishment. The fantasy and real baseball season is almost here, and every single season I get coaxed into playing the fantasy game. I have known for a long time now that the reason why I’m always asked to play is because I’m guaranteed to finish in the bottom tier of the standings because I seem to always want to draft players from my beloved Oakland Athletics (and that’s just plain terrible strategy these days). They want my money. And I always seem happy to oblige.

I almost didn’t cave in. Here’s why. If the A’s are playing the Yankees and I’m playing against a guy who has Matt Holliday and I have Mariano Rivera, am I actually going to root for Rivera to strike Holliday out? “Strike that bum out, Rivera! I’m down five points to the Intentional Walks and I need the six point save!” I didn’t want that kind of dilemma this year.

I’ve also never had any luck. And the one time I actually won, I never got paid. Story of my life. Even when I win, I lose.

This year, I’m in two leagues. One is with the boys (and girl) at CBS 47, the other with a bunch of old high school buddies that must have talked to my work buddies about my generosity.

But this time around, I have a plan. And I’m telling you right here that I’m going to win one of these two leagues. Here’s how:

#1- I HATE THE OAKLAND A’S. At least that’s my philosophy going into the drafts. The key word here is ‘fantasy’ or ‘Bizarro World.’ I would never turn my back on my team in real life, but in Fantasy Land (right next door to Candy Land), I don’t bleed green and gold. If I have to pick between Angels pitcher John Lackey and A’s hurler Sean Gallagher, I’m going to have to (gulp) draft Lackey. The only guy worth drafting from the A’s anyway is Holliday, so at least I won’t be laughed at for making that pick if given the opportunity. I’m notorious for filling out my roster with A’s players. Not this time!

#2- DO SOME RESEARCH. Last year I had no idea who some of the top players were, believe it or not. I had no clue Hanley Ramirez was one of the top five players in the game or who the up-and-coming players were in 2008. Totally inexcusable. Now, I’ve got it down pat. But I’m not going to give away any secrets in this column. Are you crazy? I will say this: Hanley Ramirez batted .301 with 33 homers, 67 RBI, 125 runs and 35 stolen bases last year. He’s definitely on my radar screen.

#3- UNLESS THEIR NAMES ARE LINCECUM, SANTANA, PEAVY, ZAMBRANO OR SABATHIA, DRAFT HITTERS FIRST. One year, I took pitchers with my first two picks and finished at the bottom of the standings because I didn’t take a hitter until the third round. STUPID! You have to snatch up hitters before pitchers with the exceptions listed above. Plain and simple… finally.

#4- KEEP YOUR EYE ON MINOR LEAGUERS. There’s always someone blowing up in the minors that’s going to get a call-up to The Show. minorleaguebaseball.com is your best friend. If you’re not checking on the minor league guys (specifically the guys in Triple A) then you aren’t doing your job as an FGM (Fantasy General Manager).

And…

#5- DON’T BRAG ABOUT YOUR TEAM. I’m guilty of this one all the time. I always seem to have a great team on paper, then the season starts. Be complimentary to everyone else’s teams and downplay yours. Say things like, “My team is going to suck,” or “It’s going to be a long season for The (your team name here).”

I will post my teams in the coming days to see if you think I did o.k. for a change. I’m pretty sure I won’t listen to any of my own tips but I’ll give it the old college try.

Go A’s!

(oops)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

THE NOT-SO SECRET WEAPON RETURNS

Running back Ryan Mathews hopes to have an injury-free 2009 for Fresno State.

By Andrew Marden
VSP Senior Writer

FRESNO – He spells his name with one ‘t.’ The missing ‘t,’ common in most people with the same last name, might as well stand for ‘touchdown.’

Ryan Mathews is back.

And all of Fresno State’s 2009 opponents are close to breaking out in nervous sweats.

If they haven’t already.

“I’m feeling good,” said the Bulldogs’ junior tailback, taking the field with the rest of his team this week during spring practice. “I’ve been out too long and it’s just time to get out here and play football.”

Mathews missed five games in 2008 because of what he called “a freak injury.” He got stepped on in the Bulldogs’ September win at UCLA.

Said Mathews, “Enjoy every moment you’re out there because you never know when it could be taken away from you.”

The Bulldogs got by with Anthony Harding and Lonyae Miller shouldering most of the workload. They combined for 1,634 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Mathews, who led the WAC and was ranked in the top ten in the NCAA in both rushing and scoring before his injury, still managed to rush for 606 yards with six rushing touchdowns.

“Us running backs are gonna do our thing,” he said with a smile.

Mathews’ “thing” is the reason head coach Pat Hill recruited him out of Bakersfield’s West High School in the first place. He’s scored more touchdowns (22) than games played (19). In fact, when he scores a touchdown the Bulldogs are 12-2.

“I’ve been working hard,” said Mathews. “I’ve been in the weight room a lot, working on my speed. I should get back to that level pretty soon.”

A level he certainly was at two years ago.

Mathews was the NCAA’s top freshman rusher in 2007 with 14 touchdowns (more than twice any other Bulldog) and an average of 5.97 yards. Assuming he’s healthy, he’ll get the bulk of the carries this season.

“Everybody’s healthy,” smiled wide receiver Marlon Moore. “We’re all here, we’re all healthy, we’re all strong.”

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

RACING ‘ROUND THE VALLEY

By Dan Fleisher

Valley drivers fared well last weekend

Keeping tabs on Valley drivers is really easy; check the Internet, watch races on TV, and attend them in person. That’s exactly what I did last weekend so the following information was easily obtained, although it takes a considerable amount of time putting everything into words.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, I attended the WOO extravaganza at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway and watched Clovis favorite Jason Meyers finish sixth in Friday’s “A” main. His finish propelled him from third to second in the point standings behind defending series champion, Donny Schatz.

However, on Saturday Meyers could only garner an 11th place finish, caused in part by a poor starting position, relegating him back to third in the chase behind Schatz and Steve Kinser.

Meanwhile, Peter Murphy, Meyers’ fellow Clovian resident (not listed in Webster’s dictionary), probably enjoyed himself more than any other driver on Friday evening. After capturing eight non-winged features last season, Murphy was back in the seat of a winged machine for the first time in mega months and promptly won his Heat race and the Trophy Dash. His exuberance during the Trophy interview included, in this case, an acceptable joyful expletive.

Later however, by his own admission, his rustiness in winged cars and the heavy traffic of 26 competitors, caused some miscues. He dropped from his starting pole position to a still respectable ninth-place finish in the “A” main won by Randy “Hurricane” Hannagan.

A near capacity crowd on Saturday was treated to something rarely seen in the world of hi-speed, wheel-to-wheel, competitive dirt track racing, a 35-lap CAUTION FREE event featuring 26 cars. WOW! Joey Saldana put on quite a show to take home the checkers.

The “Greatest Show on Dirt” continues at Manzanita this Saturday (3/28). Speaking of the famous Phoenix facility, its doors will shuttered FOREVER after the April 4th event to make way for an industrial park. Just what everyone needs folks, another Industrial park Yet another sad chapter in the world of auto racing!

Thunderbowl-Friday’s results “A” main
Randy Hannagan, Sammy Swindell, Jason Solwold, Tyler Walker, Jac Haudenschild

Thunderbowl-Saturday’s results “A” main
Joey Saldana, Terry McCarl, Sammy Swindell, Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky

Current point standings
Donny Schatz 1119, Steve Kinser 1087, Jason Meyers 1085, Sammy Swindell 1081,
Joey Saldana 1079

Saturday afternoon, I sat at the kitchen table enjoying lunch while watching the Nationwide Series (I still call it the Busch Series) event at Bristol. Bakersfield native Kevin Harvick led 44 laps on his way to victory, his first win driving a car built in his own shop. Normally he chauffeurs cars for Richard Childress.

“It feels pretty good to get our car into Victory Lane,” Harvick said. “Finally we got this out of the way. Delana and I built this company from basically dirt. It started as a hobby. It’s been a tremendous amount of pressure that I’ve put on myself … but it was well worth the reward today.”
Win the victory, Harvick moved into second place in the point standings with 576, behind Carl Edwards’ 690. The series is idle this weekend but returns to action at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4th.

On Sunday however, “Happy Harvick” wasn’t so happy. Behind the wheel of Childress’ “COT” machine in the Sprint Cup Series (still can’t get used to Nextel or Sprint), he struggled mightily throughout qualifying and race day, starting and finishing a disappointing 30th. His only consolation, he’s still 12th in the “Chase” with 584 points, only 23 behind David Reutimann, but only five ahead of his teammate Jeff Burton. The series moves to Martinsville this Sunday.
*******

Tulare’s Matt Crafton is currently in sixth position in the Camping World Truck Series (another name change hard to accept) with 423 points, only three behind Chad McCumbee. This series joins the Sprint Cup cars at Martinsville, running this Saturday.
*******

Other Valley results from 3/21:

MADERA SPEEDWAY:
Western Late Models: Kyle Gottula, Eric Schmidt, Bobby Hodges
American Limited Stock Car: Dennis Saunders, Howard Holden, Jason Aguirre
Toyota Sedans: Jason Kerns, Chris Lewis, Candee McIntosh
Modified Super Toyotas: John Bowersox, John McCollum Jr., Rick Roberts Sr.
Hornets: Rich Harr, Justin Petz, Dawn Darter

BAKERSFIELD SPEEDWAY:
USAC Midgets: Garret Hansen, Randi Pankratz, Shane Golobic, Josh Ford, Scott Pierovich
NMRA 3/4 Midgets: Kenny Wiley, Richard Ortega Jr., Bruce Hiroshima, Greg Edenholm, West Evans
Junior Focus: Kyle Edwards, Andrew Hulhearn, Andrew Murray, Jarid Blondel
Hobby Stocks: James Cecil, Kevin Johnson, Richie McGowan, Tom Manzella, Geoff Menees

MERCED SPEEDWAY
Cancelled due to inclement weather.

KINGS SPEEDWAY:
Results not available at posting time.

FOR UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULES, LOG ONTO THE FOLLOWING VALLEY TRACK WEBSITES
BAKERSFIELD (OILDALE) www.bakersfieldspeedway.com/

BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY www.buttonwillowraceway.com/

CHOWCHILLA SPEEDWAY www.racechowchilla.com

FAMOSO RACEWAY www.famosoraceway.com/

KINGS SPEEDWAY www.kingsspeedway.net/

LEMOORE RACEWAY www.lemooreracingenterprises.com/

MADERA SPEEDWAY www.racemadera.com

MERCED & CHOWCHILLA www.mercedspeedway.com/html/merced.html
PLAZA PARK RACEWAY www.plazaparkraceway.com/
STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY www.stockton99speedway.com/
THUNDERBOWL RACEWAY www.thunderbowlraceway.com/
This writer can be reached at: danfleisher1@yahoo.com

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Tips on Playing in a Real Poker Room

In this post, I’d like to introduce all the poker newbies out there to playing in a real poker room.  You can sit at home and play poker online, but you’ll never get to the WSOP final table until you actually get dressed and head into a real casino.  Unfortunately, even if you’ve crushed your home game or online poker, your first trip to a live card room can make you feel like a virgin at Mustang Ranch on payday.  Not that I’ve ever done that…but I have been to a ton of poker rooms.  Here’s the scoop…

First of all, don’t be intimidated.  Pretty much all poker rooms from Club One Casino to the Bellagio have the same basic layout and procedures, and if you’ve played poker before you’ll get the hang of it quickly.  Huge card rooms like the Commerce Casino or Bicycle Casino (both in LA) have an information desk at the front entrance.  You can ask the attendant to direct you or just wander around and get a feel for the place—the poker area, the tournament area, etc.  In Vegas casinos like the Mirage (below), there will usually be a separate poker room with a desk or podium at the front of the room.

Don’t be scared, boys…

In either case, don’t be shy.  Tell the attendant it’s your first time and ask them for info on what games or tournaments are being offered.  In most cases, they’ll point you to the board area where the games and waitlists are managed.  Once there, just ask what games are going and, if you see one you like, let the person managing the board know.  He’ll put your name on the waitlist and when a seat opens in the game, he’ll call you over the intercom.  And definitely put your name on more than one list.  In poker and life, the sexiest games get the most attention.  Sometimes it’s better to get a little action from your second choice than go home disappointed!

Some rooms, like the Bicycle Casino, have automated lists that are shown on big TV monitors.  Others, like Club One Casino, have a simple dry erase board on which players list their names.  Whatever the setup, ask the board person where you should hang out—the bar, the restaurant—and wait for your name to be called, but PAY ATTENTION!  If you’re watching TV at the bar and miss your call, you’ll be back on the waitlist watching some other guy work your action.

Su Kim!  We have your 20/40 seat!


Can’t be a playa, if you don’t have the ‘roll, right?  When you sign up for the games, ask the board-person where you can get chips.  Typically, you can buy chips at the cage or cashier or right at the table from a chip runner.  In both cases, just tell the attendant what game you’re interested in playing and they’ll hook you up with the chips in use at that table.  For example, in a 1/1 no limit game, you might want $40 in $1 chips.  If you’re not sure, just ask.  Here’s a little Su tip, though.  Hit the ATM before you get to the casino.  Nothing screams “FISH!” like the guy standing in front of the ATM.

While you’re waiting for your seat, look around the room and get a feel for the place.  Better poker rooms have a Code of Conduct posted to make sure new customers know what’s acceptable card room conduct.  Even trolls know the basics—no biting or fighting—but there are other poker standards like acting in turn, announcing your bets and not talking during a hand that might not be so obvious.  Spend a minute educating yourself and you won’t look like a rookie when you shout “All in!” out of turn.

Once you’re seated at the table, the quickest way to get comfortable is just watch what other players are doing.  If you have questions about your turn or the rules, ask the dealer.  The dealer is there to manage the game and will be happy to tell you the basics like initial bets, when it’s your turn and minimum and maximum bets.  The best way to learn, though, is to simply watch what other players are doing and get in the flow of the game.

Don’t watch me…watch the action!

As a final tip, you should know that live games are different from home games and online play.  Just play tight and smart, keep looking for ways to add chips to your stack and you’ll be fine.  After a couple of visits to your local card room, you’ll have the confidence to stroll into the big game at Club One Casino with three racks of high society and play like a Doyle Brunson himself!

Su Kim is Head of Player Relations at Club One Casino at Van Ness & Tulare in downtown Fresno.  She’s an accomplished live and online player with tournament victories at Club One Casino and the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles.

Su can be reached at sukim@clubonecasino.com.
Club One Casino offers live poker games 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call (559) 497-3000 or visit www.clubonecasino.com for details.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

THE FRESNO CITY AZTECS

Rams pitchers Steven Moranda and Robert Alcala will both play for Tony Gwynn at San Diego State.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer-

One is a 6′2″ 195 pound soft spoken right hander from Buchanan, the other a 5′10″ 170 pound outgoing left hander from Liberty-Madera Ranchos. Steven Moranda and Robert Alcala couldn’t be more different, from the way they pitch to their demeanor. But they’ll both continue their careers together in sunny San Diego, with Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn as their head coach in Aztec land.

“He talked to us briefly, but he sold me,” said Moranda, the former Buchanan Bear right hander. “The whole atmosphere, it’s a good place to live. I really like the coaches and Tony Gwynn is a good guy to play for.”

“The first day, they showed us around campus, and the next morning we’re sitting there having breakfast with him (Gwynn) just having a normal conversation like we’ve been talking to him every day,” said Alcala. “It’s going to be pretty exciting.”

Alcala says a sales pitch from Gwynn wasn’t necessary.

“He didn’t even need one,” Alcala said. “He’s a Hall of Famer and I think its going to be a great opportunity for me and Steve to play for him along with the great players and coaching staff San Diego State has to offer.”

As for the present, Alcala has emerged as the leader of Fresno City’s pitching staff. After his complete game four-hit shutout of College of the Sequoias Tuesday, he improved to 5-1 with a 2.85 ERA IN 12 appearances, striking out 66 in 53.2 innings with just 13 walks. Moranda is 2-2 with a 3.28 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 49.1 innings of work. Alcala has the 5th best earned run average in the Central Valley Conference. Moranda is 6th.

“Both Steven and Robert have been great pitchers for us, and certainly provided us with a foundation at the start of the year,” said Rams pitching coach Eric Solberg. “And while it took them a little bit getting on track this year, they certainly are starting to move forward. They’re great guys, great guys for our team and really Division One guys. San Diego State’s lucky to get them.”

Gwynn will also get two guys with completely different mound makeups.

“Steven’s a little more laid back and Robert’s more of an aggressive personality,” Solberg said. That’s one of the great things about coaching is you coach each guy a little bit differently and bring them along differently.”

The two are also good friends. Moranda and Alcala took their recruiting trip to San Diego State together and they’ll be roommates once they move down there. Both guys throw in the high 80’s to low 90’s and hope to make an immediate impact, whether it be in the starting rotation or the bullpen. But they don’t want to leave Fresno without putting another ball on the outfield wall, a.k.a. a state championship.

“We definitely want to finish it up here with a state championship,” said Moranda. “It would really be a nice way to end my career here.”

“As far as this season, this is kind of the only thing I’m focusing on,” Alcala said. “I’m going to try as hard as I can to go out there every outing and give my team the best shot to hopefully win a state title.”

The Hall of Famer is waiting in the on-deck circle.

THIS AND THAT: The Rams are 8-3 in conference play and 18-10 overall… Merced is in first place in the CVC with COS in second and the Rams third… Moranda will start Saturday against the Giants at Euless Park with the first pitch set for 1 p.m.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Next Page »