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Half of Americans Don’t Want Their Sons Playing Football, Poll Shows

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Half of Americans Don’t Want Their Sons Playing Football, Poll Shows

Dec 10, 2014 7:00 AM EST
Women and elites in particular want to keep their boys off the gridiron.

Annie Linskey

Television ratings are up and merchandise sales arebooming, but longer-term trends don’t look as rosy for football. According to a new Bloomberg Politics poll, 50 percent of Americans say they wouldn’t want their son to play the sport and only 17 percent believe it’ll grow in popularity in the next 20 years.

These are grim numbers for a sport that’s seeing an onslaught of negative attention, including a parade of National Football League players accused of abusing their wives or children; a team name so offensive that some news organizations refuse to print it; and, perhaps most troubling to parents, the growing body of evidence that repeated blows to the head can cause long-lasting brain damage. The sport’s troubles have caught the attention of Congress, whose members hauled a league official to Washington for a Senate hearing earlier this month. Individual lawmakers have proposed ending the league’s tax-exempt statusand putting its coveted anti-trust exception up for a five year review.

The finding suggest that, over the course of time, football could go the way of boxing, a marquee American sport in the early part of the 20th century that declined amid a similar set of dynamics: changing perceptions of its brutality and star athletes making headlines for violent crimes.

https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2014-12-10/bloomberg-politics-poll-half-of-americans-dont-want-their-sons-playing-football

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Youth-football ranks take a hit as North Jersey parents rethink safety

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Youth-football ranks take a hit as North Jersey parents rethink safety

November 23, 2014, 10:48 PM    Last updated: Monday, November 24, 2014, 8:22 AM
By JEFF ROBERTS

The father does not want to say no.

Anthony LoSauro’s two young sons love football. He loves football.

He played at Bergen Catholic and then at Division III Middlebury. But the Ridgewood dad understands the risks. LoSauro sometimes wonders if the four concussions he suffered in his career have slightly slowed his memory recall.

So even with two years remaining before his older son is eligible to play tackle football, LoSauro and his wife, Marybeth, already agonize over the question: Should they let him?

“I’m definitely conflicted about it,” said LoSauro, the father of A.J., 6, and Will, 4. “It’s a hard decision. The subject goes back and forth with us.

“It’s a back-and-forth in a lot of parents’ minds right now.”

As another youth football season draws to a close and the high school state playoffs are in full swing, the LoSauros’ dilemma illustrates the difficult decision facing parents: Does the game’s intrinsic value outweigh its inherent injury risk?

https://www.northjersey.com/news/youth-football-ranks-take-a-hit-as-north-jersey-parents-rethink-safety-1.1140071

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Federal drug agents launch surprise inspections of NFL teams following games

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Federal drug agents launch surprise inspections of NFL teams following games

By Sally Jenkins and Rick Maese November 16 at 7:13 PM  

Federal drug agents conducted surprise inspections of National Football League team medical staffs on Sunday as part of an ongoing investigation into prescription drug abuse in the league. The inspections, which entailed bag searches and questioning of team doctors by Drug Enforcement Administration agents in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration, were based on the suspicion that NFL teams dispense drugs illegally to keep players on the field in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, according to a senior law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation.

The medical staffs were part of travel parties whose teams were playing at stadiums across the country. The law enforcement official said DEA agents inspected the medical staffs of multiple teams but would not specify which ones were inspected or where.

The San Francisco 49ers said they were inspected by federal agents following their game against the New York Giants in New Jersey but did not provide any details. “The San Francisco 49ers organization was asked to participate in a random inspection with representatives from the DEA Sunday night at MetLife Stadium,” team spokesman Bob Lange said in an e-mailed statement. “The 49ers medical staff complied and the team departed the stadium as scheduled.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/federal-drug-agents-launch-surprise-inspections-of-nfl-teams-following-games/2014/11/16/5545c84e-6da5-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html

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High School Female Athlete of the Week: Sam Halvorsen of Ridgewood

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High School Female Athlete of the Week: Sam Halvorsen of Ridgewood

NOVEMBER 11, 2014    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHUCK O’DONNELL
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Sam Halvorsen’s transformation from middle school soccer player to high school cross-country standout has sometimes been as bumpy and winding as the North Jersey courses she traverses.

On the days when the path seems fraught with obstacles, the Ridgewood junior knows she can turn to Carleen Jeffers, her teammate, friend, neighbor, training partner and carpool-to-school buddy.

“It definitely helps because I know if I’m not having a great day, she’s always there to help pull me along,” said Halvorsen, The Record Female Athlete of the Week. “She always pushes me to be a better runner.

“When I first started running, I wasn’t that good at pacing. So she was always helping me figure out where I should peak during the race.”

Jeffers was the one who suggested they surge to the front at the one-mile mark of the North 1, Group 4 championships Saturday. Halvorsen said they passed a pack of three or four runners and never looked back. Halvorsen finished first in 18:52. Jeffers was second, just four seconds behind. “For this race,” Halvorsen said, “I felt really confident because I knew she had my back. I knew she would have my back if I tripped or something. It’s always reassuring to have her there.”

Halvorsen played soccer for years while growing up, but decided to give running a try when she got to high school. She said she was inspired by her cousin, Rodolfo Crispin, who went on to compete at the University of New Hampshire after an accomplished career at Ridgewood.

Powerful strides notwithstanding, it seems competitiveness runs in the family. When the Halvorsens go skiing on weekends for what is supposed to be a relaxing winter retreat, Sam just can’t take it slow.

https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/athlete-of-the-week/h-s-female-athlete-of-the-week-sam-halvorsen-of-ridgewood-1.1130697

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Ridgewood Native involved with website aiming to ax Jets GM

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Ridgewood Native involved with website aiming to ax Jets GM

FireJohnIdzik.com sprouts up, aiming to ax Jets GM

John Idzik’s lack of spending has inspired some Jets fans to push for his dismissal.

It’s never more obvious a fanbase is officially angery at you than the creation of a website whose sole purpose is to see someone collecting unemployment.

The webite FireJohnIdzik.com, whose domain name leaves little to the imagination is calling for owner Woody Johnson to fire Jets general manager John Idzik. Founded by lifelong Jets fans Matt Wolferman of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Jason Koeppel of Hackensack, New Jersey, Jared Koeppel of Fair Lawn, New Jersey and Greg Kohler from Seattle, Washington, the site blames the woes of the 1-7 Jets squarely on Idzik.

“The press conference [Monday] obviously was the straw that broke the camel’s back but to be honest, the manner in which he was hired in the first place was ridiculous,” Jason Koeppel told Metro. “Nobody wanted to take this GM job because it came with the previous GM’s head coach attached to it. And Woody had to hire a consulting firm just to find us a ‘qualified candidate.'”

https://www.metro.us/new-york/firejohnidzik-com-sprouts-up-aiming-to-ax-jets-gm/zsJnjD—0PYP78cUdCog/

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Ridgewood H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame: ‘Quintuple threat’ Nancy Hogan to be inducted

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Ridgewood H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame: ‘Quintuple threat’ Nancy Hogan to be inducted

OCTOBER 17, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of stories profiling the 2014 inductees into the Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

In January of 1993, a letter was received by the athletic department at Ridgewood High School nominating Nancy Hogan as a candidate for what was going to be the first class honored in the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

That class was never inducted, and the Hall of Fame did not officially get organized until 2004 — 30 years Hogan’s RHS graduation. Her nominator stated at that time, “Nancy epitomizes the high standards of conduct and sportsmanship we look for in our Ridgewood students”

Today, when one looks at what Hogan achieved as a student-athlete, and then what she achieved as a coach of student-athletes, it is easy to see why that nominator was able to make such a bold statement in 1993.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-basketball/a-rare-quintuple-threat-1.1111542#sthash.qW2Cv4mp.dpuf

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Yogi Berra World Series rings, MVP plaques stolen

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Yogi Berra World Series rings, MVP plaques stolen

October 9, 2014, 6:30 PM    Last updated: Thursday, October 9, 2014, 8:15 PM
By MARINA VILLANEUVE
special to the record
The Record

Several World Series rings and two American League MVP plaques belonging to baseball legend Yogi Berra were stolen from the museum that carries his name in a heist that could be worth near $1 million.

The prized possessions of one of baseball’s greatest catchers were stolen early Wednesday morning when a group of thieves broke into Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls to burglarize the museum at Montclair State University that houses some of Berra’s most prized possessions.

New York Yankees Catcher Yogi Berra Holding a Baseball

No other items appeared to be stolen, said Montclair State Police Department Chief Paul Cell, whose department is leading an investigation now assisted by the county police and the FBI’s unit in Newark.

The plaques could be worth up to $350,000 a piece, according to Keith Vari of Paragon Auctions in Woodbridge. The value of the rings from his playing days might range from $80,000 to $100,000, while those from 1977 to 1978 may be worth $40,000.

The items are so iconic it’s likely impossible someone could pawn them – especially without a letter of authenticity. Still, area pawnshops are aware of the break-in, and Essex County has offered a $15,000 reward – up from $5,000 Wednesday after receiving anonymous donations – for any information about the theft that could lead to an arrest.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/yogi-berra-world-series-rings-mvp-plaques-stolen-1.1106368#sthash.CPw0S2Uq.dpuf

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Ridgewood Knights Fifth Annual Stickball Tournament

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Ridgewood Knights Fifth Annual Stickball Tournament
August 27,2014
Richard Hrvatin
10:38 PM 

Ridgewood-NJ-August 26, 2014: The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736 is once again proud to be hosting their annual stickball tournament, now in its fifth year, on Saturday September 27th beginning at11:00 a.m. on Passaic Street in Ridgewood. The entrance fee is $100 for a team of four. There will be trophies for first place for seniors and juniors. Refreshments, hotdogs, and hamburgers will be served at the Hall after the games. This year, the Knights honor one of Ridgewood’s Bravest, Fireman Steven Lawrence Misel and his Family. Proceeds from the event will go toward a 529 fund for the children’s education.

“Since the inaugural event in 2010, this has grown every year and is a huge success, and we expect this year to be just as lively”, said event coordinator Rich Paliotta. “Last year the Knights went head-to-head with Ridgewood’s Finest and Bravest. We encourage other local organizations sign up and join in the activities this year.”

For an application or questions, email:

richpal@optonline.net or tony.lupo@ymail.com.

The Ridgewood Knights are celebrating their 100-year anniversary, and the stickball tournament will kick off the start of the fraternal year. Many activities are being planned throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary.

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57 Percent of Americans Say Only Kids Who Win Should Get Trophies

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57 Percent of Americans Say Only Kids Who Win Should Get Trophies
Emily Ekins|Aug. 19, 2014 11:00 am

The latest Reason-Rupe poll finds that when it comes to kids and their trophies, 57 percent of Americans think only the winning players should receive them. Another 40 percent say all kids on a sport team should receive a trophy for their participation.

The desire for “every kid to get a trophy” strongly correlates with political beliefs. Fully 66 percent of Republicans want only the kids who win to receive trophies, while 31 percent say all kids on the team should receive them. In contrast, Democrats are evenly divided with 48 percent who say all kids, and another 48 percent who say only the winners should receive a trophy.

The competitive desire for winners to be rewarded correlates with fiscal conservatism. Among those who only think winners should get a trophy, 64 percent have a favorable view of capitalism, 64 percent thinks markets better solve problems than government, and 63 percent favor smaller government providing fewer services. In contrast, among those who think all kids should get a trophy, a plurality (49%) have an unfavorable view of capitalism, 50 percent thinks a strong government better solves problems than the free market, and 54 percent favor larger government providing more services.

https://reason.com/poll/2014/08/19/57-percent-of-americans-say-only-kids-wh

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Mark Stankewicz,of Ridgewood makes the cut for the Bergen Amateur

 

 

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Mark Stankewicz of Ridgewood makes the cut for the Bergen Amateur

AUGUST 8, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY GREG MATTURA
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIVER VALE – Rus Whitney started strong and, somewhat to his surprise, finished even stronger.

Whitney earned medalist at Thursday’s Bergen County Amateur qualifier after shooting a 1-under 69 at Valley Brook Golf Course that featured a 2-under 33 on the back nine.

“I’ve never put together two good nines here,” said Whitney, 32, an Oradell resident and commodities trader, “and I feel like I did it here today.”

Whitney, whose father, Cyrus, is among New Jersey’s top senior amateurs, earned the first of 15 qualifying spots to the Bergen Amateur on Sept. 14 at Rockleigh GC.

A 77 or better made Thursday’s cut on this short, tight course, and the top four finishers are Bergen residents: Paramus’ Jin Jeon was runner-up with 71, and Harrington Park’s John Trainor and Ridgewood’s Mark Stankewicz each shot 72.

During a strong back nine under almost perfect conditions, Whitney birdied both par-3s and almost aced the 136-yard 17th. He hit a “knockdown” pitching wedge that rolled to within 6 inches.

Jeon labeled his 71 an “up-and-down day,” and it featured an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole — at 580 yards the longest on the course. Jeon, 24, a Northeastern graduate with a degree in industrial engineering, holed out from 95 yards with a pitching wedge.

Trainor was in the first threesome that teed off at 7:30 a.m. and drove to his 72 in just 3 hours, 30 minutes. Trainor, who last year made the cut at the Bergen Amateur, secured a return trip with two birdies and only four bogeys.

“It was a great day, a good day to play golf; not much wind,” said Trainor, 54, a police captain in Tenafly and the club champ at Knickerbocker CC. “The wind was not a real factor and I thought the golf course was the best I’ve seen it.”

This marked the first time Stankewicz, 47, attempted to qualify for the Bergen Amateur. Stankewicz, who made the cut at this year’s New Jersey Amateur, had three birdies, three bogeys and a double-bogey

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/golf/whitney-leads-pack-at-qualifier-1.1064529#sthash.Q0SvOsD2.dpuf

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Ridgewood youngsters participant in triathlon

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Ridgewood Tri Athlete Club

Ridgewood youngsters participant in triathlon

AUGUST 8, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GAIL KISLEVITZ
CORRESPONDENT

Nicole Torielli and her husband Joel watched their six-year-old twin boys, Dante and Carlo, complete their first triathlon at Pequannock Park in Morris County on July 20.

“They loved it,” said Nicole. “They felt like they accomplished something huge in their lives. And then they fell asleep on the car ride home.”

The Toriellis, active parents who are runners, enrolled Dante and Carlo in the Ridgewood Tri Athlete Club’s (RTA) youth division’s 10-week program to introduce their kids to the multisport event and have already signed up for the next 10-week session that will conclude with another kids’ triathlon in September.

The sport of triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the United States, especially in the women’s and youth division. Triathlon distances range from a sprint, usually a half-mile swim, followed by a 12-to-16 mile cycle course and a 5K run, 3.1 miles. Then there is the granddaddy of triathlon, the Ironman, a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle course and a full marathon, 26.2 miles. Ridgewood and its surrounding towns have been a draw for triathletes for years. There are numerous triathlon events in the area and clubs geared towards the fast growing sport.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/village-youngsters-tri-their-hardest-1.1064406#sthash.G9FHDLNM.dpuf

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Ridgewood’s Graydon swim team surges toward championship meets

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Ridgewood’s Graydon swim team surges toward championship meets

JULY 25, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW BIRCHENOUGH
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

GLEN ROCK — When Ridgewood’s Graydon swim team was in the water last year, success was always within reach. Unfortunately, it was the one time its swimmers were kept out of competition that overshadowed the team’s great season.

The squad attained some major achievements in 2013, including a dual-meet victory over Wyckoff and a second-place finish in the Lake League championship meet.

But the summer was marred when the New Jersey Pool Managers Association (NJPMA) ruled the team ineligible to compete in the county meet because a representative from the Graydon program had not attended the requisite four out of five NJPMA meetings.

The Graydon leadership has made sure no such penalty will be levied this year.

“Our head manager has gone to all the meetings,” said aquatics director Dan Burzinski shortly after his team’s 198-150 win over Glen Rock on Tuesday.

“That was a really tough thing. We were kind of penalized with our programs based on something that really sort of has to do with the lifeguarding,” he added. “I’m hoping that the kids that want to swim counties will have an opportunity this year, and we have a coaching staff to guide them and to cheer them on.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/graydon-going-strong-into-final-meets-1.1057139#sthash.drh41937.dpuf

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Ridgewood students, educators trying to find a way through the pressure

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Ridgewood students, educators trying to find a way through the pressure

JULY 1, 2014    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014, 3:22 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER

This past school year, Ridgewood High School (RHS) Assistant Principal Jeff Nyhuis dealt with a surprising problem.

He had to work with sports coaches to block out unscheduled time – during the summer. Some families have children playing so many summer sports, it’s a struggle for them to find time to vacation.

“It ends up encompassing the whole summer, so no one can really get away,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”

It’s just one more indication of the P-word: Pressure. It’s a well-known word in Ridgewood.

And it’s a word that Ridgewood’s recent graduates, and RHS’ upcoming juniors and seniors, will learn even more about in the future as they struggle to stand out in a world that can be far more competitive and demanding than RHS. Some concerned educators and parents worry about RHS students who are already struggling too much to be the best in everything, working harder but not necessarily smarter, and sometimes forgetting to enjoy what they are doing.

In recent years, some concerned parents and educators have been fighting back against sources of stress (facing adults, as well as children), and this year was no exception. On the other hand, some parents and educators point out that pressure itself is not bad; challenge and competition can motivate and ready students for a tough world, they observe.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/ridgewood-students-educators-trying-to-find-a-way-through-the-pressure-1.1044279#sthash.B5w73MN4.dpuf

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Former Ridgewood High Junior Athlete Mathew Lorenz wins the 53rd Bud Burns Dixie Junior Golf Tournament in Selma Alabam

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Former Ridgewood High Junior Athlete Mathew Lorenz wins the 53rd Bud Burns Dixie Junior Golf Tournament in Selma Alabama
the staff of the Ridgewood blog 


Mathew is the son of the  former Principle of Ridgewood High School Jack Lorenz..

The tournament was held at Selma Country Club , previous professional golfers that have won the tournament are Stewart Cink and Bubba Watson. 

The tournament coincided with Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey being in town to film a new movie.

Consistency was key for sixteen-year-old Matthew Lorenz, carding three consecutive rounds of 73 strokes.

Lorenz told the Selma Times Journal ,” the tournament felt more unpredictable than his scorecard displayed.

“The tournament was a little up and down at points,” Lorenz said. “I even hit a ball into the parking lot at one point.”

Overall, Lorenz said the tournament was enjoyable, and he thanked those involved in the organization.

“I really enjoyed the course. It really suited my game,” Lorenz said. “This is my first overall win, so it’s probably my biggest win so far. It felt good because the hard work finally paid off.” ( https://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2014/06/18/lorenz-edges-manderson-for-bud-burns-title/)

Lorenz will get his name engraved as the 2014 champ of the Bud Burns Dixie Junior Championship .

TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2show?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=205477

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Ridgewood High Softball enjoys first 20-win season since 2010

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Ridgewood High Softball enjoys first 20-win season since 2010

JUNE 13, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GREG TARTAGLIA
SPORTS EDITOR

RIDGEWOOD — Teresa Funk got things started, just as she did four years ago.

Senior shortstop Teresa Funk had 47 career RBI in her four varsity seasons with the Ridgewood softball team.

The shortstop has been a fixture on the Ridgewood High School softball team since making the varsity as a freshman. When she and the Maroons’ four other seniors gathered to review the 2014 campaign on Wednesday, it seemed natural that Funk spoke first.

Kelly Skettini led all Ridgewood softball seniors with a .379 batting average and 19 runs scored this spring.

“We really enjoyed this season,” the tri-captain said, speaking for the seniors and underclass players. “Last year, we were a young team. But we knew that we had a lot of people returning, and we just blended really well.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-softball/maroons-enjoy-first-20-win-season-since-2010-1.1034857#sthash.PQfX2Jlp.dpuf