Secretary of State Handel Announces Partnership with Atlanta Falcons

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced a partnership between the Secretary of State’s Office and the Atlanta Falcons to remind Georgia voters about the state’s photo ID requirement for in-person voting; voter registration deadlines and early voting prior to the November 4, 2008 General Election.

The partnership includes public service announcements recorded by Falcons players and Secretary Handel which will air during pre-game, in-game and post-game radio broadcasts. Falcons players Thomas Brown, Erik Coleman, Jason Elam, Brian Finneran and Matt Ryan appear in the PSAs with Secretary Handel, reminding Georgia voters to bring a photo ID when voting in person; the October 6 deadline to register to vote in the General Election; and voting by mail or in person during advance voting week.

The radio PSAs are available on the Secretary of State’s website: http://sos.georgia.gov/atlantafalcons.htm.

“I want to thank the entire Atlanta Falcons organization for the positive work they do in Georgia’s communities,” Handel said. “I’m excited to team up with the Falcons to remind Georgia voters about early voting options, voter registration and our photo ID requirement for in person voting.”

“Each season, the Atlanta Falcons strive to be among the most active community citizens in the National Football League,” said Jim Smith, Atlanta Falcons Vice President of Marketing. “This partnership opens new doors for our organization, and represents another valuable way we can leverage our resources to reach communities across Georgia.”

Additionally, Falcons home games at the Georgia Dome will feature end zone-to-end zone LED banners directing fans to visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information on the photo ID requirement, voter registration and early voting options.

The radio PSAs will run through Sunday, November 2. The Georgia Dome LED banners will run during each Falcons home game through October 12.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Georgia Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State’s office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Callaway Gardens Invites You to Take a Hike!

Hike in The Preserve at Callaway Gardens®, an area accessible to visitors only on guided programs. Trails have a natural, uneven surface and require sturdy walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, hikes and walks may be canceled. Registration required; directions sent with confirmation letter.

Hiking the Ridge: A Pine Mountain Trek
Saturday, October 4, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; ages 12 and older
6 miles; moderately strenuous
Fee: $7 members; $8 non-members

Columbus Day Hike
Monday, October 13, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; ages 10 and older
2.5 miles; moderately strenuous
Fee: $5 members; $6 non-members

Autumn Adventure Hike
Saturday, November 1, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; ages 12 and older
5.5 miles; moderately strenuous
Fee: $7 members; $8 non-members
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Former Yellow Jackets Add Gold Medals in Beijing

Two athletes with ties to the Georgia Institute of Technology received gold medals during the 2008 Olympic games.

Chis Bosh won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team. Bosh played his frehsman season at Georgia Tech before entering the NBA draft in 2003 and signing with the Toronto Raptors.

Former Georgia Tech track star, Angelo Taylor, won two gold medals in Beijing—one for the men’s 400 meter hurdles and the second for being a member of the first-place 1,600 relay team. Angelo attended Georgia Tech from 1997-98 where he won the NCAA title in 1998 and placed second in 1997.

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Saturday's 5K Still On; Wellness Committee Monitoring Conditions

The Valdosta State University Wellness Committee is still monitoring weather conditions for the Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk that will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

VSU will continue to monitor Fay's path. Please check VSU News, www.valdosta.edu/news for updates.

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Emory Volleyball Ranked No. 3 in Preseason Poll

SSG Note: Emory Eagles, we're rooting for you. After all the Olympic volleyball coverage lately, we're primed and ready to cheer you to victory!

Hopes are high in the Emory volleyball camp during the early stages of fall drills and those optimistic expectations are shared by voters in the CBS College Sports Network/American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Preseason Poll with the Eagles holding down the No. 3 position. Emory finished with 541 points and received one first-place vote. The Eagles’ preseason ranking is the program’s highest since the preseason poll made its debut in 2000.

Head Coach Jenny McDowell enters her 13th season at the helm of the program with a total of nine letterwinners, including four starters, returning from last season’s club that posted an overall won-lost slate of 33-7 that included an 12th straight appearance to the NCAA Tournament where it advanced to the quarterfinal round. Among the returnees are senior setter Madison Robelen, a second team All-America honoree from 2007, and senior middle hitter Dani Huffman, who garnered first team All-University Athletic Association status last season.

Holding down the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings is Juniata College with 13 first-place votes and 588 total points. University Athletic Association member and defending national champion Washington University is No. 2 with 584 points while Wittenberg College (492 pts.) and La Verne (466 pts.) are 4th and 5th, respectively.

The Eagles opens the 2008 campaign the weekend of August 29-30 when they compete at the Comfort Inn Challenge hosted by Birmingham Southern College.

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First Friday Kicks Off Football Season

Join the UGA Alumni Association Aug. 29 and help kick off an exciting 2008 football season with First Friday “Day with the Dawgs.”

UGA Football Coach Mark Richt gets things going at a Bulldog Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at The Foundry in Athens. His wife, Katharyn, will host a “First Ladies of Football” lunch in the Pecan Tree Galleria at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The scene shifts to the Tate Student Center plaza at 2 p.m. where UGA Men’s Basketball Coach Dennis Felton will be on hand for autographs and pictures. From 5-7 p.m. there will be a fashion show, school spirit contest and giveaways with CBS 46 weather forecaster Dagmar Midcap. During the same time the Alumni Association will host a book signing inside the UGA Bookstore featuring authors Loran Smith, Tony Barnhart, Charley Trippi and Patrick Garbin.

First Friday “Day with the Dawgs” culminates with a pep rally at the Tate Student Center plaza from 8-9 p.m., which will be broadcast live on Atlanta’s CBS 46. Special guests will include UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans, CBS 46 sports anchor Gil Tyree, former Bulldog lineman Matt Stinchcomb, mascot Hairy Dawg, the Redcoat Pep Band and UGA Cheerleaders.

Events prior to First Friday include a “Fuel Up for First Friday” dinner at UGA’s dining halls Thursday, Aug. 28 and a week-long residence hall door decorating contest.

For more information and to register for the “First Ladies of Football,” see http://www.uga.edu/alumni or call 706/542-2251.

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ProLink Announces Promotional and Event Partnerships with River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship; and Elton John & Billie Jean King Charity Event

October 12, 2008
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

See Andy Roddick, M. Navratilova, and Anna Kournikova

Charity: Elton John AIDS Foundation, www.etix.com

BUSINESS WIRE --ProLink Sports + Entertainment + Media (ProLink) announced today that it will serve as an event partner for two of tennis' premier events: the 2008 World Team Tennis' All-Star Smash Hits event benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia and the 2009 River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

ProLink will assist with promotions, media and sponsorship development for both events and will assist WTT with event operations. Tim Stallard, president of ProLink, says, “It is an honor to be part of two of tennis' premier event. We look forward to being a part of the great history of the River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship and we are inspired by the charitable efforts of Sir Elton John and Bille Jean King who have raised nearly $8.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.” WTT All-Star Smash Hits Event will take place October 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. The River Oaks US Men's Clay Court Championship will be held April 6-12, 2009.

"We are excited to work with ProLink as we continue to brand and grow the River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship," said Van Barry, Tournament Director. He adds, “Tim Stallard and his team at ProLink have an outstanding reputation with sponsors, media and players throughout our sport. They have a passion for excellence and sincerely want to help grow the sport of tennis."

ProLink will launch its "Grow the Game" nationwide series of events on September 11, 2008, in Austin, Texas with the world’s #1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan.

The nationwide series will feature several of the game's greatest players including Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, Andy Roddick and Anna Kournikova. ProLink is proud to partner with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to promote several key USTA programs including Quickstart and the Arthur Ashe Legacy program-National Junior Tennis League (NJTL). Each event will benefit local charities to help make a positive impact in the local community.

For more information on WTT All-Star Smash Hits please visit www.wtt.com.

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Fox Sports Net to Air the Farmers Insurance Group(R) Angel City Classic

SSG Note: Be sure to tune in on September 27th to see Morehouse College!

/PRNewswire/ -- Mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic football game to be nationally televised on the Fox Sports Network September 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Los Angeles Coliseum. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is proud to bring to Southern California, the unique exposure to the excitement and thrill of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) by sponsoring a football game between two powerhouses, Prairie View A & M University from Prairie View, Texas and Morehouse College, from Atlanta, Georgia.

"We are honored to be the title sponsor of the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic and welcome the Fox Sports Network to the Classic," noted Farmers Insurance Group CEO Paul Hopkins. "Everyone is invited to enjoy the game which includes the highly anticipated half-time battle-of-the-bands and after the game, a special tribute by Stax Records to world famous musician Isaac Hayes who died this week."

"This is absolutely fantastic," said Black Educational Events CEO John T. Fleming. "Fox Sports Net coverage will allow the entire country to see firsthand the game, high school Band Clinic, Greek tailgate party, and the enthusiasm that these Historically Black Colleges and Universities elicit. We're thrilled that Fox, along with Farmers Insurance Group, share our goal of promoting educational opportunities for minority students through athletic competition and unbelievable musical exhibition."

"Farmers will also announce three recipients of the Farmers Insurance Group UNCF National Scholarship Awards for college students who are in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year attending an HBCU or United Negro College Fund (UNCF) school during the September 26-27 weekend at a special Gala," explained Faye W. McClure, Farmers Vice President of Strategic Marketing. "It is Farmers way of saying we care about young people who could use a helping hand as they pursue a college education. We couldn't be more proud about helping these students achieve their dreams in life."

Stax Records VP of Artist & Repertoire, Collin Stanback, expects to see an outpouring of artists joining what will inevitably be a huge celebration for Hayes. "This is of course tragic news about the loss of such a giant in the music business. Stax Records was in many ways the house that Isaac built as a prolific songwriter and performer and I can't think of a more fitting way to show our gratitude for everything he gave us than to fill the L.A. Coliseum with all of his fans," said Stanback.

For more information, or to participate as a sponsor or a vendor, call the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic office at 323-293-0940 or visit http://www.angelcityclassic.com/

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A Fall Sports Preview for University of West Georgia

Commentary by Mitch Gray

Football

Everything is new for the West Georgia Wolves this fall. A new coaching staff, headed by Daryl Dickey, is at the helm. There is also a major influx of new players on both sides of the ball and will will try to erase the disappointment of last season’s 2-9 record.

The Wolves’ top returnee is among the nation’s most prolific specialists. Senior Jared Guberman was named on four separate All-America teams, as well as making All-Gulf South Conference First Team last season.The Wolves are counting on more than just Guberman receiving post-season honors in 2008.

First game is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. at Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Go Wolves!

Volleyball

The surprise story of 2007 in all of the Gulf South Conference was West Georgia’s volleyball team. From midseason tumult to conference champion and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, no team anywhere had a wilder and more fun ride last year than the Wolves.

This season, UWG has a new coach on board with Gary Lee. Lee has a solid nucleus returning, led by Andressa Martins, who was voted Most Outstanding Player in the GSC Tourney. Senior Amber Barnlund provides size and experience for the Wolves’ lineup, also. Beyond this pair, Lee will be looking for contributions from several talented newcomers this fall.

First game is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at Alabama-Huntsville.

Cross Country

If youth shall be served, the West Georgia Wolves’ cross country teams should be in for an entertaining fall. Coach Frank Butts has brought together talented and young rosters for both the women’s and men’s teams for 2008.

Despite the youth, the West Georgia teams have a veteran presence to lead their charge this season. UWG’s women feature a pair of seniors, Deanna Houghton and Jessie Reynierson to help show the ropes with a lineup that includes five outstanding freshmen.

On the men’s side, the Wolves return with Nao Asano. The team’s lone senior represented West Georgia at last season’s nationals and should be a mainstay this season. All-GSC Roman Dankin, a junior, also returns to help lead a squad featuring four freshmen.

An invitational meet is scheduled on Friday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at Hoover, AL.

Soccer Preview

West Georgia’s women’s soccer team is looking for a bounce back season in 2008. Coach Marisa Kovacs and her Wolves weren’t satisfied with last season’s 8-11 record, and fifth place finish (3-5) in the Gulf South Conference standings.

Despite the loss of a trio of top performers to graduation, UWG has a veteran presence this fall. Leading the returnees are junior Erica Harvey and senior Samantha Jones, who were the team’s second and fourth leading scorers, respectively, a season ago. Also back is goalkeeper Patricia Logsdon, who notched a pair of shutouts a season ago.

First match is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Emory University in Atlanta.

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28th Annual Peachtree City Classic to Host “Shadow Run” in Iraq

In the tradition of the Peachtree 10K that several years ago began to host a “shadow run” for American troops in the Middle East, the Peachtree City Classic will follow suit and host a 5K for American and Iraqi soldiers stationed at Al Kindi Army Base near Mosul as part of their annual Peachtree City Classic this year. Captain Ivan Hurlburt, a member of the Mobile Training Team (MTT) stationed there contacted the Peachtree City Running Club this summer asking about the possibility of the club sponsoring such an event. Race Director Marino Fuentes enthusiastically embraced the idea and it took off from there.

The Peachtree City Running Club announced that plans are well underway for the 28th running of the Peachtree City Classic 15K and 5K road races. The races will take place Saturday, October 18th, along the scenic golf cart paths of Peachtree City and simultaneously at Al Kindi Army Base in Mosul. The Classic is one of the most popular runs not only in Georgia, but in the Southeast as well. The race is unique in its use of paved cart paths for the race. This scenic race is run mostly on the paths through the greenbelt areas, by lakes, through small tunnels, in the beautiful planned community of Peachtree City. The 5K “shadow run” in Al Kindi will take place on a hard packed road inside the perimeter of their compound. The Al Kindi finishers will also receive special T-shirts sent by the running club designating it as the PTC Classic “shadow run.”

The 15K was voted the best 15K course in Georgia by Georgia Athlete Magazine and always a sellout, so participants are strongly encouraged to register early. Once again the Road Runners Club of America named this race its RRCA National 15K Championship Race, and the United States Track and Field has named it their USATF Georgia Association 15K Championship Race.

The Classic actually consists of three different races: a women’s 5K, a men’s 5K, and the 15K open. All races are run on separate TAC-certified courses, and start and finish at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. The 5K races for men and women are open to the first 800 entrants in each category. The popular 15K is open to the first 1500 entrants.

All finishers in the different races will receive a special technical shirt to mark the 28th year of this Classic event. There will also be random drawings for assorted prizes, but participants must be present to win. RRCA Awards will be presented to top three male and female finishers overall and in the master’s category, and also to the top three male and female finishers in each of 14 age groups. USATF Championship medals will be awarded to the top five Open Male and Open Female runners. You must be a USATF member to be eligible for the USATF awards.

A Pre-Race Expo will be held at the Fred Brown Amphitheater on Friday, October 17th, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. A Race Day Expo will be held on Saturday from 7:00 – 11:00 AM also at the Frederick Brown Amphitheater. The Expos will include health and fitness products, sponsors, and selected vendors.

Applications are available at various locations in Peachtree City, Newnan, and Fayetteville, including local recreation departments, libraries, and sporting goods stores. Applications are also available at some of the sponsors of our race, including Chic-Fil-A, Ultimate Fitness, Talbot State Bank, Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center, FC&A, and Publix. You can also register on line at www.ptcrc.com If you have any further questions about the race, you can send e-mail to ptcclassic@bellsouth.net.
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Ward And Team USA Win Bronze Medal In Team Sabre Competition

Incoming Duke freshman Rebecca Ward and USA teammates Sada Jacobson and Mariel Zagunis defeated France 45-38 to win the bronze medal in the team sabre competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics on Thursday in the Fencing Hall at the National Convention Centre.

Ward, who will enroll at Duke in the fall, earned her second bronze medal at the 2008 summer games after claiming the bronze in the individual sabre competition behind teammates Jacobson and Zagunis on Saturday, August 9. Ward won six of her nine bouts in the team competition, including two of three in the bronze medal round. Fifth-seeded Ukraine took home the gold, while third-seeded China claimed the silver medal.

Ward won the opening bout in Thursday’s medal round 5-2 over France’s Mary Solenn and followed with an 8-2 triumph over Carole Vergne that erased a 20-17 deficit and put the US squad ahead 25-22. The American trio did not trail for the remainder of the round and led by as much as eight points at 40-32 before Ward locked up the bronze medal by holding off Leonore Perrus 5-6 in the final bout. Ward’s 8-2 victory over Vergne was the most lopsided victory in the round.

Ward, Jacobson and Zagunis – who collectively drew the number one seed in the team competition – opened their medal run with a commanding 45-8 win over eighth-seeded South Africa in the quarterfinals before falling 45-39 to Ukraine in the semifinals. Ward won each of her first three bouts against South Africa and gave up just two touches in the quarterfinals, defeating Adele Du Plooy 5-1 and Elvira Wood 5-1 before shutting out Joyti Chetty 5-0.

The Ukrainians handed Ward and team USA their first loss in the semifinals and advanced to the gold medal round where they edged China 45-44 to clinch the gold medal. Ward managed to pull out a 6-5 win over Olena Khomrova in the semis after falling 6-4 to Halyna Pundyk and 6-2 to Olga Kharlan.

The bronze medal finish concludes Ward’s stay in Beijing. She will join the Duke women’s fencing team this fall as a member of the sabre team.

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Soldier Becomes Oldest U.S. Woman Competitor in Olympic History

At age 56, Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Elizabeth "Libby" Callahan became the oldest U.S. woman competitor in Olympic history with a 25th-place finish in the women's 25-meter pistol shooting event today at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall.

"I've been told oldest-ever female Olympian of any nation, of all time," Callahan said. "But I don't know if that's right."

USA Shooting officials could not confirm that claim. At any rate, Callahan certainly has withstood the test of time on the competitive pistol-shooting line.

"Well, it shows my longevity, I guess," Callahan said with a laugh and a smile that rivaled the seemingly never-ending smiles of the Chinese hosts of the Beijing Games. "I'm just still kicking, and I'm not putting any restrictions on myself. It doesn't say I have to stop at a certain age.

"In fact, the oldest Olympic medalist was in shooting," she noted, "and he was 73, back in the early 1900s."

Therefore, Callahan, a four-time Olympian, already is considering taking a shot at the 2012 London Games.

"I'm not ruling it out," she said. "I'm not ruling anything out. I still feel good, and I still have that competitive fire in me."

Callahan's passion for pistol packing already has earned Summer Olympic trips to Barcelona, Atlanta and Athens, Greece, along with journeys to Hyderabad, India, for the Conseil Internationale du Sport Militaire's 2007 Military World Games, and to Salinas, Puerto Rico, for the 2005 Championships of the Americas. She's also competed in five world championships and as many Pan American Games.

After retiring in 2003 from a 28-year career with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, Callahan moved from Upper Marlboro, Md., to Pawleys Island, S.C., to be closer to her seven older brothers and sisters. She now has an unprecedented amount of free time to sharpen her shooting skills and compete internationally.

"What I've probably done in a lot of areas is that I've tried too hard," Callahan said. "I shoot great technique. I've been told this not just by U.S. coaches, but other international coaches. It's just something's happening just a few times in a match that throws me out of some competitions. That's a mental thing. And you know, the brain, the mind, is a terrible thing."

Callahan can easily laugh with herself -- seemingly oblivious to the fact that Father Time could be ticking on her athletic career. Her approach to the sport, however, remains unchanged as she approaches her 57th birthday.

"You still have to have the same mental approach, have to have the same techniques to execute the shot," she said. "There may be a different perspective in maybe somebody who is younger or hasn't been here before, but that's just all part of experience -- just having general experience in life.

"Throughout shooting, you will find that some things work at a certain period of time, and then after a while it doesn't work any more," she continued, "so you maybe try something different. Maybe it's your stance, maybe it's your grip, maybe it's your gun. There are always things that if something's not working and you've worked at it for a while, OK, let's try something different. How you execute, and how you execute under certain conditions, is always the important thing.

"I'm way [more] advanced than I was when I first started shooting," she said, "but it's some mental things that really grab me at certain times, and it hurts me in the match."

Callahan did not advance to the final here, where gold medalist Gundegmaa Otryad of Mongolia equaled the Olympic record with a 590 total. Germany's Munkhbayar Dorjsuren won the silver medal with a score of 587. China's Chen Ying took the bronze with a 585 total.

Callahan's career-best Olympic finish was 19th in the 2004 sport pistol event in Athens, where she also placed 30th in the air pistol competition.

"Some days you're really good. Some days you're really bad. And some days you're mediocre," she said. "That's what makes shooting interesting and, I guess, challenging. You can shoot a perfect score, and the next day go out and you aren't diddly squat."

Either way, Callahan always finds the resolve to shoot another day.

Author Tim Hipps works in the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs Office.
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Soldier Sets Two Olympic Records En Route to Double Trap Gold

8/13/08 Spc. Walton Glenn Eller III, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, set two Olympic records en route to winning a gold medal in double trap at the Beijing Shooting Range here yesterday.

Marksmanship unit teammate Spc. Jeffrey Holguin finished fourth in the event.

Eller's score of 145 in the qualification rounds eclipsed the previous Olympic record of 144 set in the 2004 Athens Games by United Arab Emirates shooter Ahmed Almaktoum, who finished seventh in Beijing.

In double trap, competitors fire their 12-gauge shotguns from five adjacent shooting stations. At each station, two targets are thrown simultaneously from an underground bunker at speeds up to 50 mph at set angles and height. The targets are thrown with a variable delay of up to one second, and competitors get one shot per target.

"I realized with my last pair to go, 'Oh, the Olympic record is only 144. If I hit my last pair, I'm going to get the Olympic record.'"

When Eller did that, he said, he sensed he was on his way to a spectacular day. He missed his first two targets in the final, but settled down and missed only three shots the rest of the way.

"If you shoot the Olympic record [in qualification rounds] and you've got a little bit of a lead, you expect to come out with gold," Eller said. "But after I went out there [in the final] and missed that first pair, it was a little dicey there for a second, but I brought it all back together."

Eller's final score of 190 topped Almaktoum's world record of 189, also set in Athens. Italy's Francesco D'Aniello won the silver medal in Beijing with a score of 187, and China's Binyuan Hu took the bronze with a 184 total.

"It's incredible," said Eller, 26, a native of Katy, Texas, who is stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. "I finally made a final in the Olympics. I came in like 12th [in Sydney] and 17th [in Athens], and finally came out and put a good day together. This was the only thing I was worried about for the last two years."

Explaining his key to success, Eller reached into his vest and revealed a handful of trading cards.

"Hard work," the three-time Olympian said as he shuffled cards featuring soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. "That, and I had my teammates with me. The military has been great to me. They've helped me fulfill a dream that, without them, I don't think would've ever happened. I owe everything to them.

"Joining the Army was an incredible gain for me," he continued. "It gave me a lot of discipline. I was fortunate enough to go into the Army Marksmanship Unit. It's great having those guys to train with every day. They really pushed me along. Just working with them all day, every day, it keeps you in it.

Being a soldier means he's expected to do what's asked of him, Eller noted. "For right now, they asked me to come to the Olympics and win a gold medal for the United States," he said. "I don't know how to better represent them than with a gold medal in my hand."

Eller said he couldn't wait to give his parents a big bear hug.

"I'm going to go find my parents and celebrate," he said. "They've been here all week, and to the last two Olympics, watching me. To have them here and to finally win a gold medal for them is incredible. The crowd was amazing. The facilities were incredible."

Holguin, 29, of Yorba Linda, Calif., finished fourth with a 182 total.

"I shot really well today, until the final," Holguin said. "This game is all about putting four good rounds together, and honestly, I could only manage two. I had a mediocre round and a bad round. So when you've got two good rounds, they don't offset the mediocre and bad rounds.

"Finishing fourth," he added, "that's where you finish when you shoot like I did in the final."

On this day, Holguin tipped his cap to Eller.

"It's all about him now," Holguin said. "Glenn Eller and I started shooting against each other a long, long time ago, and we actually enlisted in the Army together in the fall of 2006. This was half of our goal. We wanted gold and silver at the Olympics. We came really close, but I'm happy for him."

But during the competition, Holguin said, he did not pull any punches.

"When we're out on the shooting line, we take the gloves off and go at it as hard as anybody else," Holguin said. "I don't feel bad when he misses a target. If he would have lost the gold medal, yeah, I would have felt badly for him, but not if I was in the silver medal position. I'd be chasing him the whole way."

Holguin agreed with Eller that joining USAMU was their best move.

"Joining the Army was probably the best thing I could've done for my shooting career, just because of the discipline and structure that comes along with the Army," Holguin said. "The Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning has world-class shooting facilities. We shoot with and against some of the best in the world," he said. "I've been training with the 2008 Olympic gold medalist for the last two years straight since I joined the Army, so the Army has definitely taken my shooting to the next level.

"My heartfelt thanks go out to everybody who has been behind me this whole time, but it's Glenn's day," Holguin said. "He earned it. He deserves it."

Author Tim Hipps works in the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs Office.
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Bob Barr Signs Petition for Academic Sports Freedom; Presidential Candidate Urges Title IX Reform

Former Georgia Republican Congressman Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party’s Presidential candidate, has signed the College Sports Council’s petition calling for “straightforward and common-sense” reform of Title IX. On the 36th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, the CSC launched an online petition calling for reform of the unfair and inflexible regulations that govern Title IX.

“I am pleased to join the thousands of Americans including athletes, coaches, and parents and Olympic Greats who are calling for an end to Title IX’s gender quota system that has devastated so many of our collegiate sports programs,” said Congressman Barr.

Passed by Congress in 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

In 1979, the Carter Administration promulgated a three-point test of an institution’s compliance with Title IX. However, in order to avoid litigation, institutions have relied on the first prong, known as “proportionality.” In order to comply with the proportionality standard, the gender ratio of a school’s undergraduate student enrollment must mirror the gender ratio of the total number of athletes on its varsity sports. In turn, this has forced colleges and universities to either cut men’s teams or shrink their roster size in order to comply.

The Olympic sports of track and field, swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics have suffered the loss of hundreds of their collegiate teams since the passage of Title IX. These sports traditionally rank among the top medal earners for the US during the summer Olympics.

But if the Department of Education would carve a safe harbor for schools that would like to use online surveys to gauge student interest in athletics – one of the reforms called for in the petition – colleges and universities would be freed from complying with a de-facto quota system that has led to the elimination of so many men’s programs.

“As we watch our athletes compete in the Olympic games in Beijing, we can be proud not only of their tremendous athletic performances, but also of the uniquely American collegiate sports system that developed many of our Olympic competitors. It is a tragedy to see so many collegiate men’s teams that have produced Olympians for the US eliminated, like UCLA gymnastics and swimming, University of Miami diving, and Fresno State wrestling,” said Congressman Barr.

CSC President, Leo Kocher said, "Title IX reform is a big issue in the state of Georgia. There are tens of thousands of school age wrestlers in Congressman Barr's home state - but not a single NCAA wrestling program. In this case, the gender quota advocates in Washington DC, who have fought all reasonable measures to reform Title IX’s proportionality standard, are blocking the legitimate interests of the tax paying parents in Georgia. If the state’s schools were simply allowed to use online surveys to measure actual interest, they would be able to add wrestling programs without fear of running afoul of the law."

Recently the Georgia state House (House Resolution 246) and Senate (Senate Resolution 397) adopted resolutions urging the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and its member institutions to establish programs for intercollegiate wrestling.

As of earlier this week, the petition has drawn almost 4,900 signatures. The petition can be located online at: http://www.petitiononline.com/csc2008/petition.html

Bob Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA. Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and has teamed up with groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union to actively advocate every American citizens’ right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Along with this, Bob is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom.
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VSU Prepares for Fun Run Aug. 23

Get your running shoes ready, because registration is open for the 2008 VSU Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

More than 60 participants have already signed up for the event in various categories, but during the next few weeks, VSU expects approximately 200 people total to get involved. Awards will be presented to the first through third place winners for both male and female categories and additional prizes will be raffled off via random drawing after completion of the race. All participants will receive an official Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk t-shirt.

Entry fees are $10 for VSU students and $12 for all other participants until Aug. 20, after which point pre-registration will not accepted. Registration begins at 6:15 a.m. on race day and all participants will pay $20. Teams with up to 10 members can take advantage of a discounted rate of $75. Each additional member will pay the individual rate.

The annual event began in 2006 as part of Valdosta State University’s Centennial Celebration and features a 3.1-mile course that proceeds around the perimeter of the main campus. Sponsored by the VSU Centennial Steering Committee, VSU Campus Recreation, the VSU Wellness Committee and Get Active, the event promotes healthy living and staying active, while giving the participants the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of VSU campus.

Participants can pre-register by mailing a check (payable to the VSU Foundation, Inc.) and a completed entry form, c/o Shawn Phippen, to VSU Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31698. Entry forms are located at Get Active and online at www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness .

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Friday Night Drags & Show-n-Shine Update

Two more weeks of points racing
Motorcycles included in all remaining drag race events
Show-N-Shine winners on display at Pep Boys Auto 500
AC Delco Street Drag Nationals information
Super Chevy Show – October 3, 4 and 5

Two weeks remain in the regular season for the Friday Night Drags presented by AC Delco. There will be points races this Friday, August 15th along with the points championship events slated for Friday, August 22nd. The following Friday (August 29th) will only be used if we lose one of the remaining nights to rain. Drag racing and show-n-shine will also be a part of the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals weekend and the Super Chevy Show weekend.

Motorcycles have been added to the Friday Night Drags line-up for the remainder of the regular season. The motorcycles will be allowed to drag race on both August 15th and August 22nd. They will also be welcome to compete at the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals on September 19th and 20th. All motorcycle competitors must wear a minimum of denim pants while drag racing.

This Friday (August 15) will be the Chevy Showcase. All Chevy competitors are encouraged to come and participate in both drag racing and the show-n-shine. Each manufacturer has had a special night of competition this season and this Friday is the night for the bow tie brigade. We will also have the information for this October’s Super Chevy Show.

The points championship will be decided during the final two Friday nights. Points will be awarded to all competitors each Friday night. The top three drivers in each points division will be honored and presented awards this fall. The top six will also lock into the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals Championship Bracket Race. The current top 10 in points is listed below.

Tony Morse currently leads the Pro Division points. Billy Clevenger can catch Morse, but will need to be among the finalists the next couple of weeks. Bobby Daniel’s final round runner-up spot has pulled him within one of Clevenger for the second place position in the Pro points. Arnie Cobb, Alan Kidd and Frank Taylor can still make a run at the top three. The top six will lock into the top six seeds at the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals.

Pro: 1-Tony Morse (13) 2-Billy Clevenger (10) 3-Bobby Daniel (9) 4-Arnie Cobb (7) 5-Alan Kidd (6) 5-Frank Taylor (6) 7-Danny Lowry (5) 8-Dave Sisk (4) 9-Ronnie Richardson (3) 9-Wayne Boggs (3) 9-Tony King (3)

John Bonner took over the points lead this past Friday night in the Street Outlaw division. Bonner slipped past Danny Lowry by edging out Jeff Coker in the main event. These three drivers will fight it out over the next two point nights to decide the point’s champion for the Street Outlaw. The top six drivers in the points will lock into the top six seeds at the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals.

Street Outlaw: 1-John Bonner (15) 2-Danny Lowry (13) 3-Jeff Coker (11) 4-Lee Williams (6) 4-Daryl Stiles (6) 6-Thomas Griffin (5) 7-David Sammons (4) 7-Ross Cole (4) 9-Steven Kidd (3) 10-Donald Wiles, Rannie Fletcher, Mike Varner & Steve Morris tied with 2.

Bill Hatfield leads a log jam of competitors in the Sportsman division. Hatfield has nearly locked the points title within the division, but second place through eighth place is a jumbled mess with the outcome to be decided within the next two Friday nights. The top six drivers in the points will lock into the top six seeds at the AC Delco Nationals.

Sportsman: 1-Bill Hatfield (16) 2-Jerritt Scott (10) 2-Joey Stone (10) 2-Jeremy Rhodes (10) 2-Mark Harris (10) 6-Greg Adamek (9) 6-Johnny Sims (9) 8-Russell Raines (8) 9-Richard Riggi, Richard Goldsharfe and John Morris tied with 6.

Mike Chambers continues to defend his points title from 2007 in the Pro Four division. Chambers leads Matt Baade as they head into the final two Friday night points races. The race for the top six is a lot closer as fifteen competitors have a shot at making the bracket prior to the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals weekend.

Pro Four: 1-Mike Chambers (13) 2-Matt Baade (10) 3-Tommy Gillepin (7) 4-Jason Miller (6) 5-Tony Taylor (5) 6-Chris Santos (4) 6-Rafael Velaquez (4) 6-Michael Martin (4) 9-Vincent Varela, Juan Colmenero and Mike Navarino are tied with 3.

John Schwarz and Cliff McBurnett will fight it out for second place in the Truck division point standings. Dwayne Bethune has locked up the points title and the number one seed for 2008. Several drivers are close to snaring a top six finish and the lock for the nationals championship bracket.

Trucks: 1-Dwayne Bethune (18) 2-John Schwarz (12) 2-Cliff McBurnett (12) 4-Mike Kidd (9) 5-George Swan (8) 6-Adam Cason (7) 7-TJ Johnson (5) 8-Anthony Cotton, Nat Brown, James Hames, Jason Kinard and Nicolas Feliciano are tied with 4.

The most popular division this season is also the most competitive as thirty drivers remain within striking distance of a guaranteed spot in the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals. Mike Munoz leads the points, but several drivers are ready to pounce during the final two weeks of points racing.

Domestic Advanced: 1-Mike Munoz (10) 2-John Vise (7) 2-Chris Rawls (7) 2-Neil Skipper (7) 5-Tim McArthur (6) 5-Mike Cameron (6) 5-Lewis Hinton (6) 5-Donald Mays (6) 5-Brian Rice (6) 10-Tim Johnson, Tommy McArthur, John Morgan, Tony Goforth, Clark Hamby, Curtis Teal and Heath Maddock are tied with 5.

There will also be racing in the ATV, Domestic, Tuners and Motorcycle divisions during the final two nights of racing in August. These divisions will also be on the racing card for a championship bracket at the AC Delco Street Drag Nationals. All vehicles are invited to compete on Friday, August 15 and August 22.

For a complete list of the point standings for Friday Night Drag presented by AC Delco, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Two big events are planned for September and October for Friday Night Drag competitors and fans.

The AC Delco Street Drag Nationals – September 19 and 20 (camping available at the speedway – 770-946-4211)
Friday, September 19
Full Night of Drag Racing – The divisional winners receive trophies and the seventh seed for the Championship Bracket. Open for all competitors. Race into the Show!!!
Full Show-N-Shine Competition – Awards for all classes; Speedway Cruise; Front Stretch Car Show.
National Audio Competition (Media Center Lot) – The first day of a national points championship competition
FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!

Saturday, September 20

Full Day of Drag Racing – The divisional winners receive trophies and the eighth seed for the Championship Bracket. Open for all competitors. Race into the Show!!!
Full Show-N-Shine Competition – Awards for all classes; Speedway Cruise; Front Stretch Car Show and the Best of Show weekend awards.
National Audio Competition (Media Center Lot) – The final day of a national points championship competition.
Burn-Out Contest – Who can do the best burn-out to the starting line? Decided by fan applause!
More activities and special attractions to be announced!

Championship Bracket Race – follows the afternoon competition!

All drag racing divisions will have an eight team bracket. The top six seeds are determined by the season point standings. The seventh seed comes from Friday nights competition and the eighth seed is decided during Saturday’s competition. Divisions that did not run a point series during the summer schedule will have their eight seeds decided by their total poins for the weekend (Friday/Saturday competitions). The competition on Friday and Saturday is open to any competitor, new entry, one time entry or any driver that did not make the top six in points. You can race your way into the competition on Friday, September 19 or Saturday, September 20.

The races will be run as quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals according to the brackets. The bracket championship winners will receive championship hardware with the runner-up also receiving a trophy. Other prizes may be added.

The Super Chevy Show – October 3, 4 and 5 (camping available at the speedway – 770-946-4211)
Visit www.superchevyshow.com for more information.
More info will be available at Friday Night Drags presented by AC Delco.

SHOW-N-SHINE CAR SHOW
Don’t forget that the weekly show winners will be invited to be a part of the newly created car show at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this October. The Show-N-Shine winners will be showcased along the front straightaway during the pre-race activities on Sunday, October 26. The showcase of award winning vehicles will be on display throughout the pre-race ceremonies including the introduction of the 43 car starting field for the Pep Boys Auto 500. This will be an exciting end to a great season of Show-N-Shine fun. There are two weeks remaining for you to claim your spot in this special car show at one of Georgia’s largest sporting events of the year.


Friday Night Drags presented by AC Delco (ticket prices and schedule)
Spectators - $7 (children six and under admitted for FREE)
Drag Competitors or Show-N-Shine Entry (includes admission for driver) - $20
Combo Ticket for Drag/Show - $30
Infield Gates Open at 6pm. Drag Practice Runs at 6:15pm. Grandstand Opens at 6:30pm. Show-N-Shine Parade at 8:20pm. Show Awards at 8:55pm. Drag Race Eliminations begin at 9:15pm.

For more information, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com and click on the icon for Friday Night Drags presented by AC Delco.

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Atlanta Mayor’s Youth Program Participants “Tee Up” for College

Rodriguez Lowery, Brandon Bradley, Eric Davis, Shelton Davis, and Willie Brown, all graduates of Southside High School located in East Atlanta, received a $250.00 gift card, a laptop, and financial assistance to cover any needs unmet by the golf scholarships they received from Talladega College, Grambling State University, and Winston State University. Mayor Shirley Franklin and Tony Dozier, President and CEO of TDC Systems Integration were on hand to present the awards before the students left for their fall semesters.

Lowery, Davis, and Brown have been playing golf together since they were children at the East Lake Junior Golf Academy, now called the First Tee of East Lake. In 1995, the East Lake Foundation was established to provide new opportunities for families who live in the East Lake Community in Atlanta and improve the neighborhood through diverse after-school programs, including a golf program. The students were exposed to opportunities to play various courses, meet professionals, and attend PGA tournaments.

One of those opportunities came in the form of meeting Dozier, who also sits on the board of the Friends of the First Tee of East Lake Foundation at the East Lake Country Club. Dozier, who has been an avid supporter of the Mayor’s Youth Program, recognized an opportunity to advocate for these five students and help direct them to colleges where they could play golf and receive an excellent education.

Three of the students, Lowery, Davis, and Brown, were advised by Dozier to apply to Talladega College. Talladega’s golf team had been the 1997 golf champions, but they had not had a team for the past several years. Dozier met Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, President of Talladega College at a recent UNCF luncheon. Following the event Mr. Dozier began working with College officials to establish a new partnership and he initiated meetings for the students to meet the golf coach. Dozier was confident that Lowery, Davis and Brown could revive the schools defunct golf team. Other students, Brandon Bradley and Shelton Davis, are attending Grambling State University and Winston Salem State University with partial golf scholarships.

“The Mayor’s Youth Program has had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many Atlanta students who need encouragement and assistance. I’m delighted to play a small role in seeing these East Lake First Tee golfers get an education and much needed support from Mayor Franklin and Deborah Lum,” said Dozier.

Shirley Franklin’s vision for the Mayor’s Youth Program strives to bring together business and community leaders in a way that provides opportunities for Atlanta’s youth to prosper. Through the program, relationships are fostered to promote advocacy for the students who have little knowledge of how to gage the process of choosing an appropriate college, applying, and paying for it. The program receives contributions from Atlanta’s corporate community and major non-profit donors in the form of financial contributions, volunteerism, internships, and student mentoring.

“Creating a plan for their future through the Mayor’s Youth Program, many students’ lives have been forever changed. It is our responsibility as a community to further assist them as they become active members in our community and the leaders of tomorrow,” said Mayor Franklin.

Since it’s inception in 2005, the Mayor’s Youth Program has assisted over 1,800 students transition into over 150 colleges and universities with grants, books, housing, transportation and encouragement. Already this year, over 330 students from the class of 2008 have received financial assistance to help cover their unmet needs and are fully engaged in making real world plans for their lives after High School.
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U.S. Army Soldier Strikes Olympic Gold

PRNewswire/ -- Army Spc. Walter Glenn Eller III, now believes in the adage "the third time is the charm," hitting 190 of 200 clay targets in the double trap competition to set an Olympic record and win gold Tuesday.

"Joining the U.S. Army in 2006 gave me the focus and maturity I needed to achieve my Olympic dream," said Spc. Eller. "I don't know how to better represent the United States and my fellow Soldiers around the world than with a gold medal around my neck."

The 26 year-old Katy, Texas native credits the Army for providing him with not only elite training, but world-class teammates to push him further than he could ever imagine.

"Training with some of the top shooters in the world on a daily basis, like fellow Olympians Pfc. Vincent Hancock and Olympic medalist Maj. Michael Anti, gives me the drive and discipline to succeed," said Spc. Eller.

Eller trains at Fort Benning, Ga., as a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), which sent six shooters to Beijing. "By competing and winning on the world stage, AMU Soldiers highlight the meaning of Army Strong and help to raise the standards of marksmanship proficiency throughout the Army," said unit commander Lt. Col. Frank Muggeo. Since the AMU was established in 1956, its shooters have won 21 Olympic medals and more than 40 world championships.

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"Sunrise on the Square" Road Race

Dust off those running shoes! Main Street Newnan’s ‘Sunrise on the Square’ Road Race is planned for Saturday, August 30th.

The One Mile Walk/Run begins at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K race start at 9:00 a.m. New for 2008 is the Tot Trot which will be open to runners ages 2-6. The Tot Trot will take place immediately following the 5K on North Court Square. Runners gather on the west court square for the start of the race. The race course continues to Newnan High School and through historic neighborhoods and then finishes in Newnan’s downtown square.

The entry fee is $20 for runners if received by August 25th and is $25 on the day of the race. One Mile and 5K runners will receive a 100% cotton long sleeved road race t-shirt. Tot Trot runners receive a child sized, short sleeved road race t-shirt and ribbon. Beverages and light refreshments will be available.

The road race is a fundraiser for the Main Street Newnan program, which hosts about 40 special events throughout the year in downtown Newnan. Along with Main Street Newnan, sponsors of the road race include Mike Fitzpatrick Ford, Bank of Coweta, Buffalo Rock, Coweta Fayette EMC Gas, Keep Newnan Beautiful Program and Nulink Cable and Internet.

There will be prizes given out to top finishers in the 5K for male and female categories based on age groups. The phantom runner, which allows people to support the cause, but do not want to run is still available for this year’s race. Phantom runners can donate the registration fee to the Main Street program and receive a t-shirt.

The road race is a part of Main Street’s Labor Day festivities. The Annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale kicks off Friday at 9:00 a.m. and continues until Saturday with Market Day on the Square is held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Race registration is available online at active.com. Runners can also download an application at www.mainstreetnewnan.com.
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National Peanut Board Congratulates Kristin Armstrong, Peanut Butter Devotee and America's Newest Gold Medal Winner

PRNewswire/ -- Olympic cyclist Kristin Armstrong represented the United States in both the time trial and road race for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and today, took home the gold in the time trial event. What food does Armstrong reach for when powering up for races? USA-grown peanuts and peanut butter, of course.

"Whether I'm training, competing or taking a break, I've always turned to peanut butter. It gives me sustained energy, it's portable and it just tastes great," Armstrong said. "What's not to love?"

Peanuts and peanut butter provide energy for daily tasks and adventures for people of all lifestyles and ages, including Armstrong who turned 35 on August 11. USA-grown peanuts contribute more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients . like protein, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese . and have zero cholesterol and no trans fats. Plus, with seven grams of satisfaction in every serving, peanuts certainly satisfy. All that and they taste great, too.

"America's peanut farmers couldn't be more proud of Kristin and all our US Olympic athletes, and knowing that what we grow helps them compete and win at all levels," said Raffaela Marie Fenn, president and managing director of the National Peanut Board.

These are the second Olympic Games for Kristin and her first Olympic medal. Boise-based Armstrong has won gold and silver during world competition and has been USA's National Time Trial Champion two consecutive years.

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Hawks Sign Thomas Gardner, Othello Hunter

The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agents Thomas Gardner and Othello Hunter to contracts, it was announced today by General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

“Both players played well in our mini-camp and summer league,” said Sund. “Thomas is a solid shooter with range, who has the ability to score in bunches. Othello is an athletic power forward who runs the floor really well.”

A 6-5 guard, Gardner averaged a team-high 16.3 ppg (sixth in the tourney), along with 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.5 spg during the Rocky Mountain Revue, hitting .480 FGs (.467 3FGs) and .750 FTs. The Missouri product played in four games last season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 5.3 ppg and 1.0 rpg.

During the 2006-07 campaign, Gardner saw action in Belgium with Verviers-Pepinster, and helped lead the club to the Belgian Cup semifinals. He played three seasons at Mizzou, tallying 19.7 ppg as a junior for the Tigers. Thomas Earl Gardner was born February 8, 1985 in Portland, Oregon.

Hunter, an undrafted rookie big man from Ohio State, put up 13.2 ppg, a team-best 6.2 rpg, 2.0 apg and 1.2 spg in five Hawks summer league contests. He played in 76 career games for the Buckeyes, averaging 7.8 ppg and 5.5 rpg (.583 FG%). Nearly half of his 415 career rebounds were on the offensive glass (178).

He finished second in the Big Ten in field goal percentage as a senior (.596), and equaled the seventh-best single-season mark in OSU history. Tegba Othello Hunter was born May 28, 1986 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

“We saw Thomas play last year, and monitored him with the Bulls and overseas,” said Hawks’ Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel David Pendergraft. “He was one of the first guys we invited to our summer program, and he really performed well. He’s a shot maker who can add a spark off our bench.”

“We really liked the progression Othello has made, from Ohio State to Portsmouth to Orlando, and continuing in our mini-camp and summer league,” Pendergraft said. “His competitiveness, athleticism and professionalism have impressed us, and if he continues to advance, he has a chance to be an asset to our organization.”

Atlanta Hawks 2008-09 season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500.

The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Atlanta to Host Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Team in 2010

PRNewswire/ -- With the 2008 Olympic Games underway and many fans wondering what's next for their favorite female soccer players, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to expand to Atlanta, Ga. in 2010, the League's second year of play.

Atlanta joins Philadelphia as an expected 2010 WPS expansion city, while host cities named to date for the inaugural 2009 season include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Meanwhile, the League continues to explore additional potential franchises for both the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Atlanta entrepreneur T. Fitz Johnson, former CEO of Eagle Group International, LLC, leads the local WPS ownership group and is slated to serve as the team's managing partner. A member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), Johnson holds an Advanced National Diploma from the organization and has extensive ties to soccer at the youth, collegiate, amateur and professional levels.

"Atlanta is well-known throughout the country as being a solid soccer city filled with talented players and enthusiastic fans, so we've had our eye on Atlanta as an expansion market for many months," said Tonya Antonucci, WPS commissioner. "The League is fortunate to have Fitz on board, as we will certainly tap his enthusiasm and business savvy during our inaugural season."

Johnson is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Army reserve, having earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky, College of Law. Prior to serving as CEO of Eagle Group International, he served as the organization's Chief Counsel, V.P. for Human Resources, Executive Vice President, COO, and President.

"WPS has proven itself to be a smart business venture, with a conservative business plan built on realistic numbers and executive leaders that not only know soccer as a sport, but as a business," said Johnson. "Atlanta soccer fans can now watch the world's greatest athletes play in this month's Olympic Games and know that those same premier players will soon put their talent on display in our city as part of WPS."

"As a League, we want owners who have solid operational business experience, a deep-rooted passion for soccer, and a commitment to the community, as well as extensive local connections. Fitz meets and exceeds these requirements and we look forward to the prospect of adding him as our business partner," said Jack Cummins, a Chicago Red Stars owner who has worked on expansion for the league.

From 2001-2003, Atlanta was home to the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Atlanta Beat and was the only team in the League to reach the playoffs every season.

Plans for Atlanta's WPS nickname, logo and colors as well as its coaching and front office staff will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, Atlanta fans are encouraged to visit http://fans.womensprosoccer.com/ and submit their home videos explaining why their city is the "Top Town" when it comes to soccer. Brandi Chastain, former U.S. Women's National Team member and star defender for the WUSA San Jose CyberRays, will choose the winner, who will be awarded an all-expense-paid trip for two to an upcoming WPS event.

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Phelps Rewrites Olympic Mark for Men's 400m Individual Medley

Michael Phelps of the United States set a new Olympic Record of 4:07.82 in the heats for the Men's 400m Individual Medley on Saturday, August 9, slicing 0.44 seconds off the previous record he set in Athens four years ago.

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The ScoutingEdge.com and The Touchdown Club of Atlanta Launch New Internet-Based Coaching & Recruiting Tool

PRNewswire -- The Scouting Edge introduced its patent pending online coaching and recruiting tool, which captures high school sporting events and stores it online for future manipulation and playback. It creates an online community that allows interaction between coaches, players, college recruiters, media and visitors.

"The ScoutingEdge enables rural & inner-city high schools across the nation to have a robust coaching tool at no cost," praised Lee Baker, Executive Director Touchdown Club of Atlanta. "It levels the playing field for undiscovered players who could receive athletic scholarships."

The Touchdown Club of Atlanta was founded in 1938 to promote and support High School and College Football. The ScoutingEdge is a program that fits the club's mission statement to help football programs better themselves.

High School Football Conferences in Michigan and Missouri have rapidly started signing up for the ScoutingEdge service. Many high schools throughout the Midwest have already committed to using the service to assist them in coaching and assist their players' chances in achieving their goals. Players have the luxury of creating their own highlight reels and making them available online to friends, family and most importantly recruiting colleges.

The ScoutingEdge is the only online community that provides this service to help high school athletes market themselves on an equal "playing field." It will house stats, performances and interviews of players in a unique way that other sites do not provide.

With the Scouting Edge, coaches now have online training and strategy tools that help build a better team. The online sharing permits multiple coaches to view, create, and strategize simultaneously. "Never before have high school coaches been offered such a great tool," stated Coach Powell at Warren Cousino High School. "This gets us out of the Stone Age, while helping players, visitors and recruiters. This season should prove very interesting for my opponents!"

Schools are excited about the ScoutingEdge because the "GiveBack" Program donates a large percentage of the subscriptions to the Booster Club to help the schools' sporting programs.

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Wounded Warrior to Aim for Gold in Beijing Paralympics

Photo: Former Army Spc. Scott Winkler, a 3rd Infantry Division soldier severely wounded in Iraq, has his sights set on winning gold medals in discus, shot put and javelin during the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles

With the world's attention focused on the Olympic Games that open tomorrow in Beijing, a former 3rd Infantry Division soldier severely wounded in Iraq is gearing up to compete in the Paralympic Games that open there Sept. 6.

Former Army Spc. Scott Winkler has his sights set on winning gold medals in discus, shot put and javelin. But he said he's just as committed to bringing home new hope to others with disabilities -- a cause he works tirelessly to promote through the organization he cofounded, Champions Made From Adversity.

Winkler was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, in May 2003, when he fell off the ammunition truck he was unloading. The freak accident landed him in a wheelchair with both legs paralyzed.

After six months of deep depression, the former high school sprinter said he made a conscious decision to get on with his life and become independent. "Everybody has ups and downs in life," he said. "Just because I'm disabled doesn't mean that it's all over. It just means that I have to find a different way to live it."

That mindset led Winkler to pick up competitive throwing and landing him in the winner's circle. He set a world record in shot put last year at the Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also holds the 2007 world record in the T54 shot put at the U.S. Paralympics Track and Field National Championships in Atlanta, Ga.

This year, Winkler earned a coveted spot on the U.S. Paralympic Team. He'll travel to Colorado later this month to pick up his team uniforms, then train for two weeks in Okinawa, Japan, before arriving in Beijing on Sept. 2.

President Bush noted Winkler's achievement while hosting the U.S. Olympic team at the White House July 21. "Scott didn't spend his whole life training to become an elite athlete, but athletic competition helped give Scott his life back," Bush said.

He cited Winkler's often-quoted sentiment about making the Paralympic Team: "I fought for this country, and now I'd love to win for this country."

In a final competition before the Paralympic Games, Winkler competed in late July at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Neb. He wrapped up the week with gold medals in discus, shot put and javelin, as well as a silver medal in basketball.

Winkler said he hopes to repeat that performance in Beijing, making good on the deathbed promise he made to his uncle, a Vietnam veteran who recently died of complications from Agent Orange exposure.

But Winkler emphasized that the medals he wins and world records he sets aren't for himself or for any other particular person. "They're for everybody in the United States," he said. "If I can inspire just one person, that's what I care about."

He's so committed to the power of sports and recreation in helping people with disabilities move forward with their lives that he and his friends and fellow veterans founded Champions Made From Adversity.

The group focuses on the healing power of sports and leisure activities, not just for disabled people, but for their families as well. Its motto, Winkler said, testifies what it stands for: "If you can believe, you can achieve."

As he strives to reach new limits and to encourage others to do the same, Winkler said he finds inspiration being around other disabled veterans. "These people have tremendous spirit and an overpowering attitude that helps them rise above adversity," he said. "It's like our own family inside of this great nation. It is a contagious and inspiring mindset, and the camaraderie is unbelievable."

Related Sites:
Special Report: National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Champions Made From Adversity


By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Atlanta Braves to Honor Skip Caray with Tribute and Celebration

The Atlanta Braves have announced plans to honor the life of longtime broadcaster and friend, Skip Caray on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The Braves invite all fans to come and pay tribute to the legendary voice of the team on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Turner Field. Speakers include Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, longtime broadcast partner and friend Pete Van Wieren and Skip's son Chip Caray. Another longtime broadcast partner and friend, Joe Simpson, will lead the event.

Cherished moments will be shared and video tributes will air throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to attend can park in the Green lot and enter through the Plaza gates. Gates will open at 9 a.m.

Tuesday night's game, ironically versus the Chicago Cubs, will continue the celebration of Skip's life and career with a special pre-game ceremony with the Caray family and the entire night will be filled with video clips and first person stories shown on Braves Vision.

The game begins at 7:10 p.m., with the pre-game ceremonies beginning at 6:45 p.m.

As a reminder the family has asked in lieu of flowers donations be made to the following organizations:

Camp Twin Lakes
www.camptwinlakes.org or
P.O. Box 933507
Atlanta, GA 31193-3507

Small Dog Rescue (will only accept donations online)
www.smalldoghumane.org

Winship Cancer Institute
www.cancer.emory.edu or
Plaza 1000
762 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322-4001

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Golden Moment: FLW Fantasy Fishing to Award First-Ever $1 Million Grand Prize in Fantasy Sports History in Atlanta on Aug. 21

PRNewswire -- Throngs of fishing fans and fantasy sports players from around the world will turn their attention to Atlanta on Aug. 21 when the first million dollar prize will be awarded in fantasy sports history. But don't assume it's for fantasy football. Because the biggest game in town is FLW Fantasy Fishing -- which will crown its first champion and award a guaranteed $1 million grand prize to a player who has accumulated the most points over a seven-tournament fantasy fishing season.

In its first season, FLW Fantasy Fishing has rocketed to the top of the fantasy sports world, gaining fans from all over the globe attracted to the game's $7.3 million in cash and prizes, representing the highest payout of any fantasy sports game in the world. FLW Fantasy Fishing, which is free, fun and easy to play, asks players to select 10 pro bass anglers from among the 200 anglers fishing the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the nation's premier professional bass tournament circuit, a series of seven tournaments that kicked-off in February 2008 and will climax with the Forrest Wood Cup, the crown jewel of professional bass fishing, during the weekend of Aug. 14-17, in Columbia, S.C.

"The response to FLW Fantasy Fishing has been phenomenal. It's only our first year but we've already attracted players from all over the world and have awarded prizes to players in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and believe it or not, Estonia," said Irwin Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors(R) and creator of FLW Fantasy Fishing. He added, "Atlanta is the perfect place to crown our first FLW Fantasy Fishing champion. It's a world city located in the heart of bass country. I can't wait to personally present a $1 million check to our grand prize winner."

FLW Fantasy Fishing will invite the top 15 overall points leaders to a suspense-filled event that will take place at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Ga., starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT. The $1 million bass pro champion of the Forrest Wood Cup will unveil the first $1 million champion of FLW Fantasy Fishing -- the player who has accumulated the most points over seven tournaments. In addition to the $1 million champion, the top 15 finalists will walk away with prizes such as a new Chevy Silverado (a $40,000 value), a $25,000 Wal-Mart gift card, a $20,000 BP gas card and a Ranger Z19 bass fishing boat (a $52,000 value). Also, the winner of the last tournament of the season will receive a check for $100,000.

The $1 Million FLW Fantasy Fishing event will begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT and conclude with a free concert sponsored by Centennial Olympic Park. The event is free and open to the public and will include free Berkley fishing rod and reel combos for the first 1,000 attendees and free FLW Fantasy Fishing t-shirts. A convoy of 15 Wal-Mart FLW Tour bass fishing rigs will bring each of the 15 FLW Fantasy Fishing finalists to the event.

FLW Fantasy Fishing has attracted a wide array of players such as a suburban mom from Little Rock, Ark., and an 18-year-old high school senior from San Francisco, both of whom won $100,000 for coming in first place during their respective FLW Fantasy Fishing tournaments conducted earlier this year. So far, after six FLW Fantasy Fishing tournaments, nearly 4,000 players around the globe have won prizes, including six players who each won $100,000 for coming in first place for each FLW Fantasy Fishing tournament.

"It's just like fantasy football, but with fish," said Shellee Kuykendall, winner of FLW Fantasy Fishing's sixth tournament. "But, unlike fantasy football, which my husband played all the time, the prizes are incredible and even someone like me, who doesn't know anything about fantasy sports or fishing, can play and win."

And, there's still a chance for anyone to grab some of those prizes -- even if you haven't entered any of FLW Fantasy Fishing's previous tournaments. With a deadline of Aug. 13 fast approaching, anyone (18 years or older) can enter the seventh and final tournament in the FLW Fantasy Fishing season. Fantasy fishing players will select 10 bass pros from among the 77 bass pros who will compete in the Forrest Wood Cup, the championship tournament in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. What's unique about this last tournament is that triple bonus points will be offered to players whose fantasy bass pros make it into the final round of the tournament, when the 10 best bass pros compete for $1 million.

For this seventh tournament, $100,000 will be awarded to the FLW Fantasy Fishing player who accumulates the most points based on the performance of his or her fantasy fishing team. About 580 other prizes will be awarded in addition to the $100,000 tournament prize.

In another twist, the $5 Million Exacta Seven Bonus, which is awarded to the first player to correctly rank the top seven anglers in a row, still remains unclaimed for the season. The odds of a player hitting the bonus in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour season finale are greatly improved as the Forrest Wood Cup championship features a reduced field of only the top 77 anglers versus the standard roster of 200 pro anglers.

How FLW Fantasy Fishing Works

FLW Fantasy Fishing is free to play and is open to adults, 18 and older, throughout the world, wherever it is legal to play. Participants log onto FantasyFishing.com and register to enter the game. Players can sign up any time during the season, up until Aug. 13, 2008, the day before the Forrest Wood Cup championship tournament.

Prior to each Wal-Mart FLW Tour tournament, FLW Fantasy Fishing participants select a fantasy team of 10 FLW pro bass anglers. Participants earn points for each tournament, based on the performance (placement in the designated tournament) of their fantasy team pro anglers. Participants can win prizes for an individual tournament as well as accumulate points over seven designated tournaments to be eligible for a $1 million cash prize, which will be awarded to the participant with the highest overall points for the season. Seven $100,000 first-place prizes go to the participants who earn the most points for each tournament. A $5 million bonus will be paid to the first player to correctly rank the top seven finishers in a tournament. Participants can subscribe to Player's Advantage to get the edge when selecting their team by accessing expert advice, inside information and cutting-edge statistical tools.

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Caray Family Plans Open Service at Christ the King Cathedral

The Caray family has announced plans for an open service for all of Skip's friends and fans. The service will be on Monday, August 11 at Christ the King Cathedral at the corner of Peachtree St. and Peachtree Ave. just north of West Wesley St. Services will begin at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to one of the following in memory of Skip:

Camp Twin Lakes
www.camptwinlakes.org or
P.O. Box 933507
Atlanta, GA 31193-3507

Winship Cancer Institute
www.cancer.emory.edu or
Plaza 1000
762 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322-4001

Friends House (will only accept donations online)
www.smalldoghumane.org

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Former PGA Pro Named Golf Coach

Long-time professional golfer Joe Inman, who has enjoyed success on the PGA and Champions Tours, has been named the Georgia State men’s golf coach, Director of Athletics Mary McElroy announced.

Inman, a Marietta resident, takes over a program that has reached the NCAA Regionals 10 of the last 11 years. He replaces Matt Clark, who moved to UNC Wilmington.

Spanning more than 25 years, Inman’s pro playing career includes four victories, one on the PGA Tour and three on the Champions Tour. He had nearly 100 Top 25 finishes on each circuit, and his career earnings total over $5 million.

“Joe Inman is the right person to take over the Georgia State golf program and take it to the next level,” said McElroy. “He brings instant recognition and credibility in the golf community and in the Atlanta area, which raises the profile of Georgia State golf. He is a perfect fit because of abilities as a teacher and recruiter, combined with his energy and passion for working with young people and promoting the game of golf.”

Inman’s career on the PGA Tour saw him play in 329 events, highlighted by a victory in the 1976 Kemper Open. He also posted three runner-up finishes and four third-place showings on the PGA Tour, along with 32 top 10 performances and 98 finishes in the top 25.

After working as a sales representative for PING from 1989-97, Inman began playing on the Champions Tour in 1998. He owns three tournament titles, winning the Pacific Bell Open in 1999 and 1999 and the SBC Open in 2000. He also compiled two runner-up finishes, three third-place efforts, 33 top-10 showings and 88 top-25 performances while missing only seven cuts in 276 events on the senior circuit.

Inman has been heavily involved in community and charitable activities, particularly in the Atlanta area. He serves on the board of directors of First Tee Atlanta, and he founded the Larry Nelson-Joe Inman Foundation to support youth golf initiatives.

As a collegian, Inman was a three-time all-America at Wake Forest, earning first-team honors in 1969 following second-team accolades in 1968 and honorable mention recognition in 1967. Playing on powerhouse teams under legendary coach Jesse Haddock, Inman helped the Demon Deacons to three straight Atlantic Coast Conference titles and top-three NCAA finishes in 1968 and 1969. His college teammates included future PGA Tour standouts Lanny Wadkins and Leonard Thompson.

He graduated from Wake Forest in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in history and turned pro in 1972.

Inman, 60, and his wife, Nancy, have three children: Craig, Sally and Kate. His younger brother, John Inman, is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who is now the head coach at North Carolina.

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Unique Peachtree City Toga Trot features Walkers with Spinal Cord Injuries

You were in an accident, and as you lie in your hospital bed, you are told you will never walk again. Imagine being given that prognosis. Now imagine working for years in a grueling regime of physical therapy, putting the rest of your life on hold, just to be able to prove that prognosis wrong. What sort of goals would you set? Standing or maybe taking a few aided steps? How about a one-mile race? That’s the goal Justin Campagna, who has suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury, has set for himself. And he will get that opportunity at a unique race debuting in Peachtree City on Sept. 6.

The Peachtree City Toga Trot 5K & 1-mile walk is unique because, as the name implies, it will feature the city's first race with runners and walkers in togas. The "Greek" theme stems from the starting and ending point of the race, the Phi Mu Fraternity's national headquarters located on Westpark Drive. One of the co-sponsors of the race is ASCAPA (Atlanta Southern Crescent Alumnae Panhellenic Association) representing 26 international women's sororities and fraternities, which are Greek letter societies of college women and alumnae, who are raising money for their scholarship fund. They are joined in the effort by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, which is raising money for the Rotary Polio Plus foundation dedicated to the elimination of polio worldwide.

But the real reason this race is unique is because of athletes like Justin as well as Trevor Akers and Tremaine Nathan. All three young men suffered spinal cord injuries and were told they would never walk again. And yet all three will participate in this year's inaugural Toga Trot, each competing in the 1-mile walk. That’s right, the 1-mile walk! All three are clients of the internationally known Center IMT Atlanta, located in Fayetteville. Center IMT Atlanta is a physical therapy practice, directed by Susan Leger, which has pioneered the use of innovative integrative manual therapy techniques combined with sophisticated electronic equipment to show remarkable results in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. And while all three young men will compete on at least a portion of the course in wheelchairs, they will also walk a portion of the course depending on their own personal levels of progress. And all three will walk across the finish line.

Of course, the race is open to runners of all abilities and ages. Awards will be given to the top three runners in 14 different age groups, with those running or walking in togas receiving a special award. Don't have a toga? Not a problem as togas will be custom fit and sold prior to the race start.

The inaugural Peachtree City Toga Trot will begin and end at Phi Mu Headquarters, located at 401 Westpark Drive, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept 6, with a post-race party at Partners Pizza. More information and applications are available at the ASCAPA website, www.ascapa.org, the Peachtree City Rotary Club website at www.ptcrotary.org, or the race website at www.togatrot5k.org.

2008 US Open Tennis Tickets Now on Sale at TICKETFINDER.com

24-7 - Immediate sale of 2008 US Open Tennis tickets has been announced by the leading online tickets broker TICKETFINDER.com (http://www.ticketfinder.com). The tickets, which can be ordered both online and via telephone, are being offered with various customer friendly and cost cutting options. To purchase US Open tickets online, please visit http://www.ticketfinder.com/us_open_tennis_tickets.html#tickets or call 1800-523-1515. TICKETFINDER.com has been one of Internet's premium sources for sports, theater and concert tickets since its inception in 1990.

"Every year, the sale of US Open Tennis tickets keeps increasing and we have to keep a huge inventory in anticipation. This year is no different. The tickets are literally flying out the windows and doors!", shares TICKETFINDER.com CEO, David A Boitano. "For another year, TICKETFINDER.com aims at providing customers with unparalleled service and living up-to its 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Simply order and sit back, we will deliver tickets right at your doorstep!", he is quick to add.

2008 US Open Tennis tickets are backed by the portal's 100% customer satisfaction, genuine ticket and money back guarantees and start at $25.

The US Open of Tennis is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world and is considered one of the most prestigious contemporary events. The fourth and final event of the Grand Slam, it is held annually in August and September over a two-week period. "I have been attending the US Open religiously for over a decade, and every year, I trust TICKETFINDER.com for tickets. With its easy policies and low rates, this is the best tickets shopping source. I recommend it to everyone!", shares John, a regular customer who has been shopping at TICKETFINDER.com since 1994.

The 2008 US Open Tennis tournament is scheduled to be played from August 25 to September 7, 2008 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, alternating between the Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Louis Armstrong Stadium. Roger Federer and Justine Henin are the actual defending champions, but because of her retirement on May 14, Henin will not be defending her title.

"Like all our other tickets, the US Open Tennis tickets are packed with numerous options which will make tickets shopping easy and cost effective", says David who is confident of his portal being the best ever for tickets shopping. "We put customer above everything else. Profits come later, friends come first!", he believes.

The tickets broker is also offering tickets to all events of the 2008 Tennis season.

Campbell Named Head Coach

Now in his seventh season with the Georgia State program, Eric Campbell has been elevated to head coach for men’s and women’s track and field, Director of Athletics Mary McElroy announced.

Cross country head coaches John Rowland and Jessica Raby will continue to coach the men’s and women’s distance runners in the track programs.

In Campbell’s six years as an assistant coach, Georgia State student-athletes have earned 84 all-conference performances, 61 NCAA Regional qualifications, and two NCAA Championships appearances. He has helped the women’s track and field team to three top-three finishes at the conference meet in six seasons.

In 2008, Campbell coached the male and female Colonial Athletic Association Track and Field Scholar Athletes of the Year in Jacob English and Denice Vance. English was also named the Most Outstanding Field Performer at the 2008 CAA Championships as he captured the conference title in the triple jump and placed second in the CAA in the long jump.

On the women’s side, the Georgia State sprinters won CAA titles in the 400 meters (Nicole Davis) as well as the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relays, while Yolanda Berryhill claimed the conference title with a school-record throw in the discus. The Panther women earned a fourth-place finish in the CAA team standings in 2008, following a third-place showing the previous year.

Campbell coached nine student-athletes to NCAA Regional qualifying performances in a total of seven events in 2008.

“We’re very pleased to make Eric our head coach for men’s and women’s track and field,” said McElroy. “He has earned this opportunity through his outstanding work with our sprints and field events. We look forward to continued success and development for Georgia State track and field.”

Prior to coming to Georgia State, Campbell worked as a sprint consultant with the Quicksilver Track Club in Atlanta and also assisted with the track program at Benjamin Mays High School.

He holds a USA Track and Field Level II certification in sprints and hurdles and serves on the USATF Athletic Advisory Committee.

An Atlanta native, Campbell was a seven-time all-conference sprinter while competing at Howard University and Morris Brown. Eric is the older brother of Milton Campbell, a former world champion and world-record holder in the 4x400 meter relay who previously worked as an assistant coach at Georgia State.

Campbell, 33, and his wife, Tracie, have three daughters: Mariama, Olivia and Sophia.