Thrashers to Host 2009 Girls Hockey Showcase Weekend on Saturday, Feb. 28

The Atlanta Thrashers will host the 2009 Girls Hockey Showcase Weekend, in conjunction with the National Hockey League’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative, surrounding their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, Feb. 28. The showcase consists of events and activities focusing on the growth of women’s hockey throughout the Southeast.

The festivities begin with three hockey clinics, hosted by U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Bronze Medal-winner Jamie Hagerman, at the Duluth IceForum from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. (ages 6-12), 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (ages 20 and up) and 12:25 to 1:40 p.m. (ages 13-19).

The activities continue at the CNN Center where Hagerman will participate in a scrimmage floor hockey game with over 40 girls from the Women’s Foundation youth focused program, GoGirlGo! These girls will be experiencing the game for the first time in Thrasherville from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Hagerman will also speak to the showcase participants about hockey and her experiences with the sport inside Philips Arena from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The day concludes with 12 local hockey players being selected to partake in pre-game introductions and stand next to their NHL counterparts during the nation anthem.

Jamie Hagerman, currently training with the U.S. Women’s Select Team in Minneapolis, Minn., won a Bronze Medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, helped the U.S. win its first World Championship in women’s hockey in 2005, and captured a Silver Medal at the 2005 Four Nations Cup.

The day’s activities are a part of the NHL’s annual “Hockey is for Everyone” month, a league-wide initiative aimed at promoting the diversity of hockey with the goal of raising awareness and celebrating the growth of the game. To date, “Hockey is for Everyone” has exposed close to 45,000 boys and girls to unique hockey experiences.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Philips Arena Doors to Open Early for Three Hawks Games in March

The Atlanta Hawks are recommending that fans arrive early for three home games in the month of March, as those with tickets will be able to enter Philips Arena 90 minutes before game time.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the Sunday, March 1 Hawks vs. Cavaliers match-up (8 p.m. tipoff), at 6 p.m. for the Hawks vs. Celtics game (7:30 p.m. tipoff) on Friday, March 27, and 2 p.m. for the Hawks vs. Lakers contest (3:30 p.m. tipoff) on Sunday, March 29.

Doors will open at the usual time of 60 minutes before tipoff for the other nine home games in March.

Atlanta currently holds the fourth position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, 2.0 games in front of the Miami Heat.

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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SYNLawn and Dave Pelz Announce Strategic Partnership to Help Golfers Improve Their Game with the Most Advanced Synthetic Putting Green Systems

/PRNewswire/ -- SYNLawn, the innovator of today's most advanced synthetic grass technology, has forged a strategic partnership with former NASA physicist and renowned golf short game guru Dave Pelz. Marking the first time comprehensive science and research will be applied to synthetic putting green performance, golfers at all skill levels will benefit as Pelz continues to research and test SYNLawn golf systems at his one-of-a-kind test facility in Austin, Texas. Together, Pelz and SYNLawn are working to create the world's most effective putting green systems with unprecedented golf performance.

"High quality, accessible practice areas with minimal upkeep allow golfers an opportunity to incorporate quality practice in their daily lives. This is not only good for their games -- it's good for THE game," Pelz explained. "I'm excited about this -- it's much more than an endorsement, it's a partnership that benefits individuals, their families and the industry. I'm hoping this long-term partnership will transform the way golfers practice on synthetic grass putting green systems."

Pelz's technical knowledge has already improved the games of thousands of amateur golfers as well as dozens of players on the PGA and LPGA Tours. He employs his own Pelz Golf Institute research and innovative instruction to help golfers worldwide improve. Nine of Pelz's professional students, including three-time major winner Phil Mickelson, have won major championships.

"My full-time job is golf research and helping golfers to play better. Now, with SYNLawn, we plan to deliver the best overall golf system that combines great products and unparalleled installation techniques," said Pelz.

Performance-tested synthetic grass systems allow putting greens to be used as a viable teaching aid, and not just a novelty item for one's backyard. The industry leader in golf and other landscape applications, SYNLawn has used advanced nylon technologies to offer golfers superior resiliency and a true ball roll.

"Our goal is to deliver the best products with the best installations," said Lou Ziebold, president of SYNLawn. "Grounded in real data rather than rhetoric, this partnership with Dave Pelz will help anyone improve their golf game by practicing on scientifically enhanced putting green systems."

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Atlanta Braves 2009 Individual Game Tickets Go on Sale Thursday, February 26

Atlanta Braves 2009 individual tickets, starting as low as $6, will go on sale Thursday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m. Single game tickets, with the exception of the June 23-28 series with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, will be available at Braves.com/tickets, the Braves box office at Turner Field, 1-800-326-4000, and all TicketMaster outlets. Tickets for the New Yankees and Boston Red Sox are now available as part of various multi-game packages at savings of up to 27% and can be purchased at Braves.com/tickets or by calling 404-577-9100. Individual tickets for those games will go on sale at a later date.

The Braves will take on the Washington Nationals in the 2009 Home Opener on Friday, April 10th at Turner Field. After the game, and after every Friday night home game, fans will enjoy a spectacular Publix Friday Night Fireworks show. The first 45,000 fans on Friday and Saturday night will receive a Braves 2008 magnetic schedule courtesy of Georgia Power. And on Sunday after the game, in what has become a Turner Field Sunday afternoon tradition, all fans 14 and under are invited to take the field and run the bases.

Several popular ticket specials return in 2009, offering Braves fans a wide selection of ticket discounts and savings throughout the season. Some ticket specials include:

$1 SkyLine Seats - Available three hours before every game at the Turner Field Box Office
Family Value Plan - 4 tickets, 4 hotdogs, 4 Cokes, a Braves yearbook, and a parking pass for as low as $59 (37% savings), available Sunday through Thursday*
Coca-Cola Two-For-One Tuesdays - Two Upper Reserved tickets for the price of one every Tuesday*
Two-For-One Wednesdays - Two Field/Terrace Pavilion tickets for the price of one every Wednesday*
ampm All You Can Eat Seats - For as low as $45, fans can enjoy all the peanuts and crackerjacks, hotdogs, hamburgers, sodas, and more, for one low all-inclusive price
College, Military, and AAA Discount - Two Upper Box tickets for the price of one with a valid college or military ID or valid AAA members card (not available June 23-28)
Ultimate Kids Days - Tickets for all fans 14 and under will be only $5 on Sunday, June 7 and Sunday, August 2. Young fans can also participate in pre-game parades around the field and be eligible to win several special experiences including serving at the team's Honorary Team Captain or Guest Public Address Announcer.

*excluding June 23-25

2009 ATLANTA BRAVES TICKET PRICES

Location Gate Price Premium Price* Season Price
Skyline $1 $1 N/A
Upper Pavilion $6 $6 $ 3
Upper Reserved $8 $12 N/A
Upper Box $12 $16 $10
Field/Terrace Pavilion $22 $26 $12
Terrace Reserved $24 $28 $22
Field Reserved $26 $30 $24
Golden Moon Casino Club Pavilion $28 $32 $26
Terrace Level $36 $40 $30
Field Level $36 $40 $30
Golden Moon Casino Club Level $38 $42 $34
Dugout Level $60 $64 $52
Henry Aaron Seats $70 $74 $60

*All Friday and Saturday regular season games

The Atlanta Braves popular Four-Game Ticket Packs, as well as full season, half season, weekend and flex ticket plans are also available now at substantial savings. "Buy 2 Full Season Tickets, Get 2 Free" (Field Reserved, Golden Moon Casino Club Pavilion and Terrace Reserved Levels) and full season ticket packages for as low as $249 are available by going to Braves.com/tickets or calling 404-577-9100.

The Atlanta Braves is Major League Baseball's winningest franchise since 1991. During that time, Braves teams have earned 14 division championships, five National League pennants and a World Series title. Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves franchise is the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on FSN South, SportSouth, and Peachtree TV with radio broadcasts heard in Atlanta on 640 WGST and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.

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Braves and Pitcher Tom Glavine Agree to Terms on 2009 Contract

The Atlanta Braves announced Friday that they have agreed to terms with future Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine on a one-year contract for the 2009 season. Financial terms of the deal were not announced. Glavine, who is still recovering from left elbow surgery, is expected to join the team at its spring training facility at Disney's Wide World of Sports in March.

A two-time National League Cy Young Award winner (1991 & 1998) and a 10-time N.L. All-Star, Glavine returned to the Braves in 2008 after pitching the previous five seasons for the New York Mets. He went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA and started just 13 games in an injury-shortened campaign. In April he was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his illustrious career, and he made two more trips to the D.L. by season's end, ultimately opting to have surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow on August 21. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

"We are very excited to have Tom back on our club for the 2009 season," Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager Frank Wren said. "We have followed his rehabilitation closely all winter and we are glad he is throwing so well. We hope he will be ready early in the season, and we expect him to be a big part of our pitching staff and a valuable leader on our club." Glavine owns a 305-203 career record and a 3.54 ERA in 682 games (all starts). He has compiled 244 of his wins in a Braves uniform. Glavine helped Atlanta to five World Series appearances in the 1990s and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1995 World Series, when the Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians.

A five-time 20-game winner, the 42-year-old Glavine joined an elite fraternity of pitchers when he posted the 300th victory of his career on August 5, 2007, at Chicago. Only 22 other pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball have reached that plateau, and all but two (Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux) are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Glavine ranks as the fourth-winningest left-handed pitcher in history, behind Warren Spahn (363), Steve Carlton (329) and Eddie Plank (326). Selected by the Braves in the second round of the 1984 draft, Glavine made his Major League debut in 1987. He won his first Cy Young Award in 1991, when he went 20-11 and helped the Braves win the first of five N.L. pennants in a nine-year period. Glavine earned his second Cy Young Award in 1998, leading the league with a 20-6 record, ranking third with a 2.47 ERA and again helping the Braves to an N.L. pennant.

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Braves Agree to Terms with Infielder Kelly Johnson

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with infielder Kelly Johnson on a one-year contract for the 2009 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration. Financial terms were not announced.
Johnson, who turns 27 on Sunday, owns a .273 career batting average, with 72 home runs and 274 RBI in 384 games. In 2008 he posted career highs in batting average (.287), games (150), at-bats (547), hits (157), doubles (39), RBI (69) and stolen bases (11). He compiled a 22-game hitting streak, September 1-24, and his 44 multi-hit games tied for the team lead. Johnson's .333 batting average against left-handed pitchers ranked second in the majors among all left-handed hitters. His 39 doubles ranked second among all National League second basemen.

The Braves' top pick (38th overall) in the 2000 draft, Johnson missed the entire 2006 season due to "Tommy John" surgery on his right elbow. In 2007 he switched positions, from the outfield to second base, and has played there each of the last two years.

The Braves now have just one remaining arbitration-eligible player on their 40-man roster unsigned for the upcoming season -- outfielder Jeff Francoeur.

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McDonald's(R) All American Games 2009 Team Rosters Revealed

/PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's and the All American Basketball Games selection committee unveiled the 24 members of the 32nd Boys Game and 24 members of the eighth annual Girls Game on the ESPNU Selection Show today. The Games will be played on April 1 at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Fla.

Proceeds from the 2009 McDonald's All American High School Basketball Games will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) of South Florida. Millions of dollars have been raised since the first Game was played in 1978.

"The McDonald's All American Games represent the most prestigious showcase of high school basketball in the nation," said Alonzo Mourning, captain of the McDonald's All American Advisory Council. "The young athletes selected to the McDonald's All American Teams will not only go on to become the next biggest basketball stars, but will also aid in raising money for an important cause and learn the importance of succeeding off the court, by giving back."

The 2009 McDonald's All American Boys Team features the top high school basketball talent, including Xavier Henry (Putnum City High School - Oklahoma City, Okla.), ranked the number one high school basketball player in the nation by several sources. Also taking the floor will be Derrick Favors (South Atlanta High School - Atlanta, Ga.), John Henson (Sickles High School - Tampa, Fla.), DeMarcus Cousins (LeFlore High School - Mobile, Ala.) and Renardo Sidney (Fairfax High School - Los Angeles, Calif.). The Boys Game will tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET April 1, and will broadcast live on ESPN.

The 2009 McDonald's All American Girls Team also boasts a talent-rich roster including Brittney Griner (Nimitz High School - Houston, Texas), who holds the National High School record for blocks in a game and is widely known for her incredible dunking skills. Also suiting-up for the girls will be Kelsey Bone (John Foster Dulles High School - Sugar Land, Texas), Skylar Diggins (South Bend Washington High School - South Bend, Ind.), Markel Walker (Pittsburgh Schenley High School - Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Cokie Reed (Waco Midway High School - Waco, Texas). The Girls Game begins at 5:30 p.m. ET April 1, and will broadcast live on ESPNU.

Every athlete who participates in the McDonald's All American Games will visit the host city's local RMHC Chapter to experience first-hand how the Games impact the local community. For a complete list of players and more information on the McDonald's All American Games and RMHC, please visit: www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com or www.mcdepk.com/2008allamericangame/. You can also visit our new blog at insidethegames.net to obtain news and analysis of the Games and other basketball topics of interest on a regular basis.

This year, 48 players were selected from 2,500 nominees by a committee of basketball experts. They were chosen not only for their on-court skills, but for their performances off the court as well. Coach Morgan Wootten, who had more than 1,200 wins as head basketball coach at DeMatha High, is chairman of the selection committee. Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden, who has been involved in the McDonald's All American Games since its inception, serves as chairman of the Games and as an advisor to the selection committee.

Since 1977, more than 850 players have competed in the McDonald's All American Games, forming an elite list that reads like a "Who's Who" in basketball history. McDonald's All American athletes include NBA greats Alonzo Mourning (retired), Magic Johnson (retired), Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), as well as WNBA star Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx) and Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) and women's NCAA stars Tina Charles (Connecticut) and Maya Moore (Connecticut).

Tickets to the Games and POWERade(R) Jam Fest are available through Ticketmaster online by clicking here (Games) and here (Jam Fest), and by phone, (866) 909-GAME. POWERade Jam Fest will be held at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus on March 30, 2009. The qualifying competition will begin at 7 p.m. ET and the finals will air live for the first time ever at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

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HotHead Technologies' Heat Sensor Shows Exciting Potential by Kennesaw State University Researchers

/PRNewswire/ -- HotHead Technologies, Inc. today announced that the technology they have developed shows promising signs in early research results by Kennesaw State University researchers as an early warning system for heat injury.

"It's exciting news that research from a university as respected as Kennesaw State has been able to verify much earlier than we anticipated, in the preliminary stages of research that the reliability and validity of this device may be so quickly established," said Jay Buckalew, Founder and CEO of HotHead Technologies. "Heat-related injury and death has been of great concern recently. We're thankful that, starting this season, we can begin to put the minds of parents, coaches and certified athletic trainers at ease."

"In more than a decade of conducting prototype research, I have never seen data come out as tight as the data we collected for this technology," said Dr. Laurie Tis PhD., ATC., FACSM, Associate Dean and Professor at Kennesaw State University. "The research is on its way to confirming the correlation between actual body temperature and the relayed information. This is just a good, solid device. I am confident that when HotHead Technologies decides to go to market, it will be ready."

As the spring football season approaches, universities and high schools throughout the country are beginning to ask how they can properly measure the body temperature of their student-athletes and prevent these types of heat-related injuries. They have never been able to accurately monitor the body temperature of an athlete on the field - until now.

The Heat Observation Technology (H.O.T.) system provides coaches and athletic trainers with an early-warning detection system. The dime-size device is integrated into an athlete's helmet where it tracks the temperature trends of players on the field. That data is then wirelessly sent to a PDA where it can be monitored in real-time. In the event a player's temperature rises above normal, an audible alert is set off to warn a coach or certified athletic trainer that the player should be evaluated and cooled down.

Kennesaw State is currently in the process of conducting the second phase of the H.O.T. system research. Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals as early as this summer.

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Coke Zero Gives NCAA(R) Basketball Fans the Chance to 'Taste' Thirty Seconds of Fame During National Championship Broadcast

/PRNewswire/ -- Are you as mad as a drink with Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories? Think you can bounce up and down faster than Duke University's Cameron Crazies? Convinced you can recite your school's fight song more passionately and intensely than thousands of University of Kansas fans chanting "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk?" If so, now's the time to prove it by putting your school passion on display for the entire NCAA basketball world to see.

Coke Zero, the Official Fan Refreshment of the NCAA, is celebrating NCAA March Madness(R) by calling on college basketball fans to demonstrate their passion for their favorite team for a chance to be featured in a Coke Zero "Taste the Madness" television vignette. A special vignette featuring the best fan entries will air nationally during the CBS broadcast of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship immediately prior to tipoff. Between now and the NCAA Men's Final Four(R), fans can log onto the Coke Zero "March Madabase" -- a database of NCAA basketball fan rituals -- at www.tastethemadness.com to upload their most animated and fanatical videos and photos supporting their favorite NCAA college basketball team.

As determined by a Coke Zero panel of judges, the best entries submitted to the Coke Zero March Madabase, which will be hosted on ncaa.com, will be incorporated into the 30-second vignette that debuts on April 6. Judges will be looking for creativity, intensity, unpredictability, passion and authenticity, and those that rewrite the rulebook, just like Coke Zero did with its Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories.

The new Coke Zero vignette will be the third in a series that has featured Duke's Cameron Crazies and Kansas' "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk."

"NCAA basketball fans have loyalty and enthusiasm for their favorite teams that's unmatched in any other sport," said Bill Kelly, senior vice president, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America. "Just like Coke Zero set itself apart from other beverages with its combination of Real Coke Taste and Zero calories, the NCAA basketball fanatics we select for the 'Taste the Madness' vignette will stand out through their distinct displays of school spirit and unparalleled fan madness."

To launch Taste the Madness, Coke Zero has assembled a venerable group of NCAA basketball fans who will be featured prominently on the website. From Arkansas to North Carolina to UCLA, these students represent some of the top NCAA basketball programs and traditions in the country and are widely known on their campuses as leaders when it comes to demonstrating school spirit. These "Mad Majors" will submit their own videos and photos at www.tastethemadness.com and inspire other fans on their campuses and across the country to do the same for the chance to be featured in the Coke Zero vignette. In March, Coke Zero will select four of the Mad Majors to represent the brand at the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit and task them with documenting fan activities and uploading content to the March Madabase.

Coke Zero has also partnered with CBS college basketball studio analyst Seth Davis to help promote the Taste the Madness program. Davis is no stranger to the great lengths that fans will go to in order to support their favorite teams, as he was a distinguished member of the Cameron Crazies while a student at Duke University. Additionally, former University of Notre Dame player Bill Laimbeer, who led the school to its only NCAA Men's Final Four trip in 1979, will represent the program in Detroit during this year's national semifinals and championship game.

Coca-Cola is an Official NCAA Corporate Champion, the Official Fan Refreshment of the NCAA and a partner with the NCAA in a 12-year association which includes beverage marketing and media rights to 88 NCAA championships.

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Emory's Swimming and Diving Teams Win 11th-Consecutive UAA Championships

The Emory University men's and women's swimming and diving teams continued their streak of success at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships, winning their 11th-consecutive conference team championships on Saturday night in Chicago, IL.

Emory swimmers amassed a total of 14 individual and relay championships and 39 all-UAA honors (top-three finisher in an event) during the meet. In the process, Emory's athletes set seven University Athletic Association records and 10 pool records. In addition, Emory freshman Paul Weinstein earned Men's Rookie of the Year honors after finishing third in the 1,650-yard freestyle, 11th in the 500-yard freestyle, and 14th in the 200-yard backstroke.

The Emory men finished with 1694.5 points during the three-day championship meet, besting Carnegie Mellon University by a margin of 163 points. Following the top-two teams on the men's side were Washington University in St. Louis (1072 points), the University of Chicago (1049), New York University (1023), the University of Rochester (759), Case Western Reserve University (756.5) and Brandeis University (416.5).

On the final day of competition, junior Tom DiMarco earned his third individual championship of the meet, winning the 200-yard butterfly in a time of 1:52.33. Earlier in the meet, DiMarco won the 200-yard individual medley, setting a pool record, and the 200-yard freestyle.

Besides Weinstein's first all-UAA honor in the 1,650-yard freestyle, other top-three finishes for the Emory men's squad in the final day of competition came from Neil Ringer in the 200-yard backstroke (second place), Mackenzie Perry in the 200-yard butterfly (third place), and the Eagles 400-yard freestyle relay team (second place). In addition, diver Patrick Brady finished second in the one-meter dive, marking his second all-UAA honor of the meet.

All together, the Emory men earned five UAA Championships (DiMarco's three, Keith Diggs in the 400 IM, and the 200-yard medley relay team), while setting three pool records (DiMarco in the 200 IM, Diggs in the 400 IM, and the 200 medley relay team), and two conference records (200 medley relay team and Diggs).

The Emory women scored 1878.5 points during the meet, winning by over 400 points over the next-closest team, New York University (1449.5 points). Following the top-two were Carnegie (1063 points), Chicago (1028.5), Rochester (1006.5), Washington (848.5), Case (659.5) and Brandeis (614).

Sophomore Marie Kim won the only individual championship for the Eagles on the final day, winning the 200-yard breaststroke in a conference- and pool-record time of 2:23.43. The Eagles' 400-yard freestyle relay team also finished first, setting a pool- and conference-record time of 3:28.39. The Emory women's squad totaled nine UAA Championships during the meet (Liz Horvat in the 500 free and the 400 IM, Ruth Westby in the 200-yard freestyle, Jennifer Aronoff in the 100-yard breaststroke, Kim in the 200-yard breaststroke, and the 200 medley, 400 medley, 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle relay teams.

Earned all-UAA honors during the final day were Horvat and Kate Gunning in the 1,650 freestyle, Westby and Lillian Ciardelli in the 100-yard freestyle, and Mary Tripp in the 200-yard butterfly. Diver Chelsea Murphy also finished second in the three-meter dive with a qualifying score of 395.50, her second all-UAA finish of the meet.

During the three-day meet, Emory's women set conference records in the 500 freestyle (Horvat), the 200 breaststroke (Kim), and in the 200 medley, 400 freestyle, and 800 freestyle relays.

The championship is 11th overall for the Emory men, while the women have now won 17 UAA titles. The Eagles will now begin to turn their attention to the NCAA Division III National Championships in March, but will first host the Emory Invitational Last Chance meet next weekend at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

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PickManager.com Gives College Basketball Fans A Chance to Win $100 Million

(BUSINESS WIRE)--PickManager.com, a leader in online fantasy sports games, wants someone to walk away with $100 million by picking a “perfect bracket” during the annual men’s college hoops tournament in March.

“This historic contest is better than a free lottery ticket,” said Terry Dell, president of PickManager.com. “It is the ‘Game of the Century™,’ because nothing even close to this amount has ever been offered in sports contest history. This is 100 times larger than average prizes in the past.”

To enter the free contest, basketball fans can visit any website that has the official Game of the Century logo. To play, simply fill out the bracket of the 64 teams competing in the 2009 Men’s Division I college basketball championship. The person who correctly picks all of the winners—with a perfect bracket—will win the $100 million ultimate prize.

“For anyone who loves predicting the outcome of the March college tournament, this contest is a slam dunk,” Dell said. “We’re thrilled to add even more excitement to the tournament and our games with this unprecedented $100 million prize.

“At Pickmanager.com, you can play all the games you want all year for just $19.99,” Dell said. “PickManager.com creates innovative interactive sports games and mega prize contests. Our members can set up an unlimited number of public and private leagues with their friends and co-workers. They can enjoy playing in a variety of office pools and fantasy leagues, in addition to incredible national contests, with one account.”

In addition to the $100 million ultimate prize, PickManager.com is giving away many other prizes beginning the week of February 9, 2009. There are eight La-Z-Boy recliners up for grabs, one per week. Participants can qualify for the weekly random drawing by answering poll questions and selecting one out of four recliners to win if chosen. The grand prize is an extravagant sports den, featuring Lay-Z-Boy seating, a flat screen TV and a surround sound stereo system. It will be awarded to the person with the highest-scoring, “non-perfect” bracket.

The PickManager.com Game of the Century™ contest entry period runs from February 9, 2009 to 12 noon Eastern Time on March 17, 2009. Contestants must be 18 years or older, with a valid driver’s license. For full contest details, visit www.PickManager.com or a participating website.

Dell stressed that people must act fast to participate. “This free contest has a limited number of entries and we expect it to fill up quickly,” Dell said. “So make sure you, your friends and your co-workers sign up now for the chance to win the $100 million and other prizes. In addition, set up your own fully customizable March bracket contest at PickManager.com.”

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Hawks Announce Season Ticket Pricing for 2009-10

Prices Remain Flat for Season Ticket Holders Acting Before April 1

The Atlanta Hawks have announced season ticket prices for the 2009-10 season, according to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tracy White.

Any existing or new season ticket holder in any area that renews their tickets or purchases new season tickets prior to April 1 will see no cost increase from this year’s prices. Additionally, all fans can still capitalize on of one of the best values in sports, the $999 lower level season ticket. Season tickets start at $10 per game.

“This is a very exciting time for our franchise, and also a challenging economic time for everyone. We fully recognize and appreciate the important role our most valued customers play in the success of our team and organization,” White said. “We encourage our season ticket holders to take advantage of this early opportunity to lock in their seat location and price for next season.”

New season tickets for the 2009-10 season go on sale Sunday, March 1. In the interim, a $250 deposit secures the opportunity to attend a select-a-seat event prior to that night’s Hawks vs. Cavaliers game.

The Hawks are off to an 18-6 start at Philips Arena this season, the fourth-best home mark in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Atlanta is 29-21 with two games remaining before the All-Star break, the Hawks’ best record through 50 games since going 31-19 in 1998-99.

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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Getting2Tri Opens Registration for National Triathlon Training Camp for Physically-Challenged Athletes

PRNewswire/ -- The Getting2Tri Foundation (G2T, online at www.getting2tri.org), announced its National Triathlon Training Camp (NTTC) will be held March 19-22, 2009 in Atlanta, Ga. The second annual event provides new and experienced physically-challenged athletes with individualized coaching, interactive presentations and teachings, workout sessions, community building time and expert analysis. Hosted at the sports facilities of the Georgia Institute of Technology, the camp is limited to 100 participants to ensure individualized attention and safety. Registration is open at www.getting2tri.org.

"This is the only national triathlon training camp in the country for athletes with a physical disability," said Gina Weathersby, executive director, The Getting2Tri Foundation. "This national event allows us to bring together athletes of all levels, coaches, trainers and mentors for four days focused on developing skills in swimming, cycling and running. While our focus is on instruction, the camp builds a community for physically-challenged athletes that extends well beyond their time in Atlanta." Now in its second year, the camp is held in March in an effort to best prepare physically-challenged athletes prior to the start of the triathlon season.

The camp will require more than 300 volunteers who will contribute to all aspects of the camp from operations to athlete coaching to training partners. Volunteers of all abilities and experiences are encouraged to support the athletes at this national event. Experienced athletes from the three sports of triathlon, as well as physical and recreational therapists and licensed coaches, are encouraged to volunteer at the only triathlon camp dedicated to athletes with a disability. "Volunteering with G2T brings a purpose to our participation in sports and strengthens our community," said Weathersby.

Formed in 2006, the organization provides coaching, mentoring and training in the sports of swimming, cycling and running to physically-challenged individuals. Specifically, G2T addresses the needs of individuals with limb loss, paralysis and muscular or neurological disorders. G2T athletes range from single sport members entering their first race as part of a relay team, to seasoned triathletes competing in Kona at the Ironman World Championships. The backgrounds of physically-challenged athletes are just as varied as their goals, from wounded veterans to people with limb loss due to disease. For each athlete, G2T's focus is the same: to get him or her onto the playing field, at whatever level is their personal best.

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VSU Landscaper To Compete at Special Olympics World Games

Todd Howard, Valdosta State University landscapr, will leave Wednesday, Feb. 4, with his team to compete in the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Boise, Idaho.

Howard is looking forward to traveling cross-country with his 11 teammates to compete in floor hockey, which is similar to ice hockey, except played on a gym floor. His team has practiced every Monday and Thursday for a full year in preparation for the world games and the opportunity to join more than 4,000 of the greatest Special Olympic athletes in the world.

With more than 30 state medals, Howard has competed year-round with local Special Olympics teams for more than seven years. When coach Tammy Crosby started the team and invited him to join, he began falling in love with the sport he was first introduced to in middle school. He recently switched from center to left wing to aid the team with his speed, which will definitely be needed when facing some of the best teams in the world.

Howard is grateful to the many supporters who have given to the organization and made the trip possible. He credits coaches Crosby and Lindsay Wolfe, as well as his team members with their success and the pleasure playing has given him.

“It makes me challenge myself,” said Howard, who also speaks to schools and media outlets as a Special Olympics ambassador. “I believe in myself and have more self esteem.”

Howard said he hopes to return from his two-week trip with a medal, but most of all he’s glad to have a chance for such an amazing experience.

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Early Registration Deadline Approaches for Berry Half-Marathon

Time is running out to take advantage of early registration for the Berry Half-Marathon. Those who register by Feb. 7 will save $10 on the half-marathon and $5 each on the 5K and 10K. All three races will be held Saturday morning, March 7, on the campus of Berry College. Online registration is available at www.active.com. A printable, mail-in version can be downloaded at www.berryhalfmarathon.com.

As many as 1,500 competitors are expected for this year’s races, all of which will be run on courses that are USATF certified. Both the half-marathon and the 10K are official qualifiers for Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race. Race-day registration will be available for all distances except the half-marathon. The registration deadline for that event is Feb. 28.

Festivities get under way Friday, March 6, with a health & wellness expo and pre-race pasta dinner at Ford Dining Hall. The dinner will feature live entertainment and food catered by Bella Roma. Admission to the health & wellness expo is free. The dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12 (children under 3 eat free).

“It’s a great time to get psyched up for the race with the other runners and talk to sponsors and vendors,” said Allison Hunter, event director.

The race schedule kicks off March 7 with the half-marathon at 8 a.m. A cash prize will be awarded to the top three finishers in the half-marathon, and gift certificates will be given to the top masters and grandmasters in each race. In addition, all half-marathon finishers will receive a medal and a technical shirt. Participants in the other races will receive a cotton t-shirt.

Adding to the festive nature of the day will be Family Fun & Kite Day, which will be held in the Clara Bowl adjacent to the Ford Buildings.

Proceeds from the half-marathon and other races will benefit facilities, curriculum development and student aid at Berry College Elementary and Middle School. For more information or to inquire about race sponsorships, call 706-346-6223 or go to www.berryhalfmarathon.com. The Web site also features course maps and photos, training resources, 2008 race results and other useful information.

Prepared by student writer Leah Ryan

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It's a First for Georgia State Football - Signing Day

Georgia State’s burgeoning football program celebrated another important milestone Wednesday as head coach Bill Curry and his staff signed 26 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on National Signing Day.

These 26 student-athletes will enroll at Georgia State next fall and practice during a redshirt season in 2009 while preparing for the Panthers’ first season of competition in 2010. They will join Mark Hogan, Jr., who is already enrolled at Georgia State this semester in forming the Panthers’ first freshman class.

"Today is a landmark day for us," said Curry. "I’m sitting here with a list of ‘our players’ in front of me. This is fun.

"For us to be able bring in a class of this quality is something that we really feel good about. We’re not going to put these guys in the Hall of Fame just yet, but these are good football players who are good human beings and also good students.

"We’re off to a very good start in terms of the quality of our players. We have a lot of other things to do, but this is definitely a great start."

The group includes 14 players from the state of Georgia, as well as seven from Florida, four from South Carolina and one from Texas.

Highlighting the class are three members of the prestigious Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Top 150 in quarterbacks Drew Little of Henry County High School and Kelton Hill of Lithia Springs High and defensive back Nathan Anthony of Columbia High.

The Panthers also inked several highly-regarded players from the state of Florida, such as running backs Travis Evans (Williston HS, Williston, Fla.) and Darris Hughes (Clewiston HS, Clewiston, Fla.), running back/wide receiver Parris Lee (Fletcher HS, Jacksonville, Fla.) and linebacker Robert Ferguson (Glades Central HS, Belle Glade, Fla.), and promising linemen such as Harrison Clottey from Grayson High School in the Atlanta area as well as Grant King (Spring Valley HS, Columbia, S.C.) and Ramell Davis (Calhoun County HS, St. Matthews, S.C.) from South Carolina.

"I wish I could tell you how hard our staff has worked," said Curry.

"The reception we have received from high school coaches, high school counselors and parents throughout the state of Georgia has been overwhelmingly positive. That’s been really gratifying. When we were able to get these young men and their families to come visit our campus, meet our faculty, meet our academic support people and so on, it was not hard at all to sell Georgia State.

"Georgia State football will be a success, and these guys have bought into the idea of being a part of the beginning."

Name School Hometown Position
Blake Wyatt Landmark Christian Fairburn, Ga. Safety
Drew Little Henry County McDonough, Ga. Quarterback
Allen McKay Marion County Buena Vista, Ga. Running Back
K.J. Morton Northside-Warner Robins Warner Robins, Ga. Defensive Back
Tyler Blackwell Cartersville Cartersville, Ga. Cornerback
Parker Stevens Taylor Houston, Texas Defensive Back
Fred Barnes Martin Luther King Jr. Ellenwood, Ga. Quarterback/Athlete
Sam Burkhalter Blessed Trinity Roswell, Ga. Running Back
Robert Ferguson Glades Central Belle Glade, Fla. Linebacker
Demetreious Shorter Crisp County Cordele, Ga. Defensive End
Jordan Giles Spring Valley Columbia, S.C. Wide Receiver
Eduardo Curry West Ashley Charleston, S.C. Defensive End
Rosevelt Watson Lake Worth Lake Worth, Fla. Running Back
Mark Hogan* Lincoln-Sudbury (Mass.) Matthews, N.C. Running Back
Karl Williams Eastside Covington, Ga. Defensive End
Kelton Hill Lithia Springs Douglasville, Ga. Quarterback
Harrison Clottey Grayson Loganville, Ga. Offensive Tackle/Guard
Parris Lee Fletcher Jacksonville, Fla. Running Back/ Wide Receiver
Darren McCray Spencer Columbus, Ga. Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
Nathan Anthony Columbia Conley, Ga. Running Back
Grant King Spring Valley Columbia, S.C. Offensive Tackle
Bo Schlechter Glades Day Wellington, Fla. Quarterback
Travis Evans Williston Williston, Fla. Running Back/Cornerback
Ramell Davis Calhoun County St. Matthews, S.C. Offensive Line
Justin Orr Camden County St. Mary's, Ga. Linebacker
Dan Williams Boone Orlando, Fla. Wide Receiver
Darris Hughes Clewiston Clewiston, Fla. Running Back/Cornerback

* * indicates currently enrolled

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Synthetic Turf Council Launches the 'Search for the Real Field of Dreams(TM)'

/PRNewswire/ -- From 'Rudy' to 'Remember the Titans,' everyone knows a heartwarming sports story. Unfortunately, some of the best stories are never heard. That's why the Synthetic Turf Council is launching the Search for the Real Field of Dreams, a national contest looking for the high school with the most compelling story about its synthetic turf field. Synthetic turf empowered the Barrow Whalers to become the first Arctic high school football team in northern Alaska and helped Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, New York win the New York State Field Hockey Championship in 2006. With more than 1,000 synthetic turf fields installed in the United States annually, the success stories are endless.

"We've seen the way synthetic turf fields have helped teams go from worst to first and brought together entire communities," said STC president Rick Doyle. "It's important for the inspirational stories behind these fields to be shared. The pride high school students have in their sports teams is unique, and the Search gives them an opportunity to inspire others nationwide."

The Search for the Real Field of Dreams is open to any public or private high school in the United States that has a synthetic turf field. A winning school will be selected in April by an outside panel of judges and will win $2,500 for its athletic program, along with a sign recognizing its field as a contribution to the overall success of its athletic program. In addition, the second place school will receive $500 and eight national finalists will receive $250 for their schools. Interested students, coaches, faculty and parents can nominate their school by filling out the application at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org. Entries are due by March 31, 2009.

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Georgia Students Prepare to Aim High at 3rd Annual Archery Tournament

Close to 400 students throughout the state will compete on Friday, Feb. 13 in the 3rd annual National Archery in the Schools Georgia State Tournament.

The best-of-the-best from elementary, middle and high schools in 16 schools (from 13 counties) will convene in Perry for this tournament. The tournament is coordinated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and is open to all state schools enrolled in the National Archery in the Schools program (NASP).

A total of 343 students in grades 4-12 have registered for the event. Participation in the shoot has nearly double in size since last year.

“We are so pleased to see the NASP program and participation in the state tournament grow each year,” says State Shooting Sports Program Manager Jennifer Pittman. “Archery is a sport that anyone – male or female, small or large – can find success as long as they practice and dedicate time to achieve their goals. It is a program that teaches concentration, hand-eye coordination, patience and determination – all of which mesh perfectly with school goals.”

State Tournament Division winners will have the opportunity to compete at the NASP National Tournament May 8-9, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. At the national tournament, teams and individuals from all participating NASP states and countries will vie for college scholarships and other prizes. At the state tournament, the highest scoring male and female archer will win one of two $1,000 college scholarships.

The state tournament is conducted at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors Show. The Feb. 13 shoot will be held in the Miller Murphy Howard Building next to gate No. 24 (West Gate).

Teams of 16-24 students from each school will compete in three separate divisions: elementary (4th-6th grade); middle (7th-8th grade) and high (9th-12th grade). Archers will shoot at 10- and 15- meter intervals in six “flights.” An awards reception will follow completion of the last flight.

In addition to the tournament, there will be several activities for participants during the Great Outdoors Show. Admission is free for archers and registered coaches and $8 for observers. The Georgia Wildlife Federation provides food and refreshments for archers and registered coaches and allows use of the building for the tournament at no charge.

The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is located off I-75. Driving directions can be found at www.gnfa.com .

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Gwinnett County: Sign up now for Spring Adult Sports Leagues

Don’t miss out on adult sports leagues forming now through Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation. League begin regular play toward the end of March.

Basketball - Men’s Open Division 18-up
Begins March 29
Play every Sunday at Rhodes Jordan Park Gymnasium
$470 per team
Contact Tony Hudson at 770-822-5152

Flag Football - Men’s Open Division 18-up
Begins March 21
Play every Saturday at Rabbit Hill Park
$430 per team
Contact Dee Miller at 770-822-5149

Softball - Men’s Open, Coed & Men’s Industrial Divisions 18-up
Begins March 23
Play Monday-Friday at Bethesda Park and Georgia Pierce Park
Play every Monday at Best Friend park
$490 per team
Contact Tony Hudson at 770-822-5152

Volleyball - Coed Intermediate & Advanced Divisions 18-up
Begins March 29
Play every Sunday at Rhodes Jordan Park Gymnasium
$280 per team
Contact Dee Miller at 770-822-5149

Register your team today! Register online at www.gwinnettparks.com or visit a registration site:

Best Friend Park Gymnasium
4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross 30071
770-417-2200
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
SA 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
SU noon-5 p.m.

Bogan Park Community Recreation Center
2723 N. Bogan Rd., Buford 30519
770-614-2060
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
SA 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
SU 1-6 p.m.

Bethesda Park/Gwinnett Senior Center
225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville 30044
770-564-4680
M-F 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
SA 9 a.m.-noon

Lenora Park Gymnasium
4515 Lenora Church Rd., Snellville 30058
770-978-5271
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
SA 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
SU 1-6 p.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center
6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard Blvd, Norcross 30071
770-417-2212
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
SA 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
SU 1-6 p.m.

Rhodes Jordan Community Recreation Center
100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville 30043
770-822-5414
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
SA 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
SU 1-6 p.m.