Emory Tennis Players Win NCAA Championships

Emory University senior Michael Goodwin and sophomore Lorne McManigle captured the men's and women's singles crowns at their respective NCAA Division III Championships over the weekend.

Goodwin defeated Ben Stein of Bates College, 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to win the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Singles Championship on Sunday in Claremont, Calif. Goodwin, who was seeded fifth in the 32-player field bracket, became the first player in the history of the Emory men’s tennis program to win an individual national championship. Goodwin rattled off five victories en route to the crown including three three-set matches in his final three outings. His efforts closed out an outstanding four-year with Eagles that saw him earn All-America honors on nine occasions while ranking among the school's all-time top 10 performers with 75 singles victories.

McManigle became the second individual champion in the history of the Emory University women’s tennis program, as she defeated Ploy Suthijindawong of Saint Scholastica, 6-2, 6-1 at the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championships.

McManigle, who entered the tournament as the fifth seed, was pitted against the unseeded Suthhijindawong of the College of St. Scholastica.

McManigle becomes the second individual in Emory history to win the NCAA Division III Women’s Championship, joining former Eagle Mary Ellen Gordon, who won the singles championship in both 2003 and 2004. McManigle had the opportunity to earn the championship in front of a large number of Emory supporters, who made the trip up I-85 to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to see the title match.

Goodwin's and McManigle's championships mark the third time in NCAA Division III history that the men’s and women’s individual champion has come from the same school. Principia’s Toby Clark and Courtney Allen accomplished the feat in both 1985 and 1987.

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XTERRA Georgia Trail Running Race: 2nd Annual Deep South 15K

Dauset Trails, Jackson, Ga. Jun 7th, 2009.

DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK
We’re excited to present the 2nd Annual Deep South 15K Trail Race at Dauset Trails! For directions to the park: click here
Dauset Trails 360 Mount Vernon Road Jackson, Georgia 30233

ENTRY FEES
15K through May 27 -> $35
May 27-Jun 5 -> $40 (LATE)

Race Day Registration -> $45 Dirty Spokes is excited to offer Zorrel Dri Balance Shirts at our races this year! That's right a $25.00 value with your race registration! To be guaranteed of getting one of these awesome shirts - we recommend you register early (active.com or mail in registration). Again, NO GUARANTEE of a Zorrel Dri Balance Shirt with late or race day registration.

On-Line Registration: active.com
Download A Mail In Entry Form: Entry Form (PDF)

PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup will be the morning of the race starting at 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Race starts at 8:30 a.m SHARP!

RACE COURSE
This is great single and double track off-road running experience. The race will start in an open field (required for spacing) but will soon lead into the woods. The terrain is made up of a little bit of everything, rolling hills, climbs, single track, double track, roots, gravel and concrete drive along with some technical sections. The course is beautiful and offers something for every runner truly wishing to 'ditch the city'.

Dauset Trails Course Map
Click here to view the race course map!!!

RACE CATEGORIES
Dirty Spokes will be handing out cash, medals and prizes to our overall top 3 male and female finishers for each race. We will also be handing out medals to our top 3 male and female finishers in each age group (14&U, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70&U).

AWARDS
Awards will be given out when we have enough finishers in to fill the categories. Medals will be given out to the top three20finishers in each category. Walkers are encouraged to participate; however, you should be able to complete the 15k at a 16 minute mile pace or under to receive an official time.

QUESTIONS / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please e-mail Tim: tim@dirtyspokes.com
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Georgia State Baseball Headed to Atlanta Regional

Making its first trip to an NCAA Regional, the Georgia State baseball team will stay close to home and play at Georgia Tech as part of the Atlanta Regional beginning Friday. The Yellow Jackets will host as the top seed, while Elon and Southern Miss round out the four-team, double-elimination bracket.

The fourth-seeded Panthers will play Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Russ Chandler Stadium.

The entire team and coaching staff watched the NCAA selection show at local restaurant Six Feet Under near the Georgia State campus, along with numerous Panther fans.

“It’s a fantastic day for our baseball organization,” commented head coach Greg Frady. “The opportunity to play in an NCAA Regional is the culmination of a full body of work for the season. Seeing our name called on ESPN and going to our first-ever Regional is a wonderful experience.”

Each of the 16 four-team regionals will be played Friday through Monday, with the regional winners advancing to NCAA Super Regionals.

Fans interested in purchasing tickets should call the Georgia State Athletics ticket office at 1.866.GA.STATE beginning Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

The Panthers (39-20) earned an automatic NCAA berth, the first in school history, by winning the Colonial Athletic Association championship with four straight victories. Georgia State has already posted a school-record victory total and enters NCAA play with an eight-game winning streak, equaling a school record. The Panthers have won 13 of their last 15 games.

“We feel great that we played baseball at a high level to win our conference championship and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.” It’s a most wonderful time to be at Georgia State University. There is so much excitement and enthusiasm about about our University and our athletic department, and it feels great to be a big part of that.”

Georgia State is one of five teams making its first appearance in the tournament.

The Panthers split with the Yellow Jackets this season and have won at Russ Chandler Stadium two times in the last three years. State earned a 10-1 win against No. 3 Georgia Tech back in March, the highest ranked opponent that the Panthers have ever defeated.

Junior Bradley Logan, who earned CAA Most Outstanding Player honors at last week’s CAA Championship after hitting four home runs in four games, leads the veteran laden team. A total of 11 seniors round out the roster, led by senior catcher Marc Mimeault who led the Panthers with a .394 batting average and 14 home runs.

All postseason games will air live on WRAS-FM 88.5 beginning with Panther Sports Talk, 30 minutes prior to game time. Live stats will be provided via NCAA.com and GeorgiaStateSports.com.

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Auditions for Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers Set for Sunday, June 7

Fabulous Finalists Mixer slated for June 11; Final Auditions set for June 13

The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are looking for talented, enthusiastic individuals with a love of performing to become part of the 2009-10 squad. Preliminary auditions are slated for Sunday, June 7 on the Philips Arena Practice Court. Registration begins at 11 a.m.

The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are a group of energetic, personable and talented dancers who perform at Hawks home games and hundreds of community events each year. Those planning on trying out should be at least 19 years of age and bring a recent photograph (photos will not be returned), a copy of a valid driver’s license, a light lunch and drink, completed application and waiver form, and dance résumé. Attire should be a two-piece leotard, skin-toned/matte tights, socks, and sneakers or dance shoes. Cost is $25 per person to audition.

More information regarding the auditions, along with registration forms, can be found online at www.hawks.com or by calling (404) 878-3800. Final auditions are set for Saturday, June 13.

A pre-audition prep clinic is being offered on Thursday, May 28 (6 – 9 p.m.) in the Turner Athletic Club Aerobics Room at CNN Center. The clinic will consist of dance instruction and a Q&A session with members of last year’s squad and team management. Cost is $25 per person and application materials are available at www.hawks.com.

Additionally, the team will host a special “meet and greet” with the finalists on Thursday, June 11. All of Atlanta will be invited to The Fabulous Finalists Mixer (location TBA), where fans can meet and mingle with the dancers, who will be available for photos and autographs. More details about final auditions and The Fabulous Finalists Mixer will be released in the near future.

Preliminary auditions are closed for viewing to the general public. Media wishing to attend should contact the Hawks Media Relations Department at (404) 878-3800.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets are on sale now at just $55 down per month and can be purchased by visiting the Hawks website or by 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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Anniversary of Masters Waterski & Wake Board Tournament at Callaway Gardens Starts May 22‏

50th Anniversary of the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament™ and the 17th Junior Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament at Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga.

Friday, May 22
9:00 a.m. Junior Masters Elimination

Saturday, May 23
8:00 a.m. Junior Masters Finals
11:00 a.m. Masters Elimination Round
8:00 p.m. Movie premiere “Out of the Pond,” Mountain Creek Ballrooms (Free)

Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Chapel Service, Mountain Creek Ballrooms
10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring the Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
10:30 a.m. Masters Finals
End of Tournament signaled by Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
7:00 p.m. (until 8:30) Beach Olympics with Michael Blair (Free)

Spectators enjoy the awesome, often breathtaking competition while lounging in the sun; playing in the water’s edge and celebrating the beginning of summer at Callaway Gardens. Young and old alike can enjoy the many attractions at Robin Lake Beach including the miniature train, miniature golf, shuffleboard and more.

BONUS:

In celebration of this golden anniversary, special activities including:

* Premiere of a new movie “Out of the Pond” by Billabong which takes wakeboarding to new territory
* Parachute jumps by the Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
* Fireworks display
* Movie on the Beach – a family-favorite “Goonies”
* Robin Lake Beach is open for the Summer (paddleboats, shuffle board, swimming and more)
* Free Admission for military to both Masters and Callaway Gardens
* And more

What a great way to spend the long holiday weekend!

The event is for anyone who enjoys a fun in the sun setting. The entertainment is the best water-skiers and wake boarders from around the globe who have gathered to compete for the world’s most coveted title of their sport – the Champion of the Masters!

Dusk Fireworks Display

Following Fireworks Kickoff of the Summer series “Movies on the Beach (following fireworks) presenting “Goonies”

Tickets

Adult:
Single day beach pass $20; 3-day beach pass n/a
Single day pavilion pass $40 each day; 3-day pavilion pass $105

Child:
Single day beach pass $10; 3-day beach pass n/a

Special: To show appreciation to our nation’s armed services Memorial Day Weekend, Military Appreciation Day at the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament and Callaway Gardens. Both will provide free admission to those presenting valid military identification including active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree and dependents.

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Play Ball with the Braves June 6 at Ladies-Only Baseball 101 Clinic, Presented by Publix Super Markets

Women who want to learn more about America's favorite national pastime and hone their baseball skills can register now for Baseball 101 presented by Publix Super Markets. The clinic will take place on Saturday, June 6 at Turner Field, and ladies 18 years of age and up can sign up online at www.braves.com/baseball101 or contact the Braves Community Affairs Department at (404) 614-1435 by June 1.

Baseball 101 offers women the opportunity to learn batting, fielding, and pitching skills from Braves players and coaches. In addition to the on-field clinic, a variety of Braves "guest professors" will host a panel discussion on topics such as scouting, player development, the nuances of baseball, nutrition, and fitness. The clinic will end with an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Turner Field.

Women are encouraged to register soon as space is limited. Registration, which includes two tickets to that night's 7:00 p.m. game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers, is $80 for the Upper Box Package and $110 for the Outfield Package with proceeds benefiting the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital. In addition to the on-field clinic with Braves players and coaches and two tickets to that night's game, the registration fee includes lunch, a Baseball 101 t-shirt, and a Braves gift bag with an autographed item.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than $3 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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The Mathematics of Hitting Streaks

By Chris Gorski
Inside Science News Service

The 30-game hitting streak of Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman came to an end Wednesday, after a hitless game against the San Francisco Giants. He is, however, one of only 21 players have hit in 30 straight games in the past 50 years.

The rarity of such a streak means it could be the longest in major league baseball not just for this season, but for years to come.

It’s impossible to predict how long any streak will continue. Many baseball players depend on superstition to keep hitting streaks going - the “lucky socks” theory. Scientists, specifically statisticians, rely on hard numbers to predict the future. Neither group has developed a reliable forecasting method because superstition can’t be quantified and, as it turns out, there is an as-yet unexplained factor in hitting streaks that defies the best statistical models.

Trent McCotter, a baseball historian, published an article in the 2008 Baseball Research Journal explaining that considerably more hitting streaks have actually occurred than statistical models predict. That simple finding is raising questions about both baseball and the field of statistics.

Mathematicians usually compute the chances of a hitting streak by multiplying a player's chance of getting a hit in any given game, about 76 percent for a .300 hitter, by itself repeatedly. McCotter examined the real historical record of hitting streaks. Then, he took each individual season of every player from 1957 to 2006 and pulled out all the games where players did not record at bats. He used a computer to reorder the remaining games 10,000 times and calculated the average number of streaks.

He counted far more hitting streaks in real life than in his model. McCotter couldn't find any numerical explanation for the discrepancy.

"We've kind of gotten rid of all these obvious things that might explain it, so what else is there?,” he said. “[A player's] probability of a hitting streak isn't what it might seem given the final batting average at the end of the year.”

This leaves statisticians with a number of possibilities that are difficult to study mathematically. A hitting streak could affect the behavior of the hitter, the pitcher, managers, or even the official scorer, who determines if plays are hits or errors.

Steven Strogatz, a professor of applied mathematics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, said "first the dogma was that players are hot, players have streaks. Then the dogma was, no that's not right, everything is just coin flipping. And so, McCotter is saying, no, that's not right either. It's not just coin-flipping, there is some correlation from game to game, that players do something to keep their streaks going."

The longest hitting streak in baseball history is Joe DiMaggio's legendary 56 gamer in 1941. Strogatz investigated the probability that anyone in baseball history would have achieved a similar record. What he found indicates that, no matter the underlying reason, the odds of anyone challenging DiMaggio are long indeed, as Zimmerman can now testify. Though not as unlikely as many had previously suggested, statistically speaking streaks longer than 55 games should happen about once every 500 years.