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SPECIAL NOTES
 
*Deja Carter, a dancer/choreographer/singer now living in California (and a friend of ex-Imhotep football star Gerald Bowman, who recently committed to Southern Cal), will return to Philadelphia on Wednesday, Feb. 8, to teach a master hip-hop dance class for ages 7 on up. The class, with a $10 admission fee, will take place at 3824 Jasper Street, Phila. 19121, and all proceeds will be donated to the families of two of Deja's friends; their moms have been diagnosed with cancer. You need not prepregister. Just show up and have fun!
 
*Dick's Sporting Goods' "MVP of the Week” promotion recognizes amateur athletes for moments of greatness on the playing field and in the arena. Fans may vote online each week to determine the top amateur sports moment with the winning video being rewarded $500 in Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards -- $250 to the individual who submitted the winning entry and $250 to the featured players’ choice of qualified school, team or athletic organization. The entry process is simple. Visit www.DicksMVP.com to upload your compelling sports video, then encourage people to vote for it.
 *Interested in playing Sports in College? Get personalized one-on-one attention to help you through the recruiting process. GetRecruited is a service that helps athletes from giving a general overview of the recruiting process to guiding and helping athletes with specific materials and skills they will need to get to the school and program of their dreams. To learn more check out this Facebook page . . .  http://www.facebook.com/pages/GetRecruited/215548825131911?ref=hnav

BOOK ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
*Click here for general info -- as well as info on how to purchase -- an e-book entitled "The Ultimate Phillies Trivia Quiz, Volume 2," by Lou Orlando. Lou was a great friend/SJ Prep classmate of deceased former basketball coach Eddie Burke (several Catholic League schools & Drexel).
 
*Julius Thompson, a sports writer for the ol' Philadelphia Bulletin (early '70s to early '80s), has written a novel based on his experiences here. The prologue is available here. Amazon's Kindle version of the book is available here. And Barnes & Noble's NookBook version is available here.
 
*Longtime website contributor Ted Taylor has completed “The Duke of Milwaukee . . . The Life and Times of Al Simmons, Baseball’s Forgotten Superstar.” It is available by mail from TTA Authentic LLC, PO Box 273, Abington PA 19001. Cost is $15, which includes postage and handling (book store SRP of $11.95). It is also on sale at selected outlets, including the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society in Hatboro, PA. The book was published by The Educational Publisher, 1313 Chesapeake Ave., Columbus, OH (www.EduPublisher.com). For additional info, or to schedule a book signing, contact Ted at ted@tedtaylor.com or 215-576-7212.
 
*John McQueen, an All-Public basketball player for Dobbins in 1981 and now a member of Cabrini College's Hall of Fame for his hoops exploits there, has co-authored "Living Proof . . . The Gifts That Come Wrapped in Sandpaper," which includes moving stories of triumph will uplift your soul and inspire your spirit. John is a successful entrepreneur with ownership and investments in health & wellness, food manufacturing, entertainment and computer software, and he has more than 25 years experience in sales and marketing with fortune 500 Companies. Click here for info on how to purchase the book. 
 
*Minister Kevin Benton, the Public League's top basketball senior in 1990 for Mastbaum Tech and later a college player at Delaware and Liberty, as well as overseas, has completed a book entitled "Field Trip to Hell," which he describes as autobiographical (chapters 1-3), theological and Christian fiction. The book, which includes anecdotes about such Philly hoops legends as Sonny Hill, Rasheed Wallace and Aaron McKie, is available everywhere, and online at www.barnesandnoble.com and www.amazon.com. For more info about Benton's life and book, visit www.kevinbentonministries.com.
  *
"Love, Pain & Passion . . . The Heart of a Champion," Linda Page's autobiography about how she seized the country's consciousness (scored 100 points; broke Wilt Chamberlain's career record, etc.) while starring at Dobbins Tech ('81) and then continued creating a stir at North Carolina State, is now available. (Ted was honored to write the foreword.) Click here to see info on how to purchase it on www.authorhouse.com, call 1-866-577-8877 or visit www.lindapage100points.com.

SPECIAL NOTES
 
*Clahar34 Films specializes in the capturing, editing, and production of athletic films and events. The films produced by our company have helped high school and junior college players receive scholarships, helped promote athletic apparel, and helped athletes receive professional contracts. Visit our website if you want to stand out from the rest, www.clahar34films.net.
 
*Roman Catholic grad Alan Watkins ('89), a first team All-City basketball player, and then a star at Duquesne, needs a kidney transplant. The situation is not yet dire (Jan. '11) and Alan is receiving support from the folks at Einstein Hospital, but he would appreciate hearing from anyone who might be able to help. Alan may be reached at 215-207-4791 or alwat35@yahoo.com
 
*The family of John Wagner is proud to announce the formation of The Coach Wags Memorial Foundation, which honors the late, beloved former freshman football coach at St. Joseph's Prep. The foundation's sole mission is to raise money for The Cancer Center at Children's Hospital. For more information, email THECOACHWAGSMEMORIALFOUNDATION@yahoo.com and/or check out The Coach Wags Memorial Foundation on Facebook. Please share your favorite memories and thoughts.

SPORTS CHATTER GUYS RETURN
 
*The Sports Chatter Guys are back on WBCB1490 AM and www.WBCB1490.com and every Sunday at Chickie's & Pete's on Packer Ave in South Philly from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Host/producer Gene Giello and Paul J. Solari have been rejoined by an original SC Guy, Kevin Midgette. Call the SC guys from 4:30 to 6:30 every Sunday at 215-949-3232 or 888-922-2149 to join in the conversation. Also, if you miss the show, go to www.WBCB1490.com and listen to the podcast . . . And don't forget, e-mail the SC guys at SportsChatterTalk@msn.com or call 484-461-8775 prior to Eagles kickoff each week with your prediction of which Eagle wwll return a kickoff, punt, interception or fumble for a TD and you could win a cash prize (as much as $1,000, from OddsOn Promotions). If more than one person predicts who turns the trick, the prize will be split between winners.

SPECIAL EVENTS
 
*Please click here for information on fund-raising efforts to help Kevin McCloskey, former North Catholic athlete who suffered severe injuries while serving in Afghanistan.

BASEBALL
  *The Ambler Rebels of the Perkiomen Valley Twilight league are looking for players. Current college players or recent grads. Season runs from mid-May thru July. Games are Monday through Thursday and the home field is Montgomery County Community College, in Blue Bell. Contact Marty Eckert at 484-744-1667 or coachmartye@aol.com.
 
*A clinic for coaches on all levels, sponsored by The Winning Team Group and featuring instruction by numerous college coaches, will be held Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Science and Discovery HS, 1100 W. 10th Street, Chester, PA, 19013. Cost is $25. For more information, call 215-990-3188 or visit www.thewinningteamgroup.com.
 
*Philadelphia's American Legion league will use wood bats for the 2012 season. Click here for the organization's website. 
 
*Former major leaguer pitcher Frank DiMichele, a product of the old Neumann High, has launched a website, www.PitchLikeAPro.com, that is geared toward pitching development and training based on his  years of experience as a professional pitcher, coach and instructor. The website is filled with many helpful videos, photos and eBooks on the proper training techniques for pitchers. Also, check out Frank's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ThePitchingPro. Also, Frank may be reached at 610-209-5024 and thepitchingpro@verizon.net.
 
*Thom McAdams and ex-major league pitcher Dorn Taylor, former members of the staff at Bishop McDevitt High, are hoping to coach again during the 2012 season. Contact Thom at tjm5573@verizon.net.
 
*Click here to see information on a book, "They Kept It Quiet", by Dobbins product Cliff Carter, who led the nation in triples while playing for Temple in 1984. 

FOOTBALL
 
*The ISAA's 2012 Youth Passing League, for players ages 7 to 14, will be held every Saturday in June at the Germantown Super Site. Three divisions: minor, currently in the 3rd or 4th grade, games start at 10 a.m.; major, 5th/6th, 12:15; junior high, 7th/8th, 2:15. To learn more, visit www.isaainc.com or call Antowine Graham at 215-266-6206.

  *The Philly Football Skills Academy is hosting FREE workouts every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, at the Frankford Chargers Field, Margaret and Ditman streets (behind Harding Middle School). Players ages 10 to college are welcome. No need to preregister. Just show up. Pub legends such as Lance Johnstone, Brent Johnstone, Keita Crespina, Marc Baxter, Jimmy Harris, Rich Drayton, Marc Foster, Jon Clark and Tim Leach are running the show.

  *Paramus Catholic, a large school in North Jersey, seeks a game for the last weekend in September or  first weekend in October. Contact coach Chris Partridge at 201-445-4466, ext. 196, or cpartridge@paramus-catholic.org.
 
*Tryouts for the New Level 7-on-7 tournament will be held Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at St. Joseph's Prep, 17th and Girard. Open to players in grades eight through 11. Cost ($25) includes T-shirt and a chance to compete for a spot on eight to 10 teams that will represent the Northeast region in national tournament. Bring sneaks, shorts, highlight tapes. For more info, contact Albie Crosby at 215-303-9046.

  *Kevin O'Hanlon, a Bucks County native who played at Georgia Tech and has coached on levels all the way from youth ball to Arena 2, hopes to become a high school assistant for the 2012 season (lines or special teams). He may be reached at ArenaCoachOHanlon@gmail.com, KevinOHanlon1@hotmail.com or 215-892-8402.

  *The Philadelphia Liberty Belles, a semi-pro team for women, seek a chief assistant and coaches on both sides of the ball for 2012; the regular season runs from April through July. Contact NaTaza Stanford, the team's owner and general manager, at generalmanager@phillybelles.com or 302-753-7573.
 
*Click here for complete information on the game Judge will be playing in Ireland to start the 2012 season. 
 
*Click here for a website that details the fight waged by former Neshaminy High football player Marco Dapkey against a form of leukemia. There are progress reports, and information about fundraisers and how you can help. Marco, who'd been picked as a captain for the 2010 season, began his high school years at Bonner and his mother, Rita, was a strong supporter, through her great photography, of the Friars' football program. We wish Marco, who's now at West Chester, and his family all the best!
 

BASKETBALL
 
*Constitution and Ben Franklin high schools seeks teams to compete in a spring league (varsity teams) to run from April 10 through the end of the school year. Cost: $250 and $25 per game for referee fees.
Each team is guaranteed eight games and there will be playoffs to determine a champion. Teams from Southeastern PA/South Jersey welcome. Contact Constitution coach Rob Moore at chsgenerals@gmail.com.

  *Roman Catholic HS will hold an alumni game on Feb. 12 (after the varsity game vs. Wood). If you played ball for the Cahillites and would like to participate, contact Mike Leinheiser at mgleinheiser@urbanengineers.com or 215-487-3385.
 
*Constitution seeks one home game. Contact coach Rob Moore at chsgenerals@gmail.com.
 
*Monsignor Bonner seeks one game. Contact coach Tom Meakim at tjmeak@comcast.net.
 
*West Catholic High will plays its final regular season home game on Friday, Feb. 10, vs. Carroll (JV at 5, varsity at 6:30). A reception will follow immediately after the varsity game. If you're planning to attend the reception, please contact Brian Fluck (brianfluckwc@hotmail.com) or Mary DeMasi (wchsdemasi@yahoo.com) by Feb. 7.
 
*Converse Open Gyms are Back for 2012! Ages 16-24 at Simon Gratz High School. Feb. 18 & April 7. The event is free and each participant will receive a jersey, magazine cover photo, snacks and a chance to test out the new Converse Defcoms worn by the 76ers' Lou Williams. There will be a DJ providing music and a barber providing free haircuts to all participants. Four courts to play on.
  The sessions:
SESSION 1, 10AM-12PM, Ages 16-18
SESSION 2, 12PM-2PM, Ages 16-18
SESSION 3, 2PM-4PM, Ages 19-21
SESSION 4,4PM-6PM, Ages 22-24 

  *The 20th annual Seashore Officials Clinic will be held May 18-20 in Wildwood, N.J. The clinic, directed by John Koskinen, will feature speaking appearances by John Adams, Jim Burr, Joe Crawford, Tom Lopes and Stan Rote. For more info, contact Koskinen at 215-235-8896 or jkoskinen9@gmail.com

  *Applications for the 2012 Narberth Boys Summer League are now available. You can pick one up at your school's athletic office, basketball coach/office, or IN PERSON at the Narberth Borough Hall, 100 Conway Ave., Narberth, PA 19072; please do not call the Borough Office. You can also send an email to kazball@msn.com and an application will be forwarded immediately. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. In previous years, the league has filled by March 1.
 
*Fundamentals 1st, headed by former Lamberton/Millersville star Troy Daniel, offers 1-to-1/group instruction on all facets of the game (playing, strength, nutrition, etc.) to male/female players from youth ball all the way to pro. Contact Troy at 215-498-6907 or fundamentals1st@gmail.com
 
*Roman Catholic grad Alan Watkins ('89), a first team All-City basketball player, and then a star at Duquesne, needs a kidney transplant. The situation is not yet dire (Jan. 2011) and Alan is receiving support from the folks at Einstein Hospital, but he would appreciate hearing from anyone who might be able to help. Alan may be reached at 215-207-4791 or alwat35@yahoo.com.