Sports Commentary | The Daily Courier

Johnson: Quick trip up Guadalupe Peak in Texas offers fresh scenery

Hiking Arizona

Remember John Denver singing, “Leaving on a jet plane …?” I can count the number of times I’ve traveled to a hike via a jet plane on one hand. Perhaps you’ve done so more often. It comes down to what you have more of, time or money.

Kobritz: US Olympic Committee invokes nuclear option

Beyond the Lines

The United States Olympic Committee has finally responded to the most horrific sex abuse scandal – in terms of the sheer number of victims - in sports history.

Howard: There’s something to be said about continuity

My Point

People like to be able to depend on what’s going to take place and for some it might even seem a bit repetitive.

Gunby: Educating players on local golf rules

TEE IT UP

I am strongly suggesting that all golf clubs and courses get to work right now on marking their golf courses, having new Rule Books available, educating their players and developing their local rules to coincide with the new Rules of Golf that go in effect on January 1st.

Kobritz: Maryland football, university redefining the word debacle

Beyond the Lines

Embarrassing. Disgraceful. Shameful. Dysfunctional. Pathetic. Those are the words that come to mind when describing the fiasco that unfolded at the University of Maryland last week.

Howard: Tennis questions I’d love to have answers for

My Point

Sometimes you just can’t seem to get the answers for the questions you have and for me I have quite a few in the realm of tennis. A few of these questions may never have answers, while others it’ll just take some time yet to get them.

Johnson: Headlamps off: Natural light can guide you on a night hike

Hiking Arizona

Things go bump in the night, right? Perhaps that’s why headlamps were much in use when I got to the trailhead at 5 a.m.

Kobritz: New York Mets creating ethical dilemma

Beyond the Lines

The New York Mets have settled on Brodie Van Wagenen to fill their General Manager position, resurrecting a debate on whether it’s appropriate or ethical for a sports agent to go from representing players to being their boss.

Howard: Tennis road trip: New Orleans and Orlando

My Point

A week on the road to primarily play tennis in two national tennis events is a pleasure I’ve never taken the time to do - until now.

Gunby: Rule changes to come for 2019 golf ratings, handicaps

Tee It Up

Some of the 2019 rule changes are going to have a huge impact on the course ratings and handicaps, especially if some local rules are implemented (i.e. out of bounds relief option, pace of play, etc.) and dependent on how the golf course is marked (i.e. out of bounds, red penalty areas, yellow penalty areas, no play zones, etc.).

Kobritz: Is baseball a game of skill or luck

Beyond the Lines

Branch Rickey, one of the greatest pioneers in baseball history, famously said, “Luck is the residue of design,” the result of planning and hard work. While the benefits of hard work are undeniable, it doesn’t always lead to the result you desire. Sometimes, the only explanation for success is plain old luck, which often happens in sports.

Howard: Tennis in a new lane

My Point

There are an awful lot of people playing tennis who have learned much of their game through trial and error. Nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s one of the main learning methods.

Johnson: Hiking trails in the fall a favorite activity for many

Hiking Arizona

Fall, for many is their favorite time of year. Hiking where fall colors are on display in grand style, such as in the vicinity of Mt. Elbert, Colorado, is unforgettable. On my first trip there, I thought I was being given a glimpse of heaven.

Kobritz: Flyers mascot Gritty is frightening

Beyond the Lines

The origin of the first sports mascot is a matter of debate but the genre may trace its roots to 19th century France. History suggests the word mascot derives from a French opera, “La Mascotte,” the story of an Italian farmer whose crops wouldn’t grow until he was visited by a virgin named Bettina. With her help, his fortunes turned around.

Howard: The tennis boom of the early open years

My Point

It was a long time coming, but finally in 1968 the powers to be overthrew the old regime of a separated amateur and professional tour of tennis players and let tennis come alive with both competing against one another for men and women.

Gunby: Golf rules changes will help speed pace of play

Tee It Up

The R&A and USGA have made some big changes to the Rules of Golf, beginning in 2019. These changes are intended to modernize the game and speed up the pace of play.

Kobritz: ‘Most miserable fans’ goes to Kings, with Patriots on the other end of spectrum

Beyond the Lines

ESPN recently surveyed fans of teams in the four Major League team sports to determine the most miserable fan base in professional sports.

Bergner: NAZ Suns moving forward with assistant GM Dylan DeBusk, for now

On The Ball

The NBA world came to a standstill Monday when Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver surprisingly fired General Manager Ryan McDonough, replacing him with James Jones, who was working under the title of vice president of basketball operations.

Howard: The path to playing professional tennis is a true test

My Point

This column is not for the faint of heart if indeed you have a child who has a goal of playing top level college and preferably professional tennis. It’s a dedication of time, money, hard work and willingness to give up most of the other things life has to offer and then there are still no guarantees.

Johnson: A hike to keep you busy this fall: Hesperus Mountain

Hiking Arizona

First impressions of Hesperus Mountain, Colorado, are powerful. The first thing I thought when I spotted Hesperus for the first time was that it was the most beautiful mountain I had ever seen. I will never forget its contrasting bands of color, its perfect shape, its setting with a clear blue sky, patches of snow and wildflowers.

Kobritz: Grand jury investigation has MLB worried

Beyond the Lines

Yahoo Sports reported last week that a federal grand jury is investigating MLB’s international dealings, news which reportedly sent shock waves through the sport.

Howard: Park of Fame: Tennis inductions and clinic success

My Point

When you organize and run a fairly large event, there are quite a few unknowns.

Gunby: Rules of golf and their evolution

Tee It Up

I ran across a newly published book that encompasses the entire history of golf, “Born on the Links: A Concise History of Golf,” written by John Williamson.

Kobritz: Compensating players for promoting beer

Beyond the Lines

Lost amid the excitement of September pennant races and the tabloid coverage of which NBA players slept with their teammate’s girlfriend, was an announcement that AB InBev (ABI), makers of Budweiser and other brands, had signed agreements to feature active MLB and NBA players in beer ads.

Howard: There’s much love for the history of tennis

My Point

Some people make it with their great play, some organize and work it, some write about it while others teach, some play at it and each part helps create the whole.