FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending November 25, 2011 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

PHOENIX, AZ—On Monday, U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell sentenced two men for their involvement in an Internet sports gambling conspiracy.

Oscar (“Paul”) Barden, 37, of Scottsdale, was sentenced to three years’ probation and 150 hours of community service and Richard Michael DiCapua, 69, of Scottsdale, was sentenced to two years’ probation and 100 hours of community service.

On April 13, 2011, Barden pleaded guilty to Conspiracy in Transmission of Wagering Information and Operating an Illegal Gambling Business. Additionally, on July 13, 2011, DiCapua pleaded guilty to Misprision of a Felony for his role in concealing the gambling operation. In their plea agreements, the defendants admitted to being involved from March 2007 to August 2009, in an extensive sports wagering operation led by Daniel Meisel, the principal bookmaker who acted as the bank or house for the operation. He had a number of “agents” working under him who all had bettors that they serviced. An earlier-sentenced Defendant, Christopher Robert Finn acted both at the direction of Meisel and had his own sub-operation as part of the overall gambling ring and multiple defendants were involved to varying degrees, reporting to either Meisel or Finn.

The illegal gambling operation used Internet-based offshore sports books located in Costa Rica for making and tracking bets on sporting events. The Costa Rican sports books did not have an interest in the outcome of the wagers, but charged a fee for managing each bettor’s account. The defendants paid out or collected cash in person from each bettor.

The remaining defendants and their respective sentences or dispositions are as follows:

• Daniel Meisel is a fugitive and remains at large. Although Meisel has been indicted, that raises no inference of guilt and he is presumed innocent until competent evidence is Presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• On October 26, 2011, Judge Campbell sentenced six other defendants involved in this conspiracy: James Lee Baker, 42, of Peoria; Fred Guaragna, 60, of Scottsdale; Blaine Taylor Moore, 39, of Sedona; Diane Beck, 54, of Scottsdale; and Bradley Mark Smothermon, 50, of Cave Creek. All previously pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy in Transmission of Wagering Information and Operating an Illegal Gambling Business and all were sentenced to three years of probation and 150 hours of community service.
• Christopher Robert Finn, 39, of Phoenix, also pleaded guilty to Conspiracy in Transmission of Wagering Information and Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, and one count of aiding and abetting an Illegal Gambling Business. In addition to a four year probation term, Finn was sentenced on October 26, 2011 to eight months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service.
• Todd Kaplan, 38, of Scottsdale, pleaded guilty to Misprision of a Felony and was sentenced on November 10, 2011, to three years’ probation by visiting U.S. District Judge David C. Norton.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Scottsdale Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Peter Sexton, Paul Bullis, and James Morse Jr., Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:
CR-10-1044-PHX-DGC (Meisel, et.al);
CR-11-1391-PHX-FJM (Kaplan)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-258(Meisel_etal)

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

Two More Involved in Internet Sports Gambling Ring Sentenced | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Illustrated booklet offers comprehensive, concise information on common sports injuries

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 26, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Sports Medicine Media Guide: An illustrated Resource on the Most Common Injuries and Treatments in Sports is now available online and in print from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The new, 33-page guide provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand descriptions of common sports injuries, from ankle sprains and concussions, to cardiac arrest and heat stroke.

“AOSSM and AAOS have worked to create a guide for media professionals that we hope will provide clear, unbiased information about sports injuries and treatments for athletes of all ages and skill levels,” said David Geier, MD, Chair, AOSSM Public Relations Committee.

“This guide is a must-have resource for sports reporters who want to simply and accurately explain common sports injuries,” said Michael F. Schafer, Chair, AAOS Communications Cabinet.  

The Guide is divided into 20 chapters, each focusing on a specific injury and providing information on cause, diagnosis and treatment; as well as related definitions, statistics and resources.  Chapters are written by an “expert consultant” – an orthopaedic surgeon or other physician specializing in the particular injury or condition – who offers insight on what to expect in recovery, how to avoid injury and how to get back into the game. High-resolution photographs and medical illustrations provide additional detail, and can be used in news stories to further explain an athlete’s injury.

The Sports Medicine Media Guide includes the following chapters:

• Ankle Sprains
• AC Joint injuries
• Articular Cartilage Injuries
• Concussions
• The Injured ACL
• Exercise and the Mature Athlete
• Meniscal Tears
• Shoulder Impingement
• Anabolic Steroids
• Stress Fractures
• MRSA Infections
• Treatment of Tendon/Ligament
• Disorders with Platelet-Rich Plasma
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Shoulder Instability/Dislocations
• SLAP Tears
• Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes
• Throwing Injuries in Children
• Overuse Injuries
• Heat Illness

The guide is available at the AAOS website at www.aaos.org.

As always, AAOS and AOSSM staff is available to provide information and expert interviews on orthopaedic injuries and conditions.

About AAOS
An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. With more than 36,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Initiative (www.usbjd.org) — the global initiative in the years 2002–2011 — to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people’s quality of life.

About AOSSM
Formed primarily as a forum for education and research, AOSSM has increased its membership from its modest start of less than 100 to nearly 3,000 today. AOSSM members are physicians and allied health professionals who demonstrate scientific leadership, involvement and dedication in the daily practice of sports medicine.  The unifying interest of the membership is their concern with the effects of exercise and the monitoring of its impact on active individuals of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness. While many members treat high profile athletes who play on professional teams, many devote their practices to helping out their community and treating players on the local high school or junior college team.

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

http://www.aaos.org

AOSSM/AAOS Announce New Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Media Guide | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Celebrate team and school loyalty with the help of Our House Brand, a new site sports apparel website launched by Terry House, dedicated to building up the concept of team loyalty.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, March 24, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — A new website, http://www.myhouseintl.com, celebrating team and school loyalty has been launched by Terry House, a loyal Chicago sports fan who has performed color guard duties for major Chicago sports teams on numerous occasions.

“I created the Our House Brand, because I grew tired of purchasing t-shirts and jerseys of star athletes, just to see them leave or traded to a different team,” House explained. “Athletes and players come and go, but fans, supporters and team or school colors remain the same.”

The website features t-shirts and other sports apparel in a variety of sizes and styles, which
can be customized in any team colors and which feature the “This is…Our House!” logo. Fans wearing this team logo at home games can show their undying loyalty to their team, school, fraternity or sorority, or any other organization to which they passionately support.

“The “This is… Our House!” Fan Brand is designed for Sports Fans during home field and home court advantage,” House explained. “This is the place where fans become teammates!”

House, a lifelong Chicago sports fan who loves his teams whether they win or lose, created the “This Is…Our House” brand before being deployed to Iraq several years ago. Now that he’s returned, he’s dedicated to building up the concept of team
loyalty.

“Our goals here at Our House are to become a well recognized sports brand that realizes the importance of fan revenue and support, and to becoming a household name that is synonymous with loyalty to one’s team.”

Those seeking more information or wishing to build up team may visit http://www.myhouseintl.com.

New Sports Apparel Website Celebrating Team Loyalty Is Launched | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO (March 21, 2010) /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — As youth athletics have become more widespread, competitive and time consuming, moms have elevated their game to support their kids in sports. Seventy percent of moms are raising kids in competitive sports, creating a group of “Sports Moms” nearly 13 million strong, according to the “Gatorade Sports Moms Study,” a poll of 900 moms of middle and high school students.

Sports Moms spend one-third more time and more than twice as much money across their children’s entire span of extracurricular activities than moms without kids in sports. Despite this, 79 percent of Sports Moms report that it’s “no problem” balancing these added demands with their other responsibilities, further reinforcing their commitment to their kids’ sports. And according to the study, of all the things moms do to support their athletes’ success, they say the area where they have the greatest influence is in their athletes’ nutrition.

“We continually conduct research with athletes of all ages to better understand their physiological needs and how to help them advance athletic performance. We not only know athletes but also what fuels them. This study was unique because we looked at the mom behind the athlete to see what she does to fuel her athletes’ success,” said Sarah Robb O’Hagan, president of Gatorade North America and global chief marketing officer for PepsiCo sports nutrition. “We found that Sports Moms play a major role in their athletes’ lives, but they feel they make the biggest impact in their athletes’ nutrition. This is incredibly significant based on the essential role sports nutrition plays in athletic performance.”

The study polled moms to identify their perceived roles, challenges, motivations and rewards, as it relates to their children’s sports, and took a deeper dive to better understand the moms behind today’s young athletes. The study was conducted by Glass Box Research on behalf of Gatorade, a company with more than 40 years of athletic insights and sports science expertise.

Nutrition is a Sports Moms’ Game

Youth athletes need balanced meals that provide appropriate nutrients, vitamins, minerals and caloric intake to fuel their sports performance, and Sports Moms overwhelmingly agree (94 percent) that proper nutrition is important for their young athletes to perform at their best. The study found that there are additional nutritional challenges when raising an athlete. For examples, moms reported that kids in sports eat an extra meal a week and two more meals away from home than kids who aren’t in sports.

Despite their commitment to nutrition, Sports Moms have concerns and knowledge gaps around their #1 role, including:

Protein

• Seventy-five percent of Sports Moms don’t know that in order to help promote muscle recovery, their athletes should consume protein within a 30-60 minute window post-exercise.

Hydration

• Seventy-six percent of Sports Moms think their kids are properly hydrated, but research shows that 70 percent of teen athletes show up for athletic events dehydrated.

Pre- and post-game fuel

• Forty percent feel their athletes don’t get the right nutrients to keep them on top of their game during practice and competition.
• More than half report that their kids aren’t eating appropriately to fuel before practice.
• Almost half admit their athletes are unable to eat a meal within an hour of practice or competition.

Helping Moms Help Their Athletes

Recognizing the important role Sports Moms play in their kids’ athletic lives, Gatorade has devoted a new site to help moms support their athletes’ quests to become their best. Found at Gatorade.com/moms, the site is a resource for sports nutrition information, training tips and advice straight from scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). GSSI serves as Gatorade’s research and educational facility dedicated to better understanding sports nutrition science and exercise physiology. On the site, Sports Moms can view videos featuring moms of youth and professional athletes who have shared their sacrifices, hopes and dreams for their kids in sports. For more information visit Gatorade.com/moms.

About Gatorade

The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), provides sports performance innovations designed to meet the needs of athletes at all competitive levels and across a broad range of sports. Gatorade Thirst Quencher® is backed by more than 40 years of research and is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes, and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. The company’s product portfolio is built around the G Series™, a 1-2-3 approach to athlete nutrition and hydration before (Gatorade Prime 01™), during (Gatorade® Perform 02 and G2® Perform 02), and after (Gatorade Recover 03™) training or competition. For more information, please visit www.gatorade.com.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales each. Our main businesses — Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, and Pepsi Cola — also make hundreds of other enjoyable and wholesome foods and beverages that are respected household names throughout the world. With net revenues of approximately $60 billion, PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment, including by conserving energy and water usage, and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support, and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

Glass Box Research, a leading market research firm, polled 900 Moms with children attending either high school or middle school, including 600 Sports Moms and 300 non-sports moms. Results include moms nationwide using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total United States population. The online survey was conducted between January 20, 2011 and January 21, 2011. Glass Box Research is headquartered in Chicago.

When it Comes to Young Athletes, Mom’s Got Game | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, March 8, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Rafer Weigel will join ABC 7 Chicago as the weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter. It was announced today by Jennifer Graves, Vice President and News Director, ABC 7.  Weigel will start on Monday, March 21.  He replaces Ryan Chiaverini who was recently named co-host of ABC 7′s new morning show, WINDY CITY LIVE.

Weigel is the son of the late Tim Weigel, who was a popular Chicago sportscaster at ABC 7 for 17 years.

According to Graves, “Rafer Weigel is a talented broadcaster who has worked hard to earn his stripes.  He loves this city and has never lost his passion for following Chicago sports teams.  His father is an important part of ABC 7′s sports legacy and we are thrilled that another Weigel will again be working the sports beat at our station.”

Previously, Weigel served as a sports anchor for HLN’s morning news program.  He has been handling sports duties for the cable network since 2008.

Prior to that, he worked as a general assignment reporter at KOVR-TV, the CBS station in Sacramento, California from 2006 to 2008.  He was a general assignment and feature reporter at KUSI-TV, an independent station in San Diego from 2005-2006.

Prior to his work in broadcast and cable television, Weigel honed his sports reporting skill at two major newspapers.  He was a reporter and copy editor at the Los Angeles Times where he covered high school sports for four years. He also reported on high school sports for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Before pursuing a career in journalism, Weigel worked as an actor appearing in various Chicago theatre productions.  He later moved to Hollywood where he landed several TV and movie roles.

Weigel was raised in Evanston, Illinois. He is a graduate of Evanston Township High School and the University of Illinois at Champaign.

SOURCE ABC 7 Chicago

Rafer Weigel Named Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter for ABC 7 Chicago | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Friends, family pay respects at memorial for ex-Chicago star Duerson, who committed suicide | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HINSDALE, Ill., Feb. 24, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — A new study is throwing a curve ball for young baseball players — especially pitchers — who overuse their throwing arm by practicing too much and pitching too many innings. The study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows the stress from too many throwing motions may significantly harm the developing muscles and bones in the shoulders of young ball players.  

The study followed 481 pitchers for 10 years and found that young players who pitched more than 100 innings in a year were 3.5 times more likely to be injured than their fellow players who pitched less.

“We are taking this research very seriously,” says Rich Simon, director of the Hinsdale Little League. We are strictly enforcing the number of times a player throws the ball. For example, a pitcher over age 8 and under age 14 is only allowed 66 pitches a day and then four calendar days of rest must be observed.”  

Dr. Ken Schiffman, an orthopedic surgeon with Hinsdale Orthopaedics, known for treating young athletes with shoulder injuries, is joining forces with Simon to offer a seminar for coaches, players and parents on “overuse of the throwing arm and ways to prevent injuries.”  The seminar is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, March 7, Hinsdale Community House, 415 W. Eighth Street.

“I see a young baseball player with tendonitis in his shoulder and then by high school or college it is a tear in his rotator cuff and eventually he ends up with rotator cuff surgery and later in life, he may need a shoulder replacement,” says Dr. Schiffman.  ”If we can start early, we might be able to prevent injuries later in life.”

Ted Hirschfeld, who is an athletic trainer at Hinsdale Central High School, agrees.  ”Parents also need to be involved if they want to protect their children from injuries and from shoulder problems that may not show up until adulthood.”

To register for the seminar, please call 630-887-0278. For more information on shoulder injuries and prevention exercises, log on to www.hand2shouldermd.com

SOURCE Dr. Ken Schiffman, Hinsdale Orthopaedics

http://www.hand2shouldermd.com/

Little League Organizations and Orthopedic Surgeons Call for Limiting Pitch Count for Baseball Players | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 1, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — For years, sports medicine professionals have talked about youth pitching injuries and the stress the motion causes on developing bones and muscles. In a new, 10-year study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers showed that participants who pitched more than 100 innings in a year were 3.5 times more likely to be injured.

“The study proved a direct link between innings pitched in youth and adolescent baseball and serious pitching injuries. It highlights the need for parents and coaches to monitor the amount of pitching for the long-term success and health of these young athletes. We need to all work together to end the epidemic of youth sports injuries, and education through campaigns like STOP Sports Injuries is in excellent first step,” said lead researcher, Glenn S. Fleisig, Ph.D., of the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama.

The study followed 481 pitchers for 10 years (1999-2008). All were healthy, active youth (aged 9 to 14 years) baseball pitchers at the beginning of the study. Every year each participant was asked whether he played baseball in the previous 12 months and if so what positions, how many innings pitched, what types of pitches he threw, for what teams (spring, summer, fall, winter), and if he participated in baseball showcases. Each player was also asked every year if he had an elbow or shoulder injury that led to surgery or retirement from baseball.

During the 10-year span, five percent of the pitchers suffered a serious injury resulting in surgery or retirement. Two of the boys in the study had surgery before their 13th birthday. Only 2.2 percent were still pitching by the 10th year of the study.

“It is a tough balancing act for adults to give their young athletes as much opportunity as possible to develop skills and strength without exposing them to increased risk of overuse injury. Based on this study, we recommend that pitchers in high school and younger pitch no more than 100 innings in competition in any calendar year. Some pitchers need to be limited even more, as no pitcher should continue to pitch when fatigued,” said Fleisig.

The study also looked at the trend of playing pitcher and catcher in the same game, which did appear to double or triple a player’s risk of injury but the trend was not statistically significant. The study also could not determine if starting curveballs before age 13 increases the risk of injury.

The STOP Sports Injuries campaign was initiated by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and includes a comprehensive public outreach program focused on the importance of youth sports safety—specifically relating to overuse and trauma injuries. The initiative not only raises awareness and provides education on injury reduction, but also highlights how playing safe and smart can enhance and extend a child’s athletic career, improve teamwork, reduce obesity rates and create a lifelong love of exercise and healthy activity. The campaign’s message underscores the problems of youth overuse and trauma injuries and emphasizes the expertise of our coalition of experts, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Sports Physical Therapy Section, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and SAFE Kids USA.

Visit the campaign website at www.STOPSportsInjuries.org for more information about baseball and other sports’ injuries, treatment and prevention.

SOURCE American Journal of Sports Medicine

http://www.STOPSportsInjuries.org

New 10-Year Study Confirms Too Many Pitches Strike Out Youth Athletes Early | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 4, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) (“ISC”) today announced that Scott Paddock has been named President of Chicagoland Speedway, effective January 18.  Mr. Paddock formerly served as Director of Sports Marketing for the Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo Inc.  

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20091005/FL87045LOGO )

Mr. Paddock, 42, a 15-year veteran in the sports marketing industry, will report to ISC President, John R. Saunders and will be responsible for all operations of Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway.  

“We are excited to have Scott join our Company,” stated Saunders.  ”This is an important year for Chicagoland as we will celebrate its 10th year of operation and host the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”

Saunders continued, “Scott is a proven professional sports marketing executive having managed Gatorade’s involvement in NASCAR as well as the other major sports leagues like the NFL.  Also, with Scott being a well-respected marketing professional within greater Chicago, we are confident that he will elevate the prominence of our multi-purpose motorsports complex within the business community of the third largest market in the country.”  

Joining Gatorade in 1998, Mr. Paddock was most recently responsible for the management of the brand’s $120 million sports marketing sponsorship portfolio, including all league, team and spokesperson relations and negotiations.  Prior to joining Gatorade, Mr. Paddock was with Sports Partners, a sports marketing and advertising agency that specialized in assisting corporate clients in activating their sponsorship rights and assets.

“ISC has a long, rich tradition in motorsports and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” stated Paddock.  ”I’m looking forward to leveraging the talent and resources we have at Chicagoland to continue to raise awareness of major motorsports entertainment in a region that is well known for its passion for all levels and types of sports. By delivering a truly unique and memorable guest experience at each of our events, and working to become even further entrenched as a corporate citizen within the community, we will ensure Chicagoland’s success throughout the region.”

Mr. Paddock received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1990. He has served on a number of boards and committees, including the United States Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Council; member of Executive Committee and Board of Directors – USA Basketball; Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee; and member of the Board of Directors for Camouflage Kids. He was a professional basketball player and a starter on the 1995 United States National Team.  Mr. Paddock was also named a member of the Sports Business Journal’s prestigious Forty Under Forty class for 2008. He and his wife reside in Orland Park, Illinois, and have two daughters.

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities.  The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway® in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois;  Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York.  In addition, ISC promotes major motorsports activities in Montreal, Quebec, through its subsidiary, Stock-Car Montreal.

The Company also owns and operates MRN® Radio, the nation’s largest independent sports radio network and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise.  For more information, visit the Company’s Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com.  

SOURCE International Speedway Corporation

http://www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com/

International Speedway Corporation Names Scott Paddock President of Chicagoland Speedway | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Orthopaedic Surgeons offer safety tips for slopes, skis and sleds during the cold, snowy season

ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 17, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Winter sports, such as ice skating, snow skiing, tobogganing and sledding may serve as a great way to get outdoors and exercise, but also can result in injury if proper safety precautions are not practiced.  Common injuries include ankle sprains and muscle strains, dislocations or fractures.  As part of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’(AAOS) on-going Prevent Injuries America!® campaign, the AAOS urges children and adults to consider these winter sports injury prevention tips before braving the snow.

STATISTICS:

• More than 350,000 people were treated in hospitals, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms for winter sports-related injuries in 2009, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS SAFETY TIPS:

• Check the weather for snow and ice conditions prior to participating. Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety while outdoors. Skiers and snowboarders should make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow powder, wet snow, and adverse weather conditions.
• Dress for the occasion.  Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.  Also, check that all equipment, such as ski and snowboard bindings are in good working order.  
  • Skiers and snowboarders should buy boots and bindings that have been set, adjusted, maintained and tested by a ski shop that follows American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard job practices.
• Never participate alone in a winter sport.  If possible, skiers and snowboarders should go with partners and stay within sight of each other. If one partner loses the other, stop and wait. Also, make sure someone who is not participating is aware of your plans and probable whereabouts before heading outdoors.  
• Skiers and snowboarders should stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
• Avoid sledding near or on public streets. Sledding should be done only in designated and approved areas where there are no obstacles in the sledding path. Speeding down hills in parks that are not designed for sledding puts you at risk to be hit by cars and trucks or slam into parked vehicles, curbs, and fences.
• Sit in a forward-facing position when sledding and steer using your feet or the rope steering handles for better control of the sled.
• Warm up thoroughly before playing. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.
  • The warm up should be a good 10 minutes of walking, slow jogging or working on the exercise bike.  This is to help increase your heart rate and blood flow to your muscles.
  • Skiers and snowboarders should take a couple of slow runs to warm up.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after outdoor activities.  Don’t drink alcohol as it can increase your chances of hypothermia.
• Keep in shape and condition muscles before partaking in winter activities. If over the age of 50, it may be wise to have a medical check-up prior to participating in a winter sport.
• Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
• Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
  • Falling techniques aim to protect your vulnerable body parts. If skiing, learn how to hold the poles with the strap (not through your thumb webs space) to avoid skiers thumb.
  • If you do fall, try to break your fall with your arms flexible, landing first on your hands and wrists, but let your elbows bend into the fall. Then, try to roll onto the back part of your shoulder. Bad wrist fractures tend to be from falling on arms held out stiff.  
• Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite.  Early frostbite symptoms include: numbness and tingling in you digits, lack of feeling and poor motion.
• Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted. Many skiers are injured on the final, “one last run” — if tired, call it a day.
• If injured during any winter excursion and pain or discomfort persists, follow up with an orthopedic surgeon to examine the injury.

AAOS EXPERT:

“It’s so important for participants to stay alert and to take breaks when they are feeling overly tired from sports like skiing or snowboarding,” said orthopaedic surgeon Thomas J. Nordstrom, MD. “To avoid winter sports injury, people should keep their body as warm as possible, be in good shape, and follow the rules of the sport.”

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About AAOS

AAOS News Bureau

More information on Winter sports injury prevention

Skiing injury prevention

Sledding injury prevention

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

http://www.aaos.org

Skate, Slide and Glide Through Winter Injury-free | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Originally reported by WISH-TV News. Read the original article here.

Indy could host World Cup if US picked | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Dressed in a shirt and tie and armed with a microphone, Joey interviewed several Chicago Blackhawks players before Thanksgiving.

Among other things, Joey wanted to know who the biggest turkey on the team was, and how much money Duncan Keith has received from the tooth fairy.

Joey is already getting rave reviews from fellow sports reporters. From Yahoo Sports’ “Puck Daddy” blog:

The kid knows his roster numbers, isn’t afraid to confront his subjects and speaks better than 95 percent of what you’ll hear on Puck Daddy Radio during the week.

WATCH Joey in action here:

Originally reported by Huffington Post Chicago. Read the original story here.

WATCH: Joey The Junior Chicago Blackhawks Reporter | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Originally reported by WISH-TV News. Read the original article here.

Ind.’s oldest newspaper switches cycle | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEW YORK – Athletes of all ages who are suspected of suffering a concussion should be evaluated by a specialist before they return to sports, a major doctors group said Monday in the latest sign of concern over potential lasting damage from head injuries.

The statement by the American Academy of Neurology follows rules already adopted in college sports and pro football aimed at preventing and better treating blows to the head in competition. Research involving NFL players has suggested repeated concussions may have long-term consequences, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctors want to get the message “to the athletes, their parents and their coaches that a concussion is not just a ding, or getting your bell rung, but it is an injury to the brain,” said Dr. Mark Halstead of Washington University.

Concussions “need to be treated as if they are a big deal. The brain is pretty important.”

The neurology academy is the most authoritative medical group when it comes to concussions. And its new advice sweeps across all ages and types of athletes. The academy also calls for a certified athletic trainer at every sports event and even practices where there is risk of concussion, something that would be a dramatic change in youth sports.

Major U.S. sports leagues, meanwhile, have gained attention for their recent efforts to cut down on head injuries and improve treatment for concussions.

Last December, after reports of research on older NFL players suggested a higher risk for Alzheimer’s, the NFL toughened up its return-to-play rules. It expanded the list of concussion symptoms that would keep a player off the field, and teams were ordered to consult a neurologist on return-to-play decisions.

In March, the National Hockey League banned shoulder hits to the head from a player’s blind side. Major League Baseball is setting up a new advisory panel on concussions, which will consider a seven-day disabled list just for head injuries. And in college sports, the NCAA’s board of directors in April approved new rules on concussions, saying players must be evaluated by a medical professional experienced in dealing with such injuries.

Dr. Jeff Kutscher, chair of the academy’s sports neurology section, said the academy’s current guidelines on managing concussions and when to return to play were written in 1997, and experience since then has shown they are inadequate. Experts hope to publish new guidelines by 2012, following a careful review of published studies, he said.

The group’s new statement released Monday is meant to offer guidance in the meantime for child and adult athletes, he said. Key points include:

• An athlete suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from competition until evaluated by a doctor trained in assessing and treating sports concussions. Symptoms like unconsciousness, unsteadiness, problems with memory or concentration, dizziness or headache are warning signs, Kutscher said.
• No athlete with symptoms should be allowed to take part in sports.
• After a concussion, a neurologist or another physician with proper training should be consulted before the athlete is allowed to return to sports.
• A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sports events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion. This recommendation is especially crucial for middle school and younger children, for whom such trainers are rarely used, Kutscher said.

Certified athletic trainers now work at about 40 percent of the nation’s high schools and are rarely provided for athletes in younger grades, said Kevin Guskiewicz of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

It would be a struggle to find enough of them to cover high schools and also programs for younger athletes, he said.

Kutscher said that if a certified athletic trainer is not available to a school, perhaps contact sports should be avoided.

Guskiewicz, who was lead author of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association statement on managing concussions, said athletic trainers are well positioned to diagnose concussions in school sports because they know the students so well. They can then make referrals to doctors for care.

In an interview, Kutscher said while a physician with specialized training is preferable for the tasks identified in the guidelines, a doctor without such training could be used if necessary.

In August, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report on dealing with sports concussions in children. It said an athlete who has suffered a concussion should be evaluated by “a health care professional, ideally a physician with experience in concussion management,” and get medical clearance before returning to the sport.

Halstead co-wrote that report. He said he would “love for every single concussion to be evaluated by a physician,” but that in rural areas, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant “may be the best we have.”

He noted that a Washington state law passed last year, similar to those that have followed in several states, says that athletes younger than 18 can’t return to the sport without clearance from a licensed health care provider, not necessarily a physician.

Kutscher said concussion is serious enough to call for an MD.

Apart from the pediatrician report, USA Football, the sport’s national governing body at the youth and amateur levels, worked with federal authorities to produce a video about concussions that is now part of its coaching certification exam.

In September, the U.S House voted to have experts draw up with federal guidelines on handling concussions in school-aged children. The bill awaits further action.

Kutscher pointed to recent studies that suggest long-term consequences like decreased mental ability, dementia, depression, anxiety and changes in personality as helping draw attention to the risk of concussions.

It’s long been known that repeated head blows can cause brain degeneration in boxers, he said, but “the degree to which it appears to be happening in other contact sports … is the new thing.”

Another factor is “a change in how society views it too, which I think certainly started at the top, with the attention the NFL was getting,” he said. “That has filtered down to the other levels.”

___

Online:

Neurology group: http://www.aan.com/

Pediatrics report: http://bit.ly/9PvBI7

USA Football: http://www.usafootball.com/pages/put-pride-aside/

MD group says specialist should review concussions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

See more news releases in: Transportation, Trucking & Railroad, Internet Technology, Multimedia & Internet, Social Media, Web Site, Entertainment, General Sports, Travel Industry, Surveys, Polls and Research

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — If you are an avid sports fan and traveler, finding a place to catch the game when on the road is a high priority.  

The travel experts of The GO Group, LLC., the nation’s largest ground transportation provider, does extensive research before visiting a city.  To find the best places, begin by researching sites such as Citysearch.com and Aol City Guide, local entertainments guides such as Metromix, then ESPN Stadium Travel for recommendations.  Then, narrow you choices by filtering through reviews on sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor.

For those who wish to bypass all the computer time, The GO Group offers this list of top sports bars in 10 NFL cities, served by GO Group companies.:  

Chicago

• District
• Justin’s
• Sports Corner

Dallas

• Christie’s Sports Bar
• Hully & Mo’s
• Stan’s Blue Note

Detroit

• Cecil’s Sports Bar
• White Rhino Sports Bar
• Post Bar

Miami

• Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill
• Sandbar Grill
• The Joint Bar and Grill

Minneapolis

• Hubert’s Sports Bar & Grill
• Loop Bar
• Sneaky Pete’s

New York

• Bar 108
• Jack Russell‘s
• Ship of Fools

Philadelphia

• Murph’s Bar
• Tony Lukes Beef and Beer Sports Bar
• Philadium Tavern

San Francisco

• Bar None
• Kate O’Brien’s Irish Bar
• Royal Exchange

Seattle

Washington DC

• Green Turtle Sportsbar
• Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
• Rhinos Bar & Pumphouse

In many cities, visitors can use The GO Groups’ shared ride vans, limos or motor coaches to take them between the airports and hotels. Charters may also be available to the games, the venues listed or anyplace within the members’ service area. Book reservations online at www.GoAirportShuttle.com or call 877-544-4646 for private charters.

The GO Group, LLC, launched in August 2007 as a convenient, one-stop source for door-to-door airport shuttle services, also serves some 60 airports in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, transporting more than 13 million passengers per year. Travelers can book ground transportation to and from both departure and destination airports through GO’s website, www.goairportshuttle.com.

SOURCE The GO Group, LLC

http://www.goairportshuttle.com

GO Group Members Offer Tips for Finding Best Sports Bars | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP)—Vince Banonis, who was the starting center for the
Detroit Lions championship teams in 1952-53, has died at the age of 89.

The Lions said Monday that the standout two-way player died Saturday at
Providence Hospital in Southfield. The team didn’t announce a cause of death.

Banonis was a star at the University of Detroit as a linebacker and center
and was drafted in 1942 by the Chicago Cardinals. His sports career took a break
while he served as a Navy lieutenant during World War II, but he was able to
help Chicago win the 1947 title before his career with Detroit.

He retired after winning the second title. He was inducted into the Michigan
Sports Hall of Fame in 1975 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

Banonis, who won 2 titles with Lions, dies at 89 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)—Several groups are working with the NCAA to find new
ways to enforce rules prohibiting improper agent-related benefits for
student-athletes, including possible post-NCAA financial penalties that reach
into a player’s potential NFL career.

The NFL, NFL Players Association and sports agents are among those involved
in talks with the NCAA that have included various proposals.

Chicago-based sports agent Rick Smith, a member of the NCAA panel, says that
while discussions are preliminary, changes could come quickly.

The NCAA panel includes: NFL executive vice president of football operations
Ray Anderson, Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, Indianapolis Colts President
Bill Polian, Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delany and Southeastern
Conference Commissioner Mike Slive.

Associated Press Writer Alan Scher Zagier contributed to this report from
Columbia, Mo.

NCAA tackles agents issue, looks to new sanctions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D

The following list comprises the top 15 team defense rankings for Week 7 of each Yahoo! Sports fantasy expert. The list is ordered by the overall top 15 composite ranking of the four experts, with the remaining team defenses that received votes rounding out the bottom of the list.

Scoring System:
Sack = 1; INT = 2; FR = 2; TD = 6; Safety = 2; Block Kick = 2
Pts Allowed – 0 = 10; 1-6 = 7; 7-13 = 4; 14-20 = 1; 21-27 = 0; 28-34 = -1; 35+ = -4
Return TD = 6

Week 7 Rankings: Defense | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Physical and Occupational Therapy Provider to Support UWM’s Sports Medicine Department

Oak Brook, IL () October 20, 2010

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Athletic Department and AthletiCo Physical and Occupational Therapy¹ have entered into a partnership that will help support UWM’s Sports Medicine Department.

The announcement, which comes as the fall sports season swings into full gear, will provide AthletiCo with a way to present important health, fitness, and nutritional information to the residents of Milwaukee through radio and television broadcasts, venue displays, digital interaction, and in-game hospitality.

Meanwhile, AthletiCo will be supporting UWM’s Sports Medicine Program, which offers four-year degrees in both Athletic Training and Kinesiology, two very important foundations of AthletiCo’s physical therapy practice.

“Like all of our affiliates, UWM has a great history of athletics,” says Luis Rivera, PT, ATC, COMT, PES, and Facility Manager of AthletiCo Milwaukee Eastside. “And like UWM, AthletiCo’s success was founded on the principles of community partnership. We look forward to being part of the UWM family and supporting Panther Athletics.”

UWM’s Sports Medicine staff provides assistance to all 15 Division I varsity sports. Panther Athletics competes in the Horizon League and has won the league’s all-sports trophy five times in the last 10 years. In addition, UWM teams have won 83 Horizon League titles and appeared in 29 NCAA Tournaments since 1997.

“We are very excited about the partnership we have and will develop with AthletiCo in the years to come,” UWM Director of Sports Medicine John Ochsenwald, MS, ATC, LAT, said. “As the official physical therapy and occupational therapy sponsor, AthletiCo will be able to assist UWM athletes and students in many ways. The future is bright for AthletiCo and UWM.”

Since 1991, AthletiCo has been the proud provider of rehabilitation, fitness, and performance services to many professional teams, performing arts companies, endurance programs, golf associations, volleyball clubs, high schools, colleges, and events in Chicagoland and Central Illinois. AthletiCo’s first Wisconsin location opened in Milwaukee in December 2009.

AthletiCo provides orthopedic rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy, work rehabilitation, performing arts rehabilitation, women’s health therapy, spine control, pediatric physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and athletic training. Expanded services include performance enhancement, fitness center memberships, golf fitness, endurance, nutrition, and massage therapy.

AthletiCo accepts all indemnity, PPO, POS, and WC plans including BC/BS, Humana, Medicare, Aetna (PPO/HMO), PHCS, UHC (PPO.HMO) and many others. As a courtesy to our patients, we verify insurance coverage.

AthletiCo Toll-Free Injury Hotline 877-ATHLETICO (1-877-284-5384)                                                      

http://www.athletico.com ²

###

Leah Cybulski
AthletiCo
630-575-6267
Email Information

³

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and AthletiCo Begin Partnership | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.