Sportslife mag 6 16

Sports LifeAll The Latest In College, And High School, Extreme Professional Sports

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July / August 2016

LOVE AND PLAY

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SPORTS?“YEAH”WE GOT THAT”

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PROUD TO BE THE DAMIAN LILLARD

BIG O

LA LAKERSGOING DRY?

RED BULL

TANNER FOUST

RALLYCROSSTHE UNTOUCHABLE

DESERT CHAPELKALEB WHAN

PALM VALLEYCOLIN WESSMAN

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1 June July August cover for local

Friday, June 3, 2016 3:20:20 PM

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Health Care New Ad page 2

Friday, June 3, 2016 1:03:34 PM

Chuck Null / Photographer / PartnerRaymond Rodriguez / PhotographerBlaine Grisak / WriterMike Arthur / Writer / Photographer / Partner

Mike Smith / Writer

1) Palm Valley & Desert Chapel - Page 52) Rally Cross Pages 8-113) Fernando Guerrero (Matador) - Pages - 14-15 4) NBA Damian Lillard - Pages 21-30

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1) Grapevine Home Care Services (Inside & Back Cover)

2) Kinetix - Pages 6-73) Pizza Factory - Page 124) Smog Dog (Palm Desert) - Page 13 5) South Of The Border - Pages 14-15 6) Desert Sports Center - Pages 16-177) Gymnastics Academy - Page 188) Blue Horizon Lodge (Big Bear) - Pages 199) Bucking Around - Page 20

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This Issue Includes high School GradsFrom Palm Valley & Desert Chapel High School

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Content Page

Friday, June 3, 2016 3:18:20 PM

NOVEMBER 10-13

Semi-Final tickets go on sale June 3 at 8 a.m. Secure your seats at PhoenixRaceway.

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Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball

GPA: 3.4Hobbies: Anything to do with sports

The thing I will miss the most is the comradery between all of my teammates and friends.

Sports have taught me a lot of things, but above all it has taught me patience.

My Dad. He has been a very influential person in my life and he always pushes me to be my best.

I am going to attend Grand Canyon University and I am going to study Nursing.

The proudest moment of my life was when I was a sophomore and our baseball team was playing in the CIF championship game and Beau Howell, who is diagnosed with autism, scored for the first time in his life.

What will you miss from your current team?

How have you benefitted from sports in your life?

Who or what inspired you to achieve?

Where are you going after you graduate?

What has been your proudest moment thus far?

KALEB WHAN - Desert Chapel

Q: Mike ArthurPhotos: Provided ByThe Schools

Sports: Football, Basketball, Cross Country and BaseballGPA: 4.45Hobbies: Cross Fit, Eagle Scout, CSF President, ASV Vice President, Junior Statesman of America, United Way Club, Leo Club, and has traveled to Costa Rica, China, Turkey, Greece, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Mexico

The thing I will miss the most is the comradery and competitiveness of my teammates. I enjoy that they were always willing to push the limits and challenge me and themselves

I’ve learned how to push through limits. With consistent effort, I’ve learned that my body can run faster, jump higher, and reach farther than I ever imagined. I have learned how to manage my time and set priorities. I can gather that last bit of energy and push through whatever challenges I am faced with. I have learned a lot about leadership too nd how important every member on a team is. A positive “I Can” attitude from every player turns good teams into great teams.

What will you miss from your current team?

How have you benefitted from sports in your life?

Who or what inspired you to achieve?

Where are you going after you graduate?

What has been your proudest moment thus far?

I’ve had good role models-coaches, teachers, parents, and upper classmen. I think my own competitiveness, desire to be better, and desire to please have been the most beneficial to me.

I will be attending Bringham Young University in Provo, Utah. I plan to study Civil Engineering.

My proudest moment thus far would have to be the first time I dunked. Sadly though I never got the chance to do so in a game. I’m also pretty proud of receiving the Coach’s award in basketball and being named most improved in cross country. Receiving my eagle scout award was expecially rewarding. Helping families, over Christmas break, was amazingly fulfilling. It was satisfying and enjoyable to play the parts of Ben Gunn and Captain Flint in Treasure Island, Thomas McKean in 1776, and Mitch Mahoney in Spelling Bee.

Colin Wessman - Palm Valley

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High School Articles

Friday, June 24, 2016 2:35:00 PM

Youth Athletic Training

Kinetix Health & Performance Center | 77804 Wildcat Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92211 | 760.200.1719 | www.kinetixcenter.com

Speed and Agility Training for All Sports Including:Soccer | Football | Basketball | Baseball | Track & Field | Volleyball

Get a Complimentary Youth Training Session

Kinetix Health and Performance Center is Palm Desert’s premier athletic training center offering personal and group training for adults and children alike, as well as youth training camps year round for children ages 8 and up. For more information, call us

at 760.200.1719 or visit www.kinetixcenter.com

The Many Benefits of Strength training By: Michael K Butler B.A.;P.T.A.;CSCS*D;RSCC*D;NMT

I have many clients who come to me wanting to lose weight quickly but don't know how. They’ve tried dieting, aerobic exercise, even many of the fad exercise weight loss programs seen on TV. Nothing seems to work. What is often overlooked is that in order to lose weight, you need to challenge your muscle, and strength training is a good way to do just that.

Many people (especially women) fear weightlifting as they feel they will become bigger, or may injure themselves in the process. But strength training can tone the body and most problems arise when you push your body beyond its capabilities. If done correctly, strength training is one of the safest modes of exercise out there. Men want to lift heavy, but often get caught in a rut after doing so which is due largely to their routine choices.

Strength training challenges you both mentally and physically. When you can squat, bench press or even do 10 chin ups, you boost your self-confidence, feel good about yourself, and even feel more youthful than before. As a proponent of strength training, I’d like to provide you with a few benefits to encourage you to pick up weights and ask yourself “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!”

. Weight training helps you lose fat. The bottom line is that more muscle means more calories burned during rest. A large review of published research shows that weight training has an average loss of approximately 1.7 kg of fat in both normal and overweight individuals while preserving both their lean body mass and metabolic rate[1]. With all the different fads on the market, nothing can match old style strength training. The key is finding the level that pushes your body hard enough to gain a metabolic effect during recovery when your body is at rest, but still burning fat.

. Strength training decreases blood pressure and improves heart function. Weight training dramatically improves heart function and has been repeatedly shown to decrease blood pressure.

. This study is of significance considering that this is more than double the benefit of typical blood pressure medications[2].

. Strength training improves sleep and reduces chronic pain. A showed that older men improved their quality of sleep by 5% and woke up fewer times during the night . Lack of quality rest and deep REM sleep can influence glycemic control, diabetes risk, body fat gain and inflammation[3].

. Heavy lifting can help build bone. More than any other physical activity, weight training helps to build bone mass and density. Studies show former elite athletes who included weight lifting as part of their workout routines have much stronger bones as they age. This translates into a 50% lower chance of fracture in men, and 20% lower fracture risk in women.[4]

To build bone, you want a training program that emphasizes hypertrophy and strength ranges. This means lifting near maximal loads at times, doing plyometrics (jump training), and even wearing a vest. For hypertrophy, stay in a rep range of 8-12 reps and near 75% of your max. For strength gain, do 6-8 reps near 85% of you max load.

. Strength Training can help prevent disease, particularly cancer and diabetes. Many specialist prescribe exercise for prevention and/or maintenance of diabetes. Research has shown that interval training is one of the most effective forms for this condition as building muscle increases the muscle’s demand for glucose pulling it from the bloodstream and contributing to better body composition.

. Strength training improves hormone levels and reproductive function. Strength training increases both testosterone and IGF-1 in men, which correlates to leanness. In women, building lean muscle has been shown to improve the metabolism of estrogen, which in turn means

and decreased body fat.

References: 1. Schuenke, M et al. Effect of an acute period of resistance exercise on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Journal of applied physiology 2002.86 (5) 411-417 2. Shaw, L et al. Effects of resistance training on body composition and coronary artery disease risk. Cardiovascular journal of South Africa, 2006 17(3) 111-116 3. Aargard, P, Anderson, J Effects of resistance training on endurance capacity and muscle fiber composition in young top level cyclists. Journal of sports Medicine and Science in sports 2011. 4. Eibben, W et al. The optimal back squat load for potential osteogenesis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2010. 26 (5)1232-1237. 5. Campbell, K et al. Effects of Aerobic exercise training on Estrogen Metabolism in pre-menopausal women. Cancer Epedimology,Biomarkers and Prevention 2007 16, 731-739

Michael K Butler B.A.;P.T.A.;CSCS*D;RSCC*D NMT is co owner of Kinetix Health and Performance center in Palm Desert. He holds a state license as a physical therapist assistant, national certifications of distinction through the NSCA as a strength and conditioning coach, Poliquin International state coach and as a Full Body Active Release Techniques Practitioner. He is the fitness expert on a sports radio talk show (1010 kxps) once a week. He can be reached at 760-200-1719 or at [email protected]. His website is kinetixcenter.com

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A study found that across 8 trials of strength training programs, systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 6.2mmhg(Does the #2 reference include the source of this study?)

(Is this another study? Source?) while on a strength training program

(Source of this study/info?)

(muscle size increase)protective?

Strength training has also been shown to lower the risk of a number of cancers, particularly breast cancer. Teen girls who weight train experience a greater reduction risk of breast cancer later in life. But the benefit for cancer prevention extends to women of all ages.[5] (strong statements. Can you provide source?)

lower risk of cancer

Give strength training a try. You will enjoy the results and be glad you did. As with any new exercise program, it is advise to consult your health care practitioner and to work with a qualified professional in developing a program to meet your individual objectives and physical ability.

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Kinetics Article Page 2

Monday, June 20, 2016 12:57:47 PM

T e n o chab e nn r F s

h U t u l Ta e ou t

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Rally Cross Article Page 1

Friday, June 3, 2016 12:49:34 PM

Tanner Foust was untouchable at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, sweeping both legs of the 2016 season-opening Red Bull GlobalRallycross Phoenix doubleheader. The victories, the record-setting eighth and ninth of Foust’s Red Bull GRC career, came over Patrik Sandell on Saturday and Scott Speed on Sunday.

SATURDAY RECAP: Polesitter Foust carried strong momentum from the heats into Saturday’s main event, having won both of his heats and his semifinal to earn lane choice over teammate Speed. Foust jumped to an early lead, while Speed reclaimed second as the race wore on, giving the team a chance at a 1-2 finish.

However, late-race mechanical issues dropped Speed from the runner-up spot, as contact damaged the left front of the car and the jump drove the final nail in the coffin. Sandell inherited second, while Brian Deegan, who had to advance to the main through the last chance qualifier, grabbed third to kick off his first full-time Red Bull GRC season since 2013.

SUNDAY RECAP: It was more of the same at the front of the grid on Sunday, as Foust and Speed again swept their heats and semifinals to sit on the front row. They took off into the top two spots at the start of the final and never looked back as the field battled for third behind them.

The third spot on the podium came down to Sebastian Eriksson, whose brand-new Honda Civic Coupe had been the victim of a fire in Saturday’s final, and Sandell, who aimed to earn podiums on both days of a doubleheader for the first time. But it was Eriksson who would hold the point, earning Honda Red Bull Olsbergs MSE a trophy in its first race with a brand-new car after mechanics spent all night getting the team’s vehicles ready.

QUOTES: A selection of quotes from Sunday’s Red Bull Global Rallycross Phoenix (II), the second round of the 2016 Red Bull GRC season:

Tanner Foust, #34 Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Beetle: “First of all, I want to thank all the fans who came out here today on a hot Sunday—it’s unbelievable to see everybody come out, and I saw a lot of repeat customers which is awesome. It’s great that it looked pretty straightforward from the outside, but behind the scenes team absolutely thrashed before the semi-finals. They did an hour and 20 minute job in under an hour to change the transmission. We literally used every single minute that we had, drove right out and took the semi-finals so that was all Volkswagen Andretti right there. So thank you guys very much—that was an epic thrash.”

Scott Speed, #41 Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Beetle: “It’s been great—we just had a lot of gremlins in our car this whole weekend actually. But to come out of here with a fifth and a second with all the little issues we have had is actually really good. I’m really excited. Clearly Tanner had a relatively clean weekend, and we just had to deal with what we have. I think as the season goes on, you are looking at the guys that are going to be here a lot, hopefully. And we are real proud of our team. We really worked extra hard today, that’s for sure. We will come back and continue on.”

Sebastian Eriksson, #93 Honda Red Bull Olsbergs MSE Civic Coupe: “We had some technical issues, you know, from the final yesterday. But the team took almost all night and fixed it. The car is more than perfect—it’s only the first weekend of the new Honda Civic, and to be on the podium the first weekend is amazing.”

FAST FACTS: A collection of facts from Saturday and Sunday’s Red Bull Global Rallycross Phoenix (II), the first and second rounds of the 2016 Red Bull GRC season:

· Tanner Foust earned the eighth and ninth victories of his Red Bull GRC career by virtue of sweeping the weekend’s doubleheader.The victories allowed him to claim sole possession of the all-time Supercar win record. He also became the first driver to sweep morethan one doubleheader event in his Red Bull GRC career.

· Patrik Sandell earned the eighth podium of his Red Bull GRC career with Saturday’s second place finish. Currently, he is one ofonly four drivers (joining Foust, Scott Speed, and Brian Deegan) to earn a podium finish in each Red Bull GRC season from 2013 to2016.

· Scott Speed earned the 14th podium of his Red Bull GRC career with Sunday’s second place finish. Speed now has eight podiumsin his past 10 Red Bull GRC starts.

· Brian Deegan earned the 12th podium of his Red Bull GRC career with Saturday’s third place finish. It marked the first time thatDeegan had taken a podium in a season-opening race since 2014, when he accomplished the feat in Barbados.

· Sebastian Eriksson earned the sixth podium of his Red Bull GRC career with Sunday’s third place finish. He also gave Honda itsfirst-ever podium finish in its first season of Red Bull GRC competition.

· Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross did not lose a heat, semifinal, or main event all weekend.

· Sebastian Saavedra made his Red Bull GRC debut over the weekend with AD Racing. Saavedra is a five-time Indianapolis 500starter and four-time Indy Lights race winner.

Article By: Rally Cross/RedbullPhotos By: Stephen Krupnick

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Friday, June 3, 2016 12:50:01 PM

GRC Lites Race Recap: Phoenix

IN BRIEF: Miki Weckstrom and Conner Martell split victories at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in the inaugural GRC Lites Phoenix doubleheader. Weckstrom won on Saturday in his first-ever GRC Lites start, while Martell took Sunday’s victory by holding off rookie Cabot Bigham.

SATURDAY RECAP: Alex Keyes, the polesitter, and Weckstrom each won both of their heats and shot out to the lead, with sophomore Collete Davis chasing until contact from Travis PeCoy and a resulting slide into a tire barrier eliminated her from podium contention.

Up front, Keyes and Weckstrom traded the lead multiple times early in the event before the Finnish driver finally grabbed the point for good with Martell chasing. Keyes held third until the final lap, when Christian Brooks muscled by for the place; after review, Brooks was assessed a five-second penalty for the move to restore the position to Keyes.

SUNDAY RECAP: Once again Weckstrom was the class of the field in heats, jumping out to an early lead in the final as Martell and Bigham chased. When both American drivers took the joker midway through the race, they asserted the space they needed to turn faster laps; when Weckstrom took his joker shortly thereafter, both got past him.

When leader Trenton Estep, who had not yet jokered, spun due to mechanical issues stemming from contact, it was down to Martell and Bigham for the win. The Dreyer & Reinbold Racing rookie did all he could to try to pass the DirtFish Motorsports driver, but to no avail, as Martell held on for his first victory. Weckstrom was restored to third after the race when an aggressive move by Alejandro Fernandez led to the Colombian’s disqualification from the final.

QUOTES: A selection of quotes from Sunday’s Red Bull Global Rallycross Phoenix (II), the second round of the 2016 GRC Lites season:

Conner Martell, #21 DirtFish Motorsports: “It was just hard work. We had bad luck Friday, and bad luck again this morning and didn’t get to qualify. But we kept our hopes up, we got out front in the heats, came into the final with confidence and I just drove as confidently as I could. (Cabot) is a great competitor—everybody is. I’m just happy we got to pull out the win.”

Cabot Bigham, #2 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: “(It was) definitely more competitive than I initially planned or thought. But it’s great to be on the podium after such a long weekend and having so many issues from the beginning. We have really, really strong momentum carrying into Dallas. So I’m real stoked to be out here. It’s definitely going to be kind of a dynamic situation—you’ve got to take it for what it is. If you need to be more aggressive or if you need to taper off and save the car, we will see in Dallas.”

Miki Weckstrom, #45 Olsbergs MSE X Forces: “It feels great to finish here with the points race. The weekend couldn’t have gone much better. I’m happy with the third place today. I mean, of course I want to win (both races), but sometimes this is just kind of what it brings us.”

FAST FACTS: A collection of facts from Saturday and Sunday’s Red Bull Global Rallycross Phoenix (II), the first and second rounds of the 2016 GRC Lites season:

· Miki Weckstrom earned the first victory of his GRC Lites career in his first start in the class during Saturday’s final. Weckstrom added a third place finish on Sunday and four heat victories throughout the weekend.

· Conner Martell earned the first podium of his GRC Lites career on Saturday and added his first career victory on Sunday. Martell’s team, DirtFish Motorsports, earned its second-ever win, following a triumph in Detroit last July.

· Alex Keyes earned the fifth podium of his GRC Lites career with a third place finish on Saturday. Keyes also earned three heat victories, his 10th, 11th, and 12th of all-time.

· Cabot Bigham’s runner-up finish on Sunday came in only his second career GRC Lites start. He became the third driver all-time to earn a podium finish for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the Lites class.

· Trenton Estep placed fifth in his first-ever GRC Lites race on Saturday. It was the best finish of the weekend for PMG Rallysport, the first new team to join the Lites class in 2016.

· River Racing’s Collete Davis earned a career-best fifth place finish in Sunday’s main event. Davis made 12 starts as a rookie in 2015 with a best result of sixth in Detroit.

· Eight drivers made their GRC Lites debuts in Phoenix: Weckstrom, Bigham, Estep, PeCoy, Christian Brooks, Preston Murray, Harry Gottsacker, and Cole Keatts.

Article By: Rally Cross/RedbullPhotos By: Stephen Krupnick

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Friday, June 3, 2016 12:50:53 PM

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Friday, June 3, 2016 12:51:23 PM

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Pizza Factory Ad NEW

Thursday, June 2, 2016 2:44:33 PM

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Smog Dog Art For Sports Life Mag

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 3:32:42 PM

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14 South Of The Border Ad Left side

Sunday, March 6, 2016 1:06:38 PM

FERNANDO GUERRERO A LIFE OF A MATADOR CHAMPION

HERE SOUTH OF THE BORDER

If stories were diamonds or gold the richest gem in the valley would be South of the Border in Desert Hot Springs. The combination of brick and stucco give the building an old world feel but is as cozy and inviting as your grandmother’s house. This building holds history from being the old city hall of Desert Hot Springs to the man whose life fills its walls today.

Fernando Guerrero is an unassuming man who meets his customers with a huge smile and handshake. Visiting his establishment is like visiting an old friend and before you leave you will be one.Behind his smile exudes an old world toughness rarely seen in today’s culture. You wouldn’t know it unless you knew his story but he is an embodiment of both old Spanish ceremony and display and American perseverance and gumption. His walls are adorned by his accomplishments from years gone by. They are pictures and paintings of him still a young man. Pictures of him, a Matador.Being a bullfighter came naturally to him. “It comes from the family. Because my grandfather and my father, and my cousin Antonio, they were all important in bull fighting.”It opened him to the world. “I started Ecquador. But at that time many years ago, Ecquador there were not too many bullfights. So I moved to Mexico and from Mexico I moved to Spain.” Fernando has seen much of the world and stared death down in the face of a 1,000 pound foe.

“Well it’s all together you are afraid and sometimes you have nightmares. And you go to sleep dreaming the bulls are going to come. But once you are in the bull ring you forget about everything. It’s you and the bull and that’s it.” The lessons he learned from the bull he has applied to his life. “You have to concentrate 100% because if you make a little mistake you are in trouble.” In the bull ring just as in business even the slightest mistake can spell disaster. Local athletes can serve to learn a good deal from an old Matador. To them he recommends to fight and not give up. He says to them “Not to give up on their dreams. It’s not easy but be persistent. It’s a profession that takes a lot of discipline so you have to give up a lot of things when you’re in the profession but it pays off.”He applies this philosophy to his business. Heidi Moore of Moreno Valley had just finished her meal when she told me “The best food comes from the little places. This had such good service that this is our 2nd time here in a week”

Jamie Carlson was with Don and Wendy Williamson, all of Alberta Canada, when she told me Fernando has “The best margaritas and guacamole.” I asked if they had tried Fernando’s signature Cadillac Margirita and Don said they had and added “We didn’t have a chauffer so unfortunately we could only have one.” The couple makes the restaurant a stop on their travels every year.

Even locals Bob and Phyllis Lee can’t get enough. “We’ve been coming here for 12-13 years it’s like a family.” Phyllis says. What does Fernando recommend? “Everything on the menu is excellent. We are very famous for our tamales. Our tamales are something special. We make it from baby corn. Stuffed with cheese and peppers. It’s very light and very mild. Of course my favorite drink the Cadillac margarita.”

Bring This Page In To The RestaurantAnd Mention Sports Life Magazine To Fernando

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER ARTICLE

Sunday, March 27, 2016 3:01:51 PM

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New Volleyball Ad

Friday, March 25, 2016 12:40:02 PM

Desert Sports Volleyball Club is celebrating it’s 10th year inside the beautiful Desert Sports Center and continues to be the home of youth sports training in the Coachella Valley.DSVC, as it is known in the volleyball community, has produced dozens of college athletes out of it’s convenient Palm Desert location and takes pride in developing the local athletes that have produced multiple CIF titles over the past several years.

Desert Sports is proud of all of those athletes and enjoys having them back to share their experiences with the younger players when they return, but what matters just as much are the kids there today… and tomorrow.

With year-round training offered and all skill levels welcome from ages 7-18, DSVC and the Desert Sports Center is THE place to learn the game of volleyball. Their coaching staff includes multiple past NCAA athletes and college coaches, as well as the finest high school coaches in the valley from Palm Springs and Shadow Hills, just to name a few. The various training programs are designed to fit each level of experience and help every athlete “Achieve Their Next Goal.”

Hanka Eichelberger, a high school Junior, has been a member of DSVC’s Elite and National level teams for many years and shares her experience.

“I’ve been playing volleyball at DSVC since I was 10 years old. I’ve grown up here. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two hours for the past 6 years I’ve been in this gym, and it now feels like a second home.

The coaches are easy to talk to and fun to learn from. The same group of girls I met when I was 10 I’ve grown up with through elementary, middle, and now high school. The people at DSVC have taught me not only volleyball, but sportsmanship, collaborative skills, teamwork, and how to hold myself on and off the court.

I’ve put in hundreds of hours in the gym, and not all of them were pretty. Many were hard, messy, long hours that it took to mold me into the player I am today, and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I made Varsity at Palm Desert High School as a freshman, and I’m looking to be the only member on the high school team next year that has been on Varsity for all 4 years. Those hard hours I put in got me to that place.

Will I play in college? I already have opportunities ahead of me. The time I’ve spent at DSVC has gotten me to the point where this is a real option. But I am also a scholar athlete, and the coaches have made it very clear that how hard I hit the books is just as important as how hard I hit the ball, so I’m also looking for a college which is a good fit for my academic goals and my volleyball passion!”

With the Olympics coming again this summer, and the USA National Volleyball Teams among the world’s best in both indoor and beach volleyball, Desert Sports looks forward to a busy summer of sharing the skills and the passion for one of the most exciting sports in the world. Join in the fun today!

If you are interested in getting more information or signing up for spring/summer programs please contact 760-772-5175 or email [email protected]. The website is www.desert-sports.com.

DESERT SPORTS CENTERDESERT SPORTS CENTER

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Desert Sports Center Article

Friday, March 25, 2016 1:27:15 PM

The Gymnastics Academy“An Extraordinary Place For Kids”

-Preschool And Recreational Classes

-USAG Competitive Teams

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-Gymnastics Camps

-Safety Certified Instructors

72-105 Corporate Way Thousand Palms, CA. 92276760-343-2209

GymnasticsAcademy.org

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Gymnastics Ad

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 12:45:28 PM

Testimonials

Sharon , BIG thank you for being you ! All the information and the great welcoming made our arrival to big bear so easy .This place was perfect for our vacation , Very pet friendly , We loved everything about it and defiantly coming back soon . There are many places to stay in the area , HOWEVER , if you look for quite , relaxing , pet friendly place - look no more ! Blue horizon is your place to stay . Price is very competitive and reasonable for what you get .Thanks again , Jack & Yasmine

I cannot say enough good things about our stay, and the owner, Sharon. I mentioned it was our one year anniversary and she had a surprise for my wife in our family room: A nice set of flowers with a card that said 'happy anniversary', along with rose petals that were set up near the entrance of our bedroom and it led to a huge heart on the bed. Sharon gave us a lot of suggestions on what to do, was very informative, and even gave us an anniversary gift card as well. I have never had a hotel or cabin owner ever go above and beyond like she did, and I have no doubt that we will stay here next time we are in Big Bear. Prices are reasonable, and the cottage we stayed in (#3) was clean, and had a very homey feel to it. Plus, the location is great (within a mile from the village). There are a lot of other amenities we never used that were outdoors, but it's a spot we can take our family and our little nephews maybe next summer. If you are looking for a quiet place that is clean, cozy, and comfortable, look no further than here. Plus, the owner being so awesome was icing on the cake. Doug P. Huntington Beach, CA

Cottage Amenities Include;

Four seasons of courteous service, clean, comfortable cottages, kitchens which are equipped with all your basic needs, including stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, pots/pans, wood burning fireplace, HD TV’s – cable with HBO & Showtime, Xbox 360 (cottages), free wireless internet 30 mb, comfortable bed(s), basket full of amenities, blow dryer, and free parking available within steps of your cottage.

BLUE HORIZON LODGE

1-909-366-0089

Historical Big Bear Cottages

Originally built as individual summer cottages in the 1940s' prior to skiing being a popular sport, they have been modernized with keeping the rustic charm preserved. Each Cottage is Non-smoking , Pet Friendly (Selected 6/7/8 ) . These are individual little houses which we keep clean and comfortable for every guest; with a Living room, Kitchen, bedroom and bath. Best of all, no one is above your head making noise, for a quiet relaxing getaway. As we are located on over an acre of land, as well as being off the main boulevard, we are quiet and relaxing; perfect for that romantic getaway for 2 or a small family gathering. Just need to hook that 22 pound trout ? No problems! Just walk to the left out of our lodge and walk to the lake just 200 yards from our lodge. No need to ask for a ride! Cozy & Quaint at Reasonable Rates!

638 Edgemoor Road - BIG BEAR LAKE, CA 91315

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Bucking Around Ad 1

Friday, June 3, 2016 2:39:17 PM

NBA Damian Lillard: Proud To Be The Big O

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Damian Lillard article Page 1

Friday, June 3, 2016 2:00:02 PM

Positively speaking, the # 0 represents a connection with God and all things thereof; a circle whose circumference is nowhere but yet, whose center is everywhere. Neutrally speaking, the # 0 represents when there is nothing, when there is a beginning start, or when time is up. Negatively speaking, the # 0 represents being a loser, known as a big zero. To NBA star Damian Lillard, his jersey # 0 represents the letter O. As Damian's journey has taken him from the various places of Oakland, to Ogden, and now to Oregon, the highly ranked NBA hoopster is proud to be a big 0.

Damian Lamonte Ollie "Dame" Lillard is the middle child of three children who was born on July 15, 1990 to Houston and Gina in Oakland, California. As a child growing up in the inner city, it was a challenge for Damian to keep focused as he was exposed to a lot of zeros and also to everything else, including the kitchen sink. "I grew up in the hood, and it was tough for me growing up. I was exposed to everything – gangs, drugs, violence – it was right there. I knew a lot of people who played basketball just like me, but yet, they were involved with those negative influences. It was a challenge just for me to stick to what I wanted to do instead of falling off course,” said Damian.

But with being a Christian, the power of God was sustaining Damian, for the # 0 represents that God is hearing and answering prayers, and also supporting and comforting one. Hence, Damian knew he couldn't allow those zeros to influence him, nor could he allow himself to become a product of his environment. “These negative influences were there my whole life and they were something I had to get past,” said Damian. And Damian did just that. Damian actually began positively influencing those zeros in his neighborhood as soon enough, his energy was focused on sports.

Damian joined and thrived in Oakland's premier Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organized basketball program, the Oakland Rebels, staying focused by keeping busy. “In the year 2000, at the age of 10 and when I was in the fifth grade, I joined the Oakland Rebels. I was constantly playing and keeping busy, so there wasn’t really any extra time for me to hang out or be around the wrong situations,” said Damian.

Being a part of this basketball program fostered both Damian's physical development and maturity level. As Damian continued to grow, he continued playing organized basketball, eventually in high school. As a freshman, Damian attended Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, California. For his sophomore year, Damian transferred to private school St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California, a school that offered him mediocre basketball playing time.

As the # 0 represents one reaching his full potential, Damian wanted an opportunity to reach this potential by being offered more playing time. For his junior and senior years, Damian transferred to Oakland High School in Oakland, California. As a junior, Damian averaged 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He received First Team all-league honors. As a senior, Damian had a single-game high of 45 points and averaged just over 28 points. He led the Oakland Wildcats to a 23-9 record.

Once again, Damian received First Team all-league honors. As the # 0 represents when there is nothing, if someone were to look by Damian's name to see if a symbol or sign indicated whether or not he was a highly ranked high school basketball player, they would find 0, - nothing. In fact, Damian was regarded as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and in 2008, ESPN.com ranked him as the No. 48 point guard. As the # 0 represents a continuing cycle, in spite of Damian's rankings, he knew the next stop in his continuing cycle towards evolving would be college. In 2008, Damian accepted a scholarship offer to play for Weber State University, a mid-major school located in Ogden, Utah.

Choosing Weber State University was a no-brainer for Damian, for from the aura he felt in Ogden, to important relationships he built there made him feel right at home. “I liked the small town feel the city of Ogden offered. I clicked with head basketball coach Randy Rahe. He believed in me, and we had a connection from the first time we met,” said Damian.

Now a student at Weber, Damian was again, a Wildcat in college and as a freshman, he planned to make a name for himself by starting at ground 0. During his 2008-2009 freshman season, Damian showed up and showed out. He was a unanimous selection as the Big Sky Freshman of the Year and was named to the Big Sky All-Conference First Team.


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He was the first true freshman in Big Sky history to earn First Team All-Conference honors. Appearing in all 31 games with 26 starts, Damian averaged 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and had the second best point average on the team and 12th best in the Big Sky with 11.5 points. During Damian's 2009-2010 sophomore season, he continued playing to impress.

On January 10, 2010, as Weber State went head to head versus Idaho State, Damian played 50 of the 55 minutes in a three overtime game, scoring the winning basket seconds before there was 0 time left at the buzzard, as Weber won 95-93.

Damian led the Weber State Wildcats to the regular season conference championship. Throughout the season, playing in 31 games with 31 starts, Damian averaged 4.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and he led the Big Sky conference in overall scoring with 19.9 points per game. For his fine play throughout the season, Damian earned a trove of accolades. He was named the 2009-2010 Big Sky Conference MVP, and for the second year in a row, he earned First Team All-Conference honors. Damian was named to the Big Sky Postseason All-Tournament Team.

He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors by the Associated Press. Damian was named to the United States Basketball Writers Association All-District VIII team and was Second Team All-District VIII on the National Associations of Basketball Coaches team. Damian was happy and humbled to have earned so many accolades, especially from playing just two years of college hoops. “I was extremely happy and humbled to earn these accolades.

I worked hard, for I was always in the gym. My coaches pushed me big time. With getting recognized, I felt like all my hard work was paying off,” said Damian. Damian's 2010-2011 college basketball season started off well, with 0 problems.

However, in the second half of the ninth game of the season, on the December 16, 2010 game versus Tulsa, Damian reached the nadir of his college career as he suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the season and take a medical redshirt. “This was a difficult time period for me. I was very frustrated and upset. At times, I was extremely depressed,” said Damian.

But Damian’s Christian faith made him realize that trouble doesn’t last always, and positive encouragers and supporters were placed in his path. “My coaches kept me going; they inspired me. They motivated me to keep working,” said Damian. With his Christian faith guiding him and encouragers and supporters in his corner, Damian had all the necessary tools to physically get better; healing was up to him as his perception of his injury and his actions had the biggest influence on his recovery. “My foot injury was the motivation I used so I wouldn’t get complacent. I did my best to stay in shape and workout knowing that a comeback was close,” said Damian.

In the nine games Damian played throughout the 2010-2011 season, he averaged 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and led the Big Sky with a scoring average of 19.7 points. When Damian came back from medical redshirt leave, he had 0 time to waste and was determined to not only rise back to his high level of play, but to actually surpass that level. “I realized that as difficult as it was to get back to the high playing level I was once at, I had the chance to work harder and reach a whole new level,” said Damian.

Throughout the 2011-2012 season, he accomplished some amazing feats. He helped lead the Weber Wildcats to a 25-7 overall record and a 14-2 record in Big Sky Conference play. Damian scored 784 points during the season, the most in Weber State single-season history and ranks as the third most in Big Sky Conference single-season history.

Damian’s 228 free throws tied the single-season record for the most free throws made and was fifth in attempts. The 94 3-pointers Damian made was the most in Weber single-season history and the sixth most in Big Sky history. Playing in 32 games with 32 starts, during the 2011-2012 season, Damian finished second in the country with a scoring average of 24.5 points, the best single-season average in Weber State history. Damian's accolades included being named the Weber State University male Athlete of the Year for a second time in his career, earning All-American honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Associated Press, becoming the first player in Big Sky Conference history to be named to an All-American team, was again named the Big Sky Conference MVP, and was the District VIII Player of the Year.


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After his strong college campaign, Damian was widely regarded as the top point guard prospect in the country. Damian believed that his strong college stats warranted him a chance at NBA stardom. “I’ve always been completely devoted to the game of basketball. With my work ethic, I always knew it was something I’d accomplish. When I was in middle school, I told my mom that I’d make it to the NBA, so it looks like I was right,” said Damian.

As the # 0 represents one having the freedom of choice, Damian made the choice to forgo his senior year at Weber to enter the 2012 NBA Draft. As he finished his college career as the No. 2 scorer in Weber with 1,934 career points, also fifth in Big Sky Conference history, and was Weber State’s career leader in 3-pointers made with 246, and in free throws made with 520, Damian knew what he was leaving behind to chase an NBA dream. But he also knew the legacy he was to begin with being drafted in the NBA.

Damian was on his way to Oregon, being drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Damian was ecstatic to make it to the NBA, and was happy to get drafted by the Trail Blazers. “I wanted to go to Portland. My draft suit was designed with the Trail Blazers’ team colors. I was very happy to hear my name called by the Blazers; this was a dream come true,” said Damian.

As the # 0 represents enhancing the potential and dimension of a specific number, on July 13, 2012, Damian signed his rookie scale contract, and the number of 0's that followed truly enhanced his earning power. Damian began making a legacy as he suited-up in his big # 0 jersey and played his heart out. He earned co-MVP honors in the NBA Summer League with averages of 26.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

On October 31, 2012, in his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, Damian recorded 23 points and 11 assists, joining both Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas as the only players in NBA history with at least 20 points and 10 assists in their NBA debuts.

Throughout his rookie season, with making and breaking records, Damian really blazed his legacy trail. He broke the all-time NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a season with 185, surpassing Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry's 166 3-pointers in his 2009-2010 season. Damian became the Portland franchise leader for most 3-point field goals in a season with 185, breaking Damon Stoudamire’s record of 181 that he posted during the 2004-2005 NBA season

. Damian joined Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson as the only rookies in NBA history to record 1,500 points and 500 assists in a season, becoming the second Trail Blazers' player ever to accomplish the feat. The unanimous KIA NBA Rookie of the Year award went to Damian, the fourth rookie to win the award, joining NBA players Blake Griffin, David Johnson, and Ralph Sampson, and the fourth Trail Blazer to win the award. T

hroughout the 2012-2013 season, playing and starting 82 games, Damian led all rookies with 553 field goals and 271 free throws and in scoring with averaging 19.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Damian made his debut at the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend, becoming the first Trail Blazers player to win the Taco Bell Skills Challenge. During All-Star Weekend, he participated in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game-high 28 minutes.

Damian was pleased with his impressive rookie season. “I was pleased with my rookie season. I had a goal to be Rookie of the Year, and to make this accomplishment a reality was important to me,” said Damian. Damian had definitely proven that he was NBA material.

As the # 0 represents increasing the potential and dimension of a specific number, on September 30, 2013, the Trail Blazers exercised their third-year team option on Damian's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2014-2015 season, and the number of 0's that followed truly increased his earning power. During the 2013-2014 NBA season, Damian continued to blaze his legacy trail, proving that he was not just a one-hit wonder.

He was voted by coaches to participate in his first 2014 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first player in NBA history to take part in five events during the weekend which included, the: Rising Stars Challenge, Taco Skills Challenge, Three-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game.


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Teaming up with Utah Jazz player Trey Burke, they won first place in the Taco Skills Challenge. Damian was busy as a bee, but was happy to be a part of the 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend and honored to be the first NBA player ever to participate in five events. “I was exhausted,” said Damian laughing. “It was a cool experience, something no one has even done in the league, so it was exciting to be the first,” said Damian.

Throughout the regular 2013-2014 NBA season, playing and starting 82 games, Damian averaged 20.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and helped lead the Trail Blazers to a 54-28 record, finishing fifth in the Western Conference and about to meet the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs. On April 20, 2014 in a game one victory versus the Houston Rockets, Damian recorded 31 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover, becoming the first player in NBA history to register 30 or more points with only 1 turnover in a first playoff debut.

On May 2, 2014 in game six of the series, Damian hit a game-winning 3-pointer just seconds before there was 0 time left at the buzzer, to clinch the series and send the Trail Blazers to the Conference Semifinals. Damian joined former NBA players Ralph Sampson, Michael Jordan, and John Stockton as the only players in NBA history to make a game-winning buzzer beater to clinch a playoff series.

As the Blazers advanced to the Conference Semifinals versus the San Antonio Spurs, they fell short of winning the series, 1-4. During the 2014 NBA playoffs, in 11 games, all starts, Damian averaged 22.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.

On June 4, 2014, for the first time in his career, Damian was named to the 2014 All-NBA Third Team. The Trail Blazers fell short of winning an NBA Title during the 2014-2015 playoffs, and although Damian saw the glass as half full, making it that far into the playoffs had him thirsty for the whole glass. “I was happy to make it to the playoffs, but not satisfied. With me being a young player, it was a great experience for me, but once you get there, you want more,” said Damian.

As the # 0 represents enlarging the potential and dimension of a specific number, on September 29, 2014, the Trail Blazers exercised their fourth-year team option on Damian's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2015-2016 season, and the number of 0's that followed truly enlarged his earning power. During the 2014-2015 NBA season, Damian continued to blaze his legacy trail. On February 8, 2015, Damian was selected as the replacement for the injured NBA player Blake Griffin in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.

On March 4, 2015, Damian scored a career-high 18 rebounds in a 98-93 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Playing and starting 82 regular NBA season games, Damian finished averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.

As the 2014-2015 NBA season wrapped up, the Trail Blazers finished the season with a 51-31 record, good for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Even though the Trail Blazers fell short by losing to the Memphis Grizzlies 1-4 in the first round, in five games, all starts, Damian posted great playoff averages of 21.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Even though the Trail Blazers fell short of winning an NBA Title during the 2015 playoffs, they made the playoffs when many had written them off. “This season, we had pretty much an entirely new team.

No one expected us to even make the playoffs this year. We were counted out at the start. Only our team had the faith that we could get in position for a playoff run,” said Damian. As the # 0 represents magnifying the potential and dimension of a specific number, on July 9, 2015, the Trail Blazers signed Damian to a five-year, $120 million contract extension, and the number of 0's that followed truly magnified his earning power. Damian also magnified his playing territory.

In January 2014, Damian was named to the 2014-2016 U.S.A. Basketball Men’s National Team. He was a finalist for the 2014 U.S.A. World Cup Team, and played two exhibition games during the 2014 U.S.A. National Team Tour, recording 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 24 minutes of action in the U.S.A.’s 105-62 win versus the Dominican Republic on August 20, 2014.

NBA Damian Lillard: Proud To Be The Big O0

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A member of the U.S.A. Basketball Men’s National Team since 2014, and having participated in National Team training camps in 2013 and 2014, Damian is a finalist for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team. As the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be held Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, only time will tell if Damian will receive the chance to go for the gold.

During the 2015-2016 NBA season, Damian continued to blaze his own trail. On October 28, 2015, in a season-opening win versus the New Orleans Pelicans, Damian recorded 21 points and 11 assists. Damian's 11 assists gave him 1,500 for his career, making him the fastest Trail Blazer to reach the milestone since Terry Porter during the 1987-1988 NBA season.

In this same game, Damian's one 3-pointer made was his 600th career 3-point field goal, making him the fastest NBA player in history to reach the mark at 247 games. On February 19, 2016, Damian scored a career-high 51 points in a 137-105 win versus the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first player in NBA history to have at least 50 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals since the steal became an official statistic in 1973-1974. As a foot injury forced Damian to miss some games during the 2015-2016 season, he played for most of the season.

Playing in 75 games with 75 starts, Damian finished the 2015-2016 regular NBA season averaging 25.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. With a 44-38 regular season record, the Blazers made it to the 2016 NBA playoffs. In the first round, the Trail Blazers won series 4-2 versus the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers advanced to the Conference Semifinals, but fell short versus the Golden State Warriors who won the series 4-1. Damian had a great 2016 playoff season, for playing and starting 11 games, he averaged 26.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.

Throughout Damian's illustrious NBA career, he has definitely made his mark, tying records, being added to elite lists, and making records, becoming the first player to do this or that. But when it comes to accomplishing future NBA goals, Damian definitely is not the first player to want better for himself. As Damian finishes the 2015-2016 NBA season and looks forward to future NBA seasons, he has some goals to accomplish. “I’d like to win an NBA Championship, of course.

To bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to Portland is an overall goal of mine. The fans deserve it,” said Damian. Winning an NBA Championship is definitely something possible for Damian and any teammates, but of course as with a team, Together Everyone Achieves More, the members must work together in harmony. “To win an NBA title, the team as a whole can work on better overall ball movement, attacking on both ends of the court, and learning to adjust to double and triple teams,” said Damian.

As Damian's title role in the NBA is that of point guard, he has title roles off the court. As the #0 represents being limitless, Damian is limitless in his ambition, and he starts what he finishes. As Damian temporarily left Weber to begin his NBA career, he went back to Weber to take the final few classes he needed to graduate. In May 2015, he earned his bachelor's degree in professional sales from Weber State University's Applied Science & Technology.

A member of the school's largest graduating class ever of 5,337 students, Damian was happy and proud to finish his education from Weber State University. "Anything you start, you should want to finish, especially your education," said Damian. "I'm grateful for what I had here, for what I have here. I'm happy to say I am Weber State."

Damian is also happy that another of his title roles off the court is that of being a humanitarian. As the # 0 represents the beginning of a spiritual journey, Damian's spiritual journey has led him to pay it forward with his funds, time, talents, and image.

The down to earth philanthropist is happy to be in a position to offer all four to others in need and is honored to offer others his image as a role model. “I believe in giving back – paying it forward. I now have the means and the platform to share in many ways. I enjoy being a role model, someone a child and even an adult can look up to and respect. I’m pretty straight forward – what you see is what you get,” said Damian.

NBA Damian Lillard: Proud To Be The Big O0

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For Damian, one aspect of giving back means focusing on those nostalgic times not so long ago when the Oakland Rebels afforded him the opportunity to stay out of the streets and away from those zeroes. Now Damian can afford to give back to this AAU team as he takes time to visit them and provide pointers in basketball and as he funds much of their needs, from buying them shoes, socks, backpacks, and practice jerseys.

Damian has also put money up to allow members of the team to travel, going out to fundraise by selling raffle tickets, candy, and sponsoring fundraising dinners, all efforts to help the team travel to tournaments. “It has been extremely important to me to give back to the Oakland Rebels. I know how it is to be a young child growing up in Oakland. I can relate to these children. When I played for the Oakland Rebels, I remember when we had to hold fundraisers to raise money to buy shoes, gear, for trips, for whatever we needed. The fundraising drive was difficult for us players, the parents, and the coaches. Now I’m in a position to outfit the team with my signature shoes and uniforms, and that makes me proud,” said Damian. Damian is also involved with more organizations who pay it forward. “In addition to several nationally known charitable organizations, I also work with numerous local Portland and Oakland area charities. I have a large impact with the community outreach in which I currently participate,” said Damian.

Even though there are 24 hours in the course of a day, between traveling and playing games, making appearances, and more, it is easy for pro athletes' time to be consumed with job related tasks. But Damian always makes a special effort to take time out of his busy schedule to support and show up for a good cause.

Sponsored by US Outdoor, in 2015, Damian hosted a New Year's Eve Party to support former NBA player Brian Grant of the Brian Grant Foundation that is designed to empower people impacted by Parkinson's disease. As Brian's NBA friends and other cronies attended the event, they showed their support for Brian who was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 and who started the foundation in 2010.

In addition to hosting events for others, Damian is also happy to stand behind the microphone for his own worthy causes. Every year since 2013, he has hosted the Damian Lillard Basketball Camp. The camp, for boys and girls ages 6 to 16, runs for two sessions for four consecutive days during the summer, from a Tuesday through a Friday, and offers more than just the fundamentals of basketball.

Damian opens every camp session with a speech that stresses the importance of education, listening to parents, and working hard. Then he holds a question-and-answer session, allowing participants a rare opportunity to ask Damian anything to get to know him. At some point during the week, a guest speaker will visit to promote good health or speak about life lessons. And of course, as the hoop action that happens is led by the finest local-area coaches, Damian stays active in his camp, randomly jumping into drills and games, often serving as a referee, and even coaching a team or two. And of course, there are surprises and giveaways. Damian is happy to have a basketball camp, and pleased that the ongoing activities influence youngsters down a positive path. "I want to be able to impact children as much as possible in as many ways as possible. And the camp is a way to connect with them,” said Damian. "My message is to just come in here and put in your work, but also still have fun. The children work at basketball and we make sure that we're pretty hard on them. We make them focus on all the small things and build up for the camp. As long as we're taking care of business, we can also have fun." In its debut year, Damian's camp used to be a four-day, single-session event, but as Damian takes care of business on the court with the Trail Blazers, his dramatic buzzer-beater three-pointer that propelled the Blazers to the second round of the 2015 Western Conference playoffs basically doubled the camp size to more than 600 children. "All of a sudden, the camp doubled in size. I kid you not. We doubled it," said Damian chuckling at the memory. As it is 2016, the Damian Lillard Basketball Camp is in its fourth year, and to get details and register, those interested can visit www.ymcacw.org/damian-lillard-basketball-camp.

As Damian's basketball skills increased his camp size, his basketball talents also increased what he was able to raise for charity. During the 2015 Dick Hannah Toyota's Threes 4 Three charity event in Longview, Washington, Damian improved last year’s mark by one shot, making 30 of 36 3-point shots that resulted in a $300 donation per shot made to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, the YMCA of Southwest Washington, and the Lower Columbia College (LCC) athletic scholarship fund. In addition to the $9,000 that Damian raised for charity, LCC female player Kaylea Knox was given one attempt at a 3-point shot, successfully doubling the total donation to $18,000. Each organization received $6,000. During the 2016 Dick Hannah Toyota's Threes 4 Three charity event


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in Longview, Washington, Damian improved last year’s mark by one shot, making 30 of 36 3-point shots that resulted in a $300 donation per shot made to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, the YMCA of Southwest Washington, and the Lower Columbia College (LCC) athletic scholarship fund. In addition to the $9,000 that Damian raised for charity, LCC female player Kaylea Knox was given one attempt at a 3-point shot, successfully doubling the total donation to $18,000. Each organization received $6,000. During the 2016 Dick Hannah Toyota's Threes 4 Three charity event in Longview, Washington, Damian again made 30 of 36 3-point shots that resulted in a $300 donation per shot made to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, the YMCA of Southwest Washington, and the Mark Morris athletics within the Longview, Washington School District.

In addition to the $9,000 that Damian raised for charity, Mark Morris High School 9th grade student and basketball player Reese Gibb was given one attempt at a free throw, successfully doubling the donation to $18,000. As $5000 went to each organization, one other charity was to receive the last $3,000. Damian was thrilled to help others in need by doing what he does professionally, shooting baskets. “The Threes for Three charity is a fun event; I really enjoy it. In 2016, I participated in my third Threes for Three charity event. We raised another $18,000! Anytime I can be in the community meeting people and giving back is an amazing feeling,” said Damian.

As it took Damian just minutes to raise thousands of dollars for charity, it seemed to take just minutes for Damian's character to shine and for his face to grace raised posters that represent a charitable organization's likeness. Damian is an ambassador for the Special Olympics, an organization he is thrilled his image represents. "Special Olympics raises the awareness so that everyone can see that they're normal people, that they have normal abilities just like those without disabilities. So if I can come in and have a strong influence emphasizing this, it’s great for me to be a part of Special Olympics," said Damian. Damian is also the spokesperson for the "Respect, Pass It On" anti-bullying campaign that encourages everyone to stand up for the rights of others and formally pledge to show respect for all people.

In fact, in 2013, Damian received the NBA Kia Community Assist Award in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community, ongoing advocacy, and charitable work. The designated $10,000 was donated by the NBA on Damian's behalf to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, split evenly between the Portland and Oakland area affiliates. Damian was extremely honored to receive the award and was happy to use his image in a positive manner. “It’s an honor to receive this award and I hope that it will bring even more attention to the Respect campaign. I've seen too many of the negative effects that bullying has on people, especially children," said Damian. "Now that I've learned how many people look up to us as NBA players, I want to make the most of it by getting behind positive initiatives like anti-bullying."

As the # 0 represents wholeness, Damian is whole, a well-rounded person who in addition to having game and giving back, he gives forward as his $100 million Adidas contract with defining ads that mirror other top players in the league inspire others to work harder and against all odds. Damian's Adidas D Lillard 1 was inspired by his hometown of Oakland, designed in collaboration with hometown shop Oakland-ish, a shop dedicated to all things local style and city support. "They are committed to bettering the community. Their message hits home with me and I wanted to create a unique show that shares their mission to represent Oakland," said Damian. Damian's Adidas D Lillard 2 combines details inspired by Oakland with bold textures and personal callouts as a nod to Damian's neighborhood roots, off-court style, and ability to silence doubt.

This signature shoe features Oak Print hits, inspired by the iconic tree logo featured on the "Welcome to Oakland" sign and Damian's hometown tattoos. "I wanted the Adidas D Lillard 2 shoes to have more hints of my background, but yet, still be an affordable stylish shoe to be worn off the court again," said Damian. As much as Damian loves hooping on the court, he has another love off the court. As the # 0 represents listening to one's intuition for guidance, Damian's intuition has guided him to seek and find answers about life as during late-night Damian time sessions that offer him the solitude and serenity he pines, he puts his views to verses in rap songs he creates.


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Using his rap moniker Dame DOLLA, Damian's rap songs tell the explicit truth about various life topics and tells the story of the three O's that define his journey. As Damian's nickname is Dame, the DOLLA in his moniker stands for "Different On Levels the Lord Allows."

Damian is passionate about rapping and he does his homework before creating a rap piece because he wants to paint the correct visuals and use the correct words to portray his meaning. "As much as I’ve loved basketball my whole life, I've been passionate about other areas, too. When I listen to music, I listen for the substance, the bars, the beat, and I endeavor to paint a picture with everything that I hear. I research the meaning of words to put the correct verbiage in my rap," said Damian. "Whether I listen to R&B, rap, jazz, country, or whatever else, I try to paint a picture. That's what I try to do when I write because I know I've got a story to tell and I know that there are a lot of people who probably have some of the same experiences, people who might have failed who are coming from where I have come from and who know what I'm saying, who feel exactly what I'm saying." While some see Damian as a basketball player who raps, and yet, others see Damian as a rapper who plays basketball, the fact that he is so versatile and well-known for both says a lot. Damian's rap songs Soldier in the Game, Full Stomach, and Tell Me Why harken back to his roots in Oakland, a common theme for his music. He talks about his current bearings compared to where he was when he left Oakland, and may pose a question, or two, or few. Damian's song Bigger Than Us is a collaboration project that raises awareness of societal issues and implores everyone to let go of anger by teaching that there is a better way other than the physical to deal with problems.

Damian has no problem creating rap songs, so stay tuned for more rap songs to come. Damian is so passionate about rap music that he has invited his fans to partake in the fun. Every Friday, his "Four Bar Friday" (@4BarFriday) weekly online talent show invites fans to submit a video of themselves rapping a small verse on Instagram. In addition to keeping up with Damian on Instagram, fans can follow him both on Twitter and Facebook, respectively at @Dame_Lillard and https://www.facebook.com/DamianLillard.

For those who still can't get enough of Damian, to see all his accomplishments both on and off the court, fans can visit youtube to view Damian's own web series titled: License to Lillard. The series highlights Damian's life enroute to him being an NBA player, something that magnified who Damian is and ultimately, gave him much more exposure as the videos garnered thousands of hits on youtube.

Damian is proud of his web series and happy that it introduces him to the world authentically. "My web series gives people a chance to know me as a person and to see how I worked to get where I am today. I want people to see everything that went into the type of player I am and to really see who I am as a person," said Damian.

As Damian's O and 0 describe his current bearings, perhaps a better acronym for the second part of his rap moniker of Dame DOLLA could be: Dame's Duel O&0 Limn Lillard's Arrival. Damian has indeed arrived.

By: Tonya M. HuffmanPhotos: Tonya M. Huffman

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