Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Mike will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

Eric Weinrich, assistant coach of the Portland Pirates hockey team, and former NHL, University of Maine, and North Yarmouth Academy standout will join us in studio during the first hour. We'll be talking with Eric about being a sports parent, his views on youth sports, and how he and his wife Tracy juggle raising an active family while playing and coaching professional hockey.

Pirates Director of Communications and play-by-play announcer Greg Glynn will also be a guest. A graduate of Quinnipiac University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Greg handles communications and medial relations. He's also the person we have to thank for providing us with the tickets we give away to Saturday night home games.

Joining us by phone will be Pirates forward Drew Miller. the New Jersey native is in his first full season in professional hockey. Drew played college hockey for Michigan State, was the tenth member of his family to play for the Spartans, and is currently working on finishing his final year of school via the internet and summer courses.

In the second hour we'll be talking with Gary Prolman, the man behind the high school holiday ice hockey tournament and a new tournament honoring Frank Fixaris. The "Fixpot" will be an annual event honoring the long-time TV sports reporter, broadcaster, and morning talk-show host on WJAB. Frank has done as much as anyone to promote high school hockey in the state of Maine, providing coverage when nobody else was doing it. It's fitting that a tournament be named in his honor.

Modeled after the immensely popular "Beanpot" tournament in Boston, the Fixpot tournament has become an instant hit with the coaches and teams that will face off in the inaugural event. Players and coaches from Falmouth, Cheverus, Cape Elizabeth, and Scarborough, who will be competing for the Fixpot trophy at the Cumberland County Civic Center, will join us in studio. The Fixpot will be played on Monday, January 22nd, and Monday January 29th, will proceeds going to a scholarship fund in the name of Frank Fixaris.

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org