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 - Expanded

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, Michael 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

Scott Andrews, The Ski Bum, returns with Dustin Williamson, Nordic Ski coach at Leavitt H.S. We'll ask high school skiers, about to participate in the State Championships next week, explain how high school competitive skiing is organized and what it means to represent their schools.

In the second hour, we'll focus on another high school sport that students can learn and play for life: competitive running. Two of the areas most accomplished coaches, David Weatherbie and Jorma Kurry will be in studio with several of their student athletes.

David Weatherbie has been running competitively since he was 7 years old. David was a USAFT Cross Country Maine State Champion four times, a 4-year varsity letter winner at Cape Elizabeth High, and a 4-year varsity letter winner and team captain at Bates College. David has coached the Cape Elizabeth Boys and Girls CC and Track teams since 2002, with two state championships and 16 consecutive victories in Maine. David has also served as the President of the internationally renowned Beach to Beacon 10k since its inception in 1997.

Jorma Kurry ran for Bangor High and was part of two outdoor track state championship teams. He attended Colby College where he ran track for four years. He coached at Skowhegan, Westbrook, and Windham as well as at the University of Southern Maine and the University of Iowa. Jorma has taught and coached at Falmouth High School for the past eight years where his teams have won five CC state titles, and one each in indoor track and outdoor track.

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

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