Praying For A Friend And His Family

   How many times have you watched the news on television begin with horrible stories from fatal auto accidents to a child’s death to a killer storm and the list goes on?  I’ll answer that question for you — EVERYDAY.  Yet when most of us hear those stories, we feel sad for a brief moment or two.  It doesn’t last long because we get bombarded with those types of stories every single day.

  Over the weekend however one story hit home.  Marquis Cooper, a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, along with 3 of his friends, vanished off the coast of Clearwater, Florida while on a fishing trip.  When I first heard the news I was driving to work and immediately began thinking of his family.  Marquis Cooper’s father  Bruce, works for one of our  competitors, KPNX Channel 12.  “Coop” is a friend that I have spent countless hours with at various sporting events in my nearly 10 years in the valley.    When I don’t see him in person, I’ll hear from him on the phone to discuss everything from the  Suns to his all state high school football team.  I usually end those conversations asking how Marquis is doing.  I remember when we were covering a Cardinals game in San Diego when Marquis was playing for the University of Washington against Miami.  As “Coop” was telling me how hard it was for his son to maintain weight (listed at 230 pounds, actually weighed 215) we both saw him get pancaked by a huge Miami tackle.  We cringed but felt a lot better when Marquis slowly got up and left the field under his own power.  Bruce was proud but almost embarrassed by his son’s success. 

   As I write this, the search continues for Marquis and 2 other young men.  Like so many of you, I’m working overtime in the prayer department for their safe return.  I’m also praying for Bruce’s wife Donna, daughter Danielle and the family’s of all involved.  I’m praying for a happy ending and I’m praying for resolution for a mom, a dad, a sister, a grand daughter and a daughter-in-law.   Please join me.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Flip A Coin, It’s That Close

   So who will win Super Bowl 43?  I have no idea and neither do any of the so called experts.  It’s a guessing game and I don’t care how many times you analyze it, you’ll get a different opinion from each person you talk to.   A die hard Cardinals or Steelers fan will, without hesitation, pick their team, no questions asked.  It’s almost their duty to not be objective, drink the cool aid and guarantee their team will win.  The experts will slice and dice every facet of the game from injuries to the turf the teams will play on and a lot in between.  6 of 10 Sports Illustrated writers picked the Cardinals while nearly every other publication or media outlet favors the favored Steelers. 

    Trying to pick the Super Bowl 43 winner is amusing and comes from mere mortals like you and me.  Those picks also come from former coaches and players who mirror the public and other NFL anaylsts as we all enjoy this crap shoot known as predicting the next world championship team. 

     In all honesty, do what I’m going to do -  flip a coin, it’s that close in my humble (notice I didn’t use expert) opinion.  In my heart, I’m pulling for the Cardinals, WIN or TIE.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Is Warner Worth It?

During Super Bowl week I’ve heard some disturbing speculation regarding the future of Kurt Warner.  I’m hearing that the Chicago Bears are ready to make the soon to be free agent a sweetheart deal to play in the Windy City.  I’ve also heard that several other teams in need of a quality quarterback are interested in the 37 year old.  There’s an obvious reason he is drawing so much interest.  Even in his advanced years, did another NFL quarterback have a better year?  I’ll answer it for you — NO.  Kurt has earned starting quarterback money.  Heck, he actually earned it last year when he was sensational replacing injured Matt Leinart and led the Cards to only their second 8 and 8 or better season in their 20 years in the Valley.  Still, as has been well documented, Warner had to win the job in training camp but his contracts value was that of a back up.  His performance wasn’t.  

     It comes down to doing the right thing for several reasons.   Warner has been the consummate teammate, leader and is one of the most respected men in sports.  Add in his all pro play this year and resigning him seems like a no brainer for the Cardinals.  It’s not for a lack of money, since the team is over 41 million dollars UNDER the salary cap for next year.  I am aware that they only have 37 players under contract for next year and some key players may be going elsewhere but how can you let a man of Kurt’s character and ability go?  You can’t.  Warner has said more than once, if he decides to play next season (it’s a sure thing in my mind), he wants to do it right here in Phoenix.   If he stays, this team’s playoff run stands a very good chance of continuing. 

   Is Warner worth it?  Let me know what you think.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz -CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Unique Sports Week

I never imagined I would see the Cardinals in the Super Bowl and the FBR Open in the same year.  Going to the Super Bowl was a pipe dream as recently as January 11th.  So imagine my surprise when the Cards earned a trip to the Super Bowl during FBR Open week.  I have some great news for both events.  Each will capture the sports world’s attention.  The Super Bowl for obvious reasons and the FBR Open at the TPC Scottsdale for being the most unique professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. 

   If you are not headed to Tampa and apparently there won’t be a huge Cards contingent at the game, the next best option is spending a day or two at the FBR Open.  Ticket sales for Super Bowl 43 are 10 to 1 in favor of  Steeler fans.  That means thousands of Big Red fans will enjoy the biggest game in franchise history from right here in the valley. 

   As I’ve come to learn, the FBR Open is so much more than a golf tournament.  From mini skirts, skimpy tops, stiletto heels, the 16th hole stadium complete with a 40 foot jumbo tron monitor, to an expo tent of who’s who in the golf industry, to 90 of the top 125 tour pro’s on the money list, to the incredible weather, to the hospitality of the host Thunderbirds, the TPC staff, the PR folks of Communication’s Links to the security staff and Scottsdale Police Department officers to a venue that will easily accomodate the more than 500,000 thousand people who will attend this amazing event, our Valley will be an even more special place for one magical week in late January.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Cards Bandwagon Accepting Riders

  I have never seen so many Cardinals fans as I have over the last 3 weeks.  Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson and Anquan Boldin jersey’s are greeting me at the bank, the store, the post office, here at CBS 5, everywhere.  Trust me, that’s not a bad thing.  It’s great.  The Big Red Birds bandwagon is filling up and rightly so.  Everyone loves a winner.  It will take some getting used to for Cards fans, since none of you have ever felt this winning experience.  I would appreciate it if your feathers are ruffled a bit at the lack of respect the team has received nationally and in many cases, locally. 

   I am a veteran of bandwagon riding.  It started for me in the mid 1970′s when the Denver Broncos, like the Arizona Cardinals, were laughing stocks in the AFC.  By 1977 Head Coach Red Miller led the Broncos to an improbable Super Bowl with the rally cry being “The Orange Crush”.  It was contageous.  In my sports office at the television station where I worked, I began receiving orange lamp shades, orange velvet end tables, orange ski’s, orange crush soda, orange Broncos hats and shirts, pictures of babies in orange crush gear, a crate of oranges and the list went on and on and on.  That amazing NFL team brought an entire state together.  When the Broncos played on Sunday’s the crime rate in Metro Denver dropped to near zero.  Even the bad guys were Broncos fans.  The same thing can happen right here in the Valley.

  It’s fashionable, it’s chic and it’s the right thing to do.  Pray tell if they lose to the Eagles.  If they do, be very careful you don’t break something jumping off of  the Bandwagon.  Enjoy this ride Cardinals fans, it may never happen again.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Broken (BCS) Record

    It seems every year at this time I get my dander up because of a flawed system that refuses to do the right thing.  We don’t know who will play in the BCS title game but it won’t be undefeated teams Utah, Boise State or Ball State.  It won’t be once beaten USC, Penn State or Texas Tech, barring some sort of miracle.  The reason is clear -  a computer, fed information from humans, will determine the final two teams. 

   I find something horribly wrong with that scenario.  No offense to Oklahoma, a great football team, but they lost to Texas yet moved ahead of them in the BCS poll.   How could a USC team win by 56 points a couple of weeks ago, drop two spots in the BCS poll?  That is one of a myriad of questions that have and will be asked before we crown an NCAA Division 1-A (I’m old school) champion next year.

   The BCS says their system makes every game important.  Try telling that to Texas, who beat Oklahoma head to head.  Can you imagine if Florida beats Alabama in a close SEC title game.  That would send convulsions through the BCS computer. 

    I am still amazed that virtually every sport but Division 1-A college football uses a playoff format to determine it’s champion.  If  it’s good enough for all of the other sports, why is Division 1-A so high and mighty?  It makes no sense.   That tired argument that it would extend the season is lame and outdated.  As President elect Barack Obama called for a playoff, you, fans of the sport, should also voice your displeasure to the BCS.  You can email them at bcsfootball.org.

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

 

  

Blast From The Past

  Tennis is not a sport that gets much attention in the Valley.  Once a regular stop of the ATP and WTA tours, tennis has all but been forgotten around here.  During the week of November 5th through the 9th, 8 former tennis standouts competed in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championship at the Suprise Racquet and Tennis Center.  2 of the players were super stars in their prime and after watching John McEnroe and Jim Courier first hand, they still have plenty of game.  The format of the pro-am had 3 amateurs play with one of the 8 pros in a round robin format.

   I warmed up with former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods.  I must admit that Grant was no stranger to the tennis court.   He was solid as were all of the amateurs.  In the course of the next hour we played 10 minutes, switched partners and pros, then repeated the drill 6 times.  I drew Karel Novacek, a man who was ranked as high as 8th in the world.  I teamed with the Czech Republic native and we won 3 of the 4 games we played, inspite of me.  It felt more like a playing lesson as Novacek pointed out my numerous shortcomings with a smile of encouragement on his face.  He was a master of the high 5.  Then I joined John McEnroe on court number 2.  I made small talk, bringing up the name of a mutual friend.  Johnny Mac’s response was actually no response.  It consisted of a grunt, I think.   Unlike Novacek, McEnroe didn’t ask me if I wanted to serve first.  He told me to take my position at the net.  I complied.  The other team was very good and actually had a break point on the 49 year old’s serve.  I saved the day with a backhand volley at the net for a winner and we won the game after I hit a forehand volley down the line.  I think John said nice volley but it was muted and I wouldn’t swear on it.  We ended up winning 3 games to 1 and he shook my hand while looking at someone or something about 180 degrees from me.  I don’t think we’re going to do lunch anytime soon but I can’t lie, it was still a thrill to partner up with one of the greatest of all time.  John McEnroe still has terrific tennis talent and whether it’s a pro-am or a more meaningful match, he has as much competitive fire as any athlete I’ve ever met.  I then experienced an amazing mood swing in my next match.  I was on the opposite side of the net from super star Jim Courier .  He was easy to talk to, was glib and actually seemed to enjoy playing against much inferior talent.  Like McEnroe, he too loves the competition which was evident when he whistled a service return under my ear at roughly 120 miles per hour.  He smiled and told me it was my partners fault.  Courier said my partners booming serve was coming back as hard or harder.  I still don’t understand the logic but I do appreciate the fact that rocket didn’t hit me.  We lost 3 games to 1 and Jim Courier couldn’t have been more gracious.  Same goes for Jimmy Arias, Todd Martin, Anders Jarryd, Wayne Ferreria and Magnus Larsson, all former top 20 players in the world.

   John Austin, the manager of the amazing tennis center in Suprise,  invited me to participate and for that I thank him and his staff.  This experience was truely “A Blast From The Past”.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz

CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Great Walk, Not Wasted

    This year’s Frys.com Open is set to begin at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale.  Don’t mistake this PGA Tour event with the FBR Open, which is dubbed “the greatest show on grass”, but it is unique in it’s own way.  The field will be the best of the fall series events on tour.  18 of the top 50 players on the money list, will tee it up at Grayhawk on Thursday October 23rd, led by defending champion and the 23rd ranked player in the world, Mike Weir.  Former FBR Open champion Aaron Baddeley, an Australian transplant who makes the valley home, was the final player to commit to the tournament.

   So, you have a great field, a great golf course (The Grayhawk Raptor Course), ticket prices for as low a $25.00 and the most unique aspect of all is a fans ability to get closer to their favorite players than at any PGA tournament.  I recall following professional Don Yrene around the course last year.  It was terrific being able to hear Don and his caddy talk club selection, distance and how the wind was blowing on a certain shot.  Later that day I caught up with longtime PGA professional Brandel Chamblee, who now stars on the Golf Channel but received an exemption to play.  I gave Brandel a high 5 as he left the practice range for the first tee box.  He took a minute or so to ask me how I was doing.   This is not uncommon at the Frys.com Open.

     In an era when athletes aren’t very accessible, this tournament is just the opposite.  I do caution that they are playing for big money and more importantly, there will be several players trying to finish high enough to make the top 125 on the PGA money list, so realize there is that pressure but I guarantee you will enjoy the experience.

     I also guarantee, this will be a “Great Walk, Not Wasted” from October 23rd through October 26th and police, firefighters, active military and their familys are invited to attend, free of charge.  gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

It’s Time To Do The Right Thing

Anquan Boldin is one of the toughest people I have ever met.   That was clearly evident when he was drilled by New York Jets safety Eric Smith.  The helmet to helmet collision was so powerful that it not only knocked out Anquan, it also KO’d Smith, who eventually left under his own power.   Even as medical personnel tried to help him, Anquan wanted to get up and walk  to the the sidelines.  Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt, who ironically hasn’t spoken much to his star receiver since training camp, managed to convince “Q” to stay down and let the medical folks take care of him.  When he was rolled off that field on a stretcher, I feared the worst, thinking of other devastating hits that left players paralyzed.  After the game Coach Whisenhunt assured the media that Boldin was fine and sent to the hospital for precautionary tests.  Another great sign of recovery was when he was released the same night of the injury and flew home with team President Michael Bidwill.  

   I saw Boldin in person on Wednesday October 1st.  Other than stitches in his lip and a swollen face because of a nasal fracture, he seemed lucid and said he remembered everything about the incident.  “Q” also said when he returns to the field, he’ll play with the same intensity that he’s been known for over his career. 

   With that said, I believe it’s time for the Cardinals to mend their relationship with the all pro receiver as he mends from his injuries.  They need to reward him for his amazing play on the field and despite heated trade demands, reward him for his character off of it.  At this point I’m not even sure he would accept a new deal with the Cardinals but they need to make the effort.  After all, “it’s time to do the right thing”. gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz – CBS 5 Sports Anchor

Save A Life

    Normally in this column, I write about sports related stories.  I’m going to go outside the box and tell you about a passion in my life.  From the moment I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on December 10, 2006, I knew I was in for a battle.  Unless you’ve been there, you can’t imagine that sinking feeling when you first hear that you have the big “C”.   Honestly I immediately wondered how much time I had left on this earth as the shock set in.  I actually felt great physically and that’s not unusual with this form of the disease.  Being inquisitive, I began to research prostate cancer.  I was looking for anything positive and I found it in so many ways.  The prostate cancer fraternity was so much bigger than I realized.  Jerry Colangelo learned of my diagnosis and gave me a wonderful pep talk before a Suns game.  Jerry is a prostate cancer survivor.  I also met a great man named Gene Felker, a former NFL player, scout and the founder of the Prostate On-Site Project.  He is also a survivor of the disease and has inspired me to do what I can to join the fight against cancer.  Early in my battle the most important person I met was Dr. Gil Brito, a urologist.  From scared to death to learning that I could beat this thing is what consumed me in the early days.  Dr. Brito explained to me and my family that I had several options and I chose robotic surgery to rid my body of the disease.

   On February 13, 2007 I checked into Scottsdale Healthcare to have surgery.  It was successful and over 18 months later I am cancer free.  Any serious procedure will have some after effects but through time, my life is back to normal with the great support of so many. 

    I caught this horrible disease early because of a routine blood test.  As Dr. Brito has told me, if the symptoms become evident, the cancer is further along and the battle gets tougher.  Please remember these two words – “EARLY DETECTION”.  The chances of beating prostate cancer with early detection is excellent.  Again, a simple blood test checking your PSA level is a start. 

   No one should ever die of prostate cancer.  You begin the battle by being proactive.  If your dad, brother, uncle, grandfather, son or cousin is over 45, insist they get their PSA checked annually through a blood test.  It’s painless and life saving.  

    I have joined Gene Felker as a board member of the Prostate On-Site Project and I invite anyone who reads this blog and wants more information on the disease to log on to www.prostatecheckup.com. 

Gary Cruz -CBS 5 Sports Anchor