Nysea Sports Talk

Ahead of their big weekend matchup against Tumwater H.S., Coach Davies takes some time to talk about the positives of having a football season and the importance of his seniors having another opportunity to play with their teammates.  The last time Steilacoom played Tumwater was in the Class 2A state championship game in which the sentinels lost 48-34. Even though there won’t be any High School football playoffs this season, this is the game that Steilacoom has circled on their schedule. For those seniors, this will be their last opportunity for these talented players to ground those Thunderbirds. One major piece missing will be wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Emeka has enrolled early at Ohio State and the five-star recruit won’t be on the field to scare opposing players and coaches. In his place, Logan Brady, Tre Horner, and DJ Fryar will look to score early and often running a high-powered offense behind quarterback Chance McDonald. Chance was ranked #2 in passing yards, and touchdowns in the state of Wash

Ryan Sherlock: Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Roosevelt H.S., Seattle, WA (Coach Sherlock took some time for an interview before his game versus Lakeside H.S.) What do you say to your coaches and student-athletes when you find out that there will be no school and no spring sports? How did it feel to know that your seniors would never play again for their teammates, coaches, and school? Not everyone goes to college to play sports so most of us High School sports bring the highest level that we achieve. It’s one of the few things that Coach Sherlock and I discuss in our interview. The uncertainty of a pandemic, the “here we go again” feeling of no fall sports, the euphoria of getting back on that field and playing a sport that so many love. We discuss and tease him about how to manage all school sports in the spring. Also, how important it is for other Metro schools to have success and how they help elevate the league as a whole. He loves the Cleveland H.S. story and how they rebounded to have a s

High School football is back!  Head Coach Zack Elvig from Ingraham H.S. joins me to discuss the excitement of spring football and much more.  On June 30, 2020, Zack joined me for a great conversation (https://apple.co/30jV3aZ) to discuss the uncertainty of fall football, the effect, and conversations revolving around the BLM movement, diversity, and his commitment to Ingraham H.S. June seems like it was years ago.    Flash forward to March 5, 2021. Spring football is in the air and the Metro league is finally kicking off. Coach Elvig and I discuss the disappointment of fall football being canceled, how that circumstance was used as a positive, and how those positives will continue to be used going forward as well as his gratefulness toward his upperclassmen in how they have helped with incoming freshmen. We discuss the importance of excelling off the field, not just on it, and the people and the process that make that work.    Yes. football is back, but being back on the field wi

This week Dr. Grant Garcia discusses… We all know that Father Time is inevitable. As we get older, we slow down, we don’t recover as fast as we used to, and as athletes our performance takes a hit. Apparently, Tom Brady hasn’t gotten the memo. Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the ageless wonder, and his ability to continue to thrive and perform, as he gets older like very few athletes can. As amazing as it is that he continues to show excellence on the field, off the field he will get his repaired torn ACL from 2008 looked at this offseason what is considered “minor surgery or cleaned up.” As he gets ready for season number 22 next fall. Speaking of ACL injuries…It’s been a winter wonderland here in the Pacific Northwest, and skiers are heading to the mountains so they can enjoy the #1 winter recreational sport in the world. Unfortunately, Dr. Garcia is seeing an uptick in injuries, especially ACL injuries. Dr. Garcia discusses a few things to help remind you what you need to do to get ready for the slopes, so you

This is part 2 of 2 Our guest is Richard D. Smith III, He is the creator/owner of HyperFizzics energy drink, a lab technician at Fred Hutchinson cancer research center, and part of the Biological & Environmental studies division. Also, working in the vaccine infectious division. A screenwriter, and a former journalist. A huge sports fan and an even bigger Esports Madden nut. Part two: continuing from the end of part 1. Can Russell Wilson actually be traded? We discuss Wilson, Pete Carroll, and the Seahawks. The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired a new coach, but continue to be toned deaf when it comes to important societal issues. Richard has vast experience covering the Jaguars as a journalist and has some really insightful opinions especially when it comes to Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. We discuss entertainment, documentaries, Star Wars in particular, and more. It's an insightful interview with a relaxed tone to the entire conversation. We hope you enjoy and if you missed it, be sure to catch part 1 of our

This is part 1 of 2 Our guest is Richard D. Smith III,  He is the creator/owner of HyperFizzics energy drink, a lab technician at Fred Hutchinson cancer research center, and part of the Biological & Environmental studies division. Also, working in the vaccine infectious division. A screenwriter, and a former journalist. A huge sports fan and an even bigger Esports Madden nut. Part one: We discuss this past year, and how it has affected his family. We discuss the impact of the pandemic and how the protest for equality really hit home for himself and his family. The Covid vaccine is out, and David has some really great, and perhaps controversial thoughts on certain vaccines in particular. It's a great conversation that you really want to catch.  How do we segway from vaccines to Madden? I don't know. It just happens, and David is really excited when it comes to Esports and particularly Madden Football.  It's an insightful interview with a relaxed tone to the entire conversation. We hope you e

Derek Sparks has many titles. He is a coach, mentor, motivator, author, founder, former Washington State University running back, husband, and father.  Derek currently is the running back coach at Pacific Lutheran University, and their season is about to start against the University of Puget Sound. It will be the first time they play in 448 days. It will mark the longest stretch of days for the Lutes without playing a football game since WWII.    Derek and I talk about many of the challenges of this past year: his love and appreciation of the game of football and how it has been put in perspective not only for him but also for so many others during the absence of the game that so many love. Getting ready for a college football season has been tough, but trying to get ready for a season as a high school coach seems impossible. We discuss cancer versus coaches, the pandemic, recruiting, and transfer portals.  It’s a great show and it’s always a pleasure having Derek spend time talking with m

President of Student Athletes Advocate Scott Laigo is my guest this week. Scott helps student-athletes and their parents navigate through the recruiting and NCAA eligibility process. Saadvocates.org is a non-profit organization that will help you navigate the system, scholarships, grades, and more. Scott and I discuss this past season in college football, and especially how the playoff system needs to be fixed and why. February 3rd is decision day for HS seniors, but the transfer portal is a new wrinkle that student-athletes and coaches now have to take into account. Transferring may sound like an opportunity, but be aware of the pitfalls that lay ahead. Larry Scott is out, but who’s in? We discuss why it’s imperative to get someone in as President sooner than later before certain opportunities are lost to other conferences. This spring the FCS will be playing, and local schools will be trying to complete a season. Can fall, winter, and spring sports all coexist? What health concerns may lie ahead, and whom d

The NFL is in playoff mode and as we enjoy the sport that so many of us love, we are reminded about the dangers of head injuries as two of the biggest stars in the league suffer arguably the most difficult injuries to endure. This past weekend, former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes sustained concussions that saw them exit their games. A concussion is an injury that sometimes is not so clear to see, and at other times it is very obvious. Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the various levels of concussion injuries that can be sustained, and how all levels of head trauma are significant. Concussion injuries happen at the highest and lowest level of sport, not just football, and although significant advances are being made it can still sometimes be difficult to catch, especially to the untrained eye, or someone that didn’t see the injury occur. We discuss the “signs” to look for. The importance of a player or parent coming forward when a player is exhibiting such signs is paramount and they sho

A new year is upon us, and for many of us, a new year symbolizes new resolutions. Dr. Grant Garcia, orthopedic surgeon, and sports medicine specialist discusses the “Average Joe” resolutions and how we should safely, and smartly prepare ourselves for a healthy and fit 2021. New workouts can sometimes lead to new injuries. What are some things to consider when we’re starting new routines? The importance of being mindful, listening to our bodies, and progressing at a pace that is beneficial for sustainability. As we say adieu to the 2020 NFL regular season, half of the league’s offseason has officially begun. We discuss why this is the most difficult time for team doctors, and what their process and protocol are when handling players before they leave the team's facilities. Don’t worry sports fans; we also had to get Dr. Garcia’s Super Bowl picks, and it will surprise some football fans out there. Happy New Year! For more information or consultation with Dr. Grant Garcia… grantgarciamd.com and orthopdedicsspeci

The 2020 semi-finals playoffs we're played and the only intrigue was how many points Ryan Day and the Buckeyes we're going to hang on Dabo Sweeney and the Clemson Tigers. Dori Bennett, Scott Laigo, and Will Sanchez discuss and recap the games that we’re played in order to set up the National Championship game between the Crimson Tide and the Buckeyes. We play an end of the year game called “Naughty & Nice.” It’s our list of what thought was Nice & Naughty from the 2020 college football season. Also, we did our New Years' resolution when it comes to college football. It centers around things we can change or keep for the upcoming 2021 season. It’s a fun show with other conversations including a Gardner Minshew blanket, Steve Sarkisian’s new job at Texas, and more… Dori Bennett, middle school teacher, tennis coach, and football recruiter. Scott Laigo, former Washington coach and president of Student-Athletes Advocate. Will Sanchez, Sports TV producer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spot

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! As we wrap up 2020 and look ahead to 2021, we have some holiday fun using the 12 days of Christmas theme with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Grant H. Garcia. The show is a combination of important information for patients and a way to get to know Dr. Garcia. We discuss topics such as getting a second opinion, essential rehabbing after post-op, what a patient should always ask their doctor, and how to prepare for those conversations. Dr. Garcia reminisces about memorable moments with clients and what he's most proud of. Dr. Garcia may be a great doctor, but interestingly his skill as a meticulous travel planner is also undeniable. We have some fun and informative conversations this week on our holiday edition of NYSEA.  For more information or consultation with Dr. Grant Garcia… grantgarciamd.com and orthopdedicsspecialistsofseattle.com Dr. Grant Garcia has advanced accredited fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery and this is the primary focus of his pract

The college football regular season is in the books, and most bowl games have been decided, but who plays and who should play is still being debated. This 2020 season has been like none other unless you want to head back to games being played in 1918 this year was unconventional, to say the least. Dori Bennett and Scott Laigo just like every week this season voice their opinions on topics that matter the most. This week the topics that we discuss are… the final CFB rankings, and who’s in and who’s out. Dabo Swinney believes that the games matter and a season full of attrition should be a part of the requirements to be weighed when it comes to teams being placed in the final four, and that’s why he made his decision to rank Ohio State number 11 in the coaches poll. The commissioner of the AAC, Mike Aresco thinks that Group 5 teams will never have a chance to play in the BCS final four. The Power 5 bias and greed will never succumb to a deserving Group 5 team and he says “Why bother?” Is it time for the Group 5

It's National Signing Day, and the President of Student Athlete Advocates Scott Laigo joins NYSEA. Scott helps to provide student-athletes with an academic game plan, navigation assistance through the recruiting process, and a clear academic vision to help them become recruitable student-athletes. Scott talks about some of the exciting players in the state of Washington and where they wound up going. Including the top quarterback recruit in the state Sam Huard staying home and going to the University Of Washington.  We discuss the difficult decision of playing for your home state and moving on. The future concerns of scholarships along with players entering the transfer portal and the residual effect down the road. Azuza Pacific, the last NCAA DII school has ended its football program. With the lack of funding and concerns for such programs, other schools potentially will have to make similar decisions. Sometimes these decisions are beneficial. Looking back at the hard decision made by Hofstra in 2009 th

Coach Dori Bennett and former Husky coach Scott Laigo join me to talk some College Football from this past weekend. Scott and SAA (SAADVOCATES.ORG) help parents, and student-athletes through the process of eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid.  The Pac-12 championship is going to be played minus the Huskies of Washington. Covid has left them without enough eligible players to compete. We reflect upon Jimmy Lake's first season and what might be next.  The transfer portal is getting worn out with record players looking to move on. We discuss some of the concerns that teams and players are going to have next season with record numbers of scholarships and how that will affect ALL programs, not just football.  The shoe (not Florida & LSU) is dropping for coaches as Kevin Sumlin, Gus Malzahn, and others have been dismissed. We discuss these firings and also the fact that in a year with so many cutbacks programs can swallow millions of dollars by firing coaches.  Art Briles may be back

Biologic treatments. That's the discussion this week with Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Grant Garcia. We've heard of some of the top athletes in the world getting Platelet-rich plasma and Stem cell treatments for faster and more productive recovery when it comes to injuries and surgeries. These procedures are no longer being used just on these athletes, You and I can now get these treatments and that's exciting for many reasons.  Dr. Garcia discusses PRP & stem cell treatments and how they differentiate from one another. Picking one treatment over another comes down to many reasons and unfortunately costs play into that decision also. I was surprised to learn that not every facility is the same, especially when it comes to using the proper equipment for getting your platelets ready.  That alone can determine the success of using treatments such as PRP. We discuss these concerns and what to look for and ask when searching out proper treatment. It's a very informative show recommended for everyone to le

Coaches Dori Bennett, and former Husky coach Scott Laigo join me to talk some College Football from this past weekend. After an impressive comeback win versus Utah last week. Once again the Huskies we’re facing another 21-point deficit, but this time David Shaw and his displaced Stanford Cardinals held on for the win. We spend time discussing this game, and so far what we’ve seen this season from this Washington football team. The best two games of the weekend came from the Sun Belt Conference. The game that was deemed the “Mormons vs. Mullets” As Coastal Carolina hands the BYU Cougars their first loss of the season in a highly entertaining game as Mateo Sudipo’s game-saving tackle at the 2-yard-line preserved the win for the Chanticleers. In the other game, it was the Ragin’ Cajuns finally defeating their nemesis Appalachian State. Louisiana had lost the last two Sun Belt Championships to the Mountaineers, but the win now sets up a showdown on Dec. 19th for the Sun Belt title against Coastal. The Chanticleer

Guest: Kyle Amann, Cardinal Hayes High School Offensive Coordinator A day like none other…Thanksgiving Day It is quite a meaningful day especially for those who are lucky enough to be able to celebrate with their families and friends. This day usually symbolizes tradition. Perhaps it’s cooking the turkey or having your favorite fixings on the table. Maybe it’s sitting down and watching football or your favorite holiday movie. Maybe it’s planning the unthinkable in getting ready to get on line at your favorite store for Black Friday. No, that’s not it. Not if you’re a fan of High School football. Not if you’ve been involved in a steep tradition that dates back to 1943. On Thanksgiving morning nothing matters, except beating your rival. Except this year there is no game. There are no bragging rights. There are no crowds. A game that has become the unofficial alumni reunion year in and year out will have no winner…until next year. Offensive Coordinator, Kyle Amann takes time to talk with me about not playing in

Another fun week on our college football recap show with coaches Dori Bennett & Scott Laigo  - The Buckeyes and Wildcats have set themselves up for a Big 10 showdown on Dec. 19th. We recap their respective games versus Indiana and Wisconsin. - Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz celebrates his 100th Big 10 victory over the 0-5 Nittany Lions. As Iowa hands Penn State another loss.  - Why wouldn’t the college football playoffs expand to 8 games? Apparently, it never was discussed. SMH. - The Washington Huskies ran shot over Arizona. If you think the Huskies we’re happy, wait to you hear how ecstatic Dori was talking about them. - “Where’s my Dawgs at?” this week Dori reminisces about former Husky, Scott Greenwood. - Happy Thanksgiving you filthy animals. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nyseasportstalk/support

The NBA draft is finally here, and who better to talk about these elite athletes than orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant H. Garcia (grantgarciamd.com)  We discuss the concerns that an NBA team doctor can have when evaluating players. The size, strength, and freakish abilities of these high-level athletes are remarkable, but how do doctors use this information when evaluating a player’s health before being drafted to a franchise? This year there was no player combine, and teams only had the opportunity to conduct in-person meetings with players from Oct.16 - Nov.16th. Also, teams were only allowed to bring in up to 10 prospects for these evaluations (workouts, medical, meetings.). What kind of effect does that have when team doctors have to evaluate more than the 10 players allowed?  What are some of the types of injuries that concern Dr. Garcia when it comes to basketball players? We discuss Michael Porter Jr. and Zion Williamson's past injuries and if there are concerns going forward. More importantly, w