Top 10 PortageLife Sports Articles of 2010

With PortageLife Sports, you’re able to get only the good stuff going on with athletics in the Portage community. We’re building quite a collection of contributors here, from coaches, parents, alums, students, fans—you name it, they’re sending us scores, notices, and anything else that helps get the word out about something good in the community.

Here are just ten of the sampling of the hundreds of articles we have posted to the site. Enjoy!

Why Isn't Hockey More Popular? - written by Brett Fuller

"I was on my way home from work yesterday, a quick 15 minute trip from the ValpoLife headquarters. After a day of listening to a solid day’s worth of podcasts, Pandora, and the printer by my desk working incessantly, I decided to flip on ESPN radio. The Afternoon Saloon was on, and the guys were talking about something that, in the 5 years of listening to sports radio, I’d never heard. Hoc-key?

I have to admit something: I’ve never watched a hockey game in my life. I don’t know why, but I’ve never had an interest. The folks that love hockey really love hockey. They claim that going to hockey games is ‘darn near the most exciting thing you can do!’ It got me thinking, “why isn’t hockey more popular around here?” Needless to say, I have some theories:"

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Portage Township YMCA "Sparklers" Gymnastics 1st At State - written by Portage Township YMCA

"Congratulations to the Portage Township YMCA “Sparklers” gymnastics team for taking 1st place in their state meet on Saturday with a total score of 109.2. The level 4 team took 3rd place with a score of 102.6. We are so proud of you. The Portage Township YMCA offers gymnastic classes for all levels and ages."

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Portage Softball Player Kristin Ashby is Lakeshore Public Television’s “Athlete of the Week” - written by Lakeshore Public Television

Kristin Ashby is Lakeshore Public Television’s “Athlete of the Week.” Ashby competes for the Portage High School Softball Team. The junior had four hits in a 7-4 win over Indianapolis Scecina and holds a 3.9 GPA.

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VU Volleyball Team Visits Portage Boys & Girls Club - written by Boys & Girls Club Staff

On March 30, members of the Valparaiso University Volleyball team conducted a clinic for Portage Boys & Girls Club members. Members learned fundamental volleyball skills such as hitting, setting, and the importance of teamwork.

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An Open Letter to LeBron James: Come Play in Chicago written by Brett Fuller

First off, I’d like to congratulate you on a great start to a career that could one day be looked at as one of the all-time great careers in NBA history. By being forced to shoulder much of the load on bad-to-mediocre teams for the first seven years of your career, you have recently been questioned whether or not you're a "real winner" and what your end-goals of playing basketball for a living really are.

Let's not get out on the wrong foot here, though: I am not one of those questioning the drive. I've watched a ton of Cavs games over the years. When you're rolling, they're rolling. When you're cold, well, let's just say there haven't been a lot of secondary options over the years. For the first seven years, you've had an organization picking and choosing who would play with you. Now, its your decision.

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Steel Wheels BMX Provides Portage with Unique Experience - written by Brett Fuller

If you’re looking for some fun outdoor action that is perhaps a little more extreme than your average time at a Portage Park, Portage’ Steel Wheels BMX track facility may be just the place for you.

The outdoor track is open for practice and races that are sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association (ABA). The course is also run by the folks at Steel Wheels BMX, who have an indoor track in Hobart as well.

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Valparaiso University Athletics Unveils New Logo - written by VU Sports Media Relations

In late August, Valparaiso University Athletics turned a new leaf in its program history when the program unveiled its new logo.

The long-loved “Fighting Crusader” logo will be retired, and the logo below will be the Crusaders’ logo for years to come.

Click here to see the logo!

PHS Weekend Roundup: Jake Dixon Breaks School Record with 378 Rushing Yards, Sarah Dienes Finishes in Top 20 in Regionals - written by Portage High School

In Friday night football action, your Portage Indians beat Chesterton 34-20. Jake Dixon rushed for 378 yards breaking the school record.

The JV team lost a very close game at home on Saturday 35-37 to Chesterton. Kris Knies threw for 2 touchdown passes and had over 200 yards passing. Jeron Blake had 3 touchdowns and over 200 yards of total offense. The defense forced 2 turnovers.

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Portage's Bliss Named Indiana Basketball Coach Association's Indiana Player of the Week - written by Brett Fuller

Portage High School's Tori Bliss was recently named the Indiana Basketball Coach Association Player of the Week for the entire state of Indiana for her dominating performances against Andrean and Merrillville this past week:

Bliss, a 6-0 senior forward, averaged 32.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in two games for the Portage girls. First, she had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 48-45 loss to Andrean. Later, she scored a school-record 43 points and grabbed 12 rebounds sin a 76-71 setback to Merrillville.

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Top Five Sports Videos for 2010 - written by Ryan McCormick

So, you love sports. Absolutely love sports. Especially local sports that PortageLife covers. And the very reason that you probably like sports is because of the action, drama, and athletic ability of those who participate in those sports. Video is an excellent medium to communicate those aspects of sports, and we have a bunch of content that we've shot throughout the year. Here are the best 10 sports videos for 2010!

Click here to see the videos!