tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769093507724539482024-03-14T02:44:49.736-05:00Rob Porter's BlogNotes and ThoughtsRob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-61048570866783748172019-11-07T09:28:00.003-06:002019-11-07T09:28:47.495-06:00Shadow a Student Day 11/30/2019<br />
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Shadow a Student Day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naperville Central High School<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rob Porter<o:p></o:p></div>
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I shadowed sophomore Ayden Lutes today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ayden is a high achieving student taking a
college prep curriculum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesdays are
a “late arrival” day at NCHS allowing teachers to meet in professional learning
communities (PLC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played the role of
a teacher in my PLC until its conclusion at 8:45am because it was a “late
arrival,” the teaching/learning day started late and all the periods were
shorter, including the passing periods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
met Ayden in his first classroom prior to the start of the first period at
9:00am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, we had a
significant amount of snowfall overnight making travel a bit hazardous for this
time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busses and drop-offs
arrived late to the school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first period was Spanish 3 located in the basement, Room
B15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was taught by a student
teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The head teacher did not remain
in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several students
arrived late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked on the conjugation
of “jugar” (to play) which was tricky given that “jugar” is an irregular verb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reviewed a quiz and then did a vocabulary
KaHoot from our computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
participated and actually got a few correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We learned about Uruguay, discussed our favorite food (in Spanish), and
worked on our vocabulary review guide and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The learning environment was light and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students were engaged and the lesson was
interesting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my best to keep up,
but because I haven’t studied Spanish in a number of years, it was a struggle
at times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From there, we traveled four flights of stairs to the third
floor for Honors Biology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lesson was
working with the urinary system of a dissected pig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entering the room and before the bell,
students, including me, put on aprons, goggles and gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opening bell wasn’t even heard as we were
already engaged in the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pig
was already dissected from a previous lesson, but was preserved well and ready
for our inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were tasked with
finding the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and renal artery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also had to show the teacher the pig’s
esophagus, pancreas, and more to receive a stamp (presumably previously
learned).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were pictures and
diagrams to guide us as we worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were asked about the functions of those structures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were to prepare for a quiz tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toward the end of the period all of the
materials were returned and students sprayed down thw tables with
disinfectant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire class was
fascinating (but a bit overwhelming for me!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Period three had us on the same floor for Blended Algebra
2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commute was short and we had some
time to relax and talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was what I
would call a “Check-in Day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher
ask us to complete a district assessment exam that was treated as
formative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took one as well and, because
math is my field, I felt more confident than in the other classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, the exam was tricky for me as I
haven’t visited that material in quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the conclusion of the exam, students were given
the option to stay or go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ayden left,
but I stayed through the period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
teacher reviewed the material and by the end of the period I knew all my
mistakes and was on the DA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher
reviewed “Extra Practice Notes” that worked with the material along with an
Extra Practice worksheet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good stuff!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gym was next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
dressed upstairs near the math office and had to hustle down to the auxiliary
gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class is PE 2: Leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was placed with a group that had to swing
from one platform to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The catch
was that my entire group started on one platform with the rope out of
reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to work together to get
the rope and find a way to carry a dummy from one platform to another (and no,
the dummy wasn’t me!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our solution was
to take off our shoes and tie them together to lasso the rope and reel it in to
the platform where we were standing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
worked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several students swung
across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the boys was strong enough
to swing while holding the dummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
it was my turn, I nearly lost my grip and fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we finished our task so quickly, we were challenged to do it again
with one of us blindfolded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
accomplished that task as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I ran upstairs and changed back into school clothes, then
back down to the cafeteria for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sat with students and had some good conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also able to get a bit of the math
homework from today’s work completed during lunch as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch we returned to class for sixth hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time our class was Journalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with a news quiz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were tested on current events with 10 questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had 5 minutes to answer independently, and
then 2 minutes to collaborate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got
every question correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The remainder of
the period was dedicated to make-up and pre-assessment work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher walked around the classroom
attending to individual needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students
that were ahead were asked to finish their reading assignment or read the
Chicago Tribune or the NCHS Central Times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read the latter and learned a bit about what is going on in the
building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We moved a short distance on the same floor to the seventh
hour class, Comparative Religions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
started with a quick check with each student responding to the questions: Good
day?, Great day?, or Best day ever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
teacher asked if there were any questions about the upcoming project and there
were plenty of students asking questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The main discussion turned to the study of Noah, the Tower of Babel and
Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher asked questions
about their reading and built on the students’ responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The discussion was in-depth, and
interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students built on the
responses of the questions from the teacher and on the responses of the
peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the teacher intended to
begin a movie on the Ten Commandments, but the discussion was so passionate and
interesting, time ran out in the period.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The final period of the day had us walking from the 2<sup>nd</sup>
floor to the flat wing of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s a bit of a hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class
attended was Advanced Band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesday’s
are reserved for ensemble practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ayden worked with his own group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I decided to observe the percussion ensemble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were working on “Trash Can
Composition.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The musical instruments
were trash cans, brake drums, and an actual snare and base drum (mainly to keep
time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were four students (and me)
in a room practicing on the piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
helped set up the room and with clean up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all wore ear plugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mostly
just observed the practice, but I did secretly grab a drumstick and kept time
and a beat on my leg as the students practiced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The students were absolutely amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They collaborated with each other, each contributing suggestions and
listening to one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, just as quickly as the day started, the 3:10pm bell
rang and the day ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
whirlwind day for me for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are
some takeaways:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Every class was interesting and engaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quality of education that these students
are receiving is outstanding.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It seemed hard to keep up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself still thinking about the
previous class while moving to the next class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took as many notes as I could, but it was difficult to keep up at
times.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Each teacher provided some degree of personal
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples include opening activities
(how are you feeling today?), hallway discussions, smiles, friendly and polite greetings,
and more.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I was kept busy from bell to bell for every
class, but I didn’t feel overrun.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I was tired by the end of the day, but looking
back, I did have time to recharge my batteries</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All day I felt like I was one step behind, but I
believe I felt this way because I was jumping into classes in the middle of the
semester.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ayden was a fantastic partner for me in this
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was patient with me and
very helpful.</li>
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<br />Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-5289287474232248582016-07-16T12:22:00.000-05:002016-07-16T12:29:44.089-05:00Trip to WrigleyTrip to Wrigley Field, Chicago<br />
July 15, 2016<br />
Chicago Cubs 6 - Texas Rangers 0<br />
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On Friday, 6/15 Tommy Porter, Garrett Dahn and Collin Carrigan made a journey to Wrigley Field to see the first place Cubs take on the first place Texas Rangers. This was the first game after the All-Star break and an opportunity to see the Cubs continue their magical season.<br />
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Here we are just before departure at the Porter's house. The boys and I got a ride from Dena to the train station.<br />
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As seen by Tommy's face, we were looking forward to a perfect, sunny day for a ball game!<br />
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We mad the train and got comfortable for a nice ride into the city. The boys challenged themselves with a rousing game of virtual putt-putt for high-quality entertainment.<br />
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Didn't take long to get off the train, cross the river, and see Willis (Sears) Tower on Jackson Street. The boys are growing, that's for sure!<br />
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Just off of Jackson and onto State is the CTA Red-Line that will take us to the ball park. Our train arrived just moments after climbing down to the subway.<br />
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A crowded train let us off at Addison and right to the park. We arrived a good 1.5 hours prior to the first pitch. We all decided to go right into the park (after buying peanuts, of course!)<br />
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Here is our fist view of the park! We spent some time walking from one side of the field to the other. There were lots of Texans, surprisingly.<br />
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If you look close, you will see the boys hoping to catch a foul ball during the Texan's batting practice. Great view of left field!<br />
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We got some food (Garrett and Collin got cheese burgers, Tommy a Chicago Style hot dog, and I a brat) and make our way to our seats. They were top row! Not only could we see the whole field, but we could see all of Chicago as well. You can see from Collin that it was quite chilly with the wind blowing directly at us from left field.<br />
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Before turning into ice cubs, we acquired some much needed clothing reinforcements!<br />
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Here is the famous "Cubbie Bear," also visible from our seats!<br />
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By 8th inning, we were bracing for some rain. It did rain, but only a cold mist.<br />
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CUBS WIN! 6-0<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK23uowzcWc/V4prBQDN0nI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uuo2B8phHvoTKbjmBJXC1HV7OY4hvGVywCK4B/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK23uowzcWc/V4prBQDN0nI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uuo2B8phHvoTKbjmBJXC1HV7OY4hvGVywCK4B/s320/IMG_3481.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
After taking the Red Line back to the Loop, we decided to stop for a Jimmy Johns sandwich. We didn't take long though because we were anxious to grab the 5:20 Metra home.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brOtL2FeOb0/V4prkURq70I/AAAAAAAAF9c/s5zEd2GHGbIc0zq0UOd0ryhZoNCHrnZsACK4B/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brOtL2FeOb0/V4prkURq70I/AAAAAAAAF9c/s5zEd2GHGbIc0zq0UOd0ryhZoNCHrnZsACK4B/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Excited to be back!<br />
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<span class="author" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="faded" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By</span> Carrie Muskat and T.R. Sullivan</span> / <span class="source" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">MLB.com</span> <span class="faded" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">| </span><span class="timestamp" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 19px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">July 15th, 2016</span></div>
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CHICAGO -- The Rangers probably didn't need to be reminded how good Kyle Hendricks is, but the right-hander did just that on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Hendricks scattered three hits over six dominant innings, and All-Star Addison Russell scored two runs and smacked a two-run single to lift the Cubs to a 6-0 Interleague victory in a showdown between two division leaders.</div>
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Texas' eighth-round pick in the 2011 Draft, Hendricks was dealt to Chicago, along with Minor League infielder Christian Villanueva, in '12 for Ryan Dempster, who sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on Friday.</div>
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"Kyle's one of the best pitchers in the National League now and nobody's talking about it," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Hendricks, who ranks third in the Majors with a 2.41 ERA. "Because he doesn't throw 95 [mph], it's easy to overlook this fellow, but I promise you hitters don't really dig going up and facing this fellow, right or left-handed."</div>
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Russell, one of seven Cubs named to the NL All-Star team, doubled with one out in the second and scored one out later on Javier Baez's single off Martin Perez, who was coming off a tough start in which he gave up 11 runs over four innings against the Red Sox. Russell's two-run hit highlighted a five-run sixth inning.</div>
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The Rangers now have lost 10 of their past 13 games, while the Cubs have won back-to-back games for the first time since June 28-29.</div>
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"Just not a lot of offense today," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "Martin had good stuff today. We just couldn't help him out."</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">MOMENTS THAT MATTERED</b><br />
<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Keep the line moving:</b> The Cubs sent 10 batters to the plate in the sixth inning, and the first five reached against Perez, including Russell, who hit his two-run single. Jason Heyward followed with a grounder to first baseman Prince Fielder, who overthrew third baseman Adrian Beltre for an error that allowed a run to score. Pinch-hitter Matt Szczur, batting for Hendricks in what Maddon called a "National League moment," added a two-run single that knocked Perez out of the game.</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perez gets first hit:</b> The Rangers had just three singles in the first six innings against Hendricks. One of them was an infield single by Perez on a little bouncer that third baseman Kris Bryant couldn't barehand. It was Perez's first Major League hit. He was 0-for-9 with eight strikeouts coming into the game.</div>
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"Very exciting," Perez said. "When I hit the ball, I saw the third baseman was far from it so I just said, 'I've got to get to the base as quick as I can.'"</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Glovework:</b> The Cubs thwarted the Rangers with some nifty defensive plays. In the third, rookie catcher Willson Contreras threw out Rougned Odor trying to steal, with Baez making a quick tag at second base. With one out and one on in the fourth, Albert Almora Jr.robbed Ryan Rua of a potential extra-base hit with a diving catch in right-center. Bryant made a great play, boosted by Anthony Rizzo's stretch at first to get Beltre and end the eighth, stranding two. And Almora raced back to make a fantastic running grab to end the ballgame.</div>
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"Every ball out there, I want to catch," Almora said. "My job is to help these guys out however I can. I take pride in that." </div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Missed opportunity:</b> The Rangers had just one baserunner past first base in six innings against Hendricks. Odor led off the first with a single, went to second on a passed ball and then to third on Ian Desmond's grounder to second. But Hendricks struck out Nomar Mazara and, after Beltre walked, the righty got Fielder on a grounder to Baez at second to end the inning.</div>
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"Getting a run on the board gives you confidence," Banister said. "We get a run there, maybe it's a little different game."</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS</b><br />
Hendricks wasn't the only former Ranger who pitched for the Cubs on Friday. Carl Edwards Jr. was the Rangers' 48th-round pick in the 2011 Draft, and he was dealt to the Cubs on July 22, 2013, along with Justin Grimm, Texas' fifth-round pick in '10. Grimm pitched the ninth for Chicago. And Pedro Strop was originally signed by the Rockies in '02, but he signed with the Rangers in '08 and made his Major League debut with Texas in '09.</div>
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Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-12693106197341310582013-05-20T21:19:00.001-05:002016-07-16T12:23:33.336-05:00Tough Mudder 2013 ChicagoOn Sunday, May 19th the "Mudhawks" participated in the 11 mile/21 obstical Tough Mudder in Seneca. After tired legs, our group of 9 made it through. Here are some pictures:<br />
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At the starting pen:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCn8e27hEsU/UZrSz-x_glI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Vlp6TD9T59U/s1600/001+Start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCn8e27hEsU/UZrSz-x_glI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Vlp6TD9T59U/s320/001+Start.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Off and running:</div>
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Picture just ahead of first challenge: Artic Enema</div>
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Taking the plunge into ice water!</div>
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Getting Tired, not even 1/4 way through<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZc5BoHqkJo/UZrTJasStJI/AAAAAAAAAG0/senTf1RUW3s/s1600/042+Arriving+to+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZc5BoHqkJo/UZrTJasStJI/AAAAAAAAAG0/senTf1RUW3s/s320/042+Arriving+to+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Getting ready to walk with my wood</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5oCmWgmHdw/UZrTYyZinLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/dgy6YTWtgzg/s1600/053+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5oCmWgmHdw/UZrTYyZinLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/dgy6YTWtgzg/s320/053+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Got a partner to help with my wood</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FdQNE7E1yc/UZrTfzF2pTI/AAAAAAAAAHM/YmUr1iRbQR4/s1600/054+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FdQNE7E1yc/UZrTfzF2pTI/AAAAAAAAAHM/YmUr1iRbQR4/s320/054+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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We picked a good piece<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqrzkZ6rYlM/UZrTlVnVbmI/AAAAAAAAAHU/tK_lLw4lqws/s1600/055+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqrzkZ6rYlM/UZrTlVnVbmI/AAAAAAAAAHU/tK_lLw4lqws/s320/055+Hold+Your+Wood.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Climbing the Ladder to Hell<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xKBbhidnw0/UZrTyFKSXLI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z3BC0Iyo2rc/s1600/066+Ladder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xKBbhidnw0/UZrTyFKSXLI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z3BC0Iyo2rc/s320/066+Ladder.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Back to running<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrz4tifV-lE/UZrUCSeBQDI/AAAAAAAAAHk/Tbov11MiOkA/s1600/074+Running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrz4tifV-lE/UZrUCSeBQDI/AAAAAAAAAHk/Tbov11MiOkA/s320/074+Running.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Regathering ourselves for the next challenge<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEcvBZhRIZk/UZrUJHwtkEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/3WOGPDIkZqc/s1600/086+Regathering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEcvBZhRIZk/UZrUJHwtkEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/3WOGPDIkZqc/s320/086+Regathering.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Getting Ready for Twinkle Toes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qgS3mFEHIQ/UZrUPErXXLI/AAAAAAAAAH0/tZVgPChrrnU/s1600/108+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qgS3mFEHIQ/UZrUPErXXLI/AAAAAAAAAH0/tZVgPChrrnU/s320/108+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Looking things over<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjNWfGhTyvI/UZrUQ76OAFI/AAAAAAAAAH8/5xNYuaZLVPA/s1600/109+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjNWfGhTyvI/UZrUQ76OAFI/AAAAAAAAAH8/5xNYuaZLVPA/s320/109+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Discussing strategy with Fitz<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82l-3SRECEw/UZrUaNk1CgI/AAAAAAAAAIE/Bsv6iHqnBR0/s1600/113+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82l-3SRECEw/UZrUaNk1CgI/AAAAAAAAAIE/Bsv6iHqnBR0/s320/113+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Here goes nothing<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOiIUwng9XA/UZrUhdCwiCI/AAAAAAAAAIM/lnF2aXPbymo/s1600/119+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOiIUwng9XA/UZrUhdCwiCI/AAAAAAAAAIM/lnF2aXPbymo/s320/119+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Give me something hard!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1x9dLLHrjSs/UZrUja3by_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/l-VReDM4UcU/s1600/120+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1x9dLLHrjSs/UZrUja3by_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/l-VReDM4UcU/s320/120+Twinkle+Toes.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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I really have to get in there?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4NvUGQ5mN8/UZrUlbMxcJI/AAAAAAAAAIc/WSRO0VRKS2c/s1600/131+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4NvUGQ5mN8/UZrUlbMxcJI/AAAAAAAAAIc/WSRO0VRKS2c/s320/131+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Half way through. Piece of cake!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GherVXxVlF4/UZrUz3OOU7I/AAAAAAAAAIk/ofIDFpgDwHs/s1600/136+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GherVXxVlF4/UZrUz3OOU7I/AAAAAAAAAIk/ofIDFpgDwHs/s320/136+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Running some sore knees!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWgBYdOiSU/UZrU6kHcooI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ZkOhGNHDw4w/s1600/140+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWgBYdOiSU/UZrU6kHcooI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ZkOhGNHDw4w/s320/140+Boa+Constrictor.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Drying off my hands for Funky Monkey<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ZYJskuAO0/UZrVEdDPVuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/dVq2GRSAb9U/s1600/154+Funky+Monkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ZYJskuAO0/UZrVEdDPVuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/dVq2GRSAb9U/s320/154+Funky+Monkey.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Hold on for life!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0BmcQoKyUg/UZrVFyIPPnI/AAAAAAAAAI8/5VYeLX5qPxk/s1600/158+Funky+Monkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0BmcQoKyUg/UZrVFyIPPnI/AAAAAAAAAI8/5VYeLX5qPxk/s320/158+Funky+Monkey.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Made it. Now just two more obstacles!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2df3ax-od4/UZrVMfbDp2I/AAAAAAAAAJE/SVCSM4IvcvA/s1600/169+Regathering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2df3ax-od4/UZrVMfbDp2I/AAAAAAAAAJE/SVCSM4IvcvA/s320/169+Regathering.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Climbing Everest. Just missed the first attempt. Darn.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-uqgwe-lW8/UZrVNrluosI/AAAAAAAAAJM/rJs1qKfclvQ/s1600/175+Everest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-uqgwe-lW8/UZrVNrluosI/AAAAAAAAAJM/rJs1qKfclvQ/s320/175+Everest.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Here. Let me help you up!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9NCgCmlGdY/UZrVSNbNbvI/AAAAAAAAAJU/YZindwzG3WE/s1600/178+Everest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9NCgCmlGdY/UZrVSNbNbvI/AAAAAAAAAJU/YZindwzG3WE/s320/178+Everest.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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I got you!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2MuXA_LAGo/UZrVZpzOGNI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_IY7jvNq4E4/s1600/184+Everest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2MuXA_LAGo/UZrVZpzOGNI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_IY7jvNq4E4/s320/184+Everest.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Not too bad! Enjoy the view with my team<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRP-gQr80qQ/UZrVbJhKRFI/AAAAAAAAAJk/SPoibU3yPe8/s1600/190+Everest+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRP-gQr80qQ/UZrVbJhKRFI/AAAAAAAAAJk/SPoibU3yPe8/s320/190+Everest+Group.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Last Obstacle. Electoshock Therapy. Ouch - just before my face plant.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAfW2-sP0U/UZrVeM1IbEI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Wl8BCdtYIDg/s1600/199+Electroshock+Therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAfW2-sP0U/UZrVeM1IbEI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Wl8BCdtYIDg/s320/199+Electroshock+Therapy.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Finished! Now to quench my thirst!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIXYlhfHjUk/UZrVhIiqE0I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/C84K1mKsB2s/s1600/205+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIXYlhfHjUk/UZrVhIiqE0I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/C84K1mKsB2s/s320/205+Finish.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Muddy, but very much alive!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJV1bsUx7Ek/UZrVjOpddlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Wb-BluVnlAk/s1600/207+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJV1bsUx7Ek/UZrVjOpddlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Wb-BluVnlAk/s320/207+Finish.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Rehydrating with the team<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-od5PBUT6eHo/UZrVlQB1llI/AAAAAAAAAKE/RBX7hNk-ohk/s1600/208+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-od5PBUT6eHo/UZrVlQB1llI/AAAAAAAAAKE/RBX7hNk-ohk/s320/208+Finish.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Got lots of great stories to tell!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-CohgPLWZg/UZrVmUrp3qI/AAAAAAAAAKM/TzY5oytkWbs/s1600/209+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-CohgPLWZg/UZrVmUrp3qI/AAAAAAAAAKM/TzY5oytkWbs/s320/209+Finish.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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We made it. Definitely Tough!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw39VGxi9FE/UZrVr5vbmvI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rsvBCHKeorA/s1600/211+Finish+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw39VGxi9FE/UZrVr5vbmvI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rsvBCHKeorA/s320/211+Finish+Group.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Great Job Mudhawks!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX0hIh-U3TM/UZrVtS-RuoI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Y7KsyXZvixw/s1600/212+Finish+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX0hIh-U3TM/UZrVtS-RuoI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Y7KsyXZvixw/s320/212+Finish+Group.JPG" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
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Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-20183663430009394312013-04-19T08:36:00.000-05:002013-04-19T08:37:16.629-05:00Flooding in Naperville 4/19/2013Here are some pictures of the flooding in Naperville. These pictures were taken at 7:00am on April 19th. These pictures are taken in downtown Naperville along the DuPage River and the Naperville Riverwalk.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p78ZJpjYrY/UXFG9JqUJjI/AAAAAAAAACo/u2FYRCwrZX8/s1600/2013-04-19+07.00.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p78ZJpjYrY/UXFG9JqUJjI/AAAAAAAAACo/u2FYRCwrZX8/s320/2013-04-19+07.00.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn0y3Ctwkkw/UXFHdR1J0pI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZkLzfP3HCOQ/s1600/2013-04-19+07.21.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn0y3Ctwkkw/UXFHdR1J0pI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZkLzfP3HCOQ/s320/2013-04-19+07.21.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byUpmzUk3Lw/UXFG9BYxIwI/AAAAAAAAACk/QrTMuyVk4Lw/s1600/2013-04-19+07.00.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byUpmzUk3Lw/UXFG9BYxIwI/AAAAAAAAACk/QrTMuyVk4Lw/s320/2013-04-19+07.00.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIR1a3MTic/UXFHeNFzn0I/AAAAAAAAAGA/wOUXdqrq3u8/s1600/2013-04-19+07.01.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIR1a3MTic/UXFHeNFzn0I/AAAAAAAAAGA/wOUXdqrq3u8/s320/2013-04-19+07.01.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NS_jnfMO9Uk/UXFHAVawm6I/AAAAAAAAAC4/qGGlgcy0R90/s1600/2013-04-19+07.04.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NS_jnfMO9Uk/UXFHAVawm6I/AAAAAAAAAC4/qGGlgcy0R90/s320/2013-04-19+07.04.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awvj5e-9LLQ/UXFG_3WbDpI/AAAAAAAAACw/-kGQf4J78hM/s1600/2013-04-19+07.04.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awvj5e-9LLQ/UXFG_3WbDpI/AAAAAAAAACw/-kGQf4J78hM/s320/2013-04-19+07.04.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hgreDrKgek/UXFHB21RD5I/AAAAAAAAADA/um5N8sJymUE/s1600/2013-04-19+07.04.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hgreDrKgek/UXFHB21RD5I/AAAAAAAAADA/um5N8sJymUE/s320/2013-04-19+07.04.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjpGd1lyr3M/UXFHDWpqLoI/AAAAAAAAADI/QcB84BKLOAg/s1600/2013-04-19+07.05.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjpGd1lyr3M/UXFHDWpqLoI/AAAAAAAAADI/QcB84BKLOAg/s320/2013-04-19+07.05.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5baEQ0k-iE/UXFHEL1DYjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/M5Aaw4SqnZg/s1600/2013-04-19+07.06.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5baEQ0k-iE/UXFHEL1DYjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/M5Aaw4SqnZg/s320/2013-04-19+07.06.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4b6xmZWB-dE/UXFHFld-ClI/AAAAAAAAADc/nuL7TZiLSDA/s1600/2013-04-19+07.06.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4b6xmZWB-dE/UXFHFld-ClI/AAAAAAAAADc/nuL7TZiLSDA/s320/2013-04-19+07.06.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aenut0_zDxM/UXFHGEte-JI/AAAAAAAAADg/ZtDxcRrsb3A/s1600/2013-04-19+07.07.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aenut0_zDxM/UXFHGEte-JI/AAAAAAAAADg/ZtDxcRrsb3A/s320/2013-04-19+07.07.48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBznpfls81g/UXFHINg0q-I/AAAAAAAAADo/nzLK11X0DS0/s1600/2013-04-19+07.08.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBznpfls81g/UXFHINg0q-I/AAAAAAAAADo/nzLK11X0DS0/s320/2013-04-19+07.08.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKq5OCpzG6w/UXFHIS9iD-I/AAAAAAAAADw/Uwia9whd4Yo/s1600/2013-04-19+07.08.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKq5OCpzG6w/UXFHIS9iD-I/AAAAAAAAADw/Uwia9whd4Yo/s320/2013-04-19+07.08.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vG6A5RHrHI/UXFHK-a8t7I/AAAAAAAAAEA/j5dAL0ueFbg/s1600/2013-04-19+07.08.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vG6A5RHrHI/UXFHK-a8t7I/AAAAAAAAAEA/j5dAL0ueFbg/s320/2013-04-19+07.08.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcEhavM4NQs/UXFHK9R_J7I/AAAAAAAAAD8/7te1AiArTMM/s1600/2013-04-19+07.09.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcEhavM4NQs/UXFHK9R_J7I/AAAAAAAAAD8/7te1AiArTMM/s320/2013-04-19+07.09.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxff9xBU2mI/UXFHNVdyVDI/AAAAAAAAAEI/cBIcf5H4wgQ/s1600/2013-04-19+07.10.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxff9xBU2mI/UXFHNVdyVDI/AAAAAAAAAEI/cBIcf5H4wgQ/s320/2013-04-19+07.10.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yyhSD-X7AQ/UXFHNhwyo8I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/QX3aaizns7c/s1600/2013-04-19+07.11.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yyhSD-X7AQ/UXFHNhwyo8I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/QX3aaizns7c/s320/2013-04-19+07.11.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fZU4OWKMDg/UXFHQc6rITI/AAAAAAAAAEg/xawhoXFjU_Y/s1600/2013-04-19+07.11.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fZU4OWKMDg/UXFHQc6rITI/AAAAAAAAAEg/xawhoXFjU_Y/s320/2013-04-19+07.11.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVGGkJP1zKM/UXFHQMFdhfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/O5Tg9umyEvY/s1600/2013-04-19+07.12.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVGGkJP1zKM/UXFHQMFdhfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/O5Tg9umyEvY/s320/2013-04-19+07.12.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fU9bdvvG5QM/UXFHSDVMaqI/AAAAAAAAAEo/98VZnBTppxU/s1600/2013-04-19+07.12.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fU9bdvvG5QM/UXFHSDVMaqI/AAAAAAAAAEo/98VZnBTppxU/s320/2013-04-19+07.12.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGuKaUUWS20/UXFHTAszpzI/AAAAAAAAAEw/o3Fx9posERw/s1600/2013-04-19+07.12.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGuKaUUWS20/UXFHTAszpzI/AAAAAAAAAEw/o3Fx9posERw/s320/2013-04-19+07.12.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKZt2pRHzA/UXFHUjmZx1I/AAAAAAAAAE4/15YZnLwX33Y/s1600/2013-04-19+07.13.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKZt2pRHzA/UXFHUjmZx1I/AAAAAAAAAE4/15YZnLwX33Y/s320/2013-04-19+07.13.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIzT62usou4/UXFHV9UqYHI/AAAAAAAAAFA/nFIxThLnB8c/s1600/2013-04-19+07.14.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIzT62usou4/UXFHV9UqYHI/AAAAAAAAAFA/nFIxThLnB8c/s320/2013-04-19+07.14.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxsq1bajo4/UXFHXTUCBUI/AAAAAAAAAFI/wydBSja48w0/s1600/2013-04-19+07.14.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxsq1bajo4/UXFHXTUCBUI/AAAAAAAAAFI/wydBSja48w0/s320/2013-04-19+07.14.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-WzRz2mcpw/UXFHYIgn3mI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/olbnYc63pHM/s1600/2013-04-19+07.16.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-WzRz2mcpw/UXFHYIgn3mI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/olbnYc63pHM/s320/2013-04-19+07.16.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bSpmj6-O2g/UXFHZeiXU_I/AAAAAAAAAFY/r0-7rbAgY3c/s1600/2013-04-19+07.17.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bSpmj6-O2g/UXFHZeiXU_I/AAAAAAAAAFY/r0-7rbAgY3c/s320/2013-04-19+07.17.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-2151829580429439652010-08-07T12:18:00.002-05:002010-08-07T23:20:37.822-05:00Picture after finalsHere is a picture of Dena and me on the awards stand after the tournament was over<br />
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<center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/07/1522.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/07/s_1522.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="190" /></a></center>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-43719198381199162732010-08-05T13:03:00.004-05:002010-08-15T22:05:07.012-05:00JournalHere is a link to a journal of the entire trip. It is rather detail, so I suggest that you do NOT read it, unless you are really interested in the small details (the play-by-play) of each day of the vacation... <br />
<a name='more'></a>Where we were, what we ate, who we talked to, what we saw, etc. The wrestling is included in the journal, but it is basically the same description as the blog posting earlier.<br />
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</div><div><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~robdporter/Journal.htm">Journal</a></div><div><div><br />
</div><div>This is the last posting for this blog. I will keep the blog up till sometime in September, then I am going to take it down.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Thanks again! It was a remarkable trip and the memories will last a lifetime.</div>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-37760313240374691842010-08-03T23:43:00.003-05:002010-08-07T11:10:30.689-05:00Coming HomeWe are on our way home. We are sitting at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland drinking a coffee. <br />
<a name='more'></a> After the tournament we have really enjoyed the country. On Saturday, we spent the day touring Gruyere. And yes, we did have some cheese. We visited a castle. On Sunday we toured Fribourg, the town of our hotel, then we went to the wrestling banquet / closing ceremony. The US team took home 5 gold medals (out of 50 total weight classes) and took 3rd overall behind Russia and Germany.<br />
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</div><div>On Monday we travelled to Zermatt, the south part of Switzerland, in the Swiss Alps. We hiked and shopped there. Tuesday we travel back to Zurich.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We are looking forward to being home and sharing stories of our trip. We will be home late tonight and will be recovering from jet lag Thursday.</div>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-24966750653244118082010-07-30T22:37:00.012-05:002010-08-07T11:09:56.500-05:00PF WC 2010 B63<b>Results and videos from the World Championships:</b><br />
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Dena and I had breakfast in the hotel and caught the 7:00 bus to the tournament. I got a good warm up. The tournament started at 9:00. My first match was at about 10:15 against Istvan Kleber of Hungary. I was feeling very good going into the match. I scored with a nice ankle pick but paid the price. On the top position my opponent hooked my leg and I somehow got it caught in the mat and aggravated my knee injury. I managed to tough it out and hold onto win the first period 3-1. His point was awarded because I took injury time. In period two, I scored a takedown on a push out with a two-on-one and then a single followed by a leg lace for three more points. Then I defended a single from my opponent and rolled him for two more points to win the second period by technical fall 7-0 and the match.<br />
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Here is the site to the YouTube video of the first match against Kleber from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcY1-BC4oeo">Hungary</a>.<br />
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The win put me in the semifinals. I got a quick sandwich and was surprised to learn that my second match came up almost right away. With little time between matches I didn't need much of a warm-up. My second match was against Winfried Kuhner of Germany. I scored on a go behind for a point and a front tilt for two in the first period Then I scored twice on top for four more points, two on a trapped arm gut and two more from a scramble for my first period technical fall, 7-0. I scored on a hip toss and hold point in the second period. I was overly aggressive trying to score the two points for a tech in the second period and slipped on a front headlock allowing my opponent to score. Luckily there was little time left and he didn't turn me. I won the second period 4-1 for the match win.<br />
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Here is the site to the YouTube video of the semifinal match against Kuhner from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMYXguTYlUo">Germany</a>.<br />
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Dena and I were pretty much stuck at the arena till finals - a 7 hour wait (or so we thought). After some lunch, we took a long walk in town (Domdidier), then got back for the opening ceremonies. I took a nap, then socialized with many of the US wrestlers. By 6:00 pm I was starting to get tired. The jet lag plus matches were taking its tool. I got an expresso at 5:30 thinking that I still had an hour and a half till my match. Unknown to me, the organizing committee changed the finals format and I was called up almost right away. I had about 20 minutes to warm up for the finals. Turn out to be plenty based on my nerves.<br />
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They shut down all but our center mat. I had a tough wrestler from Bulgaria, Sevdzhan Adem, in the finals. I watched him wrestle twice in the tournament and he dominated with a two-on-one tie from his feet. I had a plan going into the match to stop that. I underhooked him with my left arm and tried to control his wrist on the right side. It worked against his two-on-one, but he scored first with an arm throw for 1 that I wasn't expected. Down by 1 I got more aggressive with the underhook and scored a point by pushing him out off the mat. With the score 1-1 I was in the drivers seat because the period is awarded to the last wrestler who scores in a tie. So I buried my hook, controlled his opposite had and got good head position to burn the rest of the clock. I won the first period 1-1.<br />
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I felt great going into the second period. I got back to work on the underhook and wrist tie and really worked my opponent on position. Lots of snaps and movement. He blocked well with the head so neither one of us could score. I had a couple of chances but would have put myself at risk with a shot or throw so I stuck with the positioning strategy. The period ended 0-0 so we moved to overtime.<br />
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Overtime in freestyle is a "clinch." In this case, a colored ball is drawn (red or blue) and the draw determines who must clinch a leg to start overtime. The "clincher" must score in 30 seconds or else the other wrestle gets a point. The draw was red so my opponent had to start with my leg and I had to defend for the period. I false started the first time (resulting in a warning) and then did a good defending job on the true start. He grabbed the leg and on the whistle I was able to get him on the ground with a whizzer. I held him there until he started to push me off the mat. I had to circle out and that forced him to let go of my leg. Still 10 seconds to go in overtime, he desperately attempted a low single and missed, allowing me to circle behind. I scored a point with 3 seconds to go to win the period 1-0, the match, and the World Championship.<br />
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Here is the site to the YouTube video of the finals match against Adem from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sYN2EBHJ0I">Bulgaria</a>.</div><div><br />
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The awards ceremony was about 20 minutes later. I got a medal, a Swiss Army Knife, and a new Swiss Watch. I received hardy congrats from all the US Wrestlers and was interviewed by <a href="http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=22329">USA Wrestling.</a></div>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-79810682228488740792010-07-28T04:36:00.005-05:002010-08-07T11:09:38.111-05:00Ready to leaveI can now send a post from my cell phone. I am unsure what kind of internet connection I will have in Switzerland and being able to post from my cell will allow me to at least post results as soon as they happen. <br />
<a name='more'></a> I will be wrestling at 9:00 am on Saturday Switzerland time, which is about 2:00 am Central (Chicago) time, so I doubt people will be on the edge of their seats anyway.<br />
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For the third night in a row I was up at the 3:00 hour. Last night I got up for an hour and got some work done and then went to bed. Today I will be staying up. This might help in getting me acclimated faster to the time change. I woke up only 1.5 over.<br />
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For the first time in a week I wrestled a bit yesterday with Champ. It felt good. I bit of a twinge here and there, but otherwise O.K. I will be changing my stance a bit and attacking with my non-dominant leg more in this competition but I am not worried about failure because of it. I was worried about what it would feel like when I wrestled, but now I know that I can handle it.<br />
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USA Wrestling (www.themat.com) posted a pre-competition article of the Veteran's Worlds with participants. My name comes up twice in it. They have me listed at "Robert Porter" from "Elmhurst." I wrote them to change it from Rob Porter from Naperville. I've only been to Elmhurst a couple of times in my life and would have to look it up on a map to find it.<br />
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As I prepare to leave today (leaving the house at 11 this morning) I am reminded about how many people helped me in this effort - too many to list all out. There are some special people who really went the extra mile. First, my family. Dena, my wife, has been a Godsend. Beside putting up with my crabbiness with soreness, injury, cutting, etc., she has helped with preparing good food, watching Tommy while I trained, and encouragement. Tommy (son, age 6) is giving up seeing mommy and daddy for 8 days. He is vacationing with his uncle Brett. Speaking of Brett, he and his wife Denese, helped with training while working my wrestling camp and taking Tommy. Tom Champion, coach at North, basically saved me. I owe a lot to him with his help of my training. Josh Tardy has motivated me with lifting. Anne Falk has given me three awesome massages. She has been wonderful for the body and mind. Her husband Josh has been a great source of advice for me. Michael Pesola, a neighbor and expert massage therapist has been extremely helpful in his advise of my training. Jim Innocenti is driving us to the airport. My parents are driving all the way to Naperville to pick us up so we can see Tommy sooner. That, and their encouragement has helped as well. Dr. Quoc Gaing, always a friend, helped with getting me back on my feet with his treatment. All the folks at Turner Medicine with the physical therapy, especially Dr. Kris have been fantastic. Jim Graeber has loaned me the family anyadyne for my sore muscles and that has been a huge help. Luke Cherep has helped with being a great workout partner. Michael Tuck has help from afar with encouragement. I know I forgot some important people. Thanks to all! I'll do my best.Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-1420923256929660592010-07-26T08:09:00.001-05:002010-08-07T11:09:06.699-05:00One WeekIt's Monday morning. In a week I'll know the results. We leave on Wednesday and the competition is on Saturday. <br />
<a name='more'></a>I'm really starting to get excited. We dropped off our dog yesterday and tomorrow we are going to drop Tommy off with my brother. He will get to spend 9 days with his Uncle Brett, Aunt Denese, Cousins Mick, Caitie, and Cassie. I hope he has fun.<br />
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I woke up at my Wedensday goal wake up weight of 140.5, just 2 over. I just need to maintain that wake up weight through Friday. No soreness in my body except in my quads from all the biking, eliptical, and leg exercises I have been doing. Still no running or wrestling due to the knee. I am still not 100% with the knee and doubt I will be by the competition, but I'll do my best to cope and I'm in the right frame of mind.Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-16356592624795083262010-07-25T09:08:00.001-05:002010-08-07T11:08:41.341-05:00Travel PlansI forgot to mention our travel plans. <br />
<a name='more'></a>When we arrive in Zurich in the morning of the 29th, we will be taking a train to Friburg where we will be picked up by the organizing committee of the tournament. We will be taken to our hotel accommodations at the Park Inn (parkinn.com, click on Switzerland, then Lully) near a very small town called Lully. The cost of the hotel include board. The room will be quite nice, at least according to the pictures. The drive will take about 15 minutes. The competition, at Domdidier, is another 10 minutes north of Lully, so I imagine the organizing committee will need to commute us back and forth. It's part of the package and I'm sure it will be a bus of some sort. <br />
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</div><div>Domdidier is a very small farming community of about 2500 people. I have seen some pictures of the town with the Swiss Alps in the background. There won't be a lot to do, but I'm sure we will be investigating the town quite closely. If not, we have four day Swiss train pass.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Just for kicks, here is a video of Jamie Kasser and me wrestling at the Nationals. He will be in my bracket at the Worlds too. I hope that I don't need to wrestle him again, unless in the finals.</div><div></div><br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gB9egg1Yxy0&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gB9egg1Yxy0&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-476909350772453948.post-15541950229212818422010-07-24T08:18:00.002-05:002010-08-07T11:08:15.244-05:00Switzerland TrainingOne week to go until the competition. I am competing in the 2010 Veteran's Freestyle World Championships in Domdidier, Switzerland. <br />
<a name='more'></a> I will be wrestling in the C division (40-46 years old) at 63kg (138.75). We leave on Wednesday, July 28 from O'Hare, Arrive in the morning of the 29th at Zurich (with one stop). I weigh in on July 30th at around 4:00 Switzerland time. My competition will start at 9:00 July 31st. Since Switzerland is 7 hours ahead of Central time, that will be about 2:00 in the morning here. I will definitely need to get acclimated to the time there as soon as possible.<br />
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</div><div>Each weight class is competed on the same day, so all of my matches will be on that Saturday. I don't have any idea how many wrestlers will be in my bracket. My prediction is 10 give or take 4 (as much as 14, as few as 6), although I could be wrong. There is another wrestler from the United States, Jamie Kasser, who I know will be there, otherwise I don't know any of my opponents.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It is basically single elimination, so presumably I could wrestle one match and be out. Losers can only be pulled back in if they lose to a finalist. So, making the semifinals is critical. I plan on making the finals so I don't have to worry about it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My training has been going pretty well with one major setback. After winning Nationals at the end of April, I have continued my training through May, June, and July. I have logged over 300 miles of running. I have been lifting 3 times per week and I am up to 180 pounds 10 times on bench. I have been wrestling when I can, but that has been limited by the partners that I can find. I also started Bikram Yoga which I find to be very difficult, but worthwhile.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The setback happened Tuesday. I suffered a sprained MCL in my knee. With a week and a half to go to the competition, I have been aggressive in rehabbing it. Hopefully I'll be 100% or close come the day of the competition. It is feeling a bit better every day. This setback has eliminated running and wrestling this week in an effort get closer to full go.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Today after Yoga I weighed in 138.4, below my weigh-in weight. That was some good news as I have been worried about my weight with my limits on training. My goal is to wake up at 2 over on Wednesday morning and take it from there. Tomorrow (Sunday) I plan on hitting the stationary bike once again and some elliptical. On Monday I am going to lift weights and get in another session of Yoga. Not sure what I am going to do on Tuesday. I might get in one more session of Yoga on Wednesday before we leave.</div>Rob Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422451213872292210noreply@blogger.com1